Day 58 - 22/2/2011

I have been lazy with this blog, ever so lazy. There was no need to point it out. It is as plain as the nose on my face. At least I haven’t been lazy in other areas. I have really excelled at the gym with my weights increasing regularly. I am starting to get some real shape to my body rather than the soft pudge I had become.

I now step into the next phase of my transformation. Fat loss. Up until now I have not been ultra concerned about my calorie intake, which is not to say that I have been pigging out but I have been known to overindulge at times. I will now attempt to lose 10kg of body fat in the next 8 weeks with a torturous regime of low carb, high protein living hell. I know the hunger and yearnings will destroy the very fabric of my mind but I must be punished for my indiscretions with the turps over the last few weeks. I must be strong.

 I have come to accept that my injuries with the running are the direct result of my proportions compared to my ideal size and shape. The weight loss can only help if only to help me propel my ageing body around the half marathon circuit. I shall not fail!!

Alcohol - Some which is unacceptable

Exercise - Plenty of good old fashioned weights

Day 46 - 10/2/2011

Time certainly does fly and I have been neglecting this blog. Not because I have been naughty and don't want to write about it but because I have been busy and forgot.

I must make time to keep this blog up to date!

I have been neglecting my running too due to an unrelated knee complaint. My old army injury is playing up again and when I run it takes me two days to recover. I will have to strap it I think. I was doing well too.

The gym has been fantastic for me. All my weights are going up and I managed to squat more than my weight which is an achievement. Now if I could just bench that much...

What the hell is up with this blog, every time I press enter it goes to the start of the paragraph not to a new line. It has been doing it since the start. A pain in the ring gear.


My alcohol consumption has been low but existent which is disappointing. I don't feel I have a problem with it but I know it could blow out of control at any stage. Stupid alcohol.

Day 36 - 31/1/2011

Looking at my latest measurements and weight I can now safely say that muscle weighs more than fat.

My measurements have all dropped significantly which is pleasing for me and I feel lighter but a glance at the scales confirms that I have not even lost 2kg. I know 89kg is a lot overweight and I have been doing everything to get it down but frustratingly it is not dropping as much as I wanted.

I didn't start the gym to get huge but I do put on muscle easy. Perhaps I need to stop going up in weights and try to trim up what I have got. I really don't want to look "stocky" a term I have had most of my adult life which I HATE.

I have really set myself to stay away from the booze after my latest show of weakness. It is testament both to the problem I had and the challenge I face controlling it. I knew it would be hard and I want to be disciplined but my mind plays tricks on me. Stupid mind I might poke you with  cue tip. That'll learn you.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Shoulders & back (gym) 2km walk with dog

Day 29 - 24/1/2011

A week can go by quickly and the last week has been like that. I must admit guilt yo some beer on the weekend which is not ideal. After a great week in the gym and my first 5km run, which was very tough I relented on the weekend to what I thought I had beaten.

It (alcohol) I have to accept is a constant thing which I must monitor. I went from doubting I would even have any before my birthday to having it two weekends in a row. Maybe that was the cause of my horror migraine on Friday and my fever last night which I still haven't shook. I awoke at midnight drenched in sweat and continued to boil and shiver throughout the wee hours until I woke at nine.

The gym has been a good constant having only missed Friday and this morning.

Alcohol - 3 x six packs of beer
Exercise - 4 days gym, 5km & 3.5km run

Day 22 - 17/1/2011

I have been really lazy this last week with updates I know. Lucky I haven't been lazy in my endeavours.

My first full week of the gym has yielded good results. But it was tough. By Thursday afternoon I was noticeably tired and Friday afternoon was very, very long. I actually left work early. I certainly felt all of my 36 years 364 days.

And so it was that I turned 37 and officially entered my "late 30's" according to my wife. She never lets me forget that she is 6 years younger than me. Doesn't bother me, my wrinkled dangly balls won't bother me when I'm old...

I have to admit to a fairly bad weekend as far as the sauce goes. I partook on two days with wine and beer and yesterday I felt it. Not that I was hung-over but I certainly knew I had been on the gas. Lethargy and rotten flatulence was the theme for the day and I even feel flat this morning. I look forward to another extended break from the poison.

I gave my legs a break over the weekend so I didn't run. They were still sore from the monster leg workouts at the gym. It is the one area I am equal in to my training partner. Usually he is lifting around 40% more.

Alcohol - 2 bottles wine, 12 beers (3 days)
Exercise - Chest & Legs

Day 15, 16 & 17 - 12/1/11

Things have changed in what I would say a significant way over the last few days which I have not had the time to write about. I have noticed a distinct shift in my body and mind's attitude towards this project.

Where at first it seemed a distant hope that I would be able to get where I want to be it now seems like an inevitable destination. My longing for beer and wine which was quite an issue in the first two weeks has subsided to the point I almost don't want to partake so I don't ruin the good work and gains I have achieved so far.

I have my birthday on Saturday which is booked in as an alcohol allowed day but at this stage I am not even certain I will drink anything. Unimaginable a few weeks ago. I couldn't even get through one day without justifying it. It is truly amazing the change in my psyche.

My gym sessions are improving exponentially every day. I am making gains in all areas and I can feel my body starting to change in quite noticeable ways. Things are firmer and I feel lighter and more energetic .

Even running although still slow is starting to get back it's familiar appeal of yesteryear. Don't get me wrong, it is still tough but it is becoming less of a chore and more an activity I want to do in order to improve.

My first goal has been set. Melbourne Half Marathon in October. It is 269 days until then so I have work to do. At present 3.5km is my best run although I am sure I can go further I don't want to risk stress injuries too early and have to stop.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Gym every day, 3km run

Days 13 & 14 - 9/1/2011

After my weakness of Friday night I set myself for a very disciplined weekend and I think I managed to achieve it.

I managed to do a make up run yesterday of 3km and also one today of just over 3.5km with some hills thrown in. The first half felt good until I realised that it was all downhill and obviously uphill on the way back. I had my ass hanging out just to keep the legs rolling over but I did manage it.

A nice soak in the bay at Williamstown to soothe the muscles was just what was ordered and it was awesome until the cool change swung by not long after we got there. I was fine in the water but the missus and kid were not so chipper. Got a good 30 minutes in though.

Really wanted a beer yesterday when it was hot but went to the beach instead. I am finding it is helpful to keep busy then I don't think about evil.


Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 3km run & 3.6km run