365 Days and Counting

Once again, I was up at 3:15 AM.  Yes, I think I could force myself back to sleep, but there's this part of me who wants to get up and get the run over with hoping I'll be able to grab another couple of hours afterwards.  That hasn't worked out so well.  But I'm going to keep trying.  The run went well and I did lay down for a couple hours.  I may have slept some, but I'm honestly just not sure.  I didn't do a whole lot today though I did finally get my swim in.  I went to the gym at 2 PM.  I suppose I'm going to have to make this an option now and only go at night when I couldn't make it in the day time.  I really do hate missing it though you'd never think that considering how I don't wait in line for a lane.  It's all good. So, considering this month is my "oops" month, I didn't do to bad on the food front.  But I did have a hungry day again.  Odd how that happens.  Some days I don't think about food all that much a...

There are two more days in this month of September and I'm going to be very glad to see it pass. I can not explain why this month will stick out as the one month that I just lost my discipline goals.  I can guarantee myself that October will put me back in the groove and on track. It will give me three complete months to reach my goal.  I certainly don't look forward to the weigh in.  I absolutely should lose some weight, but I am preparing myself for not. Perhaps I will chalk it up to an experiment where I give my body more calories in order to stave off any plateau possibility, but of course, that's all bullshit.  I simply have had a tough month.  My calorie intake is still within moderate level that should keep an even keel on my weight, but THIS month is not supposed to be post-diet, I'm in the diet year.  I will see very soon just how serious I want to be.  I am very much looking forward to the before and after post in Facebook in January, but I...

The run went well.  I went to the office at 10 to help Cynthia do the annual rent increases.  With the Santee rent control, everyone's rent goes up 2.1%, so mine will increase $14.50 per month.  I get it but it also is just another example of how expensive things are in San Diego.  I think that if I look at it in the big picture, it would increase $160 per month every ten years, which I suppose I will be able to afford but can see that it will be a problem in 20 years.  Here's hoping I win the lottery before then! The gym was a no go again because all the lanes were full and people waiting.  I should have gone in the afternoon. I will have to make a concerted effort to change that.  As for eating...another one that I should have done better.  I realize I seem to be sounding the alarm here and perhaps I should...this is my pattern.  However, I'm still staying in a minus area of calorie gaining and burning.  Weigh in is three days. ...

The run this morning went without a hitch. I'm enjoying Dax Shepherd's podcast interview with Ted Danson while I run (and walk).  For the first time, I'm getting backed up on my podcasts.  I also need to get my book finished in the end of next week.  Add to that, my weigh in is in four days, which I expect to be disappointed as September will go down as my worst month of the diet.  It's nothing outrageous and I'm very aware that it's my own fault.  We shall see. I did manage my swim because I went at 1 PM to do it.  I've never gone during the day, but every lane was available, so now I think I'm going to start going then.  Of course, the whole point was keep myself awake until 10 PM and I'm sure I will still go at night, but at least I know I need to consider alternatives.  I'm sleeping between 5 and 6 hours per night lately automatically waking up around 3:30.  Fortunately, I've been okay with it as I'm getting a short nap, but I hav...

It was trash day once again...the weeks just seem to go faster and faster.  We seem to be starting earlier and earlier.  By 6:30, both Jose and I were picking up 3rd St.  We went so fast that we never did use the tractor for the day picking everything up with the golf carts.  Of course, some people were late getting their cans out, so I had to make couple of repeat trips and I'll need to even go tomorrow for a couple of very late stragglers, but I can't fault them as we're almost too early now.  However, bottom line is we're done with it for another week. I'm having some issues again with my right arm, now over two years since the injury.  It's not enough pain to see a doctor, but enough to piss me off.  Of course, picking up these trash cans and bags doesn't help but why has it taken so long to heal? The run went just fine.  I was concerned that I might have that left foot issue again, but there was no pain.  I can't help but wonder if t...

The run this morning went fine, nothing unusual but I listened to This American Life podcast was moved by this week's story and injustice of the police force in Long Island.  It angers me that changes are not made.  Politics have become a more important and sensitive issue with me as I've gotten older.  I did not get in my swim as the pool was busy but I did do a lot of walking as I handed out all the rent bills and newsletters to all the residents.  For whatever reason, my old left foot pain returned.  It's been a long time and there seems to be no reason.  I had to stop and massage my foot half way through in order to finish.  I honestly wish I could figure out what the heck is going on with that.  Food intake: chicken strips (600); candy and cookies (600); chicken nuggets (500); omelet (200)

This turned out to be a somewhat different sort of day.  I decided to do my run at Mission Beach this morning as it had been months since I've done this route and I thought it was time to mix things up.  The difference between now and the summer is striking.  There were very few people at the beach walking, running, or even hanging out.  Of course, there were plenty of homeless everywhere, but few joggers and walkers.  It's still a great place to run as the smell of the ocean is wonderful.  The thing that really stuck out for me was running on cement.  Since I've been on asphalt for the past few months, running on cement really was different now and my feet were aching a little bit.  I might do it again occasionally but I still enjoy my current route more now. I laid down for a bit when I got home and then read some more and played poker on the computer.  I've had some constipation lately and went to the store and bought some pills and to...

It seems that September will go down as the month I waived.  It's not that I'm going nuts but I'm eating too many calories.  The cravings are stronger than during this entire year.  I admit to giving in but I know things will have to change soon.  It's going to be face it day come October 1 at weigh in.  I will need to get my act together.  Odd that this would come now.  Is there something in my sub-conscience saying that I've lost enough weight?  Is my body telling me to eat more or is all this another excuse.  I do know that the last major diet I had, it was October and the entire Halloween time that was my downfall.  Let's see if I pull it together. I did get my run in and my swim.  I quit doing my step counts with the Fitbit.  It stopped giving me weekly updates and I have it on my phone, so I just don't need the hassle.  Besides, I do not miss my run (at least I have yet to miss a day...knock on wood) and I know tha...

What an odd phase I apparently am going through these past few days.  I did get my run in but once again, no swim.  This time because it was too busy and no lanes were available.  The gym is backwards at the pool: when the gym is busy, the pool is empty and when the gym is dead, the pool is busy.  It doesn't make a lot of sense.  It was a other bad day on the eating as well.  I need to get my act together.  Candy and cookies?  What the hell is wrong with me?  What am I going through?  I haven't destroyed the diet, I'm not that over the top, but why am I going through this weird period?  Let's hope this ends soon and that I haven't blown September's weight goal all to hell. Food intake: omelet (200); candy (1000); cookies (400); chicken nuggets (600). Yea...what the hell?

What a lousy day it was.  It's not often that I write that but everything I did yesterday just wasn't right.  I'm speaking of the diet, of course.  My candy discipline I talked about yesterday has proved to be exactly what I thought it might be...an addiction.  I went through two bags.  I simply can't have it in the house...period.  That said, let's begin.  My run went just fine.  I was back early enough that I managed another hour of sleep.  I thought to myself that I hadn't been to the zoo in a while and I complained over and over that I'm spending too many days in the house, so I got up and went to the zoo, which was very nice.  Many of the animals were up and alert and doing things.  I got a call from Cynthia that she needed help with a home inspection, so I headed back.  The inspection needed to be done this morning and no key could be found (later discovered the contractor didn't leave where he was supposed to). ...

I’ve mentioned this in the past, but I’ll repeat that I write these blogs the following day.   So, Day 133 was actually written on Day 134 but it’s about my random thoughts and activities about this diet on Day 133.   This results in some problems. Because these are written in the very early morning (usually around 4 AM), I’m not at my best—still tired, sleepy, and brain fatigued.   So there are many thoughts and things that I forget or omit…many things.   When I look back on some of these reports, they’re not only repetitive, but very short.   One thing about me is that I am not known as man of few words.   Many of my daily trip reports from Vegas trips were over 5 or 6 pages long, and that was every day.   I’ve tried to wait to write them later, but that turned out not to work because I’d forget to do it (one day I remembered after my bed time and because I didn’t want the date to show up incorrect on the blog, I got up and horridly wrote i...

Today was trash day.  My run went well and the pick up was finished before 8:00 AM.  We're getting so good and efficient at this, I'm really amazed that it used to take four hours.  What a difference when you have a partner who shares the desire to get the job done and finds an enjoyment of doing it right.  I have been VERY lucky that I've yet to have to do this in the rain.  I know it's just a matter of time, but my fingers are crossed.  I didn't much anything else today aside from the swim.  I did nap for a couple hours, which is now something I actually look forward to.  I only sleep five to six hours at night, so the nap has really helped.  Food intake: omelet (200); chicken pieces (300); shrimp (500); candy (400); chicken nuggets (450)

I never know from one day until the next what my run is going to be like.  There are days I'm dead tired but run well and other days when I feel good and ready to go, I have to stop and walk more than I'd like to.  And of course, there are days I just get it done. I just never know until I'm about half way through which day it's going to be.  The only good thing to report is that I do it every day and I have still yet to miss a day (Las Vegas trips aside).  Regardless which kind of day it is, I'm always glad when it's over and I feel great after I'm back. I didn't do much this day other than the run and the swim.  I do know that I need to get going on my book, which is over 500 pages long...my own fault, I chose the book:  The President's Is Missing .  I can't explain it, but I had a real craving for candy today...so much so that I made a trip to the Dollar store after a Walmart stop to pick up another coffee maker (I wanted an extra because th...

It was a pretty good day for the diet.  I made my run in the morning which went just fine, though for whatever reason, I was sore afterwards--sore like I hadn't run for a while.  That is odd, but nothing too serious.  I did manage about an hour and a half nap time and then headed off to Pechanga to play poker. I was going to play until it was time to go to the twins birthday party around 5 PM; however, my scorching bad luck at the game continues.  I was being dealt good cards (forcing me to play hands) but the flops were horrible.  I lost to huge pots when I got killed on the river and my pocket Jacks were beat by pocket Aces.  I won only one hand and that was a split for $2, which gave me my money back.  I lost $100 in just over one hour and so I quit. I went to Vista to see the movie, A Little Favor  that turned out to be good and then walked around Vista when my son texted that the twins were sick and cancelled the party.  I headed bac...

Another one of those very lazy-to-nothing-got-nowhere days.  I did get my run in and the swim went well as I had the pool all to myself but other than that, I just watched TV, napped, and played on the computer. I'm quite conflicted about this and know I really need to get out, but I simply enjoyed what I was doing.  Of course, the danger is the eating, but I didn't give in too much other than realizing that the shrimp idea was a dumb one considering the calories and cholesterol they contain--I will not make that mistake again.  I still find myself debuting is I should increase my caloric intake to 2000, which stills make a deficit but not as much.  I would mean one less pound per week, supposedly, but I question if that's even the case considering I am losing less and less per month.  I have no more fat to lose in my face, neck, shoulders, and legs. However, there is still fat to lose in my stomach, abdomen, and chest.  I suppose I'm thinking long term...

It was one of those "day's off" days.  Meaning--I didn't have any duties today.  No going to parents, kids, park duties (other than the usual security check).  These are my favorite days even though I honestly don't do much. But I've learned to really look forward to these. I somehow find things to do for myself and enjoy just being me. My coffee maker died this morning.  So, that turned out to be something to do after all.  I went to Parkway Plaza and saw the movie Predator and to tell the truth was expecting to not like it much, but there was a lot of silly comedy and of course plenty of gore, and I end up really enjoying it.  I went to Walmart and found a Mr. Coffee with a timer on sale for only $20, so I bought that and some Hawaii salt that was on sale.  Don't get me started on my whole salt thing.  I know it was probably a dumb buy, but why not? I did manage my to get my swim in and the run went well.  I forgot to put my Fitbit on, ...

It’s amazing how day-to-day my emotions change.   Yesterday’s blog I was down on myself a bit and the diet.   Things were down in my head.   The run was bad, I didn’t get my swim in, and I felt like I ate too much…today the outlook appears to be so much better.   My run went well and I’m not hungry.   Of course, it helps that I had some watermelon for breakfast which always is perfect after a run. My mind has been racing a lot lately.   I’m almost ¾ through this challenge and I’ve certainly been very successful at losing the weight.   I’m learning that this is as much as a mental test as it is physical.   I’m learning that my emotions can play tricks on me and not unlike when you’re in a break up or dealing with a loss, I need to remind myself that life is a series of ups and downs…to recognize that I’m in a low point, and that a higher point will be just around the corner.   What I NEVER want to do is to give up or give in…this has bee...

This would be probably go down as one of the worst days of the diet, not so much about the calorie intake, but a culmination of that and the exercise and my state of mind.  First of all, the run was completed but I had walked much more than usual.  I just ran out of gas and I'm not sure why.  My energy level was way down.  Also, because of the ongoing problem with a water leak next to space 116, I was dealing with that and never made it to my swim, though I have to be honest and I simply did not want to go.  On top of all that, it was a hungry day.  I didn't go crazy, but I was simply hungry most the day.  I did stick to the right foods, but think too much of them.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.  I did get Cindy off to the airport and dinner at the folks was pasta--I'm thinking Papa has completely assumed my diet is off and lately the meals have been not so diet friendly.  I did manage to not eat a huge amount, but as I said,...

Trash pick up went well and once again finished early.  Jose and I seem to work in perfect unison.  I went to Costco and then met the new temp manager, Cynthia, who seemed nice and will be in charge of the park for the next three weeks. I went to the movies in San Marcos and saw Peppermint, which turned out to be exactly what I thought, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.  I had a kid's pack and because I forgot my topping, had some butter on it...tasted wonderful, but will try to avoid in the future.  I went to Tracy's where we had a very nice meal and celebrated Ahna's birthday.  I had a very nice time.  I got home, didn't go swimming as it was late--but that's not the reason, I just didn't feel up to it after the meal of chicken and pasta, which I kept to a minimum.  Food intake: grapes (100); chicken fingers (300); popcorn (500); chicken dinner (800)

I realize that many of these reports are short and repetitive, but there simply are many days that I honestly don't do a lot...and honestly I don't mind that.  Of course, I like feeling useful and I don't like the idea of a wasted day, but the truth be told, it's rare that I actually feel that way.  I've become quite good at simply entertaining myself. After my run, I played some poker on the computer and finally got in a couple hours nap to catch up a little on my sleep which is averaging between 5 and 6 hours.  I do try to nap almost every day now and I have to admit, I have a hard time actually falling asleep.  For example, today I was in bed for two hours and I can't say just how long I actually slept.  Either way, I do manage to get in some serious rest...I rather feel it's my form of meditation, and I'm grateful to have the time to do it. My swim went well.  I did get to the bank and the store and I'm a little ashamed (not too much) that at...

The run in the morning was uneventful though I seemed a bit more tired than usual.  Thank goodness I discovered podcasts.  I really does help getting through the trip.  It has been surprising that I've managed this now for 250 days, though certainly my taking this route and following into this pattern has been about four months or so...I really don't know.  It has yet to rain or some other problem from my getting this done.  I didn't do much today.  I played computer poker and watched football and movie and went for my swim, which was just fine.  I have a big week ahead with lots of errands.  Meet the new supervisor, trash, go to play poker at Pechanga and then to Tracy's for Ahna's birthday.  Then take Cindy to the airport, dinner at the folks.  Sunday, back to Pechanga and birthday party at Jon's for the twins.  Food intake: fruit (100); chicken strips (350); chicken nuggets (500); chicken nuggets again (500)

Well...the day was an odd one for me, eating wise.  The run in the morning went very well.  We had book club in the clubhouse and things went great.  As usual, everyone brought their own dishes.  I had a good breakfast (large for me).  I tried to keep the portions small but to be honest, I'm sure I had too many calories.  I can only guess but I'll go with 750. Then I went to Cindy's family picnic at Santee Lakes.  She had made me a chicken sandwich that was honestly very delicious and it was small, but of course, it had break, which I had not eaten pretty much all year.  That adds another 300. After the picnic, I had one of those days (and there's not many of these) where I was really hungry and my body was telling me to eat something, so I finished of the chicken wings which put another 600 calories on the day. I went for my swim and returned to the usual chicken nuggets; another 500 calories.  All told, this was one of my highest calo...

During my run this morning, I noticed just how much my pace has picked up over the months.   The first few months, I pretty much only walked and indeed, my original intention was to simply be sure that I covered my minimum 10 K steps each day with no intention of ever running; however, it wasn’t long before I threw in a few jogging steps here and there. I distinctly remember setting markers at the Mission Beach that I would walk and then job, though truthfully, my jogging wasn’t much more than a fast walk.   I’d joke that old ladies with walkers were passing me as I jogged.   This pace kept up for quite a while and I was okay with it.   Then a lot of times when I needed to cross at a light or hurry to beat a turning car, I’d actually run.   This soon turned into jogging a little faster. Now, eight months into this diet, I find myself jogging faster and faster…at least for what I call faster considering what I started out doing.   Most joggers pass...

I'm starting to get up a little later than usual recently and getting the run done, but the sun gets out before I make it home, which is okay.  For whatever reason, I'm becoming more and more glad to run in the dark and before there is any traffic.  I miss going to Mission Beach these days, but it's simply much more convenient to do my route here.  Perhaps soon, I'll make that run again. I didn't do much other than play poker on the computer where I had the worst run EVER losing almost 500 million.  Everything went sour and the river just killed me over and over again. I did get in my swim and everything went well there.  I finished the Jack Ryan series on Amazon Prime and it was excellent.  The bacon flavored seasoning arrived and I had popcorn with it only to be disappointed.  It was okay, but it doesn't pour very well and the taste is not a distinctive as I would have liked. Food intake: grapes (100); chicken strips (400); watermelon (50); pop...

The run in the morning went well.  I picked up some things at Costco and the dollar store and the rest of the day I pretty much didn't do much until it was time to go to dinner at the folks. I guess I have to rack this up to a pretty sad day exercise wise.  I did manage 14 K steps and yes, I did get my swim in but I know that I'm just not doing as much as I could. I've reached the point where I am aware of the calorie intake, but I'm not a crazy about sticking right to the 1500 per day though that does remain the target.  It's okay to be closer to 2000.  That amount still loses weight considering I am burning in excess of 3000 every day.  I know that even if I did not lose another pound, this current weight is a good weight for me, but of course, that's not the point of the challenge.  I have another 120 days to go and though I have no doubt I will continue to run and swim after the challenge is over, I will be glad to have accomplished it. Food intake:...

I'm starting to feel a small kink in the armor.  My resolve is being tested.  I'm getting those all too familiar bangs (thoughts) that my diet has gone great and I can begin to ease up a bit.  For example, I'm allowing myself a few cookies along with my coffee when I Mom-sitting.  I bought those boxes of candy at the movies.  This morning when waking up, I began thinking I could actually miss a day of my running.  THIS is where it begins and I have to fight it.  In the past, this is where I break down and slowly lose my will.  I cannot allow this to happen. I WILL NOT allow this to happen. I forced myself up and am about to go on the run.  I understand the occasional cookie isn't going to break me, but it's what in my head is important and how I act, so...get to it! Trash went fine and even without Jose, the temp worker did a find job.  After we were finished, I drove him home to El Cajon--he was going to take the trolley and not pay...

I suppose I should have know it would eventually happen.  One of the many things that would possibly derail my posting is that my computer would go down, as it did, and I couldn't post.   Yes, I could have gotten out my laptop, but instead, I decided to wait until 5:00 PM when the Cox guy came to fix my Internet.  So, this blog is very late, but still on the day so I'm glad of that. I did my run in the morning.  I laid down for a bit but couldn't sleep so I finally got up to get a leg up on the trash collecting.  It's Monday, Labor Day, and many folks have left for the long weekend and left their trash out early which I picked up.  I eventually filled one dumpster before calling it a day. I then headed out to see the movie Black Klansman , which was okay...a little preachy for my tastes, but that's what you need to expect from a Spike Lee film.  I went to the Edwards Theater by Jamul, which is much nicer than Parkway, where I usually go to s...

I was up early and finished the run just fine. As it was Sunday, there was very little traffic on the road.  I did manage a couple hours sleep after my run...very unusual. It was a day of rest...I didn't do much other than going to the store and buying a pork chop to prepare in the oil less fryer.  It didn't work.  I had to re-cook it in the toaster oven.  I also reminded myself that pork chops have very little taste.  I'm enjoying the Jack Ryan series on Amazon Prime and got sucked into binging on that most the day.  I went to the gym and it was a rare day when all three lanes were in use by those who would be there a while, so I didn't do my swim. Food intake: grapes (150); chicken (500); pork chop (500); chicken nuggets (500)

After getting over the fact that I did not break the 200 mark on my weight, I went about getting my head on straight to continue.  The run went just fine.  I went to Jon Jr's office where we had the NFL Fantasy Draft and then had lunch with his family. A lot of the discussion was dieting.  I have to get to a point where all I talk about is my diet as it starts to sound less like information and like boasting.  I had a veggie scramble, which was very good.  I managed 13 K+ today and once again (just like last month that didn't pan out), I am determined to do more to get that weight down more than six pounds for the month.  The long goal of 175 now seems like a long shot by Dec 31; however, I do think 180 to 185 is certainly within reach.  My lifetime goal of 185 will be a reality--I PROMISE! The great news for the day is that I got into size 36 pants (down from 46) for the first time since my band days and they were not too tight.  I also was w...

I will have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed but I'm not surprised.  Today is weigh in day, and I am now 202 lbs, a loss of 6 pounds this past month.  This is WAY down from previous months.  In the back of my head, I pretty much knew this was going to be the weight, just like I predict that Oct 1, I will be 195 (I better be).  A combination of factors led to these results: as my body has less weight to lose, I no doubt it is fighting back now.  I had many days that I exceeded the 1500 calorie limit, though I never had a horrible day in that I was still within reason and fewer calories than I burned.  And finally, there were a more than I couple days I missed my swim...though I do believe that isn't a big factor. I don't think I will do anything different this coming month aside from staying away from the occasional candy at the movies.  I also had a couple of bags of fries and shrimp as I experimented with my oil less fryer--all just guesses here, ...