So I'm in Chicago, and I'm trying to get serious about getting serious about getting in shape. So, earlier today, I stared out the 19th floor window of the hotel down at Uno's famous pizzeria, and knocked out a decent little cardio workout. I spent 20 minutes on the sit-up bike machine, stretching it 4.97 miles at a medium effort on the "interval" program. HR started off steady at about 140, but as I kept going, it gradually got up to 150, and then to 160+. Towards the end I was trying to hold it steady right about 150. Talk about sweat! I was feeling it, but it was good.
Hobbled off the bike, grabbed a couple cups of water, and proceeded on the treadmill. After finally figuring out the POS hotel machine, I got on it and programmed it for 4.0mph. Finished 2 miles in just over 32 minutes (I guess 4.0mph isn't 4.0mph?). My heart rate was probably right around 140+ the whole time. Easy breathing, but plenty of sweating.
The other day (Friday? I forget...too much traveling) I hit up the track at home and did some walking to make up for my drunken San Antonio conference trip. I managed to finish 3 miles in just under 50 minutes. My excuse...it was windy. So windy, as a matter of fact, that a huge lightning storm blew in towards the end and it started pouring just as I finished. Initially going for 2 miles, and then hitting 3, felt great. Towards the end of the first mile, I felt an extremely strong urge to quit, as the lactic acid in my shins really started building up and got pretty painful. Pushing through, though, was worth it; the pain really went away and the more I walked, the more I got in the groove, and I felt like I could have done a 4th mile if I wasn't facing weather issues.
So, my goal is to hit 2 miles a day on the treadmill and to "watch my diet." I know that's a lame cop out instead of sticking to something, but it's still a state of mind, and a start. It feels good to get in the gym or on the track and to bust a sweat. If I can keep doing that, I should be more motivated to start lifting the weights, which is what I really want to get back into.
As far as my weight..it's bad. Nearly two weeks of slovenly laziness and alcoholism has taken it's toll. I'm sure I'm back up to 254, or thereabouts. My goal needs to be to get below 200 and stay there. Even at 200 and 10% body fat, I'd have as much muscle mass as I do right now, which would be fine if I was in shape. Of course, losing 50 pounds of fat and none of muscle will be impossible, but just getting the shear weight down to 200 should do wonders on my joints and overall health. I can focus on getting "ripped" later, if I can just manage to get a good start and to grow the right kind of working out and eating habits.
I think one thing I need to do is to be realistic. It's going to take some time to get in shape, to get my weight down, and to feel comfortable with it all again. Looking back, it's been a couple years for me to go from 215-220 to 250-255. I'd really like to be down to 200 by the end of the year, but that might even be a little optimistic. I'll have to give it some thought and see what I think is reasonable so I can stick to a schedule.
One other thing I need to do is check out crossfit.com daily. I'm nowhere near the shape I need to be in to do the workout of the day, but that's where I want to get!
No comments:
Post a Comment