New job!

Weight: 243.5

Sorry it's been so long since I posted. I haven't walked since last Friday (Aug 26, that's probably why I'm up 2 lbs). I was sick on Monday, and yesterday I had a job interview. I got the job by the way. I will be working at Fort Monroe. I know that the base is closing but the group I will be working with won't be leaving it's current location til 2011. Then it will move up the road to Fort Eustis. I got a really nice raise, and it sounds like a great opportunity as well.

Run Forrest Run!

Miles walked: 3.6

This morning I jogged twice during my walk. Both times it was for about a quarter mile. The first time my knees felt a little rickety, but the second time I felt like I could really fly. It was cool. I realized that all the walking has strengthened my legs and given me endurance that I didn't know I had. I should sign up for a 5k run soon. Anyone want to join me?

I went the same distance today as I went before I went to Indianapolis. I thought it was 4 miles, but it seems that it is actually more like 3.6 or 3.7. I measured the distance in my pickup initially. The stock tires on most pickups are undersize, which racks up miles faster on the odometer (hmmm...wonder why they do that?).
We're sorry, you're warranty is expired.
When I marked the mileage in the car, it measured more accurately.

Thanks to everyone!

Miles walked: 3.4

I would like to thank everyone that reads this blog and sends me email. It is very encouraging and seems to come at just the right time. Because of all of you I am motivated to get up early and go walking. Keep up the good work!

Ouch, my knees!

Miles walked: 3.4
Weight: 241.5

I felt really good today. I walked faster and felt better than I have in awhile. I felt like I could break into a jog, and at one point I did but it hurt my knees too much so I went back to walking. I thought after walking for 2 miles that my joints would be loose enough for jogging, but I was wrong. What do I need to do to start jogging? Maybe I'm just not ready yet, huh.

Rain

Miles walked: approx 2.0-2.5 (40 mintues)

It's hard to believe but today was the first time I had to walk in the rain. I didn't go as far and I stayed close to the house in case it started raining really hard. Then I figured I could just get a jacket and keep going. It wasn't too bad though. The rain kind helped cool me off some.

Back to school

Miles walked: 3.0

After about 9 months hiatus I am going back to school. I have been pursuing a degree in Computer Science for years now. I've only got about a year left (I would be almost done now if I had stayed with it consistently), and I'm taking 2 classes this semester. The classes are COM318(E-Commerce) and REL401(The Catholic Tradition). This should be interesting balancing family, work, church, and school. Add to that my new exercise goals and I think I've got a full load. So don't ask me to fix your computer! :)

Scaling back

Miles walked: 2.2

I walked less today on the advice of a friend that said I should take it easy after my mission trip where I worked really hard. Next week I will bump the distance back up. Hopefully next Friday I will walk 4 miles again. I really need to start biking or something. I enjoy riding my bike to work, but I need a way to get my clothes there without wrinkling them. I have tried ironing my khakis before I put them in my bag, but they always look a little wrinkly when I take them out. Anyone have a suggestion on how to prevent that?

Chai tea

Miles walked: 2.6
Weight: 243

I up from the last weigh-in (2 weeks ago), but down from the weight that I gained while out of town. I'm ok with it, just need to keep chugging along.

I was at a friends house last night and had some chai tea. It was really good. I had to get some on the way home.

Feeling sleepy

I was too sleepy to walk this morning. I don't know why since I went to sleep at about 9:30 last night. Maybe I need to take some vitamins or something. I will get up tomorrow and walk though. I can't take two days off in a row.

I'm Back!

Miles walked: 3.7

Sorry it's been so long since I posted. I was on a mission trip to Indianapolis. We were working with Wheeler Mission. I worked on several projects including building a fence (I dug holes for fence posts), digging a trench 24" wide X 36" deep X 72" long, and removing and old roof. It was a lot of work, and I figured I could eat snacks like chips and cookies and still lose weight. I was wrong. It seems that if you want to lose weight you still need to watch what you eat. Oh well, I only gained a pound or two. I keep telling myself that it's muscle though. :) I should have lots of pics from the trip to post soon.

I didn't walk every day while I was gone (only the first three days), although the facility where I stayed had an indoor track. I got back on the horse today though. I feel like I could jog some, but don't know if it would aggravate my heelspur. I might incorporate some weightlifting into my routine at some point. We have a good gym at work so I have no excuse.

Last Meal At Duck-In

Miles walked: 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I felt really good this morning so I walked 4 miles! I guess a day of rest really is beneficial and helps your muscles to recuperate. It also helps to get a good nights sleep. :)

We went to Duck-In in Virginia Beach for dinner last night for the last time. The restaurant is shutting it's doors on August 14. It's a real bummer too. The place is in a really cool location and has good food. It has a lot of sentimental significance for my wife's family as well. Her grandfather had a beach house near the restaurant and the family spent lots of time there fishing, crabbing, and hanging out on the beach. There are condos now where the house once stood, and condos will probably stand where Duck-In is now. I get sad when I think about that beach changing, and I never met Aimee's grandfather, nor did I ever see the beach house. That's all I got to say about that.

The President's Challenge

I got an email from someone about The President's Challenge. It is a site where you can record your activity level, compare your progress with others, and receive rewards. I signed up for it and it is very cool. I entered my activities for the last 14 days (it wouldn't let me go back any further than that) and I have completed 9% towards a bronze medal! How cool is that? Maybe when you get a gold medal you get to meet the president or something?!? I live close to DC so it wouldn't be far to go. Here is the link: http://www.presidentschallenge.org/index.aspx

3 weeks - 244.5

Miles walked: 3.7
Weight: 244.5

Three weeks already! Wow, this is a first for me I think. I usually give up on exercise after about 2 weeks. I am also encouraged by the fact that I didn't go up in weight. With the food I ate this week that is a miracle.

I wish I had a pic of the sunrises I have been seeing. There are some really cool scenes that I would like to capture.

Quick post

Miles walked: 3.5

Felt okay walking today but not as energetic as yesterday. I'm sort of busy so I'll have to keep it short. Later all, Roger.

Almost 4 miles!

Miles walked: 3.5? (not quite sure)

I went almost 4 miles today. By then end of the week I should be there (4 miles that is:). I also walked faster than I ever have. I feel stronger every day. My clothes fit a little better too. I can now fit comfortably in my size 38 pants. This is good stuff! I should let everyone know that I will be out of town next week. My wife and I are going to Indianapolis to work at a homeless shelter. I don't know if I will be able to walk much, but we will definitely be doing physical labor. Also I don't know if I will be able to update the blog (I'm hoping to be able to post once or twice though). I should have lots of pics when I get back though. While we are there we will be going to the Brickyard 400. Anyone else going to the race?