We must find discipline. Those of us on a weight loss journey may have a tougher time than others and I do not mean only in the eating department.
I was at my other gym last week in South Florida. I go to a YouFit gym which I posted about in this post right here. Despite what my main guy and coach Jeff Ford says in this post he made today, I still do the long runs. In my defense, he and I have had conversations about this and I do the long runs for the extra calorie burn that I get. I definitely do more Crossfit work now though than ever. Back to my topic and observations....
I was on one of those longer runs on a treadmill last week and observed people working out. Like any gym, there were people of all shapes, sizes and physical abilities. Congrats to ALL of them for being there. As I looked at those that were sitting, idle between sets, I noticed something. All but 1 of the 6 people I saw using their cell phones in the workout were moderately to grossly overweight. This brought me to checking out the clock when they finished a set. The least amount of time I counted between sets for a cell phone user was 2 minutes. The longest was over 5.
Yes, some that are not using their cell phones tend to rest too long between sets as well. I hear you cluckin' but I do not think I have witnessed anyone take 5 minutes between sets just sitting there.
To go into a gym it takes some discipline in the first place. To really push yourself takes more. This does not differ from when you are running or when you are lifting. It takes discipline to really go out of your comfort zone consciously. I am usually the only one on a treadmill that might make a OOF or a ARGH grunt from time to time. But when it comes time for speed intervals or hill intervals with some running on them, I push myself. People sometimes stare at me when I do. I must be some kind of freak!
I am trying to make a few points here.
1) Leave the cell phone in the car. You can live without it for 30-60 minutes. I am certain of it. It will only be a distraction that keeps you from your best workout.
2) Have a plan when you go into the gym. Write it down if you have to. Know the weight you plan to lift, on what machines, for how many reps and sets. Know how long you will rest between sets and watch the clock (not the one on your cell). If you are running, know how long and at what pace. Decide ahead of time what intervals or challenges you might throw yourself into the run and execute them.
3) Push yourself. Yes, you may sweat. You might even grunt. The best part is, you might work harder than you though you could and leave with an extra high feeling at the end knowing you just crushed whatever you decided to do.
With that success will come more discipline. That discipline will carry you outside of the gym into the other places in your life where you did not have it. The kitchen. The restaurant. The car. At work. Discipline is the key to success.
Orracle and Family
Showing posts with label Jeff Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Ford. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Changing It Up and Making a Mental Connection
This week I realized that with my achilles healed up, I am back to running on a regular schedule and it feels great. My stamina is better than ever and my distances keep increasing at faster paces. My first sub 30 minute 5K is right around the corner.
I have known for a while that I need to change things up. I lift from time to time but not enough.
After my run Monday night, I was pretty tired but as I walked out of the gym, the medicine balls caught my eye. Hmpf, what harm could a few Wall-balls do?
I proceeded to do 3 sets of 25 Wall-balls with just 45 seconds of rest between (video below).
That was 2 days ago. My legs are destroyed! It reminds me of the last time I did them with Jeff at Crossfit Hilton Head. Same result.
It is hurting me bad but the pain reminds me of why we need to change things up. Go to something new. Go to something old, just do something different. For those of you that do not have any exposure to Crossfit, most of their drills are simple exercises like this. Nothing complex, no big machines. Just you and a few moves....and you can feel that burn.
It was great to see Jeff in August in Louisville, September at Hilton Head Health and again down in Miami. While it would be great to hang out once a month with him, I can always just do some of these Wall-balls and every step I take makes me think of how he pushed me every step in every class and every training session.
Reach into your memory of a fitness session or even if it is not fitness related and make a connection with someone by doing something they would want to do right next to you. You will be channeling their energy and in this case, a little pain!
I have known for a while that I need to change things up. I lift from time to time but not enough.
After my run Monday night, I was pretty tired but as I walked out of the gym, the medicine balls caught my eye. Hmpf, what harm could a few Wall-balls do?
I proceeded to do 3 sets of 25 Wall-balls with just 45 seconds of rest between (video below).
That was 2 days ago. My legs are destroyed! It reminds me of the last time I did them with Jeff at Crossfit Hilton Head. Same result.
It is hurting me bad but the pain reminds me of why we need to change things up. Go to something new. Go to something old, just do something different. For those of you that do not have any exposure to Crossfit, most of their drills are simple exercises like this. Nothing complex, no big machines. Just you and a few moves....and you can feel that burn.
It was great to see Jeff in August in Louisville, September at Hilton Head Health and again down in Miami. While it would be great to hang out once a month with him, I can always just do some of these Wall-balls and every step I take makes me think of how he pushed me every step in every class and every training session.
Reach into your memory of a fitness session or even if it is not fitness related and make a connection with someone by doing something they would want to do right next to you. You will be channeling their energy and in this case, a little pain!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Irontastic....
I had the pleasure of attending my first Ironman competition this weekend in Louisville, KY. I have so much to say yet am having a difficult time putting it to words.
To catch people up to speed that may not know Jeff, he was my coach during and after my 4 week stay at Hilton Head Health in 2011. I found a close bond with him on so many levels. We just 'clicked'.
When someone supports you as much as he has supported me, I could not turn down an opportunity to support him on what would be the biggest endurance challenge for him to date.
First, let's talk about Ironman competitions. There were more than 2500 participants yesterday, To take on a full Ironman which consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and finishes up with a full marathon, you must prepare. Physically and mentally. You don't just decide one day to do an Ironman without having some experience in triathlons or even endurance events such as marathons under your belt. Or, maybe you do just decide to do it. Those were possibly the people I saw getting carted away on stretchers at the end of the race.
I was worried about Jeff. Nervous. The best athletes in the world break down on these events. Missing critical nutrition along the way or unforseen accidents and injuries are common. I know in my heart that Jeff is a top-notch athlete. But....STILL....this is a frigging 140.6 mile event. Oh, and it was forecasted to be 94° and humid!
The field of bikes in the transiton area was unbelievable to see. The line of participants that we strolled past to find Jeff was mind boggling. I was so happy that we found him and he was feeling good going in.
Away he went on the swim. We waited for him at the first transition. The atmosphere was electric. Competetors of all ages, shapes and sizes. Some were shapes that I could not believe I was seeing but I won't go there.
Then onto the bike. A gruelling 112 miles in hilly terrain. I heard stories today at breakfast of a ride that stopped to kiss his wife and was hit by another rider. These guys go 18-25 MPH so that collission had to be bad. Another rider dropped a bottle and it somehow hit his spokes of the front tire. He was launched and crashed badly. This is a very dangerous phase of the race.
After so many hours on the bike, you get to try your legs out on a 26.2 mile run. BRUTAL!
We saw Jeff at miles 1, 3, 14 and the finish. My nervousness for him waned as he always was cruising along and all smiles as he passed us.
I will let you read his blog which you can find here on this link as I am sure he will tell his side of the story and about his actual times. I don't want to steal his thunder on any of that.
I will talk about what I took away from this. No, I don't have any goals to be an Ironman. They would not fit within the SMART goals system which include the words ATTAINABLE and REALISTIC. At least not now. What I took away from the event was seeing someone go for a new level of achievement no differently than if you have never done a 5K and finally decide to get your butt off of the couch and just do it. From a goal perspective, they are no different. They require dedication and planning.
I also had my inner fire renewed to keep pushing myself. I have become very complacent lately. This is partly because I needed a break from such an intense focus of losing weight but also to show myself that I can maintain at a level and not gain even though I am not losing for a while. I managed to do that. Now, I have such a renewed vigor to get nasty in the gym and work harder than I have in the past 16 months.
I know Jeff appreciated us all being there. What he does not realize is what that event did for me as well. I am completely in awe and inspired by his achievement and success at the Ironman. I am so lucky to have a guy like Jeff in my life as well as the other H3 alumni that were there. You are all family to me. I never knew when I walked into Hilton Head Health that the connections and bonds I would make in those 4 weeks would have such a profound impact in me so long after my stay.
Congrats Jeff. You are an absolute IRONMAN both athletically and as a man, friend and mentor.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
The Summer Games Are Unhealthy
If you are like me, you are spending more time in front of the TV lately because of the Olympics. It seems odd that something that is possible because of some of the most awesome athletes and healthy people in the world could drive the rest of us to endless hours on the couch.
As a "new" athlete, I find absolute joy in watching the tough endurance events such as swimming and track & field. I am also looking forward to the Triathlon and Marathon events!
I understand that it costs money to broadcast the Olympics covering hundreds of events with cameras and commentators (not that we see even 1/3 of them). Money means sponsors and commercials.
The two biggest sponsors for the Olympics are McDonald's and Coca-Cola. Think about it. How much soda of any kind does Michael Phelps drink? How many trips to McDonald's does Gabby make after working out with her gymnastics coach? I bet the marathoners skip the whole Paleo eating idea and just have a Big Mac when they need a snack. My hunch is that Jeff Ford has no idea what he is talking about. That is probably why he is doing Ironman Triathlons and not going to the olympics, right?
OK, I am officially talking out of my bum as they might say in London.
The truth is, while I thank the big, unhealthy sponsors for paying NBC millions of dollars, it is like advertising down jackets and winter wear on local Aruba TV. One has nothing to do with the other.
Coca-Cola was the premiere sponsor for the torch relay. I assume they threw in mandatory stops for insulin for their athletes that carried the torch?
McDonald's actually has the world's larget McDonald's within the Olympic village. Who is eating here?
The reality here is that WE made them the gigantic companies they are. We drove through their drive thrus and bought too much of their food. We have had too much of "A Coke and a Smile" for far too long. We have created the monster.
Well, I think an event is coming on....I need to get to McDonald's and get a Coke and a few sandwiches before it starts.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
One Year Later...
Today is a very special day for me. One year ago, I began the most amazing, life changing and body transforming journey. I thought today about how I felt as I went through that first day at Hilton Head Health.
First was the blood work. Bob threatened to use dull, dirty needles on me because he is a Braves fan and I am a Twins fan. He still is not quite over the 1991 World Series I guess. I liked him from the first meeting even as he poked me and delivered some bad news to me. My cholesterol was OK by number but the HDL was so low, he could not get a reading. All of my cholesterol was bad, LDL. My blood sugar revealed that I was a walking type II diabetic. I work in this data every day and knowing the number of comorbidities that accomodate diabetes, it was a dose of reality that really hurt. It reinforced why I was there yet was devastating news. Hopefully the damage was not too far along and I would get better.
I remember struggling to do pretty much anything fitness related as one might expect for someone nearing 400 pounds. The staff were all amazing though with their encouragement and faith that I would get stronger. Even riding my bike the 1.5 mile ride from my condo to H3 was hard and bring me to pant uncontrolled.
The days were long but the weeks were short. Before I knew it, I was on that flight to MSP with a renewed sense of drive and some goals set. Could this really be the solution to being overweight? Did they tell me the secrets that I had searched for?
It was so simple. It was too simple. I had tried everything! Body for Life challenges, Redux, Atkins, South Beach, and anything else that looked like it was the silver bullet.
I found an incredible bond with all of the employees at Hilton Head Health. From the instructors to the fitness team. You even gain bonds with the interns and culinary staff. They all play a key part in that well rounded recipe for success. While everyone was special, I found a bond with Jeff Ford that still exists today. A day does not pass where I don't think of him or some memory of being at H3 getting rowdy with him in treading or ultra-circuit. He became my @home coach and I consider him a great friend.
An unexpected connection was with the other guests while I was there. Many are still good friends and connections yet today.
So tonight as I ran 5 miles in celebration of a great year and went out for a nice light dinner with a certain 'Pals' of mine, I took pride that I was still eating healthy and still losing weight a year later...something I have never done before on any 'diet'. This is my life now. I can celebrate the good times and treat myself but always go looking back to the healthy meals. As my dinner companion tonight realized, the couple next to us were talking about how they were too full, and feeling like they could not move. We had a GREAT meal and felt like a million bucks. It is SO AWESOME to feel like this.
This trip would not have been as easy as it has been though if not for my friends from H3, trainers like Jeff, Karla, Adam and Amber and the tips from the culinary staff like Jen and Karla. This change would certainly not have been possible without great support from my immediate family and my extended family. They helped make my trip possible. I only want to make them proud. I also have to thank my coworkers from the guys I work with every day to the HR department and senior management that supported my leave of absence. I feel that I am 100x the employee I was a year ago.
I now look forward to this new year. I can only imagine how fantastic it will be. To the people that had the room next to me at the Oakland Hilton that put the note about my snoring keeping them awake all night and told me that I needed to get help. Well, I did. I found the best place on earth to get help! Anyone can do this. Just start today. Before you know it, a year will pass.
First was the blood work. Bob threatened to use dull, dirty needles on me because he is a Braves fan and I am a Twins fan. He still is not quite over the 1991 World Series I guess. I liked him from the first meeting even as he poked me and delivered some bad news to me. My cholesterol was OK by number but the HDL was so low, he could not get a reading. All of my cholesterol was bad, LDL. My blood sugar revealed that I was a walking type II diabetic. I work in this data every day and knowing the number of comorbidities that accomodate diabetes, it was a dose of reality that really hurt. It reinforced why I was there yet was devastating news. Hopefully the damage was not too far along and I would get better.
I remember struggling to do pretty much anything fitness related as one might expect for someone nearing 400 pounds. The staff were all amazing though with their encouragement and faith that I would get stronger. Even riding my bike the 1.5 mile ride from my condo to H3 was hard and bring me to pant uncontrolled.
The days were long but the weeks were short. Before I knew it, I was on that flight to MSP with a renewed sense of drive and some goals set. Could this really be the solution to being overweight? Did they tell me the secrets that I had searched for?
It was so simple. It was too simple. I had tried everything! Body for Life challenges, Redux, Atkins, South Beach, and anything else that looked like it was the silver bullet.
I found an incredible bond with all of the employees at Hilton Head Health. From the instructors to the fitness team. You even gain bonds with the interns and culinary staff. They all play a key part in that well rounded recipe for success. While everyone was special, I found a bond with Jeff Ford that still exists today. A day does not pass where I don't think of him or some memory of being at H3 getting rowdy with him in treading or ultra-circuit. He became my @home coach and I consider him a great friend.
An unexpected connection was with the other guests while I was there. Many are still good friends and connections yet today.
So tonight as I ran 5 miles in celebration of a great year and went out for a nice light dinner with a certain 'Pals' of mine, I took pride that I was still eating healthy and still losing weight a year later...something I have never done before on any 'diet'. This is my life now. I can celebrate the good times and treat myself but always go looking back to the healthy meals. As my dinner companion tonight realized, the couple next to us were talking about how they were too full, and feeling like they could not move. We had a GREAT meal and felt like a million bucks. It is SO AWESOME to feel like this.
This trip would not have been as easy as it has been though if not for my friends from H3, trainers like Jeff, Karla, Adam and Amber and the tips from the culinary staff like Jen and Karla. This change would certainly not have been possible without great support from my immediate family and my extended family. They helped make my trip possible. I only want to make them proud. I also have to thank my coworkers from the guys I work with every day to the HR department and senior management that supported my leave of absence. I feel that I am 100x the employee I was a year ago.
I now look forward to this new year. I can only imagine how fantastic it will be. To the people that had the room next to me at the Oakland Hilton that put the note about my snoring keeping them awake all night and told me that I needed to get help. Well, I did. I found the best place on earth to get help! Anyone can do this. Just start today. Before you know it, a year will pass.
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| The last time we'll have to see all of this guy....March 2011 |
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| My Awesome Family After a 7K Race! |
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| Andy and Jim with me before the start...looking ready to RUN! |
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| Celebrating an awesome finish to the Get Lucky 7K with awesome coworkers! |
Friday, January 6, 2012
I am looking to challenge YOU! Everyone wants to start the year off with wellness and we all know that the gyms are just a little bit busier right now. Sometimes, we get in a rut though. Maybe we just don't want to do the same workout. Maybe we do not want to go at all! We need a push or a shove in some cases. I know that I respond to support and people around me. I have a perfectly good treadmill in my basement in front of a 92" ceiling projection movie theater. I rarely use it. Instead, I drag my butt to our local gym (I live in a small town). I go to the New Richmond Centre which is a GREAT facility! It has more of a community feel than many of the big box, corporate owned fitness centers. Why do I go to the Centre? I am more likely to push myself on that treadmill when someone is right next to me or behind me. I am more likely to run longer and faster. I assume they are all comparing themselves to me....which is probably just a bad case of narcissism but it works. I love it when someone gets onto a tread next to me after I have started and hangs it up long before I am done. YES! I WIN.....it is just unfortunate that they did not realize it was a contest!
That push or goal can come in many formats. If we set our own goals and have nobody to watch us or cheer us on, some of us might struggle to maintain them especially when the excitement of the new year has passed and we could lose sight of that resolution.
Back on 12/30, I posted about a site called FLEETLY. I am currently doing the Winter 100 Mile Challenge. For this one, I need to run 100 miles between January 1 and March 31. It tracks your progress and gives medals for so many different milestones.
I think the neatest thing about this site is that you can link to friends. That is a great way to hold each other accountable!
I am asking for YOU....right NOW.....to go and join Fleetly and sign up for a challenge. It could be a full year long challenge or something more immediately measurable and attainable to follow our SMART goal direction.
If you are a local here in New Richmond, sign up for a contest and tell me when you are headed to the Centre and I will do whatever workout you choose. Possibly even Zumba at which I would struggle not physically but with coordination. I will do whatever you choose.
Even if you are not here in New Richmond with me, sign up and link to me. Challenge me to a challenge with you! We do not need to be together....we do not need to be at Hilton Head Health and we do not need Jeff, Adam, Amy or Amber to be there. We can own this!
Sign up
That push or goal can come in many formats. If we set our own goals and have nobody to watch us or cheer us on, some of us might struggle to maintain them especially when the excitement of the new year has passed and we could lose sight of that resolution.
Back on 12/30, I posted about a site called FLEETLY. I am currently doing the Winter 100 Mile Challenge. For this one, I need to run 100 miles between January 1 and March 31. It tracks your progress and gives medals for so many different milestones.
I think the neatest thing about this site is that you can link to friends. That is a great way to hold each other accountable!
I am asking for YOU....right NOW.....to go and join Fleetly and sign up for a challenge. It could be a full year long challenge or something more immediately measurable and attainable to follow our SMART goal direction.
If you are a local here in New Richmond, sign up for a contest and tell me when you are headed to the Centre and I will do whatever workout you choose. Possibly even Zumba at which I would struggle not physically but with coordination. I will do whatever you choose.
Even if you are not here in New Richmond with me, sign up and link to me. Challenge me to a challenge with you! We do not need to be together....we do not need to be at Hilton Head Health and we do not need Jeff, Adam, Amy or Amber to be there. We can own this!
What are you waiting for?
Sign up
Link to me (Lyle Orr)
Let the games begin!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
First Ever Thanksgiving Post
I have been blogging for a few years but this will be my first Thanksgiving post. Sure, I think we're all thankful for our family, friends and our life we get to live in this country. I think many of us say they are most thankful for the day or two off from work and maybe the Tryptophan coma they put themselves into.
This year as you may suppose, my thoughts are running high on the thankful chart. I look back on the year that started rough for me with the end of a long, gruelling project at work in March. Then I realized I was at rock-bottom with my health and needed to make changes. I found Hilton Head Health. From that point on April 24, my life would be forever changed and it is something that I cannot express enough thanks for.
I need to start with my employer for granting me the leave of absence and work accomodations. Then add in my sister for helping me financially with the cost of going to H3. My wife and kids had to sacrifice as well with me gone for 28 days straight. Traveling for work has me home on the weekends at least but this was a full month of absence.
Now we come to the H3 staff. EVERYONE needs to get a mention. Bob for his wisdom and understanding, Beth for her good ear to hear my story, Adam for the fitness leadership and knowledge, Amber for being tough on us sick guys, Katie for being so awesome as a trainer in and out of the pool, Kat and Kelia for their awesomeness in keeping us happy while onsite. Christie and John at the front desk to help out with anything or just chat with when you are too sore to go to another workout. Karla gets a special nod because she is sweet, can cook up a storm and then kick your butt in Cardio Boxing which is my most favorite thing at H3! Louise for being so kind to chat with and also as a trainer...I miss doing step with her! Chef Jen for showing me that you can eat different food for 28 days that is healthy and tasty without any exception. Plus, she is a former Minnesotan...special in my heart. She understands us from up north! Alicia for her chat the day I made my testimonial....you made that easy and are a great asset to H3!
Jeff gets his own paragraph. When I went to H3 if you would have told me that my closest friend leaving would be a 22 year old guy that does ironman competitions, I would have laughed you off. Jeff is that guy. We hit it off in class with our mutual love of the challenge but also in how we enjoy the energy and dare I say cutting it up in class. I fed off of his energy and I think that is mutual. Then add in the @home coaching. I looked forward to our sessions which at first were keeping me stable and eliminating the risks of my upcoming weeks. In the latter meetings, it was more about success and just chatting about what he and I had going on in training and life in general. I could go on forever about Jeff but I will save something for later/
Now, we come to the amazing people I met at H3, Lifelong friends. Dale B, Kelly B, James W, Big Daddy, John, the man that showed me what a metabo-oyster is, my lady friends from North Carolina and Lousiana Lisa, Liz F, John D., Maglio C, Cari D, Chemain, the new friends I made from the cast of Heavy like Stacia, Julia, Johnny and Debbie plus so many others I know I am forgetting. Throw in the new crew that was there for Devin's Dash that knew me before I got there. Keep reading these posts and keep working hard! You inspire me knowing I may have inspired you!
This year with 118 pounds lost to date has been my best year. I feel amazing and can do amazing things. Thankful does not even begin to cut it. I look forward to the next year and the challenges I have before me such as losing an additional 60 pounds, transitioning to 10Ks, 10 milers and an eventual 1/2 marathon. Yes Jeff, a spring tri is in there too. I look forward to having amazing health as I turn 41 in a couple of weeks.
Thank you all for helping me make this monumental change in my life. Thank you for SAVING my life. That is something worth being thankful for.
I should save something for a New Year's post but I want to wish you all on a quest to get healthy and lose weight the courage, stamina and strength to beat your demons and kick obesity's butt! You have all the tools you need to do it.
This year as you may suppose, my thoughts are running high on the thankful chart. I look back on the year that started rough for me with the end of a long, gruelling project at work in March. Then I realized I was at rock-bottom with my health and needed to make changes. I found Hilton Head Health. From that point on April 24, my life would be forever changed and it is something that I cannot express enough thanks for.
I need to start with my employer for granting me the leave of absence and work accomodations. Then add in my sister for helping me financially with the cost of going to H3. My wife and kids had to sacrifice as well with me gone for 28 days straight. Traveling for work has me home on the weekends at least but this was a full month of absence.
Now we come to the H3 staff. EVERYONE needs to get a mention. Bob for his wisdom and understanding, Beth for her good ear to hear my story, Adam for the fitness leadership and knowledge, Amber for being tough on us sick guys, Katie for being so awesome as a trainer in and out of the pool, Kat and Kelia for their awesomeness in keeping us happy while onsite. Christie and John at the front desk to help out with anything or just chat with when you are too sore to go to another workout. Karla gets a special nod because she is sweet, can cook up a storm and then kick your butt in Cardio Boxing which is my most favorite thing at H3! Louise for being so kind to chat with and also as a trainer...I miss doing step with her! Chef Jen for showing me that you can eat different food for 28 days that is healthy and tasty without any exception. Plus, she is a former Minnesotan...special in my heart. She understands us from up north! Alicia for her chat the day I made my testimonial....you made that easy and are a great asset to H3!
Jeff gets his own paragraph. When I went to H3 if you would have told me that my closest friend leaving would be a 22 year old guy that does ironman competitions, I would have laughed you off. Jeff is that guy. We hit it off in class with our mutual love of the challenge but also in how we enjoy the energy and dare I say cutting it up in class. I fed off of his energy and I think that is mutual. Then add in the @home coaching. I looked forward to our sessions which at first were keeping me stable and eliminating the risks of my upcoming weeks. In the latter meetings, it was more about success and just chatting about what he and I had going on in training and life in general. I could go on forever about Jeff but I will save something for later/
Now, we come to the amazing people I met at H3, Lifelong friends. Dale B, Kelly B, James W, Big Daddy, John, the man that showed me what a metabo-oyster is, my lady friends from North Carolina and Lousiana Lisa, Liz F, John D., Maglio C, Cari D, Chemain, the new friends I made from the cast of Heavy like Stacia, Julia, Johnny and Debbie plus so many others I know I am forgetting. Throw in the new crew that was there for Devin's Dash that knew me before I got there. Keep reading these posts and keep working hard! You inspire me knowing I may have inspired you!
This year with 118 pounds lost to date has been my best year. I feel amazing and can do amazing things. Thankful does not even begin to cut it. I look forward to the next year and the challenges I have before me such as losing an additional 60 pounds, transitioning to 10Ks, 10 milers and an eventual 1/2 marathon. Yes Jeff, a spring tri is in there too. I look forward to having amazing health as I turn 41 in a couple of weeks.
Thank you all for helping me make this monumental change in my life. Thank you for SAVING my life. That is something worth being thankful for.
I should save something for a New Year's post but I want to wish you all on a quest to get healthy and lose weight the courage, stamina and strength to beat your demons and kick obesity's butt! You have all the tools you need to do it.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Finding Pillars In Your Life
Last week, I learned that my college choral conductor, Dr. Vernon Opheim passed at the age of 79. It the big picture of things, I was only with Doc for a few years in college and saw him a few times after college; the most recent being in May 2010 at his home in Tucson, AZ. Still, I think to how much I learned from Doc about music, about myself and saw how I wanted to live as a man. Doc was a pillar in my life. It breaks my heart to know I will never get to see and chat with him again.
I also look at the time I spent at Hilton Head Health. So many people there are top notch, loving caring people. The entire crew there represents a pillar in my life but especially Jeff. We connected and we celebrated making the change in my life together. Jeff is a pillar in my life. I continually look forward to the next race we might be a part of together or the next visit I make to H3.
My parents are also pillars in my life. I look at how they started their family at 16 and managed to build an awesome life for us through nothing but hard work and dedication to their work. There is so much I take from that kind of mentality every day.
My very own family represents a pillar for me. Jess for how hard she works and manages things while I am on the road. Ashlie for her talents and having the best parts of me in her character. Jake for being the guy that keeps us honest...always being real and honest about everything he says and does.
Obviously, we have these people in our lives that have touched us. Some by a lifetime of knowing them and some for brief periods of time recent or not. These pillars need to be our foundation of strength when times are tough. As I continue down my weightloss and wellness journey, I find myself looking inward and continually find these pillars holding me up...keeping me strong. I am doing this for me but I also do it for them.
Don't let these pillars collect dust in your memory. Keep them to the front of your mind whenever you find challenges or rough spots. Keep them to the front when you are succeeding too! Use them and the values they have brought to you personally to keep you strong.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Finding a New Way to Think or React
An interesting theme has developed with my day today. First, I was reading an article in the NY Times while my flight was boarding and landed on a business article about a guy named Dan Schneider, founder of SIB. He is a high school dropout that founded his first business when he was 16 and had his first store at 18. Since then, he has built other companies which brings me to his most recent. What the company is does not matter. He has some work practices that I find absolutely excellent.
1) Unless it is a dire emergency, nobody is allowed to bring bad news to him after 3 PM. It provokes a culture where people are motivated to leave good situations to share at the end of the day which is what will be on your mind when you go home to your family and friends.
2) When someone makes a mistake that costs them time or money, rather than rant, rave and swear (like he said he used to), he makes that person go buy everyone ice cream complete with toppings which they all sit around and eat as a team.
3) Lastly, he handles employee retention by rewarding employees that stay 5 years with $50,000 and again after each additional 5 years! WOW! This keeps retraining costs down as well as a positive motivation to keep employees engaged, doing their best job they can. In my line of work, ramping up new employees is difficult and then when they bolt after 1-2 years, you really lose more money and productivity than a company realizes.
Then, I jumped on the Gogo Inflight and saw that my buddy Jeff Ford posted a new blog about one of his recent half marathons. He talked about running with the outright women's champion and her awesome sportsmanship. I'd tell you about it but I think you should read it for yourself by following this link!
While I spent 4 weeks at Hilton Head Health, the piece of the journey that I did not expect was the 'SELF' piece. We respond to the condition of our mind. If our mind is not in a good place, we will have a tendency to treat ourselves or others near us poorly. Positivity counts. Find a new way of thinking like the examples above. It will pay back to you ten-fold. Wellness is a multi-faceted task to embrace!
1) Unless it is a dire emergency, nobody is allowed to bring bad news to him after 3 PM. It provokes a culture where people are motivated to leave good situations to share at the end of the day which is what will be on your mind when you go home to your family and friends.
2) When someone makes a mistake that costs them time or money, rather than rant, rave and swear (like he said he used to), he makes that person go buy everyone ice cream complete with toppings which they all sit around and eat as a team.
3) Lastly, he handles employee retention by rewarding employees that stay 5 years with $50,000 and again after each additional 5 years! WOW! This keeps retraining costs down as well as a positive motivation to keep employees engaged, doing their best job they can. In my line of work, ramping up new employees is difficult and then when they bolt after 1-2 years, you really lose more money and productivity than a company realizes.
Then, I jumped on the Gogo Inflight and saw that my buddy Jeff Ford posted a new blog about one of his recent half marathons. He talked about running with the outright women's champion and her awesome sportsmanship. I'd tell you about it but I think you should read it for yourself by following this link!
While I spent 4 weeks at Hilton Head Health, the piece of the journey that I did not expect was the 'SELF' piece. We respond to the condition of our mind. If our mind is not in a good place, we will have a tendency to treat ourselves or others near us poorly. Positivity counts. Find a new way of thinking like the examples above. It will pay back to you ten-fold. Wellness is a multi-faceted task to embrace!
How will you change the way you think or react starting today?
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Beginning My Next Chapter
Since finding my way to Hilton Head Health in April, my life has not been better. It was the beginning of this incredible journey towards personal wellness. We will call that chapter 1. My stay of 28 days at H3 was great and was very difficult to leave. I wondered how great it would have been to have been able to do a stay of 3 months or even 6 months as others have done. My success at home was just as great despite not being able to do it in a 'bubble' having classes with Jeff, Bob, Amber, Karla, Louise and others.
My leaving H3 had 2 key goals for the upcoming months.
1) No more use of a seatbelt extender on ANY airplane.
2) Return to H3 to run Devin's Dash on 10/8/11 without walking
Now with the goals met, it is time to start the next chapter in this journey. I have not yet decided on the goals which surprisingly is the most difficult thing for me to do. Keep in mind that the goals are behavior or activity based and not based on a number such as pounds lost or size clothing to be in. The weight lost and clothing changes are just the beautiful by-product of reaching for the behavior goals.
I know that my future goals will include involving others at work and my great friends that I met at H3, especially those that were on the TV show filmed there, HEAVY.
As I returned to H3 this week, I realized how many people are reading this blog or have watched my now very old H3 testimonial video on YouTube. I felt like a celebrity! A big thanks to Jeff for talking me up and using me as an example. I am so glad that Jeff is my at home coach. I want to thank everyone at H3, at work, in my hometown and my family for the support.
My leaving H3 had 2 key goals for the upcoming months.
1) No more use of a seatbelt extender on ANY airplane.
2) Return to H3 to run Devin's Dash on 10/8/11 without walking
Now with the goals met, it is time to start the next chapter in this journey. I have not yet decided on the goals which surprisingly is the most difficult thing for me to do. Keep in mind that the goals are behavior or activity based and not based on a number such as pounds lost or size clothing to be in. The weight lost and clothing changes are just the beautiful by-product of reaching for the behavior goals.
I know that my future goals will include involving others at work and my great friends that I met at H3, especially those that were on the TV show filmed there, HEAVY.
As I returned to H3 this week, I realized how many people are reading this blog or have watched my now very old H3 testimonial video on YouTube. I felt like a celebrity! A big thanks to Jeff for talking me up and using me as an example. I am so glad that Jeff is my at home coach. I want to thank everyone at H3, at work, in my hometown and my family for the support.
You all inspire me to continue this trek!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
How Changing Habits Can Change How You Are Influenced
As I flew back down to Fort Lauderdale this week, I checked my phone in Cincinnati to see if I could get a status of Jeff Ford's Timerman Half Ironman effort. I was happy to see that my ancient Blackberry was able to interpret the website and had status of the 1.2 mile swim and the 56 mile bike. Jeff was killing it. On the bike, he had a negative split with the 2nd half coming quicker than the first. I thought about him and his determination to keep pushing through such a gruelling course as he transitioned into the half marathon at the end.
As I thought about this, it made me think about how I view a race such as the Timberman now vs. how I might have viewed it prior to my visit to Hilton Head Health. The truth is, in the past, races like this, a sprint triathlon or even a 5K would not have crossed my mind and I certainly would not have had anyone to look up. This is mostly because I was not surrounding myself with people like Jeff. Even people I knew before such as a colleague in Richmond, VA that runs frequently and has run several races would not have discussed this with me in the past. What I realized was that my changed habits and new motivations have changed the people I surround myself with as well as the context of some of the discussion. It opens a new window to what is happening around me. This is not to say that existing friends and co-workers are any less important because they absolutely are not.
It makes me so proud to have selected Jeff to be my @home coach when I left H3i. I appreciate his level of effort to accomplish intense races like the one he did today finishing 18th in his division and 255th overall which included a large list of professional triathletes. Most of all, I enjoy having something new to anticipate and follow!
If you are an athlete or aspiring to be one like me, you might also want to check out Jeff's blog that chronicles his quest to compete in the Kona Ironman and discusses the importance of Crossfit Training. Check it out!!
As I thought about this, it made me think about how I view a race such as the Timberman now vs. how I might have viewed it prior to my visit to Hilton Head Health. The truth is, in the past, races like this, a sprint triathlon or even a 5K would not have crossed my mind and I certainly would not have had anyone to look up. This is mostly because I was not surrounding myself with people like Jeff. Even people I knew before such as a colleague in Richmond, VA that runs frequently and has run several races would not have discussed this with me in the past. What I realized was that my changed habits and new motivations have changed the people I surround myself with as well as the context of some of the discussion. It opens a new window to what is happening around me. This is not to say that existing friends and co-workers are any less important because they absolutely are not.
It makes me so proud to have selected Jeff to be my @home coach when I left H3i. I appreciate his level of effort to accomplish intense races like the one he did today finishing 18th in his division and 255th overall which included a large list of professional triathletes. Most of all, I enjoy having something new to anticipate and follow!
If you are an athlete or aspiring to be one like me, you might also want to check out Jeff's blog that chronicles his quest to compete in the Kona Ironman and discusses the importance of Crossfit Training. Check it out!!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Finding Something Normal
The last four weeks for The Orracle have been kind of crazy. As I look back, my schedule has looked something like below (hang in there through the list - the point of the post is down there somewhere).
- Sunday July 10 - Fly to Fort Lauderdale -work there all week
- Saturday July 16 - Fly back home with one week at home planned and then back on the road
- Friday, July 22 - my Father in Law, Dan passes away
- Friday, July 22 - still have to DJ a wedding after such a bad day. Do this with Ashlie since Jess needs to go up to Duluth
- Take care of 'home' while Jess is in Duluth. Friday, July 29 is the funeral in Duluth
- Saturday, July 30 - DJ in the farthest reaches of Northern Wisconsin - work around funeral by staying up north, bringing kids to wedding.
NOW IT STARTS TO REALLY GET FUN!
- Leave the wedding at 1:35 AM to drive home - arrive in New Richmond at 4:15 AM, unload truck, shower, pack remaining toiletries in my bag and head to airport. Fly to Fort Lauderdale on the early flight via Cincinnatti on July 31.
-
Work all week and fly home on Friday, August 5.
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Saturday, August 6 DJ another wedding. Get home in the wee hours of the morning. Actually SLEEP this time for 2-3 hours and then get up to head back to the airport.
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Sunday, August 7 - morning flight to Fort Lauderdale - stay there all week and fly home Saturday, August 13.
YOU HAVE REACHED THE PRESENT TIME
- Monday, August 15 - actually go to the office here for 1/2 day, then flying to Richmond, VA.
- Thursday, August 18, 6 AM flight to MSP via ATL. Back in the home office by 1 PM.
- Friday, August 19 - meeting with a company in Minneapolis
- Saturday, August 20 -another wedding! This one is in New Richmond thank goodness!
- Sunday, August 21- Friday, August 26 - back in Fort Lauderdale
- Sunday, August 28 - Friday, September 2 - back in Fort Lauderdale
So many of my friends at Hilton Head Health incurred weight gain because of taking care of a loved one or because of a death (and me also going back to 1991 when my mother passed) . These are the hardest times for us as loving, caring people but I wonder how we might cope differently if eating and wellness was not the first thing we chucked to the side of the road. We all know how much better we feel when we eat well and I think that might be true of our strength and emotions as well. Let the good food and fitness be our outlet. Don't cave in to the what we call comfort foods and fast food because it just plays a bigger role in bringing us down.
Wellness is the one thing you can do anywhere and any time. Like the song says, "Let The Rest Of The World Go By".
Thursday, August 4, 2011
What Would You Take Away From A Stay At A Wellness Resort?
My question seems to have a simple answer. Apparently that is not how everyone goes away.
Tonight I had my scheduled call with Jeff Ford, my At Home Coach and writer of a new blog dedicated to training and his personal goals of doing the Kona Ironman called 'Less Mileage, More Crossfit'. He said on the call that of the people he has been a coach for, I have been the most dedicated to the lifestyle that I learned at H3. I found that to be a tremendous compliment and somewhat hard to believe. Yes, I do live and breathe wellness, healthy eating and fitness once again in my life.
I feel like I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to spend 4 weeks at Hilton Head Health. To attend a program like theirs is not inexpensive. In hindsight, I'd say it is worth double what I did pay. When you decide to take that step to overhaul every aspect of your life, I feel you owe it to yourself to follow through not just now and then but with every ounce of your soul. I feel that the gift that anyone that has given themselves to attend H3i is a special one. You leave there armed with so much great information. You should live it and share it. Now, those of you that know me might get the impression that I am a bit of an extrovert. This is a possibility...and therefore talking about wellness and encouraging others is somewhat a natural trait that I have.
Will I slip up? Sure - it is going to happen. Even recently with some family events and a very hectic travel schedule my workouts have taken a back seat which makes me crazy.
I know other guests that have left H3 have maintained awesome lifestyles and just may not have been a part of the H3 @ Home program like I am.
If you are one of the past guests and have lost some of your drive, I encourage you to pull out your binder and read the notes and slides. Find that memory of what your stay was like and use it as motivation to kick it back into gear.
While I still find it hard to believe that I am the poster child, I accept the compliment....thanks, Jeff!
Tonight I had my scheduled call with Jeff Ford, my At Home Coach and writer of a new blog dedicated to training and his personal goals of doing the Kona Ironman called 'Less Mileage, More Crossfit'. He said on the call that of the people he has been a coach for, I have been the most dedicated to the lifestyle that I learned at H3. I found that to be a tremendous compliment and somewhat hard to believe. Yes, I do live and breathe wellness, healthy eating and fitness once again in my life.
I feel like I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to spend 4 weeks at Hilton Head Health. To attend a program like theirs is not inexpensive. In hindsight, I'd say it is worth double what I did pay. When you decide to take that step to overhaul every aspect of your life, I feel you owe it to yourself to follow through not just now and then but with every ounce of your soul. I feel that the gift that anyone that has given themselves to attend H3i is a special one. You leave there armed with so much great information. You should live it and share it. Now, those of you that know me might get the impression that I am a bit of an extrovert. This is a possibility...and therefore talking about wellness and encouraging others is somewhat a natural trait that I have.
Will I slip up? Sure - it is going to happen. Even recently with some family events and a very hectic travel schedule my workouts have taken a back seat which makes me crazy.
I know other guests that have left H3 have maintained awesome lifestyles and just may not have been a part of the H3 @ Home program like I am.
If you are one of the past guests and have lost some of your drive, I encourage you to pull out your binder and read the notes and slides. Find that memory of what your stay was like and use it as motivation to kick it back into gear.
While I still find it hard to believe that I am the poster child, I accept the compliment....thanks, Jeff!
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