QUINSIPPI ISLAND

It has been a very long time, since I popped out of my hotel room while on the road and 'discovered' something interesting while walking. Tuesday night in Quincy, Illinois I hiked to QUINSIPPI ISLAND which sits in the middle of the Mississippi River. You get there by crossing a narrow one line bridge, with separate pedestrian walkways.

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Beautiful American Flag at the tip of Quinsippi Island

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In my own way, my rededication to weight loss, in the guise of consecutive days of EXTREMELY LOW calorie consumption has reached "Michael Jordan' territory: 23

THAT'S A LOT OF BULL

Among the fun things about taking an urban hike is seeing something new that I have never seen before. It had been nearly 6 weeks since I had taken a 10 mile urban trek.  I had been nearly two months since I had logged 25,000 steps in one day. Those streaks of inactivity ended yesterday. During my hike I had the idea of walking out to the United Center, the home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. My intention was to see if the arena was open to the public so that I could see the Michael Jordan Statue.  In order to gain entrance to the lobby to see the statue, one has to enter through 'The Madhouse' which is the official Chicago Bulls/Blackhawks store. Within the store is a particularly fun photo booth which I tried out.

In recent weeks, I have been embarrassed about my weight gain and as a result I have become camera shy. Now that I have finally convinced myself to reverse this unwelcome weight gain, I am less unwilling to take photos of myself. Afterall, photos taken of my now, will only serve to document how much better I will look in a few weeks.  

That's a lot of Bull - Taken at the Photo Booth at the Madhouse (United Center Store)

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This was my first urban hike of TEN MILES in a long time.  I had recently lost the confidence that  I could complete this a hike like this. This past week when I spent hours marching in place in my hotel room, I regained the confidence to take an actual hike in the great outdoors.  At the conclusion of this 10 mile hike, I met my family briefly in a Whole Foods in downtown Chicago. After having a quick, low calorie, healthy lunch, we parted company and I walked (a bit more slowly) home an additional three miles.  My total mileage walked yesterday was 13. 

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Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, September 2, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Appleton Farms - Biscuit Ham Slices	60	0	3	9	680	0
4 Poached Eggs	300	2	20	25	629	1
	360	2	23	34	1,309	1
L U N C H
Read - 3 Bean Salad	300	65	0	5	1,500	40
Chicken Drumstick	100	1	5	14	0	0
Baked Whitefish Filet	300	0	14	41	108	0
Broccoli	50	8	0	2	40	1
Fire Roasted Corn	50	8	4	1	100	1
	800	82	23	63	1,748	42
D I N N E R
Taco Bell - Beefy Potatorito, 1 burrito	450	45	24	14	1,030	3
	450	45	24	14	1,030	3
S N A C K S
Jacob's - Cream Crackers	240	40	8	4	320	0
	240	40	8	4	320	0
Totals	1,850	169	78	115	4,407	46
Your Daily Goal	3,795	474	126	190	2,300	142
Remaining	1,945	305	48	75	-2,107	96
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 1,865 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 224.2 lbs in 5 weeks     

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This was the famous Michael Jordan Statue that drew me to the United Center.  It used to be outside on the east side of the building. After an addition to the building was recently completed, it was moved indoors into a big open lobby area.

HUMBOLDT PARK

Humboldt Park, the community and the actual park are located on the west side of Chicago. It is in a part of the city that many 'northsiders' never see due to its 'inaccessibility' and/or the fear that it might be dangerous. 

Humboldt Park Field House and Refectory, 2014

I am fairly certain that I would not make a habit of visiting this location after dark. A lone guy trekking along with a backpack garners unusual stares in some neighborhoods. I have only once in all my urban treks felt uneasy, and that was much closer to home in broad daylight in front of a low income housing project. At that time, not a single person said anything to me to make me feel unsafe, but there is something discomfiting about walking past a block with scores of people just hanging around, apparently not doing too much of anything. And recently in America, thanks to our President, race relations are not exactly at a zenith.

Apparently Humboldt Park has been a place for Chicagoans to kick back for quite some time.

1883 Lithograph by Louis Glaser (1881-1915),  german printer

Humboldt Park was nothing like that. The park itself was large and reminded me of Central Park in New York. The park is home to a lagoon where fishing is allowed and encouraged, although I have no idea what fish are being hooked. I saw a lone woman with an entire section of the park to herself doing some new age exercise - yoga? pilates? Honestly, I have no idea. My hike yesterday, took me to Humboldt Park, and from there I continued my urban hike to visit to Garfield Observatory, then I turned east back to the city and passed the United Center which is currently adding a completely new wing to the building. I had wanted to see the famous Michael Jordan statue but that will be out of public view for a few months more as the construction project continues. During my hike I passed Roberto Clemente High School. I stared at this wall mural for a few moments trying to figure out why the artist has written the word 'hate' on Roberto's jersey.  Finally, I figured out that I was seeing the artists rendition of part of the name of the team that Roberto played for, The Pirates.

I had to stare at this wall mural for a few moments trying to determine why the word 'Hate" was on Roberto Clemente's jersey. I finally figured out that it was not 'Hate" but a part of his jersey, "PIRATES."  (Yes, that did make much more sense!) The artist depicted on part of Clemente's jersey, as the complete name of the team was obscured by a tiled rendition of a jacket.

I have lived in Chicago for 23 years, yesterday was the first time that I ever saw Humboldt Park from within the park.

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Isn't this supposed to be election season? Perhaps you have heard, the United States is about to select its next President in less than 50 days. When one walks 17 miles through a city, one might expect to see some yard signs, or signs in windows professing support for one candidate or another. The thing is, since both candidates are mostly distrusted by their own supporters, it appears that not too many people are willing to publicly announce their support to the world.  I have no doubt that the upcoming debate on Monday will be watched by many millions of voters. It is not a lack of interest that prevents people for publicly endorsing their guy (or gal). I did pass a bar which is looking to cash in on the Monday debate in much the same way that bars like to cash in on popular football games.

Other than this sign promoting the upcoming nationally televised debate, I did not notice one single solitary sign on anyone's lawn, window or doorway endorsing either candidate for President. I did see one "Hillary" sign, but it appeared to support her for a different job aside from the Presidency.

Hillary for Prison 2016

The private house that posted this sign on the west side of Chicago was protected by a iron fence.  That was probably a good idea. Chicago is a city in a state that has voted Democratic for the Presidency every time in recent years. This sign would probably not be too popular with most of the nearby neighbors.  Me? I concur completely the sentiments of this placard.

The first urban hike of my day was ended once I had logged 17 miles. Late in the evening, I met my family at a supermarket for which I had to walk an additional 3 miles.

Your Food Diary For:

Friday, September 23, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Generic - Banana	110	30	0	1	0	19
Fruit - Honeycrisp Apple	80	22	0	0	0	17
YOGURT ALMONDS	300	30	19	5	27	26
	490	82	19	6	27	62
L U N C H
Trader Joes - Multigrain O's	440	96	4	8	540	24
	440	96	4	8	540	24
D I N N E R
Generic - Battered and Fried Codfish	300	22	16	19	0	0
Chef Salad	600	18	44	34	1,275	9
	900	40	60	53	1,275	9
S N A C K S
Dark Chocolate Chips	300	34	21	0	0	26
	300	34	21	0	0	26
Totals	2,130	252	104	67	1,842	121
Your Daily Goal	5,565	695	185	279	2,300	208
Remaining	3,435	443	81	212	458	87
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 3,635 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Friday, September 23, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
17 MILE URBAN HIKE	232	3,205
3 MILE URBAN HIKE	39	603
Add Exercise Quick Tools
Daily Total / Goal	271 / 30	3,808 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	859 / 210	13,007 / 4,130

SATURDAY - TIME TO WEIGH MYSELF
I am fairly certain my results would have been much improved if I could remember to eat less.
Nevertheless, my weight this morning was 219.9 lbs.
I guess, I will simply choose to be happy that I have remained under 220.0 lbs.
Still down 89 pounds from where I started nearly two years ago.

DON'T GET A BIG HEAD

Nearly one year ago on December 24th, 2014, I weighed 309 lbs.  These days, when I step on the scale I am under 220 lbs.  I have lost 90+ lbs.  It is true, that the good looking me (better looking me?) that was so successfully hidden for many years has re-emerged.  I do feel good about myself.  I do enjoy wearing nice clothes.  I do enjoy seeing myself in photographs.  I do enjoy my reflection in the mirror.  I do enjoy being able to shop for clothes in any store anywhere.  (Last year I was relegated to shopping at the KING SIZE website) I do enjoy seeing my thinner shadow trailing me when I am outdoors.  I have received many nice compliments from friends, family and customers over the past few months.  I need to remind myself, though, not to get A BIG HEAD.

The expression, 'a big head' refers to cockiness, or big ego. Often 'a big head' occurs when accomplishments achieved and compliments associated with those accomplishments lead a person believe that they are either infallible on a topic and/or can tackle greater challenges for which they are not capable. Often people may be told: "Don't get full of yourself".  Colossal Olmec Heads are something completely different!

Replica of colossal Olmec Head #8.  Head of Veracruz leader, Ignacio Perez Solano
description: STONE: height 7 ft. 3 in., 1700 pounds.
location: Field Museum Lawn, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Museum Campus

The ancient Olmec, one of the first complex societies in the Americas, are remembered for their colossal head sculptures, 17 of which have been recovered to date.  Each original head is distinctive and believed to embody the likeness of an individual leader.  Though all of the heads were carved in a sylized manner, Olmec Head #8 is considered the most naturalistic. The State of Veracruz, Mexico donated Ignacia Perez Solano's 1700-pound stone replica to the city of Chicago. (Oct 2003)

A plaque near the replica reads:

This sculpture is a replica of Olmec Head #8 from the site of San Lorenzo. It is one of 17 known colossal heads created by the ancient Olmec people in the states of Veracruz and Tobasco, Mexico. The Olmec flourished in the Gulf Coast region of Mexico from 1300 to 300 BC.  Most scholars believe that Olmec carved these stone heads to commemorate their rulers.

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During this Thanksgiving Holiday shortened week, it has been nearly impossible to secure an appointment to sell buttons or fabrics to anyone.  Most people are getting ready to either host guests or getting ready to travel to be a guest somewhere else.  I do have an appointment today, but yesterday I took full advantage of my 'downtime.'   I had planned on taking my regular 10 mile walk, but since the weather was comfortable (30° F when I started at 8:35AM) I decided to KEEP GOING.  I did not stop until I had walked 20 miles.

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Your Food Diary For:

Monday, November 23, 2015

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
General Mills - Cheerios-peanut Butter Multigrain, 3/4 cup	110	23	2	2	130	9
John McCann Steel Cut - Oat Meal, 1 cup	600	108	0	16	0	0
	710	131	2	18	130	9
L U N C H
WHOLE FOODS - WHOLE CASHEWS (RAW), 52.5 g (approx 1/4 cup)	270	12	21	8	0	3
WHOLE FOODS - JUMBO TURKISH FIGS, 4 figs	130	42	0	1	0	28
WHOLE FOODS 9392 - YOGURT RAISINS, 64.0 g (approx 34 pieces)	272	45	11	2	24	40
WHOLE FOODS 8497 - CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA, 82.5 g (3/4 cup)	360	60	11	8	90	23
Whole Foods 365 Organic - Organic Turkey Jerky, 3 oz	180	18	0	33	810	15
	1,212	177	43	51	924	109
D I N N E R
Roundy's - No Salt Added Sweet Peas - Canned, 1 3/4 cup	210	35	2	14	53	18
Campbells Home Style Soup - Italian Wedding Soup, 2 cup	200	26	5	12	820	8
Hilshire Farms - Beef Polska Kielbasa, 6 oz	540	9	48	21	1,680	3
	950	70	55	47	2,553	29
S N A C K S
Cheerios - Peanut Butter Multigrain Cheerios, 3 cup	330	69	5	6	390	27
	330	69	5	6	390	27
Totals	3,202	447	103	122	3,997	173
Your Daily Goal	5,566	696	185	279	2,300	208
Remaining	2,364	249	81	157	-1,696	34
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 3,636 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Monday, November 23, 2015

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking, 4.5 mph, very, very brisk pace	269	3,818
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-182
Daily Total / Goal	270 / 30	3,636 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	270 / 210	3,636 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 3202 calories
total calories burned (20 mile walk) 3818 calories
total net calories 616 calorie deficit
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fitbit day 82

56219 steps

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ten mile walking streak reached 15 days

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During a 20 mile walk...there is always some time to pause for a few moments and have some fun with the iPhone camera and  the 10 second timer.

No, it's not Michael Jordan....It's me... Marc Jacobs. Although me and 'MJ' share initials...We apparently do not share equivalent 'levitating' abilities.

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Perhaps if I had taken my photo with a basketball in my right hand I could have pulled of the Michael Jordan 'look' a little better..... 

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If I was unconsciously trying to emulate the logo of My Fitness Pal app with my flying leap into the air - I think I didn't exactly get that done either.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...TRY, TRY AGAIN  (I am fairly certain that some version of this nugget of wisdom is known to everyone)

On Friday I surprised myself when I lasted for a full two hours, 125 minutes on the Precor EFX576i doing a 4:3 Interval Training Session and 'burned' 1578 calories.  I was impressed.  I also wanted to find if this was a fluke or if I could actually do it again.  So I did.  On Saturday.

TWO HOURS, FIVE MINUTE PRECOR EFX 576i (YMCA) 4:3 INTERVAL WORKOUT

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26 JUNE FRIDAY       125 MINUTES       DISTANCE 9.93 MILES      1578 CALORIES BURNED

27 JUNE SATURDAY 125 MINUTES      DISTANCE 9.87 MILES       1556 CALORIES BURNED

28 JUNE SUNDAY     125 MINUTES       DISTANCE 10.08 MILES     1609 CALORIES BURNED

On Saturday I tried to 'break' past 10 miles, and I failed, in fact, I traveled slightly less than the day before and burned less calories.   Was this the law of diminishing returns at work?  Should I have given myself a day of rest?  Of course, I should have.  However, that is not my way.

On Sunday I was more determined to surpass a distance of 10 miles and I was successful, with a few yards (meters) to spare.   And I 'burned' more calories than on the first two attempts.

I have a mountain waiting for me on October 1st.  HALF DOME in YOSEMITE PARK.  I am training.  This expedition to the summit of HALF DOME is just a little more than 90 days away.  No pun intended, I don't want my training to 'peak' too soon.  Just like I could barely imagine the speed and intensity of my initial weight loss, I wonder how much more energy and stamina I am going to have in one month? or two months?  or by the morning of October 1st, when my brother will lead an 'expedition' of 6 middle-aged men up 4800 feet to the summit at HALF DOME.  I am going to be as ready as I possibly can.   When my brother initially suggested that I join his expedition around two months ago, I was both flattered and excited that he thought I could be successful on this journey.   I was also scared out of my mind!   I am no longer scared.  This does not mean that I think that this hike will be easy - I simply believe that I will prevail.

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 SUNDAY MENU

breakfast  granola, semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut shredded, corn snack,
                 tamari roasted almonds                                                       900 calories
lunch        dark chocolate almonds, wasabi green peas, peckham pear,
                 chewy ginger, cherry vanilla granola, sun-dried fig           930 calories
dinner       JIMMY JOHN'S #14 UNWICH, whole pickle                  250 calories
SNACK    EARTH BALANCE WHITE CHEDDAR puffs, apples   745 calories                                                                                            

total calories consumed 2825 calories

calories burned

PRECOR EFX CROSS-TRAINER 4:3 INTERVAL SESSION

125 MINUTES, 10.08 MILES          1609 CALORIES
JACOB'S LADDER 5 minutes, 450 feet,  89 calories

total calories burned Saturday 1698 burned

Sunday net calories  calories 1127 calories

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from wikipedia...

William Edward Hickson (January 7, 1803 - March 22, 1870), commonly known at W.E. Hickson was a British education writer.  He is credited with popularizing the proverb:

'Tis a lesson you should heed:
Try, try, try again.
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try, try again.