200,000 STEPS

Finally, after 9 weeks, I have logged a week of 200,000+ steps. Most normal fitbit people are happy if they can get in their 5 miles per day, which translates to 10,000 steps per days which further translates to 70,000 steps for a week. I am not a normal person. I have never been accused of being a normal person. Normal people do not allow their weight to crest over 300 pounds as I had as of December 2014. I have always been a person who goes a bit overboard. At least when one is going overboard with regard to fitness activity there is far more benefit than harm. I am a person that is likely to take 10 mile walk before breakfast or after dinner, or perhaps spend more than two hours on fitness equipment. A person that does this can 'easily' rack up 200,000 steps within a 7 days week. I just completed my second week of full recovery from the hernia surgery. It is with great personal pleasure that I was able to exceed 200,000 steps this week. I am the master of dubious achievements. Surely there are worse things that one can do with their time.

Finally, after a 9 weeks, I logged a week of 200,000+ steps.

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For one week that ran from Sunday May 29 thru Saturday June 4, I logged 201,931 steps.  It was the first time that I have logged that many steps in 9 weeks.  During most of those 9 weeks, I was injured or recovering from my hernia surgery.

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BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Cream of Rice - Hot Cereal, 1 cup	160	36	0	3	0	0
Egg, whole, cooked, poached, 3 large	215	1	14	19	446	1
Butterball - Bacon Style Turkey, 4 slices	140	2	12	8	600	0
Sweet & Salty Trail Mix, 62 g	320	30	20	8	110	22
	835	69	46	38	1,156	23
L U N C H
Taco Bell - Crunchy Taco Shells	160	21	7	2	0	0
Breaded Pork Chop, 2 Chop	472	18	30	31	510	2
Earthbound Farm - Baby Spinach, Organic	20	3	0	2	65	0
Oyster Crackers, 28 crackers	140	22	4	2	120	0
Crab - Imitation	80	14	0	6	450	3
Sliced Beets, 1/2 cup	40	8	0	1	250	6
	912	86	41	44	1,395	11
D I N N E R
Turkey Pot Roast, 9 oz	390	9	21	42	1,590	3
Broccoli - Broccoli Steamed, 1 cup	31	6	0	3	30	2
Butternut Squash, 170 g	80	20	0	2	0	4
85% Dark Chocolate, 1 bar	420	34	38	8	0	14
	921	69	59	55	1,620	23
S N A C K S
Candy Bar, 1/2 bar	95	15	4	1	45	11
Jif - to Go Chocolate Silk, 1 cup	250	18	19	5	100	14
	345	33	23	6	145	25
Totals	3,013	257	170	142	4,316	81
Your Daily Goal	4,804	600	160	241	2,300	180
Remaining	1,791	342	-9	99	-2,015	99
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 2,874 extra calories from exercise today

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Your Exercise Diary for:

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	92	1,388
MATRIX TREADMILL	60	554
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	60	911
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	21
Add Exercise Quick Tools
Daily Total / Goal	213 / 30	2,874 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	1173 / 210	15,556 / 4,130

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I started my day with a 92 minute session on the elliptical machine set to resistance '13'

It was a rainy afternoon in Chicago, so what better way to spend it than  on a treadmill for an hour?

After my one hour on the treadmill, I still had some 'gas' in the tank (although not too much) and logged another hour back on the elliptical machine with the resistance now set to '14'  (I had set the machine for a 90 minute workout - but I just didnt have it inn me...)

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THINGS ARE LOOKING UP - I MEAN DOWN

Things are looking up. Technically, that is not true. In fact, things are looking down. After 'topping out' at 242 lbs during the 6 weeks I was sidelined with a hernia, I am on a very clear downward trend. Nevertheless, I guess the expression: Things are looking up, does apply.

an artists depiction of 'things' looking up

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This is a graph of my weight changes from the first time I stepped on a scale back in December 2014. If one looks at the 'big picture' - it is clear that I made dramatic changes. Unfortunately, a trend upwards had developed prior to my hernia, and six weeks of inactivity only exacerbated that problem.

Since my recovery from the hernia surgery, I have been able to resume an active lifestyle. I know I still eat too much.  At least I mentally agonize over my overeating, this was not something that ever bothered me on my way up to 309 lbs. Exercising (walking, treadmill, elliptical) provide two tangible benefits. The first is obvious - burning calories.  The second tangible benefit is this - When one is walking on a trail for 2 or 3 hours - one is not raiding the kitchen cabinets or refrigerator for 'just one more small snack.'

The recent trend of my weight has been down - so as you can see, things are looking up. (or down).  I topped out at 242 lbs on May 7th.  Once things get completely out of control, there is only one thing to do - change course. In the past, I let things continue to spiral out of control until all hope of reversing course had completely dissipated and depression and disgust set in. I am going to avoid that outcome this time.

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As DISCO STU (The Simpsons) has eloquently shown in his graph - NOT ALL TRENDS CONTINUE INDEFINITELY. So, if I want to continue to lose weight, I will need to continue to work at it. Just like everybody else who is successful at managing their lifestyles.

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Your Food Diary For:

Friday, June 3, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Cinnamon & Spice Instant Oatmeal	320	64	4	8	420	22
Kelloggs - Raisin Bran Cereal	760	184	4	20	840	72
Activia Strawberry Yogurt	100	18	2	4	70	16
	1,180	266	10	32	1,330	110
L U N C H
Footlong Steak and Cheese, 1 footlong sandwich	760	96	20	52	2,060	16
Apples - Apples, 2 medium apple	160	44	0	0	0	32
	920	140	20	52	2,060	48
D I N N E R
Cabbage, napa, cooked	26	5	0	2	24	0
Homemade - Crockpot Pot Roast	660	0	12	32	600	0
	686	5	12	34	624	0
S N A C K S
Nestle - Dark Chocolate Bar	440	46	26	6	0	0
Activia Peach Lowfat Yogurt	200	38	3	8	120	32
	640	84	29	14	120	32
Totals	3,426	495	71	132	4,134	190
Your Daily Goal	3,453	431	115	173	2,300	129
Remaining	27	-63	44	41	-1,833	-61
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,523 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Friday, June 3, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	92	1,395
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	128
Add Exercise Quick Tools
Daily Total / Goal	93 / 30	1,523 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	961 / 210	12,683 / 4,130

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SATURDAY WEIGHT: 235.2 LBS.
considering where my weight was a few weeks ago...
...I am happy about this.
Next goal to return to a sub 230 lb weight. (again)
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INDIANA DUNES

I keep on finding more proof that in my previous lifestyle, I spent way too much time being an inactive person, content to watch TV for hours on end. These days, I can spend a full week in various hotel rooms and never once turn on the TV.  This is because during the time that I used to watch TV - I am often out and about doing something far more rewarding.  After my late afternoon appointment ended in Chesterton, Indiana, my customer asked where I was headed next. (Customers of mine are always wondering which of their competitors I am going to visit next.) I said I was going to look for a trail and/or visit the local YMCA. She suggested the Indiana Dunes which were less than 10 miles away. It is ridiculous that in the nearly quarter century of living in Chicago, I had never once made the trip to Indiana to visit the dunes. Even my daughter has been to the dunes, coincidentally within the past two weeks on a school trip. I parked at the visitors center outside the National Park and walked about two miles straight to the beach. I still had to pay $2.00 admission fee entering the park on foot. I was told to look for the Dune Ridge Trail (trail 8) as it was considered the most difficult and it included the three highest peaks, which were nearly 200 feet above beach level. When my hike was over, I had traversed 12 miles. I would definitely go back with my family. It was very challenging to walk uphill in sand, as my feet sunk into the sand with each step. A more perfect end to a visit to Indiana Dunes would have one disrobe from one's hiking clothes and refresh in Lake Michigan, and then catch some rays lounging on the beach.  That would be a perfect day. Nevertheless, my completely unexpected, unplanned visit yesterday was near perfect.

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I parked for free at the Visitors Center outside the park as I was told that this was perfectly OK, but still paid the $2.00 walk in fee

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Entrance to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

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Before climbing up into the dunes, I walked straight to the beach. In the distant background is the small silhouette of Chicago.

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Mt. Tom (the summit of the first of three 'peaks' at the dunes

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It is odd to the the elevation of something called Mt. Holden be only 184 feet. (I promise you, it took some effort to get up there)

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With each step walking up to the top of a dune (on the designated trail) one's foot sinks into the loose sand.

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Taken from the rim of what is called a 'blowout' and looking back into the thick woods which  grow on the dunes. During my walk, I did see a wild turkey - although I did not snap a photo of it.  I guess you will have to take my word that I saw it.

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Your Food Diary For:

Thursday, June 2, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Quaker Oats - Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	640	132	8	16	800	48
KELLOGGS - RAISIN BRAN	380	92	2	10	420	36
	1,020	224	10	26	1,220	84
L U N C H
Oscar Mayer Lunchables - Turkey & Cheddar With Crackers Withtout Cookies, 1 package (3.2oz)	260	22	13	12	670	5
Nature Valley - Oats 'n Honey, Crunchy Granola Bar	190	29	7	3	180	11
Lunchables - Ham & Cheddar with Crackers, 1 pkg	260	22	13	14	700	5
	710	73	33	29	1,550	21
D I N N E R
Panera - Thai Chicken Broth Bowl, 1 bowl	290	37	6	23	1,320	6
Panera Bread - French Baguette, 5 oz.	360	72	2	8	880	0
Panera - Half Roasted Turkey & Avocado Blt on Sourdough, 1/2 sandwich	260	24	11	16	470	1
Panera - Chips, 1 bag	150	17	8	2	170	1
	1,060	150	27	49	2,840	8
S N A C K S
Grandmas - Mini Sandwich Cremes, 18 cookies	300	44	14	4	190	18
	300	44	14	4	190	18
Totals	3,090	491	84	108	5,800	131
Your Daily Goal	5,059	632	168	253	2,300	189
Remaining	1,969	141	84	145	-3,500	58
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 3,129 extra calories from exercise today

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Your Exercise Diary for:

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking	205	1,798
Add Exercise Quick Tools
Daily Total / Goal	205 / 30	1,798 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	866 / 210	9,825 / 4,130

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MAKE TIME

Yesterday, I needed to travel 45 minutes to Shipshewana, Indiana in order to set up for a one day wholesale fabric show. I needed to be there at 7AM. I did not expect to return to my hotel until around 7:30PM.  It was clear that I would have to be a bit creative if I wanted to work in some exercise for the day. I arrived in Shipshewana at 6:30 which game me time to walk the .75mile perimeter of the hotel in Shipshewana twice, which was became 1.5 miles.  When I returned to my hotel in the evening, there was still time and enough sunlight to squeeze in a 5 mile walk before a late dinner. It would have been so easy to justify a lack of time as an excuse to skip any kind of exercise for the day - I guess that it no longer my style.  It certainly used to be. No longer. If one wants to exercise - one can always MAKE TIME.

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I 'made time' to walk around the perimeter of the hotel where my wholesale fabric show was in Shipshewana.  I walked around the perimeter of the property twice before 7:00AM which meant that I had logged 1.5 miles before most people wake up and have their first cup of coffee.

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Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	320	66	4	8	400	24
KELLOGGS - RAISIN BRAN	380	92	2	10	420	36
Sage - Red Delicious Apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
	795	183	6	19	822	79
L U N C H
Pulled Pork Sandwich, 1 sandwich	440	58	13	19	1,080	18
Barrel O' Fun - Pretzel, Mini Twists	220	46	0	6	820	2
	660	104	13	25	1,900	20
D I N N E R
Noodles and co - Penne Rosa, 1 bowl	790	97	35	24	680	13
Noodles & Co - Chicken Noodle Soup	170	22	5	11	1,370	5
Add Food Quick Tools	960	119	40	35	2,050	18
S N A C K S
Cookies - Chocolate chip, soft-type	259	33	14	2	185	0
Add Food Quick Tools	259	33	14	2	185	0
Totals	2,674	440	73	80	4,956	117
Your Daily Goal	3,762	470	125	189	2,300	141
Remaining	1,088	30	51	108	-2,656	24
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,832 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking	12	128
Walking	12	126
Walking	68	940
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	638
Daily Total / Goal	93 / 30	1,832 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	661 / 210	8,024 / 4,130

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It's been awhile since I have eaten at Noodles & Co.
Last evening I visited one of these franchises as it was just four blocks away from my hotel.
I am trying to remember: Would the 'old' me of 2015 driven there?
A rhetorical question if there ever was one.  Of course I would have driven there.

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WELCOME TO ELKHART

Yesterday I planted myself in Elkhart, Indiana which was centrally located between my two business appointments, one in Middlebury and the other in South Bend. The temperature during the day was close to 90 degrees and by the time that I set off on my urban hike at 6:05PM it had cooled to 86 degrees. As much as I enjoy my indoor sessions on the elliptical and treadmill as it gives me the opportunity to while the time away watching netflix, it is much more rewarding to be outdoors.  The MapMyWalk application on the phone is great as it calculates the distance, the route and the calorie burn.  Its best feature is that one cannot get lost as long as the phone is in contact with a cellular network. This is very handy feature when one is walking in strange neighborhoods.

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You might wonder: How do I find time in the day to walk two hours?  I have basically removed TV from my life. I can remember a couple of years ago, I would settle into my hotel room and watch 4 or 5 hours of TV each night.  Watching that much TV is a kind of existence which I knew too well. It is a complete waste of time. Now if one is on a treadmill or elliptical machine and watching TV or netflix instead of lying on the couch eating potato chips while video watching - That is a different story.  It may still be somewhat of a waste of time, but it is not a COMPLETE waste of time.
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Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
KELLOGGS - RAISIN BRAN	380	92	2	10	420	36
Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	480	99	6	12	600	36
	860	191	8	22	1,020	72
L U N C H
Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon	230	28	6	13	560	3
Activia Peach Lowfat Yogurt	100	19	2	4	60	16
Red Delicious Apple, 2 medium apple	190	50	1	1	4	38
	520	97	8	18	624	57
D I N N E R
Bbq Boneless Chicken Wings, 15 pieces	675	62	30	42	0	0
	675	62	30	42	0	0
S N A C K S
M&M's - Crispy, 36 g	180	28	7	2	55	22
	180	28	7	2	55	22
Totals	2,235	378	53	84	1,699	151
Your Daily Goal	3,911	489	130	196	2,300	146
Remaining	1,676	111	76	112	601	-4
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,981 extra calories from exercise today

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Your Exercise Diary for:

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking	131	1,981
Daily Total / Goal	131 / 30	1,981 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	568 / 210	6,192 / 4,130

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After logging over 50,000 steps on Sunday, 20,000 steps may seem like a mere pittance.  It is not.

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