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oberon · 10-01-2005, 12:39 PM

I used to be an athlete. 10 years ago I could actually run 6 minute miles. I averaged around 200 lb with about 12% body fat. My legs became extremely strong due to playing soccer and skiing. As a result, I've always had a fairly high calorie intake. I've also been addicted to sugar for a long, LONG time.

Then I got into computers as a career. And eventually I stopped doing regular sports. Since then, I've put on a lot of fat and weight. It used to be I stayed around 250 lb for about 2 years, then it went up to 270, and now 280. I have weighed between 270 and 285 for almost 2 years. Except in 2004, when I went to a gym and worked out every day, which hadn't happened in several years. I'd go to work until 5 or so, then change and head over to the gym before going home. I was taking an advanced mathematics course (DiffEq & linear algebra) at the time as well. Eventually, after about 2 months, I lost about 25 pounds. But I quit going because I had to put more time into my studies. That paid off: I had one of the highest scores on the final. Unfortunately it came at the expense of my weight: I got lazy and gained it all back. And that's where I've been since.

But it taught me that even at my incredible weight level, it's still quite possible and relatively easy to maintain a good exercise program. The only trick is getting started, especially if your job is mentally difficult. It used to be school was, now it's work.

And since then, I have completely quit drinking pop. That's right folks: I have not drunk any pop or soda of any kind whatsoever (diet, non-diet, caffeine, and/or caffeine-free) since August 4, 2005. I have also started riding my bike again. I have been talking to several of my neighbors and friends to try to arrange a regular racquetball game. That was one of the BIGGEST catalysts for summer 2004: I went every day and ran on the treadmill because I was used to going there since I went 3-4 times a week to play a fun game. It worked incredibly well for me. And I'm going to do it again.

My goal is to get to the point where I am comfortable skiing. Last time I skied (winter 2002-2003), my legs hurt like a bitch just going down the hills. Never again. I know I need to lose weight to about 190-210, which is where I was especially strong almost 10 years ago. And I need to increase my muscle mass and decrease my body fat to around 10%, perhaps less.

In short, I've got my work cut out for me. It starts today, October 1. And I'll be out in the mountains skiing next month when they open, to see how it's gone. And hopefully by the time holiday vacation comes around, I'll be ready for a few days of intense skiing with my brother.

Hope that was a good read...

10-01-2005, 12:39 PM	#151 (permalink)
oberon Quadrature Amplitude Modulator Location: Denver	I used to be an athlete. 10 years ago I could actually run 6 minute miles. I averaged around 200 lb with about 12% body fat. My legs became extremely strong due to playing soccer and skiing. As a result, I've always had a fairly high calorie intake. I've also been addicted to sugar for a long, LONG time. Then I got into computers as a career. And eventually I stopped doing regular sports. Since then, I've put on a lot of fat and weight. It used to be I stayed around 250 lb for about 2 years, then it went up to 270, and now 280. I have weighed between 270 and 285 for almost 2 years. Except in 2004, when I went to a gym and worked out every day, which hadn't happened in several years. I'd go to work until 5 or so, then change and head over to the gym before going home. I was taking an advanced mathematics course (DiffEq & linear algebra) at the time as well. Eventually, after about 2 months, I lost about 25 pounds. But I quit going because I had to put more time into my studies. That paid off: I had one of the highest scores on the final. Unfortunately it came at the expense of my weight: I got lazy and gained it all back. And that's where I've been since. But it taught me that even at my incredible weight level, it's still quite possible and relatively easy to maintain a good exercise program. The only trick is getting started, especially if your job is mentally difficult. It used to be school was, now it's work. And since then, I have completely quit drinking pop. That's right folks: I have not drunk any pop or soda of any kind whatsoever (diet, non-diet, caffeine, and/or caffeine-free) since August 4, 2005. I have also started riding my bike again. I have been talking to several of my neighbors and friends to try to arrange a regular racquetball game. That was one of the BIGGEST catalysts for summer 2004: I went every day and ran on the treadmill because I was used to going there since I went 3-4 times a week to play a fun game. It worked incredibly well for me. And I'm going to do it again. My goal is to get to the point where I am comfortable skiing. Last time I skied (winter 2002-2003), my legs hurt like a bitch just going down the hills. Never again. I know I need to lose weight to about 190-210, which is where I was especially strong almost 10 years ago. And I need to increase my muscle mass and decrease my body fat to around 10%, perhaps less. In short, I've got my work cut out for me. It starts today, October 1. And I'll be out in the mountains skiing next month when they open, to see how it's gone. And hopefully by the time holiday vacation comes around, I'll be ready for a few days of intense skiing with my brother. Hope that was a good read... __________________ "There are finer fish in the sea than have ever been caught." -- Irish proverb