Bridging the Gap, Road Warrior Style!

What is the Deal!!!!

2011-02-16T04:39:00.000-08:00

This is not my first rodeo! I have had two successful BTWG journey's in the past where I lost a lot of weight, made great strides in my wellness journey and avoided the injury bug! Not so much this time!

First, my work situation is much more challenging this time than it was the first time. I have always travelled a lot, but before most of my meal times were alone. I could choose the place, spend time making choices based on Nutritional information and say no to bread, appetizers and desserts! Now in my new role, all of that is out the door. Lunch in conference rooms, where there is a decent sandwich, with Chips and Cookies! Then for dinner, meals with customers. They want Appetizers and bread and more bread! It is very challenging.

Beyond the things that are beyond my control, even in personal time my focus is not laser tight like it was before. I eat and drink things that are counterproductive to my journey. Work is stressful and I use that as my Excuse (remember we are supposed to have None of those), but I decided this weekend, two months left and NO EXCUSES!

When I woke up Monday morning, I had a pinched nerve in my back. I could barely stand without my knees buckling and running and workouts were NOT an option. I went immediately to see Dr. Karen, BEST Chiropractor in the World and she spent some time working on me and made it bearable. She did recommend I take it easy and no workouts on Monday. Are YOU KIDDING ME! Month 2 and 3 were going to be my months. So, I regrouped and decided a second modified recovery week might be in order. I cannot use this as an Excuse to not focus on dialing my diet in and have to try to make the most of the exercises that I can do. My back is getting better and yesterday I did a 35 minute endurance style run and went pretty well. Tonight I see Yoga and Meditation in my future. I can do this, I have done it before and I will do it again

Bad for Work, Good for Wellness

2011-02-01T09:45:00.001-08:00

Well, the Ice and Snow has stranded me in Indianapolis. I was trying to fly out last night, but my flight was cancelled and all outbound Atlanta flights are cancelled today. Ironically, the Toronto Raptors played the Pacers last night and were supposed to fly to Atlanta to play the Hawks tomorrow and they are stuck too!

The bad news is that I had some Very Important work to do in Atlanta and I am disappointed that I can not be there, the upside is it should be good for my wellness and weight loss! Here is to making the most of the situation, still not sure how I am going to get my run in tomorrow!

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Location:Noblesville,United States

Peer Pressure

2011-01-27T03:41:00.001-08:00

Have you ever noticed how much your decisions to work to get more healthy makes other people uncomfortable?

There are so many examples it is not funny. I expected to have a much easier wellness week this week than last, but this week has brought on new challenges! Monday I was in my home office, that was a Great day, but Tuesday & Wednesday have really reminded me how much getting healthy makes others uncomfortable!

I have spent the last two days(and I will again today an perhaps part of tomorrow) held up in a conference room with a customer and a vendor. We start at 9:00 AM and go until 8:00 or 9:00 PM and go eat dinner as a group. From the lunch that is catered in, semi-healthy Sandwiches with Lays Fried Chips and cookies, to strange looks our insults to your manhood for ordering sparkling water instead of a cocktail.

I have a theory on this, I think it has very little to do with my choices and has a lot more to do with theirs. Your efforts to make healthier choices makes them question there own choices! It focuses on the negative aspects of there actions and they DO NOT LIKE IT!

This week has shone me that my new responsibilities at work are going to bring new challenges! No Excuses, I am just going to have to refocus my efforts!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Dunwoody, GA

Day One

2011-01-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Started the day a little sleep deprived! Stayed up a little late and had to get up at 5:00 AM to catch a flight! Over slept a little, but made my flight to Atlanta to work with a Customer.

Nutrition is going pretty well today, but I still need to find a nutritious low calorie Dinner. I did my first true Interval Run in a long time and I forgot how much it pushes your aerobic level! Of course, in addition to the interval training part I was in a residential area in Buckhead and it is not Indiana down here, they have Hills!

I also almost Tripped over a Christmas Tree! Someone had laid their tree out to be hauled off and I was trying to step around it. The street was narrow and SUV's (Land Rovers Actually, Nice Neighborhood!) were coming both ways and I was trying to stay close to the curb and I caught my toe on the top of the tree, NOT COOL.

Overall, day one was a success. I know from my last BTWG, that I will get my diet and exercise grooving, but it will take some time to get my routine down. I am a little nervous about the strength training, not because of the difficulty, but more about getting the flow moving. I am looking forward to the positive energetic person I was near the end of the last BTWG and beyond and I look forward to getting to the next level of Wellness on my journey!

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock

2011-01-15T05:19:00.001-08:00

BTWG is upon us! Big group meeting today at PR Fitness and the real work starts on Monday!

I am excited, nervous, worried all at the same time! The program was such a HUGE success for me the last time, but I have let myself slide over the last two years, particularly the last six months! I want it to be just as huge for me again! Wish me Luck! Good Luck and Be Well to all of my fellow recruits!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Noblesville, IN

Yoga, Yoga, Yoga!

2011-01-09T05:29:00.001-08:00

Well, the official BTWG Project start date is 8 days away and the official pre-project evaluation and check-in was yesterday. I definitely could tell that although I have done a pretty good job of keeping my running routine up, the lack of a good strength training and Yoga over the Holidays showed in my evaluations.

Yoga class with Chris at Cityoga started my day, and it was TOUGH! I told Chris that one class in about 8 weeks (due to the kids schedules, family travel and Christmas & New Years being on Saturdays) makes Matt a weak and inflexible boy! I think it even makes a huge difference in joint pain, muscle stiffness and the ability to do other activities like running pain free. I even think it makes a difference for me in my focus on managing my stress and therefore my diet. It is unbelievable how critical it is to my overall wellness!

YOGA, YOGA, YOGA!!!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Noblesville,United States

First Post Christmas Run...Much Needed!

2010-12-29T11:39:00.001-08:00

Well, it was far to long of a break, but I am back in the saddle with my first Post Christmas trail run!

The trail was beautiful, but the snow makes for SLOW going. My average road rate for jogging is 9:30 min/mile and my normal trail rate is 11:30-12:00 min/mile. Today it was a slow 13:53 min/mile. It makes it a little harder to get the full cardio workout, but with small steps and keeping your feet under you, it is more of a Cardio challenge than it sounds! It also brings a lot of focus, core and balance to the dance. For my fellow BTWG'ers with iPhones and similar devices, I highly recommend the iMap My Fitness App (screen shot below). It is a great way to track and monitor your progress. Also, if you run lots of different places it makes it much easier to know distance and pace!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:W 151st St,Carmel,United States

iPhone Blogger App

2010-12-28T05:40:00.001-08:00

Well, as the name of my Blog suggests, I travel a lot! I am trying a new iPhone App for blog posting. I want to see how easy it is to use and how it looks on the Blog. So far so good on my side, how does it look on the Blog?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Noblesville,United States

BTWG Makes a Television Appearance

2010-12-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

Check out the World's Best Trainer on Fox 59 this morning. I personally think the example student he showed is Extremely Good Looking! HE HE HE!

Location:Noblesville,United States

Here We Go Again!

2010-12-27T04:58:00.000-08:00

Well, even though Chris has taught me everything I need to know to Live a healthy life, I desperately need a refresher. My exercise routine has stayed pretty strong, the last few weeks have been a challenge with added responsibilities at work, but overall, that is NOT my biggest challenge, as always it is food and drink!

I struggle with Portion sizing and mindless eating more than anything, and the Project helps me focus on being accountable for every bite I eat. I also feel the project motivates me to see myself differently. It defines me as a fitness minded person with responsibility to
Myself, Chris and my fellow recruits. I am looking forward to the new challenges and wrinkles that Chris has thrown into the Project and I am excited to meet my fellow recruits, old friends and new!

Let's get this party started!

It All Comes Back to Yoga! - Or Life is Yoga, Yoga is Life

2009-09-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Below is a link and a copy of a story I received from EverydayHealth.com. The gist of the story is that regular practice of Yoga can assist in mindful eating to maintain a healthy weight. Yoga is so awesome in and of itself, but in transcends into all facets of your life!

http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/news/view.aspx?id=629794&xid=nl_EverydayHealthDietandNutrition_20090831

Health News

Regular Yoga May Improve Eating Habits

8/27/2009
Print E-mail

THURSDAY, Aug. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Practicing yoga regularly may help your eating habits so you can maintain a healthier weight, a new study says.

Researchers at the Seattle-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported a link between yoga practitioners and "mindful eaters," people who were better aware of their feelings of hunger and fullness and why they ate. These mindful eaters, as opposed to those who ate regardless of hunger or to soothe anxiety or depression, tended to be less likely to be obese, the study found. Results are published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

"Mindful eating is a skill that augments the usual approaches to weight loss, such as dieting, counting calories and limiting portion sizes," study leader Alan Kristal, associate head of the Cancer Prevention Program at the Hutchinson Center, said in a news release from the center. "Adding yoga practice to a standard weight-loss program may make it more effective."

The study was based on analysis of a questionnaire about mindful eating habits (such as being distracted by other things while eating or responding to emotional situations with food) and other health- and exercise-related factors that was completed by more than 300 people at Seattle-area yoga, fitness and weight-loss facilities. Though the average weight of the participants was within normal ranges, people who practiced yoga tended to have a noticeably lower body mass index than those who didn't, with the average being 23.1 versus 25.8, respectively.

The findings support earlier research by Kristal that found that regular yoga helped middle-age people gain less weight over a 10-year period than non-yoga practitioners, regardless of other physical activity and eating patterns.

Although about half of the new studies participants also engaged in at least 90 minutes of walking or moderate and strenuous exercise, only regular yoga class participation was linked to mindful eating.

Kristal, himself a yoga enthusiast, said that yoga challenges people to focus and accept their surroundings without judgment, key teachings that might encourage better discipline about eating. "This ability to be calm and observant during physical discomfort teaches how to maintain calm in other challenging situations, such as not eating more even when the food tastes good and not eating when you're not hungry," he said.

Kristal hopes the questionnaire his team developed could have clinical and research applications that would help people understand their eating habits and promote better ones.
More information

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has more about yoga.

Age is "NO EXCUSE"

2009-06-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

As we all try to live the life that we have learned through the project, everything goes back to "NO EXCUSES!" We all know that as we age, things may not be as easy as they were when we were 20, but like Chris says in Yoga, "We acknowledge it and move on." In other words, there are challenges that come with aging but we have to work through them and not use them as an Excuse. I am still young, but I am working today in hopes that I will set myself up for a better journey later in life. When I look at the other Project recruits that are a little youth challenged, I am so inspired by what I see them all accomplishing. Below is a perspective I received today in my daily message from Jillian Michaels that I thought had a lot of great insight. Her daily messages are often very good reminders.

TUESDAY: YOUR METABOLISM 101

Don't Blame Being Overweight on Your Age If you've been blaming your belly fat on the fact that you're growing older, now's the time to stop believing that weight gain is an inevitable part of aging! Yes, as we get older our hormone balance shifts in ways that encourage weight gain. For example, testosterone and DHEA levels decline in men, and women's insulin-regulating hormones become less effective. These changes can decrease muscle mass and energy while increasing belly fat and insulin resistance. But there's no reason we can't stay healthy and keep our hormones balanced as we age. Ongoing research suggests that age-related muscle decline is largely under our control. The more we eat clean, live clean, and work out, the better our hormone balance will be, and the healthier our metabolisms will remain.

I can't tell you how many people just let exercise slide as they get older; then they turn around and blame their lagging metabolism on their hormones. I'll be honest — I don't like to exercise. But the reality is, we have to do it. Your body needs exercise the way it needs oxygen and water. It's crucial to maintain muscle mass as you age: A pound of muscle burns three times more calories than a pound of fat does, and muscles scoop up blood sugar and enhance your body's insulin sensitivity.

As for optimizing your hormone balance, the best way to do it is naturally. Nature has provided us with the cure for a lagging metabolism — we just neglect it! We have amazing whole foods that not only help us balance our hormones but also fight cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. So what do we do? We spray them with pesticides and other chemicals, turning our natural medicine into poison. We have to reclaim these whole foods and fight back against the many ways our hormones are under assault every day. Don't wait until you're blowing out 50 or 60 candles on your birthday cake — fight for that healthier lifestyle now!

Here is a link to her website where you can sign up to recieve her daily messages:

http://www.jillianmichaels.com/

This Is How You Celebrate Memorial Day!

2009-05-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

I want to send out a thanks to my Wellness Guru and great friend Chris for organizing an amazing Trail Run to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project on Sunday morning. I got to spend an Hour and 45 Minutes running through the woods to help offset the excesses of Holiday Weekend eating and drinking and raise money for a great cause. Check out the link below:

http://btwg.blogspot.com/2009/05/memorial-day.html

I also got a little knowledge that I wanted to share. Due to the great advances in Health care and field readiness for injuries there is been a decrease in the number of military fatalities which is wonderful! The challenge is that many of these HEROS come home wounded and then have to learn how to live again under much tougher circumstances. We owe all of them so much, the least we can do is try to help them back to the most fulfilling life they can achieve. Thanks to all of the Military men and women who fight for me and my family everyday, thank you to all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in honor of this Nation. In honor of the Wounded Warrior Project, a special thank you to those who have lost so much, but have come back home. May they feel welcome and supported by all of us!

Long Over Due - Tough Week.....Fun Run!

2009-05-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well, like many weeks with a busy family and two working parents and one of them traveling (me), getting in the necessary workouts can be a challenge. This week was especially hard, but I did have some good things happen. There is also a Trail Run that I am planning on participating in on Sunday which is normally a rest day for me, so it will help make up for some lost time.

The fun stuff this week happened in Missouri. A lot of salesmen on the road look for the driving range to practice their swing, or figure out which restaurant and nightclub they want to go to that night, or they sit in their Hotel Room and eat too much food and watch TV or Work. Although I do wonder which restaurant I am going to go to so that I can eat healthy and I spend a lot of my evening in the Hotel Room working, my new hobby is finding the city's local walking and running trails. There are some GREAT ones out there and this week in Columbia, Missouri was one of the best. It is called the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail. Like many areas, they have taken an old rail road base and made it in to a trail. This one starts near the University of Missouri and runs 8.9 Miles to Connect with the Katy Trail. A Trail that runs all the way across the State of Missouri. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/MKT_Trail/index.php

It runs through the woods along a creek that crosses back in forth under the trail and the trial turns to long wooden bridges.

Another really cool part is where they cut the rail road in through the hills. There are these 20 or 30 feet deep canyons of rock, dirt and trees that shoot up on either side of the trail.

I even had a deer cross the trail just a few yards away from me. The only down note is that I almost stepped on a Black SNAKE! I can honestly say that was the fastest my heart has beaten during a run since I lost all my weight last year.

I also got an opportunity to try out a Kayak while I was in Missouri. One of my customers has a cabin in Missouri and he let me try out a Kayak. It was only for a short time, but it was fun and I can see it as a possible exercise opportunity in the future.

Here is hoping I do not have another week where I miss a run and both Strength workouts EVER again, but I hope I continue to find great places to run when I am on the road!

Revised and Improved

2009-03-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last August I posted an e-mail that my Aunt Sarah gad sent me that floats around the Internet, and it hit a cord with me. It covers a lot of what the Project is truly about in my opinion. Losing weight and running races and such are all good, but looking at yourself and others through a new set of eyes is what the Project has really been about for me! Recently, I got a slightly varied version of this e-mail and I thought it was worth posting again. I now believe that real wellness comes from so much more than just working out. It is a body, soul and mind wellness that transcends everything we do and every decision we make. So as you go out and make a run, or get ready for your strength training or Yoga class it is all in the right state of mind. This is a step towards lasting Wellness. Something you look forward too or at least that you appreciate the positives enough that it does not feel like a punishment. So, be positive and the e-mail I have copied and pasted below is some ideas on how to stay positive!

A GREAT RECIPE...

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control.Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Have a Blessed day!

Healthy Dining Finder

2009-02-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Based on how little conversation there is at our meetings about food choices.......I almost typed that with a straight face! So, seriously I found a link to this cool resource on Au Bon Pain's website called healthy dining finder, and it is AWESOME! Although I know we all agree that eating out all the time is not the ideal way to live the BTWG Project, it is clear that we all need to find a way to make Lemonade out of Lemons. As we look for the best options this is an awesome tool! You put in your zip code, or for the Road Warriors the zip code you are in and the price range you are looking for and it comes back with LOTS of choices. Even healthy things you can have at generally unhealthy places. So, when it is just you against the world you need all the help you can get, check it out and give me your thoughts!

http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/

Namaste!

Ahhhh, Yoga!

2009-02-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

So, as the round two Project BTWG group nears the end of the first month and the recovery week starts, I thought we could all use some humor. One of the most enjoyable parts of my fitness journey, outside of the project and the immediate circle of Chris and my Fellow BTWG'ers, is the time Margaret and I have spent with my Aunt Sarah and Uncle Harold. From Yoga sessions & Fitness runs on Football tailgate weekends in Lexington, to being our running partners at the first ever Fallin Family Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day.

So, on the recommendation of Margaret and I and with a little nudge from Chris, Sarah has added Yoga to her very formidable workout routine. Her routine has always included a lot of running, a admitted Cardio Junkie, and the routine has started to result in some nagging pains! So, this January she started her first formal Yoga class as did her friend a very talented artist and Comic Strip Author, Kenn Minter. Below is his characters take on learning the various positions of Yoga! Did any of you new Yogi's feel that way at your first class with Chris? Enjoy and when you are done be sure to check out Kenn's website via the link below.

http://www.kennminter.com/

From Family Time to Crazy Time

2009-01-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that I am still on my Project journey and looking forward to mentoring the next Group of pilots. I took the last two weeks of the year off from work and hardly touched my computer, and the first two weeks back have been INSANE! I will have much more to say when things slow down, but I wanted to let all the "New" test pilots know that I truly enjoyed meeting all of you and seeing those of you that I already know at Eagle Creek for evaluations. I look forward to getting to know all of you a little better. Please let me know if I can provide any assistance or guidance along your journey and I will be glad to help. Best of luck and have a Great Journey as you start the first days of the rest of your life!

When I started my journey one of my big weaknesses was coffee and I still struggle with it, but Green Tea has filled the gap nicely. I know that many of you may struggle with Diet Sodas, below is an article I received today with some great reasons to reduce or eliminate sodas. Enjoy!

Say No to Soda, Yes to Healthy Drinks
Five reasons why soda is bad for you and five healthy drinks better for quenching your thirst
By Dennis Thompson Jr.
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MS, MPH

Sodas are sweet, sparkling and tasty — but don't confuse them with a healthy drink. Doctors have discovered a ton of health risks connected with drinking soda pop. Worse, you're robbing yourself of a healthy drink alternative brimming with needed vitamins and minerals every time you chug down a soft drink.

"If you're choosing a soda, chances are you aren't choosing a healthy beverage," says Keri M. Gans, a nutrition consultant in New York City and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. There are a number of healthy drink choices you can make instead.

Why Say No to Soda?

Soda is truly worthless to your body. "In my opinion, there's really one major reason to not drink soda," Gans says. "It has absolutely no nutritional value. Soda is filled with sugar and calories and nothing else." Even diet sodas — low to no calories and sugar — don’t have any redeeming virtues, nutritionally. Healthy drinks, on the other hand, have vitamins and minerals the body can use. Even plain water can rehydrate your body without adding extra calories to your diet.

Sugary sodas contribute to obesity and diabetes. Soda is loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener that has been linked to obesity. Soda consumption also has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, both due to its sugar content and its effects on the body's hormones And diet soda? It may not be any better. At least one study has linked artificial sweeteners, such as those used in diet sodas, to increased appetite, greater difficulty losing weight, and a harder time maintaining weight loss.

Soda damages your teeth. The sugar in soda coats your teeth, combining with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. Both regular and diet soda also contain carbolic acid through carbonation. These acids work to weaken tooth enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay.

Drinking soda can weaken your bones. Most sodas contain phosphorous and caffeine, agents that are believed to contribute to osteoporosis. Experts also worry that people consume soda in place of milk or other healthy drinks, depriving the bones of calcium.

Soda can harm your major organs. Research has demonstrated that increased soft drink consumption may be linked to chronic kidney disease, development of metabolic syndrome (a group of symptoms that add up to increased heart risk), and fatty liver, a chronic liver disease.
Healthy Drink Alternatives

Luckily, there are limitless options when choosing a healthy drink over a soda pop. Some alternatives include:

Water. It is the ultimate healthy drink. "It's free in every sense of the word," Gans says. "It has no calories and it comes straight from your tap."

Fruit juice. Gans urges you not to drink straight fruit juice, which contains a lot of sugar. "Drink some seltzer with a splash of juice for a little flavoring," she says. "Rather than drinking juice, eat a piece of whole fruit. You're also getting the fiber in the fruit."

Milk. This is another essential healthy drink, particularly for kids. "An 8-ounce glass of nonfat milk has 80 calories and nine essential nutrients," Gans says. "You get a lot of bang for your buck."

Tea. Whatever teas you prefer — green, black, herbal — they all have been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants, which are believed to protect the body from damage.

Powdered drink mixes. They contain no tooth-rotting carbonation, and come in sugar-free varieties. They give your sweet tooth a fix without harming your overall nutrition.

And remember that you can always cut up some fresh fruit and pop a little into a tall glass of water for an extra flavor kick. Choosing healthy drinks over soda: Give it a try. Your body will thank you.

Last Updated: 12/29/2008
This section created and produced exclusively by the editorial staff of EverydayHealth.com. © 2008 EverydayHealth.com; all rights reserved.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/say-no-to-soda.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthDietandNutrition_20090113

Turkey Trot a Success!

2008-12-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Margaret, Me, Aunt Sarah & Uncle Harold at the Vastwood Park Marker

Well, I think with such short notice, the 1st Annual Fallin Family Turkey Trot was a Huge Success. The Picture above is of the Running Crew (Shame on Me for not getting pictures of the two other walking crews). I just sent out the invite early in the week and we had a strong response! My Uncle Mike and Aunt Cindy who always host the Turkey Day Dinner could not be there at 9:00 AM because they had to start cooking Turkeys, so they went out a 7:30 AM and walked 3 or 4 laps around the lake. At 9:00 AM, my Dad, my Aunt Rita, my cousins Fallin, Grace & Daymond made up the walking Crew. They did awesome!

The Running and Fitness Station crew was made up of Me & Margaret and My Aunt Sarah and Uncle Harold (they have been the shining examples of Wellness in my family for years).

Aunt Sarah & Uncle Harold (That is Love, cause I am sure Sarah wasn't, but Harold was four miles of FUNKY!)

Sarah and Harold have run Marathons and the like in the past, however as I went to them for support in my wellness journey they looked to me for ideas as well. Diet Tips, Yoga info, creative ways to strength train. I guess that just goes to show if you are always learning, you will stay with for ever!

Margaret & Sarah off and Running

We were not the only Crazies out on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a couple of the people we saw out!

I plan on doing this again Next year, it was a BLAST! What a great way to get your metabolism moving! Sarah also had the GREAT idea to infuse Healthy Food into our tradition. A few of us brought some extra healthy dishes along with our traditional favorites! We are hoping that as the years go by, they will become some of the traditional favorites! Margaret has already established the 100 Calorie Tiramisu as a family MUST. I added a Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin made with Gruyere cheese and some Roasted Diced Potatoes that were both low Calorie.

Back to the Turkey Trot! For the running group we started with the wooded hilly part of the Off Road Trail, my idea and maybe not the best idea. It got Margaret's Asthma going, but those of you who know Margaret know that a little thing like breathing was NO EXCUSE to quit. She worked through it! After we completed that full lap(about 1.5 miles with the wooded extension) we then did the lake lap with the 20 or so fitness stations (about 1.3 Miles).

Harold at the Fitness Trail Starter

Me at the Fitness Trail Starter

One of the Fitness Stations

After that lap, we did one more lap around the Lake of just Running (another 1.3 Miles) for a total of about 4.1 miles if my guesstimates are accurate. No Matter what we burned more calories than a Biscuit breakfast in front of the tube watching the Macy's Parade! It was an awesome way to share the Holiday with my Family in a positive and Healthy way and we still ate too much at dinner, but I know for me personally I ate a little less than in the past and I looked at things differently! On my final picture I want to pay tribute to the true Mastermind behind the First Annual Fallin Turkey Trot, my first and foremost weapon against obesity, my lovely wife Margaret. She came home Saturday from the BTWG breakfast round table (I missed because I was at church helping the Holy Name Society, the Church Men's Group, with Turkey Day deliveries to the needy) inspired to incorporate wellness into our traditions. From that, the Fallin Family Turkey Trot was born! I would not be where I am today in many facets of my life without her support!

Me (smelling Four Miles of Funky) and Margaret (the Love of My Life!)

First Annual Fallin Family Turkey Trot

2008-11-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

Talk about looking at life through different eyes, look what Margaret and I are planning for Thanksgiving Day Morning! Several of my family has responded that they will be there! Probably a lot of Walkers and a few Fool Hearty Runners, but it is better than lying around on the sofa!

First Annual Fallin Family Turkey Trot

Have you have ever wanted to enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner without feeling too guilty afterwards? Or, have you ever just wanted a good excuse to eat a little bit more? Join Margaret and I at Vastwood Park (Hawesville, KY) at 9:00 AM on Thanksgiving Morning for a Fitness Trail Walk/Run. Margaret and I will lead the running group and I am looking for a volunteer to lead the Walking Tour. Plan on a hour plus or minus visiting time and a little stretching time. We look forward to seeing you there and burning off a few pounds or making room for an extra piece of Pie (Harold). Please forward this invite to anyone in the friends and family circle that you see I have left out and please feel free to bring friends. Drop me a line and let me know if you plan on coming, thanks and Happy Turkey Day!

Thought of the Week from My Aunt Sarah's Trainer

2008-11-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Every Friday I look forward to receiving Urban Fit Facts from my Aunt Sarah. It feeds the mind with good and inspirational thoughts and ideas on how to live a wellness lifestyle. Her trainer always ends with a saying of the week and I thought this one was quite applicable to how this Project is so successful. It is as follows:

Collaborate

Be the light that others can come to with their ideas, visions and dreams! Never doubt that blending your talents with those of others can change the world!

I know that my collaboration with Chris and my fellow test pilots has changed the way I see the World, and that is good enough!

Namaste!~

Grant Park and Random Thoughts!

2008-11-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

I know that my blog is supposed to be about my project, but I had an incredible experience a couple of weeks ago and I just had to share. As many of you know my candidate won the presidential election and I was so Happy! But I could not have imagined how crazy my election day was going to be when I got up! Before I left Indianapolis on Monday I was trying to figure out a way to get off my connecting plane on Tuesday night and stay in Chicago for the "potential" acceptance speech, but I thought it was a pipe dream. I was meeting with Michigan State on Tuesday Morning (I had voted three weeks earlier) and was scheduled to fly back to Chicago on my way to Indianapolis at 5:50 PM. In the meantime, Aquinas College had asked me to stop by Grand Rapids while I was in Michigan, so I pushed my flight back to 7:50 PM. As I am in East Lansing I get an e-mail from mt Aunt Sarah and it it is a picture from Grant Park that simply says, "Guess where I am?". I responded with the message, got room in your hotel room for me. She told me she did, but she was concerned about me being able to get in to the hotel because the President-Elect was in her hotel! I decided I have to find a way to do this with out costing my Company ANY extra and without costing me a fortune! I called American Airlines and they wanted nearly $350 to allow me to switch my connecting flight to the next day! I knew I could not justify that expense, but I thought speaking to someone in person is more effective! So I flew to Chicago on my 7:50 PM flight and with the time change I landed at about the same time. I walked through the airport and looked for an American Airlines employee that I thought had a good spirit, I found two people that were the right people. They switched my connection at NO cost! I grabbed a ticket for the Train and headed downtown. I got to my Aunt's hotel and security is everywhere and entertainment tonight is out front trying to catch someone famous. I meet my Aunt Sarah and her co-worker Barry Russell who were both in Chicago for the National Association of College Auxiliary Services. I grabbed a Salad, changed clothes and the only Project Related thing was, I ran the mile and half to Grant Park and made it just in time to hear the beginning of the speech. It was INCREDIBLE! I stood among hundreds of thousands of people in Grant Park and there was so much joy and fellowship that it was Awesome! As a Political Science major that comes from a family that has always been in Politics, I have often been envious of people that have lived in the times of some of the Great Leaders in US history! I have waited most of my life to be inspired by someone! To hear someone that reminded me of Lincoln, or FDR, or JFK or Martin Luther King, Jr. and at that moment I knew I was at that point! The most amazing thing occurred as we all walked out of Grant Park shoulder to shoulder. People chanted his name, and sang the National Anthem together, it was incredible! I promise to blog soon about the Project, but I had to share my incredible experience!

Losing Weight & Keeping it Off!

2008-10-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

Margaret always reads health & fitness magazines, watches shows like Biggest Loser and she says that it inspires her. I never understood why a woman in such great shape could be inspired by all of this, seems like she is the one doing the inspiring. She explained to me that by constantly paying attention to wellness it reinforces what you are doing everyday and it also offers the opportunity to find new gem every now and then..... That is why I think this Project has worked so well for me. The time with Chris and my other test pilots has been a huge inspiration to me and it keeps me focused. I have signed up for daily e-mails like, "Losing It with Jillian Michaels" and "Everyday Health" to keep me focused and in hopes of finding some gems. Today was a reinforcing moment from "Everyday Health" that I thought I would share, I have cut an excerpt and placed it below. I have also included a link to it and to Jillian's website if you like daily gems!

"No Excuses!"

Health Tip: Lose Weight, and Keep it Off
Print This Page Send to a Friend
10/28/2008 12:00:00 AM
(HealthDay News) -- Losing extra weight is the first step to better health. It's also important to keep those extra pounds from creeping back.
The American Heart Association offers these suggestions:
Figure out what works for you -- what motivates you, which rewards you prefer, and which long-term habits you can maintain.
Be realistic about how much you can lose and how long it will take.
Pay attention to your calorie intake versus calories burned.
Use a pedometer to track your how much you walk each day.
Make a healthy shopping list -- and stick to it.
There's no need to weigh yourself every day -- once weekly is fine. Try measuring inches lost, instead of pounds.
Keep a record of the foods you eat, total calories, and exercise.
Plan ahead for special occasions such as holidays, and make up for the extra eating before and after.
Last Reviewed 10/28/2008 Last Updated 10/28/2008

http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/news/view.aspx?id=620599&xid=nl_EverydayHealthDietandNutrition_20081029

http://www.jillianmichaels.com/

Just Sit......Again!

2008-10-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Below is an article I received today from www.everydayhealth.com about the positive effects of mediation on your health. I guess Chris could say I told you so! :) I still do not understand why my ego has such a tough time letting go and sitting still. I guess I should not be that surprised, I have had trouble sitting still my whole life! Just ask Sister Mary Lucy, my first grade teacher. Anyway, the attached article is justifies and supports so much of what our "Yoga Sherpa" has been trying to tell us. Enjoy, and then.......Just Sit!

Meditation for Health Purposes

Meditation for health purposes is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There are many types of meditation, most of which originated in ancient religious and spiritual traditions. Generally, a person who is meditating uses certain techniques, such as focusing attention (for example, on a word, an object, or the breath); a specific posture; and an open attitude toward distracting thoughts and emotions. Meditation can be practiced for various reasons — for example, with an intent to increase physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance; to cope with one or more diseases and conditions; and for overall wellness.

Key Points

People practice meditation for a number of health-related purposes.
It is not fully known what changes occur in the body during meditation; whether they influence health; and, if so, how. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and some other components of the National Institutes of Health are sponsoring studies to find out more about meditation's effects, how it works, and what diseases and conditions it may be most helpful for.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

What Meditation Is

The term meditation refers to a group of techniques, most of which started in Eastern religious or spiritual traditions. These techniques have been used by many different cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. Today, many people use meditation outside of its traditional religious or cultural settings, for health and wellness purposes.

In meditation, a person learns to focus his attention and suspend the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. This practice is believed to result in a state of greater physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance. Practicing meditation can change how a person relates to the flow of emotions and thoughts in the mind.Most types of meditation have four elements in common:

A quiet location. Many meditators prefer a quiet place with as few distractions as possible. This can be particularly helpful for beginners. People who have been practicing meditation for a longer period of time sometimes develop the ability to meditate in public places, like waiting rooms or buses.

A specific, comfortable posture. Depending on the type being practiced, meditation can be done while sitting, lying down, standing, walking, or in other positions.
A focus of attention. Focusing one's attention is usually a part of meditation. For example, the meditator may focus on a mantra (a specially chosen word or set of words), an object, or the breath.

An open attitude. Having an open attitude during meditation means letting distractions come and go naturally without stopping to think about them. When distracting or wandering thoughts occur, they are not suppressed; instead, the meditator gently brings attention back to the focus. In some types of meditation, the meditator learns to observe the rising and falling of thoughts and emotions as they spontaneously occur.

Meditation is practiced both on its own and as a component of some other therapies, such as yoga, tai chi, and qi gong. This Backgrounder focuses on meditation practiced on its own.
Meditation for Health Purposes Meditation used as CAM is a type of mind-body medicine (one of the four domains, or areas of knowledge, in CAM). Generally, mind-body medicine focuses on:
The interactions among the brain, the rest of the body, the mind, and behavior
The ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect health People use meditation for various health problems, such as:

Anxiety

Pain

Depression

Mood and self-esteem problems

Stress

Insomnia

Physical or emotional symptoms that may be associated with chronic illnesses and their treatment, such as:

Cardiovascular (heart) disease

HIV/AIDS

Cancer

Meditation is also used for overall wellness.

A large national survey on Americans' use of CAM, released in 2004, found that nearly 8 percent of the participants had used meditation specifically for health reasons during the year before the survey.

Examples of Meditation

Mindfulness meditation and the Transcendental Meditation technique (also known as TM) are two common approaches to meditation. They are also two types of meditation being studied in NCCAM-sponsored research projects.

Mindfulness meditation originated in Buddhism. It is based on the concept of being mindful, or having an increased awareness and total acceptance of the present. While meditating, the meditator is taught to bring all her attention to the sensation of the flow of the breath in and out of the body. The intent might be described as focusing attention on what is being experienced, without reacting to or judging that experience. This is seen as helping the meditator learn to experience thoughts and emotions in normal daily life with greater balance and acceptance.
TM originated in the Vedic tradition in India. It is a type of meditation that uses a mantra (a word, sound, or phrase repeated silently) to prevent distracting thoughts from entering the mind. The intent of TM might be described as allowing the mind to settle into a quieter state and the body into a state of deep rest. This is seen as ultimately leading to a state of relaxed alertness.

Looking at How Meditation May Work

Practicing meditation has been shown to induce some changes in the body, such as changes in the body's "fight or flight" response. The system responsible for this response is the autonomic nervous system (sometimes called the involuntary nervous system). It regulates many organs and muscles, including functions such as the heartbeat, sweating, breathing, and digestion, and does so automatically. The autonomic nervous system is divided into two major parts:
The sympathetic nervous system helps mobilize the body for action. When a person is under stress, it produces the fight-or-flight response: the heart rate and breathing rate go up, for example, the blood vessels narrow (restricting the flow of blood), and muscles tighten.
The parasympathetic nervous system creates what some call the "rest and digest" response. This system's responses oppose those of the sympathetic nervous system. For example, it causes the heart rate and breathing rate to slow down, the blood vessels to dilate (improving blood flow), and activity to increase in many parts of the digestive tract.
While scientists are studying whether meditation may afford meaningful health benefits, they are also looking at how it may do so. One way some types of meditation might work is by reducing activity in the sympathetic nervous system and increasing activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Scientific research is using sophisticated tools to learn more about what goes on in the brain and the rest of the body during meditation, and diseases or conditions for which meditation might be useful. There is still much to learn in these areas. One avenue of research is looking at whether meditation is associated with significant changes in brain function. A number of researchers believe that these changes account for many of meditation's effects.
Side Effects and Risks

Meditation is generally safe. There have been a small number of reports that intensive meditation could cause or worsen symptoms in people who have certain psychiatric problems, but this question has not been fully researched. Individuals who are aware of an underlying psychiatric disorder and want to start meditation should speak with a mental health professional before doing so.Any person who is interested in using meditation as CAM should consider the following:

Meditation should never delay the time it takes you to see your health care provider about having a medical problem diagnosed or treated, and it should not be used as the only treatment without first consulting your provider.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

If you are interested in learning meditation, ask about the training and experience of the instructor (see also NCCAM's publication "Selecting a CAM Practitioner").
Find out whether there have been any research studies published on meditation for the health condition you are interested in.

NCCAM-Supported Research Some recent studies supported by NCCAM have been investigating:

The potential effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation technique to prevent and treat heart disease

Mindfulness-based stress reduction to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and, in a different study, chronic lower back pain

What happens to the brain's activity and structures during Buddhist insight meditation (which includes mindfulness) in a study that uses a brain scan called fMRI
The long-term impact of meditation on basic emotional and cognitive functions and on mechanisms in the brain that are involved in these functions

Last Updated: 05/14/2008

Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: www.nccam.nih.gov.

This Stuff Really Works!!!

2008-10-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

So why are we all in this project? To lose weight? To be a better runner? To be a better Athlete? To have some place to go on Saturday Morning so we don't sleep in all day or eat cereal and watch cartoons with the kiddos?

All of these are good reasons (except the getting up on Saturday, I still can't believe that I look forward to an hour and half Butt Kicking on Saturday morning that requires me getting on the road by 7:15 AM, but I do!) Weight loss was probably my key motivator that got me to make changes in my life. Those of you that know me well know that I did lose a lot of weight and that is great. As of this morning I am 46 pounds lighter than where I started and 19 pounds away from the weight I would like to hit, and that is a great feeling. I went from 42 or 44 waist pants (depending on the cut) to 36 or 38 waist pants. I went from a 52 in a suit that didn't look the best, to a 48 Athletic Fit in a suit that I had to have the pants and coat tailored down to fit my waist. All GREAT stuff, but on Friday I got the Best Stuff Yet.

Before

After

Near the end of the project I scheduled a Physical for the end of the project to see my progress. Before I started the project, my Blood pressure was in the Pre-Hyper Tension range and moving up. On Friday, my BP was 104/62. For 37 years old that is pretty awesome! That puts me into the category with Children and Athletes after only 3 months of focus. My Cholesterol was at 204 prior to the Project. Not awful but heading that direction. After the project, 176!

Thank you so much to Chris, my project co-test pilots that made the journey such an enriching experience for me. Thanks so Much to my wife Margaret for supporting me, encouraging me and sacrificing to make sure I could have the time and resources I needed to be a success! My Project is not over yet, but the last 19 pounds I want to lose will be a lot easier due to the great foundation I was able to lay with all of my Project friends! I feel like I just got voted of the Biggest Loser, so America the Next time you see me I will be 19 pounds lighter than I am today, but much more importantly, I will be 19 pounds Healthier than I am Today!

Just remember, there is no way to know for sure how many years you can add to your life, but I guarantee this has added an enormous amount of Life to My Years! (Kind of Stole that Line from Margaret, my original health & fitness inspiration)

WHERE IS EVERYBODY???

2008-10-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

It is amazing the tricks the ego plays on us! The project just ended, Chris is still blogging, I have everyone's e-mail addresses, yet I can't help feeling like the guy in the old Twilight Zone episode. He wakes up in New York and he is the only person anywhere, he runs down the street shouting, "where is everybody?" It just feels different. It is harder to focus, my workout schedule has been more challenging, my knee hurts, my back hurts, etc.

I know it is my mind, but it is still a challenge that I must overcome! No Excuses! Right? I am curious if I am the only person feeling this way? Any Suggestions?

Why I Love Chris & My Fellow Test Pilots

2008-09-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me how profound and far reaching the lessons of this project effect my life. I see everything through new eyes! This morning I was reading my weekly "Urban Fit Facts" that my Aunt Sarah sends me from her trainer every week and the quote of the week made me think of why this time is different then all of the other times I have "tried" to get in shape and live more healthy! By the way, note that tried is in quotations! John Singleton told me a story of the first time he meet his business partner at Promotion Fitness and he was riding the exercise bike and reading the paper. He claimed to be working out and she said, "No, your Not!" So I used tried with some liberties! Anyhow, I digress! I think that surrounding your self with people who truly desire to be healthy is the most powerful tool in our battle for wellness! So I will leave you with the quote that put me in the mode to post today. It is as follows:

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." Helen Keller

Thank you Chris and my fellow test Pilots, and of course Margaret and my friends and family who have supported my change!

Discipline

2008-09-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

So, tonight I started financial peace university. One of the big reasons I decided it was time for me to start this program was a recent gift from Chris (my Yoga Sherpa and leader of my fitness cult) of an autographed copy of Dave Ramsey's book. So as Margaret and I are setting in the class and learning about the plan, a bible verse comes up in relation to the program and I almost laughed out loud because it could have been about the BTWG Project. It is Hebrews 12:11, it goes as follows:

11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

So, maybe I will get to put some of my project lessons to work in other important areas of life......

Tooting My Own Horn

2008-09-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Below is an Excerpt taken from my Trainers Website from a couple of weeks ago. I am now passing the 30 pounds lost threshold and focusing on 40. Below Loretta and I's personal accomplishments are comments from many of my fellow test pilots sharing their feelings and successes!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Test Pilot Updates
NOTE: The criteria I used to select the monthly Test Pilot "stand outs" had very little to do with their weight loss. Rather it was a culmination of their effort, consistency in their workouts, consistency in completing and submitting their weekly logs, display of the No Excuses mindset, any extra effort (Loretta created one of the spreadsheet logs many of the Test Pilots are using and both Loretta and Matt have posted Project Blogs, and much more), and finally I took into account any progress the Test Pilots have made.From the get go, I have attempted to make it abundantly clear that Project: Bridging the Wellness Gap is about health, fitness, and well-being. While fat loss may be a participants goal or intention, the Project is NOT just about weight loss, it is about embracing a healthful lifestyle.Thanks You,Chris

**************************************************Hello All,I've been promising to share some progress reports from the "Project: Bridging the Wellness Gap" Test Pilots. The quotes below and the picture of Loretta and Matt relate to their first 4 weeks of the Project. Currently, we are getting ready to begin Week 8. Keep it up gang, you are rocking!At the end of each month, I am recognizing two Test Pilots who have truly stood out among an already amazing crew. For "Month 1" I selected Loretta (on the left, duh!), and Matt (on the right, duh!).I snapped the below picture at a recent Project meeting (Saturday's at Au Bon Pain, after yoga class). Loretta is holding a 15lb dumbbell which represents the amount of weight she was closing in on at the time (she has since achieved the 15lb mark!) and Matt is holding a 20 pounder which demonstrates the amount of weight he had lost at that point. Actually, he had lost just over 20 in the picture and as of yesterday he was just shy of dropping 30 pounds in the first 7 weeks of his Project!

Both are holding a signed copy of Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" that I passed on to them. The books were donated by Test Pilot Shawna.Congratulations to Loretta and Matt below are just a few comments that I received from some of the Test Pilots at the end of "Month 1":

“I feel great, my Chiropractor says I feel much more relaxed. I feel more emotionally relaxed, my Energy is good, It is easier to fall asleep. I have lost 20 pounds and 3.5% on Body Fat. Went from a 52 Suit to a 48. Wife says I look more toned. Moved two notches in on my belt and my “Dunlap” has shrunk significantly.” – Matt

“-12 lbs, cloths are looser, it is progress to me that I am even working out 6 days a week and don’t even dread it, this has definitely given me a boost of confidence that I really need to stick with me, I am more mindful of everything I put in my mouth and do with/to my body.” – Loretta. Not only did Loretta drop 12 pounds in 4 weeks, she also lowered her blood pressure by 18%!

“I think the most important ‘accomplishment’ I feel to date is that I have some how ‘shifted’ my perceptions about my need for food. I am not missing the desserts or sweet stuff at all. It feels good to be in control of what I am eating.” –Alison

“I definitely have more energy and just feel overall “perkier”. I feel like my digestion has improved…I rarely feel bloated or have a stomach ache anymore. I’ve lost a little weight and toned up a lot. I definitely think my aerobic fitness and strength have improved. Overall this project is just a small affirmation that we’re always stronger than we think we are and if you are really determined to make changes in your life, you probably can.” - Carrie

“My Cholesterol is down to 186 from 195.” -- Jeanie

“My body has definitely changed. I have greater muscle tone and I have lost fat in places that I find very noticeable. I walk and carry myself with more confidence as I find myself becoming an athlete once again…” – Corbin

“People at work are telling me I look ‘hot’ and my legs are ‘sexy’ and other great comments. I can see a difference in my shoulders—they are not as round/padded as they used to be—I have always wanted more square shoulders, and now I’m getting them! I can see a waistline forming so I don’t look like I have no waist. My pants are loose—soon to be too big—and I look better in my dressy outfits. Even my cheekbones are looking more prominent. I am able to crank the treadmill up to 5 and not fall off or feel like I’m dying! My weight load is increasing—my weed whacker did not give me a back ache like it usually does—so my back is obviously getting stronger. I can feel my muscles getting firmer and my fat dissolving. It is all very motivating—I finally feel like I am taking care of myself in the most important way I need to. And...drumroll…my husband is now counting calories and going to the gym regularly—not just for the hot tub! -- Cori

“I’m pleased with my mindfulness about eating, not eating, or making better choices. It’s very hard but it’s good for me to be conscious about my food/beverage in-take.” -- Joyce

“The most noticeable thing so far has been the way I feel physically. I no longer feel constantly bloated and my clothes fit me MUCH better. I have lost about 8 pounds in 4 weeks and I’m not quite sure how much body fat, but I know there has been a loss, even if it’s a small amount. I’ve never been a person who was worried about how much I weighed and I didn’t begin this Project thinking I need to loss 10 lbs, etc. For me, it’s about I feel physically and how my clothes fit. So in that respect, I’m definitely making noticeable progress. In appearance, I’ve noticed less flab in the mid-section, I’m starting to see my waist again! My arms and legs also have less flab on them and are slimming down… My strength and endurance has also improved. I can now do almost 10 modified push ups, compared to the 2 I did at the initial testing! My cardio exercises have gotten easier, my breath is not so labored and I enjoy the workouts a lot more now.” -- Kari

Check Out Margaret and I's New Idea of Sunday Morning Fun!

2008-09-03T06:51:00.001-07:00

As part of My New Lifestyle, I find myself doing things for "fun" that I would have never been doing 2 Months ago. This past Sunday Morning was one of those times. Margaret and I went on a Woodlands Adventure with my Trainer Chris. It took place at Eagle Creek Park, the second largest City park in the Country behind Central Park in New York. We started with and hour of trail running with strength training sections mixed in for an added challenge. We then caught our breath before we did an hour of Yoga at the Peace through Yoga center located in the heart of the Park. As a side note, the Peace Learning Center is a place in Eagle Creek were all 5th Graders at Indianapolis Public Schools go and learn about peaceful resolution and are surrounded by paintings of Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi and many more. What a cool place! Below is a link to my Trainers site so that you can check out the pictures yourself. Enjoy!

http://www.chris-roche.blogspot.com/

Sophmore Slump

2008-09-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well the first month of my Project exceeded all of my hopes and expectations, I lost 25 pounds, 2 suit sizes, 4 plus inches on my waist and more importantly I feel Great! Unfortunately, I thing I lost a little of my intensity in Month 2. I still made some progress, but I only lost about 6 or 7 pounds and I do not know if I was pushing as hard. I struggled more with keeping track of my food journal and I did well overall on my food, but I was Awesome Month one.

So where to go from here, I had a super intense weekend of workouts and as I start month 3 I need to recommit and refocus. Up with my Intensity, Up with my Focus, Up with My Results! Take No Prisoners and NO EXCUSES!! Have any of my fellow Pilots struggled with month 2? Any Ideas on how to get out of the Slump?

See Life through New Eyes

2008-08-14T12:59:00.001-07:00

Have you ever read something that you read before, but it hits a cord that it didn't the first time! Today my Aunt sent me one of those e-mails that floats around the Internet with an apology for sending it. She said so many of the messages applied that she felt compelled to share it with her friends and loved ones. I feel that it is so appropriate for my fellow Project Test Pilots that I have to share it as well. So, here you go!

1. Start and end each day with a PRAYER.
2. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
3. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
5. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
6. Drink plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
7. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
8. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
9. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
10. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what theirs is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals EVERYTHING, in HIS time.
20. However good or bad a situation is it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: Thank you GOD, I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

The Adventure Continues

2008-08-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Fellow Test Pilots,

As I prepare to board another plane today and head toward hotel fitness schedules and restaurant food, the bigger adventure starts now! My first attempt at Blogging! I feel young and cool, and old and awkward at the same time! Pushing our edges and No Excuses, Right! Is it just me, or is the Ab and Core the biggest step up of the Month? I have not had too much trouble making the other changes, but all of the lower ab stuff is KICKING my Tail!

Well I have to Rush off to catch my Plane, but I will post again soon!