Moderately Hellacious Slacker

Networking...

2012-02-11T20:51:00.000-06:00

Working 24 hours at Humble FD

The MFF challenge is going a lot better than I expected. I could see this being a lifestyle, if only it was cheaper.

Breakfast: Mix-n-Mash; 9
Interesting taste for breakfast, but plenty tasteful. I found it wild to eat rice for breakfast. The cheesy mashed potatoes were awesome

Snack: Egg-o-licious

Lunch: Blazin’ Cajun Shrimp; 5

Loved the turkey version of “dirty rice”. The entrée comes with two lemon wedges, which overpowers the otherwise great taste of the rice. The shrimp was covered in spices which were entirely too salty for my pleasure. The asparagus awesome. I’d enjoy this dish with a healthy serving of asparagus and dirty rice, minus the lemon.

Dinner: DENYSE’S Killuh chili

PM snack: Shake

The day started busy, which hindered my ability to do homework at work. On a positive note, I learned that one of the part-timers from Houston FD is enrolled in the PSL program that I’m starting. Not only did he answer some of my questions, but her gave me several text books!

Push-ups: 42

Oatmeal

2012-02-10T22:07:00.001-06:00

Just as the nutritional consultant suggested, the MMF cocktail is indeed getting easier to drink.

I spent all morning at 4wheels parts trying to fix the vibration in my truck. After three hours and several prior visits, they have identified the problem as a bad tire. They have to order a new one, so maybe next week I will have the issue resolved.

I’m sitting here shocked at how much I must have “doctored-up” my oatmeal in the past. It’s always been a staple when I’m dieting. I use to add items like; nuts, banana, Splenda (or real sugar), and butter. I like oatmeal because it’s tasty, fast, and VERY filling. After this morning’s breakfast, I have a different opinion of oatmeal

Breakfast: Choice Oatmeal: 2

The meal was an epic fail. The oatmeal has a dry rice-like texture and lacks any taste whatsoever. On the other hand, I wasted no time gobbling up the fresh berries and walnuts. I could easily smell cinnamon, but I never tasted the spice. I ate about half of the oatmeal and stopped. Later today I will toss the remaining oatmeal into my shake...

Lunch: Turkey Meatloaf: 10

Up to this point, the turkey meatloaf is my favorite meal. In fact, I would put this meal against some of my tasty unhealthy favorites. Wow, the meatloaf was great, served with two of my favorite veggies; broccoli and sweet potatoes!

Snack: Egg-o-licious: 10

I’m stoked to find another perfect meal. Thankfully these meals are portioned, because I could have eaten a lot of the egg salad! I absolutely loved the egg salad and tortilla chips. The fresh celery gave me the feeling of healthiness. Yes, I know that sounds weird. It’s hard to believe a snack this tasty is healthy.

Dinner: Killuh Chili: 9

I’ve had this meal before. Taste is bountiful, but I’m left wanting more.

Picked-up the kids this evening.

Push-up: 41

Sleeeeeeep

2012-02-09T07:59:00.000-06:00

Day two of the MFF challenge.

I’m feeling good after a LONG night of sleep. I was doing homework last night at 6pm and couldn’t keep my eyes open, so I decided to lay down for a 1-hour nap. The next thing I remember was waking up at 7am this morning. Apparently, all my obligations are taking a toll on me. Either way, I feel really good now.

I cycled to the barber shop, which was roughly eight miles. I made a wrong turn on the Hunters Ridge greenbelts, which added another mile to my trip. The weather is pleasant, sunny and 65 degrees. My legs were tired and I’m not sure why…

Trail Bike:

8.89 miles

52:24

10.18 miles

I knocked out the push-ups early. I tend to forget about them, so now they are done!

Push-ups: 40

Breakfast: H-town Breakfast; 8

The meal is moderately filling. Loved the potatoes, but admittedly, those are always my favorites. I’m not digging the Turkey bacon. It’s a weird science project that neither taste like bacon or turkey…

Lunch: Chargrilled Crazy Chicken: 10

This is the first ten I have given. The chicken was moist and ever so tasty. I had to retrain myself from licking the container. The sweet potatoes with walnuts were another fresh and filling surprise. Even the green beans had a fresh crispness to them. The only thing I would have changed is a a tiny bit more sweet potatoes to get me till that next meal.

Dinner: Wes’ Country Dinner: 7

Taste is very personal… and I didn’t like the taste of the chicken crust. The chicken itself was tasty and I enjoyed the cauliflower mashed potatoes and the side of kale/spinach. The meal of marginally filling.

The late afternoon shake included one scoop of fruitein, one serving of fiber, ice, ½ cup water, and two cups of vanilla almond milk. The taste was good, but I think it would have even better with less water.

I found myself quite hungry, including hunger pangs late this evening. I increased my water intake to ward away the hunger. I kept repeated my mantra; Without Discipline, there is not Pride....

My Fit Foods challenge, day 1

2012-02-08T13:16:00.000-06:00

Working 24 hours at Humble FD

First day of the MFF challenge.

I tend to shy away from sour tasting foods, which made the MMF cocktail a shock to my taste buds. I elected to do the smaller volume shooter and be done with it.

Even though I have a past of unhealthy eating, I tend to be picky. On this blog I plan to grade the various meals by volume (how full they make me feel) and taste. It will be a simple 1-10 rating…

Breakfast: Americano Breakfast: 9

Very filling meal, which held my hunger pangs till lunch time. I wasn't excited about the red meat and would have rather had chunks of chicken or turkey. Very tasty meal

Lunch: Hawaiian chicken; 9

Again, very filling. The fruit was pleasantly fresh and sweet. The parboiled rice could have used more flavoring

Dinner: Brady’s Cobb salad: 7

GREAT tasting salad, yet I found myself hungry one-hour after the meal. Fresh ingredients. The tomatoes were some of the sweetest I have ever eaten! I might have exchanged more eggs for less turkey bacon.

Between lunch and dinner I had a “protein shake”. I used my own Fruitein, which is a combination of various fruit, soy, rice, and pea proteins. I combined the mix with one serving of fiber. Usually I make a smoothie with fresh/frozen fruit then add ice, SPLENDA, and almond milk. The fruitein and fiber alone as a shake lacked a desirable taste. I will need to tweak this shake and make it taste better naturally.

The only physical fitness I completed was my daily push-ups. I planned on walking, but I went to bed early.

Push-ups: 39

Too busy to breathe

2012-02-07T13:47:00.000-06:00

This has been a super busy day.

By 8am, I found myself in The Woodlands taking the state test for Hazardous Materials Technician. I forgot a very important piece of paper, but luckily Chief Frost had a copy in his file cabinet. He was the hero of the day! The test went good, but I could have done a lot better with more studying the night before. Bottom line, I’m confident I passed.

As soon as I got back to Kingwood, I met up with Steve and Westin and we went cycling inside Eisenhower Park. Wyatt was slated to ride with us too, but his daughter was sick. We had a great ride in the park, although it was quite a bit slower than I expected. Westin is riding a hybrid bike, which makes it difficult to maintain the same speeds with road bikes. Near the end of the ride we were confronted by two large dogs. We had to get off our bikes and carefully walk past them, but we survived without any negative issues. Otherwise, it was a great day in the park.

Road Bike:

13.08 miles

1:01:57

12.67 mph

After lunch, I took my second college math exam. I’ve been very successful with this class, yet this test slapped me in the face. I made an 81 and I’m better than that. Late this evening I submitted the test corrections for half my missed points back and I should get another 5 points for taking the test early. In the end, I should get an A. I need to slow down and absorb more of the information, because it’s not going to get any easier!

I had a consultation with My Fit Foods at 5pm. I was inquiring about their 21-day challenge. The staff has always been all smiles and helpful, but the girl doing the nutritional consultation today really knew her stuff! I’ve been a yo-yo dieter all my life and a wanna be athlete/coach. And honestly, I know what to do… I just don’t apply my knowledge. This girl actually gave me new information that was useful!

Alyson’s dad bought her a new bike today. We’re both excited that we can start getting outside more and staying consistent with our fitness. I keep trying to run, but at this weight it simply hurts too much. I’m going to try and concentrate on walking and cycling as my primary forms of cardiovascular exercise.

I forgot to finish all my push-ups yesterday, so while I was watching the Biggest Loser, I did push-ups during the commercials.

Push-ups; 75

UHCL

2012-02-06T14:05:00.000-06:00

I’ve done lots of studying today. I have two major tests tomorrow, Hazardous Materials technician and college math.

I visited with an advisor at the University of Houston Clear Lake today and I have a clear plan to get my BS degree. If I stick to my plan, it will take me 2.5-3 years to graduate. I’m glad a majority of the classes are online, because the campus is located one-hour from Kingwood. My declared degree is set in stone, BS in Public Service Leadership.

Once I got home from UHCL, I knocked out small chores around the house intermeshed with bouts of studying.

Alyson and I went to counseling this evening. The session went well. It's interesting how awakening the feeling is when you hear your behaviors (good and bad) expressed from a third party.

Push-ups: 25

I took an amazing picture of the campus building...

Eisenhower Park

2012-01-30T14:19:00.002-06:00

Wyatt is helping me stay more consistent on the bike by joining me for weekly rides. He’s not been cycling much either, so we’re starting and progressing at the same speed. After a month of cycling, I might try to schedule some rides with Steve. Steve is always willing to ride, but he has a tendency to ride hard, which takes the enjoyment out of the ride.

Wyatt and I rode two loops inside Eisenhower Park and beat our prior time by 2:30 minutes, plus we added three extra miles. We plan to use the double loop as a measure of our fitness.

The weather was perfect. We saw four other riders in the park. After our ride, one of the older cyclists (60's) talked to us for 30-minutes about the sport. He was an interesting gentleman and I wish I was half as healthy as him. He mentioned he was already 3-hours into his morning ride and still needed to log another hour. He’s the MAN!

I finished my push-ups early, because I keep forgetting till late in the evening. I’m feeling a little stronger. I think the program is going to be a success!

Road Bike:

13.78 miles

57:50

Push-ups: 30

14.31 mph

Homework at work...

2012-01-28T15:17:00.000-06:00

Worked 24-hours at Humble FD

I had a great shift on Medic two. I was able to finish lots of homework. The only call of the shift came in at 1:30am.

Not a bad day at all…

Push-ups: 28

Pride

2012-01-28T14:33:00.000-06:00

I took the kids on a four-mile walk through the neighborhood, collecting trash. I used the opportunity to teach the kids about community service, pride, and recycling.

I didn’t realize it, but today was a “Klean-wood” day, so there were large groups of people already on the streets picking up garbage. We still found aluminum cans, which we collected for our recycling bin.

The rest of the day was spent being lazy with the kids. I attached a couple videos of the kids acting silly...

Walk:

3.97 miles

1:29:30

22:33 pace

First road bike session of 2012

2012-01-26T15:14:00.000-06:00

Wyatt and I went to Eisenhower Park to ride our road bikes. It’s been more than six-months since either of us has been on our road bikes, so we decided to go for a nice and easy stroll around the park.

The weather was on the borderline of being too cold to ride, but it ended up being ideal cycling conditions. The ride went well, although the hills took an exhausting toll on us. We worked on shifting into the small ring to climb the hills rather than standing up and aggressively climbing. This should help us better prepare for rolling hill terrain.

Alyson wanted to run this evening, so I followed her on my trail bike. Even though the bike speed was slow, it was another couple miles in the saddle.

Push-ups: 30

Road Bike (plus 2.5 miles on trail bike)

12.92 miles

1:18:19

8.84 mph

Rain

2012-01-25T22:18:00.000-06:00

I spent most of the day doing homework. I’m starting to wonder if going back to school to finish my BS is a smart idea. I have so much going on right now and it is starting to become another stressor, which I do NOT need.

Strong thunderstorms came through the area, leaving us with 3-4 inches of rain.

The rain continued for most of our evening run, but it wasn’t enough to scare away the Texas Trail Nerds! At least the rain distracted me from the huge loss of trees inside East End Park. It seems most of the large mature trees are all gone. This is very sad for our little park. I can tell the boardwalks have taken a beating from the fallen trees, but KOA seems to be on top of repairs.

The nerds were six strong and good times were had by all. I’m going to continue bringing my cooler with drinks. It was fun hanging out and talking before everyone took off. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t bad enough to scare away the mosquitos. They were swarming with vengeance this evening, OUCH!

The evening ended on a sad note. Erin emailed me a copy of Alison's 4th grade "pre-writing notes" for the STAAR practice essay. Alison chose to write about an important person in her life, me. The essay was sweet and loving, but I literally broke-down when she talked about seldom seeing her dad. I wish things were different...

Push-ups: 25

Run:

2.53 miles

33:50

13:22 pace

Night Run

2012-01-23T21:48:00.000-06:00

Worked 7 hours at Humble FD (on a shift trade)

I’m learning to squeeze in time for homework wherever I can. Even though we ran three EMS calls during the 7-hours I worked, I still managed to complete another math homework assignment. Textbooks for the other two classes arrived today, which means more reading in my future.

It’s a rather long story, but I talked with a psychotherapist today. Within the first 30-minutes she labeled me as “passive-aggressive” based on one particular incident we discussed. She encouraged me to research the behavior and report back to her if she is correct. Well, I read about PA on multiple online websites and she missed this diagnosis. Seriously, 18 of the top 20 most commons signs of PA don’t fit me at all. In fact, many are complete opposites. I wonder why she said I was PA?

I took advantage of the slightly cooler weather with a two-mile run. The run pace was faster than I expected, yet the walk pace was slower than I anticipated. Either way it was a good workout. I ran on the greenbelts at night, without a light. Not being able to see more than 10-feet ahead heightens your senses and allows me to forget about the uncomfortableness of the run.

Push-ups: 23

Run:

2.34 miles

33:49

14:27 pace

Worn out

2012-01-22T23:09:00.001-06:00

This year’s obligations have already taken a toll on my body. School, work x 2, training, and a small social life keep me going 100-mph. It’s been exceptionally tough for the last three weeks and now it is catching up to me. I’m feeling sickly.

This morning Alyson convinced me to go for a walk at Lake Houston Park. Even though I didn’t feel well, I enjoyed my time outdoors. It was nice to see the trails were in good shape and the trees fared significantly better than they did in Kingwood.

We added a handful of small running intervals on our out-and-back route, but our overall pace makes it appear we walked the entire duration.

I’m on day two of my daily push-up challenge.

Push-ups: 22

Run:
5.25 miles

1:32:08

17:33 pace

Nasty weather

2012-01-21T23:15:00.000-06:00

Working 21 hours at Humble FD today

I took off a few hours this morning to attend a college orientation class. Afterwards I managed to squeeze in a small walk/run.

The humidity was off the charts and it was warm, resulting in a miserable run. I left the house in a good mood and came back cussing the Houston climate.

I’ve been talking about starting a daily push-up challenge, which I finally started today. It’s rather simple. I do push-ups every day. I look to see what day of the year it is and I do that many push-ups. For example, today is the 21^st day of 2012, so I did 21 push-ups. I’ll increase by one push-up every day. Sounds simple enough, but let’s see how the retention fares.

Push-ups: 21

Run:

2.35 miles

37:49

16:06 pace

Trailwood Village Bike Route

2012-01-04T00:33:00.000-06:00

Busy day at work yesterday yielded an unproductive day. Once I got home I took a quick shower and slept till 3pm.

I lounged around the house before I finally decided to take my trail bike out for a neighhood stroll. The nearly full-moon lit the streets and the mild winter weather was ideal for cycling. My goal was to ride on every street in Trailwood. Once I uploaded the workout data I realized I missed a few streets.

Trail Bike:

13.14 miles

1:20:21

9.8 mph

First 5-miler of 2012

2012-01-02T21:51:00.001-06:00

The first run of 2012 was almost perfect. If today’s run is an insight to the year ahead, then it is going to be a GREAT year!

I pushed Preston in the stroller while Alison biked. Even Alyson joined the fun, making a last minute plea to be able to complete the Woodlands Half Marathon in March. The regimen was an odd mixings of running and walking. I’m proud to say there was a lot more running over the last half of the 5.4 mile loop.

Run:

5.36 miles

1:19:57

14:54 pace

Happy New Years!

2012-01-01T21:58:00.000-06:00

I’m totally slacking with my usual New Year recap and resolutions. I’m not even sure I want to set new resolutions, as I tend to seldom adhere to them for more than a month.

I managed to squeeze in a small 3 mile run (with a lot of walking) this evening. We set out for six miles but had to make an adjustment and settle for three. I forgot my knee brace, which is unfortunate because my knee is quite bothersome now.

The scale was unfriendly to me this morning, revealing a number I was NOT expecting. Sigh...

Run:

3.09 miles

49:08

15:53 pace

MS150 bike ride

2011-12-31T22:12:00.000-06:00

Worked 24 hours at Humble FD

It’s New Year’s Eve and I have to work another holiday, while my friends are out partying like rock stars! Luckily, district two was slow today with the exception of a townhouse fire.

I had intentions of squeezing in one more run for 2011, but I got lazy and sat around doing a bunch of nothing.

This evening I took the final step and OFFICIALLY signed up for the MS150 bike ride. Hopefully I can raise the required $400 before March. I’ll be riding with Team Hope.

Triceps and Back with TS

2011-12-30T22:18:00.000-06:00

Friday is historically my off day, but this was the only day Coach Alex could train me. My arms were noodles from the prior workout. We focused on triceps and back. I felt good in the gym and the exercises seemed to assist with the muscle soreness.

Strength Training:

Team Swol Gym

Triceps and Back

Decreased ROM

2011-12-29T19:37:00.002-06:00

I finally found my way back into the gym after a two-week layoff. Coach Alex worked on my biceps and chest. There was a huge awakening in regards to my limited range of motion. I felt uncomfortable with a few of the exercises due to this reason, rather than the weights being too heavy.

Aly joined me this evening for a small run around the subdivision. There was sporadic knee pain, seldom lasting more than 50 yards.

The cool air makes my exercise sessions a pleasure.

Run:

3.09 miles

46:19

14:59 pace

Strength Training:

Biceps and Chest

Team Swol Gym

District two run

2011-12-28T19:44:00.000-06:00

Worked 24 hours at Humble FD

Leisurely run around station two this evening.

Run:

2.70 miles

39:19

14:33 pace

I was finally able to upload the Garmin and BodyBugg drivers onto my new laptop, as well as synced my iPhone with the new itunes. At least those three things are out of the way. I still need to work on my old training log and determine if Training Peaks is the right online program for me.

Molly's hip

2011-12-27T22:34:00.000-06:00

I went out for another walk/run with Molly. Something went wrong and I feel HORRIBLE about it. Molly was having her typical panic attack when a car drove by and I pulled her forward. I pulled a little harder than expected and she came off the ground and landed on her hip. Shortly afterwards she was limping and we had to stop her run. I palpated the entire leg without any findings and I even moved her leg through typical range of motions without it bothering her. I’m assuming she pulled/sprung something in her hip.

After stopping Molly’s run, I continued with the small two mile route in Trailwood. I forgot to wear my knee brace, which was evident with right knee pain. Otherwise I had a good run. Send me some positive vibes, hoping molly isn’t seriously injured!

Run:

2.09 miles

32:00

15:18 pace

Stress relieving walk

2011-12-26T22:25:00.000-06:00

After another dramatic Christmas, I decided it was time to go for a walk. Don’t read too much into that comment… it was WONDERFUL having my kids home for the holiday. Unfortunately, the women in my life tend to show an unflattering side during the holidays. I’m not sure why it happens around Christmas for me, but it is getting old AND it is starting to make me hate this holiday for sure!

Molly and I walked a couple miles through Trailwood. It felt good to be outside. Molly hasn’t been out much and the sight of vehicles driving near us sends her into a full panic attack. I’m not sure how to fix this…

Walk:

2.09 miles

35:31

16:59 pace

Leash Training

2011-11-17T21:33:00.001-06:00

The City of Houston hired contractors to remove the dead trees throughout Kingwood. Multiple crews have been working long hours to clear out these trees. Sadly, the landscape of Kingwood has drastically changed. My beloved Kingwood is not the same place anymore. I find the change disheartening.

I’ve patiently been leash training Molly for a month and today we had a huge breakthrough. Never have I seen a dog so resistant to a leash, but today Molly and I walked two-miles along the bayou without any significant issues. Way to go, Molly! I hope to be running with her in a few weeks.

I worked out with Team Swoll at the Sanctuary today. Last Tuesday I joined their sixty-day challenge which included 24 one-on-one personal training sessions. Today was my first session. Coach Alex ran me through an aggressive upper body workout with strong emphasis on my weak back. I pushed outside my comfort zone and ended up stopping twenty minutes into the workout to throw up! Gross, yes I know. It’s great to be back in the gym. My personal goal is VERY aggressive; I’m shooting for 44 pounds in 60-days… wish me luck!

No one showed up for the Trail Nerd hill workout this evening. I was still exhausted from weight training, so I skipped the hill session as well. To make up for not running, Alyson and I went for a small walk/run while Melanee was having dinner with her father. The weather was nice and cool, making for an easy workout. I wish we would have had time for a few more miles, but I’m glad to run/walk when I can.

I’m stoked to report that I’ve also made it one week off meat! Tonight Alyson made a delicious spinach lasagna dish with lots of tasty and healthy ingredients. I felt a little selfish because I was weary to eat as much as I wanted too because I wasn’t sure of the calorie count. I know it was healthy, vegetarian, and made with good products, but I’m making a serious commitment to win this challenge. In the end, calories count the most, when trying to lose weight.

Push-ups: 60

Walk/run:

4.11 miles

1:03:59

15:34 pace

Trying to make amends...

2011-11-11T16:02:00.001-06:00

Happy Vetereans Day!

Today is the beginning of three days off work and I’m not sure what to do with myself!

I straightened up around the house, played with Molly, and cleaned the garage this morning. I rode my bike to Schlotzsky’s for lunch. The ride along my 5-mile loop was very peaceful. Kingwood Lake is finally back to normal water levels, giving the lake its usual serene appearance. On my ride home I stopped by My Fit Foods for their daily special; "$0.11 turkey chili". I'm trying to eat meat-free, but this will be a healthy meal for the kids...

Starting today I’ve decided to go back to a vegetarian diet. The date being 11/11/11 will make it easy for me to remember when I started, right? I feel a lot healthier when I'm eating plant-based foods. The gross amount of weight gain is depressing, especially after seeing a few recent photos. Time to take control...

For several hours today I have been corresponding with the owner of Team Swoll regarding one-on-one personal training suited to fit my goals. It appears we have come to an agreement on both price and service. I’m stoked about getting back in the gym!

On a deeper level, I'm trying to repair a couple of old friendships. In order to protect people’s privacy I tend to leave a lot of content “coded” on my blog, so excuse the vagueness of this paragraph;

I wrote a heart-felt apology letter to an innocent bystander of my prior wrongdoing only to learn the letter will never reach the desired recipient. I respect the decisions of those involved closest to them, but I would like to make amends. I need those people (both of them) to know that I’m truly sorry. At this point I have to accept the fact that I tried.

Just before dark I ran the 3.5 mile WITH Loop. Apparently there was a lot of flooding in the area. All of our trails and orange markers on the East side of the bayou were destroyed. I didn't let the destruction stop my run. We heard a large pack of coyotes a hundred yards away as we entered the forest. We also saw countless deer on the trails. It was a slow walk/run, but cardio is cardio....

Trail Bike:

7.55 miles

41:22

10.95 mph

Push-ups: 60

Run/Walk:
3.64 miles
57:13
15:43 pace