The Starting Date

Let me explain the catchy title. I was reading one of those Men's Health magazines (Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Men's Health and Fitness, Men's You'll never look like this). Invariably, they have a before and after section where some slob starts out as Peter Griffin and ends up as Matthew Mcconaughey (sp?).


I thought I needed to get back in shape so this portion is the "during" portion of my before and after. Since this is the first post, I suppose technically I am still at the "before" stage.


So what better way to get in shape than to share it with the world and track my progress, trials, triumphs, setbacks, etc.


Since I want this to be an honest tracking of my progress. I plan to list what I am doing, how I am doing, the progress or regress, my true portrait of my descent into madness!!


You can help. Leave comments and tell me to keep working, to keep going to the gym, to avoid Pringles and Doritos, to stop trying and start doing. You know, standard motivational stuff. You don't necessarily have to care too much - comment anyway. Just don't make fun - I'm a delicate flower that bruises easily and any negative comment will send me into a shame spiral and I will be forced to eat several Jumbo Jack's.


I plan to post photos of my progress, an exercise diary, my food choices, and whatever else pops in my mind.


The goal - enter and complete the 2009 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon. Yes 26.2 miles of exercise and one I finished in 2004. Yes, I completed this marathon in 2004 when I was at the height of my previous fitness craze. What a fast fall it has been into my current state.


What is my current state?

I completed 1 mile on the treadmill last night. And it was tough. I was wheezing and breathing harder than I should be but that is my starting point. My next mini goal - complete 2 miles on the treadmill in 25 minutes.


I exercise currently about 4 days a week. Mainly weights and machines. Not much aerobics. My arms are bigger and chest is strong. I can bench 205 with no problems. I barely pass that test of - does your chest stick out farther than your belly. So I have a lot of ab work to do and more aerobics.

Plans for Week

Wednesday - No gym today so have to watch the food intake and limit the junk

Thursday - Gym. 1 mile on the treadmill in under 20 minutes. 30 minutes on another machine (eliptical or cross trainer), weights for a little bit and 15 minutes of abs.

Friday - Gym. Just weights and maybe some abs. See how they feel

Saturday - Go for a long walk (2+ miles). Gym, treadmill 1 mile and no weights

Sunday - Gym. Weights only, stretch. Get drunk.

Let's see how it goes.