I'm Proud of my wife! Dilemma, Help! Are you on the BlogRoll?

So yesterday was the starting day for the six week weight loss challenge that I have put together. There are 13 participants total and a prize of $130. That’s not too shabby of a prize if I say so myself. Not only am I the organizer but I am a participant too. I could get a good pair of running shoes, a good chunk of cash towards a bodybugg, or something of no relevance but that I like, if I win. Who knows! The choices are unlimited…except for the $130 price tag. If I did win, chances are slim...I'd give half of it to the top losing female participant.

It is not about the winning as much as it is to be able to inspire other people to begin a healthier lifestyle. Only three of the challengers are people that are full-throttle prior to beginning this challenge. That means that there are a lot of newbies – and anyone that has been doing weight loss/fitness for a period of time loves newbies b/c they love to learn about weight loss/fitness related things. Already, it has been a lot of fun!

However, this is not the reason that I have written this post. I really wanted to say that I am very proud of my wife. It’s generally easier for men to post their pictures a nd weight for all to see, but it takes much more for a woman. Women have much more guarded insecurities, fears, and comfort zones that couldn’t be broken by an army tanker.

She let down her guard.

She gave away her fears.

She accepted her body.

This may mean very little to a lot of my readers, but I know that many of you can connect with the fears that she experienced. I am very proud of her in taking on this challenge and I think she is pretty excited for it – now that what may have been the hardest part mentally, is over.

My wife has a craft blog and she posted her Beginning Picture for the challenge. Go encourage her! You guys are the best at encouragement!

The Dilemma

While I am asking favors for you…I have a dilemma. I bought a domain name for this site but am unsure on when to put it up and was going to see when you thought. Obviously, the domain name is the title of this site –www.FITWITHAPURPOSE.com. What do you think? Should I wait until 2010 is over, go ahead and do it now when I have fewer readers, or what? I need Help!

Are you on the Roll?

Now that we are talking about this site, I updated the Blogroll on the right side of the page. Those are not all of the bloggers that I read, but some that update regularly and have awesome information. Do you not see your site on there? Tell me and let me know that you don’t and why it needs to be up there! I love to give other bloggers plugs and shout-outs. Yours may just be next!

Encourage My Wife! Leave Your Opinion on the Domain. Join the Blogroll!

...if you'd like of course.

Good day. Great run. Awesome Motivation.

One of my student’s mothers came in to class today and brought me the sign up form for the 5k on May 8^th. We got to talking about it and I had been telling her that I was trying to train for it prior to my ankle being busted. I don’t think she had realized that I had never ran a 5k – or any long distances of any kind for 13 years – and was under the impression that I was fast.

She told me that the race wasn’t overly competitive and that the top male performer also gets a new pair of running shoes. Okay, that sounds cool but I know that I will not be that person. I just broke my ankle. She said that I should try to medal in my age bracket. I said, I just broke my ankle and just started running long distances this year. If it was a sprint – I’m all in but long distances take me, well…longer. I told my students to come out and beat me. I expect them to be able to beat me.

I’m okay with having a slow time. Maybe if I had not hurt my ankle I could have a better time right now - but to be honest, hurting my ankle has only helped my strength training. I felt that I needed to get out again and run some more so that when the 5k does come…I won’t be tooo slow though.

I ran my fastest mile today.

It was followed by a mile that could be my second fastest…and then some.

As you can tell in the picture, I ran 2.2 miles in 23 min and 10 sec. I might have been able to run further than that if I put my mind really on it, but I planned the run out before I ran it and wanted to stick to it. It took a lot in me to get that 2.2 miles in and I’m proud of what I did today.

I almost stopped running 3 times. It was around 12 min, 15 min, and 16 min markers. I didn’t stop. I didn’t want to let myself down and I knew a downhill portion of the run was coming up that I could coast on. I am going to rock the 5k when it comes, in my own way.

I love running outside.

I love my treadmill, but Wilma (my treadmill’s new name) can not compete with the outdoors. I am so happy that winter is gone and I can be outdoors for running.

I turned around at the end of Hormeyer St.

Quick Useless Lesson: If you have to wear an ankle brace – be sure to wear long socks when wearing brace. Ankle socks only allow the brace to rub against leg and hurt you while running.

I also started a six week weight loss challenge. My goal is not primarily weight loss as it is to have a overall healthy lifestyle. I like to change things up a little bit though, so I am leading up this weight loss challenge through facebook, check it here, and it started today. If you'd like to join - go check the group page and rules.

I knew that as soon as it started that I would have to face some type of temptation that is outside of the normal routine. It came in the form of a caramel ice cream sundae.

I resisted.

I win.

If you could choose to have one fitness related product or item – what would it be and why?

The picture. Acceptance. Success.

I found the picture that started it all.

It put me put me in my place.
It took me out of my naïve-ness.
It showed me that I was not physically who I wanted to be.
It proved me a liar when I said I was fit.
It was honest.
It showed me that I did not control myself.
It called out to me to change myself.

I ripped it up. You can see the tear where I shredded it to pieces out of frustration and disgust.

I was probably winded after I tore it up.

It broke me.
It called me a failure.
I was embarrassed and ashamed to see it.
It hit me.

This is my life. I control what I put into my body and the activity that I do. I will not fall victim to the temporary and shallow delight that comes with overeating. I will not seek out useless food to fulfill the desire to hide my discontent with my physical appearance.

I wasn’t ugly, just fat.

I know that now.

I was not defeated.

I will not be defeated.

I am strong.

I am aware.

I am focused.

I am a success.

Can you accept yourself?

In the comment section - tell us one thing that you are that you are proud to be.

Take that one thing and run with it. Build yourself!

Broken Ankle...Pshhh - it's got nothing on me.

Today has been a really awesome day!

I...dealt it?

We meant to get up early to go to some garage sales, but we woke up late and decided to hit an auction. We actually went to two auctions and closed out a couple of garage sales. I was on with making some deals today.

As I’ve said before, I am a bargainer. What is a bargainer – Look it up in the dictionary and you'll see that my picture is right next to the word. When you don’t have a lot and don’t like to spend a lot, you learn to make deals. My wife walks away when I start to negotiate. We ended up getting a very nice island for our kitchen for $13. New, they sell for $119 at Walmart. Deal.

I grew up hunting and fishing and last week I bought a new fishing rod with a gift certificate I got for Christmas. This auction had a tackle box with about $100 worth of tackle. I got it for $25. Many of the things are still in the package – I don’t need that much…and I feel a little profit coming my way.

I know that this is a fitness blog and that is what I mean it to be, but I had to tell you all this because this was the beginning of what has turned out to be a great day. It had to start good to grow into such an awesome and productive day.

I Biked.

I got home and decided that my ankle was feeling really good and had no pain so far. I wanted to take advantage of that and thought that I would be able to ride my bike. It has been quite some time since I had a bike ride. I hooked up the bike carrier and went to the park to get a good ride in. I rode for 3.2 miles. If you have not ridden in a while and hop on…your bike will let you know that it’s not happy about the break you took. Ouch. It was a great ride and again my ankle experience no pain with the pedaling. I thought to myself,

“you know, I might be able to run a little. Let’s see how it feels.”

I Ran.

I put the bike back on the carrier and did some stretching which was blissfully followed by a run. I ran..well - I jogged. It felt great. I set out to jog 20 minutes w/no break (fully knowing that I probably wouldn’t be able too). I was right in my thinking. Don’t think that I didn’t try though. I reached 11 min 20 sec. and my body was telling me to stop. I told it, “NO!”; then proceeded to turn around and jog back to the car. I could’ve walked back, but what fun would that have been?

I ended it at 13 min and 20 sec which turned out to be 1.16 miles. I ran a 13 minute mile just three weeks after my busted ankle? Yes I did. I give credit to my workouts during my down cardio time b/c I felt as if I hadn't missed a step. My body felt good, my rhythm was though a little shaky,but my breathing felt great. I did kind of run with a limp at first; had to work out the rhythm of the run to fully support my body equally. I’m telling you – it really felt good to be back. As slow as it may be…I’m back. *insert big sigh of relief*

I pushed up.

I have still been pushing on with my goal for the month of April to reach 1,010 pushups. I have a pretty good start. I need roughly 33-34 a day and over the last ten days I have done 330. I have not done them each day but have allowed myself rest days so that I am not constantly tearing the muscles down but allowing them time to grow.

Quick lesson for you: As you do your strength training workouts – it is not when you are lifting that you are building muscle, but you are actually tearing your muscles. It is during the rest periods that your muscles are growing. It is VITAL to replenish yourself with proper nutrients so that you can grow yourself in the long run and not weaken yourself. END Lesson.

You guys are awesome!

I am all about encouragement because we all need it. What I want you to do is, if you leave a comment – leave an encouraging word for the person before you as well. Maybe visit their page and come back and comment lifting them up. They just might need that from you.

also - be sure to leave your opinion on the new layout here. I want this site to be Reader friendly. Opinions wanted.

New Layout. A House Offer. Awesome Magazine.

NEW LAYOUT

If you are a regular reader you can see that I have changed everything about my blog. I have kept the URL 1010in2010 for a while so that I don't confuse people right now. My thoughts are that - this is a change of life and the way that I live and not only one year thing. I still have my goal of hitting 1,010 miles during the year of 2010 but I want to go further than that. What happens when I hit 1,010? Do I stop? No. I keep moving and move with purpose. That is why I have decided to change the blog title to "fit with a purpose". This is my life. I have a story with daily struggles, successes, and knowledge to give and I want to share it with those that read my blog. This is the reason for such a change. I hope it does not confuse you and that you will continue to push me to reach that goal of 1010in2010. You should check out my first post that I had on this blog - who knew I'd come so far physically in such short amount of time?

HOUSE UPDATE

We found a house that we liked and we are in the process of working up a contract. There are a few things that need to be addressed on it and it looks like we're moving pretty smoothly on that front. It's very scary and exciting to be, even thinking of, purchasing a house. I turn 27 in a few months and I feel that I just now am getting some ground under my feet. I like that feeling.

A new magazine to read.

I use to buy, and recently did, Men's Health type magazines and such, but I find that I only really care for the article that tells of someone's struggle with weight & fitness and how they changed their life. That is probably because I can relate with that. A lot of the rest is just filler and garbage.

I, however, found a magazine that I really Enjoy a couple months ago. It is called KC Fitness and it is a localized Kansas City fitness magazine. It is simple, knowledgeable, and fun to read. I do not mean for this to sound like a review b/c it isn't and I get nothing from expressing my joy in finding such an awesome read. I just love to read magazines and this one has hit the spot. New favorite.

What do you think of the NEW layout?! Don't be shy - tell me what you think.

100 Push-ups = check; Picture = check; Challenge = check.

As you know from a previous post about my April goals, I am attempting to do 1,010 push-ups in the month of April. I am currently at 270 so far. Last night I changed my workout up some so that I am effectively using my time instead of needlessly doing nothing. I've had to do this ever since my ankle injury. It's worked. I tweeted (MistrTyler) about something last night that I want to tell you about today.

I DID ONE HUNDRED PUSH-UPS DURING ONE WORKOUT!

Granted, they were not all at once - which would be awesome - but in five sets of 20. Here is what my workout looked like yesterday.

WORKOUT - a circuit of sorts

• 10 minute warm up walk at comfortable speed.
• 1 set of 20 pushups
• 1 set of 20 rope climber crunches
  
  
• 5 min. walk w/increased speed
• 1 set of 20 pushups
• 1 set of 20 rope climber crunches
  
  
• 5 min walk w/increased speed
• 1 set of 20 pushups
• 1 set of 20 rope climber crunches
  
  
• 5 min walk w/increased speed
  1 set of 20 pushups
• 1 set of 20 rope climber crunches
  
  
• 5 min walk w/increased speed
• 1 set of 20 pushups
• 1 set of 20 rope climber crunches
  
  
• 2 min cool down walk
• stretch

100 pushups last night!

In other news, I am leading up a six week weight loss challenge through my friends on facebook. If you want to join check me out on facebook (Seth Tyler) and/or the Challenge group page. There is a ten dollar entry fee and the one that loses the most percentage gets ALL of the entry fee. I think I might cap it at 20 people...we'll see. Go check out the challenge.

What has been the weirdest experience that you have had since starting your Weight Loss/Fitness Journey?

No Brace Today & I NEED Recipes fast!

No Brace...unless it hurts!

I am a fairly coordinated person until I took the big brace off and have been wearing the smaller one. When I walked with the larger brace (toe to knee) I was a slow mover. I would compensate w/my right leg speeding it up so that I could move faster, but they were still small steps. That was okay then. Since I have been walking with the smaller brace I find myself still walking in the same fashion, but don't realize it until I stub my toe on something. I'm taking bigger steps with my right leg but they are at the same fast speed as I still am trying to (compensate) protect my left ankle; I'm going to break a toe if I don't realize I'm walking funny before I hit the dresser w/my foot again. My theory is only speculation.

(The picture to the left has no importance - I just thought it was time for a picture.)

Today, however, I am walking without a brace. To be honest, I wasn't planning on going without but I simply forgot to put it on. I remembered and quickly got it as I was out the door my way to school. At least it was the brace and not my pants or something.

Recipes NEEDED!

My wife and I try to make our dinner plans weekly so we have only one planned trip to the grocery store. Of course there are those times that we have to go fifty times a week for things we forgot. Here lately though -- we have been stumped on what to make.

So I'm coming to you all for help.

We want good healthy food. What do you have to offer?


Please give me recipes! Give me your best, simplest, and healthiest recipes...please. I will try mostly anything.

I can not have chocolate, but my wife can. If it has chocolate - I'm sorry I won't be able to try.

For each recipe, you get a shout-out on Twitter and this blog!

A Busy Life with Mr. Tyler. & a Simple question

I live a busy life. Sometimes I'm not sure how I even get most of what I do done. Between my wife (you are awesome), the two jobs, the workouts, the blogging, the reading blogs, and the master's degree work --- I am busy. These last couple of days have been even busier with Easter holiday. It was so nice though - my favorite holiday. Going back to work was actually a break from life today. I liked it.

House Hunt Update

We did look at a house on Saturday and then again on Monday. It is a nice little house and we like it, but there are a couple different things that need to be discussed before we go further on it. It would be nice to be owners of a place. The idea is rapidly growing on me.

Random Info.

I am heading up a weight loss challenge through a lot of my friends on facebook. I think it would be good for everyone involved. It will help me with providing quality information for everyone. I really like to give out what I know. I guess that is why I am in the professions that I am.

Too much.

I ate normal today but still feel a little full. I also have been taking Jess' weekly challenge in loading up with water -but it isn't really any different from what I normally do. I'm sure I'll get back to normal. I am really missing the running aspect of my workouts. My wife said she thought that my left leg felt a little weaker than the right. No good. I am out of the big brace though and walking pretty normal. It's only a matter of time. It can't come too fast either, especially with the 5k only a month away.

That's all today. If you want to check out the weight loss challenge - click here.

Do You find yourself talking to anyone that will listen about weight loss/fitness related stuff?