It leaves you wanting more...

The first week of my six week weight loss challenge ends tomorrow, Sunday, night at 11:59pm. This week has been quite the huge success for myself. I have learned a lot about myself and my past dislike for running has evolved into a love for running. Who knew running would be easier and much more fun when you have lost some weight?

I don't want to puff myself up or anything like that but would like to just go back through this past week starting with Last Sunday. You guys were a huge reason as to why it was successful.

Sunday was Self Acceptance. This fitness/weight loss became a whole new ballgame for me. It started with that picture that I had found. As I stated, I'm not an emotional type of guy, but that picture helped make that fire under me grow larger. Since last Sunday - I have walked/jogged/ran 27.2 miles. That picture not only got me started on my journey, but it just moved me into another level of fitness.

Monday provided motivation. I ran the fastest mile since starting the journey on Monday. The first mile was completed in 9min 58 sec. I followed that sub-10 minute mile with the longest run since breaking my ankle - which was 2.2 miles. This day served as a huge motivation to get going. Monday was also the beginning day of the six week challenge. I weighed 207.2 in the afternoon.

Tuesday shifted focus. I went to the new domain on Tuesday. My fitness is founded on purpose. If I were doing this without purpose I would not keep the weight off and continue working out. My journey is not superficial and it is intentional. My wife also took a huge step this day and it was fun to watch! Thank you all so much for supporting her too.

Killer Abs Wednesday. Wednesdays typically don't bring much of anything. This Wednesday was different. I gained a new workout partner in my wife. I again ran the 2.2 course with the first mile beating Monday's fastest Mile time of 9:58. Wednesday's Mile time was ran in 9min 14 sec. I shaved 44 seconds off of the previous year to date best! The first mile was easy but the second mile killed me. I struggled. I almost quit. I didn't quit. I finished. I also committed to two races.

Declaration Thursday and the 3 mile. Thursday proved to be a really good day. My love for running was publicly declared and it felt good for all to hear. I have had a lot of time to think now that I am running every day. It's amazing how clear the brain gets when you are running. I even use my iPod when running, but there is something about running that makes the mind clear. I decided that I would use my naiveness expertise as an overweight runner and put it into writing. This was a lot of fun and could be expanded on like crazy. I ran 3 miles which beat Monday's longest run of 2.2 miles. I did the 3 miles in 32:15. I was pretty excited about that time.

Friday fun run. I did not post yesterday because of my busy schedule. I had a field trip and that messed up the rest of the day. I did get back from the trip, went home, and then went for a run. I had planned on a rest day - and by rest day I was just going to cut down on the running to 1.5 miles. I decided that since I did not need to pace for 3 miles that I would just try to beat my previous fastest mile time and then finish with the 1/2 mile. I ended up running 3.5 miles for the fun of it. I did beat my fastest time by 15 seconds. I did the first mile in 8:59. One of my original goals for the year is to run a 9 minute mile. I have checked that off of my list -- and then followed that mile by 2.5 more miles of running just for the fun of it.

Saturday = relaxation. I took a break today. I still managed 3 miles of walking throughout the day and quick mile on Wilma (treadmill). It has been very relaxing. We were supposed to go to Starbuck's and get my Caramel Machiatto w/lite whip today but decided that we'd do that tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to that.


This week has been a great week and I can only hope that this next one is just as good. This past week has left me wanting more. One thing that I know for sure though --- is that I will make the best out of everything that comes my way. Yes.

Thanks so much guy for reading and following along with my journey.

How have you been productive this past week with workouts, eating, and Life?

A Running Guide for the Overweight Runner

There is a man that runs around my town all of the time carrying himself with no evidence of being tired. You may see him out at the park running and/or while you are putting your groceries in the car at the store. He may be on his 8th, 10th, 12th mile and still be going fast enough to beat you in a race while you are given a bicycle to race with. There are these sorts of people that have the stamina to run like that; then there are the sorts like you and me. It seems as if there is a struggle for every mile, ½ mile, or even just the next tenth of a mile hoping and praying that we see our stopping point in the short distance. It’s different for everyone, but what is consistent is that there are people who are just learning how to run and have no idea what to do first. This is where I want to help. I am not an aged runner. I am still a rather new runner but running is growing on me everyday. Four weeks ago I fractured a bone in my ankle area and my love for running was not known until I was not able to run. Take the following pointers as you will. These suggestions and ideas are only from my experience as a trial & error runner.

Be Disciplined. Becoming a runner takes discipline. To push through the pain, obstacles, and mental games that we play on ourselves takes discipline. It is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. Taking the steps is the physical part, but for me, it is by far not the hardest part. Focus your mind. There are times when my mind tells me to quit because my body “can’t handle it”. I push and my body handles it. The mind can be persuaded. Set your mind and control your actions. Let everything you do be with purpose.

It's okay to be slow. In the beginning of each year, loads of people want to get their life back on track and lose the weight that has set them in the shadows. Many, as I have in the past, think that they should start out by running. As good as running is – an overweight person with no experience in running should not be running that much or hard. It is something to be built up too. Being slow does not mean that you are not working hard or that you are not successful; it simply means that you are slow…for now. Continue moving forward and you will build up to a run. It will happen.

Get a good pair of running shoes. It would not be a good idea to take out your snow boots and decide that it’s time to go for a run. It simply wouldn’t. Running can be very cheap or very expensive. It is financially what you make of it. You do not need to have a gps, heart rate monitor, iPod chip, arm band, pedometer, and/or a pair of sunglasses. These are awesome tools to improve your running, but the one thing that is essential is a good pair of running shoes. Running can be hard on the joints and when you take into account the past sedentary life that you’ve lived – it can be extra hard on those joints. Good shoes are essential to alleviate the discomfort that those love handles may be causing.

Map out your route. Do you want to set yourself up for a success or failure? If you would rather have the failure as an overweight beginning runner – strap up and start running. A person that is focused to go no where will end up no where. An overweight person that is successful in running takes the time to plan his/her route. There are a few reasons why I think this is good.

1. You've set a goal in how far you are going to go.
2. You have a record of what you've done and know how much you've improved over time.
3. It's easier to be motivated when you can see the end.

Accountability. Find some form of accountability. Personally, I use the blogosphere for accountability and encouragement. Find a buddy to walk with, talk with, and to get fit with. Some of the best relationships come from people first starting out as accountability partners. Set a goal to strive for. When you have something in your sights – the focus is stronger, mind is clearer, and your desire pushes you. Keep yourself accountable and success will soon follow.

Pace Yourself. It will do you no good if you can run a 10 minute mile only to be followed by a 20 minute second mile. Find a solid rhythm that you think you will be able to hold for a specific length of time. Stick with that pace and keep moving. We’ve all heard it before, “slow and steady wins the race”. As many faults as that saying may have, it's not about winning the race right now - it's about becoming healthy and a solid runner.

Enjoy yourself. Do everything that you can to make your running enjoyable. I enjoy riding my bike as well, but in the beginning it was not fun. The seat was uncomfortable, the path was not visually pleasing, and I’d ride so far out that I didn’t have enough energy to make it back without stopping. I found myself having many “rest” days simply because I did not enjoy it. That changed though. I used every opportunity to make riding my bike enjoyable. I got a better seat. I found a new route. I worked my way up to longer routes.

It’s the same with running. Find your stride. Focus your mind. Try new things. Do not settle for anything less than what you want out of running. Running is just one avenue to the healthy lifestyle, but it can be an experience like no other.

Enjoy a life of running instead of settling for a run down life.

Killer Abs. Hanging On By a Thread. Race Schedule.

KILLER ABS

I really struggled with pain today when I was running. You are probably thinking, “Well Seth, you broke your ankle 3 ½ weeks ago and that's why you are in pain man". That's not it though. My ankle feels great! I was really worried about my legs keeping me from running well, at my pace, but it wasn't that either. It was my abs. They killed me. They hurt so bad while I was running. All I could do was to tell myself to keep breathing and keep moving. I let my legs just keep moving me. Thank you legs. Thank you ankle.

My abs were pretty much numb when I was done running. I didn't stop though. I finished strong to my car when it came into sight. Who would have thought that a Ford Contour would look so awesome. I finished my 2 1/4 mile in 23min 23 sec. That's 13 seconds over my last try at that mapped out run. I know that it had all to do with my abs killing me. I even had my best mile to date (9:14), but it was no match for the rebellious abs and two nice long hills. I made it though and I'm happy because I gave it my best.

Hanging on by a Thread

Before I went out to run I went to the store to get myself a little arm band mp3 player holder. I have an iPod but who wants to take the iPod outside on a run? Not this guy. I used my mp3 player and it was great to be able to wear it and also be able to keep my car key in it. No longer did I have to hold the player and key in my hand or in my pocket. That is, until I go to take the arm band off when I got home. The arm band was holding on by a thread. Seriously, the lightest of material (see through) is the only thing that kept the band together. I'm not too happy about that. One run and their band almost tears in half. And why? My arms are not overly huge and I didn't do anything but run. Pull strap, velcro, run, take off arm band. That's all it is required to do and it failed me. Oh well - guess I have to take this one back and get something else. It was nice while it lasted.

Race Schedule

I am getting pretty excited about the 5k that I have coming up. It is just under a month away, but it is a lot of fun to train for. I have not been able to run distances like these in a very long time. Living healthy is a whole new way of life. There would be a lot less overweight people if they could just experience some of the results from hard work. This healthier lifestyle totally beats laziness and complacency.

I have two races that I will be attempting to run in. The first race is on May 8th as I've posted about which is sponsored by the Girls on the Run program. The other upcoming race is on May 29th and it is a duathlon. The duathlon has two separate courses - a long and a short. The long course consists of Run 2 mile, bike 12.4, Run 2 mile. The short consists of Run 2 mile, bike 5, run 1/2 mile.

I'll probably choose the short, but will have a better idea when it comes time to choose. It's exciting to see everything come together.

What do you all do for a good recovery regime?

Fit with a Purpose. Two-person Workout. 5k Sign-up

I did it. There were some complications - but it's done. Now that it is done on my part - I've got homework for you to do... please! All of 1010in2010 and it's contents, mostly, will be forwarded to this domain name, but I need all of you AWESOME readers to redirect your links that go to me to say fitwithapurpose.com...could you? Be sure to change your Google Reader as well...please. It is essentially the same site with a different name, but the transition caused me to lose ALL of my past comments and messed up the Blogroll that I just recreated yesterday! I will be leaving the tab to say 1010in2010 for now so that people know they are at the right place.

So, why the name change? Well, I can tell you that it is no Chad Johnson OchoCinco publicity stunt. I wanted to be founded here in the blogosphere by surrounding myself with encouraging bloggers, readers, and friends who were here for the same reason - to get fit.

I could go out on many different rabbit trails telling my back story and what I want for me and my family in the future, but I don't want to bore you with those things. If you want that, check "My Story" - there's a whole page on it. One thing I do want to discuss though is the purpose for the name.

There are so many studies, charts, and statistics that tell us that people that are not healthy physically - are not healthy in most other areas in their lives. As I've said yesterday - I read a lot of blogs and have seen each of their stories - only to come to the realization that this time, a lot of the studies actually match their conclusion. Physically unhealthy people tend to be unhealthy in many other aspects of life. Whether it's through self-esteem, confidence, love, or whatever it is - most of us can attest that we are/were affected by the unhealthy physical choices that we made on some other level.

I started this blog with one goal. It was to walk/jog/run 1,010 miles in the year of 2010. It started as me just wanting to do something for myself to take back control. I did not know that it would become what it has - I LOVE THIS. My goal was to hit those miles and that any other changes in life - physical, mental, internal - would all just be a by-product of me chasing after what seemed to be a ridiculous goal.

It's transformed into something else. I am getting fit with a purpose.

I am intentionally taking over my life. I eat with purpose. I just ran 2.2 miles on a three week healed ankle because I wanted to; I was craving the run. I mentally push myself b/c I know I can push past my limits.

I am not successful by accident or by chance.

I work hard. I am getting fit with a purpose. I want to share my successes and failures b/c I know that through my successes and failures - others can become successful. I am worth the hard work that I put into my body.

I can't always put what I want to say into words, but fitwithapurpose goes far beyond just my life. It goes into each person that is struggling to lose the weight, heal past wounds, and journey into the future healthier on all fronts. People struggle with finding a purpose in life.

fitwithapurpose is here to give my story and to encourage others that they too, are worth fighting for.

Two-person Workout

Last night I agreed to work out with my wife. She had not yet worked out, but wanted to and we decided to do the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. It was quite funny, the exercises of course and not my wife working out! I noticed that I still can not do the side to side agility moves with the ankle. It'll come but for now I just have to flail my arms around looking silly trying to do jumping jacks on one leg.

I told her that I would work out with her for the duration of the challenge. These will probably be on top of my own workouts as well. I really do like that we are both taking the steps to improve. This can only help with our future family that we want to have.

Jillian's dvd was pretty good -- I expected more physical workouts out of the shred, but I might just be over critical of dvd workouts other than pilates or yoga. What are your thoughts on workout dvds??

5k SIGN-UP

So, I just filled out my 5k entry form. May 8th, 8:30am - Girls on the Run 5k. I'm pretty excited for it and if you are wondering -- Girls on the Run is just putting the race on...so yes, I can run with the girls.

Tell me where you were and what you were doing when you realized that you must change the way you are living.

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.