Sickly Skinny. Insight Letter. Weigh In Picture.

I think we all have those times when we just run out of steam when it comes to blogging - I hit that last week and didn't post at all for a week. It's back though. It's clicked again and here I am.
Lately, I have had people tell me that I look sickly skinny (and I am no where close to that), but do believe it is because they are the ones that knew me when I was big. Mac at getfitslowly did a post about this and I agree with him. People that have known me big will have an opinion on how I look and at how I will look when I hit goal weight. It may not always be a positive opinion. I never thought of it this way, but people will now poke at me telling me I need to eat more or that I am too healthy. It's weird to think that.

Can it be that my weight loss has them feeling inferior or has given them personal convictions about their own weight?

Either way, I know where I need to be and I will not stop. The challenge that I have been hosting has been going well and I have reached the 180s again. I finally feel that I've found my groove again in weight loss. No more maintaining! I haven't felt like this in a couple months - glad to have it again.

I wrote a message, as I try to do often, to those that are participating in the challenge. I thought that it applied to all of you reading as well, so I have posted it for you.

Hey Everyone!

Week 3 can be very challenging for a lot of people during this six week challenge. Some have dropped out after just two weeks in prior challenges and I hope that this is not the case with this one. Last week appeared to be a tough week for many of you - myself included. We all have different things going on in our lives that play a part in how active we are in our pursuit of better health.

I just wanted to give you some insight and also to challenge you to take a closer look at how this can make a difference in how you live your life.

I use to weigh 255 lbs. That is, according to my BMI chart (which many insurance companies go from - ridiculous I know), 85-100 lbs overweight. I was unhappy with how I looked, unhappy in what I could and couldn't do, and unhappy in how I felt physically. I was good at hiding it though and you wouldn't have been able to tell that I was unhappy. Something clicked though and I wanted to change. I saw a picture of myself that was taken during school. I thought to myself, "that's what I look like?". At that point, I gave up my mountain dew addiction. I lost 15 lbs the rest of that year and all I did was give up Mountain Dew. This year - starting January 5th, 2010 - I have been disciplined, self-controlled, and motivated to get to 170 lbs. I've lost just over 50 lbs this year and feel pretty great. It's amazing the difference in how I hold myself, how I feel, and how bright the future seems.

I don't write this message to boast on my accomplishments or successes, but to show you that you can do this despite how difficult it feels sometimes. Success builds on success and you can overcome the difficult periods with discipline, self-control, and motivation to be what you were meant to be. We were not meant to be lazy, fat, or a slave to bad habits. Choose a healthier life and see just how far you can go.

I have 19.6 pounds to go to hit that goal weight and I will get there. I want to help you get to where you want to be too. Don't view this challenge as just a way to win money or something that is temporary, but as an opportunity to build a strong foundation to a mountain of healthy successes.

Week 3 will be our best week yet if you set your mind to it. Focus and follow through.

- Seth

There you go. Here is my last weigh-in picture for the challenge.

Health insurance. Health Scores. Weigh-In Picture.

health insurance.

My wife and I had been without health insurance for a while and we finally found something that was affordable and decent. It might not be the greatest health insurance, but it works for now. I was a little nervous as I signed up for the insurance because of my experience before. It's no secret that we work on a limited budget and we try to make the most out of our money. My experience before with signing up for health insurance is that after I was quoted an amount - and sent in the application - we received back that the risk assessment came back higher and our payment would be 100+ dollars more per month than what was quoted. I asked them why --- it was because of my weight. I've lost some weight if you have not been able to see from my pictures and I am able to say that it did not affect the risk assessment. We were approved. I like the way that sounds.

health scores.

It kind of makes me think about credit scores and such. Well, there is a health score and so many people do not care about their health score until they have a health scare. It's actually quite a bit alike (credit score & health score). Think about it.

-You are free to do more without limitations.
-People are more willing to trust you b/c of the care you put into yourself.
-Through the many studies, it's almost safe to say that better treatment comes with a better score.

I don't think it's much of a stretch to see that better health scores allow more freedom to get what you want rather than settling for less. Just an idea.

weigh-in pic.

Week 1 on the challenge I am hosting is over and it is off to a great start for many people! I am including in this challenge and am off to an okay start. I knew that week 1 wouldn't be as stellar as others because of my recent birthday. I knew that I was going to indulge in some things that I wouldn't typically - I didn't go overboard though. Here is my weigh-in picture from yesterday.

Week 1 Weigh-IN

Opinion on Health Score and Credit Score - Share it!

B-day. Running Form. New Shoes. Goulash Coolash.

My birthday is tomorrow. I like my birthdays simple. I don't have to have a lot of things or a party; I just like to hang out and have a good time. My wife gets frustrated with that, but that's how I have always been. My friends who are missionaries to Germany are currently in the states and will be here at my house tomorrow - on my birthday! I love it. I'm so excited to see them. It's been a very long time, but I have a feeling that it'll just pick back up like they had never left. I can't wait to hang out.

other news.

On Wednesdays I go to a nearby town and hit up the local Starbuck's. I love coffee and they have some stuff that I really enjoy. I also get my money's worth as I stay there for a few hours enjoying the entire environment and do some great studying. One of the things that I got to study up on today was (and it's no surprise) - running.

Running Form.

I read up and watched some videos on the proper form of running and the benefits of tuning into your body while running. Look for a post coming up on some of what I have learned. I utilized some of the tips in my run today and my run was great!

One of the things that I will talk about is the necessity to keep your body going forward. One thing that I know I struggle with is that I tend to swing my arms across my body and not front to back. When I do that - it causes a misalignment in my running and affects the entire form. The idea is to use your arms, but that they go straight in the direction that you are going (not like a punch, but a simple bend in your arms and going front front to back). Another aspect of this alignment is to make sure your feet are facing straight as well when running. I used this information today and it was strange because I normally swing my arms across. Who knew something so small could make a difference!

New Shoes.

After I finished my awesome coffee I headed over to a nearby sports store. I took my time as I looked at the running shoes. I had purchased some new shoes a while back, but they were hurting my feet. This time I did my research and I think I walked away with some pretty awesome shoes. I used them tonight, and tonights time was the best I have had on that particular course. I ran the 3.04 miles in 29'33" @ a 9'41" pace.

The run felt good.

Goulash Coolash.

I also wanted to give a shoutout because she helped me out when I was in a bind. She doesn't know it just yet - but she did.

I was in need of a meal to make for me and my wife and something rather easy. I put a tweet out there asking for a quick meal and to my surprise - got zero replies, at least not at that time. I read many blogs and one that I know who posts recipes is Tonya @ Unlikely Success Story. I always comment on her meals and if I could, I would hire her as a chef for my family :)
I found a recipe called Goulash Coolash and it seemed easy enough to make -- so I made it.

It was delicious! My wife does not like Goulash, but she loved Goulash Coolash! Thanks Tonya for the awesome recipe and just to give you the respect - I took a picture of it. I didn't do the mixed vegetables, but it turned out delish!

Goulash Coolash

What is the best thing that has happened to you this week!

Challenge #3 Pic. Genious Creativity. Stoked.

Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge # 3 starts today and I am taking part in it. What does this mean for you that read my blog? That means that you will again be seeing my day to day struggles and successes as they come for the next six weeks at a closer viewpoint. When I take part in this challenge, I focus hard. I love the fitness and weight loss blogosphere and this is where I come to get stronger mentally - so I need you especially the next six weeks.

The first challenge I took part in, I lost 17 lbs. Here I am a month and a half later having maintained that weight. I did dip just under the 190 lbs mark, but it is a day to day battle on whether the 180s shows its face. Throughout the next six weeks - I plan on ditching the 190s completely and be close to getting rid of 180s. I'm ready for this challenge.



My starting weight Picture

In a month I will be officiating my sister's wedding. That will be four weeks into the challenge and I'm thinking that the lower 180s will be in store for that day.

There is still room for a couple more participants as of Monday, July 19th, to join in on the challenge. You would need to let me know by 10:00pm Central Time tonight.

Running this morning was killer again. The heat and humidity will not let up. I ran mid-morning and have come to the realization that in this weather - walking breaks are smart. I did take some pretty cool measures to beat the heat.

I made a visor. I like to wear hats when I am running, but in this heat - I can't do it because I am then only retaining that heat - which would lead to an overheating and exhaustion. I took an old Kansas City Royals hat of mine and cut the top of it off. It worked great. It was still so hot today that my visor was dripping with sweat though.

At least that part is over with today (I love running, but hate heat index of 110 or whatever it was). I do still have a workout to do today - some P90X! I'm looking forward to the challenge and am determined to rock it!

Discipline pushes limits.

and that is the truth.

What thing are you stoked about that has you pushing yourself harder?!

I Was. I Am. I Will Be. This is ME.

I was fat.

I was unhealthy.

I was 85-95 lbs overweight.

I was 255 lbs.

I was unable to run without taking breaks.

I was slowly killing myself.

I was a hypocrite.

I was unhappy with myself (wouldn't have told you though).

I was slow.

I was sinking.

.

I am not fat.

I am becoming fit.

I am able to run over an hour with no breaks.

I am giving myself potential years of life.

I am practicing what I preach.

I am happy with myself.

I am fast.

I am progressing.

.

I will be fit.

I will strive to be the fittest in the room.

I will run a half marathon and a marathon...

I will have given myself respect by being healthy.

I will have given my wife respect by being healthy.

I will have given my future kids the opportunity to experience their father in life.

I will continue to practice what I preach.

I will be happy with where I am.

I will be faster.

I will never stop progressing.

.

because I can.

.

This is me. This is a part of why I am here. This is my life.

.

This is reality.

.

Who are you?

Where were you at and where will you be?

Challenge #2 Winner Before & After Pics. Comment Love.

We all are still fighting the heat and humidity and think that we will be for a while still. I got some great suggestions through comments on the last post. I do have to say - that I just don't like getting on the treadmill at all. I meant too yesterday and failed to do so. I found it easier to play the Wii than get on the treadmill. None-the-less, I've got to do what I need to do. I still might go run the hills that's in the training plan or just might hop on the treadmill today.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

I wanted to show you some of what goes on in my life through this post. I've told you that I am a busy man and one of the things that I do is host Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge (new challenge starts on Monday, be sure to go sign up - I think you'll want to by the end of this post). You wouldn't think that it takes much time, but in reality it does take some time. If you read my blog regularly - you know that I host a challenge and that challenge #2 ended this past Monday. The way that I wanted to show you a part of my life is by the results of what I spend my time on. I mentioned that I would show you the winner's results and before and after pictures of challenge #2 if she would allow it.

She said yes!

Melissa is the second challenge's winner and has taken part in both challenges to date. She has lost a total of 25.2 lbs in 12 weeks through hard work, sweat, and the daily struggles that come with weight loss.

Here goes...

I do not think that Melissa has a blog site yet, but I do know that she reads this blog regularly.

Be sure to comment and show her some love! We are all in this together!

Fat ring + Skinny fingers = Big OOPS. Tough, Humbling Run.

I was humbled during my run today. It started out like any other run, but about 2/3 of the way through it -- I had to stop. I don't believe that I've stopped during a scheduled run until this run today. Just yesterday, I commented in my post saying, "If I can run 5 miles -- then the 3 miles in training is nothing." Let me tell you - that five miles was easier than the 2 miles that I ran today. I'll tell you just a bit more about my run.

I was running at a solid, easy pace (about 9'30" mile) and was feeling pretty good about the run. I remember looking at my watch at my markers and felt comfortable and in the groove. Yesterday, I also told you that I needed to try something new to fuel myself when I am doing the longer runs. I had bought a hydration pack (not camelback brand) and decided that I would try it today on a short run to see how it feels. I think it just made me hotter with it attached to me. It did come in handy a little later in the run, but I'll get to that.

I make my way through the park and onto the highway. While I was running - this may sound weird - but I have to keep my ring finger permantly in a bent position b/c of the size of my ring. Now, don't get me wrong, this is a good problem to have (having lost so much weight that my ring does not stay on), but when my ring falls off on the side of the highway while running in the hot and heavy air [ooops] --- not cool. Luckily, I noticed that it had fallen off quickly and was able to recover it.

That wasn't all of it. I couldn't get back to the running after that. The air was so hot and thick with the humidity - that I was done. I walked back home gulping that hydration pack! Turns out, I needed that hydration pack for this run. Only about 2/3 of the way through the run and my shirt was already soaked almost entirely.

The above shirt is product of the mid-Missouri Heat & Humidity @ 9:00pm.

I walked the rest of the way home. Ha! It was an enjoyable walk though :)

That's what I got for you today. I hope you enjoyed. Be sure to come back - send your friends too!

How do you overcome the heat and humidity??
(besides air condition :))

Week 1 done. Weight Loss Challenge Results. Hydration needs.

Week 1 = Done.
I've completed my first week of the modified half-marathon training plan. It is, my opinion anyway, a solid plan to reach my goal of running the entire half marathon. I did have some struggles in getting the P90X completed after I had completed my runs - but I think that comes with time. I did my long run of 5 miles yesterday (actually 5.02! - ha) and I felt pretty good with it. I noticed that I was able to push myself even at the end of it. I always enjoy doing the longer runs only because it makes the shorter runs that much easier. My thinking is this:

If I can run 5 miles -- then the 3 miles in training is nothing.

If you look at the picture of my run (MistrTyler on mapmyrun.com) - I almost ran completely around the town that I live in. It took me 52'46" to complete. I am very happy with this run because I had not run that distance in quite some time. My love for running is stirring back up inside - not that it had ever left - it's just showing its face a lot more.

Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge
(is it weird I named it after myself...I don't think so :) )

The 2nd challenge is over and we have another winner! The winner was a female once again. She participated in the first challenge too, but came up short and did not win. The second challenge - she was determined to win and set out to win it all. I would love to put her beginning picture (from starting challenge #1 weight photo) and ending picture (challenge #2 last weigh-in) on this site - but have to wait for permission first. I can tell you her beginning weight and ending weight though with no problems.

She lost 14.4 lbs (losing 6.95% of body weight to win) this challenge and 10.8 during challenge #1 for a combined total of 25.8 lbs in just 12 weeks!

That is crazy awesome and we all are very proud of her hard work. There were other contestants that did just as well with weight loss. 2nd place lost 21.3 lbs (losing 6.69% of body weight) and 3rd place lost 14.2 lbs (losing 5.29% of body weight). The third place winner took part in challenge #1 as well and has lost a great deal of weight in just 12 weeks.

The 3rd installment of my six-week challenge will start on Monday, July 19th, 2010. It will be capped off at 20 contestants. It is just ten dollars to enter and the winner receives the entry fees as the 1st place prize. It really is a sound, encouraging, and beneficial weight loss challenge. It promotes a healthy way to lose weight. Go here to check it out and join! There are contestants already signed up - so do not delay in signing up! Go ahead and check out how and what the past challengers have done to succeed. Feel free to browse through the pictures and discussion boards to get a feel for how the contest is organized and ran.

I needed something.

When I was doing my long run yesterday - I needed water. I felt that it was probably time that I start thinking about how I will fuel myself during those longer runs. It would be nice though if I could just get someone to set up at different locations in order to give me cups of water or something to keep going. Until that happens, I will just have to use the hydration pack that I purchased today. I'm not sure how I'll do with something strapped to my back, but we will see. I needed something - so I got something.

How do you give your body the fuel it needs when working out?