Tomorrow is Another Day

I have stopped looking at this challenge on a week by week basis.  I was getting stressed out about the weekend, because I want so badly to bring in a good number for weight loss!  I am taking it one day at a time- sticking to the plan, doing my workouts and trusting God for the results.  In the words of my lyrical hero (Mike Herrera) "Tomorrow is another day, another chance to make things right, a chance to fully live your life"

I'm gonna make it. 
-Luke

Alpine Pass

Hello world wide web.  On Saturday I had my second weigh in on T8WC.  I stepped up to the truth teller- uncertain of what I would see.  Hoping that it was a smaller number than last week, but not knowing that the number I saw would be so similar to last weeks...I lost 1 pound.  I felt deflated and confused, but as the guys started talking to me- I felt better.  They said that EVERYONE that has done this program brings back a low weight loss on week 2.  It's totally normal.  In retrospect- I know that I sabotaged myself by not eating Monday.  My body stored all the calories I ate to make up for the ones I'd purged on Monday.

This week is back to the hardcore track! Saturday I was up a the gym after weigh in, and today (Monday) I was up there again- I tried a new course setting on the bike called Alpine Pass, it looks like the outline of a jagged mountain- each peak increases the resistance on the pedals- I did two miles and my legs were burning! 

I am looking forward to working my butt off this week- My new cardio goal is to go 2 miles without walking... Matt B. is a machine! Constantly pushing me- and when this is all said and done- I'm gonna thank him for it.

Hoo Ra!
-Luke

Victories and Disasters

I made it through the weekend in Las Vegas- staying compliant to the diet- and then...Monday came and I hit a brick wall.  I didn't eat food that was outside of my diet- the problem was- I..didn't..eat. Anything.  Monday I was at the Las Vegas Airport at 4:25AM- I had a 7AM Flight, so I didn't eat breakfast- when 10am rolled around- I was going to eat my snack but the

airplane wasn't carrying peanuts (see more about that here).

They only had cookies and pretzels- So I didn't eat my snack- we landed about noon- but we were in a hurry (my friend's baby was there and he was needing a diaper changed!) so we went straight to my house- I was so tired that I just fell asleep once I got into my room- I woke up and my wife had to leave- so I fed the kids, but had NO desire to eat! I was like a zombie (except i didn't want to eat human flesh...)  Just out of it, and couldn't snap back to reality! The next morning I was back on track- went to work and things have been normal since then. I did my cardio challenge for the week (Run/Jog 1 mile on treadmill or track without coming to a walk) It took everything I had- but I did it. Now my left foot has a huge blister, and it's slow to heal since I'm working out every day!

 I hope I didn't sabotage myself.  Just trying to kick it into high gear and bring a good number to the Truth Teller on Saturday.

-Luke

Week 1 Results

Today I went to Matt B.'s house for weigh in.  I was nervous to find out exactly what had happened after one week on my new diet and exercise plan.  I got measured and weighed- here are the results:

*Lost 1/2 inch off my chest measurement
*Lost 1/4 inch off my bicep measurement
*My waist measurement remained the same (but they said that is normal
(I AM GOING TO WAR ON MY WAIST this week)
Total weight lost- 9.6 lbs

I couldn't be happier. I am down to 373. So much hard work comes in week 2- I have to maintain my drive and determination for this challenge!  Thanks to everyone for thinking of me in prayer and also for the verbal motivation I'm getting. 

See you back here for week 2 on Monday!
-Luke

Dietary

This challenge is about more than just exercising.  There is a strict eating plan as well.  Being a lover of numerous cuisines, It pains me to deprive myself of the food I love (including that which I grew up eating- like pasta and meatballs, Italian sausage stew, tacos, volcano's and so much more)

Everyday- this is my eating schedule:

Before 8AM-Breakfast: 3 eggs (scrambled or fried)

10AM- Snack: 1/4 cup of Almonds or a Whey Protein shake

12PM- Lunch: 1/4 cup of chicken or steak or any seafood that swims (could be grilled, baked or poached-
just no deep frying) and all the veggies I want

3PM- Repeat Snack

5PM-Dinner: (same rules as lunch)

7PM- Repeat Snack

It's been challenging to see people eating all the food I use to eat, but then again- they are not in my situation.  Even harder was hosting a cookout where we served burgers and hot dogs...my favorite summertime foods, but I sat and ate my chicken and broccoli and it was okay. This is for my sake- so I can go on living this life.  It won't be forever, but for now- this diet is my new favorite cuisine.  Staying compliant.  Tonight is cardio night at the gym- kick it up a notch, Hoo Ra!

-Luke

Pushed to the Limit

Last night at the gym I ran 1/2 a mile on the track and walked 1/2 a mile, then I accomplished my cardio challenge that Matt B. gave me on Saturday (do 2 miles straight on the bike- and reduce the time it takes). Previously I could do 1 mile on the bike in 12 minutes and I was feeling like I might croak- but this was different.  I had my earphones in and I just pushed it to the max- I closed my eyes and started pedaling furiously.  I had the bike set on the Fat Burner course.  I am sweating profusely and my pulse is racing, I can feel my lungs, legs, and thighs growing tired, but I push harder. Then all the sudden- I open my eyes and the screen says "good workout: Completed Course in: 7min 29sec.  I just busted out 2 miles in less time than I use to do 1 mile...almost 5 minutes less time.  I felt this victory, this sense of accomplishment.  I felt good. 

I reported in last night to the guys of T8WC and got an encouraging message from Matt B.  Now I need to do it again- he encouraged me to continue to push myself and try to meet this challenge at my new time (or better) 

I am not looking back- I am a finisher.

-Luke

Death Sentance

Let me start by explaining. 

My name is Luke- I am 25 years old.  By your standards- I'm fat, overweight, whatever you want to call it.  By the standards of those in the medical community- I'm Morbidly Obese. 
In April 2010, I visited my doctor and was weighed and examined.  I weighed 401lbs.  I was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and told to change my life style and eating habits or I could be facing a premature death.  OUCH.  That has been the harshest conversation I've ever had with my doctor. 

Fast forward to July 1st, my boss informed me that the weight loss accountability program he was participating in was about to start over again, and there was room for more guys in it.  I fluttered with excitement and a little fear (what if I started, but then wimped out??) I got in contact with Matt B. (the guy in charge of the program) and let me tell you- He is intense!  He all but told me I COULDN'T do the program, he tried to convince not to do it- that it was too hard, and too demanding.  He was testing my desire to be in the program.  I pushed ahead.  I was committed to it- i signed a contract and gave my word to stick to the diet and follow the workout routine. 

July 10, 2010- I went to my first meeting for this program, called The 8 Week Challenge.

The 8 Week Challenge

We weigh in, and get measured (I'm now at 383lbs.) and then Matt introduced me to the group.  There are 10 guys total.  It was a good introduction to the program- there was good support from these guys.  They're all where I am.  Trying to lose weight.

I'm excited for this journey. You can check in weekly to see my updates. 
Here is my Before picture.

I decided to stop shaving until the challenge is over- I want to look drastically different.

Today is day 3 of week 1.  Hoo Ra!

-Luke