Magic Bound!

And we're off to the Magic Kingdom!!

I'll try to update here if I can - but follow me on Facebook for pictures and updates!

See you guys in TWO WEEKS! :)

EPCOT AWAITS!

Vacations and Exercise

This picture was taken in January of 2011 just before the Half Marathon. I'm about the same size today as I was then.

And it occurred to me that I can really do damage to my progress on this upcoming Disney Trip if I'm not careful.

But it also occurred to me that I have access to the workout room at the Contemporary. And I can just get up early, as I usually do, and hit the elliptical. Might even go for a jog or two! If I can keep up with the exercise things will go better. I might even LOSE weight while I'm there - and how awesome would it be to push forward towards January with that mindset?

So that's what I'm going to do! Use the gym at the Contemporary!

Last night we watched "Tinkerbell" for the first time. Actually a really fun movie - and Elizabeth loved it. Even tried to say "Tin...er...ell" before bed when I pointed at her autographed picture from Margaret Kerry.

You know? Despite my struggles....I'm a lucky guy.

EPCOT AWAITS!

51 and 11

This picture was taken over a year ago at our Wine and Dine 2010 trip.

I am SO excited to see how much Elizabeth has grown in comparison to the parks.

Will she still freak out at characters and fireworks?

Who knows?!?

Will she appreciate more rides?

Who knows?!?!

Just can't wait.

Which brings me to today's title:

51 days until I leave for the Half Marathon in January.

11 days until we leave for our family trip after Thanksgiving.

I had originally planned a daily countdown - but things have been kinda hectic with work and what not, so it's become a little less frequent - but I will do my best to keep posting as we near the holidays.

How am I doing?

Just finished an elliptical workout - and haven't touched the scale since my last post. Won't be until Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Going to see what progress I've been able to make.

I've struggled a bit as we've gotten crazy - but I think on the whole am making better choices where I need to. (Don't mistake me - I've had bumps). But I need to buckle down even more. I am not going to get swept in January. It's been hard lately - emotionally too. Sometimes if you have a bad day, it spirals into two. And I don't have that many days left to get my body ready to do what it needs to in January.

And I'll be honest - I'm scared. Of disappointing myself and the friends and family who believe in me. But that fear is helping drive me forward, I think. And I'll do what I always do - my very best. I'll give the training and the race 150% of what I have in me. I just worry that maybe it's not enough again. That bus sucked. So I just try to push HARDER.

As I start to get into a groove (and admittedly - it's taken longer than I wanted it to - and I still struggle at times) - I want to honestly and personally thank all of you who have stuck with me. And encouraged me. And even held me accountable (even when I don't like your methods - not talking about anyone in particular here - *cough cough mgreene cough cough* - hehehe).

You guys are pretty dang awesome. And as I reclaim what's rightfully mine (my health) - I'm proud to share the journey - the ups AND downs - with you all.

EPCOT AWAITS!

Kinect-ing

It's interesting. I'll get to the interesting part after I tell you about our newest fun thing in the house.

Based SOLELY on a demo of Kinectimals and the upcoming Disneyland Adventures, we bought an XBox and Kinect combo. My counsellor said I could buy one ONLY if we got an "active" game for it - so we got several. And it's a fun way to get some sweat out of you! Although watching me bust a move to "Baby got Back" playing Dance Central is also a great way to laugh your can off!

That being said - this morning I had an interesting experience.

I woke up early - ready to hit the elliptical. And then decided to check in on my weight. I've been working out - eating better (although not always sticking to my 2200 per day) - and generally FEEL like I'm making progress on my health.

And the weight....hadn't moved.

And so I sat there in the bed, watching Sesame Street with Elizabeth - feeling bad about that. And slowly losing the will to exercise. I mean - what's the point right?

But then I realized how BACKWARDS that is.

The only way I'm going to lose this weight is by CONTINUING to exercise and eat properly. Building those habits. One day at a time. So I got off my butt, went downstairs, and did my elliptical workout. They have a "weight loss" program that I use during the week - it's a set 28 minute program with a 5 minute cool down. And it DEFINITELY gets the "shirt soaking" done.

I've been revisiting my goals for 2012 these last weeks in light of my struggles. And I think this is a more realistic goal:

1) Finish January 2012 - no sweeping.

2) Complete all four races that I set out to do - January, Princess (both of which I'm registered for) - Disneyland, and Wine and Dine

3) Get progressively FASTER with each one.

4) Run/jog at least 30-50% of the Wine and Dine.

If I can accomplish them - the weight will HAVE to come in line along the way, right?

EPCOT AWAITS!

Cold Season

Yes - it's cold season.

And yes - I got a doozey.

But I'm still pushing through it - just did an elliptical workout and getting ready for my day.

Saw the dietician this week - we didn't see as much progress as we wanted - so we're tweaking our plan. Reducing daily caloric intake to 2200 - and pushing the elliptical to 5x week or more. We're hoping to see a loss of 15-20 pounds in 4-6 weeks.

And much like Byron - I have a Disney Trip to look forward to where I can condition my feet. 10 days in December. We've carefully chosen our dining options to give me healthier plates to eat while dining - and having the condo kitchen is REALLY nice while we're there.

In any event - time to go get ready for the day.

See you guys next week!

EPCOT AWAITS!