In January I had 21 work days, meaning 42 trips.  Only 28 of those trips were by bicycle.  There were three car-pool trips, four where I got a ride from someone else besides a co-worker, three trips on the bus, two in a cab, and two walking trips.

February is off to a better start.  I’ve ridden my single-speed to work and back every day.  My neck has improved enough that this isn’t too painful.

Bike Miles

I rode 5502.9 miles in 2011.  That’s more than 400 miles over 2010′s 5087.2.  By comparison, 2009 was only 3860 miles.  November 2011 was a new personal record month.  I had 697.7 miles.  December is my best December yet, but nothing exceptional at 444.9 miles.

I hope to surpass 6000 miles in 2012, and have a one-month best of 750 miles.

Car-Free

I sold my truck and became car-free on November 4th.  I’m still adjusting to living without a car, but it’s not a difficult adjustment after living most of the year as if I were already car-free.

Bikes

I bought the Big Dummy as my car truck replacement once I knew I actually would sell the truck.  I still have some fit issues to get dialed in, but the bike has been great at hauling things (and people!).

I’ve spent a lot of money on bikes this year.  In addition to buying the Big Dummy, I bought a SON dynohub and lighting system for the LHT in April.  I later moved the wheel and lights to the single-speed.

In March, I bought a used kid-trailer as an affordable cargo hauler.  I haven’t used it since buying the Big Dummy, but it could be useful to tow it with the Big Dummy if I really need to haul a lot.

In December I bought new wheels (including Shimano dynohub) for the LHT.  I also bought new brakes.  Now, January 1st, the bike is still partially assembled in my kitchen.

Health

2011 has been a challenging year due to health issues.

In June I had a horrible neck pain problem.  It kept me off the bike briefly.  It made me miss some longer pleasure rides that I wanted to do.  With some treatment and strength training it was resolved to the point that I can function normally, but it never went away.

In September I was hospitalized due to a bowel obstruction.  Luckily it resolved without surgery, but it was scary.  I only missed one important ride, and had no lasting effects.

On the day after Christmas my neck issue returned.  I’m still struggling with it, and I see myself riding the recumbent more often now.  I wasn’t car-free last time, so my options are a bit more limited now.

The various doctor visits may have actually added to my overall mileage for the year.  I had doctor visits in New Albany and east of Lyndon that took me a bit farther for transportation cycling than I normally go.

Weight

Ah, the elephant in the room.  First let’s look at my monthly average weight since I started tracking it in 10/2007.  Up until July 2009, things look great, then a bit of a bump, lost again, then steady increase since March 2010.

Now let’s look at the same values beginning January 2009.  You’ll notice that most of it is between 200 and 220lbs.  That changes when it goes above 230 in July 2011.  It stays above 230 until the last two month of the year.

It’s a little bit depressing, but not all that surprising.  I’ve been treating myself to good food and beer as if I don’t have a weight problem.  I not going to give these things up, but I need to make better decisions on how much and how often to consume these things.

2011 was not a good year for weight loss.  I ended the year 13lbs heavier than I started it.  Ugh.  As Tim would say, I have an “intake valve problem”.

Exercise

Other than cycling I’ve done little exercising.  I had my push-up plan back in 2008 that I abandoned after suffer shoulder pain.  I’m supposed to be using some dumbbells to strengthen my upper body to help with the neck and shoulder issues, but I’ve not been using them as much as I should.

I was training for a triathlon early in the year, but ditched that after suffering problems in the swim portion of the training.  I did not enjoy the running, but I was capable of performing what was needed.

I did race my first bicycle race in November, the Gravel Grovel.  I met my goal of less that 6.5 hrs (just over 6 hours).

My biggest problem right now, is that my most common exercise other than cycling is the 12 ounce lift (lifting the beer to my lips).

Relationships

Okay, where to begin?

When I started this blog in November of 2007, my 13-year marriage was ending.  I didn’t talk about it publicly for months, but it was happening.

I married Kristy in 2009.  It was a much different marriage than the first, but didn’t work out for much different reasons.  We are now officially divorced.

Interesting tidbit.  I met an interesting woman, Robin, a few days ago.  My desires in a relationship are a bit different now.  I’m not ready to rush in to living together or marriage (eek!  I said the M word!), but she lives nearby (walking distance, no bike even needed!) and we have some common interests.  We rang in the new year together.  I’m not going to talk much more about her for the time being.

2012

Most goals stay the same.  Goal weight of 175lbs.  Stay sane.  Be happy.

Some goals have changed.  Ride 6000 miles for the year.  Ride 750 miles or more in at least one month.  Save more money.

All of this is for nothing if the Mayans were right.

Happy New Year everyone!

Tuesday
I had an appointment with a lawyer before work.  I rode the Big Dummy to work, then walked to the appointment.  I’m glad I did.  Traffic was a mess in the area due to an underground electrical box fire.  Even riding a bike through the area would have been problematic.

I had ridden the Big Dummy to pick up pet supplies at Feeder’s Supply after work.  I normally go to the Downtown location, but I wanted to check out a new route to St Matthews, so I rode my new route through the Richlawn and Beechwood Village neighborhoods to get to another location.

I then hauled 70lbs of pet supplies toward home, stopping at Four Pegs for beer and food.  I may have eaten what I shouldn’t have, but I did get over 20 miles in for the day, nearly half of that while hauling pet supplies.

Wednesday
Today I had a doctor appointment in New Albany before work.  My LHT was still in pieces, so I rode the single-speed.  By the time I got home, I had 26 miles.

Several of us are getting together this weekend for a gravel ride.  My LHT is the bike of choice here, so it was time to put it back together.

I cleaned the bike the best I could and reinstalled the fenders and wheels.  I cleaned and lubed the drivetrain.  I noticed a few issues.

• Rear hub is “sloppy”
• Front derailleur won’t shift to small ring, unless you push it with your finger
• Rims are badly worn
• Cables are worn
• Brake pads are worn
• Pedals were “crunchy” – one of them was also bent
• Chainrings are worn

I don’t have the money to fix all of this right away.  I did have some different pedals in the closet that I put on it.  I’ll be stopping by the bike shop for help with the rear hub and front derailleur.  The hub because I don’t own any cone wrenches.  The derailleur, because I don’t know what’s wrong with it.  It could just need replacing.

The bike has seen nearly 6600 very hard miles.  This is the go-to bike for gravel, rain, winter, mud, and heavy loads (before the Big Dummy).  It looks like I’ll be spending a fair amount over the next few months fixing it up.

Food
I’ve quit tracking my food intake again.  I’m going to start again tomorrow.  I’ve been busy and it takes time.  Yesterday’s fun at Four Pegs is what happens when I don’t hold myself accountable.

Weight
I’m still slowly losing.  Go figure.  I guess it’s a combination of better eating (even with mishaps) and more miles on the bike.

Progress?  I’ve not been perfect about the rules.  I even bought beer at the grocery store, and had a few last night.  I have been better.

Results?  My weight on 11/21 was 230.2lbs.  Today is 224.2lbs.  In the time between, it’s been 220s the whole time.  I’m seeing small consistent drops.

Weaknesses?  On Wednesday, I went out on an allowed outing for Car-Free Happy Hour.  I was fine with my food consumption, but had a bit more beer than necessary.  On Thursday, I was going to go out to eat, but the restaurant I went to went out of business.  I went home and cooked.  Friday I went out for pizza.  I ate entirely too much, but was better about the beer consumption.

I went grocery shopping last night on the Big Dummy.  I hauled a lot of groceries home.  I’m planning on making large amounts of soup.  I can freeze the extra.  I can easily bring it to work for lunch.  It should be a big help.

My daughter came to visit yesterday.  We made a chicken breast and rice dish.  I ate a bit too much and had beer.

I have no big bicycle plans this month.  I’m just coasting by.  We have one gravel ride planned in a week or two… I don’t know which weekend.  Other that that it’s just riding to work, running errands, or the occasional in-town ride.

I dropped off my rear wheel for the ‘bent on Friday.  That meant riding out to Lyndon after work.  I’m riding back out there today to pick it up, probably just in time for the rain to get here.

Today was Car-Free Happy Hour at Clifton Pizza.  I was unsure I even wanted to go, but I did go.

I’m glad I did.  Tom was there with his wife.  They had ridden a tandem recumbent.  I ate two pieces of pizza and had some beer.

I followed Tom to his house in Lyndon, then headed home.  I wasn’t sure exactly how many miles I needed to get 700 for the month.  I came up short.  I got a total of 697.7 miles for November.  It’ll do.  It’s still a new personal record.  I’m going to ease up a bit in December.  I need a break.

I only needed 53 miles to do it, and I had the day off work today, so I planned a 55-mile ride for today.  I hadn’t ridden the recumbent in a while, so that was to be my bike of choice.

The recumbent had a flat tire that I didn’t get around to fixing last night.  I pulled the wheel off this morning and found the valve stem was damaged.  I grabbed the spare tube and found that it had gotten punctured in storage.  I patched the spare and got the tire mounted and aired up.  With the wheel back on the bike, I gave it a spin.  The wheel was quite out of true.

I assumed I just needed to tighten a spoke or two.  This was frustrating, but within my ability.  After closer inspection I found a broken spoke.  Okay, not riding the recumbent today.

I decided the single-speed would be a better choice anyway with the generator lighting.  It’s dreary and rainy outside.  It took very little to get the bike ready to go.

The hard part about dressing for the weather is that it’s in the 40s and raining.  The easy part is that the temperature isn’t supposed to change much all day.  A mixture of wool and synthetics was called for.  I dressed a little light so that I wouldn’t overheat.  I wore my rain cape to prevent my upper body from getting soaked.

I was out the door and heading west down Hill St.  I made my way to the west end and turned north toward Shawnee Park.  That’s when I noticed the wind was from the north.  The rain cape became a sail.

After riding through Shawnee Park and Portland I was eastbound toward downtown.  I felt better here until I got in between tall buildings that were funneling the wind in odd directions.  Again, the rain cape was a liability, but with heavy rain, wind, and no jacket I wasn’t going to take it off.

I stopped at my workplace to say hello, use the restroom, and warm up.  I then went across the street for coffee.

I continued east on River Rd.  I knew at this point I wasn’t going to finish the planned ride.  I was too cold.

I turned on Frankfort Ave and came across some flooding.  I carefully rode through watching the depth.  I didn’t want to get my feet wet or submerge my dynohub.  I succeeded in not submerging the hub.  My feet got soaked.  Even with wool socks my feet got very cold.

I continued out Frankfort Ave to Bike Couriers Bike Shop.  I stopped in and look around.  They had a Radish in stock.  Neat!  I also noticed they had a decent selection of useful fenders and other utility cycling stuff in stock.

After that I headed nearly directly home.  I was cold and wet.  I also needed to use a restroom again.

My mileage for the month is 667.3.  That’s less than four miles short of a new personal best and not far from 700.  I still have two more days to hit the 700.  I should be able to do that by taking the long way to work or back.

My top ten months are below.

There are seven more days to ride.  One of those days is Gravel Grovel, which will get me about 60 miles.  That means I can average less than 23 miles per day for the other six days and hit my target.

Why yes, I do have a Thanksgiving Day ride planned.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My overall mileage year-to-date is a bit lower than last year, but that’s due to my horrible June because of my neck.

I mentioned in my previous post that I’ve driven the truck to a ride for the last time.  It’s true.  It’ll be sold by Saturday.  I will be officially car-free.

I was car-free briefly in April 2009, but then I bought the truck.  I lived in Charlestown and the time, and the time and energy spent commuting that distance was more than I could handle.

Now, I live in town, and this car-free episode isn’t being forced on me.  The Kia needed a new engine, spurring that car-free stint.

Monthly Average Weight

When I was having the most weight loss I was constantly reminding myself about my progress.  That was the point of this blog.

Since then, It’s turned into either talking about bike rides or complaining about depression.  Both of those affect my weight loss and will still be mentioned here, but I need to get back to basics and post my weight daily.  I just recently started weighing regularly again.

So there is now a Daily Weigh-In link under the pages section.  I’ll keep it as updated as possible.  It also has a link to a chart of my monthly progress that I’ll keep updated on a monthly basis.  I’m putting the chart here also, that is updated through September.

I’ve had some weight loss for the last two weeks.  I need to keep that going.

I had a can of soup for dinner last night.  Not exactly satisfying, but I’m running out of groceries.  I’ll be making a grocery trip tonight after work.

I still don’t have my weigh-in page figured out, but I have the data in an Excel spreadsheet.

I almost drove to work yesterday, but I am short on money and didn’t want to pay for parking.  If I’m going to sell my truck, driving to work can’t be an option.

I feel better today and I’m looking forward to riding into work.  Given the choice, I think I’d rather crawl back into bed.  :)

I’ve been at risk of undoing much of the health improvements I’ve done over the last four years.  My eating habits are not only directly unhealthy, but not great for my mental health with the self-loathing I feel after a whole week of eating bad… week after week.

I’ve let myself get lazy and distracted.  I haven’t been keeping up on household chores.  I’ve basically been a mess.

I’m going to refocus.  I’m weighing myself again.  I haven’t started posting it again because the page is crazy with too much data.  I’ll find a better way to present it soon.  My weight this morning was 236.4lbs.  That’s higher than it’s been since October of 2008.

I need to stop going out to eat so much.  Going out for pizza or a burger and a beer three or four times a week is not only working against my goals, but is costing too much money.

Today, I cooked a pork chop on the grill and had celery sticks.   I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.  It was a sensible size portion and I drank water with it.

More Goals

In December 2008 I listed a few secondary goals.  I just revisited that.

• Learn to ride a unicycle (next year)
  I wisely gave up on this.
  
• Be car-free (three years away)
  Strangely enough, I’m on track for this.
  
• Either fix-up my house, or move (three years away)
  I moved more than a year ahead of the goal.
  
• Meet a woman crazy enough to like my lifestyle (never?)
  I got married – we’re split up now – don’t want to say much more than that.
  
• Ride a several hundred mile multi-day tour (next year?)
  Although late, I did this in March of this year.

Message From The Past

In January of 2009, I wrote something that I needed to read now.  Luckily, I do re-read my older blog entries occasionally.

I mention effort to save a life.  I was trying at the time to convince my audience that this is possible and necessary.  It turns out the audience is me in 2011.

Alright Then

If I fix my eating habits and focus more on productive activities, not only will I lose weight, but I should feel better about myself.  It’s not a cure for depression, but it means fewer bad days.

It’s strange that the things I crave when depressed (food & beer) are things that will eventually make me more depressed.  This is common.  What is it with the human psyche?

• I did a 130-mile camping trip on the last weekend of the month
• I spent a lot of time running errands out to the east end
• I rode my recumbent for 70 miles by riding to the Crestwood ride 25-miler, then back home
• I rode a 70-mile RCCS ride
• I rode my bike to work every day
• I had several 20-40 mile rides
• I rode a few extra miles on the last day of the month – just to push myself to a new record

On 8/31, I rode to work the normal way, a whole 3.6 miles or so.  I left work early for a doctor’s appointment (which got me okay’d for a third epidural).

I rode the following route from work to the doctor and then home:

Instead of taking the normal way, I took River Rd all the way to Lime Kiln.  This was flat as a pancake and I managed a 15mph average on this stretch… on the single speed.

After turning unto Lime Kiln there’s a small climb, but it’s mostly flat after that.  I stayed on that same road, although it changes names to Herr Ln then to Lyndon Ln, all the way past Shelbyville Rd and nearly to my doctor’s office.

On the way back, I took the more normal New Lagrange, Washburn, Westport route.  After meandering through the parks, I wen’t to Za’s for pizza then headed home.

After getting home, I realized I was still short of a new monthly record, so I headed back out.

I basically just wandered around.  I didn’t have a destination in mind.  I had mentioned to Tim that I might go through Indian Hills, but I never made it out quite that far.  I was still on the single-speed (actually haven’t ridden the LHT since the camping trip).  Here’s my route:

Once I got back home, I had 671 miles, a new personal best month.  I’m going to shoot for 700 in September.

I had another doctor appointment after work today, so that got me about 33 miles.  I needed a few more to put me over my old record of 665.6.  I wandered around parts of town that I’m not familiar with.  I eventually ended up in the Mockingbird Valley area, then on River Rd.  Then I went out for a beer.  That made it all worth it.

This new personal best tells me that my neck is “good enough”.  I can ride whatever bike I want for as long as I want without any more discomfort than I get sitting in a chair.

I also had a 130-mile weekend with camping.  I’ll write about it soon.

The Excel document is more accurate, as I don’t forget a full week or month.  Apparently I do forget to enter rides on MyCyclingLog, because the numbers are different by more than 15 miles.

Using my record keeping, I had 646.5 miles for the month of March which is my 2nd highest mileage month yet.  The first was June of 2010 at 665.6 miles.  The March mileage is higher in large part due to my mini-tour.

I want to exceed 700 miles in April, yet I’m not doing a tour.  I’m taking a longer route to work, and trying to longer rides on the weekend.  This morning, Tim and I put in over 30 miles.  I have to mow the lawn at my old house in Charlestown, so I’m going to ride there.  I may ride back depending on the time I finish up.

I don’t know what tomorrow has in store yet, but I intend to be on the bike.

I rode to work and back.  Not much else to add.

Tuesday

I rode to work, then to a massage appointment, then home.  I ate too much.

Wednesday

Woke up with a horrible headache, called work to let them know I’d be late, then went back to sleep for a while longer.  I did go into work, but I drove.

Since I was driving anyway, I ran some errands after work.  I went to Swags to buy some running shoes.  Found some that will work for about $60.  Then I went grocery shopping.  Now that 2011 is here, I’m tracking all of my driving miles.  Well, Wednesday was 22.1 miles put on the truck.

Thursday (Today)

Rode to work again.  After work rode across the bridge to Jeffersonville to meet up with Debbie, who I’m training with for the Triathlon.

We discussed scheduling, training, and whatnot.

After I got home, I put on my new running shoes, and some thick base layers (it’s cold outside!) and my reflective vest, and went for a quick run.  The shoes will work.  I should probably buy some thin gloves.  I have thick ski gloves I wear on the bike, but they are not ideal for running.

Rest Of The Week?

I’m now committed to running the Reindeer Romp 4k on Saturday.  I might be crazy to run this soon, but at least it’s only 4k (2.4 miles) and I can walk as much as I need to.

I also need to spend some more time at the Y.  My swimming technique needs a lot of work.  I also need more miles on the bike.

2007

Most of this is fairy-land made up stuff.  I didn’t own a scale until late October, but I wanted to fill in a full year’s worth of weight, so I guessed.  You can see the weight start dropping at a pretty good clip near the end of the year.  That part is real.

2008

Through 2008 the weight loss continued nicely. I did bitch and moan at the time about the plateaus that I hit, but it was temporary, and the weight loss continued.

2009

The first couple of months of the year started out well, but then I struggled to lose weight and actually gained weight in the last half of the year.

2010

For the first quarter of the year I lost the weight I gained in the last part of the previous year.  Then I gained it back and another 15 lbs just for good measure.

What Now?

I try not to get too upset about this.  My weight is still below 220 and considering I started just below 300 I’ve still made progress overall.  I do feel like I’m on the verge of undoing it, but I have a much different lifestyle now.  I am fit and active now, I wasn’t before.  I’m eating too much again, thus the weight gain.

The triathlon training should help.  Does that mean I’ll gain more weight after the triathlon is complete?  Maybe.  Should I worry?  Not too much.  I do need to start eating better.  It’s the 2nd day of the year, and I’ve already went out for pizza twice this year.  I can’t keep doing that.

2008

I bought a bike and started riding in April of 2008.  At the time it seemed like I made slow progress in being able to ride, but I quickly shot up to 626 miles in one month (August).  It tapered off after that.  I finished up that year with 2238.6 miles.  The average monthly was 186.6.

2009

In 2009 I brought my average monthly mileage to 321.7.  I had a total of 3860 miles.  I didn’t have any incredibly good months, but I only had one really bad month, December, with only 91.6 miles.

2010

In 2010 I was more consistent.  My worst month, February, wasn’t really that bad at 297.3 miles.  I also set a new monthly record in June of 665.6 miles.  I barely made my 5000 mile goal for the year by getting 5087.2 miles, averaging 423.9 per month.

2011?

Now that I live closer to work, I’m a bit worried my mileage will drop.  I’m also spending more time on other activities related to the triathlon.  I’ve left my goal for the year at 5000 miles.  Commuting alone will only get me about 2000 miles for the year.  I need to squeeze in longer ride and/or take the long way to work.

I think I’m off to a good start.  I put in a 43-mile ride on the first day of the year.  I may (or may not) get in a ride today.

I’m up to 4900 miles on the bike so far this year.  I’ll easily hit 5000 for the year.  Getting 5000 next year will be the real challenge with my shorter commute.

I still don’t seem to be losing weight.  I am eating better now.  There was a company potluck yesterday, but I skipped dinner after I got home.

I ate much better at work today, but don’t feel like cooking tonight, so I’ll probably just microwave some frozen vegetables.  I’ve been ignoring my food diary.  I still need to start using my dumbbells, or doing push-ups, or something.  Writing blog posts, sleeping, and reading are taking up my time though.

I drove to work yesterday.  I paid $8.75 to park the truck.  Ugh.

I’ve been having problems getting up in the morning.  This morning I got up early and rode to the coffee shop (where I’m at now).  I’ll be leaving here shortly to go to work.

My single-speed bike has been switched over to a fixed-gear.  Riding fixed is different.  It works well for riding around town.  I certainly wouldn’t want to ride it on a long, hilly ride.

My weight continues to climb.  This probably in part due to the snacks at the coffee shops.  I would be better off if I limited myself to just the coffee.

There are two RCCS rides this weekend.  Saturday morning at 8:30, there is an easy urban ride starting at Sunergos.  Sunday is the 80-mile gravel ride that is “training” for the overnight ride coming up later this month.  Can you join us?

Here’s my monthly weight chart.  It looks like I’m heading toward 220 lbs.

From Saturday's short ride

Weekly Miles: 255.6 (my new weekly record)
Miles Today: 116.6 (my new daily record)
Top Speed Today: 47.5 mph (my new record, possible stupidity involved)

Today:

I rode to Tim’s house (about 21) miles, leaving home about 4:30 this morning.  We left on a planned 70-miler that ended up a tad longer.  I then rode home.  It was a do-it-yourself Century ride.  :)

Morning

At Iroquois Park

Kentucky Tobacco

I was on track to have 800 miles for the month of June.  Then things got busy, but I was still on track for over 700 miles.  Then I got sick.  If I rode to work and back one day this week, it would put me at 700 miles.  That’s not going to happen.  So my total for June is 665.6 miles.  136.6 of those miles were on the recumbent, the rest on the LHT.

June 2010 is a record mileage month for me, beating out August 2008 with 626.8 miles.

I’m not done.  There’s a new month starting soon.  Now that my daughter has moved out, and my wife will be gone again, I intend to set a new record for July.

I knew that March of this year was good.  I assumed it was a new record.  I had no idea that I did more miles in August of 2008.  I had only been riding a few months when I set my record.

I’m hoping to blow that record away this month.  If I keep up the pace that I’ve been doing, I should have 800 miles for the month.  We’ll see.

My commuting bike for this week will be Oria, my recumbent.  I’ve got some “butt issues” that need to heal, so comfort is the word.

During the slower weightloss period I dropped about five pounds from March 2009 to July 2009.

From July 2009 to present I’ve actually had a small net gain.  I actually weight more today than I did in early March 2009.

On the bright side, I think my body fat percentage is a little lower than it was in March 2009.  I have been riding the bike a lot more.  I’ve built a lot of muscle.  I’m on track to have over 5000 miles on the bike this calendar year.

Also being fit (which I feel I am) at any weight is healthier than not being fit at the same weight.  My quality of life has improved greatly.

I just need to keep working to eat better, as my natural inclination is to binge on things I shouldn’t.

• Home
• Post Office
• Coffee Shop
• Bank
• Work
• Doctor’s Office
• Coffee Shop
• Home

It turned out to be 43.5 miles in beautiful weather.  I had to spend a few hours working, and some time getting poked and prodded by my doctor, but overall a good day.

As far as my crushing depression I was having before… It disappeared <poof!> last Thursday.  I did discuss it with my doctor, but I really don’t want to take medication for it.  As far as an existing medication causing it, I should get the lab results soon.

Oh, I weighed this morning.  I’ve gained weight, as expected.  My weight this morning was 211.2, which is about where I was in early February.  So, I lost some progress again.  I’m back on the wagon.

I’ve ridden my bike 1974.2 miles for the year so far.  Here it is broken out by month:

I would really like to have over 600 miles for June, so I’d better get riding.

On Wednesday, I was ready to ride.  I took the long way to work wandering down Waterline Road, through Utica, along the river.  I took a mostly normal route home, with a total for the day of 37 miles.

Today, I didn’t ride to work.  I took Nermal to work to use as “lunch ride” bike on days that I don’t ride to work.  I figured it wouldn’t get any use this week, as the weather forecast was calling for thunderstorms.

We had beautiful weather in the early afternoon.  The roads were even dry (good thing too, Nermal is running without fenders right now).  Patrick, who has joined us on a couple of RCCS rides met up with me downtown, and we rode through Old Louisville and The Highlands, before parting ways, and each getting back to our duties.  That was a nice 13-mile spin.

Tomorrow I’m attending a Norah Jones concert with my daughter.  Riding my bike to work is not really in the cards.  So, I took a 19-mile night-time ride now.  I may do another one tomorrow night after the concert.

Four of us arrived in Edwardsville for ride.  Tim, Dominic, Patrick, and I were prepared for a chilly day, as the temperature was barely above freezing at the ride start.

As we headed toward New Middletown we ran across several members of the Louisville Bicycle Club, and they were moving quite fast.  It turns out they were running time trials.  One of them was Dale, who used to ride with us occasionally, until he preferred riding faster.  As we got into New Middletown we talked to a few more LBC members including Chaz, Tom, and Jen.

As the ride progressed we needed to shed clothing due to warmer temperatures, and actual sunlight!  I know, it was sunny yesterday, but after months of dreariness, this weekend is wonderful.  The temperature topped out in the low 60s.

We went a little off-route, so the total mileage was about 56.  This was probably the best ride I’ve had this year.  The New Year’s Day ride was nice also, but was much colder.

I was also in a cheerful mood because my weight had dropped below 200 lbs as of this morning.  We’ll see if that trend continues.

I rode 126 miles this week.  That’s my highest mileage week this year.  I’m hoping to start next week off with a full commute to work tomorrow morning.

January and February are up slightly over last year.  That was following a pitiful December.

Poor Oria hasn’t been ridden since November.  I’m thinking about riding her to work one day this week.

Down from last week:
3.7 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
89.0 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
3.22 lbs

Weight until goal:
32.4 lbs

It’s been months since I’ve posted a weekly update.  My weight loss had stalled, so I mostly wrote about bicycle related activities.  That has changed.  I’m losing weight again.  My new diet is working.

I still expect to reach my goal weight of 175 lbs.  I hope to reach it before the end of this year.  My new diet should make it easier to maintain than my previous low-calories diet.

Weight

I (mostly) lost weight through the first half of the year, but mostly gained it all back in the last half.  I’m still happier with my weight than I was in 2007 or 2008 though.  I need to have the self-control that I did in 2008 again.

Bike Mileage

I didn’t make my goal of 5000 miles.  I knew I wouldn’t fairly early.  I did ride 3,860 miles for the year, which beats the previous year of 2,238.

Month by Month Review

• January 2009
  • Biking irregularly due to weather and ice storm
  • First RCCS ride
  • Rode 277.8 miles
  • Average weight of 216.5 lbs
• February 2009
  • Gave up the idea of living car-free in the near-term
  • I assumed (wrongly) that I’d hit my goal weight by August
  • Rode 263.3 miles
  • Average weight of 208.2 lbs
• March 2009
  • I met Kristy
  • Rode 192.4 miles
  • Average weight of 204.6 lbs
• April 2009
  • My car died – spent two weeks without one before buying my truck
  • Kristy and I were engaged
  • Kristy left the state for a few months
  • Rode 290.9 miles
  • Average weight of 206.6 lbs
• May 2009
  • Rode the 60-mile Tour de Cure
  • Set a new weekly mileage record of 186.1
  • Rode 452.0 miles
  • Average weight of 203.3 lbs
• June 2009
  • Weight was under 200 lbs for a while
  • Set a new weekly mileage record of 201.9
  • Rode 542.2 miles
  • Average weight of 202.0 lbs
• July 2009
  • Kristy came home
  • Went to West Virginia with Kristy to meet some of her family
  • Rode 371.3 miles
  • Average weight of 201.8 lbs
• August 2009
  • Managed a 20-mile ride in Michigan while traveling
  • Almost sold my recumbent
  • Business trip to San Antonio – Too much good food
  • My daughter came to live with me
  • Rode 199.6 miles
  • Average weight of 208.4 lbs
• September 2009
  • I married Kristy in Florida – managed to bring bikes and get in some riding too
  • Finished The Ride to Conquer Cancer – I enjoyed the achievement, but I’m not really sure I want to spend the (fund-raising) time to do another charity ride
  • Rode 298.9 miles
  • Average weight of 212.4 lbs
• October 2009
  • Kristy left again for work
  • Rode 436.1 miles
  • Average weight of 209.7 lbs
• November 2009
  • Went mountain biking for the first time
  • Rode 443.9 miles
  • Average weight of 209.8 lbs
• December 2009
  • Kristy came home
  • Spent Christmas in West Virginia
  • Kristy left again
  • I’m gaining weight again, it’s going to take work to get back down
  • Rode 91.6 miles – holy crap!  what happened here?
  • Average weight of 215.2 lbs – wow back to January weight

Overall

I’m happy with what I’ve done for the year.  I met a wonderful woman, fell in love, and got married.  Looking back at my posts from the past year, many of them seem rather negative.  I guess it’s easy to focus on the times when things aren’t going as planned.  Things usually don’t go as planned, but work out alright anyway.

That doesn’t mean I give myself a pass on not losing the weight and keeping it off.  I very much intend to achieve my goal weight of 175 lbs, and stay there.  I’m hoping I can do it before December of next year.

Happy New Year everyone!

We’ve still got of stuff to move from her old apartment, but we’re getting to it.  Although we’re probably still going out to eat too often, we are splitting meals now which is better for the wallet and the gut.

I’ve worked three days this week.  On Wednesday I drove to work.  Thursday and Friday (today) I rode the bike into work, but Kristy picks me up after work.  That seems to work out well.

I’ve been riding Nermal.  Oria needs some work on the wheels, and should probably have the bearings cleaned and regreased after the sand and saltwater spray in Florida.

I am disappointed with my weight.  I’ve been above 210 lbs all of this month, and part of last.  I had been down below 198 as recently as July.

Kristy is supportive of my weight loss and bike riding.  She kicked me out of bed this morning so that I had time to ride.  I love her for that. 

215 lbs is about what I weighed back in January.  I’m going to have to really push hard to get back under 200 lbs by the end of the year.  I’m going to Florida in less than a week.  I have another conference to attend in October in St. Louis.  I need to learn better eating habits when travelling.

For now, I’m back at home, and will be back on the bike.  I’ve got some good food around the house, and need to watch how much of it I eat.

Up from last week:
5.0 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
92.2 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.42 lbs

Weight until goal:
29.2 lbs

Blah.  I gained 5 pounds in a week.  It’s true I haven’t been as careful with my eating.  I expected to gain a little, but not 5 pounds.

This next week will be a challenge.  I’ll be with Kristy and traveling.  I’ll need to have a little more self-control.

Down from last week:
1.9 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
97.3 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.77 lbs

Weight until goal:
24.1 lbs

My car mileage is up, but I made a trip to Michigan, and two trips to the Danville area.  I didn’t track my bike mileage monthly until this year, and I believe I rode about 500 miles in August of last year, but at 542.2 miles, I’m calling June 2009 a record.

My average weight for the month was 202.0 lbs.  I have been struggling with my weight recently, but I think the last month or so has been due to building muscle mass from more bike riding and weight lifting.

After over riding over 80 miles last weekend, I’m riding full commutes to work this week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  On Tuesday and Thursday, I’m doing a partial commute, and my weight training.  The commuting alone should bring me to 120 miles per week.

I started out a nice ride, and ran across three young (and friendly) dogs.  I had to stop to avoid hitting them.  They were quite playful, and didn’t want to let me go.  When I finally did get away, I later noticed that one of them had punctured one of my water bottles, and it had drained.  I shortened the ride to 23 miles to avoid dehydration.

I damaged my mower while mowing the lawn, and won’t be finishing that until next weekend.

Sunday was much better.  I met up with Tim for a 61-mile ride leaving from Sellersburg.  We had advertised it as a RCCS ride, but it was last minute and no one else attended.

After the ride, my daughter and I went swimming at Hardy Lake.  It was a nice way to relax after a bike ride.

I set a new record on bike miles for a week.  My previous record was 186.1, my new record is 201.9.  I’m on track to make June 2009 a record month for miles also.  It’ll probably end up around 560 miles.

I’m not doing my normal “weekly average weight post”, but my weight is down a bit.  My weight seems to just be bouncing around at around 200 lbs.  I eat decently and ride quite a bit, but I could stand to improve both.  It may be that I won’t ever reach my 175 lb goal, but I will keep trying.

Down from last week:
0.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
92.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.65 lbs

Weight until goal:
28.7 lbs

The up-and-down at just around 200 lbs continues.

Up from last week:
4.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
92.2 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.68 lbs

Weight until goal:
29.2 lbs

Getting under 200 lbs was a challenge, but I did it.  Staying under 200 is harder.  Hopefully my diet changes I talked about in my last post will help here.

Down from last week:
1.8 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
96.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.97 lbs

Weight until goal:
24.7 lbs

I had pizza and beer yesterday.  I had beer today, and 800 calories worth of ice cream.  I haven’t ridden many miles this week, yet I lost weight (until today).  I am happy to have my weekly average under 200 lbs though.

This blog has been rather quiet recently.  I really haven’t been doing much that I can write about.  Everything is going rather well in my personal life (I just wish Kristy would be home sooner).

I have an interesting bike-related adventure going on tomorrow.  I’ll have a camera with me.  Stay tuned.

My average monthly weight was 203.3 lbs, or a loss of 3.3 lbs from April.  I’ve made up for April’s gain, and then some.  My daily weight has dropped below 200 lbs for three days in a row.

Mileage

May mileage is improved.  I’m driving less and riding more.  I wasn’t tracking mileage by month last year, but May 2009 could be the most miles in a month for me.

Health

It turns out I have arthritis in my right shoulder.  I probably injured it years ago, and just don’t remember it.  Most of the medication I have been given for it didn’t do much, and had side effects, so I’m no longer taking medication for it.  I have been doing strength training for my upper body with a personal trainer.  This has been helping my shoulder, and is good for the general fitness also.

Personal

Kristy is still too far away.  I’ve been focusing on bikes, cooking, and diet to keep the loneliness away.  Kristy sent a picture, and gave me permission to post this one. 

I’ve been recruiting some co-workers to go on a bike ride during lunch.  Several people keep a bike at work, and we ride along the riverwalk during lunch.  We ride slow, and it’s not a long ride, but it helps break the day up and clear the mind.

Down from last week:
2.0 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
94.9 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.93 lbs

Weight until goal:
26.5 lbs

My last two weigh-ins have been just under 200 lbs.  My weight will probably pop back above 200 lbs for a day or two, but I’m comfortable saying that my next weekly average, and my June monthly average will be under 200.

I’ve done this by eating very light on days that I don’t ride my bike, and eating more food on days that I do.  I’ve ridden a little over 100 miles for the week so far, and still have two more days to ride if I want.

I’ve been waiting for the day that my weight is under 200 lbs, and it’s not quite here yet.  Why an arbitrary number like 200?  It means little.  Even my goal weight of 175 is just an arbitrary number.

We all need goals, and 175 is my goal.  Nice round numbers along the way are signs of progress.  So I’ll take my 200.

Down from last week:
1.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
92.9 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.89 lbs

Weight until goal:
28.5 lbs

I did the miles in four days.  The other three days I did no riding.

• Monday: Commuting – 33 miles
• Friday: Commuting and ride to Seneca Park – 47 miles
• Saturday: Tour de Cure – 60 miles
• Sunday: Ride with Tim, and my first LBC ride – total of 46 miles

Tim wants more miles, and knows I want more miles, so he arranged the beautiful ride from Iroquois Park to southwest of Louisville.  Once we got off the main roads, the ride was quite nice, if a bit hillier than I bargained for.

After some food and a short rest, I met up with Louisville Bicycle Club “ice cream ride” in Jeffersonville.  The ride goes up to Utica and back, then we have ice cream.  What could be better?

The LBC ride was notable for having four ‘bents (including Tom), so I was in good company.

Up from last week:
1.3 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
91.4 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.87 lbs

Weight until goal:
30.0 lbs

My weight doesn’t seem to want to drop.  It just fluctuates between 203 and 207.  I could be in a muscle-building stage right now.  I am pushing myself harder on the bike, and doing some weightlifting.

I just need to keep working at it, and see what happens.

Down from last week:
0.0 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
92.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.00 lbs

Weight until goal:
28.7 lbs

This week’s average is the same as last.  Looking at the chart above, I’m at the end of the largest weight spike I’ve had so far.  I’m glad I lost the weight that I had regained, but I did lose two months of progress.

My biggest problem is still overeating.  I haven’t completely brought it under control either.  I ate a huge dinner last night, and a rather large breakfast today.

Down from last week:
1.4 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
92.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.07 lbs

Weight until goal:
28.7 lbs

Even without any bicycle commuting, I’ve managed to lose a little.  I’ve been eating pretty well, except for the pizza last night.

I have ridden on a couple of evenings, and I rode last Saturday with Tim.

I’m busy today with getting an MRI of my shoulder, and running errands, but I hope to get another nice ride in tomorow.  It is supposed to rain, but that doesn’t stop me.

My average monthly weight was 206.6 lbs, or a gain of 2.0 lbs from March.  I had been gaining in late March and early April.  I’m fairly confident that May will show some more loss.  I haven’t weighed under 200 lbs yet, but I’ve been very close, and it’s a bit frustrating.

Mileage

My bike miles are still low, and I still drive too much.  I don’t think it’s going to be possible to hit my 5000 bike miles for the year.  April’s car miles are lower only because I went two weeks without a car.

Health

My blood pressure is excellent, my cholesterol is good.  I’ve been seeing a doctor for some severe shoulder pain.  I still don’t know what’s causing it, but I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow.  Maybe that will clear things up.  Some of the medication I have been taking has drained my energy, and made it difficult to ride to work recently.

Personal

As I blogged about before, I’m engaged to Kristy, and will be getting married this September.

I haven’t ridden to work since buying my truck, but I have taken some evening rides.  I’m also trying to get  a co-worker interested in riding.  He’s going to bring his bike over this weekend for adjusting, and we hope to meet up on Tuesday for a partial commute into work.

I had hoped to ride to work today, but woke up late, and really sore, so I’m driving.

I bought another bag, and it took me two days to snack my way through it.  It’s like eating green, leafy potato chips. 

I had a light dinner today and my total calorie consumption for the day is 1170.  Yesterday was 2520, so it does vary quite a bit.  Amazingly, I’ve averaged only 1600 calories per day in the last week.  The week before was over 2000.

Down from last week:
2.8 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
91.3 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.05 lbs

Weight until goal:
30.1 lbs

My weight is going the right direction again.  I’m trying to eat well when I ride, and eat much less when I don’t.  If I don’t restrict my calories when I don’t ride, I’m worried that my weight will go back up, now that I have a vehicle again, and the ability to not ride.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Kristy won’t be moving in until at least July.  That gives me more time to focus on the weight loss.  It would be nice to be under 190 lbs by then.

I’ve had some shoulder issues that I’m now seeing a doctor for.  They don’t directly affect the cycling, but the pain does keep me up at night, which makes riding a lot harder the next day.  Also, some of my medication makes me sleepy, further compounding the problem.  It’s weird, it seems my body started falling apart the moment I decided to take care of it.

Today is also the one-year anniversary of me buying Nermal, my first real bike.  Strangely enough, I probably won’t ride him today, except for a quick grocery trip.  I have a lot to do this weekend that can’t be done on the bike.  One year ago, I weighed about 265 lbs.  Today I weigh 204.

Down from last week:
2.4 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
88.5 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.96 lbs

Weight until goal:
32.9 lbs

Things are heading in the right direction again.  Lack of a car has meant much more riding.  I’ve also been eating better (mostly).

Three changes may get me back on track:

• Kristy has left the state for work for a while.
• My daughter goes back home this weekend.
• My car has died and I will have to ride to work every day until I get another car.

This was not my normal weekly weight post.  I didn’t want to just spit out the numbers without talking about how to fix it.  I have a plan, now I just need to stick to it.

Up from last week:
2.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
88.5 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.10 lbs

Weight until goal:
32.9 lbs

It took me several days to get around to posting this.  I’m disgusted with my weight heading the wrong direction.

I was going to ride my bike today, but overslept.  I’ve ridden way too little, and eaten way too much.

My progress is horrible.  I should be riding at least 417 miles per month to get to my goal.  Not only that, but my mileage for March was the lowest of the year, even with the better weather.

I now need about 475 miles per month for the rest of the year to get me to my goal.  I should aim for 500, just to make sure I make the goal.

The big spike in car miles is due to driving to work more often, and driving to visit Kristy.

My average weight for the month is 204.6 lbs, or 3.6 lbs less than February.  I have struggled in March with the loss coming early in the month, and some gains near the end.

Up from last week:
0.8 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
91.0 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.31 lbs

Weight until goal:
30.4 lbs

I’m still gaining weight.  My eating is better, but not good enough.  I haven’t been riding other than the 33 mile round-trip commute on Monday, and about 3.5 miles today.

Up from last week:
1.6 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
91.8 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.43 lbs

Weight until goal:
29.6 lbs

This is why I have weekly averages.  My weight has been trending upward.  I know why it has also.  My daily average calorie consumption is almost double what it was a few weeks ago.  I haven’t been riding my bike nearly enough.

I did have a great time.  I spent time with my girlfriend.  We cooked meals together, went out to eat, went to a movie, and went to the zoo.  I did tell her that I need to fit my healthy lifestyle back into my life. 

I’ve also realized that my binge-eating problems are still around.  I had kept them in check by limiting my available choices.  That’s a bit harder with someone else around, and when going out to eat.  Just before posting this I was eating way too much of an apple pie.  I need to put it away now, or I’ll eat more.

Down from last week:
3.1 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
93.4 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.68 lbs

Weight until goal:
28.0 lbs

This information is short a couple of data points.  I didn’t weigh yesterday or today.  I’m probably suffering minor setback in my weight-loss, but it will be temporary.  The warmer weather should get me out on my bike a bit more though.

My internet access is out, and I’m borrowing somebody’s open wifi, but this is not convenient, so I’ll probably be offline for a few days (at least while at home).

I’m taking advantage of the nice weather right now.  I was just practicing my unicycling skills, and I’ll probably do some yard work.  I’m also considering taking the dogs for a walk in the woods.

My average weight for the week ending 2/28/2009:
206.1 lbs

Down from last week:
0.6 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
90.3 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.57 lbs

Weight until goal:
31.1 lbs

Monthly

My monthly average weight for February is 208.2 lbs.  That’s 8.3 lbs down from January, and 88.2 lbs down from the beginning.  I really did well in the first part of February, but slacked off a little in the last week and a half.

ChChChanges

My body is changing in different ways.  The fat is coming off of my midsection faster now.  That’s nice, as I’ve heard that losing the belly fat is the hardest.  As the progress pictures show, it definitely happening.

In October 2007, I was wearing pants with a 44-inch waist.  They were getting too tight.  In November 2008, I bought new clothes for work.  The pants were a 40-inch waist.  So over 60 lbs loss meant a 4-inch waist difference.  Now, less than 30 lbs later, my new jeans are a 36-inch waist, and they are not tight.  I will probably be buying 32-inch waist jeans this year.

When I hit my goal weight of 175, and I’m wearing 32-inch waist pants… That’ll be about the same as my senior year of high school.  That just floors me.

Down from last week:
1.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
89.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.62 lbs

Weight until goal:
31.7 lbs

My loss per week seems to be about average at 1.5 lbs.  All of my weekly weight reports beginning in June 2008, with the loss per week averaged out come to 1.5 lbs.  I expect the same trend to continue.  If it does, I expect to be at my goal weight before the end of July.

I didn’t ride today though.  I woke up late, and my legs feel like jello.  I really pushed myself on yesterday’s ride trying to get faster.

I’ve found that I can pedal the “correct” way with the clipless pedals, and get an amazing amount of power going, but only for a minute or so.  If I do that too many times (like yesterday) I’m sore for a while.

I guess it’s going to take a lot more work to get faster.

My average weight for the week ending 2/14/2009:
208.2 lbs

Down from last week:
3.6 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
88.2 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.61 lbs

Weight until goal:
33.2 lbs

I should be under 200 sometime in March or April.  My goal weight used to be 200 lbs, so this really feels good.  I’m within striking distance of my 175 lb goal.

This picture is from September 2003.  I was unconsciously eating when I didn’t need to.  I did that a lot then.

The headwind was strong, but for such a short ride it wasn’t a big deal.  I had to ride back across the bridge and back at lunch time.  The northbound trip was fast and fun with the tailwind.

At the end of the day, the wind was stronger.  It was a tailwind, but it was strong enough to be frightening.  I could accelerate easily without pedaling.  While stopped at a light behind a truck, I watched the wind yank a plastic vent off of the truck.  I was a bit worried the guy driving the truck would think I did something.

I managed four bridge-crossings with barely any rain while I was out.  That worked out well.

What didn’t work out well, is I came home to a house with no power again.  Apparently the wind took some power lines down somewhere.

It was reasonably warm, so I stayed home in my dark house.  I cooked on the grill, and went to bed early.

I still didn’t have power this morning, and didn’t ride as the wind was still howling quite a bit when I got up at 5:00 a.m.

I haven’t been riding as much as I would like, but my weight loss is still progressing nicely.  Today’s weigh-in was 207 lbs.  I have lost 89.4 lbs.

Down from last week:
1.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
84.6 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.46 lbs

Weight until goal:
36.8 lbs

California in 1986

I was born in California, but left when I was still a baby.  We went back for the first time when I was 15.  When this picture was taken, I was in very good physical condition, and had the blood pressure of an athlete.  My brother had started working on growing his gut already. 

Weight

My average weight for January 2009 is 216.5 lbs, or 7.3 lbs lower than last month.  My progress during the month has been mixed.  On 1/1/09 I weighed 215.0 lbs.  On 1/31/09, I weighed the exact same 215.0 lbs.  There was a fair amount of fluctuation in between those dates.  The highest weight was 221.4 lbs, and the lowest was 211.6 lbs.

Bicycling

I rode 277.8 miles for the month.  I need to ride 417 per month to meet my goal, so I’ve only achieved 67% of what I intended too.  I drove 678 miles for the month.  I intend to drive only 292 miles per month, so I did poorly there also.

The weather has not been kind to me this month.  We had bitter cold, ice and snow, then an ice storm that really derailled my cycling.  Hopefully February has better weather.

I’m beginning to re-think my idea to become car-free at some point.  I still want the bicycle miles, but the bad weather we’ve had this month has made me wonder if I’m cut out for a car-free life.

Food

My diet is fluctuating as usual.  I have a number of good days in a row, then I overdo it.  Obviously this pattern works for me, as I have continued to lose weight.

I have been changing my diet up a bit.  I’m trying to continue to eat healthy, but spend less money.  One of my other goals is to pay off my debt, and that will be slightly easier if I spend less money on everything, including food.

I’ve been spending more time cooking, instead of using the microwave.  Overall, this is a good thing, and maybe I’ll actually learn a bit about cooking.  I’ve also become a big fan of beans.  They are high-fiber and high-protein.

Exercise

I have done very little exercise other than cycling, and cleaning up debris from the ice storm.  My dumbbells have been sitting in a corner unused.  My push-up plan has been all but forgotten.  I need to start doing these things again.

One new exercise I’ve begun doing, and need to do more often is hiking.  This is an activity my dogs and I enjoy together.

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
83.1 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.44 lbs

Weight until goal:
38.3 lbs

This week has a couple of missing data points.  I didn’t weigh-in on three days.  The fact I’m still showing loss makes me happy.

This picture is from August 1999.  I was on vacation in northern Michigan, and went on my first plane ride.  I had a noticeable gut and my face looks fatter than it does now.

It had started snowing a bit more here in Charlestown.  By the time I was ready to go to the store, there was accumulation on the roads.  The store trip is only about 1.3 miles round trip, so I did it anyway.

I found that if I used the rear brake, I could skid sideways.  It was actually fun.  Don’t worry, I didn’t do it in traffic. 

By the time I left the store the snow was really coming down.  People looked to be doing their panic milk and bread thing.  I got some strange looks leaving the store.

I track my bike miles on a weekly basis, ending on Sunday.  My mileage for the week was 106.  Not my best week, but not bad either.

Down from last week:
3.9 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
81.2 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.40 lbs

Weight until goal:
40.2 lbs

It really is hard to know on a day-to-day basis if I’m losing weight.  That’s why I really like my weekly and monthly overviews.  I had gained weight last week, but lost it (and then some) this week.  The chart above makes it clear that the weight loss is still going well.

Fat Guy Grilling

This picture was taken sometime in the summer of 1999.  Despite my 1997 revelation that I was indeed fat, I think I was in denial.  I was still physically active and relatively fit.

It’s funny, I’ve been complaining about my weight for the past couple of weeks, and now I’ve had a five pound drop in two days.  I guess I should complain more often. 

The recumbent has a name!

Inspired by Susan’s comments in the previous post, I considered shortening her suggestion to Barca, which led to a Google search, which led to an Italian names list.

The company that manufactures my ‘bent, Bacchetta, has an Italian sounding name, but they aren’t Italian.  So I figured an feminine, Italian name was in order.  After browsing around, I settled on Oria.  Oria is derived from the Latin aureus, or “golden”.

So, although Oria is not golden in color, I think it’s a great name for her.

Up from last week:
1.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
77.3 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.22 lbs

Weight until goal:
44.1 lbs

Yep, I’ve gained weight.  I only rode one day in the last week, and I overate on several days.  I can’t lose weight every week. 

Embarrassment in 1997

I think 1997 was the first year I really realized I was fat.  I had a sleeveless shirt that I wore a lot, and it had gotten a bit tight.  I borrowed a digital camera from work (320×240 resolution yay!) and we went to the park.  After seeing the pictures that were taken, I threw away the shirt.  Too bad I didn’t do anything about the weight for another ten years.

Down from last week:
0.1 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
78.8 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.41 lbs

Weight until goal:
42.6 lbs

Down from last week:
3.9 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
78.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.49 lbs

Weight until goal:
42.7 lbs

It’s been a really good week.  I have felt very good physically.  I need to keep the momentum going.

Here’s picture from early 2002.  I had gotten quite large by this point, but still didn’t think I was obese.  I was wrong.

Who are you supposed to be?

A week ago, on December 27th, I went for a ride in the record-high temperatures.  It was great.  I was wearing cycling tights, and a compression shirt.  No jacket, no wool, just one layer.  When I got back into town, a little girl asked “Who are you supposed to be?”.  I guess I looked like a big goof trying to be a superhero. 

My average weight for the month is 223.8 lbs, or 5.8 lbs less than November.   I’m very happy with that since it seemed I was struggling in the beginning of December.

The chart to the right shows average monthly weights since I began this.

Again, I really felt I was struggling in the beginning of the month, so I decided to chart the daily weigh-ins for the month of December.  The chart does show fluctuations, but still shows fairly consistent progress.

I guess a lot of the “struggling” was mental.

I’ve ridden my hybrid bike 150 miles in the last five days.  I rode to work all three workdays this week, and every commute was great, except the ride home today, which I really did not enjoy.

I’ve ridden my two bikes a combined distance of 2238 miles for the year.  Next year, my goal is ride at least 5000 miles, and drive less than 3500.  That will mean riding to work nearly every day.

I was going to go on another midnight ride tonight to ring in the new year, but I had a rough ride home, so I’m going to sit with my dogs, watch The Dark Knight, and eat popcorn.  Then I’ll get to bed.  I won’t be drinking tonight.

Happy New Year!

Down from last week:
0.1 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
74.8 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.30 lbs

Weight until goal:
46.6 lbs

My weight loss has slowed down again.  It was probably due to the lack of exercise in the first part of the week, and the one day of overeating.  I’m still happy with my progress.

I’m attaching a goofy picture of me as a teenager.  I really don’t know when it was taken, or how old I was, but I wasn’t overweight as a teenager.

Down from last week:
3.9 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
74.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.39 lbs

Weight until goal:
46.7 lbs

This feels great.  I no longer have doubts about reaching my goal weight.

I’ve ridden my bike less than two miles over the past five days, but by controlling my diet carefully, I’m still losing weight.  I’m not giving up on the bike.  I actually feel the need to get back on it.

One of the issues I’ve run into in the past is that all of my social activities involved food.  I’m trying to change that.  I also seem to have given up beer without even noticing.  I just told myself I’d rather lose weight that buy beer, and after enough times of thinking that, I no longer found myself wanting  beer.  I’m not going too far that direction either.  I’ll still drink for special occasions.

I’m going to restart my push-up plan on Monday.  I did the “test” last night and manged 15 push-ups, which is better than before.  I don’t just want to be thin.  I want to be toned, strong, and healthy.

Just for fun, I’m including a picture of me and my daughter from May of 1995.  I was overweight then, but I certainly wasn’t morbidly obese.  I don’t know what I weighed, but I wish I had never gotten bigger than that.  I was 24 in that picture, my daughter was three.

Once I’m through this winter, I will revisit my decision to not buy studded tires for the bike.  Next winter I may be ready. 

I haven’t had a week without riding since I started tracking my mileage in June.  My average weekly mileage in November and December was 54.  My average weekly mileage for August through October was 91.

I haven’t done any exercise this week.  I feel lazy.  I’ve been considering starting back on my push-up plan, but can’t seem to motivate myself.  I bought a pilates video months ago, and haven’t used it.

However, my weight is doing just fine.  I’m still eating well, and haven’t had beer in weeks.  I’ve been out to eat a few times, and was pretty proud that I didn’t over-indulge.  I will probably be solidly under 220 lbs before the year is over.

Down from last week:
4.0 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
70.8 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.19 lbs

Weight until goal:
50.6 lbs

I’m pretty pleased with the results.  This is the biggest per-week drop I’ve had in months.  My riding amount is down, but I have been controlling my eating better.

I’ll still get some more miles for the year, but I doubt it’ll be more than 300 or so.  It could be quite a bit less depending on weather.

I have set a difficult goal for next year.  I want to ride 5000 miles for the year.  I know there is a good chance I won’t make the goal, but that is what I will try for.  In addition, I want to try to drive less than 3500 miles to wean myself off of needing a car.

Down from last week:
0.7 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
66.8 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
4.99 lbs

Weight until goal:
54.6 lbs

Okay, things are heading in the right direction again.  I’m eating better, riding more, and exercising more.  I don’t have much weight loss this week to show for it, but at least it’s not up again.

I may be stuck at another plateau.  It’s happened before.  From mid-April to early July my weight hovered around 260 lbs.  I was able to start the weight loss again, and I will this time too.

My average November weight is down 2.8 lbs compared to October.  That’s not a huge loss, and the last two weeks I’ve actually gained weight.  As a long-term goal, I know this is okay, I just need to work a little harder to correct it.

Up from last week:
0.9 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
66.1 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.02 lbs

Weight until goal:
55.3 lbs

Another week with a slight gain.  Several factors have caused this.

• Thanksgiving
• Less riding due to colder weather
• Laziness

I had been pretty bad about drinking beer also, but have switched over to a nice cup of hot tea in the evening.  That should help.

Push Ups:
Set 1: 5
Set 2: 7
Set 3: 5
Set 4: 5
Set 5: max (did 10)

Arm curls – 20 lb dumbbells:
1 set of 15

Sit-ups:
None

I also rode my bike a short distance for a grocery run.  A pretty weak day, but I did just do this yesterday.

I’m supposed to do a test for the push-ups to see what my progress is.  My arms are burned out from the exercise, so I’ll take the test tomorrow.

Push Ups:
Set 1: 5
Set 2: 6
Set 3: 4
Set 4: 4
Set 5: max (did 12)

Arm curls – 20 lb dumbbells:
2 sets of 15

Sit-ups:
21

I also rode my bike 16.5 miles on hilly terrain.  A good day overall.

Push Ups:
Set 1: 4
Set 2: 6
Set 3: 4
Set 4: 4
Set 5: max (did 10)

Arm curls – 20 lb dumbbells:
2 sets of 15

Sit-ups:
None – not bothering with sit-ups today.

I managed more curls, but I was weak on the push-ups.

Push Ups:
Set 1: 4
Set 2: 5
Set 3: 4
Set 4: 4
Set 5: max (did 12)

Arm curls – 20 lb dumbbells:
2 sets of 11

Sit-ups:
None – not bothering with sit-ups today.

Up from last week:
0.8 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:

67.0 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.18 lbs

Weight until goal:
54.4 lbs

I really haven’t made much progress in a few weeks.  I did expect to ride less due to cold weather (and I have), but my eating habits are slipping again.

Push Ups:
Set 1: 3
Set 2: 4
Set 3: 2
Set 4: 3
Set 5: max (did 10)

Arm curls – 20 lb dumbbells:
2 sets of 10

Sit-ups:
15

I feel weak with the curls and sit-ups.  I’ve done more than that fairly recently, but that’s all I could do tonight.  I’ll give it another go on Friday.

At my level here is what I did today:
Set 1: 2
Set 2: 3
Set 3: 2
Set 4: 2
Set 5: max (did 9)

I also did curls (two sets of 10 per arm), and squats (two sets of 10).

I rode my bike to work and back for a total of 33.4 miles.

That’s enough for today.  Now I need sleep.

Down from last week:
1.3 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
67.8 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.34 lbs

Weight until goal:
53.6 lbs

Despite my whining about not doing well enough, I’m still losing weight.  I hope to get some new progress pictures taken tomorrow.  I’ve been called “the incredible shrinking man” recently at work.  It’s kind of cool.

I haven’t ridden my bike since Monday.  I exceeded 3000 calories per day for several days in a row.  I woke up late today, and forgot to bring my lunch.  The scale read 231.6 lbs this morning.

I rode to work today in mid-30 degree temperatures.  My feet got a bit cold, but the rest of me was plenty warm.  I’m not sure how much I’ll ride this week.  The weather forecast is calling for rain for the rest of the week.  I’m don’t know how prepared I am for cold rain, and I don’t want to risk hypothermia.

Down from last week:
0.8 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
66.5 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.33 lbs

Weight until goal:
54.9 lbs

I’m back down where I was two weeks ago.  October and November are harder for me.  I’m riding less due to the cold.  That’s alright, this is a long-term project.

These days, I get up on time most of the time, so as of a few days ago, I started weighing in the morning.  It’ll be interesting to see if this eliminates some of the daily fluctuation in my weight.

Also, this morning’s weigh-in was 228.4 lbs, a new low for me.

Up from last week:
0.8 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
65.7 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.36 lbs

Weight until goal:
55.7 lbs

Although I gained a little for the week, I’m still down for the month of October.  Here’s a new monthly chart:

• I’ve lost 67.4 lbs
• I’ve been on a 60-mile bike ride
• I can ride my bike to work (and do on an irregular basis)
• I can tie my shoes without hurting myself
• I like what I see in the mirror
• I have a lot better muscle tone (mostly in the legs)
• I’ve realized that “fat guy” is not a permanent state
• I’ve spent way too much money on bike stuff
• I now know that my goal weight is achievable (54 more lbs to go)
• I’m not afraid of riding a bike in bad weather
• People who haven’t seen me in a while are surprised at my appearance
• My eating habits are much better now
• I don’t drink soda
• I drink much more water, and much less beer

I did all of this without any fancy diets, just sensible eating.  No drugs, surgery, or other short-cuts.

On October 31, 2009, I intend to write another post like this announcing that I’ve reached my goal weight of 175 lbs.

My weigh-in yesterday was up a little, to 232.6 lbs.  I had hoped to stay under 230 permanently.

I’m considering an 11-mile night ride tonight.  It’s a low-traffic area that will be a lot of fun.  I’ve got some housework I’ve got to get done first… Oh, yeah, I’m at work, so I’ve got to finish up here too.

It’s easy to get lazy when life is throwing curves.

Down from last week:
3.7 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
66.5 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.58 lbs

Weight until goal:
54.9 lbs

Updated weekly weight graph:

Overall I’m pleased with my progress.  I’m averaging 5.55 lbs of weight loss every 30 days.

I’d like to get an updated progress picture up, but I need to find someone to help take the picture, and that’s a gruesome task. 

Down from last week:
0.4 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
62.8 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.34 lbs

Weight until goal:
58.6 lbs

Down from last week:
3.8 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
62.4 lbs

My average loss per 30 days since 10/31/2007:
5.41 lbs

This is the first time my weekly average is past the halfway point.  I’ve lost 62.4 lbs, and need to lose another 59 lbs.  I don’t know whether it will stay past the halfway point, but I’m working on it.

Up from last week:
0.4 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
58.6 lbs

This is only a minor setback.  My weight today was only 230.8, so I believe I’m losing again.

I have been beating myself up recently due to my loss slowing down.  However, looking at the longer-term view here, shows progress still continuing nicely.

There change from August to September was definitely less, but it was still 4.2 lbs.

Down from last week:
1.6 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
59.0 lbs

My weight last night was 235.2 lbs.  That’s the lowest weight yet.  I’m halfway to my goal weight.  I’m not going to celebrate yet though.  I want to have a weekly average that puts me halfway to my goal before I bring out the fattening celebratory sweets.

In addition to riding my bike to work 3 to 4 days a week, I plan on a longer weekend ride at least once a month.  Last Sunday’s ride was very enjoyable.  Now that I know how far I can go, I can work on building that distance up.

Down from last week:
1.3 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
57.4 lbs

Up from last week:
3.0 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
56.1 lbs

My average weight is back above 240.  It’s my fault.  I didn’t watch my eating while traveling.  I only rode my bike 12 miles in the last week.  I continued to eat poorly after getting home this weekend.  I didn’t control my eating again until today.

On the bright side, my power is back on at home, and I intend to ride to work in the morning.

Down from last week:
1.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
59.1 lbs

Down from last week:
2.1 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
57.6 lbs

I went a week without posting.  I don’t feel good about that.  I haven’t been riding my bike enough either.  I only rode all the way to work and back one day in the last week.  I did one partial commute, and I rode 12 miles today.  My bike mileage is really down.

I have been eating well though.  My weight loss is still cranking along, and I feel good.

Down from last week:
2.5 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
55.0 lbs

I feel good with my progress.

Of those miles, about 650 was on the recumbent.  The rest was on the hybrid.

I’m still pushing myself to go farther and faster.  I’d like to measure my rides in hundreds of miles.  I’ll need to be in better shape, and have some time off of work for that though.

I only rode my bike to work two days this week.  I don’t really have any good reasons for that.  I need to buckle down and ride more.  I still rode almost 100 miles this week though, due to other rides I went on.

I’ve been doing some minor weight lifting with dumbbells.  I’ve found that light lifting actually helps my neck/shoulder/back/arm pain I’ve been dealing with for months.  I don’t know if it’s due to strengthening the muscles, or keeping everything flexible, or both.

I’m also moving the progress pictures to their own page, and linking to it on the right.

Down from last week:
1.7 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
53.0 lbs

My eating habits slipped up again in the last few days, but I’m still losing weight.

Anyway, I’m only riding my bike to work three days this week.  I rode yesterday, today was a “lazy day”, I have other plans tomorrow and I need my car, and I plan on riding Thursday and Friday.

My weight has been hanging right at 243.6 lbs for three days.  There is no fluctuation at all.

I’ve been better with my eating, but I have had a six-pack of beer over the last four days.

Sometimes when there doesn’t seem to be much going on, I feel like I’m not making progress.  Then I pull up my spreadsheet, and I can see that I’m down 52.8 lbs.  I can also see that I’m down 16.6 lbs since June 30th when I started tracking my calories again.  So, really, I just need to keep doing what I’m doing for another 68.6 lbs.

Down from last week:
3.6 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
51.3 lbs

I rode my bike to work a total of four days last week (same as last week).  I also rode a group ride, and several errands around town.  My on-bike total for the week is 176.8 miles.  This is the highest per week mileage I have ridden.

My weight loss is continuing nicely, but I did buy a six-pack of beer that I’m still working on.

Down from last week:
4.0 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
47.7 lbs

I rode my bike to work a total of four days last week.  I also rode the bike for quite a few errands around town.  My on-bike total for the week is 137.7 miles.

On the downside, I did very little riding this weekend, and my weight is up to 250.6 lbs.

I intend to ride to work at least 4 days this week.

Here’s a another weight chart, only using weekly averages:

The average was 1988 calories per day. That’s not too bad, but I’m shooting for lower than that.

Some of today’s loss might be the blood I donated at work today, but I drank plenty of fluids to make up for it.

I believe that It’ll stay under 250 as long as I keep riding my bike to work and eating sensibly.

49 lbs down, 72 to go.

I have some other exciting news to share, but that’ll wait until next time.

You can see at the end where my loss has started back at a good pace.  At the very end of it, my weight dips below 250.  Yep, tonight’s weigh-in was 249.8 lbs.  I’m sure it will jump back above 250, but within a few weeks, I’ll be solidly below 250.

Down from last week:
3.1 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
43.7 lbs

My weight loss has started to accelerate again.  I have ridden my bike a lot in the last week.  My eating has been better, with only a couple of big splurges.  I’m feeling good.

Down from last week:
0.4 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
40.6 lbs

I’m very late getting this posted.  I have a lot going on, but my progress is truckin’ along.

Down from last week:
1.9 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
40.2 lbs

My vacation held up this post for a few days.  I also did not eat very well over the weekend.  I did get some bicycle riding while in Niles, Michigan.  It’s weird, I don’t remember the roads being that rough there, but  they really were bad.

I also did some swimming at the hotel pool.  Now I’m just tired, and glad to be home.

It was fun though.  On one flat stretch of about 2 miles, I was able to keep a steady speed of 20 mph.  My usual pace is 13-14 mph.  My legs and lungs were burning though.

I went for an 11 mile ride on Saturday, and did about 14 miles of riding on Sunday.  It wasn’t enough to prepare for my 32 mile round-trip commute, especially pushing for better time.

I also noticed that I ate more today (2255 calories).  Is it just bad habits returning?, or the fact that I burned more calories?

In either case, today’s weigh-in was at a new low of 253.8 lbs, which means I’ve lost 42.6 lbs.  I expect that some of that is dehydration from the ride home.

Down from last week:
3.2 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
38.3 lbs

I don’t know how much is fluctuation, and how much is real loss, but this week has been awesome.  I haven’t exercised as much as I wanted to, but I’ve been eating better.

Tonight’s weigh-in was 255.0 lbs.  I’m solidly in the 250s now.  That feels great.

On the other hand, I have been tracking my calories, and controlling my eating.  I had been eating too much, especially carbohydrates, and I had not lost weight.

On June 30 my weight was down over 4 lbs to 260.2.  I assumed this was just a fluctuation, but it has continued.  My weight today is 256.2.  This is the lowest weight I’ve been at since starting this.  My last “big” weight loss was April 30, and I’m 3.2 lbs less than that.

I feel good that this is partly due to just the calorie tracking (averaged 1826 calories per day since June 30), and partially a fluctuation.  The bike had little to do with it, because I’ve barely ridden it since Monday.  I will be back on it this weekend, and commuting next week.

• Counting calories
• Counting every penny spent
• Counting pounds lost
• Counting miles ridden

I’m counting calories again, because my eating habits got out of control.  It is enlightening to see how much you really eat.  It’s also helpful to know that if you eat it, you’ve got to count it, no cheating.  I ate 1685 calories yesterday, and 1595 today.

I’m counting money spent, everything, even small cash purchases.  Like my eating, my spending is a little out of control.  Forcing myself to see where it all goes should help.  I just started this today.  I won’t be putting numbers about this on the blog though.

The daily weigh-in needs to be daily.  I’m trying to get back to doing that everyday again.  I was pleasantly surprised with my weight tonight.  I weighed in at 256.8 lbs.  That is the lowest since I started.  I realize it’s just a fluctuation, but I’m going to do my best to keep it there, or below.

My bike has had an odometer since June 17th (two weeks now), and I’ve put 148.7 miles on it.  I’m tracking the mileage on a weekly basis, but I don’t yet have any plans to post that here.  I didn’t ride today.  My legs needed the rest after yesterdays hellish headwind on the way home

I do sometimes feel like I’m spending more time counting things than doing them, but If that’s what I have to do to get my life in order, then it’s worth it.

Down from last week:
0.9 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
35.1 lbs

Looking back, it appears my weight has just fluctuated around 261 lbs or so, for about two months.  I’ve had no real loss during that time.

The biking is good for me, but my eating habits are out of control again.  Tomorrow, I begin counting calories again.

Up from last week:
2.6 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
34.2 lbs

Wow, these numbers depress me a bit.  I’ve been riding plenty, but now I need to control my eating.

I still haven’t started running yet either.

My average weight for the week ending 6/14/2008:
259.6 lbs

Down from last week:
2.3 lbs

Down since I started on 10/31/2007:
36.8 lbs

I’ve continued on my bike riding, and have put new effort into my diet, and it has paid off.  I ate way too much today, but hopefully that won’t matter much.

I intend to buy some good running shoes and start working at that soon.  I don’t think bicycling will get me to my goal weight.  It has however strengthened me enough that I think I can start running without too much risk of injury.

When I first started this endeavor, I was in such poor condition, that almost any physical exercise was nearly impossible for me.  So, I started with diet, and simple exercises.  The diet was key.  I tracked everything I ate, and counted every calorie.  Once I had gotten into better eating habits, I quit keeping track.  I was happy, at that point, my weight loss had progressed quite nicely.

However, it did begin to slow down, and I’ve been hovering just above 260 lbs for too long now.  This is in spite of all the extra exercise I get now.  I realize that I’ve been eating poorly again.

Here is monthly average weight from November (first full month since I started) through May:

It’s not horrible.  I’m rather happy with the progress in the first few months, but talk about diminishing returns!

I need to focus on my diet again.  I’m going to continue to work on lengthening the bicycle portion of my commute (I’ve found a place 6 miles out to park).

I also track my gas mileage, and the bicycle has made a difference. My average mileage is up because the part of my commute that I ride is the most congested part. I also have driven fewer miles per day with the partial commute, and made a few short trips around town on the bicycle.

Overall, my cost per day (in gasoline expenses only) went from $4.63 to $2.71. In addition, I don’t have to pay for parking when I ride.

I drive a small car that gets good mileage (currently averaging 33mpg), and I’ve cut my daily fuel expenses by around 40%. I find that amazing considering I’m not riding the whole way to work yet. We’ll see if the trend continues.

I haven’t really been tracking my calories for the last week.  I’m not going to.  I’m still eating well, and losing weight.  I think I’ve got most of my dietary habits in control, so I’m going to focus more on the workouts.  I have removed the daily calorie intake page from this site.

In addition to this blog, I was using Traineo to help track weight, workouts, and diet.  However, that was yet another place to keep updated, and it had become a fair amount of work.  Also, their servers have become slow recently, so I decided to drop it.

I hadn’t weighed for a week, and I was worried that I had gained weight.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to be down to 267.6, the lowest weight since I started this.

I’m also going to focus on blogging everyday again.  I find it useful to help me focus on my goals.  I have more to talk about, but I’ll wait so I have something to write about tomorrow

Here are my weigh-in weekly averages for the three weeks I’ve been tracking it.

This shows almost ten pounds of weight loss over three weeks.  I’m happy with that.