Hi guys. I thought I would check in since it has been a week or so since my last post. I have begun the process of course correction in an attempt to address the lack of work ethic and the 6 pound weight gain that resulted.
Before I could begin to right the ship, I first needed to understand where and how things went wrong this summer. This is the time of year when I am most active and carry the fewest pounds. Not so this year.
The first issue is that my aerobic exercise was way down. At the recommendation of my doctor, I ceased competing in triathlons and, therefore, stopped training. So swimming, biking, running and brick training went out the window. At least to the degree that is required to be race ready. I also strained a calf muscle and that had me sidelined for the better part of a month.
The second issue was that I did not adjust my caloric intake to reflect the decrease in aerobic exercise. I continued my merry ways of eating, drinking, and snacking despite the fact that I was burning fewer calories.
I knew that, if I was going to get back on track, I needed to return to a healthy balance of resistance training, aerobic exercise, and smart dietary choices.
This past week, I returned to my normal resistance and strength training routine of working the major muscle groups in my arms, back, core, torso and legs. No problem there. Just a matter of focus. I had to remind myself that we lose roughly 1% of muscle mass a year after age 40 and even more after age 50. So if I am going to keep things tight in the middle ages, I need to be vigilant with regard to strength training.
To get back on top of my aerobic game, I ventured to my local running apparel shop to get properly fitted for running shoes. I attribute some of my running injuries to improper foot gear. I was fitted for a shoe with proper width, some stability support and appropriate cushion. I ran three miles without issue and felt pretty good. I round things out with cycling, treadmill and plyometrics.
Perhaps the most important part of my course correction plan was addressing my inner demons.
Fans of the classic Star Trek series will remember the “Salt Vampire”. You remember this chick? Bones McCoy was whipped over her and ignored the fact that she was literally sucking the life out of the Enterprise crew. Remember her? Well that bitch lives inside of me. Clawing at me from the inside, driving an insatiable need and desire for salt. No manner of exorcism can expel her. She sits inside me demanding chips, nuts, olives, crackers…anything with salt. And it comes at anytime of day with unpredictable consistency.
This past week I attempted to limit my calories and alter my palate. I adjusted to reasonable portions for lunch and dinner, eliminated salty snacks and added fresh fruit as a substitute. I also added more lean and organic proteins to my diet for proper muscle building. And I adjusted the point of consumption of wine downward from 7 days a week to 3.
While it is still early in the process, I have loss 2 of the 6 pounds that I have gained and my muscles feel tighter and stronger. It is at least a sign to me that the ship is now headed in the right direction.
If you are willing to share, I ‘d love to know about your inner demons. Do tell.
