Trying Tennis

This weekend when my friend Mo was in town I tried out tennis for the first time. Mo is a pretty good tennis player (or at least that’s what he tells everyone) so I figured he could give me a few pointers, teach me the game, and give me a few tennis tips. It was only my first time on the court so I wasn’t expecting much, but I don’t think I did too bad. Just like golf, it’s a sport where you need to get in some practice time and feel comfortable out on the court.

We spent nearly three hours on the court and I’m still feeling some of the muscles today. All in all it was fun and I think I’ll be trying to play once every week or two as something different to do. Oh…did I mention that Mo and I played a set and I actually won a game? First time out and I beat the “Champion” in one game. It was even on a game in which he was serving! Maybe I’m a “natural athlete” like Mo. πŸ˜‰

New Blades

Rollerblade Astro 7I bought a new pair of rollerblades earlier in the week. After a very short decision period I decided to go with the Rollerblade Astro 7 because I like to go all-out when I’m blading for a workout. The Astro 7 model has a larger wheel size and better ball bearings, which make the wheels spin faster and allow me get more speed.

On Wednesday I took them out for a casual ride with my friend Casey and we ended up going about 5.3 miles. The rollerblades feel good and are a big improvement from my old pair which are about 8 years old. It was definitely time for a replacement. The feature I like most about the new pair is the tightening which is called the TFS MICRO closure system. It literally takes a couple of seconds to tighten up the boot fit. It’s not like the shoe lace type boot fit I’ve seen on a lot of other rollerblade models.

At $150 for a $210 pair of blades I couldn’t go wrong!

Enjoying the Weather Among Other Things

I’ve been enjoying the weather for the past several weeks which means spending less and less time on the computer. That also means less time for blogging and less updates here as well as my other blogs. I’ve also cut back on my poker playing dramatically which takes away computer time as well. This is all a good thing.

Time has been spent golfing as much as possible and getting my bike out. Just the other day I rode 15 miles in an hour and felt great. I need to be ready to ride about 24 miles with hills in three weeks when I go up north for Mother’s Day. The plan is to ride around Hubbard Lake with Mo and kick his ass. He’s been talking a little bit too much shit and I don’t like to lose many challenges. Just ask him about our weight loss competition for last week!

I’m still using my elliptical 3-4 days a week in addition to bike rides and doing some ab workouts as well. I’m down about 15 pounds from two and a half months ago and feeling good.

Golf league started this week and I might be joining a summer bowling league with some friends that starts on May 2nd. I like to keep busy during the summers and get out as much as possible which is completely different from the cold Michigan winters.

My sleep problems are pretty much under control now. I’m on Lunesta which has been doing the trick. I tried Ambien CR and some other new drug that start with an R, but Lunesta worked the best by far. It’s amazing what a good night of sleep does for the body.

In a few days I should be able to reveal the secret I mentioned a few weeks ago. It’s been taking up a lot of my thinking and I can’t wait to get it over with and out in the open. Maybe then I’ll be able to resume a regular blogging schedule. What “regular” actually means for blogging I’m not quite sure anymore.

Weight Loss Status

I didn’t reach my goal of 180 by the end of March but I did make progress for 2 straight months. I’ve been at 187 for almost 2 weeks, but finally hit 186.5 this morning. The fat has definitely been dropping off and I’ve been feeling better, both physically and mentally. I’m enjoying eating a healthy diet for the first time in my life and it really does make a difference.

With the weather changing I’ll be a lot more active and should see some more results over the next month. I know there’s more weight to lose because I can see it. The more time I put into building up some muscles the easier it’ll be to get rid of the extra fat.

I’m not quite sure what it is about this year, but I know more people working out and eating healthy than I can ever remember before.

Doing Great

Things are going great in Nick-land lately. The wisdom teeth extraction couldn’t have turned out any better. I haven’t really had any pain and my recovery was quick and easy. I’m still pretty limited in what I can eat, so that sucks. Oatmeal, smoothies, ice cream, and soup have been on the menu for almost a week now. I’ve had a few other things but it’s mainly been foods that don’t need to be chewed; right down the hatch. You don’t realize how important and satisfying a little chewing is to eating. When you’re simply swallowing your food you don’t have a chance to taste it. Maybe by the weekend I’ll be able to try something normal. Or at least I hope so. I could go for a burger and some fries!

The Abs Diet Get Fit Stay Fit Plan : The Exercise Program to Flatten Your Belly, Reshape Your Body, and Give You Abs for Life!There are only two weeks left for me to get to 180 and reach my goal. I’m breaking 190 on a consistent basis in the past week, but I still have a long road to lose that other 10 pounds. I implemented some new strength workouts into my routine last week and I’m confident I can push myself to the limits for the rest of the month. I actually purchased The Abs Diet last week and the book taught me a lot about how the body handles foods and deals with exercise. I’d recommend the book for anyone interested in losing weight the right way.

I’ve been on a workout program for 6 weeks now and I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I’m eating better, losing weight, and I have more energy. The first week or two is a little tough, but once you get yourself into a routine it becomes a life change you won’t regret. I’m past that hump and love all the changes I’ve made. For the first time in my life I look forward to working out and I’m enjoying fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.

There’s also something very exciting in the works that I can’t talk about until it’s finalized. I just thought I’d plant a little seed in the mind of the three of you out there still reading my blog. Maybe in a few weeks or a month I can let the secret out.

Another Check Mark

Speaking of getting things done…I just got back from working out. That’s been on my to-do list before I even had to-do lists. Spent some quality time on the bike and step machine, but had to get off the stepper during my cool down because my hammy wasn’t feeling too good. I think I might […]

The Season of Growth

Spring.

It’s finally here.

Yesterday the temperature reached into the 60s. The sun was shining, people were smiling, and you could smell spring in the air. I decided to take advantage of the day by getting out my bike. I headed out to the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail where I planned to ride for an hour. As I pulled in, the parking lot was pretty full for a March night. One family even brought out three horses to enjoy the weather.

It felt great to breathe the fresh air and get a little exercise.

The Laziness Ends

Trek 4100You’re looking at my latest purchase. A Trek 4100 Mountain Bike. I’ve been trying to get myself to start running several times a week, but it just wasn’t happening. This bike will be the cure for my laziness.

Mo and I went out to the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail and rode 11 or 12 miles. What a great workout! I’m dreading how my legs and back will feel tomorrow. The trail was flat, paved, and peaceful. I was actually suprised at how many people were out on the trail, but it is a gorgeous day out. We’ll have to find some trails through the woods, because those are always fun.

I also bought a little bag to hold my keys, cell phone, and wallet. Now I need a odometer/speedometer and a car rack. With the wheel off I can fit the bike in my backseat, but the truck is out of the question since my rear seat doesn’t fold down. It would be so much more convenient to load up a few bikes instead of having to take seperate vehicles like we did today.

I’m excited, but then again, I’m always excited when I make a big purchase. πŸ˜€

Weight Watchers

A friend/co-worker, Bill, has joined Weight Watchers to help him lose weight. He’s been working at it for 2 or 3 months and only 5 pounds have come off, so he decided to get some help. I’ve always wondered about these types of groups, but it is paying dividends for numerous people here at SVSU. I know several people who have lost 20-30 pounds and are looking great. I hope it works out the same for Bill.

I wanted to see where I ranked, so I took at quick look at the weight chart in one of Bill’s books. A 6 foot 1 inch male up through the age of 24 should ideally weigh 172 pounds. At 25 and up to something like 48 it jumps to 182 pounds. I’m somewhere right in the middle of those two weights so I’m doing well given the fact that I haven’t run or worked out in months. The only real exercise I’ve been getting is when I go golfing or mow the lawn, and that isn’t much. Mental note: Start a routine of running 3-4 times a week after I get back from CA.

Another Winter Semester

Monday marks the beginning of the winter semester at SVSU. The week at work went by suprisingly fast since I was dreading working again after the long vacation. Students were registering for classes at the last minute, as usual. New faculty wanted access to their accounts at the last minute, as usual. It still amazes me that the majority of society loves to procrastinate.

My sister moved back into the apartment yesterday after living with our parent’s for the holidays. It’s good to have her back. Heather is a great cook and we have some fun when we go out to the stores and shit. I don’t know how we ever hated each other so much during high school. All a part of growing up I guess. Her friend Katie should be moving back in today or tomorrow, I don’t really know for sure.

Once this semester is over, I’m either going to have to find a new place to live or get some new roommates, since the girls will be done with classes. I definitely can’t afford this place on my own! I guess it all depends on if I still have the same job or not. I don’t anticipate still working for the Help Desk, but who knows. I have a bet with my friend Lindsay that I’ll have a new job by September. I don’t intend to lose that bet! I’ve had thoughts of maybe buying a house if I get a new job in the area. It’s a big step and I’m not sure I’d be ready for something like that, but renting sucks ass.

All of my friends are coming back from their holiday break today. I’ve missed hanging out with them. Not going to Hooters every Monday has been a killer. I think I’m in withdrawal from not having the chicken wings as a part of my weekly “diet”. Tonight we are planning to do some drinking. Maybe at my place, maybe in Bay City at their house, maybe at the bars, maybe hit up Midland Street. It’s all still up in the air. I’m looking forward to a long night of drinking though.

I’m feeling better already after running for the past 3 days. I finally got up the nerve to weigh myself the other day and WOW! I’m up to 185. I was thinking maybe 180 tops. It’s not the most I’ve ever weighed, but it’s close. I need to get back down to the 175 area. I suppose I should go run and then get in the shower…the day is wasting away.