Fit with a Purpose

Always good in the bad

2012-01-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

These past few months have been a little rough on me. There is light at the end of the tunnel though.

Let's recap:

October 23rd, 2011 -- 3rd degree ankle Sprain

October 29th, 2011 -- My baby boy Blake was Born (YAY! such a blessing); the hard part was that I had a 3rd degree ankle sprain and my poor wife had to not only take care of Blake, but help me out too. Thank God for family, they really helped us out.

November 13th, 2011 -- go to doctor for back flank pain, crazy pain. (pain ends up going away after a day or two!)

December 23rd, 2011 -- go to doctor for same reason and blood in urine.

January 5th, 2012 -- see Urologist...says I have a large kidney stone.

January 10th, 2012 -- Kidney Stone surgery to remove stone -- surgery failed, stent placed - ouch.

January 20th, 2012 -- Kidney Stone surgery again to remove stone -- success! Stone was 1cm -- (cut the tip of your pinky finger off at the back of fingernail..that's how big). Stent placed - still ouch.

-upcoming- January 31st, 2012 -- scheduled to have stent removed! YAY!

So, yes, it's been a rough last few months.

There have been many blessings though and I'd be a fool to not mention those!

-- October 29th - My firstborn Blake arrived!

-- January 4th - had a CT scan that only found one stone and the rest of my organs look good! :)

-- January 20th - went to my first Trader Joe's and fell in love with the place.

-- Since January 4th -- completely changed my diet and trying to vegetarian type of meals - only eating meat three times a week.

-- Since starting my latest weight loss challenge, I've lost 15.8 lbs. Feel pretty good about it.

-- My ankle has been through physical therapy and I have the go ahead to workout and start introducing it to maybe a little running (once the stent is out).

-- Met my brand new niece Poppy!

So, in all the bad...there is always good!

Its more than just a run...

2011-12-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

There is a huge difference between those that are “running to get in shape”, “running because everyone else is doing it”, or even “runners who only go for medals” – they all differ from the runner who runs simply because he/she loves running.

There is a connection from the other “categories” I put down to those that simply love running, but it takes time to get to that point I think.

I think I get lost sometimes. I started out running because I was fat, out of shape, and due to an ankle break – I was itching to do some kind of activity and running was the only thing that my newly healed ankle would do. It was then that I learned of my love for running. I am re-living that ankle thing right now with a 3rd degree sprain. I am so close to be able to get to a light jog though - I can't wait!

Running may seem pointless to some. I've heard it said, "why run, you're not going anywhere!". That's not always true, but when you do go out to run and end back up at the spot you left from - all you did was run, right?!

Wrong! It's more than just a run.

I don't know how many times I have solved problems, came up with awesome ideas, and even written a blog post out in my head when I'm on a run. There's also those times where you... [this is going to sound a bit tree-hugger like]... feel one with the outdoors. There can be cars going by you or people in your way on the sidewalk [if you run on sidewalks, I don't typically], but still you can see the world with a different perspective. Maybe it's because I'm going at a slower pace than when I'm in a car.

Being outdoors opens you up to creativity, but that is still not my point.

I run because I love to do it. Of course I enjoy the occasional medal, the race swag, the commradery, but even without it - running is freeing.

It is hard work, but so are most things that I encounter on a day-to-day basis. It takes time, but so does watching t.v. or playing xbox360. It requires discipline, however, running may have taught me discipline.

Now that I'm this far in the post - I don't even know if I've made sense, let alone make any point.

So here is my point.

Running for me, and probably some of you, is more than just "going out for a run". It's a time for me to think, create and learn. By the time I get back from my run, no matter the distance, I have accomplished something for the day already. Most people feel as if they accomplish nothing day-in-day-out - not the runner. Running exercises not just the body, but the whole self. Discipline, positive self-image and thoughts, follow-through & execution, a sense of accomplishment, self-perspective, the ability to push yourself past pre-set limitations, and an ability to listen to your body -- these are all benefits of running.

It may be scary for some of you though, running in many cases - is a solo activity. It may require you to be alone with yourself. Some people are probably more scared of being alone with themself than the actually running part. In those times though, knowing and figuring out who you are can lead you to discovering who you can and were meant to be.

So, while some may say it's nothing more than a run - it's actually much more than a run. As cliche' as this may sound...

It's more than just a run, it's a way of life.

I cannot wait to get back to running. So, until I come up with some more running and fitness posts - I will provide my life posts.

Here is the cutest little boy I've ever seen...and yes, he's mine :)

My last week in Pictures and my baby boy.

2011-11-01T14:32:00.001-07:00

Run Art - FIDO the dog. Almost hit by car.

2011-09-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of time to blog so let's get to the point.

Yesterday, I was super busy and didn't get to run. So busy in fact, that I forgot and missed a meeting - oops!

I was so excited to post my latest RUN ART and didn't get to yesterday - I didn't even get to run it. BUT today I did get to!

So, here goes it - This is my Run Art of "FIDO", the road dog.

FIDO covered almost 6 miles of road canvas. I went ahead and finished the .2 miles to make it an even 6 miles. I ran it in 58 minutes. Slow, but getting to my old form!

Also, some idiot almost hit me with their car when they ran a stop sign. Thank you God for quick reflexes and the ability to jump when I need to. Whew! Very close.

Steak Picnic. Self-Doubt. 3D imaging of Baby Boy

2011-09-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today, I didn't do a whole lot. It was in fact a holiday and all - so why would I?!

It was a good day though today. I think I ate more than I should, but that's done with so no fretting about that. My wife and I thought that it would be a good opportunity, being a gorgeous day, to go to the park and cook-out. We figured that it'd be pretty busy there and that the shelters would be rented out, but when we got there -- it was just us. It was nice.

It wasn't a regular picnic either - we thought we'd grill steaks and corn on the cob. That's how we roll. I found a REALLY good dry rub recipe for the steaks and after getting the grill worked up just right (in the not-to-helpful wind), everything cooked beautifully. I think the steaks may have been the best ones that I have ever made, so flavorful!

Anyways, the food was really good and the weather was pretty awesome! That's always a positive.

After eating such an awesome meal - I hadn't fogotten that I still had my run to do today. I had to wear a long sleeve shirt for this run! It's strange that a couple days ago - it was 90 degrees in the evening and tonight, after I finished my run - it was barely 60 degrees. I did enjoy the cool air.

I decided to do more speedwork for a mental push tonight. The schedule said 3 miles, but in the back of my head - I know that I need speed work and I really am not fond of distances over 2 miles on the track. Being that it was so late and dark, I just went down to the high school track for my run.

Tonight's run was pretty good though. Even though I didn't go all that far on the track - there were times on the track when I just wanted to stop.

ONE thing that I need to work on is getting past the 'wanting to stop' mentallity and so what I did was...of course, I sped up the pace. I needed to show myself that I can maintain a faster pace than what I'm doing.

This Half Marathon is starting to play with my mind. I KNOW THAT I CAN DO IT, but I keep doubting myself. I keep thinking about a post I once wrote talking about Self-Doubt killing the Runner.

The funny thing is about the past 'Self-Doubt' post is that I was training for a half-marathon then too, just shy of a year ago (had to settle for the 10k due to move).

I was proud of that 10 mile run - it took a lot out of me to do it. I know that I don't need a ten mile run for me to believe that I can run this Half Marathon on the 24th, but mentally, as I said before - I need to be at a better place to enjoy the race and not just fear it.

That's what I'm working on...and some more RunArt. I've worked up Wednesday's run already - and it is probably the coolest run I'll have taken up to that point. I'm ready for Wednesday's run!

This has nothing to do with running - but definately with my life. I think I may have my hands full with our first child due in November.
Would you say that he wasn't too fond of getting his picture taken??

Run Art -"BuckTooth" and getting up early

2011-09-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

I got up before 7am on a Saturday morning for what reason?! To run.

I don't think I've been up that early on a Saturday in a long time! Actually, It's not too often that I'm up before 7am on a weekday. Yes, I am lucky that I don't have to be in the office until 9am. Thankful for that! I have tried these past two weeks to get up earlier and make better use of my time than just sleep (of course I try to get adequate sleep, that's the best thing for a run!). I've been doing better - and today definately helped.

I get up, the sun peering through the windows at just the right angle that lit up a portion of the room. I didn't know that the sun peered through the windows in the morning like that. It really was weird. I looked around to see if my wife had turned a light on. As said, I'm not usually up before the sun so things are new to me at this hour!

Anyways, I made coffee and ate a banana and also some honey on a piece of bread for my pre-run fuel. Didn't forget to get some water in me either. I can't eat much before a run in the morning - totally slows me down. I had laid my clothes out to help with the motivation the night before which helped.

So, as with the theme of yesterday's post - I set out to attack my Run Art, my new running thing. I had mapped this out on mapmyrun yesterday so that I could run/paint it this morning. My long run was suppose to be 8 miles today, but this creation only took me 7.79 miles. I'll take it. This is my longest run of the year. I originally had created only the face, but when I got out there - I went for a body too...freestyle.

Meet BuckTooth

I ran the first 7 and walked the body portion of BuckTooth. I was done with my run before 9:30 came around.

It's weird to have accomplished so much before 9:30 on a Saturday. It happened though.

Anyways, I will have more Run Art creations posted as I do them. They are a super way to make running fun. They really aren't for you if you are going for time, but if you are going for mileage and want something different -- this is for you.

If you are on mapmyrun.com - hit me up: you can find me by searching MistrTyler.

Run Art. Check it out!

2011-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

Great News! I found time to create a picture.

I know that doesn't sound like great news, but this picture was on approximately 5.2 miles of canvas ---- called road.

I was reading a blog the other day, and I cannot remember the name of the blog :/ , trying to find something inspiring towards running and such, something that I think is pretty typical of runners that want something new to do.

Anyways, I read of a guy that ran a route that when looked at from the aerial map view, it looked like the Apple symbol in honor of the now retired Steve Jobs. I thought that was pretty awesome and am pretty turned onto this idea. I don't know what it is called in other circles (and I'm sure it's popular in other places), but I'm calling it "Run Art". I have to admit that it is pretty FUN and gets you excited for your run! You should really try it. I have already mapped out my long run for my HALF TRAINING for tomorrow and I think you'll like it!

Check out what my run today looked like.

It takes time to map out, but makes your run seem shorter for some reason

What are some ways that you make your runs fun?!

Half Training - Day 10 of 35. B&B Smoothie

2011-08-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today is a rest/cross train day for my half training. I am 10 days into my 35 day training plan. I can't believe that it is only 35 day training plan. I don't like putting it that way.

Maybe this will sound better: I am into the beginning of my 2nd week of my 5 week Half training plan.

That sounds better!

Anyways, today was the cross train and I thought I would just get out and take a few laps around the local high school track again. I think what is key for me for this Half is to get the endurance built back up. I'm not too worried about speed/time because I am not expecting to have a great time. I have my own goals in my head and I won't be announcing those, but this is my very first Half-Marathon so anything will be a PR!

I know it's not cross training to go out and get some more miles, but it worked today. I ended up doing 2 3/4 miles at 10'15" pace.

I came home to find that my pregnant wife had made some oatmeal cookies. I had one - and they were the best oatmeal cookies that she has ever made! But I limited it to one because I needed my recovery drink. I am not a pretty picture take when it comes to drinks or food - so you get the aerial view of my Berry & Banana Smoothie!

Mixed Berry & Banana Smoothie

Frozen Mixed Berries
1 Medium Banana
Plain Yogurt
Agava Nectar
Skim Milk
(optional: spoonful of vanilla ice cream)

Confession and some confidence

2011-08-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Confession.

It has been difficult to get where I was in my running program. I guess I can't say that I had a program begin with. I am more of an amateur runner and would just run to run - in fact us amateurs pay to run in a race just to finish it. Anyways, it's been difficult. This week I have struggled with the commitment I've made to run a half-marathon in just five weeks. Granted, if I was a brand new runner and not conditioned for long distances in the least bit - I wouldn't have chosen such a date so close. This race though is not going to be crowded, it's cheap (only $30), and it sounds like good race swag.

Tonight was a confidence booster though. I'm a youth minister and sometimes part of my job consists of youth events, like lock-ins. We had one Friday night up until this morning. I was beat. I tried to sleep but of course when you need the best sleep - everything prevents it. That was true today. I kept falling asleep all day just to be awakened by something else. With all that said, I still found it in me to go get my long run in tonight at 9:30pm in the dark. I didn't run all of it but ran 4/5 of it at an okay pace. I did it though - I followed through again and that definitely built my confidence up.

That's what I needed

Gettin it back.

2011-08-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna go run on the track tonight again. Today is suppose to be a rest/cross train day, but yesterday I went out of town and on my way back had lots of car trouble. Not fun. An hour trip took nearly 2 1/2 hours. This really isn't the best timing for that car to go out, but we've always been taking care of when things seem out of control so I'm going to stay focused on things I can control... like running.

I actually set my alarm to a time before 6 am this morning so that I could get the missed run in before work today - but I didn't get up until 6:45am. Bummer. Oh well. I think a lot of people stress out when they miss a run, but missing a run is not the end of the world. Yes, you might feel bad, lazy, and/or bummed that you didn't get to go out - but that rest also may be the thing that you needed.

I'm glad I am back in the swing of running, eating right, and blogging - I think I might have missed this.

Run. Rest. Basketball. Evaluate. Run. Pleasure. Pumpkin Spice.

2011-08-23T15:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was day two of my training and it was a 3 mile easy run. I decided to do the run at the track in the evening - 7:30pm when it's cooler [80 degrees]. I haven't run on a track very much at all. While I found the running not to be that bad, it was completely monotonous. I found it hard to keep track of lap count. Anyhow, I completed my run and could see a storm coming in the distance, it was pretty cool to see the lightening just in the clouds.

I came home and ate a wonderful Berry Banana Smoothie - so good. Bananas are good for muscles and cramps right?!

I woke myself, and my wife, up in pain due to a killer calf cramp. It was a painful one. Luckily, today is a Rest/XT day in the half-marathon training program. It has felt better as the day continues.

With a sore leg and a busy mind due to an evaluation tonight from my employers - I needed something to get my mind focused and my leg stretched out.

Our local community center has a gym and it is cost-free so I went down and played some basketball for about an 1 1/2 hours or more to give my leg some stretching. Tomorrow is another 3 miler and I think my leg will be fine. I will do plenty of stretching before and after the run. I find it so much easier to do what needs to get done, in terms of working out and such, when there is a goal that you're shooting for.

I like runs that have the sole purpose of pleasure, but having something that you are aiming for really kicks you in gear.

After my evaluation - I'm gonna come home and my wife is going to make me a Pumpkin Spice latte - I'm so ready for it now!

Take care!

Sept 24. 2011. Half Marathon is Happenin

2011-08-22T17:04:00.001-07:00

So, I've committed to doing a Half Marathon which is on September 24th, 2011 in Fort Scott, Kansas.

This will be my first half-marathon and it's kind of crazy to think about because I haven't really been training. I have increased my activity by a great amount, except for vacation last week :/

I've gone on a few runs and have been playing ball at the local community center. It's good to be back in it - the physical activity of everything anyways.

That Half-marathon is just 5 weeks away. That means in 5 weeks I will be running 13.1 miles. To be honest, I don't know if I'll run all 13.1 miles of it, probably not, but I will be able to check that off of my list of things that I wanted to accomplish this year.

It is the 1st half marathon that this place will be putting on so I am unsure of what to expect. It is a gradual downhill run except for the hill at the finish. So, we'll run downhill for quite some time, probably won't even realize we are, and then climb back up it at the finish. I have modified a Runner's World half training program to make it work during this short training period. I have been running for some time now that I think this will work for me. I'm not running for time, especially since I have not been training for a long time for it, but to finish. I have 3 hours to finish the 13.1 miles - so my goal is to finish.

If you think about it - how many people can really say that they have ocmpleted a Half-Marathon?

I can't yet, but hope to be able to soon.

Here's my plan:

Running Playlist

2011-08-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

Two days in a row of blogging?!! 28 more and it's a habit right!

I went out and tackled the Missouri 95 degree weather (heat index 103), of course with my Imitation camelback. It was hot and I walked probably half of it, but it was nice not worrying about distance! I just went to get healthier. Besides that, I wanted to include my running playlist today below.

The Almost - 'Monster Monster'
Lyricist - 'Money' (this guy has sold out on his new stuff)
For Today - 'Never Lose Sight'
The Almost - 'Stop It'
LeCrae - ''Walking on Water'
Group 1crew - 'Lean on Me'
LeCrae - 'Transfomers'
TFK - 'Rawkfist'
Group1Crew - 'love is a beautiful thing'
Switchfoot - 'Mess of Me'
Flame - 'Move'
Trip Lee - 'The Invasion'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7piEIaJvIo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Check these out if you have time!

It isn't as easy as the first time.

2011-07-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

It isn't as easy as the first time for me.

It seems that I hadn't been able to get back into the groove of things whenever I tried to get.. Well - back into the groove of things. I put about ten lbs on and just felt sloppy. Clothes didn't feel right, stomach felt bloated, and I haven't been able to run very much. That part especially stinks because I so want to run.

I've found that it isn't as easy as the first time that I tried to lose all of the weight - and the reason I think is because I am at such a lower weight than before that I have to do things a lot differently than then. I will be doing a lot of the same things with portions that I eat and such, but I definately have to be more aware of my health decisions. Another big thing is that I have to make time to work out. Eating right is most of it, but I have probably lost my edge if I were to go run a 5k race.

That's just the truth.

Well, as of this morning I have weighed in at 205.8 lbs. Much better than 255+ lbs, but not where I need to be. It'll probably be a little bit before I get back into blogging moreoften, but I might surprise you and just rock it out again!

I am finished with the multiple week long traveling for work this Summer. Don't get me wrong, I had a blast while going to the different camps and then especially to Colorado, but I am glad to be home.

Another thing- our baby BOY is due in just 14 weeks!

Weigh In Picture

2011-05-16T19:02:00.001-07:00

I'm in a new weight loss challenge. I decided not to continue hosting the challenges for a while, but there have been many to branch off and keep helping others. I have joined one as I have gained back about 10 lbs this last 7 months (since moving for a new job).

I've been running - just not as often, but am back at it. I'm finding time to put things back in order and it's going well. I missed running!

here's the weigh-in picture for the start of the 6 week challenge!

Morning time: I'm loving it!

2011-04-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought the post was about McD's. It's not.

I'm trying to form a new habit and McD's is not it.

On Saturday, my wife woke up at 4 am not feeling well (probably didn't help that she ate a 6" sub at 10:00pm) and woke me up too. I already struggled to get to sleep (probably b/c I ate a 6" sub at 10:00pm), but I was up for the day! Saturday was a big day and I had a lot to do - (I'm a youth minister and had put together a HUGE Easter egg hunt (3000 eggs huge) and my mind wouldn't let me go back to sleep thinking about it. I did not fill all of hose eggs though -- everyone chipped in and it was mostly the youth group.

Anyways, I was up that morning at 4 and out of bed at 5. I have to admit it - I liked it! I liked having had a bunch of stuff done by 8am.

I've decided that I'm gonna try to get up between 5 & 6am daily. I'm on day 3! The is BIG b/c I am typically not a morning person. I'm gonna finish up this blog post and get on the treadmill a little bit, shower, eat breakfast, and have time tIme to rest before going into the church! This.is.crazy.

I do have to admit - I feel like an old person being up-and-attem this early.

Enjoy your day!

Let's do a Giveaway! Race Results

2011-04-19T17:11:00.001-07:00

Let's get to it!

I'm going to do a giveaway! I've got a $20 Subway gift card to give away this Friday @ 8:00pm to someone.

How do you get entered into the giveaway?!

Three ways to enter. Follow Fit With a Purpose and comment me telling me that you now do. Comment below saying that you want in on the giveaway! Also, tell other people to come and sign into the giveaway! If they say that they were sent my way by you - they get entered and you get another entry!

There's been a lot going in my world!

1. We've got a baby coming of course in November.

2. I am scheduled to run my first half-marathon in June on the 11th.

I was planning on running one with my friend from Germany while he is back in the states, but we were unable to get that worked out and will be running a 10k together in Illinois.

3. I'm going to be starting a new weight loss challenge this upcoming week! It is going to be $5 to enter this time and the winner will receive a 1 yr subscription to a fitness magazine and rest of entry fee. Details to be worked out still.

RACE RESULTS:

A couple weeks ago I ran in my first official 5k this year and placed 2nd in my age division. It was the hilliest course ever.

I don't have a picture right now of it, but maybe I can find one on the camera.

Again, giveaway entrees start today!!!! Enter and tell your friends!

2011-04-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

So, as you know - my life will be completely different come November. It seems as if it is already so much different with all the planning and such. Carol and I started out this year attempting to simplify our lifestyle and to put ourselves In the best financial position we could to save money and make our dollar go the longest way it can. We've nearly cut our monthly expenses by 300 dollars/month by doing that. It's been a trial and error but we are still on track to cut it more. We know the baby will cost quite a bit but that was one of the reasons in cutting so much extra - things work out in time.

While my focus has been on that - it has not been so much on losing weight. I have gained about 5 lbs. I have a goal of hitting my ideal weight by november. That is 20-25 lbs to lose. Plenty of time to do it, I just have to do it. I'm gonna start posting my weight again for the accountability - I rely on you to help and encourage... Please keep it coming.

That is all! Thanks bloggers!

I'm gonna be a dad!

2011-04-07T10:38:00.001-07:00

All I want to post today is that the news is public now...

I'm going to be a dad!

So excited, a little scared, but excited!

yep.

Racing is on my Mind. It's worth it.

2011-03-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

I've got the itch to go race!

I doubt my times would be much to brag about, or even mention, but it kicked in yesterday - it's racing season. I've only had one race so far this year and it was a virtual 5k. I enjoyed the virtual 5k, but it lacked in some areas. While there were other people doing it - there were...

...no runners in the distance to catch up to.
...no finish line with people standing around and cheering.
...no one to take either my number or official timing at the finish line.
...no old people that I thought shouldn't have beaten me that did :)
...no race swag
...no number to post on my wall
...no medal presentations
...no other exhausted people to talk about the race with
...no sometimes ugly race t-shirts (I think this is the only time we really accept ugly t-shirts and are happy about them)

I miss the atmosphere of racing. I miss the comradery that is associated with it.

It's kicked in though. I found a 5k this upcoming Saturday. My wife and I are to go pick up some friends from the airport in Springfield, MO on Saturday - so we will leave early in the morning to go do this race and leave in time from the race to go pick our friends up.

You may ask yourself?

Is it worth it to leave extra early and drive 30 minutes out of your way to go run in a race?

It is worth it.

Even if you can only walk - go participate in a race. It's addicting and exhilirating. Once you find that you can complete something - you're hooked.

The Snow is back and my 200th POST!

2011-03-14T08:01:00.001-07:00

and the snow is back...

I knew there was a chance for the snow to return, but I am never ready for it. I am not a fan of cold weather, snow, and/or ice; pretty much a fan of anything except for winter. I woke up this morning only to have my wife come and tell me to look out the window. I knew it had snowed...and it was snowing even more.

this is what the last snow storm did for us.

Oh well. What can a guy that only enjoys running outside do when the weather gets in the way? I'll pray for it to stop and hide out inside with the treadmill or go to the YMCA.

Speaking of YMCA - I cancelled my membership [to take affect on April 14th] b/c I was not getting my money's worth. I am an outside worker-outer-type-of-guy.

Give me a road, some running shoes, and some music and let me be.

I will figure something out for my workout today. Can I just say that my last post was about great weather, which for me is conducive to great running. On the brighter side, it's suppose to be 50's or 60's tomorrow and 70's the next day. Gotta love Missouri weather.

Another bright note to Fit With a Purpose -- this is my 200th POST! I can't believe that I stuck around this long to have written 200 different posts. I am very thankful to all that have encouraged me to keep it up. Thanks for all the help!

great weather means great running

2011-03-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

We have been having some great weather as of late here in Missouri. You never know what to expect with the weather around here. Not too long ago we had 20+ inches of snow and now we have 60 degree weather in the forcast for the next week; only to be followed up by more snow maybe. As the snow may come later, I am getting as much of this awesome weather while I can. I have started the training for the Half marathon that I am to do with my friend in mid-June.

I hadn't run in about 3 weeks due to business, life, cold weather -- whatever the reason -- and did so a few days ago and...can i just say - getting back at it isn't any fun. I love running. I love the outdoors. I love the fresh air.

That day. I was sucking the air pretty badly.

I'm getting back to the normal though. I've been trying to do more of a cross training type of workouts with my bike and running on opposite days. Tonight, I will be doing the Abs workout of p90x and some pushups. I need to strengthen my core!

Well, that is what's been going on lately. I know my posts aren't as often, but thanks for reading when they are here.

life.gets.crazy.

2011-02-22T10:13:00.001-08:00

Wow.

My life is very busy.

So, in attempts to sum everything up, I'll be simple.

Work is going awesome, but has me running around like crazy.

Carol and I are learning to be more creative and simplify life. You can read about our endeavors so far http://simplycomfortable.blogspot.com/

I have challenged my friend Zach to completing a Half Marathon with me in June when he is back in the states for a couple weeks. Will be discussing our successes and trials HERhttp://runningnotskipping.blogspot.com/.

And, I'm trying to blog about it all.

life.gets.crazy.

A New PR and a New Goal

2011-01-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I ran in a virtual 5k and set a new PR for myself. I ran it in 25'59". That beats my previous PR by 10 seconds. I'm pretty happy with that time. I wasn't anywhere near 1st place, but it definitely sets a new standard for this year. I've tried pretty hard to get out of the 26 - 27 min range all last year (I'll take the 1 second under :])

So, My new goal in my running is to get to the 24 min range this year. A 24 minute 5k is just under an 8 min/mile. In order to get to the 24'59" -- I'm looking at about an 8.3 min/mile. I think by the end of the year that it's doable.

Short and Simple.

Virtual 5k. Upping the Mileage. 1000 lbs

2011-01-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

Virtual 5k.

I'm hosting my first virtual 5k today and it's kind of exciting. People from all over the place racing against each other without ever seeing who is actually in front of them.

I've never been at the very front of the race running all alone with people behind me, but I think the virtual environment of the race gives that feeling to you. In a race, you can be pumped up by seeing the person in front of you and you have something to shoot for. In this race, it's You verse the perception you have of the other's ability. Will this make a person run faster? I guess I'll find out later.

Upping the Mileage.

If you look to the right of the page - I'm tracking my miles again publicly. It's been an eye-opener that while I've had every opportunity, I've neglected to run the miles that I need to if I am going to reach my goals this year. I'm shooting for 750 miles this year. It is less than I shot for last year, but a solid amount that I know I have time for. I didn't realize it until I kept myself accountable with my trusty spreadsheet again of how easy it is to fall back. So, that'll be there to keep me accountable.

1000 lbs.

That is the number of POUNDS LOST that my challenge and the ones that have branched from it are creeping up on. 1000 lbs lost. That is insane to me. 1000 lbs. I'm humbled to be a part of that b/c I know that people are making positive changes in their lives. 1000 lbs! It'll happen either this week or the following. If you want to see some of the before and afters of people that have taking part in the challenges, you can see them here at S.T.Weightloss!

1000 LBS

Running IN the Bible and Not the Running Bible

2011-01-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you can find several books claiming to be the "Running Bible". Well, as much knowledge as those books may have - I thought to myself "what about running IN the Bible and how can it apply to my own running"

"Interesting thought", I thought to myself. Many would say that the Bible is no source for running, but humor me a little and keep reading :)

Genesis 39:12 -- Joseph runs away from Potiphar's wife escaping her passes on him.

1 Kings 18:46 -- Elijah outruns those that are trying to kill him. (long distance too)

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- the author talks about running with purpose [this may be metaphorically, but he mentions those that train and compete in organized games] -- talks about discipline.

Hebrews 12:1 -- speaks on running with perseverance the race marked out for us. Take it as you will, but who can argue with a focused determination?

Luke 15:20 -- the prodigal son's Father runs from a long distance off to embrace his returning son. He ran with heart.

So, can I learn anything from the Bible about running without stretching the message? I'll try.

1. Gen -- Run away and Stay clear of shady situations. Use your head and don't fall into temptations of doubt, negativity, and laziness.

2. 1 Kings -- If someone is trying to kill you - RUN as fast and far as you can. Fight or Flight baby.

3. 1 Cor -- Run with discipline. Guys in that time trained just as hard so that they could win the prize - they were clear headed, disciplined, and had one purpose in mind - succeed. It was the same with what the author was saying - Stay true to your committment and spread that which you believe in.

4. Heb -- run with perseverance. simply put.

5. Luke -- don't give up, dont' give in, and embrace that which you have been given.

There you have it. I think it was a success. Despite what you believe in - this is a good message :)

Let's do a trade! Motivational Mania

2011-01-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

here's the deal.

Three of the four walls in my gym are pretty bare. I want stuff on them and I'm coming to you for help. I am looking for multiple people to decorate my gym walls with motivational quotes, phrases, and awesomeness. This would mean that you would take a posterboard or something like that and create a motivational masterpiece with your favorite quote (clean please), phrase, or some form of awesomeness so that I can continue to make my gym the best.

...I don't want you to be without though and so I would also send something back to you for helping me out. As to what that is -- still not sure, but I imagine that it'll be something beneficial to your workouts.

I had this idea last night and wanted to post about it yesterday, but figured I could wait until today.

So, do you want to do a trade?

Home Gyms. Pics. what would you do?

2011-01-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

Guest room makes perfect gym.

I have been building up my home gym, but I haven't accomplished very much. This guest bedroom has taken on many roles among housing our workout equipment. I am looking for some more equipment locally and on craigslist but haven't found any good deals. I want to make it where I don't have to go to the Y for an actual gym. I'm getting closer and I have the space for it, so why not? Here are some pics of my growing gym space --- any ideas for more things to put in there?

What is a MUST HAVE if you were turn a room into a home gym at your house?

i ran. i jogged. i vlogged. i conquered.

2011-01-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at vlogging. I recorded different parts of my run today. It was pretty interesting to do this. I had never done this before and I thought it was kind of cool. I've got an iphone now and I'm pretty impressed with the video quality. Be kind on my first vlog video taking.

here we go.

Believe it - you are more than your limitations!

2011-01-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

I'm a youth minister. I have a pretty good gig. I get to do fun things, don't have to dress up, and get to be myself. One thing that comes with this job is that I have meetings every now and then with other leadership and reasons. A couple of nights ago I had a meeting and we were trying to come up with a name for a campaign we are about to embark on.

You surely understand the 'come up with a good name' complex. Didn't we all have one before we got into blogging? Obviously, it was to do with our church and someone had offered a name and the reason behind his suggestion was...."more than just a meeting place".

I liked it. I think I liked that phrase moreso than the name b/c it is more than just a meeting place. It got me thinking about other things.

Especially this time of year, people realize that they aren't as fit as they once were, thought, or dreamed of. It's a rough time of the year for many people b/c they realize that all of the past decisions when it comes to health have taken effect on their body w/o them realizing it.

Probably one of the most commonly used phrases is..."I don't remember it being this hard"...or..."I use to be able to do this no problem"...or..."ouch".

People find their instant limitations and they become afraid of the hard work, dedication, and time that is needed to be put into themselves to get where they want to go. I feel blessed that I didn't give in to that way of thinking. I know for sure that I said those very same phrases and it was scary when I realized that I couldn't run a mile if I needed too. But we are more than those limitations.

I know a woman that is 32 and had a mini-stroke a few days ago. They found an artery fully blocked, but this happened a long time ago. Instead of it having an effect on her body, another artery just picked up the slack and grew to the size that it needed to in order to do the job of both vessels. Our bodies are capable of doing so much more than what we think they are.

Watch this guy and see the limitations that he overcame. We are more than our limitations and when we believe that - we will see that in our daily lives.

2011 Goals List.

2011-01-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

I am very resolute with accomplishing my goals list this year! Last year I set a goal to reach 1010 miles in 2010 -- I didn't make that goal, but I lost a butt load of weight trying to reach it. This year, I have a new set of goals.

Before I do post my new goals, I want to direct you to my achievements in 2010. Go here to see the list.

It was a great year in many ways! I set a goal to run 3 5ks. Well, I ran many more than that and placed in a few of them. There is nothing like getting medals after running in a race! I also completed my first 10k race in which I finished in 55 minutes something. I enjoyed it!

Here are my 2011 Fitness Goals:

Travel by foot 750 miles and bike at least 250 miles. This can be walking/jogging/running -- as long as I get it done.
Reach Goal weight of 170 lbs. It didn't happen last year, but it's not that far away!
Run in at least 10 different races with 2 races being over 13 miles.
Have my weight loss challenges go over 1000 total lbs lost!

Here are my 2011 non-fitness goals:

Complete my reading through the Bible
Continue to save money - (have started a blog for this adventure as well)
Become a dad. (I know this is all in God's time, but I'll do my part [awkward? oh well])

I'm sure there are plenty other things that I want to accomplish in 2011, but they'll will come as time goes.

I want to thank you all for encouraging me this past year -- you were a huge reason why I was successful!

What are your Goals for 2011?!

Healthier Me vs. Fat Me

2010-12-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

It's kind of funny that I'm doing this post today b/c I feel that I'm fatter than I was a week ago after the Holiday food! Here we go though.

Healthier Me vs. Fat Me

8 min mile VS exhausted after 1/2 mile
26 min 5k VS what's a 5k?
190lbs VS 256 lbs
definition VS my fat being fat
Happy VS Not Happy
active VS sedentary
Medium to Large VS 2XL
for real VS pretending
knowledgeable VS knowledgeable [interesting how we know what to do but fail to do it]
productive VS lazy
Victory VS defeated

I'm coming up on my 1 year blogoversary. It's been an awesome experience and I can only look forward!

Keep your head up and eyes focused. You will succeed.

keeping control. Meet my new friend.

2010-12-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Meet my new friend.
I love being able to get my runs in. I've had to do the runs on the treadmill, but b/c of my membership at the local YMCA - it's been a lot easier to get solid runs in rather than on my less sturdy treadmill. I started this journey out on Wilma [my treadmill], but have made a new friend at the Y. I have no name for this treadmill though - I need one -- any suggestions.

This treadmill can handle me going at 8 something pace for a long time - mine at home cannot. I'm sure Carol doesn't like it when she can hear me running hard on the treadmill from the other room.

keeping control.
This week I've really focused on making the smart decisions when they come.

I've given up soda completely this week. I'm only three days into it, but I've done it before and was successful so I'm not worried about this one. Every now and then, I like to give up things just to know that i can do it and it doesn't have control over me. I just like to keep control.

What's new with you all?!

Weigh In Pic. Run with the Wind 25k

2010-12-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Run w/the Wind 25k.

I've started training for 'Run with the Wind 25k'.

The race is just over 15 miles and it's going to be stinkin' cold b/c it's in the middle of February!

I have zero cold weather running gear to go with the race. That's okay though, I'm sure by February 22 I will have some. To be honest, I'm not sure what type of running gear I need to have to run in the cold weather. Are there any cold weather runners out there that can point me in the right direction?! Possibly even throw some not used running gear my way!

So, it'll be my longest official race since I started running and will be the 3rd race of the year. The first is a virtual 5k that I am putting on through my weight loss challenge and the 2nd is an official 5k.

Weigh In Picture.

I was being a copycat to another challenger's weigh-in picture, but I don't own a robe so I borrowed my wife's :)

Have a good night!

refusing to move, fail, stop, go

2010-12-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

Why not feel the way that you want to feel?
Why not be who you desire to be?
Why not take control of situations?
Why not make a difference?
Why not live healthier?
Why not be stronger?
Why live in regret?
Why not forgive those who have wronged you?
Why wait until tomorrow when you can do it today?
Why wait for good to come to you when you ARE good?!
Why let someone else determine your worth?
Why let it be harder to climb the stairs than forget the extra cookie?
Why be a slave to food?
Why be a slave to anything?
Why not be the best in anything?
Why not try?
...
...there may be times that you fail
...but when you succeed
...it's because you have refused to fail
...and fought hard to live
...
there's nothing stopping you...

but you.

You ready for some inspiration?!

2010-12-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Have a good day!

Taking what's yours.

2010-12-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

I've been reading the book Racing Weight.

I came across a section talking to beginners in fitness/endurance sports. I'm allowed to quote out of a book right? Here goes.

"Perhaps the greatest psychological barrier to exercise, after lack of exercise enjoyment itself, is lack of self-esteem, and the attending demons of self-doubt, pessimism, and fear of failure. Lifelong non-exercisers are often ashamed of their bodies and convinced they cannot accomplish anything positive with them. There are many effective methods of battling these internal barriers. Recognizing that they exist is the first. Once you recognize that your expectation of failure in exercise is a self-fulfilling sympton of low self-esteem, instead of a rational deduction based on solid evidence, it will suddenly seem worthwhile to make every effort to destroy this illusion."

We often prevent ourselves from doing what needs to be done in order to get where we want to be.

Why do we do this?

We're scared of changes.

I challenge you to step outside of that fear, low self-esteem, and fear of failure in order to learn, achieve, succeed, and live free of negativity.

Starting Weigh-In picture. Bringing it home.

2010-12-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

Starting weigh-in picture for challenge #6!

Gonna bring it home.

Bitter Cold. Inside Running. Excitement

2010-12-12T19:32:00.001-08:00

...and it begins.

The 6th online challenge that I've hosted starts tomorrow! I am totally going to own this one. I have yet to own my own challenge! Ha! I'm pretty excited about this challenge.

You know those feelings that you get when you know you're going to rock something out?! That's what I have today. I'm ready for the next six weeks!

I'm going to go back to counting my calories to make sure I get enough and up my running to get more mileage. I'm going to slowly up my mileage back to where I was a few months ago. I don't want to just jump back up to higher mileage in fear of hurting myself. Because of the weather, I don't get to run outside...and I miss running outside.

I do miss running outside. I think the high today was 20degrees. It was cold. I am not a fan of cold weather at all!

I am thankful though that I have a treadmill, but I really can't stand running inside. It's okay, I'll manage and I'll ROCK challenge out.

What are you all excited about as you end the year out?!

Being the difference maker.

2010-12-10T06:14:00.000-08:00

The other day I went through my Dashboard & Google Reader with hopes of cleaning out some of the blogs that just fail to blog or deliver a positive vibe. It was a much more time consuming task than I thought that it was going to be. It was kind of disappointing as well.

I think that most of us here that blog within the genre of weight loss/fitness have a couple things in common.

1. We blog to keep ourselves accountable to what we do, eat, don't do, and don't eat.

2. We blog to help others stay accountable to what they are doing in like manner.

and thirdly [yes I know that a couple typically means two]...

3. We can't believe how much interest others have in our boring lives :)

Outside of that third point -- we do most of this for some area of accountability to take place. As I started cleaning out my blog subscriptions, I was amazed at how many people had quit. I think I stopped following 100+ blogs...[most of which had quit and made their already short journey shorter...]

I couldn't believe it.

I was pretty floored actually.

It showed me how blessed I was in the result that I got from this blog. That may sound strange, but this blog has been a huge contributor in keeping me on the straight path. It's challenged me b/c there were times that I didn't want to be honest that I was.

I think I was able to keep a solid, positive vibe b/c of that accountability.

There are going to be a ton of blogs in this fitness area popping up in the next couple of months all searching for that accountability that most of us have.

I am challenging my readers to take one fresh newbie under their wing and help them become successful. I think some of us were able to continue on our own and some of us had to be pushed along by the couple readers that we had.

I'm going to go out and say that I think you can change someone's life by being their positive influence having never met them. Take the challenge and be the difference.

Continue with your journey, but continue on in their journey.

Leading by example.

2010-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

27 days and some odd hours. That's where I stand.

I've noticed that while I am eating healthier food - I'm eating more of it. I've got to find that middle ground that I once controlled in order to hit this goal weight.

Is it life or death whether I hit that goal? No.

Is it something that I would love to be able to say that I've accomplished? Yes!

I am a competitor. I am fierce. I want to be #1.

To reach 175 lbs translates into being the best that I can...that's what I want. No matter what I am doing -- I want to be the best. That's my competitive nature taking charge.

Another thing I want to do is to help others in their struggles with weight.

For me, in order to help others means that I must be able to control myself and be the best.

I'm a firm believer in lead by example.

Words, whether spoken or written, mean nothing unless they are backed up by action.

Be the example, make a difference, and watch as it helps those around you.

A short Cold Run! House gym. Stats.

2010-12-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

I always enjoyed the movie, 'Cool Runnings' - today, along those same lines and a play on their name [minus the Jamaican Bobsled team], I enjoyed a cool running.

I have 28 days left for me to be celebrating my 1 year anniversary. January 5th, 2010 is when I first really started trying to get fit and I'm getting there. I have a ultimate goal weight of 170, but I'm shooting for 175 by Janurary 5th, 2011. That'll make my total weight loss at 80 lbs (61 lbs in 1 year).
I'm excited for it and will continue to work for it!

I mentioned that I have been transforming one room in my house into a little gym. Below are some pics of my progress so far!

Another thing that is happening is the start of the newest challenge of Seth Tyler's weight loss challenge! It will be challenge #6! Of all the challenges [mine and others branching off - we have lost over 800 lbs! check those stats out here]

For you cold weather people - What do you do for workouts when it's freezing outside??!

As Tony puts it, "The Mother of All Workouts"

2010-12-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

I had such a good workout yesterday that I wanted to post about it.

JUST DANCE.

I'm a hunter and once I was finished hunting [no luck last night] I went home, ate dinner, and lounged around.

I have been getting accustomed to lounging a bit more since I was sick and such and that is just not me. I don't like to do that for to long. I still needed my workout for the day, but was lacking the motivation to do it. Not sure why.

I got on facebook and updated my status asking if any of my friends in my town had any Wii games that they were wanting to let my wife and I borrow for the night. A friend from church brought some over and one of the games was Just Dance.

I'm up for anything.

We put the game in and despite it's girlyness -- it was a lot of fun and such a workout. We had a friend try to get us to play it when they were in the states, but we went against it. Sorry Alyssa [I'm only sorry if that was the game]!

It was fun.

It was a workout.

It made me sweat too.

What Kind of Unusual Surprise Workouts have you had?!

Published credit? Countdown. Hit me up!

2010-12-02T11:02:00.001-08:00

I've cleaned my 'gym' up this past week and it's looking pretty smooth.

I'll put a picture of it up a little later. I enjoy having it at home, but it needs a lot more to become a gym.

The countdown is on and I'm moving strong! I'm stilling fighting the itchy poison ivy, but it hasn't stopped my production on the eating and fitness front!

Also, I've been working with my other blog a little bit more. Are you interested in changing lives? Hit me up and see if we can put a weight loss challenge together in your area. It's a little bit of work, but it pays off. How so?

Well, it comes back to bless you later on.

I was told about an article that was done on a past challenger of mine that was being showcased in a Missouri-wide newspaper because of her efforts in changing her health! It's not much, but she gave me some 'influence' and 'motivator' credit within the article.

It's an awesome feeling to be a part of such a life change!

Read it for yourself!

I hope you are moving in a positive direction as well!

What is your biggest goal for DECEMBER?!

The Countdown to Goal begins.

2010-11-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

I started this weight loss journey on January 5th, 2010. I have 35 days and some odd hours to until my 1 year anniversary is here.

Can I get to goal in 35 days?

I have 19.2 lbs left to lose until my 170 goal.

The countdown begins.

I'm nervous.

afterthought:

I do understand that this is an ambitious goal and I may not hit it, but if goals weren't challenging - we'd never push our limits.

Post Sickness. Poison Ivy. Running fun.

2010-11-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

Post Sickness.

It has been a rough two weeks lately. I guess I can't really say that it's been rough, but not the most fun. I had been sick w/congestion, snot, and a cough for a week and a half. It really hindered my workouts as I talked about a couple posts ago. I really haven't done much the last two weeks - maybe a workout here or there, but I just didn't have the energy.

Poison Ivy.

I finally got over whatever it was that was bothering me. I have been hunting (deer season here in Missouri) the last few days and it hadn't really been productive. One of the days I was hunting - I was in a deer stand 16 foot high in a tree and kept getting poked with a stick when I looked left. Come to find out yesterday, that stick was either poison ivy or poison oak. I woke up yesterday and had quite the break-out on my ear and back of my head. My ear is swollen, and all poison ivy like. Not fun.

Running fun.

I have not ran in a while until today. I hate not being able to run, but I really couldn't do much of it lately. Today, despite my poison ivy bothering me [and I didn't know if I should or not, but I did], I went for a run. It was a cold 2.23 miles, but I enjoyed it. It was fun to run again. I could tell though after today's run that I'm going to have to start going to the YMCA to run or use the treadmill at home. I'm not a fan of running inside but I'm also not a fan of sitting and being lazy :)

Do you have any Poison Ivy treatments or remedies???

Thankful for Before and After Pictures!

2010-11-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

I am blessed and thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Making Change Happen!

2010-11-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I did it before holding a part time job and a full time job - blogging daily that is, but I seem to have lost the gift. I think I know what the difference is from the time that I started to now -- 55 lbs.

I think that's the reason why it's harder to blog now because I don't see the daily changes that I came so use to seeing up until this point. It's like your brain shifts direction after having lost weight. My total weight lost is at 70 lbs. My brain keeps shifting from me, as it was before while losing the majority of the weight, to others and helping them lose the weight.

I talk about it often that I run weight loss challenges. I do have a blog that is dedicated to my main challenge and others that have branched off of it. All together, the amount of weight loss combined is 765+ lbs. I love the I have been able to be a part of that. It encourages me to be able to help others that are in the same situation that I was in.

I would love for you all reading to go by and check the other site out, STWeightLoss, and show some love to those contestants, past winners, and interviews of challengers. Together, we are defeating obesity.

We are making change happen!

In other news, I was sick for about a week and a half and it interrupted my p90x training. I have completed four weeks and need to start the 5th week. It is so time consuming!

Focus Seth, focus!

I wanted to just write a little bit letting you all know that I have not fallen off any wagon, been run over by any wagon, or stopped blogging. I am very much here and also getting to check some of you all out too on your blogs!

When you lack motivation...

2010-11-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

It's common for those trying to lose weight to get frustrated, discouraged, and lack motivation at some point throughout the journey. It's in those times that many give up and give in.

What can we do to stop that from happening to us?

The answer?

Just keep moving.

Even in those time that you don't feel like moving - move.

Those times that you don't want to work out - work out.

It is much easier to say that than to do it, but it is the truth. If we simply do the work - it will pay off. The times that I felt the worst with my journey of weight loss is when I gave in to the idea that I couldn't do it, didn't do it, and skipped out on something b/c of an excuse other than sickness.

You are worth the time investment. You are worth the sweat. You are worth the hard work.

Hard work will bring you through the times when you lack motivation.

It's not what we want to hear, but it's what we need to hear.

Keeping it real.

2010-11-04T17:50:00.001-07:00

Weigh In Pictures!

2010-11-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Last Week's weigh-in pics.

This Week's weigh-in pics.

10k results. 10k race pictures.

2010-10-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

I competed in a 10k race on Saturday -- my first official 10k race -- I finished in 55'16". I finished 17th of the men and 24th overall out of 73 people in the 5k. I enjoyed this race a lot! It really was a lot of fun. I think I enjoy the 5k more b/c it's shorter, faster, and more competitive -- but I had fun at the 10k.

Here are a couple pics from the 10k race. While at the race - I saw several people from my childhood [the race took place in the town I lived in during elementary/middle school].

If you have time -- go visit this blog too as we need some new readers/contributors! If you would like to GUEST POst about beginning weight loss and/or your struggles with it -- contact me.

www.stweightloss.blogspot.com

Ghost Gallup 5k Results. Challenge #5 Starts 2Day!

2010-10-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was able to participate in another 5k this past Saturday. It was the Ghost Gallup 2010 5k. There wasn't as big of showing as I thought there would be, but it was still fun. I wasn't out to set a new PR -- I was simply out there to run b/c it's fun!

I enjoy doing 5k races b/c it's a rather short run, good workout, and I love the racing atmosphere!

I was able to finish with a rather normal time for me which was surprising b/c the P90x that I did the past week let me know that I worked hard that week. My abs were killing me 1 mile into the run. I had to definitely focus my breathing to manage my run. I was pleasantly surprised when I finished in 26'35". If I would have watched the clock - I could have pushed myself harder probably. Oh well.

I have a 10k this Saturday [Run the Burg]. I was going to do the Half, but I have not trained properly and wouldn't be able to do it competitively [and I like to be competitive!].

S.Tyler Weight Loss CHALLENGE #5

Challenge #5 starts today as well for those keeping track of the weight loss challenges! I am blown away by the results of not only my challenges, but those that have branched off. As of yesterday - the TOTAL amount of weight lost in all of the challenges [including mine and those that have branched] is 567.1 lbs!

I'm stoked to be a part of that!

If you want to be a part of the challenge that is starting today -- GO HERE to the facebook group and join [this is where the challenge takes place]!

If you would like to learn more about the different challenges - go to the website and browse around HERE. It serves as a meet-up place for all of the challenges!

If you'd like some more info not posted -- email me at stylerwlc [at] gmail [dot] com

Discipline pushes Limits!

STWLC Winner #4! I run because I can.

2010-10-19T06:47:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it?!

I've already gone for my run for the day!

It's crazy because I'm not a morning person at all. I had the run done by 8:30am! I'm normally up already by then, but on my way to work. Today is a monumental day for me. To be able to get up on my own to run in the morning and it not be because of a race -- is simply wonderful!

The real purpose for this post is bring the spotlight on a weight loss challenger of mine. He joined in on the 4th challenge [you can join too for #5] and stuck with it to become victorious!

You can see his before and after pics here at the challenge website.

The website serves as a control center for all of the challenges branching off of mine. Eric [with his younger brother Anthony who lost 30 lbs in the challenge!] will be starting his own challenge, in which he joins Melissa [challenge #2 winner] and Matt [challenge #3 winner], in hosting their own weight loss challenges.

Between the three of those winners - they have lost a combined total [to date] of 100.4 lbs!!!!

The challenge works if you set your focus and do it with purpose.

If you would like to be a challenger in the 5th installment of the STWL challenge -- go HERE to JOIN! If you are interested in starting your own challenge, whether it be a physical location or an online challenge - shoot me an email at:

stylerwlc [at] gmail [dot] com.

If I can get up early in the morning and go for a run after doing p90x at 9:00pm last night --- you can do anything you set your mind too!

Crossfit or P90x. Strength training!

2010-10-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Weight loss plateaus are no fun or easy things to be a part of. I've been hovering between 185-190 for the longest time. I've made my plan and believe that it'll take me past this plateau.

I will be cutting my longer distance runs. I will still be doing the Half Marathon at the end of this month, but will not be doing the longer distances 8+ for the rest of the year. Next year I will train for another Half and possibly the full.

While I may be cutting my longer distance runs - I'm keeping my running consistent. I love to run and believe it is a great exercise, I just need to focus on strength training to get to a new level.

I have a couple options in my strength training. I've talked about increasing the strength training the last few posts - it's time to do something about it.

The two options are Crossfit and P90x. I want to do the Crossfit, but don't have the resources around me. I could try and do the Crossfit on my own, but I don't think that it's going to work. That leaves me with p90x. I have done p90x before for 3 or 4 weeks and saw some positive changes so I will come back to that.

Today, Week 1 - Day 1 - P90x begins. It'll be good.

In what way have you made changes to improve your fitness time?

Getting things done even when busy.

2010-10-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a hard couple of weeks. When you are in the process of moving it leaves little time for running and working out. With the little amount of training, working out, running, and such; it doesn't give you a lot of material to write about.

That's a bummer...

...but that doesn't mean that things aren't happening on this end.

My weight loss challenge will be starting again in two weeks. We are currently in the last week of the 4th challenge that I've hosted. Two of the previous winners of my challenge have branched off and started their own challenge! It's so nice to be able to make a difference!

If you would like to join in on the challenge that starts on October 25, 2010. I can't guarantee that you lose weight during the challenge b/c it relies on you to do the work -- but if you do the work along with the weight loss challenge -- you will lose weight.

Click on the button on the right side of the page if you would like to check it out! Also, you could go to the challenge website HERE.

The past two out of three winners have gone on to continue in their weight loss [and lead their own challenge] and have lost over 64 lbs combined.

If you are interested in starting your own challenge - go to the Weight Loss Challenge control center and let me help you!

See, I have been away at times, but I am definitely at work!

Stay focused, stay moving, and stay controlled!

Moved. Office Pics. Fitness Suggestions?

2010-10-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

So, we've moved. It's happened. Everything is now down at our new place. If you didn't get a chance to see our new place - my wife has blogged the whole move. Go to this post to check out the house; go to this post to see the actual move; and go here to see her recap of my 5k race :)

I just threw that last one in for fun!

I've found that it is pretty difficult to get quality [any] workouts in while in the moving process! Have you found that to be true too? After you work so hard to pack, load [by yourself] the truck, unload [thankfully w/15 people] the truck, and then unpack -- it's really hard to get in a run! I'm thinking about doing something completely different in terms of my actual strength training. As of right now, I have no strength training. I have the p90x dvds, but they do take sooo much time to do. I love p90x! I don't love the time required.

I have a friend who does Crossfit. He has had such great success with it - it's very persuasive. It also looks solid b/c of the time that it does not require. It requires you to go ALL OUT for the exercises that you get for that day. The differences that he has experienced is crazy cool. The only thing with this that I have noticed is that if you don't have a Crossfit affiliate near you, you probably don't have the right equipment to do it. Unfortunately, there is not an affiliate near me. I can do it on my own, but it costs quite a bit to get the right equipment.

I've got to figure something out. I'm stuck around the 185-190 lbs. I am so close to my goal of 170 lbs, but it feels like forever away. We'll see what I figure out.

What are your suggestions in losing the last 15 lbs?

Also, I thought I'd give you a little peak of where I will do my work from here on out. It's really kind of the office where everything gets stashed, but it'll work for me as I don't need a lot!

What has been the one thing that has propelled your fitness to another level?

V.F. Memorial 5k results & Pics.

2010-10-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm #3!

Yeah, I know that's not something that someone is usually excited about, but I'll take 3rd place! I was able to snag another medal and take 3rd place in my age division. I think I finished around 12-13 overall.

I did beat my old personal best time, but was unable to hit my goal of 25 minute range. I was 10 seconds off of my goal. That's okay though, I think I'll manage :) I've come so far from where I was 70 lbs ago - I'll take it every time.

I finished in 26'09"

Yesterday, I took some time to make a playlist that would help me while I'm running. Sounds weird, maybe - but it worked. My second mile is always my worst mile, but not today. I was pretty happy with each mile that I ran. I made sure that I had some pump me up music in the middle of the playlist. The right playlist can make a world of difference!

It was a lot of fun, as usual, and I still have my 25 minute goal to shoot for. I will tell you though that after running this race -- I was spent!

...but I am fine now. It was a cold race too, but not something that a little coffee couldn't take care of!

Self-Concept - the secret killer

2010-10-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Self-Concept can be a positive and a negative thing. When someone has a positive perception of themself, they have a confidence that can be undone by nothing. On the flip side however, when one has a negative perception of who they are, what they look like, what they can do, what worth they have, and of their ability - life won't look to bright for them.

If you look at what "self-concept" is...

self-concept: "the idea or mental image one has of oneself and one's strengths, weaknesses, and status,etc.; self-image." [def. found here]

It correlates well with what perception we have of ourselves.

I went to run the 5k race course yesterday and while I was running I met an older guy doing the same thing. We briefly chatted about the course and I took off again. He had already finished two miles [the course comes back on itself] and I was just 1 mile into it. For some reason - I started thinking about my self-concept. I thought about how I viewed myself and also what he thought of me as a runner. He was a veteran runner.

When I was first starting out with my weight loss, was I really 'just another fat guy trying to be skinny' -- or was I more?!

I'll admit that what I ate and how much of it did define my eating habits, my self-esteem, my self-discipline and control, but it did not define who I was. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and when I forget that...my self-concept goes down the toilet.

I kept thinking about how others see me now and how my self-image lacks. I still think of me as being fat and slow, but know that my body reflects a different image. There were times that I didn't want to look in the mirror knowing that my belly was going to be sticking way out. I still criticize my body because it isn't where I want it to be. I'll be honest. This is probably the stuff that people don't want to talk about in the blogosphere, but it's truth.

I'll tell you now though, I don't mind looking in the mirror. I like what I see - I should have liked what I saw last year, but I was blinded my a negative self-concept. Yes, I was fat, but that did not make me inferior, ugly, or unworthy of happiness.

Today - I challenge you to go in front of the mirror - take a picture - and be proud of who you are [not defined by a number, not defined by the world, not defined by a negative self-concept] knowing that you are taking the steps in becoming a healthier YOU.

Go take and post your UNAFRAID picture!

It's all in your head...my own running cartoon.

2010-09-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

During my run yesterday, I spent some time thinking.

Isn't that what you do when you run? I guess it wasn't like that in the beginning when I was running. It was more like a...

"huff, cough, clear throat, cough, stop, walk, cough, pant, and stop again"

but that changed after a little while. I eventually was able to at least make it to my goal of finishing...despite how beat up I felt.

...but at some point - it all changed in my head from "when does this end - I can't do this - running isn't my thing" to...

...who knew?

we constantly tell ourselves that we can't do it, that it won't happen, that we don't deserve it...but you can, it will, and you do.

Running, weight loss, fitness - much of it is in our heads on whether or not we can succeed. At some point, if you stick with it (and sticking with it is a key to success), you'll have a point in time where you'll think to youself...

"oh, i did it."

Success is around the corner - are you willing to work for it?

New Home. New Job. Challenge Control Center.

2010-09-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

New Home.

As you know, we're moving. We signed a lease on a house on Monday and my wife took some pics of the place. I thought that I'd show you around a little. Actually, I'm just going to direct you to my wife's blog because she is a better showyouarounder . Check out the New Home here!

New Job.

We are moving because I have taken a job as youth minister at a church roughly about 2 1/2 - 3 hours away. It makes for a move, but we are excited about getting into the new position and for the future of it.

I'll only have about a 10 minute drive to work - that is not that bad. I live closer to work now, but I won't mind the extra bit!

Control Center.

Also, another thing that I have done is created a control center for my weight loss challenge. Past winners have branched off and started their own challenges and I thought it would be good to have a central location for all of them to come together. Please, go and be friends of the new site. We need love there too!

Seth Tyler's WLC Control Center!
As of right now, there are three total challenges. I am looking for others that want to start their own weight loss challenge in their own neighborhood. Are you interested in that? If so, email me at:

stylerwlc [at] gmail [dot] com

What is one thing that you will accomplish today!

Weigh In picture. A gain.

2010-09-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

I'm keeping it short today. I gained at my weigh in. This is the first gain, excluding my vacation week, that I can remember in 38 weeks. I have either lost or maintained each of the other weeks. I'm okay with that though - it happens. It's time to change up how I do things. I thought I'd give you the weigh in picture.

also, I'm looking for a couple guest posts to take place during our move next week. Do I have any takers??!

5k Race Results. Bug Swallowing. Weigh In Picture.

2010-09-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

5k Race results.

On this past Saturday, I took part in my 5th 5k of the year. My goal this year was to do three 5k's -- it just keeps growing. Saturday's 5k was suppose to be my best time, but I couldn't get that new PR. I travelled pretty slow, but there was nothing left in the tank. That's okay though.

I was pretty stoked at this 5k because two people that I believe I have influenced in the weight loss/get healthy/running areas participated as well. They finished 3 seconds apart (I think) somewhere in the 33 minute range! I'm proud of both of them.

It wasn't my PR, but it wasn't all bad news for me.

I placed in my age division again. I got 1st and came 20something out of about 90 runners. I finished with 26'52". That is my 2nd fastest actual 5k time. I am planning to find another 5k on October 2nd and then do a half marathon on October 30th in Warrensburg, MO. October 2nd will produce my PR in the 5k. My mind is set. :)

Swallowing of the bug.

As you can probably sense, I wasn't satisfied with my time at the 5k. On Sunday, I set out to set a new unofficial PR for my 5k time. I was at pace to do what I set out to do...until a bug flew into my mouth and lodged itself in the back of my throat. I started choking, gagging, and I needed to throw up, but just couldn't. After all of that (which took place at an intersection), I couldn't get my pace and breathing back. This happned 13 minutes into the run. Not happy!

It happens though :) On a bright note, I have been able to see noticeable changes this morning in my physique. I've been able to crawl on walls, fly, and can hear really well!

Weigh in.

Also, here is the second weigh-in picture from Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge #4. It's a small loss, but it's a loss. I'm going to be changing my eating habits and workouts up to get some sort of confusion in my body. I think it needs it.

What has been your favorite part of your daily routine lately?

The Move. The 5k. The Possible. B4 and Afters.

2010-09-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or is the Summer time the hardest time to blog? It seems that I just don't have the time to blog during the Summer. Either way - if you haven't seen any comments from me on your blog recently, just know that I do visit them.

The Move.

It's public news now so I can share with you too that I have accepted another position at a different church. Carol and I are pretty excited about this decision and its something that had been prayed about for a loong time. It's cool to see things come to fruition. This news means that we are moving...again. We don't really like the whole moving process at all. Some people enjoy it and like the thrill of the move -- we like the idea of the move, but the actual move = headache.

Headaches are no fun. Hopefully though we will have a very smooth move. We've started going through things and have a pile of 'keep', 'garage sale/giveaway', and 'trash'. I think Carol is getting better at throwing things away :).

So that is the big news!

The 5k.

I have another 5k. It's tomorrow morning. I'm going to try and beat my past 5k times. If you look at the Goals/Achievements page you'll see that my PR is 26'24" in the 5k in Clinton, MO. I'm hoping to be in the 25' range tomorrow. We'll see how that turns out tomorrow! I'm pretty excited about it. There is also a couple people from the weight loss challenge I host, Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge, that are running it as well. I'm pretty stoked for us all to finish!

The habit.

I'm trying to start a new habit. Cooking. I don't do a lot of it, but have in the past. Carol doesn't like to cook, but likes to bake (her pumpkin muffins are delish!). One way I figured that I can make sure we eat healthy stuff on a very regular basis is to simply suck it up and cook. It's really easy to look at the kitchen and say, "Subway tonight!". I need to cook. I think I'll get the cooking thing down, but need to make sure I look at how long the recipe says I need to prepare. I went to cook something two nights ago and realized that I was suppose to marinate the chicken overnight!

Put that in bold letters cookbookmakers!

I don't have much else for you today, but an old comparison picture to close with...

I love looking at the comparison pictures because it shows me that I can accomplish what I never thought I could.

still questioning your capabilities?

Question no more.

Doubt Kills the Runner...

2010-09-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

If you think about it - the one thing that kills the run, the runner, and the runner's time....is doubt. Metaphorically that is for all of you strictly literal people :)

Let's give this theory a little thought.

I grew up fairly athletic. I played each sport that was offered. There were times when I would get injured though. One time I was playing in a baseball game and the outfielder slid under me while I was catching the ball and tore all the ligaments in my ankle. I played Superman and acted like it was nothing and tried to get back in the game. The injury didn't stop my mindset of finishing what I had started.

Living in the MidWest, there tends to be several stormy days. Sometimes, those stormy days amount to several consecutive days of rain in a row. I remember though earlier this year when it was raining that I completed a PR to that date on the one mile run. The elements didn't stop my mindset of finishing what I had started.

I started running as a way to aid in weight loss. I was a heavy man that hadn't really run long distance before. You could have found me slogging (slow jogging - thanks Louis) around Clinton knowing that I'll hit my goal. Those goals were a lot less than what I have now, but my weight didn't stop my mindset of finishing what I had started.

but doubt...

doubt will stop me in my tracks everytime if I let it's ugly face show...

doubt is to a runner as kryptonite is to Superman -- it's detrimental.

I think I had doubted my running ability up until last night. I knew I could run, but could I run the longer distances. Could I do the Half Marathon? I questioned myself and my ability to do so, until last night.

I hit what I consider a milestone for my running. I ran 10 miles straight with no stopping. It was at a slow pace -- but for me to go that long, it'll be a slow pace :)
10 miles is a big number for me. I ran for nearly 2 hours. Up hills, down hills, 2 miles of gravel, and rickety bridges. It was a 11'13" pace that I am proud of.

No more doubt, just belief.

I am success.

What has been your Kryptonite?

Weight Loss Challenge #3 Winner Before and Afters!

2010-09-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

The fourth installment into my Weight Loss Challenges has begun. There are 18 participants this time around and it is the largest and heaviest per person that we've had. I am really excited for this challenge for a couple different reasons. The first is because I am helping people get healthy. I'm excited for that. The second is because more people breeds competition. It's easy to tell who the winner would be if it only had 5 or 6 people taking part, but with 18...the competition will be pretty tight. I'm excited for this and the challengers are excited for it.

As I said though, the 4th challenge has started and it is time to do a post about the previous winner. I'm pretty familiar with this last winner as he is my brother. He had joined the 2nd challenge, but it didn't really sink in. Something clicked though and the 3rd challenge was his from the beginning. There were some people that stuck with him, but week after week he added to his lead. Matt lost a total of 20.4 lbs in the six weeks which put his percentage lost at a crazy 9.98%!

I think he was a little upset that he would not be able to participate in the next challenge, but he definitely rocked that one. Below is a before and after picture of him.

He will be directed to this page so be sure to give him some awesome love on here. He has worked hard and sometimes it just feels good to be appreciated for the hard work right?

Be sure to show your support.

WeightLoss Challenge starts 2day! Still taking Challengers

2010-09-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Installment to Seth Tyler's Weight Loss CHallenge starts today! This is the heaviest challenge to date and is promising to be the most successful one as well! I am really excited about this challenge! We are still taking challengers for this challenge. There is a grand prize after six weeks and a weekly prize for the week's most percentage lost. This really is set up to be the best challenge yet. There are 12 challengers this time around so far....will you make 13? It is only $10 (which is used only for the prizes). There have been 2 female winners and one male winner! I will be doing a blog post shortly about the last winner with before and afters! He lost 20.4 lbs! Check out a previous winners blog salute here!

You still have time to enter the challenge and will need to do so by 10:00pm tonight!

Are you in a rut and want something real to come and keep you accountable?!

Here is that something real!

If you are still unsure if you want to enter -- go check out the challenge page for yourself and see just how encouraging and helpful that it can be! We'd love to have you --- be sure to check out the rules as well!

Superman! Vacation! Weight Loss challenge!

2010-08-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I'm posting from Manchester, TN this morning getting ready to hit the road for Tybee Island, GA. I don't know much about Tybee Island - we just picked a spot and said, we'll drive there. We still have about 6 hours to drive, but will have a few days to spend there. I'm pretty excited about the beach. If there are a lack in posts -- you'll know why at least.

The Weight loss challenge that I host is over. It was the 3rd challenge and it went really well. The winner, and I'll do a post about him like I did with the last champ, was actually my brother who lost 20.8 lbs. This is a six week challenge. He rocked it like crazy! I lost 1/4 of that weight, but am happy for that.

I'm just trying not to gain that 6 lbs back on vacation. If I gain a 2-3...I'm okay with that b/c this is vacation and I will enjoy more than normal. Yay!

On our way driving yesterday -- we saw a sign for "Giant Superman Statue" -- of course we turned off the hwy and went to see it. This is what I want my healthy body to look like :)

I hope you all have a great day! Stay focused and keep moving.

The Question: Do you think I can be a runner?

2010-08-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

the question.

My wife asked me today a question right out of the blue, "do you think I can be a runner".

my answer.

I wasn't expecting it and I was like, "Yeah!"

I wanted to ask her a lot of questions, but she cut me off and said that we'd talk about it over dinner.

the results.

Dinner came and I couldn't wait to talk about it so I asked her if she wanted to start running. (You have to understand me here - I love running and she has never shown any interest really in it...so this is exciting to me). I told her why I thought she could be a runner and then I said that I'd run with her tonight. We let our food settle for a while and then got into some running clothes and we stretched. One of the ways that she tried to convince me to run with her was that running with her would be a good warmup for my run. She was right - it was. But before I get too far - we ran a mile tonight. We both know that running can be pretty difficult in the beginning, but with discipline - it will get easier. We stopped a few times, but that's okay because we were out there MOVING! I'm super proud of her. I'd say she ran about .6 of a mile. We finished that mile up in 13'17". She did great. So, Carol, can you be a runner? Yes. you. can.

and more.

After Carol and I finished our run I went for a run of my own. I got a PR today. I chose to run a 2 mile course and wanted to kill it - and I did. I ran 2 miles in 17'12". That is a 8'35" pace. This is by far the fastest 2 mile run I have done and it felt great! I think that warmup did help me out. If I was in a 5k race tonight and only had 1 mile left and only 17'12" had gone by --- I'd be booking it to finish big!

What is ONE thing that you just want to ROCK like nothing else?!!

Addicted too... Wedding. Weigh-In Picture!

2010-08-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

Addicted to...

Some people and I were talking recently about addictions. You know, not once did running come into the discussion. Drugs, alcohol, and gambling all showed their face, but not once did running come into our discussion. I know though what I'll tell someone if they ever ask if I have an addiction - running and LOST. The running must stay, but the Lost - if I had to, I could let it go.

I don't remember where I read it, or maybe I heard it, but the person said they don't work out because they are afraid that they'll get addicted to it because they tend to become obsessed with things. I think that is a cop-out to not do the work, but can maybe see their position. It's still not enough to not do the work though -- it is your life you're neglecting!

Now, there are a few body physiques that gross me out b/c it simply, in my mind, is too much - but it's not my body.

Can you be so addicted to make your body too fit?

I don't know the answer to that and truthfully, I'm just rambling, but what I do know is that I love running. I love what it teaches me. I would just like to go ahead and say it on record.

I, Seth, am addicted to running.

Wedding.

I had the opportunity to be the officiant at my sister's wedding. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. I got to see family that I hadn't seen in quite some time and when they saw me -- their mouths dropped and they couldn't believe the weight that I had lost. It made me feel good. Below is a picture of me at the wedding.

Also, here is the End of Week 5 Challenge photo. This has been a tough challenge for most people in it, but the number keeps dropping!

What is your favorite Workout Song?

Decide. Discern. Deliver. 3 steps to success.

2010-08-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that most runners think a lot. When you are running 20+ miles a week - you have a lot of time to think. It isn't always about one thing, but when I am running I think of big dreams, big goals, and big successes. I am a visionary thinker and while that may have its own problems sometimes - it creates movements. I have a lot of big ideas that I'd like to see come into their own in time, but I do understand that many of them will not. Those ideas that will come to fruition though - will come by me following three different rules. These three things will require motivation, desire, optimism, and self-discipline.

The only reason I bring these things up is because if you followed these rules while getting healthy - you will see success. They are simple. They are accurate.

The first step is to Decide. You have to decide to make the change or not. You don't even have to know how to make that change yet, you just have to make the decision to go about changing. Prior to me making my decision to do this - I was unhappy, unmotivated, and held no self-control when it came to health. I did make that decision though and have made it this far. It takes one simple action to say - "I'm tired of living this way - I want change". It's hard to make change happen, but it can happen. It all starts with a decision. This decision is not the only thing though that you need to do for change to happen. I know there were many times when I was sitting and watching The Biggest Loser and said, "I want that to happen to me", while I continued to eat my Stuffed Crust BBQ & Extra Cheese pizza. I made the decision to change, but I did nothing else. I think many of you have found yourself with that same memory. Making the decision is the first step - but it is not the only step.

The second of my steps is to Discern. You have to be able to tell the right way from the wrong way. You have to discern what is the best route for you to take in order to make that change happen. As I made my decision to change while in front of the TV and eating pizza on the couch - I didn't choose the right direction. This is the step in which you do the homework to your change. Losing weight typically doesn't happen without you taking the initiative. That would be nice though for you to make the mental decision to get healthy and then your body agrees and loses without any change of habit. That'd be great! That's not how it works though. You need to have a plan of attack in order to get your health back. Is your method going to be through running, biking, lifting, swimming, and/or another program (this is all mixed in with the healthy eating of course -- what is it, 85-90% of weight loss is due to proper nutrition?). Making the decision was only a 1/3 of how it happens, making a plan to follow is another 1/3, and that brings us to the actual follow-through.

The third step is Deliver. In basketball, when you are shooting the basketball - if you fail to follow through than your shot is going to be off the rim. In Baseball, if you fail to follow through with your swing, you will miss the ball or have a little blooper. In Golf, if you fail to follow through with your swing, you dig at the grass, slice, and miss the mark. It's the same with fitness, if you fail to follow through - you will not succeed. There are many bloggers out there that claim to be on the weight loss front, but are failing to step up to the plate because they don't follow through. Weight loss can be very difficult. Getting healthy can be very challenging. All you need though is to execute follow through and you've done your part. So, you've planned to run a mile today? Run a mile and count that as a success. Did you say you would only eat 1800 calories today? Eat 1800 calories today and enjoy your self-control!

Think of how much you are gaining while you are losing!

Decide to make a change, Discern the best route in going about that change, and Deliver on that decision.

This is for you to do. You can make change happen. You can succeed. You will succeed.

Home Food Database. HalfWay Giveaway Winner. Awesomeness

2010-08-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

awesomeness.
I'm going to start out with the Awesomeness; well, what I feel as awesomeness. I have been rocking my food intake that past few days. My wife and I's anniversary was this past week and we took a small getaway - and while I took part in a few calories that I wouldn't typically in a normal week...I was still able to produce a very, very small loss. It was only a .2, but even if it were a gain I'd be okay with how this week went. I have been shooting for around 1800 calories a day and have been hitting them outside of those 2 1/2 days we were away. I think that is pretty awesome. My body just naturally feels that its back on schedule. That's awesomeness to me.

Home-Food Database.
When we got back home, I made a calorie & sugar food database on a spreadsheet of the foods that we have at home and what I typically eat. I have been able to simply use a formula to record all of my daily calories by simply clicking on a few boxes -- and i don't have to go online to do it. I've even included quick finds on the spreadsheet so that I don't have to go to each ingredient, but that all of the ingredients have already been calculated together to make my find and recording simple. I'm pretty proud of it and it helps for me to keep track -- and I don't have another login to remember :)

Halfway Giveaway Winer.

The giveaway that I was hosting - F.W.A.P. HALFWAY GIVEAWAY - celebrating my halfway mark to my 1010 miles in 2010 goal ended on Friday night. There were 50 entries into the giveaway and using a random generator, the number chosen was.....42.

comment #42 was made by....

Cassie said...
And as far as a simple exercise, I'm not sure what it's called, but like triceps extension (I think) where you have a hand weight over your head and drop it down and raise up over your head. Very simple for me to do while I am at work...

Congratulations Cassie! I will need your information in order to send you your AWESOME gifts! Thanks for participating. email [styler (at) cccb (dot) edu].

What is something that you have been AWESOME at!!!

F.W.A.P. HalfWay GiveAway!

2010-08-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

I know that this is the moment that you all have been waiting for! Who doesn't love a good giveaway?! I have reached and surpassed the halfway mark to my goal of 1,010 miles by foot this year. I have overcome many obstacles along the way -- including that broken ankle of mine and have lost a whopping 47 lbs since starting this year and 66 lbs since starting my fitness journey!

If you cannot tell -- I'm pretty stoked about this. It's all down hill from here!

Now to the giveaway. This Giveaway is free for anyone to enter as long as you follow the entry procedures. I hope that you win and that you keep up with your own fitness journey!

I'm biased, but I think this is a pretty good giveaway!
Enter now to win the F.W.A.P. HalfWay GIVEAWAY

(included in the giveaway is one pair of iLogic headphones, one Gold's gym 65cm exercise ball, one beaded jumprope, one headband, one 2010-2011 weekly planner/journal, and one $10 Subway giftcard.)

Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 - Become a follower of my blog if you are not already and leave a COMMENT.

2 - Tell my why you want these prizes and leave a COMMENT.

3 - Tell me which post on Fit With a Purpose is your favorite and leave a COMMENT.

4 - Post about this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, OR Facebook account and leave a COMMENT FOR EACH W/Link.

5 - Tell me what your favorite simple exercise is (push-up, sit-up, squat, etc.) and leave a COMMENT!

The F.W.A.P. HalfWay GiVEAWAY will end on Friday August 13th, 2010. Winner will be announced the following day!

Halfway. Oops. Picture.

2010-08-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! As you can see on the right sidebar -- I made it halfway to my goal of 1010 miles in 2010. With that being said - I have the HalfWay Giveaway post....to post tomorrow!

Oops.

I have all of the stuff for it, but failed to take a picture and would hate to start the giveaway with no glimpse at what you are getting. I will say though that this giveaway is for anyone to enter when it starts! Even though I do not have a picture of the giveaway items yet - Here is a picture of me in my office for you. I thought it'd be better than nothing, although some may argue that nothing would have been better! :)

Halfway Giveaway. Running the Eight Ball. pocket belt.

2010-08-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to go ahead and do this post now because my me and Carol are going to go out tonight and wouldn't have time later to do it. Well, I would have time, but don't want to spend my Friday night writing a post. I will though, however, be doing a 1.4 mile run tonight when we get home. Why would I do that you ask -- because I'll have reached 505 miles for the year. That means that I am at the halfway mark to my goal of 1010 miles travelled (by walking, jogging, running)!

I think that calls for a giveaway. You may remember the last giveaway I had (I like to think it was a pretty awesome giveaway if I may add - ask Katie J!). This giveaway is going to be equally awesome! The giveaway entries will begin tomorrow and their will be a post devoted to only it. You'll want to make sure you check it out because it will be pretty solid! That will be tomorrow!

Today, I asked on facebook how many miles I should run for my run today and I had only one answer - 5.2 miles by Steve @ 265andfalling. Thanks Steve! I ignored his suggestion though and only ran 4.02 miles. :)

I decided to run to a local landmark and then I would make a loop having that as my far out destination - that landmark was the Eight Ball water tower. Yes, my town has a water tower that is painted like an Eight Ball...you know, like in billiards. Just another normal thing around this town.

And here is your proof.
Prior to my run today, I really needed something to hold my phone. I like having my having my phone while running because I get to take the awesome pictures throughout the run. Another positive is that my iPod's battery was low, the mp3 player needed a new battery, and my phone just happens to be able to be used as a mp3 player. It all worked out except that my shorts don't have pockets. That's not a problem - go to the wife and ask her to make you a belt that has a pocket on it so that it can hold it for you while running handsfree! Perfect idea.

She was actually busy doing something, but I went to her craft room and placed her sewing machine in front of her and said, "sew!". Okay, not quite like that, but I found an old shirt of mine and with some of her materials - we made a homemade version of a runner's carry belt. Here's the steps that we took.

1. Cut an old black t-shirt sleeve off.
2. Cut sleeve in half and folded over to make a pocket using hem (terminology is not correct I'm sure) as top of pocket w/hole.
3. Sewed (of course with pink yarn b/c that's what was already threaded on the machine) on the inside of pocket the bottom seam and side seam which left top hole open.
4. Took gray t-shirt yarn (my wife makes yarn using old t-shirts, cool huh?) to use as drawstring of top pocket opening.
5. Took bottom hem of a green t-shirt and made that the actual tie-on belt and sewed pocket to belt.
6. Cut a hole in the phone pocket for headphones to come out of.
7. Tied the belt in a double knot and took off. Didn't feel it the entire run. Was pretty awesome and enjoyed the creative nature of it. And we made it using all recycled material. Neat huh?

Back to the running of the Eight Ball Tower. It made me think about a tip that you could use for running and to gain speed.

Use a landmark and take a timed easy run to it. The next time you run to this landmark, try to beat your previous time there. Continue with trying to get that best time to that specific landmark. If you are worn out by the time you get there - walk home. No big deal to walk. This is just an idea for you to try. If it doesn't help - don't do it - no harm done.

Until tomorrow - and the awesome HALFWAY GIVEAWAY post - be blessed.

Guard Giraffes. Park Running Pictures.

2010-08-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, I'm ~~rarely~~ asked all the time about where I run. I thought that today would be a good time to show you some of where I run. It is usually nothing out of the ordinary until you run by bushes that are trimmed to be in the shape of giraffes. Again though, nothing out of the ordinary in the town of 3,000 right? Ha!

This morning I decided that it would be good to start the day out with a short run. It was actually mid-morning and I had already been busy, but there's always time for a short run right? I actually changed it into a tour of the town I live in attempt to find odd things about this place. I think the best was the above picture - guard giraffes.

I had a pretty slow start to this challenge, but have picked up some steam as it continues. I'm looking for this month to hold the most miles in my attempt to hit 1,010 miles this year. I am just under halfway there and we have already been though 7 months. I've got quite a few miles left in a short period of time. Looks like I have some extra initiative I guess.

Another part of most of my runs travels through one of our parks. It is a nice place to be as you can see in the below picture. The ~~not so~~ large body of water is about 1/2 mile around.

I don't typically run around it time after time, but I do travel around it to get to the other side of the park. It's nice on the eyes and it is close to the 1/2 way mark around the normal 3 mile route I take.

I still have a workout to complete tonight. With that said, enjoy the rest of your night or the rest of your day (if you're reading bright and early!).

What will you accomplish today?

Sickly Skinny. Insight Letter. Weigh In Picture.

2010-08-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

I think we all have those times when we just run out of steam when it comes to blogging - I hit that last week and didn't post at all for a week. It's back though. It's clicked again and here I am.
Lately, I have had people tell me that I look sickly skinny (and I am no where close to that), but do believe it is because they are the ones that knew me when I was big. Mac at getfitslowly did a post about this and I agree with him. People that have known me big will have an opinion on how I look and at how I will look when I hit goal weight. It may not always be a positive opinion. I never thought of it this way, but people will now poke at me telling me I need to eat more or that I am too healthy. It's weird to think that.

Can it be that my weight loss has them feeling inferior or has given them personal convictions about their own weight?

Either way, I know where I need to be and I will not stop. The challenge that I have been hosting has been going well and I have reached the 180s again. I finally feel that I've found my groove again in weight loss. No more maintaining! I haven't felt like this in a couple months - glad to have it again.

I wrote a message, as I try to do often, to those that are participating in the challenge. I thought that it applied to all of you reading as well, so I have posted it for you.

Hey Everyone!

Week 3 can be very challenging for a lot of people during this six week challenge. Some have dropped out after just two weeks in prior challenges and I hope that this is not the case with this one. Last week appeared to be a tough week for many of you - myself included. We all have different things going on in our lives that play a part in how active we are in our pursuit of better health.

I just wanted to give you some insight and also to challenge you to take a closer look at how this can make a difference in how you live your life.

I use to weigh 255 lbs. That is, according to my BMI chart (which many insurance companies go from - ridiculous I know), 85-100 lbs overweight. I was unhappy with how I looked, unhappy in what I could and couldn't do, and unhappy in how I felt physically. I was good at hiding it though and you wouldn't have been able to tell that I was unhappy. Something clicked though and I wanted to change. I saw a picture of myself that was taken during school. I thought to myself, "that's what I look like?". At that point, I gave up my mountain dew addiction. I lost 15 lbs the rest of that year and all I did was give up Mountain Dew. This year - starting January 5th, 2010 - I have been disciplined, self-controlled, and motivated to get to 170 lbs. I've lost just over 50 lbs this year and feel pretty great. It's amazing the difference in how I hold myself, how I feel, and how bright the future seems.

I don't write this message to boast on my accomplishments or successes, but to show you that you can do this despite how difficult it feels sometimes. Success builds on success and you can overcome the difficult periods with discipline, self-control, and motivation to be what you were meant to be. We were not meant to be lazy, fat, or a slave to bad habits. Choose a healthier life and see just how far you can go.

I have 19.6 pounds to go to hit that goal weight and I will get there. I want to help you get to where you want to be too. Don't view this challenge as just a way to win money or something that is temporary, but as an opportunity to build a strong foundation to a mountain of healthy successes.

Week 3 will be our best week yet if you set your mind to it. Focus and follow through.

- Seth

There you go. Here is my last weigh-in picture for the challenge.

Health insurance. Health Scores. Weigh-In Picture.

2010-07-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

health insurance.

My wife and I had been without health insurance for a while and we finally found something that was affordable and decent. It might not be the greatest health insurance, but it works for now. I was a little nervous as I signed up for the insurance because of my experience before. It's no secret that we work on a limited budget and we try to make the most out of our money. My experience before with signing up for health insurance is that after I was quoted an amount - and sent in the application - we received back that the risk assessment came back higher and our payment would be 100+ dollars more per month than what was quoted. I asked them why --- it was because of my weight. I've lost some weight if you have not been able to see from my pictures and I am able to say that it did not affect the risk assessment. We were approved. I like the way that sounds.

health scores.

It kind of makes me think about credit scores and such. Well, there is a health score and so many people do not care about their health score until they have a health scare. It's actually quite a bit alike (credit score & health score). Think about it.

-You are free to do more without limitations.
-People are more willing to trust you b/c of the care you put into yourself.
-Through the many studies, it's almost safe to say that better treatment comes with a better score.

I don't think it's much of a stretch to see that better health scores allow more freedom to get what you want rather than settling for less. Just an idea.

weigh-in pic.

Week 1 on the challenge I am hosting is over and it is off to a great start for many people! I am including in this challenge and am off to an okay start. I knew that week 1 wouldn't be as stellar as others because of my recent birthday. I knew that I was going to indulge in some things that I wouldn't typically - I didn't go overboard though. Here is my weigh-in picture from yesterday.

Week 1 Weigh-IN

Opinion on Health Score and Credit Score - Share it!

B-day. Running Form. New Shoes. Goulash Coolash.

2010-07-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

My birthday is tomorrow. I like my birthdays simple. I don't have to have a lot of things or a party; I just like to hang out and have a good time. My wife gets frustrated with that, but that's how I have always been. My friends who are missionaries to Germany are currently in the states and will be here at my house tomorrow - on my birthday! I love it. I'm so excited to see them. It's been a very long time, but I have a feeling that it'll just pick back up like they had never left. I can't wait to hang out.

other news.

On Wednesdays I go to a nearby town and hit up the local Starbuck's. I love coffee and they have some stuff that I really enjoy. I also get my money's worth as I stay there for a few hours enjoying the entire environment and do some great studying. One of the things that I got to study up on today was (and it's no surprise) - running.

Running Form.

I read up and watched some videos on the proper form of running and the benefits of tuning into your body while running. Look for a post coming up on some of what I have learned. I utilized some of the tips in my run today and my run was great!

One of the things that I will talk about is the necessity to keep your body going forward. One thing that I know I struggle with is that I tend to swing my arms across my body and not front to back. When I do that - it causes a misalignment in my running and affects the entire form. The idea is to use your arms, but that they go straight in the direction that you are going (not like a punch, but a simple bend in your arms and going front front to back). Another aspect of this alignment is to make sure your feet are facing straight as well when running. I used this information today and it was strange because I normally swing my arms across. Who knew something so small could make a difference!

New Shoes.

After I finished my awesome coffee I headed over to a nearby sports store. I took my time as I looked at the running shoes. I had purchased some new shoes a while back, but they were hurting my feet. This time I did my research and I think I walked away with some pretty awesome shoes. I used them tonight, and tonights time was the best I have had on that particular course. I ran the 3.04 miles in 29'33" @ a 9'41" pace.

The run felt good.

Goulash Coolash.

I also wanted to give a shoutout because she helped me out when I was in a bind. She doesn't know it just yet - but she did.

I was in need of a meal to make for me and my wife and something rather easy. I put a tweet out there asking for a quick meal and to my surprise - got zero replies, at least not at that time. I read many blogs and one that I know who posts recipes is Tonya @ Unlikely Success Story. I always comment on her meals and if I could, I would hire her as a chef for my family :)
I found a recipe called Goulash Coolash and it seemed easy enough to make -- so I made it.

It was delicious! My wife does not like Goulash, but she loved Goulash Coolash! Thanks Tonya for the awesome recipe and just to give you the respect - I took a picture of it. I didn't do the mixed vegetables, but it turned out delish!

Goulash Coolash

What is the best thing that has happened to you this week!

Challenge #3 Pic. Genious Creativity. Stoked.

2010-07-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge # 3 starts today and I am taking part in it. What does this mean for you that read my blog? That means that you will again be seeing my day to day struggles and successes as they come for the next six weeks at a closer viewpoint. When I take part in this challenge, I focus hard. I love the fitness and weight loss blogosphere and this is where I come to get stronger mentally - so I need you especially the next six weeks.

The first challenge I took part in, I lost 17 lbs. Here I am a month and a half later having maintained that weight. I did dip just under the 190 lbs mark, but it is a day to day battle on whether the 180s shows its face. Throughout the next six weeks - I plan on ditching the 190s completely and be close to getting rid of 180s. I'm ready for this challenge.

My starting weight Picture

In a month I will be officiating my sister's wedding. That will be four weeks into the challenge and I'm thinking that the lower 180s will be in store for that day.

There is still room for a couple more participants as of Monday, July 19th, to join in on the challenge. You would need to let me know by 10:00pm Central Time tonight.

Running this morning was killer again. The heat and humidity will not let up. I ran mid-morning and have come to the realization that in this weather - walking breaks are smart. I did take some pretty cool measures to beat the heat.

I made a visor. I like to wear hats when I am running, but in this heat - I can't do it because I am then only retaining that heat - which would lead to an overheating and exhaustion. I took an old Kansas City Royals hat of mine and cut the top of it off. It worked great. It was still so hot today that my visor was dripping with sweat though.

At least that part is over with today (I love running, but hate heat index of 110 or whatever it was). I do still have a workout to do today - some P90X! I'm looking forward to the challenge and am determined to rock it!

Discipline pushes limits.

and that is the truth.

What thing are you stoked about that has you pushing yourself harder?!

I Was. I Am. I Will Be. This is ME.

2010-07-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

I was fat.

I was unhealthy.

I was 85-95 lbs overweight.

I was 255 lbs.

I was unable to run without taking breaks.

I was slowly killing myself.

I was a hypocrite.

I was unhappy with myself (wouldn't have told you though).

I was slow.

I was sinking.

I am not fat.

I am becoming fit.

I am able to run over an hour with no breaks.

I am giving myself potential years of life.

I am practicing what I preach.

I am happy with myself.

I am fast.

I am progressing.

I will be fit.

I will strive to be the fittest in the room.

I will run a half marathon and a marathon...

I will have given myself respect by being healthy.

I will have given my wife respect by being healthy.

I will have given my future kids the opportunity to experience their father in life.

I will continue to practice what I preach.

I will be happy with where I am.

I will be faster.

I will never stop progressing.

because I can.

This is me. This is a part of why I am here. This is my life.

This is reality.

Who are you?

Where were you at and where will you be?

Challenge #2 Winner Before & After Pics. Comment Love.

2010-07-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

We all are still fighting the heat and humidity and think that we will be for a while still. I got some great suggestions through comments on the last post. I do have to say - that I just don't like getting on the treadmill at all. I meant too yesterday and failed to do so. I found it easier to play the Wii than get on the treadmill. None-the-less, I've got to do what I need to do. I still might go run the hills that's in the training plan or just might hop on the treadmill today.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

I wanted to show you some of what goes on in my life through this post. I've told you that I am a busy man and one of the things that I do is host Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge (new challenge starts on Monday, be sure to go sign up - I think you'll want to by the end of this post). You wouldn't think that it takes much time, but in reality it does take some time. If you read my blog regularly - you know that I host a challenge and that challenge #2 ended this past Monday. The way that I wanted to show you a part of my life is by the results of what I spend my time on. I mentioned that I would show you the winner's results and before and after pictures of challenge #2 if she would allow it.

She said yes!

Melissa is the second challenge's winner and has taken part in both challenges to date. She has lost a total of 25.2 lbs in 12 weeks through hard work, sweat, and the daily struggles that come with weight loss.

Here goes...

I do not think that Melissa has a blog site yet, but I do know that she reads this blog regularly.

Be sure to comment and show her some love! We are all in this together!

Fat ring + Skinny fingers = Big OOPS. Tough, Humbling Run.

2010-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

I was humbled during my run today. It started out like any other run, but about 2/3 of the way through it -- I had to stop. I don't believe that I've stopped during a scheduled run until this run today. Just yesterday, I commented in my post saying, "If I can run 5 miles -- then the 3 miles in training is nothing." Let me tell you - that five miles was easier than the 2 miles that I ran today. I'll tell you just a bit more about my run.

I was running at a solid, easy pace (about 9'30" mile) and was feeling pretty good about the run. I remember looking at my watch at my markers and felt comfortable and in the groove. Yesterday, I also told you that I needed to try something new to fuel myself when I am doing the longer runs. I had bought a hydration pack (not camelback brand) and decided that I would try it today on a short run to see how it feels. I think it just made me hotter with it attached to me. It did come in handy a little later in the run, but I'll get to that.

I make my way through the park and onto the highway. While I was running - this may sound weird - but I have to keep my ring finger permantly in a bent position b/c of the size of my ring. Now, don't get me wrong, this is a good problem to have (having lost so much weight that my ring does not stay on), but when my ring falls off on the side of the highway while running in the hot and heavy air [ooops] --- not cool. Luckily, I noticed that it had fallen off quickly and was able to recover it.

That wasn't all of it. I couldn't get back to the running after that. The air was so hot and thick with the humidity - that I was done. I walked back home gulping that hydration pack! Turns out, I needed that hydration pack for this run. Only about 2/3 of the way through the run and my shirt was already soaked almost entirely.

The above shirt is product of the mid-Missouri Heat & Humidity @ 9:00pm.

I walked the rest of the way home. Ha! It was an enjoyable walk though :)

That's what I got for you today. I hope you enjoyed. Be sure to come back - send your friends too!

How do you overcome the heat and humidity??
(besides air condition :))

Week 1 done. Weight Loss Challenge Results. Hydration needs.

2010-07-12T20:18:00.001-07:00

Week 1 = Done.
I've completed my first week of the modified half-marathon training plan. It is, my opinion anyway, a solid plan to reach my goal of running the entire half marathon. I did have some struggles in getting the P90X completed after I had completed my runs - but I think that comes with time. I did my long run of 5 miles yesterday (actually 5.02! - ha) and I felt pretty good with it. I noticed that I was able to push myself even at the end of it. I always enjoy doing the longer runs only because it makes the shorter runs that much easier. My thinking is this:

If I can run 5 miles -- then the 3 miles in training is nothing.

If you look at the picture of my run (MistrTyler on mapmyrun.com) - I almost ran completely around the town that I live in. It took me 52'46" to complete. I am very happy with this run because I had not run that distance in quite some time. My love for running is stirring back up inside - not that it had ever left - it's just showing its face a lot more.

Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge
(is it weird I named it after myself...I don't think so :) )

The 2nd challenge is over and we have another winner! The winner was a female once again. She participated in the first challenge too, but came up short and did not win. The second challenge - she was determined to win and set out to win it all. I would love to put her beginning picture (from starting challenge #1 weight photo) and ending picture (challenge #2 last weigh-in) on this site - but have to wait for permission first. I can tell you her beginning weight and ending weight though with no problems.

She lost 14.4 lbs (losing 6.95% of body weight to win) this challenge and 10.8 during challenge #1 for a combined total of 25.8 lbs in just 12 weeks!

That is crazy awesome and we all are very proud of her hard work. There were other contestants that did just as well with weight loss. 2nd place lost 21.3 lbs (losing 6.69% of body weight) and 3rd place lost 14.2 lbs (losing 5.29% of body weight). The third place winner took part in challenge #1 as well and has lost a great deal of weight in just 12 weeks.

The 3rd installment of my six-week challenge will start on Monday, July 19th, 2010. It will be capped off at 20 contestants. It is just ten dollars to enter and the winner receives the entry fees as the 1st place prize. It really is a sound, encouraging, and beneficial weight loss challenge. It promotes a healthy way to lose weight. Go here to check it out and join! There are contestants already signed up - so do not delay in signing up! Go ahead and check out how and what the past challengers have done to succeed. Feel free to browse through the pictures and discussion boards to get a feel for how the contest is organized and ran.

I needed something.

When I was doing my long run yesterday - I needed water. I felt that it was probably time that I start thinking about how I will fuel myself during those longer runs. It would be nice though if I could just get someone to set up at different locations in order to give me cups of water or something to keep going. Until that happens, I will just have to use the hydration pack that I purchased today. I'm not sure how I'll do with something strapped to my back, but we will see. I needed something - so I got something.

How do you give your body the fuel it needs when working out?

Stillness. Quality of FIT. Make it Better.

2010-07-10T07:38:00.001-07:00

This morning - I am sitting here waiting for my stomach to settle from breakfast so that I can do my workout. It's very peaceful this morning. The only thing I really hear is the air conditioner running. My wife got up this morning earlier than I did and now she is napping on the couch. We put the cat in its room (guest room) at night so that it doesn't get into anything - she is still in there.

The quietness, peace, and stillness really promotes a reflective attitude. As I talked about in my last post - I am hosting my third weight loss challenge (go here to check it out and JOIN!). I will be taking part in that challenge in hopes to shed the last few pounds. It's a six week deal and the first challenge that I took part in - I lost 17 lbs. Now, I know that I have just over 17 lbs to lose - so the results form the first challenge won't be happening this time. That challenge will help me to lose ten pounds though. I can not believe I am this close to that goal of 170 lbs. It's scary and exciting at the same time.

This peacefulness is just too awesome to destroy - I just supressed a cough in order to not disrupt the silence.

I can't help but think today about what my life consisted of 65 lbs ago. The thought of me telling someone that I was fit makes me smile today. I was confused. I had lied to myself for so long that I believed it. I was misinformed.

Today, I won't tell anyone that I am fit. I'll say that I am fitter than I was or that I am getting fit. Obviously, with the name of my site - one day I would love to be able to say...

"I am fit with a purpose."

That day is close. I think I will hit my 170 goal by the end of the year. I am sitting in this place of quiet solitude scared and overjoyed at the thought of being able to hit that goal. (I'm also wondering if that is a spider on the curtain)

What happens when I hit that goal? Who knows? Life will still go on as it normally does - it won't stop because I have reached a number. I am holding some things back though until I hit that goal. There are things that I am working on for when I do meet my specific goal. It's not a change of career (could promote it though). It's not to become a trainer (which would be awesome). It's not a trip or anything (someone want to pay for one?).

It's actually rather small and simple in my eyes - but it's important to me. (I am debating this last paragraph b/c I am keeping my plans to myself and don't think the paragraph is really needed. I will decide by the end of this post.)

The month of June was a hard one. I stayed on track and still lost weight, but I had a lot going on. With the move, the weeks I was away, and the extra busyness complete - I am making July better on this fitness/weight loss front.

How are you making July better than the rest of the year?

The Great Debate. Challenge #3 is open!

2010-07-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Great Debate.

This week I have attempted at doing morning workouts instead of sleeping in and waiting to do my workout in the evening. I have made a list of pros and cons for both sides. If you want to enter the debate for Team Morning or Team Evening - please chip in.

Team Morn

Pros:

cool weather
workout is already done for the day
metabolism is in full gear
only one shower is needed for the day
feel accomplished already

Cons:

you have to wake up early to do it
I feel that I can't eat enough throughout the day
feel as if I still need to work out after a day of eating
not as many people to wave too

Team Eve

Pros:

Feel as if you dominated the calories taken in
more people to wave too as they drive by while running
more sweat due to heat
you can relax for the rest of the day after workout is complete
more time for a longer workout
you don't have to wake up early for it

Cons:

you justify a cookie b/c you still have to workout
not as much time with the family
you're tired from the day already
you feel plump b/c you've eaten a day's worth already
hotter weather

So there you have it. My internal debate between morning and evening workouts. I can't figure it out. I will continue to do morning workouts for now - only because I like the feeling of having already accomplished something by 10:00am.

Challenge # 3 is open for contestants.

While we are on the subject of accomplishing things - I want to let you know the weight loss challenge (Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge) is now open for new participants! This will be the 3rd challenge already! I can not believe at how fast it really goes.

I'm not bragging or anything, but the challenge produces results!

During the first two challenges (challenge #2 will end on Monday) - the two groups have lost a combined total of 203.0 lbs!!

That is 203 lbs in only 11 weeks. That is crazy awesome to me! There have been a total of 23 challengers -- that's roughly 7.8 lbs loss per challenger!

I have opened up the group page for newcomers! If you want to be a part of an environment that promotes healthy weight loss, interacts with struggles and successes, and is all around encouraging -- join the group and sign up for the next six week challenge! We have one participant that has lost 24 pounds in 11 weeks (go check out her progression of pics on the site) and another that has lost over 25 pounds (go check him out too) over the first two challenges!

I am very happy that I could be a part of their life changing decisions. I really don't want to come across like I am boasting b/c that is far away from the truth.

Simply put, I just really like to help people with this fat epidemic. Go here to join the group and take part in the third installment of Seth Tyler's Weight Loss Challenge!

What is one thing that you are struggling with right now?

Modified Half Plan. Night Run Thoughts. Believing in Yourself.

2010-07-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today was another packed day. I went to bed knowing that I needed to get up early in order to get everything done. I didn't get up early at all. I was up before 9:00am though. I've been struggling with getting up early. My plan is to get up at 7:00am tomorrow and do my workout for week 1 day 3 of the modified Half training plan I created. You can view it here! It's a cross between Hal Higdon's and P90x. Looks promising to me!

After working today - my wife and I went to an auction where we find some pretty good deals. We did find some, but finding those deals took quite a long time. I was losing sunlight and losing sunlight fast. It was 8:30pm when we left the auction and started home. We live about 20 minutes from the place and the sun was no longer visible. This made me think of a few things that I hadn't thought of before.

(3.04 miles in 28'10" --- Day 2 of Half Training)

1. I need some type of reflective gear to run in at night.
2. Don't wait until dark to run. (duh!)
3. It's going to be different running in the cool of the day rather than the blistering heat.

I am getting back into posting daily after my many weeks away from home and my mind is getting back into that routine. I really wanted to have something solid to post today. As great minds do, I thought to myself - "I need to think of something profound to speak about as a grand entrance back to full time blogging."

Well, here is that profound thought: If you believe that you can not get fit - you will never get fit.

Okay, not too profound I know, but it is true.

I challenge you to believe in yourself.

Negativity only sets you up for failure. If you set yourself up for failure - don't be surprised when you experience failure.

Believe in yourself that you will be successful in this. There are a few ways that you can ensure this to happen; to make success happen.

1. Know why you are doing this - getting healthy.
2. Lay out plans on how you will achieve a healthy level.
3. Execute said plans one day at a time.
4. Evaluate periodically your plans and adjust where necessary.
5. Push harder than the day before.
6. Enjoy the experience - knowing that it can be bumpy sometimes.
7. Never stop believing in yourself.

There have been a lot of people so far this year that have stopped believing in themselves. I hope that you will not stop. The moment that we stop believing in ourselves and start believing that we can not do it, that we are not worth it, or that it's better to be unhealthy - we will fail.

Let today be the day you pick yourself back up and push harder than you have before.

A letter to the 180's. 5k Results. and Commitment.

2010-07-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

I stepped on the scale on Friday - which was the first time in a long time - not really knowing what it would say. I have and had been trying pretty hard to get to the 180's for quite some time now...and well, I finally hit it.

189.6

I weighed myself three times. I ~~yelled for~~ asked my wife politely to get the camera so that I could capture that number on the scale for the first time since my sophomore year in high school. I enjoyed that moment, even though I am sure it might have just been a little water weight loss -- I have now seen that number - there is no stopping me from getting under it.

In light of my new found number, I have taken a bit of Half of Jess' idea in writing it a letter.

Dear 180's,

Ha! I found you. You couldn't hide from me forever - did you really think so? I'm glad that we found each other again because the 190's were becoming a bit old. Every time I looked for you - I always found the 190's staring back at me. It was kind of like on Super Mario Wii when you beat the boss and are hoping for princess to come safely into your arms - only to receive the witch. But I've found you. I will enjoy this next ten pound loss with you, but want you to know upfront that I am committed to the 170's. Let's not make this a long term thing 180 - Let's just enjoy it while it lasts.

-Seth

That number on the scale gave me some momentum for the trip I was about to go on. I was traveling back to the town we just moved from in June in order to run my 4th 5k of the year. Yes, that means that I ran two official 5k's in one week. Here's the recap of the Mo2Co 5k from Last Sunday. Saturday's 5k was much easier than last Sunday's b/c there were no hills in the route.

There were 175 people registered for this run (that seems very small to you big city people right?) and we crammed everyone into four busses and they shipped us out to the starting point. We ran along the Katy Trail, which is about 3 yards wide the entire race. There were a lot of people crammed on this trail, but after the first mile - it became much more comfortable. I purposely picked up my pace the first mile so that I could stick myself between the leading pack and tiring pack behind me. It seemed to work alright. My legs seemed tired though, (maybe the cycling I've been doing).

(immediately after Old Glory Days 5k - can't see my number #243...i think)

I finished the race with the time of 26'59". I am not sure where amongst the 175 registered that I fell - they will be sending out an email with that soon. I'm happy with my time, compared to last Sunday's time of 31 minutes and something (crazy hills!), but felt that I could have done better. I've decided to restart the Higdon Half Training so that I could be more meticulous with it. I am going to modify it, as I've told you before, and include more strength training.

I am committed.

One thing my wife and I have been talking about lately is just being committed to the things that we are involved in. Life gets chaotic sometimes and you feel torn between fifty different things - giving less than 100% in each place. The truth is that life happens that way sometimes.

We'd love to have a family, but that hasn't happened yet.

We'd love to have more money, but that is a work in progress.

We'd love to see more growth at the church, still working with it.

We'd love to be fit and healthy, gettting closer!!!!

We'd love to have permanant housing, nothing has come up yet.

There's a lot of things that are going on that seem that they are at a stand still -- but we've committed ourselves. That commitment will take hard work. That commitment will take discipline, self control, and a watchful eye.

It's the same with fitness. There's so much that we see to be done, so much to track, and so much hard work -- but to be successful...you do it.

What are you committed to? How are you going to achieve it?

Mo to Co 5k Results. Competitive Nature. Olde Glory Days 5k Sat.

2010-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

MO 2 CO 5k.

I ran in my third official 5k on Sunday. It was the Mo 2 Co 5k, which was supporting a local youth group to travel from Missouri to Colorado to go to NYR (Nationwide Youth Round-up) later this month. A good friend of mine set the 5k up and was running (organizing) and decided to run it the last minute. It was his first 5k to run. He’s decided to train for the Half with me too now.

(If you want to train and interact with other Half trainers – go here to join my Half Marathon Training facebook group.)

Back to the race.

I finished in 31 minutes.

That is my slowest time yet.

I won’t lie – that was really frustrating and upsetting when I finished with that time.

Competitive Nature

That's why it was so hard to take in the results.

I am very competitive when it comes to anything. It’s hard not to be and it’s something that I have to watch and look out for. I’ve always striven to be the best and I think it’s just a factor of my work ethic.

I simply want to be the best at everything.

Let me tell you a little bit more about the race which might give reason why to me getting my slowest time.

Before I tell about it – I want you to know that I accept this time and don’t think that I could have done better at my fitness level right now – so these are not excuses. I just want to tell you about the race.

(Matt, if you are reading – I’m grateful for the 5k and how it has helped me reach my goal of three 5k’s this year…it was a fun time! It was great to see you as well.)

The Obstacle and my Plan to overcome.

The Hills: This race had hills that were crazy long and large. As soon as you completed one hill – there was another one waiting. I have not trained on hills yet and it was quite the eye-opening experience for me. My plan to overcome these obstacles is to train on larger and longer hills. A member at our church lives in a country setting subdivision type of place (?) and is a two mile loop around a lake. It has huge hills. That is my plan.

The Mud and Gravel: After about 200 yards into the race, it turned into a muddy gravel run. I run on paved roads typically and don’t get the opportunity to run on the gravel. The only reason it was muddy was because it poured right before the race. My plan to overcome the mud and gravel is to use my cross trainers and run on a gravel road every so often. We have plenty of them around.

The Silence: As I said, it poured before the race and I was unsure if it was going to rain agtain during the race – so I left the iPod with my wife. Silence. Only the voices in my head were able to keep me going. I have no idea how many times I said “Discipline Pushes Limits”. I overcame the silence during the race by encouraging those that I either passed or ran next too. My plan to overcome this is to make sure I bring the crappy mp3 player along with the iPod.

All in all – I do feel that I did well even with the unfamiliar obstacles. It was a smaller 5k with only about 35 people running/walking. I finished 6th among all people with the time of 31’24”. I think that, by its self, tells about how difficult the race was. I forgot to take the picture with the purple race shirt that I received. That does complete my goal of three 5k’s and go here to see my results for each race that I ran.

Olde Glory Days 5k.

On Saturday, July 3rd, I have another 5k. I am hoping to fair better at this race. I’ve ran a similar course to this upcoming one and would like to be sub 30 again. I don’t really have a time goal except for sub 30. I think that if I am running under a 10’ pace…I’m doing okay for myself. Of course, I want to be doing better than that, but I also know how busy and lax I have been with my running b/c of that busyness.

I would love to place in my age bracket again.

Yeah - I’ll go for it.

What are you striving for right now? Be specific - what is your next goal?

The Plan. Pushing Limits. 5k race. Pictures!

2010-06-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

I've been away the last week, actually two out of the last three I've been away from home working at a camp. It's been a lot of fun, but I'm glad to be at home. It's been fun to hang with my wife and get some much needed sleep (I slept until 11am today). I have included a before picture that I took some time late last year and also a picture that I took this past week at camp. I enjoy seeing the differences.

(before.)

I was hoping to come home and find that I had reached the 180s, but it has yet to happen. I knew a time would come that this would happen - that I'd reach a point where I'd need to change my routine in order continue with a healthy weight loss.

I've hit that point.

I have a really normal routine that works well. I eat at the same time each day (usually) and run about the same time as well. I'm going to change a few things up though. This is my plan to approach the dreaded plateau.

I don't believe in plateaus - only action.

I have used the mindset and lifestyle of moderation the entire time and have lost a total of 65 lbs. This seems to be the amount that I have held too. I remember in high school weighing 190 lbs and thinking that it was a healthy weight for me to be at. At the time - maybe that was right, but now that I am older and don't lift weights like I did then -- 190 is not ideal for me. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that I've been able to hit this weight, but it's not my stopping point. My plan is to reach 170 lbs for me to be a lean, comfortable, solid machine.

As I said, I use moderation to be successful and I will not stop using that, but I will use a narrower gate on what is eaten and more moderation on what may be preventing the last 20 from falling. I won't lie, I allow sugar into my diet (and by 'diet' I mean my daily intake) in a few different forms. I put agave nectar in my coffee, I drink one 12 oz Sprite a day, and usually one other form throughout the day. It's worked and I don't feel deprived. I want to find that balance with smaller portions of the sugar - and so I will.

(now.)

Since our recent move, I've had a hard time with the running. I continue to run and enjoy the running, but find that since going full time at the church - I have had less time to run and more work. Go figure that I'd stop working two jobs and work only one that I'd have more work.

I am using the Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training for Intermediate level. Why I chose the Intermediate level is because of all the running that I've done this year. It's average run is 3 miles and that's what I do for my easy runs...so that's why I chose that level. Tomorrow is suppose to be a 6 mile run, but I have a 5k to run so the 6m will not get done. I will attempt to work that in somehow throughout the next week.

Hal's program calls for strength training days - I plan to use the p90x during those days. To be honest, I miss doing the p90x on a daily basis so much that I just might modify Hal's program to fit more of that in it. I feel that when I was doing both the running, and the p90x regularly - I felt and did my best.

I have said all of that just to lay out a plan before you to keep me accountable. That's what this site is for right - to encourage and keep accountable.

My Plan for the Last Twenty.

- Cut out the 12 oz Sprite per day. (40 grams of sugar)
- Increase raw green veggies
- Modify Hal's running schedule to include more Strength Training
- Cut cheese (<--Ha. funny huh? - but really, I need to lower the amount of cheese I eat.) These are simple, doable, attainable goals that I will utilize in order to get rid of the last twenty. My mind is set. This is where positive reinforcement takes place. In our old house, I posted notes to myself in front of our treadmill (before outdoor running became my love) that said this.

"Discipline Pushes Limits" "I am the Machine"
"Set Your Mind"

This is where I am.

What is your motto? What do you tell yourself to keep yourself going?

GUEST POST: [Kyle Gershman, GB&B] "Freedom...Worth Fighting For?"

2010-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Freedom...Worth Fighting For?

Many thanks for Seth for allowing me to guest post in his absence. Seth has been a great source of inspiration for me in my journey to getting healthy. He is a near unstoppable source of energy and has succeeded in areas that I'm still struggling, e.g. dreaded strength training, so I continue to follow and learn by his example.

While my history of getting fit has included the usual great successes followed by huge setbacks, my latest run at getting fit started last November around 236 pounds. 70 pounds later, I maintain my current 165 pound weight through mostly running and focus on making more good food choices than bad...I still strive to improve on strength training and overall body composition. I graduated C25K in late March and have recently rocked my longest run yet of 7 miles.

And if any of you have followed my blog Getting Better and Better, have received comments from me, I mention Freedom quite a bit. It was the subject one of one of my early blog posts. It was the base of my index card submission to Jack Sh*t, Getting Fit's W.I.D.T.H. series

Before going on, let's take a look at the more relevant definitions from dictionary.com

free·dom [free-duhm]
–noun

1.the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.

I want the freedom to be able to do any physical activity I choose to do. I need a physically fit body to carry out that freedom, though. Sure, I've done many physical activities while being less fit than I am not, but they never truly felt free. There were always strings attached. I couldn't go as far, as fast, or for as long as I wanted to. I was always restrained by my lack of physical fitness. I have friends who are very fit and very adventurous. It really irked me to have to awkwardly turn down or suggest alternative adventures that I felt I was more capable of enjoying.

At the urging of one of our fit friends, last October before I started my latest bid for physical fitness, my wife and I went to Yosemite National Park and hiked the Glacier Point Trail. Here is my video review. It was a very hard experience for me. I was probably around 240 pounds at that time and already an experienced hiker, but it was a struggle. Did I complete the hike? Sure, but I was practically immobile that evening and for the next two days. I gave away my freedom of doing anything else for the next few days just to get that one hike in. There were other activities at Yosemite we wanted to do, but we lost our freedom to do so. If you watch the video, you'll hear me breathing heavily at certain points. Again, I could "do" the hike, but I had a really tough time enjoying it as much as I could have. I wasn't really free to take in all the experiences of the hike as I was more concerned about my health and capabilities throughout the hike.

2.exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

While I'm fortunate to be under a group healthcare plan, I don't know that I feel any freedoms (just yet) to go out and seek my own healthcare coverage. My BMI, waist to hip ratio, etc. all would have put me in a high risk class and may have made coverage prohibitively expensive. There were definitely times I'd like to have left the comforts of company employment and provided group coverage, but I never felt free to do so. I don't want to be restricted by regulations or other parties to determine what kind of coverage I deserve and at what price.

I don't want an airline to tell me I can't fly.

I don't want an amusement park to keep me from riding the rides.

3.the power to determine action without restraint.

This is the freedom of choice...the POWER to determine my actions instead of actions being selected for me.

My wife and I decided to try rock climbing. This would not have been a consideration before. While we had some reasonable choice in taking on certain activities like hiking, cycling, walking, etc. because we had some control over distance, time, terrain, etc., there are some actions that I don't think I had the power to choose.

I'm sure there are some hefty rock climbers out there...I'm sure that the ropes, harnesses, gear, etc. are likely designed to work with people who are much larger than I was; however I never even considered it. I assumed (and I still think rightly so) that climbing rocks on ropes where you are dependent on others for your safety simply was limited to a more fit participant.

Getting down to a healthy weight gave me POWER...it gave me the freedom of choice.

Perhaps there are other freedoms you would like. Would you like to be free of fear? The fear of what the doctor might say next? Sure...me too. I've lived much of my life in fear instead of living it. Getting healthy removes many of those fears. Sure, bad things can still happen, but when you KNOW you aren't healthy, you KNOW that there are higher risks and it raises the fears of something bad happening.

Like our forefathers and their question for freedom, it is something we all deserve...it is something worth fighting for.

What does freedom look and feel like to you? What are you prepared to do?

Flirting with the 180's. Half Update. Recent Pictures.

2010-06-19T15:00:00.001-07:00

Half Training.

I will give you continuous update as to how the training is going since that is the focus that I have right now for my running. The runs, that sounds bad...my running has been going pretty smooth this week and have been pretty enjoyable. I try so hard to be friendly to everyone that I see or come across and about half of the time I get some type of response. I wave at everyone and about half of the time get the wave or nod back. I encourage others that I see running/walking to 'keep it up' or 'looking good' and that has gotten positive response. I don't think they are quite use to that. I asked one guy if he wanted to run with me. He denied, but said that he had already done several trips around the lake already.

I will be running here after a little while, but first comes some basketball at the park. I will be going there alone in hopes to find some people playing. We'll see how that turns out!

Flirting with the 180's.

I have been flirting here for a little while with the 180's, but have yet to see it show up on the scale. It'll happen soon - I feel it. I'm ready for it too. The 190's have been good to me, but the 180's are shaping up to be pretty solid. I'm excited for them.

It has been a while since I have uploaded a recent picture of me - so here you go. I took the before picture with my friend Clarence at a college graduation. It was taken last year.

The Now picture was taken today. I finally broke down and got a couple new shirts and a pair of shorts that actually fit. (These are not them, but I wasn't sure what size I would need for shorts - 34's fit pretty comfortable -- WOW!) I will try to get another post up what I look like in my older, larger clothes.

Enjoy the pictures and I hope you have an awesome rest of the day!

BEFORE:

NOW:

What is one fitness/weight loss goal that you would like to meet or hit in the near future?

Friday Shout Outs. Half Marathon Training. 5k Race Set-up.

2010-06-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Dial-Up = Tough Time reading Blogs

I have still yet to receive internet at the church. I do have it in the form of tethering from my Blackberry, but it is slow like dial up. I do have internet at home, but by the time I get home - it seems like my *to do list grew each block I traveled. Whether it is mowing (which has been a lot lately - I mow about 5-6 acres each week) or something simple as spending time with my wife, I have become very busy. It will calm down though after next week. This upcoming week I will be M.I.A. again. I do have a guest post set to post, but would love to have some more!

Any takers?!

Today, I wanted to do a few shout-outs. There have been so many people come and go already this year on the weight loss/fitness blogosphere that I wanted to give a few kudos' to some of those that have stayed and worked through the struggles and successes. I might also tell some of what they have accomplished. If you already follow or know of these people - go tell them that you appreciate and support them. If you don't follow or know them - go introduce yourself and give them some encouragement.

Four Solid Bloggers.

Half of Jess - This girl has gone from not being able to run one mile -- to running a Half Marathon is just under 5 months!!! Can you believe that? She's also done that bare foot, almost.

KatDoesDiets - This girl is knows how to get things done! She's taken a different route with her blog right now and would definitely take the love that you have to give.

Tara @ 263 and counting- She's recently been wearing her sock monkey gingerbread house pajamas all over the place. Why you may ask? Because she can! She couldn't even button the shirt earlier this year...go check and support her!

Kyle @ Getting Better and Better – So, Kyle took a vacation to go home to see family. His vacation consisted of TWO races! This guy is determined and his blog is always fun to read! Look forward to a guest post by him midway through next week on Fit With a Purpose!!!

Obviously, these are not all of the people that have stuck around or have played an important part in my success, but if I put everyone up in one post – I wouldn’t have a post for the next shout out post

Half Marathon.

It is official. I have started training for a Half-Marathon! I can’t seem to find one near me that is roughly 12-13 weeks away though. There is one in Columbia, MO, but it is not until the 2nd of October – that is the one I am shooting for. I hope that I find one sooner than that though. That is several weeks after the 12 week program is over. I am serious about this too – so serious that I have in fact, created a Facebook group called, “Half Marathon Training”. You are welcome to join it and track your own running, create a running team to track each others, and/or just interact with other runners. Click here for the page to join!

I am currently on day 5 of Hal Higdon’s 12 week plan. So far, it’s been pretty easy. I am doing the intermediate level and the longest run for week 1 is only 5 miles. I’m getting pretty excited about this program in that I’ve seen other people do it and work for them.

Currently, I do believe that MizFit is following the program too. Any other people doing this and how is it working for you?!

Side note:
Have you checked my miles tracker lately? I’ve traveled over 400+ miles so far this year! I am very proud of that. I am behind my goal pace by like 40 miles (darn you broken ankle), but I am very happy that I have less than 600 miles to go to meet that 1010 in 2010 goal I had originally set.

5k Hosting Information?

This may not relate to you or maybe it does, I don’t know. I am thinking of hosting a 5k sometime, but need LOTS of information on how to go about it. I would love to have any help on it that you could give – opinions, suggestions, wants, needs, things you would like if you were running, things you dislike at other 5k events, statements, and/or whatever you have to give would be awesome!

Why have you or why haven’t you chosen to follow your dreams?!

Dreams. Aspirations. Pursuit. Because of you...

2010-06-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

"So what do you do?"

"I'm a teacher and a preacher. It's fun."

"That's good. If you had the opportunity - what would you be doing; what is your dream?"

"..."

"Why don't you pursue it?"

____________________________

This is a recent conversation that I had with someone. I left the conversation inspired to dream bigger and have much more enthusiasm for what the future may hold.

I usually have a pretty good grasp on what is taking place and hold a positive mindset for the future, but I will admit that sometimes I tend to view my dreams and aspirations as just that and not go for them for whatever reason.

I hate to admit that, but it's the truth.

In a part of my past, (what seems like a life time ago), I was told by a mutual friend of me and a girlfriend - that my girlfriend had labeled me as someone who just 'talks big but will never amount'.

That hurt.

I think I allowed that person to bring me down. It was by my own doing.

It is no more.

I surround myself with positive people. These people are ones that encourage me to pursue my dreams and aspirations. They make me better.

So, this is where I am at.

I have big goals and big dreams. I am in constant pursuit of those goals and dreams.

What does this have to do with Fit With A Purpose, fitness, and weight loss?

It has everything to do with you. You help push, encourage, and keep me founded on what it is I am trying to do.

We (you and me) are building Fit With a Purpose to be a community of encouragement, fierceness, and a logical path to success. When starting this site, it was an half-hearted attempt to simply keep track of a couple miles.

It has transformed though - because of you.

I have dreams -- BIG dreams -- because of your support and encouragement.

I have aspirations -- BIG aspirations -- because of your dedication and devotion.

I have success -- BIG success -- because of watching you succeed and push forward.

At some point - I will tell you what those big dreams are...but for now - you will just have to believe me that right now - I am living my life to do the most that I can.

I am not going to let this point in my life (where I am at right now) to be just a waiting room for the "Big Dreams", but to let this time transform into the Big Dreams.

We are not successful by accident.

We push. We strive We struggle We overcome. We drive. We run. We walk. We work. We swim. We lift. We move. We eat. We act. We dream. We aspire. We live. We laugh.

...and the best part is

...we are doing all of those things

...with purpose.

Moderation. Vacation Tips. Camp Recap.

2010-06-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Question.

So how do you go on vacation and not come back weighing more than when you left?

Answer?

Moderation.

You've seen it all over the fitness/weight-loss blogosphere and you'll see it here too - moderation is key to a successful, long term victory over excessive weight.

Let's think about it.

Moderation is simply taking control over how much that you put in to your body.

As you know, I spent the last week at a camp and unlike most camps - this camp has some really good food. Let's see, some of what we ate was...

turkey and stuffing. beef brisket. pizza. chili. hamburgers.

Those things are completely different then my usual diet and I did feel the affects of them throughout the week, but yet I come home today weighing the same amount of weight as when I left.

It is because I practiced moderation.

Because I was a part of the staff -they wanted to heap the food onto my plate. I was able to say "not that much", "just a little", and/or "no thank you".

Moderation allowed me to enjoy the foods that I don't typically eat and not feel guilty about eating it.

Would I suggest that you eat that way all of the time?

Not at all.

I have another week of camp coming up and I would really like to lose that last 20 pounds. Eating foods that are processed, unhealthy, and not full of the vitamins and nutrients I need will not get me to where I want to be. I will be taking some of my own food with me next time so that I can have more control (other than just saying no or going hungry) of what I get to eat.

Another thing that helped me while I was at camp was the physical exercise that I got.

Monday we played soccer (won), Tuesday was Ultimate Frisbee (won), Wednesday was a 3 on 3 basketball tourney (2nd place), and Thursday was 6 on 6 volleyball tourney (lost). There were also multiple times that the campers were playing Knock-Out. Knock-Out is where everyone is in a line behind the free throw line (basketball) and shoot one after another trying to make the shot before the next one does. The whole point is to eliminate everyone else until you are the winner.

So, I tell you all of this to give you some tips on what to do when you are on vacation, away with work, and/or away from home.

Tips for when you are away.

1. Learn to say "No", "not that much", or "just a little".

2. Take action. Be active in order to balance the abnormal intake.

3. Enjoy what you do get to eat. Don't feel guilty about eating something that you don't normally.

4. Know when the vacation, trip, and/or hiatus is over. You have to set your limits when things are out of your hands and it requires follow through.

I've had a good week, but am really happy to be home. I've missed blogging and have no idea as of right now what the google reader has to say. I am pretty far behind on all of your blogs and hope that you take no offense at that.

You will be seeing me much more this week as I will be home for the full week.

What tip do you have to offer for when someone is on vacation?

Driven. Runner Insecurities. Open Ended post.

2010-06-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

Driven.

What drives you?

I do a lot of thinking while running and I do believe that it is the best time for me to think. I think about a lot of things.

I think of…

…things I need to do during the day.
…things that I see while running.
…things that I struggle with.
…things that I am striving for.
…my wife.
…my job and ministry.
…my life as a whole.
…meaning.
…purpose.
…things that I can do to be better.
…things that I can do to do better.
…things that I can do to become who I am meant to be.
…who I am meant to be.

There is a lot that goes on in a runner’s mind.

Whoever said running is easy is not a runner. Yes, the physical aspects of running may be easy, but as I’ve told you before – running is more mental than anything.

I question myself when running.

Can I really make it that far?
Why did I take this road – that’s another half mile now?!
Should I stop and walk?
Does my ankle really hurt or is that the easy way out?
Are you really cut out for a half-marathon?

This is just some of it. All runners may not question themselves, but I will tell you that people who have lost a significant amount of weight do have the questions.

With former overweight people - there is so much more attached to the running than just the running.

At the end of the day though, when all has been said and done – after the 1 min run, 2 min run, 5 min run, 20 min run, 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or marathon has been ran – the question still remains…what drives you to do what you do?

I've written several times about what Fit With a Purpose means to me and why I do what I do...

...but the question is still for you to answer.

Driven?

What are you driven by?

Internet. Running Tips For New Places. Weird Workouts.

2010-06-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Internet...finally.

We have internet finally at our house which means that I will be more up-to-date, for the next couple of days.

It’s kind of funny that as soon as I get the internet – I will be away working at a camp for five days. I will have my laptop and my phone (which serves as a modem) so I may be able to get online for a little bit.

This upcoming week will be crazy full of activity. If you have never been to camp or ever worked at a camp – let me tell you that you are always active when there. The afternoons are my favorite time because we get to go out and just play sports.

It’s going to be so hot. :)

Tips for Running in new places.

After we got all moved in – I got to go for some nice runs. It’s always neat to run in new places. Everything is new to you and makes for quality runs. While they are quality runs – running only makes sense when you are able to have fun and enjoy the runs.

I made a mental list while running of things that you should do when you decide to run in a new place.

1. Become familiar with the area. Just because you are new doesn’t mean to know nothing about the place.

2. Know your route. I’ve talked about it before here about mapping your route before you run. This way you will not be caught off guard with longer distances and times.

3. Wear an identity of some kind so that you will be known. In the event that you may need an identity card – you’ll have it and others can find it.

4. Wave and acknowledge the people that you pass and see. While this may have some benefits as for safety purposes – this is just being nice and friendly.

5. Wear reflective bits and pieces. This is general knowledge. If you think about it – you may be running in an area that doesn’t get a lot of runners and people aren’t watching for them. Running safe is smart running.

6. Don’t run at night. While running at night may be something you do in the comfortable environment of home and community – it is not a good idea to run at night in a new area, environment, and route.

7. Have fun.

Enjoy yourselves and remind yourself that what you are doing now -- is helping your future!

Guest Posters.

If you emailed me to let me know that you would like to guest post while I am gone – please let me know what you have planned to do. We will work the specifics out by email.

If you would like to guest post still here at Fit With A Purpose, let me know – I still have some room if you would like too. I am looking for quality posts to give to my readers!

Do you have something that you want to talk about and want your blog to get some more traffic – guest post here!

Email me at styler [at] cccb [dot] edu.

What has been the weirdest thing that has happened to you while working out?!

Last Day. Move Day. Missed Run. Guest Post?

2010-05-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

I can not believe how busy this past week has been. It has definitely affected the way that I typically go about my average day.

Last Day of School.

Yesterday was the last day of school for me. It was sad because I will really miss those kids. I had some of the best students that anyone could ask for - hope for - wish for. They seriously were the best kids. I will miss them, but will see them from time to time.

I did not realize how invested the teacher becomes with his/her class, classroom, and school until you leave it. I had to take a couple trips (and that was with one trip from my wife) of stuff out of my classroom. I had a lot of stuff there! It was fun and has been a blessing. It's hard to understand unless you have worked in the atmosphere that I worked in.

Move Day.

As yesterday was the last day at school (half day), Carol and me also set that day to load everything up onto the truck and trailer. With the help of my parents we finished loading at 12:00am. It is amazing how much stuff you accumulate in such a short period of time. My wife and I will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary in August and in that short time we have gained so much stuff (and some of it is crap!).

We spent today moving and I was pretty happy at how well my truck pulled the HEAVY load. I hadn't yet had the opportunity to pull a trailer packed down with that truck and was surprised at how well it moved right along and at the ease of travel I had.

I will tell you though - I am beat! There has been a LOT of lifting, setting down, lifting, and moving taking place and it is letting me know that it's not quite use to this much.

I miss running.

With the busy week I have not had the chance to really get a good run in. I miss it. Is it weird that I think about my workouts and miss them dearly? :)

I really do miss it though - as I've said before, working out is a way to get away from everything else. It allows me to let everything else go and just do something for myself.

I am worth taking the time and investing it into myself.

This upcoming week looks like it'll be a little easier though. It will be my easy week in June. I am working at two different weeks of camp at a local church camp. I am teaching a class at one week along with being a group leader and working as Recreation Director at the other. I'll have other responsibilities, but those are primary.

Guest Post?!?

This makes me think though - I'm not sure how much time I will have to be able to post. I've seen it done on other sites, but am not sure if anyone wants to here on Fit With A Purpose --- guest post anyone??!??

Are you up for a guest post?!? If you want to do a guest post for either one of those weeks, let me know. You can comment here or email me at -- styler [at] cccb [dot] edu

How do you fit in your workouts when life gets so chaotic and busy?!?

Challenge Information. Half Marathon. Training Questions.

2010-05-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Are you up for a Challenge?

I told you all about the weight loss challenge that I hosted and took part in. I told you that I lost 17 pounds total in 6 weeks!!!

Today, I’m telling you that you have the chance at joining the 2nd weight loss challenge that I am hosting!

It is a solid atmosphere focused at losing weight healthily and for good. Discussions are held, questions are asked and answered (to the best of our ability), and struggles and successes are shared.

The 1st weight loss challenge had a total of 13 participants. Those 13 challengers combined lost a total weight of 133 lbs!!!!!

Can you believe that?!

I love those results.

The entry fee is 10 dollars and the person that loses the most percentage of body weight – wins all of the entry fee money. It’s a pretty solid winning! I will be capping the challengers off at 20 participants this time around.

Do you want to take part in this challenge?! You need to go HERE to the Facebook group and become a member. Roam around and see past challenger’s successes and struggles and see if it’s something you want to be a part of. Remember, only 20 people are going to be entered into the 2nd challenge! Don’t delay for too long.

The challenge starts on this upcoming Monday. There are specific rules and weigh-in procedures to be followed each week. It is six weeks long and can be the jump-start that your weight loss needs!

I will not be participating in this challenge, nor will the last challenge’s winner. We would like to help out with encouragement and any insight we may have for the challengers. The group will be turned private at the start of the challenge – so no one will see your weigh-in pictures unless they are a member of the group.

Are you up for it?! Go check it out here!

Half Marathon - here I come.

In other news, I’m going to start training for a Half-Marathon! I’m pretty excited about it. A few questions for you to answer for me.

1. Should I continue with the p90x while training for the Half?

2. Do you have a meal plan I should follow?

3. Any tips or suggestions from you all that have ran a half marathon or marathon?

Let me know what you all have in mind. I need all the help I can get too!

What is the greatest Work Out/Fitness thing you have accomplished?!

Final Challenge Weight Picture. 120.9 Miles. I am Busy.

2010-05-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

I’ve got a lot to get too today – so I hope that you are ready.

I am busy.

Life has been busy these past couple of weeks. My wife and I are in the middle of a move. I am trying to close down the school year and get my things cleaned out of my class for the next teacher to be able to get in there this summer. I started the summer semester with my Master’s program and then on top of everything else -- I work out. (Working out and running is actually a way that I can get away from all of the work - do you feel the same way?) I get busy, but I think I strive on busyness.

If you have not seen me stop by your blog in a couple days it is not because I don’t want too.

You guys fuel my fitness tank like no one else. Keep it up.

Can losing weight mess up your game?

I think yes it can. I think a mixture between weight loss, strength training, all the running, and lack of playing has messed up my basketball skills. I use to pride myself on being one of the best.

I’ve been humbled.

I can run all day around the guys, but that does nothing for me if I can’t make a basket. I’ve been over-shooting the basketball, under-shooting the basketball, and there was an air-ball or two in there, but let's not talk about those. I’ve got to figure this thing out. I’m hoping that it is just like riding a bike and it comes back to me real quick.

Weight Loss Challenge Final Results

I did not win the weight loss challenge that I hosted. I lost a total of 17 POUNDS in six weeks! I am very proud and happy with that and have worked my tail off to get it. I have accomplished a lot in the last six weeks.

I have…

…Entered into OnederLand!
…Ran and Placed 1st (my division) in my very first 5k race!
…Placed 12th overall in my second ever 5k race!
…lost 17 pounds through a weight Loss challenge I hosted!
…have watched my wife lose 9 lbs in that very same challenge!!!
…have spent many hours running!
…run a total of 120.9 miles in six weeks!

I’ve also been changing a little bit of the layout here at Fit With a Purpose and am trying to make it more interactive for you. I hope you approve and enjoy!

I’m going to end with my Final Weigh-In Picture!

I will be hosting another weight loss challenge that will start on this upcoming Monday. Everything takes place on Facebook. It's a pretty neat atmosphere that we have there too. I will post about it again with ways for you to enter. I just thought I’d plant the seed into your brain.

If you could follow one of your dreams and have nothing get in your way.......what would you be doing right now with your life?