[Fitness Thread] Rust Never Sleeps Cancel The title field is required!

1. Steven Kurta

   

   2 posts
   
   2/18/2013 7:02 PM

   Well, I can't remember seeing anything like this on the forum, so, here goes..
   
   46 here and about 40 pounds overweight a year and a half ago. Busy schedules, excuses and general laziness led to some bad habits and easy gains and before I knew what happened I was 20 years in on a healthy gut that was making it hard to breath and tie my shoes at the same time. Gave it all up. Learned how to run, added weight training and never looked back.
   
   What is everyone else doing or not doing? Maybe this thread can act as a help thread for anyone getting started or that's stuck or just a place to share tips on getting healthy and living longer. I know it's made a gigantic difference in every facet of my life.
   240 lbs/208lbs

   
   
   
   
2. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   2/18/2013 8:02 PM

   Either way, what are you....about 6'4", 208??? Hate to see you in a dark alley.
   
   Way to go, man. Love to see the results. Too easy to get lazy in this job. Glad you were able to knock it off.

   
   
   
   
3. Neves Tracy B

   
   2/18/2013 8:02 PM

   Congratulations Steve! I am working on a drop in weight myself. Not real easy for me but it is working.
   
   Tracy B. Neves, CGCS
   RidgePointe Country Club
   Jonesboro, Arkansas

   
   
   
   
4. Rosenthal Gregg

   
   2/18/2013 8:02 PM

   Way to go Steve,
   
   Like I say before I ride my bike hard for exercise, as running don't work well for my knees. I weigh in at 160, 5'7" and passed my (100%) health inspection last month including colonoscopy as being over 50 must do! Exercise good eat well fish and chicken mostly for me, veggies included. Keep up the good work!
   
   GreggR

   
   
   
   
5. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   2/18/2013 9:02 PM

   Good on ya Steve. You're a svelte shell of your former self. Taking the step to get in shape is a great first step and then finding yourself in the gym a year later is gratifying.
   
   I consider myself a novice but I have been fairly active all my adult life with lifting, running, and various physical activity. There were the times I slacked off for a few months and it showed with the weight gain, my physical well being, and it had an effect on my mentality as well. There have been times in my life when I hit the gym hard and times when I have been on a more moderate schedule. Now that I'm approaching 50 I have settled into a "maintenance schedule" that best suits my current physical abilities.
   
   Some of the biggest misconceptions about getting in shape is that it takes a lot of time, money, and knowhow. The best thing a person can do is get up, get moving and lay off the junk food. Walking, running, and biking can be a starting point or the entire workout routine. The key is consistency. The more the better but try to stay on, at least, a 3 day per week schedule. Motivation plays a big role in meeting goals. Everyone has their own motivation. It could be that you're tired of looking at the person in the mirror to being scared straight by a health scare. A workout partner helps maintain that motivation because you count on each other. Your partner knows your goals, capabilities and kicks you in the butt when needed. Getting involved in local events such as benefit walks, 5-Ks and the like are nice ways to help motive activity and is a great validation for your work. Not to mention they are fun. I also keep a workout log. The log allows me track my progress, it shows me when I can move up a level, and look back on my accomplishments.
   
   To quote my fitness-nut brother, "The less you do the less you can do".
   
   Great job Steve.

   
   
   
   
6. Larry Allan

   

   0 posts
   
   2/18/2013 10:02 PM

   you look like a far meaner cunt than i ever pictured....glad we never met

   
   
   
   
7. Sean Hoolehan

   

   0 posts
   
   2/19/2013 8:02 AM

   Steve,
   
   Great Subject and congratulations. I was a jogger for years. I had a couple of great trails/circuits and it worked for me. Then when I got on GCSAA Board i often found myself too busy and felt guilty about taking the time away from the family (my 4 kids were 13,11,5, and 3 at the time). Fast forward 12 years and i had picked up 30 lbs. Last November I decided enough is enough and I hit the gym 3-4 times a week since. I have not lost a lot of weight and i am really not jumping on the scale much anyway. I have more energy and it makes everything else better. I do cardio work first then circuit weight training and some free weights. I have been toying with the idea of a hiring a personal trainer for 1 day a week for a month or 2 to give me more specific direction. Did you use one?
   
   I enjoy working out and I plan to start running again. I love to play golf and generally always walk. I hope that by November 13' I have a different look but i enjoy the fact that I feel good. Since I know how much work it takes to burn 400 calories it makes it easier to pass on junk food. I have my annual physical this week (did my blood test the week before the GCSAA conf.). Last week I got a call from the Dr's office to tell me my labs looked great.
   
   It's better to burn out than it is to rust!
   
   Sean

   
   
   
   
8. Jason Baker

   

   12 posts
   
   2/19/2013 8:02 AM

   In Feb. 2010 I was 6' 240. I too had the same issues with the large gut and even larger lazy gland. I decided to get fit and started swimming and climbing our local "mountain". Went on a good eating plan and lost 40 lbs! I kept it off until about September 2012. then my YMCA closed and I lost my in door swimming hole. My lazy gland flaired up and I gained it all back in about 4-5 months. I am currently trying to convince my self to lose the weight again but the couch keeps getting in the way. Now that wife is able to start training again I think she will start cracking the wip at me.

   
   
   
   
9. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   2/19/2013 9:02 AM

   Jason Baker said: In Feb. 2010 I was 6' 240. I too had the same issues with the large gut and even larger lazy gland. I decided to get fit and started swimming and climbing our local "mountain". Went on a good eating plan and lost 40 lbs! I kept it off until about September 2012. then my YMCA closed and I lost my in door swimming hole. My lazy gland flaired up and I gained it all back in about 4-5 months. I am currently trying to convince my self to lose the weight again but the couch keeps getting in the way. Now that wife is able to start training again I think she will start cracking the wip at me.

   
   
   
   Jason,
   
   My wife runs, not as much as yours, but is running a half marathon this Sunday. I make her look real good. Only exercise I get is the 10' walk from my office chair to my cart, then again each night when I do couch curls - 8-12 at a time.
   
   In this business simply walking your course each day, walk mowing, spreading fert by hand, etc...is enough exercise to stay in shape. That and avoid the vendor lunches at Chili's a few days each week.

   
   
   
   
10. Jason Baker

    

    12 posts
    
    2/19/2013 9:02 AM

    Andy, a Half Marathon is nothing to sneeze at. Good for your Wife!!! My CAW (crazy ass wife) has had some foot problems for the last 5 months and has been going crazy!! She just this weekend has begun trainin again,for the Wasatch 100 in September. I just want to be in good enough shape to be able to help crew her in the higher altitudes in Salt Lake City.
    
    Steve you may have actually Inspired me enough to get off my ass! Keep it up!!!!!

    
    
    
    
11. Sandy Clark

    

    0 posts
    
    2/19/2013 10:02 AM

    I am part of the crowd that has decided to get off of my butt and improve my wellness. I ran for many years including marathons, half marathons and 10 K's almost weekly. Unfortunately, back and knee problems eliminated the opportunity to run. I later destroyed more body parts playing slow pitch and then a couple of seasons of pitching and catching in a hardball league. The bad part is I never adjusted my eating habits versus the calories I was no longer burning. I finally got tired of my gut reaching the door before the rest of me. A week ago yesterday, I started Medifast and made the commitment to change my personal behavior. I have lost 9 pounds the first week with a long term goal of 40. I have waited far too long to make this healthy choice. The only way any of us are going to feel good is to get rid of bad habits we have accumulated. I can still walk for exercise and maybe with surgery on a rotator cuff, I should be able to get back to swimming. Who, knows, swimming could to lead back to surfing. I may need a few bionic parts here and there but I still mentally young so it is time to get this old body back into respectable condition. Self analysis is a good thing. Do it soonerrather than later.

    
    
    
    
12. Steve Nelson

    

    0 posts
    
    2/19/2013 1:02 PM

    Thought about starting to get fit this three day weekend, but then while at the Date Festival down in Indio I discovered deep fried oreos... and date shakes...and enormous smoked turkey legs and sausages...and deep fried PB&J's... etc etc etc. There's always next week.

    
    
    
    
13. Steven Kurta

    

    2 posts
    
    2/19/2013 3:02 PM

    Sean, RE: trainer. I didn't have one but when I see them at the gym with people starting their journey's I envy them. I can say for sure that diet will ultimately determine how things go for someone. And not "Diet" with a capital D, but diet as in just paying attention to what you eat. I didn't. I didn't give it a thought. I didn't put it together back then - maybe didn't want to. I liked drinking bourbon and eating what I wanted. Loved it even.
    But enough is enough after a while, like you say. I didn't want to end up in a hospital with something I could've avoided.
    I did try weight watchers years ago and lost like 15 pounds -- hit a plateau, got frustrated and put it right back on.
    What ended up working for me, regarding eating, was learning to account for intake vs. output. It really is as simple as understanding the energy/caloric value of what I was packing away in relation to what and when I was exerting the energy. I found a logging site (free) that I thought was handy and you can join up with friends for support and make groups, etc. It made it fun. There are a number of them online, but I stuck with this one because it played nice with my heart rate monitor, Runkeeper app and some other fitness apps I use. Super slick and really made losing the initial weight easier than I would've imagined. But more importantly, it made me more aware of how to eat. I know that sounds stupid but I just never gave a thought to what a 'portion' or a 'serving' was. It turns out that stuff's actually important. heh.
    
    It's called http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ -- It's self-explanatory when you see it. And like I said, there's a bunch of apps like this and I'm sure they all work well. I just liked this one because it's free and it works and thought their food database and search function was top of the heap. Been using it for over a year and it just works. Exercise -- is a whole other game. I've got some fun stories with that over the past year as well. Maybe later. Entering my first sprint triathlon this fall, and I have my first Tough Mudder in MA in June. Can't wait.
    
    Edit: The companion app for myfitness pal is another nice free one called Endomondo at endomondo.com, if you like tracking your workout progress mileage/stats/pace/cals/HR. Pretty complete if you like looking at your numbers.

    
    
    
    
14. Robert Crockett

    

    4 posts
    
    2/20/2013 11:02 AM

    Steve
    Your a great example of what Mind over Matter can accomplish...Kudo's to ya Man!! Just cutting down on the amount one consumes is a good way to start. Increase in metabolic rate differs from one person to another. Great thing about muscles is they have memory. If you've done excercise in the past and start up again, they start to remember again. Moderation is a KEY factor and it's should be considered more of a Lifestyle. You look Great Man

    
    
    
    
15. Sean Hoolehan

    

    0 posts
    
    2/20/2013 2:02 PM

    Steve,
    
    I just signed up for myfitnesspal.com it is just what I need to help me keep track. I put the app on my phone and put my wife and kids as friends to monitor how I am doing. Thanks for the help.
    
    Sean

    
    
    
    
16. Brian Nettz

    

    0 posts
    
    2/20/2013 3:02 PM

    All that exercise and you still have time to create funny picture threads?
    
    You look great. Must be 5+ years since we've seen each other...getting old sucks. Got on my own exercise kick a few years ago now but I'm going to check out that app.
    
    Brian Nettz
    Presidio Golf Course
    San Francisco

    
    
    
    
17. Steven Kurta

    

    2 posts
    
    2/20/2013 3:02 PM

    Awesome! Here's one more before/after shot my kid took. One year difference between those pics. And family are great for keeping you straight and on schedule. My wife and son were both giving me Sh%t as well encouragment during this change and I was thankful for it. They help keep you honest and remembering what you're after for sure.
    I'm in MFP as greenskpr if you need another follower or help with absolutely anything. It's a fun haul.

    
    
    
    
18. McDaniel Gregory B

    
    2/20/2013 8:02 PM

    I was a high school and college runner, took up cycling before turf school, got into the business and didn't do much consistently again until 2007. I gave up my tobacco habit and have been on the longest continual streak of regular exercise in my life. Unfortunately it took losing my career in the golf business to allow me the time to get started cycling again. In almost 4 years I have ridden over 20k miles (glad I kept my old bike) and completed 3 100 mile rides including North Georgia's Six-Gap Century, which included 11,200 ft of climbing. It was the single toughest event I have ever completed. Track and cross country was tough in a different way, but it didn't last all day and I wasn't 47 either! I just got a new titanium bike last week. I really couldn't afford it, but my old steel frame had to be repaired last year and my wife finally decided that since I was going to continue ride the mountains around here and I was going to go down them pushing 50 mph. I had a better chance of making it home on a new ride! I religiously ride an indoor trainer during the winter as I don't have the time nor do I enjoy riding outdoors in the cold as my old asthma has returned somewhat and the greenies decided that the propellant in my Primatine mist was destroying the ozone. I got close to 220 in 2006, but now I am around 190 and a little less in the summer once I get to riding outside again. I also drive for Fedex, but it's taking a toll on my body more than it is keeping me in shape. I have taken a week or 2 off once or twice in my current streak, but I have always started back. I usually go 5 days a week as I get home pretty late 2 or 3 nights, but I do get 2 days off and I log many miles on those days. Cycling is it for me as I never was a good swimmer and I have a bone on bone knee and tendonitis in one foot that prevents me from ever running again. I wish I could run because that is the easiest way to lose weight. I just wish I could run for 2 months and then hit the bike hard because running would get rid of those last 10 pounds I can never seem to lose!! I still hold my high school's 1600 meter record that I broke 31 years ago. That, and Completing Six-Gap are good things to keep me going when I think something is too hard or I'm having a bad day. I just smile and think "this is nothing, I finished Six-Gap."

    
    
    
    
19. Larry Allan

    

    0 posts
    
    2/21/2013 8:02 AM

    I admire you guys. It takes an awful amount of dedication. I guess I'm lucky in a way. I can eat and drink anything and never put on a pound....but I am in terrible physical shape. I always hear about people getting a "runners high" from exercise. I wish I could experience that to get me moving.

    
    
    
    
20. Clay Putnam

    

    33 posts
    
    2/21/2013 8:02 AM

    Steven Kurta said: Awesome! Here's one more before/after shot my kid took. One year difference between those pics. And family are great for keeping you straight and on schedule. My wife and son were both giving me Sh%t as well encouragment during this change and I was thankful for it. They help keep you honest and remembering what you're after for sure.
    I'm in MFP as greenskpr if you need another follower or help with absolutely anything. It's a fun haul.

    
    
    All while reading GCM. Good show.

    
    
    
    
21. Andrew Fries

    

    1 posts
    
    2/21/2013 11:02 AM

    Great to see guys who started exercising get the same relief(both mental and physical) out thier chosen exercise. About 2 years, my wife wanted to run a 5K race and challenged me to do the same. I was 41 and hadn't done any exercise in years. I seesawed between 230 lbs. in the winter to 210 lbs. in the summer when I got busier at work. I took the challenge and am I glad that I did. Before, I had always found a way to get out of it and thought I didn't have the time. I started slow and last fall, I completed my first half marathon. I plan on 2 more halves this year and maybe a full marathon next year. I now get antsy and feel bad if I do't get out and run consistently( at least 3x/week). Even now after 2 years and probably 1500 miles, it still takes a kick in the rear to get started but after that first 10 minutes, I get into the groove and when I'm finished, I feel great!
    For of those thinking about it, go for it. It takes me about 4-5 hours a week to get my run time in and now my wife gets tired of me talking about events I want run in but is happy I am doing something The races are great motivation for me and everyone who participates, is positive no matter how fast you run. . Didn't lose alot of weight because of my eating habits but haven't seesawed like I did in previous years. Well worth the time investment for many reasons. There's nothing like moving the belt notch one hole smaller or if your really into it, buying smaller pants for the first time in your life. Good luck and enjoy the stress relief if you start.
    
    Andrew Fries, CGCS
    Brownson CC
    Shelton, CT

    
    
    
    
22. Sandy Clark

    

    0 posts
    
    2/21/2013 12:02 PM

    Andrew, one tip for your eventual marathon. The wall is for real. The last six miles will feel nothing like the first 20. Add distance obviously but put in a little time on the track making yourself run repeat 400 meters with some rest time in between. It isn't so much for the speed though it will certainly help your time but more for training all of your leg muscles to be ready for the last 6 miles. I ran 4 of them and eventually got down to 3 hours and 23 minutes. I was never going to be fast but enjoyed beating my previous efforts. The stronger I made my legs along with weight loss, the easier those last 6 became. Like you said, don't worry about time, just do it! Good luck with your goal. You will find more weight coming off as you get close. Throw in a few 18 to 20 mile runs as you get closer just to mentally prepare yourself. You will be very proud of your accomplishment when you hit that finish line.

    
    
    
    
23. Andrew Fries

    

    1 posts
    
    2/21/2013 1:02 PM

    Sandy,
    
    Thanks for the information. I ran the half with some training but never ran more than 10 miles before the race. Did not do any carb loading or special diet leading up to race. I hit the wall at mile #11 and never experienced that feeling before. I was trying for a 10:00/mile pace and held it for 11 miles but finished with the last 2 miles at a 13:00 min./mile pace. It was disappointing at first but my goal should have been to finish and I did that.. I have since questioned what I can do better and have started to incorporate different training runs that emphasize shorter speed runs, some more hill work, and the track work that you mentioned. I did learn to respect the process and the distance, "hitting the wall" was not enjoyable and I will give the marathon all the respect it deserves when and if I attempt it. But first, I want to run a sub 2:00 half before I make that attempt.
    Thanks again for the advice.
    
    Andrew Fries, CGCS
    Brownson CC
    Shelton, CT

    
    
    
    
24. Sandy Clark

    

    0 posts
    
    2/21/2013 2:02 PM

    I felt like I left a good 6 to 10 minutes on the table even with my best time. That last 6 just seem to have every ounce of fatigue catching up with you. It is probably good you experienced that in the half. You will certainly go in with a different mind set. Best of luck. I hope you accomplish it and come back for more. Trust me, other than the last 6 miles, race day is far easier than all the accumulated time you put into preparation. You will really experience a sense of reward.

    
    
    
    
25. Daniel Mulder

    

    1 posts
    
    2/22/2013 7:02 PM

    In 2011 I came in at 210 (5'10") and decided time for a change. Back in 1995 I had 3 stents installed and was close to that back then. At that time I lost 20 lbs. and over time got fat and lazy. I started running as a challenge for a 5k and that started a new fire within me. I continued running and finished 2011 with a 10K. Ran all winter and in 2012 I ran several 5 & 10K's and added 3 half marathons. I've continued running again all winter and even ran in some winter 5K's. Since I started running I've lost 30+ lbs. I will turn 60 in May and have set a goal to run a marathon this year, haven't felt this good since the stents were put in place. I won't set any records but I really enjoy running and listening to my Nano.

    
    
    
    
26. Dinger Greg

    
    2/24/2013 2:02 PM

    http://bikramyogamusings.com/2013/02/24 ... -rountree/
    
    http://www.imogenerun.com/
    
    New to yoga, but Ill run my ninth Imogene Pass Run this year. It gives me something to work toward and be as fit as I can maintaining our schedule. Not easy but worth it. I've been to about ten yoga classes and I can't say enough good about it. Try it, it will blow you away.

    
    
    
    
27. Rick Tegtmeier

    

    0 posts
    
    2/25/2013 6:02 AM

    I had the same attitude as many men in our society, I am bullet-proof and can do whatever I want and can eat what I want. Well it caught up to me about a year ago. I am just over 50 and I had the colonoscopy and it was fine. But Dr. told me I should quit chewing so I did. Well I gained 30 lbs overnight. I was no longer the young man that I use to be and I had a terrible metabolism. I had a hard time hunting and enjoying the outdoors, I ballooned over 300 lbs and if you read the warnings on tree stands most of them are rated for 250 lbs boys. I had high blood pressure due to my weight and my heredity. I was basically a very unhealthy, unhappy person. I think there are a few of you out there now. We all eat like crap, we drink alcohol and we don't exercise.
    
    Fast forward to August of last year, I had a Dr. appointment with a new Dr. I walk in and find out it is with a female Dr. Well that was new to me and I was very uncomfortable with her. She came and checked me out. Everything was fine except she looked right at me and told – you are fat! Well I looked at the scale and it was at 305 lbs. Biggest I had ever been. She told me I needed to lose 20 lbs in the next 6 months and then we would go from there. Well she really ticked me off, so I decided to start out and exercise and try to eat right. I started out very slow with a mile walk, 5-7 minutes on our elliptical machine/clothes rack at home. I tried to eat better. No bread or chips. Start out with a good breakfast and eat my vegetables.
    
    Now fast forward to today. I went in and saw little miss Dr. last Thursday. I think I shocked her. I have lost 47 lbs since August by eating correctly and exercising. I am not starving myself but I am doing portion control. I work out 6 days a week. Try to walk as much as I can, do the elliptical hard for 30 minutes, 125 crunches and some ketllebell workouts. Thanks to her I believe she saved me from an early grave. I had blood work done and I am no longer listed as pre-daibetes. My cholerstrol was great and she told me it was the best she had seen for a man over 50.
    
    I have a new lease on life and want to get some more weight off. I don't want to stop here. My goal would be to get another 20-30 off and then maintain it. It is a life style change in how you eat, how you excercise and what your attitude is. You have to go to your Outlook Calendar and schedule time in it for you! You are important so take the time to make sure you are on top of your game. Congrats to you guys that are doing it and have lost some weight, it isn't easy.

    
    
    
    
28. Melvin Waldron

    

    43 posts
    
    2/25/2013 8:02 AM

    Some great stories and some great tips, I like that one Rick about scheduling time into outlook. Our city has provided us gym memberships at our city/county facilities for less then $10 a month for our family right out of our checks if we did a HRA, great deal and I'm still not making time. I am 7 pounds lighter from my December visit, but still i am still a short little fat man at 213.
    
    I like my doctor, he down to earth, he thinks about cost when prescribing drugs, ordering tests (we will talk about it and decide) but maybe I need to switch to a female doctor? I can already see how that conversation will go at home.
    
    Great job everyone, I'm going to have to get off my duff after my colonoscopy on Thursday. Saw my doctor last week and he ask if I'm ready for it, (since I've drug my feet for a couple of years) I told him the procedure itself isn't bothering me, since they knock me out, it's the prep. He reassured me it's not a big deal and when it's over I'm good (hopefully) for another 10 years.
    
    Mel

    
    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
    
    
29. Joe Wachter

    

    5 posts
    
    2/25/2013 9:02 AM

    Great job Steve and others. Heredity for me is short and compact, oldest son but shortest of the bunch so not much room for a lot of extra weight. Father, same size, died at 52 of heart disease so has always been on my mind since his issue started at 46, I was 29 at the time. Kept my weight decent until I got into my early 40's. Divorced, dropped 30 pounds, eating right and exercised again, started dating my current wife, dropped my program and got fat again.
    
    Started yearly physicals at 50 As I go to see my Doctor on a yearly basis who is very trim, first question is always how is my appetite and he usually comments that he can see that I have no appetite issues. He's right, carry an extra 15-30 #'s around the middle over the last 5 years. Down 17#'s this year from firs physical, he did not say anything about my weight, I think he just forgot but I am down over where I have been. Active is a relative term, always moving on the golf course but without some additional exercise, walking etc, I will not be able to drop my base weight further.
    
    My biggest problem is not eating properly, stopping at one of the 3 ice cream shops along the way home on almost a daily basis during the main season. Staying at the office late and stop at Mickey D's or other fast food and have something with fries and a large coke at 8-9 p.m. Stopping in the kitchen at work and grabbing a pastry left over from a morning function or extra breakfast prepared for weekend mornings clubhouse staff. Buying donuts for the guys for a early morning start and I eat 3-4 myself. Anxiety and stress if not controlled equals out of controlled eating for me. Have to learn to fill that void with some fruit, hand full of almonds or a yuk, a glass or two of water.
    
    Weight this year was pretty good through bunker project that lasted until Thanksgiving. Was still rocking at summer weight which is usually 10-15#'s lighter but moved up 10 pounds between then and Christmas and it pissed me off. Began walking and stopped the ice cream, candy bar in take which is another big weakness of mine. My wife buys Halloween candy and we get 12 kids and eat the rest for the 30-40 that did not show up! Began walking the treadmill a little at a time and instead of ballooning up another 5-10#'s this winter I've dropped back down a little closer to that summer weight. Hopefully can drop that summer weight base down another 5-10 this year.
    
    Eat lunch with my guys and have to stay away from the 2-3 times a week fries and big hamburger buns etc that come with almost every meal. Sandwich and salad would be more tolerable. Usually do some fiber cereal products and fruit at breakfast but beginning to throw a few poached eggs into the rotation 2 or 3 times per week. Protein better than carbs they tell me. Don't think I can ever get down to my college weight of 170 but would like to keep my winter weight to 190 and maybe get my in season work weight to 180 or so. All blood work has been excellent for years except the good cholesterol needs improvement from diet and some continued aerobic work to improve this area.
    
    I know I'm a pain in the ass to my spouse when I'm out of shape and over weight. Usually in a bad place mentally during the winter because of the reduction in routine from the regular season, lack of sunshine but it is improved drastically when my weight is in control and more active with exercise. Trying to get the yo-yo effect in control which helps to keep everything else a little more stable in my life as well.

    
    
    
    
30. Andrew Fries

    

    1 posts
    
    2/26/2013 7:02 PM

    Rick,
    
    
    Good to see you changed your lifestyle for the better. What I personally see as the biggest obstacle is that you quit the smokeless tobacco use. I have not attempted that as of yet but it will probably be tougher than all the training I put in along with the actual running of my first half marathon. Not a proud habit of mine but one that I have and need to stop. Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Andy Fries, CGCS
    Brownson CC
    Shelton, CT