Eating a Ton But Still Exercising

I am eating a ton of food. December is bad news. Cookies and treats everywhere. Christmas parties at every turn. Family gathered with cheeses and crackers. And I am weak with food. Weaker than ever. I have been tracking my exercise and weight each morning and I am no longer losing much weight if any. Maybe a half a pound to a pound a week. I am not gaining either. Why?

Because I am still not missing a single day of exercise. Through my busy basketball schedule which makes it a task I am keeping up. I run 4 times a week for 5 miles. I do the bike/treadmill for 60 minutes on the other 3 days. Good times, most of the time. I miss the outdoor running. The track around the top of the gym at the YMCA and around the hallways of my school after school is annoying but it gets the job done. I cannot wait for the temperature to break fifty again!

Merry Christmas and if you want a New Year's resolution of losing weight and keeping it off- contact me at jkufs@yahoo.com I am not kidding, I have some thoughts and answers and would love to help.

6 Months Done and 70 Pounds Lighter

I am now approximately 170 pounds. Give or take a few in either direction. I am two days from the 6 month milestone and I never want to be chubby again. I ate a big sandwich and a ton of french fries last night and homemade macaroni and cheese today. With little guilt! How exciting.

I also ran 5 miles this morning in 39:40!!!

That is under 8:00 miles for 5 miles. Wow, that is better than my 4 miler this summer!!! Crazy, I cannot wait to run in a 10K sometime soon. The knee pain is minimal as well. Exciting times!

Busy But Finding a Way

I am wicked busy and I have to take exercise day by day. Basically I am not going to miss a day with at least one hour of cardio. With work and practice for coaching basketball and commutes and other obligations I take it as it comes.

My tailbone is still sore so very little biking. My knee and IT Band still hurt so running is sporadic and somewhat limited to 5 times a week and only 3-6 miles at a time. I fill the gaps with the treadmill on the incline or brisk outdoor walking. All adds up to an hour at least a day. Every day. That is the key. Oh, and the treadmill at the local YMCA. Mine has a broken motor. I bought the warranty. The parts are in the mail. Have been for over two weeks. I call every day. They can't even give me tracking information! What a joke.

What is exciting is that I eat basically what I want. That is fun. And I weigh around 170-175 depending on the time of day and other factors. Started on May 24th at over 240 so it is pretty exciting. I never want to live like that again.

Anytime anyone wants to get serious about weight loss- send me a note. I would be happy to help!

Still Plugging Along

Well, physical therapy on my knee is going okay. They are nice and have me strengthen my hamstring and calf muscles to take the pressure off of the knee but I am not seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I can run for about 1-2 miles and then the pain starts. First on the cap and then if I keep going up the IT band on my thigh. Ugh.

I really cannot imagine ever running without injury again but we'll see. On a better note I am still putting in at least sixty minutes of cardio every day. I am losing about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds a week now I think. I am around 175 or so. I am also trying to build my weak muscles.

Thursday I get that cyst removed so Friday/Saturday/Sunday exercise and beyond looks iffy. I will do what I can though. The battle continues...

I Ran 24:31 in a 5K Today!!!

Tons of injuries throughout my leg during the race- including whatever demon plagues my knee- is sending me to physical therapy starting Tuesday. Oh, and a pilondial cyst that I will be getting surgery on in October is fun too. But man, I still ran 24:31 in a 5K today!!!

Look below- I bolded and put my result in a bigger font. My wife, brother-in-law, and the priest that married us are also bolded. This is just the top 20 of the 76 competitors. A 2: 18 improvement from my July race on a throbbing knee and I have barely been running. I did watch a Tim Tebow special the night before and I was super pumped all. All my hard work! Look at my June times, around 10-11 minute miles and now a 5k in 7:53 miles!!! Crazy!

RESULTS:

THE SECOND ANNUAL PADRE'S PACE FOR THE PANTRY 5K
Camillus, NY September 19, 2009
Results By Leone Timing & Results Services
www.leonetiming.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Tim Murphy M# 1 18:25 5:56 18:25 5:56 Liverpool NY
2 Terrence Doyle M# 2 18:43 6:02 18:43 6:02 Syracuse NY
3 Rob Shostack M# 3 18:47 6:03 18:47 6:03 Camillus NY
4 Chris Hahn M# 4 20:18 6:32 20:17 6:32 Syracuse NY
5 Annette Barry F# 1 20:25 6:35 20:24 6:34 Camillus NY
6 John Everts M# 5 22:16 7:10 22:14 7:10 Syracuse NY
7 Bill Lichtinger M# 6 22:23 7:12 22:20 7:12 Liverpool NY
8 Amudhan Viswanathan 33 M# 7 22:33 7:16 22:32 7:15 Camillus NY
9 Rick Francisco M# 8 23:53 7:42 23:41 7:38 Camillus NY
10 Michael Ferrari M# 9 24:13 7:48 24:05 7:46 Camillus NY
11 Cody Collins M# 10 24:15 7:49 24:15 7:49 Camillus NY
12 Joey Francisco M# 11 24:15 7:49 24:15 7:49 Camillus NY
13 Brian Smith M# 12 24:23 7:51 24:18 7:50 Syracuse NY
14 Jim Simko M# 13 24:29 7:53 24:26 7:52 Camillus NY
15 Jason Kufs M# 14 24:31 7:54 24:30 7:53 Auburn NY
16 Joanna Kufs F# 2 24:53 8:01 24:52 8:01 Auburn NY
17 Vincent Murphy M# 15 24:54 8:01 24:50 8:00 Camillus NY
18 Michael DeFio M# 16 25:06 8:05 25:05 8:05 Camillus NY
19 Jeffrey Hager M# 17 25:14 8:08 25:13 8:07 Memphis NY
20 Fr. Michael Galuppi M# 18 25:28 8:12 25:17 8:09 Camillus NY

An Hour a Day, EVERY DAY.

I have still not missed a day of something. I have had some horrible food days at the NY State Fair and the buffet at Fingerlakes Race Track, for example. But I have not missed on single day of exercise. My left knee hurts so badly on the outside when I run that I have not been able to do it much, although I had some 6-8 milers in the last few weeks. I have been either riding the stationary bike for 60 minutes at 10-14 resistance or walking at 4-4.5 on an incline of 2-10 on the treadmill for 60 minutes.

Every day.

The bike says it burns about 700 or so calories but I believe it might be more.

The treadmill says I burn about 1100 calories or so but I be less. Although I NEVER hold the rail or hold anything. I have researched and it cuts the calories burned in half, hurts the machine and can hurt your back to hold on.

And I have not and do not plan on missing a single day.

What a wonderful obsession!

My weight is not moving as fast as it used to but I am over sixty pounds lost and still moving in the good direction. I never want to be heavy again.

Still eating plenty of apples and drinking plenty of water. A few bad foods here and their but what the heck, I am working hard here.

Good times!

Running and Biking Through it All

Stag Parties, Regents grading, Rehearsal Dinners, Weddings, Receptions, Honeymoons...and I exercised each and every day through it all.

All of that happened in the past few weeks and I never missed a day. I am running 8:40 miles for 5 mile runs each day or an hour on the bike on 10 resistance.

I ran the morning of my wedding, I biked the night after in a Boston Park Plaza Hotel Fitness room, I ran the streets of Boston- Newberry/Commonwealth/Berkeley/etc and saw Fenway last Sunday morning. The next day I ran along the road on the ocean in Hyannis in Cape Cod. Did that Tuesday too!

I have not missed a day. Eaten like a pig through some of this but still working hard.

I have even lost a little weight through all of this madness.

5K to work for in Camillus, NY on September 19. I need a 10K though.

Weight Loss and Double Sessions

Well I am still eating relatively healthy, plenty of fruit and vegetables and some cereal and skim milk, salads, low fat cheese, and sometimes chips and salsa and whatnot.

I have lost just over fifty pounds!

The double sessions a few times a week help.

I have 3 ways of getting cardio:
-Running outside (my favorite but man the shin still beyond kills me)
-Walking on the highest incline on the treadmill
-Riding the stationary bike at the YMCA

All burn about the same calories because of the time I spend on each, 600-900 or so. Some days I do two.

Yesterday I biked for 58 minutes at 600 calories burned in the afternoon and ran 3.8 miles in 34 minutes in the night. That was a good day.

Today I just ran 4 miles.

Tomorrow I hope I can push for a double session.

One more pound to lose and I am the top of the normal scale for BMI! No longer obese or even overweight. Mind you the very top for a "large" frame so probably I need to drop more.

If, with the crap I am certain to eat for the wedding and on vacation, I keep working out and make a good push after- I am certain I can shave 10-15 more off by Labor Day. That would be Memorial Day to Labor Day 60-65 pounds. 240 to 190 to ___? 175?

Oh, I have been working with the nautilus too. That should help get some arm/chest/shoulder muscle definition.

I am really liking this. Minus missing the cookies and pizza!

Healthy and Plenty to Update

Well it has been two months and I have gone through many changes. I want to just clear up any misconceptions that I keep hearing. I am not doing this for my wedding, although that helps motivate me. I am exercising and eating the right way for me. I have abused my body for many years and now that has changed. It is not a temporary thing, it is permanent. I plan on exercising forever. I don't drink or smoke and I am trying to be healthy in every way.

I would love to get to a weight where I can eat all of what I want to as well. Until then I am eating 90% healthy. When I reach one of my weight goals, which is different than what I originally shot for, I will blog on it. It should happen soon. I have recently started working with weights as well.

A few updates at the two month mark:

My blood pressure my entire adult life ranged from 140/90 to 120/75.
It now ranges from 120/75 to 100/65

My resting heart rate used to be around 90, no lie. It is now ranging from 58-70.

I can't wait to see what my cholesterol is.

And like I said, I will tell you my weight in the next week or two.

EXERCISE THIS WEEK:
Well, the shin/calf muscle on my right leg have not healed. I may have to go to a doctor or something. No worse with rest but no better.

Wednesday I cycled on the stationary bike for 40 minutes.
Thursday I cycled on the stationary bike for 45 minutes.
Friday I cycled on the stationary bike for about 48 minutes.

Pedal hard for 10 seconds, as hard as you can. Then regular speed for 50. Do it again. The entire time.

I read that one.

Yesterday I took a spinning class with Joanna. It was tough because I am not used to standing up on the bike. It was an hour and I did some major sweating but I did not always listen to the woman. My butt is still killing me but a little better I think. Then I went back to the YMCA and rode for another 35 and they threw me out. I thought that they were joking but they close on Saturdays at 3 PM and all day Sunday! Are you kidding me? For 34 bucks a month that is a joke. Plus 30 bucks a month to park there! Closed on Sundays?

Oh well, today I ran 3.1 in 29 with a slight gimp. Damn the right leg pain!

My guilt then led me to an afternoon on the treadmill. I walked with the incline on the ten max, fluctuating the speed. I did it for 50+ minutes and burned 903 calories, so they say. I feel like I burn more on the bike but that is like a third less. I do not buy it.

Nevertheless a productive week. Getting there.

YMCA Member Again!

Well, I joined the YMCA again. Another 30 dollars a month but this time I plan to actually use the facilities. You would think that with my grandpa being the director there from the 1940's to the 1970's I would get a free lifetime membership or something...kidding.

Anyway, the reason is that my left shin and calf are still killing me. Yesterday I ran 2 miles and ouch. I have been limping. Perhaps a stress fracture? So I joined the Y.

I swam for about 4 laps and that is out. I am not a swimmer.

I then biked for about 20 minutes and did a ton of sweating. It killed my thighs but my lower leg problems were fine. I went back tonight and biked more at an easy resistance very quickly for 35 minutes more. I liked it. So there is a chance that in between runs and when my shins need resting that I have the biking option. I also want to use their weights. Mind as well do it all the way, right?

Next blog I will give a weight loss update. Stay tuned.

26:49

26:49, or something like that in the Fillmore 5K in Moravia, NY. Best I have ever done but there certainly is room for improvement. 8:35 minute miles approx., which is again, my best ever.

The run was scary but fun. People were passing me in the beginning but I had to keep my pace. I finished the first mile around 8, but some dude said 7:45 at one point. Come to find out he was not exactly at the first mile.

I felt strong but nervous throughout the race.

It ended with a huge hill and then a 100 yard dash. I wanted to puke after the hill because people were cheering as I went up it. Ugh! Nonetheless I finish and was pleased.

Of course Joanna did very well. Her first race ever at 23:15, she won the 22-30 age range!

I can't wait to run another race.

Oh, this morning, we ran 6.4 miles at a very slow pace (my decision) in about an hour and seven minutes. I ate 4 baked potato skins with some cheddar cheese and that needed to be worked off!

All in all a productive running weekend! The shins and calf muscles were cramped the entire way today though. Oh well, no pain no gain, right?

Tomorrow We Race

Tomorrow is the Fillmore 5K, a real race. It's fun because it gives me something to shoot for and think about. That said, losing weight is more the goal than competitive racing, but nonetheless here we go.

This Tuesday and Wednesday I ran 5K (3.1) runs and timed them out. The first alone and second with Joanna. The times were 27.55 and 27.35. This means that I am running an 8:45 mile pace which is significantly better than the 11 minute mile pace I was doing a month ago.

Yesterday I played 7 games of one on one hoops and broke a better sweat than even the runs so I am pleased with the effort. I will give you a weight loss update soon.

Today, no running except for errands. Perhaps some non-choreographed walking and that is it.

Tomorrow, we race. Pacing scares me, I do not want to come out too fast or too slow. Honestly, anything under 28 and I will be pleased. I will not even be disappointed in under 30, because I have no idea what to expect and anything could happen.

Race Time Almost Here, Ugh

With the 5K Saturday I hope my shin/knees/calf muscles hold up. Man, my lungs and endurance are ready!

I took a rest last Wednesday and here is my last few days of running:

Thursday: 2 miles in 18 minutes, fast for me. Shins killing me!

Friday: 3.1- a 5K in 28:45...I'll take it. I also got another pair of sneakers at Fleet Feet. Man, on camera I run like an idiot!

Saturday: 6 miles in 66 minutes. Not bad for the distance. And a long walk that evening.

Sunday: 3.1 in 27:50, now we are talking. Shins hurt again though. New shoes old problems.

Today: Came home from school and ran in the sun, 4.6 in 50 minutes. Calf on the right side cramped up in the second mile. Ran thru it. Hurt the whole way. The left knee then started hurting at the top near the 3 mile mark. Ugh!

As far as food with the exception of some Olive Garden once, too many crackers once, a cookie, and potato salad Saturday night, I am golden.

Fruit/light cheese/beans/carrots/salad/hummus/wheat bread/sugar free pudding/cereal/skim milk/yogurt/and a little cheating here and there.

Darn Shins!

The shins, particularly the right one now, are keeping me from an increase in mileage. The end of my run today was because of a sharp pain on the right shin. Ouch! I hobbled home and just iced.

Nevertheless, I am still running and bettering my times:

Sunday: 4 miles in 41 minutes
Monday: 3.6 miles in 36:30
Tuesday: 3.7 miles in 35 minutes

Perhaps a rest day for my shins soon, we will see.

Until then...I battle on!

6.7 MILES! Holy Crap!

Yepper, 6.7 miles in 77 minutes. I know, a very slow pace but all things considered, how exciting? I felt like freaking Forrest Gump! This was Thursday morning. My longest continuous run ever. I like distance better than I ever dreamed.

Yesterday, I ran 1.4 miles at Joanna's pace of 11:30! That is a freaking 7:45 mile, a sprint. She is nuts. I walked the next .6 and finished the 2 miler faster than I normally run it at- with .6 walking! Ha ha ha! We also walked to and from the Fireworks at our lake for an extra couple miles of walk.

Today, Happy 4th. In preparation for our 5K race (3.1 miles) in two weeks we mapped out a 5K course and ran it today. Joanna promised she would set a pace that was good for me. I am typically running 10:30-10:50 miles or more in distances over 3, so I was uncertain as to how it would work.


Well, we ran the 5K in 29:05. It was really windy, I ran some on grass, and still 9:23 mile pace for 3.1!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that is progress- I increased my pace by a full minute a mile! My goal for the 5K is under 28:00 and it might be do-able!

What a productive 3 days!

A Frantic 2 Mile Pace

Well, frantic for me. I ran at Joanna's pace for 1.4 miles and finished out the two miler at 17 minutes yesterday...that is 8:30 a mile. I am running 10:30 usually so that was loony!

I then felt guilty for only running 2 miles and got 8 friends to play basketball on my low rim, moved to the park across the street from my house. We played for 2 hours and I was less winded than everyone else, at least it seemed. Seriously though, it felt good.

Today I ran 4.9 miles with a full sprint for the last .1 in 54:30. Slow but I was feeling some lower leg and back pain and I kept my pacing in check. It did allow for the burst at the end.

5 MILES!

Well, I ran 5 miles at 8 AM this morning. Actually, about 4.95 in 53 minutes. It was hilly (mostly up it seemed) and a new route from Metcalf to South to Silver to Sand Beach to Lake Ave. and back, then down Kearney and back. Wow! I am psyched, I hope I can continue this distance and stay healthy.

Oh, and yesterday I ran 4.25 in 45 and a half.

This is getting crazy.

I can feel the potential of planter facitious (sp.?) coming back though, like ten years ago. Uh oh.

Wow, 5 miles!

A Rest Day Really Did Work!

So I took a rest day. I have a little sprain on the ligament that connects the left calf and left hammy on the left side. So I rested it for Thursday after a unsuccessful Wednesday run of 2 or so miles...again!

It hurt terribly Wednesday night and all day Thursday. Friday morning (this morning) it was back to about 90%. It was cool and drizzly and I thought, perfect time to run. I favored the ligament the entire run by keep my strides much slower and avoiding the huge declines and inclines.

When I finished, I ran 4.25 miles in 46 minutes. S L O W...but my longest run yet! And to tell you the truth I could have run longer-at least my brain and lungs though so. My muscles and ligaments were another story, I thought I should rest them a bit!

Oh, and no music. It is better without I think- SOMEHOW.

I Suck, I Really Do

Do I have a bug? Am I just fatigued? Is it the music? Is the music added to the run hurting me and not helping me? Is it a mental block? Have I hit a plateau? I am still out there each day but I am quitting on myself, 3 straight days after my fantastic run on Sunday.

Monday I quit then ran more later. Yesterday I felt sick to my stomach after 2 and change and today I ran 2 miles in the extreme heat and quit on myself, walked the last one mile. Ugh. Granted, my Achilles, my shins, my calves, my left hammy, my groin, my feet and my right heal hurt but I need to get tougher.

When I finished my run-walk I mowed half of my lawn. Later I am going to go out again or fast walk on the treadmill on the high incline. I need to do something because I am losing the edge.

Next run no music, like the old times. I have to do something!

An Extra Burst!?

I felt guilty about the abbreviated run so I went to the track at the local high school and timed some splits. Twice around in 3:57 and 4:12. So together an eight minute mile.

Hmmmm, maybe there is hope to increase speed.

So in total 3.2 for the day or so.

And a twenty minute walk with Joanna after my big mostly vinegar and spices salad and sugar free 60 calorie chocolate pudding and five pretzel dinner.

All in all yesterday was a productive day!

What a Wussy

Even with Eminem's Lose Yourself repeating I chickened out on South Street at about the 2.2 mile mark. It was hot and windy. I guess today can be my rest day since I never plan on one of those again.

I just WAS NOT FEELING IT!

I walked 1.2 after as well. Better than nothing I suppose. What to eat for dinner though?

22 pounds lost in 30 days though, I weighed in at school! I also ate potato chips after though, ouch!

The BEST Run Ever

4.1 Miles. 42 or so minutes. I even kind of sprinted the last 200 yards. Crazy. Man did it feel good. Sunday morning and Joanna running too help. Although she lost me after about a half mile.

I ate a plate and a quarter of bad food at the Springside Inn for Father's Day brunch. It was a "sacrifice" for my dad. The waiter took my second plate while I was in the bathroom or it would have been 2 plates.

Day 28 and Rainy

I ran in the pouring rain. That was a mistake. The water in my sneakers made it feel like I was lifting bricks. The music sure helped though. It was my first music run. What a difference! 3.3 miles.

Friday Night Run

3.5 miles and I am pleased. The shins feel a little better.

Sorry, Busy Week

I had my Regents on Tuesday and graded Wednesday, busy week.

Here is what I did:

Monday, 2.6 miles
Tuesday, 3 miles
Wednesday, I burned 855 calories on the treadmill mostly incline walking at "10" for an hour.
Thursday, 3 miles

Still running about ten minute miles.

Nice Weekend of Running

I am over the 3 mile plateau, woo-hoo! Sunday morning run of 3 miles. Saturday 2.6 in the rain too. Man, I am struggling to run at a faster pace though. Over 10 minute miles. Granted, I am still on the grass at times, but still.

Running Week! Losing Some Weight

Well, here is the catch up for some missed time blogging.

I am still eating well and my shins and calf muscles are a little better with the ice, extra stretching, Aleve, and grass running starts.

This week I did the 2 mile or so thing consistently.

I HAVE LOST ABOUT 16 POUNDS TOTAL! My goal is 45 in all. 29 to go!

Here was the tally:

Sunday morning, 2.1 miles
Monday, 1.9 miles
Tuesday, 2.1 miles
Wednesday nothing...rest, award ceremony at school and tired.
Thursday, a 2.1 morning run. It felt great at 5 AM!
Friday night, another 2.1

Sarah Palin Here and I Still Run

I have lost 12 pounds total, another four this week!

Sorry I did not keep up with the journal but busy running and eating healthy, although I did have pizza slices once.

I ran each day of the week for about 1.5 or so, except Friday night where I walked 3 or so. Saturday morning I ran hard and then want to see Sarah Palin speak here in Auburn with dad. Later the "Taste of Syracuse" with Joanna but that stunk. I did eat some bad food yesterday though.

2 miler today though! Progress!

Mostly in the one mile- one and a half all week.

SHIN SPLINTS KILLING ME! Here is the advice at school from the runners:

ice, extra stretching, Aleve, and grass running starts.

I will try.

Bought a Scale

I bought a scale to see if it is worthwhile or not.

I also had hash browns and unbuttered wheat toast from Denny's.

And blue cheese dressing salad, 3 pieces of bread, steak, and mashed potatoes for dinner. Too far.

The scale (before the food) said that I lost freaking 8 pounds though. So I am happy.

I ran for a mile too.

Miserable Day

I am so miserable and it is a Saturday. I keep going to Wegmans and getting the tomatoes in the garlic-oil and the mozzarella cheese balls. It comes from the "healthy" section but I know that it is not.

Man am I miserable. Although I did run for awhile. Maybe a mile this morning.

I Need a Break

Friday night and Joanna and I walked for a long time. That was the extent of the exercise today.

Thursday, Day Five

I think that the healthy eating is killing me more than the running. Although my legs feel like lead pipes.

I ran about .75 of a mile, then sprinted and walked for a bit.

Fourth Day, Getting There

Hump day and I am still doing this thing. Drinking a ton of water. I ran about a mile or less. Ugh.

Day Three

Eating is now carrot and celery dominated. And yogurt too. Hummus for protein. No more pizza.

Ran a struggle of about a mile.

Day Two, Happy Memorial Day!

I got up early and ran about a mile today. It felt good. Then I walked about 3 miles in total. Oh, and I ate like crap after the Jordan parade.

The Adventure Begins

Well here we go, my second blogging venture and my fifth running ADventure. Running was a major reason that I did not enjoy sports as a teen, I was that lazy. Seriously, I hated running. Well, fifty pounds later in 1998 I tried my first running stint. It lasted about 2 months and one 5K race at 28 minutes.

I am running 2009 style for a mulitude of reasons.

1. I have gained about twenty or so pounds since the fall. Darn the new house and always accessible food!
2. I need to lose weight to properly wear my clothes.
3. My tight pants are hurting the nerves in my thighs, seriously.
4. I have a wedding in August and those pictures last forever.
5. I LOVE FOOD, especially the wrong food and I need to eat what I want to.

So thanks to a motivational talk to a friend and some harsh truths from my fiance's doctor brother, off I go.

I plan on blogging what I did each day for your viewing pleasure...enjoy!

I ate the buffet at the Turning Stone today. Ugh.

I ran about .5 miles. Then I walked about .75

It is a start.