Today is ‘Bodyweight Day’ so I’m going to defer the exercises until later on, even though I still got up early.

Running is a time critical activity. I can only run at two times during the day, either first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening, and I don’t really want to leave it until the evening because I know I’ll have a thousand excuses for skipping the run.

Picture: PoisonedMemories

This morning I had to fight the urge to go running again. It was tempting to put one in the bank over and above my intended three runs per week. It’s probably a good idea in principle and as the weeks go on it’s something I’ll consider doing, but for the moment I need the rest days in between the runs.

Pounding the hell out of my legs in the first week I get back to running is likely to do more harm than good. I’m still heavier than my joints would like me to be and the burden of the extra weight I’m carrying isn’t joint friendly. I need to let my body get used to the new way of things before I push it any harder.

The rest day in between each run will allow my legs to recover and I should see improvements in my speed and stamina a lot quicker.

Besides, it’s raining and it’s cold. So I’m staying in.



Don’t read on if you’re eating, you’ve just eaten, or you’re about to eat.

I was deliberating over whether to mention this at all, but it’s part of the experience so I think it’s justifiable.

My change of diet, my leap into exercise and my very early starts have shocked my body into emptying the bad stuff in a big way.

I’ve had a grumbling feeling in my bowel for the last few days and yesterday I became lighter as a result.

I feel much better for it and I don’t feel nearly so bloated.

Putting less food into my system should probably equate to less waste and the increased fibre intake should improve my digestive transit. Plus, I remember from last time I was on the health kick, that it felt good not to be so full of crap.

OK, that’s enough of that now.

Have a good day with your eating plans, and try to find some time to get a little exertion into your day. It all helps.

In the meantime I have to prepare to post some more pictures of myself in my garish shorts. Don’t forget to come back and have a look.

NOTE: The main post of the day is from Dave Fowler. Warning: There is some semi-nakedness involved

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Tara Cain

A wise chap once said: “you know when you’ve reached middle age when your weightlifting consists merely of standing up.”
And that’s exactly how I have felt about dragging my body back into a fitness regime after years of neglect and laziness.

It is SO easy to slip into an ‘I’d rather sit in front of the telly with a cup of tea because the kids/work/life has worn me down’ routine and before you know it your body is spreading across that sofa seat and you’re boring a butt hole into the fabric just like Homer Simpson.

I used to love exercise. I used to LOVE exercise. But finding that motivation again is hard.
So this week I have started slowly with some walking (and I know I keep banging on about it, but it was with a pushchair/stroller AND there were hills involved, so it was kinda tough).

I haven’t stuck with The Plan as much as I would have liked (although I have still be downing that water at an alarming rate) but it has been on my mind most of the time, which is a big improvement from when I normally just shovel in whatever is lying around without even giving it a second thought.

And so, once again, the moment of truth.

The stats: Tara Cain

• Starting weight Wed. Nov.19: 168 lbs.
• Goal weight: 140 lbs.
• Weight last week: 166 lbs.
• Weight today: 166 lbs
• Amount lost this week:  0 lbs.

Harumph! Lost nothing.
AND I had a big wee like DF suggests. AND I weighed myself in the nude (it’s evening and I figure you always weight more in the evening).
Well I suppose it’s better than gaining, so I’m remaining positive and will be picking up my exercise – don’t want that Homer butt creeping on.

Oh and by the way, the wise chap with the quote was Bob Hope.

David Fowler

What a week! My return to exercise has seen my appetite increase and it’s been tough to stick to the portion size I’ve set or myself. On the whole I’ve managed quite well and have much to feel pleased about. The perfectionist in me is trying to get his voice heard and announce every failure loudly but I’m muffling his cries in favour of celebrating the successes.

I’m not totally ignoring the perfectionist because there’s something I can learn from his voice, but at only three weeks in I can’t allow the super critical side of my nature to derail my progress by telling me how crap I am. I keep reminding myself I’m building a lifestyle not rushing into a fad diet.

So on the positive side… I haven’t felt bloated or lethargic. I’ve been close to sticking to my eating plan. My jeans don’t feel quite as tight as they did last week, despite the fact my measurements haven’t changed. And… I’ve started exercising again!

All in all, I’m very pleased.

Just the stats: David Fowler

Starting weight Wed. Nov.19: 200 lbs.
Goal weight 173 lbs.

Format: Start / Last Week / This Week

• Weight: 200 / 198 / 197
• Amount lost this week: 1 lb.
• Hips: 40 / 39.75 / 39.75
• Waist: 38.5 / 38.5 / 38.5
• Belly: 40.25 / 40 / 40
• Chest: 41.5 / 41.25 / 41.25

(Weight is in lbs and measurements in inches)

David Wright

It wasn’t just Thanksgiving that was tough, but the days surrounding it as well. And it wasn’t only tempting food which threw a monkey wrench into my fitness plans.

With the holidays come all the inevitable schedule changes to any sort of normal routine. Without proper planning, exercise is the first thing to go. As was the case last week.

The stats: David Wright

• Starting weight Wed. Nov.19: 350 lbs.
• Goal weight: 250 lbs.
• Weight last week: 349 lbs.
• Weight today: 348 lbs.
• Amount lost this week: 1 lb.

Despite this, and despite a few indulgences on Thanksgiving, I managed to lose one pound. Hardly the win I was looking for, but hardly a loss. This week also provided a bit of incentive for the weeks ahead and will help me plan for the hectic holiday season.

Your turn

If you’d like to post a Wednesday Weigh-In post on your blog and help spread the word of our goals, please do so. Get all the info on how you can participate right here.

See you downstairs in the comments – and let’s all show our support and visit anyone taking part.

(Note: BlogToFit now features TWO posts each day – our main post and a daily update from the insane David Fowler who is tracking his progress as he wakes each day at 4 a.m. to torture himself, er, I mean run. Check it out today’s post.)

Want a bit of humor and motivation delivered via email every weekday? Subscribe to get each BlogToFit post delivered for free! Email not your thing? That’s okay, you can also subscribe via RSS – like all the cool kids do. It’s also free. Unless you really WANT to pay us.

And good thing the weigh-in is today, rather than Friday, when many of us might weigh an extra pound or two following a Thanksgiving day of pigging out on all matter of yummies while actively engaged in the sport of watching football on TV. For those of us who are watching what we eat we’ll be forced to choose: eat sensibly on Thursday or work out four times as hard on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Without further ado, here are the updates.

Tara Cain

“Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut the bitch up with cookies” – that’s the birthday card a good friend sent me for my birthday last Friday!

It really made me chuckle, than I thought ‘ye gads, it’s funny because it is SO me!’ The OLD me (though not old as in aged obviously).

So, this past week I think I have walked about 5 miles just going to and from the toilet.

One of my aims was to drink more water, and boy does my body know about it!

So I’ve been knocking it back like some kind of water wino for four days.

Then hubby and I went away for the weekend to a spa hotel. As a treat I had a fancy pants facial and the therapist said to me: “You are NEVER 40!”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I’ve probably broke the record for the amount of water one human can consume in the space of an hour! I am officially declaring this part of The Plan a success.

OK, I’m not sure how it’s helped with my diet, but by jove, I had the best compliment I’ve had since becoming heavy with child way back in 2002 so I’m sold.

And yes, we indulged on my 40th, but I stuck with The Plan and only gave in to one midnight mince pie. Oh and we shared a bag of toffee and nut popcorn at the cinema, but that doesn’t count as it’s against the law to watch a movie without popcorn, so obviously the calories don’t register.

And so, after a week of quaffing water like it’s going out of fashion, learning a little self control and pulling on the walking boots, here it is; the moment of truth. (Oh lordy, I’m nervous as HELL!)

Just the stats: Tara Cain

• Starting weight Wed. Nov.19: 168 lbs.
• Goal weight: 140 lbs.
• Weight today: 166 lbs
• Amount lost this week: 2 lbs.

So, I haven’t broken any records and I can’t go on a spending spree for a new pair of jeans/shoes (you know what I’m talking about don’t you ThatGirl39?) but those 2 pounds are coming OFF my stats and I’m going to leap in the air and do a woo hoo for that.

David Fowler

Relying on one piece of data captured as a snapshot on a specific day (Wednesday), isn’t particularly scientific. And if the single piece of data doesn’t say what you want it to say it’s easy to become despondent. That’s why I’m looking at several bits of data every week and it’s why I weigh once a day – SHOCK, HORROR.

It’s not for the feint hearted but it works better for me because the readings give me a trend for the week.

There’s so much at play with body weight. It can vary tremendously from day to day or hour to hour. For example, your weight can be significantly affected by the levels glycogen you have stored up (or perhaps depleted through vigorous exercise) or just the fact that you’re not regular with your twosies.

Watching the trends can work really well, but you have to be able to take the rough with the smooth and not get too hung up on every variation.

Remember, your weight will vary throughout the day and often over the course of a couple of days, so keep this in mind. Accept that from time to time you will get some bizarre readings, whether you weigh once a day or once a week. When that happens, fall back to looking at the trend.

If you choose to weigh-in daily…. Weigh just once! At the same time everyday – after you’ve been to the loo, before you shower (and absorb a gallon of water) and while you’re wearing your flimsiest knickers and bra (unless you dare to get all nuded up ). Then, LEAVE THE SCALE ALONE until the next day.

Just the stats: David Fowler

Starting weight Wed. Nov.19: 200 lbs.
Goal weight 173 lbs.

Format: Start / Last Week / This Week

• Weight: 200 / 200 / 198
• Amount lost this week: 2 lbs.
• Hips: 40 / 40 / 39.75
• Waist: 38.5 / 38.5 / 38.5
• Belly: 40.25 / 40.25 / 40
• Chest: 41.5 / 41.5 / 41.25

(Weight is in lbs and measurements in inches)

David Wright

My first week was hardly the banner break out week I was hoping. What happened, you ask? Well, life happened. As anyone who follows my blog knows, my schedule has been pretty much dictated by my son’s bouts of sleeplessness and separation anxiety.

Yeah, I know, excuses, excuses.

I need to find a way to leap when such hurdles come my way as surely such hurdles are a frequency when you have a 19 month old.

Despite a consistent workout routine, I managed to lose one pound this week, better then I’d feared.

However, I’ll likely be passing up on the really good food tomorrow.

Just the stats: David Wright

• Starting weight Wed. Nov.19: 350 lbs.
• Goal weight: 250 lbs.
• Weight today: 349 lbs
• Amount lost this week: 1 lb.

Now it’s your turn.

If you’d like to post a Wednesday Weigh-In post on your blog and help spread the word of our goals, please do so. Get all the info on how you can participate right here.

See you downstairs in the comments – and let’s all show our support and visit anyone taking part.

Want a bit of humor and motivation delivered via email every weekday? Subscribe to get each BlogToFit post delivered for free! Email not your thing? That’s okay, you can also subscribe via RSS – like all the cool kids do. It’s also free. Unless you really WANT to pay us.

Sounds odd, I know, but let me explain….

I’ve been looking forward to turning forty for quite some time now because I recognise it as one of those coming of age moments.

I fully expect my forties to define me. I feel that this decade will be ‘my’ decade, not just in the arena of fitness but life in general.

I loved my thirties because that’s the decade in which my children were born, but with regard to my physical condition, they weren’t exactly my proudest years.

For the last ten years I’ve usually been somewhere between 30 and 40lbs overweight and at varying degrees of fitness ranging from unfit to nearly fit. I’ve had glimpses of a 6 pack and I’ve carried a modest amount of muscle, but neither of those conditions is reflected in my current state.

I could reel off the usual raft of excuses but I’m not going to.

Whilst I’m happy to learn from the past I’m not going to dwell there.

This venture is all about my present. It’s about making good decisions and taking action to bring me a fitter future.

From the outset I want you to know that it is not my intention to set myself impossible fitness goals.

I have no immediate aspirations to look like [insert name of physically fit looking actor dude here] although I see nothing wrong with taking inspiration from such individuals.

I’m not going all out to get super-fit, I just want to achieve what I know is possible for ‘me’ given ‘my’ unique set of circumstances.

What’s possible for famous actor dude, may not be possible for me, and that’s fine for now.

The changes for the better start right now.

There are two habits I want to develop:

• The habit of regular exercise
• The habit of managing my food intake

Regular exercise does not mean a punishing and unrelenting daily routine of pain inducing exertion.

It means having fun with fitness, mixing it up and keeping it interesting.

In a similar way, managing my food intake does not mean existing on a
diet of broccoli and water – nor does it mean having to give up absolutely everything I enjoy.

I want to take a sustainable approach to both elements and build them into a lifestyle I can enjoy for years to come.

Next Thursday I’ll tell you what I want to achieve and how I’m going to do it. Thereafter you can expect a brief daily update every morning.

On a final note, I’m determined to get some great results and as a mark of my determination I’ll be posting some pictures of my progress for all to see. So next Thursday you’ll be able to see the before pic whether you want to or not. You’ve been warned!

Want a bit of humor and motivation delivered via email every weekday? Subscribe to get each BlogToFit post delivered for free! Email not your thing? That’s okay, you can also subscribe via RSS – like all the cool kids do. It’s also free. Unless you really WANT to pay us.

Before you call the authorities, this isn’t a letter which will be found next to my cookie surrounded body in a few days. Instead, this is a confession of a murder I’ve been committing for the better part of two decades.

That’s how long I’ve been overeating, how long I’ve been fat, how long I’ve been saying I’ll do something to change it. It’s also how long I’ve been lying to myself.

I’m eating myself to death one unhealthy meal at a time. Fast food, cookies, ice cream and sugar-laden cereal are all staples of my regular diet. Standing at almost 6’4’’ and weighing in just shy of 350, I’m morbidly obese. What a fitting word, morbid. And if I don’t do something soon, I will die younger than I should. Worse, I’ll become debilitated by any number of obesity-related maladies. Diabetes, blindness, heart disease, amputation of body parts, kidney problems – a whole host of preventable health conditions which await me if I don’t change.

So, why haven’t I changed yet?

When it comes to eating, I’ve almost always chosen the path of least resistance. If it tastes yummy, eat it. Why delay satisfaction when you can have what you want when you want it?

There’s always tomorrow, right?

I’ll eat better tomorrow.

I’ll work out tomorrow.

I have a whole host of things that I will do… tomorrow.

But for today, I’m enjoying myself! And why not, I deserve it. I work hard, I’m a good husband and a good father. I should be able to enjoy a donut every now and then. I’ll eat better tomorrow.

But wouldn’t a good husband and father put the needs of his family before his own temporary satisfaction? A good husband and father would want to ensure that he will be around for a long time to not only provide for his family, but to be in their lives, also.

It will be rough to change my way of putting things off until tomorrow. But I must. Eventually, we run out of tomorrows.

So we must seize today. It’s all that we really have.

So I am going to bust my ass to lose 100 pounds within one year. I’ll do it by eating right and working out regularly. I know, novel concept, eh? It really is as simple as that, I believe. And as hard as that.

I’d like to invite you to join me on my journey. Every Monday I’m going to post my thoughts on weight loss right here at Blog To Fit. On Wednesdays, I’m going to weigh in along with my fellow bloggers, Tara and David, and hopefully you.

Let’s stop putting things off until tomorrow. We have today. Let’s use it and live it to its fullest.

(Note: There are two posts today, the other one is located here.)

Want a bit of humor and motivation delivered via email every weekday? Subscribe to get each BlogToFit post delivered for free! Email not your thing? That’s okay, you can also subscribe via RSS – like all the cool kids do. It’s also free. Unless you really WANT to pay us.