Working out - a year later. Is there a difference?

[tom pinckney]

Working out after a year - Is there a difference? - as Sarah Palin would say: "You betcha" - and it wasn't that hard. Read on:

Last year at this time (actually the day before Thanksgiving) I started my new "lifestyle." Proper exercsie and proper eating (no diet - just PROPER eating).

Prior to the new program I had put some weight on and felt pretty lousy. A trip to the doctor told me (after blood tests) that my lipids were bad, I was diabetic and quite frankly - obese. That did it - new incentives to stay alive.

About a week before I had "winterized" my 16' Carolina Skiff. It just about killed me. I was so exhausted I swore to get rid of the boat. Instead - I swore to get in shape and save my life. After all - my family depends on me.

First thing: I joined a new "bells and whistles" gym. Cost more, but the new atmosphere is better/friendly/nice clientelle and staff and I'd rather spend the money at the gym than for doctor bills. The new atmosphere stimulated me to "show up" to work out. Afterall - the secret to weight workouts (builds muscle to more efficiently burn calories) is just show up at the gym. You WILL work out IF you get there. My wife purchased me a hot-tub. Sure makes me feel better and I use it every day (twice).

Second: got a training partner - Blue Boy. I've talked about him before. He was eight weeks old when he came home with me. He is my walking partner. Blue Boy is an English Cocker Spaniel approaching his first birthday. Little sucker keeps me moving and I walk with him EVERY day. The loyalty he shows me is paid back by taking him out and having fun with him. We are BOTH in better shape due to the time we spend with each other. Blue Boy is laying at my feet as I write this!

third: rowed during the winter (when it's warm I'd rather do "outside stuff"). I rowed quite hard for me and the weight started coming off.

fourth: off-season (warmer months) - I did outside stuff - kayaking, walking, visited the gym (maintenance program) and had fun outside.

So........it's been a year and has it made a difference? Thirty pounds off and I"ve kept it off. Blood tests are normal and my cholesterol was the lowest in years. No more high blood sugar.

I recently winterized my boat - no problems. Better yet - I helped a friend unload a LARGE van full of items he had purchased at auction. I felt invigorated. I go up stairs and hills now without breaking a sweat!!

I retired three years ago. I run into people that haven't seen me in that time and they say I look better now than when they last saw me three years ago - it keeps me going.

I will be 64 years old on January 8 (Elvis and I were born ten years apart). This year I plan to do even better - It's never too late!!

[Surf Scoter]

Great posting, Tom. You show so clearly how motivation can change your life for the better. My husband and I are both active and eat a healthy vegan & no oil diet. We feel better at 60 and 70 yrs. than we did when we were younger. Anyway, I really enjoyed your post. You turned your health around. A much better way to go than to wait until you are sick and expect the drugs and docs to fix you. Bravo!!

[Cayenne]

That was a happy read ! Thank you Tom. One great aspect of what you've accomplished is that the changes don't come with a long list of potentially harmful side effects. ( As do the drugs you'd be prescribed if you hadn't taken the steps you did. )

Best wishes for continued and greater success !

Eddie

[tom pinckney]

Thanks - I started my fall/winter rowing again today - 5674 meters. Not a whole lot, but a pretty good start. I plan on getting at least 200,000 meters for the Holdiay Challenge which will be a good base for the winter challenge. Then it's the winter challenge. Last year I did 621,000 in January. I hope to meet or exceed that this year.

[DavidA]

Tom,
Congratulations on making all those positive steps in your life, and in all the wonderful consequences of them. May you keep it up for many more years.

Sincerely,
David

[meterman]

Tom,

Congratulations on your steadfast accomplishments!

I appreciate your comments, insight, and advice in this forum.

Frank

[PJM]

Hey meterman!!
A Tunkhannock person!!!
I used to live right outside of Tunkhannock..I worked in Tunkhannock!!!
Lived there for 17 years.
Great place and great people.

Pat

[tom pinckney]

OK guys. Got my 200,000 (got 165,000 for this challenge last year) - no more - no less. EXACTLY 200,000. Been laying off for the last day or two. Gotta eat those Christmas cookies and feel really GROSS!! I discovered that you must have at LEAST four cookies with a glass of milk to do it right. However, GROSS afterwards IS the word.

Well - next comes the winter challenge. Great preparation to start for a marathon. Rowed a 1/2 marathon recently, cut not sure if my rear-end can handle a full one! Can you spell "bubble-wrap!"

Last year I burned out with a couple of injuries. Did things too fast, but I did lose 30 pounds and have kept it off. This year, I plan on surpassing my winter challenge totals IF I don't get hurt. Gotta do it right.

So...........long rows with proper eating and weight training are in order. As mentioned..........I recently unloaded a full moving van with a friend and didn't break a sweat. Exercise and proper weight loss makes a difference. I feel and look better. Great stimulas for THIS year!!

Who's with me?

[Snail Space]

Fantastic read, Tom. I too rejuvenated myself through healthy eating (no diet, like you) and plenty of rowing. Until two years ago I was on the path to an early death through alcohol, slothfulness and unhealthy food. Having a new addition to the family at age 46 made me realise that I needed to be healthy into old age.

Two years later I've maintained my 40 lb weight loss, have thrown away my blood pressure tablets, and haven't had any alcohol since my "re-birth". Not only can I have fun-races with the children but I am an active sports partner with my eldest child, Andrew (age 14). Our mutual sports interest is OTW rowing, which has added friendship and camaraderie to our father/son relationship.

The change has been so enlivening for me that I really enjoy celebrating other people's stories of the beneficial effects that activity has given them. Keep it up for many more years, Tom. You will feel younger as the years go by.

Cheers
Dave.

[badocter]

16 monthes progress has made the world of difference for me.

Before
July 12,2007 -- 235 pounds , first erg session 918m just row @2:46.8
July 15 -- 1st 2k test -- 8:48.5 @2:12.1
July 29 -- 1st online rowpro race -- handled down on a 30' at 23:45.9 after completing only 5306m @ 2:14.4

After
October 28 -- joined Free Spirits indoor rowing club/team
November 15 -- 2k test 7:42.5
November 26 -- Started the Pete Plan
January 14,2008 -- 2k test 7:18.5
February 16-- Southern IRC 2k test 7:07.5 -- First live venue competition in any sport in 12 years
March 8-9 -- First FM and first 1,000,000 meters reached (with Dave King and Michael Gough)
May 30 -- Rowpro 2k test, 7:04.1
June 24 -- Rowpro 2k test, 6:59.4
July 12 -- 1st year annivesary -- 181 pounds, 4x2k rest 5 @ 1:49.6, 1,471,605 meters logged
August 12 -- 30' race on Rowpro, 8025m @ 1:52.2
October 26,2008 -- 175 pounds, 2k race 6:54.9 (1:43.7 pace) at British Indoor Rowing Championships

[tom pinckney]

Some awesome stats fellas. You set a good example and it will stimulate me to do as well as you. Keep up the good work. One has to have goals to keep with it. Thanks.