40/50 Challenge

[nchasan]

Three months in and I am down to 183 tonight. I have rowed almost 350,000m, mostly as 6K, 30 min and 10K sets. I have tried to incorporate sprinting for 10 strokes every 10 minutes followed by a return to normal stroke rate and splits, and I try to sprint in the last 250 - 500 m pulling 1:47 or better depending on my energy level. I have tried to row 5 days a week and walk (6 miles) on one off day, taking the other day all the way off. My split has improved from 3:25 for 1500 to 2:11.8 over 10K. A pretty good improvement all in all.

I have been eating breakfast regularly, trying to moderate my intake otherwise and avoiding white foods (dairy, wheat, rice and potato principally, oh, and sugar too). I have cut down my alcohol intake to no more than two drinks but mostly one (either beer or wine).

I have tried to incorporate kettlebells when I can, but time has restricted me in this regard somewhat.

In addition, I have restored my sleep (see the sleep apnea log), pursued colon hydro therapy, and started meditating for an hour a day (see holosync technology http://www.centerpointe.com/)

22# lighter so far I feel great, fit into my clothes better, have started attracting admiring glances from the women, and generally feel like I am on the right track. I still have a ways to go (I'd like to drop another 22# for a start) , but I enjoy the challenge of trying to achieve a PR each week. I don't always make it, but I am really beat after I get up from the ERG. I have not mailed in a single workout.

Thats my story and I am sticking to it!

N

[nchasan]

Well another couple of weeks, and other couple pounds lighter. Today I was able to row 20,000m continuously taking me well over 400,000 for the year. At this rate I will row over 1,000,000 m by years end.

I am recovering from a nasty stomach bug though, so my output was only at 2:22's/500 for the half marathon. I am really pretty happy that I have increased my fitness enough to be able to take on the challenge, and I was still trashed when I was done.

The project continues. I have about 60 days left before my birthday and still another 15 pounds to lose to make the 40# challenge by the time I am 50 years old. We will see how it unfolds. If i can lose 2# a week, then I will be close. This will require 20K more than twice a week I think...Ouch.

So I soldier on...

[Deewen]

Now I've been roped in on this thread! Good Luck Neil and good job on the weight loss, training, etc.!

I'm on a mission myself. Started at 128.3 lbs (58kgs) in October 2008. My goal is around 114-118 lbs (51 - 53 kg).

My current weight, as of Saturday, is 121.6 lbs (55.3kg). I don't mind weighing more as long as it's all muscle. According to height/weight charts, my current weight is what I should weigh at the lowest, but that's not what the mirror tells me! My fat percent is around 24%. I'd like to see it at 21%, for starters.

I'm 37 years old am about 163cm (5ft 3"), so I guess I shouldn't go below 50kg.

Deborah

[nchasan]

Now I've been roped in on this thread! Good Luck Neil and good job on the weight loss, training, etc.!

I'm on a mission myself. Started at 128.3 lbs (58kgs) in October 2008. My goal is around 114-118 lbs (51 - 53 kg).

My current weight, as of Saturday, is 121.6 lbs (55.3kg). I don't mind weighing more as long as it's all muscle. According to height/weight charts, my current weight is what I should weigh at the lowest, but that's not what the mirror tells me! My fat percent is around 24%. I'd like to see it at 21%, for starters.

I'm 37 years old am about 163cm (5ft 3"), so I guess I shouldn't go below 50kg.

Deborah

Thanks Deborah, The feeling is mutual!

I agree with your sentiment about muscle v fat. On Saturday, I helped move a cord of wood, played golf and rowed a hard 5K...its fun to be able to do whatever I want even if I am carrying a few extra pounds. But that said, most of the transformations I have followed have taken place over years though, so take the long view!

Neil

[Big Chris]

Neil,
I think you can make the weight by your birthday. Just ramp up the meter per week. Although doing it by half marathon would be hardcore.

I am still hurtin from my run on saturday. with that being said however I still set a new PB this morning on the 5000m row. A 19:32. Amazingly I cut 18 seconds off my previous best I set last week. Someday I just don't know where it comes from.

Keep it up you will get it.
Chris

[nchasan]

Neil,
I think you can make the weight by your birthday. Just ramp up the meter per week. Although doing it by half marathon would be hardcore.

I am still hurtin from my run on saturday. with that being said however I still set a new PB this morning on the 5000m row. A 19:32. Amazingly I cut 18 seconds off my previous best I set last week. Someday I just don't know where it comes from.

Keep it up you will get it.
Chris

That is so cool Chris...I have the same experiences when for no apparent reason, my body has the capacity to PR over a given distance. Thanks for the support...I am ramping up the meters to meet the deadline. Your over 50K week makes me want to match you row for row!

N

[Big Chris]

I managed 50000m+ for 2 weeks in a row but I don't know if I have it in me again this week.

Heck I was rampin up my meters to try to catch up to you. But with you matching me I ain't gettin any closer. I am just over 370,000m for the year.

I was trying to get my average up to make the meters honor board board for the year. The bottom starts at a 1500m average but I think I am going to run out of time. I am at about 1100 meters a week average if you count the whole season from May to May.

But if you do 50000m this week I suppose I will have to also.
Chris

[nchasan]

I managed 50000m+ for 2 weeks in a row but I don't know if I have it in me again this week.

Heck I was rampin up my meters to try to catch up to you. But with you matching me I ain't gettin any closer. I am just over 370,000m for the year.

I was trying to get my average up to make the meters honor board board for the year. The bottom starts at a 1500m average but I think I am going to run out of time. I am at about 1100 meters a week average if you count the whole season from May to May.

But if you do 50000m this week I suppose I will have to also.
Chris

OK, 50,000 a week for two months...thats my plan!

[Deewen]

But that said, most of the transformations I have followed have taken place over years though, so take the long view!

Oh absolutely! I've being going down slowly since my second child was born. She is now 5 years old in a couple of months. So it's definitely been a gradual process. Weight lost quickly, just ends up going back on later anyway.

[Big Chris]

If you can keep up 50000m a week for 2 months I think you will get it. I have experenced some of my best weight loss in the past 2 weeks since I went to 50k a week.

Plus I have totally stopped drinking any wine or beer. It stalls me completely.

[nchasan]

If you can keep up 50000m a week for 2 months I think you will get it. I have experenced some of my best weight loss in the past 2 weeks since I went to 50k a week.

Plus I have totally stopped drinking any wine or beer. It stalls me completely.

I know about the beer and wine! When I drink more it is so much harder to lose.

[Big Chris]

Ok Neil its time to crank it up. I just got home and did a 30 min piece. Another PB 7575m for 30 minutes,

I can't believe I did 2 PB's in one day.

Now I have a good start for another 50000m week
Chris

[nchasan]

Ok Neil its time to crank it up. I just got home and did a 30 min piece. Another PB 7575m for 30 minutes,

I can't believe I did 2 PB's in one day.

Now I have a good start for another 50000m week
Chris

Dude, you rock!

N

[Deewen]

I know about the beer and wine! When I drink more it is so much harder to lose.

I thought this info, which is taken from the book Volumetrics, by Penn State nutrition and obesity researcher Barbara Rolls, Ph.D, might be of interest...

"Our bodies metabolize alcohol in ways that enhance the likelihood that excess calories will wind up as fat. From the standpoint of weight, there’s no problem if you don’t exceed your energy needs. Alcoholic beverages combined with high-fat, high-calorie foods is what promotes weight gain. That’s because the body gives preference to burning alcohol, which is a poison that can’t be stored; it must be metabolize immediately. As a result, the other calories eaten are more likely to be deposited as fat.

Calories from alcoholic beverages slink into your body without triggering satiety signals, so we don’t compensate by eating less."

I share a bottle of wine with my husband once a month. We have never been "big drinkers" anyway and on top of that, we have two small children, so we make sure never to overdo our drinking. Another good reason to keep things in moderation, besides children and weight loss, is the expense. In Norway, alcohol, like pretty much everything else here, is very expensive! We're wine drinkers and it is always a real treat to share a good quality bottle of wine together. I find it adds an extra special touch to the occasion because it's not done often.

Have a good one, Deborah

[nchasan]

I thought this info, which is taken from the book Volumetrics, by Penn State nutrition and obesity researcher Barbara Rolls, Ph.D, might be of interest...

Interesting Deborah,

My problem is that I really really really like wine...and we have a nice selection to choose from. So I have to make sure not to drink more than one glass at a time. I can easily drink a whole bottle at dinner with my wife...which actually means that I drink three glasses and my wife drinks one! So yea, I have to be thoughtful and disciplined about it.



N