Half of Phil

I get asked that question every time I discuss my journey with someone.  I generally respond with 'well I'm still old' and let it go at that. Lately though I've been giving it some real thought and I actually do feel a lot better. It's one of those things that's kinda hard to pin down, but I have thought of two key things I know lead to feeling better: I don't take ibuprofen every single day much less morning and night any more. I don't have to lay on the ground with my legs elevated to relieve my aching back anymore on a daily basis. The other thing is that I can see myself alive beyond the next 5-10 years now, obviously none of us know the future, but I definitely see myself in a more long term future than I did when I made the first post back in 2016. As 2017 winds down, I'm very close to breaking 300 lb mark, but just can't quite get there.  I'm confident it'll come in time. I did the high part of our christmas lights again

 I really thought I was due to update this week not last.  Gotta get better with my reminders!  Work has been absolutely nuts the last few weeks.  And looks like it'll keep up until Mid-December now!!! I finished October down 4 lbs and so far I'm down another 2 for November after only losing 1 in Sept.  Weight loss is definitely going slower, but I'm staying the course.  Averaging 16k steps per day and hitting up 9Round 3-4 times per week. A memory popped up from last November where I was cleaning out some clothes and found my old basketball shorts.  Here's a shot that clearly shows the progress made.  What a huge difference a year of 9Round has made to my physique and overall health.  70 lbs lost between these pictures!!! Next committed update 12/1/17.  It's gonna be crazy with work and Thanksgiving.

Holy cow not only is it October, it's nearly halloween!!! I'll be 42 on the 28th.  That's kinda hard to believe as well.  Seems time is flying by all the while it also seems like forever ago I started this journey. I am claiming the 125 lb mark this week!!  My weight loss has slowed some, my nutritionist says it's likely due to stress and the like.  I've been working on getting that under control.  I had a good conversation with my manager this past week, hopefully things will smooth out now that we've cleared the air some. Soccer season is winding down, but the last weekend of the season we have a soccer tourney in mooresville, a swim meet in greensboro and the largest release of the year at work.  Nah that won't make for a hectic weekend!!!  Oh well it's a few weeks away so no worries  right now I guess. I was doing some 5k training and running more the last few weeks, but had some knee pain so I've put that off again for awhile.  Maybe I

We are getting some cooler weather!  Fall has definitely arrived.  We go to Boone this weekend for soccer and are looking forward to doing some leaf looking. It occurred to me after my last post that I've been tracking my steps for a full year now as of the beginning of Sept.  My average step count for the last 3 months of 2016 was 12,920 and my average step count for this year so far is 16,094.  Overall I've walked 6,128,017 steps since Aug 27, 2016.  That equates to roughly 3,000 miles walked!!!  That is hiking from Murphy to Manteo the entire length of NC 6 times in one year. I'm down 124 lbs overall as of this morning which is encouraging.  Weight loss has slowed the last few weeks.  I really struggled to get up an walk this morning, more than I have in a long time.  I was so tempted to just cut the alarm off and plan to get some steps later in the day.  I pushed through though and completed day 3 of week three in the 5k training app.  Hey its only been about 6

Weight loss wise I've kinda stalled the last few weeks, even gained a pound here or there depending on the day.  My nutritionist thinks it's fine and likely related to stress.  (stress what's that?  ha but seriously it has been very hectic personally since school started and work is just nuts for the last 6 months!) Still hitting up 9round regularly and sticking to my calorie goals.  My clothes continue to fit better so my body is getting into better shape and folks really notice the changes more often now than anytime before on this journey. So for the first time in my kids lives I was able to ride the rides at the fair with them last weekend!  This was a pretty cool experience and I'm glad I was able to do it. First Ride I've ridden in nearly 20 years! Selfie with lil bit! Ok I'm starting to get a bit queasy! Seriously we are literally hanging upside down!!! Straight up about to barf!!! No worries I rallied to kill it on the

It was 53 degrees this morning when I went out to walk!!!  Fall has arrived, and will shortly be followed by a hurricane I suppose. We had a great trip at our Eclipse camp out.  It was  a lot of fun.  It also to me seemed to be a tipping point where I'm really seeing visible change after losing all this weight. Here is me doing a little Eclipse 101 talk with the kiddos: Here is our family and a nice picture of sunset the night before: Numerous folks have commented on my appearance in the last month.  Weight wise I've not lost since the last update, but I've also not been the best about what I've ate either. I had a gut punch last Friday.  A great friend/mentor/surrogate dad of mine passed away of a massive heart attack the night before.  I still can't really believe it's true, but it definitely validates for me that I'm making some good life decisions by losing weight and getting in better shape.  He will be sorely missed by me, his dau

Short update today before I head out Saturday for a long camping weekend.  We've been planning this trip for over a year. We are heading south to view the eclipse on Monday the 21st.  It should be an epic event.  I'm excited about it and not 100% what to expect.  I figure it will be unnerving and I'm confident we'll have a kid flip out and likely an adult. I've stayed the course and I'm down 121 lbs overall which is pretty incredible when I stop to think about it. Soccer season is back as of this week, which puts me back to going to 9Round in the mornings, I've had to shift my work schedule around some so on the days I go to 9Round I haven't been able to start my day with a walk, which means I need to walk in the evenings, but I'm usually at scouts or soccer so that hasn't been an issue. I've had a few ideas over the last few weeks of updates to or things to share, but I can't think of them now.  I'll have to start keeping tra

Been a hectic few weeks.  I've been crazy stressed at work due to time out, but the time off has been good so it's a fair trade off. My fitness goals have been off track some due to being out of pocket, I've not beaten my step count since May but July was better than June. I'm still hitting up 9round regularly when I'm in town, but like I said earlier have been out of pocket some. One thing I've noticed over the last few weeks is that it's odd not to be the guy in the worst shape in meetings at work and out and about.  It's a different experience for me. I was able to participate in the on the field experience at the college football hall of fame     I got an ugly look from a young buck when his wife told him he had to try it because his friend did and hey look at that old guy do it.  That was pretty hilarious.  Anyway we had fun there and that's definitely something I couldn't have done even this time last year. Weight wise

Our summer has been in full swing this year.  We've been to the mountains for Folk School camp, where I volunteered again this summer.  That week was an exhausting week, but it doomed my step totals.  I needed to average over 17k per day to top my May total, I came up about 8,000 steps short.  So far for July I'm averaging over 16.7k per day, which should easily beat my May step count.  I've been walking a lot in the mornings and some late afternoons.  I've worked remote some at the beach.  We swam the inlet between Sunset and Ocean Isle again.  I'm happy to report we all did much better this year.  It was tougher for me this year because both kids are stronger swimmers and I was struggling to keep up with them.  Surprisingly you can't seen much of a difference in our 2016 pic and our 2017 pic in my size.  But there's about 80 lbs less of me and my clothes are size 2x versus 5x. Pre-Swim 2016 Pre-Swim 2017 I finished the m

Well at least I'm consistent in missing my mark on updating this blog!!  Only 10 days late this time. Anyway I got off track on weight loss with the end of soccer and too many opportunities for sweets over the last month.  I've gotten back on track and back down now, overall I was down 105 lbs this am.  So that's good progress.  Also I got me a new pair of my beloved cargo shorts and was able to get a pair that was 12" smaller than my last pair!  Also got one pair another 2" even smaller that fit, but weren't quite as comfy as I like.  Hopefully by summers end both pairs will be baggier than they need to be. I did finish May with a higher step total and active calorie burn than April so my streak continues for now. It's a nice set of stair steps for now.  To beat May, I've got to average 17,050 steps for the month of June.  Not 100% sure I can get there, but through last night I was on track.   Next week will be interesting, I'll be

I'd planned to make my next update on 5/11, but I didn't. I was pretty overwhelmed by the response from my last post.  I shared the link on my personal FB page and also with my 9Round family.  The response was very positive, but like I said overwhelming.   Clearly my decision to keep the circle tight initially was a good one from my perspective.  I've never been great at accepting unsolicited advice no matter how well meant or proper it might be. I've stayed on track for the most part this month, even if my step count and burned calories may not beat my April totals for the month.   I did end up beating the counts for both in April.  We had a hectic weekend at the beach for soccer and I didn't lack in the step department for sure. 9Round is still going well and luckily my son is able to join me again some now that soccer is winding down.  I've got a neighbor that's joined as well, so hopefully we can go together some. As yard season has kicked ba

A couple weeks ago I took the time to re-read all of my blog entries over the last year.  It's amazing now to look back at where I was and think back about it. One thing I want to do is thank several folks who've been very encouraging over the year, my wife especially for her support and willingness to change our routines to accommodate me not to mention the money we've spent of shoes, trackers and gym memberships.  Also I've greatly appreciated the support from the CAD Brethren , you guys have been awesome particularly Zhunzi and Capwilson.  It's great to know you always have someone in your corner. Also the life coach nutritionist at work has been a great help.  I think going in I kept the circle tight on this journey, because I wasn't sure if I'd flame out like I have a number of other times.  In the last few weeks, I've been amazed at the support from other family and friends who've noticed the weight loss.  I'm very thankful for the su

I'll get a more substantial post for the anniversary of this journey together, but I officially down 100 lbs today. It's a great accomplishment.  I'm very proud to have gotten here.  Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Phil

Biggest update for this week is that I did download a couch to 5k app nearly 2 weeks ago.  Of course that is all I did for awhile. I did the first 2 days of the app on Mon & Tue of this past week.  Hope to do day 3 later today or tomorrow.  I'll probably spend 2 weeks on days 2 and 3, it seems to ramp up pretty good on this program.  It's pretty hard, but is going better than I'd have thought. I finished March with a higher step and calorie total than my previous months again.  For April I'll have to average over 16k steps to beat that total.  So far I'm on track, but that level isn't always sustainable, I'm just focused on doing what I can. I'm nearing the year anniversary of documenting my journey, so I'll try to have a more substantial update for my next update. Next committed update 4/27/16

We've had 3 seasons so far this March.  We actually caved and turned the AC on last night, we were hoping to wait until April, but it was 84 upstairs in the house!!! I've decided I need a little more cardio in my workouts, ok the results from my biometric screening say that I need a little more cardio.  It is supposed to boost my 'good' cholesterol.  It's a bit lower than it should be.  Overall though all my numbers for the screening were good.  They just said if I add some additional cardio that should help bring that number up.  That or start eating tuna and salmon.  I elected on some cardio!!! I tried running as far as I could on my morning walk every other song.  I optimistically thought I'd be able to run the entire song, ha how wrong I was!!!  I did pretty well though and made it back to the house in 30 minutes.  So that made the goal I missed last labor day.   Encouraged by that success and not quite trusting of UP app data, I used the Map

Spring/summer showed up Mid-January and we thought it was here to stay.  I've been involved in scouting since my son started about 7 years ago.  For at least 5 of those I've put off taking an adult training course on camping.  Given the mild weather this year and only one soccer game as a conflict last weekend I decided to get it out of the way, so that if I want to help with my son's troop in the future I'll have it taken care of. Well wouldn't ya know winter finally decided to make an appearance: Such fun camping in low 30s with an inch or two of snow to deal with packing up the last day, but I'm glad its over with and handled. I've not been actively involved at the troop level since my son crossed over last March.  The last year of scouting I dreaded it each week because my shirt didn't grow with me over the years.  It fit much better this weekend: Not to long an update, but it's what I got at this point.  I'm sticking wit

First I want to highlight the impact starting 9Round has made on my journey.  My overall health is greatly improved and I've been going now for just over 3 months.  From a statistical stand point it's a very clear success.  From May 14th, when my bathroom scale starting giving me something other than E, through Nov 13th my average weekly weight loss was 1.33 lbs.  From Nov 13 to to Feb 28 my weekly weight loss average jumped to 1.60 lbs.  That is an increase of 20%.  My average monthly weight loss jumped from 3 lbs to 8 lbs. From Jan 1 to Nov 13 I had lost 59 lbs, from Nov 13 to Feb 28 I've lost  28 lbs. 1/2 the weight in 3 months that I lost in the previous 11!!! You can also see this jump visually in the charts I'm using to track my journey in excel. Random Musings: I've said it before, but I'll mention it again.  It is so refreshing and encouraging to fit in chairs.  I was recently at a meeting at a local school with auditorium seating.  It was

I've been averaging nearly 16k steps per day for the month of February.  I didn't really set out to, I just knew the month had 3 less days than the last couple and didn't want my month total to drop off too much.  Not sure if I'll keep it up through the end of the month, but I'm on track to top my 435,410 from December. At some point a month will have to be a lower step count but for now every month since September I've increased my monthly count.  Now with soccer season picking back up and hours waiting at the field on practice I've been getting some extra steps in. I've had to adjust to going to 9Round some mornings to be able to make it to soccer in the evenings.  It's been a tough adjustment, but I'm still making it there 4 times per week most weeks. My weight fell slightly below 350 last week for the first time I can remember in years and years.  I'm still taking the slow and stead approach but the downward trend continues. Next

I've always heard and read about the news years bump in gym memberships.  This year I've witnessed it first hand.  At the end of December, most days we'd be alone at the gym with the trainers or maybe 2-3 other people. Since the start of year it's been crazy busy every time we've been.  Hopefully folks stick with it.  It's been great for me, although its getting tougher to work in each week now that soccer and OM are in full swing.   I think I've got a routine established now though. I'm down 78 Lbs overall now and 8 for the year.  Using the Jawbone tracker has the benefit that I can download the data.  I've shared a chart or two before, but here are some snap shots as of today.  I find the data informative and helpful to see progress in black and white. Here is a graph of the overall weight loss plotted out.  The downward slope looks encouraging. Here is a graph of my weekly weight loss averages, you see a lot of inconsistencies week to

The start of the new year has been hectic.  We've had a little wintry weather and some 70s all in the same week.  Welcome to NC.  I enjoyed sledding with the kiddos some, hopefully we'll get a bigger snow later in the year, but we really don't get good snows that often here. I've done well with my activity level, still walking every day and going to 9Round 3-4 times a week. I'm getting to be in pretty decent shape.  I can do more of the activities without modifications, which is a blessing and a curse.  Let's just say max-freeze and ibuprofen are definitely my companions these days. My weight loss has slowed some, but I'm down 2 lbs since the first of the year so that is still progress.  I've got to be more faithful to my snacking and watch the sweet intake, but I'm confident with our new year schedule getting back into routine I'll settle back in. Short update, but I wanted to get an update in. Next committed update 2-2-17

We had a great Holiday Season.  I'm working some this morning, but the smoker is loaded with our new years meal. Lots went wrong in 2016, but I've finished strong with my committment to get in better health.  I finished the year down 70 lbs and in much better shape. We met some friends at the park last Friday for a pickup soccer game.  I was able to play, not very well, and we played for 2 hours.  The only negative outcome other than my poor play was a blister on my foot.  That is amazing to me. I'm continuing at 9Round and it's making a tremendous difference in my physical abilities.  It's always tough and you're generally sore afterwards, but it's definitely an endorphine high.  I can say though I'm looking forward to the new years rush, the last few weeks folks have been laying out which means more devoted trainer time.  A couple times we were the only folks in the gym.  Those make for some killer workouts. I'm looking forward to a good 20