get in shape

I’m calling this done I will add a new entry for getting down to the level that I want to but I’d call myself ‘in shape’ now. I can run several miles, I can last an entire 2 hour capoeira class.

I don’t get it. I’m up to Capoeira twice a week now. I’ve got WAY more stamina and lower body strength than I have i years and this past month and a half my bodyfat has gone up about 1/2 a percent. It really pisses me off every time I step on the scale.
Stupid winter.
I’m actually going to have to start watching what I eat.

Right around christmas I looked at myself in the mirror and liked what I saw. I mean I’ve never been bad but I’m pretty damned close to what I’m going for.
Of course one of my other goals, Write a cookbook, is conflicting with this one. I’ve been baking cheesecake and brownies. That sorta makes the loosing weight thing hard.

So I got a scale that doesn’t suck and it put me abount the middle of 20% when I got it. two weeks later I’m down to the middle of nineteen.
I haven’t lost any weight since the big ~15 pound drop but I’ve seen a number of other improvements.
I’ve got more energy overall. I’m still a big coffee fan but I no longer NEED it the way I used to.
My stamina is going up. Last night at Capoeira was REALLY hard and I kept up for almost all of it. We did things I’ve always had trouble with and I managed to pull them off.
I have seen other improvements as well.
knock wood I seem to be doing it better this time. I’m still only excersizing once or twice a week. I’ve had some historical issues with my knees and wrists that I don’t want to cause problems with. I’m going easy on them and talking with a sport focused physical therapist so I get them to the point where they need to be. four months ago I could have knee pain just sitting in a chair. Yesterday I did Capoeira (which can be rough on the kneees if you aren’t prepaired) and I didn’t feel a twinge.

I’ve lost about 15 pounds and the little body fat scale puts me at 23% instead of 27%.
I’m thinking of canning this goal soon to turn it into something more measurable but I can’t think of how to write it (suggestions are welcome.)
I look better than I have in YEARS and I’ve got more energy. I was surprised by that second one. I just drink less coffee than I used to. I still love coffee but I no longer REQUIRE it in the mornings.
Looks wise it’s subtle. I can fluctuate 10 lbs without anyone other than my wife noticing however it’s just started showing in my face. I’m going to shave off my beard today and see what I look like. ^_
I wonder what I’d weigh without this spare tire. I’ve still got a bit in the front so it still shows from the side view but from the front you pretty much can’t tell I’m still a little overweight.

Been working on this for about 4-6 weeks now. The plan is to start taking Capoeira lessons again but right now I can’t afford it. The impetus to excercise actually came from wanting to be in shape enough to participate in class and not be crippled for 3 days afterwards. If you’ve never experienced it Capoeira is the most physically difficult thing I have ever done in my life. Beats rock climbin gymnatics and weight lifting hands down. Also beats moving that damned corner dresser up a flight of stairs by myself but that’s another story.
Happy news is I’ve dropped 10-15 pounds since I started. I know hate me I loose weight and build muscle fast. Be jelous.