OK, time to get uber serious about hitting some intermediate goals, and August seems like the time to do it...just because.

1) - Hit 195 by...
2) No alcohol 5 out of seven days. No beer at all like amisnercpa is doing is just crazy talk, brother. I'd die.
3) Cardio 3x per week, Weights 3x per week.

That's about all I'm going to strive for just so I don't set myself up for a complete failure. I'm stuck at 203 for the last 3 weeks and I need to do something different or I'll never get into those 36/34 jeans. This should be a start...go AUGUST!

I like this idea by Amisnercpa

*1) Reduce stomach circumference by 1/2 inch. Will measure on the morning of July 31st

SW: 240
CW:211
GW: now set at 185

Exercise combo 5x per week. A mix of cardio, circuit training and yoga.
Start mixing in free weights 1x per week
Lose 6lbs (205)

reduce chest and waist measurements by 1/2"

-Rich

4) No beer in August.

Saw this posting today from a local brewery (River Horse Brewing Co.).

Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink, I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think, "It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."

Babe Ruth

1. log 20 miles running
2. log 200 miles biking
3. lose 4.5 pounds
4. strength workout 2x per week

August goals.

1. Lose 6 lbs. Goal weight 225.
2. Continue strength training 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes per session.
3. Add 5-10 minutes of warms ups, before workouts, and 5 minutes of stretching at the end.

Goal update at almost the midpoint:

- Complete 4 weeks of New Rules of Lifting Break-In workouts

Finished week 1 on Friday, in spite of being in Pittsburg (hometown is Seattle) ... I belong to a decent sized gym, with facilities all over the US, turns out there was another facility just a couple miles from my hotel. So, took a cab over Fri AM and worked out.

- No beer for the whole month (first 5 days are a success already)

So far, even while traveling. Had a few vodka/sodas, bit of wine. No beer.

- Get from 198 to 195 with serious rigor on my eating.

Eating has been pretty solid, no real cheats. No processed foods, no refined carbs, no pastas, breads, etc. This ought to show up in my next weigh-in, which is at Labor Day weekend.

- Increase my protein intake to at least 120g a day (which is not exactly easy, it turns out)

Well, so far I am averaging much higher on protein than I had been in the past. Last week I averaged 150g protein a day. This is slightly better than 1g per pound of lean body mass. It's a bit expensive, though.

- smoke at least one beautiful, not available in the US, cigar while in Australia this month :-D

Well, I will update on that while I'm in Sydney next week!

For August:
1) Continue to stay under my allotted net calories, 90%
2) Continue the walks 4-5x weekly, for 80 miles
3) Continue my strength training 4x weekly
4) Add sit-ups/crunches and push-ups to my daily routine

* Get to 185 lbs or below

I guess we're at the half-way point. As usual, I've done good with my eating, I've logged nine brisk walks for 38 miles, and nine 1-hr sessions with free weights. I have added a few sit-ups/push-ups, but really haven't gotten it into my routine. It's a work in progress, and just need to fit it in.

Oh, and I've dropped 3 1/2 pounds, down to 187.2.

August goals.

1. Lose 6 lbs. Goal weight 225.
2. Continue strength training 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes per session.
3. Add 5-10 minutes of warm ups, before workouts, and 5 minutes of stretching at the end.

Down to 226, 1 lbs from August goal. Maintaining calories around 2030-2100.
Got 3 sessions in for the week, could have been 4 but slacked off.
Sticking with warm ups and stretching, pre and post workouts.
Tracking my sodium intake seems to have helped my blood pressure. Back down to 120s/80s.
NSV success - Had to downsize in to my 42" pants. I have 44s and 42s in my wardrobe. 44s had gotten to large. Also had to go out today and buy a 42" belt.

Hope everyone has a good week. Rest day tomorrow.

Hey thanks for the support. I appreciate it. I was checking out the August challenge updates and have to say I'm impressed. Will definitely keep an eye out for the September Challenge. Very cool.

Okay, I'm going to do my update on my August challenge today rather than tomorrow. I am very happy and I need to give all you guys props for the monthly challenge that helped me keep on track. Thanks all of you!

- Complete 4 weeks of New Rules of Lifting Break-In workouts
- No beer for the whole month (first 5 days are a success already)
- Get from 198 to 195 with serious rigor on my eating.
- Increase my protein intake to at least 120g a day (which is not exactly easy, it turns out)
- smoke at least one beautiful, not available in the US, cigar while in Australia this month :-D

- I have completed 11 of my 12 New Rules of Lifting Break-In workouts. I will do my 12th workout tomorrow morning.

- So, I drank one beer this month. There was a single IPA left in the beer fridge and I drank it Monday night. Not quite success, but considering my normal monthly beer consumption ....

- I lost 4.5 lbs this month ... My calorie deficit should have had me going from 198 to 195, not 193.5. I won't argue.

- I actually was averaging much closer to 140g protein a day.

- Yes, I had a great Cohiba while I was in Australia!

I also dropped an inch from my abdomen, 1/2" on my waist, gained 1/4" on my biceps and maintained my neck. I think that will add up to a 2% decrease in body fat next time I have it checked. I was able to progressively load my lifts every single workout, too. I may have one more thing to add to this later today. We will see.

Lou, awesome on the weight loss though .... you are getting really close to that goal weight!