Getting Serious

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I haven't had much success over the past couple of weeks (I can probably safely blame the beer), even though I have been close to my goal on most days. I currently have it set to 2 lb / week, but even though I haven't quite hit that mark on average I haven't actually been losing weight at all. I clearly need to be cooking more often.

I suspect if I become a more active participant I might do a little bit better at actually staying closer to the goal. So, I thought I'd introduce myself.

My name is John, and I'm in my mid-thirties and in Northern Illinois trying to lose about 20 lbs (from 210 to 190 at 6'0). I run most days, although I've only recently begun tracking EVERY run. I am currently at 17 miles per week, and am thinking about taking that to 20 lbs a week for awhile and see where I want to go from there.

I also lift 3x a week, although I don't track that on here. I mostly focus on Squat, Deadlift, Bench, and Press with some ancillary work as well. I'm by no means close to where I want to be strengthwise, and I recognize that for the short term I'm going to have to accept that I'm probably not going to get much closer. Once I get down to 190 I can re-focus on that.

Outside of the relevant fitness information, I'm an engineer and Navy veteran who likes baseball, pub quiz, craft beer, and horror movies. I think that's the standard issue interests for most guys my age.

Replies

  • aliem
    aliem Posts: 326 Member
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    Good luck! Cooking more will definitely help. If you are in a net deficit and are still not losing, you might be eating more calories than you intend. Maybe a scale (and home cooking) will do the trick! You can do it!
  • Hoveringsock
    Hoveringsock Posts: 10 Member
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    Thank you, I appreciate that. You're right I probably am eating more than I intend. I do weigh the food I prepare myself, but I've been slipping a lot lately. If you couple that with avoiding chain restaurants and it becomes a guessing game. I did make four dinners and freeze three tonight, though! I'll try to do another four or five this weekend, too.
  • aliem
    aliem Posts: 326 Member
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    Great job! Baby steps!
  • mandi1020
    mandi1020 Posts: 26 Member
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    Welcome! MFP has some good recipe ideas, if you need or want them (some might even pair well with craft beer, if you're so inclined). I'm jealous of your running mileage; I ran a marathon once and looking back on it, I have no effing clue how.

    Anyway, it's all diligence and motivation with a bit of frustration and backtracking (I mean, sometimes, you just wanna sit on the couch with some terrible comfort food). You sound like you have a pretty decent base. It'll get easier, even if it comes slower.

    Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like. Have a great day!
  • Hoveringsock
    Hoveringsock Posts: 10 Member
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    I'm debating training for a marathon next year. We'll see what the Spring holds.