This is inspiring. I've been on an emotional weight roller coaster. Maybe 6 years ago I hit my heaviest, 250lbs. With some good inspiration I bottomed out at 190 pounds 2 years ago. With some personal turmoil recently I'm back up to 230.
I've had some...unkind people in my life, lets say. I tend to be very hard on myself and my best friend recently said "When you do it, you'll be able to say 'we couldda gotten here with kindness' " and that has been my rallying cry. I'm trying to be kind to myself while still pushing myself to be more active.
This article touches a lot and I want to say more but my lawyers are advising me to stop haha
3- I ran (walked is more accurate) a half marathon in December 2016 with almost no preparation. It was awful. Took almost 4 hours for me to complete. I was the second to last person to finish, that's because I had a running buddy at the back of the pack but when the finish line came in to view I was like "no way i'm gonna be last" and I pushed ahead. Not my proudest moment. The party was packing up and they were going to turn off the timer at the 4 hour mark. I came in at 3:55 i think.
4- Kettlebell is supposedly the best single exercise you can do for strength and conditioning. Gotta do something else for weightloss, but a kettlebell supposedly helps a lot. I'm still trying to get my routine ironed out.
5- I'll join you. I'm trying to get to 190 again, I'm at 233 as of today. Meet you at the goal in December, buddy!
Believe in yourself and compete against yourself - you've made great progress. With weight over 200lbs you may find stairs to be beneficial with some 'quick' results: good for leg strength, endurance, stamina, definition; burns calories, lower intensity (unless running) and some studies show lower intensity with some resistance burns more fat; enhances cardiovascular.
Goals are good but don't worry about weight too too much; the weight you are taking off now will be more difficult than the previous and partially due to muscle development.
Just keep on going and keep on believing in yourself.
I have had dramatic weight loss but developed a really unhealthy relationship with food and exercise in the process. So now I'm working on doing things with a healthy mindset and a healthy approach
I may have to accuse you of inspiration! Great vulnerable journey. I had to double check your name and your title, Peregrino- what a great one. It seems to mean pilgrim or traveler , or. . . But it's great! I ran in the day, more wandering as my coaches may attest(!), but it is the journey. Happy to run with you.
Dear just mud, thank you! And that's right, Peregrino means pilgrim. I'm all about the journey we call life and I'm glad to have you on board, welcome.
Thanks for sharing. Many of us can relate, especially as fathers who want to hang around to watch our kids grow up. My wake-up call was eating garbage despite being diabetic, then winding up a week in the hospital with pancreatitis. Down 65 lbs this year (down to 235-240 lbs--fluctuates) and off insulin. I tried to turn it into a spiritual thing: I fast for diet but then pray more (though maybe I’m praying the hunger away).
I like praying the hunger away. I'm going to start using it. Oh, you're hungry? Pray stations of the cross and if you're still hungry afterwards you can eat.
Wonderful reflection Walther. Weight has been an issue for my family my whole life. My mom struggled with her weight and was at times very hard on herself which was difficult to see. Especially because I have some of the same tendencies.
My “dramatic weight loss” was not that dramatic. But sophomore year in high school (i know…) I was overweight, sedentary and very discouraged. I weighed close to 200 lbs. I had seen my mom struggle and I wanted to be different, so I cut out sweet tea and all soda and got active. I ran cross country, played soccer and tennis and dropped something like 30 pounds in a year. I’ve been able to pretty much maintain that size ever since with the exception of 2015. That’s when I gained about 20 lbs after getting my first job after college. But got serious again and dropped back to around 170. Probably up to 185 now but there had been no working out since the baby came in June. Thankfully the constant yard work around here has helped me not gain too much. I even think it’s helped me gain some muscle!
No equipment necessary for me. I prefer running. But only 5K races for me. Wouldn’t count out a 10K in the future but have no interests in marathons. Not sure why, just never have. Best 5K time is 21 min. back in college.
Favorite “health meal” would probably be Moroccan-spiced lentils with naan bread.
I'm a big fan of not drinking my calories but man, that sweet tea is hard to say no to. It's important to stay active even if it's just yard work like you mention. I think that in the almost eight years I've been a dad I've gained about 80 lbs and I know that's not optimal. I want to play with my kids and take them on adventures. I'm still doing that, but I know I'm slightly limited, my knees started hurting, I was getting winded. All this to say, I think as fathers we owe our wife and children being healthy.
1. Have you had a dramatic weight loss? How was it?
I've struggled with obesity all my life. I had a good fitness experience in the Army, obviously the most fit i have ever been and likely will be. That was several decades ago. Unsurprisingly the weight came back fairly quickly when i got out. I had been a gym fiend for several years before i joined the army, and did jog fairly regularly, but i had ZERO dietary discipline and ALL the wrong dietary knowledge. So, i was still fat, even throughout my time in military i struggled. I drank A LOT of alcohol. My idea of calorie restriction was skipping dinner if i planned to go out drinking, which was a very regular occurrence.
In 2020 i did keto/intermittent fasting for four months straight, brutally strict. I frequently fasted one full day a week. I lost nearly one pants size every month.
2. What’s your favorite health food?
Beef! It's what's for dinner! And bacon, naturally
3. Have you run a 5K/10K/half/full marathon?
No, but we ran a lot in the Army. Regular four-milers for four years. At my peak,i once did an eight-miler in August heat with ease.
4. If you could only have one piece of equipment for your garage gym. What would it be?
Dumbbells. The Army taught me how to train my body without any exercise equipment at all. So, there is that. I haven't really used the kettle bells, but they have potential to be a superior choice over dumbbells.
5. Will Walther drop to 113 kg (250 lbs) by December?
I'm doing ADF so 36:12 but pretty relaxed on the days that I eat so I've lost about 15lbs in 5 weeks or so. Starting to exercise every other day, hopefully that helps accelerate the weight loss to get to 250 by Christmas!
36:12 sounds great! I normally do the 18:6 and try to work a full day in there frequently. That sounds a lot like your 36:12, but less structured. OMAD is pretty effective too.
Beef? Simple sirloin or T-Bone, i'n not picky except that i buy local farm beef, grass fed. Season with salt & pepper, sear it in cast iron, finish in the oven to medium temps.
I like my bacon crispy and crunchy. I am also a big fan of Scrapple, cooked extra crispy. It's a Pennsylvania-Dutch thing i think. Grew up on that. Eggs (again, farm fresh) are a huge part of my diet. Over sleazy, please! Cheese also. Keto is a very satisfying diet plan!
I'm not doing any weightlifting right now. But i already have the dumbbells. If i were to dedicate myself to a routine, i would try kettle bells. But i'm not there yet. Light calisthenics and a lot of walking right now. I've let myself go again... got to work on stamina AND discipline. That last one is the hard part.
What a great story. I know some people who have had bariatric surgery. Some went with gastric sleeves; others went with lap band. They’ve all had great results, but the thing that people don’t understand is that even with those procedures losing weight is still a choice… and it’s a choice that has to be made every day.
Congratulations on your journey. Keep going. Your knees will thank you one day.
What a beautiful, real story of how running and working out have changed, or really saved you life. I really appreciate. I'm also an avid runner and hiker, and have found it works wonders for my emotional and mental health. Physical health too, of course.
This is inspiring. I've been on an emotional weight roller coaster. Maybe 6 years ago I hit my heaviest, 250lbs. With some good inspiration I bottomed out at 190 pounds 2 years ago. With some personal turmoil recently I'm back up to 230.
I've had some...unkind people in my life, lets say. I tend to be very hard on myself and my best friend recently said "When you do it, you'll be able to say 'we couldda gotten here with kindness' " and that has been my rallying cry. I'm trying to be kind to myself while still pushing myself to be more active.
This article touches a lot and I want to say more but my lawyers are advising me to stop haha
3- I ran (walked is more accurate) a half marathon in December 2016 with almost no preparation. It was awful. Took almost 4 hours for me to complete. I was the second to last person to finish, that's because I had a running buddy at the back of the pack but when the finish line came in to view I was like "no way i'm gonna be last" and I pushed ahead. Not my proudest moment. The party was packing up and they were going to turn off the timer at the 4 hour mark. I came in at 3:55 i think.
4- Kettlebell is supposedly the best single exercise you can do for strength and conditioning. Gotta do something else for weightloss, but a kettlebell supposedly helps a lot. I'm still trying to get my routine ironed out.
5- I'll join you. I'm trying to get to 190 again, I'm at 233 as of today. Meet you at the goal in December, buddy!
Yeah, practicing empathy on yourself can be challenging but not impossible.
LOL I can totally relate to that thought of "I will not be the last one" and pushing that other runner out of the way.
Kettlebell can turn held with weight loss! Obviously, disclaimer: consult your physician before starting any exercise program. *washes hands*
Yeah buddy! Let's go! Nothing like posting on the internet that you're going to do something so people keep you accountable.
Hey, great work! If you put in the time and effort the results will come.
4. Pull-up bar or heavy bag.
Hey Mason, thanks for reading and the encouragement!
You're welcome.
Keep up the good work man!
Believe in yourself and compete against yourself - you've made great progress. With weight over 200lbs you may find stairs to be beneficial with some 'quick' results: good for leg strength, endurance, stamina, definition; burns calories, lower intensity (unless running) and some studies show lower intensity with some resistance burns more fat; enhances cardiovascular.
Goals are good but don't worry about weight too too much; the weight you are taking off now will be more difficult than the previous and partially due to muscle development.
Just keep on going and keep on believing in yourself.
Good luck.
I have had dramatic weight loss but developed a really unhealthy relationship with food and exercise in the process. So now I'm working on doing things with a healthy mindset and a healthy approach
Favorite healthy meal? Grilled anything!
I have full confidence you will crush your goals
I can picture you as Candace Cameron in that episode of Full House where she works out non stop. Thank you for the encouragement. I love you!
P.S. I'm married to her :)
I may have to accuse you of inspiration! Great vulnerable journey. I had to double check your name and your title, Peregrino- what a great one. It seems to mean pilgrim or traveler , or. . . But it's great! I ran in the day, more wandering as my coaches may attest(!), but it is the journey. Happy to run with you.
Dear just mud, thank you! And that's right, Peregrino means pilgrim. I'm all about the journey we call life and I'm glad to have you on board, welcome.
Alright let's do this!
Congrats on the half-marathon and, once again, beautiful, honest piece.
Thanks man, I appreciate it!
Thanks for sharing. Many of us can relate, especially as fathers who want to hang around to watch our kids grow up. My wake-up call was eating garbage despite being diabetic, then winding up a week in the hospital with pancreatitis. Down 65 lbs this year (down to 235-240 lbs--fluctuates) and off insulin. I tried to turn it into a spiritual thing: I fast for diet but then pray more (though maybe I’m praying the hunger away).
Stay strong, brother! 65 lbs down is amazing!
I like praying the hunger away. I'm going to start using it. Oh, you're hungry? Pray stations of the cross and if you're still hungry afterwards you can eat.
Wonderful reflection Walther. Weight has been an issue for my family my whole life. My mom struggled with her weight and was at times very hard on herself which was difficult to see. Especially because I have some of the same tendencies.
My “dramatic weight loss” was not that dramatic. But sophomore year in high school (i know…) I was overweight, sedentary and very discouraged. I weighed close to 200 lbs. I had seen my mom struggle and I wanted to be different, so I cut out sweet tea and all soda and got active. I ran cross country, played soccer and tennis and dropped something like 30 pounds in a year. I’ve been able to pretty much maintain that size ever since with the exception of 2015. That’s when I gained about 20 lbs after getting my first job after college. But got serious again and dropped back to around 170. Probably up to 185 now but there had been no working out since the baby came in June. Thankfully the constant yard work around here has helped me not gain too much. I even think it’s helped me gain some muscle!
No equipment necessary for me. I prefer running. But only 5K races for me. Wouldn’t count out a 10K in the future but have no interests in marathons. Not sure why, just never have. Best 5K time is 21 min. back in college.
Favorite “health meal” would probably be Moroccan-spiced lentils with naan bread.
And I believe you can do it Walther! Keep at it!
I'm a big fan of not drinking my calories but man, that sweet tea is hard to say no to. It's important to stay active even if it's just yard work like you mention. I think that in the almost eight years I've been a dad I've gained about 80 lbs and I know that's not optimal. I want to play with my kids and take them on adventures. I'm still doing that, but I know I'm slightly limited, my knees started hurting, I was getting winded. All this to say, I think as fathers we owe our wife and children being healthy.
Oh man, now I want lentils.
Thank you for the encouragement!
"All this to say, I think as fathers we owe our wife and children being healthy."
I could not agree more!
Answering your questions:
1. Have you had a dramatic weight loss? How was it?
I've struggled with obesity all my life. I had a good fitness experience in the Army, obviously the most fit i have ever been and likely will be. That was several decades ago. Unsurprisingly the weight came back fairly quickly when i got out. I had been a gym fiend for several years before i joined the army, and did jog fairly regularly, but i had ZERO dietary discipline and ALL the wrong dietary knowledge. So, i was still fat, even throughout my time in military i struggled. I drank A LOT of alcohol. My idea of calorie restriction was skipping dinner if i planned to go out drinking, which was a very regular occurrence.
In 2020 i did keto/intermittent fasting for four months straight, brutally strict. I frequently fasted one full day a week. I lost nearly one pants size every month.
2. What’s your favorite health food?
Beef! It's what's for dinner! And bacon, naturally
3. Have you run a 5K/10K/half/full marathon?
No, but we ran a lot in the Army. Regular four-milers for four years. At my peak,i once did an eight-miler in August heat with ease.
4. If you could only have one piece of equipment for your garage gym. What would it be?
Dumbbells. The Army taught me how to train my body without any exercise equipment at all. So, there is that. I haven't really used the kettle bells, but they have potential to be a superior choice over dumbbells.
5. Will Walther drop to 113 kg (250 lbs) by December?
You can! Will you?
I'm doing ADF so 36:12 but pretty relaxed on the days that I eat so I've lost about 15lbs in 5 weeks or so. Starting to exercise every other day, hopefully that helps accelerate the weight loss to get to 250 by Christmas!
Favorite beef cut? Bacon: crispy or chewy?
Give kettlebells a chance!
Thank you for reading!
36:12 sounds great! I normally do the 18:6 and try to work a full day in there frequently. That sounds a lot like your 36:12, but less structured. OMAD is pretty effective too.
Beef? Simple sirloin or T-Bone, i'n not picky except that i buy local farm beef, grass fed. Season with salt & pepper, sear it in cast iron, finish in the oven to medium temps.
I like my bacon crispy and crunchy. I am also a big fan of Scrapple, cooked extra crispy. It's a Pennsylvania-Dutch thing i think. Grew up on that. Eggs (again, farm fresh) are a huge part of my diet. Over sleazy, please! Cheese also. Keto is a very satisfying diet plan!
I'm not doing any weightlifting right now. But i already have the dumbbells. If i were to dedicate myself to a routine, i would try kettle bells. But i'm not there yet. Light calisthenics and a lot of walking right now. I've let myself go again... got to work on stamina AND discipline. That last one is the hard part.
What a great story. I know some people who have had bariatric surgery. Some went with gastric sleeves; others went with lap band. They’ve all had great results, but the thing that people don’t understand is that even with those procedures losing weight is still a choice… and it’s a choice that has to be made every day.
Congratulations on your journey. Keep going. Your knees will thank you one day.
Absolutely, surgery is not a magic bullet. Thank you for reading!
I meant to say "silver" bullet. I need coffee.
What a beautiful, real story of how running and working out have changed, or really saved you life. I really appreciate. I'm also an avid runner and hiker, and have found it works wonders for my emotional and mental health. Physical health too, of course.
I look forward to reading more Peregrino.
Thank you for reading!