Colo Alex - Finding 'me' Journey

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by monet0329

yay for that scale moving.. thats awesome !!!

It IS awesome!!

[Colo Alex]

September 18, 2007

Tuesday. Yesterday was great! Eating was right on and I got in my good hike at lunch. The scale was kind again today and dropped a little. I’m now closer to the 180’s than I am the 200’s!!!

I used my new trekking poles on the hike. I felt like a dork. I was not very coordinated and I felt like they slowed me down. I think they will be very useful in the mountains when I am climbing especially at a slower pace. I could tell they were taking some stress off my knees. My arms started to get tired however! (I should really start lifting weights again.)

Tomorrow, Bev and I are going to go after our first 14er. Mount Sherman. We leave tonight and will stay in Frisco overnight. I hope to be at the trailhead (about 1 hour from Frisco) by 7am. I am both excited and nervous. It will probably be cold up there but at least I won’t be too hot!!

I’m not hiking at lunch today. I want to go into tomorrows climb rested. I never thought in a million years that I would be doing this. It’s funny how life changes.

Life is good.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 193.8
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

September 20, 2007

Thursday. Yesterday was a great day. We did it. We climbed our first 14er. Mount Sherman at 14,035 feet was amazing. It took a little while to get used to the thin air. But after about 45 minutes, I was doing pretty well. It was steep in places, and it was hard but it was SO worth it. There were places like the ridge that were a little scary but we just kept going. We left the trailhead at 8:30am and reached the summit in about 3 hours. We were much quicker coming down. There was snow from about 13,000 ft and up. Not bad but it made the trek a little tougher. The only bad thing of the day was a wicked leg cramp I got about half way down. I had to stop and get it under control and that took a while. Then it was pretty slow going the rest of the way down, as I had to baby my leg so it wouldn’t re-cramp. I still need to figure out how to prevent this. A leg cramp at home is one thing; on a mountain it is a totally different problem. I need to get a handle on this.

So here I am on the verge of turning 43. I have lost over 100 pounds and I’ve climbed a 14,000-foot mountain. I have to say that I am really pleased with myself. I’m not to goal weight, but I’m doing pretty well and I know that I will get there. I do know that my original goal of 185 is not low enough. After I get there I will just keep going and see what my body decides is my ideal weight.

When I weighed 297 I couldn’t tie my shoes without huffing and puffing and it was a struggle. Now, I’m hiking and exercising and eating right and enjoying life. What an unbelievable change I have seen in myself.

The journey continues.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 193.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Alex.......:notwrthy :

You are a true inspiration !!!.. THANKS!!

sorry didnt check in to wish you two luck for yesterday.. but it seems you didn't need any.. .. sorry about the leg crap.. dang.. but have really hurt.. glad you made it down though and all went great besides that.. are you gonna show some pictures? I will check in tonight form home so I can see them ..if not.. tis ok...

ok gotta run.. big hugs my friend.. !!

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by monet0329

Alex.......:notwrthy :

You are a true inspiration !!!.. THANKS!!

No Monet, YOU are an inspiration and an amazing person. Thanks for all the encouragement.

[Colo Alex]

September 21, 2007

Friday. Well, I’m 43 today. I can’t believe another year has come and gone. I feel really good about the way I’ve managed to stay on plan this year and maintain my weight loss. I’m under 200 like I wanted so that is good. I still have a bunch of weight to lose but I’m really in a good place right now. I’ve accomplished some big things in the first nine months of this year. I’ve lost 50 pounds since January, and 103 pounds overall. I wear 34x34 pants (I just bought some 33x34’s last night!!!) and size L shirts. It is truly amazing.

I would like to get an appointment for a physical with my doctor. It has been at least 5 years since my last. I think I need to see how all the things on the “inside” are doing.

I’ve had some ups and downs with my eating this year but I’ve managed to maintain or lose throughout the year. That is a big deal for me as I haven’t been able to keep at it for more than 6 months. This is new territory for me. I am still learning a lot about who I am and how food and emotions and life affect me, but I am winning.

I haven’t been journaling much about the food I eat so I thought I would enter some typical meals.

B: Two-egg omelet with ham and Swiss.
I have this for breakfast nearly every day.

I will occasionally have hot cereal like oatmeal. If I do I try to eat a protein along with it.

L: Chicken Salad
This is a can of Tyson Chicken Breast Chunks and a chopped hardboiled egg mixed together with a tablespoon of mayonnaise. With this I have 5 or 6 black olives and a dill pickle spear. Sometimes I may have a chunk of cheese.

Sometimes I use a can of Tuna instead of Chicken.

L: Salad
This is just a bunch of lettuce with some chicken or tuna, a little cheese, some ranch dressing and maybe some sunflower seeds.

D: Meat and Veggies.
Chicken, Pork, Beef and Fish: I try to eat leaner types of meat, and keep beef to a minimum. I find I do better digesting chicken and fish rather than beef or pork. I try to grill a lot. That way I’m not adding lots of unnecessary fats or calories to the food. I do like to fry chicken breasts (boneless & skinless) in just a little bit of Pam. Then top with some shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream. The fish I love the most is Halibut or Mahi-mahi. They grill up great. I like to use a little spicy rub and them grill. Wonderful.

Veggies: I eat lots of Cauliflower, broccoli, mixed veggies, beans, salad etc. I don’t worry about carb counts in vegetables. I don’t get enough as it is, but I eat WAY more veggies than I ever did. A great way to eat cauliflower has been to steam it and then mash it with a little butter, cream and salt. It goes great with meat and is a great replacement for potatoes.

Fruit: I try to eat a lot of fruit. I ignore the carb counts in Fruit. I eat apples, berries, peaches, and plums… anything really. I look for the fruit that is in season. I might eat one or two servings a day.

Snacks if I have them are usually something like a piece of cheese or ham or something low-carb. I’m best if I don’t snack at all.

I try to stay away from bread or other processed carbs. If I eat bread it will be whole grain. The same is true for rice. I find if I eat the occasional carb filled meal it keeps me from getting to the point where I binge on cereals and toast, sandwiches, or anything that is all carbs. When I do eat heavier carb meals I make sure they have protein and fat as well. I think the balance between all three is vital.

So, I guess I still pay attention to Carbs but I mostly watch calories, and stay away from processed carbs and all junk food. Following Atkins is what got me on the right track. Since then I feel like I have adjusted up the steps and am just about into maintenance. I don’t really follow the Atkins plan any longer, but when you look at it I really do. I try to eat healthy food and exercise.

There are a lot more things that I eat than are listed above but that is typical for me.
Journaling has helped me a lot. I have been able to figure out many things by writing about them. I use fit day off and on and I weigh myself every day. I think exercise is a big key to my success. It is what keeps my metabolism going and burning off excess calories.

I’m happy with where I am at 43. I can’t wait to see what is in store for me this next year, what I’ll learn, and what new mountains I will climb (figuratively and literally). I go into this new year with a great attitude and a knowledge that I am truly discovering who I am and who I can be. Life is good.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 193.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUU.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUU.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ALEXXXX....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUU

AND MANY MOREEEE



Today is one of my best friends Birthday as well ..

I hope you have a great day !!

[Colo Alex]

Awwww!

[Colo Alex]

THIS IS FROM 11,900 FEET. MT. SHERMAN IS THE ONE COVERED IN SNOW



12,500 FEET. COOL OLD MINE IN THE DISTANCE



ABOUT 13,000 FEET. ABOVE THE MINE AND LOOKING UP AT THE RIDGE.

[Colo Alex]

LEADVILLE AND MT. MASSIVE IN THE DISTANCE



HEADING UP THE RIDGE



ME ON PART OF THE RIDGE

[Colo Alex]

LOOKING BACK ON THE RIDGE



ALMOST THERE



SUMMIT

[Colo Alex]

ME ON THE SUMMIT





BEV AND I ON THE SUMMIT. MT. ELBERT ON THE LEFT AND MT MASSIVE ON THE RIGHT

[Colo Alex]

ME BACK AT 11,900 AFTER THE HIKE

[monet0329]

Good morning my friend..

wow.. these are some great pictures !!

you and bev should be VERY proud,, as I know you are..

so how was your Birthday? did everyone do something special for ya?

have great day hun..

[Colo Alex]

September 24, 2007

Monday. Long day today. Staff meeting, committee meetings and board meeting. Hopefully done my 10pm. Tomorrow I have an eye appointment and then I leave for Denver for a week of meetings. Yuck! I’ll have to find some place and time to get in some exercise.

Weekend was ok, not great. I’m feeling a little under the weather for some reason. Not sure why. My ears are sore, but not my throat. Hmmm, must be a little virus or something.

My weight is down a little this morning so that is good. Just not great.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 193.4
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

hey there.. hope your busy day just flies by.. .. and glad the scale was nce to you today ...

[Colo Alex]

October 1, 2007

Monday. Last week… yikes. Where to start. Monday was a long day, very frustrating. I even ate some candy!! Stupid. Tuesday, was a travel day. Not too bad, ate at Subway. Wed-Sat was horrible. I stayed with my folks and the food was bad. Lots of carbs and junk. I did get in a good walk on Thursday of 6 miles, but I still ended up eating too much and lots of carbs. I’m not anti carb any more but I don’t like eating too many and the wrong kinds. I did just that this week. Then, I get home and get in a good hike on Saturday before I had to leave again so that was good. Sunday I totally blew it. I ended up with a slight binge on cereal. I had two bowls. That led to overeating the rest of the day. Needless to say, at this morning’s weigh-in I was up almost 5 pounds. I know I did not gain 5 pounds of fat but it is still quite frustrating. I will be back on plan today and I’ll drop those pounds quickly. I’m just mad at myself for letting it happen.

I guess I just keep learning. I’ll consider this an extended re-feed and just move on. I’m ticked because I go in for my physical on the 11th and I wanted to be firmly below 200 so that when I weigh at the Dr’s with clothes on etc I would be under 200. Now I’m not so sure, but it is still going to be way less than the last time I was at the Dr’s office.

Well, this week is going to be crazy as well. I’ve got Auditors here all week. Shouldn’t be a big deal, but it is always stressful so I’ll have to be careful not to let it lead to a binge. I can do it. I have to.

So I guess I’ll keep fighting. I need to get to goal so I can re-set the number and move on! Quick screwing around!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 198.0
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

October 2, 2007

Tuesday. Well yesterday was kind of rough. However, eating and exercising were totally on plan and perfect. I hiked 3.6 miles at lunch and ate very clean. I’m back down some today. My hike felt really good yesterday. I really pushed the pace. I’ve been doing some running during the hike and yesterday did even more. I finished the hike 10 minutes sooner than normal. As long as my knees hold up I plan on adding more running.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 197.0
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Well.. it looks like you need one of these..... and yes.. we learn as we go.. your ok.. I know you'll burn those few extra pounds right off..

hang in there buddy...

[Colo Alex]

October 8, 2007

Monday. Long week last week. I did manage to drop two pounds during all the stress and I did get some hikes in as well. The Audit is going fine but they are short handed and are taking a long time. They will still go for another two days. Tomorrow night should be it.

This weekend was really busy as well. We had soccer tournament and Marching band competition on Saturday and we drove to Denver and back on Sunday to watch a musical. We had a great time on both days but I am really beat today.

My weight has not dropped as much as I had hoped over the last week but it is still down two from the previous so that is good. My physical is this Thursday so I’ve got three days to get some more drops. I was 196 this morning so I know that when I’m on the scale at the Dr’s it will be over 200 with clothes. I figure about 5 pounds for clothes. I would really love to see his scale say under 200 but the bottom line is that I will weigh much less at the Dr’s than I ever have. I’m anxious to see how my blood work and all the rest turn out.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 196.0
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Hey Alex... .. I, myself can't wait to see what the blood work says.. it should look really good..

Glad you had a good weekend hun.. ..
and 2 pounds down is great .. keep it up Alex !!
Have a great day hun

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by monet0329

Hey Alex... .. I, myself can't wait to see what the blood work says.. it should look really good..

Glad you had a good weekend hun.. ..
and 2 pounds down is great .. keep it up Alex !!
Have a great day hun

Thanks Monet. I'm glad you are here.

[Colo Alex]

October 10, 2007

Wednesday. Well the audit is over and things went really well. Our company had yet another record year. The meeting with the board went pretty well, and I got out of the office around 9:00pm. A long day but that is done for another year.

My weight has really been bouncing around from 195 – 197 the last week or so and it is time to get off the yo-yo and get back fully on plan. Today I’m at 195 so I need to keep the loss momentum going. I didn’t get to hike yesterday so today I am excited to take my full hike at lunch.

Tomorrow is my physical. I’m anxious and nervous at the same time. It will be great to go in there having lost 100 pounds.

Well, I am ready to get back on track.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 195.0
Goal weight: 185