Tulips

There was a tulip festival that my wife and I went to the other day. Anyone want to see some of the pics I took? You know what, I don't care, I'm going to inflict them on you whether you like it or not.

I like tulips. I like turtles too.

Courtesy MTSOfan

Pitting Edema

So, I was supposed to do a weigh-in last Friday, and I didn't...and then I was supposed to do a weigh-in yesterday, and I also didn't. It's mostly me being a cry baby, and I guess I probably owe everyone who has been on this health adventure with me an explanation. So, here it goes.

The other day, I had to get a physical. One of the things that they did as part of my physical was check my legs. They did this test where they pressed their thumbs into my flesh, and then watched to see if it sprung back out to where it was supposed to. Well, it didn't. They pressed their thumbs in, and instead, a pit remained in my flesh. So, this health care professional (I know that's a cheesy, PC sounding term, but I figured I'd use it since I really don't know if this person was a doctor or a nurse or what) told me that I had a condition called pitting edema. I had no idea what that meant, so they showed me what was going on, and invited me to look it up. This person wasn't my doctor, and so they told me I should see my doctor to find out why I had this condition, because it's not really a disease so much as a symptom, like a cough or watery eyes or something. It could be caused by any number of things.

So, of course, I immediately became depressed, and started into my typical downward spiral of unhealthy eating. I felt like I was on my way to death, and that I needed to live it up while I could, so I ate and drank everything that I love, even though it's very unhealthy. I've surely gained 10-15 lbs. in the past week and a half. Feeling sorry for myself always does that for me.

Eventually, I also made a doctor's appointment to find out what is causing this pitting edema crap. That's on Monday. I'm sure all it will be is a quick consultation with a doctor where he listens to my story, looks at my pitting edema, and then orders a bunch of tests, so I doubt I'll have an answer about it very soon. But eventually, I'll find something out, and I'll fill you all in when that time comes.

I have to admit, I'm kind of excited for the answer. I've had this problem on and off for a few years now, and this is the first time that I've had a decent idea of what might be going on. My feet hurt when they get swollen like they are, and it hurts especially in my ankles. For a while I thought I might have some kind of arthritis problem, and I saw my doctor trying to discover if that was the case. It wasn't, and eventually, with rest and time, it went away, but it's back, and I need to find out why, so I can get myself in order.

I'm worried that I might not be able to make it for my marathon goal I have this year. I haven't run since I was told about the pitting edema thing, which has surely taken my fitness level back a month or more (not to mention the pounds I gained). And I don't know when I'll be able to get back at it. Although I probably wouldn't be able to do anything anyway, because right about the same time I was told of the pitting edema thing, I also seemed to have pulled the muscle in the arch of my right foot. It hurts like a beeeeotch, and I have a hard enough time walking much less running. It's not healing quickly either, so who knows when I'll be up and running again.

Anyway, I've decided to give up on the weight contest for the nonce (one of those fun phrases I was reminded of by reading A Song of Ice and Fire). I may get back to it soon or late, who knows. It seems like it's kind of stalled anyway. Marshal, Tena, and I seemed to be the only ones who were bothering with it, and Tena is now pregnant. So, with me out too, there's no one but Marshal to keep at it. So, good luck, Marshal. I'll be back someday soon, hopefully.

And thanks to everyone who went on the journey with me. I guess I'll have to post about something different from here on out.

Hmm...maybe I should do some kind of writing thing...that doesn't involve a lot of strenuous exercise.

Hmmmm...

Collecting Something New

As if I wasn't a nerd enough before, now I'm developing an obsession for collecting Pez dispensers.

Ah well, at least they're cheaper by far than the other toys I've collected.

Weigh-in Day #12

Okay, I am determined to get this post out on time this week. So, I'm going to plunge ahead, damn the consequences...okay, that's not true. But I will find the time. Here it goes.

Let's see...last week, I was in a bit of a flux.  I was trying to implement my new eating program, and failing miserably at it.  But I was also starting to kick my exercising up to full blast.  On Friday of last week, I weighed this:

And that was me sort of holding steady, despite eating badly and too much.  From Friday through Tuesday this trend continued.  I had made the resolution to get back to it with fervor by Monday, but we hadn't done any grocery shopping, so when Monday came, I had nothing to eat.  Instead, I wound up eating fast food and other unhealthy choices.

My wife shopped, and at last I was able to put together some healthy meals.  But I didn't get started on that until Wednesday.  So, my weight for this week reflects only a small amount of what I hope will be in store with me from here on out.

I ran five days last week out of seven, fulfilling my exercise goals.  As I've said before on this blog, I've gotta get going on training for the marathon, or else I won't be ready by the time it arrives.  I started making a marathon training video, like the videos that I did for my quest to 500 miles, and that inspired me to keep at it.  When I can add new shots to the movie each day, that's fun and interesting, and keeps me motivated.  For anyone who is having trouble with motivation, I'd recommend that.  Everyone loves inspiring videos of people losing weight and achieving goals.

In fact, here's a preview of my movie.  It's the first bit that I've worked on.  Only about thirty seconds, and the movie may change considerably before I'm done, but check it out and tell me what you think.

So, now on to the point.  My weigh-in.  So, with a week of good exercise, and two days of good eating, here's what I weighed this morning:

So, that's down 2.2 lbs.  It is encouraging, since I only ate like I was supposed to for two days this week.  If I can assemble seven days, what might I have to look forward to then?  Hmmm...

Okay, so how is everyone else doing?  Most everyone seemed to be stalled like I was.  Tena? Did you break the 140 barrier?  Marshal?  Are you back on track?  Going back down where you should be?  What are you doing for your weight loss program? Anyone else still out there and trying?