Broke the 170 Pound Barrier!

5 pounds from Goal Weight

It has been over 20 years since I last weighed below 170 pounds.  When I started this quest at almost 189 pounds - being less than 170 seemed out of reach.  I was stuck at 173 for almost 3 weeks and I was getting a bit discouraged.  This morning I was elated.

I LOVE being 20 pounds lighter.  I can really feel a difference in how i feel.  My body is now over 10% lighter and a lot stronger than it was when I started this quest.  I have more energy - I sleep better and overall I feel much better than I have in a very long time.

My goal weight is 165 pounds.  At this weight I should be able to manipulate my body into a "Pike" position.  This will facilitate me spinning during somersaults.  My beer belly prevented any attempt at this position a few months ago.  The beer belly is a thing of the past.  I am finally getting flexible enough to fold myself in half.

So - what I am most looking forward to when I hit my goal weight?   An ice cold Bell's Two Hearted Ale.  165 cannot come soon enough!

My daughter Brighid is one of the main reasons that I have decided to
revisit diving.  She has practice three days a week with Montgomery Dive Club which uses the Montgomery County pools as their base of operations.  Three afternoons a week I leave work in D.C. to travel back to Potomac to pick her up at my home.  From there we ride to Germantown for 90 minutes of practice from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

There was an "open swim" on Tuesday evening after her practice.  I decided I would suit up and try some dives on my own.  The more time I get to spend on the board - the easier the progress will be.  I was finally feeling better after a rough few days of being sore.

I spent about an hour diving with Brighid - her acting as my coach.  The diving is still rusty - but I am feeling as if I can really do this.  There may be a lot of sore muscles between me and my goal, but my confidence is getting high.

I am ready for my second session with the coach on Thursday.

OUCH!

Yes, the title is self explanatory.  Although I was sore the day after my first practice - I am almost immobilized today.  Was it the tumbling with the teenagers during warm up?  Was it the diving?  I am not sure what caused the soreness - but man - I am hurting.

While I trained for 2 months to prepare my body for my first day back on the board - I did not prepare enough.  I lost 15 pounds and gained a whole lot of muscle in the last 2 months - but there were obviously some muscles I missed.  My neck and shoulders are killing me.  While I thought I was past the training pain - I now realize I have some more time to go before I start feeling normal again.

Rather than sit around and hope the aches would go away - I went to the gym to stretch out.  There is a machine there that looks like some kind of mid-evil torture device.  It is a metal cage without any moving parts that has been fabulous in getting me somewhat limber.  After spending an hour at the gym - I felt a little bit better.   I certainly has some of my range of motion back.  The aches were still there. I only hope that I can recover quickly and be able to get back on the board sooner rather than later.

I think if the teenagers I dove with Thursday saw me now - they would be smiling.

WOW - First Day At the Pool....

When I arrived at the pool last night - I was walking towards the stairs following the crowd of swimmers and divers heading to the locker room to suit up for the next practice sessions.  As I was approaching the stairs - the young girl at the desk stopped me and said that parents were not allowed in the locker room or on the pool deck during practice.  What?  I turned and asked her what she was talking about - and she pointed me towards the observation deck and said that parents have to wait upstairs.  When I told her I was here to DIVE - she looked at me quizzically and said...  "Oh!  So sorry!"

As I continued down the stairs to the locker room - I noticed that I was at least 30 years older than most of the other "kids" in the stairwell.  At that point the lightbulb switched on in my brain - I am not the typical participant in this group of athletes.

As I dressed and put my clothes in the locker - I was instantly brought back to my college years.  Everyday I was doing this at the pool.  Chlorine smell, humid air and the clang of locker doors were daily reminders that practice was about to begin.  As I clanged my locker shut - I anxiously walked out to the pool deck.  In a little over an hour - I would know if I can really do this.

As I walked over towards the boards, I could not see anyone that would be a likely candidate for Masters Diving.  There were a lot of high school kids - and I was wondering if I had my day correct.  As I went to the gymnastic mats to start to stretch - I saw another guy in his 40's that was doing the same thing.  I asked him if he was here for Masters Class - and he said yes.  He seemed relieved that there was someone else there - as was I.  Our adventure was about to begin.

We were the only two "adults" that were there.  Since there were so few Masters Divers they had merged us with a high school class.  It was funny to watch the kids faces as they tried to figure out what the "old" guys were doing.  I learned pretty quickly that the high school warm up routine was not going to work for me.  At least not right away.  The warm up almost killed me.  Tumbling and extensive stretching were not being easily accepted by my limbs.

When we finished out stretching and walked over to the boards - we took a lot of time to work on the boards and re-learn our hurdles.  Surprisingly - the hurdle came back pretty quickly.  My required dives also were pretty good.  I think I turned a few heads of the younger divers.  Many were wide eyed as I got out of the pool as their assumptions changed.  Maybe the "old guy" actually can dive.

While the easier required dives went very well - the optional dives were not nearly as impressive. Although I was pleased with my results last night - it also illustrates how far I have to go.  Rock On !

Getting Nervous...

Diving Well with Towers

It has been a long time since I have been genuinely anxious about anything trivial.  I generally have a philosophy of only worrying about things I have control over.  Life is too short to lose sleep about things that are not really important.

With that said - I am not sure how I can categorize my return to the springboard.  I have worked very hard to prepare for getting back in the pool.  The last 2 months of running, gym workouts and mental preparation somehow do not seem to be enough.  After 31 years of being off the board - I really wonder if I can do it.

My first session with a coach is Thursday evening.  I am really excited about going to class - and see what Masters Diving is all about.  Will there be anyone else my age there?  Am I going to be the only one?  All this will soon become clear.  When I told my daughter I was nervous - she rolled her eyes.  I was quickly reminded that EMPATHY is not easily doled out by teens.  Especially from your own kids.

So with that said - I am anxiously looking forward to my first pool session at the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center.  

Week Seven - Feeling Fabulous!

After hitting a plateau for a few weeks - it seems as though I am back on track and making progress.

I lost two pounds last week - and can really feel my body changing.  My slacks are getting baggier - and I suspect that next week I will amend my graphic to show a 33 inch waist.

Although I am not super happy having to go out and purchase more pants - it will be exciting to throw away the old and bring in the new.

My workouts are going well.  I can feel myself getting stronger - and my trainer Ed is pushing me just a little bit further than I feel I can go.  For a trainer - that is the highest compliment you can pay - right?  He gets it.  Maybe even more than I do.

My gut is almost gone.  I can feel as though I have abdominal muscles once again.  I actually may be ready for my debut in the pool with my new Masters coach on the 17th.  Am I allowed to be both excited and nervous at the same time?

Off to work.  I am not sure how I am managing to fit in working full time and training the way I am.  I hope that I can continue to swing it - and I am less than a year away from the National Masters Competition in Colorado Springs.  Bring it on.....

HUMILITY - Learning Every Day

My ego was very quickly smacked into submission on Tuesday.  I met with Ed, my trainer – who immediately told me I was making great progress in my workout regime.  As my head swelled – I was ready to supplement my workout with some additional exercises to strengthen my upper body and arms.

Overall – the workout went very well.  Ed kept me away from the machines that I seem to lean towards –and back toward core resistance and pushups.  I got through all he threw at me – and felt pretty good after the hour appointment.  As the day wore on – I started to feel the lactic acid building in my upper body and arms.  I knew I was in for a rough day on Wednesday – and I was not mistaken.

Wednesday morning I found it difficult to even lift my arms above my head.  The soreness was not debilitating – but a visit back to reality after 2 weeks of thinking I was beyond the intense soreness that I experienced at the start of my program in late July.  Just another reminder of what a long road I face.

I forced myself to walk three miles last night.  I really would have preferred not to – but felt that the activity would loosen me up and make it easier to get back into the gym later this afternoon.  I think the activity did me good.  I am feeling a lot better this morning.  Although I am still a bit stiff and sore – it seems as though my muscles have recovered from the tough Tuesday workout.

Coincidently – I am having lunch with a good friend I have not seen in many years.  Jim and I were divers together at St. Bonaventure from 1978-1980.  It will be nice to see him after all these years.  It has probably been 20 years – and it will be nice to catch up.

Onward and upward – just one step closer to the goal.

Back on the Board ~ After 30 Years!

Well - stage two of my training started yesterday.  I went over to the pool with my daughter and decided that it was time to get up on the board and see how it felt.

I have lost 13 pounds over the last 6 weeks and have definitely gained some strength at the gym.  I was a combination of anxious and excited to see how things would go on the board.

The mechanics of diving is all about form.  Even though it has been 30 years since I have dove competitively - the muscle memory is incredibly resilient.  Doing a hurdle every day for 15 years makes the motion almost second nature.  I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it was after all these years.

With that said - it was certainly rusty.  My balance is not quite the same - and I hope that over time the motion will become more confident.  My body seemed to be holding up, especially after the six weeks of focused training.  Movement was easier with half of my beer gut now gone. It will be MUCH better when the other half goes away...

I spent about an hour diving with my daughter Brighid coaching me.  I was certainly a curiosity at Potomac Swim and Tennis Club.  After the first few dives I had a gaggle of little kids watching me.  They didn't know what to expect - and were incredibly curious as to who I was and why I was being coached by my daughter.
It was a lot of fun to listen to them speak among themselves - discussing who I was - and how I could dive so well.  They were wondering how old I was - when I heard one of them say - he must be at LEAST 30!

As I went through my list of required dives - I could tell I was taxing some muscles that I had not used for a while.  After about an hour - I was tired and decided it was enough for the day.  Overall - I am thrilled that I got this first session on the board under my belt.  Diving at the pool starts in earnest on the 17th of September.  Two weeks from today?  Ready or not - here I come.....

September? Week 6? Already?

It was really easy to chart my progress when I started this adventure 6 weeks ago.  It was a matter of getting on the scale every few days - and seeing how much weight I lost.  After losing 10 pounds in the first month - the pace of the weight loss has slowed to a crawl.

I know that I am still  losing weight and I can feel my body slowly gaining strength.  I am less comforted when I don't see that scale dial moving.  My gut is almost gone - it will be really nice to see a picture that shows my chest sticking our further than my belly.

I have eased up on Atkins a bit - as it is very  difficult to live real life without some carbs.  My wife is getting very impatient - as out normal forays to restaurants have been less regular and a steak or fish at home has become the norm.  I don't miss much - except beer - and a good cold beer will be tops on my list to cheat with when that time comes.

The gym has become a regular stop during the week.  Although it is still tough to get off my butt to work-out, I am pretty proud of myself for making it happen at least 3 times a week.  With my crazy schedule it is more difficult to know when time is available.  Even if my workout goes into the evening - I have been getting to the gym to get the work in.  I have also been trying to power walk at least 4 times a week.  Three miles at a 14 minute pace works up a sweat and is a great recovery day workout after weights.

I finally met up with Ed my trainer the other day while at CRUNCH GYM.  It has been over a month since my initial meeting with him to chart out a plan.  His workout has served me well - and it is getting easier to get through.  It was great to sit with him for a few minutest to discuss progress and schedule my next meeting for Tuesday of this week.

On Tuesday we are going to go though the complete workout and work on my form.  As with any exercise - form matters.  Either I am getting stronger and I am able to get through my workout easier - or I am "cheating" on my form.  Ed will be sure it is the former rather than the latter.  Either way - I will be critiqued and corrected to be sure I am working efficiently.  I am secretly looking forward to Ed increasing some of my sets, or weight - or both.

Photos don't lie - nor do my clothes.  My belt is down a few notches and I think I can see a little bit of definition coming to my frame.  My daughter Brighid has been great - encouraging me to keep it up.  We start at the pool next week.  Wish me luck!

Feeling Good - Looking Good is Next?

It has been a good few days on the workout front.  Although I completely BLEW my diet when I went to VOLT RESTAURANT in Frederick this weekend - I must say it was worth the calories.

I did learn a very valuable lesson on Saturday Evening.  After a month of limiting the amount of rich food you allow yourself to eat - it is not smart to indulge in the 8 course tasting menu.  The rich food really overwhelmed my system - and sleep was fleeting on Saturday night.  I think I am going to temper my cheating - when I do - so I can really appreciate the treat.

Workouts have been getting better and better.  The 3 mile walks are really easy - and I am pushing the speed to get to 14 minutes per mile.  This allows me to work up a sweat - and get some cardio benefit from the exercise.   The program at CRUNCH FITNESS is not getting any easier - but is certainly not killing me either.  I am finally over the true PAIN that comes with starting up a fitness regime.  Now - it is soreness - at various levels depending upon how hard I push myself.

I can feel my body getting stronger and my "core" strengthening.  I have been stretching before each workout to prevent injury - and have been adding weight and machines to keep pushing things along.  My body is slowly changing shape - but it is still not tangible.  My waist is at 34 - down from 35 - and I believe it is only a matter of time before I am down to 32.

August is almost over.  I originally hoped I would be somewhere around 165 pounds by the end of September.  If I make it - I can then start to work out on the diving boards at the pool.  I am not sure I will get down to 165 by then - but I am going to continue to press.  I will be at the pool 3 days a week starting next week with Brighid for her training.  I will try to start stretching during her practices so I am ready when board work starts.

  I LOVE the graphic above that states looking good and working hard cross paths eventually.  I have to have faith that this is true!

Week Five - Progress?

Progress?  The scale is telling me that although I have lost weight for the week - it is just a little bit over a pound.

Granted - I had vacation the week before and I did not get out EVERY day to walk.  I have to try to put this into perspective and understand that weight loss is going to slow - and it is not going to be consistent.

I have to look at this as the "GLASS IS HALF FULL"  Usually - 175 is my goal weight when I am whipping myself back into shape a few times each year.  This quest to get back into shape is a completely different experience.  175 is only half way to my goal - and it the progress is not going to be a straight line.  I must say that I am fitting into my clothes well -and am feeling much better than I was at the start of this quest a little over a month ago.  No pic today!  I have appointments all weekend - and had to get out of the house early.  Maybe we can really see a difference next week at photo time?  I can only hope!

Adding Weight to Lose Weight

I put in a great 4 mile walk Saturday night before I left the beach.  I was not very motivated to walk - it had been a long week -and I had packing and Sunday appointments on my mind.  Sometimes it is mind over matter - I have to force myself to get my sneakers on and walk out the door.

I tend to post a lot of motivational "stuff" on Facebook.  People comment on what a "Positive" person I am - and how much they enjoy my posts.  Inspirational they say!  The truth of the matter is I need to see this rhetoric each day to stay focused and push forward.  I have learned it is often the process of thinking positive thoughts that leads to positive results.

I am also learning that motivation is a funny animal.  What motivates for one person may be hogwash for another.  The key is to find what motivates you and focus on it.  Another important factor is understanding that what motivates will CHANGE over time.  When I was younger my motivating factors were EGO driven.  Now that I am older - it is more self actualization.  Can I do it?  YES I CAN.  I used to remember listening to a quote just like this watching TV with my kids.  I think it was DORA - but it has recently become my Mantra.

I worked pretty hard on Sunday -out with clients in the pouring rain.  I finished up around six o'clock - and the last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym.  I laced up my shoes and got out the door.  The workout was amazing.  After 5 days away - the stretching was especially satisfying.  My muscles felt ready to work.  This is a HUGE change from when I started a few weeks ago.

I added 3 machines to my routine yesterday.  The core work that my trainer gave me is still great - but I wanted to do something to add additional stress and strength to my abs.  I added 2 different ab machines - and did 3 sets of each with enough weight to exhaust the muscles.  It felt good.  The third machine was a chest press.  Although I can feel my core strength growing - I was not happy with the lack of definition in my chest.  The machine was great.  I found the right weight to add three sets and pushed to exhaustion.

I was really feeling it last night - and again this morning.  Not bad pain - but good pain.  I think I have found a productive addition to my routine with these new machines.  To top it off - I walked 3 miles this morning to try to stay loose.  No booze this week - and diligent walking and exercise.  Lets see if I can take off 3 pounds this week.  That will be my goal.

Week Four - Seeing Progress!!

Well - it has taken 4 weeks of hard work - but I am finally starting to see some TANGIBLE results from my quest to get back into shape.

It is amazing how ones perception of how they look, and present to the public, may differ from reality.  Looking at the photos showing my progress in weight loss and fitness has made this very clear.  I always felt I looked good - and was in decent shape (For a 50+ year old man).

This week has been tough in trying to stay on course.  I spent the better part of the week in Fenwick Island, Delaware with my wife and kids on vacation.  Not having a cocktail was going to be next to impossible.  Especially with my friends and family.

I decided to TRY and be smart.  When I did drink - it was vodka and soda with a splash or orange or grapefruit.  I limited myself to 2-3 drinks per day, and was sure to get my walking in when I could.  Rather than gain weight - which I expected - I actually lost a few pounds.  Although I would have liked to see more progress, it is progress none the less.

I did not get to the gym - except for Tuesday of this week.  I felt a little guilty for not getting some physical work in -even if it was core work with push ups and sit ups.  I promise myself I will get to the gym when I get back to town tomorrow - but I have to see how things go with clients.  I have to do my best to get the workout in.

Pictures are looking better.  I still have a long way to go - and I think that the next 10 pounds of loss will help me to outline some definition in my frame.  Walking has become a no brainer.  That gives me hope that the regular gym work will eventually show results.

Pushing a Little Harder

After my workout and weigh-in this past Saturday - we all left for Fenwick Island Delaware for vacation.  I must admit - I did not do a thing on Sunday - which is exactly what I was concerned about when I wrote earlier in the week.  Yes, I felt guilty - but boy did I feel good and rested on Monday morning.

Monday afternoon I walked 3.5 miles in the heat.  It loosened me up - allowed me to break a good sweat - and got me motivated to get to the gym when I got back to DC earlier today.  Maybe a day of rest every once in a while is a good thing.....

I went to the gym today between appointments.  I only had an hour - so limited my stretch time to the long muscles and my back.  The core exercise felt good.  The push ups were easier.  I did not reach exhaustion on any of my 3 reps.  Even my progressive sit ups were better than usual.  I decided to increase the weight on the oblique machine to 70 pounds.  It felt good - by the third set I was feeling the burn on each side.

Feeling giddy - I hopped on a sit up machine and added some weight and did 3 sets as well.  I must be getting somewhat stronger in this third week because adding this set did not really hurt me.  I continued with the rest of my routine - and was feeling pretty good.

On the way out - I saw a chest machine that seemed pretty user friendly.  I set the weight at 70 pounds and did a few sets.  Wow - I could REALLY feel this machine.  My chest is obviously not getting any workout from the core sets I am doing.  I did two sets of pushes - and I know I will be hurting tomorrow.  This may be just the trick to firm the chest and get rid some flab that seems to be the beginning of a man-boob issue.  I would certainly like to have this under control before the pool workouts start in the fall.

You know - the graphic says it all.  Slow progress is still progress.  If I can get my weight down to 170 - I can start stretching and preparing for the board work.  Will it happen before September 1?  Probably not - but at least I am going in the right direction.  PROGRESS!

Week Three - Weigh In and Update

Well - there is some satisfaction that I can now fit into some of my 34 waist trousers.  Notice I said some - not all.  I am happy with the progress I am making - as long as I am moving forward.

The workouts are getting easier to recover from.  I get my butt kicked at the gym - feel pretty good - but am sore as can be the next day.  I have started to walk on alternate days from the gym - and generally the walk loosens me up to a point I get through the day without too much fanfare.

Believe it or not - I have not yet been back to the trainer.  I have been trying to get a session scheduled but settlement delays have really screwed up my week.  I was not sure if I was coming or going for a little while and scheduling a trainer seemed futile.  I was able to get into the gym and get in my workouts.  Surprisingly - I have been adding weight to one of the machines and have been keeping in good form.

This upcoming week I am going to be at the beach (Fenwick Island) taking it easy with the wife and kids.  I have promised myself I will walk -and get in the core training on alternate days.  I am going to do my best to stay with the Adkins diet while I am there.  Peer pressure - and the beach environment may make this tough.

Here are the weekly pictures.  I don't see any progress, but I must say I feel it.  My workouts are getting easier - and I feel like I may have a bit of definition coming into my arms.  Time will tell - and the pictures don't lie!

Be Careful of your Desk Posture!

You have to laugh.  I have been diligently doing all I can to be sure I do not hurt myself during my path to getting fit.  I have been surprisingly successful - and am learning that it is worth being patient to slowly move forward towards your goal.

Yesterday I had a full day and planned on working out at the gym in the late afternoon.  I felt pretty good - especially after overdoing it in the heat over the weekend.  A day off from walking let my body recover a bit - and I was looking forward to getting back in the groove.  I was working on the computer at my office pulling up listings for a client.  I don't know exactly when - but I started to feel some pain in my back that was more annoying then debilitating.

I think it has to do with me sitting at my desk with very poor posture.  Posture?  Yep - I think that is what caused the pain.  I was a little bit angry at myself - after all - I was being so careful to prevent just this type of nagging injury.

I was hoping it was just a muscle strain - so I went to the gym to stretch out.  They have a great piece of equipment there that really guides you through the motions to thoroughly stretch all the major muscle groups of your body.  Although it hurt a bit - the stretching was great.  It reduced the pain and pushed me to try some of my workout.

I am happy to report I was able to get through ALL of my workout without hurting myself.  I still have some residual pain from the "posture injury", but it is certainly better than it was.  I must say too that I was SO HAPPY that I made the decision to go to the gym and stretch.  Getting the workout in was an added bonus.

On the FATIGUE front - I am doing a bit better.  The walks in the morning are tough the first mile - but feel quite beneficial by the time I am done.  There is a feeling of satisfaction from getting in some cardio and the residual muscle pain is now almost non-existent.  Overall - I think the muscles used in my walking have started to acclimate to the work.  The soreness has become welcome instead of problematic.

I still have a way to go in acclimating my muscles used in my gym workouts - but even those have become easier to deal with.  They are still quite sore the next day - and uncomfortable.  Certainly though - they are better than they were.  Progress comes slowly.

I saw my trainer Edward at the gym yesterday.  I have not seen him since our initial meeting early last week.  I think he was surprised to see me - and even more surprised to hear I have been at the gym every other day since we met.  I am scheduling some time with him tomorrow to go through the complete workout and check on my form.  Secretly - I admit - I am looking forward to it!

Cliche' But True....

I have had a tough couple of days on the workout front.  I am coming around to understand that this is going to be a long journey.  This reality check has me a bit anxious - but still excited as I slowly improve my fitness.

I was expecting the pain and soreness that comes with starting a fitness program.  Especially for a couch potato that has limited his weight training to 12 ounce curls with beer and wine over the last 30 years.  What I was not expecting was the fatigue.

Fatigue?  Oh yes.....fatigue.  I don't know if I have ever really experienced the bone tired feeling that comes from shocking your body into responding to exercise.  The muscle aches and soreness was expected.  The fatigue was not.  I have been trying to rest and HYDRATE to assist my body in coping - but at least for now it has not had an effect in reducing the exhaustion.

Don't get me wrong, I knew this was coming.  It seems obvious that your body would be tired after exercise and weight training.  When I was trying to process this in my head I was having difficulty.  Why?  I have never experienced this before.

As a kid I was always playing some sports or activity.  Running was a preferred means of getting from place to place rather than walking.  As I got into competitive sports - training was every day.  I had never allowed my body to become "unfit".  I may be having more of a mental issue with this phenomenon that is interfering with me being able to work through the fatigue.

This weekend was especially tough.  I have been trying to walk three miles each day in addition to my strength training at the gym.  I walked in the heat (100+ degrees) this weekend and think I overdid it a bit.  The last mile I started to feel a bit dizzy.  I got home just fine and knew I had to hydrate.  I must have drank a gallon of water over the next hour.  Although I felt a bit better - the walk had taken its toll.  I was feeling like crap the remainder of the weekend.

I am not giving up.  I think the experience has taught me to listen a bit more closely to my body.  If I am really feeling fatigued - I may take a day off from the walk.  Luckily - I have a group of wonderful friends that have been very supportive.  HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE - will be my mantra.  I hope the scale next week rewards my work!

Week Two - Progress Report

     Week two.  That phrase has a nice ring to it.  I am still sticking with the program and I have seen some good progress.

I am still walking every day and I am trying not to let the "real world" change my focus or commitment.  I still have a very long way to go - but the hardest part is getting started.

I followed through with my workout at the gym on Thursday - without the trainer.  I did the complete program the trainer laid out on Tuesday - and think I performed pretty well.  There are a few exercises that I have some questions about form - but I will address them with him on Monday.  I think I really only need him once a week - to keep me on track.

As long as I thoroughly stretch before the workout - I seem to do pretty well.  The difficulty comes 12 to 24 hours later when I can really feel the muscle soreness and fatigue.  Hopefully this will get better as I continue with the program.  So far - so good.

So - I lost 6 pounds this week.  My clothes are fitting a little bit better - but you certainly don't see a difference in the photos.  I am hoping that as I get to week Six - I can at least see some difference in muscle tone.  Maybe I should just say SEE muscle tone...

OK,  my showings are done for today - and I am heading to the gym to stretch and workout.  I will then warm down with a three mile walk.  Keep your fingers crossed - I can use all the moral support you can provide.

Yesterday was my first training session at CRUNCH Gym.  I met with the trainer - and spent about 15 minutes discussing my goals. Most importantly - I discussed  my anxieties in reaching them.

It is obvious that it is going to take a lot of work to build strength.  My worry is that I can find a program that will allow me to gradually build strength without getting discouraged.

My last experience with a gym was 20 years ago.  I had a trainer that KILLED me the first day.  The pain of recovery was so bad - that I never went back.  I shared this with Edward - my trainer - and he promised to put together a program for me that would be tolerable.

The new mantra in fitness is CORE TRAINING.  It seems that getting strong is no longer about pushing up weights or necessarily using fancy machines.  Edward took me through a series of exercises that did not seem to be doing a lot to work my muscles.  As we got deeper into the session - I learned how wrong I was.

Although each of these exercises uses small movements - and your own body weight as resistance - cumulatively it has a huge effect.  Each segment of the workout focuses on a different muscle group - but all of them also work your abdominal muscles.  After the workout is over - you are pleasantly exhausted and really feel like you have worked.

Last night I focused on hydrating - and stretching.  I was in bed by 10pm - and was tired.  This morning I was stiff and sore - but not so much that I would consider not continuing the program.  I walked 3 miles to loosen up a bit and came home to have my coffee, hydrate and plan my day.

As the morning progressed - I can feel the lactic acid marinating my muscles.  Yes, I am uncomfortable.  I don't plan on doing much more today for fitness except maybe stretching later.  I hope my muscles quickly recover and I will want to tackle my core training again tomorrow.

Although I knew there would be PAIN involved in getting back into shape - there is nothing like experiencing the pain to bring reality into focus.  This is a complete transformation.  I have not worked some of these muscles for 30 years.  It is going to take time and effort to get over the initial shock to the system.  I have to really focus mentally on getting through this stage of training.  So - if you see a lot on inspirational nonsense on my Facebook page - you know why......

My quest is still not public.  At some point - it will be.  If you found me here - come visit me on FACEBOOK.  You can see what I do in the real world here.    Gerry's Facebook Page

First Training Session - Crunch Fitness

First Training Session for Weights Toda

It seems like every day is blending into the next day.  So much to do - and only so many hours in the day.

I had it on my list to sign up for the gym near my office and schedule some training sessions.  I walked into CRUNCH in the early afternoon - and felt a little like I was being sold a car.  I excused myself and said I would be back later in the day.

After running errands and meeting clients - I was a bit angry at myself for not just pulling the trigger while I was there.  This QUEST I am on is going to take a huge investment of time.  I have to manage my time better and make decisions more quickly.  There really aren't any decisions that cannot be undone - and I just need to start checking items off my list of things to do.

The gym is great.  It was a bit intimidating to see all of the hard core folks there - but I am looking forward to get started.  I scheduled my first training session for later today.  2pm!

I am going to go easy - and take it slow.  While I am excited to start - I am not looking forward to the pain!

Scary Pictures - First Weigh In

OK - so you have all been warned.

Yes, I am in pain.  Not enough to deter me from my goal - but enough to have me accept reality.  Although in my head I am still a smart, capable diver with a 29 inch waist and 42 inch chest living in 1980 - time flies.

When you take off your shirt and take photos - it is hard to hide what 30 years away from the diving board will do.  The waist slowly expands - the muscle definition starts to wane (I am being nice) and the beer, wine and rich food takes its toll.

I think the photos will ultimately be good for me.  It is a bit difficult for me to look at them now - as the photo evidence over rules whatever fantasy world you can hide in.  If I were looking to start training for a marathon or road race - it would not disturb me nearly as much.  Hurling myself off a One and Three meter springboard is a different story.

For better of for worse - here is where I am on this day.  I hope to God that things progress well and I can start seeing some progress in my waistline and my weight quickly.  I am ready for the hard work - but I am a creature that likes to chart my progress along the way.  I really should have taken a picture of my daughters face when I told her why I needed these photos.  She may rethink supporting me in this quest.   Here we go - hopefully I can laugh at these photos as months go by......

Walking before I Run....

OK - So I couldn't wait to get started - so I walked 3 miles yesterday.  I got through the walk feeling great - but as the day progressed - I knew it was going to haunt me this morning.

No pain, no gain - right?

This morning I was debating whether I should walk again - or take a break.  I decided that the easy decision was to wait till tomorrow.  The hard decision would be to get dressed and get out on the road.

If  I am going to get where I am going - It will not be an easy road.  I did the 3 miles.

It felt better than yesterday - but I can certainly feel it.  Stretching before and after made a difference.  I have to force myself to make the time to stretch.  I am going to get my first photo today - I promised myself I would take a photo each week to log my progress.  It is not pretty. You have been warned!

Uh, Oh...... Reality Bites....

                       You Want to do WHAT?

Well, making the decision was the easiest part of this process.  The next step was to make a plan.

When I sat down to figure out how to get from point A to point B - the old theory about a straight line being the shortest way - may not be the smartest way.

At 52 years old - I have become an expert at eating and drinking things that may not be so good for me.  As a result - I realize I have very little muscle where I need it - and a nice layer of fat that is going to make it very difficult to fold into a PIKE position.

Holy crap...  What have I done?

I got on the scale this morning and weighed in at 188.6 pounds.  This is approximately 30 pounds heavier than I was when diving in my college years.  Do I have to lose 30 pounds?  I don't think so - but I will certainly have to lose at least 20.

Sadly - if it was just a matter of losing 20 pounds - I could do it by cutting off the beer and sugar - and sticking to a Atkins Diet which works quite well for me.  The 20 pounds has to come off while at the same time adding at least that much in muscle.  I now know I have to get someone that knows what the hell they are doing involved in my quest.

In the meantime - tomorrow starts the QUEST.  I am going to start easy - walking every morning to try to get into some type of shape and burning some calories.  I am going to modify my diet - no booze or sugar.  I am going to log in my weight each week - and take pics of how I am doing.

Next week - I am going to head to CRUNCH FITNESS and sign up for weight training.  I have none of the strength I will need - and have a long way to go before I can start getting on a board and throw dives.  The last thing I want to do is hurt myself early.  Make a plan and stick to it.  Slow and steady wins the race.

This weekend I am going to POTOMAC SWIM AND TENNIS CLUB to spend a half hour on the board. Not to dive - but to get a feel for the board and try a few hurdles.  It will be important to start getting my feet conditioned to the board - and start to get them a bit calloused.  The little things mean a lot.  Sore feet are not something you want when you start to train.

Flexibility?  Oh my God....  I am not sure what I am going to do.  Yoga?  Any suggestions?

OK - scary photograph coming tomorrow.  First day of training.  Here we go........

It has to be a family decision....

Diving In Once Again

I had a long talk with my daughter Brighid today regarding me getting back into the pool to dive.  She was nervous when I said I wanted to talk to her - like any teenager - she was concerned she was in trouble for something.

I told her I was considering making a year commitment to qualify for the Nationals and potentially the World Championships and she got a bit quiet.  I was worried that that I was about to be shot down.  I felt like a teenager asking a girl out on a date.  I really wanted that positive response.

She thought for a moment - and said  - "Really"?

When she saw I was serious - she said "Of Course Dad...that would be really cool"!

Now it was my turn to smile.  One down - two to go.

My eldest daughter Sean was my next target.  When I finally could get the iPod ear buds out of her ear - I asked her what she thought of me getting back on the board.  Her answer was quick - and sure.  She said "It  is what I would expect you to do Dad".   I asked if that meant she was supportive - she smiled and said "Of course".  Secretly - she was thinking that her little sister would be occupied and out of her hair.  Whatever the motivation - that was 2 in support.

The last was my wife Nancy.  I asked her what she thought - and she too said it was fine.  She knows that Brighid and I have a connection - and some of the same personality traits that can sometime drive her crazy. I think she is happy to see me make a commitment to get back into shape.  I only hope that the time commitment does not change her mind along the way.

So - I have an all clear from my family.  After much thought - I am ready to make a commitment.  I am excited, anxious, motivated and happy with my decision.  Now the journey begins.

I was very excited to find a website dedicated to OLDER divers continuing to compete in a Masters program.  Organized competition - broken down by age groups.

FANTASTIC!

I am hooked.  I know when I am having trouble sleeping - that I have to figure out how to get back in the game.  Improbable?  Yes.  Impossible?  No.

I have to speak with my family to determine if they will support me getting back in the game.  It will be a big commitment of time - and a lot of energy.  My life will change -as I know it.  I have to be sure I can organize my life to find time to train - and continue to improve my business.

My goal?  Overweight, out of shape, but motivated - going from the couch to the National Invitational in one year?  Can I do it?  I don't know..... but I learned a long time ago that if you don't set goals that are easy.  Sometimes you can do the impossible.

Judging at the Summer Divisional's

Brighid Practicing before the Divisional Meet

The summer dive season is incredibly short.  The practices for diving start the day school ends in June - and the first Diving meet quickly follows.

Unless kids are diving over the winter it is really tough to perform at a high level during the summer season.  After watching a few meets you quickly realize who is diving year round and who is just getting into their summer groove.

It is incredibly hard for me to watch kids dive.  I instinctively want to coach them and make them better.  I participate during the summer by judging at most dual meets and also at the Divisional and All Star events.

I was really taken aback this past week at the Divisional meet.  I was judging some of the older kids and I was one of 5 judges giving scores.  On a particularly sloppy dive - my score was a few points lower than some of the others.  One of the summer divers was within earshot and was commenting to their friend that I obviously did not have any idea how difficult the dive was.  I am pretty sure they knew I could hear them - and it ticked me off.

Later in the day I was trying to understand why I allowed his comment to get to me.  After all - he was just a kid.  All he saw was a 52 year old Dad throwing up scores that he did not agree with.

In my head I am still a diver.  I know how the dive is supposed to be done - and how it feels.  I have a somewhat visceral reaction every time I see a kid dive.  When the dive is announced I am already playing through my head the steps.  Hurdle, reach, throw, spin.......extend and  REACH for the bottom.  I can hear the muffled applause from under water and the excitement of breaking the surface to see the scores.

This return to diving has me restless - and thinking about getting back into shape. Can I still dive?  I have a lot to think about.  Stay tuned.

Confessions of an old Diver

Back in the day.  With a full head of hair and a 6 pack!

I was a springboard diver for as long as I can remember.  Starting at 10 years old - I put swimming on the back burner - and learned how to use the fulcrum at West Nyack Swim Club outside of New York City.  Diving was a hell of a lot more fun than swimming - and was the cool alternate to lap swimming.

If you were ever in a competitive sport you already know the drill.  You start competing and over the years you move up the ladder in competition.  At some point you discover you have what it takes to become an elite athlete or that  you don't. I was blessed with good kinesthetic sense and quickly moved up the local rankings.

I ended up diving at St. Bonaventure University in the late 1970's.  It was a small Division One school that is now part of the Atlantic 10 conference.  I held school records there for many years and upon graduation put diving on the back burner as the real world and paying bills became a priority.

What brings me back to diving over the past year or so is my beautiful daughter Brighid.  She is 13 years old and will be starting her Freshman year of high school in a few weeks.  Like me - she took a liking to the diving boards during the summers.  Over the years she has competed on a high level in soccer and Irish Dance.  This fall she told me she would give up Soccer and Dance and move exclusively into diving if it was OK.  Was it OK?  I was ecstatic.......

This past winter we drove twice a week for lessons with the Montgomery Dive Club.  She loved it!  This summer she attended three weeks at Indiana Diving Academy with Indiana Coach Jeff Huber.  She improved a great deal and only became more excited about the prospect of increasing her skills and becoming an elite diver.

As I got more and more involved with her diving - I realized how much I missed it.  While there are lots of crazy ideas floating around in my head - this blog will give me an outlet to share my experience.  If you found me - you probably know me or have some connection to diving.  I hope you will enjoy my perspective of a grown up kid - getting his feet wet once again.