UtahBy5 2013 Fitness Challenge

[chrisrenrut]

Here we go. Logistics are below, and the tracking begins Tuesday October 1st. Feel free to join at any time, and invite others to join. Post any questions or suggestions.

The tracking spreadsheet is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...lE&usp=sharing Simply add your username in Column A, and start tracking by entering your mileage or mileage calculation in the column that corresponds to the date of the activity.

Use MyFitnessPal.com or app to convert activities into calories: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/exercise/lookup.

If you walk, hike, or run, enter your mileage. If you lift weights, play basketball, swim, etc., use MyFitnessPal to convert your activity to calories burned, and then convert calories burned into miles (miles=calories burned/130), then enter your equivalent mileage.

Please only track activities done specifically for exercise. Please don't track mileage or calories in normal daily activities (e.g. wearing a pedometer to work, gardening or mowing the lawn, etc.). If your purpose is to exercise, or you alter an activity specifically to turn it into exercise (such as walking while golfing instead of riding in a cart), then track it.

I have included rank on the spreadsheet, as it may be a helpful motivation. But competition is not the primary goal, improving your own fitness is the goal. We'll trust everyone to enter their best estimates. Feel free to discuss your starting points, goals, achievements, experiences, etc. in this thread.

[chrisrenrut]

I'll start. I'm currently at 195 pounds, and would like to get down to 185. I'd like to be in better shape for an upcoming trip to Hawaii, and also to build a base for a triathlon (olympic distance) my brother and I are shooting for next year. I'll be focusing on running to begin. I want to get up to running a 10k in about 50 minutes, and then add miles and speed. I am very prone to shin splints and joint problems, so I am building up slowly. I also plan to start swimming laps, and continue to do some strength training to maintain strength, but not add bulk. My weekly goal for now is about 20 miles, which will include some walking and basketball.

Also the folks at SLC Running Co helped with a bio-mechanical analysis of my stride and recommendation of shoes and inserts. I have run a couple of times in them, and feel great so far.

[Sisyphus]

I'm a biscuit away from 245 and a long way off of my fightin' weight of 185 when @ the U. 185 simply isn't an attainable goal for me any longer since I don't want to lose the 15 lbs or so of muscle mass I've gained from lifting but I would like to hit 205-210.

[wuapinmon]

I'm almost 2 years into swimming. I've lost 10% of my body weight since I started. At first, I could only water jog 8 laps in 25 yd pool. Now I can swim 1/3 of a mile in 30-35 mins freestyle and breaststroke. According to my fitness pal, I burned 738 calories this morning, which I believe is 5.67 miles. Is that correct?

[Freaky Girl]

I'd like to be in better shape for an upcoming trip to Hawaii....

As someone who just deleted most pictures of myself after I landed this morning from LIH-LAX-SLC, it's a good idea to get in shape before you go to Hawaii, instead of using pictures as the motivation to join in! It's been about 3 years since I lost 20 lbs going with Rick to Pritikin, a posh 'fat camp' in Florida. About 12-14 lbs have snuck back on.

I have a doc appt today to check out my twisted foot and knee from an amazing hike overlooking Kalalau Valley on Sunday. image.jpg(let's see if this photo straightens out when I post it, or stays sideways) If I get a clean bill of health, I'll join in today.

[LA Ute]

As someone who just deleted most pictures of myself after I landed this morning from LIH-LAX-SLC, it's a good idea to get in shape before you go to Hawaii, instead of using pictures as the motivation to join in! It's been about 3 years since I lost 20 lbs going with Rick to Pritikin, a posh 'fat camp' in Florida. About 12-14 lbs have snuck back on.

I have a doc appt today to check out my twisted foot and knee from an amazing hike overlooking Kalalau Valley on Sunday. (let's see if this photo straightens out when I post it, or stays sideways) If I get a clean bill of health, I'll join in today.

Awesome photo. I've only been to Hawaii once but this makes me want to go back.

[wuapinmon]

This contest motivated me to swim an extra 3 laps (150 yds) today. I swam a total of 15 1/2 laps (775 yds) during 38 mins; all but one was freestyle (I did one of them breaststroke so I could catch my breath). I'm taking tomorrow off to give my shoulder a rest.

[Applejack]

OK, I'm in! I don't really have a goal other than to get in better shape, but I like tracking progress.

Also, I'm very impressed with those of you who can swim long distances. I'm a terrible swimmer.

[LA Ute]

I'm in. right now I am 6'3" 235 lbs. I should weigh 215 (and I did, 2 years ago). As we enter the holidays it is not the best time to try to lose weight, but I think I can at least hold the line and drop a bit. I am very active, just need to, ahem, eat more wisely.

[Rocker Ute]

I'm in, sounds like LA Ute and I could exchange clothes and goals, although I'm shooting for 195 ultimately.

[LA Ute]

I'm in, sounds like LA Ute and I could exchange clothes and goals, although I'm shooting for 195 ultimately.

Once upon a time that was a good weight for me too, but as one, ah, ages, one, ah, adjusts one's sense of what is, ah, realistic.

[Sisyphus]

Once upon a time that was a good weight for me too, but as one, ah, ages, one, ah, adjusts one's sense of what is, ah, realistic.

And that's the Truth, Ruth!

[mUUser]

......as one, ah, ages, one, ah, adjusts one's sense of what is, ah, realistic.

Ain't that the truth. 10 pounds and I'll be good at college weight. Now I'm glad I couldn't sleep and ran into this thread. Gym first thing this morn, 2-3x a week and as you said, the key is stop ramming crap down the throat. A low carb lifestyle generally works well for me.

[chrisrenrut]

First miles on the books. I have to admit, knowing I would be logging the miles helped me get out of bed and going today.

[LA Ute]

OK, I did my usual routine this morning. Still figuring this out. I walk aerobically at 4.5 miles/hour 5-6 times each week, and twice a week I do a Pilates workout, which is mainly about strength and flexibility and maintaining a decent core. But it does burn calories on those two days. So although today I spiked at 5.9 miles most days it will be 3.9. Are we going to enter our weight loss progress anywhere? I put mine in as a comment. I figure that way I'll keep some peer pressure on myself.

Like mUUser I use a type of low-carb diet, once known as the Zone diet. It's a 40-30-30 approach. 40% of calories from "good" carbs, 30% each from monounsaturated fats and lean protein. Despite the seemingly high percentage of fat, it is actually a low-fat diet. Anyway, it really works for me.

[LA Ute]

Wuap is smoking us all.

[LA Ute]

I did see a smiley that made me think of sisyphus in reverse. It has an exercise angle too.

indyjone-smiley.gif

[wuapinmon]

So, this morning, I got to the pool a little early, and I pushed myself to a new record. 2/3 mile in 58 minutes. At the end my calves and biceps were cramping, but I did it!

[LA Ute]

So, this morning, I got to the pool a little early, and I pushed myself to a new record. 2/3 mile in 58 minutes. At the end my calves and biceps were cramping, but I did it!

[Sisyphus]

I did see a smiley that made me think of sisyphus in reverse. It has an exercise angle too.

indyjone-smiley.gif

Love it!

[Jarid in Cedar]

Getting the weeks data loaded. 2 rides, 1 run and 3 swims (Both ride and swim on Friday)

[chrisrenrut]

Getting the weeks data loaded. 2 rides, 1 run and 3 swims (Both ride and swim on Friday)

Dang, looks like you're serious about training for your Tri. Impressive numbers.

Eldiente, not as many long runs lately. Are you starting your your taper this soon? Hopefully it's that and not an injury or something else keeping keeping your mileage down.

[OrangeUte]

Just updated my runs.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Training for a mini Tri in December. Prepare to be amazed!!

[wuapinmon]

I swam a mile this morning. It took me over 90 minutes, but I did it. My right arm started hurting with about 10 laps to go, but I just pushed through it. I think a tendon was getting rubbed the wrong way. It only hurts when I move it, but I bet tomorrow morning is going to be fun. Right now, I AM STARVING. The idea of french fries and gravy is all I can think about.

Better go eat some fruit and a steak.

[chrisrenrut]

This whole thing fell apart for me in December. I had to work 60-80 hour weeks, got called as the Ward clerk during Tithing settlement, had all the family and seasonal events, and sprained an ankle and caught a nasty cold. Running on the beach in Hawaii seems like a lifetime ago, I don't feel like I could run a mile right now.

So now I get to be one of those New Years Resolution guys to get back into shape. Good thing is, I haven't really put on much weight.

I feel bad about putting this together and the dropping off so badly. Hopefully others have gotten more out of it than I have. If we do this again, I say we pool some funds and hire DevilDog to be our internet Drill Sergeant

[LA Ute]

This whole thing fell apart for me in December. I had to work 60-80 hour weeks, got called as the Ward clerk during Tithing settlement, had all the family and seasonal events, and sprained an ankle and caught a nasty cold. Running on the beach in Hawaii seems like a lifetime ago, I don't feel like I could run a mile right now.

So now I get to be one of those New Years Resolution guys to get back into shape. Good thing is, I haven't really put on much weight.

I feel bad about putting this together and the dropping off so badly. Hopefully others have gotten more out of it than I have. If we do this again, I say we pool some funds and hire DevilDog to be our internet Drill Sergeant

Hang in, chrisrenute. That's the key to fitness -- not giving up.

I haven't updated for a week or so - swallowed up in family stuff - but I'm still in the game.

[Devildog]

If we do this again, I say we pool some funds and hire DevilDog to be our internet Drill Sergeant

Yeah... you don't want that.

NSFW

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=06d_1384454501

[UTEopia]

I started with my fitness pal a week ago. I currently weigh 205 and would like to get down to 195. I try to get to the gym twice a week and do Bikram Yoga at least once a week. In the summer months I do a lot more hiking. One thing I have noticed about my fitness pal is that I do not get any extra calories for lifting weights and I seem to get a lot for cardio. The think I like about my fitness pal is that I am rewarded with extra calories for exercise. That is a nice payoff.

[UTEopia]

I started with myfitnespal 4 weeks ago with the goal of losing 10 pounds and going from 205 to 195. I have lost 4 lbs and my fitness pal really has helped me to cut out calories that I don't need and to be more consistent in my exercise. I try to get to the gym twice a week and get a good hike in 4-6 miles twice a week. As the snow flies I will substitute Bikram Yoga (toughest workout ever) for the hikes.