Fitness goals?

Originally Posted by swamprat

Followed up with the doctor today.

My blood test.

PSA was 3.5, now is 0.7
TSH was 4.9, now is 1.13
Total Cholesterol was 217, now is 170
HDL was 36, now is 38
LDL was 166, now is 111
Triglycerides was 151, now is 98
Glucose was 95, now is 95
HA1C was 4.4, now is 4.3
Hemoglobin now 13.3

Looks great, right?

I left one out --> Uric Acid was 6.4 now is 7.2 (should be below 6. Above 6.9 is considered dangerous.)

That uric acid level has become the bane of my existence. Everything is going to have to change and I've had to rethink what my goals are and how I'm going to get there. I had planned on signing up for the Gasparilla Distance Classic 5+3K next March with my daughter, but that's been nixed.

Running is out and walking is out, too. The pain caused by the gout/arthritis in my right ankle has gotten to the point that I simply can't do it anymore. The walks themselves bring on the attacks. I thought that was nuts, until my doctor explained as to why they do. The Allopurinol, that I now take to prevent attacks, actually causes the attackes when I walk by routing uric acid to my ankle, where the arthritis resides, instead of out through my kidneys. Doesn't matter how much water I drink either, though it's worse if I don't drink enough. Also, when walking, the ankle gets cold, as the body rushes blood to the thighs and hips, aggravating the gout/arthritis even more. My 5 miles of walking a day is over. Blows chunks. I enjoyed that more than anything.

While working through this gout thing, I've maintained between 60 and 70 lbs. down from initial weight. At the doctors, today, I weighed in 67 down. However, I've been back to 60 several times in the last month. Can't seem to get a rhythm, like I had. Until the doc and I can get the Allopurinol levels right, I'm basically a vegetarian. I take in little fat or protein, which is a problem. Since I have to stay away from dried beans, lentils, and peas, too, I'm having a little trouble getting enough protein. No meat, chicken, or fish and no beer. I've tried to work dairy, in the form of cheese, back in to take care of the protein and supplement the veggies.

However, having said all of that, I actually feel better than I did 5 months ago, when I decided on this life style change and have no intention of stopping, now. I'm concentrating on biking now. So far, things have worked well, but I'm not pushing it. I don't want this crap moving into my knees. I would still like to get to the point where I can ride to and from work daily, though.

Keep your head up. Your commitment to change is well worth it.

My results from Ironman Florida:

Swim 1:20:23
T1:16:21
Bike 6:48:12
T2: 13:08
Run: 4:53:41
Total:13:31:42
Tattoo: 31:08

1614 out of 2354 finishers. 2439 started the race.

Held up through the day relatively well. Could have shaved a lot of time through transitions and through my bike and run, but I just took my time and did not push myself too hard. Amazing experience!

I started working out on my own in January. I grew frustrated in April when I wasn't seeing any results with weight or health. I went to Wiefit for nutrition and workout guidance in June.

After 5 months of following the nutrition plan and using the ActivTrax workout at the YMCA, I've lost 20 scale pounds. I've lost right at 35 lbs of fat and put on 15 lbs of muscle and closing in on cutting my body fat percentage in half from my June number. The doctor is happy too as all of my medical numbers are much better.

Can not wait to see what kind of results will happen over the next 5 months.

Originally Posted by formerkywrestler

Very sorry to hear about the news. I hurt my leg, and while not nearly as serious I can definitely empathize with you on not being able to do the fitness activity you enjoy.

Concerning the protein could you take the protein powders or protein bars?

I've been looking into whey protein powder.

Originally Posted by bugatti

My results from Ironman Florida:

Swim 1:20:23
T1:16:21
Bike 6:48:12
T2: 13:08
Run: 4:53:41
Total:13:31:42
Tattoo: 31:08

1614 out of 2354 finishers. 2439 started the race.

Held up through the day relatively well. Could have shaved a lot of time through transitions and through my bike and run, but I just took my time and did not push myself too hard. Amazing experience!

I can only imagine. Great job! Are you looking to go to Vegas next year?

Originally Posted by swamprat

I can only imagine. Great job! Are you looking to go to Vegas next year?

For what? I am always up for a Vegas trip though I have considered doing the Marathon there.

Originally Posted by bugatti

For what? I am always up for a Vegas trip though I have considered doing the Marathon there.

Ironman World Championship 70.3

It's at Lake Las Vegas in Henerson, NV, a suburb of Vegas proper.

Originally Posted by swamprat

Ironman World Championship 70.3

It's at Lake Las Vegas in Henerson, NV, a suburb of Vegas proper.

That is only a half Ironman, though one of the major ones on the circuit. If I ever have to pack up and go it most likely will be for a full again.

Originally Posted by swamprat

Ironman World Championship 70.3

It's at Lake Las Vegas in Henerson, NV, a suburb of Vegas proper.

We'll see him at Kona next year.

Originally Posted by swamprat

I've been looking into whey protein powder.

Would be a way to get the protein you need.

Originally Posted by formerkywrestler

We'll see him at Kona next year.

Riiight.

Originally Posted by bugatti

Riiight.

Do you know the typical qualifying cut off for our age group?

Originally Posted by formerkywrestler

Do you know the typical qualifying cut off for our age group?

It is based upon each event and taking a percentage of each age group. My age group had 131 finishers, or 8%. That means they take the top 8% of my group, which was a little over 3 hours faster than me for the slowest. You have to be a beast to qualify.

I'm over 70 lbs down now and up to 10 miles a day on my bike. Still not walking and not eating meat. The attacks have ceased, so maybe I'm getting this gout thing under control.

Shared one of those Tofurkey loaves with some vegan friends, at my daughter's Thanksgiving dinner. For the earlier meal, at home, I ate the Tofurkey oven roast deli slices, heated in the microwave. Both were OK, better than nothing. Oddly enough, I carved the bird at both meals I attended that day. Some of the Tofurkey stuff is just awful, especially the Italian Sausage.

Mrs. S, who is still on that Ideal Protein Diet, has lost 37 lbs. My daugter and I are going to try and get her started in water aerobics after the first of the year.

Has anyone ever tried that Tough Mudder competition? I've seen thier ads on facebook all the time. I also noticed that they have one coming to Kentucky on October 21 and 22 of 2012. It is in Maysville.

http://toughmudder.com/events/kentucky-2012/

It has sparked my interest because I have always wanted to try something like this.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by Lucky Charms

Has anyone ever tried that Tough Mudder competition? I've seen thier ads on facebook all the time. I also noticed that they have one coming to Kentucky on October 21 and 22 of 2012. It is in Maysville.

http://toughmudder.com/events/kentucky-2012/

It has sparked my interest because I have always wanted to try something like this.

Thoughts?

Talking about this yesterday. I have a few friends that have participated and they have a good time. There are lots of different circuits but the Tough Mudder series is the most popular. Get a group and give it a shot.

Originally Posted by Lucky Charms

Has anyone ever tried that Tough Mudder competition? I've seen thier ads on facebook all the time. I also noticed that they have one coming to Kentucky on October 21 and 22 of 2012. It is in Maysville.

http://toughmudder.com/events/kentucky-2012/

It has sparked my interest because I have always wanted to try something like this.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by bugatti

Talking about this yesterday. I have a few friends that have participated and they have a good time. There are lots of different circuits but the Tough Mudder series is the most popular. Get a group and give it a shot.

A friend has asked me to do the one in KY. Pretty sure I will.

Originally Posted by bugatti

Talking about this yesterday. I have a few friends that have participated and they have a good time. There are lots of different circuits but the Tough Mudder series is the most popular. Get a group and give it a shot.

Did they say how difficult it was. Just curious because I'm looking at some of the youtube videos and I'm just thinking that I wouldn't have that much of a problem with it. Seemed to me like there was a lot of standing around.

Originally Posted by Lucky Charms

Did they say how difficult it was. Just curious because I'm looking at some of the youtube videos and I'm just thinking that I wouldn't have that much of a problem with it. Seemed to me like there was a lot of standing around.

He said that it did not require a lot of upper or lower body strength, just a little stamina which I am sure you have. These are more geared towards having fun, teaming up with others to get through obstacles, and enjoying the day.

Originally Posted by bugatti

He said that it did not require a lot of upp er or lower body strength, just a little stamina which I am sure you have. These are more geared towards having fun, teaming up with others to get through obstacles, and enjoying the day.

I am doing the Michigan/northern Ohio in april. I downloaded a workout for 12 weeks out from the race if anyone wants it. It comes from Outdoor Magazine and a trainer who trains people specifically for this. I am starting from about a 25 min 5 k so we will see if i can stick with it to get to that level