THE LONG ARDUOUS ROAD TO A HEALTHIER ME

When I first began my preparations for coming to Iraq I had a few goals in mind that I wanted to accomplish throughout this endeavor. One of those goals was to lead a more healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. It isn't hard to figure out that years of not eating so great, drinking beer and not exercising have taken their toll on my body. While I was researching this job I noted that the company required members to be on a physical fitness plan while in country. I also assumed, from movies and TV, that meals would be a ladel-full of unappetizing slop dumped on my tray by a nasty old cafeteria worker as he muttered and laughed, "Prime rib or lobster". That turned out to be quite the opposite. While four-star dining is not to be found here, there is a pretty impressive, albeit, not-so-healthy spread of food offered here at each meal. It is easy to go overboard. I left BWI airport at around 220# and within my first month I had reached 245#, my eating was out of control.

So we started working out, cardio only at first for me, I wanted to lose some weight before I started lifting again. Our Captain at the time, Todd, was a very health conscious runner so we did the gym almost everyday. He also understood the need to escape the daily firehouse grind to keep a clear head as well. Living on top of each other 24/7 can get to anyone, you need some kind of physical release to ease tensions. I decided to stick with only cardio until after my first R&R, then I would start lifting weights again. I had hoped to drop back down to around 210-220# before I went home for my first visit, but it wasn't happening. I did start weights when I got back, but eased slowly into it. I didn't want to be severely sore all the time, I needed to keep in mind i had spent the last 10 years as a couch potato and start a program accordingly. I have been back for just about 2 months now and I am feeling much better. I wish I had taken before photos prior to this point, I flaked. I will take some before pictures this week. I feel better, not necessarily lighter, but fitter. My pants feel more comfortable , my stomach does not get in the way when I tie my shoes and I can actually feel my chest muscles again. I still have a long way to go, but the good news is I am enjoying it again. I want to be fit and feel good rather than let myself go to shit again. I turn 41 this June and it isn't going to get any easier from this point on.

So now, Myself, Lori, Pam and Mikey are doing a diet competition of sorts. We are trying to see who can last the longest on a healthy diet and exercise program. I don't expect to win but I am giving it a good shot, I'd feel much better if I dropped 20#. I'd be exstatic if I could get under 200#, I have not seen that weight since after College. I will post pictures of my progress....or lack thereof. I think I will do ok, my next R&R is slowly making it's way here and I want to look better this time. My speedo awaits!!!

15-APR-08: Had a great day at the gym today, benched 250# 4x without help, might have been able to do 2 or 3 more, didn't have a spotter. Either way I am feeling stronger and happier about it! My boobs don't sag much now, LOL!

21-APR-08: Starting night dispatch tonight so I was free most of the day and spent 2 hours at the gym. Feeling very good, I have to say. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and kept my heart-rate up to 130-140 bpm, much higher than when I do the bike or treadmill. Then I moved onto Chest and Triceps and again I was able to up my bench press up to 265# 3x. I am very psyched with how good I am feeling. We are still on our diet competition program and I do feel better still. i have become a little more laxed but keeping up with the guidelines for the most part.