Week of Active Rest & 5K

After hitting it hard for 12 weeks straight with Body for Life, I've enjoyed my first week of active rest. I've missed doing the weight training routines, but it's been nice to let my body rest/recover. I'm still eating 95% clean and a little cardio.

Today, Memorial Day 2010, I ran in my first 5K race. It was the American Heroes Race held in Arlington, Texas at the Ballpark in Arlington. Before the race started, the Marines performed a 21 Gun Salute, then an Apache helicopter flew over. A SUPER pre-race ceremony! Makes you very proud to be an American! And was a good reminder to be grateful to those who have fought and died defending our nation.

Once the race started, I was able to run for about the first mile before needing to slow to a fast walk. The rest of the run was a mixture of fast walking and jogging. I finished in 34:17 which isn't real good, but I'm completely happy with it since I just started running a few months ago (for the first time in my life), I just turned 40 years old, and this was my first 5K. =) The feeling of crossing the finish line is almost indescribable. Hearing the crowd cheering everybody on as we ran the last stretch, and seeing my family on the side cheering me on!! It was really cool!!

After the run, the kids got to climb inside the Apache helicopter. That was a treat for them! It was a fun day and I can't wait for my next 5K!!

Week 12 FINAL RESULTS!!! Before & After Pics!

I did it!!! My 12 week Body for LIFE challenge is done! YESSSSS!!!!! I'm sort of speechless right now because it's such a relief to be finished. It's been an awesome 12 weeks but hasn't been easy. I've worked hard at eating clean foods and hitting the weights hard.

Final results are....LOST 17.5 lbs, LOST 12.5% body fat, LOST 12 inches overall! Current stats...150.5 lbs, 11.5% body fat, 31" waist measurement, 32" hip measurement.

Body for LIFE has taught me how to eat healthy and live an active lifestyle and for that, I'm VERY thankful! And I'm in the best condition of my life! Before starting BFL, my resting heart rate was in the upper 60's to low 70's. Now it has dropped into the high 50's!!! That puts me in an athelete's RHR!! Cholesterol is 104! I'm planning to run my first 5K on Memorial Day 2010!! What an awesome feeling to be in this great of shape at 40 yrs old. =)

BFL is the real deal. If you're serious about getting in better shape, getting to a healthy weight, or just want to start living a healthy lifestyle, check out Body for Life! It has set me and my family on a whole new course in life.

Mike

Week 11 - Results

Week 11 brought a little change in my diet. I've lowered my carbs a bit for the last 2 weeks of the challenge in attempt to drop a little more fat before the end of this thing. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated with my last few weeks results. Fat % has stayed the same, now for 4 weeks in a row. (ggggrrr!!) But I've still got a goal set to be at 10% by the end of this thing so I'm not giving up!!

I am pleased with the changes I can see in my physique. Sitting at around 12% body fat and lifting weights for the past 3 months has definitely given me a more muscular shape, which I am really happy about. And I feel awesome! I just want to lose that last bit of stubborn low belly fat! That thing just won't go away. haha! But I have determined that I'm stronger than it is and I'm going to make it leave eventually!

As I start my last week of the BFL challenge, I feel focused and determined. Whether or not I reach my personal goal of 10%, I know I'm in better health today than when I started and have learned the process of how to eat clean that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life!

Now, on to WEEK 12!!!!!!! Come on 10%!!!

Week 10 - Results

As I came to the end of Week 10 and took my usual Saturday morning measurements, I discovered I was still the same as I've been the last 2 weeks. I think it's safe to say I've hit a plateau. :/ I'm stuck at 12-13% body fat and 155-157 lbs. Although I'm excited about the fat-loss results I've had, I'm disappointed in not hitting my goal of 10% by May 7. But hey, dropping from 24% to 13% isn't bad, right? =) But I'm not giving up. This is Body for LIFE and that's how I intend to continue looking at it. So onward we go!

So I have 2 weeks left in the 12-week challenge and I'm tweeking my meal plan for this last stretch. Someone (who is one of my BFL mentors & inspirations) offered to help me with my last 2 weeks meal plans and to that I am very grateful. I'm not sure she would want me to mention her by name but she knows who she is. Thank you!! I'm confident that with the new eating plan and consistently hard workouts, it will get me to my goal by the end of this thing. =)

I never realized how different you could feel by changing your eating habits and adding in regular exercise to your life. When I was eating "whatever I wanted" and not exercising, I didn't realize I was weak and tired, but when comparing to how I feel now, there's a drastic difference! It's really cool how it changes your whole outlook on things. Even our kids occasionally will look at a food label and say, "Dad...I saw this had high fructose corn syrup in it so I didn't eat it.." Haha!! That's so cool!! Our kids don't eat 100% clean (they're kids), but it's awesome to see them learning this stuff! I'm thankful for BFL and what it has taught me and would love to help anyone learn this process. Just ask!

Ok, next 2 weeks are rolling so let's DO THIS THING!! I want the rest of my low-belly fat GONE and 10%...watch out for me!!!

Mike

Week 9 Update

With week 9 behind me and now 2 days into week 10, I can't believe the BFL 12 week challenge is almost over. It really has gone by fast. I've learned SO much during the last 2 months about how to eat, what to eat, and just the basics of how to take care of myself that I can carry with me for the rest of my life. I'm healthier than I've ever been. I'm stronger. My heart/lungs are in better condition, and I feel awesome! Body for Life is such a simple plan for learning the basics on how to take care of yourself and how to live a healthier lifestyle. No pre-boxed meals to buy, no points to count, just common sense food choices and portions, and exercise. I've been able to drop over 10% body fat, 14 lbs, and several inches overall. If you're looking for a program that's not complicated, look into Body for Life. If you follow the plan, you will NOT be disappointed!