The Unemployment Chronicles Chapter 3: Running for Sanity

It's been about a month since I gave an update on my unemployment goings-on, unfortunately because there has not been much to update.

There has been a few leads here and there, resumes submitted for this and that, but no major bites. In that time, I attended a social event of HIMSS professionals (i.e. people that are in the healthcare industry that I've been associated with for the past six years in some form). I did meet some great people there, including a few who I've spoken to or connected via LinkedIn since the event. One position would have allowed me to branch my writing off into subject matters involving healthcare and consulting-related matters, but would have been part-time had the opportunity not fell apart. While there were no other positions at that organization available for hire, I will make sure to keep in touch with these folks, who were a joy to speak to both in person and on the phone.

Then last week, a friend recommended that I submit my resume for some positions at his organization. The best part of the organization? Their focus on sports data. I received an email back and was informed that the job would be part-time (32 hours/week) and would have no benefits. I'm still in touch with this guy, although it would be hard to take a job with no benefits. If it fits into my schedule, should I decide to go this route, I would look into one of my old jobs (covering sports at the high school level) once or twice a week - this is something I'm still thinking about.

I've also been offered the chance to write for a couple of people who have recently-launched sports-based websites. Like the other opportunity above, this is something I am thinking about - I'm thinking I will do something of this nature since I have still yet to launch a website of my own and would really like to spread my writing to more outlets.

My new running kicks. These, along w/some Chuck Taylors, will soon be part of my shoe rotation

All the while, one thing I have had to make sure to keep up with is my workout routine, specifically my running regimen. Fit Happens ended on July 1, so every bit of energy spent running around the neighborhood has been to maintain the healthier lifestyle that I created for myself in the prior six months (somewhat related to all of this - a nice surprise that Jen gave to me when we went out to dinner the evening I was officially unemployed included giving me a $100 gift card to Zappo's - so I just got myself a new pair of running shoes that I can't wait to break in). This, along with my girlfriend and great network of friends and family, has kept me sane during my unemployment. It's been a battle in itself cutting out unnecessary and/or costly expenses over the past month and a half like ordering delivery and drinking at bars, the latter which will be difficult to deter myself from doing should I be watching more football at random places this fall. So far this summer, I haven't really gone out much outside of Wednesdays after bowling - the drinking occasions with Jen and her co-workers have been quite sparse (or I'm just not aware of these occasions) considering that we've had some decent weather. Then again, we've started to get busy pretty much every weekend, so that helps with the bar cutback.

Wherever I end up work-wise, one thing I am going to have to adjust to better than I did the last time I got hired at a new job is maintaining the positive momentum of my healthier lifestyle. That means I will either have to do my runs in the morning or get in the habit of running after work (assuming I don't get a job at home like I had before). Or perhaps it will be better for me to join a gym, as the weather will be getting crappy in Chicago before you know it. Outside of the brief hot spell we had about a month or so ago, this has been great weather to run around my Logan Square/Bucktown neighborhood. Winters can be rather unpredictable, so an affordable gym might be what the fat loss doctor ordered.

Until next time, keep enjoying the summer. I hope to have more updates on some of these fronts soon. Also, expect some more football blogs coming up.

And remember, nobody cares about your fantasy football team.

Chapter 13 Fit Happens: Closing the Door on The Flab Four

I can remember January 1st like it was yesterday.

Jen and I had just gotten home from a wedding evening in Lasalle/Peru. I put on my "workout clothes" (I put this in quotes because in order for clothes to be classified as workout clothes, you need to, you know, work out) and walked to the elevator to begin my first workout while Jen relaxed after we had a long fun night the night before.

There was only one other person in the gym, which had three treadmills, a stepper and about 10-12 different weight machines for the various muscle groups. Most importantly, there was a television, which allowed me to watch the bowl games that were on (most of which I had some kind of bet on). The only thing that got me through the pathetic struggle of my first workout was the fact that all of my bets hit that day (several while I was in the gym for that 40 minutes or so).

At that time, I weighed in at over 235 pounds. 235.6 pounds to be exact. The first workout, along with about the first 2-3 weeks worth of workouts, showed me just how much I had gotten out of shape compared to my recent fitness focus from November 2008 through July 2010, where I was able to shed my weight from 220 to a low of 175 thanks to a rigorous workout routine - 5 times a week in the gym, with many one hour runs on the treadmill that spanned 6-7 miles.

My initial thoughts on January 1st brought me down to earth and realized that I had to get my ass back in shape. Sadly, 4 mph on the treadmill was tough at first, but after a month or so, I was able to run back at my normal 6 mph pace. As you've seen through the blogs before this, the pounds shed as the workouts became more intense.

Fast forward to now, and I am much better off for my Fit Happens experience, as are the others. While we all had our slight regression towards the end, we've all developed better habits (exercise and diet) that can carry over in the future months.

The Final Standings

User	lbs	%
Dave	-22.2 lbs	-7.69 %
Hippo	-19.5 lbs	-7.9 %
LionEsquire	-28.2 lbs	-11.56 %
B-Bo Knows Weight Loss	-32.6 lbs	-13.84 %

The good news for all, aside from the good amount of weight we all lost, was that no one will have to face any punishment.

And also good news for me is that as a result of winning the contest as well as three of the five recorded months (no monthly winner for June), I was able to score $220 profit from the others. Which is funny, because a part of me was motivated by the money at the beginning.

But as I stood on that treadmill January 1st, I knew it was much more than about money at that point. It was about making a lifestyle change while I could before long-term health damage could take place.

Sure, I still have my share of bad diet habits that will likely never go away. However, as long as I am physically able, I will make sure to continue my workouts/runs to ensure that getting fat has disappeared into thin air.

Nike Fit App

Since I have yet to join a gym, I have been relying on my runs to keep in shape. I have found the Nike Fit App to be a great tracker of all of my runs. And the nice thing now is that I have a few friends who are on the app, possibly because of me.

I admit there were a few times I ran this month when I saw my closest competitor in miles creeping up on me. In all, I ran a total of 24.17 miles on the app for June. A great total, which I only hope will improve on a monthly basis.

Next month, our first month away from the contest, I am aiming to get 35 miles of running. This would likely require me to run about 20 times. With my cost-cutting efforts likely keeping me away from the gym for the time being, I will be focusing on running even more to keep myself in shape.

Also, seeing my friends adding to their running stats will get me going for sure.

The Next Steps

So what becomes of the Fit Happens crew?

If I have anything to say about it, we will still keep in touch about our goings-on. Some of us are using Chris' wedding date in October as a platform for our next set of weight loss goals. At that time, I hope to be about 190-195, and the other gents have set similar reasonable goals to reach by that time.

In the coming days, I will have some exit interviews from the Flab Four, including what experiences we gained from the contest as well as our next steps in improving our health.

Thanks for reading once again

Chapter 12 Fit Happens: The Final Four

Before I go into this chapter's topic, here are the latest standings, as of June 1:

User lbs %

Dave -18.8 lbs -6.51 %

Hippo -17.2 lbs -6.97 %

LionEsquire -18.0 lbs -7.38 %

B-Bo Knows Weight Loss -31.6 lbs -13.41 %

Overall, May was a brutal month for the contest participants. I was expecting a wall for myself, but I figured I'd break through. But that wasn't the case. Apparently, I haven't adjusted my workout regimen or increased the intensity enough to break through the 203/204 pound marker. The final four is proving to be a tough barrier to break through.

However, the biggest take away from this month is not about my weight loss exploits, but rather my friends who regressed this month. Hippo and Chris both gained a decent amount of weight in May, which I was not expecting given their four month track record in the contest, shown by steady decreased weight loss.

For them, I believe this will prove to be a crossroads in their future health for 2013. A strong bounce back in June could prove to be a catalyst for the rest of the year. A bad June might signal that the bad habits that crept into our lives have resurfaced.

By no means did we ever think it'd be easy. For the most part, we have made it look easy, although I've heard that it's easier for guys to lose weight (although I'm not sure if that's a myth).

Here's to hoping that my weight loss crew and I end the last month of Fit Happens on a strong note.

Step one in that, at least for me and Chris, is a 5k at Lincoln Park Zoo. Wish me luck.

Fit Happens Chapter 4: Weight For It...How I Met Your Weight Loss Goals

Everybody loves (another) comeback story. It all starts circa November 2008.

Step 1: Decide to join a gym.

Step 2: Work out hard core for a 2-year period and lose 45 pounds. You become a running machine.

Step 3: Get a job where you work from home and start night class at the same time.

Step 4: Stop going to the gym. Plump up and regain a whole bunch of weight (and then some). You become a washing machine.

Step 5: Join weight loss contest with several friends in order to repeat/exceed results seen in Step 2.

Step 6: Don't repeat Step 4 - ever.

As I reside in Step 6, I have been complimented quite a bit about my decreased figure, including from some people who I wouldn't expect to notice such weight loss.

It's the beauty of changing ourselves for the better. Whenever a person decides to change something about themselves like quitting smoking or losing weight and they are successful for an extended period of time, his or her friends are quick to point out how much better they look (or in the case of smoking, congratulate them on the progress made in not smoking). Never mind the fact that you should have made better decisions about your diet or not started smoking in the first place - those people who focus on these things as a habit are not complimented nearly as much as they should be. We love comeback stories in sports, but it hits closer to home when the comeback is made by you or someone close to you.

(Editor's note: I had to edit some of the paragraph below because I wrote this story last night under the notion that I would be repeating as the monthly champ of Fit Happens. Since it didn't happen, I had to bite the bullet and edit it to the truth)

In the two months of the weight loss contest, I have already lost exactly 20 pounds (down to 215.6). I got a little ahead of myself by posting a picture of my weight after working out last night. I was so close to winning the first two months of the contest. It was something that I did not think was possible when entering the month. I figured that with all the weight I lost in January that I would have great difficulty going back-to-back. Nick took Month 2, but I am still on top of the overall leaderboard w/ 8.49%.

Dave	-16.0 lbs	-5.54 %
Hippo	-20.2 lbs	-8.18 %
LionEsquire	-18.6 lbs	-7.62 %
B-Bo Knows Weight Loss	-20.0 lbs	-8.49 %

Challenge...Accepted:

As many of you have read in the previous blog, one of the challenges I set forth in February was not consuming any alcohol in the month of February after the Super Bowl. I am proud to say that I easily succeeded in this task. In addition to the happenings in Fit Happens Chapter 3, I had a few other times where drinks were present and I was really tempted. The last such instance was at Twin Anchors Ribs (great ribs), where a 40 minute wait meant that I had to stand like a sardine in a can while watching a bunch of people drink what I assumed was sweet, delicious craft beer out of the tap.

In addition to halting my alcohol consumption to nil, I have also increased the intensity of my workouts. It was my goal this month to be able to run on the treadmill for 3-4 miles by the end of the month, which I was able to do. I would have like to have worked out a few more times (I worked out 14 of the 28 days of the month - aiming for 100 gym visits during the 6 month contest), but the important thing is getting my ass motivated to the gym.

The diet has improved a little. A lot less snacking and eating/ordering out, more home-cooked meals. I ordered Pat's Pizza (the South Loop version) only once, which is a rare thing for me. I've only had Pat's twice in the current calendar year. If you've ever had their thin crust pizza, you'd know how easy it would be to down an entire pizza by yourself - ok, maybe not you, maybe the November, chubbier version of me would know.

I expected that losing 4-to-6 pounds was the realistic goal for this month, given (1) the fewer days in February and (2) the weight loss plateaus that come after a month or two of working out. Luckily, the combination above really worked in my favor, and I am happy to say that I exceeded this goal by a pound.

Not as light as the picture posted Thursday night, but still a 7 pound weight loss for February (exactly 20 lost overall)

Sandcastles in the Sand

Now as far as the challenges ahead in March?

1. Hawaii: Have I mentioned I am going to Hawaii for work this month? Oh....yeah. I'm going to Hawaii this month. Yeah, awesome. As far as my weight loss project goes, I hope I don't have to put it on hold while I am here. I know the idea of all expenses paid will make drinking tempting. I don't think it'll be much of a problem, but it does present its temptations. I'm hoping there's a gym I can work out there at least a few times.
2. March Madness: Per my usual doings, I am taking off for the March Madness tourney. This has presented itself as an ugly convergence of gambling and beer in my recent past. Again, I believe my self-control is much better than before, so I should be ok. I may need to work out a little harder in the days to follow the first two days of the tourney.
3. St. Patty's: Actually, this day shouldn't be a problem. I've never gotten into the spirit of this "holiday". In fact, I mostly despise it thanks to an incident involving my brother nearly getting ran off the road on the day of the Parade (that story is for another day). 

Clap Bet

Now that the second month of the "contest" is over - which at this point has served its purpose and then some for all involved - I am looking to continue the weight loss and have adjusted my goals slightly based on the results of the first few months. Here are a few of the things I am cheering for myself to accomplish in the next four months and beyond:

1. One of my original goals was to get under 200 pounds by the end of the contest. That still remains a goal, but I'd like to take it a step further and say I'd like to get under 195 (possibly to 190) by the end of June.
2. I am looking to run a race at some point during this contest. I have a variety of races to choose from, but may be limited in my choices. The Shamrock Shuffle is in April and is an 8K. I'm not sure if I will be in the shape I'd want to be in to run an 8K. Even when I was back in shape in 2010, I was not running 8K or more outside of my intense 7.5 mile treadmill runs.
   
   Other races I am looking to run: United Run for the Zoo at Lincoln Park and/or the Warrior Dash. Unfortunately, the latter requires me to race in the very first heat of runners, likely by myself since the group of friends I would like to go with are racing the next day. I'd be racing that day if it wasn't for a work conference in Florida I am going to that day.
   
   The likely race to run is the Run for the Zoo. If anyone wants to join me for this, please let me know. By then, I believe I will be in 8 minute-mile shape.
3. Of course, one of my goals is a "No shit, Sherlock" goal: I am looking to win this contest. But I feel all of us agree that the weight loss contest was more of a motivating technique, a means to an end, to change behaviors that needed to be changed. I am delighted that the four of us have been keeping in constant contact during the two months, sharing our positive stories, motivating each other and congratulating certain milestones reached. Everyone has lost a significant amount of weight so far. At this pace, no one will have to worry about any of the detrimental sides of the bet (like changing avatars/gamer tags or wearing a dress to dinner with the guys).
4. I am still looking to get to the gym 100 times in the 6 months. I have gone 28 times in the first 59 days of the year, meaning I have to average 18 visits to the gym per month the rest of the contest. If I am able to do that, I believe all of the goals above will be achievable.

In the next chapter or so, I am going to try interviewing some of the other contestants to see their progress in this contest and what they have done to lose weight.

I hope you enjoyed the latest legen.....wait for it.....dary Fit Happens chapter.