Week 9: Setback? What Setback???

Last week's number: 306.1 pounds
This week's number: 307.4 pounds
Week-to-week loss: -1.3 pounds
Net loss: 42.2 pounds

Yes, I went backward.  I didn't have such a disciplined week as far as eating goes.  That's changed, posthaste.

On the other hand, I have had a great week with exercise, running three times last week and getting my distance up to 1.6 miles.  Granted, we're not talking about a Chariots of Fire performance here (although I probably look like one of the slow-motion training shots on the beach as I'm running out there) but it's far, far better than I could do even six months ago.  Tonight I started on the exercise bike but only made it 15 minutes before I was reminded that different muscle groups are indeed required for different forms of exercise.  From now on I'm going to change it up and try to exercise every day.

I'm told that some of the gain may in fact be water retention due to inflammation because I'm using my muscles more.  That's undoubtedly true.  What's also undoubtedly true is that I fell to temptation more often than I'm comfortable with.  Tonight I drew a line in the sand.  And I have another goal in mind, too.

A friend of mine informed me of a 5K run in San Diego this October, and I'm going to sign up.  I'm already running about half that distance now so by October I should certainly be able to handle 5K and then some.  Besides, the participation medal is shaped like Darth Vader--what SF fan couldn't resist that???

I've also fulfilled one of my previous goals--that of mapping out a weekly schedule which I intend to implement next week (so I can start fresh on Sunday; besides, this week is halfway shot).  It's not terribly prescriptive; it basically outlines what activities I'll pursue on what days.  I have deliberately blocked in time for the family--not that it will be the only time, but that some time will be reserved for Sandy and the kids because I admit I do get too preoccupied with other things and need a way to keep on track.  I intend to put something similar together at work as well so I can make your tax dollars go as far as possible (and get my next performance review to look even better ;-) )

I've referenced the Rocky movies in this blog specifically and during this diet/exercise regimen generally more than a few times.  The first three movies are probably my favorite mundane (i.e., non-science fiction or fantasy) movies. In addition to being a brilliant character study, a classic Jungian Hero's Journey, and probably the most motivating story ever put on film, the struggle is very, very real. Sylvester Stallone is on record as saying the entire series from start to finish is in many ways autobiographical--swap boxing for acting and Stallone's entire career progression can be seen.  Starting from the beginning:

Rocky - the Old Shame first job (Rocky collecting for a loan shark/Stallone taking a porno role because he'd just been evicted and needed money)  and the unlikely first triumph (Rocky taking Apollo the distance/Stallone getting the first Rocky movie produced on a shoestring budget and winning the 1976 Best Picture Oscar)
Rocky II - proving that success wasn't a flash in the pan (Rocky's rematch with Apollo/Stallone producing a successful sequel).
Rocky III - both Stallone and his most famous character fight to the top of their respective professions and survive major challenges
Rocky IV - his toughest challenge yet, against a steroid-fueled, almost robotic muscle-bound foreigner who's literally broken all previous competition (reflecting Stallone's on-screen rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger; in reality the two men are good friends and business partners)
Rocky V - bad decisions and changes in the industry leave both Rocky and Stallone down on their luck (albeit not entirely back to square one)
Rocky Balboa - a bittersweet comeback later in life that wins over audiences

In other words, we see the evolution of a human being during his lifetime, with the on-screen boxing both a literal conflict and a metaphor for life's struggle.  The whole series, beginning to end, is a classic (although most people, including Stallone, would like to forget Rocky V).

But then again, we all have our own Rocky V, don't we?  This past week was mine.  But that's over with.  One of my objectives with this blog was, like Stallone with the Rocky movies, to explore my own life and document both the good and the bad, so that one of these days someone might get something out of it.

Gonna fly now!