PenteKing’s BodyBlog

On Sunday, I went kayaking on La Jolla Cove. We went out about 2 or 3 miles, circled through the caves, and generally had a great time. Fell into the water once, but it was no big deal, although I felt distinctly like an idiot.

Ever since, though, my back has felt a little balky, especially my lower back. Now, I expected my upper back to be somewhat sore (after all, that is the main body area that is worked), but the lower back is the area that’s acting up. I suppose it harkens back to my history of lower back pain. (Even as a teenager, I’ve had problems with my lower back. I’m sure I did something to throw it out of whack, although I’m not sure what that something was. Oh, well.)

I skipped my workout yesterday. (I was scheduled to do legs, and thought that might be pushing things a bit.) I worked chest and triceps today, and will do legs either tomorrow or Thursday, prior to my next appointment with my trainer on Friday.

 I will be in San Francisco this weekend, so will have to find a gym where I can pay a two-day visitor’s fee to use the facilities. Wish me luck.

By the way, I welcome comments of any sort on this blog.

I met with my personal trainer individually for the first time on Friday. Prior to that, she had been working with both my wife and me. it was strange having her all to myself, but it also felt pretty good. After the initial awkwardness passed, I realized that my workout with her was going to be a lot different than it had been previously.

We worked hard, but we also worked smart. She hit a major bodypart, immediately followed by two minor bodyparts, and she kept me moving constantly. Progressing from one exercise to another forced me to push, but also kept me on "high alert". I had to focus on what I was doing in order to keep my form. It was intense and afterward, I felt great.

 I’m digging through different routines (on this web site, as well as others), looking for a program that I can embrace; one that will help me achieve my goal. If anyone out there is reading this and has a suggestion, please don’t hesitate to forward them along. I’m open to any and all recommendations, especially with regard to proper nutrition.

 I also plan on posting my "before" photos for those of you who want a good laugh.

This is my first post, and I’m not quite sure how this all works. So, if I have any readers, bear with me while I figure this whole thing out.

I started this journey about a year ago. At the time, I tipped the scales at 240, had trouble climbing a flight of stairs, drank whiskey and beer to excess about twice a week, and smoked a pack of cigarettes a day. How I managed to live like that is baffling to me now, but I have to face reality.

Today, I weigh 205, am eating better, and am exercising regularly, and with dedication. I’ve still got 30 pounds to go to reach my ideal weight of 175, but I’[m making slow, steady progress, and that’s motivating me. What happens when I hit a plateau is another story, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

 For those who have an interest, I’ll keep you updated, but I’m mostly writing this blog to myself. I know I can do this. I just want to have a written record of my accomplishment.s

This is my first blog. I’m new to this, so if you’re reading, bear with me until I get the hang of it all.

I turned 55 last week. It’s hard to believe I’m as old as I am. In my mind, I’m still 25 (my best year ever, in my humble opinion). My mirror belies that image, however, so I’ll have to come to grips with the fact that I’m (in the words of woman I ran into at a nightclub once) "an older gentlemen". Nothing like a few well-chosen words to bring you face-to-face with reality.

At any rate, about a year ago, I decided that I wanted to get back to the body I had when I was 30. Then, I weighed 175 pounds, had 12% bodyfat, and could run flat out for a mile without getting seriously winded. I may never be able to achieve that goal, but I’m going to give it my all. As Joseph Heller said in Catch-22, "I’m going to live forever, or die in the attempt."

So far, I’ve lost 35 pounds of unhealthy bodyfat. I’ve still got about 30 pounds to go, but I’m eating better, exercising like a madman, and am making steady progress. If anyone wants to offer words of encouragement or advice, I’m all attention. Wish me luck. I’m going to need all that I can get.