Back in the Saddle Again!

Holy cow! It has been almost 2 whole months since I posted to the blog. I have plenty of excuses, mostly related to available time or lack thereof, but I really don't want to hear them either. Instead, I will spend some time updating everyone on my health and fitness status (What a concept!)

Update on my health: I have been going to Iowa City to see a specialist in biliary dysfunction. We had thought for sure that there was something wrong with my pancreas, bile ducts, the area formally known as my gall bladder. Alas, all tests have come back negative. Yet I continue to have some elevated liver enzymes during my blood tests. No one seems too concerned, as though this may be a life threatening situation, but the specialist (and others) have suggested taking care of my liver. They have recommended losing some of my belly fat, eating foods lower in fat and cholesterol, and avoiding any alcohol. I am starting back with some visits to my primary physician. I am going to ask a few questions about other tests, possibly a liver biopsy, and see what he thinks about supplements such as milk thistle to aid in the regeneration of the liver. (Apparently, the liver is the only organ in the human body that can actually regenerate healthy cells.)

Update on my fitness: So keeping the doctor's recommendations in mind, I have set out to finally, really, truly lose the weight I have been talking about. I have gone to a low fat diet. I am back to turkey sausage, egg whites, and other foods pretending to taste good. I have rededicated myself to my workouts, even extending some of my runs to 4 and 5 miles. While still lifting weights, only heavier and more often, 3 times a week. I have also began walking 2 miles during my lunch hour 3 times a week. I have even recruited a few friends and family to participate with me. Every week, a few of us our weighing in and sharing that figure to the group. We are discussing our weight loss goals, complaining of the difficulties,and sharing ideas and support. It's like weight watchers, without the weekly fee and all the advertising. So far it has worked pretty well. I think everybody has lost at least a couple of pounds, and others have lost a small child. I am down 5 lbs (starting at 208) and feeling really good about my numbers for this week. I have also committed to losing 10lbs before Christmas on one of my favorite blogs, http://www.fatcyclist.com/. Check out the challenge here. I figured losing 10 lbs before Christmas was not a bad idea, and why not commit to a challenge where you have a chance to win some pretty cool biking gear.

So that's my story in a nutshell. What have the rest of you been up to?

One more thing, I know the doctor is smart and everything, but there was no way that I could continue to live without the occasional beer (or 6). So, while I am drinking much more infrequently than I used to, I still sneak in a malty beverage. I am human after all!