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!

My friends Tigger and ...

A quick update on my health: I don't know much. I have had scopes crammed down and through every place on my body. I have had enough radiation from x-rays and scans to give me cancer, and enough blood drawn to feed Dracula for month. And the end result is they can't find anything wrong with me. Yet, I continue to have the "attacks" that sent me to the doctor's in the first place. My doctor is leaning to a diagnosis of IBS, yet both he and I are uncomfortable with that diagnosis for a couple of reasons. First, the suddenness of the onset (it basically started one day in August), and second, the acuteness of the attacks (they are quick to come on and sometimes severe enough to send me to the ER). So while I wait for some radiology results about a possible swollen spleen (neither he nor I are real worried about this, it is probably a result of all the testing), the doctor and I agreed that a second opinion was needed, but it seems that I can't get in to see the second doctor until Dec. 16, and lord only knows how long of a process that will be after more consultation, more testing, and more results and diagnosis. Honestly, I am kind of tired about talking about it. So I thought I would write a post of a lighter nature.

So during all of my health concerns I have not worked out much; maybe walking on the treadmill every so often. After some exhausting and fruitless weeks with the doctors, I decided to start working out last week. I have been taking it easy, running only a 2 to 2.5 miles at a time, and dropping the weight on my strength workouts. And it has gone pretty well. I lost all the weight I gained with not working out (209 lbs. this morning; it is weigh-in Wednesday). And it feels good to be out trying to do normal things again. Now for the funny part...

(Warning: if you are sensitive details of bodily functions, read no further and take second to think about if you take things a little too seriously)

I was out for my morning run at 5am on Tuesday. It was dark and cold out. The morning was very quiet; I could hear the hum of the street lights. I had just finished my first mile (8:10, not bad) and was turning back north on Buchanan, when suddenly I heard it...nature was calling, and it was an emergency!

Just to give you a little history, in a former life I was as regular as the mail. In the past typically, I would spend 5-10 minutes in the morning relieving myself of any discomfort before heading out for a run or workout. Occasionally, I would be surprised by a second bout of discomfort while I was out on a run, but that always occurred quickly, and I am fortunate enough to have a Hardee's open at 5am within the first half-mile of my run. I can stop in there real quick and the good thing is the bathrooms are in the foyer, so I do not have to really enter the building to use their facilities. Now, some people think that it is disrespectful to use the bathroom of a retail establishment without buying something from said establishment. I, however, do not subscribe to this particular moral. But I digress...a drawback to my current health situation is a lack of regularity. It's not that I am constipated all the time, though that is the case occasionally. The real problem is that I never know when I am going to have to go, and sometimes the urge to go comes on very quickly. The other day I was walking into work (I have to park some 10 blocks away from my building) and the urge cam on so fast and so feverishly that I had to run into one the building that I pass by and use their restroom. Other times I feel like it takes a few hours for my bowels to really wake up, then when they do...watch out!

So anyway, I woke up this past Tuesday morning, went through my normal routine of getting dressed, turning on Sportscenter, stretching, and making an attempt to cleanse my colon. Nothing doin'. I tried and tried, but nothing was to come. I figured everything was cool and I could hit the road running. The thought did cross my mind that the situation could get dyer, especially as I passed Hardee's in the first half-mile and still didn't have to go. And then it hit me, just like I said at the top of the story. The onset of this urge was quick and the desire to relieve myself was growing vigorously. I immediately planned the quickest route to Hardee's in my head (down Buchanan, left on Livingston, across the post office parking lot and I am there). But the urge kept rising. I am not sure if you all know this, but it is very difficult to run with your butt cheeks clinched like a vice. However, the thought of not running and taking longer to get to my goal was excruciating. It is sad to admit, but the thought of stopping and pooping in some one's yard crossed my mind more than once. It was sheer willpower and the thought of having to move from town if I was caught (I hate moving, it is my least favorite thing next to classical music performances) that kept me going.

Finally, I could see it; the door of Hardee's was near. As I reached the door, I grabbed the handle...the urge surging up deep inside of me...I pulled and.........it was LOCKED!

Just kidding! It was open. I did my business, did not buy anything (don't worry moralists, I spend plenty of money at Hardee's, just not while I am running), and finished my run. The end is lacking in excitement, but I am telling you the build up was palpable. Easily the most exciting 5-7 minutes of my week so far.

Is there a doctor in the house?

So I got a call from the GI doctor's office about my consultation for my endoscopy (you know, to grab those pesky stones in my belly) and they said I couldn't see anyone until Sept. 29. I am not real good at math, but that seems like a long time to wait to talk to somebody just so I can schedule the actual procedure, and Lord only knows how long I will have to wait for that. I did ask the nurse to expedite the situation, and she said she would see what she could do. That was yesterday morning and I haven't heard a thing yet. It is not looking good.

In the meantime I am suffering. I have an upset stomach every single day. Sometimes it gets really bad; like I have sharp things trying to poke their way out of my belly and even through my back. Every time I eat I feel nauseous, and sometimes it hurts so bad I can't even think about working out. Yesterday, it was raining when I got up and I really didn't feel like running. So, I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. The good thing is that I am so turned off by food that have actually lost a couple of pounds. I am planning on riding my bike tomorrow, weather permitting, and I would like to make the ride a little longer since we don't really have any place to be. We will definitely have to see how I feel.

I just can't believe that it is going to take a month to get in to see the doctor. Like s/he doesn't have 30 minutes between now and then to talk to me about the procedure and get it scheduled. Is there a shortage of GI specialists? Is somebody going on vacation? Are there thousands of individuals with digestive health issues clogging up the calendar? What is the deal?! It would seem that my best hope for relief is that my pain and suffering get to a critical point where an emergency room visit is the only answer. Oh, by the way, ER visits cost $200 a pop on my insurance. Maybe if I pass out or puke in the waiting room somebody will take this shit seriously.

I know this post has almost nothing to do with fitness, but it has everything to do with my health. This "problem" consumes my every thought. Sometimes I am fearful of eating, I am completely disinterested in working out, and all I really want to is curl up and go to bed. Unfortunately, if I have to live with this for the next several months, hiding from my everyday life is the last thing I can do. Seriously, is there a doctor in the house?

What is the gall bladder's favorite band?

(The title of this is stolen from a text that my friend sent me; thanks Matt)

Today's weight: 209 lbs

No weight lost, but none gained either. I am okay with that. Why? Because I have been sick. After the four year old birthday party I started to feel kind of yucky. I had a lot of abdominal discomfort and some heart burn/reflux. I attributed all of it to overindulging on food and beer. But the belly discomfort began to turn to belly pain. Sometimes a dull ache and sometimes a sharp, localized, stabbing, kind of pain. I also had the feeling that I was constipated. I hadn't had a satisfying poo in a few days. A couple of days later the pain started to be in my back, along the sides. I thought for sure I had a kidney stone. I called the doc and went in for a look. The diagnosis: no kidney stone, but I was the proud parent of a gall stone. The problem with this is that I had my gall bladder removed 3 years ago. Then, I found out that gall stones can still grow in the remaining bile ducts, and continue to cause many of the same symptoms and problems that the original gall bladder attacks used to give me. That sucks! The next day after I talked to the doc, I went for a run, and I don't know if it was mental or what, but I did terrible. I only ran 2 miles, I was in a lot of pain,and just struggled in general. Maybe I just used it as an excuse. When I was talking to my doc, I told her that I had been having a lot of heart burn when I was doing my long runs for the half marathon training (another reason I stopped training). It started while I was running and would continue for much of the day. She told me that was probably an indication of this particular issue. If I had only known then...

What's next? I will actually have to go in for a procedure where the doctors will snake a scope down my throat, through my stomach, and into my small intestine. When they reach the bile ducts, they are supposed to be able to see and remove the stones while they are in there. It is supposed to be a "simple" procedure, but we shall see.

Until such time, I will remain in frequent pain and discomfort. My biggest concern is my health in general. Sometimes I feel like since I turned 30, I have had some pretty serious health issues. And here I am in some of the best shape of my life and I can't go 2 months without a trip to the doctor. Between these "gall" stones and the epididymus inflammation, it has been an annoying stretch. I guess I am just hoping that I can get through this thing and get back to normal.

May the Force be with you!

Soooo...things are actually falling back into order. My eating has been under control. I have indulged, like drinking a few beers after work yesterday and having a scoop of fake-fried ice cream with my wife last night, but I have also been much better with my choices of food and portion control. Wednesday night we were in Champaign to see our new nephew and we were there late enough that we needed to eat out and went to the Courier Cafe. I ordered the salad bar, but was still careful with my portion of potato salad. Last night ,we pooled our dinner together with some neighbors and I was conscious of not going back for seconds until I gave my first plate some time to digest. I have had a couple of salads at lunch and overall things are going pretty well.

On the topic of exercise, I had the fastest 4 mile run I have had in weeks yesterday morning. I ran 4.082 miles in 30:36; that works out to be a gnats hair under 7 1/2 minutes per mile. I was stoked! And oddly enough, it never really felt like I was killing myself during the run. I could not have been more excited about it. I am also excited about riding my bike tomorrow morning; it is going to have to be early and fast because we are leaving the house at 8am to go to Chicago.

And that brings me to my last point, I am nervous about going to Chicago and over-indulging. We have a party for some friends that are getting married. the invite says that food, wine and beer will be provided. When food and beer are free, I have a really hard time not taking advantage of that. Plus just being with friends and socializing is a great reason to drink 12 beers. We plan on meeting some friends and my sister for brunch on Sunday. Breakfast at a restaurant is a very dangerous situation for me. Breakfast foods can pack a ton of calories especially if you drench them in sausage gravy (mmm...). So, I guess I will do my best monitor my intake. Maybe have a water (chased with some scotch) between every beer, just to cut back a little on the calories. Or maybe I can use the Jedi mind trick on myself? "These are not the potato skins you are looking for." Who knows?

Now that's just embarrassing!

This week's weigh-in: 209 lbs

What the [eff]? I spent all last week talking up a storm about how I was so committed to losing weight and blah, blah, blah...and what do I get? The exact freaking opposite. I went out and gained weight. I feel like such a schmuck!

There are no real excuses for this hypocrisy. I just went out and was completely undisciplined. I already talked about my delicious BBQ ribs on Thursday. Those were followed on Friday with a dinner out with my wife and some friends. I had appetizer, soup, lamb chops, and quite a few bites of a dessert. Does that even sound like a guy trying to lose weight? It sounds more like a Joey Chestnut (see above) warm-up. Followed up on Saturday with a 4 year old's birthday party. I had a burger, beans, chips, dip, cake and about 10 beers to wash it down. Again not exactly the Seattle Sutton menu. On Sunday, I was hungover like a big bear's ass. Those 10 beers had killed me. I didn't even feel well enough to eat until well into the afternoon. Luckily, Sunday afternoon was our annual block party. No beer, but I did have the brisket, the beans, half a brat, cucumber salad (w/ sour cream), baked macaroni and cheese, and topped it off with a couple of cream puffs.

Seriously, I should have weighed 250 again. It was ridiculous. It really makes me question what deeper issues I have that food serves to mask? Why do I find so much comfort in food? And why can I not be more disciplined with my eating?

So I guess that is certainly a goal for this week. I am going to be more disciplined with my eating. One day at a time, right?

"Hi, my name is Brian, and I am addicted to food..."

Riding and Ribs

While not quite as entertaining as this story, I do feel it necessary to talk about both riding and ribs.

First of all, I have had the chance to get back on Roxanne for the past 2 Saturdays. I have gone for quick 20 mile rides and have had so much fun. I take a great route the takes me around Allerton Park, and most of the time it's like you are not even in central Illinois. There are trees, hills, and the occasional pond. The whole time I am on the ride I have about 1500 acres of forest on my right hand side. And just like always you never know what you are going to see in the way of wildlife. My first ride back I was cruising down the road, and had come up on a stretch of downhill. I decided to push it just a little and was cranking pretty hard when I came around a curve and right there in the middle of the road was a mother deer nursing her 2 babies. When I did come around the corner, I don't think either mom or I was prepared for it. We caught eyes and I hit the brakes; she took off into the woods. And for a moment the youngins were left wondering where breakfast had just run off to. Then they saw me as well and they ran off too. It was pretty cool to see and I know that this was not the busiest road in the world, but it still seemed like a strange place to be breastfeeding.

On the second ride, I had just finished a tough climb up a hill from a creek bed and was catching my breath when I looked up and saw a bunch of "things" on the side of the road. As I got closer I saw they were birds and I initially thought it was a gang of turkey vultures. No relation to an actual turkey, but they have the same coloring on their heads, and they are everywhere at Allerton. But when I got closer, (and I had to get real close to tell the difference) I realized that it was a family of wild turkey hens. No toms, but I had never seen so many wild turkeys in one area; there must have been ten of them strolling through a little grove on the side of the road. they seemed very disinterested in me, but they certainly were not frightened either. I guess I thought turkeys were more jumpy.

It is certainly cool to see so much wildlife on these rides again.

The second part of this post is far more serious. It's about ribs. Now I know that I said I was going to be more disciplined about my diet, but I had to make a trip back to Galesburg for a visitation. And I had the good fortune of having time to stop by my favorite bbq rib place in the whole world, the Bar B-Q Rib Shack. Now, when one is faced with this kind of opportunity, discipline flies out the window. Especially, when one is the first person in the dining room like I was, and the good people there provide with a free, heaping pile of onion rings. the order of o-rings is so big that I shared with 4 other tables in the restaurant, plus I didn't want to fill up on rings when I still had the main course. I ordered a regular order of ribs, add spicy sauce, with beans, slaw, and fries. It was amazing; everything I remember them to be. I would put the rib shack up against any ribs in the nation (trust me I lived in North Carolina; I know these are fighting words). It was simply an amazing experience.

What does any of this have to do with fitness? If I had been running the half marathon this weekend, there is no way ribs would have fit into the program, and I would have been missing out. I don't have any guilt. I know that in a couple of days the pounds from that decadent meal will be gone, and I still had the joy of the experience. Simply, I am glad that I made the decision to step back, enjoy my fitness more, and not take things quite so seriously. Bon Appetit!