Another 3 weeks...

Let's talk about metrics, and measuring the results of diet and exercise, as well as measuring the diet and exercise themselves. A few weeks back (actually, about 3 now), I signed up for Virgin's HealthMiles program through work. With this program you receive a pedometer, and access to a pretty neat site that tracks the steps taken and using the pedometer that you receive with the program. There's also the ability to upload using a heart rate monitor (from Polar), which is also really rather neat. The point of the program? Basically, it's to track exercise, as well as weight and other biometric data (blood pressure, etc), and you are rewarded with 'miles', which can then be turned in for cash rewards. You can also set personal goals for frequency of 'workouts', weight, total numbers of "miles" earned, etc. A workout has a very specific meaning within the Health Miles site, as well - it means at least 7000 registered steps on the pedometer (which reminds me, I need 4000 more for today!), or 30 minutes of 'moderate' exercise, or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise, as monitored by a HRM (30-70% max for moderate, 70%+ for vigorous). Right now, my goal is 3 per week, and this is the first week that I might actually hit that goal (but only if I get out of the house and get my walk in this evening...)

What is the point of metrics and monitoring, though? Ideally, I think it should be to help keep a person motivated by giving -realistic- goals to reach, while also giving a sense of accomplishment and a way to measure the effort that has been expended in the overall goal of getting into a proper level of fitness. My long term goal is to get into shape ENOUGH that once I have the metal rod removed from my left leg, that I can spend time training for, and then running, a marathon in under 3 hours. Lofty goal, I know. And one that I'm fully cognizant I may not be able to reach, just simply because of the damage that was done to the leg 10 years ago. I want to at least try.

One of the things that is different about how I've been attacking this weight loss kick I'm now on, is that I'm not particularly watching -what- I eat, so much as I'm trying to limit HOW MUCH. Most diets fail, in my opinion (and in the opinions of a lot of others out there), because they are limiting in nature. Not only are they limiting caloric intake, which is a requirement if you're trying to lose weight. But they are also limiting in the selection of foods that one can even eat to begin with. Let's be honest - most of the foods that are in these diets are things that the average American doesn't particularly enjoy eating on a regular basis, if at all. Instead, I'm simply eating "less", while also taking in a couple supplements (yes, I know, it's better to get things from diet than from supplements, but let's go one step at a time here...).

Exercise is also a very, very key component to long-term weight loss. And it needs to be exercise that one can find time to do daily. Not everyone has access to a gym, or a work out center. Not everyone owns a bicycle or lives in an area where it's even safe to cycle. Something that everyone -CAN- do, however, is walk. Even if it's just walking around the block a couple of times, or some other 'loop', walking is something that everyone can, and probably should, do....which is precisely why I've started walking rather than continuing the cycling. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy cycling, and I'll be working back into it, however the walking has been more relaxing, and not as rough on my back and shoulders as the cycling has been. It's also a lot safer, since I tend to do my exercise later at night (ie. after 11pm), and it's simply Not Safe to be cycling that late at night. Once I can get into a regular schedule, I'll be back on it. And the walking will definitely help with my overall endurance, for sure.

'til next time!