Back In The Saddle

So...it certainly has been a while...

This post is the start of an exercise in accountability--accountability on multiple fronts. I am going to set the bar at a reasonable height by, as my place of employment is so keen on, setting attainable, measurable goals; goals that can be scored, met, and/or exceeded. So here they are:

1) Exercise 4 days a week (but also do 50 push ups and 100 crunches every day)
2) Post a weekly blog entry
3) Weigh at most 199 pounds by August 16, 2014

Those seem reasonable enough, right? Well, let's just say follow through is not my greatest strength--but this is worth a shot. And I want to expand upon each goal right quick.

1) Exercise 4 days a week (but also do 50 push ups and 100 crunches every day)

I currently only exercise about once a week in the form of playing in a weekly soccer game. And I have been a bit hesitant to get back into my old running routine after a weird injury that happened about three months ago. However, in the effort of, you guessed it, getting back in the saddle, I've decided to step it up and exercise a little bit every day. Now, push ups and crunches may seem rudimentary, but they are simple and don't require a routine of any kind (plus they are nice round numbers--easy to remember when I perform them half-asleep every morning).

For the four sessions of exercise, I've decided to keep playing soccer once a week (duh), run outdoors once every weekend (Saturday or Sunday) and do some kind of gym workout for the other two. I've collected quite a few workout routines from magazines and have decided on two that I can stick with.

2) Post a weekly blog entry

This is the proposed accountability portion. My intentions are to post consistently every week, a status report. Yes, I am going to post the number of weekly push ups (~350), crunches (~700), and exercise sessions (4) I do as well as my weight. I haven't decided if I will post my actual weight or just the pounds lost or gained. I figure, if I put this information out into the abyss that is the internet, it is a way to track my progress in a somewhat permanent manner. And who knows, maybe if I grow confident enough, I will start sharing my posts on Facebook, the ultimate way to gather support, suggestions, encouragement, etc.

I will also attempt to document my emotional well being on top of the physical. This will not only serve to help my underwhelming attempt at writing but will hopefully serve to document my journey toward better overall health.

3) Weigh at most 199 pounds by August 16, 2014

Now this is the long-term goal; the "stretch goal" as it were. One of my best friends from my childhood is getting married on this date and she has hinted that I will be in the wedding. So, if staving off the risk of serious health problems isn't a good enough reason, why not go for the I-want-to-look-good-in-a-bridesmaid's-dress reason? Go big or go home, right? Right.

Okay, well, the month of May begins this coming week which means we are smack dab in the middle of springtime, the time of rebirth. So let's get this thing going.