The Scale
2011/04/13 at 6:56 am | Posted in Discipline, Exercise, Life, lifestyle change, weight loss, weight loss blog | Comments OffTags: Exercise, Health, scale, weight, weight loss, weight loss blog
I have decided that I will go until the end of the month without using the scale. This should give me time to get into some good habits and carry them into May.
Good idea? Any thoughts?
I’m feeling pretty good today knowing I’ve been on track and eating right. All of my meals have been planned so I should be okay for the entire day.
Tonight is an exercise night so it’s either outside for a 3-mile walk/jog or indoors for crunches and weights. I’m thinking since I made my tuna salad for lunch, I might go out for a walk but who knows what I’ll decide.
And honesty, either would be fine with me 
My Entry for Automattic’s Worldwide WP 5k
2011/04/06 at 10:18 pm | Posted in Exercise, Health, Life, lifestyle change, weight loss, weight loss blog | Comments OffTags: Exercise, lifestyle change, weight, weight loss, weight loss blog, wwwp5k
Hello, WordPressers! My name is Dave and this is my blog entry for Automattic’s Worldwide WP 5k dealy thingy. Before I begin giving you the details of tonight’s run/walk, allow me to elaborate on a few things.
If this is your first time visiting 200by40.com I want to welcome you. The short story behind this blog is quite simple: I had set a goal to weigh 200 lbs. by my 40th birthday in 2009. With about 50 lbs. to lose, I decided that I would blog about everything that was going through my mind during that time, and I mean everything. Whether it was frustration with pounds not coming off or a review of a food item or weight loss aid (be it a gadget or otherwise), I wrote about it. I also took progress pictures so readers could see how a normal guy like me went from nearly 300 lbs. and lazy to 193 lbs. (my lowest point) and running, cycling, and just enjoying life.
All this by eating right and exercising without feeling sorry for myself. Like I’ve preached from the beginning, make no excuses and have no regrets. Just turn the switch to ON and don’t let anybody stop you!
It was also my intention that this blog serve as an inspiration to those who may be having trouble losing weight after trying everything short of lap-band or gastric bypass surgery, which I have a strong opinion against.
While I don’t blog here as often as I used to, go ahead and look around and see what it took to lose over 100 lbs. Sure, I’ve gained a few back over the years but I am working on that at the moment and look forward to reaching the elusive goal of 190 lbs. sometime this year.
Okay, so the Automattic Worldwide 5k. I am subscribed to a bunch of RSS feeds with Google Reader with WordPress being one of them. I read about this and figured since I already run or walk nearly 5k every other night, I might as well go for it.
First things first, WordPress is suggesting the Android app MapMyWalk as a tool to help participants track their time and distance. I chose not to since I am already a faithful Endomondo user and even wrote a post about it not that long ago. I figured since I have been uploading all of my stats there that I might as well keep on using it for this event.
So here are the stats from tonight’s run, courtesy of Endomondo:
While I had the app set for Running, I sort of went back and forth between jogging and walking. Either way, I got it done and will take a day off tomorrow and do my alternative exercising: ab crunches, weightlifting, and the punching bag. Gotta have a little variety. And if you’ve never done 5k and are interested in seeing exactly how far it is, here you go:
The numbers represent the mile markers and the other dots are where I started and finished the jog/walk. It may look like a lot but once you get used to it, it’s really nothing. When I was unemployed, it wasn’t uncommon for me to walk 5 miles at a time. Not only was it great exercise, it gave me some peace and quite during a tough time in my life.
Unless I take my dog with me, my walks tend to be uneventful. He makes them as…well, difficult as he possibly can with all his pulling and tugging. (For the record, he failed obedience class 
.) But tonight I decided to go dog-less and actually came across something interesting.
There is a stretch of dirt pathway that starts a little past the 1 Mile Marker on the image above and since I do this at night, I always have a mini flashlight with me.
I hit the path and came to a point where I felt the need to slow down and drink some water. As I did that, something in the darkness caught my eye. I grabbed the flashlight and pointed it in the direction of what appeared to be a white piece with a hand-written message on it. This paper beautifully and conspicuously placed between two chain link fence segments, its creator obviously wanting people to stop and read it.
Here’s what it read:
“The world is full of shipping clerks who have read the Harvard classics.”
– Charles Bukowski
I had a moment of deep, meaningful thought as I took a sip of water. Then I continued on my way home.
No, this isn’t a picture of me at the finish line as the rules suggest but hey, I thought it was interesting enough to include for this little entry – and possible Freshly Pressed status
At any rate, that’s what I’ve got for this challenge. I’m sure I will run or walk 5k at least a few more times before the April 10th deadline and I hope that you do, too.
And if you haven’t, make now the time to do it and let it be the start of a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime.
Take it from me, that guy who used to eat 3-item combos from a Chinese food restaurant at least 3 times a week and where they knew my name. I haven’t been back since (but still do enjoy Chinese food in moderation, of course).
I also hope you’ve enjoyed your visit here and maybe even found a bit of inspiration to change the way you live and be the thinner person you’ve always wanted to be. Let’s just say that while I still have a pair of size 48 pants somewhere in the house, I definitely enjoy wearing 36 and 38 instead!
Thanks for stopping by and hope you come back!
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Endomondo App for Android
2011/03/29 at 10:38 pm | Posted in Product Review | Comments OffTags: android, endomondo, Exercise, technology, virgin mobile lg optimus v, weight, weight loss, weight loss blog
Since I first got my iPod touch, I was a fool for the Nike + app. Heck,if not for that, I would have never won that nifty iPod nano!
Then, for whatever reason, I just stopped using it. Maybe it’s because I stopped running in general since doing the treadmill thing night after night got quite boring (and I wasn’t quite ready to jog outside just yet).
Flash-forward to September 2010 and the release of the Nike + GPS app which did everything the original app did plus tracked your runs, let your Facebook friends cheer for you, etc. It was definitely a cool idea that did get me back on the treadmill but in order to get full use from the app, owning an iPhone was almost a requirement.
I don’t do iPhones. Too expensive.
So now we go to February 2011 when I bought my first smartphone, Virgin Mobile’s LG Optimus V which is downright incredible for the price (original MSRP of $149.99) and service ($25/month for 300 minutes and unlimited everything). I immediately downloaded the MyFitnessPal app since I knew it was going to be used most often and since I was now connected all the time, I could sync all of my data anywhere (unlike my iPod, where I have to be near a wi-fi connection).
I also started to search the Android Marketplace for more ideal fitness apps and while most were just okay, I came across one that looked interesting so I thought I’d give a shot: Endomondo Sports Tracker.
Despite it’s silly name, Endomondo is has become my new and most favorite fitness app. It’s basically like the Nike + GPS app but for Android devices and offers a wealth of cool features such as distance, average moving speed, average overall speed, and perhaps the most interesting (and maybe alarming if you like your privacy), live GPS tracking. Provided you want to, it will also post a link to your live progress on your Facebook Wall or Twitter account.
Whenever you track an activity, it is posted on the site and on your calendar with the appropriate icon. You can choose to keep your calendar private, public, or only visible to friends:
The gaps between workouts can be attributed to the unseasonably wet Spring we here in Southern California have been having. They put a damper on my activities which is why I’m now getting back into working out.
To give you an idea of what it does, here’s a screengrab of my run from tonight (click to enlarge):
As you can see, it’s pretty thorough.The numbers you see on the track are mile markers and while not visible on this picture, it will also tell you your quickest and slowest lap on your device (represented by a turtle and rabbit icons…how cute…!).
Perhaps the best thing is that Endomondo isn’t limited to just running or walking. Here’s a screengrab of my test of the app which I did while riding my bike:
As indicated on the Notes, I never reached the Max Speed of 35.1 MPH (see the Speed Graph) so that’s a sign that while neat and all, it’s not entirely without its faults. In fact, I had to re-start my run tonight after I realized that the clock was ticking but no distance or calories were being recorded.
However, even with its few faults, I’ve come to really dig Endomondo and use it for every run, walk, or bike ride I do.
Both the basic app and joining the online community are free. There is a Pro version of Endomondo but it doesn’t offer many more features than the free version so if you want to give it a shot, stick with the free one.
Well, these last few posts have been a little out of the ordinary for this blog but I figured I’d shake things up a bit for everybody, and hopefully give you guys some insight on products you might want to try out.
Stay motivated, everybody 
Related Articles
- “Some of the Best Android Apps for March 2011″ and related posts (androidauthority.com)
The RoadID Bracelet
2011/03/28 at 10:44 pm | Posted in Exercise, Product Review | Comments OffTags: Exercise, road id, roadid, weight, weight loss, weight loss blog
Now that I consider myself more athletic than I ever have been in the past, I’ve been looking into handy products aimed at those who make exercising a daily part of their lives.
One of the more interesting and helpful ones I came across is RoadID. This bracelet – the Sport model is shown here – serves many purposes. (And yes, I realize “surgeries” is misspelled!)
First and foremost, it is just as its name implies: an ID bracelet that, should you become incapacitated during a strenuous activity like running or cycling, gives EMTs the vital information they need at a glance. RoadID gives you 5 lines of text to work with and as you are filling them in, even offers you suggestions as to what is useful information (name, year of birth, city, emergency contact) and what isn’t (ZIP code, driver’s license number).
The information you input is then is laser-etched onto a small plate that can be replaced at an additional charge should any of it change, you lose the original plate, if it becomes scratched, etc. The plate is then affixed to the model of your choice which, in the case of the Sport model, is held in place by an elastic band.
Secondly, wearing a RoadID frees you of the hassle of having to carry any other form of ID that might slip out of your pocket while you are out and about which is extremely useful.
Third, aren’t they just amazingly cool to look at? I love mine and wear it all the time even when I’m not out and about jogging, walking or cycling because you just never know what can happen. But if the Sport model isn’t your cup of tea, there are other styles available to you. In fact, here’s mine:
As you can see, my RoadID is slightly different than the example at the top of the page. That’s because I opted for the Interactive model which offers all of the same benefits of the regular models and more.
Should I ever need to use it, EMTs can call the number or visit the Web site on the ID, enter the serial number and PIN on the back of the ID, and get more information than can be crammed on the small plate such as allergies to medications, surgeries, etc. The information on the Interactive models can be updated as needed. The great thing is that if you opt for the Interactive model, the service is free for the first year and then $9.99/year after that. Not a bad deal.
I ordered mine back in December and as you can see, it seems to be holding up well with daily wear. My son, testing for his orange belt in Tae Kwon Do in a few days, has expressed an interest in getting once since I got mine so I ordered one for his birthday. As motivation for everything he loves, his is inscribed with the phrase “NEVER TRY – ONLY SUCCEED”.
If you are interested, use the code ThanksDavid4941548 at checkout to get $1 off your order. No, it’s not a lot a huge savings but for something that could potentially save your life, price shouldn’t be much of a consideration. And should you order one, read the e-mails you get from them afterward. They are fantastic.
Note that the coupon code is limited to the first 20 orders over the next 30 days so hop to it.
Okay, so it seems I’m back 
I will have another cool product review or sorts tomorrow that, unlike RoadID, is completely free. Well, for the basic version at least. Either way, come back tomorrow to see what I have for you. I promise you that it will be worth it.
I will also have an update on how things have been for me as well as a few other items of interest. See you then!
My First 5k
2010/11/14 at 8:18 pm | Posted in Discipline, Exercise, Health, Inspiration, Life, lifestyle change, Motivation, weight loss, weight loss blog | Comments OffTags: Exercise, Motivation, running, weight, weight loss, weight loss blog
Today I did something I never thought I’d do and before you start getting any strange ideas, no, you’re probably wrong.
I ran in my first 5k, a fundraiser for Anthony’s school. The event also consisted of a 1k kid’s Fun Run in which Anthony did participate but because he’s still recovering from whatever it is he has (namely a bad cough), he took it easy but I was with him the entire time. He got a medal for finishing; I got oranges and pancakes afterwards.
Now for someone that was once 300 pounds, I have to admit that running in a 5k–let alone doing any running–would have never been on my schedule of things to do. That calendar usually only consisted of the return date of the McRib Sandwich highlighted and circled many, many times over.
Not so much anymore. I signed up for the event and did little preparation for it other than my occasional treadmill running at night. I had become so used to running on the treadmill that everything below the waist had gotten accustomed to the feel of it, mainly the resistance or lack thereof. Then one day I decided to go out for a jog on pavement and soon regretted that decision.
It was from that experience that I chose not to run in the Disneyland 5k, an event I had swore to run in once I had met my weight loss goal back in 2008. I never did for fear of screwing up my knees.
Laboring under that delusion for years had given me plenty of excuses to put off running in the many 5k events that are held around the area, but today I decided to put that excuse to the side and, no matter how I felt, run the entire event.
At least that’s what I had told myself.
As I was waiting in the starting line I was still doubting my physical ability to go through with running the 3+ miles. I fiddled with the Nike + GPS app on my iPod and chose to listen to my usual running music: my Workout Playlist consisting of a load of songs that always keep me going. Once the whistle was blown and the crowd started to move it hit me: it was a beautiful Sunday morning and Anthony’s school was going to get a lot of money out of this event.
I hit Play on the iPod, put it in gear and started to jog away. And it wasn’t easy at first.
As I started to make my way, I was met by my neighbor, Rick, who was also having difficulty deciding if he was going to run or walk the event. He ended up walking for a bit as I continued my slow-but-steady pace down the route.
There were water stations at each mile. At Mile 1, I slowed down a bit to grab a cup of water and quench my thirst. I continued on my merry way and before I knew it, I had caught up to Rick and his brother. I guess they passed me as I paused for my cup of water. Either way, I passed them later on down the road and we continued to do so until Rick finally left me in the dust.
I kept chugging along to Mile 2 and still felt great. The feet weren’t sore nor were my knees, but my legs were (and still are) another story. But I didn’t let any of that stop me and I kept plugging away.
Mile 3. Fun! Almost there! By now I was definitely starting to feel fatigued but knowing that the finish line was lurking just around the corner, I hit PowerSong on the Nike + GPS app and was greeted to Genesis’ “Turn It On Again“. This would be the song that would carry me to the end of the race.
And it was perfect. I crossed the line right about when the song ended, had my barcode scanned, and that was that. The final results:
- Place: 148th
- Time: 37:11
So, do you think I’m happy with these results? You bet I am! This was something I’ll definitely remember and look forward to next November. It also have me the confidence to participate in the 2011 Disneyland 5k, which I will most definitely do.
All in all it was a fantastic day for both the inaugural run of this event and for me personally for running the entire time, not giving in to whatever my mind have been telling me. No excuses–I made the commitment and followed through with it.
Oh, and for those cyclists who thought we were impeding on “their” territory by using the San Gabriel River bike trail near El Dorado Park for just a few hours, who also voiced their profanity-laden displeasure to participants and volunteers as they rode by us? I hope your collective ego was satisfied. We were on this public trail–sporadically, I might add–for a mere two hours today. We’re so sorry to have interrupted your Tour de Long Beach for a few seconds as you whizzed by us and all for the sake of raising money for our kids’ school. We’ll try not to inconvenience you next time, mmmmkay?
Just kidding. I hope there are twice as many runner there for next year’s event, so get your clever little insults ready for us. We’ll just do like we did today: laugh and keep going. I ride those trails too and don’t get perturbed when there’s a slowpoke in front of me. You just step on it and go around. Not hard.
That’s it. I’m gonna take it easy for a bit. I’m tired–but very happy
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