My Life as I Know It

March 23rd 2014 – Day 42

Day 1 Weight:    256lbs                                Day 1 Fitness:   Nil 
Day 42 Weight:  239lbs                                    Day 42 Fitness: Above Average

Week 5

The Princes Trust has now endorsed my challenge with the organisers. All I need now is the confirmation of the date that the trip will take place. Charity Challenge have sent me some information I will need, so much of it that I hope to finish reading it before I get to Tanzania. In the meantime I am just getting on with my fitness training.

I am certain that there is an imposter in my house who is a doppelgänger of myself. It certainly isn't me who is getting up early, going to the gym 6 days a week, and gets up on Saturdays and Sundays before 9 rather than the usual crack of noon.

My fitness has improved to the extent that I can now take in what is going on around me in the gym rather than just trying to get through it. Some things amuse me and some are down right annoying. When I am struggling along on the treadmill to get through my programme the last thing I need is an advert for Britains Next Top model on the next machine running 30% faster than me, without breaking sweat, and still having time to read her text messages and do her hair. I am sure you're lovely but can you please just move along and do something else you're embarrassing me. 

On the other hand, if you are like me and you really need to be on that treadmill and working hard to get fit it may, just may, be a suggestion to actually turn it on. I don't think it counts saying I have spent an hour in the gym if you don't actually do anything. 

Some useful things I have learnt: 

• Chafing is a problem particularly when jogging.
• I think I need a sports bra
• Even though I am fitter, using the stairs to the 6th Floor in work is still a b.....d!

So far the healthy eating regime is not proving too bad. No takeaways, lots of vegetables and fruit. When I really need something sweet or a quick snack I have found cereal bars to be a good substitute for a choccy bar. Well it isn't really, I am lying, but they are tasty enough to mean that I haven't felt the need to indulge in cake or sweets........yet!

Week 6

I woke up to start the week with my first injury, to my right foot. I have no idea how I did it as it was fine the day before when I was at the gym. It was very painful to walk on. This was critical milestone number 2, the first being committing to do this in the first place. All day Monday the demons in my head were telling me not to go to the gym while the angels were telling me to still do something. In the past the demons would have won the day but this time they didn't.

Of course having signed up to a trekking challenge an injury to my foot is not a good start, it could have been an arm or shoulder but no I had to pick a foot, typical. Even so, I was pleasantly surprised at having gone 5 weeks without picking up a strain of any sort, must be doing something right.

I walked into the gym and Chris, the instructor who gave my programme, seemed genuinely pleased when he saw me and remarked how much better I was looking already. This was a bit of a boost and later on thought probably for him too. There is probably endless people who turn up full of good intentions, and then do bugger all, so to have someone who has actually made a real effort must make it seem worthwhile.

I had to avoid any impact training for a few days so spent a lot of time on the exercise bike. Thank goodness I haven't chosen a bike challenge, chafing would be the least of my problems.

Sunday arrived and I felt confident enough to try a bit of jogging, I really should have got that sports bra. I also tried doing the fitness test again. This time the readout says my fitness level is above average with a score of 40.4, it was 27 the first time I did it.  I don't know what the scale is on the score but I think the exercise bike must be a bit faulty. I can't believe I have improved from clinically dead to above average fitness in such a short space of time but I'll take it.

After the gym I went to Cotswold Outdoor shop in Liverpool to invest in some hiking boots. I had the good fortune that one of the staff did Kilimanjaro last year so he was able to give really good advice on the right boots to buy. Here is a photo to prove it really is on now

He has also given me a good insight in to what to expect and pointed out a few things he says nobody tells you before you go:

• The combination of high altitude and the amount of water you have to drink means you spend half the time peeing, and peeing makes you light headed at very high altitude.
• There is lots of very fine back volcanic ash so everyone looks like they are wearing black lipstick and are constantly blowing there nose to clear it out.
• You start to feel the effects of high altitude from about 2500m. At first It feels a bit like a bad hangover so I should be used to that. After that it is pot luck as to who gets it and how bad.
• On his group one person was sent down on day 2, if the medic says you don't go any further you don't go any further no matter how much you want too.
• Those that dropped out did so after the last day before the final summit climb.
• He fell asleep three times while walking to the summit on the final climb. He reckons the mental challenge of overcoming the fatigue was the hardest part. Having to start trekking at midnight with only the head lamps to see became very hypnotic. If you fall the medic assesses you immediately and that could be the end.
• Ear Plugs are an essential item to take with you.
• The internet connection is s..t in the lodge you stay in before and after the climb.
• It's absolutely brilliant, even if I don't make it all the way and, I will want to do it again or something similar...guaranteed. Let's see.

Overall I am pleasantly surprised at how many people have started to take an interest and I am getting many encouraging  words along the way.

Please help keep me motivated by visiting Marks Just Giving Page 

or Text code MPTC50 to 70070 with amount you wish to donate e.g. £10

You can also follow me on Facebook

For more information about the Princes Trust visit the website at www.princes-trust.org.uk

Thanks for watching San Diego 'You stay classy'

Mark

The First Setback

March 9th 2014 – Day 28

Day 1 Weight:    256lbs                                Day 1 Fitness:   Nil 
Day 28 Weight:  244lbs                                    Day 28 Fitness: Average

Week 3

Two weeks have already gone by and my training regime has hardly started in a blaze of glory. Never mind I have now booked on to the Kilimanjaro challenge and paid the joining fee so there really is no going back. All set for October 2014 with 7-8 months to get fit - piece of cake!!

I have followed the programme set out for me and encouragingly although feeling completely knackered at the end of each session have so far felt great the next morning. The bonus is that I am sleeping like a baby but without the dummy and nappies as that would be weird. I have turned 50 though so you never know I might have to revert back to nappies one day soon. That reminds me I must go to my GP for a check up.

Despite the encouraging start a couple of issues do exist. My flexibility is dreadful so the exercises I have been given are causing some twinges in the joints that are affecting my balance. I have made an executive decision to do those at home rather than make a total a..e of myself in a public place. It is not so much embarrassment as more a worry I will take someone down with me.

Midway through the week it was Marie's birthday. With my usual uncanny timing I chose that day to let Craig use my office only to be met with 2.5 tonnes of cake on the next desk to me. I sweated more that day than through any exercise session so far. Is this part of the mental challenge promised? Having avoided temptation all that day the following mid-morning I was feeling a bit peckish. I hovered over a remaining chocolate cookie debating whether to give in to temptation and finally risking it. Approximately 1/1000th of  a second after my fingers touched the cookie I heard 'Oi Kilimanjaro' ring out across the office as I slunk off in shame (still clutching the cookie though).

I got through unscathed to Friday, the day worryingly referred to as 'beasting day' by the gym instructor. I approached the gym with some trepidation but surprised myself that I got through it feeling pretty good and able to do a bit extra. I had to finish off with 3 sets of Burpees. I thought Burpees were what you did to babies after feeding time. All I can say is that I added them to the list of exercises to do at home as I realised my co-ordination is even worse than my balance. It felt like I was going to either break my nose or dislocate a shoulder or both. 

Week 4

At the start of week 4 I have now managed some exercise of between 1 and 2 hours a day for 10 days running. Then came a major setback. I am pleased to report that I haven't faltered but unfortunately the organising company have not had enough people register to complete the trip on the date I have chosen. I have been offered an alternative date but it clashes with another important event. So, at the time of writing the date I will be able to complete this challenge is uncertain. I will not know more until early April so in the meantime I will concentrate on getting fit. It may be I will have an extra 3 months or so to get fit so it is not all gloom.

I am now finding that on some days I can increase the difficulty level or time I spend exercising. I have missed a couple of days this week but that is due to spending many hours travelling. I am feeling a great deal fresher and so have been able to compensate by exercising for a little longer on the other days. I knew on the Tuesday that I would not be able to get to the gym and it actually started to pray on my mind, I have already reached the point that I felt I was missing going. This is a good sign so, when a pre-arranged post work drink came round on Friday, rather than feel guilty about it I thought of it more as a reward. After all everyone has got to have some fun. I did change my intake though, vodka and diet coke counts as a soft drink doesn't it?

At one of my first gym sessions I tried a fitness test programme on the exercise bike. A 5 minute exercise that requires maintaining a steady pace while the machine alters the resistance and measures your heart rate. I was encouraged at the end of the first attempt that the readout confirmed I was still alive, just! By the end of week 4 having exercised 18 out of the last 21 days I tried again. This time the readout confirmed my fitness as average, a start at least.

Now that I am booked in the Princes Trust and Charity Challenge will officially endorse my challenge. When that is done I will launch my donation page. In the meantime for more information about the Princes Trust visit the website at www.princes-trust.org.uk

Here is a photo of the challenge I face. Maybe one of the locals pictured can give me a lift.

Let the Training Begin

February 23rd 2014 – Day 14

Week 1

So, I have taken the first step made a commitment and joined the gym. Easy, all plain sailing from now on or so you would think. Whether due to some deep-rooted phobia of fitness training or a subconscious desire to set myself up for a fall things haven't started well.

I chose the perfect day to join the gym. I could have chosen a day when my innate shallowness could be indulged. However, I chose the day when the fitness instructor was an an ex-army guy rather than a cute 20 something blond girl. Never mind at least he will get me motivated; as he so ominously promised. Leaving the gym with my new membership card clutched tightly in my hand I nervously awaited my initial induction set for the following Thursday morning.

Wednesday comes and again with almost telepathic foresight I had arranged a visit to the new Company HQ in Slough on the day of the 'Big Storm'. Having received regular updates throughout the day on the ever increasing travel chaos I set off back to Liverpool with Peter S in tow. It seemed a good idea to get something to eat first, 'just in case', so we chose the healthiest option available to us and went to McDonalds. Finally arriving home about midnight I went straight to bed.

Having spent many hours driving the previous evening I arose on Thursday morning full of 'excited' anticipation. Today is the day it all really starts I thought to myself. An hour later sitting in the gym, listening to the personal trainer assuring me that it is isn't unusual to feel nauseous the first time, all I could think of was I am going to look a right prat now if I fall at first hurdle. However, I got back in the saddle and carried on with some sage words about diet and lifestyle to take away and arranging to meet again Monday to develop a proper training schedule.

The rest of the week went as follows:

Thursday, airport to pick up John visiting for the weekend, Chinese takeaway and then back to Crosby for a pint or two but only shandies for me.

Friday, gym (without feeling nauseous), in to town with John and Andy for several beers.

Saturday, so much for getting up early, I managed it just before noon.I wedged in going for an hours walk before going into town for Peter's 30th Birthday party at FACT. Peter's lovely girlfriend Joanna had prepared a short film to celebrate the occasion and helpfully, though unintentionally, included several motivational photo's of me with Peter looking dreadfully unfit (me that is not Peter). Nothing like seeing your bloated unfit body blown up on the big screen to motivate yourself I thought stuffing in a 2nd frankfurter and washing it down with a couple of beers, champagne and a handful of vodka's. The vodka's were with diet coke though so that's alright.

Sunday, woke early (ish) with a head cold and a bit of a cough. Spent most of the day feeling completely washed out. So far so bad.

Week 2

Monday comes and my cold is really starting to kick in. Never mind all I need to do is sit with the gym instructor for half an hour while he sorts out a training schedule for me to start another day. 'We'll sweat that out' he offers helpfully as he prepares a three day programme usefully described as:

• Day 1 warm up for the rest of the week;
• Day 2 push yourself; 
• Day 3 'beasting' day. 

Day three will be on a Friday so that 'you can have the weekend off to get over it' he gently encouraged me. Although don't forget there is no reason why I can't go swimming, on a bike ride or a gentle trundle along the treadmill on Saturday and Sunday just to stay loose.

An hour and a half later after receiving instruction on the various exercises and feeling twinges in the old knees, and muscles I didn't know I had Chris suggested (instructed) that I finish off with the treadmill exercise he had allotted me for day 2 just to get warmed up. On paper it seemed easy enough, a brisk walk for 30 minutes. I should be so lucky I wheezed half an hour later before slipping off home for a good sleep.

The following day unable to breathe properly, as the head cold turned to a vicious cough, I was regretting lighting those candles and praying before the Gods of Apathy for a way out. A bit of hard exercise has got to be better than this I tried to convince myself. I knew I wasn't going to be able to get the gym and I felt a twinge of guilt, a positive glimmer of light amongst the gloom.

Staying away from the gym and the office for a couple of days, due to almost terminal man flu, I tried to do a an hour or so on my treadmill at home just managing to stagger through while the sandpaper rasped at my throat and windpipe.

By Friday I was feeling better and managed a brisk 'power walk' on the treadmill on a hill setting. This didn't seem too bad so flushed with success I went to the gym full of confidence the next day. Again things were going well before being asked to leave as they wanted to shut, timing is everything.

Today I managed a full days programme at the gym and on leaving felt as though all I needed was a good lie down. After a half hour resting I actually felt pretty good despite still having a few lingering remnants of man flu. It really does start now, there is no going back, roll on Kilimanjaro.

Oh did I forget to mention that, I am going to attempt climbing Kilimanjaro - all 5,895 metres or 19,341 feet of it.

So to summarise my first two weeks I have progressed from this 

to this

Day 1 Weight:    256lbs                                Day 1 Fitness:   Nil 

Day 15 Weight:  249.5lbs                                 Day 15 Fitness: Diabolical

For more information on the Princes Trust visit the website at www.princes-trust.org.uk

Day 1

   

Mark’s Adventure Challenge

February 10^th 2014 – Day 1

Day 1 Weight: 256lbs Day 1 Fitness: Nil

Those that know me well know that I let my mouth run away with me sometimes. For once in my life I now have to put not just my money where my mouth is but also my heart, soul, legs, knees and anything else that still functions.

I turned 50 last October, and have spent a lifetime committed to avoiding physical activity. Now a chance conversation about my constant battle to overcome my willpower bypass has resulted in a commitment to undertake a major physical and mental challenge to raise money for the Princes Trust. Having committed myself to a challenge the legendary Ron Burgundy immediately sprang to mind when I recalled the origins of the conversation and thought to myself ‘well that escalated quickly’. As of today I do not yet know what the challenge will be other than I will need to spend several months losing the fat and getting fit. The evil glint in Lisa Quinn’s eye means there is no turning back. Lisa I will thank you for this one day.

To put this into some sort of perspective as a kid anything more than a 200m run or 5 minutes running round a football pitch was to be avoided at all costs. I was the kid that used to field on the boundary at cricket to keep me out of the way. I used to sneak off and hide in the school greenhouse during cross-country runs and join the back of the field when they came through the gates. I still looked like I had run further than everyone else. I would rather be slumped on the sofa reading a book. The last time I did any serious training was in 1999 when I ran a half marathon; I did that out of a refusal to back out of a challenge. I have been on a steady decline in fitness since and a steady incline in weight gain. After all why go on a 30 minute run when I can spend those 30 minutes savouring a bar of Dairy Milk. For me apple pie counts as one of my five a day. I am getting to the point that Channel 4 has come sniffing round to make a documentary.

So the only challenge I have set myself so far is to commit to something I do not think I can achieve. That is the only way I will fully commit to the training and change of lifestyle needed to complete it.  If I said I would do a skydive to raise money I wouldn’t commit, if I committed to abseiling down the Liver Building I would suggest a stronger rope. It is now a case of wait and see which way the dice falls and what I am going to do.

So, February 10^th 2014 is the first day of my new life. I have weighed in and joined a gym. From now on its healthy eating, cut down the alcohol, early to bed, early to rise and regular exercise sessions. Please follow my progress and encourage me along the way, if you see me falter pick me up, if you see me eating a pie take it off me and punch me in the face. Do not, under any circumstances allow me to use the lift.  More than that, when you see the extent of the challenge I am undertaking think about donating and the sacrifices I am making to give young people a new start in life. 

Watch this space for details of my donation page.

Mark