Week 12 update, Play it Again Sam (1 lb. lost).

341 lbs
28 down, 72 to go
40 weeks left
$14 per lb pledged
$382 raised

If you are new to loseforthefuse.com please read the first post or pledge here.

I am writing to you from the bottom of what we will now refer to as a rut. This makes the third week in a row that I have lost 1 pound and the most I've lost in a week in the past 5 weeks has been 2 pounds. Don't get me wrong I knew the losses would start dwindling and eventually be at 1 or 2 pounds a week, but I was hoping that might be after I dropped my first 50 pounds at least. The only reason this isn't a little bit more demoralizing is because this slow down directly correlates with the beginning of my work outs, and I know I am building muscle like a haven't since Vanilla Ice ruled the radio. Some other friends who have begun working out in the past say that this is common and that eventually my body will stop adding so much muscle mass each week and the weight will plummet. Well, how about next week then? Will that work for everyone? Can we get that in a contract? Mr. Bicep please sign on the dotted line.

I do need to send out a huge thank you to Weber who added his dollar a pound to the pledges this week and it is much appreciated. To be honest the fundraising has fallen behind even as the weight continues to slowly come off. If you would be willing to add you dollar a pound please click the above link and fill out the very simple form.

Thanks for keeping up with me, and hopefully soon my pounds will start dropping as drastically as the reputation of a drug enhanced athlete.

Week 11 update, KKKKK=UNO (1 lb. lost).

342 lbs
27 down, 73 to go
41 weeks left
$13 per lb pledged
$341 raised

If you are new to loseforthefuse.com please read the first post or pledge here.

Yes, again. 1 pound less again. I'm trying to convince myself that I must be building lots of muscle and that even 1 pound a week is something. But the psychology of the whole thing makes me want at least a week or two where I put up some big numbers. I guess if I only lose a pound a week for the next 41 weeks I'll still end up losing 68 pounds, so I'll just keep on going. If gradual weight loss is the goal then consider me Pele.

I do want to hoot a little bit about a first I accomplished this week. Just yesterday I ran a 5k. That's right, 5 Kilometers, in a row, at the same time. It took me about 41 minutes, but I did it. In case you are wanting some translation, a 5K is equal to about 3.11 miles. I also ran my fastest mile this morning, timing in at 11:23. I know these may seem like little things to you, but to me it's pretty amazing that my body is starting to do them.

As always, please pledge to help encourage me with the link at the top and one of these weeks I'm gonna throw an s on that lb and the world will rejoice.

Week 10 update, Slow Going But At Least It's Going (1 lb. lost)...

343 lbs
26 down, 74 to go
42 weeks left
$13 per lb pledged
$338 raised

If you are new to loseforthefuse.com please read the first post or pledge here.

1 more pound?

That's it? I've been watching what I'm eating, working out everyday, and running about 6 miles a week, and this week all I have to show for it is 1 measly pound?!

Yes, 1 more pound.

I guess it's in the right direction at least. On average, to do this, I need to lose 1.92 pounds a week and right now I'm averaging 2.6 a week so it's not like I'm falling behind, it's just that 1 pound feels so small. It's as if you were trying to write a novel and only finished a sentence in an entire week, sure it's something, but it doesn't progress the story much.

I must admit though, I am feeling stronger and stronger every week. This morning I ran about 2.5 miles in 30 minutes and the weights I'm using for working out are feeling lighter than when I started. I'm hoping that thought the weight isn't dropping fast that the body fat percentage is diving quickly. I'll have to do another one of those tests soon and hopefully see some real results.

Oh, and by the way, if you are reading this and haven't pledged yet, what is your deal?! You can't just spy on me every week and not invest in me just a little, right? Click the link above and put your money where your websurfing is. The station needs it, and it is the main motivating factor to me keeping this up.

Thanks for checkin' in and hopefully next week I can speak in plural language.

Week 9 update, Nike+ Ipod = Awesomeness (2 lbs. lost)...

344 lbs
25 down, 75 to go
43 weeks left
$13 per lb pledged
$325 raised

If you are new to loseforthefuse.com please read the first post or pledge here.

I added a new piece to my workout puzzle that I wanted to let you know about because it has been working so well. It's called Nike+ and it's this incredible way of keeping track of all your running stats using an Ipod Nano. I've never been a big fan of running, but with the Nike+ I find myself itching to get back on the treadmill. Why? Because it makes it fun. That's the easiest way to put it. Now when I run my stats (miles run, calories burned, average speed, etc) are all compiled in real time and sent to Nike's website when I sync my Ipod. It also gives me instant audio feedback while I'm listening to music as I run. The other day after running a mile, Tiger Woods popped into my earbuds to announce that I had just run my fastest mile. The point is, for a stats and numbers junkie like me, it's pretty cool.

The technology is pretty simple. A sensor is placed in the shoe (special Nike+ shoes have a place built for it in the sole, but it can work with any shoe if attached firmly) that sends information to your Ipod Nano through a receiver (and yes it must be the Nano) which then gives you the real time updates. You can set your runs by distance, time, calories, or whatever you chose and the pleasant voice in your ear will keep you informed on your progress.

Another nice thing is that you can set up goals for yourself and the website will keep tabs on how you are doing. You can then share these results with others (as I am to the right on this blog) or if your friends have their own, you can even challenge others to see who can run 10 miles first, run the most time in a month, etc. By the way, if you run using Nike+ I would love to get a Lose for the Fuse challenge going so let me know.

Bottom line, I never thought I would be an avid runner, but I just might turn into one now.

On to the weigh in, 2 more pounds this week and I am completely content with this pace. As long as I keep making wise eating choices and exercising I think I am well on my way to making this happen.

Thanks for your support and if you haven't pledged yet, please click the link at the top!

Week 8 update, A Gallon a Day (1.5 lbs. lost)...

346 lbs
22 down, 78 to go
45 weeks left
$13 per lb pledged
$286 raised

If you are new to loseforthefuse.com please read the first post or pledge here.

Another week, another weigh in, this time with a reasonable 1.5 pound loss even as my strength training continues. This is the kind of weight loss I hope will continue for the next few months. Sure it would be great to see big numbers, but honestly 2-3 pounds a week is still pretty incredible, so I'm fine as long as the number continues to go down (as opposed to the direction that must not be named.)

This week I committed to drinking a full gallon of water every day and it has been interesting. I know that it's helped to keep my kidney's going as my body starts to purge it's contaminants, but I'm wondering if the real weight loss comes from all the extra walking you do to and from the bathroom. Whatever the case I think it's an important step in making sure my body continues to do what it is supposed to do.

On another note, it's been a while since I've had new sponsors on this quest. This is the hardest part for me. Just as I want to continue getting healthier I want the station to get healthy as well. Please considering encouraging my quest to lose 100 pounds by pledging a dollar a pound today. Just click the above link and let me know that you believe in what I'm doing.

Thanks for the encouragement and I will see you next week!