Thoughts on a redesign

If anyone actually reads this blog, you've probably noticed that I don't update it very often.

While there are many reasons behind this fact, it all basically boils down to a lack of motivation. Something manages to light a fire under my ass and I go to the gym 5 days a week for a month. Then, gradually, that fire dies... and it's two months since I've hit the gym.

After considering that fact, I'm starting to wonder if I should rename this blog and focus my thoughts on the struggle getting to the gym. I figure I'd put the thought out there and ask for opinions from my readers... assuming I have any.

2009 Chicago Urbanathlon

I just signed up for the 2009 Men's Health Urbanthlon, which will be in Chicago IL on Saturday, October 17.

What's an Urbanathlon? It's just short of a 1/2 marathon (10.5 miles) with obstacles. I saw it advertised in (where else?) Men's Health magazine, and it sounds like a lot of fun.

There's a nice series of training routines on the website under "Training Program". It's broken over 12 weeks for all skill levels. It's free, so I'd check it out whether or not you plan on doing this event. I'm making it a personal goal to finish the race with a time under 2:30. That's an aggressive goal for me, particularly because I'm not a runner.

I'll be sure to update this blog with my progess as the event gets closer.

Awesome Leg Routine

It's been awhile since my last post, and I'll admit this is partly because my weekly workout routine was interrupted for a few weeks. Between work, traveling and the weather I simply didn't get to the gym. Yet again, I suck.

This past weekend, I decided to shake-up my leg routine. Leg me start by saying that I hate doing legs. I hate it. It takes so much out of me, and I can hardly walk when I'm done.

On the other hand, I do have strong legs. I like having strong legs, but I have lifting with them. Ah, the vicious circle of leg routines...

Here's a routine that I think will kick anyone's ass. Complete the exercises in this order with 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps. Increase the weight with each set, and only rest about 90 seconds between sets. Be ready for sore thighs the next day!

• Squats


• Lunges (8-10 reps each leg)


• Leg Extensions (8-10 reps each leg)


• Leg Curls (8-10 reps each leg)


• Calves (seated)


• Calves (standing)


• Leg Press machine


• Single-leg squats (to failure)

The squats and lunges were both done with a weighted bar across my back. The lunges in particular kick your ass, as you're doing 8-10 reps on each leg one after the other.

I also tried to run on the treadmill after lifting, but failed pretty quickly.

If anyone tries this, let me know how it goes. I'll be sticking with it for a while, so I'll give an update if I tweak anything. Good luck!

The Best Pedometer Ever

Matt Cutts works for Google, and I read his blog on an almost daily basis. Why? I'm a computer nerd... that's really all you need to know.

I happen to think Matt's a smart guy (after all, he's an important guy at Google), so when he recommended the Omron pedometer, I had to check it out. After I checked it out, I showed my wife.

Meghan (who is a dietitian) works in corporate wellness, and has often talked about how effective pedometers can be when people actually use them and track their results. Obviously, some pedometers are better than others -- they range anywhere from $1 to $50 -- and most corporate programs go for the cheapest products they can find.

The Omron pedometer Matt Cutts wrote about costs about $35 on Amazon.com. The best feature (in my opinion) is that it stores your progress over time. You hook the pedometer into your computer (via a USB plug) and the software automatically downloads your daily info. The software generates reports over days/weeks/months/years, so you can very easily keep track of your activity.

Long story short... I bought Meghan this pedometer for Christmas. She loves it! I may actually buy another one for myself -- it's like exercise + technology = fun!

It's back to the nerdery for me. I just thought I'd share a cool product with you!

Another year... another resolution

Back in February, I posted my New Year's Resolution for 2008. With 2009 just a few hours away, let's see how I did.

Resolution #1: 6 pack abs. Well... this failed miserably. Not only didn't I achieve this by my wedding, I didn't come close to achieving it in 2008 at all. The honeymoon actually killed this one, as I quickly realized how relaxing it was to drink all day and sit by the pool.

Resolution #2: Get a personal training certification. This also failed miserably. This was really the result of not having enough free time to do the research and commit to a plan. The Fox Lake fire department never called me back about the CPR class, which led to me just forgetting about it until just now.

Resolution #3: Run another half marathon. Yes, all three of my resolutions failed. I have no excuse for this last one, other than I simply became lazy. I also kinda hate running, so that didn't help.

In the coming days, I'll be posting my resolutions for 2009. Let's hope I do better next year!