Progress

Bob here.

I still haven't weighed myself in the three weeks since I saw my cholesterol specialist, but there are signs that the treadmill regime is paying off.
A co-worker commented today on how I look like I'm losing weight.
I noticed last week that I don't get winded running up and/or down stairs. I had to sprint from the second-floor control room at work to the newsroom on the ground floor and back. When I got back upstairs, I noticed that I wasn't puffing. And yesterday, I ran up from the basement at home to answer the phone in the kitchen. It was my sister calling, and she noticed that I wasn't out of breath.
I think I've already mentioned having to do up my belt an extra hole lately.
I've also noticed that exercising eases the pain of my recurring, almost chronic sciatica, and that my knees don't ache as much or crack when I'm climbing stairs.

So that's all positive stuff, and encouragement to keep walking.

Patience, Bob

Bob here.
I just got back from my check-up with my cholesterol specialist. She's the one who suggested I get a treadmill and set it up in front of a TV set.
According to her scale, I haven't lost any weight at all -- right down to the tenth of a pound in the three months or so since last time I saw her.
But she says to be patient, it'll come. Her secretary -- who actually weighed me -- said it's because I'm developing muscle, which is heavier, but burns more calories, too. That, she said, explains why my pants are looser, yet the pounds haven't started coming off yet.
So that's encouraging. So is the fact that I don't have to go back, and that my own doctor can now monitor things. Not bad. I will continue as I have been.
Hmmm... haven't much from Deb lately, have we?

Update from Bob

It's March 22, and still no further weight loss. Although in the past week, two people -- including one who didn't know I'm on this treadmill kick -- have remarked how I look thinner.
I do think the toning has begun, and the pants don't seem as snug around the waist.
I see my cholesterol specialist next Monday morning. I'll see what she thinks.

It's a start

Bob here.

Four pounds gone! It's a start, amounting to about a pound a week. I'll take it.

I have always said that I would never have a scale in the house, because I would obsess. But today's my birthday and my sister and brother-in-law gave me a scale. What's a guy to do?

What I'll look like next time I go to the Caribbean

Treadmill Upkeep and Maintenance

Gee Bob - maybe we'll be a couple of the lucky ones who will out exercise our treadmills!

"A variety of individuals purchase treadmills in hopes of someday achieving their physical goals, but the machines quit effective only before they do. There are a variety of problems treadmill owners can encounter with there machines, especially if they are avid exercisers. Subsequently a few months of strong running, they can want treadmill repair services for there machines"

For entire article go here:
http://www.topratedtreadmills.info/all-about-treadmill-repair-maintenance/

Aaaannnndddd we're back.

Bob here.
I haven't posted anything in the past week, because I haven't been on the treadmill. I was sidelined by a stubborn cold that had me feeling like 10 pounds of crap in a five-pound sack. It has passed now, except for a residual tickle in the nose, and I'm feeling much better.
So I got back on the mill today for a brisk, 30-minute walk. I'm not finding it difficult at all, and am considering boosting the speed past the 3.2 mph level, and increasing the incline past 6%.
Taking my doctor's advice, the treadmill is in front of a TV set. It is also equipped with a VCR/DVD player. So on weekdays, I time my workout to coincide with "How It's Made" on the Discovery Channel. I've been taping it, so that on weekends, I have it to watch, too. I find that it requires my full attention, so I'm not preoccupied with the time counter, doing math in my head to figure out which fraction of 30 minutes I've reached. I think some game shows might be as useful.
I don't have a scale at home, which is a good thing, too, because I would be obsessive with my weight. I'll weigh myself whenever I'm near a scale, such as in a doctor's office.
This blog and the friendly challenge with Deb is going to be a big help, too.