I've really been looking forward to this week. I'm scheduled to start my 20-week plan today. Unfortunately, my body had other plans and decided to smack me around with a postnasal drip for the last couple of days. Sure, it wasn't as bad as a full-on flu bug, but it jacked up my sleep schedule and and just made me feel plain old gross for the weekend. So, instead of hitting the ground running with a swim and a run today, I stayed home and caught up on reruns of The Simpsons.
Is it frustrating? Yeah, I suppose so. But, at this point I'd rather delay the training by a day or two than go half-assedly into workouts and end up hating myself with more than 95% of my training left to go. So, what's the plan for the next few days? Well, I'll stay out of the pool for the next couple of days. The chlorine has a tendency to give me runny noses, and I'd rather not 'poke the bear in the zoo' when it comes to adding more gunk to my head. Tomorrow will be a nice, easy spin to get my legs and lungs stretched out. Then, on Wednesday, I'll ease into running again.
It's not the way I was hoping to start things out, but it's a long season. I'll have plenty of time to get some mega-miles in between now and my 'A' race in July (let alone by October for the Twin Cities Marathon).
On a more serious note, I want to clarify something about yesterday's post. Namely, items #34 and #35. Go ahead, take a quick look. I'll wait.
Okay, you're back? Good. What I want to clarify is the difference between God (or in my case, Jesus) and religion. God is great, perfect and gave us the Bible to teach us how to go about our business. He blessed me with the ability to swim, bike and run (and blog), and to get into all kinds of crazy adventures from Iowa to Istanbul. He also gave us Jesus, who, among other things, taught two basic rules: 1-Love God, 2-Love Others. I can get on board with that.
Religion, on the other hand, isn't perfect. It was created by people. Since people are inherently flawed, so is religion. Does that mean that I think churches are bad? Heck no. They do a lot of good. They bring people together and give us a sense of community. Many also help to feed and clothe the poor. I just question when people start to put their faith in their church, or their religion, rather than in God, where it belongs. Oh, and what I REALLY have a problem with, is when people use religion to do and say things that have nothing to do with loving God or loving others. Then, they're just being jerk-faces.
Thanks for letting me clarify. My Mom (Classic Mom) reads this blog, and I wouldn't want her to think that she raised a blasphemer. I won't get preachy very often. After all, this is supposed to be a place to talk about training, racing, eating, and wearing multi-colored banana-hammocks in public.
Hi Mom!
Showing posts with label Rants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rants. Show all posts
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
All Snow and No Sun Make Eric Go CRAZY!
Sure. I've done my share of complaining about Minnesota winters. But, I'm at the point now where I'm so anxious to get outside that I'm starting to get twitchy.
When winter first took over, way back in November, it was actually kind of nice. It ruffled up my training schedule and gave me a change of pace that freshened things up a bit. For cycling, it put me on the trainer for the first time since last March. I started doing high-intensity interval sessions on DVD and felt like I was getting a better workout with a 1-2 hour indoor ride than many of my 3-4 hour outdoor rides. Plus, I didn't have to clean all the crud off my bike when I was done.
On the running side, I got to do some cold weather runs. Sometimes it was pleasant to enjoy a quiet run and just listen to the crunch-crunch-crunch of my feet hitting the snow. There was also a twisted part of me that enjoyed the looks on drivers' faces when they saw me running in the below-freezing weather, or the "seriously dude, are you crazy?" looks on my friends' faces when I told them I just went for a run through the tundra. At the gym, the treadmill was new again. It was nice to run while listening to music, or even better, while watching Jeopardy!
But, all this is starting to wear a little thin. I'm tired of it taking 20 minutes to get dressed for a run. I'm tired of frozen cheeks, chapped lips, runny noses and the ever-present risk of freeze-drying my bits 'n' pieces. Trainer rides are getting old. The view never changes. I've done all of my Spinervals multiple times over. I can't get Coach Troy's voice out of my head. "Keep your tempo up?" Really!?! "On this next set, you're going to stand up?" Bite me.
Granted, none of this has actually caused me to stop working out. For some reason, I'm still motivated to train just as much now as I did at this time last year, and even more than last fall. I've got goals, and still have plenty of room for improvement. I had better do the work now, so I can be faster later. I like the work. I like that training every day is tough. Sometimes tough feels good. Lately though, it's just getting harder and harder to focus on the silver lining rather than the big, ugly cloud.
Maybe it's the competition that I miss. Through last year, there was an average of one race/event per month to focus on. My next race is scheduled for the end of April. That means there are still 2 1/2 months to go before I can scratch that competitive itch. Maybe one of the local indoor tris is the answer; or maybe there's a 10K or 1/2 marathon that needs another entrant. At the very least, it'll shuffle things up a bit.
Sorry about the rant. I know this isn't the usual cheery post that usually grace this blog. But, the nice thing about my blog is that it's MY BLOG. So, where I go, it goes. Now, I don't want to make it sound like life is all doom and gloom. Cripes. If the biggest thing I have to gripe about is a lack of workout motivation, then things must be going pretty well. The next thing you know, I'll be complaining about how my aero helmet messes up my hair, how my running shoes don't match my socks, or how my clothes are giving me weird tan lines. Though, on second thought, I do kinda like the weird tan lines.
Fret not. I will be back soon with a more uplifting post. Maybe it'll be food related. Maybe it'll be funny. Or, maybe it'll be something I haven't even considred yet.
I'll keep you guessing.
When winter first took over, way back in November, it was actually kind of nice. It ruffled up my training schedule and gave me a change of pace that freshened things up a bit. For cycling, it put me on the trainer for the first time since last March. I started doing high-intensity interval sessions on DVD and felt like I was getting a better workout with a 1-2 hour indoor ride than many of my 3-4 hour outdoor rides. Plus, I didn't have to clean all the crud off my bike when I was done.
On the running side, I got to do some cold weather runs. Sometimes it was pleasant to enjoy a quiet run and just listen to the crunch-crunch-crunch of my feet hitting the snow. There was also a twisted part of me that enjoyed the looks on drivers' faces when they saw me running in the below-freezing weather, or the "seriously dude, are you crazy?" looks on my friends' faces when I told them I just went for a run through the tundra. At the gym, the treadmill was new again. It was nice to run while listening to music, or even better, while watching Jeopardy!
But, all this is starting to wear a little thin. I'm tired of it taking 20 minutes to get dressed for a run. I'm tired of frozen cheeks, chapped lips, runny noses and the ever-present risk of freeze-drying my bits 'n' pieces. Trainer rides are getting old. The view never changes. I've done all of my Spinervals multiple times over. I can't get Coach Troy's voice out of my head. "Keep your tempo up?" Really!?! "On this next set, you're going to stand up?" Bite me.
Granted, none of this has actually caused me to stop working out. For some reason, I'm still motivated to train just as much now as I did at this time last year, and even more than last fall. I've got goals, and still have plenty of room for improvement. I had better do the work now, so I can be faster later. I like the work. I like that training every day is tough. Sometimes tough feels good. Lately though, it's just getting harder and harder to focus on the silver lining rather than the big, ugly cloud.
Maybe it's the competition that I miss. Through last year, there was an average of one race/event per month to focus on. My next race is scheduled for the end of April. That means there are still 2 1/2 months to go before I can scratch that competitive itch. Maybe one of the local indoor tris is the answer; or maybe there's a 10K or 1/2 marathon that needs another entrant. At the very least, it'll shuffle things up a bit.
Sorry about the rant. I know this isn't the usual cheery post that usually grace this blog. But, the nice thing about my blog is that it's MY BLOG. So, where I go, it goes. Now, I don't want to make it sound like life is all doom and gloom. Cripes. If the biggest thing I have to gripe about is a lack of workout motivation, then things must be going pretty well. The next thing you know, I'll be complaining about how my aero helmet messes up my hair, how my running shoes don't match my socks, or how my clothes are giving me weird tan lines. Though, on second thought, I do kinda like the weird tan lines.
Fret not. I will be back soon with a more uplifting post. Maybe it'll be food related. Maybe it'll be funny. Or, maybe it'll be something I haven't even considred yet.
I'll keep you guessing.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
It's Okay to be a Noob
Things are crazy at the gym right now. Why? Well, January and February tend to be the most crowded times of the year. Part of the crowd is due to the lousy weather. I don't know a lot of people that want to go for a run when its -20 degrees. But, most of the crowd is composed of 'Resolutionists'. You know what I'm talking about. It's the folks that decided on New Years Day that they were finally going to get in shape this year (and this time, they meant it).
That's cool though. I'm not going to get mad at someone that is trying to turn things around and get fit. Good for them. However, it is kinda funny for those of us who spend a reasonable amount of time in the gym 12 months out of the year. The noobs (noobs stands for 'newbies', so just relax Mom, it's not a dirty word) tend to stick out like a sore thumb.
Maybe you're one of them. Maybe you're a noob. Maybe this is your year to change up your lifestyle and finally drop some weight. But, maybe you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb. I don't blame you. Sticking out from the crowd offends my reserved Midwestern sensibilities. Well, if all you want to do is blend in and 'get your sweat on' then this post is for you.
How NOT to be a Noob at the gym.
Untuck that shirt Gramps
This is mostly directed at you middle-aged men. Nothing screams 'I'm new here!' like a nice tucked-in cotton t-shirt and shorts pulled up to your armpits. Save that look for trips to the beach where you can wear that outfit with your black socks and sandals. Of course, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you're going into a yoga class, then tuck away. I don't want to be in the middle of a head-stand only to have my shirt fall and expose my Buddha-belly.
Don't be a filthy pig
I sweat. I sweat a lot. It only takes about 10 minutes of running and I look like I just showered in my clothes. That sweat tends to splash all over the equipment and just plain funk up the place. Wipe up your filth after your done with the machines. Most gyms will have some paper towels and disinfectant. Use them. Seriously.
Don't forget to stretch
I cannot emphasize this enough. I've seen folks huffing and puffing their way through a long treadmill workout, only to finish their run, hop off and head straight to the locker room. Want to know why you have problems walking down stairs the next day? Well, you're legs are probably a little cranky because they haven't been stretched. It's best to stretch warm muscles. For treadmill days, I like to run for about 10 minutes and then stretch for another 10-15 minutes before starting the main workout. After the workout, a little light stretching is in order - just enough to keep the muscles loose.
Stay Hydrated
Ya gotta keep the fluids flowing. Sure, if you don't drink any water you'll initially lose quite a few pounds. Shoot. You could lose 5-10 pounds during a long run. Don't mistake this for genuine weight loss. Like I posted a few weeks ago, you aren't actually getting fit. Congratulations - you're dehydrated. What's a good barometer to determine if you're dehydrated? It's all about the pee. If yours is near-clear to clear, then you're in good shape. If it looks like beef stock, it's time to up the fluid intake.
Pace yourself
This goes right along with stretching. It's cool to start slow. We all have to start somewhere. In fact, if your main goal is losing weight, it's actually more beneficial to do a longer workout at a somewhat slower pace than something high-intensity but short. The same thing goes for weights. Sure, we all want to impress onlookers by lifting that giant stack of metal plates, but starting at a weight that is beyond your own ability is an invitation for injury, and just plain dangerous.
You're not there to get noticed
I know. This is a tough one. But there's a time and a place to draw attention to yourself. As much as you may think so, grunting and screaming your way through a bench press set like you're passing a kidney stone isn't as cool as it sounds. Repeatedly flexing your man-boobs in front of the mirror is just plain gross. This goes for you too ladies. You're not fooling anyone when you do your makeup BEFORE your workout and proceed to push your ta-tas up to your chin. Exercise a little subtlety. If you guys and girls REALLY want to get noticed, then sign up for a 5K or a sprint tri. Then, you can cross the finish line to loud cheers and wave your arms like an orangutan until they go numb.
Well, that should get you started. The best advice I can give a noob is to stick with it. Remember why you're there. It's called a workout for a reason. Get to work. Find a routine that works for you and keep at it. Mix things up a little to keep from getting bored and be patient. You may not be ready for a new wardrobe after only a few weeks, or even a few months, but you'll get there. Pretty soon, YOU'LL be the one giving the noobs advice.
Oh, and there are only a few days left to vote in my poll. Get at it.
Later gators.
That's cool though. I'm not going to get mad at someone that is trying to turn things around and get fit. Good for them. However, it is kinda funny for those of us who spend a reasonable amount of time in the gym 12 months out of the year. The noobs (noobs stands for 'newbies', so just relax Mom, it's not a dirty word) tend to stick out like a sore thumb.
Maybe you're one of them. Maybe you're a noob. Maybe this is your year to change up your lifestyle and finally drop some weight. But, maybe you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb. I don't blame you. Sticking out from the crowd offends my reserved Midwestern sensibilities. Well, if all you want to do is blend in and 'get your sweat on' then this post is for you.
How NOT to be a Noob at the gym.
Untuck that shirt Gramps
This is mostly directed at you middle-aged men. Nothing screams 'I'm new here!' like a nice tucked-in cotton t-shirt and shorts pulled up to your armpits. Save that look for trips to the beach where you can wear that outfit with your black socks and sandals. Of course, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you're going into a yoga class, then tuck away. I don't want to be in the middle of a head-stand only to have my shirt fall and expose my Buddha-belly.
Don't be a filthy pig
I sweat. I sweat a lot. It only takes about 10 minutes of running and I look like I just showered in my clothes. That sweat tends to splash all over the equipment and just plain funk up the place. Wipe up your filth after your done with the machines. Most gyms will have some paper towels and disinfectant. Use them. Seriously.
Don't forget to stretch
I cannot emphasize this enough. I've seen folks huffing and puffing their way through a long treadmill workout, only to finish their run, hop off and head straight to the locker room. Want to know why you have problems walking down stairs the next day? Well, you're legs are probably a little cranky because they haven't been stretched. It's best to stretch warm muscles. For treadmill days, I like to run for about 10 minutes and then stretch for another 10-15 minutes before starting the main workout. After the workout, a little light stretching is in order - just enough to keep the muscles loose.
Stay Hydrated
Ya gotta keep the fluids flowing. Sure, if you don't drink any water you'll initially lose quite a few pounds. Shoot. You could lose 5-10 pounds during a long run. Don't mistake this for genuine weight loss. Like I posted a few weeks ago, you aren't actually getting fit. Congratulations - you're dehydrated. What's a good barometer to determine if you're dehydrated? It's all about the pee. If yours is near-clear to clear, then you're in good shape. If it looks like beef stock, it's time to up the fluid intake.
Pace yourself
This goes right along with stretching. It's cool to start slow. We all have to start somewhere. In fact, if your main goal is losing weight, it's actually more beneficial to do a longer workout at a somewhat slower pace than something high-intensity but short. The same thing goes for weights. Sure, we all want to impress onlookers by lifting that giant stack of metal plates, but starting at a weight that is beyond your own ability is an invitation for injury, and just plain dangerous.
You're not there to get noticed
I know. This is a tough one. But there's a time and a place to draw attention to yourself. As much as you may think so, grunting and screaming your way through a bench press set like you're passing a kidney stone isn't as cool as it sounds. Repeatedly flexing your man-boobs in front of the mirror is just plain gross. This goes for you too ladies. You're not fooling anyone when you do your makeup BEFORE your workout and proceed to push your ta-tas up to your chin. Exercise a little subtlety. If you guys and girls REALLY want to get noticed, then sign up for a 5K or a sprint tri. Then, you can cross the finish line to loud cheers and wave your arms like an orangutan until they go numb.
Well, that should get you started. The best advice I can give a noob is to stick with it. Remember why you're there. It's called a workout for a reason. Get to work. Find a routine that works for you and keep at it. Mix things up a little to keep from getting bored and be patient. You may not be ready for a new wardrobe after only a few weeks, or even a few months, but you'll get there. Pretty soon, YOU'LL be the one giving the noobs advice.
Oh, and there are only a few days left to vote in my poll. Get at it.
Later gators.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Be Careful What You Wish For
I started this blog last April. So, all things considered, it hasn't been around all that long. Originally, it was just supposed to be a journal. You know, something on which I could focus my attention during rest days. I could blab, and vent and, in general, just scratch my creative itch. I was pleased with the opportunity to just write. For several months, life was good.
Then, sometime after the Ironman last September, I discovered the 'Stats' functions on Blogger. I thought it was pretty darn cool that I could find out how many people visited my blog, which posts they visited, and what countries they were from. I became somewhat more fixated on the raw number of visitors. It's a pretty big ego-stroke to see that strangers visited, and re-visited. So, I tried to make things more interesting. I started posting more frequently about a wider variety of topics, and even started the semi-regular 'Fun in the Kitchen' posts. For several months, life was better.
Just a couple weeks ago, my stats started to double. I was getting more and more visitors, and frankly, I couldn't figure out why. It all started around Christmas time, right after I posted about some outdoor running and cold weather gear. I though, 'Hey, that's cool. People must actually be interested in me. Sweet!'. I checked out the Search Keywords that most often sent people to the site. A majority of the traffic was coming from an image search for 'balaclava'. 'Huh,' I thought, 'That's a little strange'.
So, I did what I probably shouldn't have done and ran my own Google image search for 'balaclava'. What did I find? Well, I found I was the #2 image search for 'balaclava'. Was it for this rather stressed out, yet innocent, post-workout photo of me in my new balaclava?
HECK NO! Traffic was skyrocketing at my blog because of this weird little photo:
Great. Perv traffic. That was not exactly the kind of attention I was aiming for. Now, I'll kindly remind you that the ONLY reason I posted this photo was to make fun of it. I mean, honestly, what kind of weather conditions would call for someone to wear a ski-mask while topless? I suppose, she could be planning to rob the safe at a strip club, or take hostages at a nude beach. But that's not the point.
So, with that in mind, I'd like to introduce my first official reader poll. Go ahead. Click away. Will the results cause me to drastically alter the content of my site? Well, probably not. But it could be fun. So, tell me. Why are YOU here.
Then, sometime after the Ironman last September, I discovered the 'Stats' functions on Blogger. I thought it was pretty darn cool that I could find out how many people visited my blog, which posts they visited, and what countries they were from. I became somewhat more fixated on the raw number of visitors. It's a pretty big ego-stroke to see that strangers visited, and re-visited. So, I tried to make things more interesting. I started posting more frequently about a wider variety of topics, and even started the semi-regular 'Fun in the Kitchen' posts. For several months, life was better.
Just a couple weeks ago, my stats started to double. I was getting more and more visitors, and frankly, I couldn't figure out why. It all started around Christmas time, right after I posted about some outdoor running and cold weather gear. I though, 'Hey, that's cool. People must actually be interested in me. Sweet!'. I checked out the Search Keywords that most often sent people to the site. A majority of the traffic was coming from an image search for 'balaclava'. 'Huh,' I thought, 'That's a little strange'.
So, I did what I probably shouldn't have done and ran my own Google image search for 'balaclava'. What did I find? Well, I found I was the #2 image search for 'balaclava'. Was it for this rather stressed out, yet innocent, post-workout photo of me in my new balaclava?
HECK NO! Traffic was skyrocketing at my blog because of this weird little photo:
Great. Perv traffic. That was not exactly the kind of attention I was aiming for. Now, I'll kindly remind you that the ONLY reason I posted this photo was to make fun of it. I mean, honestly, what kind of weather conditions would call for someone to wear a ski-mask while topless? I suppose, she could be planning to rob the safe at a strip club, or take hostages at a nude beach. But that's not the point.
So, with that in mind, I'd like to introduce my first official reader poll. Go ahead. Click away. Will the results cause me to drastically alter the content of my site? Well, probably not. But it could be fun. So, tell me. Why are YOU here.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Why The Biggest Loser is the Worst Show on TV
Before you get too deep into this, you'll probably want to make sure that you check out yesterday's post first. In it, I explain why The Wife and I love watching The Biggest Loser. Thanks to the magic of our DVR, we haven't missed an episode since getting hooked a few years ago. In a lot of ways, it's the best show on TV. While that's all fine and good, the show has some problems - serious problems.
Sure, maybe I overreacted just a little bit. I don't actually consider The Biggest Loser the absolute worst piece of garbage on the airways. That distinction is actually a tie between any and every show with the word 'housewives' in the title.
Here's where The Biggest Loser misses the mark:
1. They're having a Pity Party and everyone's invited.
Most of the contestants on the show didn't get to their heaviest without having a few issues. For some, it's just a matter of slowly losing control and letting their diet and sedentary lifestyle get out of hand. For others, the problems are a little more intense.
Last season, there was a mother whose daughter had started starving herself to keep from becoming like her mother. There was a young lady whose parents made her feel guilty for her young brother's accidental death when they were children. A few seasons ago there was even a woman whose husband and three young children were recently killed in a car accident. My word. I'd say that being overweight was the least of their worries.
Obviously, these issues will need to be addressed for the contestant to adjust to their new way of living. The issues aren't the problem. We all have 'em. The problem I have with the show is how the viewer is constantly reminded of these struggles. In-between the workouts and weigh-ins, it's a constant parade of teary-eyed confessionals. I'm not trying to be callous, but it gets old. When a 2-hour show gives me an hour of heartbreak and upheaval, I feel like I need to suck down a pint of ice cream just to cope with the emotions.
If the producers really want to help motivate us, they should give us fewer water-works sessions and more time focusing on the 'hows' and 'whys' of weight loss. Show us how to put together a responsible, attainable diet; give us examples of effective workout plans and stop making us ride an emotional roller coaster. Oh, and when someone is going through a deeply personal breakthrough, maybe you could, oh I don't know, take the camera out of their face for 5 minutes and let them deal with things. We'll all understand. Trust me.
2. I'm not fooled by your product placement.
Okay. So, you're a contestant on the show, and you just happen to be sitting around the kitchen with some of your other contestant buddies. You just happen to be talking about the dilemma of how to carry healthy snacks around town. Then, one of the handy-dandy trainers just happens to walk around the corner to 'educate' you about the new Ziploc snack bags? Really?
I know that the network needs to make their money somewhere, but every time I get duped into watching one of these pseudo-commercials thinking that it's part of the actual show I feel my IQ drop 5 points. If the network wants to bombard me with ads (which they have the right to do) they don't need to be sneaky about it. Just decorate all of the contestant's workout shirts with logos - like a NASCAR driver. We'll get the idea.
3. It sets impossible weight-loss expectations.
This is the issue that hits me the hardest. It set's the bar unreasonably high. Some of these contestants are consistently losing 10 pounds or more each week. For the average overweight American trying to get back in shape, the math is not in their favor. Look:
Fact: One pound of fat contains 3500 calories. Fact: During the Ironman bike leg, I burned approximately 7,000 calories. Even if I took 100% of my energy from fat, I still only lost 2 pounds during that effort. That means that for someone to lose 10 pounds of fat in one week, they would have to bike approximately 550 miles. I'll even be nice and give them the weekend off.
Now, just to clarify. I have had single workouts where I finish weighing 5 or more pounds less than when I started. However, most of that is water weight. If you plan on losing weight like this, you won't be getting healthy; you'll be getting dehydrated.
I don't know about you, but even during my heaviest Ironman training, I didn't come close to 550 miles of cycling per week. Now, imagine an obese viewer of The Biggest Loser who decides to get their act together. They start to eat healthy and hit the gym hard expecting to see the same magical weight-loss numbers that appear on the show. But after a month of slaving away, they've only managed to lose a few pounds. I can imagine that it would be pretty discouraging.
What the show needs to do is place more of an emphasis on educating the viewers on how to develop long-term goals. Remind us that losing weight is like turning a large ship; you can turn the wheel, but it's going to take a little while for it to complete the turn and face the other direction. Sure, it's still great to be inspired (and impressed) by some truly amazing results, but for the love of Pete, help the rest of us who don't have access to world-class trainers, nutritionists and facilities.
Will I keep watching the show? Absolutely. Will I encourage others to check it out? Sure. It's good entertainment. However, if you're looking for personal answers to impact your own life, you can do a lot better than trying to derive them from a TV show.
Sure, maybe I overreacted just a little bit. I don't actually consider The Biggest Loser the absolute worst piece of garbage on the airways. That distinction is actually a tie between any and every show with the word 'housewives' in the title.
Here's where The Biggest Loser misses the mark:
1. They're having a Pity Party and everyone's invited.
Most of the contestants on the show didn't get to their heaviest without having a few issues. For some, it's just a matter of slowly losing control and letting their diet and sedentary lifestyle get out of hand. For others, the problems are a little more intense.
Last season, there was a mother whose daughter had started starving herself to keep from becoming like her mother. There was a young lady whose parents made her feel guilty for her young brother's accidental death when they were children. A few seasons ago there was even a woman whose husband and three young children were recently killed in a car accident. My word. I'd say that being overweight was the least of their worries.
Obviously, these issues will need to be addressed for the contestant to adjust to their new way of living. The issues aren't the problem. We all have 'em. The problem I have with the show is how the viewer is constantly reminded of these struggles. In-between the workouts and weigh-ins, it's a constant parade of teary-eyed confessionals. I'm not trying to be callous, but it gets old. When a 2-hour show gives me an hour of heartbreak and upheaval, I feel like I need to suck down a pint of ice cream just to cope with the emotions.
If the producers really want to help motivate us, they should give us fewer water-works sessions and more time focusing on the 'hows' and 'whys' of weight loss. Show us how to put together a responsible, attainable diet; give us examples of effective workout plans and stop making us ride an emotional roller coaster. Oh, and when someone is going through a deeply personal breakthrough, maybe you could, oh I don't know, take the camera out of their face for 5 minutes and let them deal with things. We'll all understand. Trust me.
2. I'm not fooled by your product placement.
Okay. So, you're a contestant on the show, and you just happen to be sitting around the kitchen with some of your other contestant buddies. You just happen to be talking about the dilemma of how to carry healthy snacks around town. Then, one of the handy-dandy trainers just happens to walk around the corner to 'educate' you about the new Ziploc snack bags? Really?
I know that the network needs to make their money somewhere, but every time I get duped into watching one of these pseudo-commercials thinking that it's part of the actual show I feel my IQ drop 5 points. If the network wants to bombard me with ads (which they have the right to do) they don't need to be sneaky about it. Just decorate all of the contestant's workout shirts with logos - like a NASCAR driver. We'll get the idea.
3. It sets impossible weight-loss expectations.
This is the issue that hits me the hardest. It set's the bar unreasonably high. Some of these contestants are consistently losing 10 pounds or more each week. For the average overweight American trying to get back in shape, the math is not in their favor. Look:
Fact: One pound of fat contains 3500 calories. Fact: During the Ironman bike leg, I burned approximately 7,000 calories. Even if I took 100% of my energy from fat, I still only lost 2 pounds during that effort. That means that for someone to lose 10 pounds of fat in one week, they would have to bike approximately 550 miles. I'll even be nice and give them the weekend off.
Now, just to clarify. I have had single workouts where I finish weighing 5 or more pounds less than when I started. However, most of that is water weight. If you plan on losing weight like this, you won't be getting healthy; you'll be getting dehydrated.
I don't know about you, but even during my heaviest Ironman training, I didn't come close to 550 miles of cycling per week. Now, imagine an obese viewer of The Biggest Loser who decides to get their act together. They start to eat healthy and hit the gym hard expecting to see the same magical weight-loss numbers that appear on the show. But after a month of slaving away, they've only managed to lose a few pounds. I can imagine that it would be pretty discouraging.
What the show needs to do is place more of an emphasis on educating the viewers on how to develop long-term goals. Remind us that losing weight is like turning a large ship; you can turn the wheel, but it's going to take a little while for it to complete the turn and face the other direction. Sure, it's still great to be inspired (and impressed) by some truly amazing results, but for the love of Pete, help the rest of us who don't have access to world-class trainers, nutritionists and facilities.
Will I keep watching the show? Absolutely. Will I encourage others to check it out? Sure. It's good entertainment. However, if you're looking for personal answers to impact your own life, you can do a lot better than trying to derive them from a TV show.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Why The Biggest Loser is the Best Show on TV
As I write this, The Wife and I are sacked out in front of the boob tube. Don't worry, we each did our own workouts earlier today. What are we watching? The Biggest Loser. For those of you who aren't familiar, this is a reality show where 16-22 morbidly obese contestants are whisked away to a fitness ranch and compete to lose the highest percentage of weight.
It's the best show ever. BEST. EVER.
Here's why:
1. The Inspiration Factor
The folks on this show start out big, and I mean BIG. Most of them have additional health issues such as bad knees or adult-onset diabetes. Shoot. Some of them have problems walking up the stairs to step on the scale. But, over the course of the show, almost all of the contestants experience a dramatic weight loss. I know we hear it everywhere we go, but obesity is impacting more and more people every year. This show proves that even folks with hundreds of pounds to lose can still get their acts together and turn their lives around. If that inspires more of us to change things around and get healthy again, then good on 'em.
2. The Lifestyle Factor
In the end, it's not about the cash prize that goes to the winner; it's about experiencing a lifestyle change. On the show, there's a heavy emphasis on the grueling workouts, but they also take time to address diet issues. Sure, I don't need much encouragement to hit the gym, but it does motivate The Wife and I to think a little harder about how we prepare our meals. Sometimes, even us 'healthy' Americans need agentle reminder kick in the pants to resist the burgers and pizza to focus on vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
3. The Car Crash Factor
I'll be honest. As much as we watch the show to get inspired, like a car crash on the freeway, we have to slow down to witness the carnage. People falling on the treadmill, passing out on the stair-stepper, barfing in the corner and having emotional breakdowns in the gym demand our undivided attention. Later on in each season, group 'alliances' and game-play rear their ugly heads and add to the drama. We love every minute of it.
We don't watch too many TV shows religiously, but we make it a priority to catch The Biggest Loser every week. It's the Best Show on TV.
Tomorrow: Why the Biggest Loser is the Worst Show on TV.
It's the best show ever. BEST. EVER.
Here's why:
1. The Inspiration Factor
The folks on this show start out big, and I mean BIG. Most of them have additional health issues such as bad knees or adult-onset diabetes. Shoot. Some of them have problems walking up the stairs to step on the scale. But, over the course of the show, almost all of the contestants experience a dramatic weight loss. I know we hear it everywhere we go, but obesity is impacting more and more people every year. This show proves that even folks with hundreds of pounds to lose can still get their acts together and turn their lives around. If that inspires more of us to change things around and get healthy again, then good on 'em.
2. The Lifestyle Factor
In the end, it's not about the cash prize that goes to the winner; it's about experiencing a lifestyle change. On the show, there's a heavy emphasis on the grueling workouts, but they also take time to address diet issues. Sure, I don't need much encouragement to hit the gym, but it does motivate The Wife and I to think a little harder about how we prepare our meals. Sometimes, even us 'healthy' Americans need a
3. The Car Crash Factor
I'll be honest. As much as we watch the show to get inspired, like a car crash on the freeway, we have to slow down to witness the carnage. People falling on the treadmill, passing out on the stair-stepper, barfing in the corner and having emotional breakdowns in the gym demand our undivided attention. Later on in each season, group 'alliances' and game-play rear their ugly heads and add to the drama. We love every minute of it.
We don't watch too many TV shows religiously, but we make it a priority to catch The Biggest Loser every week. It's the Best Show on TV.
Tomorrow: Why the Biggest Loser is the Worst Show on TV.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Winter Hits Minnesota
A week ago, I posted about a casual ride around Lake Minnetonka. I mentioned that 'The Snow Was Coming'. Well, now I kinda wish that I had kept my big mouth shut. Yesterday morning, I woke up to THIS...
and THIS...
Yep. We got 10 inches of heavy wet Slurpie dumped on us over the weekend. You know, the kind of snow that weighs about 80 pounds per shovel-full. The good news is that the snow should be gone in no more than 5 months. *Sigh*
Yeah, I know. When you live in Minnesota, eventually winter is going to slap you around, give you a wedgie and push you down the stairs. I also know that around here, we were blessed with beautiful fall weather. But that's cold comfort (pun intended). Now, I'm trying to come to turns with how my workouts are going to change.
Time on the bike will be indoors. Sure, I've got a pretty nice setup where I can plop my trainer in front of the boob tube and catch up on 'my stories', but nothing can replace an outdoor ride. I don't run at night much, so since daylight savings hit last weekend, I've already been doing most of my runs on the dread-mill at the gym. I can still do longer runs outside over the weekends if the paths are clear. It's just harder to pick my lazy butt up off of the sofa when it's below freezing outside.
My biggest fear is that it'll start to become too easy to make excuses NOT to train. The last thing I want to do is put on 10 or 15 extra pounds over the winter. I want to hit spring running (again, pun intended) and focus on getting faster rather than losing weight.
Maybe what I really need to do is get some more races planned. Sometimes, the best way to get motivated for training is to lay real money down for registration fees.
Stay warm kids.
and THIS...
Yep. We got 10 inches of heavy wet Slurpie dumped on us over the weekend. You know, the kind of snow that weighs about 80 pounds per shovel-full. The good news is that the snow should be gone in no more than 5 months. *Sigh*
Yeah, I know. When you live in Minnesota, eventually winter is going to slap you around, give you a wedgie and push you down the stairs. I also know that around here, we were blessed with beautiful fall weather. But that's cold comfort (pun intended). Now, I'm trying to come to turns with how my workouts are going to change.
Time on the bike will be indoors. Sure, I've got a pretty nice setup where I can plop my trainer in front of the boob tube and catch up on 'my stories', but nothing can replace an outdoor ride. I don't run at night much, so since daylight savings hit last weekend, I've already been doing most of my runs on the dread-mill at the gym. I can still do longer runs outside over the weekends if the paths are clear. It's just harder to pick my lazy butt up off of the sofa when it's below freezing outside.
My biggest fear is that it'll start to become too easy to make excuses NOT to train. The last thing I want to do is put on 10 or 15 extra pounds over the winter. I want to hit spring running (again, pun intended) and focus on getting faster rather than losing weight.
Maybe what I really need to do is get some more races planned. Sometimes, the best way to get motivated for training is to lay real money down for registration fees.
Stay warm kids.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Images from the Monster Dash - AKA: I got bombed by a Sconie
The other day, I got an e-mail with a link to photos from the Team Ortho Monster Dash. "Sweet", I thought. "Maybe they got a picture of me." As nice as it was to get some good snapshots from the Ironman, I was shuffling along rather than running fast, and that doesn't exactly make for a dynamic photo. For the Monster Dash, I actually ran fast, well, fast for ME at least.
The first photo I came across turned out pretty well.
The second photo they had was a little different. Without trying to sound conceited, I thought I looked pretty good. My form was great and they even caught me on the down-stride, so my quad was all flex-y. I even remember when they took the picture. I had just passed a group of 4 runners in costume. Each were decked out in football attire. Little did I know that the little 'Zombie Packer Cheerleader' would BOMB MY AWESOME RACE PHOTO. AARGH!
All kidding aside. I can't really be mad. We're all trying to have a fun time out there.
One thing that I would like to see changed is how the sales of race photos are managed. For the Monster Dash, prices for a single photo start at $13.95. They're not unique with their prices. A single photo for the Ironman starts at $16.95 Now, I get that these folks are in business to make money, and I would love to buy more race photos. However, prices like this are cost-prohibitive.
Some people are going to buy photos regardless of price. I get that. But with these costs, I won't buy ANY photos. How much money did they make off of me? Hmmm...that would be $0. Now, if they sell photos for $5 each, well, then I'll probably buy 3 or 4. How much money have they made off me now? Up to $20. That's how much.
Now, I don't have a business degree, but I'd like to think that if prices were lowered, the increased business volume would offset the change in their 'profit per photo' numbers. That's all. Rant over.
The first photo I came across turned out pretty well.
 |
| Head High + Chest Out + Smile on Face = Not too shabby. |
 |
| Notice how 'Russ' the Chicago Bears fan is just jogging along, minding his own business. Meanwhile, his little Packer buddy is pooping in everyone's Cornflakes. |
All kidding aside. I can't really be mad. We're all trying to have a fun time out there.
One thing that I would like to see changed is how the sales of race photos are managed. For the Monster Dash, prices for a single photo start at $13.95. They're not unique with their prices. A single photo for the Ironman starts at $16.95 Now, I get that these folks are in business to make money, and I would love to buy more race photos. However, prices like this are cost-prohibitive.
Some people are going to buy photos regardless of price. I get that. But with these costs, I won't buy ANY photos. How much money did they make off of me? Hmmm...that would be $0. Now, if they sell photos for $5 each, well, then I'll probably buy 3 or 4. How much money have they made off me now? Up to $20. That's how much.
Now, I don't have a business degree, but I'd like to think that if prices were lowered, the increased business volume would offset the change in their 'profit per photo' numbers. That's all. Rant over.
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