Well, friends. I believe that I have come to the end of the road. The weight loss blogging road.

Although I have much left to experience in my fitness endeavors, I feel that I am running out of things to say here.

“I went for a run. I had an apple. Try Baked Lays. Going for a run tonight. I hate apples.”

Plus, there’s a whole new crop of fresh challengers dishing out the skinny on skinny. Make sure to follow along, they’re off to a great start!

I’m still following my plan to the best of my ability. To date, I have lost 23 pounds.

I feel great. My pants fit. I feel like a pants model. Like I could model pants for a living. Designers would hire me to show off their pants. On the runway.

For money.

I will be back in the blogosphere soon enough. I’m still ironing out the details on my new column. I can promise you it won’t have anything to do with running. Or apples.

Keep your chin up. Try your heart out. I’m living proof that anybody can do it if you stick to your guns. Just make sure to unstick the guns before going through airport security.

I love you all.

Except you. Not you. You.

---

Here it is! My ultimate workout playlist. 20 tracks handpicked by yours truly that have withstood the test of time.

I never leave home without these calorie burnin’ tracks on my iPod.

I’ve linked to the full track on Napster, when available.

Remember kiddies, some tracks might contain explicit language.

(Tracks ordered by artist alphabetical.)

1. Looking For The Perfect Beat - Afrika Bambaataa
2. A Different Feeling - Avalanches
3. Get Real Paid - Beck
4. City - Capitol K
5. Funky Little Beat - Connie
6. 2010 - Cornelius
7. Around The World - Daft Punk
8. I Am Not Your Gameboy - Freezepop
9. Cosmic Girl - Jamiroquai
10. Shake Your Coconuts - Junior Senior
11. Hey Ya! - Outkast
12. Roma - Pizzicato Five
13. Where I End And You Begin (The Sky Is Falling In) - Radiohead
14. Rustic Raver - Squarepusher
15. Parsec - Stereolab
16. Ysbeidiau Heulog - Super Furry Animals
17. Youth Culture Killed My Dog - They Might Be Giants
18. Diamond Head - The Ventures
19. Teen Town - Weather Report
20. Indication - The Zombies

What do you think? Have a track you can’t step on a treadmill without? Drop me a comment below.

---

A few years ago, Konami came out with a video game that revolutionized the way people play games.

Dance. Dance. Revolution.

Images of fat sweaty kids sitting too close to the television were starting to fade into the past. The arcade became a dance floor, the dance floor became a controller, and the controller became a gateway to healthier gaming.

Tweens all over the world were waiting in long lines to plunk grimy handfuls of quarters into the flashing contraption, which resembles a small disco dance floor mixed with a jukebox from the Jetsons.

Chances are, you’ve seen a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR if you’re a hipster) machine. The local arcade, bowling alley, Chuck E. Cheese’s, the mall, they seem to be popping up everywhere. As new versions of the game come out, the older machines are becoming more affordable. It will only be a matter of time before every Uncle Leo’s Pizza has got one booming in the lobby.

If you’re too embarrassed to try it in front of the hordes of tweenagers, there’s also a home version. I’ve got it. It’s awesome.

Anybody with a PlayStation 2 can have the complete setup in their living room (including the dance mat) for under $50.

There are many versions of the game, some just change the song listing, others add support for the EyeToy peripheral to include arm motions in your dance for a full body workout.

It’s like “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” but without the oldies. And lots more sweatin’.

I’ve been playing it on and off for a few months now and I’ve come to a depressing realization. No matter how much you think you’re improving, there are swarms of tiny humans out there that can dance circles around you.

I’ve compiled a list of videos of people that are better than me. Truncated, of course.

A baby.

A one legged guy.

Sheesh.

---

Hey friends! Great news!

They’ve started making Ritz Chips Calorie Packs.

Anybody that knows me knows that I’m a sucker for crackers. My favorites are Ritz and Wheat Thins. Both Tasty treats have recently been turned into healthier diet choices.

The Ritz version has retained most of the regular flavor, but as far as the Wheat Thins go, I think the previous Wheat Thins Minis are much closer to the original.

Now if only they would sell low calorie peanut butter.

---

Somebody hit me up with a drumroll.

I’m serious. Do it. Grab some pens and hit your desk.

Do it.

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve decided on my new exercise regimine.

Monday: 1 hour of running

Tuesday: Band practice (Believe me, it’s a workout.)

Wednesday: 1 hour of swimming

Thursday: 1 hour of running

Friday: 1 hour of swimming

Sat/Sun: Something recreational. Walking with Laura, basketball, anything easy and fun.

With this schedule, I’m only running on two days. I really like swimming, but I don’t think it’s enough without the running.

We’ll see. It’s open to changes in the first few weeks.

Speaking of diets (Wait ... what?) I had a chance to try that new “Wild Oats” place that just opened up. Try the pizza. That’s all I’m saying. Try the pizza.

I’ll make a full post about them once I try the smoothies. The coffee is great. I’m mumbling.

---

Well folks, as I said in my last post, I set out earlier this week to find a way to bust through my weight loss plateu. I found an accidental solution.

The flu.

I’ve been fighting it since Tuesday night during band practice. I’ve had absolutely no appetite for the past five days. I’ve also lost about 5 pounds.

Sure, it’s not the safest way to drop weight. I also know that it will be back as soon as my hunger returns, but for the time being, I’m hovering at just above 200 pounds--200.8 to be exact.

But, seeing the scale at its lowest point in years has given me so much motivation. Even if this loss does prove to be temporary, at least I’m seeing the possibility.

I should be well after the weekend. Come Monday, I’ll pick up the slack and get out there again. Maybe I should turn to weight training. Or switch from jogging to running. We’ll see.

Have a great holiday! AND LAY OFF THE PEEPS!

---

Okay. I know. I haven’t made a post in a few weeks.

Truth is, there hasn’t been much to report. My weight has leveled out at a (much lighter) 205lbs. There haven’t been the impressive leaps that I was making when I started.

It’s cliche, I know, but this last 10 or so pounds have been very difficult to drop. It’s killing me! On the positive side, there hasn’t been any gain in girth either.

Looks like I may have to change my plan. For a while I was getting away with light jogging and a 500 calorie daily deficit. I can’t afford to dig deeper into the calories, so it looks like the fitness regimen needs to be re-evaluated.

I’m going to mull it over and report to you early next week. Wish me luck!

---

Another Friday, another workout album.

Today’s record comes spinning at ya’ from three fine upstanding boys from Brooklyn.

Yes. Those three boys.

The Beastie Boys‘ “Ill Communication” was originally released in May of 1994 and is still seen as a highlight of 90s alternative music. Mixing their tried-and-true hip-hop roots with an eclectic stew of rock, punk, lo-fi, and jazz instrumentals, the Beasties shine with complex and often trippy grooves.

The cameo from A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip is worth the price of admission alone. But--same as last week--this is not a kiddie friendly album. There are vulgarities sprinkled throughout.

As a bonus, here’s a cool a cappella version of ”Root Down”.

---

This week’s album is “D-D-Don’t Don’t Stop the Beat” by the Danish duo Junior Senior.

This album is pure club pop. Their songs are sometimes silly, sometimes raunchy, but always catchy. It’s been one of my favorite Friday night party albums since its debut in 2003.

Their dance floor smash “Move Your Feet” is included and is worth the price of admission alone. This song is also included in the video game “Dance Dance Revolution” by Konami. This may be what made me realize that it’s perfect for working out.

Their official media site has got samples and videos.

Kiddies better watch it. There’s a parental advisory for a reason.

Toss it on your iPod, crank it up, and move your feet!

---

During a long jog, a good sneaker can soothe your sole; a good music player can sooth your soul.

Heheheh. Pretty good, eh? Not really.

I count my iPod shuffle among my necessary exercise gear. Just as I couldn’t leave my running sneaks at home, my ‘Pod is with me always.

In the beginning, I was loading it up with new stuff every night, but I quickly found a few magical albums that will remain locked in its measly 512Mb of flash memory until it melts. Even then, they’re backed up on my hard drive so they’re fair game for the next player.

The first album I’m profiling is “Since I Left You” by The Avalanches.

It was released back in 2001, but the vast creativity and ultimate grooviness encoded on this disc has yet to be touched. It has no peers. I love it. I love it.

It’s got everything you could ever want in a workout album. Thumping dance beats, insanely creative sampling, catchy hooks, and a tempo that’s just right.

Once the pace is set, it never deviates. It’s joggable throughout.

I could give you a breakdown of what to expect, but I think this video (via YouTube) says it more eloquently than I am capable of doing.

It’s available on all major music sites as well as download services like iTunes and Napster.

Rock on!

---

This is big--no--HUGE!

I’ve got my final February weight loss results.

As of 11:59 p.m. last night, I have clocked in at...wait for it...WAIT FOR IT...!

208 pounds!

That means I’m down 12 pounds! Twelve! TWELVE!

My new lifestyle is really paying off. At this rate of success, I’ll be at my goal in no time.

12 down, 18 to go!

---

I’ve been holding off on the posting because I was hoping for my big “10 pound reveal” this week.

Alas, I’m down 9.3.

Sure, I could’ve lied and you wouldn’t have known any better, but that’s not the way I play. Honesty is my game, baby.

While some are declaring the successful end to their challenge, I’m officially announcing that I’ve decided to extend this blog until my goal is reached. That means we get to hang for another 20.7 pounds. That’s about one pound for every year of my life that led up to my first beer. Well, the first one my parents know about. Honesty. Remember?

Runs are still going strong. Calorie limit is getting much more manageable.

Next week I’m back to my daily posting. Post those comments!

---

eHow.com has a nifty article that outlines a few ways you can keep fit on coffee breaks.

I’m out for the weekend. Go out there and get some exercise!

---

Here’s a great Q&A I found on WebMD that covers the benefits of walking vs. running for weight loss.

Food for thought. Fat-free low-cal food, of course.

---

Just a quick update; it’s almost my bedtime.

I’m feeling great today. It’s not time for an official weigh-in, but I can feel that there’s something significant goin’ on.

I had to go out and buy some new pants. There’s nothing more satisfying than picturing three pairs of my 38-waist khakis burning in the deepest pits of hell. Actually, I’m donating them. Not nearly as strong of an image there.

Bought a running watch with a 30-lap chronograph today. It makes me feel special. More on that next time.

I won’t be able to run tomorrow or Friday because I have some gigs with my band. I’ll need to make up for it on Saturday. It’ll all work out.

Alright, beddy-bye time. Keep up the good work everybody. This journey has only just begun.

---

Advertisement

Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe and get two weeks free | Place an Ad Online