Around the bays is an Auckland tradition. So, I had a go this year. My time for the 8.4km was 45 minutes 47 seconds or about 10.5 km/hr. Lisa assumes that I'll do it next year -- she is probably right. Now I have a target to beat.
Andrew did it in about 41 minutes (having run distance from the finish to the start). Outstanding!
I had a nice trot around the Domain today with Winnie O'Grady . If Gmaps Pedometer is to be believed, we did about 4.5 Km.
Surprise, surprise, the doc says my blood pressure is now 110/75. It hasn't been that low for several years. The doc thinks that my BP isn't 'bad' but could be lower. Okay, says I; I think I can do that. Having lost 21Kg, I guess I just need to loose another 14 or so (to get to my target of 70Kg).
A few people have noticed that I have lost some weight, and that's true. I'm also getting a few questions about the how I did it ... so here it is.
I really only did did two things. First, I began tracking my weight daily on Physics Diet. Secondly, I everything that I ate through Live Strong (and in particular the Daily Plate function there). Putting my managerial hat on, I would say that we know "you get what you measure", and so I measured.
The background information that kept me on the straight and narrow came from John Walker's the hacker's diet
The result, so far, is I've lost about 20 Kg, and I think I have about another 10 - 15 Kg to go. That would put me bang in the middle of normal body mass index range for my height. Having said that, the people choice ideal weight for me would be about 77 Kg.
Anyway, the journey continues...
My host here at my writing retreat has two dogs, Katie and Lizzie. To get a break from writing I talk them for a little walk / jog. It's a little over 4Km there and back.
My cast came off today. What a relief. Now for physio ...
I went ice skating with my brother and his children (Mac, Oscar, and Stevie). The rink (Paradice at Botnay Downs), looked pretty nice and I decided to upgrade to 'Platinum' skates. Alas, they only do 'Platinum' for hockey skates, and I'm a figure-skating sort of a guy. So, I ended up with a very average pair or rental skates.
Anyway, to cut to the chase, so to speak, I took a tumble and ended up with my left arm in plaster. It's only a small break so I should be out of the cast in three weeks time -- and I'm counting the days already. Having an arm in a cast is no fun at all.
Bill was highly amused by it all. He has taken some pictures and I'll post them if he ever sends them to me.
Actaully, I thought I had just jarred the joint, so I kept skating for about an hour. It was only when I got into the car and tried to change gear that I said "that hurt".
So, Ascot Hospital was the nearest A&E. What a long wait. Wait to see a nurse. Wait to see the doctor. Wait to see the radiologist. Wait to see the doctor (again). Wait to get plastered. All in all, I was there for over three hours.
Another three months, another check up.
Blood pressure is pretty stable at 130/85. More exercise and less eating is still needed.
Overall, a big tick from Doc Budelmann.
Quick summary then
| Total cholesterol | 4.1 mmol/l | < 5.0 |
| HDL cholesterol | 1.3 mmol/l | > 1.0 |
| LDL cholesterol | 2.5 mmol/l | < 3.0 |
| Triglyceride | 0.9 mmol/l | < 2.0 |
| Total/HDL ratio | 3.2 | < 4.5 |
For several years I've played a freindly game of squash with my brother every weekend. His children (Mac, Oscar, and Stevie) come along and play too (to a greater or smaller extent based on thier ages).
This week, for a change, I had a game with Lincoln Kyne. He is one of the MBA students. I was roundly thrashed. FIve games to nil, and I rarely got passed 3 points. I think it highlights:
Well I hope to have a few more games with him, and hopefully I be able to give him a better fight.
Nevertheless, it was good fun (but I bet I ache tomorrow).
Another three months, another check up.
Lots of blood tests and a raft of diabetes tests (just in case). Everything is okay. What stands out is my HDL Cholesterol (the good stuff) continues to move up to 1.4 mmol/l from 1.2. This has made a big change to my Total/HDL ratio, which is now 2.9 -- not bad. I credit that to my homemade muesli. Whoever thought I'd be 'knitting my own muesli.
Blood pressure is pretty stable at 132/85 -- but it could be better yet. More exercise and less eating is needed.
Overall, a big tick from Doc Budelmann.
Quick summary then
| Total cholesterol | 4.0 mmol/l | < 5.0 |
| HDL cholesterol | 1.4 mmol/l | > 1.0 |
| LDL cholesterol | 2.3 mmol/l | < 3.0 |
| Triglyceride | 0.8 mmol/l | < 2.0 |
| Total/HDL ratio | 2.9 | < 4.5 |
