PFA On DIGG.COM!!!!

No way, I was on Digg.com and I searched bodybuilding, (I have read enough about Benizir Bhutto :( ) but hey, I went ahead a couple of pages and low and behold I find this: an article in the Colorado Springs gazette: http://www.gazette.com/articles/rooney_31254___article.html/program_people.h Go Ric!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON DECEMBER 27, 7:8PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	rooney3 said... Yup, I guess this is my first 15 minutes of fame! Hoepfully it's a sign of things to come in 2008!

PFA On DIGG.COM!!!!

No way, I was on Digg.com and I searched bodybuilding, (I have read enough about Benizir Bhutto :( ) but hey, I went ahead a coupleof pages and low and behold I find this:

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON DECEMBER 27, 7:6PM    

Rested and raring to go!

Day 1 I can only speak for myself but after making a complete glutton out of myself over Thanksgiving...getting started is fairly easy..now if I can dump all the goodies and get down to business! Good luck everyone!

POSTED BY MEMBER BOSOXGIRL ON NOVEMBER 26, 1:8PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	somrok said... Great News - get rid of the goodies. You can do this if you put your mind to it. Best of luck - Debbie

First Skate!

Well, I got the boys home today with nothing to do after homework(one day without piano practice won't kill them!) And we all enjoyed the first skate on the backyard rink! It isn't 100% yet, but it was fun! Unfortunately, I had another wake to attend tonight, but all in all life is good. Anyone want to check out my teaching blog? http://tominct.blogspot.com Enjoy! Tom

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON FEBRUARY 08, 8:8PM    

	8 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... Atta boy, Tom!! Bet the kids are thrilled and (your) Dad is proud. Enjoy! Beth
	29640red said... THAT IS SO COOL DAD , I BET YOU ARE A NUMBER ONE DAD 2DAY!!! GREAT GOING TOM I AM SURE THEY APRECIATE IT , HAVE FUN TOM ,JUST DON'T GET HURT . ED
	RBinMS33 said... Man, that looks like a blast!! Hope you have many hours of fun out there with your boys!
	grarey said... I took your Monday test but didn't send it to you. If I hadn't been in Bible study for the past 6 years, I'd be in trouble! Are you teaching in a Lutheran school? What grade do you teach? Glad you're having fun with your kids. Gwen
	Chantelle said... The rink looks great and I am sure your kids are thrilled. Your dad is looking upon you all and proud. Sounds like you have a nice variety of activities for your kids. Mary
	Challenge1 said... Piano practice and hockey practice. Now that's a combination. Great photo of two great kids! Make some memories. ~elise
	Delphinium said... Great teaching blog! I live in the neighboring town of Cheshire. You sound like you make teaching fun for the students. Wish we had all these technologies when I went to school! Keep that passion for teaching, our kids futures depend on it! Victoria
	Lone Wolf said... that just looks to great!!! and strange...I'm going camping in the bush this weekend and off road buggy racing........we've been getting temperatures of 28 - 24 degrees C (thats about 82 - 93!!!!) Whats all that white stuff and did you say you have it in your back yard!!!!!

Another Check of what is important

Hi all: Where to begin? I need to vent, tell a story, give a eulogy I suppose. Those of you who read my occasional posts might recall that I am into ice hockey, and I have been an assistant coach on my older son's team in the past. Last season I served as an assistant to a wonderful young coach, one with a bright future in coaching. There was a second assistant as well. I can't say the three of us became very close, but we certainly enjoyed coaching together, and we had fun. We became quite friendly. When the season ended, the bulk of the team entered a sring league, but my family opted out. Our schedules in the spring get pretty hectic. At the end of the spring season the other assisant, Dave, began complaining of a cold he couldn't beat, and he went to the doctor. To everyone's shock he was diagnosed with advanced malignant lung cancer. I din't hear of it until late this fall, when Dave was well beyond where he could be treated with any success. I was told in November that it was simply a matter of time. I have scoured the Obits each day, so as to not miss paying my respects when the inevitable occurred, but I had seen nothing. Monday night, after my sons' practice I saw our coach from last year and asked how Dave was doing. With a puzzled look on his face Brian responded, "Tom, Dave passed away a few weeks ago." I was devastated. I knew it was going to happen, but I felt terrible for missing it, and missing the opportunity to offer my condolences to his wife and his son and daughter. I had seen his son at public skating only two Sundays earlier. He came up to me and said hello. Of course, I could not ask how his father was doing, the little boy is 10 years old, the same age I was when I lost my Dad to the same illness. I fear for this boy's future, withoutn the guiding hand of his father, I fear it because I lived it, perhaps am still living it. I suppose this single most influential event in my life was the death of my father. It impacted my development moreso that anyhing else. I continue to struggle with he lingering aftereffects. Therefore what is important? For me, gettign my outdoor rink completed was a milestone. My Dad talked of doing it for me 33 years ago, but cancer took him before he got a chance to build one. My kids will be skating on ours tomorrow! You can be sure that I will be thinking of him when they do.

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON FEBRUARY 07, 8:27AM    

	4 COMMENTS:
	29640red said... hi tom, i agree with the ladies, sometimes it is best to wait a while ,but one thing i know for sure is a nice letter to the wife speaking of the great experiences you guys had together will surely make her feel better. as far as the rink goes ,on this day you have now honored your dad with the gift that was meant for you and i know he is looking down saying that's my boy with a big smile on his face . job well done tom . ed
	RBinMS33 said... I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and so sorry you missed his funeral but as the others have said, it's never too late to pay respects and offer condolences. Before, when a friend or coworker had a death in the family, I never knew how to approach them or what to say. That is, until I lost my own father a couple of years ago. It means so much to the surviving family to hear of how their loved one was liked, what they did or how they made an impact in someone else's life. I know that now and don't hesitate when it comes to condolences or even listening if necessary. It truly means a lot.
	Jeanie said... It's never too late to offer your condolences. I'm sure they would appreciate it. It would give you an opportunity to tell his wife and his son exactly what you said here. Sometimes a shared experience even when separated by many years, can help a family grieve. They will know that you REALLY understand how they feel - and that will be quite valuable to them. Jeanie
	grarey said... Tom I am sorry you didn't get a chance to go to the funeral of the other coach but please take a moment and write his wife, son and daughter, they will appreciate it and you will feel better having addressed it. Don’t be afraid to give his young boy a hug the next time you see him. How lucky for your son to have a father who can expose his heart so clearly. Have a blast on your rink and give your son as many fond memories as you can...mostly by being around for many years. Gwen

Where is the Magical Kingdom of Null???

Every so often I read other people's posts, but more often than not I haven't the time to get my food in the system, let alone spend time reading about other people! (No offense everyone) But I have found that the Physique Transformation movement is exploding in a place called Null! I don't know there this place is, but there is snow there, that much I have ascertained! It is inhabited by an English speaking people, many of whom seem to know one another. I suppose it's someplace out west because in no where else in the world has it been cold enough to snow, but I know in Colorado and such places the snow has been very heavy. As for me, I would like nothing more than a severe cold spell here in Southern New England so I can complete an outdoor skating rink for my two hockey playing sons! So, to my comrades in Null, please say hello to Gandalf, and Frodo, Harry Potter and Wiesley, Dorothy and the Tin Man, and Shrek and Donkey! Have a very nice day!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON JANUARY 24, 8:19AM    

	4 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... Your wish has come true here in CT, Tom! Record cold on tap for Friday. Get that rink filled! Beth
	CiaoBella said... The Magical Kingdom of Null Is where none of the people are dull They all eat right In the day and at night A lean body is what they'll all cull
	Challenge1 said... Perfect post! Null is sooo easy to overlook! It's that special file that discards all data written to it, and provides no data to any process that reads from it! Back in the 1970s (wow -- am I dating myself), we called it the "bit bucket", and later the "black hole". Now it's just /dev/null. For the geeks out there, we know we're in trouble when the PFA system's /dev/null is 98% full -- or when Ric tells us all our email replies to blogs have been filed in /dev/null! Have fun building snowmen and throw a hockey puck into NEVA-NEVA-NULL for me! ~elise
	turn125 said... The magical kingdom of Null, is an enchanted land, where this is more support than you will ever expect to find in any other enchantment... friends are here (even some sight unseen) and we are all eltrans (eating lifestyle transformers ( Ric, how is that ??? LOL) Our fear is not from each other but just from our selves, and when in doubt give a shout and more than you know will be there!!! Have a great nullday... welcome...

Mango and a Skaker Cup!

Did I spell shaker correctly? Well, I really like the cup, and the mango flavor is quite nice too. However, it's been tough week. A very close friend, going back to kindergarten, seriously, collapsed and nearly died. As a matter of fact, I was told he was revived twice. No one knows yet the extent of any possible brain damage he may have suffered. It seems quite silly to be stressing about carb consumption and feeling guilty when I don't hit my numbers! Life can take such drastic turns at the drop of a hat, no warning, no recourse. His dad tells me that it will be long road back for him. I'm trying very hard these last few days to count my blessings! One of which is the shaker cup! I bring it to work with me, on trips in the car, who's better than me right! I think I'm going to buy another one! Can we post links here? Thanks everyone! Keep driving on!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON DECEMBER 04, 7:3PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... I hope your friend is doing better, Tom and thanks for the plug with our designer shaker cup! :)
	Challenge1 said... Sorry to hear about your dear friend! I certainly hope he makes a full recovery. ~elise

Muscle weighs MORE than fat?

Ok....I know that muscle weighs more than fat, but here I am reading Sports Illustrated and there is an article about one of the heavyweight Champions, Wladimir Klitschko(se pic), and it says he's 6'6" and 241 pounds! I am a shade under 6'2 and weighed 245 this morning! How can my fat weigh less than his muscle? Seems unbelievable, but I guess it's true. I must have lots of fat on my body, or it is covering a hardy layer of lean mass(don't I wish!) Ric...this piece may be the most important thing you've ever written...I was telling someone the other day about the book Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill, which I thinhk you've read Ric, well, I told this person, that once you know the secret, it is a heavy burden to go through life and not achieve what you want. I have often wondered if my life would be any more staid had I not read it. But I did, and I know that it is either do and die, or DON'T do and die. Either way I will die, either with having achieved my goals, or not having achieved them. The ball is in my court, and it is simply a question of decision. I've decided to die with the former accolade! Thanks again Ric for the motivation and support!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON NOVEMBER 20, 8:59AM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... Anytime, Tom. As long as you're trying, then the game ain't over! And here's that thing about muscle/fat. A pound of muscle and a pound of fat weigh...a pound! By VOLUME a pound of fat takes up as much as 5 times the space as a pound of muscle which is where people get the 'muscle weighs more then fat' misconception. So old Vladimir's fat weighs the same as your fat pal, he just has a little less of it on his physique then you do...for now! :)
	Challenge1 said... You've gleaned some good points. Thanks for sharing. ~elise

Might as Well chime in...

HI all! I am now about 6 weeks into conditioning and going along ok, not tearing it up in any way, but moviong along nicely. The past month has been a very busy one, as I was a pulling hard for Ned Lamont here in Connecticut (sorry if that offends anyone!). I worked on his campaign and had invested a lot into it, physically, financially and emotionally. His coming up short was a pretty serious bummer in an otherwise pretty good outcome, as far as I was concerned. The program has been going well enough. I have3nt worked out as much as would like to, but I did myslef a favcor and read through my old comments after my first rotation years ago. I really should read them each day. That's what Napolean Hill would tell me to do right? Oh yeah, has anyone read "Manhunt?" Great book...about Booth and the Lincoln conspriators.... Alright, I have to get to the PTstore here and stock up. Later all!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON NOVEMBER 15, 7:40PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... Hi Tom. I'm just catching up on your posts. The bottom line is you're back. That's all that matters, pal. The past is history, the future, a mystery. But today is a gift, that's why they call it the present. Make the most of your today's Tom, and you will create the type of tomorrow's you're looking for.
	Smithmula said... Tom! Nice to meet you, I just moved from CA to CT, I live in Westport now. I also was pulling for Lamont, but we will leave it at that. Sorry about the outcome....I was rooting for your man. Good for you on your attitude! I started the program in late 2003 and after about a year, I was down 100 lbs. Of course you have to be 100 lbs UP to LOSE 100 lbs, but the point being, it was one step at a time....Anyway, since then, I opened a wine bar in the Sierra mountains and needless to say, I didn't stay DOWN 100 lbs, I put some of my weight back on. So I am back on track again, getting used to my new surroundings and chipping away, one pound at a time....

My back is to the wall!

I rarely even come to this sight anymore, but when I do it is usually just to look through the blogs, see how everyone is doing. I see that some people are doing just great... I am in the biggest rut of my life..... But, for the first time, in I really don't want to say, perhaps 2 years maybe, I have downed a monster glass of water, and may down a second, before my first cup of coffee, which is what I did so long ago when I was devoted to this program. I went to the yahoo group to see what I may have written at the end of my second rotation, but I suppose posts that far back are no longer available for viewing, oh well, it may have just depressed me. All my life I've lived on this roller coaster, work out, eat right, don't work out don't eat right. The two have always seemed to be one in the same. The working out was always more fun for me, so I guess that's where it starts. And for a couple of years now, it has been a non starter. This from a man whose tag says, "There is only success and quitting and I'm not a quitter." But I can't seem to start either, and I feel worse and worse about every day. Clothes don't fit, walking by a store front window can elicit feelings of remorse similar to those one might have over the loss of a loved one!" "How did I get here?" Is a question I may ask myself 10 times a week. I am angry, irritated and wallowing in self pity, and it stinks. I would love to say this is not me, but I think the 10 months of successful PFA work 3 years ago was more an aberration than these feelings. I really don't know why I am going through the embarrassment of spilling my guts, but I guess its simply a bit of therapy I must endure, a purging if you will, and I don't even know the people here who will read it. The people I knew earlier on all seem to be gone, or lurking, except for Renee, she's always around, and a great friend too boot. I saw Rachell had responded to someone's posts, and I remember here very well, she was truly an inspiration. There as a time when I may have been such an inspiration, but alas I couldn't inspire those closest to me! At least to do this. So its 6:45 am on a Saturday, and I figure I have to work out this weekend, but then I ask myself, "But the weekend is the wrong time to start, your schedule does not resemble anything like your weekday schedule, so why start something you quite likely won't continue once the work weeks comes around again? One big issue is that I can't find a time to work out. (Ric, before you say it, I know the response, "Would you do it for a million dollars....'Yes'..."Then the time is there, you just have to find it!") I'm am at work each day at 7:15 (I'm a teacher) and I am home at 3:00. To the bus stop to get the kids at 3:15 (at least I walk the WHOLE .25 miles there and back! which my 5 year old complains about having to do!). Ours is the neighborhood house where all the kids come to play, so for the rest of the afternoon I play referee, do dishes, get something out for dinner, and in the meantime fart around on the computer. I never feel comfortable working out (we have small home gym....which I have come to believe one only installs if they have finally made the decision to give up working out for good!, but I can't get to the gym even though there is one close by (a former World's) charging just $10 a month.) when the kids are out because, well, there are just far too many interruptions. We eat at around 5:45 or so, but our kids dilly-dally at the dinner table (anyone else have this problem?) for so long it is easily an hour each night for dinner. Of course we all eat as a family, both breakfast and dinner, and that goes a long way in raising kids, or so I'm told, but the time is often quite stressful, constantly cajoling the kids to eat. By the time we're done, and have the table cleared and all that, well it’s pushing 7, if not later. After that there's always (or seems like always...I think before I post this I will count the times I use the work "seems") something going on, and many times, well, at fewest twice a week, and as many as three times a week, I am off to one meeting or another, or fall baseball practice. Home at 9 I often can't get though checking homework before nearly collapsing from exhaustion. Therefore the notion of working out at 4:45 am or 5 Am is not at all appealing to me, but as I analyze things I often come to the conclusion that that is the only time I have. But I worry about waking the kids, dealing with the dog (new puppy, only 11 weeks old) and the simply ungodful thought of giving up a half hour of sleep. I know I have spent a good deal of time listing what must appear to be excuses, and perhaps they are, but they are real facts. I really don't know what to do. The only thing I can do is start an analysis phase today, I guess....AGAIN....I have done it so many time since the days when I actually succeeded at it that I do with much trepidation. However, my back is to the wall. This is the only life I have and I am making a mess of it, at least in terms of not creating the life I want. I have read Think and Grow rich by Napoleon Hill....I used to think it was enlightening and liberating, sometimes now I feel as though its an albatross I wear about my neck each day...knowing the score, but not getting into the game. I have come to the conclusion that I simply will not live this way, I can't live this way and that is what scares me....scares me terribly. Lately just waking up in this body pissess me off and saddens me. Walking around in it just compounds the issue. Going through my draw of casual t-shirts and realizing that the XL's are too tight! Knowing that my health needs to be a real concern now at my age. My dad died when I was 10 years old, and I have two boys 8 and 5, and I don't want them to be similarly burdened. Scaring me too is the fact that if you looked at him in clothes you would insist my 8 year old in a bean pole, but looking at him in his birthday suit you would see a little pot belly, and no muscle tone. I don't want him to grow up fat, and I insist to my wife, who is not fit either, that we, as the leaders of the family, must set the tone and be fit. Of course, such comments are not usually met with enthusiasm, further weakening my resolve.... So I thank you for reading, if you got this far.... I need to live by my tag...only success and quitting....I can't quit.... Tom

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON SEPTEMBER 23, 5:41AM    

	7 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... No, Tom, you can't quit now. You've shown up...and that's a start. I'm with you on trying to work things in to my daily schedule. Its hard. Really hard (3 kids & a husband, my own/home based business, and I'm the cook and housekeeper, too). I finally decided I had to be selfish. I didn't ask, I told my husband and kids they had to help out. If I don't get a workout in in the morning, then hubby needs to put my youngest to bed so I can do it after dinner. I've broken my workouts down to 20/30 minutes and find getting those in more days a week works better for me than trying to get longer ones in a few times a week. Not that I'm always successful, but at least I'm getting more in than nothing. Something is better than nothing. You've shown up here. Now take it one step at a time. Your family needs their leader. Beth
	Smithmula said... Wow, I just read this post. We are so similar. Man oh man, I know the feeling, having done SO well and then giving it back. What a drag....But as long as you have covered the things that are discouraging about you, can I tell you what sounds so cool about this post? You spend your time thinking about your family and your dog (I LOVE my dog, he is my jogging partner). I love that you are reading a book about Lincoln, I just finished a book on the Spanish Civil war, before that a GREAT book called Brothers of our Country, and before that a book on the Israeli six day war. I love that you question yourself, and not just in a way that is a full blown pity party, but the thought process that gets you to make some of the daily decisions that you do. Good for you. And at the end of the day, you know the answer, so you can question all you want, but you know that to achieve the results that you want, you have to do certain things. And maybe that is a matter of prioritizing. Maybe you don't fully drink the PFA koolaid, but at least you start taking the focus on what will make you feel better about yourself. Like I said, one step at a time. You know what ALWAYS amazes me about this mental process? It always comes down to realizing that you have control, and sometimes you don't want to use it, but it's just like anything, at some point, enough is enough. You certainly have the intellectual thought process to effectively incorporate your insight into positive movement. Knock it out of the park. PS - I also LOVE the fact you are a Red Sox fan. If that doesn't teach you what undying commitment to a frustrating cause can eventually bring, I don't know WHAT will!!
	Maxine said... Oh Tom! I don't know you from before (even though I'm starting to be called a "vet" around this site I guess 3 years ago is before I started) but from what you have written, I know how you feel. It took some courage for you to committ all of those thoughts and feelings to the written word - but I suspect from my own experience yesterday with it that there was some healing that went on within you during the process. Admitting some of the details of the problem(s) goes a long way towards forming a path of solutions. I was a Home Economics teacher in a small town some years past. It is difficult to be in your position as a teacher (in your case a sports coach - in my case teaching good nutrition) that on one hand expects the students to do certain things for good health habits (exercise and proper food) but struggles with the same issues in their personal life. You are seen as a leader in your community and that carries a lot of reponsibility. Along with that you have a lot of reponsibility to your growing family too. But as Beth has said, you have to start with making fitness moments happen where you feel it can be negotiated in the household. You are doing so many good things for your family right now - the mealtimes together, the play times - these are so important to raising good, healthy human beings too. No mountain is ever climbed by jumping from the base to the peak....rather by one step after another. Perhaps you need to incorporate a family walk after dinner - how big is your family? work up the cardio pace after a little while with mini competitions of teams .... who can walk or run 1 block the fastest. Include your wife.... the movement and involvment will make everyone more fit although someone can be timer if they are not participating otherwise...just an idea. I just hope that you will continue here. You may not yet know the current community of PFAer's but you will quickly become frieds if you blog regularly and/or keep up your reading of them.~Maxine~
	Goddessrenee2 said... Well I'm sure you knew I would post. First off, you're in a place of change. Not a comfortable place at all, but when the pain of remaining the same is more painful than doing it different, it will happen. Your mind is a powerful tool, and it sounds like you've been training it to behave like a child without rules. Realize that all your negative thoughts and excuses are your old patterns, and they work well for keeping you miserable and stuck. You have brilliantly listed here what those thoughts are. Now make a list, and next to each one commit to the new counter thought and action to change your experience. Start with baby steps. If it means adding one healthy meal a day then so be it. Point being, YOU HAVE TO CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS!Spend more time in positive action and less time in negative thought. You know there are habits you have now that are time and energy wasters, start there. Each day document your successes and go forward and upward. The decision to feel good and act upon that is just that...a decision. Get off the fence and into the game Tom! We are all here for you during this change.
	Jeanie said... It really sounds like you know where you are and what you need to do.  You just need to do it.  I know what it's like to say "I don't have time to exercise" ... I said it to myself for years and ended up at a tired and lethargic 228 pounds and then I developed RA.  Having experienced true physical disability due to an immune system snafu, I view exercise much differently now.  It's like food.  It's not optional.  Just three months ago I was so ill that I just about died.  If I hadn't been in the shape I was, would I have survived to finish raising my children (the youngest is a little boy who is 3)?  I honestly do not know but I'd hate to have been in poor shape and tried it.  I'm still not recovered and no matter how tired or what else is going on, I go workout even if it is only for a small amount of time because it is like food - the day before yesterday it was only 15 because there was too much going on but I got it in!  Every workout is a decision to be as healthy as I can be and you can do this too.  You just have to decide.  Take up that gym membership and go 2 mornings a week even if it is only for 20 minutes and at least once on the weekend.  You will feel so much better for it and we'll be here to cheer you on.  You sound down, tired and rudderless but you can recommit to your health.  I know you can and you've got a family depending on you who will also cheer you on.   Jeanie
	grarey said... Tom, your post said alot. As the head of the family, you set the example. You don't have to wait for anyone to join you. As the example, do your children sense your self-loathing? You will be a far happier husband, father & educator if you do what you know need to do to stay healthy and strong. You look like a handsomm, well-built man. Go for it. Your wife will want to catch up soon enough and you still have time to get the children. I think Jason summed it up! Gwen
	brux said... TO BATTLE!!

A question about profiles....

OK, I am back rom vacation and ready to try again. What is it, Edison tried 10,000 times before finding the right elements to make the light bulb,well, I know what works and I am going to keep trying too.... My question is this... Still four profiles on one account? I am going to be owking in standard mode for a custom conditioning program. I could use two profiles though. Thanks, Tom

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON AUGUST 28, 7:39AM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... Assuming you maintained your account, yes, there are 4 profiles. On the welcome screen, at the bottom there are 2 arrows. Take the red one on the left to manage your profiles. Keep in mind, separate profiles do not share custom food entries. Hope that helps! Beth
	LizziTish said... PS - Welcome back!
	RBinMS33 said... Welcome back, Tom!

We're Off!

Well, I am starting FB today. The long road back is now taking a drastic turn and I have to belive I am ready.

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON FEBRUARY 06, 3:41PM    

Oh Baby!

What a day! A week after scoring his first ever goal in a real game, my son had an assist on the game winner today! (see hyha.org), that's our league website. On top of that, My Beloved Red Sox finalized the Coco Crisp deal (Johnny who?)! And to top it all off I get tickets to not one, not two, but THREE Sox games at Fenway in the online, keep-your-fingers crossed sale! I was lucky enough to get tix on my birthday, August 14, and the day after August 15, so we'll take an few days to hang out in Beantown, and the third game is on September 29, way down the home stretch! Oh baby! Oh yeah, I'll be a lot smaller then too! An added bonus! I didn't take a before picture at the satrt of this whole thing, but this one tells the ugly story; My son and I at a recent NY Islander game. My son is the handsome one! Thank god he takes after his Mom!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON JANUARY 28, 6:13PM    

OK, that's why I didn't fail last week

I guess now I have an answer to the question I was going to post.

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON JANUARY 17, 10:48AM    

epideral today...

No, I did not give birth. Wouldn't that be something? But I did have an epideral today. It was a bit complicated, in that my problem is in my C6-C7 vertebrae. I'm not yet sure what to make of it, I'm a tad sore where the needle(s?) went into me, but I feel a little different in my right shoulder and arm. I must admit I am very tentaive in moving about, I don't want to discover that this didn't work; the doctor indicated that it may not. Apparently they can't use the usual elements in that cervical area due to the close proximity of the brain (really don't want to mess with that thing I guess), so they used a straight steroid which is not as effective (Guess it's the Palmeiro Special!). Anyway, I am hoping to feel better and get back to training soon.

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON JANUARY 16, 4:24PM    

epideral today...

No, I did not give birth. Wouldn't that be something? But I did have an epideral today. It was a bit complicated, in that my problem is in my C6-C7 vertebrae. I'm not yet sure what to make of it, I'm a tad sore where the needle(s?) went into me, but I feel a little different in my right shoulder and arm. I must admit I am very tentaive in moving about, I don't want to discover that this didn't work; the doctor indicated that it may not. Apparently they can't use the usual elements in that cervical area due to the close proximity of the brain (really don't want to mess with that thing I guess), so they used a straight steroid which is not as effective (Guess it's the Palmeiro Special!). Anyway, I am hoping to feel better and get back to training soon.

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON JANUARY 16, 4:24PM    

Long Term Approach

What's the rush? I suppose everyone who gets to the point that they will commit to the PFA is pretty much fed up with looking and feeling worse than they think they should, or at least, would like to. However we all read post about, or post messages about, short term delays, setbacks, weight shifts and the like. I was looking for some inspiration this weekend and scanned some bodybuilding sites and web boards, having been just recently ok'd to begin "very light" weight lifting. (I don't know, but is "very light" weight lifting an oxymoron?) I was struck by some personal stories of some bodybuilders out there, even some pros. One thing I could glean from my reading was that bodybuilding is a long term proposition. As much as it is a long term prposition, it is virtually fool-proof in its effectiveness. For instance, even the most off-season bodybuilder is not fat. Just as there are few bodybuilders working at Krispy Kream or MacDonalds, there are very few (if any) fat bodybuilders who have been at it for a long time. I think it simply goes to Newton's Third (or second?) Law. To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. "If you build it, it will come (the body)" to paraphrase Field of Dreams a bit. I supose my thoughts today deal with the certainty of the committment to bodybuilding as a lifestyle, not neccessarily as a competeitve sport, which many of us are not really interested in anyway. I KNOW that if I commit myself to bodybuilding that I will get in shape. If I do it right, remain patient, and faithful, there is no way NOT to be successful. So here's to patience and the absolute faith in what we are doing! Here's to you! Have a great day! Tom

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON DECEMBER 05, 9:33AM    

I know this will annoy people~

OK, I'll keep it short, contoversial, and to the point. I admire anyone serving in uniform. I myself am a military veteran, having served in the Army Infantry. I particularly admire anyone who can manage this program while serving in a theater of war. But please, please, please don't tell me this war we're fighting is about keeping terrorists from attacking our shores, that's simply an insult to my intelligence. It was a preemptive strike against a sovereign nation (the world is full of nasty dictators, so please don't try to sell me the "Sudaam was a bad guy argument!"). All of the reasons used to sell us on this war have turned up to be bogus, and many of us (yes me!)are absolutely convinced we were deliberately deceived. The only justification that survives is the one we weren't sold-that this is a war envisioned and desgined by proponents of the Neo-Conservative political philosophy (See the Wolfowitz doctrine written in 1992). Had we been sold this idea, had we been told the truth, I might have supported the war. In fact I did at the outset, I believed what we were told. But a little research changed all that. Now I, and many other people throughout the world belive we were lied to. As a former infantryman, that is something I cannot and will not forgive, because my brothers and sisters are dying, and they at least deserved to die for the truth! I certainly hope Jackson returns home safe, secure, and in one piece. That is my wish for every allied serviceman. Our leaders have succeeded in creating this quagmire, but I have far more faith in our troops' ability to accomplish a nearly impossible mission. Again, my apologies to Ric and the crew for further politicizing a non-political website, but I couldn't let ChrisBaby's comments go unchallenged. Tom

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON DECEMBER 01, 11:39AM    

I meant CAN! CAN, I can count on all of you.... Oh yeah...JOSH BECKETT!!!!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON NOVEMBER 22, 5:51PM    

Back at It, but now its for real

As part of our character education initiative in school, we watched the film Rudy today. If anyone needs a bit of inspiration, this film will give one a little nudge, and perhaps, as has been my case, provide an awareness that others have overcome greater obstacles in the achievement of their goals. I have let myself go after two very successful rotations two years ago. I now find myself in worse straights than I did when I started this program in 2003. I am not proud of this at all, but a fact is a fact. Moreover, the situation is worse still. I went to the doctor this past Thursday for my annual physical. The results were alarming. My cholesterol has risen 91 points since I completed my last rotation. My internist was quite taken aback, and he recommended that I begin treatment (translation-drugs). I implored him to allow me to work on it with diet and he agreed. I have six months. However it is much more than just this that brings me back to the PFA. I am now ready to do this again. I know the road ahead will be tough, and if I have learned anything about this program it is that conditioning is EXTREMELY important and that one needs to do their best in this phase. My most recent attempts at the PFA have been unscuccessful because I took conditioning for granted, not giving it the focus it requires. I do not intend to make this mistake again. I intend to make this effort stick, and I know I can't count on all of you to help me, as I trust I will be able to help any of you too!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON NOVEMBER 22, 11:28AM    

Finally!

I am so excited! After 7 long weeks I finally got 100.3%. I was starting to think 95, 97.8, etc., etc. was my high! Just wanted to share. Any progress at all at this point is motivating to me. It has been a long, long 7 weeks.

POSTED BY MEMBER BOSOXGIRL ON NOVEMBER 07, 6:45AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	rooney3 said... Good job! You can't help but gain more knowledge and control over your diet the longer you do this program.

It Juist isn't in me today!

I need a little inspiration! I just can't stick to my plan. ( I have for today, but I am craving sodium salsa & rich carbs ). Have you any advice? I have been good for so long but once a month I feel that uncontrollable urge and its not even Sunday!

POSTED BY MEMBER BOSOXGIRL ON OCTOBER 22, 4:45PM    

1 COMMENT:

Goddessrenee2 said... You absolutely can stick to your plan if you tell yourself this. You also can allow yourself a little cheat on a Sunday here and there if it helps keep you on target. If your goal is to change your poor eating habits, then certain foods may not find their way back into your diet if you can't control them. One of mine is mac and cheese, love it! Just can't eat it anymore because I don't know how to eat it in small amounts. Repeat after me....I will make a healthier version of the foods I'm craving....I can do this long enough to see real changes in my life.

Is it truly enough?

My trainer is a male and I have been making progress I never thought imaginable in such a short time but I am still not 100% convinced I don't need an intense leg work out (like my other body parts). He tells me I am giving my legs all they need through core excercises during my kickboxing sessions(thrust squats and lunges). It just seems like its not enough because I do 2-3 excercises for all my other body parts.

POSTED BY MEMBER BOSOXGIRL ON OCTOBER 21, 11:43AM    

The Workout 101: The Unwritten Rules?

I need a second opinion. I have an excellent trainer. Great chemistry,very motivating, knowledgable and looks so HOT! Problem: I have been following this "customized" strength plan for 8 weeks and it does not include any legs. My trainer seems to think he sees enough natural muscle development and I hit them enough in my intense cardio sessions we should leave it alone. This just doesn't make sense to me. Mesomorph Schmezomorph!

POSTED BY MEMBER BOSOXGIRL ON OCTOBER 21, 7:19AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	rooney3 said... Male or female trainer? I'd be surprised if a female trainer ignored legs for a female client. It is a little surprising but without knowing the full game plan from your trainer, who otherwise sounds excellent, I couldn't comment.

Keeping my head up!

Renee, not that it is any consolation to you, but it nice to hear that things could have been so much worse. Good to have you back. Seems as though my neck is not doing much better as I had thought, and my neuro brought up the "surgery" word the other day. He is very much against going in that direction, but he concedes that things arent getting much better. He suggests I be patient, which is what I will choose to do. Still can't excercise, so each week when I don't lose any weight I wonder if thats it, am I not drinking enough water (which I am not for sure, amd I getting to many A-s? I don't know. My Sox are done, more and more of the 04 team will be gone come April, *sigh* Well, the folks on the South Side of Chicago haven't been on top for longer than our droughtlasted , so I have to feel it for them, even if my son is pulling for the Rocket! Sorry, I just love baseball! Thanks for all the help and words of encouragement! tom

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON OCTOBER 09, 3:38PM    

Getting Fat in Fat Burning?

Can I be getting fat in fat burning? Hahah I hope not, but I certainly feel like it, although even after just a week of (successful) fat burning my pants are harder to keep up, which I suppose is good. A look in the mirror today at school made me think I was in the funhouse, although it was the not-so-fun-house for me. Just how far did I let myself go? Didn't help that prior to a parent-team conference at school the sp-ed teacher Offered that the parents were very well-off, that dad made truckloads of money and his wife, well, he said "she goes to the club!" Looking at me he said "In other words YOU have no chance!" as though I WASN'T a happily married man and she WASNT a happily married woman. It was meant in jest for sure, but it didn't make me feel so good regardless. I am down 5 pounds to 240, still can't do anything "strenuous" by doctors orders, although I am starting to wonder if I should obey doctor's orders anyway. I had a football coach in HS, who said to me after my having gone to an orthopedist for an injury, "What did he say, 'don't play and it won't hurt anymore?'" Which is to say, Doctors don't know a thing, and you just have to get out and do it. I'm nearing that point, but with an injury to my c6, c7 vertebarae I am still reluctant, and I am still feeling discomfort even though I spend nearly a half hour in traction each day. Well there are some good things, (what do they say, If you haev your health...? what if you DON"T?) My Sox are still in the thick of things and we've got Shilling going tonight, and my neck is feeling better by the day, so I don't think it will be long before I am back.

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON SEPTEMBER 26, 3:3PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... Hang in there, Tom. You've successfully done this once, you'll do it again.
	2givelight said... Tom you'll feel better and better as that weight comes off - every lb of fat on your body puts about 40 lbs of pressure on your spine - you are worth the effort!! Have fun!! Sheri

Wow!

Hey, this is cool!

POSTED BY MEMBER TOMINCT ON SEPTEMBER 14, 3:20PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	rooney3 said... Wait 'til you see the rest of Fitness Leagues in a few more weeks. Ric.