I guess this is a yearly thing now! Anyway, here’s what you came for:
So if you’re keeping track, I’ve gone up about 3 pounds on average since last year, and this year we saw some interesting developments in terms of active months (e.g., summer, when I can be outside) and inactive (school year, when I don’t always have time for a lot of activity). However, given that I’m within 10 pounds of my weight 2 years ago (210), and way down from my highest weight of 420… I’d say I’m still a success.
This is a quick update, so I’ll give you a bit of a “what happened in 2024-25” roundup:
- I have remained a consummate runner / jogger. I can actually complete Zone 2 runs now where my heart rate stays under control. Recently I set a new PR for 5K at 29:14 (Previous had been 29:17 in May, and 29:34 last year).
- I haven’t been doing as much in terms of functional weight training or stretching. I want to get back to it and likely will once the winter months harsh my outdoor vibe. I do now practice balance while brushing my teeth – it’s a quick and easy way to get a minute on each foot each day.
- I kept up most of my workout routine on trips this past year, which has been nice. My rest days are still mostly just travel days where I cannot workout, so I’m trying to figure out ways to get in rest days other times. I have noticed that just making sure I don’t jog/run on 2 consecutive days has really helped, so I mostly do run/jog then walk then run/jog. Perhaps some weights would be helpful to work in.
- Oddly enough, I have established some cred for myself in the Exercise Science / Sports world. I taught PSY 393 Sport Psychology for the first time this year, I’ve got work published now with colleagues at Clemson University (I provided statistical analysis), and I’ll be on a panel in a few weeks talking about AI and Education at the Mississippi Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance conference. Mr. Boynar (See previous entry), would probably be shocked.
- I’ve also stopped obsessively tracking my food intake (It didn’t actually do anything anymore), and I’ve mostly cycled off supplements / health foods / protein powders. Not that those weren’t helpful, they just didn’t do much to improve things. Always open to trying new things though.
So there you have it. I’m pretty happy in my body right now, a goal for the next year is to try to stop obsessing over weight. I think I’ve proven that I have a “range” right now of 213-222 or so, and if I stay in that range for the rest of my life, I could probably be pretty happy. Definitely excited to have the leg muscles I do so that my idea of a good time is a fun jog or run.