Ira's Journey-The next Phase-Real Life

Monday morning I awoke at 4AM for my last official weigh in at Core Fitness. Doug met me at 5AM. He took all my measurements and body fat. I do not remember them but when I get the calculations I will post them. My final weight loss was 39 pounds. I was happy yet disappointed as I wanted more.

I boarded the plane and came home with a feeling of satisfaction and I immediatly unpacked my clothes after greeting Savannah and went right to the elipical for 45 minutes and a quick ab set. After that I prepared my meals for the day as Lea had taught me and off to work I went.

I got to my office and it was decorated with banners and ballons. Every employee called to ask " How Much?". I felt very much the luckiest man in the world as my phone and e-mails blew up with people wanting to know. I have learned a lot about myself and am excited about this next phase.

I have been home for two days and have been regimented and plan to be that way until I have the confidence that I am headed in the right direction ( I am close). Today was my first work out with my trainer at my home. It was nice to work out in the back yard. He pushed me hard but I still missed Doug, Ryan and Anny. I definatly missed my massage from Linda.

Life is great. I have great friends, family and colleagues. I will keep you all posted and I hope that you all hold me accountable.

Thanks,

IK

Day 42-Last Official Day of Boot Camp

Sorry that I have not written in a few days as this has been a tough week both emotionally and physically. As you can imagine when you have alot of people together for an intense period of time it can be difficult. All I can do is hope that I have learned more about myself and that this will help me in the future.

The trainers: Doug, Ryan, and Anny really pushed me this week. It was nice to have a little competition with them ( of course there was a handicap to even the playing field)as it pushed me to some higher levels.

I realize that I knew the right things to do and that even though I have now been given some new tools by Lea (nutritionalist) and the trainers I need to address the mental and emotional issues. Ths past week I had an extra session with Haleh (therapist) and realize that this is just as important a tool as food has always been my crutch.

So as I prepare to return home I need to make sure that I use all the tools that I have been given and address all three component: Excercise, diet, and emotional stability.

On a positive note when I checked in here at core fitness I weighed 307 pounds. I will be weighing in tomorrow morning and get my final measurements but I also had a physical evaluation. Upon my arrival we were asked to do as many push-ups and crunches we could do in one minute and we were timed in 1/4 mile. Below are my changes:

Activity Arrival Departure
Push-ups 1 minute 11 regular 22 on my knees 37 regular
Crunches 1 minute 28 68
1/4 mile 4:38 3:23

As you can see I had some improvement. I also have developed a passion for bike riding and would like to start and play tennis. Hopefully I will get back to racquet ball. I am excited and scared at the same time.

I will post my final measurements tomorrow. I truely thank everyone for their support as I have started this journey. Since I know that it is a journey I will try to post periodic updates of my progress from home.

Thank you all.

IK

Day 38 Week 6--Almost done

Today was another great day. It rained this morning so instead of beach boot camp we had parking garage boot camp. It was quite rigorous and a good workout. Then I went on a bike ride with Ryanne. It is hard to believe that I am the veteran bike rider ( well not really but Aussie Annie is on her on program training for her sprint triathalon). So by default it is me. Ryanne and I did about 11 miles and it too felt good.

Well I got cocky again and I ran my mouth. Yes I know what a shocker!!!!I challanged Ryanne to workout with me so I think that he was a little cocky as well. He offered to put together a workout and he was going to do double what I did. So here is the workout:
50 Pushups-I can only do 15 "real" the rest were on my knees
50 Situps- I only did 10 full the rest were crunchs
50 Kettle bell shoulder press's
50 Cable press's
50 Body weight squats
5 Tire rolls ( 150 pound truck tire)
10 flights of stairs

Ryanne had to do double what I did. Anne bet me 20 pushups that Ryann would win. Well guess what folks I kicked his ass!!!!! He trains me my last day on Friday and has assured me that I will pay the price for beating him. Most who know me know I have a competitive spirit. I give the trainers all the credit in the world for recognizing that, tapping into it and using it to push me to higher limits.

I ended my day with a great dinner with Debbie Huckabee and Brandie Cambell from Chattanooga as they came to pick me up. I was very good with my eating and am getting more and more confidence in my dining out.

Thanks for all the support.

IK

Day 37-Week 6

Well I survived my last endurance Tuesday. We started out with a long walk this am then it was of to Cardio tennis where coach Ed took it too us with long drills and the dreaded "2 ball" pick up. Have you ever tried to pick up only two balls when there are a couple of hundred around you and you want to get done ASAP as it is HOT HOT HOT well it is not easy and it takes a while. I came back for some cardio and then I had one of my toughest workouts. Doug set up stations and I had to go to each station and preform a task for 1 minute and then immediatly transition to the next station. I did not think that I could work out with NO break but I made it through all 32 stations. I was not the best at all the stations but I made it and I was pleased. I had two more classes but they were a breeze.

I had a surprise visit from Dr Bello and his family for a short time. It was nice to see friends from home.

Today I had a great sesion wth the nutritionalist and I am ready to come home and be successful.

We went out for a great dinner tonight with the group to a restaurant in downtown St Pete. It was very pleasant.

I still have not developed the "love" that I would have expected for working out and I hope that as I start to see the results I will develop that.

Thanks for all being there and listening.

IK

Day 36- Start of week 6

Today was the start of week 6. Monday is traditionally when we get new people. Today we received three new females varying in age. All seem nice but shy and quit which is completely understandable as this is a new environment and the start of something new for them.

Today was a tough day we started with a 7.56 mile bike ride with a boot camp, we then had a small break and then we had 1 hour of kick boxing, from there I had 1 hour of cardio and then Anny got a hold of me for my personal training session. It was 45 minutes of hell. She gave me "NO" break and was defiantly on a mission to tear me apart. I have challenged all the trainers to push me to my limits for the last week I am here. Finally I got a massage then we had a stretch class and then a beach walk. My day ended at 7PM.

I have not really mentioned how proud I am of my employee and colleagues for the great job that they have done with AFC. I have thanked them but not told them how proud I was of them. I am ready to come home and survive in the real world.

Getting ready for an APMA conference call then I will be going to bed to get some rest before my last "endurance Tuesday"

Thanks for all your support and well wishes.

IK

Sunday Day 35-End of week 5

This past week was a good week for me because I had more days that I did not want to work out then I did but I managed to find it in myself to complete my workouts with vigor.

Saturday I did a 15 mile bike ride. What I am finding is that although I have the physical ability to do alot more but it seems as if my cardio vascular status has not reached the level that I am wanting. I know that it will come with time but as many of you know I do not have the patience and at times I want things when I want them.

I continue to learn more about myself and who I am. I am a man of strong conviction and belief in myself but I do not enjoy confrontation. I realize that as my father has told me I sometimes allow my emotions to get the best of me. I am trying to accept that not everybody always gets along but it important to try and treat people with the respect that you would want even if they do not treat you the same. Life is full of lessons that we must learn daily.

As I told you previously we have had a large turnover here at Core Fitness. We had a great dinner last night. It was a real test for me as not only was this a high end steak house but they have the largest wine selection in the world and they have special dessert rooms. All I can say as desserts and fine liquors were being consumed all around me I had a small side of berries and an iced coffee. It was tough.

I do have some very exciting news. The restaurant we went to needed pants and I had to go buy some. I actually went to Nordstrums and bought pants of the rack SIZE 46. Yes you read that correctly SIZE 46 that is 10 sizes smaller then when I came here.

Today( Sunday) was a day of rest. I went to the Andy Warhol exhibit and the Dali museum. Nothing like a little culture.

Anyway tomorrow is the start of my last week. I am excited about working hard this week and then returning home.

Thanks for all the support. I will still need this at home as well as this is just the start of my journey and I know that the road will be long and winding with ups and downs.

Hope that everyone had a great 4th of July.

IK

Day 32-Week 5

Today was one of those days where I was not motivated yet I had some of my best workouts. I worked thru the lack of enthusiasm. We still had alot of rain and we actually had a boot camp in the rain which was quite refreshing.

We had a unique experience today we went to a place where we got to work with chefs and they showed us how to cook healthy. We had flank steak and grouper with a ton of vegetables as well as a dessert that was spectacular and it was 511 calories. I was amazed.

The weekend is approaching and we have many people leaving: The Terminator Trevor is returning to the US Virgin Islands, Melissa is leaving due to an injury, Lori is also leaving,as is Shellie and Aussie Annie although she is staying is starting a new program for her triathlon training and we will not see much of her. Alot of this program is built on the strength and support that we give each other and although there are still some people still here I do not know them as well. We all know that this is "progress". I am sure that the new people that join us will be nice.

Again all in all a good day. Thanks again to all my supporters and friends.

IK

Day 31-Week 5

Yesterday was grueling. As my long time friends know sometimes I get cocky and run my mouth. WHAT A SHOCKER....LOL. Well I was feeling really good so I told the trainers that they had NO GAME. Boy did I pay the price but you know it was a good beat down. Ryann told Anny to make me either cry or puke from my workout. I did neither on the outside but on the inside I was like butter. I came back to my room and crashed for an hour. I never thought that I could feel so good after getting beat up like that. That is why I need a trainer as I could never do that to myself...LOL

We have had rain for three days and I have been unable to ride or swim so we have had alot of boot camps which are tough. All in all I feel really good...tired but good.

I am starting to feel a little better about going home. I have a good plan, chef, trainer and the right attitude. I will be adjusting my work schedule to allow me to maintain this healthy life style instead of letting my schedule control me.

I want to thank all those who have commented on the blog and facebook as there have been too many for me to respond to but know I am grateful.

IK

Day 30- Week 5

Today was what we affectionately call endurance Tuesday. As you can imagine by the name it is a tough day but I survived with flying colors. We had some rain today so some of our activities needed to be rearranged. Cardio tennis was rained out so I got in some extra personal training.

I have decided to build a little gym in my garage so I made the call today and it will hopefully be done upon my arrival home. Even though I have a trainer and a cook eventually I will want to make my lifestyle my own responsibility and not lean on others for help.

My hip has completely healed and I am getting alot stronger in the gym. I am still not pleased with my endurance progress when biking but I suppose that will come soon. This is my last two weeks so I am going to work a little harder. I will be starting at 6:15 tomorrow to get in an extra half hour of cardio.

I continue to be amazed at the amount of people who have written to me either through my blog, FB or personal e-mails. You cannot imagine how much that means to me. I am eternally grateful as well as thankful for all your support. I imagine that this journey will be lifelong and it is great to know I have people that care.

Thanks,

IK

Monday-Day 29-Week 5

As you all know I have been gone since Friday morning as I had the privilege of lecturing for APMA. I was afraid of being unable to eat right. I was afraid that I would not work out. Well I did both without any difficulty. I was scared as the first night the meal was a BUFFET. It was a seafood buffet and I did real well. The next night I was in a restaurant and I ordered "blackened" scallops and when they came out they were in a pool of butter. I apologized for not asking how they were prepared and I asked them to be sent back and recooked with out butter. I even offered to pay for the mistake as I did not ask. The chef recooked them for me. I need to start asking how things are prepared and I believe that I will be ok.

Today was weigh in day and as I have said I have not looked at the numbers because it is what it is. I will say that I started with a size 56 waist and today it was a 47. Not bad.

My hip was great today and I worked out hard. I am going to push myself for the next two weeks. I am looking forward to getting home but am thankful to my great staff for working so hard so that I could have this opportunity. I am indebted to them.

Thank you to all who keep writing. I had a rough few days but am back on track.

IK

Day 25 Thursday

Today was a tough day as I am still suffering from the pain in my right hip. I have been taking anti-inflammatory meds, multi-vitamin, Mg+, K+. I am getting alot of attention from the massage therapist Lynda without whom I may not be walking. The trainers have been spectacular keeping me working hard, sweating and striving for more.

I have been here 25 days and have seen some changes I still am not where I want to be. I was hoping that by now I would have developed a love for fitness. I would be a liar if I said I have. I have developed a love for a few activities and hope that I can build on them. I am excited about extending my stay an additional two weeks as it will allow me to continue to work hard and be held accountable.

I am leaving this weekend to give a lecture for the GPMA on Saint Simons Island. I am prepared with a workout routine as well as a meal plan. I am nervous but I know that I can do well.

I want my life back. I want to enjoy what I have worked hard for the ability to travel and find someone to share it all with. I never want my niece to say " Uncle Ira why is your stomach so fat". I know that it was not said with any ill will as she was 4 yo when she said it to me but I have never forgotten it and it has motivated me. I cant wait to play with them and not be tried or unable to just plain "wear them out"

I wish my father was here to see me today. I miss him so much. He taught me so much and I miss his guidance and advice.

Over these past 25 days I have learned about myself and the people in my life. Thank you all for sharing this time with me. I have alot more to go.

IK

Day 22/23 Tuesday/Wednesday

Again sorry to have kept you all waiting but Tuesday is called endurance day and it was tough. I was still having problems with my hip but it is getting alot better through massage and alternative routines. I had a visit from an old HS friend Denise Cotler. It was very nice too get caught up and I was in bed early as I was told I would be going on a Long bike ride on Wednesday.

Today started with "beach fun". I assure that it was not any fun. After that I went on a 23 mile bike ride. I made it up all the hills and survived. I am not the fastest but I completed it. Having my own bike was a huge difference. What a great investment. I am still having hip discomfort but it is easing up. I went to get adjusted by a local chiropractor and what a difference it made. I noticed it immediately.

I am in technology hell with my cell phone which has not worked in three days. I went to Verizon tonight and spent three hours there but finally was helped and I am now the proud owner of a new Blackberry. I still need to go back tomorrow to have my phonebook transferred. What a pain in the ass!!

I am leaving on Friday morning to give a lecture on St Simmons Island as this was supposed to be my last week before I decided to extend so I met with my trainer and was given a workout program and I already have a diet. This will be a good test for me and I expect to do well.

Good night to all and thanks for all your support

IK

Day 21-Monday

Sorry to all my loyal followers Monday was the start of week four and it was brutal and then I had a long APMA conference call and needed to just crash.

Half-Pint Meghan left today and now there is no one with any music sense left. It was a hard day as I am having alot of hip pain in my "good" hip. It is not in my joint so I am not worried. I have not quit on anything I just am not the fastest. I did buy a new bike over the weekend and really enjoyed using it yesterday what a HUGE difference from the bikes that we were riding here. I figured it was a good investment in my future health.

I know that I am making huge strides but I am still disappointed in my stamina. This program has really shown me how far I allowed myself to get out of shape. Even after 6 weeks here I will still need to work hard. This is the hardest thing that I have had to do. It is not just the physical work but it is also the mental aspect of keeping myself motivated and not pitying myself and giving up. I got myself here and now I need to get myself back.

It will be hard as I just love food and wine. It will be a huge change for me and I am thankful to have so many great friends many of whom are athletic and love the outdoors so that they will "drag" me out kicking and screaming.

Ok off to ocean swimming. Thanks again for all the support.

IK

Day 19/20

I forgot to mention that this week we got some testosterone in camp. Texas Clayton and the Terminator from St Thomas Trevor. It is nice to have some men here. I know that many of you would not believe that this is Ira speaking but it is true.

Yesterday was a good day as I am learning how to work thru pain and injuries. I realize that there is a difference between good pain from a workout and bad pain where my body is saying "hey something is wrong". Regardless I have learned how to accommodate so that I still get in a workout. I have strained my piriformis muscle ( I did not even know that I had one....LOL).

My flexibility comes and goes and I do not understand why. Today we had a beach workout boot camp and then we had an 11 mile bike and yoga. Now we have time off.

Aussie Annie has her husband Tim here and he has participated in the days activities so he now knows how hard his wife is working and it is a sad day as "Half-Pint" Meghan will be leaving on Monday. She was my comic relief and my hip hop deejay. She will be hard to replace.

I will tell you that when you spend 4-6 hours sweating hard and supporting each other you tend to grow close. It is difficult not too.

Not only am I learning some new lifestyle changes I am also becoming domesticated as I just finished my laundry and dishes....

Lastly I have been informed that my spell check must not well as my cousin Carol has told me of my spelling faux pas. Hopefully I will do better.

Oh yeah BIG NEWS. I have decided to stay an additional 2 weeks so that I will be here for 6 weeks and will have a great jump start on this new life's journey.

Many of you have sent me personal messages about your own toils with weight. I recommend this place to anyone who wants a new start and needs help. The first thing is admitting you cannot do it on your own. I did.

Keep the notes coming as it motivates me. Thank you all

ik

Day 18

Just got back from Cardio Tennis. Today was a long day but a good one. I did an extra bike ride today about 8 miles. It was very rough as it was against the wind going so needless to say it was draining.

I did my second spin class today and although the instructor was a little easier it was still difficult for me. I accomplished small spurts of jogging today as well. Small strides towards a new lifestyle. I am definatly frustrated at the place I have put myself in life and am looking forward to being in a better place.

I have incurred my first injury. My good hip is somewhat strained but I am hoping to be able to work through it as I feel as if I can push myself further then before.

Worked with the nutritionalist and will be following up with her tomorrow. I am excited about that as well.

I am definatly looking forward to the weekend to recover.

Thanks for all the messages they are greatly appreciated.

Ira

Day 17-Boot Camp

Wednesday was really a tough day. I am going through huge emotional swings and I am m not sure why. Today was a day that I did not want to work out. I felt very flat so when the day was over and I completed all my workouts I was proud of myself but that is also what I am scared about "These kind of days at home". At home I can very easily "poo-poo" it off and make excuses, here I cannot because if I do not show up they come looking for you. No they did not have to come looking for me but you know what I mean.

The massage therapist Linda ( who does an amazing job) keeps asking " don't your clothes fit different" and I keep telling her all I wear are workout cloths so I would not know. I do not want to know

I am also thinking about extending my stay here for 2 extra weeks. I am blessed in my job to be able to do this. I will make the decision this weekend. 6 weeks could be life altering for me.

Again thanks to all my friends. You are the best.

IK

Day 16

Tuesday's are our longest and hardest day. It is 5:45PM and we just finished a greuling day. I decided that I wanted to step up my caloric burn so I volunteered to try my endurance at SPINNING. What a mistake? It was brutal. I survived but I could not do the simulated mountain climbs but I am not a quitter so I will be back on Thursday to try again.

I must tell you how hard the trainers work for us and push us to our limits. They are knowledgeable as well but I must say that when we have or sparring or kick boxing classes it is nice to take out some of our aggression on them...LOL

By the way I no longer have Ira and his harum as we got two new guys in yesterday. Trevor and Clayton real nice guys. I am still the shortest one here except for "Half-Pint" Meghan.

It is like a family here as we push and encourage each other to meet our goals. My idol is "Aussie" Annie. I am trying to get to her level of determination.

Anyway thanks again to my friends and supporters. Another day in my new lifes journey complete.

IK

Day 15

Before I tell you about the start of week three I need to let you know about my great weekend off. Amy came to visit me on Saturday. We had a great dinner and on Sunday we had an action packed day. We went para-sailing and were lifted 1200 feet high...Pretty cool. Then we went on a boat ride to find dolphins and dolphins we found. It was a beautiful site. Lastly we hired a deep sea fihing charter for the afternoon. We cought over 50 fish but only two were keepers. Amy got a 4 pound flounder and I got a 23 inch grouper. This will be dinner for my co-campers and I tomorrow evening.

Today is the start of week three. It was also weigh in day here at Core Fitness. As I told you all in the past I had no desire to know my progress. I met Doug "Flash" this am for "my time". As I was being measured Doug kept remeasuring as if he was checking himself. I asked what the problem was and he told me that he knows that I do not want to know my progress but that he is very pleased with my progress. My % body fat went down 3%, my waist 3 inches, every measurement went down.

Although exciting to hear this is still the start of a new life style. I am going to try and refrain from drinking and cigars my two vices so that I can regain a healthy life style and learn to hopefully appreciate them in moderation. I gave my 10 cigars I had with me ( none of which I smoked) to the land lord. He was greatly apreciative.

I started taking a multi vitamin and Magnesium/calcium and I feel like a new man. My cramps and charlie horse are gone and today I had an amazing workout. I feel stronger then ever.

All in all life is good. I am blessed to have this oppurtunity to take care of me but
more importantly I have great friends. Thank you all.

IK

Day 13

I forgot to tell you all that as many of you know I am very thick headed. I am very anti pills and meds as I am allergic to so much. The past few days I noticed that I was not as flexible and was having many muscle spasms and "charlie horse" problems. When I came here the nutitionalist reccomended a daily multi vitamin well you can imagine what I did....Nothing. Yesterday in Yoga I cramped so bad she reccomended that I consider a magnesium/potassium supplement as well. Needless to say I went yesterday afternoon and finally followed orders. Either it is mind over matter or this stuff works quickly but my cramps and tightness are already relieved.

Have a great day.

IK

Day 12/13/14

Wow it is Saturday afternoon and I have played ultimate football on the beach. May sound like fun but I can assure you we worked. We then went on a 14 mile bike ride. My legs were fried and I almost cried. I could not do the hills on the bike but I never gave up. I am just physically worn out. I am looking forward to yoga at 12PM and then rest. I am going to pamper myself and get a manicure.....Yes I said a manicure.

I have noticed that my energy level is much better at the beginning of the week but yesterday and today was rough. I have continued to learn that this journey will have up and downs. there will be times that I do not want to work out but if I want to make that change I am going to have to learn to endure those tough times. I think what pushed me through today was that fact that the trainer said that he would go get the van and come back and get me. In some way that just was like a challange that motivated me to complete the ride.

I had a very nice visit from a colleague and old friend Rob Katz. I continue to be amazed and pleased at the friendship, support and love I have recieved.

Thanks. See y'all on Monday

IK

Day 10/11

For those of you who have been following my journey I am sorry for not blogging yesterday but I was tired. I have just gotten home from Cardio tennis.

I had an amazing day by 12PM I was fried the trainers really worked us hard we went on a 10 mile bike ride that three hills that were mountains as far as I was concerned but I made it over them. I can tell that I am getting stronger as last week I had to walk up them. Boy what a difference when I forgot to put on my biking clothes. I am glad that I can still walk and that everything still works....LOL

Doug"Flash/Energizer Bunny" has really worked me hard because I made a comment about him being a trainer and not having a "6" pack. You would think that at this point in my life I would learn to keep my mouth shut.

I have learned that jogging is not my "friend" but I am developing a passion for biking and tennis so I am grateful for that.

Last night I met some friends form Chattanooga who have moved here. Brandi Campbell and Debbie Huckabee. Can you believe I went to a bar and had water and water only. It was nice. I was in bed by 9:30.

I am looking forward to the weekend for some R&R.

Thank you all again for your words of encouragement.

IK

Day 9

Today was a good learning experience for me. I was "not feeling it" today. My energy level was low and I felt as if I was mentally not here. I worked through it and had a very productive day. I hope that when I do not have 3 trainers breathing down my neck keeping me focused that I would have made it through this type of situation. That is the part of the journey that scares me in my quest for a new life.

Besides my workout we went "grocery" shopping with the nutritionalist. I was amazed to see how the layout of the store is and how all stores are the same. Shopping will definatly be easier for me in the future as I know how to shop.

Tomorrow is a very long day. I have not weighed in but my clothes feel a little loose but I am trying not to get to excited.

Again thanks to all who have either "blogged", posted on FB or sent me personal messages.

IK

Day 8

I woke up today with a level of energy that I have not had in a long time. The weekend was just what the doctor ordered.

We welcomed two new "campers" so it is me and 6 women. I am obviously comfortable in my enviornment.

We started out our day with a 3.1 mile bike ride to a park where we had a circut set up that included a rigorous workout and about 3 miles of jogging/power walking. We then rode back the same 3.1 miles. I then had kick boxing and an amazing abdominal workout. My trainer Annie wore me out. Jillian Michaels ( Biggest Loser) has nothing on Annie. By 2:00PM I had 3 1/2 hours of training in. We had 5:45 minutes of training in today. The amazing thing was how great I felt.


I realize that this is not the real world. I truley hope that when I am released I will be able to apply the tools that I have learned. I still have more to learn and I know this is a long process.

Many people have been asking me in e-mails if I have lost weight. At Core Fitness they weigh you in every two weeks. They have done this because many people do well in the first week and sometime hit a wall in week two. There is then emotional issues that effect peoples preformance. I personally have chosen not to weigh in until my discharge. I feel that " it is what it is". I do not want to either be disappointed or over confident. I just want to work as hard as my body will allow.

Thank you again for all your support. It truely keeps me motivated to see that my friends are supporting me.

IK

Day 7

I believe in the bible there is always a day of rest. Sunday was my day of rest. I needed to recover from my cold.

Today myself, Aussie Annie and Half-Pint Meghan went on an adventure. We went to TJ MAXX and bought some new work out clothes. I desperatly needed new shoes. Imagine a podiatrist with bad shoes. I was immedialtly able to tell the difference and with an added pair of Spenco's I will be ready for Monday.

We then went to the movies. Do you know how difficult it was not to bet popcorn with butter layered so thick that you could feel your arteries closing mmmmmm....Well I had a bottle of water and my extra gum and off I went.

Back home dinner and a nice walk. All is good. I am ready for the next week.

Thank you all for the words and e-mails of encouragement.

IK

Day 6

What an amazing day? It started out terrible as I woke up this morning very ill and turned into a fantastic day. I was unable to eat anything, my throat was sore and swollen and my muscles ached not from working out but flu like. I was unable to work out this am but I recovered enough to be able to make yoga.

Tomorrow on my day off I will be getting in some activity in moderation. This journey of mine is teaching me alot. Over the years I have encountered many people both personally and professionally. Some I know better then others and some I did not realize the impression that I made on them. I have my childhood friends who are life long friends. They have seen me through alot and they know who they are. Thanks. My college and podiatry schools friends, my adopted home of Chattanooga friends and those that I have met in my chosen profession.

Tonifght I had the pleasure of Chris and Darlene White from Amerex drive from their home to take me out to dinner. It was one of the nicest evenings I have had in a long time. I realize how life is about relationships and how you treat people.

All in all it was a great day here at Maderia beach.

In closing I want to thank those who continue to support me daily. Those who write a comment here or those that choose not to blog but send e-mails of personal encouragement.

ik

Day 5

I woke up this morning not feeling well. I was unable to hold down regular food and things were coming out both directions. I was a trooper and I had the staff buy me some airborne and I completed my days workout. One of the "campers" as we are affectionately called will be leaving tomorrow. She is a spitfire who will be going active duty. I will surely miss her. As a matter of fact we had three campers leave. We will be getting two new ones on Monday. I am very disappointed as the camper ratio will be 6 women 1 Ira. Now all of you who no me must realize how I am c very unhappy being the only male amongst all the females especially when they can out preform me as they have been here longer and are doing well. I am sure that I will survive.

I received a care package from my staff and there was a card in it that made me cry and made me appreciate even more the people in my life. Heather/Ashley thank you very much for your thoughtfulness,compliments,support, loyalty and friendship.

My computer blew up and I thought that my world would collapse. Thank goodness my IT man extraordinaire Phil Turner whipped together a new laptop with all the programs that I needed and Fed Exed it down.

I am still having problems sleeping except on any van or bus we have to go on to get to a special location ( Sound familiar AJ people) or in yoga where I tend to be asleep as soon as she says relax.....LOL She said that my snoring competes with her teaching.

Mary Beth thanks for posting a time out for me.

Again thanks for all my friends support without which I would not be able to complete this journey which will extend beyond my time here. This is just the start.

IK

Day 4

I have not even taken the time to introduce you to some of the players here at Core Fitness.

The trainers are: Doug, Annie and Ryan. I already have my own nicknames for them I will start off with Ryan's. His name is Darth Vader for reasons I cannot explain...

They really take an interest in what we are doing and our progress. They are supportive but yet when I am not preforming they let me know.

There is a great massage therapist without whom this would not be possible. I have muscles hurting that I did not know even existed. I am goign to have to break out my anatomy book....

We have yoga instructor. You should see me they call me Mr Inflexible...LOL but it is enjoyable and I see myself continuing this upon my return.

Lastly is the therapist as if the day of working out itself is not tough but at the end of the day to talk about how I got where I am.....whew not enough time for that

I had a late APMA conference call that ended at 11:30. I was worn out physically and mentally.

As always I want to thank all of you who have made comments as it is so nice to look at them in the evening after a hard day.

Thanks

Oops Computer Glich!

For all of you who have been following Ira's progress on line, he had a computer fiasco and will be off line until Monday. He reports that he is doing well and swears he is not dying in pain from delayed-muscle soreness (I don't believe him). Think happy thoughts and he will be back with his tale on Monday! - Marybeth

Day Three

When I started this blog I thought how the heck am I gonna figure out what to write. Would I be to tired? I said that I would not discuss what they made us do but today was AMAZING. I am going to tell you what I did because I am proud of what I did.

We started out at 7:30 for "Beach Fun". Let me tell you about the fun I had. There was an obstacle course that had 5 stations:

Station 1: 20 pound kettle weight that we had to do hip/flexion/swinging squats x 20
Station 2: 32 pound sand bag where we had to do walking squats for 10 feet
Station 3: 35 pound kettle weight tied to a 30 pound rope. We had to pull the weight in the sand 15 feet
Station 4: 50 pound kettle weight attached to a harness that we had to drag up and back 15 feet.
Station 6: 10 pound medicine ball we had to trow it as far as we could 10 times and then bring it back

While we were doing all that we had to squeeze in 100 crunches,squats, push ups

Then at 9:15 we went on a bike ride. Mind you I have bot been on a bike in 20 years. I was put on a Trek bike with "balloon" beach tires to ride on the rode with needless to say not an easy task. I made the full 12 miles and only had to walk up the two "hills" on the way back.

I had an additional 1 1/2 of cardio as well as an hour of upper body work.

I SURVIVED YEAH ME

I also met with the nutritionist and the counselor. Over all it was a great day for me.

Thanks for all my friends supporting me.

IK

Day 2

Today was a better day. There is no doubt that I am way out of shape. On all of the outdoor beach activites where there is walking or running I have been consistanly last, BUT I FINISHED.

I walked 28 flights of stairs....whew who would have thought. My pain level is not as bad but it is evident that I did this to myself but I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Meeting with the nutritionist and dietician were enlightening and I realize that this is a very complex issue and that part of changing my life will need to include supplements and vitamins.

All in all a better day. Off to bed these early nights are a shocker too me...lol

Thanks to all my friends as even though I need to do this myself it sure is nice to see how many people love and care about me.

IK

Day One of my new life

It is 8:20PM and I have never in my life been so tired this early. As many of you know I usually am up until 2AM and then wake up at 6AM to start my day. Well that will not cut it here.

My arrival was uneventful and after arriving at the airport my driver picked me up and I arrived uneventfully. I met the staff and was evaluated. Too my shock I was the heaviest I have ever been 307.25 pounds. Whata huge dissapointment to know that I and no one else did this to myself. I met some of the other "campers" and they range from "newbies" to "4 week veterans".

They showed me my accomadations. I have a great little condo on the beach with two bedrooms so anyone that wants to see me "HUMBLED, BEATEN DOWN" come on down as now is the chance.

After that all the niceness was over they put us too work. I have accomplished alot in my life time and never have I felt so inadequate. I did the best I could and I am so out of shape that even though I comleted all the activites they requested (almost all of them)it just was not good enough for me.

We start tomorrow AM at 6:45 so I am goint to tke my weakened body and even weaker soul too bed. I know that it will get better.

I cannot tell you how amazing it was to have over 150 e-mails. I cannot even answer them all. I want to thank you all for being there this is incredible and without friends and famiky this journey would not happen.

Bye for now.

IK

To all my friends who have asked me to document this new journey in my life, I am going to do the best that I can. Many of you all know how I joke about not being very technologically sound and how I am computer well to be honest my typing isn't much better but I am going to make an attempt to document my journey.
To bring you all up to speed I recently decided that I needed to get my life together. The last few years have been very rough for me with the loss of my father but in general I've always been fighting the battle of the bulge. I come from a family that does not have great health genes but at 45 I am blessed as I have no high blood pressure, no heart problems, no diabetes and I take no medications. The only thing I suffer from is the inability to keep my mouth shut. Many of you know that I recently auditioned for the reality television show "The Biggest Loser" and unfortunately made it to the one of the last cuts but did not make the television show as a contestant. However, I decided that it was time to make some positive changes in my life.

In doing some internet research I located an extreme fitness boot camp gym that will help me get started in achieving some of my goals. I am very, very fortunate that I have colleagues that I work with who understand the importance of my health and without them I would be unable to complete this journey. That includes my colleagues and my staff for which I am eternally grateful.

On Monday, June 1st, I will be flying into Tampa, Florida to sign up and register for fitness boot camp Core Solutions. My understanding of this program is that I will be working out six hours a day, I will be educated on nutrition and how to eat healthy, both by cooking for myself and when I eat out. I will also be educated on how to shop for healthy food and also how to continue to exercise and eat healthy after I complete the boot camp and return home.

For those of you I have known for my whole life and to those of you whom I have known a short period of time I am sure you can tell that I am very driven in things I do and I am grateful to have you in my life. For me, this is one of the most important journeys I will make because I know I will be a happier person than I am now. As I have eluded the past few years have not been the best for me, but I will say that with the love and support of family and friends I am in the best place in my life, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically that I have been in in a very long time.

In closing, for those of you not interested in receiving the blog you will be able to, I believe, delete it or block it. As I said earlier I am not technologically inclined and with the help of a very dear friend Dr. Mary Beth Crane has helped me make my own personal blog of this journey. I am anticipating that I will be so physically weak that my little fingers will not be able to type for the first couple of days, please feel free to send any words of encouragement. My blog address is www.irasadventure.blogspot.com I look forward to this challenging journey and once again thank you to all of my fellow colleagues and employees for helping to make this journey possible. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and let's see where this goes. Wish me luck!

ik