Slowly, very slowly I have started thinking about my diet and how I will without fail loose 60 pounds starting June 1st………………..however……………..it’s not going to be easy. This is not because I don’t have the will power because I truly think I do……………it’s going to be hard because the human body is badly designed. On the surface the human being appears to be a flawed design. Obviously our brains are magnificent and my two fingers can receive messages from Mrs. Brain allowing me to type my blog but in other ways Mrs.Brain is a complete idiot…………….Here’s why.
It doesn’t matter how many roast potatoes I eat, the body tells me that it wants one more. And then, instead of ejecting all the excess fat, the body feeds it to our hearts and veins, and we end up all dead and stuff.
Of course, we can use willpower to counter these demands, but this makes us dull and really boring. You need only look at the number of people in lonely hearts columns who neither drink, smoke, eat red meat, gamble, eat white meat, swear, eat fish or watch TV…………if they did at least one of these things they would have friends and partners………..it’s that simple.
What I have tended to do when it comes to the business of being fit is not bother. I eat lots, swear, have the odd cigar, eat red, white and blue meat and then I sit in a chair. The upside to this is that I have a beautiful wife and loads of friends. The downside is that I wobble and wheeze extensively while going to the refrigerator for another slab of cheddar and a chicken drumstick
Anyway, in thinking about the task ahead and to prepare for the onslaught of my diet…………… I bought a treadmill.
It was an impulse buy and even though it was on sale, it still cost a lot of money. It arrived yesterday and the first problem was where to put it. Now, it’s a big thing and weighs the same as Oprah Winfrey’s wallet. So, thinking of the deliverymen’s back and not wanting them to drag it upstairs I asked them to please put it in the dining room. This they did…………….. I had a new treadmill ……………..and absolute certain passage into the doghouse when Heidi returns on Wednesday where it will be relegated to the garage for sure.
Anyway………..this morning I awoke bright and purposeful and ready to start slowly building my fitness up and I after putting my Air Jordan’s on off I went…………..hold on………I had other things on as well…………I wasn’t just wearing the Air Jordan’s.
I walked and walked at a 4.0 pace and after what seemed like at least an hour my ankle was tight and I was sweating more than Tony Blair taking a polygraph about the Iraq War.
According to the digital readout — powered by my walking, I might add — I had covered 35 yards. This was well short of the four miles I’d planned, so I had to grit my teeth, pull up my shorts, wind my neck in and push on.
Eventually, after several hours, I’d made enough electricity to power Ohio and I’d reached my goal, so I tried to dismount. But it was no good. My confused brain was so stunned that I had just done some exercise that it had told my legs to bugger off and I just collapsed on the floor. I also felt dizzy and sick and sure enough a few moments later I dragged myself like a slug to the toilet which a few moments later looked like Shrek had blown his nose in there.
It was as I crawled back to the comfort of the sofa that I realized that I had over done it for the first time. My problem has always been that if I start a new project I always throw my heart and soul into it and expect and demand from myself the highest results…………I think with this fitness and diet thing…………..I may have to take my time.
More on that later
It is now with great pleasure that I introduce someone else who has discovered the world of blogging. I came across Captain Albert’s blog a few weeks ago and his description of his adventures in Alaska as Master of Holland America Lines Veendam were superbly written. Therefore, I asked the Captain to kindly answer a few questions for our little blog thingy which he kindly agreed to do. So, first you will find his biography and then his superb answers to the questions.
1. Captain, I have been reading your superb blog with great interest and the readers of my blog would loive to know more about you.
Please can you tell us about your career so far.
Please see my official company bio.Capt. Albert J. Schoonderbeek BSc, MNI, was born in the eastern part of the Netherlands in a small town called Ede. In 1976 he entered the oldest Maritime Academy in the world, “De Kweekschool voor de Zeevaart,” in Amsterdam and did his seagoing apprenticeship in 1979. Upon graduation he found employment with Holland America Line, the only Dutch company that operated cruise ships. He joined the old SS Statendam in 1981 and has never looked back.
Apart from being employed onboard cruise ships, cruise ships are also the Captain’s hobby. The result of this “hobby” was that he co-authored the official company history, published to mark 125 years of Holland America Line in 1998. This was followed by the publication of a limited edition of the Memoirs of Capt. C Haagmans, who sailed for 54 years, of which 44 were directly with Holland America Line, in a career that spanned two world wars and the heyday of North Atlantic Travel.
When time allows he writes articles for cruise magazines and gives lectures about the history of the Holland America Line. During the Grand World Voyage of 1987, on the old SS Rotterdam V, he met his bride to be, Lesley. They were married in 1991 and currently live in England. As both are devoted cruise fans, they like to take “busmans holidays” on cruise ships of other companies. As the captain says,”it is always interesting to see what the grass looks like on the other side of the fence.” Although he might have a biased view, he is still convinced after several cruises with “the others” that Holland America is the best there is. His latest venture is the captain’s daily blog, so that those who are not sailing with the ship can keep up with where their beloved Veendam is sailing next- www.captainalbert.com.
2. You are currently serving aboatd the Veendam. What can you tell us about your ship and her crew and where are you currently sailing to.
The MS Veendam is the fourth ship of the S-class, which was the first series of ships Holland America built after becoming part of the Carnival family. It was commissioned in 1996 and carries 1266 guests (lower bed capacity) and about 587 crew. Currently it sails in the Caribbean in the winter from Tampa on 7 day cruises and from Vancouver to Alaska in the summer, with a 32 day Amazon cruise each fall. The crew, or Team Veendam as I call it, consists of four groups.
Deck and Engine Officers are from the Netherlands and Great Britain, most of the Hotel Staff is from Indonesia and the Philippines although more and more Indians are joining, and Hotel Officers and concessionaires are from all sorts of different countries. I joined the Veendam in December 2004, after having been in command of the Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Statendam and Maasdam before.
3. Sailing in a beautiful place like Alaska must be so rewarding. What are your favorite moments you have experienced in this last frontier?
I have been sailing to Alaska since 1982. As a matter of fact on June 25, I will make my 225th cruise to Alaska. That means for me Alaska is a mixed blessing. I love the scenery as it is always spectacular, on the other hand I have been there so many times that I know most rocks by name. Last cruise we were the first ship of the season to enter Glacier Bay. As they had had a very severe winter the whole of Glacier Bay was covered in snow all the way down to the water line. It was spectacular and I had never seen that way in all those years. Another one was while sailing through Grenville channel, south of Prince Rupert. In the middle of the most narrow part of the channel was a Moose, serenely and majestically swimming to the other side. We stopped the ship and the moose slowly swam past the bow. When just on the starboard side of the bow, it turned its head towards the bridge which a sort of look “what are you doing in my territory?” and swam on to the beach. That was an impressive moment as it made us realize that we are only visitors.
4. From a navigational point, does Alaska have any challenges?
Most of the navigation is done by pilots both in Canadian waters and Alaskan waters. The challenge is to keep the Bridge team fully focused on the team work between pilots and ships officers. It is important that at all times both parties know from each other what the other one is doing and so it is truly a team effort here to provide safe navigation at all times.
5. Are there any other ports that as a Captain hold special memories for you?
I like the ports that have a scenic approach, such as Vancouver, Oslo, Sydney and some others ports where you also dock in the middle of town.
6. What has been the single biggest change you have seen since you began your life at sea that has made your job on the bridge easier?I think the degree of automation that has become the norm. Sailing with 10 navigators in 1982 on a 700 passenger ship to 6 navigators on a 1200 passenger ship, just because there are less manual things to do. The combination of Radar with chart underlay and GPS has made life a lot easier as now we can sail on the minute and stay exactly on the track line wherever we are. So If I say that I will arrive at the pilot station at 05.42, I can and will be there at 05.42 and that gives operationally a lot more certainty.
7. Holland America has such a brilliant reputation. What, in your opinion, is the secret to this great company that has so many loyal passengers?
Simple answer. A great marketing & sales machinery and an even bigger dedicated employee base that delivers what has been announced, e.g. what the guests expect is what we deliver. The crew of the Veendam takes ownership of the experience that Holland America is and each crewmember takes it quite personally if a guest is not satisfied with something. When possible we try to satisfy that guest even if it is beyond what can reasonably be expected. We sail with the highest repeat ratio in the industry and many guests return to us, regardless of ports and route, just because they are happy being on board.
8. What are your social responsibilities on board?
It depends a bit on the route we are doing. In Alaska with so many standby’s social life is very limited as most of it takes place in the evening and then I am in bed due to nightly standby’s and chance of fog.Standby’s are area’s of difficult navigation which require the presence of the captain on the bridge. Such as area’s with strong currents, narrow fairways and tight corners but also during periods of reduced visibility (fog). As these occur at varying times, the times that I sleep are never the same and thus I can not always be out and about. Required items are: Captain’s Welcome on board party, Renewal of the wedding vows, Who is who party and the gathering of the Most Honorable Society of Holland America Line Mariners.
On cruises outside Alaska, or for that matter Norway which is similar, I enjoy the dining with guests, and on the longer cruises try to throw dinner party’s for larger groups of guests which is really appreciated. When time allows there are day and evening walk-abouts just to show my face and answer questions.
9. I have enjoyed reading your blog. How and why did you start to write one and do you think you will keep it going for some time?
I was toying around with this idea for quite a while. I could publish another book, but that takes time and money and only reaches a limited number of people. Thus with the internet becoming more and more used by everybody, even by the older cruise guests, I thought, why not a blog. People always want to know what the Captain does and this gives them a bit of and idea about what goes on behind the scenes. So, I obtained permission from our Sr. VP Fleet and I started last year April. It is not in my character to start things as a whim, so with company permission, I will probably continue to do this for the remainder of my career. If it is a text only blog it takes me about 30 minutes each morning during breakfast to write down a draft about yesterday’s experiences, and then later on in the day 10 minutes for spell check and upload. When there are photos involved it takes a bit longer and thus those only happen when I have a spare moment.
10. And finally, as is tradition on the blog, please can you fill in the blanks.
You are hosting a Captain’s table and you first have to choose the menu.
Appetizer:
CaviarMain course ( 2 choices )”
Indonesian Rijst tafel and Shrimp ProvencialDesert:
Banana with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauceYou now have to choose your dinner companions.
1. Your favorite TV personality
I do not watch television apart from Dutch, German and English news and the
History and Geographical channels.If I had to make a choice it would be Sir Terry Wogan, English presenter.
2. Someone to make you laugh
President Bush.3. A musician or performer
Celine Dion.4. Someone from the cruise industry
Stein Kruse, Holland America Line’s president and CEO. Now the company is so big, the Captains seldom get the chance to talk to their boss.5. Someone from the world of sport
Tiger Woods, I would love to find out, how he manages to remain sane while being in the spot light all the time.6. A beautiful lady
My wife.
Thank you Captain and I hope you will continue to blog when you can as you obviously are a talented writer. Thank you on behalf of us all.
It’s Sunday and now I can finally move again I will spend the rest of the day reading and watching TV. I was hoping to watch the NBA finals but the BBC and other channels obviously do not feel that Basketball is popular enough here in the UK and instead they will show the Jamaican Domino Championships Live from Winston’s Beach Bar in Montego Bay, Jamaica……………or if that’s not thrilling enough I see that on UK Gold which is a cable channel, I can watch a night dedicated to Dallas, or on ITV we have a documentary about the Royal Family. …………………..Thinking about it that could be one in the same.
There have been reports in the tabloid press of Prince Harry pinching a supermodel’s bottom in a nightclub before screaming back to Buck Palace in a Audi R8 supercar………….there you go…………..that’s our JR Ewing sorted then…………driving around in fast cars and fast beds with the rich and tanned.
The Queen would of course be Miss Ellie………..quiet………refined and even though she has a dysfunctional family around her she is always………….the boss.
Then there is Prince William who is the serious one of the family with a good heart and totally loyal to his family and faithful to his wife Pam Windsor and who one day will take a shower and realize that his life was just a dream……………he isn’t a Prince and Heir to the throne ……………………but a taxi driver from east London.
I am trying to think of a role for Prince Charles but I can’t think of anyone from Dallas with ears the size of jug handles and really bad eyesight.
So, it’s a night of TV and then another treadmill session tomorrow…………but a much shorter one this time. I am doing this for myself and although many caring people who are my friends tell me that I should loose weight I am doing this because I know it’s time and June 1st the games will begin.
I don’t believe in reincarnation but if I did I want to come back as a Lion. Nobody suggests a lion could catch more wildebeest if it spent less of its day lounging around in the sun.
Our stomachs are designed to demand food and feed fat to our arteries for a reason. I don’t know what the reason might be but I suspect it may have something to do with global warming………………….. everything else does.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Europe, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Holland America
Oh John, I really think you over did it the first time. Please slow down!!! Your body has to be in shock!!!!
I enjoy the blog every day,,thanks
Ciao, Kathleen
The Captain is an excellent writer, I have read his blog, he paints a picture with his words,…and like me he finds President Bush laughable.;)
-Sandra
New Brunswick Canada
dude! careful! i mean if you have a heart attack or something who will entertain us daily??? mr. melling? naw, we’ve had our fun with him.
seriously, do be careful. ( gosh i hate it when i get serious, sorry)…
baby steps my friend! baby steps…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John,
To make the goal to lose 60 pounds
the treadmill will have to make it’s rounds.
So you put Air Jordans on your feet
but now your knees will take the heat.
Soon the weight will be all gone
but you will look like skin and bone.
Now you will fit in a Carnival robe
But now off to a mall for a new wardrobe.
BIG ED
No bets here
John:
Just a note to say we are home from one of the best cruises we have ever done. (and that is saying a lot because we have had some GREAT ones)
I plan to catch up on all your blogs as soon as I can.
Jen Baxter was brilliant. Brad, Bonnie and Kevin were super. Jessen (Club O2) was great with DJ. Rozwin (karaoke host) was F A B U L O U S.
And that was just the FIRST DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Comment Card….
“this was a W O W cruise!!!”
Thanks Carnival….you did it AGAIN!!!!
On the treadmill be sure to slow waaaay down in the last five minutes to cool off, or you will have that dizzy/sick feeling everytime. don’t try to jump off to answer the phone either, or you will have the wobbly legs again. One step at a time. Keep up the good work, but at a slower pace.
Jan
I just hate it went you wind up all dead and stuff.
Hate when that happens, don’t you?
And I see you’ve purchased a treadmill! I begged for one for Christmas a couple of years ago and Santa brought it. It is the largest coat rack we’ve ever had!
Seriously, John, you do need to ease into exercise at least a little bit….but you’ll make it, and I hope to be inspired to dust off a little will power myself….Good on you! Or, as I recently heard someone say, “good on your elbow!” (whatever that means!)
Terri
Hi, just some suggestions for your workout plan since it seemed like you overdid it a little:
1) Start small! No need to jump to four miles right away. A mile or two at a brisk pace is a good beginning point.
2) Stretch stretch stretch before and after exercising! Hopefully that’ll help loosen up your ankle.
3) You’re in the countryside at Essex, too, right? Maybe alternate between treadmill exercising and jogging/walking through nature, to keep things interesting, and to keep boredom at bay.
Good luck! You’ll make your goal.
John:
We are happy that you are going to lose weight because of your health but please one step at a time, that was scary. At least wait for Heidi. We love you and we want you to be ok.
A big huggo
Nanni
Hi John,
I’ve been out of town and off line for a couple of days. I had doctors appointments and started my voice therapy so thought it would be a good time to spend some time with my parents (and save gas $$$ with less traveling)…. as always lots of memories and wonderful times come flooding back. So, it was nice to read that you had spent some really quaity time with your Mum and Dad. And BTW…. much congratulations on 50 years of wedded bliss! How wonderful to reach such a milestone. My parents will be reaching 59 years in July and still so very much in love.
I also was glad to read that you did not aplogize for your remarks about the something of the seas. You have never said anything out of malice about any other cruise line, so there is no reason Mr. Mellem should get an apology, publicly or any other way. He needs to climb that wall on the somthing of the seas and see if maybe he can find a sense of humor at the top of it.
Word of advice about that treadmill John…. take it slow and work your way up. As the saying goes… “Less is More!” In this case starting out slower and only a little at a time will help you to build up to more. You would be better off starting out for 5-8 minutes maybe 2 or 3 times a day for the first 3 days, then gradually add a couple of minutes and a slightly higher speed every 2 or 3 days after that. Remember when you are using a treadmill it is not like taking a liesurly walk down the road…. you are more than doubling that liesurely walk. Build up the endurance first. Remember also that this is burning insulin fast in your case too. Take it slower….. you won’t burn out so fast. Been there done that!
I do hope Heidi is enjoying her time with her Mum too. And I hope SueDrip is starting to feel better too. I was sorry to hear about her little accident. Best wishes to her.
Take care and don’t over do it!
Bear Hugs!
Princess Barb
John…
Thank you for the wonderful interview. Visitors to your blog never cease to amaze me. You have a very interesting pocket… who else will you find in there???
And Good For YOU!!! The treadmill is wonderful. Weather will not the the reason not to walk. And, when you’re onboard… you’ll find many of these! Or, just take a group up on the track and challenge the cruisers… they’ll support you!!!
Another great Blog, John…
Regards!!
Lambie
Dear John:
Here’s a realistic “Couch Potato to 5K” exercise guide that might help:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
The focus is on easing into an exercise routine, not doing too much too soon and waiting until your body’s abilities catch up with your intentions.
Thanks for inspiring all of us with your weight-loss goal! I’m going to try to lose 40 lbs. before we sail on the Pacific Princess in November. I could stand to lose twice that amount but I’m going to be realistic this time!
Kathi
John,
Beware of treadmills – mine caused me to gain 15 lbs! How, you wonder? I tried to start off too aggressively (4+ m.p.h. and a slope of 8 degrees). Within 4 days, I had developed shin splints, and it’s taken 3 YEARS before I’ve been able to return to my old lifestyle of walking around quickly and on hills. Yep, 3 years of having to walk at toddler speed and avoid all hills, or the shin splints would flare up and I’d be set back another month. Now that I’ve had 6 months of physical therapy, I can manage a slightly brisk walk if I’m careful.
My Dr. says that if one has not been getting regular exercise, it’s very easy to get shin splints and other injuries. It takes a while to get the body’s tissues up to speed.
So here’s my advice: First, set your first goal to be developing limberness and muscle, not burning calories: try 15 mins. at 2 mph, maybe 2-3x/day if you are impatient (easier to read a book at that speed; large print books from the library are great). Second, see a physical trainer to get you on a good path back to fitness. You’ll need this as much as a nutritionist/dietician, esp. as you’re approaching your mid-40s. Our bodies just aren’t as resilient as we remember!
I know your weight loss campaign will help me stay focused on mine and I am grateful to have the inspiration.
Best wishes,
Cassie
John,
I too am on diet utilizing 2 meal replacement sachets daily (to burn up fats). This diet reduces my daily carbohydrate intake from a daily average of 300 grams to around 70 grams! I can eat small portions of protein (lean meats, fish, seafood etc.) plus unlimited leafy vegetables (not potatoes, carrots) and salads. Out goes the breads, pastas, sweets etc. And don’t forget to drink 2 litres of water to flush out your system (makes you pee…………could be a problem when you are in the middle of a show or your “Bedtime Story”)….LOL!!
Anyway, I have lost over 16 lbs (7.3 kilos) in 2 weeks and combined with some exercise, my aim is to lose 20 kilos plus (over 44 lbs) within the next 2 months!
I have promised myself that if I reach my goal, then I will treat myself to another cruise in September 08 (and even have some deserts on board), but I don’t want to go back to where I was on 1st May this year (being grossly overweight) – after my Valor cruise in March 08!!
I wish you the best of luck my friend and am happy to discuss more if you wish to write to me at hafta1@hotmail.com (always love to hear from you in any-case)!
Hopefully when we next see each other on the Bloggers Cruise in early 09 (if not before), we will not recognize each other…….
Best regards my friend….
Storm’n Norman
Melbourne,
Australia
Well, my friend… with such dedication and pluck I’m positive that you’ll manage your 60 lb goal and probably more. Anyone who will walk himself to sick is dedicated… far more so than I am. Good on you.
Capt. Albert certainly has had a unique career! When Alaska becomes mundane the remainder of his experiences must have been ASTOUNDING! I shall take time each day to check his blog. Thank you.
You made me laugh ’til my side hurt reporting on the BBC programing for yesterday. What the BBC programmers see as entertainment never ceases to amaze me. If I recall correctly, the last time I was in London the BBC had a six part mini series about mould growing on cheese…
Pass along all my best to the lovely Heidi and the amazing MOB, Stephanie!!!
’til the next time…
Ciao!!!
GregB
Good morning John,
Now that I’ve caught up with the weekend’s worth of blog thingys – a very Happy 50th anniversary to your parents, Great interview with Captain Albert, Suzanne I hope your ankle is better, and I can’t remember what it was like at 12, but I’m sure my sister and I went everywhere with my parents, not alone. I do know they took us to the theatre at an early age – and I don’t just mean the movies, I mean Broadway, the Ballet, etc. – and remember this is NYC so it’s the best.
But now – for Mr. Melling – I don’t think I have to repeat what everyone else has said, but I will. This blog thingy is John’s personal opionion (and us loyal Carnival bloggers) and not the opinion of CCL. But it should be after the way RCCL and its employees say things about us – complaining about the volume on the Lido Deck, K-mart of the Seas, etc. If you don’t like our comments Mr. Melling, then don’t read the blog. Why are you reading it anyway?
Take care John – be careful on the treadmill – easy does it at first.
Carol
John:
I loved the interview with Captain Albert and I am going to start reading his blog. I can understand what he said about Alaska. It is truly spectacular. But how did such a huge ship stop for a moose? It must have been an awesome sight. It is so true that we are only the visitors.
Everyone has words of advice. Just go slow John, on the treadmill and the diet. And remember dieting is a mind game. The weight loss can be done. Don’t deprive yourself of anything. If you have a craving for a certain food, wait 10 minutes. Probably the craving will then be gone. If it is still there in your mind, eat a little bit of it. That will satisfy you and you won’t need that food again.
Good luck. I love reading your blog thingy every day.
Florence
John,
It is the vegetarians who are causing global warming. They are eating the plants that would be producing oxygen. You on the otherhand are eating the animals that are causing methane gas to be released and are helping the environment.
Dave
Good luck with the exercise and diet! It is hard work and you really have to put your mind to it to reach your goals!! I know you can do it!!!!
John,
Hang in there with the treadmill. Remember even professional athletes often have trouble with conditioning when coming back from an injury. If you you keep at it, it will get easier.
Also, I wasn’t going to say anything, but since I read the interview last night and thought about it, I believe a comment is in order. As an American, I am offended that an employee and a captain of Holland America lines would so demean our head of state. Like the Brits, Americans like a family. We can make fun of our siblings and buddies, but outsiders doing it is another thing. John, you can poke fun at your rulers and leaders, but I’m not sure you’d appreciate a Yank doing it. One would expect the captain might not appreciate if I were to make light of his Queen Beatrix. (who seems like a very nice person.) It would be rude for me to do.
Civility may have its ebb and flows, but as a retired military officer, I would not expect such poor judgment from one of such high responsibility!
Good luck with your new lifestyle John!!
John,
No worries about the treadmill debacle. You have to shake it off and keep on going. I’ve been running for years and there are still times when I just want to turn off the treadmill and head for the shower. You can do it! You’ll be so proud of yourself when you do. I suggest that you should only do a moderate amount of running, but do it at least three times a week (as long as you’re consistent, good things will happen for you). Good luck!
Cartoons here: http://spinachflame.wordpress.com/
Blue meat? Is Carnival serving Smurfs now? Why wasn’t I told about this? I want mine medium rare.
John,
Just had to put in my “two cents worth” about your treadmill “illness.” When you walk that fast for so long, your heart rate goes way up, etc. That’s why you need to do the “cool down” five or so minutes at the end. That allows everything to get back to normal at a reasonable pace instead of just throwing it into emergency stop all at once. You DID ask your doctor about how you should handle the exercise portion of your regime…right?
Good luck,
Myra
John
Thanks for the Capt. Albert interview. I now read two blogs everyday—yours and his!
Roger T
Please listen to Cassie! You need to slowly build up to 4 miles. Remember you are carrying an extra 60 lbs. That is extra stress on your body. I’m sure you will be able to go the distance in the near future.
Stephanie
Is there any chance of more tours being added for Berlins Top 10 for July 16?
John, I have to gently disagree with Torbelinoblanco regarding the meaning of the Captain’s comments. President Bush seems like he would be a delightfully humorous dinner partner, as evidenced by the constant twinkle in his eye. He has taken a huge beating in the press, and has done so with grace and dignity. Frankly, I wouldn’t want to have his responsibilities. But I would want to have him to dinner to laugh about his experiences.
Rus Franklin
Hi John,
The other bloggers have already said what I would, but I’ll add this:
Not only is doing too much too soon bad from a health standpoint, but it also risks turning that treadmill into your enemy which makes it harder for you to get on it tomorrow.
In addition, I’d recommend saving the treadmill for rainy days. Do your exercise outdoors when you can in order to avoid boredom. Do everything you can think of to make your exercise a joy rather than a chore.
In any case, as you Brits like to say, “Keep your pecker up!”
John,
Did the weight get there in one month? No……nor is it going to come off in one month.Losing 60 pounds before the Splendor is unrealistic! Set realistic goals for yourself and start slowly. You have to build up to the big stuff. Your body is probably in a state of shock.
Slow and steady wins the race!
Ruth
RE: Torbelinoblanco
Bush doesn’t make me laugh. Cringe or wince would be more appropriate verbs in this particular case. Poor judgment falls on all of us (well some of us anyway) The dim-witted populous that voted for him in the first place and then….. unbelievably re-elected him…..I read recently in Time that Tony Blair’s wife recalls the election in 2000 and commented that their hearts sank when “W” was eventually named emperor of the US.
The world IS laughing at Bush and his mismanagement team….and with an abysmal 25% approval rating
….so is most of America.
John John John!!! Four Miles he first time out the gate??!! Yikes! Four miles is an “increase to” amount, not a starting amount! Silly boy. Stretch before you start (stretch everything as there may be some muscles that you didn’t know making a painful appearance if you don’t stretch properly. Ease into it, letting your body warm up. Then get into it – but again, easy does it. Build up to 4 miles. And as the others said, slowing down to a nice casual pace and allowing your body to cool itself off a bit will do wonders for you! But I admire your drive and determination to get it done. That a boy! Good Go John!!
Cheers!
John -
1. A normal pace for a human being is 3 miles per hour – use that pace as a starting point. To go four miles, that means you will walk for 1 hours 20 minutes. You need to work up to that length. I suggest starting with one mile first.
2. The amazing thing is that you only need to drop about 500 calories per day from your current intake to lose approximately 2 1/2 pounds per week – that from my head dietician.
3. If you combine #1 and #2, you will be successful.
JustJon
The treadmill gives me that sick feeling too, you have to slow down at the end and step off carefully. But it’s better outside any day if the weather cooperates–and seeing that I live in the South of France it usually does. Ah! Take that from the Frenchie!!!
The Couch Potato to 5k is WONDERFUL, I’ve completed it once, now I’m doing it again with my daughter. I don’t think I could have done it at 250lbs+ but I know people who have, just run very slowly and on flat. Also, there are podcast made for interval run/walk, take a look at Podrunner Intervals on iTunes.
One “diet” that was really good for me goes like this: All you can eat.
-Fish (any kind, not breaded or fried, use an oil substitute spray or steam)
-Vegetables (not potatoes)
-Fruit (any)
-Yogurt (plain, sweetner OK)
-Tea, coffee, diet drinks (no booze of any sort)
If you like fish it’s pretty easy to do this without going crazy, and it’s pretty balanced. I lost 12lbs in 2 weeks and men can lose faster than that.
I’m rooting for you Mr Cruise man! And I’ll see you in July to congratulate you in person!
Great Blog John
Great Interview with the Captain
sounds like the treadmill won this round John, but you can win round 2,like the others said, start slow and work your way up.
Diets are a way of life. Been on diets since age 12.
Will be on a diet 4 ever but for another reaso will share that another time…
take care
Elizabeth
Heres a tip for the treadmill: When you’re done with your exercise, walk backwards on the treadmill (at at safe speed where you won’t have an accident) for about 30-60 sec, so you don’t feel like you are still walking on the darn thing when you get off of it. That gives your brain a chance to get back in track. Let me know if it works
If you end up losing your resolve to walk on your treadmill, it makes a wonderful place to hang wet jackets after coming in from the rain. It also makes a terrific substitute for a Christmas Tree.
Dear Torbelinoblanco,
I’m trying to understand your comment.
As an American, I value living in a country where an employee of an American company (Holland America was based in Seattle until it was purchased by Carnival–another American company) can voice his opinions without having them having them denigrated just because he happened to be born in another country.
And I’m not sure Captain Albert even meant to give offense–after all “he makes me laugh” is often high praise.
Kathi
Hi John/Heidi:
I think he’d be considered Bobby, JR’s goody-2 shoes brother.
Great to hear from you.
Good luck with your upcoming diet. You have all of our support.
Hope all is going well.
Great interview with the captain today. Thanks for posting.
Keep in touch!
David
After reviewing subsequent comments, I’ll gladly revise my remarks and strongly concur with those of Rus & Nina Franklin.