Week 25: The Final Week comes to an end...

25 weeks - That is a long time to stay committed to anything - especially a diet plan. I am very proud to say though that not only was I able to make it through, but I exceeded every goal and expectation I set for myself. As you might recall from last week I was at just over 185 pounds and wanted to see how close I actually might get to my overall goal (which I wanted to do by January) of a 100 pounds. It was Thanksgiving week, I was traveling and well.....

At the conclusion on Sunday I weighed in at 179.2 pounds! That's right - over Thanksgiving week of all times - I lost an additional 6 full pounds. That also means that over the course of 25 weeks I have lost a total of exactly 101 pounds!! WOW - I just can't believe it!

Please check back later this week as I am working on a little article to summarize my journey and some tips and tricks that I learned along the way. Until then - thank-you to all of you for your support - it was felt and appreciated.

A Day to Give Thanks...

As I prepare to enjoy this day in the presence of family and friends I felt it appropriate to give thanks for the things I have been blessed with:

I am thankful for...

*My loving wife, who has stood by my side providing the comfort and support that only she can. For more than 12 years she has continued to be the light that guides me through all the dark moments. Over the recent 25 weeks she has been there next to me with her unending love, care & support throughout my journey to regain a healthy lifestyle. Although I could never express in words how truly deep my feelings for her continue to grow, I am certainly thankful above all else that she is with me.

*My father, who provides the knowledge and wisdom to help me through the trying times and the support and love only a father can provide. He is my rock and will always be my best friend through it all.

*My mother, although we have not always been close she still shows her love and concern in the most trying of times. I wish her my deepest blessings of support, love and care as she continues to make the best of her difficult times.

*My family, who has always supported and blessed the things that I have accomplished. With the new-born additions to our family they breathe fresh life into our relationships and offer a glimpse of the innocence that we all have lost along the way.

*My friends, who without them life would be very dull indeed and who make my days feel like they are lived with a sense of meaning and accomplishment.

*My health, it has been front and center for the past 25 weeks and I am thankful for the continued strength to do what is right and to be able to continue my journey to make amends for all the turmoil I have put my body through over the past several years. I am also thankful to be able to continue to move forward with the strength to succeed and accomplish all the goals I have put forth for next year and beyond.

*My job, through the many hardships that are felt around this time of economic crisis I am thankful for the continued support of a company that is sound and true.

I wish all of you & yours a very blessed and safe holiday season.

Week 24: Just 1 more week to go - What a journey!

Here I am at the end of week 24. My current weight is 185.2 I was able to loose another 3.6 pounds this week and have now lost a combined total of 95 pounds in 24 weeks!!

This week will be the culmination of a very long, and hard process that was very overdue in my life. What a week to end it on too. I am so close to my overall goal of 100 pounds that I am going to push this week like never before. I originally was looking at my birthday in January as a possible end date for my 100 pound goal but I am so very close I am going to see just how close I can get. Of course no challenge would be complete without its obstacles and we have Thanksgiving week of all weeks so that I am now setup to face a very daunting task.

Please keep checking back because I intend to put a nice, detailed article together outlining my journey over the past 25 weeks. I have had so many friends and family ask how I accomplished it and what I did that I felt I should share my story with everyone. I will include the path that I took on this healthy journey, some obstacles I overcome and of course a lot of before and after pictures!!

So see you soon...

2009 GOAL Phase 1 of 2: I am Running in theIndy Mini-Marathon on May 2nd, 2009

That's right! I have officially registered in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon on May 2nd, 2009. With all of the success I have had with my recent weight loss and the exercise that I have been consistent with during the past weeks, I wanted to set a goal so that I will continue to work toward maintaining my healthy lifestyle. This Mini-Marathon will be Phase 1 of my 2 part goal.

http://www.500festival.com/marathon

You will find all the details about the race at the link above. It is 13.1 miles long. I have already started my training and have set some lofty goals. My goal is to turn in a time of 2 hr / 45min or better. This would be an average of 4.76mph or 12:36 / mile. With the mini you must keep a minimum pace of 18min / mile.

And if all goes well I have intentions and plans for Phase 2 to take place in October of 2009 but more on that later....

Happy Birthday Juliana!!

My Uncle Mark's daughter had her Birthday party today and they rented out a place that had all kinds of large blow-up tents, slides and activities. Juliana was "Princess for a Day" and even the adults had a bunch of fun. Here are few pics of my Aunt and Uncle duking it out with the over sized gloves. Ouch - watch that right hook Cheryl!!

Week 23: Crazy Week - Lots Turned Upside Down

This week was very chaotic. Several things to deal with on a personal side and not much time to make sure I fully committed myself this week. Still I am very proud to post my 23rd consecutive weight loss week: 1.2 pounds lost. Total weight is now 189.6

2 Weeks to Go!!

Rocky has a boo-boo

Our dog Rocky had a blister on the very tip of his nose this week. Poor thing. He kept scratching at it and opening it up so to help prevent him from doing so we had to use a plastic head cone that we got from the vet.

He has to stay in it for about 12 days while we give him medication for it. He is NOT a happy dog right now.

Week 22 - Progress Report

As I mentioned last week, Joe has conceded victory but I am going to continue on for the full 25 weeks. I am happy to report that I have lost an additional 3 pounds this week and now weigh in at 190.8! 90 POUNDS LOST!!

3 more weeks to go!!

New Addition to the Tayon Family!!

I am proud to announce the arrival of my brother's new daughter. His girlfriend Christina and him welcomed in Makala to the world on 11/5/08 @ 1:50 am. She weighed 8lbs 7oz and was 20" long.

Rocky gets dressed for Halloween

Rocky decided he was going to get in on the fun this Halloween and decided to take his friend for a ride.

Week 21: CONCESSION - A WINNER DECLARED!

CONCESSION: We have a Winner!

With 4 weeks to go Joe is throwing in the towel. He feels the point gap has got too big to try and catch up to. So after 21 weeks I am proud to say that I have successfully won our Family Health Challenge. I have decided to see it through the complete 25 weeks though just to see where I can end up so I will keep you informed of my weight progress.

Week 21 Totals:

Craig: 38.65
Joe: -35.12

My results:
Weight: 193.8 / Lost 3.4 / 1.72%
BP(S): 131 / -7 / -5.65%
BP(D): 78 /-4 / -5.41%
Pulse: 82 / 5 / 5.75%

This Weeks Points: -3.58
Total Points: 38.65

My Nephew Gavin enjoys Halloween!

Mr. Monkey!!

Not only did my nephew get a great costume for Halloween he also got to ride around in style as Mom and Dad pulled him in the wagon. What a life!

Thanks for the pics Sis!

Week 20: Just 5 weeks left! - UNDER 200!!

Week 20 is in the books and we are now 80% done with this challenge!! I can't believe it. I was able to cross another milestone today and finally get under the 200lb mark on the scale. What a terrific feeling!

Last week has been really busy and I have a lot more traveling this week but will try and update you on some recent happenings. In conjunction with this health challenge that Joe and I are involved with I have made some NEW commitments for 2009! Wait until you hear what I have planned now! Talk to everyone soon...

Week 20 Totals:
Craig: 40.80
Joe: -21.24

My results:
Weight: 197.2 / Lost 3.6 / 1.79%
BP(S): 124 / 0 / 0.00%
BP(D): 74 /13 / 1.33%
Pulse: 87 / 6 / 6.45%

This Weeks Points: 9.58
Total Points: 40.80

Week 19: Soooo Close! Down to 200.8!

I was so close to being under 200 during this weigh-in. The last time I was able to turn the scales below 200 (without cheating) was approx 16 years ago. Just something to work at for this week I guess. For those of you keeping track week-2-week you will interested to know that Joe struggled mightily this week. After working hard at it he was still unable to stop the weight rebound and gained back some of his weight that he loss last week. I am also sad to report that since he left the door of opportunity open, I am now under him in total weight.

If I know him though that will only motivate him even more so I am not calling this thing over yet. As you may have noticed we have had some 40-60 point swings from week to week depending on how the weigh-in comes out. With 6 weeks still to go anything is still possible.

Week 19 Totals:
Craig: 30.50
Joe: -35.23

My results:
Weight: 200.8 / Lost 4.6 / 2.24%
BP(S): 124 / 8 / 6.06%
BP(D): 75 / 3 / 3.85%
Pulse: 93 / -8 / -9.41%

This Weeks Points: 2.73
Total Points: 30.50

Happy Birthday Dad!

(Click to Enlarge)

My nephew playing in the fall leaves...

Thank's Sis for another great picture!

We carved some Jack-O-Lanterns!!

(Craig's * Rocky's * Angela's)

I don't think we have ever taken the time to carve pumpkins so Angela and I wanted to check it off our list. We both designed our own and then of course Rocky had to have one too!

Our Visit to County Line Orchard in Hobart, IN

Angela and I decided to visit the local orchard this weekend. We had beautiful weather on Saturday and was looking for something to do outside.

After a quick 10 minutes we arrived at the County Line Orchard located right here in Hobart, IN. Everybody else had the same idea too because it was packed!

There was plenty to do though with lots of crafts to view and plenty of activities. After sampling the home-made apple and pumpkin doughnuts, we decided to walk a bit of them off so we headed for their corn maze. After boarding the tractor ride we were taken to the 12+ acres of maze cut into the rows of corn.

They handed you a map that contained various clues and questions located throughout the maze. Your job was to locate the markers and collect them all before you exit. Surprisingly the corn was very high and although you would think you would be able to look over and see - you could not. 12 acres is a big place too so we definitely got some exercise.

Afterwords we gathered up some cider, a bunch of apples and headed home. A great day though and we made a note to return soon!

Check them out on the web:
http://www.countylineorchard.com/index.html

Week 18: 75 pounds lost / 25 more to go!!

Week 18 was a great week for Joe. He has really come back with determination. He nearly grabbed the most weight loss for the week with a 4.4 pound loss. This week for me on the otherhand saw some changes. I was really sick most of the week and the weather is changing which put a change in my exercise routine. No bike riding for the first time in over 10 weeks!

I can't believe that there are less then 7 weeks to go. Even better I have now lost nearly 75 total pounds!! (I still can't believe it.) Final weigh in will probably be on Monday, December the 1st but I will get you more details as it gets closer.

Week 18 Totals:
Craig: 27.76
Joe: 6.62

My results:
Weight: 205.4 / Lost 5.4 / 2.56%
BP(S): 132 / 0 / 0.00%
BP(D): 78 / 4 / 4.88%
Pulse: 85 / 12 / 12.37%

This Weeks Points: 19.81
Total Points: 27.76

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Jamie Barrett!

I was able to attend my cousin's wedding over the past weekend. It was really quite a time as Mark and I did the DJ work for the wedding reception. Michael is a great guy and I think the 2 of them are going to do just fine. Good to see all the family again but boy was it a long weekend.

Here is a picture of Jamie and I. (Sorry but with the DJ'ing that night I forgot to take pictures!)

Week 17: Points come and Points Go....

Well after an across the board loss in Week 16 I am afraid to say I gave most of it back this week during the weigh-in. We had to move the weigh-in time to a later time but I don't make any excuses. Good thing was that Joe didn't do much better this week with his.

Getting close to that 200 barrier though on my weight so I am going to keep pushing this forward. Update you soon!

Week 17 Totals:

Craig: 7.95
Joe: -59.46

My results:
Weight: 210.8 / Lost 3.4 / 1.59%
BP(S): 132 / -9 / -7.32%
BP(D): 82 / -6 / -7.89%
Pulse: 97 / -21 / -27.63%

This Weeks Points: -41.26
Total Points: 7.95

October / Halloween: My favorite month & holiday!

I really love October and especially Halloween. I really can't pin-point exactly why but it is by far my favorite holiday! As many of you know, I have at times been known to get carried away some years. Mark and I have even built our very own Haunted House on 3 different occasions. Sure we told ourselves it was for the neighborhood kids to enjoy but deep inside it was really for us!

As the month goes on I will try to post some pictures of Halloween past and show you guys what a great time you all missed out on! Until my next post - stay safe as the sun goes down!

Week 16: Another week with losses across the board...

Week 16 is now in the books and just 9 more to go! I was able to lower every stat across the board from last week so my point totals reflect that. Joe is starting to ramp up his workout schedule in an effort to keep ahead of me but I have him in my sights :)
(As some of you know I am trying really hard now to be lower then him in weight by the end of this thing and I am now just 10.6 pounds away)

I was really proud of him this week though. We went out Saturday and biked 10 miles together and then did a brisk 3.5 mile walk with some weight training on Sunday. I think if he keeps stuff like that up over the next 9 weeks he will be impossible for me to catch - but overall it will be much better for him. Until next week...

Week 16 Totals:

Craig: 49.21
Joe: -33.78

My results:
Weight: 214.2 / Lost 4.0 / 1.83%
BP(S): 123 / 7 / 5.38%
BP(D): 76 / 3 / 3.80%
Pulse: 76 / 16 / 17.39%

This Weeks Points: 28.41
Total Points: 49.21

So you are walking around the mall - what's good to eat?

Have you visited such restaurants as Panda Express, Cinnabon, or even Auntie Ann's pretzels while walking around your local mall? I don't know about you but I have had dozens of things from each.

I wanted to pass on a link to an article that I recently stumbled upon that I found pretty interesting. For instance . . .

How many of you Panda lovers have tried their Orange Chicken? I know my hand is raised and often times it was as their Pick 3 (you know 2 of the Orange Chicken and some rice :) Well 1 portion of their Orange Chicken is about 500 calories and 27g fat! If you add in an order of Fried Rice, and you're up to 950 calories and 41g fat! You can do the math for my Pick 3!!

Lots of other items to watch out for and great tips to choose the lower calorie meals so check it out:

The Best & Worst of the Mall Food Court

Week 15: A Weekly Weight Loss of 6+ pounds / Total of 60+ !!!

Wow - this thing is moving right along - just 10 weeks left. Joe had a bit of the flu this weekend and was not feeling well. For me though, I am simply tickled pink about my continued results. I have been able to hit every goal so far and am finally getting to the point where I take notice every now and then of how far I have come.

It has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination; and it is not over yet, but I think I really truly believe that it is finally possible to achieve the end goals I have set. I am going to keep pushing hard and will keep you informed!

Week 15 Totals:

Craig: 20.80
Joe: 3.71

My results:
Weight: 218.2 / Lost 6.2 / 2.76%
BP(S): 130 / -12 / -10.17%
BP(D): 79 / -1 / -1.28%
Pulse: 92 / -16 / -21.05%

This Weeks Points: -29.74
Total Points: 20.80

The waters begin to withdraw and the clean-up is started...

So the rain has stopped and the clean-up has begun. Today on Wednesday is the first day that after the rains stopped early Monday morning that many of the roads have re-opened. In fact, I-80/94 which is a main interstate from Illinois into Indiana was closed nearly 3 days due to the amount of rain and flooding that occurred making commuting traffic from Chicago even worse for most.

For Hobart most of the flooding was due to small rivers, creeks and Lake George swelling from the gathered rain fall. Judging from Joe's I believe that it was was up nearly 12-15' in most places. Here are some of the pictures I have. Some of them were taken from downtown where several business were completely flooded and ruined. Remember to click on them for a larger view.

Week 14: Morning weigh-in and a nice stretch to the lead...

Well the ground was really wet today - just don't know if it was from the excessive rain or Joe's tears after seeing my points lead! We ended up setting the weigh-in early on Sunday morning in anticipation of the coming weather. Downside was that with the weather today I wasn't able to exercise at all before the weigh-in but that just means that my pulse numbers were going to go down just a wee bit from last week (especially since it was morning).

The numbers change drastically in this challenge though so you really can't get comfortable with any size of a lead. 14 weeks down and just 11 to go.

Week 14 Totals:

Craig: 50.54
Joe: -9.40

My results:
Weight: 224.4 / Lost 3.4 / 1.49%
BP(S): 118 / 0 / 0%
BP(D): 78 / 2 / 2.50%
Pulse: 76 / 33 / 30.28%

This Weeks Points: 34.27
Total Points: 50.54

Water rescue on Wisconsin St in Hobart, IN

Ok, here is something you don't see everyday. See this Truck:

Can you now find it in this picture?

That's right. This guy thought that he could make it and attempted to cross the road (which has risen about 2 feet just since my last post). Of course the emergency personnel had to bring in a boat to attempt the rescue:

I guess you just never know what might happen. Oh well, enough excitement - back to my attempts to dry things out.

As with a lot of people - we had a bit of rain this weekend...

There used to be a road here. With it still raining as I type the water is currently nearly 4 feet on top of the road in some spots and still rising.

This is a bait shop owner by the lake. The landing you see is the 2nd level of the house.

My father's pier usually is anchored by poles around it and it usually goes straight out. Water rose so much so fast that it raised up over the poles and came loose. Approx 8 feet rise with more rain still falling and a crest expected nearly 48 hours from now.

Just a quick note for now - going to check to see if the row boat is ready!

In Memory of Those Fallen 7 years ago...

We continue to keep you and your families

in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Week 13: Recovery week / Still in the lead!

Week 13 is over and I primarily used this week as a recovery week. Over the previous 3 weeks I have really been pushing hard and as a result achieved a 14 pound weight loss in just 3 weeks time. I wanted to give my body a chance to recover a bit and limited my workout sessions this week.

Still kept up enough for a bit over a pound on the weight loss. Joe on the other hand has had a temporary set-back with a small weight loss plateau. I am sure that he will be busting out of it soon though so I intend to keep the pressure applied and get back at it this week! :)

Week 13 Totals:

Craig: 16.27
Joe: -5.71

My results:
Weight: 227.8 / Lost 1.2 / 0.52%
BP(S): 118 / 6 / 4.84%
BP(D): 80 / -2 / -2.56%
Pulse: 109 / -11 / -11.22%

This Weeks Points: -8.43
Total Points: 16.27

OK All - I need Help with Song Suggestions for my Ipod / Mp3 Player

So it's been a little bit since I started my exercise routine for my health challenge and I need everyone's help. I need suggestions for good songs to load into my Ipod / Mp3 Player.

I don't need the songs themselves just Title and Artist so that I can start to put some "new blood" into my workout songs.

Any genre suggestion is OK (As most know, I listen to everything from Soft Jazz/Classical to Country to Heavy Metal) but it needs to be up tempo. Just not enough motivation to ride/run while listening to a waltz!

So send your comments/suggestions my way and help me keep moving along! If your not sure how to send a comment - CLICK HERE to find out!

Who you gonna call? Could it be? Are they coming back?

Word is starting to spread that a 3rd Ghostbusters movie could be in the works! A lot of rumors are out there but no definative word on actual cast members returning or a story line yet.



Read more here:

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters - part 3

Ramis Plans ‘Ghostbusters 3’ with Stiller

Week 12: --- 50 POUNDS LOST ---

Week 12 is officially in the books and I have passed yet another milestone. First let me say that I worked harder this week then any week so far and I am tickled pink to see some benefits to my extra efforts. As you might recall Joe and I had to switch our weigh-in last week to Monday night. This week we weighed in early Sunday morning so we could finish it before we spent the day with the family in town. Tough turn-around time with less then a week this time to post a change in our numbers.

I needed exactly 4 pounds to put me past 50 this week and I was able to muster 5.2! How? Determination! I walked 10.4 miles this week and biked a personal weekly best of 67.6 miles. Add in walking around during 2 Colts games and an entire day at Great America and I was able to use the extra exercise to achieve that next level.

The challenge is now nearly half over and I am now half-way to completing my total weight loss goal of 100 pounds. I am not delusional enough to think that I will keep this pace up and reach my goal by the end of the challenge but I should be at a low enough level to be able to finish the job by early next year. Who knows - maybe my birthday present to myself in January can be the celebration of a hundred pound loss. That would be VERY nice!

Week 12 Totals:
Craig: 24.70
Joe: -3.36

My results:
Weight: 229.0 / Lost 5.2 / 2.22%
BP(S): 124 / 9 / 6.77%
BP(D): 78 / 10 / 11.36%
Pulse: 98 / -14 / -16.67%

This Weeks Points: 3.68
Total Points: 24.70

Labor Day Holiday with Family

On the Sunday of Labor Day my sister Trisha stopped by my dad's house. Her husband Eric and of course their son Gavin was with as well. It has been a little bit since I have been able to see Gavin and boy was he just a bundle of energy. We spent the day by Joe's pool and then in the afternoon we took out the boat on the lake. Gavin loved to drive the boat with Papa Joe!

Of course later there was time to play with the trains

I think both were having fun :)

Trisha and family drove back Sunday night and my uncle Mark and his family stopped by after their 2nd day at Great America. We cooked tacos for dinner and Mark's kids were able to swim in the pool in the evening. It really was a great time just relaxing and enjoying everyone's company. It isn't that often that we are able to have everyone together and you have to take advantage when you can.

A Day at Six Flags Great America in Chicago!

My Uncle Mark and his family decided to travel this holiday weekend and Angela and I were glad to see that their travel plans included Chicago. They have season passes to Six Flags in St. Louis and decided to take a road trip to visit the Great America park in Chicago. Angela and I drove in Saturday morning to meet them and we all spent the day having fun at the park.

He has a great family and all the kids are a lot of fun. We enjoyed a lot of roller coasters and took some time to see some shows.

After the park closed Angela and I drove home but they stayed to visit the park on Sunday again before we all caught up for dinner at our house on Sunday night.