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Fit Challenge Week 2 Results

Two weeks ago I began a “Fit Challenge” at San Clemente’s Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club. I’ve adapted their eating plan to incorporate Tim Ferriss’ “Slow Carb” plan from his book The 4-Hour Body, including the free day.

The first four days I stuck to the detox plan (all described in this post, with a photo of the detox soup). The first Saturday I went wild, per my plan. Sunday I started Ferriss’s plan, which has protein, legumes and veggies with every meal, and no fruit allowed except on my free day.

At the end of the first week I had lost 4 lbs, and now after two full weeks I’ve lost a total of 8 lbs. It’s coming off a little faster than ideal, but what’s really interesting is that I don’t get hungry. I’m eating well, and feeling satisfied.

I’m also moving in some new ways. I’ve incorporated Pilates into my weekly routine. It’s a challenge for me, since my limbs  — especially my hips — are pretty inflexible. But I’m enjoying it. This, plus boot camp, hikes and the occasional run is keeping me on my toes.

Gina and Elaine at OFAC have been a great source of knowledge and encouragement, as has my girlfriend (who is doing this with me). We keep each other motivated and on track during the week.

The results? After two weeks, I’ve lost 44% of my target weight. Week three will be a telling test.

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Fitness Challenge #2

“If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything.” – Count Rugen (The Princess Bride)

2010 was a banner year for fitness, personally. I had set a goal to hike the entire John Muir Trail — plus some — and backpacked over 230 miles in three weeks, culminated by summiting Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. In my training for this, I climbed many major peaks in Southern California, even starting a website devoted to covering the trails around Los Angeles and Orange County. I published a training guide used by many to prepare for Mt. Whitney, called the Six Pack of Peaks.

I accomplished it all, and when I returned from the JMT, I was promptly swamped with work. I immersed myself in work, and though I still walk, hike and run, I’ve been woefully inconsistent about it.

And so my girlfriend and I have joined Richard and Elaine Gjonovich’s Fit Challenge at San Clemente’s Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club. I did one of these challenges a couple years ago and it really helped me get back on track with exercise and healthy eating. Now after a busy winter, it’s time to come out of my work-induced hibernation and kickstart my health again.

The Fit Challenge is a five-week program designed to help you get a jump on your fitness goals. It begins with a body composition assessment and nutrion plan. The first 3-5 days you follow a “detox” nutrition plan — no caffeine, no sugar, no processed foods or crap. Lots of “detox soup,” chicken breast, brown rice and mint tea.

My plan is to follow this until I exhaust my current pot of soup (probably 3-4 days) then switch to Tim Ferris‘ “Slow-Carb” plan as outlined in The Four Hour Body (lots of protein, veggies and legumes… and one “free day” to eat whatever the hell I want).

My current clothed weight is 233 lbs, with a 24% body fat. My goal? 215 lbs  and 18% body fat in five weeks. I’ll post again on March 12th with the results.

I realize this post is a departure from my oft-erratic subject matter, but I wanted to throw the gauntlet down. If any of you wants to join me in my crusade for personal health and fitness, drop me a line and we can encourage each other along the way.

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Running a marathon?

Some of you already know that I’m in training for the San Diego Rock-and-Roll Marathon on June 3rd. But what you may not know is why I’m running. I’m running with a team of people raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I need your support. Your donation will go to research, patient aid and education. And it’s tax deductible. You can make your donation online or mail a check. For all the details, visit my Team In Training fund raiser website at http://www.active.com/donate/tntors/jeffhester

And thanks in advance for your support!