Follow along through the challenges of fatherhood and fitness

Follow me as I grow as a father, continue to improve my fitness, and hopefully continue losing weight towards my goal of 60lbs (10lbs to go! 8.25.12).

I never set out to be overweight but I love beer, wine, scotch, and all sorts of terrible food. I didn't choose to get out of shape it just sort of happened. All that changed when I found out my wife was pregnant in December 2010. I decided it was time to set myself up to be a fitdad not a fatdad.

No one ever said it would be easy though. Dealing with a newborn and trying to continue exercising as well as being there for my wife as her husband and friend. As our son gets older and our family grows what impact will that have on my fitness and diet? Stay tuned to find out! Subscribe via email, or add me to your reader. Please make sure to share on twitter, facebook, or follow along by adding your email to my list.

Do you have a diet or exercise product you would like reviewed in the blog, please contact me at fitdadorfatdad@gmail.com

Friday, August 31, 2012

Eat this not..umm, that?

Watching Noah develop over the past year into the amazing little toddler he is now has been an eye opening experience.  One of the major milestones for him in the past few months has been switching from pureed food to whole form foods.  Once he started getting teeth we really began to progress into more and more variety for his meals.  What was once mushy and easily mashed foods (bananas, sweet potatoes, cheeses, yogurts) has worked it's way to crunchier and more tricky foods (cheerios, crackers, cookies, and meats).

Along with Noah's culinary experiences has come a propensity to use his pincer grasp to pick up any and all tiny objects he can find.  Usually those tiny objects, regardless of nutritional content will end up in his mouth only to be chewed to a pulp and swallowed.  We do our best to keep the house clean and prevent him from getting anything dangerous in his mouth but how long until I am asking, is my kid the one that ate the penny?

Just the other day I was sitting on the floor and playing with Noah, he meandered into the dining room and began to use the dining room table and chairs as an underground tunnel system to escape capture from the dad monster.  The giggling and chasing went on for a few minutes until he took up shop under one of the chairs.  I laid on the floor ten feet away and pretended to be exhausted.  I took my eyes off of him for about 5 seconds only to open them to see him chewing away on something he had picked up along the way.  I immediately ran over and put my hand out for him to spit it out.  But instead there was a gulp, a gag, a cough, and a swallow.  Whatever piece of magic carpet fuzz, spider, or crumb he had found had become a snack.  I was definitely freaked out, but knowing how much we vacuum and clean I doubt it was anything too dangerous.

Noah has a complete disregard for portion control, he will stuff his mouth until there is no more room, smile a toothy grin and then chew until everything is swallowed.  He had a chance to experience cheerios for the first time the other day and we had put 10 or 12 of them on his high chair tray.  He picked one up, nibbled, chewed, and smiled.  Suddenly he had a great idea and put another cheerio in his mouth.  He followed that up with a third, fourth, and then I grabbed his hand to slow him down.  But like buddy the elf eating cotton balls in the doctors office as soon as I let go, another cheerio went in his mouth.  I couldn't help but laugh on the inside watching Noah's delight at my panic as he chomped away on his cheerios.

This has become the norm with meals, so we have taken to portion control ourselves by only allowing a small amount of food on his tray at a time.  Unless it's watermelon, because Noah eats watermelon like a wood chipper.  He picks up one piece moves his jaw up and down and begins to feed the machine with sweet and juicy pieces.  There is a repetitive and constant sound of crunching and slurping as he devours the fleshy red meat of the defenseless watermelon.

I guess we should consider ourselves as pretty lucky because many kids struggle with feeding time.  Many don't eat that well.  Noah is easy in the sense that he will eat or at least try just about anything you put in front of him.  He eats a great variety of fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes, squash, zucchini, avocado, peas, carrots, corn, bananas, mandarin oranges, watermelon, canteloupe, honeydew, mango, peaches...I could go on..).  He eats macaroni, pasta, cheeses, yogurt, crackers, cookies, cheese curls, chicken, kosher all beef hotdogs, spaghetti o's, cheerios, and more.  I hope as he grows up he continues to develop his palette for good foods.  I know there is going to be a time where he rebels and only wants his favorites like mac and cheese or chicken nuggets but I am hoping his experiences now will prevent that some.  Christine and I love to experience new and delicious foods and that is something I would love to be able to share with my children.  I would like for them to be able to enjoy healthy foods the way we do some day so that we can share in their delight when they try new and adventurous things.

I just pray my kid isn't the one that eats pennies.




Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Brooks Ghost 5 Review.

I have been running in Brooks running shoes now for a few years now.  When I first started running I was in Saucony Rides, but then Saucony changed the shape or the shoe and it no longer fit me comfortably so I desperately went searching for a new ride...and I was introduced to the Brooks Ghost 3.   

I am a neutral runner with a midfoot strike, I prefer trainers with nice cushion but also a nice balance of light weight and snappy response.  I have run in all sorts of shoes in my time, racing flats, barefoot shoes, neutral trainers, cross country spikes, and also a mix of cross trainers.  I prefer a standard running trainer for my day to day runs because the cushioning and comfort are perfect for me.  

Normally I don't wait this long to review a new shoe but for this time around I thought to myself, how can I legitimately evaluate the quality of a shoe if I run in it only once or twice?  Sure I am behind the times and by the time you probably see this I am sure Brooks will be preparing to release the Ghost 6...but I digress.  

I found running bliss when I first ran in a pair of Ghost 3's about a year and a half ago.  They were the perfect balance of lightness, cushion, good looks, and solid wear.   Those shoes lasted me well over the 300-400 miles I usually put on shoes.   

Upon unboxing the shoe for the first time I can tell you that I love the new look of the shoe.  It has a slightly fatter midsole so it definitely provides a nice soft strike even for midfoot strikers like myself.  I love the colors of the shoes, I was never a flashy running shoe guy but I think I am now.  Upon picking up the shoe for the first time and comparing it to my Ghost 3's there is a palpable difference in weight.  The upper on the Ghost 5 has a much thinner and lighter appearance without appearing cheaper.  The quality of construction in the shoe is top notch my friends.  



The next step was to try them on, and like I expected and hoped, they fit just like the pair of Ghost 3's I had before.  It was a familiar feel except for the new fatter and more cushioned tongue in the shoe.  I can't say I totally love that new feature, I thought the thin light weight tongue in the 3's was fine, this fatter tongue does put a little more pressure on the top of my foot.  

Since purchasing the shoe I have put in the neighborhood of about 200 miles on them.  A solid mix of road and treadmill running.  The shoes still look new, there are no loose threads and the soles have barely worn at all.  The cushioning still feels as good as it did the day I purchased them and I can now see why Runners World magazine has rated this shoe one of their favorites for the past 3 years.  



These shoes have a pretty aggressive tread pattern for a simple road shoe.  They can hold their own on dry trails and even through some slicker spots without losing traction.  They are definitely a versatile piece of running gear.    The new thicker sole is like butter on the road and the light weight (for a trainer) is definitely appreciated on those longer run days.  I don't notice any issues with running form due to the weight of the shoe towards the end of longer runs.  I have with heavier shoes in the past that as I fatigue my form would break down, so either I am in much better shape or the shoe is making a difference.  The sole on this shoe is also very flexible so you don't really notice it much as you run which is definitely a plus.  

The upper of the shoe is definitely more airy than the Ghost 3's I previously ran in.  The ventilation is very good and even on 90 degree days in the sun my feet never had hot spots or blisters on longer runs.  The heel cup in the upper holds your feet well and prevents rubbing and hot spots as well.  I still don't love the tongue of the shoe being so much fatter than it was before, but it isn't a hindrance to my running just different than my last pair. 

In my opinion this is one of the better neutral trainers on the market today.  On the plus side this shoe is lightweight, well ventilated, and comfortable.  The ride is smooth and the sole is snappy and durable.  The shoe has a comfortable and large impact zone for midfoot strikers and adequate space in the heel cup to prevent the foot from sliding up and down too much.  On the negative side the tongue is a little too fat for my tastes, the shoe is heavy compared to racing flats or free running shoes so for shorter races I may opt to run in something lighter.  The shoe is also a little wide, but for me that is good because I need a wide toe box and narrow heal.  I would think that those with narrow feet may notice a little extra wiggle room in these shoes.   All in all I would rate these shoes as excellent for many people like me who run mid to moderate distance.  



If you aren't sure about sizing or fit for shoes, or what your running style is I highly recommend you go to Fleet Feet Pittsburgh near South Hills Village Mall.  See any of the sales staff there for help in finding the right shoe for you.  (note: I do not receive any money for this recommendation, this is my opinion.  I love these guys and gals at Fleet Feet they are honest, fair, and locally owned.  Supporting local business is important to me so I wanted to make sure they guys got some positive publicity!)

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Smash Cake!

We celebrated Noah's first birthday this past weekend surrounded by family and friends.  While we don't plan on having such a ridiculously large party every year for his birthday, how could we say no to a huge soiree for his first birthday?  Noah had the requisite 1st birthday smash cake, my mom made AMAZING cupcakes, and Christine impressed with her party for our little boy.

My wife gets all the credit for putting together and planning this party, she did a wonderful job from the catering, to the decorations, to the planning of the treat boxes for all the kids in attendance.  We had a party hat decorating table so the kids (and adults) could make their own party hat.  There were balloons, snacks, amazing food, and delicious cake.  As well as a broad assortment of libations for the adults and sugary sweet  drinks for the kids.

We can't begin to express our gratitude to everyone who came out to make that day so special.  I think Noah had a chance to make his rounds to everyone and wave hello, give a high five, or a sly smile.  It was wonderful seeing everyone, I just wish we would have had more time to spend chatting with everyone individually.  We are truly blessed to have such a large group of people who care enough about us and our son to come out and celebrate with us.  I hope Noah understands growing up just how lucky he really is.

Here are a selection of some of my favorite photos from the afternoon:











Friday, August 17, 2012

What A Year!

A year in our lives really is a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things as we know it.  A year in your life when it's your first with a child is monumental on a level that you really don't comprehend until you've been there.  I am not trying to over dramatize it either, if you sit back and think of everything that happens in the first year of that life it's an amazing and beautiful experience.



The birth process for first time parents is a scary, daunting, and ultimately beautiful experience.  The fact that two people come together to create this wonderful being is a miracle in itself.  At first you are exhausted, relieved, happy, overjoyed, elated, excited, and terrified.  Not to mention completely oblivious to the reality that is about to strike you in the face like Troy Polamalu on an opposing quarterback.

You get home unsure, unsteady, nervous, and completely unprepared for the first few weeks.  Sleep becomes a luxury best served in a chair, couch, or on the floor when you can get it.  You see people come and go from your house but really are oblivious to their presence because you are still shocked by the entire scenario unfolding in front of you.  You are changing diapers slowly and poorly leading to leaks, stains, and extra laundry.  You look at a clock and deny that time is actually moving because you don't really relate to the time anymore...you just know that when that baby cries they need changed, food, or mom and dad.



Those days and weeks begin to blend together into an incomprehensible blur until one morning you wake up and realize that your child just slept 6, 8, or 12 straight hours.  Suddenly you have your sanity back, your life back, your focus back.  You can change a diaper with one hand while replacing the pacifier with the other.  You know your babies cries and know when he is hungry, sad, scared, and when he is just crying because he is a baby.  Life is better, the child looks up to you and smiles, he knows who daddy and mommy are and there is nothing greater.

More weeks pass, and now the house is filled with laughter, giggling uncontrollably until hiccups overtake the belly laugh.  The child grows in weight, in length and begins to take on a personality all their own.  Mom sees dad in him and dad sees mom, both agree that he is amazing.  Suddenly one day he rolls over because being on his back must be boring.



Then the crawling begins, time to baby proof the house, protecting him from his own curiosity.  Mom and dad encourage him to pull to stand, to play, to grow.  Soon the child is motoring all over the house, end to end and getting into everything he can find.  Bumped heads and falls are accompanied by an unsure cry or a look to mommy and daddy to make sure he is ok.  Then one day he stands and holds on to nothing, staring back at you with the most excited smile a child can have.


Your child exudes pride on a level that you didn't think was possible.  Every small accomplishment is greeted with cheering and applause by us as parents.  He smiles uncontrollably waiting for your approval with each time he stands or figures out some simple puzzle that just yesterday confounded him.  You wait for the day when he walks on his own, ignoring the warnings of friends who tell you that it spawns a whole new curiosity and adventure.

What a difference a year makes.  From our humble beginnings as wide eyed first time parents to the confident but still sometimes unsure beings we've become Christine and I have grown as parents and as a couple.  Watching our son grow up has brought us a level of joy and satisfaction that can not be put into words.  He is everything wonderful that we see in each other, yet he is still his own amazing little being with a wonderful developing personality and soul.  His sense of humor never ceases to amaze us and we know that he find himself to be one of the funniest people he knows.  His endless babbling and yapping brings a smile to our faces, and he can melt your heart with a simple Ma Ma or Da Da.

In our first year together:

We have changed 2,200 diapers.
We have made and served 10,950 ounces of milk (breast or formula)
We have done well over 120 loads of laundry for one tiny little boy.
We have gone through countless numbers of AA and AAA batteries.
We have lost more sleep than we want to think about.
We have washed/sterilized 1800 bottles.
We have crawled on the floor
We have become cheerleaders for our son's smallest accomplishments.
We have realized a love that is present from birth.
We are no longer grossed out by dirty diapers.
We should have bought stock in Similac.
We learned that Sam's Club diapers are so much cheaper, and just as good.
We have consumed somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 cups of coffee.
We have chased and played on a level that brings us back to our own childhood.
We have experienced illness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and a few Dr. visits.
We have learned that daycare isn't a scary place.
We have loved every minute of it...ok maybe not loved every minute, but we wouldn't take any of them back.

Today we get to wish our son a Very Happy 1st Birthday!  We wish you all the successes, accomplishments, and joy that you deserve.  To the first of many happy birthdays, We love you Noah!



-Love
Mom and Dad
"May you always have...
A sunbeam to warm you.
Good Luck to charm you.
A sheltering angel
so nothing can harm you.
Laughter to cheer you,
and Faithful friends near you.
And, whenever you pray,
heaven to hear you."













Wednesday, August 8, 2012

11 Months

The 11 Month Update is a little late, seeing as Noah's 1 year birthday is next week.  More to come on the little guy, but in the meantime here are the pictures.