March Madness: Day 1 | The Birthday Dash
March Madness: Day 1 It’s March! That used to mean a mad dash to accomplish everything manly before my birthday on the […]
FIT@50: What’s Life Over 50 Like?
If you ever want to experience the confidence shattering sensation of having every single thing you say and do examined under a critical microscope and launched back at you with a poo-poo shooter, then give law enforcement a try for a day.
Fighting Fit and Fully Faithful
This is satan giving us an impossible laundry list of things we can’t do without Christ. We’re looking for a way around Jesus. Focus on Christ, and He’ll take care of the rest.
FIT@50: An Odd Space For A Kettlebell
It’s an odd shackle when the devil tells you that there’s still too much work left to be done at the desk, and I shouldn’t leave Leah to go exercise.
FIT@50: Let’s Do This
I promise, this isn’t a “gym rat” adventure. But I did return to that place I once loved. Except it was different because someone had made what used to be light weights, feel heavy and immovable.
FIT@50 / week 60
I’m a Mondaholic. With great intentions to start everything from being more productive in my work, to going to bed at a normal hour, it all was set to start on the next Monday.
FIT@50 / week 25
FIT@50 / week 25 The Ghost On Saturday I drove around the city in my POV (personally owned vehicle), sorry cop talk. I noticed drivers without seatbelts, easing through stop signs, and generally just motoring about their business. On the previous Friday, I’d been in my police cruiser. It had a wholly different effect. People immediately put on their seatbelts, they completely stopped at signs and they glance or nodded as they motored about their business. I thought on that Saturday, “I’m […]
FIT@50 / week 23
FIT@50 / week 23 Less than half: Becoming fit often requires sacrifice. Be it food, ice cream, cake (yes, I went there), and often the bed. Hold on, this ain’t frisky talk. It’s about years focused on accumulation. Once I got fit, gathering meant less. The bed is a regular reminder. My kiddo still comes to sleep in the big bed on occasion. After five minutes, he has twisted and twirled and torqued until I’m on the very edge. Sleep may go […]
FIT@50 \ week 16
Unplugged & Replugged: Last week was an amazing experience. I spent the weekend with my wife,Liliana Hart on a Trek Travels cycling trip through northern California. The grapes were the only things online out there. No cell or internet service, and the wifi was spotty to say the least. So what did I do with my cell phone? Used it as a camera to capture pics of the beauty of our country and the fun with new friends. I’d unplugged. And it […]
FIT@50 \ week 13
FIT@50 \ week 13 Sacrifice: Putting Others First WOW, what a week of being FIT@50. I got married—how cool is that. Liliana Hart and I had planned the wedding months in advance, but even before that, we had options to throw any size event, anywhere we wanted. The choice was simple – lets do this for our families. Putting others first was the right decision. Our kids come after God, so to make sure not only the young, but the not so […]
FIT@50 \ week 8
FIT@50 \ week 8 Teamwork: I’ve been a part of teams my entire life – from sports to SWAT. Victory by each definition was the ultimate goal, and I trained to achieve them like my life depended on it. In some cases it actually did. This past weekend, Liliana Hart and I joined our most favorite team to challenge ourselves and each other in an adventure run. Team Us enjoyed the planning, and kidding about how we’d perform. We even had fun […]
FIT@50 \ week 3
FIT@50 \ week 3 Empathy: It’s okay to care. No matter how “fit” I’ve become, minding my own business has always been my business. During the many years in special operations my job was to know other’s secrets. I was good at my job. Knowing the darkest moments in another person’s life is a cross of confidentiality I understood I’d carry to my grave. Over the years it might have even caused me to construct a wall around my empathetic understanding. During […]
FIT@50 \ week 2
FIT@50 \ week 2 Finding this picture earlier I thought about how much better shape I was then than now. Behind my computer the adrenaline returned to re-experience the rush. I still sensed the empty state of exhaustion after having completed an open water swim and a long bike, to only prepare for a long run. Then I took a deep breath, hit “save” on this document and looked at the picture of me. In that chaotic ocean of nylon, Velcro and […]
FIT@50 \ week 1
“…when I began the Friday posts my goal was to exercise like a teenager leading up to his prom night.”
FITx50 \ week 31
FITx50 \ week 31 Folks, this is the very last episode of FITx50. I’ll be blessed with the distinction next Wednesday, March 11th. I’ve loved your support through these posts. Most encourage by saying it’s only a number, and if that’s the case it’s 18262.1 days. It’s 438,291 hours. It’s 26,280,000 minutes. Then while calculating the number of seconds, my handheld showed this – 1.5768e+9 – Did I just discover a hidden mathematical computation? Despite the math, on March 11th it comes […]
FITx50 \ week 30
FITx50 \ week 30 This week Liliana Hart curiously said, “In two weeks you’ll be 50.” Silent, I waited for the punch line or the life’s lesson – nothing. She followed with, “Just saying.” It was the first time I realized just how close I was to the half-century celebration. No panic, just realization. Quickly I flashed over the initial goals I’d set as the idea of FITx50 became what I thought was a great idea. I always enjoyed the saying, “If […]
FITx50 \ week 29:
Someone commented this week during a Mardi Gras parade that they enjoyed keeping up with my Friday FITx50 posts. They thought it was funny that I veered away from physical fitness and began focusing on other aspects of being fit. I have to admit, it wasn’t anything purposeful. Looking back I saw where the transition began, and I think that was the point “fitness” truly began to mean more to me than physical accomplishments. I do look forward to turning 50 […]
FITx50 \ week 23
Happy 2015. It’s been a great week for inching a bit closer to my goals for blasting the 50 year mark. Momentum Gym has been incredible as always and it’s great to exercise among a community who also share similar goals. I’ve not had a pinch of cake, ice cream or pizza this week either. Guess what? I’m in no need of a coroner’s hold either!!! Have an awesomely lived weekend and here’s to getting fit. Best of success Tami Mills-Merrill & […]
FITx50 \ week 21
FITx50 \ week 21 was spent on another adventure out West. While the endless walking involved in what is Las Vegas was exhausting, I’m not sure it counts as exercise. Not when buffets, pizzas, fancy foods and snacks bookend each journey. Encouraging was the wisdom to avoid the slots, and keeping up a frantic pace. Between solving the CSI exhibit’s mystery and helicoptering / boating / hiking the Grand Canyon, I held up pretty good. Christmas was also wonderful to return home […]
FITx50 \ week 19
FITx50 \ week 19 This is my favorite Christmas picture for several reasons. For purposes of this post, the expressions illustrate the yin and yang of fitness and dieting. Santa’s look is how I feel after I blow my diet. The sly grinning kiddo is how I feel once I’ve logged in the exercise and managed to avoid the sweets. I also think its funny because the photographer failed to notice the “horned” candles behind Santa’s head. This week, I can say my […]
FITx50 \ week 18
You thinking what I’m thinking? Breakfast? No, but it was delicious yesterday. Delicious but not over indulged. I made it through this holiday by eating great food, with family and friends. Before i got a bit full, guess what? I stopped. Planning ahead, i also anticipated the desserts, so I made an effort to up the exercise leading up to T-Day. And….I plan on enjoying a great community post-holiday session of crossfit Friday morning. So what was the lesson this week? Not […]
FITx50 / week 17
FITx50 / week 17 and this has been my approach of late. After last week’s post-travel and fancy food eating festival I returned to the crossfit gym. I was greeted by the realization that at closer to 50 than I was weeks ago, shape, like the space station, is something just waiting to drop. Some crazy workout call Down Sally Up – yeah, that’s what I said – I got the down part pretty good. Okay, mostly I’m kidding but this little […]
FITx50 \ week 16
Week 16? What happened to weeks 14 & 15? Well, that’s what I want to know. It’s crazy how trips to south Florida and the Carolinas can easily take you off your game plan. Seriously, I’m like a bald tire spinning in marsh grass. I had to reintroduce myself to my friends at Momentum Crossfit, my Trek Madone 6.9 won’t even look at me and ice cream and I have been joyously reunited. How? That’s my struggle. Weeks to months of sustained […]
FITx50 \ week 13
Did I Do That? The Warrior Dash is in the books, and I’m super energized with motivation and memories. While it wasn’t the most physically challenging thing I’ve accomplished, it was one of the most enjoyable. Why? It was a short-term health / fitness goal associated with a cause greater than losing a pound or two and flexing some rusted muscle. I’ve already set another goal to get me through the holiday season. So I encourage you to do the same. Don’t be that […]
FITx50 \ week 12 – SPECIAL EDITION
Warrior Dash DASHED Fitness Benchmark #1 has been met. This weekend was the Warrior Dash in St. Francisville, La. Our team of Cops-n-Kilts sponsored by Liliana Hart’s Warriors started strong and finished even gutsier. There was unexpected difficult terrain, injuries and dehydration within the unit, but no one left the others. I’m still in awe of the effort of each. No matter how tough, everyone knew we were doing this for the true Warriors committed to kicking the crap out of cancer. […]
FITx50 \ week 11
Gotta get up to get down That’s this week’s theme. I’ve been faithfully training for my first fitness benchmark – October 11th’s Warrior Dash. Crossfit 5x/week along with running and cycling. Cut carbs WAY down and feasted on protein throughout the days. On target to work close with our Cops-N-Kilts team. Then, I hear the kiddo make that late night sound every parent dreads – the Yulp. Yes, stomach virus. Of course, doctor dad attends into the morning and next day with lugging […]
FITx50 | week 10
Fight Like a Girl Thinking through this week’s update, I took this picture of Lori Cortez at work. We often kid at the office and were working on a fund-raiser by selling the bracelets she’s modeling. BTW they read MAN ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK and SAVE 2nd BASE. Then she said, “It’s already been a year.” as she turned her head away. I knew what she meant. It wasn’t spoken but her eyes glistened with the significance of her diagnosis just a […]
FITx50 | Wk 9
Monkey See. Monkey Do Seems after nine weeks the theme of Cops-n-Kilts has turned into Kids-n-Kilts. The kiddo not only loves his Boston Strong shirt, but sporting his sport wrap. He also loves going to crossfit to exercise after the big kids (adults) do. One of the major benefit of reclaiming a healthy lifestyle is your Silent Witness. While we ache and creek and moan and stretch – others see the effort, the commitment, the progress. Now as an 18-year-old – I […]
FITx50 | wk 8
I’m a romance novel cover model – Really? Those writer’s conferences can get pretty wild, but you know fiction is crazier than reality. Hu? Speaking of conferences and fitness, I spent last weekend in North Carolina to present classes to amazing authors at the Writer’s Police Academy. It was a wonderful event as always. Even tough the pace was hectic and non-stop smoozing – I did find time to exercise. As far as eating right, well not so much. But no worries […]
FIT x 50 – wk 6
Ahhhhhh —Youth. I get a kick out of the officers willingness to show me how far I’ve yet to go for reaching my fitness goals. Although, surrounding yourself with positive, health focused peers provides the motivation and accountability elements that lead to a sustained life change. I’ve been athletic my entire life, but rarely combined exercise and diet. I’m trying, but not so much of late. Good intentions with a poor roadmap will still lead you down a dead-end. Still killing the […]
Fit by 50 / wk 5
Seems like someone is always celebrating a birthday at the Thibodaux Police Department. This week was my Administrative Assistant’s special day. She’s been every Chief of Police’s Admin for the last 38 yrs. Happy Birthday Kim Robicheaux. Lori Cortex, the super cool lady in green has a birthday this weekend – Happy b-day to you too. How does an office birthday party factor into a Fit by 50 post? You got it… Cake. Not just one deliciously moist slice, but two. I […]
Fit by 50 / wk 4
Week 4. Really, week 4 already. That only leaves XX weeks until the Big 50. Whose counting anyway. A funny thing happened at crossfit this week. Actually several things happened, but I’ll keep hush on those. We worked to find our max weight in squats. That means how much weight can you lay across the back of your shoulders and scream while you bend down and back up. People take pride loading the bar with heavy plates until it bends. It’s all […]
Fit by 50 / wk 3
A funny thing happened after my Week 2 post last week – people started sharing their goals and challenges. I’m stoked because I believe it’s better to achieve success as a community than alone. Let’s smash our health / fitness goals together. Another funny thing happened while at Momentum Gym. The instructor, Lauren Z challenged us to eat clean for 21 days. Things such as gluten are off-limits. Of course I sneered because I have no idea what gluten is. Then she […]
Fit By 50 / wk 2
First off, big THANK YOU for the awesome response to last week’s inaugural posting of Fit by 50. People shared tips, victories, challenges, well wishes, but unfortunately–no one said – “No way, you look 35.” Well, maybe that one message just didn’t make it’s way to my inbox, so thanks to whoever you were. Week 2 is in the books, and I gotta say it was fantastic. Ever heard of a George Foreman grill? Where have I been the last 25 years? […]
Fit by 50 / wk 1
Last year I began a weekly series chronicling my efforts to reclaim a healthy lifestyle while even in a stress filled occupation. I’d set defined goals and developed a plan to accomplish them. With the help of great friends and folks who signed on to share their knowledge, experiences and challenges it was a success. I might have a slid a bit on the weight goal – let’s call it ice cream, but now I’m knocking on 50’s door. I’ve got clear […]
I’m Shaping Up | Week 24
I’m Shaping Up; Week 24 You just never know. A few weeks back I received an e-mail from my academic mentor and friend, Dr. John Kiefer. He was my master of public administration program’s thesis advisor while I attended the University of New Orleans. We connected immediately, and I admired his career as a professor and his calling as a United States Marine. Satisfied with my graduation from UNO and no intention of continuing my education, Doc encouraged me to pursue a PhD […]
I’m Shaping Up | Week 23
It’s the last week of summer!!! For kiddo before school; the rest of us get to continue in suffering beneath the sweltering summer sun!! Gotta tell ya that the combination of fitness routine and kiddo at your feet made for challenging times and other times not so much. The great thing about returning to a healthy life is during the times when the gym closes too early, the afternoon rain showers are too consistent or the day gets lost playing with kiddo, it […]
I’m Shaping Up | Week 20
I’m Shaping Up; Week 20 How to you benchmark 20 weeks of concerted efforts for reclaiming health? Just show up. I’ve been chipping away with daily runs, yoga and cycling. Most after work rides allow about 25 – 30 mile rides through beautiful bayous and endless acres of sweeping sugarcane fields. My cycling club, Bayou Country Cyclists held the regular Saturday ride. The club president, Christy J. e-mailed me Friday and said just show up. 75 miles and 4 hours later, […]
I’m Shaping Up | Week 19
I’m Shaping Up; Week 19 This 4th of July holiday provided great opportunities for family, fun, food and showing my siblings who is boss. OK, actually I over ate at a family BBQ, chased kiddo down at a Veteran’s celebration in the park, and blamed the mysterious disappearance of about 6 homemade brownies on my youngest niece. Yes, I was out of character but we all need a break sometimes. As for exercise, it was another great week to include running, walking and […]
I’m Shaping Up | Week 18
I’m Shaping Up; Week 18 This week was about finding inspiration when totally not expecting it. I’ve been back on the bike steadily and enjoying the return in the saddle. Either alone or with the fantastic club members of our Bayou Country Cyclists, it’s great to be back. Motivation came when I met 2 team members for a quick 20+. One of the ladies forgot her cycling shoes. Her friend offered to forgo the ride and head home. The shoeless rider refused […]
I’m Shaping Up | Week 17
I wondered this morning was it raining, as I struggled between more sleep and exercise. Remembering the awesome encouragement and motivational replies over the last weeks, I popped up and hit the early morning road. It was raining! Last week was another productive effort. three days of morning & evening training sessions, prepared meals at home and away from restaurants, and a consistent BP reading have me steadily moving towards regaining health. I even hit the gym after a blistering afternoon of lawn […]
I’m Shaping Up | Week 16
I’m Shaping Up; Week 16 This week was awesome for so many more reasons than 2-a-day workouts. By regaining a level of fitness, this weekend’s searing heat was much more tolerable while spending time outdoors. I trust you Dads enjoyed your day, and today is a great opportunity to join us in Shaping UP! Week 16 Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Weight – Don’t know. Still not worrying about these numbers. Exercise […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 12
I’m Shaping Up; Week 12 What happened to Week 11 you may be asking? Well, more travel equals less time to write, but well needed rest from most activities. I have also decided to stop obsessing over the scale for a few weeks. My low-end weigh-in of 208 was so welcomed, but it made the slight bounce during travel too stressful. It’s funny that after monitoring your caloric intake and physical output, you can tell where your body falls along the numeric […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 9
I’m Shaping Up; Week 9 Though I’m not a big fan of this word, it describes last week’s shaping up efforts; NO. No weight training. No cardio exercises. No adherence to Lt. Lane’s diet. Have I fallen off the health wagon? No. Times like last week can come out of nowhere, and rob us of the luxury of time we thought was ours to schedule. What does it mean for me personally? Well, it does not good beating myself up over it. […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 8
I’m Shaping Up; Week 8 Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Sacramento, Charlotte, New Orleans My cross-country excursion last week threatened to break my efforts right open. I returned at o.2lbs heavier than I left. Yes, 0.2lbs! I even spent time in a small hotel gym on a loud and unstable treadmill. Most importantly, I ate smart and in moderation. I did give in on the flight from San Fran to Charlotte and accepted the kind hostess’s offer for pretzels though. Week 8 Here’s […]
I’m Shaping Up; Week 7
I’m Shaping Up; Week 7 213, 137, 99 – HIKE! While losing a healthy level of fitness is not a game, it is fun and challenging to develop creative ways to regain it. Racquetball, stadiums, dodge ball(?) Yep. Actually I watched. I have mostly maintained strict adherence to Lt. Lane’s diet plan, but when the Kiddo is asking for his traditional Thursday night out at his favorite pizza place, I did have part of a child’s pepperoni. Of course, I’m not the reigning […]
I’m Fat; Week 3
Continuing Health Partnership Last Monday was so exciting to announce the partnership with CopsAlive.com. It also meant the added pressure of extra accountability and less breaking my diet and exercise commitments. Unfortunately, peer pressure does not lock the freezer from late night ice cream binges. I did however, use the BMI link (Ouch!!) and measure everything spreadsheet to set goals and monitor my intake and activities. John Marx has included more great information and we all encourage you to join us in […]
I’m Fat – Week 1
Sunday’s initial post took a bit of courage to hit “publish.” It’s out there with zero regrets. Seems there are many others willing to team up for health’s sake. I’m thankful for you sharing your challenges and goals. Don’t leave us out here alone. Welcome weekly support from diet, nutrition, exercise and stress reduction team members. Contact me at brightblueline@gmail.com to help Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Week 1 recap; Weight – 222 lbs […]