RANDY ELROD

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How Michael Hyatt, Ken Davis & I Lost A Total of 70 Lbs In Just A Few Months

My dear friends Mike and Ken and I have been on a losing streak. And we are happy about it!

Between the three of us, utilizing completely different methods, we have lost over 70 lbs during the past few months. Ken is down 41, Mike is down 13 (and has only one pound remaining to reach his goal), and I am down 18.

Sure, we want to look good for the upcoming re:create cruise in a few weeks, but there is something deeper at work here. We want to live life fully alive.

Ken Davis challenged us during his talk at the 2011 re:create Conference (you can get a copy here) to savor life. To live, to really live.

It is hard to fully live life, when you are struggling to bend over and tie your shoes, and when even a few stair steps seem burdensome.

So, we embarked on a losing streak.

Mike details his success with the app Lose It! on his blog here How I Used A Free App To Lose 11 pounds in Six Weeks.

Ken talks about his incredible journey on his blog here Fully Alive in 2010. Ken successfully utilizes the “Body Bugg” system of calorie management.

I use a system of more exercise and less food, combining breakfast and lunch into a single meal and cutting back on portions at dinner, while exercising six days per week. I run three days utilizing the Galloway method and work out with weights (low weights, high reps) three days.

Three completely different methods that have been equally successful.

The important thing is to find a method that works for YOU.

Ken quotes Benjamin Franklin, “Most people die at about 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.”

I want to live, to savor life for everything it has to offer. What about you?

Weight loss? More exercise?

It is important to write it down.

What is your goal?

31 responses to “How Michael Hyatt, Ken Davis & I Lost A Total of 70 Lbs In Just A Few Months”

  1. John Richardson Avatar
    John Richardson

    Looking forward to seeing you guys on the cruise next week. It seems so interesting to lose a bunch of weight only to get on a boat with amazing food and around the clock meals. They say the average cruiser gains about a pound a day. Hopefully the ship has good exercise options so we can have the midnight buffet without the guilt!. I’ve lost about 10 pounds over the last six months and dropped my body fat quite a bit by training for a Triathlon, which I ran back in December. Gaining muscle really helps to burn calories.

    Reply
  2. Jamie Avatar
    Jamie

    Ben Franklin as a weight loss mentor. Now that’s creative thinking.

    Reply
  3. Ken Avatar
    Ken

    Randy, Mike and other commenters, You have no idea how you inspire people by sharing the benefits that come from eating right and getting exercise. Find a way to eat that you can follow the rest of your life. Avoid anything that comes in a box. Lots of veggies and fruit. Most important for me. STOP EATING after dinner. Other than that it is a matter of getting from the bed to the door every morning. Once you are out the door the 30 -60 minutes of exercise is over before you know it. LBS begin to drop and most important your spirit begins to soar. Thanks for the reminders Randy. And a special thanks for publishing the picture of me in that ridiculous apron. I actually look MUCH BETTER than that. (-;

    Reply
    1. Randy Avatar
      Randy

      @Ken, Ha! Thanks, Ken for these great words and for the inspiration for this post!

      Reply
  4. Sutton Parks Avatar
    Sutton Parks

    Thanks for sharing that! I need some inspiration. I quit smoking, and running, and gained 40 lbs. I’m back to exercising and this may be a helpful tool. At least I’ll know how long I need to exercise to work off a bowl of ice cream. Maybe I’ll think twice.

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Sutton Parks, Go, Sutton. Congrats on quitting the smoking. See if you can get back to the running!!

      Reply
  5. Ted A Avatar
    Ted A

    Randy,

    I wish you guys would stop losing weight I keep finding those DARN pounds.

    Ted.

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Ted A, Oh, Ted. Join us!!

      Reply
  6. Trey Chandler Avatar
    Trey Chandler

    I’m doing my fourth Ironman race in Arizona in November. All goals, large or small, are easier to accomplish when you have your community around you. My tri club, your campus. Well done.

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Trey Chandler, Yes, indeed! Trey, I couldn’t do it without them!!

      Reply
  7. Fred McKinnon Avatar
    Fred McKinnon

    Way back when Randy and I had a day of mentoring, my losing weight and getting in shape was one of the things I talked about. Since then, I’d lost about 20 pounds, but more importantly, shaped my body up, adding muscle mass. I was doing great … was, being the key word.

    Even in my times of hardest exercise, I found that I struggle to eat healthy. They say diet is 80% of it.

    Black Friday 2010 came and the biggest, most profitable e-commerce season of my life hit hard. Even after hiring 4 extra people, I worked an average of 16 hours per day. I quit exercising, barely slept, and due to the lack of exercise AND sitting at a computer that long, I had my worst bout of lower back issues ever.

    Now, I’ve returned to my all-time highest weight. I started using MyFitnessPal (The Android equivalent of LoseIt) and on my first day of journaling (after-the-fact), I was 2000 calories OVER my limit.

    So, I’m determined to get back again. The hardest thing for me is eating out – we go out almost every day for lunch … today, a huge group of the staff went to “Bubba Garcias” and I found myself eating the all-familiar chips and salsa and buffalo shrimp tacos on white flour tortillas. I don’t have a clue what the caloric value of that meal was, but I’m sure it wiped me out for the day. So, off to the gym to earn some calories back this afternoon.

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Fred McKinnon, Thanks, Fred. I SO understand. I LOVE Mexican food, so when I do out for it, I choose 12 chips, put them on a napkin in front of me, break them up into three pieces each for a 36 total and eat them slowly while we are talking, I then order one chicken soft taco without sour cream. That has helped me deal with the all too often challenge of eating out.

      Go baby!!!

      Reply
  8. Michael H Smith Avatar
    Michael H Smith

    Randy,
    I have been using “LoseIt” for a few years. These days only to remind myself not to over eat and to make healthy food choices.

    I am convinced that too many Christ-followers ‘compartmentalize’ their lives and leave out the making healthy lifestyle choices, including food and exercise. I believe God’s expectation is that we are a reflection of Him in all areas of our lives not just the ‘spiritual.’ But then again if we make God honoring choices in all we do then everything is a ‘spiritual’ choice.

    Reply
    1. Bryan Avatar
      Bryan

      @Michael H Smith, “I believe God’s expectation is that we are a reflection of Him in all areas of our lives not just the ‘spiritual.’ But then again if we make God honoring choices in all we do then everything is a ‘spiritual’ choice.”

      powerful and true words Michael.

      Reply
    2. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Michael H Smith, Thanks, Michael! I’m glad Lose It! is working so well for you!

      Reply
  9. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    This is a great example of community and fitness. I love it! But did you know that more (not less) meals per day is better for your metabolism for weight loss? Of course if the portions are too big that’s not good. But eating six times per day in smaller portions is a good thing. [oh, and we just got a Garmin 410 like you and @SpenceSmith!]

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Hans, Yes, thanks, Hans. For some reason this is what I’ve settled on, but i realize I’m breaking a few “healthy” rules.

      Reply
  10. Bryan Avatar
    Bryan

    I’m sorry for using your blog comments to write my own blog post today. Thanks, Randy.

    Oh, and I’m going to need therapy from seeing the apron Ken is wearing. Make sure he leaves that at home on the cruise :) LOL!

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Bryan, Ha!!!!!!! That apron is priceless!!

      Reply
  11. Bryan Avatar
    Bryan

    Randy,

    Your blog posts continue to resonate with me and once again I find myself with gratitude for God in crossing our life paths together as well as for you in sharing today’s thoughts.

    I’ve shared with you some of my struggles with weight. It is a daily challenge for me and it encourages me to read of your journey – an encouragement that is much needed on a “monday-hitting-an-exercise-wall” kind of a day for me.

    Thoughts that are challenging me and driving my fitness goals are:
    1. I love food – and it loves me; so much so that it doesn’t let go. Like you – I want to live life fully and enjoy the pleasure of eating well-crafted cuisine the Lord has provided. So I’m learning moderation.

    2. Throughout the Bible are references to bread and wine as representations of Jesus the redeemer. Jesus even refers to himself as the bread of life from which we will never hunger or thirst. So I’m learning to be satisfied in Him – both spiritually and physically.

    3. Choices, choices, choices: Enjoy a great meal, high in calories and fat with friends and reveal in the spiritual euphoria of fellowship – That’s OK! However, back that up with healthier choices leading up and following. So, I’m learning to give up on guilt and work hard to live hard.

    4. One day at a time. Each time I exercise, it’s more than what I did a year ago.

    Practical things I’m doing to get it done:
    1. Tracking calories in and out with the LoseIt app (loved Michael’s post the other day)

    2. Like you, focusing weight training on lower weight, higher reps, in a timed circuit using the “seconds” app. LINK: http://www.secondsapp.com/

    3. I use the men’s health app to get exercises to use in the routines I build in the seconds app. LINK: http://www.menshealth.com/iphone-workouts/

    4. I use the MotionX GPS app to track my outdoor walks. This app keeps me motivated by tracking my speed so that I get a maximum benefit from each walk. LINK: http://gps.motionx.com/iphone/overview/

    One last thought. Last October, my wife and I along with our three children, went on a short walk, about a mile or so. I thought I would die. Two months later, it was all I could do to push myself off the floor after opening Christmas presents. Last Friday, March 4, 2011 – I walked 5 kilometers in an hour. A little effort since January has paid off greatly – Soli Deo Gloria!

    I can not wait to breath the salt air with you guys in a few DAYS!
    Grace and Peace to you my friend.
    Sincerely,
    BP

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Bryan, Yes!! Bryan, so inspiring!! And i can’t wait to see you on the cruise!!

      Reply
  12. Rocco Capra Avatar
    Rocco Capra

    I saw Mike’s post earlier and am now going at it with “Lose It” myself!, It’s only been a couple weeks so I haven’t weighed myself to see if I lost any yet, plus, I had the flu and I’m sure some of my weight loss is due to that (but I’ll take it!).

    My goals to “Live” this year are to run a couple 5K’s including the “Warrior Dash”. and to get under 200Lbs again.

    Ps. Love that apron!!

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Rocco Capra, Awesome!! Congrats, Rocco!!

      Reply
  13. Gail Hyatt Avatar
    Gail Hyatt

    You are SO right. How can we be “fully live life, when you are struggling to bend over and tie your shoes, and when even a few stair steps seem burdensome.”

    I have to add myself into this mix. I’ve lost 13 pounds in six weeks using the LoseIt app.

    Slow and steady wins the race.

    Because of the app, I’m eating MUCH better and exercising more. (It’s like keeping a balance in your bank account. Deposits and withdrawls. What you don’t want is to be overdrawn.) SOOoo simple! I absolutely love it.

    I also joined an exercise group for the accountability. For me, ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. I just am not that self-motivated.

    Thanks for the encouragement. See you on the boat!!

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Gail Hyatt, Awesome, Gail!! Congratulation!!! Can’t wait until the cruise!!

      Reply
  14. Russ Avatar
    Russ

    I’m down about 30 lbs since July!

    CrossFit and eating a paleo/primal style approach have made a huge difference for me!

    Goals: I’m actually being certified as a CrossFit Trainer end of April and will begin to pursue some schooling in either biochemistry or some sort of biology to explore the possibility of some sort of nutritional emphasis later. I want to HELP others see food the way I do!

    Great job on the weight loss and exercise, Randy!

    Reply
    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Russ, Thanks, Russ. You too! Wow!! 30 lbs is a BIG deal!!

      Reply
  15. Spence Smith Avatar
    Spence Smith

    I’ve loved watching all three of you go after losing weight like this. I’m on my way as well… i just need to be a little more purposeful like you have been. Plus… we are getting faster on those runs!

    Reply
    1. Hans Avatar
      Hans

      Spence, my wife and I are sharing a Garmin 410! What a great watch and training tool.

      Reply
      1. Randy Elrod Avatar
        Randy Elrod

        @Hans, I LOVE that Garmin!!

        Reply
    2. Randy Elrod Avatar
      Randy Elrod

      @Spence Smith, Yes, we are. Thanks, Spence.

      Reply

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