Review of Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins

In January, I finished reading David Goggins' book "Can't Hurt Me". It's his personal story of perserverance as he struggled with a rough childhood, as well as an adult life that felt like he was going nowhere fast. In this book, he goes into detail on what it was like growing up with an abusive father, then with a single mother and his battle with being overweight but wanting to join the military. 

His story is absolutely fascinating! The best part for me, is that rather than being just another self-help book, this was actually (in my opinion) a running book. I had no idea that this man was a god when it came to pushing himself to the limits. Running ultras, triathlons, etc. and all of it basically because he wanted to show he could. That he could take the pain and keep going.

If you want a book that will get you off the couch and strive to be more than you currently are, this is THE book for you. It has really put things into a whole new perspective for me. In this book, I not only was reminded of why I started running, but felt a sort of kindred spirit in David. No, I'm not a Navy SEAL or an Army Ranger, but I had a rough childhood with an abusive father and I used that pain and channeled it into my running. I felt like I came to terms with it long ago, but after reading this book, it brought a lot back and gave me some new reflections and a sense of forgiveness where before I just preferred to forget.

If you only read one book this year, read "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins. Please use the link below. I do receive a small commission from Amazon which helps support this site. I could not put it down. I usually read a couple of books per year and I've already finished two books this year and it's not even the middle of February. 

The next book I'll be reviewing is The Perfect Mile: Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It. It's the story of Roger Bannister, Wes Santee and John Landy, each trying to be the first person to break the 4 minute mile.

Review of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition

Did you watch Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition last night (7/25/11)?  I was so very impressed with the woman.  She ran a 1/2 marathon which is not easy.  Especially for someone so overweight.  Given her personal problems, I was even more impressed.

I have to say, I was disappointed in Chris, the trainer.  I understand that ABC wants to make good, exciting T.V. but there comes a time when enough is enough.  Chris motivated the woman by offering her the car of her dreams if she hit her goal.  She made the goal and earned a 2010 Camaro.  First off, I would be ecstatic.  Don't get me wrong.  But let's look at it a little closer.

• The woman was in financial hardship due to the medical bills.  
• She has a daughter that requires some extra care.  
• The family had only 1 car which the husband used to go to and from work, leaving the mother and daughter "stranded" at home.  

I get all that.  A second car does come in handy.  Our family has one.  But was a 2010 Camaro the best gift?  Again....great for T.V. but not the best for the woman in my opinion.  A 2010 Camaro is going to be lousy on gas, ridiculous to insure, and not very family friendly.  Have you ever tried to put a car seat and then a small child into that car seat in the back of a Camaro/Firebird?  I have...that's why I no longer have one (I miss you '89 firebird...).  They just don't work!  I think she would have been much better awarded with a family sedan or even a mini-van. 

With that said, I was glad that Chris acknowledged her personal problems in his summary.  I was also impressed to see that she became a personal trainer after her experience.  I will often speak about looking for experience when searching for a trainer.  Her personal experience could certainly benefit others and be a source of inspiration to them.

Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition on ABC

For those of you that know me, you know I'm not a big fan of NBC's Biggest Loser because the contestants are made to feel bad that they didn't lose enough weight.  Any weight loss should be celebrated.  Anyway, I was very excited to watch a new show on ABC called Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.  While I enjoyed this show a bit better, it still had the same flaws in my opinion.

If you listen close, you'll realize that the woman didn't lose all her weight in a year by working out 3 days per week, 20 minutes per day which is about what the average person can do.  She was working out 5 to 6 days per week (not unrealistic or even hard to do mind you...) and working out up to 6 hours per day.  Honestly - Who has 6 hours per day to work out?  We have work.  We have families.  We have kids that need cared for.  Also - ABC gave her a home gym...not just an exercise bike, but a whole gym!  I know I can't afford that.  Can you?  While the story makes for good TV, I'm afraid these shows are setting unrealistic expectations.  It is easy to gain weight but hard as hell to lose it.  I know - Honesty hurts but I've been there!

Set realistic expectations - 80 lbs in 90 days is not realistic in my opinion (unless of course you can afford to hire a personal trainer to move in with you, and the 6 hours per day to train...)  That's over 6.5 lbs per week.  Pick up any fitness book and they all say the same thing - any more than 1-2 lbs per week, and you are probably losing more than fat - you are losing muscle & water...  When all was said and done, I believe she lost an average of 3+ lbs per week...That's not too bad at all.

Realize however, that she lost the weight so fast, she had to have the surgery to cut off the excess skin.  By losing the weight more slowly, she wouldn't have had as much of a problem with the "hanging skin".  I don't know how much that surgery costs, but it's probably not cheap.

If you need to lose weight, and want to do it safely, call me.  I'd love to help.