WLW: The First 30
by Scott Hardie on March 13, 2008

Since we're still putting off NutriSystem until our bank accounts recover from the move, Kelly and I have been focusing on exercise instead. So far it's mostly a lap around the apartment complex a few nights a week, saying hi to underdressed strangers walking their dogs. Last weekend we tried the mall. If you haven't been to Sarasota, let's just say it makes Naperville look like Cicero. Rich people paying hundreds of dollars for a pair of shoes they'll wear once; artwork priced at what you paid for your last new car. At least it keeps us from impulse buying while we stroll past.
Tonight we used the fitness center at the apartment complex for the first time, now that we've finally gotten the passcode, just to try it and see if we like it. It's mostly weight machines, which I'd gladly give up to make room for a single bike. I spent ten minutes on the treadmill at a low pace and burned a mere 30 calories, probably only one drink of soda's worth, but it felt good to make that first step. I feel like a business owner who frames his first dollar.
Three Replies to WLW: The First 30
Anna Gregoline | March 13, 2008
Good for you!
Jackie Mason | March 14, 2008
[hidden by author request]
Logical Operator
The creator of Funeratic, Scott Hardie, blogs about running this site, losing weight, and other passions including his wife Kelly, his friends, movies, gaming, and Florida. Read more »

Random News
Russian reporter murdered by the state. When I observed to a Bulgarian friend that Russia seems to be sinking back into its old fascist state by breaking one inviolable law at a time, he remarked that it always was that way and always will be that way. Whatever things we may dislike about our Congress or President, thank goodness they don't murder us for saying so. Go »
You Won't See This in the Goo Game
Jeopardy! history was made yesterday: (link) Go »
Roger Ebert Should Lay Off the Facial Reconstructive Surgery
When Roger Ebert took ill last fall, I thought it would pass in a week like his previous cancer scares, and he'd barely mention it. Then he didn't come back to work for months, and I thought he'd announce his retirement, because it's really hard to go back to doing something full-time when you've rested too long, even if you love it like he does. Then he announced that he'd be present at his annual film festival this month, and I thought the recovery was done and he was about to return. Go »
Pug Life
A friend recently contacted Kelly and me out of the blue to ask if we could take care of her dog for six days while she was on vacation, since the arranged sitter was suddenly unavailable. Neither Kelly nor I have experience taking care of dogs, and we're definitely not dog people. I was attacked by a dog when I was little and I've never been comfortable around them, especially any dog large enough to leap up from the ground and reach my face with its teeth. Go »
Revisiting Survivor: Australia
Since I'm a fan of Survivor and I missed the first halves of early seasons when they aired, lately I've rented them on DVD to see what I missed. And it's given me an opportunity to reflect on how the show has changed over twelve seasons. The first two seasons had a special quality that has largely been missing every since, which is the genuineness of the cast. Go »










Matthew Preston | March 13, 2008
Nice job, keep it up! The hardest part I've found with exercising is finding the motivation to start. The accomplishment of a completed workout is such a great feeling however.
You likely burned more than 30 calories though. Because calories are a measurement of heat, those machines aren't exactly the best calculators. Did it give you the option to enter your weight? Did you break a sweat? According to the online calculator I listed below, I would burn 121 calories walking briskly. Check it out (probably not the foremost in reputable counters, but a good place to start).
http://www.caloriecontrol.org/exercalc.html