Richmond Fitness Challenge: Combatants in opposite directions at halfway point

Starting Weight: 168.4 lbs.

Current Weight:  167.8 lbs.

Starting Body Fat: 23 %

Current Body Fat: N/A

Thankfully, I have a great trainer in A.J. who equipped me with not only my regular routine, but also a modified hotel room workout, just in case the gym at the resort wasn’t up to snuff.

As you can imagine, with me heading to Mexico midway through the fitness challenge, the office was all abuzz.

“Oh man, Mongoose is going to put on 10 pounds at the beach,” chirped one co-worker. “Enjoy the free beers Rob, I know I would,” quipped my competition, Collin “Apres Ski” Neal. 

These comments were not without logic. How could I possibly not partake in my fair share of Pina Coladas and Chunky Monkey while in paradise? It’s 30 degrees out, sun, sand and surf, who wouldn’t want to indulge a little, be it a margarita or a few cervezas? 

Even A.J. told me with conviction before I left, “enjoy your vacation because once you’re back the real work begins.”

Real work, I thought. What have we been doing all this time if the real work hasn’t begun? I was beginning to empathize with how the family dog must feel the last weekend before he’s taken in for the old snip, snip. 

Better enjoy myself I guess. 

Fortunately, the hotel gym was up to snuff and my wife, Richelle, and I, while not the type to head out to the gym while on vacation, hit the gym hard two of the five days. We also played tennis and, I swear, I must have sweated out at least four litres in that hour.

I was on track, watching what I was eating (mostly fish, guacamole and meats high in protein). I avoided the really bad stuff, only had ice cream twice and dodged the margaritas and Chunky Monkey altogether. 

But there was one problem. The resort had all top-shelf liquor, such as Grey Goose, not the usual resort vodka that tastes like tequila. You know the one.

My old friend and nemesis Jameson was there, too. (I know bars in Vancouver that don’t carry Irish whiskey, what was he doing down here? Getting some sun, I guess).

Thing is, if you put something brown and full of alcohol down in front of me it will quickly disappear, only to be replaced by eight more.

Just ask my friend, Mike Knight. I don’t think I’m invited back to his house until the year 2025. 

And although Richelle and I were very active and stuck to the plan, my last unofficial weigh-in while in Mexico put me at 167.8 pounds, and dropping. 

Looks like the real work is about to begin. 

Until next week, Richmond. #TeamMongoose.