Holiday Challenge Day 24

Today I tried something new. My friend asked me to join in on a bike to barre class. It's an hour long half on bike half leg strengthening class using techniques from ballet. Seeing as though I could use some good stabilization techniques, and also promised some good coffee afterward, I decided to dismiss any sort of traditional masculine/feminine judgments and go with it. Heck, professional sports players swear by ballet exercises. 

It was fun and challenging! My legs are on fire. Thanks for the invite, Ryan! 

Afterwards I had a good discussion which further solidified my desire to keep pushing towards skin surgery and becoming spin certified. I've worked to hard to not do the things I love and feel uncomfortable in my own skin. 

I guess a moral of today would be shed the judgments of others. If God is for us, who can be against us? My counselor pout it this way today: this might be a challenging level in the video game of life, but you gotta figure it out to get to the end of the game. Cool things is, you have friends who are helping you to figure it out, and God is your hp!

Holiday Challenge Day 23

My gym announced its weight loss challenge for the new year today. It's pretty awesome to be debating whether or not I want to take place since the goal would be to lose about 16+ lbs in 8 weeks. The awesome thing about that is that my current trajectory and goal is less than that...and I'm ok with that! We will see what I decide.

(Put up my tree last night)

Today's spin and strength was great, as a new instructor tried out the spin portion. I felt motivated to push harder and harder, and it was great to log a 50/50 cardio/fat loss for the hour, pushing the watts to over a 100.

Today's goal, especially as my students are studying hard for exams is PUSH HARDER! While we're still in the beginning of the week, now is the time to do what we first set out to do: keep the holiday weight from coming on, or take off the extra weight we've put on. For some of you this will mean taking a few pounds off now so as to make up for the coming feasts at Christmas time. 

During spin and strength we got outside today for a couple sprints. Take advantage of the weather, regardless of whether you are protesting global warming. It's so nice to be energized for the week by the sun that is shining for you! Thanks, God!

Holiday Challenge Days 18-22 Weigh In Day

I'm back! Sorry for the small hiatus, as I figured out some personal things. In retrospect, I need to listen to my own advice and keep posting, in good times and in bad. That's the message of Gaudete Sunday...rejoice in the Lord always!

Weigh In Day

Weight maintained (-0lbs)!

Challenge start: 224

Week 1: 223.8, -.2lbs

Week 2: 219.4, -4.4lbs

Week 3: 219.4, -0lbs

Total: -4.6lbs 

Having had some highs and lows this week, I'm happy they balance out to maintainence. Especially with the dramatic dip of last week I actually expected a small gain this week. This could mean that with some perseverance I could see another larger dip this next week. 

I was so happy to get to LA Fitness to train with Erica. I simply need more strength training in my life, as I am somewhat addicted to spin. Too much cardio can be bad. If I want the results in looking for, strength is key. Good news is my macros have been on point, and I'm still improving in the bike. Training with Erica also showed improvements, both in strength and in her spin class. 

Some great news that I received this week is that a plastic surgeon is willing to see me in the new year for a consultation on skin removal surgery. I am so excited to begin what I would call phase 3 of this transformation, phase 1 being initial weight loss in rehab, phase 2 being weight loss on my own. This would be the phase of feeling comfortable in my own skin, pun intended. I would look to a fourth and final phrase which would be muscle growth and maintainence. 

On my advent alcohol fast, I am happy to say that I have stuck to it. It's perhaps why I maintained rather than gained this week, because there have been some celebrations with friends that could have contributed to more calories in the drink department. I've been happy with my Diet Coke (don't hate).

This week I will be committed to blogging daily, as I prepare for vacation down to Florida. It's about time to return to the sun and restore some energy to my body and soul with good friends and warm climate!

Holiday Challenge Day 17

Today was one of those very blah days for me. We all get them sometimes. It's funny how they can seem to hit without warning, or how the weather being just the least bit cloudy can change the mood. It's then that I have to realize the power that comes from God is invisible, immaterial. I have to reach out to him.

I'm doing a lot more of that lately, even as I become more accustomed to a daily rhythm of life in my new assignment. I need the Lord, I need my program, I need good people in my life. It's not bad to need these things because I am powerless over many things in my life. 

Some friends will come and go. Others who love you and what you are about will be there for you when you need to reach out. And that's why I turn to God above all, because he is always there with his mercy and his unconditional love.

Now is not the time to fall back into old patterns, and fall into overeating or isolation. When you are HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired), this is the time to halt and reach out. 

Holiday Challenge Day 16

Today was a good day, as I got up for an early sunrise spin at 6:30. Ryan worked us hard, as I put in my greatest early ride output yet (not a record in watts, but definitely a record in heart rate). 

Today also Pope Francis Inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Mercy with the opening of the Holy Door in St Peter's. When I returned home it was great to confirm some news that I get to share with you all. Allison Gingras of Reconciled to You and A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras on Breadbox Media has asked me to be the Chaplain for a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi this upcoming September 24-October 1st. We will get to walk through these very same Holy Doors of Mercy! 

Let me share what I wrote for some possible promotional material:

I am so happy to be making this pilgrimage with Allison during the Year of Mercy. It was Easter of 2005 during a term abroad as a student at Franciscan University when I decided to become a seminarian for my diocese after seeing St John Paul II give his final Urbi et Orbi blessing in St Peter's Square. Now, returning to Rome and Assisi as a priest, I will be able to offer thanks for my vocation, bringing with me the intentions of all those I serve, and offering the sacraments to our pilgrims. What a blessing it will be to walk through the Holy Door opened by Pope Francis, and celebrate the mercies of God with pilgrims throughout the world!

Remaining true to my health and wellness program, I will also be excited to offer some support to our pilgrims to stay spiritually and physically fit as we enjoy Italian cuisine and our tours around these beautiful sights.

More information will follow!

At Newman we held Mass for the Immaculate Conception. We have our own doors which are open for Mercy. If there's a tip for this day, it's if you are struggling with anything, be it the food, be it stress, be it sin, bring it to the fount of God's mercy in the confessional. And realize that the Immaculate Virgin wishes to help you in the fight. She who was preserved from all sin wishes to share these graces to preserve and keep us holy. 

Holiday Challenge Day 15 Weigh In

-4.4lbs!

Challenge start: 224

Week 1: 223.8, -.2lbs

Week 2: 219.4, -4.4lbs

Total: -4.6lbs 

Super excited to be under 220lbs, as this represents a new territory for me in my weight loss. It also inches me that much closer to the official bmi designation of overweight vs obese, even though I know that with skin surgery I wouldn't be in that category. 

The last few days on the bike have been strenuous and I've been very gassed. To show up this morning and put out a record 161 watts in 45 minutes is so amazing. I'm starting this week off right! 

Get that heart rate up!

It's great to be in a place that motivated me to push beyond what I thought I could do. Making new friends in the process is definitely key. 

As I look to this second week of Advent and tomorrow's great feast of the Immaculate Conception, I pray for Mary's intercession that in my weakness I may be brought to experience more sanctifying grace. It's great to have power on the bike, it's even greater to have the power to love. 

Holiday Challenge Day 14

Get it done! Completing the second week of our challenge and looking forward to tomorrow's weigh in, we look to our original intentions and advantages for sticking to this program. If you haven't been super strong at your resolves, now is the time to kick it into gear before Christmas time. The holiday parties and super sweets are on the way. Now is the time to strengthen your resolves and build up some virtue so that you can resist those extra calories. 

I'm so edified by my friends who completed the Hot Chocolate Run for safe passage in NoHo today. If it weren't for me having to work I would have been with them. My Sunday spin instructor and motivator friend Ryan ran the course and then taught HIIT ride today. I was so upset my Fitbit couldn't keep up with the ride, but I put in the work anyway. It's not all about the technology, it's about getting it done!

(Part of team energia-50/50 fitness at hot chocolate run)

Holiday Challenge Days 12-13

Yesterday was pretty busy, as I had to go to a family event and then travel to Boston for Lift at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. I was completely gassed in the morning due to a great tabata workout. This morning after returning from Boston at 1am, I somehow mustered the strength to get to 60 minute spin. I just keep putting in the work, despite a busy schedule, and the results are showing!

On that note, it's a good idea to take pictures of yourself as you progress through your journey. I realized that I had a picture taken at lift last year. Here's just a year from Advent 2014 to Advent 2015: 

What's great is remembering the amazing transformation the picture on the left already was. The Lord's power is definitely awesome!

It may be humbling to take photos of yourself, but I tell you the off for remaining faithful to your efforts is being able to have inspiring pictures like this. It also helps to see what I will never go back to. So if you haven't already, take a before picture that you would like to refer to later. Stay motivated!

Holiday Challenge Day 11

Part of doing a challenge is not going it alone. Challenge yourself by challenging others or being inspired by others. Some rely on accountability partners, trainers, life coaches, clergy, or close friends. 

Last night I had a convo with a friend who needed a little encouragement to get back on track. We can set our intention to change, and we can do a lot on our own power, but those who experience the greatest amount of change and continued motivation are people who realize that the power of the community is greater than themselves.

This is so awesome to know, both as a concept and a reality. When you are feeling down, reach out! And when you reach out, you will see that isolation was and will be antithetical to your life's goals and maintenance. 

So tell someone you are doing this challenge. Ask someone for help! Inspire someone else to complete it with you! 

Holiday Challenge Day 10

Yet another cloudy and rainy day here in Massachusetts, and it led to a great siesta in the afternoon. Luckily I got a really awesome spin and strength in this evening before all our night events at Newman. I'm getting stronger and stronger!

Today, as I got caught in rain traffic on the way back from my counseling session, I reflected on the need to slow down and breathe amidst all the stress. I was powerless over the conditions, the other drivers, the red lights, the fact that I would be a few minutes late. It actually made for a good homily and for a good tip during our challenge. Stress is stressful...that's a tautology. But our reaction to stress can be a whole host of things. 

Negatively:

flight, anger, isolation, anxiety, short temper, overeating, drinking, other addictive behaviors

Positively: the serenity prayer, breathing, meditation, relaxation music, a phrase like "I am powerless over this," or, "this is just where I am, this too will pass."

We can choose how we act if we recognize the moment of the stress. 

Serenity prayer:

Holiday Challenge Day 9

I was pleasantly surprised when I logged in to myfitnesspal last night to complete my diary, and lo and behold, they've added a beta feature that I believe may revolutionize dining out experiences! There is a check in feature to your favorite restaurant, supposedly allowing you to find nutritional information for participating restaurants, all in one convenient place. So cool!

This morning, with a student involved in our healthy food/marketing initiative for the Newman Cafe, I am planning on getting into our kitchen downstairs and creating a list of all the meals below 600 calories. This is needed work here, because as myfitnesspal is recognizing, more and more people want to know exactly what they are eating. 

For today, get to know what you are eating (use myfitnesspal if you haven't already). Find out the calories of your food. How about the fat, carbs, and protein? We are going to use all this information to create a plan that works for you to keep this challenge going!

God, help me to know you, and to know the food I'm eating!

Holiday Challenge Day 8

Weigh In Day!

Begin challenge weight: 224

Week 1: 223.8, -.2lbs

Total Challenge: -.2lbs

I am so happy to have maintained weight throughout thanksgiving week, and to be a tiny bit under where I started, even with a hiccup along the way. Now the real work begins! I expect because I am losing weight rapidly after a fluctuation, that I will see a significant change this week. 

I am undertaking a certain penance and preparation for Christmas during Advent this year. Alcohol is a contributing factor to overeating and at the very least empty calories. It's something I've been praying about for a while now, and just confirmed for me in the last week by starting the challenge. 

While you begin this second week of the challenge, are you motivated to do something new up until Christmas? 

Holiday Challenge Days 6-7

Don't sit on your laurels! Everybody struggles, even me...that's why I wrote this blog. After a dreary day yesterday, in which I tried my first TRX class out, I rested well. Only at the end of the day I knew I had a going away get together for a friend who is moving out of the area. Needless to say, I think I had a little too much calorie wise for the day, especially without spinning. 

My weight fluctuates when I'm not so careful, and more than just the science would suggest. It's a great reminder that there are some things that I need to avoid altogether. I think that is what God is placing on my heart as I begin Advent.

Advent is here! 

Today I went on endurance ride and racked up the largest wattage yet on the spin bike. 

A 75 minute class was awesome, and a good way to reframe and get back on track today. Though I don't expect to have lost any lbs for the week (I had, but one incident of overeating post turkey day is enough to change that), I might actually maintain for the week. That would be a true blessing. 

Today brought its own blessing in being able to go down to celebrate the retirement of a good friend and fellow minister, Sr Connie. God bless her, as she hears the call of service wherever he is providing for her. She will be truly missed at OLSH. I am so happy to know her and so many good parishioners, as we gathered to celebrate our faith and friendship. 

One parishioner came up to say she was inspired to begin a journey and has lost 18lbs in two months, even though she has some physical limitations that keep her from exercising. This is what makes my job and blog so worth it!

For this advent, and as you finish your weekend, reflect on something you might want to work on giving up (I know it's not lent, but it's a great time to clear out the clutter to make more room for the Lord).

For me, I started off with a good confession, and a focused penance that will take me through this challenge. 

Holiday Challenge Day 5

Good morning, Black Friday shoppers! You might actually consider all your shopping endeavors as a workout today, as you dash about the aisles and get that step count up. 

I got up, covered Mass in South Deerfield, and then headed over to the gym for some more turkey busting spin. I had my best class at energia yet! 

Today, as I return I'm focused on today's challenge goal: be careful with all those leftovers!

My trainer offered this morning that one day of overeating is not going to destroy most dedicated people's resolves. That might be true for most people, but if you're just starting out on this journey, or if you don't remain vigilant today, things could spiral out of control. Today, if you want to continue thanksgiving, give thanks for the new day it is, and get back on track if yesterday was a bit crazy.

Tips for leftovers:

1. Without the social pressures, it is easier to weigh, measure, and portion your food. 

2. Use a smaller plate. 

Here is a typical thanksgiving dinner I'm having for lunch today. Half the plate, almost half the calories. 

3. Skip those pieces of bread. It may be fun to make a sandwich out of left overs, but all that stuffing is already a carb overload. You can save up to 250 calories by just having the stuff inside that sandwich.

4. Give leftovers away, or throw away what you know is going to present a problem for you. It's better in the waste rather than in your waist. 

Happy shopping!

Holiday Challenge Day 4

Preparing thanksgiving for 5 people last minute is stressful, so thank you for your patience, as I meant to have a post up this morning. I hope you took yesterday's advice and prepared for the today's feast well.

Overall, I had a fantastic day. I started off by hitting the gym at 7am for some turkey buster spin. I have a friend from the Newman Center that I race. I was spinning on 4 hours of sleep, and after an intense spin and strength class the night before. Thank God for preworkouts!

Killing it at the gym, I raced back home to shower and then say Thanksgiving Mass at 9am. I preached about Jesus' eternal act of thanksgiving to the Father, enabling us to be thankful. We receive the powers to be thankful and to love from God, he is the one who makes it all happen. I urged my community to pray a thanksgiving prayer over their meals, and to be attentive to the command to love when we are tempted to petty division in our family gatherings. 

I slaved in the kitchen for the next few hours. For my first complete thanksgiving meal, I think it came out wonderfully. The skin on the turkey was a little burnt, but that was because I wasn't used to a convection oven. It was cooked to perfection inside, though!

Here was the spread:

And here was my plate. I stuck to one plate, with a small portion of extra turkey (needed protein to recover from recent workouts). 

Overall I counted the meal as follows:

Turkey 8oz, 347 cal

Turkey Gravy 1/4 cup, 25 

Brussels, onions, prosciutto, 1/2 cup, 95 

Butternut Squash, 1/4 cup, 52 

Olive Oil, 1 tbsp, 120

Sweet Potatoes 1/4 cup, 43

Mashed Potatoes 1/4 cup, 69

Stuffing, 1/2 cup, 209

Cranberry Sauce 1/8 cup, 50

Smoked Gouda 2oz, 140

Crackers, 5, 46

Pumpkin Pie, 1 slice, 323

Cookies, 2, 130

Red Wine, 8oz, 240

Over all total cal for dinner: 1890

average t-day calories consumed: 4500 (according to the Calorie Control Council)

Total for me: 3453

Total cal output (including gym): 2584

I did pretty well today. I may have had some high calorie beverages, but I got enough exercise in to make what I wanted calorie budget wise. I can say that I am truly thankful for Myfitnesspal.

But more importantly, for God, family, friends, and faith! 

To you and yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Now to clean up? :(

See you tomorrow with a Black Friday post!

Holiday Challenge Day 3

It's preparation day! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and that means that it's time to plan for that big feast. I am cooking for my family this year, so I am going to be focused on figuring out all the calories in the food as I go. Tomorrow's post will focus on that. 

Some things you can do to prepare for tomorrow:

1. Learn how to track your food. If you haven't done it before, get yourself an app like myfitnesspal. Make sure you input everything. Try to input it before you eat it.

2. Give yourself a limit. Hit that calorie mark? One plate? One dessert? Two adult beverages? Write down where you are going to stop tomorrow. 

3. Make some no choices right now, that is, what are you definitely going to cut out tomorrow? Maybe it's no stuffing, no pie, no gravy. Make some choices that reflect where you might go off the deep end and not be able to stop. If you are going to a party, perhaps request some alternatives to those no choices. 

4. Get some exercise in today. This is important, but it is not going to be the free ticket to overindulge tomorrow. Weight loss is more about diet. Maintenance is more about doing what is necessary daily, like getting an appropriate amount of exercise. 

5. Be thankful for today's preparation. Sometimes holidays can be hard because they bring up old family stressors. Decide today that you are not going to let any of that translate into an all out binge fest tomorrow. Be thankful that you have a plan to stay on track and complete this holiday challenge. 

Holiday Challenge Day 2

I want to make some of the suggestions of this challenge a little easier day by day than last year's. If you want an in depth challenge, please refer to the archives for more material. 

Today's challenge can be to compile a small list of 5 things that you will benefit from by maintaining your goals this holiday season.

For example:

1. I won't weigh 5-10lbs more 

2. I will be thankful for the other blessings in my life that aren't food/drink related

3. I will become a more generous person if I focus on the poor, feed the needy

4. I will be able to ward of lesser temptations in the future

5. I'll be ahead of the game by the new year, and that much closer to my ultimate goals

After you complete your list, say a little prayer. Ask God to bless this challenge, and for these benefits or promises to come true. God is on your side this holiday season. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

Holiday Challenge Day 1

Hi friends! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and that brings with it the most wonderful temptations! We are tempted to overindulge. We are tempted to give up our fitness routines because "baby, it's cold outside." The average weight gain this time of year, depending on who you talk to, is between 3-10 pounds, when it's all said and done. Some pack on even more, believing they are like the bears and need to hibernate for the winter.

While there are certainly primal reasons why we pack on the pounds during the winter time, we are nevertheless reasoning animals, and can use the power of our own minds and wills to curb this socially acceptable trend. What's more is that we have the power of God on our side, he who desires to bless these endeavors of health and wellness. Instead of waiting for New Years resolutions, we can ward off merely reacting to our poor choices by making some good choices with God's help right now!

This doesn't mean giving up the goodies, it means being diligent, motivated, and a little bit savvy with regard to the food filled events that we are going to attend. It also means that we can decide to start, maintain, or step up in our fitness routines. 

The title of this year's challenge reflects a more inclusive tone than last year's, although my goals are very similar. Since I am now more or less near my maintainence weight, I will be focused on some weight loss, but more focused on helping to provide that daily motivation to keep going. 

Today I weigh in at 224lbs. My goal for this challenge will be to be 215lbs by January 9th, a loss of just 9lbs, but very doable. If you remember, I lost 22lbs last holiday season. 9lbs may seem less, but percentage wise it is a bit greater, since I have lost over 50lbs since then. If I make it to this goal, this is well within the range of being actually under 200lbs factoring in the amount of excess skin that will need to be removed.

As with last year I will keep a weekly weigh in, this time on Mondays. I'd encourage you who decide to take the challenge with me to do the same. 

So today: set your goal, whether it is maintainence or loss. Weigh in. And then decide to keep reading through this challenge. If anything today, just think about your choices throughout today. Is it easy to forgo that extra latte in that red cup at Starbucks? 

Please feel free to send me a message if you want some support! 

Back blogging, and Holiday Challenge Announcement

Hi folks! It's been an interesting transition to the Newman Center at UMass. I hit some rough patches establishing a new routine, and struggled lately in maintaining things. I was recently blessed to take a small retreat at Guest House in Lake Orion, where I finished the continuing care program, and reinvigorated my efforts to treat my food addiction, as well as worked out with an awesome trainer friend. I am happy to report that my weight is back on track and I am motivated to take on the holidays! 

Some exciting things to report: 

Together with some Newman Community members that started a good initiative last year, we are developing a marketing strategy and healthy choices menu for the Newman Cafe. The efforts are slow, but coming together. Changing culture is hard, but it is necessary in this atmosphere where most students are used to healthy options on campus. 

Moving to Amherst has been a blessing during the fall season. I called up a friend who hiked Monadnock with me in September and we tackled the Seven Sisters trail, a 6 mile hike through the mountains surrounding Amherst and Hadley. 

It was an early morning sunrise spectacular, coupled with amazing foliage viewing and semi challenging climbs. This trail just kept going and going and going. Happy to say that I've done it! 

I recently joined the energia and 50/50 fitness studios on route 9 in Hadley. Justin and Katie have been so gracious in their welcome to this energetic spin community.

 I am happy to make some new friends, and learn some different styles of training. I got my butt kicked at a trx tabata class, and keep focused on increasing my watt hours for the generated energy on the spin bikes. 

Having a gym that I am motivated to attend has been a key factor in restoring my sanity over the last month.

I was truly humbled and thankful recently when my la fitness trainer and friends took me out to lunch after spin class there. I am so happy to keep in contact with this community, and grateful for our friendship.

Today I am announcing my commitment to the Holiday Challenge. I want to be inclusive in the title, since I know there are people who struggle with weight on either ends of the spectrum. This challenge will be geared towards my personal goals, but will include tips for avoiding cravings, or making healthier choices during the holiday season. I will formally begin this challenge this upcoming Monday. 

I want to extend my prayers towards all those recently affected by terrorism throughout the world. These recent events put things into perspective, especially the need to focus on spiritual health. The twelve steps offer us hope when we are powerless over events like these. We can believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore the world to sanity. We can turn our lives over to God's care, as we understand God. And in this, let us also recognize  that as God cares for us, so too should we care for others. 

Moving is tough

Being uprooted from my routine and area has been tough on me. I tried to consider moving furniture and boxes and trying for modest step counts at the Big E over the last week to be "exercise". Even if it is, I have greatly missed my gym. Now that I'm pretty much moved into my new residence at the Newman Center at UMass, I can try to figure out a way of life that includes a local gym. I worked out last night for the first time in a week. 

My weight has fluctuated about 5lbs. It's nothing I haven't seen before, but it also has to do with food. I spent one night at the Big E that was definitely not tracked beforehand. It got out of hand. Getting back on track is difficult without an established gym, so it has left me feeling a little out of place. I need to remember my support system, turn this over to God, make some phone calls, get to a meeting, and I need to accept that I can't go back to a regular schedule at my old gym. Time to move on. 

In all this, it feels so trite compared to the sufferings in this world. Christians were martyred on a college campus in Oregon two days ago. Now that I'm back on a college campus, I ponder the mystery of why I'm here...and it's all about witness. May more of us be able to stand up and say #iamachristian. 

Growth and change

Recently my trainer has been pushing me to increase my protein in my diet. There are so many theories out there about protein needs in strength training. After being weary to change, especially since my calorie intake is so important to me, I noticed some good ways to increase protein, one of them being ground turkey. 

Though I fear I'm loving the protein powder too much, increasing to 200g a day in total protein intake has helped immensely, both in strength and weight. Last week after a 5lb flux from climbing the mountain and taking extra days off in the gym, I've worked through my plateau, and am finally down to about 223. 

Change! I've been reassigned as a chaplain at the Newman Center at UMass Amherst. I will have great access to food and exercise options there....but I'm so conflicted. I want to thank Erica for helping me in these past months to grow so much. I just don't want to leave my gym at the moment. Praying for wisdom. 

Lord of the Mountain

Today I accomplished a goal I've had since my days in High School at Northfield Mount Hermon. My men's group from the parish, an alumnus of NMH and I scaled the 3100ft high white cross and white dot trails of Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire!

At first glance, it's no joke. Once you start hiking, it's really no joke. We had perfect conditions, but knew that, once we hit the tree line and the rock climbing began, our legs were in for pain. All the pain was worth the spectacular views and the promise of saying Holy Mass at the summit. 

We made it in 1:20 up to the summit with only a few people at the top. We could see the outline of Boston on the horizon. 

The fog was intense and beautiful in the valley. 

We found a flat rock a little ways down that would serve its purpose as an altar for the Lord. 

Saying Mass at over 3000ft was a first and a completely awesome event. 

Of course there were plenty of moments for selfies. 

I really enjoyed the commeraderie of the guys on the hike. I found out my NMH alum friend Mike never got to climb with his senior class during Mountain Day. When I had first tried to scale the mountain back in 2002, I could only make it to the tree line, when my quads gave out and I had to return down with help. Making it to the top was a completion of the senior climb for both of us (though, to be fair, Mike had climbed it before, lol). 

One of the Mountain Day traditions of at NMH was eating chili after the climb. We all returned to Alumni Hall after, in search of said chili...but alas...we were treated to an awesome steak lunch instead. Oh, and the beautiful day just kept getting more beautiful with the addition of the view from Memorial Chapel. 

Last, but not least, how can I leave you without the most awesome plank shots? 

Two days before the climb, I got to go to my first NFL game, preseason between the the Jets and Eagles. Of course, I planked:

Fast forward to today's climb, hours north in NH: 

Next stop...Mount Washington?