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Your podcast hosts, Pete and Gretchen, are in a battle that many people fight. They have weight and health issues that have become a pretty big (pun intended) problem. Join them as they share their stories as a husband and wife working together to find real results!
Episodes
Friday Mar 01, 2019
Friday Mar 01, 2019
A special bonus episode this week from Pete & Gretchen!
Episode 65 opens with a SPOILER ALERT of the Masked Singer in Gretchen’s #viewsfromthecouch. Then Pete makes a special announcement about a FatMan Chronicles 120-Day Weight Loss Challenge. Details coming soon but it starts on March 12th, so be ready!
Then the couple interviews Gretchen’s co-worker – Lou Pagotto. Lou sent us a bio and it is outstanding, so we share it here in its entirety:
“I am a product of a small town in Ontario born to immigrant Italian parents. Didn’t distinguish myself athletically while growing up as I was undersized. Played all sports in high school but did not play hockey and that made me an outlier. Life in a small Ontario town revolves around the success of its hockey team.
Played intermural athletics in college and during that period I started running short distances as I needed activity to keep some level of fitness between beer drinking.
Post college I dabbled at the 5K to 10K distance but did not go beyond until age 39 when I tried a half marathon. In the intervening 17 years I had gotten married, fathered and helped parent 3 kids and was chasing a career. I did a couple more half marathons before 2001 at which point it was time to fully commit to a marathon as the window was closing.
The marathon era lasted 6 years until late 2007 but recovery from chronic injuries were taking a mental toll. Due to high mileage I had several ‘over use’ issues and had become susceptible to calcium buildup in my heels and shoulders. Consciously I wound down the running in 2008 and took up road cycling as a substitute cardio activity.
The cycling continues to this day, and at least once a year, friends get together for a destination ride. We train indoors in the winter, then get on the road in mid April to build up endurance for the getaway week in the summer/fall. We’ve ridden in Texas, California, New York state, Iowa, France, Spain, and of course Canada. This fall we plan to conquer the Dolomites in Italy.
Over the past few years, I have experienced the loss of muscle mass that accompanies aging. With running or cycling, I had convinced myself that to get better, one had to do more mileage. It was all about improving the endurance dimension of performance. During the 18 years of running/cycling, with little cross training, my balance, flexibility, power and speed were all receding. There was nothing special about my diet either. With the concentration on cardio, I ate anything I wanted and was stuck at 184 lbs, albeit the mix had been tending to less muscle and more fat.
All my reading indicated that as you age, and once the cumulative loss of muscle mass hits a critical point, its difficult to get it back. With less muscle, your body becomes unstable and in turn you are more inclined to experience falls or unknowingly overload your joints even with normal day to day activity (why can’t I lift that luggage into the overhead compartment). These minor inconveniences accelerate the decline in your overall mobility. It was time for me to do a reset.
In June 2018 I embarked on a Keto diet program in concert with intermittent fasting (18/6). My hope with Keto/IF was to improve digestion, sleep, sharpen focus and alter body composition. As a by product maybe lose weight. In September I cut down cardio workouts from 5 days a week to 2 and added 4 days of body weight routines. Before the daily routine I start with 40 minutes of prep involving glute activation, hip/ankle mobility exercises, stretching and dynamic movement, all aimed at improving balance, flexibility and stability. In March, I will tweak the exercise routine again to focus more on leg strength/stability and less on chest/arms/back
What’s important to me now is not PB’s from a run or ride but rather longevity. How does my exercise routine and diet put me in a better position to have a great quality of life when I’m over 80. Its been said that people born today may be the first generation who can expect to live to 100. My desire is having the ability to get on the ground to play with my great grandchildren in my mid 80s without worrying about the consequences of falling or getting back up.”
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Tuesday Feb 26, 2019
Tuesday Feb 26, 2019
It’s race week!
Episode 64 is full of surprises and you’ll just have to listen to catch them all. As Pete preps for his first marathon, Gretchen returns to the treadmill making for a jam-packed #viewsfromthecouch.
And after some training updates, Pete dives into what bothers him about social media. Care to hear more? We are sure he is happy to chat with you off the air, as it should be.
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
Episode 63 is only about 12 days late. Not great. Could be worse.
Lots to catch up on starting with Gretchen’s latest trip and #viewsfromthecouch. Given that now her CFO and CEO might both be listening, is this segment in trouble?
Pete recaps his training. He claims he is ready to run the Newport News One City Marathon on 3/3/2019 with his good friend Rob’s support. Is he really?
That’s really about it this episode because, even with all this extra time, there was zero preparation. You expect no more.
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Friday Feb 01, 2019
Friday Feb 01, 2019
Episode 62 is finally here!
What have Pete & Gretchen been up to over the last couple of weeks? Well, Gretchen gives an update on her #viewsfromthecouch, “training,” and a work trip where she wrangled up some new listeners. Pete updates his training, including some time on the treadmill that nearly makes Gretchen lose it with laughter. He also has a run in with the police while running. Only could happen to him!
There is also a lot of talk about how to get on track with eating. Gretchen wants to lose more weight again. Pete talks about if it is importance or willpower that drives his decisions.
There is a little serious stuff wrapped inside all that fun!
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Thursday Jan 17, 2019
Thursday Jan 17, 2019
Episode 61 is all about an interview with FMC listener, Dan Seifring!
Dan lost over 100 pounds, became a half-marathoner, a full-marathoner, an Iron Man, and more! He continues to battle his weight but that does not slow him down. Dan is all about big goals and he is mowing them down whether he is at 210, 250, or 285. Inspirational and a ton of fun, we cannot thank Dan enough for coming on the show.
Also, if you are interested in the video where there is proof Dan is an IM finisher, you must check this out. Pete watched it and it may have gotten a little dusty. Amazing!
Oh, right, the show does start with the usual #viewsfromthecouch and some training updates. Really, it’s about Dan though.
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Friday Jan 11, 2019
Friday Jan 11, 2019
Let’s talk 2019 goals! In episode 60, Pete and Gretchen reveal their big goals for the year. And there are some surprises!
Before all the goal talk, we get Gretchen’s #viewsfromthecouch and training update. Pete shares how his training is going and some details about a recent road trip.
Pete also asks for anyone willing to come to talk about their way of eating live and in-person. So, if you are a vegan, vegetarian, calories in/calories out, Paleo, keto, etc., please reach out on social media or email at fatmanchronicles@outlook.com.
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Thursday Dec 27, 2018
Thursday Dec 27, 2018
Welcome to the FMC 2018 Holiday Spectacular!
Pete and Gretchen talk about Christmas, what’s been happening with their health, and the ABC show A Million Little Things. But that's not all!
From there, they get into a review of 2018. How did their “One Word” resolutions impact their life? Does Gretchen even remember hers? What will they remember about the year?
Their 2019 One Words are revealed. Or are they? Gretchen has some interesting things to say about that.
Pete has a call out for anyone with some WordPress expertise to help revamp the website. If you are interested in some swag and a hearty on-air thank you, please email him at fatmanchronicles@outlook.com.
Pete also asks for anyone willing to come to talk about their way of eating live and in-person. So, if you are a vegan, vegetarian, calories in/calories out, Paleo, keto, etc., please reach out on social media or email at fatmanchronicles@outlook.com.
And finally, if you would like a D'Amico Family holiday card, send your address and they will get it to you! Donations appreciated, but they will send regardless.
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Saturday Dec 15, 2018
Saturday Dec 15, 2018
Episode 58 gets right into Gretchen’s #viewsfromthecouch which covers the usual Bravo shows. Pete thinks one of the shows should be off the air, so let the hate mail begin!
Pete updates his training by talking about his longest run to date – a 16-miler. It was a very good 12-mile run, but, despite bonking, he finished and has a plan going forward.
The bulk of the episode deals with an article written by Paul Kita that appeared on Runner’s World’s online edition. Pete reads the entire article before they get into why it bothers them. If you’d like to read this again for yourself, you can find My Sensible Diet Is Boring, but It May Be the Healthiest Way to Eat by clicking here. Pete and Gretchen would love to hear your take. Were they too harsh? Did you agree? Let them know!
They wrap up the episode with a discussion of what makes a popsicle. This is an important question, so feel free to weigh in.
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Tuesday Dec 11, 2018
Tuesday Dec 11, 2018
Pete & Gretchen kick off episode 57 with no wine and a new show to talk about in the #viewsfromthecouch segment. They chat about training (Gretchen, none; Pete, getting better) and the most, and least, popular baby names of 2018. Why? Because Pete still doesn’t understand what makes good podcasting.
The rest of the show is all about an interview with Jason Todd, the race director the One City Marathon in Newport News, VA – the site of Pete’s first marathon. Jason tells us about how he got into running and race directing that eventually led to the One City Marathon. He gives a ton of information about the race, so now is the time to join in the fun! Visit the race website - https://www.onecitymarathon.com/ - and let us know if you sign up!
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar
Friday Nov 30, 2018
Friday Nov 30, 2018
Episode 56 starts out like any other episode with some wine, #viewsfromthecouch, and training updates. Pete has a thank you message for those that reached out after episode 55. The support was overwhelming. Finally, a couple of shout outs to loyal listeners who crushed their marathon PRs in Philly. Way to go Kirsten and Kevin!
The bulk of the episode is an interview with Heather Bozovich. If her last name is familiar, it is because her husband, Rob, was an early guest on FMC and he’s the co-host of the oft-mentioned Endurance for Everyone podcast. Heather tells us a little about herself and then really lends some insight into what it is like to be the spouse while the other person is out doing crazy distance events. Communication and a true love for watching people achieve their goals on race day are just two smalls parts of the wisdom she imparts.
Heather was great and we cannot thank her enough!
Now, get out there and #bebettertoday!
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher, or in your favorite podcast app!
Also, consider becoming a patron by clicking the Patron button at: https://patron.podbean.com/fatmanchronicles. Pete & Gretchen can’t offer much, but the shout out, good karma, and appreciation will make your life better!
Get your FMC gear and swag at fatmanchronicles.com/shop.
Find FatMan Chronicles at:
Fatmanchronicles.com
Facebook.com/fatmanstories
Twitter & Instagram - @fatmanstories
Email – fatmanchronicles@outlook.com
Music – “You Got Me Wrong” by Sifar