I had a cholesterol test last week for the first time in 18 months. The result came back today and showed my ratio score to be 3.7, down from 4.7 in November 2003. Both results were within the desirable range of less than five.

Juliet suggested we have pizza tonight to celebrate!

My first cholesterol test in April 2003, which triggered the start of my fitness campaign, returned a ratio score of eight.

The report gives five different results, and only the “total cholesterol” at 5.6 was marginally outside the desired range of 5.5 or less. The ratio score is the accepted indicator.

My weight this morning was 177 pounds (80kg), which means I’m about four pounds overweight according to BMI calculations for my height (5′ 10″). I’m not concerned about that, but losing the last few pounds gives me something to aim for.

Considering I exercise about one hour a day, including a half-hour run five times a week, it shows how hard I have to work now to keep a respectable weight.

I exercise more now than I did in my early 20s, and my diet is probably better, but back then I could consume anything and not put on weight!