BRB

Sorry for not updating recently, things with work/life/fitness/church are really limiting my time recently. I am going to have to take a little break from blogging for a few weeks - shall return as things settle.

Still working out and enjoying it - starting to see results very quickly as well. It's nice.

Be back soon!

Oh yeah, almost forgot. TriRunner is doing something really cool, it's for a great cause.

CHECK IT OUT!

This was great -

Wednesday I was forced to take my rest day of the week, as opposed to Sunday. Church meeting ran quite a bit over.

Last night was my favorite workout thus far. It is pure weight slinging that really leaves you feeling the burn. If you are considering doing this program, do yourself a favor and invest in some dumbbells. You can use resistance bands, as every workout has an alternative. Erin is currently using those and it just doesn't work as well I don't think. It seems like you spend more time trying to figure out how to do the exercises w/them, rather than just jumping right in and following along. Plus, I believe the bells allow you increase/decrease your weight per exercises to make sure you are getting maximum benefits. I'm really happy with this workout and program thus far.

Tonight is YogaX and I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward to it or not. I have heard it's tough, so I invested in a strap and some yoga blocks to help me with my current lack of flexibility.

Overall, here lately I am seeing a huge boost of energy and how I feel. I don't believe it's due to P90x, but just changing my diet over time, drinking nothing but water and being more active. I don't believe P90x is a miracle program, it's just common sense. It's nice though, to have a everything layed out for you, somebody motivating you and of course, doing it in your own living room on your own time certainly been convenient. I think anybody can achieve the exact same results and benefits without the program just by following basic, fundamental truths of diet and exercise. Were going for lifestyle changes here, nothing temporary.

Here lately, before I make any adjustments to my diet or exercise, I ask myself if it is something I'm really going to continue doing from now on. Is it just a fad ? What are my goals ? Why do I feel like this will benefit me ? If I don't feel like I will continue it and make it part of my everyday life, then I don't waste my time. That's what I like about this program. When my 180 days are up, I can apply everything I have learned into my daily routines and goals to increase my fitness for a lifetime, not just 3 or 6 months. I can't help but think; people who are only worried about how they look during this program or any for that matter, are destined for failure. That will only drive you so long. When doing a fitness routine, ftiness should be of top priority. Looking good is just the cherry on top.

Plyometrics - Day 2

"A form of exercise that uses rapid movements to develop muscular power"

What a workout ! Despite what some have said, I believe this was harder than the 1st workout, so intense. Absolutely no mercy during this workout. I had some flashbacks of playing sports growing up, many of the moves were the same we use to do to condition on the field. Many of them are very high impact and taxing on the body. I was very proud that I made it all the way through. I think eventually, this will become one of my favorites, as for now - I dread next Tuesday with a passion.
Erin was a champ about half way through, but due to her on going back problems, we both decided it was time for to stop. We simply can't afford for her to totally be down on her back, with a two month old. I am hoping this program in the long run will help her back problems. It's something she has had a struggle with most of her life and something we have had to deal with throughout our two year marriage.

As for P90x day two, what an awesome program this is so far! When my heart rate is that high, I sweat that much and this sore after a workout - I know it is going to have positive effects on my fitness. Loving it.

OUCH

Just a quick update, have been busier than ever w/work and life in general.

We started P90x last night, man that first workout was painful. I always hated chin ups and was never a real big fan of push ups neither, so almost a whole hour of that crap really had me going. Tonight is Plyometrics, which I hear isn't much easier.

Through all the pain, I certainly got a great workout and I look forward to seeing what else the program has to offer. Erin held up like a champ and I am proud of her for doing this program with me.

I plan to update daily as we progress through this program and plan to update with pics and specs as I get time.

For those of you who haven't tried P90x yet, I would say to take a look at it. It's a well rounded, thought out, no brainer of a workout and eating plan. I look forward to the results and believe it will help assist me in my training. My plan is to do two cycles (180 days) of it, which will then allow me to focus purely on running at the beginning of the year, giving me 5 months to train for my first marathon in 2010.

Life is so much better with goals and a plan. Sometimes we don't hit our goals and sometimes our plans don't quite work out, but they are worth setting anyway, just for the day to day journey.

Chat

Sometimes my wife gets online and chats with me periodically throughout the day. It's been nice, we have become a lot closer because of it.

me: what was we eating tonight anyway?

Erin: meatloaf or burgers

me: sounz g - o - o -d
i member when i use to chat when i was 12 online and i use 2 use numbers a lot and my sentences never made any rEaL sense and they run on and sometimes i use to TyPe LiKe tHis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL

Erin: You are bored.

me: indeed.

Going to be a family thing.....

I have never purchased anything from an infomercial. Seriously. I am also not one to run out and buy the latest thing neither. I have been keeping my eye on P90x - not because I seen it on tv, but because I had been hearing about the amazing results that people were getting. I have always liked the old fashion hard work concept of the program and the convenience of working out at home. So I made the leap, according to the my tracking info, it arrived at my house this morning. Cool.

The main reason I am going to try this program is because, well, my wife will actually do it with me. I have a struggle between my time devoted to fitness and my time devoted to family. Erin has agreed to follow me through this program, since she has some pregnancy weight she wants to shed. My plan is to incorporate this daily @ home and fit in runs when I can. My plan is to run two marathons (will post which ones soon) next year, so I will have to really crack down on my running by January 2010. I figured this certainly won't hurt my progress, since I seek overall fitness. I will be posting on my progress throughout the program, it's most certainly old news at this point. I am curious though, how well I personally will do on it.

On a totally un-related note, I have been listening to Gaslight Anthem like crazy. They have truly become one of my favorite bands. If you're into that sort of thing, I highly suggest going to YouTube and checking them out.

Tired

So my job is now requiring me to be in office 7 days a week - at least for the next few months. This is going to be a really tough transition for my family and a frustrating one at that.

I still insist on continuing my plan, I am just going to have to make some adjustments. I didn't run this morning, because I just needed some rest.

Today is a really lazy day here at the office, so I plan on doing some planning on how I can spend my time wisely and still stick with my goals.

Rainy Day

I'm not against running/biking in the rain per say, it's the lightning I don't like. We had a pretty nasty storm move in this morning, so I will be forced to put my ride time in on the trainer. My bike somehow ended up with a back flat, so I will have to toss my wife's bike on the trainer for tonight. Won't that be cute.

Awesome Run

GREAT run this morning. Noticing my endurance and pace both getting better. I had a runner a little bit behind me on my last lap, I was already whipped. I just did not want this guy to pass me, so I picked up my pace and ran a lot faster than I would normally. I felt terrible the very last leg, but afterwards I was really stoked.

ZZZ....

Long day yesterday, my Father is recovering well from his operation.

Good run this morning, but hit the snooze button one too many times. The whole morning was a rush because of it. I am considering hitting the park on the way home to get in a few more miles. I just didn't feel like I got finished, but I am happy I put in what time I did have this morning.

Monday...already?!

This working 6 days a week crap is getting old...FAST. I feel like I don't get much time with my wife and daughter. I did have a good Father's Day and really enjoyed the time with my girls, they are the best.

Stayed up later than I should have last night, which put me a little behind this morning. The bed just felt too good.

Still logged two good solid miles, despite running late, head congestion and the thick air. It was amazing how terrible I felt before the run and how great I felt after. I can tell I am starting to build up my stamina again and not quite as strained as last week.

Tomorrow I have the day off, my Father is having an operation. I plan to log at least 5 miles in the morning before going to the hospital.

Creepy

Yesterday ended up being supposedly a rest day, but I just couldn't take it. Yesterday afternoon, I tossed my bike on the stationary and put my time in. Glad I did that. Skipped the Chinese food I was jacked up about and decided to have Subway instead. Change is a coming my brotha, change is a comin.

This morning I rode two hilly miles and planned to run a couple more. Got through the two mile ride and then upon starting my run, about a 1/4 way into it, I look back see a really nasty storm heading right my direction. I did the math and compared my mile times debating on whether to finish or not - yeah, I headed back to the car.

Non planned rest day

No ride today or run. Last night I cut open a Pineapple and got a little carried away. While I loved eating the pineapple, my digestive system didn't like it too much. I woke up this morning, not only on time, but early. I will spare you the details, but I will say; I knew quickly that today, would be my rest day. :-(

It's worked out well though, I have had a very, very hectic day at work. We even had somebody get their car stolen last night and smashed into a trailer. I have been dealing with that all morning and various other issues that have come up. So maybe, this worked out for the better.

Sadly, I have to work tomorrow also, but still plan on getting in my routine tomorrow and Sunday.

What was I thinking ?

I have, what seems to be a never ending struggle with sinus infections. My wife noticed last night around 2am, that I seemed to be pretty stuffed up...basically I was probably snoring too loud and she couldn't take that crap anymore. She decided to go get my some medicine and orange juice and brought it to me. She woke me up and handed me the pills, I took them with very little questioning and just went back to sleep. I totally forgot this even happened, until Erin asked if I remembered it at all. Well, I didn't.

I love my wife and believe that she would never harm me, but I am a little freaked out that she could have very well given me ANYTHING and I would have gulped it right down. The only thing I asked her was --

"Will these make me drowsy?"

At least I was making sure I could stay on top of my game.

Day 04 - Whew

Good solid run this morning - felt really good. There are some days, when everything just seems right and better than it was the day before. On my 2nd mile, I ran past the body of water at the park. The sun was starting to rise and everything had such a morning glow to it. I decided to stop and take in the view and hydrate, really enjoyed that part of my run. It's mornings like this, that only convince me more that I enjoy morning runs better.

I decided yesterday to work some biking into my routine. I will have to see how it goes tomorrow morning, but I am considering rotating biking and running throughout the week. Tonight my plan is to play some soccer in the yard and then get my bike tuned up and ready for the morning.

Motivations

I have been thinking about what is motivating me recently to make such a drastic lifestyle change. I recall being single, I was motivated by more trivial and cliche things. Even as a grown man, there is pressure to look a certain way, perform and prove our worth through whatever means--money, fitness etc.

Now I have been married two years and just recently celebrated the birth of my daughter. What an awesome change this had made in my life. Mind you, during my wife's pregnancy and right after, I really let myself go. I have never eat so much junk and treated my health so poorly.



I see my wife totally different now, it was one thing when she was my wife and it's another when they become the mother of your child. My daughter, Lord willing, she have a long healthy life, thinking about their futures, has got me thinking about mine; I want to be there, I want to see it.

Another motivating factor for me, is my faith. I believe God allowed me this day, I believe he gave me the opportunity to do something with it. What a waste to sit around, polluting our bodies with junk, gorging on 'entertainment' and taking for granted the day we have been given.

Also, another motivating factor for me is - I'm getting tired of my boobs jiggling when I brush my teeth in the morning. :-)

Day 03 - Adriiiiaaannnnn!!!!

Yesterday I felt like Rocky Balboa after running up steps of the Philadelphia Museum. Today I feel like Rocky after the fight with Ivan Drago, the Soviet Union boxer in Rocky IV. Man I feel like crap, but I did do what I needed to do. I did truly realize this morning, how out of shape I have gotten.

This morning I got up with a headache and I don't believe I have been this sore, since well...the last time I did this. Despite feeling so rough, I did manage to get out on time and to the park. The air was muggy and thick, making it really hard to breathe. Despite all the stretching, I just could not get rid of the intense soreness in my legs. I was able to finish my mile, but just could not do the 2nd.

I plan to make up for it today, by walking quite a bit at work. I am hoping this will help me rid some of the soreness. Not going to get discouraged, tomorrow will be here before I know it.

Also, thinking I should probably stop comparing myself to Rocky Balboa.

Meal Plan

I struggle with meal plans, some things just are not practical for me. Over the last few years, I have figured out what I will eat and what I won't and especially, I must be very considerate of preparation of my meals. I typically will not invest too much time in preparation. This is one thing I like about just eating healthy, as opposed to a strict diet. Diets are a lot of work, eating right is more of a lifestyle change.

This week -

Breakfast: Kashi Blueberry and Oats Cereal + Multi-Vitamin

After run morning snack:PB&J Sandwich on whole grain bread

Lunch:Salmon or Tuna on crackers

Snack:Nuts or Yogurt

Dinner:Chicken or Turkey and a salad

Before bed snack:Cajun Trail Mix or Peanut Butter and Banana

Also eliminating ALL pop, including diet. I have found diet to be worse than regular from past experiences. Also eliminating all creamer and sweeteners in morning coffee. Hopefully will be able to switch to decaf eventually. Limiting myself to one sports drink a day, tea sweetened with honey and drinking as much water as possible.

I'm not nutrition expert and I am certain my eating plan isn't perfect, but I feel it will allow me to make an overall, for the most part-comfortable change in my eating habits.

I will have no problem sticking with it throughout the week, in the past- weekends have been the spoiler. I think this is because I typically use the weekends for rest days, but I plan to keep running throughout the weekend, which usually motivates me to stick to my eating plan.

Day 02 - First Run

I got up at 4:30am, got dressed, bowl of cereal and was at the park and running just before 5:30am.

I really surprised myself, running the whole first mile with no real issues and felt really good. I really wasn't sure what to expect, since I haven't ran in quite sometime. The 2nd mile felt good as well, but just wasn't as solid.

My goals this week are to just start the routine and get the hang of actually getting back out there. I want at least one solid mile a day this week, then build upon that.

Overall, I feel very satisfied. It was great to be out so early this morning, very peaceful and quiet.

Also went to the store last night and stocked up on some healthier foods. My plan is to up my meals to 5-6 small ones a day, to jump start my metabolism.

I don't see any real issue with the whole eating more thing.

Reading other peoples running blogs has been very inspiring to me. I am finding it to be helpful to always remember they had to start from ground zero as well. It may be awhile before I can run 8,13 or 26 miles, but I just need to accept that, know MY boundaries, set MY goals and work toward that. It will come.

Day 01-Prep

No run today, but prep work for starting my commitment tomorrow. I have some old clothes to dig out, food and drinks to buy and some planning to do. Up at 4:30-5:00 am in the morning and hoping to get a few miles in before work.

My biggest concern at this point is, I like running(wobbling) in the morning better. The problem is, my work starts very early. So my running will have to start even earlier. Thankfully, I have a nice park to run at, very close to my place of employment. The plan is to get my run in and go straight to work. I can change clothes and clean up in my office. Pity those within smelling distance.