Day 35
Today was a rest day on the schedule. I took the opportunity to turn back the clock and consume old-Erik levels of calories, fat, salt, and soda. I had a 14-hour work day, and most of it was the not-very-fun variety. Eating my feelings seemed like the way to go. Donut holes, a gyro, onion rings, french fries, pizza, real Mountain Dew, and three bowls of cereal. It felt good...and also gross. Time to get back at it tomorrow.
Day 36
Travel schedules prevented me from exercising with my workout partner, so I waited until late-afternoon for my first attempt at Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps. Today is the first day of Phase 2. With the "recovery" week over, I'm ready to get back into lifting weights and using resistance bands. (I don't think I could handle much more rolling around on the ground.) This was a very challenging workout, especially with 20 minutes of abs afterwards. Most of the advanced push-up elements were still done from my knees. My triceps were very sore throughout. Despite high heat and humidity in my garage, I was able to stay with most of the workout. I still take little mid-set breaks, especially with some of the ab/core elements. It felt good to try a new workout, even though I was sweating like crazy and sore as hell.
Eating was better today. More fruits and veggies, lots of water, increased protein, and smaller portions. Hopefully this is a start to a good week ahead of me!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Day 34
Core Synergistics.
I woke up with sore legs from the bike ride the night before. I had today's workout on my mind most of the day - equally determined (to not suck again) and terrified (of sucking again). I was careful with what I ate, knowing I would exercise late-afternoon. I even tried my first taste of grilled tilapia for lunch...which wasn't awful.
The workout was still pretty rough, but I made it through. I wasn't able to keep up with the pros on the DVD, but I did participate in each element with a few modifications. I still felt like crap afterwards and didn't have much of an appetite until very late at night.
I'm discovering that I don't know that I've ever had strong "core" muscles. I always skipped the post-run crunches I was supposed to do when I ran cross country and track in high school...and that was when I was when I was most physically fit. Even when I was training for a marathon in 2004, logging a bunch of miles and lifting weights 3-4 times a week, I hardly did any intentional work on my core. This discovery is helpful because it keeps me from getting defeated. I need to remember to celebrate small improvements and continue to challenge myself to work hard every time.
I had enough left in the tank to do some yard work and mow the lawn in the evening, which wasn't the case the last time I did this workout.
Little by little...
I'm excited for a day off tomorrow!
I woke up with sore legs from the bike ride the night before. I had today's workout on my mind most of the day - equally determined (to not suck again) and terrified (of sucking again). I was careful with what I ate, knowing I would exercise late-afternoon. I even tried my first taste of grilled tilapia for lunch...which wasn't awful.
The workout was still pretty rough, but I made it through. I wasn't able to keep up with the pros on the DVD, but I did participate in each element with a few modifications. I still felt like crap afterwards and didn't have much of an appetite until very late at night.
I'm discovering that I don't know that I've ever had strong "core" muscles. I always skipped the post-run crunches I was supposed to do when I ran cross country and track in high school...and that was when I was when I was most physically fit. Even when I was training for a marathon in 2004, logging a bunch of miles and lifting weights 3-4 times a week, I hardly did any intentional work on my core. This discovery is helpful because it keeps me from getting defeated. I need to remember to celebrate small improvements and continue to challenge myself to work hard every time.
I had enough left in the tank to do some yard work and mow the lawn in the evening, which wasn't the case the last time I did this workout.
Little by little...
I'm excited for a day off tomorrow!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day 32 & 33
Day 32 - Stretch X
After staying up late (and enjoying a few adult sodas) the night before, it felt good to sleep in and do the stretching exercise in the afternoon. I'm very pleased with how flexible I am these days. I've experienced soreness the days after a new workout routine, but I don't have any lingering aches/pains/injuries. Part of that is my commitment to staying hydrated throughout the day...but also I think the yoga and stretching days have been a big help.
I managed to eat well, for the most part. A small serving of mac-and-cheese and a diet Mountain Dew were my only real pitfalls. My body really appreciated having a mid-week day of rest.
Day 33 - Yoga X
For scheduling purposes, we are swapping the Day 33 (Core Synergistics) & Day 34 (Yoga) workouts. My workout partner wasn't able to join me today, due to some lingering lower back issues. I carved out some time in the middle of the day to do the 90-minute yoga session. I was interrupted 5 times in the first 40 minutes, so I decided to just be done. The disappointing thing is I was actually enjoying yoga for once. I guess I'll have to wait until next Thursday to get my chi on.
In the evening I went on a 14.3 mile bike ride. The first 6.3 were slow, methodical, and downhill (with my three small children) to the beach. My wife took them home and I took the long way home. I did the last 8 miles in just over 30 minutes...which was pretty good on my grandpa's old Huffy six-speed bike.
I'm gearing up for Core Synergistics tomorrow. My last attempt was embarrassing, and I'm hoping for redemption.
After staying up late (and enjoying a few adult sodas) the night before, it felt good to sleep in and do the stretching exercise in the afternoon. I'm very pleased with how flexible I am these days. I've experienced soreness the days after a new workout routine, but I don't have any lingering aches/pains/injuries. Part of that is my commitment to staying hydrated throughout the day...but also I think the yoga and stretching days have been a big help.
I managed to eat well, for the most part. A small serving of mac-and-cheese and a diet Mountain Dew were my only real pitfalls. My body really appreciated having a mid-week day of rest.
Day 33 - Yoga X
For scheduling purposes, we are swapping the Day 33 (Core Synergistics) & Day 34 (Yoga) workouts. My workout partner wasn't able to join me today, due to some lingering lower back issues. I carved out some time in the middle of the day to do the 90-minute yoga session. I was interrupted 5 times in the first 40 minutes, so I decided to just be done. The disappointing thing is I was actually enjoying yoga for once. I guess I'll have to wait until next Thursday to get my chi on.
In the evening I went on a 14.3 mile bike ride. The first 6.3 were slow, methodical, and downhill (with my three small children) to the beach. My wife took them home and I took the long way home. I did the last 8 miles in just over 30 minutes...which was pretty good on my grandpa's old Huffy six-speed bike.
I'm gearing up for Core Synergistics tomorrow. My last attempt was embarrassing, and I'm hoping for redemption.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Days 30 & 31
Day 30
Despite healthy eating and lots of water, I had an awful workout. Core Synergistics involved a lot of spinning, twisting, and rolling around on the ground. This was not only an exhausting cardio/core workout, but many of the movements made me really dizzy. I had to opt out of a few elements toward the end. My workout partner did an awesome job, which motivated me for a while, but was ultimately discouraging when I crapped out and he kept at it.
I'm mindful that today is the one month mark of my new "wellness and balance" regimen. Perhaps it's fitting that today's workout reduced me to a pile of goo...kinda like Day 1 all over again. It was a good reminder that I still have a long way to go in my quest to achieve a healthy weight.
I had a good conversation at night with a friend who completed p90x a few weeks earlier and has been in search of the next challenge. She has decided to do a modified version of p90x Lean, which is lots of cardio and muscle toning. I hope I'm as motivated to continue some sort of fitness routine after these 90 days are done.
Day 31
Boy, was I sore this morning. Core Synergistics made my entire body ache...kind of in a good way, but mostly in a holy-crap-i-don't-want-to-move-at-all way. I (unintentionally) didn't eat anything until 2:30 this afternoon. I was surprised that I made it 18 hours without food...and without a headache! The Kenpo X workout went well. Raised by pacifists, it was tough for me to really get into all of the punching and kicking, but I felt like I was about to bring it for the entire 60 minutes.
A friend of mine had some kind observations for me today, indicating that I look "way skinnier" than a few weeks ago. We also had a candid conversation about the awkwardness of those kinds of compliments. I have a difficult time accepting affirmation, so my natural tendency is to dismiss those comments. However, I know how hard I'm working, and some small part of me (the vain, selfish, egotistic part) wants people to notice a change in my body.
Anyway, for the first day of the second month, I'm feeling good. It's National Runners Day, but I'm sticking to the program and waiting to do my first run until late-July or early-August, when I'm done with p90x.
Despite healthy eating and lots of water, I had an awful workout. Core Synergistics involved a lot of spinning, twisting, and rolling around on the ground. This was not only an exhausting cardio/core workout, but many of the movements made me really dizzy. I had to opt out of a few elements toward the end. My workout partner did an awesome job, which motivated me for a while, but was ultimately discouraging when I crapped out and he kept at it.
I'm mindful that today is the one month mark of my new "wellness and balance" regimen. Perhaps it's fitting that today's workout reduced me to a pile of goo...kinda like Day 1 all over again. It was a good reminder that I still have a long way to go in my quest to achieve a healthy weight.
I had a good conversation at night with a friend who completed p90x a few weeks earlier and has been in search of the next challenge. She has decided to do a modified version of p90x Lean, which is lots of cardio and muscle toning. I hope I'm as motivated to continue some sort of fitness routine after these 90 days are done.
Day 31
Boy, was I sore this morning. Core Synergistics made my entire body ache...kind of in a good way, but mostly in a holy-crap-i-don't-want-to-move-at-all way. I (unintentionally) didn't eat anything until 2:30 this afternoon. I was surprised that I made it 18 hours without food...and without a headache! The Kenpo X workout went well. Raised by pacifists, it was tough for me to really get into all of the punching and kicking, but I felt like I was about to bring it for the entire 60 minutes.
A friend of mine had some kind observations for me today, indicating that I look "way skinnier" than a few weeks ago. We also had a candid conversation about the awkwardness of those kinds of compliments. I have a difficult time accepting affirmation, so my natural tendency is to dismiss those comments. However, I know how hard I'm working, and some small part of me (the vain, selfish, egotistic part) wants people to notice a change in my body.
Anyway, for the first day of the second month, I'm feeling good. It's National Runners Day, but I'm sticking to the program and waiting to do my first run until late-July or early-August, when I'm done with p90x.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 29
Sleeping in felt awesome today.
A high-calorie brunch (eggs, sausage, french toast, milk) hit the spot.
I was really active throughout the day -- mowed the lawn (80+ minutes), five-mile bike ride, and swimming at the local pool. Lunch and supper were pretty healthy...except for the 3 cans of Diet Mountain Dew. (oops!)
I found my body craving a Chest and Back workout today, which is what I've done each of the last four weeks on this day. However, I'm trying my best to stick with the p90x program...which meant Yoga X today.
Have I mentioned how much I hate this workout?
I guess I'm getting better at performing the various elements...but I don't really enjoy it. I only did four of the seven "yoga belly" workouts at the end, mostly because I was exhausted, but also because I knew that Core Synergistics awaited in less than 8 hours (I did yoga late at night).
I appreciate the flexibility and balance work...but I hate the profuse sweating and muscles on fire.
Until tomorrow...
A high-calorie brunch (eggs, sausage, french toast, milk) hit the spot.
I was really active throughout the day -- mowed the lawn (80+ minutes), five-mile bike ride, and swimming at the local pool. Lunch and supper were pretty healthy...except for the 3 cans of Diet Mountain Dew. (oops!)
I found my body craving a Chest and Back workout today, which is what I've done each of the last four weeks on this day. However, I'm trying my best to stick with the p90x program...which meant Yoga X today.
Have I mentioned how much I hate this workout?
I guess I'm getting better at performing the various elements...but I don't really enjoy it. I only did four of the seven "yoga belly" workouts at the end, mostly because I was exhausted, but also because I knew that Core Synergistics awaited in less than 8 hours (I did yoga late at night).
I appreciate the flexibility and balance work...but I hate the profuse sweating and muscles on fire.
Until tomorrow...
Days 28
I did pretty well on what was supposed to be a day of rest. I managed to avoid BBQ temptation from the delicious smells of Smokin' in the Junction. My family and I spent most of the afternoon on our bikes, exploring local trails and parks. [Here's the route] I didn't do a lot of high-intensity cycling (except for the last 2.5 miles), but it was good to be active outside. I drank a ton of water and slept 11 hours at night. All in all, a pretty balanced day.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Days 25 - 27
Day 25
I didn't do Yoga today. Why? I hate it. I didn't have enough time to do all 90 minutes, so I did 0 minutes. Not helpful. I'd love to say I did some sort of alternative exercise, but I'd be lying. Instead, I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. working on a project that was past deadline. In order to stay awake, I made matters worse by indulging in a frozen pizza and Diet Mountain Dew. Seriously. I'm a slob. The silver lining is that a month ago, today would have been just like any other day. No exercise...not enough sleep...crappy food. In fact, I probably would have congratulated myself for drinking diet soda and not having any coffee. The good news is: I feel awful - physically and emotionally - at the end of the day.
Day 26
I got back at it with Legs & Back. Sadly, this is the first time I've done this particular workout. It seems the last three Fridays (Days 5, 12, & 19) were really busy. All those squats and lunges made me dizzy. Ab Ripper X was much more challenging after a legs workout because there are a lot of "core" exercises that tax my thighs and hip flexors. It felt good to exercise, and it also motivated me to eat better during the day. I'm still not eating as many fruits and veggies as I should, but I'm feeling good about my water intake.
Day 27
I kept my "no Kenpo" streak alive this week. Dang. My workout partner is gone, as is my accountability. However, I drank an ocean of water today and did a 14+ mile bike ride in the evening. My legs were sore all day from the previous workout. I really pushed the last 8 miles which caused my thighs to burn. Eating was so-so. Way too much sodium. Not enough fruit. I think next week I really need to focus on more balanced eating.
I didn't do Yoga today. Why? I hate it. I didn't have enough time to do all 90 minutes, so I did 0 minutes. Not helpful. I'd love to say I did some sort of alternative exercise, but I'd be lying. Instead, I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. working on a project that was past deadline. In order to stay awake, I made matters worse by indulging in a frozen pizza and Diet Mountain Dew. Seriously. I'm a slob. The silver lining is that a month ago, today would have been just like any other day. No exercise...not enough sleep...crappy food. In fact, I probably would have congratulated myself for drinking diet soda and not having any coffee. The good news is: I feel awful - physically and emotionally - at the end of the day.
Day 26
I got back at it with Legs & Back. Sadly, this is the first time I've done this particular workout. It seems the last three Fridays (Days 5, 12, & 19) were really busy. All those squats and lunges made me dizzy. Ab Ripper X was much more challenging after a legs workout because there are a lot of "core" exercises that tax my thighs and hip flexors. It felt good to exercise, and it also motivated me to eat better during the day. I'm still not eating as many fruits and veggies as I should, but I'm feeling good about my water intake.
Day 27
I kept my "no Kenpo" streak alive this week. Dang. My workout partner is gone, as is my accountability. However, I drank an ocean of water today and did a 14+ mile bike ride in the evening. My legs were sore all day from the previous workout. I really pushed the last 8 miles which caused my thighs to burn. Eating was so-so. Way too much sodium. Not enough fruit. I think next week I really need to focus on more balanced eating.
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