Closing out another year ...

Here I am, at the end of another year, reassessing the previous year, looking forward to new things in the coming year. And, again, thinking about the goals I want to accomplish in 2010.

Wow. Twenty-ten. How did that happen?!

Most of what I accomplished this year was not in the "fitness" category. I did get in some great hiking with my family in Utah. My parents, my brother, and two of his kids, and I went camping and hiking in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. We did this totally amazing river hike in Zion, hiking up the Virgin River, chest deep at times, but mostly waist deep.

I saved up enough money to achieve home-ownership. Wasn't sure that was ever going to happen, a few years ago, as I watched home prices soar out of my reach. But, I made it! Have a nice home with a swimming pool, which I am planning on utilizing in my fitness goals for the coming year. And, now that I have a garage, I have a place to keep a bicycle, so, am thinking about making that purchase as well. I find the more things I have at my disposal to sneak fitness into my life, the more success I see.

I also have gotten back on the Weight Watchers wagon again. Through Weight Watchers, I was my most successful at losing weight, and keeping it off. Can't say that I've really lost weight, but, during the process of house hunting, packing, and moving; which for me meant a lot of fast-food eating, while I was packing up my kitchen, and trying to keep distractions to a minimum, I successfully did not gain weight. I'm sure the fact that I moved out of a townhouse (stairs) into a two-story home (more stairs) helped add exercise that I did not really count ... enough that my knees were hurting during the packing/moving/unpacking!

So, what are my fitness goals for the coming year? 20 minutes of activity 4 days a week (or, every day I'm off ... I think nursing for 12 hours is probably enough activity now that I'm on day shift -- I walk at work between 9000 and 15000 steps throughout my 12 hours).

My first planned activity is to do a round of P90 workouts. They are very effective at beginning the toning process, and strengthening my core, and getting me ready for another workout. Unfortunately, as I recall, they do become monotonous, after while. I'm going to focus on the end result ... pool parties this summer!

I am supposed to work tomorrow, so, will determine my start date based on if I get canceled tomorrow or not! If I'm canceled, the program begins tomorrow. If I work, then, it'll probably not start until the following day.

Happy New Year's! I hope your coming year is better then the last one!

It's finally feeling like SPRING!

Workout: Walk (3.13 miles)
65 min.

Planned on doing a ChaLean Extreme workout today, but, it was so gorgeous outside, I wanted to spend that time soaking up the sun! I'm about ready to go back to work, which means minimal sun exposure.

So, I chose to take a moderately paced walk around the neighborhood.

I went to Weight Watchers meeting this morning. Haven't been doing so well with the food lately. And, the scale showed. I am committed to journalling my food intake this week. I know that helps me stay on track, and lose weight.

Tomorrow starts my last week of work before vacation. My goal is to do 10 min. of some activity when I get home tomorrow night. I will set up the coffee pot, and prepare my food as usual, but, will then spend TEN MINUTES doing an activity (spin, run up and down stairs, jump rope, SOMETHING that requires MOVEMENT).

ChaLEAN Day 4

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn It Off!
27 min.

Good workout. Nice and quick, with minimal equipment required. I finally got batteries for my HR monitor, but still haven't gotten them in the watch. So, the statistics weren't available.

But, I think I'll feel it tomorrow ... am actually already feeling it in my lower back!

Workout: Tennis
~1 hour

Had a good beginning to getting back into playing tennis today. Spent close to an hour playing a little tennis with a friend. My racket handle has degenerated, so will need to take care of that before the next game (probably Monday). I definitely felt rusty! But, it's been probably 4 years since I last played, so I guess that's to be expected.

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 3
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 3

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 2
39 min.

Still haven't gotten a new battery for my HR monitor. Have it on my list, just haven't gotten to the store to get it.

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 2
Sumo Squat w/ Bicep Curls: 15#/10
Lunge w/ One-Arm Tricep Extension: 10#/10
Dead-Lift Row: 15#/11
Sumo Squat w/ Overhead Tricep Ext.: 15#/11
Dead Lift w/ Double Row: 15#/6 (legs were shaking all over the place!!)
Bowler's Lunge w/ Single-Arm Row: 15#/10
Bicep Curls w/ Abductor Balance: 10#/10 (didn't use abductor band this week)
Forward-Lean Lunge w/ Double Row: 15#/12
Triple-Threat Push-Ups: 12 knees (my wrist was hurting before starting, so I didn't even attempt a single push-up on my toes ... next week I will)

Seemed like I chose the right weights for each of these. On the first one, I started out with 10 lbs., but on my second curl, I switched over to the 15 lb. weights. Had to work hard to push through on this workout, but I did it!

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn It Off! & Recharge
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 2

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Intervals
46 min.

ChaLEAN Ab Burner
10 min.

HR monitor battery needs to be replaced. I thought I had a spare battery, but couldn't find it, so, I wasn't able to use it today. Would have been interesting to see those results!

Wow! That's quite a great full body workout! Those muscles were burning with those workouts! I mostly kept up with ChaLEAN, there were a few of the routines that I had to pause a bit, or quit 5 or 10 sec. before they did. The Ab Burner, however, was a different story!! Actually, I was trying to do the standard workout, what Chalene was doing, and then I'd remember to watch the modification, which was definitely more doable! I'm definitely looking forward to the improvements in my abs and core that will result with that workout!

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 2
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 1

Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Circuit 1
39 min. (with a few pauses to write down my workout details)
burned 269 cal.
HR max: 152
HR ave: 127

I didn't start when I planned ... but I did start!

Workout: Burn Circuit 1
Sumo Squat with Hip Lift: 15#/12 (Not sure if I can get to 10 reps with 20#, but I think next week I need to try.)
Lunge with Posterior Fly: 10#/12 (Surprised that my shoulder didn't hurt with it ... but I think I'll wait a week before increasing the weight.)
Push-Up with Leg Lift: 5 (toes)/5 (knees) (Will add a push-up next week.)
Dead Lift with Posterior Fly: 5#/12 (Definitely need to increase the weight on this one next week.)
Lunge with Core Rotation: 15#/10 (I think I was gripping the weight too tightly, forearms got a great workout with this one!)
Bench Press & Leg Lower: 15#/11 no band (Abs really felt this one! I did the leg lifts, just without the band. I think I will focus on keeping my legs straight with my lifts next week.)
Squat with Side Bend: 15#/12 (Hands felt like they couldn't hold the weight ... kept expecting my hands to let go!)
Forward-Lean Lunge with Dbl Arm Posterior Fly: 5#/12 (Will increase my weights here, too. Looks like I can stuff the 5 pounders into the back of the closet! ... not bad, considering I haven't done any strength training in a while--except if you count work.)
Chest Fly with Hip Lift: 10#/12 (Did the extreme push-ups on my knees. Wow! Eight-count push-ups are incredibly difficult!!)

Plan for my next Burn Circuit 1 workout: No more 5#, and some of my 15# will increase to 20#.

Wow! What a workout! My body feels great! I definitely worked my arms, back, core and legs! I do love the quickness of the workout, you push yourself hard for a shorter time period. But, I do feel like I could still do some more exercise, I don't feel completely wiped out.

I've already plugged in all the workouts into my calendar, so, I don't want to shuffle them all a day or two later. So, I'm rearranging the schedule a bit, and won't take the rest day tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout: ChaLEAN Burn Intervals & Ab Burner
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Take my vitamins.

ChaLEAN Day 0

I am starting ChaLEAN, so here are a few pieces of information I need, before I begin the process, to remind me where I started.

Fit Test Results: . . . . . 2/15/09
Push-Ups: . . . . . . . . . 10 (toes)
Crunches: . . . . . . . . . 1
Squats: . . . . . . . . . . 26
Forearm Plank:. . . . . . . 15 sec.
Overhead Shoulder Press:. . 5#/13; 10#/9
Bicep Curl: . . . . . . . . 10#/11
Sit and Reach:. . . . . . . 2" beyond feet

I was surprised that I needed higher weights for the shoulder press. Historically, I have weak shoulders, which require slowly increasing the weight. The muscles were burning, but there was not weakness felt, or sharp pains. (Encourages me that even though my exercise hasn't been optimal, it's not been as horrible as it could have been.)

Measurements: . . . . . . . 2/15/09
Chest:. . . . . . . . . . . 40.5
Right Upper Arm:. . . . . . 13.5
Left Upper Arm: . . . . . . 13.5
Waist:. . . . . . . . . . . 37
Hips: . . . . . . . . . . . 45.5
Abductors:. . . . . . . . . 42.5
Right Thigh:. . . . . . . . 25.5
Left Thigh: . . . . . . . . 25.5
Weight: . . . . . . . . . . 173.8 lbs.
Body Fat Percentage:. . . . 34.6%

Not the greatest numbers. But I've gotta start somewhere. The bodyfat percentage was recorded using the biofitness website. I've got a bio-impedence device for measuring body fat, which I will probably use, however, it needs to be used at the same time every day. I usually use it first thing in the morning, when I first get out of bed.

Pictures:

Pictures are coming. They're on the camera, just need to get them on the computer, and then crop, etc.

Starting Over

Starting over. It does seem like a lot of my posts start that way for me. There's a certain repetitiveness in them along those lines. But, I can take comfort in the fact that I do indeed start over! That each drop-off in exercise routines doesn't mean an end, but a detour in my journey ... and it is a journey!

I went to day shift last summer, in an attempt to help me feel better, and to have more energy. All most immediately I felt better, though it took a couple months to sleep better. However, my energy continued to lag. I had finally decided to just accept the fact that I was lazy ... my lack of energy obviously had nothing to do with working the night shift for so many years since I continued to have little energy.

When I went to see my doctor for my annual physical, I brought with me a list of lab tests that I wanted ... all related to energy. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (I've been a vegetarian my whole life, with short bouts of veganism), Thyroid (any excuse is acceptable), and a CBC. Turns out, my body needed a little tweaking. My Vitamin D was extremely low, Vitamin B12 was in range, but low-ish, Thyroid was in range, Hemoglobin a little low, and on the Chemistry, my Albumin was also low. Within a week of taking Iron, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 supplements, I woke with more energy! I was surprised and impressed with how quickly it turned around for me! I've also really tried to focus on increasing my protein intake.

So, with all those additional factors taken care of, I think I'm ready to get back on a program again. With the encouragement of a friend, I have decided to give ChaLEAN a try. It looks like a little less time committment than P90X or P90X+, which when just starting out, is a helpful thing.

So, I'm starting tomorrow ... a little valentine for my body! Measurements and photos will be posted soon.

Nike+ Human Race 10K

Workout: Walk 6.92 miles (Nike+ The Human Race 10K)
Time: 2:38'53"
Calories Burned: 1011
HR max: 134
HR ave: 118

~*~*~*~

A month or more ago, while plotting out my training plan for my Half Marathon in October, I stumbled across information about the Nike+ sponsored "Human Race 10K". The concept is to have 1 million+ runners running together ... there are 26 race sites on several continents, plus all the people running on their own, using their Nike+ products to race along with those at the organized races.

Unfortunately, I've been sick for over a week. So, haven't trained at all this past week. And, have found it difficult to get workouts done, with the heat, all summer long. So, I knew there was no way that I could run a 10K ... and not pay for it later! So, I decided to walk the race.

The problem, was coming up with a route for my race. I could head out in one direction for 3.1-ish miles, and then return. Or, I could do my usual 3 1/2 mile loop twice. But, since I was afraid I might get wiped out, because of my recovery from illness, I chose to walk around the neighborhoods near my home. (Gave me the added benefit of scoping out the current home situation in one of the areas that I'm interested in purchasing.

Because I don't seem to be able to calibrate my Nike+ accurately, it seems that if there is any variance in my pace (which is most of the time), I get inaccurate mileages. I like that it uploads everything automatically to the webpage, and I can view my pace with the little graphic. But, I'm thinking about going back to my garmin ... it just takes so long to sync up with the satelites. And, I feel like such a nerd wearing 2 watches (HRM & GPS). Hmmm, maybe that's the excuse I need to buy the upgrade?

Anyway, I wandered around the neighborhood in a fairly circuitous route until my iPod told me I'd walked 6.21 miles. Having measured it with Nike's "map-it" function, it turns out I actually walked 6.92 miles. 2:38'53" was my time ... speedy 22:56 min./mi. pace!! Oh, yeah ... just call me speedy!!

It's certainly not the kind of time that I was wanting to try for. But, I'm glad I did it. I'm proud of myself for completing it.

8 Rules for Change

Found this article that I had clipped, from the Aug. 1, 2007 Woman's Day magazine. Thought I'd share ...

8 Rules for Change

1. Follow your bliss. Think about what you like to do in your free time, what you're naturally good at, what you enjoyed before marriage or children. If you're not passionate about your new pursuit, you might be quick to give up if you don't see success right away.

2. Dream big. If you want to be an art collector, for example, see yourself with a gallery in many cities. "This way you're more likely to come up with a plan that excites you," says Karla Freeman, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author of Creating Magic in Midlife.

3. List your barriers and concerns. Putting obstacles down on paper gets them out of your head and into the open, where you can start dealing with them. Think of tools you used in the past to overcome similar obstacles, such as lack of time or money.

4. Act your way into your next life. Every day, take a few minutes to stand up and teach that yoga class or gather inventory for your shop. "Pretending to be the person you want to be strengthens your actions and builds your sense of yourself," explains Freeman.

5. Give yourself the OK to be a little selfish. As a woman, you've likely spent years putting your family's needs ahead of your own. Midlife is a time to put your needs first, at least part of the time, and not feel guilty because you want to be happy.

6. Try not to think about how hard it is. "If you only focus on how much time or effort it will take to put your plan into action and make it happen, you're not going to want to do it," says Freeman. Alternate difficult tasks with ones that are relaxing and fun.

7. Align yourself with the right people. Discuss your plans only with family and friends who offer encouragement and believe in your ability to make over your life. Also, find people who are already doing what you want to do, and ask how they got started.

8. Ask yourself, "If not now, when?" If you don't start now, you will still be a year older next year "Once you take the first steps, momentum builds, things start happening and you start seeing your life in a new light," Freeman adds.

P90X+ Day 3

Total Body Plus (45 minutes)

Squat/Glute Challenge:
Wall Squat: 1:46
Dumbbell Squat: 30/15# (forgot to do single leg!!)

Started out feeling pretty stiff and sore from the previous days workouts. The warm up felt good. Definitely had more mobility after I warmed up. Because of the sore muscles, I had a little difficulty getting those assisted pull-ups done; and, the push-ups were difficult to get many because I was afraid I was going to crash and not get up! Toward the end, my right wrist started hurting a little, also, so, I backed off.

Total Body Plus:
O Crunch Push-Ups: 4
Pull-Up Crunch: 1 (assisted)
Dead Lift Curl Press: 8/10#
Step Kick Back Chair position: 12/5#
Sumo Chair: 10
Chuck-Ups:8
Position 1: 4
Position 2: 2
Position 3: 2
Clink On Run: 1 ... in the dangling position
Lunge Press Bella Twist: 7/10#
Balance Curls: 12/10#
Running Man: 14/5# (each side)
Hindu Pike Push-Ups: 2 ... I was afraid of a crash-landing on my head!
Lunge Squat Lunge: 6/no weight ... for some reason, this one was confusing to me, so I didn't use weights this time so I could just focus on form, and movements; I kept forgetting to do that squat in between
Mr. Moon: not done ... no balance at this point in the workout!
Kid Play: 3 each
3 & 3: 2 sets of 3 each/10# on the squat, pull-ups were assisted
1/2 Dervish: done ... the twisting worried me a little (fear of back strain or injury), but it actually felt good!
Weighted Warrior: 2/5#; 5/no weight ... shoulder was popping with the weights, so, I decided to not use any weight until my shoulders are stronger
1 & 1: not done ... just didn't have it in me to do another push-up or assisted pull-up (muscles were shaking even when not engaged)
Lara Lunge Crunch: 8/no weight ... it looked confusing to me, so, I wanted to take one element to focus on out of the equation ... I probably could have used weights, next time I will
Spiderman Jumps: not done ... again, just couldn't do another push-up without laying on the floor
BONUS: Plyo Push-Ups: not done ... next week my goal will be to do every exercise in the workout

It feels good to have accomplished another workout. Four-in-a-row for me! It may be difficult to work tonight, with these sore, stiff muscles ... but, I can feel the fat melting away! So, that's a good thing.

Now, I need to fix my food for my night at work.

I've been doing some reading about food. A lot of reading, actually. And, I'm going to give a "no-wheat/gluten" diet a chance. Considering that I am vegetarian, it's going to be difficult, especially, attempting to get in all the protein servings of the P90X Phase 1 diet!! But, I'm going to give it a chance, and see how that makes me feel. I'm also going to try to drop the creamer in my coffee ... I bought Silk Creamer to try.

I'm going to give it a week-long trial. And, if I'm not totally sick of tofu and eggs (about my only protein source) by then, then I'll continue it. At that point, I may try to drop the dairy products, too.

Plans for tomorrow:
Abs/Core Plus
Eat "on plan"
Drink 6 bottles of water

P90X+ Day 2

Interval X Plus
44 min.
burned 382 cal.
HR max: 164
HR ave: 143

Abs/Core Plus (deferred)

Squat Challenge (baseline assessment):
Single Leg Dumbbell Squat: 15/10#

Wow!

That was quite a workout. I was doggin' it toward the end, a few of those moves got my variant of running in place or jumping jacks, because I just didn't have it in me, to push through another 20 seconds!!

Actually, while I was sitting on the couch, waiting for the infomercials to finish before starting Abs/Core Plus ... I fell asleep!! Talk about recovery!! A nice little 30 minute power nap!

I started to attempt Abs/Core Plus ... but my core didn't have it in me. So, I've decided I need a rest day in between. I'll give it a try with tomorrow's Total Body Plus workout, or, on Thursday instead of PHH. Gotta listen to the body! I think I'll have a more efficient workout if I wait a day or so.

I didn't push through on my single leg dumbbell squats, only because I mainly just wanted to see where I was at, and what I could do (and if my goals are realistic). Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the next 4 weeks are going to be squat challenge days for me. So, tomorrow, I'll push through to muscle failure, along with doing the wall squat.

Food was a little closer on-target today. I went and bought some cottage cheese to help me get some of the dairy in (I can eat only so much yogurt!!). I'll continue to work on that aspect of my process. I've done it in the past, I know I can get back on it, again!

Plan for tomorrow:
Total Body Plus
Squat Challenge: Wall Squats, Single Leg Dumbbell Squats
Eat "on plan"
Drink 6 bottles of water

P90X+ Day 1

Upper Plus (50 minutes)
Abs/Core Plus (12 minutes)

Squat/Glute challenge: Wall Squat 1:23.75

I started my workout with the Wall Squat. I surprised myself with how well I did with it. I put a song on my iPod, and propped myself while singing along ... hoping that by singing, I would distract myself.

Then, I moved into the X+ workouts. Upper Plus required a lot of pausing ... partly because I was pooped, and partly because I had to see what they were doing! I ended up cutting Abs/Core Plus short, due to time constraints.

Upper Plus:
Double Double Dip'll Do Ya: 6 ... my chair situation isn't real steady
Dead Leg Switch Pull-Up: 5 assisted
2-Direction Circle Flies: 18/5#
Lunge Curls: 12/10#
Hammer Kick: 10/5#
Frog Push-Ups: 7
"L" Chin-Ups: 3 (freefall) ... poor form, and definitely no control on the way down!
Fly Blaster: 8/5#
Lean Back Curls: 15/10# ... these will take a while to master, my elbows wanted to come forward
1-Legged Bridge Dips: 12 (2-legged) ... I chose to not lift my legs (yet), to get more quality and quantity
Spiderman Push-Ups: 3 ... uh, yeah ...
7-Point Pull-Ups: 5 (assisted)
Warrior Swim: 5/5# ... balance was an "issue"
Pumper Curls: 12/10#
Side Hammer Kick: 10/5#
Iso Climber Push-Ups: 5
Clean to Negative: 5/1
Shoulder Everything: 9/5#
Bicep Everything: 10/10#
Combat Push-Ups: 3

Abs/Core Plus:
Hanging Toe Tap Knee Raises: 4
Tip Toe O Crunch: 8 ... took me a little bit to get it ... or my numbers probably would have been bigger
Scorpion Plank: 6
Banana Cannonball: 2 ... all I can say, is, at least I tried
Hanging Up & Overs: 2 ... hands were hurting ... gotta remember to wear my gloves
Discus Throwers: 8/5#
Warrior Bow: 6
Scissor Climbers: 0 ... I watched
Hanging Knee Kicks: 2
Wood Chopper: 8/5#
-- cut the workout short --

I can say that this workout today was a good baseline workout. A beginning. I can only go UP from here! Actually, in 12 weeks, I think I'll be cranking these exercises out much more effectively.

Already this evening (I just finished 5 hours ago), I am feeling the effects of the workout!! My core is going to be sore in the morning!! Not sure how I'm going to do that workout again tomorrow. With all the discussion about recovery, I do find it odd that the schedule has the Abs/Core workout on back-to-back days.

My shoulders were surprisingly tolerant of the workout. I did chose to go with slightly lighter weights, mainly because I didn't want any of my injuries to flair up on me and cause me to have to sit out, again. I think by week 2 I can feel more confident in pushing myself to my max again. (Part of my hesitation to workout, during the last 2 weeks, was mainly because I was afraid of re-aggravating the injury. So, for me to feel comfortable, I think I need to ease into it, for right now.)

Food was better today. Not as great as it could have been ... not that I ate "bad" stuff ... I just didn't fill in all the boxes today. And, it's late enough, I'm not eating any more!! Tomorrow, I'm going to work a little harder at getting all the servings in. I've planned a slightly higher protein-content breakfast for the morning, which should help.

Plan for tomorrow:
Interval X Plus
Abs/Core Plus
Eat "on plan"
Drink 6 bottles of water

The beginning

Life has gotten in the way, lately. Between a very painful muscle strain in my back (rhomboid) and bursitis in my shoulder, and then the occasional (chronic) pain in my wrist I had managed to get away from working out, and the body that I was actually starting to become proud of.

Because any little workout seemed to cause my back to flare up I got completely away from working out. I would walk, occasionally, but even that had to be fairly sedate ... or I risked triggering more spasms.

Because walking was such a different workout style than I had become used to, with the P90 and P90X programs, it almost seemed "too lame" to me ... so, instead of accepting the benefits of a workout that I could do, I mostly did nothing.

Even my eating was starting to get out of control.

My shoulder no longer hurts when I raise it above my head. I can lift patients without feeling any discomfort under my shoulder blade. And, the "normal" mobility is back in my wrist. I'm actually feeling good. So, I've decided I'm ready to get back on a "program" (that seems to be how I function best). Actually, I've been ready for two weeks, but, have been afraid of causing all the pain to come back.

Beginning tomorrow, I am starting a round of P90X+ Classic. I'll start slow this first week, and see how things go ... if I have to do the shoulder exercises with water bottles instead of weights, because I'm afraid of bringing back the bursitis ... that's what I'll do.

Basically, I've decided I need to (in the words of Nike) JUST DO IT. Jump in with both feet. (You know all the cliches ... so do I.)

***

My Workout Details:
Jog/Walk (3.5 miles)
59 min.
burned 548 cal.
HR max: 176
HR ave: 149

Starting Over

The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall. ~ Vince Lombardi

Workout:
P90 Sweat 3/4
41 min.

November Push-Up Challenge: 60 of 10,000 (84 total)

Today, I woke feeling pretty good! What a nice change!! It felt good to finally not hurt, or fear back spasms when I moved! And, because I only had motrin before going to bed (no narcotics or muscle relaxers) I woke with a clear head!

Decided to start out a little easier today. By that, I mean, not start out with a P90X workout. So, today, I did the P90 Sweat 3/4 workout. Felt good to burn some "goo" ... as Tony Horton would say.

I have gotten a slow start on my push-up challenge, because of injury, and not working out. I'm going to do my best during the rest of the month and see where I'm at. I may repeat the challenge in December, or, I may continue with my plan of challenging another part of my body.

Not sure what workout I'm going to do tomorrow. But, I'm doing something!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

starting over

Workout:
Walk (3.5 miles)
75 min.

November Push-up Challenge: 12 of 10,000

My back is still bothering me. But, I wanted to do something. Since I'm able to walk without much difficulty, I decided that was where I would start.

I also decided to put in a beginning effort on my 10,000 push-ups ... I've started, slowly, doing them. Not too much, I notice a little twinge in my back with them.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 3

Workout:
Shoulders & Arms
57 min.
burned 367 cal.
HR max: 154
HR ave: 122

Fear.

I think that's what's been keeping me from doing this workout. Even though I knew I could modify the exercises, lighten the weights, or just skip the shoulder ones, if it was too much, I still couldn't bring myself to do this workout.

I'd schedule the workout into my day ... and then procrastinate until either I'd run out of time, or, I'd just do something else!! I had actually decided, today, if I couldn't face my shoulder fears, then, this week I'd skip the workout, and move on to the next one.

But, this afternoon, I just made myself do it. I definitely lightened the weights, but pushed myself (within reason), and got through most of it. The later exercises in the workout got lighter weights, and then, the last 3 times, I skipped them ... I was having more pain. I couldn't tell if it was something in my shoulder, or from the muscles being worked, so, I opted to bale on the workout.

I'm glad I did the workout. It felt good. This has always been one that I enjoy doing ... increases in muscle definition show quickly.

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 14 reps; 15#, 11 reps (I pushed myself on this one)
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 15 reps; 10#, 12 reps (this was difficult for me to push through)
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 10#, 9 reps; 10#, 10 reps (shoulder hurt a little ... heard popping with some of the movement)
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 10#, 11 reps; 10#, 11 reps
Chair Dips: 7; 8 (I was a little hesitant to do these, with my shoulder problems, but, I did bent-knee chair dips ... and made it! No shoulder pain, like usual.)
Upright Rows: 5#, 12 reps; 5#, 13 reps (really dropped the weights on this one ... I normally struggle with the upright rows ... shoulder really felt it at the top of this)
Static Arm Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps (the last 4 were a struggle)
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 12 reps; 5#, 10 reps (I worry that my form isn't right on these, with heavier weights ... next time, I should increase the weight though)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 5 reps; SKIP (I didn't get very far with these before I felt pain with movement, bot just at the top of a move ... decided it would be better not to push my luck on the shoulder)
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 9 reps (I find my quads hurt before my biceps are ready to give out, but then, if I rest the quads, the biceps are too tired when I try to push through to do a few more!)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 10#, 9 reps; 10#, 8 reps
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: SKIP; SKIP (decided if the other shoulder flyes hurt, these wouldn't be any better)
Congdon Curls: 10#, 10 reps; SKIP (feeling pooped)
Side Tri-rises: SKIP; SKIP (was worried that I might be tweaking the shoulder with this ... even though it is a tricep exercise)

Overall, I think I had a pretty good workout. There were some decreases in weights and reps from the last time I did the workout, but, there was definitely some positives that I can take from this, too!

I suspect the shoulder will be a little more sore than usual tonight, I may take some prophylactic motrin so I can sleep ... since I didn't sleep too well last night.

I'm skipping Yoga X tomorrow. I've been slacking on these workouts. And, so, I think I'd like to get through strength workouts, since I'm so far behind. Yoga seems like an acceptable workout to skip this week. My flexibility isn't so great, so, I don't think I'll probably skip many of them. But, I just feel like I need to really rev-up my workouts.

I didn't get to Ab Ripper X today ... so I'll do it tomorrow.

I've got a busy day tomorrow ... so will have to get the workouts done in the morning, or they won't be done.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

None ... again.

Workout:
None.

I was going to do my shoulder stretches and exercises today. But I was afraid!

I did them late Friday afternoon (the stretches), and had difficulty sleeping part of the night, because my shoulder ached ... no matter what position I put it in!! Laying on it, or not; supported, or not! I know ... in order to have a chance to get better, I must do them.

I do have motrin ... I suppose I should use it!

Today was spent watching football, doing some paperwork (catching up on the piles "to attend to" that tend to accumulate if I'm not careful), and then, because I was tired, and cold ... there was a nap, as well. I'm resting up ... I guess(?) ... Monday and Tuesday are going to be busy days, that won't include much downtime, except in the evening when I'm doing my teenager-sitting.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

No Workout

Workout:
None.

I have no excuse.

I did some deep-cleaning (spring-cleaning type housecleaning) and then headed out for my day with friends. Probably should have done my workout, instead of scrubbing my floors and counters in the kitchen.

I did walk a lot (shopping), but, that probably doesn't really count for a workout, since I didn't get my heart rate up!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Too Tired

Happy Birthday, Laura!! (My niece turns 14 today!)

Workout:
None.

Those were some crazy nights at work this week!! Wednesday night I was busy, I didn't get a chance to eat until about 11pm!! (Not good! ... Blood sugar was dropping!) And although Thursday was a little better (for me), some of my coworkers were crazy-busy!!

So, I decided to flake out on my workout today, as well. I got up a little early ... hoping for a good night of sleep ... got some housework done, fixed dinner, and then was exhausted! So, I vegged out until I headed to bed.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Just give me sleep!!

Workout:
None.

Wow! Those stretches I did yesterday didn't feel like much when I did them, but, my shoulder ached enough last night, that I took a couple motrin to cut through the pain!

Today, I was so tired, I just couldn't get up early. I actually, set my alarm for my later time, when I went to bed this morning ... so I got 6 hours of sleep today!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

"How to Treat Your Rotator Cuff"

Workout:
None.

Got a new book on shoulder injuries today, "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" by Jim Johnson. I'm anxious to get rid of the pain/discomfort with the shoulder, in certain movements ... I want things back "the old way" ... before pain!

So, instead of working out, I ended up reading the book. Interesting read. A lot of research-based information (the research discussed on strength gains, follows what P90X does). I did the stretching exercises in it. I only have pain in my right shoulder, but, I'm going to work on both shoulders.

The stretches didn't feel strenuous to me. I went through them, but, didn't hold them for the full 30 seconds recommended. (Mostly, because I was just testing them out.)

Between nap-time, and reading the thin, little book, I ran out of time to do a "real" workout. I am going to try to do the stretches on most days. And, the strength exercises are to be done once a week.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Wii Workout

Workout:
Wii DDR (Dance Dance Revolution)
70 min.

I needed an hour long workout today. So, instead of HHAs, I decided to give my newly purchased DDR a chance! I played with it for a few minutes, and then, put it into workout mode so it wouldn't stop for so long between songs, with a workout goal of 30 minutes. And then, I played around with it a little more at the end trying to push myself (skill-wise).

I attempted to keep my core engaged during the workout. And ... I had fun!

Since this was my first time playing it, I disabled the hand movements. I wanted to be able to focus on the feet only, for this time. But, next time I play ... I'll be moving my hands as well!!

Not sure how many calories I burned (I didn't wear my HRM), but, I was sweating like crazy, and was feeling whipped afterwards!

I've been rereading Tosca Reno's book, "Eat Clean Diet". I enjoyed it the first time ... and am enjoying it again. I wanted to refresh my memory on clean eating. Plus, I remember feeling totally pumped and motivated last after I read it last time ... and I wanted that feeling again.

I've got some great meal and snack ideas, and think I'm ready to focus on getting that extra effort with the clean eating, that I've been missing. Consistency is my biggest problem. When I work, I can stay focused on the food (harder for the exercise). When I'm not working, food is much harder ... I tend to fall back on old habits.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Run, Sheri, Run!

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.5 miles)
58 min.

Didn't sleep too well last night. I might have gotten 6 hours of sleep total ... it's my usual M.O. on my first night off. A positive note on that, is, I didn't require a nap today! (So maybe tonight I can sleep well ... all night long, not just the beginning and end!)

I was busy catching up on stuff from my weekend working. So, I nearly missed my workout. The plan had been to do Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X. But, I didn't have the time for it. So, I went for a neighborhood run, instead!

I got it done!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Another missed workout

Workout:
None.

Usual Sunday ... watching football, and falling asleep on the couch.

My team had a bye, so, that should have been an excuse to skip football for a weekend, and get that workout in. But, I was dragging, after my weekend of work, so, I don't know that I would have gotten a workout in, even if I didn't watch football.

Didn't get the workout in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

OOPS!

Workout:
None.

Well, today I fixed my lack-of-sleeping dilemma! I apparently didn't hear my alarm (I can tell it went off) ... fortunately (?) I live under the helicopter flight pattern of the local hospital. I woke, thinking, "wow, that's 2 days in a row that I've heard a helicopter heading to Hazel". Rolled over, glanced at the clock ... and was suddenly wide awake, flying out of bed!!

I had about an hour to shower, dress, eat, gather food for the shift ... and head off to work!! I had eight lovely hours of sleep!! (I did make it to work on time!)

So much for my plans to workout! I was really glad I had food ready to add to my lunch cooler!

Except, a day shift coworker mistook my lunch cooler for his own. (They are the same color ... but are shaped differently.) So, I didn't have much access to clean food! I walked down to Starbucks (yes, we have one in our hospital lobby) and got a bagel and cream cheese, and some roasted, salted almonds (I was good ... I didn't get any of the evil coffee cakes, or bars, or anything). The healthiest thing I could find in the vending machine was pretzels. And, then, there was leftover baked ziti from the potluck, the night before!

I was going to go to the cafeteria when it opened at 12:30 ... but, I had enough, that I was full. I went down in the morning when they re-opened, for oatmeal.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

I ... can ... barely ... move ... my ... butt ... muscles ...

Workout:
None.

Oh my! My thighs hurt a bit from yesterday's workout ... what I feel the most, though is my butt!! Wow! Reminds me of the "old days" when I'd get a new gym membership, put a plan into place, and workout to failure ... because I could. And then would be so sore that I couldn't move for a week!!

And then, a month later, I'd find my way back to the gym again ...

Between being so sore, being really tired (5 hours yesterday caught up to me ... I got my 6 hours today, though), and having to fix food for potluck (a couple of the coworkers are being sent to the other weekend) ... I didn't have time, energy or desire for a workout today!!

But, tomorrow, I'm doing PHH Arm Toner. I'm planning on it! I love how powerful these short, 30 minute workouts are!

Goals:

1. PHH Arm Toner
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Another PHH Workout

Workout:
PHH Thigh Trimmer
33 min.
burned 288 cal.
HR max: 163
HR ave: 141

Got to sleep a little later than usual today ... had my annual health screening/PPD for work ... after work. Surprisingly, I woke before the alarm went off.

I only had 5 hours of sleep, and although I feel pretty good at this point, I've got a feeling that's going to get me later!

Today I did the PHH Thigh Trimmer ... what a workout!! Wow!

I pushed until I felt muscle failure on my legs. I know I'm going to feel this one tonight!!

Lots of different lunges on that one! And some simulated machine exercises ... I could see (in the distant future) the usefulness of ankle weights on some of the exercises! I really liked the workout. A lot! This one's definitely a "keeper"!

Goals:

1. PHH Workout
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Focused on Food

Workout:
None.

I didn't get my workout done. Wednesdays are rather difficult for me. I have a long list of things to do, and short amount of time to do it ... before heading off to work.

Today, I chose to fix food for the week instead of working out. Prepared meals, and put them into containers, in the fridge, so I could just gather the food when it was time.

Goals:

1. PHH Thigh Trimmer
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

PHH workout

Workout:
PHH Ab Burner
31 min.
243 cal.
HR max: 157
HR ave: 131

This morning I woke feeling really good. Yes, I was tired, and I pushed snooze once. But, my body and my head felt awake, not cloudy like yesterday. Guess I just needed the sleep. I didn't get to sleep as early as I'd hoped (10), but, I was asleep earlier than sometimes (10:30) ... so I managed 7 1/2 hours last night.

Even with feeling better ... I did take a hour-long nap this afternoon.

Got a workout in. Not quite as planned, but, it was something, which to me, is success. And, it's enough, that I'll be feeling it for a day or two, I think ...

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Sleep

Workout:
None.

I went to bed early (for me) last night ... and got up later than usual. I actually got 9 1/2 hours, and then went back to sleep for another 1 1/2 because I decided I could still be productive, even if I didn't get up until 10.

And, I probably could have ... except that once I was up, I didn't feel very good. I had a headache, was tired, dizzy and had no energy. I ate breakfast, and then continued to feel bad. Ended up falling asleep on the couch for a while, before finally making myself get up.

I decided maybe I was dehydrated, because I was filling about the same ... not as dizzy, though. So, I downed a couple bottles of water in a short amount of time. Hoping that would help.

I'm still not feeling very good. Nothing specific that I can pinpoint, I just don't feel right.

I'm planning on going to bed early again tonight. Tomorrow, I get back on track.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X. PHH Ab Burner.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Football

Workout:
None.

Another short night. Got 5 1/2 hours of sleep.

Headed to the game. Tailgated with my friends. It was an easier tailgate than some weeks ... since it was just 4 of us (and I had a Raider fan with me) we went with the easy way of doing cold sandwiches, chips, and potato salad. After the game, we had another sandwich, and then coffee and cake.

It was a better game than last week. At least we had a touchdown!! And, it was in my endzone! That's what I like to see!! The O-Line plugged those holes that we had last week, so our QB had more time to throw. But, our running game still is stagnate. And our offense is nearly non-existant. At least our defense is awesome ... and keeping us in the game for most of the game!!

The weather was great. The wind didn't even pick-up like usual during the 3rd quarter. I never put my sweatshirt on ... until we were tailgating after the game, waiting for traffic to subside (at 5pm Candlestick Point is ALWAYS cold and windy).

On my way home, I was thinking about working out. I didn't have to "babysit", so I was going to be home in the evening. But, as I pulled into town, I was really feeling tired, and sleepy ... the last few days of not-enough sleep were really catching up to me!!

I got home. Unloaded the car. Put the perishable items in the 'fridge.

Then, I collapsed on the couch.

Totally whipped.

Fifteen hours of sleep over the last 3 days. Probably not enough.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Maybe I should call it Rest Weekend ...

Workout:
None.

I tried to go to bed early yesterday ... but didn't fall asleep until fairly late. And then had to get up early.

I had thought I might spend the day working out. But, because I'd only had about 5 hours of sleep last night (and 5 hours on Friday morning) ... I took a nap.

Poker tonight. Had fun. Didn't eat too horribly. Definitely could have been worse! I didn't stuff myself, like sometimes.

Goals:

1. Football game ... tailgating.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Another Rest Day?

Workout:
None.

I woke up early ... so I could hopefully sleep well tonight, and to workout.

I had no energy for working out.

Pretty much had no energy for anything ... yes, I know that's kind of written in the double negative.

I got some grocery shopping done, for my weekend activities ... and very little else. I'm going to try to be productive tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Rest Day ... Already?!

Workout:
None.

Fasting labs today ... except that I wasn't feeling good last night at work. Body was aching (beyond the sore muscles), and I was very tired.

I didn't have the energy to walk over to Employee Health to get signed up for the labs. Besides, I got a notice from Employee Health that I am due for my annual screening, which includes PPD test ... I have to do that on my weekend to work so I don't have to make a separate trip in to get that read.

So, I chose to sleep a little longer today. And just plan on the labs, and annual screening for next Thursday morning. Besides, my physician is leaving the middle of next week for 3 weeks in Scotland ... so, I won't be able to schedule my annual physical with her until after that ... so there's no rush to get the lab work done now!

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 2

Workout:
Plyometrics
58 min.

PHH Ab Burner
15 min.

I got my workouts in today! Yeah!

Ab Ripper X hurts my lower back when I do it, so I decided to give the PHH Ab Burner a try. It whipped my butt! I only did 15 minutes of it!! It was cool to see P90X people on it ... looking much younger, and not nearly as ripped!

Plyometrics was crazy ... I know I'll be feeling that one for a while. I'm a little sore from Chest & Back yesterday.

Tomorrow, I'm going to try to get some lab work done. Don't know if I'll be successful at staying up that long. Or staying fasting when I get up in the afternoon.

Goals:

1. None ... fasting labs tomorrow.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 1

Workout:
Chest & Back
53 min.

Didn't sleep well last night. Had a lot of stuff on my mind, I guess. I was tired, but, just couldn't let go. I made the mistake of staying up to watch Jay Leno's "Headlines" segment. I think if I'd let myself go before that I might have been able to just fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.

Once I spent the time laughing about the Headlines, I was awake. And, then I just couldn't drift off ... even knowing that I had to get up at 6am!!

Took my car in for service this morning. A little past the time for 90,000 mile service, and really past the 60,000 mile timing belt ... so it was time for some preventative maintenance for the car. I'm going to have it paid off in another month ... I need it to keep running for a few more years!!

Then, because I was so tired, really dragging booty. I decided to take a nap ... today, I actually had difficulty getting up after my hour and a half nap. That is usually the perfect amount of time for me ... a little bit more or less and I'm groggy! But, increments of 45 min. seem to work well.

I did finally get my workout in. But, I made a deal with myself. If I did nothing else today, I was going to do Chest and Back. After I got the workout done, I had only about an hour or so left to get productive. So, I've deferred the Ab Ripper X for tomorrow. I can do it tomorrow with Plyometrics.

Between today and tomorrow, any movement I make will be difficult without great discomfort ... I love that feeling. I've been missing it.

Today I decided to do the workout a little different. Normally, I start out doing "regular-style" push-ups (on my toes) until failure, and then I drop to my knees and finish. I was reading in the book where Tony says to start out on your knees, and when you can do 12 reps, to get up on your toes.

So, just as an experiment to see where I am right now, in my fitness/strength, I decided to do all the push-ups on my knees (next week I'll do regular-style push-ups on the ones that I was able to do more than 12 ... and on the other ones, I'm going to work at getting to 12 ... or beyond). For the pull-ups I used my black band (it says "heavy") around my pull-up bar, and I stretched it as far back as I could, to add to the resistance.

Chest & Back:
Standard Push-Ups: 15 (knees); 14 (knees)
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15 (black band); 12 (black band)
Military Push-Ups: 10 (knees); 10 (knees)
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 15 (black band); 15 (black band)
Wide Fly Push-Ups: 16 (knees); 15 (knees)
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 15 (black); 12 (black)
Decline Push-Ups: 6; 1 (need to work more on these ... I used to be pretty good with declines)
Heavy Pants: 12, 15#; 12, 15#
Diamond Push-Ups: 9 (knees); 8 (pulled my fingers about 5 inches apart)
Lawnmowers: 12, 15#; 12, 15#
Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 3; 3 (these were done on my feet, and I went under for the return ... like the guys were doing)
Back Flys: 5, 15#; 7, 15# (for the second set, I went into "heavy pants" position, but pulled my arms up like in flyes ... seemed to be a better position for me at this time, otherwise wouldn't have gotten much lift in my arms)

Tonight, I'm planning on getting to bed much earlier than last night. Hopefully I will be able to sleep. I've had no afternoon coffee or tea, so I'm hoping that whatever stimulus that kept me awake last night will stay away tonight. Actually, even with my nap today, I'm feeling pretty tired tonight (workouts will do that to me).

Plan for tomorrow is to get my grocery shopping done ... I need more fresh veggies and fruit. And, do Plyometrics and Ab Ripper X.

Goals:

1. Plyometrics. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

----------------
Now playing on iTunes: Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart
via FoxyTunes

day 6

Workout:
HHA - Fat Burning Cardio 2
44 min.

I got 8 1/2 hours of sleep last night! I was tired, so had no trouble drifting off to sleep. Then, I had this totally cool dream (don't remember what it was about) that got interrupted by my alarm clock. That was kind of a bummer.

Even with all that sleep, I was still tired, so I ended up taking a nap in the morning. I decided that as tired as I was, I wasn't going to probably be very productive. But, if I laid down for an hour or so, I might be able to get up, and get a few things done, anyway.

It was a very effective hour and a half spent napping.

Again, I decided to skip the HR monitor, and just workout.

My original plan had been to start back on a P90X (Power 90 X) rotation on October 1st. But, between working the weekend, and then being gone all day on Sunday with tailgating/football game, I didn't have time to work on my plan of attack.

So, I stuck the HHAs DVD in, and did that, instead. I have now planned out my first week. My non-work days (when I have more time) I am doing P90X with possible doubles, if I have the time. On my work days, I'm either going to be doing PHH (Power Half Hour) or HHA (Hip Hop Abs). Even though I have not yet been consistent with it, I really do believe in my ability to spend 30-45 minutes on those work days, to work out.

Eating could have been better today. But, it wasn't horrible, either. I just didn't eat as often as I probably should have.

Goals:

1. Chest & Back. Ab Ripper X
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 5

Workout:
None.

Today was "rest day" ... and "cheat day".

Football game.

Tailgating was fun. We had a good sized group, and had an enjoyable time. The game on the other hand was rather miserable ... we lost, 23-3. How pathetic is that?!

Didn't get a lot of sleep. I had a bunch of stuff to do, but I did get 6 hours, after my 4 1/2 hour nap during the day.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 4

Workout:
None.

Cramping today. Called in sick.

Was going to try to get a workout in, but, didn't. Tomorrow is out ... tailgating and the game ... I'll be gone all day (close to 12 hours: with driving up, tailgating, watching the game, tailgating while waiting for traffic to mellow, driving back home).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 3

Workout:
None.

Today I got 6 hours of sleep!! Yeah!

But, I woke with a headache, and really needed to get myself focused on going in to work, I skipped the workout today.

Still eating clean.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

day 2

Workout:
Run/Walk (1.8 miles)
25 min.

Only 5 1/2 hours sleep today, but I got up and got moving.

Perfect weather for a run ... breezy, cool, slightly winter-like. And, once I got going, I was sweaty!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

new mindset follow-through ... day 1

Workout:
Hip Hop Abs (HHA) - Cardio Groove
40 min.

As much as I love statistical evidence of my workouts ... I love seeing the number of calories burned, and how my HR changes, trying to push my average HR higher, and closer to my maximum HR ... I wanted to remove as many obstacles to working out as possible. Not that putting on my HR monitor strap and watch is that labor intensive, it's one more thing that delays my workout.

So, I chose not to wear the HR monitor today.

I only got 5 1/2 hours of sleep last night. Woke 2 1/2 hours early.

And, of course, with that little amount of sleep, I was dragging fairly early in my day. So, I took my 3 hour back-to-work nap earlier than usual.

But, I got my workout in!! I've come up with a plan, and I'm pushing myself to get 'er done!

I recently bought more of the HHAs DVDs ... Ultimate Results & Dance Party. I decided to try out one of the Dance Party workouts today.

Goals:

1. Get my workout done.
   

New mindset

I slept well. Woke before the alarm ...

During my down-time (drinking coffee, waiting to take the kids to school), I sat down with a pen and notepad and did some searching inside myself.

As you all know, I've been working on my vision/mission statement & goals. I had them complete, but they really weren't much different than what I usually use (apparently my vision for myself is consistent).

It wasn't good enough for me, though. Obviously, if they were the vision and plan that I usually have ... and they're obviously NOT working, then, they weren't enough.

So, this morning, I decided to figure out what I really wanted, and why I was so driven to workout a few months, or a year ago ... but not now. I've been trying to figure out in my head (I should know better ... I do best when pen hits paper) what is different between now and "before".

So, this is what I came up with:

Reasons I was successful before:
* saw great results--muscles, decrease in BF, decreased size in pics and measurements
* I felt stronger
* blogging
* didn't want to have to tell people I was "too lazy"
* accountability - Nohad, Lori, weblog, MDB friends
* priority
* less aches and pains after working

Why it's not working now:
* enjoying my down-time too much
* unmotivated
* not holding myself accountable
* overwhelmed by all that needs to be done (not workout-related)
* don't really care
* still living vicariously through the old accomplishments.

What needs to change:
* make exercise a priority
* take the time to get measurements and pictures taken
* find a way to be accountable again
* keep up/catch up on weblog
* daily accountability posts on MDB
* daily focus on my vision for myself
* I need to live up to Laurel's nickname for me: "P90X"

I want ...
* defined muscles
* to have to go shopping for new clothes
* to be ripped
* abs that "pop"
* to look hot in a bikini in December (I live in California ... it could happen; 21 days of vacation from work in January)
* the endurance to be able to climb Half Dome (and back) in under 12 hours next summer
* a raging metabolism
* to not ache after a 12 hour shift and 6 hrs. of sleeping

How am I getting there?
* Monthly measurements and pictures to track progress and MOTIVATE
* eat "clean" at least 90% of my meals
* eat 5-6 meals every day
* drink 6 bottles (12 8-oz.) water every day
* exercise: 3 days/week for 60 minutes (minimum) on my non-work days; 3 days/week for 30 minutes on my work days
* do not eat 3 hours before sleep
* sleep: work days - 6 hours; non-work days - 8 hours

So, there's my plan ... starting today!

another excuse

Workout:
None.

I bought a propane powered portable grill for tailgating yesterday. I had to finish putting it together today. Then, I got my new cell phone in the mail, so, of course, I had to charge up the battery ... and PLAY WITH IT!! (I'm a nerd, what can I say?!)

I got the new chocolate ... a black chocolate ... you know, rich, dark 70% cacao!

It's a fun little phone!

Funny thing is, my phone, which had ceased working properly, suddenly started working again ... the day the new phone was to arrive! Suddenly, I could make and receive calls without the wired headset being plugged in. Guess I have another back-up now ... if things go wrong.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

errands

Workout:
None.

Today I ran errands. There were several things I'd been needing to get ... and it's about 20-30 minutes to the place that I buy the stuff (Costco run, Trader Joe's run ... etc.)

So, my day was spent rushing around doing all that. I thought I would be able to get back in time to workout ... but, I was too exhausted after all that to be able to get a workout in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Are you ready for some football?

Workout:
None.

Had a good weekend. But didn't really get a lot of sleep.

So, today, it was all about watching football ... and napping. I thought about working out. Going for a run. Something. But then I drifted off to sleep!

The outcome of the game wasn't very good, but, I thought we held on for most of the game ... our offense just really needs to get the fire that our defense has!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

catch-up

Workout:
None.

Didn't get my workout done today.

Had a good, relaxing weekend ... but it didn't include a workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Housework

Workout:
None.

Today was a "housework" day. Instead of working out, I got things done.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

work

Workout:
None.

Today I had a lot going on. Had to stay after work to get my mammogram done.

Then, we had a potluck at work, so, when I got up, I had to fix healthy, vegetarian food (couldn't go the easy, lazy way).

And, then, on the "fun" side of things ... I purchased my phone upgrade. My cellphone died this week ... partially ... I could only make or receive calls if my wired headset was in. And, the cellphone company told me that I was due for an early upgrade ... how convenient!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Too Busy Doing Other Things

Workout:
None.

Between getting ready for work: grocery shopping, cooking/prepping food for the weekend and my nap ... I didn't have time to get my workout done today (again).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Day 2

Workout:
P90 sculpt 1/2
32 min.
burned 194 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 117

I woke this morning feeling like I'd had a workout yesterday!! (Good thing ... I'd hate to think I wasted 45 min. of my life!) I'm not so sore that I can't move, but, I definitely feel it.

And, even better, is the fact that my right shoulder doesn't feel any worse, after the workout. So, I decided to push myself a little more today. I used 5 lb. weights for the shoulder workouts. I did forgo the chair dips (my shoulder hurt with those before my triceps). There was more of the mild discomfort when I was raising my arm, mostly in the stretching, not so much when there were weights in my arms. I did cut shoulder flyes short, when my shoulder started to hurt.

Based on how well I was able to do these workouts, I think I'll change my plans ... I'm bumping up to 3/4 tomorrow.

Workouts, two days in a row. The fun part of that, is that I get a big red X in 2 squares on my calendar!! Yippee! ;-)

Now, I just need to focus more on my intake. Eating clean is my next focus.

Goals:

1. P90 Sweat 3/4
2. AB200
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Restart ... again ...

Workout:
P90 Sweat 1/2
AB100
43 min.
burned 291 cal.
HR max: 154
HR ave: 123

I decided, that since I hadn't done any of the DVD workouts in a while, I shouldn't just jump into the X. So, today I started P90. I loved that I was able to keep up with Tony, and that during the AB100, I didn't have nearly all the breaks that I remember taking, when I first did P90 (2 years ago, I think).

Unfortunately, I did feel a little pain in my shoulder ... during the stretch & power yoga sections, and during some the lower-body cardio arm-swinging exercises ... but surprisingly not during the punches. Not sure how tomorrow, with sculpt 1/2 will go, because of the shoulder. I'm going to give it a try, using the 3 and 5 lb. weights for the shoulder exercises. If that hurts too much, I will just skip the upper-body exercises that hurt my shoulder (including push-ups ... plank hurt today), and double up on the lower body stuff (squats, lunges and calf exercises).

I've scheduled 5 P90 1/2 workouts this week. And next week, another 5 or 6 (I might do running on the work days) P90 3/4 workouts.

Those 2 weeks of workouts will put me at an October start for the next round of workouts. I'll take a Sunday "rest day" (after my weekend of work ... I will be leaving for the game from work), and then plan for a new program start on Monday. I'm leaning toward another P90X round ... but I just ordered additional HHAs (Hip Hop Abs) workouts and PHH (Power Half Hour) workouts. So, there may be a month or two of those routines in there, before I start P90X again, before the end of the year.

I'm interested in the variety of different workouts. However, when I was consistently doing P90X, I felt the best (no aches and pains after a night of work, and I was able to turn my patients by myself) ... the healthiest and strongest.

Goals:

1. P90 sculpt 1/2
2. Run/Walk 3.5 miles
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Yes, football is LIFE!

Workout:
None.

Don't really have much of an excuse ... spent the day watching football and dozing on the couch!

I'd say, "there's always tomorrow" ... but that just seems to cliche!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Eat "clean".
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Get enough sleep!!
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Getting better

Workout:
Rest

I'm actually surprised at how much easier I am moving today. I was surprised that my upper body wasn't as sore as I expected it would be, with all the pulling up the cables. I'm a little stiff, and slow to move after I've been sitting for a while (like driving in the car), but otherwise, I'm moving a whole lot better!!

Goals:

1. Rest
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

The day after ...

Workout:
Rest and Recovery ...

I'm pretty sore today ... doing a lot of stretching ... hoping I don't get giardia ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Half Dome

I've been writing up my experience ... I'll get it posted here, soon.

In the meantime ... here's a picture of me ... at the top!!






















I'm whipped, and tired, but totally stoked that I pushed myself ... even when I wanted to give up ... and made it to the top. I survived the personal stress of the cables (I'm afraid of heights, but, I couldn't go all that way, and NOT go to the top!!).

Bridalveil Creek

Workout:
Hike along Bridalveil Creek (~ 2 miles)

My brother & his kids & I went for a little hike in the afternoon. Breathing is easier today, but, it's still difficult with the exertion of walking up the hill to the bathroom.

Tomorrow's the "big hike"!!

I'm nervous, and worried, and excited.

Thanks to all the recent publicity of people falling off the rock, I've been having nightmares about climbing to the top. It doesn't help that my nephew is a bit of a hyperactive kind of kid ... so, that is adding to my nervousness, I'm sure!

Our plan is to start at Glacier Point, taking the Panoramic Trail to the top of Nevada Falls, and then from there, head up to the top of Half Dome. The return will be down to Yosemite Valley by way of the Mist Trail, to the van, where my mom will be waiting.

Goals:

1. Half Dome
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Vacation

Workout:
None.

I got up very early in the morning. Showered (my last one until I return on Tuesday), loaded the car, gassed up the car, and headed out!

After my 3 1/2 hour drive, I arrived at the campsite where my parents, brother & his kids were already camping. (Some of us have to work for a living!!) ;)

Today, my exercise is attempting to acclimate to the higher altitude (about 7400 feet) ... coming from just slightly above sea level, just breathing is hard work!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Getting ready for camping

Workout:
None.

I got canceled from work today. And, instead of working out, I had quite a few things to do, errands to run, that kind of thing, for my early morning drive for Yosemite, so I skipped out on a workout.

I did do quite a bit of walking (shopping), while trying to break-in my new hiking boots (I'm taking my old pair just in case I don't feel comfortable enough in the new ones).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

starting slow

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.48 miles)
54 min.
burned 479 cal.
HR max: 168
HR ave: 142

I got out there!! Last day before going to work, and I managed to get out there and get my workout in! I did the little 3 1/2 mile loop near my place. There's 1 small little hill that I hit ... in 2 different spots ... on this loop.

It felt good to get back out there again.

Now, I just need to get back into the routine again.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another day down

Workout:
None.

Again, I didn't get a workout done today. I had a hair appointment with my new "hair-person" ... my coworker's sister. I think about half the hospital probably goes to her! I'm not worried. I know she'll do good ... her sister will give her a hard time if she messes up my hair too bad. Besides, my hair is pretty easy ...

First thing this morning, when I woke up ... the Omron body fat handheld measuring device says ... 33.3%

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Rest Day

Workout:
None.

Well, my plan was to do something today ... at least a walk, or yoga ... but, I was so hot, I pretty much just laid, in front of the fan all day long!!

I've started the research for training for Half Dome. Unfortunately, the last week before the hike is supposed to be "rest week". But, I'll plan some exercise without causing too much strain on the ol' bod!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Race Day!

T minus 0 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Wharf to Wharf 6 mile race
1:30:40
burned 1061 cal.
HR max: 182
HR ave: 167

Well, I did it!! I completed the Wharf to Wharf race ... and I wasn't the last one across the finish line!! That's all that matters to me, really!!

It was crazy, and crowded. 15,000+ people crammed in front of the Boardwalk is a little bit crazy!! It was a little while before I could even start walking, after the gun went off. And, even longer before I could begin to jog!

I didn't train for hills, and there were a few of them on the route. I also noticed my knee bothering me a little during the run. Afterwards, once I was done, it stopped, so, I think it was probably because of the curves in the road ... it was a nicely graded road, that is fun to drive (as I recall from my teenage years) ... not so great as a running surface.







That's me ... in the salmon colored tank top.



Well, I'm "in" now ... I'm going to get the annual invite back to the race! And, I think I'm going to accept. A few of my coworkers are now talking about maybe doing it next year, so, that will make it more fun ... if we're running somewhat close to each other, anyway!

Goals:

1. Rest
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Tomorrow ...

T minus 1 day until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
None ... Rest Day

Today, I mostly took it easy. There was a little walking, but, not a whole lot. At one point, I thought I was going to have to walk about 1 1/2 to 2 miles back to my car, but, my brother was very sweet, and walked back for his car, and then came and got me, dropping me off at my car.

I'm pretty sore in the glutes, and legs today from those workouts. I didn't do much running this week, but, I definitely used the muscles!!

Unfortunately, I didn't plan ahead ... I should have stayed at my brother's house ... would have saved me an hour of sleep!! But, I had to go back home tonight to gather up my stuff!!

On a side note ... I confirmed, this weekend, that a week from tomorrow (a week after the race), I am going to be climbing to the top of Half Dome!!

So much for training, huh?

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

So close ... I can almost taste it ...

T minus 2 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Legs & Back
50 min.
burned 325 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 121

Slept a little better today. Slept in a little more than I have been. I've been trying to make myself get up early, even though I didn't have to, but because I tend to go to bed rather late, that makes for short nights!

Legs were feeling weak, and collapsing, so I quit early. I decided, since I've got 6 miles in 2 days, to not push myself to complete muscle failure!

Legs & Back:
Balanced Lunges: 12
Calf Raise Squats: 20/10#
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 15 (black)
Super Skaters: 20
Wall Squat: done
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15 (black)
Step Back Lunges: 15
Alternating Side Lunges: 14
Close Grip Overhead Pull-Ups: 15 (black)
Single Leg Wall Squat: did regular wall squats
Dead Lift Squats: 15
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 15 (black)
Three-way Lunge: done
(went directly into cool-down)

Tomorrow, I'll be taking it easy. A little walking, perhaps, but not too much!! Don't want to use the muscles too much before I do the Wharf to Wharf!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

No "butterflies" yet!

T minus 3 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Exercise Challenge:
24 push-ups
1 min., 35 sec. wall squat
55 mason twists

Ab Ripper X
31 min.
burned 147 cal.
HR max: 129
HR ave: 106

I'm pretty sore today from yesterday's workout. Didn't notice it so much yesterday, or last night.

Ab Ripper X: (300 + 55 "challenge mason twists")
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 25 (easier)
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 25
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 16
Oblique V-Up: 25x2
Leg Climb: 12x2
Mason Twist: 10

Wide-legs were easier to do this time. I also noticed that my left knee was hurting during most of ARX. Not sure what that is about. But, something to pay attention to ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Getting closer ...

T minus 4 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Kenpo X
61 min.
burned 412 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 123

Got the workout in today ... I was wondering about the wisdom, of doing KenpoX (a workout that causes me soreness in my legs) a few days before the race, but, also thought that it might be far enough out ...

I really brought it today ... including the stretch at the beginning. Usually I'm not able to complete it ... I end up flaking out. Today, I even held onto my toes!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Wait ... how many days left?!

T minus 5 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
Exercise Challenge:
25 pushups
1 min., 21 sec. wall squat
61 mason twists

Run/Walk (1.89 mi.)
31 min.
burned 264 cal.
HR max: 165
HR ave: 140

Watched a movie late last night ... "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days". It was a cute one. I borrowed it from a friend quite some time ago ... hadn't gotten around to watching it.

So, I got to sleep rather late. It took me a while to get going today, with the exercise. And, compared to some of my output, it was pretty pathetic. But, I did it!!

I set new challenge goals, since it had been a couple weeks since I'd done them. I had difficulty getting there ... but, there's always next time. My goal for pushups was 35 (I did 25 ... not a bad number), I wanted to up my last wall squat numbers by 20 sec., to 1 min., 45 sec. (I didn't quite get there), and, I shot for a goal of 60 mason twists (I got just past it). So, now, I need to work on new numbers for Thursday.

The run was pretty pathetic. I did actually leave my house with the 2 mile or 30 min. goal. Unfortunately, half of it was walking, not running. But, since it had been a while since I've been running, I felt I should start out a little slower ... get back in the groove.

It felt good to get back out there, doing some exercise. But, I was also exhausted. I sat down to look through a magazine ... and ended up falling asleep. So, I decided to take a nap ... ended up being an hour and a half. Got up and ate, since it had been a while. And, started drifting off again, once I sat down.

Today, I'm not beating myself up over my lack of energy. I'm more puzzled by it. Yes, I realize I got only 6 1/2 hours of sleep last night. But, I don't think I should be this tired. I've been drinking my water, and taking my vitamins regularly, lately.

I just hope this isn't how I spend my days off from work this week!

I did eventually get busy ... and productive. Got a few easy tasks done.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

The countdown continues ...

T minus 6 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
None.

I still seem to have no energy. It wasn't even my weekend to work, and I'm still recuperating on Monday!!

I spent a lot of down-time not doing a whole lot. And, was ready to fall asleep rather early in the evening. Actually, I wanted a nap in the morning ... or afternoon ... too!! I didn't get one, but, neither was I very productive.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

The countdown begins ...

T minus 7 days until the Wharf to Wharf

Workout:
None.

I should have gotten back on track with the running. I've got 7 days until the Wharf to Wharf race ... 6 miles. But, I was so exhausted from my lack of sleep for the last few days, I ended up sleeping until 1:30 pm!!

I spent the afternoon with the family. Had a nice time. Saw some friends I hadn't seen in a while.

But, I didn't workout.

In the evening, when I should have stepped things up ... I fell asleep on the couch, watching TV!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

weekend

Workout:
None.

Got up early this morning. Didn't sleep well last night. Kept waking up. I was hot. Was afraid I'd oversleep.

Got everything done I needed to do this morning, before heading off for the day. Spent time with the family.

I ended up staying longer than I probably should have. Which got me home pretty late.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

weekend off

Workout:
None.

I had planned to get a little workout in when I got up today. But, again, I got to bed later than usual.

I went out to breakfast after work, with friends (coworkers). Had a lovely breakfast. When I got home, I discovered that someone was there to power-wash the building. So, I had to move the car out of the carport so it wouldn't get power-washed. And, I had to go around shutting all the windows (5 of them), and pull out the A/C from the window, as well ... before I could go to sleep.

I was a little worried about how I was going to get to sleep with the power-washing going on ... I've tried before, and it's pretty difficult. But, thanks to the fact that I've got 2 fans in my bedroom ... I put them both on high ... they make great "white noise". I didn't hardly hear a thing!! And, I slept cool, which was a good thing, considering that I had to have the windows closed!!

I got up in time to run to the grocery store for a few items for Saturday. And then I had to get ready for Bill Maher. Good show. He was at De Anza College, at the Flint Center. We ate dinner at a restaurant across the street ... didn't even know Hobee's still existed ... all of the ones I know about are no longer there!! Then, got to the show just in time!

Got home a little bit late ... not as late as I thought it might be, though. I went right to bed, because I had to get up early in the morning (6 am).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

work

Workout:
None.

Today, I chose sleep. I needed it. I ended up getting to bed a little later than usual, so, I slept the whole day.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

scheduling

Workout:
None.

Had another day of scheduling issues getting in the way of my workouts.

After my two days of running on the treadmill, I felt that my knees needed a break. So, my plan was to sleep in a little, and then do a P90X workout. But, instead, I had to get up at 5:30 to give a ride to football practice. I went back to bed, only to get another wake-up call at 7:45 for a pick-up from football practice ...

Anyway, due to some other circumstances beyond my control, that came up, I didn't get home until about 11:30 ... and then needed to take a nap because I was so exhausted from the lack of sleep last night. And, staying up 28 hours straight is just way too difficult for me anymore ... so I HAD to have my nap.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Sheri's Boot Camp

"Don't take anyone else's definition of success as your own." ~~ Jacqueline Briskin, author

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.5 miles)
41 min.
burned 336 cal.
HR max: 166
HR ave: 136

Ab Ripper X
30 min.
burned 176 cal.
HR max: 136
HR ave: 107

Shoulders & Arms
76 min.
burned 524 cal.
HR max: 153
HR ave: 125

In some ways, today was harder than yesterday, but, also easier! Getting up was easier. I didn't have to take anyone anywhere, so, although there was this tempting thought of not getting up, I very easily just told myself to get up. So, physically getting out of bed was easier today.

Mentally the workout was harder. I was bored with the treadmill by today, and a little sore, so I didn't push myself as hard. I spent more time walking with little bursts of jogging/running.

But, I did it. And, by my measure of success ... I was successful.

I was pretty tired yesterday afternoon and evening, with getting up early, and the short night of sleep. Today, I've scheduled in a nap after my workouts, because it appears I'm going to need it with these early-morning wake-ups! Even with the nap, I'm pretty tired, so at least for this week, I'm not getting up early on Wednesday (staying up 26 or more hours in a row is pretty difficult, even with a nap in there).

Ab Ripper X: (296 + 50 "challenge mason twists")
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 25
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 25
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 10
Oblique V-Up: 25x2
Leg Climb: 12x2
Mason Twist: 12

I had to take multiple breaks with Ab Ripper X ... but, I increased my numbers a little more. I'm almost to the point of doing all of the exercises ... then I'll focus more on form.

I'm sure I struggled more, because of doing the 50 mason twists for my "challenge" earlier. But, I pushed myself ... even though the couch was calling!!

Drinking a little bit of recovery drink before hitting Shoulders & Arms. Actually, I feel like I probably need to eat a snack, as well!!

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 15 reps; 15#, 10 reps
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps (increase the weight next time)
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 10 reps
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 15#, 9 reps; 15#, 8 reps
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 15#, 10 reps; 15#, 8 reps
Chair Dips: 12; 12 (right now, it looks like the bent-knee ones are the way to go for me)
Upright Rows: 10#, 13 reps; 10#, 12 reps
Static Arm Curls: 15#, 8 reps, 10#, 8 reps; 15#, 8 reps, 10#, 8 reps (tried to go with the 15s here ... starting with 10s would have been too easy, though)
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 9 reps; 10#, 2 reps, 5#, 12 reps (here, 8s would be useful)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 10#, 6 reps, 5#, 10 reps; 5#, 16 reps (another spot where 8s would be useful)
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 9 reps (quads give me more pain than the biceps on this one!)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 10#, 11 reps; 10#, 7 reps
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 10#, 11 reps (I thought I might be too tired to do more than 5s ... but they were almost useless!)
Congdon Curls: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 12 reps (I just focused on my arms)
Side Tri-rises: 10-10; 9-9 (in the words of Tony ... I was "toasty toast")

It looks like I may have to break down and buy myself some 8# weights. There were a couple of the exercises that the 10s were just too much, but the 5s weren't enough. I've tried to avoid getting the 8s, since on most things, I'm past that weight, but, I would probably benefit more from the workouts, if I'm lifting the proper weight (and, it's not like 8s would "break the bank").

Over 1000 extra calories burned today. I met my goal! Now, I just need to make sure I eat enough good, wholesome food so I can do this all over again!! I'm finishing off my workout with recovery drink.

Plans for tomorrow:

I'll get up at my usual time, not the early time (I work tomorrow night). My knees are feeling well used today, so I'm going to take a break from running tomorrow. On the agenda is Kenpo X & Yoga X. I won't be burning the calories, like today, but it will be 2 1/2 hours of working out ... and an attempt to make "doubles" a habit.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

the beginning of a new week ...

Workout:

Run/Walk (3 1/2 miles)
50 min.
burned 503 cal.
HR max: 174
HR ave: 153

Today's horoscope for Aries: Luck is certainly on your side these days. You possess fairly consistent energy to implement your plans, but be sure to get enough rest and quiet to avoid burnout.

I woke up early this morning ... 5:20 am. I bought the Omron Body Fat calculator ... wanted to check it out first thing in the morning ... 34%. I'd like to do measurements, and see how close it is to the numbers I've been getting.

I had to get my friend's son to football practice by 6 ... and then I headed for the gym. I got there right at 6 am. I haven't been to the gym that early in the morning, so I had no idea how crowded it might be ... it wasn't.

I had a good run on the treadmill. I started with a 5 min. warm-up, and then eased into a 13 min./mile pace, which I held for the completion of the 1st mile. Then, I upped it to a 12 min./mile for the 2nd mile. After a short brisk-walk break, I got back up to the 13 min./mile pace until it was time for the 5 min. cool-down.

On my way out of the gym, I stopped at the pull-up assist machine, and did 3 sets of assisted pullups.

It felt good to get up early and get it done this morning. I am quite proud of myself for getting up early and working out. I didn't get as much done as I'd planned/hoped, but, I got up and burned some calories.

I had to drop off my car to get the oil changed, and the brakes replaced ... so my exercise included the approximately 3/4 mile from Speedy to Target and then home. Plus, the 1/2 mile return trip a few hours later to get my car back.

So, I decided to take the advice of my horoscope (something I normally read for the humor in how off the mark it is) ... and take a nap today!! ;-)

Tomorrow, I'm planning on getting up early again. I'll go running at the gym again. I'm going to stay on a little longer tomorrow. I should be getting more sleep tonight, so, I'm hoping for more energy to get an additional workout--a P90X workout--done tomorrow, along with all the other things I need to do tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another day down

Workout:
None.

I woke up too late today to get a workout in.

But, I'm getting my mind right for a great start tomorrow.

I've got exactly 2 weeks before the Wharf to Wharf 6 mile race. And my training has been pathetic.

It's time to step-it-up. I know I'm capable. I've done it in the past.

Tomorrow is going to start early with a run. Then, there's going to be a P90X workout. And, the exercise challenge of push-ups, wall squats & mason twists.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another work

Workout:
None.

Again ... sleep was more important than working out.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another work day

Workout:
None.

Almost got a chance to come home early tonight.

Would have been nice!

Again, I opted for sleep instead of working out.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

work

Workout:
None.

Weekend to work. Opted for sleep instead of a workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Happy 4th of July!!

Happy 4th of July ... Independence Day!!

Workout:
Jillian Michael's Cardio Kickboxing
25 min.
burned 222 cal.
HR max: 164
HR ave: 143

I had an invitation to attend some Independence Day celebrations, run a 10K, and eat apple pie & coffee for breakfast. Decided I wouldn't have any time to do the things I need to do on Wednesday before going to work for the weekend. So, I passed on the Spreckle's Town Independence Day celebrations. I'd already decided to pass on the 10K!!

I took my nap early ... by sleeping in, instead of getting up early. It was supposed to be pretty hot today ... pushing 100. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to sleep later in the day when it was nap time ... and much hotter.

Most of my afternoon was taken up by installing my A/C in my bedroom window.

It was pretty warm when I got working out. But, it ended up not being as hot as it was supposed to be. 80s. I decided to give the workout a try. But, I was afraid that the intensity required for running, or a P90X workout would be too much with the heat. I pulled out the Jillian Michaels DVDs (Biggest Loser) and gave the Cardio Kickboxing a try.

I didn't like that I started the DVD having no clue how long it was (nothing was written anywhere). There was too much talking to begin with ... I'd like to be able to cut out the "social time" ... during the first couple minutes or so of the DVD. But, otherwise, it was a pretty good workout. The intensity can definitely be adjusted on it.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

errand day

Workout:
None.

I did errands today. It was getting pretty hot today. Well into the 90s. I ran my errands today, thinking that it would cool off enough in the mid-afternoon for me to workout.

It didn't.

Even in the evening, it was pretty warm. And, by then, I wasn't in the mood to workout!! I had a few things to do, and then I just wanted to veg-out & then go to bed!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

gardening

Workout:
gardening

I was exhausted from my late night last night, with little sleep Saturday night. I did actually take a nap in the late morning.

Probably would have kept pushing "snooze" at 1pm if the earthquake hadn't hit!! (I'd been pushing snooze for the last 30 minutes!)

It was enough of a jolting that it got me up off the couch!!

So, then I got busy ... in the backyard, doing gardening things. It was so hot ... I was sweating like crazy!! Rivers were rolling down my face. I had droplets falling in my eyes. And, when I tried to shake my head to get my hair out of my face, I saw the sweat drops go flying!! (Hope the plants don't mind a little salt-water!!)

It was a nice day. I was actually fairly productive, considering that I spent a few hours in the late morning, early afternoon sleeping!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Birthday Party

Workout:
swimming in pool at my parents'

Today was a party for my Grandpa. He turned 94 on Friday. So my parents, aunt & uncle threw a party for him at his house. A couple friends were there, but mostly it was family. My dad's got a cousin near-by, and his nephews are also in the area ... so I met a few "cousins" that I hadn't ever met.

My brother and his kids went, so, I had my brother stop by and pick me up. I drove part of the way back home ... it's 4 hours from my brother's house (3 hours from my place).

Went swimming in my parent's pool with my brother, nieces and nephew. My little cousins (my cousin's kids) were there swimming with us, too. Had fun ... had to work hard, to keep up with the kids, though!! ;-) Mostly, I joined them, doing cannonballs off the diving board, and then swam laps when I started feeling a little cool ... when the sun was going down.

I got home pretty late. Nearly 1 am. But, it was a good day!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Hike

Workout:
6 mile hike to Frog Lake and back (up a big, never-ending hill on the return)

Today I went for a hike with a friend of mine. She'd never been hiking before! Seems strange to me, because growing up, my family went on hikes ... a lot.

I packed a picnic lunch for us. We hiked in on a fairly moderate, mostly flat trail to Frog Lake, 3 1/2 miles. We snacked at Frog Lake. Then, hit the trail again, opting for the slightly more brutal, shorter route back to the car.

Poker was later. Had a good time. I did actually win a little, but I mostly lost money. But, I had a good time. I made my veggie lasagna & veggie 9-layer dip, with multi-grain chips.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

nothing

Workout:
None.

I had plans to do my exercise challenge of push-ups, wall squats & mason twists today. Along with another workout, if I could.

I was drained. I didn't have the energy ... or desire.

And then, I headed back to bed soon after ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

back to work ...

Workout:
None.

Today, I chose sleep, instead of a workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

third new workout

Workout:

Exercise Challenge:
26 push-ups
1 min., 54 sec. wall squat
59 mason twists

SSE Cool It Off
29 min.
burned 94 cal.
HR max: 129
HR ave: 93

Today I did the 3rd DVD of the Slim Series Express workouts. Cool It Off ... stretching. It was a good stretch, some lower back discomfort with some of the stretches. I thought it was a good 30 minute stretch overall. And, again, I liked the music. I do feel more stretched, though, after X Stretch.

Overall, I think it's going to be a no-go for me, though ... seems a little crazy to spend that kind of money on 1 30 minute workout.

I set my challenge goals at what I thought was just out of reach for me. And, I met or surpassed most of them. Which tells me, I need to push myself a little harder to achieve my goals. I can go farther than I thought possible.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another new workout

Workout:
SSE Cardio Sculpt
27 min. (I quit it a little early)
burned 156 cal.
HR max: 144
HR ave: 118

Ab Ripper X
28 min.
burned 136 cal.
HR max: 135
HR ave: 107

Ab Ripper X: (281 ... big jump-up here)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 25
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 16
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 14
Oblique V-Up: 20x2
Leg Climb: 8x2
Mason Twist: 20

Today was the Slim Series Express Cardio Sculpt workout. I didn't care so much for the dancing with the weights. To me, it felt like the dancing gave me too much momentum with the weights. And, I felt too loose ... like I didn't have control with my movements. I was afraid of injury because of it. I did like the music on this one, as well ... it was easy to move to.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

new workouts

Workout:

Exercise Challenge:
20 pushups
1 min., 13 sec. wall squat
50 mason twists

SSE Cardio Core
29 min.
burned 225 cal.
HR max: 154
HR ave: 134

My challenge numbers were a bit pathetic. But, I tried!

I tried out the Slim Series Express DVD today. Cardio Core. It's a good, quick core workout. I liked the music, and my core was sore this evening. If I needed a short, supplemental workout (less than 30 min.), I would do this one.

Had a party to attend, at a friend's house, for another friend of ours.

I was kind of dreading going. Mildly stressful getting life ready to attend. Food to prepare. That kind of thing. But, once I was there, I really had a good time. I did break down, and had 1 1/2 Mike's Light Lemonades with a bottle of water between them, and lots of water and a cup of coffee afterwards.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

do we see a pattern here?

Workout:
None.

I had scheduled and planned on working out today. A long run, or Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X. I don't work tonight, so I can usually get through sleep deprivation for a few hours.

But ... I pushed snooze ... or turned off my alarm ... something.

I woke up barely in time for me to leave for my Sunday evening responsibilities. Oops!

I got 9 1/2 hours of sleep, though!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

and some more sleep ...

Workout:
None.

Again, I woke up a little bit early ... but not enough for me to get moving in time to get a workout in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

more sleep

Workout:
None.

I got up a few minutes early ... but didn't get moving soon enough to workout.

I had planned to work some more on the challenge, but, I forgot about it!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

sleep

Workout:
None.

I thought about trying to get up a little early to do a quick, 30 minute workout. But, I've noticed that when I push myself too hard after the first night I work, it's that much harder for me to try to get up the other days ... or in my recovery on Monday and Tuesday after my weekend.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

back to work

Workout:
12 pushups

I'm feeling sore from Chest & Back yesterday. I'm doing a pushup, wall squat & mason twist challenge ... but, didn't get started. Except for a quick attempt of pushups before heading for work.

I am so sore, my muscles were hurting as I was reaching out to the floor to do the pushups! Any more, and I would have fallen on my face!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

no "just a second" today ...

Workout:
Chest & Back (minus cool down)
Plyometrics (minus warm up & last 2 sections)
1 hr., 28 min.
burned 615 cal.
HR max: 153
HR ave: 126

"What counts in the battle is what you do once the pain sets in." -John Short.

I planned for a little more than I had time for today. But, I got quite a workout in, anyway! (Even if I did have to drop the 30 minute run ... a break is probably good for me, anyway!)

Just before the cool down of Chest & Back, I noticed the time. I could either go for my run, but not have enough time to do anything significant in Plyo, or I could not run, and do most of Plyo. I chose Plyo. Besides ... from a training standpoint, it's like running 5 miles ... or so I've heard.

So, instead of doing the cool down, I popped the DVD out, and started up Plyometrics. Then, skipped ahead to after the warm up (I figured I was warm enough!!).

Chest & Back:
Standard Push-Ups: 14 (6 reg., 8 knees); 14 (3 reg., 11 knees)
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 4 (4 sec. count); 3 (3 sec. count)
Military Push-Ups: 8 (3 reg., 5 knees); 10 (knees)
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 3 (4 sec. count); 3 (4 sec. count)
Wide Fly Push-Ups: 15 (5 reg., 10 knees); 19 (knees)
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 3 (4 sec. count); 3 (3 sec. count)
Decline Push-Ups: 5; 0 (collapsed ... arms wouldn't hold me up)
Heavy Pants: 16, 15#; 15, 15#
Diamond Push-Ups: 3 (2 reg., 1 knees ... not very low); 0 (tried on my knees ... collapsed ... my arms wouldn't hold me)
Lawnmowers: 16, 15#; 10, 15#
Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 8; 4
Back Flys: 7, 15#; 6, 15#

Tomorrow, I'm going to do another 5-miler. I'm going to push myself a little harder. Monday's run was at a 16:36 pace average. Tomorrow, I'm going to beat that. I'm going for a 15 min/mile pace for the same run. When I think I need to stop and walk, because I can run/jog anymore, I'm going to push ahead.


Goals:

1. 5 mile run
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

... and the momentum continues ...

Workout:
Ab Ripper X
22 min.
burned 106 cal.
HR max: 133
HR ave: 106

Run/Walk (5.02 miles)
1 hr., 23 min.
burned 782 cal.
HR max: 172
HR ave: 147

Ab Ripper X: (237)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 17 (I did a little better today)
Fifer Scissor: 16
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 15
Pulse Up: 16
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 12 (I just focused on doing what I could while they were doing their 25)
Oblique V-Up: 15x2
Leg Climb: 6x2
Mason Twist: 19

I didn't have enough time in my day to fit in the Chest & Back workout. But, I'm ok with it. I had a good run, and did ab work.

It seems like when I do my various loops in my neighborhood, when I get near my house, I'm ready to stop. So, instead of trying to figure out a loop that I'd be tempted to quit early on, I decided to head out for half my distance (2 1/2 miles) and then turn around and come back. That would ensure that my 5 mile run would be 5 miles, not shortened to 3 or 4 miles!

It was a struggle, heading out, however. I didn't want to get out there!! If I could have been, I would have been dragging myself out the door, kicking and screaming! But, I told myself I had to do it. I think, when I headed out, I was telling myself I could cut the run short if I didn't feel better. However, in my mind, my plan was to really stick to the 5 miles.

At about 2 miles, it suddenly dawned on me ... I felt great! I wasn't feeling cruddy like I was at home, before the run. It was this total epiphany ... I was "sightseeing" looking around, watching for cars, and listening to my tunes ... and I felt great!

I remembered to walk for my warm-up and cool-down. My pace wasn't great (I've definitely done better) ... 16:36 ... but I don't really care. I got out there and did my thing. And stuck with it for the full 5 miles. I'm getting a nice tan on my shoulders (running in a tank top).

During the last 15 minutes, or so of my run/walk, I noticed that the bottom of my foot was hurting. I fear injury ... not really training enough to be an "over-training" injury. So, I think I will change my plans for tomorrow (was going to do another 4 or 5 miler) ... and will do a shorter run, 25-30 minutes around the neighborhood. Along with a P90X workout, or two.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

a fresh week ... a fresh resolve

Happy Father's Day!

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.92 miles)
48 min.
burned 405 cal.
HR max: 168
HR ave: 138

Totally messed myself up today. I took my running route backwards! I headed left from my front door, instead of the usual right! That made my running so much more difficult! Not physically, but mentally I had a harder time keeping my pace and intensity up! How crazy is that?! It's all flat, so there weren't hills that messed me up ... it was totally and completely a mental struggle for me!

I've been reading the book "Running for Mortals". For some reason ... not sure why, but I had stopped "warming up" with my runs. Not that I'm a speed-demon, by any stretch of the imagination. Normally, I start out at a jog, and then push myself based on my HR & the pace showing up on the gps watch. But, the book reminded me that I should be taking 5 minutes to warm up ... so, I did today.

I started out walking ... and I did it in the wrong direction. Now, maybe it wouldn't have been as noticeable had I gone my usual direction (I added an extra loop, so it's not like it was the same exact route I take). But, I had a harder time pushing myself today.

The other thing I'm trying to do, is stay in my HR zone ... and not push harder, to the point of nearing 100%, but keeping my HR in the 70-80% range. I was able to keep my HR max lower than usual (I kept it in the 160s) ... but, my average was considerably lower than it should have been, also!

But, I'm not going to beat myself up any over the lower intensity. I'm going to learn from it, and be proud of the fact that I got out there and ran!

Tomorrow, the plan is more of the same. I'm going to run ... I am shooting for 5 miles. I'm hoping to stick with it for at least 4 miles. And, then, I'm going to do the Chest & Back workout ... or some altered form of it (I might go to the gym for the pull-up part) ... and Ab Ripper X.

I noticed my abs hurt a little from Friday's Ab workout ... but what I really noticed, was my hip flexors ... raising my knees made me feel the workout in my hips!

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 4-5 miles.
2. Legs & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

another back-sliding

Workout:
None.

Again, today, I didn't get a workout in. I did "pencil" one in on my palm, but, it didn't get done. I slept poorly last night. (That always impacts my day!)

I got a new Wii game that I was playing ... Paper Mario ... but, I headed to bed by 11:30. I even got up early yesterday ... when the alarm went off at 2 pm, I got out of bed! So, I should have been sleep-deprived enough to sleep the whole night!

I finally fell asleep at about 1 am. And then woke at 4 am. I laid in bed, wide awake for another hour before heading downstairs to play more Paper Mario. Slowly working my way through it. I headed back to bed, at about 8:30 ... should have probably just stayed up, and muddled through the day. Instead, I slept from 9 am to 11 am. I didn't want to get up at 11 when the alarm went off, but, I forced myself to ... didn't want another night of poor sleep because I slept the day away!!

I had some shopping to do today. And, then, I got busy with some housecleaning. My bedroom hasn't been vacuumed and dusted in a while. I had accumulations of clothing, and other stuff, that just hadn't gotten put away. So, that was pretty much my day!!

Not that I eat at McDonald's a lot ... or eat meat at all ... but, to remind myself to focus more on nutrition, I watched "Super Size Me" tonight, before going to sleep.

All I can say is ... glad I'm a vegetarian!! ;)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

a slight effort

Workout:
Ab Ripper X
19 min.
burned 91 cal.
HR max: 132
HR ave: 107

Ab Ripper X: (214)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 13 (I have a hard time sitting up with these)
Fifer Scissor: 14
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 10
Pulse Up: 15
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 6 (I continue to struggle with the V-Up part of this exercise)
Oblique V-Up: 15x2
Leg Climb: 6x2
Mason Twist: 14 (I kept getting my thumb caught on the pocket in my shorts ... I stopped because my thumb hurt)

I need to be more consistent with the ab-work. It's one of my weaker areas, and the poorest-looking areas, so I don't want to work on it ... it's not as fun. Even though, I do know I need to, and should.

I expect to be pretty sore tomorrow, after the work I did!

Again, I wasn't able to get away. I don't think they were as busy last night as they were the night before, but, it still didn't workout for me. And, again, when the charge nurse would have been available to watch my patient for me, I had things to do with her and couldn't get away.

Of interest, even though I wasn't able to get away to run the stairs ... over the 2 days, I logged about 21,000 steps on my pedometer! (I take it off when I get home, and put it back on after I'm dressed, when getting ready for work ... so there are probably 100 or more non-exercise steps that aren't getting logged each day.

One of these days, I need to get back into wearing it around home, too. I'm pretty sure on my non-work days, I'm not usually hitting anywhere near 5,000 steps (not counting my running). But, I should!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

slowed progress

Workout:
None.

My plan was to hit the stairs during my break, at work. But, because of the patient I had, I couldn't leave for very long ... and, when the charge nurse was available to cover for me, it wasn't really a good time for me to leave.

But, I wore my pedometer and I got close to 10,000 steps!

Tomorrow, will try again.

Goals:

1. Workout.
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
   
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
   
6. Take my vitamins.
   

two-in-a-row

Workout:
Run/Walk (treadmill)
55 min.
burned 507 cal.
HR max: 169
HR ave: 145

When I was ready to head out, at 10 this morning, it was already nearly 90 degrees ... 89!! So, today was definitely going to be a "gym day" today ... and I wasn't going to feel crazy DRIVING to the gym, either!! ;)

I forgot to look at the mileage on the treadmill when I got off ... but I know it was somewhere between 3 and 4 miles. My plan had been to go at it for an hour and a half ... but my foot started hurting ... like there was something in my shoes scratching it.

I was wearing my new Nike Free 5.0 shoes ... not the first time, but, I haven't worn them much.

When I got to my car, I discovered that I had a blister starting. So, I guess it's probably a good thing that I didn't push through ... wouldn't want a real excuse impeding my progress!!

I'm going to try to hit the stairs at work tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

getting back out there again!

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.44 miles)
50 min.
burned 448 cal.
HR max: 171
HR ave: 142

Today I decided to run to the gym and then workout. The gym is a little over a mile away and it seemed silly to drive there to workout when I could get a workout in getting there & on my return!!

Unfortunately, it was 85 degrees when I left my place ... I was dying by the time I got to the gym. It took very little effort to get my heart rate WAY up! I got to the gym, got some water, went to the bathroom, did a very short set of pull-ups on the pull-up assist machine, and then headed back home again!

For the return trip, I mostly walked ... I didn't want to have a heart attack out on the streets somewhere!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 8

Workout:
None.

I recently finished reading a book I just got (Saturday, actually), called The Eat-Clean Diet. (Maybe that's why I didn't have time to exercise this weekend?)

Anyway, there were a few interesting things in there that I wanted to check into. That requires a bit of a drive to my "local" Whole Foods Market ... I wish there was one closer! And, of course, while I was driving by the Trader Joe's exit, I figured I should stop there, too!

I've now got a fully stocked kitchen, with some interesting, "clean" foods to work with. Not that I didn't have a fully stocked kitchen before ... it's just more fully stocked now! A lot of the grains (anything other than oatmeal or 7-grain cereal) I can't get at my local large-chain grocery stores (Nob Hill, Safeway or Albertson's).

Then, I completely cleaned out my refrigerator. Took everything out, cleaned the shelves. Tossed the stuff that had expired. There wasn't much "bad" stuff in there ... I generally eat fairly clean on a regular basis.

At the end of the night, I thought about a late-night run ... but Jay Leno & bed won out!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 7

Workout:
None.

I had planned on working out this morning. Had it scheduled into the calendar.

My parents stopped by in the afternoon, later than I expected them. I did need to straighten up a little, from the last week and a half of slacking (housework). I could have squeezed in a workout before they got here ... but, they got stuck in traffic ... 2 separate accidents ... so they were delayed.

I actually dozed off while reading a magazine, while waiting for them. Then, after they left, I ended up falling asleep on the couch, while watching the Mythbusters marathon!

Yeah, I've got an incredibly exciting life, alright!! (The family joke is that they all want to live vicariously through me ... not sure why, anymore!!)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 6

Workout:
None.

I put myself on the cancel list, since we'd had such a low census. Turns out, by the time the weekend rolled around, we apparently had more patients! I got off, but, it looked like barely! I didn't end up knowing if I was getting off, until time for me to be dressed!

I didn't workout. But, I did head out, and hit the mall for a little wandering around! It wasn't very brisk walking, but, I wasn't just sitting on the couch!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 5

Workout:
None.
9,000 steps on the pedometer (from when I got dressed for work last night, until I got home this morning).

Again ... a "sleep day" for me.

I kept forgetting to go hit the stairs. I need to make that into a habit. Maybe an alarm at 2 or 3 am on my watch will remind me to do that, instead of sitting there reading my magazine!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 4

Workout:
None.
8,000 steps on the pedometer (from when I got dressed for work, until I got home this morning)

Today was a "sleep day" ... I worked last night & I work again tonight. So, today, I chose sleep.

I didn't get a chance to hit the stairs last night. I wasn't particularly busy, but, others were, and I was helping. It doesn't feel right (or look good), when the 1 coworker is so busy she doesn't get to eat anything until 3am, for me to leave for a break.

Maybe tonight.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 3

Workout:
Walk (1.8 miles)
35 min.
burned 179 cal.
HR max: 128
HR ave: 118

This was my compromise today. I thought about going for a run. Or, maybe doing Chest & Back. But, I felt I should let my muscles heal, and get back to the place that they're supposed to be.

So, I went for a walk around the neighborhood.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

Day 2

Workout:
None.

I had visions of working out today. Of getting back on track again.

Really.

My left wrist has been bothering me the last few days. And, getting worse each day ... to the point that actually it hurt to run yesterday, because any movement of my wrist caused a lot of pain.

I was pretty sure it was related to my shoulders. When they're tight, my wrist bothers me more ... though not usually this bad. I've been trying to get my shoulders to loosen, with Tiger Balm. But, it wasn't working for me.

So, I lined up a massage this evening.

Wow!

Umm, I don't say that in a "good way" really. Well, it was a mixed good-bad kind of thing. It was probably the most painful massage I've ever had. I just kept yoga in mind, and tried to breathe through it! That was the negative part. The positive part was that I walked out of there!! Whoopie! haha! No, that wasn't the positive part ... I mean, yes, it was positive, but, the really positive part was that when I walked out of there, I could twist my wrist, and move it back and forth, and it didn't hurt anymore than it usually does!!

Another interesting thing about this massage, was that usually, I'm totally relaxed when I leave, after getting a massage. After this one, though, I felt totally energized! Totally pumped.

My massage was in the evening ... so it was almost 8pm when I left. My mind was going crazy, with the lists of things I was going to do when I got home!!

Unfortunately, the massage was about 45 minutes away from where I live. About halfway home, I was getting tired, and just wanted to get home so I could lay down and go to sleep!!

As far as tomorrow goes, I want to workout. But I suspect that I should allow my muscles to heal, and get back into "place" so I don't waste the money spent on the massage, and need to get another one soon!

Goals:

1. Plyometrics
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

the beginning ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.69 miles)
41 min.
burned 326 cal.
HR max: 173
HR ave: 150

This morning, I was of the mindset that I was going to workout. A P90X workout, and running. I got home, and my place was warm. I had to cool down before I could workout. Then, I was tired and took a nap.

Nothing. I did nothing productive today. I thought about the fact that I had a full day scheduled with things to do. It also occurred to me that in order to get the body I want, I do actually have to work for it.

But, there was no motivation to action.

Finally, I kicked my butt in gear. Loaded the shuffle with good tunes. Put on my HRM & other running gear. Decided to try running in the new Nike Frees ... I've been wearing them around, getting my feet used to them, but I hadn't run in them yet.

And so, I headed out ... was going to do my usual 3 1/2 mile route. But, about halfway into it, I needed to go to the bathroom. And, there wasn't anywhere on my route to stop! So, I headed home. Dropped my route by a mile, but, I got out there!

Tomorrow is more running. I'm noticing my feet hurt a little bit tonight, after the run, so I'll use my regular running shoes for tomorrow's run. (Gotta work those feet muscles slowly!) And, a P90X workout.

My new daily read is from a friend of mine from the BB boards ... "Marathon_Phil".

"Just a second he says - there is no 'just a second'?" - Tony Horton, PlyoX

You know I love really good Philosophy. I even love really good theology. Wanna know how weird I am - I have a double major undergrad - Engineering and Theology - there weren't many of those. This statement above is as good as I've read or heard anywhere, and I look hard.

It says it all to me. All we have is right now, right this instant, that's all we have. We all have such goals, we all have dreams. You know what the perfectly right time to pursue them is, with all your heart, mind, body and soul - NOW. "Just a second he says - there is no 'just a second'!"

There will ALWAYS be something blocking our total commitment to ourselves, to our big dreams. ALWAYS. That is the law of existence. Emotions, injury, depression, divorce, lost jobs, lost loves, loss of every sort will hit every day - "there is no just a second."

You know what the most brutal loss is that occurs everyday, almost every single day, at least for me - the loss of the fire. When you are driving in your car, or praying in church, or daydreaming in a line at the market, dreams are on fire inside. Everyone wants to be ripped in the checkout line. Everyone wants to be great kneeling in church. Everyone wants to be a hero stuck in traffic.

But then the moment comes, the alarm goes off, and that burning flame - is nowhere to be found. What you wake up with - if you are like me - is a little disappointment, a little depression, a little un-nameable fear and terror, a sense that somehow you are not enough today, that today is NOT the day to push for those dreams. That happens EVERYDAY. That is the law of existence. That is the most tragic loss we face daily, the loss of our flame.

"There is no just a second." We are dying kids. I am in the best shape of my life, in the best physical, mental, spiritual and emotional state in my life - but I am dying. My seconds are slipping away. This very second will not come again. It is time to push for my dreams - today. It is time to define them, to visualize them, to write them down, and to think about them with my whole heart and soul. It is time to do scary things, to walk into fearful situations, to push for exhaustion, suffering (as Mike and Tami say) and nausea (as my brother Mark says).

"Just a second." I say that everyday. I say that everytime I push play and just want to cruise. I say that everytime I slide into work for another not so tough day. I say that in every situation that confronts me everyday. "There is no just a second." Awesome. So I will push right now, and dive into the fear, into my dreams right now.

So many of you do that here. I really idolize so many of you. Your intensity and the way you live is how I wish I could live - so I really idolize you, and try to copy you. But since I don't want to offend anyone, let me pick Amy, my buddy Amy who is doing a fitness competition this week. She is the VP of a bank - her job takes her away from her dream. She experienced marriage "separation" (she wrote about online so I feel OK saying it - I share it for a purpose of course), she is sad about where she recently moved to - so many things are wrong. She has so many reasons to say: "Just a second" and all of us would grant it to her. But she never took a second. She kept pushing through everything, and she's making her dreams come true: now, today, this second.

"Just a second he says - there is NO 'just a second'". Tony is quite the philosopher - because there truly is no just second. Not for any of us.

phil

Sheri ... there is no "just a second" ... the previous days are just lost, never to be recaptured. Start here ... in this moment ... to become the best me possible.

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 5 miles
2. Chest & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

what's the excuse today?

Workout:
None.

I was up late last night ... so I slept in today. I don't get to do that much. Between all my tasks and responsibilities, I have to get up earlier than I prefer, so when I get the chance to sleep in ... I have to take it!!

The local christian school that is associated with my church was having their Spring Fling today. It's usually in the spring, instead of almost summer, but, I guess they had to postpone it for some reason. I usually go over for my lunch, to help support the school. (I am a product of Christian Education, so I try to continue the support.)

So, I spent about an hour there. Last year's food was better, they had veggie burgers. This year, my options were pizza, nachos or pop corn! I had two slices of pizza (an olive one & a cheese one). I was going to leave ... was trying to give my tickets to a friend of mine to give to her sons ... instead she tried to get me to use them. I tried to dunk the principal in the dunk tank. Then, she had me make a "button" (I gave it to a friend's daughter ... it was green with a monkey on it, she loves the color green & she loves monkeys!).

I got home, and did some work in the backyard. Pulled weeds, trimmed up some of the plants. Watered. It was sunny and warm. So, of course I spent some time swinging in the hammock, reading the paper, and just relaxing in the sun.

I've still got a collection of plants that I haven't gotten into the pots.

Then, there was naptime.

Again, I ran out of time, and didn't get the workout or run in ... other than working in the garden.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

another day lost ... on the exercise front

Happy Birthday, Rachel!! (Sweet 16!)

Workout:
None.

My niece turns 16 today!! Woohoo! I thought I was going to be hanging out with the family, but, she just wanted to hang-out with her friends. She didn't want a birthday party. (Saved my parents $50 for their roundtrip drive!)

So, I had other things planned today. Planned. Yeah, it sounds like the day was packed with appointments and to-do lists!! It was mostly a "me-day". Hey, we all need those, once in a while!

I had to get up early, for my church responsibilities. Then, I hung out with a friend of mine. We ended up going out for dinner, and then vegging-out and watching movies ...

Got home at nearly midnight. I put on a DVD I've got from Netflix ... "New Rules". It's the "New Rules" segments from the first 3 seasons of Bill Maher's "Real Time" show. A quick 45 min. video. Good laughs.

While I was watching the DVD, I planned out my schedule for tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

OOPS!

Workout:
None.

My plan had been to start "fresh" with June. A new month, a new, stronger focus on the workouts.

But, instead, I turned off my alarm and slept later than planned! I got 7 hours of sleep in today, as well!!

I slept late enough, that I didn't have the time I needed for the run I planned on doing. Instead, I had to get busy and ready for the company I had coming over for dinner!

I grilled on the BBQ tonight. Veggies, tofu, and bread.

Tomorrow is well planned for me, so I'm not sure what I might be able to do tomorrow ... but we'll see!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

break-time at work

Workout:
Stairs/Walking
10 min.
** 5 flights of stairs, twice; walking around the "quad" **

Today I did it ...

I took a break, and headed for the stairs. The stairwell I chose (closest one to the unit) goes up to the roof (but there's a barricade between floor 5 and the roof). I started by running up the stairs ... by the 3rd floor, my quads were screaming in pain, so I had to slow it down. I stopped briefly at the top, to look out the window toward the parking garage (trying to figure out what part of the hospital I was in), and then headed back down. (Going downstairs is so much easier!!) At the bottom, I headed back up again ... again, had to slow it down as I was rounding the corner of the 3rd floor landing.

When I got back down to first floor, I headed back to the unit ... the long way around. Walking around the "quad" above the courtyard.

I noticed that my left knee was a little sore after the stairs. Not sure what that was about. And, my quads were definitely feeling used!

But, this little break totally worked for me. It was small enough, I didn't feel guilty leaving. And it wasn't so aggressive that I had nothing else to give. It energized me a bit.

I'm going to work up to 2 breaks of 15 minutes.

And, I got 7 hours of sleep today!

Tomorrow, I'm going to get up a little early and go for a run.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

gettin' back in the saddle ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.5 miles)
58 min.
burned 410 cal.
HR max: 171
HR ave: 138

I did it!

I accepted no excuses today. And I went running and walking in my neighborhood.

It felt good to just do it. To make a plan ... and follow through again.

Food needs work. It's not that I've been "bad" with my food ... I just haven't been as "good" with it. So, I'm going to get back on track with it starting tonight, at work.

Tonight, the plan is to take my break away from the unit, and go walking around the courtyard area ... or run up and down the stairs.

Goals:

1. Sleep ... get at least 7 hours of sleep
   
2. Get bursts of exercise during my breaks at work.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 6

Week 1, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I had a bunch of errands to run today. I was exhausted when I got home.

All this focus on getting 7-8 hours of sleep on my workdays ... I need to focus on getting 8 hours on my non-workdays!!

I took a nap for about an hour or so. Then, I had housework and things to do.

So, I ended up blowing the workout off, again today.

Tomorrow, though, "no excuses". I'm working out.

I start back to work, for my "short week" tomorrow, as well. So, assuming I don't have a busy patient assignment, and am able to get away, I am planning on my 30 minute exercise break for tomorrow night, at work.

Goals:

1. Work-out.
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 5

Week 1, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I had thought about trying to squeeze in a run this morning. But, I ran out of time. I went to my brother's to hang-out with him and the kids. The girls were busy. So, it was just my nephew ... and he was very busy with his computer game.

Which, actually, was nice, it gave my brother & I a chance to catch-up.

I got home in time to finish a few things before heading off to my evening responsibilities.

But, again, no workout. It's been a week now. And, I'm not finding the motivation that is creating action. Yes, I've got all kinds of inspirational and motivational things to read and push me, but this week, they don't seem to be doing it.

So, here it is, "Day 5" and I haven't done a single workout, yet!

Struggles. Seems like I have them a lot. Work and sleep come first. P90X and running and anything else gets pushed aside more frequently than I care to admit. This week, despite all my planning, I didn't start P90X on Thursday.

And, I learned that sleep is really important, too! In fact, after all my struggling to get myself to workout on my work-days, I am thinking about abandoning that plan!

Sleep is important for a safe nurse, and a safe driver. And, there is plenty of research about how important sleep is, when it comes to losing weight and/or keeping it off. I know ... I've read it.

So, I'm thinking about another plan of attack. In the process of venting to a friend of mine ... The realization that I really prefer to have sleep, over the chance to workout, but, feeling pulled to workout because it's healthy for me (like sleep isn't?!) ... she brought to my attention a good idea!

I rarely ever take my 30 minute break. I'm allowed a 30 minute break, and 2 15 minute breaks during my 12 hour shift. I don't smoke, so, I don't take more than my fair share of breaks. And, I don't nap, so I'm not taking it that way. I usually go briefly to the break room to grab my food, and then sit in the nurses' station to eat it (the break room is usually dirty, and the TV is usually blaring and not necessarily on anything I want to watch, anyway).

So, I'm going to start taking my 30 minute break (or even 2 15 minute ones) and running up and down the stairs. That is exercise and cardio and will definitely get my HR up!!

As far as the home workouts go, I'm going to focus on getting 7-8 hours of sleep on my work-days. If that means I've got time to workout (not likely, but, maybe there will be a 30 minute window I can squeeze it in) ... getting more sleep, I'll definitely be moving faster. On my days off, I'm going to attempt a combination of P90X and running. (I'm now down to 8 weeks until my 6 1/2 mile race.)

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 4 miles.
2. Kenpo X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 4

Week 1, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Yesterday, with my second day of 8+ hours of sleep, I felt great!

At work, I wasn't sleepy. And, driving home I didn't struggle!

Today, I slept later than I planned. I really had planned on getting up to do Yoga X today. But, I guess my body needed the extra sleep. I usually allow myself to be more sleep deprived when I'm going to be off that night, because I can sleep during the night.

But, today, I ended up waking again, at 4:30 pm ... not enough time to do Yoga X before I was supposed to be at my friend's to watch her kids.

Tomorrow is a new day. I'll get back on track then.

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 3 miles.
2. Legs & Back.
3. Ab Ripper X.
   
4. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
6. Drink 6 bottles of water.
7. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
8. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 3

Week 1, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Because I felt so great yesterday with the extra sleep, I decided not to sweat it. I was going to go for sleep, instead of working out.

I set my alarm for my "usual" later time of 4 pm, and went to bed. I happened to roll over, and look at the clock at 4:30 ... and jumped out of bed! I decided that I had screwed up the setting of my new alarm clock (the danger of setting an alarm when you're tired ... especially if it's a new one!).

After my shower, I was on the other side of my bed getting my clothes out of the closet, and I looked at the alarm clock on that side ... the time was flashing, which means the power went out. And, the new system doesn't have a battery back-up. (Guess I probably set it right, afterall! ... I am usually pretty tech-savvy, but, when I'm tired, all bets are off!)

Goals:

1. Yoga X
   
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 2

Week 1, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Today I overslept.

The alarm went off, and since I was so tired ... again, I struggled to drive home safely ... I reset my alarm. Except that I didn't hear it when it went off later. So, I ended up oversleeping! Woke up in a panic ... actually, I wasn't panicked until I looked at the clock! ... it was 6:25. I usually leave for work between 6 & 6:15.

Oops!

Gotta tell you, though, I felt so good! I didn't get sleepy at work. And, driving home, I wasn't fighting sleep or having to eat sunflower seeds the whole way home!! I loved it! Guess that's what happens when you get 9 hours of sleep ... instead of the usual 5 or 6!!

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 1

Week 1, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I was exhausted today. Originally, I had scheduled into my day, to do Ab Ripper X in the morning when I got home, and then to wake up early and do Chest & Back.

I was so exhausted ... it took every bit of effort on my part to stay awake for the drive home. So, I didn't stay up to do Ab Ripper X. And, when I got up this afternoon, I managed to make it to the recliner to sit for a while before finally getting in the shower & getting ready for work.

I know, not a good use of my time. But, I felt like crap. Really, wanted to call in sick. Contemplated it for a while. Even after I took my shower, I almost called in!! I had a headache (probably sinus), and started feeling a little lightheaded and achy.

I am proud of myself for sucking it up, and getting in to work, however!!

Goals:

1. Plyometrics.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 27

Week 4, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Today ... I'm still sore. My butt & quads, mainly.

I tried to get going early, today, so I could get my stuff done, but, I didn't.

Mostly, I think it probably comes down to being too lazy. I know I could have squeezed it in, but, I ended up putting it off, and then running out of time. By the time I might have been motivated to workout, it was time for my nap & then time to get ready for work.

Plan is to start P90X tomorrow.

Measurements:

The measurements never cease to amaze me. It just goes to show, really, that the scale means nothing! I mean, to figure out my body fat percentage, I need my weight, but, beyond that, it doesn't matter.

Over the past month, my body weight went up a pound. But, looking at the numbers, I'm up 2 1/2 pounds of lean mass (muscle), and down 1 1/2 pounds of fat!


















Pictures:

I didn't get around to taking pictures. Not sure what my mental block is with that. But, I didn't.

Goals:

1. Chest & Back.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 26

Week 4, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I'm feeling the workouts from yesterday. Between Plyo and rollerblading, my lower body is feelin' it!!

I ran out of time today. Ran errands, and housework ... that kind of thing today. Had more time today to get my workouts in ... which means I kept putting them off, and didn't get it done.

I did take some time for myself and gave myself a manicure! I haven't done that it years. I actually bought some new "tools" specific for nail care today. So, it was totally fun!

But, instead of doing that, I probably should have gone running, or something!

Goals:

1. Kenpo X
2. P90X Fit Test
   
3. Pictures
4. Measurements
   
5. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
7. Drink 6 bottles of water.
8. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
9. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 25

Week 4, Day 4

Workout:
Plyometrics
61 min.
burned 442 cal.
HR max: 162
HR ave: 141

Rollerblading (2.97 miles)
32 min.
burned 306 cal.
HR max: 182
HR ave: 165

I was so not in the mood to workout today.

I got dressed in my gear, and then just didn't want to do it! I went to the beachbody message boards for inspiration, and got inspired to go rollerblading, instead of running!

I brought it, with Plyometrics ... the sweat was dripping off my hair! With every jump, my hair hit my face, and the sweat splattered on my cheek!!

I had to go to Santa Cruz today for my haircut today. So, I decided to blow-off my housework, and go early so I could rollerblade along West Cliff Drive! Haven't done it in a while. Haven't been on my 'blades in a really long time ... they were at the bottom of my closet, underneath a football, snorkeling gear, backpacks & my tent!

I felt a little rusty on them, when I got on! But, it ended up being ok ... I didn't fall on my face, or anything!! ;) My knee pads smelled, so, I didn't want to wear them. I know ... stupid. I'm a nurse, I know what can happen to a person who is speeding along on rollerblades without any protection!! I rode out a mile and a half, stopping occasionally to take pictures. Then, headed back.

Here are a few pictures from my day ...

Looking toward the Boardwalk & Wharf.

Surfers at Steamer Lane.


Sea Lions sunning themselves on the rock.


Looking back toward Lighthouse Point. This was taken from my turn-around point.


Me ... after rollerblading 3 miles.

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 4 miles
2. Core Synergistics
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 24

Week 4, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Today ended up being a lazy-butt day.

I woke up at about 6 this morning. My back ached. Last night, at the party, everyone was surprised that I wasn't sore. Well, I'm stiff and sore today. Went to the bathroom, and crawled back in bed ... and fell asleep. The alarm went off at 11 this morning.

The only reason I got up, was because a few minutes later, my brother text messaged me to see if I was awake. I texted him back. And, then he called me! Hadn't talked to him in a couple weeks. Surprised me that he called. He's more than happy to talk, but he doesn't tend to initiate phone calls "just because".

It was nice talking to him. I told him about my 5K. He was impressed with me. Asked how often I was running. (Not as often as I should.) Then, asked if I was doing any other cross-training, or just running. (Told him about P90X.)

Once I got up, I realized that my lower abs were a little sore today, too. Guess I may have been "engaging my core" while I was running! But, really, I'm not too bad off for really pushing myself like I did!! The only reason that I was wiped out, was because of the lack of sleep of the previous few days. I usually need a day to completely vegge-out and not do anything, after my work-week. And, I didn't allow myself that ... Friday was a little, but I did get up and get going fairly early in my day.

***

This week is supposed to be "recovery week" ... in the P90X rotation. Of the last 24 days, I've done P90X workouts on 4 days, and non-P90X workouts (mostly running) on 7 days. That's hardly effective enough to require recovery ... or to have elicited much of a physiologic response on my body. Yes, I feel leaner. And my clothes fit better. But, that's more a product of running, and not so much theP90X program.

So, I had pretty much decided that after my 5K, I would pick a new start date for the P90X program. On my work-days, my limit is an hour of working out ... and actually, realistically, more like 30-45 minutes. I think Yoga X will be most effective for me on a Sunday. So, I've chosen a Thursday re-start date for P90X. I am going to do my own version of "doubles". There is no way, at this point in my life, that I can do a "double" on a work-day ... no matter how inspired I may be. So, instead of focusing on "running-doubles" on strength training days, I will fit them in on my non-work days ... no matter what the P90X workout is.

Beginning on Thursday, I will be doing the P90X workout rotation (double). On Mondays & Tuesdays, and as I am able to make time, Wednesdays (or any other day I can fit it in) will have a "running-double" workout.

My next scheduled race is the 6 1/2 mile Wharf to Wharf race. At the end of July. I signed myself & a friend that I talked into doing it with me, up for the race. I figured if I went ahead and signed her up, she wouldn't bale on me!! ;) My brother had mentioned maybe doing it with me, as well, so, we'll see. So, I'm going to start looking to the training plans for 10Ks (since it's just slightly more than a 10K) ... especially now that I know that I really can run for 3.1 miles straight!!

Goals:

1. Run/Walk 3 miles
2. Plyometrics
   
3. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 23

Week 4, Day 2

Workout:
5K race
36:17 (unofficial time)
burned 396 cal.
HR max: 193
HR ave: 177

I got a little later start from home than I planned. But, I got to the hospital in plenty of time. I parked. Found were registration was. Got my number, and packet with my t-shirt in it. Looked at the map with the route marked on it. Then, headed back to my car to drop off the non-essential items, and to eat my breakfast of pumpkin bread, a banana, and a small handful of almonds. Decided I didn't want to use the port-a-potties that were out in the parking lot across the street, so I grabbed my badge, and went downstairs in the parking garage, to use the restroom there.

On my way to the registration area, I saw 1 of my coworkers with her husband and kids. She had mentioned to me that she was going to walk it, with the stroller. As I was wandering around, one of my coworkers punched me in the arm as she walked by. Then, I saw another one of my coworkers ... the one I used to go trail-running with. So, I hung out with her and her old neighbor.

We positioned ourselves fairly near the front ... but, when we headed off, I discovered there were a lot of strollers and children ahead of us. At 8:30, the emcee was still thanking the various sponsors. Finally, at 8:40, the played the National Anthem ... makes me wonder, sometimes ... the hospital slogan is "Neighbor's Who Care" ... but, making all the noise, that early on a Saturday morning makes me wonder how caring the neighborhood really thinks we are!!

The gun went off, and I started my HR monitor. I decided not to use the gps watch, because there would be mile markers laid out. Though, being able to overlay my route on google maps would have been fun, I suppose. It was slow getting going. Though it only took a block or so for the crowds to break up a bit. Though trying to pass kids & adults who don't know how to run straight, is quite annoying. This one lady was zig zagging with the stroller. I finally got beyond the slower people, and found my pace. I briefly thought about trying to keep up with my coworker, C, and then decided ... it's my race, I'm running at my pace!

The first mile marker seemed like an especially long time. As I ran past it, I glanced at my watch. 11 minutes. Good time. Put my focus back on my gait, and keeping my core tight. Crossed the 2 mile marker, glanced at my watch. 23 minutes. A little slower, but still excellent time ... better than practice. But I also know that I tend to really slow down between mile 2 and 3. I just tried to enjoy the experience, smile at the neighbors sitting out watching us run. Thought about how much harder the guy carrying some heavy-looking piece of equipment to his truck must be working, than I was. Keep running. Don't walk. You're doing fine. Almost there. Mile 3, a coworker of mine was a volunteer ... I waved as I passed. Forgot to look at my watch. One of the kids sitting there with her was calling out times. And, then it hit me ... THIS IS IT!! I've only got a TENTH OF A MILE left to run!! I need to turn on the jets!!

So, I picked up my pace. Balls-to-the-wall. Full-out sprint to the finish. The lady and her daughters that have been running with me during the race are just ahead of me. I can see the finish line. I'm thinking about C. She's running the 10K ... she's gotta do this all over again. I hear a siren off in the distance. I'm thinking, they're probably going to the ER. There's 1 street between me and the finish line. I'm about 4 houses away. I look to my left and see the fire truck. I have to slow down ... I can't dart across the street in front of the truck! There was a guy standing on the corner. Makes a comment about it not seeming fair. I agree ... "it's just not right!" The firetruck passes, and I take off again, at a full-on sprint.

I head for the 5K chute and cross the finish line.

I am totally dying. My heart is racing like crazy. I'm just focusing on breathing, and walking as I'm being asked to tear off a tag on my bib.

I grab a bottle of water and start drinking it. Getting food ... 1/2 a bagel & some cream cheese, strawberries, a couple orange wedges, and a box of raisins. There are bags of produce to take, as well ... spinach, salad mixes ... I get a small bag of celery sticks (I love celery sticks, but hate preparing them). As I'm wandering around eating my fruit, it dawns on me that all my coworkers should be coming in behind me ... so I head down just past the finish line, so I can cheer them on. Along with the little kids who are doing the 5K ... grade-schoolers.

Another one of my coworkers showed up later ... she had overslept, but had planned to come watch us. (She's riding a century race tomorrow.) She took a picture of us ... she's going to be emailing to me, so I can put it here.

Had a party to go to tonight, as well. Birthday party for a friend who is turning 35 in a few days. I had planned on taking a nap, since I was expecting to be out late because of the party (and had been up early). But, I was a little busy. Had to buy a birthday card, and stuff to wrap her present. As well as buying food to make to bring with me. I was asked to bring a fruit salad. So, I made a HUGE salad. And, since I wasn't sure how much protein I would find there, from a vegetarian source, I decided to make my 7-layer dip that I turn into a 10-layer dip, and add veggie crumbles to. With multi-grain Tostitos (my favorite).

Ended up having about 20 minutes of down-time, but not enough to nap.

The party was fun. White peach margaritas were on the menu for the party. They aren't bad. They were supposed to be white nectarine, but apparently those aren't available for another 2 weeks.

Look at us, living in California, we expect any and all produce to be accessible to us ... no matter the season!! (Yes, I want RED tomatoes in winter ... why would I want those hideous anemic looking ones?!) ;)

Got home quite late.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 22

Week 4, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I didn't sleep too well today. Kept waking up, thinking that I might have overslept. So, when it was time to get up ... at 2 pm ... I was pretty tired.

I drove to my friend's house for my massage. An hour and a half. (I don't schedule anything less ... unless I'm desperate for a massage, and that's all that's available.)

It was totally wonderful. Felt great. My shoulders were still a little sore from those dips I did at the gym. And, of course, my hip flexors/thighs were still sore from Core Synergistics. So, the massage helped loosen that all up.

KO informed me that when she was working on me, she was visualizing me being carried by the wind! Cool.

Headed home. I was getting hungry ... I didn't eat before I left. Only had water with me. I tried to remember what kind of food I had at home, and whether there was anything I was interested in eating. I decided to treat myself (don't eat out much anymore) ... and stop at Foster's Freeze. I buzzed through the drive-thru. Ordered a garden burger without the sauce ... and a twister (I couldn't resist!!). I ordered something new. Didn't care for it. Should have ordered my usual. I didn't finish it, because I didn't really like it ... and I've learned, life is too short to eat food that I don't like! Especially if it's not healthy food!!

I pretty much just vegged out on the couch until I started falling asleep ... then I headed upstairs to bed!

Tomorrow I have to wake up early. Have the clothes I'm going to wear already laid out. Registration starts at 7:15, the race starts at 8:30. I should be there somewhere between those 2 times.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 21

Week 3, Day 7

Workout:
None.

I had planned on doing a 2-3 mile run today. But, I was just too exhausted. So, I opted for sleep, instead of a workout.

Not sure what I'm going tomorrow. It's the day before my run, so I don't want to be doing anything too strenuous. I've got a massage scheduled with a coworker/friend of mine. If I've got the time and energy, I will probably do X Stretch.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 20

Week 3, Day 6

Workout:
Core Synergistics
50 min.
burned 260 cal.
HR max: 160
HR ave: 118

Today, the sweat was trickling down my face! I don't normally have mobile sweat. I will sweat & perspire, and soak the clothes, but my hair is thick enough that it usually seems to absorb it!!


Breakfast was again on-track. Today's oatmeal had a scoop of protein powder, though.

I also had to get moving a little more quickly today. I had to go in early to work for a "required" class. Surprisingly, I did manage to get my workout done, and the other little things I needed to do, so that I was able to take my nap before heading in to work.

My left wrist was hurting today before I even started working out!

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (2 sets reg., others knees down)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 12 (4 reg., 8 knees)
Bow to Boat: done (I cont. to struggle with "Bow")
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with leg raise)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 3
Side Hip Raise: 15 each side
Squat X-Press: 10#, 30 (took a break @ #11 ... then pushed through)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 1 plank ... running during the rest)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 10#, 16 (nearly killed me--took a break in between!)
Towel Hopping: done
... ran out of time to complete the rest of the workout ... had to get my nap in.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 19

Week 3, Day 5

Workout:
(actual)
Run/Walk ... around neighborhood & town (5.08 miles)
1 hour, 26 minutes
burned 682 cal. (total)

(expected)
Run/Walk in the neighborhood (2.73 miles)
38 min.
burned 347 cal.
HR max: 183
HR ave: 160

I find it interesting (and sometimes entertaining) when the "universe" ... or in my case, FATE ... gives us the nudge we need ...

I did as planned ... had my oatmeal this morning, with a small handful of dried cranberries (maybe a tablespoon) & cinnamon along with my coffee (only 1 cup, today). I was going to try running fueled with easy-to-access energy.

My plan was for a 3.1 mile run (thinking 5K practice). Normally, since I'm not gone for very long, I don't lock my front door, but today, I decided that I should lock it (there are some "interesting" [read: suspicious looking] visitors to the neighbors' across the street) ... if anyone paid attention, they would know that when I'm "in my gear" I'm gone for 30 minutes or more. In 1 easy trip, they could have my laptop, purse, palm, cellphone, the Wii & PS2 (along with games) & an armful of CDs or DVDs ... so imagine what damage they could do in 20 or 30 minutes!

Instead of taking my larger set of keys to feel jangling in my pocket, I quickly grabbed the single key with my gym card attached that I used yesterday to go to the gym, and ran out the door.

I was doing pretty good in my run, feeling in the zone, not too burned out, according to the GPS, I even (briefly) broke the 10 min./mile barrier and hit 9:45!! About halfway through ... I started cramping. I'm thinking, great, the monthly pains are here a couple days early ... but I'm going to work through them. I actually managed to keep running without walking until mile 2 (the longest I've gone straight). I ended up deciding to cut out of my run a little bit early (2.7 miles, instead of the planned 3.1).

I walk up to my door, pull out my key, and realize ... it's my car key that I grabbed, not the house key!! A friend that lives about 2.5 miles away from me, has a spare set of keys, but she worked last night, so is sleeping, and won't be up until a little before 3 when her kids need to be picked up (& being a night-shift nurse myself, there's NO WAY I'm waking her up early ... not that I had change to make a phone call, and the cell was safely locked inside). So, I head for the rental company that I rent from, I think it might be closer.

GPS is saying it's a little over 1 mile down there ... and I've got to head back now!! I pick up the key, sign it out, and head back. I make it back home, and I've been out running or walking (most of the key-getting was walking) for 5 miles. (So much for backing off the week before the race!)

Of course, the frustrating (or so I thought) thing was that I couldn't get any of the 3 keys on the keyring to turn in the knob and open my door. I was beginning to get really annoyed that I was going to have to go back down there ... but then it worked.

So, even when I've personally decided to back-off a little ... I wasn't "allowed"!! All I can say, is that I'm glad it wasn't hot today ... like last week!!

I actually had planned on doing the Core Synergistics workout later today. But, I ended up being too wiped out for it.

Tomorrow is definitely a "break-from-running" day. I'll be doing a P90X workout. I'm leaning toward Plyometrics (except that it's equated to the equivalent of running 5 miles ... doesn't sound good for a "rest" day!). but, I might go ahead and do Core Synergistics. I do love that workout, in a masochistic sort of way ... my core is weak, but they're all exercises that I can really push myself to improve on, so I do. And, the fact that my core then hurts for a few days, letting me know it is rebuilding and getting stronger helps!!

No matter what the workout is, I'll be eating my breakfast of oatmeal again in the morning. I'm going to be losing out on a couple hours of my day tomorrow ... I've got another class to attend before work. I'm really getting tired of these!! It's some lame-oh class that's being required. The only reason I am caving, is that it sounds like everyone really is expected to go to it ... and they actually set a class time that is convenient for the night shift (5:30-6:30 ... before I have to be at work at 7).

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 18

Week 3, Day 4

Workout:
gym combo routine
30 min.
burned 222 cal.
HR max: 175
HR ave: 142

I had several errands to run today, so my workout got put off until the late afternoon when I was no longer in the mood. It was a little warm for working out ... comfortable to be swinging in the hammock with a glass of iced tea, though.

I decided to change things up a little (that one was for you, Nohad!) ... and go to the gym. But, I really didn't get into it. My body showed up, and I went through the motions. I've been wanting to use the pull-up/dip assist machine at my gym (part of the reason for joining that gym, as opposed to a different one ... that would have been cheaper & is open 24 hours).

So, I did a quick warm-up jog/run on the treadmill for 5 minutes. Then, I used the pull-up assist ... took me a little while to figure out what counter weight I needed to be able to pull myself all the way up and get my chin above the imaginary bar. But, I ended up doing 3 sets, 8-8-6. Between pull-up sets, I used the lat. pull-down machine, at 70 lbs., I did 2 sets of 8-8. And, ended with 1 set of dip assists of 8. I finished out my 30 minutes with a run on the treadmill ... I got bored with it, though I was proud of myself for being able to "comfortably" run at a faster pace then I've ever been able to before (5.1 miles/hr) ... I think I lasted 11 minutes on the treadmill until I decided I was "over it."

Tried to figure out why I was so against working out today. I did it, but it was really dragging my feet ... you know, kicking and screaming the whole way there.

What I came up with was:

1. I only got 7 hours of sleep last night, so I was tired ... except that doesn't work, because I often only get 7 hours of sleep (I'm on here too late at night).
2. Not enough carbs ... makes more sense, since I've been trying to avoid them (other than the fruit & vegetable kind).
3. Not enough calories ... when I'm not working, especially, that could be true, I'm not sure I eat enough on those days off.
   

I had gotten so focused on "fat burning" that I forgot about "energy source". This past week, I've really focused on eating protein, dairy, vegetables & fruit; and keeping the carbs to 1 serving a day ... if that. I didn't miss the carbs ... I was getting by without my whole wheat pasta. But, I forgot, with my running, I need carbs for energy ... and it helps with that drive to push myself. I wouldn't say I was "bonking" ... like I have in the past ... it was more a lack of motivated action.

So, this week, I'm going to try something new. (Well, it's not really new, but, I haven't done it in a while.) I'm going to actually work on getting "breakfast" in my body within an hour of waking. And, that "breakfast" is going to be oatmeal. Then (hopefully) I'm going to have the energy to hit the pavement!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat (a carb-filled) breakfast within 1 hour of waking.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 17

Week 3, Day 3

Happy Mother's Day!

Workout:
None.

I spent a large portion of the day sleeping. And then headed out for some shopping that I've been putting off, but needed ... umm, I mean, wanted to do.

I was going to workout in the evening ... go for a run, and maybe do a P90X workout. But, I was a good daughter and called my mom ... 2 hours later, I was too tired to workout. I went back to bed, instead!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 16

Week 3, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I've been exhausted ... having difficulty staying awake while at work, and while driving home. Plus, my shoulders are hurting even more ... got those heavy patients to lift and turn, still. So, I opted for sleep. Felt it would be better (and healthier) for me to get my sleep so I don't fall asleep on the way home from work.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 15

Week 3, Day 1

Workout:
None.

Today, I woke with a headache. My shoulders were hurting, too, from lifting heavy patients.

So, I decided to get a little more sleep instead of working out.

Probably should have worked out ... at least gone for a run, but, I didn't have it in me!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 14

Week 2, Day 7

Workout:
Run/Walk (1.82 miles)
25 min.
burned 219 cal.
HR max: 173
HR ave: 157

I was awake for 26 hours by the time I got to bed this morning. I didn't change the alarm time, but I really wasn't planning on getting up to run. When the alarm went off, I had the mental dialog going on in my head ... and the pro-get-up-and-run part of me won out! Imagine that!

So, I went for a little run around the neighborhood. And, I actually beat my best time for the route, by 1 minute!!

Eating has been clean.

They had Jamba Juice at work yesterday ... it's "Nurse's Week" ... and I didn't have any!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 13

Week 2, Day 6

Workout:
None.

They called me from work. Needed staff to come in early.

I'm trying to get my car paid off, and money saved so I can buy a house (now that there are several houses in foreclosure in my neighborhood, I might actually be able to afford it!). So, I agreed to come in early.

Losing 4 hours of my prep-time meant I sacrificed the workout ... had food to prepare for my weekend of work.

Will plan on getting up early tomorrow for a workout ... probably a quick little run, around the neighborhood.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 12

Week 2, Day 5

Workout:
Run/Walk (1.96 miles)
29 min.
burned 254 cal.
HR max: 174
HR ave: 156

Today was another hot day. I was sweating, just walking from my car to my house!! After yesterday's run ... and my inability to do anything productive afterwards made me re-think my run plan for today!!

So, instead of working out with exercise this afternoon, I spent about 2 hours (minus breaks) planting a bunch of plants into pots. It was a very productive day today. I got everything in except for the pineapple sage which looks to be doing ok in their current temporary pot, and 3 of the 4 iris pots. (I planted "Dance for Joy") And, I'd like to pick up a bell pepper to grow, as well.

I went searching online, since I have no clue what my irises are going to look like, other than the 1 that was in bloom when I was given them, almost a month ago. This is apparently what "Dance for Joy" will look like:

I drank a lot of water today, trying to stay hydrated with the heat. And, I'm trying to eat every 3 hours ... and mostly, I think I succeeded!

I decided, instead of totally blowing off my run, that I would postpone the run until evening, when it would be cooler. Of course, when it came time to do my evening run, I wasn't in the mood! Fortunately, I made myself do it ... I'm glad I did.

I ran a totally different route this evening. There were hills. And, doing it once only gave me a little less than 1 mile, so, then I reversed it and did it again, the other direction. According to coolrunning.com, my pace is, 14:47 min./mile. It's not great, but I was quite warm, and there were hills involved, and I haven't been doing much hill running.

I'm ready for bed ... all this heat, and the runs have wiped me out!! I have even been getting 8-9 hours of sleep each night!!

But, unfortunately, I can't go to bed just yet. I need to plan out my meals for the next few days ... through Sunday would be best, since I'm working the next few days.

Tomorrow I am going to be resting from running. (I've gotten nearly 7 1/2 miles in this week, which is quite a bit, for me!!) But, instead will do a P90X workout. Not sure which one, yet. I was going to rest on Friday again, and try to squeeze in Plyo on that day. I'm concentrating pretty heavily on lower body, so I think it should be an upper body workout. I'll pick it tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 11

Week 2, Day 4

Workout:
Run/Walk (5.41 miles)
85 min.
burned 842 cal.
HR max: 180
HR ave: 160

Went for a run today ... had a good time. Mostly. I mean, it was really hot, and I went the longest I've gone yet ... so, it wasn't perfect, or anything!! It was pretty hot today. I should have gone earlier, but I needed to get some grocery shopping done. I think it was about 85 degrees while I was running!

Coolrunning.com says my pace today was: 15:43. The good news is that I ran the first 1.5 miles without slowing to walk. I was very hot ... face was red (because of the heat, and a touch of sunburn) ... and I was glistening wet!!

I was too whipped to do any other workout today. And, I ended up taking a nap in the afternoon!

Tomorrow I'm going to go for a shorter run ... 2 miles. And, am planning on doing my P90X workout.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 10

Week 2, Day 3

Workout:
None.

I finished pulling the weeds in the backyard.

My family came over today. My church had a Mother-Daughter Tea, so my parents came over so my mom could go to the tea with me. They brought my niece with them. My brother and nephew came to pickup my niece.

So, I got to see them all ... almost! ;) My other niece was home doing homework.

The tea was fun. My mom & I both won prizes ... I won a scrapbook kit & she a tea gift set ... we swapped, since she scrapbooks & I don't!

Goals:

1. Long Run.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 9

Week 2, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Again ... I was a little too busy & tired today to workout. Ended up vegging-out & falling asleep early ... watching Christmas movies (Christmas With The Kranks & Home Alone).

Yeah ... talk about a wild & crazy Cinco de Mayo!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 8

Week 2, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I was halfway sitting up in bed ... leaning back against the headboard ... telling myself I needed to get up ... I needed to stop dozing off and do my workout! Finally I turned & looked at the clock to discover it was 12:30!! Grrr!! I hate when I dream about getting up, and alarms going off! (Almost as annoying as dreaming about earthquakes when they're happening!)

So, I rolled over & went back to sleep. When 2:30 came along and the alarm went off, I was in no mood to wake up!! So I reset my alarm for a later time.

When I did finally wake up, I had to get busy straightening up my place because a friend of mine was coming over to hang out in the evening. Other than barbecuing veggies on the grill ... it's a vege-out kind of night!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 7

Week 1, Day 7

Workout:
HHAs Fat Burning Cardio
30 min.
burned 153 cal.
HR max: 134
HR ave: 118

I was rather sluggish getting up this morning. So, I didn't have time for a full hour workout. I popped in the HHAs Fat Burning Cardio DVD today.

I think I may not have been tightening my core as well as usual ... I didn't feel the burn like sometimes. I didn't get my HR up as high as I have in the past with this workout, either!!

Eating last night was pretty good. I ended up missing 1 of my snacks. I bought some new (unflavored) protein powder that I tried in my oatmeal. I wasn't crazy about it, but I was able to get it down!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 6

Week 1, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I had visions of at least doing a 30 minute workout today. But, the class I attended went longer than expected ... by nearly an hour ... so, when I got home, there wasn't time. Especially since I had to wake up so early (for me) I felt it was very important to get my nap. (Or I would have been up nearly 27 hours straight!!)

Tonight at work, I'm going to focus on eating every 2-3 hours. It may be difficult to get that done, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 5

Week 1, Day 5

Workout:
Shoulders & Arms
66 min.
burned 417 cal.
HR max: 165
HR ave: 129

Ab Ripper X. Not done.

I dragged my feet all day, in regards to working out. I was very close to taking a nap instead of working out. I talked myself into it. Along the lines of, "you're the one that wanted to start this new round of P90X. You had planned on doing other stuff, but, nooooo, you wanted to start a new round. You might as well just go ahead and do it, and stop delaying the inevitable. Besides, you know it's going to be a good workout ... it always is when you go ahead and workout even if you don't want to."

Yeah, I use sarcasm with myself.

Anyway, it got my butt moving. Unfortunately, it didn't get my butt moving soon enough to do Ab Ripper X. I need to work on that. It's a workout I don't like doing ... so I find any excuse not to do it.

I pushed myself pretty hard ... and was surprised by some of the results. My numbers really increased in the first part of the workout, and the second part I was fatigued enough that I had to back off a bit, but still had some improvements from the last time I did the workout. I also found it interesting in a few of the exercises that I got more reps in the second round of the workout then the first.

Historically, my shoulders have been weaker. Partly because I've "babied" them ... fearing injury I haven't pushed myself (or been consistent enough with them to get results). So, increasing my weights to 15 lbs. was a first for me, I think.

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 15 reps; 15#, 10 reps (didn't feel the burn with the first round, so I decided to up the weight)
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 15#, 12 reps (more weights increased)
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 15 reps; 10#, 12 reps (tris are still pretty weak ... though getting stronger)
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 15#, 7 reps; 15#, 9 reps (wasn't apparently quite ready for the 15s ... but I'll get better)
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 15#, 16 reps; 15#, 8 reps (I upped my weights ... second round was pretty difficult for me)
Chair Dips: 12; 12 (decided to listen to Tony ... he said to bend my legs to get down deeper, so I did ... and I was able to crank out more, too! I usually struggle with these ... wrists and shoulders usually hurt ... today it was the tris that gave out on me!)
Upright Rows: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 12 reps (those last few were very difficult for me)
Static Arm Curls: 15#, 16 reps; 15#, 8 reps ... 10#, 8 reps (that first round I made it through ... barely ... the notes on my paper say "killer" ... I tried on the second round, only got out 8 at the higher weight, so I did a second 8 with the "old" weight)
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 6 reps (against my better judgement, I decided to try an increased weight here with my tris ... form was poor on the second round, so I stopped ... should probably pick up a pair of 8 lb. weights)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 16 reps (I pushed through and got to the 16)
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 8 reps (had to rest toward the end of each of these rounds)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 15#, 2 reps ... 10#, 15 reps; 10#, 11 reps (I tried the 15s ... but I didn't want to "smash my face" ... so I quickly lowered the weights)
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 10#, 10 reps (since I was tired, and a "straight-arm" exercise, I was afraid to increase the weights ... but the first round was almost easy, so on the second round I increased the weights)
Congdon Curls: 10#, 13 reps; 10#, 12 reps (slight increase in reps)
Side Tri-rises: 10-10; 15-15 (by this time, I was totally "whipped"! ... I just lay, sprawled out on the floor!)

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for me. I've got a class to attend from 8-12. (At least I don't have to teach any of it like I'd first been told.) And, since the hospital paid for me to go to that conference in San Diego, I kind of have to do whatever they tell me to do now. Then, I get to go back for my 7p-7a shift later that night. (At least it's my short week, so I'm only working 2 nights this week!!)

The problem with all that is, because I'm waking up so early for the class, I have to get my nap in. By the time I nap & get ready for work & fix my food for work I will have used most of that time up. But, I think I should be able to squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise in there.

Tonight I'm noticing more soreness in my thighs, down to my knees ... I'm sure Plyo is to blame for that!! ;)

***

This weekend, I read an article, "The Great Weight Debate" in the May 2007 issue of Fitness magazine that really hit home for me. Lately, I've been trying to take my focus off the number on the scale ... and actually, I'm working toward taking my focus off of any number related to body image (clothing size, for example).

The article talks about how American women are hyper-focused on the extremes ... super-skinny, this "unrealistic brass ring". We can't achieve it so then we go to the other extreme of "why bother". We've lost sight of what is really important ... being fit and healthy. There was a quote from Rene Zweig, PhD, director of eating disorders and weight management at the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York City, that I am trying to make my new focus.

"When it comes to body image, the key is to focus on how you feel, not on the number on the scale. There's a broad range of numbers and weights that are healthy. Some skinny, some heavier. Not just one. Exercising and eating right--if you do those things, then you're at your healthy weight."

Goals:

1. 30 minutes of exercise.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 4

Week 1, Day 4

Workout:
Plyometrics
59 min.
burned 405 cal.
HR max: 155
HR ave: 137

I did it! I made it through Plyometrics!!

I didn't keep up with Dommie at all, but, I didn't have to "modify" the whole time, either!! I was in the middle ground area ... feel good about what I brought to the table, but know there's plenty of room to improve.

I'm hoping Tony Horton is right about that being a good workout for all other movement & endurance sports!! I chose to do regular P90X rotation, instead of lean because Plyo is supposed to be so good for my running!! I expect to see great strides of improvement (pun intended) in my running now that I'm doing Plyo once a week!!

Nutrition-wise I did fair. Actually, that's good for me on a non-work day!! Normally the eating isn't so good. I really tried to eat every 2 hours. Toward evening, I slacked off ... I missed the 6 pm eating and ate at 7 instead. I haven't checked off my macro-nutrient boxes yet, so I'm not sure where I stand on my ratios, but I've got a feeling I didn't eat enough food today.

I will definitely have to work on that. Not eating enough today will definitely affect my ability to do "triples" tomorrow!! ;)

Actually, with all the things I think I need to do tomorrow, I don't know that I'll have time for triples!! ;) I'm going to do Shoulders & Arms along with Ab Ripper X. I'll see how my time goes from there. After that, if I have the time, I'll probably do YogaX (tomorrow's regularly scheduled workout, which would mean I'm caught up on my slacked-off workouts). If I don't have enough time, I'll go for a run instead.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
2. YogaX.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 3

Week 1, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Got another compliment at work tonight ... actually, a couple compliments. Somehow, the conversation got around to the topic of "butts". Anyway, one of my coworkers informed me that she had noticed that my butt was shrinking! :) Way cool!! Another one of my coworkers has taken to calling me "skinny" ... so actually, I get that one, 2 or 3 times a pay period!!

I have noticed my waist is starting to really appear when I'm looking at myself in the mirror. Woohoo!! And, there's a little definition starting to show in my abs ... lines that didn't used to be there!

I didn't workout yesterday. I caught up on sleep instead ... if you can call 7 hours catching up!! ;) So, I planned on working out today. I had either a make-up Plyometrics workout to do, or today's Shoulders & Arms. I was actually thinking about trying to get both of them in if I could get that energetic between 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm!!

Before my alarm even went off, I woke up, and was laying in bed. I could feel my heart beating very fast. Similar to the feeling when I've had too much caffeine or not enough sleep ... or when I'm sick.

So, I decided I needed to listen to my body. It was telling me loud-and-clear that I needed to back off a little. So, I reset my alarm for an hour and a half later.

I'll figure out workouts for tomorrow.

Nutrition-wise, not so good today. It wasn't bad ... I didn't eat any ice cream, or other evil thing. I did make a protein shake so that I could get some additional calories and protein in. The problem on this Sunday (and next Friday) is that it's my first night off from work. I'm not typically up for more than 6 hours ... being up for more is very unusual. So, I just don't have the time to get all the food intake that I'm supposed to. Guess it keeps my body & metabolism guessing that way!

Tomorrow's workout is supposed to be YogaX. I've only got a few things I absolutely have to do tomorrow, but 1 of the things is going to take me a while ... at least 2 hours, but I should allow 3 just in case I run into problems with it. That means I don't have time for 3 3/4 hours of P90X workouts, along with running.

So, I'm going to do what I can do, and not worry about what I think I should have tried to do. Depending on the time I have, I'm going to first do Plyometrics (I'm a Plyometric-Virgin ... it's my first time doing "the MOTHER of all P90X workouts"). Then, if there's time, I'll do my other "make-up" workout, Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X.

Goals:

1. Make-up workouts: Plyometrics. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 2

Week 2, Day 2

Workout:
None.

When I got home this morning from work, I was feeling pretty dizzy. As I was swaying and staggering my way into my house it occurred to me that I was lucky to have gotten home safely!! It wasn't so much that I was sleepy (I was, but I wasn't fighting sleep ... my eyes were definitely open) ... my head was spinning, though!! Even once I laid down.

Anyway, because of the dizziness, I felt I should listen to my body. Particularly since I haven't gotten my usual 6+ hours of sleep the last couple days, I decided to not workout today. I set my alarm for my usual 4 pm, instead of 2:30 pm.

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

P90X - Day 1

Week 1, Day 1

Workout:
Chest & Back
56 min.
burned 311 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 122

Ab Ripper X. Not done. Don't have much more time than an hour on those work days for workouts.

I slept so good today! A solid 5 1/2 hours!! Oh, yeah!! Bring it on!

Yeah, I know, it doesn't sound like much. But, I slept solidly throughout the whole thing ... I think I may not have moved the whole time, either (my back hurt when I woke up). In order to get an hour-long workout in, though, that's the kind of sleep I get. If I could get moving a little quicker once I was awake, or up, I'd have more time, but it really takes me a while to get moving ... and then I've got to shower & get ready for work, as well as fixing my food to eat before I leave & to take in with me.

Chest & Back:
Standard Push-Ups: 16 (8 reg., 8 knees); 6 (3 reg., 3 knees)
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 3 (3 sec. count); 4 (3 sec. count)
Military Push-Ups: 14 (7 reg., 7 knees); 8 (4 reg., 4 knees)
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 3 (3 sec. count); 3 (3 sec. count)
Wide Fly Push-Ups: 11 (5 reg., 6 knees); 10 (2 reg., 8 knees)
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 4 (3 sec. count); 2 (3 sec. count)
Decline Push-Ups: 3 (no bars); 3 (no bars)
Heavy Pants: 15, 15#; 11, 15#
Diamond Push-Ups: 6 (not very low); 6 (knees ... much lower)
Lawnmowers: 15, 15#; 15, 15#
Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 5; 5
Back Flys: 15, 10# & 7, 15#; 5, 15# (10# weights are too easy, 15 is very difficult to keep good form)

Again, another solid performance in the workout. I'm pretty sure I'm going to feel it like I'm feeling yesterday's workout now!!

Nutrition was mostly good. One of my coworkers brought cake in ... like my birthday cake at potluck (my childhood favorite), so of course, I had 1 piece. I was hot going into work, and had a cold coffee drink that I probably shouldn't have had, either. But, otherwise, it was a good day!

Goals:

1. Plyometrics.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

T minus 1 ... P90X revisited

Workout:
Core Synergistics
65 min.
burned 372 cal.
HR max: 161
HR ave: 125

I totally didn't sleep well today. I was awake every 30 minutes, I think. But, I made myself get up anyway ... might as well, there wasn't any point in trying to sleep!! 'Cuz I couldn't.

Tonight's going to be difficult at work ...

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (2 sets reg., others knees down)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 12 (knees)
Bow to Boat: done (I cont. to struggle with "Bow")
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with leg raise)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 5
Side Hip Raise: 14 each side
Squat X-Press: 10#, 20 (I ended up taking a break and only doing 20)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during chaturanga)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 10#, 5 sets (nearly killed me--but I made it!)
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 4
Steam Engine: done
Dreya Roll: 6
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: done (shaking on chaturanga iso)
Halfback: done
Table Dip Leg Raise: 10 (elbows hurt so I stopped)

It felt good to get up and do this workout. Well, actually, sleep would have felt better, but planning on doing the workout, and then making myself follow-through felt good.

I started focusing on the P90X nutrition ... getting started on it.

Goals:

1. Chest & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

so close I can feel it ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.44 miles)
48 min.
burned 440 cal.
HR max: 176
HR ave: 160

I did the same route as Monday. For some reason, the gps recorded .03 less miles than before. Good news is, I managed to cut my time by 1 minute!!

Woohoo!!

I wanted to try to get more exercise in, but, it is my first day to work ... so I've got things to do and a nap to take before going to work.

Tomorrow I'm going to get up early to do Core Synergistics as my pre-P90X workout ... you know, to get in the groove.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

moving in closer ...

Workout:
None.

I had originally planned on doing a short run today (2 miles), but when the alarm went off, I was so not ready to get up. When I did get up, I could feel the effects of the run in my spine, hips, and feet.

I decided not to run today ... don't want to overwhelm my body too much. I'll do the longer 3 1/2 mile run tomorrow.

No Weight Watcher's for me today.

I decided to get off the WW train. I've got a couple reasons for going ahead and doing it.

1. I need to get my head right, as far as the scale is concerned. So, I don't need the weekly weigh-ins ... that really messes with me, especially when I've been especially good about working out and my eating.
2. My focus for the next 3 months is P90X and running. For those, I need to fuel my body properly, and I need time (to get the workouts in). The WW meetings seem like they take a lot away from my day and my ability to do what I know I need to do. Besides, for P90X, I fuel my body differently than WW ... I eat more. I need to eat more. Basically, when I'm doing P90X, I'm not eating WW-style. So, why waste my time and money?

As much as I'd like to start P90X on Thursday ... I don't see myself consistently doing YogaX on Sundays. Every other Sunday, I'm getting off my weekend of working. It's hard enough for me to get up and get done what I need to get done in the evening ... without a 90+ minute workout. So, it looks like a Friday start to me!!

Mondays are pretty lazy days for me, anyway, so doing YogaX should fit right into that!

Tomorrow I'm going to do my run. And, I'm going to do the Fit Test. Seems a little crazy to take pictures (I just did that on Saturday), but I will go ahead and take new measurements since I have been doing a lot of cardio and running.

I have decided to do the Classic rotation with running doubles. I think the only time I do Core Synergistics in Classic is Recovery Weeks, so, I'm going to do Core Synergistics on Thursday as the pre-P90X workout.

Friday begins another "wild ride" on the P90X-train!!

Today I spent some time working on a good playlist for working out. I mostly had running in mind, but I think this workout will work for the P90X workouts, as well.

Looks like the ground-work has been put into place ... nutrition, music and the workout plan. I'm ready!! ;-)

Goals:

1. Run/Walk the 3 1/2 mile route.
2. P90X Fit Test.
3. Take measurements.
   
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.

Getting psyched ...

Workout:
Run/Walk (3.47 miles)
49 min.
burned 432 cal.
HR max: 178
HR ave: 158

I had a great run today. I pushed myself a little farther today. I've been sitting back on my 2 mile (or 30 minutes, whichever comes first) runs. I've been pushing myself in that increment of time, but, today I decided to increase my time out running.

I managed to keep up my 13 min./mile pace for the first 2 miles, but then my efficiency dropped off. But, even with that, I managed a 14 min./mile average for the nearly 3 1/2 miles. So, it's just a matter of building on that.

It was a little cooler this morning when I headed out, so my lungs were hurting a little when I first got started, but about 1/2 mile into it my chest and lungs felt better, and the sweatshirt came off.

Today I spent a lot of time (too much, probably ... when I look at the list of things that I didn't get done today) going over the nutritional aspect of the P90X program. I fit into the Level 2 category (approximately 2400 calories). I've set up 2 basic menu ideas (the specifics of either of them are changeable for variety ... I didn't write in WHAT fruit or vegetables I'll be eating) that I can easily adjust from day to day to give myself variety.

I've started my grocery list of things I need to buy. And, I've cleaned my cupboards of the "non-plan" foods that I don't need to have around to tempt me.

So, nutritionally I'm ready to start the program!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

musings from limbo-land

Workout:
None.

Once again, I only made it partway through the 6-day slim-down! I think I'm going to stop trying to get through the slim-down, and just focus on working out, and doing my best.

I have been waffling back and forth, on what I'm doing for my next workout routine. Thinking about changing it up, but not doing anything specific ... my own hybrid workout. But then today, I was reading a thread on the beachbody website, of a group who have now restarted their next round. It's got me psyched, and ready to start a new round now!!

I lost 2% body fat in this last one. Not bad. But, I know, if I take what I've learned about myself, and attempted to get more of the workouts in, and really focused on the nutrition part of the program, I could do even better.

I mean, just imagine how awesome my results would be if I really brought it, 100% for the full 3 months! And, if I start now, I could be looking totally hot before the end of the summer!! (Yeah, that might be the real motivation.)

One of my personal goals is to drop another 7% body fat. I'd like to get down to 20%. I also want to do well with my running. Both of those personal goals can be helped with the P90X program. So, it makes sense that I start soon ... the sooner, the better for reaching my goals.

I need to plan my start so that YogaX is on Sunday or Monday, when I've got the time to devote to a 90 minute workout. I also need to plan better the nutrition program. I want to put 100% into the nutrition. I also need to figure out how to add my "doubles" workouts of running. I've got 1 month before my first 5K. So, I've got motivation there, to focus my workouts, too!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 6)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 6

Workout:
None.

I woke a little late, groggy from the drugs. Well, and groggy from working ... it usually takes me a day to recover.

I did get my pictures taken ...

They're still sitting on my camera. I'll get them uploaded and cropped and put onto the entry with the measurements in a couple days.

Friends of mine from work surprised me with dinner and a comedy show tonight. I was told to be dressed somewhat nice, and to be ready at 6:15 tonight. I was picked up, and driven ...

We went out for Thai food. Then to the IMPROV to see Bruce Fiennes & Shawn Wayans. They were totally funny!! I had a great time. My stomach hurt afterwards, from all the laughing!!

Here are some pictures of Shawn Wayans from the show (took them with my cell phone):




































Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 5)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 5

Workout:
None.

Last weekend, I tried to buy a purse. The store I was at didn't have it in the color I wanted. So, they ordered it from another store, and had it shipped to me. It came on Thursday afternoon. But it wasn't the right one.

I spent some time contemplating about just going ahead and keeping it. It's really a minor difference. The leather trim is brown on this one, as opposed to the reddish-brown that I want. The interior is pink on this one, as opposed to red in the one I want.

After a little contemplation, I decided to return this one, and try to get the one I want (if nothing else, it's available online). So, instead of waking early to workout, I drove to the mall to return the purse. Then, I drove to another mall where there is a Nordstroms, a Macy's, and a Bloomingdales ... hoping someone had the exact purse I want.

They didn't. I did have fun shopping, though ... the Stanford Shopping Center is a fun place! When I got home, I went online, and purchased my new purse ... hopefully it'll be shipped on Monday.

My neck and shoulders hurt tonight. My neck was stiff ... it hurt to look over my shoulders while driving today. I'm not working out ... I put Tiger Balm on my neck and shoulders, took a Naprosyn & a Tylenol #3 with Codeine ... and then a heating pad across my shoulder blades, where I couldn't reach to put the Tiger Balm on.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 4)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 4

Happy Birthday, Larry!! (my brother)

Workout:
None.

First night back is pretty difficult! The alarm went off at 2:30pm, and I just couldn't do it. I reset the alarm for 4pm, and went back to sleep!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 3)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 3

Workout:
HHAs Ab Sculpt
23 min.
burned 148 cal.
HR max: 158
HR ave: 131

HHAs Fat Burning Cardio
29 min.
burned 207 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 139

What a good workout! I had fun today. I did one HHAs workout after the other. The Ab Sculpt workout was new to me. The whole thing really kept me sucked in and working out. But, because I did those 2 workouts, I didn't get around to running today ... had to take my nap.

Tonight's my first night of work after being off for a week and a half. I really needed to be sure I got the nap in so I could stay awake all night!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 2)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 2

Workout:
HHAs Total Body Burn
42 min.
burned 230 cal.
HR max: 144
HR ave: 120

Another HHAs workout done!

I should have gotten a run in, as well, but, I had a dental appointment in the middle of my day. Then, when I got home from my hour-long drive from where my dentist is, I was so exhausted, I chose a nap, instead.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 1)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 1

Workout:
HHAs Fat Burning Cardio
29 min.
burned 169 cal.
HR max: 138
HR ave: 124

Run/Walk (2 miles)
26 min.
burned: 220 cal.
HR max: 179
HR ave: 154
13.00 min./mile

I didn't get my HR up like last week. I'm getting the moves down better. It feels like it's flowing easier and better.

Good news with the running ... I felt great while running. The GPS even said at one point, I was running a 10:13 min./mile! That invigorated me to keep going ... it felt good to run. I think that's what they call a runner's high!! Coolrunnings.com said my average was 13 min./mile ... suhweeet!!

Yes, I realize that it was only for 2 miles. Nothing prolonged. But, it's a start! Besides, it's better than I have been!! It's an improvement. A measurable improvement!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Denitra & Me!

Workout:
None.

Today is my birthday ... and Denitra, my "little sister"--a friend from childhood who is 5 years younger than me ... exactly.

I had a nice day. Slept in a little longer than I had planned.

My younger niece had a soccer tournament today. So, my brother and his kids, and my parents were there. I joined them during her last game. She did a good job! Then we went out to eat at Cilantro's. (My birthday is today, my brother's is Thursday ... my mom didn't think it would be right to have either of us cook our birthday dinner.) Then, we just hung out and talked for a couple hours.

My parents got me irises ... 4 pots with 2 irises each ... that I now need to pot into bigger pots!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 6)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 6

Workout:
None.

I had a nice day today. Other than the rain, it was a relaxing day for me. I woke late, had leisurely couple cups of coffee, and then headed off shopping with a good friend of mine.

She bought me a new palm ... the T|X. My Tungsten T has been acting unusual lately. It's about 5 years old ... and as much as I really wanted it when I got it, it did occur to me that the sliding parts on it might eventually "go bad". But lately it's been doing things, like not turning off when I turn it off, or not always turning on when I try to turn it on. And, the frequent "resets" ...

So, I've been given a replacement.

It's totally cool. It'll take a little getting used to. It's set up slightly differently than the old one. And the writing style is a little different. But, it's totally cool!! If only I could get the mail to work properly for me!

Well, it looks like I've blown the 6-day slim-down ...

I got 2 days of workouts done. With the eating close to on target. Tomorrow, I'm going to try it again ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 5)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 5

Workout:
None.

Today was "me-time" ...

I slept in, did some shopping ... and then some cooking!

A friend of mine came by for dinner. I grilled my "famous" grilled veggie sandwiches ... yum! Had a nice dinner ... that was actually fairly healthy ... lots of grilled veggies, some olive oil drizzled on the whole-grain ciabata bread that was grilled over the flame, and a slice of colby-jack cheese.

Not sure that I'm getting a workout in tomorrow ... unless mall-walking counts! I'm being taken shopping for my birthday! Woo hoo!!

Goals:

1. Birthday shopping ...
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 4)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 4

Workout:
None.

Again.

I got the last of my housecleaning done, downstairs. I finished a couple hours before my company was to show up ... so I played with the Wii for a little while. My reward for my hard work.

I had a nice visit ... all that work for a 30 minute visit ... oh, well!! ;-)

It takes things like that to get me to really focus and get the work done. Because otherwise, I'm able to postpone the inevitable, and I get derailed by other things. So, I'm glad I got it all done!

But, this evening, my reward was to play the Wii. I opened up a game I'd bought, but hadn't had time to play ... "Trauma Center". This one isn't active, like the Wii Sports & Wii Play. But, it's entertaining ... I get to be a resident physician!

I took this weekend off from work ... it is my birthday on Sunday. So, officially, tonight begins my "vacation time"!

I'm going to bed early ... I woke up early today. So, I think I deserve some "me-time"!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 3)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 3

Workout:
None.

I should have squeezed in a workout today. But, I was doing some serious deep-cleaning. I have company coming to visit me tomorrow, so, I needed to do the major stuff ... dusting, and scrubbing, and vacuuming ... stuff I do as infrequently as possible.

I did a lot of stuff today. I stayed focused. Played music as my motivation. Didn't turn on the TV ... as entertaining as the TV can be, I'm more likely to stop and watch ... instead of continuing to work, like I do with music.

I got almost all of the work done ... just a few more things around that I've put off, and the living room left for tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 2)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 2

Workout:
Total Body Burn
41 min.
burned 241 cal.
HR max: 146
HR ave: 126

Wow! What a workout! I was feeling completely wiped out after that workout! I love that the time totally flies by. I note the time remaining when I start the workout, and then I happen to notice it again, about halfway through ... and then suddenly it says "cooldown"!

I was feeling some definite burn!!

I did the workout without weights this time. Mainly, because I'm just trying it out for the first time. But, also, I didn't realize I needed them, and I was already running a little behind schedule, and didn't want to take any additional time to pull any of them out of the closet. Now that I know what the workout is, on Thursday, I'll pull out the 5s and 10s. I want to try it with the 10s, but I'll have the 5s nearby just in case that's too much.

I got the Fit Test and the measurements done this morning. (Almost didn't make it to my Weight Watcher's meeting because I was trying to get that stuff done!!)

So, yes, I know what you all are interested in ...

The numbers, and the pictures ...

They weren't too bad. As far as measurements go, I'm down body fat percentage, and fat lbs., and up slightly on the lean mass. We're talking about 2% body fat less ... which, when you think about it, isn't too bad. Ninety-plus days ago, I decided to make a change in my life that would impact my body in a positive way. I did. My favorite body fat calculator website (biofitness) is back online again, so, all the numbers are reflective of using the same calculator.

Overall, there was a 4 1/2 inch loss, and a 2% fat loss as well.

I typed them up in Word, and then took a screen shot and cropped it in PhotoShop ... makes the columns look better! Much easier to read then the way I was doing it!! (Plus, if you can't read it, you can click on it, and get a bigger version of it!!)

Here are the measurements:















Now, for the Fit Test Results. My resting HR is improved. I can never remember to check it while in bed ... besides, when the alarm wakes me up, I'm not so sure that isn't a slightly elevated HR! ;) I also noticed, with the HR Maximizer, in anticipation of the next minute interval, when I looked at my HRM, my HR went up. (That would definitely be a good one for me to use help with, so I'm not looking at it!!)












The pictures will be here later. I ran out of time to get them done. Actually, doing my workout was more important to me than doing that. So, it's scheduled into my day tomorrow to take the pictures. I've got a pretty packed schedule tomorrow, so it may be Thursday before I get them uploaded here.

Comparison Photos:























Tomorrow, it's back to the Fat Burning Cardio workout. I should be able to keep up a little better tomorrow. Plus, I'm going to go running. Originally, I was thinking about a two hour run, however, it's been over a week since I have gone out, so I'm going to aim for 1 hour. (Don't want to set goals too difficult to obtain!)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

HHAs 6-day slim-down (Day 1)

Hip Hop Abs
Day 1

Workout:
Fat Burning Cardio
29 min.
burned 207 cal.
HR max: 152
HR ave: 140

Good workout. I actually felt the burn ... and got all sweaty!

It's a fun workout that speeds by ... you start with the warmup, do a few dance moves and suddenly it's time for cooldown!

And, based on that worked feeling in my core, I do believe I got a workout today!! :)

Besides ... Shaun T is not bad to look at! He reminds me of Will Smith in his younger days. He's a cutie with a great sense of humor (different from Tony Horton's) ... and an awesome looking six-pack!!

My eating wasn't so on target. It wasn't bad, it just could have definitely been better. You know, that whole skipping breakfast thing really throws things off. I was hungrier at lunch than the salad filled me up for. And then when I was plugging in my intake into FitDay, I realized that I was WAY under calories ... so I had to fill in some ... if I'd planned better, they would have been better quality calories. At least they weren't BAD calories ... like ice cream, or some other evil empty simple carbohydrate!

I was looking at the calendar, I missed 39 workout days in the 97 day round. Yeah, it's not great, but it's so much better than what I did last time I did the P90X ... when I missed 65 of the 90 days. (Actually, based on 90 days, I missed 36, so I've nearly doubled my success!)

In reality, I have to remember to keep in perspective that this is a life-long journey. The fact that I've been able to squeeze in the workouts on my work days (something I've rarely done before) is an accomplishment that I am proud of. Doing the math, that's 2 1/2 days a week that I'm not getting my workout in ... which means, fairly consistently, I am working out 4 days a week. (Versus only doing them 2 days a week ... or less.)

Tomorrow ... I'm going to do the Fit Test, take my measurements & pictures. Then, there's another Hip Hop Ab workout. If there's time in there, along with the Weight Watcher's workout, I'll go running, as well.

Goals:

1. P90X Day 90-ish Fit Test.
2. Measurements.
3. Pictures.
4. Hip Hop Abs workout.
   
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
6. Drink 6 bottles of water.
7. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
8. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 97

Week 14, Day 6

Workout:
CardioX
46 min.
burned 227 cal.
HR max: 147
HR ave: 116

KenpoX
33 min.
burned 154 cal.
HR max: 143
HR ave: 114

I had planned on doing KenpoX first, since that was the first workout I missed. But, I thought the beginning stretching would be particularly painful, so I did CardioX first to warm-up. I ran out of time to do the full KenpoX wourkout.

But, I feel good about these workouts that I did today.

Tomorrow starts the Hip Hop Abs 6 day slim down (plus running).

Talked to my brother tonight ... sounds like he might sign up for the Wharf to Wharf and run it with me!! That would be totally cool!

Goals:

1. HHAs 6-day slim down.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 96

Week 14, Day 5

Happy Birthday, Jason!!
(a childhood friend ... he was my "brother" since my own brother was a bit of a pain ... he's 8 days older than me)

Workout:
None.

Good News! My sore throat is gone!! And, the headache I was getting last night also is gone!!

I was pretty busy all day today. Didn't end up having any time to work-out. Should have. Tomorrow is going to be pretty busy as well, but I'll do what I can ... it's my last day of this round of P90X.

Goals:

1. YogaX.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 95

Week 14, Day 4

Workout:
None.

I bailed on "lunch with the girls" ... in favor of sleep. I struggled to stay awake, driving home. And, there just wasn't a chance that I was going to be able to stay awake. I decided that I could squeeze in a 2 hour nap before going to lunch. Besides, my throat was a little scratchy feeling.

I woke at 10 to get ready to go to lunch with some friends. My scratchy throat was really sore ... felt inflamed and hurt to swallow. So, I called to cancel ... and went back to sleep.

I only woke in the afternoon, because the UPS guy knocked on my door! I stayed up, about 4 hours ... long enough to eat, look at email, watch a little TV ... and then headed back to bed.

Goals:

1. CardioX.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 94

Week 14, Day 3

Workout:
X-Stretch
58 min.

I woke up a little early ... about 20 minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off. And, immediately, I began bargaining with myself ... "I'm too tired" ... "It'll be ok to miss 1 day" ... that kind of thing. I forced the "stop rationalizing" mindset. Gave myself a little pep-talk about how if I skip today, it'll be that much easier to skip tomorrow and then next day.

So, I did it! I woke up early and worked out again today.

I decided to switch things up a bit, though. Tomorrow, I'm going to be attempting to stay up all morning, until about 3pm, probably. So, I decided to switch tomorrow's workout with today's. Somehow, doing X-Stretch, and then not going to bed when already exhausted didn't seem so possible. So, tomorrow, as part of my energizing attempt, I'm going to do the KenpoX.

Feels good, empowering, to have persevered and conquered again today, the ongoing struggle to get up early and workout.

Now, it's time to get ready for work!

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 93

Week 14, Day 2

Workout:
Core Synergistics
69 min.
burned 408 cal.
HR max: 167
HR ave: 127

This was a good Core Workout. I really pushed myself on this one. I was so worn out, I couldn't stick around for the bonus! It really felt good to push myself like that. I know I'll be sore tomorrow.

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (1st 2 sets reg., others knees down)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 12 (knees)
Bow to Boat: done (I cont. to struggle with "Bow")
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with leg raise)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 5
Side Hip Raise: 15 each side
Squat X-Press: 10#, 30 (last 10 were difficult, took a mini break @ 25 ... left knee was a little sore afterwards ... I think I was focused more on the weight, because I increased it, instead of where my knee was going in the squat)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 1 10 second interval)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 10#, 5 sets (I did it. I struggled, but I conquered. Really had to focus on form even more, because of the heavier weight.)
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 4 (used my trick, with shifting my weight so I was up on my fingers, palm not on the floor)
Steam Engine: done
Dreya Roll: 2
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: 1
Halfback: not done
Table Dip Leg Raise: not done

Goals:

1. KenpoX.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 92

Week 14, Day 1

Workout:
YogaX
30 min.

I took a little break between the vinyasas on my mat ... and woke up about 40 minutes later!! Hmmm, ok, so apparently I needed the nap. I probably needed the stretching more, though! ;)

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 91

Week 13, Day 7

Workout:
Rest Day

My last recovery week. No extra anything. Just recovery week. Running can commence next week. I've got 3 weeks before I think I may be starting the X again. I can run like the wind on those weeks.

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 90

Week 13, Day 6

Woohoo!! Day 90!! Actually, I've got another week to make-up, so Day 90 doesn't really mean anything to me today! ;)

Workout:
Run/Walk (2.34 miles)
38 min.
burned 275 cal.
HR max: 165
HR ave: 141

I did it again! Woohoo!!

Instead of doing KenpoX, I decided to make use of the beautiful, warm, sunny day and go for a run in my neighborhood. Nice run. Haven't figured out my pace yet ... need to plug in the numbers at coolrunning.com

Tomorrow is rest day before my last recovery week.

During this recovery week, I am only doing "recovery" ... none of the extra workouts.

Goals:

1. X-Stretch.
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 89

Week 13, Day 5

Workout:
Core Synergistics
48 min.
burned 244 cal.
HR max: 154
HR ave: 118

Again, I managed to get up in time to get most of a workout in!! Two days in a row (while working). I actually asked a friend of mine to give me a call so that I would actually get out of bed and workout.

Had I gotten up and gotten moving when she called me, I would have had plenty of time to workout, but, I was moving a little slow when I first woke up. So, I worked out for as long as I could, and still get my shower in, and fix food ... well, gather the leftovers from the previous night's cooking.

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (1st 2 sets reg., others knees down)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 9 (1 reg., others on my knees)
Bow to Boat: done
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with leg raise)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 4
Side Hip Raise: 15 each side
Squat X-Press: 5#, 30
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 2 10 second interval)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 5#, 5 sets (I should push myself and use 10s for as many as I can try to crank out)
Towel Hopping: done

Again, I'm proud of myself for getting up and getting the workout in today. My biceps are definitely feeling the workout yesterday. Last night, at work, I noticed the back hurting a little. At first, I thought it was because of my 300 lb. patient ... that I was being too "macho" turning her by myself ... but then I remembered that I did the "BACK & Biceps" workout!

Tomorrow, I am going to make the arrangements to be able to get up and workout. Also, when I get home in the morning, I'm going to sign up for the Wharf to Wharf race in Santa Cruz ... I hear it's a really fun run. And, by then, maybe I can do the 5 1/2 or 6 miles running.

Goals:

1. Sign up for Wharf to Wharf race.
   
2. KenpoX
3. Run/Walk 30 minutes.
   
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
5. Drink 6 bottles of water.
6. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
7. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 88

Week 13, Day 4

Workout:
Back & Biceps
45 min.

I did it!! Woohoo!!

I worked out today! I didn't have time for the whole workout, but, after 45 minutes, my back and biceps feel incredibly WORKED!!

I decided, instead of doing YogaX, that I would do the Back & Biceps workout. In the Lean version of P90X, Back & Biceps is only done 2 times, during the whole 90 days. I missed it once, I didn't want to miss it again.

Back & Biceps workout:
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 5 assist
Lawnmowers: 15 reps, 15 # (need to increase this one to 20 #)
Twenty-ones: 21 reps, 10 # (last 4 were really tough)
One-arm Cross-body Curls: 14 reps, 10 #
Switch Grip Pull-ups: 2-2 all assist
Elbows-out Lawnmowers: 15 reps, 15 # (I think I can increase this one to 20 #)
Standing Bicep Curls: 12 reps, 10 #
One-arm Concentration Curls: 6 reps, 10 #
Corn Cob Pull-ups: 1 assist
Reverse Grip Bent-over Rows: 10 reps, 10 #; 5 reps, 15# (10 # was too light, 15's are more like it)
Open Arm Curls: 11 reps, 10 # (left elbow began hurting during this one ... not sure if it's just muscle pain, or more of a tweak ... will pay attention to that)
Static Arm Curls: 16 reps, 10 #
Towel Pull-ups: 0 (my muscles were so well used I couldn't even pull myself up for 1, assisted!)
Congdon Locomotives: 40 reps, 10#
((skipped several here ... running out of time ... headed for "cooldown" ... stopped off at "Superman" for 1 last burst of the workout))
Superman: done

I feel very proud of myself that I pulled this off. And, it feels good to have my body feel like this ... tired, and a little sore, but yet rejuvenated!

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 87

Week 13, Day 3

Workout:
Wall Squat Challenge: 1 min., 6 sec.

Well, I did manage to squeeze in the wall squat. I should ... considering I don't stay up very long ... I actually did it just before walking out the door to head to work!

I went to the LVAD class at work today. The "new" machine looks pretty much like what I used at my last place of employment ... then she mentioned that it was a 20 year old machine. That explains it. Funny thing is, it's just like the computers that have gotten smaller. The Thoratec VAD machine is huge (and about 400 lbs.), ... and then there's the Novacor, which is the size of a laptop!!

I have been doing fairly poorly with the exercise aspect of my life. I'm really going to try to get up early and workout tomorrow. It's going to be hard, considering it is my first day back, but, I really need to do it ... for myself, if nothing else.

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 86

Week 13, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Not sure what happened, exactly. Thought I had plenty of time to get my workout in ... and then it was time to go to bed! I should plan better for when my schedule changes!

Not working tonight ... I have a class at work to take, tomorrow afternoon. Since this class is from 1-3pm, and I won't be getting my nap in, I'm going to have to make sure I sleep in ... I'm pretty sure there will be no workout tomorrow. I'll just have to make sure my nutrition is on target.

Goals:

1. Back & Biceps; Ab Ripper X (maybe)
   
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
5. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 85

Week 13, Day 1

Workout:
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps
61 min.
burned 379 cal.
HR max: 156
HR ave: 130

Wall Squat Challenge: 1 min., 8 sec.

I didn't want to go to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. I weighed myself (with my clothes on) at home, before my shower. I'm sure, because I was up a little, I didn't want to do. On top of that, I had many errands to run, I was hungry, and wanted to make sure I got home in time to do my workout. I had myself nearly talked out of the meeting.

I was at Wal-Mart ... as I was walking out, the smell of McDonald's french fries got to me! I really wanted them ... but wasn't going to eat them and then head off to my Weight Watcher's meeting to get weighed in!!

And, actually, I'm glad I went to the meeting. Aside from the fact that I lost 1.6 lbs., the meeting topic was very good. Inspiration. WHO is my role model, how do I get that motivation and inspiration to keep at it.

I got home this afternoon, and did NOT want to work-out. (Surprise!) It's been windy today ... cold, fresh off the glacier wind. (Yes, I know what that actually feels like ... I lived in Alaska.) So, I was cold. And tired. I put my HRM on, and the rest of my work-out gear. The whole time, I was doing the metaphorical kicking and screaming ... I continued to procrastinate for another 30 minutes.

I finally put the DVD in, and got going on the work-out. And, about halfway through ... actually, I think it was during the first water break ... I had the conscience thought that I was really glad that I worked out today. :) Yeah! It clicked!

I really tried to push myself as hard as I could. The warm-up was a little uncomfortable, thanks to my current sore/stiffness from Sunday's Chest & Back workout. But, once I got going, I pushed through, and it turned out to be ok! And, actually enjoyable!

Chest, Shoulders & Triceps workout:
Slow-motion 3-in-1 Push-ups: 4-4-1 (3 reg., others on my knees)
In & Out Shoulder Flys: 11 reps, 10#
Chair Dips: 7 (wrists were hurting)
Plange Push-ups: 6 (knees)
Pike Presses: 10
Side Tri-Rises: 12-12 (small increase here)
Floor Flys: 9 (4 reg., others on my knees)
Scarecrows: 15 reps, 5# (slight increase in reps)
Overhead Tricep Extensions: 15 reps, 5# (pushed through to get the 15 reps)
Two-twitch Speed Push-ups: 4-3-4 (4 reg., others on my knees)
Y-presses: 12 reps, 10#
Lying Tricep Extensions: 8 reps, 10# (pushed through for 1 more)
Side-to-side Push-ups: 14 (2 reg., others on my knees)
Pour Flys: 14 reps, 5#
Side-leaning Tricep Extensions: 10 reps, 10# (last 2 were difficult)
One-arm Push-ups: 5 (all on my knees ... left didn't go as far down so I wouldn't fall on my face)
Weighted Circles: 10 reps, 5# x2 directions; 9 reps/5 reps, 5# (I just didn't have it in me to pull this one off!)
Throw the Bomb: 12 reps, 10# (left was much more difficult than right)
Clap or Plyo Push-ups: (clap) 7 (all on my knees)
Slo-mo Throws: 9 reps, 5# (elbows were hurting, and crackling, so I felt I should stop)
Front-to-back Tricep Extensions: 8 reps, 10#
One-arm Balance Push-ups: 1 (apparently I pushed so hard earlier, I wasn't able to push through on this one)
Fly-row Presses: 12 reps, 5#
Dumbbell Cross-body Blows: 20 each side, 10#

Goals:

1. CardioX
2. Run/Walk for 60 minutes.
   
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
   
6. Take my vitamins.
   

P90X - Day 84

Week 12, Day 7

Workout:
Wall Squat Challenge: 1 min., 19 sec.
(I really wimped out today ... compared to yesterday.)

On a positive note ... I FINALLY got the battery changed in my HRM watch today! Yeah, I procrastinate in all areas of my life!! ;)

I was going to try to do several work-outs today ... Core Synergistics, KenpoX & Running about 4 miles. Umm, well, that didn't happen. I did get my work-out gear on, but, just couldn't do it. I was hungry ... so I ate. Then I felt really tired ... so I took a nap.

Tomorrow begins my next to the final week of this round of P90X.

These last 2 weeks, I'm going to bring my best ...

I'm also going to get to bed a little earlier so that maybe I'm not as tired. Eating would help, but, it's a little more difficult for me to organize my eating on Tuesdays. (Weight Watcher's meeting at noon.) I suspect that has something to do with my lack of energy on Tuesdays, so, my goal tomorrow is to work on the food. And work-out.

Goals:

1. Go to my Weight Watcher's meeting.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals tomorrow.
3. Drink my usual 6 bottles of water.
4. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps; Ab Ripper X
   
5. Accept NO EXCUSES tomorrow.
   

P90X - Day 83

Week 12, Day 6

Workout:
Wall Squat Challenge: 1 min., 33 seconds

Chest & Back
57 min.

Last Tuesday, I was actually feeling slimmer ... like I had a waist! I was actually up a little, 0.4 lbs., I think. I was mildly disappointed (no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise, I still judge, a little, by the scale) ... until Wednesday when I started my period.

Based on the usual ~2 lb. gain ... I actually did alright!

Wednesday at work, a couple of my coworkers called me "skinny". And, asked how much weight I'd lost. None. (Is it only nurses that are this nosy, or is this something that is "across-the-board?") Of course there was a dispute "Yes you have ... this is gone!" (pointing at my @$$)

So, I had to correct her ... I was asked how much WEIGHT I'd lost ... not @$$.

And now, on Saturday I got together with friends/coworkers to play poker. One of the people present was my physician ... she made a comment along the lines that I had lost weight as well. She last saw me in December (pre-P90X) when I had to stop by to get a "Dr's note" for work (holiday sick requirement).

So, I'm beginning to believe, as well.

I fizzled with the work-outs last week. Only got my Monday 4-miler in. So, this morning, I made it a point to get my work-out in.

I've also scheduled my work-outs for the next 3 weeks. (Failure to plan, is planning to fail.)

I should have done more today than I did, but, I'm proud of myself for getting my booty in gear! I've now more than doubled my wall squat total from the fit test (thanks, Skill).

I think in this interim time between the end of this round of P90X and the next whatever-work-out, I'm going to the gym to work on PULL-UPS!

I watched the last part of the P90X infomercial this morning ... was totally psyched to do another 90 day round ... and really "bring it"!!

I don't see me ever successfully working out 6 or 7 days a week. I like "Hot Pepper's" routine ... run 3 days a week, and work whatever doesn't hurt on the 3 other days. The other thought is to just do the 90 days ... even if it takes 180 days because I'm only doing P90X work-outs on 3 days a week. I also want to train for a marathon ... but don't want to neglect the weight-training.

On the next round of P90X, I really need to key into the nutrition aspect of the program. I think that's why I've struggled with energy.

I've got about 3 weeks in April that I'm going to just work-out ... I'll start a new program of some sort in May. I do best is I've got a "program" laid out, rather than just planning on doing something several days a week ... it's easier to skip without a program plotted out in my calendar. During my 3 week break, I'm going to do Hip Hop Abs, Pull-Ups at the gym, so I can use the pull-up assist machine, and running. I'd like to be able to do 1 pull-up when I restart P90X in May ... hmmm, looks like I've got the plan plotted out! ;)

Chest & Back Work-out:
Standard Push-Up: 15 (6 reg.); 10 (5 reg.)
Wide Front Pull-Up: 4 assist; 2 assist
Military Push-Up: 8 (4 reg.); 8 (3 reg.)
Reverse Grip Chin-Up: 4 assist; 3 assist
Wide Fly Push-Up: 8 (3 reg.); 12 (5 reg.)
Close Grip Overhand Push-Up: 3 assist; 3 assist
Decline Push-Up: 3 (no push-up bars); 4 (no push-up bars)
Heavy Pants: 15#, 12 rep.; 15#, 12 rep.
Diamond Push-Up: 5 (no contact); 6 (knees, with contact)
Lawnmower: 15#, 12 reps.; 15#, 12 reps.
Dive-Bomber Push-Up: 6 reg.; 5 reg.
Back Fly: 10#, 12 reps.; 10#, 9 reps.

I'm having issues with the Pull-Ups ... I feel like I'm using my legs too much with the stool or chair assist. And, bands don't give me enough of a work-out. Time to hit the gym!! Goal: To be able to do 1 unassisted pull-up by the first of May.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 82

Week 12, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I didn't sleep well last night. And, then, getting up early didn't help me, either! It was a busy morning. I got home about noon, ate some lunch, and then laid down for a nap ... it was cold, and dreary, and I was exhausted, so I decided I had the perfect excuse!!

Then, in the afternoon, I had to get ready for Poker. Food to prepare. I wanted something that was moderately healthy, so I could enjoy the Lemon Drops, guilt-free. I prepared eggplant, asparagus, portobello mushrooms & red and orange bell peppers for grilling. I made hummus and baba ganoush with veggies, and whole wheat pita bread for dipping. And, I made a 10-layer dip ... no, I never go "over-the-top"!

Hey, it was a 7-layer dip that had been working out, it gained a few layers!! And, actually, it was pretty healthy, actually (fat free refried beans & sour cream, reduced fat cheese, everything else was pretty much a veggie)! I brought the multi-grain Tostitos for dipping ... I actually prefer those, they stay crisper longer.

I had a nice evening. Lost a bunch of money, but got lucky on 21.

But, it's not so much about the money, as it is the good food, good drinks, and good company. That's what matters, really. That, and we hardly spoke of work. ;)

Goals:

1. Get back "on it".
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 81

Week 12, Day 4

Workout:
None.

In anticipation for poker this weekend, I wanted to check out a store in Oakland. So, I drove to Oakland. (Am I crazy?! Drive to Oakland during rush-hour time?)

Anyway, I got home late after my 2 hour drive to Oakland, and my 1 1/2 hour return ... I was too tired to stay up to exercise. And, I had to get up early in the morning ... the dreaded 7:45 am!! (OK, so maybe for some of you that's not early, but, I'm a night shift worker ... and that's early for me.)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 80

Week 12, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Overslept. Not sure how it was that I didn't hear my alarm, but I woke up at 4:55 this evening (I leave for work at 6). I had enough time to shower, get ready, and throw some food together to take with me to work, and to eat before going into work.

Hmm, I'm beginning to see a trend here ...

Two weeks in a row, now, I've managed to oversleep!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 79

Week 12, Day 2

Workout:

Ab Ripper X - 308
25 min.

Wall Squat Challenge: 1 min., 12 sec.

I crossed over into the > 300 category on Ab Ripper X today!! Woohoo!

For the Wall Squat challenge, I decided that maybe music would distract me so I could stay there longer. And, maybe it did ... my feet slid out from under me, so I had to stop the time. My legs were starting to shake pretty bad by then, though, so I'm sure it wouldn't have been much longer before I would have stopped.

I am so not in the mood to exercise today. I know I should, and need to exercise, so, I'm going through the motions, but, my body is arguing with my brain the whole way through this process! I just want to sleep!!

I did the Wall Squat, mainly because it's fairly easy to do ... takes very little time (because I'm a wimp), and could actually be done without changing into workout clothes ... though today I did. Then, I decided to go ahead and do the Ab Ripper X. I make it longer, because of my breaks, but, it doesn't typically take me more than half an hour to do ... actually it's usually 20-25 minutes.

I am beginning to feel a little hungry, so maybe I should eat, and try to get the Legs & Back in later. Actually, I'm tempted to eat, and then take a nap & do the workout before I get ready for work. I do miss the aching muscles of a good workout.

I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get a run in today, at the rate I'm going!!

Ab Ripper X:
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 14 (these are very difficult for me)
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 25
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 15 (I continue to struggle with the V-Up part of this exercise)
Oblique V-Up: 25x2
Leg Climb: 12x2
Mason Twist: 30

###

Well, turns out, between starting my period, and just generally not having the energy ... and really needing to take my nap before work ... I didn't do any further workouts today. No Chest & Back and no running.

Tomorrow I will get up and do SOMETHING! Preferably a P90X workout, but, if not, a quick run.

Goals:

1. CardioX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 78

Week 12, Day 1

Workout:
Wall Squat Challenge: 1 min., 3 sec.

I had several errands to run, and my Weight Watcher's meeting to attend. By the time I got home in the afternoon, I was exhausted.

I took a nap instead of working out.

I'll do today's workout tomorrow ... I need to do this Legs & Back workout, since I think there's only 2 times in the whole 90+ days, that it gets done on the Lean rotation ... don't want to miss it!

Goals:

1. Legs & Back; Ab Ripper X
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 77

Week 11, Day 7

Workout:
Run/Walk (4.06 miles)
63 min.

Wall Squat Challenge: 1 min, 1 sec.

Today, I ran/walked for just over 4 miles. I had decided, basically, that I'd head out for 30 minutes, and then return ... and hopefully that would equate to a 4 mile run.

I plugged in my numbers from this run, into coolrunning.com and then compared with last weeks averages. Last week, my average pace, was 16:31. This run was 15:31! I've increased things by 1 minute ... so far ... I have another 6 miles to run/walk this week!!

My goal is 10 miles this week.

Goals:

1. Chest & Back; Ab Ripper X
2. 30 min. run
3. Weight Watcher's meeting
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Write down everything I eat.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 76

Week 11, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I had no energy when I woke up this afternoon. I guess there's always tomorrow ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 75

Week 11, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Didn't work-out ... paid bills instead! Annoying, and boring, but a necessity of life.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 74

Week 11, Day 4

Workout:
Walk/Run 1.84 miles
30 min.

Yeah! I got up in time!! I went for a quick walk/jog around my neighborhood. Almost 2 miles. It felt good to be out there, sunny, warm, running around the neighborhood!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 73

Week 11, Day 3

Workout:
None.

It was warm today, so I had the fan on high while I slept.

Fans make great "white noise" ... I didn't hear my alarm! Fortunately (?) the ice cream truck was sitting in front of my place ... "Pop Goes the Weasel" ... over and over and over ...

I was really annoyed ... until I saw the clock, which said, ... 4:45! (I leave for work at 6) I had enough time to shower, get ready, fix food to take with me for work, and eat before leaving!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 72

Week 11, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I didn't get a workout in ... had errands to run, and preparation for my work-week ... and of course, the nap.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 71

Week 11, Day 1

Workout:
Walk/Run (treadmill) 2 miles
35 min.

I went for a walk/run on the treadmill at the gym. I used the C 2 5K week 1 program. At the end, I was just short of 30 minutes, so, I decided to extend my cool-down to reach 30 minutes. Then, I was just over 1/10 of a mile from reaching 2 miles ... so, of course, I needed to continue to reach 2 miles!!

I managed to get it in before my Weight Watcher's meeting ... I seem to be too tired in the afternoon when I get home. I was going to try to get a P90X workout in ... but, like I said, my energy is completely zapped in the afternoon when I get home!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 70

Week 10, Day 7

Workout:
Walk/Jog around the neighborhood (3.44 miles)
56 min.

Today I decided to run a marathon ...

Well, not run it today. Decide today. ;-)

Unfortunately, I haven't even run 1 mile without slowing to walk and/or jog. So, the fact that I seem to want to run 26.2 miles is a little odd, I suppose.

The marathon I'm wanting to run in, is several months away ... October. But, I've got a deadline and a goal in sight. Right now, I'm going to focus on getting up to 3 miles running, without slowing to a walk.

Because I did the run, I didn't get KenpoX done today.

Goals:

1. Do the C 2 5K 30 minute workout.
2. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps; Ab Ripper X
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 69

Week 10, Day 6

Workout:
Walk/Jog (around the neighborhood)
30 min.

It was such a beautiful day today ... I just had to get outside and enjoy it! The windows and doors are open ... and I went out and soaked in "some 'rays"!!

I should have done a P90X workout, but, I had so much to do, catching up on chores around the house that I didn't do. It's going to be hard this week, because I missed out on 2 days of time to get things done around the house.

Tomorrow is "Rest Day" so I'm thinking I'll do a P90X cardio workout, probably KenpoX.

Goals:

1. Kenpo
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 68

Week 10, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Breakfast again was provided. I had a bagel and cream cheese with my coffee and yogurt.

Lectures only today. Dr. Dicus offered to give us a ride to the airport, since we were leaving on the same flight. We ended up heading out about an hour early. The three of us had reached our saturation point, I think!!

I got 21 1/4 CEUs for the conference. Not bad! Along with the free messenger bag, and the free pens (most of which I probably won't use) and sticky notes. The highlighter was kind of cool ... shaped like a hypodermic ... I may give that to my niece, she'll probably enjoy it (sophmore in high school).

We ate in the airport. Burritos and margaritas! Nice way to cap off the trip ... the margaritas, I mean!! While waiting to load the plane, I had a "caramel frap light" ... thought about trying one of the green tea ones, but, I knew this one was "safe"!

The drive home was good ... and safe.

Got home, and it was still light out ... just past sundown.

I was tired, and hungry. So, I ended up eating pizza ... and a soda. Then, partially unpacked before heading to bed! Yeah, I'm a wimp!

Goals:

1. Get back "on program".
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 67

Week 10, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Another day of lectures and workshops!! Today, the conference started at 7:30 ... too early to try to eat our $25 breakfast like the morning before ... so, we stopped in on the coffee shop for an $11 mocha & bagel.

And, then, we learned that they were feeding us breakfast. Oh well. Had yogurt and an apple with my coffee, to keep me awake during the lectures.

Actually, having the lectures in the morning was much better, I think. Instead of the last hour or so at the end of a very long day of the workshops (think smaller sized groups in longer lectures). Having them at the beginning of the day was much better ... helps with a fresh brain!

The afternoon workshops were more interesting, in my opinion, as well.

The Friday night entertainment, provided by the conference, was a "Swing Dance" ... more free appetizers and drinks. The appetizers were ok, nothing special, though ... the margarita I had, though, was excellent.


Here's a picture of the band.


















The dance hall ... the chandeliers are cool, I think ... nothing I'd want in my own home, but cool, anyway!











After a quick sampling of food and drink, we headed off to Mission Hill with Dr. Dicus (one of the nephrologists I work with) and a classmate of his, for Tapas.

We had a great time, eating Tapas, drinking sangria ... I'd never had either before. So, it was fun! Of course, the conversation was interesting and entertaining, as well. We then stopped at a little place for Gelato ... I had this great chocolate rum chip one ... as Rachael Ray would say ... YUM-O!

I had planned on going for a run along the beach, or checking out the hotel gym before going to bed ... but, I was tired! I remembered, after I'd crawled in bed. Besides, it was going to be another early morning. We had to get up early enough to pack before heading for our 7:30 conference.

Goals:

1. Workout ... when I get home ...
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Not completely "blow it" with the food ...
   

P90X - Day 66

Week 10, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Here are a couple pictures from the trip ... in the morning, while waiting for the restaurant to open. Views of the beach in front of Hotel del Coronado:



































We got up early, had breakfast when the restaurant opened at 7 ... buffet. Good food. Seemed rather expensive to me, considering it was supposedly "moderately priced".

Workshops began at 8 am, fun stuff, like Vascular access; SLED vs. CRRT vs. PD; Systems approach ... I'm getting excited about those topics! Woohoo!! ;-) Lunch was pretty pathetic. I ended up getting a garden burger at the Sun Deck Grill ... because the scraps of salad left on the platter for me to get wasn't nearly enough food for me.

By the third workshop, we were totally saturated. So, we baled on the fourth workshop, and relaxed in our room. Then, it was off for a margarita at the Sun Deck Bar before heading in for the lectures.

Another picture ... me, with my mango margarita ... (shhh, don't tell my friends who know I'm allergic to mangos that I'm drinking a mango margarita!!)


















I think we got about halfway through the lectures before Sandra was nodding off ... so we slipped out and went downstairs where the vendors were setting up their displays, and freebies. We ate appetizers ... and then headed off for dinner ... down the street from the hotel ... Bistro d'Asia. We walked.

Dinner was ok. Bistro d'Asia is an asian restaurant (yeah, I knew you might not get that from the name), a mixture of all things asian ... sushi, chinese, thai ...

I had the Thai eggplant curry on rice. Not nearly as hot as I'm used to. It was a very mild curry. Good, but probably not something I'd order again.

Long day today ... I think we were asleep by about 10!

Goals:

1. Jog on the walkway, alongside the beach.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Not completely blow it in the food-arena.
   

P90X - Day 65

Week 10, Day 2

Workout:
311 Mason's Twists

I upped my number from last time!! Woohoo! (That's always my goal ... increase by 1.)

I cranked out the Mason's Twists this morning, before leaving for the airport!!

The drive to the airport was uneventful (always good). We got checked in, and then grabbed lunch ... since we weren't landing in San Diego until after 4 pm!

The flight from San Jose to San Diego was also uneventful (also, always very good), though I got stuck sitting between 2 mildly annoying people. They were together on this trip, but, the 1 lady wanted to sit by the window, and the other 1 wanted the aisle. Not a big deal, except that the lady sitting by the aisle couldn't squeeze her carry-on under that seat (smaller space), so I had to sit in front of her stuff, and I had to set my purse in front of her. Then, the lady by the window felt the need to chat ...

We got to the Hotel del Coronado, and checked-in fairly easily. The chauffeur driving the van from the airport to the hotel was very friendly. While waiting for the time that we could register for the classes, and get our bag, and materials, we wandered around the hotel, scoping things out ... looking at the shops.

We took a taxi into the Gaslamp District to eat dinner. We ate dinner at Jim Croce's restaurant, Croce's because the chauffeur said there was great music there. But, since it was Wednesday, we ate without the music. The food was good ... a little different, but good.

Goals:

1. Try to get some exercise in somehow ...
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Not totally "blow-it" with food.
   

P90X - Day 64

Week 10, Day 1

Final phase ...

Workout:
None.

I had a glimmer of hope that I might get a workout in, but, in reality, I had way too many things to try to get done today, before I leave in the morning, for San Diego.

I am mostly packed ... after my morning shower. So, will be able to head off, at the appointed time, to the airport.

According to the conference schedule, it looks like I'll be pretty busy, sitting in workshops and lectures most of the day. I am not a morning person, or a "day" person, so having to get up at 6 am will be difficult ... I'm thinking that I will be drinking a lot of coffee!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 63

Week 9, Day 7

(recovery week)

Workout:
300 Mason's Twists

Wow! My abs are feeling those!

I've been so busy today getting ready for my trip. Crazy!

I did the Mason's Twists first thing this morning, and then went about my day. Was planning on getting my workout in later, but, I just didn't ever seem to have time.

And, tomorrow, it's going to be even worse. I need to take my nephew's birthday present to him (my brother lives about an hour away). So, that's 2 hours out of my day totally gone. I've got a few last minute shopping/errands to do, along with bills to pay, and packing for the trip. I'd like to get a workout in, but, I've got a feeling that I won't have time.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 62

Week 9, Day 6

(recovery week)

Workout:
None.

Was a little too tired to get my booty moving.

The P90X group I've been doing the program with ("The Agents") are starting a few challenges to end this last round with. Beginning tomorrow, each of the newly aligned 4 teams (I'm on Team 4) will have 10 minutes to get as many Mason's Twists as we can do. Doing them every other day only, for 10 minutes each day, we must try to get to 7500 first (as a team). I've not every managed many, but, I've always done them at the end of the workout, so, 20 is all I can get out. Having 10 minutes to dedicate to them ... well, we'll see. I hope I can do 100!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 61

Week 9, Day 5

(recovery week)

Workout:
CardioX
30 min.

I enlisted the help of a friend of mine to get me up early. Even with help, I was a little slow-moving. But, I got in 30 minutes of exercise today!!

Tonight's my last night of work ... actually, for a week and a half. Next week, when I would normally be going to work, I'll be heading to a conference for work. CRRT.

Today is my nephew's birthday. He turns 12 (I think). So, Happy Birthday, Brendan!!

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 60

Week 9, Day 4

(recovery week)

Workout:
None.

My chest, throat and head hurts today. I decided the extra sleep/rest would be important. I may have strained some of the insertion points of my pectoral muscles ... every breath I take hurts, along with the steady discomfort.

I took sinus headache drugs, just in case the throat/headache were sinus related.

Measurements and pictures will be up later.

Goals:

1. CardioX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 59

Week 9, Day 3

(recovery week)

Workout:
KenpoX
20 min.

(HRM battery still not replaced)

Took me a little while to get moving this afternoon. I was too tired when I got home to try to workout, so I just went straight to bed. By the time I got moving, after the alarm went off this afternoon, I didn't have a whole lot of time to workout ... but, my goal was to do whatever I could.

So, I got a 20 min. workout in.

Goals:

1. XStretch
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 58

Week 9, Day 2

(recovery week)

Workout:
Core Synergistics
58 min.

(HRM battery still not replaced ...)

Noticed last night when I was going to bed, both of my shoulders ached a little ... I think it was from all the downward-facing-dog poses in YogaX! They aren't so bad today. Only when I engage the muscle do I feel them, this morning.

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (1st set reg., others knees down)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 12 (5 reg., others on my knees)
Bow to Boat: done (left shoulder felt funny on the last transition ... think it was just the muscle rubbing against the bone)
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with leg raise)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 5
Side Hip Raise: 13 each side
Squat X-Press: 5#, 30
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 1 10 second interval)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 5#, 5 sets (backed off on the weight this time ... because of the left shoulder thing ... don't want to injure it ... next time I'll do more with the 10s)
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 6 (used my trick, with shifting my weight so I was up on my fingers, palm not on the floor, after attempting regular way on the first one, unsuccessfully)
Steam Engine: done
Dreya Roll: 9
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: 2 (I went partially down into chaturanga)
Halfback: done
Table Dip Leg Raise: 5-5

Again, I got my workout done!! Used my own music ... really helps!

Seemed to tweak my shoulder making one of the Bow-to-Boat transitions. It doesn't hurt, really, just doesn't feel "right". I didn't want to make it worse, if it is injured, so I didn't push myself as hard with the increase of weights. I tried to maintain what I did last week, but not push myself to injury.

I was sweating like crazy today ... during the cooldown, in downward-facing-dog, I noticed my hair was totally wet ... there were even little drips coming off the ends ... that's difficult to do with my thick head of hair!!

I'm going to try to pick up a "double-back" again this weekend. So, if I do that, I won't be exercising on that day. But, otherwise, I'm going to try to do at some form of exercise each day. Even if it's only the first 30 minutes of the DVD ...

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 57

Week 9, Day 1

(recovery week)

Workout:
YogaX
92 min.
(HRM still not fixed)

I need to remember to take the HRM with me when I head out to do errands!! Grrr! I miss not knowing where my HR is ... not that it gets up there with Yoga, but, still!!

I woke up this morning feeling SO MUCH better!! Wow! What a difference a day makes! ;)

I did YogaX today. And, it wasn't nearly as unpleasant as usual. I put on my own mellow music, and I'm sure that helped. Plus, I was able to do things I haven't been able to do ... touching the floor with my fingers (not the tips ... or nothing at all) in several of those triangle and twisting poses.

I think I need to make a playlist on the iPod for Yoga days, though. The music I chose was good, but, the soundtrack was less than half as long as it needed to be ... I restarted it and then had silence at the end.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 56

Week 8, Day 7

(extra phase 2 week)

Workout:
HHA FBC (Fat Burning Cardio)
30 min.

Today was supposed to be rest/stretch day ... but had decided to make up Legs & Back from Saturday. Unfortunately, I didn't feel good. Actually, I felt pretty bad, kind of weird. My neck and chest hurt, and the pain/discomfort in my neck increased whenever I did anything close to a straining ... like bending over, even. A pulsating, throbbing pain ... actually, I imagine my carotids exploding!

How's that for imagery?!

I increased some of the weights for shoulders yesterday, and really pushed myself. I suspect that I may have been using some of the accessory muscles to push through the workouts.

So, I decided to try out the HHA workouts ... since it's my first workout, I figured it wouldn't be too strenuous for a "rest" day, or for a weird-sensation-in-my-head day.

It was a good workout. Fast paced, and the time went by quickly. Didn't really feel like 30 minutes.

Tomorrow begins "Recovery Week".

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 55

Week 8, Day 6

(extra phase 2 week)

HRM still hasn't gotten fixed. Guess I'm the one that's supposed to do that. It's not going to fix itself, I suppose. Went online to the polar website to see what size battery I needed to buy. While online, I found that they tell you it must be sent in to a polar authorized service place. Great. Another couple weeks, at least, without my HRM?!

Of course, I'm thinking, how hard can it be. You take the screws off, change the battery, put the screws back in ... and you're back in business. Except ... well, I've never successfully managed to change a watch battery ... the digital watches never seem to work afterwards.

OK, fine. I guess I have to send it in. Then, I read ... if your watch is no longer covered by the warranty, or if your watch doesn't need to be waterproof, you may take it to a jeweler to have the battery changed. I've definitely had this HRM for more than 2 years (the warranty is 2 years) ... and I don't swim with it ... so, I guess I can take it to the jewelers for less money, and time than mailing it in!

Workout:
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps
64 min.

After all that time online, before the workout, you'd think I would have skipped it altogether! But, no ... like I said yesterday ... no excuses for a missed workout accepted today!

Because I'm at the end of Phase 2, and I missed the strength training parts of the week, I decided to do CST instead of KenpoX. Actually, there was a brief point in time, before I started the workout, that I thought I might do both.

Right.

My plan is to do Legs & Back tomorrow, with Ab Ripper X. And maybe CardioX. So, I didn't do Ab Ripper X today (shouldn't do ARX 2 days in a row).

Today, I increased the weights from 5 lbs. to 10 lbs. on 4 of the exercises. So there's about a half-and-half mix of 5s and 10s now.

Chest, Shoulders & Triceps workout:
Slow-motion 3-in-1 Push-ups: 4-4-4 + 5 bonus (2 reg., others on my knees)
In & Out Shoulder Flys: 16 reps, 5# (next time I'll increase this weight)
Chair Dips: 8
Plange Push-ups: 7 (2 reg., others on my knees)
Pike Presses: 8
Side Tri-Rises: 11-11 (small increase here)
Floor Flys: 8
Scarecrows: 14 reps, 5# (slight increase in reps)
Overhead Tricep Extensions: 13 reps, 5#
Two-twitch Speed Push-ups: 4-3-1 (5 reg., others on my knees)
Y-presses: 15 reps, 5# (next time I'll increase this weight)
Lying Tricep Extensions: 7 reps, 10# (pushed through for 1 more)
Side-to-side Push-ups: 10 (2 reg., others on my knees)
Pour Flys: 13 reps, 5#
Side-leaning Tricep Extensions: 6 reps, 10# (last 1 was difficult)
One-arm Push-ups: 6 (all on my knees ... left didn't go as far down so I wouldn't fall on my face)
Weighted Circles: 10 reps, 5# x2 directions; 10 reps, 5# x2 directions
Throw the Bomb: 10 reps, 10# (left was much more difficult than right)
Clap or Plyo Push-ups: (clap) 7 (all on my knees)
Slo-mo Throws: 10 reps, 5#
Front-to-back Tricep Extensions: 8 reps, 10# (left definitely harder ... needed slight assist to finish)
One-arm Balance Push-ups: 3 (left doesn't hold me up very well)
Fly-row Presses: 9 reps, 5#
Dumbbell Cross-body Blows: 20 each side, 10#

My arms were shaky after that workout!

Goals:

1. Legs & Back; Ab Ripper X; CardioX.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 54

Week 8, Day 5

(extra phase 2 week)

Workout:
None.

Unless Housecleaning X counts ...

Had a possibility of company coming over. So, I did some major housecleaning. Worked hard all day long ... a good 6 hours.

When they didn't make it. I was so tired, I just relaxed on the couch ... ended up falling asleep there at some point!

Tomorrow ... no excuses accepted.

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 53

Week 8, Day 4

(extra phase 2 week)

Workout:
None.

I woke up feeling very lazy. I think that's part of working night shift. Especially on my last day for a few (I'm off for 5 days now). I tend to sleep most of the day, and then wake up for a little while, usually long enough to get the mail, eat some food, flip through the channels on TV, check email ... and then head back to bed.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back; Ab Ripper X
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 52

Week 8, Day 3

(extra phase 2 week)

Workout:
Ab Ripper X - 291
20 min.

I was too tired to try to workout when I got home. It was all I could do to stay awake, and drive. There was no way I was going to be able to also do the workouts. By the time I got my body moving in the afternoon, I didn't have enough time for the full workout.

I definitely wanted to do something so, I opted for the Ab Ripper X. As much as I hate doing abs (I do them because I know I should), it's saying something, for me to do the Ab workout. Really. It is!

Gotta say, I did a pretty good job with it, too! I really brought it ... and left it on the mat! :)

Ab Ripper X:
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 10 (these are very difficult for me)
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 25
Pulse Up: 25
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 12 (I continue to struggle with the V-Up part of this exercise)
Oblique V-Up: 25x2
Leg Climb: 12x2
Mason Twist: 20 (still can't touch the floor)

Hey, I got up early and did something!!

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 51

Week 8, Day 2

(extra phase 2 week)

Workout:
Core Synergistics
58 min.
(HRM's battery died ...)

Also my workout included 30 min. playing on the Wii. And, 10 min. trying out my new Hip Hop Abs (HHA) "secrets" workout (Shaun T shows you how to do it).

I got my workouts in. I briefly had visions of making up yesterday's workout and doing today's workout ... but, I ran out of time, and really needed to get the nap in. Plus, I had to input a friend of mine's Wii number into my Wii ... and well, while it was on, I figured a little gaming was in order. And, I really wanted to break open the HHA workouts and try them out. I ended up only doing the little "first" one ... just to see.

Naptime is important. It sucks having to be up for 25 or 26 hours straight without the nap!!

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5 (knees down on last 2 sets)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 10 (knees)
Bow to Boat: done
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with toe tap)
Lunge & Reach: 10#
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 6
Side Hip Raise: 12 each side
Squat X-Press: 5#, 30
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 1 10 second interval)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 5#, 3 sets; 10#, 2 sets (The increased weight was difficult, but the 5s are a little too easy)
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 6 (my left arm--wrist--doesn't want to hold me up ... discovered that by shifting my weight so I was up on my fingers, palm not on the floor, I did better on the left side)
Steam Engine: done
Dreya Roll: 9 (woohoo!!)
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: 2 (I went partially down into chaturanga)
Halfback: done
Table Dip Leg Raise: 5-5

No overtime this week. I'm only working my 2 12 hour shifts, and that's it.

Goals:

1. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps; Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 50

Week 8, Day 1

(extra phase 2 week)

Workout:
None.

I seem to be pretty "pooped" from the weekend. Hmmm, actually, that's what it smelled like on the unit this weekend ...

Ah, well, never mind.

I pretty much just laid around and napped today. Ran some errands, got a few things done, since I only have the 1 day off.

Tomorrow, I need to get busy with this! No more slacking!!

Goals:

1. CardioX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 49

Week 7, Day 7

Workout:
None.

I slept all day. Didn't get a workout in.

I just did an extra 20 hours of work this weekend. (Plus all the double time that resulted from it.) No wonder I'm tired!

I noticed that I wasn't as sore as usual. Normally after my weekend, my back aches a little. And, if I don't get enough sleep, my legs and feet hurt. Actually, as much as I was on my feet, and walking/running around normally, my whole body would probably be aching.

It wasn't.

Thank you P90X!! I'm stronger, and able to recover and rest more efficiently.

Turning my guy alone was pretty easy. He was about 100 kgs. (about 220 lbs.), mostly dead-weight. Turning him on his side, and then holding him there with 1 arm while the other 1 stuffed pillows wasn't difficult, at all!

I've made a fairly pathetic showing, for Phase 2. I totally skipped the first week, and this second week, because of the additional working I did, has been only partially done. So, I'm adding an extra week of Phase 2 here, before moving on to Recovery Week.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 48

Week 7, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I felt pretty good coming home. Felt awake. But, before I left for home this morning, they asked if I'd be available to come in early (another "double-back"). I said yes. I'm not sure they'll need me tonight, but there's a chance they'll need me at 3pm. So, I decided I'd just make the commitment to workout in the afternoon when I got up, if they didn't call me in to work at 3pm.

As it is, I've got 4 1/2 hours of sleep, if they call at 1pm to have me come in for the 3pm shift. If I workout, I'm looking at 3 1/2 hours. Yuk!

***

Turns out, they needed me for the full 16 hours. I walked into the unit at 3pm, to "craziness" ... "my" patient wasn't doing very good. The interesting thing that I noticed, after one of my buddies (he used to work nights, too) pointed it out ... when I showed up in the room, all of the day shift nurses that were in the room suddenly disappeared. Hmmm.

It takes 3 day shift nurses to follow 1 doctor's orders, but, only 1 slightly sleep-deprived night shift nurse to follow 2 doctor's orders (the surgeon showed up shortly after me). ;)

Anyway, another day with no workout ...

Goals:

1. XStretch
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 47

Week 7, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Tonight, the boss planned for a potluck for the "February birthdays." So, I got up early to prepare something healthy for the potluck.

I made my pasta salad. Used whole-grain pasta, lots of veggies and some kidney beans with my light vinaigrette dressing that I concocted myself. It's healthy and vegetarian! Hopefully the other food won't be too "horrible" ... my coworkers aren't known for their healthy eating. They complain about their weight, but don't do anything about it.

I've made myself available for tomorrow night. I'm going to do my workout in the morning when I get home from work. I have a feeling that in the evening, I won't feel like it.

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 46

Week 7, Day 4

Workout:
None.

They needed someone to stay over this morning at work.

One of my goals this year is to get ready to purchase a house. In order to do that, I need to get more money ... to pay off the current bills, car payment and for a down payment. So, this year, when they need someone to stay over, that one's gonna have to rule over the workout.

I stayed over and did a 16 hour shift. I was a little tired, but not too bad. I had a pretty sick patient who took all my time and energy. He needed to be re-intubated, but the pulmonologist was dragging his feet. So, I had my hands full! Patient finally got intubated as I was trying to give report and get out of there! Figures.

By the time I got home, I was only going to be getting 4 hours of sleep ... sleep is more important than a workout, in my book. With not enough sleep, I could kill someone ... or myself.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 45

Week 7, Day 3

(half-way point)

Workout:
X Stretch
58 min.
(did not wear my HR monitor)

I did it! I've now exercised 7 days in a row! I was going to do Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, but, since I'm just recovering from being sick, I didn't want to relapse, by "overtraining" ... I do need a "rest day" ... so I opted to do the stretching.

Plan for tomorrow: YogaX.

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 44

Week 7, Day 2

Workout:
CardioX
45 min.
burned 306 cal.
HR max: 153
HR ave: 124

I think I am pretty much "well" now. I had to work harder to get my HR up. I burned less calories during this workout today (compare from last Friday when I was sick). That's a good feeling ... I mean to know, based on how the workouts are, whether I'm sick (or possibly pushing myself too hard) or not.

I'm not as sore today as I was yesterday, though key body parts are still sore today. It made the workout much better and easier to follow through.

I was going to work on keeping closer track of my intake. I failed at that pretty miserably. My eating was clean, I just didn't keep as close tabs as I had planned on doing. Last night, it occurred to me that I probably wasn't eating enough food for these workouts (today is 6 in a row). Not that I was hungry, but after eating my healthy dinner, I was craving other sustenance.

During the 2 weeks that I wasn't exercising, I had dropped back my intake. And, then, because I was sick, I know my intake wasn't where it should have been. But, I was continuing that trend of eating lighter.

Now that I'm heading into my work-week, I'm not sure (certainly not counting on it) that I'll be able to plug in the numbers online. So, I've pulled out the sheet of boxes that a BB buddy of mine created. The P90X nutrition guide in a handy, single-page layout of boxes. So, I'm going to use this grid again this weekend.

My plan for tomorrow is to do Chest, Shoulders & Triceps (my triceps still when contracted) & ARX when I get home from work, in the morning. I've got reminders for myself everywhere. It's already scheduled into the palm, with an alarm-reminder.

I'm going to do this.

I need to eat & go take my nap before I have to head into work tonight. (Gotta remember my nice, soft tissue--the work stuff sucks--I'm still dealing with minor nasal "issues".)

Goals:

1. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps plus Ab Ripper X ... when I get home from work in the morning.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 43

Week 7, Day 1

Workout:
Core Synergistics
63 min.
burned 436 cal.
HR max: 158
HR ave: 124

FIVE days in a row! Woohoo! That may be a record for me. Seriously.

My whole body is pretty sore from the last few days of workouts. I think I can feel soreness all the way from my shoulders down to the tops of my feet (thanks, sneaky lunges!). So, that made this Core Synergistics workout difficult to complete. But, I did the best that I could ... after all, that is TH's motto: "Do your best, and forget the rest." (I love that about him!!)

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (knees down on last 2 sets)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done
Sphinx Push-Up: 16 (knees)
Bow to Boat: done
Low Lateral Skaters: done (with toe tap)
Lunge & Reach: 5# (these were difficult, my triceps & deltoids are sore, just thinking about using them!)
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 3
Side Hip Raise: 10 each side (it took everything in me to milk out all 10)
Squat X-Press: 30 (no weight)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 2 10 second intervals)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 5#, 20 reps (I noticed that I was so focused on the arm movement, I sometimes forgot to stay in a deep lunge ... I'll need to work on that.)
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 5 (left arm shook ... on the 6th one, left arm didn't hold me up)
Steam Engine: done
Dreya Roll: 2 (this was a pretty pathetic attempt ... my core, butt, & arms all hurt, so this was very difficult)
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: not done (I attempted ... got the first plank done, tried a not-very-low chaturanga & then collapsed to the floor)
Halfback: done
Table Dip Leg Raise: not done (my triceps wouldn't let me go into table)

I honestly don't know if my upper body is going to be ready for the Thursday Chest, Shoulders & Triceps! Other than the difficulty of taking stairs, getting out of my car, or out of my recliner, it does feel good to have sore muscles. To know I've really worked hard, and I'm rebuilding my body!

I go back to work tomorrow, and work for the next 4 nights. It's definitely going to be a challenge to get those workouts in on those days. But, I've turned over a new leaf, and I want to change it up. Trying to wake up early didn't work ... rarely was I able to get a workout in. So, I'm going to plan on doing the workouts when I get home. No matter how tired I am, I will always drag my butt out of bed for work. Not so, for the "extra" things.

Goals:

1. CardioX.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 42

Week 6, Day 7

"rest day" ... yeah, right!

Workout:
Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
62 min.
burned 431 cal.
HR max: 152
HR ave: 124

Ab Ripper X - 269 total
22 min.
burned 128 cal.
HR max: 137
HR ave: 115

Can you say muscle failure? WOW. That was quite the workout. My shoulders, triceps & abs are shakin'! As I recall from my previous P90X round, this workout really brought out my tricep definition.

My glutes are still sore from Legs & Back. So, tomorrow, I may not be able to move very much of my body!!

I'm using GymJournal again ... just started today. To record my dietary intake. This is my weekend to work, so I don't know that I'll have time to do it on those days ... it's going to take all my energy to just workout, let alone do the "other" stuff. I like GymJournal a little bit better than FitDay ... mainly because I can set up "meals" that I eat frequently, and it'll put the food into meal/snack sections so it's easier for me to see where I'm eating more of my food ... instead of 1 long list of all the food for the day. (Is it late at night, because I didn't eat enough during the day. Or, am I falling back on old habits & just eating 2 or 3 meals a day.) The "pie chart" on FitDay is nice, though.

Chest, Shoulders & Triceps workout:
Slow-motion 3-in-1 Push-ups: 4-4-4 + 5 bonus (2 reg., others on my knees)
In & Out Shoulder Flys: 16 reps, 5#
Chair Dips: 9
Plange Push-ups: 8 (2 reg., others on my knees)
Pike Presses: 8
Side Tri-Rises: 9-9
Floor Flys: 8
Scarecrows: 12 reps, 5#
Overhead Tricep Extensions: 12 reps, 5#
Two-twitch Speed Push-ups: 4-3 (2 reg., others on my knees)
Y-presses: 15 reps, 5#
Lying Tricep Extensions: 6 reps, 10#
Side-to-side Push-ups: 9 (all on my knees)
Pour Flys: 12 reps, 5#
Side-leaning Tricep Extensions: 15 reps, 5# (need to increase the weight next time)
One-arm Push-ups: 4 (left side wouldn't hold me up ... immed. drop to the ground)
Weighted Circles: 10 reps, 5#; 5 reps, 5# (took a break between sets)
Throw the Bomb: 15 reps, 5# (need to increase the weight next time)
Clap or Plyo Push-ups: (clap) 5 (all on my knees)
Slo-mo Throws: 10 reps, 5#
Front-to-back Tricep Extensions: 15 reps, 5# (need to increase the weight next time)
One-arm Balance Push-ups: 2
Fly-row Presses: 8 reps, 5#
Dumbbell Cross-body Blows: 16 each side ... I lost track so it may be more, 5# (need to increase the weight next time)

Ab Ripper X: (I look at the last number, and try to increase by at least 1 in each category ... up to the 25 max. This time, I shot for "round" numbers.)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 10
Fifer Scissor: 25
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 20
Pulse Up: 20
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 10
Oblique V-Up: 20x2
Leg Climb: 12x2
Mason Twist: 20 (can't touch the floor ... and probably won't for a while)

Tomorrow is my Weight Watcher's meeting. I'll be going. I think, actually, this week I've lost some weight! My workout will have to be in the afternoon. And, yes, again, I'm accepting NO EXCUSES for not working out.

I will eat "food porn" challenge clean & workout.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 41

Week 6, Day 6

Workout:
KenpoX
70 min.
burned 602 cal.
HR max: 167
HR ave: 140

I'm a little sore from yesterday's workout. Not too bad, though. The medial aspect of my quads are a little sore when I step (especially up stairs), & my glutes ... more when used, but pretty much they're sore constantly. (I'm just imagining them being rebuilt ...)

I'm kinda liking working out while I'm sick! I'm sweating more & am burning more calories ... my HR stays up longer & higher!

This was a great workout today. I wore 1 lb. wrist weights until the first break ... my shoulders (rotator cuff area) were aching. I think in the future, I might wear them for every other segment ... build up to wearing them for the whole workout.

This week, I've been doing these cardio/core workouts with "cues only" and putting my own music on my stereo. (It's about time to recharge my iPod, I think.) I'm enjoying the workouts more that way.

Tomorrow is supposed to be X Stretch/Rest Day. I'd like to catch-up on my missed workouts, from when I was sick. I'm planning on doing Chest, Shoulders & Triceps and Ab Ripper X. And, probably YogaX (it's so easy to put that one off). After spending 2 1/2-3 hours of my day working out, I don't think I'll have time to do X Stretch. But, I'll see how it goes.

The eating has been back on target today. So far I've avoided the "food porn" ...

My niece's basketball game was fun. They won. My niece is an animal!! I got 1 picture when she was on the floor right in front of me fighting for the ball! She's not such a great shot, but she's good at taking the ball away! The boys team won, as well.

This week, Oprah had a show on that was quite interesting to me. She called it "The Secret". I've got a book I read a few years back that talked about the same concept ... like attracts like. Basically, when you have negative thoughts, you attract negativity into your life. When you have positive thoughts, you attract positivity into your life. One of the blogs I occasionally read, Today is That Day had an entry along those same lines. It's a good reminder ... what I think about, focus on is what becomes real in my life.

Goals:

1. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps. Ab Ripper X. YogaX. (make-up workouts)
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 40

Week 6, Day 5

Workout:
Legs & Back
68 min.
burned 594 cal.
HR max: 168
HR ave: 141

I bought a "door kit" with a "20#" band to do the pull-ups because I don't think my chair-assisted pull-ups were really working my back. I used more leg to get up than I should, but without the leg, I couldn't get up. I thought this kit might help. I ended up instead of using the kit on the door, I draped the band over my pull-up bar and did them that way. Only problem, is, even that wasn't much of a workout. (I can usually do about 60# on the lat pull-down machine.) So, I'm not sure how I'm going to adjust my pull-up routine to actually get a workout!!

Legs & Back:
Balanced Lunges: 0#, 17 reps (down a few)
Calf Raise Squats, 5#, 25 reps
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 15 (using ~20# bands)
Super Skaters: 25
Wall Squat: done
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15 (using ~20# bands)
Step Back Lunges: 0#, 15 reps
Alternating Side Lunges: 0#, 16 reps (up a little)
Close Grip Overhead Pull-Ups: 15 (using ~20# bands)
Single Leg Wall Squat: 0 (I could stay up at all for this one ... STILL!)
Dead Lift Squats: 11 (up a little)
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 16 (using ~20# bands)
Three-way Lunge: 5 (up a little)
Sneaky Lunge: 20
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 15 (using ~20# bands)
Chair Salutations: done
Toe Row Iso Lunge: 7
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15 (using ~20# bands)
Groucho Walk: done
Calf Raise: 5#, 25 reps x3
Close Grip Overhead Pull-Ups: 15 (using ~20# bands)
80-20 Seibers Speed Squat: 20
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 16 (using ~20# bands)

Slept poorly last night. Had difficulty breathing (I'm not a mouth-breather by nature), and then I had some hideous sinus pressure going on. Actually, thought I might have to cancel my plans for this morning. But, I hate doing that on such a short notice! I ended up getting the right combination of medications (Sudafed & Ibuprofen) and, an hour later, I had no pain! And, I could breathe!!

I took a nap this afternoon to get through my day.

Found out the only game my niece plays in today is at 10:30 tonight. With an hour game (assuming all is on schedule), and my drive home, I wouldn't be in bed until well after midnight ... not smart when I'm trying to recover from illness. So, I'm going to go over in the morning for her game. Her game tomorrow is at 11:30 in the morning ... I can totally make that! And, interestingly, she'll be playing against the school my mom teaches at!!

Totally didn't want to work out tonight. I was so NOT feeling it! Between the headache, unable to breathe through my nose, and just being tired & wanting to go to bed. I had decided I wasn't going to workout ... and then, I felt the "muffin top" hanging over the front of my jeans, and thought of an email I got from a friend this week telling me I DESERVE to get fit & lose the fat, and not let ANYTHING sabotage my goals. I immediately headed upstairs to put on my workout gear.

Again, on this workout, I was sweating quite a bit before I was even done with the warm-up. And, part way into the workout, the sweat was pouring off of me. I imagined the toxins were fighting to get out of me!! I was gettin' too hot for them to survive!! ;) (Yes, as a matter of fact, I have been told I have an active imagination!)

Halfway through the workout, I was thinking about baling on it, though. The headache started kicking in. I came so close. I paused the DVD, sipped on my water, mopped off my face & neck ... and then basically told myself I had to get through Legs & Back.

I was going to try to squeeze in Ab Ripper X & YogaX (make-up workout) today, as well. But, I'm pretty exhausted with this. And, I'm ready to go to bed now!!

I am proud of myself for pushing myself to do the workout even if I didn't want to! One more day ... I did it!

The "food porn" challenge, though, is another story!

Tomorrow, I'm going to focus on getting back on track with the food. I'm going to do the KenpoX workout tomorrow, FOR SURE. NO EXCUSES. As far as trying to catch up on missed workouts, I'm going to play it by ear. I don't want to over-do it, since I am trying to recover. I think the Ab Ripper X workout is a definite possibility. The others will probably have to wait until "rest day" Monday.

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 39

Week 6, Day 4

Workout:
CardioX
45 min.
burned 386 cal.
HR max: 165
HR ave: 140

Well, I wasn't sure a workout was going to happen. Just getting out of the couch made me feel like I needed to take a nap!! But, I just decided I needed to do it. As Nike says ... "Just Do It". It helped that my neighbor was having a party, so her music was loud ... so, there was no relaxing on the couch!

I sweated more than usual ... makes me think I might have had a fever! ;) I imagined that I was sweating out all the toxins in my body that were making me sick. I did pretty good in the first half, but the second half of the workout I ended up having to back off a little. But, I made it!

Again, today, the "Food Porn" challenge was put on hold.

Hopefully I'm feeling better tomorrow. I've got a full day planned!! This weekend, my niece has a JV basketball tournament ... not sure if I'll go out there tomorrow night, or on Sunday.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 38

Week 6, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Called in sick again today. Still feeling pretty thrashed. The sore throat has finally gone away ... mostly. It's moved into my sinuses now.

I was going to try to workout again today ... it's Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, plus Ab Ripper X today. But, since I feel exhausted, just getting up to fix something to eat, I'm not sure that I'm going to have the energy to workout!

Goals:

1. YogaX.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 37

Week 6, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I had visions of doing my CardioX workout today. But, I woke up with a really bad sore throat that proceeded to include an achy neck, headache ... and then there was the dizziness. And I didn't even take any meds!!

I called in sick for the night, and then proceeded to sleep the day away.

The "Tylenol Sore Throat" that I took did at least get rid of my headache ... but the only time I was sore-throat-free was when I was eating Top Ramen laced with Thai garlic pepper sauce!

Because I slept most of the day (11 am-4 pm; and then 6 pm-8pm) I thought I would have the energy to workout tonight. By 10 I was ready to go back to bed!

Maybe another day ...

Obviously, since I had Top Ramen, the "Food Porn" challenge is blown today, as well as the workout.

Goals:

1. Chest, Shoulders, Triceps. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 36

Week 6, Day 1

Workout:
Core Synergistics
58 min.
burned 418 cal.
HR max: 163
HR ave: 127

Well, I did it! I didn't allow myself any excuses to not workout. I got the Core done. I kind of like that workout. I picture my abs shrinking when I'm doing that workout!!

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5-5 (knees down on last 2 sets)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 24
Squat Run: 5#, done (added weights)
Sphinx Push-Up: 16 (knees)
Bow to Boat: done
Low Lateral Skaters: done
Lunge & Reach: 5# (added weights this time)
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 3
Side Hip Raise: 7 each side
Squat X-Press: 30 (no weight)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: done (resting during 2 10 second intervals)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 5#, 20 reps
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 4 (took lots of breaks ... really worked to get these done!)
Steam Engine: done (really brought it for this one)
Dreya Roll: 7 (I have a hard time getting up, but I pushed hard to get these done)
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: not done (I just couldn't do it)
Halfback: done
Table Dip Leg Raise: not done (I just couldn't do it)

Food was good today. I didn't eat enough, though. And, I know I didn't eat enough protein. I'll have to work on that more for tomorrow. I made a conscience effort after my Weight Watcher's meeting to eat at a place that would work with the "No Food Porn". I opted for a pizza place (I was a little worried) that has great salads. I had a medium "chopped green" salad (probably about 4 cups of salad) ... had them hold the cheese & crutons (crutons are usually stale anyway) and put the vinaigrette dressing on the side.

Goals:

1. CardioX.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
5. No "Food Porn".
   

P90X - Day 35

Week 5, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Today I went shopping. I had several errands to run. A t-shirt I bought at the GAP last week had a hole in it, so I wanted to return that.

Plus, I'm really tired of my "media storage" situation. I have too many CDs for the space that I have. Throw in the few VHS tapes (yes, I still have a few that haven't gotten replaced), and the DVDs, the stacks look a mess ... and topple sometimes. That's what happened with the CDs this week. While loading up the CD changer "magazine" this week with "new" music, I accidentally knocked a couple CDs behind the shelf system. So, I decided to reorganize them all so there weren't these high stacks on top. I now have about 100 CDs that don't have a home. And, I still have to empty the one shelf system so I can move it and retrieve the runaway CD cases.

So, I decided a trip to IKEA was in order. They have cool, cheap stuff that sometimes looks really nice. The problem is, that I've been using these little baby-bookshelves for media storage. There's wasted space and there's space further up the wall that could be utilized that isn't. I'm thinking that if I can find something that is made for CDs (and DVDs) I could store more in less space.

I found these totally cool cabinets that I bought. They were only $100 a piece (I bought 2 ... should keep me going for a little while). So, by the time I got home from all my errand running, I actually wanted to take a nap, but instead put together one of the cabinets.

So ... again I've managed to find something else to do instead of exercise!!

There's a new Challenge going on. Discipline is all it takes! Workout for the next 23 days (no missed workouts). And, cut out all "food porn".

"Food Porn" being:

1. No dairy
2. No soda
3. No fried foods
4. No simple carbs/white anything
5. No fatty/processed meats

There's not really much here that would be required of me. I've mostly cut out sodas--would be easy to cut them out completely for a little over 3 weeks. I'm trying to cut out the simple carbs/"white" food already. I'm vegetarian, so the fatty/processed meats isn't a problem, either!! I don't eat a lot of fried food ... but by telling myself I can't have any, I'm going to start craving something fried!! The only thing that would be difficult for me is the dairy ... not that I drink a lot of milk (I'm already trying to switch toward soy/rice/almond milks), but I would miss the cheese mostly. And, the rare ice cream.

But, I think it would be good for me. So, I'm going to do it.

Unfortunately, I only now found out about it (I've been a little absent). So, I'm going to miss "day 1" of the challenge. But, the 23 days was really 24, so I'll be doing it for 23 days.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 34

Week 5, Day 6

Workout:
None.

The alarm went off at 2 pm. I spent the next 20 minutes convincing myself to get up ... I mean, pushing the snooze alarm. Finally reset it for 3:15.

I got up in time to put on a 49er t-shirt, go downstairs, brew coffee and turn on the TV ...

I was so exhausted today. Not sure what was so different about this weekend of work, versus others. Yes, it's 4 12-hour shifts in a row. But, usually, I'm not ready to crawl back in bed at 6 pm. Usually, I can put it off until about 9.

Anyway, I again, didn't workout today.

That's now 2 weeks. I know I need to and I should ...

Goals:

1. X-Stretch ... or some other workout ...
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 33

Week 5, Day 5

Workout:
None.

We have a potluck scheduled for tonight. February birthdays. Two of them. I'm making pasta salad with whole-grain pasta and a whole lot of veggies and some beans. It's actually a nice light salad (I create my own light dressing for it). I think someone else is bringing a green salad. Hopefully the rest of it is fairly healthy.

I got my pasta salad done. Had some time to squeeze in part of a workout, but I opted to sit and sip on my coffee and try to wake up. (I'm sure Legs & Back or ARX would have done the same, but, my legs ached, and I was dragging booty.)

Tomorrow is SuperBowl. I'm going to try to get up at 2 pm to squeeze in a workout before the game.

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 32

Week 5, Day 4

Workout:
None. Again.

I had a busy night. Emotionally draining, as well. Patient wasn't doing well, and kept me on my toes keeping her alive overnight.

Seemed like it might have been a full moon last night. The patients that weren't completely sedated were a little crazy ... trying to get out of bed, swinging at the nurses ...

Uh, yeah, I do love my job! (OK, sometimes that's said with more sarcasm than other times.)

I got up a little early. 3:30 pm. But didn't have the energy or drive (or time) to workout. So, I sat in my recliner sipping my coffee, trying to wake up.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 31

Week 5, Day 3

Workout:
None.

I was so exhausted when I got home this morning. I went straight to bed. Actually, don't remember my head hitting the pillow. Anyway, the alarm went off at 2:45 pm, and I pushed "snooze" for close to 30 minutes (it rings every 5 minutes), and then gave up and reset the alarm for a little after 4.

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 30

Week 5, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I ended up getting busy enough that I put off the workout in favor of my before-work nap.

Measurements:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day 1 (01/02/07) . . . Day 30 (01/30/07)
Neck: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chest: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.5
Waist: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34.5
Hips: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44.25
R Upper Arm (flexed): . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
L Upper Arm (flexed): . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
R Forearm: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
L Forearm: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
R Thigh: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.5
L Thigh: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.5
R Calf: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.5
L Calf: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.5
Wt.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
BF %: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31% . . . . . . . . . . . . 32%
BMI: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.3
lbs. fat: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.7
lean mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116.3
Accu-Measure: . . . . . . . . 24 mm (32.1%) . . . . .

Unfortunately, the online bodyfat calculator that I have been using for years (6 or 7 now) seems to be down. Hopefully it is temporary, but, since the main part of the website also isn't loading, I fear that biofitness may have gone away. So, I found another site, and have recalculated "Day 1" measurements with the new site, so the comparison is more accurate overall. So, this time, I used HealthCentral Network's body fat calculator (and, unless biofitness comes back by Day 60, for the remainder of my measurements).

Looks like 3 1/4 inches lost in the last 30 days. Actually, that's better than I thought I'd done, when I was doing the measurements. The most obviously noticeable aspect of the slight drop in measurements is that I have now put on 2 different pairs of freshly laundered jeans without having to get horizontal! One of which gave me a couple blisters on my stomach a couple months ago, because it was so tight. And, the other, I couldn't wiggle past my hips to even get on, so, I'm happy with that.

Now, for the next 30 days, I need to "BRING IT" with everything that I've got!

Pictures:

OK, so I know the real reason you came to visit my blog (that's why this section isn't at the top of the entry, I'm making you read a bit first).
















I see vague differences between the 2 sets of pictures. (Might be explained by the 3+ inch loss, as to why there are only vague differences!) Some of what I think I might be seeing may be the difference of shadows, skin tone changes, & the fact that the camera was not in the same exact location. But, what I think I see, is a little more definition in my ab/stomach area (where my 6-pack is going to be), and possibly a change in my thighs.

The measurements & pictures are just a good reminder that I need to stay focused on my goals.

Goals:

1. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 29

Week 5, Day 1

Beginning of Phase 2.

Workout:
None.

I've gone a week now, without P90X. I keep telling myself I need to get my butt in gear & get on it. But, there's always something to fill my time. When I was on vacation it was definitely easier, but even then, I didn't achieve 100%!

I'm lacking focus & discipline. My eating hasn't been the greatest this past week. If I'd exercised, I probably could have overcome the eating part (by burning those calories). But, no ...

I'm up 0.8 lbs. today (Weight Watcher's weigh-in). It's because of the lack of exercise, & not cutting back on the eating.

I need to find that part of me that sees the goal & does what she knows will help her achieve that goal. No excuses. Just bringing it all.

Goals:

1. CardioX.
2. Measurements & Pictures.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 28

Week 4, Day 7

(Recovery Week)

Workout:
None.

My "life schedule" is a little messed up right now. The usual things that I have to do aren't on the schedule right now. So, it seems that since I have extra time to complete my tasks, I'm taking longer to do them!!

I need to learn to put what I hold important to me, first in my life. I say I want to be healthy, get fit, lose my fat ... yet, I postpone my workouts and then I run out of time. I start craving bad foods that I normally can avoid ... and actually go to the grocery store at 9 or 10 at night to get them (because I've cleaned out my cupboards & my freezer).

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 27

Week 4, Day 6

(Recovery Week)

Workout:
None.

I woke up early (7:30-ish), had coffee. Planned out a very productive day for myself, filled with exercise and house cleaning.

Instead of following my list, I turned on the Wii, and played for a little while. Mostly I was curious if a friend of mine had added me to their Wii friends list yet. And, well, then, I got busy creating more Miis, and playing games.

Mid-morning, I turned off the Wii, and planned on getting to my list ... starting with exercise ... but, the lack of sleep (I'm sure, the fact that I'm on my period has nothing to do with my lack of energy) ;) caught up to me ... and I ended up napping most of the day away.

Goals:

1. Rest Day ... should be exercise catch-up day!!
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 26

Week 4, Day 5

(Recovery Week)

Workout:
None.

Yes, it's another weekend without exercise ...

I am still cramping a bit ... it's more of the lower back pain variety now. Motrin is controlling the pain, not needing the "heavy artillery" today.

Goals:

1. YogaX.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 25

Week 4, Day 4

(Recovery Week)

Workout:
None.

Perhaps the stretching would help me feel better. But, it's "Day 1" of my cycle ... so I'm cramping pretty bad.

I took a Tylenol #3, and I am just going to enjoy my drug-induced haze, and vege-out.

This is looking to be a very productive (NOT) recovery week!

Goals:

1. CardioX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 24

Week 4, Day 3

(Recovery Week)

Workout:
None.

Well, the best laid plans ...

They were short at work. So, I went in early. Got a phone call at 1:30 from work. I stumbled around, got my shower, and got ready ... they called late, so I only had 30, 40 at the most minutes to get out the door.

It was a steady-busy day/night at work. That helps when you're sleep deprived!

Goals:

1. X-Stretch
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 23

Week 4, Day 2

(Recovery Week)

Workout:
Does the Wii count?!

It was supposed to be Core Synergistics today. But, I got sucked into playing the Wii ... I didn't think to put my HR monitor on, though!! I did get sweaty playing baseball & boxing!

Tomorrow, my plan is to get up early and exercise.

Goals:

1. Wake up at 3pm tomorrow to do KenpoX
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 22

Week 4, Day 1

(Recovery Week)

Workout:
YogaX
77 min. (I sped through some of it ... I just didn't have the patience to do 90 min. of Yoga)
burned 391 cal.
HR max: 147
HR ave: 108

This morning, I woke up a little sore. Umm, well, I was a lot sore in some places! My biceps & triceps were, of course sore from the shoulders & Arms workout. My shoulders were a little stiff, but only a little sore. My back (across the whole middle of it) is actually a little sore, as well ... I think it's from swinging the remote, playing baseball.

I played a little of the Nintendo Wii this morning. An inning of baseball (I incurred the "Mercy Rule" ... I was ahead 6-1, so the game ended), a game of bowling, and a couple rounds of 3-hole golf (first time I was a +5, the second time I was on par). In the afternoon, I broke in the new Zelda game. I bought a second remote & nunchuk, and since I really love Zelda, I went ahead and got that one, today, too. The remotes are kind of expensive, so, I figure I'll spread out the purchase of them ... 1 a payperiod, maybe (unless I suddenly find that I'm throwing a Wii-party or something).

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. I lost 0.2 lbs. Surprising, since I missed several workouts, and I ate poorly on Saturday & Sunday. The topic was about getting more activity into our lives ... and I think getting around the hurdles that keep us from getting that activity. My goal for "activity" is to workout (P90X), at least 4 times a week (I know that when I'm working, 6 or 7 times a week may be unrealistic). That means I am burning 1200-1700 extra calories a week.

I tried really hard to avoid doing Yoga today. Almost had myself talked into a nap instead of YogaX (right, like I have to talk myself into a nap?! ... naps for me are like breathing!). I finally kicked it into high gear, got some clothes--other than jeans--on and put the DVD in the player ... and did my thing. There were a couple sections that I just ended up fast-forwarding ahead ... I just couldn't keep doing those vinyasas. I did all the balance poses & the stretching ones (except for crane--I did on 1 foot--and a couple of those shoulder-stand--I did my own modified version--and plough, I think it's called ... there's no freaking way!!) Next time I'll plan for the whole 90 minutes.

Eating wasn't so great today. Not horrible, just could have been better ... a little heavy on the carb. I opened up a window for fitday ... I'm thinking I should give it a try. It just tends to take more time than I usually have, esp. when I'm working (I go back to work on Wednesday), I do not typically look at my computer.

I have committed to DeeDee, that I will get up early on my work-day this week to workout. I am planning, on Thursday afternoon, to wake up at 3pm to fit my KenpoX workout in before work.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 21

Week 3, Day 7

Workout:
30 min. of Wii Baseball

Shoulders & Arms
65 min.
burned 432 cal.
HR max: 149
HR ave: 122

Ab Ripper X
(again, I forgot to restart the HRM workout ... so no numbers)
Total #: 213 (improved by 39 from last ARX workout)

During the first part of the Shoulders & Arms workout, I was a little disappointed, because my numbers (reps) were a little lower than last time. But, in the second half, I managed to dip down deep, and make small incremental increases to my numbers. I think I could use heavier weights on the "two-angle shoulder flyes" and the "in & out straight-arm shoulder flyes" ... the 5's seem a little too light, but I'm afraid that the 10s might be too much. I guess it might be worth it to pick-up some 8s.

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 14 reps; 10#, 10 reps (down a few reps)
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps (left elbow hurts during this one)
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 13 reps (down a few reps)
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 10#, 11 reps; 10#, 12 reps (down 1 rep)
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 11 reps (down a few reps)
Chair Dips: 6; 6 (I think I'm doing something wrong ... my shoulders & wrists hurt before the triceps do!)
Upright Rows: 5#, 11 reps; 10#, 12 reps (started turning it around here ... reps were the same, just different numbers)
Static Arm Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 11 reps; 5#, 12 reps (here my reps started increasing ... slightly)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 5#, 16 reps (5s seem too light, but I'm afraid of 10s on this one just yet)
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 10 reps (increased my reps)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 10#, 8 reps; 10#, 7 reps (added 1 rep)
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 5#, 16 reps (5s seem too light, but I'm afraid of the 10s on this one, too)
Congdon Curls: 10#, 10 reps; 10#, 10 reps (slight increase in reps)
Side Tri-rises: 9-9; 11-11 (by this time, I was totally "whipped"!)

Ab Ripper X: (I look at the last number, and try to increase by at least 1 in each category ... up to the 25 max)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 25x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 8
Fifer Scissor: 15
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 13
Pulse Up: 18
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 10
Oblique V-Up: 13x2
Leg Climb: 7x2
Mason Twist: 9 (can't touch the floor ... and probably won't for a while)

I had thought about trying to squeeze in 1 more workout this afternoon. But, I'm feeling pretty whipped. So, I think I'm going to pass. Today I pushed as hard as I could, and I'm not going to regret the missed workouts.

Tomorrow starts Recovery Week for me.

I've gotten to watch the Bob Greene/Oprah Show episode a couple times now (they re-ran it on Saturday night). The 1 think I've really taken from it, that I want to work on, is the eating late at night. When I was growing up, we never ate late ... stopped several hours before bedtime. Now, it seems, that I am hungry before I go to bed, so I snack.

On my days off, I'm going to stop eating at 7:30 pm. On my work days, I'll stop eating at 5 am. I did it last night. It was pretty hard. I was heading to bed, about 10:30, and I really wanted a snack!! I managed to talk myself out of it, and I fell asleep ok ... hunger pangs didn't keep me awake.

Tonight, I'm going to try eating an early dinner (4:30-ish) and then end with my snack around 7-7:30 ... and then not eat again until morning. THAT is my new personal goal!!

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Stop eating @ 7:30 pm.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 20

Week 3, Day 6

Workout:
None. (Unless you count playing with the Nintendo Wii ...)

I got my Wii this morning!! I got to Target about 5:20 am. There was 1 gentleman already there. Nice guy. We chatted for a while. He said he got there at 3 am, sat in his car until 4 am when other cars showed up, so he got worried that it was other gamers ... it was the employees.

At 6 another lady got dropped off. Her husband brought her back Starbucks. Afew minutes later, he came back with chairs and a blanket for her. They were getting 2 Wiis for their 2 children that don't like to share.

It wasn't until 7 that 2 more dads showed up with their sons. At about 7:15, they gave the 7 of us our tickets. They had 9 Wiis available. Once I got my ticket, I decided to walk down to the Starbuck's, use the bathroom & get some coffee. I had my ticket, so I was guaranteed my Wii ... besides, I knew I'd be back before they opened!

So, I got my Wii. I was going to get an extra Wii-mote & nunchuk, along with the Zelda game (I love Zelda). There weren't any Wii-motes. So, I decided to just get all the pieces on Tuesday when I'm where there are several gamer/electronics stores.

I got home, hooked up the Wii, got it connected to my wireless internet connection. And then played games!! Played for close to an hour ... long enough that my shoulders & elbows were actually starting to ache a little!

I took a nap this afternoon, I was so tired from my lack of sleep! I slept 1 1/2 hours ... had set my alarm for 2 hours. I like it when I wake up before the alarm, and I'm totally awake!! Normally, I wake up with the alarm, and I'm groggy & don't want to get up.

I was going to go trail-running tomorrow, but my foot is hurting. I don't think I did anything, but, I wonder if it's because my feet got so cold & numb. I decided not to chance it. Turns out, my running-buddy has hurt her back, so, she couldn't go, anyway.

So, tomorrow, I'm definitely working out ... finishing out Week 3. Tuesday starts "Recovery Week". There are several workout options, since I missed several days. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to workout for 5 hours straight, so I'll have to pick & choose between my options of Legs & Back, Shoulders & Arms, Core Synergistics, KenpoX & YogaX. (Plus Ab Ripper X.)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 19

Week 3, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Today was a lazy day for me. I did a little follow-up work from yesterday. Sorting through recipes I've clipped to try at a later day (I'm a cookbook addict), flipping through old magazines that I saved for 1 really good article that I wanted to check out.

And, there was a bunch of movie watching, as well. "Down Periscope" ... I love that movie! It cracks me up every time I watch it!

I flipped through the weekend newspaper, and noticed that both K-Mart & Target were advertising the Nintendo Wii machine in their ads. The only time they've advertised is when more Wiis are being released into the world. So, I decided that waking up really, really early on a Sunday morning would be fun!!

In the process of checking online to confirm my suspicion of the Wii release, I ran across this article in a couple different websites about a guy in Philadelphia who has used his Wii as a weightloss catalyst. In the 6 weeks he tried the experiment ... he changed nothing about his life, other than to add 30 minutes a day of Wii Sports. In the 6 weeks, he lost 9 lbs.!

Not that I needed help deciding to get the Wii ... I was just going to wait until I could get it without waking at an ungodly hour of the night. But, now that I've read that, and I'm remembering how fun it was to play on my friends' Andy & Selesa's Wii ... yeah, well, I'm going to have to get it now! ;P

So, again, between planning on waking up at 5am, and waiting until the evening/night to workout, I have wasted my opportunites ... and will skip today, as well.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Freeze my tush off, standing in line for a Nintendo Wii ...
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 18

Week 3, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Today was another attempt at purging. I'm trying to get rid of the excess clutter ... simplify my life. So, today was a "go through the piles" day.

And, when it came to the end of the day when I should be doing my workout, I was too tired.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 17

Week 3, Day 3

Workout:
None.

I spent the afternoon with my niece & nephew instead of working out today. A worthy replacement, I think! ;)

I picked them up from school, for which they were excited, because they didn't have to stay for after-school care. I fixed them dinner ... they requested grilled cheese. I had 1, but at least it was whole wheat bread.

And then, I got my hair cut & highlighted. Very important, since the gray was showing ... & my hair was getting pretty long and unruly!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 16

Week 3, Day 2

Workout:
CardioX
47 min.
burned 361 cal.
HR max: 166
HR ave: 131

This was my first time doing "Cues only" ... I played my "workout" playlist on my iPod on the stereo while doing the workout. Once I got over the weirdness of not listening to TH ramble on and on (sometimes that's a distraction from the discomfort!), I think I liked it better. I was actually dancing a little between exercises. Perhaps it might be better to find something a little more mellow for the yoga part of this workout ... I was moving my hips during downward dog (thanks to Crazy Frog).

My playlist for this workout was:

• Satisfaction (Isak Original Mix) ... think BK commercial
• I Wanna Be Rich (Extended Mix)
• Axel F (Crazy Frog mix) ... my nephew's fave.
• Hollaback Girl
• Feel Good, Inc.
• Naked Eye
• Boom Boom Boom
• Me and Julio Down By the School Yard
• C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)
• Get Busy ... Carl's Jr. commercial
• Yeah!
• Free Your Mind

I did 6 Dreya Rolls today!! I have difficulty getting up ... but, I did 'em! Woohoo!

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 15

Week 3, Day 1

Workout:
KenpoX
57 min.
burned 436 cal.
HR max: 156
HR ave: 131

Today is supposed to be Core Synergistics, however, I ran out of time to be able to get 2 workouts in (Core + make-up KenpoX). On the chance that I may not have time tomorrow, either, I didn't want to miss KenpoX another week. Besides, I thought it would be better to combine Core with a cardio (CardioX) tomorrow, as opposed to 2 cardio exercises.

So, I did KenpoX. It was a good workout. I forgot how much I enjoy the workout ... how each exercise builds on the moves from the previous exercise. And how it is SO much better than the P90 kicking and punching! (That was boring to me, KenpoX is interesting ... the constant changes keep me into it.)

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. I lost 2.6 lbs. from last week ... which is more like a 0.5 lb. loss overall since starting P90X. The meeting was good. The topic was about instant gratification, and how some things are worth the wait! (Dropping 10% body fat is worth the wait ... whether I can do it in 90 days, or 180 days or 270 days!)

Tomorrow, the only things I really have to do are housecleaning & working out. So, I will definitely have time to do the double tomorrow. That makes me very happy! I am very happy with how well I am staying on track this time ... I know it's totally because of the support of the others who started when I did.

Goals:

1. CardioX & Core Synergistics
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 14

Week 2, Day 7

Workout:
Legs & Back
62 min.
burned 426 cal.
HR max: 157
HR ave: 124

Ab Ripper X
16 min.
burned 79 cal.
HR max: 130
HR ave: 107

Check this out! I got a trophy again!! (My 2nd one, ever!)

Weekly summary:
4/week
3 hours, 36 minutes
1624 cal.
79%


Legs & Back:
Balanced Lunges: 0#, 20 reps
Calf Raise Squats, 5#, 25 reps
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 8 (chair assist)
Super Skaters: 21
Wall Squat: 2 sets
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 5 (chair assist)
Step Back Lunges: 0#, 15 reps
Alternating Side Lunges: 0#, 12 reps
Close Grip Overhead Pull-Ups: 3 (chair assist)
Single Leg Wall Squat: 0 (I could stay up at all for this one!)
Dead Lift Squats: 9
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 4 (chair assist)
Three-way Lunge: 3
Sneaky Lunge: 2
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 4 (chair assist)
Chair Salutations: done
Toe Row Iso Lunge: 6
Wide Front Pull-Ups: 5 (chair assist)
Groucho Walk: 2
Calf Raise: 5#, 25 reps x3
Close Grip Overhead Pull-Ups: 3 (chair assist)
80-20 Seibers Speed Squat: 0
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 5 (chair assist)

Ab Ripper X: (174 total, improved by 41)
In & Out: 25
Seated Bicycle: 20x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 20
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 6
Fifer Scissor: 10 (required a mini-break to get past last week's number)
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 10
Pulse Up: 14
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 8
Oblique V-Up: 12x2
Leg Climb: 5x2
Mason Twist: 7

No running this week. Should be back on it next week. Today is "Rest Day" but since I had a couple rest days last week, I did a "catch-up" work-out today. I did the Legs & Back/Ab Ripper X work-outs. I didn't want to miss them another week.

After all that ... I'm worn out! There were a couple of the exercises I just couldn't do ... I knew if I went into the squat, I'd just keep going down to the ground!! I think I did pretty good, though, overall.

I feel good about the workout that I did! And the use of my "rest day".

I watched the Oprah Show today. I wanted to make sure I did ... it was the Bob Greene episode. I found it interesting & very entertaining. I liked his approach of getting your body ready for the change by making small changes (the particularly difficult trigger foods).

Tomorrow, I'm going to try to squeeze in a double. That's pretty difficult on Tuesdays, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I have my Weight Watcher's meeting in the middle of my day. I don't usually have enough time in the morning, unless it's a short workout, and if can be difficult to squeeze in 2 workouts back-to-back in the afternoon/early evening.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics and (make-up) KenpoX
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 13

Week 2, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I forgot my "gear" ... as little as I actually needed, I forgot it! The DVD got left at home. Oh well. I probably would have forgotten to bring it back home with me in the morning!

Tomorrow is my "rest day" ... except that I've already rested (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). I'm not going trail-running tomorrow, either (my cohort works this weekend). So, I'm going to do at least 1 of the workouts.

Goals:

1. One (or two) of the many make-up workouts: YogaX, Legs & Back/Ab Ripper X, or KenpoX.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 12

Week 2, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I had to wake up early today, got to sleep kind of late last night ... my neighbors were playing loud music until 12:30 am, and it was way too cold (below freezing) to get up and go walking around the building to knock on his door to ask him to turn it down a bit.

I made a scheduling faux pas ... and have to work tonight (in the middle of my vacation). Fortunately I wasn't planning on going anywhere for the vacation ... on the other hand, if I had been planning a trip, the day would have triggered my memory!

Because of the shift tonight, and not sleeping well, or long last night, nap time is especially important to me today! So, 2 1/2 hours of my afternoon was spent taking a nap.

So, once again, it's the weekend, and I'm not working out!

Tomorrow I'll be sleeping most of the day. Not likely that I'll be able to wake up much before 3, and I know me ... I'll watch football until I need to leave in the evening. So, I'm not even going to think that I can do any catch-up exercises. Actually, YogaX is something I could probably take with me ... very few additional pieces need to come along.

Goals:

1. Friday's YogaX workout
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 11

Week 2, Day 4

Workout:
None.

I rearranged the furniture in my living room today. I'm liking the layout better now. It gives me more space in the center of the living room for working out! Now I've got this excess of stuff that I don't know what to do with ... and should attempt to part with, because I prefer a less cluttered life.

Because of all the great work in my living room, I ran out of time to do the YogaX workout. I was going to do it late, but, I have to get up early in the morning, so it'll be deferred until a later date.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back/Ab Ripper X
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 10

Week 2, Day 3

Workout:
Shoulders & Arms
66 min.
burned 441 cal.
HR max: 153
HR ave: 122

Ab Ripper X
done ... but I forgot to restart the HR monitor, so I don't have those numbers.
133 ab exercises done.

The first thing I noticed about this workout. I was able to do the arm circles without the horrific burn ... I didn't have to pause & give my shoulders a break!! Woo hoo! :D

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10#, 15 reps; 10#, 12 reps (increased my weights)
In & Out Bicep Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps (increased my weights)
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 15 reps
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 12 reps (increased my weights)
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 10#, 12 reps; 10#, 14 reps (increased my weights ... these were pretty tough)
Chair Dips: 7; 10 (I got new folding chairs from Costco ... not as good as a weight bench, but better than the kitchen chairs that tip or the couch that's too low & too soft!)
Upright Rows: 5#, 15 reps; 10#, 8 reps (increased my weights)
Static Arm Curls: 10#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps (last round of 4 were very difficult)
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 13 reps; 5#, 9 reps (I need to work on form)
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 5#, 16 reps
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10#, 7 reps; 10#, 8 reps (increased my weights)
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 10#, 7 reps; 10#, 7 reps (increased my weights ... and didn't smash my face!)
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 5#, 16 reps
Congdon Curls: 10#, 8 reps; 10#, 10 reps
Side Tri-rises: 9-9; 11-11 (small baby-step increases)

As TH would say ... I was "TOAST" after that workout! It felt good, though, to "bring it" with every ounce of energy I had ... and make incremental increases in my progress from 1 week to the next!

Ab Ripper X: (133 total)
In & Out: 20
Seated Bicycle: 20x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 15
Wide-Leg Sit Up: 4
Fifer Scissor: 7
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 8
Pulse Up: 11
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 6
Oblique V-Up: 11x2
Leg Climb: 0
Mason Twist: 0

Goals:

1. YogaX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 9

Week 2, Day 2

Workout:
CardioX
44 min.
burned 288 cal.
HR max: 144
HR ave: 122

Another great workout done!

Eating was mostly on target, too!

I'm on vacation now ... no work. I decided to stay at home, and do my "spring cleaning" instead of going somewhere. So, I figure that I probably don't have any excuses for not working out now!

I did go spend some time with my niece & nephew. Picked them up from school, and brought them home. Cooked dinner. When my brother got home, dinner was ready for him to eat. Then, I went out to pick up my other niece after her basketball practice. Had a lot of fun hanging out with them. They're getting so big ... fast! (6th, 7th & 10th grades) The oldest was born when I was in nursing school!!

Goals:

1. Shoulders & Arms/Ab Ripper X
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 8

Week 2, Day 1

Workout:
Core Synergistics
60 min.
burned 412 cal.
HR max: 155
HR ave: 124

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. I was up slightly, but I'm not even going to concern myself with it at this point. I am starting a new routine ... besides, what I remember most about P90 was the fact that I basically lost no weight, but dropped body fat % & pant size. Which, when I can remind myself of it, is the better way.

I got home & didn't allow any excuses for not doing the workout. I pushed myself hard. And when I didn't think I could do anymore, I tried to squeeze out 1 more ...

Core Synergistics:
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5-5 (knees down on last 5)
Banana Roll: done
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 5#, 21 (added weights this time)
Squat Run: done
Sphinx Push-Up: 14 (knees)
Bow to Boat: done
Low Lateral Skaters: done
Lunge & Reach: 5# (added weights this time)
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 4
Side Hip Raise: 10 each side (I more than doubled from last week)
Squat X-Press: 30 (no weight)
Plank to Chaturanga Run: during plank (resting during chaturanga)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 5#, 18 reps (added weight & increased reps x3)
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 4 (doubled from last week)
Steam Engine: done
Dreya Roll: 2
Plank to Chaturanga Iso: done (I did bonus round!)
Halfback: done
Table Dip Leg Raise: 3-3

Compared to last week, I really brought it today! I suspect I'll be sore tomorrow! I had thought about doing missed workouts from the weekend, but decided to just count it as "a wash" ... in the end, I'm going to have been more consistant than I was the first round (probably as a direct result of the support of the "Agents" gang!), so, I'm not going to stress over the missed workouts. If I can get 4 workouts in a week, I know I will see results (they may not be as spectacular as they could be ... but I will have successfully completed the challenge). And, it's way more than I have in the past!

Goals:

1. CardioX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 7

Week 1, Day 7

Workout:
Trail-Running
46 min.
burned 483 cal.
HR max: 181
HR ave: 164

Well, my plan had been to not rest today ... I guess I didn't! ... and do 1 of the X workouts that I missed over the weekend along with my 3.1 mile trail-running.

I got the trail-running in. It was brutally cold (for this Cali. girl) ... reminded me of Alaska (when I tried to rollerblade in shorts in early spring)!! One of the puddles along the trail was covered with ice!! At the top of the hill, it felt a little warmer, but, it was pretty cold ... my ears were aching!

But, since I was so cold, and tired, I ended up napping my whole day away, instead of doing my workout, or the housework I needed/wanted to get done.

Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 6

Week 1, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Yet another weekend of blowing off my workouts. I'm not even sure how my day slipped by without doing it. Actually, I had planned on doing it in the evening, at my friend's house, but I forgot to bring the DVD.

Tomorrow, C & I are going trail-running again. I'm not actually sure when the last time was that I went ... I think it was early December. I'm not really looking forward to it. But I WILL NOT cancel.

Goals:

1. Trail-Running
2. Make-up 1 of the workouts from the weekend ... either KenpoX or Legs & Back/ARX.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 5

Week 1, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I woke up and was still pretty tired. So, not only did I not workout, I ended up blowing off the eating clean thing. My actual calories probably weren't all that high, because I was only up for about 6 hours before going back to bed. But, I did eat pizza & ice cream ... seemed appropriate for football watching!

Goals:

1. KenpoX
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 4

Week 1, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Yeah, it was as I figured. No getting up early to workout.

I did eat clean, and right on target with my portions today. I think I was a little low on the water, though ... I lost track of the number of bottles I drank, I think it might have been only 4, though.

Goals:

1. Legs & Back/Ab Ripper X
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 3

Week 1, Day 3

Workout:
CardioX
45 min.
burned 273 cal.
HR max: 150
HR ave: 121

Shoulders & Arms
67 min.
burned 384 cal.
HR max: 146
HR ave: 117

Ab Ripper X not done. I ran out of time. I had to get ready for work & fix my dinner.

Shoulders & Arms: (I tried to hold back, not using heavy weights, to see where I was at, but also, I have this very bad tendency to get really into the workout & then be so sore, I can't move for a week ... and then I don't workout for another month.)
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 15 reps
In & Out Bicep Curls: 5#, 16 reps; 5#, 16 reps
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 15 reps
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 15 reps
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 15 reps
Chair Dips: 7; 8 (I don't have a good chair to do these ... so my wrists are done before my triceps)
Upright Rows: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 15 reps
Static Arm Curls: 5#, 16 reps; 10#, 16 reps
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 5#, 12 reps; 5#, 10 reps
Two-angle Seated Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 5#, 12 reps
Crouching Cohen Curls: 5#, 15 reps; 5#, 16 reps
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 5#, 15 reps; 10#, 4 reps ... 5#, 11 reps
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyes: 5#, 16 reps; 5#, 16 reps
Congdon Curls: 5#, 20 reps; 10#, 15 reps
Side Tri-rises: 7-7; 0-0

I am very proud of myself. I got both of the workouts done. I took a very small break between workouts, drank half of the recovery drink, 13 raw almonds & 1 light cheese wheel ... and then I hit it again!

Eating was clean. I did eat an extra portion of carb, but, I don't think that's going to kill me! ;)

I work tomorrow. It's a YogaX day. Quite honestly, I know myself very well. There's no way I'll be able to get up at 2:30 to get the workout done. I'll try to catch up another day. I'm not even going to put it down on my goals (as much as I'd like to eventually be able to do it on a work day). When I am able to consistently wake up an hour early to do the other workouts, then, I'll start pushing myself to get up early for the Yoga!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 2

Week 1, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Yeah, I'm starting out strong! Just couldn't squeeze it into my day today.

Eating was a little difficult getting used to. I'm definitely used to more carbs & fruit, less protein. But, I'll get the hang of it ... oh, right about the time I change to the next phase! ;)

I think I was still recovering from working those days. It definitely messed with my body when my schedule is different. Breaking it up like I had to do means less recovery days for me before I have to switch it back again & be on nights!

Tomorrow, I'm going to plan on a "double" workout. Since I wasn't able to get to it today.

Goals:

1. CardioX (make-up work-out)
2. Shoulders & Arms/Ab Ripper X
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 1

Week 1, Day 1

Workout:
Core Synergistics
41 min.
burned 212 cal.
HR max: 147
HR ave: 112

Well, I did it today.

I worked the New Year's holiday, so, I had planned to start P90X on the 2nd (today). When it came down to starting, I hadn't done the fit test yet, I was tired, and I didn't feel like doing it. Afterall, there's always tomorrow ...

I kept trying to talk myself into just doing it. I got dressed into my "gear", fixed an egg white scramble with veggie breakfast links. Put on the "Bring It" DVD for inspiration.

Core Synergistics: (no weights today)
Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Up: 5-5
Banana Roll: done ... difficult due to space
Leaning Crescent Lunges: 20
Squat Run: done
Sphinx Push-Up: 10 (knees)
Bow to Boat: attempted ... I'm so disgusted with my inability to do "bow"!
Low Lateral Skaters: done
Lunge & Reach: done
Prison Cell Push-Ups: 4
Side Hip Raise: 4
Squat X-Press: 20
Plank to Chaturanga Run: during plank (resting during chaturanga)
Walking Push-Ups: done
Superman Banana: done ... difficult due to space
Lunge Kickback Curl Press: 6
Towel Hopping: done
Reach High & Under Push-Ups: 2
Steam Engine: not done
Dreya Roll: attempted 1 ... not enough space on my floor to feel comfortable (plus I really suck at them)
Bonus Round not done.

I did the fit test. It was a little disappointing. I was more fit after doing P90, then right now. But, that's ok. There's only one direction for me to go now ...

I still didn't get around to pushing play for another hour! And then, I just did it. I put the DVD in, pushed play, and just went through those motions, and got a good work-out out of it.

As Tony says ... "Do your best, forget the rest and BRING IT!"

Fit Test Results:
Resting HR: 78
Pull-Ups: 1/4 (yes, my elbow bent a little!!)
Vertical Leap: 8 inches
Push-Ups: 6 (regular style) + 10 (girlie style) = 16
Toe Touch: + 3 inches
Wall Squat: 00 min. 46 sec.
Bicep Curls: 20 reps, 10 lb.
In & Outs: 26
HR Maximizer: (my calves were trying to cramp during the 2 minutes)
immed.: 147
1 min.: 112
2 min.: 94
3 min.: 95
4 min.: 86

Measurements:

These measurements are based on the following factors: I measured my thighs 8 inches above my knees, and my calves 4 inches below my knees. The body fat percentage is based on the numbers that I got, plugging in my measurements, at biofitness.com's body fat calculator. The BMI I got, using nursing software (that includes a BMI calculator) on my palm.

In some areas, these numbers were worse than I expected, but better in others. Overall, there was definite improvement over my original start of P90, nearly a year ago. OK, so I probably can't stall any longer, so, here goes ...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day 1 (01/02/07)
Neck: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.5
Chest: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.5
Waist: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Hips: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44.5
R Upper Arm (flexed): . . . 13
L Upper Arm (flexed): . . . 13
R Forearm: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
L Forearm: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
R Thigh: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
L Thigh: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
R Calf: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
L Calf: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wt.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
BF %: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.3%
BMI: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.3
lbs. fat: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.2
lean mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120.8
Accu-Measure: . . . . . . . . 24 mm (32.1%)

The whole point of coming to my weblog, I'm sure, was to see my pictures. So, here goes ...

Day 1 pictures, round 2 (2007): (clicking on the picture will open up a larger version of it)









(For those of you have seen my TC avatar ... no, I'm not really a nerd!) ;)

If you click here, you can see the "Day 0" pictures from my first round of P90X. I am encouraged by the fact that even though my strength (from the fit test) is less now than at that point, I think my abdomen doesn't look as big this time!

Goals:

1. P90X: CardioX
2. Take my pictures & measurements.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day, while following the P90X eating program.
   

T -1 (or, Happy New Year!)

Happy New Year!

I'm planning for a great 2007.

I had to work last night, and tonight. So, no workout today.

In preparation for the P90X program start, I've cleaned out my cupboards of the "evil stuff" and have read through the materials again. The "Bring It" DVD is helpful for getting me pumped about the program. (I watch it whenever I need motivation.)

I still haven't done my measurements or pictures yet, but they'll get done soon.

T -2

I was up rather late last night. So, I slept in until noon today. Had a few things to do ... straighten up the house a bit, fix food to take in to work, and of course ... watch the 49ers knock the Broncos out of the playoffs!!

See, now if they'd play like that all the time, that would be cool! Well, actually, I'd like the offense to show up before the 4th quarter. Actually, not too long ago, we were only showing up in the first half, and then apparently staying in the locker room at the half, because we'd lose these huge leads ... the Mariucci days. So, I think this is an improvement ... at least the defense has been there during the 1st half holding the other team back until our defense has shown up!!

After this game today, I'm really excited about what next season will hold.

T -3

Had some church responsibilities to do this morning.

My afternoon was spent relaxing. I did go to the movies, saw "We Are Marshall." It was much better than I expected, based on the highlights shown on TV. The TV clips at the end were interesting, I saw names on the backs of those jerseys of guys who are currently playing in the NFL now.

My evening was spent finishing up the purging of my kitchen, and cleaning and reorganizing my cupboards. I guess climbing up on a little step ladder is exercise, though I didn't get my HR up, really ... well, when I was balancing myself and the heavy stack of pie plates I was putting away from Christmas dinner!! (haha!!)

T -4

I have the night off tonight. With the changes in the holiday schedule, it's kind of a pain. I don't have as many days off in a row. It was nice not working as many days in a row, but, I do miss the 3 & 5 days off in a row!

Today is lost (because of sleep), tomorrow is my day off, but by tomorrow night it'll be ruined, because I'll be thinking about having to go back to work!

Guess that's life.

T -5

Again, no work-out. It's a work day. I took my P90X materials to work with me last night. I wanted to refresh my memory, plug in the work-out days into my palm, and think about food options for me. So, even though I didn't actually get any exercise, I was thinking heavily about the program!

T -6

I slept in today. It was nice! Especially after the craziness of the last few days. I probably needed to catch-up on my sleep.

I work tonight, so my time is cut shorter.

T -7

Today I went to Weight Watcher's. I felt that it was important to be there ... it was the "Day After Christmas". There were about 5 of us plus 1 person checking us in, and my leader! It was a nice intimate setting!! :-D

I didn't exercise. My livingroom is crowded, with the remnant Christmas stuff & the Christmas tree & furniture rearrangement (because of the Christmas tree). That's not really an excuse, though. There is the gym or the outdoors!

Christmas Day

I decided to drive home to sleep last night. (It's only an hour away.) Because I would sleep better in my own bed, instead of sleeping on the couch, or the floor.

I got up, and over to my brother's around 1pm. Hung out with the kids & my parents. Read the paper. There weren't many ads in the newspaper, surprisingly. I remember as a kid, at my grandparents' house, flipping through the HUGE newspaper, checking out all the after Christmas specials!

We ate dinner about 5pm. It was good, and pretty healthy. (Lucky for me, my brother has diabetes & my mom has high cholesterol, so the food's usually quite healthy!! ... not so lucky for me because I have to be careful not to get those problems!)

I've got another week before the X starts! Fortunately, I've been working at "cleaning up my environment" (a Weight Watcher's term) ... dumping the not so good for me foods. I've been using Dr. Oz's recommendations for the 1st 5 ingredients to determine if I keep or toss an item. The kitchen cupboards will be ready for my stricter eating that will have to happen on the P90X program.

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas! It's Christmas Eve today.

After 2 hours of sleep, I met my dad to take him to a 49er game (part of his Christmas present). We played at home, against the Cardinals. Well, they didn't really play. You know, it's really too bad the team that was in Seattle in the 4th quarter couldn't have maybe shown up for this game.

Oh well, my dad did enjoy himself, even though we lost. Sourdough Sam (the mascot) sat down next to me when my dad went for food.

Afterwards, we were at my brother's for dinner & presents. The kids enjoyed themselves. My nephew was sweet, since I showed up in my "gear" ... a jersey & visor ... he decided that maybe I should have his "#1 Fan" finger that he got from the game he went to. "Since you probably go to more games then I ever will, Aunt Sheri." ;-) (Yeah, he's a sweetie still at 10.)

Christmas dinner is at my brother's tomorrow.

This is the last week before I am supposed to start the P90X program. I should be exercising since I've blown it completely off for the past month. But, I know I won't. Of positive note: my foot is no longer bothering me. I don't know if it's the rest it's gotten, since I've been too lazy (or busy) to work-out; or if it's the new vitamin pack I started taking. I got them through vuru & included a chondroitin/MSM/hyuralic acid combo pill with my personalized pack. At any rate, I do enjoy being able to move the foot without discomfort!

Day 48 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

It's my last day to work before Christmas. Christmas Eve & Day are going to be so busy, I had to pack up the things to take with me for Christmas Eve tonight.

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 47 (cardio)

Happy Birthday, Glenda!! (One of my college roomates ... we eventually became good friends!)

Workout:
None.

Are you really surprised? I know I'm not!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 46 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I was so busy preparing for Christmas & work that it came down to my nap or working out. On my first day of work ... the nap always wins out!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 45 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

The last gift has been purchased. No more shopping needed ... and, well, if so, too bad for someone. I am so over the whole process!!

In order to encourage and insure that I start P90X at the first of the year, I signed up on one of the threads (beachbody), with a large group of about 100 other people who are going to be starting then, too. It certainly helps when you've got others helping to keep you accountable. It's a crazy, fast-paced thread that will be difficult to keep up on, I fear, but, there are people on there that will check up on me if I haven't posted in a while. (We're divided into teams ... competition ... you get the idea.)

Actually, I have to work on the 31st & the 1st. So, I'm planning on starting on the 2nd of January. I know better than to try to start something on a work day!! (I may be idealistic at times, but I'm not stupid!!)

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 44 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Same story ... different day. Because of my work schedule, I have today & tomorrow to get my shopping done. Because then, I'm working all the days up to Christmas.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 43 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Yet another day spent doing everything but exercising. Intellectually, I know what to do, and that I can and should do it. But, it's just that winter slump, perhaps.

At least my eating is mostly on track.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 42 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Again ... I don't even have football as my excuse!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 41 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I hope that when the 1st comes, I'm able to get motivated and pull this off!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 40 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Yeah!! My team beat Seattle!! Woohoo! (sorry DeeDee)

My night at work wasn't to bad. Busy, but not frantic. And, with a good crew on, so it was fun & entertaining!!

I'm off tonight, but, I am still wiped out, and just don't have the energy to attempt a workout!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 39 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Today, I actually have an excuse ... work ... so I didn't workout. I'm home for about 9 1/2 hours on my work days. When you subtract out the hour I allow for getting ready for work, and the hour for fixing my dinner, and the food I'm taking to work, that leaves 7-7 1/2 hours for sleep. I guess that probably explains my inability to get up an hour earlier to workout.

I do kind of get down on myself for not getting up early. "It's only an hour," is what I tell myself. But, when I think about the fact that I'm barely getting what is considered to be an acceptable amount of sleep as it is, I guess it's understandable, that after working a 12 hour shift, I don't want to have to live on 6 hours (or less) of sleep.

And, bringing good, healthy food in to work with me is more beneficial, I think than working out would be. There's not a lot of good or healthy things at work, and being vegetarian, my options are even slimmer! Starbucks is open until midnight. The cafeteria is open from 12:30-2:30 (my options are a pathetic salad, cheese sandwich, french fries, if I'm lucky, there's an overcooked nasty looking vegetable left over from the daytime). Or, there's the vending machines (cookies, chips, ice cream, or a bean & cheese burrito).

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 38 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Yet another workout blown off.

I'm resting up for the X ... uhh, yeah, that's it! ;-)

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 37 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I have no time or motivation, it seems to get any kind of a workout included in my day. I had visions of really working out, and getting ready for the X ... and really just bringing it.

I went to my WW meeting. I didn't want to. My weight continues to creep up. I know why ... I'm not doing what I know I need to do for myself.

After my meeting, I worked more on the Christmas shopping.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 36 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Christmas shopping.

No work-out done today.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 35 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I thought I might try to work-out today.

But, because I only slept about 3 hours last night, and then there was the emotional drain of the pathetic showing of my team. I got home about 8 pm, and then just vegged out.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 34 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Prep for tailgating tomorrow.

It's the '9ers-Packers game. There's a group of us tailgating & going to the game together.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 33 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

See yesterday's note.

I'm still laying low today.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 32 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I had a doctor's appointment today. I'm laying low today. Not feeling very good.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 31 (cardio)

Workout:
Christmas Tree set-up

OK, so that probably seems lame ... but have you ever put up a 7 foot Christmas tree by yourself? Get it out of your car, carry it to your front door, using a hack-saw, manually saw off the bottom & the low branches, carry it inside your place & get it in the stand ...

Yeah, well, I'm counting it as exercise!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 30 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I had an appointment to meet with someone to purchase Christmas presents. It ended up taking longer than I planned. And, then, I didn't have time to work-out.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 29 (cardio)

Workout:
Walk around my neighborhood (~ 2.75 miles ... according to my pedometer)
60 min.

My plan was to walk for about 30 minutes, but, my regular route around the neighborhood is about 25 minutes. Since I didn't feel like adding an extra walk around my block, I tried walking through an adjoining neighborhood. It ended up being a 60 mile walk.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 28 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Well, that was a bad loss to have to suffer through! I didn't expect that the '9ers would win, but, I had hoped for a good showing, at least!!

I didn't work-out today.

Tomorrow, I'm doing my walking!

Goals:

1. Brisk walk around my neighborhood.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 27 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

As expected (again) no workout, or walking.

I had a great time at the party. I've known the hostess since 5th grade (dare I date myself?!) ... 1982, and her husband since we were sophmores in high school. He's a gamer, so, I got my first chance to play with the Nintendo Wii!! It was a lot of fun!! I mastered bowling!! (No, I haven't really mastered it ... but it was a lot of fun!!) I can only imagine how much energy you might burn with the boxing game!!

Tomorrow is Sunday. It's an "away" game for the '9ers. Which means I get to sleep in a little bit (10 am game), and then catch-up on the housework that I haven't done this week!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 26 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I forgot to set my alarm when I got home. And, surprisingly, I didn't sleep all day & all night!! It probably helps that it's winter, so, it starts getting dark sooner! I woke up a little after 4, looked at the clock, and then decided to go ahead and get up. Granted, I wasn't moving very fast, but, I was moving.

After my 2 days of eating "Dr. Oz-like", I didn't have the energy to keep it going tonight! Besides, I'm not up for long, so, I tend to eat higher calorie (splurge-type) items on my first night off (since I am usually up for no more than 8 hours ... usually less). So, I went to the store & bought a frozen pizza. I should have gone with my gutt, and gotten the CPK mushroom or margharita pizza, instead of what I got. Oh well.

The food that I had on my 2 days of eating really healthy was good. And, surprisingly, I wasn't hungry (except for waking up hungrier than usual). I did end up eating a lot of almonds (we're talking 13 at a time), though, that was probably better than grabbing some other unhealthy item!! And, no, in reality, I don't think that eating 26 or 39 raw almonds in the course of a day are probably all that bad for me ... they beat eating 1 Snickers!! (Actually, I don't tend to eat Snickers, but, you get the point.)

I did like the "trail mix" ... 1/2 cup cheerios, 1/4 cup almonds (I used my pre-measured 13 which is a little less than 1/4 cup), 1/4 cup dried fruit (I used raisins, blueberries, cranberries + 2 whole apricots which made it slightly more than 1/4 cup). It was quite tasty! Especially the first day, when I dropped the small handful of leftover dark chocolate covered blueberries (I wasn't going to just throw those out!!). It was actually quite filling, for a snack, and had a nice variety of crunch & chewy.

I've gotten into eating at least 1 apple every day, too. They're filling! Unfortunately, we're moving into the season of not-so-good apples. I'm not a red or golden delicious kind of person ... and actually don't care for most of the red apples. I do like the galas when they're in their prime, usually I eat granny smith or pippins. This season, I stumbled across the Honeycrisp which I think are absolutely fabulous, but, their season seems to have ended. As an alternative, I decided to try the Ambrosia (YUK!) ... I took 1 bite, and the texture was too much like an old red delicious, so, I didn't finish it. I may have to switch to bananas. On the other hand, with the recent frost in the Central Valley, the citrus should be sweetening up ... maybe I can talk my parents into bringing a box of oranges or mandarins for me, for Christmas!!

I've got a fairly busy day planned tomorrow. I'll be getting up early, and be busy in the morning. And, then tomorrow night, I have a "holiday party" at an old friend's house (umm, I mean childhood friend ... she's not old). If I don't end up taking a nap in the afternoon, maybe I'll get a walk in.

Goals:

1. A walk, maybe?
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 25 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I had a meeting that I had to stay after work for. It lasted much longer than I thought it would. Actually, it was probably wishful thinking (I was the only one there who'd worked the night before), but I thought maybe an hour ...

No. It was nearly 2 hours! Which meant I got home that much later, and to bed. So, since I didn't get to bed until a little after 10 am (did I mention how important I think that nap is?!) ... almost 28 hours since I got up, the day before, I didn't get up early today. In fact, I opted for the minimum amount of time needed to get ready (including eating & packing food for the night)!!

Goals:

1. Wake up early.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 24 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Between the grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning out the cupboards & refrigerator, I didn't end up with any time for exercise. And, after last week's craziness, I wasn't going to skip my nap today!!

When you are having to stay up for more than 24 hours straight, that nap is very much invaluable!! Besides, there's the whole sleep=weight loss thing! ;-) It's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!

Goals:

1. Wake up early ... and get out of bed.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 23 (cardio)

Workout:
Walk (around the neighborhood) < 3 miles (I think)
60 min.
(calories burned, and HRs not calculated ... I didn't use my HR monitor on this brisk walk)

I bought my running shoes yesterday, so I'd have shoes to wear to the gym. And, then, I decided to go walking around my neighborhood, instead!! I've finished Dr. Oz's book "You On A Diet" and he suggests a 30 minute walk every day ... so, I headed out this morning, planning on 30 minutes. I wandered into another neighborhood, and got so busy listening to the music on my iPod & looking at the houses (and for sale signs) that I lost track of time, and suddenly, it was an hour later when I got home!!

After doing the Power90 & Power90 Extreme series, Dr. Oz's routines seem so easy!! But, I guess that's the point. Give the masses something that is do-able ... so they do it! How many work-outs did I miss in the programs, because I didn't have the time, or energy to do them?! Anyone can devote 30 minutes, 6 days a week to walking, with an additional 20 minutes 2 days a week to strength training/stretching.

It is tempting to try the routine in the "You-Diet" book. I'm trying to hone my eating habits more toward that way of eating. I'm in the process of cleaning out my cupboards. I'd like to give it a try ... get the chemicals & sugars & bad fats out of my system.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 22 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I have decided that my sore right foot is from doing walking/running type movements at the gym, without my running shoes. (The discomfort started after I joined the gym & started doing that.) So, instead of going to the gym in my regular "work" shoes (cross-trainers), or using my very dirty running shoes I've been using while trail running, I decided to go to the outlets & buy a new pair of running shoes that I will only use indoors (keep them cleaner, and less likely to track mud all over the gym floor).

Plus, I'm giving my foot a little additional break by not working out today!!

Goals:

1. An hour of cardio.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 21 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I stayed up to watch the game ... I was pretty disappointed. And then slept a few hours in the afternoon. Fortunately, I don't have to go to work tonight!! I thought we should have played better than we did.

It's raining this evening, and it's supposed to rain tomorrow, so I've cancelled my trail running appointment. It's going to be wet and/or muddy out there is we go ... and I don't feel like getting muddy!!

I might go to the gym, though, my foot's still bothering me. Perhaps this should be the week I take it easy, give it a chance to feel better!

Goals:

1. Workout (???) ... not sure what I'm doing.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 20 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Another day of good sleep & no exercise ... or getting up earlier than I absolutely have to!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 19 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Yes, another sleepy drive home from work. I got lots of sleep today, however. I was out the second my head hit the pillow, and slept all day long!! I love it when that happens!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 18 (cardio)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Workout:
None.

Thanksgiving with the family was good. Nothing too stressful. I ate well, but not too much. And, took a plate of food in with me to work.

I was pretty tired, but, that's expected after the amount of sleep I didn't get!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 17 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Because of the craziness of my weekend schedule (and the holidays) I ended up doing my cooking/baking for Thanksgiving today, and not getting my exercise in. Actually, I didn't even get my nap in, and that was an important part of my day.

I'm working the whole weekend, but, will be expected to be in attendance at Thanksgiving with the family. That means I'll be up for about 26 hours (today & tonight), sleep 3 1/2-4 hours, get up, drive an hour to hangout with the family, and then drive an hour back to work, and then be up all night working ...

No, I'm not expecting to get up early to workout, or to get up early like I've been trying to do, to just get my body used to being up. Sleep is going to be very important to me this week!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 16 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

As expected, I had a full day, without the exercise. I went to my WW meeting (pre-Thanksgiving/holiday season planning), and then got my hair done. Same cut as I've been getting now for a while.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 15 (cardio)

Workout:
Trail Running (~ 3 miles)
43 min.
burned 455 cal.
HR max: 183
HR ave: 165

Had a good run. The beginning was tough. And, if I wasn't there with someone, I don't know that I would have followed through with it. Actually, I'm pretty sure, about 10 minutes into it, I would have turned around, gotten in my car, and driven home!! It seemed like a slower run, more difficult, but, in the end, I was able to push myself harder (on the downhill return) and got pretty decent times (for me).

I've got a hair appointment for tomorrow, so, I don't know that I'll be able to get any exercise in. Between the Weight Watcher's meeting, and then driving an hour to get my hair cut & highlighted, and then driving an hour back ... yeah, that sounds like a full day!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 14 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Had a lot of fun at the game. We beat Seattle (so that's obviously great), and the half-time Jerry Rice retirement was cool, as well. It was totally cool seeing all the old 49ers from the "golden years" there ... just wish Joe had been there (though he was there the week before).

Obviously didn't exercise, but, it seems like the getting up and down in my seat all game-long should account for something. Plus, there's some walking from the tailgating area to my seats, and back to where the cars are parked.

Goals:

1. Trail-Running
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 13 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I had a nice, relaxing weekend. Didn't get any exercise done, though I did do a lot of walking ... wasn't wearing my pedometer, so, I don't have actual steps, or anything like that!

Goals:

1. Go to the game ... and not eat too badly.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 12 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I woke-up at 1 pm today. Had a lot to do ... housecleaning, cooking, that kind of thing. I was so busy doing all the stuff I felt I needed to get done for the weekend, that I didn't get a work-out in today.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 11 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I got up at 3 today. I wasn't moving very fast, but, then that wasn't my goal. My goal was just to wake-up, and get out of bed!!

Goals:

1. Wake up at 3 pm.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 10 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

Not sure what happened to my day, but, I didn't get any exercise in today!!

And, I'm back to work ... at least it's my short week!! I can do anything for 2 days!!

Goals:

1. Wake up at 3 pm.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 9 (cardio)

Workout:
Brisk neighborhood walk

All that momentum of last week, goin' down the tubes!

Today, I got my stereo & CD changer installed. That included a little extra walking around, because I had a 2-hour wait.

I've been enjoying my new book, "You On A Diet". There is a ton of interesting, easy to read/understand information in there!! I want to read through it quickly, so I can have all the knowledge, but, at the same time, there's so much that I don't want to miss, so I want to take it slowly & absorb it!!

He's got great tips in there, as well as information about how your body works, the triggers on the brain to indicate full or hungry. At the end of each chapter are tips (about whatever was mentioned in the chapter). One of the tips I've begun to try (I'm still pretty inconsistent) is, that Dr. Oz suggests eating a handful of nuts (I eat 13 almonds, because of my Weight Watcher's experience ... 13 almonds = 2 points, 14 almonds = 2 1/2 points!) & a bottle of water, about 20 minutes before you sit down to eat. The fat triggers your brain to think "full" ... so you eat less of your food. Another tip (I've not yet incorporated this one) is to eat the same thing for your busiest mealtime. Variety leads to over-eating. So, if your breakfast, and/or lunch are exactly the same thing, it means you won't be tempted to over-eat, because you're trying a new food.

In my attempt to reach 10,000 steps today, I went for a brisk, 15 minute walk around the neighborhood. I reached my goal. I find that if I'm busy at work, 10,000 steps is nothing (almost 5 miles, for me, by the way), but on a slow night at work or my "off-days" I have a harder time getting to 10,000. I need to be more conscience of it, and attempt to get that every day. I have been pretty good about wearing the pedometer, and looking at it every so often throughout my day, but I'm not consistent in forcing myself to pace more, or take the long-way around something to add steps.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 8 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I ended up being too lazy to do any working out today.

I decided I wanted to upgrade my car stereo, so, I went out and purchased the supplies! Nice little radio, it's got an AUX plug-in, on the front, so I can plug in my iPod or my satellite radio, and no longer have to suffer through static with the fm transmitters!! I'm also going to install my 10-disc CD changer (mostly so I can get the 10 CDs out of there). It's been 3 years that they've been in there, and not playable!!

So, all that shopping was exhausting!! I had no energy to work-out!! haha!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 7 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

An away game, and a win?! Wow! We've got a streak! Two-in-a-row ...

I ended up staying up for the whole game ... I was enjoying myself so much! It's been a while since I've been that pumped about a game!!

Tomorrow, I'm going to try to get cardio done at the gym. My run-buddy isn't able to make it this week.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 6 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

And, again, just trying to get my body used to getting up a little earlier than usual. Tomorrow is an away game for the 49ers. I'll probably try to stay up and watch it to the half.

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 5 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

No work-out today. Too tired to get up very early ... pushed snooze for a little while. But, I did at least get up a little earlier than usual.


Goals:

1. Wake-up at 3 pm.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 4 (cardio)

Workout:
None.

I am very proud of myself. That's the best "showing" I've had in a while. Three days of cardio, nearly three hours this week! That's some calorie burning going on!

I got up, a little early ... took everything in me to drag my booty out of bed, that's for sure!!

Same goals as yesterday ... to get out of bed at 3pm.

Goals:

1. Wake up at 3 pm.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 3 (cardio)

Workout:
Cardio machines: elliptical & treadmill
55 min.
burned 478 cal.
HR max: 167
HR ave: 147

I pushed myself a little longer & harder. Looking back over the week, that's quite a bit of calorie burning going on!!

This past weekend, I watched Dr. Oz's Discovery Health special featuring his new book, "You on a Diet". I got on amazon.com & ordered the book & the pedometer that the people in the show were wearing. They came this afternoon.

I'm going to try out the pedometer. (Shooting for 10,000 steps!) I wish I had time to read the book now (too bad I have to work for a living) ... he had some interesting points to share in the TV show (I wish I hadn't missed his Oprah show).

I haven't been successful at working out on my days to work. I wish I could. So, instead of setting myself up for disappointment, telling myself I'm going to work-out, but not, my goal is to wake up early, and just be up. No exercise, just get upright, and used to getting up a little early.

Goals:

1. Wake up at 3 pm.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 2 (cardio)

Workout:
Cardio machines: elliptical, treadmill & bike
45 min.
burned 332 cal.
HR max: 159
HR ave: 136

Eventually, I'm working up to a full hour of cardio. I had the boredom factor, and decided to check out several machines! Actually, the bike was only about 10 minutes (I couldn't stand it any longer, not matter how good my music was!!).

Obviously, I need to push myself harder than I did. But, I'm proud of the fact that I went out there, and did it!

Goals:

1. 1 hour of cardio
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 1 (cardio)

Workout:
Trail-Running (3 + miles)
55 min.
burned 573 cal.
HR max: 182
HR ave: 164

I maintained my time, and then ran back a little, adding extra time & mileage. I didn't wear the gps watch, so I don't know how much it actually was, but, maybe 1/4 mile. It felt good to get out there and do my thing again! My lungs burning, chest pounding, core temperature heating up, & all my muscles feeling pumped after a good work-out!

I enjoy exercising, I just have difficulties getting my butt out there to do it!! And, as much as I am not crazy about working out early in the day, when I do, I feel totally productive! I get this total rush, like I just conquered the world!

After my run today, I decided to join a gym. I want to do a bunch of cardio, to burn those calories. Besides, we're getting into winter, and there's going to be days where there's rain, and I'm not going to be able to get outside to run in the mud, and I'm sure that pounding it out on the sidewalk isn't good for my joints!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

UN-motivated Day 5

Workout:
None.

Another home game for my beloved 49ers ... which means, another tailgate party! Actually, the food this time was pretty good. Veggies & fat free ranch dip was the appetizer, along with potato chips (I had a few).

I'm totally stoked that we pulled off a win!! Yeah!! I mean, yeah, it's against the inconsistent Vikings, but, a win is a win! The defense totally stepped up with this game!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

UN-motivated Day 5

Workout:
None.

Happy Birthday to my dad!

So, in celebration of his birthday ... I did not exercise! Haha! No, I'm just kidding. I had thought about going for a walk, or something, but, I was still pretty exhausted from staying up yesterday. I had to get up early in the morning, but then spent most of the afternoon sleeping!


Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

UN-motivated Day 4

Workout:
None.

Another day of not exercising.

Had a really nice day, though! I stayed up after work, and then joined four other friends from work for lunch. I had a really great time, hanging out & chatting, even if I was sleep-deprived!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

UN-motivated Day 3

Workout:
None.

Sleep won out!

No work-out, again ...

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

UN-motivated Day 2

Workout:
10 push-ups

Yeah, that was a last-ditch attempt to do something before going to work. 10 measely push-ups. Basically, I wanted "Exercise Points" (think Weight Watcher's), so, while watching the news before heading in to work, I dropped and gave myself 10!

Since there were a few days that I totally blew-off, on the Food Challenge, I'm extending it a week. I'm doing ok on it, still.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

UN-motivated Day 1

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Happy Halloween!!

Yet another week down without any exercise. I need to get motivated, and do my thing.

I know I'm still sluggish today because of not sleeping Sunday until late in the afternoon/early evening.

I'm giving up on doing TJ at this point. It's not working for me. I'm not doing it, so, I need to get into a different exercise routine ... something that I'll enjoy doing, and be consistent with.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 14

Week 2, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Today's a lazy day for me. Still catching up on sleep after staying up all day yesterday!!

Goals:

1. 20-Minute Turbo Jam
2. Ab Jam
3. additional exercise to complete 1 hour
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Write down everything I eat.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 13

Week 2, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

My nieces had a football tournament today (7th & 10th grades), so, I went to watch it. It was a lot of fun! My nephew apparently isn't doing it this year (he was on the boy's team for his elementary school last year). They looked so cute in their uniforms!!

I went after working all night. So, I was pretty tired when I got home!! And, I cancelled my running plans. Because I was going to bed early (about 5pm), I was afraid I'd end up being awake most of the night, and not able to get going in the morning.

Still working on the Food Challenge ... not so good today. I ate "football tournament" food. I ate pretty well, considering where I was! I supported my elementary school alma mater ... they had the healthiest foods (2 tostadas, rice & beans, a churro & lemonade) ... the other schools were serving pizza & fries, and other junk.

Goals:

1. Trail-Running (3 miles +)
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 12

Week 2, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I should have changed the heading of these posts at the beginning of the week. I have obviously totally blown-off the TJ work-outs!

Food Challenge is still going pretty well. I'm not perfect on it, but, I don't really expect perfection, I expect that most days I'll be on target, though. I'm nearing the end of the 30 days.

Goals:

1. Rest Day
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 11

Week 2, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Had to stay over a little bit at work this morning to get my annual physical & PPD done. The last possible day that I could do it without having to go in to work on a day off, before I hit the cut-off point of not being able to work! No, I don't procrastinate!!

Anyway, as usual, it's a "work day" so, I didn't get up early to work-out.

I'm still doing pretty good with the Food Challenge. I definitely do better on the days I work!!

Goals:

1. 20-Minute Turbo Jam
2. additional exercise to complete 1 hour
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 10

Week 2, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I was too tired to get up early to exercise.

Maybe tomorrow ...

The Food Challenge is mostly going pretty well. Dropping the soda hasn't really been that difficult for me. It's been dropping some of the other convenience foods that I eat that aren't as good for me (trans fats, those kinds of things).

Goals:

1. 20-Minute Turbo Jam
2. Ab Jam
3. additional exrecise to complete 1 hour
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Write down everything I eat.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 9

Week 2, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I didn't get a work-out in today. It's easy to do when you're not really into a work-out, I guess! I really want to give TJ a chance, I've heard a lot of great things from those you've used it, and, I guess I want that!!

But, it's better to do something I enjoy that might get the results a little slower, than to try to do something that I'm not into, and thus don't do consistently.

Goals:

1. Cardio Party
2. additional exercise to complete 1 hour
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 8

Week 2, Day 1

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I ended up being so busy today, I didn't end up getting the workout in. The 40 minutes I did have available to me at the end of the day were spent in a nap! I was out hard for those 40 minutes!! When I woke up, I had no idea where I was, where I was supposed to be, why my alarm was going off!!

I did get 1 of the key chores done for tomorrow, already, so, I should have at least an hour available to me for work-out time tomorrow ... and still be able to get my 2-3 hour nap in before work!

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. I maintained. Same number as last week. That's good! The cinnabon, jamba juice, and cake and ice cream splurge of the weekend didn't throw me too far off course!! The essence of the meeting topic, was about all the "hats" we wear during our day; and making sure we take time for ourselves. I do take time for me. That's why my house looks as it does!

I'm still focused on last week's topic. It's given me a new mantra: "I have the POWER to change me" ... that would be the shortened version of the: "You are where you are because you want to be there. If you want to be somewhere else, you'll need to change." quote from last week.

Goals:

1. 20-Minute Turbo Jam
2. Ab Jam
3. additional exercise to complete 1 hour
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Write down everything I eat.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 7

Week 1, Day 7

Workout:
Trail-Walking (3 miles)
57 min.
burned 436 cal.
HR max: 169
HR ave: 141

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

There were just 2 of us today. One of the gang was volunteering in her kid's class, the other one hurt her foot & couldn't get her running shoes on. So, it was me, breaking in a newbie!! We mostly walked, there was a short jog at the beginning, and then for maybe 1/2 mile on the way out, we jogged.

Looking at my numbers, it tells me I haven't been pushing myself hard enough on the other days. To basically walk the whole thing, and take 12 minutes longer tells me I'm not running enough. My max HR is up near my usual max (slightly lower), but, where I really see it is in the ave HR ... that's normally closer to my max! I didn't burn as many calories, but, I'm only 30 or 40 off.

Next week, I push myself a little harder, and a little longer.

Goals:

1. 20-Minute Turbo Jam
2. additional exercise to complete 1 hour
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 6

Week 1, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

"Rest Day" again!! Woohoo!

And, rest I did!! I probably needed it after the sleep-deprived weekend. Friday I got to bed at 11pm, after only 2 1/2 hours of sleep; Saturday night was 2am.

I woke up late, eventually got up and made a late breakfast/lunch (toast & a cheese omelette with egg whites & a whole egg) which I ate in bed. And, then, I took an afternoon nap! I guess because walking downstairs to fix food is completely exhausting!!

Tomorrow, I will be Trail-Running with my coworkers. We're working on talking more of them into joining us. Should be fun! There is potentially 2 more joining us tomorrow.

Goals:

1. Trail-Running (3 miles +)
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 5

Week 1, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

"Rest Day" is good. I mean, not exercising, and not feeling guilty about it is good!!

I've got a Halloween party to attend tonight. (I'm going gothic.) I know that's probably not going to be so good, as far as eating is concerned. But, I'll try!

Goals:

1. Rest Day
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 4

Week 1, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I woke up early (I got 2 1/2 hours of sleep), to spend the day with my niece & nephew. I picked them up from school (my luck, that they get out of school early on Fridays!). Thursday was my niece's birthday, so, I took her shopping.

I splurged with them, and had a Cinnabon & a Jamba Juice, as well!

And, there was a little party ... pizza and a small piece of cake & ice cream.

By the time I got home, I was so exhausted, there was no way I could attempt to exercise!! I don't even remember my head hitting the pillow!! I was out!

Goals:

1. Rest Day
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 3

Week 1, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I knew there was a chance that I would be too tired ... and I was! Besides, I've got to get up early tomorrow, so, I'm going to need all the sleep I got today!

Goals:

1. 20-Minute Turbo Jam
2. additional exercise to complete hour
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 2

Week 1, Day 2

Workout:
TJ: Learn & Burn ... 16 min.
P90: Sweat 3/4 ... 41 min.
burned 325 cal.
HR max: 152
HR ave: 122

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

My right foot was hurting again (it hurt yesterday a little, too), and my back as well (felt like it was going to spasm). So, I stopped TJ. I'm sure it didn't help that I'm not really enjoying it, either. I thought about putting in Core Synergistics in place of the TJ workout, but then, I decided to go "retro" ;-) and so I did the P90 workout.

The cool thing about the P90 workout, I'm doing it better than I was when I finished P90! On the cross-over knee thrusts, my elbow was hitting my knee!

I'm going to keep trying TJ. I hear people do lose weight on it. So, I want to give it a chance. But, it feels too wimpy, and I'm not getting the workout that I'd like out of it. I'm sure my additional aches and pains are because my technique is wrong.

I will probably be supplementing the TJ workout throughout the week, but, I'm going to keep trying to give it a chance. I'm sure, if I can get it down well enough to move on to the other workouts, I might enjoy it more.

Goals:

1. 20-Minute Turbo Jam
2. additional exercise to complete hour
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

TJ: Day 1

Week 1, Day 1

Workout:
Turbo Jam: Learn & Burn
26 min.
burned 166 cal.
HR max: 140
HR ave: 126

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Well, I did it! I started the program.

I'm not crazy about it ... but, this was my first day! Initially, I was bummed about the small number of calories that I burned, but, when I put it into proportion, normally, I'm working out twice that long, which would give me a little over 300 calories burned. Factor in that I'm learning the moves, so not working at my potential yet ...

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. I lost 2 lbs. over the past 2 weeks. Actually, that's good, I wasn't expecting it, since I didn't work-out at all last week, and I could have done better with the eating. The meeting was good. A reminder to add color to my meals. To eat a variety of colors with each meal.

At the end of the meeting, my leader always has cool & interesting quotes. Today's really spoke to me, it told me I need to get off my butt & actually do what I know I need to do to make this work.

You are where you are because you want to be there. If you want to be somewhere else, you'll need to change. --Author Unknown.

I had planned on doing Learn & Burn twice, but, I didn't get home in time. I'm feeling the work-out in my lower back, and sides, and quads.

Tomorrow, I'm setting aside a full hour and I'm going to work-out the whole time. That will mean that I'm running through the DVD 3 times ... I should learn the moves by then!

Goals:

1. Learn & Burn for 1 hour (3 times).
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 23 - between P90X rounds

Week 4, Day 2

Workout:
Trail Running (3 miles)

(I forgot to look at my watch so I could time it. And, since I was running a total calorie-burn count today, I don't have any of these numbers ... but I'm sure they are about the same as they usually are. Most of the time, I noticed my HR was around 173/174. My time coming down the hill [half-way] was 21 minutes.)

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

When I got up today, I put on my workout gear, and started my HRM. By the time I started my run with my friends, I'd already burned 300 calories (about 2 1/2 hours). After the run, I was at about 800. And, I've been burning ever since.

As of right now (4:15), I've burned 2063 in 9 hours, 30 minutes. I'd like to wear it for at least 12 hours (it's digging into my side, so I don't know if I'll be able to stay with it until bedtime, or until I wake up in the morning) ... though 24 would be cool!!

I did notice that when I first woke up (and now, I'm back to that point), every 20 minutes, I'm burning 50 calories, just sitting. (This morning I was drinking coffee & playing solitaire on my PDA ... this afternoon, sitting here, typing on the computer.)

The run this morning was good. I didn't time it because I forgot to look at the time on my HRM, and it was already going. I did time the return trip (because I time my rest/stretch at the top for 60 seconds & then get going again). I think I was probably pretty close to where I have been running, time-wise. I think next week we're going to add an additional quarter-mile or so to our run.

I've done pretty good with my eating today. I was pretty hungry when I got home, but I didn't want to stop, for fear that I'd eat something bad!

I've planned out my exercise plan for the next month, now. I am going to do 4 weeks of Turbo Jam, plus my weekly trail-running. During the first week, when I'm learning the moves, I may add some additional running, or P90/P90X stuff, because I fear I won't be able to get my HR up for the burn while learning TJ. I am beginning TJ tomorrow.

***

HRM update: I pulled off the the HRM @ about 11pm ... just over 16 hours, 3308 calories burned. Then, there was the 7+ hours of sleeping that I didn't wear it. That works out about right (from the estimated calculation figures) since I usually burn almost 500 calories running.

Goals:

1. TJ: Learn & Burn
2. supplemental exercise to complete hour
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 22 - between P90X rounds

Week 4, Day 1

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

My big exercise today was walking from my car into the stadium (it was quite a ways, but it wasn't at a very fast pace, so it hardly could be called exercise) and then back, after the game. I did plan ahead & bring food to eat (I didn't tailgate with my friends this week) ... so, I was able to eat clean. No sodas, and only 1 Mike's ... the rest of my liquid intake was all water!

It was pretty cold (to me) at the game. I had a thick long-sleeved shirt under my jersey, but I was wearing shorts (in case the sun had decided to poke through the clouds ... it didn't). I wasn't so cold that I felt I needed to put the sweatshirt on that I brought (besides, sitting on it meant I wasn't sitting on a cold seat!).

And, even though we lost by a lot of points, I did have fun being at the game. I am totally impressed with how well our offense has been turned around this year (I guess next year is the defense's turn). I am disappointed with how many times the ball was thrown to our defense, and we didn't get an interception, though ... there were at least 3 times that I can remember.

Tomorrow, I am planning on running with my friends. It's been 2 weeks. Not good. I don't think that there will be anything stopping any of us this week. Also, I am planning on wearing my HRM all day, from when I get up, possibly until I go to bed. (I don't know if I'd be able to sleep with it on ... we'll see.) I'm curious to see how many calories it will count that I am burning, during the course of the day.

Goals:

1. Run/Jog 3 mile route.
   
2. Ab Ripper X.
3. Plan out new exercise program/round.
   
4. Drink 6 bottles of water.
5. Write down everything I eat.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 21 - between P90X rounds

Week 3, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Again, I didn't fit exercise into my day.

Next week, I need to do better.

I did at least, mostly eat clean ... challenge-like ... for the week. There were a couple meals that I didn't stay on target with, but, that's ok ... there's always another day!

Tomorrrow is another home football game. And, I'm going. I won't be tailgating, so, I'll be better able to stay focused on my goals of eating & drinking clean. I'm pretty sure I'll be walking a ways to and from the stadium, and I do get up and down a lot during the game (cheering).

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 20 - between P90X rounds

Week 3, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Again, a leisurely wake-up, followed by a leisurely morning. I went shopping. There are a few pieces of furniture that I want. I found one of them ... a storage bench that can double as a "coffee table". It's nice. Leather, I should be able to store a lot of stuff in it. (If it doesn't end up working in the living room, it'll work at the foot of my bed.)

Then, I had more housecleaning to do ... no, I didn't know it was fall instead of spring!! Haha! It's stuff that I've been putting off doing, and really needed to do. Mostly stuff that any one else (other than me) wouldn't even notice.

I've managed a whole week without exercise ...

Not so good.

I definitely need to be better about this lifestyle change that I'm working on!! But, I guess it'll have to wait a few more days ... I think I'll be pretty busy tomorrow, and I know for sure on Sunday I won't be exercising (I mean, except for walking from the parking lot to the stadium).

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 19 - between P90X rounds

Week 3, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

And, again ...

See yesterday's post!!

I had errands to run ... spent most of the morning, after a leisurely wake-up (it is my vacation, afterall) running errands, and shopping. Then, in the afternoon, I had a hair appointment. (Doing the same thing, just getting it trimmed up, re-highlighted, with a little "natural" color over the ears ... ummm, thanks Mom for the gray hair.) By the time I got home it was a little late. So, I didn't exercise again ...

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog in my neighborhood.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 18 - between P90X rounds

Week 3, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I was busy with my housecleaning projects. I'm off work this week, so I really thought I'd have time to squeeze in the exercise, but, I find it so easy to procastinate! Almost seems like the more time I have available to me, the more likely I am to not be able to fit it in!!

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog in my neighborhood.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 17 - between P90X rounds

Week 3, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

How do you spell lazy? S-H-E-R-I? Yeah, that's what I thought!!

I just couldn't get around to the exercise. I was pretty busy, going to the dentist, and then when I got home, I was exhausted. I laid low ... going through paperwork, and that kind of stuff ... definitely inactive!

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog in my neighborhood.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 16 - between P90X rounds

Week 3, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I seem to still be on a day off, or something. I can't ever really say what I did with my day. It was a leisurely wake-up, and then coffee out on the back patio ("yard"). I didn't really do much of anything, and then I ran out of time to do the exercise ...

Tomorrow, I've got a dental appointment. Not sure that I'll be able to exercise tomorrow, either. I go to my old dentist, which is a little over an hour away from me. So, there's 3 hours out of my day, right there! I'm leaving the exercise in my goals, anyway ...

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog in my neighborhood.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 15 - between P90X rounds

Week 3, Day 1

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Here are pictures from the game ... a couple of our touchdowns that happened in "my" endzone!!

It was a good game ... overall. We were slow to start, as usual, but, we were never so far out of it that we had to work to catch-up. So, taking over the lead, and never looking back was easier to do.

We didn't seem to make as many costly mistakes that we couldn't recover from, either.

I just wish the team would show up in the first half ... they did better, I think with this game, but that could have just been the fact that we were playing the Raiders who have more problems than us.






































And, here I am, in the last few minutes, or so of the game. I had my friend who came with me, take this picture of me, with the camera on my cellphone. As you can see ... winning is good!!






As I expected, I didn't exercise today. I was moderately good with my food-challenge. But I could have definitely been better. I don't think I'm tailgating next week, so, it should be better (easier) for me to stay on track. Plus, the friend that I'm taking next week is also working on her lifestyle changes, so, I'll have the positive re-inforcement this week!

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog in my neighborhood.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 14 - between P90X rounds

Week 2, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Turns out, I was right about not getting time to exercise.

I had hoped for a little nap in the afternoon, too, but wasn't able to squeeze it in. I had a bunch of food to prepare, too, between poker with "the girls" tonight, and tailgating tomorrow.

Not expecting to workout tomorrow ... big game tomorrow ... Raiders @ 49ers!! That's going to be a good game! Hopefully the silver-and-black fans don't hurt me!!

I am bringing healthy foods that fit into the plans of the challenge that I am doing. My downfall will be the Mike's ...

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 13 - between P90X rounds

Week 2, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Looks like I'm effectively blowing that crunch challenge I was putting myself up to! Oh well. There's always next month ...

I had too much to do during the few hours that I am actually up today. So, I didn't get my workout in. I did do good with the challenge, though. (3 days down, 27 to go!)

I'm keeping my goals for tomorrow to include the walk & ARX, however, I've got a feeling I'll be pretty busy all day. So don't think I'll actually get it in.

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog in my neighborhood.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 12 - between P90X rounds

Week 2, Day 5

Workout:
Stationary Bike
28 min.
burned 167 cal.
HR max: 148
HR ave: 124

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

First, I want to say that I am proud of myself for actually getting up early on a Thursday afternoon. I did it!! Woo hoo! I didn't get up in time to get my hour in, but, I got up, and exercised!!

Yesterday, I was very good about eating. I was on target with my "food porn" challenge. I slipped up only once, and that was just out of habit ... I put creamer that was sitting by the coffee pot in my coffee instead of the low fat milk in the refrigerator (in 1 of my 3 cups of coffee). I was mildly stressed, trying to figure out what I would eat ... I had to keep reminding myself that I already eat like this, it's just a matter of cutting out the junk food ... the desserts, the crackers, those kinds of things.

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog in my neighborhood.
   
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 11 - between P90X rounds

Week 2, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Once again, my flurry of activity on Wednesday prevented me from working out. Tomorrow, I must do "something"!!

Today begins my "food porn" challenge. I am cutting out of my diet all the junk for 1 month ... 30 days. No soda, no junk food or fried food, no sweets, and non-fat dairy products only (I'm even dropping the flavoring & artificial sweetners out of my yogurt & eating plain).

Goals:

1. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 10 - between P90X rounds

Week 2, Day 3

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I had plans of running ... umm, I mean walking & jogging through my neighborhood today. But, I was cramping today, so, I didn't. I should be feeling better by tomorrow, though.

At my Weight Watcher's meeting today, the topic was about reading food labels. You know, getting more of the good stuff (complex carbs, protein, healthy oils, Omega-3s) and less of the bad stuff (Trans Fats, empty calories, non-healthy oils). It's stuff that I already know about. Of course, I tend to read my labels even more strictly, since I'm vegetarian.

I grew up learning about reading labels from my mom (wasn't allowed cereal that had a source of sugar in the top 5 spots in the ingredients list), and then there's the "surprise" non-vegetarian sources (Hostess products, and when I was growing up, Oreos). Now, not only do I look for the non-vegetarian things, like chicken stock, and beef fat, but, I've added hydrogenated vegetable oils to the list, as well as looking for whole grains instead of enriched flours in the ingredients.

I sat down after my Weight Watcher's meeting, where I've been watching my weight slowly creep up each week (it's the highest it's been since I lost 30 lbs. 4 years ago), and re-committed myself to my goals. I've only been partially committed to the plan, doing only a partial job of this, or I wouldn't be struggling like I am. At the rate I'm going, I'm not going to be making my October 31st goal of losing 5% body fat!

Beginning tomorrow, I am:

1. Working out for an hour 4 times a week.
2. Participating in a 30 day "food porn" challenge.

I know that working out 4 times a week will be hard with my schedule. But, I think, if I commit to this, in the end, I'll have more energy. I was able to workout fairly consistently 4 times a week, when I was doing the P90 program. So, I should be able to do it now.

Overall, I think I do eat fairly healthy. There are a few "borderline" items, like my Kozy Shack "No Added Sugar" puddings, CoffeeMate creamer, and the yogurts (I've been splurging on the Brown Cow cream on top ones lately) ... and, of course, the sodas. I've actually cut down considerably. On a "bad" day, I'll drink up to 3 cans of soda in a day. But usually, it's anywhere from 0-1 (we're talking maybe 5 a week). I've hesitated giving up my 1 vice. But, I think I can do this ... it's only for 1 month ... 30 days.

Conveniently, tomorrow is grocery-shopping day, though in actuality, I don't know that there will be that many changes that I need to make in my usual purchases. (I already eat brown rice or wild rice, and whole wheat pasta ... and fruits & veggies are regular visitors to my grocery cart ... and normally, I'm getting the fat free dairy products.)

Tomorrow begins another day ... a New Challenge!

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog neighborhood
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. AVOID the "Food Porn"!!
   
5. Write down everything I eat.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 9 - between P90X rounds

Week 2, Day 2

Workout:
Trail-Running (3 miles)
46 min.
burned 476 cal.
HR max: 181
HR ave: 170

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Had a good run/jog today. The return run is so much easier (mostly downhill), I'm able to run or jog most of the way. On the first half, I spend some time walking ... today more than previous days, apparently. I had a hard time getting my leg muscles to relax during the first half of the run. At my mid-way rest point (a pole at our turn-around point) I did some deep calf stretches, the run out, back to the car was easier ... my legs didn't feel as tight.

Turns out, my two cohorts were also hoping that someone else would cancel!!

It helps to have someone else expecting you!

Two separate people have mentioned to me, that I should try Turbo Jam in the past week. I was sent 4 of the 5 DVDs for TJ when I ordered it. I don't have the beginning one, where Charlene shows how to do the moves. So, it looks like both of those people will be loaning me the beginner DVD.

On that note, I'm thinking about maybe doing a round of TJ before hitting P90X again.

Goals:

1. Jog in my neighborhood (the longer route)
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 8 - between P90X rounds

Week 2, Day 1

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Yeah, I watched most of that pathetic game today. Finally about mid-3rd quarter, I just gave up ... and went to sleep.

I don't want to run tomorrow. But, I'm not willing to be the one who cancels, so, was hoping they would cancel! But, no, they're all planning on being there ... I called everyone to confirm that they're going to be there. So, tomorrow, I am trail-running with my friends.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 7 - between P90X rounds

Week 1, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I woke up in time to workout, initially, but wasn't feeling good. Actually, contemplated calling in sick. I wasn't sure if I was getting sick, or just feeling terribly run-down, or, because of the weather changes, was having allergy/atmospheric pressure changes in my head. I took Airborne, just in case I was getting sick; Allegra, just in case it was allergies; ibuprofen because my head & body ached. Then, I drank down a bunch of coffee, and made myself go to work!

Tomorrow, there won't be time to workout ... yes, my priorities are football over sleep over working out! How distorted is that?! After 20+ years of being a fan of the 49ers, there's really not going to be a lot changing that ... no point trying to change my priorities now!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 6 - between P90X rounds

Week 1, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Again, no time or energy to go running, or my ab exercises.

Goals:

1. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 5 - between P90X rounds

Week 1, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

Too tired to workout. I slept, instead!

Goals:

1. Ab Ripper X.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 4 - between P90X rounds

Week 1, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 0

I was a little busy getting ready for my work week, didn't have time to get a workout in.

Goals:

1. AbRipperX.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 3 - between P90X rounds

Week 1, Day 3

Workout:
Walk/Jog (1.8 miles)
28 min.
burned 217 cal.
HR max: 160
HR ave: 141

I spent more time walking (obviously) today than yesterday. I was going to do a different route today, but ended up doing the same one. My legs were a little tired when I took off this afternoon. Plus, I ended up putting the jog off a little late into the afternoon, and so I didn't have the time to devote to the run. (Well, and then there was the wind ... it's harder running, or jogging into the wind!!)

I am proud of myself, however, for getting out there and exercising today. Two days in a row!! I haven't done that in a while! I got home from my Weight Watcher's meeting, got my gear on, and took off!

This weekend I bought a couple pairs of compression shorts, that I'm wearing under my gym shorts. I've got my very comfortable running shoes (asics), & all my electronic toys to make the journey fun! There's my Polar f11 heart rate monitor, and my (newly acquired) Garmin ForeRunner 201 gps, and the totally cool "workout" playlist on my iPod! (I am noticing, however, that I need to bring in a couple more "fresh" songs into the playlist.)

I notice, when I'm all "geared up" I just feel like a runner! It's kind of cool! I feel slender, athletic & runner-like.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: None (yet).

Goals:

1. Walk/Run. (I don't care which route I take ... I just will be happy if I get out there and burn some calories!)
2. AbRipperX work-out.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 2 - between P90X rounds

Week 1, Day 2

Workout:
Walk/Jog (1.8 miles)
26 min.
burned 216 cal.
HR max: 171
HR ave: 147

My run-buddy had to cancel on me today. Yeah, and she was teasing ME last week about not partying too hard at the game, and cancelling today!

I went jogging around in my neighborhood. The large loop around the periphery is 1.8 miles, I discovered. I need to consult google maps & see if I can't find a way to add to that mileage by going into an adjoining neighborhood. There is one that doesn't require crossing a very busy street, and it's a newer neighborhood, so there are sidewalks ... my other options are crossing a main thoroughfare which cars are going about 35 miles an hour on, or going into an older neighborhood which has several dead-end streets, and streets without sidewalks (I've tried walking there before, and it's not enticing).

Tomorrow's run will be longer (neither of my coworkers can run tomorrow), in the safer adjoining neighborhood. I'd like to make it at least 3 miles, so I can stay consistent with my distance, even though this is all basically flat, versus the hilly trail-running.

I have taken my measurements & pictures ... you will find them in the Day 90 entry (the pictures should be up sometime tomorrow). The fit-test has also been done.

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 35 (from the fit-test).

Goals:

1. Walk/Jog at least 3 miles.
2. Ab Ripper X.
   
3. Drink 6 bottles of water.
4. Write down everything I eat.
5. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

Day 1 - between P90X rounds

Week 1, Day 1

In case anyone was wondering if I really was at the game ... here's the picture to prove it! This would be 1 of our 4th quarter touchdowns, early in the 4th quarter. I think it might have been Michael Robinson, it was the one before Eric Johnson's in the last few seconds of the game.

Even though we didn't win, I have to say, we did good. Just not good enough to overcome those stupid mistakes (like Frank Gore fumbling on the 2 yard line ... again). I have to keep reminding myself that we're still rebuilding ... they've been playing better than I was expecting, so I tend to forget that bit of information!!

Our next game is next week in KC. That could go either way. KC's not doing so well, but, it is at Arrowhead ...

The following week is a home game against Oakland. THAT will be a good one! It'll be spirited, and I'll probably be fearing for my life ... but, no matter how badly we are playing, Oakland always seems to play us worse than we do them ... when it counts.

Obviously, since I was at the game, I didn't work-out. OK, so I shouldn't say "obviously" ... because, really, I should find the time to get the work-out in.

I've been doing very poorly with my ab-challenge this month, too.

I am taking 2 weeks between P90X rounds. I'll be working out, but, I'm going to change it up a bit. I'm going to be running/jogging & doing ab-work during these 2 weeks. My goal is to do some "activity" 4 times a week. But, it's going to be all cardio & ab-work. I'm going to drop my calories, too, by 300. So, I'll be shooting for a 1500 calorie range during these 2 weeks. That's going to be hard. This first week, as long as it's under 1700, I'm not going to beat myself up about it. But, the second week, it's going to need to be 1500.

Goals:

1. Trail-Running with my friends. (Mini-goal: cut my time by another minute ... 3 miles in 42 minutes.)
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day, sticking to a 1500-1700 range.
   

P90X - Day 90

Week 13, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I bought a book, from Border's, "ChiRunning". I've started reading a little of it. (I'm still working my way through "Lose the Fat, Feed the Muscle", too!)

I am still liking the idea of being a runner. I'd like to be a runner with less pain potential, though. Injuries are a pretty good risk, as a runner, which means, I can't stay consistant with any exercise program. So, I thought I'd give this book a try ... see what I can do to decrease my chance of injury, and increase my speed & distance.

I did some experimenting with my measurements this week. Plugging the information into different programs. It made me realize that I had a very poor sense of myself when I began these BeachBody programs. In the past, I've always used the body fat calculator at biofitness, it seemed most consistent with what the calipers from the personal trainer at the gym showed. It's a difficult link to find, so when I was trying to search for it, I came across the BodyTracker software, which gave me a number about 10% more (or so) than what I was used to getting. And, since I was feeling very fat, I accepted those numbers!!

Since starting the P90X program, I had begun reading Tom Venuto's book, "Lose the Fat, Feed the Muscle" and he recommends the AccuMeasure caliper device, as a fairly consistent, accurate way of measuring body fat. Bill Phillips, of Body-for-Life also recommends the AccuMeasure (another program I have had good results from). I started using the AccuMeasure calipers, partly to get used to using them (your results are only as good as the person taking them), and I discovered, that these numbers are significantly lower than the BodyTracker numbers ... within 2 % of the BioFitness calculator.

I realize that the actual number isn't what matters, so much as that those numbers go down. For ease of use (I'm planning on using the AccuMeasure weekly in my next round of workouts), I will be switching over to the BioFitness calculator. Obviously, I don't want to skew my numbers (inconsistency between the numbers & pictures), so, for this last measurement for the current round of P90X, I'll continue to use the "old" way that I was ...

Measurements:
...................................... Day 0 ........ Day 30 ....... Day 60 .... Day 90
Neck .............................. 13 ............... 13 ................. 13 .......... 13
Chest ............................. 38 ............... 38 ............. 38 1/2 ...... 38
Waist ............................. 32 ............... 34 ................ 34 .......... 34
Hips ............................... 41 ............ 42 1/2 ............ 42 ........ 43 1/2
R. Upper Arm (flexed) .. 12 1/4 ..... 12 1/4 ........ 12 1/2 ......... 13
L. Upper Arm (flexed) .. 12 1/4 ..... 12 1/4 ........ 12 1/2 ......... 13
Right Forearm .............. 10 3/4 ..... 10 1/2 ........ 10 1/2 ..... 10 1/4
Left Forearm ................ 10 3/4 ..... 10 1/2 ........ 10 1/2 ..... 10 1/4
Right Thigh .................... 23 1/2 ....... 24 ................ 24 .......... 25
Left Thigh ...................... 23 1/2 ....... 24 ................ 24 .......... 25
Right Calf ....................... 15 ............... 15 ................ 15 ...... 14 3/4
Left Calf ......................... 15 ............... 15 ................ 15 ...... 14 3/4
.................................................................................................................
Weight ........................... 162 ............ 162 ............ 165.6 ...... 166
BF % ............................... 36% ......... 40.8% ......... 40.2% .... 49.3%
BMI ................................. 29 ............ 29.6 .............. 30 .......... 43
Lbs. of Fat .................... 59.5 ............. 66 ............... 66 ............ 82
Lean Body Weight ...... 102.5 ........... 96 ............... 99 .............. 84

I don't actually believe those body fat percentage numbers, but, it's because my waist went up, that they went up. I honestly can't believe that 49% of my weight is fat. However, it does show the trend that I wasn't nearly as consistent with my work-outs as I should have been, so, the numbers stayed the same, or went up.

Pictures have been taken. I'll be posting them here a little later ... they're still on the camera.

P90X fit-test results:
Fit Test Results:
Resting HR: 80 ........................ 76
Pull-Ups: 1/2 (unassisted) ....... 1/2 (unassisted)
Vertical Leap: 8 inches ....... 8 inches
Push-Ups: 10 (guy style) ...... 12 (guy style)
Toe Touch: + 6 inches ......... + 6 inches
Wall Squat: 27 seconds ........ 39 seconds
Bicep Curl: 15 lbs., 13 reps .... 15 lbs., 14 reps
In & Outs: 31 .......................... 35
HR Maximizer: 158-124-111-108-102 ..... 163-129-121-118-108

Goals:

1. Enjoy another home game ... 49ers play the Eagles @ home.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
5. Not completely blow my eating-plan.
   

P90X - Day 89

Week 13, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I thought I would be able to work-out today. I had nothing I really had to do. I woke up at a fairly decent time (sometimes, on my weekend off, I don't get up until 8pm), got moving fairly easily (sometimes, I'm barely moving when I get up), & then ran errands. So, I got home kind of late, and then, I was tired, & ready to go back to bed!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 88

Week 13, Day 4

Workout:
None.

I was so tired, I actually went to sleep today without setting my alarm!! Usually, that is a VERY BAD (bonehead) thing to do. I woke up in a panic at 1:30 when I realized it. I guess I should have gotten up and worked-out! Instead, I set my alarm, went to the bathroom, and then went back to sleep!!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 87

Week 13, Day 3

Workout:
None.

I had the usual ... "too busy getting ready for my work-week to work-out" excuse.

The surprising good news, however: I don't hurt today!! No sore muscles. Hmmm, actually, that may not be good news ... it could mean that my body has adapted!

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 86

Week 13, Day 2

Workout:
Trail-Running
43 min. (3 miles)
burned 451 cal.
HR max: 185
HR ave: 168

The good news is ... I beat my time by 1 minute, from last week!! Woohoo!! I did the 3 miles, I worked through the aches & pains & conquered the hills! My left anterior thigh was hurting as I was pushing off, for a little while ... I stopped to walk for a bit, and when I took off running/jogging again, it had stopped (I'm sure I was just pushing off weird). Then, at some other point, my right foot hurt when it was pushing off (gotta remember to wear my running shoes), after taking a break of walking, it seemed better later, too!

I think the most annoying aspect (it's a bit of a motivator) that I notice as I'm doing my thing, is the jiggling ... my butt jiggles a lot (fortunately, I seem to have found a good bra ... that's 1 spot that doesn't move!!).

I was too tired afterwards, though, to get any ab-work in after the run.

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 85

Week 13, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I woke up feeling pretty well this morning. Was wishing I hadn't cancelled the run. But, after 2 hours of cleaning/putting stuff away from tailgating, I was pooped!!

I laid around doing very little, mostly dozing/watching TV. Completely lazy day ... well, I did turn the dishwasher on & I watered the plants in my backyard ... does that count for anything? I didn't think so.

Goals:

1. Running with the girls ... will do as well as last week. (I'd like to beat my time, though.)
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 84

Week 12, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Great game!

We won ... and we played well!! I love it when that happens! I took a bunch of pictures ... but, photoshop isn't on this computer, so, I'll need to crop & make them smaller, before putting them here ...

Jumping up & down, clapping & cheering don't count as exercise, I don't think ...

Besides, being as sleep-deprived as I was, there's no way I could of worked-out, even if I had the time to do it!!

The person I go running with called to see how I was doing ... I ended up cancelling my Monday morning run. I shouldn't have, but, I was up for over 30 hours straight ... I needed to recuperate!! She's supposed to call me back Monday evening, maybe we'll run on Tuesday ... if she's feeling up to running 2 days in a row.

Goals:

1. Recuperate.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 83

Week 12, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I know I'm not supposed to put off doing my work-out because of fun ... but, sleep was a little bit involved. No, not really ...

After I get off work Sunday morning, I'm going to be tailgating with friends at the 49er game, umm, well, and then watching the game ... so, I opted for sleep today. Got up a little bit early, to gather up my stuff, since I won't be going home, but stopping at a friend's to shower before going to the game.

Yeah, it's all about the fun!!

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.
3. Not blow off my food plans too much with the tailgating.
   

P90X - Day 82

Week 12, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Yet again ... I slept instead of getting up early to work-out. I've got a little over a week before Day 90, yet, here I am, not able to get these work-outs done. I enjoy them, it's not an issue of hating the exercises, so I'm able to come up with excuses. But, then, I don't know that I could consistantly wake up early on work-days to work-out. But then, some of my non-work-days are difficult to get motivated for exercise ...

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 81

Week 12, Day 4

Workout:
None.

I was a little too tired to get up early to get my work-out in. Sleep was good!!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 80

Week 12, Day 3

Workout:
None.

I ended up being too busy today getting ready for work, to get my work-out in ...

By the time I get my grocery shopping done, clean-up my apt., cook my food for the weekend & get my nap in, it's time to shower & get ready to go to work!! I wish I had better time-management skills, but, maybe it's not time-management, maybe it's just me trying to get too much done!

Goals:

1. A work-out ... YogaX is on the schedule, but I know better than to think I'm getting up an extra 2 hours early to get that work-out done.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 79

Week 12, Day 2

Workout:
Stationary Bike
20 min.
burned 131 cal.
HR max: 158
HR ave: 133

Workout:
AbRipperX
23 min.
burned 98 cal.
HR max: 128
HR ave: 106

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 258

I'm pretty sore today from my run yesterday. My back, hips, and legs are hurting ... pretty much with any movement. So, for my exercise today, I thought I'd work on loosening up my lower extremities. I rode my bike ... I can still feel a little soreness, but I'm not nearly as stiff feeling as I was!

Because my back hurts, I wasn't sure how I would do with AbRipperX today. But, I did want to do some ab work. I ended up doing way more than I expected. My goal was to beat my numbers from last time (I figured by 1) ... and I did! An additional 25+!! Woohoo!

I was thinking about doing CardioX still, or going for a little jog. But, in reality, I've got a bunch of things I need to do today, so, I'm running out of time to work-out now. I'd say, maybe later, but, I already know the answer to that one!!

Goals:

1. Back & Biceps, & AbRipperX (actually, I'll see how I feel tomorrow, whether I do AbRipperX tomorrow, or wait and do it on Thursday)
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 78

Week 12, Day 1

Workout:
Trail-Running
44 min. (3 miles)
burned 489 cal.
HR max: 183
HR ave: 171

I had a good run today. My legs are feeling the effects tonight, that's for sure! I think I did ok for my first time out! We'll be getting together again next Monday to do it again ...

I had these great plans to then do my P90X work-out this afternoon. I was pretty tired, and ended up just blowing my whole day, relaxing! I didn't sleep well last night, only got 5 hours of sleep. I did go through a catalog & a couple magazines that I was able to then throw away!

Actually, anytime I do any major work-out first-thing in the morning is a good day for me. I feel completely productive. It doesn't matter if I do another thing the rest of the day. I feel good about what I accomplished!

Tomorrow's another day. I will be working out. I am going to do CardioX, and, since I was really wanted to work on my abs this month, I'm going to do Ab Ripper X as well. (I'll need to beat my previous number--223.)

Goals:

1. CardioX & AbRipperX.
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 77

Week 11, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Well, I tried to make watching football an exercise for me ...

It was a good game, I thought (too bad we couldn't pull off a win) ... so, I spent a large portion of the game sitting on my balance ball (it lives in my livingroom). And, several times throughout the game, I did sit there, trying to balance, using my core to keep me from rolling off. See? So I did work-out!!

We'll see tomorrow, how much of a work-out it really was, if my core is sore!

Maybe, that should read: Work-out: Balance Ball Football ... I just came up with a new exercise routine! ;)

I've got plans for tomorrow ... and people expecting me to show-up. I'm going to be "running" with some friends/coworkers of mine. They're runners. We'll see how much actual running I do! This particular friend of mine, and I have been trying to schedule a trail-run for several months ... before I started P90, I think. Actually, I'm looking forward to it. I would like to think of myself as a runner (in the future), I like the idea of running, and I really love the physique of runners. In the past, I have purchased running shoes, books on running, and now, I've got the Garamin ForeRunner 201 ... any gadget to encourage me to take up this new sport!

In the afternoon, I'm also planning on getting a P90X work-out in.

This should be a serious calorie-burn day! Oh, yeah!!

Goals:

1. Trail-Running. Chest, Shoulders, Triceps & AbRipperX (the whole thing)
   
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 76

Week 11, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I didn't sleep well last night. So, I ended up spending a large portion of my day napping. Bad. Very bad.

"They" say that working nights takes 2 years off your life ...

When my weekend is spent as ineffectively as this one, I can understand how! I thought it was because your health is poorer, you know, circadian rhythms, that kind of stuff. Now, I understand ... it's because you're too tired to function, so you don't do stuff, it's not that nights takes off those years of your life ... it's that you're missing out on 2 years of your life!!

It all makes sense now!! After how many years that I've been doing this? Ten, plus?

Even though I didn't exercise (other than an occasional run up my stairs) today, my eating was right on target. The water wasn't even close, though.

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 75

Week 11, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I was moving a little too slow today when I got up this afternoon. Had a few things to do ... wake-up, grocery shop, plan a short program for church ...

Exercise got left behind.

On Fridays (of my weekend off) the water & food is a little more difficult to keep on top of. I'm not awake long enough to get all that water in, or the 1800 calories that I'm shooting for, without eating junk!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 74

Week 11, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Unfortunately, I had way too much to try to do before going in to work this evening. I thought there might be a few minutes to get another AbRipperX work-out in ... but, no.

At least I am getting the water in. And, I'm staying pretty close to target on the food intake!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 73

Week 11, Day 3

Workout:
AbRipperX
20 min.
burned 79 cal.
HR max: 133
HR ave: 103

Sit-up/Crunch total for today: 223

It came down to having time to work-out, or take my nap. And, on a Wednesday, before going to work, the nap is imperative. So, I compromised. I did the AbRipperX work-out ... to failure!! I was whipped on it!

Yes, I've been slacking off on the Ab exercises. When lack of time hits me, that's the first exercise to get skipped!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 72

Week 11, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I'm ready to give up on these Weight Watcher's meetings. They do get in the way of work-outs, that's for sure! By waiting until well after 2pm to work-out, I am working against myself. At that point in the day, I have no energy, I'm exhausted, I have no motivation, and I've got 3 hours to do whatever I am planning on doing for the day, before I leave for the evening.

Maybe a jog around the neighborhood in the mornings, would be a way for me to get my work-out in. If I could just ignore the weight, of my weigh-in, (which I think defeats the whole purpose of weighing-in) eat breakfast, drink my water, and be done with it all, that would be good! Of course, if I could plan ahead, and take my work-out gear with me ... and work-out in the evenings, that would be a work-around!

I can say, this week isn't looking so good, when I'm trying to accomplish certain goals, and not getting anywhere near them!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 71

Week 11, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I'm not exactly sure what happened to my day. But, it all slipped by, and I didn't get a work-out in. I can't even say, for sure, WHAT I did today!!

Better planning would be helpful, that's for sure!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 70

Week 10, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Not that I usually exercise on Sunday, but, I had extra free time, so I should have. I chose to go to bed, instead. So much for my plans of exercising & cleaning house!!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 69

Week 10, Day 6

Workout:
None.

The alarm went off, to get up & exercise. I was too exhausted. I reset it, and slept another hour.

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 68

Week 10, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I was sick from work yesterday. So, I should have been able to fit the exercise in today. I slept last night. Somehow, I just managed to fill in my day completely. I didn't get a nap, or a work-out in.

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 67

Week 10, Day 4

Workout:
None.

A week ago, I received in the mail, the Accu-Measure, bodyfat caliper. Last Thursday, I practiced with it, and got a measurement of 24 mm. Today, I tried it again (it's been a week, and, my weight is down a little more, I noticed, when I got on the scale), and got 19 mm. Which is a drop from 32.1% to 28.2% (a 3.9% difference). The numbers are totally different from the numbers I get doing the measurements (they're more like the biofitness body fat calculator that I used to use), but, the main point is, that the numbers are decreasing.

I need to create a little chart to record all these additional numbers!

Push-up totals for the month of August: 823. It's no where near the 10,000 that the guys on beachbody.com were doing. But, it's something!! It's certainly more than I've ever done in 1 month (minus 7 days) before!! That's an average of 34 push-ups per day for the 24 days I was doing this! I'm impressed with (and proud of) myself.

For September, I am going to focus on 2 aspects of the work-outs. Maximizing the last few weeks of the challenge. And, I'm focusing on ab-work.

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Eat 5-6 small meals every day.

P90X - Day 66

Week 10, Day 3

Workout:
None.

It came down to a choice, between a nap & working out. Tonight's my first night back to work, which means, the nap was really important. (I will have been up for 26 hours straight, by the time I get home in the morning.)

Goals:

1. Drink 6 bottles of water.
2. Write down everything I eat.
3. Eat 5-6 small meals.

P90X - Day 65

Week 10, Day 2

Workout:
CardioX
45 min.
burned 311 cal.
HR max: 160
HR ave: 133

Total push-ups for the workout: 10

I had a great work-out today. I stuck through almost the whole thing. Usually, during the yoga, I peter out during the last vinyasa, but today I stuck through it the whole way through yoga. Then, during the jumpshots in the plyo section, my left knee started hurting me, so, I didn't do X-Squats or jumpshots (I jogged in place during those). I was sweating like crazy during this work-out. And, all I was thinking, was what Tony says during the dvd ... gonna sweat this goo off me!!

Yeah, I got rid of the goo today!

I'm mildly sore in my chest, back, shoulders & arms today. Not bad. Just enough to constantly remind myself that I'm doing good, taking care of myself! And bringing everything I've got to the work-out.

I went to the Weight Watcher's meeting today. It was good. We were given postcards to write out address on, and our goals for the next 2 months (Halloween). They will be mailed to us at that time ... so we can see if we were successful, or just totally forgot! Then my leader talked about story-boarding that goal. (Basically, writing out the steps needed to be taken to achieve.) We were to draw a picture of how we viewed ourselves now (larger middle, hips & thighs) & at our goal (slender) and then write the steps. My steps were basically the same things I've been writing for my daily goals this week (workout, drink my water, write down what I eat, eat 5-6 small meals). My goal for October 29, is to drop 5% body fat.

Push-up total for today: 10 (seems so pitiful after yesterday's 69!)

Goals:

1. Work-out (3 in a row!!)
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.

P90X - Day 64

Week 10, Day 1

Workout:
Chest, Shoulders, Arms
Ab RipperX
66 min.
burned 427 cal.
HR max: 160
HR ave: 130

What a great work-out today! I pushed hard, and surpassed a lot of my mini goals for the workout. I'm sure the extra push-ups that I've been doing helped. I was mildly disappointed in my performance with the last 3 exercises ... until I realized that the reason muscle failure came so quickly, was because I had done so much work earlier in the work-out! Currently, I have very little strength in my upper extremities!

I faded with the ab work. 77 total on the crunch/sit-up work. September will be "Ab Month."

Today's workout:
Slow-motion 3-in-1 Push-ups: 4-4-4 (2 bonus)
In & Out Shoulder Flys: 16/5#
Chair Dips: 10
Plange Push-ups: 7
Pike Presses: 10
Side Tri-Rises: 11 (each side)
Floor Flys: 9
Scarecrows: 15/5#
Overhead Tricep Extesions: 7/10s#; 5/5s#
Two-twitch Speed Push-ups: 4-4-4
Y-presses: 14/10
Lying Tricep Extensions: 8/10s#
Side-to-Side Push-ups: 9
Pour Flys: 12/5#
Side-leaning Tricep Extensions: 13/5#
One-arm Push-ups: 8
Weighted Circles: 10/5#; 10/0#
Throw the Bomb: 12/5#
Clap or Plyo Push-ups: 7 (clap)
Slo-mo Throws: 8/5#
Front-to-back Tricep Extensions: 12/5#
One-arm Balance Push-ups: 2
Fly-Row-Presses: 8/5#
Dumbbell Cross-body Blows: 30/10s# (15 each side)

Ab RipperX:
In & Outs: 25
Bicycles: 20 x 2
Crunchy Frog: 12

Total push-ups for the workout: 69 (including Pike Presses, which are kind of like a push-up)

Push-up total for today: 69

Goals:

1. Workout.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.

P90X - Day 63

Week 9, Day 7

Workout:
Push-ups.

My water intake has been good today. Saturday I didn't do so well, and Friday, I wasn't up long enough to drink more than a couple bottles. But, come Sunday, I'm back on it! This week (since starting to do this on Wednesday) I've done a good job on writing down everything I eat, along with the times that I ate. I do need to total my calorie intake sooner, though, so I can keep better tabs on the intake.

I didn't get a workout done today. So, I'm plugging away at the push-ups this evening.

Tomorrow, though, I work-out again!

Push-up total for today: 30

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Write down everything I eat.
4. Prepare Day 60 pictures for posting online.

P90X - Day 62

Week 9, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I went to take my hike this afternoon, and it was so hot, I was sweating, just driving in the car. So, I decided not to ... had a nice drive in the hills, anyway.

Push-up total for today: 5

Goals: Get those pictures cropped and ready to post online.

P90X - Day 61

Week 9, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Slept late today ... until 8 pm. That was nice! I only worked the 1 day, but I was dragging anyway!

Goals: Maybe a hike tomorrow?

P90X - Day 60

Week 9, Day 4

Workout:
CardioX
48 min.
burned 290 cal.
HR max: 155
HR ave: 125

Total push-ups for the workout: 10

Push-up total for today: 10

I "pushed play" today. Finally. It's weird ... I know what to do, and what I need to do to achieve my goals. But somehow, I seem to lack the energy or drive to fulfill those goals. Today was supposed to be a YogaX day, but, I really didn't have an hour and a half to devote to exercise today. So, I decided on CardioX.

Measurements & Pictures today. Yeah, the measurements show that I haven't been as committed to the program as I should be.

Measurements:
...................................... Day 0 ........ Day 30 ........ Day 60
Neck .............................. 13 ............... 13 .................. 13
Chest ............................. 38 ............... 38 .............. 38 1/2
Waist ............................. 32 ............... 34 ................. 34
Hips ............................... 41 ............ 42 1/2 ............. 42
R. Upper Arm (flexed) .. 12 1/4 ..... 12 1/4 ......... 12 1/2
L. Upper Arm (flexed) .. 12 1/4 ..... 12 1/4 ......... 12 1/2
Right Forearm .............. 10 3/4 ..... 10 1/2 ......... 10 1/2
Left Forearm ................ 10 3/4 ..... 10 1/2 ......... 10 1/2
Right Thigh .................... 23 1/2 ....... 24 ................. 24
Left Thigh ...................... 23 1/2 ....... 24 ................. 24
Right Calf ....................... 15 ............... 15 ................. 15
Left Calf ......................... 15 ............... 15 ................. 15
......................................................................................................
Weight ........................... 162 ............ 162 ............... 165.6
BF % ............................... 36% ......... 40.8% ........... 40.2%
BMI ................................. 29 ............ 29.6 ................. 30
Lbs. of Fat .................... 59.5 ............. 66 .................. 66
Lean Body Weight ...... 102.5 ........... 96 .................. 99

Since I've been reading the Tom Venuto books, "Lose the Fat, Feed the Muscle" I decided to add the lbs. of fat & lean body weight to my measurement totals. It gives a better picture ... and makes those numbers not seem so bad. There is essentially no change in body fat percentage or pounds of fat over the last 30 days; however, my weight gain appears to correlate with an increase of muscle. Makes me think I'm doing a little better than I thought. It's still not great, but at least I am headed in the right direction.

I need to make my goals for this last 30 days, and commit to them. I know this program works ... if you work the program. I suspect my lack of energy may be related to not eating nearly enough food for my energy. Starting yesterday, I began writing down everything I ate or drank & the times of the intake. I ended up eating a snack last night when I might not have particularly needed one, because I added my calories up, and I was much lower than I should be.

Pictures:

Here are the comparison shots. I tried to line them up in the same order. Hopefully they're not so big that it takes forever to load!! (Clicking on the actual picture will show a large picture in your browser window.)




















Goals:

1. Core Synergistics
2. 6 bottles of water
3. Continue to write down everything I eat.
4. Eat my small meals more frequently.

P90X - Day 59

Week 9, Day 3

Workout:
Push-ups.

Push-up total for today: 40

No energy today. I didn't sleep well last night. I'm dragging because this week I'm back to having to get up at 6:30 in the morning, so I think my body is trying to re-acclimate, and catch up from the extra shift and then the early-morning (for me) wake-up.

Today I spent most of the day laying around on the recliner, or laying down on the bed to take a nap. I even got into my work-out clothes & the HR monitor today!

Tomorrow I will work-out. That may be the only thing I do ... work-out and then take a nap, but I'm working out!!

I did notice my eating isn't as good today. I'm not eating as frequently as I should (and probably waited too long for breakfast), and not particularly A-list items, either. But I did get my 6 bottles of water in today!!

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Drink 6 bottles of water.
3. Eat breakfast within an hour of waking up.

P90X - Day 58

Week 9, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I had every intention of working out today. I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting. I lost 1.6 lbs. (didn't really expect it even though I've been eating "clean" & exercised 3 days this week). When I got home, I was so exhausted, I took a nap, which lasted most of the afternoon!

I am reading Tom Venuto's eBook, "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle". At the end of Chapter 5, he has this quote that I thought was really good. Something I need to remind myself of, periodically. "Don't try to become better than someone else; become better than you used to be."

I have been doing really well with my water intake this week (the equivalent of 10 glasses of water a day, about 80 oz., and limiting my soda intake to 1 can a day of diet). My next step will be to increase it by another bottle of water (or 2 glasses) this week.

My eating has been better, as well.

Push-up total for today: 0

Goals:

1. Drink 12 glasses (6 bottles) of water each day.
2. P90X workout.
3. Eat "clean" ... make tomorrow, my last day before pics/measurements, count.

P90X - Day 57

Week 9, Day 1

Workout:
None.

I'm feeling pretty tired today. Totally worn down. This morning, as I was heading to bed, I thought I might try to get some push-ups done this evening. But, no, I barely have the energy to type this!

Push-up total for today: 0

Goals: I'm gettin' back on it tomorrow! There's only 3 more days until pictures and measurements are to be done! I have no idea of what changes there might be. Not particularly noticing a change in the waistband of my shorts.

P90X - Day 56

Week 8, Day 7

Workout:
Push-ups.

I got a few push-ups done today. Only did the "girlie" style ... didn't want to take steps back with my shoulder. I did at least work at keeping my elbows in, nice & tight against my body, though!

Push-up total for today: 60

Goals: Five twelve-hour night shifts in a row is pretty tough. I'm not planning any work-out tomorrow ... it's the beginning of recuperation.

P90X - Day 55

Week 8, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I am doing 5 nights in a row this weekend. Ended up doing a last minute switch with someone. So, to me, sleeping & fixing healthy, nutritious food is most important.

Today my shoulder, elbow & wrist are all feeling ok. No pain or discomfort. But, I think I'll give it 1 more day.

Push-up total for today: 0

Goals: I'll be watching the football game before I go to work. So, there won't be time for an actual P90X workout. I'm going to give the push-ups a "try".

P90X - Day 54

Week 8, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Shoulder is still hurting today a little. Slept with one of those disposable heating pads so it's feeling better, but I don't want to push it and injure myself. I'm eating "clean" which is esspecially important since I'm not expending the energy with my exercise.

Push-up total for today: 0

Goals: Tomorrow is on hold, as well ...

P90X - Day 53

Week 8, Day 4

Workout:
None.

My left shoulder, elbow & wrist are hurting today. I'm resting them. It feels more than just sore muscles from exercise.

Push-up total for today: 0

Goals: I'll wait and see how my left upper extremity is feeling tomorrow ...

P90X - Day 52

Week 8, Day 3

Workout:
KenpoX
60 min.
burned 346 cal.
HR max: 152
HR ave: 122

X-Stretch
48 min.
burned 161 cal.
HR max: 125
HR ave: 97

Yes, you read right. I did back-to-back workouts. I was feeling sore today after those last 2 workouts on Monday and Tuesday. X-Stretch did wonders last time I did it, for easing the discomfort, so I decided to do it again today.

Total push-ups for the workout: 6

Push-up total for today: 66

I'm really feeling good about this week. For the most part, my eating has been right on target (I over did it on the carbs yesterday, a little). I'm getting my water in. I'm remembering to write down everything I am eating. And, most importantly ... I'm exercising! The only negative that I'm seeing about the week is that I haven't done as many push-ups as I'd like. (No, I'm not beating myself up about it ... I am actually doing them!!)

I had an observation today while doing some of the stretches. I'm getting more flexible ... I'm able to hold my knee straight on some of those stretches where I really had to work to get into, and I wasn't anywhere near straight!! It's encouraging to look at those small points of progress. I'm usually focused on what I still can't do, not how far I've come.

Goals:

1. Tomorrow is Thursday ... I know better than to think I'll get up in time to do a workout. So, my goal is to do 50 push-ups before it's time to get in the shower.
2. Drink 10 glasses of water (I'm upping the count) ... actually, it seems easier to drink my water at work for some reason ... not that I have a huge difficulty doing it at home.
3. Eat on plan ... no "cheats".

P90X - Day 51

Week 8, Day 2

Workout:
Core Synergistics
61 min. (I paused & then restarted the warm-up ... and took a few extra breaks)
burned 421 cal.
HR max: 163
HR ave: 134

Total push-ups for the workout: 35

I was so pumped for this workout!! I was sweating like crazy! It was a really good one today. I still am very bad with the dreya rolls, and actually today my knee hurt going down and coming back up in them, so I only did 2 (didn't want to hurt the knee).

I didn't do so well with the push-ups yesterday, so I need to work extra hard at getting them done today.

Here's a little thing I got from my Weight Watcher's meeting today:
Change how you Think and you will change your Expectations.
Change your Expectations and you will change your Attitude.
Change your Attitude and you will change your Behavior.
Change your Behavior and you will change your Performance.
Change your Performance and you will change your Life.

Just gotta keep that positive mentality about the process. I can do this ... I am doing this.

Push-up total for today: 95 (includes the 35 from the workout). My joints are sore today ... elbows and wrists ... so I'm not doing so well on my push-up numbers.

Goals:

1. Work-out.
2. Do my push-ups.
3. Drink my water.

P90X - Day 50

Week 8, Day 1

Workout:
YogaX
67 min. (I baled on some of the vinyasas)
burned 227 cal.
HR max: 142
HR ave: 97

Total push-ups for the workout: 10

I spaced the fact that this is Recovery Week. I thought I was doing a different workout today! I have nearly completed Phase 2.

I need to work up to doing more of the YogaX workout. I tend to skip some of the vinyasas because I need a break. I should pause the DVD & then continue.

Push-up total for today: 65 (includes the 10 from the workout).

Goals:

1. Work-out 4 times this week.
2. Pay attention to my oral intake.
3. Drink at least 8 glasses of water (I'm working up to my gallon/day).
4. Make big strides on my push-up counts (increase my number each day).
5. Workout tomorrow: Core Synergistics.

P90X - Day 49

Week 7, Day 7

Workout:
None.

There was this guilty feeling that I should do some exercise ... afterall, I had a goal of working out 4 times this week. And I didn't meet the goal. But, the reality of it all is, that I'm still catching up on my lack of sleep on back-to-back days. So, between the cramping I was dealing with (that's hard to exercise through) & the tiredness ... it was mostly a lay around and do nothing kind of day.

Goals:

1. YogaX
   
2. 172 push-ups during the day
3. Pay attention to the food going in my mouth

P90X - Day 48

Week 7, Day 6

Workout:
None.

Yet another day of barely enough sleep. Five hours last night (again) after a late night. And, an early morning. I ended up taking a little nap in the afternoon so I could make it through the day!

I briefly thought about doing push-ups. Don't know why I didn't. Probably just too tired.

Goals: It'll probably be mostly gardening tomorrow (need to catch up on the weed production that's going on under the bird feeder!!). And, I'd like to check out the 49er game ... see if I can see myself in the endzone shots on TV!!

P90X - Day 47

Week 7, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Five hours of sleep. It's amazing I was able to make it the whole afternoon, evening & night without being tired ... probably just pumped from the excitement.

I've been a fan of the 49ers for about 25 years, this was my first game to actually attend ... and this is my first year to have purchased season tickets, as well.

I don't think I did too bad with the tickets. A little further to a side would be nicer, and easier to see. But, they are pretty close! I can actually see the whites of their eyes when they score ... and yes, I believe they will score this season!!

Between my lack of sleep, and being gone to the game, tailgating with friends, etc., I wasn't able to exercise. I wasn't actually expecting to be able to fit it in today. I got home very late, and then had to stay up a little longer to finish preparing for my Saturday morning obligations.

Goals: Catch up on my sleep!!

P90X - Day 46

Week 7, Day 4

Workout:
None.

I barely made a showing yesterday for my push-ups! Trying to do them at work is out of the questions ... there's no way I'm putting my hands or face that close to a hospital floor!! Yuk!! I suppose I could put a blanket down and do them that way, but, I chose not to.

On my off days I will have to put up a stronger effort to get extras done.

Goals:

1. Try to get as much sleep as possible.
2. Enjoy myself at the football game (49ers).

P90X - Day 45

Week 7, Day 3

Workout:
Legs & Back
59 min.
burned 344 cal.
HR max: 153
HR ave: 123

It was 98 degrees this afternoon when I started my workout ... so, I had difficulty keeping up! I definitely got a good workout today, my legs and arms are shaking ... and not very useful right now! I know I'm going to be fairly sore tomorrow!

Because there are no push-ups in this workout, and I'm working tonight, I've got a feeling that it will be difficult for me to get all 172 push-ups in today.

Current push-up total for today: 40

Goals:

1. 173 push-ups
2. Watch what I eat

I know better than to think I'll be able to get up early to work-out. Particularly since I don't think I'm going to have time to get much of a nap in today. Being up for 24+ hours straight is exercise enough for me!!

P90X - Day 44

Week 7, Day 2

Workout:
CardioX
44 min.
burned 311 cal.
HR max: 159
HR ave: 135

Total push-ups for the workout: 6 (I stopped doing all the extra pushups during the vinyasas ... my left wrist & shoulder hurt with them)

I woke this morning pretty sore. Between the Core workout yesterday & the push-ups, my whole body was stiff & sore this morning!! Because of the soreness, I haven't been as on-top of the push-ups throughout the day as I'd like ... but I've got another 8 or 9 hours to work on them!! Just before my CardioX workout, I took a couple ibuprofens to see if that would help ... seems to be helping already!! It just might cut my soreness enough that I can crank the remaining 100+ push-ups out more easily ...

I did a much better job today with the workout, than yesterday ... wasn't hungry at all, and I only had to stop to wipe off with a towel or drink water. I had a veggie omelette & hashbrowns about an hour before ... and that seemed to work very well for me. And, the protein shake afterwards is just the perfect topping off of a good workout! (chocolate, with fat free milk & stevia, wheat germ & flax seed meal added)

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. It went better than expected. I didn't really expect that the changes that I had made would have any impact this week. But, I'm down 0.4 lbs., ... activity & better control of caloric intake account for something!! The meeting this week was about moderation, & not depriving yourself. That's something I've already figured out!! Moderation in everything, and if I've got a craving, I'm better off having a small portion of whatever that craving is ... eat it slowly & enjoy!!

Goals:

1. Workout (Legs & Back) ... I am switching them, because I know I won't be working out on Friday -- going to the 49ers game -- and I have yet to try that workout yet. I've installed my pullup bar, so I want to use it!!
2. Pushups during the course of the day: 172. (I am beating my personal best.)
   
3. Pay attention to what goes in my mouth.

***

Push-up total for today: 171 (includes the 6 from the work-out) ... too tired & sore to do many of them regular, "guy-style", but I tried, as best as I could.

P90X - Day 43

Week 7, Day 1

Workout:
Core Synergistics
43 min.
burned 284 cal.
HR max: 164
HR ave: 131

Total push-ups for the workout: 42.

The main thing I noticed about this workout, was that I was hungry. I had a large bowl of oatmeal with dried fruit (raisins, blueberries & cranberries) for my pre-workout meal. About halfway through the workout, I had to pause, and get a snack (1 light string cheese stick). And, when I was done, I was so hungry ... there was no need to worry if I was going to have a post-workout snack (protein shake with fat free milk & ice)!!

Core Synergistics whipped my butt today!! I know my core will be sore tomorrow.

I am still remembering that I am joining the push-up challenge ... and will be working on those throughout my day.

Goals:

1. Workout tomorrow (CardioX).
2. Do at least 100 push-ups during the day (including whatever I do in tomorrow's workout).
3. Take note of everything I eat.

***

Well, I've been steadily working on my pushups today ... not nearly as regularly as I should be. I should be trying to do them every 30 minutes or so. Today, though, my first day, I'm seeing how far I can push myself without causing me difficulty with following through on the workouts. So, whenever I think of it (maybe an hour, maybe 3 hours), I get down, do as many as I can "guy-style" ... I'm shooting for 7 or 8 ... and then I drop to my knees and finish out to 15.

My total for today is: 162.

(I had hoped for 100!!) :-D

Guess I need to update my goals for tomorrow, huh?

Tomorrow's push-up goal is: 163. (I always must strive to do better each time.)

P90X - Day 42

Week 6, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Some of the guys on the BeachBody bulletin boards that I post to occassionally, have been talking about a push-up challenge this month. 10000 push-ups in 31 days. Mostly it's about challenging yourself, & keeping disciplined. I had thought about joining, but, the first of the month snuck up on me, and I forgot about it ... until I read some of the postings today, and saw the numbers that are being put up.

They're already seeing results a week into it, doing 300-500 push-ups a day.

It's inspiring to read. And motivating. I think I may join them ... I'll probably continue on, a week into September, since I'll be starting a week later than them. I don't know if I could catch-up, or not ... I've never attempted to do that many push-ups in a day ... don't even have a concept of how many I could do!! I think my max has been just under 80, however, that was just in 1 work-out, that wasn't getting down every so often and putting out 20 or 30 all day long!

Goals for the next week:

1. Work-out 4 days.
2. Do 100 push-ups every day this week.
3. Watch what I put into my mouth more closely.

P90X - Day 41

Week 6, Day 5

Workout:
None.

I was going to take my Day 30 pictures today. I did my measurements on Day 30, but didn't have time to do the pictures. The measurements were up a little from my starting numbers. I was going to go ahead and do the pictures, knowing that they would be about the same as the starting ones (for the P90X). But, when I was looking at my calendar. It occurs to me that in the past 41 days, I've only worked out 9 days. So, obviously, I shouldn't expect any sort of changes.

I am going to refocus my efforts to get these workouts in as they are supposed to be (starting Monday), and will plan on getting the Day 60 ones done. In 20 days, I can definitely make a difference.

P90X - Day 40

Week 6, Day 6

Workout:
None.

I woke up just in time to get ready for the Awards Dinner for work. It's my "5 year anniversary" (technically 6th, but they base it on the fiscal year ... if you're hired after July you go the next year) at work.

Had a nice dinner there ... Marriot hotel in Monterey. (The year I went, with a friend, it was at the Aquarium ... that was way nicer, I think!!) They had a vegetarian entree option for me ... kind of like a vegetable casserole wrapped in an eggroll wrapper and baked. Interesting. Different than anything I've ever eaten before!!

P90X - Day 39

Week 6, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Too tired this afternoon to workout.

P90X - Day 38

Week 6, Day 3

Workout:
None.

As I suspected ... no time to exercise. Housework, and preparation for going to work tonight got in the way of my exercise program ...

P90X - Day 37

Week 6, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Weight Watcher's meeting today. I'm up even more this week. I know why ... it's because I haven't been exercising, but I'm eating like I'm exercising.

I really don't see that I'll be able to get any workouts in this week. Today's definitely out, Wednesday is a possibility, but Thursdays never seem to happen, and Friday will be very difficult. So, my plan is to go back to counting points this week ... if I workout, I will allow myself to have "extra points" to compensate for the energy expenditure of working out.

P90X - Day 36

Week 6, Day 1

Workout:
None.

Again, no workout. Actually, I was pretty exhausted from my weekend ... I had much to get done today, but ended up doing hardly anything at all. Slept. Got up and showered. Sat in the recliner to watch TV & fell asleep some more!

I know tomorrow is going to be very busy. I've got to find a dress for the weekend ... no matter how late I am out shopping, because after that, I'm working ... until I'm needing the dress.

P90X - Day 35

Week 5, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Technically, it is my day off ... however, that X-Stretch is an excellent workout.

I wish I could prioritize better.

P90X - Day 34

Week 5, Day 6

Workout:
None.

The weekends, of course, seem to be hard to fit exercise in ... unless I'm going on a hike, or something!

So much for re-focusing and getting the job done ...

P90X - Day 33

Week 5, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Again, no workout. Still a little sore, but not too bad. Wasn't sore enough to be the reason I didn't workout. I just let my life get in the way of my workout.

P90X - Day 32

Week 5, Day 4

Workout:
None.

Yeah, it's the usual ... too tired to work-out. And, actually, after all those various push-ups from yesterday, my chest, shoulders & arms are sore!!

P90X - Day 31

Week 5, Day 3

No, I didn't do those push-ups last night. Went to bed & forgot ... until this morning!

Workout:
Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
56 min.
burned 305 cal.
HR max: 159
HR ave: 125

It is such a beautiful day today!! It's much cooler. Last night it finally got cool enough over night to cool down my place, and this morning wasn't anywhere near the temperature it's been. It was so much easier to workout today!

It was a killer workout, though. I was sweating like crazy. My triceps & chest are definitely going to feel it tomorrow! Wow!! My arms are shaking already. I am going to be pressed for time today, and didn't have the 25-30 minutes that it takes me to do the Ab Ripper X workout, so, that's deferred until another time.

Today's workout:
Slow-motion 3-in-1 Push-ups: 4-4-2
In & Out Shoulder Flys: 8/10#; 8/5#
Chair Dips: 10
Plange Push-ups: 3
Pike Presses: 8
Side Tri-Rises: 9 (each side)
Floor Flys: 8
Scarecrows: 12/5#
Overhead Tricep Extesions: 15/5s# (need to increase the weight next time)
Two-twitch Speed Push-ups: 4-3-2
Y-presses: 8/10#; 4/5#
Lying Tricep Extensions: 7/10s#
Side-to-Side Push-ups: 8
Pour Flys: 12/5#
Side-leaning Tricep Extensions: 12/5#
One-arm Tricep Extensions: 12/5#
Weighted Circles: 10/5# (1 set only)
Throw the Bomb: 12/5#
Clap or Plyo Push-ups: 4 (clap)
Slo-mo Throws: 8/5#
Front-to-back Tricep Extensions: 12/5#
One-arm Balance Push-ups: 2
Fly-Row-Presses: 9/5#
Dumbbell Cross-body Blows: 15/5#; 10/10#

Looks like I got a total of 49 push-ups (including the Pike presses which are a combo press/push-up) with this workout ... no wonder my arms are shaking!!

I will try to get the measurements done today. Probably won't have time to do the pictures until the weekend.

Goals: Supposed to be YogaX tomorrow. I know better than to think that I might get an hour and a half workout in on a Thursday. So, my goal is to do some form of activity for 30 minutes tomorrow (bike, yoga, walk ... anything).

P90X - Day 30

Week 5, Day 2

Workout:
None.

Yeah, it was another one of those 100+ days again today. Actually, this evening, I was thinking I'd do some pushups & perhaps some ab work (though tomorrow is chest, shoulders, triceps/ARX).

I'm looking forward to the weekend, when it's supposed to be only in the 80s!

Instead of working on my measurements, & pictures today, I laid low! I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting, and that was about all I had the energy to do today. I didn't drink as much coffee this morning as usual (didn't want to have to weigh it at my meeting) and I definitely noticed a difference in my energy level (beyond what the heat is taking out of me) ... yesterday I was more productive, for sure.

I know that the key to my success is working out. Today I was up 2.8 lbs. at my WW meeting, and I know it is completely because of the lack of exercise. I have been able to see results when I am doing these workouts 3 days a week (obviously more is better), so, I am going to work doubly hard at getting some activity in, at least 3 days this week (1 down, 2 to go).

Goals: Pictures/Measurements; workout.

P90X - Day 29

Week 5, Day 1

Workout:
Core Synergistics
35 min.
burned 186 cal.
HR max: 151
HR ave: 118

I was successful at getting my workout in. Unfortunately, it was too hot to complete the whole thing, but, for 35 minutes, I gave it my all. I think it was about 90 degrees outside (possibly more inside, because the morning sun shines very nicely into my livingroom, where I do my workouts). I stopped, because I decided there was no point in making myself sick with my workout.

I think I worked out enough, though, to be a little sore tomorrow.

Goals: CardioX tomorrow morning. I think it's supposed to be cooler tomorrow, so hopefully I can bring it completely.

P90X - Day 28

Week 4, Day 7

Workout:
None.

Why is it I moved from the coast, inland? Is the shorter commute & cheaper rent really worth it?! Ummm ... ask me some other time, like next winter when it's not above my personal comfort zone of 90.

110 degrees today. But, I was prepared ... I've purchased, and temporarily installed a small AC in my bedroom window. (I need to make it a more permanent fixture this week.) It seemed weird to turn it on at 8 am, but, it was already in the 70s at that point. With the AC, and the 2 fans blowing on me, I slept like a baby!!

Unfortunately, there's not enough room in my bedroom to even attempt the P90X workouts!! I'd probably kill myself knocking into the wall, or the footboard (queen-size sleigh bed).

This week was a wash, for sure, from an exercise point. I did try to eat as best as I could ... under the circumstances (not wanting to heat the place up anymore by using the stove or oven). Not sure how those Day 30 measurements and pictures will be ... I definitely haven't put forth the effort this past month to make major changes. Working out 2 or 3 (or less) days a week will only barely maintain, not burn the excess body fat. I need to make an effort to workout 3 (or more) days a week.

Goals: Work-out tomorrow ... Core Synergistics.

P90X - Day 27

Week 4, Day 6

Workout:
None.

105 today in my town. Definitely makes it difficult to sleep, or think about eating (or cooking), or exercising.

Talk about sucking the energy from me ...

Goal: Not dying from heat exhaustion ... it's supposed to be hotter tomorrow.

P90X - Day 26

Week 4, Day 5

Workout:
None.

Too warm to workout, or cook, or do much of anything but lay in front of the fan.

I went to work today, so, I didn't have the possibility of working out at night.

Goals: Survive the heat ... it's supposed to be really bad tomorrow.

P90X - Day 25

Week 4, Day 4

Workout:
None.

This is definitely not how I expected my "Recovery Week" to proceed! Continuing to lay low today.

Goals: Workout.

P90X - Day 24

Week 4, Day 3

Workout:
None.

I woke this morning with a headache that just got worse as the day progressed. Not sure what my trigger was, it didn't seem hot enough. It felt a little like a sinus headache, except that the back of my head hurt, too, not just the sinus area.

So, I spent the day laying low, taking drugs, trying to eat, and icing my head.

Goals: Workout.

P90X - Day 23

Week 4, Day 2

Workout:
None.

I had several things to get done in the morning, so wasn't able to get my workout in. And, by late afternoon, I was tired, and too hot!

Goals: Workout.

P90X - Day 22

Week 4, Day 1

Workout:
X-Stretch
57 min.
burned 148 cal.
HR max: 116
HR ave: 90

I'm still pretty sore today from my walking on Saturday. So, I decided to check out the X-Stretch DVD. It's a nice overall stretch ... and my sore lower extremities definitely felt loosened up and not as painful when I walk! I think it was a good choice today. I think I was supposed to do YogaX today, but I barely had time for the hour long workout I did, so, an hour and a half would have meant I was late for my appointment, or, I wouldn't have gotten a shower (bad idea).

I had Thai food today. Met some friends from work for lunch, had a totally nice time. Didn't get much else done, but, having gotten my workout in, I feel like I've accomplished much! And, I noticed, after the X-Stretch workout, I felt much looser, and less sore, I almost don't notice the sore muscles now!!

Goals: Work-out.

P90X - Day 21

Week 3, Day 7

I had a leisurely morning, and then was gone the rest of the day & night. My quads are a little sore today when I walk up and down stairs, my shins, calves & ankles definitely hurt when I use them!

No workout.

Goals for the week: Since I was only able to workout 2 times this week, instead of my goal of 4, I think I'm going to build from that. It's "Recovery Week" ... 7 days of cardio-type activity. So, my goal is to exercise 3 times this week.

For the dietary part of this, I'm noticing that I'm particularly tired all the time. Every afternoon, I'm ready for a nap, and can't make it past 3pm without one. It just occurred to me, I do recall something about lack of energy & adding carbs, so, I'm wondering about moving on to Phase 2. Not that I've been able to follow Phase 1 very closely, but there were a couple days this past week where I met those goals ... and noticed the resulting bad breath of ketoacidosis kicking in. Either that, or I need to increase my intake, but, I don't think I've been exercising regularly enough to be so concerned about increasing my calories. I'm not sure what goals to put into place for this week ... now that I've rationalized it all! I'll continue Phase 1 for 1 more week, and see.

P90X - Day 20

Week 3, Day 6

I didn't officially work-out today. However, I went to a convention where I had to park on top of this huge hill. I could have taken a van-ride down, but it takes too long, waiting for them. I walked very briskly down the hill, and then when I left in the late afternoon, again, I went walking as briskly as I could, with no stopping back up the hill.

As hot & sweaty as I was after each walk I probably burned at least 200 calories with that ... don't actually know, I didn't wear my HR monitor for it!

I got home too late to do a workout ... besides, I was tired after my trek up and down the mountain!! (I'll post a picture I took with my phone here so you can get a feel for what I did.)

P90X - Day 19

Week 3, Day 5

I got up early enough to workout, except that I had so many other things I needed to do instead. So, working-out didn't fit into my day.

P90X - Day 18

Week 3, Day 4

I don't know why I even bother thinking that I'm going to workout on Thursdays. It's just too hard. Trying to workout when I get home in the morning is impossible, because at that point, I have probably been up for 24-26 hours. And, because of that, I'm only wanting to sleep, not get up early to workout (you know, maximize my sleep-time).

So, again, no workout today.

I achieved my dietary goal of getting 6 of the 7 protein servings in.

P90X - Day 17

Week 3, Day 3

Workout:
YogaX
90 min.
burned 416 cal.
HR max: 148
HR ave: 111

What a workout! My hips are feeling completely stretched out today! Wow! I wasn't able to everything, the whole hour & a half, but, I did most of the routines to the best of my ability! I had forgotten about some of the poses ... it's been a few years since I was taking a yoga class!

I was going to try to squeeze in the Shoulders & Arms workout today with the YogaX workout, but, there's no way ... I need to get my nap in before I go to work tonight! But, having done the longer workout today, allows me to hopefully do a workout tomorrow afternoon when I wake up. (It'll probably be CardioX since that's a shorter one.)

So far, the diet part of my plan is going pretty well right now. I think I'll make my 6 servings of proteins, however, my carb portions will be a little over, as well.

Goals for tomorrow:

1. Workout tomorrow (CardioX)
2. 6 out of 7 protein servings, less than 3 carb servings

P90X - Day 16

Week 3, Day 2

Well, my day didn't go quite as planned. I spent some time putting together the pull-up bar ... don't know where my larger philips screwdriver is, so, I need to go pick one up from the hardware store before I finish it ... need to tighten all those screws & nuts. I'll get it finished tomorrow.

I was so tired, I was ready to take a nap this morning, before it was time to head for my Weight Watcher's meeting. I went. But, it really took everything in me to get my butt out the door! Not because I didn't want to go to the meeting, or was worried about the weigh-in, I just really wanted to stay home & sleep the day away!

My meeting went well. The recap from last week (I didn't go, because my day was a holiday) was about using your inner resources to get through the journey. Patience, resolve, having goals, those kinds of things. This week's topic was about "the Kitchen Makeover" ... keeping those "bad" things out of the kitchen (& house), and thus, less likely to be a temptation. I did that in February ... got rid of the various stashes of foods that didn't go along with my goals ... cleaned up my environment.

When I got home this afternoon, I put on my HR monitor & workout clothes. That usually works for me. If I dress in the gear, I just go ahead and workout. I was feeling so exhausted. While drinking my pre-workout bottle of water, I decided to take a little nap. The 30 minute nap I had yesterday had done wonders for making me feel revitalized, so, I thought, a nap today would help as well ...

Umm, yeah, right.

Thirty minutes later became another 30 minutes, because I could still get that workout in after an hour-long nap. Well, at the end of that 2nd 30 minute nap, I reset my alarm for an hour! I just couldn't get up!! Yeah, I know, I should not have sat down in that recliner ... I should have just popped the DVD into the player. But, I didn't.

So, I will workout tomorrow. For sure. No excuses. My whole Wednesday is about working out, grocery shopping, & taking a nap before going into work. I'll have a whole 9 hours to do it!

Goal for tomorrow: YogaX workout.
Eat 6 of the 7 servings of protein.

P90X - Day 15

Week 3, Day 1

I bought a new cellphone today, so I was "busy" playing with it ... instead of working out this morning. So, my workout was an afternoon workout, instead. I decided, since I haven't been doing the second part of the week exercises, I wanted to try out the KenpoX workout. So, instead of doing Core Synergistics today, I did KenpoX. Wow! What a workout! My scalp was wet after that one!

Totally fun! I really liked how each segment built on the previous segment. And, it's really going to teach me balance!! I try to do those kicking moves without touching the floor with my foot ... and without falling! I usually do a little toe-touch to keep my balance ... but, you watch, before long, I'll be doing them all "advanced" style, as Tony Horton calls it.

Since I'm mixing it up this week, I'm not sure which workout I should do tomorrow! I can't do a total reverse, because I don't have that pull-up bar installed yet. So, it's got to be cardio ... I haven't done yoga yet, and I hear the first 50 minutes of that's a killer. Or, I could do one of the others ...

Tentatively, I've "scheduled" myself for CardioX (the ol' "failure to plan is planning to fail" adage), but, I may just wait and see what I feel like doing. I am very curious about YogaX, so, I think I am leaning toward that one.

Workout:
KenpoX
60 min.
burned 434 cal.
HR max: 162
HR ave: 138

Goal for this week: I successfully worked out 3 times last week. So, my goal for this week is to work-out 4 times. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) Thursdays really are difficult for me, I'm sleep-deprived, and barely makin' it. (I should probably make that my day off, instead of Sunday.) I think a Friday afternoon workout is more likely (it's supposed to be cooler this week, so I shouldn't be too hot & sluggish when I wake up). My Saturday is looking pretty busy, not sure I'll be home ... except to sleep.

P90X - Day 14

Week 2, Day 7

I woke late ... 1pm. Worked out in my yard this afternoon ... pulled weeds, potted 2 more plants. It was nice sitting out there after the work, sipping on an iced tea in the shade ... warm breeze.

Had I gotten up earlier, I would have done the KenpoX workout today, since I missed the last few days, but, I was already running behind getting up so late!

P90X - Day 13

Week 2, Day 6

The best laid plans ...

I got off work tonight, because a friend of mine was having her annual July party. So, my plan was to do KenpoX this afternoon before heading to the party.

It was so HOT out, I woke-up this afternoon, and could hardly move ... I was so hot! All energy was sapped completely from me. A cool shower helped cool me off, but, ...

Food wasn't so good ... a little high on the carbs, I only had a small piece of cake, and, of course three Mike's Hard Lemonades.

It was a fun day ... even if I was a little sleep-deprived.

P90X - Day 12

Week 2, Day 5

I still haven't gotten my pull-up bar installed, so, half of "Legs & Back" would have been very difficult. Umm, actually, the real reason I didn't workout, was that we had a spur-of-the-moment planning for a potluck at work (our night shift unit secretary's birthday). So, I had baking to do.

No work-out today, again.

Food today, wasn't so great. It was a potluck! A little heavy on the carb side while at work. I did eat more protein before going in, though. Potluck was a cheese enchilada, curry rice, baked ziti, french bread, ceasar salad, oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies, and chocolate brownies.

P90X - Day 11

Week 2, Day 4

I was going to try to do YogaX before going to bed this morning ... but, I just couldn't. I was exhausted, and just wanted to go to bed!!

So, no workout today.

Food was good today. I ate only what I brought with me to work, and didn't eat any of the bad stuff.

P90X - Day 10

Week 2, Day 3

Three days in a row! Woohoo!

What a workout today! Yeah, it was a killer ... I managed to stick through most of it. I faded on the Ab Ripper X routine ... I maxed out, and that was it! I did get the full Shoulders & Arms workout, including the bonus round. Nice steady mix ... shoulders-biceps-triceps ... repeat. I am happy with my results from this workout.

Workout:
Shoulders & Arms/Ab Ripper X
73 min.
burned 446 cal.
HR max: 159
HR ave: 125

Diet:
B: coffee, 1/2 tortilla bread, 1 T. peanut butter, 1 T. honey, FRS Plus (1 serving)
S1: Protein shake
L: 1/2 tortilla bread, 1 slice colby-jack cheese, 4 slices Yves Turkey
S2: whole wheat ciabatta, 1 sl. colby-jack cheese, 4 sl. Yves Turkey, ketchup
D: Morningstar Farms Chicken strips; Tofu scramble with onions & mushrooms & Soy Vay Island Teriyaki sauce; sauted broccolini; salad with mixed greens tomato, cucumber & turnip & salad dressing spritz; turnip slices.
S3: 8 oz. 2% cottage cheese & 1 nectarine.
S4: CLIF Builders protein bar.

From the portion standpoint, I'm over 1 carb & 1 fruit. Will plug in the information at a later time into fitday or gymjournal to get the actual numbers.

Shoulders & Arms:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 13/5#; 15/5#
In & Out Bicep Curls: 16/5#; 16/10#
Two-arm Tricep Kickbacks: 15/5#; 15/5#
Deep Swimmer's Presses: 15/5#; 15/10#
Full Supination Concentration Curls: 16/10#; 15/10#
Chair Dips: 10; 8
Upright Rows: 14/10#; 12/10#
Static Arm Curls: 16/5#; 16/10#
Flip-grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 12/5#; 14/5#
Two-angle Shoulder Flys: 16/5#; 16/5#
Crouching Cohen Curls: 15/5#; 12/10#
Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 15/5#; 8/10#
Bonus Round:
In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flys: 16/5# 16/5#
Congdon Curls: 14/10#; 15/10#
Side Tri-Rises: 8; 10

Ab Ripper X: (90)
In & Outs: 25
Bicycles: 20x2
Seated Crunchy Frog: 25

P90X - Day 9

Week 2, Day 2

Happy Independence Day!

Well, I was right ... about the soreness. Last night, as I was drifting off to sleep, my shoulders & lower back were starting to ache, along with my hammies!! This morning, I was sore & stiff. That Core Synergistics workout is very deceiving!

I got my workout in this morning. CardioX. My right shoulder is sorer (is that a word?) than my left ... I really felt it on those running squats. I had to back-off a little on that. I've got to protect my shoulders for the Shoulders & Arms workout tomorrow!

Workout:
CardioX
44 min.
burned 245 cal. (yes, I got a new battery yesterday for the monitor)
HR max: 148
HR ave: 120

Diet:
B: coffee, bagel with 2 laughing cow cheese wedges, FRS Plus (1 serving)
S1: Smoothie (recipe from the current issue of Women's FitnessRX) ... 30 g. protein
L: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters + 1/2 cup Egg Whites with 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms & 1/2 cup spinach.
S2: FRS Plus, bagel (plain).
D: Grilled asparagus, grilled baby portobello mushrooms, corn on the cob with olive oil, 2 slices reduced fat grilled tofu, whole wheat ciabatta grilled with olive oil & 1 slice colby-jack cheese.
S3: 8 oz. 2% cottage cheese with 2 sliced nectarines.

Dietary Intake tallies are a little better ... in some areas. I ate closer to my calorie intake, and my fat intake is down from where it was last week!! But, my carbs are way out there. And, yes, I know why ... because I had 2 different bread products, plus a fairly high carb smoothie. Calorie intake: 2451. Breakdown: (C/P/F): 50/29/21.

I need to get rid of the bagels ... haven't had any for a while, and now that they're in my place (and quite tasty), I'm going a little crazy with them. The ciabatta aren't all that great for me, either, though they are whole wheat ones, so, they're better. And, that totally yummy smoothie probably should be adjusted so that I have less carbs in it (skipping the OJ would help)!

Well, tomorrow is another day! Each day is a work-in-progress for me ... as long as I'm learning along the way, to better improve my intake, I'm ok!

Here's the recipe for that smoothie I had this morning, if you're interested:

Bone-Builder Smoothie:
1 cup nonfat milk
1/2 cup calcium-fortified orange juice
1/2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 cup mixture of frozen mango, blueberries, strawberries (or other fruit)
1 T. nonfat powdered milk
14 g. isolated whey protein powder

Blend until smooth.

440 calories, 30 g. protein, 5g. fiber, 750 mg. calcium, 80 g. carbs., 0 g. fat. 3 fruit servings, 2 very lean protein, 2 nonfat milk.

Enjoy!

***

Update on my previously set goal: "Size 6 by 4th of July." Didn't make it. I tried the pants on ... they came about halfway up my thighs. I think I probably need to lose 2-3 inches in my thighs for them to get past the widest part of my thighs. So, I've re-set the goal date. New goal date: September 5, 2006 ... gives me 2 more months.

***

Tomorrow: Shoulders & Arms & Ab Ripper X.

P90X - Day 8

Week 2, Day 1

Today's a new day. Time to start fresh. Feels already fairly productive.

Workout:
Core Synergistics
55 min. (started to do the bonus section, but was feeling dizzy, so I went on into the cool down)

My HR monitor died today. I think it must be time to replace the battery on the transmitter. The rough estimation (based on last week's numbers) is that I burned about 300 calories.

I think I did better on this workout than last week. Some of those pushup routines hurt my wrists, so I tried to modify where possible. I definitely kept up, more consistantly with Tony & the gang today. I was sweatin' like crazy!!

This workout is different than I'm used to. I workout hard, and sweat, but don't feel like it's a major workout ... but, by the time I'm going to bed tonight, I'm going to be sore ... the shoulders & my core.

Diet:
B: coffee, 13 almonds, 2 light string cheese sticks.
L: 2/3 cup Southwestern Egg Beaters + 2/3 cup Egg Whites scrambled with pico de gallo salsa & 2 oz. mozzarella cheese.
S1: Bagel (plain)
D: Morningstar Buffalo Wings (9)
S2: Bagel (plain)
S3: French roll with 2 T. Peanut Butter (chunky) & 1 T. Low Sugar Apricot preserves

My goal for this week is to workout 4 times during the week. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday will totally be easy. And, I should be able to get up early one of those days this weekend to fit in the workout before work. I've been hearing how the YogaX really makes you feel relaxed, and ready to sleep ... I have misgivings about doing that one before I go to work, Thursday evening!! (That's what I need, another excuse to be tired on my way in to work!) For the YogaX workout, I may try to stay up in the morning when I get home from work, to get it in ... sounds like the perfect sleep-aide!!

P90X - Day 7

Week 1, Day 7

Today was a totally nice, leisurely day. Haven't had one of those in a while! All week I've been up by 8, and going constantly once I'm up. Today, it was about 11 when I finally rolled out of bed. Had a lovely, leisurely morning, sitting outside in my chair, sipping on my morning coffee, watching the birds fly around, and checking out the blooming flowers. It's the best place to plan my day ... the back is east-facing, so it gets the morning sun. It's comfortable & sunny, and tranquil from my low-seated vantage point. I bought a little miniature birdfeeder, and got it filled last night. I was checking it out ... looks like it was found already this morning. I like where it is, but, I have misgivings, as well ... hopefully the birds don't end up pooping on my Basil!!

I had a quick grocery trip to do this morning. Made some sun tea, and planted a couple plants, into pots. I've got 3 more to plant, and another 2 to transplant into bigger pots. Maybe tomorrow. I briefly thought about working out today, but, I didn't get around to it ... yeah, I know, "Failure to plan is planning to fail." Technically, it's my "day off" ... of course, since I only worked out 2 times last week, it would have been totally acceptable to workout today. But, I didn't. And, I'm not feeling guilty about it. I needed some serious "me-time" ... and I got it!

Food:
B: 2 cups of coffee
L: WW ciabatta, 1 slice colby-jack cheese, 1 cup Southwestern Egg Beaters with 1/3 cup egg whites.
D: (leftovers) Grilled asparagus; 2 grilled baby portobellos; 1 red potato with red onions, grilled; WW ciabatta with 1 slice colby-jack cheese; 2 slices "Prime Stake" (veggie meat substitute).
S1: 8 oz. 2% cottage cheese, with 1 cup strawberries, sliced. (Would have used the nectarines, but, the strawberries needed to be used first ... tomorrow.)
S2: 1/2 Pure Protein, protein bar.

P90X - Day 6

Week 1, Day 6

Busy morning. Had to get up rather early. Ended up keeping busy all day long!

No workout today, either.

Food:
B: coffee
L: Mimi's Cafe: Veggie Stack sandwich with fries & iced tea (lemon & a packet of sweet n low).
D: (similar to Friday night) Morningstar Farms Cheddar Burger with slice of cheddar cheese on WW ciabatta with olive oil; 1 red potato with red onion, grilled; grilled asparagus; 1 grilled baby portobello; 2 slices grilled pineapple; 1 Smirnoff Twist.
S: Dibs, Carmel flavored.

P90X - Day 5

Week 1, Day 5

Dad's doing well. He's up and moving around quite easily. So, I'm heading back home today. If needed, I could stay today, but, I've got previous engagements that I need to fulfill on Saturday, so, I'm headed home. Long, hot drive. Four hours through the California Central Valley ... yuk! But, I made it home.

Stopped on the way at a packing warehouse for a box of nectarines. Yummy! So juicy, the one I grabbed to eat as I was driving made a dribbly mess on my shorts! As much as I don't particularly care for "the Valley" ... I've gotta admit, you can get some of the best produce there!!

I got home, exhausted. Had much to do, and little energy. So, again, no workout. It was so hot ... I decided to grill instead of cooking inside ... keep the house cooler, hopefully! It feels good to be eating more like I'm used to eating, instead of how my parents now eat.

Food:
B: Blueberry bagel with 1 1/2 T. peanut butter & 1 T. Nutella with 1 t. oat bran sprinkled on top.
S1: Nectarine
L: In 'N' Out Burger: Veggie Burger (forgot to tell them to hold the "sauce"), fries &amp; a large diet coke with lemon; another nectarine (They're so good!)
S2: Carmel Coffee drink (blended).
D: Morningstar Farms Cheddar Burger with slice of cheddar cheese on WW ciabatta with olive oil; grilled asparagus; grilled corn on the cob with olive oil; 2 grilled chili rellenos; 1 slice grilled pineapple; 2 Smirnoff Twists.

P90X - Day 4

Week 1, Day 4

Grandpa's 93rd birthday today. We had to celebrate ... you don't reach 93 every day! Though, in my family, you've got a pretty good chance to reach that once in your life!! (My other grandpa died after his 93rd birthday.)

Again, no workout. I didn't even bring the DVDs, because I know me ... and I wouldn't be popping them into the DVD player, or into my laptop DVD player. I did get another swim in with the little cousins (they're 5 & 7, and quite the swimmers, & well, I couldn't very well let them beat me, could I?). And, I did minimal lifting work ... turns out my dad needed some doors picked up and delivered to a house he's been remodeling. He's not allowed to lift. So, I did a little lifting for that, fortunately, a friend of my dad's happened to come by, and offered his assistance, so, I didn't have to do too much (except for removing the 5th-wheel trailer hitch from the back of his truck, and then replacing it when we were done).

Dad's doing better today. Better color. Looks more alive, and not so anesthetized today.

Food:
B: 1 1/2 cup oatmeal (sturdy oats) with dried raisins, blueberries & cranberries. Light sprinkling of brown sugar (maybe 1 teaspoonful).
L: Haystacks (frito's, brown rice, beans, cabbage, cucumber, avocado, fresh pico de gallo salsa), 1 slice garlic bread, 2-inch slice lemon cake, strawberries, & fat free cool whip (Grandpa's birthday dinner).
D: Whole Wheat Pita sandwich with 3 slices veggie bacon (Morningstar Breakfast Strips), cucumber, tomato, red onion, avocado. (Mom liked the looks of my sandwich last night, and wanted me to make it for them tonight.)
S: Blueberry bagel

P90X - Day 3

Week 1, Day 3

I had planned on working out, was going to try to squeeze it into my morning activities before heading out of town. But, I misjudged my time, I guess ... it took me longer than I was thinking it would, to throw my things together, and take a shower.

Anyway, I got a call last night, from my mom, that my dad was having surgery today. So, I headed over to my parents' place today to be there for that ... help my mom keep my dad down, etc. So, I didn't get the Shoulders & Arms; Ab Ripper X workouts done. I did however get some swimming in the evening with my cousin's little girl, so at least I was active!

Food:
B: Taco Bell bean burrito with green sauce (eaten as I drove to the hosptial).
L: Baja Fresh: Veggie Bare Burrito (veggie bowl) with black beans. Several glasses of lime-water.
D: WW Pita bread with 3 slices veggie bacon (Morningstar Breakfast Strips), FF cheddar cheese, ketchup, cucumber, & 1 tomato.
S: Mint, 2 Hershey's Kisses (cherry & mint), 3 sesame breadsticks.

P90X - Day 2

Week 1, Day 2

Workout:
CardioX
45 min.
burned 300 cal.
HR max: 165
HR ave: 131

Diet:
B: CLIF Builder's bar; 1 serving FRS Plus
S1: 1 serving FRS Plus
L: Garden Salad (about 1 1/2 cups), 5-way grilled cheese sandwich
D: Burrito (tortilla, refried beans, grated cheese, 4 Morningstar Breakfast Patties)
S2: Edamame, 2 light string cheese sticks, 13 (raw) almonds

I was thinking that I really hadn't worked hard in yesterday's workout. I did my best, but, some of those push-ups were too difficult for me to squeak out more than 5. (I was more exhausted after a P90 cardio 3/4 workout than the Core Synergistics yesterday.) But, last night, as I was falling asleep, I noticed soreness in my butt and trunk!

Woke up a little sore and stiff this morning!

CardioX. What a great workout! Nice mix of all the cardio work in X. A little Yoga, Kenpo, Plyo & Core all mixed up together. I feel like I did better today keeping up, than yesterday. Even with my soreness today, I was able to work through it.

###

Weight Watcher's meeting today was interesting. Talking about "falling off the wagon" during the summer months, and not letting the slip-ups linger all summer. One point she made, which I really liked ... 1 bad day doesn't have to mean 7 bad days.

I had a 2-pound weight gain this time. But, I'm not stressing over it. It's totally alright ... it was over a 2 week period (I was in Hawaii last week), it included a little over-indulgence from my vacation, & it included food and water intake prior to weigh-in that I don't normally do. I'm going to plan on doing the same thing next week, so, the trend should stay the same, or go down.

###

I'm still off-target with my food (from a higher protein standpoint, and my fat was a little higher than I normally like ... probably all the full-fat cheese), my ratios today were: 25/31/45 (C/P/F). I need to have some higher protein tofu cooked and ready to eat. That would help give me additional protein in those lower protein meals. And, I should probably have a protein shake more regularly than I currently do. The Morningstar breakfast patties in my burrito were helpful (8 g. protein to 3 g. carbs), however, since my diet for the day was already heavy on the carb side, it only helped to balance things out for me.

Calories today were closer to my goal ... 1941. This afternoon I was definitely feeling sluggish. So, I know I need to eat more, and better.

Goals for tomorrow:

1. Shoulder & Arms in the morning before I head out of town.
2. Increase my protein intake by a ratio of 10% more than carbs. (Small incremental steps work better for me.)
3. Keep the fat intake to 25-30%.
   

P90X - Day 1

Week 1, Day 1

From a nutrition standpoint, I'm at Level 2 (based on my weight) which means eating 2400 calories a day. That's going to be difficult! I couldn't even eat all of breakfast this morning!! And now, I'm still too full to work-out!! I need to eat smaller more frequent meals, perhaps.

Workout:
Core Synergistics
48 min. (did not do the bonus)
burned 312 cal.
HR max: 157
HR ave: 130


Diet:
B: 8 egg white cheese scramble (only ate 2/3), 1 c. sliced strawberries, 5 oz. cottage cheese
S1: CLIF Builder's (20 g.) Protein bar, FRS Plus
L: Mixed green salad with tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots & asparagus with fat free honey dijon dressing.
D: Whole Wheat Couscous with saute'd shallots & baby portobellos & sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and Prime Stake (meat substitute).
S2: 1 c. sliced strawberries, 5 oz. cottage cheese, 1 Light String Cheese stick.

According to FitDay, I've eaten a little over 1400 calories today. I need to add an additional 1000 calories ... somehow! When I'm eating "junk food" (processed foods) I am able to put away a large number of calories, but, when it's "quality food" I have a harder time! Today, I'm not going to sweat the calories too much ... I only burned an additional 300+ calories with the workout. But, it's definitely an area that I will need to work on and improve.

On the other hand, who could eat an 8 egg white scramble with 1 c. strawberries & 12 oz. cottage cheese in one sitting? Really.

Well, then there's the protein issue ... today, my food categories were pretty mush split across the board ... P/C/F: 37/39/25. So, I guess that will be another area of improvement!

Goals for tomorrow:

1. Weight Watcher's meeting (not focus on the weight ... I will need to eat before the meeting, and if I work-out, I'll need to drink plenty of water, as well).
2. CardioX workout in the morning before WW meeting.
3. Stay on target with the food. Food focus will be to increase protein percentage.

P90X - Day 0

I am calling today P90X "Day 0". Today is my "prep" day for P90X.

I took my measurements. There's been a little change (for the worse) in the last 2 weeks. It's motivating, actually, to see how quickly the results of hard work can just disappear. It tells me I can't let this "recovery" time linger on much longer ... I won't be able to squeeze into my clothes!!

For my measurements, I used the body fat percentage calculator (tape measure method) from the Body Tracker website. And for the BMI, the BMI/BMR calculator, also from the Body Tracker website. They have a couple excellent resources available for free (follow the links). (As a side note, the BMR with Activity results were within 100 calories of the P90X calculations.)

Measurements:
........................................ Day 0
Neck ................................ 13
Chest ............................... 38
Waist ............................... 32
Hips ................................. 41
R. Upper Arm (flexed).. 12 1/4
L. Upper Arm (flexed) . 12 1/4
Right Forearm .............. 10 3/4
Left Forearm ................ 10 3/4
Right Thigh .................... 23 1/2
Left Thigh ...................... 23 1/2
Right Calf ....................... 15
Left Calf ......................... 15
..........................................................
Weight ........................... 162
BF % ............................... 36%
BMI ................................. 29

Fit Test Results:
Resting HR: 80
Pull-Ups: 1/2 (unassisted)
Vertical Leap: 8 inches
Push-Ups: 10 (guy style)
Toe Touch: + 6 inches
Wall Squat: 27 seconds
Bicep Curl: 15 lbs., 13 reps
In & Outs: 31
HR Maximizer: 158-124-111-108-102

Pictures:











***

I have become fairly understanding about how eating and working out are very much related. And if I am working out to my max, I need to increased the fuel that I am feeding my body. I do suspect, however, that eating enough for this program may be a problem for me! (We're all taught to eat less, limit those calories!!) Probably, seeing on my HR monitor, all the additional calories I am burning with P90X versus P90, will reassure me that I can eat more!!

Along the lines of eating, I see Phase 1, potentially being a problem for me. Giving up all but 1 serving a day of carbs will be difficult, especially, as a vegetarian, I tend to rely heavily on them. All the eggs and tofu that I will end up having to eat to get in my protein may wear me out. But, I am going to give it a fair chance, and listen to my body ... paying attention to my energy.

The other problem I see with this program, for me, is that frequently, with my work schedule, I'm not able to motivate myself to get up early to work-out. It's so easy to decide that sleep is important ... because it is! My second priority tends to be, to bring delicious, healthy food with me to work. So, I can see myself slacking off a little with the work-outs. I will need to figure out a way to solve that problem.

Day 104

Another night of work done ... and survived.

Still staying free of illness. Umm, well, except for the fact that I'm working, surrounded by it!

I tried to get up early ... but I just couldn't move fast enough to be able to fit a workout in.

So, again, no workout today.

Day 103

My first day back to work. I was exhausted. Had a hard time getting home from work. A couple of the girls from the Maui trip (there were 4 of us) had stomach problems ... looks like a bug going around. Not wanting to get sick, I chose to take my airborne, and get as much sleep as I can.

For having to be back at work, it wasn't too horrible of a night ... I have had worse!!

No workout today.

Day 102

It's back to the grind for me.

I've got this great tan and a few pictures (speaking of which, I've got film to get developed) as a reminder of the nice time I had. (There is talk of a return trip next year.) But, unless I get out in the sun regularly this summer, the beautiful tan will fade away.

I had planned on working out today ... you know, get back into the flow of things as quickly as possible. But, with all the things needing to be done before starting my weekend of work, exercise got pushed aside.

It's been a long time since I've worked out ...

Day 101

Day 5 in Maui ...

It's not really Day 5 ... we had to leave today. It wasn't a full day. We got a brief little time out in the sun in the morning, before showering, and packing up and heading out to the airport.

The return home was not in first class ... we were apart of the poor saps that had to sit in the back.

We all got home safely. It was a long day though. The plants (except 1) survived the heat.

Day 100

Day 4 in Maui ...

This morning, we fed the birds small pieces of bread ... better for taking pictures of them! Spent a little while on the lanai drinking our coffee.

Most of the morning and afternoon was spent on the beach at Kapalua ... laying out, and snorkeling, and playing in the water. Better visibility of the fish today with the sun. Took a few pictures.

We had lunch at the Sheraton, and then spent a little while in the afternoon just relaxing at the hotel. I bought myself a nice little sundress (muumuu) ... I thought it was pretty.

Day 99

Day 3 in Maui ...

We continued the trend of early morning coffee on the lanai. We had some good 100% Kona coffee. It was very windy all night and in the morning. The wind died down enough eventually, to lay-out for a little while.

Headed to Hana. But, we didn't get very far. It was crowded, and didn't look like there'd been much rain recently ... not a lot of waterfalls along the road. We opted to head back, since mostly everyone was wanting beach-time. We were all too tired and not really into riding around in the car all afternoon. So, we went back to Paia for lunch (had great Mexican food there). We went to Sprecklesville Beach for a quick picture, and then headed back toward the hotel.

We stopped at a beach outside of Lahaina to rest, and avoid the commute traffic back to the hotel. We cooled off in the water there, and then layed out, and napped on the beach.

I guess it's pretty bad when the most exhausting thing you do during the day, is ride in the car for an hour!!

Day 98

Day 2 in Maui ...

Father's Day. (Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there!!) I called my dad.

We woke early Hawaiian time (at a more normal time if you counted it from California time). Spent quite a bit of time drinking coffee on the lanai, watching the water, people and birds, and chatting with each other.

We laid out on the grass outside our room in the lounge chairs, and got in the water there. I did a little snorkeling, but the reef further out was where the waves were breaking, and I didn't really want to get slammed into them ... besides, I've already got a scar on my forehead from a wave pushing me into a rock (in childhood), I didn't feel the need to add to it!

We packed up a few things, and headed to Kapalua to snorkel and lay out in the afternoon. It was a little cool, and breezy, and the sun was frequently obstructed by the passing clouds. The snorekling was ok, but, with more sunshine, visibility would have been better, for sure!

Day 97

Day 1 of Maui ...

We got off as planned. Smooth drive to the airport, not much traffic this early on a weekend. When we boarded the plane, we learned that we were in first class!! How cool is that?! I packed a lunch, thinking I would need it, since most of the planes don't serve food anymore. But, when you're in first class, you get fed! The snacks will be useful later in the trip, I'm sure.

When we got to our hotel, I was informed that we had been upgraded from a partial ocean view room, to a full ocean view room. And it was a nice view! The lanai (patio) was perfect ... maybe 15 yards from the ocean. Rough life, I know.

We spent a little time getting wet, in the ocean, and laying out. I'd forgotten how nice the warmer ocean water feels!

Day 96

Today was a day packed with all kinds of things to get done!!

Knowing that it'll probably be pretty hot while I'm gone, I had to install the automatic drip system that I've been wanting to install for a long time now. I don't want to lose any of my plants while I'm away, so that was priority number one.

Then, there was the laundry to get done, and the packing to do.

I leave fairly early in the morning, so, there won't be a lot of time to get things done then.

So, again, no workout ...

Day 95

Because of previous plans, I had requested tonight off of work. It conveniently fit into my schedule now (it's crazy at work, and not somewhere one wants to be; and, I've only got 1 more day to do everything that I need to do before I go away!).

I had a good sleep today, and a sluggish start ... and then I ran out of time before heading back to bed again, for the night, to get the exercise in.

Day 94

Here I am again today ... too busy to work-out.

I work tonight. And then have only a couple more days after that before I leave ... so, it's fairly easy to put off the working out for other things when the pressure of deadlines is caving in on me!

Day 93

Tuesday is usually my turn-around day. If I've slacked off on the weekend, I manage to get back on track by Tuesday. (Mainly because going longer than a week without exercising seems so wrong!)

But, no, I had more errands, and things to do today.

Weight Watcher's meeting went well. The topic today was about the things of summer that can knock you off track with eating. The different activities and get-togethers that can throw you off!

Actually, today, finally, my back is beginning to feel more back to it's "norm" after my "work-week".

So, no, I didn't get a work-out in. I was gone from home all day long.

Day 92

I ran around like a crazy-person today. Errands. And, I didn't get a work-out in.

Day 91

Day 91.

Yeah, I had the big guy all 4 nights. Officially, I am whipped!! I ache from neck to hips.

No workout for me tonight.

I got my measurements done and pictures taken (you'll find them in the Day 90 entry).

I leave for Hawaii at the end of the week. There's no way I want to start something new while on vacation. Besides, the folks at Beach Body encourage a two week break between programs. I wish to maximize my results for my trip, so I will continue working out through the end of the week. Five days in Hawaii ... while I will probably be active, I am not planning any organized exercise. I get back in time to work my weekend and I won't stress if I miss any workouts that week, though I am going to work on getting up a little earlier than usual and do some form of exercise.

My plan is to start P90X the following week (June 25).

Day 90

T-minus ZERO.

Wow! I made it!! Ninety days ... and I stuck with it through the end. That's an accomplishment! Usually, I see some results (barely) and then the "plan" fades away for me. I think I have this weblog, and the BB bulletin boards to thank for my perseverence. Thanks to all my support, Nohad (you've given me a standard to live up to), and the BB gang (having to log on and say, "oops, I didn't exercise today" has motivated me, along with seeing you guys' results).

Measurements:
body part------day 1------day 30-----day 60----day 90
Neck------------13---------13----------13-------13
Chest-----------39---------37.5--------37-------37
Waist-----------37---------33----------32.5-----31
Hips------------44---------42.5--------42-------41
R. Upper Arm---12--------12----------12--------12
L. Upper Arm---12--------12----------12--------12
R. Forearm------10.5------10.5--------10.5------10.5
L. Forearm------10.5------10.5--------10.5------10.5
R. Thigh---------25--------24----------23.5------23.5
L. Thigh---------25--------24----------23.5------23.5
R. Calf-----------15--------15----------15--------15
L. Calf-----------15--------15----------15--------15
Weight----------160.8-----158--------156-------158.5
Body Fat %------45.6%----39.6%------38.5%----35.54
BMI-------------29--------28.9--------28.5-----29

If my math is correct ... I have a 14 inch loss! My weight is essentially the same, but I've lost nearly 10% bodyfat! I've dropped 1 clothing size (maybe slightly more), and even more amazing, I actually bought a two-piece swimsuit that I am actually going to wear in public when I go to Maui! (If you know me, that last statement speaks volumes!)

I know you all really came to see the pictures ... guess that's why I put them at the bottom of the post?! Haha! Anyway, in comparing them, I think I see a little change (the front-view Day 90 picture makes me look like I'm slouching!) but, of course, most of the change happened in the first 30 days (when I was pushing the hardest the most regularly).

Overall, I am proud of the changes I have made. I'm leaner, and stronger, and healthier, and have an improved body image. (It was alright before, but it's definitely changed during the 90 days.)

Front:

Side:

Back:

Plans for after this? Get through this next week! Go on vacation. Return, ready to hit it full-on!! X-style!

Day 89

T-minus 1 day.

And, again, I did my work-out at work! They pay me to lift "weights" at work?!

Day 88

T-minus 2 days.

The best laid plans ... umm, well, I really was going to get up early and work-out! Really. Unfortunately, I had this patient last night ... he was my work-out ... just shy of 450 lbs. Between him, and helping with the 500 lb. patient we had, I felt that rest was most important. When I left work, my lower back was trying to go into a spasm.

And, since a back injury (especially a work-related one) would really mess up my goals, I felt it was best to take my ibuprofen, apply heat and REST!! This is my 4 day stretch (work) and there's a really good chance I've got this guy all weekend long ...

Goal for tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4. If I don't have that same patient ... otherwise, lifting and turning about 100 lbs. every two to three hours is more than enough ...

Day 87

T-minus 3 days.

Sculpt 3/4. Done.

ARX: 265. Done.

Yeah, that feels good! My original "Day 1", February 20, I looked up my stats ... I was impressed with being able to do 44 crunches on the Ab Ripper 100!! And, now, I'm doing Ab Ripper X! Woohoo!

Goal for tomorrow: Wake up early and EXERCISE! I have my goals, but, will accept (like last week) just getting up and doing something. My preference is Sweat 3/4, ARX: 254, however, this takes an hour to do, and I know I'll be lucky if I can get up early enough to walk, or ride my bike for half an hour.

Day 86

T-minus 4 days.

I did my Patriotic deed today ... I went and voted.

My Weight Watcher's meeting went well. It was a discussion of dairy ... the benefits, and how to get at least 2 servings in a day.

Sculpt 3/4. Done.

I had a good workout today. I took it slow, rested when I needed to so that I could complete what I needed to/achieve my goals.

My stats: It took my 55 minutes today, I really must have nailed it, because I burned 417 calories (normally, it seems like I'm closer to 300). My HR-max: 169, HR-ave: 142.

I managed to do a total of 75 pushups today: declines: 9; regular: 16; girlie: 50.

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 9
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 6
Heavy Pants: 20# 8 reps
Military Press: 15# 8 reps
Bicep curls: 15# 8 reps
Tricep Extensions: 20# 12 reps
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (regular ones): 16 (5 regular ones, the rest "girlie" style)
Back Flys: 15# 8 reps
Swimmer's Press: 15# 8 reps
Open Curls: 15# 8 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 8 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 5 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-10
Lawn Mower: 20# 8 reps
Shoulder Flys: 10# 7 reps
Bicep 21s: 15# 7-7-7 (I rested between each section of 7 so that I could do the full 7 instead of having to stop part-way through and not complete.)
Dips (straight leg): 11
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-12-12
Upright rows: 15# 8 reps
Calf Raise: 15# 20 reps
Wrist curls: 10# 10 reps
Wrist extensions: 10# 15 reps
Lower Back Extensions: 6 reps
Max push-ups: 20
Max squats: 25

Goal for tomorrow: Sweat 3/4. Ab Ripper X (ARX): 255.

Day 85

T-minus 5 days.

The best laid plans ... do frequently get screwed up for me! I turned on my laptop to access my blog (the location where I find my last exercise routine to plan my next routine), and I discovered my LCD screen is possibly going out (or there's a cable issue). So, instead of working out, I spent my evening trying to figure out what was wrong with the computer, and how to fix it, if possible.

At least now, I do believe I know what is wrong with it. But, it's cramping my portability-style!!

So, the Sculpt 3/4 workout was not done today.

Goals for tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4.

Day 84

T-minus 6 days.

I didn't get to my workout this afternoon. It was just so hot, all energy was zapped from me!

I did manage to get some housework done ... vacuuming & dusting burns more calories than laying on the couch!!

I am going to make these next 6 days count. I was able to get up a little early last week, and get a workout in. This week, I am aiming for NO MISSED WORKOUTS.

I have 6 days until "Day 90" ... and then, I've got 1 more week to continue to workout, before flying to Hawaii for a long weekend (5 days).

So, I must really push it for this last little bit. I am noticing, a new pair of shorts I bought that were just on the edge of being too tight now fit comfortably (since Day 30), so that is an encouragement to me.

Goal for tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4.

Day 83

No workout today.

I woke up and hit the floor running today. Got home late, and I was exhausted, so didn't get my workout in today either. Didn't really expect to get it in.

Tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4.

Day 82

Well, today I woke up a little later than I had planned. And then got stuck in traffic while running my errands. So, I wasn't home/awake for long before heading back to bed for the night!

No workout today.

I know I won't have time tomorrow for a workout, either.

Day 81

It's June already! How did that happen?!

I did it ... I dragged my sorry butt out of bed and rode the stationary bike for 20 minutes. Woohoo! I'm now hot & sweaty ... and I've got just enough time to do my usual routines before heading to work.

Tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4.

Day 80

Sweat 3/4 done. Yeah, it's getting boring. Seems even more so since watching the X videos! (Kenpo X looks fun.) My goal was to do 200 crunches, but had also planned on adding an extra one (I need to get ready to do the 350-ish in Ab Ripper X) ... well, instead of doing the ab200, I decided to pop in the ARX DVD. I did what I could ... and ended up doing better than I thought I would. (I'm sure I'll be sore tonight & tomorrow!) Abs: 252.

Here's what I did:
In & Out: 20
Seated Bicycle: 20 (each direction)
Seated Crunchy Frog: 20
Wide-Leg Sit-Up: 25 (planned on 20, but lost count, so just followed them on the DVD)
Fifer Scissor: 17 (I couldn't squeak out another one)
Hip Rock 'N Raise: 20
Pulse Up: 20
Roll-Up/V-Up Combo: 6 (Yeah, I wimped out on this one ... umm, let's just say there's plenty room for improvement!)
Oblique V-Up: 20 (each side)
Leg Climb: 12 (each side)
Mason Twist: 20

I feel good about my workout today. I successfully met, or exceeded my goals. (Now it's time to enjoy a protein shake & take my nap!!)

Tomorrow: I know there's a really good chance that I'm not going to be able to get up to work-out tomorrow, but, I've got less than 2 weeks before my next measurements & pictures. Besides, to really optimize P90X, I'm going to need to be used to working-out 6 days a week. So, my goal for tomorrow is to get up a little bit early and DO SOMETHING!! Even if it's "only" the 25 min. yoga DVD, at least I will have gotten out of bed early and been active.

Day 79

Sculpt 3/4. Partially done.

My plan, since I didn't get the workout in yesterday, was to do both the sculpt and sweat workouts today. In the morning, I did the sculpt 3/4 workout, but, because it was a Weight Watcher's weigh-in day, I wasn't properly fueled for the workout. (I try not to eat or drink much prior to weigh-in.) So, I ran out of steam part-way through.

Then, in the afternoon, I was so exhausted, I laid down for a little nap that ended up taking all afternoon!

So, here's today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 9
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 4
Heavy Pants: 20# 8 reps
Military Press: 15# 8 reps
Bicep curls: 15# 8 reps
Tricep Extensions: 15# 16 reps (It's 16 because I'm doing 2 sets of 8)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (regular ones): 13 (5 regular ones, the rest "girlie" style)
Back Flys: 15# 8 reps
Swimmer's Press: 15# 8 reps
Open Curls: 15# 7 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 9 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 5 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-3

Tomorrow: Sweat 3/4. Abs: 200.

Day 78

I had planned on getting my workout in today ... but, ran out of time.

I was a little too sluggish in the morning, I guess, and needed to leave before I could get it in. And, then, after an enjoyable afternoon at my brother's house, I got back a little too late to get it in before I had to leave again for the evening.

Tomorrow for sure I will get the workout in ... no excuses.

Tonight, I was watching some of the P90X videos. Wow. Talk about a serious workout!! I am looking at them with trepidation ... I'm telling myself, "there's no way I can keep up with those guys right now!" But then I think, "OK, do what you can. Keep plugging away, and making progress every day! You are nearly done with P90, you've successfully increased your health and fitness level the last 90 days. You can totally do this!"

Yeah, I may not be able to do all those warm-up squats and lunges in the beginning of Plyometrics, but, by the end of the next 90 day segment I will!!

Day 77

I think I'm still recuperating from my double-back. I just don't bounce-back like I used to! Come payday next week, though, I will enjoy it!

I though about doing yoga today, but, I'm barely moving now ... 3 hours after I got out of bed! So, I think I'll just start fresh tomorrow.

Even when I'm not working out, I am eating well. Healthy, whole-grains with lots of fruits and veggies. Keeping portions small can sometimes be difficulty, but, if it's veggies, I don't worry so much about it ... how many calories are in a cucumber, really?

I came across an energy drink last week, called FRS plus. They have a low-calorie, concentrated version. I ordered a bottle to try. Since Tuesday, I've had at least 1 serving each day. I had a serving before working out on Tuesday, as well, that seemed to help keep my energy up. It's definitely helped, having a serving while I'm at work, to get me through the night. I haven't been "hitting the wall" at 5 in the morning like usual. I'm not noticing an over abundance of energy (other than at work, I'm not as sleepy) but, I am interested in giving it a longer "try" than just a week!

Tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4. Then, I'll be hanging out at my brother's house, after I get my workout in, in the morning.

Day 76

I did a "double-back" ... that's what we call it when you stay over (or come in early) ... and do overtime. For me, it's a 16 hour shift. So, obviously, since I was already sleep deprived ... this was a guilt-free no workout day!!

I was only getting 4 1/2 hours of sleep before heading back in to work.

Next week is a new start ...

Day 75

I was pretty tired again this morning ... had a hard time getting home this morning. So, I decided I needed sleep. An hour and a half doesn't seem like a whole lot extra ... but it definitely helps!

So, again, no workout today.

Day 74

As expected ... I was too tired this morning when I went to bed, to even think about getting up early. Especially tired, since I didn't get my nap in yesterday.

So, no workout today.

Day 73

Sweat 3/4 ... Abs: 200!!

Woohoo! I did it! I hit 200! That was hard!!

Tomorrow: sculpt 3/4. I'm not holding my breath ... didn't get a nap in today, so, will be especially tired in the morning when I get home. Probably won't do sculpt 3/4 until Friday.

Day 72

Again, I've got more free time today than usual. And, I kept putting off my workout. I had some late-afternoon errands to run when I should have been working out. I made the decision that no matter what time I ended up getting home, or how late I got home, I was going to workout. I NEEDED to workout. I only have 18 days left of the 90 days ... 2 1/2 weeks. I can't slack off yet.

So, my workout started at 10 pm ...

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 8
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 6
Heavy Pants: 20# 8 reps
Military Press: 15# 8 reps
Bicep curls: 15# 8 reps
Tricep Extensions: 15# 16 reps (I should probably increase the weight on this one!)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (regular ones): 17 (5 regular ones, the rest "girlie" style)
Back Flys: 15# 8 reps
Swimmer's Press: 15# 8 reps
Open Curls: 15# 7 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 9 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 5 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-7
Lawn Mower: 20# 8 reps
Shoulder Flys: 10# 7 reps
Bicep 21s: 15# 5-5-3 (Maybe I should drop the weights down on this one ... seems like I'm going no where on this! Maybe I'm not quite ready for the 15 lbs.)
Dips (straight leg): 10
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-12-12
Upright rows: 15# 8 reps
Calf Raise: 15# 20 reps
Wrist curls: 10# 12 reps (Wrists were ok. My forearms were on fire!)
Wrist extensions: 10# 12 reps
Lower Back Extensions: 6 reps (I did more than Tony!!)
Max push-ups: 25
Max squats: 33

I was sweating ... a lot ... at the end of this workout! I burned 269 calories. I did a total of 77 pushups, 8 declines, 11 "guy" style, 58 "girlie" style. My arms are still shaky!

New goals for the week:

1. Workout 3 times this week. (Four didn't work, and I'd like to achieve the goal, so I'm lowering the standard this week.)
2. Abs: 200.

Day 71

When I have a change in my schedule, I have a harder time keeping my workout schedule. That might be understandable if the change in my schedule meant I had less time to workout. But I didn't. I had more free time.

Oh well.

Tomorrow: sculpt 3/4.

Day 70

Rest Day today. Actually, it was fairly relaxing, particularly after the previous days in the weekend. My parents came over for a brief visit.

My church had a Mother-Daughter Tea at the church this afternoon, so I invited my mom to attend with me. My dad came along for a chance to see me, as well. I fixed them a healthy, good late lunch ... I wasn't sure how much food would be at the tea. So, we ate when they got here. About an hour after they arrived, my mom and I headed off to the tea ... leaving dad to chill!

The tea was nice. Yummy tea, good fresh fruit (including chocolate dipped strawberries), sandwiches, salads, cookies and scones. I was moderately controlled ... umm, well, I could have been worse!! I won a door prize ... $50 gift certificate to a local apparel store.

Spent another hour or so, after the tea, chatting with mom and dad, before they headed back home.

Tomorrow: sculpt 3/4.

Day 69

I ended up being way too busy. From the time I got up in the morning, until I dragged myself to bed, exhausted, so, didn't get that workout in.

I didn't make my 4 workout goal this week. Three. Three's not so bad. I mean, it beats two ... or NONE! Right?!

Tomorrow: REST day!!

Next week: Goal for abs: 200! I definitely want to be able to do all 200 before I start the X later next month.

Day 68

And, again ... wasn't able to get up early. Not sure why I thought I could get up after only 4 hours of sleep to workout! Slept an extra couple hours, and then was pretty busy with the last-minute cleaning.

Tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4 ... not sure I'll have time, but will try.

Day 67

Why do I kid myself, scheduling a workout the afternoon after my first night of work? Oh well.

No, I couldn't get up and workout today ... I was too tired to get up early.

Tomorrow: Get up early and do Sweat 3/4. Abs.: 180. I'm going to hit 200 next week!!

Day 66

Sweat 3/4. Done.
Abs: 172 (bicycles are hard to count!).

My knee was bothering me a little, so I kept the impact a little lower ... didn't work as hard as I might normally do. The knee doesn't feel any worse now that I'm done with the workout, so I think I'm ok. We'll see tonight, after I've been on my feet for 12 hours!

Plan for tomorrow: Get up early and do Sculpt 3/4 (same weights as Tuesday).

Day 65

Weight Watcher's meeting today was interesting. Basically, it was about how your eating/cooking habits change with the seasons. She threw out some great ideas for revitalizing some of the old "staples." Mostly about changing the seasonings, and grilling food.

I love to grill, and enjoy the grilled food, but unfortunately don't seem to have the time ... I've got a charcoal grill. Would love to have a gas grill ... I think I'd use it more, because there isn't the wait time required with the briquettes.

Allergies are starting to kick in. Itchy eyes, scratchy throat. It's warm out today, too.

I didn't feel like working out today, but, I knew I needed to. If I want to reach the goals I've set for myself, I really need to do this, and not make excuses ... that didn't help. Actually, what helped, was knowing that a friend of mine has started the program as well (yesterday she pushed play). If she got up early to do the program, I didn't want to have to tell her, "umm, well, I was too lazy ..." So, I got my butt in gear and did it! Sculpt 3/4. Done.

Unfortunately, I forgot to get the 20# weights. But, since I was mostly using 10# weights, I decided to increase all those things to the 15# weights ... and, I can now put off buying the other ones for another week! All the pushups were done using the Power Stands, my wrists have been bothering me this week, so I don't know that I'll notice much difference for a week or so ... when they're feeling more rested.

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 9
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 4
Heavy Pants: 15# 13 reps
Military Press: 15# 8 reps (Difficult.)
Bicep curls: 15# 8 reps (DIFFICULT!!)
Tricep Extensions: 15# 8 reps (Perfect weight.)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (regular ones): 16 (4 regular ones, the rest "girlie" style)
Back Flys: 15# 8 reps
Swimmer's Press: 15# 8 reps (Took everything in me to do that last one!)
Open Curls: 15# 6 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 9 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 4 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-5
Lawn Mower: 15# 13 reps
Shoulder Flys: 10# 7 reps
Bicep 21s: 15# 5-5-2 (I think the increased weights on everything really wore me out!)
Dips (straight leg): 10
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-12-12
Upright rows: 15# 8 reps (Difficult.)
Calf Raise: 15# 20 reps (From 12 on it was burning!)
Wrist curls: 10# 8 reps (My right wrist has been hurting all weekend, so, these & the extensions were esp. difficult to get through.)
Wrist extensions: 10# 8 reps
Lower Back Extensions: 6 reps (I did more than Tony!!)
Max push-ups: 23 (Upper Body ... definitely maxed out!!)
Max squats: 30

This was definitely an excellent workout today. My allergy feelings aren't so bad now, either. Not sure if it's the Allegra (that normally only seems to moderately work), or the exercise!! I feel good ... every part of my body feels well-worked after this workout.

Tomorrow: Sweat 3/4. Abs: 170.

Day 64

Took my "Day 60" pictures this morning. I haven't compared them to the previous ones yet. I won't have time to crop them and add them to the other pictures until later this evening. Tonight you should be able to find them on the "Day 60" entry, after the measurements.

Sweat 3/4, done. Abs: 160, done. My goal was to do 170, but I didn't quite make it ... but then, I also have to remember that I hadn't done that workout in a week, so, 160 is good!

I have been motivated to make lofty goals. Actually, I don't know that they're "lofty" ... I think they are attainable, but it'll take a lot of work. Reading the enthusiasm of some of my fellow BBers, I've been motivated to do the X after P90. (P90X ... Power90 Extreme) I've read through the fitness pre-test, and feel pretty confident in my ability to pass it ... except for one thing, the dreaded pull-up ...

So, my goal for the last 1/3 of this journey, is to increase my strength, and work on those pullups. I would like to be able to do at least 3 when I start the new program at the end of June. So now it looks like I need to get another pair of dummbells. Hopefully I can pickup a pair of 20#s tomorrow before my sculpt workout. I'll be dropping everything down to the 8-10 rep range, which means that most everything is going to get an increase in weight!

Goal for tomorrow: Sculpt 3/4 ... increase the weight on anything that I can do 13 reps on already.

***

Update: The pictures are uploaded now. You will find them at the bottom of the "Day 60" entry, after the measurements.

Day 63

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there ...

I was a good daughter and called my mom today.

I didn't workout, however!! ;-)

I found some cute clothes (swimwear, and casual wear) in a catalog this weekend. I'd like to look good in them!! I need to remember Hawaii when I'm not feeling like working out! Keep that goal in sight ...

My goal for this week ...

1. To workout 4 days this week. (Something that is totally do-able, and would be an improvement over what I've been doing lately.)
2. Take my "Day 60" ... I mean Day 64 pictures.

Goal for tomorrow: Sweat 3/4. Abs: 170. Pictures.

Day 62

Again, I was too tired to get up early for my workout.

Next week, I am starting fresh, with new resolve and focus to get on track to achieve my goals.