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 & 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.