I'm stuck in a rut. I need to make a change. I am really stagnant at work right now, my engineering career is really just on hold until people start hiring again, and I just don't feel appreciated at work by either the upper management, or the customers.
Yesterday, I really felt put down by our first customer of the day. He really pushed my buttons and I'm angry.
I am SICK AND TIRED of people talking down to me because they think I must be uneducated just because I work in retail. Do these ignorant asses think I only have this job because I have no other skills? I was programming computers when most people I know still didn't even know what a computer WAS! I was writing programs that allowed me to TALK to my computer when I was 10 effin' years old!! I can do calculus in my head. I was a member of just about every honor society in High School and I went to college on a full scholarship. I can take 10,000 pieces of metal and end up with an engine in 4 hours. I have an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. I am accredited by The American Council on Exercise AND the American Dietetics Association. How's THAT for educated?
My IQ is higher than probably 75% of people I know. Does that make me wanna talk down to all my friends because I know the ins and outs of particle physics? NO. So why is it that when some guy walks in here and sees me working behind a cash register that he automatically thinks I must be uneducated and talks to me like I have no idea what 2 + 2 is? Times are tough...people should KNOW nowadays that no job is secure and we will cling to whatever money we have just to be able to try to get by.
Do I make a great salary here? No way. But I have learned VERY QUICKLY how to budget my money appropriately for what I need. I just bought a new car AND a new bike. Almost 30,000 dollars total between the two of them. Honestly, I think I'm in a better position to pay for these things now that I make 1/4 of my engineering salary than when I HAD that job. I was WAY more indiscriminate with my money back then.
So...mister "I have lots of money so I'm gonna buy a 5 thousand dollar bike"....I just bought a 5 thousand dollar bike and I make a laughable salary by most people's standards.
All these stuck up assholes need to shut their pie holes and mind their own business.
20110621
20110421
The Heat Is ON!!
Boston...done! I am in the process of writing a race report, but more important things have appeared this week!
I ran a 3:09:05 at Boston this week. I had been shooting for 3:04:59 due to the new time constraints on registration this coming year for the 2012 Boston Marathon. For those runners who qualify at a time 20 minutes or more under their required time (for me, that's 3:15:59), registration begins on September 12. I know I won't be running a 2:55 any time soon. But...I know I can go 3:05 with focused training and nutrition. That's 10 minutes below my time. Runners who beat their qualifying time by 10 minutes or more can register in Tier 2 of registration (Day 3). The problem is...a flat, fast marathon is hard to come by before that time. I looked at Toronto Waterfront...but it's October 16th...too late. Chicago is October 9...again, too late. So I need a race between now and September that's flat, fast, a Boston Qualifier, and decently weather-friendly.
TORONTO MARATHON. May 15. This looks like my best bet. The problem is...it's a MONTH away!! I have to kick some ass for the next 3 weeks and get myself in tip-top shape in almost no time at all!! So...St. A's just became a C race. I am back to marathon training starting next Monday. Holy crash course training Batman!!! This is gonna be insane. I need to take 3 minutes and 6 seconds off my marathon in 4 weeks.
Stay tuned folks, this is gonna be a rough ride!!
I ran a 3:09:05 at Boston this week. I had been shooting for 3:04:59 due to the new time constraints on registration this coming year for the 2012 Boston Marathon. For those runners who qualify at a time 20 minutes or more under their required time (for me, that's 3:15:59), registration begins on September 12. I know I won't be running a 2:55 any time soon. But...I know I can go 3:05 with focused training and nutrition. That's 10 minutes below my time. Runners who beat their qualifying time by 10 minutes or more can register in Tier 2 of registration (Day 3). The problem is...a flat, fast marathon is hard to come by before that time. I looked at Toronto Waterfront...but it's October 16th...too late. Chicago is October 9...again, too late. So I need a race between now and September that's flat, fast, a Boston Qualifier, and decently weather-friendly.
TORONTO MARATHON. May 15. This looks like my best bet. The problem is...it's a MONTH away!! I have to kick some ass for the next 3 weeks and get myself in tip-top shape in almost no time at all!! So...St. A's just became a C race. I am back to marathon training starting next Monday. Holy crash course training Batman!!! This is gonna be insane. I need to take 3 minutes and 6 seconds off my marathon in 4 weeks.
Stay tuned folks, this is gonna be a rough ride!!
20110413
The Closer I Come to PUKING...
...the better I feel!! Or...maybe not. OK, I guess I tend to feel a little more accomplished when I come to the edge of throwing up during or after a workout. But seriously...what's WRONG with me?!?!
Today's workout was a good burner.
Seven rounds for time of:
3 reps of 75# split snatch
10 pullups
I wanted to try to get as many rounds as possible completed unbroken. I did manage to do that on rounds 1 and 2. All of my snatches were unbroken, but the pullups...different story. Most of them from rounds 3 to 6 were in 2 separate sets...usually 5 and 5 or 6 and 4. But the last round...holy crap. My heart rate was so high I thought I was gonna pass out and my pullups were literally 2 at a time. I was so spent after the snatches in the last round that I thought I might just throw up before I got onto the pullup bar. Still...I made it through the last round without throwing up. Pukey did NOT visit me today.
I had to sit down and breathe for about 5 minutes post-workout...and I needed lots of water. I think I was dehydrated...we ate a lot of salty food yesterday (traveling and trying to eat healthy is almost impossible) so I think I just need to hydrate today and I'll feel better.
We still have 10 x 200 on the 2 minute to do tonight. Oh boy.
Today's workout was a good burner.
Seven rounds for time of:
3 reps of 75# split snatch
10 pullups
I wanted to try to get as many rounds as possible completed unbroken. I did manage to do that on rounds 1 and 2. All of my snatches were unbroken, but the pullups...different story. Most of them from rounds 3 to 6 were in 2 separate sets...usually 5 and 5 or 6 and 4. But the last round...holy crap. My heart rate was so high I thought I was gonna pass out and my pullups were literally 2 at a time. I was so spent after the snatches in the last round that I thought I might just throw up before I got onto the pullup bar. Still...I made it through the last round without throwing up. Pukey did NOT visit me today.
I had to sit down and breathe for about 5 minutes post-workout...and I needed lots of water. I think I was dehydrated...we ate a lot of salty food yesterday (traveling and trying to eat healthy is almost impossible) so I think I just need to hydrate today and I'll feel better.
We still have 10 x 200 on the 2 minute to do tonight. Oh boy.
20110410
One Week Down...
...ELEVEN to go!! The first week of this new plan seemed to work pretty well!! I didn't do a whole hell of a lot of training and yet, I was sore...but I felt stronger as the week went on!! Sweet!
Week 2 looks like this...
Monday
AM: 120 jumpropes, run 400m, 60 jumpropes, run 800m, 30 jumpropes, run 1200m
PM: 10 rounds of 2 reps front squat on the 1 minute, 80% 1RM, rest 5 min, 100 walking lunges
Tuesday
OFF
Wednesday
AM: 7 rounds of 3 snatches and 10 pullups (sub sumo deadlift high pull for snatch if desired)
PM: 10 x 200m on the 2 minute
Thursday
AM: 5 rounds of 30 thrusters and 30 box jumps
PM: Brian OFF, Jeff run 9 miles
Friday
AM: Jeff OFF, Brian 5 x 400 with 2 minute rests
PM: 5-5-3-3-1-1 weighted pullups (2 min rests between attempts)
Saturday
AM: Jeff OFF, Brian run 3 miles
PM: OFF
Sunday
AM: Jeff OFF, Brian 3 x 800m with 2min rests
PM: OFF
MONDAY!! BOSTON MARATHON!!!
Race week is finally here!! I'm feeling a little more confident after this week's workouts. My legs are feeling good, all the soreness and cramps are gone, and I feel strong and lean!! Just a few more good taper workouts and I'll be READY for BEANTOWN!!
Week 2 looks like this...
Monday
AM: 120 jumpropes, run 400m, 60 jumpropes, run 800m, 30 jumpropes, run 1200m
PM: 10 rounds of 2 reps front squat on the 1 minute, 80% 1RM, rest 5 min, 100 walking lunges
Tuesday
OFF
Wednesday
AM: 7 rounds of 3 snatches and 10 pullups (sub sumo deadlift high pull for snatch if desired)
PM: 10 x 200m on the 2 minute
Thursday
AM: 5 rounds of 30 thrusters and 30 box jumps
PM: Brian OFF, Jeff run 9 miles
Friday
AM: Jeff OFF, Brian 5 x 400 with 2 minute rests
PM: 5-5-3-3-1-1 weighted pullups (2 min rests between attempts)
Saturday
AM: Jeff OFF, Brian run 3 miles
PM: OFF
Sunday
AM: Jeff OFF, Brian 3 x 800m with 2min rests
PM: OFF
MONDAY!! BOSTON MARATHON!!!
Race week is finally here!! I'm feeling a little more confident after this week's workouts. My legs are feeling good, all the soreness and cramps are gone, and I feel strong and lean!! Just a few more good taper workouts and I'll be READY for BEANTOWN!!
20110405
Not So Minimal
Well, today I really tried to be minimal about my workouts...but damn, I just kept going. I did what I was supposed to do (AM 200's and PM "Fran") but I also did some swimming (very short) and I ran a 5K at Four Green Fields tonight. Probably not the best idea but when I've got only a few more workout days before the big taper for Boston, I've gotta make the most of 'em. I didn't do my 15 miler today, but I am pretty sure all the extra stuff I did today and then the 5K resulted in just about the same amount of exertion.
I'm happy to report that I'm down another 2 pounds from last week. The bodyfat seems to be coming off more quickly now that I've refined my nutrition a bit and I'm doing more intense workouts instead of long boring ones. We'll see if it keeps dropping. The good news is, my size 28 pants are almost too big on me now...sheesh!! I'm gonna have to start buying kids' pants. :)
I'm happy to report that I'm down another 2 pounds from last week. The bodyfat seems to be coming off more quickly now that I've refined my nutrition a bit and I'm doing more intense workouts instead of long boring ones. We'll see if it keeps dropping. The good news is, my size 28 pants are almost too big on me now...sheesh!! I'm gonna have to start buying kids' pants. :)
20110403
A New Approach!
Everyone's so into this minimalist running thing (I admit, I've done some myself) that I figured...why not try minimalist TRAINING! So at the advice of a good friend, and the indirect advice of the author of the book I'm reading ("The Four Hour Body" by Tim Ferriss), I'm gonna try a new approach to working out. I'm taking his program and modifying it slightly to meet my goals. I'll post the progress here over the next few weeks. I'm even gonna post the workouts here so if anyone is interested in trying this, you'll have the tools to make it work!
Diet will be protein heavy, of course. It will also include some slow carbs and a lot of vegetables. I cannot give up my milk addiction (that is to say...I WILL NOT) so I'm gonna keep drinking it, but I'll move to higher fat content to lower the GI and GL of the milk. Yes, I know...even higher fat milk still has a higher GL per GI of other high protein foods, but whatever...I love milk.
So...with that being said...here is my first week of minimalist training. Except for my last 15 mile run in preparation for the Boston Marathon on April 18th, I'll be doing a very small amount of workouts in the gym and outside.
Week 1...
Monday
AM: Weighted back extensions, 2 x 8, 3 min rests between
PM: 150 jumpropes, 50 situps, 120 jumpropes, 40 situps, 90 jumpropes, 30 situps, 60 jumpropes, 20 situps, 30 jumpropes, 10 situps (NO REST BETWEEN ANY EXERCISES)
Tuesday
AM: Brian: 8 x 200m on the 2 minute, not slowing more than 2-3 seconds
Jeff: Run 15 miles tempo
PM: Fran (21-15-9 reps of thrusters and pullups)
Wednesday
AM: OFF
PM: 5K TT
Thursday
AM: Row 1500m or run 1 mile (max speed) then do 30 powercleans or 45 upright row
PM: Run 3-6 miles, Zone 2
Friday
AM: 2 x 800 on the 4 minute, not slowing more than 2-3 sec
PM: 3 rounds of: max reps pullups, rest 1 min, max rep pushups, rest 1 min, max rep squats, rest 1 min
Saturday
AM: Bench press (60% max) 8 x 3 reps, on the 1 min, rest 10 min, treadmill Tabatas
PM: OFF
Sunday
AM: 15 thrusters, 30 box jumps, 12 thrusters, 20 box jumps, 9 thrusters, 10 box jumps
So...this should keep my busy for the week. At least I won't have to worry about not having enough time to train. I can literally get up only 30 minutes early and still have time to do the workout and get to work on time. Can't wait to see how this works out!!
Diet will be protein heavy, of course. It will also include some slow carbs and a lot of vegetables. I cannot give up my milk addiction (that is to say...I WILL NOT) so I'm gonna keep drinking it, but I'll move to higher fat content to lower the GI and GL of the milk. Yes, I know...even higher fat milk still has a higher GL per GI of other high protein foods, but whatever...I love milk.
So...with that being said...here is my first week of minimalist training. Except for my last 15 mile run in preparation for the Boston Marathon on April 18th, I'll be doing a very small amount of workouts in the gym and outside.
Week 1...
Monday
AM: Weighted back extensions, 2 x 8, 3 min rests between
PM: 150 jumpropes, 50 situps, 120 jumpropes, 40 situps, 90 jumpropes, 30 situps, 60 jumpropes, 20 situps, 30 jumpropes, 10 situps (NO REST BETWEEN ANY EXERCISES)
Tuesday
AM: Brian: 8 x 200m on the 2 minute, not slowing more than 2-3 seconds
Jeff: Run 15 miles tempo
PM: Fran (21-15-9 reps of thrusters and pullups)
Wednesday
AM: OFF
PM: 5K TT
Thursday
AM: Row 1500m or run 1 mile (max speed) then do 30 powercleans or 45 upright row
PM: Run 3-6 miles, Zone 2
Friday
AM: 2 x 800 on the 4 minute, not slowing more than 2-3 sec
PM: 3 rounds of: max reps pullups, rest 1 min, max rep pushups, rest 1 min, max rep squats, rest 1 min
Saturday
AM: Bench press (60% max) 8 x 3 reps, on the 1 min, rest 10 min, treadmill Tabatas
PM: OFF
Sunday
AM: 15 thrusters, 30 box jumps, 12 thrusters, 20 box jumps, 9 thrusters, 10 box jumps
So...this should keep my busy for the week. At least I won't have to worry about not having enough time to train. I can literally get up only 30 minutes early and still have time to do the workout and get to work on time. Can't wait to see how this works out!!
20110401
Hi, My Name is STOOPID.
What idiot goes and attempts an 18 miler after having the flu for a week??
Oh yeah. ME
Well, it started off good. Actually I felt better than I have in a long time. My first 5 miles were really good. About Mile 6 I felt my legs a bit but figured I was just working hard. The gel I took at Mile 4 was working...I felt like I had good energy.
Around Mile 8 I took another gel and had some water. I still felt okay but I felt my heart rate going up a bit. So I slowed down to keep my HR in Zone 2 or thereabouts. I was still right around 750 pace so it didn't worry me.
Then the shit hit the fan. Around 9 miles I felt like I was needing another gel already! And I was hungry! Not good. My heart rate was rising again. I grabbed some water at Mile 10 and kept going. I was slowing down.
Mile 11...done. My heart rate shot thru the roof and I had to stop and walk. I was hyperventilating and my legs froze up. I walked ALL the way to Mile 12 where I had more water. I just couldn't put the water back in my body faster than it was going out. I had stopped sweating which is a REALLY bad sign. My arms tingled.
From there til I got home, I managed about a mile and a half of running, but the rest was walking. Every time I'd try to run, my heart rate would just skyrocket. I was underhydrated when I started, so by the time I was halfway thru this run, I was completely dehydrated. I was also depleted of sodium and potassium...as evidenced by the white stripes on my clothes and arms, and the cramps in my legs. Today was an exercise in mental toughness. Or in futility. Or in idiocy...I haven't decided yet. Sheesh, my T-cells must be in the shitter.
Oh yeah. ME
Well, it started off good. Actually I felt better than I have in a long time. My first 5 miles were really good. About Mile 6 I felt my legs a bit but figured I was just working hard. The gel I took at Mile 4 was working...I felt like I had good energy.
Around Mile 8 I took another gel and had some water. I still felt okay but I felt my heart rate going up a bit. So I slowed down to keep my HR in Zone 2 or thereabouts. I was still right around 750 pace so it didn't worry me.
Then the shit hit the fan. Around 9 miles I felt like I was needing another gel already! And I was hungry! Not good. My heart rate was rising again. I grabbed some water at Mile 10 and kept going. I was slowing down.
Mile 11...done. My heart rate shot thru the roof and I had to stop and walk. I was hyperventilating and my legs froze up. I walked ALL the way to Mile 12 where I had more water. I just couldn't put the water back in my body faster than it was going out. I had stopped sweating which is a REALLY bad sign. My arms tingled.
From there til I got home, I managed about a mile and a half of running, but the rest was walking. Every time I'd try to run, my heart rate would just skyrocket. I was underhydrated when I started, so by the time I was halfway thru this run, I was completely dehydrated. I was also depleted of sodium and potassium...as evidenced by the white stripes on my clothes and arms, and the cramps in my legs. Today was an exercise in mental toughness. Or in futility. Or in idiocy...I haven't decided yet. Sheesh, my T-cells must be in the shitter.
The Results Are In!
P90X has been a good experience overall. I think it helped me to be more disciplined and definitely helped me to be more diligent about my workouts.
Over the course of the program I managed to lose 4 pounds of bodyweight and 4.3 percent bodyfat. At the start, I was at 17.4 percent and 154 pounds.
Definitely not a happy guy in that picture above. I was definitely ready to take my training to the next level. It was time to get serious. Well, I did.
After completing P90X...
Over the course of the program I managed to lose 4 pounds of bodyweight and 4.3 percent bodyfat. At the start, I was at 17.4 percent and 154 pounds.
Definitely not a happy guy in that picture above. I was definitely ready to take my training to the next level. It was time to get serious. Well, I did.
After completing P90X...
The most difference can be seen in my back. LOTS of pullups...which is good, cuz I love pullups. So, I won't stop doing them even during my next program. Needless to say I'm very happy about the results. I know I could get even leaner with more training but it's almost time for the Boston Marathon...and tri season is just about to start as well, so more aerobic training will be realized in the next few weeks. Of course I'll still be doing lots of speed work and strength training so stay tuned...an even leaner Jeff is on the horizon!
20110331
Around the World in 90 Days
OK, so...maybe not around the world. But after tonight's workout, I will have officially spent 90 days building muscle and losing fat with P90X.
I'm excited to post the "after" pictures tomorrow. I've not felt this alive in a long time. Unfortunately, with the injuries I sustained over the fall last year, I feel like I could have done better if I wasn't always so careful not to overdo it. I feel as though I could have pushed myself a bit further, but I also feel like I was making the right decision to play things safe when it came to my legs. The Boston Marathon is but 18 days away...I had to make sure that I was building myself UP...making it more possible for me to have a good run in Beantown.
My training for Boston has been less than stellar as well. But I'm hoping that the P90X training will help to make up the deficit in my semi-minimal run training. I feel strong...but this nagging right quad pain is really annoying me. I will be using a thigh compression sleeve at Boston, as well as some anti-fatigue supplements (Beta Alanine, Caffeine, and Echinacea) so I don't run out of energy before it's time to make the final push.
So...with that being said, I take off to my last P90X session. I'm confident that I'll look back and be able to pinpoint some ways I can improve my performance on the next go-round...P90X Doubles!! Stay tuned...
I'm excited to post the "after" pictures tomorrow. I've not felt this alive in a long time. Unfortunately, with the injuries I sustained over the fall last year, I feel like I could have done better if I wasn't always so careful not to overdo it. I feel as though I could have pushed myself a bit further, but I also feel like I was making the right decision to play things safe when it came to my legs. The Boston Marathon is but 18 days away...I had to make sure that I was building myself UP...making it more possible for me to have a good run in Beantown.
My training for Boston has been less than stellar as well. But I'm hoping that the P90X training will help to make up the deficit in my semi-minimal run training. I feel strong...but this nagging right quad pain is really annoying me. I will be using a thigh compression sleeve at Boston, as well as some anti-fatigue supplements (Beta Alanine, Caffeine, and Echinacea) so I don't run out of energy before it's time to make the final push.
So...with that being said, I take off to my last P90X session. I'm confident that I'll look back and be able to pinpoint some ways I can improve my performance on the next go-round...P90X Doubles!! Stay tuned...
20110214
Middle Of The Road!
Today marks the exact middle of my P90X progression. I've come a pretty good way in 45 days. I will take a picture tonight to display the progress. Although I am happy with the results so far, I feel like I could do better. So for the next 45 days, I'll be taking things a step further. I'm gonna go back on a hardcore supplementation program, and I've done the same for Brian. I'm gonna venture to log my nutrition and supplementation so I can gain a little more edge. The program I've developed will take me thru Boston, so I'll be in awesome shape for the marathon. It's my number one priority right now so I am all about getting it right.
20110113
Hello, My Name is "BAD NEWS"
So...it seems that I've had a little bit of bad news come my way. Recently I was told that I have an elevated cholesterol count. So...on top of the stomach crap, the intestinal crap, now I have cholesterol crap to deal with. As a result, I am gonna make some changes to my diet. I've already gone out and gotten garlic, pomegranate, and cranberry supplements to help balance it.
I've already started trying to cut gluten out of my diet. I always feel better within about two weeks once I get the gluten out of my diet. It's only been 4 days but I already feel like it's working.
I'm also gonna talk to someone I trust immensely, in order to get some different ideas as well. Time to get serious.
I've already started trying to cut gluten out of my diet. I always feel better within about two weeks once I get the gluten out of my diet. It's only been 4 days but I already feel like it's working.
I'm also gonna talk to someone I trust immensely, in order to get some different ideas as well. Time to get serious.
Wow, You Smell RAGNARly Dude!
Last weekend, Brian, 10 of our friends, and I completed the 191.1-mile RAGNAR Relay from Miami to Key West. The memories are indescribable, there are no words to say how much awesome fun we had.
The BEST part is...our team took FIRST PLACE in the running store division. We were 19th overall out of 322 teams! GO FEET FIRST BALLISTIC BUTTERCUPS!!
To illustrate the awesome times we had, since writing about it seems to be unworthy of the time we had, I'm posting one pic that says it all!! Enjoy!!
The BEST part is...our team took FIRST PLACE in the running store division. We were 19th overall out of 322 teams! GO FEET FIRST BALLISTIC BUTTERCUPS!!
To illustrate the awesome times we had, since writing about it seems to be unworthy of the time we had, I'm posting one pic that says it all!! Enjoy!!
20110105
Sticks 'n Stones May Break My Bones...
...but KENPO X will KICK MY F----N' ASS!!!
So...last night I did the first iteration of Kenpo X in my new fitness training. Bodybuilding is fun...plyometrics is fun. But Kenpo...wow. Mostly kicking and punching in a Tae-Kwon-Do style with a little Judo and Karate thrown in, Kenpo is a powerhouse workout. I had a great time re-learning some old moves I used to practice when I was a kid learning TKD.
I miss the feeling I'd get from learning to use my body's power and focus it in a small place. Good stuff. I was actually sweating so much I nearly slipped on the puddle I made on the floor. I love sweating like that. Today I'm sore all over...but mostly in my upper back, shoulders, and neck. I had to do a lot of craning to focus my gaze towards my kicks and punches, which sometimes were behind me. My chiropractor is gonna LOVE me next month.
Today's workout is back to bodybuilding and muscle endurance. Legs and back. It's a good thing I like pullups cuz there are a lot in today's workout. Huge amounts of squats and lunges too. Hopefully I won't ruin myself for the RAGNAR this weekend!
So...last night I did the first iteration of Kenpo X in my new fitness training. Bodybuilding is fun...plyometrics is fun. But Kenpo...wow. Mostly kicking and punching in a Tae-Kwon-Do style with a little Judo and Karate thrown in, Kenpo is a powerhouse workout. I had a great time re-learning some old moves I used to practice when I was a kid learning TKD.
I miss the feeling I'd get from learning to use my body's power and focus it in a small place. Good stuff. I was actually sweating so much I nearly slipped on the puddle I made on the floor. I love sweating like that. Today I'm sore all over...but mostly in my upper back, shoulders, and neck. I had to do a lot of craning to focus my gaze towards my kicks and punches, which sometimes were behind me. My chiropractor is gonna LOVE me next month.
Today's workout is back to bodybuilding and muscle endurance. Legs and back. It's a good thing I like pullups cuz there are a lot in today's workout. Huge amounts of squats and lunges too. Hopefully I won't ruin myself for the RAGNAR this weekend!
20110102
It's NOT Easy
I miss being sore like I am today. It's been a long time since I've been able to feel like I actually WORKED. Most of the soreness is in my triceps and lateral delts but there is a fair amount in my chest and abs as well. My biggest disappointment is in how I let my strength and upper body muscular endurance wane to the degree that it has. I miss having the shape in my arms that I used to have. My traps have flattened out. I will definitely be getting back into Olympic Weightlifting so I can rebuild them.
Of course, my main goal is to regain the definition in my midsection that I enjoyed when I was a personal trainer at LA Fitness.
Motivation is what I've been lacking. I don't enjoy working out alone all the time. Sometimes is fine, but all the time...it really doesn't help. I'm positive that joining a new gym (YouFit on Gandy) will help with that too, as new surroundings usually affect motivation in a positive way. Going back to the same old atmosphere at LA Fitness wouldn't really help me find new motivation.
Today's workout is plyometrics. I'm really excited to see how this goes. It looks pretty interesting. Lots of jumping squats and forward/backward motions. I'll report on the progress later tonight. I also have to run later, so we'll see how my legs accept that torture as well.
Of course, my main goal is to regain the definition in my midsection that I enjoyed when I was a personal trainer at LA Fitness.
Motivation is what I've been lacking. I don't enjoy working out alone all the time. Sometimes is fine, but all the time...it really doesn't help. I'm positive that joining a new gym (YouFit on Gandy) will help with that too, as new surroundings usually affect motivation in a positive way. Going back to the same old atmosphere at LA Fitness wouldn't really help me find new motivation.
Today's workout is plyometrics. I'm really excited to see how this goes. It looks pretty interesting. Lots of jumping squats and forward/backward motions. I'll report on the progress later tonight. I also have to run later, so we'll see how my legs accept that torture as well.
20110101
The Aftermath of a Horrible Diet
Two years ago...I looked like this.
I kept that shape for almost 20 months. Until the problems with my digestive system started to rear their ugly heads. Then came the "comfort eating"...
Well, it's time to post the "before" pictures.
I'm almost embarassed to post these but I need a jumping off point. I ignored all my usual nutrition guidelines for well over a month. I have gained a multitude of bodyfat and it needs to go.
So...with that begin said...Day 1.
I kept that shape for almost 20 months. Until the problems with my digestive system started to rear their ugly heads. Then came the "comfort eating"...
Well, it's time to post the "before" pictures.
I'm almost embarassed to post these but I need a jumping off point. I ignored all my usual nutrition guidelines for well over a month. I have gained a multitude of bodyfat and it needs to go.
So...with that begin said...Day 1.
Happy New Body!
Happy 2011 everyone! Today starts a new chapter in my life. OK, so it's a repeat of a chapter I completed a few years ago but it seems I need to revisit it.
This time I'll be doing it a bit differently. I have some pretty lofty goals for this year so I'll be using this forum to document my progress. I've had some pretty hefty health issues this past year, but I'm feeling much better and I think I can conquer any problem with getting healthier.
Let me recap the last month so there's a jumping off point. I was diagnosed with three lesions of H.pylori in my stomach in late November. I had an endoscopy and some other procedures in order to determine the course of treatment. It was decided that I should be treated aggressively with a therapy course called Helidac. 17 pills a day for 2 weeks. Then another treatment course of 4 pills a day for another 2 weeks. Today is the second to last day of Helidac. I'll be moving to the second stack of treatments later this week.
In order to get healthier, I've decided to stop eating gluten. I will increase my protein intake and decrease (but not eliminate) fats in my diet...concentrating on unsaturated fats for energy. Timing has a lot to do with it too. Eating at the right time is paramount!
In addition to the nutrition, Brian and I will be starting P90X today. I am also gonna follow the CrossFit workout of the day and do a modified version of it as a warmup to whatever workout I'm doing for the day. I'm gonna post a "before" picture so I can document the physical changes I'll undergo. It's time I became accountable for my actions. For the last month I've been eating WHATever I want, WHENever I want. Comfort was the most important thing when I was sick. Now it's time to get serious.
Stay tuned.
This time I'll be doing it a bit differently. I have some pretty lofty goals for this year so I'll be using this forum to document my progress. I've had some pretty hefty health issues this past year, but I'm feeling much better and I think I can conquer any problem with getting healthier.
Let me recap the last month so there's a jumping off point. I was diagnosed with three lesions of H.pylori in my stomach in late November. I had an endoscopy and some other procedures in order to determine the course of treatment. It was decided that I should be treated aggressively with a therapy course called Helidac. 17 pills a day for 2 weeks. Then another treatment course of 4 pills a day for another 2 weeks. Today is the second to last day of Helidac. I'll be moving to the second stack of treatments later this week.
In order to get healthier, I've decided to stop eating gluten. I will increase my protein intake and decrease (but not eliminate) fats in my diet...concentrating on unsaturated fats for energy. Timing has a lot to do with it too. Eating at the right time is paramount!
In addition to the nutrition, Brian and I will be starting P90X today. I am also gonna follow the CrossFit workout of the day and do a modified version of it as a warmup to whatever workout I'm doing for the day. I'm gonna post a "before" picture so I can document the physical changes I'll undergo. It's time I became accountable for my actions. For the last month I've been eating WHATever I want, WHENever I want. Comfort was the most important thing when I was sick. Now it's time to get serious.
Stay tuned.
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