Not much exciting to report. I didn't want to go too many days without posting, though.
I'm still on track with all my workouts. I had a longer run (5 mi) on Saturday followed by 3 mi on Monday. For the Monday run, I changed a couple of things. I had been doing all my runs in the Brooks Beast. For Monday I changed to the Brooks Trance. The Trance only had 5 miles on them before Monday, and I wanted a run on newer shoes to compare to the Beast. I also used the original insoles in the Trance where I had been using SuperFeet Green inserts in the Beast.
I wouldn't say there was huge improvement but there was definitely a difference. I had no leg, calf or shin issues and turned out 15:01 and 13:55 miles. I also got my overall pace (with warm and cool) into the 16s. I will continue to experiment with the shoes to make sure my Beasts are not already dead (only 70 or so miles on them).
On the P90X front, I'm really starting to see and feel some results of the last week weeks of workouts.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tough Way To End A Good Week
Today's Weight: 324.25
Yep, no change from last week (.25 means nothing).
I don't really know what to think. There are several thoughts running through my head. Was this week like the Biggest Loser Week 2 curse? Did I miscalculate my food intake? Is it muscle vs. fat? Is there something wrong with me (ie. Thyroid? But, no history.)? Or is it just a plateau week?
As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, I have had spells of feeling off. It's hard to explain because its been so subtle. I've had moments of weakness, almost light headed, border line shakes… but like I said, all of these have been very, VERY minor. My first thought was blood sugar.
At my physical in May, my blood sugar was one of only two things the doctor wanted me to work on (other than my weight). It wasn’t high enough to do something about it, but he wanted to see it lower. Considering how I was eating then and the couple months leading up to the blood work I'm honestly surprised it wasn't higher.
Blood sugar is easy enough to check, so yesterday I went and got an Accu-Chek monitor and test strips at Sam's Club and have checked it several times. My highest reading so far is 132. And that was immediately after my P90X workout last night when I drank 2 servings of my carb recovery drink. The first check I did with the meter was 2 hours after lunch…93. And I had almost 80g of carbs at lunch. My lowest reading has been 87 and that was about 3-3 1/2 hours after lunch yesterday. So far, I have not seen anything to suggest that my blood sugar (high or low) is the issue.
I mentioned Thyroid earlier and I believe that will be the next thing I want to look at. So, it looks like a visit to the doctor is in order.
Otherwise, I feel great. I haven't had any of the issues during any of my workouts. And I have not yet missed or skipped a workout. Since July 1st I've done 26 total workouts. 10 runs and 16 P90X workouts! The soreness this week has been much less than last week, thank goodness.
Week 2 of P90X is complete. I have one more week last the last two then one "recovery" week. I think I will have to shuffle the workout schedule next weekend to account for some family activities. But, my plan is to finish July having not missed a single run or workout.
As for my weight goal...I don't think I'll get there but in the grand scheme of things, that's ok. I am stronger and feel better than a month ago. And I plan to say the same thing next month. I know the weight will eventually take care of itself.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Yep, no change from last week (.25 means nothing).
I don't really know what to think. There are several thoughts running through my head. Was this week like the Biggest Loser Week 2 curse? Did I miscalculate my food intake? Is it muscle vs. fat? Is there something wrong with me (ie. Thyroid? But, no history.)? Or is it just a plateau week?
As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, I have had spells of feeling off. It's hard to explain because its been so subtle. I've had moments of weakness, almost light headed, border line shakes… but like I said, all of these have been very, VERY minor. My first thought was blood sugar.
At my physical in May, my blood sugar was one of only two things the doctor wanted me to work on (other than my weight). It wasn’t high enough to do something about it, but he wanted to see it lower. Considering how I was eating then and the couple months leading up to the blood work I'm honestly surprised it wasn't higher.
Blood sugar is easy enough to check, so yesterday I went and got an Accu-Chek monitor and test strips at Sam's Club and have checked it several times. My highest reading so far is 132. And that was immediately after my P90X workout last night when I drank 2 servings of my carb recovery drink. The first check I did with the meter was 2 hours after lunch…93. And I had almost 80g of carbs at lunch. My lowest reading has been 87 and that was about 3-3 1/2 hours after lunch yesterday. So far, I have not seen anything to suggest that my blood sugar (high or low) is the issue.
I mentioned Thyroid earlier and I believe that will be the next thing I want to look at. So, it looks like a visit to the doctor is in order.
Otherwise, I feel great. I haven't had any of the issues during any of my workouts. And I have not yet missed or skipped a workout. Since July 1st I've done 26 total workouts. 10 runs and 16 P90X workouts! The soreness this week has been much less than last week, thank goodness.
Week 2 of P90X is complete. I have one more week last the last two then one "recovery" week. I think I will have to shuffle the workout schedule next weekend to account for some family activities. But, my plan is to finish July having not missed a single run or workout.
As for my weight goal...I don't think I'll get there but in the grand scheme of things, that's ok. I am stronger and feel better than a month ago. And I plan to say the same thing next month. I know the weight will eventually take care of itself.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New Miracle Weight Loss Plan: 2 pounds in less than 2 hours!
Yes! I have developed a new "instant" weight loss program. I guarantee that you will lose 2 pounds within the first 2 hours or your money back.
How much does it cost, you ask. $99.95? Nope. $79.95? Nope. $49.95? Nope. $19.95? You guessed it, nope again.
This amazing new plan can be yours for the low, low price of just….a lot of sweat.
"The plan is free. You do all the work!"
(We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.)
I had a much better run this morning than Monday. Legs felt better and I had a much better first mile. I did make one change today. I increased my warm-up to .75 mi, from .5-.75. For my longer run last Saturday I had a 1 mile warm up with practically no calf issues whatsoever. I don't think I can give that much time every run, especially the midweek runs, so I settled on .75. After the warm up I did 2.5 mi (15:36; 15:55; 7:00). That last .5 was tough! But, at a 14:00 pace! Oh yeah, all with 100% humidity!
Now, to explain the beginning of this blog. For those of you that run in the heat and humidity, the following will come at no surprise. You can, and usually do, lose "weight" during a run. So, for "fun", I decided to see what effect today's run would have. As I previously posted, I'm weighing every day right now, so I got up did my business and weighed before I had anything to eat or drink. Then, I downed a Clif bar (Carrot Cake...not bad) and one bottled water (a standard bottled water, 16.9 oz, weighs 1.1lb). After I got back, I downed a protein shot (ick), half of a Clif Blok pack and most of another bottle of water. I then weighed wearing the same clothes as before and was down 2 pounds. And that's after over 2 pounds of water and food consumed. So, the real number is probably closer to 4 pounds. That's a half gallon of sweat!
So, at least for today, a half gallon of sweat equals 3.8 miles of progress.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
How much does it cost, you ask. $99.95? Nope. $79.95? Nope. $49.95? Nope. $19.95? You guessed it, nope again.
This amazing new plan can be yours for the low, low price of just….a lot of sweat.
"The plan is free. You do all the work!"
(We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.)
I had a much better run this morning than Monday. Legs felt better and I had a much better first mile. I did make one change today. I increased my warm-up to .75 mi, from .5-.75. For my longer run last Saturday I had a 1 mile warm up with practically no calf issues whatsoever. I don't think I can give that much time every run, especially the midweek runs, so I settled on .75. After the warm up I did 2.5 mi (15:36; 15:55; 7:00). That last .5 was tough! But, at a 14:00 pace! Oh yeah, all with 100% humidity!
Now, to explain the beginning of this blog. For those of you that run in the heat and humidity, the following will come at no surprise. You can, and usually do, lose "weight" during a run. So, for "fun", I decided to see what effect today's run would have. As I previously posted, I'm weighing every day right now, so I got up did my business and weighed before I had anything to eat or drink. Then, I downed a Clif bar (Carrot Cake...not bad) and one bottled water (a standard bottled water, 16.9 oz, weighs 1.1lb). After I got back, I downed a protein shot (ick), half of a Clif Blok pack and most of another bottle of water. I then weighed wearing the same clothes as before and was down 2 pounds. And that's after over 2 pounds of water and food consumed. So, the real number is probably closer to 4 pounds. That's a half gallon of sweat!
So, at least for today, a half gallon of sweat equals 3.8 miles of progress.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Chugging Along
I got in all my runs and workouts since my last post.
I did 5 mi on Saturday with 1 mi warm, 1 mi cool and 3 solid.
15:52
15:56
15:34
Sunday, I felt off and just wasn't feeling 100% but I stayed with the program. I tried to push the intensity during my Cardio X workout. I believe I'm starting to get the Kenpo moves and understand where the power and control comes from (hips and shoulders).
Monday, I did an "easy" 3.5. But I felt like I was running with a parachute. I don't know if it was still the "off" feeling from Sunday or all of the workouts catching up to me. Monday evening I did the Shoulders & Arms workout. I was able to up the weight on just about every move while maintaining or even increasing the reps.
This morning I had the dreaded Yoga X workout. Unlike last week, I did it at it's scheduled time (in the morning). This time I went all the way through. The first 45 minutes are all about moving and repetitive movement (Vinyasa). Each separate final pose starts with the same sequence...Plank->Chaturanga->Upward Dog->Plank->Downward Dog->Heal Raise Swing Through to Runners Pose. The final poses include Crescent Pose, Warrior One, Warrior Two, Reverse Warrior, Triangle Pose, Twisting Triangle, Standing Splits, Half Moon and Twisting Half Moon. So, for each, or at least a vast majority, of the poses just listed, the flow is...sequence->Pose->reverse sequence->sequence->Next Pose...you get the idea. It's the repetition of the sequence that got me last week. I was ready for something different.
Today, I went in with the idea that I will do what I need to do to get past the first part. I still have a ways to go before I will do every element. I went through the entire sequence for a while then started to skip the sequence and just focus on the poses. Finally, the first 45 minutes was up and we were on to something different. The last 45 minutes is focused on balance, stretch, core and finally relaxation.
Yoga X is not my favorite workout, but I do believe that I will grow to at least appreciate it, especially as my belly shrinks and I'm able to do more of the moves and hold them longer.
No "workout" this evening, but I do have to mow the yard. It's only going to be 94...with a 104 heat index. It may not be a workout, but believe me it will work me over. Lots of fluids and breaks.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
I did 5 mi on Saturday with 1 mi warm, 1 mi cool and 3 solid.
15:52
15:56
15:34
Sunday, I felt off and just wasn't feeling 100% but I stayed with the program. I tried to push the intensity during my Cardio X workout. I believe I'm starting to get the Kenpo moves and understand where the power and control comes from (hips and shoulders).
Monday, I did an "easy" 3.5. But I felt like I was running with a parachute. I don't know if it was still the "off" feeling from Sunday or all of the workouts catching up to me. Monday evening I did the Shoulders & Arms workout. I was able to up the weight on just about every move while maintaining or even increasing the reps.
This morning I had the dreaded Yoga X workout. Unlike last week, I did it at it's scheduled time (in the morning). This time I went all the way through. The first 45 minutes are all about moving and repetitive movement (Vinyasa). Each separate final pose starts with the same sequence...Plank->Chaturanga->Upward Dog->Plank->Downward Dog->Heal Raise Swing Through to Runners Pose. The final poses include Crescent Pose, Warrior One, Warrior Two, Reverse Warrior, Triangle Pose, Twisting Triangle, Standing Splits, Half Moon and Twisting Half Moon. So, for each, or at least a vast majority, of the poses just listed, the flow is...sequence->Pose->reverse sequence->sequence->Next Pose...you get the idea. It's the repetition of the sequence that got me last week. I was ready for something different.
Today, I went in with the idea that I will do what I need to do to get past the first part. I still have a ways to go before I will do every element. I went through the entire sequence for a while then started to skip the sequence and just focus on the poses. Finally, the first 45 minutes was up and we were on to something different. The last 45 minutes is focused on balance, stretch, core and finally relaxation.
Yoga X is not my favorite workout, but I do believe that I will grow to at least appreciate it, especially as my belly shrinks and I'm able to do more of the moves and hold them longer.
No "workout" this evening, but I do have to mow the yard. It's only going to be 94...with a 104 heat index. It may not be a workout, but believe me it will work me over. Lots of fluids and breaks.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Weigh-In & P90X Week 1 Complete
Today's Weight: 324.0
Only 3 pounds this week. BUT!!!! Right now I'm actually ok with it. Since this was the first full week with all 10 workouts (Say What!!?), my body is in damage recovery mode. I'm still very sore from the Legs & Back workout Wednesday and can tell that I'm holding on to some water. I have been weighing every day, like I said I would, and let me just say that I'm really interested in the number tomorrow.
As I said, I have survived week 1 of P90X. The only times I really backed off were the Yoga workout and I skipped Ab Ripper after the Wednesday L&B workout. As I said, I am quite sore from L&B. But, what hurts the most is raising my left arm. I'm right handed so it doesn't surprise me after the pull ups.
So, in the last week I have done seven P90X (including X Stretch this morning) and 3 runs. Yes, that is 10 separate workouts! Am I insane?! Yes. I. Am. And, I love it!
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Only 3 pounds this week. BUT!!!! Right now I'm actually ok with it. Since this was the first full week with all 10 workouts (Say What!!?), my body is in damage recovery mode. I'm still very sore from the Legs & Back workout Wednesday and can tell that I'm holding on to some water. I have been weighing every day, like I said I would, and let me just say that I'm really interested in the number tomorrow.
As I said, I have survived week 1 of P90X. The only times I really backed off were the Yoga workout and I skipped Ab Ripper after the Wednesday L&B workout. As I said, I am quite sore from L&B. But, what hurts the most is raising my left arm. I'm right handed so it doesn't surprise me after the pull ups.
So, in the last week I have done seven P90X (including X Stretch this morning) and 3 runs. Yes, that is 10 separate workouts! Am I insane?! Yes. I. Am. And, I love it!
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Ups And Downs
First, the ups: Morning runs on Tuesday and Wednesday; P90X everyday
The downs: P90X Yoga X!
So far, I am pleased with my runs. The only issue has been really slow first miles (16+). But, I've also turned in some good second miles (14:14 this morning). When you factor in temps and humidity, I really can't complain about where I am. But, there is a part of me that wants more improvement NOW! I keep reminding myself that it took awhile to lose (and gain weight) what I had back in February, so I know it will take some time to get back there and then some.
P90X is going well. I did Shoulders & Arms Monday evening with Ab Ripper X immediately after. Right now, though, there are just some exercises and moves that I just can't do. When you combine my current weight and this large mass around my mid section, it is no surprise. But, I will do what I can knowing that the day will come when that will change.
However, the Yoga X workout may just be a little piece of hell on Earth. I know of the physical benefits of yoga, but I thought yoga was supposed to be mentally "refreshing". Hardly! The Yoga X workout is over 90 minutes and I only made it through about 35. I had a couple of interruptions but truth be told I was almost ready to have them. I will however reserve full judgment until I do the workout at its normal time, Tuesday mornings. I did the workout last evening after doing a morning run. As with Ab Ripper X, the Yoga X workout has some moves that are near impossible for me to do right now. But, as before, my day will come.
The yoga workout left me so mentally wasted and defeated that some ugly mental demons tried to pay a visit. Even to the point of me thinking that I wasted my only workout of the day and would not get the calorie burn I needed. It wasn't till after dinner with a couple extra cookies that I remembered that I ran in the morning. I had acted on a thought that wasn't true! It is a reminder that I have to be on guard 24/7 to the toxic thoughts of the last 6+ months (and really 30+ years). BTW, I surpassed my calorie burn target by over 200.
I have Legs & Back tonight (along with Ab Ripper X, ARGH!). I'm looking forward to and dreading Legs & Back at the same time. I'm eager to see what the workout is, but I also know I will be sore afterward. I'm also eager to do my chin-up/pull-up alternatives. As you can imagine there is no way I can do a pull-up at over 300 pounds. But, I have a cable crossover weight machine that I can do the same moves with controlled weights. I am looking forward to the day when I can do actual pull-ups with my own body weight.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
The downs: P90X Yoga X!
So far, I am pleased with my runs. The only issue has been really slow first miles (16+). But, I've also turned in some good second miles (14:14 this morning). When you factor in temps and humidity, I really can't complain about where I am. But, there is a part of me that wants more improvement NOW! I keep reminding myself that it took awhile to lose (and gain weight) what I had back in February, so I know it will take some time to get back there and then some.
P90X is going well. I did Shoulders & Arms Monday evening with Ab Ripper X immediately after. Right now, though, there are just some exercises and moves that I just can't do. When you combine my current weight and this large mass around my mid section, it is no surprise. But, I will do what I can knowing that the day will come when that will change.
However, the Yoga X workout may just be a little piece of hell on Earth. I know of the physical benefits of yoga, but I thought yoga was supposed to be mentally "refreshing". Hardly! The Yoga X workout is over 90 minutes and I only made it through about 35. I had a couple of interruptions but truth be told I was almost ready to have them. I will however reserve full judgment until I do the workout at its normal time, Tuesday mornings. I did the workout last evening after doing a morning run. As with Ab Ripper X, the Yoga X workout has some moves that are near impossible for me to do right now. But, as before, my day will come.
The yoga workout left me so mentally wasted and defeated that some ugly mental demons tried to pay a visit. Even to the point of me thinking that I wasted my only workout of the day and would not get the calorie burn I needed. It wasn't till after dinner with a couple extra cookies that I remembered that I ran in the morning. I had acted on a thought that wasn't true! It is a reminder that I have to be on guard 24/7 to the toxic thoughts of the last 6+ months (and really 30+ years). BTW, I surpassed my calorie burn target by over 200.
I have Legs & Back tonight (along with Ab Ripper X, ARGH!). I'm looking forward to and dreading Legs & Back at the same time. I'm eager to see what the workout is, but I also know I will be sore afterward. I'm also eager to do my chin-up/pull-up alternatives. As you can imagine there is no way I can do a pull-up at over 300 pounds. But, I have a cable crossover weight machine that I can do the same moves with controlled weights. I am looking forward to the day when I can do actual pull-ups with my own body weight.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Weekend Recap
So far, so good on the home front.
I did a 4+ mi trail run Saturday morning followed by Day 1 of P90X Lean (Core Synergistics) that afternoon. Then Sunday, I did P90X (Cardio X).
Here is the P90X Lean schedule for the next 3 weeks….
Day 1 (Sat) – Core Synergistics
Day 2 (Sun) – Cardio X
Day 3 (Mon) – Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 (Tue) – Yoga X
Day 5 (Wed) – Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 (Thu) – Kenpo X
Day 7 (Fri) – Rest or X Stretch
On top of the above schedule I will run (at a minimum) on Mon, Wed & Sat.
The run on Saturday was quite possibly the hardest 4 miles I've ever done. Combine trail + warm + very humid + no breeze + higher elevation than what I'm used to. Don't get me wrong, I will do it again. At least next time I will have a little better idea as to what to expect. I did this same trail a couple times back in April, but it was cooler and much less humid.
I had planned on getting up at 5 this morning to run, but several factors changed my plan. The main issue was heavy rain with lighting. But, on top of that my legs are sore and dead from Saturday and Sunday. So, I'll do Day 3 this evening, then run tomorrow morning with Day 4 in the evening.
I'm trying to walk the fine line between going to far and doing too much and rationalizing out of a workout.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
I did a 4+ mi trail run Saturday morning followed by Day 1 of P90X Lean (Core Synergistics) that afternoon. Then Sunday, I did P90X (Cardio X).
Here is the P90X Lean schedule for the next 3 weeks….
Day 1 (Sat) – Core Synergistics
Day 2 (Sun) – Cardio X
Day 3 (Mon) – Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 (Tue) – Yoga X
Day 5 (Wed) – Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 (Thu) – Kenpo X
Day 7 (Fri) – Rest or X Stretch
On top of the above schedule I will run (at a minimum) on Mon, Wed & Sat.
The run on Saturday was quite possibly the hardest 4 miles I've ever done. Combine trail + warm + very humid + no breeze + higher elevation than what I'm used to. Don't get me wrong, I will do it again. At least next time I will have a little better idea as to what to expect. I did this same trail a couple times back in April, but it was cooler and much less humid.
I had planned on getting up at 5 this morning to run, but several factors changed my plan. The main issue was heavy rain with lighting. But, on top of that my legs are sore and dead from Saturday and Sunday. So, I'll do Day 3 this evening, then run tomorrow morning with Day 4 in the evening.
I'm trying to walk the fine line between going to far and doing too much and rationalizing out of a workout.
Till Next Time...Keep Moving Forward!!!
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