Yardwork X

So, I had a busy weekend these past few days. I got ambitious and decided to pour a small concrete slab in my side yard so my garbage cans have a place to sit. (Joys of home ownership huh guys?)

Well, going back to Thursday, I went for a jog. I did about 2.5 miles, nothing crazy. On my way back I was feeling great and decided to try to keep running ahead of a couple that were leisurely riding their bikes on the street as I ran on the sidewalk. I kept ahead of them for a good half mile, then they realized what I was doing. They sped up, I tried to keep up for maybe another 200 yards and gave up. It was a great little run.

On Friday morning however, I had a real tight back. In fact, I was stuck in one place for about 2 minutes as my back seized up. I managed to get down on the ground, do a cat stretch, and upward dog, and the noises my back made when it popped scared my dog. It was kinda funny.

As Friday went on, my back felt much better. However on Sunday, I was moving a wheel barrow around and my back tightened up yet again. Yup, Yardwork X bit me in the butt. I managed to finish pouring my small concrete slab, but paid the price. I've been taking it easy the last couple days, doing some stretching and slowly easing back into my workouts. I'm going to try to do Burn Intervals tonight with Monica, but will take it easy.

That explains the lack of posts recently. I've been slightly laid up, and feeling like an idiot for managing to get myself a bit injured. I'll be fine though. The one lesson I've learned is that while doing ChaLEAN Extreme, I haven't been doing any Yoga. I think this is a big factor in my injury. I'm going to find a way to fit in some Yoga X into my routine to make sure I stay limber and don't get hurt.

Thanks guys, keep pushing play.

John

Never Underestimate the power of guilt.

A little background. Right now I live in Illinois, but work in Michigan. How does that work? I drive out ever Monday and come home on Friday. I live in a furnished apartment out in Michigan during the week and go home every weekend. Eventually I will be assigned to the Chicago Office of my company, but that is being delayed.

Well, this arrangement has been going on all summer. It was supposed to be complete at the end of October but has been extended. It's really starting to wear on me as I just want to be home. For some perspective, since I started with this company in March, I've only been home to sleep in my own bed on a Tuesday or Wednesday night once.

Yesterday I was pretty upset. I absolutely hate coming out here. Don't get me wrong, I love the guys I work with out in Michigan. Yet I hate being away from my wife. I just want to stay home and live a somewhat normal life. So, yesterday I wrote an email to my boss explaining to him all my frustrations about the work situation and that I can't keep this up much longer. I hit the send button and get an "Out of office" reply. Turns out my boss is on a cruise and won't be back in for over a week. This had me pretty angry as its something I really want to get resolved soon.

Well, I got to my apartment, did a few errands, etc. When I finally got to my apartment again, I didn't want to do my Yoga. I watched a few TV shows etc. I was messing around on face book when I saw one of my P90X buddies update their status to indicate they just finished YogaX. That was the catalyst I needed. I felt so guilty. There I was, at 10PM just starting Yoga. Now, I didn't finish the whole Yoga Program, but I did do the first hour or so.

The moral of this lesson is this: Never underestimate the power of guilt. It works for your mom for a reason!

Keep pushing play!

John

Day 11 Down, 12.2222% through.

More Yoga today. This post won't be as intriguing as last weeks post on Yoga.

However...if you don't have a Yoga Mat or Blocks, GET SOME.

It made the workout, although still difficult, much more manageable. If you're trying to do Yoga on bare carpet. Last week I tried to do some of the moves and my feet were sliding towards the corners of the room. That doesn't help the situation. With a Sticky Yoga Mat, my feet were planted firmly and I could fail at the moves without any excuses other than my own weaknesses.

I am now seeing some of the benefits of the Yoga. I can not believe how much sweat I produced just trying to do a few of these moves. Its a definite workout, even if it is low intensity.

On a side note, I went out to dinner with my buddy last night. I was able to maintain the diet very well. I went to TGI Fridays. I ordered some grilled chicken and instead of veggies and mashed potatoes, I asked for double veggies. They happily complied.

Its little decisions like that which will ultimately ensure my success. Sure, I could have easily had a "cheat" night. I've earned it right? Screw that...I want atypical results so I'm going to have to make atypical decisions.

As Brad tells me...Its Simple, just not easy!

Keep pushing Play!

John

Day 10, Arms and Shoulders with Abs...Rocked it Out.

Hey everybody...Day 10 down. 80 Days to go!

Today was Arms and Shoulders. This was the first workout where I could really use the new Power Block dumbbells and put them through their paces. The only negative thing to say about the Power Block Dumbbells is that you have to spend a few seconds switching the plates etc. Its a minor problem. Its not even a problem. But when you're trying to keep pace with the DVD it forced me to hit the pause button a couple times.

The workout was great. I'm definitely feeling it now and I'll be sore in the morning. I even did the bonus round this time through. I was able to do 30 Side Tri-Raises a side on the last set. (In the DVD, Tony Horton says if you do more than 25, he'll come to your house. So I guess I need to put out the good china.

Ab Ripper X was a good time today. I'm still not keeping pace with the studs in the disc, but I'm getting better every time through.

Tomorrow brings Yoga...so I'll get up for that.

Still Bringing It!

John

Day 4...YogaX

Yoga Video 2 - Watch more free videos

Ok...before today, I thought all Yoga was like the video above.

My Yoga experience was nothing at all like this!  I felt completely and utterly out of my element doing the Yoga X DVD.

I'll work on this and keep giving it a shot.  I could only get through about 40-45 minutes of the video.  But, for not running or jumping etc, I was sweating so damn much.  I was dripping wet.  So, I see the potential benefits with strength and flexibility.  But, I feel its definitely not a beginners yoga program.

My diet today has been good.  I have been cutting way back on caffeine.  One thing I realized is that I need to ditch all caffeine.  I've been holding on to one a day, and now I get headaches right after drinking my one Diet Mt. Dew or Diet Pepsi.  So, I'm definitely cleaning out the body and giving it a good cleanse from the inside out.

So, 4 days in, loving the P90X program thus far.