Thursday, April 30, 2009

Day 45 - Back & Biceps, AR X

Day 45 - halfway through the first round!!!

I know Nikki hates getting up early to exercise, but when I start my job next week, I'm going to have to get up early if I'm going to get my workout in for the day. I have banker's hours (9-6), but think I won't get home until closer to 7. At that point, if I try to fit in a workout first, I'd be eating at 9 PM... way too late for me to be eating. I've lost a considerable amount of weight, and I feel that part of it is because I don't eat anything for at least three hours prior to bedtime. (I'm down over 20 pounds since starting!) I'm guessing my early morning workouts will be solo, but we shall see...

As much as I really didn't want to restart this week, I'm glad we did. Our numbers are much better than they were last week, and I want to know that I gave my best every day when I look at my "after" pictures.

Ready for yoga tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Day 44 - Plyometrics

Welcome to the mother of all X... Plyo works like no other. My legs don't get as tired as they used to, but I still seem to suck a lot of wind towards the end. Wow!

I decided to make a special dinner tonight to celebrate our blessings in a new location, new home, new jobs... so I stopped by the store today and picked up some snow crab legs (no butter for dipping). Now, before I started P90X, I could eat a lot of crab legs - I mean a LOT. When we went to any buffet that had crab legs, I made sure to eat my money's worth. Knowing that neither of us can eat the amounts we used to, I got each of us a cluster of legs. Big mistake. I should have bought one for us to share, as neither of us ate half of them. It's amazing how much your eating habits change in such a short time.

I found out today that I'll start my new job on Monday, and I am so excited to start!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Day 43 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, AR X (Revisited)

Today, we started the past week over so that we could give it our best effort. I'm exhausted! I could barely lift myself off the floor - no exaggeration! Pushed through AR also. I'm still adding extra mason twists at the end, so I guess last week didn't effect me too much. :)

Ready for tomorrow!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Decision Time

We decided to redo this past week, as Nikki didn't always get the workouts in and I felt like I cheated by using the moving day as Legs & Back. So, we'll start CST tomorrow and be back on our daily schedule again. I really didn't want to admit defeat this week, as I've tried to get in every workout. That said, I know I can push harder than I did for the latter part of this week, and redoing a week is better than doing a so-so week.

As for the nutrition, we haven't cheated one bit this week. I honestly don't think I could ever go back to eating the things and quantity I used to love. I guess you take your victories where you can. :)

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Day 47 - Yoga X (Jeremy's Suggestion)

Well, I decided to take Jeremy's advice and counted yesterday's moving as Legs and Back. So, switching today's original Legs and Back with yesterday's Yoga - the short version is that I did Yoga today. Tomorrow is Kenpo! Nikki hasn't been able to work out much this week, so we're contemplating doing this week over. I could always use the extra work, and I want to be as supportive to her as she has been to me lately! (I have to be, without a doubt, the luckiest guy... I have the greatest wife!)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Day 46 - Yoga (Unpacking) X

Well, I didn't get yoga done today, but I've unpacked a 16 foot trailer full of dishes, clothes, and furniture. I'm tired; so tired that I'm not going to feel guilty about missing the workout for today. With carrying almost everything up a flight of stairs for 2 hours, I think I've done enough for the day.

For the other news today... I got the job!!! What wonderful news! Thank all of you for your continued thoughts and prayers! I feel that God has placed me here for a purpose and I am so excited to serve Him!

Legs & Back tomorrow!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Day 45 - Back & Biceps, AR X

Could it be? It's day 45 - which means we're halfway through our first round! What a wild ride it has been... I couldn't have made it without my wife and dear friends Jeremy and Christina.

Well, a few days ago I had a pity party for myself before I was reminded of how blessed my life is. So, the next day I got out of bed and decided to be thankful for all the things God has blessed me with - and what a list it is! I decided to put my worries about a job in God's hands, promising Him I would follow wherever and whenever He leads me. And God may have given me an answer already! I got a phone call this afternoon for an interview at a local bank tomorrow morning! I sent all the local banks my materials when we moved here, even though no one had any positions advertised. I'm going into the interview, believing that God will put me where He wants me. If this is it, wonderful. If not, so be it. He will put me where I can best serve Him, and I couldn't be more joyful to do so!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Day 44 - Plyometrics

Short entry today... I spent most of the day moving things into our new place, but I still got in my workout today. There's a lot left to do. Glad my family is coming later this week to help.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Day 43 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, AR X

I needed such an attitude adjustment yesterday. Sorry for dragging everyone down. I got so frustrated that I forgot how blessed I really am. Thank you for your words of motivation and clarification, Christina and Jeremy. I am convinced God has His hands on you and is working through the two of you! I needed to be reminded that it's not about MY timeline, or even the other peoples' timeline (who upset me yesterday)... It's all about God's timeline and what He has in store for me! There have been times in my life when the world didn't seem to make sense at that exact moment, but He has always been there with me and will always be there guiding my way; I sometimes need to be reminded who is leading. :) All I have to do is listen and serve Him - not worry about what some people from the utility companies think! He will put me where He needs me, when He needs me there. Needless to say, I'm in quite a different frame of mind from yesterday...

CST felt really good today - so good, in fact, that I could barely lift myself off the floor when I was done. I've never done so many push ups before. I even blew through the one arm push ups, which are usually the hardest for me.

AR is still AR. I do 25 of almost every set and have started throwing in a few extra mason twists after Tony stops at 50. I don't know if I'll ever have a washboard stomach, but I know I'll have a great set of core muscles!

...and Nikki's parents liked the meatloaf. I made two last night so that there would be extra for lunch today; I guess it was a good idea because we ate all of the first one AND part of the second one last night at dinner! Yummy!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Day 42 - Rest X (Moving Logistics X)

What I wouldn't give to go through another round of Kenpo today... Long story, short: we are signing a lease on the duplex we wanted tomorrow night after Nikki gets off work. As of this morning, the stress has BEGUN!!! Four separate utility companies??? You've GOT to be kidding me...

Sorry to vent, but here goes... On top of everything else, I hate being unemployed and everyone I've been in contact with today is making me feel horrible! This is the longest I've been without a job since before I started college! Like it's my choice I don't have a job??? I've only sent over 200 applications/resumes in the last month and interviewed 3 times for positions I ultimately didn't get. I can't MAKE someone hire me, but I HATE, HATE, HATE being unemployed. The worst part is how snide most people have been to me today when I was trying to get everything set up for the move. How often is it that two people relocate from different states and BOTH have jobs when they get there? I'm guessing it happens, but not usually. And when it's the man who has a job, but the wife doesn't yet, it's okay. He'll provide for her. But if the guy relocates for his wife so she can be closer to her family and doesn't have a job when they get there, they act like I'm some deadbeat who doesn't want to take care of my family. I really resent that! They have no idea that I worked my way (full-time) through college for a bachelor's degree, that I've worked for the Secretary of State for a year and a half, that I've handled on a daily average $3-4 million for a major health insurance company without missing even a cents worth - every penny accounted for... They just think I'm some lazy guy, relying on his wife to provide for them. I know I should be more patient with those who don't know me, but it really bothers me for someone to think I'm lazy or not wanting to pull my own weight. I got so frustrated, I even posted a "help wanted advertisement" on my facebook status. I really need to find something soon! Please keep us in your prayers.

I guess I will be moving some of our things Wednesday into the new place while Nikki is at work. My family is going to bring out a 16 foot trailer with the rest of it this weekend. I can't wait to see them.

I'm going to make another Italian turkey meatloaf for dinner tonight. It's one of our favorite "healthy comfort food" meals, and Nikki's family says they'll eat it.

I'm so ready for CST tomorrow! I'm going to do push ups until I can't get off the floor...

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Day 41 - Kenpo X

Well, we're at the in-laws for a few days now. Hopefully, we'll hear from the leasing agent tomorrow and get moved in quickly! We were delayed for about 45 minutes on the road here today. There was a bad head-on collision between a truck and tractor trailer. Here's the local news coverage of it.
http://www.kmiz.com/news/story.php?id=14016&author=Brynn%20Gingras&category=Accident&franchise=&county=Boone&city=&partner

Thankfully, everyone made it out alive...

Kenpo felt AWESOME today, as usual. When we started P90X, neither one of us really cared for Kenpo, but it's one of our favorites now. The extra carb Jeremy suggested is giving me SO much more energy, and I've been pushing like never before! I'm seeing some great results, but I was so out of shape to begin with... It will probably take me at least a year to get to the fitness level I want to be at, but 41 days down and I STILL can't wait to workout every day! Jeremy and Christina, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Day 40 - Legs & Back, AR X

My legs are tired after doing that one! ...and those AR involving the legs - oh, man! I pushed harder today than I have ever pushed Legs & Back before. I still made it through all of the mason twists. (I even threw in five additional ones AFTER Tony quit.) But, man, I'm tired after that one; I can't believe I love feeling this way...

Kenpo is tomorrow and I can't wait! Almost halfway through our first round!

P.S. Yesterday, Nikki accidentally posted her daily entry on my blog. I have moved it back to her site. Sorry for any confusion!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Day 39 - Yoga X

EDITED: Nikki accidentally posted her daily entry on my blog (in a separate post for the day). I've moved it to her blog...

_________________________________________________

I realized that my post from yesterday said nothing about our workout, but be assured we did it. Back & Biceps show off the glamour muscles, and I'm ready for mine to grow some more.

For starters, it was GREAT to get to workout in the morning again! (I know; I'm a morning person.) Today was Yoga - which I really needed. It always puts me in a better state of mind, but with all the stress of uncertainty and change, I've been CRAVING Kenpo. There's something about making your body healthier and punching out your worries at the same time...

I was more successful with crane than ever before. I can usually balance for a few seconds without either foot on the floor, but today was much longer; it's not the full minute, but it's getting better. It's a great motivator to see tangible proof of improvements. I can't wait to see what my numbers are going to be like when we finally get back to the Chest & Back workout!

I think I've officially outgrown my jeans. I'm trying to put off buying another pair until the fall; in the hot Missouri summers, I almost always wear dress slacks or shorts. I'm hoping I'll be much smaller in the fall, and I don't want two or three extra pair of jeans I can't wear. I'm never going to let myself go back to that type of a lifestyle again!

Ready for tomorrow!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Day 38 - Back & Biceps, AR X

Kind of in a weird mood tonight...

We put in an application for one of the duplexes we liked. Just waiting for now...

It's stressful for me to move away from my family, and I have to convince myself we're not really too far away (3 hours) and Nikki's family will be only 30 minutes away. Family has really taken on a new importance for me since I turned 30 last year. I'm the youngest of 5 kids, 9 years the junior of my next oldest sibling. The oldest sibling is over 50 years old already, and it's affecting my own sense of mortality and how much longer I might have with them. I just want to make the most of my life - for myself, and more importantly, for others... Jeremy and Christina, you have no idea how much your words have spoken to my heart.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Day 37 - Plyometrics

Another crazy day... Nikki got the job!!! She starts Monday - quick, I know. We looked at a few duplexes today and narrowed it down to two. (I'm getting too old to live in an apartment.) HA! Looks like we're moving either this weekend or next (and staying with the in-laws for a few days). Either way, I'm so excited for her! This is exactly the type of job she was looking for. I know she'll do such a great job for them.

Plyo was over before I knew it today. I used to dread Plyo, but last week changed my whole outlook on it. Once a day seems so much easier now! I still grab my knees between some sets, but always fall back in line when Tony says, "5, 4... 3, 2..."

Could it be that I'm actually getting fit??? :) Judging by the way my pants keep falling off me, I think I just might. (Down THREE and a HALF inches on my waist already!) If I keep this up, I just might post those before/after pictures when the first round is up.

Energized, revitalized, and ready to BRING IT!!!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Day 36 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, AR X

What a long day...

Just finished CST, as I spent nearly 5 hours this afternoon/night updating the software on my Blackberry Pearl. (Two hours were spent online with two levels of AT&T customer service and two levels of Research In Motion, but EVERY employee was very helpful and beyond courteous to me.) It was so messed up, I couldn't even dial out. I'm so happy to have it back!

Nonetheless, I sweated off all the stress I had built up. I pushed out all the frustration, and it felt better than ever!

Nikki's interview went really well. She's supposed to know by tomorrow if she got the job. Keep us in your prayers.

Ready to hit the shower and call it a night. Can't wait for tomorrow's workout. After last week, doing plyo once in a day is going to seem like a breeze! :)

Best of luck to you at your retreat, Christina. ...and best of luck to you taking care of the boys by yourself for a few days, Jeremy! :)

Monday, April 13, 2009

Day 35 - Rest X

I can't believe we've been at it for 5 weeks!

Well, we decided our bodies needed a rest, so it looks like we'll be doing CST at the in-laws... unless I decide to get up early again before we leave. Considering tomorrow isn't plyo, I just might do that.

It's like a late autumn day here - cold, windy, and raining. Because of that (and I already had some red peppers roasted for tonight's chicken marinade), I decided to make a tomato and roasted red pepper soup. Very yummy and only 1 teaspoon of EVOO in the entire pot! I find myself searching for new ways to keep food interesting for Nikki - even if it means adapting some of our old standby recipes to our new lifestyle.

I should mention that yesterday we went out to dinner for Easter/my sister's birthdy with some of my family. They decided where we went, which was a buffet-style, chain restaurant. Not the easiest options for us, but we went along. It's amazing how your taste buds change in such a short amount of time. Neither one of us ate anything we weren't supposed to, but yuck! We couldn't even eat the grilled chicken because it was sitting in so much oil... it might as well have been fried! I choked down some raw spinach that tasted like it was soaked in salt water. Some of my family seemed offended that we weren't eating very much so I preempted them by saying, "I'm sorry if I'm offending anyone, but we've worked too hard over the last month to change our health." They started asking about what we were doing, and after listening to us, they seemed to relax a little more and even commented about how we looked healthier now. Two months ago, I would have filled my plate two or three times and taken a nap when I got home. There's no way I'm going back to that! Nikki even said she's realized this (MY healthy lifestyle) is going to be a part of who I am now.

I can't wait for tomorrow!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Day 34 - Kenpo X

I took Jeremy's advice and added another carb to my daily intake. (Thank you!) I could tell I had more energy during my workout today. I tend to get a little bouncy (squirrely is how Nikki describes it) during the physical days - especially Kenpo. I don't know if I was quite my old self, but had much more energy than the past few days. I'm also excited about the extra carb!

We're debating about switching the next couple days workouts. We're going to be traveling for Nikki's second interview, and it's much easier to switch than to try to do it at the in-laws. :) We pushed really hard today, though, and our biceps are a little tender. Don't know if they can handle CST tomorrow. We'll have to wait and see.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Day 33 - Legs & Back, AR X

My quads were still a little stiff this morning. Guess that's what happens when you do plyo twice in the same day... :)

When we started P90X, I promised Nikki I wouldn't take any supplements like creatine, andro, or testosterone. I won't break my promise to her. Her main concern is that she doesn't want my temperament to change. I curently take vitamins, recovery drink, protein shakes, and protein bars. Until this week, it's felt like it's been plenty - until I did plyo twice. Since then, I've been pushing hard, but it seems like I'm more tired than usual. I'm still eating well. (A couple of days, I even had an extra protein bar.) I get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I drink 8-10 glasses of water each day... Maybe it's just because I did plyo twice and my body needs more time to rest, but is there anything else I can be doing to help my body recover more quickly that would still meet my promise to Nikki? Any thoughts would be very appreciated!

Nutrition is going really well. I had another grilled salmon salad yesterday that was fantastic! Nice dark salad greens, grilled asparagus, roasted red pepper strips, and a beautifully cooked (not dry) fillet of salmon, with a light balsamic vinaigrette... I think we might make another meatloaf tonight. It was so yummy last time.

Ready for Kenpo tomorrow! Bring it!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Day 32 - Yoga X

Back to a quiet house for yoga! What a difference it makes. I love my wife's family, but Yoga X is a completely different workout when you're able to clear your mind and really focus on the move at hand. Too bad the DVD doesn't come with that tip. :)

I haven't worked up the confidence to post any pictures yet. I will admit, I am very ashamed of what I had let my body become before P90X. I was quickly headed toward a myriad of health problems, including a probable early death. As my wedding date approached, I knew I had to do something, but what? I have made some great strides, but still have a long way to go. I hope I have the inner strength to share my pics someday...

I cannot believe what I am capable of doing now. Plyo twice in the same day??? It was a crazy thing to do, but I did it. When I started P90X, I could barely do two minutes of jumping jacks without stopping. Now, I look forward to working out every day.

And I know I've said it before, but I owe my everlasting thanks and gratitude to Jeremy and Christina. You guys are my inspiration. You've given me the push I needed to make some of the biggest decisions impacting my life - both physically and spiritually. I know it sounds cliché, but you two are the answer to my prayers. I feel like I have a new lease on life, and I cannot thank you enough.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Day 31 - Back & Biceps, AR X

Woke up this morning feeling a little more sore than usual. Guess that's what happens when you do plyo twice in the same day. :)

Today was the last "new" P90X workout for us. Our pull up bar isn't the most accommodating for the corn cob pull ups, as it has two bars jutting out (designed for another hand grip style). Other than that, I really enjoyed today. I'd like to add some size to my arms; what guy wouldn't... I can't wait for my own gun show. LOL.

Tomorrow is yoga!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Day 30 - Plyometrics (Twice!)

I got up extra early for Plyo today, and quickly realized I do NOT like missing Plyo during the core week. It's a love/hate relation with Plyo, and being away from it for a week seemed to make it harder to keep up today. I pushed through it though!

Quite a bit sore (more tired) in my chest and triceps; it's becoming a welcome feeling.

We made the Italian meatloaf from the nutrition guide (found in the phase 2 section of recipes, page 75). Wow! It's really good, but (as a preface) it's not beef. If you're expecting it to be like your mother's meatloaf, it won't - unless your mom uses turkey in her meatloaf. Nikki and I couldn't get enough of it though! It was so flavorful! If you eat ground turkey at all, I highly recommend it. We're always looking for something new to eat that fits with our new lifestyle, and this is going to be a regular addition. The only thing we did differently is used whole wheat bread crumbs instead of sourdough.

Tomorrow will be a late day for working out, but looking forward to it!

Update!!! Nikki's interview went so well that they already called her for a second interview next Tuesday! I'm so proud of her! Keep your fingers crossed... Oh, by the way, I did Plyo twice today. Nikki didn't want to get up with me early this morning, so I did it again with her tonight. Probably going to pay for it later...

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Day 29 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, AR X

Our arms are hurting after that one... We didn't watch the tape before today, so it was quite a shock that we weren't doing any pull-ups today. Nikki said she kind of missed doing them. (Sick, I know! LOL!)

A bit of good news: she has a new job interview tomorrow afternoon. Keeping the fingers crossed!

I've still got quite a ways to go to be where I want to be physically, but we took measurements this morning and both were really happy with the results. I'm sticking with the first phase of the nutrition plan for a while longer, provided I don't start to bonk during the workouts. Nikki is very happy to move to phase two, as she always had a hard time getting in all her proteins for the day.

I'm getting really psyched about this month! Ready to bring it for Plyo tomorrow!

Jeremy and Christina, thank you for all that you do! I can't imagine what our life would be like without your words of inspiration. I really wish we lived close enough to get involved with your church group.

And one more update I forgot to include in my original post: I made it through ALL mason twists on AR X today! Can't believe I kept up with Tony! Now, just need to keep up with it so I can one day LOOK like Tony...

Monday, April 6, 2009

Day 28 - Rest X

A short entry for the day...

Decided to forego the stretch today. I know I'll regret it tomorrow.

Ready for a bit of a regular schedule again. Recovery week was a nice break, but definitely not easy. Oh, my aching quads and glutes! :)

One month down! We still have to remember to take pictures today... I can't wait to see what day 90 looks like.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Day 27 - Yoga X

Before I started P90X, I had never done Yoga. Now, I look forward to it every week - or twice a week during recovery week!

It's a time when I really try to focus on the moment at hand and filling my lungs with deep breaths. ...and the serenity slowly sweeps over my body and spirit until I'm in such a state of relaxation at the end. Well, that's my typical response so far. Doing it at Nikki's parents' house is a different experience.

I should start by saying that one of Nikki's sisters (and her two girls, ages 5 months and 2 years) lives with her parents. I love them dearly. But being small children, they can be rather noisy. It's never bothered me before... until I tried to focus on yoga today. I kept falling out of poses, couldn't clear my mind... I even thought about stopping and switching today's workout with tomorrow, as we'll be back home then. In the end, I sucked it up and pushed through it. I feel like I got a good workout today, but I don't feel the same clarity of mind and spirit I usually do after yoga. Long story short, I can understand why Yoga X may not be so appealing to those who also have other distractions. My wife, who was back with me today (yay!), told me I better get used to distractions when we have children. :)

Not too much else to report here. I haven't seen the scale move much lately, but I can't seem to keep my pants up without a belt! Trying to hold off on buying too many new clothes until I see a little more results.

A big, very grateful thank you to Jeremy and Christina for your daily encouragement and support! It seems like you guys are always there, with the right example and knowing what to say. Words cannot begin to express the gratitude we have for the two of you.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Day 26 - Core Synergistics

X-City!!! Both times I've done Core, I've been exhausted... EVERYWHERE. (I love it!)

The good news, I took the laptop and worked out in the basement at the in-laws. The bad news, I was on my own for the second day in a row. I haven't been able to motivate Nikki to join me the past couple of days. (I think she feels guilty when she hears the words COOL DOWN), but I'm not going to force her to do something she doesn't want to do. Perhaps it's because she hates Core and thinks stretching should always been optional. :) I really hope she decides to start back again soon. I miss her tremendously!

At least she's still following the nutrition plan with me... We brought our protein shakes and bars with us and went to the store when we got here last night for the essentials: skim milk, fresh broccoli, chicken breasts, a couple ripe pears... No way am I going to go back to my bad eating habits, even for a day. I've worked WAY too hard for the results I've seen.

Other (somewhat bad) news: neither one of us slept well last night. Too many strange noises. (The sump pump kept kicking on every 10 minutes). Hope we sleep better tonight.

Planning on getting outside to enjoy the beautiful weather today. Ready for Yoga tomorrow!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Day 25 - X Stretch

I couldn't get to the stretch soon enough... I haven't been this sore since the first week. Core was tough, but Kenpo the day after??? My body was aching for today.

Looks like we're headed to spend the weekend with my in-laws. Wish me luck! I'm determined to not skip a day. I'll be fine, as it's Core and Yoga. Taking the laptop to do it in the basement, as Nikki's niece tends to control the tv. :)

Ready to bring it!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Day 24 - Kenpo X

I don't think I've ever sweated as much as I did during that... My workout partner kept me on track today. I was really sore in my hamstrings and glutes this morning, and I tried to find an excuse to put Kenpo off until later tonight. Knowing that I workout harder in the morning than I do at night, she convinced me to do it this morning. I'm glad she did. I love the way I feel after a hard workout, and I get to feel that way all day now.

I haven't been this sore since the first week! Guess that means I'm really pushing it. Really ready for X Stretch tomorrow!

Jeremy and Christina: congratulations on your journey! Day 90 has to be exciting for you. All your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Truly inspiring!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Day 23 - Core Synergistics

That one is really tough. I don't know if we could have completed that one during the first couple weeks. I'm really glad they wait until week 4 before they introduce it. Even though it's tough, the time seems to fly while doing it. We looked up between the sweat dripping in our faces and the timer said we only had another 20 minutes left! What a complete body workout!

I signed up (or at least tried to) for Christina to be my coach. I have to walk Nikki through the process of doing so tonight.

Kenpo (and some familiarity) tomorrow!