Stretch X-treme!

So I thought I would have a nice relaxing session this evening . . .

Day #54: Stretch X
So I think my newfound focus on form and intensity has completely bled over into every single workout. Stretch X is undoubtedly the easiest of all of the workouts, right? In the past, I barely broke out a minor sweat doing it. But tonight I was surprised to feel beads of sweat dripping from my forehead. Not nearly as much as say after Plyo or Kenpo or any of the resistance + Ab Ripper X workouts, but still substantially more than I've ever noticed before from Stretch X. I'll take that as a good sign.

Also, this marks the end of the first wekk of me adding something to my daily routine. I have incorporated a 2 mile walk. Basically, I have taken the part of my daily commute to work that consisted of waiting and riding the local train into town and decided to start walking it instead. After trying it out on Monday, and realizing that I still arrived to work at about the same time as when I took the train, I did it every night this week. It's a good little hike and the perect little cardio boost to help things along.

So we are in the homestretch for Recovery Week. I've got a vacation coming up next week and still trying to figure out what to do as far as planning my workouts. I am weighing a few options, but hope to get something down on the calendar soon. Stay tuned . . . .

!!!

Day #53: Kenpo X
Jabs. Hooks. Kicks. Punches. Sweat. Brought!

Just a quick note . . .

So I am in that weird place that I've heard others talk about. Against my better judgement, I've been weigning myself a little more frequently lately and the scale seems to be hovering around the same number for the last week and a half or so, BUT, I can definitely see more subtle changes when I look in the morror. And I've been on the last hole in my favorite belt for like 2 and half weeks or so and at this point, I can easily put a finger in and tug it about an inch from my waist when standing and about a half inch when seated. So, I'm just not gonna worry about it and keep pressing play.

Also, I think I'm gonna put the scale away and hold off til Day 60, or maybe even 75 before checking again. I don't want to fall into that frustrating scale obsession as I have before in the past.

In other X news, an impromptu dinner gathering tonight thwarted my plans for Kenpo X. So my plan is to pull a double tomorrow and do Kenpo X in the morning after work and then Stretch X tomorrow night before work. Or vice versa. We'll see what happens.

Back to the Core Again

Still "recovering". . . . .

Day #51: Core Synergistics
Wow. I forgot what a butt-kicker this workout is! It certainly reminded me with its return tonight. Overall this was a pretty strong workout for me. The first section started off reasonably well. The only place I had an issue was the Sphinx Push-Ups. Those are still a little awkward for me. Had to make a few adjustments with the band on the Lunge & Reach before getting a good rhythm going on that one.

I am struggling with doing the standing portion of the Prison Cell Push-Ups. I pretty much remained on the floor and repeated the plank position part of it. Attempted the Squat X-Press with the band, but just couldn't get the upper extension, so I dropped the bands and did it without them using isometrics on the upper part. All Plank and NO Chaturanga Runs. I have to say that the Walking Push-Ups were stronger than I expected. I know my butt was too high, but at this point that's the only way I could stick with it for for the 4 reps. Since I still don't have free weights, I used isometric holding and flexing on the Lunge Kickback Curl Press. Towel "Stepovers" finished up this section.

The next section was good as well. Completed a nice set of the Reach High & Under Push-Ups. Followed by a very intense set of Steam Engines. And then the lovely Dreya Rolls, but minus the standing part.

Even though I kinda wanted to fast forward thru the Bonus Round, I decided to stay with Tony and Friends. Did a reasonably strong set of Plank to Chaturanga Isos, but had to fall out of them towards the end, just couldn't finish it. Halfback went well. And I actually attempted to do complete Table Dip Leg Raises. Those are hard for me and not pretty at all. I got about halfway thru them then had to keep both feet on the floor and finished just doing dips.

So recovery week 2 is still on a roll! A special treat tomorrow! A mid-week set of Kenpo X!!

Recovery 2 Commences

So "Recovery" Week 2 is underway! An ooky tummy made Yesterday a rest day. And made me feel a bit like a slacker. So I know I wanted todays workout to be strong. But at first, I wasn't really feeling up to it. But I decided to Press Play and see what happens . . .

Day #50 Yoga X:

It turns out that Pressing Play was a good decision! I totally was not sure how much I wanted to do Yoga X today, but I surprised myself by turning out probably one of my strongest yoga sessions yet. My renewed focus on form has also made its way into Yoga X. I was actually able to clear my mind much better than before and that really created a good payoff.

Today's Moving Asanas were probably my best yet. I've been sort of playing with hand and block positions to better get into the Standing Splits and Half Moon poses. I am nowhere near getting the complete extension, but I must say today was probably the closest I ever came and with the least amount of shakiness. Still a long way to go, but getting closer.

Balance Postures showed some improvement as well. The troublesome Right leg held so much more steadier today. It still got a little wobbly, but I did not fall out of any of the postures for the first time in this round. I actually applauded myself for the effort!

Floor work and Yoga Belly 7 were all pretty much on par with the previous sessions. Torso Twist Holds were a little better today. And a nice finish as always with the Relaxation poses at the end.

So this second Recovery Week is off to a good start. I sort of feel like the latter half of Phase 2 was not as strong as it should have been. Even though I Brought It as much as I could, I feel like I could have made a better effort. So my goal in Phase 3 is to re-focus again and kick things up a notch. Come back with the same concentration on form and intensity, but with more effort. And perhaps some extra-curricular activities to resume the momentum and up the ante a bit.

Of course, I'll tell you all about it here. Happy Monday!!

"I've Got Rhythm"

A good days sleep. Back feeling better. A Saturday evening date with Tony. Who could ask for anything more?

Day #48: Kenpo X

Kenpo Day is always a good time because it is totally my favorite workout. Went into it with gusto and finished with gusto. Major DNA removal today. This one gets better and better. I am getting a really good rhythm going with it now that the moves are almost becoming second nature. Totally allows me to concentrate on form and intensity. Feeling really good!

I want to take a second to say thanx to everyone for their encouraging words on this blog, on Facebook and out and about. It truly helps to have your support!!

Now, here's one of my favorite "Idols" Melinda Doolittle with her wonderful rendition of "I've Got Rhythm." Please to enjoy and have a great weekend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlEpSQeRmOQ

Friday Night at the X

So when I rolled out of bed earlier, my legs were a little sore and my back was a little stiff. So naturally today's workout was . . . .

Day #47: Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X
Wasn't sure about this one heading in, but history seems to be that whenever I've gone into a workout unsure or not completely willing, those workouts turn to be the better ones. And that was again the case tonight. I played it safe in the warm-up because of the stiffness in my lower back. But once the actual workout got going it was full speed ahead.

Rep numbers across the board on the banded pull-ups pretty much held steady from last time. But as I've been doing lately, I really focused and form and isometrics. As things went along, my the sensation in my back actually subsided.

Again, form was the focus on the leg exercises as well and I pretty much went toe-to-toe with Tony and Co. So a timid start led to a strong, sweaty finish. But of course the work wasn't done yet.

Tonights Ab Ripper X was very strong. I took one short break in the middle of the Hip Rock N Raises, but my effort there was probably my best so far. Same with the V-Up/Roll-Ups. I matched 12 again, but my legs are not popping up nearly as much on the initial sit-up part of those. And in the past I would fall out of the middle of one near the end of the cycle, but that did not happen this time. I dare say tonight's ARX was the best so far!

Kickin' it with Kenpo tomorrow! Oh, yeah! 'Til then . . . . .

Time for Walkies!

Well, events of the day prevented me from getting in my Yoga X. But said events also resulted in me doing the equivalent of a 4 and a half mile hike. And thanx to P90X, I was able to do this with no trepidation and lots of energy! So I got a little bit of something done. The plan is to resume things as planned for tomorrow and make up the Yoga X on Sunday.

Halfway There . . .

So I have reached the midpoint in this round of P90X. The next 7 weeks will be crucial because it was at this point in my last attempted round that things sort of went south. But I am optimistic that all will turn out better this go 'round.

Day #45: Back & Biceps and Ab Ripper X
This was another good one. Really made a more concentrated effort to focus on form. More isometric holding on the banded pull-ups as well as on the banded curls. Makes such a huge difference. I felt the burn in my biceps more this time than I remember feeling before. Rep numbers were up by 1-2 throughout. No major increases. The focus on form means I don't go so fast, but I still wanted to better the numbers and that was achieved.

Ab Ripper X went well, too. Another hard fought one. Had to take a bit of a break in the middle of the Hip Rock N Raises (really not a fan of those. GRRR!!!), but still completed 25. Also squeezed out 12 of the Roll-Ups/V-Ups, so that puts me back where I was last week. Overall a good night in the "gym" for me.

Now to address the weight. You may or may not recall a few weeks ago when I had a bit of confusion concerning my actual weight. A mistake resulted in a 15 pound discrepency. When I thought I was at 290, it turns out I was actually at 305. The result of weighing myself on a carpeted surface as opposed to a hard one (truly a "duh" moment). So adjusting the numbers meant that my starting weight was actually at 320 and not 305. That was not a good day for me after the revelation was made, but I just accepted my mistake and pressed on.

So now that I have more accurate numbers to go by, I feel like I can celebrate a little again and this time mean it! So as of today, I have OFFICALLY broken the 300 barrier and came in at 298! So that is a total of 22 pounds lost since starting back on January 3! Now, I know I still have a LONG way to go, but I feel like the hard work is paying off.

Now I don't plan to weigh myself again until the 60 day mark and then not again until the end of this round. I want to hold fast to my vow to not be a scale whore. I am looking forward to see where I will be then. Stay tuned!!

Plyo 180

So after yesterday's sort of blah workout, I had nowhere to go but up today. I think I turned things around . . .

Day #44: Plyometrics
So after getting a good day's sleep, I awoke raring to go. Was bound and determined to have better workout today. I am proud to say I totally Brought It! Me and Plyo were really good friends today. My legs were on fire and felt like spaghetti about halfway through, but I didn't let that stop me. Still have some modifications here and there, specifically the Knee Jumps and the X Hops (don't remember exactly what they are called, don't have my book with me, but it's the one where you hop on one foot and make an "x" on the floor? Yeah that one), and my Rock Star Hops are not pretty, but they are mine! Anyway once I made it to the Sports Bonus (my favorite part), I was pretty much on fire! Feeling much better today than I did yesterday. Starting to see a little definition in the legs, too!

Tomorrow marks the halfway point in this round! I cna't wait to see where this journey leads me. 'Til tomorrow . . . . .

Eh . . .

Week 3 of Phase 2 kinda got off to a lackluster start. I think I had a case of the Monday blahs.

Day 43: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps and Ab Ripper X
Oddly enough, this work our was sort of the opposite of what usually happens with me. It started off pretty strong. But by about a third of the way into it, I started to lose my focus and started to get a little frustrated that I was having trouble getting it back. My reps were up on like the first four exercises, then they leveled off at the Pike Press. My rep numbers at this point were exactly on par with last week and remained so for about the next few exercises up to the One-Arm Push-Ups. Then things really started to get a bit ouit of whack. My concentration really slacked off and I ended up bowing out early on most of the remaining exercises. I somehow managed to up my reps on the Clap Push-Up. But the next three were not pretty at all. By the time I hit the Cross-Body Blows I was so ready to be done and I even considered totally skipping Ab Ripper X.

Then I took a few breaths and decided I needed to redeem myself somehow. I didn't want to end this session feeling defeated, so I let the DVD continue into Ab Ripper X. This was a hard one today, but I stayed on par with the previous times and made it through and managed to up my focus level somewhat to the end. The only setback was falling back to 11 Roll-Up/V-Ups. Otherwise I finished up pretty strong and felt like I brought some intensity back before it was all over. It was hard fought, but I made it thru.

I am hoping tomorrow goes better. I actually enjoy Plyo, so I think things will be okay. We shall see . . . .

Church of X

So Saturday became my rest day due to activities that pretty much ate up my hours, so I had to push yesterday's planned workout to today . . .

Day 42: Kenpo X

It' a beautiful Sunday morning. A nice day to hear a sermon from Rev. Horton. Today's lesson: Thou shalt punch and kick and Bringeth it! This was one of those that started out slightly creeky because my legs were a bit stiff. Lingering effects from Plyo and Legs & back, no doubt. But as usual, once the blood was pumping and things got flowing, I focused on form and intensity and finished very strong. I feel like my kicks are getting a bit higher and it's getting easier to do those kicks. And staying in the horse stance during the Block section is a little easier, too! And it's nice to do the moves without having to thinks so much about how to do them like I had to at the start. makes things a whole lot easier, plus i don't feel like such a doofus. Not sure if that's how you spell "doofus" but we'll go with it.

Hope you have a great Sunday! Here's "Sunday Kind of Love" from Etta James. . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfNLspDL3ns

Friday Funtime!!

I never thought I would see the day when I considered working out fun. But P90X and Tony certainly make it fun. I hit the "gym" later today again after getting some sleep in after work. Brought it tonight!

Day 40: Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X
I really like this workout because I have reasonably strong legs (after years of carrying my weight around, they should be!!) and although I occasionally have issues with my back, I think since I've been working really hard these last 6 weeks, my back feels stronger, too. Still get that ol' stiffness every now and then, but I attribute that to age and the girth I am still holding, but gradually getting rid of. Anyway, let's get to the business at hand.

The Leg portions of the workout felt really good tonight. Balance Lunge was actually more balanced and less wobbly, and again I focused more on form throughout and for the most part was able to keep. Now I can't get low enough to touch the floor on the exercises where you're supposed to do that, but I did get lower than I have been getting. Also not quite getting airborne yet either, but still working hard. That will come soon.

Banded Pull-Up numbers were up on average by 2-3. Again focused on form and the isometric hold on these. I think I will consider moving up to the Green band soon to make this more of a challenge. And I am hoping by the next round of X, I can start using the pull-up bar.

I came really close to putting off Ab Ripper X tonight. But I had a feeling that if I didn't do it tonight, I probably wouldn't again until I am scheduled to which is Monday. So I decided to go ahead and get it done. I am glad I did. I am really feeling much better and stronger doing ARX. My old nemesis the Hip Rock N Raises were again tough, but complete. And I tied my round high of 12 of the V-Up/Roll-Up Combo, plus they were quite a bit less shaky this time and my legs aren't popping up on the sit up part of it. Trust me, ARX still a huge challenge, but you can't beat that feeling you get when you get to the end of the Mason Twists and realize how much work you've just done.

Weekend plans may scramble things up a bit and I may have to move Kenpo X to Sunday, but I love Kenpo so it will get done! Have a great weekend!

Go Go Yoga!

Was really exhausted after work today and not getting enough sleep prior. So I hit the sack as soon as I got in and then pulled out the mat and blocks this evening.

Day 39: Yoga X

Wow! I dare say this was probably my best session of Yoga X yet. It's really good to see improvement in my abilities on this workout, as I do find it to be the most challenging of all. The Moving Asanas were a bit stronger today. Still shaky in places, but noticeably better. This was especially evident in the Warrior 3 to Standing Splits and Half Moon to Twisting Moon. I am still nowhere near getting the full balance and extension of Tony & Friends, but I was quite astonished at how much closer I got today.

The balance Postures were a little better. I ma still for some reason having balance issues on my right leg. But there was a little improvement there and I fell out of Tree and my versions of Royal Dancer and the Standing Leg Extensions less than I have before.

Floor work was pretty much on par (sans Crane and Shoulder Stand/Plough). I did manage to widen the stretch on Frog a bit and Cobbler Pose form was better as was the Hamstring Stretches.

Yoga Belly 7 felt a bit stronger as well. Still not a fan of the Boat series, but I held onto them as long as I could without giving in. And of course after that killer second round of Touch the Sky every thing leading up to the end was a breeze.

I know this is the most polarizing of all of the workouts, but I am liking it more and more. Especially when I can see improvements happening. I think I get the best sense of accomplishment out of finishing Yoga X than an of the other workouts.

Here's a fun ditty from Solange, "Sandcastle Disco." Please to enjoy! have a great night!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCJRD7ciFE0

Backin' Up, Backin' Up!

I think today was one of the best X-workouts I have had so far. Feeling good and strong. Pressed Play and Brought It today!

Day #38: Back & Biceps and Ab Ripper X

I am very happy with today's workout! Rep numbers kind of fluctuated throughout. I focused even more on form today so that resulted in a slight drop in some numbers. But it also resulted in me still feeling a burn in my biceps and upper back. Reps were actually up for the majority of the session by an average of 2-3. A slight downward dip on 1-Arm Cross Body Curl, Reverse Grip Bent Over Rows, Crouching Cohens and Bent-Over Back Flys, but only by 1 or 2.

Highlights this go 'round: 21 banded Wide Grip Pull-Ups at the start and 25 of the same on the Max Rep Pull-Ups, 18 banded Towel Pull-Ups, an extra 2 Congdon locomotives for a total of 42, and 12 of the In-Out hammer Curls. The only misstep is realizing halfway through the Chin-Ups I had a forward grip instead of a reverse, so half of the 20 were done right. But i still got 20 done.

Ab Ripper X, just gets better and better! Very strong, and very hard fought as usual. Best set of Hip Rock N Raises so far. AND I upped my Roll-Up/V-Up Combo to 12! And that last one I really fought for. I was determined to beat my last two counts of 11. Now I still do quite a bit of modifying throughout ARX, but I can tell you I am not slacking at all. But it feels good to not dread doing as much as I used to. I actually sort of look forward to it now. . . . . Imagine that! Another one in the books.

Just one week away from the halfway point in this round! Gonna get some well-deserved rest. Tomorrow brings Yoga X. For now, here's the "Backin' Up" Lady . . . Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIoG4PlEPtY

Enuff Sed . . .

Day 37: Plyometrics

A hard fought one, but IT was BROUGHT!! I am sweaty and tired! That is all!! Have a wonderful day!

Super Monday!

After a fun-filled weekend, that did include a bit of indulging in some foods and drink I haven't had in awhile, it's time to come back to reality for Week 2 of Phase 2. On the plus side, I drank plenty of water while I was out and about and didn't really overdo the bad eating. I did have healthy stuff in there as well, so it wasn't a total wash. But today, it was time to get back on track and Bring it!

Day 36: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps and Ab Ripper X

So after the full day I had yesterday, I was fully expecting this to be a lackluster workout. But it was quite the contrary. It was a little tough at the start and I had to really focus and put some extra effort into it, but it paid off in an uptick on rep numbers throughout. I was up at least 1-3 on everything except Slow Motion Push-Ups, Pour Flys, and Side Leaning Tri-Extensions, which all held steady. I was actually down 2 on the Y-Presses but coming off of the 2-Twitch Speed Push-Ups which were up, I felt lucky to get 14 in. So this effort sort of proved to me that I am getting stronger and that I really didn't wreck myself too badly between Sushi Saturday and Super Sunday.

Ab Ripper X was also strong and on par with the previous one. Pretty much all numbers were the same, but every thing felt better. Hip Rock N Raises were much stronger as were the Roll-Up/V-Up Combos (still only up to 11, but a good effort). Another good one in the books! Plyo returns tomorrow. Woo!

Kenpo X-Cellent

So I went out and last night and hung out with some friends. I have to say I was very encouraged and inspired by several people I hadn't seen in awhile who also seem to be taking better care of themselves. (Not to mention the few that asked me repeatedly how much weight I've lost. That doesn't get old, I must admit). They're not doing P90X but they are doing whatever works for them and it's good to see them looking slimmer and healthier. Now I've got to Bring it even harder to catch up to them!! :^D

Day 34: Kenpo X

Before I even put the DVD in, my legs were already quite beat from doing Legs & Back yesterday and then walking around last night and earlier today to get to various places. But my urge to get to Kenpo was way too strong. Man, I feel like I truly Brought it plus a little extra this go 'round. Despite the tired legs, I did not skip a beat in this session and the intensity was really there! Now that I pretty much have the moves down, it's so much easier to focus on the work and get it done right. My tank top was light red when I started! Soaked when I was done. Yeah!! Kenpo continues to be far and away my favorite workout. Can't wait to do it again next week!

Happy Legs & Back Friday!

I am glad I got off my butt and Pressed Play instead of putting it off! It'a amazing that the best workouts seem to be the ones where you go in not really wanting to. Somehow it always works out for the best in the end.

Day 33: Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X

I feel like I bounced back from last nights sort of lackluster Yoga X. Intensity was good, even with a slightly sore right upper hamstring. Pretty much broke even with the pull-ups today in comparison to last week. And despite a shakier than normal set of Balance Lunges at the start, I pretty much kept up with Tony and the gang throughout on the leg exercises. I did have to throw in a few mini breaks because i was wearing myself out a little because of the high enthusiasm. Finished very strong, but if course the work was not over.

Ab Ripper X was a little harder today because of how much work I had just finished. But it was still very strong. I made it to 25 Hip Rock N Raises finally. It was brutal, but it got done. I also made it to 11 on the Roll-Up/V-Ups again, even though the last two were quite a challenge. Today's Oblique V-Ups were probably the strongest and most intense ever so far. I was so determined to come out strong. Another good day of accomplishment with P90X!

Happy Friday to you. How about some high energy music for today? Kimberley Locke and "Strobelight." Enjoy and have a great day and weekend. Saturday is a Kenpo X Day!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxTUhhOiS1o

Twilight Yoga

No this has nothing to do with those teenage vampires and werewolves. I was kinda tired after coming in from work this morning, and also had a bit of a headache. So opted to get some sleep and workout later in the day. And that worked out just fine.

Day 32: Yoga X
So this was a pretty good session. Just like last time I was sweating from beginning to end. I feel like my flexibility and balance are very slowly improving. Still a very long way to go. Things were a bit shaky toward the latter part of the Moving Asanas. The Balance Poses were better. Still unstable when balance on the right leg, but there was some improvment there tonight.

Floor Work was pretty much on par with the previous. Crane is still a dream away for me as is the Shoulder Stand/Pough poses. Still very much modifying on those. As usual the poses in between were good. Wheel and Table felt a but stronger.

Yoga Belly 7 was just okay. I felt like I was struggling a little more tonight than last time for some reason, but I pushed on through. As always it's such a relief to get to the relaxation poses at the end. Another Yoga X in the books. I don't feel like this was my best effort with it tonight, but I feel good that I stuck it out to the end.

Back to the Business at Hand

So after the "emotional rollercoaster" that was yesterday's weight fiasco (ha ha). It was time to regroup and focus on the job of the day.

Day 31: Back & Biceps and Ab Ripper X

Alrighty then. Dust it off and get back on it. The first week of Phase 2 is nearly half done and the call of the day was Back & Biceps. Today's workout was good. Not great, but good. Two things contributed to that. Lingering thoughts of yesterday and the fact that this particular DVD cuts right to the chase throughout, and since I am using the bands, that meant a lot of restarting sections because I had to see how to position myself for each exercise. Even though it's similar for most of the bicep exercises, I hadn't done this workout since September. So I had to re-learn the choreography.

Rep numbers were averaging in the mid teens. Lots of 12's throughout. No major highlights to report this go 'round. Except maybe getting 20 Wide Fronts done on the Max Rep set of Pull Ups, this was pretty much a cut and dry workout. I have nowhere to go but up when this one returns next week.

Ab Ripper X was pretty much on par as the last time. Just as strong. Actually a little stronger on the Oblique V-Ups, AND I got 11 Roll-up/V-up Combos done. My best number there on this round. Also got 22 Hip Rock and Raises completed. So I guess it was a bit better than before. So things started out kinda meh, but finished up reasonably good. Tomorrow brings Yoga X! Type at you later . . .

Please hold your applause . . . .

So as it turns out I made a pretty dumb mistake today, which resulted in my numbers not being as spectacular as I had thought. But instead of glossing it over and denying things, I will own up to the fact that I weighed myself on a carpeted surface this morning. After this was pointed out to me by my roommate who did the same thing, then re-did it on a hard surface after realizing the number wasn't right, I re-weighed myself and, well, it was a significant difference in the up direction. In the back of my mind, I knew that the number I saw at first couldn't be true, but after rechecking it twice, I went with it. Who wouldn't, right?

And this is probably a common sense thing among people who are scale watchers, which I am not. In the past whenever I weighed myself it was either at the doctors office or at the gym using a medical scale, so I pretty much absent-mindedly used my scale at home in my bedroom on a carpeted floor. Duh.

Now, that's not to say that the approximate amount of weight I think I lost is grossly incorrect. Again, I did not weigh myself at the start of this round (another crucial mistake, but I attribute that to not wanting to know at the time), so my starting weight quite possibly was much higher than I estimated. So the difference may very well be the same, more or less. Or not. We'll never know.

So I was a bit discouraged, but I only have myself to blame. But I gave it some thought and I re-realized that I know some progress has been made. I know the larger work pants I had to get 2 months ago are fitting much looser than when I first got them. I have noticed a small bit significant hollowing in my belly. I've had a couple of people at work comment about me looking a little slimmer. My energy level is higher. My workouts have been much stronger. I have made some very big changes in my diet. So I can't be too put out by this whole weigh-in mix-up. There is way more positive than negative here.

This actually just puts a fire under me to work harder and to keep Bringing It and keep Pressing Play in this phase! Every day brings an opportunity to learn something and to do more.

Now to spare myself further embarrasment, I am not going to reveal the actual weight number at this time. But what I will do is post my numbers at the next weigh-in at the 60-day mark and also post the difference between now and then at that time. Because now I have real numbers to work with. So stay tuned. Besides, it's not like I have 59 more days to get in better shape. I have the rest of my life . . .

Thanx to all of you for your support and encouraging words. The journey continues . . . .

So Far So Good

Day 30: Plyometrics

I hit Plyo pretty hard today. So hard that I almost conked out about a third of the way thru. But i went back to focusing on my progress so far and regrouped mentally and finished up strong. Worked up a huge enthusiastic sweat and feeling so accomplished yet again. I truly believe I will far surpass my last effort. Something different is happening mentally this go 'round and i really hope it continues! Back and Biceps tomorrow. Phase 2 is definitely off and running strong!

"Oh Happy Day" indeed! Whoopi and the kids from "Sister Act 2." Enjoy and have a fantastic day!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLY7yI1xV-M