Bananas - Day 9

Today was the first day of Pure Cardio because I decided to run a 5k on the previous day I was supposed to have Pure Cardio.

It definitely the first time I found myself out of breath and my still a few reps left in my arms or legs. Going straight through without designated breaks in between sets may just become my favorite workout of the series, but I think Plyo Cardio Circuit is still my current favorite.

As it happens the Circuit is on the agenda for tomorrow. I plan on biking into work and then getting to the workout in the afternoon. Busy day.

Day 8

Today was hard...I didn't take my rest day seriously so I was very tired during the workout and did not perform as well as I had hoped. My arms were dead as I attempted my last eight push-ups and the end of the workout.

I hope to see a difference tomorrow as I do Pure Cardio. This has always been a challenging workout, but with some better food and more rest I am looking forward to it.

Purpose

Even though I missed posting this to my blog yesterday I still wanted to say something about purpose.

I had an anonymous comment on a previous post ask me what my purpose was for doing the Insanity workout program. I've given this a lot of thought over the last few days, and now I feel like I have an answer.

Having a muscular and healthy body is always great. I've been blessed with pretty good health and whatever I have done physically usually workout well for me...I ran track in high school, played soccer for a while and baseball.

I was raised as a vegetarian and understood the health benefits of eating well, but I decided to experience more food out there and have not been a strict vegetarian for years.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to speak to a group who were participating in a local program called CHIP (Cardiac Health Improvement Program). These people had been given the ultimatum: get better or get worse. All of them had decided, and paid, to change their lifestyle. They become more active and change dietary habits. I thought this was incredible. These people, making a difference in their lives, were very inspiring. I never had to do anything like they were doing...I took my health and habits for-granted. Recently, though this my sound cheesy, I have found The Biggest Loser inspiring. People deciding to change their lives for the better.

So here I am...trying my first steps in making a difference in my own life. Taking the time to improve my body and hopefully my lifestyle - for the better!

At the end of my 60 days I also hope to have a plan to give back and pay it forward. More to come on that.

I hope that gives idea of my purpose. I like the idea of being in great shape and what I can do with a stronger body, but I have been inspired to make a change for myself. Thanks to all those who have helped me get this far and inspire me to continue.

Day 7 - Taking Rest Seriously

Yesterday was a rest day from the Insanity workout, or at least it was supposed to be. A friend and I decided to go bouldering outside of Benton City. We spent a few hours working on problems and creating new, more challenging problems (I'll post a couple of videos on youtube). Bouldering is definitely a workout and my arms were nice and sore. In hindsight I should have just rested, but I did have fun.

I also ended the day sharing a couple pitchers of beer with my wife and friend. I more that I should have to get a good recovery from a day of activity. Definitely not the best decision, but then I love beer. I think I can have better balance while I'm on this program.

Lessons learned.

Day 6

The workouts come full circle for the moment. Plyo Cardio Circuit again today. Still hard and great! Tomorrow is a rest day and I'm looking forward to a climb or a hike.

Spending time outside makes the workouts inside better.

My biggest challenge of the moment is to find music to suit the workouts. I find the occasional mellow song coming up during a hard part of the workout. I've just been setting my iPod on shuffle, but I feel the need for a play list specifically for the 35-45 minute workouts.

The other day I had an anonymous comment asking about my purpose on this program...and more, I'm sure. I've given this a lot of thought and will share them in tomorrow's blog.

Peace.

Day 5 - Running on Turkey Day

The Turkey Trot was a lot of fun today. There were a lot of people there...many, no doubt to catch a glimpse of Sarah Palin. I ran into a few people I recognized as frequent customers at my work. It was good to see so many people out on a chilly November morning.

I did see Ms. Palin for a moment as she entered the crowd to run. A lot of cameras, press and people gathered around her. I hope she had fun and enjoyed the outdoors. It was a nice morning and the river was still and quiet. Would have made for a great day kayaking...I did notice a lone paddler.

The run gave me a great 27 minute cardio workout. 5k still makes for a challenge. I'm looking forward to the Cable Bridge Run in December.

Insanity - Day 4

Cardio Recover today. This isn't as intense as the other workouts, but it packs a punch. Squat pulses and some challenging moves make it a great workout. It's also nice to have a break from the power moves and cardio. Don't get me wrong, though, this is a tough workout.

Tomorrow I will be running a 5k Turkey Trot at Columbia Park here in Kennewick, WA instead of the Pure Cardio workout.

Incidentally Sarah Palin, former running mate and VP candidate with John McCain, will be running in the Turkey Trot as well. I'm sure a lot of people will be there and it could be a challenge. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Day 3 and before photos

Pardon the pale Irish in me...there will be more sun come spring and summer. For now shade your eyes.

Today felt good as stiff and sore muscles worked to get through the Cardio Power & Resistance. The workout has power jumps and good arm work (push-ups, triceps dips and incline push-ups for shoulder work). I felt good, but ran out of power...my muscles are still catching up to my cardio. I'll know I'm really making progress when I can get that last jump or keep going during plank sprints.

So this is still the beginning...a skinny white guy. 57 days and counting down.

Tomorrow is a little less intense - Cardio Recovery: I remember this one from the first round and is in no way a rest day. Bring it on!

Insanity - Day 2

Today was the Plyo Cardio Circuit. This half-hour or so workout is one of my favorite and one of the most challenging. It's been a few months since I did this workout and it was hard to keep going at the same level as I remember.

I got through it, but not without a fight, sweat and a bit of yelling.

I am working on my diet...making sure I get the calories I need during this program. I find I'll have to double some meals like mt morning smoothie. I gotta keep at it.

I also took some "before" pics today. I hope to compare them to the photos I shot prior to the 30 days of the workout. I think I'll post these when I have more time.

Tomorrow I have Power Cardio and Resistance. I don't recall the specifics of this workout, but I'm sure it will all come back to me quickly.

Insanity - Day 1

Getting back on the wagon is hard. I don't feel prepared and it took a little while to get out of bed and press play. I did it though and here's how it went.

I started Insanity last in the summer and was able to compare my first day from last time to this go around. The first day is a fit test: 8 exercises to set a base and something to compare against during the 60 day program.

It was interesting to compare my previous attempt to today. In most areas I did the same or better with only one exercise, power knees, below my prior results.

The workout is hard. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Back to the drawing board...

I find it amazing how I can let life take over and stop doing things that are good for me or I really enjoy all in the name of "not enough time" or "too busy" (some relation there).
I see by my last post I just started "Insanity". It have been more than a few months and I have not finished the work-out. In fact most of my activity has been isolated: a hike here, climbing there...etc.

I see a need and an opportunity...so I am going back to the drawing board. Starting this Sunday I am back on a more healthy diet and back to "Insanity".

I'm starting the workout from the beginning and I'm going to make some changes - I found I did not always put in the most effort...I recovered very quickly (not a bad thing), but I think I could push a little more...so I'm not going to hold anything back. I'll need to make sure I don't go too far and not injure myself, but I know I can do more.

As for my commuting...I hope to begin again, but I may wait until I complete my 60-day workout.

I also plan on following my progress here and on facebook...photos on flickr as well.
So, that's the plan...for the next 60 days beginning this Sunday. Wish me luck!