dvg-p90x's Weight Loss Journal

2010

2010-01-04T07:12:00.003-07:00

I started up p90x again, today. However, I have opted to use a different blogging medium. If you would like to follow the action, you can catch me on Twitter and Facebook:

http://twitter.com/dvg_p90x

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000548462261

This site is no longer active, but will remain up as a historical account of my personal experience with p90x in 2008.

403

2008-09-24T04:31:00.001-07:00

Day 248 / 365
P90X 3 / 91
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 3
Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	236 lbs	-	Loss:	62 lbs
% Loss:	20.8 %	-	Rate:	0.084 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats:
Time:	39.1 min	-	Burned:	492 cal
Max:	162 bpm	-	Avg:	136 bpm

402

2008-09-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

Day 247 / 365
P90X 2 / 91
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	238 lbs	-	Loss:	60 lbs
% Loss:	20.1 %	-	Rate:	0.081 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats:
Time:	30.9 min	-	Burned:	423 cal
Max:	167 bpm	-	Avg:	143 bpm

First day back, made it halfway through. Good workout, but I had hoped to do better. I guess I have fallen further than I thought.

Yoga Is Back

2008-04-30T23:34:00.002-07:00

Day 101 / 365
P90X+ 4 / 84
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	234 lbs	-	Loss:	64 lbs
% Loss:	21.5 %	-	Rate:	0.213 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

Bad Diet, Great Yoga. My performance in Yoga was one of the best to date. The diet, though not bad in total calories, did not spread evenly through out the day over 5-6 meals and the last meal was the largest. Hopefully the late night Yoga and my 4 hour fast before bedtime will help.

Diet:
•	Meatballs & Mozzarella Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Ham and Turkey Deli Sandwich on French Bread	500 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	80 cal.
•	Country Fried Steak w/ Fried Potatoes	700 cal.	(Small Portions)

Total: 1560 cal.

Total Body...Totally!

2008-04-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Day 100 / 365
P90X+ 3 / 84
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 3
Total Body Plus

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	234 lbs	-	Loss:	64 lbs
% Loss:	21.5 %	-	Rate:	0.215 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats:
Time:	47.75 min	-	Burned:	550 cal
Max:	168 bpm	-	Avg:	130 bpm

Very Fun! I again was not able to complete the hanging exercises as they were instructed, so I instead did normal pull-ups. I am sorry for how brief and non-descriptive these first posts have been. I am behind on getting these posted and am therefore rushed in completing them. I will try and include more detail soon, as I get caught up.

Diet:
•	Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Healthy Request Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup	220 cal.
•	Nutri-Grain Apple Cinnamon Bar	140 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Spaghetti with Meat Sauce	220 cal.
•	Pop Secret Extra Butter Popcorn	160 cal.
•	Kidney Bean Chili	300 cal.	(Small Portions)

Total: 1510 cal.

Intervals

2008-04-28T23:37:00.002-07:00

Day 99 / 365
P90X+ 2 / 84
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 2
Interval X Plus, Abs/Core Plus

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	234 lbs	-	Loss:	64 lbs
% Loss:	21.5 %	-	Rate:	0.217 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats:
Time:	66 min	-	Burned:	891 cal
Max:	179 bpm	-	Avg:	143 bpm

The Interval X Plus routine was pretty fun. I put it up with plyo, but it is different in its own right. Abs/Core Plus was also pretty interesting. I skipped all of the standing moves, though. I do not, yet, have a suitable bar to hang from(I am using the Lat Pull-down for chin-ups). I am working on getting an actual chin-up bar, as I seems to be a requirement in Plus.

Diet:
•	Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Healthy Request Grilled Chicken and Sausage Gumbo	280 cal.
•	Nutri-Grain Apple Cinnamon Bar	140 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Breaded Chicken Breast Strips & Mashed Potatoes	200 cal.
•	Pop Secret Extra Butter Popcorn	160 cal.
•	Chicken Rice-a-roni	300 cal.

Total: 1550 cal.

Plus Begins

2008-04-27T23:54:00.002-07:00

Day 98 / 365
P90X+ 1 / 84
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 1
Upper Plus, Abs/Core Plus

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	234 lbs	-	Loss:	64 lbs
% Loss:	21.5 %	-	Rate:	0.219 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats:
Time:	48.3 min	-	Burned:	647 cal
Max:	170 bpm	-	Avg:	142 bpm

I am back! I took a week off in celebration of my success and to prepare for P90X+. To my surprise, it was the longest week in the last 90 days. Everyday I was thinking that I need to get started again, and I could hardly wait for the week to end. I tried too stick to the same eating patterns, but I did not count the calories. I feel that I made it through alright. I lost an additional 5 pounds during the off week. I hope it wasn't lean mass.

Upper Plus went well. I think I may need some new equipment, though. The 7 position pull-up bar would come in handy, as well as the Power Stands(since mine are broken) and the Bowflex Select Tech dumbbells. I think the routine is designed to be a repeat routine(going by the worksheet) but the video made no mention of restarting the disc and doing it once more. I was pretty spent anyway, and I skipped the Abs/Core Plus routine, also. I am looking forward to see what else awaits.

Diet:
•	Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero x2	40 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Progresso Light Home-Style Vegetable & Rice Soup	120 cal.
•	Nutri-Grain Apple Cinnamon Bar	140 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Grilled Chicken Breast & Pasta	210 cal.
•	Pop Secret Extra Butter Popcorn	160 cal.
•	Fresca Zesty Chicken Border Bowl	350 cal.

Total: 1490 cal.

90 Day Summary

2008-04-24T10:34:00.002-07:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will let the picture do the talkin' in this post.

It's a Photo Finish!

2008-04-19T23:21:00.002-07:00

Day 90 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 13 , Routine 7
X Stretch

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	239 lbs	-	Loss:	59 lbs
% Loss:	19.8 %	-	Rate:	0.22 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

Last Day! The contest between Svg and I has been very close all the way to the end. It is going to be a photo finish (heh heh, pun intended). I just have to sit tight and wait for Svg's results to come in.

This post is a little late. I did not get to the X Stretch today, but I did play some Softball with the kids. I will update later with my 90 Day picture (yeah, the above pic is not me) and some other news.

Keep Diggin'

2008-04-18T23:51:00.001-07:00

Day 89 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 13 , Routine 6
Construction, again!

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	240 lbs	-	Loss:	58 lbs
% Loss:	19.5 %	-	Rate:	0.219 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

Well I did not do the Kempo X make-up that I had planned. Instead, I spent the first half of the morning digging a trench, ripping out old underground pipes, breaking up buried concrete with a small hammer...etc. I think I achieved the calorie burn.

Diet:
•	Bacon, Egg & Cheese Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Cheesy Chicken and Rice	220 cal.
•	Nature Valley Chewy Granola Vanilla Yogurt Bar	140 cal.
•	Ribeye Steak, Baked Potato w/ Salsa, Corn-on-cob	550 cal.	(Small Portions)

Total: 1345 cal.

Diet Disaster

2008-04-17T23:47:00.004-07:00

Day 88 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 13 , Routine 5
Core Synergistics

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	239 lbs	-	Loss:	59 lbs
% Loss:	19.8 %	-	Rate:	0.225 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

Really bad diet day, and I waited all day to do the routine just to have no motivation going in to it. I did the first quarter.

Diet:
•	Bacon, Egg & Cheese Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Breaded Chicken Breast Strips & Mashed Potatoes	200 cal.
•	Too Much Macayo's	5000 cal.	(No point in trying to figure it out)

Total: 5635 cal.

After the fact

2008-04-16T23:41:00.001-07:00

Day 87 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 13 , Routine 4
X Stretch

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	239 lbs	-	Loss:	59 lbs
% Loss:	19.8 %	-	Rate:	0.228 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

Skipped

Diet:
•	Bacon, Egg & Cheese Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free	20 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Spaghetti with Meat Sauce	220 cal.
•	Meatloaf Hamburgers w/ Tator tots	500 cal.
•	Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn	120 cal.

Total: 1295 cal.

Gettin' Off the Knees

2008-04-15T15:51:00.001-07:00

Day 86 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 13 , Routine 3
Core Synergistics

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	239 lbs	-	Loss:	59 lbs
% Loss:	19.8 %	-	Rate:	0.23 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats:
Time:	54.5 min	-	Burned:	723 cal
Max:	175 bpm	-	Avg:	142 bpm

As I planned yesterday, I completed the Core Synergistics routine today. I rocked it! I had my best performance to date. I even did a couple of the infamous Dreya Rolls, and just about all of the push-ups were standard(no knee). I am looking for at least one more pound lost in the next four days. That is not too much to ask, is it?

Diet:
•	Bacon, Egg & Cheese Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free	20 cal.
•	Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Nature Valley Chewy Granola Vanilla Yogurt Bar	140 cal.
•	Fresh Express Green & Crisp with Iceberg and Romaine Salad w/ Ken's Steak House Zesty Italian	100 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Complete Selections Meatloaf	300 cal.
•	Progresso Light Savory Southwestern-Style Vegetable	120 cal.
•	Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn	120 cal.
•	Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread	200 cal.

Total: 1615 cal.

Sloppy Schedule

2008-04-14T22:29:00.003-07:00

Day 85 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 13 , Routine 2
Construction?

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	239 lbs	-	Loss:	59 lbs
% Loss:	19.8 %	-	Rate:	0.233 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

Ok, I am getting sloppy. I called in sick from work today and I did not get this workout done. The most physical activity that I accomplished today was moving a six-foot tall, forty-foot long, chain-link fence, twice. I will probably get to move it around again this week-end, when I get to set it up. I really want to do the Core Synergistics routine, so I will probably make-it up tomorrow morning and I will probably do the Kempo X on my Day 89 in lieu of the scheduled routine. Svg knows all about that! =P

Diet:
•	Meatballs & Mozzarella Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free x2	40 cal.
•	Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Strawberry	100 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Sesame Chicken	230 cal.
•	Nature Valley Chewy Granola Vanilla Yogurt Bar	140 cal.
•	NY Strip Steak, Baked Potato w/ Salsa, Half-Ear Corn-on-cob	550 cal.	(Small Portion)

Total: 1675 cal.

Last Week Begins

2008-04-13T12:43:00.002-07:00

Day 84 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 13 , Routine 1
Yoga X

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	239 lbs	-	Loss:	59 lbs
% Loss:	19.8 %	-	Rate:	0.236 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

I was running lated this morning and I knew I was not going to have enough time for Yoga X, so I substituted X Stretch. Not a big deal because I missed X Stretch yesterday, two Yoga's in one week is too many.

Diet:
•	Meatballs & Mozzarella Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Fresh Express Green & Crisp with Iceberg and Romaine Salad w/ Ken's Steak House Zesty Italian	100 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Apple Turnover	100 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Complete Selections Classic Grilled Chicken BBQ	270 cal.
•	Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn	120 cal.
•	Progresso Light Home-Style Vegetable & Rice Soup	120 cal.
•	Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread	200 cal.
•	Totino’s Party Pizza Supreme	120 cal.	(Small Portion)

Total: 1645 cal.

Movin' On

2008-04-12T23:31:00.002-07:00

Day 83 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 12 , Routine 7
Dump Style Furniture Moving

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	242 lbs	-	Loss:	56 lbs
% Loss:	18.8 %	-	Rate:	0.227 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

I did not get to the make-up today. Moving on. I did spend some time today doing some furniture moving, "dump" style with pick-up and trailer. Did not get X Stretch either.

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Naked Breakfast Burrito	400 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars	170 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Strawberry	100 cal.
•	Smart Ones Traditional Lasagna Florentine	290 cal.

Total: 1405 cal.

Ditto

2008-04-11T23:18:00.001-07:00

Day 82 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 12 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	242 lbs	-	Loss:	56 lbs
% Loss:	18.8 %	-	Rate:	0.229 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats: N/A

Well I actually made up Legs and Back today, but I did not get to Kempo X as planned. So, what I said yesterday goes for today.

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero x2	40 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Very Cherry	100 cal.
•	Smart Ones Traditional Lasagna Florentine	290 cal.
•	"Hot Hamburger" w/o Bread	375 cal.	(Small Portion)

Total: 1410 cal.

Too Many Errands

2008-04-10T23:42:00.013-07:00

Day 81 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 12 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight:	243 lbs	-	Loss:	55 lbs
% Loss:	18.5 %	-	Rate:	0.228 %

Heart Rate Monitor Stats:
Time:	58.25 min	-	Burned:	937 cal
Max:	181 bpm	-	Avg:	156 bpm

Yeah I know. I am a slacker. I had too many things to do today and I just did not find the time to do the routine. I am not skipping it, though. I will make it up early tomorrow, in addition to nailing Kempo X a little later in the evening.

UPDATE: I was successful in making this routine up. I feel that I had one of the best performances to date. I did not get to Abs yet, but I am aiming to get it in before Kempo. As you can see above, I got a Heart Rate Monitor. I will be including the data it provides on the days that I use it. I haven't updated the workbook yet, but it will be up by the end of the day.

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Oats 'N Honey Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Yoplait Original Strawberry Banana	170 cal.
•	Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wrap and Fries	450 cal.
•	Beef Stroganoff	200 cal.	(Small Portion)

Total: 1415 cal.

Too Stiff, Sore, and Tired.

2008-04-09T09:24:00.001-07:00

Day 80 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 12 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	243 lbs	-	Loss:	55 lbs
% Loss:	18.5 %	-	Rate:	0.231 %

Today was not the best Yoga day. I don't know what happened. I made sure I got up early enough to give myself time to finish, but halfway through the first half I decided to skip to the last half. Then, halfway through the last half I quit all together. (Can I get any more confusing?) So I only ended up with about half of the routine. My whole upper body is pretty stiff and sore from the beginning of this weeks workouts, so I think that is partly why I was having trouble in the first half. In the last half, I just had very little motivation, and ended up just laying on the mat until I found myself falling asleep. I probably would have been better off substituting X Stretch in for Yoga X instead.

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Yoplait Original Strawberry Banana	170 cal.
•	Fresh Express Green & Crisp with Iceberg and Romaine Salad w/ Ken's Steak House Zesty Italian	100 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Grilled Chicken Breast & Pasta	210 cal.
•	Progresso Light Southwestern-Style Vegetable Soup	120 cal.
•	Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn	120 cal.
•	Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread	200 cal.

Total: 1515 cal.

Hammer Time

2008-04-08T12:48:00.001-07:00

Day 79 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 12 , Routine 3
Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	243 lbs	-	Loss:	55 lbs
% Loss:	18.5 %	-	Rate:	0.234 %

...like your building a house? I am building a brick shxt-house! Great workout! I made some good improvements this week and I also nailed the abs, check out the workbook. Svg, Can't touch this!

Diet:
•	Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Key Lime Pie	100 cal.
•	Fresh Express Green & Crisp with Iceberg and Romaine Salad w/ Ken's Steak House Zesty Italian	100 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Cheesy Chicken and Rice	220 cal.
•	Progresso Light Savory Vegetable Barley Soup	120 cal.
•	Nature Valley Mixed Berry Chewy Trail Mix Bar	140 cal.
•	Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread	200 cal.

Total: 1525 cal.

Extended Waterbreak

2008-04-07T06:23:00.001-07:00

Day 78 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 12 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	242 lbs	-	Loss:	56 lbs
% Loss:	18.8 %	-	Rate:	0.241 %

Another great Plyo workout! I ran in to breathing trouble about 20 minutes in, and I did not remember to bring my meds to the gym with me, again. Thankfully I had them in my locker down the hall. I took an extended "waterbreak" and walked down the hall to get them. After I got back to the gym, I was 100%, and rocked the rest of the routine. The meds are in the gym bag now.

Diet:
•	Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Very Cherry	100 cal.
•	Fresh Express Lettuce Trio Salad w/ Ken's Steak House Zesty Italian	100 cal.
•	Health Choice Simple Selections Chicken Rigatoni	250 cal.
•	Progresso Light Home-Style Vegetable & Rice Soup	120 cal.
•	Baked Breaded Chicken Breast w/ Chicken Rice-A-Roni	200 cal.	(Small Portions)

Total: 1415 cal.

On Par for 70

2008-04-06T12:43:00.003-07:00

Day 77 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 12 , Routine 1
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps,
Ab Ripper X

Weight:	242 lbs	-	Loss:	56 lbs
% Loss:	18.8 %	-	Rate:	0.244 %

Today could have been better. When I got to the gym, I realized that I forgot my workbook again. This time it did not work out to my advantage. In comparing this week to last week, I went backwards in progress. Oh well, I still got a good workout, I just did not see the improvements that I was hoping for.

There are just two weeks left in my 90 days and I have a pretty healthy loss trend. Check out the 7 & 28 Day Rolling Actual Loss charts. I am on track to reach a total of 70 pounds loss by day 90. I can only hope that I keep going at this rate for the next two weeks.

Diet:
•	Meatballs & Mozzarella Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Very Vanilla	100 cal.
•	Dole Classic Romaine Salad w/ Ken's Steak House Zesty Italian	100 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Roast Turkey Breast Simple Selections	200 cal.
•	Progresso Light Southwestern-Style Vegetable Soup	120 cal.
•	Nature Valley Mixed Berry Chewy Trail Mix Bar	140 cal.
•	Johnsonville Hot Italian Links and Ore-Ida Potatoes O’Brien Hash Browns	300 cal.	(Small Portions)

Total: 1595 cal.

Crossroads

2008-04-05T22:56:00.004-07:00

Day 76 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 11 , Routine 7
X Stretch

Weight:	244 lbs	-	Loss:	54 lbs
% Loss:	18.1 %	-	Rate:	0.238 %

Hey, I actually followed through with my plan to complete X Stretch today. I of course, had to make it close by putting it off until the 11th hour, but were is the fun in getting it done early.

The last normal week begins tomorrow. I am amazed at how quickly the program has gone by. It seems like I just started only a couple of weeks ago, looking off toward the distant unknown that was Phase 3. Now I sit and contemplate new strategies for life after Day 90. Do I start over again for a second 90 days, or do continue to repeat the 5 week Phase 3 schedule? Should I change up the order and make it my own, or should I look in to P90X+? I was checking out P90X+ today and that my be the way I am leaning, but I think I may not be ready for X+. I still do not think that I have "mastered" P90X(if that is possible). But then again, I was not ready for P90X for the first few weeks, and I have grown tremendously. I still have a couple of weeks to decide, so for now it is just a thought that I am kicking around.

Diet:
•	Meatballs & Mozzarella Lean Pocket	280 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	50 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free White Chocolate Strawberry	100 cal.
•	Chicken Alfredo Florentine Lean Gourmet	250 cal.
•	New York Strip Steak, Potato w/ Salsa, Half-Ear Corn-on-Cob	550 cal.	(Small Portions)
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.

Total: 1565 cal.

Wax On, Wax Off...

2008-04-04T22:10:00.004-07:00

Day 75 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 11 , Routine 6
Yard Work / Swimming

Weight:	244 lbs	-	Loss:	54 lbs
% Loss:	18.1 %	-	Rate:	0.241 %

Well the slacker trend continues. I substituted my Kempo routine with grueling yard work(Pulling Weeds, Uprooting Volunteer Trees, Pool Maintenence...etc.) and some swimming(one of the best exercises?). Like the Karate Kid, I was "training" by doing chores around the house...yeah?!? I think I would have gotten a better cardio workout with Kempo. There was plenty of sweating, but I think it was mostly from the heat. I am hoping to break this lazy streak(and my norm) by making sure I nail the X Stretch routine tomorrow. I miss the routine more often than I complete it, and I have had enough "rest" this week.

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Boston Cream Pie	110 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Complete Selections Roasted Chicken	290 cal.
•	Nature Valley Mixed Berry Chewy Trail Mix Bar	140 cal.
•	Chili Burger w/ Tator Tots	400 cal.	(Small Portions)
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Harvest Peach	100 cal.

Total: 1475 cal.

One Leg Wall Sitting

2008-04-03T22:24:00.004-07:00

Day 74 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 11 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	244 lbs	-	Loss:	54 lbs
% Loss:	18.1 %	-	Rate:	0.245 %

Not the best to date(by far), I only did the first "Leg"(half) of the routine then I "Sat on the Wall"(quit). I did not get to this routine until late and I kept getting interrupted. Needless to say, Ab Ripper X fell through, also.

EDIT: Somehow this post only "saved" and did not "publish" until now.

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Very Cherry	100 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Roasted Chicken Chardonnay Cafe Steamer	270 cal.
•	Nature Valley Cinnamon Crunchy Granola Bar 180 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Healthy Request Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup	220 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars	170 cal.
•	Schlotzsky's Small Chipotle Chicken Sandwich on Sourdough	379 cal.

Total: 1754 cal.

Late Night Yoga, No Drive.

2008-04-02T23:22:00.002-07:00

Day 73 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 11 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	244 lbs	-	Loss:	54 lbs
% Loss:	18.1 %	-	Rate:	0.248 %

Too many unfinished errands on my mind, both todays and tomorrows. I still have two hours worth of tasks before bed, and tomorrow I have an early morning job interview. My nerves are shot and, as it is, I am destined to get little sleep. I cut the routine short. I only did the first 25 minutes. I may as well have never pressed play. Hopefully, after my interview tomorrow, I will be back in the game.

Diet:
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	DiGiorno Ultimate Supreme Pizza	380 cal.	(One Slice)
•	Healthy Choice Complete Selections Country Herb Chicken	240 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Key Lime Pie	100 cal.
•	Spaghetti	400 cal.	(Small Portion)
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.

Total: 1475 cal.

Raising the Bar

2008-04-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Day 72 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 11 , Routine 3
Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	246 lbs	-	Loss:	52 lbs
% Loss:	17.4 %	-	Rate:	0.242 %

Pressin' play at 4:05am. Wow, I actually got started close to "on-time" today. This morning, after looking at the numbers from last time, I had decided that I was going to try and increase the resistance. I was aiming for the next increment(12 to 15, 20 to 25...etc), which I was mostly successful. I did not mind that the reps came down a little, as my reps have been on the high side for my goals. I was above average in Ab Ripper X today, but not my best to date. I got called away from the routine during "Hip Rock and Raise" but made it back before the next move started.

The "Active Observer" participated again today, which surprised me because yesterday he did not sound enthusiasctic about todays' resistance training.

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	30 cal.	(24 oz.)
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian	75 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Apple Turnover	100 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Grilled Basil Chicken Cafe Steamer	290 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Healthy Request Hearty Beef Barley	280 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.

Total: 1540 cal.

Now Enrolling: P90X Classes at Local Gym

2008-03-31T15:37:00.003-07:00

Day 71 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 11 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	246 lbs	-	Loss:	52 lbs
% Loss:	17.4 %	-	Rate:	0.245 %

This morning at 4:25am, I awoke from a strange dream where I was fighting my alarm clock. The dream went on, for what seemed like, all night. I was pressing every button that I could find trying to make it stop its incessant beeping, and even when I did find a button that worked, it was only temporary. I think it is time to relocate the clock to the other side of the room.

When I finally got out of bed and figured out that I had to leave for work, I did not think that there was any chance that I could make it to work and have enough time to do my routine. On my way out the door, I started trying to figure out where I could make the time to squeeze it in. I ended up settling on the idea that if I can make it to the gym by 5am(traffic allowing) I could at least get 30-45 minutes, if I am lucky. I thought about how the poor 5 o'clock spectator would not get to see the news at all during his workout, that is, if I made it to the gym before him. I beat him to the gym and started the routine and before I finished the warm-up, he arrived. This time, to my surprise, instead of going to the elliptical machine as he normally does, he decided that he wanted to join in for plyo. Now I am under observation, even more so. Oh well, I was actually somewhat relieved because I knew then that he wanted to watch my routine, and was not eagerly awaiting my departure. Out of this, I was able to find the time to finish the routine, I just had to rush my shower before my shift started. The new participant seemed to get more than he had expected out of the routine, and seemed to enjoy the added workout.

Other than my late start and my active observer, I experienced another issue. I was having respiratory problems from the start of the routine. I am asthmatic, but I do not normally have problems unless I am sick.(Second indicator?) Of course, as fate would have it, I did not bring my meds today. I normally have my meds with me, just in case, but not today. So I spent the first couple water-breaks looking though my gym bag until finally came to grip with that fact that I did not bring them. Everything ended up okay, but I feel that I would have been able to go longer and harder through this routine, if I had brought them. In the condition that I was in, I had to closely monitor just how poorly I was breathing, and adjust my intensity accordingly. However, toward the end I did seem to notice it not being as much of a problem. I am not sure how, but I am thankful. This was still a great workout!

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	30 cal.	(24 oz.)
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian	75 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free White Chocolate Strawberry	100 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Complete Selections Beef Tips Portobello w/ Gravy	300 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Healthy Request Chicken Noodle	240 cal.
•	Pasta Salad (Rotini, Cucumbers, Kraft Light Zesty Italian)	150 cal.	(Small Portion)
•	Rockstar Zero	10 cal.	(8 oz.)

Total: 1510 cal.

Push-Up Bars Fail the P90X Stress Test

2008-03-30T15:37:00.003-07:00

Day 70 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 11 , Routine 1
Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	248 lbs	-	Loss:	50 lbs
% Loss:	16.8 %	-	Rate:	0.24 %

The cheap Bell Push-Up Bars that I purchased from Kmart broke today. I was skeptical when I was assembling them and noticed that that 'legs" were made out of hollow plastic. This morning one of the pairs of legs broke off from one of the handles, leaving me with one functional(for the time being) and one tripod(one pair of legs on one end and no legs on the other end; three points of contact with the ground; the legs, and the bottom of the handle). Now, one might argue that they were not designed to handle the load that I apply, but I am still doing the push-ups on my knees. Either way, judging from the picture(first mistake?), I was not expecting plastic to be one of the major materials used in there composition(or used at all). I only paid $7, so I guess I got what I paid for. It could have been worse, I guess. It could have snapped in the middle of a set of Wide Fly Push-ups, setting me up for a face plant.

I feel that I did pretty well today. I made some improvements in the resistance for most of the moves(check out the workbook). This actually surprised me, as I really was not felling into the workout during the warm-up. Actually, the participation I had in the warm-up was one of the worst to date. So looking at the workbook, seeing all of the improvements, and considering the rocky start, I feel pretty good about the results. I ran out of gas halfway through Ab Ripper X, though. From Pulse-Ups to Obliques, I just laid motionless on the gym floor. When I felt myself falling asleep, I decided that it was time to try and get up(that was a struggle after Chest & Back + 1/2 Abs + still sore from Legs & Back).

I feel like I am getting addicted to Rockstar but I had to get something because I could not stay awake during the first 2 hours of my shift(30 cal for 3x Rockstar Zero is better than 100 cal for a Small Cappuccino). I was falling asleep while I was actively working(or trying in my half asleep stupor). I hope I am not getting sick, but then again the "sick weight loss" might secure my victory. Just Kidding, is is hard to keep up with these workouts when you are not felling well.

Diet:
•	Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	30 cal.	(24 oz.)
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Small Banana	70 cal.
•	Nature Valley Cinnamon Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Nature Valley Mixed Berry Chewy Trail Mix Bar	140 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Complete Selections Chicken Teriyaki	280 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Healthy Request Grilled Chicken and Sausage Gumbo	280 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.
•	Yoplait Light Fat Free Very Vanilla	100 cal.

Total: 1615 cal.

And On the 7th Day he Rested.

2008-03-29T21:39:00.003-07:00

Day 69 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 10 , Routine 7
Rest

Weight:	248 lbs	-	Loss:	50 lbs
% Loss:	16.8 %	-	Rate:	0.243 %

Rest. Yeah svg, I know.

Diet:
•	Barbecue Beef Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free	30 cal.	(24 oz.)
•	Baby Pineapple	40 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Grilled White Meat Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce Cafe Steamer	260 cal.
•	Subway 12" Oven Roasted Chicken Sub	660 cal.	(1/2 at Noon, 1/2 3hrs Later)
•	Grilled Chicken Breast w/ Stuffing	200 cal.	(Small Portions)

Total: 1640 cal.

Goin' Rounds with the Kids

2008-03-28T23:07:00.002-07:00

Day 68 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 10 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	248 lbs	-	Loss:	50 lbs
% Loss:	16.8 %	-	Rate:	0.247 %

I reached the 50lbs milestone today! Feeling Great!

Great workout, but what do you expect, its Kempo X. I had company this time, lots of company. My kids are having a sleep-over tonight and all the kids (3 girls and 2 boys) decided that it would be fun to participate. Watching them was pure entertainment. Lots of fun had by all. It wore them all out early, they are all ready for bed now. (Heh Heh)

Diet:
•	Barbecue Beef Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free	20 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Peanut Butter Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Healthy Choice Grilled Whiskey Steak Cafe Steamer	260 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free	20 cal.
•	DiGiorno Thin Crispy Crust Supreme Pizza	325 cal.	(One Slice)
•	Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	320 cal.

Total: 1575 cal.

Late Post...Zzz...Zzz...

2008-03-27T23:58:00.001-07:00

Day 67 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 10 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	249 lbs	-	Loss:	49 lbs
% Loss:	16.4 %	-	Rate:	0.245 %

Late Workout. I thought I was going to miss it. I will update the workbook later.

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Sirloin Burger With Country Vegetables Soup	360 cal.
•	Schlotzsky's Small Chipotle Chicken Sandwich on Sourdough	379 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	"Hot Hamburger"	500 cal.	Small Portions

Total: 1709 cal.

Falling Marbles

2008-03-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Day 66 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 10 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	250 lbs	-	Loss:	48 lbs
% Loss:	16.1 %	-	Rate:	0.244 %

Another late start day. I think I pressed play at about 4:30am and on Yoga X day, starting late is not good. I, unlike last week, was looking forward to this routine because I skipped stretch on Saturday and I have been pretty achy since then. I was hoping a little Yoga would help stretch things out a little. Well a little Yoga is all I had time for. I just had enough time for the first half. I do intend to revisit it tonight though, as I did with Ab Ripper X yesterday, but it will be a little more challenging to fit it in at three times the length. This morning, I felt like my participation and form were better than they have ever been. I only skipped one move (Right Angle Pose with leg captive and arms locked behind the back, still impossible). I did as much of the Warrior Three variations as my balance would allow, even getting back in the move after I tumble. Sweat marbles were stinging my eyes, rolling off my nose, and falling to the mat. Great workout.

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Oats 'N Honey Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Sirloin Burger With Country Vegetables Soup	360 cal.
•	Smart Ones Spicy Szechuan Style Vegetable & Chicken	240 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free	20 cal.
•	Pop Secret 100 Calorie Pop	100 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.

Total: 1510 cal.

Makin' Payments

2008-03-25T15:48:00.002-07:00

Day 65 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 10 , Routine 3
Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	251 lbs	-	Loss:	47 lbs
% Loss:	15.8 %	-	Rate:	0.243 %

Fat is debt from past over-indulgences that you have not yet paid for. P90X is the daily payment plan to remove the old debt. Hopefully I will be nearly debt free by the end of the 90 days.

I don't know how I wasted so much time this morning, but I didn't hit play until about 4:30am. I had prepared all of my stuff last night so I could be on-time, and I still ended up running 30 minutes late. I can only figure that maybe I took too long getting dressed, but I am not sure. As a result of my tardiness, I did not have enough time to do Ab Ripper X after Back & Biceps, but I intend to squeeze it in when I get home tonight. It should not be too hard, it's only 15 minutes.

The Back & Biceps routine went great. However, I forgot to bring my workbook again. Again, like Sunday, it ended up as a blessing because I made some serious improvements that I probably would not have made if I was looking at what I did last time. Check out the online workbook, I upped the resistance on almost everything. I am hoping that by the time I can do real pull-ups, my work gym will have installed a pull-up bar. Great workout!

UPDATE: I successfully completed Ab Ripper X before 9pm tonight. I even completed some of the Mason Twist(modified) reps. See the workbook!

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero	20 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Oats 'N Honey Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar	180 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Sirloin Burger With Country Vegetables Soup	360 cal.
•	Smart Ones Fettucini Alfredo	290 cal.
•	Pop Secret 100 Calorie Pop	100 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.

Total: 1530 cal.

Ugh!

2008-03-24T15:56:00.002-07:00

Day 64 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 10 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	252 lbs	-	Loss:	46 lbs
% Loss:	15.4 %	-	Rate:	0.241 %

I got up way late today. I did not leave the house until 4:40am and did not arrive at the workout room until about 5am. I do not know how both of my alarms where disabled, but they were set for 3am and when I woke up on my own a 4am the alarms were not going off. On top of that, I again was too tired/lazy to get my stuff ready the night before, so I wasted more time doing that before I could leave. I probably still could have finished my workout and report to work on-time, but I felt horrible through the entire workout. I, of course, acquired my audience 5 minutes in to the routine, which also did not help. I just could not get in to this one today. Even the warm-up was killing me. I quit at Rockstar Hops. I wonder if it could have any thing to do with my diet excursion this weekend, and that this sluggishness is a penalty for it that will pass in time. Either way, it can only improve tomorrow. Right?

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Rockstar Sugar Free	20 cal.
•	J. Traders Berry Vanilla Energy Cappuccino	100 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Sirloin Burger With Country Vegetables Soup	360 cal.
•	Smart Ones Chicken Enchiladas Suiza	290 cal.
•	Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch	190 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.

Total: 1540 cal.

Stop the Bleeding

2008-03-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Day 63 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 10 , Routine 1
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps,
Ab Ripper X

Weight:	253 lbs	-	Loss:	45 lbs
% Loss:	15.1 %	-	Rate:	0.24 %

I am back to a normal diet plan and I seem to have only suffered a one pound gain, so far. I was too tired last night to get my stuff ready for today, so I had to throw everything together in a rush this morning. I still ended up about 20 minutes behind schedule. Then when I got to the workout room at my work, I noticed that I did not bring my workbook. I found a piece of paper and a pen, because I knew I would be too hard to remember all of the details from this routine. The downside was not knowing which weights and reps I did the last time. This however, yielded dramatic improvements on some of the moves, and also some under achievements. Overall it looks like I did very well today.

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Campbell's Chunky Sirloin Burger With Country Vegetables Soup	360 cal.
•	Smart Ones Ravioli Florentine	250 cal.
•	Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian	75 cal.
•	Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain	140 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.

Total: 1405 cal.

Tip: Dieters do not eat at Cheesecake Factory.

2008-03-22T23:29:00.003-07:00

Day 62 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 9 , Routine 7
Rest

Weight:	252 lbs	-	Loss:	46 lbs
% Loss:	15.4 %	-	Rate:	0.248 %

Holidays are hell for dieters. I wonder how many days it will take to fix this mess. I had to guess on the Orange Chicken because The Cheesecake Factory does not release there nutrition facts. I intended to do X Stretch but by the time I got home I was exhausted and went to bed.

Diet:
•	Taco Bell Fresca Zesty Chicken Border Bowl w/o Red Strips or Dressing	350 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken	2500 cal.	(Guessing)

Total: 3010 cal.

Actual DNA Removal

2008-03-21T11:20:00.004-07:00

Day 61 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 9 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	252 lbs	-	Loss:	46 lbs
% Loss:	15.4 %	-	Rate:	0.252 %

I am on a roll, of course there was only a few hours(8-10) between last nights' workout and this mornings' workout, but I brought it. DNA removal? There is DNA scattered all over the workout room. Another great Kempo X routine!

Diet:
•	Barbecue Beef Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Nature Valley Chewy Granola Strawberry Yogurt Bar	140 cal.
•	Campbell's Vegetable Beef Soup	180 cal.
•	Rockstar Zero x2	40 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on 100% Whole Grain Bread	160 cal.
•	Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian	75 cal.
•	Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain	140 cal.
•	Night Out, Have Mercy	1342 cal.	(All Liquid)

Total: 2527 cal.

Some Words From Mr. Leo Ingram

2008-03-20T23:11:00.007-07:00

Day 60 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 9 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	253 lbs	-	Loss:	45 lbs
% Loss:	15.1 %	-	Rate:	0.252 %

Oh my, I brought it this time! I thank Mr. Leo Ingram for the following words that were in my head the whole workout:

Back training isn't for the weak. You need to train it at 110-percent if you want to build a set of wings. Training back can be just as grueling as leg day and you know what that can lead to. the yak attack. But don't worry, if you're prone to puking your guts out on the gym floor, just make sure you've got a bucket nearby.

I tried to start this routine in the morning, but I had too many things on my mind and I did not even make it through the warm-up. I was determined not to punk-out like svg-p90x so I made sure I returned to it before the day was over, late night. Just kidding svg! =P

I felt sick half way though the routine, both light headed and queasy, but I pushed on keeping the bucket in sight. I think I even came close to a blackout in the cool down, but I concentrated on my breathing, kept my head up, and tried to slow my heart-rate.

Ab Ripper is a tough follow up for Legs & Back but I made some improvement over the last time. I am catching up to svg-p90x by week end, just watch.

Diet:
•	Barbecue Beef Lean Pocket	290 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch	190 cal.
•	Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup	140 cal.
•	In-N-Out Cheeseburger w/Onion Protein Style (No Bun, Wrapped in Lettuce)	330 cal.
•	New York Strip Steak, Half Baked Potato w/ Salsa, Half Ear Corn-on-Cob	450 cal.

Total: 1560 cal.

Yawn

2008-03-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

Day 59 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 9 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	253 lbs	-	Loss:	45 lbs
% Loss:	15.1 %	-	Rate:	0.256 %

Yoga, whoo hoo!(sarcasm) Not into it today. Put it off until late.

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch	190 cal.
•	Campbell's Creamy Tomato Soup	320 cal.
•	Smart Ones Traditional Lasagna w/ Meat Sauce	300 cal.
•	Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian	75 cal.
•	Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain	140 cal.
•	Half Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread	100 cal.

Total: 1555 cal.

Oh Yeah!

2008-03-18T15:54:00.004-07:00

Day 58 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 9 , Routine 3
Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Weight: 253 lbs - Loss: 45 lbs
%Loss: 15.1 % - Rate: 0.26 %

I feel like I rocked this routine, today. I cannot compare it to last time, because I have switched from using bands to dumbbells. I was trying to compare the curls to the Back & Biceps routine. In that comparison, I have increased my resistance in the curls. I also made some improvements to the Ab routine, mostly driven by the workbook, that I did not forget about today. Great workout!

Diet:
•	Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket	270 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch	190 cal.
•	Campbell's Vegetable Beef Soup	180 cal.
•	Smart Ones Creamy Rigatoni w/ Broccoli & Chicken	290 cal.
•	Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian	75 cal.
•	Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain	140 cal.
•	Freshetta PizzAmore Pizza Pepperoni Duo	270 cal.	(One Slice)

Total: 1575 cal.

Who's Pete Townshend? Not me!

2008-03-17T09:40:00.014-07:00

Day 57 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 9 , Routine 2
Plyometrics
Weight: 253 lbs - Loss: 45 lbs
%Loss: 15.1 % - Rate: 0.265 %

Plyo day again! Great workout.

Diet:
•	Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket	260 cal.
•	Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal	160 cal.
•	Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch	190 cal.
•	Campbell's Vegetable Beef Soup	180 cal.
•	Green Apple	85 cal.
•	Smart Ones Ravioli Florentine	250 cal.
•	Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian	75 cal.
•	Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain	140 cal.
•	S.O.S (Dried Beef, Toast, Potatoes, Peas, & Milk)	250 cal.	(Small Portions)

Total: 1590 cal.

Welcome Phase 3!

2008-03-16T15:46:00.002-07:00

Day 56 / 90
Phase 3 , Week 9 , Routine 1
Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Weight: 253 lbs - Loss: 45 lbs
%Loss: 15.1 % - Rate: 0.27 %

I am back in it, and I am starting Phase 3 today. Today I celebrate the return of an old favorite, Chest and Back. Well it didn't used to be my favorite due to my inability to keep the participation up in Phase 1, but I am feeling good and I think that this one will become a new favorite. I feel like I made dramatic improvements on this one since the last time. During the first set of standard push-ups(on knee, still) I was amazed at how easy they came, so I continued and did twenty. I probably could have squeezed out another 10 if I wasn't already out of time, and worried that I might blow my whole load on the first move. But, when the second round came I still pumped 16 out. I also upped my resistance in the pull-ups.

Ab Ripper X went about normal. I forgot until halfway through, that I have a worksheet for that routine. Had I remembered, I may have had some extra drive to push even further. I had to fill out the worksheet, after the fact, by memory.

I was expecting a gain this morning at the scale after the poor diet on the trip, and was pleasantly surprised when I saw a loss. Great workout!

Diet:

Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch - 190 cal.
Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup - 140 cal.
Dole American Salad w/ Kraft Light Zesty Italian - 75 cal.
Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain - 140 cal.
Work Potluck - 300 cal. (Small Portions)
Smart Ones Traditional Lasagna w/ Meat Sauce - 300 cal.
Baked Chicken w/ Stuffing and Green Beans - 100 cal. (Small Portions)

Total: 1665 cal.

Vacation Wrap-up

2008-03-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

As I anticipated, the camping trip was not too restful. As I was hiking back to our site on the last 100 yards of a half mile round trip hike (up and down a hill) carrying a 100 pound log(8ft long x 6in diameter), I thought to myself, "This is supposed to be my recovery week!" Thankfully the first half of of the trip was log free and uphill, saving the timber hauling for that downhill return trip. I was scheduled for Yoga but ended up doing Legs and Back? I really felt that in the lower back by the end. But the workout wasn't over, yet. Next came Kempo X style cardio. I was to cut this log into 2ft sections to put in the fire pit. The only instrument that was available for this task was a small hatchet(New, not sharpened?) I brought the intensity for that. I took about 10 minutes per section with this pitifully undersized tool. I was grunting and gritting and gritting my teeth the whole way through, with wood chips bouncing off my face. My diet was horrible, typical camping favorites, enough said.

Goodbye, Phase 2!

2008-03-13T07:31:00.002-07:00

Day 53 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 8 , Routine 5
Core Synergistics
Weight: 254 lbs - Loss: 44 lbs
%Loss: 14.8 % - Rate: 0.279 %

I got up early, and knocked this one out. I did not have the best participation, though, probably better than the first time I did Core Synergistics, but not better that the second. If I did the Core routine earlier this week, maybe today's would have been an improvement. There is definitely not enough room in my sons room for Banana Rolls or Dreya Rolls, but I did my best with Banana and skipped Dreya, yet again. I did notice that I was not nearly as flexible this morning, as I was last night.

I started this mornings diet as usual, but there aren't any microwaves where I am going so I am not sure where it will end today, so I am not including the diet today.

Tearin' it up!

2008-03-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

Day 52 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 8 , Routine 4
X Stretch
Weight: 255 lbs - Loss: 43 lbs
%Loss: 14.4 % - Rate: 0.277 %

I did not think that I was going to get this routine done today. I would not wake up early this morning, well, I would not get out of bed early this morning. I woke up numerous time to shut off and reset the alarm for a later time, finally getting up at 7am to get the kids ready for school. Then I kept busy all day getting the house cleaned up and getting ready for my trip tomorrow. I finally finished all of that at 10:30pm. I was about to go to bed when a sudden urge to do the routine came over me. So, I told my wife that I am probably crazy but I was going to go do my routine and that she should not wait up for me. I am so glad that I did. Not only did I really need the stretching, but I tore that routine up. I went further in nearly every move than I have ever gone before. I HAD MY TOES IN THE SINGLE LEG HAMSTRING STRETCHES, AND I HAD THE GROUND IN THE SPLIT LEG STANDING HAMSTRING STRETCH. Maybe the difference was doing this routine at night when my body is warm and loose, as opposed to the morning when my body is cold and stiff. Either way I know this is still a major improvement, I am just not sure if I will have the same success the next time I do this routine in the morning (if I ever do it again in the morning, maybe nights are better for this one). I also could not give svg-p90x the opportunity to call me a sissy, and Rest was not a plan option for this day. Additionally, I have missed and am going to miss to many routines this week. I don't want to just let the whole week get away from me. Another challenge to the whole situation is, with all the new furniture occupying space in my house, there is now no room to do my workouts in the living room where I normally do them at home. I, at the last minute, and wondering how I am going to do tomorrows routine, decided that I could move to my sons room and use it as my workout room. There is a lot less space in there (close to the space that svg-p90x probably has), but there is enough. My son does not use his room at night anyway. The carpet in his room is a nice change from the hardwood in the living room, too. Great workout, I enjoyed my self thoroughly.

Diet:

Barbecue Beef Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch - 190 cal.
Campbell's Creamy Tomato Soup - 320 cal.
Five Cheese Lasagna Lean Gourmet 220 cal.
Fresca Border Bowl - 350 cal.

Total: 1530 cal.

Blam!! I'm Back Up and Running!

2008-03-11T13:44:00.005-07:00

Day 51 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 8 , Routine 3
Kempo X
Weight: 255 lbs - Loss: 43 lbs
%Loss: 14.4 % - Rate: 0.282 %

I picked up a new DVD player last night, and before I went to bed, I tested it to make sure that I would not have any issues this morning. Today was the first time that I have done Kempo X at my gym at work, which went well except I got a late start again this morning(at gym at 4:40am) so I had an audience for the last 40 minutes of the routine. Oh well, think of it as a Karate demonstration. I don’t think that they were were very entertained, though, they prefer to watch CNN while they exercise. There is more room at the gym, so I didn't have to worry about kicking things, like I have to at home. I have been doing all of the 100+ vertical punches for a while now, but I noticed something today that made them more challenging. Toward the end, as the speed gets up there, it it easy to just bend you elbow for the punches(not really bringing each fist all the way back), but it is much harder to bring your fist all the way back to your ribs with your elbows behind you. Yesterday, I never did get to doing Core Synergistics, and I thought that I might actually have a chance when I left work early, at 1:00pm. My wife as recently discovered CraigsList, and she called me home so that we could hurry over to a house that was selling some furniture. They were offering all the furniture in the 2 bedroom house including appliances for $500. We rented a U-Haul and filled it with all kinds of stuff: 2 Queen Beds(Head board, frame, box spring, Serta mattress) with matching side tables, and 3 four drawer dressers(heavy), new refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, couch w/ pull-out bed, table, chairs, lamps, TV, etc... It took an hour and a half to load it(mostly by myself), then I got a short break before I had to unload it at home, so I could take the U-haul back. About half of the stuff came from the second floor of the house, including 2 of the heavy dressers. Thankfully the appliances were on the first floor. I did not get the U-haul back until 8:30pm. I am pretty sure that I made up for missing Core Synergistics, though I predominately worked my legs and back, and not my core(though I am sure the core got some work, and by Tony's definition, moving furniture is synergistic.) The proof is in the results on the scale this morning when I blew past my 40lbs loss milestone. That was a mind blowing moment. I felt like I was slimmer this morning when I woke up, but as long as this streak of slow to no loss has been, I wasn't expecting anything.

Diet:

Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Peanut Crunch - 190 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Campbell's Creamy Tomato Soup - 320 cal.
Smart Ones Tuna Noodle Gratin - 250 cal.
Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain - 140 cal.
Dole Classic Romaine Salad w/ Kraft Light House Italian - 75 cal.
Half Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread - 100 cal.

Total: 1580 cal.

Another One Bites the Dust!

2008-03-10T06:15:00.003-07:00

Day 50 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 8 , Routine 2
Core Synergistics

Weight:	259 lbs	-	Loss:	39 lbs
% Loss:	13.1 %	-	Rate:	0.262 %

I am so angry right now. To start with, the day got off to bad start when I got out of bed late. I did not get to the gym at work until 4:50am. I was thinking if I hurried, though, I would still probably have enough time to finish the workout. Then my DVD player wouldn't work. I fought with that thing for 20 minutes with no success. This is the third DVD player to fall at the hands of P90X. One stationary, and two portables. I am running out of DVD players in the house. I have one stationary that is hit and miss, and one more portable that the kids broke but I think I may be able to fix. I know I can get a cheap DVD player for $25 but going through 3 DVD players in 50 days is ridiculous. On top of that, if the DVD player dies when I am at my work's gym(the case today), I have no recourse. I was looking forward to the routine today and now the odds are against me in completing it. I can try to do it as soon as I get home this evening, but I am not good at making the time at night. I guess it would have been worse if this happened last week but still, the recovery week is not a break week and Core Synergistics is no joke.

Diet:

Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Nature Valley Chewy Granola Vanilla Yogurt Bar - 140 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Campbell's Vegetable Beef Soup - 180 cal.
Smart Ones Lasagna Florentine - 290 cal.
Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain - 140 cal.
Dole Classic Romaine Salad w/ Kraft Light House Italian - 75 cal.
Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread - 200 cal.

Total: 1530 cal.

Recovery X

2008-03-09T13:44:00.002-07:00

eXtreme Recovery Week. This is an early notice. I am going out of town on vacation Thursday afternoon and returning late Saturday evening. I did not intend to interrupt my 90 days program, but in life there is nearly always an interruption to any plan. I did not have much say in the timing of the trip, as other outside factors were dominant. Although, I am somewhat happy that it landed in a recovery week, as opposed to a normal week. I am hoping to still get my Thursday morning routine in and posted before I leave, which will only leave me missing the last two routines in the recovery week (Yoga X and X Stretch). I do not intend on making up these missed days, and instead will continue as if there were no interruption, beginning Week 9 on Sunday morning. I understand, that this leave may allow svg-p90x to take the lead again, and I will have to deal with those consequences when I return. I am going camping/hiking on my trip, so I do not expect it to be too restful, but I do not know how well I will be able to stick to my meal plan. I apologize to my faithful readers for the inconvenience, as I will not be able to post until I return. Svg-p90x, this is your chance, bring it!

The Half Moon is Falling

2008-03-09T13:32:00.004-07:00

Day 49 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 8 , Routine 1
Yoga X

Weight:	259 lbs	-	Loss:	39 lbs
% Loss:	13.1 %	-	Rate:	0.267 %

I did relatively well with Yoga X today. I even attempted some moves that I normally skip (warrior three, half moon, etc…). Today, however, was not a good balance day. I had my hands full trying to keep from falling throughout the whole routine. I am not sure what the problem is. I was using my mat, and not the overly padded mat, and yet I was still having trouble. I, unlike svg-p90x was into Yoga X today. I even did the “crazy ohms” at the end. I do not sit very comfortably in Lotus, though. I am not knockin’ svg-p90x, though. I have been there, too. It is definitely hard to stick with that incredibly long and slow routine when you are plagued with the other burdens of the day. Sometimes clearing you mind is easier to say than do (especially for an hour and a half). All that being said, this was a great workout and I am pumped for tomorrows’ Core Synergistics.

Diet:

Turkey & Ham with Cheese Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Nature Valley Chewy Granola Strawberry Yogurt Bar - 140 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup - 180 cal.
Grilled Chicken Lean Gourmet - 260 cal.
Wheat Thins 100% Whole Grain - 140 cal.
Dole Classic Romaine Salad w/ Kraft Light House Italian - 75 cal.
BBQ Pork Ribs w/ Potato Salad - 250 cal. (Small Portions)

Total: 1550 cal.

"...its like a puzzle and stretching holds it all together."

2008-03-08T09:45:00.008-07:00

Day 48 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 7 , Routine 7
X Stretch

Weight:	259 lbs	-	Loss:	39 lbs
% Loss:	13.1 %	-	Rate:	0.273 %

Yeah, this one was probably mostly accomplished in response to the name calling that was issued by svg-p90x a few days ago. To resort to name calling, what a sissy! Just kidding. Anyway, I am still a little sore from the Legs & Back routine, so X Stretch was "just what the doctor ordered." The last week of Phase 2 begins tomorrow, and I am looking forward to attempting Core Synergistics again. I will get to do it in a new setting (gym at work) this time, and I am hoping that some of the moves will be more comfortable, like the infamous Dreya Roll.

Diet:

Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Peanut Butter Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Progresso Chicken and Wild Rice Soup - 200 cal.
Macaroni & Cheese Lean Gourmet - 270 cal.
Wheat Thins Multi-grain Toasted Chips - 120 cal.
Dole Classic Romaine Salad w/ Kraft Light House Italian - 75 cal.
Grilled Chicken Breast w/ Spanish Rice - 200 cal. (Small Portion)

Total: 1560 cal.

Kempo X saved my Ass...I mean glutes.

2008-03-07T11:17:00.002-07:00

Day 47 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 7 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	259 lbs	-	Loss:	39 lbs
% Loss:	13.1 %	-	Rate:	0.279 %

Oh man I am sore today. My whole lower body is very stiff: calves, quads, hams, glutes, and even some in my back. I think Kempo X was a good follow-up routine for Legs & Back. All of the kicking moves seem to be good Ballistic stretches for the legs, not including the Static stretches in the warm-up for Kempo X. I really needed Kempo X today. I do not think my form was as good this week as it was last week, though, but I attribute that to the soreness. All-in-all great workout today. This is two days in a row at 259lbs, watch out svg-p90x, maybe this week we will see another one of my signature three-pound drops on Sunday morning, again.

Diet:

Philly Steak & Cheese Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Berry Propel Fit Water w/ Vitamins - 25 cal.
Peanut Butter Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Progresso Beef & Vegetable Soup - 220 cal.
Wheat Thins Multi-grain Toasted Chips - 120 cal.
Freschetta Naturally Rising Supreme Pizza - 350 cal.
Half Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread - 100 cal.

Total: 1425 cal.

100% Chair Pose, Ouch!

2008-03-06T13:09:00.006-07:00

Day 46 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 7 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	259 lbs	-	Loss:	39 lbs
% Loss:	13.1 %	-	Rate:	0.285 %

Great workout today. Having the new excel worksheet really helped to bring some extra drive on the moves that I have not been recording with the stock worksheet. I also had a great improvement on all of the pull-up exercises. Congratulations to svg-p90x on his milestone today. His acceptance speech was Oscar worthy. His last stretch toward passing that mark was tiresome. I am still struggling at 1 to 2 pounds away from my 40lbs loss milestone. Hopefully I will have it by Sunday. I had good participation in the Ab routine, but I think I have to lose a few more inches in the waist before Mason Twist is physically possible. In no position is it possible for either arm to cross my body and make contact with the ground while keeping both cheeks firmly planted on the ground.

Diet:

Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Green Tea Peach Mango Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Peanut Butter Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Progresso Vegetable Soup - 160 cal.
Penne Primavera Lean Gourmet - 280 cal.
Ready Pac All-American Salad w/ Kraft Light House Italian - 75 cal.
Wheat Thins Multi-grain Toasted Chips - 120 cal.
Half Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread - 100 cal.

Total: 1470 cal.

Half way comparison.

2008-03-06T09:30:00.004-07:00

The biggest difference that you can see between these pictures is in the gut. You can definitely see the flattening. Not as easy to see is the reshaping and growth of lean mass in the chest. There is also some sliming and toning in the arms, I did not have a "flexed" before picture so I did not take a flexed picture here. A flexed picture would probably show more of a difference. Finally, the legs have slimmed a lot, but it is not apparent in the pictures as the shorts cover most of the leg and the before does not show the calf. There is probably slimming in the glutes, but again the shorts conceal too much.

Half way there!

2008-03-05T23:57:00.002-07:00

Day 45 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 7 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.284 %

Another good workout. I felt very comfortable in the up/downward dog positions, due to the added strength in my triceps. Not much else too add.

Diet:

Chicken Parmesan Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Green Tea Peach Mango Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Peanut Butter Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup - 180 cal.
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Lean Gourmet - 300 cal.
Ready Pac All-American Salad w/ Kraft Light House Italian - 75 cal.
Chicken Sandwich on Stone Ground Wheat Bread - 200 cal.

Total: 1490 cal.

Strip Curls: This is gonna hurt.

2008-03-04T13:49:00.003-07:00

Day 44 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 7 , Routine 3
Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.291 %

Another great workout. I can't report that I made as large of a resistance improvement as I wanted, but there were some improvements here and there. Most of them appeared in the pull-ups and not in the curls as I had expected. I guess when it comes to curls, there is a bigger difference between 15 and 20, and 20 and 25 pounds than I thought. I wish I had 18's and 22's, but oh well. Great workout, none-the-less. I also did the Ab routine and did about the same as last time.

Following svg-p90x's lead, I decided to get a little more detailed in the food descriptions in the daily diet.

Diet:

Chicken Fajita Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Green Tea Peach Mango Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Peanut Butter Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Quaker Oats Weight Control Cinnamon Oatmeal - 160 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Progresso Chicken and Wild Rice Soup - 200 cal.
Chicken Alfredo Florentine Lean Gourmet - 250 cal.
Wheat Thins Multi-grain Toasted Chips - 120 cal.
Salad - 75 cal.
Baked Chicken and Stuffing - 250 cal. (Small Portions)

Total: 1580 cal.

Equilibrium

2008-03-03T10:00:00.004-07:00

Day 43 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 7 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.298 %

Another great Plyo workout. I can't say much else about it. I brought incremental improvements, and I kept my heart-rate really high. I think I could taste the rate in my breath.

Right now I am looking forward what Phase 3 will bring. Phase 1 brought dramatic weight loss as well as cardiovascular conditioning. Phase 2 brought Equilibrium between fat loss and muscle/strength gain. This is not as easy to track but can be seen in the workbook with the weekly improvements in resistance and with my relatively unchanging weight. In this phase the lean mass is growing faster than the fat is lost, but is keeping the actual weight constant. As my 28 day rolling actual weight is falling to zero, I am not sure what Phase 3 will bring but I am hoping to see a return of a downward trend in actual weight.I was reading the other day at CaloriesPerHour.com that muscle is "Active Tissue" and it burns calories all day, even while at rest. The more muscle, the more calorie burn(of course you need to work it to keep it, but that is not an issue right now). So with the muscle growth of Phase 2, I am hoping to see an exponential loss begin in Phase 3 with continued muscle growth and progressively increasing fat loss. For now, it is still painful to look at the scale each day, as there is sill know sign of any sort of loss trend resuming. On the up side, I am "chompin' on the bit" for Back & Biceps tomorrow. I am hoping to really tear it up, and feel good about putting that routine to bed for a few weeks, and knowing that I earned it.

Diet:

Rockstar Zero - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Vegetable Soup - 160 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 250 cal.
Wheat Thins Multi Grain Toasted Chips - 120 cal.
Chef Salad - 250 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 1525 cal.

Constant Hunger!

2008-03-02T13:30:00.002-07:00

Day 42 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 7 , Routine 1
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps,
Ab Ripper X

Weight:	259 lbs	-	Loss:	39 lbs
% Loss:	13.1 %	-	Rate:	0.312 %

Another great Chest, Shoulders & Triceps (plus Ab Ripper X) workout. I am somewhat sad that this routine will be going away for a few weeks. The same goes for the Back & Biceps routine after Tuesday this week. I don't know, maybe I will get a new found appreciation for the Chest & Back routine which may have just been too overwhelming on Day 1. Like last week, I increased the weight an nearly all of the moves, and I am still making incremental improvements to the Ab routine(still no Mason Twist). I just ate my lunch(270 cal) and my stomach is sill growling. There is definitely a big difference between under and over 1400 calories and I am still amazed that the main difference is that I am more hungry now despite the fact that am consuming more calories. The hungry feeling gives me comfort though, as to me it is a indication that I fixed something that was wrong with my original diet and there is a promise for good results to come. Before I could not understand the purpose for appetite suppression supplements, I was eating a whole lot less than normal and yet I was not hungry. Now I am hungry all the time, so I am testing my ability to be fine with that and not need to resort to the supplements.

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Natural Trail Mix Bar - 140 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Beef & Vegetable Soup - 220 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 270 cal.
Toasted Whole Wheat Thins - 120 cal.
Chef Salad - 250 cal.
Spaghetti - 200 cal. (Small Portion)

Total: 1595 cal.

Who needs that much rest? I do, I guess.

2008-03-01T17:35:00.006-07:00

Day 41 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 6 , Routine 7
Rest

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.312 %

I really should have done the stretch routine today, as I am still very stiff and sore from the Legs & Back workout, but I did not get out of bed this morning until 10:30am. Give me a break! Today is my Sunday, my work week begins tomorrow. I decided that I am taking the Rest option again today, same as last week, in effort to prepare for the start of Week 7 tomorrow. (Ya Right!)

Diet:

Breakfast Burito 300 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 290 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Steak, Potato, Salad - 550 cal.
Rockstar Zero - 20 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 1520 cal.

Small Setback

2008-02-29T11:25:00.007-07:00

Day 40 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 6 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.32 %

Kempo X, not much else to say. Good workout. I concentrated a little more on my form(like making sure I am in a good horse stance through the Block sequence). I think my kicks are getting better. For a while, the back kicks felt awkward. I am also trying to not look so much at the screen during the moves, and more at my invisible target. I think when I watch the screen too much I have less control over the placement, speed and intensity of the move. When I imagine a life-size target and focus on it, I feel more dialed in, and I seem to get more out of it. So, I ignore Tony when he says, "You're here, I'm at you." Despite the general large size of my TV, Tony is still too small to be aiming at a life-size target.

My weight is moving in the wrong direction. The doctor said that increasing my caloric intake by the 400 needed calroies would slow my loss rate, but I wasn't expecting slower to mean a negative loss rate(gain). Of course I cannot complain too much, svg-p90x has put-up with more ups and downs than I have. I did expect a transition period, though. It probably takes some time for the metabolism to switch from "starvation" mode to "ultra-efficient fast-burning" mode. Additionally, there could be some time required for it to "unlearn" the bad habit of being in starvation mode for too long (if it has been long enough to have a lasting effect.) I just hope that will not take more than a week or two. It would be very frustrating to gain forty pounds back before it starts coming off again. The doctor did not give me any information on an expected time frame for all of this. One odd thing that I have notice today, though, is the whole time that I was eating less than 1400 calories, I really did not have any hunger pangs. But this morning, after having eaten 1400+ calories for two full days, I am getting hunger pangs(starting first thing this morning) even though I am eating more. I hope this is a sign that my metabolism is already correcting itself and speeding up. Ether way, I am going to try to consistently keep my caloric intake within my new range at least for the next few weeks and hopefully I don't loose my mind (and the contest).

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Chicken/Rice Soup - 200 cal.
Fresca Border Bowl - 350 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 260 cal.

Total: 1515 cal.

100% Sneaky Lunges! If your heel touches, I am comming to your house.

2008-02-28T18:10:00.006-07:00

Day 39 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 6 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	259 lbs	-	Loss:	39 lbs
% Loss:	13.1 %	-	Rate:	0.336 %

I got up late, of course, it is a non-work day, but I did not have any trouble completing my workout. Great Workout! Today I did better on the Legs & Back workout than I ever have. I participated on all the moves and on some of the moves that I normally only give partial participation, I actually finished this time. The Ab Ripper X routine was also one of the best runs to date. To avoid the issues that svg-p90x has been having with the Ab routine on Legs & Back day, I made sure that during the Legs & Back routine I took more unofficial water/towel breaks. I only had a small amount of water on each break, though, just enough to wet my mouth. I was able to accomplish this without pausing or reducing my participation by utilizing the times when Tony talks or explains the next move. I worked so hard that during the Legs & Back cool down, I did not want to bend over because I felt like I might pass-out. It felt like it took forever to cool down and lower my heart-rate. Additionally, after the Ab routine, I felt almost sick, which subsided after I had some water and carefully ate something. I definitely made up for last week.

Diet:

Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 310 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Chicken Noodle Soup - 180 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 260 cal.

Total: 1455 cal.

Another 400 calories per Day!

2008-02-27T15:30:00.008-07:00

I have readjusted my caloric intake goal from "Less than 1500" and changed it to "1400-1600". According to my doctor, there is a lower limit threshold for metabolic efficiency and for men it is at 1400 calories per day. I am currently averaging around 1000 calories per day. She stated that when you eat below the limit, your metabolism goes into shock and goes into starvation mode. In starvation mode the body begins to hoard and store fat. It also does not process protein and passes it. If you continue to eat below the limit for a long period of time, you train your body to continue to process food in this fashion, and when you stop dieting you will quickly gain any weight you may have lost back, and will gain more. It could also lead to other serious medical issues like kidney failure. When you eat above the lower limit threshold, you body starts releasing/burning the fat, and begins processing the protein. The doctor also confirmed that increasing my caloric intake by 400 calories would slow my rate of loss, but in the long run it would set me up for continued efficient loss in the future.

In addition to minimum caloric intake, time between meals can negatively effect metabolic efficiency. You should eat something every 2-3 hours while you are awake. Extending the time between meals longer than 3 hours will slow the metabolism. Additionally there should not be any one meal that is greatly larger than the others, especially the last meal of the day. The meals should be close to equal in size(calories) and the last meal should not be the largest. If there is a larger meal it should be eaten in the morning to midday.

Maybe this explains the periodic streaks of no loss that svg-p90x and I experience, despite no change in diet or dedication to the exercise routine. I would gladly trade my inconsistent but faster loss for consistent but slower heathier loss that will achieve my goals(permanent fat loss) and set me up for continuing success.

260 is the new 276!

2008-02-27T12:42:00.004-07:00

Day 38 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 6 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.337 %

I got started a little late, this morning. I stayed up to late last night(11:30pm) and I could not get up to the 3:00am alarm. I actually turned it off and went back to bed(unintentionally). I woke up 45 minutes later and realized what I did. Luckily, it did not have too much effect on the duration of my workout. I made it to the workout room at work by 4:30am. I made it all the way through the workout, minus the last ten minutes. By then, it was getting too close to 6:00am and I had too large an audience(other people using the gym) to do all the closing yoga meditation moves. Great workout, though. It was one my best performances on the yoga routine. I had sweat running down my face into my eyes in the first 15 minutes. The only issue I had involved the equipment at the gym. The workout mats have far too much padding for yoga. I could not keep my balance on even the simplest postures. I ended up moving to the bare carpet(industrial/high traffic). I may have to start bringing my mat from home. Of course I skipped some of the still impossible moves like the Right Angle Pose, and all of the variations(except the first) of Warrior Three(Crescent Moon...etc). I did manage(once) to balance in the Swan Pose for roughly 5 whole consecutive seconds between toe-taps. All-in-all, I am very satisfied with todays' improvements over last weeks shortcomings.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Large Banana - 125 cal.
Salad - 80 cal.
Chicken/Rice Soup - 200 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 310 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Meatloaf, Grean Beans, Potatoes - 300 cal. (Small Portions)

Total: 1570 cal.

Building Glamour Muscle!

2008-02-26T06:23:00.010-07:00

Day 37 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 6 , Routine 3
Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.346 %

Great Workout! I love this routine. I again, like Sunday, increased either my weight or reps in almost all of the moves. My arms are dead, toward the end of workout I could hardly hold my pen steady to write in the log. Ab Ripper X went fine, I improved one move a little, and skipped the things that are impossible.

I have Yoga tomorrow and I am looking for a big improvement over last week. My chest and Triceps should be fully recovered and ready for plenty of Ashtanga Vinyasa Sun Salutations, Chaturangas, and Down/Upward Dog positions. I really need to pick up the intensity toward the back end of this week to make-up for last week.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Salad - 80 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 300 cal.
Burrito - 500 cal.

Total: 1310 cal.

Football Hero

2008-02-25T06:12:00.003-07:00

Day 36 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 6 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.356 %

Great workout today. There is nothing like good old plyo to burn some calories. I can't say that I was able to do all of the moves for the full thirty seconds, but I did keep my heart-rate sky high for the entire workout. I did not forget breakfast this morning, so all went well. I am excited for tomorrows Back & Biceps workout. I am ready to tear it up.

I spent some time looking at the charts yesterday and I cannot believe how close the competition has been between svg-p90x and I. Especially on the Percent Loss and Average Percent Loss Rate charts. The commitment required by both parties to accomplish that is incredible.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Salad - 80 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 300 cal.
Popcorn - 100 cal.
Turkey Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 1080 cal.

Throwin' the Bomb!

2008-02-24T09:05:00.003-07:00

Day 35 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 6 , Routine 1
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps,
Ab Ripper X

Weight:	260 lbs	-	Loss:	38 lbs
% Loss:	12.8 %	-	Rate:	0.366 %

Today is a work day, so I got started on time. I am doing the routine in the correct order this week. Last week I think the order ended up making more of a difference that I thought I would. Everything went well with the workout today, I either increased the weights or the reps in almost all of the exercises. I even came prepared with a plastic plate for the Floor Flys. I follow up immediately with Ab Ripper X but only finished the first half before I was exhausted and called it quits.

Another 3lbs Loss on Sunday, I think maybe the scale that I use on my off days is too hard to read and I don't end up getting a precise reading until I get back to work. The scale at home is consistent, but it is analog and the hairs are too small and close together to get any better than a ballpark read within about 1 to 3 pounds accurate. I am using my work scale as the official scale and my home scale as a guide while I am away.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Salad - 80 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 280 cal.
Baby Carrots - 35 cal.
Turkey Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 995 cal.

In preparation for Week 6...

2008-02-23T09:19:00.005-07:00

Day 34 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 5 , Routine 7
X Stretch

Weight:	263 lbs	-	Loss:	35 lbs
% Loss:	11.7 %	-	Rate:	0.344 %

Late start. Lots to do today. I am taking the Rest option.(Not that I think I earned it the last few days)

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 340 cal.
Turkey Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 1030 cal.

Another Exciting Installment of...

2008-02-22T12:40:00.002-07:00

Day 33 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 5 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	263 lbs	-	Loss:	35 lbs
% Loss:	11.7 %	-	Rate:	0.355 %

Again, another late start but I got to it eventually. Not much to say here, it was another exciting installment of the Kempo X routine.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Fresca Border Bowl - 350 cal.
Pizza (2 small slices) - 320 cal.

Total: 1160 cal.

Again? Hope it is not a trend.

2008-02-21T23:45:00.001-07:00

Day 32 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 5 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	264 lbs	-	Loss:	34 lbs
% Loss:	11.4 %	-	Rate:	0.356 %

I am a little late on this post. Sorry. This was another bad day. I got started late on the workout and I had a lot on mind during it. I had so much planned(errands) for the day and I could not block it out for the workout. I only went half way trough the workout before I killed it, skipped Abs and Cardio X did not happen again. On the upside, I did a lot of heavy furniture moving at the end of the day(U-Haul Style, Solid Oak Dressers/Armoires), Which I am hoping made up for the last half of Legs and Back. I know I felt the strain in the lower back during all the lifting and carrying.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 270 cal.
Turkey Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 930 cal.

Couldn't "Bring it"

2008-02-20T12:00:00.007-07:00

Day 31 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 5 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	264 lbs	-	Loss:	34 lbs
% Loss:	11.4 %	-	Rate:	0.368 %

Today was a bad day. I got up alright, but I was still dead/sore form yesterdays' Chest, Shoulders, Triceps & Ab Ripper X routine. I could hardly do the chaterunga and upward dog moves, so I ended up doing them on my knees. I also just did not feel in to it this morning. It may have been better if I had not messed up the schedule at the beginning of the week and did the Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps on Sunday, saving the Back & Biceps routine for the day before Yoga X. My chest, shoulders, and triceps would have had time to recover. I had poor participation through the first half of Yoga X and skipped the last half.

I did not get to Cardio X last night. Still on Classic. I will try again tomorrow.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 160 cal.
Meatloaf Hamburgers w/ Tator tots - 500 cal.

Total: 1120 cal.

Day 30, 33lbs loss and counting...

2008-02-19T09:12:00.007-07:00

Day 30 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 5 , Routine 3
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps,
Ab Ripper X

Weight:	265 lbs	-	Loss:	33 lbs
% Loss:	11.1 %	-	Rate:	0.37 %

I got out of bed on time(3:00am) this morning, but last night I failed to get everything ready for this morning which resulted in me leaving the house late. It really did not have that big of an effect though, as I arrived at work at 4:06am and was pressing play before 4:15am. I was however joined by another person in the workout room at 5:15a, when I started the Ab Ripper X routine. Oh, well.

It was another great workout. This workout was very similar to the way I described the Back & Biceps routine, lots of push-ups(instead of curls and pull-ups) with new varieties(One-Hand, Clap/Plyo, Slow-Motion...etc.) I of course, did the push-ups on my knees(even the kind that Tony said cannot be done on your knees, I put my knees on a chair). I am lovin' it! People at work are commenting that I seem more energetic. I am going to try again tonight, to get the Cardio X routine in, but we will see.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 300 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.

Total: 840 cal.

More like Pooh than Tigger

2008-02-18T06:24:00.005-07:00

Day 29 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 5 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	265 lbs	-	Loss:	33 lbs
% Loss:	11.1 %	-	Rate:	0.383 %

I got out of bed at 3:00am this morning! I was at work, pressing play in the workout room at 4:00am. I have been trying to get up at 3:00am the last few work days to accomplish a 4:00am start time at work. This gives me full use of the room, uninhibited and unwatched for the length of the workout. Other people start coming in after 5:00am. This also gives me time to work on my daily post before I have to start work.

The workout today was great. In my haste to get out the door at home to get to work this morning for my workout, I forgot to eat my breakfast. I really regretted that about 45 minutes into the workout. I started feeling completely drained and somewhat sick to my stomach(no hurl). All I had in my stomach was my multi-vitamin and water. I made it through to the end though, and I had better have earned a huge calorie burn. I hate that guy in the back, Mr. Springs-for-Legs. I do feel that I made some slight improvements in the first 30 minutes of the routine, though.

No weight loss today but I think that may be due to the major biceps building workout yesterday. I am hoping to see some more loss tomorrow after todays' cardio plyometrics.

I did not get to the Cardio X last night, so for now I guess I am still on classic.

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 300 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Turkey Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 730 cal.

What was I thinking?

2008-02-17T15:39:00.006-07:00

Day 28 / 90
Phase 2 , Week 5 , Routine 1
Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X, Cardio X

Weight:	265 lbs	-	Loss:	33 lbs
% Loss:	11.1 %	-	Rate:	0.396 %

I got up early enough to complete my workout this morning, and for some reason I did not look in the workbook to see what routine that I was supposed to do today. I guess I just thought that I knew what was planned. So, I ended up doing the Back & Biceps routine today instead of the Chest, Shoulders & Triceps routine. I even forgot that I was supposed to do the Ab Ripper X routine afterward(forgetting the abs may have been subconsciously intentional.) I did however, do the ab routine a few hours later, and I will do the Chest, Shoulders & Triceps routine on Tuesday where I was supposed to do Back & Biceps.

The Back & Biceps routine was just the kind of routine that I was looking forward to, to start off Phase 2. I love it! I have never in my life, done so many curls in one workout, but I guess that is the nature of P90X. Just like the enormous amount of push-ups and pull-ups that are in the Chest & Back routine, except this is not a repeat routine. There is a huge variety of different types to curls. This routine also has all your favorite types of pull-ups with at least one new style(corn-cob pull-ups.) I am glad that I moved my workout to my works' gym, as the access to a large assortment of dumbbells came in handy, and It would be a real challenge to get the resistance right with bands(especially the last curl exercise were you are supposed to change resistance four times during the move.)

I was amazed when I stood on the scale today. I have been loosing, on average, one half a pound for the last four days. Then today I lost three pounds since yesterday! I am aiming to go Double and pick up the Cardio X routine three nights a week in the evening. We will see how that goes with my schedule. I am really starting to have fun now.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 140 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Soup - 160 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Swiss Steak w/ Mashed Potatoes 400 cal.

Total: 930 cal.

Good-Bye, Phase 1!

2008-02-16T10:11:00.004-07:00

Day 27 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 4 , Routine 7
X Stretch

Weight:	268 lbs	-	Loss:	30 lbs
% Loss:	10.1 %	-	Rate:	0.374 %

I did not get up at 3:30am this morning(what else is new), but I did get up early enough to get my routine done before the rest of my day was scheduled to start. There is not much to add about the X Stretch routine today, as there wasn't very much change from the last time. I was unable to get in to the neck stand position today, though. Maybe yesterdays success was a result of some "Yoga Hindu Magic" or good "Chi", or maybe just a fluke. I am using the yoga block and strap to make up for my lack of flexibility. I am felling good and I am excited to see what Phase 2 brings tomorrow.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 140 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Mac-n-Cheese - 300 cal. (Small Portions)
Pizza - 240 cal. (One Slice)

Total: 880 cal.

30 pounds in 26 Days!

2008-02-15T21:36:00.002-07:00

Day 26 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 4 , Routine 6
Yoga X

Weight:	268 lbs	-	Loss:	30 lbs
% Loss:	10.1 %	-	Rate:	0.388 %

I got started very late this morning. Not that I slept in that much(3 hours), but rather I kept very busy with errands all morning. I did not start the workout until 4:30pm. It was a great workout, though. I completed the whole routine finally, and I even landed a 10 second neck stand, before I fell and couldn't get back up. I also improved my form in the chaterunga and upward dog positions. I did as many as I could with only my hands and toes touching the ground(no knees or gut touching the ground). The sweat was pouring off of my face. I used my newly purchased yoga block and strap, and I was very satisfied with the results.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Soup - 140 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 140 cal.

Total: 750 cal.

Hardcore Synergistics!

2008-02-14T12:47:00.006-07:00

Day 25 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 4 , Routine 5
Core Synergistics

Weight:	269 lbs	-	Loss:	29 lbs
% Loss:	9.7 %	-	Rate:	0.388 %

Wow! This workout deserves to have an "X" appended to the end of the name. I do not know why they didn't put one there. By the end of the workout I could "feel" the dense cloud of steam-perspiration pressing in on my head. The exercises that I thought were "easy enough" two days ago are still plenty difficult when you do all the other exercises around them. On all of the dumbbell exercises, I started with weight, but about half way through I abandoned the extra burden and went weightless to finish the set. I participated in all of the exercises at least 50%, except the Dreya Roll. I was too exhausted by the end and was somewhat intimidated by the move. It is like Plyometric Neck Stands. I skipped it. Despite the lack of weight loss, I am confident that there will be a drop tomorrow after todays workout.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 300 cal.

Total: 760 cal.

Feel the stretch

2008-02-13T09:12:00.002-07:00

Day 24 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 4 , Routine 4
X Stretch

Weight:	269 lbs	-	Loss:	29 lbs
% Loss:	9.7 %	-	Rate:	0.404 %

I got up on time, much easier than the last few days. Which is odd because I had even less sleep last night. Today was the first time that I completed the X Stretch routine. It went well I still could not get into the neck stand position. I came close a few times, but I could not get it to stick. Everything else went fine. The hamstring stretches toward the end are pretty extreme, one-after-another, but it think it is because the duration is so long and my flexibility is lacking. Great workout, for just stretching.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Soup - 90 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Steak, Potato, Salad - 550 cal.

Total: 1140 cal.

I only bleed on the inside!

2008-02-12T22:08:00.001-07:00

Day 23 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 4 , Routine 3
Kempo X

Weight:	270 lbs	-	Loss:	28 lbs
% Loss:	9.4 %	-	Rate:	0.409 %

I was very groggy again this morning but I still got up on time. I don't know why it seems to be getting harder to get up in the morning. I felt great during the workout, though. I feel like I did better this morning on this routine than I ever have. I concentrated a lot on polishing my form. Good workout.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 260 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Soup - 260 cal.

Total: 1020 cal.

Inducted into the Core

2008-02-11T12:18:00.002-07:00

Day 22 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 4 , Routine 2
Core Synergistics

Weight:	271 lbs	-	Loss:	27 lbs
% Loss:	9.1 %	-	Rate:	0.414 %

Today I really did not feel ready to get out of bed for the 3:30am alarm, but somehow I managed. I am kind of mixed on this routine. I think some of the exercises are easy enough, but some of the them seem very difficult. I did a lot of the moves at the beginning, but toward the end I did more watching than doing. I don't think I got a very good workout today, partly because I spent a lot of time figuring out the moves, and partly because I think I was either not motivated or still tired. I think it is probably a good routine and I will have to come at it with more effort the next time.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 320 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Turkey Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 1020 cal.

"Change is Good"

2008-02-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

Day 21 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 4 , Routine 1
Yoga X

Weight:	272 lbs	-	Loss:	26 lbs
% Loss:	8.7 %	-	Rate:	0.414 %

I got a good, on time, start to week 4 this morning. Not much to say about the workout other than I did a little me and stretched a little farther than the last time. Incremental Improvement. I will be able to get my ankles behind my head by the end!(No I won't) I am ready to see what "Core Synergistics" is all about tomorrow.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Yogurt Granola Bar - 140 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 300 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Steak, Potato, Corn - 550 cal.

Total: 1370 cal.

All rest and no play

2008-02-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

Day 20 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 3 , Routine 7
Rest

Weight:	272 lbs	-	Loss:	26 lbs
% Loss:	8.7 %	-	Rate:	0.435 %

I got up late this morning. I did not leave time for the stretch routine. I guess I valued the extra sleep over the stretch routine. I thought I might do it later in the day if I found time, but it never happened. I start week four tomorrow, the recovery week. I am excited to see the changes that it brings.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Breakfast Sandwich - 300 cal.
Ham Sandwich - 210 cal.
Kidney Bean Chili - 600 cal.

Total: 1420 cal.

Back on track

2008-02-08T21:41:00.001-07:00

Day 19 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 3 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	274 lbs	-	Loss:	24 lbs
% Loss:	8.1 %	-	Rate:	0.426 %

I got going on the routine early enough this morning, and I avoided the interruptions. It was a good workout. I brought the intensity that I was lacking yesterday. My diet today could have been better, but I feel that I was pretty successful in reducing the calories in my dinner. If I had the regular portions in this meal that calories would be about 1600 just for the dinner. I am looking forward to finishing X Stretch tomorrow, as I did not complete it last week. I also feel like I am in need of some good stretching.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 140 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 290 cal.
Chili Burger, Tator Tots - 600 cal.

Total: 1050 cal.

Real Nightmares

2008-02-07T18:04:00.001-07:00

Day 18 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 3 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	275 lbs	-	Loss:	23 lbs
% Loss:	7.7 %	-	Rate:	0.428 %

Today was a very bad day. I got started late again. I was going to get up early this morning, but when I woke up at 3:30am this morning, my son was already up. I tried to tell him it was too early, and that he needed to go back to bed. Meanwhile, I went back to bed for another thirty minutes hoping he would follow my lead and go back to bed. This process continued until 7:00am, when I had to get the girls up for school. My son was still up. When I finally got started on the workout, I really did not feel in to it. There are probably many reasons(bad sleep, son awake, weight loss drought, phase 1 burnout, errands due today, etc.) I realized about forty minutes in that I was doing a lot of the move without intensity, and my son(and the dog) was constantly underfoot. I hit eject. No Ab Ripper X, also. I am a looser. I will be better tomorrow. My son IS GOING TO stay up late without any naps today.

I also had a bad diet today. I was surprised with a Whataburger lunch, and for some reason I thought I could get something reasonable. I thought wrong. The chicken sandwich meal that ordered came out to 2750 calories if I ate it all. So, I ate part and saved the rest for the kids to share. Even still, 850 calories for lunch was too much. Whataburger should be called WhataWeightGain. I still stayed under 1500 calories for the day but I had too few meals and too many calories per meal.

The good news is the drought may be over. I finally lost a pound today, but after todays workout+diet I may have it back tomorrow.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 280 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Whataburger Chicken Sandwich Meal - 850 cal.
Pizza - 320 cal.

Total: 1470 cal.

Hindu rain dance brings sweat, drought continues.

2008-02-06T13:24:00.001-07:00

Day 17 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 3 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	276 lbs	-	Loss:	22 lbs
% Loss:	7.4 %	-	Rate:	0.435 %

I got a late start this morning, but I still managed to do all of the first part of the routine, and a few of the balance postures. I of course, still cannot get in the position where your hands are locked behind your back with your front leg captive. I think I have to loose some serious inches in the waist before that is even close to possible. I noticed a pretty good sweat, though. I had to towel off a couple of times to get the sweat out of my eyes. There was some noticeable improvements to my flexibility. I am really looking forward to improving my flexibility and being able to keep up 100% with the routine.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 280 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Ham Sandwich - 210 cal.
Steak, Potato, Salad - 550 cal.

Total: 1060 cal.

276!

2008-02-05T15:40:00.001-07:00

Day 16 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 3 , Routine 3
Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	276 lbs	-	Loss:	22 lbs
% Loss:	7.4 %	-	Rate:	0.463 %

I got up on time this morning but wasted an hour before I started the routine. I did all of my normal things this morning but ended up in the bathroom twice. I guess I am not feeling well now, like svg-p90x was yesterday. The Shoulders & Arms work out went great and I increased the band resistance. The Ab Ripper X routine did not happen. I wasted too much time this morning. Maybe I will be able to pick it up this evening before bed. I am still stuck on 276. My whole upper body is sore. I was stretching at work and my whole back and the center of my chest cramped-up. I think it is mostly gone now but now the idea of stretch is making me leery.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 280 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Ham Sandwich - 210 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 290 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Homemade VB Soup - 250 cal.

Total: 1205 cal.

Drought: Two Days, no fall!

2008-02-04T12:31:00.001-07:00

Day 15 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 3 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	276 lbs	-	Loss:	22 lbs
% Loss:	7.4 %	-	Rate:	0.493 %

Plyometrics went well this morning. I am gradually increasing my participation in this routine. I do not know if I will ever get to the point where I will be able to keep up with the frogman in the back, but I am improving none the less. I am rather disappointed at the weight loss over the last 2 days. I know I got an outstanding workout yesterday(feeling it today), and I worked pretty hard today(sweating, elevated HR, exhausted by the end), and I have also been budgeting and balancing my caloric intake And still, I am stuck at 276 for the last three days. I can only guess that the "Hot Hamburger" dinner I ate this weekend has finally caught up with me and I am paying for it now. Either that, or the rate that I am gaining muscle mass is equal to the rate that I am burning fat. I think the latter is less likely.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Natural Crunchy Granola Bar - 180 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 270 cal.
Baby Carrots 70 cal.
Homemade VB Soup 250 cal.

Total: 1135 cal.

The 3rd Revolution begins

2008-02-03T20:32:00.001-07:00

Day 14 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 3 , Routine 1
Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	276 lbs	-	Loss:	22 lbs
% Loss:	7.4 %	-	Rate:	0.529 %

I got up on time this morning. It is amazing how I can get up early when I have to be somewhere at 6:30am. I increased the difficulty in the chin-ups from 40% to 50% for the first round, but lowered it back to 40% in the second round. I also matched or surpassed my push-ups from last week, except I was unable to do any decline push-ups in either round. In the back exercises I increased the resistance bands. Ab Ripper X, was about the same except I was able to do a few of the Split Leg Sit-ups. I put a 20lb dumbbell on each ankle and I was finally bottom heavy enough to make it work. My arms are so dead, I could hardly raise my arms in the shower. It feels good, though.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 270 cal.
Baby Carrots 70 cal.
Ham Sandwich - 210 cal.

Total: 1015 cal.

To Rest or Not To Rest...?

2008-02-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

Day 13 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 2 , Routine 7
X Stretch

Weight:	276 lbs	-	Loss:	22 lbs
% Loss:	7.4 %	-	Rate:	0.569 %

I got a super late start this morning. It was 8:00am when I finally got out of bed and started the X Stretch routine. It seemed pretty nice and easy, except for some impossible positions. I really tried to get into the neck stand position to out do svg-p90x, to no avail. I however, did not finish the routine due to my late start. I had to pause(terminally) the disc 30 minutes in to the routine. I guess that is better than just taking the "Rest Day", but I wanted more.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 260 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Special K Meal Bar - 180 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 260 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Popcorn - 100 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 1105 cal.

Round 2...Ready...Fight!

2008-02-01T15:06:00.001-07:00

Day 12 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 2 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	277 lbs	-	Loss:	21 lbs
% Loss:	7 %	-	Rate:	0.583 %

Kempo routine Round 2. For the most part this routine went like it did last week, but with some minor improvements. I think I completed more of the double time reps and I did all of the 100+ vertical punches at the end. I love this routine!

I can already see improvements in my cardio stamina. I went out for an after dinner jog last night, and I did not get winded nearly as soon a I expected to.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 260 cal.
Apple - 85 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 805 cal.

Lessons Learned

2008-01-31T09:47:00.001-07:00

Day 11 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 2 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	278 lbs	-	Loss:	20 lbs
% Loss:	6.7 %	-	Rate:	0.609 %

I started late this morning, but what can you expect on a non-work day. Today ended up being the day of interruptions. As a result of starting late, I did not give myself enough time to finish the workout before I had to wake the kids up and get them ready for school. Also, the youngest woke up about 20 minutes into the workout and started his normal routine of 20 questions and the infamous, "I'm hungry." He was unable to realize that it was still to early for him to be up, and would not agree to go back to bed until it was time to wake up his sisters. I pressed pause today more times than I did in the previous 10 days combined. Needless to say, I probably did not get the full benefit form the workout as I was unable to maintain an elevated heart rate for the whole hour straight through. On the other hand, the extra extended breaks probably allowed for more recovery, more reps, etc. I increased my chin-ups from last weeks 8-12, to 12-16 today. I also felt that I improved my overall participation in the other exercises in the Legs & Back routine. The Ab Ripper routine seemed to go about the same as the last time, except I noticed that the oblique crunches felt really easy which made me work on polishing up my form. It is so hard to motivate myself to get out of bed early on non-work days, but I learned today that it is worth-it if only to avoid all the interruptions.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.
Popcorn - 100 cal.
"Hot Hamburger" - 815 cal. (ouch!)

Total: 1475 cal.

Player, Dead after 10 days of p90x

2008-01-30T05:50:00.001-07:00

Day 10 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 2 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	279 lbs	-	Loss:	19 lbs
% Loss:	6.4 %	-	Rate:	0.64 %

My dvd player, that is. The dvd player just could not handle the intense workout. 25 minutes into the Yoga X routine it froze and would not continue past that point. I however, may be able to fix it with a lens cleaner. Until I get around to getting the lens cleaner, I will have to move another dvd player in to my workout room. I wasted 20 minutes this morning trying to get it to continue on with no success. Needless to say, I did not finish the Yoga X workout. I did however, improve my participation in the first 25 minutes compared to last week.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Red Apple - 85 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 260 cal.
Green Beans - 40 cal.
Pizza (2 small slices) - 380 cal.

Total: 1125 cal.

The return of an old friend

2008-01-29T06:19:00.001-07:00

Day 9 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 2 , Routine 3
Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	280 lbs	-	Loss:	18 lbs
% Loss:	6 %	-	Rate:	0.667 %

I got started on time this morning. Last week I loved the Shoulders & Arms routine, and maybe it was because it was the first routine that I kept up with to the end. I think Shoulders & Arms is the easiest routine for me, of the phase 1 routines. I also think time seems to pass quicker in this routine than in the others. I completed the whole routine. 100% exercises, 100% reps(15-16 if not specified), 100% sets. Last week I was only doing 8-12 reps.

I made more improvements on Ab Ripper X. I still cannot(yet) do some of the moves, but I completed more reps in the moves that I can do. Also, was able to complete a few reps in some of the moves that I could not do last time.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 280 cal.
Green Beans - 40 cal.
Chicken Sandwich - 200 cal.

Total: 965 cal.

Fun with Plyo

2008-01-28T09:50:00.001-07:00

Day 8 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 2 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	282 lbs	-	Loss:	16 lbs
% Loss:	5.4 %	-	Rate:	0.675 %

I managed to get up to the 3:30am alarm this morning. I work today so it was either get up or miss the workout and missing the workout is not an option.

I enjoyed Pylometrics today, far more that last week. I made it all the way through this time, where as last week I quit at 40 minutes. I even did the bonus round. I could not stop laughing at Tony Horton during the left handed pitching reps. Of course I did not have an audience to laugh at me. Tony is probably twice the lefty that I am. I cannot say that I completed every rep in the routine though, toward the end I just did what I could.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Green Apple - 85 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 260 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal
Beef Pot Roast Sandwich - 335 cal.

Total: 1160 cal.

Second Week: Second-Wind or Second-Thoughts!

2008-01-27T07:40:00.001-07:00

Day 7 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 2 , Routine 1
Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	284 lbs	-	Loss:	14 lbs
% Loss:	4.7 %	-	Rate:	0.671 %

Like I planned on Monday, today I skipped the Rest Day(Routine 7) and started week 2 - Routine 1 to get back on my desired schedule. I however approached this routine, today, the same way that svg-p90x did on his Day 1. I swallowed my pride and did all the push-ups on my knees. Yeah I know, when I was in grade school they called them Girl(or Lady?) Push-ups. But, that is not "P.C." any longer and my body weight is 3 times heavier now then when I was in grade school. Also, I do not think I will need to be on my knees in a few weeks, anyway. I completed the whole routine and did 8-12 reps on almost everything. However, I skipped Decline Push-ups in the first round, but I found a second-wind in the second round(The second round is a good place to find a second-wind!) and did 4 reps of normal Decline Push-ups(no knees). In the first round I was thinking(my first mistake!) that I was already doing "easy" push-ups, and I could not figure-out how to do "easy" Decline Push-ups. I did not think putting my knees on the chair would make them any easier(probably harder), and I was too exhausted in the first round to do them normal. The Ab Ripper X routine also went well. I did what I could and I did more today than I did the last time.

I also changed some other things this morning. Last week I would wake up, workout, and then eat breakfast. Today I ate breakfast, then did the workout. I think this change may have been what brought the second-wind that I was lacking last week. Last week, I was worried that if I ate before the workout, it would slow me down or make me sick. Today, I found the opposite to be true.

I feel really good about my performance today.

Diet:

Lean Pocket - 290 cal.
Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 290 cal.
Sausages - Hot and Maple - 440cal.
One Egg- over easy - 90 cal.
Toast - 1 slice - 40 cal.
Potatoe's O'Brien - 60 cal.

Total: 1330 cal.

I am Sub-Zero: Kempo Master (Yeah, right!)

2008-01-26T10:39:00.001-07:00

Day 6 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 6
Kempo X

Weight:	286 lbs	-	Loss:	12 lbs
% Loss:	4 %	-	Rate:	0.8 %

I really did not want to get up today. At 3:30am I turned the alarm off knowing it would alarm again at 5am. At 5am I turned the alarm off and thought I would get up in a few minutes. Which I finally did 15 minutes later. Then I remembered today is Kempo X. I had been looking forward to this routine.

I really enjoyed Kempo X, thinking aggressively really helps as a added motivator when you are punching and kicking. I finished the whole routine, but skipped some of the double time reps. This is my new favorite routine!

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Potato's O'Brien - 60 cal.
Baked Breaded Chicken Breast - 300 cal.
Stuffing - 160 cal.
Green Beans - 20 cal.

Total: 930 cal. (Wow!)

Legs & Abs: Ready or Not, here it comes.

2008-01-25T10:36:00.001-07:00

Day 5 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 5
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	289 lbs	-	Loss:	9 lbs
% Loss:	3 %	-	Rate:	0.75 %

I had planned this morning to try and keep the 3:30am wake-up time this morning despite the fact that today is not a work day. On my days off, I get my kids up at 7:00am to get ready for school. At 3:30am this morning I knew this and decided to change the alarm to 5:00am. At 5:00am I still did not want to get out of bed, but after a few minutes of contemplating my options, I managed to get up and get to my work out. I was pretty successful with the Legs & Back routine and I made it all the way through. I did have to lower the difficulty on the Total Gym about 1/3 through the routine so I could complete the Chin-up sets. This is the third day that the Ab Ripper routine was scheduled and I had to go for it the best that I could, as I had really been slacking on this routine the other two times. I finished the entire routine but could only achieve partial participation on most of the exercises and on a few of them I could not even get one rep. I felt like I achieved a much better cardio workout today than the two days prior, though.

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Chow Mein - 500 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Chicken Fresca Bowl - 640 cal.

Total: 1600 cal.

Dhalsim, I am not.

2008-01-24T12:38:00.002-07:00

Day 4 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 4
Yoga X

Weight:	289 lbs	-	Loss:	9 lbs
% Loss:	3 %	-	Rate:	1 %

I successfully arose from bed this morning at the new time(3:30am) and got started with Yoga X. I quickly learned that 'flexible' is not a term that should be used in reference to me. I cannot yet touch the ground when I bend at the waist, keeping my legs straight. This really became a problem for most of the moves in the beginning of this routine. Every transitional move, that went from standing while touching the ground with your hands, to prone or a push-up position(and reverse), ended with me either falling into position or going to my knees in the transition. Even though I felt like my overall participation in this routine was low, I still found myself sweating. Hopefully I gained something in this first attempt at Yoga, and there is miles of room for improvement. I ended the workout at the beginning of the more advanced balance positions.

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Naked Fajita Burrito - 500 cal. (Big Lunch)
Lemonade - 300 cal. (I wouldn't have drank it if I knew that it was 300 cal.)
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Large Banana - 125 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 270 cal. (Small Dinner)

Total: 1655 cal.

I attribute the lack of weight loss to the large lunch that was still in my gut for my afternoon weigh-in. The other days of the week, I had a small lunch before the weigh-in and afterward, a large dinner. Another factor could be the possibility of burning fewer calories in the workout this morning than the other workouts this week. I do believe it is better to have the larger lunch than the larger dinner though, so I will have to deal this this pause in progress and I should see a drop in weight return again tomorrow.

Shoulders & Arms routine is great!

2008-01-23T09:02:00.001-07:00

Day 3 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 3
Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	291 lbs	-	Loss:	7 lbs
% Loss:	2.3 %	-	Rate:	1.15 %

Today again, I promptly woke up at 4am and got started with the routine. The schedule indicated Shoulders & Arms followed by Ab Ripper X. I came in to this routine expecting another Chest & Back style workout, and thinking, "Well, I will probably be exhausted in 30 minutes." Instead, I completed the entire Shoulders & Arms routine! I even completed the bonus round at the end. Shoulders & Arms is my favorite routine, so far. I however, ran out of time this morning to do the Ab Ripper X routine. Honestly, I was not looking forward to doing the Ab routine, but skipping it is not acceptable. I need to adjust my wake-up time to 3:30am to allow enough time to complete the entire line-up.

I do not(yet) have a set of dumbbells, so I am using resistance bands as a substitute. I think a dumbbell workout would be significantly more precise, as with the resistance bands, the range of movement as well as finding the right resistance and placement(loop size, if any) is somewhat awkward. It may get better though, as I get more familiarized with the bands and the routines.

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 270 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 270 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Spaghetti - 800 cal.

Total: 1530 cal.

Plyometrics?

2008-01-22T07:59:00.002-07:00

Day 2 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 2
Plyometrics

Weight:	293 lbs	-	Loss:	5 lbs
% Loss:	1.7 %	-	Rate:	1.7 %

I woke up this morning ready to go. I had set the alarm for 4am and I got out of bed at 4am. No Snooze! I did not have the slightest idea of what plyometrics is and for some reason I thought it was going to be a step down in intensity from yesterday. Plyometrics a.k.a. jump training, is used heavily by professional athletes. I remember doing some of these exercises when I played football. Needless to say, I could only keep up with about half of the exercises in the first 40 minutes. What about the last 20 minutes? I don't know, we will both find out about it next week, as 40 minutes in is when I ran out of energy and hit eject. I think this is going to be a long road to 90 Days, but there is lots of room to improve and grow in to the program. This week I made it to the 40 minute mark, maybe next week I will make it all the way.

Svg-p90x and I have started a contest with each other. It is a Weight Loss contest and it is already underway. The winner (or biggest looser, so to say) will be determined on our p90x Day 90. We are normalizing the weight loss by comparing percent of weight loss from our starting weights. The one with the highest Percent Weight Loss wins. Check out his site, this will make things interesting.

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Long Banana - 125 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 290 cal.
Baby Carrots - 70 cal.
Spaghetti - 800 cal.

Total: 1645 cal.

Let's Get Started

2008-01-21T09:07:00.001-07:00

Day 1 / 90
Phase 1 , Week 1 , Routine 1
Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Weight:	298 lbs	-	Loss:
% Loss:		-	Rate:

I originally planned to start yesterday morning, but come 2am I didn't feel the same. I did however, get around to taking my 'Before Picture'(click to play.) So today becomes the new Day 1, and yesterday is forgotten. I do however, plan on getting back on schedule this Sunday. I will simply skip the Rest Day(Routine 7) and start again on Routine 1 on Sunday. All future Rest days should fall on Saturday.

Today I set the alarm for 3:45am, planning for one 15 minute snooze(which I took), and I made it to the play button by 4:15am. I was surprised to learn how out-of-shape I am. I thought I would do far better than I did. I made it about half way through the Chest & Back routine before I was completely out of gas. This routine is a repeat routine, so I really made it all the way through once and skipped the repeat. Then I skipped the Ab Ripper X routine altogether. I watched it, somehow thinking that I would find a second wind, but it never came. At least I have been given a new goal. I can now strive to finish the whole routine.

Diet:

Crystal Lite - 20 cal.
Lean Pocket - 240 cal.
Lite Yogurt - 100 cal.
Lean Cuisine - 270 cal.
Trail Mix - 160 cal.
Spaghetti - 800 cal.

Total: 1590 cal.