Small Setback

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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...

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...

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.

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"

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...

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

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?

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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"

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

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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...?

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!

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.