Now Enrolling: P90X Classes at Local Gym

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

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.

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

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...

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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."

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.