Tuesday, November 01, 2005

How 'bout something boring to eat?

Pounding a long in sand. That is what the run felt like this morning. Never has 15 minutes been such a crapper. In fact, the entire 45 minutes seemed Draconian. I spent 15 minutes on the treadmill, 15 minutes on a Life Fitness elliptical machine and 15 on a Cybex Actrainer. All of them felt medieval. Maybe I didn't eat enough yesterday. I hope that is all it is. Crap.

First things first though. I trained back this morning. The weights felt lighter, which is one of the reasons I find myself a little baffled at my lack of energy during cardio. Anyways, onto the meals.

Meal 1: Seven ounces of chicken breast, noodles and broccoli.

Meal 2: Flank steak, noodles and mixed vegetables.

Meal 3: Meal replacement shake; one cup of peanuts.

Meal 4: Seven ounces chicken breast, and spinach.

I'm a little short on the meals again. I have to get that fixed or my gains are going to coming to a painfully sudden halt. Aside from that, I feel pretty good. I am getting a little stronger each time in and so I'm picking up some muscle. I hope that is what it means.

If that is accurate, it also means that my weight loss is going to slow. Muscle carries some weight too. Oh well. I will see on Saturday morning.

Speaking of Saturdays. I don't really have any cravings, maybe the result of a summer spent satisfying cravings, but I am getting sick of the meals I'm eating. Egg whites, chicken, turkey, fish and steak. I know there isn't much else when stripping fat, but the monotony is stripping me of my sanity and appetite. I almost don't want to eat. I think that was my problem today. There was a time when I would rather be hungry than eat. I am hopeful that this, like most other things, will pass.

Monday, October 31, 2005

Gaye

Motown seeps into my sleep at 4:30 AM. "I know about your plans to make me blue." You gotta love Marvin Gaye. Why did that man start that crazy talk with his dad? That's a shame.

I'll tell you about a shame. I turned off the alarm clock and went sweet back to sleep. Damnit. I woke up around 7:30, said things that I wouldn't want my mother to hear, and jumped out of bed. Crap. This throws off my eating schedule, which, I think, is the most important aspect of losing fat.

I head to the bathroom, brush my teeth, wash my face, throw on the gear and head to the gym.

The weight feels lighter. Nice. Same deal, though. The time never increases; just the weight and number of reps. Today: Dumbell bench presses, incline dumbell flyes, Hammer Strength presses, and pec deck flyes. I did six sets of 10 for each exercise, and knocked them out in 25 minutes. I also increased my weights. I felt good. Good feelings are fleeting, aren't they?

Pounding along I wonder who conjured up the idea of a treadmill. Seriously, what's the inspiration for stationary running? Crap. The energy I had the last two days is nowhere to be found. Bullshit. I struggle through my usual 30 minute run (3.29), and then move to the Cybex Arctrainer for the remaining 15 minutes. Mmmmmmm. A slice of Hell on Earth. Gotta love it. What--the fuck--ever. Well, let's eat.

Meal 1: Six ounces chicken breast. Two slices whole wheat bread. Half a cup of spinach.

Meal 2: Four ounces flank steak. Half a cup of spinach.

Meal 3: One cup peanuts.

Meal 4: Halibut steak and one cup spinach.

Well, just a couple of observations. First, I'm all spinached out. Second, getting that first meal in at 11 AM is not going to help. Damn. Gotta do better tomorrow.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

The Day After

Okay, I know what you're thinking. After a day of over indulgence this guy is going to be back where he started. No, not at all.

Just out of curiosity, I weighed myself this morning: 211. Sweet, huh? Eat like an an irresponsible pig and drop half a pound. Well, let's not kid ourselves. Forty-five minutes of cardio will help you out some.

Anyway, let's get down.

I didn't eat very well today. The gym doesn't open until 9 AM and that means I don't get my first meal in until sometime around 11:00, which sucks for meal frequency. So I didn't eat very many meals today (3). So, here's how it went down.

No weights today, but did 45 minutes of cardio. I ran the first 30 minutes (3.37 miles), and then walked on an incline of 10 for the remaining 15 minutes. I'm starting to build my endurance, and I am pleased about that.

As for my meals.

Meal 1: One cup pasta, one cup broccoli, six ounces shrimp and .5 cup marinara sauce.

Meal 2: Meal replacement shake.

Meal 3: Eight ounces flank steak and salad. Made a switch on the dressing. Olive oil and vinegar. Not bad; added some garlic powder, salt and pepper. I like.

Well, that is all for today. Gotta hit the gym bright eyed and bushy tailed and all that garbage tomorrow. Talk you soon.

It's all about cheat day, baby!!

Didn't post this yesterday, but here's the good, the bad and the ugly.

I weighed myself and took my measurements, and I am pleased with progress to this point.

My weight is down to 211.5. My bodyfat percentage dropped to 12 percent. My waist dropped half an inch to 34.5. So, all in all, not bad considering I only dieted and worked out four days up to this point.

Well, I'll move on before I snap my arm off patting myself on the back. I headed to the gym to do some cardio. I decided my legs are still a little too sore for a leg workout. So I just did 45 minutes of cardio.

I ran 30 minutes, covering 3.33 miles and then walked at an incline of 10 for fifteen minutes.
Headed out for a day's break from the diet. Oh yeah, babe.

Meal 1: Five slices of pepperoni pizza. Picked up a large pizza from New York Pizza Department. Very good pizza. If you find yourself in Westminster, Colorado, definitely stop in for a pie.

Meal 2: The bacon mushroom cheddar burger combo meal from Wendy's. Relax, I got a salad and bottled water as part of my value meal.

Meal 3: Headed back to NYPD for the lasagna. What can I say, my wife is a big fan of lasagna, and lasagna was the special of the day. We were not as pleased with the lasagna. It was just noodles and cheese, with marinara sauce on top. I wouldn't bother with this again. But definitely get a pizza.

Well, that was it. Oh, and had some beers while I watched some football. Can't forget the beers.

Felt great to break from the diet for a day. I feel rejuvenated and ready to get after it for the next week.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Momentum

The alarm clock brought a welcome surprise. I'm not quite as sore this morning. Right on.

I worked arms this morning. Two exercises: Dips for triceps and dumbbell curls for biceps. Ten sets of 10. This took about 25 minutes.

My conditioning is getting better. I ran a half hour (3.25 miles), and then walked an additional 15 minutes with the incline set at 10.

Ah, the meals.

Meal 1: Two slices of whole wheat bread, a tablespoon of mustard, a tablespoon of fat free mayo, and 6 ounces of roasted chicken breast. Also one apple and a tomato. I know this is an unconventional breakfast, but I just couldn't eat egg whites and oatmeal.

Meal 2: Meal replacement shake

Meal 3: Seven ounces chicken breasts, three servings of pinto beans with jalapenos, and a large mixed green salad.

Meal 4: Meal replacement shake

Meal 5: Six ounces turkey breast and spinach with tomato, cucumber and Red Wine vinaigrette dressing (2 tbls.).

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Once again

Uh-huh. Just as I thought. My back feels the same way my chest does. Yeowch. Such is life. In better news: My legs feel better, and I didn't have to cajole and guilt myself out of bed this morning. Starting to get some momentum going. Wash the face, brush the teeth and hit the gym.

I got after shoulders this morning. Only three exercises. I don't think shoulders need as much direct work because they get some secondary stimulation from back and chest work--in the event you care what I think. So, three exercises: Dumbbell lateral raises, dumbbell front raises, and barbell upright rows. I combined the first two exercises into compound sets. Six sets, 15 reps each with a 30 second rest in between sets. Upright rows; six sets, 15 reps each with a 30 second rest in between each set. Got a nice burn and headed towards the treadmill. Oh, goodie.

I like to run, but you have to break it up. Otherwise, you run the risk of death by boredom--especially on a treadmill. So today I did some interval training. I'm still trying to get my heart rate off the ceiling. Also, I did 45 minutes this morning. I think 45-60 is the optimum range for burning fat. Anyhow, I got that out of the way and commenced to eating. Rah-rah.

Meal 1: One tbls olive oil. One cup egg whites and one serving oatmeal. One multivitamin.

Meal 2: Meal replacement shake

Meal 3: Eight ounces Orange Roughy.One tbls. Olive oil. One cup broccoli and one serving brown rice.

Meal 4: Meal replacement shake. One tbls flaxseed oil

Meal 5: Eight ounces roasted turkey breast. Three tbls fat-free gravy (packet). Two cups salad with Romaine lettuce. Two tbls Red Wine vinaigrette salad dressing.

Also, I drank a gallon of water. I am going to increase my water intake. I feel thirsty pretty frequently during the day, which can't be good.

Well, that's all I have today.

Incidentally, Saturdays are epochal for a couple of reasons. First, it's measurement day. I will weigh myself and take inventory to chart my progress. Also, I plan to have a couple of cheat meals on Saturdays--if not a break all together from the diet. So tomorrow and then Saturday I will see what, if any, adjustments I need to make. Okay, time to get some sleep.

Later.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Day Two

Sweet mercy. Groggily I roll to turn the alarm off and wince as I reach for the clock. My chest is on fire. The price of sloth. My legs exact their cost as well. Momentarily, I consider going back to sleep, and then remember that is why I feel the way I do. So I drag my behind to the bathroom, wash my face and brush my teeth. Finished with that I throw on the workout gear, grab the MP3 player and head to the gym.

Today is back day. The drill is the same as yesterday: Do 24 sets--10 reps each--in 30 minutes or under. The exercises: Lat pulldowns to the front, cable rows, Hammer Strength Lat Iso machine, and dumbbell rows. I finish up and realize that I am a prophet. My back is going to feel the same way my chest does. Oh well. On to cardio.

I climb on the treadmill and Mr. Altitude and I have a conversation that's frighteningly similar to the one we had yesterday. I read that it takes two weeks to fully adjust to the altitude after a layoff. That sucks. Anyway, I cover 3.14 miles in 30 minutes. A slight improvement over yesterday. Baby steps, baby steps. Time to head home for some fine cuisine.

Meal 1: One cup egg white substitute. One tablespoon olive oil. Two cups broccoli.

Meal 2: Meal replacement shake

Meal 3: Nine ounces chicken breast and two cups green beans

Meal 4: Meal replacement shake with a tablespoon of flaxseed oil

Meal 5: Eight ounces flank steak with a spinach salad and two tablespoons of light Italian dressing.

Well, there it is. Day two in the books. Talk to you tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Early In The Morning


It's 5:30 AM and I am wondering if "aggressive goal setting" is a euphemism for hubris. Drop 14 pounds of fat by the New Year. During the holidays? Some might question my humility, sanity or both. Well, since you can't back off a goal once you set it, it's time to get down to business.

Cranking up the MP3 player I make my way to the dumbells. A little chest work. I haven't been in here for awhile, so I'll leave the heroics to someone else. Setting the chronograph, the goal is to knock out 24 sets--10 reps each-- in 30 minutes. The exercises: Dumbell bench presses, incline flyes, cable crossovers, and Hammer Smith presses. I finish just under 30 minutes. My chest is mad at me--super pissed, actually. Oh well, if you want to make an omelette, you have to break a few eggs. Or something like that. Next up is cardio.

Thirty minutes on the treadmill. It's during the first 10 minutes when Mr. Altitude starts in. Damn, that was rugged. 3.11 miles in 30 minutes with Mr. Altitude riding my back most of the way. Oh well, glad that's over. I'm sure my legs will love me in the morning. The price of doing business, I suppose. Gotta get home and start the hard part--the diet. For some reason bacon, eggs--over easy, please--and hashbrowns strike me as inimical to my fat loss goals. That sucks, but what're gonna do?

Okay, here's the long and short of it.

Meal 1: One cup of egg white substitute (because I don't have the patience to separate the egg whites from the yolk myself. Plus, it seems like a waste) with a serving of oatmeal

Meal 2: A meal replacement shake

Meal 3: Two servings of brown rice with tuna. Gotta love it.

Meal 4: Meal replacement shake with a tablespoon of flaxseed oil

Meal 5: Chicken breast with broccoli.

Well, that's all for the today. Talk to you tomorrow.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Moratorium

And suddenly--and unfortunately--I have to travel home for a funeral. So I won't be able to update this until Monday evening. It's also unlikely, given how hectic and solemn the days are going to be, that I will be getting in any workouts. So I will get started on dropping some stored energy (fat) on Monday. Talk to you then.

Monday, October 17, 2005

It's About That Time


It happens as I'm about to get in the shower. I catch a glance of myself in the bathroom mirror.
When did that happen? When did I get that "pooch" in my lower abdomen? Oh, that sucks. How long has that been there? I decide to take inventory when I get out of the shower.
Finished with my shower, I dry myself, grab some boxers and head for the measuring tape. What the...35"?! Next up: bodyfat percentage. Oh my, my, my..12.5. Sighing, I make my way back to the bathroom to weigh myself. I step on the scale, take a breath and look down. 214 pounds. Let's see 6'2" 214 pounds, and only 187 pounds of lean body mass.
When I'm in shape, my waist measures right at 31", I weigh around 200, and my bodyfat is usually between 7-9 percent. So that means that I am going to burn off a little over 11 pounds of fat to get to 7 percent. Crap. When did this happen? Don't answer that. It happened because I haven't consistently been in the gym since May. Damn, laziness will get your ass everytime. I guess there is no point in entertaining ghosts of sloth past. Get busy.
Dropping bodyfat is a three part puzzle. Let's deal with the first part: Weight training. I plan to work one body part per day. It should look something like this: Monday-Chest, Tuesday --back, Wednesday--shoulders, Thursday--arms, and Friday--legs. The second component: Cardio. I will perform between 30 and 45 minutes of cardio six days a week. And now for the part that hurts the most: diet. Damn. I guess there is no point in crying about. Just make it happen. Okay, here we go.
I have to be sure to eat enough to fuel my workouts, but I have to reduce my calories enough to create a deficit. So I plan to take in 2780 calories a day. That should do it. I'll adjust as necessary.

Well, that's the plan. Check back daily and go on the ride with me. It's going to be a challenge, but I'll get through it.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Hilarious

Funny.

http://www.filmstripinternational.com/

Thursday, October 13, 2005

You Can't Be Serious!


With a public image that's less than immaculate--for well documented reasons--and a marriage reduced to an exercise in costly penitence, he thought this would be a good idea. There's no maybe, Kobe. You're a dumbass.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

How I Got Here


Pingity-ping. Pingity-ping. Ice cubes falling into a glass. Adding a little cognac to keep the ice cubes company, I remember that I need to check my e-mails. Taking a sip, I make my way to the couch and fire up the lap top.

The inbox doesn't yield anything especially interesting. So I do what you do--a little promiscuous browsing. Sorry, no porn involved. Well, not this time.

No, honestly, every once in awhile I come across a blog that is registered with blogspot.com, and I was sorta curious about it, so I visited the site and decided to start a blog here. Now, I am not a political pundit or anything of the sort. So I wouldn't look for any astounding political analysis here. Just my thoughts, rants, and opinions about whatever, more or less.

So I hope you enjoy the read and will check back from time to time.