Have not been blogging...but still pushing play!

In our last round of 30 days during our first stint at P90...we have had several hiccups.  LIFE gets in the way.  It's difficult to keep on top of things when you have such a small baby.  My daughter at 17 months is a handful, already acting our her 'terrible 2's'.  Yet, it's not that she prevents me from doing it, it's scheduling the time to be able to do this with her Dad.  His work schedule leaves little time to workout in the evening, and working out at night keeps me up all night long.  I have managed to workout in the morning, and I also will sometimes do it alone during the day.  I prefer working out with a partner, that's just something that I enjoy.

Regardless, with the sickness and with our trip last week, we once again decided to start the second week of our last 90 days over again.  We just did not give it what it needed last week.  So, in reality we are 2 weeks behind our goal schedule...but it could not be helped. 

Today I did plyo while he is at work.  Jump training hasn't gotten any better for me...I can't stand plyo but it works like crazy!  Well, I do enjoy all the lunges.  I'm a huge fan of lunges.  I have never enjoyed jump training though. 

Working out 6 days a week is brutal.  For me, it's an intensity that is causing me to fight burn out.  I enjoy working out, I enjoy the challenge, feeling  better and all the changes to my body.  I am only frustrated about the schedule.  That being said, I still plan to go through one more round of P90X after this is complete in 3 weeks and then find a workout routine to settle into that is more 3-4 days per week.  Once I have achieved the goals I desire.

I lost another dress size, I am one dress size and a 1/2 (the size I dropped to is still a bit snug) from my goal size.  I am looking forward to more arm definition, and focusing on my abs in a gym.  Ab Ripper X is not long, but again, I prefer working with weights so plan to head to the gym here in a few weeks to mix it up and work on the core area. 

I think Dan is going to switch it up tonight and do a Insanity.  Those are killer.

I think the best mentality to have about taking on a lofty fitness goal such as this is to not give up.  To continue going forward even if for some reason you have struggled or have missed some workouts.  It would be easy to be simply discouraged, but it's hard to push through your frustration and keep on pushing play!

:)

The 3rd month of our first 90 day round

Hard to believe we are two months in. 
I admit, it's hard for me to gauge actual progress because I choose not to step on a scale or measure before this began.  That was my choice, and for the simple reason that I know myself and I would get caught up in the numbers and stuck on the progress according to the math...
Instead, I decided to listen to my body, see how I feel as the most important measuring tool of this part of the journey.  I take picture this week, and I can say that I am leaner.  Clothes I have wanted to wear since having my daughter are fitting again, all the blouses, sweaters and tops that I thought were too snug are now fitting almost perfectly.  I feel stronger.
During Yoga X last night I noticed how much stronger I was, as the first 45 minutes nearly flew by. 
It is still hard to commit to 6 days a week.  Again, mostly because we are doing this in the evening.  Because of Dan's work schedule, and the baby, it can be tough.  Really tough to fit it in.  Zion is only here with us 1/2 our week, so the days he isn't here, there is a little more time.  Yet it still is tough. 
I think we are trying to give this last 30 days the hardest push we have given it yet and immediately turn around and start the process over again, although we are discussing incorporating Insanity into round 2.
P 90X is definately working, and it is not for the faint of heart.

Core Syn is BRUTAL

Because we want to ratchet our workouts up a notch, we have decided for the last month (that begins next Monday) of our first 90 days we are going to switch around yoga one week and core synergestics (sp?) the other week.

Tonight we are doing Kenpo rather than Yoga X because we simply want more cardio.  We have missed a spattering of days here and there and need to feel we have also pushed ourselves this week.

I am thrilled to feel better about my body, but am so far away from where I want to be still, sometimes I feel frustrated.

The weather is beautiful, I had more energy and clarity today walking outside in the sunshine with Madison then I have had in a few years.  I know that all of this is due to our workouts.  I do hate to admit, that I am not getting enough sleep at nights.  I feel I'm burning with energy at least mental energy for hours after the workout.

Kenpo should be fun this evening.  I have missed it!

Back and Biceps, my Fav workout!

Last night's Back and Biceps is my favorite!  I was finally able to grab the 25's and do at least 40 curls with them.  I remember when I was working out with Valeo Boot Camp back in the spring and my 5's seemed to wear me out after awhile.  :)
Dan and I are looking for more weights, we need a larger variety for our workouts now that we have increased strength.  I think he is going to add Ab Ripper X and Push Ups to his week and I a going to add Bicep Curls and Negative Pull Ups.
I think it's time we can push ourselves even harder for month 3.  After this week, and our recovery week next week, it's time to hit month 30.  I for one am very motivated to make the biggest changes occur during that 30 days of our progress so fadr.  Then we start round 2.  We both are excited to see where we are at by 1/1/11, but we will continue to finish out that 30 day cycle that will be left, really being done with our first two sets on 2/1/11.  I still complain about evening workouts.  It makes it so I am awake and full of energy until 2 in the morning usually.  Then I am up with the baby to feed her around 7, and she goes back down to sleep until usually about 8:30.  We are both then up for the day.  I am usually worn out/tired...muscles ache and exhausted simply wanting to sleep.  When she naps between 11 and 12, I try to nap with her.  But I feel like I am not giving her the best of me because I am so tired while she is awake. I am often crabby during the day. 
Hmm...that's not fun for me or Madison.  Maybe next week, during recovery week, we can once and for all try the morning workouts and see if we can adjust together to a different schedule.Otherwise, well, I guess I'll just have to try and sacrifice for 4 more months. 
Maybe it will get easier? 

Week THREE of Month TWO

Wow.

It is hard to believe we are as far along as we are, our first 90 day round is in site. 

I am so excited by some of the results that I have seen just in the last few weeks.  I can do push ups, negative pull ups are helping a lot...my biceps are rocks.  No more flab that appeared after I had Madison when I wave my arm, it's all firm again. 

My hips are slimmer, the lines have changed through my waist, everything is smaller, firmer...stronger. 

We feel healthier, are eating better than I can remember that we ever have.  We look forward to going even further with this and seeing where this over haul of a healthy lifestyle will take us.

Some days the workouts kill us, other days we feel like we really accomplished each set with less of a challenge therefore we could push ourselves even harder.

I can say that I would recommend P90X to anyone who is serious about fitness, about lifestyle change and has some pretty focused motivation.  Finding the time to workout together means I sacrifice often.  I still am thankful that we do workout together because we push each other and it's easier for me to have a partner.  Not everyone needs that, so if you are not one who does, don't hesitate, dive ride in and be prepared for the ride of your life.

Our 90 day pictures may not be the end result of where we WILL be, but they will show improvement, improvement we can be proud of!!!

So busy, but still working on P90X!!

Tonight was Plyo.  Plyo keeps me awake  FFFOORREEEVVVERRRR!

One of these days, I really hope we try to switch things around and workout in the AM.  For now, it hasn't happened.  Having a 16 month old and a 10 year old stepson, there is always something going on.  That of course and focusing on the new business, photography and school, I am amazed I have any time.  So, sad to say, at 1:19 in the morning the house is quiet, all is asleep but me and I finally have a moment. 

I am physically tired, but my brain is wired.

This has been a rough stretch recently.  I have not felt as strong, I have felt a little under the weather.  I want instant results and I think that simply because I have SEEN results and I am getting stronger, I suddenly feel like I should just "be fit" again.  :)  Sorry Dana.  It doesn't work like that.  But boy how I want it to.  Nah, I'm not impatient...  

I know that each day, each week that passes I am better, stronger, healthier and leaner.  I know that I am treating my body better, other than the sleep.  I am napping during the day with my daughter which I do not prefer, but is working with the late night workouts for me.  If I cant' sleep, I nap with her when she goes down and I manage to have the energy to do the workout at 6:30.  Tomorrow evening it will be even later because Dan has a dental appointment at 7.  Well, actually, I just may do tomorrow's workout during the day and Dan can workout alone in the late evening.  He has no problem falling right to sleep after a workout and it is hard on me.  If I do it on my own earlier in the day, maybe I can get some rest tomorrow night.

Push ups are getting easier.  I can feel my calves when I stretch and shave.  :)  My arms are sore after yesterdays workout.

Tomorrow is one of my favorites.  Biceps.  I love to lift.  One of my favorite things/days.  That and Kenpo are definitely the most enjoyable for me.

Sweet dreams all.

Can anyone say "Stronger?!"

So, I can officially say....getting stronger!

Ab Ripper X is getting easier to do each time.  To clarify, it is by no means "easy" but I can now actually do it all and not have to quit at different points through the workout. 

Legs tonight was tough.  We missed Yoga X yesterday.  Dan was exhausted and crashed around 7:30 pm and slept through the night so we are going to pick up Yoga X tomorrow and do Kenpo on our Rest Day Sunday. 

Each day I glance in the mirror, check out side views and so on.  It's hilarious.  Some days I am frustrated and annoyed by the lack of progress...I suppose I am impatient.  I remember being fit, and now that I am working so hard again, I just want to BE fit already.  :)  But, other days I wake up and catch a glimpse of a muscle that surprises me or notice a change here and there.  Today I lifted my arms above my head to stretch out a sore muscle while standing in front of the mirror getting ready and I noticed immediately my top two abdominals showing.  Well what do you know.....after having a baby, revealing those suckers in ANY way is happy times!  I was not even trying to accomplish this, it was pure coincidence.  YAY and YAY YAY.

It is so encouraging to feel stronger.  I know that month 60 and month 90 bring greater results than the first 30 days visually because your body has been prepped and muscles have strengthened and they begin to show.  It's great to think that by Halloween we will have been through the first 90 days and have totally changed our bodies in 3 months.  Then, by Christmas we will just about be finished with round two.  And Christmas simply does not seem that far off.

...I have two people to shoot this Sunday and Monday and I am very excited about that as well.  It's great to have things that inspire, motivate and push you to be a better you.

I am trying to remember to keep God first in my life.  Focusing on His purpose for me, for my family, and His desire for how I touch and reach others.  Sometimes I feel like the simple 'busy' in life gets in the way of a closer walk with Him.

I don't want to let that happen ever again.  Some of the toughest struggles in my life, the biggest mistakes and the hardest let downs ALL came when God was not center of my universe. 

My simple prayer this Sabbath evening is "Lord, make me healthy, fit and strong.  Let the desire to be these things not become about the visual, but about being the best me I can be for You.  Make me the best Mother to my child and stepchild and the best partner/potential wife that I can be.  But most of all Father, make me the best daughter to YOU."  Amen.

And Goodnight.

Well in to week 1 of month 2

This week has been a challenge, and a good one.  Both days of weight lifting are new, and harder in progression then last month.  I loved yesterday's workout.  I really enjoy lifting, have a decent amount of strength and endurance when it comes to that.  I like to see my arms beginning to develop again.  Push ups are another thing.  Why is it I can lift weights but struggle pounding out push ups?  And these are military style, one handed, clapping and so on.  NICE.  Ugh.

Still using bands, cannot do a pull up.  I'm not beating myself up over this.  Even when I was in the best shape I've ever been in, weight lifting for months before Maddie was born, I could not do a pull up.  Yet this time around, I'd like to get there.  Maybe round two, and before our big reveal at Christmas. 

It's fun, surprisingly enough to wake up in the morning and feel your sore muscles all over your body.  Each day a new muscle group.  Thrilled that my Tuesday workout is still showing it's reward by my sore glutes and quads. 

Tonight is 90 minute yoga, tomorrow legs.  I need the yoga this evening.  The deep stretching sounds great.  I'm also finally able to get through ALL the Ab Ripper X without stopping.  Dan and I both made it through that fully.  That felt good. 

I still do not like working out at night, and I hope that on Monday of next week, we try to switch over to morning workouts.  Night workouts keep me up later than I want to be, and not getting enough rest at night.  But I simply do better working out with a partner, I work harder and go longer.  I dig the team work aspect of it. 

The photography is going well.  My online classes, learning the lenses, the f stops, aperture...now practice practice practice, continuing to study, buying the .com and choosing a website and so on....it's all wonderfully busy.

Stresses still remain, Maddie's scary breath holding spells, stress that is hard in other areas and so on...but I'm loving P90X and I am SO thrilled to be on the program coming close to the 1/2 way mark of our first round.

RESULTS SO FAR:

1. Looser fitting clothing.  Since I will not get on a scale, I can't say how much, but definitely weight loss in inches
2. Arm/Back definition
3. Increased endurance
4. Amped motivation for life in general.

Kenpo Really Works Your Muscles

So we love Kenpo.  Hands down it is one of our favorite workouts.  From the boxing moves to the Karate/Kung Fu moves it is a lot of fun.  The workout flies by, and yet it's a killer.  It kicks your tail every single time.  So we just finished week 3.

I think both of us are somewhat impatient for more results.  And yet, we are critical of ourselves because we have a final goal in mind that we can see in our heads when we look at what we are working on.  This can be good an bad.  We plan to really push through 2 full sets of P90X.  We are considering doing the hybrid for round 2 with Insanity.  Not sure just yet will be ideal for us.  We are researching.  And word on the street is there is a new P90X coming out in 2011.  YAY!  :)

This workout regime is one that you really fall in love with.  We really like it, and it's tough, but you can feel it working.

Both of us notice weight loss in the way our clothing is fitting.  Both of us notice increased endurance, increased strength, increased muscle mass in our biceps and definitely Dan's pectorals.  My quads feel stronger, my legs firmer.  I slipped on some jeans I have not been able to wear since before my daughter was born.  They didn't zip, and they were tight, but I could put them on.  This is something I have been working towards, getting back into all of my old clothes.

Having a baby at 34 matters then if I had her at 24.  If I have another child, I will remember that my body takes longer to respond now.  But muscle memory is real.  I worked out hard core a year before the pregnancy and was in the best shape of my life with abdominal definition showing.  I plan to be there, and stronger, more defined and cut than previously.

Our big goal is going to be Christmas/New Years.  It is exciting.

I just ordered my new camera and my equipment and am working on choosing the site template and moving forward with my new career venture.  SAY NO to the corporate world...lol...if I can keep from it.  This is my prayer/goal.  To be fit, strong and well on my way to establishing myself as a knowledgeable photographer for 2011.  :)  BIG plans ahead.

Our time frame is great for this.  Year end, spectacular New Years Resolutions!

We had some kebabs for dinner this evening and stopped by 1/2 Price Books and picked up some old records and some books.

Overall good day, and ready for our CARDIO week.  Core Synergistics for the first time this week, lots of plyo and yoga.  HERE WE GO.  One more week of month one and we hit our increased weight training.

Success!

Still hitting it hard.

Yoga X Tonight. 

My arms are soooore from yesterday but I can feel how much stronger I am getting.  My core is stronger, I can see slight muscle definition in my arms even when they are not flexed. 

We have had quite a scare with our little girl in the middle of all of this so I have not blogged as much about the journey.  Hopefully good news will come soon with Maddie and I will be able to really get into putting my thoughts down here.

I do not like working out at night, but I think it's best to work out with Dan and he doesn't like mornings.  So I lose I guess.  :)  Well, I want him to try mornings.  It sets your metabolic rate for the day and doesn't cut into his time with the kids in the evenings. 

We are eating so much better.  We focus on lean meats, lots of veggies and fresh fruits.  It's so yummy and my sugar cravings have vanished.  I still have a little sugar in my coffee in the morning via creamer, but it's not too much. 

Fall is coming, we are getting fitter every day, my new camera will be in my hands as soon as the funds arrive which should be any day now.  I am prayerful all will go well with Madison and that this will be a good Fall, and a good Holiday season fast approaching with Dan and I feeling fit and strong.  :)

Legs and Back!

Today WAS AWESOME!!

I had energy, I had stamina, I pushed hard and worked hard.  I am sore, I am tired and I am glad that it's Sabbath!!

MISSED YESTERDAY, Pushed through today!

We were so incredibly tired yesterday we missed the day.  This evening we did Arms and Shoulders.

IT was EVERYTHING I could do to workout.

My daughter had a crying spell and stopped breathing today.  She passed out, I couldn't revive her, and she wasn't breathing for a bit....apparently this can be rather common in babies who get startled or fall.

I have NEVER been so scared in my life.

Pushed through the workout, thankful she is with me right now, just need to zen out now.

God willing tomorrow will be a better day, a new day.

I LOVE YOU MADISON.

....uh oh

Not really wanting to do tonight's workout.  Exhausted, dragging.  We both are.

Must hit the store right after he gets off of work, which means the workout would be really late.

hmmmm what to do...?

Exhausted but seeing results!

Plyometrics last night was really tough to get through at about the 1/2 way point.  I'm afraid that I am not getting adequate rest.

Evening workouts were worrying me, but then I remembered that when I was working out with Micah, I worked out from 6-7, so this is just an hour later.  And I eventually adjusted to it just fine.  So that's a relief.

It was my 3rd time doing plyo, since I tried it the week before our official start day.  Exhausting, but exciting to see some of our results.

I noticed that my quads tightened immediately, and I could feel my strength improved during lunges and some of the jumping.  The jumping really exhausts your muscles, and I was drained yesterday.  I am looking forward to doing weights again tonight.

It is difficult to describe how I can feel an overall body change already.  I did not get on a scale, primarily because I am anti scale.  I was ruled in my life once by portions, anorexia, even fought off being bulimic.  I do not ever want my quest for strength, muscle tone and a beautiful strong body to become about a pound or two.

It does not mean I will never get on a scale, it just means for now I choose not too.  Instead, I took photos, and know the current size I fit into after the baby.  I will measure results by my muscle definition and how baggy my clothing becomes. For now at least....

I woke up a few times in the middle of the night sore and my mind was actively alert.

The only supplements that we are doing is Vitamineral Green in the morning, we may look into other options going forward.

:)

Week 2! This is getting GOOD!

So Saturday evening we did Kenpo for the very first time.  FUN!  At first, I had a hard time finding the rhythm.  Once I did...fun!  I was very surprised at the burn the next day.  My entire arm was sore.  Raising my arms to put on deodorant, I could feel muscles I haven't worked in years.  My forearm ached...what a workout.  And without weights.  Kenpo is definitely one of my favorites.

Sunday we choose not to do X stretch.  Since you have the option of doing X stretch or resting, we just took it easy all day.

Monday it was back to Chest and Back.  But I made a mistake.  When we popped in the DVD, I selected the wrong one and we did over 30 minutes of next month's Back and Biceps.  I was LOVING the workout, I love working my biceps anyway, and this was hard.  But Dan suddenly realized that he hadn't seen any of this before....OPPS!

So, we cut that workout short, and jumped into Chest & Back which is where we were supposed to be.  We only did the latter half of that workout, there was no way we could have done the full thing after completing half the other.  Ab Ripper went a little better this time.  I can feel that my muscles are getting stronger.

I upped my weights, I am now working with 12's, I started with 5's.  I even did a little lifting with the 22's.  I want to do that more often.  We really need to be able to alternate with heavier weights, so we are going to have to buy a few things.

It's great to see our progress so far.  This is what we are noticing:

Dana:


1. Increased strength in my core.
2. Bicep definition when flexed
3. More energy


Dan:


1. Pec definition
2. Increased Strength


We keep each other motivated by discussing our goal for Christmas of this year.  After this Challenge we plan to do P90X Extreme and a few other things.  We also hope to do some training with Micah to cap some of this off.

It's a lifestyle change for the both of us, it's a lifetime thing.  How far we go, the sky is the limit.  I plan on not stopping.

Who knows where it will take us.  What a fun goal to have together and great for two people that really enjoy eating healthy, being fit and working out!

Tonight.....Plyo again!  YAY!

Legs & Back

Well.

I had no energy this evening. None. Not only did I not really want to do Legs and Back, I struggled through it. It is not that the workout is harder than the others, or that I felt I couldn't do it, I just had a hard time pulling up the reserves I needed to get it done.

At least we got it in earlier this evening than normal. I am trying to work around doing these workouts in the evening though I prefer morning workouts. It seems to work best for Dan, so there we are.

I am sore, but nothing abnormal, just sore. I like that I can feel my calves and glutes after this workout, and am frustrated that my neck and upper back are so tight.

Tomorrow is Kenpo. I have heard a lot of people say that this is one of their favorites as it is a lot of fun....we will see.

And Sunday, simply stretching. YAY.

We are discussing flipping it around and resting, doing stretching on Saturday and Kenpo on Sunday. We will see.

Off to bed very soon, tomorrow (Sabbath) is a busy day and my favorite pastor's last day at church. :(

THOUGHT:

Beauty is NOT about the size of your body, the angles, the curves of the muscles. We are all beautiful, in various shapes and sizes. Ones goal should be to be healthy, strong, a well running machine and a temple to God.

Celebrate your beauty.

Tight Muscles Today

All in all I think I'm handling the 2 workouts yesterday pretty well. I pushed hard with Back and Shoulders, I really enjoyed that workout. My neck is a little sore, my shoulders a little tight. A 90 minute massage sounds absolutely wonderful.

Tonight is Yoga. Yoga last week made me feel great. In fact, after the workout I felt calm, relaxed and centered. A good friend of mine has been an instructor for several years now. I used to do yoga a good 8 years ago, last week reminded me why. The workout is long, it's 90 minutes, the moves are tough. Ashtanga used to be the one form of yoga I did not like. It was too tough. But I am sure I must be having some muscle memory from my heavy workouts before the baby because I am so far responding pretty well to this hard core schedule and keeping up with the pace for the most part.

Back to Yoga. I always liked Bikram. Hatha yoga was NOT for me. Working out in a room that felt like 150 degrees was not enjoyable. If I want to feel that sort of heat and sweat, I would prefer sitting in a sauna. P90X mentions Ashtanga as a big part of their style and so I felt some dread going into the workout last week. I was rather surprised.

The workout provided the deep stretching I needed to loosen up the muscles that are so tired after 3 days of heavy workouts. Most of all, I enjoyed the purged, empty, relaxed feeling it brought afterwards and the slow movement.

There is some turmoil going on in my life right now...and I hope that this series of P90X also aids in the healing. Healing of body...taking it to a new place, healing of soul along with a deeper walk with God and cleansing of mind. Sweating every day, releasing endorphins every day, pushing yourself to the limits every day has to be good therapy as well.

Micah Lacerte, someone who I have loads of respect for, has said that his dedication to clean living and a strong body did wonders for his mind/outlook on life and belief system.

I look forward to every day of this.

And let me say again, working out with a partner really helps. I have done the workout alone a couple times this week, and each time I workout with Dan I work harder. I think the help in motivating one another, the energy that is shared trying to improve your health/body together makes this a easier and more poignant journey.

More to come....

Two Workouts Today

Trying to catch up, I did Plyometrics in the morning and Back and Shoulders and Ab Ripper X this evening.

I think Back and Shoulders is my favorite so far. I love lifting weights so this is a fun one for me. I worked it extra hard. It felt good and I am sore but have energy, that's the thing about working out late at night I think. It keeps me up pretty late.

I can't wait to have my camera equipment so I can take some night shots.

Tired.

Bed.

ROCKED A GOOD WORKOUT DAY!!!

Chest & Back....First Full Week

Well...a day late, a dollar short...but at least I got to it. I don't know if it's wise to do Plyometrics this evening since I missed yesterday. I'm really hurting. I upped my weights today and lowered my reps. Not sure that I will always do it that way, but I chose to start off the week like that. I think I am going to get in some type of seperate cardio burst in this afternoon since I won't be trying to do plyometrics this evening.

I didn't get to Ab Ripper because of the baby, so I will do Ab Ripper this afternoon when she goes down for her second nap. This is all much easier to do in the evening when she is in bed I must admit. Yet it is odd working out late at night, I would prefer getting up to do it before she wakes in the morning.

I'm feeling tired right now, so today wasn't a fun/aka motivational workout. Lots on my mind interfering with my mojo and motivation. Internal skirmmish and doubt, the kind that's fed to you externally.


The workout today at least took away the chest anxiety. That will return later.

Well, P90X is a great way to focus on the positives in life. The changing your endurance, strength, outlook, physique. No matter what I need to push on, no matter how tough some days may seem.

Overall I could have pushed it harder, but I still did it, I brought it, and I did my best for August 10th, 2010. Maybe August 11th will be even better.

Unfortunate Delay

There was an unfortunate delay in getting back on track with P90X today for me. Thankfully here soon I won't have any other delays to worry about and can work on this every single day.

Looking to the future, it will be important to stay focused and know that I can achieve what I put my mind to.

Yoga X

Ahhhhhhh.....

What a good, lengthening, deep stretch workout. All of my sore muscles from the past 2 days were stretched and it felt so good. I thought the 90 minutes would pass so slowly, but even though at times I felt the burn and exhaustion, it was really a great workout.

So far, my favorite for repairing, renewing and calming.

Dan had to sit this one out for the most part, he really pushed a little too hard the last few days. Since our first full week does not begin until Monday, I think it's a good think that he will use the next two days to do stretches and maybe even try the yoga before Monday. I on the other hand think I may do legs tomorrow night. If not legs, maybe Kenpo. (sp?)

Having Dan go through this with me is a huge motivator, because we can help each other, pace one another and encourage. For anyone that may read this, or consider doing any hard core working out, my best advice is a partner. And then again, even if you aren't doing 6 days a week like we are, having a partner to workout with is a good idea all around. I think for most of us it's a more enjoyable process.

Well off to bed now. Church tomorrow and I get to hobble my tired muscles up front to lead a song service with a good friend of mine. I hope that it goes well, and God is glorified by our music.

Quiet, calm heart tonight. Ahhhhhh

;)

The 'Sore' Sets In

So here we are Day 3. This is what I can report so far.

I feel:

1. Sore. Very very sore.
2. Clear Headed. I feel less groggy, less muddled.
3. Excited. It feels great to have something to look forward to.
4. SORE. VERY VERY SORE

The plan was to do Legs this evening, but I think we are pretty sore. Our official first full start week is next Monday. We didn't want to hold off and delay starting so we decided to do the ones we wanted to this week, and then start their suggestion for daily workouts Monday morning. Tonight is Yoga X. I have read this is an extreme version of Yoga. I think the stretching will do us good. Tomorrow evening, I think we will do legs and back, and then stretch on Sunday.

I have found a good online community on Facebook that has several people just starting the P90X program. That's exciting. I hope to pick up some online friends along the way here that can help in keeping our motivation up.

This blog is titled 90 Days to Victory...but that's just a first step. The "Victory" as I see it is the re introduction to fitness, lifestyle change and body change. But to get where we want to be physically and in life, we have a ways to go and then it's forever.

I think this is such a motivational time for me since I anticipate having my brand new camera equipment here in a few weeks and a class I am taking online as well for photography. I think I will also blog about my journey into the world of photography and cross reference a bit.

Renewal feels good.

Last night I had a mini meltdown. I wonder if part of it is releasing stress that you hold in your body and just getting it all out. I hope so.

I believe humanity, and especially Americans tend to bottle things inside and/or hold on to things. This no doubt effects our minds, but what else? Energy courses throughout our bodies and when there is pain and blockage, it can cause disease and stress. I hope that the purging of toxins physically and the releasing of stress mentally will help both Dan and I to come to a better place as people.

So much to ponder.

Yoga X will come a little late this evening, schedules getting in the way again. I could use the stretch for sure!

Day 2 Workout Done

OH MY GOODNESS

Well that's quite an intro. Plyometrics, or what they affectionately call "The Beast" is 1 full hour of non stop hard work. It was hard on both of us, we had to break a few times when it wasn't called for, but we were able to keep up at a fairly decent pace for our second day in. It was brutal, for sure. Getting the workout in earlier in the day is easier I think. I hope after the weekend we can bump our routine to mornings.

I'm having a hard time cleaning up the kitchen after making a crock pot full of chicken cabbage vegetable soup. I'm having a hard time typing this email. :)

We keep discussing what our end result will be, and how we want to do P90X Extreme for another 90 days if all goes well with this. These are pretty lofty goals. That means that we have some non stop pretty heavy duty workouts for the next 6 months.

I like to think about the other changes that will come with these workouts. The mental change, the attitude change and endorphine release. The feeling of working hard and meeting your goals. The focus on healthy foods. We are vegetarians normally, that was a lifestyle change after our daughter was born. I think we tend to focus on healthful eating most of the time. But things like bad carbs, sweets, caloric drinks and so on seem to creep in to our weekly routine. It's time to make a hard move away from that direction.

I think doing this 6 days non stop is going to be the biggest challenge. As hard as I worked out before Madison was born, I did it every other day, two days in a row at the most. I think that this time our commitment is such that we won't suffer burn out. But we'll see.

This is an interesting journey.

I should sleep gooooood tonight.

Day 1 RESULTS

Whew...

Oh my goodness. Well, that was pretty awesome. We didn't end up getting to the workout until pretty late in the evening last night. Hopefully that will be the exception to the rule since I need to workout depending on Dan's schedule so we can do this together.

We did Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X. Tonight is Plyometrics.

I am sore today, which feels great. It motivates me that this is working. Power90X is not for someone who is looking to add a little exercise to their lives. It's a serious workout for people who want to be seriously fit.

Even after one session I am so looking forward to the next workout simply because I can feel it working on my body. Those workouts that you partake in or go to where you only feel winded after, or tired because you got your cardio on, those are so unsatisfying. Well, let me take that back. I do like yoga, and do want those days where I am easier on my body. But as a rule, I need to feel like I am accomplishing something to really dig it, and this P90X is absolutely the trick.

Today we should be able to get our workout done mid afternoon. My arms are killing me. This will make me a better person. Why? Because it's more than getting fit and losing weight. It's committing to something and following through. It's accomplishing something difficult and knowing that you had the strength of mind to make it happen. It is shaking of the sedintary mentality and becoming an active part of the world again.

Loved being able to workout with Dan. Words of encouragement when we started to get tired, or stopped, or needing someone to complain too. It was great. I'm so glad that he's rearing to go to do this with me. I think it spells great things for us.

AWESOME for Day 1 !!!!

Day 1 P90X Begins!

So here we go.

I am so excited about doing this.

A little history about me. I have a 15 month old daughter. Ever since getting pregnant and having a baby I am not happy with what I see in the mirror. Before I got pregnant I had worked out a with an amazing but pricey personal trainer, Micah Lacerte of Hitchfit.com. The success that I had working out with him was so exciting. I cannot recommend him highly enough. But here's the thing...my entire life has changed since having my daughter.

The very day I returned from maternity leave I was laid off. That morning, walked in the door, into my office (Project Operations Manager) and was immediately called in and let go. "Not my fault. You're an excellent asset. We hate to see you go. You will be such a great addition to any company" Blah blah blah....I was the last Ops Mngr in the company and they didn't like that I had taken an extra month of maternity leave due to my c section. I was scared, a new mom, living in a very pricey loft in the city...it crushed me.

Long story short, I ended up moving in with my daugther's Father, a wonderful man...but we had to put everything on fast forward to make the right choices. I definitely began feeling depressed, unmotivated, sad....FAT. Instead of working to lose the weight, I just ate. I didn't gain any weight, but I was up late at night, getting hardly any sleep, didn't have any energy and worrying constantly about my life, our lives, and the future. I am not eating a lot, or constant junk...my metabolism is so slow...sigh. It is so frustrating the changes my body has gone through physically.

Sure, I want to be a certain size, or within that range, but most importantly I want to be STRONG.

We discussed me going back to work or staying home with our daughter. In the long run the choice was made this spring for me to move into his home and raise our daughter and his son. Money is tight for the first time, and I have found myself struggling with one worry after the next.

For me, a type A personality, I can tell I'm headed in the wrong direction fast. So here we are, and I still can't fit into my clothes I wore before the baby was born.

My biggest struggles:

1. Lack of Energy
2. Lack of Motivation/Depression
3. Boredom
4. Stress

It is hard to get moving even when you really really want to if you feel like you've lost your sense of self.

So recently, because going back to Micah is not a financial option for me right now (wanting to launch a photography business, planning for the future) I talked with Dan, my daughter's Father and we have decided....P90X!!!

This seems VERY similar to what I did with Micah. Constantly changing it up, muscle confusion and so on. I think having a partner to motivate each other since we are doing this at home will really help.

I have decided to blog to help with the accountability factor and the fun of writing about the experience.

We plan on going on vacation in late October, roughly 2 weeks from our 90 day goal and I'm so excited to see where we will be physically.

This is exciting, scary, and oh so exciting. I don't want to fail. I do not want to start this and somehow along the way lose my motivation. I do not want to feel like a failure any longer, because it seems like I am being too hard on myself in all areas of my life. For me, I need to be healthy physically, active and strong. This sedentary life of the last year is NOT working for me.

For me to be the best mother, best partner, and best version of me, I need to incorporate fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Before it gets to the point where I just implode, and become a version of myself that causes misery because of the suffering I feel on the outside.

SOO, tonight, we start our first session. And I will blog about each session as it happens and our progress.

HERE WE GO.....3 hours until the workout and counting....!