Hi all. This will be the last post (probably) until around March 8th or so. Kim and I load up and head out early tomorrow morning for Costa Rica!
Over the past 3 day I've run about 21 miles plus this morning I got in my final 3.5 mile run before the trip. I thought about trying to get in another session later but I really don't want to be overly sore (or risk injuring something just before we leave) so I think I'll just rest and get ready to leave.
Sticking to eating well (I did sneak and eat some of the "Drive Thru Diet" last night). It was horrible, but great. :) I'd been exhausted and starving all day so I decided to splurge and have some nasty burrito. I'll stay on plan until we leave tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect with regards to Costa Rican food. I'm a sucker for street food, so maybe we'll find something good every day out walking around. Our resort is supposed to have pretty good food, so if nothing else we'll eat there (or nearby at other resorts).
Well, that's it for now. Expect lots of pics when we return!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
100 Miles & Running (Day 193)
Today was another good cardio/workout day. "100 miles and running" is how I feel (bonus points for anyone who knows the name of the group who recorded that song). I began with 3o minutes on the spin bike at home after breakfast. I managed to keep up with "Doyle", the top level rider on the workout DVD. My goal is to become Doyle (on the bike anyway). After the bike I had a snack, got cleaned up and headed to the gym. Today I did have to train alone because mom was unable to join me. I ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill, and it was awful. It felt like every step was gonna be my last. I think it was because the gym was a little hotter than usual today (the heat was actually turned on). After the run I spent the rest of the day dreading the second 3.5 miles. My resistance workout today was back. I began with 2 sets of pull-ups (horrible, just horrible), followed by 2 sets of pull downs, then 2 sets of t-bar rows, and finally 2 sets of y-bar rows. The 2 sets thing is a little something different today. Usually I get 3 sets per exercise. I wanted to train a little faster and get in a little bit of a change.
Once finished with the gym I cleaned up and then drove to my grandmother's house to pick her up for lunch. Mom, dad, my grandmother & I celebrated her 81st birthday with lunch at an Olive Garden. I had a salad with lite dressing, no croutons, a single tomato, and not much else. I later looked up the calories in the regular salad everyone else had and was shocked. They might as well have had a pizza. Lots of calories & LOTS of sodium. My soup had a few hundred calories & a boatload of sodium. The bread sticks were where I bombed. I meant to eat 1/2 of one. I ate 3, @ 150 calories each. Damn. For sure gonna run again now. The rest of the day I had some granola, some very low fat-high protein beef jerky, and NS sloppy joe for dinner.
After Kim got home from work we went back to the gym. The final treadmill session went much better than the morning run. It was noticeably cooler in the gym. I ended the day with 7+ miles of running, & 8.5 miles on the bike.
I've got my bag packed and ready for our trip. Kim is to have her bag packed tomorrow evening so we can weigh it and make sure it is under the weight limit for checked bags. I've made check lists, shopping lists, packing lists, etc. I don't want us to be up all night Friday night trying to pack and get ready to leave. I want to be able to be ready tomorrow night so Friday I don't have to worry about it. Friday I want to be able to train, come home and sleep some during the afternoon, run again in the evening, then go to bed early so we can get up and be at the airport EARLY Saturday morning. I'm so excited about this trip. If I don't see a monkey I'll cut someone!
Another pic of me below. Shot at the OneLight workshop in Atlanta last week. Nong Cavender shot the photo.
Once finished with the gym I cleaned up and then drove to my grandmother's house to pick her up for lunch. Mom, dad, my grandmother & I celebrated her 81st birthday with lunch at an Olive Garden. I had a salad with lite dressing, no croutons, a single tomato, and not much else. I later looked up the calories in the regular salad everyone else had and was shocked. They might as well have had a pizza. Lots of calories & LOTS of sodium. My soup had a few hundred calories & a boatload of sodium. The bread sticks were where I bombed. I meant to eat 1/2 of one. I ate 3, @ 150 calories each. Damn. For sure gonna run again now. The rest of the day I had some granola, some very low fat-high protein beef jerky, and NS sloppy joe for dinner.
After Kim got home from work we went back to the gym. The final treadmill session went much better than the morning run. It was noticeably cooler in the gym. I ended the day with 7+ miles of running, & 8.5 miles on the bike.
I've got my bag packed and ready for our trip. Kim is to have her bag packed tomorrow evening so we can weigh it and make sure it is under the weight limit for checked bags. I've made check lists, shopping lists, packing lists, etc. I don't want us to be up all night Friday night trying to pack and get ready to leave. I want to be able to be ready tomorrow night so Friday I don't have to worry about it. Friday I want to be able to train, come home and sleep some during the afternoon, run again in the evening, then go to bed early so we can get up and be at the airport EARLY Saturday morning. I'm so excited about this trip. If I don't see a monkey I'll cut someone!
Another pic of me below. Shot at the OneLight workshop in Atlanta last week. Nong Cavender shot the photo.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Lots of Running (Day 192)
Well, I didn't have to train alone toady after all. I trained with my mom! She came by and picked me up around 10:30. We began our workout with cardio. I ran 3.5 miles in 30 minutes. We trained shoulders after cardio. 3 sets of machine shoulder presses, followed by 3 sets of lateral raises, finishing with 3 sets of rear delts. After mom dropped me back at my place I ate a little lunch and then climbed on the spin bike for 30 minutes. Finally late this evening Kim and I went back to the gym so she could do some cardio and tan a bit (in preparation for our trip to Costa Rica). So I jumped back on the treadmill for another 3.5 miles, then about another mile and a half on the elliptical trainer. I'm pretty sure this is the first time in my life I've run 7 miles. Maybe as a kid playing tennis I logged 7 miles during an entire day, but I doubt it. For the past day or so I had been whining to Kim that I haven't been burning as many calories as usual. I realized today it was probably because I haven't been doing my usual hour and a half of cardio. D'oh. So today I easily reached my calorie burn. I actually blew past it and have burned more today than any other day since I started tracking it with the BodyBugg. I think I burned around 4300 calories on the day.
I actually laughed at myself out loud today. I was describing how much I enjoyed running to my mom (I think it was her, maybe somebody else). Then I realized what I'd just said, I "enjoyed" running. WHAT? (read that as Dule' Hill says it as Gus on Psych). When I started trying to integrate running into my cardio workouts I couldn't run 100 yards, much less 7 miles. My cardio consisted of walking at a moderate pace up a steep incline. One of the things I've loved about adding the running to my routine has been the ability to set a goal, work toward it, and then move on to the next goal. I'm really not able to do that with my weight training now ('cause I'm so tired from all of the cardio :) ) so it's nice to have something that I can motivate myself to train for. I think the running has helped me move past some of the long held ideas that I've had that have really limited my fitness. When I was heavier I convinced myself that running was bad for me, bad for my knees, and I didn't need to do it because I might loose some muscle mass. Now I realize how much better shape I'm in and how crazy I was for thinking that way. I'm not a bodybuilder, I never will be, nor do I want to be. I hate to say it, but I'm turning into what I used to hate. A granola eating, pull-up doing, athletic person. I'm not the strongest person in the gym, I can't lift as much as I could six months ago, and I probably can't train as intensely (resistance wise), but I'm drastically more fit. Thankfully, I'm happy with that.
I had a chance to take a pic of a sign I've meant to shoot for a long time this morning. The downtown area of our small town has a small parking area with a little gazebo across the street from the town library. Near the gazebo is a sign compelling everyone to keep pets off of the grass. The only problem is there is not a blade of grass to be found. Ok, maybe a few blades scattered around, but nothing to worry about protecting. Anyway, I love the lunacy of the sign.
I actually laughed at myself out loud today. I was describing how much I enjoyed running to my mom (I think it was her, maybe somebody else). Then I realized what I'd just said, I "enjoyed" running. WHAT? (read that as Dule' Hill says it as Gus on Psych). When I started trying to integrate running into my cardio workouts I couldn't run 100 yards, much less 7 miles. My cardio consisted of walking at a moderate pace up a steep incline. One of the things I've loved about adding the running to my routine has been the ability to set a goal, work toward it, and then move on to the next goal. I'm really not able to do that with my weight training now ('cause I'm so tired from all of the cardio :) ) so it's nice to have something that I can motivate myself to train for. I think the running has helped me move past some of the long held ideas that I've had that have really limited my fitness. When I was heavier I convinced myself that running was bad for me, bad for my knees, and I didn't need to do it because I might loose some muscle mass. Now I realize how much better shape I'm in and how crazy I was for thinking that way. I'm not a bodybuilder, I never will be, nor do I want to be. I hate to say it, but I'm turning into what I used to hate. A granola eating, pull-up doing, athletic person. I'm not the strongest person in the gym, I can't lift as much as I could six months ago, and I probably can't train as intensely (resistance wise), but I'm drastically more fit. Thankfully, I'm happy with that.
I had a chance to take a pic of a sign I've meant to shoot for a long time this morning. The downtown area of our small town has a small parking area with a little gazebo across the street from the town library. Near the gazebo is a sign compelling everyone to keep pets off of the grass. The only problem is there is not a blade of grass to be found. Ok, maybe a few blades scattered around, but nothing to worry about protecting. Anyway, I love the lunacy of the sign.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Missed One Cardio Session (Day 191)
Today I had to train alone. Kim and I tried to meet with our insurance agent early but were unable to arrange a time before she had to go to work. So tomorrow we'll meet early and I'll then have to train alone again. My gym time began with a 3.45 mile run then a chest workout. For chest I began with machine presses for 3 sets, then 3 sets of incline presses, onto 3 sets of machine flies, and finally 2 sets of push-ups. Later this afternoon I rode the spin bike for 30 minutes (8.5 miles) for my final cardio session of the day. Now at the end of the day I'm kinda disappointed with the amount of exercise I did on the day. Usually I get at least 30 minutes more. I've got to try to get back into the groove of 3 separate cardio sessions on most days. Maybe tomorrow.
Food was good on the day. All NS during the day with a little granola mixed in instead of bread and some veggies. Tonight after dinner I stayed hungry. I snacked on cheese, veggies, a NS dessert, and granola. I should have just had a bowl of granola cereal and been done with it.
I did managed to get some bookwork done today along with buying enough cat and dog food to last my parents, who get the joy of looking after our herd of animals while we're on vacation next week, at least until we get home. I also rode/drove along with my mom to take my sister and nephew back to their home in Atlanta this afternoon.
The washing of clothes and prep for packing begins tomorrow. We are terrible at packing. We try to take EVERYTHING with us. This should be a challenge for us to fit everything for 8 days into two relatively small bags (small for us anyway). I'm really struggling not to bring every camera/lens/camcorder we have with us. I'm drawing the line at one camera body, 2-3 lens, one light, a tripod, and a point & shoot. I may not take all of that. I think I can get by with just 2 lens. I know I'll be furious with myself if I get there and see the shot I want but can't get it simply because I didn't bring a long/wide enough lens. Maybe I'll just pack less clothes....
Food was good on the day. All NS during the day with a little granola mixed in instead of bread and some veggies. Tonight after dinner I stayed hungry. I snacked on cheese, veggies, a NS dessert, and granola. I should have just had a bowl of granola cereal and been done with it.
I did managed to get some bookwork done today along with buying enough cat and dog food to last my parents, who get the joy of looking after our herd of animals while we're on vacation next week, at least until we get home. I also rode/drove along with my mom to take my sister and nephew back to their home in Atlanta this afternoon.
The washing of clothes and prep for packing begins tomorrow. We are terrible at packing. We try to take EVERYTHING with us. This should be a challenge for us to fit everything for 8 days into two relatively small bags (small for us anyway). I'm really struggling not to bring every camera/lens/camcorder we have with us. I'm drawing the line at one camera body, 2-3 lens, one light, a tripod, and a point & shoot. I may not take all of that. I think I can get by with just 2 lens. I know I'll be furious with myself if I get there and see the shot I want but can't get it simply because I didn't bring a long/wide enough lens. Maybe I'll just pack less clothes....
Sunday, February 21, 2010
I've Gone Granola Crazy (Day 190)
Today Kim and I began the day sharing a bagel for breakfast. I also had a little granola cereal (still hooked on the granola). After breakfast we walked Jumping Jack Flash around the lake (a little under 2 miles) before getting cleaned up and heading to my grandmother's birthday dinner. I did very well with the birthday meal (some type of spinach/meat/pasta dish) but not so great with dessert. I had a wonderful slice of coconut cake. After the meal I herded up the family outside for a couple of pics. I HATE shooting in bright daylight. Wish I'd have taken the time and found some better shade, but I didn't, so the pics are what they are.
After dinner Kim and I headed to the gym. She tanned while I ran on the treadmill. I got in about 3.35 miles THEN we trained legs. 3 sets of extensions, 3 sets of leg curls, 3 sets of hack squats, and finally 3 sets of hyper-extensions. After the leg workout we trained abs. 3 sets of decline crunches, 3 sets of v-sits, and 3 sets of crunches on a huge ball.
Later in the day we went grocery shopping. I limped around the store in a state of exhaustion. I was catching calf and hip flexor cramps something awful. Once we re-upped on crystal light, coffee, milk, and granola bars we returned home for dinner. I had a bowl of cereal and a granola bar. I've been laying off of the NS for the past few days. I'm just not feeling it right now. I'm still eating well, just not NS. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel like it. We'll be back on a normal schedule for a week so I'll see how it goes. If not, more cereal!
Finally tonight I shot some pics to use trying out a new stacking program. I shoot lots of 30 second long pictures and then combine them into one image to show the motion of the earth (looks like the stars are spinning). It did ok. Not thrilled with the way it handled some clouds moving in. I'm gonna try out a few other pieces of software over the next few nights.
After dinner Kim and I headed to the gym. She tanned while I ran on the treadmill. I got in about 3.35 miles THEN we trained legs. 3 sets of extensions, 3 sets of leg curls, 3 sets of hack squats, and finally 3 sets of hyper-extensions. After the leg workout we trained abs. 3 sets of decline crunches, 3 sets of v-sits, and 3 sets of crunches on a huge ball.
Later in the day we went grocery shopping. I limped around the store in a state of exhaustion. I was catching calf and hip flexor cramps something awful. Once we re-upped on crystal light, coffee, milk, and granola bars we returned home for dinner. I had a bowl of cereal and a granola bar. I've been laying off of the NS for the past few days. I'm just not feeling it right now. I'm still eating well, just not NS. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel like it. We'll be back on a normal schedule for a week so I'll see how it goes. If not, more cereal!
Finally tonight I shot some pics to use trying out a new stacking program. I shoot lots of 30 second long pictures and then combine them into one image to show the motion of the earth (looks like the stars are spinning). It did ok. Not thrilled with the way it handled some clouds moving in. I'm gonna try out a few other pieces of software over the next few nights.
Training and Shopping (Day 189)
This post is for Saturday, February 20, 2010.
Saturday found Kim and I headed to the gym to train arms, get in some cardio and tanning (the tanning for her, not me) all before heading off for some final shopping before our vacation to Costa Rica next week. Yep, this time next week we'll be somewhere on the West Coast of Costa Rica taking it easy, watching some monkeys and sloths play in the trees.
The workout began with treadmill intervals, one minute at 6mph then a minute at 8mph, then repeat. I continued the intervals for 25 minutes and then jogged at 6 for the final 5 minutes. Pretty good workout and I finished 3.1 miles in less than 25 minutes (I did push the speed above 8 on a few of the intervals). We trained arms after Kim finished tanning. 3 sets of press downs, followed by 3 sets of nose breakers, and finished triceps with 2 sets of rope press downs. Biceps began with 3 sets of rope curls, followed by 3 sets of incline dumbbell curls.
Once back home we headed out around the lake with Jumping Jack Flash for a nice walk. It was a beautiful day here and we walked at a nice pace around the lake and even got a chance to view where the police chase from a week or so ago crashed through one of our back gates and the fleeing car crashed into one of the smaller ponds on our property. Lovely. The crashed vehicle left behind some parting gifts for us including a front bumper and a side rear view mirror. Keep it classy Calhoun!
After our walk we headed shopping for a few items we still needed for the trip. I bought some new trail running/hiking shoes. Kim found some sandals, a back pack, some pants, and a lovely new swim suit. As she tried on the new swim suit and came out of the dressing room for me to see, some of the women around the dressing room smiled and as she walked back into the fitting room began telling each other that they NEVER looked like that and how they'd give anything to be able to have her skin and figure. I just smiled. I almost snarled and growled, "She's mine!" (that's our running joke). Anyway, I told her about it later and she just beamed a huge smile.
Food yesterday was good. I've been on a granola kick for a bit so I'm having a good bit of cereal and granola bars. Dinner last night was at the Falafel Cafe. The lamb was delicious, but the saffron rice was amazing. I'll have to get at it on the treadmill Sunday as a result.
Finally I got in another 20 minutes on the bike late as my final cardio of the day. I had the Olympics on and spun as I watched part of the bobsled competition. To bad I missed curling.....
Saturday found Kim and I headed to the gym to train arms, get in some cardio and tanning (the tanning for her, not me) all before heading off for some final shopping before our vacation to Costa Rica next week. Yep, this time next week we'll be somewhere on the West Coast of Costa Rica taking it easy, watching some monkeys and sloths play in the trees.
The workout began with treadmill intervals, one minute at 6mph then a minute at 8mph, then repeat. I continued the intervals for 25 minutes and then jogged at 6 for the final 5 minutes. Pretty good workout and I finished 3.1 miles in less than 25 minutes (I did push the speed above 8 on a few of the intervals). We trained arms after Kim finished tanning. 3 sets of press downs, followed by 3 sets of nose breakers, and finished triceps with 2 sets of rope press downs. Biceps began with 3 sets of rope curls, followed by 3 sets of incline dumbbell curls.
Once back home we headed out around the lake with Jumping Jack Flash for a nice walk. It was a beautiful day here and we walked at a nice pace around the lake and even got a chance to view where the police chase from a week or so ago crashed through one of our back gates and the fleeing car crashed into one of the smaller ponds on our property. Lovely. The crashed vehicle left behind some parting gifts for us including a front bumper and a side rear view mirror. Keep it classy Calhoun!
After our walk we headed shopping for a few items we still needed for the trip. I bought some new trail running/hiking shoes. Kim found some sandals, a back pack, some pants, and a lovely new swim suit. As she tried on the new swim suit and came out of the dressing room for me to see, some of the women around the dressing room smiled and as she walked back into the fitting room began telling each other that they NEVER looked like that and how they'd give anything to be able to have her skin and figure. I just smiled. I almost snarled and growled, "She's mine!" (that's our running joke). Anyway, I told her about it later and she just beamed a huge smile.
Food yesterday was good. I've been on a granola kick for a bit so I'm having a good bit of cereal and granola bars. Dinner last night was at the Falafel Cafe. The lamb was delicious, but the saffron rice was amazing. I'll have to get at it on the treadmill Sunday as a result.
Finally I got in another 20 minutes on the bike late as my final cardio of the day. I had the Olympics on and spun as I watched part of the bobsled competition. To bad I missed curling.....
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday Was A Bust (Day 188)
This post is for Friday, February 19th 2010.
Today was a bust. I had meetings all day and planned to train late in the evening. Never happened. As I was finishing my last meeting I got a call that one of our properties had a leak and I had to go take a look. The tenant is a bowling alley and the leak was over one of the lanes. I swapped vehicles so I could have the "work" truck, waited on Kim to meet me at the house, then headed to the bowling alley (one town North of where we live). It was very odd that the roof was leaking, since we hadn't had any rain in at least 5 days.
So we arrived, looked at the leak, climbed the ladder carrying a super heavy bucket of roof patch onto the roof, and discovered NO water on the roof. Over 22,00 square feet of roof there wasn't so much as an ounce of water to be found. Relieved, we climbed back down into the bowels of the bowling center, reported to the manager that the leak was not from the roof but more than likely coming from their over used HVAC system (condensation) thus not my responsibility, loaded up our tools, and left. By this time the gym was already closed so we decided to get dinner.
Kim wanted fish tacos and I thought I'd have a carnitas taco or something similar so we went to a local Mexican restaurant. Kim's food was perfect. Mine sucked. I didn't eat much of it. I even went so far as to tell our waiter it was horrible and he discounted the bill (a little). After dinner we stopped and grabbed bagels for Saturday & Sunday mornings then headed home. So on the day we didn't eat well, we didn't train, but at least we didn't end up with TAR all over us from working on the roof. Not a bad day after all.
Today was a bust. I had meetings all day and planned to train late in the evening. Never happened. As I was finishing my last meeting I got a call that one of our properties had a leak and I had to go take a look. The tenant is a bowling alley and the leak was over one of the lanes. I swapped vehicles so I could have the "work" truck, waited on Kim to meet me at the house, then headed to the bowling alley (one town North of where we live). It was very odd that the roof was leaking, since we hadn't had any rain in at least 5 days.
So we arrived, looked at the leak, climbed the ladder carrying a super heavy bucket of roof patch onto the roof, and discovered NO water on the roof. Over 22,00 square feet of roof there wasn't so much as an ounce of water to be found. Relieved, we climbed back down into the bowels of the bowling center, reported to the manager that the leak was not from the roof but more than likely coming from their over used HVAC system (condensation) thus not my responsibility, loaded up our tools, and left. By this time the gym was already closed so we decided to get dinner.
Kim wanted fish tacos and I thought I'd have a carnitas taco or something similar so we went to a local Mexican restaurant. Kim's food was perfect. Mine sucked. I didn't eat much of it. I even went so far as to tell our waiter it was horrible and he discounted the bill (a little). After dinner we stopped and grabbed bagels for Saturday & Sunday mornings then headed home. So on the day we didn't eat well, we didn't train, but at least we didn't end up with TAR all over us from working on the roof. Not a bad day after all.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Atlanta, Photo Workshop, & Some Great Food (Day 187)
I've been in the Big City (Atlanta) for a couple of days for a photography workshop. I made it back home this morning. We shot and talked at the workshop until 3AM this morning. I'm too old to be up that late. It nearly killed me.
Tuesday I trained, rode the bike and ran before driving to my hotel in East Atlanta. Kim met me in the city that evening and we had dinner at Bacchanalia (we've had a gift card for six months and finally got the chance to use it). Dinner was probably one of the top 5 meals of my life. Lots of little treats from the chefs during dinner, along with a four course meal. I had a crab fritter (outstanding), pork loin, anduie sausage, crispy pork belly, arugula with gorgonzola, and finally bread pudding for dessert. Of course the pasty chef sent out additional treats, so we ended up with about 3 desserts total. If you're ever in Atlanta, you owe it to yourself to eat here. $75 prix fixe menu.
I brought training clothes and running shoes with me so I could run on the treadmill while at the hotel. It was a great idea. Didn't work out so well. After checking in to the hotel I walked down to the "gym" to look at the treadmills. I knew it was a bad sign when I saw the giant blue pads attached to the wall behind the treadmills. Evidently so many people fell off the treadmills and were then thrown into the wall, the hotel installed pads to soften the blow. That along with the fact the "gym" was in the same room as the very hot and humid indoor pool was enough for me to decide to forgo the morning run. It was a good thing as it turned out. As I mentioned above, the workshop lasted over 17 hours. I was beat when I rolled back into the room after 3AM.
This morning I awoke early (loud construction noises and the blinding light of the sun shining on my face) and decided to get up and head home. Since I knew I was to tired to train today I made the most of it and hit one of the new, highly touted doughnut shops in Atlanta. Sublime Doughnuts is near Georgia Tech, and while not much to look at, they make some freaky good doughnuts. Peanut Butter Cup doughnuts, Oreo & Cream doughnuts, and Butterfinger Doughnuts ROCK. The pink lemonade doughnut was not my favorite thing in the world though. Again, if you're nearby (and have a little self control) check 'em out.
Finally back in town, I met my parents for lunch and then came home to go to bed. It never worked out. My phone kept ringing. Kim got home from work and I gave up on sleep so we could walk the dogs. Never again will we walk the Jack Russell and the Pug at the same time. The Jack tries to take the Pug off into the middle of nowhere and leave her for dead. Bad dog, bad dog. I did get in a nice walk to ease my way back into training.
Dinner this evening was a roasted pepper soup by Kim and a bowl of granola cereal. I've been on a granola kick lately. No explanation other than I'm craving cereal.
Included throughout the post are a few pics I shot of some of the models at the workshop. Finally a new pic of me. I set up the lights and another workshop member used my camera for the shot. Shot in a bright, white room. I kinda like it....
Good to be home and back to my NS!
Tuesday I trained, rode the bike and ran before driving to my hotel in East Atlanta. Kim met me in the city that evening and we had dinner at Bacchanalia (we've had a gift card for six months and finally got the chance to use it). Dinner was probably one of the top 5 meals of my life. Lots of little treats from the chefs during dinner, along with a four course meal. I had a crab fritter (outstanding), pork loin, anduie sausage, crispy pork belly, arugula with gorgonzola, and finally bread pudding for dessert. Of course the pasty chef sent out additional treats, so we ended up with about 3 desserts total. If you're ever in Atlanta, you owe it to yourself to eat here. $75 prix fixe menu.
I brought training clothes and running shoes with me so I could run on the treadmill while at the hotel. It was a great idea. Didn't work out so well. After checking in to the hotel I walked down to the "gym" to look at the treadmills. I knew it was a bad sign when I saw the giant blue pads attached to the wall behind the treadmills. Evidently so many people fell off the treadmills and were then thrown into the wall, the hotel installed pads to soften the blow. That along with the fact the "gym" was in the same room as the very hot and humid indoor pool was enough for me to decide to forgo the morning run. It was a good thing as it turned out. As I mentioned above, the workshop lasted over 17 hours. I was beat when I rolled back into the room after 3AM.
This morning I awoke early (loud construction noises and the blinding light of the sun shining on my face) and decided to get up and head home. Since I knew I was to tired to train today I made the most of it and hit one of the new, highly touted doughnut shops in Atlanta. Sublime Doughnuts is near Georgia Tech, and while not much to look at, they make some freaky good doughnuts. Peanut Butter Cup doughnuts, Oreo & Cream doughnuts, and Butterfinger Doughnuts ROCK. The pink lemonade doughnut was not my favorite thing in the world though. Again, if you're nearby (and have a little self control) check 'em out.
Finally back in town, I met my parents for lunch and then came home to go to bed. It never worked out. My phone kept ringing. Kim got home from work and I gave up on sleep so we could walk the dogs. Never again will we walk the Jack Russell and the Pug at the same time. The Jack tries to take the Pug off into the middle of nowhere and leave her for dead. Bad dog, bad dog. I did get in a nice walk to ease my way back into training.
Dinner this evening was a roasted pepper soup by Kim and a bowl of granola cereal. I've been on a granola kick lately. No explanation other than I'm craving cereal.
Included throughout the post are a few pics I shot of some of the models at the workshop. Finally a new pic of me. I set up the lights and another workshop member used my camera for the shot. Shot in a bright, white room. I kinda like it....
Good to be home and back to my NS!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Running Harder (Day 184)
Today Kim and I were up early so we could get to the gym before she had to go to work. We had a little coffee, took the Pug out for a quick wet cold walk, and then had some NS breakfasts before heading out. At the gym we began with cardio on the treadmill. The first 15 minutes I ran DJ's 5x5x5 (levels 6, 7, & 8) and then I ran intervals between levels 6 & 8 for the next 15 minutes. 3.35 miles in 30 minutes. Much better than just a week ago. Our workout began with 3 sets of machine presses, followed by 3 sets of incline machine presses, followed by 3 sets of machine flies, and finally 2 sets of push-ups. The push-ups are getting much better. My first set was 50 reps (at the end of the workout!) and the second was around 30 reps. Not a bad chest workout considering it was barely 8AM.
About 10:30 I returned to the gym with my mother. We again began with some cardio. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical followed by 15 more minutes on the treadmill. I again did intervals on the treadmill between levels 6 & 8. By the end of my time on the treadmill I had run around 4.9 miles. I'm interested to see how my legs respond tomorrow. In anticipation of some serious fatigue and possible soreness I decided to skip my spin session on the bike this evening.
Decent day food wise. NS all day until after dinner. I visited my parents and got into the peanut butter again. I also had a piece of toast and a small taste of a pasta dish my mom had prepared. Finally late this evening I had a bowl of granola cereal and a cup of coffee (I was about to fall out as we shopped for Kim some clothes). Coffee tastes good.
Tomorrow should start with a spin on the bike, then the gym with mom (Kim's has orientation for her new job to early for us to train together), followed by a haircut (I'm starting to look like a dirty hippie). Later in the evening we're off to a mixer for the photography workshop I'm attending on Wednesday. We've got late dinner reservations at what is arguably one of Atlanta's best restaurants, Bacchanalia. This will be our fist chance to try Bacchanalia and we can't wait. We've eaten at Abattoir (owned by the same group), which I loved, but Bacch is the flagship of the company. Hope it's as good as the hype.
About 10:30 I returned to the gym with my mother. We again began with some cardio. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical followed by 15 more minutes on the treadmill. I again did intervals on the treadmill between levels 6 & 8. By the end of my time on the treadmill I had run around 4.9 miles. I'm interested to see how my legs respond tomorrow. In anticipation of some serious fatigue and possible soreness I decided to skip my spin session on the bike this evening.
Decent day food wise. NS all day until after dinner. I visited my parents and got into the peanut butter again. I also had a piece of toast and a small taste of a pasta dish my mom had prepared. Finally late this evening I had a bowl of granola cereal and a cup of coffee (I was about to fall out as we shopped for Kim some clothes). Coffee tastes good.
Tomorrow should start with a spin on the bike, then the gym with mom (Kim's has orientation for her new job to early for us to train together), followed by a haircut (I'm starting to look like a dirty hippie). Later in the evening we're off to a mixer for the photography workshop I'm attending on Wednesday. We've got late dinner reservations at what is arguably one of Atlanta's best restaurants, Bacchanalia. This will be our fist chance to try Bacchanalia and we can't wait. We've eaten at Abattoir (owned by the same group), which I loved, but Bacch is the flagship of the company. Hope it's as good as the hype.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
Today I felt so much better than yesterday. I think yesterday I just didn't feel well to start with, then after I didn't get to workout or do any cardio at all I felt worse. I hate feeling sick.
For Valentine's Day this year Kim and I went to the gym and trained legs. No, really, we did. So romantic, I know. We began with cardio on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I ran 3.3 miles BEFORE training legs. The leg workout was 3 sets of leg presses, followed by 3 sets of true squats, and finally 3 sets of leg extensions. For hamstrings we began with 3 sets of seated leg curls, followed by 3 sets of stiff leg dead lifts, and finishing with 3 sets of hyper extensions. Next we trained abs. 2 sets of incline crunches, 2 sets of hammer strength machine crunches, and 2 sets of v-sits. Before we went to the gym I rode the spin bike for 30 minutes for my other cardio of the day.
This evening we went to eat sushi for Valentine's Day. Kim had a salad, some tofu, and shrimp dumplings. I had a sashimi deluxe plate and an order of Uni! (Yes Lili, more gonads!) Delicious dinner.
We're expecting more snow here so I don't know if we'll get to train tomorrow or not. Hopefully we won't get much. Either way I've got to be able to get to Atlanta on Tuesday for my long awaited photo workshop.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
For Valentine's Day this year Kim and I went to the gym and trained legs. No, really, we did. So romantic, I know. We began with cardio on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I ran 3.3 miles BEFORE training legs. The leg workout was 3 sets of leg presses, followed by 3 sets of true squats, and finally 3 sets of leg extensions. For hamstrings we began with 3 sets of seated leg curls, followed by 3 sets of stiff leg dead lifts, and finishing with 3 sets of hyper extensions. Next we trained abs. 2 sets of incline crunches, 2 sets of hammer strength machine crunches, and 2 sets of v-sits. Before we went to the gym I rode the spin bike for 30 minutes for my other cardio of the day.
This evening we went to eat sushi for Valentine's Day. Kim had a salad, some tofu, and shrimp dumplings. I had a sashimi deluxe plate and an order of Uni! (Yes Lili, more gonads!) Delicious dinner.
We're expecting more snow here so I don't know if we'll get to train tomorrow or not. Hopefully we won't get much. Either way I've got to be able to get to Atlanta on Tuesday for my long awaited photo workshop.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Feel Like Poo & A Calorie Burn Realization (Day 182)
This post is for Saturday, February 13th, 2010.
Today sucked. I felt like poo all day. I decided not to train at all. I tried to rest and get warm about 11 AM with no luck. Later around 1PM I did fall asleep for about 45 minutes and woke feeling just as bad.
Kim had to go to a play directed by a friend last night, so I went to visit my parents. After having a buffalo chicken wrap and a salad with a little of mom's home made chicken salad I felt much better. Add in about 2 tablespoons of Peanut Butter and I felt almost normal.
The most productive thing I did the entire day was order my dad a new cell phone. We found a heavy duty Samsung that is supposedly made to mil-spec ruggedness.....we'll see how sturdy it is once the Don gets his hands on it. I also changed my mom's avatar on FaceBook. Told you it was not a very productive day.
Kim and I split a cupcake once she was home from the play. Yummy. I think for Valentine's Day we're gonna make French Toast (using 45 calorie per slice bread and egg beaters) and try our new zero calorie maple syrup for breakfast. After training and running we're gonna get some dinner. Sushi and tofu seem to be the consensus so far. I made the mistake of watching the Travel Channel yesterday and Zimmer was eating some amazing looking sushi. Now I feel the need.
Finally, late in the evening I realized that I had done nothing exercise wise at all on the day and I was still gonna hit about 2800 calories burned. That's nice. Then I thought about it some more. On days when I train (muscular workouts), run 3+ miles, and spin for an hour (17+miles) I only burn a little more than 4000 calories. I screamed out loud. 20+ miles and a workout and I only burn and extra 1200-1300 calories! AAAHHHH!!!!! As I thought about it I wasn't really surprised. I know that I burn 500-600 calories running followed by training, 300 or so more for each spin session. Add those up and I'm somewhere at the 1100-1300 burn mark. I guess seeing it added up a different way (as in how much I burn doing nothing more than taking naps and eating salads) freaked me out. Almost discouraging. Anyway, back to the bike, treadmill, and squat rack tomorrow.
Today sucked. I felt like poo all day. I decided not to train at all. I tried to rest and get warm about 11 AM with no luck. Later around 1PM I did fall asleep for about 45 minutes and woke feeling just as bad.
Kim had to go to a play directed by a friend last night, so I went to visit my parents. After having a buffalo chicken wrap and a salad with a little of mom's home made chicken salad I felt much better. Add in about 2 tablespoons of Peanut Butter and I felt almost normal.
The most productive thing I did the entire day was order my dad a new cell phone. We found a heavy duty Samsung that is supposedly made to mil-spec ruggedness.....we'll see how sturdy it is once the Don gets his hands on it. I also changed my mom's avatar on FaceBook. Told you it was not a very productive day.
Kim and I split a cupcake once she was home from the play. Yummy. I think for Valentine's Day we're gonna make French Toast (using 45 calorie per slice bread and egg beaters) and try our new zero calorie maple syrup for breakfast. After training and running we're gonna get some dinner. Sushi and tofu seem to be the consensus so far. I made the mistake of watching the Travel Channel yesterday and Zimmer was eating some amazing looking sushi. Now I feel the need.
Finally, late in the evening I realized that I had done nothing exercise wise at all on the day and I was still gonna hit about 2800 calories burned. That's nice. Then I thought about it some more. On days when I train (muscular workouts), run 3+ miles, and spin for an hour (17+miles) I only burn a little more than 4000 calories. I screamed out loud. 20+ miles and a workout and I only burn and extra 1200-1300 calories! AAAHHHH!!!!! As I thought about it I wasn't really surprised. I know that I burn 500-600 calories running followed by training, 300 or so more for each spin session. Add those up and I'm somewhere at the 1100-1300 burn mark. I guess seeing it added up a different way (as in how much I burn doing nothing more than taking naps and eating salads) freaked me out. Almost discouraging. Anyway, back to the bike, treadmill, and squat rack tomorrow.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Routine Change, New Kicks, & Snow Pics (Day 181)
This post is for Friday, February 12th, 2010.
We decided to train early on Friday, before Kim had to be at her new job. One of Kim's coworkers described his starting time as "First Thing in the Morning, around 10:30 AM." This sounds like a perfect scenario for Kim. Anyway, we arrived at the gym around 8AM and began with 30 minutes on the treadmill. This is a deprature from my usual routine of riding the spin bike for 30 minutes before the gym. I ran for 30 minutes in my new Mizuno Wave Nexus 4 running shoes. Loved 'em. They felt so light and didn't hurt my aggrivated tendon at all. I think the Nike Shox I was wearing just fit me weird and caused pain on the tendon leading to my big toe. So good cardio to start the workout, then we trained arms. 3 sets of triceps press downs & 3 sets of overhead presses. The biceps workout began with 3 sets of seated incline curls followed by 3 sets of cable rope curls. We returned home for Kim to get ready for work and I completed all of my bookwork for the day before she left the house. I knocked out 30 minutes on the spin bike before cleaning up and finishing all of the errands I needed to take care of for the day.
I decided to stop at the local grocery store on my way home (snow was forecast for our area which means everyone here freaks out) to find some Valentine's Day flowers for Kim. The grocery store was insane. The line to check out reached out the front door. CRAZY. I gave up and went to StarBucks. Double espresso and one of the new Skinny Vanilla Lattes. I went home and had my lunch and then went out to another, smaller grocery store in search of roses. By this time snow was falling. This store was insane as well, just not so much so as the first store. Found flowers (& two tiny cupcakes for us to share), bought them, and returned home. Kim got home late and accidentally found the flowers I bought for her (Doh!) so she got her flowers a little early. I think we received about 2 inches of snow. That amount is a blizzard for Georgia. The state DOT is advising people not to drive. Crazy.
The Pug hates the snow. Most of our big dogs don't care for it either. I walked out around the lake as the snow began to fall and got a few decent pics. We also learned yesterday that the back gate to our property had been torn down due to a police chase that happened while we were in MB. DAMN IT! Why couldn't we have been here! The idiot apparently drove through the steel gate barrier, then crashed his vehicle into the lake. We assumed some crazed fisherman had destroyed the gate to go fishing. This is such a much better story. Maybe they tazed the guy, repeatedly, in the neck. Well, we wanted the lock cut off of the gate anyway, so this kinda helped, but we really didn't want the entire gate destroyed. Oh well. Now I guess we'll get a new gate, or a heavy chain, or some type of barrier to put up. I wish I could install land mines, turret mounted automatic guns, terminators, etc. to help keep out poachers, trespassers, and other scum of the earth who love to hang out at our lake.
I had a great food day, until after dinner. On plan all day and Kim and I had a great dinner (veggie fajitas for me, and she turned her veggie fajitas into a gumbo type of meal - she poured the mixture + veggie chorizo over okra, it was mighty tasty). After dinner things deteriorated. I had to many calories early in the day (skinny latte, and an extra granola bar) that didn't do much to fill me up. I was hungry all evening and ended up eating a chocolate crunch bar I didn't intend on eating along with another granola bar, plus part of a cupcake split with Kim for Valentine's. I ended up with about 2000 calories on the day. I burned over 3700, so I still had a good deficit going on the day. I don't need to get in a habit of hitting the local StarBucks often. The Skinny Vanilla Lattes are good though (130 calories for a grande).
I don't know if we'll get to train tomorrow or not. The snow may paralyze our town for days to come.
We decided to train early on Friday, before Kim had to be at her new job. One of Kim's coworkers described his starting time as "First Thing in the Morning, around 10:30 AM." This sounds like a perfect scenario for Kim. Anyway, we arrived at the gym around 8AM and began with 30 minutes on the treadmill. This is a deprature from my usual routine of riding the spin bike for 30 minutes before the gym. I ran for 30 minutes in my new Mizuno Wave Nexus 4 running shoes. Loved 'em. They felt so light and didn't hurt my aggrivated tendon at all. I think the Nike Shox I was wearing just fit me weird and caused pain on the tendon leading to my big toe. So good cardio to start the workout, then we trained arms. 3 sets of triceps press downs & 3 sets of overhead presses. The biceps workout began with 3 sets of seated incline curls followed by 3 sets of cable rope curls. We returned home for Kim to get ready for work and I completed all of my bookwork for the day before she left the house. I knocked out 30 minutes on the spin bike before cleaning up and finishing all of the errands I needed to take care of for the day.
I decided to stop at the local grocery store on my way home (snow was forecast for our area which means everyone here freaks out) to find some Valentine's Day flowers for Kim. The grocery store was insane. The line to check out reached out the front door. CRAZY. I gave up and went to StarBucks. Double espresso and one of the new Skinny Vanilla Lattes. I went home and had my lunch and then went out to another, smaller grocery store in search of roses. By this time snow was falling. This store was insane as well, just not so much so as the first store. Found flowers (& two tiny cupcakes for us to share), bought them, and returned home. Kim got home late and accidentally found the flowers I bought for her (Doh!) so she got her flowers a little early. I think we received about 2 inches of snow. That amount is a blizzard for Georgia. The state DOT is advising people not to drive. Crazy.
The Pug hates the snow. Most of our big dogs don't care for it either. I walked out around the lake as the snow began to fall and got a few decent pics. We also learned yesterday that the back gate to our property had been torn down due to a police chase that happened while we were in MB. DAMN IT! Why couldn't we have been here! The idiot apparently drove through the steel gate barrier, then crashed his vehicle into the lake. We assumed some crazed fisherman had destroyed the gate to go fishing. This is such a much better story. Maybe they tazed the guy, repeatedly, in the neck. Well, we wanted the lock cut off of the gate anyway, so this kinda helped, but we really didn't want the entire gate destroyed. Oh well. Now I guess we'll get a new gate, or a heavy chain, or some type of barrier to put up. I wish I could install land mines, turret mounted automatic guns, terminators, etc. to help keep out poachers, trespassers, and other scum of the earth who love to hang out at our lake.
I had a great food day, until after dinner. On plan all day and Kim and I had a great dinner (veggie fajitas for me, and she turned her veggie fajitas into a gumbo type of meal - she poured the mixture + veggie chorizo over okra, it was mighty tasty). After dinner things deteriorated. I had to many calories early in the day (skinny latte, and an extra granola bar) that didn't do much to fill me up. I was hungry all evening and ended up eating a chocolate crunch bar I didn't intend on eating along with another granola bar, plus part of a cupcake split with Kim for Valentine's. I ended up with about 2000 calories on the day. I burned over 3700, so I still had a good deficit going on the day. I don't need to get in a habit of hitting the local StarBucks often. The Skinny Vanilla Lattes are good though (130 calories for a grande).
I don't know if we'll get to train tomorrow or not. The snow may paralyze our town for days to come.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Problem Shopper (Day 180)
This post is for Thursday February 11th, 2010.
Today I went shopping near Atlanta for a few things we need for our trip to Costa Rica. My mother was kind enough to pick me up on the way to the gym and drive us shopping as well. I was looking for some heavy duty insect repellent that needed to have a high percentage of DEET. I found some 40% DEET at the REI in Kennesaw. I also found a pair of $100 sandals I was going to buy, until I found a pair on clearance for $30 I liked even better! My problems with shopping began last week at the Tanger Outlet mall in MB. I realized after we got home with some of the clothes I bought that I still think I have to buy XL shirts. I can still wear them, they're just really big now. Well today I bought size large shirts, but I found some REI specialized boxers for travel (they dry very quickly and you can potentially wear them for days if necessary) and without thinking I bought a size large. Tonight I looked at the size chart and realized the large are for waist sizes 36-38. They'll fall off of me. Luckily we've gotta go back this weekend to find a day pack/back pack for Kim, so I'll return them then and get size medium. It's so odd shopping now. I can't seem to make myself buy smaller clothes. It just doesn't seem possible to be buying size MEDIUM in anything. Children wear size medium, not grown, 198 pound men. Crazy.
Kim began her new job today and has already sent me a text telling me how much she loves it. Fantastic, 'cause we both hated her last job. Since Kim was at work I trained with my mother today. When we got to the gym we ran into one of our friends we used to train with who I haven't seen in about 4 months. She jumped off of her treadmill and ran over to give me a hug. She then went on to say that I'd lost an entire person. She's close, I've lost a little less than she weighs. On that same thought I'm gonna share a portion of an email my mother forwarded to me a couple of weeks ago. I had run into another family friend I hadn't seen in months and she sent the following message to my mom.
"OMG Joyce...saw Zane after I saw you at Kroger....I know you had said he had lost weight....but my goodness....he needs to send nutrisystems before and after pictures...I swear he could be like Jared for Subway....really just amazing....he is GORGEOUS....what a doll...know you are proud and rightfully so...love b****"
Pretty cool message I thought!
Back to today's gym experience and cardio. The cardio began with 30 minutes on the spin bike this morning, followed by 30 minutes of running on the treadmill as soon as we got to the gym. Mom and I trained back after the treadmill. 3 sets of pull downs, 3 sets of t-bar rows, and 3 sets of seated rows. I was tired before we even began the workout, so 9 sets wore us out. I did a set of pull-ups at then end of the workout, and they were awful. I think I did about 7-8 reps, but I was so tired I was shaking as I pulled myself up. They are so much harder to do at the end of the workout! Tonight I got in another 30 minutes on the spin bike after wimping out on my second ride last night. I did sleep better last night though. I don't know if it was from laying of the cardio or the sleeping pill. Bet it was the pill (1/2 pill actually)
Pretty good food day today, but while at my parents' house I was left unattended in the kitchen and ate some PEANUT BUTTER, and a few different nuts. PB is so damn good. It should be a controlled substance. Breakfast was granola cereal, yogurt, and a banana. Morning snack was a kashi bar. Lunch was a black bean burger and pasta with beef. Afternoon snack was another kashi bar. Dinner was a large salad and spaghetti.
We learned today that Kim doesn't have to be in her office until around 11 AM each day (other than during training), so we'll be able to train early in the day and avoid the testosterone fest that is our gym after 5PM. We're both delighted with this development. I used to train late in the evenings, but then I grew up and developed a hatred of teenagers and men who strut around like peacocks, bang their chests and scream at mirrors. Our gym is weird at night. Reminds me of the old song, "Freaks Come Out At Night." All this coming from a guy who used to train with crazy bodybuilders.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: 1500
Calories Burned: 3500
Calorie Deficit: 2000
My personal blog is here. My Flickr page/photostream is here. & finally this year's photo project (daily photo log) is here.
Today I went shopping near Atlanta for a few things we need for our trip to Costa Rica. My mother was kind enough to pick me up on the way to the gym and drive us shopping as well. I was looking for some heavy duty insect repellent that needed to have a high percentage of DEET. I found some 40% DEET at the REI in Kennesaw. I also found a pair of $100 sandals I was going to buy, until I found a pair on clearance for $30 I liked even better! My problems with shopping began last week at the Tanger Outlet mall in MB. I realized after we got home with some of the clothes I bought that I still think I have to buy XL shirts. I can still wear them, they're just really big now. Well today I bought size large shirts, but I found some REI specialized boxers for travel (they dry very quickly and you can potentially wear them for days if necessary) and without thinking I bought a size large. Tonight I looked at the size chart and realized the large are for waist sizes 36-38. They'll fall off of me. Luckily we've gotta go back this weekend to find a day pack/back pack for Kim, so I'll return them then and get size medium. It's so odd shopping now. I can't seem to make myself buy smaller clothes. It just doesn't seem possible to be buying size MEDIUM in anything. Children wear size medium, not grown, 198 pound men. Crazy.
Kim began her new job today and has already sent me a text telling me how much she loves it. Fantastic, 'cause we both hated her last job. Since Kim was at work I trained with my mother today. When we got to the gym we ran into one of our friends we used to train with who I haven't seen in about 4 months. She jumped off of her treadmill and ran over to give me a hug. She then went on to say that I'd lost an entire person. She's close, I've lost a little less than she weighs. On that same thought I'm gonna share a portion of an email my mother forwarded to me a couple of weeks ago. I had run into another family friend I hadn't seen in months and she sent the following message to my mom.
"OMG Joyce...saw Zane after I saw you at Kroger....I know you had said he had lost weight....but my goodness....he needs to send nutrisystems before and after pictures...I swear he could be like Jared for Subway....really just amazing....he is GORGEOUS....what a doll...know you are proud and rightfully so...love b****"
Pretty cool message I thought!
Back to today's gym experience and cardio. The cardio began with 30 minutes on the spin bike this morning, followed by 30 minutes of running on the treadmill as soon as we got to the gym. Mom and I trained back after the treadmill. 3 sets of pull downs, 3 sets of t-bar rows, and 3 sets of seated rows. I was tired before we even began the workout, so 9 sets wore us out. I did a set of pull-ups at then end of the workout, and they were awful. I think I did about 7-8 reps, but I was so tired I was shaking as I pulled myself up. They are so much harder to do at the end of the workout! Tonight I got in another 30 minutes on the spin bike after wimping out on my second ride last night. I did sleep better last night though. I don't know if it was from laying of the cardio or the sleeping pill. Bet it was the pill (1/2 pill actually)
Pretty good food day today, but while at my parents' house I was left unattended in the kitchen and ate some PEANUT BUTTER, and a few different nuts. PB is so damn good. It should be a controlled substance. Breakfast was granola cereal, yogurt, and a banana. Morning snack was a kashi bar. Lunch was a black bean burger and pasta with beef. Afternoon snack was another kashi bar. Dinner was a large salad and spaghetti.
We learned today that Kim doesn't have to be in her office until around 11 AM each day (other than during training), so we'll be able to train early in the day and avoid the testosterone fest that is our gym after 5PM. We're both delighted with this development. I used to train late in the evenings, but then I grew up and developed a hatred of teenagers and men who strut around like peacocks, bang their chests and scream at mirrors. Our gym is weird at night. Reminds me of the old song, "Freaks Come Out At Night." All this coming from a guy who used to train with crazy bodybuilders.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: 1500
Calories Burned: 3500
Calorie Deficit: 2000
My personal blog is here. My Flickr page/photostream is here. & finally this year's photo project (daily photo log) is here.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
To Tired to Spin (Day 178)
This post is for Wednesday February 10th, 2010.
Today began with an early rise to take the Pug out and then hit the bike. We also needed to get to the gym earlier today so I could go to the dentist this afternoon and Kim could run some errands before beginning her new job tomorrow. We only did cardio at the gym to make sure we had enough time to eat before I had to be at the dentist, so today ended up being a cardio only day. By the end of the day I was so exhausted I decided to skip the final 30 minutes on the bike and rest. My legs still feel tired, so hopefully I'll rest well tonight and feel more recovered tomorrow.
My trip to the dentist went better than I expected. I don't have any major issues (no diseases, etc.), just multiple cavities that I'll have worked on over the next few months. That's what I get for skipping dentist visits for the past decade (and drinking Diet Dr. Peppers like a fiend, which I quit over a year ago). The next item I have on the calendar to look forward to (other than Valentine's Day with Kim) is a photo workshop in Atlanta next week. I can't wait to spend an entire day doing nothing but photography with someone who could shoot me under the table using an iPhone. Maybe I'll even pic up a few ideas on how to get a good sunset portrait of Kim while we're in Costa Rica.
Good food day again today. NS all day plus about 3 different granola bars. Too many bars I know, but I've been hungry this evening & I had left out all of the bread from my meals today. I think I had about 1800 calories on the day (including a skinny vanilla late tonight, trying to rally and stay awake past 9PM).
Tomorrow is back to the bike in the AM, treadmill and training (with my Mom) at the gym, and then off to Atlanta with my mom to look for a few things we need for the vacation. I'm shopping for good hiking shoes, sandals, waterproof socks, and a day-pack/waist pack for Kim.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: ~1800
Calories Burned: 3200
Calorie Deficit: 1400
Today began with an early rise to take the Pug out and then hit the bike. We also needed to get to the gym earlier today so I could go to the dentist this afternoon and Kim could run some errands before beginning her new job tomorrow. We only did cardio at the gym to make sure we had enough time to eat before I had to be at the dentist, so today ended up being a cardio only day. By the end of the day I was so exhausted I decided to skip the final 30 minutes on the bike and rest. My legs still feel tired, so hopefully I'll rest well tonight and feel more recovered tomorrow.
My trip to the dentist went better than I expected. I don't have any major issues (no diseases, etc.), just multiple cavities that I'll have worked on over the next few months. That's what I get for skipping dentist visits for the past decade (and drinking Diet Dr. Peppers like a fiend, which I quit over a year ago). The next item I have on the calendar to look forward to (other than Valentine's Day with Kim) is a photo workshop in Atlanta next week. I can't wait to spend an entire day doing nothing but photography with someone who could shoot me under the table using an iPhone. Maybe I'll even pic up a few ideas on how to get a good sunset portrait of Kim while we're in Costa Rica.
Good food day again today. NS all day plus about 3 different granola bars. Too many bars I know, but I've been hungry this evening & I had left out all of the bread from my meals today. I think I had about 1800 calories on the day (including a skinny vanilla late tonight, trying to rally and stay awake past 9PM).
Tomorrow is back to the bike in the AM, treadmill and training (with my Mom) at the gym, and then off to Atlanta with my mom to look for a few things we need for the vacation. I'm shopping for good hiking shoes, sandals, waterproof socks, and a day-pack/waist pack for Kim.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: ~1800
Calories Burned: 3200
Calorie Deficit: 1400
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
My Legs Feel Like Kim Has Beaten Me With A Bat (Day 178)
This post is for Tuesday, February 9th, 2010.
I've found the past few days on NS to be so easy again. I'm not over thinking things. I'm not trying to add in extra protein or swap out veggies for veggie burgers. I'm eating more salads again. By doing these things I've easily kept my calorie count to around 1500-1600. For a few weeks (during the great Peanut Butter Problem of 2010) I continuously ate around 1800-2000 per day (still losing weight each week) but I was always hungry. Adding the salads and sticking with my old veggies seems to have helped with the hunger. I miss the PB though.
Since taking most of last week off from training while out of town, cardio this week has been a pain. No really, I'm hurting. My legs feel like Kim has been beating me with a ball bat while I'm sleeping. I'm not bothered during the spinning or while running, but afterward I'm dying. Walking upstairs HURTS. It feels like I'm training legs every day! I've got to make sure NOT to take any more extended breaks from my cardio, even while on vacations. I was so tired from training this afternoon that I had to get an espresso (a double mind you) when we arrived at the grocery store. As we were checking out I was still tired and knew I had to drive about 40 minutes to get home (we were in another town and stopped by a larger grocery store hoping to find arugula, with no luck) so I bought a sugar free Red Bull and a 4 hour energy shot drink. I don't think they helped at all. It kinda sucks getting re-acclimated to training.
Cardio today was 30 minutes on the spin bike this morning, 30 minutes of running on the treadmill at the gym, and 30 more minutes on the bike this evening. I'm running a little over 3 miles per day now and biking around 17 miles. Maybe by this summer I'll be able to run 4-5 miles in about 40 minutes each day. That will be a good goal to work towards. Our workout today was shoulders. 3 sets of hammer strength military presses (I was so weak at the end of my last set I couldn't even raise my arms up to grab onto the rack to help raise myself up, my arms just would not go above my shoulders!), 2 sets of lateral raises, 2 sets of upright rows, 2 sets of shoulder shrugs, and 2 sets of rear delts.
Today was an "on" plan day with food. Breakfast was lowfat granola cereal (my cat kept trying to knock over the bowl so he could drink the milk), yogurt, and an apple. Morning snack was another apple and more yogurt. Lunch was a salad and red beans and rice. My afternoon snack was chocolate crunch bar. Dinner was macaroni and cheese, cauliflower with cheese, a salad, bread, and a Kashi Pumpkin Pie bar. Dessert was a Special K granola bar (I'm kinda on a granola kick right now).
Tomorrow I have the delight of going to the dentist for the first time in years. It's been at least 7 years, if not 10. So long I can't remember when I went last. I've never had any issues with my teeth (I expect that to change tomorrow) and I guess I got busy and became unconcerned about going. Hopefully I won't have multiple mouth diseases and require anything more than a few fillings. The dentist I found to go to offers the new laser dentistry thing. Supposedly he will use a laser and water instead of a drill. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: 1500
Calories Burned: 3500
Calorie Deficit: 2000
I've found the past few days on NS to be so easy again. I'm not over thinking things. I'm not trying to add in extra protein or swap out veggies for veggie burgers. I'm eating more salads again. By doing these things I've easily kept my calorie count to around 1500-1600. For a few weeks (during the great Peanut Butter Problem of 2010) I continuously ate around 1800-2000 per day (still losing weight each week) but I was always hungry. Adding the salads and sticking with my old veggies seems to have helped with the hunger. I miss the PB though.
Since taking most of last week off from training while out of town, cardio this week has been a pain. No really, I'm hurting. My legs feel like Kim has been beating me with a ball bat while I'm sleeping. I'm not bothered during the spinning or while running, but afterward I'm dying. Walking upstairs HURTS. It feels like I'm training legs every day! I've got to make sure NOT to take any more extended breaks from my cardio, even while on vacations. I was so tired from training this afternoon that I had to get an espresso (a double mind you) when we arrived at the grocery store. As we were checking out I was still tired and knew I had to drive about 40 minutes to get home (we were in another town and stopped by a larger grocery store hoping to find arugula, with no luck) so I bought a sugar free Red Bull and a 4 hour energy shot drink. I don't think they helped at all. It kinda sucks getting re-acclimated to training.
Cardio today was 30 minutes on the spin bike this morning, 30 minutes of running on the treadmill at the gym, and 30 more minutes on the bike this evening. I'm running a little over 3 miles per day now and biking around 17 miles. Maybe by this summer I'll be able to run 4-5 miles in about 40 minutes each day. That will be a good goal to work towards. Our workout today was shoulders. 3 sets of hammer strength military presses (I was so weak at the end of my last set I couldn't even raise my arms up to grab onto the rack to help raise myself up, my arms just would not go above my shoulders!), 2 sets of lateral raises, 2 sets of upright rows, 2 sets of shoulder shrugs, and 2 sets of rear delts.
Today was an "on" plan day with food. Breakfast was lowfat granola cereal (my cat kept trying to knock over the bowl so he could drink the milk), yogurt, and an apple. Morning snack was another apple and more yogurt. Lunch was a salad and red beans and rice. My afternoon snack was chocolate crunch bar. Dinner was macaroni and cheese, cauliflower with cheese, a salad, bread, and a Kashi Pumpkin Pie bar. Dessert was a Special K granola bar (I'm kinda on a granola kick right now).
Tomorrow I have the delight of going to the dentist for the first time in years. It's been at least 7 years, if not 10. So long I can't remember when I went last. I've never had any issues with my teeth (I expect that to change tomorrow) and I guess I got busy and became unconcerned about going. Hopefully I won't have multiple mouth diseases and require anything more than a few fillings. The dentist I found to go to offers the new laser dentistry thing. Supposedly he will use a laser and water instead of a drill. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: 1500
Calories Burned: 3500
Calorie Deficit: 2000
Monday, February 8, 2010
Back Home & Back To The Gym (Day 177)
This post is for Monday, February 8th, 2010.
Kim and I (and the Pug) returned home yesterday just in time to watch the Super Bowl. We've had a wonderful few days away from the diet and training. My foot feels like it has healed up nicely, so I'll return to the treadmill as usual today. We ate our way through Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas last week, so much so that I told Kim I was sick of food and couldn't wait to get back to my NS! I gained a few pounds, but I'll get rid of it all by next week sometime. The big news is we now have 19 days to get ready for our "real" vacation to Costa Rica at the end of the month! 100% on plan between now and then (should be easy since I can't stand the thought of food right now).
While in MB we had lots of seafood, soups (The.Best.She Crab Soup.Ever.) meats (I ate at one of the Brazilian Steak Houses), oysters, pomme frites, Indian, and I finally fulfilled my craving for nasty deep fried salty fish. I used the 8 hour drive home to wean myself off of real foods and back onto NS (I did eat a Subway sandwich on the drive as well). I had been craving (fiending) for lots of the meals we ate, so I don't feel bad at all for enjoying the break. If you're interested in reading about all of our adventures in MB, food reviews, and lots of pics, check out my personal blog here.
Cardio this morning was 30 minutes on the spin bike, 30 minutes on the treadmill (jogging) and then 30 more minutes on the spin bike this evening. Our workout today consisted of 3 sets of incline dumbbell presses, 3 sets of flat dumbbell presses, and 3 sets of push-ups. Fast, hard, and then get out of the gym!
Good food day today. NS only. Breakfast was a cinnimaon swirl bar, apple, and yogurt. Morning snack was more yogurt and a kashi bar. Lunch was cheesy homestyle potatoes with a veggie burger and arugula salad. Afternoon snack today was a coconut almond bar. Dinner was a small amount of left over rice and chana sag, arugula salad, cauliflower with cheese, and lasagna. Dessert was a white chocolate chunk cookie.
I've noticed today that after taking about 6 days off from running/jogging/spinning, my legs are exhausted. That's what I get for taking a break, I guess.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: 1601
Calories Burned: 3583
Calorie Deficit: 1982
Kim and I (and the Pug) returned home yesterday just in time to watch the Super Bowl. We've had a wonderful few days away from the diet and training. My foot feels like it has healed up nicely, so I'll return to the treadmill as usual today. We ate our way through Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas last week, so much so that I told Kim I was sick of food and couldn't wait to get back to my NS! I gained a few pounds, but I'll get rid of it all by next week sometime. The big news is we now have 19 days to get ready for our "real" vacation to Costa Rica at the end of the month! 100% on plan between now and then (should be easy since I can't stand the thought of food right now).
While in MB we had lots of seafood, soups (The.Best.She Crab Soup.Ever.) meats (I ate at one of the Brazilian Steak Houses), oysters, pomme frites, Indian, and I finally fulfilled my craving for nasty deep fried salty fish. I used the 8 hour drive home to wean myself off of real foods and back onto NS (I did eat a Subway sandwich on the drive as well). I had been craving (fiending) for lots of the meals we ate, so I don't feel bad at all for enjoying the break. If you're interested in reading about all of our adventures in MB, food reviews, and lots of pics, check out my personal blog here.
Cardio this morning was 30 minutes on the spin bike, 30 minutes on the treadmill (jogging) and then 30 more minutes on the spin bike this evening. Our workout today consisted of 3 sets of incline dumbbell presses, 3 sets of flat dumbbell presses, and 3 sets of push-ups. Fast, hard, and then get out of the gym!
Good food day today. NS only. Breakfast was a cinnimaon swirl bar, apple, and yogurt. Morning snack was more yogurt and a kashi bar. Lunch was cheesy homestyle potatoes with a veggie burger and arugula salad. Afternoon snack today was a coconut almond bar. Dinner was a small amount of left over rice and chana sag, arugula salad, cauliflower with cheese, and lasagna. Dessert was a white chocolate chunk cookie.
I've noticed today that after taking about 6 days off from running/jogging/spinning, my legs are exhausted. That's what I get for taking a break, I guess.
BodyBugg Info:
Calories In: 1601
Calories Burned: 3583
Calorie Deficit: 1982
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Still at the Beach
Hi everyone. I've got a second with internet access so I thought I'd get a quick post uploaded. We're still in Myrtle Beach have a relaxing time. I've used the opportunity to rest a slight tendon aggravation on my right foot, thus I've only run once while we've been here. That plus the fact that the treadmill in the community center is scary made the decision not to train very easy.
We've been eating wonderful meals and having a very nice time this week. Today we're headed to Wilmington NC for the afternoon and then tomorrow we're headed back home. It'll be great to get back on plan and return to the normal gym routine.
While here on our trip we finished the final preparations for our trip to Costa Rica at the end of the month. We have been planning this for a long time and got the OK from Kim's new job a couple of days ago. We're not getting to stay quite as long as we wanted, but it should be a great trip. So I'll have about 3 weeks of time to be back on plan and train before heading out again!
I had a wonderful shopping experience yesterday. I was shopping for some Columbia nylon type hiking shorts/pants and I had to buy size Medium! I've NEVER worn a medium before as an adult. I was shocked!
Anyway, just wanted to get a post up so no one would think I'd fallen of the face of the Earth. Below are a few pics from our day at BrookGreen Gardens. What a wonderful place.
And finally a slide show of all the photos I shot a the Gardens and Zoo.
We've been eating wonderful meals and having a very nice time this week. Today we're headed to Wilmington NC for the afternoon and then tomorrow we're headed back home. It'll be great to get back on plan and return to the normal gym routine.
While here on our trip we finished the final preparations for our trip to Costa Rica at the end of the month. We have been planning this for a long time and got the OK from Kim's new job a couple of days ago. We're not getting to stay quite as long as we wanted, but it should be a great trip. So I'll have about 3 weeks of time to be back on plan and train before heading out again!
I had a wonderful shopping experience yesterday. I was shopping for some Columbia nylon type hiking shorts/pants and I had to buy size Medium! I've NEVER worn a medium before as an adult. I was shocked!
Anyway, just wanted to get a post up so no one would think I'd fallen of the face of the Earth. Below are a few pics from our day at BrookGreen Gardens. What a wonderful place.
And finally a slide show of all the photos I shot a the Gardens and Zoo. Tuesday, February 2, 2010
On The Road Again (Day 170)
Morning All!
Monday was a great workout day, terrible eating day.
The workout first. We trained chest very quickly around lunch. 3 sets of flat bench dumbbell presses, 3 sets of push-ups with our feet on a raised platform, and 3 sets of dips. Before the workout Kim did 30 minutes on the treadmill while I split my time between a fast pace on the elliptical and 15 minutes of running on the treadmill. The only other exercise of the day was about a mile walk with Jumping Jack Flash and 30 minutes on the bike.
Food was terrible. I decided we'd have lunch at the local Asian/Eastern Buffet. Lots of sushi to start with (I know, I've always said never eat sushi at a buffet, but it was good), then peanut chicken, shrimp, etc. Ate way to much. Last night I even ate some Pizza Rolls. Loved 'em. Why did I eat like a fool? I wanted to. I needed to. I've now lost 90 pounds from my all time heaviest. Tuesday is a new day and I'll be right back on plan then.
Finally, Kim, the Pug, and I are hitting the road for a few days. Posts may be sporadic at best for the rest of the week. We won't have reliable internet access while at the condo (I have to steal it from some of the neighbor's unprotected wireless networks). I'll post when possible. We do have access to a gym at the condo now, so we'll be able to train and run while there. I plan on eating NS except for one meal each day. We'll see how that goes.....
Monday was a great workout day, terrible eating day.
The workout first. We trained chest very quickly around lunch. 3 sets of flat bench dumbbell presses, 3 sets of push-ups with our feet on a raised platform, and 3 sets of dips. Before the workout Kim did 30 minutes on the treadmill while I split my time between a fast pace on the elliptical and 15 minutes of running on the treadmill. The only other exercise of the day was about a mile walk with Jumping Jack Flash and 30 minutes on the bike.
Food was terrible. I decided we'd have lunch at the local Asian/Eastern Buffet. Lots of sushi to start with (I know, I've always said never eat sushi at a buffet, but it was good), then peanut chicken, shrimp, etc. Ate way to much. Last night I even ate some Pizza Rolls. Loved 'em. Why did I eat like a fool? I wanted to. I needed to. I've now lost 90 pounds from my all time heaviest. Tuesday is a new day and I'll be right back on plan then.
Finally, Kim, the Pug, and I are hitting the road for a few days. Posts may be sporadic at best for the rest of the week. We won't have reliable internet access while at the condo (I have to steal it from some of the neighbor's unprotected wireless networks). I'll post when possible. We do have access to a gym at the condo now, so we'll be able to train and run while there. I plan on eating NS except for one meal each day. We'll see how that goes.....
Monday, February 1, 2010
Weigh In and Another Sunday at the Gym (Day 169)
This post is for Sunday, January 31st 2010.
Today was a good day after the popcorn incident and subsequent chocolate debacle from Saturday night. Good "on" plan all day, 3 different cardio sessions, and a great ab workout.
Our workout (& entire day for that matter) was hobbled by our crazy sore legs. My hamstrings are wrecked. We did 12 sets for abs. 3 sets of weighted hammer strength crunches, 3 sets of incline crunches, 3 sets of hanging leg lifts, and 3 sets of V-sits. Fast & good reps each set. Cardio at the gym was 30 minutes of jogging on the treadmill at various speeds. The rest of the cardio for the day was 2 30 minute sessions on the spin bike at home.
Food was all NS for the day. I maybe added in a Kashi bar as my morning snack. Dinner was another thick crust pizza with veggie chorizo and an arugula salad. Delicious.
Time to hit the gym and then pack. Kim, the Pug, and I are headed to Myrtle Beach for a little bit. We need to check on the condo and make sure it's still there. I think we're gonna meet a long time friend for dinner one evening as well, assuming we can get the timing worked out. I'm taking my running shoes with me this time. No slacking off from cardio or training while we're gone.
Finally, I weighed in this morning and using my new average of WI's from both scales (both show a loss) I'm calling today's weight 198. That's another pound lost. About 8 to go!. 3 more and I've lost 80 on NS!
Today was a good day after the popcorn incident and subsequent chocolate debacle from Saturday night. Good "on" plan all day, 3 different cardio sessions, and a great ab workout.
Our workout (& entire day for that matter) was hobbled by our crazy sore legs. My hamstrings are wrecked. We did 12 sets for abs. 3 sets of weighted hammer strength crunches, 3 sets of incline crunches, 3 sets of hanging leg lifts, and 3 sets of V-sits. Fast & good reps each set. Cardio at the gym was 30 minutes of jogging on the treadmill at various speeds. The rest of the cardio for the day was 2 30 minute sessions on the spin bike at home.
Food was all NS for the day. I maybe added in a Kashi bar as my morning snack. Dinner was another thick crust pizza with veggie chorizo and an arugula salad. Delicious.
Time to hit the gym and then pack. Kim, the Pug, and I are headed to Myrtle Beach for a little bit. We need to check on the condo and make sure it's still there. I think we're gonna meet a long time friend for dinner one evening as well, assuming we can get the timing worked out. I'm taking my running shoes with me this time. No slacking off from cardio or training while we're gone.
Finally, I weighed in this morning and using my new average of WI's from both scales (both show a loss) I'm calling today's weight 198. That's another pound lost. About 8 to go!. 3 more and I've lost 80 on NS!
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