CRASH... but maybe not what you're thinking.

For those that might have wondered if I fell off the wagon, I haven't. The committment to a fixed bedtime and some huge work projects for this week have taken most of my available time. That was all compounded on Friday afternoon when one of my 8 glasses per day of water accidentaly dumped over on my MacBook rendering it an expensive, yet stylish, paperweight. So, here I am having missed a number of posts but lighter than before and looking foward to Friday's six week fitness assessment. Here's a little overview of the past 5 days to catch you up:



Monday, February 11th-
Food- Today was crazy. I'm really scrambling without a computer but I hit all meals and only missed one snack. My body seems to have settled into the routine of healthy food and any residual hunger issues for unnecessary foods have just about totally dried up.
Workout- Due to a work function, I was running a little late for workout. My trainer jammed the full rotation into the smaller time window and added a late penalty of boxing. It was probably the highest heart rate workout that I've had and it was very enjoyable. Fast paced workouts are good balancers to stressful work day.
Cardio- After workout, I hit the elliptical for 30 minutes at a pace over 4 mph. I burned 400 calories and averaged a heart rate of above 135. I also got to watch a Modern Marvels episode on History Channel about acid. Double Bonus.

Sunday, February 10th-
Food- Sunday was mostly dedicated to little brothers and they love food that's not so good for you. Fortunately, with my coaching from my diet penpal at FT, I've gotten much better at seeking out good foods no matter what location I'm in. I found a good salad on Sunday and some grilled meats and veggies at a mexican restaurant.
Workout- No workout on Sunday beyond chasing my 5 year old little brother around for a couple of hours. We hit a playground which was crazy. I can't believe how much energy they have.
Cardio- Between visits, I was able to knock out my 2.45 mile lap through downtown at an average heart rate of about 130. I was feeling a little sluggish but much better after completion. It's always great to get out in downtown and see others out who are making good fitness choices. You'd be amazed at the age diversity that I cross paths with. From 9 to 90, many folks are dedicated to good health.

Saturday, February 9th- Saturday was my off day and was primarily consumed with a trip to Atlanta to help with a Lego contest that promoted alternative energy technology. We also lost my grandmother to a long battle with dimensia that morning. I mention it here because one of the things that I reflected on about both my grandmother and grandfather over the course of Saturday were the many great examples that they set for me and my family. Among many other admirable qualities, both watched their food intake very carefully and they exercised on a very regular basis throughout life. As a kid, I used to think it was funny that they went to the mall and other public spaces to walk. I realize not that they were guaranteeing themselves a greater quality of life into their late seventies that others do not enjoy. Some of the greatest gifts that family and friends can give you in life are those of leadership by example. Several of you that are reading along have mentoned that you have been inspired by my journey to get out and do more for your body. To each of you, I extend a heartfelt thanks for the shared motivation and inspiration.

Friday, February 8th-
Food- Hit all the marks for food on Friday and had a little celebration meal with myself of scallops, tomatoes, spinach with a few meats and cheeses. Seek out local, fresh, wholesome food whenever you can and you'll find it a wonderful treat which is very good for you.
Workout- I worked out with Kyle on Friday and he hit me with the full aresenal of boxing cardio. While Iwas a little slow on training my hands to react to the punch combinations, I absolutely loved the workout. Your heart rate stays very high and your arms get one hell of a workout. You can see a little bit of Kyle's style in each of the trainers at FT and I think that is the mark of good training. I continue to be pushed by the workouts and engaged by new exercises. I'm learning more every day and my key indicators are improving. I can't wait for the check-in on February 15th.

Thursday, February 7th-
Food- Due to crazy work schedule, I was a little lax on my snacks on Thursday and it showed. I was hungry at night which isn't pleasant but I avoided the urge to plunder the pantry.
Workout- Thursday workout was focused mostly on lower body and core. We pushed really hard and I realized that my core strength has improved tremendously since week 1. I can now hold a plank for up to a minute and my ability to do sit-ups has dramatically changed for the better.
Cardio- I got on the elliptical and tried a new method tonight. I would sprint to the point that my heart rate hit 150+ and then go a 4-5 mph pace until my heartrate dropped below 140. I did this for 30 minutes and covered well over 4 miles and burned close to 500 calories. It was really intense but the time flew by and I really enjoyed pushing myself.