Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Insanity - Week 3, still!

Just an update, today I did Pure Cardio with a bonus Cardio Abs, following the schedule. This was the first day that Cardio Abs is added to the first routine and I was surprised by my ability to do the second workout since I think my abs need a lot of work. I know that they do, but I was still impressed a bit with my performance. I am looking forward to hitting the scale at the end of the month to see what progress I have made in that area. I know that weight is just a number and what is important is how I feel and my fitness level, but it is another way I can gauge my progress.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Insanity - Week 3

This week started off well and then I had a setback: my lower back went out of alignment, causing me to take 2 days off. My backhas been problematic for about 5 years, with trips to the chiropractor now and again just to be able to move. I hope I will be able to press play tomorrow morning, my back feels better.

The lesson that I have learned from this experience over the past five years is to get back on the horse and realize that my body does, in fact, have limitations. I am eating better and feeling better (other than acute lower back pain!).

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Insanity - Week 2

I keep meaning to post more often, but life is pretty busy! I am happy to say that this week is easier than last week and I am noticing a little difference in how my clothes fit already!

I celebrated my rest day on Sunday by going on a hike with the family at Glen Haffy Conservation Area. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun.

That is what life is about, isn't it? Enjoying the good times and getting through the hard times.

Here is a prayer that is on a big sign at the start of the trails at Glen Haffy:

"Prayer of The Woods

I am the heart of your hearth on the cold winter nights, the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun, and my fruits are refreshing draughts quenching your thirst as you journey on. I am the beam that holds your house, the board of your table, the bed on which you lie, and the timber of your boat. I am the handle of your hoe, the door of your homestead, the wood of your cradle, and the shell of your coffin. I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty. Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer: harm me not.

This inspirational label has been used in forest reserves of Portugal for over 1,000 years."

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

INSANITY 2: THE ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

Okay, so it has been over a year since I posted on this blog. It turns out that the "cold" or "allergies" that I couldn't shake last summer was, in fact, double pneumonia. Yes, I had pneumonia in both lungs in numerous places. I ended up having to take heavy duty drugs and a week off from work to recuperate. Since then, I have had numerous lower back issues and I have gotten to know my chiropractor fairly well. Luckily, I have had few back problems lately, now it's my inner calf muscles going into spasm whenever I run more than a few kilometres. What this is telling me is I need to shape up or I might just ship out!

I am not at my peak weight but I am so close it scares me. Time to take action (finally!)!

Yesterday, I started Insanity with the Fit Test. Remarkably, I was able to match or slightly improve my initial results from the first time I started Insanity. That surprised me, but maybe since this time I had a mark to match or beat I was able to aim for that target. Anyway, I felt completely exhausted afterward so I know I did my best.

Today was Plyo Cardio Circuit. This is tough too, and I have to say I had to take breaks during the second set of exercises. There's something about doing 3 sets of push-ups and other ab moves while still in plank for about 3 minutes at a time -- after already working hard for 20+ minutes.

It sounds like I have a lot of negative things to say, but I do feel great - completely wiped out - but great!

More to follow!