Saturday Morning Music

My run began with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-duPPLhqe0

It ended with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NidVUCC42N4

In between was a little of everything.  My iPod is my very favorite thing in the world.  It doesn't judge me for my ecclectic taste.  It just plays on as if going from Barbara Streisand to Lady Ga Ga to Harry Belafonte is the absolute most rational thing in the world to do. 

I had a lovely run this morning.  I was going to get up at 6:20 and run before my day started.  I woke up at 5.  I laid in bed until 5:30 and just got up and went.  I am growing weary of the treadmill, and I think I was eager to get out on the streets of Lakeland Hills.  It's bizarre.  I run faster when not on the treadmill.  I go further when not on the treadmill.  Common sense dictates that the treadmill would be easier since I have it on absolute zero incline.  I averaged an 11 minute mile on the roads where on the 'mill, it's at least a 12, more often a 13 minute mile.  I think I may need to re-think my whole training. 

I have discovered a lovely site called MapMyRun.  I have no idea how it works other than it can tell me distance I cover on the winding streets of this sprawling housing development.  I'm looking forward to really figuring it out and pre-planning routes and just turning into a running machine.  Dancing queen.  Yup, I had "Mama Mia" in the mix, too. 

I also made an unexpected connection today with a mom from Wendy's school.  We found ourselves in the same place for much longer than we had anticipated (it's such a long, long story, so just accept the surface explanation).  She is an avid runner, and she was excited to hear I'm going to do my first half.  She loves the Seattle half and said that my biggest goal for my first half is simply to finish.  It's a hilly run, and she said I will need to walk up the hills and then just book down them.  She assured me that having to incorporate some walking into the half is going to be essential and necessary.  I'm feeling reassured and more confident than ever! 

All in all, a very comforting day.  I was getting discouraged by my seeming failure on the treadmill, and am excited to find that when my feet hit actual pavement, I'm a lot better at everything! 

Half Marathon Training Has Begun!

And...I have a LONG ways to go to 13.1, my friends!  Now that the training is here, I'm fearful I may not make it.  I have less than 2 months to go.  Eek! 

But, if Tony taught me anything, it's to do my best and forget the rest.  Regardless of whether or not I manage to run every step of that 13.1, I will undoubtedly run the absolute furthest I have ever run in my life on race day.  That has to count for something. 

That said, I'm going to work like crazy to get there.  A bit of filler of what's happened between the end of P90X and the beginning of half marathon, or HM, as I will refer to if from now on: 

My life got, let's say, rearranged, in ways I did not anticipate.  Mostly the rearrangements have been difficult but also for a greater good.  Still, I fell back on my old, not-so-awesome habit of emotionally eating.  I've packed on a good 5 pounds dealing--or not dealing, as it were--with all of this.  When I emotionally eat, then I get depressed.  When the depression creeps in, so does fear and laziness.  I put off HM training for an entire week and ate myself into oblivion.  

Then this past Sunday came.  It was the day of my 5K.  I came into it having not run one step in well over a month.  It felt like a make or break kind of moment, and I knew finishing it without walking would be just the boost I needed to get back on track.  So, with one of my favorite friends by my side, I set out to conquer 3.1 miles.  Conquer it I did, my friends.  It was painful and grueling and I did it.

I'm now on track with an HM schedule.  I have to admit, I'm skeptical.  But, I'm just going to do what it says and trust the system. 

Monday:  I rested.
Tuesday:  I ran a couple miles.  I tried to buck the schedule, but I couldn't.  So, I'll listen to it from now on.  
Wednesday:  I did Jillian Michael's Yoga meltdown since it's a "cross-training" day.  I forgot how much I hate and love that woman.  She combines yoga and cardio in this workout, and it's pretty awesome.  

I'm also doing the Yoplait Yogurt 2-week Tune Up just to give me a little shot in the weight loss arm and get the eating back under control.  I do love yogurt!  :-)  

So, now we're up to speed.  I'll keep you posted, hopefully a bit more often than I have been.  Not every day, but definitely multiple times a week.  It keeps me accountable.  And, any of you who have running tips for me, now's a great time to share them!   

Day 90: Yoga X

Well, my friends, that's it.  I did 90 days of this craziness, and to be honest, I'm a bit let down.  I thought for sure when I finished today there would be fireworks and balloons and even a small marching band.  Instead, I had children demanding food.  Go figure.  :-) 

Still, I'm pretty damn proud of myself.  This was the biggest fitness endeavor I have ever undertaken, and I did it.  I DID IT! 

Thanks for reading along with me and encouraging me all along the way.  I'm going to take a few days off to rest and recuperate, and on Monday, I will begin running, which will mark what I think will be an even bigger fitness endeavor.  I've enjoyed the regimen of blogging my workouts, so I think I will just keep going with it.  If you were in it just for the P90X, then I bid you adieu.  If not, then come along with me as I learn how to be an awesome runner, starting with a 5K next Sunday. 

Day 90:  Brought.
P90X:  BROUGHT! 

Day 89: Plyo

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!  One more day!  One more day!  One more day!  If I had time in my schedule today, I'd just go ahead with that yoga and be done with it.  But that's not going to happen.  It's just mind-blowing to think that I'll be done in less than 24 hours, ya'll! 

Plyo was a delightful romp through mind-blowing pain today.  In other words, it was the same old same old.  I really can't stand hearing Tony say, "You can do anything for 30 seconds" without being able to explain to him that, yes, I can, but 30 seconds followed by 30 more followed by 30 more followed by a whole minute with 45 second breaks in between is quite different than just one 30 second trial.  I'm too sore to even go back and correct the horrible grammar in that last sentence.  Grammar matters, but not right this second. 

So, I worked up a good sweat and felt great when I was done.  Well, I felt great when I was done and in the shower.  There's that gross interlude between workout and shower where I feel, what's the word?  Disgusting?  No.  Flabbergasted?  Yes.  That's the word.  It really does take a bit of time to right my world after finishing a session of plyometrics with Tony. 

One day to go.  I think I mentioned that. 

Day 89:  Brought. 

Dy 88: Stretch

What can I really say about a 60 minute DIY massage?  That's what this video is, and that's why I love it so very, very much.  It makes my back feel better.  It makes my headaches go away.  It makes the world disappear.  It makes me smile and breathe and concentrate on every muscle in my body without demanding anything of them other than their elasticity.  It's a wonderful thing, my friends.

Then I get to jolt my body back to reality tomorrow morning with plyo.  These two workouts couldn't be in starker contrast if they tried. 

Now I'm 2 workouts away from being done.  What do I do with this blog? 

Day 88:  Brought. 

Days 86 and 87: Core and Kenpo

Soooo, I missed blogging yesterday.  I got to about the last 2 minutes of cool down and suddenly my tummy went all kinds of wonky.  I made a dash for the toilet, emptied everything inside my body including my kidneys and a lung and headed for bed for the rest of the day.  It wasn't a workout thing, though.  It was something else.  I don't know what. 

I was glad it came at the end of the workout so at least I got one in, you know?  Of course, drinking my Slim-Fast at the end was not an option.  Turns out ginger ale is a better choice.  Too bad I didn't have any.  Ah, well.  The workout was awesome.  It was my last CS workout of this round of P90X.  Good-bye, Core, you have been a faithful friend to me from day 1.  You and your backyard shelves.

Today I'm feeling better.  I'm keeping food down, and I just have residual weakness from yesterday's complete post-workout, bed-ridden inertia.  I tackled Kenpo with a bit less enthusiasm, but I'll be damned if I let a little vomit yesterday postpone my finishing this bad boy on Thursday!  Plus, I have some anger I'm trying to get out of my system.  I punched and kicked with less lethal force, but I still would have left some serious bruises.

Days 86 and 87:  Brought. 

Day 85: Yoga

It's a hot July--wait, September--afternoon, and I just finished yoga.  I feel all stretchy.  And hot.  I'm very, very hot.  I'm just glad it wasn't a plyo day. 

Wanna see my new shoes? 

Pretty good, right?  These are the shoes that will carry me to the half marathon, folks.  First they'll get me through the Fremont Brew Ha Ha at the end of the month, though.  It's a 5K that ends in a beer garden.  I believe I told you already, but it bears repeating.  I can't wait to tackle it with my pals!  The running and the microbrews, that is. 

But, before then, I finish with Tony.  Not permanently, though.  We'll meet on strength training days, and I will definitely keep him around for yoga and stretching.  Then he and I will have another 3 month long standing pre-breakfast date once the marathon is complete and I'm in the post-race blues.  Of course, Christmas is like 4 weeks after the marathon.  Who can be blue then?  Well, yes, my shoes will still be blue, but a cheery blue.   

Ah, Christmas.  Life's amazing when you have so much to look forward to, isn't it? 

Day 85:  Brought. 

Day 84: Rest

Nevermind that bit about "one last time" I said last time.  I should have double checked my schedule.  It's a "recovery" week, so it's double yoga at least.  I'd re-check, but it's a rest day.  I'm done with the stairs.  :-)

It's hot out, just in time for school.  Go figure. 

Day 84:  Melted. 

Day 83: Kenpo

I am really, really finding it difficult to get up so early!  This wasn't a problem forever, and now, it is.  Oh, well, at least I'm getting my workouts done.  I feel slightly guilty for plopping my kiddos in front of a movie so I could do it before naptime and have more time for relaxation during naptime, but it is what it is. 

It's hot out.  It's hot in here.  I'm sweating like a pig, and I finished 20 minutes ago!  I'm just counting it as extra weight lost. 

From here on out, every workout I do will be the last time I do it.  Kinda sad and really exciting. 

Day 83:  Brought. 

Day 82: Core Synergistics

Comcast was out today.  It's too late to blog.  I did it! 

Day 82:  Brought. 

Day 81: Yoga

I am having MAJOR problems getting my little tushie out of bed to workout.  I have no idea why.  I really think the vacation is harder for me to leave in the past than I'd like to admit.  I did manage to get to my workout in the afternoon, though, as opposed to this evening, so that's a bonus.

Tomorrow's Wendy's first day of 2nd grade, which means I'm going to be back on my old school schedule from a couple months ago. Yikes!  At least I didn't spend the summer sleeping in until 8 every day.  That wouldn't have even been possible, but lucky nonetheless.  Tomorrow?  Core at 5.  Let's do this and FINISH STRONG! 

Day 81:  Brought. 

Day 80: Back and Biceps

I went WAY off my norm today and worked out this evening.  I just didn't want to do it this morning.  We had no children.  It was quiet.  The sun was shining.  I just wanted to lay in bed and enjoy the morning.  I had no intention of skipping out today, especially when today brought the prospect of updating my FB status showing just 10 days to go! 

It was a good workout.  I love the "glamour" workouts.  They make me feel all pretty.  They're like lip gloss only harder and stinkier. 

Really, truly, I am almost done.  The reality that I'm now in single digit countdown is almost too much for me to process.  I remember typing in "Day 1" and now look at me.  Day effing 80!  Go me! 

Day 80:  Brought. 

Day 78: Rest; Day 79: Plyo

I've gotten a bit off on the schedule.  Yesterday I enjoyed a rest, and this morning, I kicked boo-tay with plyo.  I feel good.  The finish line is just up ahead.  I'm SO ready to be done and back in my running shoes.


I am starting the Body-for-Life-for-Women 12 week challenge on Wednesday next.  The one that's in 3 days.  Eh, you're smart enough to figure that out.  I think I'll pick up a few new Jillian Michael's workouts to change up my strength training once I'm marathon training.  I really can't wait until Christmas to look back at the last year and see how far I've come.  It may sound a bit narcissistic, but I've worked hard enough to stroke my own ego a bit, amen?


I am feeling a strange apprehension amid my excitement, though.  P90X sounded like an enormous, almost insurmountable, challenge when I started, and I can't help but let that uncertainty creep in when I think about the running that's ahead of me.  It's hard for me to break new ground, but it seems like I've been successful with it all this year.  God's given me a hell of a lot of strength.  


Day 79:  Brought.  

Day 77: Shoulders/Biceps/Triceps

The soreness continues!  I love it.  I love the burn.  I love the way I waddle when my entire lower half is screaming out in rebellion every time I need to move.  I love how incredibly unsexy I feel.  I'm being partially facetious and partially truthful.  You can decide which is which. 

I made it through about 3/4 of this today.  Remember a while ago I popped something during this workout?  I guess there is residual pain, and not the good kind.  I could work around it mostly, but there were some moves where that just wasn't an option.  Then there are some moves that aren't an option even without pain.  Plyo pushups?  I laugh in your general direction.  Ha!  Ha!  Ha!

On a happier note, I got awesome running shoes yesterday.  Let the marathon training commence.  Well, you know, in a few days. 

Day 77:  3/4 Brought. 

Day 76: Kenpo X

So, that bit I wrote yesterday about not being any worse for the wear?  I spoke too soon.  Oh, man, was I sore this morning!  Kenpo's always a good time, but today it was a toughie.  I made it through.  


You faithful friends who have been reading for weeks and weeks know how much I love this workout.  I was thinking about what exactly it is that I love most about Kenpo, and I realize that it's because there's not one part of it that I have to modify.  There's no move that I dread.  This DVD I can do from beginning to end, and I can keep up with everyone.  Considering how confused I was the first few times I did this, this is huge.  I don't know if I thank Tony or Wesley Idol.  Both.  Thanks, guys.


I am still sore, but I managed to put it out of my mind while actually working out.  I dread every time I have to get up to go to the bathroom, though.  


Day 76:  Brought.  

Day 75: Core Synergistics

And by Tuesday, I, of course, meant Wednesday.  Also, I'm off on my numbers once again.  There was a rest day in there when I didn't blog, so that's where the missing number is. 

So, I lost my momentum in Rockford.  You know what?  I'm totally fine with that.  I went with the best of intentions, and what happened was my vacation was turning into my regular life, just in a different place.  I was not digging that at all.  I get to go away once a year, and I decided it was best for my sanity to really, really go away.  It felt fabulous. 

I weighed in this morning to assess the damage of no exercise for 9 days and eating with reckless abandon.  No weight loss.  No weight gain.  I get to start right where I left off.  Good for me.  Core seemed a good place to "start over" since it's where I started in the first place.  I felt slightly creaky this morning, but none the worse for the wear.  I did my best, forgot the rest and put those boxes on those shelves in my back yard just like I've been doing for 11 weeks.

Now I'm a bit behind where I wanted to be, but I'll be done before I know it.  I'll be full-on marathon training before the month is out.  I have a 5K at the end of September to jumpstart everything and also to kick off Oktoberfest.  That's right.  A 5K that ends with beer.  You just can't beat that! 

Day 75:  Brought. 

Vacation Ate Me

See you on Tuesday! 

Day 73: Shoulders and Arms

Well, okay, yes.  I did miss a few days.  That's a bummer, but I really and truly do not care.  This weekend was perfection times four, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Saturday was the 2nd annual golf memorial for my amazing Uncle Jim.  I simply cannot tell you how much that man meant to me and how much I miss him.  When you communicate with someone on an almost daily basis, and that communication is suddenly gone, it takes a long, long time to fill that hole.  Maybe you never can.  So far, it's a gaping chasm still.  So to be able to spend an entire day with my aunt and cousins and people who knew and loved him and to reminisce and laugh and cry together was better than anything Tony Horton has to offer. 

Yesterday was a low day for me.  You come off a high like that, and you go into a sort of funk.  I just wallowed in it, and I think that's okay.  I just needed to.  I don't wallow often about Uncle Jim, but once in a while, I do.  I spent the day eating junk and being cranky.  Then I went to bed early.

Today, I worked.  The funk is clearing.  Friends are coming.  The sun is shining.  It's going to be a great day.  Well, it will be great when I find some Benadryl to slather over my body that has been attacked by the Illinois state insect.  Damn mosquitoes. 

Day 73:  Brought. 

Day 72: Plyo

And I'm back!  Yesterday was our big travel day, and I decided not to try and squeeze in a workout before leaving.  It was just too much.  However, I must have walked at least 4 miles in the airport while lugging a lot of extra weight, so that's got to count for a 5K at least.  I remember when I used to be able to travel with just a purse.  Those were the days. 

This is a bit of a milestone day, my friends.  In the past 10 years of visiting Rockford, I've always said that I will workout, and somehow, I've never managed to do it (It's not really a mystery.  I've been lazy.).  Today, however, I got up, got on my workout clothes and did my plyo.  Rock on, me. 

Turns out plyo is slightly scarier when you don't have 10 foot ceilings. In fact, it's downright dangerous when you have about 7 1/2 foot ceilings.  Remember when you're a kid and all you want to be able to do is jump up and hit the ceiling?  Yeah, I've totally accomplished that and would like to be short again.  Still, easy enough to modify. 

Did you know that ripping off half your pinky toenail is painful?  You did?  Well, did you know that certain plyo moves that have you jumping on just one foot with a ripped-off toenail are completely excruciating?  You didn't?  Well, you should give plyo a try so you can relate.  I don't recommend the ripping off of the toenail.  That's just dumb. 

Day 72:  Brought. 

Dayless Day

Well, folks, it was bound to happen, and today it did.  I simply did not workout.  I gave into my overly tired self and just stayed in bed.  No reason.  My pain from yesterday is nil today (horray!).  I just got to thinking about all I had to accomplish today, and I didn't do it. 

Tomorrow I will try my hardest.  We fly out to Illinois tomorrow, and doing P90X will involve a really early wake-up call on a really long travel day.  We'll see how late I'm up tonight. 

So, big fail today, but since I made it 71 days before failing, I won't even worry one more second about it. 

Dayless Day:  It is what it is.  :-) 

Day 71: Chest and Back; Ab Ripper X

Ugh!  71 days in, and I snapped something.  The whole right side of my chest is in a state of ouchi-ness, and it's creeping into my neck.  What the heck did I do?  I really don't know, but I'm going to be okay.  I hope.  It's frustrating, though.  Not so much that I have to deal with the pain but because I would like to think I'm smart enough to not hurt myself at this point in the game.  It was during a push-up set.  The James Bond one.  They're officially called "Dive Bombers," and in going down, I heard a pop and a rush of pain.  Frustrating! 

I'm glad tomorrow's plyo.  I can work around a chest injury pretty easily in that one.  We'll see about the rest of the week.  I promise I won't push it, but I am also not quitting or taking a break.  I'm way too close to the end for that! 

My pal, Miss E, saw a backyard with shelves yesterday on her run!  I am excited about that.  She said there were no boxes on them, so I'm left to conclude that there are people in that house who have not been properly trained in the art of backyard-box-lifting-to-the-shelves.  It really is a skill that requires much training. 

Day 71:  Brought. 

Day 70: Rest

Can it possibly be true that I have less than 3 weeks to go?  Really?  I felt like it was just a few days ago I was facing sleepless nights, nervous about embarking on this journey. 

Today, I rested, which is good because I stayed out until almost 2 last night/this morning.  Oh, man, time with good friends well spent.  And I played my first game of pool. 

That said, I'm going to bed.  See you tomorrow!

Day 70:  Brought. 

Day 69: Kenpo

Nailed it.  Again! 

I was reminded this morning of why I get up at the butt crack of dawn to workout.  If I wait until my family's up, I end up with a very loud audience.  Then I have to move my workout to the playroom.  Then the baby bangs at the door, screaming to be let in.  I'm so irresistable!  And also, while I love sauteed onions, I don't love them frying when I'm kenpo-ing. 

Still, nailed it! 

I got my "Body-for-Life For Women" yesterday.  I absolutely cannot wait to implement this in my life.  It's going to be another awesome transition while I do that 12 week challenge!  I'll start after Rockford.  Until then, portion control and lots of fruits and veggies. 

Day 69:  Brought. 

Day 68: Cardio X

Yeah, you read that right.  Today was a core synergistics day, but I just was feeling more cardio exy.  I missed it, and I wanted the variety.  Tony loves to tell you that variety is the spice of life, so I just took him up on that. 

It felt good.  Kind of like coming home to an old friend.  I still stand by my decision to have plyo ace this one out, but as a core substitute today, it was perfect.  I worked up a good sweat and everything.  I just love that there are 4 workouts in one on this one.  Yoga?  Good.  Kenpo?  Good.  Plyo?  Good.  Core?  Excellent.  I mean, how can you lose? 
Did I mention I've bought smaller pants?  And that the numbers on the scale are smaller?  And that my time with P90X is smaller?  No, no and yes?  Well, it's all true.  The question is, what do I do with this blog when I'm done?  Keep going?  Transition into marathon training blogging?  Start a cooking blog?  I did order a copy of "Body for Life for Women."  I mentioned a while ago I had contemplated doing Body for Life but that there wasn't enough there.  I found a new copy of this book for $1.99, so I figured it was worth checking out.  Maybe it will be better for me.  You know, because I'm a woman.  I'm excited to apply workout discipline even more to my eating.  I want to rock Christmas sweaters this year, especially the ugly ones that preferably light up and play carols.  Do they make those?  What?  It's too early to talk about Christmas?  My bad.

Day 68:  Brought. 

Day 67: Yoga

Yoga this morning
Bendy, stretchy warrior
My legs now hurt.  Ouch.

Day 67:  Brought to you with a little haiku flair. 

Day 66: Back and Biceps

Oh, boy, I love new workouts!  This was a fun one.  I love my biceps 65 days in, so really, this was a long experiment in how bad my vanity has become.  I loved watching these moves in the mirror.  I'm a little ashamed to admit that, but not so ashamed that I'll keep it to myself.  The biceps, after all, look amazing.  Awesome. 

Aaaaand, my brand new pull-up system I devised broke right in the middle of the workout.  Thankfully I did not get hurt because it involved a band snapping back at me.  Somehow it managed to miss, and now I go back to the drawing board.  I'm going to have to break down and buy a real bar, but I just don't want to spend that money.  Ugh.  I was hoping this system would work because it's easily transportable to Rockford next week.  I'm a college graduate.  I should be able to figure this out.   

I was worried that coming off a run last night it would be too much to work out less than 10 hours later, but it worked out just fine.  I didn't sleep very well, though, which reminded me of one of the million reasons I don't like to work out at the end of the day.  Not that I regret that run.  I'm still flying high on that run.  Run for Awareness has been cancelled because life happens, but I'm going to find another 5K sometime in September to keep myself motivated.  And because they're stinkin' fun.

Day 66:  Brought. 

Day 65: Bonus!

I am sitting here all scrubbed clean in my jammies having just taken a tepid shower.  Why tepid?  It was to cool my body temperature way, way down.  Mission accomplished.  I'm about to call it a very early evening, but I wanted to blog first. 

I needed to cool off because I wasn't happy with how my day went today.  I decided that I was going to knock out a couple of miles on the treadmill in an effort to bridge the workout gaps that I left and to give myself a much-needed shot of endorphins, not to mention a boost in confidence. 

It worked.  I got on that treadmill and just went for it.  I felt so alive and vigorous and strong.  Parts of me that used to jiggle when I ran were firm and strong.  My legs could have gone on forever.  My tummy cramps threatened, but I just pushed through them.  The only thing that stopped me was, get this, getting overheated!  Well, and it was time to call it quits because I still had some chores to do. 

My treadmill is in the garage that spent the day warming up.  I am a big wuss when it comes to heat (Miss E, I can almost see you giggling at me thinking how I think an 80 degree garage even begins to compare to what you run through on a regular basis.  You're a rock!!), which confirms in my mind that Seattle in November is the perfect choice for my first half marathon.  There is NO chance of being overheated by the elements. 

I ran faster than I have in a long, long time, you all.  I mean, it was incredible.  Jake, you told me I would, and I couldn't wait to test that out.  I've never had those kinds of numbers on the treadmill, before.  And even though it was still rather slow, it was a personal best for me.  If there's one thing I've learned from Mr. Tony Horton, it's to do my best and forget the *effing* rest.  I did.  :-) 

I'm coming off a mentally and emotionally draining past several days.  The kind of drain that God imposes in an effort to empty you of bad habits and fill you with better ones.  It's tough, but it's also very cleansing.  I needed this run. 

Day 65:  Really, really brought. 

Day 65: Plyo/Stretch

Tony says, "Don't do Plyo for at least an hour after eating."  I heeded his words carefully and made sure my tummy was completely empty.  The problem is, my tummy appears to be under some sort of attack.  The cramps came back again today.  I had them this morning when I got up, and the heating pad did not help.  I just let time do its thing.  I missed my morning workout window, but I had another this afternoon.  I made it through about 35 minutes of plyo, and my tummy attacked again.  SO frustrating.  These are cramps that literally rob me of my breath, and standing up isn't even an option. 

I laid down with the heating pad.  It helped a lot.  Rather than try to finish plyo, I decided to break out the stretch DVD and just give my body some time to relax.  My tummy cooperated, and I managed to finish that with little to no pain. 

I need to get to the bottom of this tummy cramp issue, though.  I can't be 25 days from the finish line and have to stop.  No way! 

Day 65:  Brought. 

Day 64: Chest/Shoulders/Tris

I am currently laying down in bed with a heating pad on my belly which is seized up with cramps. Fun.  I have chest/shoulders/tris on pause downstairs because I got 2 minutes into the warm up and my belly just turned on me.  The blog today could go one of two ways.  I'm praying that this tummy thing resolves itself very, very soon.  I have a small workout window today and if I miss it, I miss it.  Stay tuned...

...It is now one hour and ten minutes later.  I have completed the workout!  Man, that was tough.  I just read another friend's blog, and I'm pretty sure she summed up this workout beautifully:  Tony wants me to fall on my face and break my nose.  There comes a point where you truly believe this with all the push-ups he's devised in his twisted, evil mind.  But, since I still think he's a genius and I didn't actually fall on my face and break my nose, I'll let it go. 

26 days to go, friends!  I'm excited on so many levels for that.  One, I'm ready for a change.  It's not that I'm bored.  You simply cannot be bored with P90X.  I've just got my eye on that half-marathon, and my legs are itching for some running.  Two, I'm ready to say "I completed P90X, and I can kick your ass."  With all the strange encounters I have with strangers, I think this is a good thing to threaten.  You know how people like to theaten with being a black belt?  "You better get away from me.  I'm a black belt."  And you look at them and their physique suggests otherwise so you're really not scared at all?  Threatening people with being a P90Xer is the same thing only actually true.  Three, I want that feeling of accomplishment.  I had it at the end of the Shred, and since that was just 30 days, I expect the euphoric sense of accomplishment to be three times as awesome.  Even more because the Shred workouts were only 20 minutes (hard, hard, hard 20 minutes), and these are three times as long.  So, I can't do that math to exponentially up the sense of euphoria, but it will be big.  I may get a t-shirt made. 

Day 64:  Brought. 

Day 63: Rest

I really do love rest days.  I love that today I'm not on worship team at church plus all my kids are gone plus no P90X combined meant I got to sleep waaaaaaay in.  I made it to 6:30.  Ha! 

Yesterday we got our farm share and we also got our first Bountiful Basket.  Google it if you want more info.  It's really a cool deal, and for our $15, we got a butt load of produce.  Last night Peter and I had a grilled veggie feast for dinner.  We did mushrooms, onions, broccoli, eggplant and fava beans.  I made a delicious olive oil/balsamic vinegar mixutre we spread on all of it, and man, oh, man you couldn't tell me that eating ridiculously healthy isn't also ridiculously delicious. 

Then I spent the morning prepping an awesome looking mango salsa because we got huge mangoes in our BB.  Mango, cucumber, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice and a ton of cilantro.  It smells amazing, and all those foods are getting better acquainted in the fridge right now.  I'm sure their friendship will blossom into something truly spectacular for dinner tonight.  Paired with a truly delicious microbrew, and dinner cannot come soon enough. 

I love this healthy food thing.  I love that with a little creativity (and a grill), you can eat like you're in a 4 star restaurant any time you want.  Food for fuel and for entertainment.  Amazing.

Day 63:  Brought. 

Day 61: Core Synergistics; Day 62: Kenpo X

Well, I almost made it a week with perfect blogging attendance.  But, some stuff came up yesterday that prevented me from getting to the computer.  Plus, I'm feeling as though I'm getting repetitive.  I don't have a whole lot to contribute at this point.

Core was good.  For the first time in a long time it kind of beat me.  I had a pitiful headache--I know, cry you a river--that simply refused to go away.  I've found that exercise actually has helped my headaches in the past, but yesterday's was different.  So, I did skip several parts.  Still, I managed to get in at least 3/4 of it, and it was an awesome 3/4 at that. 

Kenpo rocked as usual.  I'm thinking I may want to look into taking actual martial arts classes someday.  Or, at the very least, self-defense classes.  I really just love this kind of movement. I  would never have known that if not for Tony's brilliance.  Well, actually, without Mr. Flex-and-Breathe who introduced Kenpo to Tony.  Why can't I remember his name right now?  Jake?  Help me out. 

So, although I skipped a blog yesterday, I didn't skip any workouts.  I went straight through just like I was supposed to this week, and I feel much better for it.  Thanks for sticking with me this long.  I'm in the actual home stretch of this phase of my workout life. 

Days 61 and 62:  Brought. 

Day 60: Yoga X

Ahhhhhhh.  That's about all I can say after 92 minutes of yoga.  Or maybe I should say, "Ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmm."  Of course, there are negative connotations with the "ohm," are there not?  :-) 

It felt good to do yoga from beginning to end today.  It's usually a mental battle for me, though, because, let's face it, 90 minutes is a long time to stop and do anything besides maybe watch a movie.  I guess one could make the argument that I was, indeed, watching a movie, but honestly, it's not the same.  If I have to explain why, then I'd like to know what kind of movies you normally watch. 

I'm not really making Gumby look like the Tinman like I'd like to be doing (see how many "likes" were in that sentence?!), but I'm definitely more flexible than I was when I started this whole madness.  I love coming to moves and watching--well, feeling--my body go into the stretch like it's not a big deal.  It is a big deal.  It's a big, big deal, and my yoga body is a lot cooler than my pre-yoga body. 

Can you tell I'm just rambling today?  I think I may have over-cleared my mind and now have little to say.  I loved it.  30 days to go!  And then marathon training and then...P90X2!

Day 60:  Brought. 

Day 59: Shoulders and Arms

I'm being prompt today! 

This workout felt like coming home to an old friend.  I haven't done it in a while, and it was nice to get back to it.  I was a bit worried going in because doggonnit if my chest and shoulders didn't still ache from a few days ago.  I just trusted the system Tony's set up, and it is a good one.  I felt the pain in the stretch/warm-up, but once I got going with the actual workout, I didn't notice the old pain.

I did notice the new pain, but it's a good pain.  I also enjoyed my reminder to not smash my face.  I had almost forgotten that old TOTD, and it's just as relevant now as it was then.  I was amazed how much stronger I was at this routine today.  Certain moves that were struggles to get to the 10 rep mark with a lower weight weren't struggles today.  I was consistently taking myself to 15 reps with heavier weights.  I am going to have to bust out bands soon.  They're cheaper than dumbbells, and I've about maxed out what I can do with the hand weights I've got for this routine.

And speaking of bands, I've decided that I am going to do P90X while visiting Illinois (I can pack bands easily.  That's the transition I was going for there).  I was planning on just jogging, but with the heat they're having this summer, I know I'll rarely get myself in the great outdoors to do it.  I don't do well in the heat.  So, if I take bands with me, I should be fine.  I just don't want to end up taking a 12-day workout break.  That would be bad, not to mention depressing. 

I'm ready to face my day.  Sore, strong, sassy.  I needed another "s" word, and that's all I could think of!

Day 59:  Brought. 

Day 58: Plyometrics

Oh, man, I almost broke my promise one day out.  I started this entry this afternoon and then forgot to come back to it after a phone call.  I shut the computer down.  I climbed into bed.  I remembered I didn't finish and that I had promised to do better.  So, I climbed out of bed.  I fired up the computer, and here I am.  You're welcome.  And thank you for that pat on the back.  That wasn't necessary, but it was definitely appreciated.

Ah, plyo.  I feel like I just did it.  Oh, wait, I did.  Thanks to my brilliant reschedule last week, I found myself jumping around like a fiend much sooner than my body wanted to.  But, I said to my body, "Body!  You quit being a baby and just do it."  My body listened.  I had a good time.

My achilles pain wasn't as intense today.  I hope that's just a temporary injury, whatever it is.  It's definitely tender, but still workable.  What keeps me going is one-legged Eric.  I think his name is Eric.  I get confused.  There's Dominic in the back and Pam Kablam, and I'm pretty sure it's Eric.  Or maybe Phil.  No, Phil's the scary lawyer.  Well, whatever his name is, he's definitely an inspiration.  At one point, he has to modify a move because of his one-legged situation.  Tony's in front, and he says, "Now if you're tired, you can do it like this."  And Eric behind him calls out, "Or if you only have one leg!"  I giggle at that part and picture a lot of one-legged people doing P90X.  I love that there are various things that make me giggle in P90X.  I didn't think I'd smile so much. 

My arms are still sore from yesterday's bad boy workout, and tomorrow, I think I hit the arms again.  It should be interesting. 

Feeling good, people.  Feeling good.

Day 58:  Brought. 

Day 57: Chest and Back; Ab Ripper X

Yesterday, I rested.  I didn't have anything intriguing to write about, so I didn't.  But I'm back with a vengeance today, my friends. 

I enjoyed a new workout this morning.  Chest and back.  Wow.  It's a doozie.  All push and pull.  I had my new pull-up bar ready to go, but I was greatly disappointed to find that it's not tall enough.  It's not a bar, actually, and I bought it in order to have something on which to swing my bands over.  Ugh.  It's too hard to explain.  It did work, though, and I did get more resistance than I have in the past with how I was doing the pull portions of workouts.  It may be that I'm just ready to do actual pull ups.  If that's the case, then bring it.  I'll get an actual bar and just go for it. 

The rest of the workout was really great.  There was one push up move--I can't remember the name--where you "go under the fence."  It's like that movie with Catherine Zeta-Jones--also can't remembe the name--where she's maneuvering through those laser beams.  You know what I'm talking about.  Anyway, one move reminded me of that, and when you did it, they played music in the background that sounded like a James Bond film.  I laughed out loud.  That's right.  I genuinely LOL'ed.  LOLed.  I'm not sure how to add the "ed" to that. 

Ab Ripper.  Nuff said. 

Guess what else I did today?  I signed my butt up for the Seattle Half Marathon!  It's official.  They have my money.  There's no turning back.

Day 57:  Brought. 

Day 54: Yoga; Day 55: Plyo

Okay, okay.  I've really, really messed up this week.  I've messed up with working out, I've messed up with eating, and I've messed up with blogging.  Just plain old messed up.  I took "recovery week" way too literally, and I'm regretting it fully.  At least I'm putting it in writing to remind myself of how not to do my next recovery week. 

So, here's the deal.  I wimped out on plyo yesterday and did yoga again.  BUT--I only did the first half of the yoga workout.  It still counts in my book since that first half is really crazy, but it was still dogging it.  I hang my head contritely. 

I've been eating crap all week.  And wouldn't you know it, my moods have been down in the dumps.  I mean the DUMPS.  Since I started this whole fitness/eating right regimen as a way to combat depression, it's no wonder I was feeling pretty blue when I wasn't working out to my full potential or eating anything that was nutritionally redeeming. 

I woke up this morning with a new resolve.  I can't change this last week.  It's done.  There are a couple extra pounds on the scale to show for it.  I scared myself straight after seeing how quickly I can slide back down that slope.  I didn't realize I was so on the edge, and now, I have to work harder to get away from that edge. 

I did toy with the idea of going full on Body-for-Life, but after looking more into it, I can't do it.  I really can't.  There's just not enough there to keep me going on P90X.  I'm going to get back to doing my food journal, which really helps, and I'm going to pay extra close attention to my portion sizes.  I also need to be more deliberate with eating regularly every couple of hours.  This is the only way to keep myself from full-on bingeing. 

So, with my new resolve, I jumped out of bed and kicked it into high plyo gear.  Really, when you need to adjust your fitness/eating attitude, a good dose of plyo is the way to go.  It's that amazing.  I did it barefoot today to see if that would help the balls of my feet.  It actually went very well.  I was shocked.  I thought it would hurt more.  I've been having some achilles issues, and the no shoes kind of aggravated that.  HOWEVER, that pain was actually easier to work around than the pain I get in the balls of my feet.  So, it was a trade-off. 

This next week will be a totally different week, friends.  There are a couple new workouts on the schedule.  I finally got a pull-up bar and some even stronger bands, so that's going to kick my butt.  I will blog better.  I promise. 

Thank you for being my support system.  I would have quit a while ago if I didn't think there were people that would be kind of sad for me if I did. 

Let's do this!

Days 54 and 55:  Barely brought, but brought nonetheless. 

Day 53: Stretch

Ugh.  I didn't switch it out with yoga.  It's just been one of those days, and it's just going to be one of those blogs.

I came.  I stretched.  I felt good.  Plyo tomorrow. 

Day 53:  Brought. 

Day 52: Kenpo

After all that mental prep yesterday, I took a quick glance at the schedule this morning to find that it's a Kenpo day, not a Plyo day.  I'd be lying if I didn't say I was somewhat relieved.  You know how I love Kenpo, and you know how hard Plyo is.  Well, some of you do.  Some of you have yet to experience it. 

I've started doing Kenpo barefooted.  I was having a lot of trouble with the hip swinging and feet dragging with my rubber soles on carpet.  It's been a vast improvement.  I feel so free!  I'm even kicking faster and hitting harder.  Who'da thunk shoes could hold you back?  Actually, probably a lot of people have thought that.  It's what keeps the shoe industry alive and well. 

There really isn't much to report today.  The workout went really well.  I find myself having to work even harder to get my heart rate up.  When I first started, I simply had to throw one punch, and I was in the zone.  In fact, I'd be blasted out of the zone on the other side.  I had to take it easy on the breaks to get myself back to the zone where it's much safer and my heart won't explode.  Now, I have to do everything they do in the breaks just to keep my rate up in the zone.  It's awesome, my friends, to experience changes like this.  It's internal, granted, but it's awesome. 

Day 52:  Brought. 

Day 51: Core Synergistics

I woke up this morning really, really wanting to stay in bed.  The pain was gone, but I have some residual crankiness.  I was feeling sorry for myself, if I'm being truthful.  There are days when I know the workout that is in front of me and the battle that it can be to endure it, and I just want to give up.  It's so hard.  SO hard.  Especially when my pillow is so, so soft. 

But, I dragged my bad attitude and bad ass out of bed.  It wasn't cheerfully done, but it was done.  What else do you want from me? 

I couldn't help but be a bit smug when I finished with the warm-up and came to the first move.  Staggered hand stacked foot push ups.  People, this is the very first move Tony asked me to do.  This move that seemed so impossible 51 days ago was a cakewalk this morning.  Well, not exactly a cakewalk.  It's still tough, but I don't even flinch at the idea of it anymore.  I don't ask, "You want me to do WHAT?!?" anymore. 

I even find myself talking to Tony like he's in the room.  P90X makes you crazy, friends.  Cuh-RAY-zee.  I just look at him while he sets up each move for me, and I nod and give a lot of "uh huh's" and "okay's" and "no problem's."  I wish that he could pop out of the TV and make adjustments for me like he does with the people on the videos.  Those people who have become almost friends.  Almost. 

Tomorrow's plyo.  Mentally gearing up at this very moment. 

Day 51:  Brought.  Uh huh. 

Day 50: X Stretch

So, once again, yoga eluded me.  Well, I eluded it.  I woke up with some significant pain upon which I will not elaborate.  Suffice it to say, I traded yoga for stretch.  Stretch is part of the weekly routine this week, though, so on stretch day, I'll simply do yoga since the pain should be gone.  Not wimping out.  Just rearranging a bit. 

It was a wise choice, too.  I really do love the X Stretch routine.  Since I still cannot manage to wake my sorry self up on my actual rest days in order to do the stretch, it's nice when it's part of the "rest week" routines.  I also like seeing Phil slightly less intimidating.  I'm pretty scared of him in the other videos.  Scary Phil, the lawyer. 

I've begun researching 10K's, thinking I should have one under my belt between Run for Awareness and Half Marathon.  I cannot wait to get back to running.  I actually miss it.  ME?  Miss running?  Yessireebob.  I do.  I hated it.  Now I love it.  I'm going to go to a real running store and get fitted for real running shoes, too.  That will make my life even more spectacular than it already is. 

Day 50:  Brought. 

Day 49: Rest

This was a great day to rest.  It was our second official day of summer this week.  Third official day of summer all summer long!  It's been a bleak one, but I haven't really minded.  I brace myself for hot weather and just try to endure it until it's over.  If it never comes, well, then I can relax a bit.  BUT--it is nice to see the sun. 

I had an amazing couple of phone calls today.  First, my cousin Nate in Chicago has decided that he is going to fly out here in November and do the half marathon with me!  I mentioned to him last week that I was going to run it.  Next thing I know, he's going to sign up, too.  I am beyond excited for this development.  Nate's a total inspiration.  He tipped the scales at about 300 two years ago (my numbers could be a bit off, but they're definitely ball park).  Now he's svelte and fit and amazing.  This will be his SECOND half marathon this year.  I think if you do two in one calendar year then you can say you've run a whole one. 

Then I had a great talk with my big brother.  Jake's coaching me through P90X.  I know Tony says if I have questions to go to Beach Body dot com, but I've gotta be honest.  It's not a very helpful sight for me.  Jake's more accessible.  Plus, I trust him.  He inspired me with his own marathon training story, and he has encouraged me to the point of believing that the transition from P90X to half marathon is completely manageable.  I can't wait to try out my running legs in September.  Well, first in August at the Run for Awareness. 

Speaking of, Josh?  You still reading?  Lizzie?  I miss your guys' blogs! 

So, it was a fantastically uplifting day.  This week's a "rest" week in that there won't be any resistance training.  Yoga, Kenpo, Plyo.  Yup.  Sounds restful to me. 

Day 49:  Brought. 

Day 47: Legs and Back; Day 48: Kenpo

I owe you all a big apology.  I'm SORRY!  I didn't realize until this moment that I didn't write yesterday.  So, today's a two-fer. 

Yesterday's adventures in leg and back land were amazing.  I'm getting to the point in all the workouts where I'm really, really stepping it up.  I am determined to get the most out of this as possible.  My bum was really sore when it was all over, so I'm thinking I did something right. 

Then, take that sore bum and do Kenpo kicks for 45 minutes.  A-MA-ZING!  Pain was such a deterrent for me for so, so long.  Now, if I don't feel it, I get a little bummed out.  Like, maybe I didn't do it as hard as I could have.  I'm hoping I'm not turning into a crazy person.  It's okay to like the pain associated with a job well done after an awesome workout, right?  RIGHT?  Validation please. 

I upped my Kenpo kicks game today.  I've been telling myself that I'm not ready to keep up, and today I said to myself, "Self, you can keep up."  So, I did.  Seriously that easy.  Of course, when I took my pulse, I was at about 300 beats per minute.  Not really, but my heart was going.  Well, it's going to just have to learn to keep up with me, that's all.  If I can keep up with Tony, my heart can keep up with me.  Easy.  Until it explodes.  Then we may have to switch directions. 

Days 47 and 48:  Brought.  Brought. 

Day 46: X Stretch

Okay, okay, it was supposed to be yoga today, but that didn't really work out.  My arms are SO sore from yesterday's onslaught of hard stuff that I knew I couldn't do yoga if I wanted to.  But, I didn't want to be a weenie and skip a day, so I did the X stretch.  It turned out to be a brilliant decision.  It was just what my body needed, and I toyed with the idea of doing it a second time when I got to the end.  That's how awesome it was.  I had to pay attention to my family, though, so I didn't. 

My body felt so refreshed when I was done.  You work hard for the stretches, but when it's done, you feel as though you've been through a really intense massage. 

I have to tell you, I had a really great conversation with my oldest daughter tonight after dinner.  We had a mixed green salad with grilled chicken and apples for dessert.  I let them have a little caramel with the apples.  A dinner like this inevitably led to conversations about healthy living.  I just read earlier in the day an article that had interviewed Michelle Obama on how to have these sorts of conversations with kids.  She talked about deliberately taking the focus off of looks and putting it on health.  We talked about why we eat such healthy food and how it's okay to have junk food once in a while.  We played a game where I'd name a food, and she would tell me if it's a sometimes food or an anytime food.  We both got stumped on Jell-O, though.

We then segued into exercise.  I didn't talk about how we exercise to look good.  Rather, we talked about how we exercise to feel good.  Wendy doesn't see me exercise usually because I'm done before she's awake, so I asked her if she thought I exercised.  She said that she knows I do it every single morning.  Perhaps I grunt too loudly at times.  Hm.  Anyway, she said that she'd like to do videos like I do, and that's amazing because just yesterday I started looking into kids' yoga videos.  She's pumped to get started. 

So, to make a long post longer, it was a very satisfying time with Wendy tonight.  It helped me get my focus back on track.  Last night I was frustrated that I don't look better than I do.  Talking to Wendy reminded me that I may not look exactly how I want, but I am a heck of a lot healthier, and that's the most important thing, right?  The size 10's will follow. 

Day 46:  Brought.  And taught! 

Day 45: Chest, Shoulders, Tris; Ab Ripper X

Well, I survived this one again.  It's really a killer for me.  I think it's because it's the newest one in the weights category, and it works some really tough muscles.  I mean, I had absolutely no idea how many different ways there could be to work these three major muscle groups, and yet, Tony seems to have an endless arsenal of torture. 

Eh, it's not so bad.  I really do like it.  He says that the last 3 reps in each set are what count, and so I focused all my energy on the last 3 today.  When I felt like collapsing, I dug deep and did one more before actually tumbling to the ground in pain and agony.  I really am amazed, though, and how much my body can handle.  Logic says that I shouldn't be able to sustain this kind of workout for this long.  Maybe not real logic, but Natalie Logic.  I like being illogical now. 

Ab Ripper is coming along slowly but surely.  My goal is to be able to do the first half of it with no rest before P90X is over.  Sounds wimpy you say?  You must have never tried Ab Ripper X.

Did you know they're coming out with P90X 2?  This year, folks!  I'm pumped.  I'll have something to do after the 1/2 marathon! 

Day 45:  Brought. 

Day 44: Plyometrics

Good night's sleep?  Check.  Complete lack of fear because I knew what was coming?  Check.  3 1/2 gallons of water extracted from my body through the sweat pores?  Check.  Check.  Check.  Awesome, awesome, awesome morning! 

I love plyo!  Love it, love it, love it!  I am using sets of three to emphasize this morning.  I don't know why.  My fingers just feel the need to repeat.  My fingers just feel the need to repeat.  My fingers just feel the need to repeat.  Okay, that's a bit overkill.  :-)  I'm obviously still quite high on the endorphins that this workout produced. 

I jumped.  I squatted.  I leapt.  I lunged.  I saw stars at several points, but a quick shake of the head eradicated them nicely.  Of course, maybe I should be a bit concerned that this workout induces hallucinations.  Nah.  I like them. 

I did have some foot problems today.  I had those last time, too, but I forgot about them until this morning when the balls of my feet started burning.  Then it all came back to me.  I'm not sure if this is pain that I'm meant to work through or if it's time for new shoes.  Well, it is time for new shoes, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this foot pain is something I'm going to have to deal with until my feet get used to this training.  I had the same foot burning when I first started the Shred, and after a few days, it went away. 

At any rate, it's been an amazing morning.  I might even eat brussels sprouts.  On second thought, I will not.  It's my stubborn inner child.  I did, however, try beets for the first time a few days ago.  They taste like dirt with a bit of sweet.  Strangely, I didn't hate them.  We'll never be best friends like asparagus and me are, but we'll definitely be able to work out a friendly acquaintance. 

Day 44:  Brought. 

Day 43: Core Synergistics

Well, hm.  I had a rough time with this one today.  I feel bad because my posts lately have been about how rough things are.  I don't want to bum you out.  More sleepless nights leading to more exhausting mornings.  I think I'm getting "summertime" cold because I was up coughing half the night.  I put "summertime" in quotes because I don't think it even broke 65 yesterday.  Yes, in the middle of July. 

Still, I made a pact with myself.  I would finish.  That's not really a pact is it?  I may have gotten the raw end of that one.  I did the best I could, and I forced myself to do a couple of the moves a little harder than usual.  The current bane of my CS experience is the walking push-ups.  I can do those for about 30 seconds, then I have to take a 10 second break and then barely finish the last 20 seconds.  I pushed myself harder today and made it about 38 seconds before I needed a break.  Then I only gave myself an 8 second break.  So, a small victory in the midst of the exhaustion. 

Tomorrow is plyo.  I'm determined to get a good night's sleep. 

Day 43:  Brought. 

Day 41/42: Rest

Rest and celebrate the fact that my little boy is 2 today! 

Enough resting.  I have to clean for the party! 

Day 41:  Brought. 

P.S.
I got a bit off on my numbers with the camping trip since one of the days on the trip was technically a rest day.  SO, I doubled up on numbers today.  I haven't skipped any days.  I promise! 

Day 40: Kenpo X

Well, I survived the week, and I am 40 days into this madness!  I love that until my trip to Illinois in August my rest day will fall on a Sunday.  Seems fitting. 

Had another "movin' and groovin'" time with Tony and his peeps.  There's a Tony 2 on this video who is a former Marine and a Desert Storm vet.  He has a very pleasant demeanor until they do close-ups of him while he's throwing punches.  All I have to say is, yikes.  I would not want to cross that man!

I have come a long way with this workout.  I am at the point where I have to do my punch sequences faster than them in order to get my heart rate really pumping.  BUT--I can't quite keep up with the kick sequences, so it all balances out. 

Nothing major to report.  I love Kenpo.  Always have.  Always will. 

Day 40:  Brought. 

Day 39: Legs and Back; Ab Ripper X

Okay, here's the deal:  this week I am the story teller at our church's VBS.  The kids rotate through 5 stations while at VBS, and I am up against:  games, crafts, snacks and a movie.  Really, the story has the potential to be a complete downer when pinned against those major opponents.  My goal this week has been to make it the best of the stations, or, at the very least, to keep it from being the most boring.  This means I've been doing a lot of prep and a lot of fretting, as I often do before a performance.  That's exactly what these stories have been:  a major performance. 

Now, with all this prep has come a lot of anxiety.  The fear of the unknown always gets to me, and with each day's story comes a major fear of the unknown, mainly, will the story fit within the time perameters?  Add to that the fact that I started a new job this week.  It's not a major job.  I'm watching my friends' 3 rambunctious girls 3 days a week.  They are very sweet girls, and I adore them, but it was just one more thing to pile on to this week.  All of this has led to 5 very sleepless nights in a row.  And because I have to be up and out of the house really early, my workout alarm clock has been going off before 5 every day.  And not only all of that, I had Colorado, where I had an amazing time but didn't sleep all that well and 2 days after returning from that, I had camping where I slept even worse.  And then right into VBS. 

I.  Am.  Exhausted. 

That's why the blog yesterday was pitiful.  I squeezed it in before bed.  And that's why today, I'm telling you, without too much guilt, that I didn't even bother to do Ab Ripper.  I did the legs and back, and my poor body was just done.  Done, I tell you.  Now you know why. 

Today's the last day of VBS, and I'm assuming I'll be able to welcome the return of sleep and the ability to not do these workouts half asleep. 

Day 39:  Brought as much as I possibly could. 

Day 38: Yoga X

You all deserve better than this blog post, but perhaps you'll forgive me seeing as how I'm making a huge effort to still check in every day. 

I half-assed it today, ya'll.  It's been an exhausting week, and I just didn't have it in me.  But, I got up, I did what I could and an hour and a half of half-assed yoga has to be at least as good as 45 minutes of full on yoga.  Let me get through this week, and things will improve.

Day 38:  Barely brought. 

Day 37: Chest/Shoulders/Tris; Ab Ripper X

Ah, it was another delightful day with this workout.  I did this for the first time the Friday before Colorado, and today, I am feeling the same burn I felt then.  Oh, man, it's tough.  But, on the heels of plyo, it's also very empowering.  I feel as though all my muscles are prancing around on the inside--well, waddling--saying, "Look what we can do!" 

I haven't invested in push up bars yet.  I really do need to.  My wrists were hurting pretty bad today, and that's not a place on my body I want pain.  Sure, pain in the muscles is awesome.  I've always been comfortable with my wrists, though, so I'm not feeling like I need to overwork them.  I was on my knees for more of the push ups than I'd like to, but that definitely helped with the wrist issue.  Better than nothing, amen? 

The workout itself is really great.  I love the weight training videos.  You get to push yourself as far as you can go, and that shake at the end, when you think that you know that you just can't do any more is pretty intense.  It's even more intense when you manage to eek out one more rep before your body totally quits.  There is a woman in this video (I can't remember her name!  Jake!  What is it?) who is well into her 50's, and I'd put her in her 60's, if I'm being honest.  I love her.  I love that she's who I want to be.  Strong, ageless and amazing.  She inspires me, this nameless woman. 

Ab ripper?  Slight improvement today.  I'm still not at the all capital letter phase, but I did manage to do all the reps for the first three moves.  That's a first for me.  I'll count it as a small win.  It's not trophy-worthy, but it's definitely sticker-worthy.  When did stickers cease to be the most awesome thing in the world? 

Day 37:  Brought.

Day 36: Plyometrics

That's right.  I did it.  Plyometrics/jump training.  Uff dah!  That's Swedish for "uff dah!" in case you were wondering. 

I have been afraid of plyometrics for quite a while.  My fear goes back to The Shred.  Jillian has two women on the video with her.  One is a delightful woman named Anita who does modified versions of the moves Jillian lays out for her victims.  The other is a tall drink of water named Natalie who does advanced versions.  I followed Anita quite religiously through that whole 30 day time period.  At one point, though, Natalie does some plyometrics in her most graceful and awesome way.  I could never do her moves because they were insane and horrible,  and I have been thoroughly afraid of jump training ever since.   

It was plyometrics that kept me from starting P90X for a long time.  However, once I saw that the Leans program, which Tony recommends for women who don't want to bulk up too much, doesn't have plyo in it at all, I was ready to start.  Cardio X replaces plyo in the Leans program.  The trouble is, I've outgrown Cardio X.  It's too short and not hard enough of a cardio workout.  If I'm going to run a half marathon in November, I need to be keeping my cardio strength up.  That's what brought me to plyometrics today.

All I can say is, well, uff dah!  It was TOUGH.  It was HARD.  It was dangerously close to vomit-inducing.  I loved it.  When I got done, I had an overwhelming sense of awesomeness (still not a word; still don't care).  I not only did a really fabulous workout, but I overcame a really big fear.  When P90X is over, I will always be incorporating this into my regular workout routine.  It's as simple as that.  I have never sweat so hard in my life, and I am so glad that my brother pushed me into trying this.  Thanks, Jake! 

Day 36:  Brought.  SO brought. 

Day 35: Core Synergistics

As usual, I had an excellent time with CS today.  I had a sleepless night last night, which shocked me considering how exhausted I was from the camping adventure.  I'm leading the story time at VBS this week, and the fear of the unknown had me in its grip for a good portion of the night.  I digress.

I really can't say enough good things about this workout.  Tony could sell just this one and still make a fortune.  It's so well balanced and so challenging.  My only complaint is the placement of "Steam Engine."  You lock your fingers together behind your head.  Then you alternate lifting your knees to the opposite elbow.  The best way I can describe it is you're doing bicycle crunches standing up.  Well, this puts your nose in very close contact with your armpit, and considering this move comes at the end of the workout, you can imagine how unpleasant that can be.  I'm sure there's an exact science to the order of the moves, but man, oh, man, I think this one should be more towards the beginning.  I simply can't remember to put on extra deodorant when I'm stumbling around in the wee morning hours. 

Tomorrow I'm going to give Plyometrics the old college try.  Actually, I'm just going to do it.  This could mean another sleepless night.  Regardless, I'ma git 'er done!

Day 35:  Brought. 

Bonus Blog

I told you I'd let you know Sunday whether or not I jogged, and, as shown in the past, I am a woman of my word. 

I did not jog.  Turns out sleeping on a child-sized Therma-rest with a slow leak on top of a tree root on the sloping edge of a tent doesn't do much to make your back feel like jarring itself into shape by jogging.  So, instead, I sat around and ate an inordinate amount of pretzels.  I do love pretzels. 

Catch you tomorrow.  Core Synergistics! 

Camping trip:  Brought. 

Day 34: Kepo X

I have no idea why, but my bum muscles were sore today.  I totally felt it when I was doing my kicks.  It's strange, but I really welcome the muscle pain.  I translate it as my body has been pushed just a little further than it could go before.  Forward progress is always a good thing, except in a backwards foot race.  But who races backwards? 

We're off to the mountains again today.  This time we camp.  I am going to take my running shoes and hopefully try to psych myself into a little jog while I'm there.  I need to assess my running situation anyway.  We'll see.  There's a pool.  I may just sit by that.  Either way, I'll let you know on Sunday. 

Tomorrow's a rest day on the schedule, so I'm really only missing one day of training.  Of course, I'm not really missing.  I'll make it up.  For now, I go off on a Kenpo high.  "Sword, hammer!" 

Day 34:  Brought. 

Day 33: Back and Legs; Ab Ripper X

Well, folks, it's time to invest in a chin up bar.  Chin up bars.  Push up bars.  Now all I need is a swim-up juice bar.  Of course, that's a bit more labor intensive to purchase and install.  It would be fun, though, wouldn't it?  

I still like this workout, but I need it to be harder for the back portion of it.  I have been using bands for the pull up part, but I don't have a great place to anchor them.  I end up doing most of the workout with the band parallel to the ground which results in me pulling back rather than down.  Having a bar to throw the bands around will make a huge difference, I'm sure.  Oh, you thought I was going to actually do pull ups when I got the bar?  That's so cute.  

Worst part of the workout?  Wall squats.  Best part of the workout?  Wall squats.  How is that even possible?  I especially like the one-legged squats.  They're so hard, but I like looking at my quads when I do them.  They look pretty amazing, if I do say so myself, and since this is my own blog, I do say so myself.  

Ab ripper?  I don't want to talk about it.  

Day 33:  Brought

Day 32: Yoga X

I told you I'd be back on Wednesday, and here I am!  I had a fabulous time in Vail, and I am going to ride high on those wedding vibes for quite a while.  That's a different blog for a different day. 

Yoga was the perfect way to ease back into P90X after a break.  I may not have been able to do anything else today but yoga.  I mean, I have 3 days home, and then another short break.  My exhausted body wanted to just skip this week all together.  BUT, I did promise I'd be back today, and I keep my promises usually, except when I don't.  Tony and I had a fabulous time this morning.  I slept in since the kiddos are all at their grandparents' house, so I got to breathe deep without yawning every time for a change.  I liked that. 

I hate to admit, though, but I did completely blow off one portion of the workout today.  It's divided into two parts.  You do 45 minutes of moving stuff and then 45 minutes of more stretching and balancing.  The last 5 minutes of the first half are just outrageous, and I simply gave in to my inner whining.  I usually spend those 5 minutes tumbling and falling all over the place, and I know I won't master it by skipping it.  I promise not to do that again. 

I didn't eat very well this weekend, and I got on the scale this morning to assess the damage.  I lost 2 pounds.  I think it must have been the altitude.  I mean, I spent the weekend at 10,000 feet.  Surely that made a difference.  :-) 

Day 32:  Brought.

Day 31: Chest/Shoulders/Tris; Ab Ripper X

Son of a biscuit!  I feel like I did way, way back on day 1!  This workout was a beast of a beast, and my arms are still wobbly.  Oh, man, this was tough.  I had no idea how many different ways you could work your triceps and how many stinking variations there are on the push up, which, let's face it, is one of the most loathesome moves around.  Well, for me anyway.  

I have entered "Phase 2" of the program, so it was amazing to get this body jolt.  That doesn't mean I won't have to ask anyone and everyone tomorrow to help me get my suitcase on the conveyor belt, my carry on in the overhead bin or, heaven help me, find a stranger to assist me in the bathroom.  Well, maybe not that last one.  I just hope I don't get stuck anywhere, like Boise.  That would be a bummer.

Ab Ripper, thy name is Stinker.  I am almost resigned to this just being the norm.  Yes, yes, I'm doing my best and forgetting the rest.  I just wish the rest wasn't the last 8 reps in each set.  I'll get there, and when I do, I'll do my blog entry entirely in caps.  That does, after all, convey excitement.  

Today was my last workout until next Wednesday.  I'm going to Colorado and am going to have a wonderful time helping one of my best friends in the whole wide world get herself good and hitched to a really awesome man.  Karrie and Rob, I'm coming!  I'll be the one that can't lift her arms.  Catch the rest of ya'll on Wednesday (and you better be back Wednesday)!

Day 31:  Brought.  

Day 30: Cardio X

Wow.  30 days.  One month.  I did it!  I can't say that it's been the easiest month, but it sure has been rewarding.  I hadn't done Cardio X in quite some time, and it felt good to do it again today.  I will, however, have to start phasing it out pretty soon.  It's a good workout, but it's not great for cardio anymore.  I am going to have to start doing plyometrics, which I was happy to not have to do in the Lean program.  BUT--I need to.  No more fear of the insanity that is jump training.  No more fat pants cardio X.  Well, no, it's not that bad.  I was definitely working hard.  The first half of it is yoga, which is awesome, but just not cardio, you know?  But, there's a snip of plyo, kenpo and core synergistics after that, and that's when the burn comes.  By the time I get to it, though, it's only about 20 minutes of hard cardio.  I'd like to do at least 45 minutes of hardcore cardio.  So, plyo, you son of a gun, I'm coming for you! 

Only downside to 30 days:  pictures.  Still don't like them, especially these.  I like to be covered in layers upon layers of clothes at all times.  These shorts and, um, not so much on the toppage, make me feel whatever's more vulnerable than vulnerable.  HOWEVER, by the end, I'm sure I'll be strutting it so much people will be screaming, "Hey, lady, put your shirt back on!"  Just try to stop me at day 90.  I am, of course, kidding.  Sort of.

I just filled out my workout schedule on my calendar, and I mixed up my end date.  Oops!  It's September 17th, which will give me more time to marathon train! 

Day 30:  Brought. 

Day 29: Core Synergistics

And once again, I'm at Core Synergistics.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  I cannot get enough of this workout!  I haven't actually said it before in those words.  I mixed it up a bit.  The idea's still the same, though.  It's just so fantastically hard and intricate, and there's always something there to improve upon.  Every time I start, all my core muscles do a little jump for joy.  Actually, they jump for joy after the workout.  Before and during, they brace themselves with happy anticipation.  Bonus:  no toilet hugging today. 

I can't believe how far my body's come since starting P90X.  It's truly amazing to me as I push and stretch myself to places I never thought I could go.  I mentioned a couple days ago that it was 6 months to my 33rd birthday.  At Christmas last year, I had pretty much written myself off, telling myself that I squandered my 20's away and now that I was in my 30's, I was who I was meant to be for the rest of my life:  fat, weak, undisciplined.  I looked at my wrinkles, my emerging grey hairs, my doughy physique and just resigned myself to the idea that there was nothing I could do.  Oh, maybe highlights and a lot of make-up, but physically, I was too old to start something too huge.  And now, 6 months later, I'm almost 1/3 of the way done with P90X and have a half marathon calling my name.  My thirties have ceased to be my declining decade and have become my defining decade (Jake, you were right!  Tony's cheesiness does wear off onto his minions!!!).  Core Synergistics is a huge stepping stone in this process.  I think I hold this workout so dear not only because of how much it works me but because it was my very first P90X workout.  The one that started it all. 

Sidenote:  HUGE shout out to Josh, who got back on the horse yesterday and amazed himself.  And to his wife Lizzie, who hit a big milestone!  You guys are my anchors, and I'm so proud to be in this with you both! 

Day 29:  Brought. 

Day 28: Rest

Now, I know I said I was going to start incorporating the stretch video into my routine, but not today.  Today, I rested.  I have a lot going on this week, including a playdate all this morning and dinner with the pastor and his wife in our home this evening.  I've done anything but rest.  I'll get there.  I promise. 

And now, for my buddy Josh who is struggling:  Your blog entry today reeks of fear.  You say you don't tolerate uninterrupted routines, but what I read was fear of the new routine and desire to go back to the old routine.  It's like when I lose weight and still hang on to my "fat pants."  In my head, I've told myself that it's just a matter of time before I need those fat pants again and I better not get rid of them.  The only problem is, the fat pants, while comfortable and familiar, are also very sad.  And the bigger problem is, as long as they're there, I inevitably go back to them.  You are holding on to your fat pants old routine when you need to Goodwill that sucker into oblivion.  It's not an option anymore.  You missed a few runs?  Big deal.  You ate crap?  So what?  It's done.  You can't change it.  LET IT GO. 

I need you and Lizzie and everyone who's reading this on board.  I can't do it alone.  You can't do it alone.  You've got the support you need, and if you need me to call you an emo double quitter to get you back on that track, then so be it.  I will call you that until the day you die.  And if that doesn't work, I'll chop off my ponytail.  And if that doesn't work?  I'll chop off YOUR ponytail, quit worship team and heckle you each and every Sunday from the cheap seats in the back until you're running like Forrest Gump on steroids.  I mean it.  Oh, and happy anniversary.  That's exciting. 

Day 28:  Brought.