Days 73 and 74

In my haste to start putting more "useful" posts up, I just realized that I forgot to update everyone on my progress!

So, yesterday I did the 30 day shred early with no issues. Today, I did the second day of week 3 of the C25K (couch to 5k). I had that strange feeling again this morning where it felt like I missed a whole running interval. I had the same feeling on day 1 of week 3. I went back and checked the timings and as it turns out, week 3 is just weird. Yeah. The cooldown walk is just extra long. So when I did the extra running on day 1? Didn't need it.

Oh well. Chalk it up to experience and doing a bit more than necessary.

Update: I decided to do my favorite this evening, and I swam. The trick is, nobody was at the pool, so I had it all to myself (mwah-hah-hah-hah). I did 20 laps nonstop for a total of 1/4 mile. This is the first time I've done that and it was great!

Day 70 - C25K in the morning

Did day 3 of week 2 today. This time, I kind of got into it - at least in the beginning. I didn't do my normal short-step jogging for most of it, rather I ran more truly. I felt like I was holding back much less than I normally do. The only problem is that by the end of the workout, I was much more tired and my legs were burning more than they usually do. Of course, that's the point of the C25K, to get one ready to run more (endurance) and eventually to run faster. Still, it was great to see where my endurance is now.

This morning was a hot morning, so I'm sweating more than usual. That's probably also due to my change in form. I actually enjoy sweating. It tells me that my metabolism is working harder and all my efforts are paying off.

Today was also the first day that I've done the shred and the C25K back-to-back. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I expected. In fact, it may even be better than my normal every 24 hour workout because I haven't had time to get as sore from the shred when I go for my run.

Update: After a great brunch with what I call "the birthday bunch" (we're a group of friends who get together rarely, but always for someone's birthday, and always at a restaurant), my wife and I decided to go to Play It Again Sports so I could look for a bicycle and some weights. While the location we went to (Kennesaw) had tons of weight machines, their selection of weight benches and free weights was meh. So we bagged it and went home.

My wife went out to do some work at Starbucks, and I hit the pool. What an awesome day for the pool. Aside from the obstacle course that is our pool on weekends in the summer, I had an awesome time. I worked it out to burning a little over 600 calories in a little under an hour. I did 4 sets of 10 laps again for 1/2 mile of swimming.

Day 68 - more running

I did c25k this morning. I actually kinda sorta enjoyed it for a few minutes. Of course, the last interval pushed my limits - just in my legs. My thighs were burning a bit in the last piece. But I was actually faster today than I was on the first day of week 2. I've decided I'm going every other day rather than just 3 days a week. It's easier for me to keep track of.

On my off days, I'm doing the 30 day shred. I may also swim on off days, but I've been giving a rest to the swimming because I was sick and because of the new tattoo. I miss it though, particularly how good it makes me feel, and the breath support it provides. So I'll probably start up again this week.

Tomorrow morning = the 30 day shred again!

Day 67 - Get into the groove, boy!

This morning, I worked out to the 30 day shred for the first time in almost 3 weeks. It was a great workout, but OW! I did level 1, and had no problems doing the whole thing, but my thighs are way sore! Oh shred and Jillian, how I missed you! I definitely need to keep doing the shred - I feel so much better for it. I haven't yet figured out how I'm going to work in swimming, I may do that in evenings when I shred so I can have a whole day to recover from C25K. Or I may switch them around. Decisions, decisions...

I promised some info about my reward for finishing the shred. Still can't share yet, but I can say that I've planned my vacation! We're going to Puerto Rico and I'm so excited. It's even more motivation to keep up with my exercise.

On the vacation note I'm doing something else I've never done before. I made my first appointment to get waxed for this coming Friday. Guys, if you've done this, or have considered it, let me know in the comments. Anyhow, it's all my back, shoulders and belly so we'll see if I can handle the pain (I'm sure I can what with the tattoos) and if I like it. If I do, I'll go again a day or two before we leave on vacation. This is a present to my wife, and a bit for myself.

Day 66 - c25k week 2 starts

I did the first day of week 2, and it was better than week 1. Maybe it's because I took a week off to recover from being sick, or maybe it's because I'm getting in better shape, but I didn't dislike today's exercise. There were moments that I actually enjoyed it, although I'm not yet ready to say "I like running".

I did the whole thing - and because this morning was so temperate, I didn't sweat as much as I usually do. I never got out of breath, and my leg was feeling better for most of the time. I can finally see myself getting more into running, even if I'm not ready to like it yet.

More good news - look at that weight tracking column on the left of this page. Do you see that? I lost over 6 lbs this week! My weight is finally catching up to my size and activity. Bonus!

I realized, however, that only the c25k is not going to be enough for me. I'm going to have to alternate on off days with swimming and the shred. I definitely need some more upper body attention and the shred will help with that. I may also move to an every other day approach, rather than a strict 3 day per week approach. I'm pretty sure that this would give me enough rest time but keep me active enough with the running to make me happy.

OMG! Stop and re-read that last paragraph! Seriously!

Ok, now realize, that 3 months ago I was sedentary, a couch potato, and I HATED exercise. Do you see why I wanted you to re-read? Do it again! I'm actually wanting more exercise! This is amazing.

Days 63 & 64

Yesterday evening I went swimming - one of my off day activities.

I didn't plan on doing this much, but I ended up doing 4 sets of 10 laps each. My community pool is 75' long, so that's 3000' which is a little over 1/2 mile. I couldn't believe it. I'm so excited. Someday, I hope to be able to do the whole 1/2 mile as one set, but for now my endurance is up and I'm pacing myself well so I'm way happy.

This morning, I did day 3 of the C25K. My foot didn't bother me until about half way though. Normally it's almost immediate pain. I guess the medication (mobix) and the elevation, ice, and heat are working. I feel ready to move on to week 2 of the C25K. That should start Tuesday!

Day 57 - Come shred away, with me!

Yesterday, I met a friend and business associate over coffee (don't worry, I had a Starbucks Tall Mocha Frapuccino Light with no whipped cream) and she commented on how good I look. That's a great feeling when someone tells you that. She recently finished a sprint triathlon and I was in awe of that and told her as much. She chimed in that she thought I should do one and I said that I might be planning that for my next next goal. I'll still need to buy a bicycle though. She asked me about the shred since I do a daily facebook update, and what exactly it was. I told her that it's Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred dvd. She was in awe! She said, "I do that too, but I'm only up to level 2, and I don't do it every day. " She didn't think that people understand what it means that I do this every day! That just made me feel great!

So, I went swimming yesterday evening and did a full 1/4 mile. I figured out that my pool is 75 feet long, so if I do 18 laps, that's 1/4 of a mile! I did it in 4 sessions (not all together), but I felt great because of it. It's my secret buildup to being ready for a triathlon (shhhhh - don't tell anyone).

I shredded this morning, and even though my upper body is sore from the swimming, I managed to get through the whole thing. Not sure if I'll do it tomorrow or take a break and just swim, but in either case, I'm getting my daily exercise in! 3 more days of the shred, and then it's C25k time!

Day 56 - I've done 26 days of the shred?

It's tough for me to believe that I'm so close to finishing up the shred. Last night, I did some yoga to stretch myself out in preparation of shredding today. I'm not sure why, but when I shred two days in a row, the second day seems to be easier, but a better workout. Of course, I was sweating like a fiend. Of course I tried a little more with my knees today. I was able to modify the jumping moves so that I could actually do them. I like them, just worry that my knees might suffer.

I'm noticing subtle changes to my physique as I go along. Yesterday, my wedding ring felt too big on my finger and my watch was loose even though it's the same spot I always wear it. Today, I could picture myself without a flabby belly for the first time in as long as I can remember. Like it was an attainable goal!

I'm probably going to swim tonight.

Day 55: 5 more shred days. Woo hoo!

Although yesterday was going to be a day off from the shred, I decided that instead of taking full days off in between, I'm going to swim on my days off. I'm really enjoying the swimming and it's some sweet exercise. It's like a liger.

I swam for about an hour and 15 minutes, with maybe 35 minutes of intense activity. I'm gradually trying to build up my stamina with swimming but I know that will take time. I have gotten a bit better about my form and about my breathing which seems to have helped. I may need to invest in a noseplug as I keep getting water in my sinuses when I try to do a backstroke.

I did the shred this morning. I think I was a bit sore from the swimming, but it makes me sore in different places than swimming does. Overall, I think I'm enjoying this fitness routine.

I'm getting really excited about starting the c25k in about a week - anyone have any tips for me?

Day 54: Another day off, another great workout

The shred seems to be tougher/better for me when I take a day off. Now today's may be because of all the swimming I did yesterday, but I could barely keep up with some of the exercises this morning. I did the whole thing, and feel great because of it, but wow!

I've decided that I'm doing the c25k next, with banish fat, boost metabolism OR more of the shred on off days. I'm probably going to continue swimming on off days as well, at least while it's hot.

The good news about c25k is that I have several friends doing it at work, so I'm hopeful we can all do a 5k together when it comes time.