Can we get back to our weight when we began dating and maintain it? If so, then everyone is in for a surprise.....this is our journey together.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Five Weeks Down
This past week, I had a breakthrough on the Sweat Circuit. I've described before that the Sweat Circuit transitions from stretching, to Power Yoga, to Knee Lifts, then to what has been the toughest section for me, Jumping Jacks, Running, and Run Lunges. Each of the three exercises takes about 30 seconds and is repeated once making the total time about 3 minutes. Before this week, I had been trying to take it easy on the Jumping Jacks by doing them a little slower than normal; maybe even slower than is natural. By the time I got to the Run Lunges, I was tired. This week, I decided push through the Jumping Jacks, doing them with a normal speed and effort. It felt great! So, I did the same with the Run Lunges, it worked for that exercise too! So, I made it all the way through the Jumping Jacks, Running, and Run Lunges twice without slowing down or taking a break.
I tried the same thing on the next set of exercises and it worked again. Those exercises were the Lateral-X, Quick Feet, and Cross Hops. I made it through both sets of those without slowing. I feel really good about it.
I've been ready to move on to the next level of the Sculpt circuit for a week or two and am getting close to being ready to move on to the next level of the Sweat circuit too. I reviewed the next level of both circuits to see what we have ahead of us. Basically, it's more of the same with more sets and maybe a couple of new exercises.
On another note, the half marathon is next weekend. My intervals have been better than ever and I'm looking forward to the race. I usually run for 45 minutes twice during the middle of the week with a long training day on the weekend. I'm probably going to back it down to 30 minutes this week just to give myself a little extra "rest". My time for this race last year was 2:48 which averages out to about 12:49 per mile. I should be able to match that time if not beat it. I'm okay just finishing but I always like to give myself little goals along the way. My best half marathon was in April 2010 at the Run for Home Half Marathon in New Philadelphia, OH. I did that one in 2:40 and averaged about 12:05 per mile. I'm not ready to push for a better pace at the Marshall race. But, I am excited over the success I've been experiencing lately and will probably push at the next one.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
I Got Your Chubby
I decided that it is long, tedious and boring to list ALL the stats. SNOOZE! So, going forward, I am just going reveal our weigh-ins and save the measurements until the end.
So, without further ado . . .
Jeff: 228.2 ........... - 4.2 lbs (this week) - 4.4 lbs (total)
Valerie: 201.8 .......... - 1.4 lbs (this week) -4.6 lbs (total)
We are definitely trending in the right direction!
And how did we fare on the program???
Exercise:
This past week was rough. My energy level was very low and it was tough going. But, I still pulled my sagging bottom out of bed and did the workouts. On a positive note, I am now able to do at least the minimum reps for each strength exercise. Still not doing so well with the Power Yoga, but I am making small improvements. The literature for the Power 90 did say that we would reach a point where we would consider giving up, but that it gets better once you push through. I hope this is that week!
On the run/walk front things have degraded. I think my body is still adjusting to my new demands. My pace has gotten slower. I did start bumping up my run interval to try to compensate. I had a better pace on Wednesday and Sunday, until I got dizzy on my long day. Nutrition maybe? Sigh, that battle was lost, but the war will be won!
Oh, and I almost forgot . . . I did get bonus exercise on my "off day" by running around a huge corn maze on Saturday. I seemed to have a lot of energy doing this. Perhaps the crazed exercising is working????
Diet:
While I struggled with exercise, this past week I really focused on my diet. There was just one day that I was really over my calorie goal (oh, those cookies!). I even was successfully within calories on Saturday, even though I had Carrabba's for dinner! Staying away from the bread was REALLY hard for me, but I did some research, and it turns out that they have some menu items that are very reasonable on calories.
I still have some tweaking to do with my nutritional balance, but I think I am doing better overall.
Coming soon . . .
We are heading into a challenging week. I am co-chair of the Hickory Jaycees 13th Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball, which means a busy week. Saturday will be a late night dancing away at the party, which will make it tough to get moving on Sunday.
The next weekend, we have the Marshall University Half Marathon and Half Marathon relay on Sunday. So, we decided to adjust our workout schedule, shifting our routine to Monday - Saturday Power 90 workouts, and Sunday will be our Power 90 "off" day.
Happy Halloween, everyone. And, remember, when the Zombies take over, Rule #1: Cardio, so you can outrun the other guy!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wedding Days and Road Trips
The happy couple.....awwww!
With the hectic schedule and late return on Sunday to do our Scupt Circuit, we missed our weigh in this week. I have meant to do it both Monday and Tuesday, however in my zombiefied state (Jeff is right about that), I have forgotten both mornings.
SO - we'll wait until next week. Maybe we'll see great results since it will be a 2-week result.
It wasn't just the weigh-in that got off track this week. Once again, we fell vicitm to bad diet trap. I see a pattern. I am doing great Monday - Thursday, and then I fall apart with the busy/social weekends. It was not even liquid calories this past weekend.
Too be fair to myself, I did get the healthy salad at Applebees for lunch on Saturday (gotta celebrate the small victories, right?) Too bad that I could not resist cake, cookies, and cheesecake squares at the reception. Sigh.
The good news, I am seeing some changes physically. I've never had any muscle definition in my arms. Let's face it, I've never had muscles in my arms. It is only 3.5 weeks in, and I can already see some definition beginning in my arms. I am SO excited!!!
I don't think it is an official "gun show" yet, but is more than I've ever had before. :)
Ok, since I don't have results for you this week, I thought I'd try some inspiration. There may be some of you out there thinking, "good for them, but I just don't have time for that." I know you are out there. I've been that person.
So, I thought I'd share a little about my schedule this past week, so you can see that it is not easy for us to fit it in either.
Let me give you the details of my week . . .
Sunday:
Sculpt Circuit
Oktoberfest celebration
Heavy dinner and late night with friends
Monday:
6:30am Sweat Cardio
Work
Lunch meeting for community service project
Back to work
5:30pm Run/walk
Home to cook dinner and do laundry
Tuesday:
6:30am Sculpt Circuit
Work
Home to cook dinner and more laundry
Prep next day's dinner
Study for exam on Thursday
Wednesday:
6:30am Sweat Cardio
Business Meeting
Work
5:30pm Run/walk
7pm Committee Meeting
Home to grab quick dinner
More laundry
Study for Thursday's exam
Thursday:
6:30am Sculpt Circuit
Work
Drive to Greensboro for certification exam (1.5 hour drive)
Drive back to office in Hickory
Cook dinner
Preparing for trip
Friday:
6:30am Sweat Cardio
Get ready for work & pakc for trip
Conference call for work
Drive to Charleston for demo (5 hours)
Drive to Valdosta (5.5 hours)
10:30pm arrive in Valdosta and check in
Saturday:
Get up for run/walk (4 miles)
Back to hotel for shower
Lunch
Quick shopping to get dress for my neice
Back to hotel for quick change for the wedding
Attend brother's wedding
Back to hotel and hang out with family
Midnight - to bed
Sunday:
Pack up and have breakfast
Hit the road for 8 hour drive
Get to Statesville for meeting
Have meeting over dinner
Head back to Hickory
9pm - Sculpt Circuit
Unpack
So, as you can see we lead busy lives. I won't say this is easy, but, we are committed. Knowing that I've thrown my chubby out on-line for all to see helps. When I feel like staying in bed and skipping that day's workout, I think of how lame that would be in our blog.
I've been suprised and delighted to see who has been reading. I appreciate all the feedback. Thanks to all of you for being part of our journey.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Run Lunges
The next phase isn't easy either. It includes the Lateral X work, then Quick Feet, and finally Cross Hops. This phase is okay but doesn't come close to the way I feel about the Run Lunges. I'll even take the Ab Ripper over the Run Lunges....and I hurt after the Ab Ripper!
On another note, Val and I travelled this past weekend to Valdosta, GA, to attend Val's stepbrother's wedding. On Friday, we started from Hickory and drove to Charleston, SC, to visit a prospect befoerr proceeding on to Valdosta. We arrived at around 10:30 PM on Friday and promptly went to bed. On Saturday, we enjoyed a bit of breakfast with family then went for our normal Saturday run. We followed that with lunch and the wedding. We visited further with family until around midnight and drove back to NC on Sunday. We stopped in Statesville for dinner before getting home around 8:30 PM where we made sure to do our scheduled Circuit training. Of course, we still got up at 6:30 AM this morning to do our cardio.
We may be taking this exercise thing a bit too seriously. Zombie Valerie is in her office mumbling something about eating brains.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Three Weeks Down
I'd have to say that the biggest problem with our overall progress has been diet. We have undermined all of our efforts starting with day one. On top of that, every weekend we have something going on; this weekend is a wedding where I'm sure we'll eat and drink plenty. We actually take a weekend off on Oct. 23 from the high caloric intake but then we have the Halloween party on Oct. 30. The following weekend should be good too, that's the Marshall University Half Marathon weekend. I'm not sure what's going on after the Nov. 6-7 weekend.
I've been contemplating doing a full marathon. The MU Half Marathon will be my 8th and I am considering the Charlotte Thunder Road Half Marathon in December. After that, I don't have another scheduled but I know I'll get one scheduled soon. Concerning the marathons that take place at the same time as the half marathons I've done, I'd have to say that Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Marshall, and the NC Marathon at High Point are all well organized. Myrtle Beach and Marshall are the flattest. I've thought about the Chicago Marathon too. I'm not ready to commit yet, I'm just thinking about it.
What do you think?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Cardio Sucks
After the Yoga, we do knee stuff. Inner knee thrust, outer knee thrust, then cross thrust. Repeat. The whole time we do the knee stuff, we raise our arms up and down over and over again which wears out my arms even more. After the knee routine, we go into the rough section. Jumping Jacks, Running, Lateral X Work, and Cross Hops. Repeat. I haven't been able to properly complete this section. I'm getting closer but I know if I can do it, I can successfully complete the cardio circuit.
The next phase is kicks. Straight right & left, more knee thrusts left & right, and outer kicks left & right. This isn't tough but I still continue sweating because of the movement. Then, we go into punches. Jabs, Cross & Upper Cut, and Laterals (I can't remember what that's called).
The final phase, AB Ripper. This involves 10 crunces at 10 reps a piece. I've always been able to complete this phase but hurt a lot toward the end.
Overall, I'm definitely making progress. I keep getting further along each time and look forward to future progress.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Will the 3rd Week be a Charm?
VALERIE:
Sorry for the delay in posting our results. I was distracted by a pending certification exam. Now, on with the blog . . .
Here we are, having survived two full weeks of the Power 90. It was not without bumps along the way. After all, this past weekend was Oktoberfest.
To set the scene for you, as members of our local Jaycees chapter, we spend a long weekend working the beer gardens of Hickory Oktoberfest. Who can resist the smell of those sausages and the kettle corn???? I'll tell you who CAN'T . . . this chick (picture the thumbs pointing back in my direction)! And we won't even discuss the beer.
Ahh, Oktoberfest
The good news is that we dragged our exhausted, sleep deprived, and overindulged carcasses out of bed both Sunday and Monday mornings and got our week 3 exercise off to a good start.
So, let's see what the scale and the measuring tape had to say . . .
Week 2 Results:
I had a much better week this week. Jeff still had mixed results. But, overall, we are both seeing progress:
Jeff:
Weight: 232.4 .......... - 1.4 lbs (week) - 0.4 lbs (total)
Body Fat: 27.9 .......... + .6 (week) - 0.7 (total)
Chest: 45.25" .......... + 0.5 (week) + 1 (total)
Waist: 38.75" .......... + 0.75 (week) - 0.25 (total)
Hips: 42.5" .......... - 0.5 (week) -1.75 (total)
Right Mid Thigh: 25" .......... no change (week) - 0.25 (total)
Left Mid Thigh: 25" .......... no change (week) - 0.25 (total)
Right Upper Arm: 14.25" .......... - 0.75 (week) + 0.75 (total)
Left Upper Arm: 14.75" .......... - 0.25 (week) + 1.25 (total)
Val:
Weight: 203.2 ........ - 1.8 lbs (week) - 2.8 lbs (total)
Body Fat: 44.7 .......... -1.1 (week) - 1.1 (total)
Chest: 45.25" .......... - 4.25 (week) - 1.75 (total)
Waist: 42" ............ - 0.75 (week) no change (total)
Hips: 50.5" .......... - 0.5 (week) - 0.5 (total)
Right Mid Thigh: 22.5" ........... - 1 (week) - 1.75 (total)
Left Mid Thigh: 22.75" ........... - 1.75 (week) - 1.75 (total)
Right Upper Arm: 14" .......... - 0.5 (week) + 0.5 (total)
Left Upper Arm: 13.5" .......... - 0.25 (week) no change
Exercise Results:
Sculpt Circuit
Making great progress here. Last week we started of light; Jeff started with 10 lbs and I started at 5 lbs. This we we stepped it up; Jeff is using 15 lbs and I have moved up to 10 lbs (we don't have any 8 lb weights).
It hurts a little less the day after, but is still not easy. I am getting better at the push ups, but the dips are still my kryptonite. Jeff seems to be doing great at all of it.
Sweat Cardio
I would have thought this would have been easier for me, I've done various cardio programs for years, but never consistent weight training. HOWEVER, I struggle more with the cardio. That darn power yoga!!!! I don't think Tony understands that having no core stability, her Tubbiness cannot wield this mass into those positions quite yet. I promise, I will get there someday.
Run/Walking
I must say that the Power 90 program does seem to be hampering my run/walk efforts a bit. Typically, on a busy weekend, I shift my "long" day to Friday, which was my intent this week. However, after Friday's final Sweat Cardio for the week, the maximus pain in my gluteous held things back. In my mind, I planned to shift the "long" day back to Saturday. Silly Val, that is just not realistic after standing on my feet for hours during Friday's Oktoberfest. Sigh. Yes, again I am lame, and did no long day.
Diet:
I did much better on this front . . .
Monday through Thursday, I was perfectly within calorie range. However, once the weekend hit, my lack of will power was no match for the temptations of Oktoberfest. Having said that, this year, I was not as crazy as I have been in the past. In fact, if it were not for the liquid calories, I would have been pretty close to my nutritional calorie goals (except for Sunday, and we won't go there).
Supplements:
So, upon the advice of my Nurse Practitioner, I compared the nutritional ingredients in the suggested supplements to those of items on the shelves of local stores. While I did not find an exact match, it did resemble a certain shelf of products; the diet pills.
That's all I need, take some diet pills and then I got your crazy!!! So, I have decided that I will not do the supplements, but try my best to focus on the exercise and diet.
If you have a suggestion on an actual vitamin or nutritional supplement that can aid the journey (and is not a crazy diet pill), please share it as a comment below. Otherwise, I will no longer be including the supplement section going forward.
Week 3 seems to be going well so far, but that is another blog . . .
On to Week 3 . . .
WEEK 2 UPDATE
Well, we have survived another week, and we are not yet dead.
To try to keep a consistent schedule, we have made the decision to get up at 6:30am to do our Power 90 in the morning before work. Not as big of a struggle for Jeff, but Valerie is NOT a morning person at all. Egad! Here we go!
Or, maybe not . . . forgetting to reset my alarm to 6:30am led to an oversleep on our very first am workout! DOH! The previous evening's Oktoberfest 5-course Meal and Beer Tasting did NOT help, either. Oh, it was a tough morning. But, we did get our carcasses moving to do the workout. Better late than never.
Day 2 was Sweat Cardio 1-2 and the Ab Ripper 100
And they aren't kidding about the sweat OR the rip! Still taking it slow, learning the moves, and trying not to die.
Exercise:
We were both a hot sweaty mess within the first several minutes of the Sweat Cardio routine. I think the Power Yoga is supposed to be a warm up. I had difficulty just getting my body into even a close approximation to the prescribed poses! I guess that means its working? Let's just say I have looooonnnng way to go. Jeff fared much better than I, but I was glad to see him struggle a time or two. (Don't hate, I just feel less of a TOTAL loser knowing I am not the onnly one to find it a challenge!)
As for the Ab Ripper, well, Ripper is a great name for it. I felt as if Jack, himself, were having a go at my mid-section. I still feel the burn.

Diet:
Ummm, yeah, not any better in the dietary department today. Had a really bad lunch (craving greasy food as a result of having enjoyed last night's beer tasting a little too much) and then for dinner, I have a date with some friends to celebrate the grand opening of the Mellow Mushroom. Sigh. I am going to have to make some changes if I am going to get this train on its track.
Supplements:
Still no decision here.
On the whole, we feel pretty good about our progress so far, even though it is only Day 2. Today was a really tough day, and we had so many good reasons to go punkarella. But, we stuck to our plan (mostly) and feel all the better for it.
2 down, 88 to go!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
My First Post
Concerning the Sculpt program, I am very close to completing the full routine at the minimum reps. The dumbbell exercises are not a problem, I can always adjust the weight to do the minimum if necessary. The lunges and squats aren't a problem either. I'm even up to doing the maximum number of reps on dips. My biggest problem are the push-ups, especially the three part push-ups (wide, inner and standard at seven reps each). I'm only a couple of reps shy of doing it all and figure I'll get there in the next week. It helps that I've lost a couple of pounds too, I'm sure. :)
The Sweat program is a bit tougher for me. I thought that since I've been running for the past couple of years that the cardio would be easier. It's not. Part of the reason why it's tougher is because it's a continuous routine whereas when I run I do intervals. The program starts with yoga which seems to keep me constantly using different parts of my body, balancing in all kinds of weird ways, going up and down and forward and backward. It then goes through a series of jumping jacks, running, cross somethings, and two kinds of hops....twice! I can keep up with the instructor for awhile but slack off somewhere in the hops. I'm getting better though.
Still in the Sweat program after all the running and jumping around, it switches to kicks and punches. These don't seem to be too strenuous for me and I have no problem getting through it. Actually, I do have a little problem. You have to be constantly reaching toward the ceiling, kind of like a little "bonus" exercise. My arms get tired after a while. Following the kicking (and screaming), we take a bit of a rest and stretch. You think you're done but, no, it's Ab Ripper time! The Ab Ripper is ten ab exercises at ten reps each. I've completed it every time so far (five times as of today) but it's not ever been easy.
Val is doing great! She has gotten up every day at 6:30 and happily makes her way downstairs to do the exercise. And, does it without the aid of caffeine! The dips in the Sculpt program is probably her hardest exercise. The first couple of times we tried the dips, we used folding chairs which have seats that are just thin enough that it was awkward to grab with our hands. We switched to using either end of the coffee table (don't worry, it's sturdy) and it made a big difference because it's wider than both our butts.
I'm really excited about our progress and am looking forward to finally conquering the two phases. I'm hoping that I will have successfully completed the Sculpt program in the next week or so (which means all the push-ups) and will have a good foundation to consider moving on to the next level. The Sweat program may take a little longer but I don't mind. I feel like I make a little more progress everytime I do it and know that I'll move on to the next level eventually.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
#049 - P90X Newsletter - Cutting Out and Rocking Out - Fitness, Nutrition, Diet, Weight Loss Official Web site#article1#article1
Thanks, April for the share!
#049 - P90X Newsletter - Cutting Out and Rocking Out - Fitness, Nutrition, Diet, Weight Loss Official Web site#article1#article1
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week 2 Begins . . . Check in Day!
VALERIE: We have successfully completed our first week of the Power 90 program. We rock! As of today, we have officially exercised for 9 days straight. Totally hot, right? Well, maybe soon, anyway.
This past weekend, we went camping with a group of friends. You read it right, camping. I reigned in my inner diva and spent the weekend in the great outdoors.
Indiana Jeff
It was fun, but not so great for the diet. Who can resist toasted marshmallows, s'mores, and mountain pies? At least I got in a nice 5 mile hike in on my "off" day. Jeff did his scheduled run/walk and wandered some caverns.
Taking time out to admire the view
It was also nice to get positive feedback on the blog. We appreciate the support! We'll need it.
And now for the moment of truth:
It was kind of weird, our weigh-in/measurements were a mixed bag of ups and downs. One thing that went up was laundry, for all our exercise gear.
As for the rest:
Jeff:
Weight: 233.8
Body Fat: 27.3
Chest: 44.75"
Waist: 38"
Hips: 43"
Right Mid Thigh: 25"
Left Mid Thigh: 25"
Right Upper Arm: 15"
Left Upper Arm: 15"
Val:
Weight: 205
Body Fat: 45.8
Chest: 49.5"
Waist: 42.75"
Hips: 51"
Right Mid Thigh: 23.5"
Left Mid Thigh: 24.5"
Right Upper Arm: 14.5"
Left Upper Arm: 13.75"
We both started light on the weight, Jeff at 10 lbs, Val at 5 lbs. We were work our way to max reps on all of the exercises (except the push-ups and dips for Val). This week we are both moving up 5 lbs each.
On the Cardio front, we are progressing toward being able to hang with all of it. Power Yoga still is tough for me, but Jeff seems to be getting the hang of it.
So, we are definitely seeing progress.
As for the run/walk program . . . Jeff kept up his schedule with no problem. I struggled with it, getting only one run/walk in last week. I guess technically I could sort of, maybe count the hike??? I know, LAME!
Diet:
I have to be honest, it would be generous to say that we were good 50% of the time. It is clear that good food is our kryptonite.
Sigh. Hoping to do better this week, but I don't need to be a swami to know that the looming Oktoberfest is likely to derail the diet once again. Who can resist the tempting aroma of sausage in the air??? Not us! Perhaps we can eat as healthy as we can through the week, to off-set calories of the coming weekend.
Supplements:
Jury still out.
We are making progress, and best of all, we are sticking to the exercise routine. One week down, only 12 more to go!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 6: One week down - Hurrah!
I am pretty tired today. I think it is a combination of things; adjusting to getting up at 6:30am this week, later bedtime last night, late dinner (I love me some turkey meatloaf, but even the mini-loafs seem to take forever to cook!), and of course, my body has experienced a consistent beating all week.

(How I felt this morning. How 'bout a nice breakfast of fresh brains? Nom nom nom.)
Even, being tired, I am feeling a sense of accomplishment. :)
We are heading out for some camping this weekend, so I wanted to be sure to update the final workout day of week #1 before we leave.Day 6: Sweat Cardio 1-2
Exercise:
Today was tough. My body did not seem to want to cooperate. But, I plugged along through to the end. Still not digging the Power Yoga. Not sure yoga was made for round people.
Projections for the weekend: Saturday is our official "day off" for Power 90 week 1, however, we still have our run/walk "long day." My goal is 5 miles. I just hope I can find something close to flat. Beyond that, I expect some hiking and maybe some other light activities; bocce ball, corn hole, or tossing a football.
Diet:
Well, so far so good, but then, I've only eaten breakfast. I suspect we might find our diet to be challenging on the group camping trip. I mean, come one, there is no camping without S'mores. We'll just have to diligent to keep the badness to a minimum.
Supplements:
Decision still pending.
I want to wish you all a happy weekend. Tune in for Sunday's weigh-in and measurement day!