Monday, December 28, 2009

Cold

Today was Legs and Back with Ab Ripper X. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

I had a great legs and back workout before I came down with a bad cold. I used 25 lbs. dumbbells on all my leg exercises and I was able to pump out 146 pull-ups. That being said, the next day I was sore and what made matters worse was that I felt myself coming down with something.

I have felt like crap the past few days and I will probably be taking the week off from working out.

I hope that is not the case, but I need to get better.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Xmas Eve

Workouts were Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X, 5 mile run and 1 mile swim. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews).

I was feeling pretty sore from my previous two workouts. Actually, I was very sore. I knew I would have the strength come lunchtime for my shoulders and arms workout. I did my Ab Ripper X before I went to work in the morning, so that was out of the way. I went into the arm workout just wanting to keep pace with my previous Shoulders and Arms workout. That is what I did. I was able to increase reps and weights on a few exercises, but mostly I was parallel with my previous. I really work hard. A+ on todays effort.

The next morning, I started off with a 5 mile run. I have learned to adjust to the boredom of a treadmill quite well. With the streets and sidewalks being very icy, I needed to keep it indoors. I am constantly changing the speed which makes things a little more interesting. It also makes it feel like the time is passing more quickly.

My last swim of the year. To me, there is nothing enjoyable about come from the cold outside and going swimming. I do it anyway. Once I get moving in the pool, it is not that big of a deal. My stroke was not great today. That being said, I was pushing myself and trying to increase my speed per lap. It is always difficult swimming when you have lifted weights two out of the previous three days. The pool is like pull-ups for me. It is a love hate relationship. I did enjoy the little triathlon training today.

Have a Merry Christmas,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Back To Reality

Workouts were basketball, X Stretch, Chest & Back with Ab Ripper X and Plyometrics. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

Basketball finally went halfway decent. My shot is coming around and I played hard. It was a great couple of hours of exercise. I played every game.

The next day was a nice stretch. It also marked the end of my recovery week. It was time to get back to work.

Chest and Back was a tough. I haven’t done this one in about 8 weeks. Four exercises in, I remembered why it is such a pain in the ass. It is push-ups followed by pull-ups followed by push-ups followed by…you get the picture. I kept pace with my last C&B workout and I was even able to increase reps and weight in a few of the exercises. I love this routine. I was feeling tight afterwards, so I can just imagine what the next couple of days are going to be like. Ab Ripper X was like welcoming back an old friend.

I woke up for plyo feeling very sore. I really was not in the mood to workout. The warm-up was not fun and neither was the first round of exercises. I felt sluggish. After about 20 minutes, I started feeling loose and strong. I started pushing myself. I was going deeper in my lunges and jumping as high as possible. I have to admit that while plyo is still a great workout, it has lost some of its difficulty. It could be because I have been doing it for a while. Who knows? I may start using a weighted vest to add some extra resistance.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Friday, December 18, 2009

No Pool

Workouts were a 5mile run, 40 minutes on the bike, Yoga X and 1-on-1 Diamond Delts. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

My workouts w got a little mixed up over the past couple of days. I was supposed to get a swim in, but when I went to the pool, it was closed for cleaning. So I had to swap it out for a bike. This meant a 3 workout day. Luckily yoga was one of the workouts.

My weekly run was good. Another 5 miler. I had to keep indoors due to icy sidewalks. I kept it interesting by switching up the pace. I came in at about a 7:50 pace, which is fine for me.

The following day was my trifecta. I started off with a little bike. About 40 minutes of spinning. I felt very strong on the bike. I had my pace at 30 mph at some spots. Of course we are talking indoors on the trainer, but stiil, it is enough to get the heart rate up. I definitely burned a bunch of calories. Next up was my lunch time yoga. Like I have said the past couple of weeks, the longer yoga is really helping and I am enjoying it. I will probably switch back to the shorter yoga once triathlon season starts. Finally, 1-on-1 Diamond Delts. At this point, I decided to go for broke. I went heavy and hard. I maxed out on all the weight. My reps were around 8-9 per exercise. I will be feeling this one tomorrow.

Tomorrow is basketball.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Stretchin' Arms

Workouts were 1-on-1 Just Arms and X Stretch. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

Just Arms and a stretch sounded like a good combo and after the pounding I put on my arms, it turned out to be a great plan.

I won’t say much about the X Stretch other then the timing was perfect. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Now, for my arms workout. I went very heavy. Well, at least heavy for me. I increase the weight I used on just about all the exercises by 5 pounds. I love the straight weightlifting days because you get a little break in between each set to regroup. Right from the first set, I could tell it was going to be a good day. I pumped out a clean set of 10 bicep curls using 35’s. I tried to use no less than 30 lbs. on all bi/tri exercises. The only one I wasn’t able to accomplish that was on crazy 8’s. That where you keep one arm static (L position) while curling 8 times with the other arm. You repeat this twice per arm for a total of 32 reps. It’s brutal. I also pounded my forearms. They were tightening up on me halfway through the workout.

Once I move on to a new routine, I plan on making 1-on-1 arms a weekly stop.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Monday, December 14, 2009

Yoga And Core

Workouts were Yoga X and Core Synergistics. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

I have found my groove with the Yoga X once again! I thought I enjoyed the shorter version more, but I was wrong. There is something about 90 minutes of yoga that makes me feel rejuvenated. Since going back to the P90X version, I am slowly starting to feel better overall. The moves are coming back to me and by doing it on the weekends, the time seems to fly by. I forgot just how sore you get from the workout.

The next day was Core Synergistics. I felt very strong during the workout. I probably could have gone heavier on a couple of the moves, but I wanted to keep it a recovery week. My body was a little sore from yoga, but it definitely did not hold me back. During the workout, I also noticed that my knee is feeling a little better which is good. I had a little mishap tripping over one of my daughters toys in the basement. I was not happy at the time, but it seems kind of funny now.

Tomorrow is Tony’s 1-on-1 Just Arms and I plan on going heavy.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Recovery On The Horizon

Workouts were a 20 mile bike, 5 mile run and Total Body Plus. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

The week is coming to an end and so is this phase. Next week is my recovery week. I am looking forward to a little lighter of a load.

A bike and a run, I haven’t had this combo in a while. Like I have said prior, these workouts are the for triathlon maintenance. This was not a brick. I biked in the morning and ran in the afternoon. I had a very clean run. It couldn’t have been smoother. The bike was a good way to start off the morning. I am going to start rotating cycling and swimming with my weekly run.

Total Body Plus was no fun. I had to work around my daughter who wanted to get in on the action. It was quite funny, but extended my workout by 10 minutes. I stayed the same here as the previous week. I was going to try and be a hero today. I was tired and sore from the previous couple of workouts. I didn’t want to get sloppy on form and risk injury. I t was still a tough workout. I went slower with my reps to make them more intense.

Day off tomorrow and then it’s a weekend yoga.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Last Insanity

Workouts were Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit, kettlebell work with 1-on-1 Killer Abs. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

My final Insanity of this phase and once again, it had me on my hands and knees. There is a part of this workout when you are in the plank position for an extended period of time. It is tough. I needed to take a couple of breaks. I have 2 more cracks at this workout before my routine switches. We will see if I am able to make it through without breaks. I am very impressed with this Insanity workout. I am considering getting the full workout, but it wouldn’t be until after triathlon season.

Next up was my kettlebell routine with 1-on-1 Killer Abs. This one I started pushing the envelope a bit by adding some extra reps and really concentrating on form. Again, I have this workout 2 more times and I think I am going to keep pushing it. I love the kettlebell workout and when I couple it with Killer Abs, it makes a great routine.

I am starting to feel rejuvenated. I am starting to get a good amount of rest and really clean up my eating. It’s amazing what few days of clean living can do for you.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Switching Yoga

Workouts were Total Body Plus, Yoga X and Upper Plus with Abs/Core Plus. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

I switched things up a bit this week.

1) Due to Christmas parties
2) I want to start doing the longer P90X yoga.

Total Body was a bear. I went heavier and tried to pump out some more pull-ups and push-ups. I always feel that I never really as hard as I do with other workouts, but the next few days after I am very sore.

I took the next day off and then it was time for P90X Yoga. I never thought I would miss an hour and a half of viyasa’s, chatarunga’s and downward dogs. Sadly, I did. What a great workout. I really needed it. I forgot how beneficial this workout is come triathlon season. I am definitely going to stick with it.

Next up were Upper Plus and Abs/Core Plus, both from P90X+. I have to say that I am happy this is my last week of these workouts. I don’t know why, but I feel like I get more out of the straight P90X workouts. Nothing really changed here. I added some push-ups and pull-ups. I am feeling kind of sluggish. It is probably due to the fact I am just getting over a cold.

Tomorrow is my last Insanity workout of this phase.

I have a feeling I am going to lose again…

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Still Sick

Workouts were a 4 mile run and Total Body Plus. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

I am still trying to shake this cold, so that mad the workouts extra tough this week. I am also going to stop putting in diet info. The reason being is that it is always pretty close to being the same. Carbs are between 45g-55g, protein 35g-45g and fat 10g-14g.

I struggled with my run this week and cut it short. With all the chest congestion I had, breathing was difficult. I went as long as I could feel somewhat comfortable. Once I began to feel like I was struggling, I knew it was time to stop. I probably shouldn’t have run at all.

Total Body was again tough. I really didn’t have a lot of energy and strength, but I did it anyway. Again, probably a bad idea. I didn’t push too hard and stayed in my comfort zone. I still felt that I got in a good workout.

The next couple of days are going to be slow. I am going to take tomorrow off and then hit yoga the next day.

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Just Insane

Today was Insanity Plyometric Cario Circuit with 1-on-1 Killer Abs. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

I rolled out of bed this morning determined to get my workouts in. I wasn’t feeling great, but better than yesterday. The only thing I saw as a potential problem was that I was going to do the workout that kicked my ass last week. I wasn’t too worried about the kettlebell.
I started off the Insanity workout slowly. I got through the first few sets ok. I got to the last round of exercises and was toast. Again, I ended up taking breaks and breathers. This is one tough workout. Next week will be my last attempt for a few weeks. I am determined to get through it without having to take a break. This will be easier said than done.

The afternoon kettlebell routine was decent. I was excited because this was the first time I was doing this routine at the gym and they have a variety of KB’s. I was able to increase the weight for my chest presses, curls, tricep extensions and upright rows. I am almost thinking I need to pick up the next size KB for the house. The chest presses got tough towards the end. I was pretty burned out. Overall, I would give it a B. Being at the gym, I felt rushed and out of my comfort zone. I am still trying to figure out why. It might have been the need to get back to work. Who knows? We will see how it goes next week.

Killer Abs was, well, Killer Abs. There is not much to say here, 500 reps of pure fun.


Diet

Calories – 1600

Carbs – 155g (49%)
Protein – 130g (40%)
Fat – 33g (11%)

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Feeling Ill

Workouts were Insanity Plyometric Core Cardio, Kettlebell routine and 1-on-1 Killer Abs. (Take a look at blogs from March 2009 for complete P90X, P90X+ and 1-on-1 workout overviews)

As this week’s workouts begin, I sensed something was wrong. My Upper Plus workout was exceptionally tough and I couldn’t figure out why. It felt like every move required an extra effort. By the time I was finished, I felt like I had worked out for twice as long as I did. I took a solid 5 minute break before moving on to Abs/Core Plus which wasn’t too bad, but I still struggled with the hanging ab work. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

The next day when I woke up, I knew exactly what was wrong. I was getting sick. I skipped my morning Insanity workout to evaluate myself during the day. I was feeling like crap. I pulled it together enough to go for a swim at lunch. I was only going to go for a half mile. I also planned on working on my bilateral breathing. After a few laps, I realized bilateral breathing sucks. Every time I turned left, I felt like I sank a little in the water. I gave up and continued with my normal right side breathing. So far I never have had a triathlon where the buoys are on the left. I am sure that day will happen soon.

I plan on adding my Insanity workout tomorrow with my kettlebell workout. I am not sure if I will try to fit it Killer Abs or move it to another day. It will be a game day decision.

Diet

Calories – 1500

Carbs – 163g (50%)
Protein – 120g (37%)
Fat – 41g (13%)

In good health,
Joe
www.eeathlete.com
joe@eeathlete.com