The Peak Condition Project - Brian

Keep climbing: PCP Wrap up

2010-05-31T16:08:00.001-07:00

A celebratory holiday weekend is coming to a close. The BBQ yesterday was joyous and I indulged in pork ribs, chorizo sausage, and a few beers. Stayed up late with my friends and family and reveled in the summer weather. Today I'm feeling pretty fine and ready to step well into the post-PCP world.

Deciding to participate in the PCP is no doubt one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has been an incredible journey and that fact that the destination has been nothing sort of awe inspiring has made the past 90 days a sincerely life changing experience.

Let's examine the evidence. I submit to you the following.

Yes, the pictures are sobering and insane. My wife and I were shocked when we compared the pictures. The reaction from most was that yes, I needed to lose a few pounds, but never realized I needed to drop 37. That reaction is testament of the how much I actually needed to lose! I was perpetually overweight, out of shape, and heavy to 100% of my friends and family. They had accepted that I was just big. I had accepted the same fate. We all make these justifications in all areas of our life. BUT, there is a line.

A line where half ass isn't good enough anymore. A line where we say to ourselves, "NO". Not anymore. Where the pain of changing the less than the pain of staying the same. And there is the "P" word. The big "P". PAIN. It is so necessary and so vital to our existence. The pain of progress is a beautiful feeling and the PCP is so wonderfully filled with it.

I wanted to change my life. I was trapped in a maze. Maintaining a balanced diet, going to the gym regularly, and being mindful of my consumption but never reaching a point of fitness. Always held down by my own inability to remain disciplined. Thankfully, I found Patrick and Chen. They provided the map and I've emerged a new man in a beautiful light. Thank you Patrick and Chen. You've helped me climb a mountain I'd been stuck on for decades and I'm eternally grateful.

To my wonderful PCP classmates: Thank you for inspiring me throughout this journey. You're all wonderful people and I hope to keep in touch with you in our new post-PCP world.

Thank you to all my friends, family, and co-workers out there who supported and encouraged me during these past 90 days.

A special thank you to my Wife and son who were there every single PCP day with me and rode out the ups and downs. I could never have done this without you!!!

One of the most popular questions I was asked on the PCP was, "What happens after 90 days"? For that question I can only invoke the old Buddhist saying, "What you're on top of the mountain. Keep climbing". So, here I am. On top but still climbing and when I look up the sky is vast and limitless.

If you're reading this trying to decide whether or not you should do the PCP, let me save you the trouble, the answer is, YES!!! You will never regret this. It's time to leave the past behind and go where you have never been before. Trust me, the view is amazing from up here.

GO TEAM GO!!!

Brian: Complete.

Day 90 - On Top!

2010-05-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

What an amazing Day 90!!! First, I woke up and choose my workout. I selected Day 5 with and threw in 4 sets of triceps dips. For a week one workout, while it was short, I still worked up a good sweat. I was then off to Philadelphia to cheer on Team USA as they played Turkey in a friendly before they were off to the World Cup in South Africa. What an amazing game! USA won 2-1. The atmosphere was incredible and it was great to be surrounded by close friends all having a wonderful time.

I was very mindful of my consumption. I brought my own lunch (I couldn't help not weighing it out. I think that is going to be a tough transition for me), I only drank one low alcohol beer, (which was very satisfying), and had a handful of salted pretzels!!! That was literally my first extra salt intake in 90 days. Those were some good pretzels!!!

Final Day 90 weigh in: 189 pounds. 37 pounds dropped!!! Day 90 pics up. Words can't describe how amazing it feels to be on top of Mount PCP. What an incredible journey it's been.

It's Memorial Day weekend here in the States. Tomorrow I celebrate with friends and family at a BBQ that promises to be crazy-stupid-fun. I will be mindful and chow down on some ribs! It's going to be great.

I'll have a final wrap up post on Monday that will include some insane comparison pics from Day 1.

Day 89 - Peaking

2010-05-28T17:42:00.001-07:00

About 4 years ago my wife and I climbed Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. I've said ever since that it was the single greatest physical challenge of my life. Well, that was until this afternoon. I would safely tell you that climbing Mt. Washington is on the level of the PCP Day 89 workout. I expended the same amount of physical effort in today's KILLER workout as I did that day I climbed 6,288 feet and back down again. Only today I moved a total of about 50 feet the entire hour. The workout was simply amazing. By the middle of the second double super set, I thought I might pass out. I was already dripping with sweat after the first super set and that was just the beginning! I was soaked by the end! Awe inspiring. I've never worked out as hard as I did today. Finishing strong is an understatement. I finished ZUES.

The final plank and final 8MA was, I don't know, bittersweet maybe? I couldn't believe that this was it. PCP is pretty much over. Besides tomorrow's light workout. Today was the final push to the top. The final backbreaking day where you give your all, moan like a banshee, and whimper like a child. PAIN. It's real and it tastes sweet, my friends. ALIVE!!! I didn't want it to end. I started doing jumps of the rope again and after a minute I stopped myself. I simply couldn't go on. Then I thought, OK, 15 more tricep dips. I launched into those but failure was my bodies response. I had given everything. Written in sweat and spit on the gym floor. There it is. Signed, sealed, delivered.

One thing I noticed about super set days is that the workout actually goes faster than a normal PCP day. That is crazy! We're doing double the amount of reps and exercises and it's getting done in the same amount of time if not 5-10 minutes quicker. That is intense!

I feel great. MIND. BODY. SPIRIT. PEAKING!!!

Day 88 - Steps away

2010-05-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

The closing days of the PCP have been joyful and relaxed. I feel like I'm on a calm lake staring up at a bright blue sky. Just floating. The picture above was today's lunch. I stopped taking pictures of my food sometime ago so I figured I'd show what I've been basically eating for the past 60 days or so. This is essentially it. Carrots, arugula, avocado, chicken/shrimp, and toast, not pictured. Oh, I can't forget the red pepper flakes. This is also a picture of how I'll be eating for the rest of my life and I have to admit, I'm very happy about this. Today I did think about burritos and where I would eat Mexican post-PCP. Not in rush to go get it but I'm thinking about it. I've also been thinking about my post-PCP workout routine. What regimen will I sculpt for myself. How long should I jump rope every day? It's going to be fun taking ownership of my workout. I'm confident I have the tools and knowledge to progress further.

Today's workout was as killer. I finishing strong. Bursting through the finish line. A question on my mind today as I left the gym was, where do super-sets fit in my post-PCP world? One day a week, one solid week a month, every other month? Oh, the places I'll go!

And when did planks get easier then V-sit ups???

Day 87 - Tough Day / Great food

2010-05-26T18:35:00.001-07:00

The workout today for me was tough. Tough in the fact that it was Davincis/Fwd Shoulder Raise super set day. Those two really bring me to failure and actually make me whimper. The rest of the day was rather relaxing as I was off from work and was able to work around the condo doing chores, reading, and listening to various albums that struck my fancy.

That brings me to the food. The picture above is the sandwich I dubbed "Patrick's Revenge". It's a satisfying lunch and all within PCP measurements. The last week of the PCP has left me reflective of the past 90 days and what it has brought into my life. One of those things is falling back in love with...ummm, food. Which is bizarre to say because I've never been out of love with it. Not for a second. I guess I'm talking about the purity of food. The wholeness of food. Raw vegetables, no dressing, favor explosions, fruit, avocado, strawberries, a simple glass of milk, carrots, all of these things took on new lives for me. My taste buds were set free no longer under the oppressive reign of salt. And that gives a sandwich like the one above a new life. No mayo, no mustard, just the ingredients to speak for themselves and they don't just speak. They sing, man! They shout! If you love food, the PCP is for you because you forgot what it tastes like. Life is too short to not know what it tastes like.

Epic day tomorrow in the gym. Turning it to 11.

Day 86 - Super Sets ROCK!!!

2010-05-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

The super set is a bit intimidating from a far. Up close, it's a ferocious roaring tiger. And that tiger is ME!!! AHHHHHH!!!! Yeah, baby. I'm trying to figure out if my body was filled with extra adrenaline today facing the super set or if the alternating opposite muscle groups actually helps you during the set or both. I don't know. Maybe Patrick will lay down the science for us. The workout felt new today, I guess that's because it was, but after working out for 87 days straight you think it would get boring. NOPE. Sorry, that's another line, sir. This is the BADASS line. I was about to launch into my last set of V-sit ups/Planks when a gym buddy said to me, "On my next set I'm going to out groan you"!, my reply, "NO YOU WON'T".

192 pounds. New pics up. GO TEAM GO!!!

Day 85 - Rounding third

2010-05-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here we are, Day 86. Rounding third and headed home. Still plenty of work to do as demonstrated today in the gym. One rep at a time, one set at a time, one breath at a time. If you start looking down that sheet you might get distracted. You might psyche yourself out. Mind focused, muscles flexed, sweat rolling down your face. That's what it takes.

I was reminded today of a important lesson of the PCP. That while yes, it's very important what happens in the gym. It's much more vital what happens outside of it. That is where PEAK condition is reached. OUTSIDE. Of course the INSIDE part of the equation is the mind. What's happening inside your mind? What is being thought, said, uttered, spoken, ingested? Yes, still plenty of work to do.

The iPod is essential this week. TOOL's Lateralus lead me today and I'll think I'll keep that going the rest of the way up this mountain. Yes, all this pain is an illusion and if we ride the spiral until the end we may just go were no ones been. BRING THE PAIN.

Day 84 - EPIC indulgence FAIL

2010-05-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

The time had come. The Champions League final and some cold beer. The beer tasted wonderful and I had a great time. But, alas....can you guess what comes next? The last indulgence of the PCP is test of sorts. Patrick basically says go out and do something you did before the PCP and indulge and observe how your body reacts. What did I observe? The inside of my bathroom. It's white and the tile is cold. Yes, I threw up for most of the night. Then around 3:30am I had another round. Then again around 6:30 before finally sleeping till 9:30. I was then able to actually eat something and begin the final stages of the recovery process. Thankfully, the rest of the day was kind. As my son and I visited my parents and my brothers and I had an awesome game of wiffle ball in the yard.

The drive to and fro is a good hour so I had plenty of time to reflect on the events of the previous night and early morning. The sickness the beer brought on is an important reminder and lesson for me. Throwing up goes to the heart of why I choose the PCP and the changes I am embracing in my life. I've emerged with a different body and the choices I made in the past cannot be the ones I make in the future. The day 1 picture shows those old choices and the day 90 picture will show the new choices. It's simply, a no-brainer.

I'm ready to tackle the last 5 days of the PCP!!! Go Team Go!!! Let's give 110%!!!

Day 82 - The birdseed incident

2010-05-20T18:25:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I took a leisurely drive over to the Audubon center to purchase a feeder and birdseed in order to liven up our patio. Said feeder and 25 pound bag of birdseed were purchased and the clerk informed me the bag of seed was waiting outside. Open up the doors and down the ramp, there it was. My birdseed. I picked it up and threw it over my shoulder. Whoa!!! This is 25 pounds. This used to be on me, I thought. By this time I had dropped about 30 pounds and in a split second I had again felt the burden of the weight on my body. The spring in my step and renewed energy I feel doesn't just have to do with endorphins. A heavy weight has literally been lifted from my shoulders and that feeling is amazing. Am I willing to put this weight back on to carry around? Am I willing to once again bear this burden? We have a saying in New Jersey, FUGGEDABOUTIT!!!!! Heck no, peoples!!!

I'm happy to report I wrapped up an intense week in the gym. Ready for the final push to the top. I'm expecting pain.

I'm also happy to report that in about 17 hours I will be indulging in a couple beers!!! Ahhh.

Day 80 - The Gym

2010-05-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

I had a tough workout today. My mind was about 80% in the workout. The other 20% was thinking about Patrick's e-mail today concerning the gym and why gyms generally suck. And make no mistake, they do. Big time. The gym I workout in 5 days a week is great. It's at work, free, has plenty of space and all the equipment one would want. But, I've come to realize that the gym is a maze and generally about 97% of the people who attend the gym are lost in that maze. I know, I was once one of those people.

The maze is equipped with lots of bells and whistles. Machines to encumber you, T.V.'s to distract you, conversations to lure you, smells that make you ponder, windows to gaze out of, doors opening and closing, water being filled, space being taken, the list goes on. It's a miracle that anybody ever gets in shape in the gym and it's no wonder why very, very few people ever do. They can't find their way out of the maze and may not even be aware they are lost inside one. I've come to realize that the PCP is map out of that maze.

To be continued.....

Day 79 - Skinny fingers

2010-05-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

One of the side effects of the PCP is weight lose. This weight lose encompasses your entire body. Feet, head, thighs, butt, legs, arms, & love handles will shrink. You will lose fat where you weren't exactly aware there was fat. One of these area for me are my fingers. My fingers have shrunk and in the past month I've lost my wedding ring twice. Yes, twice. One of those times was tonight. Thankfully, I've been able to retrace my steps each time to find the ring. Memory does come in handy! Talking yourself through it also helps. I've decided to put the ring in a safe place until I can resize it. It's not worth much monetarily but of course, the sentimental value is large. Yes, the side effects of the PCP. Weight lose.

Week 12 pictures up.

Day 78 - The gift

2010-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

One of the best side effects of the PCP are the conversations we being to strike up with our friends, family, and co-workers. The dialog turns to the how, what, where, when, and why of well being. Talk becomes centered around health. Casual conversations can take on a deeper meaning when walking this path. Speech is a form of sharing and in it's most beautiful form it can create momentum. Progress. Forward motion. Motivation. Inspiration. I'm happy to say I've gotten to know people better during the PCP because we are sharing more with each other. Not the weather, not the game, not the job, but actually how well someone is doing and how they want to do better and how they CAN do better. These conversations reveal how being in shape is a lot more then just sweating. It's about the connection between mind, body, & spirit and the journey to bring these three into harmony. It's about being PEAK in every corner and aspect of our lives. Being in PEAK condition is a gift. Not only to yourself, but to others as well.

GO TEAM GO.

Day 77 - PCP Matters

2010-05-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

A great weekend in PCP land where we are approaching what is literally the final stretch. We had a gorgeous weekend here in New Jersey so I took full advantage and did Saturday's workout outside and of course today's jumps. Working out in the mid morning Sun is a real blast. Strapping your iPod on and pumping out the reps and jumps can be thrilling at times. I'm guessing it's a combination of the breeze, the Sunshine, and the endorphins because this morning I was having a seriously fun time doing my 3 sets of 7 minute jumps. I had the realization that I was having fun. Not a little fun, but just really enjoying myself. Loving the rhythm of the rope, loving the syncopation of the steps, loving the feeling of sweat pouring off my face. It was a beautiful moment.

Regarding the last indulgence. I see that everyone is taking advantage of theirs and I'd love to join in but I can't indulge until the 22nd. I know it's three days after our window but I'm attending a party to watch the Champions League final and I'm going to have three beers. This has been in the works for a couple months now so this train simply can't be stopped. It will be the first time since starting the PCP that I'll be watching soccer and drinking a fine beer. One of my favorite things! I'm excited!!!

At the moment I'm awaiting this weeks nutrition plan and workout regimen. I'm curious to see what's in store for us. I'm off to have my fruit snack!

Day 75 - That shirt

2010-05-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

This morning was THAT morning. This morning was THAT day. 4 years ago I followed my then girlfriend, now wife, into the Banana republic downtown. I drifted over the reduced price selection and there found a shirt that I loved. I tend to gravitate toward American West influenced styles. When I saw the strips, double pockets and buttons, I knew instantly the shirt was for me. The price, twice as nice. 20 dollars marked down from 50. Only one problem. It was in a large and it was the only size they had. I tried it on and I looked terrible in it. I looked like a fat guy in a tight shirt. But, I said to myself, one day I'm going to lose this weight and I'll be able to wear this shirt. So, I purchased the shirt and into the closet it went. Ever so often when I was feeling skinny or less fat, I would try it on and time after time the mirror just brought disappointment. The mirror doesn't lie. Back into the closet it went.

This morning was one of those mornings when you realize that you should have done laundry, like two weeks ago! I didn't have much to choose from and then I gave a second glance into my closet. There in the back, the last hanger, was the shirt. The shirt I had been waiting 4 years to wear. The shirt that I couldn't let go of. The shirt that had been the reminder of years of failing to live up to fitness goals. I took the shirt off its hanger, stood in front of the mirror and.....seriously, what a moment. What universe am I in? A Banana republic size large is actually a tad big on me. But, besides that moot point. I looked great in the shirt and the shirt looked great on me. I tucked that bad boy into my jeans and stepped out into the sunshine. When I finally saw my wife today at lunch she said, "You're wearing that shirt! Oh, my God. You look so skinny"! Yup, it was THAT day today. A beautiful one indeed.

Day 74 - High on life

2010-05-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in the gym I was in between sets when I started a silly conversation with a gym buddy of mine that only I thought was funny. He looked at me strangely and I said, "You know, I'm in a great mood and I don't know why". Generally, when people ask me how I'm doing or how I'm feeling in regards to my weight loss and exercise regimen, I say, "I feel great". And that is the Gods honest truth. I DO feel great. So, when Patrick dropped the "Do you feel great"? e-mail today it rang like a thousand Notre Dames! Only the hunchback is a smiling ole'fool named, Brian. Release the endorphins!!!! Yes, endorphins. A word you hear thrown around a lot but I can fully testify that I'm feeling them in techno-color. Through the pain we feel better. Through sacrifice we reap the greatest rewards. By summing the strength inward we project that strength outward to our family and friends. It's an amazing trip to be on.

Day 72 - Split bamboo

2010-05-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

The time had come. Jumps, chest dips, elevated push ups, butterflies, curls, single arm curls, leg lifts, & then, 4 sets of 90 second curls. 1st set. No problem. 2nd set. Tough. 3rd set. I drew inspiration from my fellow Peakers and Patrick. I breathed deeply, I raised my back for second, I pictured someone wailing on my back with a piece of split bamboo, I screamed, I yelped, sweat pouring from my brow, and bam, 1 minute and 30 seconds in the bag. OK, 4th set. Pull out all the same tricks and during the last 30 seconds, I gritted though my teeth, "Don't give up now"! And I didn't. It's a serious head rush standing up after doing 4 minutes of planks. A wonderful day in PCP land.

Week 11 pictures up.

Day 71 - On the brink

2010-05-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

After two weeks of maintaining the same weight. I didn't know what to expect when I stepped back on the scale today. To my pleasant surprise I was down 6 pounds and on the brink of reaching the 30 pound mark. How is it done? Working your tush off in the gym and eating a healthy balanced diet. Who knew? This weeks pictures up tomorrow.

Day 70 - Sunday best

2010-05-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday is still the hardest day of the PCP. Off my regular schedule and filled with activity, I usually feel hunger throughout the day. The various activities usually means I miss my normal snack times so I have to combine my snacks with a main meal like lunch. However, it affords for some combinations that have left me feeling delight. I concocted a sandwich which I dubbed, "Patrick's revenge". Toasted sourdough, salmon, chicken, avocado, arugula, tomato, and egg white, liberally showered in red chili flakes. All measurements in line with the PCP and you'd never know it. The sandwich is a thing of beauty. So beautiful, no picture exists. Just the memory of its brief yet fulfilling existence.

Sunday also brings Patrick's e-mail regarding the new dietary requirements and workout regimen. Along with it a new pledge to take this week as seriously as I did week 1. The results are showing and I feel great but these next 20 days are vital to our PEAK fitness. Now is not the time to take the foot off the gas. Now is the time to stamp down on the pedal and tackle the weeks challenges with renewed vigor and sweat. The rewards are in the distance. The summer calendar is filling up with a mind melting array of trips, games, concerts, and bbq's with close friends and relatives. Capped off with the birth of my daughter. INSANE. I will partake in all in PEAK condition. PEAK MIND, BODY, SPIRT.

#1 goal this week. 4 sets of 90-second planks in the bag.

Day 68 - 90-second Planks

2010-05-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Chest & Bicep day is my favorite. It’s the workout where I tend to really push myself. But I’ve been running into a problem at the end. The 60-second planks were doable but after killing it in the gym this morning, the 90-second planks became impossible. I was simply exhausted and had trouble holding myself up. Next week I have to really concentrate on these 90-second planks. All 4 sets must be accomplished. How have my fellow Peakers been doing with the 90-second planks?

I’m off to Philly again tonight to see a band I’ve been DIEING to see for 4 years. All good things come for those who wait. Cheers!

Day 67 - Afternoon sun

2010-05-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

I took a day off from work today. My wife and I found out that we're having a girl come September. So after a couple hours of shock/contemplation/debating about names/strolling around downtown we made it back home for a relaxing afternoon on a gorgeous day. Taking the day off also gave me the opportunity to do the workout outside for the first time. I walked over to the tennis court and did the entire routine in the shade of the trees. The breeze was light and cooling. Refreshing, even! One of the best things about the PCP is that the workouts can be done anywhere. No gym required. Outside, sunshine, blue sky, beats any gym any day.

Day 65 - Marks of the PCP

2010-05-04T18:58:00.001-07:00

The PCP brings many changes. One of those changes is the appearance of marks on your body. How do these marks appear? Usually by whipping yourself with a jump rope while speed jumping. Here are some of my greatest hits.

Hot off the press! This mark above is a fresh whip from tonight.

These are scabs from whipping myself really hard a few weeks ago. So hard, I bled.

The classic leg whip mark. This is going to scar. I'll show my kids and say, "In my day we did the PCP, whipped ourselves, and liked it"!

This mark is more of a mystery. I don't know if this is jump rope related, resistance band related, or both. The mark appears on both of my hands in the exact same spot. After the work out it's blood red but a few hours later turns a soft brown.

The workout tonight was intense. 6 sets, 5 sets, more reps upon reps. I was really pushing myself today and literally dripping with sweat the entire workout. When I got to the planks, I started to break down. 1st 90 second plank. No problem. 2nd 90 second plank. OK, that was tough. 3rd 90 second plank. FAIL. I could only muster about 30 seconds before collapse. The 4th set was more of the same. Came home, mmmmmm, raw red pepper. I love you, pepper. I love you glass of milk. 25 days left. WOW. Strange feeling.

Day 64 - PCP Panda Says...

2010-05-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Only 25 days left of the PCP!!! This is your moment. This is your opportunity. Turn it to 11. Give 111%.

Don't slack. Don't cheat. The person in the mirror is you!!! You are accountable. You are responsible. You hold the key. You are IT. The future is NOW!!!!

Day 63 - Weekend challenges

2010-05-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

After an exhausting 7 mile hike on Saturday, which featured a lovely picnic by a pond, the mind started to play tricks on me. The plan was clear. Hike, BBQ, drink cold beer, in that order. I said out loud, "Maybe I'll have a beer. After this hike and the workout this morning. I guess it would be OK". When I saw the 20 chicken drumsticks on the BBQ I said, "Maybe I can have one of those. I mean, it's for the protein". I had the thoughts, even said them out loud, but I let them pass. I let myself feel the desire but did not act on the temptation. I will soon enjoy a beer after a long hike under the hot sun. But not yet. Not with the finish line in sight. Not with mountain left to climb.

My family brunch this morning was much easier to handle. With my Father and my brother also on a diet and exercise plan, it was not a problem sitting in front of a heap of smoldering freshly cooked breakfast sausage. I just took out my pre-packed lunch and veggies and chowed down on my delicious PCP meal. My Uncle said, "If I knew everyone was on a diet I wouldn't have bought so much food!". It was a fun morning seeing the family and great to hear all the positive feedback. All the support and good vibes certainly made it one to remember.

Onward and upward!

Day 61 - Under the trees

2010-04-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Nice weather brings a bounty of opportunity and as the East Coast emerges from a bitter winter the weekend calendar start to fill up with opportunities to get outside. Saturday starts with a 8 mile hike through a nature preserve with a few friends. Getting out in the fresh air, walking under trees, footsteps on the trail, listening to the birds sing, exploring, packing a lunch, well, just writing about it puts a pleasant smile on my face. Sunday is a family brunch which will bring the opportunity of seeing family that I have not seen since starting the PCP. Most notably, my parents, who I have not seen in 4 months on account of them being “snow birds”. Everyone knows I’ve been doing the PCP. I just don’t’ know how many people have actually looked at the blog. So, the reactions, if any, will be interesting regardless. This family brunch typically includes a mountain of bacon, sausage, taylor ham, doughnuts, pastry, & pancakes. It’s our early Mothers Day gathering and it’s a legitimate feast. In past years I would generally pig out but this year I’m happy to know I won’t be. I’ll have a cup of joe and spend time in the yard with my son playing catch and chasing the dog around. Oh, I’ll be sure to kiss my Mother too.

PCP thoughts…I’ve been sleeping like a log lately. It’s felt great. For the past 18 months I have not slept through the night. They tell you when you have a baby you never sleep the same again, well, they’re not kidding. But ever since day 50, I’ve been sleeping like one. I’m making it a point to enjoy it while I can because in 4 months that will go out the window again.

Hope you’re all well and I’ll see you again on Sunday night. Kill it in the gym, peoples! 30 days left!

Day 59 - Shout Out

2010-04-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have to give a shout out to my wife and say, "Happy Anniversary!". 4 years of marriage and matrimonial bliss! I also have to thank her for all her support and patience living with a man in the midst of the PCP. We've had a few food wars over the past 60+ days. She being 5 months pregnant and I eating a fair amount of grub myself, there has been extra attention on the chow supply in our kitchen and staying within budget. All of it though leading to more strength and love.

I'm hitting the hay. Hope you all had a wonderful day.

Day 58 - Breaking 20

2010-04-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Officially past the 20 pound marker! 23 pounds gone and feeling wiped after today's workout. Patrick has this e-mail update thing down because there are days where he hits my nail right on the head. I was slacking a bit on the time between reps. Taking an extra 10 seconds here and there to catch my breath. But today Patrick said, "YO! STOP THAT! 20 seconds means 20 seconds." So, I held true and I left the gym in a trance. No slacking! I completed the workout in 1 hour and 8 minutes. The 8 minutes was the 8MA. I'm feeling it, kids. Week 9 pics are up.

Day 57 - Monday thoughts

2010-04-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Seeing Ren's six-pack today was certainly a milestone for our PCP class. My comment was that it was "inspiring and sobering". Inspiring that I too can achieve those results and sobering with the realization of my journey still to achieve those results. But instead of feeling sorry, I turned up the gas today in the gym and pushed myself to give 110%. I also strapped the iPod back on after reading Patrick's e-mail. Pre-PCP I was a regular iPod listener in the gym but when I started the PCP I stopped listening to music during the workout in order to concentrate on the routine. Sometimes I feel the iPod can be a distraction while working out but today it wasn't and I'm going to go with it for a bit. I'll put some TOOL back on the pod and get pumping, man! In the song Parabola, Maynard sings, "Embrace this moment. Remember; we are eternal, all this pain is an illusion". Certainly a mantra for working through the burn. "What one man can do another can do!" also works. The results we are all achieving is inspiring, so lets keep at it gang, lets push the heights. Raise the roof and reach for amazement in our own ability.

PCP.S - If you haven't already, I highly recommend this weeks Zencast. Gil drops some serious science. The ideas are beautiful and inspiring.

Day 56 - Indulgence: Part 2

2010-04-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

I indulged on Friday night. After a long week of work and busting my hump in the gym. I took comfort in the fact that I'd be having a beer on Friday night. I carefully weighed my choices and selected a beer from North Coast Brewery in the foggy town of Fort Bragg, CA. The beer in question was Old Rasputin 12th anniversary Russian imperial stout. I waited until wife and child were in bed so I could sit peacefully and cherish every sip in the late night stillness. The stout is aged in bourbon barrels causing the first few sips to be rather bold. But after holding the glass for a few minutes and allowing the brew to breath, the beer is quite complex and rewarding with strong chocolate and coffee notes.

The stout is also quite strong being 11% alcohol, after finishing the bottle, I had a slight buzz, and since the time had now reached somewhere past 11:30, I was quite sleepy and fell asleep on the couch! Old Rasputin knocked me out but while I was awake, I enjoyed every sip.

That night I had a bizarre dream that some would probably call a nightmare. I awoke wondering if the alcohol had anything to do with that. I also had a slight headache but that was nothing my morning cup of joe and an egg sandwich couldn't cure. My workout was also slightly tougher on Saturday. I wondered if that had to do with the beer or the fact that I had just spent the last 4 hours wondering around the Rutgers Folk Festival pushing a carriage under the sun. I'm chalking it up to a little bit of both.

At the moment I'm awaiting the new diets for the week and workout plans. Let's make it another back breaking week in the gym, kids.

Day 53 - PCP faux pas

2010-04-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

About an hour before my workout today I reviewed what I'd be doing in the gym. Looking over the sheet I realized that I did "Day 53" on "Day 52". How about that? I printed out the wrong sheet and I did not notice the day number. So, today I did "Day 52" on "Day 53". Oh well. I'm hoping the cosmic order of the PCP doesn't get thrown off whack like another volcano in Iceland erupting on part of my slip up. Synchronicity, you know? I'm doing chest dips on the wrong day and many miles away something crawls from the slime at the bottom of dark Scottish lake.

Besides that slip up. Another great workout in the gym. During my jump roping today I started doing the alternating skip out of nowhere. I was having a lot of fun going from one leg to the other. Then I'd go to one leg, then the other leg, then flat footed, then fast, then slow. I now love that we are timing the jumps. It's freed up my concentration and I can work on different jumping techniques. It certainly helps at this point in the PCP to which it up a bit.

I also picked out my second indulgence today. A beautiful beer from Northern California. Oh, Friday night. Could you come any quicker? I went with a couple friends at lunch today to pick it out and there I was standing in front of a wall of about a hundred different varieties of beer. No joke. The inside of my mouth started to tingle and my throat felt bone dry. I can't wait to taste you, my sweet.

Off to sit and then finish off the night with the night fruit snack. Hope you're all well out there in PCP land.

Day 52 - Tending the garden

2010-04-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Overall, a great PCP day. I was able to maintain a level of intensity today with the workout routine that would be wonderful to achieve everyday but it just doesn't work like that. I've been down in the Week 8 valley and I think I'm starting to see the sun again. It's nothing too bad but the thoughts of doubt do creep in during this time. Feelings of disappointment in my past condition and realizing how bad I let myself go and the complacency of that state. Realizing that these layers of fat around my midsection represent more than just fried food and beer.

Anyway, in January I made a list of goals for 2010. The categories are financial, creative, career, physical and spiritual. The physical was my participation in the PCP. The spiritual is what I must now get down to. I committed myself to starting a regular zazen practice and I've let myself down in this category. So, instead of another night of "I'll start tomorrow". The moment is now. All the books, lectures, and podcasts don't mean a thing unless you actually sit your butt down and breath. So, I'm off to tend the garden.

Day 51 - Hard work

2010-04-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

The workout today was extremely tough but rewarding. It took me a good hour and 20 minutes to get through everything and I was exhausted at the end of it. Last night, I slept like a log and I'm suspecting tonight will be no different. Thoughts during my workout tonight? "What one man can do another can do!!!". Every time I felt the stinging burning sensation, I maintained my breathing and yelled my mantra in my head and plowed forward. Week 8 pics are up. Godspeed, my peakers.

Day 50 - Keep it going

2010-04-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

After the workout tonight I stepped on the scale. 208. 208. Bringing the loss total to 18 pounds. I tried Patrick's ab flex trick when I arrived home and despite the ring of old fat (still grasping on for dear life) around my waste I can see definition in my upper abs.

I think I'm very tired right now. Dinner was a red pepper, celery, a carrot, and of course, an egg white. I think I'm very tired right now. I don't know if my mind is blank, or if it's the weird ambient music I'm listening to but I feel like a blank piece of paper. Ready for a crayon or a brush or some mud to come and make an impression on. Yes, an impression. A strange impression.

I'm going to eat my snack now.

Day 49 - Results & Mysteries

2010-04-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

With the January class of Peakers just wrapping up and our class reaching beyond the half way point I'm experiencing feelings of excitement and a bit of anxiety. Excited to see the results of those who have just finished and anxious to achieve the results that they were able to accomplish. These next 40 days are crucial in achieving my fitness goals with in the PCP.

My first timed jump today went better then I had initially expected. I never minded counting my jumps and I didn't know if I'd just start counting my jumps while I was timing them. Instead I found I wasn't thinking of a number, just glancing at the iPod stopwatch on the ground, and I was enjoying not counting my jumps. Can't help but wonder how many I did though. One of those mysteries! The mysteries of the PCP! Generally, the only mystery in the PCP is why we didn't do it sooner.

Here is to a strong week ahead. It's going to be intense from the looks of the new workout routines. Good luck, gang!

Day 47 - Crazy Milestone

2010-04-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

I started jumping today and it was going fairly well. I hit 500 and thought, well, nice rhythm we got going here. I hit 800 and thought, wow, I've broke my own record! I hit 1000 and wondered, gee, can I do all 1500. I hit 1300 and yelled to myself, don't F this up! 1500!!! 1500 in a row. I never thought I'd be able to break 738. In fact, since that day I can't recall doing more than 400 in a row. Insane! The rest of the workout went great except for the kung fu sit ups. Those are going to take a while as I'm just swinging on a vine and don't have much control over my legs. No worries. I'll get there. Wishing all my fellow Peakers a wonderful weekend. I hope you all get into something good! I'm about to chomp on some pineapple. Peace, my peoples!

Day 46 - PCP on the brain

2010-04-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

When entrenched in PCP world everything seems to reflect the project. Today on Backpacker.com, I came across the graphic above. The article was a series of tips on how to improve your fitness ahead of a long hike. I immediately thought, "Hey, that's in the PCP!" And since one of the reasons for my participation in the project is my love of the great outdoors and desire to always be immersed in its glory. Twas all the more fitting and put a smile across my face.

Today's workout was rough. Another one of my "morning workouts" but instead of feeling energized for the rest of the day I felt rather spent. The skin on my face was tingling and I felt it was hard to concentrate on any one thing at a time. I managed to get through a fairly busy day without incident and without my pants falling down. I must put a hole in this belt or buy a new one.

Day 45 - Half Way Up

2010-04-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

My journey up Mount PCP has reached the half way point. 45 days in and 45 days to go. Looking back, here are a few observations and thoughts.

The first few weeks are the hardest. The challenges present themselves early in the PCP. You are saying “No” all the time to food and old habits. Answering questions about what you’re doing and trying to stay mindful in deflecting cynicism from outside influences and self doubt.

Patterns and rhythm. Patterns and rhythm. Eating healthy every day, exercising every day, being mindful every day, becomes a pattern. It becomes a rhythm. Accepting this rhythm is key to success in the PCP. These practices, while pre-PCP might seem like a chore, become just part of your life. Like one foot in front of the other.

Mind games. On the eve of the PCP, Patrick told me the hardest part would be the tricks the mind plays. This bit of advice is very true. When it’s 10pm and you’re standing in front of an open refrigerator, the tricks become apparent. Just one more piece of bread, just one more shrimp, just an extra slice of an apple. In the gym, you can skip this set, take it easy, you’re working too hard, this is crazy. The voice is loud and clear. Acknowledging the feelings of doubt and moving forward anyway is key.

Blog as often as you can. The social media aspect of the PCP is crucial. Interacting with your fellow Peaker’s is an invaluable support system.

The PCP is fun! I've been having a great time doing this. Self confidence, empowerment, and a general sense of well being emanates from my body.

Half way up the mountain and the views are incredible!

Day 44 - And in this corner...

2010-04-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Born under a bad sign, raised in the sub-urban jungles of Northern New Jersey, the man with the plan, the prince of the PCP, weighing in at 212 pounds........OK, OK, I'll stop.....212 pounds. Wow. I've lost 14 pounds. New pics are up.

Does anyone miss that meal called dinner yet? It's funny how you get used to just eating vegetables and fruit for dinner and feel satisfied in the process and full afterwards.

Half way through the PCP tomorrow. Thoughts on the journey so far coming soon. PCPeace.

Day 43 - Giving your all

2010-04-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

In life and in the PCP, it's vital to give your all. Everyday. No matter what your doing. Give 100%. It's very hard to do this. It takes massive amounts of concentration, will, and determination. But, at the end of the day, that is when we feel whole. Knowing we've given everything we could. Taking your destiny in your hands. Taking responsibility for your choices, your feelings, your goals, and your future. That's the beans, baby. Serve them up.

So, when it comes time for the gym. It's on a night like this that I can type with certainty that today, I gave my 100%. And sometimes it's hard to know when 99.9% was good enough. After 1500 jumps, 60 floor jumps, and 80 lunges, I was literally shaking the rest of the workout. The shaking in my thighs was effecting my push-ups, my standing ovations, and forget about the planks. I could only manage about 30 seconds each before I collapsed. I have to add that I really love doing chest dips. It's an exercises I've never done before, well, I tried to do them but with little success. Now, doing 4 sets of 8 reps, it makes me feel incredibly empowered. 43 days ago, I couldn't do 1. Now, if only I could get those pistol squats down.

Day 42 - Almost cheating.....

2010-04-11T18:43:00.001-07:00

The weekend was breezy, sunny, and beautiful. Venturing outdoors was a must. The family and I took a leisurely nature walk in the early afternoon and enjoyed the sun and all the birds singing in the surrounding trees. But wow, was I thirsty afterwards. My wife suggested we head downtown and I agreed. I yearned for something smooth, cold, and refreshing to quench my thirst and please my tongue. We then remembered that The Bent Spoon had finally opened after the long winter break. The Bent Spoon is an artisan ice cream parlor and bakery that specializes in organic ice cream. Using only the freshest ingredients and whole fruits to make their often unusual and delicious flavors. Anyway, they have something there they call "the banana whip". What is the banana whip you ask? Well, they take a few frozen organic bananas put them through some kind of food compression machine, and right before your very eyes, comes something you would swear was ice cream. You would swear it! Only, it's not. It's just banana and it is a thing of absolute beauty. Especially when your PCP'n! 100% banana baby! We sat on the greenest of grasses across the street and boy did that banana whip hit the spot. So, good I felt like I was almost cheating.

I'm committed this week to hitting the gym hard. We are approaching the half way point and now, more than ever, every day counts. Every gram counts. Let's do this my peoples. Go Team Go!

Day 40 - Friday night beer

2010-04-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Friday nights are tough. The mindset is such. You've worked all week. You've stared at the carrot. You've toiled. Worked hard. Put the shift in. The weather is nice and you've just left the gym. What time is it? Beer time. Only, there is no beer. Only two egg whites and a hardy serving of arugula. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining but it's tough.

Day 39 - A funny thing happened....

2010-04-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened while I was in the middle of the PCP workout routine tonight. I actually had this thought. "I can't wait to get to the ab exercises". I actually thought that. Never before in the 32 years I have walked this Earth have I ever even remotely considered even thinking that thought. V-Sit Ups, Side crunches, and 8 minute abs. I couldn't wait to start them. PCP makes you loco!!! Ren commented on one of his blogs that he could feel the six pack working it's way to the surface. I'm also experiencing that sensation while working my abs now. I can feel them contracting, burning, expanding. tightening and flexing. All sensations I've never felt before. New worlds! New nerves! New goals! PCPeace!

Day 38 - 8's

2010-04-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to work 8 minute abs into my routine tonight. It went rather well and it's going to be an excellent end on the workouts from here on in. I had an epic fail tonight concerning my dinner. I'm trying to mix up the recipes for the egg whites so I'm experimenting. I put to much garlic and raw onion in my PCP guacamole, ohhhh boy, you can probably imagine what my breath smells like at the moment. Right now, I'm thinking about steak and shrimp and sushi and eel and hansoba and salmon and duck and all their other friends for whom I would love to sink my chompers into right now. But instead, I'll post this weeks pics and feast on some grapes and a sip on some low-fat milk. *PCP is where you wanna be cause you gonna be so in shape in 90 days.*

*Sing accompanied by 80's synth line.

Day 37 - Inspirations

2010-04-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today's "morning" workout was splendid. I have to make it a point to do more of these "morning" workouts. My energy is in the stratosphere and the gym is dark and quiet. A very different atmosphere from my normal night session. Ren posted a URL on my previous blog that had something to do with Bruce Lee. I can't be sure what it is because I don't read Japanese but I followed a few links and found the picture above. That is one of Bruce Lee's shirts and quite possibly the best shirt ever produced on the face of the Earth. That thing is priceless and it's quite inspiring for me to gaze upon. Thanks for the link, Ren. My second inspiration today comes from the world of sport. Lionel Messi scored 4 against Arsenal today in Champions League. It left me breathless. Off to Philly tonight to see BRMC. Traditionally I would have a few beers at tonight’s show but instead of fretting I’m looking forward to being completely lucid for the performance. And hey, there certainly isn't any argument about who's the designated driver tonight! I'll post updated pics tomorrow. I've lost 10 pounds as of yesterday and I’m feeling wonderful.

Day 36 - Enter the Egg White

2010-04-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

The term "PCP proper" gets thrown around a lot in the project. There is Day 1 "proper" and then there is Day 36 "proper". Today, I entered the egg white. 4 a day. 2 for dinner, which I did not find out until I was about to cook up some shrimp. I finally looked down the sheet and there it was, under protein, 2 egg whites. Ah, now I am experiencing PCP proper. The shrimp will have to wait until lunch tomorrow where I plan on chewing each one very slowly. Savoring the delicate flavor with each bite. Lunch. The holy grail of protein ingestion that is not egg whites. The new exercises added that extra element to the routine that keeps you on your toes. Keeps you thinking. Keeps you working the different muscle groups throughout your body. The pistol squats made me laugh because I was doing them rather poorly. Patrick warned that they were hard. He was right. It's going to take me a few weeks to adapt to form required to execute a proper pistol squat. Tomorrow morning will bring a proper morning workout. Morning being 10 in the AM. Still not 6, but, hey. Off to Philadelphia tomorrow night to see a show. A proper show. Sweet dreams, my lovelies. I'm off to eat some pineapple and 200 ml of low fat milk. Ah, paradise.

Day 35 - Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

A gorgous Easter sunday. Perfect for dawning a breezy white shirt and heading down to the farm to spend time with family, feed corn to the animals, and drink a cup of fresh apple cider. Jumping rope in the afternoon sun was a perfect appetizer to the Easter dinner I later cooked sipping some home brew ice coffee. Roasted sun chokes, tomato, potato, onion, arugula and some wild caught Alaskan salmon. Today's R&R and put me on firm ground, ready to take on this weeks new exercises and diet, along with any new challenges that are sure to pop up. Let's do it!

Day 33 - Pain & regret

2010-04-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

I woke up today feeling about one thousand times better, add to that a warm and sunny day, the sum, just a general good vibe emanating from my being all day. I couldn't wait to get in the gym and kill it. I knocked out the routine in 45 minutes and felt great. I even managed to stretch afterwards! Holy Cow!

The quote of the day for me is, "Pain is weighed in grams. Regret is weighed in tons." I read that early in the day and I mediated on the statement. Reflecting on how it relates to my life, the lives of my loved ones, and the general state of society in this country. The weekend is brining much needed sunshine and family time and a new goal. Adding the eight minute abs routine to my workout. I'm expecting pain and certainly no regrets on day 91. PCPeace!

Day 32 - The grump

2010-04-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

The grump. That's my wife's pet name for me when I wake up in a certain mood. This morning I awoke in one of those moods. Tired, sore, cloudy, stuffy, hungry, and just plain old leave me alone. Alas, when you have 18 month old child, all of the adjectives I listed above, don't mean a thing. You have to go on.

I did give thought to not doing the workout today. I pulled up Patrick's e-mail about not pushing yourself when your body gives you signs to slow down. So, I figured I'd play it by ear and at least I'd do my 1350 jumps. Thankfully, after a long day I felt I was in good enough shape to perform the routine and so, I did just that. The workout took me a solid hour due to my general condition but I slogged through and I don't feel worse for it. Tonight, I need sleep. As much sleep as possible. Wish me luck, I'm turning in.

Day 31 - The peaks and valleys of the PCP

2010-03-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

The peaks and valleys of the PCP. We hear about them in the blogs of the peakers who go before us. We may or may not realize that we too will be travelling the same ground. In my last blog I mentioned how spring was here and for some of us with spring come the allergies. With the pollen count today very high I was hit this morning with a cloudy head and a runny nose. Which very well might be a tiny cold. I felt I was dragging for a good part of the day. During the workout tonight a gym buddy helped me do 10 pull ups and after 1300 jumps, the cloudiness had lifted and the runny nose gone. I worked it pretty hard today. Pushing myself to do 40 second planks and keeping one eye on the clock to make sure I was keeping with the rest portions.

After the workout, now this is one of my favorite parts of the PCP, I get in the locker room, remove my shirt and it's just amazing to see all your muscles pumped and bulging. It's a great feeling to know that's actually you in the mirror. I get home to make my tilapia and asparagus as I was ravenous and again cloudy as the allergies and/or cold came back on. I started to tell my wife a story from a book I'm reading about a little girl and her father playing baseball and I just broke down and cried and I mean, I was crying! My wife stood there with a look of amazement of her face as an innocent parable transformed into epic sobbing. I then started laughing and took a nice long shower. Which, needless to say, was just what a needed.

How about my fellow peakers? Any mood swings going on in your world?

Day 30 - Around any corner

2010-03-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

I found a new love today. Baked artichokes. I had never had one before, baked that is. Usually the artichoke is hidden in something called “dip”. Which, one must admit, is rather delicious. However, I never eat artichoke dip because it is rarely presented at cocktail parties, beach shin digs, nor the bingo hall. This morning, I sipped my morning Joe, and baked a dozen or so artichokes. I then scraped away the leaves, held the precious still beating heart in my hands, and chomped down. A new love indeed. The smell recalled tomatoes, the taste recalled, hmmmm….artichoke minus dip. Splendid!

The PCP offers many new opportunities to test boundaries and explore the world inside and out. That’s the wonderful thing. The discovery right around the corner of a new burning sensation in the arms, a new taste on the tongue, a new sight in the mirror. Oh, and just in time for spring. A wonderful time for renewal and discovery.

PCP confession booth: I could not do my V sit up's today. After the 4 sets of leg ups I was a quivering mess and I literally could not lift my legs anymore. So, I did three sets of regular sit ups and one set of planks.

Week 5 pics up.

Day 29 - Kick it up a notch

2010-03-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

How does one feel after 1300 jumps of the rope, 120 lunges, and into the 2nd set of floor jumps? Tired and exhilarated. The pleasure and the pain of the PCP. PCP proper. PCP, kicked up a notch. That's where we are right now. The grams reduced, the carbs cut, the exercises doubled, and a long month ahead as we reach the 30 day mark.

I need to make adjustments to my meal times. By 12:30pm today I had gone through my mid-morning snack and lunch with only my yogurt to look forward to at 4. This is where my coffee would usually come in to help me reach my 7pm workout. So, one cup of coffee a day is manageable but I will have to push my lunch back an hour. Overall, a great PCP day.

Day 27 - Indulgence & 738

2010-03-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

My indulgence was perfectly timed as it coincided with a BBQ/hang out session with a couple of good friends. The indulgence was never a mystery. Twas only ever going to be a cold beer. But which one and how many? I studied my options and counted my calories by staying true to the 400 calorie limit Patrick imposed on us Peakers. And since I stood around for a few hours on St. Patrick's Day watching hundreds of people drink "the black stuff", it didn't take much research to pick a winner. Guinness.

Two Guinness Extra Stouts and 1 ounce of Makers Mark bourbon came in at a respectable 422 calories. I started off with the 1 once of Maker's while we were all prepping the food and gabbing about a number of topics. After all the food was cooked and ready to devour, we gathered around the table and enjoyed a fine meal.

It was after the meal that I cracked open my 1st Guinness. Pouring the black gold into a pint glass was a beautiful thing to watch. Only made all the more so by the fact that I was about to raise the glass to my awaiting lips and eager tongue. She did not disappoint. I nursed the two stouts for the next two hours and managed to work up a small but giggly buzz bolstered by a fine array of silly and humorous conversation.

I'd like to thank Joe and Spence for their support and mindfulness of my life on the PCP. When it came time to BBQ the communal slab of Delmonico steak we'd all be sharing, a small slice was BBQ'd separately without salt, and without complaint. A wonderful gesture. There was not a dry eye in the house. Nor a drop spared in that pint glass.

Today, Day 27, was a great day by PCP standards. I started my jumps in the sun and in the zone as I knocked out 738 in a row! The Guinness clearly helped! My dinner tonight was solid. I made my famous meatballs today and they were a welcomed addition to the meal. Aruglia, cauliflower, pasta, carrots, and those wonderful meatballs.

P.S. I did not have any of the Newman's marinara sauce in the background. 510mg of sodium! Only 21% of your daily recommended allowance! 5 servings in the jar.

Salt free is where we gonna be!

Day 25 - Pulled up

2010-03-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty fair day today. The floor jumps were fun and I felt like a frog. Patrick mentioned the burn after performing the floor jumps and boy, was he right. Something tells me I'm going to feel those in the morning. The tricep dips killed today. The chicken wings were cooked on a slow burn. The V sit ups were a welcomed change and I also felt the burn in all the right places.

But it was before my workout where my significant PCP event of the day happened. Patrick checked in on me to discuss my ability, or lack thereof, performing pull ups. The pull up is something I've struggled to do my entire life. For as long as I can remember. It's one of those ghosts of gym class that have been haunting my thoughts ever since the PCP started. And, I must admit I was accepting those negative thoughts. "It's OK", I told myself, "as long as I concentrate on the other exercises it will work out fine".

Patrick explained to me why the pull up was vitally important to my personal fitness and development. We brainstormed a few ideas to get me on the right track and after our conversation I've decided to put a pull up bar in the apartment so I can work extra weekends. Thanks Pat for helping me shake out some of these old cobwebs up in my attic. I have new focus and knowledge to walk my path.

Day 24 - Walking the plank

2010-03-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

The plank is a torture exercise first used in 1484 in a dreary dungeon hidden somewhere in Barcelona during the Spanish Inquisition. Holding the position for 30 seconds for 3 sets would undoubtedly compel the poor soul into confessing to any sin or transgression that was put before him or her.

Fast forward to the year 2010 and you'll find a victim in a gym somewhere in Piscataway, NJ lying on the floor and screaming "WHY GOD? WHY?". Oh, Patrick. You cruel, cruel, man. Who would put the plank right after the shoulder press?!? WHO??? What devious soul would do that? AHHHHHHH!

I confess!!! A confession written in sweat on the gym floor.

Day 23 - Just 5 more...

2010-03-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

Just 5 more....Keep your back to the floor....Just 5 more....That's how I was able to get through the last two sets of leg lifts today. The extra sets and reps added to the workout this week is exhausting. My arms were burning during the abs workout and I wasn't even using my arms! Straighting your legs for the triceps dips certainly makes them much, much harder. Muscle failure was imminent on the last set when I stopped and panted "Just 5 more". Just 5 more. Keep the form. Keep the legs straight. Bend your arms in the 90 degree angle. . Breath! Spit! Fight! Just 5 more and then 5 more after that.

It's amazing to look in the mirror and see changes in certain parts of my body that have haunted me since the 6th grade. That's not a joke. That's when I started to get harassed in the locker room for being fat. I'll tell you one thing, it certainly builds character. It feels marvelous to making this progress. I'm willing to go anywhere, provided it be forward. Just 5 more and then 5 more after that.

Day 22 - Morning Exercise

2010-03-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today brought a change of routine. Due to a schedule conflict I would have to preform my PCP workout in the morning. Normally, outside of the PCP, I would have just skipped working out. See, I never workout in the morning. I can't recall ever doing so. I've known about this for about 4 days and it's been in the back of my head. The anticipation. The doubt. The morning workout.

I entered the gym at 11am and was pleasantly surprised by this thing called "morning exercise". I had boundless energy. I jumped 500 times in a row, leaped from exercise to exercise relishing the burn, and got through the entire workout in 40 minutes. Needless to say, I was pleased with the results and I'm planning on doing more of these morning jaunts to the gym.

This week also brings a handful of new exercises to the PCP. I'm ready to take them on and interested in how we all are going to fair over the next couple weeks. Hunger today wasn't an issue as it's been in prior weeks. Even with the reduced grams I felt well fed. I'm just going to enjoy that while it lasts.

PCPeace out!

Day 21 - Maintaining focus

2010-03-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

As the days roll by and we reach deeper into the PCP. Maintaining focus is key to achieving the goals we set forth to accomplish. As with any long slog, the terrain will grow rocky, the weather fowl, and the voices inside our heads will tell us we can't go on. Patrick's e-mail today issued the caveat that "next week things get serious". We face a major test but for now, the week ahead will do. One day at a time.

I finally stepped back on the scale today to discover I've lost 5 pounds. The need for a new notch in my belt is imminent as I must hold my pants up when I walk. My sexy jeans are now rather loose! I felt rather calm today as I soaked up the sun in the park. The 1000 jumps of the rope went fairly quickly and I marveled at the fact that 1000 is now doable. As I type this, I'm hungry. Ready for my after dinner snack. So, you must excuse me as I consult my food scale. Peace!

Day 20 - Nice day!

2010-03-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

The weather was gorgeous and I spent the better part of the morning with my son walking downtown. We stopped into my favorite cafe, listened to the organist rehearse at the chapel, and closely watched the behavior of squirrels. My son thinks their mice. He points and yells "MOUSE". He then slept for the better part of the afternoon and I got to catch up on reading and washed the pile dishes in the sink. All with the windows open!

The workout today went really well. Jumping outside made the jumps go quickly. Before I knew it I had done 700 with only 200 left to go. What I love about the PCP workout is that you don't need a gym. A door and some space is all you need to work up a really quality sweat. So, that's what I did! I'm feeling a lot less sore today. My left pectoral muscle was sore this past week but today, even after the push ups, it doesn't so much feel sore, but just kind of there. Growing! Argh!

My wife observed me flexing and commented, "Wow, you actually have muscles now!". I informed her that I always had muscles and I didn't hear a response. We're looking forward to another 72 degree day tomorrow and planing a PCP picnic in the park. Loads of vegetable in the fridge and can't wait to get some sleep.

Cheers Ya'll!

Day 19 - My barbaric yawp

2010-03-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was laughing and whimpering. Today I was sounding my barbaric yawp across the empty treadmills of the gym. With the weather on the East coast approaching spring, the gym empties out much sooner than in the winter weather. That makes a late attendee such as myself very happy. I'm able to walk in and actually turn off the 10 TVs that are blaring a jumble of nonsense. I love a quiet gym. To actually hear your body in motion. To concentrate on the movement. To get lost, not in a TV show, but within your own will and motivation to complete the next rep.

An empty gym also gives one freedom to express the sounds that leap out of the body while working out. I was roaring in between sets. Grunting and speaking to myself. Counting out loud and trying not think to far ahead. And I yawped a proud yawp and thought of old Walt Whitman and then about what I'd be eating for dinner. Angel hair spaghetti, buffalo, and spinach. But...just...20...more...push ups. YAWP!!!

On the way home I rolled down the window, put on the new Massive Attack, and took a deep breath of the cool air. I thought about Sunday. The PCP "rest" day where I only have to do 1000 jumps of the rope. Ahhh, only 1000. That's wonderful.

Day 18 - Everything changes

2010-03-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Shunryu Suzuki was once asked to sum up everything he knew about Zen Buddhism in one sentence. He paused and answered, "Everything changes". And when we embrace the inevitable and expanding change in each of our lives we can start to see the world a bit differently in each minor and major event. Today, I moved my desk. I had been given warning about three months ago that I would have to move my things. I had been sitting in this seat for two years and I had a few "who moved my cheese" moments. But after reflecting, I embraced the move as a new opportunity. A welcomed change. New people, new light, new sounds, new surfaces, new windows, new shades, new "Good mornings", new "Good nights", new laughs, and new things to absorb. A whole new world.

Here in the PCP. We are feeling new changes everyday. Today in the gym I was so sore, in between reps I just started laughing and then I started whimpering. It was the only thing I could express. The only thing that made sense to do. My body is changing. New lines appear on my arms and there is actually some definition around my belly. New movements as muscles start to flex. Muscles I've never seen contract and expand before. New hands to shake as I'm in the gym every night and start to see new faces and they see a bearded guy on the floor grunting in pain and sweating like a hog. I reach out my arm and pant, "What's up, bro?". Yes, everything changes. Thank God for that.

Day 17 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2010-03-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Ah, Ireland. The picture above was taken on Claire Island off the west coast of Ireland on our Honeymoon in '06. I was also on the Emerald Isle in '00 where I toured the country with my Uncle. It's a magic place and being Irish, my family has carried a healthy dose of Irish pride for as long as I can remember.

So, it is on this day where it is every good Irishman's duty to go out and drink. Guinness, whisky, wine, what-have-you...and, I've been known to celebrate in the past rather liberally. When I announced to certain parties that I was planning on not touching the stuff for 90 days, then inevitably came the light bulb over their fine little heads, "But, you're not drinking on St. Patrick's Day?!?!?". Shock, Horror, Disgrace. Well....

I went to two bars tonight. Yes, one drink wasn't going to kill me. No, one Guinness is not bad for you. In fact it's the lowest calorie non-light beer on the planet. Nope, one shot of whisky wouldn't set me back. But, no thanks. I'm not drinking. It's not about one sip. It's about the discipline. 90 days of discipline to prepare for the thousand days afterward. Sacrifice. The Irish certainly are no strangers to that and this Irishman most certainly isn't either. Thanks to Joe, Brian, Amanda, and special guest JD, helping me celebrate alcohol free. Slainte!!!!

Day 16 - Good day, Sunchoke

2010-03-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

My hunger levels today were considerably less then yesterday. I neither felt full nor starving until about 5:39pm. I had a coffee to quell any rumbles and to get me through to my 7pm workout.

I finally picked up my extra resistance band in order to promote better form during the front arm raises and the DaVinci's. The band is "heavy". I have been using an "extra heavy" band which didn't make for the best form. I was happy to discover they are still hard and I was able to achieve the burning sensation we are looking for because I actually had control over the band. Another great workout tonight.

As far as the sunchokes go....Success! They are very tasty and I'll be eating them at least once a week while their in season. The sunchokes were baked in the oven just like a potato and had a light nutty flavor.

One last thought for today. I noticed something last night. I wasn't thirsty. Yes, I've been drinking the recommended amount of water a day but before the PCP I was a very thirty person. I was always drinking water and felt a thirst inside me for liquid. Now, it's not there. I haven't had salt for three weeks and I really enjoy not being thirsty like I was in the past. Self awareness is usually never good news but sometimes it's a ray of sunchoke or errr...sunshine.

And what does a cute baby elephant have to do with all this?...well, you decide.

Day 15 - Feeling the PCP

2010-03-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

I had a feeling all day today. It never left. At the moment I am satiated. But whenever someone asked, "How are you today?". I only had one answer. "Hungry", I said, "I'm hungry". Yes. All day. Those grams that have been subtracted from our meals have left my metabolism much like Oliver Twist, "Please, Sir. I want some more". There was no more. I'm preparing for this feeling as I'm sure it will visit over the course of the PCP.

Today in the gym I made sure to kill it after reading Patrick's e-mail reminding us to essentially kill it in the gym. I grunted out the final reps in each set and watched the clock to make sure I was sticking to the 20 second intervals. A 20 second rest never felt so good! Oh, I feel some soreness in the chest. I screamed as I lifted my son out of the bath and onto my lap. Something tells me Patrick's e-mail from Sunday will ring true this week. We're getting further into the PCP and it's going to get a bit sticky, kids. Hang in there. In the end, the kids are alright.

Day 14 - Sashimi in the dark

2010-03-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

My brother was 45 minutes late for lunch due to all the flooding in area from yesterday's Nor'Easter. When he finally knocked on the door, I was starving, so we exchanged pleasantries, he gave my wife a kiss on the cheek, I grabbed my son and we were off to Sushi Palace right down the road.

We walked through the doors to discover a room full of people eating in the shadows. There was no power in the area but the owners just kept on serving the eager lunch crowd. So, we joined in. I placed my food scale on the table and weighed my portions. My vegetable was seaweed, my carbs a bowl of rice, and for protein, a beautiful array of sashimi. No soy sauce. Which I must admit to missing. My brother is also on a exercise regiment so we sat and spoke about health, wellness, and our future fitness goals. My son, in his high chair, played with chopsticks and laughed at the Koi fish. "ISH!!" he'd scream.

We walked out an hour later and we both realize what a relaxing lunch we just had. The restaurant was very dark, only lite by the sparse sun peeking through the shades and the candles placed on the tables. The only sound was the tables of people whispering. Everyone was so quiet because it was so dark. A hushed dining experience free of neon light and muzak pumped through cheap ceiling speakers beamed by a satellite somewhere orbiting the earth. Ahhhhhh. Sashimi in the dark.

P.S. Trout for dinner. Amazing. And I found a great PCP candy bar! Take one long carrot and place it inside one long piece of celery. Heaven.

Day 13 - Like a hurricane

2010-03-13T18:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning we make our usual trip to Whole Foods to buy the weeks groceries. This is where we usually have breakfast also. So, today was a tad bit hard to watch my wife chomp on her breakfast burrito, my son nimble on blueberry scone, and me? Well, my medium coffee, which went well with the torrential rain just outside the window.

As we approached the fruit and vegetable section of the store my heart began to pump. I was actually getting excited as I felt I was now entering a new world for the first time. I loaded up on the usual items and gathered a few things I don't normally buy. Sunchokes, Swiss chard, fresh spinach, white asparagus, and green onions. Then is was off to the fish section where my fish guy, who is Zoe Hart's brother, recommended the rock shrimp, fresh trout, and another helping of catfish. My heart was pumping. Then it was off to the meats where I grabbed some buffalo and chicken. I stocked up on long grain brown rice and had the bakery slice me up some freshly baked whole wheat bread. Oh, man! I gotta real rush looking at the cart. I wasn't sure if it was the coffee or the whole goodness inside but I didn't matter. Happiness abounded.

I strolled through the middle aisles looking at all the packaged "organic" foods and checked out the sodium content. I felt new. I didn't want a single processed thing. Free samples lined the back of the store and every demonstrator asked, "Would you like to try some?". "No", I said, "But my wife would love to!". And that is my new tag line! She did find some new yogurt she's happy about!

After we unpacked and the wife, son, and cats were all napping, I knew this was my PCP workout time. Look out the window. Hmmm. Still pouring. "Maybe I can jump in the living room". Once around and nope. Ceiling to low. "Maybe If I step outside in the hallway". Nope, low again. And there I was, outside, under the awning, facing my only option. To jump in the hurricane force winds. I literally threw caution to the wind, stepped into the storm, and starting jumping. I was soaked by 50. My fingers freezing, the wind pelting my face, forcing a faster rhythm in order to maintain control of the rope. 200....300...almost done....I can't believe I'm doing this....PCP!!!!....500.....600.....OMG! Is this tree going to fall on me?.....700!!! Yes.

As I was walking back in my neighbor stuck his head out of the door. "Are you crazy?", he rightly asked. "Yes!", was the only sane reply. "What are you doing?". "Getting in shape!", I said.

Day 12 - Pennies from heaven

2010-03-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

A rain soaked weekend ahead for those of us in the Northeast. And just as the weather changes so do the plans. The rain has cancelled St. Patrick Day parades, an afternoon running in the park, and a day hike, which now means my brother will stop over for a welcomed and long overdue visit. The rain will let me catch up on reading the book I'm working on finishing, the movie I haven't started yet, the song I need to mix, and the carpet I keep promising my wife I'll clean. So, let it rain!

Saturday will bring food shopping and I'm looking to expand my vegetable repertoire beyond the broccoli, asparagus, arugula, carrots, peppers, and celery I normally make week in and week out. Rainy weekends are great for throwing on some music and experimenting in the kitchen.

Here's to rainy weekends! I hope all's well on your side of the screen and make sure your umbrella is upside down!

Day 11 - The Edge or "I can't"

2010-03-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

What a workout today in the gym! By the 12th rep of the 4th set of leg ups I was covered in sweat. My legs collapsed to the floor while I let out a grunt of exhaustion and relief that I was now time to go home to eat raw red peppers, buffalo, and brown rice. But what a day it was!

A day specifically branded with the words "I can't" coming up in multiple situations and all of them regarding diet and exercise. The concept of will power also came up in one very personal situation where the protagonist just simply does not have the will power to change his life. Even here, in the PCP, we are faced with this every second.

In one conversation when "I can't" was mentioned, I typed back, "What one man can do another can do". The quote is from "The Edge". A wonderful film, about two men stranded in the Alaskan back country who are forced to survive. The film explores will, motivation, and our duty to our fellow humans. The scene is such, the characters have two choices, either kill the bear, or be killed. The odds where against them, but it was not impossible. One character makes the other repeat and then yell at the top of his lungs, "What one man can do another can do! What one man can do another can do!".

And the choice was theirs. And the choice is OURS. Don't make choices an excuse. Just simply make the right one. Look yourself in the mirror, "WHAT ONE MAN CAN DO ANOTHER CAN DO!". And then do it.

Day 10 - When life happens or climbing Everest

2010-03-10T18:19:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to discover our son was running a fever and it was clear he wouldn't be able to attend school today. After a brief debate, my wife and I agreed to split the day with him. I would take the day shift and take him the Doctor. She would take the late afternoon shift, relieve me of my duty so I could then go into work. And there I found myself, barefoot as usual, in the kitchen. My routine broken!

For a nanosecond I thought my PCP day was over. The trap door in my mind had swung open and there I found myself, barefoot as usual, hovering over a void. My routine broken! "What do I do?" I thought. Then in that very same nanosecond, it occurred to me. I do what I normally do now. Make my PCP breakfast and go about my day. It seems so simple, but this is when we are most vulnerable, when life happens and we suddenly think, well, I can't do this now or that. I must do something different. I must fall into old habits. I must be impulsive. NO. Let every step be a step forward.

The next second I found myself, barefoot as usual, making my two eggs, heating my brown rice, and weighing my portion of carrots for breakfast. I washed it all down with a tall glass of milk and it tasted so mindful.

After I got home from the gym I lightly sauteed spinach, made my brown rice, and cooked Buffalo, onions, and garlic for my PCP dinner. After finishing I went to put my plate in the sink and there I was, standing over a heaping pile of leftover Buffalo. Spoon in hand, I looked into its meaty goodness, and had one thought. "Eat more. Dip your spoon in and shovel more in your mouth. Come on, it's protein". And as I stood there gazing into the bison abyss, I suddenly yelled, "PCP!! PCP!! PCP!!". My eyes darted over to my wife sitting on the couch who looked alarmed. "What?", she said, "Don't eat the leftovers. Don't eat the leftovers", I replied. "I'm not eating them", she answered with a bewildered look on her face. "No, me, I'm not eating them". "Why would you?" she asked. "Because it's there". My Everest. Leftovers. Normally, I would mindlessly drifted over the stove and began to shovel anything left over in my mouth. Not because I was hungry, but because it was there. I put down my spoon and walked away. "PCP!! PCP!! PCP!!", is the battle cry for today.

Exercise Notes: I figured out how to do the incline pull ups at the gym. While very hard, I did the full sets. I could not do the maximum reps for my push ups or sit ups today. By the third sets I was struggling but did manage to do the minimum reps for the last two sets of each. By my third set of sit ups I felt like I was going to throw up. I stumbled out of the gym with a smile on my face.

Day 9 - Work Hard and...

2010-03-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

Breakfast went down a lot easier today and I didn't have a weird feeling like I ate too much. Two eggs, 40 baby carrots, oatmeal, and a tall glass of milk. By the time I sat down at work I already felt hungry. My mid morning snack was an avocado with a liberal dose of pepper. Lunch was one and a half chicken breasts, two slices of whole grain bread, one whole wheat English muffin and those 40 or so baby carrots again. I ate my after lunch snack of blueberries around 4pm and by 6, I was starving. I couldn't wait to get into the gym at 7 to get my mind off the rumbles in my belly.

My goal today in the gym was to do the maximum reps for each exercise and really concentrate on form. Being mindful of form is very important to attain the most out of any given exercise. I worked hard and concentrated and completed the maximum reps allowed. I felt really great and I'm already noticing tone in my arms that had not been there just three weeks ago.

Dinner was brown rice, leeks, and catfish. Succulent. I'd like to give a shout out to my new friend, the leek. You are wonderful and so green.

Not one speck of salt today and I don't miss it one bit. I have a cornucopia of spices in my cabinet and we will grow close and cherish each moment together over the next three months.

Now for some relaxation. Arsenal vs. Porto in the UEFA Champions league round of 16. 90 minutes of pure football joy.

I hope all my fellow PCP'rs are well.

Day 8 - The faces of the PCP

2010-03-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

Day 8 is when "PCP proper" kicks in. PCP'rs open their "Day 8" e-mail from Patrick, glance at their daily allotted portion size, and then make a series of faces displaying surprise, outrage, disgust and just general WTF?!?

The portions are large. More then we have been eating before starting the PCP and certainly a lot more then the first week in which we eat half of what we normally do. WHY? Why is this? Because the PCP is not only about losing fat but gaining muscle and that muscle needs energy to grow and that form of energy is food. Glorious food.

What did I eat today? More carrots than any man on Earth. I can guarantee you that. I felt odd after eating such a large breakfast. I couldn't imagine eating for the rest of the day, but then lunch came and I ate and ate. And let me tell you folks something out there in TV Land, after the workout, I was starving. Argghhh! Give me that protein and those carbs and those veggies. Let me feed these dogs!!!

Overall, a pretty good first day of PCP proper with a few minor exceptions which will be corrected tomorrow after I stopped off at the market tonight. My one exercise hiccup had to do with the incline pull ups. My plan to pull these off was thwarted when the two benches I was using were not high enough off the ground. I had to basically skip these and will have to borrow a few chair from the cafeteria to complete them properly.

Patrick closed his e-mail today with something I need to keep in mind everyday in the gym and while doing the exercises. "Work hard", he said. Work hard. I must keep this in mind. I cannot cheat in the gym and I must give 100% in order to get 110% out of this project.

It reminded me of something J.D. said to me once. He's good and incredibly in shape friend of mine. "Brian," he said placing his hand on my shoulder, "when you cheat in the gym. The only person you cheat is yourself". Work hard. WORK HARD.

Day 7 - Last half and getting busy

2010-03-07T18:03:00.001-08:00

The last half meal consisted of roasted gold potatoes, roasted mushrooms, roasted tomato, arugula and salmon. It was exquisite.

And now, the real work starts. This next week is very important. The disciple of weighing my food, prepping it for the week, and always remaining mindful of the reasons I have chosen to walk this path are the new challenges. It will be about establishing the new PCP "diet" routine. The new exercises added this week are but a glimpse of the 80+ days ahead. Soreness. Pain. Grumpiness. The mind playing tricks on me. I will maintain the same focused intensity in the gym and keep my eye on the prize.

This is what I signed up for. Get busy living or get busy dying.

Day 6 - Morning Mood

2010-03-06T07:43:00.001-08:00

I had a fun time last night and didn't overindulge. I passed on the pizza, the sausage, and the pasta but I did have a few delicious nuts and a wonderful Belgium saison. I have a full day ahead taking my son to Meet-A-Turtle day at the local Audubon preserve. Then it's off to meet back up with the guys for some more "jamming".

I did my PCP exercises in the morning for the first time today. It felt great to get my heart-pumping and my brow sweating first thing in the morning with the sun illuminating my face. I also had a wonderful breakfast of one egg with sautéed mushrooms and onions.

So far....So good....Have a great weekend!

Day Five - Ready for weekend challenge

2010-03-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

PCP Weekend challenge coming up. The weeks are pretty structured for me. The weekends, not so much. Plus, all the guys from Brooklyn and Central Jersey are getting together tonight and tomorrow for a hangout/jam session out in the wilds of Central Jersey. Traditionally, I would consume. Usually, too much. But, this time it's different. Everyone and their Mother knows I'm doing PCP so the support and some healthy taunting will be there. You may be able to guess which one will be more prevelant. Every challenge is an opportunity and I'm ready to seize mine. Off the gym.

P.S. My thigh muscles. Oh Boy!!! Them's sore, boy!

Day 4 - Today was a good day....

2010-03-04T18:32:00.001-08:00

Less hungry. Less dazed. More energy. A few downs and a few ups. Numb and then full of laughter. It sometimes amazes me everything that goes into ones "day". If someone asked me, "What's new?", I'd probably say, "Oh, nothing". Which is both the complete truth and just about the farthest thing from it. I'd like to thank Wilco for helping me make sense of my world today. Their album 'Sky Blue Sky' is a beautiful statement.

My PCP thoughts for the day are such.....I really enjoy Patrick's daily e-mail, which I receive about an hour before the workout, because it helps me focus and reflect on the tasks before me. The half portions are getting much easier to handle and I feel so motivated in the gym knowing exactly what to do. Guided like a ship out on a dark sea navigating toward the lighthouse beacon. Ahoy! I'm starting to feel those lunges in my thighs! Yeah! Bring on the pain!

Here I find myself at the end of Day 4. Today was a good day.

Day 3 - Sacrifice

2010-03-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

I felt a bit dazed today at certain times as I tried to eat my half portions as slowly as I could. I kept mindful of the PCP goals and sacrifices we have to make in order to reach our peak condition. When 7pm finally came around I made my way to the gym and again relished the quick and focused work out that revitalized me and left me strained as I struggled with that one last sit up.

I gathered my things and walked down the hall where I ran into Jose. He's part of the late night cleaning crew and we usually chat about football, as he supports Barcelona, and I, Manchester United. We gossip about results, players, goals and the latest manager to get sacked. He helps me with my broken Spanish and I with his broken English. But today I mentioned my son and then asked if he had children, "Two", he said, "They are in El Salvador with my wife". We talked about our jobs and he explained how he worked 14 hour a day in order to send enough back home so his wife and two daughters could live in a gang free neighborhood and have a chance a better future. "I see them once a year", he said as he leaned over to show me their picture. There on his cell phone was a fuzzy low resolution picture of two smiling girls and his wife. "Muy bonita!", I said. We shook hands for the first time and told him how much I admired his sacrifice and yelled "Buenas Noches" as I walked through the atrium and out the door.

As I crossed the dark parking lot to my car. I thought of his sacrifice to his family and then I realized how I had not thought of the PCP for a whole 20 minutes today. The time I was talking to Jose. I drove home, with the knowledge I'd be able to kiss my wife and my son, humbled. Sacrifice. So small, like only eating half a plate of your food. So large, like moving alone thousands of miles away to support your family. I stay mindful of the difference and thankful for being reminded.

Day Two

2010-03-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

Day two! Hello, how do you do? Fine, Thank you. By 6pm there was a rumble coming from my belly. I hit the gym around 7pm and enjoyed the quick focused workout. I left with a smile on my face, a spring in my step, and with determination to get home as fast as I could to slowly eat my homemade black bean burrito. It did not disappoint. Feed myself, bathed my son, listened to the new Broken Bells album (which is very good by the way), kissed my wife, and off to bed soon ready to accept day three like the beams of warm sunlight on a dew glistened field. Cheers!

Day Two - Dear Yogurt

2010-03-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Yogurt,

As I stare down into your succulent granola filled milky whiteness...Only now do I realize how precious and beautiful you really are. See, it's not you. It's me. I can only eat half of you. I know, I know...you want me to eat you all. You want me to dip my spoon one last time and enjoy the raisin and almond joyousness and cherish the unhomogenized whole milk with active acidophilus culture. Ah, don’t look at me like that. I love you but I can’t be with you……not now.

Day One

2010-03-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Day One. It went as well as it could possibly go for a day I've been waiting to arrive for three months. I was hungry during the day but kept mindful of the reason and the small milestones ahead in the future.

The exercises for day one left me feeling satisfied and sharp as the 20 second interval between sets kept my heart rate nice and steady and assured for a steady stream of sweat on my brow. I'm a sweater.

As far as the jump rope, well, it went excellent. 250 in a row. I must make a confession though, I've been practicing for a month in order to get the jump rope down in preparation for the PCP. Patrick commented once on the "zen of jump rope", which I set out to achieve. I face the wall, relax my eyes, and try to become the number while being aware of my bodies movements through the jumps. Sometimes it works, sometimes I get distracted but practice is the key. No doubt.

All said and done. Day One. In the bag. Day two? Bring it on.

When the student is ready the teacher arrives.

2010-02-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

It all started when I was browsing iTunes for a new Zen podcast to listen to when I came across the aptly named "Zen Is Stupid". It took a few episodes to wonder exactly why I was listening to this seemingly stupid podcast and then I stopped thinking about it and then it all made perfect sense.

During one episode, Patrick in passing mentions the Peak Condition Project. I was curious so I went to the website and in an instant knew that the Peak Condition Project was the project I had been seeking. 2009 saw me in the gym 5 days a week and trying my hardest to be mindful of my consumption. But no matter how hard I worked I was seemingly stuck on a fitness plateau staring up at the glorious mountains above unable to find a path up. That I was aware of. Of that I was sure. I was certain I needed something different but I had no idea what.

I recall June of 2000 when I was travelling through Ireland. The bus pulled into Westport and there on the horizon was a breathtaking sight. Before me and all of Clew Bay rose a majestic mountain and I had one thought as I stared through the window, "I'm going to climb that mountain". I had no idea what mountain it was or if it was even possible so I leaned over to the bus driver and asked. "That's Croagh Patrick," he said, "It is a sacred mountain and thousands of people make the pilgrimage to climb it each year". The next morning I called a cab. There at the trail head is a statue of St. Patrick watching over the pilgrims as they begin their ascension. A few hours later I was standing on top. It felt glorious. It felt right.

And just as I had taken that first step toward that summit, here I am, Day 1 eve, standing at the foot of Mount PCP with Patrick watching over and providing guidance as I begin my ascension off the plateau. Oh, how right it feels.