Keep climbing: PCP Wrap up

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!

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

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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!