Day 47 - Crazy Milestone

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

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

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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...

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

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.....

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

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.