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!