The Peak Condition Project - Shelly

So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!

2009-12-15T19:31:00.001-08:00

I remember telling a physician friend about PCP at the start of this program, and he predicted that I would probably see little change compared to other participants that might have more weight to lose, or poor diet habits that need correcting. While he was right in that the changes in my body have been subtle (and I wasn't looking for huge shifts either), the real evolution isn't something that you can capture in a photo.

Let's start with the physical changes:

Losses: .5" from my waist, hips and thighs

Gains: 1.5 lbs. (which I'm going to chalk up to muscle, given my loss of inches), .5" to my flexed upper arm, 1" to my flexed upper chest/back

On top of that, my core is rock solid! As in, I might be tempted to invite family members to punch me in the stomach over the Holidays just to show off a little.

What else did I gain? Let's see, there's the tons more energy now that I'm properly fueling my body. OH, and I finally learned that I really do need to eat breakfast -- a sizable one at that! In fact, my greatest take away on the diet front is that I haven't been eating enough all these many years. Not a bad thing to learn that I get to eat more food!

On the subject of food, the PCP has also brought me to the writing of Michael Pollan. If there's anything that I can pass along to you, mysterious readers on the internet, it would be to stop what you're doing right now and pick up one of his many books. America is slowly killing itself on the route to making "food" cheaper and more "nutritious". The ONLY way this tide will ever turn is if we the consumers begin to make smarter choices and vote with our ever dwindling dollars. Please do what you can! Buy organic, locally-farmed, whole foods. Know where your food comes from and what your food eats/is exposed to. If you eat meat, please support the small farmers who believe in raising free-range livestock. Join a farm share program or shop the farmer's markets. The greatest investment that you can make is in the health of yourself and your families. As Patrick has reminded us many times over the course of this program, good health is true wealth.

Lastly, I think the biggest gain is a newfound respect for the amazing, organic machine that is my body. While there are some creaky joints, and a few more wrinkles that weren't there 10 years ago, I feel so fortunate to have my new levels of strength and flexibility. When I started the PCP, I was only thin and now I'm LEAN -- there's a tremendous difference between those two adjectives. At six months shy of 41, I can honestly say that I'm the fittest I've ever been (and I did it in 3 months AT HOME)! Yeah!

So, I've not yet mastered my much desired yoga forearm balance pose (still can't get off the wall), but that just gives me something to shoot for next. Believe it or not, the real stumbling block is working with my new ab muscles -- I've got to learn to balance with these babies all over again! That's on my list of things to do in 2010, as well as find the right yoga teacher training program for me!

Big thanks to Patrick and Chen for the fabulous PCP! You made it sensible, challenging, even fun -- sure, it was grueling at times, but I couldn't be more pleased with my results.

Thanks to my group of ladies, Emily, Jonti, Denise, and Naomi -- it was a true joy to share this journey with you! Best wishes to you all, and I hope you have a smashing 2010!!

I'll leave you with my final photos... oh the joys of amateur photography. After much light adjustment...

and a giggle attack...

and more light adjustments... we finally got the closing shots.

Day 90 :: Yeeehaaaaw!

2009-12-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

So I decided to go back to the workout from day 1. My, how things have changed!

It took me less than 20 mins., and was such a breeze that I couldn't stop myself from turning on Exercise TV for a longer ab workout. My newly minted, cast iron core deserves no less, and it was actually pretty challenging. Who knew there was good workout stuff to be had with my monthly cable package? Sweet!

We're busying ourselves with holiday house prep, so I'll be back later with my final post and photos. There's a killer yoga class on Tues., so I'm hoping to hit that and test out this new bod. Report to follow!

Everyone have a great rest of the weekend and have fun celebrating this amazing accomplishment!

Day 89 :: Day Before the Last Day!

2009-12-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry my PCPeeps, I so wanted to keep up with the countdown and post yesterday, but my internet connection pooped out on me until late last night. Arrgh, technology!

Today's workout was a total killer, the toughest yet, and now that it's done, I gotta say... I'm feeling pretty amazing! Can't even begin to imagine having tackled that routine 3 months ago, but thanks to PCP, I've now got the strength and energy to power right through.

I was thinking this morning how I can't believe that the ride is almost up. But while our PCP is coming to an end, I am by no means finished. This program has started something in me that I can't quite articulate. It's the doors that have begun to open -- the ideas, people, and opportunities that are crossing my path. I can't wait to see what's in store, and I owe a big THANK YOU to Patrick and Chen for this new direction.

Day 89 is a gorgeous one here in Baltimore, MD, USA, and I'm going to make the most of it. I'm heading out for the afternoon and plan to glide on this post-workout endorphin high. Wishing a fabulous Saturday and a huge CONGRATS to Emily, Naomi, Jonti, and Denise!

WE DID IT, LADIES! ONE DAY TO GO!!

Day 87 :: Learning to Love Your Tormentor

2009-12-10T08:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday the unthinkable happened. At some point in my ab routine, I... can't believe I'm actually saying this... started to love the planks. Really.

Or, maybe it happened after the combined 10 abs sets to failure, when I caught my reflection in the kitchen window. My core was so pumped it looked like it was sculpted from modeling clay. Whoa!

As I'm still dividing my routine this week (jumps a.m., strength p.m.),

I threw in another few sets of planks after this morning's jumps. I even added a little intensity that I learned from an On Demand workout off of the cable system. Give it a try for even more abdominal power:

Assume the plank position being sure to keep your body rigid, hips level and abs tucked tight throughout the exercise.
Lift your right foot slightly and move it out about 6" to the right. Touch your toes on the floor.
Lift your right foot again, and return to starting position.
Now, do the same movement with your left foot. Lift, move out to the left, tap toes on floor, then return to the regular plank position.
Repeat in sets of 10 for each foot, try doing them slow and fast to mix it up. The wider you go with your legs, the harder it gets. You can also keep your right foot out and then move your left out, too. So the movement is right out, left out, right in, left in, repeat. Intense!

So I'm looking at the crazy shoulder set in store for me later today. Whooo! Me thinks I'm going to have some sore delts tomorrow. Gotta love it!

P.S. THREE DAYS TO GO!

Day 86 :: Motivation

2009-12-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest aspects of the PCP is how the program is designed to motivate you to succeed. By blogging regularly, posting weekly body shots and staying honest with your group, you have to maintain a level of complete transparency. Those factors seem to magically combine to fuel your intentions to get your butt off the couch and feed your body right. Granted, you only have to leaf any of our blogs to know that it gets hard sometimes, but overall we seem to carry on with a "just gotta do it" attitude.

With my group in the last lap of our program, I've been wondering if my level of motivation will hold strong. This morning I thought I might start researching some motivational tips to see what I can find. I had to laugh when I clicked the image link on my Google search, and I've posted a few of the gems here. Maybe they'll help as we push through these last FOUR DAYS!!!

Day 85 :: Five Days and Counting

2009-12-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

I think Emily explained it best in her latest post, and I'll second her on the attack of senioritus! Plus, everybody and their Mom seems to want to spend their EOY marketing dollars, leaving me feeling a might bit cooked on the work front as well.

In fact, my schedule is so jumbled that I'm having to split my workout (as Patrick has suggested all along) to jump in the morning and strength train in the afternoon/evenings. Since it's such a contrast to how I normally workout, I'm going to treat it like an experiment and finish out these last five days with the split routine. Let's see what happens.

Oh, and by the way, FIVE DAYS TO GO!!

Day 81 :: Eavesdropping at Whole Foods

2009-12-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

At lunchtime today I'd run to my local Whole Foods to pick up, what else, eggs! OK, and a few other things. Anyway. While standing in checkout line I overheard this conversation...

Customer: (standing in front of the chilled drink display)

Excuse me, where's the Diet Coke?

Clerk: Well, we don't carry sodas like that. We do have unsweetened coffee, tea and there's water, of course.

Customer: No, I want something sweet but without sugar. I really want a Diet Coke, or OH! a Diet Snapple.

Clerk: I'm sorry, we don't carry anything with artificial sweeteners.

Customer: (getting a little irritated now) But, I'm diabetic and I can't have anything with sugar. This is supposed to be a health food store and you don't carry anything for diabetics?!

Clerk: (patiently) We do carry unsweetened coffee, tea and there's always water.

Customer: (walking away and grumbling to her companion)

This is ridiculous. I really want a Diet Coke!

People, I mean... just... WOW. I had this 3o second fantasy of being a healthy eating crusader (yes, there was a cape) and gently patting a nutritional citation stickie on the forehead of that customer. In reality, all I could do was shake my head.

Day 80 :: Curse of the Final Indulgence

2009-12-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

For all of you considering joining the PCP, consider yourself warned. By the time you're allowed the third indulgence, you're not going to want it AT ALL and you'll most likely be a liiiiiittle sorry for it the next day!

Yesterday, I struggled with a phenomenal food hangover -- sluggish, grumpy, el bloato -- all over a pile of linguine with white clam sauce, crusty bread and two glasses of red wine.

This homemade meal was a favorite and on regular rotation in our household. If ever we wanted to be guaranteed full-blown yumminess, it's hard to beat this number of fresh clams, garlic, hot peppers... mmm. But when I look at it through my now thoroughly polished PCP lenses, the WAY that I ate it, usually two helpings of mostly pasta late at night, was not so good.

While the meal was tasty, I had to battle the impulse to also steam a pot of veggies. And, the crusty white farm bread for sopping up all them juices? Ugh, it's just a spongey hunk of sugary, nutritional nothingness. The wine was sensational, but when combined with enough carbs to fuel my current PCP breakfast and lunch, I paved the way for a groggy and very puffy self the next day. I was going to snap new photos tonight, but I think I need to give my bloated tummy one more day.

Going forward, I think I'll still indulge in this former favorite, but with some major portion alterations. Much less pasta, more clams, and a huge salad of chopped veggies. Wine, yes, but in moderation. That nasty white dinner bread is outta here, though!

So here's to day 80, my PCPeeps -- as of tomorrow,

only 9 days left to go!!

Day 78 :: My Plate Runneth Over

2009-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

I'm having the hardest time coming up with blog subjects at the moment. I think I'm in the midst of a subtle freakout over the holidays, the end of PCP and, HOLY COW, the fast approaching New Year!

Otherwise, I'll leave with this thought. While the workouts will get harder, I'm not so worried about them. Muscle abuse I can handle, but I think the diet is going to be more challenging these next 12 DAYS.

It is just sooo much food!

Day 76 :: Thinking, Thinking, Thinking

2009-11-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving celebrations have left me somewhat introspective. Well, the holiday and, judging from the blogs of participants past and present, peeking behind the door that PCP seems to crack open. It reminds me of when I first started exploring yoga and a teacher told me,"go carefully, this practice will change your life." Funny, where some paths lead you.

In the last few days I've witnessed family members stuff themselves silly, stumbled upon the Sundance documentary "The World According to Monsanto" (that one will break your heart) and started reading Michael Pollan's "In Defense of Food". All of which have me feeling sad for the food choices that most people seem to make, fearful for my country's nutritional future and, as has been said before in the PCP blogs, a little lonely as I climb closer to this peak.

Family warmth aside, Thankgiving dinner was another double barrel reminder of how the majority of America eats. While I'm politely asked about the details of my diet and the foods that I've brought with me, I count far too few vegetables on the main table, enriched breads, and not a whole grain in sight.

For dessert? There were diabetics having not one but two slices of cake, the overweight debating the obese over which ice cream store has the best offering when they both hand mix the candy of your choice into the serving dish. (The winner? Why the store that offered the largest serving at the lowest price, of course.) I won't even get into all the processed foods and, UGH!, non-dairy creamer with "Eggnog" or "Island Rum" flavoring. You choose!

I hope you will understand that this mini-rant comes from a place of concern and not superiority. It's just frustrating that these are my family members and I can't say anything to them that will impact their choices. They will only change if and when they're good and ready, and probably only after a health scare of some kind. At a certain point, it's just hard to watch.

Day 72 :: Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

2009-11-25T08:17:00.000-08:00

Or, how I woke up this morning.

In a pile of blankets, with one snoring dog to my side, the other lazily warming my feet, and someone shaking the bed...

D: Hey babe, what's wrong?!

Me: Wha... Huh... I didn't hear anything...

D: No, what's wrong with you? It's light out and you're still in bed.

Are you feeling OK?

I slept in late this morning (7:30a.m.!!!), and I guess D was surprised to find me still snoozing when he got out of the shower. This is the first day in many weeks that I haven't gotten up before the butt crack of dawn to grab a snack and start my workout.

Why today? 1) Because I can! A busy work load has quieted due to the upcoming holiday. I've got no meetings, no deadlines, and except for a small errand, I don't have to be anywhere at a specific time. And, 2) my body is still craving extra rest.

As I was lounging in the covers, I wondered about life post-PCP. Many people have asked me about what happens after this whole thing is wrapped. Are you still going to work out with such intensity? Be as stringent about the diet? Truthfully, I don't know.

I really don't miss the added sugar, salt and fat, so those will probably stay gone. And much like Emily, I've been pondering all the non-PCP foodstuffs that I'm craving -- raw nuts, bananas, beans, restaurant fare, a big pile of linguine with white clam sauce, and WINE. I think all of those will return to my post-PCP diet, but with greater moderation.

I've also been thinking about what life will be like when I don't feel like I have to work out every day. While I enjoy exercise and I joined this program with the aim of developing a strength training plan that I can do at home, jumping and strength training every day of the week is really hard to keep up! Plus, I miss having time for yoga. I think it will come down to a goal of resuming my regular yoga practice and balancing that with 3-4 PCP-type workouts a week.

What about you all? Have you thought much about life after PCP?

Day 70 :: Can You Believe It?!

2009-11-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

Holy cow, ladies -- where has the time gone? The final PCP group of 2009 has only 20 days left!

For the last few days, it's definitely been a challenge for me to drum up the motivation to keep going. I mean, we've been at this for 70 days

IN A ROW -- I'm sure I'm not the only one with tired muscles and a nagging feeling that the whole routine (workout, shop, prep, eat, clean up, sleep) has become a bit... well... routine.

But, I'm sensing the hint of an upswing. Thanks to some extra hours of rest this weekend and a jump-only Monday, I'm all in and ready for our new plans for week 11!

Starting tomorrow, I'll be chanting this mantra when the burn comes on. I hope you'll be saying it with me:

Finish strong!!

Only 19 more days to go!!

Day 68 :: Feeling a Little Whooped!

2009-11-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

For the last couple of days, I've been dragging a bit. My energy has been lower and it seems all the little muscles -- the middle of my back, obliques, forearms, around my elbows, knees and ankles -- are pooped.

It's not a sharp soreness that hurts when I lift something, more like a constant, soft hum of weariness that moves with me like a shadow.

I feel like maybe I haven't gotten enough sleep, or maybe I need another hour on the pillow. Which I probably do given that the workouts have gotten tougher this week. It's either that, or whoever is hiding that stash of Kryptonite near my house, would you kindly move it elsewhere?

No problem hitting muscle fatigue, though -- it seems my muscles are already tired at the start of my workouts, and are all shaking by the end. I had considered grabbing a yoga class today, but after this morning's workout I'm skipping that thought for maybe a nap instead.

Have I mentioned that I'm whooped?

Day 66 :: What Big Arms You Have

2009-11-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

As I gave him a hug while prepping dinner last night...

D: Squeeze please, it feels good on my back.

So, I do...

D: Ughn!!

I'm still squeezing...

Me: What's wrong?

Now he's somewhat fussy...

D: Mmpph!! You never squeezed that hard before. You're so strong now... maybe too strong!

There you have it. Reason to sign up for the PCP, number 1,258: improve your bear hugs!

Day 64 :: Start Your Engines

2009-11-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

With my group of PCPers, Tuesday is actually the start of our training week. This seems to work well and I'm most thankful for jump-only Mondays, but sometimes I find it hard to get the routine rolling on a Tuesday.

How true this morning as I lingered in bed, calculating the bazillion things that need to get done today and this tenth week of the PCP -- one of which being, I needed to get my butt up and workout!

So I hoist myself out of bed and sit down to make a task list prioritizing today's to-do's, along with an outline of the rest of the week. Ugh, this one's going to be a bear, and my initial reaction to an overwhelming work/life week is to feverishly wish that I didn't have to deal with it.

In moments like these, when the list is making me want to run and I just can't seem to find the motivation to start the day, I turn to a little visualization exercise. I imagine myself as one of the amazing ladies of the US Women's Softball Team at the plate during batting drills. Balls are being lobbed at me fairly quickly, and I'm just knocking them out, (thwak!) line drive, after (THWAK!) line drive!

Not sure exactly how I hit upon this visualization (too much Wii Sports perhaps?), I don't play softball, but I do love to watch these ladies do their stuff! I so admire the players for their mental fortitude and incredible athleticism, and I think the image reminds me to stand up, get a handle on the situation, take one thing at a time, and just keep on swinging!

It seemed to do the trick this morning, and by the time I was half-way through my workout, I was feeling pretty pumped. Two words for you gals -- DOUBLE JUMPS. Hooyah!

How about you all? What are your tricks for staying motivated?

Day 61 :: To Do List

2009-11-14T05:14:00.000-08:00

What to do with a rainy weekend?

Make yourself a nice cup of tea. My current favorite (now that my beloved English Toffee is discontinued) is Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride. All natural, herbal, caffeine free, guilt free and tastes just like hot sugar cookies!

There's also that PCP workout. We've got 29 days to go, so make 'em count -- pump up the music and blast those biceps! Next to abs, the arm exercises are the most rewarding for me. I'm just sad that it's getting too chilly to show off the new guns!

Lastly, RUN don't walk to the grocery store and pick up the fixin's for Emily's PCP Lasagna! We made it last night, and it was deeeeeelish. D threw in some hot peppers for a little kick, a nice touch. Going to have some leftovers with my eggs this morning. Thanks, Emily -- that one's going in the recipe drawer!

Day 60 :: Senior Moments

2009-11-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

As I wandered into the kitchen last night...

Me: Gah! I can't remember why I came in here.

From the living room, not looking up from iPhone Solitaire...

D: I'm going to bet it was to eat a hard boiled egg white.

Me: Oh yeah, that was it.

Such is the life of this PCPer 2/3 of the way through the program. Every couple of hours I should be eating something, and chances are it's a hard boiled egg white. I don't even fuss with the mustard these days, I just pop those suckers in plain. I'm only up to 6 eggs a day (former PCPer, Mike, had to deal with 10!), so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Meanwhile -- Holy Hand Grenades, gang!! We're less than 2 weeks from Thanksgiving (for those in the US) and have 3o days left on our PCP plans. Where did the time go?!?

Happy 60 days to Emily, Naomi, Jonti, and Denise!

Day 59 :: Ohhhhhhh, Now I Get It!

2009-11-12T07:02:00.001-08:00

When I read our PCP email last night, I felt a little shamed. My workouts have always taken me well over an hour to complete. Even worse, I remember seeing a similar email from Patrick early on in the program. Did I slack off somewhere? What the heck have I been doing wrong this whole time?

In resistance training, I tend to focus on slow, controlled movements -- that's certainly been adding time. Have I always kept to the exact rest time between sets? Probably not. And, my habit has been to add a few more reps, or another set if I hadn't quite hit the burn. Hmm. Are all these tactics just adding unnecessary minutes to my routine?

So this morning, I wanted to test the theory and play a game with myself. How quickly can I get through my whole workout, keeping proper form and achieving muscle failure?

With burning muscles and at a heart pumping pace, I made it in just over an hour. It only took me near 60 days to get it right, but I think I've finally hit the true PCP groove and learned the lesson. When aiming for muscle failure, I need to amp up the pace before I start adding reps/sets!

Thanks for the reminder, Patrick -- it's going to make a huge difference these last 30 days!

Day 56 :: This Indulgence is Making Me Thirsty!

2009-11-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

On Saturday evening, D and I hit our favorite Indian restaurant to celebrate my second PCP indulgence. It's such a lovely spot -- candlelight, fireplaces, incredible food, excellent service, and a proprietor that greets everyone with a genuine warmth. We haven't been in a while and were quite excited about the experience.

Since I could easily order a PCP friendly dinner from the menu (grilled shrimp, rice and baked vegetables, hold the sauces), I decided to splurge on two glasses of wine and several bites from a mixed appetizer plate. AH-MAH-GAH! It was nothing short of a mind blowing, flavor EXTRAVAGANZA!!

What's crazy to me is how sensitive your palate becomes when you cut the use of extra salts, sugar and the intake of alcohol. Everything was so rich, so decadent, so absolutely luscious -- I mean, I cannot accurately express the level of yummmmm! The wine was perfection, the eggplant was out of this world, and pappadam -- so much love for that spicy lentil delight!

I was actually fine throughout the evening. I anticipated some sort of gastric objection to the wine, salt and oils, but no nasty after effects, no rock in the belly, not even the hint of gas. Huh. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly my body was dealing with the indulgence, and even thinking, 'oh life after PCP is going to be a breeze!'

That was, until about 3am, when I woke up in a sweat, with a dull hammering in my head and mouth made of ceiling insulation. Damn. It took a huge glass of water and another hour to get back to sleep (if you could call it that). Really, I think I flip-flopped until the alarm went off at 7am.

Needless to say, Sunday's workout was less than stellar -- I made it through, but I wasn't loving it. My strength was sapped and my stomach wasn't digging all the bouncing. I had planned on grabbing a yoga class, but skipped the idea as a foggy head and upset tummy plagued me for much of the morning. The dogs and I settled in for a couch nap in the afternoon, and I felt a little better after that.

The moral? Less is more. I think I would have been fine with the wine OR the fatty appetizers, but not both. It was too much for my now sensitive system, and SOOOO not worth the missed sleep and day-long general blahs that followed. Again, less is more.

Thankfully, a good night's sleep and some clean eating has me feeling much better this Monday, and ready to start rocking week 9!

Week 9 -- can you believe it?

Day 54 :: Heart vs. The Big X

2009-11-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

So, Naomi's great post today got me thinking about which PCP exercises I like and don't like, and wondering about the rest of you.

I'm reminded of a yoga teacher that asks a similar question before her classes -- which is your most favorite pose, and which do you like the least? Of course, she works both into that session, but I always find the varying class responses most interesting.

I'd say my yoga favorites are full stretches where I feel like I'm opening up front/back/sides completely, like seated forward bend, upward bow/wheel (which PCP has greatly improved, TY!), triangle, and plow.

I also love the balancing postures like tree, half moon, shoulder stand, and dancer.

My least favorites are anything that asks my inner thighs/hips to stretch more than they really want to, as in yogic squats, frog, monkey god, wide angle forward bends, and reverse triangle. UGH! Of course, I know I've got to work on those the most.

My teacher's theory is that in yoga, the least favorite postures are usually the more challenging ones, the ones that get uncomfortable, or those that people feel they just can't do. Which is all the more reason to work through them. Actually, learning to work with "can do" and "can't do" has been an interesting practice for me. As in yoga, so in life.

For the PCP, I really had to scratch my head over which exercises I love or loathe, and I'm intensely curious about your likes and dislikes. I think my least fave has to be the pull-ups -- they continue to defeat me and I can't do them unassisted (see, there's the whole "can/can't do" struggle). My most favorite is probably the davincis -- gotta love that sweet deltoid definition!

So my PCPeeps, which of our daily exercises do you:

a) enjoy
b) hate with the passion of a thousand white hot suns, and
c) why?

Day 52 :: Slightly Blue, How 'Bout You?

2009-11-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those days where you feel like you've got to haul yourself, hand over tightly clenched fist, the whole way through it?

Not that anything particularly difficult is going on, it's just the doing of what needs to get done. Since yesterday, I've had a seriously fierce case of the "DON'T WANNA'S!" -- which I'm sure is somewhat tied to the phase of the moon, me being a woman and all. I've actually had to force myself to sit down to work, walk dogs, go grocery shopping, and even do my workout. Sheesh!

It's interesting how these cycles build and ebb. I think it has a lot to do with the routine nature of the PCP -- the food prep, cooking, working out, and trying to think of blog topics -- OY! For the first time in this project, I actually found myself wishing that I didn't have to deal with all of that these last two days. Routine tends to make me feel confined after a while, and I think my system starts seeking ways to rebel at a certain point of saturation. This girl is feeling the need for a break, what about you gals?

I guess that's why Patrick has sprinkled in these indulgences, and it couldn't have come at a better time! So tomorrow evening D and I are planning to hit happy hour at a nice little Indian restaurant for a cocktail and yummy light snacks.

Given the past couple of days, I'm looking forward to it with a mix of trepidation (what will the food do to my digestive system?) and a dose of "I DON'T CARE! I'VE WORKED HARD AND HAVE EARNED A LITTLE TREAT!"

Should be interesting, so more on that this weekend.

Day 50 :: Random Observations from Week Seven

2009-11-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

Timed jumps may have improved my relationship with the old jumpity rope. We fight less, and the kinks seem more ironed out. Life is indeed about balance.

Move over peppercorns, salt-free mustard has just been elected the King of Condiments! Fat-free, almost no calorie, almost no anything! Good dabbed on hard boiled egg whites, nice as a light glaze on fish, or mixed with a little rice vinegar as a tasty dressing for veggies. Now if only I could find a salt-free hot sauce...

Naomi wrote about this last week, but I have to second the motion. Frozen fruit blended with greek yogurt is total, healthy, sin-free, protein-rich decadence!

Per Patrick's recent post on habits (Which was great! Thanks Patrick!!), this diet is ingrained now and I'm having a hard time committing to an indulgence. It's going to involve dinner out, but it's going to be a challenge. Hmmm.

Really seeing signs of change now -- I mean, four sets of 60 second planks! 'Nuff said.

Day 49 :: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad Ad World

2009-11-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a little harried, so as a treat I caught up on some episodes of "Mad Men." I don't watch a great deal of network TV, so I missed out on this gem of a series. Sure, you have to get past the raging chauvinism (which still runs rampant in the ad world), but it's really quite brilliant, this peek into the lives and egos of 1960's ad execs.

What I especially love is how the writers lift the veil on the world of advertisers, showing their hand in writing the prescription of the American dream, but poke holes in it at the same time. And, while some of the mediums and methodologies have changed, advertising science was pioneered by these guys and really hasn't shifted that much some 50 years later.

Some of the monologues are so telling -- about the world at that time and the fundamentals of human behavior. Take this for example, from one of the earlier episodes where the lead character, Don Draper, is struggling with home issues and how to sell Lucky cigarettes (this, after a government statement detailing known health issues associated with smoking):

Advertising is based on one thing:
Happiness. And you know what happiness is?
Happiness is the smell of a new car.
It’s freedom from fear.
It’s a billboard on the side of the road
that screams with reassurance that whatever you’re doing is okay.

Wow. So true.

D's been watching the World Series and the commercials are a constant source of commentary in our house. You see these ads that show some dumpy shlub of a guy with his super hot, model-perfect wife pitching whatever. Right. Take apart the demographics behind that concept, and you understand it's being marketed to Mr. Couch potato who wants to be told that he's just like everyone else, the ladies looooove him and he can keep on drinking his low-carb beer.

Or, it's Fall now so let's all get on that hay wagon, skip the apple picking (ew, apples!) and head on over to Dunkin' Donuts. Everybody does it, and look how happy these folks are. It's so sad, it's almost funny.

But not quite. I firmly believe that advertising has played a big hand in the staggering obesity rates we see in America today. And, what's even more frightful than pushing low cost junk food at the public as a money saving strategy in tough economic times, is the selling of the unfit, unhealthy "average guy" as acceptable.

The most annoying thing about commercials is that they are so transparent, and I do think a great many people have the ability to see through them. But they don't want to. They don't want to accept that what they're eating is killing them slowly. They don't want to think about how by making the "smart" financial decision to buy fast food from the dollar menu today, may lead them into severe health care debt in the future.

So my PCPeeps, I say we need to launch our own ad campaigns.

We need to be the mini-billboards in our own worlds! No need to scream, we need to be the quiet resistance to the status quo. We need to take our blossoming PCP strength and tear it up with motorsport, rock it in capoeira, walk like a champion, and shine on the yoga mat! We need to be the high-energy, full-on radiant examples of better living through healthy choices.

There's five PCPers left for 2009 and five weeks to go -- let's give it all we've got! We've all made such great gains already, I can't wait to see where we net out in December!

Day 45 :: Halfway There!

2009-10-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

When I'm about midway through my PCP workout, I'm feeling pretty great. The early a.m. sleepiness has shaken off, my heart is pumping, there's fresh oxygenated blood coursing through my body, I hit the groove and my mind is clear.

That's pretty much where I'm at right now on day 45. I'm now seeing (and feeling!) new muscles ripple as I move and post workout energy levels are phenomenal. These amazing results are far greater than anything that came from my old running/gym training days. No doubt about it, signing up for the PCP was one of the best things I've done for myself since starting a regular yoga practice.

I'm betting the 90 day group is also feeling fairly fine -- congrats to you guys on a huge achievement!

Wishing a fabulous day and a big HOO YEA to my pack of 45ers, Emily, Denise, Jonti, and Naomi, I'm so proud of us! Now that the other PCPeeps are finishing, it's up to our little group to keep at it -- fat blasting, muscle pumping, healthy eating and blogging it out.

Ben Stiller as Starsky says

"DO IT! DO IT!"

Day 44 :: Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

2009-10-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I'm having some reservations about handing out Halloween candy.

My man D suggests I may be taking things too seriously, but I don't know. I feel like if I'm going to walk the PCP talk, I can't possibly be dishing out the sweets to the already hyper-sugared neighborhood kids. Not to mention that any leftover candy always goes straight to work with D, and his shop of 30-50 year old guys who don't need it either.

"So, what are you going to do," D asks, "be one of those annoying ladies who gives out apples?"

What do you guys think, am I overreacting? If not, what to give out? Small bags of pretzels (which are really a bunch of crappy refined flour and salt)?

Day 43 :: Random Observations from Week 6

2009-10-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's rare for me to write a grocery list anymore. Could it be that my memory is improving, or that it's becoming rote? Fruit, veggies, whole grains, yogurt, fish, green tea, E-G-G-S!

Peppercorns are like gold in my house. Seriously, I've bought 3 jars in the last month.

I know my body needs the rest, but on jump-only Mondays I actually miss the strength training.

Everything is getting the PCP bump these days. I've started doing speed walking intervals with the dogs -- good for them, good for me.

In Autumn and Spring, I'll generally clean out the closet a bit, donate stuff I haven't worn in a while and treat myself to a new sweater or two. Lately, I've only been thinking about cold weather exercise pants and performance layers. Wha... ?

I'm also thinking about getting this as D's holiday gift. The weekly softball games aren't trimming that little spare tire he's been working on, and I think it would drag him away from the couch/computer. (Bonus: I get to play, too!)

Day 41 :: Soothing Sunday

2009-10-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

Mellow morning, coffee and a warm puppy in my lap -- it's moments like this when I feel so fortunate.

Starting a new yoga meditation workshop with a favorite teacher today, which will be my reward for a week of work demands and PCP training. Looking forward to the 2 hours of calm quietude.

Had the strangest food issues yesterday! I think it was due to eating breakfast too late and throwing off my whole meal clock. I was basically stuffed and could barely finish any meal after breakfast. Usually I'm packing it in happily, and somewhat hungrily. But yesterday, my body was all, Stop. Can't. Eat. Another. Bite. Crazy. Woman. Had to ditch my p.m. carb servings entirely. Weird.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Day 39 :: Feeling Fine

2009-10-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

So, I'm having a "can't believe how great the PCP is" day!

Got an early start to get in my jumps before breakfast. Patrick's last email spilled my favorite fat burning secret of jumping/cardio prior to breakfast, though I've yet to try the a.m. workout before coffee. Hmm.

I FINALLY had time (OK I stole a little time from work) to hit the yoga mat, and the fruits of these 6 weeks of PCP continue to amaze me. While my arms and shoulders are slightly sore and tired, they have so much more power. Headstand is more steady now that the back and abs are in the game. Still can't get off the wall in forearm balance, but I'm so much less wobbly. I'm finally getting the whole "balance of ease and effort" as it applies to asana. Everything is deeper and my poses are much more engaged -- truly a fabulous practice today!

Now, I've got to get through some work tasks, then I can hit my strength training. No problem because my PCP-fueled energy levels will keep me powering through.

PS. New photo posted, and I'm getting a little excited about the possibility of a six-pack. Never had one before. Can you say fabdominals?

Day 37 :: Thank You Note

2009-10-21T05:04:00.001-07:00

A post from E reminded me to take a moment and thank the home crew for their patience and support.

To my man D, sincere thanks for:

Putting up with going out for dinner less (next indulgence is Indian at the Ambassador, my treat!) and eating separate meals earlier than we used to.
Still snuggling up to me through my gray moods.
Giving me tips on pull-ups and showing me that it's even hard for a guy to do them.
Watching the Daily Show and Colbert Report on such a low volume that your old man ears can barely hear it.
Trying to go back to sleep when the PCP workout alarm sounds before dawn (and trying to stay asleep through the din of jumproping and occasional curse storm that comes with it).

To pups Zyg and Vee, thanks for:

trying so hard to keep from sitting on me during ab work;

meticulously cleaning the yogurt cups before they go to recycling;

and waiting so patiently for walk/play times!

Big love to the home crew, and Happy Wednesday to all my PCPeeps!

Day 36 :: A Slight Case of the Grumps

2009-10-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

The last few days I've been dragging a bit. The weather has finally cleared, but I've been slammed with projects and unable to break free for any fun stuff. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the work (being a heavily employed freelancer in an uncertain economy is a good thing!), but when it gets in the way of a yoga class (as it did today), I get a little fussy.

But it's more than that, and as per usual there was an email from Patrick to underscored the point. What is this slight malaise that's plaguing me?

Is it the shifting daylight as we slowly cruise toward the depths of Autumn? Maybe. I was thinking the other day that Spring/Summer would have been a more optimum time to tackle the PCP. Less clothes to weigh you down, and more variety of fruits! (It's hard to find more than apples, pears, grapes, and kiwi lately.)

Is it the routine nature of PCP? The working out EVERYDAY for the last 36 days, categorizing foods and counting grams? I think I even dreamt in carbs, protein and veggie the other night, like it was another language!

I know, I know. I signed up for this challenge and believe you me, I'm committed to the hilt! But we're not even halfway through this shebang, and December seems so far off.

Sigh. For now, I'm just going to keep focusing on that halfway marker. Right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot...

Day 33 :: Has Anyone Seen the Sun?

2009-10-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

Gaaaaaah! It has rained non-stop for the last 3 days, with temperatures in the mid-40's (F). NOT a favorite type of weather for girl who grew up in the tropics -- even my dogs are reluctant to venture out.

So, I'll stay in and get things done. Maybe dedicate a few extra ab sessions to whoever is in charge of the big ball of sky fire in hopes that they send it back soon!

New pic posted now that the staff photographer is rebounding from a cold (hope the PCP fruit-rich diet keeps those germs away from me). Still minimal surface change evident, but I'm definitely feeling stronger.

Rain, rain, go away!

Day 31 :: One Month Down, Two to Go

2009-10-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

It's chilly and drizzly here on the Mid-Atlantic coast (rain in the forecast for the next three days, blech!), but I'm grateful for a solid workout routine that can be done at home.

Still don't big heart the jumprope, sorry to say. I did finally find a leather one that keeps a clean arc, so here's to small improvements.

What I DO love is the strength training and (sick pup that I am)

was thrilled to see supersets on our workout list for week five. Ladies, prepare to be a little sore -- in a good way!

Oh, but those ab sets are killers, and ooooo, 8-minute abs. Added that to the routine this morning. Wow, that music... still laughing! Y'know, I don't use the word "gang" enough.

Almost did a full pull-up the other day. I was cooked for the rest of the sets and had to switch to barely doing inclines, but still, almost one real pull-up! Could it be that this PCP thing is actually working?

The diet has become a solid habit, and I can eyeball grams fairly accurately now. Eggs are becoming a little dull, though. Hey Emily,

any good recipe tips to share?

Day 29 :: Wine and Weekend

2009-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening and after 20 days of complete teatotaling, I indulged in a glass of Pinot Noir. Hmm. Such an odd soup of emotion and thought swirled about my head as I opened the bottle. Anticipation, yes... mild excitement, sure... a touch of nervousness, hmm... and is that... a hint of guilt?

D bore witness as I took my first sip and (warning: really hokey but fitting adjective to come) it was absolutely ENCHANTING!

Wine was certainly the most complex taste that I'd experienced in a while -- what with all my PCP clean living, it hit me hard! Suddenly,

I was transformed into a sommelier with a mild case of Turrets, and started uncontrollably blurting out a string of single word praises:

"Jammy!"

"Syrupy!"

"Uuuuummmmm!"'

"Plummy!"

"Goooooood!"

Stranger still was that after a half glass, the magic kinda wore off.

Sure, it was still yummy, but all the mental fanfare quickly died back. Instead, I started thinking about empty calories, the impact of alcohol consumption on the body's fat burning process, and... holy cow, was I actually getting tipsy from this half glass?!

I remember reading a Dr. Dean Ornish book a while back (not sure of the title), one where he mentioned mindful "treating" and how it can help us stick with more healthful food choices. He wrote that while he kept a very healthy, near vegetarian diet, he would still permit a treat of chocolate ice cream because he had taught himself to indulge wisely. He went on to explain that in his experience, the genuine pleasure and satisfaction only existed in the first few tastes of ice cream, following that it was just cold, creamy, overly sweet stuff.

Back then, I didn't quite relate. I'm not much for sweets, ice cream or chocolate (I know, it's really weird), but with this indulgence experiment, I completely understood. When D asked if I wanted a second glass, I realized that I really didn't. I enjoyed that one glass and it was enough that night. What I really wanted was to wake up early and clear headed so I could workout and grab a yoga class in the morning.

Saturday night a friend gifted us tickets to an evening with Ira Glass, a Baltimore hometown hero. Another exercise in mindfulness as I avoided the cocktail and snack tables at the pre-party, sticking instead with another favorite, soda water and lime. Ira was there working the crowd -- such a nice guy. All and all a truly an enjoyable presentation with one of NPR's finest.

On Sunday afternoon, I caught up with a friend. When she asked what was new, I had to cringe a little as D told her about PCP. (Audience depending, I try to avoid the crazy looks people give when they link me with any kind of "diet"). But after I thoroughly explained the details, her eyebrows lowered and she was genuinely interested.

We discussed the program for a while and at some point I caught myself explaining that I'd worked out every day for the last 27 days. (Me: Wow!). She was impressed but had to joke that I had officially become one of "those people" -- ha, ha.

You know what, though? That same friend texted on Monday to say that she'd been to the gym that morning, had a full workout and sauna. She even ate/drank less at dinner the night before. All because she was inspired by my fitness efforts. How about that?

Not a bad weekend.

Day 25 -- Really?

2009-10-09T04:51:00.000-07:00

A quick post before I dash out for meetings. Can't quite believe that we're already at day 25!

New pic posted and not much apparent change, except maybe around the caboose area. I think it's mostly internal this week -- strength, energy and mood are definitely up, up, up. We'll see what those v-sits and floor jumps yield.

Oh, and the big smile? Shot the photos after reading Patrick's email permitting an indulgence this week. No brainer on the what -- it's red wine, fo sho! But I find myself carefully considering the when, and that's a great feeling. Will write more about the deed once it's done.

T-Jiggy-I-F to all my PCPeeps, and happy indulgences to Emily, Jonti, Denise, and Naomi!

Day 23 -- Random Observations from Week Three

2009-10-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to see more significant body changes taking place this past week. Feeling firmer overall, standing and sitting posture has improved as my back/abs build in strength.

There are days when I'd rather eat a broken glass and vaseline sandwich than pick up that damn jumprope. (But I don't think the nutrition plan allows for vaseline!)

My weight has stayed EXACTLY the same, like, to the ounce, but clothes are fitting better. Even wore a midriff bearing top to a yoga class yesterday.

There are fewer "erghs" and "grrs" when I'm hefting heavy things like dog food bags and shopping baskets. Except when it's my own butt out of a chair -- then it's, "oooooooomph, my sore quad/calf muscles!"

During the day I have more energy and pep, with no afternoon slumps. Go, go, Gadget Everything! That is, except after 8pm when all bets are off. It's as if my whole body starts to power down in the evenings.

I'm sooooooo boring now. Up before sunrise, packing my own meals, tea totaling, and in bed by 10pm.

There's already more shazam in my yoga practice, even though I only get a session in 3 x per week. Now, I just need to start incorporating those goal postures...

Fruit with yogurt is the stuff of dreams. I think it will be my #1 snack choice for the rest of my days. Love it, love it, want to marry it, LOVE IT!

Keeping up with the blogging is one of the more challenging aspects of the PCP, but there's great motivation in knowing that my PCPeeps are slogging through with me!

Day 19 -- Defeat No. 1, or They Should Just Call Them Hang-Theres!

2009-10-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Arrrrrrrrrrgh! The jumps have become more difficult this last week, and I can't seem to get through a set of 80 without a trip up towards the end. It's probably a combination of sore leg muscles, increasing jump counts and a rather crappy jumprope (this is the second I've purchased, and today will be shopping for a third), but it's been frustrating.

So far, I haven't once broken the PCP routine. I get up early to workout, prep food and eat breakfast. I count my grams and pack my meals for dinners with friends. I've happily sipped tea while everyone else is enjoying a lovely cabernet. I've missed Stewart and Colbert for the last two weeks because I'm zonked well before 11pm. I've bulldozed through the jumps as they've gotten harder, counting sets backwards and saying out loud, "only 3 more sets...".

Until today, when I couldn't make it through 20 jumps without tripping!! Try after try, I couldn't get it working and those fricken' jumps had me damn near close to tears. I stumbled through 3 sets and gave up, dropped the rope (though I wanted to THROW it!), opting for a light run instead -- the whole time thinking that I'm only 20 days in, how the hell am I going to make it to 90?

Then there's those damn pull-ups. HA! Even with curses, gritted teeth, sweat, and fury, I can hardly get 1/8 of the way to the bar. Suddenly, I'm catapulted back to 7th grade gym class, dangling from a pull-up bar and being timed for the Annual Physical Fitness test. My instructor says if I can't pull myself up, I can just hang there for the 30 seconds. Thanks for playing, but no presidential award for you.

Once again, I give up on a listed exercise and go for the incline pull-ups instead. Those have improved slightly and at least I'm doing something for my back muscles.

Must admit, I'm feeling a little bummed.

Day 16 -- Make 'Em Count

2009-09-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

Comment from D as he watched me strength train this a.m.:

"Funny (coffee sip), I didn't realize m*therf*cker came after eleven."

Day 13 -- Rounding the Bend on Week Two

2009-09-27T16:53:00.001-07:00

First off, a huge congrats to the 90 day group! Looking forward to reading your final posts -- what you've learned, how you've changed, how it differed from what you expected. As we push, grunt and sweat our way into week three, I know I'll keep coming back to your experiences and successes. Good luck as you transition back into "normal" life, and let us know how it goes.

Shout out to Melanie and Heather -- the new 125 day PCPers. Sometimes life hands you a big old crap sandwich, and it totally sucks. Just know that it doesn't make either of you ladies any less FABULOUS! Big respect for you refusing to stay knocked down. Keep it up!

This weekend marked my first encounter with cravings. Nothing makes my Friday evening more "ahhh, relaxing" than to welcome the weekend with a glass of luscious red wine. I can do without added sugar, salt, fat, even caffeine, but I knew wine would be a challenge. Especially after a bear of a week. Would my willpower hold strong?

So D opened a bottle to pour himself a glass, and (following Patrick's tip) I made myself a cup of tea. I'm proud to say that the cravings came and went relatively quickly. It was an interesting practice to sit and watch these feelings surge and fall away. I know they'll come again, but I think I can take them.

Small physical changes are taking place already. Per my previous post, I've been cutting back on yoga to make room for everything PCP, only getting in a few practices this past week. It's been a good thing, though. Coming back to the mat I've seen that gaining some leg strength has opened up a few poses dramatically. It actually surprised me!

It sounds like we'll have a little less food next week. May be speaking for myself, but I'm all for trimming a bit off of dinner! Be careful what you wish for though, yes?

Day 10 -- Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

2009-09-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

I've decided that this new diet has me eating like a farmhand. Granted, not the same kinds of foods a farmhand might ingest, but it feels like my week two meal sizes are in line with someone fueling for a hard day of physical labor.

Of course, this is from the perspective of a former grazer/light daily eater. The average breakfast used to be (if I ate one at all), fruit with yogurt, maybe some toast, and that would hold me until lunch. But that was the BEFORE time. Today's breakfast? Baked zucchini, yellow squash, red onion and peppers, topped with two eggs fried in a little olive oil. PLUS, two slices of whole grain toast and half a cup of greek yogurt. It was all out delicious, but WHEW!

What really knocks me out is that I was actually hungry for the mid-morning snack and lunch.

Another adjustment has been making time for BOTH the PCP workout regimen and my regular yoga practice (oh yeah, and work). I'm giving PCP the priority, so yoga has been taking a back seat the last two days. Poopers!

I should be able to make time to hit the mat tomorrow and again this weekend, but I wrestle with it a bit. Part... er, scratch that... most of that struggle is mental. I know this level of cross-training will make me a lean, green, yoga machine, but in weeks to come these PCP workouts will become more time intensive. Just how much yoga can I push off and still feel dedicated to the practice? Plus, there's life, love, work, and what not to tend to. Maybe that balancing act is also part of the practice? Hmmm.

Other than that, things are going pretty well. 'Cept those durn incline pull-ups! I did manage to complete my sets getting about half-way to the bar today, which I think is an improvement. Still, it's a little disconcerting given that I can tackle all the other exercises with great form, and those inclines are just laughable. So I laugh and keep reminding myself, I'm here to get stronger, I'm here to get stronger, I'm here to get stronger...

OK, taking a break from work so's me and the dawgs can do a lap around the back forty -- later ya'll!

Day 9 -- Gettin' Figgy with It

2009-09-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

HOLY MOLY, but the week 2 PCP plan has me eating A LOT of food!

I mean, WOW!

I'm sure that I'm feeding growing muscles, but last night's dinner was giiii-normous! Looking forward to hearing more from Patrick on the volume of this diet.

Anyhoo. Given the amount of fruits and veggies (have I mentioned that it's A-friggin'-LOT?!) I'm eating this week, I'm trying to broaden my usual range and explore new produce. Luckily, I've got a natural foods market right down the street where I found figs on sale. Never had a fig before, and these were fresh, organic, slightly sweet, and delish!

That aside, the workouts are going well -- all except for those incline pull-ups. Sheesh. My push-ups have improved, but those damn pull-ups may take some time. We'll see how tomorrow's set feels...

Hope everyone is having a good Weds., and Happy Autumn!

Where did the Summer go?

Day 7

2009-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Anyone else feel like they're at the start of a roller coaster ride? You know, where the car is making that looong, slow climb to the first dip, and juuuuuust as you're about to crest the top, you're thinking, "Holy crap, am I really ready for this?"

I'm sitting on my hands trying to keep from constantly checking the email for our week 2 plan, and the anticipation is making me giddy!

Or, could it be the nagging hunger from a week of half-meals?

Planning to celebrate this last "free" dinner with a little wine.

(Oh red wine, how I'm going to miss you!)

Hope everyone has a delightful evening of half-treats!

Random Thoughts from Week 1

2009-09-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

EATING

Half portions have made me realize that I've got a habit of not eating enough during the day, and consuming a higher percentage of my daily calories at night.

I've been physically hungry for each meal, and that's made food taste even more delicious.

Being mindful while eating is a pleasurable practice that I've often neglected on busy workdays.

When out at a restaurant, I don't necessarily need to eat the entire portion if half will satisfy me.

Slowly savoring one glass of wine can be enough.

EXERCISE

A week's worth of Down Dogs and Chaturanga don't get into the chest muscles the way a set of good old fashioned pushups can.

I have not been doing enough cardio over the last few years.

Forgot how much I love situps. Sick, I know, but there it is.

Reading Patrick's "Embracing the Suck" post has pointed out that tight inner thighs are keeping me from fully opening in several asanas. Looks like I've got more than inversions to work on.

PEANUT GALLERY

Comments from friends/family/others have been interesting:

"You're thin already, you don't need to do this."
" I soooo wish I had the desire/time/drive to do that."
"No alcohol?!? For how long?!?"
"You're going to cheat, right?"

DISCIPLINE

90 days is a long time, but I am so in for this challenge. Looking forward to next week's diet and exercise instructions. To borrow from Jonti, Bring it!

Day 4

2009-09-18T03:54:00.000-07:00

Half-day Hungry Haiku

Oh, how my tummy

rumbles and grumbles today.

Is it lunchtime yet?

Day 3 -- Don't Have Time, or Don't Make Time?

2009-09-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Up early to get in PCP training, yoga practice and a blog entry before the bulk of a busy workday. It's an effective trick learned with past workout programs -- get it going first thing and there's this great sense of accomplishment for the rest of the day. Last minute deadlines and lack of motivation tend to plague me by close of business, and not getting in my workout can foil my mood for sure.

True story. I was talking to a friend a while back about my fitness practices, and she was complaining about her lack of exercise. Being a busy, high-powered corporate exec, she felt that she never had time to work out, but could always find 4-5 hours to flop in front of the TV each night. Then she stopped, her eyes widened, and she mimed a smack in the forehead. It was one of those "therapist" moments when you're talking out loud, in search of an answer and out it comes, from your very own lips.

There was a treadmill parked in front of said TV shortly thereafter.

I think about that exchange often and use it as motivation to get myself out of bed on a cold morning. Am I making the time to do something great for my body, mind and spirit, or am I just making excuses that will leave me grumpy at the end of the day?

Then, I think about Ben Stiller as Starsky, and just DO IT, DO IT! (Dumb movie, but the line makes me laugh.) Whatever works, right?

So far, so good. The jump roping takes more energy than I thought, but the strength training is a breeze. (Ah, Patrick will say just you wait, ladies!).

Half portions, bah! Though, doesn't food taste extra yummy when you're hungry?

4 Sets of 10 (or, Why I'm Here)

2009-09-15T13:17:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year, I did something quite impressive. OK, maybe not like, solving the world energy crisis impressive, but still an interesting feat. Just this last May, I turned 40.

Yep, that's right, 40 years old. The big four-uh-oh. Officially gone from Miss to Ma'am. 40 trips around the Earth's sun. Kicking it for four full decades. Listening to the hits of the 70's, 80's, 90's, and 00's in real time.

Or, my inner critic's absolute favorite, "Welcome to the start of your middle-aged years!"

Don't get me wrong, this is not a lament about turning 40 -- no way. For the most part, I'm fairly OK with hurdling this milestone. Mainly because I don't feel 40 at all (more like, 25 with 15 years of experience). I'm in good shape, exercise daily and eat well. I run my own business, genuinely know my craft front to back, and clients listen when I offer my opinion. Personal life is full and peaceful, all because my past mistakes have been my greatest gurus.

Though, if statistics and heredity hold true, there are now as many years ahead as there are behind me. It's a sobering thought to consider this biological equinox, and that merits a little soul searching. What do I want for my next 40 years?

Which brings me to why I've signed up for The Peak Condition Project.

I've been dabbling on and off in yoga, meditation and eastern philosophies since college, but in my later 30's began to reinvest more fully. Lately, it's been my deepest wish to make yoga a bigger part of my world, and for the rest of my life. I want to amp up my own practice and help inspire others to explore the gifts of yoga. I'd sincerely love to enter a teacher training program.

Then there's my inner party pooper again, that little voice that ignites my doubts and taunts me with, "Yeah, but you're 40 now! Middle-aged, remember? Don't you know it's all downhill from here? Yoga teacher training is too hard! You'll never make it!"

I hear it, I acknowledge it, but I don't believe that pesky little voice. Turning 40 has given me great perspective. Perspective to know that the voice is more often wrong than right, and that it cranks the volume when I'm the most afraid to step into unfamiliar territory. I've also learned that going from the known into the unknown is where amazing growth can take place, and that most obstacles are 90% mental.

So here I am, stepping up to this challenge with my own little pledge of allegiance:

I believe that PCP can help me build greater upper body and core strength to empower my yoga practice.
I believe that bettering my diet and knowledge of nutrition will give me the energy to bound through my days and follow my passions.
I believe that commitment to PCP will prove to me (and that stupid little voice) that I've got what it takes to tackle yoga teacher training and whatever the next 40 years has in store.

All right my fellow PCPers, what say we do this thing? Day 1 exercises -- check!

Looking forward to reading your posts as we go.

Good luck, everyone!

Shelly Bloggs!

2009-09-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

A first for me, and (keeping Patrick's original line) it's gonna be blogtastic!