An Hour a Day Keeps the Losers at Bay

Or at least prevents one from becoming a loser. I let a friend of mine, who has impressively completed the P90X program have the first month of the Insanity work out program. Since we re-initiated it just a week ago, we didn't have the complete set because it was in my friend's possession. We were missing the Pure Cardio disc and had to use the Pure Cardio from the second month's disc.

Pure Cardio is by far the most intense day of the Insanity work out program. It is relentless and although every day is a daunting task, the Pure Cardio day is for sure the most taxing on the body. Its aimed at increasing one's endurance and incorporates workouts from the entire week... Shaun T describes it as thus upon completion of the workout: "that shit was bananas." And that is only the first month's Pure Cardio.

So you can imagine what the second month's Pure Cardio feels like. Good God. I wanted to avoid it today, but as I've learned a great way to motivate yourself and make sure you stick with a commitment, posting what you are going to do on Facebook is very effective. I make it known to others that I am doing something and some people will encourage me, confide that I will do it by a nice helpful comment or a simple "liking it." Then there are others that are just waiting for me to fail. They ache for the opportunity to ridicule me if I fail to do what I say I am. I love it the "Facebook Accountability Method" because the moment someone even hints at doubting that I'll do what I say I am going to do on my status, I instantly receive all of the motivation needed to do it...As if a great body, tons of energy, self confidence, good looks and a dramatic increase in my physical endeavors isn't enough motivation.

The ridicule happened this evening, a roommate tried calling me out on not doing it openly (said roommate has dropped out of the program twice) and a former roommate tried jumping on the high wagon (another Insanity flunky). That was all the motivation I needed to not only get it done, but make sure I continue this drive for sexiness.

I've learned that there are really two kinds of people in regards to the pursuit of something difficult but highly rewarding. The people who get there with hard work, an iron will and the discipline to persevere and the people who for whatever reason, simply don't. People can want and want and want something and the majority of them will fail. The drive is just not there. They fall, but unlike the other types, they don't get up. What's worse, is no one offers to help them get up. Their "friends" try and keep them down.

They don't surround themselves with people that try to elevate them, challenge them and help them achieve their dreams. They instead find themselves surrounded by and succumbing to people that regularly and thoroughly enjoy (perhaps not outwardly) bringing others down with them. Especially when their friends begin to show hints or signs of elevating.

These people used to be a tax on my ego, self confidence and fed into my self doubt. Now they're my fuel.

Thanks. :)

Week 1 Complete

Finished Week 1 of Insanity. We skipped the "Fit Test" on Monday and just plunged head first into it so as a result, I've had two days off, both Saturday and today. The entire week I felt like someone had just given me about five minutes worth of charlie horses on my quads, someone was repeatedly stabbing my calves and my hamstrings were hanging by a strand of muscle. Oh the familiar feeling of soreness.

On Thursday, our "Cardio Day" which is the day of Insanity I dislike the most, we used the second month's version, which is basically taking Hell and amplifying it. We used the second version because we don't have the disc that the first month's version is on. Ouch.

Its been a good week so far. Despite the soreness I feel the muscles start to "pop out" as if to say: "huh? You want to do stuff now? Cool." Its like my body was just fine tuned and ready to continue on this path of building, tweaking and perfecting. Still not taking the Catalyst as much as I should, that's just a habit I need to get into. Took a Post Workout Recovery after Friday's plyometric day...that helped immensely.

One more day off (today) until I start it up again and (hopefully) begin to incorporate some running.

Bring it on Shaun T...

Oops I Did it Again

I got sidetracked...but not after completing Insanity...That's right. I finished it. I'll pause so that you may gasp at the fact that I began something and finished it. So what came after that? Well, a delay in usage from the Advocare products...more or less a monetary delay.

I love Spark and I love Slam. Psychosomatic or not, they work for me the way I need them to, which is what's said on the label. At this point, I couldn't care less if it was packaged sugar that they were peddling but it does the trick for me and for those that I've given a few samples for. Its not for everyone, this is not a miracle powder or juice, but it is for me and if I had the money, I'd gladly pay the $2-$3k to permanently hook myself up with a 40% discount. Man...40% off of everything...it will happen soon enough but I get so excited at the prospect of 4k worth of product at my disposal...

Team Evil (my Dodgeball team) finished first in the open division and I think fourth in the coed division in the Phoenix Dodgeball League. Although I was not there for the finals, I heard about the epicness that took place and it was great to know that my team does not need me to bring home the big win. They're just as capable, just as good at taking care of business as I am, or have come to be and it is such a privilege and joy to have them wear the skull, the jersey and take part in the team. Team Evil in the Azdodgeball League, also took first. I was there for that and enjoyed every minute of it, even the Halloween party that followed after.

The following Monday, I went to California for three weeks on Air Force duty. Got a lot of "Looking good, Damon" from people, was told I looked slimmer, leaner and I owe it all to Insanity. It melted away what fat I accrued over the months of drinking, helped me maintain a youthful reserve of energy and made for a much easier time moving around in my chem gear during the war exercise. It was great, I felt great and able to do anything.

Once I got more free time, I hit the gym up there and unfortunately, had to rely on GNC products. I cringe now but at the time, I was desperate for nutritional sustenance. Thought I needed it. I researched BCAA's and the like and bought a bottle of horse pills. Couldn't take 'em. I bought some powdery stuff (which I still have) and didn't really feel "it" but took them along with a recovery shake/powder anyway.

A few days into the routine, I texted my trainer, asking about BCAA's and what he knew about them. He got back to me and said that Advocare's Catalyst (which I should be taking more thoroughly and still have a decent supply of) has several of said protein/amino chains already...

Live and learn. Spend and regret. Oh well.

I come home and really didn't do much aside from catch up on my grad school homework. Spent a lot of time with family, especially during Thanksgiving. Had some household drama that distracted me from functioning but that has all but subsided now and is at that point where I just look back and laugh at it all. What will be, will be. I'll always have my dedication to fitness and hopefully, good physical health, my friends, family, the Air Force, whatever it is that makes me great will always be there; if I continue to remind myself and not succumb to the petty mongering of lesser persons, it will be there.

Currently my house is clean and the spacious aspect of it that we tenants fell in love with has not only begun to reveal itself, but also provide for a great party atmosphere...however with that comes the drinking...

I haven't hit the gym yet and I know when I do I am going to be ridiculed (justifiably so) by my trainer but I'll take it and build myself back up to and passed where I was. I did one day of P90x and when my training sessions finally expire, I know I have a great new home based workout to take on. That kicked my ass. If Insanity can give me the lean frame and P90x can build the muscle while the trainer perfects it and Advocare sustains it...holy shit look out envious whiners.

I did re-start the Insanity work out. Today marks Day 4..."Pure Cardio" the worst day of them all. Do I want to do it? No. Will I? Yes. Will I be grateful afterward? You're God Damn right I will be.

Moving On

After reading my previous post, I am glad to say that I just kept right on doing what I said I was going to do. It is becoming less of a rare thing for me: doing what I say I am going to do.

I received my Advocare Package after it was sent to my old apartment complex. I almost lost my shit (heh, literally as well) when I found out that my $200 and some odd dollar package was signed for and delivered. Fortunately, one of my friends from there had my back and she made she I got it back.

Phew.

I was reunited with Muscle Fuel and Muscle Recovery and I put them to work, fast. Mike wasted no time whipping my ass into shape and although I've gotten weaker with the weight lifting, the strength I've added due to my religious following of Insanity has made the exchange invaluable. I thought I was improving a month ago...

My teammates and friends have seen a huge change, I've felt it and I am either the Dodgeball player I used to be, or wasn't as good as I thought I was and just simply got better.

I am on Week 8 of Insanity's 9 week program, I cannot thank myself enough for having the tenacity, discipline and drive to see it through this far. I have had some friends of mine attempt it and quickly give up and or fall behind. The ridicule I received from sticking with the program (and constantly talking/bitching about out on Facebook) not only motivated me to continue onward, but is most likely having people eating their own words and doubts, or better yet, having them wanting to give it all a shot.

I attempted the Herbal Cleanse and just didn't have the discipline to see the program through all of the way. I drank heavily one night and messed up the cycle. Not to mention, the horse pills that are given to you are not only impossible for me to swallow, but disgusting to chew. Suffice to say, I wasted it. I may try again in two months. We shall see. The Nighttime Recovery is sharing a similar fate. I cannot handle horsepills...

Tomorrow is one of the last two weeks of Phoenix Dodgeball. I hope that I will "black out" again. Lately I've been unleashing sprees in which I will single handedly take out half a team or more in a mere few seconds. I totally lose my mind and let my body take over and I love every millisecond of it because when I "come to" people are cheering and my team just gets another epic win. This feeling of being so "in the zone" is why I love Dodgeball so much.

I think these spurts have become possible with the fact that Insanity has increased my stamina ten fold, it has provided my muscles with what is needed to move tirelessly the way an effective Dodgeball player must and the advocare products for supplying the fuel.

I am a completely different person and am only getting better.

Thank you Advocare.
Thank you Sean T and Insanity
Thank you people out there that just make me want to better myself and step up to your level.

Temporary Setbacks

Long story short, after mid July everything came to a screeching halt. I got distracted with trying to find a "real job," being broke and worried about how I was going to pay for everything over the next month or so. A few other things allowed me to cease all work out activities and suffice to say, I lost about a solid month of training.

That ended last week when after winning the National Dodgeball World Championship and Convention (I still stayed active at least) championships with my Arizona Dodgeball team: Arizona Rampage I began the "Insanity" workout program...

HOLY SHIT.

It WILL mess you up and after Day 8 I can definitely feel the reinforcement of my abdominal wall. I've begun running again and thanks to the good folks at L.A. Fitness and Advocare, have been re-introduced to Spark and Catalyst. I love Spark. I love it very much and having that back in my life is putting me back on the fast track.

With Insanity working my ass every day and the occasional Spark supplement before doing something active (like a Phoenix Dodgeball game) I already feel the difference. Last sunday, I was a completely different player on the court. I was dodging, running faster, I felt energetic and my catching has (I feel) increased dramatically... I'm plucking balls out of the air. Did I finally shake my "funk?" Did winning the championship make me play at a higher level? Has the increased blood flow from constantly getting my cardio on via Insanity increased my focus? Has Spark increased my mental sharpness? A combination of all the above? Whatever it is, its working and I am kicking myself for the lost month of progress.

I ordered a bunch of product from Advocare. Can't wait to try Herbal Cleanse, get back to Muscle Recovery (I really enjoyed that, in fact I would look forward to the work out just to be able to get on it), of course more Spark, Muscle Fuel (as I will begin training with Mike at L.A. Fitness again) and Nighttime Recover (because I will probably be dead after I get into the true "groove" of my training.

I am jobless. All I have to do is stay in Grad School. At the very least, I should use the 8 to 9 hours I've gained by not working (though I'd rather have a job and I hope it changes as the hunt goes on) to perfect myself.

Alright.

The Pain Just Keeps Comin

So with Mike gone, we've begun training with Kent, who is just as eager to mop the floor with us as anyone else. I feel myself not only getting stronger, but also bigger. I have yet to see/notice anything from the Catalyst but I imagine its like watching grass grow. I am confident in the products.

I love Muscle Recovery, Spark and Slam (tried a few the other day...wow...) and am looking forward to trying O2 Gold and Muscle Gain.

I am doing a lot of stuff on minimal food intake as well, though not intentionally. I figure once I eat more I'll be tearing the gym up.

LEGS!

Good God my legs were worked hard on Thursday. I was sore for four days. If not for Muscle Recovery, I may have been in a wheel chair. We bade Michael adieu for now and vowed that when he returns in August (assuming I can still afford the sessions) we'd be ready to really start kicking some ass in the gym.

It was quite awesome no doubt, to see that I was lifting twice the amount of weight in Leg Extensions that day. Where I normally plateau and stay with the same routine and gradually increase in weight "when I feel like it," Mike has always piled on more weight, asking me "how does that feel?" in a cocky, don't you dare say you want less weight sort of way. It was a huge surprise when he pointed out that I was lifting double. I felt like I was lifting what I always did - 70-75lbs and not 140.

Bad ass.

I think the other highlight was when he notified me that the half hour session was over, I knew what was coming up. "You want to do another exercise?" My legs screaming but on overdrive for more, I said "let's do it." He gave us an extra 15 minutes of his time. In a way, this meant something to him too.

We finished strong but were sapped of energy in the leg region. We probably could have gone on to work on upper body. Going home, it was sad to see Mike go, but the drive to impress him (no homo) upon his return is about as robust as an 80 mile per hour, on cruise control in the fast lane on the highway 18 wheeler semi hauling relief supplies to the needy. In other words, in ain't stopping anytime soon.

With the Catalyst, I've been having to use the restroom a lot. Its too soon to expect or anticipate and notice a difference, but again, if its anything like Spark and Muscle Recovery in regards to effectiveness in what its supposed to do, (which is fuel the muscles so the body burns fat and not muscle as well as help tone the muscle) I imagine I'll be seeing results fairly soon.

I took an assessment yesterday with a potential new trainer and although my last assessment was in August, there were noticeable differences. Most good, some bad:

THEN NOW

Body Fat % 15% 18.6%
Weight 164 171
Upper Body Test (120 lbs incline chest press) 12 reps 13 reps
Vertical Squat (225 lbs) 10 reps 30 reps
Flexibility -6 -7
Muscular Endurance (pull ups) 8 reps 7.5 reps

Measurements:

Neck 14" 14 1/2"
Chest 37 3/4" 39"
Shoulders 44 1/2" 46"
Waist 32 1/2" 35"
Hips 39" 38"
Bicep (R) 11" 13 3/4"
Bicep (L) 11" 13 1/2"
Thigh (R) 18" 20 1/2"
Thigh (L) 18 3/4" 21"
Calf (R) 13 1/2" 14"
Calf (L) 13 1/2" 14"

So I can see where and what lots of beer and complacency has done. Last year for Memorial Day weekend I had three keggers back to back to back. This year, I had one Vodka cranberry, (strong) and two beers within two days. Going about two weeks strong without having much alcohol. Nothing to prove really, just didn't feel the need for it. In fact the two IPA's I had last Monday was it. Doing good.

Woke up this morning on four hours of sleep. Carlos got me to run Randolph Park today. Run time was 27:19. Went the whole time non stop, probably could have hit harder and I know I could have kept going after the three mile mark. Thank you Spark. Thank you Michael Cooley. Thank you L.A. Fitness. Thank you haters. Thank you Carlos and more importantly, thank you self, for not wanting to be a fat punk ass bitch. (And thank you too TSgt Randosevich.)

I feel amazing.

Catalyst, Kung Fu, Dodgeball

Yesterday we decided to save legs day until our last session with Mike. According to Pete, who is a friend of Mike, Mike loves working out legs. He stated that one time, a new client was showing up to train with Mike and he told Pete: "God I hope this person picks legs today." That of course got Carlos and I laughing but fearing legs day even more so. Of all my weightlifting exploits, legs have always got the short end of the deal, the neglect. Aside from running, I don't do much with them. Before L.A. Fitness, the last time I did squats was almost a year to date and I damn near pulled a hamstring.

So we figured, since Mike got cool with us, we'd do legs on our last session as a type of farewell. A final hardcore ass kicking. We worked triceps and back. Jesus Christ. Took three Catalyst (horse) pills thiat time and didn't feel the difference, but just in case, saved the Spark. When I got home I got ready to go to Kung Fu class, a class that I've been in and out of for the last nine years. I hit it strong back in 01, 02,' and 03' but then crapped out. Dodgeball somewhat replaced it. Sometimes I just plain couldn't afford it and other times I just didn't really think about it. Martial arts has had a tremendous impact on my life so in the recess of my mind I always figured I'd go back. I'll get that black belt/sash someday.

Well I did; got back into Kung Fu that is. But not before having a Spark drink. It was like a video game generated continue or extra life. Driving over there, I felt the excited pool of energy ready to keep up with the veterans. We got to stretching and then conditioning and instantly, I felt the cardio effects but I wasn't getting tired. I wanted more. An hour session went by almost too quickly and I was beyond ready for my Dodgeball match. I wanted to keep doing something active.

After Kung Fu I felt like I was on a high, the good kind. The kind where you know you can accomplish anything and already have accomplished a lot. The kind you get after running three miles. After a long hike, after winning a hard fought sports game. The kind that makes me think alcohol is so beneath me. I could feel my body turning into an efficient machine on the way to the Y. I could feel the gears burning, fueling my muscles and getting them primed and ready for the next challenge.

My team lost as unfortunately I cannot do everything but I got some good practice time in. Had a few hard throws bounce off my opponents and felt like that reserve of fuel was abundant. For me, games only count when they are against Phoenix teams or for some kind of prize. The YMCA League, which is running rather well, is just for funzies and practice.

Went to bed later that night and slept like a baby.

This morning I was more afraid of sleeping in through the appointment with Mike so I was sure to wake up. Took three Catalyst pills and had one Spark drink and was ready for the worst. 45 minutes later (almost blacking out) I felt like a newborn fawn, shot straight out of the mother doe's womb.

Mike sent us off well alright. Chugged some Muscle Recovery hoping like hell that I wouldn't be sore tomorrow. Tomorrow morning will be the true test, will I be able to walk and run and not feel like my legs are clamped in a vice? Since we've started taking Muscle Recovery, I haven't been getting sore. Before Muscle Recovery, I'd be sore in whatever area we worked on for more than two or three days. I was in a constant state of PAIN.

In fact since I've been on Muscle Recovery, I haven't been sore at all.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

And thanks Mike for your time and effort to get me (and Carlos) to this point. Its been a short four weeks but I feel damn amazing and am starting to notice some results. Can't wait to see what two months of this gets me.

See you in August.

Post-Workout Recovery II

So we hit the gym again today. Felt my biceps wanting to burst. I took one Catalyst. Didn't feel much. I gave my neighbor/friend a Spark to see what his reaction is. He said he definitely felt an energy boost. We didn't work out too hard as to prevent injury and also save ourselves for Mike tomorrow but it was good. I feel quite swollen.

I learned later tonight after a brief conversation with Pete, our supplier if you will, that you are supposed to take THREE Catalyst pills. Not one. You take three pills fifteen minutes before a work out and then three pills three times a day when you're not working out in between meals.

This should prove for a much more significant difference in all that we embark on.

All that aside, still feelin' awesome.

Post-Workout Recovery

Yesterday I did chest, biceps and abs. Normally when I train with Mike, I am sore for days. Right now, I hardly feel a thing. I find myself wondering if I trained as hard as I normally do but when I remember that I was shaking profusely when trying to lift my gym bag from the car, trying to pour myself a glass of milk to mix with the PWR and typing yesterday's entry, I can answer with confidence, yes, I got my shit wrecked yesterday.

One of our neighbors happened to drop by, offering to work out. We're taking him up on his offer. Perfect chance to get Catalyst started.

Long Weekend

I played Dodgeball Wednesday Night, then again on Thursday night. I often find myself being given the ball to make a throw, not so much for my power because there are plenty of people on my team that throw harder than me, but more for my accuracy or ball placement. I can generally pick someone off from across the court, tagging their ankle by throwing where its going to be while in motion and hit dead on. I am really good at follow up throws and tend to have the most stamina on my team(s); when other teammate's arms are hurting, I'm barely getting warmed up.

That being said, my arm got worked the last five days.

Friday I went to play catch and hit some baseballs with some friends. I took another Spark figuring why not, my diet's poor, might as well get some vitamins and what not in. Going to play outside in the hot sun. I don't want to black out on the mound. I pitched for about an hour, wasn't throwing too hard but for some reason it seems more difficult throwing a baseball than a dodgeball and I could feel it wearing on me later on. I ceased playing about two hours in because people wanted to go home (they got to the park and played about an hour before me) and to save my arm for Saturday.

I played for about three hours in the championships on the following Saturday. My team (half on Spark) took 2nd place in both Open and Coed. Did the Spark help? Maybe. We had a solid team this season. Those few individuals that I shared the Spark with said they felt more energetic. One said he felt it immediately, so already I was thinking he was "believing" to feel it, but watching him play like a crack addict hours later kind of says differently. Now that could be a combination of things, psycho-somatic, better diet (then what I practice) or the fact that we were all just amped to go out and dominate. For whatever reason, it still worked for me. I was jittery, but in a "I'm really to play" sort of way. I had speed, I had power, I had everything I needed at my disposal. The only thing I lacked was the discipline to stay focused and make the necessary plays to help my team win. We were just outgunned that day, but the Spark experiment seems to prove itself more and more. It can't win championships but it can provide me with the other necessary elements.

The following Sunday, I went back out to the baseball fields to throw some pitches, hit some balls and play catch and I realized that I had used my arm for five days straight. Normally, when I throw a football, dodgeball or baseball for a prolonged period of time in one day its shot for at least 24 hours. I can throw the next day, but it hurts. As I rotate my shoulder during the typing of this sentence I feel like if needed, I could go play some games of Dodgeball, pitch a few innings of baseball or toss the football around no problem.

It would seem the Spark also serves as a type of muscle repairer type thing. That or its just getting the necessary whatever it is muscles need to get worked without being significantly damaged. Either way, I've got no complaints.

Pete, our supplier and one of the trainers (who will be taking the place of the our current trainer while he is away) provided me with a trial of Muscle Fuel. Long story short, I bought another packet of Spark (to try this passed weekend for the Dodgeball tournament because the shipment had yet to come in) but since he didn't have change, he equated the difference with an extra Spark packet and Muscle Fuel.

Score.

Tasted like a jaeger bomb. Our current trainer, Mike, still had no problem kicking my ass however I still feel like I can run and do more. While Spark gives me more energy, this Muscle Fuel did just that. Normally I would have quit but I was able to keep digging deep, the repetitions, though getting more difficult, weren't impossible. Sure, for the longest time my arms were shaking and it was difficult to perform a simple function such as lift my gym bag from the car without concentrated effort, but I felt a difference. The best way to describe it is to say there is working out on an empty stomach, which is awful and there is working out on a well fed, balanced diet full of the necessary carbs and nutrients serve by someone who knows what they're doing. There is scarcity and there is the optimum. Advocare seems to be providing the optimum. What I do with it is what's going to make the difference.

I feel good. I feel like I worked as hard as I needed to without utterly destroying myself and I feel I could continue on my day and probably will, the possibility of rejoining my kung fu class and re-starting the Armstrong Pull-Up Program (as I skipped last week). Now that the shipment has come in I completed my workout with a Post-Workout Recovery Sports Drink instead of muscle milk, or worse, nothing. These packets run about $3.40 a pop. Muscle Milk, depending on where you get it and if its on sale, can run about .50 cents cheaper per unit but as I have heard from multiple trainers, contains more protein than what is needed and may counteract one that is trying to trim the extra pounds. I have heard that chocolate milk is the best thing to try, but its only a "if all else fails" post workout recovery drink. The PWRSD blended fairly easily, tasted okay and seems to have settled in my stomach just fine. I guess we'll see how sore I am tomorrow and the day after. Generally, after a work out with Mike, I am sore in whatever area we worked (with the exception of abs) for two to three days.

There are three more products that were included in my initial order - Catalyst, Thermo-Plus and Slam. Slam is their answer to 5 hour Energy which, I thought Spark was. If Spark isn't their answer to 5 Hour Energy, then Slam scares the shit out of me. Catalyst is supposed to help with muscle recovery and trim while Thermo-Plus is supposed to be some kind of meal replacement thing; which was more for my roommate who has, almost for the entire year been my work out buddy and has different goals. I want to gain weight, he wants to lose it. We've both been pushed to our limits in the last four weeks. More so than ever before, maybe since Basic Training for me. Either way, we're both excited to see what these products will do. If they're anything like Spark...

5 Hour Energy

I don't know how I managed to host a tournament and then defeat the defending championship team in my Wednesday Night League on no food and as hung over as I was. This is the reason why I am trying to get on the Advocare stuff. At times, my diet is down right shit-tastic and I need to provide my body with what it needs to continue my path toward greatness. Otherwise all the working out in the world is going to amount to nothing but a crash or injury.

Last night I played in a Phoenix based team, Azdodgeball and decided to try 5 Hour Energy. I noticed that they, like Advocare, isn't or hasn't been run through the FDA, which to no surprise is just like Mana-tech and Herbal-life. What is the need/advantage in bypassing the FDA? That generally throws up warning signs, but with the amount of advertising the makers of 5 Hour Energy are doing, as well as Herbal-life and Mana-Tech, I am certain a side effect or mishap, much like what had happened with Hydroxycut would have occurred by now.

Either way, I first tried this stuff (5 Hour Energy) prior to an all day tournament earlier this month out in the sun, on sand. I didn't really feel a difference. I went back and forth from the courts to the van and loaded up on peanuts, bananas and Gatorade. I felt downright shitty due to a night of intense drinking. By the end of the night I finally got my "balance" in which I didn't feel hung over, I felt normal and that was basically exhausted. I also felt victorious as our team took home the $1000.00 cash prize.

I took a shot of five hour energy (at the cost of 3 for $6.00) last night right before league play began and honestly, felt no real significant difference. I was sober, not hung over, well rested and ready to own. Didn't really feel "that edge," or that sensation of energy I felt earlier in the morning after I trained. The kind that made me want to throw anything within sight and run like the dickens.

Hm...

Tomorrow will provide an interesting opportunity, I also play in another Phoenix based league: Phoenix Dodgeball League for the championships. My team currently has first place in both Open and Coed divisions despite my repeated absences throughout the season: Weekend Warrior Drills and my trip to Japan for Annual Tour training - military obligations. I am definitely going to try Spark and share with some of my teammates to see if they've noticed a difference. I don't want to flat out say what it is, as I do not want them to "think" they have more energy but we shall see. I did some math and a case of 14 Spark pouches can be bought for $18 equating to about $1.35 per pouch. Already cheaper than a Gatorade and 5 Hour Energy... Interesting benefit there.

Especially if it has been working.

Day 2

I've realized that the only way I am going to get the most out of life is by eliminating or limiting my intake of alcohol. Last week Mike (our trainer) mentioned that he quit alcohol for going on five weeks and it virtually eliminated what little fat he may have had which I think was a myth. This man is perfect in every way.

I got home the night prior from work, b-lined for the bathroom and when I got out lo and behold there was a friend of mine with a case of beer. Just a few turned into a lot and I got so drunk I passed out. Shamefully I overslept to three o clock yesterday, completely no called no showed my work shift which I have yet to answer for and had to scramble last minute for a Dodgeball tournament I was going to host for the local Air Force base.

Despite the last minute scrambling all went well. I learned a valuable lesson: when you're the leader of anything, you have to hold yourself to a higher standard, show a little more discipline and professionalism. People are stepping up to help me and have been, I cannot let them down. I will not let my consumption of alcohol do that to me again. The event was a success and with great significance: I can confide in others to run multiple events at once. Great day for Tucson Dodgeball despite my irresponsible actions almost working against it.

This morning I woke up almost dreading the session, still tired and wanting to sleep I dragged myself out of bed and got "the stuff." Carlos, who is training and working out with me said he needed the powder. Took the Spark, got my ass kicked and still feel like if needed, I could go on a run. As I type this, I shake with the damage I've done to my muscles but the energy accumulating within. I want to throw things, jump around. I feel amazing.

Placebo or not, this must've been what I needed. I can't wait for the other shit I ordered to come in. Hopefully it comes in today but for sure before my Dodgeball tournament on Saturday. People are going to get wrecked.

Introduction to Advocare

Since High School I have been exposed to several get rich quick schemes and methods of net distribution. Anywhere from selling knives, to nutritional supplements, financial planning and insurance to...Advocare. After becoming exposed to Herbalife, I was turned on to the idea of trying something out.

Ever since I decided to start working out and lead a healthier life, I've come to pay attention to what I eat, trying to shred those last stubborn beer pounds and prolong my life. Food Inc. was a huge help but I'd still have my shortcomings. I figured nutritional supplements of some kind would be a worthy investment.

Tried Hydroxycut, then found out it not only started killing people, but was undergoing a nationwide recall. It still sits on my shelf, gathering dust.

This passed semester I had a class where the professor required his weekly presenting students to provide their fellow classmates with dinner. His reasoning was that we sit in class from 4:30 to 7:00, miss dinner and are hungry. He figured a well fed class would stay alert and in better spirits to take on the wonders of Research Methods material.

I believe he was correct.

One student brought this powder known (I did not know at the time as Spark) to mix with water. Feeling rather fatigued that evening (as one fellow student decided to point out), I decided sure, why not? Herbalife (from my exploits with Tucson Dodgeball) turned me onto the idea of being able to drink a Gatorade like substance without bringing in unnecessary sugars and this was a free offering so why not give it a shot? I tried three cup fulls in my tiny, six oz glass of water and felt the effects about half an hour later.

I got to the YMCA where I work on call, and participate in a Monday night Volleyball league early and decided to work out before my game. I did my normal routine for about forty minutes and then hit the treadmill. I figured I'd run a mile and a half as my PT test was on the horizon and it was about time I started prepping for it; I wanted to keep the "excellent" rating I had earned last year. I blew passed a mile and a half under the 7.5 setting and continued until passed two miles (as my teammates were waiting for me to join them in the gym and I had to quit although I didn't want to).

I had so much energy I felt I was on cocaine.

Whether it was psycho-somatic or it legitimately gave me a much needed burst of energy, I was all over the courts, wanting any excuse to run or release bursts of energy.

Something worked.

I figured I'd try it again, get a hold of the student that was promoting it and see what was up. I knew I was walking into some kind of pyramid scheme/net distribution setup but I didn't care. I've started playing a lot of Dodgeball, began personal training three times a week, I wanted energy. I'd be willing to throw down thirty-forty bucks for something "natural" and sugar free.

Fast forward about a month and my personal trainer, who is a younger incarnation of Dulph Lundgren and loves to beat the crap out of his clients recommended me once more to Advocare. I met with one of the representatives, an Army Officer in the making (ROTC) that I have some connection with back in the day when I was in Air Force ROTC and he was a cool guy. I didn't receive the typical spiel about 67% of Americans hate their jobs, why not give yourself the freedom to blah blah blah in any other gross misrepresentation of statistics. Instead I was given an idea of the products that would be best for me to maximize my time (as its not going to last forever) and efforts to get completely ripped in conjunction with personal training, my active lifestyle and adjusted eating habits. I was given another Spark packet for use this morning and I had fuel.

Again, psycho-somatic or not, something worked and I was able to continue when my shoulders and legs didn't want to. I'm also running off of three hours of sleep, though that was more of an accident and from over sleeping the night prior to last.

Needless to say, I ordered some products and became a distributor accidentally. I struck a solid deal with the representative so not only do I get these things on discount, but if I sell others to them I'll receive a commission. I couldn't care less about making 1 to some odd thousands of dollars a month but if I do, awesome. So long as this stuff works, I'll be happy and if it works, I'll recommend it to those friends and acquaintances of mine that want to better their lives. I do it anyway. I share what makes me happy, I share what works for me.

I know there are skeptics out there and normally I'll read and research but dammit, I don't feel like being discouraged. I look at the rep and my trainer, sexy ass (no homo) gods of men that personally train at L.A. Fitness. If they say it works, then by God it must work. And I know that it requires work, hard work I am more than willing to put into and I have been. This will just give me an edge. It will fuel my body with what it needs to realize my potential.

To those skeptics, or nay sayers, consider this blog as living proof. I will be the proof. This blog will serve as a documented journey into achieving success with this product or why it failed. If I am successful, I will help others be. If it is not successful, well, so be it.