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.