Final Thoughts

Having now experienced P90X in all of its early morning glory, I have the following thoughts:

1) I have no before or after pictures to share with you.

2) And here's why: This experience with P90X marked a return to resistance training for me - something which I haven't done since 1996 when I stopped playing college football and lifting weights. Therefore, given that it has been 15 years since I've stretched, strained and pushed my muscles, you can imagine the sad state into which they had fallen. This round of P90X was all about rebuilding a foundation of strength that I had lost. And because I had lost it, I was not strong enough, for example, to push my body for an hour and then do an extra 15 on my abs. After the hour, my body was toast, and so my abs were not worked. ERGO, I have no infomercial quality photos to share with you.

3) Did I lose weight? Yes. How much? Probably about 10 pounds. But I also gained muscle, so the total pounds lost is offset by muscle pounds gained.

4) I did not follow Tony's specific diet plan. Instead, I counted calories based on a limit set by Tony. I was allotted 3,000 calories per day. Because of a busy last weekend, I stopped keeping my food journal after day 85. But based on 85 days worth of journaling, I calculated that I consumed an average of 2,808 calories a day, or 94% of my total allotment. What's more, based on my food journal, I calculated that of the calories I consumed, 26% of them were on foods that I probably should have skipped - desserts, dressings, fats, etc.

5) The question is what I will now do with both my renewed foundation of strength as well as my now ultra sensitive food counting body? I've decided to take a break for at least 2-3 weeks, and then I'm going to begin a half marathon training routine which will last 90 days as well. Why? Because both the P90X and the running are both preparatory for the Tough Mudder race I'm running in May 2012 - 10 miles of British Special Forces obstacles. Ooh rah.

So Tony, I thank you for the experience, the education and the relentless nature of your program and personality. Perhaps we'll meet again one day. But for now, I'll borrow a line from the genie of Aladdin: I'm FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Day 90: DONE

Can I add P90X graduate to my resume now?

Day 89: Core Synergistics

A little over 90 days ago when I announced to my family that I was beginning my P90X journey, my youngest brother and I somehow ended up making a wager as to whether or not I would be able to complete the program. I don't recall if I instigated it (it's what I do best - being an instigator) or if he offered it. Either way, the bet we struck was the following:

If I was successful, he would have to purchase a plane ticket for me to come to Utah, where he lives.

If I failed, I would have to purchase him a plane ticket for him to come to Massachusetts.

About four or five days ago, he left a comment on one of my P90X posts asking, "How much was that plane ticket again?" I think he recognized that it was a done deal. I tried to warn him. I even borrowed some logic from the classic movie, "The Princess Bride."

Ha ha! You fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders - The most famous of which is "never get involved in a land war in Asia" - but only slightly less well-known is this: "Never go against me when physicality is on the line"! 

Anyway, all of that history to say this: I DID NOT WORK OUT TODAY.

Why? I suppose the big brother in me was having a moment of weakness for his younger brother who now has an official get-out-of-buying-the-plane-ticket card. I could have spent yet another morning with Tony, but I chose not to.

So there you have it. On Day #89, have I gone mad? Tripping at the finish line? Please. You know me better than that. Or at least you should.

Whatever my younger brother decides, it's all good. Because I know that you know that Tony knows that I've brought it - could bring it again and again and again.

Day 88: Rest

Forget P90X, my body needed this day of rest after the emotional and physical toll it has taken in recent days/weeks putting together my parents' surprise 50th anniversary party. Not only did I sleep in until 7:30 (which is sleeping in for me, considering that every other morning I'm up between 5:30 and 6:30), but I also took a nap.

PS. Largely as a result of the aforementioned festivities, and my inability to recall exactly what I ate over the past 48 hours, I have put an end to my calorie counting. So officially, I will have recorded and tracked only 86 of my 90 days. Frankly, bringing the calorie counting and food journal to an end is almost as much of a relief as is the completion of the physical part. I'll make a final food entry before I'm finished with some revelatory facts regarding my journey.

TWO days left.

Day 87: X Stretch

There was plenty of stretching today, whether with Tony or stringing up lights for my parents surprise 50th anniversary party.

My middle daughter started the routine with me, but gave up shortly after she commented that it seemed like we were headed for another round of Yoga X. Now that's my girl. But in all seriousness Tony, why are we starting a stretching routine with upward and downward dogs? ENOUGH with the Yoga already.

Day 86: Kenpo X

Day eighty-six is done. I didn't bang my joints; I got my kneecaps up; and I brought the intensity. I'll miss you Kenpo X. Thanks for the memories.

Day 85: Core Synergistics

Another progress mark in my journey. I could actually run a few steps while down in Chattaronga today.

I came to the conclusion that it would be really helpful if I had a TV built into the floor so that I could see Tony and friends all the time while I was attempting to follow them. I discovered a mistake I had been making in a move because I happened to glance up at the TV during an exercise where my eyes are not normally able to stay on screen because of my positioning.

Prison cell pushups are still the bomb.

Day 84: Yoga X

IF it is that I decide to do P90X again, I am telling you right now that Yoga will not be part of my journey. And if it is, the timeframe for each move and the entire routine will be significantly reduced. There is no need to hold twisted half moon for 30 seconds. I think 10-15 is plenty. Beyond a certain second count, it's no longer about flexibility and strength, it becomes torture.

Only 6 more days....

Day 83: Kenpo X

I like this routine. Always have. It's a nice break between hard days.

But more importantly, HELLO! Tomorrow is the start of week #13!! That is my final week!! And what do I have awaiting me on day 84? Why, my old friend, Yoga X. Try and kill my happiness Warriors 1, 2 and 3. You haven't stopped me yet.

Day 82: Legs & Back

My last day with this routine. I won't miss it - but I will give it props. It kicked my butt every single time.

Day 81: Rest

Let's talk calories on this day of rest. I have opined several times throughout my journey on the uncertain science that is calorie counting. Nevertheless, I have tried my best to maintain a less than 3,000 calorie diet throughout the program. I'm pretty confident that I have done that, although given the uncertainty of exactly how many calories I've really eaten, who knows?

Two days ago I started out the morning by eating some Texas French toast. Then at lunch time I ate some chicken nuggets. After two meals, I calculated that I had already consumed 2,100 calories. That meant that I had to have a light dinner to stay under 3,000. Well by dinnertime, plans had changed and we were suddenly eating out with friends at a local Bertucci's restaurant. I put no restraints on myself and ordered a regular meal. By the time I was finished, I had consumed another 2,200 calories, putting my one day total at 4,300 calories. That is by far the highest single day tally of calories I've had since I've begun the program. But that's not why I mention it. I mention it, because I had no problem consuming that amount - which means that prior to P90X, I was probably eating north of 4,000 calories on a regular basis, without any sort of exercise program.

It's scary to think that in 9 days, when I finish this program, I'll no longer be counting calories and my average intake could far exceed what my body should have. Diet control is a huge part of weight loss and maintaing a specific weight. Learning to say no to your appetite is a good thing. Needless to say, two days later, I'm still feeling full from the record setting day. Ugh.

Day 80: Yoga X

If there were any doubt in your mind about how much I loathe Yoga X, then the fact that over the course of these 90 days, this routine more than any other, has been accomplished at a time other than first thing in the morning, like it was again today, ought to cement the notion forever. I finished at 7:15 p.m. this time. Another Saturday battling the fallen leaves with the leaf blower left me with little drive to spend time with Tony.

But it's done. And soon, so will I be.

Day 79: Back and Biceps

My forearms were Tony Toast (yet another marketing slogan for Mr. Horton courtesy of yours truly - "Hey, whatcha having before breakfast? How 'bout some Tony Toast?") about 3/4 of the way through the routine today. Between the pull ups and the constant curling, my ability to hold onto the bar and weights was fading.

Tomorrow is another round of the dreaded Yoga X. Only 11 days left....

Day 78: Plyometrics

My only motivation this morning was knowing that this was my final day with Plyometrics. I used to like it, but now I don't. And I'm happy to be done with it - at least for this round of P90X.

Not much else to say. One day closer to the end.

Day 77: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps

Slow motion push ups are killer. And those were the first exercise of the day, so by the end of the set, I was on my knees again for the rest of the push ups.

I'm starting to dream of mornings without P90X in my future. I won't lie; I'm looking forward to it. Dealing with seminary is hard enough without having to worry about squeezing in a workout.

Only 13 days left....

Day 76: Kenpo X

Today was the end of week #11. Tomorrow is the start of week #12. ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT.

I ran into an old high school friend yesterday who told me that he had seen that I was doing P90X because of a few Facebook posts I've made about it. He asked me how it was going, and then said that he and his wife had purchased the program and were going to be starting it this morning. I won't lie. I laughed when he said that. I laughed because I know what kind of pain he's going to be feeling on Wednesday morning when he wakes up for Day #2.

Could I see Day #76 when I was on Day #2? Heck no. But I can see Day #77. And that's all I need. One day at a time.

Day 75: Legs and Back

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This workout kills me everytime. I didn't even use any weights on the leg exercises this time and I still got the same out-of-breath, bent over, pain filled sensations with every set. This is the only routine which has ever made me feel like I was going to puke.

Of course, I need to make a confession here about my calories. So yesterday was fast Sunday. That means that I had no breakfast and no lunch. So what do you think I did at dinner? Oh just eat 2,800 calories in one meal. Holy Dinah! 2,800 calories in one meal? No wonder I want to throw up on Monday mornings - and that's always when I do this particular routine. It's pretty sad, actually. The one day a month when I have a chance to really restrict my caloric intake and I just gobble down an entire day's worth in one sitting.

For the record, it was a really good meal and dessert.

Day 74: Rest

Today is daylight savings, so I'm picking up an extra hour of rest - a beautiful thing.

Day 73: Yoga X

I delayed my torture session with Tony until the evening. I think it worked out for the best. I spent the day clearing the leaves off the lawn and attending my daughter's cross country race, so my body was nice and warmed up for further pain and suffering.

For all the times that I've done Yoga X, I heard Tony say something this time that I've never noticed before. Once finished with upward dog, back in the plank position, Tony usually says something like, "You can do a push up here if you want to," before going into downward dog. Well, at one point in the routine, he said, "You can do a push up if you need to." If I NEED to? Tony. Who ever needs to do a push up?

It made me smile. A moment of happiness amidst an hour of torture.

Day 72: Shoulders and Arms

I really like this particular workout. It destroys my arms and shoulders, but it's good. I empty the whole rack holding all of my dumbbells on this workout, because I use all of them. I even use my push up bars for part of the straight arm shoulder lifts, because my 10 pound weights get too heavy after a while, and I don't have anything lighter.

And whatever yesterday's funk was, I had no problem bringing the intensity again today.

Day 71: Plyometrics

Today was by far the weakest workout I've ever done with Tony. Not even when I was on death's door with illness did I have as lame a workout as I did today. For whatever reason, I was not in the mood or able to Bring It! Maybe it was the record breaking workout yesterday. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't get a rest day. Maybe it was because our dumb dog got me up at 3am again. Or maybe it was simply the fact that after 70 days, I'm tired. Either way, today I simply showed up and went through the motions.

I guess that shoots down yesterday's entry of "Just show up."

Day 70: Chest and Back

GUESS WHAT?! Today started week #11! I only have 3 weeks or 20 days left. What's more, today was the last time I'll do the Chest and Back routine. AND, to celebrate these momentous occasions, I'll report that for half of the workout today, I was up off my knees during the push ups, and did more push ups than I've ever done before. Woo hoo! Progress!

Tony's words during this routine are true: "Just show up." and "Over time you'll improve." My performance today versus day one is like night and day. I am a much stronger person now - still not strong enough - but stronger.

Day 69: Kenpo X

This morning our house still did not have power. This is two days longer than the last time. Because I had an all day conference to attend for work today, I could not do my workout in the morning, because then I'd be all sweaty, and our showers don't work without power because our house operates on a well, which requires electricity to power the pump.

So for the first time in this program, I had a night workout session. My younger two daughters joined me, which was fun for me, because watching them try to do the Kenpo moves reminded me of my first time with the routine - arms flailing and confused looks. You'd think that this generation of Wii Dance kids would have no problem following on screen demonstrations of body movements.

The evening workout means a short 10 hour recovery before tomorrow morning's workout - because obviously the power was back on tonight since we used the DVD for Kenpo X.

Day 68: Legs and Back

This is the 2nd time in this round of 90 days that Mother Nature has taken power away from me. Last time I lost power, I used my laptop to run the DVD. This time, I used the P90X book and a timer on my iPad. I probably didn't complete the routine as fast as I would have with Tony, because I took longer breaks between sets, but I still brought it.

In the process of today's workout, I think I came up with a new slogan for Tony to replace his "Bring It!" One of my daughters was playing the role of timer, pushing the start button on the iPad. I would get myself ready to do whatever exercise was next, and just before I began, I'd say to my daughter "Push it." so that she would push the start button. After a few "Push it"s came out of my mouth, I realized I had a new catch phrase. So you're welcome, Tony.

And yes; I pushed it.

Day 67: Rest

I feel like Tony owes me a day now. Today was supposed to have been my day of rest. But Mother Nature dropped some snow and it ended up being a day of shoveling instead. Granted, our house only got a couple inches, so it wasn't P90X level snowfall, but still, when all you want to do is not exercise and you still have to exercise - not fair!

I know that I've seen snow in October before, but I can't say as I ever recall snow on the ground during Halloween. There will be tomorrow!

Day 66: Yoga X

It wasn't so bad today. I allowed myself to "dog it" on a few of the Warriors or Upward Dogs. My arms weren't always extended and my knees weren't always off the ground. As Tony likes to say, I still had "a lot of storm going on" as evidenced by the sweat, but it probably wasn't X worthy.

Whatever. I did my time. Today my town is supposed to get 10 inches of snow. I'm sure that whatever energy I didn't burn in Yoga X will be burned when I have to shovel in October. Shoveling snow is no joke. Hopefully my increased muscle base, as a result of my P90X journey makes it easier for me this winter.

Day 65: Back and Biceps

When you get right down to the exercises, I think this workout is the shortest of them all. Which was good for me today, because I needed to get going with the rest of my day. Our dog apparently had issues during the night and so she was let out of her crate around 3:30 a.m., which is when I decided that going back to bed was futile. So another early workout with Tony.

I did some research online the other day and discovered that P90X was released back in 2004. So that means that today, Tony is pushing 53. I've been getting emails from Beachbody that there's a new P90X program about to be released, which means Tony, at 53, is still at it. I'm 39 and hoping that after round one of this program, I can convince myself to do it again.

Day 64: Plyometrics

Wouldn't it be awful if I missed a day now? Ugh. That would stink. To come so close and then just stop? Nope. Not gonna happen.

Today's workout tested my thighs. The "run stance jump switch pick ups" or whatever they're called were too much after all the previous leg drills. Clearly any exercising of my legs makes me weak, as evidenced by the Legs and Back report from Day 61.

Back to the pull ups tomorrow. Pressing on....

Day 63: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps

Just prior to the start of every routine, the screen flashes in large text the words, "Bring It!"

Hey Tony Horton, remember back on Day 45 when I started to feel the beginnings of an illness brewing inside of me? Well yesterday I finally went to the doctor after trying to heal myself with over the counter medicines and the doctor said, "I think you've got pneumonia." That's 18 straight days of P90X with pneumonia.

And hey Tony, remember back on Day 46 when I ripped the entire toenail off my left big toe? How many workouts did I miss? Oh, that's right. Zero.

Oh yeah, Tony, remember back on Day 2 when I did my first Plyometrics workout at 2:45 a.m.?

I'm bringing it over here. Every single day. This morning I had to be out the door by 5am. Did that stop me? Nope. When the alarm went off at 4am, I got up and went to work.

That's how I roll.

Day 62: Kenpo X

I knew my legs would be feeling it this morning. Thank goodness for Kenpo X. I bring the intensity, but this workout just doesn't create any sense of muscle fatigue or exhaustion. About the only thing it does is highlight my poor kicking ability. But I'm grateful for this workout, because it's like working out while still taking a break. It's a nice change of pace from the bent over, gasping for air feeling I had yesterday.

Tomorrow I begin week #10. That's crazy. Only 4 weeks left. I will finish the program the day before Thanksgiving. Now that's something to be thankful for!

Day 61: Legs and Back

This workout kicked my bootie. There were several times during it that I was bent over gasping for air. Usually that sensation followed a session of pull ups. I know my legs are going to be feeling it tomorrow.

By the way - I did do photos and measurements, but opted not to post either. Not much has changed in the measurements since the 30 day mark. Ergo, the pictures don't appear to contain that much change, either. I've concluded that my first experience with P90X is all about recovering strength, since I haven't done any resistance training in the last 15 years. I still can't get through a session of pull ups without using the chair, or falling to my knees during push ups. I'll probably put myself through a second round of the program once the new year begins, and my hope is that my strength will be sufficient to allow for additional phsyical changes. I think this program requires some minimum strength standards - standards which I did not have - before one can achieve those infomerical type results.

Day 60: Rest

I wonder whether it matters when the day of rest is actually taken? I think the ideal goal in this program is that people will go Monday through Saturday and take Sunday off. But I started on a Tuesday, I think, and so my rest day - still on Sunday - comes in the middle of the workout routine. Does that change the results? Who knows.

Let's focus on what matters here: 60 days done and only 30 more to go. YES!!

Day 59: Yoga X

I hate yoga. And I would wear that.

And I hate that it has been the most repeated routine of this whole process. Maybe this whole thing should be called "20YogaX and 70 Others" I think I hate it because I'm as flexible as a board. Or maybe I hate it because it's the only routine that has prolonged discomfort. Downward Dog is not much of a break, and yet it's the only quasi-break for the first 40 minutes of Yoga X. I could also hate it because it's the only workout I do which affects my right shoulder and the surgery it had 17 years ago.

Anyway, Yoga X is always a mental struggle. Good thing I only have 4 more sessions to endure.

Day 58: Shoulders and Arms

Another manly workout - curls and presses and tricep extensions. My shoulders were on fire! When I do Yoga X tomorrow, my arms are going to be hurting when I have to hold them out straight for the warrior poses. I have to say that I'm so glad I purchased dumbbells for this program, rather than the bands. The bands seem too complicated.

My favorite moment of this workout is always when Tony tries to give mid-workout fist bumps to his friends, and his girlfriend Dreya totally doesn't see him with his fist out, or just flat out ignores him. Either way, it makes me chuckle a little.

Only 2 more days and I'll be measured and photographed again.

Day 57: Plyometrics

Another day of jump training - or maybe just hop training. Not a lot of ump left in my jump these days. I'm definitely not a "wild man, a bad man, a locust," like Tony's friend Dominque is.

Haven't talked about calorie counting in a while. Let's update that. I'm supposed to be keeping myself to 3,000 or less. For the majority of the time, I have. Yesterday I apparently went over my limit. Sometimes I know when I've gone over, and other times I'm surprised when I total it all up. Today I had another big breakfast, so my lunch and dinner will have to be adjusted. Who knows really what my true calorie count is on any given day? I do the best I can in guesstimating based on Internet research. My food journal is up to 18 pages worth of entries.

Someday, someone will be interested to know exactly what I ate for 90 straight days, right? Here's my actual journal entry for October 18th. You'll have to let me know how accurate you think I was.

 

Day 56: Chest and Back

This is a man's workout, no doubt. Nothing but pushing and pulling for 40 minutes. Whether by accident or on purpose, the same daughter who accompanied me for this routine on Day 1, was also witness to day 56. Her comment sums it up nicely: "Dad, that was way more push ups than you did the first time." I guess Horton was right. It does get easier.

When it comes time for taking my final pictures on Day 90, I'll have to make sure and do a few minutes of this routine before I take them so that I can be all pumped up for the Hollywood effect.

Day 55: Yoga X

My muscles were tired this morning. I don't know why. Anytime I've done Yoga X, the thing that hurts the most for me is my shoulders. And when I say hurt, I mean that I struggle. For instance, in Warriors 1 and 2, I ache to put my arms down long before Tony says it's time.

Today was the end of week #8. Amazing. I have 5 weeks left. Tomorrow I go back to a routine I haven't seen in the last 5 weeks. You'd think that at this point, I'd be firing on all cylinders and happy to continue the workout, etc. But it's still a daily struggle. Must....keep....pushing....play.

Day 54: Core Synergistics

I've reached the point of P90X where it seems as though there is good news with every post. Today's news is that I will not see Core Synergistics again until I am in my final week. Plank to Chaturonga Run, I'll see you in 4 weeks. Maybe then I'll actually be able to do a Chaturonga Run. For now, it's just Plank Run followed by heavy breathing while I let Tony and friends Chaturonga Run to their heart's desire.

My calorie count was high this weekend due to some social functions and Rachael's birthday. Now there's chocolate cake lingering in the house just begging to be eaten. It's going to be tough during mealtimes.

Day 53: Rest

Today I helped set up and take down about 400 chairs. So it wasn't all rest.

Currently it's about 6:45 p.m. and I am struggling to keep my eyes open. Part of that is due to some drugs I took for my illness, and part of it is that my belly is full and it has been a long day. Whatever the reason, I'm not fighting it. I'm going to bed at 7 and my wife is less than thrilled about it.

"Who goes to bed at 7?!"

Sick, tired P90X-ers who bring it all day, everyday. That's who. Goodnight!

Day 52: X Stretch

X Stretch may as well be an extra rest day. No heart rate, no sweat. It's the only day of the recovery weeks that's actually a recovery day.

Yesterday morning I was SO hungry, following my 10 hours of sleep and my Kenpo X workout, that I ate a 2,100 calorie breakfast. Well, you can imagine how that put a cramp in the rest of my day, meal wise. I think I had a bowl of cereal for lunch and a granola bar for dinner. I guess I won't be doing that again.

Day 51: Kenpo X

I bought some over-the-counter medicine yesterday, went to bed at 7:30 last night and both of those things had me feeling much better this morning. No hack-a-lackin' or phlegm discharging.

Not much else to report. This routine appears so regularly, that I've run out of things to say. So I'll just leave this entry by saying that I'm so glad the weekend is here.

Day 51: Core Synergistics

It's official. This routine is my favorite. It's simple; it's body based; and it's all encompassing. I don't know why Tony only has it as part of his recovery weeks. I think all the Kenpo X days should be replaced with this.

My toenail-less toe was able to perform when required. I am clearly almost over the hurdle with that. My lungs and throat on the other hand continue to be an issue. I was "hack-a-lackin,'" as Rachael likes to call it, through the first half until my overnight growth was able to be expectorated. (That's a pleasant image for you, I'm sure.)

And prison cell push ups are beastly.

Day 50: Yoga X

"Drop down, Mr. Haas; this is Yoga X, my brother. You too, at home. If you're doggin' it up here, that ain't it. I want you down." Way to keep us honest, Tony. My right leg is much less flexible than my left. I guess that makes sense since I'm right handed and the left leg goes with the right arm - such as in a basketball layup.

My first test of the toenail-less big toe. Not bad. I did spend most of the time in plank or push ups with just my right foot on the ground. But again, my decreased lung capacity was the big challenge. After a night of post nasal drip collecting in the back of my throat, until I am able to expectorate the phlegm, which I was not able to do this morning until after my breakfast, I am not able to breathe well. Accordingly, I'm nervous for tomorrow's reintroduction to Core Synergistics.

Week #8 has begun. 10 days until my second measurements and photos.

Day 49: Kenpo X

Today marked the official end of week #7. Amazing. My toe was not an issue for me with the workout, but my decreased lung capacity was. Hopefully my upcoming recovery week will allow for me to return to a normal lung state.

I've been meaning to talk about what it's like being a big guy at 6'6" and trying to match speed and movements with those on Tony's team. For the most part, I can't. But the Kenpo X routine features a tall guy. I don't know how tall he is, but I'd guess 6'3". So I naturally look to him to see how low he goes in horse stance, versus how low I go, etc. It's hard for me to get a feel for how other tall guys do during this workout.

On days when I'm doing pull ups, I don't watch the TV to see whether Tony and friends are fully extending their arms with each rep, but I do, and the distance I have to cover is greater than any of theirs. Even when I cheat a little and use the chair, I still can't match the speed of their pull ups. So either they're not fully extending their arms with each rep, or they're superhuman strong to do pull ups that fast.

Anyway, it's not easy being tall.

Day 48: Legs and Back

My toe was not an issue this morning. I was able to perform all of the routines, except toe iso rolls for my left foot. Tony makes a note of this in almost every workout. "If you're injured, do what you can." Thanks, Tony. However, my chest cold was DEFINITELY an issue. My heart was beating so fast even though this routine wasn't a cardio one, and I labored so hard to draw in enough oxygen, that by the end of the workout, I was feeling like I was going to throw up.

I really hope I can kick this chest cold. Doing P90X while you're sick is so hard.

On a more positive note, tomorrow is the end of week #7. Woah! Time is flying. Wednesday starts week #8, which is my second recovery week, which means that I'm getting close to the end of my second month. It's almost time for measurements and pictures again. It also means a chance to finally complete Core Synergystics - the DVD I had to replace because of a scratch.

Day 47: Rest

Did you see that injury I sustained on Day 46? Ouch. I'm glad I was able to rest today. And oh yeah, my chest cold hasn't gotten any better, either.

Day 46: Yoga X

And it begins, again.

I had an early committment this morning, so I was unable to get the workout in first thing like I prefer. However, it being Saturday, I wasn't worried. I got it done by noon.

But here's the toe kicker. I've injured myself. And this injury is going to put a damper on some of the exercises until it heals. I was outside, wearing nothing but flip flops for shoes, and I was setting up one of those Little Giant Ladders. They're heavy, but very useful. While I was rotating the ladder on the ground, it caught the toenail of my left big toe and completely ripped it off in an instant.

Surprisingly, I was not filled with intense pain. I calmly walked inside and got myself bandaged. However, I cannot put pressure on my toe, like I do when I'm in a push up position. So we'll see how it affects P90X going forward. What's the second half without a challenge to overcome?

Day 45: Back and Biceps

Break out the confetti and party balloons!! 50% done. Woo hoo!! I started this program in August, and here it is October. Yet I'll complete the second half of the program next month. That seems wierd, like the first half is longer than the second. Or maybe it'll make it feel like the second half goes by faster. I'd like that.

Today, I increased the weight I used during the curl exercises and my arms were toast by the end.

With the change in seasons, my respiratory system always seems to undergo at least a cold or some other type of illness. I can feel something brewing in my chest and I don't like it. I don't want to deal with P90X if I'm sick. Here's hoping the next 45 days will be like the first, illness free.

Day 44: Plyometrics

Another good workout from the Plyometrics routine. My shoulders are always killing me when I do this workout, and it's because yesterday was a major shoulder day with push ups and rows.

Not much else to report, other than that I ran into an old friend yesterday and my friend reported to me that they were considering starting P90X soon. That made me do a little mini throw up in my mouth. Good luck was all I could say to that. I'm halfway through and the thought of going back to day 1 is...well...

Day 43: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps

Week #7 has begun! This is the halfway week of this program. Two more days and it's all downhill. The great thing is that after each workout, I still feel like I'm in week #1 in terms of my body's soreness.

Having completed this morning's routine, I bid it farewell until week #10.

Two realizations I've had in the last 24 hours: 1) I need to buy some more dumbbells so that I have some 5 and 35 pounders. There are some exercises where my lightest dumbbell at 10 pounds is too heavy, and some exercises where my heaviest dumbbells at 30 pounds are a tad light. I probably won't get the new weights before I finish my 90 days, but maybe if I do this program again, I'll get them.

2) Like cheese, I have discovered that bread is an enemy. There are so many calories in bread. I was speaking to a friend last night who has recently lost 30 pounds and he said that he doesn't eat any carbohydrates, which includes breads and pastas, but eats a lot of chicken and pork. Perhaps the second half of my P90X journey will be bread free. I don't know if I can give up the pasta. I do love me a good plate of fresh cooked spaghetti. But I'm willing to forgo the bread option and increase the meat, veggies and fruit. We'll see.

It's all about change; and change is good.

Day 42: Kenpo X

I'm glad today was Kenpo X. The routine goes by quicker than others and isn't as high impact.

My lack of flexibility continues to plague me, especially when attempting kicks, which look more like flops.

In every video Tony always offers a tip of the day. He also repeats a particular phrase during at least one of the suggested breaks. That phrase is, "If you need a break, take one. We'll be here. Working." I like that. And I like it because he means it.

Day 41: Legs and Back

Doing the pull ups with my legs behind me, instead of in front continues to be the hardest part of any workout which includes pull ups. I can only do so many with them in back of me, then I have to put them out in front, use the chair and keep going. Tony's ok with that, and so am I.

There was no jumping on the Debbie Siebers speed squats today. Just getting the reps in was tough enough.

Tomorrow is my last day of week #6. That's awesome.

Day 40: Rest

I'm happy to see that I've entered the 40s. I'll be halfway through the program before this next week is done.

Not only will I be resting today, but I'll likely be glued to my couch all day, as well. Today is my church's General Conference, so I have 4 hours of televised sermons to take in.

Who knows? I may even throw in a nap while I'm at it? I love to rest.

Day 39: Yoga X

I can't emphasize enough, at least for me, the need to do these exercises first thing in the morning. Even on a Saturday morning, when I could be sleeping in, it's important to get up and get it done.

So I did. And the thing I worked on improving in this round of Yoga X was doing a push up from the plank position. I didn't do many, but the many I did was more than I've done before.

Do your best; forget the rest.

Day 38: Back and Biceps

I hate it when I'm right, but I was right. I put the chair behind me for the pull ups and HELLO! Much more difficult, but much more realistic given my door frame apparatus.

Last night I ate dinner at the Outback restaurant. Once again, it was hard to see my dinner companion eat whatever, while I asked the waitress for the under 500 calorie meal.

Alas, there can be no change without sacrifice.

Day 37: Plyometrics

I went to bed at 8pm last night and awoke at 6am today. It was a glorious 10 hours of much needed sleep. Still, I fought the urge to postpone the workout when I awoke. It's going to be a long 53 more days to the finish if I'm already fighting the urge to postpone workouts or skip them altogether.

Plyometics is jump training. I've lost a lot of the "ump" in my jump. Not only that, but I've also come to the discovery that I apparently don't have the derriere cheeks that I used to. Unless I tie my shorts to my waist, my shorts are prone to slip and fall during my jump training. Is this why old men and plumbers always have a hard time keeping their pants up?

I might have to get me a pair of these to bring back my derriere of old:

Day 36: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps

The 4am workout wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. But my 6am meeting was definitely a test of eyelid endurance.

During the second or third push up exercise, I was straining so hard to straighten my arms that I tweaked a muscle in my upper back/neck area. This is the second time since beginning P90X that I have done this. It's such a pain (in the neck)! Nevertheless, I could see some improvement in some of the push up routines versus the first time I did them last week.

Am I tempted to quit? Yes. Will I? Not today.

Day 35: Kenpo X

Week #5 done. Week #6 begins tomorrow.

My body continues to experience daily soreness. I am grateful for the relatively low impact workout of Kenpo X. Although I still can't match the speed of Tony and friends as they go through the exercises.

All I could think about during today's workout was the problem that faces me for tomorrow's workout. Tonight I am scheduled to be in a meeting until probably 9 or 10pm. Then I have another meeting in the morning starting at 6am. So I'm going to have a short night of sleep, and I'll have to begin my workout at 4am tomorrow. That stresses me somewhat. I like my sleep, especially when I'm punishing my body on a daily basis.

Day 34: Legs and Back

I hate that this routine is always on a Monday. It's a rude awakening back into the exercise world.

I realized this morning while doing pull ups with the assistance of the chair, that I should probably be putting the chair behind me, instead of in front. The reason being because when I do a pull up without a chair, my legs are tucked behind me. If I practice pull ups with a chair in front, then when I lose the chair and put my legs in back, it puts a different kind of strain on my muscles. Make sense? It does to me. I've been putting the chair out in front of me, because that's how they demonstrate it on TV. But what I didn't realize until this morning, is that their pull up bar is high enough off the ground to allow for that. My pull up bar is in my door frame, so my legs have to be tucked in the back. The continual learning curve is steep, my friends.

And even though I don't own or wear a heart monitor, I'm pretty sure that my heart rate was in the "zone" during this workout. Tip of the day: Breathe and often.

Day 33: Rest

While my body is recovering from the start of week #5, let's talk calories.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were all 3,000 calorie days or more. I went to bed Sunday evening feeling sick from having eaten too much. That's not a good feeling or a good thing to do. Sunday was the worst. I consumed 3,800 calories, almost 2,000 of which were attributed to dessert items. The 3,800 number is the highest I've reached since starting P90X. Looking at my pre-P90X days, and considering what I did on Sunday, I'm guessing that I was probably averaging 4,000 calories a day or more. No wonder I turned into the Pillsbury dough boy. When you're eating for 2 and exercising for none, you gain weight. It's simple math, people.

I awoke Monday morning and my stomach acids were still processing the weekend food haul and it didn't feel good. Looks like I won't be eating much today. I've still got plenty in the tank.

Day 32: Yoga X

My body is very sore just days after beginning Phase 2. It must mean that the program is continuing to work its magic.

I got to use my recently purchased yoga block for the first time. It made a difference in several positions. And I'm pleased with my on-going progress in yoga. Today, during the upward dog moves, I kept my knees off the ground. Previously, they were always on the ground. I must be getting stronger.

I'm really looking forward to my day of rest tomorrow. I need it.

PS. At a social function I was at tonight, people were commenting that they could tell I'd lost weight. I don't know how much weight I've lost, if at all. But my 30 day measurements did reveal that there were some inches lost or gained here and there.

Phase 1 Results

That's right, people! 30 days completed. Phase 1 done.

I did not get on the scale. I'll save that for day 90. But I did take measurements and pictures.

Here's what I'll share versus day one.

Did you think you were going to get actual pictures? Silly kids. As you can see, my thighs and arms each gained 2 inches in the last month. I've lost almost an inch off the waist. From what I can tell, based on quick research, I'm pretty much on track for the average 30 day mark.

It's a relentless program. Now for Phase 2.

Day 31: Back and Biceps

Another killer routine. Hello corn cob pull ups! I can't imagine having the strength and muscle necessary to perform those. Needless to say my friend the chair was back with me.

It was nice to see a "normal" person during this routine. The girl Horton had helping him was not like any of the other assitants. She struggled; she made comments. It was good. I also appreciated hearing one of the guys say "I hate this" about one of the exercises. I think that phrase often.

Say what you want about Tony. But he's 45 and built like he's 20. If I had his arms, I'd sell tickets to my own gun show.

Day 30: Plyometrics

YES! I'm 1/3 of the way done. Measurements and pictures tonight at 9pm to maintain continuity with my Day 1 pictures and measurements. Will there be any noticable differences? I believe so. But I'm more interested in the numbers - to see how many inches I've lost, or perhaps gained in the form of muscle.

This morning's routine was the hardest routine to date. I looked like this when I was done (minus the long hair).

Today I realized that I'm also grateful for Tony's verbal tips and reminders. It's helpful to have someone say, when doing squats, for instance, "Don't bend your back; keep your back straight and bend your knees." Everyday Tony helps me correct at least one thing that I'm doing wrong.

PS. My body is so sore again. Yesterday's routine has left my shoulders burning!

Day 29: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps

Week #5 has begun; and more importantly, tomorrow night I'll be measured and photographed. Woo hoo!

Today was all about push ups. And since my upper body strength is not equal to my body mass yet, that means I'm still on my knees. Which means that when Tony says, "Watch me" I'm really watching the female to see what she's doing, because I'm not in Tony's league yet.

I think the recovery week was a bad thing for me, food wise. I'm looking over my journal and seeing that I ate more desserts during the recovery week than during any of the other previous weeks. Interesting to me. When I'm lifting weights, no desserts - but when I'm stretching, desserts. Good thing the weights are back.

Day 28: Yoga X

The end of week #4 and Phase #1.

The yoga blocks I ordered did not arrive in time for today's routine. Unlike the Core Synergistics replacement DVD, I'll be able to use my yoga blocks on a weekly basis when they get here. I have to wait until week 8 to use my replacement DVD.

My yoga endurance continues to build. I even did a few push ups while in plank, which was a first.

Day 27: Core Synergistics

My replacement DVD did not arrive before this morning's return to the prison cell push ups. (Those are killer!) So my workout ended a little early, again. Now I'll have to wait until week 8 to get the full workout. (No need to rush the shipping now, Horton. Thanks anyway.)

Only 3 more days and I get measured and photographed. To be fair, I should probably not do it right after the workout. The first time I did it, it was just before bed. So I'll do that again to maintain consistency and for accuracy of results.

Day 26: X Stretch

"Dad, you're doing P90X on a Sunday?" Normally a blasphemous suggestion. However, given that it was X Stretch, it wasn't so much exercise as it was stretching.

I ended up doing the routine just before bedtime. A good way to unwind (literally) from the day and get ready for bed.

Calorie update: Some may pish posh at my dessert indulgence. But when you're counting calories and trying to train your body, eating sweets doesn't help. Each time you allow yourself a treat, it makes saying "No" to the next one that much harder. 

(to desserts)

Day 25: Rest

Wait a minute. Resting on a Saturday? Yes; it's true. Here's the Golden Rule with P90X: Do it first thing in the morning or it won't get done. Then again, I knew that the workout scheduled for today was X Stretch, which I rationalized could be done even on a Sunday, if  I wanted. So perhaps that aided my decision making process.

The morning was busy for me. I had a road race I was helping administer and a parade I had to march in. Elected officials have extra duties when their town has a celebration. I ended up walking about 3 miles in dress shoes between the parade and the road race, and ended up with a nice blister on my left heel. Then, at home, I was closing the pool while wearing flip flops and ended up taking the skin off two of my toes on my right foot. Perhaps those injuries also contributed to my Saturday day of rest.

Whatever. Tick, tock. The P90X clock never stops. I'll get the workout done tomorrow. And life will continue.

Here's me and my fellow Selectmen parading. I was caught in the middle of clapping for those who were clapping for us.

Day 24: Kenpo X

This workout is the only one where I feel like I can actually keep pace with Tony and friends. Except when it comes to the star blocks. Then I just flail my arms wildly and hope that I'm hitting at least a portion of the move.

I couldn't resist an apple crisp with a little vanilla ice cream tonight. I've been trying to limit myself to just one dessert per week, but I guess that's over now, because tonight's dessert was my second this week.

This time next week, I'll be posting my one month measurements, and possibly some pictures, too. Tick, tock Tony. My time with you is slowly coming to a close.

Day 23: Core Synergistics

Seriously. I thought this was my recovery week. I have a feeling I'm going to be sore tomorrow. But I guess that's a good thing. Just another testament to the variety and muscle confusion that this program offers.

However, I was unable to complete the workout because this particular DVD had a scratch on it. I tried cleaning the DVD twice and restarting it, but it would always get stuck at the same place. So I only got as far as towel jumping, which means I missed the last 5 exercises. I called Beach Body this morning and I have a new DVD being express mailed. Hopefully it arrives before I have to do this routine again on Monday.

I think Tony got a little carried away with the Superman Banana routine, having us switch every 3 seconds. Convenient that he could not participate because of his microphone pack.

Day 22: Yoga X

I thought this was a recovery week? My extreme Twister torture required more toweling off this morning than in sessions past.

I made a Yoga breakthrough finally performing correctly, the move (and I can't recall the Yoga name) that takes you from plank into upward dog. It's an arching, sliding motion of your upper body from a push up position down and up into the upward dog. Anyway, a little milestone. Now I don't just collapse onto the floor from plank like I used to. 

I also realized today that I really need to get myself a Yoga block or two. I am just not flexible enough to reach the ground, and maybe the block will help me.

Here are the promised pictures of me and my warrior girls. Awesome.

Twisting Triangle

Upward Dog

Listening to Tony

Chair Pose

Day 21: Kenpo X

Week #3 is DONE.

I'm looking forward to week #4 - a recovery week. I'm also looking forward to a new routine, Core Synergistics. Whatever that is.

Day 20: Legs and Back

Only 10 more days before I get measured and photographed again.

The third time through this routine wasn't as bad as the previous two. My only takeaway from this morning is that I need to lose the chair I use as a crutch with my pull ups. Hopefully by week 5, after I've had a week off from pull ups, I'll be ready.

No Ab Ripper X today. I worked out from 5-6 a.m., then had to shower, dress and eat before picking up my daughter and taking her to school. My wife and I alternate weeks driving her to school. Time is of the essence in the morning.

Day 19: Rest

Yesterday I went out to eat at a restaurant with my family and parents to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Fortunately, this particular restaurant had a website giving calorie information for all of its food items. So I knew exactly what I was taking in. This is the third time I've eaten at a restaurant since beginning P90X. The previous two times, I came away with only a salad and some bread. This time, I got a burger, but substituted the fries for some asparagus.

I'll be honest. It hurt not to order whatever, and load it up with ketchup or some other condiment. It also hurt when my Dad ordered fried onion rings, to see everyone else digging in, while I had to chew on ice and wait for my asparagus to arrive. 

Day 18: Yoga X

Day 18 means another milestone: 20% finished with my P90X journey. Because it's Saturday, and because at least one of my girls expressed an interest in doing the Yoga X with me, I postponed my normal morning workout until the early afternoon hours when the girls were done with their morning soccer games.

Rachael took pictures of me and the girls doing some half moons, twisted prayers and upward dogs. I'll download them and attach them to my next Yoga X day. It was fun to have the girls doing the workout with me. I think they gained an appreciation for how hard P90X is, even on Yoga X day.

One of them summarized it best: "Dad, this is like playing extreme Twister."

Day 17: Shoulders and Arms

I purchased the above pictured set of dumbbells ranging from 10 to 30 pounds, in 5 pound increments, for my P90X journey. I haven't yet used the 30 pounders, but this particular routine had me using all of the other ones. Towards the end of the hour, Tony said we might be feeling "toasty toast," and I was. I checked the Fitness Guide afterwards and discovered that this is yet another workout routine I won't be seeing until week 9.

The emphasis of today's post, however, has to go to my on-going efforts to battle my stomach and its calorie content. Yesterday was a strange eating day for me, because by the end of the day I had only consumed roughly 2,100 calories, and yet I felt like I had eaten more than 3,000. My theory on this is that either 1) Given my all-day desk job, my body is still processing calories from the previous day, therefore not needing as many, or 2) my stomach has or is shrinking. Perhaps it's a combination of the two. Whatever the reason, there can be no doubt that this routine is once again focusing my attention on calories, and specifically what kinds of calories I'm consuming.

Day 16: Plyometrics

My body has largely recovered from its stiff-as-a-board, lactic acid build up of week 1. But there are still areas of my body that continue to be sore, even as I'm into mid-week 3. I take that as a good sign that these workouts continue to stretch my muscles. The past 2 days my calves have been on fire.

Plyometrics produced a good sweat for me this morning. And as a result of all the leg work and jump training, I think my calves have been assisted in their recovery. Though I did reinforce the principle that white men can't jump. My vertical is weak.

Checking the Fitness Guide again, I'm done with this particular routine until week 5. So once again, I tip my hat to Mr. Horton and the variety of his program.

Day 15: Chest and Back

Mini celebration time: I've completed two full weeks of P90X. Only two more weeks and I get to measure and photograph myself for the 30 day mark. Can't wait to see the pictures, side by side.

My extra physical exertion at Camp Joseph combined with two straight short or interrupted nights made getting up this morning VERY difficult. What made it even worse was that I knew what workout was waiting for me - a lot of pull ups and push ups, and I wanted nothing to do with it.

But I pushed play anyway and powered through it. (I am going to bed early tonight, however! I need a good night's rest.) And according to the Fitness Guide, having completed my 3rd time with this particular routine (this being the start of week 3), I won't see it again until week 9. THAT makes me happy.

No Ab Ripper X after the workout. My pre-exisiting fatigue coupled with a draining workout would have made any attempt at sit-ups futile. Hopefully in two days when it comes around again, I'll be feeling it.

PS. I did go golfing the other day, and played the worst round of golf ever. Clearly my swing was affected by the workouts I've been doing.

Day 14: Kenpo X

I do enjoy this workout. I look like a fool trying to get my martial art stances and punches correct, but it's fun and the time goes by quickly.

Today's workout was another reminder of how inflexible I am. When I do a martial art kick, my leg is not straight, and I'm lucky if I can get my leg higher than my invisible foe's waistline.

Don't even ask me about punching the air with my left arm. That is pathetic. Made me think of this sign that I saw from one victim of the recent Hurricane Irene, slightly modified for my purposes.

Day 13: Legs and Back

Pushing the play button this morning was not as automatic as it has been for the past 12 days. I was at least glad to be home with the proper equipment.

Having done two rounds of each routine except Kenpo - which is tomorrow's - I feel safe in tagging this one the hardest of the six I've been exposed to thusfar. I nearly felt like throwing up after one particular routine. This one works you from shoulders to toes, no question.

The extra energy exerted from camping, combined with today's routine left me with no gas in the tank to even try today's Ab Ripper. Plus, I think I'm doing a round of golf this afternoon, so that will be more core work as I'm swinging the club about 100 times.

On a positive note, my pull ups are improving each time. But I'm starting to get to a consistent number with the assistance of the chair, where it will be necessary for me to lose that crutch. I'm not looking forward to that.

As compared to week number 1, my daily caloric intake is up about 200 points to an average of 2,700.

Day 12: Resting in Vermont

Sundays are glorious days of rest. This one found me and my family camping in the woods of Vermont. I burned a few extra calories after my Yoga routine yesterday, unloading the car, setting up the tent and camp, setting up and using a 100 foot slip-n-slide, climbing the hills to and from the dining hall, etc.

My family was supposed to stay through Monday afternoon, but we received word that our area was under a flash flood alert from approaching severe thunderstorms. More calorie burning as I packed up camp after only 36 hours.

Had we stayed, I would have had a slight problem. I forgot to bring my pull up bar with me, and the next workout requires it.

Day 11: Yoga

I have to say that the dreaded dogs, warriors, moons and other unnatural positions went better than expected the second time. I think it helped that my body wasn't full of throbbing muscles and lactic acid. I even managed to connect my hands in one of the routines where you are crouching and one arm is under a leg and the other is behind your back reaching under the groin to the other hand. I think it was this move that made me realize the impact that tight muscles and lactic acid had on me during round one of Yoga.

Still, I have no time for 90 minutes of it. About the 70 minute mark, I hit the stop button and resumed my regularly scheduled life.

Day 10: Shoulders and Arms

The Ab Ripper X routine that follows this and other selected routines has only confirmed that my stomach contains the weakest muscles on my body. And even if that weren't the case, I don't have much gas left in the tank after a strength enhancing routine. I think the Ab Ripper X program would stand a better chance if it were scheduled to run after non-weight bearing days, like Kenpo, Yoga or Plyometrics. Anyway, the guys on TV did 300+ sit ups, I maybe did 50.

I've also been feeling hungry the last few days, so I've been eating more snacks like peanuts and granola bars. I'm only allowed 1/4 cup of peanuts when I have them. That's not a lot. So I often double it, which means double the calories. Until you start tracking the calories you're consuming, you wouldn't believe how quickly they add up.

For example, this morning I had 4 pieces of cinnamon swirl toast. Now mind you, these pieces of bread are not even close to normal sized pieces of bread. They're like 3/4 size, and even smaller after they've been toasted. But each piece is 80 calories. Throw a little butter and jam on top and suddenly it's about 180 calories each. Drink some OJ and that's another 200 or so. So by the time breakfast is over, I'm already over 800. Usually by the end of lunch, including a morning snack, I'm around 1,500. Today, I'm at 1,800, but I'm unusally full, because I had last night's dinner for leftovers at lunch, and that was a high calorie meal of homemade lasagna. So I won't need an afternoon snack. Anyway, you get the picture.

Remind me why I'm going through all of this?

Day 9: Plyometrics

Having finished today's routine, I have now completed 10% of my P90X journey. I went to the mirror afterwards to see what changes 9 days has brought me. Have a look for yourself:

Not bad. 

Day 8 1/2: Chest and Back

And so week #2 begins. I still haven't gotten off my knees for the pushes, nor the chair for the pulls. And that's OK. Quality over quantity. But I'm pretty sure that I did more reps this time than the first. I also made sure to correct my day #1 mistake and completed some of the Ab Ripper, as well.

With today being the first day of school, I felt like I was putting on a pathetic show for everyone as they were getting breakfast, packing bags, etc. I'm sure my girls all noticed that Dad wasn't keeping pace with Tony and friends as they banged out 20-30 reps on all the exercises, and Dad was getting somewhere between 1 and 10. Maybe their view of my invincibility was diminished a tad as a result.

And that's OK. Isn't it?

By the way, this counting calories business is sketchy, at best. All of the figures I'm using are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, and I'm trying to do 3,000. So right there the numbers have to be off somewhat. Right? Yesterday I had a salad bar for lunch. Who knows whether I had a 1/4 cup of diced celery on top or 1/8 cup? All I had was a spoon to dish it onto my salad. Did I have 5 ounces of crab meat or 8? Again, all I had was just a spoon. What does Horton say? "Do your best and forget the rest."

What I do know is that I passed up first-day-of-school Monkey Bread this morning and it hurt.

Day 8: X Stretch

Oh great. I've messed up again! First I missed the first session of Ab Ripper X after my inital workout, and now I've done a day of stretching which wasn't supposed to happen!

Dear Tony,

This program is not spelled out clearly enough. (Or maybe I just haven't done a thorough enough job reading your Fitness Guide.)

Apparently, during the first three weeks, I am only supposed to cycle through the first 6 discs, taking the 7th day to either rest or do the X Stretch. Yet in week 4, X Stretch is actually one of the 6 workouts. Whatever. So I'll make it P91 instead of P90 to make up for doing the wrong routine today.

Alternatively, I have to say I'm loving the variety in this program. Were I involved in a program like the ones I did when I was a collegiate athlete, I would be stuck on a four day cycle of alternating upper and lower body weights. Very boring.

Today's routine did pull in a little from the Yoga workout, and I think I had a mini panic attack when Horton made us do some downward and upward dogs. I might be dreading my next Yoga day, which will be on Saturday.

Back to disc 1 tomorrow. Bring on the pulls and pushes.

Day 7: Kenpo X

This first week of P90X has tested me on many fronts. First it was scheduling the workouts, then it was the time needed to complete them, then it was the caloric restrictions, and today it was my house's lack of power as a result of the hurricane. Lesser men would have rationalized a delayed workout or a cancelled workout. Not me.

Thank goodness for laptops and their battery life.

Kenpo was my first experience with any kind of martial art training. And I'm sure it showed as I struggled to find the correct form for such moves as upper and star blocks. Mr. Miyagi would not have been proud. Still, time went quickest with this workout, as compared to any other thusfar. So it must be that today's routine was fun.

I'll spare you the details of my post-Kenpo bucket shower via cold, cloudy pool water. My apologies to the neighbors. Fortunately, power has since been restored.

Day 6: My Appointed Day of Rest

Regardless of Hurricane Irene and the power outtage that hit my home, I had already established Sunday as my official P90X day of rest and recovery. But I'll give thanks to Irene for making it extra restful given the state of emergency that was declared and the mandate for citizens to stay at home.

This past week I only exercised five days instead of six, because I began the program on Tuesday. So I'll be interested to see if I feel or notice any difference next week when I do the full six.

Given that this is my day of rest, I was sorely tempted to rest from my dietary restrictions, as well. But neither homemade chocolate chip cookies or a power out, hurry-and-eat-all-the-ice-cream-before-it-melts party could sway me. Had there been chocolate mousse, I might be singing a different tune.

Week #1 average daily calorie count: 2,600. Maybe I'm working too hard at trying to stay at or below 3,000?

Counting Calories

I have to pontificate on the laborious process that is calorie counting. Today marks five faithful days that I have dutifully kept a food journal, complete with accompanying calories. I have yet to break the 2,800 mark, and seem to average about 2,700.

Before I eat anything, I have to look it up online and see what the calorie count is associated with it. Then I have to keep a running total so that by the time lunch or dinner rolls around, I know how many calories I have left. It's an annoying process to be sure, but one that I'm trusting to bring my body where it should be.

My wife made B.L.T.s for dinner a couple nights ago and I did not partake, because I assumed that the bacon and mayonnaise would have been high calorie numbers. Instead I got out some leftovers of meals that I had already totaled in my food journal. Would the B.L.T. really have been more calories than the actual meal I chose to eat? I don't know. But the tedious task of researching the foods and their calorie counts seems to be impacting my desire to eat new meals.

One would think that 3,000 calories would really be way more food than I would need on a given day. As previously noted, however, the calories can add up quickly if I'm not careful. This week has taught me that cheese, above all other foods I've consumed, is one of my prime enemies. Which is too bad, because I love cheese.

I wonder what other enemy foods I'll discover along the way?

Day 5: Back and Legs

Today marked my return to the pull up bar. Frankly the single most dreaded element of any workout thus far. I have yet to "graduate" from chair assistance, but felt that I was able to do more reps today than I did on day one.

My muscle soreness seems largely to have worked itself out. No doubt the daily exercises and stretches have contributed. I noticed that today's routine had me sweating more than any other day thus far.

Today also had another edition of ab ripper X. It doesn't help that after an exhausting workout, I am asked to work the weakest muscle on my body. My oldest daughter happened to walk in during my meager attempts with the ab ripper. No doubt she was less than impressed by what she saw Tony and friends doing on TV versus my actual performance. In another 25 years she'll understand.

Day 4: Yoga

I would have been blindsided by Horton this morning were it not for others already approaching me about P90X's Yoga segment. It's 90 minutes long. Tony. Seriously. I have a life outside of your program.

I won't lie. At the 75 minute mark, I pushed the stop button. But that's only because the last 15 minutes are warm-down stretches, including one minute of the "corpse" position where you just lay on your mat like you're dead. I'm sure I'll make up for my missed minute when I hit the sack tonight and spend 8 hours in the corpse position.

Otherwise, I appreciated the introduction to Yoga and an education of its various poses. Of course, because of it I now hate dogs, warriors, trees, triangles and moons. For those of you not familiar with Yoga, it's basically a series of bodily poses and contortions that are not natural or easily sustained. The benefit is that it encourages flexibility, which I am not at all. In fact, at no point during my attempts this morning did my hands make it lower than mid calf on either leg. I do recall a time in my younger sporting days when I could at least put my fingers on the ground, if not the palm of my hand. But not now.

The other Yoga discovery I made this morning was that the mat I purchased is not very tractionable. My toes were constantly slipping during upward dog. I may have to wear shoes from now on.

Oh, and I still don't understand nor buy into the whole "cleansing breath" and "clear mind" attributes of Yoga. There is no cleansing or clearing when you've got your left hand reaching behind your back, under your groin trying to connect with your right hand wrapped around your right thigh, while balancing on your left leg.

Yeah, I don't think so, Tony.

Day 3: Shoulders and Arms

My body is SO incredibly sore today. Each day is awakening new muscles and those muscles have been dormant for so long. I've been through the sore muscles phase many times before, however, so I know that this stage will pass after about a week of constant activity. But until then, every single movement I make is painful somewhere. Just bringing an envelope to my lips so that I can seal it is excruciating!

Today's workout was a relatively easy one. I ended up playing with the weight of the dumbbells I was using, changing them out mid-exercise. Most of the time I have no idea what the actual exercise is going to be until he starts doing it, so then I'm not sure how much weight to use. Again, the message is do your best.

I did make a startling discovery with today's workout, however. Apparently I missed the abs exercises at the end of the first workout. Oops. At the end of today's workout, there was another session for the abs. So suddenly these workouts are getting longer and longer. This is problematic for me. It's hard to spend 60-90 minutes working out every single day.

Three down. Eighty-seven to go.

Mr. 3,000

I'm told it was a funny movie. Haven't seen it yet; although I did like, in general, the comedian featured in the film. Too bad there's nothing funny about me being Mr. 3,000.

It's currently 1:15 p.m., and I'm chewing gum for my lunch. Ugh. By 10:00 this morning my calorie count was 1,450. It should have been 1,000, but I made a bad, Bad, BAD choice of including cheese with my scrambled eggs. Whatever.

If I only consumed 2,700 calories yesterday, does that mean I have 300 I can add on for today? What I'm asking is, Do unused calories roll over?

The truth is that I'm actually not "hungry." So I'll probably make it to dinner just fine. But seriously, I have to have my iPad on my hip ready to look up calories before eating anything for the next 90 days.

PS. My arms are still really sore from yesterday's pushes and pulls. Lifting up the collar on my shirt and putting it back down after my tie was knotted was brutal.