Insanity: The Midnight Circuit

So I'm halfway through week four of Insanity by Shaun T. I haven't been posting every day because some days it comes down to write this blog, or go work out. For any loyal readers, I'm sorry, but I will always choose exercise over writing about exercise.

So today I hit the point that I think a lot of us will hit. I'm going to be calling it the Midnight Circuit. So after a long day, I decided that I should eat (kinda important) and spend some time with my family (often more important). As I did this, time flew by us until it was midnight, and I still hadn't done my workout. No, I don't recommend this for anyone, but I think it's going to happen.

Why do I think this is going to happen? Because life gets in our way, it will push things onto us that we often can't anticipate, and as such, we are left to decide "do I go to bed because I really should," or "do I workout because I really should." For each person it is their own call and own choice, but for me, today, it was exercise.

I had to exercise. I've started a challenge group with great friends and I am running it. Oh, and yeah, it was the FIRST DAY! I'm not going to wiff it on the first day! No way! So I worked out. Now I'm here typing this at 1:30 in the morning because I can't get to sleep.

My point is this, you might hit the midnight circuit eventually. That's ok. Don't make it a habit, do better, and try to stick to your plans. I'm happy that I did it. I pushed through it and I'm glad I did. I'm proud of myself and I feel great. I'm likely going to lapse into a coma like slumber when my body does finally relax, but until then, I can ride my endorphins.

It's not the sharpest thing to do, but every day is a knew grinding wheel and we have to decide if we'll take the pain one more time to be at our sharpest.

Insanity Fit Test: Take 2

So tonight was my second time through the fit test and it wasn't any easier. But I actually want to claim that as a good thing. If it wasn't any easier, it means I pushed myself just as hard, if not harder the second time through as I did my first time. That is what I want to be known for, pushing myself and making it a huge part of who I am. Whether it's exercise, homework, or family responsibilites, I want to be able to push myself into things I don't like doing, knowing they'll pay dividends in the end.

The first time set a good high bar for me. In 5 of the 8 exercises, I passed the bar, in 2 of them I met the same bar, and sadly, in one I was just 1 rep below it (dang suicide jumps). But in the end I'm glad to say that I did better. I realize that since a lot of people are going to monitor my progress on this, I might as well put up the numbers. With some of these, I'm very happy with, and with others (suicide jumps) I'm less than pleased with, but we will see what time tells.

1. Switch Kicks
1. 56
2. 62
2. Power Jacks
1. 45
2. 45
3. Power Knee
1. 80
2. 110
4. Power Jumps
1. 30
2. 32
5. Globe Jumps
1. 9
2. 9
6. Suicide Jumps
1. 15
2. 14
7. Push-Up Jacks
1. 21
2. 29
8. Low Plank Oblique
1. 30
2. 46

So judge of it what you will, but for now, I'm going to say good day, go shower, and lapse into my coma.

Getting sharp hurts, but nothing worthwhile ever came easy.

Insanity end of week 2- Cardio Abs

So yesterday marked the end of Insanity week two (since today is a rest day). This was when we incorporated Shaun T's cardio abs. For those with back problems, rest assured, there are no crunches or sit ups, just PAIN! But seriously, I've been proud of my core for most of my life. This wrecked it. I'm not complaining, on the contrary, this helps me win a bet with my wife. I get a six pack, she goes on my favorite hike (a hike she is vehemently against).

So week two is over. I have the Insanity fit test on Monday and I'm excited for it. This is one of the few times I'm excited to see how far I've come with my exercises, but that's because I've really put my heart into this. My progress physically isn't apparent, but I feel a difference. I am not as sore, I have more energy, I can feel a stronger core and legs. These are rewards that come far before any six pack or triceps. These are personal victories.

Tomorrow is the day I get to see how well I've been sharpening.

Insanity day 11: Recovery

The biggest victory of the day: I didn't sweat so hard it was dripping of my face! My body is acclimating to this finally! Well, to the long stretches and squats at least. Yes, it was a recovery day, but to me it was a big deal. I haven't felt good enough to do anything in this program without two bottles of water and a towel to wipe off my sweat.

I know I need to push myself a little harder, but as I go through this, it'll get easier.

Other than that, I've been finding a lot of people who are really interested in being part of my challenge group. If you are reading this and you are wondering what a challenge group is, just e-mail me. I'd love to get you on it.

Working together we all can get very sharp.

Insanity day 10: Cardio Circuit round 2

So today was the second time doing the "plyometric cardio circuit" (say that five times fast, take a break, ok, five more times but faster). So it's interval training where you do a few exercises for 3-4 minutes, take a short break, and go right back at it but faster. So you have to push yourself harder and faster. This is great for cardio, but your body will scream at you. Just warning you.

There really isn't a huge lesson I got from this other than I can do things I don't like doing. Whether it's eating that broccoli, doing an exercise, or completing homework, I can enjoy the discomfort zone. 

Insanity, the days I didn't write

So I'm starting this off on a Tuesday. Yes, I know I've missed a few days on writing, but I do hope you'll forgive me. This weekend was awesome but man was I pushed.

My parents thought it would be awesome to take us skiing on Saturday (and they were right, it was awesome). It was Kaili's first time skiing and she absolutely loved it (and she hates that she loves it since it's an expensive hobby). After a long day of skiing, we rushed off to Hang Time for Lathan's 16th birthday party. For those of you unfamiliar with Hang Time, it's a jumping gym. Trampolines EVERYWHERE! So I got excited and decided to jump everywhere and really enjoy myself. I felt like I was 16 again.

So then the evening hits and I still haven't done my insanity workout yet. No, I didn't skip, but I didn't do the scheduled workout. I did the cardio recovery workout, and I'm very glad I did. It was still the hardest, most physically demanding thing I did, and I'm super happy I did it.

I didn't know it, but all of the other activities that left my wife and parents sore and grumpy didn't affect me as much. My legs weren't as sore, my cardio was fine, and I was able to enjoy them more. That is why I work out. I love being able to do what I want and not worry about how sore I'll be the next day. I want to enjoy myself, my life in a way that is healthy, active, and fun. I don't want to worry about being too "out of shape" to go hiking, skiing, cycling, etc. This is my life and I want to live it.

So Sunday was rest day. I think it's good that the day of rest literally is my day of rest. I enjoyed that day a lot.

Yesterday it was a jump right back into cardio and resistence and today was pure cardio. My wife insists I shower before I get near her. I know she'll love the results at the end of this craziness, but for now, she demands that I be washed before I get too close.

The other huge thing that I'm loving is the challenge group I'm putting together. I've been finding people who I never thought would be interested, but as I talk about it, they often want to join, talk, or buy something from beachbody. I love the fact that there are so many people who want to get healthy. Whether it's because they want to fit that one pair of pants again, or someone more like me, who hates being weak, it's great to see so many people doing something that is great for them.

As a group, we'll definitely help sharpen each other.