What? Oh yeah...i'm done!

I realise I haven't posted a "FINISHED!!!" post as of yet. And I'm sorry for that, I'm sure you've all been waiting on the edge of your seats for it. The truth is, my extra 2 weeks that I was going to throw in were very anti-climactic, because I ended up getting the stomach flu for about a week, which means zero working out! Then the following week was spent trying to regain strength and getting back on the diet track. I really didn't want to disappoint my readers with such a lame finish, but the reality is, I DID complete the program, I just didn't finish with a bang like I was hoping.

What have I learnt from p90x?
-Well, the hardest part was the commitment. I'm a commitment phobe, so sticking to the daily routine was probably the biggest challenge of all, so it taught me discipline on a whole new level. Of course I missed days here and there, because with my work schedule and social schedule, it's so hard to balance everything sometimes, as we all know.
-It taught me that I can burn the same amount of calories in a hardcore resistance workout, than I can going for a run. As simple as this sounds, it took a while to get my head wrapped around this idea. I used to think that running was the only way to burn x amount of calories, because lifting weights just didn't seem as hard (even though that idea is ridiculous, because I sweat so much more in a resistance workout than cardio.). The key is to just keep moving, keep the heart rate up.
-Being on a low-cal diet doesn't necessarily mean I have to eat canned tuna, cottage cheese and salad everyday. There are MUCH tastier options out there. You just have to get creative with it!
-I've gained much more confidence in the gym now. I used to get so stuck in doing the same thing over and over again, trying my hardest not to look like a fool in front of everyone else there, because I was a total noob. I actually feel like I have a clue now, which feels good, and my hour workout flies by now!
-P90x does not make me look like Dreya Weber(above) or Jillian Michaels. (...Or Tony Horton for that matter.)

Tony and the Kids have shed a new light to working out for me, and staying active. I work out to feel good about myself, and although I may not be quite there just yet...I'm definitely a lot closer now than I was 3 months ago! If you're thinking of starting the program, I urge you to definitely give it a shot. Give Tony a chance. It's a lot of hard work, but it's not impossible. Heck, if I can do it, so can you! If you've already started the program, and are struggling to get through; keep struggling! Just go day-by-day, or week-by-week. Just another check mark on the calendar, and so enough, you'll be done and feeling great!!

I don't think I'm ready to take on Round 2 as of yet, especially as the weather is getting nicer. P90x is a good winter program (which for me is about 9 months out of the year anyways.) So I'm going to take full advantage of summer and my renewed look on health and staying in shape, and gear up for next winter where I might challenge Tony one more time.

Until then...

BRING IT!

Week 13

I've finally reached what should be my final week of P90X. But because I love it so much (big LOL), I'm adding on 2 more weeks, which should take me right to the end of April. (April 30th will be my final day!) I've decided this partially because i have missed days over the last 3 months, but also because my gym membership doesn't start up again until May, so I figured I might as well carry on.

I've mentioned I'm training for a Marathon Relay in May, so I've decided that I'm going to switch out my Kenpo days for long runs, on Saturdays. They both end up being about an hour long, so I figured that was a fair trade. I'm also trying to get back on a healthier diet. No more junk, and fewer carbs. I feel great about my results, but I know I can push it just a little further for these last 3 weeks, so I'm going to. Ideally I'd like to lose 5lbs, but if that doesn't happen....well...I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

Yesterday I crushed Chest/Back. The number of reps in Week 13 compared to Week 1....holy moly. And I know for a fact I was giving my BEST on Day 1 as well. Huge results. It's still my least favourite workout by far judging mostly on the fact it's the one that makes me wanna hurl the most. There's nothing more raw than push ups and pull-ups. I still have a tough time with abs, but it's because I try to keep up with Tony and the kids.

Phifer Scissors....yuck. I hate it...but I love it.

Thanks Tony...see ya on the flipside!

p.s. As for the progress pics...I'm still undecided on whether or not I'll be posting them. I was wearing a somewhat poor choice of wardrobe for Day 1 pics, which I dont feel like posting all over the internet. And It's not like I can even go and re-take them. Ha...oh well!

Plough Through It

I feel like this journey through P90x has been compiled of tiny humps, all the way through that I have to battle to get over. Last night I feel like I've gotten over yet another. As much as yoga makes me feel good and strong, it's the longest workout of them all, and seems to go on forever at times. Yesterday I was feeling good for most of the day, and pumped to get in my yoga night. My normal routine for Thursdays is when I get home from work, I eat dinner, and have a few hours to chill out before I put on my workout gear and head downstairs at around 8-8:30 so that I can finish up right before bedtime. This is also a fairly risky routine, because once I get my meal in, and have relaxed for the majority of the evening, I very often am hesitant to put on my yoga gear and kick off my 1½ hour long yoga sesh.

Last night I was feeling good though. My Back and Biceps workout on Wednesday was killer, and my arms were SO sore, but I knew I couldn't wuss out. It's funny, I think one of the main reasons I like doing yoga, is because I can go bare feet. I don't have to hunt down a pair of socks, and put on my runners which kind of feel like machines on my feet (only at first), but I can just wander downstairs wearing pretty comfy clothes. That's alright in my books. Who KNEW I was about to get my butt kicked in a few minutes!?

The moving Asonas portion seemed to move by fairly quickly because I felt so much stronger. My face was Zen, my breathing was good, and although I still wobble a bit in certain poses, I'm a lot more confident going into them than I was 2-3 months ago. Ok...I've decided to give up on Crane though. I really am just not centered enough or something, because I'm an epic fail at that position. I will always attempt it, but I just don't think it's going to happen for me. Grr! Plough (pictured above) is still one of my favourite poses, and i can't help but sort of giggle everytime I do it. And of course, I add a pushup in between each of my Vinyasas.

I've mentioned quite a bit lately on how I'm feeling much stronger, but I also am feeling tighter (especially in the tummy area), and in the best shape I've ever been. I was on a shopping trip this past weekend, and there's no better feeling than being able to fit in dresses that 3 months ago I know I would've never been able to pull off (not literally, but you know what i mean). The numbers on the scale however haven't changed, really at all. (The only downside), but there's been so many other changes and results that I've been getting that the numbers on the scale are no longer my priority. Although the scale gives you a good idea if you're losing weight (obviously!), I've found that the mirror is my biggest challenge, and a very good indication on my progress. This is where the progress pics have definitely come in handy. I've looked at my Day 1 pictures a couple of times, and sometimes just can't believe how far I've come. Yeah I've had my bad days, or days I just wasn't able to get over that "hump", but jeepers...the proof is in the pudding my friends! I put in the hard work, and am STILL putting in the hard work. Some days it feels like I'm losing steam, but heck...I always give it my best, and forget the rest!

Charlie the Plumber

Don't worry, this post has a happy ending.

Yesterday was not a good day, in general. It was Tuesday, which in my opinion is just as bad as a Monday, except it's called "Tuesday," and I was feeling rather grumpy, bloaty, and all those other lovely symptoms that come with being a girl. Possibly TMI, so be it. I was supposed to have Charlie the Plumber coming by my place in the evening sometime to work in my basement, so i was afraid of not getting my workout in at all. I wasn't crazy about the idea of Charlie watching me "jump over the river and through the woods....to grandmother's house" in Plyo. He's creepy enough as is. He told me he was going to call in the afternoon to let me know when he'd be over. So I was thinking, "Oh good, he'll come right after work, I can eat supper. He'll be done by then, and i can get my workout in right afterwards."

So I carried on with my day. Awaiting Charlie's call.        2:30.    3:30.      4:30 (home time). No call from Charlie.

At this point, I was already giving in. Fully prepared to not do my workout because of this freakin' plumber situation. I have a pretty tight schedule after work in order to get my workout/shower/food in and now it just wasn't happening. Not to mention the bloatiness that just wasn't jiving with my mood in the first place. Then my Mom texts me with this brilliant idea. "Why don't you get someone to open your house for you if he calls, come over here, do your workout and have supper with Dad and I?"

Mom saves the day. Everytime.

I get my stuff together, leave my backdoor unlocked in case Charlie decides to show up, and head out to Mom and Dad's to kill Plyo. Mood is still slightly aggravated, and I'm not completely pumped for Plyo, but I figured half the battle was already over, might as well just finish it.

I killed Plyo. Seriously. I felt slightly ridiculous at first, knowing my parents could hear me hopping around the mud room, with a floor that must be built above a cave or something because I'm pretty sure the entire house could hear me. (Even when landing on my toes.) I owned Jump Knee Tucks (Double time too!), and I jumped over that river like Bambi while sweating up a storm, woohoo!

Oh yeah, a quarter of the way through my workout, guess who decides to call and tell me he can't make it? Ugh...nice going Charlie.

Week 9 followed by Week 10...obviously.

Who has two thumbs and KILLED week 9?

This chick.




Tonight is Plyo, and I'm already amped for it.

That's all, Folks.


(Edited, because i don't know how to count.)

Phase 3, Baby!!

My 2nd recovery week went completely smooth and I think it was what I needed to regain my focus. The end is in sight, I'm on the home stretch, and my goal is to really give'r. I've made it this far, there's NO giving up now! (Not that I'd ever intended on giving up!) I did my Day 60 pictures yesterday morning, and have noticed awesome changes. The scale hasn't hardly changed at all, but I feel like everything is tightening up in all the right spots. So thanks Tony....I'm actually looking forward to bikini shopping soon. Wow!

Now I'm back to the same workouts as Phase 1 for this week, and it feels like I'm starting fresh, like a second chance to totally kill it. Tonight was Chest and Back, and it's been several weeks since this workout. It's definitely not any easier, that's for sure, and my numbers weren't even that much higher, some were even lower, but my quality is so much better, and I bumped my weights for a couple of the exercises. Tony says it's about quality, not quantity, right?  I've found my mental state and focus is different this time around. I'm not so concerned about numbers anymore, although I still make sure to write everything down, and push myself until i can no longer lift myself up, but I'm focused on form, breathing, the muscles I'm working, and trying to get as much as I can out of the workout, instead of trying to be all macho with high reps, but bad form. It feels like I fully understand the program now, and have a good grasp on things.(Yup, apparently it's taken me this long to figure that out.)

I'm sure this month will have it's challenges, and will definitely not be a downhill ride, but knowing that I'm in my last phase makes me....hopeful? I AM going to finish this thing....even if it kills me. It's also encouraging that a few of my friends are now starting the program or are interested in it, and I feel like I'm ready to help others through this journey, because it's not easy by any means, and I'm a total believer in the X now, and have learnt so much about myself and my body along the way.

Oh by the way, this is what I had for supper tonight.

Super Mega High Protein Bean and Turkey Chili

2 lbs Ground Turkey, Browned
1 Medium sized Onion, Chopped
4-5 cloves Garlic, Minced
8-9 White Mushrooms, Sliced
2 Stalks Celery, Chopped
1 Can Tomatoes, Diced
1 Can Corn
1 Can Navy Bean
1 Can Kidney Beans
1 Can Chick Peas
1 Can Black Beans
¼ Cup Chili Powder
½ Cayenne Pepper

Basically just brown your meat, add half the seasoning, and throw in the garlic, onions, celery and mushrooms. Sautée them together, and throw in your tomatoes and corn. Rinse all your beans, and throw them in, with the rest of your seasoning. You might want to add some water. And of course you can add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve with grated cheddar cheese...if you dare. I normally portion this out into about 10-12 meals and freeze. Perfect for lunch!

Rest Week #2

Wow, it's been so long since my last update, but really there's not much to update you on. This past week was yet another tough one, with having a new sump pump put in my basement. I had guys working downstairs, jackhammering, getting my workout room as dusty, etc that it was not super accommodating for my workouts. I've actually decided that I might tack on another 2 weeks after my 90 days are up to make up for lost workouts along the way. No matter how committed I am in my head...life goes on and sometimes squeezing my workout in is just not feasible.

Today was day 1 of my second rest week. I hadn't looked at my schedule before i left for work today, so i wasn't prepared for which workout was planned for my evening. I came home, and ran downstairs dreading it would say Core.....! Nope....! Yoga!!!! Yesssssss!! Which means I didn't have to do it until later in the evening. I like to do yoga closer to bedtime so that I'm relaxed, stretched, and completely mellow for perfect sleeping conditions. I roasted a chicken breast and some vegetables for supper, and had a chance to chill out before i put on my yoga clothes.

I've finally reached a point where I enjoy yoga. It started off as one of my worst workouts, mostly because i was not flexible at all, and it was the longest video at an hour and a half, but now it's one of the workouts I looked forward to. I see the difficult moves not only as a challenge but a challenge that I KNOW i can tackle. And only improve on. The moving Asanas are tough, but I find myself pushing harder, lifting my legs higher, keeping them straighter, tightening more muscles, and really trying to breathe through each pose. And of course, adding my push up on each Vinyasa.

How is the Crane pose coming? Well...I still can't hold it for the full 60 seconds, but I've definitely got the technique down, and can hold it for about 10 seconds at a time. I'd say a big improvement from the first day i attempted it!

And oh one more thing...

I rocked out 3 chin ups before Yoga to pump me up even more. YEAH man!

Calf Raises....FTW!

I added yet another check mark to my wall calendar knocking off tonight's Back and Leg workout. Having done really good with my workouts this week, I just about lost momentum tonight after I got home from work. My normal routine is as soon as I walk in the door, I change into my workout clothes, grab my cold bottle of water out of the fridge, and head downstairs to pop in that day's DVD. Today I got somewhat distracted and started dilly dallying after I got home. I was so hungry (I haven't been seeing much results on the scale lately, so I've decided to lower my calories, and focus on drinking more water.) so I ended up deciding in my head, that I was going to skip today's workout. Bad attitude, I know.

After sitting on my duff for a large portion of my evening, I made a salad the size of my car, with homemade vinaigrette. It was only about an hour or 2 after I'd eaten that I decided I should really do my workout. (At this point, I'd already put on my workout clothes once, and changed into sweats......once the sweats go on, there's NO changing back...!) I figured I'd give it my best, even though I knew my stomach was still grumbling away from the mass amounts of salad I'd just eaten. My goal: Just push play, Anna.

To psych myself up, I normally start off by listening to some fist-pumpingly good music, and then I head downstairs to try to kill a couple of chin ups as the intro to the DVD is starting. I am still at 2 full chin ups, but this time it was JUST about three. Definitely something I'm hoping to have under my belt by the end of next week. Baby steps.

Dang!! Those darn calf raises. It was at that point, where I felt like, "Whoa Anna....breathe...*urp*..." All was well though. No bucket necessary. Close call. I know for next time not to sit on my butt until I don't feel like doing my workout anymore. Just gotta get it over with.

Now I've had a hot shower, I'm back in the sweats, enjoying a hot cup of some sort of stomach soothing tea. And I am happy. This week was a good week. And I'm feeling it, not only physically, but mentally. Stoked for Kenpo tomorrow!

Super Food: Quinoa

Photo by me.

My latest love and discovery is Quinoa. I realise it's an "Ancient" grain, so it's not like it's a new thing by any means, but it's definitely making it's comeback, especially in the health world. This super food is a perfect substitute for any noodle or rice dish, and is a much healthier option as it is low-calorie, high protein. If cooked correctly (which it's very hard not to cook correctly, it's a lot more forgiving than rice.) its al dente texture compliments any dish. It's nutritional facts are my favourite part. For 1 cup of cooked quinoa (in water) it's only 120 calories, 1.9g of fat, 21g Carbohydrates, 7mg Sodium, yet about 4.5 g of protein. Pretty good for your "carb" side dish, right?

Last night I was craving Red Thai Curry, but the killer with my Thai curry dishes is always the rice noodles. So a light went on in my head, and decided to use some organic Quinoa instead. And what a surprise! I used to think that Quinoa was just a fad, but now I'm a total believer!

Other ideas for Quinoa:
-In your oatmeal in the morning.
-Serve cold with some raw veggies chopped into, herbs, a bit of vinaigrette and making into a salad.
-Serve as a "pilaf", and sautee some veggies, cook with white wine. Yum.
This post may make me sound crazy, or obsessed, but seeing as my life revolves around eating healthy as well as P90x these days, I figured it deserved a blog of its own. Plus, I love good food.

Thai Red Curry with Quinoa

2-3 chicken breasts, chopped in bite size pieces.
2 tbsp Olive Oil
½ Onion, Julienne
4-5 cloves Garlic, minced
2 stalks Celery, chopped
½ Red Bell Pepper, Julienne
5-6 Large Mushrooms, sliced
2 cups Cauliflower, sliced or florets
1 can Bamboo Shoots in water, drained
1 can Low-fat Coconut Milk
1 can Low-Sodium Chicken Stock
2 tbsp Red Thai Curry Paste
Season to Taste
Chopped Cilantro for garnish

Brown your chicken chunks in a bit of oil in a large pot, and set aside. Using the same pot, sautee your garlic and onions, then add celery, and other vegetables. Once onions have softened, add the rest of your ingredients and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes to blend flavours. You can also add 2-3 tbsp Flour or a bit of Corn Starch to thicken if it's too liquidy. Use some chopped cilantro for that extra flavour/colour to top off your dish.

Quinoa

½ Cup Quinoa, uncooked
1 cup water

In a sauce pan, bring Quinoa to a boil, and turn on low and cover for about 15 minutes. (Read the Quinoa label, it'll tell you how to do it.)

Chest, Shoulders and Triceps

I realise I haven't blogged for a week. Mostly because I've been trying to conjure up how to describe how I feel during CST day (Chest Shoulders and Triceps). Well, let's narrow it down to this. My entire upper body feels like jello by the time I'm not even halfway through, and then Tony insists I do One-Arm Pushups.

Like...seriously Tony.

Not to mention Pike Presses (basically a push up in downward dog while on your toes) or Clap Push-ups (I'm nowhere near Plyo Push-ups at this point.) When Laura, in the video, can rock out One Arm-Pushups, and I'm stuck there, falling flat on my face(thank goodness for my shag rug), that's when I'm like, "Ok Tony...let's BRING IT!!" And I get all fired up for maybe 2-3 more reps. That's what keeps me going.

This particular workout has been my most, umm..shall we say, vocal? It's probably a good thing I live alone, so no one has to hear my incessant grunting and moaning (and then laughing) for this entire DVD. Ab Ripper X is almost welcomed by the time I'm done with CST.

I just finished my workout for the day, my triceps are still twitching and shaking even while I type this. As weird as it feels, it's so satisfying. I feel I've been almost derailing in the last week or so with bad eating habits, and this week I need to make a comeback. Time to start bringing it again, Anna!

On a side note, I made these super delish Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins today, and used Splenda instead of sugar. I still used white flour, so I'll have to come up with a substitute for that. If anyone has suggestions, let me know! I figured Almond Flour might just be too dense.

Ok, time for a deliciously hot shower! Yessssss...!!

Phase II....starting now.

Recovery week did not go quite as I had hoped. I missed one day of Core because I literally thought I was going to upchuck, but tackled Yoga like nobody's business. Last night, my last day of Phase 1, I did Yoga.
I concentrated on Tony's words, advice, tips, for stronger form, and better balance in my poses. Comparing my strength to Yoga during Week 1, and Yoga Week 4....blows my mind. I have no problem with Side Plank or the crazy move in Warrior stance where you put one arm behind your back, and the other underneath your leg, and grab your hands behind you. (If you have a hard time picturing this, think of a very uncomfortable pretzel, and it's something like that.) That particular move on week one, I couldn't even barely grab my fingertips, but now my hand is there waiting for me every time! The Crane...well....yeah, still no dice there. Still something to strive for. Plough to Shoulder Stand...LOVE!!!! And my Downward Dogs.....are totally cover-worthy of Downward Dog Magazine!

I also took my Day 30 progress pics yesterday morning. I'm noticing results in my abs, arms, and shoulders the most. But also some changes in my legs. Still have a ways to go though. No, I will not be posting those suckers anytime soon.

Bring on Phase 2!

Day 25 and still hanging in there...

I'm quickly approaching the end of my first Recovery Week. When I was heading into it, the sound of "Recovery Week" sounded like a nice break, a breather from the wringer Tony has been putting me through for the last 3 weeks. So why am I still very sore? Yesterday evening I did Kenpo, which I normally find somewhat easy, so I kicked it up a notch, and started doing double time while Tony and the gang would start off slow, digging deeper into my horse stance, making my kicks as high as I could, making my form look right instead of like a girl....and I'm sore today.

I've also made a new accomplishment. Back before I started p90x, every time I'd head over to my parents' place, I'd try to do one chin up on their bar (Mom has been on p90x for like, ever.) Not a chance though. I'd maybe get 6/8 of the way up, but just could not get my chin up and over. The other night, after feeling completely jacked over an excellent day, I ran downstairs to my bar, and hammered out 2 full, straight arm, dead hang, chin ups. Only 3½ weeks into p90x, and i'm pumping out chin ups! My body has been surprising me with its potential and what it can really do.

My diet has been slipping, with having company stay with me over the last 4-5 days, but I'm still getting lots of protein, and trying to keep the carbs to a minimum. I'm going to try to stick to the high-protein diet as I head into Phase 2, because I've really liked the results it's given me up until this point. I've decided to add more fish to my diet as well, because I've mostly been relying on Cottage Cheese, Eggs, and red meats up until this point. Bring on the tuna and salmon!

Come at me, Fargo Relay!

Today was a huge milestone for me. A defining moment in my P90X journey.

This weekend I have company staying with me, and to be downstairs doing legs and/or Kenpo X...well, I didn't feel would be all that hospitable. Plus the weather outside is CRAZY warm (it was about -5ºC today..not typical for beginning of February in Winnipeg) so I really had a big desire to go for a run outside. I ended up taking Friday off of legs/back. I know, I know...it was my first skip day, but technically not, because instead of taking a break on Sunday, I'll fit in legs and back then. And as far as Kenpo today, it was too nice out to be cooped up in my basement, punching Tony in the face. So I bundled up, put my running shoes on, and plugged myself into my iPod (with a "New Running Playlist" added this morning.) So I was ready to go.

I haven't done a long run since last summer or fall. I would run at the gym to warm up, but that was only ever for about 20 mins tops (about 2 miles). So in my head as I left my house, I was aiming for at least 2 miles, non-stop. To my amazement, my legs have never felt stronger. I would burst up hills like it was hardly a hill at all. I did my first mile, and was completely in "the zone". If any of you have ever run before, you know all about said zone. It's that point where you feel like a machine, like nothing could stop you. So instead of doing the 2 mile loop, i headed into the nearby park, and did one lap of the park (about a mile and a half). Legs still feeling strong (thank you, Wall Squats!). Lungs also feeling good, but noticeably trying to keep up with my legs. I started to head back to my place, and in my head thinking, "Wow, Anna! I can't believe you just did that."

But it doesn't end here folks.

The hardest part was yet to come. As I started heading back, I could see my street, with the blue building at the end of it, but I started thinking, "No Anna...just run past it, you can keep going. You're feeling good, see how far you can go!" Then the other side of me saying, "Anna, no you should head back, and get dinner going. You know you can do it, so just pack it in now." And as Deadmau5 started pumping in my ears...that was the deciding factor. I kept running. I brought it!

I ended up running about 5.54 miles(according to Google Maps) at about a 10 min/mile pace. Something I haven't done in a year. For some of you, okay, maybe 5½ miles isn't a whole lot, but considering the lack of running I've been doing lately, this was big for me. I felt back on top of the game. I LOVE this feeling.  And I've signed up my family to run the Fargo Marathon Relay this coming May, so I decided I should probably be able to run 6.5 miles instead of finding out on Race Day. Confidence = Restored.

I'm not one of these "listen to my feet hitting the pavement and focus on being all Zen" type of runners(nothing wrong with that!). I'm more of a "Pump up some solid tunes, and I'll run forever" kind of runner. Thanks to Beyonce, Shakira, Yolanda Be Cool, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, Deadmau5, and many others, they fueled me to the end. (I have awesome running music...if you want some suggestions, let me know, and I'll hook you up!)

Tomorrow evening I plan on fitting in my missed Legs/Back day. And Monday...Recovery Week starts!!

Go, Me!!! I'm LOVING this!!!!

Yogaaaa X ...ZZzzzzzZZZZzzzzz

This about sums up how I felt this morning during yoga. I'm running into some serious scheduling difficulties with getting workouts in (haven't missed one yet!), but because I'm so darned committed to this program, I'm starting to lose sleep, not eating enough, etc. It could very well be hormones too. I woke up this morning at 5:00am, all groggy-eyed, and tired (because of lack of sleep), and headed downstairs to do Yoga X before work. I won't have time for it tonight, so I had to fit it in somewhere.

Folks...I'm VERY inflexible as it is, never mind at 5:00 in the morning. My muscles and joints were cold in my basement, and although I felt by blood pumping and perspiration on my face, i just couldn't stretch as far as when I do it at 8:00pm. Maybe my heart just wasn't into it either, because I was still thinking about my deliciously warm bed upstairs. Lesson learned.

The good side is I'm done my workout for the day, and don't have to worry about it as soon as I get home from work tonight. I'm having company over, and I'm making Ground Turkey Tacos. I've even whipped up some fresh Guacamole for them as well.

I'm very much looking forward to my recovery week next week, and seeing what else Tony has up his sleeve. Then I'll be on to Phase 2! Seems like these last few weeks have just FLOWN by! Still bringin' it!

Day 15 - Start of Week 3

I googled "Ow!", and this is the image that came up. I'm not sure whether it's because she's hitting her head, or the extreme wedgie her bathing suit is giving her. Either way, this is similar to how I felt this evening as I finished Chest and Back, Week 3. I figured if I could get past Week 2 that I was sailing. Not really the case. I upped my weights tonight, because I wasn't working as hard as Tony wanted me to, I was "doggin" it. So I bumped my 10s, to 15s, and let me tell you, there was no doggin' it then. Obviously my reps went down, so I didn't feel guilty for having smaller numbers there, but so stoked that I could put 15 in my "weight" column. (And a circle around it, which means I went up in weight that week!)

I've only finished 2 weeks of P90x, and I feel good. I feel like I can't wait to see how much 2½ more months can do. So I'm still extremely focused on my goal day but tackle it week by week. It's still hard to sometimes juggle my daily schedule to fit in my workouts, but I know that if I do manage, it's just another step closer to Day 90. It feels so good to cross each day off after i'm done my workout.

Menu of the Day

Breakfast:
Protein Pancakes
Turkey Bacon
(kind of a staple, and i'm not even close to getting sick of them!)

Snack:
Nothing! (Got too busy at work, that I completely forgot to eat it!)

Lunch:
Protein Chili (Ground turkey and 3 bean)
Veggies and Low Cal Ranch Dip
½ Clif Builder's Protein Bar (Peanut Butter...delish!)

Snack:
Quakers Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Apple

Supper:
Roasted Chicken Breast
Roasted Sweet Potato and Onions (Yum, I love ANY roasted vegetable!)

Dessert:
90 Cal Granola "Crunch'ers"
Hot Chocolate

Day 11 - A Good Thursday

Yesterday was a good day. Not even just for p90x, but for life in general. And to top it all off with yoga, ah man, SO good. I wish the majority of our nation could realise how good it feels to be eating healthy, and to be exercising. Everything else seems...better somehow. It'd do wonders for the overall self-esteem of our country.

I felt so much stronger and in control with yoga yesterday now that I know the poses and am just stronger after a week and a half with Tony. Breathing and focusing on my entire body during the balance poses help me get through them with only tumbling once, or not at all (not quite what happened last week.). I still attempted the Crane pose, and although I wasn't even close to getting it yet, I managed to stay up for about 5 seconds, a personal best! My favourite pose: Plow. I've never realised I could actually bend that way before, and to do it with grace, wow!

Tonight is the killer: Legs and Back. (And of course the dreaded Ab Ripper X....) Bring it!!!

Menu of the Day:
Breakfast:
2 Protein pancakes
1 egg
3 piece turkey bacon

Snack:
Cottage Cheese and raw veggies

Lunch:
Bowl of homemade Turkey and 3 Bean Chili
60 Cal pudding cup

Snack:
Apple
Yogurt

Supper (5:30ish):
Chicken Fajitas (No cheese, and substituting sour cream with Greek Yogurt.)

Day 9 - Plyo, Pork and Potatoes

Yesterday was my second and more successful day of Plyo X. When Tony mentions during quick breaks to "wipe the sweat out of your eyes", I always thought that was gross...like, who sweats into their eyes? Tonight I finally experienced the "sweat in eyes" thing. And yup, it's pretty gross! I sweat a lot during Plyo, more than any other day. Even my knees sweat! But I feel the best after Plyo, exhausted but rejuvenated at the same time. I still couldn't complete my second set of dive bombers though, those are killer.

For supper I had thawed out a pork chop, and have had this idea in my head to make a Sweet Potato and Apple dish to serve with it. So I experimented, and this is how it went.

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole (because i can't think of a better name)
1 small to medium sized Sweet Potato, peeled and sliced thinly (these are the orange ones you normally find in your local grocery store, not to be confused with yams, which have no relation to the sweet potato actually!)
1 Apple, cored, peeled and chopped. (I used an Ambrosia apple, because I didn't have anything else)
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Cayenne
2 tbsp Splenda
Splash (?) of water
Salt and Pepper to taste

Oven at 375º. Partially cook your apple in a small saucepan first to break it down, almost to the point of apple sauce, but still fairly chunky. To help this process, put in a splash of water(or sugar-free apple juice) to help it cook down. Add Splenda, cinnamon and cayenne. Once water has evaporated and oven is to temperature, pour apple mixture over sliced sweet potatoes which have been tossed in your olive oil and lightly seasoned. Use a shallow casserole dish with a cover. Throw this in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a fork can pierce the sweet potatoes without any resistance. You can also add a few small dollops of butter over top before putting in the oven if you're feeling rebellious.

I'm going to keep experimenting with this recipe, adding shallots, nutmeg, not cooking down the apple, adding apple juice, etc until I can perfect it, but it's so delish and so healthy, and it compliments a plain ol' boring pork chop.

Tonight is Shoulders and Arms. LOVE today! I picked up some heavier weights from my brother's last night too...so hopefully soon enough I can add a few bigger numbers to my work sheets!

Protein Pancakes

So my diet during this phase is basically an absurd amount of protein, and very little of everything else. I have a hard time trying to get in protein of a regular basis, so my creativity levels have had to go into overdrive when it comes to ways of getting in my protein. An easy meal for me is normally breakfast. I have been eating eggs and turkey bacon, but after researching online, I found an awesome recipe for Protein Pancakes which are SO delish, you'd never know they were chalk full of protein and so healthy! (THANKS TO MY BROTHER SAM FOR THIS IDEA!!!)

Protein Pancakes:
1/2 C. Oatmeal
1/4 C. Cottage Cheese
4 Egg whites
1 tsp Vanilla
2 tbsp Splenda

1)Blend your oatmeal in a blender so it becomes more of a flour substance.
2)Add the rest of your ingredients, and blend until mixed. Do not over blend. (It may seem liquidy, that's okay! Have faith!)
3)Pour onto a hot non-stick pan (I use a bit of spray so they it gives it that extra non-stickiness). And flip pancakes when bubbles appear on top.

These are the bomb, and so full of delish protein. I also make a few slices of turkey bacon with these as well. Another good option for protein is Greek yogurt. It can be expensive in the store, but has nutritional facts that are comparable to cottage cheese. Roughly 20g protein for about 3/4 cup, and tastes so good with a bit of liquid honey. If you're also sick of having to down straight cottage cheese by the ton everyday, I've also been making my cottage cheese into veggie dip by adding dill, garlic powder, and black pepper, and giving it a good stir.

Yesterday I started week 2, and am SO ready to take on this week. I found Chest/Back super hard on Day 1, could be because everything was so new and intimidating, but now that I know I can do it, I brought it! I feel kind of like a car ran over my chest today, but it feels good. It means something is happening! Plyo tonight!! Woohoo!

Day 6 - Kenpo X

It's funny how one's state of mind can do a complete 180º with 8 hours of sleep. Last night, my family and I went to 529, a steakhouse here in Winnipeg, for dinner. I was going to edit my Menu of the Day post from last night, but it's really quite embarrassing/impressive all that I consumed last night. Between the steak tartare, onions rings, shrimp cocktail, rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, fried potatoes, and then the 3 different desserts we ordered....I packed away the calories. (Obviously we shared the side dishes. That wasn't ALL for me!) Funny thing is, I didn't feel guilty at all! I got my workout in yesterday, and I knew I wasn't going to be eating like this every day, or even every month. That dinner was maybe a once every 4-5 month kind of deal. So I enjoyed it to the max!

After dinner, we were all thinking we'd never be hungry again, and the thought of working out the next day just made me even sleepier. That's not what happened the next morning though!

I woke up, and made an extreme high protein breakfast of 4 protein pancakes (Basically egg whites, oatmeal, cottage cheese, and vanilla in the blender to make the batter) and 4 slices of turkey bacon. Funny how after a huge dinner and a big sleep, all of a sudden my appetite is back, and I'm stoked to workout!

I rocked out Kenpo today. I kept up with Tony and the gang, although I'm highly inflexible, and I kick like a girl. I'm positive I looked absolutely ridiculous. Good thing no one was watching! I worked hard enough to work up a sweat and have been downing water since finishing. (Water during Plyo/Kenpo = Nectar of the Gods).

So I'm taking Sundays off, which means I've completed my first week of P90x. My confidence level has boosted, and like I mentioned, I'm already seeing results, which is awesome. From here on in, I'm not sure I'll be posting every day, but I wanted to post everyday during my first week as I settled into the X. I'm going to continue doing my best....and forgetting the rest! YEAH BABY!!!

Day 5 - Legs and Back...YEAH baby!

I love resistance training. Free weights. Lunges. Squats. Pull-Ups. There's nothing more raw than lifting heavy weights, to become stronger. I felt like one of the gang this afternoon with Tony and the kids. Obviously not lifting or squatting as much weight as them (except maybe pull-ups..I'm pretty sure i'm heavier than Drea...who, for the record, i'd love to one day look like. She's my favourite.) but still giving my best, and forgetting the rest!

The TSN turning point for me today were my calves. I've never done many calf raises in my day, but the calf raises with Tony, I seriously thought i might lose all control of my bowels they were so tough. Single leg wall sits...sick. I can't even cross my legs while i'm sitting here at my desk. But there's nothing that feels better.

After yesterday's little freak out, I needed today to boost my confidence yet again. Not only did I rock out my workout this afternoon, but I stepped on the scale this morning, and I've also lost all my holiday/pain au chocolat/croissant weight, in just 4 days. (For those who aren't aware...I was in South Africa and Paris for a month about 2 weeks before I started the X.) So that's a big confidence booster too. I can feel myself getting stronger already, so I'm very much looking forward to finishing these next few weeks to see the results of Phase 1. Bring on Kenpo tomorrow!

Menu of the Day:
Breakfast
-Oatmeal
-Banana and Peanut Butter

Snack:
-Raw Veggies and Low Fat Ranch Dip

Lunch:
-Clif Builder's Protein Bar
-Spaghetti Squash with homemade vegetable pasta sauce
-Diet Caffeine Free Pepsi

Supper:
-Will have to edit this later. My fam and I are hittin up a steak restaurant tonight...so I will most likely be having steak! Woohoo!

Day 4 - Yoga X

After my highly successful day yesterday, today was my first real struggle to actually do my workout. I knew I was going to encounter these days, where I just do NOT feel like doing it, but I didn't realise they'd happen so soon. I had to figure out a way to just get 'er done.

My routine normally goes something like this: Wake up, make protein loaded breakfast, get ready for work, go to work, come home from work, get into workout clothes, grab 2 bottles of water from fridge, and head downstairs to rock out whatever Tony has in store for me that day, eat protein loaded supper immediately after workout, and relax for the rest of the evening. But, today was a wake up call, when I had to fit in my workout between doing all my grocery shopping, making supper, and going to visit a friend tonight as well. I literally came home, dropped groceries on the floor (put cold things in fridge), grabbed a Clif Builder Bar as my "supper" and ran right out the door again. So when all was said and done, I didn't get home until about 8:30, I hadn't eaten a real supper, and I didn't sleep much the night before, so here's where the excuses started to flow out of me. "Anna, you haven't even eaten anything for supper, and you didn't sleep last night, maybe you should just take a rest day." or "Anna, you're not even flexible enough for yoga anyways, what a stupid program!"

But I put on my workout clothes, laid out my yoga mat, and pressed play. I have readers that are depending on me to blog tonight!

Going into the workout with the negative attitude and empty stomach did not help my situation. It's currently -43ºC with the windchill, so my basement is very cold as well. I pushed through it though. Some poses were bringing me to places...well..I've never been before. The balancing poses went a lot smoother than I had thought they were going to go. Of course I attempted the "Crane"...and lets just say we're going to have to work up to that one! I was getting frustrated with my inability to do a lot of the poses, but towards the end of the video, as I loosened up, I was rocking out, almost to the point where I even enjoyed the ab portion. And by the end of yoga...I was letting out the loudest and longest "Ohms" you've ever heard.

I can't say I'm looking forward to Yoga X next week, but I've definitely learned a lesson today. Life goes on, even if I'm trying as hard as possible to be committed to this 3 month relationship with Tony. I just have to learn to make time to "push play."

Menu of the Day:
Breakfast
-Two Eggs over Easy
-3 Pieces Turkey Bacon

Snack:
-Banana with Peanut Butter

Lunch:
-Spaghetti Squash with Homemade Vegetable Pasta Sauce
-Tossed Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
-Quaker Oatmeal Snack
-Cottage Cheese with Raw Veggies

Snack:
-Nectarine
-Half a Vanilla Dipped Doughnut (Yes, forgot to add this yesterday. One of the service techs bought one for me. I succumbed. Somehow I stopped halfway through, and gave the rest to Sam, who I'm sure, devoured it.)

Supper:
-Clif Builder Protein Bar (ugh, i know i know)

After Workout:
-½ Cup 2% Cottage Cheese with Salsa

Day 3 - Shoulders/Arms and then Ab Ripper X...of course.

Yes!! Today was a GOOD day! Y'know how I mentioned a couple days ago I thought I was a strong chick? Well that came in handy today. Shoulders and arms have always been my favourite muscle group to work at the gym, so I was pumped for tonight's workout. After the last two days, I needed a workout where I knew I could kill it. I wouldn't say I did exactly that, but I felt strong, and I was going until complete failure. (For those who may not understand what I mean by failure, I mean muscle failure. Lifting to the point where I can no longer lift a single pound even if I even wanted to.) I was keeping up with Tony and the gang pretty well (with most likely half the weight that Drea was using), but I was still grunting out the last few reps. All the shoulder and triceps exercises I'm starting on 7lb weights, and biceps I'm starting with 10 and it seems to be a pretty good place to be for now.

Wednesdays are my new favourite days. Except for the Ab Ripper X part...which is still so so hard, and I definitely had to pause a few times for fear of upchucking. Hey...I hate it....but I LOVE it!

Menu for the Day:
Breakfast:
-2 Scrambled Eggs
-2 Pieces Turkey bacon
-Banana with Peanut Butter

Snack:
-½ cup 2% Cottage Cheese
-Baggie of Raw Vegetables

Lunch:
-Tossed Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
-2 Hard boiled eggs (Well...I had every intention of if being two. I couldn't finish the last couple of bites, because I should probably point out....I do NOT like eggs. But here I am....scarfin' 'em down for sake of the X!)
-Kashi Bar
-60 Cal pudding cup

Snack:
-Yogurt

Supper:
-Turkey bacon, tomato, and cucumber on toast with Low Fat Mayo. (Basically a BLT).

Day 2 - Plyometrics

I seriously didn't know if I could survive through Plyo tonight. I've been so *bleeping* sore all day from yesterday's workout that I could barely put on clothes this morning. (Don't worry, I managed.) But as sore as I was...it's a GOOD sore, and I LOVE feeling it.

When I got home from work, I ran upstairs, put on my workout clothes so I could head back downstairs to "push play." Mom has been encouraging me all day by saying "Plyo is the HARDEST, if you can do it you can do anything.", "Plyo X is what puts the X in p90x...its SOOOO hard." So of course, I was expecting a breeze of a workout.

I thought I was doing pretty good as we went through the exercises. I felt strong, my breath was in control, and heart rate was climbing to a comfortable level. Then as we continued, I started questioning Tony. "Whaaaa? F'real??" as he would describe the next move. I started huffing and puffing. I took a look at how much time I still had left in my workout (you know it's bad when you're checking to see how much is left.)

27 minutes.

Seriously. I was only halfway done, and my quads were burning, my calves were just about sliding off my legs, my lungs...were actually still okay. This is where I started shortening my reps, not going as deep into the squat as Tony would like me to, not jumping as high as I should've been. But I was giving my best, and forgetting the rest!!

I made it through in once piece, and don't even hold any grudges. I'm actually stoked to tackle it next week, because jump training is something I will most likely see an improvement on the quickest. I just have this feeling. Positive attitude is the key.


Menu of the day:
Breakfast:
-2 egg omelet with mushrooms, onions, and green pepper
-Nectarine (the nectarines at Safeway right now, are delish!)

Snack:
-½ cup 2% cottage cheese (with dill, garlic powder, and black pepper) for dip
-Baggie of raw carrots, peppers, cucumber slices.

Lunch:
-1 cup spaghetti squash
-3/4 cup homemade hearty vegetable pasta sauce
-2 chicken thighs
-tossed salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette

Snack:
-60 calorie pudding cup

Supper:
-2 6" flour tortillas
-2 chicken thighs sliced up.
-Vegetables for fajitas.
-Sour cream and salsa.

Day 1 - The beginning of the end.

For the past few days, I've been dreading having to start p90x. Today I discovered why. I wasn't very amped the entire day, after eating a rather large meal of Pad Thai, and other saucy and spicy Thai dishes last night, I felt rather queasy all day long. There was no way I was going to bag out though. My brother encouraged me to start this blog, as it worked for him to keep him motivated to "push play."

I like to think of myself as a fairly strong person. I'd say probably above average for a girl, especially my upper body as I've been pretty faithful in keeping my shoulders, back, chest, and biceps worked at the gym. After doing the Back and Chest DVD, I've never felt more incompetent in my life! I'd finish my max reps, and Tony and the Gang would continue for another 20 seconds after that...and fast! Like...is this guy f'real?

Diamond Push-ups are from hell. I wouldn't wish those upon anyone.

After I'd finished the Back and Chest portion, Sam (my brother) and my Mom (who is also currently doing p90x...'atta girl, Kath!) warned me about Ab Ripper X, which follows soon (a little too soon) after the cool down from the workout prior. I'm thinking to myself, "Oh good, crunches!" Ha...yeah....not! It was only in this portion of the workout where I actually really started to sweat, grunt, and do all those nice things that come with a killer ab workout. By the last few reps of oblique crunches (which apparently, I'm not at all co-ordinated enough to do) and mason twists, i was ready to hurl my bottle and a half of water I'd downed during the workout. And then it was done. Over. Cobra pose and Child's pose are my favourite place to be.

Although I didn't feel at all competent enough for Chest and Back, the fact that I can barely life my arms to even type this post, gives me slight satisfaction. No pain, no gain. So, here i begin my journey over the next 89 days. Phew. Here we go....


What I ate today:
Breakfast:
-Two egg omelet with onions and mushrooms
-Nectarine

Snack:
-1/2 Cup 2% Cottage Cheese with Salsa on top.

Lunch:
-Tossed Salad, with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
-2 Hard boiled eggs
-60 Calorie Pudding Cup

Snack:
-Cucumber Slices
-Apple
-Yogurt

Supper:
-Curry Breaded Chicken Breast, with Raspberry Chipotle Relish
-Roasted Sweet Potato with Splenda

Dessert:
-Kashi Dark Mocha Almond Bar
-Hot Chocolate