Most Recent Stories & Articles for January 2007
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In the Navy
- Posted On: 1/31/2007
My wife had been in the service with the US Navy for about 5 years before we ever met and she has wanted to re-join for some time now. Well, she's been gathering information and talking about it for months and finally seized the opportunity to join the Naval reserves. That's right! Last Tuesday, Wendy re-joined the Navy and that makes me a proud husband to a member of our nation's military. Although I am certainly against violence as a means to an end, I definately understand the need to protect the things we feel need protecting (family, country, beliefs/values, etc.) You tell me... what's the alternative when a person has a gun pointed at you? Are you the type that shoots first and asks later? What if a person simply has a gun on them? Do you feel the need to also have a gun? What if they look a certain way or behave a certain way that offends you or makes you wary? Security... a basic need and desire of all living things. -
How's the "Hard Body" plan going you ask?
- Posted On: 1/31/2007
Fantastic! Yesterday was day 34 on the 12-week program and it was the worst feeling. All of my workouts have been going great and I've finished feeling tired, but exhilarated by my progress. Yesterday, however, I ran 4 miles and did my upper-body workout. Ouch... I was at the gym for about an hour-and-a-half and came home using the word "annihilated"; completely drained. But, I was still happy with the progress. The four mile run was in preparation for a 5K race on February 11th. I did a warm-up (10 min/mi for 2:30 and 9 min/mi for 2:30) followed by a 20-minute run at 8 min/mi pace with a kick at the end of 5 minutes at 7 min/mi pace, and finally another .25 miles at 15:00 walking pace. Having run a total of maybe 15 times in the past year, this was great! An average of 7:46 pace for 3.2 miles! (FYI: I have been bicycling and rowing with some short walk/runs this past month.) The following chest, back, and arms workout sapped any remaining energy and left me a physical zombie. It was difficult to keep up the number of repetitions and the weight I've been lifting in previous workouts, but this lack of energy certainly proved my willingness to keep at it. A 7:46 pace for 3.1 miles is a long way off from 7:15, so I'll have to back off on my goal to 7:30 for the race, but that is still outstanding progress (just to be doing it!). My body is looking better than it has for a long time, although I'm not seeing everything I want to be seeing yet. We'll just have to see how I look when my wife and I go to Hawaii in April. BAM! :)
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The Mens's Health Hard Body Plan
- Posted On: 1/12/2007
- The Mens's Health Hard Body Plan
I bought this book with a Barnes & Noble bookstore gift card after my birthday almost three weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I have been on the 12-week program for 15 days now and I am loving it! I sprinted between the covers trying to get started before the New Year simply because I didn't want it to be just another resolution. Hah! Well, it worked. I started on the beginner's workouts, despite having been in-and-out of the gym all of my life to make certain that I build a foundation before shocking my muscles into a possible injury that would kill my plan immediately. I have been logging each workout (three workouts a week on the beginner plan). I am walking for about 30 minutes during my afternoons every day at work to increase my energy and burn a few extra calories. I am keeping my metabolism roaring by eating proper portions of healthy foods every 2.5-3 hours. Most of all, I am really liking the variety in the workouts and the fun I am having. There is a lot of truth in being mentally ready to really give your fitness plan a solid comittment and my mind is there! I have been celebrating tiny "workout anniversaries" and yesterday was my 2-week party; NO PARTY FOOD INVOLVED! Today's log has the word "YEAH!" next to each set, since I felt particularly satisfied with the weight and repetitions I accomplished. My enthusiasm has increased so much that I am signing up for a 5K run in February. (*I have avoided competition since my major accident at collegiate nationals and the major follow-up rollerblading accident almost 8 years ago! SO PATHETICALLY SAD!!!) Regardless, I'm not exactly doing triathlons again, but running is a "step" in the right direction. I'll be hard-pressed to pull a 7:15 minute mile average, but that is looking like my goal. I have a lot of fitness books and, if your struggling and want to lose weight, tone-up, and/or build muscle mass, I recommend you buy this one!
