Final Pics

Day 1 / Day 90:

In case you are wondering, I am not standing on anything ;)

I am not quite as ripped as Lance, but this photo will continue to be an inspiration.  Not because I feel I need or want to look like him, but because it shows what is possible if you are disciplined and have the will power to overcome adversity to attain a goal...any goal!

Br,

Day 90! - PCP Complete!

It is kind of ironic that I am not going to be able to do my day 90th workout...at least not all of it.  I played soccer last night for the first time in my life and would you believe that I tweaked my ankle!  Good thing this did not happen a few weeks ago. I need to rest it for a few days and I will try another workout this weekend.

The results of participating in PCP have been very positive from a physical, mental and emotional perspective.  Physically, I feel as good as I can ever remember.  I have less fatigue because I am sleeping better.  I no longer experience headaches or acid reflux because my new eating habits dictate that I am eating the right foods more consistently and not too late into the evening.  And of course I feel good about the way my body looks.  I believe I started at just under 178 pounds and my official ending weight taken this morning is 160.2!  I have lost 2 to 3 waist sizes--34/35 to a 32 and none of my old clothes fit me anymore.  I have to admit that I really like the fact that I can see my stomach muscles coming through also!

Mentally, my overall disposition is more positive and my patience level is higher.  I feel that I am more patient with my kids , spouse and others around me both in a personal and professional context.

Emotionally, I was able to overcome some frustrations on the part of my spouse to a point where I honestly believe she understands why this was a good thing for me...for all the reasons above. Some of the food choices I have integrated into my eating habits have found their way into my families diet which makes me feel good.  Also, I have had my fair share of lows over the past two years since being diagnosed with MS and I really needed to do this for myself.  Just completing this program has done wonders for my state of mind and confidence level.

In closing, I will continue with PCP concepts both from a dietary and exercise perspective.  I am looking forward, not back and I want my body to do the same!

I will be posting some pics over the next day or so.

Thanks and congratulations to everyone who finished!

Day 88 - One of my best workouts!

2400 jumps in 18 consecutive minutes--with only a few trips on the rope--it seems so natural!

Did the pull-ups and chest-dips to failure--my body was craving them!

Relished the quiet while doing it all!

Almost done with the formal part of the program, but will never be done with eating healthier, exercising and making better choices!

Day 84 - Still here!

Been heads down focused on family, work and PCP.  I agree with Patrick that the AB exercises have been the least satisfying.  However, now that my stomach is getting firmer and tighter I have actually started to enjoy this part of the workout since I am really excited about the results in an area of my body that I now know is hard to improve.  This is giving me more incentive.

Today was my jump only day but I added in a hard 5 set of leg lifts where I focused on bringing my legs down slowly and leaving my legs close to but not touching the floor for 5-10 seconds before lifting them again.  I have also integrated in another AB exercise called Pilates 100's. Check out the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scgpCFAVlSg

Br,

Day 77

Today is the jump only day but along with my jumps I would also like to do the other half of my exercises from yesterday.  I was at my Mom's house all day yesterday with the family and I only had time to do my jumps and half of my exercises--I did one exercise from each section--so I have decided to do the rest today.  The good news is that I did many things to failure yesterday so I felt like I got a really good workout.  This is the first time I did not get to finish the entire workout once starting it and I am wondering if it is okay to do the other half today?

Also, I really enjoy the jump rope so I started doing 7x3 earlier this week.  At this point it is pretty easy so it is no problem.  I am averaging around 800 jumps per 7 minutes.  The number of jumps is not really critical although I find that counting helps make the time go by.

Br,

Day 76 - The real indulgence

This indulgence ended up being the same as my first.  Four slices of pizza with lots of cheese and pepperoni from my favorite pizza joint in the town where I grew up.  It was very tasty going down, but...

Within 15 minutes I had a headache and I felt lethargic.  Not something that I feel when eating the right type of foods.  I followed the pizza up with a pre-packaged ice-cream sundae from Friendly's. Long story short, I woke up this morning with heartburn and a very dry mouth.  

Fat = heartburn

Salt = dry mouth

Eat bad food, feel bad.  Eat healthy food, feel healthy.

Br,

Day 72 - Indulgence

Great dinner this evening.  Shared a salad with my wife then had Tuna two ways.  Tuna raw and Tuna lightly seared...yum!  A side of seaweed was a perfect compliment.  

After dinner, my wife and I decided to get some ice cream at a local place that has been making its own ice cream for 30+ years!  Yes, I ordered a single scoop in a waffle cone. It was really good, and it is made with all local and natural ingredients.  However, it was an indulgence so I have had mine for the month, even though Patrick has not told us we can have our last one yet.

BTW, I completed 2,080 jumps my eighteen minute session this morning so I am averaging just above 110 per minute. Also, my weight has somewhat stabilized around 160 pounds so I have lost around 18 pounds overall.  Not sure if it will go down any further at this point.