One Month Down!!!

Wow, can't believe we already completed a whole month of P90X!  My hubby and I are both feeling better in general and have totally overhauled our eating habits.  We're still on the "fat shredder" phase of nutrition, which amounts to a lot of proteins and veggies and very little straight carbs.  Not so hard for me since I have to avoid gluten, as well, but a major change for him.  As a result (and probably due to that pesky "guy" gene that makes them lose weight so much faster than women), he has lost more than twice as much as I have so far.  I'm down 3 pounds and he's down 8 pounds at last weigh in.  I know he's frustrated not to lose more, faster, but I'm happy with the fact that we're both going down.  And eating much healthier portions and types of foods. 

We've reduced red meats to about once per meat and are relying more on poultry and seafood.  Yes, that means we *gasp* are buying seafood from the store.  As a recreational fisherman, "buying" our seafood is almost sacreligious to my hubby.  (It doesn't help if I make the arguement that it actually costs about the same or is CHEAPER to buy it as to purchase a fishing license, pay lots of money in gas, fishing gear, and boat upkeep...that's not his point.)  We're eating lots of salads and trying to figure out new, tasty, and healthy ways to give us some variety in our veggie eating.  We've had egg frittatas with just about every meat and veggie combination you can imagine.  And are enjoying fruit and almond milk protein shakes a few times each week.  Dinners have been a little trickier, as my 3 children don't need to be on a carb-restricted diet and are still growing kiddos.  So, I'm sad to say that after 12 years of sticking to insisting that there is no need to cook multiple meals (everyone should eat together and eat the same thing), I am sometimes cooking 2 different main dishes.  Breaded Orange Chicken for the kids, but grilled spicy tilapia fillets for us, for example.  This seems to keep everyone happy and isn't TOO much extra work for the cook.  And, we don't do that every night.  Sometimes I'll have rolls or something else carb on the table, just for the kids...hubby usually okay with not having any, but it is not easy to have them right there in front of us and not be able to eat any.

Overall, I am so very proud of my husband and a little surprised of myself...that we have both stuck to the daily morning workouts and nutrition guide.  Month One down...and on to Month Two!

***On a side note, our dear bunny, Tori, did not make it through her illness and succumbed to the myxomatosis virus.  Our other sweet bunny and her much loved penmate, Jack, began showing signs of the virus and quickly lost interest in eating or moving a few days after her death.  We buried him next to her 4 days later.  Along with the bunny drama, this week presented challenge after challenge to us.  While Tori was sick, our youngest turned 7 and had the accompanying family birthday celebrations, party with friends, and trip to local performing arts center to see Jack Hanna with my mom.  Of course, we had 3 days in a row of 4-H meetings (for 1, 2, or all 3 of the kids).  I cancelled what would have been the 1st of 4 days in a row of meetings, since I am the leader and could not pull it together to do that, too, last weekend.  Then we entered the week and my mom (and daily childcare for my kiddos) got sick...sick enough that she was miserable for the entire week.  My 10 year old also got sick...thought it was the same thing at first, but then turned into congestion and stayed home from school for 2 days.  12 year old stayed home the next day, although his may have been sympathy sickness.  In the midst of that, my 88 year old grandmother got sick, had a variety of similar and also different issues, and so we went in for a brief visit to the hospital (gave her a boost with IV fluids).  Did I mention I was also rear-ended in the middle of my work day, driving between different work sites, also? 

It has been a rough week, but also one that has reminded me of the many blessings in my life.  Here are some of the things I have learned, or been reminded of, this week...some funny, some somber, many related to the recent loss of pets:
1.  Although our rabbits started as 4-H animals, they did turn into beloved family pets and their illnesses and passing was much more tramatic than I had expected.
2.  Hearing a diagnosis of a fatal virus is a huge blow and difficult to adjust to when you thought you were bringing in a bunny with a simple eye infection.
3.  When Mom loses it and cries, the rest of the family, including hubby, falls apart.
4.  Everyone handles death in different, and sometimes unexpected, ways.  I was not prepared for my 7 year old's reaction.  When Tori had had her last breath, I told her she could still pet her.  She first ripped the sign that said, "Do Not Pet (she is sick)" off the cage.  When I pulled her blanket down to reveal her serene and comfortable body, my daughter got in the pen with her.  And then grabbed and shook her.  My mom, who was still their after the Jack Hanna performance, made some kind of noise.  Once I recovered from my surprise, I explained to the 7 year old that even though Tori couldn't feel anything, we are still gentle.  Was not prepared for that somewhat violent reaction.  Maybe it was an upwelling of all of her emotions?  Maybe it was that she just really REALLY wanted her to wake up?  I'm not sure.
5.  It helps to have a "job" to do when a pet is dying.  For my husband and son, this was to dig the hole and make a headstone.  Also for my son to lower her into the hole when it was time.  For my 7 year old, it was to draw a picture to give to and bury with bunny.  For my 10 year old, it was to add a carrot into the grave with bunny.  (Again, not expecting her to break it into pieces and chuck it into the hole, hitting the peaceful bunny with pieces.  Son came unglued with this at first, but then was okay once I reminded him Tori couldn't feel it and that it was okay.)
6.  Kids sometimes have the best words of love and thanks. So impressed at the maturity and composed thoughts, albeit through sobs.  Our 7 year old started with the first words..."She was the best bunny in the world.  Tori was always nice and we really loved her."  Nobody complained that it wasn't fair or asked for anything self-centered.  Just fond memories and asking for God to watch over her in heaven.  And 100% focused on Tori.
7.  Even 6'2" men will sob over the loss of a little bunny.  And bring their wives to tears.
8.  After a loss, sibling fighting and arguements vanish and everyone just wants to sit together on one couch.  No bickering about touching each other.  Just a lot of grace for each of our differences.
9.  Illness and death of a second pet within a few days doesn't seem to have quite the same punch, at the time, as the first.  Was it that we were still a bit numb?  That we knew what to expect?  That Jack and Tori were together again?  Relief that it was over and there would be no more illness, of this particular virus, anyway?  I don't know.  But, while we were still sad and loving with the second backyard burial in 4 day, there was not as much of the sobbing and feelings of raw loss.
10.  We are so blessed to have family close by and so involved with the care of our children.
11.  I am thankful that my mom not only watches my kids, but does so much for my grandmother.  It is also a blessing that she is retired and able to do so much during the day.  While my dad and I both wanted to be there and help my grandmother, it was a challenge juggling our schedules and both of our many meetings to arrange coverage and make sure she was okay.  But it was necessary, as my mom was down for the count with a sick bug of her own.
12.  I am also thankful to have the medical knowledge I have.  It comes in handy with the care of sick bunnies and well as with sick family members, of the people variety.
13.  Reminded, with the many trials we have faced this week and shared thoughts from friends over the past year about the preciousness of life, to enjoy each day to its fullest and remember what is most important in our lives.  Living each day as if it could be your last is more meaningful.  Would I be proud of how I conducted myself or spent my time?  Am I doing my very best to be a positive and praise-worthy role model for my children?  Am I also teaching them the life skills they need to have success and options in their own lives, and with focus on the "right" priorities?  Am I being the best partner, friend, and supporter of my husband?  Am I a good friend and family member to those in my life?  Am I doing my best each and every minute I am at work to make a positive difference in the lives of the children, parents, and educators I work with?
14.  I love my life.  And am thankful for the road that has gotten me to today, including the past week, which has not been in the least bit easy.

Signing off for today...going to fuel up with a P90X nutrition-based breakfast and head out for a mountain bike ride with the man who has my heart, to enjoy our beautiful central coast!

Too Much, Too Soon?

Back to having ab pain with just about anything I do.  Makes me wonder...did I do too much, too soon?  I really babied my abs for the first week and then slowly started adding back in some exercises, but modifying them if I felt any tenderness at all.  Finally, made it back to actually participating in and modifying the exercises in the Ab Ripper video.  Was fine, no pain or soreness the next day for Kenpo.  Same thing for Stretch X the next day.  BUT, on the following day, during the Yoga video, I was feeling a bit sore again.  Didn't push too much as a result.  And even more sore and ginger during today's Core Synergestics.  Didn't push it at all.  And very sore, anyway.  Not thrilled about it.  I really want to do P90X the way intended...for those fabulous results, so it is discouraging to have to step it back a bit.  And sore abs are impacting how I'm feeling in general.  Grrr.

Feels good, though to be on Week 4.  We get to change up the routine a bit this week...no isolated arms, legs, back, or abs and double-up on the yoga and stretch.  Neither of which are exactly "easy", so it doesn't really feel like much of a break.  And, next week, we start on Month 2, with some additional changes in the rotation and, I think, some videos we haven't done yet.  Great fun! 

Also a bit preoccupied with Bunny-watch.  Bunny's not doing so well this morning.  Seems a bit touch and go and if there isn't a change for the better over the course of the day, we may need to make a tough decision.

3 Weeks Down!

That's right, we made it through week 3!  Wow.  Seems like it's going fast now.  I successfully completed the Ab Ripper video again, with only minor modifications to protect my still healing ripped ab.  I was actually more sore this week than the 1st week...maybe was pushing myself a little more.  Or, possibly, all that mountain biking in addition to P90X really kicked my butt!

Hubby's lost about twice as much weight as I have...stupid guys and their fast weight loss.  He's been incredible on sticking to no soda or bread.  Have I mentioned how proud I am of him and that it was no small feat for him to do that?  We both were a little off the nutrition plan tonight wtih hamburgers, fries, and yummy Grandma's pie for our youngest's birthday dinner, but that's okay.  Hubs may finally get out to go surfing in the morning after a busy week of work (yay!) and deserves some of the much needed guy time...in the water if surf is good, or in the parking area if it is not.

Busy weekend at our house this weekend...7 year old birthday party, 4-H meetings (although I cancelled the one that I lead), and bunny ICU in our living room.  Very sick bunny with nasty bunny virus that was purposefully used to wipe out the wild populations in Australia and Europe.  Not so good when pet bunnies get it.  So, subcutaneous fluids and TLC for now.  Nothing like adding a little more to my plate.  May still have to get up before dawn just to get it all in!

Bruised and Battered

Maybe that's what I should have named this blog.  Bruised and Battered is far more accurate than Rippered and Tattered today.  P90X isn't so much the culprit as those bike rides I was committed to doing over the 3 day weekend.  I am still finding bruises I didn't feel from that tumble I took 4 days ago...hip, bum, shin, abs, and inner thigh.  Although I'm still not sure if the one on my thigh is from the fall or from sitting so far off the back of the seat and stabilizing with my thighs.  Either way, it's super tender and one of the reasons our bike ride yesterday was so short.  Just 3 miles around the neighborhood. 

Sunday, we went on another heinously hilly ride.  Almost all rideable, but needed lots of rests.  Thought I was just incredibly out of shape or bonking big time.  Well, both those are probably true, but not the only reasons for my struggles.  Turns out, my front brake pistons were sticking, the rotor was bent, and the back wheel was sticking so badly that my super-hubby tells me the wheel was almost "locked out".  No WONDER I could hardly breathe by the time we reached the top of our 3.1 mile climb!  Sheesh!  Thankfully, Superhubby can fix all things mechanical and my bike is now back to smoothly spinning wheels.  However, heinous hills and sticky brakes totally wiped out any and all muscle reserves in my legs...and so on Monday, precisely 4 houses from our driveway, I realized there was no way I'd be going on another trail ride for at least a few more days.  So, 3 miles around the neighborhood  it was (still no escape from the hills).

P90X, however, is going very well.  Another 90 minute yoga session this morning.  I've actually gained some flexibility since starting and am feeling great.  Can now touch the floor with my actual hands while standing with knees straight!  So sad to say that the pounds are not melting off like I was hoping, yet.  Hmmm, I'm guessing I haven't been replacing fat weight with muscle weight quite yet...bummer.  Legs, back, and abs tomorrow.  Still sore from arms and shoulders yesterday and still ginger with ab exercises...modifying them quite a bit and not pushing too hard, but seem to be getting a bit stronger each day.

Did it qualify?

My post today...not so much about P90X.  Okay, just a little about P90X.  Stoked to be on the first day of Week 3.  And stoked to successfully complete the first 2 weeks.  And stoked to be sticking to our diet...mostly.  We celebrated our 2 week mark with a delicious meal from our favorite Thai restaurant.  Yum.  But, made up primarily of noodles, which would count as "carbs", of which we are supposed to eat only ONE serving per day.  But it was good...  ;)

As we start Week 3, we are also starting a 3 day weekend.  In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  A truly honorable and significant man in the history of our nation.  How are we planning on celebrating his contributions to our present day...holiday included?  Not only are we staying true to our P90X workouts in the mornings, we are going on mountain bike rides each day.  Today's ride was in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve.

The name Irish Hills led me to imagine gentle, rolling hills along a dirt path.  Harsh reality was a rocky trail straight up the side of the mountain.  25% of the first mile is my estimate of actual riding time.  That means 75% of pushing and lifting up the hill and over the rocks.  Big rocks, little rocks, rocks very solid in the ground, and loose rocks.  The payoff, absolutely breathtaking views of the area I grew up in, but had never before seen.  Could see the ocean, a lake, and so many miles of local hills.  Along the trail...our native chapperal shrubbery along with oaks, ferns, and a creek.  So beautiful.

So, the title of today...Did it qualify?  That would be referring to my first fall/crash.  While there was blood, I don't think I had enough speed to make it count as a crash.  We'll stick with fall.  In rocks...hence, the blood.  The rocks were also the reason for the very slow speed...and subsequent fall.  Apparently, when you are headed down a "technical" trail, a slow speed is prudent, but not so slow that when you go down a "stair step" it causes your momentum to completely stop.  As was my case.  While I was mid-stairstep and tipping over, my feet could not reach any ground to catch myself.  Fun times.  After that, I chose the even more prudent route of walking my bike down the rest of that heinous section.  Another first...walking my bike down the hill.  That's okay.  It was a beautiful trail, on a beautiful day.  Sunshine and warm weather (76 degrees!) plus time with my hubby.  Wonderful day today.  Wonder what tomorrow's ride will hold...

Wall Squats

Found my new nemesis of the day.  Yep, you guessed it, Wall Squats.  The plain ol' garden variety for starters, but then, after we were good and tired, progressing to the more advanced 1-legged squats.  Yeah...right.  We both gave it a fighting attempt, but couldn't muster quite enough staying power to last through the duration of the 90 seconds.  Legs, Back, and Abs today.  That means chin-ups, too.

And, speaking of chin-ups, so happy to announce that we finally received our very own chin-up bar!  Yep, that means we put it together, got it all set up, and then looked at it with dismay.  Neither hubby nor I can do a single chin-up, unassisted by chair.  Hee.  That's okay...we're allowed to "cheat" with a chair or use the famous "resistance bands" in lieu of actual chin-ups.  Until it is completely installed and additional supports in place, we are both sticking with the bands.  Still a good workout with those...and much easier on my tummy.  Still not back to feeling intact, but less and less painful all the time.

So proud of hubby, too.  Not only has he been diligent in daily workouts with me AND following a diet significantly different from his preferred foods, but he has taken it upon himself to do additional workouts!  Today, a 15 mile mountain bike ride up Old Stagecoach Road...one of the steepest grades (along an interstate highway) in our state!  Said he thinks he should do extra workouts since he has extra weight to lose.  Wow.  What a stud.  And still soda free and bread free so far this year.  Awesome!  Now I'm trying to figure out what food category wine (for me) goes in...fruit?  snack?  carb?  ;)

Yoga Correction

Paid attention to the timer at the bottom of the screen this morning and realized I was wrong about it being 30 minutes of downward dog variations...try 45 minutes.  Yep, Vinyasa routine leading into other poses for the first 45 minutes.  And, as you get more tired from holding the poses, the poses get more technical and harder to hold.  Push-ups during each Vinyasa remain optional.  Yeah, right.

A little sore again today (abs still out of commission), which leads me into daydreams about soaking in a steaming hot tub after the kids go to bed.  We have the hot tub, but, alas, it is also out of commission.  Hubby's new instructions are to fix the hot tub or remove it from our yard.  Having a broken hot tub just taking up space does not do it for me.  Instead, I am making due tonight with warming my sore muscles while sitting in front of the fire.  Heavenly.  This is my happy spot, much like a cat napping in sunlight.  And glass of vino makes it complete.  (But I'm still not sure where wine fits into the nutrition plan...)