It's 11:35 PM Central Time in Dallas as I begin typing this message, and I have just returned home from ... you guessed it ... the gym. A light workout tonight and only my second of the day as opposed to what would usually be my third. I was too worn out and sore to get out of bed this morning and elected some extra rest over my usual morning cardio session. Welcome to my life in workout Hell.
I usually put in three sessions per day in training for Sasuke. Mornings, I hit the gym on the way to work (luckily, it's across the street from my office) for 25-30 minutes of cardio and some ab work. I like doing cardio first thing, as I'm working on an empty stomach and (in theory) burning only stored calories. Lunchtime and it's back to the gym for an hour to hour and 1/2 of lifting: arms on Monday, chest on Tuesday, lats and back on Wednesday, legs on Thursday, and shoulders on Friday. Around 10:00-11:00 PM, I head for the exercise room here at my apartment complex and touch up on a bit of everything I've done during the day, a mixed session with lifting and cardio. This usually lasts about an hour to an hour and 1/4. I go lighter on the weekends, usually doing one hour to hour and 1/2 session, comprised of cardio and ab work.
It seems to be going well so far. I'm lifting between 50 and 70 lbs. heavier on every lift than what I was back in February. My max on the bench is up to 260lbs. My waist is down about two inches and I've lowered my overall body fat to around 9-10%. I need to be at about 6% by March. Extra unnecessary weight will kill you on the course. Throughout everything is the nagging enormity of how far I still have to go.
As a rabid college football fan, the Alabama Crimson Tide is my team (I'm originally from Homewood, AL, just outside of Birminhgam). Whenever I start to reflect on how crazy I am to be doing all this, I remember one of my favorite lines from legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant: “If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride, and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards.”
Victory for me right now is just being accepted to compete. I'll worry about the rest when (if) I get there.
Chris
4 comments:
Wow, Chris! That is some workout hell you go through, but it sounds like you are definitely on the right track. Good job!
I've read so many conflicting things on burning fat- eat a small carb meal before cardio/do not eat at all before cardio; do weight training before/after cardio. I have to admit that the only thing that works for me is switching it up. For example, this week I am doing cardio first, then weight training. Next week will be the reverse.
One thing that I do know is that since I've stopped eating before exercise (about two weeks ago), I've lost 3 pounds and 1 1/2 inches off of my waist.
You have until March. It'll be no problem for you!!
It sounds to me like you are on the road to success. I find that if I do the treadmill first and then lift, the lifting doesn't hurt as much. I am just getting started and have further to go then you. Keep it up and inspire us all.
Hi Chris,
wow.. what a work out !!
Good luck ! We really need you to get to Sasuke :-) :-)
Thanks again to everyone for all the comments and words of support!
C-
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