P90X

So, I finally began doing the P90X workout. P90X, wth is that? It's an intense workout program that I've been meaning to start and do. Click here to get a description of the product. I actually got this program probably over one year ago, but really REALLY failed to get going at this. So I decided to get off my lazy ass and finally start this workout over the weekend. 

Well let me tell you, three days have gone by and and I'm still sore from the first day's workout. The workouts are really tough. The first day I was pushing it real hard and almost felt like puking. But that's a good sign, because it means I'm really working out. I really want to stick to this program for the next 90 days and not make any more excuses. I'm tired of being out of shape, I'm tired of looking in the mirror and not seeing what I like, and I'm tired of feeling tired and feeling unhealthy. It's time to stand up and make a change.

Legs so SORE!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!
The unofficial start date for summer...
A time to sit back, relax, and stuff our faces with some great food...right?
Although I have been enjoying my long weekend (any time away from work is always a plus), I've been getting really lazy. So I got off my lazy butt yesterday and decided to run 2 miles OUTSIDE. Even though I'm still sore right now, I'm glad I did it, and I have my sister to thank. Thanks sis! I can definitely feel the difference of running on the treadmill as compared to outside. Muscles that I didn't know I had are really sore, but it's a good soreness. I plan on running outside every other day now, if I can gather up the discipline to do so. Let's see how it goes tomorrow.

Suggestion: Remember to stretch out your muscles after a workout. It will really help minimize the soreness you'll feel tomorrow.

Stay safe and enjoy your Memorial day.

Where have I been?

Hi Internet.

I know I haven't posted in about 1.5 months, and I'm sorry...

My father had complications with his surgery in which we almost lost him.  He's much better now and everything is ok.  

On a lighter note, I also twisted my left ankle and hurt my left foot, so I have been unable and unwilling to run.  I would love to do some running (really?).  Instead, I have been exercising by doing some weight lifting and have decided to do stick to this type of workout. I'll still run, but maybe every other day.  Let's see how this works.

Day 96

Happy Easter Internet!

I was thinking about doing my 2 miler outside today, but despite the blue skies and bright sunshine, it was a still tad bit cold for my taste. I think I have to wait a week or two more until the weather warms up outside, but who knows...maybe I'll run outside this week. :) I've been noticing that my legs remain a little sore and tight despite my stretching. I'm going to spend a little more time stretching to see if I could ease out the soreness. A little self leg massage may do the trick as well. 

New sneaker updated: 2nd day in the new running sneaks and they're pretty good so far. In the beginning, I did notice a little "tightness" of the shoe in my right foot by my pinky toe, but it went away after a few minutes. I really like the sneakers though and recommend them to anyone.

2 miles; 32 minutes; 342 calories burned.

Day 95

Hey there Internet!

Friday was my rest day, hence no running and no post. However, not to fret, b/c I did my workout today and it was nice. Especially since I was running in my new sneaks. Earlier today I went to Sports Authority to purchase some new running shoes since my older ones are falling apart and are becoming more uncomfortable. They had a decent selection and I decided to spend a little more than usual.  Usually, I don't spend over $50 on sneakers (what a cheapo right?) Haha, but I decided to spend a little more, b/c I realized that it makes more sense to purchase a shoe that's a little more expensive, if it's going to provide the support and comfort you need while wearing them. With that logic in mind, I came across these...

The Asics Gel-1140. I've never purchased Asics product before and I thought I'd give them a try. The aesthetic look of the sneaker is simple and neat. I especially like the blue stripes and the mesh on the outside which provides breathability for your feet. They provided a much better level of comfort than my other shoes and they felt pretty light on my feet during tonight's run. All in all, my impression is very positive. I will let you know of any drawbacks if I come across any.

2 miles run; 32 minutes and 34 seconds; 338 calories burned.

Day 94

Sorry for the late post!  But I did do my 2 miles today, I really did. My legs were feeling it though and I almost didn't make it. At the 1.5 mile mark I did stop to stretch out my legs and let them rest a little.

Key point: If your body is telling you to stop or it needs some rest, please do it to avoid injuring yourself. I few minutes of rest may allow you to do more exercise in the end.

2 miles; 35 minutes 30 seconds; 340 calories burned.

Day 93

Whoa, almost forgot to post!

I'll keep it short since it's 12:30am and I'm soo tired.

3rd straight day now, after my 1 month hiatus. I was lacking energy right before my workout, but I didn't want to let YOU down, so I did it. I have a slower time than usual because I walked more than running. I just didn't want to kill myself, so I took it slow.  And that is my recommendation today: take it SLOW. Don't overstrain your body, if you're body is telling you to slow down, then just slow down. Pushing your body too hard can lead to an injury, and if you have an injury, you'll be out of commission for a while and won't be able to exercise. That doesn't mean stop working out though :P. Remember as the old saying goes, "no pain, no gain." Keep up the great work and I'll talk to you very soon.

2 miles; 36 minutes; 332 calories burned.

Day 92

Thought I wasn't going to exercise today didn't you?  hehe...

Well I did! Although I was exhausted from a really long day, I did my 2 miler when I got home at 11pm. It was rough, but I was able to pull myself through it.

Key Reminder: Remember to stretch before AND after you workout. This is extremely important. Without stretching, your muscles will tense up and actually stay sore longer. Therefore, spend a little TLC on your body and stretch out those quads and calves.

2 miles; 34 minutes 30 seconds; 335 calories burned.

Day 91

WOW.

It's been a month since my last post. What a slacker, huh? Yes, indeed I am. Oh well, at least I'm back and making a second effort, right? Over the last month, I did run a few times, but I failed to record my progress on the blog. So instead of this blog being "Day 130 something," I just decided to title it Day 91 so that I can continue along with the progress I had made before. I feel the effects of not exercising consistently for the past month. I feel sluggish, tired and lack energy. All in all, I'm not too happy with the way I feel.  And once you stop exercising, I've noticed how hard it is to get back on the program. I ended up making excuse upon excuse.

BUT NO MORE!

I ran today and it felt good. Although I'm likely to feel sore tomorrow, I think I'll be pleased knowing that I made the effort to exercise. So I encourage you, get off your butt and get moving!

2.07 miles run; 32 minutes 3 seconds; 353 calories burned.

Day 90

So my sister, who is a med student, revealed to me today her 10 steps to dieting. She has followed this program for the past month now and has lost 10 lbs. She has mostly limited her eating, which has decreased her calorie intake. Other than those other crazy diet schemes, I think this is the way to go because the less calories you take in, the less weight you'll gain... or the more weight you will lose. Anyway, here it is.

1. No eating after 6pm.  And that means NO EATING.  Water and chewing gum is allowed.

2. No chocolate!!!  I don't know if I'll be able to do this, since I love the stuff. But I guess no pain, no gain.

3. Eat breakfast.  Suggestions include: a small bowl of cereal, yogurt, whole wheat toast, egg whites.

4. Eat slow.  Don't chow down and swallow too fast. Enjoy the food and take your time.

5. When considering a 2nd helping, just wait. Usually it takes the body 20 minutes or so after eating to know that it is full.

6. Limit your bread intake. Minimize the carbs.

7. Drink lots of H2O. Your body is mostly made up of water and drinking a lot of it will help trick your stomach into thinking its full.

8. Your snack is H2O.  You may go to the bathroom to do #1 more, but the sacrifice is worth it.

9. No juice. You may think juice is good for you, but there are an absurd amount of calories in a serving of juice, check the nutritional facts. If you're craving fruit, eat some fruit!

10. No soda and that includes diet sodas.

I'm going to follow this routine for the month of March and track if I make any progress. Let's see if it works!

2.25 miles run; 37 minutes and 14 seconds; 381 calories burned.

Day 85 - 2 days in a row!

Wow, 2 days in a row. Amazing! I kid...(a little). Anyways, going to keep this real short since I have to sleep and wake up extra early tomorrow for my 1st day of the bar exam. I ran/walked a little extra today to get rid of some stress. It helped that President Obama was on TV, the guy is truly inspiring. He pumped me up. :) Anyhow, wish me luck peops and I hope to post tomorrow! g'night and sweet dreams!

2.5 miles run; 41 minutes flat; 418 calories burned.

Day 84 - HA

So, I didn't run the next day after all.  HA!  Well I think I have a valid excuse. The running and a new work out regimen will start next week, so get ready for some results. I'm getting pumped just thinking about it. Anyways, I felt like a slob today, so I decided to get some running in tonight. Interesting thing while I was doing my 2, a segment about Richard Simmons was on Nightline. It was really inspiring to watch and to learn that the man is still trying to make others aware of fitness and health at the age of 60! And he's still leading 2 aerobics classes a week at his gym! Wow. I really feel like a bum now. I need get off my butt and get in shape.

2 miles run; 32 minutes flat; 339 calories burned.

Day 78 - Wow I'm a SLACKER!

So yes, I haven't posted for a while because I haven't run for a while: a day over 2 weeks to be exact. I've been quite entrenched in my work and studies that I was unwilling to dedicate time to running. As a result, I've been getting fatter (I feel) and stressed and restless. So I decided to run tonight to relieve some of that built up stress. 

Boy did it feel good to run today.

I feel a little more relaxed and at ease. My mind is a bit clearer. My body is a bit looser. Running is the cure for everything! LOL. Hopefully I'll remember this feeling tomorrow and run again. But for now, back to the books.

2 miles run; 33 minutes 1 second; 348 calories burned.

Day 63 - Getting back on track

Hi Internet,

I know I've been absent for the last few days...I'll give you some excuses for not blogging and more importantly, not exercising as I should. Outside of my work schedule, I've been doing some studying for an upcoming exam I'm taking at the end of this month. As a result, at the end of the day I'm totally exhausted and need some down time. I know, the down time should be when I'm running on the treadmill, but I don't think I'm at that point yet of enjoying the running. ;P

I made a great discovery during a break at Borders, where I studied yesterday. I came upon Runner's World magazine. I grabbed it off the shelf and started to peruse thinking that I would fine some nice tips for running and building up energy. Let me tell you, it's a great magazine and really opened my eyes to the world of running. I'm going to turn to that magazine from now on and I recommend you g o check it out!

2 miles run; 30 minutes and 30 seconds; 351 calories burned.

Day 59

Hello Internet!

So these days, I've been finding it hard to get myself to run. Whether it be lack of energy (possibly due to lack of sleep maybe?) or just lack of motivation, the past few days have been tough. Yesterday, I made a half assed attempt to exercise by getting on the stationary bike for 30 minutes. If I keep going at this rate, I don't think I'll ever get into shape. Also, my diet has been going down the drain. I ate nothing but carbohydrate loaded dinner last night. It was good then, but probably not the best of choices.

This morning, instead of running, I decided to do some weight training. I will list the routine I did below. It did feel good to lift some weight and I'm thinking maybe I should alter my days with running and weight training. Running has indeed gotten extremely boring, and it doesn't help that I'm on a treadmill going nowhere fast. Maybe the change in routine will lead to something good? We'll see.

Also, has anyone ever heard about this fruit called the "Acai"? I hear that it has some very good health and energizing properties. I'll investigate further and let you know of my findings.

Today's workout:

Benchpress

1. Warmup set: 15 reps of 100 lbs

2. Set 1: 15 reps of 140 lbs

3. Set 2-4: 12 reps of 140 lbs

Shoulder Press

1. Warmup set: 14 reps of 40 lbs

2. Set 1&2: 15 reps of 50 lbs

3. Set 3&4: 14 reps of 60 lbs

Chestfly

1. Set 1: 15 reps of 100 lbs

2. Set 2&3: 14 reps of 100 lbs

3. Set 4: 15 reps of 100 lbs

Day 58

More snow today..., but it's not the nice fluffy snow, it's more of the wet, sleety stuff.  I wish it would snow a lot!

Anyways, didn't run this morning, but instead did some bike for 30 minutes. I thought it would be a good change of pace. Running is becoming exhausting and tiresome. I'll try to do some more tonight...

Quote of the day: "If you are what you eat, and you don't know what you're eating, then do you know who you are?"

0 miles run; but 30 minutes BIKED.

Day 56

Hi Internet,

I took a 4 day leave of absence from running.  Yes I know, I'm slacking, but I can't help it, I'm so damn tired these days! From work, to studying, to running... it's getting quite tough to manage the time and to gather the energy to run. I think the lack of energy for me is the killer. I've been taking a daily vitamin, but I don't feel that it is having any particular effect. I will do some more research to find some other alternatives that could provide a boost in energy. Any recommendations are welcome.

1.5 miles; 28 minutes 30 seconds; 255 calories burned.

Day 51

Good Morning Internet folks!

Going to keep today short and sweet. Didn't have much energy to run today so I did a mile and did some benchpress.  I've been thinking about integrating more weight lifting into my regimen, especially upper body.  The running is good, but it appears that it's only making my legs more muscular.  Maybe that's just the start of the process?  Until I figure out, I will continue to run, but make more use of my Bowflex.  LOL.  Have a good one.

1 mile mostly walked; 16 minutes 12 seconds; 153 calories burned.

1 set of 10 reps @ 100lbs (warmup)

4 sets of 10 reps @ 140lbs.

Day 50 - Happy OBAMA Day!

Glorious Morning Internet...

Today will be a historical day in U.S. and World History.  Who would have thought that the U.S would be inaugurating it's First African American President?  And who would have thought I would be alive to see this happen?  I feel a great sense of pride today because I know it's possible that people can change and that minorities can strive to become great people and leaders. I wonder if I'll ever see the First Asian-American U.S. President? All in all, I know that this past election has aroused in me a sense of obligation to help serve others and has awakened in me an interest in politics.  I think after February, when I have more time, I will go to the Democratic Party office in my county to see how I can help.  I'm looking forward to it.  Enjoy and reflect this amazing day people... Days like this only come once in a lifetime~

2 miles run; 31 minutes 20 seconds; 356 calories burned.

Day 49

Hi Internet,

1st day of the new week.  The weekend off from running was a much needed one; my body enjoyed the rest.  I'm thinking that time off for rest IS a good thing... as long as I don't get too complacent. I got up early this morning and ran 2.5 miles.  It felt good running because my legs weren't sore. I got a good run in.  Hopefully this work week will be just as good.

2.5 mile runs; 38 minutes 1 second; 451 calories burned.

Day 46

Holy cow...

I'm soooo tired.  I only got 5 hours of sleep last night and about 5 the night before. I know to some of you that's probably enough, but for me...I think I need some more hours. I can barely keep my eyes open right now, but I'm still writing this post! I didn't run yesterday, simply b/c I got home at around 11:30pm and was completely lacking energy and motivation to run. So I missed another day. I'm thinking that I should rest every other day and maybe run 4 miles on my running days b/c I've been lacking the energy to run. Maybe my body needs time to rest and heal? I've been taking vitamins, but I don't feel like it's really working. I just began taking these vitamins made by New Chapter Organics called Every Man's One Daily. I'm sure it's providing me with the vitamins my body needs, it's just that I don't feel any effects from it. Maybe I need to take some more vitamins? Vitamin C perhaps? I need some "Doctorly" advice (AHEM) :)

Stay warm peops, it's brutally cold today and is supposed to stay that way over the next couple days. 'Til tomorrow, CIAO!

2 mile run, 31 minutes 8 seconds; 356 calories burned.

Day 44 - The Struggle

Hey Internet,

Got up at 6 am to do my 2 miler this morning. I haven't gotten up this early in the morning for a while. Although I was tired, it did feel good to get up early. Maybe I'll start doing this from now on. I am feeling a little sleepy though right now and it's only 9:22 am. Maybe I should get a cup of coffee. :P

I titled today's blog "The Struggle" because I feel like my journey has been a struggle. I feel like I'm stuck and not getting to the place where I want to be: less fatty. I know it has only been a little over a month and I am seeing results, mostly in my calf and thigh muscles. But I wish I could see quicker results in my mid section. I'm sure I need to be more patient with myself and stay consistent with the running. But maybe I also have to do other types of exercise? Until the end of February, I will maintain the running, because I will be busy with work and studying. However, in March, I will run and also start a new program, which I will discuss in a later post. I hope though over the the next 2 months, I will see results from the running...until then, I'll remain positive..."STAY POSITIVE!"

2 miles run; 30 minutes and 26 seconds; 357 calories burned.

Day 43

Hey Internet...I'm back!

Back from my 3 (technically 4 day) trip back from lovely Las Vegas.  I wish I could have stayed longer... the weather and scenery were so beautiful.  Maybe I'll buy a vacation house out there soon, we'll see.  Although it was nice there, it IS indeed very nice to sleep in my own bed.  I arrived at 5:30 am yesterday morning and I crashed at 10 pm last night.  I was so busy during the trip and so tired yesterday that I had no opportunity to run.  I did do my 2 miler this morning and it felt pretty damn good to run.  But yes, I have 4 days of running I have to make up this week. That shouldn't be a problem though. :)

2 miles run; 30 minutes 45 seconds; 355 calories burned.

Day 38

Hey Internet!

It's cold and icy and rainy and ugly outside today.  Kind of a "blah" day for running, but I did it anyways.  Well mostly walking...my body wasn't up to it I think.  But I did it, and I can say I did it so I'm happy about that.  I didn't give in.  I'm just wondering how I'm going to do the running in Las Vegas this Thursday through Sunday when I'm at the CES show.  The hotel I'm staying at has a gym, but I think there is an absurd fee attached.  Something like $50 a day.  I'm going to see if I can get that comped.  If not, then I might have to run outside along the strip!  Anyone interested in running with me?  LOL  Maybe I'll bring a camcorder, document it, and post it up on youtube.  That would be an interesting and unusual experience, wouldn't it?

I learned about this blog today from CNN.com called "www.BaconisMyEnemy.com".  It was started by a lady named Giyen Kim and she's chronicling about her life and her struggles with losing weight.  Let me just say that it was very nice to read about a fellow Korean American who is sharing with the world her issues about life and health.  I applaud her for that and I will definitely read her daily blogs from now on and I hope you will too.

Have a great day and keep striving!

2 miles run, ok mostly walked; 34 minutes 47 seconds; 339 calories burned.

Day 36 Off, Day 37 today

Hey Internet,

I decided to take Day 36 off.  I had so much crap to take care of and was so exhausted that I had no energy to run yesterday.  I though I would make up for it by running 4 miles this morning, but I woke up late.  Maybe I'll make up for it tonight, we'll have to see.  

Just started to use Twitter and it's pretty cool and addictive.  I think I'll use it frequently during my trip out to CES.

2 miles run; 29 minutes 6 seconds; 364 calories burned.

Day 35

Hey all,

I missed Saturday (was quite tired) so I made up for it today.  Ran/Walked 4 miles and let me tell you, it was tough.  My legs are a little sore, which means they will be super sore tomorrow.  I can't wait! :P  But I did it, so I'm happy that I accomplished that today.

I'm going on a business trip this coming Thursday until Monday morning and I'm wondering how I'm going to do my runs.  I'm headed out to Las Vegas for the CES show and the hotel I'm staying at has a gym, but I have to pay $50 for it.  What the heck, right?  I mean I could run outside, but it might get cold and I'll be that funny looking guy who'll be running along the Strip alone.  HA wouldn't that be funny?  Who goes to Vegas and runs?  Maybe I'll take my camera along and take some pics along the way?  I have no clue, any suggestions?

4 miles run/walked; 75 minutes 17 seconds; 680 calories burned.  DAMN TIRED!

Day 33 - I ran today, I did!

Hey all,

Sorry for the late post...I DID RUN TODAY!  Did the 2 miler, I thought it would be difficult since I snowboarded yesterday... however, it wasn't as bad as I thought.  I was able to cruise right through it.

So, I've been doing this running thing for the past month now.  I've made some progress: I can run for extended periods of time now and am running at a consistent basis.  I have never stuck to a program like this and I'm a little happy for myself.  Although I don't see any results, I'm sure they will come eventually and the added bonus is that I feel good mentally because I'm sticking to the running.  I think what's helping me go through this is this blog.  Somehow I feel accountable to posting every day even though there are only like 2 people reading up on it (thanks guys :P).  Anyways, I'm going to keep doing (at least for the year) so I can track the progress.  Only 11 more months to go!!

2 miles ran; 30 minutes; 370 calories burned.

Day 32 - Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Wow, it's 2009, where did 2008 go??

It's a start to a new year and I hope some new years resolutions to get into shape.  I ran 2 miles on Dec. 31st and I literally thought I wasn't going to make it.  My body was screaming at me, "Don't run today!  Just relax!"  I so wanted to take the day off, but I didn't.  I struggled through the 2 miles and overcame the feat.

For New Years, instead of running 2 miles, I snowboarded.  Wow, I haven't snowboarded in about 5 years, so I was a little rusty.  But it was great exercise for my legs and I know I'm definitely going to feel the "hurt real bad" (check out Russell Peters on Youtube for the quote).  After February, I'm going to pick up the boarding again and try to increase my skills (i.e. in the terrain park).  We'll see, we'll see...

I hope that you all had a safe New Years and I wish you the best for 2009!  Stay warm and stay safe.  'Til tomorrow....

2 miles run; 33 minutes 347 calories burned.