P90x Fit Test

The P90x system has a pre-fitness test which recommends some minimum requirements (noted in [] below) before starting the program. Here is how the test went:

• Resting Heart Rate: 65
• Pull-Ups: n/a [min 1]; I don't have a chin-up bar, I plan to use the resistance bands instead
• Vertical Leap: 11.5" [min 3"]
• Push Ups: 15 on knees [min 3, or 15 on knees]; squeaked by with terrible form
• Toe Touch: -3" to my toes [min -6" from being able to touch your toes]; I have never been able to touch my toes
• Wall Squat: 1:00 [min 1 minute]; tougher than I expected, legs at more like 100 degrees instead of 90
• Bicep Curls: 26 reps @ 10 lbs [min 10 @ 8 lbs]
• In and Outs: 23 [min 25]; total fail
• Heart Rate Maximizer (jumping jacks 2min with sprint at end): Heart rate at end and every minute: 189, 163, 140, 105, 98

So I can't do a single "manly" pushup, and I barely squeakly by most of the areas and failed the in/outs. It just means that I'll look pathetic in the comfort of my living room and that I'll be really really sore for the next three months. It also means that I did too many bicep curls with the 10lb weight and I should consider buying a 15lb set.

Cheers,

New Years Resolution: P90x

Starting this Friday I will start a 90 day exercise program called P90x. It is an at-home exercise dvd series with different routines such as cardio, chest & back, kenpo and the ab ripper X. There is a different routine each day for 6 days a week. It also comes with a nutrition plan. There are varieties in both the fitness and nutrition plans; I will be following the P90x lean routine and the portion approach. The greatest challange for the next month will be the high protein portion (50%) since I'm a vegetarian. I forsee a lot of soy burgers and egg whites in the near future lol.

The best nerdiest part of this program is the most-awesome-excel-spreadsheet-in-the-world that was provided to me online. I usually track my progress but this does it even fancier. I have all my initial measurements done as of today. I will do the initial fit test in the next few days. Also some "before" photos - which will only be shared at 30 days assuming there is some improvement.

Cheers,

Athens Sucked

On Nov 8 '09 I failed to finish the Athens Classic Marathon. The day began very early at 4am. Our team headed to the Olympic Stadium at 5am to get on the buses to transfer us to the start line. Unfortunately it was 15C and pouring buckets. Everyone was soaked by the time we got onto the buses. A chilly 45 minutes later we were standing in garbage bags shivering at the start line. A two hour wait later we were off. I think the wet and cold really contributed to the end result. I knew within the first few kilometers that I was going to have trouble. The aches and pains I usually feel after 20km were beginning really early. I think my legs had cramped up. The woman that I was running left me behind and I was on my own fairly early. The pack kept thinning out until I couldn't see anyone else competing in front or behind me. I also learnt early on that the race closed at a six-hour-pace not at six hours. This meant that there were no course markers, water, powerade, bananas, gels, medics, etc. for most of the race. I had counted on the electrolyte replacements so this lead to me feeling really sick later on. At one point I was hit from behind by a bicyclist. Around that time I was feeling uncomfortable with my situation. I stopped, sat down and waited for the next people to come by. Luckily they spoke english. I power-walked with a father-daughter team until the race officials aggressively suggested we get into their van. After a drive to the finish line I walked back to the hotel. I was really sick and feeling very lonely since I couldn't convince anyone to help me find something to eat. I was worried that I would pass out if I went out by myself. I suppose I wasn't thinking straight because after 2 hours I finally realized the hotel had room-service. I managed to eat a half cup of pasta, took a shower and went to sleep. I ended up with a really bad flu for the rest of the trip.

Cheers,