Day Who Knows - 16/7/2011

Indeed I have been neglectful of you oh blog. I have not thought of you in a while. I feel guilt.

It seems my knee will not allow me to achieve my first and only goal. Half marathon. The more I train the worse it gets and the longer it takes to recover. I blame the Army.

I have decided to commit to a new goal. Around the Bay in a Day. I shall buy a tredley and train my curvy butt off.

On other news, the gym is going great guns. Real improvement but for a hiccup of some tendinitis in my elbows. A three week break and I am back in the swing. Feels good too. Nothing compares to the natural endorphin release after a session. Super set shoulders, with shoulders and you will know what I mean.

Alcohol consumption has been horrific. I am weak. I am drinking a beer right now...
Maybe you can't, or shouldn't change your life all at once. I am in a far better place than I was this time last year.

Maybe I'm pathetic...

Day 128 - 2/5/2011

Once again I must confess to laziness with this blog, and perhaps with my workout routine. My best laid plans were hijacked by a bung knee and general elbow tendon soreness.

Going too heavy too quick with my arms has set me back with two weeks compulsory rest to repair. I just got back to it today. Felt good too.

Running a marathon seems so far away following my latest setback with my knee. I was feeling good for the first week but it blew up badly week two and I had to rest it.

It is now that I shamefully admit to some pretty serious drinking. I have been bad and I don't like it. Actually I liked it quite a bit at the time but the guilt is pretty intense right now. I know it's a problem for me and it will take some kicking. My only solace is the last six months have been a huge improvement on the six months before so that is something.

All I can do is live one day at a time and take each victory as it comes.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Chest (gym) 3.5km run

Day 98 - 2/4/2011

Once again I have been so lazy with this blog. Perhaps it is guilt at my indiscretions with the alcohol. Unfortunately I have found a balance between my working out, running and drinking which seems to be working. I say unfortunately because I know deep down that I am not happy with my drinking. A new week will bring new hope of abstinence.

My gym routine has changed slightly with the introduction of single body part days rather than two groups at once. I have also dropped my leg workouts as they are big enough already so I do leg cardio instead. Damn my stumpy, muscly legs.

I have stepped up my running schedule after some consistant knee soreness threatened to derail my half marathon ambition. Only short runs at the moment but I will step it up more very week.

My plan is as follows.

Week 1
Day 1 - 3.5km
Day 2 - Rest
Day 3 - 3.5 km
Day 4 - Rest
Day 5 - 3.5km
Day 6 - 5km walk
Day 7 - Rest

Week 2
Day 1 - 4.5km
Day 2 - Rest
Day 3 - 3.5 km
Day 4 - Rest
Day 5 - 3.5km
Day 6 - 5km walk
Day 7 - Rest

Week 3
Day 1 - 5.5km
Day 2 - Rest
Day 3 - 4.5 km
Day 4 - Rest
Day 5 - 4.5km
Day 6 - 8km walk
Day 7 - Rest

And so on and so forth.

I needed a plan.

Day 80 - 16/3/2011

As pointed out by my only follower, I have been slack at updating this blog.

Is it due to my weakness for the devil's nectar, perhaps. But mostly it's because I forget. I am splendidly happy with my progress at the gym. I go five times a week and really enjoy it. It's nice to have some firmness back in my muscles after whimping out for three years.

Holy fuck it was three years that I did almost nothing physically. How does a man go down that road? Even as I struggle to remain awake at my cubicle in the hours after lunch I still feel a sense of satisfaction that I have done right by my body. On a Saturday when I haven't worked out I notice the extra energy I have and also the absent natural endorphin rush.

And so words are words and I have begun to again partake in the beverages that I promised to ignore. Is there any point in offering one of the many milions of excuses that all alcoholics can spew verbatim at a moments notice like cheap burbon in the gutter? I think no.

I would prefer to offer a pledge to improve, to grow. I have progressed so farr from where I started on Boxing Day and I shall go even further.

Measurements will be updated when I can find my tape.

Day 58 - 22/2/2011

I have been lazy with this blog, ever so lazy. There was no need to point it out. It is as plain as the nose on my face. At least I haven’t been lazy in other areas. I have really excelled at the gym with my weights increasing regularly. I am starting to get some real shape to my body rather than the soft pudge I had become.

I now step into the next phase of my transformation. Fat loss. Up until now I have not been ultra concerned about my calorie intake, which is not to say that I have been pigging out but I have been known to overindulge at times. I will now attempt to lose 10kg of body fat in the next 8 weeks with a torturous regime of low carb, high protein living hell. I know the hunger and yearnings will destroy the very fabric of my mind but I must be punished for my indiscretions with the turps over the last few weeks. I must be strong.

 I have come to accept that my injuries with the running are the direct result of my proportions compared to my ideal size and shape. The weight loss can only help if only to help me propel my ageing body around the half marathon circuit. I shall not fail!!

Alcohol - Some which is unacceptable

Exercise - Plenty of good old fashioned weights

Day 46 - 10/2/2011

Time certainly does fly and I have been neglecting this blog. Not because I have been naughty and don't want to write about it but because I have been busy and forgot.

I must make time to keep this blog up to date!

I have been neglecting my running too due to an unrelated knee complaint. My old army injury is playing up again and when I run it takes me two days to recover. I will have to strap it I think. I was doing well too.

The gym has been fantastic for me. All my weights are going up and I managed to squat more than my weight which is an achievement. Now if I could just bench that much...

What the hell is up with this blog, every time I press enter it goes to the start of the paragraph not to a new line. It has been doing it since the start. A pain in the ring gear.


My alcohol consumption has been low but existent which is disappointing. I don't feel I have a problem with it but I know it could blow out of control at any stage. Stupid alcohol.

Day 36 - 31/1/2011

Looking at my latest measurements and weight I can now safely say that muscle weighs more than fat.

My measurements have all dropped significantly which is pleasing for me and I feel lighter but a glance at the scales confirms that I have not even lost 2kg. I know 89kg is a lot overweight and I have been doing everything to get it down but frustratingly it is not dropping as much as I wanted.

I didn't start the gym to get huge but I do put on muscle easy. Perhaps I need to stop going up in weights and try to trim up what I have got. I really don't want to look "stocky" a term I have had most of my adult life which I HATE.

I have really set myself to stay away from the booze after my latest show of weakness. It is testament both to the problem I had and the challenge I face controlling it. I knew it would be hard and I want to be disciplined but my mind plays tricks on me. Stupid mind I might poke you with  cue tip. That'll learn you.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Shoulders & back (gym) 2km walk with dog

Day 29 - 24/1/2011

A week can go by quickly and the last week has been like that. I must admit guilt yo some beer on the weekend which is not ideal. After a great week in the gym and my first 5km run, which was very tough I relented on the weekend to what I thought I had beaten.

It (alcohol) I have to accept is a constant thing which I must monitor. I went from doubting I would even have any before my birthday to having it two weekends in a row. Maybe that was the cause of my horror migraine on Friday and my fever last night which I still haven't shook. I awoke at midnight drenched in sweat and continued to boil and shiver throughout the wee hours until I woke at nine.

The gym has been a good constant having only missed Friday and this morning.

Alcohol - 3 x six packs of beer
Exercise - 4 days gym, 5km & 3.5km run

Day 22 - 17/1/2011

I have been really lazy this last week with updates I know. Lucky I haven't been lazy in my endeavours.

My first full week of the gym has yielded good results. But it was tough. By Thursday afternoon I was noticeably tired and Friday afternoon was very, very long. I actually left work early. I certainly felt all of my 36 years 364 days.

And so it was that I turned 37 and officially entered my "late 30's" according to my wife. She never lets me forget that she is 6 years younger than me. Doesn't bother me, my wrinkled dangly balls won't bother me when I'm old...

I have to admit to a fairly bad weekend as far as the sauce goes. I partook on two days with wine and beer and yesterday I felt it. Not that I was hung-over but I certainly knew I had been on the gas. Lethargy and rotten flatulence was the theme for the day and I even feel flat this morning. I look forward to another extended break from the poison.

I gave my legs a break over the weekend so I didn't run. They were still sore from the monster leg workouts at the gym. It is the one area I am equal in to my training partner. Usually he is lifting around 40% more.

Alcohol - 2 bottles wine, 12 beers (3 days)
Exercise - Chest & Legs

Day 15, 16 & 17 - 12/1/11

Things have changed in what I would say a significant way over the last few days which I have not had the time to write about. I have noticed a distinct shift in my body and mind's attitude towards this project.

Where at first it seemed a distant hope that I would be able to get where I want to be it now seems like an inevitable destination. My longing for beer and wine which was quite an issue in the first two weeks has subsided to the point I almost don't want to partake so I don't ruin the good work and gains I have achieved so far.

I have my birthday on Saturday which is booked in as an alcohol allowed day but at this stage I am not even certain I will drink anything. Unimaginable a few weeks ago. I couldn't even get through one day without justifying it. It is truly amazing the change in my psyche.

My gym sessions are improving exponentially every day. I am making gains in all areas and I can feel my body starting to change in quite noticeable ways. Things are firmer and I feel lighter and more energetic .

Even running although still slow is starting to get back it's familiar appeal of yesteryear. Don't get me wrong, it is still tough but it is becoming less of a chore and more an activity I want to do in order to improve.

My first goal has been set. Melbourne Half Marathon in October. It is 269 days until then so I have work to do. At present 3.5km is my best run although I am sure I can go further I don't want to risk stress injuries too early and have to stop.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Gym every day, 3km run

Days 13 & 14 - 9/1/2011

After my weakness of Friday night I set myself for a very disciplined weekend and I think I managed to achieve it.

I managed to do a make up run yesterday of 3km and also one today of just over 3.5km with some hills thrown in. The first half felt good until I realised that it was all downhill and obviously uphill on the way back. I had my ass hanging out just to keep the legs rolling over but I did manage it.

A nice soak in the bay at Williamstown to soothe the muscles was just what was ordered and it was awesome until the cool change swung by not long after we got there. I was fine in the water but the missus and kid were not so chipper. Got a good 30 minutes in though.

Really wanted a beer yesterday when it was hot but went to the beach instead. I am finding it is helpful to keep busy then I don't think about evil.


Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 3km run & 3.6km run

Day 12 - 7/1/2011

It should be now that I admit to abject weakness. I caved last night and partook in a long neck of Coopers Sparkling Ale and I am disappointed. As much as I justified it to myself last night it just doesn't sit right with me now.

Although my intention for this exercise was never to give up alcohol completely it still erks me that I had not planned to have any last night and then talked myself into it on the way home. I remain resolute that this will not happen again.

As for exercise I have been very disciplined. Apart from missing a run through what I will call injury I have excelled at firstly doing the exercise and secondly doing it well. Yesterday's chest and leg session at the gym was difficult but rewarding. My weights are going up quickly as my body remembers and my muscles get used to it again.

Sleep has become very easy now mostly due to tiredness but also because I am getting used to falling asleep without the sedative that was red wine. I am finding that I need less to get more benefit. Waking is also a joy now that I don't have to contend with the dry mouth and lethargy of a minor hangover every morning.

A curious thing in my everyday life has happened which has been a bonus. I am finding that I now have more time and motivation to do the little things that I always ignored. Even just then Griffin asked me to get the batteries out of the TV remote so he could use them in his Xbox and as I handed them to him I realised there was now no back on the TV remote. Whereas before I would have just put it down I found myself searching for it.

Although just a mundane example it is happening more and more. I like it.

Alcohol - Longneck of beer
Exercise - 95 min gym (chest and legs)

Day 11 - 6/1/2011

Another huge day in the gym. Back and arms which canes the biceps and really wore me out. I left the gym actually feeling great with the rush of endorphins. Got to work and had my bowl of oats and protein and crashed.

What followed was the longest day that could be imagined as a I battled hunger and tiredness in equal measures. Not even caffeine could wake me up. My legs were also so sore from the workout two days ago I could hardly walk until the circulation got into them. Sitting on the toilet was an exercise in pain too. Dead lifts suck!

I didn't even feel the pang of thirst for a beer when I got home. Just the need for food. The missus had gone shopping and the cupboards were full of junk but I was disciplined and had steak and mushrooms. Mmmmmm, steak! A good Porterhouse too.

I did buckle later and had a melting moment (biscuit) while watching the TV. Slack indeed.

As for a run my legs were far too sore to even entertain it. I seriously thought I might do some more damage. Soze (dog) looked expectantly at me all night but I remained couched for the duration.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 95 min gym (back & arms)

Day 10 - 5/1/2011

Tough day of exercise. Tough. It began with my favourite body part at the gym; shoulders but soon followed by my least favourite; legs. I have never liked doing legs partly because I am always conscious that they are already too big but mostly because it make them so sore.

The burning began almost as soon as I left the gym and got slowly worse as lunchtime loomed. Little did I know lunch would throw in a cruel twist. Counter meal at the local. It was sprung on me on the spot and I nearly declined but it was with my old manager so I thought stuff it I can resist the urge.

I did too and am very proud. The only moment of indecision came when the guy across from me put his cold, frosty pint on the table in front of me. It looked so good and he assured me it was. I do miss a nice pint of tap beer. It tastes so good in a bar from the tap. It's probably been four or five months since I had one.

Anyway I resisted and managed to drag my sorry ass for my run which I have set myself nightly for this week. Lap one was torture as my sore tired quads and glutes screamed for mercy but as I pushed on the blood flowed and it wasn't too bad. I came home with a sense of achievement once again which is a lot better than remorse as I put the empty bottle of wine on the bench.

Still having trouble falling asleep as my mind gets used to calming itself but I'm not tired during the day so it's not really an issue.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 85 min gym (shoulders & legs) 3km jog

Day 9 - 4/1/2011

Just back from a slow but punishing jog. Only 3km but enough after a really good workout this morning (chest & arms). I also threw in my first day of work since my regime has begun.

It wasn't a real day of work with the plant not running and just catching up with some admin. My manager wasn't there which made it a lot less of a hassle so my need for a drink when I got home was minimal, but still there.

It is a constant thought in my mind when I go to the shop. I went for food after my run and had to literally stand in front of Liquorland with cash in my pocket while I waited for the checkout. Once again the reasons to get one blurted there way into my head.

You've been good today. A run and a workout.

It's been a while. Just one beer.

And so it continued until I finally walked out with food only! A small victory but a victory nonetheless. I like to keep reminding myself of the achievements especially at this early stage. Even though I faltered and weakened on NYE it was still five days since my last drink. I can't remember when it was that long between partaking. Sad.

And so onward and upward.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Gym (chest and arms) 90min, 3km jog

Day 8 - 3/1/2011

And so apart from my brief hiccup I have remained blemish free for the new year. A bout of gastro yesterday made it a bit easier but spending the day on the can with it coming out of both ends was a bit much.

Managing to fit in exercise yesterday was impossible but my abs got a decent workout. Today I managed a swim with the tacker and a walk with the dog and a kick of the footy.

Tomorrow the real stuff starts with a solid workout at the gym and then a good run in the evening. I really am looking forward to getting into it.

Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Swim, walk, kick footy

Day 5 - 31/12/2010

Not an ideal day for my new regime. It started innocently enough with a trip to the museum but ended in weakness.

I used the NYE and a fallout with a good friend as an excuse to drink and am not proud of myself.

Alcohol - 6 beers, bottle of wine
Exercise - Nil