Day 90 Not the End

For me it's certainly not the end, but somewhere near the middle I suppose.  I acknowledge my accomplishments but also have the strong realization that I have some more work to do.

Day 1 Front/Back Side   Day 90 Front/Back Side

All in all I have lost about 25 lbs.  I still have 10 more to lose in order to get down to the weight I was pre-children.  I'm determined.  I will take three weeks off from the intense exercising and strict diet, and return to PCP protocol sometime in May.  If the blog is still up, I will continue to post. Your comments are always welcome.

Going into this I certainly had my doubts.  My PCP friends Sara and Sarah knew this very well.  I was told to let go of all fitness/health knowledge and let Patrick's plan do the work.  As difficult as this was to do, I estimate I let go around 85%.  And it wasn't 100% because I didn't believe in the program more than my family/work obligations didn't allow me to follow it to the tee.

I want to make one point clear: I applaud Patrick for his work.  I have been in the health/fitness industry for almost 15 years.  His innovative idea of coupling technology with basic nutrition and exercise prescription is one of a kind.  The 'transparency' of having a group of people from near and far to follow you day in and out is ingenious.  In addition, the exercise prescription is perfect for a broad span of people.  From the traveling businessman to the busy working mom, the jump rope does what it needs to do in the shortest amount of time.  Well done, Patrick, I hope your project takes you as far as it has all the many people you have given a new life to.

Lastly, thank you Sara and Sarah for your friendship and support.  And to my team Praxis:  I will miss reading about your lives and I will miss your encouragement.  Stay the course as long as you shall be on this planet and may we meet again one day soon.

Day 89 Anxiously Awaiting the Drum Roll

Well, I have to admit, although I have been completely faithful to Patrick when I agreed to stop weighing myself somewhere around day 50, I am so ready to see what that darn scale says tomorrow.  I know, I know.... It's not about the numbers.  But not weighing myself for the past 40 days may have been even more difficult for me than actually doing the PCP.   The good news is, I may have accomplished this mental instability, which is even more important than the physical accomplishment in my world.

So, supersets. Goodbye.  Not again in my maintenance program. Way too hard! Didn't get to the 'vomit zone' like some of you, but I see what you mean.  I love all abs now.  And I love how Chad's 8MA are too easy! Did I just say that?

Day 90: I'm ready for you.  But Day 180 is next.

Day 88 Sentimental

With only 2 more days left of this thing I'm feeling sentimental.  Could I still be hormonal from giving birth 9 months ago?..... Nahhhh.  I guess I just have a love for the PCP.  Did I just say that? Sara and Sarah will fall over if they ever read this.

Anyway, 18 minutes flew today, but supersets... Ouch.  I do love biceps/triceps as well as chest/back (pull downs/ovations). But pull ups/chest dips and v-sit/planks can go to hell.... They just suck. Arnold can have them back.

For some reason I've been walking around in my underwear lately... Any one else?

Day 89: bring it on (although I peeked and I do not like it already)

Day 87 Naptime Workout

Firstly, thanks for all the nice comments and concerns on my last 'Headache' entry.  It has gotten better, but for some reason every morning I wake up with one.  Richard - I drink lots of water since I'm still a momma cow to my little one, so I know it's not dehydration. 2 advil help it a great deal.

It's been a while since my little guy cooperated and napped while my older one was at school so that I could get the whole workout in.  Today he was in a cooperative mood I guess.  The 18 minutes of jumping isn't that bad, just boring at this point.  The rest was quite difficult as most of you also said.

I'm very much looking forward to Friday as visions of food keep popping into my head, like... What will the first non-PCP food be that I put into my mouth? Things that I used to love like cheeseburgers and fries no longer seem appealing.  But CHOCOLATE CAKE does! Maybe I'll ask my PCP best bud Sara to make me an 'all natural' one????

3 more days guys...

Day 86 Headache

I woke up this morning with a splitting headache.  I don't normally get them, but I'd have to attribute it to the cumulative lack of sleep that I have not been getting.  Since I love to run and it's the weekend, I opted for the jog again today.  Sadly, my body felt great, but my head killed the entire 30 minutes.  I pushed through it and thought I could probably go for 1hr if my head wasn't killing me.  Finished with 8MA (no longer watch the video, use my ironman watch to count down 45seconds and go straight through the routine by memory).

Any way, I plan on doing supersets tonight after the kids go down. Wish me luck.

Great day to all my PCP friends.

Day 85 Sunshine

It's amazing what a little sun does to your mental health.  Finally, some warm weather. I opted to jog for 30minutes today rather than jump.  Like most of you, I have a love/hate relationship with Mr. Nike Speedrope.
So I got home after my jog (feeling great) and both kids were screaming their heads off, so I locked myself in the basement for 8MA.  Unfortunately my daughter's newly acquired splinter got in the way of strength training, once again.

Diet was not bad today.  Like Molly's Cadbury egg, I've been staring at 2 boxes of girl scout cookies for 1 month now. 85 days ago, I would have eaten half a box. Now, high fructose corn syrup... YUCK. (I wouldn't have even let them in the house, but our neighbor was selling them, and I had to support her).

5 more days gang...

Day 84 Remiss

Well, I sat down on my couch last night at 7:30pm for the first time all day, and I thought to myself, "I will just sit and rest for 15minutes and then I will do my workout and blog."  Well, the next thing I knew it was 9pm and my husband was walking in the door from work. I was toast at that point and went straight to bed. No workout, no blog.  I guess sleep has it's priority sometimes.

Today I made PCP a priority and came home from work 1 hour early to get the jumps and blog in. Wow, less than a week to go.  I can't believe it...

Day 82 Better Day and 21 minutes of Freedom

So, as usual, today being a work day, was a better PCP day for me. No snacking  (except for a few plain crackers while making dinner).  But boy do I hate evening workouts.  Lately, with the kids not sleeping well and getting up at ungodly hours, I have not been able to work out in the mornings.  Tonight was awful. I had no other choice but to work out 15 minutes after dinner.  Oh, the cramps... I don't recommend jump roping that close to eating and will skip dinner if I ever have to do that again. Good news was that the cramps disappeared midway through.

I am going to bed now, with another evening of only 21 minutes of jumps and 8MA.  Not enough time or energy for the other stuff.  Up again every few hours last night with Wyatt.

I do have to say, it was non-stop today from 5am to 8pm.  I had only 21 minutes to myself all day today. I jumped. And it was enjoyable.

Good night friends.  See you in 24 hours.

Day 81 Home with kids and not great eating

I can't seem to win over these Tues/Thursday home with kids days.  I will have to continue to work on this well after the PCP is over.  I just can't stay out of the kitchen. Handful of cereal here, raisins there... Ughhh I'm so weak sometimes.

Anyhow, did 21 minutes of jumping while my wee one took his mid day nap and I poisoned my 4 year old with 'preschool' television. 8MA is so much easier than it ever was.  I now don't even have to put it on.  I know all the exercises in their order and I know that it takes me 25 repetitions of each to reach 45 seconds so I just do it myself.  Although I do miss Chad.

I am going to stick to the diet to the tee tomorrow.  Hey, there's always tomorrow right? Getting a bit sentimental about next Thursday....

Day 80 Took me 80 days

Tonight I shortened my rope.  I can't believe how much easier the jumping went.  Not that 21 minutes is easy at all.  I actually sweat more than I ever had so far.  But really, did it take me 80 days to realize this? Somebody shoot me...

Anyhow, no dice on more sleep last night. Wyatt up at 10:30pm, 12:15pm, 2am, and 5am for the day. No fever this time, just a whole bunch of teeth coming in.

Diet was ok today. Did jumps and 8MA only, gotta get some sleep.

I can't believe this is almost over.  In some ways I am dreaming about a cheeseburger, but in others I wish it were 180 days.

xo my friends

Day 79 Pledge

I've been in the PCP funk for quite some time now.  Mostly due to lack of sleep.  In the past 5 days I've estimated I've slept somewhere between 20-25 total hours.  My little guy is finally getting better so I pray for at least 6 hours sleep tonight.  Therefore I will make this short.

After reading Patrick's last email. I pledge to blog every day for the remaining 10 days left.

This weekend, jogged instead of jumped. 8MA every day, no resistance training.  Will try to do everything for the next 10 days.  Diet: not perfect, but not bad.

Day 74 Kids Rule

Well, I haven't had time for nearly anything. Both kids home with fever this week.  Little Wyatt up almost ALL night 3 nights in a row now.  I've been barely getting in the jump ropes and trying to stick in 8MA. Missed 3 days of resistance training. Diet is ok.  Boy is this difficult.  And just when I wanted to nail it home... oh well. PCP 180 here I come..

Day 71 New Photos

New photos up.  All is well. 8MA every day.  Still a lot of progress to be made.  Will keep plugging.

P.S. Sorry - up most of the night with baby.  I look a bit scary.

Day 67 Not Perfect

I have to say that for the past week I have not been into the PCP.  I haven't gone that crazy with food, but I definitely haven't been keeping to the diet.  I did, however, exercise and 8MA every day.  I ran twice instead of jump roping and it felt great.  I lasted 15 minutes with my MUCH younger and extremely athletic sister in law.  This was amazing in itself. 

For some reason, this week, I have felt my family obligations have taken preference way over the PCP and thus cooking, veggies and keeping exact diet have flown out the window.  We also traveled over the weekend to visit the in-laws and I didn't have time to prep food, nor was there time to prep food once we got there.  I have also been feeling like there is so much pressure to be 'perfect' on the PCP.  "You have 90 days to do this, and the rest of your life to eat cookies and cake." Well, for me, it's not that easy.  I just can't keep to the diet 100% and I have to let that go and be ok with it.  It's just not realistic for me.  The problem is I have been beating myself up over it for the past 67 days.  Now I'm going to move further with the understanding that I'll do the best I can and when I slip, my eating habits are still so much better than they were pre-PCP.

Anyway, as always, I love reading my teams' posts.  I love my team and I will definitely see this thing through, but I will have to come to terms with not being 'perfectly PCP'.

Day 62 Crazy Day

Today was just crazy.  In a nutshell, horrible nights' sleep because kids were not cooperating.  But then I found the energy to run home from the car dealership after dropping my car 2 miles away. (I know it doesn't seem far, but I had less than 4 hours sleep and I ran home in about 15minutes).  I have to copy Vittorio here.  I kept thinking, "Run Forest Run." I kept running faster and faster.  AND it was mostly up hill! I was in shock.

Then...I step on a piece of glass in my kitchen that my dear husband broke the night prior, TWICE! The first cut went into my heel, the second into my forefoot.  The glass stayed in the second time.  I have spent the last 3 hours trying to remove it and finally had success.  I'll be damned if a piece of glass pulls me out of the game now.

With all this, the diet was not great though today.  I will be back on track with that tomorrow, I have made a promise to myself. Again.

Day 60 New found energy from my Fabulous Team

Ok.  I want to thank my team (and Aki and Richard) for this new found energy I am feeling here in NY.  I have to admit, I've been in a funk the last week or so.  That doesn't mean I haven't been sticking to the program.  I have done all the workouts (and abs with Chad) every day.  The diet, also, is in check.  I have just felt out of touch and not in the mood to 'blog it out'.  However... reading everyone's posts have now resurged me.

So... I went running last night.  At 8pm! It was the end of an awful day and I couldn't stand the site of that jump rope.  If you remember, I USED to be a marathon runner.  Anyway, all I can say is I felt as if I could have ran from here to Massachusetts to give Andy, Scott and Dottie a high five.  Of course I stopped after 30 minutes in fear that the coyote's would get me. (we have a lot of them around here lately).

Any way, lots to do so I'll sign out.  Still avoiding the scale, it's torture.

Here's to a strong 30 more days. And to occupying less 'space in the world'.

Day 57 Still Going

Not much to report. Still going. No weight checks any more. New photos up.

Day 53 Goodbye Bathroom Scale

First let me thank everyone for your emotional support.  It really helps to know others are out there trying to achieve their own goals and are going through the same process. (Aki and Richard: so nice to continually here from you guys even when we're not in the same group!)

As difficult as it will be for me, for the next 37 days I vow not to weigh myself.  Thank you Molly for that piece of advice.  It is true, I think the numbers game will actually sabotage my efforts.

Got my workout in this morning.  Leg and shoulder days are killers, aren't they?  I have been reaching muscle fatigue way before the prescribed repetitions now for the last 2 weeks.  The good news is the jump roping is still strong.

Eating better today.  Trying to stay with the program near 99%.  Thank you again guys for your support.  As Richard, our Aussie friend says: Onwards and upwards

Day 52 Emotional Eater

So, what I've always known to be true really came to the surface this weekend.  Hi, my name is Heather and I'm an emotional eater.  I was pissed off because the numbers on my scale had not moved for 3 weeks.  And I have to say I've been working pretty darn hard at this PCP thing.  So... I ate this weekend.  Pizza and a handful of other stuff I shouldn't have.  All because I was pissed at the scale.  I call this my vicious cycle.  I lose weight and then when I plateau for a period of time I get angry and eat too much which sets me back to square one. 

I now will not enjoy indulgence #2 because I will have to call my weekend of emotional eating that indulgence. 

I am now trying to move on.  Still exercising every day and doing abs with Chad. 

Reading all your posts (and comments) inspire me to keep going and keep strong.  I won't give up this time.

Day 50 Who gives a......

Well, I am a little ticked off today but I don't want to write about it because I'm just going to get a lashing from Patrick.  Let's just say the numbers didn't do what I wanted them to do this morning.  It truly pisses me off.  This week I worked hard.  But.... I am trying to keep in mind that ALL my clothes fit me better and some are too big.  In addition, I have to agree with Birgit.  My moods have been awful, and I find myself short tempered with my husband and 4 year old.  I really hate that.  When I'm hungry every one better watch out.  And it's so difficult because I have to feed every one else before I feed myself.  Sometimes I enter the kitchen in the morning feeling starving at 7am, but it is not until 9 am that I get to eat any thing (nurse Wyatt, empty dishwasher, feed Allie, feed Wyatt, clean up kitchen, set up activity for Allie, nurse Wyatt to sleep... THEN I get to make my breakfast).  Ok, enough of that. Back to the positive.

Work outs are kicking some serious behind.  When did we switch to 5 sets of legs???? Ughhh.  I couldn't even get through the shoulder sets today.  Complete muscle fatigue/failure.  I've been doing abs with Chad (8MA guy - thanks Geordie for the name suggestion) almost every day. I can still feel my diastasis recti, 3 finger separation of the rectus abdominis muscle.  Aghhh, it grosses me out.  I hope that it closes up.  I can thank my 10lb bouncing baby boy for that one.

Ok, pictures are up.  I'm committed to another strong week.

Day 49 Calling All Members

Ok team:  It occured to me this evening that we REALLY should come up with a team name.  It will further bond us which is crucial to ending this thing strongly.  My friend Sara's (last PCP) team name was JFD.  Which stood for Just F**kin Do It.  But we can think of something more classy. 
Now, between Chris and Andy the comedians, Juan and Scott the intellects, Dottie the writer, Geordie the sensitive wine guru, Mollie the kick ass chef, David the hard core rugby dad and Nicholas, we gotta come up with something guys!!!!! (I'm sorry, I hope I didn't offend any one.  I love you all).

I don't feel like writing about myself tonight.  I'll just leave it for tomorrow post-weigh in and photos.

Night night.  Lets get a name!

Day 47 Strong Day

Today I felt the best I've been since starting the PCP for some reason.  I put on another pair of work pants that haven't fit me in a year and they were perfect, maybe even a bit loose.  Nothing makes me happier than looking good in clothing.  And boy do I love to shop, but I will definitely wait until this thing is over.

Got all the exercises in pre-breakfast, which I love, but not always possible unless my husband is around to help watch the kids.  But usually he is off to work so early I don't get a chance to.  I think this makes a HUGE difference.

Diet was almost perfect today.  Maybe just a few raisins to kill a sweet craving, but that's it. 

I'm off to meet a friend at a coffee house.  I am definitely staying away from anything that is not made with coffee beans.

Stay strong team.  The finish line is right around the corner.

Day 46 Mind Games

Ok. So I started the day the same as yesterday with a new found enthusiasm to stick to the diet strictly.  Here's what I bought today for part of my dinner tonight though:

I couldn't figure what to put next to this sweet potato to give you a size dimension, however, that is a FULL SIZE dinner plate it's sitting on. 

So, I ask you, Is my mind playing tricks on me?? I'm craving carbs and Patrick's email today reinforced that.  Sweet potato, well, he said it is a vegetable.  And we can eat AMAYW!!!  Hummmm. Well, I ate half with my roasted chicken.  At the time, I could have eaten the whole darn thing.  But now, one hour later, I'm feeling quite satiated.  It was, by the way, the biggest darn potato I have ever seen.

I did well today on the diet, considering it was one of the two days I'm stuck home with the kids.  Hardly any non-PCP foods entered my mouth.  I keep thinking, "Oh no, only 44 more days left of this thing. I gotta lot more work to do."

Now, the workouts.. HELLO...... DIFFICULT.  Jump rope continues to get easier, however, the squats...painful; push ups and davinci's still suck, love ovations, I'll never finish all the sets/reps of v-sits and the bicycle just doesn't do it for me.  I'm probably compensating somehow.  I'm just too tired at this point to figure it out.  Had another date with 8 minute ab guy again.  CAN WE THINK OF A NAME TO CALL HIM? I'm tired of writing '8 minute ab guy'.

Ok, that was way too much, so good night all.  Sweet potato dreams.

Day 45 Half way there and more than half way to go

Well, like a lot of you, this is a bitter sweet moment for me.  I am proud of my accomplishments thus far, however I am not yet half way to my goal and here we are half way through the PCP.  So, once again, I will just acknowledge the fact that my PCP will go on beyond the 90 days.  I suppose this is what it is all about any way.

Some new events:
- I have a shin splint in my right leg.  (Haven't had one of these in years.)
- Body aches all over today
- Timing jump ropes are getting better.  I see my endurance improving already a bit.
- Forget about completing all those lunges
- And katanas after dips? You kidding me?
- Did 4 minute abs today. Body just quit.
- Looking forward to going out for a run once the weather warms up to see how my body does.
- I feel a new surge of energy to keep it strict again since we are at day 45 and I can't help but feel like a student again in school with the exam count down... 45 more days until the big day.  I don't want to let down.

Another HUGE thing that went on in my house:  Sitting next to me on the couch last night, my husband said he may be interested in doing the PCP in a month or two.  I really don't believe he will ever do it.  But the fact that those words came out of his mouth totally shocked me.  For one, giving up beer (even for 90 days) has never been on his agenda.

Will keep you posted.

Day 44 Body Soreness

After a day of chest and shoulders my jump roping just totally sucks.  My shoulders kill so much that even when I merely use my wrists to rotate the rope, my shoulders burn.  My legs are also still sore from yesterdays workout so I'm tripping up all over the place.  Yes, I know, this is a good thing.

More PCP thoughts floating around my brain:

• Going up an down our flights of stairs a million times a day to play servant to our kids seems a lot easier with this new leg muscle I've put on.
• Also, going to the bathroom in public restrooms is a lot easier too thanks to 4x20 squats (ladies, you know what I mean). Sorry if this offends any body.
• I'm missing my favorite condiment: ketchup
• I think I'm using a little too much honey in my tea and yogurt to fool myself into thinking, "Patrick said, a little bit is ok."  One jar has vanished since the start of this PCP
• What!!!#$% Milk and yogurt are supposed to be our fats??? I've been drinking skim milk and eating 0% fat yogurt this whole time... Did I miss an earlier email or something? It's like maintaining abstinence from the start of the program because you thought Patrick said so, but then on Day 43 you get an email saying it was ok all along. Ahhhhhhhh

Night night guys.

Week 6 Photos Up

I have this uncanny ability to pack on muscle. It's ok, I would also like to occupy less space if you know what I mean.  But I know that will come with time. More to follow.

Day 43 Patrick is on something

I think Patrick has had a little too much ginger on his veggies...  2minute sets x 7 reps of jumping??? Something was terribly wrong with the way I have been jumping rope then for the past 41 days.  My friend Sara S. from last PCP did say I jump really fast (which I thought was more of a forced compliment).  But now that I have 'tried' to do this 'new' type of jumping, I think she was right.  I could barely get through each set of 2 minutes.  I have been jumping so fast for the last 4 weeks, my endurance really didn't get pushed because by the time 1 minute and a half was up, I'm now realizing I got through almost 200 jumps, and then I would take a quick 20 second rest.  Now, I've slowed down my pace drastically, to almost 50 jumps per 30 seconds and I'm sucking wind big time... UGHHHHH

Then, there was the strength training.  Floor jumps AND lunges after 14 minutes of jumping? By the time I made it to the Plank I was shaking all over.  Now I use an online stopwatch: www.online-stopwatch.com/ to better calculate things. And boy was I counting seconds fast when doing the Plank before.

Happy to report that I had my 6th date with the 8 minute ab guy again.  I figured why not torture myself some more?

Oh, and no weight loss this week. But this one's for Patrick...... I DON'T CARE!  My body is changing and I see it.   I also know that I have to shut my trap for the next 40 days and only eat my PCP food.  I am on a better wavelength today and I am focusing on this very topic now.

Gotta run to grandma's house to deliver those cookies.  Week 6 photos will go up tomorrow.
Almost half way there gang!

Day 42 Success then Crash

Well, I almost had a perfect PCP day.  Then a small beautiful 3 foot monster asked me to make cookies to bring to grandma's house tomorrow to help her feel better.  (My mother has bacterial pneumonia. We are going to see her tomorrow).  So we made the most delicious chocolate chip cookies on earth (well, not really, but when on the PCP, anything with sugar is the most delicious thing on earth). I was doing fine until it was time to scrape them off the cookie tray.  In my state of delirium, I forgot to grease the trays (probably because I have been so trained not to use butter), so all the cookies stuck like glue to them. I created more crumbs then whole cookies.  And wouldn't you know I just had to eat the crumbs off the counter top.  The only problem is, I must have eaten enough crumbs to make at least one whole cookie.  Oh well, back to square one.

On a better note; I came home from work a bit early to get my 1500 in.  Rocked it out in less than 10 minutes.  And then I had a date with uni-tard man.  It's been 5 straight days I've done the video.  Proud of myself for that.

I'll end with a few PCP thoughts that have been floating in my brain as of lately:

• Did any one else notice all the Easter candy out on the shelves now? I MUST NOT GIVE IN...
• I've been passing my old pizza and deli joints thinking, "Wow, I can't believe I haven't walked in there in over 40 days!" 
• What exactly will I look like on day 90? Will I be happy with the results?
• Wow, this food prep is exhausting.  I can't order take-out with my husband any more so I'm even making dinner for him every night, which adds to the exhaustion.
• Will I ever love to eat vegetables?
• I miss salad dressing, but balsamic vinegar feels like it keeps me from getting sinus infections.
• I also miss a sweet breakfast.  
• When feeding my kids sugary yogurt or oatmeal in the morning, I'm wondering when I'll be putting out veggies for them as well.
• I need to find the inner strength I had the first 3 weeks to get me through the second half of this thing.
• I am grateful for all my fellow PCPer's for their ongoing support through blog comments.  I am already missing them come day 90.

Green Pants

Don't know why everyone is so interested in this.  Sorry to disappoint.  For some reason, I think some of the guys were thinking 'sexy green pants'.  But that is not what I said.  They are purely work pants.  So... by popular demand here they are:

More to follow.

Day 41 1pm and all is well...except a handful of granola

The good news or the bad news? Ok, it's 1pm, I'm home with the kids.  Up at 5 am with Wyatt, put him in the pack n play thingy and did jumps before breakfast.  Then at 9am did resistance training while he took a nap and my daughter had a play date.  At 12:30 did 8 minute abs while Wyatt went down for his afternoon slumber.  That's the good news.

The bad news, a handful of granola and raisins.  Ughhhh, it haunts me. I'm blogging it out now versus tonight in hopes to rid of this snacking problem.

Otherwise, jumps are getting easier, triceps exercises kill, as do v-sits.  But my 'big' jeans are now too lose as are my 'big-never-fail' black work trousers.  Oh well.... off to the store! (Well, the internet.)

Firm up gang! (Direct from uni-tard guy)

PS Did any one notice the diamond clad watch on the hot blonde guy in ab video? Yeah, I always wear my diamond jewlery when working out...

Day 40 Goodbye Watermelon

Ok, most of you would probably not wear bright green pants.  But you see, I work with children.  And mostly children with disabilities.  I do anything to brighten their day.  And the little ones LOVE the green pants for some reason.  But you can't go around wearing green pants if your arse is as large as a watermelon.  Well... for the first time today since I got pregnant with #2 (October 2009) my body fit into those green pants with a little room to spare.

Otherwise, trying to get my workouts done first thing in the morning. Also trying to get the 8 minute abs in.  I have to admit, I'm not doing the pistol squats.  I substitute them with regular squats  4 x 20reps.  My knees are a little shot from years of soccer and marathon running.  I can't afford an injury any more.

Diet was better today.  I'm trying to regain focus here.  I'm nervous that this weeks' photo won't show change.  I want to reach day 90 feeling like huge strides have been made.

Well, here's to green pants and happy children. Keep strong y'all.

Day 39 Diet is getting difficult

I don't like the way I feel today.  PCP diet is not agreeing with me, again.  Don't know why it is so hard for me to stick to the diet on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I am home with the kids.  I HAVE TO MAKE IT A PRIORITY. I have to keep telling myself this.

Woke up this morning and did the jump ropes before breakfast. Had my PCP breakfast and made it to just before lunch.  We were at a friend's for a play date and the kids were snacking on pretzels.  It seems as though I am really craving carbs.  So I gave in and had about 4-5 small pretzel sticks.  I was pissed over that.

Then home midday for Wyatt's marathon nap.  Had my PCP lunch, but for some reason, really craved cheese.  I weakened and had 2 slices of my daughters 'organic' cheese.

I wish I had more will power on these days.  I have to dig deep and figure this out some how.

On a more positive note, I've managed to do the 8 minute abs video 2 days in a row.  That video rocks. No really, if we all did that video even every other day for the next 50 days I'm certain our abdominals would look amazing.  Now... where to find the time to fit that in as well?

Day 38 Another SNOW DAY - and ohhhh those cravings!

Are you kidding me? Those that live in the northeast U.S. know what I'm talking about.  I woke up this morning to this:

That's our backyard looking out from the deck.  Our sitter came 2 hours late so nothing else to do but get the kiddies dressed and play in the snow.

My legs were killing me today after this weekends and today's workout.  Walking in the snow was even difficult.  And ohhhhh, those cravings. I'm so glad it's not only me and others are having them as well.  Trying to stay strong. It's not easy but must keep finish line in mind. 

Day 37 Long Busy Weekend

Been a crazy weekend. In-laws visited and stayed over Friday night into Saturday.  We went out to a beautiful restaurant on the Hudson River on Friday night for my husbands birthday.  I had club soda, grilled salmon with a side of steamed spinach, carrots and string beans (no butter/salt). Nothing for dessert.  Got all the jump roping in up to date, but sad to report that I was unable to do the resistance training yesterday.  Will put forth more effort to get it done today, although I have more family stopping by for a visit.  Week 5 photos up.  This week I lost 1 lb. So total is 16.  I feel like I am not half way there and that bums me out.  Obviously I need to do the program 100% but with 2 small children and work it is difficult.  I will keep going and I guess if it is most definitely going to take me more than 90 days I will have to keep going on without you all.  Please stop in and comment on my blog after 90 days, the support is priceless.  Be well. Stay the course.

Day 34 Home Alone was better today

Well I started off the day saying, "Just because you are home with the kids again today, doesn't give you the excuse to walk into the kitchen every hour.  Stay away from handfuls of cheerios, raisins and cranberries."  And I did it. In the past it has been a struggle for me not to constantly snack all day when home alone with the kids.  Somehow, today I banked enough will power to end the endless non-PCP snacking.  Yeah, it was only the above mentioned foods, but still, it had to end.

Did my workout just in the nick of time while Wyatt took his morning nap and Allie was in nursery school.  Jump ropes were good, floor jumps are torture, elevated tricep dips are impossible bastards since I think the weight of my ass totally ruins it for me, and leg ups are impossible for me to get through at this point.  But all in all, a good day.

7:30pm now and cooking up some grilled chicken on the BBQ.  Gonna make my signature monstrous salad.  Sans cheese,nuts, and cranberries (like I used to add).  I'm anticipating I'll get the apple/banana/egg white dinner tomorrow.  Maybe I should just have a steak tonight...

Day 33 Back in Action

I don't know why. Today I felt like a superhero.  I was up 3x last night (as usual, to nurse Wyatt).  Up at 6am with the kiddies to start the day. I saw seven patients between 9am and 3pm.  Ate all my PCP meals and NOTHING else.  Got home at 4pm, fed and bathed the kids, put them to bed and began my PCP workout at 7:30pm.  This alone would have normally killed me since I'm so much more a morning exercise person.  But for some unknown reason I cooked through the exercises and felt great.  (Well, not the leg exercises).

Below is a photo of a 'sawhorse'.  My friend Sara (from last PCP) loaned it to me.  It's perfect for those incline pull-ups.  Since I still can't do one full pull up, inclines have become my friend, or my enemy. I'm not sure yet.  I highly recommend you guys build one of these babies if you're still having a hard time finding a place to do the inclines.  It's just 5 pieces of wood. (Yes, that's me. The other night.  Outside in 30 degrees.  I'm wearing my husbands gloves so I don't get a splinter.) I guess I'm really not a superhero after all.

Day 32 Sick

Well, I came down with a bad cold of some sorts yesterday morning.  Endless sneezing and congestion.  The likelihood of one coming down with something in 90 days is very high especially here in the northeast snow country.  I do not blame it on the PCP.  Likely to happen any way.

Needless to say, no post yesterday because it was a difficult day. Felt crappy all day, but ran home at lunch time to get my 1300 in.  Back to work all day feeling worse. Kiddies in bed by 7pm  then off to my buddy Sara's to gossip and attempt the remainder of the exercises. Managed to get 90% of them finished while she tore her whole house apart looking for her light weight resistance band.  Katana's are impossible with a medium band. Leg ups are stronger, plank is still good. Curls make me feel like Popeye.

On the diet front, I have to say I don't feel like eating ANYthing.  It is probably due to this bug I have. I will try and eat my allotment today, but it is unlikely since I feel worse.  Also, haven't done today's exercises yet, but will try and at least get the jumping and abs in.  (Maybe I'll try the 8 minute abs with spandex muscle-head man and porno music video).

Day 30 Indulgence

Well, I did it. 400 calories of the most magnificent ice cream on earth.  For me it was worth every calorie.  I must say, it tasted MUCH sweeter than I remember.  Almost grainy sugary like, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.  I also felt lethargic afterward.  So I get it Patrick.  Experiment well thought out.

So.. Back to PCP world again. Exercise program kicks butt. Getting very difficult now (and time consuming).  However, my 7 month old now participates in the Plank position.

 Best of luck everyone.  Cheers to 60 more days.  Let's rock it.

Day 29 Weight Loss Success

SORRY PATRICK... What can I say? I just had to do it. I got on the scale even though Patrick asked me not to.  It's kind of a disease. My female teammates know exactly what I'm talking about.  Anyway, 4 more pounds down (1.81 kg).  Total of 14.  Good riddance.  Good bye.  Never to see you again, thank you.

Well, the day has just begun around here.  I just wanted to post my Day 29 photos and share the good news.  Tonight... INDULGENCE. Now I definitely won't eat the whole container of ice cream.  Just my 200-400 calorie allowance.  (However much that may be). Will keep you posted.

Best of luck to my PCP buddies.

Day 28 Jump Roping Rock Star

Well, the title of this post is a bit sarcastic, but I do feel as if I should be in some jump roping contest by now.  I haven't jumped rope this much in my life.  Today I ran home in between work to get the jump roping in.  Just for my own competitive being, I've been pushing how long it takes me to get to 1000 from the start of the PCP.  Today was a record.  Just under 10 minutes to get to 1000. And then another 5 minutes to complete the 1300.  I don't know if everyone else is already going this fast or am I just a freak of nature; an out of shape mom who can jump rope really fast? Ha. (or at least it seems fast to me) I'm sure you guys have already hit this number (except Andy, who has told me otherwise, but I really can't tell if he is being sarcastic, his comments are always so funny).

Did well on the diet front today, although it is only 5pm here.  But Friday nights are family nights so I figure I'd better get this post in now.

I stopped off at the grocery store on my way home from work and bought my INDULGENCE...drum roll please...  Haagan Daaz Java Chip.  The devil made this.  Straight from hell.  I'll be calculating my caloric limit in ounces and consuming (probably) every last bite tomorrow evening.  Can't wait....  Week 4 photos tomorrow (before the indulgence of course).  Stay tuned, I'll let you know how the indulgence effects me.  With my luck, it won't at all, and I'll start craving it again.  Interested to see if Patrick's experiment works on me.

I got the new diet and exercise prescription for this upcoming week.  I feel a little guilty since I seem to be one of the few allowed to eat a somewhat 'normal' dinner.  No apple/banana dinner here.  I suspect that has to do with nursing the babe, but I kinda wish I got the apple/banana dinner so this weight would come off faster, oh well.

Good luck everyone.  Weekends are usually tough.  At least around here.

Day 27 Back on Track

Well OK, I'm back! It's 8pm and I haven't deviated from the PCP diet and inch today (well maybe. I licked the knife when making my daughters PB&J sandwhich).  Feel good for it.  Still hungry.  I wonder if hunger is purely mental for me.  I think I may always feel this way if I'm not 'allowed' to eat all that I want to, whenever I want to.  This could get deep and might better be thought out by a psychiatrist.  But I'm not going there.

Exercises: Jumpropes are still going well.  I feel as if I should probably push myself more. I still do sets of 100 and rest 30 seconds in between.  Good workout, but defiinitely not exhausting.
Squats - so much easier than lunges
Rows - love these, as I know that are improving my posture as we speak
Push ups - man, I used to be able to do no-knees push ups, but I still need to put my knees down..weakling
Double katana - nice one Patrick! Another torture position to isolate the triceps
Shoulder fly - not sure exactly where Patrick is going with this one, since the physics of the resistance band don't exactly run on a straight plane in this position.  But I do feel it in my posterior delts (rear shoulders)
V-sits - well, I think this is the exercise that might rid me of my pregnancy belly once and for all; if it doesn't blow out a vertebral disk beforehand...

Love the routine though, really.. Keep it up everyone!

Day 26 Slacking with Exercise and Diet

Yesterday I was home with the kids all day again.  This is really killing me. We don't keep 'bad' foods in the house, but we certainly don't have all PCP friendly foods either.  I found myself grabbing a handful of raisins here and there yesterday and then a handful of Cheerios.  I know these two foods aren't terrible, but I'm trying to be totally 'transparent' and truthful here.  I am certain it is because I haven't been eating my daily allowance of protein since we are low on food this week and it is time for me to order Fresh Direct again (fresh/organic food delivered to your doorstep; I can kiss whomever created this company).  After this blog, I'm going to order more food right away.

Now, I haven't missed a day of exercise yet, but yesterday was awful.  Up at 5am with my son, and no break or nap to exercise all day.  Husband home at 9pm from work.  I somehow managed to get the jump roping in, but not the resistance exercises.  I hate that I missed it.  I did V-sits tonight and Molly, you were right. THEY KILL!

I am starting fresh again tomorrow.  No more raisins, no more Cheerios.  Be better prepared in my own kitchen.  Eat my allotment of food so I don't have the urge to snack on non-PCP foods.

Here's to a better tomorrow.

Day 24 Pissed off Jump Roping

Well today was interesting.  My plan was to get the workout done in the one hour free I had between work and dropping my daughter off at home with the nanny after her school day at noon.  On the way to pick her up from nursery school I was pulled over by a local police officer for talking on my phone.  Now I know we shouldn't be talking on the phone while driving, but I was using speaker phone and was about to put the phone on the dashboard, I was just caught before that happened.  Needless to say after 20 minutes of I don't know what and being late to pick up my daughter, I received a court summons.  Not a ticket, but a summons! Which means I can't just pay the fine, I have to hear it from the judge.

Meanwhile, I was 20 minutes behind when I got home and only had time to do the jump ropes.  I closed our basement door so the minors wouldn't hear and played a song by Cee Lo Green called F**k You.  I did the 1100 jumps in less than 10 minutes.  If only it were that easy every day.

I just finished the resistance half of the program, and I really do not like splitting the routine up.  Let me say OUCH to the Shoulder Press.  I need to find the 'wimpy' level band.  My light/10lb one seems to be too difficult. 7-5-5 was all I got.  Still trying the pull up.  I'm at about 1/4 of the way there.  Does that even count? I do the incline pull ups under our massive oak dining room table that must weigh a ton.  But I'm still afraid I'm going to break the table.  I do love the Plank exercise, but I don't feel it is quite as effective as some of the other abdominal exercises we have been doing.  Looking forward to the V-sits tomorrow.

Diet: So... how many calories in a slice of NY pizza? Something tells me it might be over the 400 calorie allowance.  Then I'm thinking local pub cheeseburger, but that's definitely over 400 calories.  Maybe I'll have half. Or I'll just go for my all time favorite: bakery black and white cookie.  This too may even be close to 400 calories.  I can't believe I used to have them once or twice a week. Ughhhhh

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading about everyone else's indulgence choices.  Bon appetit!

Day 23 Done and Done

I got up this morning determined to 'rock' today's PCP. By 9am all the exercises were done but I had already ate breakfast AND my morning snack (that's what happens when your day starts at 4am).  After the exercises, I have to say I was a little 'shakey'.  I get this way when I haven't eaten sugar. I pushed through until noon when I made a huge grilled chicken salad with whole wheat pasta.  I'm pleased to say my metabolism worked well for the remainder of the day and my body felt like it had all that it needed to get by.

Day 22 Feeling Good, But No Weight Loss This Week

So I've had pretty good weight loss up until this week.  I was surprised and angry to see no change in the scale this week.  I know the scientific philosophy: muscle mass replaces fat.  But it still hurts.  I've still got a lot of weight to lose and the dieting component of the PCP (or any plan for that matter) is always so difficult for me.  I have to say I also stuck to the diet very well this past week.  I'll try not to let it get to me.

I got the exercises done early today.  It really is so much more enjoyable to do them in the morning.  The jumps were not as smooth as yesterday, but still managed to get through them without throwing the rope across the room like Scott. :)  Squats are getting easier; I feel my quadriceps getting stronger.  Pull ups are still a joke, and even the incline pull ups kill me.  But bring on the abdominals. I love them.  I have a diastasis recti (split abdominal muscle from pregnancy), so I really need to get them stronger.  I'm shocked I can even keep up with the current abdominal exercises.

As for the new diet, although mine hasn't changed much, I found myself hungry all day today.  I guess it doesn't help that it's that time for me when women scream at their husbands for anything they can think of, like not using a tissue when appropriate. Ughhhhhh  Sorry to be gross, but I'm so hungry I can't think of any other example.

Day 21 Improving Endurance

Well, today was one of those days that started out terrible.  It ended with me kicking some jump rope butt, which made me feel a lot better.
My little Wyatt poked me in the eye yesterday, the pain was awful and I could barely see.  I had to work today and squeezed in an eye doctor appointment in between.  Eye drops seem to be improving my vision, but still painful nonetheless.  With all that craziness, jump ropes began at 8:30pm.  I am pleased to announce that jump ropes also ended at 8:45pm.  I could not believe how easily I breezed right through them.  So I did my old abdominal routine afterward in hope to get rid of this post-pregnancy belly once and for all.
Diet going ok.  Haven't gotten in all my vegetable or protein quota this week.  Contrary to what Patrick says, I still have sugar cravings.  The orange juice in my refrigerator calls out to me from time to time as well as the box of chocolate Cheerios in our pantry.   I don't think I'll ever lose those cravings.  But at least I'll be jumping rope like Rocky.

Day 19 Snow Day Blues

I'm beginning to think all these snow days home with the kids are amounting to the true diet test for me.  I now realize why there are so many stay at home moms suffering from unhealthy lifestyles.
Well its only midday, but I've done well diet-wise and got my workout done early in the a.m. again.  Boy, are those squats and lunges killing me.  But the jump ropes are exactly what my body needs.  Any one else getting sick of eggs? And I know we have a long way to go before they can disappear.

Day 18 Another Snow Day But More Will Power

Once again, school canceled.  Home with the kids all day.  But this time my will power and I were friends.  I kept thinking about my recent weight loss and looking at the photo I keep on my refrigerator (The one I posted on Day 1 blog - pre-kids photo).  
I've been doing the workouts either first thing in the morning or as soon as the baby goes down for his morning nap.  Mornings are definitely better.  More energy, stronger work out.
Thank you again Sara S (last PCP) for making PCP friendly food to munch on during our snow day hang out today.  (Killer sweet potato chips - no oil/salt - just a handful).  And thank you PCP Andy for making me feel like I'm not the only monkey hanging around on the 'chin up' bar...

Day 17 Long Day and Pull Up Defeat

This is the type of day that I dread.  No time to work out in the a.m. because the kids woke too early.  Then off to work (no lunch break to work out in).  I rushed home to squeeze in the 850 jumps before our nanny left for the day (she thinks I'm crazing for jumping rope. She's from Peru and makes eggs as a side for any dish and cooks with a lot of butter).  Any way, I had to wait until the kids were asleep to finish the resistance training this evening at 8:30pm.

Now, I don't know if it was just because I am completely exhausted but I couldn't even do ONE measly pull up!  I recently did at least one at my friend Sara's house just prior to the start of the PCP when I was checking out her pull up bar.  I feel defeated.

Well I guess the good news is that I've been keeping to the diet even though the last piece of coffee cake has been sitting on my kitchen counter since yesterday when our guests brought it over. It actually talks to me.  I hope it is gone by tomorrow (by someone else that is).

Day 16 Will Power and More Temptation

Saturday night was a success, I'm happy to report.  Friends' birthday party was easy to avoid alcohol.  They did have a custom marzipan birthday cake which I only tasted a small bite from my husbands' fork.  Lots of dancing, so I supposed I burned some extra calories any way.

Yesterday was more difficult.  Guests over our house for brunch.  NY bagels and delicious coffee cake brought over our house.  2 of my favorite things.  I couldn't believe that when weighed, a whole wheat bagel amounted to my allotment of breakfast carbs.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  Again, I 'tasted' the coffee cake, but that's all.

Thank  you, my dear friend Sara S. from last PCP.  I was almost about to skip yesterdays workout since I only got 4 hours of sleep the night prior and we had guests over most of the day and then I had to go to our office to work for a few hours.  Sara came over my house at 8pm and we accomplished the Day 16 workout together.  Now able to do 100 jump sets, I'm getting through the cardio much quicker.

Now for Day 17.  Bring it on, I have more jeans to fit into!

Day 15 Weight Loss - Yeah

Feels good to fit into non-maternity jeans again.  I'm pleased to report I lost 3lbs (1.36kg) this week.  (The more you have to lose, the faster it comes off).  I'm feeling good and my enthusiasm is up again since my weekly weigh in.

This mornings workout was tough though.  I didn't make it through the jumps like I did yesterday.  It always amazed me when training for marathons that one day I could cruise through a 15 mile run, but on another day, 3 miles seemed liked running through molasses.  The human body is an amazing thing...

We're going out into Manhattan tonight for a friends' big birthday bash.  Food and drink will certainly be plentiful.  Restraining from alcohol won't be a problem, and since this recent weight loss, I have the drive to keep my mouth closed from all non-PCP foods.

Good luck to all. Bring on week 3!!

Day 14 I Found My Will Power Again

Today was great.  I woke up and said, "You can do this. It's a new day. Forget about yesterday." So I did.

Woke up at 5:45am with my little alarm clock Wyatt.  Took him downstairs while the others were sleeping.
800 jumps? No problem. Finished them in 15min. I couldn't believe it, and neither could Wyatt.  He may just jump rope before he learns to walk...

Anyway, today I took the bull by the horns and said no food is worth looking fat and feeling depressed over.  So I stuck to the diet like glue.  A bit hungry by dinner, but I didn't give in.

Thank you com-padres for all your support.  I have to admit, it is nice to know I have other friends out there when I need them.  And, like me, they are holding onto their will power with death grips.

Day 13 Sore and Lacking Will Power

Well, today may have been my weakest day on the PCP yet.  ANOTHER snow day here in NY. 4 year old home from school and I'm snowed in all day with both kids.
Woke up feeling very tired and sore, especially in the legs.  Difficult again to carry Wyatt up the steps to his bedroom.  Managed to get the entire work out in mid morning while he slept and my daughter watched and colored besides me.  I'm working out now on top of already sore muscles so my lunges today were only mini-squats and my forward shoulder raises were, well, crappy.
But the worst was the diet.  I caved in and ate one whole wheat blueberry pancake with a little syrup.  (Since we were snowed in, the family requested pancakes).  For some reason, I also found myself eating my daughters left over ravioli's for lunch instead of what I had planned to make for myself.  What can I say? I'm a sucker for carbs...
Any way, tomorrow is another day.  I am determined to find my will power again.  Maybe it lies deep within the 3 feet of snow on my front yard.

Day 12 Feeling Old

Finally able to do sets of 75 jumps.  Started at sets of 20, so this is motivating.  But darn Leonardo da Vinci! Those are killers! Push ups kill me as well. Come to think of it, so do the incline pull ups.  I guess I've turned into an old out of shape mom.  I can't believe how deconditioned I've become.
Eating lots of grilled chicken over brown rice and veggies.  Balsamic vinegar is my best friend.  And oh, those banana smoothies.  Is it possible to OD on potassium?

Day 11 Finding Heaven in a Sweet Potato

OK.  I know we are not supposed to eat too many potatoes.  I haven't eaten one since the PCP started, but last night I made sweet potatoes with roasted chicken and salad.  I asked Andy (my husband) if it were just me, or was that the best sweet potato he had ever eaten.  He said it was me. Here's what I think happened: I LOVE sugar. Sugar in my iced coffee, fruit, ketchup, cookies, cereal, bread, candy...etc  But haven't touched the stuff since our PCP started.  My guess is that the potato was the sweetest thing I had had in 11 days and my taste buds freaked out and did a jig because they were finally getting something similar to the sweetness I once exposed them to every day.  Interesting... If I would only get that reaction with green vegetables...

Day 10 Temptation

Well today was difficult, but I made it.  We had friends from California staying the weekend with us.  Pizza was ordered in lieu of the football games.  Pizza, I love pizza! But I'm happy to report that I did not deviate from the project.  Grilled chicken over whole wheat pasta and veggies was my dinner as 6 others ate pizza.  I also enjoyed my favorite smoothie concoction for dessert while everyone else was chugging down beer.   I'm feeling good about keeping to the plan.

Day 9 If my daughter can do it, so can I!

Today was a fun day with the family.  My four year old, Allie is really getting into the exercising!

All in all a good day!

Day 8 Weight Loss Success

Even though Patrick said, "take no pride" in the weight loss from last week, I do!  Eating half was not easy for me (especially since I usually don't eat much to begin with).  So I lost 5lbs (2.3kg) this week.  I still have a ways to go though.

So today, Day 1 of the 'new diet' was interesting to say the least. A LOT OF FOOD!  I have to admit, I did not eat all of it.  I definitely stuck to the 'rules' but with house guests this weekend and not making it to the market yet, I couldn't fulfill the entire quota.

No veggies at breakfast and not enough protein at lunch.  But the fruit in between worked well for sweet cravings.

The exercises today were also interesting. Jump rope continues to improve.  Does any one else have a hard time with the incline pull up? Wow, much harder than I thought.  And the 'Davinci' shoulder raises.... I'm using the light (10lb) sports cord but I think I need to go buy the wimpy 5lb cord if I can even find one.

All in all, a good day.

Day 7 Last Supper

Ok, so today I must confess, I ate my two favorite 'unhealthy' foods: pizza and a chocolate chip cookie.  I didn't have half.  I was hungry by lunch time (b/c I had only half a bowl of cheerios) and I ordered my usual one slice of plain pizza at work.  I didn't eat half, I was too hungry and after all, I am still nursing Wyatt.  After lunch I went to my favorite coffee shop and got a chocolate chip cookie.  I thought, this is the last cookie I will have for another 83 days. 

I did the jump roping and again the back pain was improved.  I also am improving my cardiovascular endurance; more jumps and longer stretches.

I'm both excited and nervous about tomorrow and the next 83 days.  (Need to get to the market ASAP and buy more veggies, fruit and eggs!) 

Day 6 Success

Today I jumped on a high quality exercise mat and the back pain I was having was 95% decreased.  Just goes to show what age does to those vertebral discs.
Any way, noticed cardiovascular improvement along with the decreased pain.  Making 60 jumps now without a trip.  Legs were overall less sore, and I can carry the baby up the stairs again.
Diet also went well today.  Overall, eating a lot healthier.  Sneaked in 2 handfuls of chocolate cheerios though after dinner.  Sweet cravings, ughhhh, my demon.

Oh, I also indulged in a great 'PCP' recipe my buddy Sara S. from last PCP taught me for a mid afternoon snack:
1 cup lowfat milk
1 frozen banana
cinnamon
splash of vanilla (or almond) extract
3-4 crushed ice cubes

Mix all in blender and wha-la; yummy smoothie - enjoy!

Day 5 Getting Better

Well, again I used my best 'shock absorption' form to muddle through the jump roping.  It seems to rid the pain by 85% or so, but the problem is I look like the hump back of Notre Dame when I'm jumping.

Any how, accumulative lower body exercises now have made my legs pretty sore which makes climbing the stairs to put my little guy to bed very difficult.  However, I do remember well that feeling post-marathon when the site of stairs made me weep.

On the diet: better today, although the night is still young.  Half bowl of cheerios, half a salad with grilled chicken, an apple for a snack (which I have allowed myself a whole one since I am still nursing Wyatt and c'mon, give the girl a break). My husband is making surf and turf for dinner believe it or not; lobster and steak. (We don't normally eat like this).  He is a man who LOVES to eat.  I plan on having the other half of my lunch salad and a small portion of steak.

Looking forward to tomorrow's exercises.  My mat arrives, which I'm hoping will help the back pain.

Day 4 Modification

Ok, well, I managed to diminish my back pain (slightly) by jumping at a slower speed as well as keeping a good bend in both knees.  Obviously creating more shock absorption.  Haven't gotten around to buying a mat yet, but I also hope that will help me out.  Other exercises are fine.  Eating half is weird.  I think I'm really just eating healthier small meals than half.  Will try half again tomorrow. 

My motivation today:                                       

Wyatt

I'm up half the night with him. But looking at him today told me to keep going, back pain or not...

Day 3 Pain

I'm worried. Today I barely made it through the jump roping.  Not because my legs were sore or that I couldn't do it cardiovascularly, but because my back hurt; real pain that shoots down your legs.  I've been jumping in our basement which has concrete floors.  I knew this wasn't a good idea, but it is just too cold here in New York to go outside.  I managed to get through all the sets but had to stop after every 10 jumps.  I didn't break a sweat because of this.  The squats, push-ups and abs were fine, but the jump roping was bad.  I'm going to try and find a padded mat to jump on.  Hope that will work.  Diet is ok. Still playing mental games with myself.

Day 2

I managed to get the second workout in this morning. Weekends will be easier for me since my husband is around to watch the little monsters.  I'm doing ok with the exercises, but the eating half is definitely a challenge.  A mental game, like some of you have also been realizing.  WOULD I have eaten the rest of the ravioli's on my daughter's plate, or am I just hungry because I have only had half of my breakfast?  Well, I think I have been fairing well.  Not great, but ok. 

Funny point: my good friend Sara S. from last PCP loaned me her pull up bar (amongst other PCP tools).  I tried it out last night, as it hangs on a door frame and I wanted to make certain it fit mine before I went out to purchase one of my own.  Well, the door framed cracked when I tried it out.  Our house was somewhat cheaply built in the 80's and the door frames are made of cheap thin wood.  However, I couldn't help but think: "Another sign: I NEED to do this!"

Morning of Day 1

Well, I thought it was a sign that this PCP starts on the the 15th of January and on this same day it happens to be my daughter's 4th birthday.  Hope this will help carry me through... Was once a marathon runner in excellent condition; now a working mother of two and about forty pounds overweight since the birth of my son 6 months ago.
My issue will always be time. But now is the time to work on ourselves and not every body else, right?  My husband took my 4year old skiing early this morning and I managed to get the first workout in while my 6 month old took a nap. 30 minute nap, 30 minute work out. phew, that was close.  Now for the rest of the day. HALF... Let's see how this goes. Good luck to everyone else.  I look forward to chatting with you.
Oh, and here is my photo. But I thought I'd add a photo of how I will look on Day 90 (I hope).

PCP Day 1

5 years ago pre-kids