I realize I've been absolutely terrible about updating the blog with progress, so today everyone gets a double. Since my last update I've had both the 6 and 9 week check ins and with that...here we go.
March 24th : Week 6 check in
Weighed in at 149lbs. Down a pound from our first check in. While the weight was initially concerning, the subsequent measurements made me feel much better about the work I had put in. After being pinched half a dozen times, my body fat came out at 9.25%, down from 11.23% in week three. For those keeping score at home that equates to a loss of 3.9lbs of fat and a gain of 2.9lbs of muscle.
Unfortunately I do not have pictures from week three as they've been misplaced. However, they didn't differ a great deal from the week three photos.
April 15th : Week 9 check in
Weighed in at 149lbs again. Body fat measured at 8.68%, equating to roughly one pound each of fat lost and muscle gained.
The time between the week six and week nine check ins was tough. I spent one of those weeks on the road, and during the other two my workouts were less focused. Not making excuses, because while it is challenging to maintain a workout schedule while traveling I'm still responsible for maximizing what is available to me.
At the end of the day, progress is progress and getting down to 8% in the next three weeks feels very achievable. I'm taking a little different approach to these last few weeks, focusing my workouts primarily on heavy heavy heavy. It reflects one final push to add on a couple lbs of lean muscle to really push down my body comp.
And here I am as of today...if you look back at past pictures you'll see there's not a huge difference. My measurements indicate this as well, I've gained size in my arms and chest/back and slimmed down more on my waist. Legs, while stronger remain relatively the same size.
Anywho...three more weeks and then we'll get to see an official before and after comparison. Then I'll have to think of something else to not write about :)
Last night I crossed the threshold into everlasting warmup glory...at least that's what I tell myself. I was able to beat the 10 minute mark on my warmup, just barely. Hit 9:56, and despised every last second of it. Takes a bit of a load off however as I wasn't sure I'd make it before tomorrow's weigh in.
The next set of before/after/during pictures to come tomorrow. What has two thumbs and is anxious and nervous? This guy.
Saturday is fast approaching...hard to believe it's been six weeks since this all started. Some days it feels like it's flown by, other days it seems like it's been forever. Today is most definitely the latter. In light of this, I'm lamenting the temporary loss of a good friend. We've not seen each other in nearly six weeks, but fear not my friend, we shall meet again.
In other news, I've only a few more days in my quest to meet my sub 10 minute goal for my run. I've got it down to 10:17 and will take another crack at it tonight. Wish me luck!
I realize that I've been terrible about updating the blog lately, I'm ashamed really. With mediocre blogging, comes great responsibility? I think I read that somewhere...
I'm without a ground breaking announcement at this point unfortunately. I've been working diligently since my last update, keeping in mind my next weigh in is just over a week away. The anticipation is certainly palpable and only continues to build the closer I get to the check in. I know my strength has increased, as has my cardio -- finished the 1.5 miler in 10:26 recently -- though it's hard to gauge the changes in my body because I see myself every day. Guess I'll know more on the 24th.
Approaching the half way point in the challenge I'm pleasantly surprised as how easy it has been to adopt the tweaks in my diet. One of the best things about this challenge has been the push for us to cook more at home. I really enjoy cooking and we've had some really delicious meals that I wouldn't hesitate to buy in a restaurant. Simple, yet amazing recipes loaded with fresh veggies and proteins...everything a growing young lad needs! With me working to put on lean mass I spend a lot of time eating, not the worst thing in the world either. :)
My goal for the upcoming weigh in is to break the 10 minute mark on my run. I'm confident I can get it done but it is going to be tough. Stay tuned for more...
It's leg day at the gym, and I am going to say it right now...
I will knock out my 1.5 mile run in 10:45 or less tonight.
I've still not cracked the 11 minute mark as I learned the hard way recently that the treadmill won't go any faster than 10mph, as such I was able to finish my last run in 11:02 although I could have run faster had I been allowed. 15 seconds feels like a pretty big drop in time, but dammit...I'm doing it. This whole warm up run has plagued me from day one, but no mas!
Until next time, cheers!
***Update***
10:45 on the button! Thankfully the Pro Club has some better treadmills because I had to jam it out at 11.5mph for the last half lap to get it done.
On another note, Lin has already met her goals...after just 3 weeks! She gets to ease off a bit which makes me jealous a bit. :) A little extra motivation never hurt!
Well we wrapped the check-in this morning, and here are the results...
3 weeks ago I measured up at 151lbs and 15.32% body fat. That constitutes my baseline
This morning first things first, I stepped on the scale. I had a moment of sadness when I saw my weight at 148. If you recall, my target weight at the end of this challenge is 162lbs. BUT, I reminded myself that the other aspect of my goal was to lean up as well, so some weight loss was to be expected at a certain point.
We began taking our measurements, getting pinched over and over again...chest, abdominal, subscapular, the list goes on. Jairo, Lin's brother, lends his expertise in the matter for which I'm very thankful. Anywho, once all measurements were taken, three times as a matter of fact, my results were very encouraging.
148lbs and 11.28% body fat. That's 6.4lbs of fat lost and 3.4lbs of muscle gained in just three weeks. I have a ways to go as far as packing on the lean muscle, but if I'm able to gain 3.4lbs every three weeks I'll be in the hunt to hit my target.
I'm exceptionally pleased with my progress, and very happy with the chosen routines and supplements! I felt re-energized after seeing the results, and am excited to work hard for our next check-in, three weeks from today. :)
Tomorrow marks the first milestone in The Challenge...weigh-ins, measurements, and pictures. Three weeks down, nine to go. Given the day ahead I would like to set the scene...
The bathroom at Lin's apartment serves as the battleground for this epic face-off. As I press the door open it moans almost as is if it's not moved since my last visit some three weeks passed. Although the door's complaints are loud and clear it ultimately gives way, slowly allowing the morning light to creep in, painting the scene of the impending showdown between man and scale. In the expanding light I can make out the silhouette of my opponent...silently waiting, unwavering in its stance.
My first steps into the devil's playground bring about a faint aroma, one familiar and reminiscent of the good times long since removed by the strain and pressures of The Challenge. This scent, Dove cucumber and green tea body wash, while normally comforting and kind, does little to ease the tension coursing through my veins.
I take a step forward, and then another. The room is eerily still, the silence deafening. I pause briefly, allowing my eyes to follow a "tumbleweed" of dryer lint as it wistfully dances across the floor in front of me. The sight serves as a sobering reminder of the emptiness of this place, and yet I continue forward. A third step, a fourth, fifth...all possible because of relentless preparation, razor sharp focus, and unmatched drive and determination...or is it fear and nerves? Regardless of the reason, I march ahead.
I reach my destination and face an opponent that, given it's deep rooted presence in my daily thoughts, has become more familiar to me than my closest friends. I place my right foot squarely on the face of this most unforgiving fiend. A deep breath. Left foot. My knees feel weak and yet I know my stance is solid as a rock. I've trained hard for this exact moment, and as I look down I see the scale has kicked off what could be its own offensive.
The wheel jumps, bouncing back and forth bringing with it feelings of torment and rejoice. Holding steady I await the worst the scale can throw my way, knowing it's simply a matter of time before it shows its true face. The movement slows and my anticipation swells. I find that as the wheel is coming to its final resting place my eyes drift upwards. Nervous yet confident, hopeful yet reserved.
Slowly my head begins its descent, my eyes focus in on the scale's display sitting motionless, staring back without emotion. My heartbeat is amplified as I see its final reading.
