It's Day Two of Boot Camp. Day One went very well, except for forgetting to read my list once or twice. My extra exercise session was a short walk with the dogs; it was shorter than I intended, because even with the sun down, it was quite hot and muggy, and it was a little much for them. There was an unexpected extra exercise bonus when I had to carry a certain fat, tired little Dachshund part of the way home. Mommy isn't the only one who needs Boot Camp.
Today kicked off with a breakfast meeting at a local restaurant. I checked the menu online and planned exactly what to have in today's food plan, and I stuck to it.
I'm sore from yesterday's Core Synergistics workout,especially the inner thighs. Must be all the squats and lunges. Not sore enough to keep from working out, though! As part of my re-booting (hey! this should be Re-Boot Camp!!!) I am recalling old techniques for helping instigate a Moving of the Butts and curb the Stuffing of the Piehole. And chief among these is Planning and Prep. The good ol' food plan is the very best tool for keeping a handle on what may enter the piehole on any given day; and the simple act of laying out one's workout togs --- never you mind that they are only four steps away in a drawer --- every day, makes them and their call to duty hard to ignore. Brush your teeth as soon as you're done eating, which will kill the flavor of food and leave you with a fresh mouth, and not wanting to eat more. In others words, you have to make it as easy on yourself as you can to do the right thing.
Despite soreness, I did my Cardio X today. It happened late in the day, because of the breakfast meeting, after which there was work to do (not the least of which was studying my next opera role). While I'd rather work out first thing in the morning, there's something to be said for that late afternoon session --- it energizes you, and it curbs hunger, so you're likely to eat less at dinner. I'm also a fan of the post-prandial walk, especially when it's followed by a luxurious bath. But today, because of the lateness of my workout, I decided to walk earlier, further, and longer. No doggies this time. My friend Nicholas and I did the local trail --- "the loop", as I call it, about a 3 -mile circle. When Eric and I first started trying to lose weight, we walked this loop twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and when I am running, this is where I go. It was nice to do it again after so long. I may incorporate it into my daily Boot Camp!
It feels good, really good, to be dedicated to a routine again, even if it was difficult to get started. My next challenge after ReBoot Camp will be a month in a hotel for my next singing engagement. There seems to be a nice fitness facilty there, so I can do the elliptical as well as my P90X. I've requested a minifridge, and since I'm driving, I'll take a small microwave and an electric skillet so I can cook in my room. The hotel is located in a downtown area where the only food choices are high end restaurants or fast food, so for the sake of wallet and waistline, home cooking is necessary. Also, I can walk to the theater (but alas, not the rehearsal space) for some added exercise! Once again, planning is key. It's proactive rather than reactive, and for me, that makes all the difference in the world.
Rebecca, I like my vino, too ... I agree with you, life is too short to go without!
Greg, sorry that you're out of work, and I hope you find something that suits you soon. Good for you for being proactive, though. It's the only way. As for your questions, I shall ponder ... sounds like you gave me fodder for the next post. One foot in front of the other!
Posted by: Cindy | August 18, 2011 at 10:25 PM
It's a 90 Day Challenge (typo). I'm stuck, have gained back a lot of the weight i lost over two years and i'm suffering from the inertia you described. I'm out of work and as they say, idle hands are the devil's workshop. in my case the workshop is the kitchen. So health-wise, professionally, and creatively I decided to be more proactive. It's the only way. i'm setting goals and writing plans.
Japan is bouncing back fine, if you aren't living in a shelter with no home or job (about 85,000 people). The cleanup is progressing, but it will take much longer up north than the re-building of Kobe which was also devastated 17 years ago. Nuclear issues stable, we hope.
finally, i have a question which you may have addressed before. I can't remember how it felt to be losing and in control like before. how did I/You do it then? why was our motivation so strong and even seemed effortless at times? how do we regain that? that focus, i guess.
PS I'm going back to the Beck books today.
Posted by: Tokyocowboy | August 18, 2011 at 09:12 PM
RE-Booting went well today....walked my 3 miles past your old hood, waved in that general direction. Breakfast and lunch totally on plan...Went to rehearsal, slogged through Russian, French and Italian operas du jour, went out to dinner with a friend, had a chicken breast on a salad, no dressing, a glass of wine ( I am allowing this because life is short) and NO sugar at all (other than what is in the wine, obviously). Watched my husband eat a beautiful bowl of gelato, no regrets! Onward....
Posted by: RebeccaNYC | August 18, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Greg, what is this 90 Challenge you're doing? Congrats on your good workout. I am even more sore today than I was yesterday but I'm about to do my strength training and (sob) Abs Ripper.
How are things in Tokyo? How is the recovery going? Every time I hear anything about Japan in the media, I think about you!
Posted by: Cindy | August 18, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Great to hear you're on track. I'm starting my own 90 Challenge. It includes diet and exercise as well as professional goals. I'm on plan today and went to the gym for a good workout. Let me know when you plan on being in Tokyo!
Thanks for being an inspiration!
Greg
Posted by: Tokyocowboy | August 18, 2011 at 03:51 AM