For the last several weeks I have been telling myself that I need to update my blog. Can't believe I let a month go by without documenting my P90X/half-marathon training journey.
I started Phase II one week before going on a two-week trip to the United States. I am happy to report that for the most part I stuck with my workouts during the trip. One thing I love about the Beachbody workouts is that they are highly portable. I packed my DVDs and resistance bands and was able to continue the strength training workouts with little problem. I like using my free weights at home better, but these are a great substitute. One thing I discovered on this trip is that I am at a point that I don't need the videos any more. I know the moves well enough that I can do the workouts alone. I like that because I take shorter breaks and finish up a little faster while still working out hard.
Phase II introduced two new workouts with different moves for the chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Plyometrics, Yoga X, Legs & Back, and Kenpo X were still part of the routine. I found myself less and less enamoured with the Yoga and Kenpo workouts. Because I am also preparing for an Army Physical Fitness Test and a half-marathon, I decided to do more running on those days. I know I am not getting all the benefits of improved flexibility by modifying, but had to find time for the running.
Phase III began two weeks ago. It's a combination of the first two phases. At this point, I am really focused on running so I have only been doing the strength workouts. Even skipping Plyometrics to run more. I take my PT test this Friday and then run the half-marathon on Sunday. I am aiming to get a perfect score on the PT test which means that I need to run two miles in under 15:54. I have been able to do that on the treadmill so I am hoping the weather conditions will cooperate and allow me to reach this goal on Friday. Forecast is calling for rain and the temperature will probably be around 45 or 50 degrees F that morning. Ugh! Half-marathon on Sunday and the weather is looking crummy that day as well. Oh well! I know there will be plenty of good...probably too warm...weather in Texas for me to run more races!
My biggest challenge the last couple months has been staying focused with my diet. At this point, I haven't been as concerned about counting calories. With the amount of exercise I do, I can eat more. My problem is keeping those food choices healthy. I know I am not seeing the results with my body fat percentage that I would like to see because I still give in a bit too much to my cravings for sweets. I love healthy food now. But when I see chocolate or ice cream or cookies, etc, I cave. I wish I could enjoy these treats in moderation, but I rarely can. I can easily inhale a pint of ice cream or a whole chocolate Easter bunny...yes, I did!
Part of me thinks that this isn't a big deal. I am maintaining a healthy weight and body fat percentage. My fitness level is better than ever. So who cares if I occasionally go crazy with those sweets? The problem is that I know that it is this type of eating behavior that led me to struggle previously. What if I get injured or sick and cannot exercise as much? What if my work and family schedule get crazier in Texas (which it will)? When I first joined the Army, an excuse I often made for not exercising was that I had too much work to do. Or what about another pregnancy? I gained over 60 pounds when I was pregnant with Amelia. We aren't sure if another baby is in our future, but if it happens, I must reign in my cravings before the hormones take over. :-)
P90X has a great nutrition guide. I haven't followed it as closely as I could have. For these last 20 days of the program, I will follow it more closely. I plan on taking a break from intense exercise when I am done with this program (one or two weeks). So this will be a chance for me to really focus on eating well. I plan to limit processed foods, avoid the sweets, eat lots of vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, and whole grains.
Beachbody also just came out with a 21-day cleanse program. I plan on trying that with the goal of truly cleaning up my diet.
Next week's blog: A report on whether I meet my PT test goals and how my first half-marathon goes!
