Full Throttle - Day 171

This morning's workout consisted of 5 stations, and we completed 4 rounds, including 50 seconds per station with 10 seconds between stations. Lately the warmup has even felt like a workout. When the wamrup started I was moving a bit slow as my legs and hips were a bit tired and sore. After a couple minutes of the warmup I felt loose and by the time the warmup was over and the true workout started, I felt ready to go. The stations we completed this morning were side planks, ring pushups, kettlebell high pulls, spiderman crawls, and box jumps. When I first began this journey several months ago, I struggled with box jumps that were 1 foot high. I now can do 1 1/2 foot high box jumps with relative ease. The more I workout, the easier it gets to do more work and to push myself harder. The workout never gets easy, but that is because the easier it gets, the harder I must push myself. I have some goals that are very important to me, and I remind myself of those goals each time the workout gets tough.

Full Throttle - Day 170

Today I was pretty sore from the TSC and from yesterday's workout. My shoulders and arms are sore from Staurday, and my legs, abs, and glutes are sore from yesterday's workout. I like this kind of sore.

Full Throttle - Day 169

This morning was my first workout after the Tactical Strength Challenge, and I was a bit sore even before the workout began. I did not work on deadlifts before the workout this morning, as I am taking a week off from the deadlifts after the competition. This morning's workout was a bit different from what we normally do. It was not timed, but we completed a given number of reps of several exercises. We completed 50 prisoner squats, 50 pushups, 50 band rows, 50 knees to elbows, 100 spiderman crawls (50 per legs) and 100 walking lunges (50 per leg). This workout worked my legs and butt big time!!! I know I will be feeling it tomorrow.

Full Throttle - Days 167 and 168

This weekend was the Tactical Strength Challenge!!! It went great, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. We started out with deadlifts, and the first weight I attempted was 325 pounds, which I pulled with no problems. The second weight I attempted was 365 pounds, which again I pulled with relatively no problems (355 pounds is the most I had ever pulled before). I felt good enough to attempt to pull 405 pounds, but I was unable to lift this weight. Although I was a little disappointed, I still was very excited with my effort in the deadlift, and I am pleased with the 365 pound pull. After completing the dealift portion of the TSC, we then did pullups. I was unable to do a pullup, but I have never in my life done a full pullup. My goal for the next TSC is to be able to do multiple pullups. After the pullups we did the kettlebell snatch portion, and the goal in this portion of the competition is to complete as many kettlebell snatches as possible in 5 minutes. I competed in the Novice Division, so I used a 16kg kettlebell for this, and I was able to successfully complete 106 snatches. My goal was to complete 100 snatches, so I am very pleased with 106. Today my shoulders and arms are quite sore from pushing myself, but the soreness almost feels like a badge of honor for competing so hard.
I am already looking forward to the next Tactical Strength Challenge in March/April 2010 and setting goals for then. I would like to deadlift 500 pounds, do multiple pullups and complete 100 snatches with a 24kg kettlebell. So, I will take it easy on the weights this week to give my body and muscles some time to rest a little and then I will start training to achieve my goals.
I am so thankful to BJ and Kori at Full Throttle Athletics for their training, encouragement, teaching, and belief in me. I truly am a different person now than I was 6 months ago... not just physically but mentally as well. My thought process about things I can accomplish is so different now from just a few months ago. As I watched other participants competing in the TSC this weekend I began thinking about the change in my attitude and mentality during this time period. Six months ago I never would have believed I would be competing in anything like this, and now I am not only competing but already looking forward to competing again. I am so excited about this change I am experiencing, and I look forward to even more change.

Full Throttle - Day 166

Today was the last day to train before the Tactical Strength Challenge. This morning I thought it might be possible we would take it light do to the competition tomorrow, but we certainly did not take it light. The workout today was tough, but I pushed myself really hard. We did 10 kettlebell swings, then 10 burpees, then ran to the road and back (approximately 200 meters), then 9 swings, 9 burpees, run, 8 swings, 8 burpees, run, and so on down to 1 swing, 1 burpee and run. There was a lot of running, but it was somewhat fun to try to push myself.
I am very excited about the Tactical Strength Challenge, but I also find myself getting a bit nervous. I am looking forward to seeing how I perform tomorrow.

Full Throttle - Day 165

Well, the Tactical Strength Challenge is only 2 days away. I am excited and a bit nervous about it. I have never competed in anything like this, so I am not exactly sure what to expect. The TSC consists of deadlifts, kettlebell snatches, and pullups. I am setting my goal for the deadlift to 375 pounds. I have not worked on the snatches quite as much, but as part of the competition I will complete as many snatches as I can in 5 minutes. I have never been able to do a pull-up, but I will certainly give it my best shot. I think this event will serve as a great benchmark, as I plan to compete in it again in 6 months. I am excited to see what I will do this week as well as the progress I will make in the next 6 months.

Full Throttle - Day 164

This morning I worked on some deadlifts again, focusing on technique to help me prepare for the Tactical Strength Challenge in only 3 short days. After working on my deadlifts for a few minutes, we had some more new exercises during our 6am bootcamp. The exercises consisted of 5 seperate exercises done for 50 seconds, then 10 second "break" to prepare for the next exercise... 4 rounds, totaling 20 minutes. Although I do not remember the names of most of these exercises, I will describe them. First was a half lunge in which you dont stand fully erect, but lunge up and down, then switch legs after 25 seconds. Next was an exercise using a band in which the band is under your feet and then held in front of you. You lift the band above your head, giving your arms and shoulders a healthy workout. The next exercise also used a band, in which you double the band up and put it under your feet, then pull up on the band, also working your arms. Next were jump squats... WOW, were those tough. Finally, the last exercise was a side plank, 25 seconds on each side. The workout was another great one.

Full Throttle - Day 162

This morning's workout seemed to be more difficult than usual. I found that I had a difficult time getting through the entire workout. It was the first time in a long time that I had to push myself that hard to keep going. I started out working on deadlifts and worked up to lifted 345 pounds. My legs could feel it as they got a great workout. We then did a 10 minutes warmup, and the workout began. Today's workout consisted of pushups with contra lateral toe touches, goblet squats, kettlebell swings, and a short run/jog for 20 minutes, as many rounds as possible. Each time I began the jogging part, my legs were really tired and I found it difficult to jog. Although it was a very difficult workout, I feel like it was very benficial.

Full Throttle - Days 151-161

I must admit, I am quite frustrated with myself for going 10 days without blogging. Once I miss one day, it is easier to miss the next day, and the snowball effect occurs. I have friends tell me they check my blog and have noticed I have not kept up these last few days, and I feel a bit of disappointment. I even almost stress about it at times because the task of catching up once I am behind is a bit overwhelming. The workouts this last week were amazing and different. They were fun because they were unique and new, and I had a blast with them. BJ inoorporated more resistance bands with the workouts, which worked new muscles in ways I was not used to. I am looking forward to the workouts this coming week. I am also preparing for the Tactical Strength Challenge, which I will be participating in next Saturday. I have a goal of deadlifting 400 pounds, and I am anxious and a bit nervous about it. I plan to blog each evening this week, and to make sure I maintain this blog daily.
Thank you to my friends who have encouraged me to continue blogging. I appreciate your persistence and accountability.

Full Throttle - Day 150

Wow, I am at day 150... it feels like a milestone. Since I worked out yesterday, it was a little tougher to get up at 5:00am two days in a row, but it was worthwhile. This morning I worked on kettlebell snatches for 8 minutes before the workout began, which are part of the Tactical Strength Challenge I am participating in later this month. The Tactical Strength Challenge consists of deadlifts, kettlebell snatches, and pullups. I still am not yet able to do a pullup, but I will certainly give it my best shot. I am hoping lots of friends and family will come out to watch me participate, and I know there will be video that I can share with people who do not live in the Dallas Area.
This morning's workout consisted of squats, mountain climbers, pushups, lateral hip bridge, and burpees.... 40 seconds each with a 20 second rest between for 4 rounds.
As always, the workout was tough and challenging.

Full Throttle - Day 149

This morning I met my friend, Mark, at a local park, and we worked out together. It was a really tough workout, but it was alot of fun to do something a little different. We did 10 "knees to elbows", 15 pullups (mine are modified with a jump), 20 pushups, 25 squats, and a short run... 3 rounds. My arms were exhausted when we were done, but it was totally worthwhile. Now I am ready to get back to Full Throttle Athletics tomorrow morning.

Full Throttle - Day 148

Today is Labor Day, and we did not have bootcamp today. It felt strange to have a Monday with no workout, but it was kinda nice to sleep a little later. However, my friend Mark (hi Mark, I know you are reading this) texted me and is planning a workout tomorrow morning. So, I will be getting up early tomorrow to meet him and workout... I am excited to see what he has in store.

Full Throttle - Days 146 and 147

This weekend I spent some time with family that I have not seen in a couple months. They all saw me in June, but all commented on how different I look even since June. It always feels so good to be complimented. One of my cousins told me how different my face and legs looked... funny how open and honest they are when they have been drinking. It always feels nice to be complimented on my transformation, but I know I still have a long way to go.

Full Throttle - Day 145

Another amazing workout today. I started out with more deadlifts, and I am getting more and more anxious about the Tactical Strength Challenge on September 26... only 3 weeks away. I really want to be able to deadlift 400 pounds, and I know I will have to train hard for the next 3 weeks to get there. After deadlifts, the workout started. Today we did lunges, bicycles, prison squats, planks, and kettlebell deadlifts... 4 total rounds.
Today at work we had a huge lunch with all the employees. It was interesting because I noticed everyone was watching what I was eating and making comments on my healthy eating choices. I realize more and more how many people are watching me and seeing what I do and eat. The accountability is nice.

Full Throttle - Day 144

Those who know me know that I am not really much of a fan of attention. However, I am noticing more and more that people who know me always want to tell other people how much weight I have lost. Although I do love the positive feedback, it still feels uncomfortable when I get that attention. I am also still unsure because I feel like I still have so far to go, and the attention is a bit uncomfortable. I am very proud of my accomplishments to this point, but I still have a long way to go. I know that in a few months I will be much closer to my ultimate goal. I have no particular weight goal, but I want to weigh under 230 pounds and be proud of my body when looking in the mirror. I look forward to getting to that point.

Full Throttle - Day 143

This morning's workout was another intense workout. I did more deadlifts for about 10 minutes, and then the workout began. The workout was consisted of 5 different exercises each done for 50 seconds with a 10 second transition to the next exercise.... 5 rounds. So, it is basically a 20 minute solid workout. The exrecises consisted of Kettlebell swings, pushups, squats, planks, and mountain climbers. It was tough, but such a great feeling after being done.

Full Throttle - Day 142

I am getting excited because in less than 4 weeks I am participating in a Tactical Strength Challenge, in which I will be deadlifting. For the next few weeks my training will be intensified, and I will push myself to do something I would have never thought possible. My deadlift goal is 400 pounds. I will totally trust my trainer, BJ, and what he tells me to do in order to be able to accomplish my goal. I am so excited to see how far I can push myself.