April 13, 2012 10:43 PM HKT

Day 90 - 2000 vs. 2012

The irreverent journey toward wellness is ongoing. 

Project complete. For now.

Do me a favor - act silly and strange - laughing tones the abs.

Now, someone pass me a  $%&#@!* beer.

Photos

April 11, 2012 9:30 PM HKT

Many Thanks and Blessings

To the Fam: B-Nice, IRS, ERS, and Beez

Extended Fam: Paul's, Barbarella, DJW + Gail Force Wind

Portland Crew: Doyle, Block Party, Greenspace, Ellen, Roomie, Big Brother, Stache Bros., East Oxford Street Warriors, El Man, Dr. D., Adrock, Dr. Ted

Boston Celtics: Rondo, PP, KG, Avery, Bassy, Ray, and Doc

Music: Street Light Manifesto, Missy Elliot, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Black Angels, Black Keys, Das Racist, De La, and Black Moon. Thanks for being the motion behind my ocean.

Fitness Inspiriation: Danny Macaskill, Rajon Rondo, NC, Littlefield, and Mad Scientist

Team Auriga: Brent, Amy, Frasier, Nagisa, Akane, Jay, Sias, Brent, Nick, James, Nanako, and David.

Big ups to Amy for her joyful voice, to Frasier for bustin his ass and pushing me to do the same, for Nagisa for her kind and timely words, to Akane for her gentleness of spirit, for David for busting out a marathon and doing PCP, to Jay for his goofy humor, to Nick for getting some stitches and still pushing on, and for Sias for dropping a bunch of lbs and smiling about it. Big ups to the rest of y'all as well.

PCP Team: Patrick, Sarah, and Teo. Thanks. Especially to Teo for your timely advice and setting a great example as a friend, dad, and brother.

Finally.....To JB for blazin' the way, sending me your before and after pic, and getting me motivated to get this done. 

Many thanks. Namaste. And keep it stachey!

Photos

April 10, 2012 7:36 AM HKT

Livin' Strong

Chaos on the home front for sure. 

I just walked into my abode and there is no kitchen floor. Somehow home repair/remodel always is a much larger endeavor than anticipated. Not ideal circumstances to finish up the program, but sometimes you eat the bar Dude, and sometimes the bar eats you!

Any angst got poured into the PCP blender. The super sets gave me an extra skip in my step. I was feeling - posey - for lack of a better term. The pics are below and I am feeling good about them.

Roll on PCP bus. And I am fixin' to avoid the pot holes. 

Tick tock goes the PCP clock.

Photos

April 6, 2012 4:44 AM HKT

Ab Ripper X

After being inspired by the abdominal development of my PCP brethren, I got after the vaunted Ab Ripper X. 

Truthfully, I felt a bit of muscle confusion, but not nearly as much as the first time I tried it several years ago. On that occasion I was not PCP fit and I just happened to be  intoxicated sporting a belly full of lamb. I made it through only 8 minutes of the session while being cheered on by various attendees at a dinner party. I was wearing cut off jeans and a bandana. It was a sight.

Needless to say this went better. Or was easier. I will try and make time for it in the coming days, though I will miss the crew from 8 minute abs. 

Dun Dun Dun Dunt Dun Dunt Da Dunt. Gone, but not forgotten.

April 5, 2012 6:56 AM HKT

I was Poked in the Eye By a Blueberry Penguin

Okay, not really. But I did eat a blueberry scone....which is virtually the same thing.

The scone was warm and homemade. So a lot less like a penguin. It tasted like cake or a donut. Did I mention it was blueberry. 

So it goes. Ultimately I was really hungry and kinda caved. Funny, when I cheat with booze it doesn't feel like cheating. It must be the accompanying head buzz that makes the tonic more satisfying. 

Note to self, you and sugar don't mix. 

Scone or not, I am smiling at y'all! And smiling fiercely at the final push. Woot!

PS Thanks to Doyle - Block - Green Crew for letting me crash their spot for some impromptu PCP fun. My family is currently living in a construction site which makes the final push all the more daunting. 

I will be undeterred!

Photos

April 2, 2012 10:13 PM HKT

Always the Bridesmaid Never the Bride

Well I was hoping to be posting as a Mustache Pageant victor. Sadly - like the previous three years - I was the runner-up in my division. It is tough to beat a man wearing women's hot pants. Pictures (now up - thanks Roomie) will be forthcoming of the nights events I promise. 

Though you can go here - http://blog.alittlemorelikethis.com/?p=3137 - for a taste.

The Stache Pag did provide me with a nice opportunity for indulgence. I ate on diet and then added about four beers, a shot of tequila, a glass of Marker's Mark on the rocks, and capped off the night with a bit of organic veggies and a brief encounter with the venue's security team. Evidently, they shop from the middle aisles.

Fortunately, I have a constitution for pollution and a cheery disposition, so ultimately no harm - no foul. 

I jammed through the weekends physical demands without too much trouble, though my shoulders and legs were howling a bit this morning after Sunday's workout. But these pains were softened by the still present smile from knowing my beloved Celtics whipped the loathsome Miami Heat on national TV Sunday afternoon.  

So all is well that ends well. My body did get the message, excess is not so much fun anymore....but it is still kinda fun on the right occasion.

Much love to PCP nation and my bro's at No Umbrella Media for pulling together the Stache Pag.

Photos

March 30, 2012 9:24 PM HKT

Stache Pag + PCP

My PCP body-mind with freshly buffed Stache will be hitting the stage tonight in support of many worthy local charities at the annual Mustache Pageant at Portland, Maine's Port City Music Hall. 

Two years in a row I have been the runner-up in the vaunted Uncle Rico (from the film Napoleon Dynamite and pictured below) category. Perhaps my PCP training and diet will put me over the top! Details will be forth coming.

Photos

March 28, 2012 12:50 AM HKT

Planet of the Apes

I am not a gym guy. In fact, it has been years since I have walked into a public gym.

I will clarify. I hoop, therefore I am. So, I have been inside several structures that feature full-length basketball courts. But weight rooms....yikes! A primary motivator for doing PCP (outside of enlightenment and an unknown affinity for drinking raw egg whites), was to increase my upper body strength minus weights (those things are heavy!).

When we were assigned the task of heading to a gym on purpose, I laughed it off making the basic assumption that I would flake and just not go.

But what do you know - due to the 45 mile per hour winds that nearly flipped my econo-sedan and ultimately would render jumping rope outside my house useless - I was off to the local University to workout....AT THE GYM. 

My plan was to do my workout in the unused corner of the basketball courts. But, it was occupied by what could be best described as over 70 - circular ball yoga - for woman only. I was not welcome. So....I descended the stairs to the TERRORDOME.

My impressions: The fitness center was broken into two section. Section 1 was home to the enormous grunting nubile apes and those willing to be in proximity to them. Section 2 seemed populated by those individuals avoiding Section 1. 

I was working out with high reps, high set numbers, and a relative balanced proportionally physical appearance. The apes presented as physically large in one or two areas and worked with high weights and low reps. 

Additionally, there was a lot of strutting. Which I love. But, I couldn't join into the fun because I was kinda busy. Working out. And how the heck do other people manage to workout and not sweat? 

Finally, I couldn't get over how many folks just looked bewildered. Yes they were at the gym, and there were all these other people at the gym, and there are all these weird devices there to help them get fit - BUT WHAT THE HELL SHOULD THEY DO? No Plan, no Pecs (copywritten 2012 - WW)

With all that said, grinding at the gym was kinda fun. 

Photos

March 26, 2012 8:07 PM HKT

You know you are doing PCP when....

Failure is a good thing.

Drinking raw egg whites seems like a reasonable approach to fine dining.

You ask strangers at work or the gym if they think your shoulders are looking more defined.

You are constantly thinking of new ways to avoid heading to the pub. My grandmother has never been so sick.

Switching from eating apples for dinner to eating regular people food seems unreasonable.

You lose a fight with rubber bands.

Your family can hum the eight minute abs theme music.

You still can't really do pull-ups. 

Being sober seems cool.

Photos

March 23, 2012 8:21 PM HKT

Panic at the Disco

The PCP website was not available to me yesterday. This snafu complicated what was already proving to be a challenging day. In earnest, there was a part of me that was kind of interested in not being able to access the workout. Oh the luxury of a mid-week break. In the end, I opted to email one of our fearless leaders and I got the workout via email.

It was a weird day 

It began with the alarm at 5am. The plan - as my boy Templestrapp says, plans are for S$%T - was to do some stretching with the intention of jamming on the strength training. Sadly, the laundry needed to be attended to. As every minute counts, and I had now lost 10 minutes, I opted for coffee, cereal, and the closing minutes of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt II. Don't front. Harry is the cat's pajamas.

My body was whipped from Wednesday's events (an hour of hoops and a 3 mile run, plus the usual PCP related bliss), so I figured I would have plenty of time after work to Get Er Done and my body could use a few more hours rest! 

Fast forward. I get an email at 2 p.m. that requests my presence at a meeting from 215 p.m. to 330 p.m. No wiggle room. Attending said meeting will land me back at the ranch with just enough time to bust through the workout prior to bringing my crew to fencing practice.

Meeting done. I finally land at home to grub some afternoon tea and pre-workout goodness. I open my email to retrieve the workout. All systems go. 

Not so fast. I am grooving through the chest workout when my neighbor and his young child decide to make a visit. My wife is an angel, but her strengths do not reside in the art of deflection. She welcomes them into our home and the program is on pause.

Now the clock keeps ticking, so the crew hops in the car, and we head to fencing practice. The fencing center would make a fine place to jam out the routine, but I know my stepson would be mighty embarrassed if I did the workout in front of his cohort. This sentiment is confirmed when he and his brother make some remarks about my ridiculous frog jumps and shirtless elevated push-ups. 

So what is a fella to do?

Well, I took to the nearest park and got busy. America is a strange place. Any number of shifty characters stood around and watched me as I planked, jumped rope, and curled my way to a state of PCP ecstasy. It was odd. I felt like I was an animal at the zoo. 

Upside? I made it through another day. Bumps and all. 

And....in the the future if the PCP Powers That Be should hear from some weird dude call - The Squirrel - I am assured his checks will not bounce. 

Needed to ramble- over and out!

March 21, 2012 9:46 PM HKT

St(ill).

I wanna shake the blahs, but am having a hard time doing so.

I keep jamming on the workouts and throwing in plenty of extra stuff as well, but the fitness related fire is not burning off the sick...yet.

I am determined to keep grinding (just like KG - Kevin Garnett to you hoop-phobes) and jumping (see the pic) and am hoping to stop looking at my fellow PCPers results and seeing awesome ish in theirs and not enough in mine. I can't be the only one falling into the contrast and compare trap of despair - right?

Photos

March 20, 2012 4:11 AM HKT

AGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

F IS FOR FAILURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photos

March 19, 2012 1:49 AM HKT

Illin

I headed up to a PCP meet-up. It was a blast. 4 people getting busy in our various stages of the program. 

Sadly, I came home a bit spun out, cut off a bit of my thumb and limped into bed last night feeling all kinds of sick.

Today's routine was slow going but I managed to make it through plus some 8 minutes abs.

Not easy, feeling queasy.

Photos

March 18, 2012 8:50 AM HKT

Saturday

"Six days you work
One whole day to play
Come on everybody, wear your rollerskates today
It's Saturday, Saturday
Saturday, it's Saturday
Saturday, it's Saturday
Saturday, it's Saturday-ay"

-De La Soul - (REAL HIP HOP MUSIC)

PCP Certified!

Photos

March 15, 2012 8:12 PM HKT

In the Mountains of My Mind

I rode an imaginary bicycle into the mountains of my mind. 

It was so lovely there. Time hardly existed.

When I arrived at my destination, I planked on the peak. 

The breeze was gentle. I felt good and ate an egg.

Photos

March 13, 2012 8:29 PM HKT

WW vs. Doctor Octagon

My tired mind-body lost a battle this morning. 

Those silly bands defeated me and it wasn't even close.

They were bouncing this way and that. They were springing and flinging about. I think I got hit in the head.

I felt like I was under attack like my favorite web slinger.

Stupid rubber tentacles.

Photos

March 12, 2012 8:36 PM HKT

Indulgence for My Face

Hey All,

The merry PCP bus, driven by yours truly, rolled into the foothills of Maine for some belated holiday cheer. 

In November,  I had procured tickets to a live show for my special lady friend. We would be staying at a lovely Inn and then taking in the Carolina Chocolate Drops (work songs, gospel, old-time string music.....again a gift for my wife) in the evening with friends at a restored barn. 

The music venue hosts dinner prior to the show and they offer various wine and beer selections. So this proved to be a good time to enjoy some music and merry making.....THE INDULGENCE ARRIVES!

Honestly, going into the indulgence I was feeling pretty ambivalent. My energy level had rebounded nicely from it's dip into the PCP Valley of Doom. So I wasn't exactly licking my lips at the thought of beer....shocking as that seems!

The indulgence began with half a beer and a modest handful of salty peanuts at the Inn. We got to the venue a bit early to assure ourselves a front row table for dinner and music. To tide me over, I had a 16 oz IPA draft beer  (rocket sauce as my pal Roomie would say).

I had been careful to have my usual PCP dinner as my lunch paving the way to eat off diet for dinner. The menu was limited (PCP eyes look at menu totally differently). I selected the beef stew. It offered the best balance of meat, veggies, and carbs. It came with homemade corn bread and a huge salad. The stew was ripe with local mushrooms, peas, carrots, and potatoes (LOCAL FOOD TASTES BETTER!). It was delightful. Let the record show that I was the only member of the eight people seated at my table to finish my whole meal (the PCP engine revs - vroom, vroom). 

I washed my meal down with another beer and put my indulgence to bed.

Or so I thought. 

Now, two and a half beers several months ago would be my typically daily intake (give or take). But I could feel every sip and all the dang salt and butter used in the food the following morning during every lunge and jump squat (5 sets of 18 are #$@#$ kidding me!).

My particular brand of lunacy forced me to to acknowledge my struggle and then dive head first into a set of 8 minute abs, ten minutes on the jumprope, followed by a 35 minute run, which was all wash away with a healthy noodle bowl featuring some spicy shrimp. I rallied for a game of five on five hoops in the early evening and put the indulgence in my rearview.

Glad to say this morning's work-out felt about a thousand times better than Sunday's workout. I am not so sure how much I am looking forward to indulgence #3. My thoughts are, a beer or two would be nice, but I would prefer no major changes to the diet. I think that would feel a lot more enjoyable than asking my body to process a heavy meal late at night plus the afore mentioned rocket sauce.

Well, the beat goes on and on and on and on and on. Stay true team!

Photos

March 8, 2012 6:47 AM HKT

I am a Bad #$%#$%#^$&*!

Tons of extra cardio today and I am floating on air and feeling really good.

I switched the bulk of the workout to the afternoon rather than the morning and I am going to give that a go for the next several days and see how it works.

Time is becoming my friend and I am feeling rugged and raw.

To quote Smithson Leverage (handle of a lunatic buddy), I am BACK!

Indulgence is coming!

Photos

March 6, 2012 9:36 PM HKT

Bashing Forehead into Wall and Other Musings

Man, woman, child! I am trying to get out of my head. The mental fatigue has set in and I find that I am feeling less present when I work out in the morning. 

(Trust the process, trust the process, trust the process)

Two weeks ago I felt on top of the world. My energy level was at an all-time high. Now, I am just grinding and feeling the strain of getting to work a few minutes late as the reps and sets have increased. 

(Trust the process, trust the process, trust the process)

Additionally, my workout partner (Dang Cat) is pretty high maintenance.

Photos

March 4, 2012 4:04 AM HKT

Girl Walk // All Day

I am headed to the Maine premiere of the film/long music video Girl Walk // All Day today. 

I had mentioned it to a buddy this morning at hoops who informed me that dancing was the best way to prevent Alzheimer's. 

So add some creative dance to your PCP plan. Jump, shake, shake, wiggle, shake.

Peep the trailer:

 http://vimeo.com/user6872956/girlwalk-trailer

Photos

March 2, 2012 9:08 PM HKT

24 Hours of Exhausting Bliss, Walking the Plank

Wednesday February 29th, 2012

700pm: Phone call confirmation that the freaks are loading the bus and heading for the bushes. 12 inches of pow in the forecast.

630pm-900pm: Wife signs permission slip. Mad gear and food prep.

9pm: Freaks load the bus and head for the hills.

11pm: Arrive at cabin in the Maine woods. No heat. But there is cable television and they have the NBA package.

Thursday March 1st, 2012

1am: Pass out watching LA Lakers put the hurt on the Minnesota Twolves. Minnesota buddy (Dr. Ted) not sad, but sleeping.

630am: Wake up time. Crushing snow outside. Pre-powder high beginning.

700am-830am: Yoga followed by PCP Breakfast. 

900am-230pm: Mad Shreddin'.

400pm: The dread of waking up at 5am Friday morning and completing the PCP regime (4 sets of PLANKS! x 60 secs aka Walkin' the Plank) sets in.

430pm: Return back to the castle. Mad shovelin'. The east coast has had such little snow this year. I forgot how heavy snow can be, particularly with a tired body-mind.

530pm-630pm: PCP workout. I felt great until I got to the abs. Shimmy shimmy body quake. Tired. So tired. Busted out 8 minute abs anyway.

700pm: My wife tries to play the 8 minute Abs Theme Song on the piano. It turns out a lot more like Paul Simon's, You Can Call me Al. I laugh then hit the shower.

To quote famed rapper turned less-famous actor, Ice Cube, Today was a good day! 

Photos

March 1, 2012 6:16 AM HKT

Color Me Jeff The Cyclist

I found the following comic cut out on my dining room table when I returned home from work today. The names were changed to reflect the members of my marriage.

http://www.gocomics.com/pearlsbeforeswine/2012/02/29

PCP is everywhere!

Photos

February 27, 2012 2:37 AM HKT

"Nice Butt", 8/8, Transition

I was pleasantly accosted by a beautiful woman (my wife). 

I am slimming down, though I am not sure I can afford new pants....my wife insists that Patrick must own some kind of stock in poultry and/or textiles.

8 days of 8 minute abs is in the books. 

While my family is whistling the theme song to the Ab routine, my stepsons still refuse to learn the music that resides at the cross section between a low budget porn film and a trip to the dentist office for their upcoming piano recital despite my desperate plea.

I expect this week to be a challenge. Re-acclimating to work, a film shoot on Tuesday (as part of the International Mustache Film Festival - google it, my boys are getting mad press over this crazy event), and the torrent PCP pace will keep me on my toes.

Best wishes to all.

Did anyone else get their @#$% kicked by today's multitude of legs, chest, and abs? I was humbled.

Out.

Photos

February 23, 2012 10:32 PM HKT

Maybe My Mustache is Hungry

My usual wake up time is 5am. I typically bust through a 10-15 minute stretch session and then get groovin' to the beat of the PCP fitness program.

From there, it is post workout food, shower, and a 30 minute commute to work. I hit the jumprope and usually try to squeeze in extra back work during my lunch break. This makes me a hungry monkey and I have little problem eating every single calorie of the PCP diet by bedtime around 10pm.

This week though is different. As stated previously, I am on vacation, and therefore I am getting up later. The added energy expenditure of work has been replaced by the less demanding reading, writing, and listening to records. Therefore, I have found it almost physically impossible to eat every bit of food on the diet. 

So I was racking my brain to think up a way to force my body to need more calories as the week ended. 

Answer: Mustache.

The theory goes that a man with a mustache just needs more out of life than one who is living mustache-LESS.

I will keep you posted on the results of this experiment. 

-With love,

Uncle Rico

Photos

February 22, 2012 3:02 AM HKT

Vacation on PCP

I have a week off. With that comes some pros and cons....

Pros: I can sleep later.

Cons: I can watch late night west coast hoops games on pirate TV making me tired.

Pros: I can make food anytime.

Cons: Sitting on my hands and waiting for the food fairy to arrive to make my meals isn't going so well.

Pros: I can get some extra run (hoops) in at the local University.

Cons: Profs, Docs, and scrubby crew members love to drink after the game. LOVE to.... That characteristic of my compatriots is none too helpful.

Pros: I can get my workouts in whenever.

Cons: These workouts don't do themselves.

Pros: More time with the family.

Cons: My family wondering what the hell that grunting shirtless beast in the living room is doing now.

Pros: Plenty of time for *8 Minute Abs.

Cons: Plenty of time for *8 Minute Abs.

* Oh, 8 Minute Abs! The place where I have garnered such zen sayings as...

"I am not jerking around here."

"This is a controlled movement."

"Pull up. Guys. Pull Up."

Photos

February 19, 2012 12:48 AM HKT

Family Support

PCP is like a rippling wave. If you are doing it, someone in proximity will be effected. Like a sword that slowly trims the fat off my metaphorical and literal love handles, this knife cuts in both directions. 

On the plus side PCP can help elevate one's mood and tighten one's butt. And everybody loves a tight butt. 

On the other hand, a spouse or friend might have a hard time getting mirror time as a PCP'er struts his or her stuff when not doing push ups. Or, there might be some economic impacts as the the rainy day fund becomes full of egg shells.

With these things in mind, I wanted to take the time to thank those within my household for making PCP run smoothly for 35 days. Family you are great. I couldn't do it without you.

Oh, 8 minute abs....you were crushed (sort of).

Photos

February 16, 2012 9:26 PM HKT

"Do You Think I Should Do PCP?"

So....in the United States, the term PCP refers to a street drug called Phencyclide, also known as Angel Dust. For the uninitiated, it is a chemical compound that  induces hallucinations and can give you bouts of super human strength. And, it can cause permanent psychosis. 

Anyway, for the last 10 years I have been working with at-risk teens who often glamorize drug use. So usually when someone makes a reference to PCP, they are trying to get negative attention from their peers or an adult in proximity.

So to my pleasant surprise - when I got a text from King Roomie Rock (yes, in Maine many of my pals have handles like The Duke, Dr. D, Krowbar, and Block-Party) - I was asked by a pal if he should do PCP (in this case Peak Condition Project). I could finally respond to this question in the affirmitive.

In others words, this is certainly the first time I could answer this question with a resounding - "Hell yeah, you should try PCP!" rather than "Come on guys you know we can't glamorize illicit drug use in here. That stuff will make you go crazy."

Alas perhaps there are some similarities between PCP and PCP -V-Sits are certainly enough to unhinge a fellow.

Have a great day. Over and out.

Photos

February 15, 2012 10:52 PM HKT

Birthday Week

I am celebrating 36 years in this form (Ward) on this earth - this week (week 5 in PCP terms). I have heard from friends old and new and have managed to shake several compelling dinner invitations, heaping plates of home baked cookies, cakes, and various beer sesssions.

I feel deeply blessed, happy, and joyful. PCP has been a great part of really feeling like myself (drugs and alcohol free....my biochemistry is my own....for now). Which is cool.

The strange and weird posts will continue, but for now I just wanted to send many thanks to the gods and goddesses in my life in all the forms they take.

Get busy and stay busy PCPers! All the best.

Photos

February 12, 2012 9:10 AM HKT

Doin' Lunch

Fat Tuesday isn't for a few weeks yet - and while I won't be drinking any Hurricanes or lifting my top (I know the abs will be poppin' soon) - I did want to get into the mood. It takes a few weeks to get into the spirit of things all the way up in Maine. 

So in honor of the coming Mardi Gras, the completion of week four, the always changing PCP diet, and jumping rope in the snow, I worked up some of Ward's Homespun Chicken Jambalaya.

Cook up the following:
Chicken Breast with Lemon Rind, Garlic, and Red Onion
Seared Hot Italian Chicken Sausage
Onions, Celery, and Red Pepper cooked in Olive Oil
Cayenne (min. 3 hearty pinches)
Brown Rice
Combine in Chicken Stock 
Garnished with excessive amounts of Curly Parsley

Bump tunes, watch hoops with no volume, grab some seltzer, and dig in.

Lie back grooving, riding in your car
Makes no difference where you are
Feel good music, I've been told
Good for your body, and it's good for you soul
-The Meters - Hey Pocky Way

Photos

February 9, 2012 9:11 PM HKT

Whiskey Rebellion

I am not talking about a group of angry Pennsylvania farmers attacking agents of the government due to unfair taxes on the Golden Goodness, but rather my experience with INDULGENCE.

Initially, I was really excited about the idea of indulging. There was no confusion about what form my indulge would take. Some like cake, others cookies, for me it would be BOOZE. No doubt. But when? How much? What kind?

My zeal did wear off rather quickly though. On Wednesdays I play hoop. I am extremely competitive on the court and really enjoy playing well. In all humility, I have been of a tear (it comes and goes, but STILL!). I started thinking about all the gains I have made in the short time doing PCP and wondered if I really needed the indulge. How would an indulge effect my motivation the following morning? Would it have any impact at all? 

Ultimately my choice was pretty relaxed and organic. I stopped over to my neighbors house to thank them for lending me this dap Roy Buchanan record and they were opening some buff 22 oz. small batch farm house ale. They are in the habit of chronically forgetting that I am working with some weird-diet-exercise-thing. So I welcomed a bit of brew they offered. Just a few oz. as I had other ideas for a post dinner treat (yeah I know I was supposed to do my indulge earlier in the day, but they don't let me drink at work and this post is called the Whiskey Rebellion for a reason).

Moving forward. I stayed on diet for my evening meal of steak and veggies, but as my family settled into watching a favorite detective show I reached for the bottle of 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. The show just happened to feature the main character as a classic 1940's era hard drinking PI, so it was a fitting choice.

What was cool was the desire to only have one. I drank it slow and enjoyed it. 

I awoke this morning and busted out the routine with no ill effects. Good to know I can keep rolling with no harm done.

Now pass the salad. And V-sits, you and me got an appointment Thursday morning (said like hard boiled detective)!

Out.

Photos

February 9, 2012 5:52 AM HKT

Mortality

When the Doctor of Doom arrives at your door he will force you to do (endless) V-Sits.

Photos

February 8, 2012 2:24 AM HKT

Ugh, I forgot the Carbs!

I have been wondering why I am so hungry today and it just hit me like an ax.

I forgot to bring the carbs. That is like 200 plus grams for breakfast and lunch of bread-i-greatness that I missed.

I had been starring at one of my students eating a yogurt in my classroom like an angry wolf and now I know why.

Kids are resilient right? With the beard I do look a bit fierce.

Photos

February 6, 2012 8:02 AM HKT

Shut Em Down!

The PCP workout is most def helping me on the basketball court. I am just more fit , quick, and my lateral movement has improved. Additionally, doing the work has promoted more self-confidence in my ability to make plays.

Good clean fun.

Photos

February 4, 2012 9:56 PM HKT

Off Track, AM vs. PM, $%#@ Knee

Dear blog. How u?

Me, I am pretty good.

Yesterday was a travel day reuniting me with extended family. Blog, I don't know about your family, but mine is a bit messed up. The increased stress level found me reaching for my first beer of the PCP session.

I was able to avoid any other serious derailments, however I did skip the skipping due to the increased knee pain associated with 6 hours of car travel. The knee is feeling good after rest, ice, elevation, more ice, and the viewing of a bad meaning good action movie. Silly dialogue, increasing body counts, absurd premises, and explosions are a sure fire cure for exorcising family and PCP related demons.

I have just completed checking out the coming weeks fitness program and have to face the reality that I may need to set the alarm for 4:45 am or move my workouts to the afternoon. I am a morning guy, but have noticed the need for increased rest due to the program.

The beat rolls on...and it is snowing big lovely flakes. Cool.

Bye blog.

Sincerely,

Beer-less in Maine

Photos

February 1, 2012 9:58 PM HKT

"You Look Good Dog"

Every Wednesday morning I chase this beastly wrestling coach around the basketball court. After playing he mentioned that he thought I looked stronger and more fit. Especially in the chest. Hollar!

Thank you PCP.

Photos

January 31, 2012 8:50 PM HKT

Open Letter to Leonardo Divinci

Dear Leo,

You were a most accomplished individual. A painter, sculptor, mathlete, and inventor. I have always been an admirer, until recently. As part of a fitness routine I am regularly completing an activity called the Davinci. I can only assume you had some part in the creation of such a perfectly challenging activity.

Now, it is not everyday that I pick a fight with a deceased cultural icon. So you should take this very seriously. I assure you that my scorn is not for you alone. I will be sending similar letters to Francis Bacon the creator of the pull-up, as well as Rene Descartes the creator of the sit-up.

Gentlemen, you have been warned.

Sincerely,

W.

Photos

January 30, 2012 9:05 PM HKT

$@%*&%$ Knee Pain

Excuse me waiter I would like some chronic bursitis with a side of jumper's knee. Thank you.

So my right knee is being difficult. My integrated medicine Doc pal insists I need to rest/ice more frequently. I was reminded of this fact on Saturday when my knee went pop mid-Rocky (I was jumping rope like a champ sans knee brace which was stupid).

The upside is I was reminded just how important my knee brace is and when in use I can complete the PCP related exercises without much pain (without the wrong kind of pain as I am feeling the muscle burn for sure).

Roll on PCP. A very happy week three to all!

Photos

January 27, 2012 11:35 PM HKT

The Sounds of PCP

Oh the music of PCP.

Grunts, exhalations, sighs, and the thud of my body hitting the floor once my chest and biceps are exhausted at the end of a session of push ups.

These are familiar to all of us I suspect. But I am curious, as a fan of a variety of musicians and sounds, about what people are listening to in an effort to remain motivated set after set?

Oh brave and attentive coaches, what were you listening to get you through those super sets?

Hollar back if you wanna and let me know.

I am opting for a diet of ska and rock steady.....The Mighty Mighty Bosstones: A Devil's Night Out, Catch 22: Keasby Nights, and The Heptones: Night Food.

So let's hear it PCP.

What is keeping you fired up? Post links if you got 'em

Photos

January 25, 2012 10:02 PM HKT

The Dark Side

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge my shadow self.

There is a part of me that loves booze, donuts, and cookies. And often I am disappointed with myself when I over-indulge. There is another part of me that is deeply motivated to be healthy and well.

Alas, this morning I ate an oatmeal raisin cookie. As you all know, this is not part of the program.

Additionally, it is the first bit of refined sugar I have had since PCP started.

Ultimately, I am good with it. In the past it would have been six and I would have been sad.

Consider me focused! Roll on PCP and pass the egg whites!

Photos

January 24, 2012 10:02 PM HKT

Break Like the Wind

Not to be altogether uncouth, but I have more air in me than the Hindenburg. Red meat and I are not yet friends.

Last nights dinner - pan fried beef, an entire chopped onion and ten garlic cloves cooked, with long grain brown rice and hot sauce - was tasty but continues to echo within.

Ugh.

Photos

January 23, 2012 9:12 PM HKT

Feelin' the Love

I am a St. Valentine's Day baby (born on Feb. 14th). In the states the day is a commercialized celebration of love (I will leave it there as this is meant to be a positive post not tipping my hand as a quasi-political radical). The point is, I would like to say thanks for all the words of support from the likes of Andrew, Amy, and Sir Thomas the Muscle. Much love. Right back at you.

In culinary news, I am celebrating this bliss with a breakfast of three eggs, enough spinach to make Popeye cringe (I am strong to the finish cuz I eats me spinach...anyone?), and some steamed beets. Olive oil and white balsalmic help the medicine go down.

Photos

January 23, 2012 12:44 AM HKT

Overwhelmed

See title!!!!!!!!!!!

No doubt this is a natural reaction to this process. As my students would say, "It is on like Donkey Kong."

Photos

January 21, 2012 1:42 AM HKT

The White Stuff

Fresh snow this morning on the east coast of these United States. I am itchy to make some turns in the soft stuff but will have to settle for a trip to Boston to catch up with my beloved Boston Celtics.

I was super close to choosing Celts point guard Rajon Rondo as my inspirational picture (Danny Macaskill got the nod by a nose) as the dude is tuffffff as nails.

I am feeling really good. My head is so clear and my emotions are very steady. I am experiencing a bit of trepidation related to another dietary shift (Day 8 looms), but I am strong!

Photos

January 19, 2012 9:12 PM HKT

Like a Lion

What would you like to tell the world?

Yesterdays sets were a breeze though I struggled today with the 4th set on push-ups completing the 6th, 7th, and 8th reps on my knees.

Additionally, I am a bit peeved at my wife. She picked the wrong time to purchase a cast iron dutch oven and perfect her sour dough bread recipe. Hot fresh bread and lots of butter, too good. Dang, I gotta stop even writing about it (fruits and veggies la la la fruits and veggies!).

Photos

January 18, 2012 6:03 AM HKT

Fruit vs. Monster

What would you like to tell the world?

I was just suddenly attacked by the Sore and Hungry Monster. A most foul and unexpected beast. Fortunately, I chased it away with some tropical fruit.

January 17, 2012 3:47 AM HKT

Slow n Low

What would you like to tell the world?

Doin' good feelin' good. I am trying to take a relaxed approach to the dietary shift and really working on slowly enjoying each bite. Something I have not practice for some time.

Photos

January 13, 2012 9:16 PM HKT

PreCP

What would you like to tell the world?

I am feeling some mixed emotions regarding the PCP. First, that lettuce on my banner seems to be staring at me ominously. It's fixed gaze is a glimpse into my future. It is very clear that I will be developing a new relationship with beer, pizza, ribs, and beer. Second, I just got pushed around the hoops court by a hulking bald herculean fellow who will need to check himself because in a few months I will be locking him down!

Ultimately, I am looking forward to getting started. Woot!

Photos

January 8, 2012 1:07 AM HKT

Welcome to Your New Blog!