10/3/2011
02/23/2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
My Progress
After a discussion with my girlfriend (Kathy) this morning, about how I felt about not making the gains I had hoped for over last 5 months, and her telling me that she really notices the difference in me . I had remembered that I had taken pictures when I started, just for my own reference. I decided to take a picture this morning, and compare the 2. I will say that I am nowhere near where I want to be, but I have to admit, even to myself, that I have made some progress. Here is what that progress looked like. Again, I know that I have a long way to go, but I think that the hard work, countless hours at the gym, and support of so many friends, and all my family. I have started to get somewhere. Once again, this is only the beginning. We will do this again in a couple months and see where we are at. I am learning new things about my body every single day, and I believe every little bit helps.
Driven.....
Driven, when I first thought about that word, it seemed obvious to me, as to what it meant. As I progress through my current journey, the word continues to somewhat evolve. I honestly never considered myself a drive n person. I always reserved that word for people who I perceived as successful, and built, and wealthy. I figured i'd always be on the outside looking in, and that I'd never the "drive" that the successful people do. Then I sat back, and I looked at what I have accomplished since October of 2011, the month that I decided that I was going to do whatever it took to not just "play" semi-pro football, but do everything I possibly could to train so I could be a stand out player.
I am trying to be the overly humble person that is almost annoyingly modest about their accomplishments. Granted, I haven't cured cancer, and I haven't helped the homeless, but at the same time I haven't sat on my ass hoping things would happen for me. The workouts, supplements, and skills training all add up to a sense of accomplishment. I have really done something in the last 5 months, but at the same time, I have just begun. Which leads me to my next point. One thing I've found demoralizing, yet inspiring at the same time is the fact that you are never done. Meaning, sometimes you think, hey if I get to 200lbs, i'll be done, or if I get down to 5% body fat i'll be done, or maybe, if I catch every pass thrown to me, I'll be done. The truth of the matter is, you are never done. The harder I work, and the more goals I meet, the more I find new things to accomplish. I find more things I can be better at. You close one door behind you, and turn around, and there are 50 more doors in front of you. I am not complaining though, I actually find it motivating. What would this all be worth if it was easy? Everyone would be a professional athlete if you didn't have to work hard at it. I've really started down a life long path of health and wellness. What I have gained in these 5 months are a new foundation to my life. I am in great shape, and I am eating better than I ever have. I am also very realistic. I know that this is just the beginning, and I am not looking for an end. I'll just keep setting milestones, and I'll just keep moving forward, and getting better. Hopefully one day I can use what I have learned to inspire someone else to take a similar journey, and help them through it. That is all yet to be determined. I really wouldn't trade this for anything, I am honestly excited about the future, and where I am going.
I am trying to be the overly humble person that is almost annoyingly modest about their accomplishments. Granted, I haven't cured cancer, and I haven't helped the homeless, but at the same time I haven't sat on my ass hoping things would happen for me. The workouts, supplements, and skills training all add up to a sense of accomplishment. I have really done something in the last 5 months, but at the same time, I have just begun. Which leads me to my next point. One thing I've found demoralizing, yet inspiring at the same time is the fact that you are never done. Meaning, sometimes you think, hey if I get to 200lbs, i'll be done, or if I get down to 5% body fat i'll be done, or maybe, if I catch every pass thrown to me, I'll be done. The truth of the matter is, you are never done. The harder I work, and the more goals I meet, the more I find new things to accomplish. I find more things I can be better at. You close one door behind you, and turn around, and there are 50 more doors in front of you. I am not complaining though, I actually find it motivating. What would this all be worth if it was easy? Everyone would be a professional athlete if you didn't have to work hard at it. I've really started down a life long path of health and wellness. What I have gained in these 5 months are a new foundation to my life. I am in great shape, and I am eating better than I ever have. I am also very realistic. I know that this is just the beginning, and I am not looking for an end. I'll just keep setting milestones, and I'll just keep moving forward, and getting better. Hopefully one day I can use what I have learned to inspire someone else to take a similar journey, and help them through it. That is all yet to be determined. I really wouldn't trade this for anything, I am honestly excited about the future, and where I am going.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Diet, Training, and progress
Lots has happened in the last couple of weeks. I have started tracking my diet with MyFitnessPal on my IPhone. My calories have been very strict, and I have not gone over my allotted calories for that particular day. I try and keep my fat very low, and my protein at about 1gm per pound of body weight, and my carbs around 40% of my diet. So far, so good. The only discouraging part of the whole thing is, my body fat hasn't dropped at all in the past 2 weeks. I'm not sure what to make of that, but i'll continue to monitor it, and see where it goes.
As for my training, I am still training regularly, but the times are sporadic, and therefore a little chaotic for my liking. I'm still getting all my workouts in for the week, but it is just all over the board. My gains have leveled off, and that wasn't unexpected. I will say that I am consistently sore though, and that worries me a little bit. I do not want to believe that I am over training, but I do have to make sure that I am closely monitoring it. I do not want my workouts to be counter productive.
My supplement intake has been very consistent. Protein Shake with creatine, first thing in the morning, along with my Armor-V vitamin. I then eat an orange, and have a cup of coffee. 10 am a bowl of Oatmeal, and then lunch time, I have usually have a good carb, protein, and some fruit. Again, I feel my diet is pretty good, not great, but a heck of a lot better than it was.
As for football, there are a lot of things I need to work harder on. I really need more receiving practice. I let too many balls bounce off my hands in warm-ups last night, and my confidence was a little shaken, which mentally is not acceptable. So, more work, and more concentration.
My goals are becoming more and more clear. I need to increase my speed, strength, endurance, and weight, and reduce my body fat. Once I see those things happening, I'll worry more about numbers, and actual milestones.
As for my training, I am still training regularly, but the times are sporadic, and therefore a little chaotic for my liking. I'm still getting all my workouts in for the week, but it is just all over the board. My gains have leveled off, and that wasn't unexpected. I will say that I am consistently sore though, and that worries me a little bit. I do not want to believe that I am over training, but I do have to make sure that I am closely monitoring it. I do not want my workouts to be counter productive.
My supplement intake has been very consistent. Protein Shake with creatine, first thing in the morning, along with my Armor-V vitamin. I then eat an orange, and have a cup of coffee. 10 am a bowl of Oatmeal, and then lunch time, I have usually have a good carb, protein, and some fruit. Again, I feel my diet is pretty good, not great, but a heck of a lot better than it was.
As for football, there are a lot of things I need to work harder on. I really need more receiving practice. I let too many balls bounce off my hands in warm-ups last night, and my confidence was a little shaken, which mentally is not acceptable. So, more work, and more concentration.
My goals are becoming more and more clear. I need to increase my speed, strength, endurance, and weight, and reduce my body fat. Once I see those things happening, I'll worry more about numbers, and actual milestones.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
New Supplements
After giving MuscleFeast 3 months of my time, effort, and money, I have decided to switch supplement brands. After doing some research I decided on going with Muscle Pharm (www.musclepharm.com). Here are the supplements I will be taking.
Assault: Pre-workout. I never used MuscleFeasts pre-workout supp. I had been a religious Jack3d user, so switching brands was difficult, but I had to give Assault a shot. The reviews were great, and I am looking forward to changing it up.
Combat Powder: I replaced MuscleFeasts 100% & Micelar Casein with this product. They have a 5 protein blend. For the price per serving, and again, the reviews from a lot of people I respect, I had to give it a shot for myself.
Armor-V: This is Muscle Pharm's multi-vitamin. This product is pretty much what got the ball rolling for me to switch brands. I had been looking for a multi-vitamin for some time, and through research, and some suggestions I was pushed towards this product. The serving size is 6 pills, but the bottle has a month supply, so for the price, I am good with it. This is the first multi-vitamin I have taken in over 10 years, so I am looking forward to the next 90 days with it.
Creatine: I hadn't been supplementing creatine directly since I started training hard again. I have just gone with what was already in Jack3d, and in my Anabolic Recover from MuscleFeast. I decided for the next 90 days, I will also supplement Creatine, and since I went with Muscle Pharm, it made sense to give their creatine a shot as well. Assault also has Creatine in it, so I am getting 2 servings on workout days, and at least 1 serving daily.
Re-Con: This is Muscle Pharm's recovery drink. I use it immediately after any strenuous workout. After sprinting/agility training. After hitting the iron, and after games. The flavor is great, and again, only time will tell on how well it works, but with the reviews I am going to give it my 90 days.
As for an Intra-workout supplement I am sticking with Purple Wraath until that bottle is gone, and then i'm switching to AEN's Intrabolic product. I haven't looked into Muscle Pharm for an intra-workout product, but will do that research in the very near future. I am happy with Purple Wraath, and the reviews on that product are very good. I had also tried Scivation's Xtend, but wasn't overly impressed with the results.
I will review this products as I notice any differences along the way. It's just too soon to give them a fair review.
Flag Football Game #3
Our 3rd game of the season put us against some of the Fond Du Lac Crusaders from the IFL. They were really good. Their quaterback had a great arm, and made good decisions, and their receivers pretty much caught everything. We started off really slow on offense, but Alex figured them out after our second possession, and then the track meet was on. We eventually brought it to within 4 points, with a couple minutes left, but they had the ball, and were able to run the clock out on us. Our second half defense was really good, and we didn't get shredded as bad as we did in the first half.
On another note, I only got to play defense again this week, which is okay. Wherever I can help has been my motto so far. These guys do not know me, or what I can do, but hopefully I will get some opportunities to show them what I can do very soon.
I did manage to get spiked by one of the receivers on the other team during a "pick" play, which ended up requiring four stitches. I really didn't think that I would end up having to get stitches because of a cleat in indoor football, but it's just part of the game. I did end up playing the rest of the game after getting spiked, mainly because it wasn't bleeding, and there was absolutely no pain. Which of course led me to believe that I didn't require stitches, so after the game, I went to the gym and lifted weights. Once I arrived home, Kathy saw the wound, and convinced me to get the doctors opinion on the wound, and at 10pm at night, there is no walk-in clinic open, so emergency rooms rates apply!!! The RN, PA, and Doctor I requested to look at the wound before I would go into the ER all suggested that I get a tetanus shot, as well as have it stitched up, and so pretty much my decision was made for me. The only pain I felt in the whole thing was in my wallet. A $200 Emergency room co-pay hit me pretty hard :-(.
On another note, I only got to play defense again this week, which is okay. Wherever I can help has been my motto so far. These guys do not know me, or what I can do, but hopefully I will get some opportunities to show them what I can do very soon.
I did manage to get spiked by one of the receivers on the other team during a "pick" play, which ended up requiring four stitches. I really didn't think that I would end up having to get stitches because of a cleat in indoor football, but it's just part of the game. I did end up playing the rest of the game after getting spiked, mainly because it wasn't bleeding, and there was absolutely no pain. Which of course led me to believe that I didn't require stitches, so after the game, I went to the gym and lifted weights. Once I arrived home, Kathy saw the wound, and convinced me to get the doctors opinion on the wound, and at 10pm at night, there is no walk-in clinic open, so emergency rooms rates apply!!! The RN, PA, and Doctor I requested to look at the wound before I would go into the ER all suggested that I get a tetanus shot, as well as have it stitched up, and so pretty much my decision was made for me. The only pain I felt in the whole thing was in my wallet. A $200 Emergency room co-pay hit me pretty hard :-(.
Stats and training
I wouldn't say that I completely overhauled my workout, but I will say that I fully re-evaluated my progress, and realized I have very little information to gauge my progress by. Honestly, the only things I could go off of is how much weight i could lift compared to the previous week, my weight, and what I see in the mirror. This is completely inadequate for what I am trying to accomplish.
If I go back and read my original post from October, I had some goals. One of my goals was to weigh 205 pounds before the season started. Of course, this was without sacrificing speed and agility. Well, I discovered that my weight hasn't moved, my agility and speed have improved, and my body fat is yet to be tested (my goal is 8%, but 10% would make me very happy).
So, with all of that said, I have decided to take the bull by the horns, and track my progress a lot closer, and be more detail oriented. I purchased 2 soft tape measures, a body fat tester, and have joined BodySpace on www.bodybuilding.com, which allows me to enter stats and goals. So, in my posts here, when I update my stats on My BodySpace, I will leave a link to that page in my blog post.
I have also started evaluating my workout, and progress there. I'm looking at shortening my rest time, but the jury is still out. My main object is to gain strength, yet I do need to build up some muscle endurance. I fatigue way too quickly when doing super sets. Perhaps my goals are unrealistic, and that is another area I need to revisit. I'll discuss this more with Kirk Olson, and see what he recommends, and by putting all of that together, I will be better able to gauge my progress and what changes I need to make in order to achieve my goals.
Goals
40 yard dash: 4.5
Body Fat %: 8%
Weight: 205lbs
Bench Press: 225 10x, 315 1x
Squat: 405lbs
More goals to come as I keep re-evaluating my progress.
If I go back and read my original post from October, I had some goals. One of my goals was to weigh 205 pounds before the season started. Of course, this was without sacrificing speed and agility. Well, I discovered that my weight hasn't moved, my agility and speed have improved, and my body fat is yet to be tested (my goal is 8%, but 10% would make me very happy).
So, with all of that said, I have decided to take the bull by the horns, and track my progress a lot closer, and be more detail oriented. I purchased 2 soft tape measures, a body fat tester, and have joined BodySpace on www.bodybuilding.com, which allows me to enter stats and goals. So, in my posts here, when I update my stats on My BodySpace, I will leave a link to that page in my blog post.
I have also started evaluating my workout, and progress there. I'm looking at shortening my rest time, but the jury is still out. My main object is to gain strength, yet I do need to build up some muscle endurance. I fatigue way too quickly when doing super sets. Perhaps my goals are unrealistic, and that is another area I need to revisit. I'll discuss this more with Kirk Olson, and see what he recommends, and by putting all of that together, I will be better able to gauge my progress and what changes I need to make in order to achieve my goals.
Goals
40 yard dash: 4.5
Body Fat %: 8%
Weight: 205lbs
Bench Press: 225 10x, 315 1x
Squat: 405lbs
More goals to come as I keep re-evaluating my progress.
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