Five day update

Wow. I completely spaced on my weekend update yesterday. Sorry about that, folks. Let's get everything up to speed.

Friday was Yoga, per the norm. I find myself looking forward to Yoga more and more. It's intense, but it feels so good during the second half where you just stretch and balance.

Saturday's legs and back was as delightful as ever. I'm starting to get to the point where the wall squats aren't as painful as they were initially. The feeling of increased endurance is so invigorating! Also, I need to figure out a way to use the pull-up bar downstairs. I think I've officially reached my limit with the bands (read: I've run out of room to get a good amount of resistance).

Kenpo Sunday was great, but a little confusing. This was the first time I've used my new heart rate monitor and, despite me working my butt off, my heart rate never really stayed over 160. (I feel I was working harder than the folks in the video and even Ashleigh said I was more intense than the guy in the back [his name fails me].) Technically speaking, my 'zone' is between 130 and 160 and I was within that range for the duration, but it didn't really peak until the vertical punches at the end where it reached 170.

Yesterday's stretches was uneventful. I do, however, need something more solid than the little cardboard box I'm using as a Yoga block. I'm actually reaching past my feet in the hamstring stretches. Feels really good.

Today was the second round of Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. This time, however, I pushed until it burned on each exercise. I also upped my weights, aiming for the 8-10 range for size. (There were still a few exercises where I underestimated the weight needed, but I know for next time.) The one-armed push-ups stomped me again, as I wasn't able to do even one by the time they came around. I even tried to modify them (on knees, arm in front), but to no avail.
Why can't my upper body be in the same shape as my lower?

Speaking of lower body (well, mid part, actually), the ab ripper is getting easier to complete. My lower back refuses to let me even attempt the v-ups, so I've taken to calling that segment my 'break'. I should do something else during that phase. Maybe I could just sit in 'boat' for the duration. At least that way I'd be working something rather than lying on my back for 90 seconds.

A side note about nutrition: I've been slipping. I'm not overeating, but I'm not taking in as many 'good' calories as I should. (Last night, Ashleigh and I had fried chicken for dinner. I ate it. I loved it. I regretted it in the back of my mind the whole time the delicious juices hit my tongue.) However, last night Ashleigh had attempted to make a most wonderful smelling zucchini and squash tomato sauce to have with spaghetti. Sadly, things didn't work out. But it got me thinking. The smell of the sauce and, despite having a burnt flavor to it, it made me crave vegetables. I mean as a whole meal, not a side. Last night, I thought for the first time that I might actually be willing to try a vegetarian diet.

I still love chicken and the occasional hamburger (weird, I don't miss the cheese), but I like them like that. Occasionally. I don't feel like I NEED meat with every meal. Maybe I really should consider it.