P90X - Day Off - Letharic State!

Greetings Readers

This began yesterday afternoon and continued into today when I woke up. I could not move hardly. I slept hardly. The most I slept was in two hours intervals. I slept on my bed, the floor, the couch, I sat up, and I just felt horrible. The headache was bad yesterday. I felt spikes of pain in my joints - something like I would imagine arthritis would feel like.

This state of Lethargy happened to me last year while I was on the P90X and it was very bad. I, of course, really knew nothing of this in the state I was in last year. But was worse was that I got very sick and that took me off the P90X plan for about 2 weeks.

This time around I recognized the signs (though not right away) and immediately started to dump sugar, some carbs and some saturated fats into my system. I did not run, I did not exercise and I am not going to do the diet at all today.

It kind of sucked that of all days this had to happen - last day of the accounting month as well as "my duty" has to be done - paying the rent for our company I work for. And there is alot of rent that I have to as well as the recon before leaving for the day. Yes, the person above me could do it, but what takes me four hours to complete would take him/her eight hours to complete. So, I really had to be in. Anyway, I left work right after we shut down since nothing can be done when the system shuts down at that time. I took Light Rail home due to my state. Even though it is about 6 six miles and 1/2 down hill I could not risk really losing energy and not being able to pedal. Which is what happened last year. I coasted basically downhill to Qdoba's from Lightrail on my bike - I ordered a chicken burrito (with tomatoes, guacamole, hit sauce, Black beans) and a side order of Chips/Salsa. Then, basically rode downhill all the way home. guacamole!?!? The first time EVER that I ordered guacamole in any food! I hate the way guacamole looks like, but a friend who is also an athlete recommend having an avocado (since is has fat). The first bite was tough, but I have to admit it was not bad. Not good, but it was okay. What I mean is I actually ate it and did not make a face or spit it out. Thank goodness - I was able to eat half the burrito and some chips. I fell asleep right away after eating and then I woke up about 9PM. Took, a Nyquil then slept until 5 the next morning. Note: I did buy a bottle of Coca-Cola this morning, but I did not drink. Day 21 of No Coca-Cola today. I bought it specifically for the sugar (well technically the High Fructose Syrup), but I am happy to say that I did not drink. Until the next time Daryl Charley The Fallen Athlete

Fat Tire - 2 Below

Greetings Readers Okay, I was in the liquor store over the weekend and I had to get some cooking Jack. I did not make a bee-line for the Jack. Since I was in the liquor store why not take a look around... I never know what my father would like as a birthday gift. I just do not know. And yes Readers I know I could have asked him, my mother or my brother – but it is not in my nature to do so. So, this year I was visiting a local liquor store near where I live and I saw that they still have 2 below (Fat Tire). I could not believe it Readers! Not only did I see that they have 2 below – they had two 12-packs and two 6-packs! Yes, I immediately thought of myself, but then instantly remembered that I am on the P90X program and I know that a micro brew is not on the list as part of the program. Yes, the generalization of beer is listed (as well as the calories), but beyond that I know better than that this beer can not be counted as part of the plan. Then, I remembered that my father does love this beer. Matter of fact, the last time he was here visiting in the winter he made a comment that he loved this beer. And yes, when I had my short visit earlier this month he made a comment that he could not find any more Fat Tire – 2 below. I told him that beer is seasonal and they had just released the spring seasonal – which is the Mighty Arrow. Further noting that since the Spring Seasonal is out - they are no longer making the winter seasonal. So, I picked up a 12-pack and thought this is going to make an excellent birthday present. Note Readers, I know this blog is public, but I know that my mother and father do not follow my blog nor have access to Internet due to the location of our ranch. Of course, I know that would not stop them from accessing the Internet when they could access the Internet. Anyway, as far as I know this will be a surprise, but if not then he will know that I did locate a 12-pack of 2 below - and I hope this will be a nice birthday gift. I am sure that the local liquor store probably should have pulled the seasonal beer since the new seasonal beer is out and was stocked in their cooler. But personally, I do not go by seasonal deadlines and I do not stick to the “Best Before” date listed on the bottle. I am sure that a beer “Best Before” will not be bad one day or two weeks after the “Best Before” date. Perhaps even a month or two after the “Best Before” date. I did talk to the liquor store employee I know and asked how long will the 2 below be in the cooler. He indicated not long, matter of fact since a new company took over the Fat Tire company, new the company is strict about how long beer should be sold/displayed. With that said I indicated that I would come by within the week and buy the rest of the stock of 2 below. Personally, I think this will make an excellent birthday gift. As opposed to buying dinner, since me or my brother do buy the meals for our parents when I visit them in New Mexico. To me, that’s doing nothing special since we do do that all the time. Until the next time Daryl Charley The Fallen Athlete

The Dark Towers Revisited

Greetings Readers News from the Dark Tower.

I would like to say "Wonderful" but the Dark Tower is anything but wonderful, in a manner of speaking...

Somehow I came across a news note that there was a new book in the Dark Tower Series, which ended years ago.

Readers - I may write something about the Dark Tower and if you have not finished the series of books then you may want to stop reading.

With the death of Eddie and Oy's demise in the final book and not to mention the ending for Susannah and Jake that was a hard ending to a come to. I first heard of the Dark Tower when I was either in Junior High or High School. And then just years later that part of my life came to an end. Granted, there have been short stories published in the Dark Tower world but not really involving Roland and his Ka-tet. Anyway, as for Stephen King and the way he feels about the Dark Tower - the Dark Tower is alive and has been part of my life all this time.

I do not think I have told you this Readers, but when Stephen was hit by that van - do you know what I thought? First of all, I was not concerned for Stephen at that moment. My biggest thought when I first heard that news was the what the fuck was going to happen about the Dark tower?! We will never know the ending? Er... I will never know is what I was thinking. How selfish, but that was what I was worried about when I first heard the news. With that said that is why I can say that the Dark Tower has been part of my life all this time. I hated Gasher(man), what about the Tick Tock Man, and Blaine. Worst yet, Odetta. I loved when Roland danced on the stage while that song was being sung - The Rice Song. Oh, there are so many moments and passages I could recollect.

Anyway, getting back to the topic.

The Wind Through the Keyhole According to Stephen King's website - the book is written and should be published in 2012. Apparently, picks up after Wizard's & Glass and before Wolves of the Calla. You Readers can go to his website to read the short message regarding this book.

First of all, I am pleased to read that the book is written (completed). And two, I want to go back and read more about Mid-World.

It will be, in the words of my-ex-coworker "Just so awesome." But, truth be told any visits to Roland's world is never a happy ending. Just like one of my favorite movie's title - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The book is good, there will be badness (for you can always count on that Readers with anything dealing with Roland) and the ugly will be what is left in the end.

Yet, I do enjoy.

As I stated in the beginning of the post - it is anything, but "Wonderful"... Let me be honest - It is "Fucking Wonderful!"

Note: Readers, the only book I was disappointed with was the Song of Susannah in the Dark Tower series. Perhaps, I will elaborate on that in the future, perhaps.

until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 29

Greetings Readers

Well, I can not believe this, but somehow I am actually posing for my P90X picture for today's blog post.I do not know how this happened, but it happened.

I guess I am happy with the results and I feel pretty confident about myself and to me I can actually see a "big" difference and know that my dedication is paying off. As well as knowing what to do and expect of the P90X program since this is the second time that I started the program.

I know that I do look a lot thinner, and believe that is/was not the plan. The plan is... well it seems that I basically have researched the first part of the program and that was to get rid of the "spare tire" I had. Yes, yes, yes, you Readers would not think I would have one, but as the pictures do show I did have one (Day 1) and I am / was embarrassed to show you Readers that I actually have a gut. Well, now we me posing for today's blog post I can actually show what is not there barely anymore and not even be embarrassed that I look the way that I look now.

And this is officially Day 29 on the P90X program. Although - total the actual day count is Day 40. And this is due unforeseen factors on the plan. And those days that I did not work out I DO NOT count as Days on the P90X program. Yes, it would be easy to count those days as part of the program, but I am only cheating myself. Oh yes, I want to get done with the P90X program, but I also want to remain as faithful as much as I can to the program.

I have admitted, as well as logged in my journal, all the things I have not done, ate what I should not have ate and drank something that I should not have drank. And yes, there were those moments, but at least I did not indulge in the sin of Gluttony, though I have to admit I did indulge in the sin of desire.

Now, for the next phase of the program - Day 30 to Day 60 I need to lose just a bit more of the belly. Yet, the prime focus will be toning and building on what was not there (or able to see before the first phase of the P90X program.

Note: This is Day 14 of the No Coca-Cola streak.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

Those Wonderful Fast Foods Deals

Greetings Readers

I did notice was I noticed about a week ago, but have not mentioned this to you my fellow faithful Readers, Bloggers, and P90X woman & man (women & Men) in training.

I was watching some t.v and lo and behold I see the first of two commercials that caught my attention.

Not a big deal at that moment, but all of a sudden it has now become a "deal."

I have been doing pretty good, except for the break in the P90X Program at the beginning of the month. Not to mention that I had to start my sobriety of Coca-Cola once more. As of today I am on Day 8 of No Coca-Cola in a row. It was not hard to go clean again, but I will once more admit it was real good to have Coca-Cola at the beginning of March.

Anyway, the first commercial - KFC. I could not believe it. The special which I knew about two weeks ago was the 10 and 12 dollar dinner deals that the two KFC's I know of near me had. But, now the commercial is promoting a $ 5.00 lunch meal. $ 5.00 dollars! So enticing.

The next commercial was no better. Pizza Hutt. All pizza all sizes are $ 10.00 dollars. My vice with Pizza Hutt is the Meat Lover's and the (?Super?) Supreme pizza. I just love those two specific pizza there. And I also like the red pepper flake packets. Those two go hand in hand.

And with either of those tantalizing entrees - A nice cold Coca-Cola or Beer would be heaven.

And in this same week a couple friends stated that I missed a good all you can eat Sushi. $ 14.00 dollars. Yes, there is Salmon and other fish, but also there is white rice as well as the dipping sauces. Not to mention that I would be paying $ 14.00 dollars, which means that I have to eat my $ 14.00 dollars worth. I know, I know, literally I do not have to, but in my opinion if I am paying $ 14.00 dollars for sushi I am going to be eating all I can.

I am not saying that I could have done that and then worked out harder the next couple of work outs as well as run longer. But that would defeat the purpose of being on the plan. As predicted, I turned them down and said in about 50 to 60 days I will be able to join the merry crew for eatin.'

I think I may have blogged about this, but if not then this will be the first time to mention this. Note: this is not happening every week, but when Friday's come around and I get the chance to go out with some friends for lunch - I will go. I ask where they are going and see if it will be okay. Meaning, what I am allowing myself to have. Basically, on Friday when going out I will get a medium or large fries to eat. Yes - French Fries. though, they are fresh cut Fries from Good Times or the French Fries from Five guys.

This is not funny, but it is funny. I think it was the second or third week when we brought our food back to the place of employment and we ate in the break room. I was enjoying my fries - apparently really enjoying since I did not even think what I was doing. I just did it without even thinking. I licked the fingers that touched and picked up the fries and after I was done with that I apparently stuck my index finger into the empty French Fries carton and started to search for any lingering French Fry residue. LOL . I couldn't fucking believe it, but yes I could fucking believe it. one can never forget the taste of the salt on the fries as well as the fingers. And with me especially watching my sodium intake I have to admit I was in sodium delight.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 22

Greetings Readers

Ok. Here is the picture for today.

Today, there is no motivation to do anything really. 33 days unofficially and 22 Days officially. I did not have a regular P90X breakfast. I basically said fuck it and went down to the deli to get some scrambled eggs (yes with yolk) and some hash browns. I have to admit that it did sound good and was good. A different taste from what I remember having it some time ago. Not counting the Village Inn breakfast I had in Albuquerque, NM on 3-3-11.

I skipped eating lunch and I did not run, but that is only because I plan to run on Tuesday and Thursday at lunch.

I had some Hot Tea and water today. I biked about 9.86 miles and that's it. Nothing wrong with me today, but just feel like not doing anything really. Just go home and get caught up on that ever-soap-opera WWF.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 19

Greetings Readers

Today, when I woke up I felt like shit. Yes, tis true.

Anyway, took some time waking up and I was not motivated the start the day.

Apparently today was going to be a breezy / windy day. With that said I was not really to deal with the wind if I was going to take Andrea out. Handling wise since those deep rims can grab the wind and blow me around.

So, I took Rebecca out. First time this year. I forget from time to time how different it feels when not taking her out for a spin for such a period of time. As with Andrea I think it has been either early October or September since I last took her out.

She handled great this morning though I had to get used to being on her again. Andrea was the same way yesterday, though I have to admit I was kinda scared riding at 31 mph when going home. I guess I am not used to the speed nor Andrea since I have been riding Lily and Deneise the past 5 months.

The lunch run was great... well let put it this way. Not mentally great, but time wise I was 57 seconds faster, was stopped by two stoplights and had to stop twice due to my running shorts falling down-almost. =) The waist tie came undone (twice) and I could literally feel my running short sliding down. Go figure. With those stops and how I felt I do not see how I ran 57 seconds faster.

Being back onto the P90X after the "break" is good again. Though the abs are sensitive again - oh the pain. LOL. oh well, it will pay off. It better anyway.

Alright - that's about all. Another picture. I can actually put on one of the jeans (and not have to suck in the "gut" to button up ) I could not about a month ago. Feels great to know that I am losing the waistline again.

Lastly, I was at Ross about a week / week and half ago and I saw that there was on the clearance shelves some Iron Gym Ab Straps for the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout bar (can not remember the official name right off the tip of my head) that I bought about a year ago. I paid $ about 6.00 dollars I think, which I think was a deal. Though, I do not know how much they actually go for. Granted, I have been doing the P90X Abs ripper program, as well as the stability ball (whatever you call that plastic ball that is used for exercises whatnot) But to have these Ab Straps I now have another position to train my abs from. I will admit I did not realize how hard it was/is to lift my legs (or crunch the abs) and not to swing when doing my abs workout from this new way for me.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 18

Greetings Readers

Today was the day. Suppose to be a nice day. I think... well, let's be honest I have been putting off this day for quite some time. I know it is all mental, but I have been avoiding this day since Oct 16 & 17 of last year - the day of the 24 hours of Boulder.

A new year (well 3 months into) and I always look forward when I can take the other women out in my life. I have been riding Lily and Deneise for the past five months.

Today, I decided to take out Andrea. I can not remember the last time I took her out. My faithful Readers know that I love Andrea and love showing her off when I can.

Well, the tough part, for me today was going to be putting on the bike shoes and using them.

As I blogged in the past I really had a hard time after the 24 hours of Boulder - walking. I do not mean the day or the week after - I mean I really messed up / injured my feet. I was limping for two months straight. My feet hurt for the longest time. Any pressure on the top/sides/bottom of my feet put my feet into pain.

Basically the same reason I was putting off running until I ran the first time again since the 24 hours of Boulder on 02/22/11. I just did not know if I was okay or not. Did I want to re aggravate the injury sustained from the 24 hours of Boulder?

The bike shoes are snug so that was the main reason why I did not want to try. Yet, with me running at lunch and the feet doing fantastic I felt now was the time to put on the bike shoes and see if that was going to be okay.

All in all, I think it was mental. I did fine. I thought I felt pain in my feet, but I think it was mental phantom pain. Kind of like the stories of amputees have having an inch on a leg or arm that is not there anymore. As when I started running again two weeks ago I am going to have to get use to the biking shoes again. Note: Readers, three of my bikes are not clipless pedals and two of those bikes are winter bikes so that is why I am not wearing bike shoes for the past 5 months. I am able to wear my sneakers and those are just fine - since riding in the winter, at night, in the snow, on the ice I need to have quicker foot action in case I need to plant my feet to avoid falling as kiss mother Earth

I took her out and Andrea did great. I will have to admit I did a rookie mistake - I scratched up my right leg since I missed clipping into my pedals and scratched up my shin. And with that happening I also racked my balls in the process. Gosh darn. Or perhaps I am getting old. And going home I was going downhill and there was some wind I actually got scared a bit on how the wind blew me around while I was biking over 30 mph. I actually braked. Go figure. Me scared. Of course, with those deep dish rims if the wind is blowing from the sides of me biking I am going to be fighting against the wind not to be blown over/around.

And I plan to ride in my clipless shoes tomorrow - though if I feel any issue(s) with my feet tomorrow morning I will immediately stop riding and evaluate at that time. Though with the every other day running now I doubt there will be any issues. With the running the bottom of the feet is where the action is happening. The bike shoes will be different though. Action will be mostly at the bottom of the feet, though there will be a top action and side action so I will see.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 17

Greetings Readers

Alright. Back to the P90X Program. I know, I know, but the break in the program had to be done.

I am not reluctant, but I will freely admit that I went on what alcoholics call a "bender" with food last week starting Thursday and ending Sunday.

Now, today after being back in Colorado for the past two days I have gotten caught up on some much needed sleep and rest. I made an effort to eat healthy for the past two days at lunch. I have not gotten to go to the grocery store and shop for some food to eat since being back at my humble abode. With me leaving Colorado so suddenly I had to throw out the food I was going to eat and I really do not have anything to make that is not healthy. Well, let me put it another way I do not have anything to eat at all. I can not even say that I can eat junk food since I do not have any junk food in the house.

I know, I know I do have the wild rice - but come on Readers I could not wait over an hour for that rice to cook. That was not an option I was willing to bend on.

So, after work I was going to go to Sunflower and get some salad materials (for Lunch) as well as some vegetable... well P90X vegetable soup making groceries to make that soup. I know that I start that in the crock pot and I am okay for having that a couple/ few days. No problem.

I got to Sunflower at a decent time after work. I was excited in a manner of speaking...

Flashback -

My lunch run was pretty good after not running since Monday Feb 28, 2011. I basically have not run for nine days and for me to start up once more without any workout/ running was alright. All in all, I was two seconds faster on my lunch run counter clockwise loop I run. Today, I ran 35:05 and I was alright with that. I was not expecting to be slower than my run 9 days ago.

My goal, for now, is to go as long as I can by lowering (beating) my running time each time I run. So far so good, but I have not got that many runs under my belt, yet. I took longer strides and and tried to keep that going for as long as I could. I kept in check my wanting to run like Forrest Gump, so I kept a nice pace where I was comfortable with my breathing and stride. Though near of each run at lunch I pick a point and then "run like the wind blows" since I know the finish line is near and I want to stop that stopwatch with a faster time than the previous run.

And on this specific lunch run there is only one point on the course that I check my watch for my time. It is at a corner and basically once I reach this point I can see my place of employment and there is a gradual downhill run, but with a short little wicked climb. This is always tough at first when I started running, but becomes easier and I do not refer to a wicked little climb, but a little hill. Yet, in the homestretch of finishing there are two stoplights and there are many fast food places located in this stretch. With that said there is heavy traffic and I have to be careful to watch each driver turning in and turning out of these strip malls. I could become an statistic if I am not careful of the other drivers.

With all that said I do like running this part of the course - I can see the place where my run will end. I can smell the aroma of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Five Guys and some Fries (I do not specifically remember the name of that fast food joint) and there are a few other aromas that I can smell and remembered that I was eating the foods those aromas I am smelling on my lunch run just a month ago.

Well, I pushed myself towards the end of the run as per tradition. I was expecting to have a slower time (but not much) with me not working out or running for the past 9 days. I reached the start/finish point stoplight and I pushed the stop button on my watch.

35:05(.29) - Uh-oh. Since I did not look at my journal recently I can not remember what the actual time was the last time I ran on 02/28/11. However, I knew it was 35: something. Fuck me. I walked back to my place of employment cooling down and listening to music. Yet, I wanted to know if I did run a higher time.

I showered and changed as fast as I could and then got back to my desk. I open my journal and looked at the previous time - 35:07. I smiled big. Fucking two seconds faster. Fuck me. I could not stop smiling. I fucking beat my time. 2 seconds. It could have been one second. The point being I beat my previous time. It's all good.

Present - ...and that is why I was excited when I walked into Sunflower that evening.

I just could not stop thinking how I beat my previous running time.

I grabbed my Salad material - Leaf lettuce, Green onions, a green pepper, and radishes.

Then I started grabbing my vegetable materials. I was doing okay with the shopping, until I was getting/looking for the carrots, and celery. Sunflower, and I do not know if it just this Sunflower or all, but this Sunflower does not sell individuals celery or carrots. Both celery and carrots were being displayed in bags/bunches. At King Soopers and Safeway I am able to pick as many celery and carrots I want/need. I am not forced to buy a bag/bunch. Fuck me.

Prior to going in I already made up my mind this was the only stop that I was going to make tonight. I am not going to any other store for anything else. I made up my mind to do all my shopping at Sunflower.

Needless to say Readers - I called it the P90X vegetable soup, but it sure was not the P90X vegetable soup. I will admit this soup was potato soup tasting to the core. I added mushrooms, snap peas, white onions and a generous amount of black pepper, but that did not help the missing celery and carrots.

For any of you future P90X participants make sure you get all the ingredients as listed in the P90X Nutrition Plan Book. Otherwise, this vegetable soup will not taste like P90X soup - and personally I did not want to eat the soup. But I did. And matter of fact, this will be tomorrow's lunch so I will have to eat this soup tomorrow.

This is the price I am paying (suffering) for for not stopping at Safeway, which is practically down the street from Sunflower. All I had to do was bike 20 yards North and I could have been in and out in less than five minutes and not blogging about how I fucked up my P90X vegetable soup.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Program Put on Hold

Greetings Readers

A bit of a day off due to some circumstances that have come up in my personal life. There is a lot of running around I had to do today and yesterday.

Since, I did mention that I have a "muffin top" in blog the other day I might as well as get it out of the way.

I had to go to downtown Denver last night after work and do some things.

I have not been downtown in a while and thought to myself that I am going to stop by Ross (or was it TJ Maxx) and see if there are any good discounted underwear on sale. Specifically, the type of underwear that will show my "muffin top" in a certainpair of underwear. And since I was going to post a picture of this I might as well buy a new pair of underwear.

After all, I do deserve a new pair and I am now getting the look that I am looking for on my body.

What you see is far better than it was unofficially 21 days ago starting the Pre (and official) start of the P90X program. I was too embarass to take and post a before picture of my waist at that time.

Anyway, I have to admit that the waist line is gone down tremedously, but you Readers can see the "spare tire" I am working on to get rid of.

By the way, I will be posing in this underwear again and I am going to get even better (and hopefully showing some ripped body look)

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 16

Greetings Readers

Something, personal, has come up and I have been busy with that; therefore I have been unable to do the P90X program the last day and today - though I did go for a run on Monday's lunch break.
Anyway, here is another picture of me tracking my progress by picture while on the P90X program once more.

It is amazing that now that I am two weeks into the program that I do not have a second thought about posting a picture of me in my underwear. Yes, I did not do the first time around last year and I even wrote why I did not do it the first time around. Now, I am okay with it – go figure. Though, I am pretty damn sure that I will spare you Readers a picture of me in a thong from the back. LOL. I know I am not that gutsy. That’s really to revealing for me to show to you / anyone that I am not dating.

So, I thought to wear a stocking cap that I have been using lately for those cold morning, evenings and days, of course for my self picture.

I can feel the difference and even see the difference in my body since losing about 16 pounds since starting the plan officially 16 days ago (that does not count the unofficial start 20 days ago)

I am getting closer and closer to a “ripped” look I want to see on my body. I do not think that is asking a lot, but I am going the right direction and I know I am on the right track, so far. I know that I am not looking for that ultimate ripped look (though if it does happen that is going to be fucking… (In the words of ex-co-worker) awesome. I am expecting some ripped ab or abs on me soon. Not right now since I am on the fat shredder portion of the P90X program. And by gosh, that is working.

Looking at myself today – I can actually see that middle section is way down. Though, I will wear some underwear which hugs the waistline and I am betting that you will see that “muffin top” that I have. Fingers crossed that my muffin top is not that big – LOL.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete