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

P90X - Day 11

Greetings Readers

Today was the last of the vegetable soup was for lunch.

And for the first time in 11 days I had something different besides water. I had Glaceau vitamin water Zero Naturally Sweeten - Lemonade flavored.

Less than a gram of sugar, but I think I tasted sugar. Nevertheless, I have to admit that little sugar was pretty good in the drink - as well as the different taste. Since, I have been mostly have plain water or every now and then water with a slice of lemon. Yes, I would consider this a treat for me!

I have scheduled the YogaX program for the P90X for tonight. If I remember correctly this is the longest workout on the program. An hour and a half. That's too much time, but okay. I just hate that I have to set aside an hour and half.

Oh, today was the second run at lunch and second run since doing the 24 Hours of Boulder last October. Fucking awesome. I felt good and ran about 5 minutes and 20 seconds faster than I did two days ago. I felt good to put the hammer down and kind of go for it. I did hit a few stop lights, but other than that I was okay. Again, I ran 3.86 miles in 35:30.

For the evening meal I had saute shrimp only. Using Olive oil and the seasoning I used was onion power and black pepper. I did not even use salt. No biggie since I really do not add salt to sauteed shrimp. I had about 8 oz and it was pretty good.

And that is all for today's post.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A New PS3 Controller, Red

Greetings Readers

I had to succumb to buying a brand new DualShock 3 controller for my Playstation 3.

There is a story, but no different from probably why new controllers are bought.

It has been almost three years since I bought my PS3. I do like the PS3 though I probably not using it to its potential.

Anyway, 57.00 bones later I have a new red controller.

Basically, threw the original controller around one too many times and the last time it was thrown was about just a week ago. And that was all she wrote. No way to be fixed.

My fault. period. I can not blame natural disaster or act of God.

Anyway, I will try to control that controller throwing better, which I have been. Since I do not want to spend another 57.00 that I do not have to.

Oh, the only reason why I bought red (as opposed to black) was that this red controller was advertised for the God of War 3. That's it

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 7

Greetings Readers

Last night was my first steak in a while... well, since being on the P90X plan again.

I bought some sirloin steak (a 4 pack) for a pretty good price on Saturday afternoon.

First, the weather was actually ok (meaning not cold and not windy). And lastly, I was craving steak.

I did think about buying just one, but thought I am allowed to have steak on my plan, but I do not think back to back. Yet, that was not going to stop me from eating a portion for the next few days. As long as I watch my portions, the fat (oh I desire to eat that, but alas can not since I am on this P90X program.

The only thing that was with the buying of the steak is that I could not have A1 sauce, a lot of salt (meaning the usual amount that I put on a steak) and I could not have a beer or Coca-Cola wth my steak. Fucking sucks. Well, I could have, but again that defeats the purpose of the food plan.

Anyway, as much as I wanted to eat the steak alone, I did buy some fresh green beans from the produce section and then I cooked up some Wild Rice (though that added more than an hour to my cooking time since it does take that long to cook the wild rice. Since I was not going to have my usual seasonings with my steak I did buy a Jalapeno to eat with my steak. I have to admit the jalapenos was ok - not hot nor mild.

Oh, the other thing I want to mention is that I could not eat more than 1/2 a steak. Fuck me, did that fucking suck. I only limited myself to half a steak - I estimated about 8 oz. And that is basically going to be my portions for the next few days until I eat all of the steak - NY strip by the way.

And, I have to admit I do see a difference in the waist line. Though, the real noticeable place I notice is my pants. I can already feel the difference of how much of that "spare tire" I have lost in the past 10 days (or 6 days officially)

I do not know if the picture does it justice, but that is the picture of my dinner and it was oh so delicious. And I have to admit the steam fresh Green beans came out good - I added Onion power and just a dash of garlic salt - and lot of black pepper.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Denver Post Sunday Paper

Greetings Readers

I blogged perhaps a year or two ago about the Sunday Morning paper and me.

I had a ritual for every Sunday Morning.

However, that ritual was broken when the Denver Post Sunday Paper got smaller, the Sunday paper costs going up and the eventual disappearing of the Sunday comic I loved to read on Sunday.

Also, the news was not that exciting anymore. I admit the other reason why I bought the Sunday paper was for the ads. The ads. Sales and sales to be looked and analyzed over and over.

But, Damn if I was going pay 50 cents more to read a smaller paper when I can get the info from the TV and Internet.

Yet, February 6, 2011 I decided to buy another Sunday Paper. After all, it has been just a year since I bought my last Sunday Denver Post Paper. And I only bought the Sunday Paper back at that time for the same exact reason. Granted, I could have found the information that I was looking for on the Internet, but thought what the fuck I can splurge the $ 1.50 for one paper.

Note: Readers, I have bought many, many Sundays in the past two years, but those are the Albuquerque Journal and only when I am vacationing down in New Mexico.

What? Why did I buy the Sunday Denver Post Paper.

The only reason why I bought the Denver Post, that is, the Sunday Denver Post was for the announcement of the bike tour I did a couple of years ago. No drum roll. It is the announcement of the Ride the Rockies 2011.

I have to admit that I am now looking to see what the route would be the new year. I am not impressed by the route itself. And the starting line is not even a place I thought would be a Ride the Rockies start. Granted, I never new where the starting point of any Ride the Rockies prior to my participating in 2009. And there is an explanation why I did not care/know.

Last year, the Ride the Rockies 2010 started in Grand Junction and if I remember correctly ended in Salida, CO. I actually thought it was nice route and even thought about applying, but decided not to.

Anyway, here we are. I will give it a thought, perhaps two, but I do not think that I will be applying for this year's Ride the Rockies. I will have to look at the Mountain Passes as well as the towns that the stops will be at for me to even consider applying for a spot. I am not impressed and after all I can already state that I have done the Ride the Rockies.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 5

Greetings Readers

When I woke up the day immediately hit me like a freight train - I am sore and hurting in a manner of speaking. My mood is that I am beat fucking tired.

My body may have hit the too much "healthy" food and no sugar, carbs or anything that I am not allowed to have - as well as working out almost every body part.

I did not wake up shaking or anything like that, but when I woke up I was tired and everything was sore. I mean everything.

I had planned to make my lunch before leaving for work this morning, but that was not going to fucking happen. I know, I know Readers, I should have made the salad the evening before. But elected not to since I did plan to make my lunch salad in the morning.

What I did not count on what how I woke up and felt.

I dragged myself out of bed and basically dragged myself around my humble abode trying to move quickly and forget the rest that I wanted to do. I focused on trying to get ready and out the door. I woke up late and I was going to have to take the RTD bus and Light Rail to work due to how I felt. And if I was going to do that I had to get a move on before I miss the bus and have to wait about 30 minutes for the next bus to come.

I hate buying the salad lunch at work - basically about 6.00 bones. Yet, we do have a health conscious food place so I am sure that I could get a semi-healthy meal to buy, if I am allowed to buy one.

The other thing I was hungry. Real hungry. No egg whites hard boiled this morning. I guess I am going to be making one more stop this morning. McDonald's. That was the only place open at 5:30 in the morning on the route I was going to work on.

I know, I know, but I really was hungry for a Brekfast potato wedge and Egg McMuffin, and I had to satisfy that small craving, but more importantly that hunger. And I needed some fast energy, I think.

I got off the bus stop near McDonald's and went in. I also had a drink and I did get some sweet tea. Yes, Sweet tea and it did have sugar. I did not have a lot, but I did have some. The real first sugary drink in about 9 days. It was good. I felt guilty, but also knew that I was not going to go on a bender of Sweet Tea and Breakfast Potato Wedges. I did my best not to eat the yellow yoke in the McMuffin, but alas that said I was also eating the muffin - which is a no-no also.

As I was waiting for the Light Rail train to come I quickly ate the rest of McMuffin and saved the Sweet Tea for later. Why? That was going to be a drink to be savored and also it was going to be all I was going to have.

Soon, lunch came and I was still hungry. I decided to head to the place that serves meals. And that was where I saw Jerky Chicken with a rice mixture (sign indicated 323 calories). That did not sound too bad. Though there were two things that were "bad" about the meal and that was the chicken skin (fat) and the white rice (I should not be eating at all). I did not eat the chicken skin, but I did eat the white rice. That was something that I did not want to do, but I did since that was the only side dish to the meal. I know the chicken was healthy since that is on the meal plan and is lean, I think.

And that was the day. I did know this type of day was coming, but I did not think it was going to happen today. Oh, as you can see from the picture I took of myself does reflects on how I felt. Sore, tired and too exhausted to even get a smile.

Also, this time I am very aware of what I ate all day and what the consequences were. I am not ashamed, but that should be the last time that will happen.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 4

Greetings Readers

This is another picture of me. I know I can not see any difference in my body and did not expect to since I just started the P90X program (again). This is the fourth day and it is way too early to see / notice any differences to my body in a picture. Yet, I am hoping to see that "spare tire" go down in the next week though.

Yet, I needed to take a picture since I am going to make a conscience effort to take a picture of myself and post.

I did not eat breakfast. Time got away from me, but I did take some Stir fry for lunch (and was also going to have for dinner). Since there is shrimp in the meal that shrimp must be consumed within a couple of days of cooking or else it goes bad.

I did make alot of stir fry and that was the plan. I wanted shrimp for the next couple of days and knew I would be okay with it.

I am very sore today, but overall my mood is okay. I did have about 2 oz of cashews for dinner.

Unofficially, this is the 8th day of starting my program, but officially the fourth day. I am very sore and knew what to be expecting. Yet, every time I start a new plan (again) I have to learn to cope with the new (or old) workout and what it initially does to the body. In the end, though the soreness will go away and I will be fine.

Here is the funny part, though it was not funny when going to bed. I have several positions that I sleep in.... anyway, I could not sleep in any of them. I basically slept in comma position all night. If I tried to move my legs, arms or straighten out my body - I could feel the soreness / tightness of my muscles. LOL. I think I smiled, but I can not remember, when trying to get into any position to go to sleep in. Oh, I did fall asleep right away, but getting into position was the hard part of going to bed.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 1

Greetings Readers

Once again, I have embarked on the P90X Program.

Here is the Day 1 picture that I thought over and over about to post or not to post.

I am not fat, in a manner of speaking, but I did notice that I am getting a spare tire around the waist as well as the pants getting snug. And this is due to drinking of the dark beer, as well as few frozen margaritas the past week, Pizza Hutt Meat Lover's Pizza, KFC, Lays Potato Chips, and endless Coca-Colas.

Last year, I did not post a picture of myself when I did the P90X plan. I was embarrassed to post a picture of me with a "spare tire". Granted, I saw numerous blogs that had people way bigger than me posting pictures of themselves without a second thought. However, I was just not ready to post a P90x picture. Yes, I took pictures of myself but never had the guts to post my pictures I took last year of myself.

This time around I thought about it again, but fuck it. No Guts, no glory. Anyway, you faithful Readers know (and seen) me post pictures of my ass, nipples, and other revealing pictures through the years. Granted, I was not posing in my underwear like I am now. Anyway, I never gave it a second thought about my other pictures to post and whether or not I am revealing too much. And in this case it is for the P90X program, so it means like I am not flaunting anyway. Perhaps in 90 days I will be. =) Who knows, but hope to be.

In addition to the posting of the pictures - I took measurements and weight since I did not do that first time. I just gauged the weight loss by the looseness of my pants. I also bought a diet guide, but this is solely for writing down what I eat, drink and approximately how oz. I am eating. I am logging the supplements I am taking and the exercise.

Anyway, I am going about it a bit more technically, but also going to do with a bit of change of the last time. I understand what I went through the first time and am making allowances to the program. I do not wish, but hope to do within 90 days, but due to my work schedules during parts of the month as well as my personal life - I understand that I am going to be going longer than 90 days, and will not give it a second thought. I will give the program still my 100% involvement.

I am also allowing certain times to have "treat", "reward" or whatever name you want to give it to eat something not on the P90x program. Last time, at work I isolated myself from my friends since I could not go to lunch with them. Temptation was an issue last year. Better not to go was my thinking and that approach worked for me. This time around I am going to allow myself fries at least once a week so I am not being "stuck up", in a manner of speaking. Readers, my friends know that I am not being stuck up - they know that I am doing the program and how restrictive it is to me.


With that said so far, let me come to a stopping point. Let us see what comes of this and I am going to make the biggest effort to log / blog my P90X with you.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Happy Valentine's Day

Greetings Readers

I am valentine-less today, but that will not stop me from saying Happy Valentine's Day to the others who are not. Day has started though so perhaps I will be surprised by someone.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The First Pre-P90X Meal

Greetings Readers

Okay, this is my first un-official healthy meal from the P90X program.

The weather was a bit cold for grilling on the barbecue grill and I have loaned out my indoor grill to my brother last year.

So, I was stuck in a bit of a pickle, a quandary.

Well, perhaps that is the wrong thing to say. What I mean that there was only one way to cook this Salmon. I was going to have to Pan fry this Salmon - in Olive Oil. Believe that. First of all, to pan fry a fish, to me, is a big no-no. I just do not do that. Period. Number two. I was going to have to use the healthy Olive Oil, as oppose to using something like butter or Crisco shortening.

Anyway, I tried remembering seeing any of the cooking shows on the Food Network that someone had cooked a fish in a pan. But, I could not remember. I did have the notion of wrapping this Salmon up in Aluminum Foil and sticking the Salmon in the Oven to cook. Fuck that option. I wanted to see first hand if I was going to fuck up cooking this Salmon.

Oh, before starting the pan fry Salmon I had started the Canadian Wild Rice since that does take about an hour to cook fully.

That was going to be my meal. Salmon and Canadian Wild Rice

Oh.... you know Readers this was not first pre-meal before going officially on the P90X program - my first meal was the Red Pepper Soup. Sorry.

I would say about 15 to 20 minutes later on the stove and pan frying the Salmon I was done. I knew that I did not want to over cook my Salmon since a dry fish sucks. All in all I got the right temperature, flipped accordingly and carefully and was able to get a nice cooking on the fish side and a nice and crispy skin on the skin side of the fish. I think what helped was monitoring the cooking temp, listening to the cooking and keeping a piece of aluminium foil over the frying pan. That helped keep the moisture in the fish.

Anyway, here is picture of the Salmon and I have to admit that I did a fairly damn good job pan frying my first fish on the stove stop.

And tomorrow will be the first official day of starting the P90X program, again =).

P.S. Yes, I sure did stink up my humble abode with Salmon smell.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

P90X - Day 1 (well...pre day 1)

Greetings Readers

Now, is the time for me to begin the P90X program - again.

Well, let me rephrase that. I am going to do what I did last time that was going to go cold turkey on the vices that I am not allow to have on the P90X program.

What that means - no Cola-Cola, no junk food, no alcohol and no fast food (except french fries).

This worked well last year and I am going to start that again with this pre-P90X routine .

Last year, I thought I needed to cold turkey for solely one reason and that was for the Cola-Cola.

Me being addicted to Coca-Cola is pretty bad (or good depending on your point of view) There are some (a lot) calories as well as that high fructose corn syrup that in the drink. I basically had to have some all day long. The comparison would be a cigarette smoker that needs to smoke all day long. In my case, I think it more than the caffeine in Coca-Cola that I desire.

Last year, after three days of going cold turkey - it all hit me like an addict. I woke up shaking and was having urge to get one fucking taste. I was lucky that there was no Coca-Cola in my humble abode.

Anyway, here I am. Beginning the detox. This is good for me since I can get that out of the way and not be detoxing and sore from the P90X program at the same time. I hurt last time and if I figure if that I was detoxing at the same time the first time I started the P90X program I knew I would have caved.

I have had the last of those Pizza Hutt Wingstreet Wings, I had my last bag of Potato Chips and I hope to have had my last 1 liter of Coca-Cola yesterday. This is not forever, but will be the last for I hope a while. Granted, last year, I went on vacation and did allow exceptions since I was on vacation and not to subject my parents (and brother) to the P90X food program. And since I was doing well at the time in the P90X Program I knew that enjoying some of the things I was doing in Colorado I knew I was okay to partake in some of the fast food and Cola-Cola that I did not have for a time.

I am going to go shopping for the healthy food today / tomorrow. I might as well start that to get a small head start into the "new" meals I will be having for the next three months.

I am also going to follow the plan a bit different since the meals I was making was too much (and too costly) for me to making, spending and trying to follow to a T. I am cooking and eating for myself, but also if I was making the meals per the P90X meal plan I have to eat something different each day and was also making alot for one person to eat. I am going to incorporate some of the meals back to back days so that I am not wasting food (and money)

The best thing around is that I know what to expect and how to approach this since this will not be my first time doing the P90X program.

Water was hard thing for me to do last time. Meaning, I really had a hard time drinking water, plain water, all day/all week long. This time around I am okay and know that having a slice of lemon (or lime) helped greatly with water. That's a helpful tip for your first time P90X starters.

The other hard part of the P90X program was setting aside the time to do the workout. Meaning, if you are the typically white collar 40 hours a week person, have a life (or even a family) it is tough to make time to workout with the DVD's. In addition, if you are single like me you have to do the cooking after working out. So, it was best to get your work done, get home at a decent time to leave yourself some time to workout. Worst one was the Yoga X - that is an hour and a half of your time doing the P90X program. After that, it was time for me to cook and the next thing you know it is time to go to bed.

Oh, there was never a problem going to bed (dog tired) since most of the time I was beat. And the more rest you had the better off you are the following day. I remember days last year going to bed before 9 P.M. Worst yet, falling asleep in front of the t.v., with it on, of course. The next thing you know I am half asleep walking to my bed in the early morning to finish sleeping.

okay Readers enough blogging for now and time for me to blog more later on this. After all I (or we) have some more time to get know each other (really myself)

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A fucking heat wave, in a manner of speaking

Greetings Readers

As the post states... A "heat wave"

I was actually enjoying the nice break from the negative and single digit temperatures.

Also, we got another round of snow so I am still riding Lily.

This picture was taken about 6:30 P.M. I used the auto correct on the picture so the picture is way lighter than it way. It was pretty dark, pretty slick and where I was riding I was the only traffic that had come through in a while. Also, snow was falling lightly.

You may think I am a bad ass for riding in this weather, but I have to state that I am not as bad of a bad ass that I know of. She rides in Alaska and has a fucking nice bike for this type of weather, knows how to dress warm for the Alaska cold and does this with a smile. We Coloradoans experience real cold from time to time and this a period of time that we going through right now.

I do get bundled up and ready to ride in this cold excited, but then I think of that one woman in Alaska and she has so much more bad ass factor than me that she puts me into place - yet that draws a smile from me.

LOL.

Anyway, I thought me crouching next to this concrete wall would make a good picture. And I think it does.

Enjoy the weekend fellow Denverites.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete