Training Log: Day 2 of 99, Plyometrics

I hate this workout, but know how important it is when preparing for a run.  I had knee surgery back in 1992, and my right knee has never been the same since.  It snaps, crackles, pops, and swells whenever I do any kind of impact work.  However, I know if I don’t strengthen my quads to their fullest extent, my knee will continue to deteriorate.

So, Plyo it was.  I am now in a full flop sweat as I write this.  But, I must say, completing that workout leaves you with a great deal of satisfaction.  I am in desparate need of some protein right now…time to go eat.

As Tony Horton says, “do your best…..and forget the rest”

No running today……

Training Log: Day 1 of 99, Chest and Back, Ab Ripper, Short Run

Did P90X  Chest and Back today – one of my favorites.  Did 28 pushups on the first set, and averaged about 15 on all subsequent sets and variations.  Lat Pulldowns averaged about 15-20 with 240 pounds on the Bowflex pulldown.

Followed up with Ab Ripper, probably my LEAST favorite thing to do.  Can still only get about 15 reps (out of 25) that they do on the video.  But, did my best.  Have improved from about 10 reps the first time I did it.

Started my run training today, which as expected, was fairly pathetic.  Did 20 minutes of training post workout – 5 minute walk, followed by 60 seconds of jogging and then 90 seconds of walking.  Each step jogging definitely hurt a bit, but got it done.  Day 1 of my program is in the books – Plyo tomorrow and no running, but quite frankly, Plyo is demanding enough without anything else.

All the best,

Dave

The time is NOW!

I’ll take a quick second to introduce myself.  My name is Dave Eisley, 38, married for 9 years with 3 boys aged 20, 7, and 5.  I was laid off as a Real Estate Trainer in January and have done a lot of soul searching over the last 6 months.

I just completed my first round of P90X last week – although I must admit Istill struggle with things like Yoga, Ab Ripper, Core, and Plyo.  Having been an avid weightlifter for over 20 years now, the other programs came much more naturally to me.  I am an AMFPT Certified personal trainer and a former gym owner, so I have a decent understanding of the different elements of fitness and how they are applied.  I have also been a smoker for 18 years – a classic case of knowing the right things to do – but not doing them.  Although, I will admit, I haven’t had a drink of alcohol in over a year.

Being 38, I struggle with many of the same issues others due in mid-life.  It becomes harder to maintain the physique, and being a smoker, it has begun to become hard to breathe.  Enough is enough.

So, today is the last day I will ever touch a cigarette.  No more.

I have committed to run a 5K on October 4.  I am hoping being able to share this struggle with others will help.  I will also incorporate another round of P90X during my training.   So, the intent of this Quest is to become healthier with a better body, and I have formulated my plan to get there.  The end game here is to run a Marathon by age 40, something I can hardly imagine doing now.  However, I don’t want to become your typical “stick figure” runner, so weightlifitng remains a priority.

This blog is not meant to be a “look at me” story.  I hope that others will share their stories, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

Let’s get started.

All the best,

Dave

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