Day 25: The Human Plank Strikes Again

As part of "recovery week," today's workout was "X-Stretch," essentially an hour of stretches that will supposedly reduce the chance of injury. However, the chance of injury actually doing this workout was pretty darn high.

As I've said before, this is not the fault of the workout. After 40-plus years--many of them overweight and underexercised--I can't "touch my toes." Hell, I can barely SEE my toes.

Many of the "X-Stretch" moves felt great. But some of them were laughably difficult for me. Take the "Shoulder Stand," pictured here, which is essentially a Yoga move. Now, for the record, I did try this. I cannot really remember exactly how I ended up sideways, with my feet on the couch and my neck bent in an uncomfortably awkward position, but let's just say I'm glad there wasn't a camera in the room.

I've heard it said that part of any exercise routine is to get "comfortable being uncomfortable." Well, I've got the uncomfortable part down!

Day 24: Respect for My Dad, the Athlete

As I did today's work out (KenpoX), I was thinking about my Dad.

I remember, when I was a kid, my Dad decided to start exercising and began riding his bike on a regular basis. Now, my father (far right in picture with his brother, me and my boys) is a brilliant man and was a top-notch physician, but I wouldn't call him an athlete. I would frequently laugh when he would come home after a 12-hour day at work, put on sneakers with his dress socks, and shorts with a dress shirt and go out to ride his bike.

But now, as a dad in my 40s, I have a lot of respect for that. Despite his sartorial choices, my father did what he had to in order to exercise.

I try not to wear dark socks with sneakers and I try to wear appropriate workout clothes, but in reality, I'm sure I look as awkward as my Dad trying to workout every day. I don't think my boys are laughing at me, but I'm sure that day will come. But that's alright. In the end, I remember my Dad doing what he could to be healthy and I hope my kids see the same thing in me.

Oh, by the way, it worked for my Dad, too. He's now a healthy 87-year-old man with a replaced knee, who still tries to exercise regularly. And I'm very proud of him--dark socks and all.

Day 23: I Should Have Tabled My Workout

It wasn't just Core Synergistics that made my workout hard this morning. It was Robert's Rules of Order!

When you're the spokesman for a large school system, night meetings are a part of your life. Usually these meetings last until 9 p.m., maybe 9:30 p.m., and your home, comfy and cozy by 10 p.m. But not Monday night.

For whatever reason, the agenda for the Montgomery County Board of Education Monday night was long and packed with big issues. The meeting lasted a long time--past midnight-- because the issues they were discussing were important and deserved the time. But as the meeting went on, all I could think about was my alarm going off at 5 a.m. When I got home around 12:30 a.m., I couldn't fall asleep and didn't finally doze off until near the end of Jimmy Fallon (I didn't see Vanilla Fudge play, which, really, is fine with me).

Just 3 1/2 hours later, the alarm went off. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Around 5:45 a.m., I rolled out of bed feeling terrible. I thought about skipping my workout, but was determined to stay on track. I got my sneakers on and "pushed play." For the first time since I started P90x, I think I would have been better off taking a blow.

The Core Synergistics workout is really tough (especially for a BLM -- Blob Like Me) and requires a lot of concentration. I was having trouble with some of the moves (this is the first time I've done this workout) and got very frustrated. After the workout, I felt awful--sore, discouraged and tired. I've pretty much been that way the whole day.

Even though I'd hate to miss a day, I have to wonder if it wouldn't have been better to just "table" my workout today. Do I have a second?

Day (21 &) 22: Piano Moving

At the beginning of Week 4, I can honestly say I'm seeing and feeling progress. Clothes are a bit looser, muscles are a little more defined and there's slightly less of me all around (although there is still PLENTY!) But I had an interesting marker of progress last night.

I joined my friends Michelle and Cynthia to play a short set at a the Coco Moka Cafe in Silver Spring (aka Leisureworld--really), which meant lugging a very large, heavy electric piano in and out of my car (the keyboard is very similar to the one in the picture).

The last time I did this was Feb. 27, before starting the program. I remember the piano was hard to lift and I had to take breaks getting it to and from the car. Last night? It felt much lighter and I had no problem carrying it. To me, that's a real life sign of progress.

But just in case I was getting confident, Jillian kicked my ass again this morning with Yoga.

Week 4 is a "recovery" week--no weights, more cardio, more ab focus. That means I get to do Yoga TWICE this week. Oh Joy.

Maybe I'll just do some "piano lifts."

Day 20: Pizza-90X

I grew up just outside New Haven, Conn., where pizza is not a meal--it's a religion. I won't bore you with the history, but the bottom line is if you live in New Haven and don't like pizza, you have to move.

So, I always look forward to Friday nights. That's "family fun night" for our family and usually means going to the pizza place in Rockville Town Center (not as good as Pepe's, but not bad). Now, I can eat some pizza--five or six slices easily--and wash it down with a couple of cold beers. And sometimes we'll make the short walk to Ben & Jerry's for ice cream. Literally, hog heaven.

I've done pretty well with the diet part of this program and really haven't struggled with it as much as I thought I would. But last night was tough. I allowed myself two slices of pizza and a salad, with water to drink. Now, for a robust pizza lover like myself, two slices is like clearing your throat before a speech--you're just getting started. But, as much as I wanted more, I thought about how hard Kenpo-X would be this morning. So, two slices it was. And then we went to Ben & Jerry's and I had....nothing.

I was actually proud of myself. And, this morning, Kenpo-X (my favorite workout) was great. So I guess the X is stronger than the 'za. But if I get within 10 miles of Pepe's, you might want to keep your fingers away from the table.

Week 3 is done. Go Huskies!

Day 19: Thought-Proof Exercise

Last night, as I watched the UConn Huskies vanquish San Diego State, my wife was cutting out little pictures to paste on our 4 1/2 year old's calendar. A school bus tells him which days he has school, a soccer ball tells him which day he has soccer, and so on.

She's been doing this for a while and we really think it's helping him learn his days, dates and numbers.

It made me think about why P90x--so far--seems to be working for me, and I really think it has to do with the fact that it's all laid out for you. You do THIS workout one day, and THAT workout another day and so on.

I am extremely undisciplined about exercise. I don't have that inner motivation to get moving each day. I'm perfectly happy to sit in my chair under a blanket and watch Law & Order: SVU all day (oh, and trust me, I've done it!). If I have to think to exercise, it's far less likely to happen.

But P90x has two things going for it--I do it at my home, not a gym, and I don't have to think. Put in DVD. Push Play. Move!

I deeply admire people who go to the gym each day and know exactly what to do and when to do it, or people who run regularly and have a specific training routine. In my 40s and I've come to accept that is not me. And that's....okay.

Maybe my wife will make me a calendar with little pictures of weights, yoga poses and workout bands. Maybe not.

Day 18: Jillian Kicks My Ass

As I wrote last week, Yoga is without a doubt the workout I'm struggling with the most. I think there are two reasons:

1) I am the Human Plank

2) The muscle-building part of Yoga requires you to lift your own weight. In my case, that's quite the task.

Having realized that, for the moment, Yoga-X was out of my league, my friend Michael and his sister, Michelle, (following the blog from afar. Yeah!) suggested a shorter workout: Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown (Jillian is the TV trainer from The Biggest Loser).

Well, the only thing to meltdown today was my ego. Put gently, Jillian kicked my ample butt.

The workout is "only" 30 minutes and it is "easier" than the P90x version, but it is a sweat-dripping, muscle-crushing workout. The good news is I feel that with some practice I could finish the workout and then, maybe, try Yoga-X again.

But until then, there are many ego meltdowns to go.

Day 17: Dropping Weight

Okay, I admit that I watch "What Not to Wear." I watched it once with my wife and thought it was funny and we've watched it ever since. I know this costs me some major "man points," but that's okay--I've never been much of an alpha-male anyway.

Unless I'm lifting weights.

Then, for some reason, I get all wrapped up in how much I'm lifting, how many reps I did and all that crap. And, in the past, I've almost never dropped weight in the middle of a workout. The result has been soreness, frustration and, in a couple of cases, injury.

But this has been different. The P90x exercises are so intense (and there are so many) that I've had to swallow my pride and use lighter weights--or even switch to workout bands--for some exercises. This morning, I started my Shoulders and Arms workout with 25 pound weights, but after a couple of sets quickly realized I was in trouble. So, I pushed pause and dropped the weight to 20. I ended up having a really good workout, with my pride, and my shoulders, intact.

And, Top Chef is on tonight!

Rolling Out the Welcome Mat

Today's a big day for me in this whole process. Thus far, only a handful of people know I'm doing P90x and that I'm keeping a blog. But today, I'm gonna let a lot of people know. For me, this is the ultimate accountability--the more people know, the more pressure I will feel to finish.

I gave myself the first couple of weeks to get in the routine and see if this is something that I could actually do. I feel fairly confident now that I will get through the 90 days and see some good results (confident, not cocky!).

So, welcome to PDaddyX. To get caught up, learn more about why I'm doing this and why I'm a lucky man. Or simply scroll through all 16 days of posts.

Whether you visit once or every day, thank you for being part of this little phase of my life. Hopefully a blog about a pudgy, middle-aged bureaucrat trying to get into shape will provide some level of entertainment for you. Meanwhile, your visits will keep me motivated and I truly appreciate it.

Day 16: It's Getting Harder...and This is Good News?

It's Tuesday, so it's Plyometrics day. During the workout today, I noticed that some of the exercises I had no problem with the first two weeks were suddenly a lot harder to finish. I was starting to get frustrated when suddenly it hit me..

It's harder, because I'm able to do the exercises right. For instance, lateral leapfrog squats (squat stance jumping side to side) used to be easy. But now, I'm more flexible, I'm getting lower and it's harder. But, it's SUPPOSED to be harder, right?

Don't get me wrong, I'm still the Human Plank (the fifth member of the Fantastic Four, not pictured), but somehow, these exercises getting harder is a sign of progress.

Go figure.

Day (14 &) 15: Feeling Lucky

I've been keeping a secret for the past couple of weeks--I've been very, very worried.

For the past two weeks I have been waiting for blood work to come back from my first physical in several years (it's been so long, I don't remember when my last physical was). I was worried about what the results would show. After all, for the past 10 years, I've been essentially ignoring my health--very little exercise, bad food choices, not enough sleep and a high-stress lifestyle. I was sure my blood tests would show the effects. I was extremely worried about diabetes, because we have a family history.

I was mostly wrong, thank God.

My cholesterol and triglycerides were a bit high, but can be managed. Blood sugar, PSA and all other functions were normal. My blood pressure is a bit high too, but for the most part, I'm a healthy 43 year old man. I don't deserve it in a way, but my body was able to withstand the abuse I've been heaping on it.

When I started my third week of P90x this morning, I thought about how lucky I am. And I resolved never--ever--to ignore my health again. This is the first step in a long journey that will last the rest of my life.

Day 13: The Perfect Drive Keeps You Coming Back

For anyone who hacks around at golf, you've had the experience of having a lousy round. You've played field hockey with the ball for 17 holes and arrive at the 18th tee completely exhausted and frustrated and swearing you may give up the game. And then--BOOM--you hit a perfect drive, one that sails through the air majestically and lands gently in the fairway. You par the hole and leave the course feeling great, ready to play again another day...

I feel that way about Kenpo X.

This was a hard week and my last two workouts were not great (and in one case that was completely self-inflicted). I'm pleased I didn't give up but I was starting to feel some frustration and wondering if I would make it 90 days. But Kenpo X is a fun, hard workout. The time flies and I am able to do every move and make every rep. It wasn't perfect (neither was that drive, by the way) but I feel exhilarated and when I finished, I was immediately looking forward to week 3.

But first comes a much-needed day of rest tomorrow.

Day 12: Bad Daddy!

I told you that this week would be trouble.

Last night, after speaking to a class in Virginia, I met a friend for a quick drink and dinner around 9:30 p.m. We were having a good conversation, the music was loud and cheesy 80s (Ice, Ice, Baby...), the NCAA tourney was on (Go Huskies), it was St. Patrick's day and....BAM....I left the restaurant in Virginia shortly before 12:30 a.m. (I live in Maryland).

As I got ready for bed shortly before 1 a.m. all I could think was "Damn! That alarm is gonna go off in less than four hours." And so it did. Snooze. Went off again. Snooze. Went off again. You get the picture. BUT...I eventually got up and did the work out. It wasn't the best workout I've had, but it wasn't the worst either--and it was considerably better than no workout.

Also, on the plus side, I didn't overdo it at the bar. I had a couple of drinks and I avoided the "burger and fries" I wanted so badly. So it wasn't all bad.

But, man, I could use a nap.

Day 11: Yoga for Dummies

As I mentioned last week, Yoga X was not a very fun experience for me. My complete lack of flexibility and core strength gave me anything but inner peace. Inner anger was more like it. So, this week--again at the suggestion of a friend--I tried a different Yoga program. We had one around the house called "Yoga for Dummies."

This DVD stepped me through some of the basic Yoga poses (Downward Facing Dog, Cat Pose, Over Easy Egg...) and gave me a good stretch. It wasn't a workout per se, so I need to find something a little more intense (although I will confess that an easy day today is welcome: my body is very weary). I may actually log on to beachbody.com (Beachbody is the company that produced P90X) and see if anyone has any suggestions.

Ultimately, I would like to be able to do the Yoga part in P90X, because it looks like a great work out. But right now, I'm concerned that I might snap in half or stretch something that shouldn't be stretched.

Then, instead of downward facing dog, I'd be a couchward laying Daddy.

Day 10: One Man Band

My friend Michael, who just finished his first round of P90x and is starting it again (mad man), gave me some good advice before I started. He told me to buy dumbbells of differing weights and not a set where you have to slide weights on and off.

I didn't follow his advice because of the cost. I should have.

Today's workout was Shoulders and Arms and it required differing weights for different exercises. I tried to use the same weight for all of them and, trust me, it was a VERY bad idea. So, in the middle of the workout I switched to using a band for the exercises that needed lighter weights. I have to say that I was impressed with how good a workout you can get with the band. I'm already using them for pull-ups (for now) but it really worked with straight-arm shoulder flies and some triceps work.

Bottom line, today was not a great work out. I was tired and sore and tired. And sore. But I powered through and, thanks to the workout bands, I was able to make it. However, a trip to Sports Authority may be in my future.

Day 9: A Modified Rock Star

As you age, you come to certain realities. I've long accepted that I'll never play outfield for the Mets (although this year, they may need me) and that I will never dunk a basketball (on a regulation hoop). Now, I must accept that I'm not a rock star.

This reality hit me during today's Plyometrics workout when I was trying to do an exercise call "Rock Star Hops." It's where you jump up like Pete Townsend during the end of "Won't Get Fooled Again" and swing your arm around. I tried. And tried. But I couldn't do it. So I modified it so I could do something close.

To me, that's been the key to finishing the hardest workouts in P90X--modification. If you are in poor shape, modification is the only way you're going to finish and still keep your heart rate up. So, during one exercise that was just too hard on my knees, I simulated jumping rope. In another, where everyone is supposed to get high off the ground, I went to my tip toes and then back down. In the end, I sweated a lot and got a good work out in.

Call me a modified rock star.

Day 8: Progress? Yes, Progress!

Heading into the second week of PDaddyX, I'm looking--desperately--for any sign of progress. I found it today in decline push-ups, of all places.

Decline push-ups are where you put your feet on a chair and then do a regular push-up. If you've never done them, trust me, they're hard, especially if you're out of shape.

As you can (kind of) see on my work-out log on the right, the first week, I was able to do three in the first set and zero in the second. This week? SEVEN in the first set and FIVE in the second.

Now, I will wait to hand in my Mr. Olympus application, but it is a sign of progress. Maybe I'm not necessarily stronger yet, but I'm more willing to push myself. And that is a definite victory for a doughy, middle-aged guy like me.

Last week, the day after my Chest and Back set I was so sore, my wife had to put down my collar for me. I'm pretty sure I'll feel the same this week--but at least I'll have something to show for it.

Day 7: Resting and Looking Back on Week 1

It was certainly nice to be able to get up this morning, have a cup of coffee and NOT hurt myself. But there was just a tiny sliver of me that missed it. Small. Very Small. To quote one of my favorite movies, it was so small "Rhode Island could kick the crap out of it in a war" (Don't know what movie? See the picture).

I'd have to call the first week a success, if only because I got up each morning and "pushed play" and, for the most part, I did the workouts with fidelity, if not grace and expertise. And, in some way, I enjoyed it---or at least enjoyed pushing myself. Of course, I was so exhausted at night that I couldn't stay awake to watch a TV show (I fell asleep during the judge's table segment of Top Chef and didn't see Carla get bounced!). But I think that will change over time.

I think the best part of it is that my boys now know I'm doing an exercise and nutrition program, which has sparked some conversation in the house about healthy eating and not having too much sugar. So, for all the sore muscles and tiredness, that was definitely worth it.

Looking forward, I see a two major challenges facing me in Week 2:

1) My job: Every third week I have to get up in the morning and do the early "news roundup." This is the third week. I usually do this around 5:30 a.m., but that's when I'm working out so that means I'll need to get up even earlier.

2) March Madness: This is absolutely my favorite time of the year to sit at a bar, drink beer, eat wings and watch the NCAA Tourney (GO UCONN!). I can't say I won't do any of that, but I'll have to control myself big time.

I'm sure one of my boys will remind me to "be healthy!"

KEMBA!!!!

This has nothing to do with P90x, but allow me to say UCONN HUSKIES, BIG EAST CHAMPS!!!!!!!!! We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog. Thank you!

Day 6: The F-word

The first week of P90x has been interesting, challenging, frustrating and a lot of other adjectives. But I would not use the word "fun"--until today.

The sixth (and final) workout of the week is Kenpo X, which is cardio workout based on the martial art. For the first time, I was able to keep up and enjoy myself. I'm sure it wasn't pretty (nothing I do is, really) but it felt good.

And another bonus...I MADE IT THROUGH A WEEK!!! Once I stop sweating and breathing heavy, I will take stock of what the first week was like and post.

But tomorrow's workout is "rest" and that's one that I'll ace!

Day 5: Am I a Wuss?

One of the big things that is talked about in the P90x infomercial is pull-ups. The testimonials frequently talk about how the person couldn't do any pull-ups to start and now can do 100 one-handed pull-ups with an elephant hanging from his ankles (a bit of an exaggeration).

But, right now, I'm not trying any pull-ups. I'm using bands to simulate the pull-up motion. Why? Well, first of all, I don't have a pull-up bar and I'm not sure the door jams of my house could handle it. But also, I worry about getting frustrated. Frankly, I'm very heavy and the chances of me being able to pull up this mountain of meatballs is unlikely.

The good news is that the P90x videos show you how to use bands as a substitute for pull-ups, which is appreciated. Maybe a few weeks down the road I'll think about getting a pull-up bar, but for right now, I'm happy being a wuss!

Day 4: "Like a Tree" Pose

When people talk about yoga, they talk about feeling "centered," "at peace" and "aligned." I don't often hear "frustrated" and "humiliated" as a part of it. Unfortunately, Yoga X gave me more of the latter.

Of course, this isn't Yoga X's fault. After a lifetime of being overweight, not stretching or regularly exercising, I am what some would call, um, rigid. In other words, asking me to do a "tree pose," is like asking an actual tree. I had to skip a lot of the exercises, including the "Warrior Three" pose pictured here and several others.

It wasn't an hour and a half wasted, though (yes, an hour and a half). I did get some good stretches in and I did feel a little burn on some of the poses I actually could do. But, I can't say I've reached inner peace.

However, I did press play.

Day 3: Arms and Shoulderzzzzzz

Day 3 for PDaddyX almost didn't happen. Yes, I'm sore; Yes, there's a lot going on at home, including a sick child; and yes, I have a "to-do" list at work that is longer than my arm. But those aren't the reasons I almost bailed this morning. The reason is the one part of this program that is going to be the most difficult for me---

Sleep.

I'm not a great sleeper. I wake up a lot during the night (probably due in part to my weight) and often, I'll fall asleep in front of the TV, wake up and have trouble falling asleep again. Last night was one of those nights. So, when the alarm went off at 5 a.m., I couldn't answer the bell. At 5:20 a.m. -- two snoozes -- I was able to pull myself up, get my sneakers on and pushed play on the "Shoulders and Arms" work out.

I was miserable at first, but as time went on, I loosened up and woke up. Still, I'm tired. I need to go to bed earlier and skip TV. My lateness forced me to skip the Ab workout I was supposed to do. Will try to do that tonight...of course "Top Chef" is on tonight at 10 p.m. I can't miss that! (Go Blais).

Oh, Come On!!!!

I'm doing my best--especially this first week--to eat right and follow the nutrition plan for P90x. And where do the folks in my office order lunch from today? FIVE GUYS!

I mean, seriously, how is a portly, burger-and-fries-lovin' guy like me supposed to resist that?

But I did it. While folks were eating, I munched on some pistachios, which were nearly as good as a Five Guys burger and fries. And if you believe that....

Even as I prepared to leave work after 6 p.m., the office still smelled like burgers.

Mmmmm....burgers.

Day 2: My Inner 2x4

My friend Eric has been doing P90x for a while and has been really encouraging as I prepared to start the program. So, it gave me some pause when this super supportive friend said: "Tomorrow is plyometrics. Man, it is gonna kick your butt."

Consider my butt kicked.

Plyometrics is a workout that uses jumping and fast movements to build power and speed. It requires good balance and good flexibility. Unfortunately, I am Oh-for-Two in those categories. Instead, I'm slow and as flexible as a 2x4 (that's not actually me in the picture, but it's close).

But dare I say that "Plyo" was actually kind of fun? Make no mistake, I'm hurting after an hour of squat jumps and the like. But, again, I pushed play and did the workout. When I needed to, I modified, especially when my left knee gave me a twinge of pain. Still, I finished. That's what matters.

Now, if I could only get out of this chair.

Day 1: Humbling

I'm not going to beat myself up--the truth is, I got up, pressed play, made it through the Chest and Back workout and actually did a few of the exercises well. Having watched the infomercial for P90x countless times, I knew it would be difficult. It was. But let's be positive. Here's five things that went well today:

1) I got out of bed at 4:45 a.m., pressed play and exercised

2) The paramedics were not needed at any time

3) I did more push-ups than I thought I would

4) I stuck to the eating plan

5) I'm only "extremely" sore not "I think I'm going to die" sore.

On the downside, the 16 minute "Ab RipperX" workout--which came after the Chest and Back workout--was downright humiliating. At the end, the man leading the workouts (Tony Horton) declares that if we did all the exercises, we did more than 380 different core-strengthening exercises (or something like that). Maybe I did 20.

A six pack? I have a one pack, and apparently, it's made of oatmeal.

Tomorrow is Plyometrics. I'm frightened. Hold me.

The "Before" Picture

One of the things they tell you to do before you begin the P90x program is to take the "before" picture with your shirt off.

While I'm happy to discuss my blubber with all of you, I'm not quite ready to share it with you visually. Let's just say it looked something like this, but with better teeth.

Welcome to PDaddyX

Here's the bottom line: I'm 43 years old, I'm fat and I'm out of shape. I've decided to do the P90x program--a series of somewhat-torturous exercise DVDs and a nutrition plan that promises to have me in much better shape in three short months. I'll use this blog to chronicle my experience, in part for entertainment value, but mostly to hold myself accountable.

Why am I doing this? Because of my own damn words.

In my professional life, I am the spokesman for Montgomery County Public Schools, a large, diverse and very successful school district in suburban Washington DC. In my 17 months here--and 4 1/2 years before that working for the Georgia Department of Education--the topic of childhood obesity has come up many times. As the spokesman, I'm frequently asked "what are the schools doing about childhood obesity?" or some question like that.

My response goes something like this: I list a few things that our schools are doing, but then follow it up with this quote--"Our schools are doing their part, but healthy eating and exercise habits are learned and reinforced at home."

Let me be clear: I firmly believe that to be the case. In fact, I know it's true because of what's happening in my home.

I have two boys, ages (almost) 8 and 4 1/2. They are very active kids, but I recently have noticed some bad habits. They eat very fast and make lousy choices; they'd rather watch TV and play on the computer than move around and they complain a lot about aches and pains. They act just like....

Me.

As I've said to reporters, healthy lifestyles are learned at home and, frankly, I'm doing a lousy job modeling good eating and exercise habits for my boys. It's time I changed that. And that's why, for the next 90 days, I will be....PDaddyX! Bring it.