Andre the Giant, Hannibal and ... Insanity!?!

“The A-Team is proud to help diminish the rampant violence so prevalent in society today.”


To say that Insanity is hard would be a vast understatement. It would be akin to saying that Andre the Giant was only an average sized man. Every single infomercial, every advertisement and every person who has ever tried Insanity knows that its completely nuts, hence the name Insanity. From the very first day, which is a not so easy fit test, Shaun T does what exactly what he promises .... pushes you harder than you've ever been pushed before. But he also encourges, motivates, and instructs with the best of 'em. He doesn't want to break you, but he does want to see you become healthier and stronger.

I made the clossal mistake of thinking that if I could make it through Tony Horton's version of plyometrics in P90X, I could handle Shaun T's version of cardio. Sweet lord, I'll be the first to admit that I was ... dead wrong in every single aspect. My legs, back, knees, and abs were (and still are) hurting. Dude just doesn't let up. Within 20 minutes of starting Plyo Cardio Circuit, I was begging for mercy! I swear that I was within an inch of death ... maybe closer. I don't know about anyone else, but the first time I went thru that routine, I threw up. And I'll tell ya what, those pre-workout supplements taste horrible coming up!

Tonight was attempt #2 at Plyo Cardio Circuit. I had to take less breaks and got farther. I'm baby stepping this program. From week #1, I've still got sore joints and some mild to searing pain in my right foot. Bought new shoes (dude, the last time I bought running/cross trainers was way back in 1997 and shoes have changed dramatically) this past weekend. The new shoes are pretty slick and have helped some, but the pain in my right foot (arch area near the side of the foot) bothers me enough where the higher impact exercises cause me to slow it down. I'm Minnesota stubborn enough to keep pushing but I've also decided to scale Insanity back a touch. Not saying I'm quitting (see big bold word starting with the letter "s" above), instead, I'm going to incorporate parts of Insanity into my P90X routine.

Going forward, I want to alternate days between P90X and Insanity so I get both the intense resistance and intense cardio all during the same week. I'm in the middle of creating a workout routine that will consist of 4 week blocks (4th week will be recover) that vary. One thing I've learned is that muscle confusion is a good thing, you just got to plan it all out. As Hannibal said many times during my childhood, "I love it when a plan comes together." And of course, I'll be blogging about how I'll do the routine here.

Until then ... #TakeOnTheWorld

Infectious Evolution

Infectious Evolution: Start a Revolution!
"Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

Today was day one of Insanity. And let me tell you, it was thirty minutes of pain. It's the type of pain that changes lives, though. The type of pain where sore muscles and an achy body lead to six pack abs and rock solid muscles. It's the type of pain that will strengthen character/confidence, and harden your resolve. Yeah, that's the pain I want, need, crave and desire.

It was "only" a fit test but damn, that was intense and extremely tough. I made it through, but I'm gunna be walking like a saddle sore SOB tomorrow. Shaun T's Insanity is intense cardio, so I expect to be plenty sore for the first couple of weeks. But after that, all bet's are off cause my lungs will adjust, my body will be in a routine and I'll be able to dig deeper and kick some major ass.

Tony Horton helped me build confidence in myself and gave me big bad ass shoulders. Shaun T's Insanity is going to help me take it to the next level.  I'm taking on the world and going to win .. every ... single ... time.

Segway into a different subject .... now (sorry couldn't think of anything to link the next topic to the first one, my quads were hurting too damn much).

Have you hung up the phone and been completely flabbergasted (I always wanted to use that word), blown away, and utterly speechless? But in a positive way? And for those that know me, speechless isn't me. I don't shut up ... Anyway, the phone call I got today was amazing! As I said, I was speechless and blown away. I think that I may have turned a few shades of red. The call I got was from Julie Willson, a friend who has fast become very integral to my fitness success. She and I have a passion for fitness ... no, that isn't exactly right. A passion for finding and becoming better versions of ourselves, both mentally and physically. That I think would be more accurate. 

Julie was literally on cloud nine when she called. I could feel her joy and happiness even though it was a phone conversation. She was so happy that even Grumpy Dwarf may have cracked a smile (insert laugh track here)! Julie wants really wants me to be a Coach with Team Beachbody. Today, she told me that I was one of the main reasons why she start Horton's Power90 program. Julie is now working as Coach with Beachbody and has took off running with the whole fitness thing. Shit, she has pursued this with more passion, determination, and will power than most people do with their careers. Her passion for her personal evolution is infectious. And she has pointed the finger at me for motivating her. First off, I want to say thank you so very much to Julie. The greatest accomplishment an individual can have is changing lives, making a difference no matter how large or small. Julie's desire, passion, determination, grit, or whatever you want to call it was always there. I just sparked the match and she took off running. Her motivation level is so high it's completely sick ... ... and it gets me amped up to do more and become a better person. I want to keep my intensity level as high as hers, if not higher (competition brings the best out in all of us).

I can't and won't take full credit for Julie's passion with Beachbody. I will, however, take credit for pointing her in the right direction and introducing her to the best fitness company out there. Hands down, Beachbody has the absolute best programs/trainers/support out there for those who "want it" and are willing to put in the hard work. Ladies and gentlemen, in this corner ... the undisputed CHAMPION OF THE FITNESS WORLD ..... BEACHBODY!!! Yeah, that's right, CHAMPION OF THE FITNESS WORLD. From Tony Horton to Chalene Johnson, Beachbody has got it all going on dude, no joke. And all I really did was show Julie some result pictures and point her in the right direction. What happened next was all on her ... full boar, right into the belly of the beast known as what I like to call "self-evolution". And she hasn't stopped, looked back, or took no for an answer. Rather, she's out there being inspirational, motivational and friggin' awesome. So Julie, I want to thank you for helping me re-ignite the fire inside of me. For showing me that I need to push harder, faster and longer to take it to the next level.

We inspire each other to become better, to find a better tomorrow. We will reach our goals and potential ... and then set new ones.

Success is Not Static

The Meaning Behind the Words
"We do today what they won't so tomorrow we can accomplish what they can't."



What truly separates the successful from the unsuccessful? Is it circumstance? Or financial stablility? Having every resource at your disposal? I'll give you a hint, it's none of the above. Before we dive further into the subject of sucess, I think we should first define what "success" actually means.

Success is defined as "the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like," by Dictionary.com. Our society is obsessed with status. We like name brands, lofty titles, big shiny trophies, six figure salaries, and th attention that comes with being "successful." In short, our society is geared toward money which in turn leads to consumerism. But this isn't a lesson on economics (cause I flunked that class and because it's boring as hell).

This blog entry isn't even a lesson. What I hope to do is get you to think about success differently, in a more introspective way. Yes, I know that's a big word for a little guy like me to use, but really I don't think this should be hard to do. Like I said befoe, our society's view of success is entirely based on the financial side. We need to throw that out the door right now. Six figure salaries, lofty titles, and shiny trophies are not components of success, they are the results of success. Success is not a static idea, it changes as you do. It's a very fluid ideal that continues to evolve as you grow as a human being. So if success is continually changing, why should we keep it confined to titles, trophies, and financials? We need to change with our successes or we become like stagnant water, at a complete standstill. What I am getting at here is simple. If a goal is reached, then you've successfully completed a task, correct? Then why set the same goal again? Wouldn't you want to challenge yourself and raise the bar higher each time you've reached your goals?

Okay now that I've totally side tracked myself, let's jump back on the train of concentration and back to the task at hand. So what separates the successful fom the unsuccessful? I honestly don't think its money, trophies, or a pre-destined fate. I believe the difference is in the mental makeup of a person. The mental side of a person determines how successful a person will become ... or will not become. I know this is a very black and white, pro and con, ying and yang way of looking at a subject that has so many other colors, faucets to it but for sake of argument (and making this a damn college thesis paper) I'm going to keep it simple.

Success doesn't happen overnight. You have to work at it. Whatever you want to be successful at, the work has to be put in. Blood, sweat, and tears have to go into your succcess. There isn't a soul walking this earth who is successful who would tell you differently. You need to put in the long, hard days. You need to pick up those 50's and do one more rep. You have to want it so badly, that nothing will stop you. Essentially what I am saying here is that success is directly linked to determination, drive, and willpower. Those three qualities can make or break a person pretty quickly. If you don't show those qualities, then I don't think you'll be successful at accomplishing your goals. Having the fortitude to push on through hard times is an enduring quality we all should aspire to acquire. A person's mettle isn't tested in times of prosperity, it's tested in times of strife.

We all want to be succesful and become rewarded with six figure salaries and shiny trophies. But are you willing to put in the hard work to get there? Are you willing to ignore the pain and push foward? I hope you are, because if not, then you'll have a case full of empty space and dust.

"There is no chance, destiny, fate … that can control the firm resolve of a determined soul."