Jul 12 2008
Day 21
I managed to wake up naturally at 8:00 am this morning. I then proceeded to spend 15 minutes on the cross trainer on the interval programme at level 2. Although not that tough I can detect a lack of energy in my legs. It is not bad enough to stop my participation in these morning exercises, as they do get blood and oxygen around the body, but it is enough to make me consider a few rest days.
On Thursday I have a cycle out with the school so in preparation I cycled a bit further today. I cycled to Sulby Bridge, Andreas, Leodest, Coast Road, Jurby and The Cronk before heading home. The route was 15.5 miles long and I covered it in 59:20 minutes. This gives me an average speed of approx. 15.5 mph for 1 hour.
Thinking a bit more about a rest period I would like to experiment to see if it helps with my progress. I would like to see if having two consecutive non-training days every four weeks would make a difference to energy levels in the legs. I have been doing some form of exercise every single day for the last 3 weeks. I would prefer to plan in a rest rather than react to some tiredness so I will plan to take the first two days between resistance workouts after the 4 week marker and then perhaps do the same thing after the 8 week marker.
Now that I have hit the 3 week marker it is nice to notice the difference in my body. Although the before and after photographs don’t look drastically different I do feel more toned and my abdomen has not shown any of the signs of the swelling I used to have. There is still a thick layer of fat over my frame but I can tell that my muscles underneath are firmer and stronger. I am also pleased with my increases in strength with each resistance workout on the Bowflex. One thing that I need to think about is my legs. I have virtually maxed out on the Bowflex with the squat and can squat 140lb per side for 15 reps. I think that I would like a power rack and start doing real squats with a loaded barbell. It may be good to be able to do some deadlifts too.
This blog has helped to keep my commitment to the project. In the past I have always listened to the voice in my head when things get tough and probably sided with it. With this blog I know what I have to do so, voice or not, I will not be breaking a programme that I have made myself publicly accountable for.
It is measurement day tomorrow so I will be up in the morning taking my measurements.
