leg failure

Skipping was out of the realms of possibility this morning.  My legs just said No.  At the end of my skipping yesterday I cramped in my calf muscle, and can still feel a twinge there today.  I guess I will try again tonight, and worst case I will have to pass for today but will add extra reps to my exercises to make me at least feel less guilty.  Spent last night making a big load of gazpacho.  It was very theraputic stuffing vegetable after vegetable into the blender.  Tasted great when I added a little hot sauce.  That will last through todays meals.  

Weekends are tough

The daily schedule gets blown away on the weekends.  Fitting the food and exercise in around the family and various commitments is going to be tough I can see.  Managed to stay reasonably on course at a friends birthday party.  20 glasses of oolong tea, and 2 beers (forced!) is a pretty good result for me.
Managed to take some day-12 pics.  Not much to show for my efforts yet, but definitely feeling better than 12 days ago.  My wife also says I am snoring less.... coincidence perhaps?

full

Already these breakfasts are a challenge.  I have always been a light eater at breakfast so getting in all this food in is difficult.  I have heard the advice many times to eat like a king for breakfast, a prince for lunch and a pauper for dinner - feels a little like that at the moment.  Sitting here at my desk with a full stomach wondering if Patrick has a warped sense of humour... "haha you're all fat now!!".  Guess nobody every got fat from eating too many vegetables though.
Wondering if my skipping will ever get to this level? He seems to be having more fun than me..

new week

My initial panic after seeing the new dietry requirements has now subsided, and I have a few basic ideas for the next couple of days. Those ideas will get old fast though, so need to put the thinking cap on for ways to inspire vegetables without drowing them in olive oil and cheese.  Enjoyed the new workout regime this morning, though felt pretty light headed and had a strong urge to go back to bed for a nap afterwards.  The kids are still enjoying my program.  They thought it was particularly funny grabbing the rubber bands and trying to snap it back at daddy half way through his curls.  oh.. treated myself to a last beer with dinner.  Found myself drinking it like a rare, expensive french wine... very small, thoughtfull sips.  

alarm

No need for an alarm these days - my 2yo boy, Josh, happily comes bouncing into the bed ready to play at 5:30am every morning.  Every day I envy their energy!  Great time to get up and try to get the exercises done for the day.  It is so much better to get it done in the morning rather than have it hanging over my head all day.  The kids also seem to be enjoying it with all sorts of advice and tips on my form. "why is your face so red daddy... are you ok? Mommy... daddys lying on the floor breathing funny..."

correction

My earlier comments that I was somehow feeling satisfied with the 1/2 meals is clrarly not working today. I am now starving and chewing gum and drinking coffee like a mad man...

Day-6 and I can finally feel less pain in my calve muscles.  Whilst really enjoying the skipping, the first few days left me with very painful calf muscles, and the walking style of a 90 year old.  Hopefully I have pushed through that now?  Time will tell, but I guess the next weeks exercises will throw up some challenges again.  The 1/2 portion diet has been ok.  Trying to be very strict about it.  I was concerned the last couple of days as the smaller meals have left me feeling full despite the small quantities - this caused a bit of panic as I thought I was eating too much and not the 1/2 size.  Perhaps my stomach capacity has shrunk?  I am also on the cusp of a small personal milestone... 1 week without booze.  I cant remember a time I havent had at least a beer or 2 at the end of each day.  This will probably be the greatest challenge over the summer months ahead