P90X Lean - Week 12 of 13

Week #12 is done.  This is the penultimate week, and the final resistance training week.  I got through with no issues, and my body has really adjusted well to the different workouts.  The P90X Lean routine is challenging, but is much easier on the upper body than the Classic routine.  The main difference is the resistance workouts going from 2 days/week for the Lean to 3 days/week for the Classic.  That extra day is huge, and I remember feeling swollen and tight in my upper body after the Classic routine.  Now, I feel flexible and strong, which is exactly what I was going for.  I did do a lot of Yoga this time around, between 2-4 extra 90-minute workouts per week, and I also did most of the XStretch workouts on Sundays.

Diet wise, it's been good, very clean and regimented.  Mostly a Vegan/Vegetarian diet and lots of water.  I feel leaner, lighter, and stronger.

For Week #13, it's back to the recovery routine, which is still pretty tough because of the P90X Yoga and Core workouts.

M:  YogaX AM, Studio Yoga PM
TU: Core Synergistics AM, Studio Yoga PM
W: KenpoX AM
TH: XStretch AM
F: CardioX AM
SA: YogaX AM
SU: XStretch AM

P90X Lean - Week 11 of 13

Week #11 is done, with some minor modifications.  I took one of those weekends again to head to the City to explore, do some other workouts, so I missed KenpoX and XStretch, and did Bikram Yoga, TRX and Vinyasa Flow Yoga instead.  It was worth it, for the change of pace.

Bikram Yoga is really hard, especially if you haven't done it in a while.  I used to take classes regularly, and got used to the heat and stress.  But, last Friday night, it was brutal.  I tried to prep, drink enough, etc., but it was just vicious in there.  I got through the first 45 minutes somehow, got to the ground, and just took it easy for the rest of the class.  On Friday morning, I rolled with Tony H. and did Core Synergistics (love that one), so I was probably a little beat up from the morning workout.  On Saturday, I did TRX at the Fitness Training Center in the City, and boy, I'll tell you, that was a tail-kicker.  TRX is what I'm planning to try next, because I really like the portability of the equipment and the stabilization of the core throughout, so I wanted a preview before I spent a bunch of money on the equipment.  And finally, I took a Vinyasa Flow class with Les Levanthal at Yoga Tree in the City, what an awesome experience that was.  I'll remember Les' quotes forever:

"There is nothing that you can do wrong in this class..."
"Treat every pose like you would Savasana, like you could hold it forever..."

It was such a calming feeling, to know that whatever I did in class was perfect, and whatever edge I sought, could be held indefinitely.  It was a liberating experience, to lose attachment to "pushing" and "forcing" and "fighting" with a pose, and just letting it be, whatever it was at the moment.

Onto Week #12, which is essentially "Plan B" of the P90X Classic routines for strength minus Legs/Back.  It's winding down, just a handful of days before the Lean Routine is done.

M:  Chest/Shoulders/Triceps, Ab RipperX AM - Studio Yoga PM
TU: CardioX AM - Studio Yoga PM
W: Back/Biceps, Ab RipperX
TH: YogaX
F: Core Synergistics
SA: KenpoX
SU: XStretch

Asteya (Non-Stealing)

Asteya (Non-Stealing) is the 3rd of the "Yamas" or abstentions, the 1st limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

I struggle with this one, probably more than any of the other Yamas.  It seems straightforward enough, don't take what it not rightfully yours, but today, in our world, the lines are quite blurred.

Take the movie "The Social Network" for example.  Because Mark Zuckerberg grew Facebook into a huge success, even early on, the gentlemen who claimed he "stole their idea" eventually took him to court and settled for a huge amount of money.  Hmmm, ideas.  Ideas are not to be stolen, I guess so.  So, if we were to talk about an idea, and you "took it" from me, made a ton of money without compensating me, it would be in my right to sue you for that.  Wow, it's a tough one for me to figure out.  I could see if we were both in a company, you hired me, you had me sign papers acknowledging that any "intellectual property" is owned by the company, since you're paying me and compensating me for my ideas.  But, if we just sat down one day, brainstormed a bit, and you ran off with the end products of a brainstorm, worked hard, and put something together?  That's stealing?  Man, again, I struggle with that concept.

Intellectual property nowadays is available to everyone, in so many forms, and delivered in so many ways.  It's really amazing how easy it is to find an idea, or IP by simply typing a few letters on a computer and hitting return.  And to 'take' that information and do something with it, Heaven forbid, make money with it ... is what tons of people are doing right now.  I guess it's so easy to consume and procure IP unconsciously, given our world and the technology available today.

Okay, so maybe my rant about Asteya is more about IP in our digital world more than anything else, or some 'ideas' that people have in a discussion.  There's so much more to it, of course, and we chatted about this in class for a few minutes a while back.  Some people mentioned stealing another person's time or energy or happiness, using resources that don't belong to you, being wasteful, and the like.  I can see that, and how stealing things both tangible and intangible can have an effect on you.

I guess this is one I need to ponder more...

P90X Lean - Week 10 of 13

Week #10 is done, uneventful and clean.  I got through all of the workouts with no problem, doing most of the early in the morning, starting around 5am or so.  The exception was KenpoX on Saturday, which I did outside in a park around 9am.  It was a nice change of pace, seeing the sky and clouds and the airplanes overhead while prepping for KenpoX.  Lots of people were looking and gazing at me, while I was looking at my laptop following Tony H's directions.  I took it "easy" during "YogaX" this week, because Back/Biceps on W was pretty demanding on my back.  So, I took out the push-ups and did cobra instead of upward-dog for the first 45 minutes, and that alone makes the YogaX workout about 50% easier, I would estimate.

My body is feeling great, I feel strong and still flexible, and I think the 3 sessions of Yoga (2 outside of P90X) + XStretch is really what does it for me.  I'm still keeping the weights light, and I like it like that.  I honestly think, for me, flexibility is as or more important and building strength.

Diet-wise, things are really good.  I've discovered dinner salads again and started enjoying them and that helping my digestion, energy levels, etc.  The more green leafy greens and fresh fruits I get, the better I feel, the better my performance.  I will keep that up this week.

Onto Week #11, which is essentially "Plan A" of the P90X Classic routines for strength minus Legs/Back.

M:  Chest/Back, Ab RipperX AM - Studio Yoga PM
TU: CardioX AM - Studio Yoga PM
W: Shoulders/Arms, Ab RipperX
TH: YogaX
F: Core Synergistics
SA: KenpoX
SU: XStretch

P90X Lean - Week 9 of 13

Ah, the setbacks, and how the can come.  The San Jose Rock N Roll Half last week sent my legs and the rest of my body into shock last week, and I ending up skipping M through W, the strength training days.  It's okay, I did my Yoga classes during the evenings on M and TU, and just rested on W, and by TH, I was good to go.  YogaX on TH morning was just what I needed to get back in the groove, and by F I was all set, although Core Synergistics and then KenpoX on Saturday were tougher than usual.  And this morning (Sunday), I finished off a nice session of XStretch, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, just to "tune up" my body for the challenges of the coming week, and to cap off a week of work.

I'm feeling much better after the rest and recover after the race, and all of the Yoga.  My strength is good, and my flexibility is fantastic (for me).  My goal from the outset was to keep the weights as light as possible, not bulk up, get stronger, but maintain my flexibility.  So far, so good.

Diet wise, I'm doing well, much better than previously, as my body is somehow able to adjust to the strength training and caloric requirements without overeating.  I'm snacking on fresh fruits between meals, and that really helps.  The fiber and the energy from the fruit is keeping my appetite under control, giving me the 'fullness' I'm seeking, and keeping my blood sugar levels more constant and level during the day.  I'm choosing to eat my dinners much earlier than usual, and not eating too late at night.  That has also helped quite a bit.

I changed my calendar a little bit to add one more week to the backend to make up for some of my missed workouts, it'll essentially be a P90X Classic Week to finish off 90 Days, it's all good, "Do your best and forget the rest".

Onto Week #10, which is the "Plan B" of the P90X Classic routines for strength.  I'm going to get through all of them this week with some serious intensity.

M:  Chest/Shoulders/Triceps, Ab RipperX AM - Studio Yoga PM
TU: CardioX AM - Studio Yoga PM
W: Back/Biceps, Ab RipperX
TH: YogaX
F: Core Synergistics
SA: KenpoX
SU: XStretch

Ah, Technology...

With all of the cell phones, computers, social networking sites, emails, videos, blogs, etc., I'm beginning to wonder about the value of technology and it's effect on people these days.  Now, don't get me wrong, I am a technologist, an engineer, and I helped create in my own small way, the infrastructure that has enabled a lot of this technology.  But, I still have to, once in a while, question where we're going and what this is doing to all of us.

Much like fast food, we went from having more wholesome nutrition, to more packaged and processed foods.  Likewise, with technology, we have substituted a digital life, a processed life if you will, vs. person-to-person, real conversation, and personal interaction.  We can sit in front of a computer, like I'm doing this very moment, and have that be our social interaction.  Heck, the way we are today, it's downright awkward to sit down and spend a good amount of time with someone, it feels strange.  It's much easier to post "Happy Birthday, Have a Great Day" or "Hey, What's Up?" on someone's wall than to, heaven forbid, call or much worse, drive over and knock on someone's door and say the same.

Cell phones, I think, are a big part of this.  You can lump portable electronics, music players, gamers, etc. as well in there.  People are zombies, glued to these portable devices, while walking, while driving in their cars, while eating a meal by themselves, and while sitting down.  They have really kept us "connected" to our digital lives, and "disconnected" from our real lives.  It's really hard to say hello to someone when they're glued to their device, and paying attention not to you, but to their information.

Again, I'm not innocent in all of this, I have my cell phone, portable devices, laptops, computers, etc., and I am just as guilty of being connected to my digital life as the next person.  But, I wonder if I would be better off by simply going "old-school" and actually sending my friend a Birthday Card on their birthday, or knock on their door and spend an afternoon with them.

P90X Lean - Week 8 of 13 + San Jose Rock N Roll Half Marathon 2010

Okay, Week #8, another recovery week, is in the books.  Early Sunday morning, I did X-Stretch, and then ran 13.1 miles for my annual San Jose Rock N Roll Half Marathon.  This year, unlike the previous 3 years, I ran this one with absolutely no real training.  I hurt my knee prepping for the SF Marathon, so I wanted to take it easy and give me a knee a break, so I just did P90X and Yoga, and laid off the running.

Uh, bad idea.  For 12 miles, I did pretty well and felt good.  My plan was to "Jeff Galloway" the entire race.  Jog 1 mile, then walk 1 minute.  And I mean jog, as in easy jog, and easy breath the whole way.  I did that for 12 miles with no problem.  With 1.1 miles to go, my body said enough is enough, and basically shut down.  My calves were twitchy and tight, my quads (which never, ever fail me) failed me ... and I walked in the last 1 mile, and jogged in the last 0.1.  All in all, it was a very humbling event and a good reminder that the preparation for the race, is actually more important than the race itself.

I was planning to get Week #9 of P90X going early this morning, but my legs simply wouldn't let me.  I snuck in a nice Yoga class in the evening, took it real slow and easy and eased my way through the best I could.  I think I'll be down for a few days, not wanting to rush anything.  It's okay, no worries, we'll go with the flow here.

For Week #9, we go back to the old school, like the P90X Classic, but minus Legs/Back (thank goodness for me!).  This repeats in Week #11.  Weeks #10 and #12 substitute the M and W strength workouts, and Week #13 the final week, a recovery.  Here's Week #9:

M:  Chest/Back, Ab RipperX AM - Studio Yoga PM
TU: CardioX AM - Studio Yoga PM
W: Shoulders/Arms, Ab RipperX
TH: YogaX
F: Core Synergistics
SA: KenpoX
SU: XStretch

Hello Goodbye

I was thinking of the Phil Collins' classic "We Said Hello Goodbye", and this particular snippet gets me:

Turn your head, don't look back

You know it's really not surprising

It gets better, when you get there

Change is the only constant in life.  I've heard and read this many times, and am a firm believer that change, and our ability to handle and deal with it, is one of the most important aspects of a peaceful and happy life.  I am in the midst of change professionally, changing jobs again.  My previous company was an amazing place, with a great culture and tremendous people.  I had a great time there, and I will look back at it fondly.  But, as is happens in life often, chance came about, the stars aligned, and an opportunity to work with what amounts to my mentor presented itself to me yet again.  This is the 3rd time in my life that I've had this chance, and in each time, I've taken that big leap, risked a lot, and came out the other side better for it.

Those big life decisions are tough, I'm telling you.  Emotionally, logically, spiritually, they challenge every aspect of your being to find answers, and find them quickly.  You lay down looking up for inspiration from powers higher than you, you look inward to see if there's answers lurking about, you talk with others endlessly, and in the end, you go one way or the other.  The decision to consider change is change itself, isn't it?  So, the process begins very early, the moment you have an opportunity to consider it.  For me, I've always been open to opportunity, I will listen with an intent and open-mind to whatever rolls my way.  Often, they are quickly dismissed, no worries, no issues, no problems.  Not even a second thought, I have considered, rejected, and moved on.  But, then there's the one opportunity that you've been waiting for, where if things were tweaked here or there, then there'd be some serious consideration.  And of course, there needs to be some preliminary discussion to see if there's a mutual fit.  Once that's done, then the process really starts to roll.

Interviewing, for me, is fun.  I really enjoy it, especially connecting with people and seeing what the folks interviewing me would be like to work with on a close-knit team.  For me, it's a two-sided interview.  I'm probably interviewing them, more than they are interviewing me.  Of course, there are times when interviews go bad, you don't perform well, you didn't have the right preparation or connection early on to make it a successful process before you started.  But, if I am prepared and connected properly, it's usually good.  I come across very positively, full of energy and passion, and fairly competent (I hope!).  So, getting through interviews, especially when my competition are folks that have a difficult time articulating their value, is one of the easier things for me to do.  I guess I'm lucky that way.

Once the interviews are done, the offers come along, the discussions get more serious, the numbers get worked out, the details get hashed out.  Then, it's time to really think, is this move the right thing to do?  Like I said, I'm always open to opportunity, and I'll always see if there's something more out there for me.  But, when it gets down to it, when the offer is on the table, then you really have to decide if leaving is better than staying.  That's the hard part, the part that "change" itself challenges us and pushes us to come to conclusion.

I don't really remember exactly what I did this time.  Usually, it's long walks in a big city, with lots of noise and energy, trying to find calm and stillness in the urban jungle, trying to find answers among the crowded thoughts in my mind.  Or it could be just sitting quietly for hours, thinking about nothing in particular, just sitting there, and waiting for an answer to come.  Or maybe, a nice conversation with myself to go over the pros and cons of each choice.  Or a chat with a trusted friend, to bounce ideas back and forth.  I don't know why the decision is so "big," but the way I think about it, your job takes a good amount of time, and although we are not defined by our jobs alone, we should take care to make wise choices because of the investment of time, which is always in short supply.

In the end, I decided to move, and tell everyone.  I did it right.  I gave them plenty of notice, I finished off all of my work, I documented and transitioned everything, I kept my professional and personal relationship intact, and I sat with each of my customers and told them in person of my decision, and how they would be supported by a colleague going forward.  There were tears, hugs, and kisses from those who grew on me, and who I grew upon.  It was a small and tight place, so we are bound to be like a micro-family, and when a brother leaves forever, it's not easy.  But, I look back fondly, and blessed to have spent time there.  And I look forward with hope and appreciation, that I am still thought of well professionally, that I have a new place to call home for a while.