Day 481 Let's Not Get Too Excited and Smiling Through The Soreness

Day 481

Let's Not Get Too Excited and Smiling Through The Soreness

The more I look at these “top secret—soon to be released” photos and the more I gaze into the mirror with a critical eye, the more I'm realizing Melissa is right. We need to re-calculate that body fat percentage. 14.7% was nice to think about and believe for a second, but it's got to be higher than that. We'll find out before the weekend is over. It doesn't matter to me what the number turns out to be, it's all good, and I'm headed even lower than where I am---and I guarantee, whatever it is--- it's dramatically lower than the 54% I remember from so long ago. But yeah, I really wish I would have held off on announcing that number until we were confident with the accuracy. The caliper pinch in the upper body and leg wasn't the issue, it was the caliper pinch right of my belly button amid a considerable amount of loose skin that may have given the inaccurate reading. Melissa was the first to question the number. Right in the middle of my happy dance—it was hey, not so fast! Like winning the big lottery and then lottery officials telling you the extra zero on that check was a mistake—that kind of makes a difference huh?. Oh well, I still win! And besides---this isn't luck, no-this is a choice made. I'm on this road because I've chosen change. And change is good---and change is getting me where I'm headed in a wonderful way. It will not be long before 14.7% body fat is too high for me. Yep, that day might not be today, but that day is coming.

I've been through two of these targeted workouts and I'm telling you, my soreness level is beyond what it was the day after the 10K. Walking up and down stairs is a fun reminder of my muscle wake up call. I have to smile when I'm sore because it means something special to me. It's a good sore, soreness of positive and deliberate change is the best kind.

Mom and I chose to sleep late today. Instead of 4am, we jumped up at 5am—not too late, early enough to get ready and grab a good breakfast on the way to the studio. We stopped at the McDonald's drive-thru and ordered some scrambled whole eggs and some yogurt with strawberries and blueberries. The calories in those eggs are considerably higher than if we had prepared them at home, but once in a while, in a pinch---I'll allow them. Our choices were good and breakfast was served with headphones and a microphone! Mom sounds so good on the air, she really does. When she opens up and really talks—it's pure smoothness. If I could, I'd make it “Sean and Mom in the Morning” everyday. It's a blast! Jodi, a longtime reader, asked if there was any way to listen outside our broadcast area, and unfortunately there isn't right now. Licensing for a 100% webcast of everything we air would be rather expensive.

We brought apples for a mid-morning snack and then decided on an early lunch instead. We dined at Wendy's for lunch. Wow, this really sounds horrible! We're not even to noon yet and we've already enjoyed two fast food places. Relax and ask anyone that knows---if you're going to pick a fast food place that offers great choices, Wendy's can't be beat. We both ordered a small chili for 190 calories and a grilled chicken wrap, minus the dressing—plus regular mustard. The entire lunch was 400 calories and very filling! I took mom back to the apartment before heading back to the studio for the rest of my workday. On the way home I stopped by the store and grabbed some chicken breast and green beans. I decided that tonight we were having a home cooked meal for a change! The Foreman Grill was perfect for this plan, although I do miss the flavor of my big outdoor grill. That big thing is in Irene's front yard now, no room at the apartment. I guess we could put it on the balcony, but I suspect there's a policy against grills out there. I've looked around and haven't found anyone else with a grill on their balcony. Oh well, the Foreman was good—and did exactly what we needed.

Courtney was with friends and staying at her mom's place. She'll be back home tomorrow, tonight was just dinner for two. I prepared the chicken, green beans, and even some mashed potatoes with a tablespoon of brown gravy!! The entire meal checked in at 380 calories. Now that's a great calorie value dinner!

I spent the evening visiting with mom before we traveled over to Irene's place for a little visit. Upon our return I changed into my workout clothes and hit the fitness room. I'm loving the feeling and attitude I have these days. I can clearly see where we're headed and it is a grand place. My workout was awesome! I warmed up on the treadmill for a mile then quickly got into position for the squats. Oh my goodness, these aren't so easy when you're already sore. It was tough getting to 20 reps, but with a little grunting and groaning---and primal screaming, OK---maybe not screaming, after all, we're in an apartment, I got it done---Along with two sets of each movement prescribed by Melissa. The stretching is amazing. I honestly never stretched before, not like this. It's a wonderful thing indeed!

I loaded up an omelet tonight with whole eggs, mushrooms, and mozzarella. I was trying to hit the 1800 calorie limit. With a banana on the side, I was successful. I've been doing 1500 calories for so long, and it's served me so well, it's taking some mental adjustments to accept this change. I know it's what my body needs me to do, so I do it.

My new no smoking policy is getting easier and easier to handle. I have my moments of crazy craving, and then it passes. After I eat and while I'm driving are a little tough, I certainly see what a routine it had become. It was a habit and a routine---I'd made it part of my natural day to day. I feel like my nicotine dependency isn't the issue now, it's the routine breaking that provides the challenge. I'm winning the fight and it feels so good!

This is definitely a new chapter in our development. Thank you for reading. Many more wonderful chapters ahead my friend! Goodnight and...

Good Choices,
Sean