Well, it's been a rough couple of weeks for sure. After the last post when I had visited the Duke Urgent Care and they told me that I had a case of bad sinusitis I stayed home for two days feeling miserable. I managed the workout with Lauren and Charlie and then went to Blake's funeral service the next day at Trinity School, but otherwise, bed-bound and sickly for 2 straight days. On Wednesday of last week, I decided that is was time to get out of bed, especially since I thought it was just sinusitis, and get moving.
I taught the TRX class early Wed morning and had extreme difficulty with breathing and started to get a little concerned. I finished off the morning and then headed to my primary care physician to get another look at the "sinusitis". While I was at the doctors office, I collapsed because I couldn't breathe and lost sensation in both arms. At this stage, I felt like I was in a House episode and was going to die. They called the ambulance and took me straight to Duke ER. They immediately took a chest x-ray and saw that the lower right lobe of my lungs had collapsed and flattened out due to the bacteria that was enveloping it. They caught it quick enough that I didn't need a chest tube and they placed me on high-powered antibiotics that took a few hours to start working while they monitored me in the hospital.
The bad news is that I can't do any vigorous exercise for at least 6 weeks. This is a huge setback in terms of training and I'm bummed because I was well on pace to get a 1:35 or less for the half marathon in March and easily break by previous record of 1:41 (the only other time I've run an open half marathon). My running was strong, my biking was decent, and I was looking forward to the spring. That is now on hold...
The good news, and perhaps the only news that I should consider, I'm alive. I live to see another day and will train again just not any time soon. Instead, I'm focused on getting better and trying to put some of the 15 lbs of weight that I lost in 20 days because of the Engine 2 Diet and sickness combined. It is really hard for me to put back on weight, but since I can't do much cardio I will focus all my energy into weights.
That brings me to the Engine 2 Diet. Many people have asked my take on the diet and so here it is... I think it does what it claims, weight loss and lowering cholesterol. My weight dropped 15 lbs in 20 days and cholesterol went down slightly (although I was at 140 total cholesterol before so I didn't want to lose much anyway for adequate cell functioning). What it did to a healthy and active male, though, was make me worse. The fat content was at 18-22% daily caloric intake before E2 and then down to 3-5% on E2. Even though the caloric intake was the same, I strongly believe the fat helped slow down my metabolism and make my immune system stronger. With less fat, my metabolism actually increased and my immune system weakened and I feel may have contributed to my pneumonia in the long run. In summary, good for a majority of obese America, bad for the healthy and already stable individuals. I will NOT be going back on it any time soon...
The last 2 weeks have really opened my eyes and made me realize that I'm not quite as invincible as I once thought. I've aged a bit and learned that I will need to pay closer attention to signs of sickness and fatigue. Furthermore, once I recognize those signs, listen to them and actually rest the body stopping the progression of various bacteria and viruses the kids might bring home to my lungs. I'm happy to still have life and glad that Carrie and the boys were also able to recover and rebound as well (Braden was also diagnosed with pneumonia the same day that I went to the ER). I have a new found appreciation of modern medicine and am glad for the antibiotics that have seemed to help up to this point. I still have a cough that I'll give 1 more week before I go back to the primary care physician for a re-check...
Showing posts with label Engine 2 Diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Engine 2 Diet. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Blink 182
This was the last meat session with David Hey before he heads back to NY tomorrow morning. He wanted upper body focus and to failure and I let him pick the music playlist which was Pandora's take on Blink 182 channel. Patrick Costello and Charlie joined us, while Garrett did his own thing at the same time. Here's the breakdown:
Bodyweight bench press (although weighing in at a low 174 lbs I still put 185 lbs on the bar since that is what I usually weigh when not on the Engine 2 Diet). 4 sets to failure - each set followed immediately by push-ups to failure. My numbers at 185 lbs were - 15 reps, 13, 10, and 9
4 sets of SA cable wide pulldowns at 6 each side taking it to #14
3 sets of EZ bar standing curls at 6-8 reps at 85 lbs
3 sets of pop-up pull-ups to wide grip to failure (forearms failing first)
3 sets of SA alt Arnold press at 5 each arm at 55 lbs
3 sets of dips with 35 lbs added KB at waist to failure
2 sets of Hammer curls alt at 40 lbs DB's
2 sets of skullcrushers at 85 lbs x 6 reps
Tabata-style (20/10 for 2 rounds):
TRX bicep curls
TRX chest flys
TRX high pulls
TRX tricep extensions
Bodyweight bench press (although weighing in at a low 174 lbs I still put 185 lbs on the bar since that is what I usually weigh when not on the Engine 2 Diet). 4 sets to failure - each set followed immediately by push-ups to failure. My numbers at 185 lbs were - 15 reps, 13, 10, and 9
4 sets of SA cable wide pulldowns at 6 each side taking it to #14
3 sets of EZ bar standing curls at 6-8 reps at 85 lbs
3 sets of pop-up pull-ups to wide grip to failure (forearms failing first)
3 sets of SA alt Arnold press at 5 each arm at 55 lbs
3 sets of dips with 35 lbs added KB at waist to failure
2 sets of Hammer curls alt at 40 lbs DB's
2 sets of skullcrushers at 85 lbs x 6 reps
Tabata-style (20/10 for 2 rounds):
TRX bicep curls
TRX chest flys
TRX high pulls
TRX tricep extensions
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Metabolic Machine
Engine 2 Diet is full stream and in it's 2nd week. This is an interesting experiment on my body and I'm intrigued to see what the blood work will say when it's done. I took weight, body fat, blood pressure, and a full comprehensive blood panel via DirectLabs.com. I've kept the total caloric intake the same over the spam of the week on the diet compared with the weeks prior to the diet to hold a constant. I did this to make sure that I was getting the calories that my already high metabolism would need to continue. I've been having to double and triple some of the recipes in the E2 book and had to add some Vega Sport protein shakes and whole food energy bars to supplement. Even after all that, my body is still increasing it's thermogenics and has actually LOST 9 lbs in 11 days. That needs to stop. So, I've actually increased my weekly caloric consumption as compared with what I was doing before to see if I can stop the weight loss. If I continue to lose weight than I'll be forced to add more fat into the diet since that seems to be the only thing that is lacking. I'm getting plenty of protein, just not animal protein, so I may need to supplement with whey isolate. Regardless, I'm staying away from casein based on the negative studies... before I start to add back any of these things, I will make sure and get my blood work done again.
So far, I must conclude that a plant strong diet definitely makes you into a metabolic burning machine, well at least me. And am hopeful that I have actually lowered my already low cholesterol so I can add that as a success too. The Engine 2 Diet is definitely not for everyone, but I would have no problems suggesting it to clients or patients that come into the gym. Clean eating, renewed energy, and increased thermogenics.
So far, I must conclude that a plant strong diet definitely makes you into a metabolic burning machine, well at least me. And am hopeful that I have actually lowered my already low cholesterol so I can add that as a success too. The Engine 2 Diet is definitely not for everyone, but I would have no problems suggesting it to clients or patients that come into the gym. Clean eating, renewed energy, and increased thermogenics.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Little River 10 Miler
Saturday morning was a cold, but clear, day as David "Kenny" Olson and I woke up and started our breakfast routine in the kitchen. Kenny was able to stay overnight with Andrea and the kids and came downstairs with Isaac and Maya to get the morning rolling. He opted for a PB and honey open faced sandwich with banana slices and I had my usual oatmeal with raisins and agave nectar (substitute for honey in the Engine 2 Diet). I was still afraid that I wasn't going to have enough energy to complete the race after my first full week on the diet, but I seemed to be alright.
Morven met us at the house and we went over and picked up Rachel on the way. I was using this as a training race for the Tobacco Road 1/2 and decided to go with the heavier, but more comfortable, shoes, gloves, ear coverage, and soccer pants with the 28 degree starting temp. I also decided to use my backpack to carry 1.5 liters of water with me (which I didn't come close to using so instead it just added weight on the uphills haha). It was a tough 10 mile trail race with lots of cutbacks putting stress on the knees and ankles as well as up/downs that got you pretty tired on the front end. I got into a comfortable groove and took my time through the first 7 miles. I popped a Honey Stinger Energy Gel with Kola Nut and when the lady told me I had 2.5 miles to go and was at 1:11:30, I knew that I needed to rally to make it under 1:30 even. I closed the last 2.5 miles is under 17 mins and finished in 80th place out of about 300 racers. Our ActivEdge team did great with David Olson and David Tallon finishing in the top 25 with 1:17's, Rachel Kroll Bordogna winning her age group and placing 4th overall female (14 secs separating 2nd-4th), and Morven and Roger crossing sub 1:40's.
All said and done, a good training day for me and fantastic day for the team. The "unofficial" results have us 2nd breaking last years record by almost 30 mins collective but there was a paid professional team from FSSeries Racing that took 1st and set an even better record with an average time of 1:15:30 per racer. I'd like to add that our team was easily the top finishing team that had a female as well... the top team was all males in addition to being paid pros.
I loved the race and thought the course was nice. I was overdressed to really get going and was sweating with the first uphill. I know now that there is plenty of water on the course as well and should leave the weight loading pack behind (water weight is roughly 1 Liter = 1 Kg or 2.2 lbs, in addition to the pack at 3 lbs, I added over 6 lbs). I hope to return next year and make a run at those pros from FSSeries after I get stronger with hills.
Morven met us at the house and we went over and picked up Rachel on the way. I was using this as a training race for the Tobacco Road 1/2 and decided to go with the heavier, but more comfortable, shoes, gloves, ear coverage, and soccer pants with the 28 degree starting temp. I also decided to use my backpack to carry 1.5 liters of water with me (which I didn't come close to using so instead it just added weight on the uphills haha). It was a tough 10 mile trail race with lots of cutbacks putting stress on the knees and ankles as well as up/downs that got you pretty tired on the front end. I got into a comfortable groove and took my time through the first 7 miles. I popped a Honey Stinger Energy Gel with Kola Nut and when the lady told me I had 2.5 miles to go and was at 1:11:30, I knew that I needed to rally to make it under 1:30 even. I closed the last 2.5 miles is under 17 mins and finished in 80th place out of about 300 racers. Our ActivEdge team did great with David Olson and David Tallon finishing in the top 25 with 1:17's, Rachel Kroll Bordogna winning her age group and placing 4th overall female (14 secs separating 2nd-4th), and Morven and Roger crossing sub 1:40's.
All said and done, a good training day for me and fantastic day for the team. The "unofficial" results have us 2nd breaking last years record by almost 30 mins collective but there was a paid professional team from FSSeries Racing that took 1st and set an even better record with an average time of 1:15:30 per racer. I'd like to add that our team was easily the top finishing team that had a female as well... the top team was all males in addition to being paid pros.
I loved the race and thought the course was nice. I was overdressed to really get going and was sweating with the first uphill. I know now that there is plenty of water on the course as well and should leave the weight loading pack behind (water weight is roughly 1 Liter = 1 Kg or 2.2 lbs, in addition to the pack at 3 lbs, I added over 6 lbs). I hope to return next year and make a run at those pros from FSSeries after I get stronger with hills.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Engine 2
This is the end of the 3rd day on the Engine 2 Diet and my body seems to be OK. I lack some energy every once in awhile between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner. I have found some Vega Sport bars and protein supplements to help combat the hunger. The dinners are the hardest. This is where I usually pile on the meat and boost my calories with dense protein foods. I was surprised at how good some of the dishes on the Week 1 menu were. Hoping my energy levels will be there when I need them on Saturday for the Little River 10 Miler.
Kenny reminded me that I should probably take it a little easier tomorrow, but the plan calls for a 5 mile mid tempo paced run and I think I'll try and do my best to stick with that. My ultimate goal is a half marathon in the 1:30s and I need to stay focused to get there. I need to get into the water as well since I haven't been in the pool in 4 weeks. Will try tomorrow to do them both and Friday will just be heavy upper body weights (meat-style with David Hey).
The Little River 10 Miler will definitely be interesting as it is a trail run with lots of ups and downs. These type of races are tough to navigate through the crowd and will be hard to get into a rhythm. We have entered the team competition and our top 4 finishers will place to give the team average. I have recruited a strong team and will most likely be the 4th time with Rachel, Kenny, and David Tallon in front of me.
Happy to have Kenny and Andrea come into town the night before and will most likely take a small one meal break from the E2 Diet to have some pizza and beer with Kenny after the race. I'm planning on using the water on the course for now, although may change my mind and go with the Nathan backpack. I will be taking some Honey Stinger gels with and without caffeine with me...
Kenny reminded me that I should probably take it a little easier tomorrow, but the plan calls for a 5 mile mid tempo paced run and I think I'll try and do my best to stick with that. My ultimate goal is a half marathon in the 1:30s and I need to stay focused to get there. I need to get into the water as well since I haven't been in the pool in 4 weeks. Will try tomorrow to do them both and Friday will just be heavy upper body weights (meat-style with David Hey).
The Little River 10 Miler will definitely be interesting as it is a trail run with lots of ups and downs. These type of races are tough to navigate through the crowd and will be hard to get into a rhythm. We have entered the team competition and our top 4 finishers will place to give the team average. I have recruited a strong team and will most likely be the 4th time with Rachel, Kenny, and David Tallon in front of me.
Happy to have Kenny and Andrea come into town the night before and will most likely take a small one meal break from the E2 Diet to have some pizza and beer with Kenny after the race. I'm planning on using the water on the course for now, although may change my mind and go with the Nathan backpack. I will be taking some Honey Stinger gels with and without caffeine with me...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Christmas' Plural
We are in Christmas number 2 right now with Carrie's parents in town and the kids are loving the 2nd round of gift opening. Last week, I had time off and we went up to Beech Mountain for a few days with the kids. We were hoping to have some fun in the snow, but at 5000ft elevation, all we got was a little rain and 60 degree days. One of the days, it was so warm when I went for a long run, that I was tempted to take off my shirt because I was sweating so profusely... nonetheless... We had a great time in the cabin, aptly named "Peace of Heaven" and we did some nice hiking at Grandfather Mountain. Once I load the photos, I'll link them through my Picasa Albums and Google+ account.
On the way back from the mountains, we stopped in Winston and I got to see my dear friend Andrea for the second time in a few weeks and got to see an already growing Ezra James.. what a joy! Kenny and I enjoyed several good grafts of Craggie's Antebellum Ale and stayed for a nice dinner. Wish they lived a little closer and hopeful that they just might end up in Durham...
Zimm and I were joined by Charlie for the traditional and epic Beowulf workout that we nailed down on Christmas Eve. Charlie's first attempt was a respectable sub 40 min effort as Zimm and I watched him lead out on The Grid. I hung on dear life bringing up the rear and was just happy to survive another day. Charlie was surprised at how tired I was at the end as I lay slumped in the rowing machine. Zimm broke my record of last year, but then I had to break his "new" record and went 32 mins. Exhausted and tired I barely made it back home for Eve service at All Saints.
We woke up in our own house for Christmas morning. We have been able to do this for the past 3 Christmas' but usually are headed out on the road or flying that day to see family so it was nice to just relax for a change. Braden and Eli loved opening their gifts and were so excited to share Face Time on Carrie's iPhone with their grandparents. Braden's favorite gift was his Spider-Man action figure and Eli's was the food. They both loved their new books and matching 993 New Balance shoes (which are AWESOME of course! haha).
I had to return to work this past Tuesday and Carrie's parents have started to help put together the complicated fort and swingset. With all the grandparents coming over and around the next several days we may just have the set up and done by the time the last one leaves.
As for training, it has sort of taking a back seat for now. I haven't swam in over 2 weeks and biked sporadically. I have managed a couple sessions of weights but have stayed on top of the running and am looking forward to trying to better my Tobacco Road half marathon time. My training is not quite the intensity that I'd like, but I have a lot on my plate and am preparing for a giant step forward for ActivEdge in 2012. I have the long tempo run tomorrow and will hopefully be joined by my old friend, Ted Reedy - lunch to follow... maybe Nana's Tacos? Friday looks to get me back on the bike on the trainer (assuming that the garage has been cleared from all the playset set-up). If not, weights with David Hey over lunch looks to be extremely intense (everything is with him haha). Liking the no direction randomness for now. Blood tests tomorrow to start off the Engine 2 Diet which starts on Monday, January 2nd.
Thanks for hanging with me over the Holidays and look for some great workouts to be posted starting January 2nd!
On the way back from the mountains, we stopped in Winston and I got to see my dear friend Andrea for the second time in a few weeks and got to see an already growing Ezra James.. what a joy! Kenny and I enjoyed several good grafts of Craggie's Antebellum Ale and stayed for a nice dinner. Wish they lived a little closer and hopeful that they just might end up in Durham...
Zimm and I were joined by Charlie for the traditional and epic Beowulf workout that we nailed down on Christmas Eve. Charlie's first attempt was a respectable sub 40 min effort as Zimm and I watched him lead out on The Grid. I hung on dear life bringing up the rear and was just happy to survive another day. Charlie was surprised at how tired I was at the end as I lay slumped in the rowing machine. Zimm broke my record of last year, but then I had to break his "new" record and went 32 mins. Exhausted and tired I barely made it back home for Eve service at All Saints.
We woke up in our own house for Christmas morning. We have been able to do this for the past 3 Christmas' but usually are headed out on the road or flying that day to see family so it was nice to just relax for a change. Braden and Eli loved opening their gifts and were so excited to share Face Time on Carrie's iPhone with their grandparents. Braden's favorite gift was his Spider-Man action figure and Eli's was the food. They both loved their new books and matching 993 New Balance shoes (which are AWESOME of course! haha).
I had to return to work this past Tuesday and Carrie's parents have started to help put together the complicated fort and swingset. With all the grandparents coming over and around the next several days we may just have the set up and done by the time the last one leaves.
As for training, it has sort of taking a back seat for now. I haven't swam in over 2 weeks and biked sporadically. I have managed a couple sessions of weights but have stayed on top of the running and am looking forward to trying to better my Tobacco Road half marathon time. My training is not quite the intensity that I'd like, but I have a lot on my plate and am preparing for a giant step forward for ActivEdge in 2012. I have the long tempo run tomorrow and will hopefully be joined by my old friend, Ted Reedy - lunch to follow... maybe Nana's Tacos? Friday looks to get me back on the bike on the trainer (assuming that the garage has been cleared from all the playset set-up). If not, weights with David Hey over lunch looks to be extremely intense (everything is with him haha). Liking the no direction randomness for now. Blood tests tomorrow to start off the Engine 2 Diet which starts on Monday, January 2nd.
Thanks for hanging with me over the Holidays and look for some great workouts to be posted starting January 2nd!
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