Sunday fun - Day 14

Had a fun light work out last night with Angelina and Benjamin. It is hard to work out when the kids are making me lough. You take concentration for granted when you are by yourself. It was all good because I certainly got to enjoy their company and it was fun to show them what could be done.

My work out for last night:

Standard Push Ups - 30

Crunches - 50 Target Reps

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 50 Target Reps

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 20/side

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 20

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side

Thanks and I hope everyone had a great Mothers Day!

Johnny O.

Hat Trick - Day 13

3 exercise sessions today to make up for yesterday:

1st 30 minute Ocean swim

2nd one and 1/2 hour hike in Harbour Main

3rd

Standard Push Ups - 47 with out stopping!!

Crunches - 50 Target Reps

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 50 Target Reps

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 20/side

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 30 

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 5 left side 4 right side 

I think that makes up for missing a day and now to stay on track!!

Thanks,

John O.

Punked out - Day 12

I would like to say that  at 1130/1230 last night it was planned that I would get up today and swim in the bay INSTEAD of doing my exercises last night. But it wasn't. After coming home from the Toby Kieth concert I made the fatal error of laying in my bed. This time I i didn't have the will power, and I missed one day of my routine exercises.

I did however, thanks to the help of my swimming buddy get up and was in the water at 7am this morning. Overall a surplus of activity. The principle however is not sound. I made a commitment to myself and I feel bad for breaking it. I guess the only thing to do is stop and take a look at why.

Anyway, like the sign I saw on my Facebook timeline said, "Don't be too hard on yourself." or this one:

Audible #2 - Day 11

Just like in the last challenge, I chose to call an audible, this time I totally changed it up. Instead of the usual workout I decided to join my friend Meredith for an exploratory mission across the bay in Holyrood. We donned our Wetsuits and with help from our buddy Kyle in Kayak we set out to swim from the Marine Institute dock across the bay to the beach at the end of the breakwater. If I had to guess at the distance I would put it at somewhere between 750 meters and 1 kilometer. The total trip took approx. 30 minutes.

I have to admit I thought it was going to bit of an ordeal. Freezing cold, and the distance seems sooooooooooooooo much longer from the shore. It wasn't an ordeal at all!! With the proper thermal protection I was completely warm the whole time, and when I got settled in the water I realized it was going to be ok. It was a good work out for sure and next time I think we will make it a round trip!!

Thanks again to Meredith who was a trooper(5mm for sure) and to Kyle who is a great guy to have on your side.

All the best and thanks for tuning in,
Johnny O.

P.s. - How about a few pics :-)

The Way I'm Thinking - Day 10

"The only thing that is holding you back, is the way you are thinking." - Steve Vai 

Ok, I have referenced this video before, however I find it VERY powerful. Tonight is a double whammy. Yoga from 8pm to 9:15pm, then my daily work out. Wicked. I feel great and very fulfilled. During my work out I played this video and it was very inspirational and I was able to focus and do something that I had not done before. For the 1st time in 10 days, I increased the challenge exercise from 3 reps per side to 4 reps per side. All it to was a little positive mental talk, and visualization!

Yesterday I was disappointed in my performance, yet proud that that I got out of bed to do it. Today there are no disappointments!

Here is my work out for today:

Standard Push Ups - 40 (30 at the beginning and 10 at the end)

Crunches - 50

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 40

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 15/side (Extended range on each side)

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 21 

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 4 per side Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

Thanks for tuning in,

Johnny O.

Nashville Every - Day 9

Here I was in bed having a nap. Dragged my ass out of bed and pysched myself out. I got it done, but a poor showing! For the External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side  - I could not finish the third rep on the right side, stopped and waited a minute. Then got it done! Like the Tragically Hip say... I guess it "can't be Nashville every day!" I guess I can't expect to perform the same every day. What disappoints me, is that I know it is 90% mental, and I defeated myself.

Here is my work out for today:

Standard Push Ups - 40 

Crunches - 50

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 40

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 15/side (Extended range on each side)

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 25 (Up 5)

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

Thanks!!

Johnny O.

One Week - Day 8

Significant increase in many exercises tonight. My short term goal is to get all exercises to 50 reps each by May 12th. BHAG... maybe, lets find out!!

Here is my work out for today:

Standard Push Ups - 40 (Up 10)

Crunches - 50 (Up 15)

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 40 (Up 10)

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 15/side (Extended range on each side)

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 20

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

Wooooooo Hooooooo!!

Johnny O.

Soul Sunday - Day 7

Today I had a great day out with my Dad, Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony, Duke of Duckworth for brunch, then a good gab with my buddy, and a hike with her and her kids :-) All good for the soul!!

Here is my work out for today:

Standard Push Ups - 30 (Up 5)

Crunches - 35 

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 30

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 15/side (Exteneded range on each side)

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 20

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

Have a great week everybody!!

Johnny O.

Step it up Saturday - Day 6

Here is my work out for today:

Standard Push Ups - 25

Crunches - 35 (Up 5)

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 30 (Up 5)

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 15/side (Exteneded range on each side)

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 20 (Up 5)

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

I'll take it :-)

Johnny O.

Close Call - Day 5

1:26 am.... I Almost forgot to do my exercise, and even thought this is technically Saturday morning, I am still going to count it as Day 5, because I have not been to bed yet!! Yet I am disturbed with myself for letting other things take priority. Here is my work out for today:

Standard Push Ups - 25

Crunches - 30

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 25

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 15/side

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 15

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

Thanks for all your support!!

Johnny O.

Better late - Day 4

Better later than never - 10:44pm Just finished my work out for today. Which included:

Standard Push Ups - 25

Crunches - 30

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 25

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 15/side

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 15

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

Today I was having a little trouble getting motivated. It took me a little while to remember what I was up to. I posted to Facebook earlier the following:

"Just to put things in perspective... when you exercise and eat less calories than what you burn, this is what can happen: In just about 2.5 months I went from 270lbs to 220, from 2xl to size large shirts, and today I bought my first pair of size 36 waist pants since high school. I was up to size 42. Fuck ya!!"

That's not the reason why I am doing this challenge, but it helped as a reminder. It only takes a small effort over time to add up to a big result. You may surprise yourself by how short that time really is, when you aren't concerned about it!

I have not achieved all my goals just yet... but with enough effort and enough time, everything will come to pass :-)

Thanks!!
Johnny O.

King Pigeon - Day 3

Day 3 - It pays to plan ahead. Know what was on tap for today made for a very productive day. Up and at em 530am-ish, Silent reflection/meditation, 6am circuit workout, all the rest of my duties for the day, plus guitar lesson with A and B. Then the best part Yoga at 8pm-ish(Sorry Meredith and class)!!

Today's circuit work out was:

Standard Push Ups - 20

Crunches - 30

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 20

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 10/side

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 15

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

Yoga was fantastic. I had been putting it off for a long time. Although I have gone many times in the past, the last bunch of times I went I did not feel good about my performance. A real bummer. Tonight I felt strong, and able to do many more moves PROPERLY!! There were two I could not do, which is something to reach for. My most proud moment when I was able to grab my foot for the King Pigeon Pose as shown before. Wicked!!!

A big thanks to Meredith G. and ALL(huge class) people at Yoga tonight! Woooooooooooooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

Thanks!!
Johnny O.

P.M. - Day 2

I have to admit it was very hard to get up this morning. So I didn't lol. I just finished my exercises now at 830 p.m. Like before during the hike challenge, the time is less important than getting it done.

Today's work out was:

Standard Push Ups - 20

Crunches - 30

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 20

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 10/side

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches) - 15

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 3 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

My goal right now is to increase the number of reps of time. Today I increased the number of decline push ups by 5 and the challenge exercise by 1 rep per side. I'll take it :-)

Tomorrow... the plan is to get up and do this circuit in the morning and then go to yoga in the evening.

See you tomorrow :-)

Johnny O.

Bodybuilding/Sculpting Challenge - Day 1

Hey friends :-) I had an awesome week off from my training and challenges. I did one hike during that time on the Signal Hill Trail in the night time. You know how much I love hiking in the dark...lol. For the most part I exercised my soul with good food, rest, good people, laughs, and even a few beers! A good time was had by all. Thanks to all who were involved :-)

Now it is time to get back to the challenges!!

As I mentioned before, this time it will be a body building/sculpting challenge. In preparation I have thought about how this challenge will play out. Unlike the previous hiking challenge, there is no set path to follow. All I have to go on is my past experience with trainers and my 3 year, 3 month relationship with established Gyms. What is that you might ask. Well I have identified a pattern in my life of every 3 years I get motivated to hit the gym and lose interest after 3 months. Which by the way is no coincidence that the challenges are only 60 days. So I am going to be using this challenge also as an experiment to figure out a few different styles of exercise that works for me. To start I I have decided to take a few old favorite exercises and create a quick circuit, then in a few weeks I plan to join a gym or established training program. Plus one day a week I will be joining a yoga class mainly for the stretching. Now that my rest period is over I will be back at the trails for at least one hike a week.

What's the goal you might ask? In the last challenge it was to complete the challenge. 60 days of the same task. The weight loss was a great motivator and was gravy for sure :-) For this challenge, it is a bit more personal. In my minds eye I have a picture of how I would like to look. All my life I have made half hearted attempts to get the ie - the 3 year 3 months. Now it is time to do it!! Like my friend Jim said, now that I got the weight lost it's time to get into the gym and cut that shit up!!

One of the the things I know about myself is that I always do best when I start out slow. So this morning I decided on a few tride and true exercises to get me started, and one challenge exercise. Here was my regiment for today:

Standard Push Ups - 20

Crunches - 30

Squats with 10lb medicine ball extended - 20

Standing twist with med. ball extended - 10/side

Decline push up(feet raised about 18 inches)

Challenge exercise:

External Hip Rotation w/ side plank - 2 per side
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=247085821#ooid=AwMGd1azq8B15jA-iCUX1ObER4Ti1Usb

If anyone has any suggestions about what exercises work great for them, or what I should try differently, please let me know, also please remember this only day one ;-)

Thanks!
Johnny O.

P.s. - I also promised this would be a pictorial, pics coming soon!

Challenge accepted and completed - Day mother-f'n 6-0!!!

To be honest I understand that there are people who do this type of thing every day, 365 days in a row for years and years in a row. However life is all a matter of perspective, the meaning of any situation is only the one we give it. For me this challenge was a big deal. At a time of great uncertainty in my life it became something I could hold on to, to bring me some focus. When I first set out to do this I was out to prove my importance to other people. To gain peoples trust and to prove that I was as good as anyone else!

I don't know if accomplished that goal, but you know what I did do? I conquered my challenges, over came obstacle after obstacle, and began to inspire others to do the same. As the days went by one after another I started to realize that I did not need to prove myself to anyone, not even to myself. That my word is golden, but so what! Life is not a rigid time line it is flexible and bending. If I were to change my mind and stop so what, I am not any less of a person if I completed the 60 days or not. Created new habits in my life, or not. I am who I am and no outside task or accomplishment can truly prove that to another person or to even myself, or even change that. 

So why did I keep on going? Because as more and more people came to me with kind words, and offered their gratitude for their inspiration. I realized that this was a great opportunity to help people. Help lift people up by lifting myself up. That course of action is important to me!! There was never a doubt in my mind if I could hike up that mountain 60 days in a row. Actually I did it 61 times in total...lol

Thank you to all the people who supported me on this journey, thank you to all the people who saw me walking, read this blog, or saw my smile and were uplifted. Thank you for being the next ripple in this pond, thank you for taking action and in turn inspiring someone else!

So, I was asked earlier how I felt to finish this goal, the only reply I could come up with was peaceful... that peaceful feeling you get when you know you did a job well done :-)

Whats next? My plan is to take one week off, then I am going to start a 60 day body building/sculpting challenge, then after that a 60 day SCUBA Diving challenge. Please keep coming back and checking up on my progress. I will post daily blogs and pics to mark my progress. 

In closing this awesome chapter of my life, I encourage you to find something in your life to focus on for 60 days. Something you don't do now, or something you would like to do better. If it is fun, awesome, if it is not, fine. Just go do it, only you know what that challenge can be and why it will be important. Because at the end of the day only you can decide why your life has/will have meaning!

Thanks for tuning in,

Johnny O.

P.s. - See you in a week ;-)

Woooooooo Hoooooooo - Day 59

Only one more day!! Today's hike was beautiful. Sun was shining, the neighbors were out enjoying the day. What a life!

Woooooooo Hoooooooo! !!

Be the sword - Day 58

Well this is Thursday's blog written on good Friday....lol

To make up for the debacle of falling down so many times the previous night, Thursday, I hit the trail hard! During the day yesterday I was starved. I ate everything I could get my hands on. Including two teen burger COMBOS, root beer and all, from A&W. I guess my body wanted all those calories to regenerate and to give me the power to propel myself up the mountain with way more power and determination than usual.

Recently I explained to a good friend, that sometimes in life you have to be the sword. I was using at as a metaphor for not taking shit from people, but I guess it also means not to taking shit from life too. SOMETIMES.... when life or the mountain or people or yourself knock you down, sometimes you do get up with the most force and impact you have ever seen or felt in your life. Usually it surprises you when you do!

If you have war in your heart... be the sword if that is what you have to do. My suggestion is that you prepare youself for those moments ahead of time so you don't end up swording(made up word) the wrong thing/people!

Thanks and I hope you have a "GOOD" Friday,
Johnny O.

The magic number - Day 57

3 oh 3 its the magic number! Only three more days left :-)

Tonight I am up here on top of George Cove Mtn. At 943 pm. It reminds me of being in high school and college and going up Turkey Mountain with all my buddies! I wish you were ALL here with me now :-)

All the best!
Johnny O.

Four!! - Day 56

I think it was about 9 or 10 degrees Celsius at 630pm. You could feel and especially smell the the typical Newfoundland spring day. Many days I power up and down with few breaks. Today I enjoyed a good 5+ Minutes on the top just taking it all in. As Deepak says, communing with nature. It helped me ease into an even better mood. I am a little embarrassed to say.... I was almost skipping at some points on the way home and singing song from my ipod. I must have looked pretty happy because the drivers of at least 4 cars all waved at me. Total strangers. Plus a great synchronicity. ... I have been eyeballing Dodge Ram 1500s and they were every other car tonight!!! Maybe one is in my future ;-)

Ok gang thanks for tuning in,
Johnny O.

5 more - Day 55

I can't believe it was snowing and freezing rain during todays hike! I thought that was all behind us...lol

Had a great hike all the same... just put back on some of those layers.

Happy Monday!!
Johnny O.

Six more - Day 54

It is a beautiful eveming up on top of George Cove Mtn! Spring is certa I nly ib the air. The smell of change.  New beginnings. Summer right around the corner. It certainly is great to be alive :-)

Thanks everyone!
Johnny O.

Se7en More - Day 53

Woooooooo hooooooooo 7 more days. I have to say, hiking in the rain isn't as bad as I thought it would be!

Trails still have some snow and some ice. The fog was stellar. Great views today! If you looked at one spot from the top, then looked away, by the time you looked back it was a whole new scene. It's all good!!!

Thanks for tuning in,
Johnny O.

Eight More - Day 52

A nice Friday evening hike here in Holyrood! Only one more week. This time next week I will be on the final day of the 60 Day Challenge. To quote the Grateful Dead... "What a long strange trip it's been"

Thanks!

Johnny O.

Nine more - Day 51

Another great evening hike. I brought 2 of the day 3 labs with me. Cranked the tunes and hit the trail.

After all the recent rain and temps above zero you can see earth instead of just snow.

It amazes me how the same trail has created different challenges for me almost daily.  All based on the weather.

Wild!

Thanks for tuning in,
Johnny O.

Ten more - Day 50

Wooooooo Hoooooooo!!!!!! Need I say more?

Despite the pouring rain I had a a very good hike to the top of George Cove Mtn. I managed to get past my disdain for how wet I was going to be and headed out. To be honest I was kind of pissed off anyway for personal reasons so I just put my head down cranked up the ipod and took it one brisk step at a time. I also have to admit it felt good to be pissed off. It put a little purpose back in my step and reminded me to walk tall. By the time I got to the top I was in a good mood and it felt good to be in a good mood also, except by then I was walking even taller than before!

I have to say that this challenge has certainly instilled this virtue of taking it one step at a time into my every day. If I get overwhelmed by a task, I chunk it down out of habit, into something managable, if not easy. Then move onto the next, till eventually it is done.

Anyway... I hope you are in a good mood!

Thanks for tuning in,
Johnny O.

Audible - Day 49

In football they have what is called an audible.  At the last second the quarterback decides to change the play. That's what I had on the go this morning.  I got up at 4am. Did my 20 minutes of Japa meditation the said fuck this and went back to sleep for another well deserved and needed hour.

Reasoning.... well it will be easier to manage the dogs in the daylight after work. So that's what I did, and that's what it was. A good time was had by all!

I think that may be the plan for the rest of their stay. Who knows. I will let you know tomorrow ;-)

Thanks for tuning in!
Johnny O.

Busy day - Day 48

I'm sorry I missed my post yestrrday. Got the hike done yesterday morning Here's the post :-)

Another good hike up the mountain with the dogs. The keep me atxa good pace and it seemed my time  was a bit faster than usual.

Btw...yesterday marked the 4/5 completed mark.... nope haven't given up or found something easier to do...lol

Thanks for tuning in :-)

Dog gone - Day 47

Today was a fun hike. I had 3 new companions who will be joining me for the next little while. Avery, Jack, and Sadie. 3 beautiful Labrador Retrievers. They all look pretty warn out now. ..lol! It's great to have them :-)

Olivero outdoors - Day 46

Man what a day today has been. 1st day of scuba diving for the year. Followed by a cook up in the woods for a few hours with new and old friends.  I just finished my hike. From the looks of things this evening will be just as fun!

When you open yourself up to all of life's possibilities, it certainly becomes one worth living! Thanks :-)

All's quiet! - Day 45

A really calm day out there today. A great way to start the day! I had a nice leisurely yet fast paced hike up and back.

Thanks for tuning in :-)

Alive in the super unknown - Day 44

Lol... I am not sure why I like to quote Soundgarden titles. I just do! To be honest I am not even sure what that has to d o with my hike today.

But it is good to be alive and it is good to be in the unknown for a change. The future is wide open! Thank you :-)

After the storm - Day 43

Lol.... so I didn't quit ;-)  Great hike today. Fast pace on the flats and up the hills. Felt good!!

Thanks to the snowmobilers for packing down the track. Also thanks to the drivers for keeping a sharp eye, and thanks to the plow guys who clear my way. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I quit!!!

April fools!!! As my spanish friends say jajajajajaja :-)

Wow I just came back from the hike and boy are my legs tired.... ba dum bump...lol

Seriously today was one of the hardest days. It took me two hours to complete.  Normally it takes about 70 to 80 minutes.

I did think about turning back a few times. However I remembered to chunk down my goals. Instead of focusing on the top, I made a goal every 5 feet. This branch, that stump, this twig, that bump and so on. Till finally I was at the top.

One thing I did think of today was the limitations of that approach.  If you didn't use your other senses or your intuition as well you might get hit by a snow plow ;-)

Thanks and have a great day everyone.  Go enjoy the snow it is beautiful outside!!

Payoff - Day 41

Man, can I tell you that this challenge has been a blessing!  Everyday I speak to someone who is inspired by my effort and my results. That is reward enough for me! However on top of that my own personal physical results amaze me every day. My mind is clear, and my relationships with people are way more real. Because my self esteem is high I talk to everyone I meet. Now those of you who really know me I am sure would say that last one is no surprise. But I mean even more than usual! Opportunities are popping up from all areas of my life,  and as of today I am right on track in just about all areas my life.

Like Lao Tzu says.... the longest journey starts with one step. I wonder how many steps I am up to now ;-)

A big Johnny O. Shout out to all involved! Thanks again! I couldn't do it without you :-)

3/4 - Day 40

Today is a big bechmark for me. Day 40... only 20 days left. Now I am in the home stretch. It is important to me because I have not given up.  Every day I make this happen my word to myself gets stronger and my self esteem expands exponentially.  What a journey. .. thanks for coming with :-)

Sundowner - Day 39

It was great to go up the mountain just before sundown. What a nice new perspective. Funny thing happened a guy ran up the path behind me and scared the shit out of me. I had my iPod blasting. When I got to the top I chatted with him and he had come from a similar journey as my self. Lost a lot of weight etc. he advised me about his experience. I was very appreciative. Life has a funny way putting people on your path. What a great day on the mountain.

BIG A.M. - Day 38

Just how much time do you spend thinking big? I mean really really BIG!?! Good because thats how much of it you are going to get! What a coincidence ;-)

No storm lasts forever - Day 37

When I went to bed last night I was expecting to hike up the mtn. In driving snow up to my knees. That was the forecast I heard.

Contrary to that when I got up it was awesome out. Only about 7 inches of snow fell. The temperature was above freezing.  It was really nice. The view of the bay from the boardwalk was stellar and all was good!

I made my best effort to stop and take it all in. It truely was inspirational!

Btw... thanks again for following me on my journey.  It really makes me feel special to know you are out there rooting for me :-)

Four fifths bullshit - Day 36

I know this guy who rationalizes terminating relationships by saying that you should keep looking for the one that is five fifths. To me that is bullshit. If you are that close and have made a commitment you make it work.

For example... this trek is hard and I live to do it most of the time.  However sometimes like today it was really difficult.  Maybe 1 out five times. Sure lets go with that. Am I going to give up on my commitment and say fuck it.... maybe yoga is my thing!!

No I am going to stick with it becuase the results speak for themselves.  As of today I am 8 pounds shy of my goal weight, which I had not planned to shed till August 4th, I look awesome,  and I am healthy, and 4 fifths happy... maybe I should give up on happiness too!

If you really look at it 4 fifths is really an awesome place to be.... if your word is important to you you learn to make it 5 fifths!

Karma Police - Day 35

Lol... the title really has nothing to do with the hike this morning. I just wrote it there to remind me of something funny that happened last night.

3 hikes in 24 hours....... Woooooooooooo Hooooooooooooo! !!!!

Captains Iog suplimental - Day 34b

Sometimes you need a p.m. workout!! Maybe it was just the raging snowstorm that got me worked up ;-)

Landscape shape - Day 34

This is not the hardest part of my day! With consistent effort and mindfulness getting up at 4am and climbing this mtn. is easy. Tina asked me if I remembered the 1st day up. Man that was hard  now on day 34. I can get up and back no problem.  Back in the old days(lol) we used to know that it would take a month to get back into Landscape Shape at the beginning of each summer.  But the results were never like this!

March 23 - Day 33

Happy Birthday to my sister Tina who was my hiking partner today.we had a great hike. A good time was had by all!!

The Warrior - Day 32

Man I felt good today going up the hill. I started the day out in a bad mood. I felt like I had a hang over. Plus a sore throat. I had just dealt with something uncomfortable and then went for the trek. It amazes me how exercise of any kind, especially that done in nature, and especially in solitude brings forth peace in the body and proper thinking in the mind!! A man went up that hill today and a warrior came down. Bring it!!

I see the light - Day 31

It's funny to me that, for the lat 30 days I have been fighting this up hill battle in the dark, no flash light. Just by what little I could see and by what I thought I knew, and by instinct. People had been telling me to get a light and I was stubborn. Yesterday my Dad gave me a head lamp and I used it and it made all the difference. I did the trek significantly faster. Undeniable proof that the light helped.

It's funny, because it is also a great metaphor for what has been happening in my life. For those of you who don't know. I split up with my girlfriend of 3 years on February 5th. Up to Wednesday, I had large hopes that we would reconcile. Which is one of the main reasons I started this challenge in the first place, in hopes of showing her that I could be trusted to do what I said I would do, and hope that she would be proud of me. Until I found out she got engaged after only 5 weeks to the guy she started seeing the day after we broke up. To me it felt like a horrific bombshell blew up in my face. I was VERY angry and said things that were hurt full. My faith was shattered and I was filled with confusion. That was Wednesday....Last night I spent a lot of time reflecting on how much I really do care for Corinne and that I truly do love her. That she needs to do what ever will make her happy and it is ok. That I forgive her, and myself. That was the other light I got yesterday. The light that is going to help me move forward faster to being happy and living the life I have dreamed of. Thank you Corinne you are, and always be my soul mate, I love you, and I wish you all the best in the future :-)

Rocking it!!! - Day 30

Today is the half way point to the end of the challenge.  Yesterday it was decided that the next challenge to follow this one will be a 60 day body building challenge. Thanks for all your support I couldn't do ot with out you. Woooooooooo Hoooooooooo!!!!!!

Listen to your body - Day 29

Had a lot on my mind....I couldn't sleep so I went up the hill an hour earlier than normal.... I feel a lot better....Thanks!!!

Alternate Routes - Day 28

Again the path was slippery fell down got back up.  Same as yesterday. Did my mantras when it was tough.  Forced myself to do them when it was easy. Took a few alternate routes which was fun. Had a new set of thermals today. Fourth Element Subxero panys. Worked great. I knew they would because I use the for scuba to, and I wear Fourth Element all winter long. Great gear made by great people :-)

Slippery Slopes - Day 27

Very icey again today. Going up not so bad. Coming down really rough. Fell down and got back up!!!! Sometimes you have to take the slippery slope s to get the big pay offs :--)

Rainy days and sundays - Day 26

Lol... I just got that. Rainy days and "sun" days. I wonder if they meant that to be like that. Rainy days and sundays always get me down.... fuck that!! When you are inspired you keep on trucking. On that note, I am going to share my favorite quote with you all.

"When you are inspired buy some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: your mind transcends limitations,  your consciousness expands in every direction,  and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.

Dormant forces, faculties,  and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be" - Patanjali

My wave - Day 25

A beautiful day on the trail! Today I had an added treat. I had a few good old friends accompany me. Soundgarden, The Vaughn Brothers, Jim Collins, and many more!! I recently found my old Ipod and brought it with me. Great for a change of pace :-)  Thanks Apple :-)

L - Day 24

Hey Gang, Today I am taking a minute to write from the top of the mountain.  The rain has slowed and it is super nive up here :-)

Today I wanted to give a huge shout out to my friend Lisa who is going to the doctor this morning to get her back checked out. Lisa is a ver awesome and active woman whos spirits are dampened by her pain. I ask you all to send her your love this morning :-) Thanks for being so great Lisa. All the best.... this hike is for you!!

Don't push - Day 23

Have you ever seen those bumper stickers that say "Don't Push"? Essential they are saying stay off my ass because your causing me to much stress. Lol. Well I realized I was the pusher. Not in the Steppenwolf way(lol) but the bumper sticker way. Pushing myself so hard that I couldnt think straight, my stomach hurt, my knees were in pain. I realized I needed to relax. All my goals wilk come in the right time.  Plus a little perspective.  My goal here is to go up and down that mtn. 60 times.  Not under 60 minutes or running or standing on my head. The faster times and the weight loss are not the main goal. Just VERY happy accidents. 

Snow Job - Day 22

Two photos for today. One with flash one with out. Both from the same spot. Got snow? Yup plenty :-)