INSANITY, Week 9 - The Results Are In!

I was pretty excited heading into this week for the sole reason that the insanity was almost over.  I was back on the morning routine track and I have to say that was the best way to go for me.  Trying to find the energy and motivation to do these workouts in the evenings was tough.  After working during the day and doing all that is required in the evenings when you have two little ones, working out was the last thing I wanted to be doing at 8 or 9 o'clock at night.  Anyway, I was glad to be getting up at 5am again.  Sounds funny (ridiculous really) I know, but I was rested, ready, and the workouts just started the day off right.
I kept my thoughts simple this week.  Here they are along with my final Fit Test results and a few pictures and analysis of my "transformation."

Day 57 - Max Interval Plyo - Have I mentioned that there ARE Level 3 Drills?!!  I remember posting somewhere previously, "Please God, don't let there be Level 3 Drills."  As Garth Brooks once sang, "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."  I'm afraid this wasn't one of those gifts.  16 push-ups, then stay in "plank" position and run/climb for a 16-count, then stand up, go back down and do another 16 push-ups and run/climb for another 16-count.  Best wishes.

Day 58 - Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs - I can almost keep up!  Come on, lungs!

Day 59 - Max Interval Circuit - Ok, I can't believe it took me two months to come up with this.  This workout totally reminded me of an episode of My Wife and Kids.  In the show, Michael Kyle (Damon Wayans) and his wife 'Jay' -- short for Janet (Tisha Campbell) -- run into an old friend (Terry Crews), who happens to run a gym, has enormous muscles, and clearly impresses Jay.  After some ribbing, Michael commits to hitting the gym for some Euro Training with their old friend...



Ha ha!! Love it.  Hey, does the Max Interval Circuit kick your butt for an hour? "IN-DEED."

Day 60 - Core Cardio & Balance - Yes, it says Day 60, but there are still three days left.  I'm not bitter.

Day 61 - Max Interval Plyo - Last day to do a million push-ups!  Who's with me?

Can you hand me my water, please?

Day 62 - Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs - Last workouts before my final Fit Test!

Day 63 - Fit Test #5 - Whew!  I had a hard time catching my breath during this one.  Obviously I didn't want my numbers to go down on my final test, so I was digging as deep as possible on every exercise.  I know by the end I had nothing left to give.  Oh, and I didn't realize until I was cropping this photo that the first exercise stated "2 kicks = 1 rep" so I typed in my proper Switch Kicks results.

Fit Test #5

And now, it's over...  Or has it just begun?!!  Who's up for Round 2?

I'm definitely in for another round in the near future.  And perhaps next time I'll do better along the diet front.  While I was not eating out-of-control, I'm pretty sure I wasn't eating the best fuel for this workout.  As I look at my transformation photos, I don't think I'd make a very good commercial for INSANITY.  My results do not appear dramatic.  However, I definitely FEEL a huge transformation, but you might agree it's hard to see in these photos.  Don't get me wrong... I'm not disappointed.  What I do see is better posture and much less muscle "sag."  I had a little muscle before but it all just seemed to be hanging on me... not very "toned."  I could flex and my muscles were soft.  Now, the meat on my bones is sitting up where it's supposed to be sitting up.  Everything is tightening up, and when I flex my muscles actually feel solid.  I think the biggest difference is in my quads, which was not on the "before and after photos" list, so I can't really show the difference here.  I did take some measurements on Day 1 also, so once I re-measure, I'll share those results as well.

Seems to have tightened up a bit.

Slight visual difference.  Definitely firmer.  Awkward flexing for a camera.

Rear view shows a little more definition in my back.

I added a trend line for this photo, which I think showed
the most obvious change.

Yes, I feel a little weird posting pictures of myself, even on my own personal blog, but I thought it would be dumb to blog about this entire experience and not show some results.  Anyway, INSANITY has been a great program for me.  I wanted something that didn't involve weights, would help me tone what muscle I had, and would improve my cardio.  It has strengthened my core incredibly from where I was 60 days ago, and I think the Fit Test results prove that.  It has also been instrumental in rekindling my desire to be in shape.  I want to be healthy.  I want to look good for my wife.  And as my kids get older, well, so do I.  I want to be able to keep up with them and enjoy them as long as possible.  So here's to the end of INSANITY and the beginning of a new chapter!

"It is finished."

~ Jesus ~

(John 19:30)

Happy 10th Anniversary!

I'd like to interrupt all my INSANITY blog posts for a special announcement.  An announcement more insane than any workout program...

As of today, Rebecca and I have been married TEN (10) years.  Now that's insane.

So, Rebecca, here's a little something to commemorate our time together.

10 GREAT THINGS ABOUT 10 YEARS WITH YOU

10. Date Nights
These have been few and far between over the last 4 years (since having kids), but I have had so much fun experiencing life with you.  We've shared delicious dinners and we're always willing to try new places and foods when given the opportunity.  I actually enjoyed the trips to Five Guys while you were pregnant with Isaac, though I packed on a few pounds.  We've caught a few movies (actually in theaters!) over the years.  We've been to tons of concerts, many of which I would've never bought tickets to if not for you (I mean that in a good way).  We've gotten to a couple of ballgames (including the rain delayed game in Pittsburgh that we left too early only to find out the next morning that the Cardinals made an awesome comeback that we missed - Doh!).  We've seen a plethora of plays/productions/even musicals, and even experienced a hilarious Jerry Seinfeld stand-up routine.  You know there's more, but to the point... I really enjoy spending time with you.

9. The 2006 Playoffs and World Series
Let me preface this one by saying that this should really encompass all of the time we spend together in the comfort of our home, chilling on the couch, snuggling (until I get too hot), and watching the tube.  We have our TV shows we like to watch (House, Big Bang, early CSI, etc.), but in 2006 you watched all seventeen (17) Cardinals playoff games with me on our then-new high-def flat panel TV.  All of them.  I know you slept through a few innings, but you proved your fanhood that year and I remember how much fun we had watching those games en route to a World Series Championship.  It was one of those pre-children special moments to me.

8. Vacations Together
With or without our kids, we have had a blast and been so blessed to see a little bit of God's [and some of man's] creation.  The fun began in Kuaui, Hawaii on our honeymoon and has taken us to such places as Gatlinburg, Charleston-SC, San Diego, Hilton Head, Edisto Island, Asheville, Hershey, Pittsburgh, the Caribbean, beaches galore, and most recently, Savannah.  And while we had our "moments" during some trips... you know, spousal navigational disagreements, we managed to get everywhere we were going and enjoy ourselves.  And granted I have been quoted as saying, "Buying that Tom Tom GPS likely saved our marriage," road trips with my bestie are still the best.  I know... I can't quite attach myself to that new word either.

7. Making a Home Together
We bought our house in February 2002.  Ever since then, and perhaps even before then while renting a duplex, we really seemed to click when it came to making our house really feel like our house.  Our style, our taste, your research and our execution of ideas has really made our home the best place for us to start and end our days.  It's special to me that though we are so different when it comes to the things at which we excel, these home projects have always been something at which we've made a great team.  Well... that and making babies!  Woo hoo!

6. Free [Salon Quality] Haircuts!
Maybe some people wouldn't rank this higher than vacations together or making a home together, but while we were in a moment of comic relief, I thought this would be a good spot for this one.  You know I can't stand to be too serious for too long.  That being said, think of all the money I/we have saved in haircuts!  I mean, yeah, you work your fingers to the bone, but... just since we've been married, if I got my haircut once every six weeks (which is pretty conservative), and paid $20 per cut, that's... about 9 haircuts multiplied by ten years, multiplied by $20... that's $1800 we've saved in haircuts!  Not to mention the money we'll save on our kids' haircuts.  Oh, wait, we have a daughter.  Add colors, highlights, perms(?), and up-dos to that list.  I should also mention that the free shampoos afterwards are quite the icing on the cake.  You don't get that at the barber shop!

Salon chair or porch?  It's nice to have options.

5. Your Vocals
Boy, are you vocal! :-)  Sometimes to a fault.  But not when your singing.  Seriously, I m not sure I've ever expressed or expressed enough how your singing floored me from the start.  When you sing, and especially when you're singing to worship God, you touch my heart and so often lead me into a my own place of worship.  It's incredibly beautiful.  And although you hear it from others every time you sing, I wish I never grew tired of telling you that you needed to cut a CD.  We could be rich, I tell you...RICH!!  But who knows, if you made it big years ago, you might have dumped me for a sweeter piece of arm candy.  Instead, thankfully, you've let God lead, and I'm pretty sure he hasn't steered you wrong.  Really I just wanted a CD for keepsake/family heirloom purposes.  But wait!  Now, for the first time, you're in a band!  A band so new it doesn't even have a name yet.  I know how much you're enjoying it and that makes me super happy for you, and I get the feeling I might soon get that CD that I -- and many others -- have been waiting for.

Like I said... Gorgeous.

4. October 6, 2001
It was the first day of the rest of our lives.  It was awesome.  You were a gorgeous bride.  We shared a funny moment at the wick-less unity candle.  You sang Valentine to me at our reception.  And I heard the prime rib was delicious.  How did we not get to eat our dinner until we were on our way to Greensboro?  Cold chicken tenders and leftovers in a Styrofoam box for us.  But we were too excited to care.  That was a sweet day.  You've been a great wife ever since.  It had to be you.

Cue up Harry Connick, Jr.



2. The Sex!
I'm kidding.  I mean... I'm not kidding in the sense that "it" wouldn't make some uncensored Top 10 List, but that's not really my style.  If anyone else reading must know, we've only had coitus twice and it was for pro-creation purposes only.  True story.
Now... you may have noticed there's no number 3.  That is because there's a tie for the #2 spot.  On two perfect days over the last 4 years, you gave birth to my other two favorite people.

    2-a. Isaac James, born December 22, 2007.

    2-b. Ella Riley, born May 3, 2010.

Speaking of "the difficult part!" 

You are a wonderful mom.  You were a wonderful mom from the moment we found out these children were being woven in your belly.  And while you are all the things a fun-loving mom is supposed to be, I'm more proud that my children have a mother, who cares to do well the things that are the more difficult parts of being a parent.  You are prepared.  You are scheduled.  You are disciplined.  You're the bomb mom.  I see it, and I love you for it.

1. You Love Jesus
Completely.  That relationship is something that translates into so much more in our relationship.  And that truth continues to sustain our marriage.  Thank you for your commitment to Christ, for your faithfulness to me, and for your partnership in parenthood.

Happy Anniversary!

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..."

~ Ephesians 5:25 ~

INSANITY - Weeks 7 & 8 - No Rest For the Weary

Caught me slackin' on my blog posting again.  A couple of busy weeks have made it difficult enough to keep up with my INSANITY workouts, let alone keep up with my blogging.  Regardless, or IR-REGADDLESS for you northerners, I managed to stay on track for the most part over the last two weeks and I'm looking forward to the home stretch -- pun intended.  Here are some thoughts from the last two weeks...

Day 43 - Max Cardio Conditioning - I must be learning to breathe better.  Lord knows you need air to finish this DVD.  There are sooo many exercises crammed into 47 minutes, including Diamond Jumps (start in a squat, jump up, swing arms out and up over your head while basically clicking your heels together in mid-air underneath you), as well as another exercise I find just as brutal - the Push-up Abs (as you go down in your push-up, alternate bringing one knee out and forward to touch your elbow).  Hard. Core.

Day 44 - Max Interval Circuit - 3rd time through this one.  Felt like taunting again.  So today I taunted Anna.  Two times Shaun T asks her how she's feeling and she throws out these lame visuals, like "I feel like I'm on the playground again" and "I feel like I'm [expletive] climbing Mt. Everest!"  Whoa.  Where did that come from?  Then I realized that wasn't the only F-bomb she dropped during the workout.  Of course, they're censored on the video, but pretty obvious after you've been through the workout a few times.  And it's not that I'm offended, it's just annoying when it seems so forced and unnecessary... if it's ever "necessary."

Day 45 - Max Interval Plyo - Since I'm picking on people... today I chide Darren.  A gentleman short in stature with a strong build, yet terribly inflexible as Shaun T makes certain to point out as he goes and straightens Darren's limbs out during the first stretch.  I thought the guy's arm was going to snap off as he winces and replies, "It hurts a little," when Shaun T asks him, "How's that feel, Darren?"  But there's also a part late in the DVD that bugs me as Darren walks back from a quick water break and holds up his arm and four fingers.  Now, some of you know that this is simply an athlete gesturing something that means 'Hey, we play four quarters (or four periods), not 2, not 3, but 4.'  Kind of a "finish strong" mentality.  I get it.  I do.  For whatever reason, it seemed out of place to me.  Not motivating, just dumb.  Darren, your hard work motivates me.  You trying to be cool on the video does not.  Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Day 46 - Max Recovery - Dilemma!  Traveling to Savannah today for the weekend to celebrate 10 years of marriage and enjoy time with my wife.  Couldn't get the workout in this morning, so I actually brought my INSANITY DVDs with me.  That in itself now seems insane.  After a 7-hour road trip and dinner in Savannah, I did my Max Recovery workout in the hotel room.  Commitment?  Yes.  Sweaty smelling hotel room?  Yes.  Sorry, honey.  Will I do my workout tomorrow?...

The Savannah River.  We stayed at the Hyatt back there on the left.

Day 47 - Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs - [Previously on McMahonhood...]... Will I do my workout tomorrow?... Uh, no.  Hadn't missed a day yet, but I can make it up.  My wife has been totally supportive of me getting back in shape, and I just felt I could sacrifice that time.  You really do get smelly and throw some sweat around doing these routines and I felt the need to spare her of all that again.  She's been really proud of my commitment, though.

Day 48 - Core Cardio & Balance - Okay, so I'll need to make up two days.  Vacations can be a workout killer.  I must say, though, I think we've gotten our share of exercise.  We must have walked 20 miles in Savannah this weekend.

Day 49 - Rest Day - WRONG.  Not today, Mister.  Had some catching up to do, so after a 7-hour road trip, I knocked out the Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs routines that I was supposed to on Day 47.  A rare headache didn't make this routine very fun.  Too much jumping - ugh!

Fit Test #4, Day 50.

Day 50 - Fit Test & Max Interval Circuit - So I rocked the fourth Fit Test during my lunch break today.  My results are improving (see picture) and I only have one more Fit Test scheduled... the day of reckoning.
Unfortunately, I planned to hit the Max Interval Circuit this evening, but got side-tracked by Monday Night Football (Redskins v. Cowboys!) and pennant race baseball (my Cardinals closing in on the final playoff spot in the National League) were both on.  My penalty?  The Redskins lost, the Cardinals lost, and I lost a make-up day.  Lose. Lose. Lose.  Ouch.

Day 51 - Max Interval Circuit - Caught this day up, and can see that it's going to be Hell trying to catch up on these intense routines.  Dig deeper!!!

Day 52 - Max Interval Plyo - Felt pretty good!  Maybe I was jacked about the 7-0 lead in the Cardinals game.  And I actually sacrificed watching the very end of the game to get my workout in tonight... My reward?  Cards win their game, Braves lose their game; therefore, the Cardinals take the Wild Card playoff spot!  Win. Win.  Woo hoo!

Day 53 - Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs - I love it when I realize my progress!  The Cardio Abs routine is a short one, so I can often remember my previous effort.  Taking fewer rests and be able to do more reps on each exercise is always a good sign!

Day 54 - Max Recovery - This routine starts out so sweet and innocent, but by the end my shoulders and quads are always on fire.

Day 55 - Max Interval Circuit - Cranked it out hard this morning.  Really feel like I want to go even harder heading into the final week.  To be honest though, I don't know how much harder I can go.  I guess that's a good thing!
And before I wrap up this day, can I just dog Jimmy for a minute?  Dude, maybe I'm wrong, but Ariel does not look interested.  My guess?  She saw you doing the high knees with twists exercise.  Just sayin.'

Day 56 - Rest Day - Wrong again! Core Cardio & Balance catch-up day!  Back on track, heading into the final week of INSANITY.  You may be realizing as I did at one point that... Hey, this isn't a 60-day program -- it's a 63-day program!  But then maybe you'll realize like I did that staying in shape is going to be a worthwhile life-long program, so who cares, right?

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize."

~ 1 Corinthians 9:24 ~