work hard. play hard.

My fitness blog with the ultimate goal of being fit, healthy, and happy.

[jtgetsfit]

Finished my workout right at 12:00am

And took a selfie by my Christmas tree to boot. Those aren’t all my presents (I think... thanks wife :) )

Today was max interval plyo. Although it felt like I didn’t push myself as hard as always my fitbit tells me I still burned 647 calories in the 55 minute workout. 

I had another Christmas lunch with coworkers today. I stayed strong and ordered a Chicken Avocado salad with some sort of mustard vinaigrette... and water. The office is closed next week for the holidays and I have lots planned with friends and family... so I am sure I’ll have lots of opportunities for cheat meals, so I figured I’d be good whenever I can.

 The wife has been craving steak (for some odd reason) for a while now, so we have reservations at the Keg tomorrow. We’re also scheduled to watch a movie as well (to complete the date night)... thank you grandparents! 

That’s all for now!

[jtgetsfit]

Had my first cheat meal in almost 2 months

It was for the annual christmas lunch I have with one of my co-workers. I do not regret it one bit.

I put the meal behind me and for dinner I had a kale salad with turkey breast strips and this awesome yogurt dill salad dressing my wife picked out for me.

I also got my workout in (Max Interval Circuit) which kicked my ass. I ended up burning 730 calories though. My wife has been calling me “foot man” (or something like that) because I’ve been doing the insanity workouts with nothing but my bare feet. The past week or so it feels like the bottoms of my feet are permanently burning. Note to self, workout with shoes from now on. Which I did today. And it felt like it made a difference as the burning was kept down to a minimum.  

That kind of feels like it was TMI, but whatever.

[jtgetsfit]

Weigh in day

So I’ve lost 1.5 lbs since last week. Which means I was slightly below my 1000 calorie a day deficit goal. Still, I am pleased with what the scale showed me this morning. So pleased that I actually got my workout in extra early on a Monday (crazy, I know..). 

Today was Max Cardio Conditioning and the last 2 minutes of the workout I pushed myself hard.... at the beginning of the cooldown stretch I looked down and I see my heart rate at 186 (!!!) and I swear this was the first time I noticed, but the heart on my fitbit was blinking haha... is that it’s way of telling me that I need to slow down or else my heart is going to explode? You would think it would vibrate at least!!!

Anyways, I have 5 more days left of work before I’m off for a week for the holidays. I’m pretty excited. My wife thinks she has Christmas “won” (i.e. she got me better gifts than I got her. We’ll see about that.

[jtgetsfit]

Wondering if I should start tracking my calorie intake

I never really have counted my calories before - even at my fittest. I really don’t think I need to but I think it’ll be a nice motivational tool when I know how many calories I have consumed and how many calories I have burned (thanks Fitbit) in order to reach my calorie deficit goal. 

I logged my food intake today (tonight actually, after I had eaten everything) and what I thought was a low calorie day, I ended up having 2000 calories. I guess snacking all day runs that calorie count up pretty quick. It’s almost midnight and as I peak down at my fitbit it says 3000 calories burned, so goal achieved! 

I had hockey tonight but unfortunately I forgot to start my fitbit to track it as a workout. Oh well, at least it kept on counting those calories for me. We ended up losing 2-1. I felt like I played hard but I wasn’t as dog tired as I usually am after hockey. Maybe a sign that my fitness level has increased? Perhaps. I did manage to get an assist on our lone goal. I now have 15 points in 12 games played. I think that’s a record for me.

In unrelated (non fitblr) news, my wife has taken up photography as one of her new hobbies. She’s pretty darn good at it. Here’s a picture of us during our mini lifestyle photo shoot this weekend. 

That’s all for now!

[jtgetsfit]

Just push play

It’s what I thought to myself which got me to actually get my Insanity workout in tonight. And of course 15 minutes into it I was already gasping for air wondering what the f-_-k I am doing....

So here I am 763 calories later -- all sweaty, sore, and completely beat. How the hell did I complete this workout program before??? I’ve basically been loosely following the schedule (I’m on day 42) of the 63 day workout program. I’ve arguably been eating much healthier this go around compared to the last time I was doing Insanity. Of course I also weigh about 10-15 lbs heavier the first time so maybe that’s a big contributor. 

Perhaps I should wait to post right after my workouts. If I were to post throughout the day on tumblr I’m sure I’ll have more positive things to say... such things as I feel better throughout the day, I actually don’t mind getting up and doing active things, I fit better (and look better -- as my wife tells me) in my clothes, etc. 

Finally, my wife tells me I shouldn’t weigh myself everyday. I agreed which is why I haven’t weighed myself since Monday. I’ll weigh myself again this upcoming Monday. I’m sure I’ll see a smaller number than last time.

[jtgetsfit]

It’s hard to workout with 2 kids

Yep.... although my wife deserves most (if not all) the credit for taking care of them. But basically it’s work in the morning/afternoon and look after (at least) 1 kid during the night until their bedtime... then i get my workout in. The result is a late night work out and less sleep than required.... but I have to make due for now. 

Today was Max Cardio Conditioning screenshot below (596 calories burned). Now I’m going to inhale this quest bar before shower and bed.

[jtgetsfit]

Max interval plyo...

Yeah, I’m dying right about now. It felt like the work out was never going to end. But I got through it and I guess I am glad I did and didn’t give up. It’s been years since I last did this particular workout and I felt like a lot of moves were brand new to me. 

Screenshot of my workout:

I guess if I pushed myself harder during the intervals I would have been able to reach my peak heart rate for a longer period of time. Sometimes it’s hard to get through the individual workout when I’m gasping for air or my entire body is sore or just plain tired... but I need to stay strong and think of the positive reasons why I am putting myself through this. 

[jtgetsfit]

A screenshot from Hockey last night. I probably played my best game -- 2 goals and 2 assists with my 2 goals on breakaways where I just out skated the defenders. Eating healthy and insanity has helped me get my explosiveness back. I started month 2 of insanity on Saturday. I did not enjoy it... because it kicked my ass. I was looking back at my old insanity posts and even back then I claimed that max interval circuit was my least liked workout.... things have not changed.

[jtgetsfit]

I’ve been away from tumblr for 3 years. I’m still alive.  Do I still have any followers? 

Let’s catch up.

I have 2 kids now. First born (Jude) is 20 months and second born (Zelda) is just 3 weeks.

I started my own engineering company

I love my wife more than I did 3 years ago

I went to Las Vegas (no further comment), Dominican Republic, Banff (Alberta), and Quebec City 

Obviously a lot has happened and being healthy fell lower on the priority list. However, as my son (and my daughter) grow, I have realized that by being a healthier version of myself  I could be the dad my kids deserve. Not to mention the other perks that come with being healthy (self confidence and overall health) are also good.

I have recently started up a workout routine (I have just ‘loosely’ finished month 1 of Insanity) and have been eating very healthy and making healthier choices when it comes to meals. I have a long way to go but I will make sure I see this through. If not for myself but for my kids and for my wife.

That is all for now.

[jtgetsfit]

Inactivity

Yes, I am still alive. In fact I have been "stalking" my followers regularly, but just decided to lay low the last little bit. I haven't exactly made the best healthy decisions lately but I've managed to get back on track this week at least. My body really is confused probably considering how poorly I ate the past couple of weeks. But I'm convinced I feel 100000% better (mentally and physically) when I'm eating healthy and staying active.

In other news, in 9 days I will have been married to the love of my life for 2 years <3

[jtgetsfit]

Date night last night

We went rock climbing! It was fun but very tough on your whole upper body!

By the end of the night my hands were all red and my forearms were all sore. It was really fun though and we had a blast :)

To give a small little update: we're almost done week 3 of the paleo challenge. I recently stepped on the scale and I'm right at 150 lbs which is where I would like to stay. 

Have a good weekend fellow fitblrs!

[jtgetsfit]

Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer

I participated in this event today and I'd like to say that it was a very special event. Here's the link to the website: road hockey to conquer cancer The event in total raised over $2.3 million for the Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Foundation. My company donated $10,000.00 alone. There was a special story of a story of a young man and his cancer story. At the age of 15 he was considered one of the top Canadian hockey prospect and was eligible and ready to be drafted in the OHL. Then his whole life changed as he was diagnosed with cancer and had to have his leg amputated. The amputation was the same day as the OHL draft. After the amputation he did chemo and now he has been cancer free for almost 3 years now. This past year he competed on Canada's sleigh hockey team in the National Championship and brought home the gold. He is also going to be competing for Canada in the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics. It's such a great story and very inspirational. He thanked everybody at the event since its events like this for why he is still alive today. Very surreal. He had a standing ovation from everyone this morning. As for the event, there was lots to do. There was a Reebok hockey training challenge.. I watched a little bit and they were doing one legged squats at the edge of an elevated platform as one of the challenges, crazy. There was a Sony "man cave" worth $10,000 which was raffled off at the end Of the event. I had 3 raffle tickets but did not win :(.... It's ok. There was even a celebrity hockey game which was entertaining as it had various local media tv and radio personalities and even retired hockey players that I watched growing up. The food.. Let me tell you about the food. As you all know, I'm doing paleo so today was a challenge to say the very least. Breakfast was good as I had fruit and managed to fill myself with that. Lunch however, was provided by Boston Pizza so they had all the pizza and pasta lined up. Basically all I was able to have was the veggies. There was lots of beer but I abstained from that too. I'm real proud of myself. As for the games, we played 5 games total. We won our first 2 but ended up losing the last 3 ending our day at 2 wins and 3 losses. The games were really fun though. Ball hockey is a lot different than ice hockey. Of course you're not on skates but there's not much time to do much as you're constantly under pressure. Also you can't coast and you need to run and hustle your ass off. My feet right now are killing me. I also took a shot to my shin and have a nasty bruise, but I'll live. All in all, I had a blast and think the event was very well put together. I'm already registered for the event in 2014 :) Hope you all have a great weekend!

[jtgetsfit]

Nursing some minor injuries

Halfway through my hockey game last night I realized my right ankle was very sore. I was already playing with a sore wrist but the pain was manageable. I played fairly well but I didn't feel like I had my regular burst of speed on my skates and at times felt weak. Maybe something to do with my lack of sleep over the weekend - Friday night I had about 4 hours of sleep and Saturday night I had about 5 hours of sleep. Definitely not enough. Anyways, I digress.. We ended up winning 4-3 in a very good and hard fought game. I ended up getting assist on the night too. 

In other news, I'm officially into Week 2 of the 1 month Paleo challenge and it's harder than I thought. Nikki's been doing a great job though and her meals are amazing. 

I've gotten my Insanity work out in already (Cardio Power & Resistance) and it pretty much kicked my ass. Both my right wrist and right ankle were really sore but I toughed it out. Hopefully between all my workouts and hockey they are able to heal soon. 

Finally, I know I haven't been posting as much but I'd like to let all you loyal followers that I still frequent tumblr daily to check up! Have a good night!

[jtgetsfit]

Sorry for the lack of posts

I'm still alive and kicking and actually had a really good week food wise and also a decent workout week so far. I went to the gym and worked on my upper body including back. My shoulders but mostly my chest was very sore 2 days after, but today I noticed (and so did Nikki) that my pecs looked pretty good. Not bad for a single lifting session.

Anyways, Nikki's starting a 30 day Paleo challenge on Monday and I'll more than likely join in on some occasions (not sure for the whole 30 days, but we'll see).  I'm also going to be going to the gym and lifting and doing HIIT sessions with some Insanity sprinkled in on some other days.

I have my first hockey game for the Winter league tomorrow night which I'm excited for. 

All in all, life is good. I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

[jtgetsfit]

Damn you cramps!

Completed my Insanity workout for the day. Today I did Cardio Power & Resistance. It's been a while since I did this workout and I forgot how hard it actually is. During the warm up I had a major cramp on my right side that killed me. I toughed it out and managed to finish the work out though. I'm glad I got today over with. 

Before my workout Nikki told me tonight's dinner was going to be quinoa with cauliflower which didn't sound appealing to me at all (I didn't say anything but according to her my reaction said it all). Anyways, we had dinner after my workout. We had the quinoa and cauliflower like she said, but she forgot to mention she was going to make shrimp skewers with some kick ass honey-garlic sauce! It tasted amazing. Now I am stuffed.

I will probably take my rest day tomorrow since I will be flying to Ottawa for work and won't be home until late probably.

Hope you all have a good night fellow followers!

[jtgetsfit]

Trying to get back on track

This weekend was horrible food wise and I felt really dirty and unhealthy. I noticed it's really hard to try and look nice if you aren't eating healthy. It almost feels like I'm trying too hard or even lying. Weird I know, but after last night I decided that I'm going to be more strict with my workout schedule and with what I eat.

With that being said, I just finished my Insanity workout - did Plyometric Cardio Circuit today and it just about killed me. I guess it's my punishment for being pretty unhealthy. Nikki cooked a fabulous dinner tonight (like usual).

She decided to stuff the chicken breast with jalapeno peppers which made it very spicy but worth it! 

I plan on sticking with the Insanity workout for at least this week while I try and get back on track. We will see where I go from there but continuing on with the rest of the program is a possibility.

Hope you all had a great day and a great rest of the night!

[jtgetsfit]

Completely and utterly exhausted!

Just got back from hockey and its almost 2am now. I didn't have much sleep last night, kept on waking up from 3am onwards and finally got up at 6am to get ready for work. I even stayed a little late today at work. Once I got home I took Nikki to the regular sushi restaurant where we had dinner. Got home and we watched a little bit of Netflix then I had to get ready for hockey. 

Now, after 2 hours of hockey I'm just about done. It does feel good to get a nice workout in. I really do think playing hockey is a really good workout, it's pretty much HIIT. 

In other news, I collect Aeroplan miles and recently checked my balance and I have over 100,000 miles. Which has gotten me at looking at vacation packages..... Which means I can use a vacation to motivate me to get back on track with a workout program?! Maybe...