Most of the time I enjoy the solitary path, it keeps me focused and right now I certainly am that. I have completed a week of weight training and cardio on the other days. I am now back into my routine of 3 days + 3 days. My weight training is going well and I can feel the strength surging back into my body. Cardio consists of walking on an incline and flat with some steps thrown in to simulate as best I can HiiT. Followed by ab work. Rock On.
I'm going to spend the rest of the year getting myself back into a position where I can restart my "SUPER-CHALLENGE" in January when I'm back from vacation.
Guess where I'm going for my vacation. Right... St Francis Bay. If that sounds vaguely familiar to you it's because that is where I had an argument with a sand bank and came off 2nd best by trying to head butt the thing. I need to stand on that beach and confront the place that hurt me so badly. I need to make friends with it and swim in the place that so nearly took my life.
Until then I will train hard, eat right, drink lots of water and 'go like hell'
Hope you'll come along for the ride.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The road not so less travelled today
For seven months I have been trudging along a lonely road, a road on which I seemed to be the only traveller. That can be tough since everyone wants to be part of a community including me.
Travelling alone means a lot of things....Being alone at night when the lights go down. Having no one to share your feelings with when you need to, eating alone, keeping the pain to yourself, willing yourself on when you are exhausted, and so on...but in the last few days I have noticed other travellers on my road, people who look and behave just like me, the road has widened and the noise gets louder I realise that I'm feeling happy about the cacophony all around and I suddenly realise that the people are not like me...I am like them and those travellers that used to wish me well from other roads adjacent to mine and who used to pray for me are now walking along my road, which has now become their road as well. My solitary journey is almost complete.
Taking the road less travelled is a choice. I have always chosen the hard way the way that toughens me to my core, my whole life has been about choosing to tough things out, my journey on the road less travelled is no different and it's almost as if I have been training my whole life for the last seven months...to fight a war against an unseen enemy.
Today, for now, I emerge victorious. My blood work shows no trace of infection, my x-rays show that the titanium hardware in my head is stable and I believe that I'm at the end of my journey on ' the road less travelled '.
I imagine there are not many of you who have not read or seen 'The Secret' and whilst I have put my own spin on it I believe in the concept of Quantum Physics and God as a partnership in conjunction with the Universe as God created it..
I absolutely believe in the Law of reciprocation and manifestation in my life because I have seen it happen in a very positive way too often over many years and long before The Secret ever came down the pike for it to be a myth.
Call it what you like, I call it faith. I am a trainer/success coach because I believe it is my calling and for many years I have not advertised for new clients in my training business because I rely on faith. When I need a new client or a few I simply ask God for help or in "Secret" terms, the Universe. Because I am a giver and give freely God has always honoured that and new clients just seem to walk in the door.
It happened again this morning. I had a client finish up in my 7.00am slot on wednesday and the first thing I did was ask God for a new client for that slot. I went to see my Neurosurgeon Carl, remember him, this morning to get results of the blood work etc and at the end of that meeting he said to me I'd like to come and train with you but my times are very limited. I said when can
you train. You guessed it, Carl starts with me 7.00am next monday, and he wants his daughter to come along as well.
It works BIG TIME in my life, why don't you try it in yours.
Travelling alone means a lot of things....Being alone at night when the lights go down. Having no one to share your feelings with when you need to, eating alone, keeping the pain to yourself, willing yourself on when you are exhausted, and so on...but in the last few days I have noticed other travellers on my road, people who look and behave just like me, the road has widened and the noise gets louder I realise that I'm feeling happy about the cacophony all around and I suddenly realise that the people are not like me...I am like them and those travellers that used to wish me well from other roads adjacent to mine and who used to pray for me are now walking along my road, which has now become their road as well. My solitary journey is almost complete.
Taking the road less travelled is a choice. I have always chosen the hard way the way that toughens me to my core, my whole life has been about choosing to tough things out, my journey on the road less travelled is no different and it's almost as if I have been training my whole life for the last seven months...to fight a war against an unseen enemy.
Today, for now, I emerge victorious. My blood work shows no trace of infection, my x-rays show that the titanium hardware in my head is stable and I believe that I'm at the end of my journey on ' the road less travelled '.
I imagine there are not many of you who have not read or seen 'The Secret' and whilst I have put my own spin on it I believe in the concept of Quantum Physics and God as a partnership in conjunction with the Universe as God created it..
I absolutely believe in the Law of reciprocation and manifestation in my life because I have seen it happen in a very positive way too often over many years and long before The Secret ever came down the pike for it to be a myth.
Call it what you like, I call it faith. I am a trainer/success coach because I believe it is my calling and for many years I have not advertised for new clients in my training business because I rely on faith. When I need a new client or a few I simply ask God for help or in "Secret" terms, the Universe. Because I am a giver and give freely God has always honoured that and new clients just seem to walk in the door.
It happened again this morning. I had a client finish up in my 7.00am slot on wednesday and the first thing I did was ask God for a new client for that slot. I went to see my Neurosurgeon Carl, remember him, this morning to get results of the blood work etc and at the end of that meeting he said to me I'd like to come and train with you but my times are very limited. I said when can
you train. You guessed it, Carl starts with me 7.00am next monday, and he wants his daughter to come along as well.
It works BIG TIME in my life, why don't you try it in yours.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The road less travelled
Liz, was kind enough to send this to me as a comment but I've decided to publish the entire text as today's post since I think it so relevent not only for me but for a planet of human beings living in terribly troubled times.
It certainly magnified for me the peace I have as a result of my relationship with my Creator.
Thank you Liz, a beautiful piece bringing beautiful peace.
From "Self abandoment to Divine Providence" Caussade, Jean Pierre de, SJ.
"Why do you take pleasure in tormenting yourself, as you might do over the future, when your faith teaches you that the future is in the hands of a Father who is infinitely good, who loves you more than you love yourself and who understands your interests far better than you?
Have you forgotten that everything that happens is directed by the orders of divine Providence?
But if we know this how can we hesitate to remain in a state of humble submission, in the most trifling and as in the greatest events, to all that God wishes or permits? How blind we are when we desire anything other than what God wishes.
He alone knows the dangers which threaten us in the future and the help which we shall need.. I am firmly convinced that we should all be lost if God gave us all our desires, and that is why, as Saint Augustine says, God, in his mercy and compassion for our blindness, does not always grant our prayers, and sometimes gives us the contrary of what we ask, as being in reality better for us.
In truth, I often think that nearly all of us are in this world in the position of poor sick people who in their frenzy of delirium ask for the very thing that would cause their death and who have to be refused out of pure charity and an enlightened pity.
"My God, if this truth were once for all well known, with what blind self-abandonment should we not submit ourselves to your divine Providence. What peace and tranquility of heart we should enjoy in every circumstance, not only regarding external events, but also with reference to our interior states of soul........Amen
It certainly magnified for me the peace I have as a result of my relationship with my Creator.
Thank you Liz, a beautiful piece bringing beautiful peace.
From "Self abandoment to Divine Providence" Caussade, Jean Pierre de, SJ.
"Why do you take pleasure in tormenting yourself, as you might do over the future, when your faith teaches you that the future is in the hands of a Father who is infinitely good, who loves you more than you love yourself and who understands your interests far better than you?
Have you forgotten that everything that happens is directed by the orders of divine Providence?
But if we know this how can we hesitate to remain in a state of humble submission, in the most trifling and as in the greatest events, to all that God wishes or permits? How blind we are when we desire anything other than what God wishes.
He alone knows the dangers which threaten us in the future and the help which we shall need.. I am firmly convinced that we should all be lost if God gave us all our desires, and that is why, as Saint Augustine says, God, in his mercy and compassion for our blindness, does not always grant our prayers, and sometimes gives us the contrary of what we ask, as being in reality better for us.
In truth, I often think that nearly all of us are in this world in the position of poor sick people who in their frenzy of delirium ask for the very thing that would cause their death and who have to be refused out of pure charity and an enlightened pity.
"My God, if this truth were once for all well known, with what blind self-abandonment should we not submit ourselves to your divine Providence. What peace and tranquility of heart we should enjoy in every circumstance, not only regarding external events, but also with reference to our interior states of soul........Amen
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The road less travelled
Walked back into the commercial gym I sometimes train in here in the heart of Sandton which is a suburb of Johannesburg. Hey Bud where have you been, was the familiar refrain which actually made me feel at home. Time for a bit of chit chat, a quick hello to Claire Johnston who is an integral part of and the lead singer of 'Mango Groove' a well known international pop group and even as an international rock star she is just so cool and down to earth.
It's a beautiful summer's day here and life is just fantastic. Jumped on the treadmill and walked pretty hard alternating the speeds to try and get my heart rate up a bit. Followed this with some step ups to do the same thing and closed the session down with crunches on the swiss ball.
Didn't stress myself too much and always felt like I was working well within my limits.
Walking out of the gym into the fresh breeze I just felt like everything was going to be OK. I've been manifesting a healthy strong lean body and I just know that my Creator has come along for the ride. Isn't it just awesome to know that we can rely on Him to be there for us always.
I just couldn't imagine going through the trials and tribulations that I have, alone.
I've also got my dear friends to thank for incredible support, thank you, and a huge thank you to Carlos DeJesus for his mentorship, coaching and friendship, he is absolutely one of the good guys.
I'm extremely grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life and this alone makes the struggle worthwhile.
LIFE IS JUST FANTASTIC - live it to the full every single day.
It's a beautiful summer's day here and life is just fantastic. Jumped on the treadmill and walked pretty hard alternating the speeds to try and get my heart rate up a bit. Followed this with some step ups to do the same thing and closed the session down with crunches on the swiss ball.
Didn't stress myself too much and always felt like I was working well within my limits.
Walking out of the gym into the fresh breeze I just felt like everything was going to be OK. I've been manifesting a healthy strong lean body and I just know that my Creator has come along for the ride. Isn't it just awesome to know that we can rely on Him to be there for us always.
I just couldn't imagine going through the trials and tribulations that I have, alone.
I've also got my dear friends to thank for incredible support, thank you, and a huge thank you to Carlos DeJesus for his mentorship, coaching and friendship, he is absolutely one of the good guys.
I'm extremely grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life and this alone makes the struggle worthwhile.
LIFE IS JUST FANTASTIC - live it to the full every single day.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The road less travelled
7.00am, client hasn't arrived. I have 45 minutes to kill....mmm, what should I do. I know I'll hit the weights. Just having that thought was a thrill for me since my infection hasn't allowed me to pick up the iron for some time.
Jumped onto the stationary bike for 5 minutes and felt the familiar rush of blood into my legs. It was all I could do to stop myself from making that 2 minutes and rushing over to the leg extention machine. Patience prevailed. I did a mental tune up of that intricate and highly complex machine called....my body. How did my muscles feel whilst turning the pedals, any aches and pains. How was my head? how did my neck feel? Did some mobility exercises moving my head from side to side and up and down...which for me is about 2 mm each way...in other words pretty much nothing. A major spinal fusion with titanium rods and screws from C1 to C4 doesn't really leave you much room to move.
I felt 'fabulous'. Everything seemed to be working OK with minor creaks here and there.
Onto the leg ext machine for a light set. Superslow, 1 set. Climbed off feeling my quads had been in some action and moved over to ........my 'QUAD BLASTER'. One set again concentrating on form and my quads were blasted. I mean one set.
I worked through my program from Carlos slowly but surely and finished feeling like I'd just summited Mount Everest.
Man it's good to be back. This time it's for good.
Jumped onto the stationary bike for 5 minutes and felt the familiar rush of blood into my legs. It was all I could do to stop myself from making that 2 minutes and rushing over to the leg extention machine. Patience prevailed. I did a mental tune up of that intricate and highly complex machine called....my body. How did my muscles feel whilst turning the pedals, any aches and pains. How was my head? how did my neck feel? Did some mobility exercises moving my head from side to side and up and down...which for me is about 2 mm each way...in other words pretty much nothing. A major spinal fusion with titanium rods and screws from C1 to C4 doesn't really leave you much room to move.
I felt 'fabulous'. Everything seemed to be working OK with minor creaks here and there.
Onto the leg ext machine for a light set. Superslow, 1 set. Climbed off feeling my quads had been in some action and moved over to ........my 'QUAD BLASTER'. One set again concentrating on form and my quads were blasted. I mean one set.
I worked through my program from Carlos slowly but surely and finished feeling like I'd just summited Mount Everest.
Man it's good to be back. This time it's for good.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The road less travelled
There is NO doubt in my mind
that I will be back beyond my previous best in the not too distant future.
I have absolute belief in myself, faith in my creator and trust in my coach and mentor C DeJ.
What am I learning in the meantime.
that
I will be back beyond my previous best in the not too distant future.I have absolute belief in myself, faith in my creator and trust in my coach and mentor C DeJ.
What am I learning in the meantime.
- Patience. " You just cannot push the river" This thing will go at its own pace and cannot be hurried.
- Gather information. It is incumbent upon me to gather as much information as I can in order to arm myself for battle and to make informed decisions. I mean I am fighting a war here. I have got good guys fighting the bad guys inside my body...weird concept.
- ABP - always be positive. I cannot allow myself to get negative...when that happens, the war is lost. I have much to be grateful for and I focus on that 'ALL THE TIME'
- Stay Happy - the best way to do that is to make other people happy. I set goals each day to do something small for others. That way two people have a great day.
- Know that the end is in sight - This war will not last - The enemy WILL be defeated and I will march on victorious.
- Always walk with an attitude of love - the best way to avoid stress, which by the way is a massive killer, is to greet everybody and talk to people with love. Not in a namby pamby way but in a way that demonstrates interest and concern in and for those with whom you interact daily. This is the absolute best way to heal yourself of anything.
- Stay honest. Finally, get real with yourself. I have been feeling really lousy but I'm not looking for sympathy so when people ask, I answer "Oh just fantastic thanks" "Phhh, yea right." What's the point, if they can see it in your eyes. The feeling isn't going to last longer because you admit to feeling terrible.
I'm actually feeling pretty good today and am thinking...I'm going to hit the weight room come monday and see what happens. Not a whim but a comeback strategy.
Just gotta watch my coin expenditure though, wouldn't want my banker Carlos calling me to tell me I'm in overdraft now would I.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The road less travelled
I've spent the week going back and forth to different specialists to try and figure out a way forward...nearly went back into hospital on an intravenous antibiotic I was feeling so bad.
Changed antibiotics as a result of finding a more resistant strain of infection in my system.
So I've had a fun week.
I got something from Carlos though that really put things in perspective for me and I'm going to share it since I KNOW it will be of great benefit and comfort to a whole lot more people than me.
Dougal,
I have a pretty good idea as to what is happening.
Actually this happens more often than most realize
but most don't have the medical background to
know what took place.
I think you are still healing.
I try to relate the body and its energy system to a simplistic approach.
I tell my patients that the body's energy system is like having a bag of 10 coins.
Each coin representing a unit of energy.
And each activity exacts a coin expenditure.
So, working an 8 hour physical job might "cost" 4 coins. That means you got 6 left for the day.
If your workout "costs" 4 coins, you only have 2 coins left on that day.
But
When you are healing from surgery or an illness or infection it may cost your body 7 or 8 coins per day.
You see where this is going.
We cannot survive intense workouts which may cost 5 coins if the body is trying to heal at the price of 7 coins a day.
And so that's where we are.
We are in a place where we need to spend most of our energy to facilitate healing.
So it is good news to know what's happening and what needs to be done. So once you heal, you can get back to the intense workouts.
Sound good?
Carlos
Thank you Carlos, as usual a complex subject made simple by your gentle articulation.
I'll have a clearer idea as to how the surgeons want to proceed once we get blood work and further x rays back from the lab.
Changed antibiotics as a result of finding a more resistant strain of infection in my system.
So I've had a fun week.
I got something from Carlos though that really put things in perspective for me and I'm going to share it since I KNOW it will be of great benefit and comfort to a whole lot more people than me.
Dougal,
I have a pretty good idea as to what is happening.
Actually this happens more often than most realize
but most don't have the medical background to
know what took place.
I think you are still healing.
I try to relate the body and its energy system to a simplistic approach.
I tell my patients that the body's energy system is like having a bag of 10 coins.
Each coin representing a unit of energy.
And each activity exacts a coin expenditure.
So, working an 8 hour physical job might "cost" 4 coins. That means you got 6 left for the day.
If your workout "costs" 4 coins, you only have 2 coins left on that day.
But
When you are healing from surgery or an illness or infection it may cost your body 7 or 8 coins per day.
You see where this is going.
We cannot survive intense workouts which may cost 5 coins if the body is trying to heal at the price of 7 coins a day.
And so that's where we are.
We are in a place where we need to spend most of our energy to facilitate healing.
So it is good news to know what's happening and what needs to be done. So once you heal, you can get back to the intense workouts.
Sound good?
Carlos
Thank you Carlos, as usual a complex subject made simple by your gentle articulation.
I'll have a clearer idea as to how the surgeons want to proceed once we get blood work and further x rays back from the lab.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The road less travelled
Today it was the road a little more travelled.
My plan last week was to do a bunch of self motivation by way of 'affirmations', prayer, asking you guys to help me...and on that score I was overwhelmed at the response...thank you so much all of you for your support, it's helping. I also decided to do some exercise and go back to my 'roots' as it were.
Well with all the positive vibes and with God's help I awoke this morning with no headache, went to the gym and trained clients with no problem. Good start. I have just returned from a 30 minute tough walk around my hilly neighbourhood with no ill effects, in fact I feel great so....so far so good.
I am awaiting cultures from the lab - maybe tomorrow, so we'll see.
A positive attitude has helped me feel better than I have been feeling and I believe I am on my way back.
Thank you again to all of you, you are fantastic.
My plan last week was to do a bunch of self motivation by way of 'affirmations', prayer, asking you guys to help me...and on that score I was overwhelmed at the response...thank you so much all of you for your support, it's helping. I also decided to do some exercise and go back to my 'roots' as it were.
Well with all the positive vibes and with God's help I awoke this morning with no headache, went to the gym and trained clients with no problem. Good start. I have just returned from a 30 minute tough walk around my hilly neighbourhood with no ill effects, in fact I feel great so....so far so good.
I am awaiting cultures from the lab - maybe tomorrow, so we'll see.
A positive attitude has helped me feel better than I have been feeling and I believe I am on my way back.
Thank you again to all of you, you are fantastic.
Friday, October 17, 2008
The road less travelled
I have to laugh...I mean what else can go wrong?
I had a meet with my plastic surgeon today to uncover the cause of my constant severe headaches. The open wound from my last op is also not healing as it should.
Bottom line...he thinks that it is deep seated infection in my head and needs a further operation to get rid of the infection. This entails a large incision on my head under general anaesthetic and scrub and rinse until they think they have it all...then a 'Lautenbach drain' - a drain in my scalp which allows intravenous antibiotic in and then drains the wound and so on until 3 clear cultures are grown in the lab.
Sounds like fun huh! One thing, he has to wait until the 27th to confer with my nurosurgeon Carl...remember him, who is away until then....so GUESS WHAT.
Enough is enough....I'm not waiting for anyone. God and I are going to fix this thing with prayer, visualisation and positive manifestation by the 27th.
In faith, I'm telling all of you, my wonderful shredding friends, that by the 27th October 2008 all my infection will be history and I will be back to feeling great.
I need your help though.... I want all of you believers to thank God for my healing, as it has already been done and I want you all to visualise a super healthy me training in the gym and living 'as if' my accident never happened.
As a collective group, a positive attitude and visualisation will help me enormously. Don't stop for the whole of next week.
I declare right now that in God's name I AM HEALED.
Let's watch a miracle unfold right before our eyes.
I had a meet with my plastic surgeon today to uncover the cause of my constant severe headaches. The open wound from my last op is also not healing as it should.
Bottom line...he thinks that it is deep seated infection in my head and needs a further operation to get rid of the infection. This entails a large incision on my head under general anaesthetic and scrub and rinse until they think they have it all...then a 'Lautenbach drain' - a drain in my scalp which allows intravenous antibiotic in and then drains the wound and so on until 3 clear cultures are grown in the lab.
Sounds like fun huh! One thing, he has to wait until the 27th to confer with my nurosurgeon Carl...remember him, who is away until then....so GUESS WHAT.
Enough is enough....I'm not waiting for anyone. God and I are going to fix this thing with prayer, visualisation and positive manifestation by the 27th.
In faith, I'm telling all of you, my wonderful shredding friends, that by the 27th October 2008 all my infection will be history and I will be back to feeling great.
I need your help though.... I want all of you believers to thank God for my healing, as it has already been done and I want you all to visualise a super healthy me training in the gym and living 'as if' my accident never happened.
As a collective group, a positive attitude and visualisation will help me enormously. Don't stop for the whole of next week.
I declare right now that in God's name I AM HEALED.
Let's watch a miracle unfold right before our eyes.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The road less travelled
There comes a time when the right thing to do, is....nothing. When your thinking is muddled and you have no answers, step back from the issue, and look at it 'as if' it didn't belong to you. Objectively it's a whole lot easier to seperate the ' wood from the trees '.
Where am I right now?
- Nursing an ongoing injury in back of my head, with great care
- Ingesting antibiotics for short of another two weeks. Taking pain pills for a massive headache that I've had for many days now. General feeling of malaise which is very unlike me.
- Unable to do any resistance training
- All of the above affects my emotional wellbeing
What do I do about it?
- Nothing I can do about 1 & 2 except continue the healing
- Step back to the beginning and start walking again together with flexibility and core training
- Change my attitude with prayer and focussing on helping others. Be grateful for all that I do have which is a lot.
In a month or two this will all be over and I will be heading onward and upward with a solid foundation on which to build a new me which will be far better than the old one.
How does this affect my "superchallenge" goal. Well clearly I am not going to reach my goal by Christmas so I've decided to ' suspend ' it until I'm ready to start training and then ' reinstate ' it.
I feel OK about that too because ' Life is a journey ' not a ' destination '.
It doesn't matter how many times I get knocked down, as long as I keep getting up ' I am a winner '. I will never give up.
Monday, October 13, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - 'THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 11 Day 1
What's going on in my head?
I feel like a stray dog wandering the streets under the cover of darkness, sniffing around the garbage cans at the back of restaurants.
At times finding what I think is a tasty morsel only to find that the fine smelling bone has no meat left on it.
Almost having dirty dishwater thrown over me as I scavenge for...something, anything.
I run, always run, from well known spot to well known spot looking for...what is it I'm looking for, sometimes I forget and I just keep running, knowing in my animal subconscious that on some dark corner, after being shooed away by some terrified homeless person, I will find the peace I'm looking for under some warm overhang inside a broken down cardboard box where I can rest...lie down and sleep and dream about better times, just for a while.
Answers are what I'm looking for where patience is what I need. After suspecting another infection in my head and awating results from the lab I ponder the meaning of the analogy I have just written about.
None of the qualified experts seems to know much about what I can expect or when I can expect to heal or well anything really. My head hurts mightily, my bones and joints are sore and I move lethargically.
I am on another two weeks of antibiotics and have been advised not to train during that time....Back to the begining.
Now clearly, from what I've written it's obvious that I'm not feeling great about myself or my short term future. However I have been here before and I know what to do.
As in the analogy above I have a tendancy to want to climb under the duvet and disapear until I feel better.
What I am going to do is....like the dog, I will withdraw, protect my self emotionally and allow the solution to come to me. I have been feeling very off colour physically over the past few days and today is no different. I am disapointed with my recovery from the infections and without any yardstick to measure progress by, have no idea of what to expect.
There comes a time, in my life, I'm talking about, where a little self preservation goes a long way and to me, this is part of the journey of recovery.
I know me well enough to know that in a few days I'll be writing about how great life is and I'll be craving the smell of steel and the thump of the music and I'll be feeling good again.
Until then I'm not off track. I'm just adjusting the sail for the wind, which is blowing a little sharply in the wrong direction. I'm still in the race, just a little slower.. for now.
If you don't resonate with what I've written, don't be concerned, I havn't gone loopy. One of the beauties of 'journaling' is that the author can often times write for himself only and find a sense of cartharsis at the end of it even though he knows the journal is being read by others. This is the case today. I've pretty much written for myself and in the process released what has been floating around in my head which in turn makes space for fresh, healthy thinking.
If you you do understand what I'm talking about ....we are kindred spirits.
Carpe Diem
What's going on in my head?
I feel like a stray dog wandering the streets under the cover of darkness, sniffing around the garbage cans at the back of restaurants.
At times finding what I think is a tasty morsel only to find that the fine smelling bone has no meat left on it.
Almost having dirty dishwater thrown over me as I scavenge for...something, anything.
I run, always run, from well known spot to well known spot looking for...what is it I'm looking for, sometimes I forget and I just keep running, knowing in my animal subconscious that on some dark corner, after being shooed away by some terrified homeless person, I will find the peace I'm looking for under some warm overhang inside a broken down cardboard box where I can rest...lie down and sleep and dream about better times, just for a while.
Answers are what I'm looking for where patience is what I need. After suspecting another infection in my head and awating results from the lab I ponder the meaning of the analogy I have just written about.
None of the qualified experts seems to know much about what I can expect or when I can expect to heal or well anything really. My head hurts mightily, my bones and joints are sore and I move lethargically.
I am on another two weeks of antibiotics and have been advised not to train during that time....Back to the begining.
Now clearly, from what I've written it's obvious that I'm not feeling great about myself or my short term future. However I have been here before and I know what to do.
As in the analogy above I have a tendancy to want to climb under the duvet and disapear until I feel better.
What I am going to do is....like the dog, I will withdraw, protect my self emotionally and allow the solution to come to me. I have been feeling very off colour physically over the past few days and today is no different. I am disapointed with my recovery from the infections and without any yardstick to measure progress by, have no idea of what to expect.
There comes a time, in my life, I'm talking about, where a little self preservation goes a long way and to me, this is part of the journey of recovery.
I know me well enough to know that in a few days I'll be writing about how great life is and I'll be craving the smell of steel and the thump of the music and I'll be feeling good again.
Until then I'm not off track. I'm just adjusting the sail for the wind, which is blowing a little sharply in the wrong direction. I'm still in the race, just a little slower.. for now.
If you don't resonate with what I've written, don't be concerned, I havn't gone loopy. One of the beauties of 'journaling' is that the author can often times write for himself only and find a sense of cartharsis at the end of it even though he knows the journal is being read by others. This is the case today. I've pretty much written for myself and in the process released what has been floating around in my head which in turn makes space for fresh, healthy thinking.
If you you do understand what I'm talking about ....we are kindred spirits.
Carpe Diem
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - 'THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 10 - Day 3
What's going on in my head?
I am in a strange place right now. Having recently come out of hospital for the 4th time in as many months and right in the middle of my SuperChallenge I felt I had gone backwards. As I sit here today I feel that I take 2 steps forward and 5 steps back. This is because I feel fantastic one day and terrible for two days after that and so it goes.
Of course this plays havoc with a) mental outlook on everything and b) training. My training is done strictly according to the way I feel and although I havn't missed any sessions I am in no kind of routine which makes me uncomfortable...I like routine.
Mentally I'm feeling a little down and have taken a little time out to communicate with someone special...ME.
I have been evaluating what I spend my time on, what I'm doing that is productive and what I'm doing that is not. Then I'm re arranging things so that I'm doing what I need to do effectively and not waste time.
This is not by any means a cry of defeat....far from it, I'm simply cleaning out a few cobwebs and rearranging my mental hard drive.
I KNOW MYSELF and I am able to recognise that when I start feeling like this it's time for a clean out. Although I now have to factor in any down feelings I have as a result of my accident.
Confidence comes from repeated success and I guess what I am believing in, is repeated days of feeling good.
I still absolutely believe I'm well on track to successfully complete my 'SUPERCHALLENGE' and I'm looking forward to every day being a good day just like it was before my accident.
So...if you feel uneasy and can't pinpoint what's wrong...take some time out and spend time with the most important person in your life. YOU. Evaluate where you are supposed to be and go like heck.
What's going on in my head?
I am in a strange place right now. Having recently come out of hospital for the 4th time in as many months and right in the middle of my SuperChallenge I felt I had gone backwards. As I sit here today I feel that I take 2 steps forward and 5 steps back. This is because I feel fantastic one day and terrible for two days after that and so it goes.
Of course this plays havoc with a) mental outlook on everything and b) training. My training is done strictly according to the way I feel and although I havn't missed any sessions I am in no kind of routine which makes me uncomfortable...I like routine.
Mentally I'm feeling a little down and have taken a little time out to communicate with someone special...ME.
I have been evaluating what I spend my time on, what I'm doing that is productive and what I'm doing that is not. Then I'm re arranging things so that I'm doing what I need to do effectively and not waste time.
This is not by any means a cry of defeat....far from it, I'm simply cleaning out a few cobwebs and rearranging my mental hard drive.
I KNOW MYSELF and I am able to recognise that when I start feeling like this it's time for a clean out. Although I now have to factor in any down feelings I have as a result of my accident.
Confidence comes from repeated success and I guess what I am believing in, is repeated days of feeling good.
I still absolutely believe I'm well on track to successfully complete my 'SUPERCHALLENGE' and I'm looking forward to every day being a good day just like it was before my accident.
So...if you feel uneasy and can't pinpoint what's wrong...take some time out and spend time with the most important person in your life. YOU. Evaluate where you are supposed to be and go like heck.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - 'THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 9 Day 4
What's going on in my head?
A comment from Eric really made me sit up and think and I think it needs repeating in today's post.
From Eric
Live your own reality.
"My fitness challenge has helped so much through this. Although no one is moving away, here in the states. No one is moving. As the owner of a building materials company, makes for a rough go of things. Every day I have started taking my employees (at least the ones at the main branch) for a walk. It is amazing the change in mood from just 20 minutes of movement."
Now, that's what I call a positive attitude in a negative environment. The US is going through maybe the worst time now since the great depression of '29 and when you own as Eric does, what sounds like a fairly large business you CANNOT afford to let your staff get down. Motivating, and keeping them motivated should be very high on your priority list and Eric has done this in brilliant fashion. Joseph Pilatus once said " The pre-requisite for happiness is health and fitness." to paraphrase him, and that is a fact.
If I were Eric I would be instituting a nationwide competition amongst employees in his building materials company to walk every day and I would be PUBLICLY rewarding people in each branch who walked the furthest each month, or the quickest or lost most weight or whatever, you get the picture. I would also reward employees who encouraged other employees to join the "Get Going and Get Fit Club" (You can use that eric :-))and I honestly believe he would have a much healthier (mentally, emotionally, physically, productively and financially) happier business were he to do this.
Why don't we all support Eric by committing to talk to SOMEONE in our circle, be it work social, church, wherever about getting off the couch and onto the road.
C'MON everybody, let's use those NIKE's for the purpose for which they were designed.
What's going on in my head?
A comment from Eric really made me sit up and think and I think it needs repeating in today's post.
From Eric
Live your own reality.
"My fitness challenge has helped so much through this. Although no one is moving away, here in the states. No one is moving. As the owner of a building materials company, makes for a rough go of things. Every day I have started taking my employees (at least the ones at the main branch) for a walk. It is amazing the change in mood from just 20 minutes of movement."
Now, that's what I call a positive attitude in a negative environment. The US is going through maybe the worst time now since the great depression of '29 and when you own as Eric does, what sounds like a fairly large business you CANNOT afford to let your staff get down. Motivating, and keeping them motivated should be very high on your priority list and Eric has done this in brilliant fashion. Joseph Pilatus once said " The pre-requisite for happiness is health and fitness." to paraphrase him, and that is a fact.
If I were Eric I would be instituting a nationwide competition amongst employees in his building materials company to walk every day and I would be PUBLICLY rewarding people in each branch who walked the furthest each month, or the quickest or lost most weight or whatever, you get the picture. I would also reward employees who encouraged other employees to join the "Get Going and Get Fit Club" (You can use that eric :-))and I honestly believe he would have a much healthier (mentally, emotionally, physically, productively and financially) happier business were he to do this.
Why don't we all support Eric by committing to talk to SOMEONE in our circle, be it work social, church, wherever about getting off the couch and onto the road.
C'MON everybody, let's use those NIKE's for the purpose for which they were designed.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - 'THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 9 day 3
What's going on in my head?
The fact that I've been out of action has felt very strange., almost like something is missing from my life. It seems that my computer is healthy again and on we go.
Writing for yourself is very cathartic, writing for others is downright scary. You put your self out there for people to jump all over if they want to. The upside is that you make a whole lot of great friends and...if you are writing in an attempt to help others, you don't take it personally if someone disagrees with you. So to be out of touch is very strange
Lynda, Margaret, Juli, Debbie, thank you for your concern and I appreciate your support, you are good friends.
I'm feeling pretty good for the first time for quite a while since my last op. I felt that I wouldn't train this week until I had finished my antibiotics but I felt so good yesterday that I made a gentle start back to weight training and I feel fine.
There is so much going on in the world....the bail out plan being rejected in the US, the UK and parts of Europe in recession, South Africa swearing in a new President that it's easy to get a bit down and feel that you are sinking into the quicksand of negative thinking. DON'T let it sink you.
Always ask yourself how the situation is affecting you. For example, here in South Africa we are experiencing an exodus of families who are emigrating to places like Australia and New Zealand because of crime. Dinner party talk centres around when you are leaving the country. The interesting thing is that when you delve a little deeper people are leaving based on heresay. Oh I read about crime in the paper....or, Oh my friend got hijacked. Nothing has actually happened to them. Talk about living in the future. How can you make a major life changing decision based on something that hasn't happened.
Remember that your reality IS different to your neighbours....don't throw the baby out with the bathwater...take stock of what is true in YOUR life and make positive things happen FOR YOU.
Your reality is in YOUR HEAD and the truth is, you can create whatever you want for yourself, and that includes the body you want and the health you deserve.
Don't allow depression to stop you from exercising...in any situation that is getting you down ask yourself one question about your thoughts. 'Is this the truth'. The answer is generally NO and you can then get on with your reality.
STAY FIT AND STRONG through whatever is happening it will help you stay sane.
WE ARE GOING THROUGH A SEASON - IT TOO WILL PASS.
What's going on in my head?
The fact that I've been out of action has felt very strange., almost like something is missing from my life. It seems that my computer is healthy again and on we go.
Writing for yourself is very cathartic, writing for others is downright scary. You put your self out there for people to jump all over if they want to. The upside is that you make a whole lot of great friends and...if you are writing in an attempt to help others, you don't take it personally if someone disagrees with you. So to be out of touch is very strange
Lynda, Margaret, Juli, Debbie, thank you for your concern and I appreciate your support, you are good friends.
I'm feeling pretty good for the first time for quite a while since my last op. I felt that I wouldn't train this week until I had finished my antibiotics but I felt so good yesterday that I made a gentle start back to weight training and I feel fine.
There is so much going on in the world....the bail out plan being rejected in the US, the UK and parts of Europe in recession, South Africa swearing in a new President that it's easy to get a bit down and feel that you are sinking into the quicksand of negative thinking. DON'T let it sink you.
Always ask yourself how the situation is affecting you. For example, here in South Africa we are experiencing an exodus of families who are emigrating to places like Australia and New Zealand because of crime. Dinner party talk centres around when you are leaving the country. The interesting thing is that when you delve a little deeper people are leaving based on heresay. Oh I read about crime in the paper....or, Oh my friend got hijacked. Nothing has actually happened to them. Talk about living in the future. How can you make a major life changing decision based on something that hasn't happened.
Remember that your reality IS different to your neighbours....don't throw the baby out with the bathwater...take stock of what is true in YOUR life and make positive things happen FOR YOU.
Your reality is in YOUR HEAD and the truth is, you can create whatever you want for yourself, and that includes the body you want and the health you deserve.
Don't allow depression to stop you from exercising...in any situation that is getting you down ask yourself one question about your thoughts. 'Is this the truth'. The answer is generally NO and you can then get on with your reality.
STAY FIT AND STRONG through whatever is happening it will help you stay sane.
WE ARE GOING THROUGH A SEASON - IT TOO WILL PASS.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - 'THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 9 day 2
My computer is doing some very strange things so please bear with me and I am hoping to be back on line tomorrow.
My computer is doing some very strange things so please bear with me and I am hoping to be back on line tomorrow.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 8 Day 7
For those of you that think I've done a runner....I've had computer problems and cannot get my Blog to work. I'm hoping I'll have it sorted in a day or two so bare with me.
Am doing this from a different machine just to let you know. Everything is cool and I start training again tomorrow...Can't wait.
For those of you that think I've done a runner....I've had computer problems and cannot get my Blog to work. I'm hoping I'll have it sorted in a day or two so bare with me.
Am doing this from a different machine just to let you know. Everything is cool and I start training again tomorrow...Can't wait.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 8 Day 3
What's going on in my head?
What do you want? What do you really want. Is your health and fitness the way it would be if you were dreaming it.
What's going on in my head?
What do you want? What do you really want. Is your health and fitness the way it would be if you were dreaming it.
If it isn't here is what you do. Proceed with haste to http://www.carlosdejesustotalfitness.com/html/experiment_of_one.html
All the answers you need are right there...you don't have to go anywhere else
DO IT NOW
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 8 Day 2
What's going on in my head?
Ever heard of a democracy in Africa where the head of state resigned voluntarily. Well now you have. Our president Thabo Mbeki resigned on sunday and a new president will be sworn in on Thursday. Talk about swift action WOW. Normally in Africa it's either 'ignore the results of a general election if they don't go your way' or a military coup d'etat.
Can you imagine George Bush, stepping down 9 months before his term of office is complete. No neither can I.
Anyway the point of this is knowing when to quit or change the plan. You have to stick with something long enough to know it's not working before you shoot off in a different direction.
Health and fitness is pretty much like that too. Plans, routines, whatever you choose to call them need structure and a way of evaluating wether they are working.
Particularly...when working with a trainer be sure to agree goals and understand how the training plan will help you get there. Same goes for eating plans. Understand WHY you are doing what you're doing. Do Not blindly accept that something is going to work.
Do your own research and always be comfortable that you are on the right track. I'm definately not saying chop and change but DO be sure you agree with whoever you are working with that what you are doing will work, based on his or her experience and training and then stick with it.
Then watch your life change day by day in a positive direction.
What's going on in my head?
Ever heard of a democracy in Africa where the head of state resigned voluntarily. Well now you have. Our president Thabo Mbeki resigned on sunday and a new president will be sworn in on Thursday. Talk about swift action WOW. Normally in Africa it's either 'ignore the results of a general election if they don't go your way' or a military coup d'etat.
Can you imagine George Bush, stepping down 9 months before his term of office is complete. No neither can I.
Anyway the point of this is knowing when to quit or change the plan. You have to stick with something long enough to know it's not working before you shoot off in a different direction.
Health and fitness is pretty much like that too. Plans, routines, whatever you choose to call them need structure and a way of evaluating wether they are working.
Particularly...when working with a trainer be sure to agree goals and understand how the training plan will help you get there. Same goes for eating plans. Understand WHY you are doing what you're doing. Do Not blindly accept that something is going to work.
Do your own research and always be comfortable that you are on the right track. I'm definately not saying chop and change but DO be sure you agree with whoever you are working with that what you are doing will work, based on his or her experience and training and then stick with it.
Then watch your life change day by day in a positive direction.
Monday, September 22, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 8 Day 1
What's going on in my head?
Well quite a lot as it turns out. Last monday at 8am I was at the rooms of my plastic surgeon...sounds really pretentious doesn't it, but actually it turned out to be quite serious.
I had discovered a soft pouch below my head scar which seemed to contain some sort of fluid and wanted to get it checked out. I'll pop along to his rooms get it checked out, take some sort of 'back of the head fluid reduction' miracle fix pill and head on to the gym to train, I thought.
Not quite. "What are you doing right now" he asked...I mumbled something incoherent whilst my feeling my skin grow clammy..."Oh dear" I thought, and since he took whatever I mumbled to mean 'nothing much', he followed his delivery up with " walk across to the hospital, check yourself in, I'm opening your head up in an hour and a half."
BANG - it felt like a 12 guage right between the eyes.
I did what I was told after moving cars, re scheduling clients, cancelling apointments, making necessary arrangements all in the space of half an hour and found myself being gentled into one of those very pretty hospital gowns with no back.
Interminable forms had to be filled in and it was deja vu.
Right on time I found myself lying in a bed outside one of the nine operating rooms at the Sandton medi clinic - my second home.
"Ahhh, hello Mr Macdonald", voiced a couple of the theatre staff soothingly as they scurried past to cut into some other poor soul, "welcome back".
I was wheeled into the theatre where I had a chat with the anaesthetist about what to expect. I knew it so well I actually told him how this was going to go.
Couple of hours later I woke up in the ward feeling awful. Turns out, after cutting my head open they scrubbed out quite a lot of infection had a look around and closed me up.
My neurosurgeon and plastic surgeon then appeared and started to discuss taking the hardware out of my neck or not, whether the infection was in my spine, the possibility of opening up my spine again, sending me to "nuclear medicine" to have all sorts of tests and the fact that I would be extending my stay in hospital for a week or so.
WOW. My girl arrived after they had gone and I'm not ashamed to say I had a mini melt down.
"I can't do this again" I said to her with tears rolling down my cheeks. I was really struggling with the concept of a major cut and scrub AGAIN. My very recent memory of this was NOT pleasant and although if I had to I would obviously go through with it but the overflow of emotion 'thinking' about it was instantaneous and uncontrollable.
My girl brought some balance to the situation and we started talking about the reality of the situation.
Neither I nor the medical team knew what we were dealing with until we had seen comprehensive scans of my spine and cranium.
No point in getting wound up about something in the future so focus on the present.
What's going on in my head?
Well quite a lot as it turns out. Last monday at 8am I was at the rooms of my plastic surgeon...sounds really pretentious doesn't it, but actually it turned out to be quite serious.
I had discovered a soft pouch below my head scar which seemed to contain some sort of fluid and wanted to get it checked out. I'll pop along to his rooms get it checked out, take some sort of 'back of the head fluid reduction' miracle fix pill and head on to the gym to train, I thought.
Not quite. "What are you doing right now" he asked...I mumbled something incoherent whilst my feeling my skin grow clammy..."Oh dear" I thought, and since he took whatever I mumbled to mean 'nothing much', he followed his delivery up with " walk across to the hospital, check yourself in, I'm opening your head up in an hour and a half."
BANG - it felt like a 12 guage right between the eyes.
I did what I was told after moving cars, re scheduling clients, cancelling apointments, making necessary arrangements all in the space of half an hour and found myself being gentled into one of those very pretty hospital gowns with no back.
Interminable forms had to be filled in and it was deja vu.
Right on time I found myself lying in a bed outside one of the nine operating rooms at the Sandton medi clinic - my second home.
"Ahhh, hello Mr Macdonald", voiced a couple of the theatre staff soothingly as they scurried past to cut into some other poor soul, "welcome back".
I was wheeled into the theatre where I had a chat with the anaesthetist about what to expect. I knew it so well I actually told him how this was going to go.
Couple of hours later I woke up in the ward feeling awful. Turns out, after cutting my head open they scrubbed out quite a lot of infection had a look around and closed me up.
My neurosurgeon and plastic surgeon then appeared and started to discuss taking the hardware out of my neck or not, whether the infection was in my spine, the possibility of opening up my spine again, sending me to "nuclear medicine" to have all sorts of tests and the fact that I would be extending my stay in hospital for a week or so.
WOW. My girl arrived after they had gone and I'm not ashamed to say I had a mini melt down.
"I can't do this again" I said to her with tears rolling down my cheeks. I was really struggling with the concept of a major cut and scrub AGAIN. My very recent memory of this was NOT pleasant and although if I had to I would obviously go through with it but the overflow of emotion 'thinking' about it was instantaneous and uncontrollable.
My girl brought some balance to the situation and we started talking about the reality of the situation.
Neither I nor the medical team knew what we were dealing with until we had seen comprehensive scans of my spine and cranium.
No point in getting wound up about something in the future so focus on the present.
- Look for something positive out of this. The immediate danger of infection has been largely eliminated
- Focus on enjoying the rest.
- Make some new friends in hospital. I met a bald lady with a bad fresh scar on the top of your head at the admissions desk. As I walked past I said flippantly "I've got one of those, what happened to you." She replied " Had a brain tumour removed, my second." Gulp...I asked her what she was doing at admissions. "Admitting my daughter, she just had a stroke."
And I think I've got it bad. There is ALWAYS someone worse off than you are.
So, after all the tests and prodding and probing, it seems there is no infection in my spine and minimal infection in my head which is being treated with fairly strong antibiotics. I have to return every 3rd day to head my head dressed and I am hoping to return to training next week.
I feel like I have gone backwards and for that brief 'melt down' moment I allowed myself to wallow in self pity.
Upon reflection however, I got to have a good rest in hospital, found out I have no spinal infection (BIG WHOOP) made some new friends and became fully aware that I have the greatest motivation ever to get into and stay in perfect shape.
THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THE OPPORTUNISTIC ENEMY - INFECTION - AWAY FROM ME, IS TO TRAIN HARD, THINK RIGHT AND EAT HEALTHY FOOD.
I blinked and lost a week but I'm back with a vengeance and by the end of this week will be back on the horse and training as hard as ever.
It's great to be back ....I've missed you.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 6 Day 6
What's going on in Carlos' head?
Following on from my comment about reducing weights and being more deliberate with the movement I received this from my coach Carlos DeJesus.
"Concentration"
During any specific exercise, you form a direct link between the muscle being worked and your brain. The greater your concentration, the greater the result its that simple. Get negative thoughts out of your head, in and out of the gym.
As you perform each exercise concentrate on the muscle being worked. Form a mental picture of the muscle being worked. Imagine seeing them getting bigger and better. Feel the muscle grow and shape.
Train with a relentless drive and determination as though your very life depended upon completing each exercise, and watch your muscles bulge with shape and size. Nothing is impossible for you to achieve. Flawless symmetry, contouring lines of shape, dense muscularity.
"Think"
Think the ideal physique into being, think nourishment to the muscles when eating, see the muscles transform as a result of the nutrition and exercise. Set in motion the chemical reaction that will cause CHANGE to take place in your body, through the mind by the power of thought. Positive thought (faith) has the power to change even the body chemistry, to affect the total outcome of the evolution of your physique.
"Intensity"
Concentration intensifies the workout. intensity makes the exercise harder if the exercise is harder, it doesn't always have to be heavier!
I for one 'think' I will take this advice to heart and prove Carlos right.
Take heed, if there any 'secrets' to attaining the body you desire..these are they.
What's going on in Carlos' head?
Following on from my comment about reducing weights and being more deliberate with the movement I received this from my coach Carlos DeJesus.
"Concentration"
During any specific exercise, you form a direct link between the muscle being worked and your brain. The greater your concentration, the greater the result its that simple. Get negative thoughts out of your head, in and out of the gym.
As you perform each exercise concentrate on the muscle being worked. Form a mental picture of the muscle being worked. Imagine seeing them getting bigger and better. Feel the muscle grow and shape.
Train with a relentless drive and determination as though your very life depended upon completing each exercise, and watch your muscles bulge with shape and size. Nothing is impossible for you to achieve. Flawless symmetry, contouring lines of shape, dense muscularity.
"Think"
Think the ideal physique into being, think nourishment to the muscles when eating, see the muscles transform as a result of the nutrition and exercise. Set in motion the chemical reaction that will cause CHANGE to take place in your body, through the mind by the power of thought. Positive thought (faith) has the power to change even the body chemistry, to affect the total outcome of the evolution of your physique.
"Intensity"
Concentration intensifies the workout. intensity makes the exercise harder if the exercise is harder, it doesn't always have to be heavier!
I for one 'think' I will take this advice to heart and prove Carlos right.
Take heed, if there any 'secrets' to attaining the body you desire..these are they.
Friday, September 12, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 6 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
I'm thinking, from next week I've got 14 weeks to go. Am I on Target? How would I know? Well I wouldn't.
All I know is that if I train with intensity and according to plan with heightened focus, get enough rest and sleep and eat what I'm supposed to eat, and have enormous belief, I will get there, but I need to maintain my focus, and keep doing daily what I need to do. That's all.
I WILL GET THERE.
TRAINING
Again, training with more deliberation and less weight felt more productive so..I'm pretty happy.
NUTRITION
Eating well, and LOTS of it.
SUMMARY
All is good with 14 weeks to go. I start fat burning in 6 weeks.
What's going on in my head?
I'm thinking, from next week I've got 14 weeks to go. Am I on Target? How would I know? Well I wouldn't.
All I know is that if I train with intensity and according to plan with heightened focus, get enough rest and sleep and eat what I'm supposed to eat, and have enormous belief, I will get there, but I need to maintain my focus, and keep doing daily what I need to do. That's all.
I WILL GET THERE.
TRAINING
Again, training with more deliberation and less weight felt more productive so..I'm pretty happy.
NUTRITION
Eating well, and LOTS of it.
SUMMARY
All is good with 14 weeks to go. I start fat burning in 6 weeks.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 4
What's going on in my head?
Today I stand...literally...in my living room, hand on heart, head bowed in memory of and out of respect for those touched by 9/11.
For all of you I pray that you have peace in your lives and love in your heart when you remember lost loved ones, this day.
RESPECT
What's going on in my head?
Today I stand...literally...in my living room, hand on heart, head bowed in memory of and out of respect for those touched by 9/11.
For all of you I pray that you have peace in your lives and love in your heart when you remember lost loved ones, this day.
RESPECT
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 2
What's going on in my head?
Isn't it wonderful that we have a thing called choice. We can choose what car to drive, where to live, what to wear, what kind of mood we are in, where to spend our holidays.
Why then do we sometimes make bad choices? Why do we not listen to our intuition (or our wives or girlfriends who have infallible intuition) Why do we start a business that fails, why do we buy that vehicle that we know we shouldn't why do we spend money on something we know is not right and why do we make bad choices with food and health and fitness.
I DON'T KNOW....what I do know however is that we CAN re focus and correct those poor choices immediately.
Make a better choice today...don't wait till monday to get your poor lifestyle choices back on track. Find a good fitness program and eating plan...set some goals and get going.
YOU CAN DO IT.
TRAINING
Decided to go slightly lighter today but be more deliberate, focus on the 3 x 3 ..it worked and I felt I had achieved more.
NUTRITION
Up to 2500 calories per day with no real increase in weight...maybe 1-2 lbs so I'm real happy with that.
SUMMARY
Make a decision today to get your life back on track with your health and fitness. Your life and family depend on it.
What's going on in my head?
Isn't it wonderful that we have a thing called choice. We can choose what car to drive, where to live, what to wear, what kind of mood we are in, where to spend our holidays.
Why then do we sometimes make bad choices? Why do we not listen to our intuition (or our wives or girlfriends who have infallible intuition) Why do we start a business that fails, why do we buy that vehicle that we know we shouldn't why do we spend money on something we know is not right and why do we make bad choices with food and health and fitness.
I DON'T KNOW....what I do know however is that we CAN re focus and correct those poor choices immediately.
Make a better choice today...don't wait till monday to get your poor lifestyle choices back on track. Find a good fitness program and eating plan...set some goals and get going.
YOU CAN DO IT.
TRAINING
Decided to go slightly lighter today but be more deliberate, focus on the 3 x 3 ..it worked and I felt I had achieved more.
NUTRITION
Up to 2500 calories per day with no real increase in weight...maybe 1-2 lbs so I'm real happy with that.
SUMMARY
Make a decision today to get your life back on track with your health and fitness. Your life and family depend on it.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 2
What's going on in my head?
Got back from the plastic surgeon yesterday and he says it could be an undisolved suture trying to get out or...a low grade infection. Got some antiseptic cream and I'll go back next monday. Either way...no worries. There's no point.
Interesting scenario. South Africa had a disastrous Olympic games in terms of the medal tables, however we are more than making up for it in the Para Olympics (which by BTW means parallel olympics and not paraplegic olympics and the reason is to create parity between the two and not make the latter look like the poor cousin.) by standing number 5 in the medals.
This got me thinking about the athletes. Why would we think that the para olympians are any less worthy than the able bodied. Why would the able bodied get way more viewership and TV ratings than the wheelchair warriors.
Is it because the able bodied athletes look more graceful and athletic or is it because it's too hard facing up to our own mortality.
Obviously I have more than a passing interest in this topic because of my own near death experience, but I sincerely believe that the wheelchair warriers are far more courageous, dedicated and committed than the able bodied.
Before you shoot me think about this.
Michael Phelps wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed, maybe chugs down a protein shake made by mom, grabs his tog bag and heads for the pool in his sponsored Lexus SUV. (give a little licence here) Gets to the pool, and starts training.
Oscar Pistorius wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed....and takes 10 minutes to afix his double prosthetic legs. Makes his own protein shake and grabs his tog bag after making sure that his racing prosthetics are in the bag and heads for the track, driven by a friend. (well maybe not) Gets to the track, laboriously removes his street legs and puts on his race legs. Starts training. Spends the rest of the day fighting the authorities as to whether he is legally allowed to race in the Olympics. Gets the all clear....eventually but doesn't make the qualifying times. Natalie Du Toit one of our swimmers, raced in the able bodies games AND is now churning out gold medals in the OTHER version.
How much more stressful are these peoples lives than an able bodied person. A lot but it doesn't bother them. They get on with it with good grace a great attitude and a big smile. WOW.
Don't get me wrong..I'm not saying they are better athletes, I'm saying that they have a harder time training, racing and living but their commitment to living a full life is unquestioned and they have got like that BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE.
Natalie Du Toit was a world class swimmer before she was knocked over by a car and lost her leg. Did she lose her will to live. NOT A CHANCE, she determined to STILL swim in the Olympic games...and this year she did. WHAT A CHAMPION.
What's your excuse for moaning about how unfair life is. Don't wait to see if you get a second chance. Get out there now and get as fit and healthy as you can, so that you CAN survive if you are ever unlucky enough to get cut down in the prime of your life.
What's going on in my head?
Got back from the plastic surgeon yesterday and he says it could be an undisolved suture trying to get out or...a low grade infection. Got some antiseptic cream and I'll go back next monday. Either way...no worries. There's no point.
Interesting scenario. South Africa had a disastrous Olympic games in terms of the medal tables, however we are more than making up for it in the Para Olympics (which by BTW means parallel olympics and not paraplegic olympics and the reason is to create parity between the two and not make the latter look like the poor cousin.) by standing number 5 in the medals.
This got me thinking about the athletes. Why would we think that the para olympians are any less worthy than the able bodied. Why would the able bodied get way more viewership and TV ratings than the wheelchair warriors.
Is it because the able bodied athletes look more graceful and athletic or is it because it's too hard facing up to our own mortality.
Obviously I have more than a passing interest in this topic because of my own near death experience, but I sincerely believe that the wheelchair warriers are far more courageous, dedicated and committed than the able bodied.
Before you shoot me think about this.
Michael Phelps wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed, maybe chugs down a protein shake made by mom, grabs his tog bag and heads for the pool in his sponsored Lexus SUV. (give a little licence here) Gets to the pool, and starts training.
Oscar Pistorius wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed....and takes 10 minutes to afix his double prosthetic legs. Makes his own protein shake and grabs his tog bag after making sure that his racing prosthetics are in the bag and heads for the track, driven by a friend. (well maybe not) Gets to the track, laboriously removes his street legs and puts on his race legs. Starts training. Spends the rest of the day fighting the authorities as to whether he is legally allowed to race in the Olympics. Gets the all clear....eventually but doesn't make the qualifying times. Natalie Du Toit one of our swimmers, raced in the able bodies games AND is now churning out gold medals in the OTHER version.
How much more stressful are these peoples lives than an able bodied person. A lot but it doesn't bother them. They get on with it with good grace a great attitude and a big smile. WOW.
Don't get me wrong..I'm not saying they are better athletes, I'm saying that they have a harder time training, racing and living but their commitment to living a full life is unquestioned and they have got like that BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE.
Natalie Du Toit was a world class swimmer before she was knocked over by a car and lost her leg. Did she lose her will to live. NOT A CHANCE, she determined to STILL swim in the Olympic games...and this year she did. WHAT A CHAMPION.
What's your excuse for moaning about how unfair life is. Don't wait to see if you get a second chance. Get out there now and get as fit and healthy as you can, so that you CAN survive if you are ever unlucky enough to get cut down in the prime of your life.
Monday, September 8, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 1
What's going on in my head?
WHY?.....did I choose the above as the title to kick off my blog every day. Was it a random rhetorical question. Was it just a throw away line or was is carefully thought out to illustrate the way I think?
The latter is the correct answer. What I think about or more to the point the way I think about things is 'the secret' to my state of wellbeing. The way you think is actually the 'secret' to everybody's wellbeing.
I personally guarantee that if I were able to be with one person 24 hours a day for...say three weeks and have them talk out loud about everything they were thinking I would be able to change their lives forever.
Bad thinking is the cause of EVERYTHING that happens in your life. Are you aware that your thoughts good or bad alter the cellular structure of your body. Can you imagine how you can talk yourself into a very big hole if every little irritation is blown out of all proportion by the way you think.
90% of your worries NEVER MATERIALISE. Does it HONESTLY make sense to STRESS out about something that has not happened yet.
" I just KNOW that I'm going to get a parking ticket"
" I absolutely know that my team is going to get whacked AGAIN"
"I KNOW that the taxman is coming after me."
You are attracting that kind of stuff if that is the way you think.
If you happen to get change of season flu....by thinking negatively about it you could conceivably talk yourself into a nice bout of pneumonia.
All of the above is minor stuff....Can you imagine the stress in your life if your mind is full of negative thoughs about money, family and health.
Talking about health issues. Most of you know that I've had three genereal anaesthetics in as many months..do think I want another one. That's rhetorical of COURSE I DON'T. Well I might have to because the pressure wound at the back of my head is opening up again. NOT GOOD.
What is my exact thought process with this 'irritation' Firstly I am NOT thinking about it because I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PLASTIC SURGEON IS GOING TO SAY and I am certainly not going to make it up. I am seeing him this afternoon and we'll see what the verdict is. Until then I have other wonderful things to think about.
WE NEED TO RENEW OUR MINDS. WE NEED TO ,,BE AWARE on a minute by minute basis of what we are thinking. Once this becomes habitual it is realistic to be able to stop a bad thought in it's tracks and supplant it with a different thought....and after a long time of doing that, it IS possible to only think pragmatic, happy positive thoughts. Thoughts that enhance your life and don't detract from it.
I'm not saying that this process is easy. In fact it's way harder than getting fit but I PROMISE you that if you accept this challenge and stick with it and make it a habit....your life will be irrevocably changed...for the better.
GUARD WHAT GOES INTO YOUR HEAD...IT'S THE ONLY THING WE CAN CONTROL.MAKE NO EXCUSES, TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE AND TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.
TRAINING
Another good training today, but that's because that's what I wanted it to be.
Weights slowly increasing and I'll post again on that next week.
NUTRITION
Another few weeks of metablism conditiong and then onto fat burning. I'll be a machine by the end of my 20 week UBER CHALLENGE.
SUMMARY
You CAN control your life by CHOOSING what to think. What you choose becomes what you do and who you are. Try it for a couple of weeks..WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE? nothing, but you have EVERYTHING to gain.
What's going on in my head?
WHY?.....did I choose the above as the title to kick off my blog every day. Was it a random rhetorical question. Was it just a throw away line or was is carefully thought out to illustrate the way I think?
The latter is the correct answer. What I think about or more to the point the way I think about things is 'the secret' to my state of wellbeing. The way you think is actually the 'secret' to everybody's wellbeing.
I personally guarantee that if I were able to be with one person 24 hours a day for...say three weeks and have them talk out loud about everything they were thinking I would be able to change their lives forever.
Bad thinking is the cause of EVERYTHING that happens in your life. Are you aware that your thoughts good or bad alter the cellular structure of your body. Can you imagine how you can talk yourself into a very big hole if every little irritation is blown out of all proportion by the way you think.
90% of your worries NEVER MATERIALISE. Does it HONESTLY make sense to STRESS out about something that has not happened yet.
" I just KNOW that I'm going to get a parking ticket"
" I absolutely know that my team is going to get whacked AGAIN"
"I KNOW that the taxman is coming after me."
You are attracting that kind of stuff if that is the way you think.
If you happen to get change of season flu....by thinking negatively about it you could conceivably talk yourself into a nice bout of pneumonia.
All of the above is minor stuff....Can you imagine the stress in your life if your mind is full of negative thoughs about money, family and health.
Talking about health issues. Most of you know that I've had three genereal anaesthetics in as many months..do think I want another one. That's rhetorical of COURSE I DON'T. Well I might have to because the pressure wound at the back of my head is opening up again. NOT GOOD.
What is my exact thought process with this 'irritation' Firstly I am NOT thinking about it because I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PLASTIC SURGEON IS GOING TO SAY and I am certainly not going to make it up. I am seeing him this afternoon and we'll see what the verdict is. Until then I have other wonderful things to think about.
WE NEED TO RENEW OUR MINDS. WE NEED TO ,,BE AWARE on a minute by minute basis of what we are thinking. Once this becomes habitual it is realistic to be able to stop a bad thought in it's tracks and supplant it with a different thought....and after a long time of doing that, it IS possible to only think pragmatic, happy positive thoughts. Thoughts that enhance your life and don't detract from it.
I'm not saying that this process is easy. In fact it's way harder than getting fit but I PROMISE you that if you accept this challenge and stick with it and make it a habit....your life will be irrevocably changed...for the better.
GUARD WHAT GOES INTO YOUR HEAD...IT'S THE ONLY THING WE CAN CONTROL.MAKE NO EXCUSES, TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE AND TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.
TRAINING
Another good training today, but that's because that's what I wanted it to be.
Weights slowly increasing and I'll post again on that next week.
NUTRITION
Another few weeks of metablism conditiong and then onto fat burning. I'll be a machine by the end of my 20 week UBER CHALLENGE.
SUMMARY
You CAN control your life by CHOOSING what to think. What you choose becomes what you do and who you are. Try it for a couple of weeks..WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE? nothing, but you have EVERYTHING to gain.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
Fortunately I have a perfect opportunity to show in REAL LIFE how I deal with negative situations.
I spent the night at my Lady's home last night with the intention of training some clients early Sat morning (today) and then myself and then back to her home for the weekend. It's out in the country and it's like going on holiday, wonderful.
Up early, headed to the gym did what I had to, trained myself and then my intuition told me to go home.
Opened the front door of my townhouse and........THE PLACE WAS FLOODED, and I mean flooded. The whole place was an inch deep in water. The Kelim carpet was drenched, the curtain bottoms were drenched, under the kitchen cupboards were flooded. I mean, GUSTAV had just taken a tour through my home.
So.....do I lose my temper, get angry with everyone, shout and scream , and on top of it now I'm late to meet my girl.......
First of all I didn't flush the Loo properly when I left yesterday and the valved remained open allowing the water to overun the tank and onto the floor....it obviously did this the whole night.
How do I deal with this kind of situation which IS highly frustrating, no question.
What's going on in my head?
Fortunately I have a perfect opportunity to show in REAL LIFE how I deal with negative situations.
I spent the night at my Lady's home last night with the intention of training some clients early Sat morning (today) and then myself and then back to her home for the weekend. It's out in the country and it's like going on holiday, wonderful.
Up early, headed to the gym did what I had to, trained myself and then my intuition told me to go home.
Opened the front door of my townhouse and........THE PLACE WAS FLOODED, and I mean flooded. The whole place was an inch deep in water. The Kelim carpet was drenched, the curtain bottoms were drenched, under the kitchen cupboards were flooded. I mean, GUSTAV had just taken a tour through my home.
So.....do I lose my temper, get angry with everyone, shout and scream , and on top of it now I'm late to meet my girl.......
First of all I didn't flush the Loo properly when I left yesterday and the valved remained open allowing the water to overun the tank and onto the floor....it obviously did this the whole night.
How do I deal with this kind of situation which IS highly frustrating, no question.
So, time to clean up. Whilst I'm doing this I'm thinking.
- I get an opportunity to practice taking 100% reponsibility for what happened. It's not "the stupid valve, or the idiots who fitted the toilet, it's THIS IDIOT who didn't check it when I left.
- I'm thrilled that my intuition is intact and I had a chance to test it 'real world'
- I get a chance to do an unexpected 'cardio' workout because believe me this was PT.
- My tiled floors got the best cleaning they have ever had.
- Got a chance to wash out my 'Kelim' and another carpet
- Saw that the tiled floors of my new townhous are properly level
- Affirmed that my attitude is in the right place
You see any situation's solution is about 'FOCUS'. What I mean by that is...If your focus is in how grumpy you are because this thing has to be fixed...because you cannot leave it, you HAVE TO CLEAN UP and you really don't feel like it that's going to be your emotional state.
However if your FOCUS is on "What is the upside of this"...and there is ALWAYS one in any situation then that's what you're going to feel.
Throught this whole thing, start to finish I did not feel any negative emotion...I automatically 'FOCUSSED' on the upside, got the job done and moved on. DONE DEAL.
Why don't you try an experiment. Imagine this was you. Visualise how you would feel with this situation and whether you would be reactive or proactive. If the answer is negative, try and role play how you could turn it into a positive and see how you would feel.
This is a simple technique that becomes habit if you practice it often enough and can be used in any situation....
TRY IT, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
TOMORROW - no blog....I'm out of action because my girl's ADSL line is down and I have no connection. UPSIDE - I get to spend more quality time with my girl out in the beautiful sunshine.
SEE YA MONDAY - BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND, Tell someone close to you that you love them...it'll make BOTH of you feel fantastic.
Friday, September 5, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
Perspective....I read a great article today that talks about perspective.
Basically, if you are experiencing emotional pain because of something that happened it's because you are not able to see all the good that will come out of it.
In each 'bad' experience we encounter we need to see where our focus is. If it is on the negative side or 'why did this happen' side then perhaps for things to be OK we simply need to refocus and think about all the positive possibilities that may come from this.
Some paraplegics were interviewed some time ago and revealed that one year after their life changing experience they believe that life for them is better now than it ever was...amazing attitudes.
What's happened has happened. Find a way to look forward with some positives, there always are some if you look hard enough.
No training today
nutrition as normal
SUMMARY
Look for the good in every tough situation and you will find your life will be a lot easier to deal with.
What's going on in my head?
Perspective....I read a great article today that talks about perspective.
Basically, if you are experiencing emotional pain because of something that happened it's because you are not able to see all the good that will come out of it.
In each 'bad' experience we encounter we need to see where our focus is. If it is on the negative side or 'why did this happen' side then perhaps for things to be OK we simply need to refocus and think about all the positive possibilities that may come from this.
Some paraplegics were interviewed some time ago and revealed that one year after their life changing experience they believe that life for them is better now than it ever was...amazing attitudes.
What's happened has happened. Find a way to look forward with some positives, there always are some if you look hard enough.
No training today
nutrition as normal
SUMMARY
Look for the good in every tough situation and you will find your life will be a lot easier to deal with.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 4
What's going on in my head?
Today I want to know.... What's going on in your head? What are the issues in your life.... What is it that you struggle to deal with. What stops you from going to train when you don't feel like it? How do you feel when you have a down day and how do you pull yourself out of it? If you are not a success, in your eyes, WHY?
The book that I'm writing is definately not to boost my ego. I have had a tough life and I learned long ago how get joy out of any situation...my motivation is to help people who are struggling with life, find ways to overcome any situation and I reckon I've had em all....
Did I tell you that my mother died of cancer when I was twelve years old. She was my best friend.
Did I tell you that I got on an aeroplane and flew to a different country to live by myself when I was 16.
Did I tell you that I was working on the docks in Durban, South Africa when I was 15.
Did I tell you that I have virtually NO senior school or college education.
Am I telling you this to get you to feel pity for me.... ABSOLUTELY not...I'm telling you because I have had a TON of TOUGH LIFE EXPERIENCE and I learned how to create, with the help of God, the greatest life I could. I am extremely happy...I am fullfilling my goals and dreams at an alarming rate and I am attracting all sorts of exciting opportunities. Life is wonderful
The reason I'm telling you this is because I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE and you cannot do it on your own.
So if there is ANYTHING you would like me to talk about, offer support with, debate, question, please drop a comment in on this POST or e-mail me at dougal@mindbodysuperfit.co.za and let's get going and offer solutions.
I AM PART OF THE SOLUTION, are you PART OF THE PROBLEM.
TRAINING
Worked hard in the gym today but I am loving it. Feeling my body fill out and begin to regain it's original form, feeling my strength returning. I kind of visualise the strength flowing into every cell in my body when I'm completing a set, and I imagine I am eight foot tall. I imagine all of my energy returning and all of my bones and joints and ligaments healing whilst I'm training.
It's a wonderful feeling, but it's created by me by choice and happens because I want it to happen. Born out of a happy positive attitude.....nothing is impossible, nothing.
NUTRITION
Back to full eating today, after yesterday feeling a bit ill. Back to full strength.
SUMMARY
I have been on this planet a long time and I have seen a lot of things, good and bad, I have a lot of life experience and I know how to create the perfect life....I really want to help you to do the same so let me know how I can help YOU either via comment on the post or privately via e-mail.
PEACE
What's going on in my head?
Today I want to know.... What's going on in your head? What are the issues in your life.... What is it that you struggle to deal with. What stops you from going to train when you don't feel like it? How do you feel when you have a down day and how do you pull yourself out of it? If you are not a success, in your eyes, WHY?
The book that I'm writing is definately not to boost my ego. I have had a tough life and I learned long ago how get joy out of any situation...my motivation is to help people who are struggling with life, find ways to overcome any situation and I reckon I've had em all....
Did I tell you that my mother died of cancer when I was twelve years old. She was my best friend.
Did I tell you that I got on an aeroplane and flew to a different country to live by myself when I was 16.
Did I tell you that I was working on the docks in Durban, South Africa when I was 15.
Did I tell you that I have virtually NO senior school or college education.
Am I telling you this to get you to feel pity for me.... ABSOLUTELY not...I'm telling you because I have had a TON of TOUGH LIFE EXPERIENCE and I learned how to create, with the help of God, the greatest life I could. I am extremely happy...I am fullfilling my goals and dreams at an alarming rate and I am attracting all sorts of exciting opportunities. Life is wonderful
The reason I'm telling you this is because I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE and you cannot do it on your own.
So if there is ANYTHING you would like me to talk about, offer support with, debate, question, please drop a comment in on this POST or e-mail me at dougal@mindbodysuperfit.co.za and let's get going and offer solutions.
I AM PART OF THE SOLUTION, are you PART OF THE PROBLEM.
TRAINING
Worked hard in the gym today but I am loving it. Feeling my body fill out and begin to regain it's original form, feeling my strength returning. I kind of visualise the strength flowing into every cell in my body when I'm completing a set, and I imagine I am eight foot tall. I imagine all of my energy returning and all of my bones and joints and ligaments healing whilst I'm training.
It's a wonderful feeling, but it's created by me by choice and happens because I want it to happen. Born out of a happy positive attitude.....nothing is impossible, nothing.
NUTRITION
Back to full eating today, after yesterday feeling a bit ill. Back to full strength.
SUMMARY
I have been on this planet a long time and I have seen a lot of things, good and bad, I have a lot of life experience and I know how to create the perfect life....I really want to help you to do the same so let me know how I can help YOU either via comment on the post or privately via e-mail.
PEACE
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 3
What's going on in my head?
The incredible healing power of Forgiveness.
At 10pm on Sunday the 21st November 1993, I learned about the 'absolute' healing power of forgiveness.
2 kms from the church we had just attended on a dark, narrow, busy road my sister, my then wife and an evangalist friend from the UK, were on our way home when I saw a vehicle parked on the side of the road. There was a young woman in the drivers seat and I could see that she was very distressed.
I turned around and parked off the road on the curb opposite her vehicle.
I walked over to her only to see that she was terribly upset and her hands were almost welded to the steering wheel.
I asked her what was wrong and she told me that she had hit a dog fifty or so metres back and was afraid to go back and see if the dog was alright.
I shouted to my family across the road in my vehicle and asked them to come over and support the young woman.
I walked up the road. The dog was lying slightly off the asphalt on the dirt verge. It was already dead. I pulled the him completely off the road and started walking back to my vehicle.
My sister Margot, who was my best friend...you know the kind of person that you can talk nonsense to 5 times a day on the phone and never get tired of it, she was one of those. The most beautiful, charismatic 36 year old woman I have ever met....was standing next to my vehicle waiting to cross the road. She waited for a vehicle to pass so she could cross the road to help the others.
I was walking back to my vehicle when I saw headlights of another, crest the hill and start toward us at speed and in an erratic fashion.
The driver, who I know now to have been drunk, hit my sister head on pushing her into the side of my car and onto his bonnet like a rag doll, his vehicle carrying her to where I was walking. He saw me in his lights and swerved back onto the asphalt dumping my her into the veld at my feet whilst he disapeared up the road in an angry swirl of dust and screeching tyres.
My beloved sister was killed instantly.
I remember putting my hands into the air and shouting out "God help me". At that very moment I felt an instant peace fall over me like a warm comforting blanket and I was able to think clearly enough take charge of the situation.
Within minutes there were 50 people milling around all wanting to know what happened. Most of the men had become very aggresive and were saying things like "Let's chase the animal and kill him"
Now bearing in mind I have a military background and spent many years in the Rhodesian Bush War as a soldier my response was startling, even to me. " Leave him he knows not what he has done"
The absolute peace I felt in my heart defies all understanding.
I was able to control the situation, speak to the police, make arrangements for my sister to be moved.....phone my brother-in-law and their three sons to explain what had happened, all with this sense of calm efficiency.
At daybreak, the following day sitting on the side of my bed, I said "Lord show me who did this." Almost immediately my ex business partner who had arrived at work very early phoned me to extend his sympathies and to tell me that there was a car outside his office, hidden under a tree, that may be the one involved.
It was. The police arrested the young man involved who denied being the driver and said that his car had been stolen the night before. This turned out to be a concocted story to get him off the hook.
He was charged with many counts of violating the roads and roads traffic act which included culpable homicide.
I saw him for the first time when the case went to trial. My peace and sense of forgiveness had stayed with me all this time and as he cowered away from me when he saw me the first thing I said to him was " I forgive you for what you have done"
He was convicted and sentenced to a total fine of around $300. My friends asked me how what I thought about this and again my reply was not what you'd expect.
"I don't think anything of it, He has to deal with this every day of his life, my sister is sitting at the right hand of God right now." Sounds like a win for her.
For us...of course we grieve, but time heals, and her husband and three boys are doing great....but how does this relate to health and fitness. HUGELY SO.
What's going on in my head?
The incredible healing power of Forgiveness.
At 10pm on Sunday the 21st November 1993, I learned about the 'absolute' healing power of forgiveness.
2 kms from the church we had just attended on a dark, narrow, busy road my sister, my then wife and an evangalist friend from the UK, were on our way home when I saw a vehicle parked on the side of the road. There was a young woman in the drivers seat and I could see that she was very distressed.
I turned around and parked off the road on the curb opposite her vehicle.
I walked over to her only to see that she was terribly upset and her hands were almost welded to the steering wheel.
I asked her what was wrong and she told me that she had hit a dog fifty or so metres back and was afraid to go back and see if the dog was alright.
I shouted to my family across the road in my vehicle and asked them to come over and support the young woman.
I walked up the road. The dog was lying slightly off the asphalt on the dirt verge. It was already dead. I pulled the him completely off the road and started walking back to my vehicle.
My sister Margot, who was my best friend...you know the kind of person that you can talk nonsense to 5 times a day on the phone and never get tired of it, she was one of those. The most beautiful, charismatic 36 year old woman I have ever met....was standing next to my vehicle waiting to cross the road. She waited for a vehicle to pass so she could cross the road to help the others.
I was walking back to my vehicle when I saw headlights of another, crest the hill and start toward us at speed and in an erratic fashion.
The driver, who I know now to have been drunk, hit my sister head on pushing her into the side of my car and onto his bonnet like a rag doll, his vehicle carrying her to where I was walking. He saw me in his lights and swerved back onto the asphalt dumping my her into the veld at my feet whilst he disapeared up the road in an angry swirl of dust and screeching tyres.
My beloved sister was killed instantly.
I remember putting my hands into the air and shouting out "God help me". At that very moment I felt an instant peace fall over me like a warm comforting blanket and I was able to think clearly enough take charge of the situation.
Within minutes there were 50 people milling around all wanting to know what happened. Most of the men had become very aggresive and were saying things like "Let's chase the animal and kill him"
Now bearing in mind I have a military background and spent many years in the Rhodesian Bush War as a soldier my response was startling, even to me. " Leave him he knows not what he has done"
The absolute peace I felt in my heart defies all understanding.
I was able to control the situation, speak to the police, make arrangements for my sister to be moved.....phone my brother-in-law and their three sons to explain what had happened, all with this sense of calm efficiency.
At daybreak, the following day sitting on the side of my bed, I said "Lord show me who did this." Almost immediately my ex business partner who had arrived at work very early phoned me to extend his sympathies and to tell me that there was a car outside his office, hidden under a tree, that may be the one involved.
It was. The police arrested the young man involved who denied being the driver and said that his car had been stolen the night before. This turned out to be a concocted story to get him off the hook.
He was charged with many counts of violating the roads and roads traffic act which included culpable homicide.
I saw him for the first time when the case went to trial. My peace and sense of forgiveness had stayed with me all this time and as he cowered away from me when he saw me the first thing I said to him was " I forgive you for what you have done"
He was convicted and sentenced to a total fine of around $300. My friends asked me how what I thought about this and again my reply was not what you'd expect.
"I don't think anything of it, He has to deal with this every day of his life, my sister is sitting at the right hand of God right now." Sounds like a win for her.
For us...of course we grieve, but time heals, and her husband and three boys are doing great....but how does this relate to health and fitness. HUGELY SO.
- We all need someone to lean on in times of turbulence and we all have them
- If the One you lean can perform miracles like that...well it works for me
- BITTERNESS and RESENTMENT has been scientifically proven to be a major cause of cancer and many other conditions. THOSE TWO WILL EAT YOU UP.
- Dragging around a heavy suitcase of UNFORGIVENESS for the rest of my life would have been crippling for me...and I don't believe I could have made it on my own.
People every day, are asking me how on earth I have made such an amazing recovery from my accident, and how I'm able to maintain a GENUINE happy, content nature and a really POSITIVE outlook against all the odds.
The answer to me is what I have learned about FAITH. I have alluded to this in a previous post but I believe it's worth repeating. I am NOT religious but I DO have a fantastic relationship with God. He has already given me everything I need for my life to be perfect. I do not have to ask Him for anything, what I do need to do is THANK him for what he has given me with huge gratitude.
Now, if I BELIEVE that he has given me everything how on earth can anything hurt me. Including a terrible tragedy like I've described and my near fatal accident. On top of that when I asked Him to support me through this tragedy he instantly picked me up and carried me. He also showed me that he had given me the gift of forgiveness and all I had to do was believe it....and so it was.
In my wonderful life...all things come from The Source...even on the most stormy ocean I can be calm, and serene. I honestly can't think of anyone I dislike or have a grudge against. My life is about helping other become whole again through Health and Fitness.
So....that is my answer to those who ask about my state of contentment, but I believe that a most important component of being able to LOVE, which is critically important to anyone's happiness is to be able to forgive.
Don't let another day go by without examining your own unforgiveness. Take charge and do something about it today and watch your own health RADICALLY improve overnight.
Oh...and, if YOU are perfect please share my story with someone who isn't.
PEACE
TRAINING and NUTRITION
I ate some almonds last night with a glass of milk and I ended up with aching nstomach cramps and feeling terrible...which I still have now. So training will move to tomorrow and saturday and my nutrition won't be great today, the last thing I feel like doing is eating.
SUMMARY
An overiding spirit of love and giving is what would make this planet work Soooo much better and part of that is forgiveness as opposed to bitterness and resentment. Please don't let harbouring these imposters effect your health. We all have reasons for holding onto those two....not at the cost of your health.
This is a story of Triumph not tragedy so please don't misunderstand my motives. I am absolutely NOT looking for sympathy.
Make a change for the better ....TODAY
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 2
What's going on in Carlos' head?
I have to tell you Dougal,
I have used this Therapeutic "Return To Full Function" Model before,
But never has it been this impressive.
As I read your blog, there was a serene quietness all around
me. And I just had to stop and read it all over again.
And I'm thinking this is an accelerated program.
Accelerated because of the thought and belief influence.
How powerful is this influence.
This, to me leaves open
(for further discussion)
an area that has had much lip
service but very little tangible, record able
results.
Dougal, people need to know how to believe.
(And someone needs to be able to teach them)
Believe with a sense of peace, and trust, and yes
humor.
These are some of the things you possess.
But not with mere words, here is the living proof of
what you believe.
If anyone can grasp what has already been done
here, they will have to admit that remarkable
is an understatement.
Carlos
As I sit here reading these very profound words from Carlos DeJesus and taking it all in I realise how subtly it spurs me on to greater things.
I also come to the realisation by analysing his words, how great a teacher/coach/therapist/trainer/friend, he is.
Whether or not he realises it, he knows me well enough to know what to say to me to motivate me beyond anything I might imagine.
What a gift.
Thank you Carlos.
What's going on in Carlos' head?
I have to tell you Dougal,
I have used this Therapeutic "Return To Full Function" Model before,
But never has it been this impressive.
As I read your blog, there was a serene quietness all around
me. And I just had to stop and read it all over again.
And I'm thinking this is an accelerated program.
Accelerated because of the thought and belief influence.
How powerful is this influence.
This, to me leaves open
(for further discussion)
an area that has had much lip
service but very little tangible, record able
results.
Dougal, people need to know how to believe.
(And someone needs to be able to teach them)
Believe with a sense of peace, and trust, and yes
humor.
These are some of the things you possess.
But not with mere words, here is the living proof of
what you believe.
If anyone can grasp what has already been done
here, they will have to admit that remarkable
is an understatement.
Carlos
As I sit here reading these very profound words from Carlos DeJesus and taking it all in I realise how subtly it spurs me on to greater things.
I also come to the realisation by analysing his words, how great a teacher/coach/therapist/trainer/friend, he is.
Whether or not he realises it, he knows me well enough to know what to say to me to motivate me beyond anything I might imagine.
What a gift.
Thank you Carlos.
Monday, September 1, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day1
What's going on in my head?
My own personal Olympic Games and the immense power of ' The right head space'
I had such fun today. Carlos and I were chatting yesterday about my training and my progress.
We wanted to do a comparison for our benefit, which was equitable, to see where I was in relation to where I used to be. In order to do this I had to do a session without the normal cadence 3 x 3 and to do it in a 1 x 3 cadence which is the way I normally train, exploding on the positive and controlling the negative.
Last night I thought about it and when Carlos said there could be up to a 20% positive difference in strength I got really excited about having my own little Olympics.
This morning arrived and I was experiencing a really positive sense of aniticipation and excitement much like an athlete getting ready to race.
I practiced my lifts in my head and rehearsed them as if they were real. Now Carlos warned me to be careful and to get a spotter for things like Bench Press so I knew that I wasn't about to hurt myself or go beyond what was reasonable for me.
Mid morning I headed to the gym, mentally readied myself and ....hit the steel. Well I surprised even myself. In addition I had a wonderful morning and a great session...oh and I didn't need the spotter.
The exercises and the weights and comparitive weights are in the weight section. The results are startling.
The point of this dialogue is to affirm once again the POWER of the mind. That you can use your mind positively to spur yourself on to great things is unarguable. Just takes a little practice a little knowledge a little faith and you can become your own ELITE athlete.
"As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." No matter your limitation or disability, physical or emotional that incredibly powerful statement will remain relevent for the rest of time.
TRAINING
Exercise weight pre accident weight post accident
(pse forgive dodgy formatting)
Leg ext --------------------135 x 10 reps-------121 x 10 reps
Leg curl-------------------110 x 10-------------110 x 10
BB Bench------------------220x 10-------------154 x 8
DB seated row------------165 x 10-------------180x 8
laterals------------------- 25 x 10--------------25 x 10
tricep pushdowns--------187 x 10------------165x10
DB bicep curls------------50 x 10--------------30 x 10
Without wanting to appear dramatic the results in Carlos' words "ARE AMAZING"
Leg ext --------- not far behind pre accident weight
Leg curls ------- the same
Bench ---------- some way to go but still a huge improvement
Seated row ---- already ahead of my best
Laterals ------- the same
Triceps -------- very close
DB biceps ------ some way to go but still reasonable weight
These results are remarkable considering a return to weight training proper, just 5 weeks ago.
I venture to suggest that in another 5 weeks of single set, multiple exercise, full body routine with the 3 x 3 cadence, I will be ahead of my previous best with every lift.
Speaks volumes for Carlos and his therapeutic 'return to full function' model - does it not?
NUTRITION
Ate well today and am now up to 2200 calories a day. When I get up to 3000 per day my metabolism will be properly primed for fat burning, then the fun really begins.
SUMMARY
Without a doubt the mind is the greatest gift God has given us and even better we have the ability to use it in any way we choose. Use it wisely and remember " As a man thinketh in his heart so is he."
What's going on in my head?
My own personal Olympic Games and the immense power of ' The right head space'
I had such fun today. Carlos and I were chatting yesterday about my training and my progress.
We wanted to do a comparison for our benefit, which was equitable, to see where I was in relation to where I used to be. In order to do this I had to do a session without the normal cadence 3 x 3 and to do it in a 1 x 3 cadence which is the way I normally train, exploding on the positive and controlling the negative.
Last night I thought about it and when Carlos said there could be up to a 20% positive difference in strength I got really excited about having my own little Olympics.
This morning arrived and I was experiencing a really positive sense of aniticipation and excitement much like an athlete getting ready to race.
I practiced my lifts in my head and rehearsed them as if they were real. Now Carlos warned me to be careful and to get a spotter for things like Bench Press so I knew that I wasn't about to hurt myself or go beyond what was reasonable for me.
Mid morning I headed to the gym, mentally readied myself and ....hit the steel. Well I surprised even myself. In addition I had a wonderful morning and a great session...oh and I didn't need the spotter.
The exercises and the weights and comparitive weights are in the weight section. The results are startling.
The point of this dialogue is to affirm once again the POWER of the mind. That you can use your mind positively to spur yourself on to great things is unarguable. Just takes a little practice a little knowledge a little faith and you can become your own ELITE athlete.
"As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." No matter your limitation or disability, physical or emotional that incredibly powerful statement will remain relevent for the rest of time.
TRAINING
Exercise weight pre accident weight post accident
(pse forgive dodgy formatting)
Leg ext --------------------135 x 10 reps-------121 x 10 reps
Leg curl-------------------110 x 10-------------110 x 10
BB Bench------------------220x 10-------------154 x 8
DB seated row------------165 x 10-------------180x 8
laterals------------------- 25 x 10--------------25 x 10
tricep pushdowns--------187 x 10------------165x10
DB bicep curls------------50 x 10--------------30 x 10
Without wanting to appear dramatic the results in Carlos' words "ARE AMAZING"
Leg ext --------- not far behind pre accident weight
Leg curls ------- the same
Bench ---------- some way to go but still a huge improvement
Seated row ---- already ahead of my best
Laterals ------- the same
Triceps -------- very close
DB biceps ------ some way to go but still reasonable weight
These results are remarkable considering a return to weight training proper, just 5 weeks ago.
I venture to suggest that in another 5 weeks of single set, multiple exercise, full body routine with the 3 x 3 cadence, I will be ahead of my previous best with every lift.
Speaks volumes for Carlos and his therapeutic 'return to full function' model - does it not?
NUTRITION
Ate well today and am now up to 2200 calories a day. When I get up to 3000 per day my metabolism will be properly primed for fat burning, then the fun really begins.
SUMMARY
Without a doubt the mind is the greatest gift God has given us and even better we have the ability to use it in any way we choose. Use it wisely and remember " As a man thinketh in his heart so is he."
Sunday, August 31, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 4 Day 7
What's going on in my head?
I want to deviate slightly from the norm today because I want to include communication from Carlos which is very important to therapeutic recovery. Critical in fact.
Dougal,
I read somewhere that you are pleased with your progress.
So right about now, what does that look like?
Just for reference I was wondering what your weights were
pre-surgery for the basic movements, with the exception
of squats.
If you could supply me with this information it would be helpful
to demonstrate to the readers where you were, and where you
are at the present.
This is so I have some idea when we have come to full function.
At which time there will probably be a need for an update.
Returning to full function would be sort of like Graduation
Day. Arrival.
What comes to mind is a few of my patients who were
sent to me from a local psychologist. I ask them at some
point in their therapy, "So when is Graduation Day",
Without any variation they all look at me with a blank
stare, like what the heck are you talking about?
You see they will never know if they never ask!
And they don't know to ask!
Because almost always when we become involved
in Psycho Therapy, and most other services where
we get paid for what we do, you almost NEVER hear
talk of a "Finish Line".
"When can you function on your own?" When will
you be able to apply to real life what you have learned?.
When does theory become practice?
They don't know. They don't know because they
have not been taught.
"And by the way, Mr. Jones once you are able to
process thought you will have arrived in a place where
you will be released from therapy
because at the point you will have outgrown the need
for our initial intervention and even possibly continued
sessions, it is at this point we would like you to
return only as needed rather than the 3 appointments
per week at $150. per 50 minute hour".
The above statement will never occur in the office
of a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and some Chiropractors.
Actually the Chiropractors are getting better.
(This has been my experience)
Any way its important for anyone in therapy to know
when they have completed their Therapeutic Model,
and have entered into their next phase, and there should
Always be a next phase.
Thanks.
Regards,
Carlos
What's going on in my head?
I want to deviate slightly from the norm today because I want to include communication from Carlos which is very important to therapeutic recovery. Critical in fact.
Dougal,
I read somewhere that you are pleased with your progress.
So right about now, what does that look like?
Just for reference I was wondering what your weights were
pre-surgery for the basic movements, with the exception
of squats.
If you could supply me with this information it would be helpful
to demonstrate to the readers where you were, and where you
are at the present.
This is so I have some idea when we have come to full function.
At which time there will probably be a need for an update.
Returning to full function would be sort of like Graduation
Day. Arrival.
What comes to mind is a few of my patients who were
sent to me from a local psychologist. I ask them at some
point in their therapy, "So when is Graduation Day",
Without any variation they all look at me with a blank
stare, like what the heck are you talking about?
You see they will never know if they never ask!
And they don't know to ask!
Because almost always when we become involved
in Psycho Therapy, and most other services where
we get paid for what we do, you almost NEVER hear
talk of a "Finish Line".
"When can you function on your own?" When will
you be able to apply to real life what you have learned?.
When does theory become practice?
They don't know. They don't know because they
have not been taught.
"And by the way, Mr. Jones once you are able to
process thought you will have arrived in a place where
you will be released from therapy
because at the point you will have outgrown the need
for our initial intervention and even possibly continued
sessions, it is at this point we would like you to
return only as needed rather than the 3 appointments
per week at $150. per 50 minute hour".
The above statement will never occur in the office
of a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and some Chiropractors.
Actually the Chiropractors are getting better.
(This has been my experience)
Any way its important for anyone in therapy to know
when they have completed their Therapeutic Model,
and have entered into their next phase, and there should
Always be a next phase.
Thanks.
Regards,
Carlos
So to answer the question posed by Carlos here are the weight differences.
all in kg (x 2.2 for lbs) The number indicate my weights at the start (my return to the gym), what they are now, and pre accident. Pse excuse the lousy formatting. I set it out properly and it defaults back what you see on the screen.
Leg ext 15 40 60
Leg curls 10 30 50
Calf raises (seated) 10 40 80
db Pullovers 8 20 30
Bench bar 60 100
Seated rows 15 50 80
laterals 4 8 15
bent over rows bar 30 50
dips bodyweight) 3 10
curls 5 12 22
tricep push downs 20 50 85
hyper ext b/wt 10
shrugs 15 40 70
So on average it would seem that I've gone from pretty much a zero base to, on average about 50-60% strength in about 5 weeks. I'm pretty happy with that. Carlos, what do you think?
I'm suffering no ill effects from the training physiologically wise and I obviously feel a whole lot stronger.
Mentally, I feel...well absolutely normal....I actually can't imagine feeling any different. I'm in no pain and the training certainly is putting no pressure on my neck.
Emotionally, I am HAPPY, on a daily basis. That is because I train my mind every day day as well as my body. I repeat positive affirmations daily to crowd garbage out of my head. I am learning to be aware of everything that goes on in my head, I speak to and thank God every day for AN ABUNDANCE of everything I need. I am also very happy and grateful for everything I have and for everything I am. I am a giver of words and stuff, I am surrounded by wonderful people and relationships, and the big thing is...IT DIDN'T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT. I have created my life exactly the way I want it. This is not hard to do it just takes practice. MENTAL PRACTICE and I think we should be training our minds even more than our bodies.
EXCELLENCE comes off the TOP SHELF and you get there by standing on a stack of good books that you have just read. The only thing worse than not reading excellent books is thinking that it doesn't matter.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 4 Day 6
Nothing goin on today - I'm in cruise mode. Feeling wonderful. It's the weekend.
TRAINING
Had a fantastic session today...am really getting stronger with each session. I'm very pleased with my progress.
NUTRITION
as per previous
SUMMARY
Have a brilliant, loving, giving, sharing, healthy weekend.
Nothing goin on today - I'm in cruise mode. Feeling wonderful. It's the weekend.
TRAINING
Had a fantastic session today...am really getting stronger with each session. I'm very pleased with my progress.
NUTRITION
as per previous
SUMMARY
Have a brilliant, loving, giving, sharing, healthy weekend.
Friday, August 29, 2008
EXTRA | EXTRA | EXTRA
If you read my post today you will see that I endorsed Barack Obama as appearing to be a fit healthy individual, qualities he would need should he become the next American president.
Well it looks like I blew it and didn't do my homework properly.
I was taken to task by my good friend Lynda who said that he was skinny and she didn't really want to look like that. She's right, he is.
Then I really had my bubble burst by Margaret who set the record straight by informing me that Obama is probably slight of physique because....HE IS A HEAVY SMOKER. Wow that puts a bit of a different spin on things.
Fit and healthy...as a heavy smoker he doesn't quite fit the bill as a role model.
Sorry Barack you're off the 'A' list.
Thank you to Lynda and Margaret for putting me straight. My apologies for misleading you all.
Well it looks like I blew it and didn't do my homework properly.
I was taken to task by my good friend Lynda who said that he was skinny and she didn't really want to look like that. She's right, he is.
Then I really had my bubble burst by Margaret who set the record straight by informing me that Obama is probably slight of physique because....HE IS A HEAVY SMOKER. Wow that puts a bit of a different spin on things.
Fit and healthy...as a heavy smoker he doesn't quite fit the bill as a role model.
Sorry Barack you're off the 'A' list.
Thank you to Lynda and Margaret for putting me straight. My apologies for misleading you all.
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 4 day 5
What's going on in my head?
If I was a betting man I would put a fairly large some of money on Barack Obama becoming the next American President. Why do I say that and what has it to do with health and fitness.
Well, actually the two are intertwined. My belief is that the American public is sick and tired of an overbloated administration, that is going to leave behind the legacy of a very sick economy amongst other things, and obesity, as an epidemic.
So......well the man looks like he's in great shape, doesn't he? He is nice and lean with that boyish smiling face that screams out health and fitness. He walks with an energy that'll he'll need to keep over the next four years, but he seems the kind of person who will make time to stay in shape because he KNOWS how important it is to his efficiency and credibility.
It cannot be quantified but I really believe that he will win this election in part to the way he looks...I mean put it this way, if he was fat with a hang dog look on his face and walked without energy, how far do you think he would have got....I venture to say, not past Hillary Clinton.
I mean everything about him is... energy, exciting energy, he must be absolutely exhausted from the campaign trail but it sure doesn't show. The man is a dynamo.
Is Health and Fitness important to the most important man in the world right now...YOU BET.
"Be the change you want to see." the immortal words of Mahatma Gandhi.
As a crusading evangalist for health and fitness, I'm living those words, and if you care so should you.
TRAINING
Time has run away with me today so I'll workout tomorrow..looking forward to it.
NUTRITION
Pretty much the same as my reveal
SUMMARY
If we have any hope of evangalising health and fitness and making a difference in this obese world we live in, we need to set the example. With courage we need to step into the breach and " Be the change we want to see."
What's going on in my head?
If I was a betting man I would put a fairly large some of money on Barack Obama becoming the next American President. Why do I say that and what has it to do with health and fitness.
Well, actually the two are intertwined. My belief is that the American public is sick and tired of an overbloated administration, that is going to leave behind the legacy of a very sick economy amongst other things, and obesity, as an epidemic.
So......well the man looks like he's in great shape, doesn't he? He is nice and lean with that boyish smiling face that screams out health and fitness. He walks with an energy that'll he'll need to keep over the next four years, but he seems the kind of person who will make time to stay in shape because he KNOWS how important it is to his efficiency and credibility.
It cannot be quantified but I really believe that he will win this election in part to the way he looks...I mean put it this way, if he was fat with a hang dog look on his face and walked without energy, how far do you think he would have got....I venture to say, not past Hillary Clinton.
I mean everything about him is... energy, exciting energy, he must be absolutely exhausted from the campaign trail but it sure doesn't show. The man is a dynamo.
Is Health and Fitness important to the most important man in the world right now...YOU BET.
"Be the change you want to see." the immortal words of Mahatma Gandhi.
As a crusading evangalist for health and fitness, I'm living those words, and if you care so should you.
TRAINING
Time has run away with me today so I'll workout tomorrow..looking forward to it.
NUTRITION
Pretty much the same as my reveal
SUMMARY
If we have any hope of evangalising health and fitness and making a difference in this obese world we live in, we need to set the example. With courage we need to step into the breach and " Be the change we want to see."
Thursday, August 28, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week Four Day 4
What's going on in my head?
Patience. For experienced trainers the gift of patience is compulsory.
Once a beginner lifter has moved past the rosy glow of super quick muscle growth..which does happen, and starts believing he could beat Ronnie Coleman into 1st spot at the 'OLYMPIA', he moves into the category of 'experienced'. Once that happens patience as a quality is probably on par with other attributes such as commitment and intensity and persistance.
Muscle growth is not as easy as people believe it is. It takes years of hard work and huge consistent effort. That's why it is such a valuable prize, as opposed to your average 'juicer' who is pretty large...if he's lucky, after a couple of steroid cycles. Once you've built the muscle honestly and you keep training, it's yours to keep. Start juicing and any growth you achieve is GONE once you stop, and face it, you cannot spike forever.
A final word...the primary side effect of steroid useage is....PREMATURE DEATH.
Hardly worth it, is it guys?
Which brings me onto the subject of women and muscles. Most of my female clients express major discomfort when they learn they are going to be training with heavy weights. "But I don't want to get all muscular" You won't, the laws of physiology prohibit it. You don't make enough testosterone, well the majority of you anyway. So if your trainer is asking you to lift heavy weights, it's THE BEST WAY TO LOSE BODY FAT, which is most womens primary objective.
TRAINING
Day Off
NUTRITION
Same basic composition as yesterday.
SUMMARY
I'm would take poison on Carlos DeJesus, a World Champion Natural Bodybuilder (no steroids) agreeing with me 100% on todays topic.
What's going on in my head?
Patience. For experienced trainers the gift of patience is compulsory.
Once a beginner lifter has moved past the rosy glow of super quick muscle growth..which does happen, and starts believing he could beat Ronnie Coleman into 1st spot at the 'OLYMPIA', he moves into the category of 'experienced'. Once that happens patience as a quality is probably on par with other attributes such as commitment and intensity and persistance.
Muscle growth is not as easy as people believe it is. It takes years of hard work and huge consistent effort. That's why it is such a valuable prize, as opposed to your average 'juicer' who is pretty large...if he's lucky, after a couple of steroid cycles. Once you've built the muscle honestly and you keep training, it's yours to keep. Start juicing and any growth you achieve is GONE once you stop, and face it, you cannot spike forever.
A final word...the primary side effect of steroid useage is....PREMATURE DEATH.
Hardly worth it, is it guys?
Which brings me onto the subject of women and muscles. Most of my female clients express major discomfort when they learn they are going to be training with heavy weights. "But I don't want to get all muscular" You won't, the laws of physiology prohibit it. You don't make enough testosterone, well the majority of you anyway. So if your trainer is asking you to lift heavy weights, it's THE BEST WAY TO LOSE BODY FAT, which is most womens primary objective.
TRAINING
Day Off
NUTRITION
Same basic composition as yesterday.
SUMMARY
I'm would take poison on Carlos DeJesus, a World Champion Natural Bodybuilder (no steroids) agreeing with me 100% on todays topic.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 4 Day 3
What's going on in my head?
All I know is that life is FANTASTIC. Why because that's what I 've decided. Everything in life is a choice. Take responsibility for everything that happens in your life and make smart choices.
So..I decided long ago that life for me would be made from a rich tapestry of diverse and interesting things. So it has proved. It's that simple.
Your attitude really does determine where you are in life and if you want to be happy and you're not, it's as simple as changing your attitude. Refresh your head, or reboot your mental harddrive with positive happy software.
Your friends and family will love you sooo much more.
NUTRITION
Well at last you will be able to see what I'm doing with my eating.
Meal 1 Protein shake (early)
Meal 2 Protein shake/1 cup uncooked oats/small tub ff flavoured yoghurt
Meal 3 Tuna fish/large baked potato/large mixed salad
Meal 4 Tub low fat cottage cheese/small tub ff flavoured yoghurt
Meal 5 Chicken breast/1 cup basmati rice/2 cups steamed veg/1 tbspn olive oil
The nutritional make up is 1944 calories and 29 Pr/56 Carb/15 Fat % breakdown
I've increased my cal intake by 200 per day, each week and I need to work up to 3000 per day before my metab is stabilised enough to start fat burning. My percentages will obviously change as I go.
Sounds complicated but I have this very clever software working out all the ratios for me as I go.
So...I'll give you more information as I go along and let you know what's happening to my weight and body fat.
TRAINING
Another great session this morning. My attitude going in was perfect and I was ready to work hard. I love being in the gym and I absolutely love weight training.
What's going on in my head?
All I know is that life is FANTASTIC. Why because that's what I 've decided. Everything in life is a choice. Take responsibility for everything that happens in your life and make smart choices.
So..I decided long ago that life for me would be made from a rich tapestry of diverse and interesting things. So it has proved. It's that simple.
Your attitude really does determine where you are in life and if you want to be happy and you're not, it's as simple as changing your attitude. Refresh your head, or reboot your mental harddrive with positive happy software.
Your friends and family will love you sooo much more.
NUTRITION
Well at last you will be able to see what I'm doing with my eating.
Meal 1 Protein shake (early)
Meal 2 Protein shake/1 cup uncooked oats/small tub ff flavoured yoghurt
Meal 3 Tuna fish/large baked potato/large mixed salad
Meal 4 Tub low fat cottage cheese/small tub ff flavoured yoghurt
Meal 5 Chicken breast/1 cup basmati rice/2 cups steamed veg/1 tbspn olive oil
The nutritional make up is 1944 calories and 29 Pr/56 Carb/15 Fat % breakdown
I've increased my cal intake by 200 per day, each week and I need to work up to 3000 per day before my metab is stabilised enough to start fat burning. My percentages will obviously change as I go.
Sounds complicated but I have this very clever software working out all the ratios for me as I go.
So...I'll give you more information as I go along and let you know what's happening to my weight and body fat.
TRAINING
Another great session this morning. My attitude going in was perfect and I was ready to work hard. I love being in the gym and I absolutely love weight training.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week four Day 2
What's going on in my head?
Sub Prime has really hurt the American economy...ask employees and management at Bear Stearns. If you think this is new you've forgotten 88-89 and junk bonds causing the demise of Drexel Burnham. This is a cycle, or if you prefer, a season.
This is part of life, part of nature, part of human greed and does this have anything to do with health and fitness. Well actually yes it does.
Everything in life operates in cycles, up and downs, seasons. Think about it. Weather patterns, winter, summer, geography, mountains and valleys, moods, cheerful and unhappy.
I don't mean to minimise what is happening right now but what I'm trying to say is your health is exactly the same and so is your training.
Do you know that the body adapts to a resistance routine in about 4 weeks. You then plateau, and you need to change your exercises and if you don't you are unlikely to make any more gains from the routine. Any halfway decent routine should factor this in. Your nutrition is pretty much the same and your body gets used to eating the same foods every single day.
Plateau's, up's and downs and seasons are a very normal part of every day life so guard your health very carefully...Choose a program and eating plan you trust and see it through. Finish what you start and remember plateau's are a temporary part of our life cycle and there will be downside's. Deal with them positively and with good humour and grace for 'they too will pass'
TRAINING
None today
NUTRITION
reveal soon
SUMMARY
Don't let plateau's slow you down, they will happen, hang tough, they will also pass.
What's going on in my head?
Sub Prime has really hurt the American economy...ask employees and management at Bear Stearns. If you think this is new you've forgotten 88-89 and junk bonds causing the demise of Drexel Burnham. This is a cycle, or if you prefer, a season.
This is part of life, part of nature, part of human greed and does this have anything to do with health and fitness. Well actually yes it does.
Everything in life operates in cycles, up and downs, seasons. Think about it. Weather patterns, winter, summer, geography, mountains and valleys, moods, cheerful and unhappy.
I don't mean to minimise what is happening right now but what I'm trying to say is your health is exactly the same and so is your training.
Do you know that the body adapts to a resistance routine in about 4 weeks. You then plateau, and you need to change your exercises and if you don't you are unlikely to make any more gains from the routine. Any halfway decent routine should factor this in. Your nutrition is pretty much the same and your body gets used to eating the same foods every single day.
Plateau's, up's and downs and seasons are a very normal part of every day life so guard your health very carefully...Choose a program and eating plan you trust and see it through. Finish what you start and remember plateau's are a temporary part of our life cycle and there will be downside's. Deal with them positively and with good humour and grace for 'they too will pass'
TRAINING
None today
NUTRITION
reveal soon
SUMMARY
Don't let plateau's slow you down, they will happen, hang tough, they will also pass.
Monday, August 25, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week Four Day 1
What's going on in my head?
It's 8.00pm at the end of a long day of physical work + a weight training session of my own mid morning. I am in the process of cooking chicken breasts, basmati rice and steaming some vegetables. I am exhausted....SO WHAT?
So I don't feel much like writing tonight, I really don't, I don't feel like cooking either. A hot bath and a warm bed seems much more inviting right now, so why don't I just do what I want to do and not what I have to do.
Because "THE WHY" won't let me. I have committed to all of you that I would write daily, I have committed to myself that I would eat 6 healthy, nutritious meals per day and I have committed to my coach Carlos DeJesus 100% compliance. The discipline now drives me to complete what I need to before I turn in for the night. I also need to plan and arrange what I'm going to eat tomorrow.
Now I have two choices here....either bale on my goal to be in the best shape of my life by the end of 20 weeks or keep my committment. The more I honour my self promises, the more trustworthy I become to myself. The more trustworthy I become to myself, the more others will trust me.
To me this is a no brainer...why? because the WHY is important enough for me to follow through. Every time I do something I need to do but don't want to, I get mentally stronger.
Bottom line...SUCCESSFUL people will always do the things they have to, the others won't.
And...I AM a successful human being with an Unstoppable MindSet.
TRAINING
Had a superb training session to day and am increasing my poundages every session. Had an interesting thing happen. I was planning on Benching 50kgs (110lbs). I loaded up the bar and did a set, 3 x 3 cadence, perfect form for 10 reps. It felt a little heavier than normal but it was manageable. When I got up I realised that I had loaded the bar with 60kgs (132lbs).
Amazing what you can do when you don't know what you're doing. hmm.
NUTRITION
Another day or two before the reveal of what I'm eating.
SUMMARY
Focus on the why and you'll become a machine with an unstoppable mindset.
What's going on in my head?
It's 8.00pm at the end of a long day of physical work + a weight training session of my own mid morning. I am in the process of cooking chicken breasts, basmati rice and steaming some vegetables. I am exhausted....SO WHAT?
So I don't feel much like writing tonight, I really don't, I don't feel like cooking either. A hot bath and a warm bed seems much more inviting right now, so why don't I just do what I want to do and not what I have to do.
Because "THE WHY" won't let me. I have committed to all of you that I would write daily, I have committed to myself that I would eat 6 healthy, nutritious meals per day and I have committed to my coach Carlos DeJesus 100% compliance. The discipline now drives me to complete what I need to before I turn in for the night. I also need to plan and arrange what I'm going to eat tomorrow.
Now I have two choices here....either bale on my goal to be in the best shape of my life by the end of 20 weeks or keep my committment. The more I honour my self promises, the more trustworthy I become to myself. The more trustworthy I become to myself, the more others will trust me.
To me this is a no brainer...why? because the WHY is important enough for me to follow through. Every time I do something I need to do but don't want to, I get mentally stronger.
Bottom line...SUCCESSFUL people will always do the things they have to, the others won't.
And...I AM a successful human being with an Unstoppable MindSet.
TRAINING
Had a superb training session to day and am increasing my poundages every session. Had an interesting thing happen. I was planning on Benching 50kgs (110lbs). I loaded up the bar and did a set, 3 x 3 cadence, perfect form for 10 reps. It felt a little heavier than normal but it was manageable. When I got up I realised that I had loaded the bar with 60kgs (132lbs).
Amazing what you can do when you don't know what you're doing. hmm.
NUTRITION
Another day or two before the reveal of what I'm eating.
SUMMARY
Focus on the why and you'll become a machine with an unstoppable mindset.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 3 Day 7
I received this from Shari http://becomefitatfifty.blogspot.com/today and I think it's brilliant.
Sunday, it's the perfect day to ' pay it forward '
I won an award, yoo hoo, see below. It's called the smile award
Dougal. You have GOT to read this man's blog. He has come thru some horrendous trials, but is still smiling and putting his faith in God.
Thank you so much SHARI for making me one of your recipients for the Smile Award.
The Rules of the Award are as follows.
1. The recipient must link back the the award's creator (The Babblings of Mere)
2. You must post these rules if you recieve the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to recieve the award after recieving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.
Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids
I am also thrilled that someone actually thinks that I meet these criteria! and I will 'pay it forward ' right now.
- Karen - who unselfishly nursed me back to health after my accident and continues to be my "strength". She is also my love.
- Adam Waters http://rtpblog2.wordpress.com/ - who has committed his life to the health and fitness of himself and others by example and is a beacon, a shining light to all, in this dark world of rampant obesity.
- Carlos DeJesus http://www.carlosdejesustotalfitness.com/ - a totally, unselfish, selfless man, a giant in the world of health and fitness and an untiring source of strength to many..especially me.
- Lynda http://marbelladiaz.blogspot.com/ - One of the most emotionally generous people I know. Always supportive, always happy, and always giving.
- Christy http://christymurphy.blogspot.com/ - who has gone through so many trial of her own and has come out on top...with a broad smile. Great support and inspiration
Congratulations to YOU, hero's all.
NOW Check the rules out and 'Pay it Forward'
Saturday, August 23, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 3 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
Woke up this morning feeling a whole lot better today and headed off to the gym. Had a fantastic training session and that has set me up for a brilliant day. A beautiful sunny day in South Africa and the second last day off the Olympics. Which brings to mind this thought. What do Olympians do when their race is run and the curtain falls on technically the most advanced games ever.
Hmmm....some will take a break and then carry on training. Some will re set or set new 4 year goals and some...will give up the sport they were so talented at and spend time mending a broken heart. It is so sad to think of, say a hammer thrower who one step away from glory throws the hammer into the cage. Or in the case of our own Nhlapo a talented young BMX rider one fall and that's the end for him.. Years of intense training with no social life gone.
Probably some let loose and go on a year long party...the release from training just too much to resist.
We...normal mortals need to guard against that let down or anticlimax of reaching our goals. That is why so many people do not sustain...me included, the condition attained whilst doing a body for life challenge.
So that is why we need to work on making health and fitness a lifestyle as Adam Waters has done and not a competition. There is no end in site with the competition of life, we should embrace the life we have and be the best we can possibly be.
TRAINING
As per during the week, three excellent session done. Happy.
NUTRITION
Big reveal coming next week.
SUMMARY
Our Life journey is about being the best you can be for yourself ...competing with you...you can never win the game of competing against someone else. Let's leave that to those magnificent Olympians.
What's going on in my head?
Woke up this morning feeling a whole lot better today and headed off to the gym. Had a fantastic training session and that has set me up for a brilliant day. A beautiful sunny day in South Africa and the second last day off the Olympics. Which brings to mind this thought. What do Olympians do when their race is run and the curtain falls on technically the most advanced games ever.
Hmmm....some will take a break and then carry on training. Some will re set or set new 4 year goals and some...will give up the sport they were so talented at and spend time mending a broken heart. It is so sad to think of, say a hammer thrower who one step away from glory throws the hammer into the cage. Or in the case of our own Nhlapo a talented young BMX rider one fall and that's the end for him.. Years of intense training with no social life gone.
Probably some let loose and go on a year long party...the release from training just too much to resist.
We...normal mortals need to guard against that let down or anticlimax of reaching our goals. That is why so many people do not sustain...me included, the condition attained whilst doing a body for life challenge.
So that is why we need to work on making health and fitness a lifestyle as Adam Waters has done and not a competition. There is no end in site with the competition of life, we should embrace the life we have and be the best we can possibly be.
TRAINING
As per during the week, three excellent session done. Happy.
NUTRITION
Big reveal coming next week.
SUMMARY
Our Life journey is about being the best you can be for yourself ...competing with you...you can never win the game of competing against someone else. Let's leave that to those magnificent Olympians.
Friday, August 22, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 3 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
I don't know but it hurts like heck. Woke up this morning feeling very stiff and sore with a major head/neck ache and spasm'd shoulders. Didn't sleep well and was up half the night.
So evaluation time. Do I, knowing that I have a planned training resistance session, bite the bullet and go ahead and do it. Or... do I listen to my body and get real. This is where a line gets drawn between discipline and stupid.
My decision. Even with medication I am moving around fairly gently so I am not going to do the session now. I'll wait to see how I feel this afternoon and may do it then...if not I will do it tomorrow.
Experiencing a large amount of physical trauma not that long ago I must expect that there will be days like this. I'm certain that Carlos would agree that to listen to my body is the wise thing to do.
I am sure that many of you have this experience and you have to be honest with yourself about your pain threshold and your ability to exercise within that pain. Listen to your intuitive self for the answer and DO NOT overide it. Your intuition is very powerful and you have been given that gift for a reason.
Be honest but remember the dividing line between DISCIPLINE and DUMB is very thin.
NUTRITION
Big reveal of eating plans next week
SUMMARY
Honestly evaluate how you feel on any given day if you have experienced trauma but don't ever use it as an excuse to bale on a session.
What's going on in my head?
I don't know but it hurts like heck. Woke up this morning feeling very stiff and sore with a major head/neck ache and spasm'd shoulders. Didn't sleep well and was up half the night.
So evaluation time. Do I, knowing that I have a planned training resistance session, bite the bullet and go ahead and do it. Or... do I listen to my body and get real. This is where a line gets drawn between discipline and stupid.
My decision. Even with medication I am moving around fairly gently so I am not going to do the session now. I'll wait to see how I feel this afternoon and may do it then...if not I will do it tomorrow.
Experiencing a large amount of physical trauma not that long ago I must expect that there will be days like this. I'm certain that Carlos would agree that to listen to my body is the wise thing to do.
I am sure that many of you have this experience and you have to be honest with yourself about your pain threshold and your ability to exercise within that pain. Listen to your intuitive self for the answer and DO NOT overide it. Your intuition is very powerful and you have been given that gift for a reason.
Be honest but remember the dividing line between DISCIPLINE and DUMB is very thin.
NUTRITION
Big reveal of eating plans next week
SUMMARY
Honestly evaluate how you feel on any given day if you have experienced trauma but don't ever use it as an excuse to bale on a session.
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