Day 94 maintain!

Ok, this will be my final post, I promise!

I LOVE the maintenance workouts. I planned to take tuesday off except got itchy for a workout and did 8 minute abs and 15 minutes of jumprope. The last two days I've done full workouts from day 67 and 72 to try and keep myself at a high level. However, the new maintenance workouts have put an end to that!

Food wise I haven't gone mental. I had my first mince pie of the year which was delicious and I've gone back to school lunches (spaghetti carbonara and shepards pie...stuff like that.).

I'm really looking forward to christmas, and I'd like to wish everyone on this project a merry christmas and a happy new year!

Goodbye again!

Day 90 Ninety days later..

..Its all over. I simply can't believe it has passed so quickly. At times it seemed to creep along, but after day 70, it just flew. Its been a great experience, I felt a slight lump in the throat as I finished my last workout. I did the day 8 workout, it was great fun, simple but fun. It feels like I'm leaving a familiar place, a way of life.

my critical stats are interesting, very good reading!

• body fat = 10%, down from 15%
• weight = 54 kgs, down from 58 kgs

All of this equals = looking and feeling epic! And my school trousers keep falling down!


This was me on September 15th..

And on Day 90..

and..

To me, the difference is huge. I now have abs and even a six pack! Even just saying that to myself runs a chill down my spine. And I now have arms to be proud of and I feel great. My final photos are up on flickr, so enjoy! ( Notice the lack of a hair cut too! )

As per Patrick's suggestion, I have a few action shots lined up in my workout attire (not very suffisticated I know)

Ok, I must admit the pull up shot I'm in my pyjamas!

I really enjoy the workouts. I plan to continue them on as my full time workout regime, around 4 times a week.

Plans, there are several things that I have experienced during this project that will stay with me for the rest of my life

•  The workouts. I never thought that I could do so many full body workouts in succession. Every muscle is worked and looks good. They're safe, simple and they get that all important burn!
  
• My new found food awaremess. I'll never look upon eating in the same light ever again. I know what to do and what not to do and that feeling of control is fantastic.
  
  
• Jumprope is the business. Yes it can be frustrating but its quick and sometimes quite enjoyable.
  
  
• Oatmeal! I've discovered the wonders of a good bowl of oatmeal every morning, and I don't think that will change for a while to come!
  
  

• 8 minute abs is the bomb!  

Food is 80 percent. I have to say I was shocked to hear that, but I think I understand now. I finished my workout at 7 pm and had a great family meal, Chicken and stuffing, carrots with string beans and some cheesy potatoes, absolutely divine! However, here is a pic of my last PCP meal...cue mournful music...

 delicious, but no sauce! Not needed? debatable..

Now, things I will not miss AT ALL..

• Veggies in the morning, not good but tolerable.
  
   
• Working out every day, I think I'll stick to 4 times a week.
  
   
• Packed lunches to school, the school lunches are good. No fried crap!

And thats about it.

My inspiration I have to say played a good role in my developement. cristiano Ronaldo is a great footballer, but also in unreal shape, peak condition you might say! He even wears a special jaw re-aliner to straighten his posture, apparently having a straight jaw results in better balance?

Ok, team cookie monster and team orange crush! You guys rock on! I feel like its an end of an era almost, I know that sounds odd but its going to be strange not interacting with people you've been so close to for three months. Everyones progress has been equally impressive in there own way. Sara I'll miss your funny and querky posts and comments. Brian your laid back nature and encouraging words. Ian and Susan, what a cool couple! Erin for her ability to get through tough times to reach such great ones! Ellen for your honesty and positive vibes. Alex for fighting on during illness and finally Nicole, for being a great cousin and motivator.  I hope Erin is keeping well with baby Vincent and Alex is making a good recovery, you guys were missed.

I think Patrick is an example of how having someone guiding you along can be so vital. I'll miss his daily e-mails and words of wisdom and I hope we can actually talk someday. Patrick, you're the man! I think the only way I can some up this experience is this; people have asked me "whats this diety fitness thing you're doing?". I say, I am doing the Peak condition project. However, I don't think you can just 'do' the PCP. You live it and experience it. It doesn't control your life, it shapes it and it isn't impossible, its great!

I really feel the emotion now, I'm the worst with goodbyes even if I am thousands of miles away from all of you! I love this song, I feel its appropriate..





Good luck everyone, and who knows I may meet one of you someday (Of course excluding Nicole, I'll see her again alright!)

Great experience and I'll miss all this...thanks once again Patrick!

Day 89 almost there

Its a good feeling, a great feeling. Ok, its not over just yet but I feel that I've made it. I'm going to assess all thats gone on during the last three months and put all of it down tomorrow. I've got some good picture ideas lined up and I'm looking forward to tomorrows wrap up post.

However, todays workout was something special. During the press ups my body was giving up. The DaVinci/shoulder raise combo is a real killer. I think if I'd been facing the prospect of 20 more days of this I would have collapsed and cried, no joke. It suddenly hit me during the curls that tomorrow evening, it'll be done, finito, history. I had a jump rope triumph today. I was show boating with some one legged jumps and double jumps. It was a great feeling and all I could think of was the fact that I looked like the phootage you see of Muhammad Ali. What a man!

So, tomorrows the day. The day we've all been working towards. All the pain, stress and sweat we've experienced as a team is coming to a close, brilliant stuff!

See you then!

Day 88 tired but motivated

Today was a good chance for some good down time. It was a broken up week with Nicole and Mike visiting, exams and so on. However, I've decided that I'm staying in for this weekend to make sure I finish this project as strong as possible.

Todays exercises were good. The v-sits seem to have taken over as the main ab workout for the last few days. I once again managed all full pull ups today, and the chest dips following it are a real challenge but the burn is satisfying.

On a christamas note, we're getting our tree tomorrow which is always a sign of christmas being just around the corner! I'm dreaming not only for a white christmas, but a big mince pie!

See you tomorrow!

Day 86 super sets have arrived with a bang

I am absolutely in love with super sets. They are crazy tough, but the sense of urgency it creates and the extra burn is epic. I have never been so tired after a workout and the whole thing (including jumprope) took 68 minutes which is around 10 minutes shorter than usual. The fact that we are so close is driving me harder. Knowing that in a few days time, the PCP will be a thing of the past for me. Although, so many lessons I've learned and results I've gained will never be a thing of the past! I did the 8 minute abs again today. I love them, no doubt they are tough, but I am seeing the results having done them five days in a row now.

Oh, I lost my third rope today! It snapped completely in half during the second set of 9 mins. I've resorted to my second choice rope which isn't as easy to use. However, only 4 days to go so it will have to do!

Photos! A little late, but the week twelves are up. I tried a good ab pose and thats the best I could come up with. The results are staggering. I'll have my key physical information up on day 90, so that will be interesting!

See you on day 87!

Day 85 walking is underrated

We had a transport dilemma today. Both my parents were busy with work in town and I was in school, which is around 20 kilometres from town, and I needed a lift. So, do I wait for an hour and a half for a lift and inconvenience my Dad? No chance, walk it! My school is around 3 km away from home. Its not a lot, but a motorway and a vicious hill seperated me from an afternoon of relaxation. One major stumbling block was the snow and ice, so much snow and ice! It was difficult to negotiate but I'm here and I'm alive. It took around 40 minutes but it was fun and a nice adventure all the same! As for the exam itself, it went OK. I loath and detest maths. Its the most frustrating subject for me and always has been. Even talking about it now its depressing...so I'll stop.

Alright, PCP. The exercises were a challenge and a half this evening. The forward shoulder raises are killer when you add in the pause at the top of the action. The floor jumps are tolerable for the first two sets, but set 4 and 5 are a real killer. 8 minute abs are tough, but I will never stop laughing at the guy and the corny music. The words "come on gang!" will never leave my mind as long as I live. On a serious note, at first I seriously struggled with the oblique exercises, but they're creaping through now and I'm able to work the full 45 seconds on that one, and I'm cruising through the 8 minutes now which is a great feeling!

So, its agonisingly close to day ninety, but I'm actually going to miss the whole experience. However, its not over yet, not over by a long shot!

See you soon!

Day 84 A good few days!

Ok, I realised I haven't posted in a couple of days. A lots been going on, the Rewucki's coming over, exams and bad weather. Nicole and her husband Michael arrived on Sunday after some major travel disruptions. I haven't seen them since August and they were just popping in after going on a business trip. My sister was over aswell, so I had zero opportunity to workout. Its only the sixth workout that I've missed but I made up for it today by doing yesterdays exercises with todays jump rope. My sister and I stayed up all night to see Nicole and Mike off early this morning so I slept from six until one! It was great, but I sure felt the effects at the end of the day!

Annoyingly, the weather has forced the school to cancel so many exam days so I still have Math tomorrow. Its frustrating, but the snow has been a real laugh. I've finally graduated fully to the full pull ups. I did 50 today, and it was mightily tough but fun! Once again I did the 8 minute abs. I'm seeing the difference of doing them everyday aswell as the other ab exercises. I'm hoping for a full on six-pack in the near future.

So, only 6 days left. It really has zoomed by even though the first month took FOREVER! Anywho, the photos for week twelve will be up tomorrow and I'm gunning for the new workouts to arrive and a chance to get my teeth into some super sets!

See you tomorrow!

Day 81 is...

...nine tenths of this project finito! Wow, my maths must be getting better! Ok, less messing, more serious PCP blogging. Nicole arrives tomorrow at around 2-2:30 (weather permitting) with her husband for a brief 3 day visit. I spent six weeks in Canada with them and my uncle and aunt during the summer which was great fun, so I'm really lookimg forward to seeing them. The strange weather has eased somewhat, although Dublin airport is still being effected, so I hope there are no delays with there flight!

Exercise was good, once again did the 8 minute abs on top of the V-sits and side crunches. The DaVincis remain my main foe, I simply can't get through a full set, however, I shall fight on! I have to say I like the shoulder presses, mainly because it looks pretty impressive when I do them into the mirror! One question I had that I wanted to pose to anyone whos interested, what are super sets? I noticed the group who went before us were talking about them in there last few days. They sound tough, so I'm psyched for them!

On a frustrated note, the weather last week meant major exam cancellation. Result: exams next week. Serious motivation problems setting in, psychologically my mind is saying "good, there done now". But oh no, oooohhh noo! Uuggh, I need to find some will and energy to do a smidgen of study at some stage...doubtful!

However, a good weekend is being had here in the Ryan household. See you tomorrow!

Day 80 into the last 10

Wow, I actually can't believe that there are only ten days to go. It just seems like a couple of weeks ago that I was a PCP beginner, now I'm almost done! I was looking at my day one photos yesterday after I'd taken day 79's photo. The difference is remarkable, I never realised how I could transform my body in such a way. Its going to be a great last ten days, and I'm looking to push it hard!

I tried the 8 minute ab workout on top of my kung fu sits and the bicycle. The burn was unreal, and I couldn't help but think to myself how far I've come from 50 sit ups every other day during the summer being a challenge! As for the other exercises, the pull ups are going OK, I'm now doing the full pull ups instead of the incline so its a massive challenge to say the least. As for the back/tricep combo, thats a real killer. The pull down and pull ups seem to require the triceps to, so doing over eighty odd tricep dips and tricep extension really pose a great challenge and a satisfying burn.

On a non-pcp note, my exams were cancelled on Tuesday and wednesday due to snow, so they will spill over into Monday and tuesday of next week, so thats a big drag. The snow has curtailed a little, yet more snow and very unusually cold weather for this part of the globe is forecast, interesting stuff! On sunday, PCP Nicole and Michael Rewucki arrive for a short visit, but with the airports in dissaray, I hope they can make it!

We'll see!

Day 78 It keeps getting better! (And photos!)

The snow keeps chucking down. School closed today (and possibly tomorrow!) and 8 inches of snow on the ground. Last night I fully expected the snow to come to an end, but I awoke this morning with a sight to behold, a white wonderland! Jumprope was very interesting, a lot of shovelling and brushing was required to clear my jumprope space (not to mention salt).

The exercises were tough today, very tough! The pistol squats are bad, but the floor jumps are something else! My legs were dead, I could barely stand up following the last set. After working the back yesterday, the shoulder exercises were particularly challenging. I could still feel the effects of the back workout so that felt good. One final workout point, has anyone else found that the better you become at the jumprope it actually begins to become a pleasurable experience? I don't know about anyone else, but I used to loath them. Not to mention that I'm no longer feeling tired during them which is always nice!

Ok, to the real importance stuff, results! Pictures for week 11 are finally up and I have to say that I feel very proud of myself when I look at them. I used to always think, wouldn't it be great if I could turn half my fat into muscle? well, I think I might have done just that!

I shall see everyone tomorrow!

Day 77 jumprope in a blizzard and pull ups

Hello all!

The snow continues! Even as I write this its coming down. It was an interesting experience jumproping in a snow storm. It was a besutiful sight, but an unpleasant feeling all the same.
My exams roll on I'm afraid though, and its English up next, a big 'un!

I had a full workout today, as I did day 77's jumprope instead a full workout yesterday because I was tired and mainly, the fact that Barcelona and Real Madrid were battling out the biggest game in world soccer last night, Barca stuffing Madrid five nil! It was a great game, my inspiration, Cristiano Ronaldo, didn't have a great evening (playing for Madrid).

So, pull ups, pull ups, pull ups...why are you so damn tough! I've been slowly weening myself off the easier incline pull ups to make the step up to a full 6 sets pull ups. And today, I did it! However, instead of doing 6 sets with 8 reps, I did 10 sets of 5 reps. For the simple reason that five is my maximum. The kung sits are a true killer, and taking the pro-tip for the day on board for the sit ups made it doubly difficult, but 10 times more satisfying to complete!

Well, the inclement weather is due to continue into next week, and with exams coming up, not to mention a visit from fellow PCPer Nicole with her veteran PCPer husband, its going to be an interseting and hopefully good twelfth week of PCP life!

Talk to you tomorrow!

day 76 snow, oh and more and more...!

It has been an unprecedented snow fall this year. Usually we wouldn't see snow at all until January and certainly not this much! Its been great fun, my exams have been disrupted which is great. I've been doing my jumprope in the snow and its been a right laugh and a half!

Ok, serious stuff...indulgence numero tres! Flapjacks! Absolutely stunning, what a treat!

The hand shot is just to show size, they aren't massive, but god dammit they're good! My mum estimates around 250-300 calories per cake. I made up the rest with cheesy potatoes and juicy gravy on my roast! delicious!

I hope everyone is having a good time and had a great indulgence. One last note, team cookie monster is behind Alex. heres to his full recovery!

I'll be back tomorrow!

Day 75 much to discuss!

First and foremost, I mentioned yesterday We had a piddly amount of snow. Ah, today we got A LOT! About half a foot. Ok, thats not much by North American standards, but with more snow forecasted for the next few night, we can possibly hope for a full foot?? One of the best things about snow is not snowmen, not snowball fights but the fact that our exams start tomorrow. There is almost zero chance of getting to the school tomorrow, the road outside our house is steep and covered with snow and ice, and I think the school have sussed it, they've moved the exams back by 2 hours and are considering scrapping school tomorrow all together, lets hope!

The snow also presented a major challenge, I've done my jumprope outside throughout this project and the snow threatened that fact this afternoon. But never fear, a boiled kettle of water and a half an hours scraping and brushing did the job! I would say I had a better workout doing that than anything else! However, by the end the small amounts of water that I was jumping on turned to ice, and I nearly fell on my arse, but thankfully I survived! One final snlw related note, We live on a very steep hill and the chances of any vehicles other than a tank getting up it. So, I probably should have warned the 15 or so motorists who were stupid enough to be driving, not to go up the hill?? No, much funnier to watch them slide back down!

Anywho, indulgence #3! I haven't had it yet, buts on the way. I'm having flapjacks (golden syrup, sugar, butter, oats) for desert and a full sunday roast for dinner, butter on the potatoes! I estimate 350-500 calories in the flapjacks, and the other 500 will be made up by buttery cheesy potatoes and some lovely gravy! I can't wait, I'm going to savour every mouthful, and tackle the next two weeks HARD!

Anywho, I'll have indulgence photos up later on, and body shots up on flickr too!

See you tomorrow, hopefully with mlre tales of snlw and no exams!

Day 74: part two

Wow, that was tough. Two workouts in the one day is UNBELIEVABLY difficult. I felt confident of achieving two in one day, and I did manage it...just. The jumprope was great today. I'll stop short of saying I've mastered it, but in 38 minutes today I only tripped 9 times. I estimate that in 38 minutes I'd jump 3,700 jumps or so, would I be right? So I'm aiming for a trip free jump rope session before this project is out. The pro-tip for the creeps was too right, absolutely sickening in the fourth and fifth set. The shoulder raises still present a massive challenge, I've decided to split the six sets up into two lots three on that one, simply because I'm cooked after three sets and I do my abs in between (I do the same thing with the DaVincis).

Anywho, today was a tough day and I'll feel it tomorrow alright! Pictures will be coming tomorrow night, and I'm hoping to show off some good results for this week following today and tomorrows work after a slow start to the week.

See you then!

Day 74: part one

A lot has happened over the last few days. Friday from a PCP perspective, terrible, everything else, GREAT! I was all set to go home yesterday evening when a friend invited me to his place along a with another mate, it was a great night of playstation, snooker and movie watching in the cinema (yes, all of this was in his HOUSE!). They are two friends I've made from my new school so it was an opportunity not to be missed. However, I didn't get home until 10:30. Which meant I had to have dinner at there house, so it was first PCP-food failure. Peas (which I ate a lot of and of course are PCP friendly) with chicken bites (a bit like chicken nuggets) and chips (fries). I have to say I felt a bit greasy and queasy after the chips, but I wasn't going to make a fuss as a visitor in someones home. On top of that, upon my return home, I promptly fell asleep on the couch! So, woke up at 12:15, no chance of a workout. But a good day in any case.

So, day 74 is going to be my first 2 workout day, thats why this post is entitled "part one". I've taken care of day 73 exercises late this morning, and have ear-marked early evening for todays workout. I felt ultra-motivated after missing out yesterday, and I'm gunning for my second workout in around 3 hours time! As for the exercises themselves, all went well, the
kung-fu sits are a killer! But I managed to go to failure (ie: two at the end of the last
set!). The elevated tricep dips are also tough, but I manged an extra eight at the end of the sixth set.

Amazingly, today the 27th of November 2010 IN IRELAND! There was SNOW! Its a great thing to awaken to on a saturday morning, a sheet of snowcovering the lawn. Although an inch of snow is not a lot (especially for Nicole in Canada) but for Ireland, its pretty great. On top that, a very impressive lightening storm started at around six this morning and persisted for around three hours. So, skipping was in the snow and was very entertaining to say the least!

I'll be back later on with blog post two for day 74, and all the workout two info, see you then!

Day 72 feeling a little better

Home from school for the second day running doesn't bode well for PCP exercises OR my exams. I didn't anticipate any workout today, but I picked myself up and did a make-shift session. I knew I would have no chance of finishing a full workout, so I looked at yesterdays exercise (which I missed) and todays. I combined the two with fewer sets to work my whole body, but no extremes. I did 3 sets by 8 reps of pistol squat per leg, 30 elevated press ups, 3 by 15 rep shoulder raises, same for thumbs up curl, some one arm curls and 90 sit -ups, 28 chest dips and 40 V-sits for the abs. Aswell of course as 6 min by 3 set jumprope. So it was pretty intense and I felt relieved after missing out yesterday. Although I still feel fairly rough, but I'm on the road to recovery (I hope!)

Anyway, not a fun week ahead, exams ALL next week and a hard week of PCPing ahead. However being sick over the last couple of days has given me a boost to really kick on and push myself harder than ever of the next two and a half weeks. I had an interesting piece of news yesterday, my brother was speaking to a friend of ours (now head boy in my school) about the project. He is fitness conscious and a member of the senior rugby team, he said he'd like to get his "beach-body" going for his summer vacation in 2011 after his final school exams in june. So, the first person to express a real, genuine interest and actual express a desire to do the PCP. It was a nice piece of encouragement, and it actually made me feel proud of my achievement so far, to know that others close to me are attracted by the project.

A funny story tofinish up today with, a dad of one of my brothers friend (who shall remain nameless) was finished a workout in his personal gym (well, if you can afford it...) proceeded to eat an entire packet of biscuits! Upon questioning from my brother, he said "well I deserve it, I had a workout". Thats sums up a lot of peoples attitude, if I workout, I can eat whatever I want. Well, all I can say is, good luck!

Anywho, I hope everyone health-wise is in better form than I am, and as PCP

Day 71 crap

Thats what today has been. I have something that resembles a cold, but it feels so much more dibilitating. I felt it pretty bad last night, however I managed the 5mins by three sets with the rope. Today on the other hand was a different story. No school, no workout which is fair enough. Even if I had tried to do it, I really don't think I'd have stood a chance. My mum was having none of my attempts to persuade her to allow me do my jumps and since she has just begun to recover from a virus herself, I don't blame her.

So I certainly haven't started week 11 well at all, and it remains to be seen how I get on tomorrow, I still feel pretty rough. So I took Patrick's advice to eat half my carb allocation for the day.

Anyway, I got some well needed study done at home and I feel marginally better, see you tomorrow.

Day 69 the big 70

Since I began this project, I ear marked day 70 as a crucial number. The hard beginning is done, the middle has past and its a clear run to the end. I'm running on results at the moment. Any time I feel I don't want to do it, I think to myself "you didn't come this far thinking like that." Although, I haven't had to call upon that too much this week. I feel very motivated 90% of the time and I'm going to go harder than ever to the end.

So, dieting is a smooth operation these days, I'm so use to eating the way I am, I almost can't remember what my old routine was. There are certain foods I've discovered in a big way during these 10 weeks. Oatmeal I love, eating tonnes of fruit every day and brown bread, I feel I'll keep up those eating habits (and others)going well beyond the end of this experience.

Something I've been meaning to touch on at some stage is the fact that I've been labeled as a positive person by my fellow PCPers, I love it! I have always thought of myself as a negtive, glass half empty person, yet since I've started this project, my entire outlook has changed. Perhaps the phrase "healthy body, healthy mind" is truer than I've ever thought it was!

Anywho, its been a great week all round for so many reasons that I hope I've conveyed recently on my blog posts, see you tomorrow!

pictures...

...are up, week 10...3 to go!

Day 68 well thats just mean

I thought I had a nice family, until they decide to bake flapjacks (golden syrup, sugar, oats and lots of other yummy things) and a buy an apple pie. The aroma in the kitchen is unbelievable. And while they were being prepared, I was tucking in to an egg white and some plain yoghurt. However, my will remains strong! In twenty two days time I can eat Anything I want, not that I will. I think that 60 odd days ago I wouldn't have been able to resist apple pie or flapjacks, but now I can, that feels good.

As for Ireland vs New zealand yesterday, it was great. Although Ireland lost 38-18 it was great to see the best team in the world (New Zealand) and to be in the new AVIVA stadium for the first time, it was pretty special. The All blacks have a player called Dan Carter who is without doubt the best player of recent years. Yesterday he went to within two points of being the all time top points scorer in world rugby history. So it was sensational to see a master at work, even if it meant him masterminding a victory over Ireland!

Ok, PCP, its all good. I got my favourite rope back after using a lighter one after my old one snapped. The chest dips are becoming much easier each time I do them. I took Patrick's leg up advice and stalled at the bottom of each one, it really adds to the burn big time! I LOVE the bicep exercises, mainly because I love the look of my stronger arms. I'm determined to work my arms to death for the remaining 3 three weeks to get maximum results, because they've always been my weak point.

I'll have my week 10 pictures up this evening, lets hope they turn out well!

Til' tomorrow team!

Day 66 feeling good!

Today was a good day all round. And plus, its Friday! Its been a tough week of studying and what not, but its all looking up this weekend. I'm off to the AVIVA stadium (previously Lansdowne road) to see the rugby, Ireland vs New zealand. So I'm psyched for that.

The new jump rope is going well, I did an extra two minutes at the end and it felt great. I decided for the first time to do the workout before the jumps. Usually when I finish the last set of the bicycle or whatever abs we have that day, my body says,"finally, some milk, a banana and a warm shower", however, my brain had some news for my body "Eh, y'know how we go outside and hop around for fifteen minutes or so every night? Yeh, we haven't done that yet". So at first I regreted not doing the jumps beforehand, but after the first set of five minutes, I was feeling better than ever without the daunting task of a full workout to come! I know the rope acts as a warm up, but I quite liked doing it the other way round today.

I hope everyone is well, and only 23 days on the clock, the countdown has begun...lets rip it team cookie monsta!!!

Day 65 *yawn*

It has been a hectic few days, and there'll be a few more of them to come I'll assure you! But yesterday and today have been good days none the less. The revision for my exams is picking up momentum and seeming like an easier task all the time. And a very positive note, we had a good game of football(soccer) yesterday. It was our best game of the year in terms of our performance and on a personal note...I scored! A cracker if I say so myself. It was my first goal of the year and a good feeling. Unfortunately, they scored in the last minute to seal victory, 2-1. We have a few more games to come, and we're looking to rack up some victories.

On yet another positive note, a friend of mine has invited me to the Ireland vs New Zealand All blacks on saturday! Ireland have amassed a good team over the last two years, however the All Blacks are the worlds best team by a distance. It should be a sell out at Irelands new national stadium and I'm excited, very excited!

On a PCP note, theres nothing new really to report. My rope broke the other day and I got myself a new one. My old one was a weighted rope which helped the turnover of jumps. But the new one is a lot lighter and will take some getting used to. The new diet on the other hand is great, more carbs and fruit than ever before (well, on the PCP anyway!). Every day that goes by it becomes tantalisingly close to the finish, I've never felt so determined to get through something in my life and I aim to finish strong!

One final thing, Patricks comment about a cold winter, I actually have noticed that I'm feeling the cold a lot more, I'd make a pretty bad seal thats for sure!

See you upon the moro!

photos

Ta na pictiúrí anseo! The pictures are here! My body fat is down to 10.5% from 14% and my weight has gone down from 58kg's to 55kg's, I think the fat I've lost has been replaced by muscle, hopefully!!

team cookie monster, 26 days...thats all!

Day 63 exercising the...

...brain is a lot more frustrating, slow and boring than physical exercises in my opinion. I had a sort of a transition year last year, little homework, no exams and less pressure. But this year has been different. Fifth year (Or eleventh grade in America) has a shit load of homework, christmas exams and more pressure than ever. Most of my non-pcp time is spent studying, and actually think I've mentioned this before, wow, thats worrying!

Anywho, the exercises went well over the last few days and I finally wore through my rope. I actually continued jumping for a minute or so without realising! There was a gale force wind this evening which was an interesting challenge. I'm persisting with the jumps outdoors because I enjoy the fresh air, and because the roof in my house is suspiciously low.

Well, I'm goimg to keep on trucking and only 26 days left, bring it!

Day 60

Funny Patricks E-mail came in when it did. I mentioned that I was in Wexford last night (for the record, I didn't get home til' 2:30am)to see my sister in a play," Fame" the musical. And she hasn't seen me in around three months, so she hasn't seen me during the PCP. She said I looked completely different, that I looked older and some how different. There were a lot of people there so I didn't go into any reasons why I might look different. That was the sort of confidence boost I needed. I've always looked young for my age, so if the PCP is making me look older (as in more" mature" looking) thats yet another positive!

As for exercise, they went well. I've struggled big time with DaVincis and shoulder raises, but as the days go on, I'm finding it easier and able to complete full sets more often. The jumps are great, they were a nuisance up until the last couple of weeks. Now, I find them relaxing. I do them at night usually during the week, and on Thursday it was as clear a night as ever I've seen. It was beautiful, I could see a huge star and I am reliably informed that it was venus!

Christmas is a great time, but it always means one thing...christmas exams. Study is something I'm spending most of my non-PCP time on, and its really a pain. Well, c'est la vie!

See everyone tomorrow!

Day 59 on the road

I realised that I haven't posted in a few days so here it goes. I'm typing on an iPhone so it might be a little sketchy.

I'm currently on my way to Wexford, for anyone who doesn't know the Geography of Ireland (which I wouldn't be expecting) it's a long way from where I live. So I left straight from school and I won't be back until midnight or so. That has put pay to a full workout unfortunately, but having e-mailed Patrick I've got it covered!

I'll come up with something better tomorrow, see you tomorrow!

Day 56 grateful...

....for the fact that it was only jumprope today! Phew, I was feeling pretty bad today, I left school a couple of hours early today. A combo of a headache and a stomach upset, I was laid low. So the break was much appreciated. I actually had my best jumprope session ever! I twice went 140 seconds without tripping. I'm getting more and more comfortable with the rope, who knows maybe by the end I'll finish all my jumps with no trips?..just maybe

I'm not sure what caused by stomach trouble, I was wondering maybe something I had reheated, but I always make sure I heat it up so its piping.

Exciting day tomorrow, new diets, new excercise plan and a soccer game! We lost our first game pretty badly but with a few more weeks training and fine tuning under our belts, we could be in for a good result!

I hope everyone is well, I'll see you tomorrow!

photos

week 8's are up, I'm starting to really see the differences!

Day 55

And so another week of homework, toil, sweat and many hours of boring class begins. OK, that wasn't a positive start to my post but thats how I see it at the moment unfortunately. The PCP is what keeps me going most days, I love the feeling of being in great shape and I love the energy it gives me. I'm now so familiar with the exercises that I am far more efficient in getting them done. After todays exploits with the resistance bands my arms are aching. One of the things Patrick said earlier in the project that has stuck with me is that your body should be totally zapped after working out, like as if your arms aren't attached to you. Surprisingly, I love that feeling!

One of the real pick me ups during the day has been when my friends have commented on my multi-coloured lunchs. Today I had some carrots and sprouts for my veg, a big chicken breast with garlic and indian herbs scattered over it and some potatoes to top it all off. The guy sitting beside me peered into my bowl and said "that looks so much better than what we're eating". That gave me a great sense of satisfaction, because most of the time its me looking at a muffin or a piece of lasagne on their tray and practically drooling ( is that how you spell that?) on myself looking at it.

Any road, its looking like a tough few weeks ahead with PCP and christmas exams...but I'm up for it. Lets go team cookie monster!

day 53 out of the valley?

For the first time during this project, I've begun to almost relish the exercises. I never disliked it, but it has felt like a chore from around day 30 to 45, but not over the last week. For me, the valley has been my problems with the jumprope, Patrick mentioned earlier that we should wait until day 60 or so to perfect the rope. I haven't perfected it, but I find it much more tolerable and easier with the timed jumps. The kung fu sit is the onl exercise that I'm struggling with. I think my form is good, but it feels like its working my back more than anything else, any tips on how to improve?

As for dieting, I'm finding it almost effortless at this stage. No cravings, no preparation issues and I'm so used to no salt, sugar or additives in my food. Annoyingly, my christmas examinations begin on the 29th of November, so I need to get a move on with my study!  One craving I feel I might have a problem with over the next month or so is for mince pies. I don't about anyone else, but I LOVE mince pies more than any other dessert in the world...hands down. They start selling them in Ireland around now, however, I shall restrain myself, don't worry!



I found this video today, I'm not a rugby player but I do follow it. They're probably the fittest sportspeople on earth in terms of power and I think this an eye opener to people who think they just go in and "pump iron"...its all a bit more structured than that, enjoy!

see you tomorrow

Day 51 getting ripped

...is something I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought I could achieve. No matter how much I got into going to the gym or running, I always thought "ripped people do it for a living or have built it up over years". OK, I'm by no means ripped yet, but after 51 days a PCPing, I can see it being a big possibliity (even probability?). With 39 days to go, I can see plenty of people on this project at the moment who will be shredded when the end comes. A veteran PCPer said to me during the summer when I said I'd give it a go "I can't wait til' you're ripped!" I chuckled a bit and didn't take it seriously, but now, I am taking it seriously.

I had a rough day yesterday. Too much homework, not enough time and I didn't even start my workout until 10:15 but I got it done...just! As for today, I was much more on top of things. Not to much homework and I was finished my exercises before dinner.

On a dieting front, I had no ill effects from my treat on Tuesday, it was just delicious. But I found myself eating and not feeling like I wanted it. I expected to be wolfing it down and savouring every crumb, but at one point, I actually was going to stop, it simply wasn't that satisfying. I enjoyed it all the same though. In the last few days I've really begun to notice a very encouraging feature on my biceps, lower arms and shoulder muscles...veins! Patrick mentioned it earlier on in the project, and I've always associated "being ripped" with bulging veins, a very nice observation to make when your trying to force yourself through a set of curls!

I hope everyone is well and I'll see you tomorrow!

Day 49 swings and roundabouts...

Well its all relative, I had a good day and the workout went well. However, a massive amount of homework was once again looming. I got through it (just) and I'm not sure which was tougher, a set of tricep dips or the quadratic complex theory?

On a light note, my treat was wonderful, I just induldged in a piece of homemade rhubarb pie! It was scrumptious. I would usually have it with cream, but I decided to leave that out and go with just the pie and dare I say it was almost too much!

I'm excied for the week ahead, christmas is around the corner and team cookie monster...we're in the fifties! Not long to go now.

See everyone tomorrow!

day 47

pictures for week 7 are up, hope everyone had a great Halloween!

I'll post properly tomorrow, see you then!

Day 46

Halloween has arrived! Actually, I'm not a huge halloween fan for one reason or another. I won't be trick or treating don't worry, but I was confused by Patricks day 47 E-mail (timezone difference I get all the E-mails for the next day in the evening) are we allowed eat some "treat" things today? I didn't want to interpret it that way but I thought thats what he was referring to in the beginning of the e-mail.

As for exercise matters, all is well. I much prefer the timed jumps and I'm finding the tougher exercises (davinci's and bicycle) a little more easy to manage as the days go by. One thing I've really begun to notice is my taste buds changing. I found myself eulogising over the deliciousness of a piece of brown bread. Yes usually I would enjoy brown bread but since I've been deprived of sugar and salt, something normally as bland as that just tasted lovely....or maybe I'm just weird.

See everyone tomorrow, happy Halloween!

Day 44 mixing it up

One of the things I really enjoy about this project is the flexibility of the diet. Ok, the grams are strict enough but when people ask me is it difficult to follow a diet regime and why I'm doing it, I find myself saying that its not about depriving myself of food or banning certain things all together (apart from sugar and salt of course!), its about eating the right things and making them as tolerable as possible.

In my day 41 post I posted a recipe for oatcakes, and I made them again this evening. But, with an orangey twist! I grated some orange skin and squeezed a small bit of juice into the mix and it works well. They're great for a morning snack and breakfast and they taste quite nice.

I'm enjoying the timed jumprope, none of this counting into the thousands any more! The floor jumps followed by the lunges yesterday were a killer. Would I be right in saying that everyday focuses on a different part of the body with more intensity? Because my legs feel like they need a bit of a break.

Nearly halfway there team, and we're a day away from being the senior PCPers...exciting stuff!

day 42

Not a huge amount to report. I swapped my jumps today with a run and I really enjoyed it! Apart from my mountain run the other day, I hadn't had a good run in weeks. I really saw the difference, after 25 or 30 minutes I usually become sluggish and ready to give up. Yet, today I was going as strong in the 30th minute as I was in the 3rd minute. I felt great, I went for 38 minutes and its a welcome break from the jumps.

Yesterday I simply couldn't face the full workout, so I switched todays exercises with day 41's so today I was on a full workout. The pistol squats are great. As in they're tough and they've really made me realise how much weaker my left leg is compared to my right. After doing those, the normal squats seem along way away!

Week 6 pictures are up, sorry for the delay. I'm looking forward to another change in diet, maybe my evening snack will be chocolate and hot cocoa, maybe...just maybe!!

see everyone tomorrow

Day 41

Not much to report really. The jumpropes are as tedious as ever, but I'm getting through them. I'm on my mid-term at the moment, that means more time for a good run to calm my jumprope frustrations. I had a major challenge of my will power last night. I was at a party at a friends house where food such as chips, chocolate and cake were readily available (not to mention some nice "beverages")

I was wondering if anybody else has replaced the jumps with a run at any stage, I'm not entirely sure how long my run should be to replace 1500 or so jumps.

See you soon!

Day 39 back in the groove

Today I was back to my best! Cold free, phlegm free and had a good relaxing day. My exercises were great. I love the side crunch and due to some lovely mid-october weather, I did most of it in the sunshine. I woke up at 10 this morning, first to get up as usual for a saturday, and saw Patricks e-mail. So, I cancelled an early morning playstation session, with jumprope! I did notice it being a bit tougher due to the lack of food, but it meant I had it out of the way early.

As for food, I've been trying to find something snacky like a salt free, additive free cracker or something, no luck. So I took matters into my own hands. And found a killer recipe for sugar, salt and butter free oatcakes.

60 grams of oatmeal

60 grams of wholemeal flour

5 table spoons (I used 7) of boiling water

One table spoon of light olive oil

And...half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda

Its not hugely flavoursome, but they are nice, filling and quick to eat for breakfast or before a workout.

See you tomorrow!

Day 38 feeling good

The cold has passed, I hope. I missed yesterdays workout totally but today I managed most of the exercises. I didn't do my jumprope because it was lashimg rain and my mum in particular was strongly opposed to me aggravating my cold by getting myself drenched and sweaty, asking for trouble.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to a nice, relaxing 9 day break starting tomorrow! I'm looking forward to getting back a full workout tomorrow, missing out on two days of jumprope is frustrating to say the least.

Enjoy the weekend everyone, a well deserved break!

Day 37 the ultimate frustration

Nothing, and I mean nothing is more frustrating than missing a workout. I'd say most of my fellow PCPers would agree with me on that one. Atleast me missing it is legitamite...I feel awful. This morning I woke up a little groggy but not to bad, but as the day went on, I found it more and more unbareable. My sinnuses have never bothered me so much IN MY LIFE! I realise it is normal enough to get sick during the PCP, but I've been laid low three times now, which means ultra ultra frustration.

Anyway, on a positive note. My new diet plan is working out well. Still pretty gassy these days, but I'm beginning to LOVE vegetables. Brussell sprouts and carrots are the bomb! I'm still eating a similar amount of food as previous weeks, but I miss a bit of yogurt after my workout.

I've had a repulsive amount of homework recently, but my mid-term break is coming up this friday and I'll have more time to concentrate on PCP and relaxation.

I'll have week 6 photos up on saturday night. Til' then, au revoir (french study is going well!)

Day 35 trip...and trip up again

Last day of the week is always nice. The lack of other exercises gives us a decent break...especially the arms for me! As you can propbably tell from my post title that it wasn't all plain sailing with the jumps. I had a hugely bad day with tripping, I must have stopped 40 or more times. But, I've had some decent days with the rope recenty, I hope I can improve because I find the tripping unbareably annoying!

I'm looking forward to the new diet plans tomorrow, a bit of change is always good. Thanks again for the encouraging remarks on my last post, my legs are still killing me from the up hills!

See you tomorrow!

Day 34 they'll be coming down the mountain...

My first St. Gerards day and it was an eventful day. Its an age old tradition, first taking place in 1918, that all the students walk or run a 6-8 kilometre around and over the sugar loaf mountain in my home county, Wicklow. Around 250 students walked and around 200 ran it, including myself. I didn't know what to expect, Some said it was tough, some said it was fun but with my PCP diet and training, I was hoping to do myself justice.

I did myself justice, I manged 47 minutes 5 seconds and a 16th place finish! I was tired, but elated. I've never been so sore and drained after a run. So, I left out the jumpropes today but I got everything else done. The elevated triceps dips are tough, but I am beginning to see a big difference in my strength in my upper arm.

Interestingly, I e-mailed patrick on friday asking if I could indulge in a piece of "Gerards" day celebration cake and I did. He said to watch out how it affected me. Lo and behold, I've had a sore stomach ever since! It could have been caused by a combo of tiredness after that colossal run and the cakes richness, but I have a feeling its pretty much down to the cake. Although, I really enjoyed it!

See everyone tomorrow!

day 33

well, the photos for this week are up! I'm starting to really see a difference in my appearence, and I feel great after a week of "tougher" exercises.

I've got an exciting day coming up tomorrow. Its the celebabration of St. gerards day, the man to whom my school owes its name. So, they celebrate by............running up a mountain! It sounds odd, but it is fun and most people just walk it, because it is a long old trek. however, with my new found PCP fitness, I'm going for gold!

My inspiration had a good day last night, as did his team, the evidence is here! (Ronaldo is number 7)

 enjoy (I finally figured out how to embed the videos with a little help I admit)...see you tomorrow!

Day 31 weekend

Its been a good week of PCPing all round. The exercises are becoming very much a "routine" and I'm slowly becoming a lot more efficient at getting the exercises done quickly and effectively. In truth, the floor jumps are a killer, but obviously do the job brilliantly.

As for egg whites, I had a feeling they were a great source of protien, but I didn't know they were fat and cholesteral free! They're nice and tasty and quick to cook and eat, but has anyone been really gassy recently? I don't know if its the eggs causing it, but its the only really drastic diet change for me, I never used to eat eggs on a daily basis, maybe once a week. Its not a problem, but its a little annoying!

Anywho, I hope everyone has a great weekend, I'll see you tomorrow!

sorry, realised those links weren't live, this'll work better!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xs_5vMw5OU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GJetwg_nGs&feature=related

ok...enjoy!

day 30

It was a regular day. Nothing really to report. My exercises were good, I definitely agree with Ian about the jump rope, if I can see it, it appears to become easier. I like the V-sit, they're tough but I can see why they are the ultimate abnominal exercise.

I was trawling youtube for some good footage of my inspiration, Cristiano ronaldo, and I found these. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xs_5vMw5OU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GJetwg_nGs

I hope everyone is getting on well, I'll see you all tomorrow!

Day 29 DaVincis!!!

Wow, davincis are a killer. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm really having trouble with that one. As far as all the other exercises, they're going well! I love the floorjumps, they are very tough but that means they're doing the job! The jumps are going well, they are a little monotonous but they are quick and highly effective, the perfect combo!

As for the soccer game, it didn't go to plan. We were beaten handily, however, it was our first game together, so we didn't disgrace ourselves and theres only room for improvement!

Now, the "real" PCP sounds like a challenge. The gauntlet has well and truly been laid down, and I'm up for it (I think!)

Keep it up everyone, good luck with week five!

day 28- 8 to go

well, another week down, just eight to go! I'm excited by the prospect of differnent diets and work out plans tomorrow. I was hugely happy to see that we had only jumps to do tonight, my arms (especially the triceps) were aching. My arms have always been the weakest part of my body, I've always had strong legs and a decent core, but I'm glad my arms are being worked hard, I need improvement in that area.

I have my first soccer game of the season tomorrow and I'm extremely excited. We're in a league and cup this year, so we'll have a lot of games and hopefully,  a lot of success!

I have a few more food photos aswell as my own body snaps, enjoy!

Good luck to everyone on week 5, see you tomorrow!

Day 27 getting involved

Hey everyone, sorry there was no post yesterday, I left it to late!

Anywho, the new exercises have brought a new dimension to my day. Not only are they tougher and more satisfying, they are (especially the creep) a tad amusing to look at! I couldn't help but laugh at myself as a 'crept' around the room. Needless to say, my family found this rather amusing, and soon enough, my mum and dad were creeping around making chicken noises! It really looks like that and I do believe this is an added challenge, exercising and laughing at the same time is tough! It was a very funny spontaneous moment. I wasn't at first sure if I was doing them properly, but after 25 steps or so my legs were burning!

Well, as we approach week 5 of 12, I'm finding the PCP experience easier and easier every day, and very enjoyable! Also, I believe that in my case it has helped me with my study. I am highly energised, focused and determined to do this project to the best of my ability and I think that may be rubbing off on my work.

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves...and their treats, see you all tomorrow!

Day 25 treat day!

I was glad to see the treat day arrive in many ways. The release of eating something you would "normally" eat is quite comforting. However, I really surprised myself in what I chose. The decision was made for a few reasons; one that I really didn't feel like anything sweet and two, my parents were going out for dinner, so it was up to me to cater for myself and my brother. Instead of a normal PCP dinner with cake or something like that aferwards, I indulged in my ultimate comfort eating meal. Its not bad at all really, 4 chicken fillet goujons ( around a breast of chicken in size added together), some oven chips (fries), no deep fried, no salt and some beans and some ketchup on the side, delicious! I wasn't sure whether it was a a good idea but the way I see it is I didn't eat that much more calories then I would in a PCP dinner and I didn't eat anything sweet, yet it was a treat!

The chips ( fries) with some ketchup were lovely, the beans are not bad at all really compared to most tinned foods and the chicken (bread crumbs aside) were PCP friendly. I never thought I would view a "savoury" meal as a treat, but there you go!

As for normal PCPing, breakfast was good and the exercises were great! The floor jumps are amazing, its a bit hard to keep balanced but I really felt the burn. I've found that as I get used to the exercises, I can get them done a lot quicker without rushing. Bring on more new exercises is what I say!

As promised in last nights post, here are some pictures of my PCP meals prepared by master chef mum!

Spaghetti bolognese, chicken coriander curry and a typically cobbled togther breakfast by me first thing in the morning. The bolognese is made with fresh tomatoes, an assortment of veggies seperately weighed out and some lean beef, also seperately weighed. As for the curry, Its made with no yogurt, no butter, no oil and no salt. Only water, chicken and herbs and spices, delicious! both dishes have brown rice and brown pasta respectively, which I love just as much as the normal stuff!

Anyway, I hope every enjoys treat day and keeps enjoying PCP life! see you all tomorrow.

Day 24 another weekend

Its been an easy enough week. Homework has cooled off, making some new friends and PCP week four is going well. I'm really looking forward to getting a bit of relaxation in over the next few days...and a treat! I'm torn between several things to indulge in this weekend, I'll enjoy whatever it is!

As for Patrick's request, I've noticed some major changes in my soocer abilities over the past few training sessions. I have never been hugely fast, but recently I've been flying past people who I otherwise would have no chance against. I put this down mainly to the squats and lunges, my legs feel stronger, more flexible and also my stamina has definitely improved. Even btter is, my strength in my upper body has been impressive too. I have always tried to throw my weight around in a game, but in the last few days I've been knocking guys of the ball, big guys!

As for PCP-ing, the exercises are running smoothly. The pull ups are tough, but a combo of the wretched full pull ups and the incline have worked nicely. The jump rope is coming along. I managed my last 230 jumps of the 1100 without a trip, I'm most certainly improving. I always trip big time early on, but once I find a rythm, I'm off!

Dieting is good. I haven't craved anything too badly so far, and I feel my diet (especially breakfast) is giving me much more energy for the day. I'll enjoy my treat, but thats all it is!

I've been compiling some food-photos over the last few days, I will have them up by tomorrow for sure, See you then!

Day 23 today

Today was a good day. Not much homework, exercises went well and school passed quickly. I also recieved a confidence boost this afternoon when I saw Patrick's e-mail, I had been doing straight leg press ups instead of the knee press ups. The only reason I did them rather than the easier ones, was simply because I didn't realise there was any other kind! I always thought picture looked funny!

As for dieting, we're really getting used to the routine of eating really healthy food. Today amidst the boredom of maths class I was trying to list out the foods and drinks I have given up during this project. The list was huge! Cranberry juice, crunchy nut cornflakes, white bread, fruit yogurt, chocolate, mango chutney...the list is endless! Every day I realise that I haven't eaten a certain food for three weeks, I assume thats a good sign as I'm not craving it?

Football is going well, we've got our first game coming up soon (next wednesday) and I'm really noticing the difference since the beginning of the PCP. I have a good chance of making the team and I'm seriously excited!

Keep it up team blue, only 67 to go...oh wait...thats a lot:)

Day 22 bluh

Another busy, long day. Long day of school, soccer training and pcp exercises...and homework...so much bleedin' homework! Ah well, hopefully it'll level out as the year goes on, but I've a horrible feeling that it won't. Fitting into a new school is tough. Quite apart from the fact that I don't know anyone, I'm not a fan of school and it gets me down.

The dieting is going well, the change of diet plan is a welcome one with the yogurt after my exercises, a big treat! The pull ups are so tough. I can't manage a full set of the full pull ups, the incline are ok. I'll keep working on it and soon I'll be hangin' outta' the trees!

My photos are up, I definitely see some results. I realise I am a little lop-sided but, nobody is perfect!

Keep going team blue and all fellow PCPers!

Day 21 taking a knock

One of the few downsides to having a routine of exercise which you can come to heavily rely on, is picking up an injury. Football is a contact sport, yet today I was under no physical pressure but I managed to twist my ankle! It was a strange sensation, I felt the back of my leg lose support as I turned. At first it hurt, then I had pins and needles and ever since I have the feeling of a strain in my leg. I was initially worried that it could be the dreaded achilles tendon but even if it is, its nothing more than a strain. Certainly, the achilles can be a tough one to recover from but I'll be ok.

I broke through the pain barrrier and managed my 1000 jumps. I was glad to see there was nothing else to do today, I couldn't have done lunges or squats with my ankle, yet strangely I almost missed not having the full workout to do, the evening seemed...unfinished.

I'm looking forward to another week of PCP-ing, I'll have my pics up by tomorrow and keep it going team whatever we're calling it!

Day 20 getting it all done

The exercises have (naturally) become longer to get out of the way so to speak. In the first week or two I'd have it done in 20 minutes, now between doing the exercsises and the shower afterwards its taking me an hour or so. I'm up to my knees in homework, the food preparation is taking it out of me and my mum (especially mum) and the exercises are piling up. I like to be kept busy though, so it suits me fairly well!

I'll get some photos and more in depth posts done over the next week, when I find some time!

Day 18 and 19

Sorry everyone, I completely forgot to post yesterday, I hope you all had a great weekend!

Anyway, I had a good, relaxing weekend, exactly what I needed. We've gotten super creative and delicious with the diet. I had coriander curry last night and a big chicken dinner tonight, but, with the curry; no yogurt sauce, no salt and nothing out of a packet, just chicken, and many wonderful indian spices! Tonights dinner was tougher to endure. My mum made her wonderful roast chicken and potatoes. First of all, I didn't have any of her trademark gravy or any butter on my potatoes. To compound my craving-mysery, they all had a slice of apple and pear crumble after it, that was VERY tough to pass up.

As for exercising, everything is going well, I managed 900 jumps today with only 15 or so trips so I'm coming along in that area. The squats are getting easier by the day, however, the DaVinci's and press ups aren't really although I'm beginning to see some results!

Finally, my inspiration was in action tonight. Ronaldo scored two great goals as his team won 6-1, it was a great game!

Are we still team blue? If so, come on team blue!!!

Day 17 friday feeling!

Another week of PCP and school under my belt, and I feel good! Also, I spent a few weeks working this summer and made myself some decent money, and I decided to splash out a bit. I bought a playstation 3 and a new game, Fifa soccer 2011, I'm delighted!

The diet is really going well, and the exercise is still good. In a strange and twisted way, I'm looking forward to the exercises getting tougher, because the more I can do, the fitter I'll get! My soccer training is becoming easier and easier, I can run longer and can hold my own in a shoulder charge much better. My season starts in a few weeks time and I'm really looking forward to it!

Well, as we are still team blue, keep it up team blue!!

Day 16 momentum

My routine is well and truly in place, the exercise is becoming easier to incorporate into an evening and the diet is a habit. I know its going to get tougher and I know I'll begin to crave more and more, but for the moment I'm enjoying myself!

The exercises are becoming easier but as the sets get larger its going to be seriously tough, I know, but the tougher it gets, the better I'll get (hopefully). I'm settling in well into my new school and homework is no longer a big problem so its all going smoothly!

Finally, team name suggestion, "nine to the finish line" a bit long but, its catchy, right?
Anyway, I hope everyones getting on well, keep it up!

day 15 a good day

I've had a few rough days with illness and homework, but today was an easy day. A half day at school, very little homework I feel much better and the exercise went well. I find the curls, squats and jumps easy enough, but the DaVinci's are a serious challenge. Howerver, short term pain, long term gain! I managed a personal best 900 jumps this afternoon, I was wrecked after it, but felt good.

On another subject, my inspirational figure (Cristiano Ronaldo) was in action last night for Real Madrid. It wasn't a vintage Ronaldo performance, but Madrid came away with a good 1-0 win against french side, Auxerre. He's a great player, but so far this season he hasn't been up to his best, but I'll enjoy watching him find his form this season!

I've taken a few photos of my food today, I forgot at dinner but I have some pictures of my delicious PCP breakfast!
Oatmeal (80g), brown bread (40g), one tomato, some grapes, an egg, 250mils of milk (most which is in the  oatmeal) and a cup of tea!

Hope everyone is getting on well in team "yet to have a permanent name" team... we'll get one!

Day 14 slogging through it

I've had a heavy cold over the last few days, and today it was no better. I hope its not anything worse, but its not stopping me!

My diet is going well, its become a great routine and I'm getting more self sufficient and I actually love the amounts. The fact that you can be so creative with your food and know when your eating it, its good for you!

The exercise was tough. I felt awful and strangely short of breath during the jumps, the strength work was ok. Looking forward to tomorrows workout/diet plan e-mail for the week...bring it on!

Keep it up team blue, we've got to get a better name!

Day 13 a short post, after a long day

Hi guys,

This will be brief, today has been a hectic day with homework, football training and feeling bad making everything a rush. The dieting went well as usual, but I simply didn't have enough time and I couldn't face a full workout feeling like I do. So I made an executive decision, I swapped todays longer, tougher workout with tomorrows simple (enough) 800 jumps and through in a few push ups and sit ups. It was frustating, but I'll make up for it tomorrow, I promise!

Hope everyones well, I'll get commenting tomorrow!

Day 12 my body is a strange thing

I very rarely get ill, but whenever I do pick someting up, it tends to be bad. However, since I began the diet, I've had a running cold for the last two weeks or so. Every few days it hits me harder and the only thing I can put it down to is my drastic change in diet. Also, I've been doing my jumprope outside, which could also be a factor. Its not serious or anything, but it doesn't help, especially when I'm so busy these days with school and exercise and unfortunately, it hit me the hardest on saturday so it effected my weekend a bit, but I enjoyed it all the same!

Apart from that, everything is going well from a PCP point of view, no problems so far with the training and I'm enjoying the amounts of food I'm being given to eat!

Hope everyones well, keep up the good work team blue!

Day 11 cup of tea...and a biscuit

The title of this post is a phase heard throughout the world. I've always noticed how people say "god i'd love something with this coffee/tea!". I for one have said it many times, and its true, biscuits, a slice of cake or a muffin all go so well with a hot cup o'. But this is the sort of mentality that has people eating 'badly' in the western world. We see tea or coffee as an excuse for a treat, a treat we wouldn't otherwise have had.

Its not a big deal, but I sight it as an example of our lack of awareness of what we're putting into ourselves and since I started the PCP diet, I am always thinking and looking at what I'm eating. A few times (especially when I'm bored at home) I've found myself just going to the fridge to get something and thinking, "why am I doing this, I'M NOT HUNGRY!!". And thats the key for me, eating when we aren't hungry is the norm for most yet if we don't feel hungry, it means we don't need food, simple as.

Let me know what you think, and keep enjoying the weekend!

Day 10 friday:)

Happy weekend!

Its been a tough week of homework and PCP dieting and excercise. The weekend is a chance to catch up on what foods I'll be needing for the coming weeks, and to relax!

I had a good workout today, I'm really getting used to the resistance bands and the jumprope. I did my 650 jumps today and only tripped 9 times, which is a major improvement for me! I'm doing them in quick time too which is really satisfying.

I hope everyone is still getting on well, and enjoy the weekend!

Day 9 a long, long day

Today was a long day to say the least. I got up at 7:30 and had my PCP inspired breakfast and set off to school. There are always days during the year where teachers are for what ever reason willing to give ALOT of homework. Well, my teachers have been having these days every day for the past two weeks. The work is piling up, and the PCP work out regime is getting tougher and longer, hence, my evenings seem to shrivel up into nothing but wondering,"what do I have to do next?".

Despite all of these things, I'm in high spirits and fitting in to my new school quite well and enjoying the PCP diet. I've had some delicious meals over the last two days (that being down to my mum) and I now realise how you can enjoy food without the added extra stuff that wrecks your health. For example, I had whole grain pasta and bolognese for dinner, we weighed out the meat for my protien, some onions, cauliflour and carrots as vegetables aswell as homemade low calorie zero additive tomatoe sauce, to die for!

I hope everyone is well, keep it up!

Day 8 day 1 of dieting

Hi everbody!

This morning when I woke up I expected a strict diet plan...and thats exactly what I got. But when I went to prepare for my day, I realised how very under prepared I was. But when I thought all was lost, one of the most dependable, efficient and helpful people I know stepped in, my mother! I was floundering trying to sort my self out for school and for my PCPing, she swooped in and got everything sorted on the food front in what seemed like a matter of minutes.

So far on my project, my mum has been the most encouraging to me as she is also keen on fitness and always cooks good food for us. Of course my whole family have been good, but my brother doesn't really get the whole system but he'll figure it out:)

As for dinner, a beautiful piece of fresh cod, some cauliflour and a potatoe, delicious! So day one of dieting has gone brilliantly.

I hope everyone else is going well and I'll see you tomorrow!

Day 7 tomorrow it begins for real

Hello everyone!

Hope everyone is well and enjoyed their 'final meal'. It has been a very tiring week and I was glad when I saw the excersise for the day was light compared to the previous days. I'm looking forward to seeing how I cope with a strict diet regime in place, I love food and I eat pretty much anything but I also possess self control, I just hope I possess enough to get through this.

Also something I thought I would do in this post is introduce my 'inspiration', Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm sure some of you have heard of him but for those who aren't familiar with him, he is arguably the greatest footballer(soccer) of his generation. I chose him for several reasons, one being he is in 'peak condition' and is a great professional when it comes to fitness. Another is the fact that he is a great player and used to play for my favourite team, Manchester United. He is a two-time world player of the year and scored 42 goals in a single season for United in 2008. So, I think hes a bit of an inspiration anyway other than his fitness!

Good luck to everyone on the diet!

Day 6 soccer training

Hello all, hope your PCP-ing is going well!

Today I had my daily 'football' training or soccer to any Americans(and Canadians) reading this. It went very well and we're really coming on as a team with our league starting up in October. I saw a big difference in my ability to get around the field with my PCP really kicking in in real life situations. I felt like I could run faster and for longer, I'd put this down to the lunges and squats that are a new part of my training regime. Soccer is as much about finess and strength as it is skill or talent, so the fitter I get, the better footballer I'll become.

Are first game is in a few weeks, so looking forward to that! See you all tomorrow!

Day 5 a wonderful thing called excersise

I love the feeling of excersise as I'm sure most people who do this project do aswell. Ever since I had my first 'workout' in a gym 18 months ago, its been a huge part of my life.

At the beginning of this project I decided that I would cut down but not neglect my love of a good run. So yesterday, I took on the challenge of a 6 kilometre run aswell as my daily PCP routine. It was tough, very tough, I ended up excersising for nearly two hours which was a great feeling I know there is no way I could keep that sort of training up on a regular basis unless I was a pro sportsman, but I aim to do that atleast once a week, probably on the weekend.

So far I'm loving the PCP experience and I hope everyone else is too, lets rip it up team blue!

Day 4 my favouite resturant

Yesterday evening we paid a visit to what I would without doubt say is the best pizza place certainly in Ireland and perhaps the world, no exaggeration! We only eat there once or twice a month, but when we do go, its special. So I knew this would be the first real test of my resolve. The pizza's are big, way to big, but unbelievably good and in fairness to the resturant not greasy and made with natural ingredients.

So I ordered my usual mozzarella, mushrooms, pepperoni and jalapeno pizza, to die for! So I sacrifice half of my pizza to the rest of my scavenger family ( we're all a bit like that!) and scoff the rest in less than five minutes and lo and behold, I was fine. I wasn't stuffed or full but satisfied! And I saw out the rest of the evening in comfort.

It really goes to show how we all eat far to much of what we "like" and I think I learned a lesson last night.

Hope everyone's getting on well, I'll see you all tomorrow!

Day 3 homework, homework, homework...

Everything about this project is new and exciting. I'm in a new school and making friends but one thing that will never ever change...is homework. I have what I would estimate as around 3 hours work to do and study on top of that, but its all worth it in the end...I hope anyway.

I'm over the worst of the dreaded common cold but short on time in which to excersise, but I'll fit it in somewhere. As for dieting, its going well, I left half a plate of chips, chicken nuggets and veggies in school today, it was tough but I know its worth it. A few people have asked me why I left so much food, so I took Patrick's advice and told them and they were very interested, most of the are big into weight lifting and are in good shape, but they'd eat around three times what I would eat normally, so this would be a major challenge for them if they ever tried this project.

In my new school they give personalised fitness (weights and rugby) regimes to the top players and it would be interesting to compare notes on the sort of diets they would be put on, I would imagine a very high protein diet for the rugby players, it seems to do the trick with most of them!

I'll be back tomorrow!

Day 2: not an ideal start

Yesterday I had a mild cold, nothing to worry about and I was ready to go. I got my excersise done and felt good.
I woke up this morning with what felt like a whole in my head, I can't believe that the first time in months that I get sick is day two of this project, but no matter, I can't feel sorry for myself and the diet is still on track. One piece of toast for breakfast instead of two, an average bowl of porridge and some raspberries, topped off with half a glass of orange juice.
And I don't feel hungry, although the lack of hunger is probably fueled by my cold, but even over the last day and a bit I've discovered how little you need to eat to get by in a day.

I hope everyone is getting on well, and I'll be back soon!

It's on!

Wow, I can't believe its already starting, I'm so excited! I've been thinking about this for so long and imagining what its going to be like, and for the first day anyway its been no diffeerent. I realise that it is going to get a lot tougher and little bit harder to cope with but I think I'm ready, infact, I know I am

Before I finish I'd like wish everyone doing the PCP at the same time as me the best of luck!

You Don't Know Jack!

Cause he's about to get RIPPED! Oh YEAH!