Tuesday 1/1/08 - My New Years Resolutions - The Sabbatical Has Ended

Oh what a year 2007 was. I had my ups, I had my downs. But for the most part, it was a good year. I swam well. I ate well sometimes. I bought a bike. I ran a 1/2 marathon. I also travelled a lot, as I went to Europe, Las Vegas, Georgia, Northern California, Indianapolis and Texas, the latter two for work. So with 2007, I was happy with my life. Each year, my goal is to try and better myself and make each year better. And to do that, I try to live life to its fullest, travel and see the world, and for the most part, better myself.

So here are my new years resolutions:
- Eat better which will become more of a routine, for the most part
- Exercise more frequently (swimming, but not ONLY swimming) 5 or 6 days a week
- Lose some of my body fat so that I weigh 172 or less (this goal is by my 35th birthday in May)
- Have all of my credit debt paid off
- Be successful is saving $$ for both myself and my mom to go on an Alaskan cruise in July 2008 for her 65th birthday
- Be consistent and focused in my P90X training
- Do personal best masters swimming times at IGLA in Washington D.C.
- Be more successful in the upkeep of the backyard
- Build something from scratch
- Become a better cook

OK I guess I could keep on going, but let's just leave it at that for now. I have already began a few of these changes today. I recently purchased a few books on nutrition and eating healthier along with my own copies of DVDs for the P90X training. One book is titled, "Eat This, Not That", which is a helpful guide in making decisions when you are out eating. There are lists of popular restaurants and each page has one side stating the best things to eat from there, where the other side has items that you should STAY AWAY from. It is a very visual book, which I like. If its just boring words, I have a habit of just reading a few pages or a chapter and then lose interest. The book also has recommendations for generic restaurants, along with party or holiday decision making on what to eat.

I have also began P90X training today. The official day it begins, is Thurday the 3rd, since when I was on that schedule, it worked out well with everything else in my life. So today and tomorrow I will do what I would do next week, but unofficially.

Today's workout was Kempo. Its P90X's version of Tai Bo I believe. Its pretty much different moves with your arms and legs that result in punches, kicks, jabs, etc. The workout started with 10 mins of various stretching, followed by 45 mins of intense Kempo, then about 5 mins of cool down. My heart ranged from 130 to 165 throughout the workout. It was a fun workout, but I know my arms will be sore tomorrow.

After the hour of Kempo, I suited up and joined Drew for a 60 minute bike ride. I believe it was about 18 or so miles we did. There was some nasty winds in different directions, which made it more difficult, but all in all, a fun ride.

I also went shopping today for food. I tried to focus on getting healthier snacks and meals. I want to eat more fish and fruits and vegetables. But since Trader Joes was closed, I went to Ralph's and only purchased select items and will finish up my shopping tomorrow.

So Day 1 was a success. Tomorrow I swim and will do Legs/Back/Abs (which will normally go on Mondays next week).

Key phrase of the day/week - DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!