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Friday, June 29, 2012

Day (Let's just call it) 9: Let's try something new.

Hmm. I think I should try something new.

I think I've hit somewhat of a plateau with my workouts.  I think I'm going to start trying to add more cardio to my regiment and take away some of my lifting.

Today I ellipticalled for about 36 minutes for about 3 and a half miles-ish.

Hopefully this helps me cut down and trim up.

I really hope that my thyroxine levels are high enough, otherwise I'm wasting a shit ton of time doing exercises that won't help me as much as it should.

P.S.

Sorry about not posting.  Been busy with Midterms and stuff.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Day Eight: Slippery Slope

Weight: Didn't check
Muscle Definition: Same
Food Intake:
Approximate Caloric Intake: 0
**Note** no appetite.

Workout: Abs and Legs
6x Set 10x Rep Weighted Squat @ 140lbs
5x Set 20x Rep Decline Sit Up @ 0,5,10,15,20 degrees decline
3x Set 8x Rep Dual Captains Chair
3x Set 20x Rep Wide Torso Rotation @ 65lbs
25x Rep Weighted Roman Twist @ 10lbs
3x Set 10x Rep Leg Extension @ 70lbs
1 mile elliptical @ lvl 7

Psych Eval:
Stress Level: High.


Today.... well.. Today sucked big nuts.  It was just bad news after bad news.  Got my hopes up about so many things... and got crushed on all of them.

Sigh...

Monday, June 18, 2012

Day Seven: Back on the Grind

Weight: 144.3 (hm... something is off...)
Muscle Definition: Starting to see the outline of my abs. Triceps have gotten bigger and  I can see them when I flex.
Food Intake:
2x Protein Bar
Turkey Pastrami Sandwich
2 Medium Tilapia Fish Fillets
2x servings of Roasted Eggplant
1.5x Servings Potato Chips
1/2 cup white rice
Approximate Caloric Intake: 1311 kcals
**Notes: Jesus, white rice is so bad for you.... damn my Chinese heritage...

Workout: Triceps, Chest, and Shoulders
3x Sets of 10x, 10x, 8x reps Flat Bench Press @ 100lbs.
3x Sets of 10x reps Wide-set Dips @ -25lbs
3x Sets of 10x reps Tricep Pull-Downs @ 37.5kg
3x Sets of 10x reps Deltoid Flys @ 15lbs each arm
3x Sets of 10x reps Back Flys @ 15lbs each arm
3x Sets of 10x, 6x, 3x reps Dumbell Military Press @ 20lbs each arm
3x Sets of 10x/both and 10x/each arm Weighted Shoulder Raises @ 45lbs each arm
1 mile on the Elliptical @ level 7


Psych Eval:
Stress Level: Medium

Feel basically the same as yesterday, but I had class and the gym to distract me.  I've started to study harder than before now that my classes are starting to pick up the pace; hopefully that pays off.  It does make me feel more accomplished, which is nice.  I've also decided that I'm going to try and avoid everyone on my birthday... except for Vince, as I have class with him... hm.  Ah well.

Even though it is the most important "21st Birthday", it really means nothing to me.  There are no casinos around to gamble in, I have no desire to drink alcohol (... even though I've never tried it before... for all your police officers out there...*cough cough*). Besides, I have an exam next week I need to study hard for if I want to spend all my time with Kim over the weekend.

The 21st birthday is highly over rated to me.  Been there, done that ('cept for drinking... for you police officers out there... yep... never tasted alcohol)

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Days Four-Six.

Obviously, I've been slacking a little in the blogging department.  I find it very hard to make a blog post about my days and about my working out if nothing really special happens.  Not to say I was ever strict on myself about blogging consistently everyday; but when you do something like this, it's somewhat expected I guess.  Meh.

Day Four: Solitude.

Weight: 144.9lbs
- Not sure if I should attribute this to scale error, or me gaining muscle and/or adipose weight.
Muscle Definition: None
Food Intake: 
3x Protein Bar
Leftover Macaroni
Chicken Wings
Turkey-Pastrami and Ham Sandwich
Approx Caloric Intake: 1537 kcal (probably gross overestimation due to protein bars)

Workout: Biceps and Back (Re-do)
3x set 10rep/set dumb bell deltoid flys @ 15lbs each arm
1x set 10 rep per arm lawnmowers (Not sure what the actual name is but it looks like you're starting a lawn mower) @ 42.5lbs
3x set 10rep/set machine-weighted back rows @ 37.5kg
3x set 10rep/set machine-weighted Latissimus Dorsi Pull Down @ 42.5kg (mid-range)
3x set 10rep/set Upright Rows @ 50lbs
3x set 10rep/set Deadlift @ 80lbs
3x set 10rep/set-each arm endurance bicep curls @ 20lbs each arm
1 mile on the Elliptical


Day Five: Breaking Rules


Weight: Didn't check. Oops.
Muscle Definition: I can start seeing my back muscles again.   Gives me some hope.  Gynecomastia symptoms are lessening.  Thank God it's working.
Food Intake:
2x servings Leftover macaroni
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Mexican Food (Guadalajara Special @ Dos Reales)
Approximate Caloric Intake: 2000+ calories...

Workout: Abs and Legs
**Notes** If you haven't noticed, Abs and legs are going to be interspersed in between all other days.
5x sets of 20x decline sit-ups @ 0, 5, 10, 20, and 25 degree declines
3x sets of 10x dual captain's chairs
50x reps of weighted roman twists @ 25lbs
5x set s of 10x weighted squats @ 130lbs
2 miles on elliptical

Day Six: Rest and Reflection.


Weight: No scale
Muscle Definition: None new.
Food Intake:
1 serving Fruit Loops with 2% Milk
1 serving Leftover Macaroni and Cheese (It's finally gone)
Turkey-Pastrami Sandwich
1 serving Potato Chips
Roasted Eggplant
1/2 cup Cooked White Rice
Approximate Caloric intake: 1030


Psych Eval:
Stress level: Medium

I don't know what's going on.  But something is starting to take a toll on me.  I'm starting to become more lethargic, irritable, non-focused, and more so in a constant less-than-content mood.  It's similar to the symptoms of my depression during first semester my junior year; but definitely no where near as severe.  There's just a heaviness in my heart (quite literally actually.... maybe it's cholesterol..)The thing is, I'm not sure what is causing this; relationship is great (cept for the long distance portion), friends haven't done anything to piss me off, I haven't been slighted in any way.  I have three hypotheses to why I'm feeling the way I am.

1.  The presence of the school is weighing down on me.
- My academic performance has been consistently disappointing throughout my college career.  I've been consistently getting a B+ average and that just isn't med school worthy.  No matter how much harder I work each semester, nothing changes.  I try harder each semester, but the results remain the same.  Perhaps sub-consciously I just don't want to try anymore.  Or perhaps it's that going to class day-to-day is a constant reminder of my past failures.  Who knows.

2.  Long distance
-  I really hate being away from Kim.  I've never been in a long distance relationship before, and having the person who I care about the most in world so far away is really taxing.  "So far away" may seem like an exaggeration but there really is no difference between 150 miles and 7000 miles when neither person can see the other.  She may as well be on the moon.

3.  Thyroxine deficiency
- this is probably the most likely of my three hypotheses.  The symptoms I described above are all correlated to a deficiency in T4/T3 deficiencies.  As my thyroid is out, I can't produce the hormone at all, forcing me to take a pill orally every morning.  I have been taking the pill consistently and correctly throughout, so it isn't that.  The only other variable is the type of pill itself and the dose.  As I doubt the pharmacist at Walgreens would switch my meds (and even if he did, I would've died by now), it has to be the dose.  I guess it will depend on what my blood tests say later on in the months.

I will have to monitor my symptoms more closely in the following days.

Another thing that I've noticed over the past few months is that my new found confidence has turned into cockiness.  The way I interact with other people seems so different than what I remember, and the way other people interact with me seems different too.  I didn't understand what was going on until probably an hour ago.  I don't know what exactly I do different, but I definitely know something is off.  I could easily avoid blaming myself; but when you feel that your relationships with everyone has shifted for the worst there is obviously something wrong with you.


People say the first step is to admit that you have a problem.

Check.

No one really says what step two is.... so I'm just going to wing it...

I guess the best and fastest course of action is to throw everything off and clean the slate.  No more cockiness, but also, no more confidence.  Odds are, if I'm doing it right, I'll be more secluded and more quiet and then I can build up from it.  Odds are, Kim is not going to like this version of me; hell, I don't like this version of me, but I don't like this cocky, self-centered version of me more, he needs to die and die now.

I let the idea of realizing that I had unlimited potential (not tooting my horn, everyone has unlimited potential, just most people don't realize it) go straight to my head.  I probably also let the idea of having a girlfriend go to my head too... After getting into three relationships, I have realized that I get this super cocky mindset whenever I'm in one.... hm.. something else to work on this summer too, I suppose.








Friday, June 15, 2012

Day Three: Catching Up

Weight: 144.4 w/ Cargo shorts
Muscle Definition: None
Food Intake:
2 cups cooked Fried Rice
1/2 serving Orange Chicken
Leftover macaroni
1 serving potato chips
1 cup white rice (cooked)
Leftover pork
Approx Calories: 1687

Workout
3x sets 10x rep wide-arm pull up.
3x sets 10x rep wide-arm dips.

Psych Eval:
Stress Level: Low

Wasn't too bored today as I had stuff to do for most of the day.  Still miss Kim a lot but I'm starting to get used to being alone for the most part.  I don't mind the self sufficiency, but there is a lot to do.  Hoping I don't fall off my game.

Notes:


Today was a bad day for physical fitness.  Did my dips and my pull ups, then saw Josh at the gym.  We ended up catching up for about an hour, and by that time I had to go to class. Afterwards, while walking home, I met up with Ed and David, who I also haven't talked to for about 2 years; caught up with them for about and hour and went grocery shopping too.

Tomorrow is my first weekend here.  I'll probably actually do my bicep and shoulder workout as well as study for the rest of the day.  I'm also starting to believe that I will be studying all next week, even on my birthday.

It is just another day right?

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Day Two: Muscle Failure.

Weight: 144.4lbs w/ cargo shorts. (and the weight loss hopefully begins)
Muscle Definition: It's been a day, so nothing really new.  My arms have a little definition but nothing to be proud about.
Food Intake:
Breakfast: Nonexistant
Lunch: 6-inch turkey and ham sandwich with all the vegetables subway could pile on.
Snack: 1 homemade protein bar.
Dinner: Baked macaroni in a bechamel sauce. Chicken Alfredo pasta. Blueberries. Watermelon. Grapes.
Approximate Caloric Intake: 1420 kcals.

Workout: Abs and Legs
Note: Pulled my hamstring muscle on my fourth set.  Didn't risk doing cardio.
Squats: 4 sets 10x reps each. 120lbs free weight.
Sit-ups: 40x reps
90s/45s: 10 reps
Flutter kicks: 90 reps
Bicycles: 50 reps
Roman Twists: 40 reps
Baby Kicks: 20 reps.
Torso Rotations: 3x sets 20 reps for each side (Left and Right) at 100lbs.
Swinging Captain's Chairs: 2x sets, 20x reps, 16x reps.

Psych Eval:

Stress: Lower side of Medium

It's very weird comparing the feelings I had during my winter break and my summer break here on campus.  Back then I was so pumped to stay over and dance and study.  I was so adamant with bettering myself.  For some reason now, I'm so lethargic and apathetic.  I can't seem to come up with anything to do during my spare time.  Even if I did I don't think I would feel like doing it...

Hopefully that changes soon.

I also hope that I don't pull another muscle tomorrow.  Adequate stretching is important people.  Never think otherwise.

Road to Redemption (Day One)

I am now back in school and starting summer session. During this time,  I've decided to get back in shape in these next two months as I have gym access.  Reading my friend's daily blog (not so daily, but I forgive him) has inspired me to blog about my "Road to Redemption".  Redemption because I was actually somewhat more fit during the beginning of Junior year.... then got into two relationships (one of which actually worked, which is nice) and got two subsequent relationship guts*.

*Relationship gut - the extra weight gained around the midsection when entering a new relationship.  Main causes are a lack of motivation to go to the gym (i.e. got the girl/guy so why work out?) or spending workout time canoodling with the new significant other.


So let's begin :)

Day One: Flabby Weaksauce formerly known as Jeffery Lei.

Weight: 144.5lbs including cargo shorts (the beige one with all the pockets?)
Muscle Definition: None to be found.  Flab over abs (it looks like slightly melted chocolate over nice abs... it's kinda gross..  Arms are not defined anymore.  Shoulders... not too bad... but much worse than before.  Cannot see flexed back muscles anymore.
Food Intake: 
Breakfast:  Nonexistent
Lunch: ham and cheese sandwich on wheat bread, one ripe mango.
Dinner: half a cup (uncooked) of white rice, leftovers consisting of 3 pieces of squid, 4 chunks of chinese bbq pork, 2 pieces of sweet and sour pork.  No vegetables in the fridge.
Dessert: Kim's Red Velvet Cupcake (so the frosting doesn't go bad, and... well.. it's delicious..) and a homemade protein bar.

Workout: Tris, Shoulders, Chest
Benching: 10x rep, 10x rep, 8x rep @ 100lbs
Shoulder raises: 3 sets of 10x double raises (both shoulders), and 10x single raises (single shoulders) @ 45lbs each arm.
Dumbbell Military Press: 10x rep, 8x rep, 4x rep @ 25lbs each arm.
Pec flys: 3 sets of 10x rep. @ 90lbs
Skull crushers: 2 sets of 10x rep @ 40lbs
Dips: one set of 10x rep. -40lbs. 
Elliptical: 1.8 miles over 17 minutes at level 7.
2 hours of dancing.

Psych Eval:

Stress Level: Low
Notes:  I find it very hard finding something I want to do.

 It's very demoralizing seeing how much weaker I've gotten over the past few months.  Dropped at least 10 lbs in each exercise and couldn't finish most sets or even my full routine.  Seeing myself in the mirror makes me very unsettled and unhappy; the extra fat (and the shaved head, which I do not regret doing at all) make me very self conscious about how I look.  I feel super rusty when i dance, and am extremely anxious when dancing at the ARC as people who walk by make me very nervous; I hope that goes away soon as I dance more and more.

I enjoy the classes I am in.  Greek Myth is fun for me as I've always loved the topic, though the inconsistency of all the myths I've heard (they are all different) confuses me at times. I do not like that; though, having an attractive and smart-ass TA is really nice.  Anatomy and Physiology is, at the moment, not interesting at all, as I know most of the information from my MCAT studying days.  Speaking of which, I have not started studying yet.. I need to do that soon if not tomorrow.  

Today wasn't as boring as yesterday as I actually got to work out and had stuff to do.  Tomorrow my texts and internet refresh, so I can actually play online games again; not sure how that will affect  me, but hopefully keeping this blog will keep me straight as I can keep reminding myself to not fuck around.

Still miss Kim a helluvalot.  It's only day two of our long distance relationship, so that is expected.  It feels weird not having anyone else in my bed (Henry I know what you're thinking and no, you may not sleep in my bed with me when you come back down).  Talking with her at night before she goes to sleep is something I really look forward to, even though we don't really talk about SUPER interesting things; but it's really nice for me.