reality check

Updated the graphs to the right.
So, my lesson to myself for week 8: don't let the photograph lead me into a false sense of "accomplishment".
I failed week 8 in the sense that I did what I should not have done; I deviated from the progam with the best of intentions; worked too hard, putting in extra workouts and pushing myself too much, and ended up losing (a statistically irrelevant amount of) muscle mass, whilst my fat percentages did not change.
So Strong 9 is all about keeping the discipline.
I eat lots of veggies, because it is obvious that such mostly-water-nutrient-packed-flavorful-pieces-of-joy will not make me fat.
I do all my reps to utter, burning failure, because it is obvious that if I don't feel the pain, there is no gain.
I do NOT overdo it; one workout a day is plenty, though I still do 8MA every morning. But as it has become routine, I make it hurt more: float and tuck the legs on the side crunches, deep and slow and low on the leg lifts to really feel the lower abs, tension throughout all the crunches to make it hurt.
The goal for this week is to just build muscle, and that means tearing up muscle fiber, and that means not being able to stand up after lunges, pistol squats, and hops across the floor. That means I can barely reach my mouse my triceps hurt so much. I want to think I am having a heart attack my pectorals will burn so much after a chest workout. Carrying my daugther becomes an impossibility after monster shoulder workouts.

And to top it all off, I will finally take my #2 indulgence on Thursday. Inviting a bunch of folks over (including Patrick) to have a right and proper BBQ. My buddy Miri will be catering and running the grill, and I have asked for a bunch of veggies and a big fruit salad in addition to the standardly delicious burgers, dogs, shrimp kebabs, and of course her famous CARROT CAKE.

Other than that, the end is near and I feel an impending sense of closure...even started discussing with Patrick how to finish off this 3 months. Will probably take the day off of work, head down to Patrick's studio, do a final workout, take some photos, and then head to China Town for some right and proper non-PCP food.

But before that, BBQ + BurnBurnBurn. STRONG NINE!