The Peak Condition Project - Naoko

Day 90

2010-08-29T23:55:00.000-07:00

Workout @ Patrick's studio.
I didn't know about Day 90 workout menu. I didn't receive the email before I leave home so I know nothing about it.
Ah how far I came in 90 days ! How much strength I gain !!!
Looking back the first week, I was so out of breath by jumping just 300 or so. I got sore muscles from only 4 sets of squats.
I would like to thank my friend Yukiko for recommending this program to me in May.
If I didn't start in June, I wasn't here now.

Patrick took some pictures of me in old pants, new dress and Patrick and me.

What I see in these two pictures is not only the difference in abs and arms, but also the confidence in the posture and in my face.

I always wanted do this pose looking at every one's photos.

My old pants are too big now.

I love my new dress I bought in NYC !!

Still hard to believe we came to Day 90.

I love steamed veggies, fruits and yogurt so much. I really love PCP food. I don't know if I can adjust my appetite in the real world.

I need some time to write the final post. I am still confused.
I had chicken curry at my favorite restaurant for lunch. I used to like this curry so much but it was not as good as it used be. It was salty and I couldn't finish it.
I went home and steamed veggies. I was sooooo happy to have veggies ready for my meals !!

For dinner I went out to the beach to celebrate the last day for the beach house this summer.
They had BBQ and Sangria. There was some pasta salad but no veggies. I was so sad. To me the meal is incomplete without veggies.
I had beer. Because that's I missed so much.
I spent this hot summer without beer, I really don't need it.

Live music was good, jumbe drumming, dancing, lots of friends, lots of fun. My friends celebrated me for finishing the program so I was very happy. I can't live without friends and music, that's for sure.

I will write something later, but I really want to thank Patrick for his patience, support and encouragement. "You're underestimating your ability." stays in my mind forever.
Whenever I think that I can't do this, I will remember your word.
Thank you Patrick !!

Thank you Team Sexaaay!
Thank you all the PCPers !!

I will be back when I put my thought together...

Day 89

2010-08-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Did yoga @ beach this morning.
And went Stand up paddling with my friend Kossie.
The sea was a bit choppy and we had head wind. I had to paddle hard, didn't have easiness to chat while paddling. Stand up paddling requires all the muscles. I am so glad that I've been working hard.
We paddled to the island, put our paddle board on the island, we jumped in the water, went snorkeling.
Water was perfect. Not cold, not too warm. And I felt something stung my arm, ah, jelly fish !!!
I saw 2 of them swim away.

Kossie caught an abal*ne and an oct*pus. He is a kind of guy who won't starve without money. Paddling back was fast.
Sashimi was sooooo goooood. It was hot, I was thirsty and I had BEER !!!

I took nap and did my workout in the evening.
Davinci and forward shoulder raise were hard, I became failure every set.
And somewhat today's plank was harder than yesterday.

PCP is powerful.
When I felt that I don't have social life because of food we can eat, I could have quit the program.
When I really did not want to spend 1 hour for workout, I could have quit the program.
But I didn't.
Because I really want to finish 90 day program with my team mate.

I used to wear size S or size 2 pants when my weight was 6 kg less than now. I tried those pants today. Mysteriously they fit me !!
Why?
I weigh more but I am almost slim as 3 years ago ?

What I was doing 3 years ago was just running 20~25 km on week end. Ran the race twice a year. Exhausted and I drank beer, ate whatever I like.
I never really liked running. Trail running was hard. I knew it's not something I want to keep doing.

PCP is different. This is life long thing. This is what I will do until the day I die. Eat healthy, exercise everyday, sleep well.

Day88

2010-08-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

I checked the fitness studio near my house. This place is only for women. I think the target customer is house wives.
The lady at the studio explained that what they are doing is called circuit training. There were about 10 machines and between machines are maybe 90cm x 90cm board for cardiovascular exercises. Machines are not the kind of heavy duty ones at the gym. They are oil pressure machine so that they are safe.
40 seconds at each board and machine and one round is about 12 minutes. Stretching and 2 round will be about 30 minutes and that's enough for women to lose weight and gain muscles.
That was the explanation I got.
Well 40 seconds....... doing 9 minutes jumping and plank to failure, I don't think this place is good enough for me. To become a member you pay Y10,000 and Y62,00 per month. I think it is not worth the money.

I came home I did my workout.
I like the super sets. I did 3 sets of pull down and standing ovation without rest. Those are kind of easy exercises for me.
I challenged (partial)1 leg plank !

I saw The Bourne Supremacy on DVD, I didn't get to see to the end in the airplane coming back from NY so I wanted to finish it. I love the scene of car chasing.

Yoga tomorrow morning then Stand up paddle with friend.
Weekend !!!!!

Day 87

2010-08-26T06:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone who kicked my ass and gave me warm messages for my posts.

I've been teaching at International School for 25 years.
Every year is different.
Today a boy cried in my Gr.6 class. I took him to the principal's office after class.
I wish to be able to teach Japanese without interruption, but there are always other things to deal with especially with younger kids.
So much to be done this week and the next Tuesday is Back to School Night.

I did my workout. As my body gets warm up I found myself not coughing. Interesting.
Today's shoulder exercises were hard. Especially the combination of davinci and forward shoulder raise was hard.

Woooo 3 more days!!

Day 86

2010-08-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

Sore throat is gone but I was coughing all day today.

I did Day 86 workout. Full version.
I wanted to get rid of my cough by sweating.
It worked. I feel much better.

V-sit & Plank super set was a killer !!
Actually I was surprised that I can do planks better than V-sits.

4 more days, really?

I've been thinking a lot of things. Jenny's post made me think about why I am here. Why I chose to do PCP? But I will write about it some other time.

Good night.

Day 85 Kick my ass, please !

2010-08-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I did the jumping.
But I did only half of the workout, mostly 3 sets in stead of 5 or 6. I am still sick.
I don't want to do less sets. I wish I could push myself to the limit this week. But at the same time I can't get sick now. I don't want to take sick day off from school in the beginning of the school year.
When I have a cold I tend to develop bronchites.
Teaching job requires a lot of talking in a loud voice. When you teach Gr.6 beginner, you have to talk.
Take my energy away. If you're not in a good shape, kids won't listen to you. So I can't to come to school being tired.

I have lost 1 kg just over the couple of days. Did I loose my muscle?

I will do my Day 86 workout full version tonight. Kick my ass, please !!

Day 84

2010-08-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

I tried to jump but after 100 or so, I gave up with sore knee.
Yes in addition to my sore throat, I have a sore knee.
So I am going to bed at 8:11 p.m.

If I can get up early and feel better, I will jump tomorrow morning.

I don't want to skip jumping. I really don't want to.
But I feel so weak today. I am getting sick.
The only thing I can do now is to sleep.
So good night baby!

Day 83 sore throat

2010-08-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

Yoga this morning @ beach.
Nice breeze.

Workout went well.

Using air conditioner all day long. I sweat so much when doing workout even in an air conditioned room.

Took shower, ate my lunch, read everyone's post, took nap.

I woke up with sore throat.

No, no, no, not now.

School has just started.
I can't have a cold.

I'm going to bed now.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Day 82 part 2

2010-08-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

Today's jumping went very well.
It is probably because I had enough sleep.
Workout was also good.
Longer plank x 4 went well, too.

SLEEP makes a huge difference.

Day 82 My fridge

2010-08-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

Look at Milk carton, cottage cheese (next to cherry tomatoes ), yogurt ( behind a bell pepper ) are so small in Japan !!

Day 81

2010-08-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

Friday !!
First week is done.
I taught 3 double ( 90 min ) classes today. I'm exhausted.

I took a nap before workout.

Again I kept saying "I want to quit."during the workout.
Yes Tara, it's lake Mantra. I have to say it to get me going.
I was angry that Jumping takes 21 min without rest time and the workout altogether takes 1 hour.
I want to sleep, sleep, sleep.

I wanted to take my dog for a walk, have a beer and a pizza at the beach in stead of workout.
Go to bed before 9:00 p.m.
But now it is already 10:54 now.
I have to take my dog for a walk when it's still cool that is before 6:00 am.

All I want is 10 hour sleep.

Food is ok.
But I can't eat all my carbs.
I had extra fruits.

Day80

2010-08-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

I overslept this morning. I have to wake up at 5:00 but I woke up at 5:40.

This morning I met my tutor group. Gr.9 students, freshmen at High School.
A lot to cover in 1 hour 40 minutes.
Hand out schedules, permission slips, go over school rules, regulations, expectations, etc.
I kept talking non stop.
Then after the recess we had Secondary School assembly. The auditorium is 5 minute walk from the main building. We have to go through the park. It is a nice park but it wasn't a pleasant walk because of the heat.
By lunch time I used all my energy for today.

I did my grocery shopping on my way home, when I got home I started steaming veggies.

I was not enthusiastic about workout today.
I kept saying "I want to quit!" "I want to quit!" "I want to quit!"
I finished workout at 7:35, took shower, took my dog for a walk. I felt a pain in my shoulder. All those shoulder exercises hurt my right shoulder.
Dinner was at 9:00, it's late. I want to eat earlier. But I wanted finish the workout before I eat.

I am so glad I did most of PCP during my holiday. I don't think I could do the whole program when I have school everyday. I can manage 10 more days.
I admire everyone doing this program while working full time or raising kid(s).

OK, it's friday tomorrow.

Day 79

2010-08-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

At the staff meeting there were free beer, wine, soft drinks.
And

So much food at 3:30 p.m.
I had some veggies and a kabob. I couldn't eat all the bread for my lunch and I wasn't really hungry. I don't know why I had a kabob. Free food is dangerous. I can resist cakes and cookies now.

I was tired from last night so that I took nap after I got home.
It was real challenge for me to do today's workout. I was really tired. But I did.

Students will be back tomorrow. I will meet my HR students tomorrow.
I'd better go to bed.

Day 78 Birthday & Indulgence

2010-08-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

I was in my classroom preparing for classes, bunch of people, former students, my colleagues came in singing "Happy Birthday".

And one of my favorite students who just graduated this June gave me this card. I was sooooo happy.

Getting old is not so bad and actually I feel so young!!

Workout today was a hardcore as Patrick said. It was extremely hot today and jumping for 7 minutes was almost suicide to me. The 1st set went well but the 2nd and the 3rd set was disaster. I tripped so many times and was out of breath. Did the Day 83 workout because I don't have a pull up bar at home.

After the jump was bang, bang, bang as usual no break or what so ever. I was sweating throughout the workout. It felt almost unreal and felt dizzy that I couldn't count right. When finished the last set of bicycle, I was soooooo happy!!!

Thank you Patrick for great workout. I saw you sweating today!! It really was hot.

I bought ice coffee and cherry pie at Starbucks. I had after workout egg white and yogurt.

Then I ate cherry pie that I really wanted to eat for my last indulgence. It was good with ice coffee.

I went home, took shower then I had my real indulgence at the beach house "Matsu (means pine tree in Japanese)" with my friends.

I had

Beer, white wine and strawberry cocktail

We shared

Pumpkin gratin, marinated tuna with veggies, egg plant paste with bread, zucchini and anchovy pizza.

The waitress sang "Happy Birthday" each time she served dishes. And my friend, photographer bought me a glass of strawberry cocktail with a chocolate covered strawberry.

Was the best indulgence ever !!!

I had a real good time with friends.

Day77 Back To Work !

2010-08-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

All these food were on the table at staff meeting this morning.
Of course I didn't have any of them. But I used to eat them without any hesitation. They are so tiny, easy to eat without feeling guilty.
No wonder I gained weight. Free food right there at work !

I packed my morning snack and lunch this morning.
I had boiled egg white and fruits at 10:00 a.m. and I was hungry at 11:00 a.m. already.
Ah school makes me hungry !!!
I couldn't wait any longer so I had lunch at 11:30 a.m.
It was so nice to be able to eat lunch with someone. I ate most of my meals alone this summer.

Some of alumni came to visit and chat with us. That's nice. They are still sweet and cute.
Several students who just graduated this June are at school working. One student is taking a gap year and some of them are going to University in New Zealand or Australia so the school year won't start until January.

I enjoyed summer vacation but when I see my students, I am reminded how much I enjoy being with them. I really love my students. I am so lucky to have wonderful kids.

Jumping for 7 minutes went OK. Not easy though.
I am going to have a birthday workout @ Yokohama studio tomorrow!!!!

Day 76

2010-08-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

My friend who is a sea kayaker and a member of the Trail Running Club had an accident a year ago.
He is an experienced kayaker but that day the swell from the typhoon hit his kayak when he approached the shore.
He's on a wheelchair now. Took him for 8 months to go back to work.
He's in a good spirit at least he appears so in his blog.

We ran together, ran the races, went kayaking and paddled a kayak marathon.
He likes to cock something delicious with his dutch oven.
He loves his family.
Everyone likes him and respects him.
When we heard about his accident, we all couldn't believe it.
Why him??

He emailed me to invite me to the party to celebrate one year.

So decided to go.

It requires some courage. Thinking about meeting some people would ignore me made me sick.
I had an upset stomach.

After I did my workout and I felt better.

Update:

I came home.
Glad my friend looked well.
Talked to several people to catch up. That was nice.
Still the same people did not talk to me, they even didn't looked at my way.
Tough.
I pulled all my courage to show up and I couldn't break the ice.
It's a huge iceberg.
All I could do is turn around and leave so that I won't crush and sink.

I am sorry this post is very unpleasant, gloomy one.
This is the first time I felt this gloomy since PCP started.

Back to work tomorrow.

Day75

2010-08-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today's workout menu looked exactly like Day 72 but ......

90 second plank ...... what ? 5 sets ?!!!
When you look carefully, more reps, sometimes it says "failure" or more sets.
15 more days means that it gets harder, I suppose.
But the plank will stay 90 seconds, right?

Food-wise, I'm eating a lot. I feel like I am eating all the time.
And I don't have any cravings.
How much food can be 1000 kcal ?
I wanted to have dinner at Italian restaurant near my house for my birthday but it is closed... : (
I am very sure that I am going to have a piece of cherry tart.

I visited my friends' house on my way home from the walk.
Pikkorik always stays with this family when I'm away and she loves them.
I brought some beer.
They gave me a birthday present since they will be away next week.

and
I had BEER.....
just one beer. I didn't eat the crackers they offered.

then I went home and ate my dinner at home.

Day 74

2010-08-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

Forward shoulder raise and shoulder fly were so hard. Chicken wing was OK.
My shoulders are sore.
I tried "keep a little space between the back of the knee and your calf to make the Creep a real killer."
After 2 steps, I gave up. Well I shouldn't give up but I was afraid that I will not be able to walk normally afterwards.

It is OBON week in Japan. Many people take summer vacation this time of the year. It is crowded everywhere.
I went to my favorite bakery to buy my favorite bread and then I did my grocery shopping.
Other than that I just stayed home, doing my workout, reading book, reading everyone's post and I took nap. The beach is also crowded when I walked my dog in the morning and in the evening.
Some live music was going on at several beach houses. I used to enjoy the music there but not this year.
Since I don't drink this summer I kind of lost interest. I'd rather stay home quietly.
It is not just PCP diet, maybe I am tired of socializing... it worries me a bit. Because I feel like I am isolated from people and people might forget about me and when I want to be with people, there might not anyone out there who wants to be with me.
Am I going to spend lonely old days ????

But I really enjoy being by myself now.
I like being home with my dog.
Prepare my meal, weigh them, eat them, do my workout, write my post, read everyone's post...
Summer holiday is almost over.
Back to School, back to work on Monday.

Day 73

2010-08-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

Day 72 workout today with Patrick.

Patrick told me not to put arms all the way back when doing the standing ovation, since when the arms were in the back there weren't any tension to them.
So it's harder to do them in smaller arch.
And Patrick decided my band is not strong enough for me, so he let me use his band.
OMG !! It was extremely hard !!!
I felt like that my whole body will be pulled back !!
And if I lean forward so that I won't be pulled back,
he says "Don't lean."
So I really had to stand firm.
My arms were shaking and I found it difficult to lift my arm to take the band off from the sliding door.

Leg up was done differently.
Patrick brought a bench and every other set, lay down on the bench and lower the legs all the way down.
This was hard. By the end of the 3rd time I did this bench leg up, my abs gave up and I could not pull the legs all the way up.

After that killer leg up was of course the demonic 90 seconds plunk!!
Actually I don't dislike plunk but it was a torture today.
I just couldn't believe why my body is trying so hard when I am suffering so much.
Am I enjoying the pain????
When it gets to the 4th set finally, Patrick was standing on his head and says "If your are bored, you should try this." then he did one arm plunk, one leg plunk and so on. That made me laugh when poor my abs trying so hard to keep my body straight !!!
However I felt the 4th set shorter than other sets thanking to Patrick's entertainment.

Jumping was the last today because the Kung-Fu Body people are coming at the end of my session.
I was already pretty tired from the workout so the 1st 6 minutes was tiring.
When I finished my 1st set, we introduced each other.
Sean said that PCP was the best thing in his life. It was my honor to meet PCP graduates and present KFBers.
I just realized that the other lady was Jessica, I didn't get to talk to her... oh no! I was worn out ... not intended to be rude.

Did the 3rd 6 min. jumps with everyone.
Everyone else is jumping ultra fast, double, etc.... I felt like a freshman among the seniors in HS.

When I was ready to leave, every one was kicking so high in the air.

Wow.... KFB is a hardcore and looking cool !

Next Yokohama session is on 17th, my birthday.
PCP workout w/Patrick is the birthday present that I give to myself !

17 more days to go !

Day 72

2010-08-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

According to Patrick's email we use calories just getting an apple, chewing apple and digesting apple.

"Total calorie expenditure to eat a 80 calorie apple is 90 calories! "

Well, last night I was preparing my dinner, today's breakfast and lunch in the kitchen. Boiling eggs, grilling salmon, cutting veggies, steaming veggies, weighing veggies and putting them in containers.
My kitchen was hot with all that boiling, steaming and grilling and I was so busy doing 3 things at the same time. I think to prepare PCP meals, we use so much calories!!

I ate half of my lunch at the reception after the workshop when they gave us our certificates. And I ate the other half in the train. I sat in a Green Car. It costs extra money but worth the money. You have a small table and reclining seat. It is 1 hour trip from Shinagawa to Zushi. I finished my lunch, read a book and slept for 20 minutes.

I did Day 73 workout today because I am doing the Day 72 with Patrick tomorrow.
5 sets x failure of Triceps extension and 60 seconds bicycle were hard. My arms were shaking and my thighs were burning. Jumping and workout took 57 minutes today.

OK, I can't keep my eyes open, I have to sleep now, Good night.

Day 71

2010-08-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today was the second day of the workshop in Tokyo.
Interesting lectures about my favorite authors, Banana Yoshimoto and Haruki Murakami.
Intellectually stimulating. Nice change from relaxing summer holiday. Good to have preliminary drill before school starts.

I brought more veggies for lunch as I was hungry yesterday. But couldn't finish bread. I had those 2 slices bread and half of apple ( it's extra food ) in a green car from Shinagawa to Zushi (my station).

Did my workout at 8:00 pm before dinner. Jumping went well. Workout done in 57 minutes.

I just finished my dinner. It's late.

I read everyone's posts but didn't have energy to write comments.

When I am tired, I can't write English. I can't think in English, even in Japanese. My brain just can't work anymore.
NEMUI !!!!!

One more day in Tokyo.

Day 70 Workshop in Tokyo

2010-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am so sleepy so this is going to be very short post.
I went to Temple University in Tokyo to attend the International Baccalaureate Language Teachers' workshop.
I hate sitting down and listening to the lecture for long time. Makes me very tired. And my colleague who was supposed to attend the workshop with me didn't come. She's sick home when I called her.
Morning session was good. Some discussions and presentations made me awake and focused.
They served lunch. But I ate my lunch I brought with me. Good. There were cup cakes and brownies but of course I ignored them.
In the afternoon was hard. Just listening to the lecture, and it is probably not really helpful information for my teaching. This made me think that I shouldn't make my students feel this way.
As soon as the lecture finished at 4:30, I left.

I got home 7:00, walked my dog, did jumping.
Jumping 6 minutes was a little harder than 5 minutes but I managed 3 sets.

Took shower, ate dinner.
I'm going to bed.
I have to go to Tokyo tomorrow, too.

Day 69

2010-08-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

When I was walking the beach with my dog, my friend saw me from "Umigoya" bar and came to talk to me.
He's a member of the trail running club I used to run with. We ran our first trail race 2007 and that was 15 km. He continued to run intensively and gradually he became interested in Ultra marathon races.
He told me that he is going to run the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc this summer.
It is an outrageously challenging race. Below is the paragraph from Wikipedia.

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (also referred to as UTMB) is a mountain ultramarathon. It takes place once a year in the Alps, across France, Italy and Switzerland. The distance is approximately 166 km, with a total elevation gain of around 9,400 m. The race is run in one leg. Some believe that it is the most difficult foot race in Europe.

While the best trailers complete the loop in slightly more than 20 hours, most runners take 30 to 45 hours to reach the finish line. There is no prize money awarded.

My friend's challenge inspired me to work hard. I did today's workout in 55 minutes. Good work !

I'm going to attend 3 day workshop in Tokyo from tomorrow. I have to get up early.

Good night !

Day 68 Ocean Day !

2010-08-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yoga @ beach at 7:00 am.
Then breakfast @ beach house "Umigoya"
After breakfast I went stand up paddling with my beach friend, Kossie.
He sells wet suit, windsurf board, stand up board, etc.
I got to know him @ "Umigoya" last summer.
He does all kinds of ocean sports and is good at them.
Stand up board is large so pretty stable and you can also surf.
We paddle to the island. It took us about 30 minutes to get to the island.
I felt my legs, abs, shoulders, arms, all my muscles were working hard.
Thanks to PCP workout, I paddled without any difficulties.
When we get to the island, we put our boards on the island and went swimming.
I saw a spoon next to the paddle, so I asked Kossie
"Why do you have a spoon ?"
"Just in case. If I'm lucky"

Water was clear and warm.
It was so nice to swim there. So refreshing. No jelly fish.
No one was there !!!
I just float for a while.
Kossie was diving under water searching for something.
And he got an aba*one !!!!
Big one !
It did not fit in his pocket.
But I had a Patagonia hat that has a secret pocket inside !!
Paddling back was quicker.
And we had "aba*one" sashimi @ beach house "Umigoya" with some friends.
I bought Kossie a beer for catching abal*ne for us, I had sparkling water.
It would have been nice to have a beer with sashimi but I have a strong will power now.

I did my workout after a nap.
Jumping is much better.
5 minutes is not desperately long any more.
I did the push ups with my knees down.
Plank was a killer.
This is the hardest one. Really hard !!! Insanely hard!!!!!
Towards the end of 90 seconds, I kept telling me that
"Oh my God, I can't do this, I can't do this."
When finished, I couldn't move for a while.

It was a good day.

Day 67

2010-08-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Walked my dog first thing in the morning.
Did the workout before breakfast.
Jumping 5 minutes is not as painful as it used to be.
Squats are fine but pistol squats are the killer. I'm having difficulty with pulling my leg straight.
Shoulder's exercises are fine. V-sit, side crunch are better than plank, so I'm not complaining.
It took me 57 minutes to finish today's workout. Not bad.

I felt like eating whole morning.
Boiled egg white and yogurt after workout, breakfast, morning snack. A lot of food.

It was very hot during the day.
I walked to the post office and the supermarket to buy eggs.
The heat on the road is like you can cook eggs on a manhole.

I took a nap, I slept through the alarm clock, it was 7:00 pm when I woke up.
I bet I was tired.
Went to the beach to walk my dog, saw some friends at the beach bar and we talked about fish you can catch now. He said he goes fishing in his kayak and catch tuna !!! Mmmm I have a kayak, should I go fishing to catch my lunch and dinner protein?? That would be nice.

I'm sleepy again. I should go to bed. I am planning to do Yoga tomorrow morning at the beach.
Then Stand Up Paddling with my beach friend.

Day 66 Great workout !

2010-08-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Workout in Yokohama today.
Patrick, Kazue san and I did the workout together.
First of all, Patrick said "Aim for 50 minutes"
"Ah, it took 1 hour 8 minutes yesterday and I wasn't moving slow... I think."
Well if Patrick says 50 minutes, it has to be 50 minutes.
The floor of the studio is much better than my house for jumping.
3 adults jumping together is something. Patrick is jumping ultra fast, double, moving left to right, Kazue san is skipping and I am the most boring jumper because if I try something different I trip.
Between 5 minutes jump was like 30 seconds or something. That's not really enough to catch my breath but I did.
After jumping, it was bang, bang, bang ! Going very quickly one after another.
At home I am still doing incline pull-up however at the studio I challenge proper pull-up. The thing is I can't pull myself up without help.
Elevated triceps dip was very very hard. To do this 6 sets was very challenging. Towards the end of 5th and 6th set, I felt the muscle failure.
I can't do Kung-fu sit up properly. Kazue san's legs touched the bar! All I could do was to pull my legs up to my waist high. Of course Patrick was doing just like a orangutan !!
Bicycle was a torture ! I barely keep the feet up from the floor.
When finished 5th set, it was 48 minutes !!

It was very intense but great workout.
Thank you, Patrick and Kazue san.

I bought a tall ice coffee @ Starbucks and had my after workout boiled egg white, yogurt and my lunch in my car.
I had an appointment at beauty salon to have my pedicure done.

In the evening at the beach.
It's hot during the day and it gets cooler in the evening. The sky was beautiful.
It is very unusual to be able to see Mt. Fuji so often in summer.
We are not getting Typhoons this year, I am not complaining but it is wired.

24 more days, I want to loose weight ( fat ) !!!!!!

Day 65 Tokyo

2010-08-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Workout in the morning before breakfast.
It took me 1 hour 8 minutes today.
Patrick's email said that we should aim for muscle failure.
But at the end of last set of "standing ovation""curl""outside curl", I did not feel "muscle failure" so I tried more. I couldn't feel the failure even after 50.
I'm doing wrong or I should buy a new band?
90 seconds "plank" was very very hard. Towards the end of the 4th set, I was trembling, sweating, feeling pain, so close to crash.

I went to Tokyo. It took 1 hour 40 minutes from my place to Omotesando where I met my friend.
It's been 16 years or more since the last time I saw her.
We first met at the driving school. We were both taking the course for 400 cc motorcycle. She was still undergraduate back then and I was teaching at American School In Japan. After we got our licenses, we went on motorcycle touring together. She graduated, became an architect.

We just talked and talked, a lot of things ( good and bad ) had happened to our life, so much to catch up.
She's married, has one kid, still rides motorcycle. I sold mine this spring. Maybe I will ride again.

Lunch was at Vegetarian cafe. Brown rice and a lot of veggies, miso soup, a bit salty for me. I missed protein for lunch.
By the time I got on the but to go home, I was starving and I had to have a bite of bread that I bought at the bakery in Tokyo...... well I know no carbs for afternoon snack but I was desperate. As soon as I got home I ate my chicken in the fridge.

For dinner I had tuna sashimi with avocado and lots of steamed veggies, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper with yogurt. ( Yogurt suppose to be evening snack but I really like my veggies with yogurt )

My diet was not perfect but I hope it's OK.

Day 64 Morning Dip

2010-08-03T00:48:00.000-07:00

At 6:30, Sunny morning, I walked in the shade @ beach with my dog, Pikkorik.
Dog friends were there at the hill. Elli, Black labrador and Lila, Golden retriever.
Both of them are good friend of Pikkorik, Yellow labrador. They are much younger than Pikkorik, so they are playful. Pikkorik ( she's 12 years old ) does not play so much any more.
But when surrounded by younger dogs, she seems to get a little more energetic.
She went in to the sea and swam a little bit. She likes to be in the water when it's hot to cool down.
But swimming is maybe for the first time in these past 2 years.
Of course the other two also went in to the water and Lila rolled over on the sand !!
It was soo nice to see Pikkorik in good spirit.

Swimming means that I need to shampoo her !
And after shampoo, she sheds so that I need to vacuum clean.
Thanks God that I am on summer vacation. I have time to do all these.
Both shampooing and vacuum cleaning give me a lower back pain. So I was extra careful about my posture.

I did Day 64 workout before lunch.
5 minutes jump is OK. Much better than the first time I jumped 4 min.
But todays strength exercises were very hard.
Especially legs. The combination of lunge, Pistol squat and floor jump is really challenging.
It took more than 1 hour today. The most challenging menu for me. I am exhausted.

I am happy with new dinner menu. I am looking forward to protein, AMAYW veggies, fruit for evening snack.
I've been eating a lot of avocado and cottage cheese. I love all kinds of cheese but I gave them up. So cottage cheese is the only one I am enjoying now. And I have half of avocado for breakfast and lunch everyday. But since lunch veggie is AMAYW, I tend to have more avocado. Avocado has vitamin C, E, B6 and Potaccium. But high in calorie, 50 kcal for 30g. Soooo I have to limit the amount.
Only 26 more days to go. I should stick with the diet and workout menu to get the most out of the program.

Go Team SEXAAAAY!!

Day 63

2010-08-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Jumping day !
5 minutes was not as bad as I thought it would be. Actually I am surprise that it went fast.

I went grocery shopping and bought so much food. I brought 2 bags for my shopping. One of them is a large size cooler bag and the other is an eco bag. Both of them are full with fruits, veggies, milk, yogurt and were quite heavy. But as I wrote the other day, my shopping is very quick. Saving a lot of time.

I ate out almost every night last summer and spent at least 1000 yen for food and 600 yen for beer, sometimes I had more than one beer. This summer I'm not spending money for eating out. PCP is saving me a lot of money.

Last night I was on my way home from evening walk, I saw my friend and he gave me some vegetables he just got from the field. They were very fresh and shining.

Some of my friend from High School are growing vegetables. They go to the field and take care of them.
They are in Kobe ( which is near Osaka/Kyoto), so I can't help them. It would be nice to grow your own vegetables.

I look around my house and I see so much stuff that I don't need/use. I really want to get rid of them like I want to get rid of fat from my body.
I want to live simple life.

I learned that I can live without beer and desert.
I don't have any craving.
But I need more sleep and I want more fruits.

I'm wondering if I am using to much cottage cheese lately.
I love cottage cheese and avocado on my bread.
How much is the limit ?

Day 62

2010-08-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Went to yoga class @beach this morning.

Yoga teacher took me and yoga class mate to her friends house with a gorgeous view. We saw a lot of Kilim. Some of them are over 100 years old. I enjoyed beautiful colors, such a detailed patterns, it would be nice to hang one on the wall or put on the floor. I liked the one but the price was little high.
We also went to the gallery. There was a back yard like a little forest and there was a table facing the forest. The owner served us some watermelon. I couldn't believe that such a place existed where just 1 minutes away from the main road.
At around 2 o'clock I became very hungry. I didn't want to eat out so I drove home.
I just wanted to eat my food !

I did my workout after a nap.
I aimed less than 1 hour again and did it. 57 minutes.
4 min. x 4 set jump is not as hard as before.
But it will be 5 minutes tomorrow !!!!!

I just finished the movie " A Knight's Tale".
Heath Ledger is so charming. It makes me so sad that he does not exist in this world any more.

Day 61

2010-07-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

My weight 2 years ago was minus 7 kg from my weight now.
I wrote that I was running back then and I've lost 10 kg over 1 year or so.
My friends still remember me back then, so even I've lost about 5 kg, still more to go.
I had been quite active all my life.
I was into sea kayaking for 8 years. I went paddling every weekend and did some long distance touring and crossing the sea like from Honshu to Hokkaido, it took 10 hours for me.
When I was running, I ran at least 15 km every weekend, and sometimes I ran during lunch break.
I used to take a workout class once a week. I did 6 men Out Rigger Canoeing, stand up paddling almost every weekend until last year.

I was afraid to run into the people whom I used to run together because my x-boyfriend is one of them. I kept the distance from the Outdoor Fitness Club that I was a member for 2 years, and I quit.
Ever since I stopped running, I became sort of an indoor person.
I've never been like that before.
To end 10 years of relationship was harder than I expected. To cover up what's missing I found joy in eating sweets. OMG! How many cheese cakes, carrot cakes, brownies, cup cakes, cookies went in to my stomach and I ignored that my jeans are no longer fit me....

I gained 12 kg.
I hated how I look and I hated feeling heavy.
But I did not do anything for 1 and half year.

My colleague's boy friend finished PCP this spring and she talked to me about it several times during lunch break. I searched PCP in internet and I saw some of faces I know in COMPLETED.
Former colleague and my student's father !! Wow!! As I see the pictures of those people I know changed from week to week, I got so excited.

I thought "This is it".
If I don't do it now, it's not gonna happen.

So here I am on Day 61 and I am very happy and proud of myself !

Today I tried to put my old jeans on.
It fit me!
A bit tight so still have to work on my belly but I can wear them !!!
Great progress!

And I did my workout less than 1 hour.

Day 60

2010-07-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

I tried very hard to finish jumps and workout in 1 hour !!!!
1st set of jumping is always hard but after that is easier each set.
I set timer between different workout for 30 sec. And I managed to finish in 1 hour.
So I feel very good about it.

I went to Starbucks in Kamakura.
This is my favorite. High ceiling, large glass doors, nice furniture, nice garden with swimming pool. I had an ice coffee and read my book.
Then I went to Patagonia Kamakura store. I didn't find anything good. So I went to supermarket and I bought milk, eggs, salmon, chicken, fruits and veggies.
It used to be time consuming but now it's so simple because I know what I need and how I cook them.
I like it very much. I'll probably stick with PCP lunch even after PCP.

I watched "Meet Joe Black" on cable TV. I wasn't going to watch it till the end but I did.
Brad Pitt is so young and cute in this movie. I like him a lot. I enjoyed it.
Ah it's late, very late!!!
Got to go to bed. I have a yoga class tomorrow morning !

Day 59

2010-07-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

When I woke up, it was raining outside. It's been a while since last time we had rain.

I was stiff, and had a pain in my lower back again. Also I had a pain in the butt from V-sit.

I felt tired, lazy and unmotivated this morning.
I was going to do my workout but instead I read everyone's posts.
When I read Tara's post, I felt exactly the same.

In the afternoon, I still don't feel like doing the workout. I was extremely sleepy.
So I took a nap.

I was just sooooo tired. I drag myself to take my dog for a walk at 6:30 pm.

I did my jump and workout with Queen.

Doing Double Katana after Elevated triceps dip and Ski jump was hard. I could not pull my arms all the way up after 10 reps.
I am not good at Kung-fu sit ups. Sit ups were OK.

I'm done.

Day 58

2010-07-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

So I played Queen's "Jazz" while jumping and doing my workout.

"Play aggressive music with a beat to get you into the groove." worked!

Especially "Mustapha"'s rhythm is perfect for jumping.
First set sucked so I did the extra set.

While I was sweating ( even in air conditioned room ), my dog was relaxing,

She makes me smile.

In the evening, I went to the beach to see the fire works. I ordered sparkling water but they gave me a tonic water which I sipped and was sweet so I threw it away. I could order sparkling water at any restaurant in NYC, but here in Japan, it is not so popular, I guess.

The beach was crowded, kids were running around and adults were drinking and talking in a loud voice.

I went home as soon as the fire works was finished to have may evening snack.

I put Tandoori Curry powder in yogurt to eat with my veggies. It was good.

Ingredients: Dry ginger, garlic powder, cinnamon, cassia cloves, black pepper, red chilles, nutmeg, mace

Day 57

2010-07-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday... workout in Yokohama with Patrick.
I was nervous again because of my lower back pain.

But you know what?

I did everything in 1 hour.
I did the 4 min. x 4 jumps OK some trips but I continued jumping.

Did the Day 58 menu instead of Day 57.
Did the 3 kinds of CURL.
As I was doing the curl, I was sweating so much that yoga mat got wet ( Patrick never sweats! )
I like biceps and standing ovation.
I love to have muscles in my arms, shoulders and back.
Would be nice to look good in bare shoulder dress.

Last week, I was so sure that my heart rate is going over 180 or maybe 200 when jumping for 3 min. straight. So I decided to wear a chest band and a watch which I bought to monitor heart rate when training for a trail running race 3 years ago.

It was 160 at the max !!

It is said that max heart rate should be 220 - your age,
for me it's around 170. But when I was running, it went over 180 and that's not good for fat burning.
If you want to burn fat I should go max. around 160.

http://exercise.about.com/cs/cardioworkouts/l/aa022601a.htm

Anyway what I really wanted to say is jumping is very good for fat burning !!!

Day 56

2010-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I tried to jump for 4 minutes but I tripped many many times.
It was very frustrating.

Lower back pain is still bothering me.
Bending over is tricky.
I have to be careful.

I read Elena's post then I read Kung-Fu Body's blogs and I started reading Patrick's PCP blog.
I found that Patrick's birthday was last Friday.
Happy Birthday (delayed), Patrick !
I have not read all of the post but they are very interesting and a lot to learn from. Thank God I am in summer holiday. I have plenty of time to read !

I was already hungry at 5:00 pm so I had my dinner.
After I walked my dog I was tempted to have a glass of iced cafe latte at the beach but I went home for evening snack.

I was still hungry after I had my evening snack.
I ate extra veggies and blueberries.
I have never been hungry after evening snack, and today was only jumping day, I don't know why....

Day 55 This morning I woke up with this feeling

2010-07-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up with this feeling

I did not now how to deal with

And so I just decided to myself

I'd hide it to myself

And never talk about it

And did not go and shout it

when I have this pain in the back

I think I've a pain in the back

So what am I so afraid of

I'm afraid so that I'm not sure of

A pain there is no cure for

I think I've a pain in the back

Isn't that what life is made of ?

Though it worries me to say

That I have felt this way before...

This is the song ( I change the words a bit ) from the program I was crazy about when I think I was in Junior High.

Anyway...

I'm not really sure what the causes of this lower back pain I have.

Maybe it is because I slept on futon last night.

My bed is on the 2nd floor that the air conditioner is not working.

So I decided to sleep in the 1st floor.

I did not want to admit that I have this pain

so that I did my jumps and workout.

I tripped several times.

I had a pain while jumping

But I ignored them.

Workout was OK.

I did less reps for incline pull up.

AND

I went to Yoga class.

Because I wanted have breakfast with my friends !!

I brought my veggies, boiled egg and whole wheat bread.

During yoga class,

Some poses gave me sharp pain

But I ignored them.

I hope the pain goes away.

Day 54

2010-07-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 4:30 am and did my jump and workout at 5:00 am.
Took shower, ate boiled egg white and yogurt ( with a tiny bit of honey ).
Then I took my dog to the beach for Yoga class.
After the class is breakfast served by the beach house.
I gave my fried egg, ham and two pieces of french bread away and ate steamed veggies, boiled egg and two pieces of whole wheat bread I brought with me.
I know the owner of the the beach house and I pay for breakfast ( which is only 500 yen) so it's OK.
I just want to have a breakfast with my friends at the beach. It is so nice to have breakfast at ocean front.
And the conversation is very relaxed and interesting. I really like this time.
Yoga teacher is my friend and her husband, her son, and all the other people who know each other are there sharing the morning time.

No one was complaining jellyfish so they weren't in the sea this morning. I should have brought my bathing suit.

There is an old air conditioner in the dining room which was already in the house when I moved in.
I've never used it but it is unbearably hot and humid, I thought I should give it a try.

It worked perfectly !
So happy !

When I took my dog to the Vet., It was still muggy and sticky.

I am going to get up at 4:30 again tomorrow so I should go to bed now.

Day 53 The hottest summer ever!

2010-07-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

My air conditioner is out of order.

I tried to call the customer center many times the day before yesterday and did not get through. The heat waves are in Japan.
Never had this hot summer since I came to live here.
Every summer I use air conditioner maybe less than 10 times.

So I bought a new fan.
I ordered it through internet and it came the next day.
It is amazing !

I put ice packs in Japanese cotton towel called "TENUGUI" and wrap my neck around.
I put it around my dog's neck, too.
Poor my dog, it is too hot for her.

Also put a large ice pack in towel on the floor to make my feet cool.

Jumping and workout has to be early in the morning.
Otherwise I'll faint. It is dangerously hot.
The first 3 min. set was hard. I thought it is because of the beer I had for indulgence last night.
I can do without beer this summer.
And I don't need cakes.
I realized I am happy with the PCP diet.
What's gonna happen when we finished 90 days ?
I may not wish to go back to the normal diet.
What's gonna happen if we stop jumping and working out after 90 days ?
Will I miss jumping?

I went for a walk before 6:00 am this morning.
It was already hot.
My dog went in the sea to cool herself.
She and I used to swim together every morning. A lot of fun.
But she is 12 years old now so she does not want to go swimming anymore, just a dip.

As soon as I went in the water, I felt something on my leg.

Jellyfish!

I hate jellyfish! I always get stung by them and get red, itchy and nasty!!!
They are in the sea already.
It means I can't go swimming this summer.....
Even I swim with my wet suit on, they find my wrist or ankle to sting.
They are nasty.

Day 52 oh my god my age and indulgence

2010-07-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

I am soon to be 53...

I had my indulgence today.

BEER AT THE BEACH!!

And I had marinated tuna, edamame and ratatouille.

It was good. Marinated tuna was with some onion and olives, edamame was not salty, raratouille was delicious. Good choice.

After I finished beer, I ordered sparkling water. Didn't want another glass of beer.

Then to the other beach house to have desert.

Iced cafe latte and a lemon tart.

I shared a lemon tart with my friend.

It was too sweet.

A lot of sugar in the lemon cream.

There were people from the sports club I used to go to.

It's a small town.

People hang out at the beach day and night during the summer.

The reason I don't feel well is because of the lemon tart or ......

I should get up early tomorrow to burn what I ate today.

Day 51 Boiling hot !

2010-07-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

My lunch today. I love my veggies with cottage cheese and chicken.

My air conditioner is not working.

I took the filters out to clean it. First vacuum cleaned them but did not clean completely so I washed them. And I put them back but it did not work.

I was sweating throughout the day today. Usually I don't need to use air conditioner because of the breeze from the sea but this year is different. Rainy season is over earlier than usual and it is like mid summer weather already.

Luckily I did my workout in the early morning. I did the 3 min. x 5 sets jumps OK. Once I know I can do it, it is no longer so painful. It's all mental.

I went to the beach house called "Blue Moon" tonight with my friend. I had a tomato and veggie tacos.

I told them not to put any sauce nor salt on my tomato. But it came with mustard. Never had tomato with mustard.

Day 50 Attitude towards workout

2010-07-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

I was nervous this morning.
Every Tuesday I go to Patrick's studio.
I was in NYC last Tuesday so it's been 2 weeks since last time I did workout with Patrick.
Jumping 3 minutes 5 sets was making me nervous.
Because I could jump for 3 minutes only 1 set. I had no confidence to do all 5 sets.

When I told Patrick that I can't jump for 3 min. x 5, he asked me what I mean by "I can't" and I answered that I go out of breath or I might faint. What he told me was "You are underestimating your ability".
Really?
Don't I know my ability?
I am the one who should know what I can do and cannot do.
I am the one who feels my heart rate is going over 180 or maybe 200 !!

However...

Patrick was right.

I jumped all 5 sets. I tripped only twice.
I learned the effective way to catch my breath and not to exaggerate my pain after each set.

Workout is making me strong and helping me lose fat.
But my attitude was something like I am suffering, I can't do this any harder, do I have to do this much ?

With Patrick I finished jumping and workout in 1 hour.

I wasn't pushing myself enough.
I was making excuses to myself.

I am comfortable with food but I was not confident that I could keep up with the workout menu which is getting harder and harder.

Maybe it is not just workout, I may have this attitude not to push myself hard enough and avoid the pain.

It was a good workout.
I had my egg white and yogurt in my car then went home for shower & lunch.

Day 49

2010-07-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Early in the morning when it is still cool, I took my dog for a walk.
By the time I got to the beach dog friends were there and everyone was talking about the Italian restaurant that opened in June. It is very close to my house and I've been there twice already. Everyone who has been there agreed that it is a very nice restaurant. It is an old house renovated into a restaurant and it has a small garden. Very nice atmosphere.
Maybe on my birthday in mid August or after PCP.

Where I live is 90 minutes away from Tokyo but it is famous for Royal family's vacation house and many other wealthy people's second houses. So people here are quite wealthy and picky about food/fashion etc. and if the restaurant is not good the rumor spread very quickly.
Don't get me wrong, I am not a wealthy one who owns house here. I am just a teacher and renting an old house but it is only 2 minutes away from the beach and I love it.

I spend about 1 hour walking my dog mainly socializing with dog friends. I like meeting other dogs and the owners.

It was 7:00 am when I get back and I did laundry then started 3 min. x 5 jumps.
3 minutes was very challenging to me. I get out of breath very easily and my calf became tired.
After jumps I did the Day 45 workout. The day I came back from NYC.

I hate the combination of floor jump and lunge. They worn me out.
I can manage curl/one arm curl, katana, plank and side crunch. I sort of enjoy plank. I really hate lunge.
I will do more rep/set of squats if I am allowed to do that. I hate lunge!!!!!
It took me more than 1 hour to finish everything.
I stepped on my scale and I was very disappointed that I gained 400g since last time. What !?
Why do I gain 400g ? Is it the white bread/fried egg I had on Sat. and Sun. morning ?
I was sad.

I finally got to eat my breakfast at 9:30.
Steamed vegetable, mini tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado with cottage cheese, whole wheat bread, boiled egg + egg white & coffee. I am happy : )

It is 11:23 am and already very hot. It's the last day of 3 day weekend in Japan so I expect the beach is very busy. It should be nice in the evening after tourists are gone.
My favorite female singer will be singing at the beach house tonight so I am planning to go.

Pictures tonight. Another beautiful sky and the live music at the beach house. I had a bottle of sparkling water. And I had my evening snack veggie and yogurt after I came home.

Day 48

2010-07-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yoga at the beach in the morning is great.
Then they serve breakfast at the beach house.
Breakfast used to be good..... actually it's not bad at all but I don't enjoy it anymore.
I'd like to prepare my own breakfast.
My stomach was kind of upset for a while.

I had proper lunch. Vegetables, grilled salmon, whole wheat bread.

I did my workout in the night.
It was hard. 2 minutes x 8 jumps was hard. Workout was hard.

I had my egg white, apple, yogurt, veggies.

Prepare food, eat properly push myself to do the workout.

Day 47

2010-07-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is my beach in the evening. When the sun goes down it gets cool at the beach. I sit down and enjoy the view.

This morning I went to a Yoga class at the beach. Every summer I enjoy Yoga class and breakfast at the beach house "UMIGOYA"

Breakfast today was sunny side up, sausage, salad, bread and coffee. I gave my sausages away.

Unfortunately the bread was white one... I always have whole wheat bread... but it is a little too much to expect whole wheat bread.

I get very tired at around 2:00 pm I was so tired that I had to take a nap.

zzzzzzzzz

It was 5:00 pm when I woke up.

I was still tired.

I don't know why but I was still tired.

I did not feel like doing my jumps and workout right away.

So I went to walk my dog.

and

I did my jumps and workout.

I fell asleep as I write this post. I have to go to bed.

New York Pictures

2010-07-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

People celebrating Spain's Victory at Columbus Circle and Elena and me in NYC!!!!

Day 46 Back in Japan

2010-07-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

Now I am back in Japan.
I did my workout after I walked my dog.
I sweat and sweat and sweat....
I was already feeling muscle failure at 2nd set of Push up and I couldn't lift my legs up when doing bicycle at the 2nd set. It seems the 1st set is OK but 2nd set gets extremely difficult and the by the time doing the 4th set, I am squeezing all my strength in my body.
I took shower and stepped on my scale, wow I have lost 5 kg since the beginning of PCP and 2 kg since last time I weigh myself ( before visiting NYC ). Is it because I walked a lot and sweat a lot while I was in NYC ?

My last day in NYC, Wednesday was hectic.
Elisa came to the kitchen to get her lunch from the fridge at 6:30 am, sleeping in the living room, I heard her but I couldn't get up before she leaves for work.
Around 7:20 am I got out of my bed and I did my workout. Wooo it was hard.
I took quick shower and had my breakfast. I am going to miss variety of fruits and vegetables they sell at supermarkets in NYC !! I really enjoyed grocery shopping !!

It started raining.
I had a suitcase, lots of souvenirs in Bloomingdale's big brown bag, trying to get a taxi on Broadway.
All the taxis were speeding to down town and there were other people waiting taxis to stop.
I started to worry if I could make it to the air port on time and I called Elisa. She told me that it maybe easier on the uptown side of the Broadway. The rain was getting harder, after 20-25 min. I finally got a taxi and I made it to the JFK on time. I had enough time to buy a coffee and eat my chicken salad from Elisa's fridge.

The flight was looooooong.
I could not sleep so much, maybe 2 hours in total.
I wished there were place to do jumping and workout in the plane. I really wanted to do my workout before I get home.
As I wrote before, I requested ANA Low Fat meals and they served very good PCP friendly food.

I saw 3 and half movies.
"Mamma mia" for the second time, I love Merryl Streep.
"Hurt Locker" was very good. I did't think I would enjoy the war movie when I'm tired but I got into it. And I enjoyed "Bourne Identity" and half of "Bourne Supremacy".

I got home at 7:00 pm on Thursday and I went to my friend's house to pick up my dog.
I was very tired and hungry but I did not have anything in my fridg so I had to go shopping.
I ate then I was going to do my workout but I took shower and went to bed.
So I missed my Day 45 workout : (

Day 43 Yes ! I met Elena!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I met Elena today!!
She is a fabulous, gorgeous, sophisticated young lady !
She is a kind of a girl that I would like to ask for a date if I were a guy!!!
And I couldn't believe that we met for the first time today !
We talked about the new workout menu and many other things. I thank PCP for making this happen.
I told Elena that how hard it was for me to jump for 2 minutes. I counted and it was 300 jumps for my last set. I tripped several times for the first 4 sets so it was not over 2000 but defenitely more than 1500 !
Oh I love NYC ! Such an exciting place to be ! Thank you for makig time for me, Elana!

Today's workout was hard. 2 min x 7 jumps following floor jumps and my least favorite lunge..... I thought lunge is gone. Never come back to the menu but it's back.
I almost died before the end of the 4th set of 50 sec. plank.
I woke up at 8:00 am but I was too sleepy to start the workout right away and today's menu took longer.

I went to Harlem for the first time today. I saw the inside of the Apolo theater then visited the museum of the city of New York. then I met Elena!
For dinner I finally got together with Elisa. I came after she left for West Virginia to see her cousin's baby and her step mother's play and she came back to NY last night. I had a very pleasant stay in NYC because of her beautiful place and its location is perfect to go anywhere!
We talked and talked to catch up. The last time I saw her was last October and I wanted to tell her about PCP. She is doing the weight watcher so she was very much intersted.

It's my last night in NYC. I hate to leave but I am glad that I can go back to my normal routine.
I missed my dog every time I saw dogs on the street and even in Bergdorf Goodman !!
In order to spend longer in NYC, I have to live here with my dog!

It is getting late now. It's already 2:00 pm in Japan. When I get home it will be Thursday afternoon.
So I must do my workout befor I leave which means I have to wake up at 6:30 am.

Day 42 New York, New York

2010-07-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

As I was walking thruough the Central Park from East side to West side yesterday, I suddenly wanted go to the bathroom.
But the park is huge and I don't know where toilets are. My guide book says that "toilets in the park are not recommended. You should find Starbucks or First Food restaurant and pay tips.
So I quickly went through the park and looked for cafe. But I didn't see any. I finally saw a nice looking restaurant and I asked them if I could use the ladies room and I did. Is it because change of the diet during this trip ? I am not regular.

Afgan restaurant I went yesterday was actually a good restaurant.
The owner was very funny and showed us how to eat like father does to child. I enjoyed that.

After 1500 jumps and workout (which I missed yesterday, I confess !) then shower I didn't have enough time for breakfast, I quickly ate yogurt and fruits then left home to see my other former students from American School In Japan.
One of them works in the Chrysler bld. so we met in the lobby there. After 20 years, he is a grown up man !! He has wife and 2 children and working hard. The other student is working for the NY Yankees and he is enjoying NY for 11 years now. It was so nice to see them after 20 years.
I had a grilled salmon, spinach, mashed potatoes, and bread. It was a good lunch.

I walked the 5th Ave. from 42nd street and did some shopping. I ended up walking to the Columbus Circle. Whenever I'm in NY, I walk a lot. By the time I got home, I was very hungry but I was sweating badly I had to take shower immediately.

I am so happy I could eat what I am supposed to eat.
Apple, egg white, yogurt and vegetables are so good.

Day 41 NYC Day 4

2010-07-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

I couldn't sleep last night. I couldn't fall asleep until 5 am.
I don't know why.
So I was very very sleepy when my alarm went off.
Miki had a carrot cake and gaspaccio for breakfast. What an interesting combination !
She left gaspaccio in the fridge. I tried spoonfull of it. It was too salty to me.
It is getting difficult to agree with other people's tastes.

I did the jumping after Miki has left (before my breakfast) .

Lunch was at a vegetarian cafe with my former student. The portion was too big for me.
I could not eat the whole thing. The Brito looked like a pillow to me.

Columbus Circle at 6 pm was crowded with people dancing, singing, shouting and waving flags of Spain. Eveybody was praising the Victory of Spanish Team.
I met my collegue there and we went to Afganistan Restaurant on 9 th Ave.
I had lam, eggplant in tomato sauce and with rice, and salad.
Again the portion was too big.
I want to have a smaller portion, please !

I don't want to eat alone but I don't want to eat what I'm not supposed to eat and feel bad about it.
I want to spend time with friends but eating is a big element of socialization.
Eating out was stressful.
Why eating is such a big event ?
Why we have to eat when we meet someone ?

All I have to say is "I am on a special diet so can we have a cup of tea/coffee ?" in stead of "Let's have lunch/dinner.
It's up to me. No one can force me to eat food I don't want to eat. I simply suggest tea/coffee.
I have to convince people around me that I am dead serious about the diet I am on and workout I am working.

Day 40 another long day!

2010-07-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 10:30 this morning. I slept 9 hours !!!
My friend Miki who is visiting NY with me woke me up and she went out for breakfast because she is leaving tomorrow and is anxious to enjoy NYC as much as possible.
It took me about 30 min. to get ready for jumping.
She came home when I was doing my workout.
She is quite impressed with me doing my workout even I am on vacation.
And she left for shopping befor I take shower.
When I left home to meet her was already 1:30. I went to Sacks 5th Ave. to see Miki then we went to Soho for late lunch. The Cafe we went offers Morrocan food. I had Somoked trout, lentil and avocado plate. It was good. trout was not too salty. I like NYC because they offer food I can eat !
We walked and walked, went up and down the stairs of subway. But I did not get so hungry.
A little after sun set, we went to the Top of the Rock. Both of us have been to NY many times but it was the first time to visit there. The view from the top was fantastic and it was not hot at all. When we came downand we went to the Rockefeller Center Cafe. I had Lobster ( without butter and it was not salty so I hope it's OK with PCP diet ) Yes, I'm suppose to have egg white and apple......
I talked to Miki all about PCP and she was very much interested, so she might start from August.

I am going to see my former student tomorrow after maybe 18 years or so. She was a student when I was teaching at Middle School of American School In Japan.
I am very much looking forward to it.

OK I'd better go to bed now.

Day 39

2010-07-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I had my indulgence at an Italian Restaurant with my friend.
I had a glass of Italian white wine and some antipastos, and we share a desert. I had one third of Semifred.
It was sooooo good!

I did my jump and workout first thing in the morning today.
Pistol squat and Creep gave me sore muscle.
I took shower and we went to have breafast at Zabar.
I ate my vegetable, yogurt and fruit at friend's house so I had a bagle and coffee.

Then we went to all over the places in NYC including High Line, Chelsea Market, Union Square etc. until 5 pm.
Lunch was at Whole Foods Market. They have all kinds of salad so I was happy!

We went home and changed then went to Madison Square Garden for Lady Gaga's concert.
I enjoyed watching people at the concert. Some people's fashion was outrageous :)
And the concert was good. 20000 people were there and mostly very very young people !!!!
Dancers' dancing were just like workout and I thought about my sore muscle.

I just came home from the concert and extremely sleepy. I think I can sleep well tonight.

Day 38 Long day

2010-07-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'm in NYC now.
Writing this from my friend's place.
It is not as hot as I thought.
My friend Elisa is away until Monday so her boyfriend Victor took care of me. He took me to the grocery shopping and helped me doing the workout.
He once was a professional football plalyer and he's incredibly fit for his age ( he's in his 60's).
He cheered me through the workout and hold my resistant band while I was doing the show-off and ski jump. He also timed for me so I couldn't cheat. I think I did well with little sleep in the air plane.
I took shower and I'm a new woman now !
I boiled eggs and ate my apple.
I am going to eat out.....it is going to be just vegetable for me though.

Day 37

2010-07-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

I walked my dog first thing in the morning then I did my workout.
Pistol squats are not easy. I feel like I am going to hurt my knee if I go lower.
Shoulder fly and side crunch are new. New menus are good. Even they are difficult or challenging, I enjoy them.

I was quite busy preparing for my trip to NYC today.
I packed my jump rope, resistant band and shoes !

I called ANA and requested low fat meals for me.
I hope the food is good ( for PCP diet )

OK good night!

Day 36

2010-07-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I do my workout with Patrick.

Pistol squat was hard. I could not go lower.
And Bicycle was also very very hard. I couldn't lift my legs.
I almost collapsed before the end of the last set of 40 seconds Plank. I was surprised that I finished today's workout in 40 minutes.
If I want to lose fat, extra jumps will be the way to do it, and no rest after every 100 jumps....
Wow.... but I really really want to get rid of FAT.

Day 35

2010-07-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

I jumped and I did Day 33 workout.

Chest dip is hard. I don't know if I am doing it right.
Leg up is OK but V-sit is not the shape of V, I am having hard time lifting my legs and upper body at the same time.

I steamed potato, carrot and broccoli.
I bought whole wheat bread at my favorite bakery.

I had my dinner and I am full and sleepy.

Day34

2010-07-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

So the little devil in my head whispered "It's ok to skip the workout today. You're tired, you deserve the break... no one will know..."

Patrick, are you psychic?

You knew that I skipped my workout yesterday.
That's what I thought when I checked the email.

I wanted to sleep in this morning.
I was sooo tired.
But I got up and I went swimming.
And I did my workout.
Yes, I did!

Now I am home.
I will do Day 33 tomorrow after 1400 jump rope to make up yesterday.

It is so much easier to do the workout and prepare food at home.

I need a good SLEEP!

Day 33 Reunion Day

2010-07-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

I did the swimming first thing in the morning.
Then I went to my friend's birthday party for lunch. I had some tacos.
I had a tiny bite of a birthday cake.

Then I went to see my friends from College for coffee.

And I went to the Junior High Reunion.
Quite a number of people came many of them are the first time after the graduation which means 37 years!!

Food there were either too salty or greasy. I ate some vegetables. I drank water all the time.
But the purpose is not to eat or get drunk, I wanted to see people that I haven't seen so many years so it was OK. It is amazing that I can put up with not eating even many dishes of food are in front of me and everyone is eating and drinking.

Oh but I am so tired talking to so many people in one day and I don't have any more energy left.

I have to go to bed.
I am dead!

Day 32 Jump rope, not allowed :(

2010-07-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm in Kobe.
Staying at hotel near my parents place so that I can visit them when I have time.

I bought vegetables, yogurt and fruits at the nearby shop and I did the cooking at my parents kitchen. Steamed vegetables and boiled eggs. I burned my thumb when steaming vegetable and had to ice it for more 2 hours :(
My parents had Soba noodles and I had banana, yogurt and egg white for dinner.
Strange family dinner!

After early dinner, I went to the gym in the hotel, and I discovered that jump rope is not allowed there.
The first time I skipped jump rope since Day 1!!

But don't worry.
I did the swimming for 30 min.
Then I did the workout but I could not get through the whole thing.
I was extremely tired.
I somehow managed to do 2 sets of lunge, all sets of davinci, push up and 40 seconds plank.

I'm having my evening snack vegetables in my room.
It's kind of late... I have to go to bed soon.

I am doing my best.
I am going swim first thing in the morning and maybe I'll do 8 min. abs.

It's gonna be challenging tomorrow.

Day 31 HOT & HUMID JAPANESE SUMMER!!!

2010-06-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I was a bit lazy on posting.

Every Tuesday I go to Yokohama to do the workout with Patrick.
In the morning when I read Patrick's email, I was one of the people who thought I can choose one of two at first then realized that I have to do both.
What?!
I do floor jump after lunge !!!
I knew it's coming, I know it.
So I'm prepared to do the up graded workout!

We did the Day 30 in stead of 29 in order to do Chest Drop with Patrick.
Oh it was hard.
I was pathetic.
I just could not lift my body up. I had to put one foot on the floor for support.
This is hard!!!!

I stayed up late on Tuesday night, precisely I went to bed at normal time but woke up in the middle of night.
I watched WC Football Japan vs Paraguay. Actually missed most of the game because I woke up at 1:00 am. I thought the game must have been over but I could hear my neighbor cheering from outside so I turned TV on and it was the time for penalty kick. The result was Japan made 3 and Paraguay made 5. I couldn't go to sleep for a while.

As a result I couldn't wake up early enough to do my workout before 9:30 appointment.
Bummer!

It was very pleasant last night at the beach.
I stopped at the beach house ( it is till under construction but almost finished for July 10 open ).
I sat with my beach friends, chat while watching the sun set.
My dog is at my feet relaxed.
Everybody else was drinking beer but I sipped green tea. I was happy and very peaceful. Before it gets completely dark I went home.

I did Day 29 workout which is the day I have to do floor jump after my least favorite LUNGE!

I was worn out.

After I took shower I thought I don't have enough energy left to eat my dinner.

But thankfully it is just apple, banana, egg white and yogurt.

Easy to prepare. And I have my steamed vegetable ready in the fridge.

I tend to stay up late and get up late during my holiday. It is OK during the winter but now it's very hot and I must walk my dog while it is cooler.

I got up at 9:00 am which is unforgivable time.

Well rested ? yes but I was not focused for at least 2 hours.

I hate when I do this.

I leave for KOBE tomorrow. It is going to be interesting how I keep my PCP diet.

I will do my best.

Day 28

2010-06-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

This Friday I am going to my hometown, Kobe.
I will see my parents, my friends and attend Middle School reunion.

My friends from High School are bunch of very cheerful people. They are planning a birthday party for one of us. Their party is not something you get together and just eat and drink.
It is a talent show!! I am told that we will sing an old Japanese hit song and dance !
AND I am going to be a WORKOUT instructor !
I have to plan 2 or 3 things for them ... Squat? V-sit ( no, no my V-sit is not the shape of V!) Creep? Floor jump? It would be hilarious to see them doing the workout !
So all my friends are very supportive of what I am doing.
Lunch will be Tacos so it's very PCP friendly food !
I will bring my Perrier and no one will force me to drink beer.

My mom is sending emails asking what she should prepare and I just replied that I will bring everything and cook at my parents' kitchen. I told them I am not eating any desert otherwise they will prepare something and I don't want to disappoint them. My mom just emailed me saying that my diet is VERY STRICT. I don't think it's strict. It makes sense and I am enjoying every meal I have.

It's very hot today.
As I vacuum clean my house I did the squat and creep. I feel my muscles are supporting my knees and lower back. Because I didn't get sore back and sore knees afterwards.
Great improvement. My life is lot easier now.

Day 25 & 26

2010-06-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was watching WC Football Japan-Denmark on TV last night ( it's a day late ). When it's finished I was so sleepy that I did not have energy to post my blog... excuses, excuses....

Anyway my new kitchen scale arrived!!

I've been using old fashioned kitchen scale for long long time.

So I decided to get me a digital kitchen scale for PCP! Luckily I could get it with the points I accumulated with my credit card.

I walked my dog first thing in the morning then I did my workout.

Today when I was doing PLANK, I focused on my muscles !!! I survived!!!

I took shower, prepared my breakfast, ate and read everyone's blog. I always get inspired other people's blog and they get me going!

Happy Day 26!

Day 24

2010-06-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Walked my dog first thing in the morning.

Did my workout. I tried hard. I was inspired by Jenny and I tried hard.

I put the timer between my hands when I did the Plank. I was trembling at 25 sec. of the 3rd set and I crushed as soon as I saw 30! I am sure it will be longer, right?

Food:

I am enjoying every meal so much.

Forgot to have afternoon tea!!

I cleaned my deck so that I can have my breakfast there.

That's it for today.

Day 23 Rainy day

2010-06-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

AMAYW veg is wonderful! I'm so happy!

I sprinkled cottage cheese on my vegetables.

I did my workout first thing in the morning and I took shower. So by the time I eat my breakfast, I was starving. Every meal makes me so happy. Because they are tasty and they're making me strong and healthy.

In the past I always felt guilty about what and how I eat. Every time I order desert, I buy brownies at the bake sale, eat chocolate during morning recess, and so on.

But now I know what to eat and I don't have to feel guilty. It is great. I don't have to think about if I should order cheese cake or apple pie, that's not my option now. PCP makes my life so easy and simple.

As I eat this way, I think my thoughts are getting clearer.

I started running in the fall of 2006.

First 3 km, then 5 km, 10 km.

I ran the 10 km race in March 2007.

I also started running trails almost every weekend, 10 ~ 20 km each time and I ran the 15 km trail running race in April 2007 and 2008.

I was eating a lot, and drinking beer, wine every occasion I had.

But I lost about 10 kg by January 2008.

However it was too much for my knees.

Running 10-20 km every weekend was not for me.

I'm not an athlete who's aiming for iron man race. I wanted to use my time for other things.

Running in the trail plus socializing, eating and drinking took too much time from my weekend.

I stopped running completely by January 2009.

I did not stop eating... big problem !!

As a result..... I gained 12 kg !

I was aware that it is not a healthy situation, but I did not feel like starting anything until my colleague told me about PCP!

I needed discipline and freedom and PCP has the both. I can do my workout whenever I want as long as I do once a day and I can choose my vegetables and fruits. I just have to weigh them.

I feel that I am getting stronger and better every day.

As I see the difference in my teammates' photos, I tell myself, push yourself, Naoko!

Happy Day 23!!

Day 22 Hot day!

2010-06-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

I went to Yokohama for once a week work out with Patrick and Kazue san.

Since there are many new exercises are introduced this week, Patrick chose Day 25 in stead of Day 22.

After 1150 jumps, I did floor jumps. This is similar to Usagitobi (rabbit jumps) when we did for PE class in elementary school. Chicken wing and V-sit were also new to me. V-sit was really challenging.

Plank and Creep also coming soon! I can't wait!

I had lunch with my colleague at Restaurant. Brown rice, tofu hamburg, bamboo shoot, hijiki (seaweed), and salad. It's supposed be a healthy food but it was salty to me. And it was not enough vegetables.

I was so thirsty that I drank 3 classes of water.

I will pack my lunch next Tuesday. My vegetables, chicken and bread.

After lunch I wanted go home, take shower and take a nap but I had a dentist appointment.

I've been postponing to go to the dentist for such a long time so I had to :(

I missed my afternoon tea, so I was very very hungry and tired when I got home.

But I took my dog for a walk first. Some people I know were drinking beer at the beach house (under construction).

But I was fine sitting right next to them watching the sunset. I was really hungry. All I need was shower and dinner!

Dinner: Steamed vegetables (zucchini, carrot, potato, sayaendo peas) and mini tomato, Grilled salmon with black pepper and rosemary (my favorite), Fruit (mango, pineapple,blueberry, banana), Yogurt.

Day 21 Summer Solstice

2010-06-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

1000 jumps....I did it.

Food: as usual....

Breakfast: steamed vegetables, boiled egg, whole wheat bread, fruits, yogurt

Lunch: steamed vegetables, grilled salmon, whole wheat bread,

Dinner: steamed vegetables, boiled prawn, fruits, yogurt

I have sore muscles in my side.

My friend came and of course I told her all about PCP!

She didn't say anything negative about it. She even asked me if you can write your blog in Japanese.... she was quite interested.

At 5:00 I get tired and weak. It's like this every day.

But after dinner I feel fine.

Day 20 Japan lost 1-0 to Holland

2010-06-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

My PCP workout gears and my deck where I jump everyday.

This morning I woke up a little late because I had a radio program to listen to in the midnight last night. My former student who plays for Danish Team "Horsens" was interviewed about the Danish team. He spoke in Japanese. He speaks pretty good Japanese but not a native speaker. He did pretty good answering the question. I felt like I'm his Mother listening to his interview.... anyway this is why I stayed up late last night.

First thing I do in the morning is to take my dog for a walk. Yesterday many surfers are out in the sea. We are getting more and more surfers lately. It used to be a sort of a secret point but not anymore.

As soon as I get home I go out to my deck and start jumping.

Then my least favorite lunges. But today's menu says that 20 seconds rest between sets! Well still hard for me. I don' t like the even day's menu because of lunges, push ups and triceps dips. It took about 45 minutes and I am dead tired.

I took shower and ate my breakfast. Steamed vegetables, cherry tomato, avocado, boiled egg, whole wheat bread, coffee, fruit, yogurt.

It's 1:20 pm but I am so tired from the workout and not hungry yet.

I think workout menu now is something the maximum I could do with my present ability. Am I going to be strong enough to do harder workout ????

Day 19

2010-06-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

Planning ahead is so important since PCP started.

In order to attend Yoga class at 11:00 am, have to have breakfast 2 hours before the class.

I woke up at 7:00 which was later than I planned, I took my dog for a walk, we didn't see any dog friends, I think we were late.

I started my workout at 8:00, with 200 jumps x 4 + 100 without tripping ! All the exercises with resistant band went OK but I couldn't get up after the last rep of sit-ups.

My dog looked like she wants to ask me "Why are you doing this everyday?"

I took shower, sweating, sweating, had my breakfast sweating and did the laundry. I feel like I have a 15 year old son who plays foot ball or something.

Luckily Yoga class is only 2 min. away from where I live.

It's held at a small community house next to Shinto Shrine and Buddhism Temple. Isn't it interesting that Japanese have 2 religions in our life and people don't question about the fact.

We go to Shrines for Wedding, new-born baby, 7-5-3 year old blessing, etc. But funeral has to be at the Buddhism Temple. I myself is baptized when I was 15 , I am a Christian ( don't go to the Church though)

Old house with tatami mats. I like the atmosphere. It is called Yoga by the sea

I enjoyed the lesson very much I like the way teacher, Stacy talks to us.

I was sweating as much as I sweat during my workout.

No one else was sweating like I was. What's wrong with me?

Is this menopausal disorder?

Lunch: Whole wheat bread, steamed vegetables, grilled salmon, yogurt, some fruits

I am quite happy with what I eat now. Everything is tasty. I don't have any craving so far.

Except for the Beer the other day. But I am happy with SOLE (Italian sparkling water) now.

Day 18

2010-06-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to finish morning walk with my dog, my workout, shower and breakfast before I leave home for my 9:00 am appointment.

I woke up at 5:50 am. Well I set my alarm at 5:00 am but I couldn't get up.

I went for a walk and at the beach my dog friends were gathered so a little bit of socializing. Dog friends are interesting. We don't know each other's name just dog's names, age, breed etc.

I fed my dog and started jumping.

I decided 200 at a time. So tiring that I have to rest more than I was jumping 100 at a time. I don't know which is better. But my feet get stiff after 200 and I can't do more. Every 200, I have to walk around and catch up my breath.

I really hate lunges. I can't do 4 reps without rest. I get out of breath and my muscle just above my knees are stiff. I will do more squats if I can alternate, but I suppose Patrick would say lunges develop different muscles so you have to do them. Every menu has the reason!

I think can manage rowing, curl and forward shoulder raise 4 reps, but not lunges 4 reps without rest!!!

I was dead tired after the 4th reps of leg up, but I did not have time to rest, I had to take shower and get dressed.

When I was eating my breakfast, I felt like falling asleep. I wanted to go back to bed.

But I had 9:00 appointment at beauty salon.

I wanted to go to the beauty salon before the Prom but the last month of school was so hectic that I didn't manage to go.

Among 7 people in our Pied Piper Team, I think am the one who has the most time now. I am on my 2 months summer holiday and I am single without kids. I only take care of my 12 year old dog. So I am not going to complain. Actually I have nothing to complain. I have a plenty of time to prepare my food, keep the blog and do the workout. Especially I can go to Yoga garden to do my workout with Patrick once a week, I feel very very privileged. And I feel so good about doing PCP and I feel so fortunate to meet my team! Thank you guys !

Thank you for being there!

I miss BEER!

2010-06-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

When I took my dog for a walk at around 6pm, there are some people I know at the beach house.

Nice breeze, the best time of the day. They were drinking beer.

BEER!

What I miss the most now is BEER!

Nice, cold BEER at the end of the day.

The owner of the beach house "UMIGOYA" asked me if I would join them but I did not.

Next time I will bring my Perrie to the beach.

Day 17

2010-06-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Did my workout!

100x 3+200x2+150x1=850

I have been jumping 100 at a time but I challenged 200 today!! Feel good.

When I finished my workout I was boiling hot so I jogged to the beach and swam for 5 min.

Sun is shining, water felt so good and I felt so happy!

I have never felt this happy since when??

When I was running it was quite hard and I have never had a feeling of accomplishment. There are always people who are running longer distance and much faster than me. They were in their 30's and I was 49!

I hurt my knees and I quit running.

Happy memory...

I remember when I did the sea kayak crossing from Aomori (Norther tip of Honshu island, Japan) to Hokkaido. 10 hours of paddling, endurance not a race.

I was dead tired but I felt so good when I reached Hokkaido with bunch of other kayakers.

This challenge gave me confidence and happy memory.

Day 15 & 16

2010-06-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

Day 15

I had my workout @Yoga Garden Yokohama.

It was a hot day and I was sweating even before 800 jumps.

Instead incline pull-ups, used a special bar hanging from the door top, did the pull-ups, even Patrick's help they were very very hard for me.

All the menu went very speedy and the rest time was exactly 20 seconds as Patrick has the timer.

I managed to finish in about 30 minutes and I was boiling and sweating like water falls.

It was 12:30 when I left Yoga Garden and my face was red, I was still sweating like my students after PE class!

I saw some shops in Motomachi, I bough ice coffee at Starbucks and ate my packed lunch at the outside table ( steamed vegetable, grilled fish and whole wheat bread ).

My former student and his parents came. He went to Canada to play Ice Hockey for High School and went to University in Finland. It was so nice to see my student after many years.

This is something great about teaching.

Day 16

Skipped breakfast. I have an annual health check today.

I had a gastro-camera and it took for while to recover from it. I was sleepy and weak for a while.

I had lunch at the hospital. Japanese style Bento, vegetable, fish and Udon noodle, very healthy, lightly salted.

When I got home I was so tired that I had to take a nap.

In the evening I went to the beach with my dog. I meat more friends at the beach than anywhere else. There were many surfers out there.

I did my workout before dinner.

100 x8 jumps went smoothly but lunges were soooooo hard. 13 was the best I could do and by the time I was doing the 4th set my thighs were burning. It is impossible for me to do 4 sets without any rest. Everybody OK with no rest???

When I finished the last leg up, I could not get up for a while.

Dinner: steamed carrot, sayaendo ( field pea), zucchini, gobo ( burdock root), potato, and grilled salmon with rosemary and black pepper. No cabs this week!

I enjoyed fruit ( mango, melon and pineapple ) and yogurt (in stead of milk)

2010-06-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Did my 100x8 jumps before lunch.

Today's lunch. Brown rice, Grilled yellowtail(Buri),

Steamed vegetable, Natto(as vegetable).

I went to tokyo to have dinner with my parents and my older brother.

Fortunately there was Sizzler in the hotel my parents are staying. I had vegetables from the Salad Bar and grilled shrimp, pita bread and some fruits. No beer, no french fries. I did pretty good.

Day 13

2010-06-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

My new resistant band arrived. It is purple (second easiest one) and has plastic handles.

I did my workout before lunch.

700 jumps went smoothly. I think it's because I had enough sleep.

New resistant band was not so good when I did the Standing Ovation. Plastic handles were pushing against my hand and hurting me.

I sweat like a waterfall so I vacuum cleaned the house.

At 3 pm I went to a Spa and had the most luxurious time!!!

I went home and cocked vegetables, green and yellow zucchinis, carrot, potato, bell pepper and sayaendo (I don't know the English name for it).

I saw "One True Thing" on DVD.

Good movie. Meryl Streep, William Hurt, Renee Zellweger are great actors.

Breakfast

whole wheat bread, steamed vegetables, boiled egg white, avocado, coffee

pineapple, melon, blueberry, yogurt

Lunch

whole wheat bread, steamed vegetables, natto, steamed chicken, coffee,

Dinner

brown rice, steamed vegetables, steamed chicken,

pineapple, melon, blueberry, yogurt

I will have dinner with my parents and brother tomorrow in Tokyo.

Started raining.

Rainy season has started officially.

Day 11 & 12 Summer Vacation !!

2010-06-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Faculty had to work until 12 noon yesterday. School served breakfast at 9 am.

I carefully chose what to eat.

2 small slices of bread, scramble egg, sauteed mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, fruit cocktail and yogurt!

There were sausages, bacons, muffins, of course I passed them.

This breakfast gathering was the time for us to meet everyone before the end of school.

Well, another school year went. It goes faster each year.

I had dinner with my friend at an Italian Restaurant just opened the other day. It is 2 min. walk from my house. Again I chose what I eat very very carefully. See the pictures.

I had a sip of Supumante and we shared the dishes.

I did my workout late in the night.

I had more difficulty with jump rope. My legs got stiff around 90 jumps and I tripped several times. I had to have a good night sleep.

Day 12

My dog woke me up at 5:45 am. Noooooooo! Don't wake me up so early on the first day of my summer vacation!

I got up reluctantly and prepared my breakfast.

I thought I'd better take my dog for walk before breakfast so I went for a walk at the beach. It was already quite warm. My dog suddenly had an urge to dip in the sea ! She looked so happy!

But it means that I had to go in and I have to shampoo her afterwards. And I did the laundry.

So had breakfast at 8:45. 3 small slices of bread, avocado, steamed vegetables, egg white ( I have to watch my cholesterol ) coffee, fruit and yogurt ( in stead of milk )!

The sea was a bit rough when I went for a walk. There are 6 Umi no ie (beach house that serves food, drinks, shower and sometimes live music ) are under construction.

Last summer, I went one of them almost every night after walking my dog and had a beer, socialized with my neighbors. This summer I have to ask the owner to have sparkling water and some steamed vegetables, steamed chicken and brown rice dinner for me. Because it is so nice to have evening time at the beach.

Yoga class is also offered at the beach house in the morning every weekend followed by breakfast. Really, really looking forward to!!

I did today's workout in 30 min. 700 jump rope was challenging.

My resistance band's handle came off. This is the one I borrowed from the school Gym and it was already worn out. So I ordered online. I hope I get it soon.

Happy Day 12!

Day 10, Graduation Ceremony

2010-06-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

It was a long day....

Regular classes+whole school assembly+locker clean out+yearbook distribution.

I ate my dinner (chicken, vegetables, brown rice in a lunch box) in my car.

Graduation ceremony 7:00 pm ~9:30 pm

I got home at 10:30 pm and did my workout!

It was really really hard to do the workout after the long day but I did it.

I passed the cakes that were served after the graduation. I am doing all the right things.

One more day to go!!!

Day 9

2010-06-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

Below is today's lunch. Steamed vegetable, steamed chicken (sasami), Bread, Morning snack fruit.

Middle is my brunch last weekend. Marinated chicken on top of bread.

I was surprised that I have 6 slices of bread (90g)for lunch. But I am sure I need them.

I have just finished today's workout. I am dripping. I tripped several time while jumping. Lunges never easy for me. I am going to take shower!!!!!

And top one is today's dinner. Boiled shrimp, steamed vegetables and brown rice. I didn't have time for afternoon tea, so fruit and yogurt for desert.

Tomorrow night is High School Graduation. I will pack lunch and dinner.

Day 7 & *

2010-06-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is my dog, Pikkorik. She is 12 years old. She likes to walk but not as much as she used to.

We used to walk all morning on weekends.

I bought Lasagna at my favorite Deli on my way home for my last half a meal dinner. And a piece of chocolate cake for desert!!!

Then I bought a lot of fruits and vegetables at supermarket.

I bought half a melon, a mango, blueberries,bananas,broccoli,zucchini,pineapple, avocado, carrots, potatoes...

Did 100x5 jumps at my deck. Not easy but quick.

Then shower. I like this time of the day the most. Today's workout is done and I feel nice and clean and most of all, I can eat my dinner!!

I enjoyed my lasagna without a glass of red wine.

I finished writing report cards comments for my tutor group (Homeroom). Only 3 more days to go. 2 months summer break is waiting !

Day 8

Patrick's information came a little bit late so that I ate two slices of whole wheat bread with vegemite. I used to use cream cheese then changed to cottage cheese to reduce the fat and now vegemite. I guess Vegemite is too salty that I have to cut from my diet.

I ate rap sandwich with tandoori chicken and vegetable from school canteen for lunch.

Banana, half a kiwi,blueberry, yogurt (200g),

At 1:00 pm I was at Yoga Garden Yokohama for my Day 8 workout with Patrick.

Started from 100x6 jumps. I had to walk around each time I finish 100 jumps. Very tiring.

Squats and incline pull ups were so hard !!! I was dripping. Really dripping.

I have to attend the Middle School Graduation Ceremony...I'd better take shower.

Workout is tiring but makes me happy afterwards. My body and mind are gradually adjusting to workout.

Day 6 and I am hungry

2010-06-06T04:11:00.000-07:00

Soreness is getting better.

I am just so hungry.

I was going to "Rainbow Cafe" for lunch because they serve very healthy lunch with brown rice. I couldn't park near by so that I parked at Union Supermarket. On my way to Rainbow Cafe, I saw an interesting cafe. Old "Kura" which is a storage house was renovated into a nice Cafe. They sell Bagels during the day and it becomes a Bar in the night. I ordered a Bagel with cream cheese and salmon. And I just found out that the owner is the guy I know.

Japanese Bagels are much smaller than NY ones. So I ate whole bagel sandwich for lunch.

I did some grocery shopping and I went home. I felt strange so I took nap before I go to my fellow teachers farewell party.

When I got up I had a headache and I decided not to go to the party.

I don't know if it is really a headache or I want to avoid socialization.

But I did my workout !

And my headache is gone.

I guess I wasn't in a mood of socializing.

Food

Breakfast: Bread with vegemite, Steamed vegetables, Steamed chicken, cofee

Lunch: Bagel sandwich with cream cheese and salmon

Snack: half a banana, half a kiwi, non fat yogurt, crunchnora

Dinner:half a pack of Curry (beef and mushroom), half a pack of rice, steamed vegetable, tofu, natto,

Day 5

2010-06-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

I got up at 9 this morning. Really late for me. I guess I was tired.

I went to my favorite bakery for lunch. They make vegetarian lunch. Today's special was South Indian dish. This place is very interesting. They bake bread and serve vegetarian food on Fri. Sat. & Sunday but they serve Thai food on Mon. & Tuesday. Very relaxed, laid back place. I can bring my dog with me. So I buy bread and have lunch at "Khanompan" (it means bread in Thai) every Saturday.

My push up bar has arrived!

My jump rope is the one I borrowed(?) from Dance studio of my school. It is old but it's fine so far.

I did my workout.

70x5 =350 jumps

12x4=48 squats

8x4-32 push-ups

17x3=51 sit-ups

Squat is better than lunge.

I watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding while eating dinner.

I guess I like John Corbett after I saw SATC. He is cute. I can relate to Aidan better than Big.

John Corbett is 49 yeas old and getting married to Bo Derek, she is 53 years old. I am 52 and I want to meet someone like John Corbett, am I asking too much ? Well In my dream anything is possible.

But the thing is... not weather I have a handsome boyfriend (husband) or not, I want to feel good about myself and I want my friends to feel good about themselves.

So I will do my PCP!!!

Food:

Breakfast: Bread from Khanompan with vegemite, steamed chicken, vegetable,

Snack: yogurt with pinapple, kiwi, banana, crunchnola

Lunch: Bread, lots of vegetables, a piece of pie (row food, cream is made of avocado, sweetened with honey), Iced coffee

Dinner: Steamed chicken, Steamed vegetables ( zucchini, carrot, potato, pumpkin), Natto, Tofu

Day 4

2010-06-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

I saw SATC 2 in Yokohama.

Well......I liked SATC 1 better than 2. Actually series 6 are the ones I like the most. I wanted to see NY more, no offense to Abu Dhabi. All 4 are gorgeous even though they are getting older. Samantha and I are the same generation. I kind of sympathize what she's going through, but I do not do BOTOX nor take hormone pills. She is the only single woman now and I'd like her to live a good life because I myself don't see the happiness necessarily in marriages. Because I married twice and failed twice. I liked the word she said to Smith in series 6 that "I love you. But I love me more." Sounds very selfish but honest and I am very much agree with her.

I went home right after the movie and did my workout, took shower then read everyone's blogs, went to bed at midnight. It was a long day.

Breakfast: whole wheat bread with vegemite, steamed vegetables, coffee

Snacks: half a banana, yogurt, crunchnora

Lunch:Brown rice, tofu burger, green salad, carrot, seaweed, (I manage to leave one third of brown rice)

Dinner:Ahi Poke (Hawaiian) salad, chili cone carne, tortilla chips, Perrier

Big Confession to make... at the theatre there was a Haagen Dazs shop and I could not resist the temptation of Green Tea Ice Cream. I ate them all myself.

After I took shower before I go to bed, I ate small pack of tofu.

My willpower is weak. I really have to discipline myself.

2010-06-03T02:49:00.000-07:00

>Elena I teach Japanese language, one of the modern languages that my school offer.

I just finished my work out. I am dripping. It was a hot day but thank God it's not humid yet.

I did not read the instruction carefully so that I did 50 jumps in stead 60. Woops!

I had sore muscles this morning that I thought I wouldn't be able to go downstairs. Especially my thighs were killing me. But I felt better after 3 sets of squat. I wonder why?

Breakfast: whole wheat bread with vegemite, steamed chicken, vegetables, coffee

Snack: half of banana, yogurt, Golden Crunchnola(Fruit & Nut) and half a cookie!

Lunch: Obento (packed lunch contains rice, fish, vegetables)

I managed to eat only half of rice in my Obento but I ate all the vegetables and fish.

before I go to the meeting at 3:45pm, I ate 5 almonds.

Dinner: Obento, Natto (fermented soy beans, sticky and smell interesting, most of foreigners don't like it), small pack of Tofu, a slice of pineapple for desert.

I am going to see "Sex and The City 2" tomorrow after school. So it means I have to do my workout at school and eat out (challenging).

Day 2

2010-06-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

I got up at 5:20, went downstairs, Oh my muscles hurt!

Breakfast was whole wheat bread with vegimite, steamed chicken and vegetable. Coffee.

Left home at 7:15.

Another nice day. It would be nice to be at the beach. But I had to proofread my comments for the report cards. All the exams are finished but students are back and they have not motivation or whatsoever, so we watched movies. I had half a banana with low fat yogurt during morning recess.

After I did my work out in my classroom during free time, my muscles hurt more. I don't dislike this feeling. As my muscles get back to me I should be able to burn my fat!!

And I ate a little more than half of my lunch, maybe two third ?

I walked the beach with my dog. Saw some dog friends. Pikkorik, my dog seemed to be happy to meet dog owners.

Dinner was Katsuo no sashimi, Tofu, Natto, Steamed vegetable and half a kiwi fruit for desert.

It Begins

2010-05-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

Day 1

Sunny and beautiful day.

I went to my first session during lunch break.

50 jump rope x 5 made my legs tired ! Push ups were hard!!

I ate half a sandwich for lunch and the other half , tofu and steamed vegetables (potato, carrot, broccoli and pumpkin) for dinner. I did not drink beer because I knew that I would drink whole can. I did not eat sweets either.

I am 52 and going to be 53 in August.

I gained 10kg since I stopped running (Jan. 2009 was the last time I ran.)

I used to run in the trail with much younger people. That was hard. I ran several races in the mountain. And I hurt my knees and I had to go through very hard break up with my boy friend. I stopped my work out class. My Yoga teacher got pregnant and she had to stop her class.

I exercise less and less and eat more and more last winter.

I live with 12 year old, female Labrador. I used to walk her 1-2 hours every day. But now she is old and we don't walk so much. I drive to work. Not good at all.

Finally I decided this has to be changed.

So I chose to do PCP!

I am thrilled to share this blog with my PCP mates!

Since English is not my first language, I may make many mistakes but you will forgive me, right?