JamSmooth.com

Of all the exercises I’ve done running is by far the one I hate the most. I don’t know why I’ve suffered through so many miles of running. From the first step I take all I can think about is the end.

A few years ago I went to a chiropractor who told me that my body is not built for running. He said certain people can run and be ok but not me. Over time, he said, that my knees and back would develop issues. So why did I run all those years? The challenge? Honestly I was too lazy to find something I enjoyed doing so I just ran.

One of my best friends is so passionate about running. He runs a few marathons a year. In 2007 I ran the inaugural ING half marathon. I trained for 3 months, got up before sunrise and ran in sub-freezing temperatures. I finished in under 2 hours. It was an extraordinary experience and I’m glad I did it, but I won’t be doing it again. Running works for him.

I will add that the times I ran with said friend were great moments of fellowship and I enjoyed that part immensely. However the running part of the deal was hard. Would I run with him again? Yes, but only to spend time with him, not because I enjoy running.

You must find something you enjoy for exercise or else you won’t do it. There are so many different activities you can do: yoga, plyometrics, weight training, boot camp, jump rope, biking, hiking, tennis, soccer, rugby, martial arts and the list goes on and on.

Finding activities you enjoy is your responsibility. Find it, do it. You’ll get better over time. I’ve found a lot of enjoyment in plyometrics and biking. That’s how I’ll get my cardio. I will always lift weights, I love doing that! Nothing beats the pump! I encourage you to get into the best shape of your life. Just do something!

Yes P90X has been talked about a lot lately here. I’m loving it. The program is challenging and fun. You’d think I’d be getting paid as much as I’m talking about it. Come to think of it, P90X should advertise here!

I slacked off on exercising for a while because my routine was boring. P90X is far from boring. It’s fast-paced and intense. The program has given me a new excitement and drive to get fit.

Today I got a pull-up bar and a yoga mat. I was doing yoga on the carpet and my feet were sliding everywhere. I couldn’t even do downward dog without sliding. Even after the 90 days over I will do the yoga. The stretches hit parts of your body you normally can’t get to and you feel great for hours afterward.

The bottom line is you have to want to workout. I heard a great statement from John Ortberg a few weeks ago at a leadership event. He said, “Should will always be defeated by wants to.” Want is the defining factor.

I do P90X because I want to have lots of energy, look good and stay in good shape.

Do you exercise? Why or why not? Why don’t you want to? Why do you want to?

Today wraps the 2nd week of P90X. I noticed a slight improvement in the execution the second time around. I also notice a huge increase in my energy level. My low energy level was the biggest wake up call that I needed to get back to exercise.

Tony Horton and the gang are like your buddies at the gym. They are there to help you and push you. Some folks say Tony is annoying. As a former trainer I say he is outstanding. Tony is all about good form and not injuring yourself. He’s corny at times but the bottom line is Tony motivates you to keep going.

Tomorrow starts week 3. Here’s to looking good and feeling good.

This morning I finished the first week of P90X with X Stretch, a whole hour of stretching. Stretching lingered as a weak point for me over the years. I didn’t enjoy it. However I knew I was short-changing myself and more importantly, risking injury.

Back in 2002 while doing incline bench press I strained for an extra rep. I got off balance and dislocated a vertebrae only by a few millimeters. In a few days turning my head even slightly produced severe pain. That was my first trip to chiropractor. It took a few weeks to get everything lined up again. My chiropractor explained that the injury resulted from lack of stretching. From then on I made a point to stretch.

Fast forward a few years and I’m not stretching again. I’m so happy that stretching is a big part of P90X. I can already feel the difference. I am learning new stretches and feeling the benefits.

Yoga X is my first experience with Yoga and I love it. I love the challenge. It’s not easy but nothing on P90X is easy.

Week 1 is done. 11 more weeks to go. Looking forward to taking those after photos and seeing some changes.

Just finished day 2 of P90X. Today was plyometrics and it was a beast. I mean this when I say I don’t think I’ve ever done a more challenging cardio workout. Ever. It keeps going and going. There are water breaks here and there but it’s over quick and you’re back to jumping. I admit, I hit the pause button a few times.

The folks on this video are in outstanding shape. They even have a guy with 1 leg just to give you no excuses. He’s hopping and jumping like a normal guy.

So far so good. Tomorrow is shoulders and arms.

Today I started a 90 day journey called P90X. I remember hearing the guys in my last small group talk about it, how it was tough and challenging. I got a copy of the program this week and completed day 1 which was chest and back plus the ab ribber.

The workout is lots of push ups and pull ups. I was able to hang with the pros for most of the workout. I don’t have a proper pull up bar right now so I used the used the back of the stairs in my basement. P90X is like having a personal trainer working out with you. This guy is good. The energy is up and he definitely pushes you.

The ab ripper slayed me. I couldn’t keep up with them at all. That’s good. I have a lot of progress to make. I also liked that he didn’t press you if you couldn’t keep up with them. The folks in the video are completely ripped. I don’t feel disappointed at all.

I took my before photos yesterday and was disappointed in myself. I’m not happy with the current state of affairs. The photos do not lie. In 2008 I was fit. Over the last 2 years my workouts have waned and the diet has slipped as well, allowing too much ice cream and Fox Bros. BBQ.

My energy level has decreased too and that’s not good. I need lots of energy to complete all the projects I have. I encourage you to join me. Why are you putting it off? Who’s with me? I’ve put this out to the whole world now so I’m accountable.

Taking a rest from the dating series today. It is Sunday.

I complain about cold weather incessantly. I hate it. Loathe it. Detest it. It is punishment to me. It is the most uncomfortable feeling. No matter how many layers I have on, I am still cold. My hands and feet become ice blocks.

Drinking lots of hot tea is one solution and space heaters help. The best solution for me is exercise. Getting to the gym, lifting weights and doing cardio raises my body temperature and keeps me warm for hours.

What about you? What do you do to stay warm? How do you combat this wretched cold?

Happy New Year? Yes Happy New Year! What has changed? What will you truly do different this year? Will you travel the same roads to work? Watch the same TV shows? Hang out with the same friends? Fall prey to the same bad habits?

Truly what is different other than the number of the year? All that is happening is the passing of time. It’s just another day. I don’t mean to sound morbid. I’m challenging all of us, myself included, to use the symbolism of a new year to truly make a new start.

What must change is our minds! One of my favorite scriptures is from Romans 12:1-2. Paul writes, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Whether or not you believe in God and the Bible or not that’s sound advice. Unplug from the old. Get into the new. Don’t do what everyone else is doing. The challenge is there. Let’s do this.

This is how offering should be done! Are you a cheerful giver of your income?

What’s up world? I’m still here, in case you were wondering.

I’ve become a huge fan of Battlestar Galactica, the one that just ended. I know I’m about 5 years behind on that one. I’m midway through season 3 and the series is totally addictive. The characters, special effects and plots are all remarkable. I highly recommend checking that out.

A second interview is on the horizon. That’s all I’ll say about it. For those that will, please pray for me because it’s a stellar opportunity.

My attendance at the gym is excellent lately. Been exercising 5 to 7 times a week. I’m still not where I want to be but hopefully I’m making progress. I must be because one of the trainers at the gym told me I was looking buff. It’s hard to notice your own progress unless you take photos, which I haven’t done lately.

I need your help to raise the remaining funds for the Cambodia trip. The deadline will be here soon, within the next 2 weeks. So please consider partnering with me. We will be doing construction at New Life Orphanage in Batdambang. Details on how you can give are here. We are leaving May 7th so it’s less an month away!

We’ve also got the Atlanta Metblog back to life. Go here to check it out. We’re doing a series right now on songs about Atlanta.

Tomorrow is Good Friday and I’m excited about the service at Buckhead Church. Last year’s service left many of us speechless. They’ve put in a lot of work this year so I’m certain this year will prove great as well. I love that our church makes a big deal about Easter. Easter is the core of our faith as followers of Christ.

One last thing. If you live in Atlanta your help is needed on an urgent issue. MARTA was denied access to its own funds due to an inept state legislature. Go here to read Thomas Wheatley’s excellent coverage of the story. Please go here for info on how you can act.