tfwtfw’s BodyBlog

Recently new to dating after being married for 8 years, I have much to learn. I know dating is horrible and fun and exiting. Did I mention expensive? Maybe I should start hitting the McDonalds in lieu of nice dates, huh?

On to the point. I put myself up for auction on a couple of popular dating websites. I’m well versed in marketing and understand that is what I am doing. I have a clever profile and some pics of myself. I value honesty and hate the dating games that one must play in the dating realm. I’ve quickly learned that my shirtless pictures make me a psycho and a "meathead looking to get laid". Neither of which are true, or is it?

Let’s add it up. I go to the gym to relieve stress and keep my lifestyle healthy. It’s also pleasing to me the results that I’ve aquired. I socialize as we all do, and I’ve met some inspiring people like my friend Lou who competes at the age of 72. Lou is retired but seems to be a professional. I’ll have to ask him. Back on task. I work out 8-10 hours each week, it’s also "me" time. A time when I’m not bothered by staff and kids and the day to day mundane tasks that we all face. I’m on my way to the psych ward, I can feel it! I have personal goals for my body, and take heed of the things that I put in it. I eat to live, not live to eat. I’m REALLY digressing now!

The women who have given me this revelation obviously stopped by to look and liked what they saw as I have taken several of them out on dates and have actually dated 3. All of these women were of the same opinion, initially. The exception in their case is that they took an opportunity to look beyond what was in the pictures and their self appointed stereotypes.  I simply can’t have a brain! I work out sooo much! Would a person of intellect, one who enjoys wine, symphony and many other varied things also like to work out and keep himself healthy?!

The answer it seems is yes. I love my children just as you. I have very eclectic tastes from my wide variey of experiences. Does this make me a psycho? A serial killer? You decide and be your own judge. I know the answer and find it humorous that we make such judgments, be we all do it don’t we?

Ever see someone 5′2" and 300lbs? See a person that isn’t doing something just the way you would? We all have. The guy that had one drink too many? The woman in traffic putting on her make-up? The guy shaving on the way to the office swerving all over the road? We all do it and we all make judgements. I respect those that try to make a difference in their life and opt for a healthier lifestyle. I’m not trying to sound like a Saint, I am not. One of my favorite past times is to people watch, and I should be the last to cast the first stone. But I can also take a great joke and find humor in most things. Like people that think I’m a psycho for having shirtless picture. I conformed to societal obligations for the moment, to experiment and see how the results will change. Any other psycho’s with a brain out there? Does it transcend gender as well? I’d be interested to know. OK, that’s my rant!

tfw 

Our stress is often self induced, isn’t it? Recently, ANOTHER unneccesary arguement with my ex-wife created a late night lift at the gym. This usually equates to chest or legs, something where I can go heavy and relieve stress quickly. So after the lack of communication deteriorated to a point where ventilation was needed I hit the gym with vigor. I quickly ramped up, using the Smith Machine and an incline press. I warmed up with 12 reps, and started adding plates between sets. I added 4 and then 2 10’s which posed no problem and wasn’t quelching my anger and frustration, which in hindsight was pointless. I then added 2 25’s removing the 10’s. I did this with 8, 5 and 5 reps down to 90 degrees at the elbows, about 2-3 inches off my chest. There seemed to be no end. Once I reached this point, the tide began to turn and my anger was subdued. Realizing, that this entire debacle was uncalled for and should be laid to rest. I was eventually able to reconcile to a degree with my ex and we are at least somewhat amicable after an open communication meeting. Pride is at the root of nearly all failed relationships according to a recent study. It is very difficult to put aside, yet so easy when you look back. To let a wonderful relationship fall prey to such disaster is shameful. To learn from your mistakes and set yourself free….Is invigorating and liberating. My strength has never been greater, my resolve stonger, or my desire to succeed higher…

A long time goal of mine has been to be very powerful from my average sized frame. I have seen evidence of people my size capable of moving considerable weight. You have seen news stories related to this fact. A woman lifts her car to free a child. People skydiving and survive an unopened chute. The human body is amazing and capable of such power and beauty both internally and externally. My personal goal became to be one of those rare people. I was exposed to it very early while competing for a spot on the US Cycling team (which I did not make). This made me more determined.

Last year, I accomplished one of these goals. In early May of 2007 during a chest workout. I bench pressed 505 lbs 4 times. Two of those times were legitimate, this was done on a decline bench on the Smith machine. The weight was heavy, but it did not pose a huge problem. When lifting the weight, I began the fith rep and racked the weight. I felt a burning tear sensation in my lower right abdomen. When I stopped the pain stopped. I stretched, tried to repeat and again had to rack the weight due to the pain. Later that day, I noticed that I had a buldge from my abdominal area. I was beginning to turn a greenish shade of blue. I pressed the buldge gently at first, then firmer and it did not go back in. I had an incarcerated hernia. My doctor had diagnosed it months earlier but we decided not to have it repaired. I had just changed teh decision and would have surgery within days. If you notice the pictures, you’ll see the scars below my naval. These are the constant reminder that while the human body is amazing, there is a price to be paid. Life is about balance.

I should do some cardio, and I’ll jump rope for 10-15 minutes; but the majority of my time will be spent indulging myself. Releasing those wonderful endorphins we all love and possibly flirting with some of the local gym hotties. I’m single, it’s allowed! Tonight, I’ll work chest and go heavy. Make my fractured elbow ache, and it will all be worth the stress relief and therapy. I must say, I live to enjoy every day, sometimes it’s more difficult than others. Can’t wait to get there! Don’t worry, the blog will get better… I may write down an update later. Maybe the "resolutioners" won’t be out in force tonight and I’ll get a great workout. I’m always glad that more people choose to get fit and will always be supportive of them. I just wish they would have some gym etiquette!

So, I didn’t indulge and work chest. I worked back ( I hate working back) and I didn’t get cardio in the traditional sense. I was able to keep my heart rate in the fat burning zone for over an hour (about 160 for me). I also got some great ab routines in tonight. In addition, I kept the diet clean and ate some fish for dinner afterward. I really want some better definition in my abs without losing weight. I know, I know, I know….. More cardio….low sodium, carbs etc…Life is about balance isn’t it??? Oh well, I’ll be smiling at the beach, soon;-)