Jody's Results

Well, Jody isn't quite as shy as me and she promised a bunch of friends and family they could see the results so we are posting them here! She wasn't aiming to lose weight, just tone up but ended up going from 123 to 119 and losing an inch on her hips, an inch and a half on her waist....A couple things that she is especially proud of are the differences in the fit test. Here are some of the results:

Day 1 Day 90

Ab in & outs: 56 104

Pull ups: 1 1/2 2 1/14

Push ups: 10 21

Wall squats: 3:09 4:43

Vertical jump: 14" 16"

So here they are, not sure if they will stay up long as Jody might lose her nerve but she looks great and we are both looking forward to round 2!!! Oh....and she just HAD to mention to please ignore her awful haircut on day 1, thats a whole other story.

P90X, We Brought it, and Finished!

Howdy Folks! Well the Christmas season is upon us. I love this time of year. I actually adore this time of year. It is the absolute best time of the whole year. Many of my favorite memories come from this time of year. Those memories are filled with family and friends, traditions, and the spirit of Christmas. I hope you all have a great holiday season. I'll give you all an update on how things go for us come Christmas.
As for this post, it is to report on a major accomplishment for Jody and I. Some of you know that we've been doing the work out program P90X. We really wanted to get into shape, and thought this might be a good way, and a lot of fun. Well, when they say it's extreme, they mean it. It was one of the hardest programs I've done. By sticking to this program, you are supposed to transform your body into a well oiled machine in 90 days. The program was great and did hold up its end of the bargain. I've never been in this kind of shape in my life. My vertical jump increased by 21 inches. I went from being able to do 3 wide grip pull ups to doing 6-7. My cardio has improved greatly, I can do 2 times the push ups (35), and curls (45). Now, you're supposed to take day 1 and day 90 pictures to show your progress. We did do this, but I am a little shy about showing them, so sorry. you'll have to do with this picture of the Mexican Luchador, it's a close representation. just kidding.
I actually gained a lot of knowledge doing this program. I didn't achieve all of my goals with it. I was hoping to really put on some mass and size, however I just ended up getting very lean and toned. This was because of my diet habits. I learned that your diet is the most important part of the whole project. I wasn't taking in enough calories. According to the estimations in the booklet, i was taking in enough, but those are estimations that are supposed to be changed for people when you understand your own circumstances. I happen to have an overactive metabolism, so I should have been taking in close to 3000 calories, but was only doing 2100-2400 every day.I did love the healthy eating though. I can definitely notice the difference, that the healthy intake has caused. I have more energy, I have yet to get sick, when everyone else around me has been sick, and I feel more alert. One of my biggest vices before this program was pop. I used to drink a Dr. Pepper at least once a day. I haven't touched a drop of pop in 90 days, and I don't feel like I'm missing out. I thought I would struggle with the temptation a lot more. Anyhow, I would recommend this program to anyone looking to get in shape. It is a very hard program, so make sure you research it and make sure you can make the minimum requirements before committing to it. It requires a lot of will power and determination, and believe me, Jody and I were tested some days. All in all though, it's worth it. I'm amazed, as I now have muscles, I never had before, and I feel great. I'm going to take the required couple of weeks off to recover, but then I think I'm going to tackle it again, but increase my diet. I want to thank my wonderful wife for doing this crazy project with me though, it was hard, but a ton of fun. Jody, you look great! Keep posted and maybe one day I'll get brave enough to show you our results pictures.

Could this be the Year?

I don't want to jump to conclusions folks, because there is a big risk of jinxing your team, But could this be the year my beloved Flames make a run at the cup?

This last week was one of the best weeks I can remember in recent history for Flames hockey. It all began with a hard fought home victory against a troublesome Phoenix team. The Flames were able to stick to their game plan, and grind out a 2-1 win over the Coyotes at home. That was a huge monkey off their backs, as they have uncharacteristically struggled at the Saddledome this year.

Next it was off to embark on the longest road trip of this season. First stop, Detroit, and the always dangerous Red Wings. This was set to be a battle of epic proportions. The banged up Red Wings pestered Kipper all night long, but he stood on his head earning a 3-0 shutout, his 32 of his career.

The following night we ended up in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets, with Curtis McElhinney (the back up) in net. It started out really shaky with the Blue Jackets taking a 3-1 lead into the 3rd period. However with 8:29 left in the game the Flames found their stride and scored 2 goals in a 1:28 to tie the game! Then, with overtime solving nothing, we went to the always exciting shootout. After 4 rounds Jamie Lundmark skated in hot and sure, and scored for the winner! Jody and I could barely contain ourselves. It was one of the most exciting games I've seen in a while.

Finally on Monday we were down in Nashville to face the Predators. This game wasn't even close. Calgary played a tight, smash mouth defensive game and walked away with yet another shutout in a 5-0 victory. It was Kippers 33rd for his career.

On top of all this the Flames have had outstanding coaching by Brent Sutter, a wall of a goalie in Mikka Kipprusoff, contributions from all 4 lines, and the consummate leadership of our heart and soul captain Jarome Iginla. As a side note, Jarome was just awarded the player of the month honours by the league for an outstanding November, where he collected 20 points in 14 games (13 goals, 7 assists).

Why am I so excited about this year? Because we appear to have so much depth in the team. On a night where Jarome isn't scoring we have others who step up and do. We are beginning to tighten up more defensively and are playing smarter in our zones. The biggest reason however, is our goaltender. The Kipper is playing Vezina Trophy hockey right now, and is capable of stealing games for us when offensively, we may not be sharp. (The Vezina trophy is awarded to the leagues top goaltender every year)

This team I believe is earning it's stripes. They're learning to play consistent hockey, something that has been missing the last few years. Another shocking stat is our road record. We are the best team on the road right now in the league with a 9-1-2 record. For those of you who may be wondering why that is impressive, it's because those road games are the toughest points to earn, when you are playing in a hostile environment, after being on a plane the night before. This team is looking tough, and mean, and that gives me confidence.

I know it's early, but I'm really wondering. Could this be the year we go for the Cup?