Day 60 and 61 Recap

As I move into the final 30 days of this 90 challenge, I am definitely noticing that I do not have the endurance I thought I would have by now. Before the challenge started, I was already consistent with my workout routine but I would also rest 2-3 days per week. At the same time, it is not surprising that my endurance is being affected because we have all heard how important it is for athletes to get their rest.

I'm actually interested learn how olympic level athletes train. It is my understanding that they practice their craft 7 days a week for years on end. If this is the case, I am guessing that their bodies just adapt to not having off days. As it stands right now, I am probably less effective on the basketball court on day 61 than I would have been on day 1. The reason is, I start feeling exhausted after about 30 minutes of hard running. My legs are still tired from the previous days workout and I am covered in sweat much quicker than normal. I know this means I am burning calories at a higher rate but that isn't necessarily the ideal way to feel to be an effective basketball player!

I am realizing that this challenge has been more about the act of discipline than it has about fitness results. I am now convinced that you cannot force yourself to be in incredible shape but you can create the lifestyle that promotes it. Once the challenge is over, I plan to go to a 5 day per week workout schedule with a much more controlled diet.

The fact that I have refrained from any kind of alcohol consumption is also a big eye opener. I wasn't drinking daily or over drinking by any stretch of the imagination, but as I said in earlier posts, the weekend beer or the beer after a basketball game were probably happening more frequently that I really needed. I still enjoy a nice drink every once in a while but again, this is something I will limit to maybe one evening a week after a nice workout.

So really, it is all about moderation, lifestyle and balance.

Day 60 and 61 fitness recap is simple. I played basketball both days. I was not happy with my level of play but I also did not have the same level of energy I think I would have if I had been resting once or twice a week. I have now effectively taken nearly 2 weeks away from weight lifting and it was a much needed break. I am excited to get back to the weights on Monday.