Level 10 21 pushupsx4
20 minutes
20 December (267 cal)

yes I have a cold. deliberated on whether to ride or not; ended up doing a shorter ride at level 10. I think what I have is one of those 'above the neck' things, and based on what I've read it is ok to proceed. Managed 110rpms except on the final steep hill--fell below 110. Was not easy.

No appetite whatsoever today--have only had a bowl of grits and barely finished that--also a few of Jules' Xmas cookies.

Will probably take tomorrow off and re-evaluate Monday.

Level 9 21 pushupsx4
30 minutes
19 December (374 cal)

Woke up with what appears to be the beginnings of a cold. (And yesterday was an off-day...)

Scratchy throat and all-around fatigue, so I dropped the intensity down a notch. I think part of it is the crap lunches I've had this week. Another is the fact that my in-laws are preparing the meals for us. They're good cooks, and their dishes taste wonderful, but I really don't think what they make is as nutritious as what I make.

There is no easy way around this. I think my only option is to dust off the blender and start getting Spirutein again, at least while they're here.

And another thing I need to do is get to bed at 10, and stop watching the Rockford Files--that's what the DVR is for, stupid.

I had planned to ride all the way through Tuesday because I'll be gone until Saturday the 27th, but I will wait until tomorrow and reassess that.

4x25 at FSI.

Level 9 21 pushupsx4
30 minutes
17 December (384 cal)

good energy today; did not break 385, but I'm actually happy with this result considering I had an abominable lunch--two slices of cheese pizza, and the cheese was ghastly. It was in the Farragut West food court. After NYC pizza, nothing will ever be the same.

2x25 at FSI--compounded set.

Level 9 21 pushupsx4
30 minutes
16 December (385 cal)

Good ride today, but full disclosure: had at least twice my normal lunch, so that may have been a factor. Pushups harder today. 4x25 at FSI-had progress test today so was done by 9:15. These were compound sets--did two sets each time.

Level 9 21 pushupsx4
30 minutes
15 December (383 cal)

Good ride today albeit sluggish start (went to Todai buffet last night). Very minor cramps at last two steepest hills.

2x25 today at FSI. We went on a field trip to a Buddhist temple near Manassas. Yes, I know I could've done sets in the temple. Short week at FSI due to exam, Christmas parties etc.

Next two weeks after that are off.

Level 9 20 pushupsx4
30 minutes
13 December (382 cal)

no cramps, no windedness--good energy throughout. Weighed myself today. The scale is probably not completely accurate, but I've lost just a tad over ten pounds since starting back up (2.5 months), so that's encouraging. I'm under 200 pounds!

Will spend another week or two at level 9, then make the move to level 10--probably after New Year.

Level 9 20 pushupsx4
30 minutes
12 December (379 cal)

ride was proceeding fabulously, then completely ran out of gas after final, steepest hill. Could not control breathing, and hyperventilated. Had to decrease rpms to under 110 for a few minutes. Finished strong. Hopefully, this will lead to gains in days to come.

5x20 at FSI.

Level 9 20 pushupsx4
30 minutes
10 December (380 cal)

Good energy albeit cramped after last steepest hill. Was unable to do the cardio program yesterday--the heart rate monitor was not working on that program. Rode about 15 minutes trying to get it to work. 4x20 at FSI yesterday.

Will stick to hills for now. May try variable hills or other programs

5x20 pushups at FSI.

Level 9 20 pushupsx4
30 minutes
08 December (379 cal)

minor cramps, but ok energy. Will start doing cardio ride on alternate days (usually Tuesday and Saturday) for 40 minutes.

5x20 pushups at FSI.

Level 9 19 pushupsx4
30 minutes
06 December (380 cal)

Good result and good energy considering I spent over an hour in a smoke-filled American Legion club last night. Could probably challenge myself more on the hills.

Level 9 19 pushupsx4
30 minutes
05 December (379 cal)

Level 9 19 pushupsx4
30 minutes
03 December (377 cal)

woke up today with low-grade headache that has remained all day. Other than that, feel fine, except for a bit of fatigue. I'm also somewhat irritable today. Classic signs of overtraining? Well, tomorrow's an off day.

Had grits for lunch today.

Level 9 19 pushupsx4
30 minutes
02 December (376 cal)

got all the way through today at above 110 rpms, lower heart rate, no dizziness. Feeling slightly overtrained, but that may be the result of smaller, poorer nutritional lunches than normal this week--need to make dal tomorrow. Also really need to get to sleep by 2300.

Have started doing sets of pushups between classes at FSI--today did three setsx20. Ultimately, would like to do five sets at however many reps feels comfortable, perhaps up to 35-40.

Level 9 19 pushupsx4
30 minutes
01 December (373 cal)

Four days off was brutal. Stayed above 110 rpms through all hills except final hill (same incline as initial hill). Got dizzy and had to back off. Heart rate bpms in low to mid 180s. Tomorrow's another day.