As a break from the swim, bike, run routine I decided to focus on strength training for a bit. Last week I finished phase 1 (of 3 phases) of P90x and I can see very visible differences in my body already- mostly in my arms/shoulders and abs.

P90x is a DVD home workout…but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Phil did a few of the workouts with me and we both agree that it is really, really hard. In fact I still can’t do all of the ab exercises without taking a break! The DVDs are mainly lifting workouts and since I don’t want to look like a body builder I used weights where my maximum reps would be somewhere between 12 and 15 (usually 5-10 lb weights depending on the exercise). Phil used heavier weights so that his maximum reps were 8-11.

The P90x plan also includes following a nutrition plan. Phase one calls for very little carbs and a massive amount of protien. I’m not one to follow a diet (if you tell me I cant eat something, it is all I want to eat) but I did lower my carb intake and really up my protien intake.

I’m happy with the results of Phase 1 for sure. The only thing that surprised me was that I gained weight instead of losing any. It was only 3 pounds and I cant argue because I see a six pack forming and I actually have bicepts and tricepts now. I’ll take the muscle gain as a win.

Phase 2 starts today and I will have to adjust the plan a little bit since I have two triathlons to train for- one sprint and one 70.3- in the next couple of months.

Its nice counting reps instead of miles for once! But now I’m looking forward to counting a little bit of both.   

Ps- I’ve been living in Denver for 6 months already- can you believe it!? I’m going to give a 6 month run down later this week. Moving across the country taught me a TON.