I am starting to see some positive changes and I am seeing increases in reps and stamina in other portions of the workouts.

Dropped 2" off the waist and added 1" in the shoulders.

Starting Weight - 202
Current Weight - 198

Starting Waist - 41"
Current Waist - 39"

Starting Shoulders - 48.5"
Current Shoulders - 49.5"

Starting Chest - 43"
Current Chest - 43"

and I still need to workout today. Having a motivation problem because of a minor muscle strain (that did not happen while working out).

I had a terrific, productive, busy day, but I was feeling tired and almost skipped the workout.

Girlfriend talked me into it because she wanted to see what the core building routine was like.

All I can say is do not eat within 1 or 2 hours before doing that set. I just really want to vomit a bit...

Tomorrow marks the end of week 3, although, it's hard to call it week 3 because of being sick the prior week and only doing about 1/2 the routines... I'm just going to keep plugging away and stay with the schedule as if I had not been sick. I can always repeat the regimen again.

I am noticing some definite and visible increase in muscle mass in the biceps, deltoids, and quadriceps. Another indicator that I am gaining muscle weight is that I've only lost about 3 pounds overall, but am back to wearing jeans that had become too snug.

Week 4 changes up the routine, and I'm only about 9 days away from the 30 day mark. It will be nice if the 30 day pictures show the improvement I am seeing in the mirror (means I'm not self delusional).

Finally, on the tail end of whatever virus kicked my ass this week. Managed to do 40 minutes of the 90 min workout yesterday, and roughly 40 minutes of the 80 min workout today. Still a little fatigued and sweating very, very easily so taking it a little easy

Interesting note. Over the last three days at rest/sick I lost about 5 pounds. Drank like a fish over that time, so I don't think it is all a matter of water weight.

In other news, there are leaves on the trees beginning to change color. The lake always affects a slower rate of change for us, but fall is definitely here.

Still feeling like a huge steaming pile of poop. Haven't been able to do my workout today. Just really do not have the energy, and my head feels like it might explode.

Did manage to make dinner for my girlfriend and I. She had to work late unexpectedly, and hasn't had time for food.

Might go soak in the tub for a little bit. See if that helps the sinus pressure and aches.

Pushed through and exercised. Sweating it out seems to have helped at the moment.

Girlfriend made me herbal tea using fresh ginger, cinnamon, fresh clove, cardamon, and black pepper tea (opens the pores and makes you sweat).

The really problem has been deciding if my joints are achy because of the cold or the P90X...

Infected! Diseased! Sick...

Woke up with a sore throat and it has gone a little down hill since then. Thinking about doing the workout to see if I can sweat this out, but the fatigue is kicking my ass.

Made it through the first week of the P90X program. Did have to swap out the rest day because my hip flexors stiffened to such a degree I couldn't stand up straight Thursday.

Today I caught up on the Legs and Back workout. I'm skipping the Ab workout because I did 4 hours of yard work. Figure that's a fair trade off.

I'm using the Daily Plate tool at Livingstrong.com to track my diet (calories, protein %, carb %, fat %). It has been surprisingly easy to keep within 100 calories of my target.

Not seeing a lot of changes on the scale this first week, but I do think hydration has been a huge factor there. Started the week out a little dehydrated, and I am quite sure that the strength training/building is absorbing a fair amount of the water I am drinking (muscle weight is 70-75% water while fat weight is nearer to 50%).

All in all a good first week. Over did a few things, but recovery has been decent.

So as part of my drive to drop some weight and get in shape I am also giving up soda/pop/cola.

Started cutting back at the start of last week, and switched to non-caffeinated sodas over the weekend. Had my last one on Monday. Sierra Mist if you were dying to know, and we know you were.

I can be an absolute fiend for Pepsi (or Coke in a pinch), and man! I wanted one today!