Day 90

Apologies for not blogging of late, I have been sticking with it, mostly. Just been too busy setting up the new company, working long hours etc.

So, there it is, I have posted the day 90 pic and I am writing my last ever blog.

Short and sweet - It's been great, hard work, but really great. I have learnt a lot about food, about health and about myself. There is no doubt that FIYL is so much more than a diet, or even a programme. It is retraining for a healthy future.

If I am honest, the last few weeks wasn't been smashed with the same vigour as the first 6 weeks. Thus, I know I could have been in better shape than I am now, but worry not. I am so happy with the results and intend to build on them, using FIYL techniques. The things I have learned are not rocket science, but I know they will help me continue to keep looking good, keep feeling good and keep healthy.

Thanks Swee for travelling this road with me, good luck to the Gremlins 2 ( the new batch!!) and most of all... Thanks Kevin.

FIYL

Over & out.

The long and winding road...

It's the final hurdle, the home straight, the last gasp of breath before we return to 'normality'. Truth is, the new normality is wildly different from the old one.

I want to wish all the new FIYLers good luck, stick with it, you'l soon see proof and not need to take my word for it. Truth is, this is so much more than a diet. This is training the body, training the mind and a cognitive re-education in health and well being. I knew the stuff I was learning was obvious to some people and some of it to me! But when you learn and understand the reason and truth behind things, then you truly get it and can actually make changes that improve your health and fitness.

As a serial fad dieter, I can honestly say, I have never felt this good/light/healthy, since I was 16 yrs old. I will take a lot of good forward and keep the weight off, and probably keep loosing some of that visceral fat 9 (so much to learn newbies).

My last weeks have been clouded by the start of my new business, which has been more full-on and full scale than I could have imagined. This can only be a good thing, but ultimately, has stopped me blogging. I want you all to know, my interest hasn't faded or drifted away, I am simply caught up with important personal growth. Some of which I personally hold FIYL responsible for.

Anyway, Lets round this up, in both diet and exercise ( which you can look forward to newbies) cause it's very tough. We'll end this the same way we started this, full steam...

FIYL. Go team

I love SWEE. Fact.

Over & out.

Return of the snack...

Not really, just couldn't think of a good title.

So... Where to start, I have been off blogging for a bit and don't know where to begin.

We had an awesome time away for ladz weekend, which of course, was rammed full of drinking. Didn't massively screw up on the food front, so that was a bonus. But like James, I don't feel too bad about and am now focused on the future.

Such a short time left! Which is both good and scary!! What the hell do we do after!? I am quite sure we are about to start learning that now. And I pretty much know the basics that I will be taking on into real life.

After the drinking and eating of the weekend, and relaxed exercises, I was surprised to see that I had put on very little weight, if any! I guess my metabolism is working a lot better know and this old body is getting used to shredding things up pretty quickly.

Still getting compliments from friends and family, people who haven't seen me for a while but are used to seeing quite a bit of me are the most surprised. It's a great feeling. Fitting into better clothes is a great feeling too, swinging a whole let better on the golf course is a great feeling too... These are just some of the things I like to remember when my mind goes wandering.

I have ben off the blogging, as I have set up my own company and have been run off my feet setting it up. It is both daunting and exciting, I am really glad I am in good shape while setting up, as I am motivated, feel great and it's just better this way.  Right, I have to go and get on with things.

Keeping motivated, seeing this sucker out and feeling good. I'll check in before the end of the week. Here's a little slice of me the other day.

Over & out.

Day 63. I think!

Hello blogness my old friend, I've come to write on you again (Sounds of silence tune).

Been an interesting week or so since we last spoke, I have mostly stuck to the programme and mostly been on the ball with the exercises. I am enjoying getting to failure on some of them. Not at the time, obvs, but after, it feels good.

Swee says he is hating the skipping! I am still enjoying it and have started listening to music while doing it, since we don't have to count at the moment. You can really get into the rhythm and it almost becomes a dance. Great fun.
I have also started to notice new lines appearing and new muscle popping out! Great! If only I could stop having little lapses (at the weekends only) I reckon things would be happening even more. Still, I am down to 15.75 stones... Unbelievable really. At my highest ever weight, I was a smidgen under 22 stone... When I started FIYL I was about 17.60, so I am really happy with that.

As Swee previously blogged, he was getting sick of cold veg at lunch time, as am I. I have started to make pita wraps. Filled with Chicken breast and rammed full of veg. Much more appealing than a plate full. I reckon, out of the 63 days, I have had fish on at least 50 -55 of them. Not good idea! I am utterly sick of it at the moment and am firmly back on the chicken. In hindsight, I should have been mixing them up. I was mixing up the types of fish, but that still is too much too soon. Still off the red meat though, and the digestion is still thanking me for it.

Got a serious 'ladz' week coming up. In reality it's only a couple of days, but that's what we're calling it. A massive night out tomorrow night, then golf on Friday, followed by a unhealthy amount of 'soup' (alcohol for the north Americans), Heineken Cup semi final on Saturday, avec soup. Night out with the GF on Saturday night. Then, Easter Sunday lunch at the old dears.... Hmm not really seeing a way round this one.

I solemnly swear, that as of Easter Monday until the 30th April, inclusive. I will be FIYL monk-like. This will be the final push for the finish line and I will stay well within the lines.

Right, that's do from me. Over to you (SWEE).

Over & out.

Plod plod plodding along

So, it's the final month! Not much to report.

Last weekend I was a bit lax and ended up veering from the path slightly, nothing too major and no real guilt, so I'm not going to bore you with that.

I am enjoying explaining FIYL to those who ask about it. The more I talk about it to people, the more it reaffirms the cornerstones of the programme to myself and I can really see the parts of it that I will take forward into the rest of my life. I am sure there will be more on this as we come to the end of the programme, it's great to be able to tell people about it and for them to understand you're not doing some crazy diet! The mantra of 'if your great granny wouldn't recognise it, then don't eat it' really rings true and people sort of nod their head and instantly get it.

For sure I will keep skipping after it.

Anyway, I should stop thinking too far into the future and focus on the remaining time, to try and get the results I want.

Had a great few games of Badminton last night, seriously hard fought games, won 2 of them. Fitness levels are good, and that was after my workout... Minus skipping.

Easter weekend will be a struggle, there is a golf day (and night) planned and some more activities throughout the weekend. I will do my best to not screw up too much. That will be the last and final indulgence. It's a shame it's at this stage in the programme, but I suppose, it has to fit into my life...

That's all for now.

Over & out.

I floss, therefore I am.

Bought some new floss yesterday, directly after reading the last email... I knew that already but was very bad at keeping it up. This will be easier to follow, as it dovetailed in with the programme. Good.

Gym this morning, feels great, knowing that your burning even more fat than normal.

I have to say, big-up to James. That back shot is incredible, very impressed indeed. I'll do one over the weekend.

Happy Friday

Over & out.

Everybody Poops!

I know it's not everyone favourite topic of conversation, but I feel it has to be put out there.

There is a big change in my movements, the frequency and amount is pretty much like Kevin said, around 2/3 per day and one of those is bigger.
It just remarkable how simple the process is now! That ghastly smell is non existent, they are smaller and the clean up operation is significantly easier than before.

It may seem obvious, as we are putting only natural and good foods in us. Its still worth talking about.

There, done. Say no more.

#nopictureattached

Over & out.

Flexing.

Good email!

Will try that later at the gym, in front of the mirrors and the hommers. They'll be loving that.

Might bronze up too!

Over & out.

Happy day 50!

Like Swee, struggled after the weekend, but no more about that.

I am back feeling very positive, I can tell I'm going to enjoy the final road home, I know we aren't on the home stretch, but we're certainly heading there.

Feeling very strong, mentally, but more so physically and am right up for making these 40 days count.

Yup, still haven't found a yoga class, will check with the gym tonight. Also, I have started playing badminton on a Wednesday evening, lush!

Here was last nights colourful delights...

The guilt.

I just have to say, I feel so guilty!!

I am now putting that mess up to bed.

The next time we talk, it will be very positive.

Over & Out.

Bad bad and more bad...

Tough weekend...

Drinking on Friday night, exercises missed on Sunday... Not good.

Back to super strictness for the remaining FIYL time.

Say no more.

Over & Out.

Day 45

Here we are then!

Added some new pics to Flickr, not sure how you link it to the blog, I have seen Swee's picture pop up to his blogs...

Did my workout AM again, was in the gym for 7.30. Like that a lot, much better than evenings, tough to stick to though. I keep meaning to book into a yoga class, as they do them there, will do soon.

Am looking forward to this evenings indulgence, I will stick to my rules, but will enjoy the break. Sat mid morning exercises, that'll bring me back around.

Not really much content today, just checking in really. Less than half way to go...

Over & out.

Over the hill and down the other side.

Just like Kevin said, it is a funny point in the FIYL cycle!

I was starting to feel a little down about it, not bored, just a little impatient, or maybe starting to loose belief in it. But if you really think about the amazing results we have all seen, in this short time and we have just under half way to go.

If that can happen in the first 48 days, what is gonna happen in the last 42... I have a little break on Friday, nothing too bad and then serious hard work all the way to the finish line.

This could be interesting...

Picture to follow tomorrow morning, sorry, been slack.

Over & Out.

The early bird catches the burn.

Gym. AM. Skipping and leg work done!

Made my usual runny egg with mushrooms and tomatoes on toast, sandwiched that sucker and brought it with! Ate it getting changed afters.

This could be the way forward. Feel a lot more awake after it and it will free up some time in the evenings. I was planning to do my whole work out but didn't have time, this can be easily rectified tomorrow. And if it's burning more fat, then its a winner.

Still got that visceral fat hanging around but I am feeling great, much more svelte and I am in an unprecedented weight division... Bring it on, I say. Haven't missed an 8MA and am not planning to.

Right, looking forward to some yoga with the missus later in the week, I'll let you know how it goes.

Over & Out.

Blog into your life..

New diets & exercises in!

Happy with the AMAYW part. I started to think, it would have been easer to do that from the start, then straight away was like, screw that, I earn't this and don't want anyone else having it without earning it!!

Exercises have stepped up a notch... Not as excited by that, but happy there is constant change, which suits me a lot. I enjoyed last nights workout the most, something to do with the combo of exercises, dunno, but really liked it.

Skipping tonight, a nice rest. Good.

Over & out.

Blogging me blogging you A ha...

Great weekend just past, stuck the diet all weekend, followed by a great day out at Gullane 2 with the ladzzz. Had pita filled with Salmon at the 11th tee. Awesome stuff. 

Like James, my knees are giving me a little jip, I have started icing them after exercises, which is helping. 

I have noticed that I am not eating much meat at the moment, if any! It seems to be fish all the way. I think this was mostly for easiness of preparation, but I didn't really think about it. When James was talking about the sub standard steak he had last week, I realised I haven't missed red meat at all. And for a minute, while thinking about a juicy thick steak, I thought to myself, nah, I don't even want it! Weird... 

I think that will be something I take forward with me after FIYL finishes, very little red meat.

Not much to report, I am enjoying not being hungover and am still enjoying the program. Looking forward to seeing some more fat dropping off. There is an unbelievably solid stack of muscles under my belly fat! I haven't missed a 8MA since we started them, did them at a party I attended on Friday...

Got Aleks' birthday meal this Friday, which I had in my head that I was going to allow myself a night off FIYL. I am still going to do this, but there will be a few golden rules that I am going to stick to;

1. No larger, or juice mixer of any variety. 

2. No bread with dinner. 

3. Fish only main and starter. 

4. No desert or cake. 

5. Sensible portions

I think that is fair enough. I know I will end up drunk and the exercises will be harder the next day, but I am willing to deal with that.

That's all for know.

Over & Out. 

8MA.

Another night, another 8MA.

They are getting easier and harder... Does that make sense? Let me explain.

It is becoming easier, the more I do it. However, as I am getting better, my technique is getting better and I am doing them properly, or at least better than I was. Loving it!

The V- sits tonight, were a lot easier too. Just got to keep with it and you can do more.

Pistol dips avec chair to hold onto... #notgonnahappenwithoutit 


Day 38 email - Good. 


Over & out

Weight a minute...

Firstly, could not quite believe my eyes last night, stepped on the scales and I am lighter than I was when I was 16...
What a great feeling, a real motivator. That's nearly a stone in a month and we're only just beginning.

Secondly, some changes in my body; spots the other day, 3 little feckers. Needless to say, they got taken car of. Gas, not Canadian petrol,bum burps!! A fare few of them over the last week, I assure you not smelly, just there. Apart from that, everything as normal. Feel a lot sharper and not sure what a hangover would feel like, but don't want to know really.

Got my steam on last night, while having my egg whites, which are great when they're warm. It's so much easier in the morning if things are prepared and stock piled. Took me a while to get that.

Question: What do you think the corn without the cobs weighs?  Answer: I dunno but it tastes soooo good!

Lastly, exercise... Still going well, failed massively at the pistol squats... Managed a couple but nowhere near where the 'model' in the example gets. I guess that will come.
While doing my frog hops my left knee started making the most ungodly, devilish sound. I had to stop after 2 and a bit sets last night, replaced it with squats. It's when I jump from left to right, maybe my technique needs some work. The knee is particularly sore, but I am not sure I want to chance it with those kind of noises. Any advice welcome.

Now then, now then, now then... My new skipping 'jump' ropes have a counter on them!! It truly is brilliant when technology really does make things a whole lot easier. It's amazing how much better my technique is when I am not constantly counting and trying to remember where I am at. I could not recommend them enough...

Hope it's going well fellow FIYLers

Over & out.

8 Minute Abs...

Amazing...

Can't believe how much I enjoyed that. Really manageable and fun listening to the music and that dude! That's getting taken down every night!

Forgot to say, I snapped my rope last week, got it replaced, and they didn't have the one I'd been using. Like James, I got a slightly thicker one than before. But unlike James, this has worked in my favour. Maybe it's not as thick as his, or he is just better than me (quite possible) but it's really working for me. Definitely worth trying different ropes for different folks... This one counts my skips too!

That's all for now. See you in 24hrs (love that shit)

Over & out.

That's dinner, 8 min abs for desert...

I cannot believe that we are getting by on this! True though, crazy.

Gonna jump into my first taste of cheesy american abs tonight. Slightly worried, as I am still struggling with the V-sit a little, but hey ho - Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Had a little wobble over the weekend, picked up Grainne from Elie and ended up eating lunch with her, in the Ship. Just sauce on the meat that was out of line. Oops. Still could have been worse.

Really enjoyed my skipping tonight, I have really turned a corner. Leg work is getting very good. Got the doubles and triples nearly in the bag. Next stop, crossovers.

Hope you guys are still enjoying it. Looking forward to new instructions tomorrow.

Over & out.

Friday morning.

Hello sports fans,

I have enjoyed reading the updated blogs, good going guys. I feel like I have been away for a couple of days, as I have been off work, so not so strict on the checking of emails and blogging. Still completely with it though, both exercises and diet.

I must say, I was a bit put off at the dinner part, at first. But to be honest, it's not that bad and it's not forever, I am starting to enjoy the game of beating this thing, beating my urges and beating the old way of operating. Swee's stubborn attitude is very inspiring when we chat on the phone, he said ' I am enjoying beating it ' I liked that a lot.

Loving the new exercises, very hard but really liking it and looking forward to doing some cheesy american ab workouts before bed, that guy is awesome...

Nothing much to report at the moment, keep up the good work guys.

Over & Out.

Pic to follow

Oh how time FIYLES...

I cannot believe it's nearly 1 month, it certainly has blown by.

Still enjoying it and still keen to succeed.

The new exercises are good, it's nice to add some more variation, although the hockey steps and the frog jumps are absolute killers. Hopefully they'll get easier...
Jump rope (skipping) is coming along nicely, smashing out 1150 in no time at all and starting to get some skills. Switching feet, hoping about, trying to get off the toes.

The weight has certainly been dropping off me, Kevin says that is mostly water. I can see things starting to retract and come in, very encouraging.

Not much to report from the weekend, a took my non FIYL food in form of a small curry and rice, we were at a friends birthday meal, so I thought a good opportunity to fit in. Of course, I had 2 glasses of red wine too. I get what Kevin meant by that exercise, I don't think I did it in the right way.
Still, from now on I am going to be uber strict. I kind of feel like time is running out a little and I want to see more results.

Happy Monday gang and good luck for the week.

Over & out.

Or this...

Inspirational figure

It might as well be Bond...



Not sure I'll be putting a picture of him up anywhere, let alone the gym...

Energy levels.

For the 1st time last night, I felt low on energy, this was in the gym around 6.30pm. I felt tired and low but also was getting angry, there was a slight feeling of emptiness in me (physically) and my mood was definitely weird. I could have quite easily GBH'd a fellow gym goer, if provoked...

I managed to not veer from the path and was okay after eating and taking a wee rest. Had my fruit pretty early last night, and that did see me through till this morning.

No huge drama, just wondering if anyone else experienced this?

Picture of a hot male to follow  #wierdthingsyousayonfiyl

Over & Out.

Today's lunch.

Lovely stuff, last nights steamed veg, sweet potato, asparagus and some beetroot salad with salmon. Cheeky little wholemeal pitta and some bugler wheat.

Yum.

80% full.

Back on top...

Feeling great and hungry for more.

I had a massive whitey on Monday, mostly to do with the new business I am starting, but I felt pressure from all areas of my life, including FIYL.

It was completely natural and I think there would be something wrong if I didn't have some fears. However, I am back on top of things and feeling great. I have lost over half a stone...(7 lbs) and I am really enjoying the program now. Doing my exercises in the gym makes a big difference, it's a lot more motivating than my back garden and I can enjoy the ceremony of the steam & sauna etc.

Thanks Swee, It's dropping off me, but I am sure that'll slow down? When you have more to lose, it'll show quicker.

I am pretty sure I can sustain this and I am prepared for an increase in activity and decrease in food. I am slightly amazed at how I am not hungry in the evenings. After a workout, that amount of food really does see me till the next day.
That was one of my biggest problems, eating crap food late at night and not just when drunk!

Right, I am inspired to pick a human-man-body to aspire to, I will have a good think and get back to you.

Over & Out.

Ps - I'd go gay for Matthew McConaughey

Wandering from the path...

So, I messed up slightly... Not really sure why it happened, but I'll tell you this much, the guilt is unbearable.

I told James, aka SWEE, about my little mess-up and said I wasn't going to blog about it, was going to sweep it under the carpet and start over. I think that would be a mistake, and dishonest.

I ate some food that wasn't on the menu. Not much and not that bad, but enough to seriously de-rail my head. It really pissed me off and put a bit of unwanted stress on my fragile mind.

I am back on track now, perhaps I needed that little mistake, to prove to myself that I want to achieve this. That is though, no more messing around. I thought about the end result and if I keep having lots of secret little snacks, seeing James, aka SWEE's results next to mine... Unbearable.

Right, enough of that. Correct food done, exercises done. Onwards and upwards.

FIML

Over & Out.

Day 16.

I went to see the Descendants last night, very good film. Sad but good.

The film finished at 8pm, so I didn't get home till 9pm. I was really hungry and really felt like cheating. I managed to conquer that feeling pretty quickly and moved onto talking myself out of my exercises... Remembering the words 'It's 80% diet, 20% work-outs' thinking, I'll just miss this and it won't hurt too much.
I didn't fail, I managed to pursued myself, quite quickly, that I was going to do them, so I did. Then ate according to the new measurements. This was an achievement, my 1st major wave, and I rode it home.

This is going to happen again, maybe stronger, maybe more powerful. It's important not to put yourself in those situations, because it'll get harder to say no.

I have done abstinence diets in the past, eating packet soups 4 times a day, that was extreme and very tough. Constantly thinking of real food and seeing it everywhere. You have to play tricks on yourself, set yourself targets then exceed them. Eg - I would say, if I can last till the weekend, I'll have a sandwich, or a pint, or whatever the hell it is that I was craving. Of course, by the time I get to the weekend, I am feeling completely different and am not about to ruin what I have just worked so hard for. And so on, next time I am craving something or want to cheat, I set a goal and wait till I get there, chances are I won't when I do. It might be a dangerous option as it gets you in that mind frame for cheating, but on FIYL I haven't had to do that yet, as this is a sustainable diet and I am thinking far more long term now. Perhaps it can help in the future, who knows...

I am eating a shed load of fish at the moment, not been near meat in at least 4/5 days... I have noticed a change in my gut! I feel like my body is running a lot smoother, like an engine that has just been cleaned, oiled and tuned(i'm not a car guy, sorry for the simile)...

So, still feeling good, noticing changes in my body, physically and internally and hoping it's all sticking mentally. I have also bought a new bike.

Smiles all round, hope everyone else is getting on well.

Sri - I can't see your blog for some reason.

Swee - You hate chicken -- chicken hates you...

Tony/Terry - Where are you guys? Hope you're still on board!?

Over & Out.

Day 14 continued...

New menus and exercises in, here we go again. More movement, less consumption.

I haven't really been feeling that hungry, the fruit is a massive help in the mid morning, afternoon and evening. Even when I am not doing FIYL, I drink a lot of water. However, my consumption has gone up to about 4liters a day (usually), which really helps with the hunger.

After exercise is when I am most hungry, I have been doing mine after work, before dinner, perhaps I should try it in the morning?

I did get held up the other day and had to eat later than I would have liked (dinner), it really made me want to cheat, that is a key trigger - massive hunger pangs. If you can manage to not get too hungry, you have a much better chance of sticking to the programme.

Seeing a small difference is great, it's a real motivator, as are fat people in pubs... Seriously, take a good look around, they are everywhere. It's such a shame we're turning 'American'. Men, women, kids... everyone is getting fat, morbidly obese and it's not just that they look uncomfortable and are clearly self-conciuos, I am wondering how long before they get some chronic disease?

I am not meaning to judge and don't want to be harsh, I don't think I am better than them, but they are really motivating me to be healthy. Not just on FIYL, but forever...

I hope you've all seen some change to and are feeling good and ready to continue.

Over & Out

2 weeks done.

Good work everyone. Only 76 days to go... Still sounds quite a bit really.

Good to get that solid amount done though, skipping tonight and then we'll get the new programe in. More exercise and less food is probably on the menu.

I am going to add this weeks pic to fliker now, always best to take these in the morning...

Over & Out

DAY 10 -11

I managed to delete my day 10 & 11 blog!

Needless to say, it was funny, interesting and chock full of inspirational nuggets of information.  I would write it again, but I have forgotten it all.

Day 13 blog to follow...

Over & Out

Just found this in Drafts... Oops. DAY 9

Good morning all,

Another fine breakfast, same as yesterday but added some grilled tomatoes into the bargain. Completely forgot about the morning veg!

Dinner last night was great, a small fillet of salmon, two small potatoes and the rest in green beans and broccoli. The biggest change though, was the speed that I consumed it. I really took my time, tasted each morsel and put my knife and fork down between bites. It really does make the experience much more satisfying, I tasted more of the food and noticed and the end that I wasn't looking around for more to consume. 80% full, that is my new rule.

I really enjoyed the 'Unhappy Meals' article, it really struck a chord. If you haven't read, get it done.

The exercises are going well. Although, I found the pull ups hard, as I really don't have the equipment for it at home. I think I may have to do those in the gym, which isn't a huge deal. Also, I am slightly worried that my poky wee flat won't be big enough for the door anchor work, again if not, I'll just do it in the gym.

Right, I better go and do some work, enjoy Day 9.

Over & Out.

So far so good...

Breakfast was awesome - so tasty.

Lunch, as you can seem there was a lot of it and wasn't too bad. A little dry, but okay.

Dinner, I'm thinking Salmon, so won't be painful.

A small tip from previous programes, drink  lots of water. It is good for you and will fill you up, obviuosly not a dangerous amount, but I doubt that'll be an issue. Of course you'll be up and down like whore's nickers but it geniunly helps if you are having hunger pangs.

Bring on the skipping - I definitely turned a corner with it and am on the road to actually being good.

Over & Out

Week 2

It's been a roller-coaster of emotions today!!

Firstly, very excited to finally get down to it. I was full of joy reading through the program and the dietary aspects and I felt good about the new exercises. However, that didn't last... I was overcome by the sheer unknown, kind of confused about what I was going to cook/make and then felt wrapped with fear, thinking, I'm not gonna manage this etc.
After a few conversations with parents, girlfriend and friends, I started to relax and get to grips with it. I guess I felt a bit pressured with the fact that I have to start planning this stuff now. I am so used to eating on the hop or going out for dinner (and drinks) that I am just not used to this amount of preparation and planning.

I have a few meal plans and ideas from my loved ones and that has really helped me back to my original feelings, of excitement and happiness. We will learn on the job, it doesn't all have to be worked out now. I hope you're all feeling good about it too.

So, I am off to bed, I have made my salad, piece of chicken, wholemeal pitta and fruit snaks and packed them all for tomorrow. I will get up slightly earlier than normal and really enjoy my toast (wholemeal and rye) and 2 eggs, probably scrambled. I have to say, with a cup of good coffee, that is a pretty nice little breakfast right there. Not looking forward to losing the egg yolks.

Good luck everyone, here we go...

Day 5 and beyond.

Well what can I say, I certainly did drown my sorrows after our defeat to the 'auld enemy'...

I am glad that is it with the drinking. It's not nice doing the exercises on a massive hanger and it's obviously massively counter productive.

So, we begin properly. Like J-swee I am slightly nervous but mostly keen to get cracking. I will certainly prefer and get more out of the fact that it's pretty much mapped out for me, take away the element of choice and remove most of the temptation to bend the rules.

Almost bought a door anchor and band online but they wanted to much for delivery, I'm thinking of Sports Warehouse will have both.

500 skips tomorrow... Wowzers...

Day 3 & 4

Epic fail...

Evening 2 involved a lot of drinking... And day 3 suffered heavily for it. I was entertaining a client, so kind of had to do it.

If we had been on the no drinking rule, I wouldn't have slipped. So, I kind of allowed myself to do it and am not going to beat myself up. Back on the horse, onwards and upwards.

Day 4

I have just done the exercises in my back garden, it was peaceful, I enjoyed it.

Very interesting about the fat storage and optimum training levels etc. Does this mean that extra curricular work outs are actually going to hinder the re training of our bodies. Are we going to keep them burning emergency carbs rather than fat?? I guess soon there will be very few carbs in our diet!?

Scotland play England today in the 2nd opening match ofthe 6 nations tournament. It will be very hard not to drink too much, especially of Scotland win... Which is not as unlikely as you may first think. As we are still allowed to drink at this stage, I will again, be allowing myself the pleasure. I will try control myself, only drink half and perhaps drink a gin and slim rather than lager. But I am not going to worry if I slip slightly. It is a big day for us here.

If you give me a little, I'll try and take a bit more. Once I am not allowed t drink at all, I don't think I'll have a problem sticking to it.

Sadly, it's one of the corner stones of our culture in modern Britain... Sad really.

Over & Out.

Jumprope

I feel like a 3 legged donky while skipping!

I hear you, 'it'll take time' I wanna look like Floyd Mayweather NOW!

Day 2

Woke up feeling pretty much normal! I think I should be doing my exercises in the morning, but just didn't have time today. I think that's probably the best plan though.

I have to meet a possible client for my new business venture this evening. It will be in the pub! Obviously I will only be drinking a limited amount and half of what I'd normally consume at this type of meeting, but I am going to be slightly healthier and have gin and slim, rather than beer. I won't be out late (I hope), so the morning workout should be fine.

Still feeling very positive about the program and intrigued as to where it is heading.

Over & out. Good luck FIYLers

Day 1.

Not too shabby.

Half portions done

Exercise done... Skipping is hard!

I think I have been lulled into a false sense of security... We'll see.

What? I just woke up.