'Keep walking'

My first business trip since I started the program last week... Seoul, Korea. I'm quite proud to say there were no deviations from the plan from start to finish. I woke up early the morning of my flight and did my workout and had breakfast. The trip would be 3 days in duration so early planning could get me well into day 2 without episode. The issues were biz class meals (and the threat of spirits, and Cathay Air garlic bread... Which i love...), dinner with colleagues and /or clients, and of course, schedule.

On day 1 my flight left at 9:30, allowing me the option of leaving from home and heading directly to the airport. After my workout and breakfast i cut fruit for an army. This would be my mid morning and mid day snacks in a pinch. I brought along wheat bread that i measured to be enough for lunch and potentially dinner. I opted to eat on my own as much as possible so as not to explain myself to too many people... Sharing is great and helpful but to some I think we pcp'ers can come off over zealous and way too fitness conscious for my appearance! I woke up both mornings of the trip at 5:30 and made sure to incorporate an extra half hour (to cool down/stop sweating)!before my first meeting each morning.  

There was one rough evening. My last night in town with colleagues... The guys... Bonding... usually over a steak, left bank Bordeaux, and a finishing round of cognac... This time would be different.

Every country in Asia has it's theme or catch phrase to attract tourism... Amazing Thailand... Malaysia, truly Asia... I'm not sure what Korea uses as a tag officially... But as I left for the airport the Johnny Walker Black Label ad 'Keep Walking' was everywhere. How fitting, given the level of Whiskey consumption in that country. I came clean with the guys early the night of my big dinner and told them I was off the booz... Which led to a full 1/2 hour of PCP Q&A. A good time followed but nothing like previous trips to Seoul. All in, I think I've figured out how to travel while on the PCP... 1) plan ahead re: food, meals, snacks... Wheat bread, apples and boiled eggs travel well... Call ahead to restaurants... 'Can you do no salt, no butter on menu items?' etc...  2) be firm on time commitments and get workouts done in the AM... The evening could prove difficult due to fatigue, schedules, too many other priorities colliding  3) communication... Let colleagues know you've not gone 'fitness freak' but rather you're on a mission to getting yourself overall healthy.

I started day one at 107kg... Weighed in at 102.2 this morning... Watch this space.

Begin with the end in mind..

If you were at the 8:00 showing of Hangover 2 at PP AMC on Saturday night... and you wondered who was that chomping on freshly cut apple slices in the third row... hands up. It was me and my wife... Yes it's true - ignored the sweet and/or hot and buttered popcorn and brought our own snacks. A first for me to be sure. We've taken to the PCP idea together and have enjoyed a pretty good start.

The half dinners have been... well... half is relative really. Half of 'what I would usually eat' gives me a good bit of room to maneuver if hungry. I've given it an honest effort to clean up my act - no Sift cupcakes, no desserts in general... no fried bits, lots of meats/vegetables and light on starches (particularly in the evenings).

The workouts have been good but the excitement of end result is what's paramount.  I'm looking forward to slimming down but ultimately feeling better and getting fit.  How many meals have I sat across from peers who 'don't eat this - don't eat that' while I put away the 12oz wagyu and 3/4s of a late 90s Chianti - more than my share I mean to confess. So, i've been off the booze since June 2 and will aim to remain 'largely' off the booze until completion.

I've tried to add a few runs into the mix as well... it seems that the new exercises have made my standard 4 and 5k runs on the weekend really tough. Not sure if it was the heat but barely finished on Saturday and through in the towel on Sunday. Perhaps it's best to just stick with the program for now?

Either way - a college professor once told me 'begin with the end in mind...' It's worked for me in life on many occasions. I'm looking for great results in August. I want to wish everyone the best of luck.  Some of the results I've seen from the guys around me at work are astonishing. I'm looking forward to celebrating with all of you at the finishing line in late August. If you're ever feeling weak and need someone to talk you off the ledge... if you're ever wishing you could tuck into a chicken and mushroom pie - or you're missing that after work cocktail... email me - you're probably not alone! All the best guys - see you on the other side...