Training Day One Hundred Ten

With a cheat day behind me and a day off from work I went to the gym with pretty high expectations. I'm not really used to not spending most of the day walking for several of hours prior to hitting the gym.

Today's back, trapz and forearms workout:
- 5x8 Lat pulldowns (Slightly bent bar)
- 3x8 Bent over dumbbell rows
- 3x8 Bent over cable pullover
- 3x15 Belly back extensions
- 6x12 Shrugs (Using multi-press machine)
- 3x12 Seated supinated barbell wrist curl
- 3x12 Seated pronated barbell wrist curl

Back double biceps pic taken this afternoon prior to my workout.

My expectations were met today. I was able to get a pretty good feel through the entire workout, while the weights were still at a decent level. I had some issues with the supinated wrist curl, but other than that everything went smooth.

Muscle Eggs: Cheat Day

Muscle Eggs are back from a long break. Here's a little take on cheat days. A day of moderation for some, a day of excessiveness for others. Enjoy, and don't forget to like Muscle Eggs on Facebook.

Cheat Day Sixteen

As I hinted in today's training entry, it's been a long work week. Therefore, today's cheat day has been highly anticipated. For some weird reason I seem to include a Ben & Jerry's Ice cream in every cheat day, and this time it's no different. Adding to that I also decided to add my favorite pizza to the equation. Everything adding up to one awesome cheat day.

A Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie and a pizza with
Tomato Sauce, Ham, Kebab, Cheese and Garlic Sauce.

Instead of being incredibly thorough I'll do a rough estimation on how many calories today's cheat day contains. The Ben & Jerry's ice cream I know for a fact contains 1050 calories. The pizza I'm estimating at about 1500 calories. Take away one meal at about 350 calories and we end up at a total of 2200 calories.

As far as entertainment goes, this very evening will be spent with solely my girlfriend - no company allowed. We'll be going through a couple of movies and just enjoy our free time. Life is pretty damn good right now.

Training Day One Hundred Nine

A long week of work is at its end and that means I got tomorrow off. What better way to celebrate that than by having a chest and biceps workout? And as if that's not enough, today is cheat day!

Today's chest and biceps workout:
- 4x8 1x6 Incline dumbbell chest press
- 4x8 Seated chest press machine
- 3x12 Bent-over cable chest flyes
- 4x8 Standing dumbbell biceps curl
- 3x8 Cable machine alternate biceps curl
- 3x8 Partial barbell biceps curl (EZ-bar)

Side chest pic taken at home after work and prior to my workout.

Today's workout was pure bliss. Everything felt right. The energy was there and I had no problems pulling through most of the sets without feeling absolutely exhausted. I'm not using any incredibly heavy weights, but I'm doing pretty well considering how far into the diet I am. It's been an awesome day so far!

Training Day One Hundred Eight

This was the only morning I got to sleep in this week, but unfortunately those plans went out the window. The gym where I instruct was in for a big cleaning. That meant that my girlfriend and I had to get up early in order to be there on time. Once the cleaning was done it was time for a quads and abs workout before I got to head of to work. Since today includes so many obligations, the cheat day will be postponed until tomorrow.

Today's quads and abs workout:
- 8x8 Leg extension machine
- 4x8 Squats
- 4x8 Alternate leg extension machine (One leg at a time)
- 3x12 Ab side crunches on slight incline bench
- 3x12 Ab crunches on slight incline bench
- 3x12 Leg raises on bench

Quads pic taken at the gym before starting my workout.

To be honest, I feel more alert than ever. I'm constantly surprised by the flow and energy I'm able to pull out of me while being at the gym. Don't get me wrong, I am tired nowadays, but not as tired as you'd think I'd be. Especially considering the calories I'm getting and the amount of physical activity that I'm doing. The abs portion of the workout was rather laid back today.

Training Day One Hundred Seven

Started this morning as usual by having my breakfast and heading off to work. After that I got home, packed my bags, and went off to the beach with my girlfriend. Once we were done with our little trip, I dropped her off at home while I continued to the gym.

Today's calves and delts workout:
- 6x12 Calf presses in leg press machine
- 3x12 Seated calf raise machine
- 3x8 Standing calf raises (Squat machine)
- 3x8 Seated dumbbell shoulder press
- 3x8 Dumbbell lateral delt raises
- 3x8 Seated bent-over dumbbell reverse fly

Front pic taken at the gym after my workout.

Today's workout was definitely not done with a high intensity. Everything was cut short. I had no energy, nor any will to perform at a high pace. Hence, I used few exercises, moderately high number of reps and low intensity. I have to play it safe now since the body is tired. The mind is very willing though.

Training Day One Hundred Six

Had to change workshifts today which resulted in me working a few hours longer than planned. Had my gym bag packed and ready for a quick workout straight afterwards.

Today's hamstrings and triceps workout:
- 6x8 Seated leg curl machine
- 6x8 Stiff-legged deadlifts
- 6x8 Triceps cable pushdowns (V-bar)
- 4x5 Triceps overhead dumbbell extension
- 2x12 Triceps cable pushdowns (Rope)

Triceps pic taken at the gym during my workout.

Was surprised to find that the intensity during the hamstrings workout was able to be kept rather high. I didn't feel as drained as usual. Even as I'm writing this entry, I still feel more up and alert than ever. Seems like the body is working at full speed right now.

Training Day One Hundred Five

Last night I was absolutely exhausted, which resulted in me falling asleep in the couch while we were watching TV. This morning, I had promised my girlfriend breakfast in bed so that's what we both got. I ate my usual breakfast and she had hers. Today I'll be working evening, hence I had to do my workout prior to that (around 11 o'clock).

Today's back, trapz and forearms workout:
- 5x8 Cable row machine
- 4x12 T-bar rows
- 3x12 Barbell good-mornings
- 5x12 Barbell shrugs
- 3x12 Seated supinated barbell wrist curls
- 3x12 Reverse biceps curl

Back double biceps pic taken at home this morning prior to working out.

Had a pretty straight forward workout today. The targeting of muscles in the cable row machine was exceptionally good. The power supply is still a bit drained, but the exercises were executed quite thoroughly.

Training Day One Hundred Four

This day has been rather pleasant. Work was good, not really stressed out or anything, just plain and simple. Coming home was relaxed, got to sit back for a little bit, not to mention that my favorite magazine was in the mail box. Basically, I had a calm and relaxed day before heading to the gym.

Today's chest and biceps workout:
- 5x8 Flat bench press
- 3x8 Flat chest press machine
- 4x12 Bent-over cable chest flyes
- 3x12 Scott curls (EZ-bar)
- 3x5 Decline seated dumbbell biceps curls
- 3x12 Overhead cable biceps curls

Side chest pic taken at the gym during my workout.

Things were calm and relaxed at home and that's basically what they were at the gym as well. Had a good workout were I did what I was supposed to without any hassle. Got a good pump and they veins were showing pretty well - most likely due to last night's buffet. Best workout of the week is at its end!

Cheat Day Fifteen

Today I had my brother and his wife over for dinner. But, instead of cooking something we decided on ordering out. Now, since they were much more experienced with the restaurants around here, they got to decide where we should order our food. That decision ended up with a Thai food restaurant. Basically they bough a bunch of meals and we put them up at our house as a buffet of sort. But, before all this went down, my girlfriend and I had a little mini-cheat day of our own. I started the morning by eating my usual breakfast. After that I went to the mall and got myself my favorite Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (Chocolate Fudge Brownie). On the way home I did a detour to McDonalds and got my girlfriend some breakfast, which I brought home. While I did all this, my girlfriend was at home getting a nice and warm bath ready for us (and some lit candles). Once I got home, we both slid down into the bath and enjoyed our morning meals.

Mini-cheat day this very morning. I had the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.

Thai food brought home in the evening for a home made buffet.

Since this cheat day was divided in two, there are two meals to account for. This morning's Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie contained 1050 calories. Now, the "home made" buffet on the other hand is just pure guessing on my part. I'll put my plates at a total of somewhere around 1500 calories. Both of these meals give me a total of 2550 calories. I did, however, take away one of the usual meals for the day (containing 551 calories) and exchange the other one with a couple of protein drinks. This change gives me a minus of 662 calories. If my calculations are correct, this puts me at a total of 1888 extra calories for the day.

Tonight's entertainment was spent with my brother, his wife and my girlfriend. The movie for the evening was Horrible Bosses (awesome movie by the way). Feels good to be on a cheat day. Can't wait for the next one!

Training Day One Hundred Three

Tonight I'll be having my brother and his wife over for dinner and a movie. Hence, today's workout had do be done in the morning, which means I'd only be eating breakfast prior to heading there. But, since it's cheat day today, I decided to have an extra meal prior to heading to the gym. What that was can be read in the upcoming cheat day entry.

Today's quads and abs workout:
- 5x8 Squats
- 5x8 Leg extension machine
- 3x8 Step-ups on bench
- 1x12 Alternate leg extensions
- 4x8 Flat bench lying leg raises
- 4x12 Cable crunches
- 3x5 Side crunches on bench

Quads pic taken this morning after breakfast.

Had some extra carbs in my body as I headed towards the gym. Was expecting a fair bit of power in my legs, but was slightly disappointed. I'm thinking that all the walking I do at work affects my quad performance, as it seems to be the only muscle group that's really tired right now. The abs workout was, however, really good. It does feel slightly awkward training the abs ever since I had the operation. Nothing to worry about though. Looking forward to tonight's dinner.

Training Day One Hundred Two

Today is a special day. As usual I'm working and going to the gym. But, this evening I'll be doing something I haven't done in a long time. I'll be hosting a small computer LAN at my parents place. That's where I spent most of my time as overweight with my friends - playing computer games. It's time to revisit old memories. But first, it's time for calves and delts.

Today's calves and delts workout:
- 6x8 Standing calf raises (Smith machine)
- 3x8 Standing calf raise machine (Super sets)
- 6x12 Calf press in leg press machine
- 2x12 Standing calf raises (On plank)
- 3x8 Dumbbell front delt raise
- 3x8 Dumbbell lateral delt raise
- 3x8 Reverse fly machine
- 2x12 Behind-the-neck shoulder press (Smith machine)

Front pic taken at the gym during my workout.

It's noticeable that I'm getting further into the diet. It seems as if all the walking I'm doing at work takes a toll on the body. But, then again, perhaps I'm saving myself from doing the morning walks. In any case, today's workout was especially good during calves, and decent during delts. I'm not complaining. Besides, I'm too busy looking forward to tonight.

Training Day One Hundred One

Will be working evening today so I had to get my ass to the gym prior to that. Woke up, ate my regular breakfast and had a few hours of kicking back before I headed off to the gym.

Today's hamstrings and triceps workout:
- 5x8 Stiff-legged deadlifts (Smith machine)
- 6x8 Seated leg curl
- 5x8 Triceps cable pushdown (V-bar)
- 3x8 Barbell lying tricep extensions
- 3x8 Triceps cable pushdown (Rope)
- 3x8 3x8 3x8 Triceps cable pushdown (Rope - Drop sets)

Triceps pic taken this morning prior to working out.

Since I'm working the evening, which means I'll be doing a lot of walking, I don't want to blow my hamstrings completely. Hence, today's hamstring part was done with moderate strain. The triceps, however, got a real good beating and I even added some drop-sets in the end to squeeze the last ounce out of me.

Training Day One Hundred

This is the last day of working double shifts this week. So far it's going from one work to another, trying to get a workout done in between or directly after the last shift. Today's workout was done after both shifts were over.

Today's back, trapz and forearms workout:
- 4x5 Lat pulldowns (Straight bar)
- 1x5 Chins
- 2x12 Lat pulldowns machine
- 3x12 Row machine
- 6x12 Dumbbell shrugs
- 3x12 Bellybacks (10 sec rest between sets)
- 3x12 Reverse barbell biceps curl
- 3x12 Standing supinated barbell wrist curl (10 sec rest between sets)

Lat spread pic taken in between jobs this afternoon.

Had an amazing lats session today. I've never had as much tension going on in the upper lats as I had in the initial warm-up sets of lat pulldowns. The rows were not as good, but they weren't the primary focus of the evening anyway. As usual, the forearms and trapz got the lesser beating.

Training Day Ninety Nine

It's exhausting to have a cheat day. I was so full of food when I went to bed yesterday that I woke up this morning still feeling full. My hopes were that today's workout would be positively affected by yesterday's extra carb intake.

Today's chest and biceps workout:
- 5x5 Bench press
- 3x12 Incline dumbbell chest press
- 3x12 Bent-over cable flyes
- 3x8 Barbell biceps curl (Super EZ-curl bar)
- 3x5 Dumbbell biceps curl
- 3x12 Concentration curl machine

Front double biceps pic taken at the gym during my workout.

Those carbs knew where they were heading! The intensity, the focus, the pump - everything was perfect during today's workout. I felt that I had lots to give and that the muscles got more than they bargained for. God, I love post-cheat day workouts!

Cheat Day Fourteen

Had a pretty good leg workout today which was done straight after work. This week I'll be working pretty much every day. If I'm not at one place, it's the other. Therefore I've set my head on building up a nice and neat little supply of food for me to devour. Tonight's diet deviation is: Pizza and a bag of candy!

Topping: Tomato Sauce, Ham, Kebab, Cheese and Garlic Sauce.

All kinds of favorite candy in one delightful bag.

Since I'm quite often cheating with food that doesn't contain any nutritional facts I have to yet again guess. My estimation is that the pizza puts me around 1500 calories. The bag of candy is probably around 1000 calories. Hence, the total extra is 2500 calories - give or take 200 calories.

Since it's an early morning tomorrow there's not much time for evening entertainment. Most likely it's whatever on TV that'll have to do. Not that I really care - I'm just in it for the treats!

Training Day Ninety Eight

There's lots of work to be done and it just keeps piling up. Oddly enough I seem more refreshed and rested than usual - at least considering all that's currently happening in my life. Today's workout will be followed by the a sweet and heavenly cheat day.

Today's quads and abs workout:
- 8x8 Leg press
- 4x8 One-legged leg extensions
- 4x8 Leg extensions
- 5x12 Ab crunches machine
- 5x5 Ab side crunches

Quads pic taken this morning before heading off to work.

Even if I do feel rather rested, it's still rough while I'm at the gym. I feel like the power and will to perform is there, but the strength is lacking. I remember this feeling from the previous journey, but back then I was far more worn out. Things are actually quite good right now.

Tanning - Avoiding the skeleton look

This past Wednesday I actually went to the gym and had my first session on the tanning bed, and today it was time for round two. Last summer when I made my first journey, I wasn't really concerned with getting a tan until perhaps the very end. The reason for it wasn't really because I wanted to look good, it was merely to avoid looking like a walking skeleton.

Pic from august last summer (2011) where I was looking rather worn out.

Once you get far enough into the diet, you tend to start looking worn out - some wear it better than others. As for myself, I tend to get a pretty emaciated look. Mostly it's due to my eyes looking like they've sunk in. Quite frankly, I start looking like a skeleton. Now, the last thing I need on top of that is looking pale, which just pretty much seals the deal.

This baby will help me twice a week. Thank you Tanning Bed!

So, due to the fact that this summer hasn't been the most sun-filled one, and because I'm working most of it, I've decided to get my ass to the tanning bed at least twice a week. All in hopes of avoiding last summer's skeleton look.

Training Day Ninety Seven

First day off from work in quite some time and the only day I'll be free this week. Tonight I'll be kicking back at the movies watching Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter. But, before all that happens, it's time for a workout.

Today's calves and delts workout:
- 8x8 Calf raise machine
- 6x12 Calf raises on plank (10 sec rest between sets)
- 3x12 Calf raises on plank with barbell
- 3x10 Calf presses in leg press machine
- 5x5 Shoulder press (Smith machine)
- 3x5 Dumbbell lateral delt raise
- 3x5 Reverse fly machine
- 3x12 Behind-the-neck barbell shoulder press

Calves pic taken this morning after breakfast.

Had a good workout today from the beginning to the end. I started out with calves and I got a pretty decent pump straight away. Had to rethink my exercises due to some equipment being occupied, but everything ended up nice and tidy. The delt part of the workout was not as well thought trough as the calves. But, it turned out to be pretty decent nonetheless.

Training Day Ninety Six

Went to work at my second job today. After that I had to go pick up my girlfriend and drop here off before I could head to the gym and get my workout done.

Today's hamstrings and triceps workout:
- 5x8 Stiff-legged deadlifts
- 2x20 Standing one-legged cable leg curl
- 2x8 Hamstring raises
- 3x8 Seated leg curl
- 5x8 Triceps cable pushdowns (Straight bar)
- 2x8 Overhead one-arm dumbbell triceps extension
- 3x12 Seated french press (EZ-bar)

Triceps pic taken at home after my workout.

I didn't feel that tired before I got to the gym today, and, mentally, I was in pretty good shape. The strength of the body, however, was rather drained so I couldn't really perform that well. The targeting of the muscle was without any issues though.

Training Day Ninety Five

Second day of having to do a pre-afternoon workout due to working in the evening. Had a short visit to the mall to get some stuff for my lunch boxes before I headed off to the gym.

Today's back, trapz and forearms workout:
- 8x8 Lat pulldowns
- 4x8 Cable row machine
- 3x20 Bellybacks
- 3x12 Cable Bent-over Pullover
- 4x12 Dumbbell shrugs (10 sec rest between sets)
- 3x12 Barbell supinated wrist curl on bench (10 sec rest between sets)
- 2x12 Reverse barbell biceps curl (10 sec rest between sets)

Back double biceps pic taken at home after my workout.

Had an awesome workout today. Was able to target the lats perfectly through the sets and the only time it got a little bit sloppy was during cable bent-over pullovers. Other than that, it was all dandy!

Training Day Ninety Four

I had much higher hopes for today's workout considering how yesterday ended up. Started the morning with eating my breakfast before I went off to Halmstad where the doctors would do some blood tests on my girlfriend. After that it was time for the gym. I took the usual 10 g of BCAA before going in. Much better idea than the giant buffet I had yesterday - even though the buffet was more enjoyable.

Today's chest and biceps workout:
- 8x8 Incline dumbbell chest press
- 3x12 Seated chest press machine
- 4x12 Standing bent-over cable chest flyes
- 3x5 Dumbbell biceps curl
- 3x12 Barbell biceps curl (EZ-bar)
- 3x8 Dumbbell concentration curl

Side chest pic taken at home after my workout.

Had a good workout today as far as chest was concerned. The biceps part was initially a bit dodgy during the dumbbell curls, but, other than that, things went smooth. Right now, it's time to get some food and pack the lunch boxes before I head off to work.

Training Day Ninety Three

After several of cheat days where we were supposed to head to a buffet, but ending up at the hospital instead, we finally got there. And, for once, I had my cheat meal prior to heading to the gym. This very fact made me excited as I figured I'd be able to perform a little bit better than usual.

Today's quads and abs workout:
- 2x8 Step-ups on bench
- 4x8 Squat machine
- 4x12 Leg press machine
- 5x12 Cable crunches
- 3x12 Hanging leg raises

Quads pic taken this morning.

Holy buffet Batman! This workout was in no way filled with action-packed full-on rage-fueled weight lifting. I felt bloated, tired and had to struggle through the entire thing. Lesson learned! Don't do an all-in-buffet before heading to the gym - unless it's three weeks ahead!

Cheat Day Thirteen

During my first journey I didn't really have any cheat days until the very end. They were, however, not as well-planned as they are now. Back then, some cheat days meant all-you-can-eat, while others meant doing things in moderation. During this journey all the cheat days have been set at an approximate 1000 calories bonus. This cheat day, it's time to blow that limit and go all-in. Hence, today's cheat day is a buffet as well as a Ben & Jerry's ice cream. For those of you who read the site, you probably think this will be a Chocolate Fudge Brownie. But, after visiting the Ben & Jerry's wagon yesterday, I got a taste of cookie dough (see facebook page), and now I'm aiming for the Half Baked one. The reason for this cheat day and the amount of food is because I'm more than craving a huge reward. My girlfriend and I have had a really hard time lately. Adding the strain of the diet to the equation, I'm in definite need of a big plate of food - plain and simple.

Buffet plate number One.

Buffet plate number Two.

Buffet plate number Three.

Buffet plate number Four.

Evening desert - Ben & Jerry's Half Baked Ice Cream

Now, there's no telling how much extra calories I ate at the buffet, but I did scrap the meal that was supposed to be consumed around that time. Furthermore I'm also scrapping a protein drink for the day. That gives me an extra 628 calories to play with. All in all, I'd say I had a 1500 - 2000 calorie bonus at that buffet. In the evening I'm enjoying my Ben & Jerry's Half Baked ice cream, which I know for a fact contains 1100 calories. In total, this gives me - and I'm completely guessing here - an extra 3000 calories today. Take away the meals I've scrapped, and I end up at roughly a 2400 calorie bonus. Not bad!

The entertainment for the day has been a trip to the mall where we ate the buffet. But, it doesn't stop there. The Ben & Jerry's Half Baked ice cream will be devoured tonight during a movie. What that movie will be, is yet uncertain, but, I'm in for a good night!

My current playlist: The heavy hitters - Part 2

It's been a while since I posted my first playlist, and even though I am a person of habit that likes repetition, I still tend to renew myself every now and then. So, here's a brand spanking new list of what's currently being played heavily at the gym.

Are you currently sitting on top
of a workout music goldmine?
Stop being such a hog and share it with us!
Post it as a comment beneath this entry.

Training Day Ninety Two

This has not been a good day as far as energy and strength is concerned. My girlfriend and I have been out sightseeing, and my mood has been rather low. Heading towards the gym felt like a long drive and I didn't really think things would change when arriving - even though today is a favorite workout of mine.

Today's calves and delts workout:
- 6x12 Standing calf raises (On plank)
- 6x12 Standing calf raises (Smith machine - on Plank)
- 3x8 Seated calf raises (10 sec rest between sets)
- 4x8 1x7 Behind-the-neck shoulder press
- 3x8 Front dumbbell delt raise
- 3x8 Lateral dumbbell delt raise
- 3x8 Bent over reverse dumbbell fly

Front pic taken at home prior to heading to my workout.

I was surprised to find out that things were actually quite the opposite of what the day had to offer prior to heading towards the gym. The energy was pretty decent and the weights were fairly heavy. To be honest, I had a pretty good workout and I felt rather rejuvenated after leaving the gym and heading home. This is an awesome example of how much I love what I do. No matter how poor of a day I've had, how tired I am, or how disgustingly warm the gym is, I still love being there.

Training Day Ninety One

This is my last work day of the week and I celebrate that by putting a big juicy stake on the grill. But first, hamstrings and triceps are on the menu.

Today's hamstrings and triceps workout:
- 3x8 One-legged seated leg curl
- 6x8 Seated leg curl
- 2x12 Standing leg curls using leg extension machine
- 4x12 Stiff-legged deadlifts
- 6x8 Triceps cable pushdowns (Horizontal bar)
- 1x10 2x8 Dips
- 1x8 1x6 Overhead dumbbell triceps extension

Triceps pic taken after my workout.

Today's hamstrings workout was in fact exceptionally good. The single reason for this was due to me being able to push myself further than usually, and especially during stiff-legged deadlifts. The triceps part had to suffer a bit due to this, since the energy supply was rather drained. But then again, this was probably the only time I had a better hamstrings workout than a triceps one.

Training Day Ninety

The only pace that I got right now is maximum pace. Today I worked early morning, after which I went home, showered, ate my food, made new lunch boxes for tomorrow and then headed off to my other work place. Straight after my second shift it was time for a back workout.

Today's back, trapz and forearms workout:
- 8x8 Lat pulldowns
- 3x12 Bent over rows (in chest press machine)
- 2x20 Back extensions machine
- 2x12 Bent over cable pullover
- 6x12 Dumbbell shrugs
- 3x8 Reverse barbell biceps curl
- 3x12 Standing supinated barbell wrist curl (10 sec rest between sets - no letting go of the bar)

Back double biceps pic taken after ending my first work shift.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tired now. Somehow there's still energy left in my once I hit the gym. Today's workout was planned with the idea of targeting the entire back, but keeping the strain for each individual muscle at a medium. I need to be smart about my workouts since I'm having a hectic period right now.

Training Day Eighty Nine

Finally, I got my girl back home. Got a phone call earlier this morning where she told me that I could go pick her up in the afternoon. I made all my lunch boxes and headed off to the gym in Halmstad, just before it was time to bring her home.

Today's chest and biceps workout:
- 5x8 Cable-cross machine chest flyes
- 3x8 Incline dumbbell chest presses
- 3x12 Cable flyes
- 3x8 Barbell biceps curl (EZ-bar)
- 3x5 Dumbbell biceps curl
- 3x12 Biceps curl machine

Pic taken at the gym while working out.

It's been quite a ride this weekend, and today's workout was done in haste since I wanted to get my ass to the hospital. Had a good pump and a pretty high intensity throughout the entire workout.

Cheat Day Twelve

For those of you who read my training day entry earlier, you know that today was spent with my girl at the hospital. That meant that today's cheat day had to be practical rather than what I really wanted. Bringing a pizza to the unit she was in didn't really seem fitting, and, I didn't really have time to think things through. Hence, I went with a safe bet: Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

A practical choice this time, rather than what I was craving...

This is the third time I'm having this for my cheat day so I really should know the calories contained by now. In any case, this little bucket is filled with exactly 1050 calories and I intended on enjoying them all.

As for tonight's entertainment, we had to spent the evening at the hospital in a section that didn't have any TV. On top of that, the staff were not able to supply us with a wireless Internet connection due to it being a weekend. Hence, we spent the evening sitting outside as well as in her room (which she shared with another lady). Not the best of cheat days, but at least I got to spend it with my girl.

Training Day Eighty Eight

...and the troubles continue. For those of you who read my initial post a few weeks back (found here), you know that me and my girlfriend (her especially) went through a rather bumpy ride with the health care service here in Sweden. It seems as if it continues. This very Friday she calls me from work saying she has some sort of chest pain. We call the health service number and they tell us to go to the emergency unit. She decided that she can still work her last couple of hours before doing so. As for myself, I have to work all evening and all night, so I can't go with her. Luckily, my mom is able to go with her as support. When I come home from work later at night I get a new phone call. The blood clot that she had in her leg is now in her left lung - either that, or she's got a new one. Naturally she's worried and wants me there, so I drive back to work in the middle of the night, make sure I get the Saturday off and drive back home again to get some sleep. Saturday morning I wake up, make all my lunch boxes and head off to Halmstad. When arriving she seems to be in a pretty good mood. However, it turns out that the new medicine we've been getting - and that's cost us about 1000 SEK (~145 USD) - isn't even working. So, in turn, we have to go back to the medicine they wanted to give her in the first place. Only reason we didn't take it is because she's afraid of needles. The only problem is that they told us that the "needle-free" medicine was equal in every way, and that it should treat it without a problem. So now, it's a new ride, with new costs, AND, she has to take the needles. Adding to the already disappointing situation, she doesn't even get to go home tonight. On top of that she's been transferred to a new section where I'm not even allowed to stay longer than until 9 o'clock. This is what was going on while quads and abs were on the menu.

Today's quads and abs workout:
- 8x8 Squats
- 6x8 Leg extensions
- 6x8 Ab crunch machine
- 6x12 Cable crunches

Quads pic taken this morning after waking up.

There's one way to describe today's workout: Pissed off! I was pissed off that my girl was at the hospital, having to deal with a condition uncommon for her age. I was pissed off that I couldn't be with her when she was informed about her condition. I was pissed off that my girl wasn't allowed to come home, and that the most rewarding day of the week had to yet again be spent at the hospital. I was pissed off that the upcoming week meant that I'd have to work double shifts most of the days when all I want is to be home with my girl. I was pissed off about a lot of things, and I couldn't care less if I'd collapse in the process of doing my workout. The weights were just to be lifted, no matter what. Luckily, I had the gym entirely to myself, which meant that I could have the music at an extremely high level.

I'll keep on doing this until things blow over. I'm not stopping because things are changing their direction. I'm just taking a minor detour while I'm making sure my girl pulls through.