Sunday, May 31, 2009

Later Never Exists: Day 91


Evolution Two – week one

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Hello Folks,

I am going to keep it short today, because I have many things to do. So I am just going to post my pics. Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Sunday.


Exercise: Continuous

Menu: Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Later never exists.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Befriend Yourself And Make Progress: Day 90


Evolution Two – week one

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Hello Folks,

There is nothing more challenging than having an emotional day and not falling back on old patterns; especially, when it comes to emotionally covering up those feelings with food. I decided to focus on exercise to make me feel better. I listened to the power of now while exercising, which helped me along the way to staying present and not going into too many discursive thoughts. I think already having the routine of working out and eating a certain way really helped me to stay on track. I can’t say that it entirely removed my sadness though.




Exercise: Interval (30 minutes – biking), Pyramid

Menu: Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.

Friday, May 29, 2009

We Make Our Life What It Is: Day 89


Evolution Two – week one

Friday, May 29, 2009

Hello Folks,

I pulled a double workout in the afternoon. I also recently picked up a new exercise tool called perfect pull-up. It worked like a champ. I wanted to be able to do pull-ups with out straining my shoulders. It is great for that and for doing rows.

I have a long day tomorrow, so I am going to get some rest. Hope you all have a nice evening.

Exercise: Continuous Training, Interval (Bike-42 minutes)

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: We are the makers of our own lives. There is no such thing as fate. ~Swami Vivekananda

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Softball Speed Running: Day 88


Evolution Two – week one

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Hello Folks,

Free day today! I had a very intense day at work. It felt good to play a little softball to unwind after such a long day. I was really excited to notice how easy it was to sprint to the base. Interval training and cross training has really paid off. Once again I am happy with the results of hard work. I feel I am well on way to my goal of achieving my fitness goals.

I am pretty tired, so I am going to sleep soon, but I wanted to drop a quick note.


Exercise: softball

Menu: Anything I want

Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Don’t be afraid to explore; without exploration there are no discoveries.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

New Day: Day 87


Evolution Two – week one

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Hello Folks,

Today I did my interval workout running for 45 minutes. I felt pretty good about my speed. There is definitely some improvement in the distance I can cover in the 45 minute time period.

I have been spending time each day focusing on the present. It actually takes a lot of energy to do that, but it is also very rewarding. Anyway, more on that later.

Here are the pictures...
May 27, 2009: Day 87


Exercise: Interval (45 minutes – running), Pyramid

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: You are not stuck where you are unless you decided to be.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Mastery: Day 86


Evolution Two – week one

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Hello Folks,

This evening I really pushed myself with my workout. I increased the intensity of my exercises by increasing the number of reps I did. I was supposed to have a softball game today, but it was cancelled due to rain; and with all that extra time at the end of the day, I had time to think.

Thus, I have been thinking about mastery of mind, body and spirit. I believe the three components to be intimately interconnected. To master all three is to connect to an inner source far more powerful than anything one could conceive of. I will focus first on mastery of the body. I think mastery of the body is using the mind to guide the body.

There are many spiritual gurus who dedicate their lives to mastering their senses. They have tried to master hunger or walking on fire or even death. They perform rituals to transcend the physical and achieve higher states of consciousness.

What does this have to do with fitness? Everything and nothing. Fitness, like the firewalker, can be the training to prepare the soul to overcome the senses. There are stories of people doing impossible things with their bodies; like the man who can lift a car off of his wife, who is trapped underneath, even though he couldn’t lift a 50 pound weight. Why? Because it is possible to transcend our physical limitations, when our mind, body and spirits are in sink.

Let’s look at the man saving his wife from being crushed under a car. His adrenalin is rushing. He is reacting without thinking at all; his mind is clear of any limiting thoughts, because the only concern on his mind is her life. His spirit is connected to hers; his desire for her life to continue is connected for her desire for her life to continue. His desire to save her is the most pure desire he has in that moment; totally in tune with the universe.
He lifts the car with his spirit in line, his mind clear and his body follows; it performs what it must perform, not what it believes it can perform. His mind is no longer holding on to its limited beliefs, his heart (spirit) is connected to his goal and his body responds.

That is the power of now; the power of believing with out a shadow of a doubt, despite all obstacles, despite all mind imposed limitations, despite all physical limitations.

Exercise: Continuous Training


Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: The fulfillment of your goals should include the eradication of all fears.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day: Day 85


Evolution Two – week one
Monday, May 25, 2009

Hello Folks,

Today I decided to give myself a little break from running a gazilian errands. I did my workout and it felt good today. I also added a rack to my truck to put my kayak on. I am getting ready for my quadathlon.. I did my bike intervals and really pushed myself. I can see that I am getting more and more fit every time I bike.


Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – biking), Pyramid

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Each of us in our own way can try to spread compassion into people’s hearts.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

The End Of Evolution One: Day 84

May 24, 2009: Day 84



March 3, 2009: Day 2

Evolution one – week twelve


Sunday, May 24, 2009

Hello Folks,

Today marks the last day of my 84 day body transformation. So far I am very pleased with my results. I called this 84 day period Evolution One. The next evolution will be Evolution Two. For the days following today I will be doing a series of experiments to push myself beyond my own limitations.

I will also be experimenting with other areas of my life and spending some time blogging about it. Last night I wrote down some affirmations I have for myself. I am in the process of rethinking the Law of Attraction. I want to figure out how tangible results can be achieved without getting to fluffy with my approach.

One thing I know for sure. When I let go of the outcome and take each day as a new beginning the results are much more satisfying. I am finding myself feeling satisfied with my life everyday. It is hard to explain unless you give it a try.

I guess it comes down to every time I do something that I know will further me along on my goals I don’t worry so much about when that will happen. The process becomes more enjoyable. Like, when I eat a healthy meal, not only do I intrinsically feel good, but I know that it will have a positive outcome for me in the future as well. The process then becomes satisfying and twofold.

Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – running)


Menu:Veggies and Protein



Until next time…



Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Everything in the future was born today.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Training For Quad Day: Day 83


Evolution one – week twelve

Saturday, May 23, 2009


Hello Folks,

What an adventure I had today. I decided to try to do at lease three exercises. This morning I lifted weights as usual and also did the bike for 20 minutes. I threw my kayak in my truck and headed to the lake. I dropped off my kayak and drove to the end point. I threw on my running shoes and ran to my kayak: then I kayaked back to my truck. Wheeew! I was so tired at the end of the day! And I was hungry!

All and all I felt pretty good; I am definitely in better shape than I have been in a long time. I will be doing more of this multiple training for the future. I want to get ready for the Quadathlon.

Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – running)

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Getting rid of things and clinging to emptiness is an illness of the same kind; it is just like throwing oneself into a fire to avoid being drowned. ~ Yungchia

Friday, May 22, 2009

Greatness Or Mediocrity: Day 82


Evolution one – week twelve
Friday, May 22, 2009

Hello Folks,

What is the difference between true success and mediocre success? I still think it comes down to staying in the moment. Taking each day as it comes and building from there. Isn’t everything we do building off of the last thing we have done? Each moment is a chance to build or annihilate. All annihilation achieves is making room for the next thing; the next building. What if we always made some room?

What if we made room in ourselves to achieve greatness, to achieve what we were fully meant to achieve. How do we know what we are meant to do with our lives? I think it involves making room for us to find out. Is that part of what meditation is about; making room to be in the present moment; to really sit with you?

I have had many quiet moments alone, and yet I still feel like I haven’t come very far. I want to go further and stretch beyond my greatest fears. There are many ideas about how to do this. There are tapes to listen to, books to read, and practices to practice…etc. When it comes down to it, ultimately, it is you doing your own journey. I can show you how I did this or that or some other thing, but you will only truly know what it is about when you do it yourself. There is nothing more valuable than a little information and a lot of practice.

We all are finding our way, with a little help from those before us; but if you really look at it we are all also improving on what we have learned from those before us. There is no one formula, one true secret. Life is too diverse for that. But I like what it means to stay present at all times.

I used to think staying present would mean I made less mistakes. In fact, I made more mistakes and I sometimes feel like a waiter who almost dropped the order; the mistakes are just one step in front of you. You start to see yourself saying something you don’t mean to say; you notice it, but it is too late; the words have left your mouth. Next time you can try to catch it early.

If not for those mistakes, there would be very few discoveries. If I could turn all of my mistakes into miracles I would have a lot of miracles. Time for some affirmations…

I am in the best shape of my life

I will achieve my three goals by the time I turn 40

I am a fast learner

I am Peaceful under any circumstance

Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – running), Continuous Training

Menu: Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: You must know who you are, and then you will break free of your shackles. ~Swami Vivekananda

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Speeding It Up: Day 81


Evolution one – week twelve

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Hello Folks,
What a hot day it was today! This is my free day, and I was planning on squeezing in a little cardio anyway, but instead I went for an hour hike. The hike was mostly uphill and it felt good to get out. A friend of mine recently asked me to help her with her exercise program. She told me I could post pics of her on my site and we could keep track of her progress. I will keep you posted when we start the program for her.

In the mean time I am going to get a few more things done. Tomorrow is a big day for me. I am going to do another experiment to rev things up! I am also planning a long bike ride this weekend. I have only done my training on my bike indoors and did a little biking around town. Now I want to see what my fitness level is like on the open road.

Exercise: hiking

Menu: anything I want


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: I have the need for speed!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Obstacles Are Opportunities: Day 80


Evolution one – week twelve

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Hello Folks,

I had a late night last night; I was called out to work. I still managed to squeeze in my exercise when I got home from work this evening. I was too tired this morning to do much of anything. I am going to got to bed to catch some sleep, one of the most important factors in a fitness plan is rest. Anyway...

Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – biking)

Menu: Liquid


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Look at every obstacle as an opportunity

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hitting A Plateau: Day 79


Evolution one – week twelve

Monday, May 19, 2009


Hello Folks,

Hitting a plateau is never easy. I haven’t seen any changes for a few weeks now; especially in Body Fat Percentage and weight. I have made a few adjustments, but not enough to see results. This is where the real experiments begin.

The first strategy recommended by Tom Venuto who wrote Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle, is to look at your cardio workout. There are a few ways to make adjustments in that department; increase duration, frequency and/or intensity. I have increased frequency a little bit, but not duration or intensity.

Apparently, decreasing caloric intake is closer to the last thing I should do, if I have already been eating a lower amount of calories, because it can slow down the metabolism even more. So, I am going to do a little experiment with duration and intensity. Let’s see what happens…



Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – running)

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. ~ Michelangelo

Monday, May 18, 2009

Evolution One: Week 12: Day 78


Evolution one – week twelve

Monday, May 18, 2009


Hello Folks,

Today marks the beginning of the last week of Evolution One. I am pretty satisfied with my results, but still have some more goals I hope to achieve. I worked out in the morning. I did my first round of 45 minutes of cardio (12 rounds).

I am still on the lookout for a row machine online. I read that it is one of the best forms of exercise for cardio training; and I want to use it to train for my quadathlon. Anyway, it is getting pretty late, so I am going to go for now. Catch you tomorrow.

Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – biking)

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: One becomes good by action, bad by inaction. ~ The Upanishads

Sunday, May 17, 2009

One More Week For Evolution One: Day 77


Evolution one – week eleven

Sunday, May 17, 2009


Hello Folks,

I had quite a busy day; doing my best to enjoy the weather. It is supposed to frost tonight and tomorrow night, so I a glad I got out. I spent the morning kayaking with some friends of mine. Although it was windy on the drive, once I got in the water it was really calm and pretty warm. It is nice to feel the peacefulness that comes from gliding on the water.

I also did some rollerblading in the afternoon. It is hard to spend anytime indoors when the days are so nice. So, here I am at 9pm writing in my blog, finally. Recently, I have been thinking about getting back into Karate. It could be a fun way for me to workout.

Tomorrow marks the last week of Evolution one. I have one more week to try to gain some progress. So far I have reached a plateau with my weight and bodyfat percentage. I have one more goal to reach, which will mark the beginning of Evolution Two.

Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – bike)


Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Later never exists.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Misfortune Or Luck: Day 76


Evolution one – week eleven

Saturday, May 16, 2009


Hello Folks,

I had a very slow day today. I got some errands done and also was able to fit in my workout in the morning. I wasn’t feeling very social, but ended up going out for a bit anyway. I changed my workout up a bit and used three different exercises for one body part. I found that to be much more fun for me. Now I tend to plan my workouts right before, which sometimes can be pretty spontaneous and much more interesting for me.

It is challenging to be inside at all when the weather is so nice. I want to be outside all day.

I had a funny thing happen today. I usually change my own oil for my car and I then collect the oil in a can and bring it to the gas station later. I let it get pretty full this time and drove it over in my truck. It spilled all over the bed of my truck. I was really bummed. I noticed how quickly I became upset.

When I got to the gas station the guy that worked there generously gave me some rags to clean it up and some de-greaser to clean it up. Funny how that works. Here I was acting all freaky and then this nice guy saves the day. If only I had waited a little to see what happens, my mood would have been completely different.

That story reminds me of how little we know about the reasons behind things until much later. If I only waited...the lesson could be applied to a lot of things. Like any unfortunate incident that forces you to re-think your life. One of the lessons I am learning through the power of now.

Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – bike), Pyramid Training
Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Misfortune could turn out to be luck in disquise.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Short And Sweet: Day 75



Evolution one – week eleven

Friday, May 15, 2009



Hello Folks,

I am pretty tired today, so I am going to keep it short.


Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – bike), Continuous Training
Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: It is a fault to cling to a fault.



Thursday, May 14, 2009

Half Rest Day: Day 74


Evolution one – week eleven


Thursday, May 14, 2009

Hello Folks,

I usually use this day as my totally free day; I can eat whatever I want and no exercise. But I decided to workout today because I skipped a workout a few days ago. I did keep to my free to eat anything schedule. I am finding my appetite to be smaller now, except when I get my period, then I am starving!

I am going to keep it short because today is also my long day. I work a night shift after work. Tomorrow is my day off, so I am going to get some errands done. Talk to you tomorrow!


Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – bike)

Menu: Anything

Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: What you think and talk about expands into action.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Minor Setbacks, But All Is Not Lost: Day 73


Evolution one – week eleven

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Hello Folks,

Another day of action packed non-stoppedness. I am looking forward to my day off from work on Friday. I am sometimes surprised at my own reserves of energy. I am finding that despite many obstacles I am still able to stay mostly on course with my fitness goals. I have been thinking about why it is different this time for me. Usually when my personal life gets hard or busy or both the first thing I do is give up on self care.

I think one reason I am still able to continue on is that I am determined never again to go back to gaining weight and not taking care of myself. It has never worked for me during difficult times. I am so done with repeating that pattern...and I am feeling really good about myself right now because of my efforts----I simply don’t want to give up.

Even when I started this I told my self very strongly---after this I am never going back. It is too painful for me; all it does for me is add to the already painful thing I am going through.

The other thing is that---the truth is I have had a lot of setbacks---several times I didn’t quite complete what I set out for the day with exercise and on different occasions I ate something that was also not part of my plan for the day. Instead of using that to give up....I have been reminding myself of my progress....and encouraging myself over and over again not to give up and celebrate how far I have come. As a result, they are only minor setbacks instead of major ones. I am still keeping my weight as it is, just not losing as much right now. I figure, I will be happy if I just maintain what I have until I am ready for the next evolution.

Well, I better go.




Exercise: Interval (25 minutes – bike)

Menu: Liquid


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~ Rumi

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Perpetual Treadmill: Day 72


Evolution one – week eleven

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Hello Folks,

What a day and it isn't over. I just came back from softball practice and got called out for work. Sometimes I feel like I am on a perpetual treadmill without the off button. Since I have to go out
soon I am just going to post my pictures.



Exercise: Continuous Training

Menu:Veggies and Protein

Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Basically we are all the same human beings with the same potential to be a good human being or a bad human being. ~ Dalai Lama

Monday, May 11, 2009

Intuition: Day 71


Evolution one – week eleven

Monday, May 11, 2009


Hello Folks,

I have decided after much feedback to take pictures of myself wearing the same clothing every day. Today was my usual workout. I feel really lucky that I have not had one injury since I started this exercise program. This is going to be another short one, just wanted to drop a note.



Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – bike), Continuous Training

Menu:
Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota


Today’s Mantra: When developed sufficiently, intuition brings immediate comprehension of truth.

Sunday, May 10, 2009


Evolution one – week ten

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Hello Folks,

Another late night tonight, so I am going to keep it brief. I had a pretty busy day. I was on call for work and spent most of the day working with little time for me. I squeezed in my workout this morning and went grocery shopping for the week. I mostly buy organic food now, especially vegetables. Anyway, off to bed.


Exercise: Interval Training ( run – 45)

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota


Today’s Mantra: Time is not a line, but a series of now points. ~ Taisen Deshimaru

Saturday, May 9, 2009

A Bit Rough: Day 69


Evolution one – week ten

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Hello Folks,

I am not feeling well today. I nearly killed myself on the highway because of a wicked headache. I decided to give myself a break today with exercise and switch it with my free day on Thursday. I am pretty tired and am headed to bed. I am just going to post my pictures and fill you in more later.





Exercise: none

Menu: Veggies and Protein

Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota


Today’s Mantra: Our greatest glory is not in never falling but rising every time we fall.

Friday, May 8, 2009


Evolution one – week ten

Friday, May 8, 2009

Hello Folks,

It is such a gorgeous day today, I am going to go rollerblading. I spent a good couple of hours listening to the Power Of Now tapes by Eckhart Tolle that a friend of mine gave me. It reminds so much of this project, because I truly think most of my success is because of staying present with each day and not getting down about the little things. So far, I am very pleased with my results, and I feel that I have figured out my rhythm with my routine. I am going out now....have an awesome weekend!


Exercise: Continous Training, Interval Training (Run - 45 min.), rollerblading

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota


Today’s Mantra: Moment after moment completely devote yourself to listening to your inner voice. ~ Shunryu Suzuki

Thursday, May 7, 2009

We Choose Our Joys And Sorrows: Day 67


Evolution one – week ten

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Hello Folks,

Today is mercury in retrograde and I am feeling it. I wonder what my dreams will bring me tonight! Changed things up a bit. I didn’t workout today, but I did consume only liquids.

I am going to keep this short today, because it is getting late and I am tired.

Good night


Exercise: none

Menu: Liquid


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota


Today’s Mantra: We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Free Day Switch: Day 66


Evolution one – week ten

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Hello Folks,

I had a pretty long day today, so I am going to keep it pretty short. Today I noticed that when I was walking up the hill to my house I wasn’t breathing hard at all. Even when I used to run, I still breathed hard, so it must be all of the cross training I am doing. I did my usual workout of Continuous Training. I decided to make today my food free day. Tomorrow is my workout free day; however I still have softball practice.

Well, I need to get some sleep tonight. I was up early this morning doing stuff for work.

Exercise: Continuous Training

Menu: Free Day

Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve

Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Everything in the past died yesterday; everything in the future was born today ~ Chinese proverb

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Law Of Attraction: Day 65


Evolution one – week ten

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Hello Folks,

Today is the day I am usually on call in the evening. It is the only day that I try not to commit to anything. I actually get more rest on Tuesday, unless I get called out, which isn’t too often.
I read my horoscope and it said I need to slow down and rest for the day. I came home from work and took a nap. It felt so good to decide to do nothing for the moment. When I woke up I started to think about what the Law of Attraction means to me.

Here is what I came up with…

I don’t know if I believe in everything said and written out there about what the law of attraction is and how to apply it to our lives. In some ways I am discovering the true meaning of this belief system as I go along on my journey toward a healthier body.

One thing I know for sure, I have seen it work in some areas and not in others. I am careful not to apply it to traumatic situations, because I think there are a lot more elements at play when someone is the middle of a war zone, than the law of attraction.

I tend to think of it more as a tool to use in areas that are obviously obtainable. Not to focus so much on what is unobtainable, but rather to put forth effort towards tangible outcomes. Is it possible to levitate using this law? I don’t know; but will I try if I have a desire to achieve that result…maybe. I think anything is possible, but how to get it, I don’t think is as simple as believing you already have it. I think it is about lining yourself up with the universe.

How do you line up with the universe? It is like tai chi….breath with the universe until it is a natural part of you. This sounds all fluffy and good, but what I am really talking about is tuning into intuition; learn to listen to that small quiet voice within and take actions from within.

How do we find the small quiet voice within if we are clouded by so many discursive thoughts? If you don’t like meditation I think dreams are a good place to start. What can be more pure than a dream? I think dreams are the messengers and healers of our subconscious mind. Dreams let us finish the unfinished; point the way towards some possible direction for our lives; and help us to heal old wounds.

I have had many dreams throughout my life that have shown me my own future, or revealed to me what to do next or let me know where I am stuck. I have recently had the advantage of being close to someone who is very in tune with her dreams; through listening to her I have learned to listen to my own dreams once again.

I have had lucid dreams, premonition dreams and many things in between in my life, and for some reason I still forget to pay attention to their many messages. I have decided to revisit my dreams and see what they tell me. I have also decided to put my intention for a healthier body into my dreams before I go to bed.

I think second to dreams, is learning to discern; learning to discern the difference between a clear intuitive message and an impulse desire. In that case, I use the rule of three. If I get the message three times, then it must be an intuitive sign. I am not talking about obsessiveness….that is definitely more than three. I would look at that too. I am talking about something you reject that visits you three times.

The third thing that seems to be a good message is when everything comes very easily. It is as if you ask the question the answer comes almost immediately. Surely, when something comes with ease it is a sign. I am always surprised at how and when things come, and what form.

For example: A long time ago I used to make drums. I was having a hard time finding skins for my drums. I had just finished my first ashiko drum and couldn’t find a head to put on it. I remember walking down the street carrying my drum and thinking to myself…I wish I had a skin to put on my drum.

As I was walking, a guy crosses over the street and walks toward me (no lie) and he asks me if I made the drum. I said yes. And he asked me if I needed a skin for it. He gave me a goat skin, but it was with the hair and all. I ended up having to de-hair it… I kept some hair on it and it was the first drum I officially ever made. It was the beginning of my connection with nature and interest in living sustainably, off the land, like primitive people.

I believe the universe wanted me to have that experience and it happened pretty quickly. I was also open to receiving the skin, despite its form, which was not what I had imagined.

I think that is pretty normal….to ask for something…get it…and have it not quite be exactly what you imagined. I think the purpose to that is that there is something to be gained by the challenge of the unexpected. The universe has its own plans for you, too.

The real trick is the mind; taming the mind can somehow help us listen more deeply to the universe. The universe is, in part, connected to intuition. It is always speaking to us in a whisper. I believe it wants us to listen more closely to its messages, but if we don’t, you can be sure it will slam us on the head!

I have spent a lot of time in nature. I spent months and months in the deserts of Arizona, and one thing I know for sure, it is the most close I have ever felt to the universe. My mind was so clear I didn’t hear any voices in my head for a long time afterwards. I couldn’t find the words to explain to people my experience, because it was like nothing I have ever felt. My mind was even more still than when I was meditating. Every time I asked for something it came to me so easily. I can’t explain it…I remember one day saying to the sky, I have seen it all, I believe there is something greater than me, but show me one more time for fun.

Within seconds I ran into a piece of fruit, where there should have been none. You see, at the time, food and water were my main concerns. That is when I knew that if I lined myself up whereby my intentions and thoughts are pure that the universe is very responsive.

So here I am, many years later, reminiscing about a time when things came so easily for me. Why has it not always been that way? I think it is because I was asleep for a while, not trusting. Back then, I took risks…big risks…the kind that others would say were crazy. I never thought of it that way at all, I just knew things would work out, and they did.

Part of this experiment is about taking risks. I am applying what I believe to be my own version of the law of attraction…that I gained so many years ago when I used to be homeless. So you see, once again, it really isn’t about weight. It is about alignment; aligning myself with the universe.
Mind. Body and Spirit.



Exercise: Pyramid Training, Interval (bike-20 mins)

Menu: Veggies and Protein

Until next time…

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve

Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Dreams can be the door to the intuitive mind

Monday, May 4, 2009

Week 10: Day 64


Evolution one – week ten

Monday, May 4, 2009

Hello Folks,

Somehow I managed to get my workout in this morning. This weekend I cleared out a lot of old stuff, and today I finished it. It felt really good to get rid of junk. I find that I feel mentally better when I keep my things lean and organized; it trickles into other areas of my life.

It is especially satisfying to simplify my life. Unfortunately, I love to collect things. A cycle I seem to have learned over time…donate…buy…donate…buy.

When I am organized with my home I am also more organized with my fitness schedule. It is so much easier to plan my day, when I can find the things I need.
Anyway, more on this topic later.


Exercise: Interval (40 minutes – running)

Menu:Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Whatever you think, that you will be...

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Getting Ready For A New Evolution: Day 63


Evolution one – week nine

Sunday, May 3, 2009


Hello Folks,

Another beautiful day in Ithaca. I am still sore from yesterdays hauling project, but not too sore to workout! Ha. I did a double day today. I shortened my cardio to 20 minutes. I drank a ton of water with Emergen-C mixed in it to boost my immune system. I decided to do a Tai Chi workout. I did everything real slow. I definitely felt the burn!

I have to say; this week my measurements, body fat percentage and weight have pretty much stayed the same. The only noticeable difference is that my fitness level has gone up a bit. I am going to have to look at my menu for this week a little bit more closely. I haven’t been counting calories at all. I have mainly been watching portions and eating 5 meals a day.

I think If I am going to get my weight down a little bit more I am going to have to challenge it some. I also need to eat more vegetables. I eat a lot of salads with tuna or eggs or tofu, but not so much broccoli, asparagus and those kinds of veggies, unless you count my liquid day, which includes beets, carrots and apples.

The good news is that because I am doing this every day I am still feeling very motivated and seeing lots of progress in other areas of my life. I feel better about myself, I am looking forward to summer and swimming and I like my body.

I still have some more goals around what I want to achieve. I am especially looking forward to the Quadathlon in August. I am excited to get ready for the big event.

I used a body fat calculator on-line and got around 20 percent body fat. I also used a calculator that tells you your Basal Metabolic Rate...same idea as body fat percentage. It tells me that my caloric burn per day is around 1700 to 1900; based on my activity level and weight and height and age.
A pound of fat is equal to 2500 calories. In order for me to continue to burn fat I need to eat 2500 calories less per week. Since I am obviously not burning fat any more; my body has started to adapt to my menu and exercise, I need to change my menu, since I have already increased my exercise.
This means that I consume about 1800 calories times 7 (days) or 12600 calories per week. If I want to lose a pound of fat this week I either have to increase my exercise more or eat less. If I eat less, that means I should eat around 10100 calories this coming week to lose a pound of fat. 10100 calories divided by 7 days equals around 1400 calories per day.
Probably my age has played a significant role in the amount of calories I burn. Hard to say for sure though. Also, this is a very simplistic calculation, so who knows how accurate it is. Anyway, I will give it a shot this week. 1400 calories divided by 5 meals equals around 280 calories per meal.
This means I will eat...
Meal 1: 300 calories
Meal 2: 300 calories
Meal 3: 300 calories
Meal 4: 300 calories
Meal 5: 200 calories

I haven’t been calculating my calories at all, so now I am going to start to casually count. I am not a big fan of being anal about calorie counting, but since this is an experiment I can tolerate it for a little while.

That means more planning of my meals. I am also going to lighten my dinner a little and make my bigger meals during the day. Let’s see what happens.


Exercise: Continuous Training, Interval Training

Menu: Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota


Today’s Mantra: Temporary is better than permanent

Saturday, May 2, 2009


Evolution one – week nine

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Hello Folks,

I worked out this morning. It was so beautiful out I decided to go for a run. Today was a big project day for me. I have been renovating my downstairs apartment. It looks like a demolition site! After my workout this morning, my real workout happened. I must have hauled 1000 pounds of materials. I made sure I didn’t overwork one side of my body. I don’t want to pay for it later.

I am pretty excited about summer. I am just starting to feel really healthy now. Even today when I was hauling heavy loads of plaster and wood I didn’t feel tired. I wasn’t breathing hard. It is nice to feel the benefits of being in shape again. I really had to work at it on my run to breath heavy.

I am looking forward to wearing a bathing suite for once. It has been a long time since I felt like I looked good in a bathing suit. I would usually just jump in the water right away, so I wouldn’t have too many people really see my body. I always dreaded swimming. I don’t like to do laps, but it is nice to cool off. Well, I am going to get some sunshine after a long day of laboring.


Exercise: Pyramid, Interval (run – 30 mins.)

Menu: Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota


Today’s Mantra: This body, full of faults, has yet one great quality: whatever it encounters in this temporal life depends upon one’s actions.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Quadathlon: Day 61


Evolution one – week nine

Friday, May 1, 2009


Hello Folks,

This afternoon I was able to fit my workout in after I left work. It definitely helps to get off work at 12:30 on Friday; I get so much more of my errands done. I ran around paying bills and buying dog food; stuff like that. When I came home I did my Continuous Training and Cardio workout.

As a way to continue to motivate myself on this weight loss journey; I am going to do a Quadathlon. It will give me a reason to not only cross-train, but also to train hard in the process. Originally, I had wanted to do a triathlon before I turn 40. I have always wanted to compete in a triathlon for as long as I can remember. I have competed in bike races and running races but not something with three exercises in one.

I love running and biking, but I am not a big fan of swimming. I am a pretty good swimmer, but my technique is weak. When I was little I had several drowning incidents. One time I was taking a class with other kids. I learned the front stroke, so I was doing pretty well. Then the teacher told us to doggy paddle across the pool. I started to doggy paddle with all the other kids but got tired quickly.

Because I sucked at it, half way across the pool I started to drown. The teacher told me to do the front stroke, but I was so panicked I didn’t understand her. She ended up jumping in and coaching me to swim the way I knew how. It was so embarrassing, I didn’t want to go back to the pool for a very long time.

Ever since that incident, I prefer to play in the water rather than swim laps or something. Anyway, I am not looking forward to the swimming part of the Quadathlon. The truth is, I was looking for a triathlon that has kayaking, biking and running- rather than swimming, biking and running. All I could find was this Quadathlon, which includes biking, running, swimming and kayaking.

When I found the Quadathlon on the internet I thought that it would be pretty cool to do. I was psyched that it included kayaking and I figure I will get over the swimming thing. What I like about this particular event is the distances for each event seem manageable to me.

It is called the Hendry Hudson Quadathlon. It will be held in Hudson, NY. It is an event to celebrate Henry Hudson’s historic voyage up the Hudson River. I will run high above the Hudson across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, swim in Catskill Creek, cycle from Catskill to Athens along the bank of the Hudson and then paddle past the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse to finish in Hudson City. Sounds pretty cool huh?


It is a relatively short event, and who knows, if I really enjoy it I may do one or more of these every year for fun. The distances are pretty short too: run: 3.5 miles, Swim: ¼ mile, Bike: 7.1 miles, Kayak: 1.1 mile. It will be held on August 2nd. I am going to drive down with an old friend of mine, who is also interested in competing. Stay tuned for my video record of this historic event!

Exercise: Continuous Training, Interval (bike 30 mins.)

Menu: Veggies and Protein


Until next time…


Think, Believe, Act, Achieve


Dakota

Today’s Mantra: Better to kayak than swim; to run than walk; to bike than crawl