Friday afternoon I opened the mail box, peeked inside and saw the white P90X package.  I took it home and opened it with mixed emotions.  On one hand I was/am excited to start the program.  On the other hand I know what starting the program actually means.  I either have to commit and follow through for a 90 day period or risk the guilt (that we all know well) that comes from starting something with good intentions and giving up when the enthusiasm wanes.  

I dabbled a little with the P90X program earlier this year using half scratched bootleg (burned) DVDs using the lack of video quality and availability as an excuse not to get on track. 

Recently though I have been feeling tired and weak.  Not so much out of shape as much as like I’m withering away from lack of meaningful physical activity.   Due to Kristin’s pregnancy she isn’t nearly as active as she once was.  As a result, we find ourselves on the couch at night watching TV more often than not.  Not that we were doing triathlons pre-pregnancy, but our activity level has been halved in the past few months.  Understandably for her, not so much for me.   I now understand why many expectant fathers gain weight right along with their wives.  I vow not to be that guy.  Which brings us back to this afternoon. 

When I woke up this morning I put the first day of P90X on my mental ‘to-do’ list.   However, by the time we’d come back from church in the morning, I’d already given myself permission to start tomorrow instead.  But, for some reason when we got home from running some errands mid-day I decided it was either an afternoon lazily hovering around the couch or actually do something productive. 

I threw in the (Chest and Back) DVD and got after it.  That is actually one of the only DVDs that I “borrowed” before that actually worked so I’d done that workout before and already knew how humbling it can be.  This time around was no different.  By the time the last few reps of push-ups came around I was on my knees and still barely able to complete my sets.   If you want to feel weak, P90X is a great place to start.  

But, that’s what it is - a start.  I know its a process.  I know I’m not quite the athlete that I once was.  I know that for the next 89 days I’m going to have to fight like hell to stick with it.  I know that I am very good at starting things with great intentions but my track record of actually finishing is not nearly as stellar.  

Yet, Im hoping that by blogging about the experience it will give me a sense of accountability.  I’m intrigued to see what kind of results I can get.