For the third time in the past week I fell asleep without setting UP24 band. Fortunately the band still records the micro movement throughout the night so that I was able to manually add my sleep this morning. I slept for nearly 8 hours with 3.5 of those hours being deep sleep.

As is my weekly routine, I weighed myself when I woke up. I was a pound less than I was last Saturday and had lost another 0.5% in body fat. These aren’t huge amounts and are likely from getting back to a healthy diet post-Thanksgiving.

When I woke up I took my pre-workout drink and then headed out into the 48 degree weather to run hills like I did last Saturday. The best part of running hills is that there is no water on the hill after a rainfall. The worst part of running hills are the hills.

After dynamic stretching including a light 1/4 mile jog to the hill, I sprinted the hill 10 times at 80-90% max effort focusing on forefoot striking with every step and breathing through my nose and out through my mouth.

Instead of walking back down the hill as I did last week, today I jogged back down the hill, reset and took off back up the hill. 

That lack of rest torched my legs pretty quickly and by the time I was on the 5th round I was gasping for breath but I kept pushing through.

After finishing up the 10th round I jogged the 1/4 mile back home, stretched and then came upstairs to take my post-workout drink followed by a protein shake.

I have had several people inquire about my pre-workout and post-workout drinks.

Approximately 15 minutes before I workout I take 2 scoops of NO-Xplode 2.0 and 1 scoop of Amino-X. 

Immediately post-workout I take 2 scoops of Con-Crete and 1 scoop of Amino-X. 

About 20-30 minutes post-workout I take 2 scoops of Optimum Whey Protein.

Yes, all of these links are affiliate links as are all product links that I post. If you happen to buy one of these I will be able to buy a small pack of almonds next time I’m at the hospital.

I take several other vitamins and sports supplements throughout the day but pre-workout and post-workout are what I get asked about the most.

One of the small achievements that I have overcome in my recovery is the ability to reach up to grab my supplements. 

During the majority of my recovery I have had to grab a dining room chair several times per day to reach my supplements which I store in the cabinets above the microwave which is above the stove.

I am now able to reach above the microwave into the cabinet without having to get the chair. Another small win but a win for me.

Since Saturdays are our cheat day, breakfast was cinnamon and brown sugar Pop-Tarts and a raspberry danish. I haven’t had Pop-Tarts in at least 5-6 years and it might even be longer then that. Yes, they were delicious.

Today we headed south to look at a couple apartments in our ongoing quest to find a new home in the greater San Jose area.

We toured 2 different apartment communities and found one that we really like. Since we’re not moving until the first half of February we still have some time to think it through and wait for an apartment to come on the market that fits our wants.

After completing the tours we shot back up towards home for a movie date. We decided to go see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1. We have seen the other two The Hunger Games and hadn’t had a chance to see this movie since it came out a few weeks ago.

We closed out our cheat day with dinner at a sports bar/restaurant that we enjoy going to for appetizers and beer. 

It was a great Saturday being able to mix work (apartment hunting) and play together while also getting in a workout.