For us, the first leg of the race began before the race even started, we biked from our place, about three miles to the start,Marshall Park. With our laminated map and cell phones in tow, we were confident and had a solid plan. We were sure the first mystery point was the clock tower at Queens University, and about 40 minutes later realized it was a dude in an afro and a tutu riding around the booty loop! YIKES! We regrouped and got back on track… with 40 precious minutes behind us.

Over the next two hours we navigated more than 20 miles all over Charlotte and competed in the paperboy toss, human bowling, piggyback polo and a trip down a water slide. Finally, we made it to our last stop – Common Market to put together a puzzle. Our brains and our legs were fried, we couldn’t get it and ended up waiting out the 10 minute maximum and rode to the finish line. Our final challenge awaited… riding a power wheel bike course and going through a kids bouncy-castle/maze (after 100 other wet and sweaty people already had… gross.)

One of the best take-aways from the race was seeing how many cool places are easy to ride to in Charlotte. And the delicious, free New Belgium Beer waiting for us at the finish line.

http://www.urbanassaultride.com/

Part bike race, part Amazing Race, part silliness, part beer drinking. Sounds like the perfect mix to me!  Team Hartter will navigate through Charlotte and the surrounding neighborhoods to seven different check points (we estimate that we’ll cover 20-25 miles) to complete tasks like tricycle limbo and then finish in some sort of respectable time and enjoy our favorite New Belgium beers! (Fat tire is my favorite!)

My point is, this stuff is hard – hard to change  the snacks you love (bright orange and fake peanut butter crackers) and the things you buy. Even when I think I have it all together…it is a peep that brings me down.

I think I would fall off my bike if this happened to me during a ride. The “spectators” do a great job, complete with a streaker and all!

I’m just a couple days away from the 30 day milestone since I started P90X.  At this point it is looking like it’s going to beP97X for me. I decided to repeat a week, since I was only able to workout three days one of the weeks. So far so good and I am actually starting to see some minor results. I am starting to get a tiny muscle in my biceps, which is a huge improvement over my Olive Oyl arms and starting to see a little more definition in my abs. I continue to make smart choices on my food, but still allow a splurge for dessert or a glass of wine. I have actually gained about two pounds- which I’m hoping is all muscle. In order to get enough protein to keep up with the workouts I am eating a Pria, Balance or Kashi bar every day. Pria Mint Chocolate Cookie bars taste the best, hands down.

Last week we got our first home delivery of organic fruits and vegetables from Absolute Organics. We signed up for $30 worth of fruits and veggies every other week. I was very impressed with what we got: Four bananas, five nectaries, six apples, a head of lettuce, a ton of green beans, white mushrooms, green onions and celery. My only concern now is eating it before it all goes bad.

That's not me... yet.

Day 1: Chest, Back & Ab Ripper- Had a great workout on chest and back, but silly me, didn’t realize ab ripper was on the same DVD and thought I lost it already. Opps.

Day 2: Plyometrics – I’d heard this was the toughest of all workouts, but I liked it the best so far. I love high-impact cardio so this one is a great fit for me.

Day 3: Shoulders & Arms – I could still feel the burn from days one and two, but still did ok.

Day 4: Yoga X- I thought I was going to pass out during this one. I really stink at Yoga and only made it through about 45 minutes of this 90 minute workout.

Day 5: Legs, Back & Ab Ripper – I upgraded to some better resistance bands and had a great workout.

Day 6: Kenpo- Skipped, but hiked about 7 miles in place of.

Day 7: Rest or StretchX – I did Stretch X and felt pretty good after.

All in all, I am loving the program. This week I need to make a few adjustments including eating more. I don’t think my current diet gives me enough protein to keep up with the physical requirements of the workout program. The nutrition guide says I should be getting five servings of protein a day. This week I will be focusing on the diet, while continuing my daily commitment to the DVDs.

Because of the pink box, Dave calls it "Woman Cereal."

Although definitely NOT recommended for maximum results, I have decided to take it easy on the nutrition portion. I already eat fairly healthy and my diet consists mostly of a ton of veggies and fruit, whole grain pasta, fish, eggs, english muffins with peanut butter, tortilla shells, Special K Red Berries and cheese. I love cheese – smoked gouda, gorgonzola, provolone, kraft singles, cheddar – yum. While I am not going full on with the nutrition guide, I am trying to cut back on the weeknight beers and occasional purges on junk food and unnecessary apps (appetizers) at restaurants. 

Day three was quite a challenge. I had two social gatherings at night so got right to the Shoulders & Back DVD in the morning. Not bad, but I am definitely feeling the exercises all over my body.  In the afternoon there was cake for a few birthdays in the office. Who can turn down ice cream cake? Not me – I had a small(ish) slice. The real challenge came after work. First, drinks with my co-workers meant two beers and fried ravioli at a local watering hole, boy was it good. Next, girls night with some local friends led to some delish cucumber sandwiches, pita bread and dip and little bruschettas with cheese. And you know what… I’m ok with it. I spent some great time with friends, had great food and I know I’ll be working out like crazy over the next several days. 

My sister-in-law writes a great blog with some killer healthy recipes. I will definitely be trying this crustless quiche soon for a yummy, rich and healthy treat!