Rock Your Workout MPG Mondetta Workout Gear Giveaway

Hey there. Who's ready for another giveaway?  This time I teamed up with the awesome people behind MPG and MPM to bring you a giveaway for all of you fitness buffs!  We all know that the clothes you workout in can be just as important as the workout itself.  You need to stay cool and you need to be comfortable to maximize your workout!  There's a reason why you don't see people at the gym with buttoned up collared shirts!  So enough rambling!  Let get on with the giveaway details!

Fuel Your Body with SWAT Fuel

Hey there.  Many of us are familiar with the Call of Duty franchise.  Most specifically the Black Ops series.  As I was playing the game last night, I got to thinking to type of training that the men and women go through to be able handle the special operations that are similar to those in the game.  What makes them "Black Ops" ready?  What fuels their body?  I looked online and found the answer! Dan Olesnicky, M.D., is a S.W.A.T. team physician and police officer in Palm Springs, California, and has been training S.W.A.T. and Spec Ops for over a decade.  And guess what, he's the founder of SWAT Fuel!

Mud Factor 5K Obstacle Course

Hey there.  The year of fitness continues!  I came out of the Gladiator Rock'n Run a little bruised up and sore as hell but felt extremely good and proud of myself.  Now, the next challenge awaits!  The Mud Factor 5K Obstacle course!  Only this time, the wife will also participate.  It's going to be her first mud run so I'm making sure that she'll be ready to handle the course and I'll help her where I can.  I can't wait for this one to go down!  The only problem???  It's in San Bernadino...  That's about an hour drive away from Los Angeles.  I don't mind driving... but when I know it's a long trip I turn into a little kid and wonder when we'll get there.  lol  Anyways, I'm looking forward to going out there and earning my third medal of the year!  I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Any of you Southern California friends going to be at the Mud Factor mud run?  Time to turn up the workouts to 11 and get ready for another mud filled day of obstacles!!!  Later!

Training for the Gladiator Rock'n Run

Hey there.  Training has begun!  Well... actually, I've been doing some exercises on and off for quite some time so it's not like I've been sitting on my butt doing nothing, but today marks the official day that training starts.  The Gladiator Rock'n Run is on Oct. 6th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and I have a little over a month to build my endurance.  That's the one area where I know I lack.  I'm not the biggest of guys, I'm not the fastest, I'm not the most athletic, but I do have an OK build and I'm not a push over.  I was able to complete all of the challenges during the Hero Rush but I did notice that during the jogging parts of the run, other runners ran by me.  The challenges were tough and I was able to power through it, but I could tell that my body slowed down to recuperate during the jog.  I even stopped to walk at some points.  Not good.  So I want to make sure that I can build that endurance.  I need to able to finish through obstacles AND still have enough in my tank to jog to the next obstacle.   So tonight, my endurance levels up!

Getting Ready for The Gladiator Rock'n Run

Hey there.  My year of fitness continues!  I made a promise to myself that this year would be my year of fitness.  That I would try to be a little more on the fit side than the flabby side.  Now, I haven't gone all out and became a fitness guru, but I have made more of a conscience effort in being more active.  This year, I managed to complete two 5K runs and am scheduled to do two more runs.  Never before have I participated in a 5K.  Sure, I've done some running during my school days, but I never signed up for a marathon or anything like that before this year so I am really proud of being able to complete The Color Run and The Hero Rush.  I have already signed up to participate in the Super Spartan Race (use promo code SPEAR10 for $10 off registration!) in January and recently, I stumbled upon another great 5K run and this one seems to be right up my alley!  The Gladiator Rock'n Run!!!

The Gladiator Rock'n Run will be at The Rose Bowl on Oct. 6, 2012 and this guy is going to be there!  It's the first time that I've heard of this run but talking to friends, it seems that it's not the first time they'll be at the Rose Bowl.  When asked how challenging the course is, my friends simply said, "It kicked my ass!" and quite frankly, I CAN'T WAIT!  I've already started an exercise regimen to start building up my stamina.  I managed to power through The Hero Rush while practically blind, but something tells me that I'm going to have to rely on my strength to get through the Gladiator Rock'n Run!  Any tips?  Later!!!

Get $10 Off The Spartan Race

Hey there.  I'm pretty excited about the Super Spartan Race that I will be taking part in this January.  Yeah... I signed up well in advance to make sure that I will be at the best physical shape I possibly can!  I decided to start doing a few runs this year.  I participated in some light running (The Color Run) and I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the challenging Hero Rush.  Now, from what I hear, the Spartan Race is one of the more challenging obstacle courses out there.  I was persuaded to sign up by a cousin of mine and to be honest, I think it's one of the better choices I have made this year.  I have increased my workout load and I'm feeling pretty damn good about myself.

The Hero Rush in Los Angeles was Awesome

I'm ready!  Let's do this!

Hey there.  I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the Hero Rush on June 30th!  I didn't get a chance to write about it earlier since it so happened that my vacation started that very day.  But before I would relax and enjoy my time off, the Hero Rush made sure that I would have one last day of hard work before I can just take the remaining week off!  And man... did it make me work.  Let me tell you about my experience.

Getting to the Pomona Fairplex was a breeze.  No more than a 30 min car ride for the kids and I.  Because the youngest one was just getting used to using the big boy potty, we decided that it would be best for him to stay home with the wife so that she can help him if he needed to go to the bathroom.  The Fairplex is a huge place and I wanted to avoid a set back with his progress if he didn't make it to a bathroom.  Anyways, once I walked in and received my pick up packet, I headed over to the Midway.

The Hero Rush: A 5K Firefighter Themed Obstacle Course

Hey there.  Not too long ago, I did my first ever 5K, The Color Run.  It was easy, it was fun, and I had a blast.  I'll admit though, it seemed more like a party than a workout.  Nevertheless, the family and I had a great time and I am glad that I got to experience something like that.  Now, I'm ready to step it up a notch.  As most of you know, I'm signed up for the Super Spartan Race, but that's not until January of next year.  I need practice and workouts to get ready.  I started running in the mornings and getting myself into shape.  Good thing too, because guess who is participating in another 5K real soon?!?!  Yup!  Me!!!  I'll be in Pomona June 30th participating in the Hero Run!

Goodbye 20s! Hello Super Spartan Race!!!

Hey there.  As mentioned earlier in my Twitter feed, today is the last day of my 20's.  Yup, as of tomorrow, I will be 30 years old.  Now... I'm not one to make a big deal over birthdays.  Actually, I'm one that doesn't really care how old (or young) one is.  I usually forget how old I am and my wife is the one to remind me.  Well...  in this instance, my wife has reminded me of the big 30 once a week, every week for the past few weeks.  lol  I don't feel 30.  To be honest, I don't even know how "old" I feel.  I'm still a goofball, I still play video games (as if that's a bad thing...), and I still take part in less than wise activities (sliding down the stair case on cardboard!  C'mon!  Don't tell that you've never done it!)  If anything, I'm not as active as I used to be.  But that's about to change!  Starting tomorrow, I will go out for a morning run.  Yup.  I need to start training.  Why?  Because I'm going to take part of the Super Spartan Race coming this January!!!

The Color Run 2012

Hey there.  Guess who just signed up to do The Color Run in the city of Irvine this April?!?!  That's right!  This guy!  I told myself that I wanted to do some more running this year.  I started the year well by doing a good 5 mile run about 3 times a week but have kind of ventured off from that pass.  It's OK, though.  I'm still staying in shape and am squeezing a workout here and there.  But when I made that commitment to be in more shape this year, I told myself that running a 5K would be a goal.  That goal is now going to happen on April 22nd!!

If you guys haven't head of The Color Run, it's pretty damn cool.  It's not so much about speed but more about enjoying yourself.  You start off with a white colored shirt and at the 1K mark, you'll be splattered with paint.  By the time you reach the end, you'll be covered in colors!  Check out the video below of how much fun it can be!

Level Up Your Marathon Levels with Spartan Race

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spartan Race for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey there.  One thing that I told myself that I must do this year is run a marathon.  Whether it be a short 5K or a 20+ mile run, I'm going to do it!  I've been telling myself year after year that I'm going to do it.  Now, I'll be entering my 30th year on this Earth and I haven't been in one yet!  I'm not going to fool myself... it's the preparation that's holding me back.  Long run times on the treadmill, building up my cardio, and making sure that I have the legs under me to make it to the finish line.  It's the main reason why running is not for everybody. But I'm determined, I'm ready, and I discovered the Spartan Race!

Renew Your Energy with Zipfizz Healthy Energy Drinks

Hey there.  Like millions across the world, I have started the new year with some goals in mind (I refuse to call them resolutions).  The one that I'm primarily focused on is my goal to be more fit.  I'm not fat, well, I at least I don't think so, but I know that I get a little on the tired side when I shouldn't.  For example, walking up stairs.  lol  I'm been working out on and off throughout last year.  I even did the Insanity workout for a few weeks.  Yup... weeks.  lol  Anyways, I find myself needing some energy during the day.  If you don't have the proper fuel for your body, you will drag during your workouts.  Trust me, I should know this.  I've tried quite a few energy drinks and my current favorite are the Rockstar drinks.  But that doesn't mean I'm not willing to try a new one.  The latest energy drink that's on my radar?  Zipfizz!

Starting the New Year with Fitness

We're doing what now?!

Hey there. 2012 is upon us and while many people have decided to start some new resolutions, I've decided to continue one that I've been working on for a few years now. I know that many new year's resolutions die by the end of the month so you need to see them as what they are, goals. I plan on kick starting my exercise routine and the wife actually provided the jump start tonight. As of last night, 5 mile walks will be taken nightly.

My wife has been taking walks while I'm at work but I need to get off my butt and get as active as she is. Last night's 5 mile walk kicked my ass. Lol. I haven't been to the gym in months but I've managed to do some push ups here and there but it's simply not enough. I think I was at about 180 lbs for a short time but thinking back, I don't think it was a healthy 180 lbs.  While walking (and really it's more like a slow run), I began to feel the burn in my legs after 15 mins! Wow! That's some real bad cardio on my part. I'm really looking forward to these walks. Aside from the health benefits, I'm looking forward to spending some alone time with the wife. It's tough to find time to ourselves with a full house. Yeah, you parents out there know what I'm talking about.

So what are you guys planning to do differently this year? What resolutions have you tried? Did you succeed or fail? Let's hear it, friends. Later!

Breaking In a Baseball Glove Before the DTK Season Starts

Hey there.  I took baseball/softball a few months ago and I'm still learning the ins and outs of being on a team.  Small, quirky things still slip out like calling innings quarters and getting confused with other baseball lingo.  Most of the guys and gals on the team are seasoned players.  They've played on a team at some point in their lives so they have the mechanics down.  I've never played on a baseball team, I don't watch baseball at home, so I just don't have the knowledge and know how just yet.  And yesterday, during practice, I learned that I need to get my baseball glove game ready.  I need to break it in.

The Local Baseball Team DTK (Down to Strikeout)

Hey there.  So it's happening...  I'm on a local baseball team.  I'm still not 100% how it happened but I'm glad it did.  I've been feeling a little slow lately since I really haven't been exercising much, but since I've committed to the team, I've picked it up a bit.  I've been hitting the batting cages with my son and bro, working on that eye hand coordination, and even tossed a ball a bit to work on glove mechanics (or whatever the baseball lingo is).

Taking Up a New Hobby

And it's gone!

Hey there.  I am in need of a hobby.  Not just something where I can lounge around at home and do, but something that will get me outdoors and move around some.  I am still on a mission to be more fit, but I'll be honest and my workouts have been sporadic.  There is no routine, no consistency, and quite frankly, little to no motivation.  But you wanna know something that does motivate me?  COMPETITION!

What Weight Loss Method Has Worked for You?

Hey there.  I've hit a plateau.  I've been doing so well in my exercise routine but now I've fallen off the wagon.  I haven't been to the gym for well over a month and I've probably only worked out home once or twice.  I need to get back on track!!!  I need to lose some of this weight!  I'm beginning to feel it.  I'm beginning to feel the shortness of breath after climbing up a flight of stairs.  I can't keep up with the wife when I've gone for a walk with her, I can't keep up with my toddler when he's running around (to my defense, their little balls of energy!!!), and I can't keep up with my oldest son when we're playing sports.  It's unacceptable!  I need to get some of this weight off, build some muscle and gain some endurance.

Using Herbalife as a Dietary Supplement

Hey there.  What's your take on Herbalife?  While at the mall, I've seen many kiosks with herbalife supplements and have always wondered what their deal was.  Is it a metabolism booster?  Is it a dietary supplement?  What exactly is it?  Little did I know that the answers where right there at home.  At point in life, my wife took a herbalife tea as a dietary supplement.  She said that it was good for her in the sense that it gave her that energy boost to continue with her workouts.  She also warned that there are many kinds of herbalife supplements and that each one specializes in different areas.  So whereas the herbalife tea that she took helped in boosting her metabolism and energy, others may help in weight loss or overall health.

Practicing Our Swing at the All Star Park Batting Cages

Hey there.  I'm not a huge baseball fan.  I just can't watch it and enjoy it on TV.  I don't mind playing it though.  Yesterday, my brother decided that he wanted to take my son to the batting cages.  Sure, why not?  The boy likes basketball and football but has not been exposed to much baseball so maybe this outing will spark an interest in the sport.  So I go pick up my brother and our cousin wanted to come along so the four of us are off the batting cages.

We went to the All Star Park batting cages in Bellflower.  Not a bad spot at all.  Being my first time there, I didn't know how much this would run me or what kind of equipment I needed.  We took some bats and batting gloves just in case.  When we asked the clerk how much, he said it was $35 for a full hour, unlimited pitches (11 at a time), free bat rental, and helmet rental.  And the best part was that we all could take turns and get as many pitches as we could get for that hour.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.

I'm an awful hitter so I missed... and I missed a lot.  But that's alright because as the hour went on, my swing got better.  Not to mention my son's swing as well.  He doesn't have the upper body strength that we have so his swing was a little on the slow side as the hour went on, you could tell that fatigue was setting in.  However, when I asked him if he wanted to sit a round or two out, he refused.  We all told him that it's going to build some muscle on that small frame of his and that it showed good character to keep on swinging.  By the end, he definitely had a good time and asked if we could go back some time soon.  Awesome.

We left the cages saying how we all haven't been there in years, or never been there before at all.  This morning, my boy comes to me and says that his arms are sore.  lol  Mine are too.  I'm surprised that his hands are not aching a bit.  My palm and forearm are a little sore and I'm sure it's because I was using muscles I've never used before.

Perfect form!  Too bad I missed it!  

My cuz... he's been waiting 8 years for this moment.  lol

My brother the loser!  Swing and a miss!  hahahaha!  Where's the dingers you promised the boy?

My boy!  Taking a swing!  You can do it, boy!

Even though baseball is not the sport for me, it could be for my boy.  Nevertheless, I wouldn't mind going back to take some more swings.  If anything, it'll work out some of those muscles that I don't use and will better my hand eye coordination.  We all had a good time so I wouldn't mind heading back there with the same line up.  lol  Until then, later!

Exercise AND Diet???

Hey there.  As most of you know, I've been hitting the gym.  Oh yeah!  I keep tabs of the circumference of the my arms, chest, and waist.  So far, I've both arms and chest increase and a slight decrease in my waist.  So here's the question:  Why do I weigh the same?  I've been hovering around 170 since I started this mission and as of yesterday, I'm at 172 lbs.  What gives? 

I tell myself that because there is increase in muscle (or so I hope there is), I'll be heavier as opposed to having fat.  Hmmmm...  I don't know if that's true, but that's what I'm sticking too.  The fact that I'm working out and eating cupcakes/donuts/twinkies/chocolate/candy/meals at midnight would have NOTHING to do with my not losing weight... right?! Fine... I guess that would have something to do with it, huh.  So I've come to the conclusion, exercise is awesome.  Exercise with less crap intake, probably even better.

I don't like using the word diet.  My wife seems to always be on a diet and I don't like how she repels certain foods.  I just can't do that.  I've told many people that "men don't diet".  They simply eat less of what they want.  So instead of having those calorie filled midnight snacks, I'll limit it to only one cupcake or maybe even a healthier choice like a milkshake.  lmao!  I know.  I know...  I'm helpless.  lol  Well, I'm going to incorporate this new tactic and see if I'll lose some weight.  I think I've set a new goal of 160 lbs for me.  Maybe I'll stick around at the 170 lbs range but only if I don't look like a chubby.  lol  Wish me luck!  Later!