Ouch! My Back is Killing Me!

For about two weeks now my back has been hurting something awful.  In fact, I'm not able to walk or bike or really do any type of aerobic activity.  About all I can do without putting any pressure on my back is to work my arms.  I have to tell you, I'm having withdraws from not getting my heart pumping and my lungs burning for air.  Making myself slow down has been the biggest challenge.

I haven't been to a doctor yet.  I take ibuprophen and the pain goes away and I think I'm healed, but then when the medicine wears off it feels like someone stabbing me in my hip and leg with a knife.  Apparently there's a nerve in my back being compressed and it is excruciating.

Anyhow, to compensate for not burning as many calories, I've tried to cut back (even more) on my caloric intake.  So far I'm maintaining at around 209-210 pounds.  I've had to buy new clothes as my old clothes are just too big.  It's hard to believe that I was almost at 42 inches in the waist of my pants and now I'm at 34.  That's like an 8 inch loss.  Also, my jackets have gone from 48 inches to 46 athletic cut.  Still, I have to buy seperates when I buy suits because the pants that come with a 46 athletic cut jacket is 38 inches.  Four inches is a lot to take out of a pair of pants. 

Nevertheless, I praise the Lord and am praying for healing or medical help for my back.  I hate not being out there jogging, hiking, or riding my bike. 

Verse of the Day: James 5:14-16
15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

One Week with P90X

I will have completed one week of P90X after tonight.  It is a fitness routine (DVDs) that is supposed to work miracles.  I think I've found that only God does miracles.  It isn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  I've added my own stuff in addition to the hour long P90X rountines.  I've been riding my bike, working out with weights, and doing some treadmill work.  In addition, I do sit-ups every morning.  In fact, I began P90X on April 1st weighing in at 210, went up to 214, and after a brutal day of bike riding, treadmill, and P90X (Kenpo X) I was down to 209 lbs. this morning. 

I have stayed off the bike today, because my legs need to recover, but I will do some P90X (stretching/rest on 7th day) and an arm workout with weights tonight after church. I don't know why I bumped up in weight for a few days, but it only makes me more determined to burn it off. 

Still, despite the slight weight gain, my waist and neck have continued to get smaller even as my arms have gotten a little larger.  I look forward to cooler temperatures this weekend as my wife and I plan to climb Stone Mountain, which is always a good workout.

Verse of the Day: Gen 3:19
19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,And to dust you shall return."