This morning, I awoke a little after 6 a.m. and took my butt to the gym.
I was the only one there for about 10 minutes and happily ellipticized away while watching the local news. (A tropical storm may be a-brewin’ off the east coast. Watch out!)
Eventually a big guy hopped on the elliptical next to me and flipped on ESPN on another television. When I was done with my cardio after completing 20 minutes on the elliptical, I headed over to the weights and the guy struck up a conversation. He asked me whether or not I was an athlete in school (does being a sub-par diver and water polo player in high school count?) and I told him he looked like a football player. Turns out he was a football player. Professionally.
Apparently he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and we ended up talking for quite a while about fitness and nutrition when he found out that I had a genuine interest in both. (My workout was basically poo poo after this since I got out of the zone after chatting for so long.) He was clearly very passionate about nutrition and said that after playing in the NFL for years and fueling his body with artificial things to encourage his physical performance, he’s now much more cognizant of the effect certain enhancers have on the body and adheres to a holistic approach to living.
He also recommended that I check out The Four Hour Body, a book written by a friend of his that basically addresses how to get the biggest and best results for all things physical by making the tiniest changes.
After reading up on the book on the internet before working on this blog post, it sounds very extreme, but seems like an intriguing read. I’m going to look for it at my local library and will report back. Anyone out there ever read it? Thoughts?
Before leaving the gym, I completed the shoulder and abs workout from the LiveFit program, but rushed my way through it since I got caught talking for far too long.
Breakfast
The place where we’re staying in Jacksonville doesn’t have internet, so this morning I grabbed my laptop and headed to Starbucks to take advantage of their free wifi and get something to eat.
Non-fat cappuccino with sugar-free vanilla syrup to start!
I also ordered a cup of their fresh fruit (almost gone when I snapped the picture) and a protein box.
The grapes were kind of sad. I only like really crisp grapes and these were a little pathetic. At least the peanut butter was a winner!
Questions of the Afternoon
- Have you ever met a professional athlete?
- If you could meet one professional athlete who would you want to meet?
When I lived in Chicago, my mom and I were driving and Scottie Pippen pulled up next to us. As a big-time Chicago Bulls fan, I freaked out and he gave me a thumb’s up! I don’t remember ever actually talking to a professional athlete other than Mia Hamm briefly a couple weeks ago when she attended the Fitness Magazine Meet & Tweet event in New York City.
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I met olympic gold medalist swimmer Megan Quann (her last name is Jendrick now that she’s married) several years ago! She grew up in my hometown and graduated from the same high school as me. Her parents still live just down the road from my parent’s house!
I’m from chicago and when I was really young I saw Jim Harbaugh (ex-bear, current coach of the 49ers) in an ice cream shop and I gave him one of my toys. I don’t really remember it but my parents say it was hilarious. Also, if I ever met Ditka I think I would die. For real, just die.
After I saw this post I immediately checked out that book and I am sold. I totally want to buy it and read up on different diets and HOW TO GET BETTER SLEEP.
I met Aaron Rogers at the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. I asked him for a picture (since he plays for my 2nd favorite team) and he said NO. I was really bummed, but he shook my hand. I told him I had just washed it so it was still wet, and he said “At least it’s clean”.
The whole time I was talking to him my husband stood there gaping instead of taking my picture. I kept looking at him, like TAKE IT!
It took all my courage to ask, and he said no:(
i met champ bailey once when i worked at a retail store and he was in town for the probowl. i had no idea who he was (i had to ask my bf later) and he knew that me & my co-worker totally had no clue who he was (my co-worker innocently asked if he was in town for the probowl) and he was the nicest guy.
My rowing coaches in high school were olympic medalists, but hardly famous. Does that count? I also met Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, of facebook (and rowing) “fame” 😉
I’ve met Kobe Bryant- he signed my ball and jersey and I got a pic with him- Epic Day!
When I worked for a major entertainment retail chain, I met Jim Morris, a.k.a. Hillbilly Jim from the WWF, and got his autograph. He was so nice! He wasn’t wrestling then, but I think he was representing WWF. I told him that I used to watch him when I was a little girl. I still remember staring up at him and being surprised at just how tall he was! He always looked short next to Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. 🙂
I did have the opportunity this past January to meet both Mike Ditka and Pete Rose when I was in Vegas. They were both at Caesar’s Palace, in sports stores across the hall from each other, signing autographs. Both stores were absolutely dead. Since I’m not a fan of either, I thought it would be pointless to go in and talk to them.
Hey Julie, do use a registered Starbucks card when you go to S-bucks? If not, you totally should!!! You get free syrups and soy milk (I save $1.10 on chai lattes with soy and 1 pump vanilla. I TOTALLY wouldn’t pay .50 for one pump!). Also, once you buy a certain number of drinks you get their “gold card” which earns you free drinks and free shots and free refills. I also use mine to easily budget my $$ spent on coffee.
Lisa – how much does a registered Starbucks card cost? Or is it like a giftcard?
Totally free to register any Starbucks gift card! On the back there is a card number and pin code. Register at Starbucks.com and you’re all set! Just continue to the same card to reach the gold card status. 🙂
That’s so cool! I don’t think I’ve ever met a professional athlete…I’m sort of embarrassed to say that I don’t really know many of their names off hand anyway haha. I’m going to have to try that Starbucks drink combo- it sounds super tasty. I hope you’re having a great time in Jacksonville 🙂
WOW! Meeting a PROF FB player in the gym–VERY cool! I did a HOTEL workout today as I’m with my hubby in Seattle (he coaches college baseball). It was a good set-up too but no pro athletes 🙁
I have met quite a few pro athletes. I grew up in Orlando and we had season tickets to the magic(so sad the old amway arena was imploded) so we met quite a few of the players circa 1990’s!! We also lived a few houses away from Shaq and whenever we were on the lake with our jet skiis he seemed to be out too…splashing water on everyone with his jet ski!! Such a big goober!!
We currently live in Nashville and my fiance helped out a titans player big time at his work(Gerald McWrath ) and now we have dinner and drinks with him and his fiancee every now and then! Very genuine people.
One time I LITERALLY bumped into Troy Aikman. I was eating dinner with my Dad at a hotel restaurant that had a bar in the front. By the time we were leaving the bar was kind of crowded (the way in and out is through the bar). I was trying to get past this kind of big tall guy, and I said “excuse me” a few times. But I guess he didn’t hear me (a few concussions will do that to you) because he didn’t move, so I just brushed past him. Once we were out of the bar, my dad turns to me and says “You know the man you just pushed past is Troy Aikman, right?” I had no idea! Haha!
I met Dwane Wade in the Chicago O’Hare airport! We were standing in line to get food and I was (rudely) staring at him until I finally said “You’re Dwane Wade.” He stared at me probably thinking I was a total idiot, but then he smiled and said “Yes, yes I am”. I’m from Miami so I was really excited about it! I also, used to be a cashier at our local Fresh Market and Alonzo Mourning would come in almost everyday to buy dinner! That was cool, too!
I’ve read the four hour body. It is a great read, I was hooked from the first chapter. One of the best things he says is your body is the best experiment ground you have, so if something in your diet isn’t working, change it and try something else. I think that sentence alone is worth buying the book for (only I got it from my local library…) Tim Ferriss also has another book out, the 4-hour workweek that’s a good read, talks about how to make more money by working less.
I love the Starbucks Chicken and Hummus box!! I used to get the protein box but switched to the chicken and hummus since it’s lower in calories and has more protein.
I did gymnastics forever so I met a good amount of them over the years. My favorites to meet were Amanda Borden and Jaycie Phelps. They used to come and coach at the summer camp my gym hosted. Meeting Tim Tebow is definitely on the list too!
WHO WAS THE JAG? I live in Jax, and my first apartment I got after college I lived next door to Jeremy Mincey, we are still close friends. When we first lived next to each other about 4 years ago, he had just finished college and started with the Jags. Now he has made it big with them!
Don’t know if you’re a Ryan Gosling fan (but who isnt!?) but I thought you would appreciate this as a runner 🙂 http://heyrunnergirl.tumblr.com/
I met Gilbert Brown at a bar once!
Julie, I read the 4 hour body and the 4 hour work week both by tim f, very extreme. Though I do love how Tim F. experiments on himself. I followed his diet for a bit to see what all the hoopla was about only to gain weight! LOL but it was an interested read for sure!
Congratulations on getting hit on at the gym!
I said “hi” to race car driver Danica Patrick one time when I was in the Indy 500 parade, but that’s it! That’s cool that you met a football player!
Sad grapes are the worst! I love them the same way, super crisp with a nice bite.
I’ve never met a professional athlete before, but honestly I don’t watch too many sports so I probably wouldn’t know if I did!
I met Peyton Manning at the Orlando airport. He was standing by himself against a wall right after I got off the plane. I asked him for a picture but he told me no, since it would attract attention to him. Nice guy, though!
The most memorable athlete I’ve met was Apolo Anton Ohno. I am OBSESSED and when I found out he would be a local book store for a book signing, I was there. It was surreal. He is MUCH shorter in person, but was super nice!
Tim Ferris is his friend? Nice.
And what a great morning convo!
I just realized a guy in one of my spin classes is a former NFL player. I’ve never talked to him, but he seems nice. It also explains why the guy is huge (seriously all muscle) and always does like double the power that everyone else does!
Can’t get enough of your charm!
Check out http://www.wildheartcity.wordpress.com,
A
Hey Julie!
I am following the Slow Carb Diet from the Four Hour Body. It is pretty extreme, but after nearly two months I have seen some great results in fat loss.
I wouldn’t stay on it forever, but it is gluten-free (well, six days a week) and I appreciate not having the dips in energy that I once had when I was eating gluten. There is a lot of other really interesting stuff in the book, I think you’d find it pretty interesting!
I have been wanting to start a blog for so long and sorta started a blog with this diet, but then got discouraged by my horrible photography skills and inconsistency in posting. (I think you have inspired me to start back up again!)
The best takeaway I’ve gained from reading parts of the book is being open to trying out things for yourself. It’s all about figuring out what works for you, which I think you do a good job of showing on your blog. 🙂
I’ve read The Four Hour Body (and The Four Hour Workweek)……it seems like the author likes shortcuts. If you enjoy working out (I don’t know if you’d be able to run any half marathons on it!), I’m not sure you’d like the plan…plus if you follow the workout plan you pretty much have to follow the food plan too…which leaves NO wiggle room except on the required “binge” days. However, I’m sure that it works for some people. I just don’t think it would be feasible for a lot of people. But, I suppose I can really only speak for myself!
BTW- I want to compliment you on such a well-structured, interesting blog! You’ve inspired me to create my own blog about my weight-loss journey! (among other things, of course!)
I don’t think I’ve ever “met” a professional athlete, but I did see Emmitt Smith at an airport once!
My sister saw Shane Victorino — a Phillie! — at the mall once & got a picture with him. We’re huge Phillies fans, so that was pretty cool!
Last weekend, my friends and I were at a local wine bar and sitting right behind me was Mario Chalmers from the Miami Heat NBA team… unfortunately I didn’t recognize him, but my friends did!!!
That’s awesome! Some professional athletes work out during the off-season at one of the gyms where I teach – Artis Hicks and Michael Jasper (NFL) and even John Cena has trained there before. I’ve also met Payton Manning and Trey Teague. Oh, and my friend’s father-in-law is one of the coaches for the Steelers, so there’s those guys too!
I loved the old Bulls (Steve Kerr was my favorite haha)!
I love the protein box at Starbucks. I agree, the grapes are sometimes pathetic. But Justin’s peanut butter is my fave…although I prefer it without the honey!
My oral surgeon, Bill Baker scored the US Olympic Hockey winning goal. Yay!
I saw Kobe Bryant TWICE – once at a mall when I was in high school and recently (THIS year) at a supermarket.
Hmm Michael Phelps maybe. Lets face it he’s super cute and I love swimming but I could use some pointers from a pro.
I met Derek Jeter once and nearly drooled all over myself! 🙂
I met Mike Piazza who used to play fro the NY Mets. He was my neighbor’s cousin and used to come by for BBQs all the time.
I used to babysit for Tony Kucoc when he played for the sixers. He was super tall and seeing his bulls championship ring was cool.
I’ve met Miles Austin and Nastia Lukin at work. We had a day where they came and signed autographs (different days of course). We’ve also had Troy AIkman come in for help as well as another former Cowboy.
Being from Pittsburgh, I would love to meet Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, or Troy Polamalu. Mark Bulger of the St Louis Rams lived next door to me in college
I’ve talked to a bunch of people that swear by the Four Hour Body. It seems kind of crazy but totally makes sense to me! Maybe I’ll read it too. Maybe the next PBF book club selection?? Only kidding. Kinda, lol. Also, I’ve heard of the Four Hour Work Week which is by the same author and has similar principles about cutting down time in the office (not that you’re in an office but I’m sure it would work for any type of job)…could be interesting!
I once had a very famous (former) NBA player as a patient… but the part that sucks is that I couldn’t even tell anyone who I met because HIPAA prohibits me from doing so! Oh well, he was very friendly and didn’t mind answering any of the zillions of questions we all had for him.
In all honestly, anyone who says The Four Hour Body’s Slow Carb plan is extreme is probably a really horrible eater in their regular lives. It is actually insanely basic stuff: don’t eat anti nutrients (sugar, soy, dairy, grains) and eat enough of the good stuff (veg, protein, healthy fats) to stay sated. Have one day a week to go all out and keep your metabolism and gluten/dairy tolerance working. It’s really intuitive and nothing new for anyone who studies fitness beyond the consumerist marketing line of bull that mainstream ‘fitness’ rags try to shill. Honestly, from reading your blog, I think you would really benefit from reading the book. It’s all about hacking your body, getting strong and living awesome. Instead of wasting hours a week on pointless steady state cardio and half-assed light weights, it’ll get you lifting heavy, eating real food and feeling amazing. I also highly recommend Jim Wendler and his 5/3/1 programme for raw strength. If you want to get strong and tough, there is no better programme out there, but again, it’s for people who want to maximize their physical potential, not people who want to look like starved supermodels. Of course, as a woman, it is highly unlikely that you will ever get ‘bulky’ (biggest workout myth ever!), just lean, mean and feeling amazing!