Turn the Record Over Challenge: Week 1 (January 12)

One of my favorite Gaslight Anthem songs is “45” whose chorus has the lines “All my friends say… turn the record over.” Well, it’s 2026 and in August I turn 45. It’s time for me to turn the record over. I’ve spent far too long drinking too much, not exercising enough, and frustrated with elements of my health, my sleep, and my life. That’s why I’ve instituted the Turn the Record Over Challenge (TTROC for short) where every week I’ll share with you my workouts and how much I’ve been drinking. Play along if you like and let’s turn the record over together. Hit the music...

Monday, January 12: Orangetheory Fitness 8:45 am

Felt like the right way of kicking this off. The tread block was really hard and I got a stitch in my side near the end, which sucked. But felt pretty good overall.

Alcohol: None =)

Tuesday, January 13: Pure Plank - Starter Pack workout.

I bought this plank board because I'm a total mark for pro wrestling, and this one was shilled by Edge & Christian. The board is nice. The app is pure shit. But the workouts are really good and don't take very long to really feel it in your core. This is possibly the manifestation of 7 Minute Abs. Step into my office? Why? Cuz you're fuckin' fired!

Alcohol: 1 old fashioned (afternoon, drank during pod interview); 2 Coors Lights (dinner)

Wednesday, January 14: Rec Center - treadmill, upper body weights

My new shoes have too much arch support, I think. They make my feet hurt. Had to cut my tread session short. I haven't lifted for real in a while. I'm gonna be sore tomorrow.

Alcohol: 3 beers at a work meetup, then whiskey at home (ugh. more on this below)

Thursday, January 14: Planned rest day

Yep, I'm sore today. Also hungover, like a dipshit. This is old habits creeping back in. After a day where I planned not to drink, had a work obligation where I had some beers. Fine! Shoulda ended it there. But then I came home and hit the whiskey. Slept like butt. Woke up feeling awful. This is why I write this shit, so I can change my patterns. Wish me luck.

Alcohol: 3 beers at a brewery during a guest interview (along with dinner), but no whiskey when I got home. Huzzah!

Friday, January 15: One hour Peloton ride with Bradley Rose

Never done an hour before. Brutal. My legs feel like both Jell-O and bricks. But four days of exercise this week is legit! Later in the day, I was hauling mattresses and shit up and down the stairs, which was like a second workout. Was going to work out Saturday, but seriously... fuck that.

Alcohol: After all the moving, I had a few. A few what?

Weekend Notes:

• No exercise to speak of except for walking the dog a couple times.

• Drank some beers during the Bronco game (R.I.P. Bo Nix's ankle), and a couple on Sunday, but didn't overdo it at any point and woke up both days feeling fresh as a daisy. Even went in the hot tub when it was cold, which is primetime for whiskey, but stuck to water instead. Huzzah.

• I just have to note writing all this down is something feels both vulnerable and mortifying. But if I've been drinking too much on a regular basis since fucking COVID (!!!) and it's time for new accountability, so here we are.