Turn the Record Over Challenge: Week 2 (January 19)

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 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

No exercise to speak of except for some very light snow shoveling. Hung out with my homie and watched the Avalanche game in the afternoon kicking back.

Alcohol: I think it was like 5 beers over the course of the afternoon and evening. But I didn't overdo it, went to bed early, and woke up feeling fine. Still avoiding whiskey which has not been my friend lately.

Tuesday, January 20: 30 Minute 90s Ride with Robin Arzon

Establishing new habits is a real bitch. I didn't feel like working out at all today. But I also felt totally stagnant and sedentary. So I hopped on the bike, got my ass kicked by Robin for a half hour and I feel vigorous. Plus, I thought about this blog a lot and I weirdly don't want to let any of you down.

Alcohol: 1 single tall gin & soda right before dinner

Wednesday, January 21: 1,250 yard swim

There's being in shape, and then being in swimming shape. For the record, I'm pretty much neither at the moment, but putting your ass in the pool and trying to bang out laps will really humble you. Swimming is so fucking hard. Broke this up into sets of 100s and 200s punctuated by huffing and puffing at the end of the pool. It also bears mention that anytime after I swim, I sweat like Shane McMahon the rest of the day.

Alcohol: 2 single tall gin & sodas before dinner

Thursday, January 22: Weight room circuit, 20 minutes elliptical

Sample music from my playlist: "Ruby Soho" by Rancid, "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson, "Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson, "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, "Joker and the Thief" by Wolfmother. Yes, those songs are all old as shit, but they all pump me up in very different ways. Music is a buffet. Sample it all.

Alcohol: 2 single tall gin & sodas. That second one was a mistake, but thankfully I finished it by 7:30. Drinking late is the absolute killer.

Friday, January 23: Rest day

Had a meeting at 9:00 am today, so had to cancel my usual OTF Fridays. Going tomorrow, so taking the day off. I'm sore once again, mostly from leg extensions (quads) and reverse flies (upper back).

Alcohol: Drinkin' beers beers beers...

Saturday, January 24: OTF 60 minutes

Ever done Orangetheory hungover? It's a great way to contemplate death. The wife and I went to happy hour yesterday, and it was so chill and fun, we kept the fun going when we got home. Woke up and got to sweat out the bloat on the tread, rower and weight floor. Felt like ass, but I'm glad I did it.

Alcohol: Went out to dinner, then a brewery, then to see All Waffle Trick play. Had some beers during it all, but never overdid it. Felt fine.

Sunday we had people over, drank a bit during that godawful Broncos game, and that was it. Nice little weekend.