Author: Andy

So, the kids had a blast...  As they should.  But, I realized that Halloween is not all that fun when you are trying to keep to a tight intake.  :)  Naturally- chocolate and beer everywhere.  

All I can say is I don't recommend the zero-fun plan to anyone, unless you have something very important to you coming up in the NEAR-future!  If you really want to look and feel your best, and you have a short-term goal, then by all means, be a psycho if you want.  BUT, if you are just trying to be your best as your lifestyle, then please, enjoy life and eat some candy for crying out loud!  Eat some for me.  I promise, if you have "cheat meals," or "cheat days," or eat a bunch of candy or dessert on special days- it will not adversely affect the way you look and feel, and it will keep you sane...  :)

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving weekend- not just because I can't wait to film the project in LA- but because I can't wait to pig out afterwards!

Here's the family last night: Thing 1 (from Dr. Seuss), Superman, Army guy, Princess Leia, and a last-minute Maverick wannabe!

Hope you guys are doing well out there!  Holler at me...

We made a quick trip out to Legoland and the beach in Coronado to visit a good friend.  What a blast!  The boys are like tweekers when it comes to legos, and Wuwu didn't ever want to leave the beach...  :)

It's been a while, here are a few updates and thoughts:

-First, I have a pretty big opportunity coming up over Thanksgiving weekend, so I am really trying to dial it in for the next six weeks or so.  Nothing fancy: no sugar, no beer, limited carbs after breakfast, and lots of training like the tazmanian devil with a new program.  Anybody out there want to commit to dialing it in with me until Thanksgiving?  Come on, misery loves company!  :)  Let's harden up together!!!

-Second, I have been approached by quite a few folks about making more Iron Cross Fitness t-shirts.  I'm going to look into setting up a paypal account, just to offset the costs.  But, if you are reading this, and you'd be interested in one of these comfy and well-fitting shirts (seriously, they are my faves) for about $20, please send me a note and let me know.  I will order accordingly and let you know when they are available for purchase.

-Third, I am teaching a new crop of fitness instructors next week- I always look forward to making new friends and helping out some good people.

-Fourth, I was fortunate to be asked to write an article for a major fitness magazine last week.  I think I made my deadline and I'll let you know the details as soon as I hear officially that my draft is good-to-go.

-Finally, I want to thank you for passing around the andymcd23 YouTube channel videos- we have gone over 550,000 views and climbing daily.  Please continue with the questions and comments, and feel free to ask for any specific ideas you may have.  

As always, I am humble about my expertise, as I claim only to be a dork trying to help.  But, I'm coming up on 20 years of working out in some capacity almost every single day, and I only share what works for me and what I've seen work for those I have helped.  Please keep reaching out, and we'll try to help as many folks as we can!  :)

 Hi guys!  Quick note today- we got back from the World Games last weekend.  We had a blast.  The competition day was arduous but fun.  I was sore for days.  If interested, there is a video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SIsyV1NMlI

And speaking of videos- I found it fascinating how many people at the games recognized us from YouTube.  This photo is of a guy from Spain who asked if it was ok to take a photo to show his friends at home.  It's not anything that I am thinking is totally awesome about me- just that I think people are always searching for some truth about fitness/working out/nutrition.  I have never and will never claim to be the world's foremost expert on anything, BUT, I will always try to help people as much as I can and only recommend ideas that I have tried myself many times...  

As our YouTube videos close in on 500,000 views, it was nice to meet some new friends from all over the world who appreciated our efforts...

Hi guys!  Quick Wear-Test review today.  Feetures http://www.feeturesbrand.com/ socks company sent me a bunch of their products to try out and give them an honest review.  So, knowing this- they haven't paid me anything-- here goes:

I tried all the socks they sent me, and I can honestly say that I'm a fan.  In fact, I do not want to wear any of my other socks anymore- so they are headed to Goodwill (don't worry, most will get washed before they go!).  

I think the best thing I can say about the socks is that I forgot I had socks on!  They feel like a part of my foot- there are no seams to irritate the top of my toes, and no bunching around the heel- common problems for my beat-up old soccer feet.  I like that they are Left and Right specific- allowing for the special arch support compression to be in the right spot- another plus for a guy with high arches.  They feel custom-made.

Any negatives, you ask?  The only pair that I had to adjust to were the Elite with Ultra-Light cushion-- they were so thin that I slid around in my Asics training shoe during a sprint workout.  I have more narrow feet, and I managed it by re-lacing the shoe.  For my money, I go with a little bit thicker sock though- the Elite with Light Cushion was perfect for me.

Overall, I'm a believer in spending a little money on some very great socks!  I used to ignore this facet of training/competition gear, but after trying these socks in resistance training, long and short runs, I think they are worth it. 

 And, for what it's worth- the guys from the family-owned and run company seem to be good folks.  They are committed to the everyday athlete- even blue-collar guys like me...  :)