Ripped in 30 - Seeking your guidance

So, I've been doing the ripped in 30 DVD since Feb 19. I did Week 1 eight times, or until it started to become a little easier for me. Now, I've done Week 2 eight times.

That's 16 workouts in a month. It surprises me to find out that I took that many days off. It sure doesn't seem like it.

Anyway, on to my question.

Week 2 has been very challenging for me. I'm at about 200-205 pounds now (first 40 pounds lost almost exclusively by diet) and this is the most intense workout regimen I have *ever* been on. I know it's extremely light by comparison to most, but for me it's been a big, big deal.

I have been reluctant to move on to Week 3, which I have heard is the hardest of the four. The reason is because I still have to modify certain moves quite a bit. I can't finish the two sets of plank jacks and two sets of mountain climbers. I am unable to balance on one foot, lean forward and do the rowing with weights without falling over. (I use 8 pounders) I can't finish the plank/squat/jump things. On the flip side, I do very well with the high knees, renegade rows, jump rope and "table" maneuver. If I collapse from any of the moves I can't complete, I'll just start doing pushups or something to keep moving.

Just to explain my fitness level, I have to laugh when Jillian tells me when to breathe. Exhale on the way up? Are you kidding? I'm exhaling/inhaling 6 times on the way up lady! I'm literally a purple, quivering ball of sweat by the end of this workout. After stretching at the end, if I sit on the couch for a few minutes and then stand up, I often feel light headed for just a few seconds. I'm telling you these things whip me. I push trying to do just one extra move each time such that I think my chest is going to burst.

Now as much as I hate exercise in principle and for the obvious discomfort level, I feel awesome about finally taking these steps at age 42. God help me, even after this short time working at this, my muscles are becoming more evident, my posture has improved and I feel just generally better about my physical life.

So, before I stray even futher into TLDR territory, does any of this sound normal? Have I bitten off more than I should chew at this point? Or too little? Spend another few weeks on Week 2 or press on regardless? (I don't get bored easily) Looking for any kind of critique that might give me direction whether it be exercise, food or attitude related. I'm honestly all ears, even if it's "tough love." I just have no frame of reference for any of these experiences and may need a little wisdom from the MFP family.

It may also help to know that I've only been logging this as about 250 calories and I haven't always been eating it all back. Scooby has my TDEE at around 2400 for sedentary. I try to shoot for < 1700 calories a day because I know that I will want heavy beers (homebrew enthusiast) at least one or two times a week and blow the top off three or four thousand calories once or twice a week. I usually keep my weekly calorie net average between 2000 and 2500 calories with the main objective being to lose a pound or two a month.

A year of my diary should be open, warts and all. Thank you for reading and for any thoughts you may have.