Running almost every day, just half an hour. I haven't lost any weight according to the scale (i've actually gained a couple pounds), but I somewhat doubt the scale anyway. When I felt like a brick shithouse, I was at the weight I am at now.
I did ellipticals immediately followed by a couple chest and tricep exercises. What's SHOCKING is that my incline press at least is about where it was when last I did it! It's been weeks! Apparently strength doesn't decrease that fast. So, I'm back on it.
Part of the problem is that exercise makes me hungry, and when I have the option of food, I tend to go for it. Also, beer.
One thing is for sure, though: I'm getting my body back. I don't know if it's only psychological, but when I look in the mirror, I think I look better.
I'll post a photo later :D
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Another Run, Another Omelette
30 min no problem today. I had a big cup of coffee first, helped it feel like nothing.
The problem with coffee as an exercise aid is it makes you not eat. If I do exercise and don't eat, then I will lose muscle before I lose fat. This is no good whatsoever.
However, soon after the coffee wore off, I was ravenous.
Took leftover pasta and refried it, then added tomatoes and sopressata for a leftover pasta omelette the size of a dinner plate. Sigh, I think i'm still behind on the calorie count. Oh well, at least I'm running.
The problem with coffee as an exercise aid is it makes you not eat. If I do exercise and don't eat, then I will lose muscle before I lose fat. This is no good whatsoever.
However, soon after the coffee wore off, I was ravenous.
Took leftover pasta and refried it, then added tomatoes and sopressata for a leftover pasta omelette the size of a dinner plate. Sigh, I think i'm still behind on the calorie count. Oh well, at least I'm running.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Breakfast
I ah, made a three-egg onion ham and cheese omelette with a big glass of milk after.
That prooooobably wasn't the leanest thing I could have eaten. But you know what? I promised years ago: i like exercise, but I do it only so I can can continue eating good food. I don't think I can in good conscience (or happiness) go back on that.
That prooooobably wasn't the leanest thing I could have eaten. But you know what? I promised years ago: i like exercise, but I do it only so I can can continue eating good food. I don't think I can in good conscience (or happiness) go back on that.
Day 1
I'm currently at 216lbs, and not so muscley. Thanks to laying off the gym to spend more time with school (and my eating habits), it's mostly fat.
Therefore, the plan is to lose 16-20lbs over the next seven weeks.
This means keeping track of my diet and doing cardio. It also means no lifting for the duration, as it makes one put on weight (by eating everything in sight).
Then, at the end of this term, I start lifting again very carefully monitoring diet to put on lean muscle. Adding muscle is easy, adding it without also getting fat is tough.
So!
This morning, I woke up and ran for 20min. I intend to get up early every day and run for at least half an hour. Along with a proper diet, this will probably accomplish my goal. The run itself felt pretty good. There's a DVD player in front of the treadmill, I figure I'll watch movies half an hour at a time. This week's movie is "Thirteenth Warrior" a viking movie with Antonio Banderas.
Even if I don't lose 20lbs, this phase is over in seven weeks, I don't want to spend any more time than that without gaining some muscle. Honestly, I'll probably do just SOME lifting between now and then.
Therefore, the plan is to lose 16-20lbs over the next seven weeks.
This means keeping track of my diet and doing cardio. It also means no lifting for the duration, as it makes one put on weight (by eating everything in sight).
Then, at the end of this term, I start lifting again very carefully monitoring diet to put on lean muscle. Adding muscle is easy, adding it without also getting fat is tough.
So!
This morning, I woke up and ran for 20min. I intend to get up early every day and run for at least half an hour. Along with a proper diet, this will probably accomplish my goal. The run itself felt pretty good. There's a DVD player in front of the treadmill, I figure I'll watch movies half an hour at a time. This week's movie is "Thirteenth Warrior" a viking movie with Antonio Banderas.
Even if I don't lose 20lbs, this phase is over in seven weeks, I don't want to spend any more time than that without gaining some muscle. Honestly, I'll probably do just SOME lifting between now and then.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I'm back!
Two weeks back into the schedule, and things are going quite well.
One minor change is that we're doing 5x5 lo-rep, and 3x15 hi-rep to even things out just a little.
Bench is solidly at 225, squatting 315, and so on.
One big addition is the push press. Bobby and I want to get some olympic lifts into our routine. I'm actually at 140, which puts me right in line with the rest of my lifts on the strength standards.
Intermediate lifter, that's me!
More info soon.
One minor change is that we're doing 5x5 lo-rep, and 3x15 hi-rep to even things out just a little.
Bench is solidly at 225, squatting 315, and so on.
One big addition is the push press. Bobby and I want to get some olympic lifts into our routine. I'm actually at 140, which puts me right in line with the rest of my lifts on the strength standards.
Intermediate lifter, that's me!
More info soon.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Achievement Unlocked!
295 3x2 Deadlift
70 + bar 5x3 or so Hammer Curl
This means the dead lift One Rep is now probably around 315, which was one of the goals I set.
I think I may have underestimated myself when setting these goals.
Good problem to have.
70 + bar 5x3 or so Hammer Curl
This means the dead lift One Rep is now probably around 315, which was one of the goals I set.
I think I may have underestimated myself when setting these goals.
Good problem to have.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Back on the Routine
ran, legs day, ran again (lamely).
protein is go.
Actually seeing some gains here! Did some barbell press (the shoulder kind) and got 5x5 on 60lbs each hand, which is probably better than my standing military press.
feeling great and healthy.
protein is go.
Actually seeing some gains here! Did some barbell press (the shoulder kind) and got 5x5 on 60lbs each hand, which is probably better than my standing military press.
feeling great and healthy.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Routine
So, thanks to rock climbing, I only was able to do back and heavy bag on saturday, and could not/did not run on Sunday.
I then pussed out a bit. Had exams, figured I didn't have time to lift or run.
Mistake, mistake, mistake mistake.
Yesterday, back on the routine. Serious chest workout with MUCH dismay to see how much all of my 5reps dropped. Less than one week, and it all goes to shit.
I even had to have an old lady help me get the bar off my chest on a 215 bench. Should have been five reps, got one. On the other hand, I hadn't been doing well nutritionally and in terms of hydration. I need to remember to keep that protein loaded.
Today, I went for a run. Feet hurt terribly, ran through the pain.
The GOOD news, though, is that I'm up to 4.5 miles in 40 minutes, and by the end I was flying. The "wall" is getting earlier and earlier. I also now notice two "walls." The first wall I dub the "Suck Wall" where your body is just screaming at you from every possible angle that running sucks. This took the form of SEVERE foot pain for me. This was gone after the first mile. The second wall I think I shall call the "Fatty Wall" where I could only jog slowly for the first three or so miles, and then proceeded to lengthen my stride for the last one and a half and really take off.
There is clear improvement in my running, in speed and distance, that's absolutely certain.
I then pussed out a bit. Had exams, figured I didn't have time to lift or run.
Mistake, mistake, mistake mistake.
Yesterday, back on the routine. Serious chest workout with MUCH dismay to see how much all of my 5reps dropped. Less than one week, and it all goes to shit.
I even had to have an old lady help me get the bar off my chest on a 215 bench. Should have been five reps, got one. On the other hand, I hadn't been doing well nutritionally and in terms of hydration. I need to remember to keep that protein loaded.
Today, I went for a run. Feet hurt terribly, ran through the pain.
The GOOD news, though, is that I'm up to 4.5 miles in 40 minutes, and by the end I was flying. The "wall" is getting earlier and earlier. I also now notice two "walls." The first wall I dub the "Suck Wall" where your body is just screaming at you from every possible angle that running sucks. This took the form of SEVERE foot pain for me. This was gone after the first mile. The second wall I think I shall call the "Fatty Wall" where I could only jog slowly for the first three or so miles, and then proceeded to lengthen my stride for the last one and a half and really take off.
There is clear improvement in my running, in speed and distance, that's absolutely certain.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
(02:02:26 PM) cantkilltharoost: mein Gott
(02:02:32 PM) cantkilltharoost: I have made something that cannot be unmade
(02:02:32 PM) bringmethegunsel: yes
(02:02:35 PM) bringmethegunsel: haha
(02:02:47 PM) bringmethegunsel: i have such a terrible hangover
(02:02:47 PM) cantkilltharoost: Shredded smoked beef chuck + infernal mole
(02:02:53 PM) cantkilltharoost: dude, this could nuke your hangover
(02:02:56 PM) bringmethegunsel: damn
(02:02:58 PM) cantkilltharoost: burn it right out of your brain
(02:03:01 PM) cantkilltharoost: like, it's too good
(02:03:07 PM) cantkilltharoost: I can't stop eating these sandwiches
(02:03:13 PM) bringmethegunsel: hahahaha
(02:03:18 PM) cantkilltharoost: but at the same time, I'm panting like a dog in an alabama july
(02:03:27 PM) cantkilltharoost: and sweating like a mexican in an INS holding cell
(02:03:39 PM) cantkilltharoost: I put unsweetened chocolate into my hot sauce
(02:03:47 PM) cantkilltharoost: and poured it over shredded smoke meat
(02:03:56 PM) bringmethegunsel: damn your eyes
(02:03:56 PM) cantkilltharoost: I am actually getting a little black and white vision right now
(02:04:14 PM) bringmethegunsel: haahaha
(02:04:34 PM) cantkilltharoost: oh god,
(02:04:43 PM) cantkilltharoost: such terrible things will spray from my ass tonight
(02:04:56 PM) cantkilltharoost: I am using these sandwiches to wash down almost 80g of whey protein,
(02:04:56 PM) bringmethegunsel: hahahaha
(02:05:01 PM) bringmethegunsel: jesus
(02:05:11 PM) cantkilltharoost: to wash down an intense 20 minute bare-knuckle heavy bag session
(02:05:17 PM) cantkilltharoost: to wash down an intense back and bicep workout
(02:05:24 PM) cantkilltharoost: to wash down a 3 hour rock climbing session yesterday
(02:05:29 PM) cantkilltharoost: ... I am about to go super saijin
(02:05:29 PM) bringmethegunsel: jesus
(02:05:51 PM) cantkilltharoost: if you don't hear back from me, it is because I have become a being of pure light.
(02:02:32 PM) cantkilltharoost: I have made something that cannot be unmade
(02:02:32 PM) bringmethegunsel: yes
(02:02:35 PM) bringmethegunsel: haha
(02:02:47 PM) bringmethegunsel: i have such a terrible hangover
(02:02:47 PM) cantkilltharoost: Shredded smoked beef chuck + infernal mole
(02:02:53 PM) cantkilltharoost: dude, this could nuke your hangover
(02:02:56 PM) bringmethegunsel: damn
(02:02:58 PM) cantkilltharoost: burn it right out of your brain
(02:03:01 PM) cantkilltharoost: like, it's too good
(02:03:07 PM) cantkilltharoost: I can't stop eating these sandwiches
(02:03:13 PM) bringmethegunsel: hahahaha
(02:03:18 PM) cantkilltharoost: but at the same time, I'm panting like a dog in an alabama july
(02:03:27 PM) cantkilltharoost: and sweating like a mexican in an INS holding cell
(02:03:39 PM) cantkilltharoost: I put unsweetened chocolate into my hot sauce
(02:03:47 PM) cantkilltharoost: and poured it over shredded smoke meat
(02:03:56 PM) bringmethegunsel: damn your eyes
(02:03:56 PM) cantkilltharoost: I am actually getting a little black and white vision right now
(02:04:14 PM) bringmethegunsel: haahaha
(02:04:34 PM) cantkilltharoost: oh god,
(02:04:43 PM) cantkilltharoost: such terrible things will spray from my ass tonight
(02:04:56 PM) cantkilltharoost: I am using these sandwiches to wash down almost 80g of whey protein,
(02:04:56 PM) bringmethegunsel: hahahaha
(02:05:01 PM) bringmethegunsel: jesus
(02:05:11 PM) cantkilltharoost: to wash down an intense 20 minute bare-knuckle heavy bag session
(02:05:17 PM) cantkilltharoost: to wash down an intense back and bicep workout
(02:05:24 PM) cantkilltharoost: to wash down a 3 hour rock climbing session yesterday
(02:05:29 PM) cantkilltharoost: ... I am about to go super saijin
(02:05:29 PM) bringmethegunsel: jesus
(02:05:51 PM) cantkilltharoost: if you don't hear back from me, it is because I have become a being of pure light.
Back and Boxing (Heavy Bag)
Hi-Rep back day was uneventful, aside from having to skip pulldowns on account of those muscles already being sore from rock climbing. Apparently rock climbing is all upper back, shoulders, and legs.
I decided to go about 20 minutes on the heavy bag without gloves to force myself to fix my form. If I hit only with the correct knuckles, there is no bruising or damage. If I don't, there is immediate punishment. This actually worked. Seriously.
I feel like I've got a pretty good jab, from both front and back arm. I will continue to improve on speed, but I feel like the power is more than sufficient (maybe too much for a jab, I may be putting too much into it, affecting my balance). I started working also on my left cross, right straight, and combos with all of the above. Particularly, I wanted to work on hops towards and away from the opponent and jabs, the idea being if someone winds up for a hay-maker, being able to pop them in the eyes so fast that they can't see to hit me, and then of course leveling them with a left cross to the jaw.
Without a partner, I can't really do slipping drills yet, which I will have to remedy. I'd like to be able to practice slip-jab and slip-hook combos, which I feel will be useful.
I decided to go about 20 minutes on the heavy bag without gloves to force myself to fix my form. If I hit only with the correct knuckles, there is no bruising or damage. If I don't, there is immediate punishment. This actually worked. Seriously.
I feel like I've got a pretty good jab, from both front and back arm. I will continue to improve on speed, but I feel like the power is more than sufficient (maybe too much for a jab, I may be putting too much into it, affecting my balance). I started working also on my left cross, right straight, and combos with all of the above. Particularly, I wanted to work on hops towards and away from the opponent and jabs, the idea being if someone winds up for a hay-maker, being able to pop them in the eyes so fast that they can't see to hit me, and then of course leveling them with a left cross to the jaw.
Without a partner, I can't really do slipping drills yet, which I will have to remedy. I'd like to be able to practice slip-jab and slip-hook combos, which I feel will be useful.
On being a good workout buddy
I think the most important part of being a good partner is knowing your partner's limits. Meaning, not being afraid to goad them into getting that last rep or staying on that wall if you KNOW they can get it. My partner helped me with this at one point. I felt like I was out of juice and I was almost up. "I'm not letting you down until you tag that top part." So I just blaze right up it and tag. That last bit is the most important one.
"Do it until you can't, then do one more to grow on"
The flipside of this though, is knowing when NOT to goad. This happened a bit later, when I just couldn't get up the beginning of a more difficult route. He was tall and proportionally stronger and could, and was mistakenly convinced I could as well. Very frustrating, and somewhat discouraging. We learn, though. He's much more competitive than I am. I just happen to really enjoy fitness and activity, he's in it to break personal records.
"Do it until you can't, then do one more to grow on"
The flipside of this though, is knowing when NOT to goad. This happened a bit later, when I just couldn't get up the beginning of a more difficult route. He was tall and proportionally stronger and could, and was mistakenly convinced I could as well. Very frustrating, and somewhat discouraging. We learn, though. He's much more competitive than I am. I just happen to really enjoy fitness and activity, he's in it to break personal records.
Rock Climbing
Went to Metrorock in lovely Everett MA. For 21 bucks, I got a day pass with rental harness and shoes.
Just a note for those of you considering it, a climbing harness feels like it will tear your gooch asunder. And you'd best be sure it's tight, otherwise one or both of your testicles, or your sack will get under it, and get pinched.
Now that the unpleasant part is out of the way, rock climbing is pretty awesome. I'm only a little sore today, but that's not because it wasn't intense. I'm a little afraid the soreness is on it's way.
We were going up and down the faces for about three hours. My climbing partner has about six inches of height on me, and I have about 40 pounds of mass on him. I.e. he's a beanpole and I'm some minor shithouse. Not quite brick, probably fieldstone. Needless to say, I am NOT well adapted for climbing. Despite having strong forearm and back, I just didn't have the flexibility or reach to be really great. When I told my old man I was going climbing he chuckled and said "those guys are long and lean." He was correct. Beanpole party at the climbing place.
I'm looking forward to climbing more when I'm back down to 200lbs, and probably stronger. My power to weight ratio isn't as good as it could be, and that's very limiting. There's a rock gym in Worcester I plan to check out soon. I think I can get better by fixing my technique.
It struck me in the shower this morning that I was keeping my center of gravity pretty far off the wall and relying on back muscles to huuurf my self up. I think I can fix that.
Just a note for those of you considering it, a climbing harness feels like it will tear your gooch asunder. And you'd best be sure it's tight, otherwise one or both of your testicles, or your sack will get under it, and get pinched.
Now that the unpleasant part is out of the way, rock climbing is pretty awesome. I'm only a little sore today, but that's not because it wasn't intense. I'm a little afraid the soreness is on it's way.
We were going up and down the faces for about three hours. My climbing partner has about six inches of height on me, and I have about 40 pounds of mass on him. I.e. he's a beanpole and I'm some minor shithouse. Not quite brick, probably fieldstone. Needless to say, I am NOT well adapted for climbing. Despite having strong forearm and back, I just didn't have the flexibility or reach to be really great. When I told my old man I was going climbing he chuckled and said "those guys are long and lean." He was correct. Beanpole party at the climbing place.
I'm looking forward to climbing more when I'm back down to 200lbs, and probably stronger. My power to weight ratio isn't as good as it could be, and that's very limiting. There's a rock gym in Worcester I plan to check out soon. I think I can get better by fixing my technique.
It struck me in the shower this morning that I was keeping my center of gravity pretty far off the wall and relying on back muscles to huuurf my self up. I think I can fix that.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monadnock Two
I met up with Matt and his friend Eugene (Yvgeny by birth, says the accent and cheekbones) and got to the mountain around 10, after some trouble getting there.
The Spellman demolished and re-defined my idea of "steep rocks." 500 yards of very steep rock, patchily covered in ice and snow. If I hadn't been in the company of two people much more versed in climbing than me, I definitely would have turned around and done something else, but as it was I got invaluable instruction in climbing technique.
I think we may hit the climbing gym on Friday, and I can get some proper schooling. I have a bit of fear in letting myself out of contact with the surface in front of me. They're capable of jumping up, and I'm not.
We made good time, and came down in under four hours.
I want to try some of the western routes. Looking at the map, it seems like they're pretty gentle, but sure are a lot of paths. Should be fun.
Not a fitness thing, but if I can (after hiking Seven Sisters) on Saturday, I think i'm going to see if I can take a class at the gun range (also in western mass).
The Spellman demolished and re-defined my idea of "steep rocks." 500 yards of very steep rock, patchily covered in ice and snow. If I hadn't been in the company of two people much more versed in climbing than me, I definitely would have turned around and done something else, but as it was I got invaluable instruction in climbing technique.
I think we may hit the climbing gym on Friday, and I can get some proper schooling. I have a bit of fear in letting myself out of contact with the surface in front of me. They're capable of jumping up, and I'm not.
We made good time, and came down in under four hours.
I want to try some of the western routes. Looking at the map, it seems like they're pretty gentle, but sure are a lot of paths. Should be fun.
Not a fitness thing, but if I can (after hiking Seven Sisters) on Saturday, I think i'm going to see if I can take a class at the gun range (also in western mass).
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Carboloading
According to the old man, carbo-loading would be a waste of effort for a hike. On his advice, I'll skip it.
Time to go get better hiking boots.
Time to go get better hiking boots.
HIIT and Carboloading
So, tomorrow I hike monadnock again, this time with company.
We are going to attempt to take a more difficult route up, taking the Cascade Link to the Spellman, to the Pumpelly. The spellman link includes 500 yards at 38% grade. That's steep as fuck. To be honest, I'm not sure we'll even be able to get through it, as it could be sheer packed snow, or a muddy wreck.
To improve my chances, I'll be bringing poles this time to manage the packed snow. I'll also be substituing a lighter pack for my last one, using a non-framed one this time. This should cut down on weight. I think I might also try to find myself a decent pair of used hiking boots today at Play-It-Again sports or something. Failing that, I'll at least beeswax the hell out of my usual boots, as wet feet make the whole thing so much worse.
Finally, I'm doing some physical preparation this time. This is going to be 4 hours of mixed exertion with that 500 years being pure hell:
Now, what this sounds like to me, is doing some HIIT tonight (basically just some sprints), and then wolfing down as much pasta as I can stand for dinner tonight. The HIIT depletes all my body's glycogen, and tells my body: "You're in for some rough shit, stock up muscle energy supplies" and then provides it with a stack of carbs to replenish it with. This should lead to much more stamina tomorrow.
Wish me luck.
We are going to attempt to take a more difficult route up, taking the Cascade Link to the Spellman, to the Pumpelly. The spellman link includes 500 yards at 38% grade. That's steep as fuck. To be honest, I'm not sure we'll even be able to get through it, as it could be sheer packed snow, or a muddy wreck.
To improve my chances, I'll be bringing poles this time to manage the packed snow. I'll also be substituing a lighter pack for my last one, using a non-framed one this time. This should cut down on weight. I think I might also try to find myself a decent pair of used hiking boots today at Play-It-Again sports or something. Failing that, I'll at least beeswax the hell out of my usual boots, as wet feet make the whole thing so much worse.
Finally, I'm doing some physical preparation this time. This is going to be 4 hours of mixed exertion with that 500 years being pure hell:
Short workout Carboloading
A new carbo-loading regimen developed by scientists at the University
of Western Australia calls for a normal diet with light training
until the day before the race. On the day before the race, the athlete performs
a very short, extremely high-intensity workout (such as a few minutes of
sprinting) then consumes 12 g of carbohydrate per kilogram of lean mass over the
next 24 hours. The regimen reportedly resulted in a 90% increase in glycogen
storage.[1]
Now, what this sounds like to me, is doing some HIIT tonight (basically just some sprints), and then wolfing down as much pasta as I can stand for dinner tonight. The HIIT depletes all my body's glycogen, and tells my body: "You're in for some rough shit, stock up muscle energy supplies" and then provides it with a stack of carbs to replenish it with. This should lead to much more stamina tomorrow.
Wish me luck.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mas Proteina!
So, today is the first day aiming for 200g protein a day. I'm aware that there's a real risk of trashing your kidneys without sufficient hydration, so I've been making sure to drink plenty of water. Today I went through about 2qt. before getting to the gym, and probably 1gal. while there.
It's looking like 2 scoops with breakfast, 3 scoops after gym, 2 scoops before bed. I might want some kind of bar for before the gym, maybe reduce the amount before bed. That adds up to 175, and I'm sure I get 25 from dietary sources.
I think I might hike Monadnock again early Wednesday before school, not sure.
I really hope it dries out so I can get some running in, I've got a feeling it's a lot better than jumping rope (which is the cardio activity for tonight).
As it turns out, a friend of a friend boxed for a good five years, and probably can help me with my form.
Chest day went okay, nothing to report really.
It's looking like 2 scoops with breakfast, 3 scoops after gym, 2 scoops before bed. I might want some kind of bar for before the gym, maybe reduce the amount before bed. That adds up to 175, and I'm sure I get 25 from dietary sources.
I think I might hike Monadnock again early Wednesday before school, not sure.
I really hope it dries out so I can get some running in, I've got a feeling it's a lot better than jumping rope (which is the cardio activity for tonight).
As it turns out, a friend of a friend boxed for a good five years, and probably can help me with my form.
Chest day went okay, nothing to report really.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Day of Rest
I'm utterly wrecked from back day and the hike.
Regularly scheduled self-abuse returns tomorrow, with hi-rep chest and a shit ton of jump rope.
Regularly scheduled self-abuse returns tomorrow, with hi-rep chest and a shit ton of jump rope.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Back Day (results)
Forgot to mention, a bent-over vertical row is amazing for upper back. I'm definitely in a fair amount of pain up there.
Also, I'm not sure what the deal is, but I felt a more pronounced heartbeat and some skin flushing after taking this new protein. I'm hoping I'll get used to it.
Also, I'm not sure what the deal is, but I felt a more pronounced heartbeat and some skin flushing after taking this new protein. I'm hoping I'll get used to it.
Monadnock
One of my goals is to be the kind of guy who would get up before sunrise on a weekend and go hit the outdoors.
So I got up around quarter to six, went to Mt. Monadnock (having decided to hike it today). I brought around 3 quarts of water, a pound or two of trail mix, and a monster ham sammich. These were good estimates, as it turns out. I also brought snowshoes and poles, in case there was still heavy snow up there.
On advice of the ranger (asked specifically about the snowshoes), I left them at the car. As it turns out, yes, the snow was knee-deep in places (despite having been pretty packed down by more hikers than I thought would be out), but it'd have been silly to put the snowshoes on for each of those occasions. It was a mistake not to bring the poles, though, as an additional two points of contact would have been very helpful when things got slippery (i.e. almost always).
I took a right on Cascade Link to get to the Red Dot Trail (correctly figuring that a longer path would be more of a gentle slope and a bit nicer). At this point, it was about 7:30am, and there were all sorts of conifers. It's the middle of spring melt, so there were at least two temporarly creeks to ford, and plenty of mud. I highly reccomend this route up, despite not having anything to compare it to. By the time I hit the REAL steep stuff, trying to join back up with White Dot trail, I was very fatigued. Interestingly, it was similar to how running is. A portion of the beginning feels awful, and you don't think you can go on. At some point, though, a switch flips and your body stops complaining about all the injustices you're inflicting on it, and you get up and go.
Even after I "broke through" I had to stop many times to let my heart-rate fall some. I was reminded of Krakauer's book Into Thin Air, about how at Everest, you have to take one step and a time, lean on your ice axe and take a couple ragged breaths.
It was at this point that I was passed by a family of three, with the kid being 15 or so, and the folks in their late forties. Ouch. Oh well, this is the first real hike since I was 15, so I'm okay with it. That and they had poles.
I was climbing into a cloud, it seemed. By the time I hit the treeline, the fog and the wind were really picking up. I put on a windbreaker (thanks, Dad!), and put up the hood. It was amazing. Through breaks in the fog, you could see how high up you were, and you had this MASSIVE bare rock (no ice, no snow, no plants, nothing) nub left to climb.
I was down by about 11am.
I took the white dot trail back down, and nearly hurt myself many times. I had thought "Take the slow way up to conserve energy, then get down directly." That was a mistake. It may be easier going, but as fatigue sets in, you lose agility. I had to constantly remind myself to land with bent knees, and I made more mistakes here than anywhere. Also, white dot trail is three things:
A) Crowded
B) Muddy
C) Steep
Bad combo.
At one point I took a face first spill, clonked my left knee, and nearly broke my right ring finger. It got caught under a rock or something as I fell, not quite wedged. It felt all tingly for a second. I wear a ring on that finger, and that could have been terrible. If it HAD broke, I would have had to try to wrench the ring off over the broken bone, as I was a mile or so out, and way far away from a hospital. The ring would have cut off my circulation otherwise, and I could have lost the finger. The lesson here is: take it easy, and take gentle routes each way.
I also learned today that workboots and hiking boots, although similar, are not freely interchangeable. There were plenty of times I didn't have the traction necessary to make moves comfortably, and nearly ate it at as a result. These boots (Cats) have served me well for many years, but the soles are apparently shot to hell, and the waterproofing uh... should have done it last night . Also, I feel like the ankle support is wrong somehow. They grab above the ankle very tightly, but I'm free to roll it beneath. Need new boots.
I am dying to hike some of these other trails, and once things thaw enough, find some of the less clearly marked footpaths. I haven't even TOUCHED the depths available to me, and it's $4 for a day pass, and half an hour away. I probably won't do the white dot trail again, though.
So I got up around quarter to six, went to Mt. Monadnock (having decided to hike it today). I brought around 3 quarts of water, a pound or two of trail mix, and a monster ham sammich. These were good estimates, as it turns out. I also brought snowshoes and poles, in case there was still heavy snow up there.
On advice of the ranger (asked specifically about the snowshoes), I left them at the car. As it turns out, yes, the snow was knee-deep in places (despite having been pretty packed down by more hikers than I thought would be out), but it'd have been silly to put the snowshoes on for each of those occasions. It was a mistake not to bring the poles, though, as an additional two points of contact would have been very helpful when things got slippery (i.e. almost always).
I took a right on Cascade Link to get to the Red Dot Trail (correctly figuring that a longer path would be more of a gentle slope and a bit nicer). At this point, it was about 7:30am, and there were all sorts of conifers. It's the middle of spring melt, so there were at least two temporarly creeks to ford, and plenty of mud. I highly reccomend this route up, despite not having anything to compare it to. By the time I hit the REAL steep stuff, trying to join back up with White Dot trail, I was very fatigued. Interestingly, it was similar to how running is. A portion of the beginning feels awful, and you don't think you can go on. At some point, though, a switch flips and your body stops complaining about all the injustices you're inflicting on it, and you get up and go.
Even after I "broke through" I had to stop many times to let my heart-rate fall some. I was reminded of Krakauer's book Into Thin Air, about how at Everest, you have to take one step and a time, lean on your ice axe and take a couple ragged breaths.
It was at this point that I was passed by a family of three, with the kid being 15 or so, and the folks in their late forties. Ouch. Oh well, this is the first real hike since I was 15, so I'm okay with it. That and they had poles.
I was climbing into a cloud, it seemed. By the time I hit the treeline, the fog and the wind were really picking up. I put on a windbreaker (thanks, Dad!), and put up the hood. It was amazing. Through breaks in the fog, you could see how high up you were, and you had this MASSIVE bare rock (no ice, no snow, no plants, nothing) nub left to climb.
I was down by about 11am.
I took the white dot trail back down, and nearly hurt myself many times. I had thought "Take the slow way up to conserve energy, then get down directly." That was a mistake. It may be easier going, but as fatigue sets in, you lose agility. I had to constantly remind myself to land with bent knees, and I made more mistakes here than anywhere. Also, white dot trail is three things:
A) Crowded
B) Muddy
C) Steep
Bad combo.
At one point I took a face first spill, clonked my left knee, and nearly broke my right ring finger. It got caught under a rock or something as I fell, not quite wedged. It felt all tingly for a second. I wear a ring on that finger, and that could have been terrible. If it HAD broke, I would have had to try to wrench the ring off over the broken bone, as I was a mile or so out, and way far away from a hospital. The ring would have cut off my circulation otherwise, and I could have lost the finger. The lesson here is: take it easy, and take gentle routes each way.
I also learned today that workboots and hiking boots, although similar, are not freely interchangeable. There were plenty of times I didn't have the traction necessary to make moves comfortably, and nearly ate it at as a result. These boots (Cats) have served me well for many years, but the soles are apparently shot to hell, and the waterproofing uh... should have done it last night . Also, I feel like the ankle support is wrong somehow. They grab above the ankle very tightly, but I'm free to roll it beneath. Need new boots.
I am dying to hike some of these other trails, and once things thaw enough, find some of the less clearly marked footpaths. I haven't even TOUCHED the depths available to me, and it's $4 for a day pass, and half an hour away. I probably won't do the white dot trail again, though.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Purchased a massive thing of whey protein today, on sale at GNC. I'm hoping I can adjust the ratio of fat/carbs/protein in my diet a little more towards protein.
Right now, I'm on a strict diet of meat and beer. Great for a viking, where you get hacked to death at some point before middle age, but unsustainable for me.
It sucks to be working out like a fiend and still be a bit fat, due to my love of PBR. I know i'm only enjoying a brief period in my life where I can drink a lot of beer and not end up fat. Sooner or later, my metabolism will quit and I'll have to give it up altogether, as I would simply not have the time or motivation to do enough cardio to balance it out. Sad, I know, but that's life, right?
I know what's important to me, and it's health, not beer. I thank the Almighty I'm not 10% more of a fiend.
Right now, I'm on a strict diet of meat and beer. Great for a viking, where you get hacked to death at some point before middle age, but unsustainable for me.
It sucks to be working out like a fiend and still be a bit fat, due to my love of PBR. I know i'm only enjoying a brief period in my life where I can drink a lot of beer and not end up fat. Sooner or later, my metabolism will quit and I'll have to give it up altogether, as I would simply not have the time or motivation to do enough cardio to balance it out. Sad, I know, but that's life, right?
I know what's important to me, and it's health, not beer. I thank the Almighty I'm not 10% more of a fiend.
Boxing
I think it might be that my calves are still sore from yesterday's jog, and it may be that I was just exhausted from lifting, but god DAMN I cannot box for shit. I can either get my jab and cross combo right (keeping my hands up) OR I can move naturally on the balls of my feet. Not both at once yet.
I think my first priority should be doing some jumprope and working on my footwork, followed by working on my slips and ducks. THEN I can get some hand shit in. I don't think I have the coordination or stamina to do both at once yet.
I think my first priority should be doing some jumprope and working on my footwork, followed by working on my slips and ducks. THEN I can get some hand shit in. I don't think I have the coordination or stamina to do both at once yet.
Back Day
Dead lifts: 275lbs 5x4
Bent Barbell Rows: 185lbs 5x4 (Looking at the dumbell rows, it's clear this will come up some as my back gets better used to keeping everything rigid)
Shrugs: 275lbs 5x4
Bent Dumbell Rows: 100lbs 5x4
Hammer Bar Curls: 105lbs 5x4
(Among a shit ton of other back, bicep, and a few forearm exercises)
I'm feeling pretty good about these numbers.
I think my bicep performance has actually declined a bit, or at best held steady. I think the increased pace I've been working out at (taking an hour and a half rather than three) has meant a quicker drain of my overall energy. Still, though, if I'm still improving the exercises (above) that I really wanted to, I'm fine.
I still can't do a wide-grip pullup, though. Maybe when I lose 20lbs I'll be able to (duh).
Bent Barbell Rows: 185lbs 5x4 (Looking at the dumbell rows, it's clear this will come up some as my back gets better used to keeping everything rigid)
Shrugs: 275lbs 5x4
Bent Dumbell Rows: 100lbs 5x4
Hammer Bar Curls: 105lbs 5x4
(Among a shit ton of other back, bicep, and a few forearm exercises)
I'm feeling pretty good about these numbers.
I think my bicep performance has actually declined a bit, or at best held steady. I think the increased pace I've been working out at (taking an hour and a half rather than three) has meant a quicker drain of my overall energy. Still, though, if I'm still improving the exercises (above) that I really wanted to, I'm fine.
I still can't do a wide-grip pullup, though. Maybe when I lose 20lbs I'll be able to (duh).
Wish I had started this earlier
Doing back/bi/obliques today, maybe with a set or two of forearms.
Current body weight is 219.8, which has been steady for a while.
Introduced jogging on off days, up to 4-5mi in about 40-50 minutes.
Will post current back weights on return.
To: Brother
Hey buddy,
As soon as I get comfortable with the cardio I'm doing, I think I'm going to start doing High-Intensity Interval Training on lifting days (short sprints with short rests), and jog on off days. I mean, I don't really want to get used to running more than 5 miles at a time. I'm built for short sprints, and I should probably be making those better, right? You can also do HIIT on a heavy bag, so that'll be perfect on the days after I do legs.
I was able to jog the day after legs, without too much of a problem.
Also, whenever I plateau on low-rep (which will be soonish), I think i'm going to try this 5x5 workout I've been hearing about.
-T
Current body weight is 219.8, which has been steady for a while.
Introduced jogging on off days, up to 4-5mi in about 40-50 minutes.
Will post current back weights on return.
To: Brother
Hey buddy,
As soon as I get comfortable with the cardio I'm doing, I think I'm going to start doing High-Intensity Interval Training on lifting days (short sprints with short rests), and jog on off days. I mean, I don't really want to get used to running more than 5 miles at a time. I'm built for short sprints, and I should probably be making those better, right? You can also do HIIT on a heavy bag, so that'll be perfect on the days after I do legs.
I was able to jog the day after legs, without too much of a problem.
Also, whenever I plateau on low-rep (which will be soonish), I think i'm going to try this 5x5 workout I've been hearing about.
-T
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