Tolsimir

Massage would definitely help. It's not going to feel pleasant, but it'll help I had a neck massage yesterday because of a huge knot in my neck. Ouch. But now it's all good!

Some inspiring rugby yoga monkeys for my Thursday morning workout. Gotta love this guy. Cheeky. I think adding yoga to my list of things to do would be great - especially to loosen up after work/sports.

Thanks for this comment, it was just what I needed! I recognize the "what's the point?" and I'd really beat myself up for eating chocolate or cake or whatever. But you're right - it just means extra work later on, not the end of the world or giving up.

Hey Gab! Fellow prop right here. I saw you reply to Rugbyisgood's post and thought I'd have a look at your challenge and profile You sound determined to work hard for yourself and for your team to improve your health and your strength. That's awesome! All I want to add is this: don't be to hard on yourself and say I need to be fit before next semester. Just take it one workout at a time and enjoy yourself while doing it. Notice the progress you make, even if it's just a little bit. Enjoy the ride I'm saying this because I need a reminder of this myself every once in a while. I'm doing the BBW too and love the progress I make every time. Let's kick some ass together, rebel

Aaayeah props unite! Maybe we could get together a virtual NF Rugbyteam I'm working on my core, because.. well, it's bad. Explosive speed is important and I love training for it. Good luck on your first challenge, Rugbyisgood!

That lady with the bar is Samantha Wright! Challenge is going alright so far We played a rugby match today. Last week, after the match, I cycled home and my back was killing me, having put up with a lot of pressure during the game I now had to carry home a heavy bag with soaking wet clothes in them. Today however, that all went a lot better I did my workout challenged throughout the week, had to be fairly active at my job, went to training and I really paid a lot of attention to keeping good posture. I notice my abs getting a little better, which already takes a lot of pressure off of my back. So I really want to keep this up!

Woah, training on the beach is hardcore! Really good for your legs/flexibility though. There's one beachrugby tournament here in Holland that I LOVE going to. It's on an island, Friday night till Sunday afternoon, starting with a party and ending with a hangover on the ferry back to the mainland. It is fan-tas-tic. It's super tough to play on the beach, but tackling is a lot easier - with a softer landing. Really love it!

Aaah you're a forward like me! there's no offense/defense split though. You're BOTH! And I guess, your first match they'll always make you the wing. Been there! Not my spot at all though I'd love to give it another go for the fun of it!

Hahahaha! Well it sounds like you gave your all during your workout, so that's good! Very familiar, I ALWAYS have this after the first practice of the season! It's a good sign and if you keep it up, it'll get less achy after every workout. So keep it up, you're doing great

Muffin, with the BBW I prefer starting with the jumping jacks, just to warm up a little bit. If it's just muscle ache I'd suggest just doing another workout, but stretch afterwards, when your muscles are warm. For me that helps against the muscle aches. My trainer also suggests that, if you're achy the next day, you could stretch a little bit while you're under the shower, as you'll be warmer.

Yeah, exactly. And the longer I wait, the bigger/scarier the problem gets. But in all it's just air you pump into the same problem. Sort of like a balloon? And you're right - this article's attitude is way more positive!

Marshmellows and campfires!!!

Your third mission is cool too! I should go to bed. Now. NOW. Soon. Seriously though, great goals. I'm bad at recording stuff like this too. Good luck the coming six weeks! Don't forget to breathe.

Thanks guys! First workday was awesome, because of my coworkers. As far as the job itself: a monkey could do it. Second day tomorrow! Thanks Nyx, I love it too! Actually, I have a sort of hate-love relationship with it, because it's very exhilarating, but SO scary before I do it. I started my job today, because of this mission. I had to make a phone call to see if I could still work at this place, because I hadn't heard from them. Turns out they'd been trying to contact me that same day, but couldn't find my number. I had been pushing myself to call them for four days, but was too scared to do it. I wish I'd have done it sooner, but the longer I wait, the scarier the mission becomes. So .. this mission is very good for self improvement. This NF article really helped me with this challenge.

Alright, I just got a phonecall from my new employer asking me to start working tonight. This means I'll miss training (booo!), but I'm officially employed again, and making money (yaaay!) To make up for missing practice tonight, I just put in a Bodyworkout quickie.

Aaayeah attitude!

Hi, Bayne! I enjoyed reading your intro. Sounds like you've got your plan ready to start your challenge! In it to make Drizz't proud aye? Gosh, I miss those books! And D&D. Aaand I now have the urge to watch Arrow at 11am, which I shouldn't. Welcome, and good luck with your goals

Over the last three years I had the pleasure of playing at 4 different clubs (I moved around a lot because of education) and two of the teams played in a higher competition than I was used to. Both teams were very motivated and trained hard, but there was one difference: team A was happy with their place in the competition (somewhere in the lower ranks) whereas team B used to be way up high in the competition and had dropped a few ranks since that season. They were incredibly frustrated about this. In team A, I felt welcome as a rookie. My teammates helped me out and were really supportive and I grew a lot. In team B, I felt like I wasn't doing enough to get the team up and was stressed out during the games. Result: I played terribly. If this team is welcoming and willing to teach you, I say go for it I know how intimidating it is, but the sooner you start, the sooner you'll become an intimidating very type-A rugby rebel! ;D

Obax, I know exactly what you mean. During my first season, I had no idea what the hell I was doing. Not during the game or during training. But I guess that goes for everyone - a lot of girls that join our team don't even know any of the rules, some have never even seen a game, they just tag along with one of my teammates. It's something you learn through practice - AND through playing games. What really helped for me was having one teammate tagging me along over the field. I think especially as a forward that's an easy thing to do: just follow a teammate and let her explain to you where you stand, what you do etc. And the important thing then is just to go along with it, have fun and not get frustrated because you don't understand everything around you. It'll come. Haha, I always carry my hooker on my left shoulder! I can imagine not getting football guys to do that. I guess it works both ways. Thanks for the tip on the articles, I'll be sure to check them out.

Oooh of course I can only approve of you playing rugby! It makes me so happy to hear about fellow rugby players I'll be cheering for you during your first training. So go for it, you strong motherf***!! What'd your position be, you reckon?

Haha, doesn't matter, as long as you can enjoy the game again! And I agree with Epsilon, your son must be a great motivation for you

Yeeeeah Chabal! That's a mighty fine goal to work towards There's some great goals in there to work towards, Damaramu, good luck. Looking forward to your 'back on the pitch' post!

+1 on all that. Haha, I'm gaining muscles fast but not dropping a lot of weight, so my arms are getting huge so fast, makes me feel like a dude. I want to get leaner only because of this The bike rides sounds great! I'd love to do one of those. I love cycling too, but I have one of them good old Dutch bikes (we call 'em grandma bikes) that aren't suitable for longdistance/cycling fast. I live in Rotterdam and I don't think we have bike rides like that here, even though there are a lot of cyclists out here. When I'm at my parents I usually take out my dads bike to cycle for a couple of hours. Anyway.. your goals are clear, good luck on your challenge! And on your upcoming exams. Study hard Bookworm!

Well Anneh, if you ever make it down to Holland you can join us in training so you can try it out ;p But I bet there's rugbyclubs closer than that!