Jormungand

As always, I am impressed to see you always finding the bright side of things. Keep plugging away, and you will be back to see your family before you know it.

Fantastically written. Take what you've learned and keep moving forward. That quote about the two different versions of our selves is pretty awesome actually. I may borrow that. I know that feeling well. A couple months ago, I ate almost an entire Domino's pizza by myself and it pretty much ruined how I felt for an entire day. I remember back to times where I would get fast food three meals a day, and it just boggles my mind now. It can be trying at times, but you will learn to balance.

Pounded out a 6 mile run this morning before work. I struggled a little towards the end, because I don't think I was pacing myself very well when I started. Still, I finished in about an hour, so I'm pleased with my pace.

I did the first two days of the second week for the 4WMNP yesterday and this morning: Stepping Over Hurdle x 10: Perform dynamically, avoid counterbalancing with your arms. Switch sides. Stepping Under Hurdle x 10: Perform dynamically, avoid rounding the back. Switch sides. Lateral Figure Four Sitting to Tall Split Kneeling x 10: Switch sides Deep Knee Bend to Tall Deep Knee Bend x 6: Perform while balancing. Avoid counterbalancing. Hold the tall stance 10 seconds each time. Deep Squat x 20 Slow Split Squat x 10: Perform while balancing. Avoid counterbalancing. Switch sides. Dynamic Split Squat x 10: As above. Stepping Over Hurdle x 10: Perform dynamically, avoid counterbalancing with your arms. Switch sides. Stepping Under Hurdle x 10: Perform dynamically, avoid rounding the back. Switch sides. Lateral Figure Four Sitting to Tall Split Kneeling x 12 Deep Knee Bend to Tall Deep Knee Bend x 8: Perform while balancing. Avoid counterbalancing. Hold the tall stance 10 seconds each time. Deep Squat to Tall Kneeling x 15 Dynamic Deep Knee Bend x 10: Perform while balancing. Avoid counterbalancing. Start standing and get back to a standing position. Slow and Controlled Deep Knee Bend Stances x 10: Perform while balancing. Start standing, lower your body slowly, and hold the deep stance for 10 seconds. I am enjoying these movements so far except for the deep knee bend to tall deep knee bend. Towards the end, my calves and shins are really starting to catch fire.

I went for a 4 mile run this afternoon after work. Not much, but the weather was really enjoyable.

If it comes to that, I will make sure to give it a proper Viking funeral after smashing it into a million pieces.

Week 1 Recap: I finished the first week of the 4-Week Movnat Primer. For the first day or two, I was a little worried that the movements might be too easy or simplistic, but by the end of the week, the reps had upped enough that I was definitely feeling some of the burn by the end. So, I am definitely looking forward to see how the rest plays out. I won't judge these next several weeks too quickly. Last week, I got 10.5 miles in for running. That total is a little behind what I should be averaging, but the 50-mile goal is not completely out of reach. Still plenty of time to get caught up. My food goal is a little closer to 65/35, but the ally and I are already making some positive steps to improve our meals. She did a lot of meal prep last night after we went grocery shopping, so I'm looking to rein in any slippage. Overall , I am looking forward to making even more and better progress as the challenge continues. I'm not completely unhappy with where things went during Week 1, but I think I'm making some solid steps forward to tighten it all down.

That is fantastic. Huge congrats. Following along for so long, I know how much you have (literally) sweat and pushed yourself to reach this goal. Doubly awesome that your publisher followed through with the deal. Keep fighting, because, at this point, there is nothing that can stand in your way. Again, well done, and here is to the next goal.

I imagine making an adjustment of that level can be difficult, but it sounds like you are doing the right thing by maintaining your training. As you pointed out, though, even with the running, things can still feel weird. I hope it evens out for you. Even with the missed workouts, you're still putting up some solid numbers, and it's good to see you sticking with your goals.

Not quite as epic as all that: basically, I'd intended to mow the lawn and the mower wasn't cooperating, so I went for a run instead. I will try to watch my syntax next time so that those reading don't think of me as some sort of competitive, lawn-mowing, long-distance runner. Although, the idea of getting the mileage in while still having a manicured yard is alluring.

I finished the first week of the 4WMNP tonight. I was definitely feeling some burning in my lower thighs, and I think there is some residual soreness where my shins meet my ankles. Overall, I am pretty pleased with this week, and I am looking forward to finishing out the challenge with these movements. Stepping Over x 10: Perform in a slow and controlled manner. Switch sides. Stepping Under x 10: Perform in a slow and controlled manner. Switch sides. Lateral Figure Four Sitting Reverse x 12 Assisted Squat x 30: Hold at the bottom and bounce softly a few times before standing up. Split Deep Knee Bend Reverse x 12 Deep Kneeling to Tall Kneeling x 12: Shift bodyweight backward as your knees go to the ground. Deep Knee Bend to Deep Half-Kneeling x 12: Switch sides.

Distance Feat - Explore some new lands Got in 3 miles today in a new environment. The ally and I are visiting family out of state, and I was able to make it out for a run this morning. They are having a county-wide festival of sorts, and there were a lot of vendors on the main drag. It was fun getting out and seeing some new scenery.

The ally and I are visiting family this weekend. They are having a county-wide festival and with a lot of vendors down the main drag. I made it out this morning to go for 3 mile run, with some sprint work thrown in the middle for the Assassin mini challenge.

I did the third day of the 4WMNP this morning before work. When I first started this program, I was worried that these sessions might be too simple and I wouldn't get as much of a workout as I would with the same amount of time spent at the fitness center. Well, this morning I could really start to feel the wear and tear. While it's not the same as going through a deadlifting or kettlebell routine, I am definitely starting to feel my body reacting to these movements, particularly with the higher reps and increased movements. I will do my best to keep my critiques to myself until after I've been through the four-week program. Anyway, it took about 25 minutes to complete this whole session, so I won't complain about almost half an hour of intentional movement. Slow and Controlled Stepping Over (alternate sides) x 10 Slow and Controlled Stepping Under (alternate sides) x 10 Lateral Figure 4 Sitting Reverse x 10 Assisted Squat x 20 Split Squat (alternate side) x 10 Deep Knee Bend x 10 Deep Knee Bend Stances x 8 (hold for 20 seconds) Deep Kneeling to Tall Kneeling x 10 Deep Knee Bend to Deep Half-kneeling (alternate side) x 10 Split Deep Knee Bend Reverse (alternate side) x 10 I am especially enjoying (in a masochistic sort of way) the deep knee exercises. The deep knee bend to deep half-kneeling was wearing me out after I was done. Also, I had more fun than was probably normal doing the split deep knee bend reverse.

I went for a 4 mile run this evening. I'd intended to mow, but it just wasn't in the cards tonight. The run went really well. Weather was good with a little breeze. I could run in weather like this all day.

A failed attempt at mowing the yard resulted in a 4 mile run. Couldn't get the mower to keep the blade engaged so I just said to hell with it. I'm sure the belt will need replaced, which is a pain. At least I got the run in still. And that helped my mood. Like they say, though, when life gives you lemons, you say fuck the lemons and drink a beer instead.

I am a firm supporter in respawns and partake in them whenever necessary. I hope this one can be re-energizing for you. I have a friend who teaches a high school art class and sells some on the side. I know how much she works on her pieces, and my hat is off to anyone who attempts to do likewise. There is always room for more art in the world.

Glad to hear that it went well. I can't imagine going through all that with work and being moved around so much. Hopefully, you can spend these few days with your family and recharge before heading out again.

I know the feeling of what it's like driving past all of the restaurants that used to be so normal in the past. When I worked night shifts in a previous life, I had to drive past four restaurants on my way home when I wanted breakfast, and I wasn't always successful in refusing to hit the turn signal. Well done on staying strong and cooking what sounds like a fantastic meal. As far as that scale is concerned, just keep doing your thing and it will be what it will be. I completely understand your mindset, because I used to be exactly where you're at: weight hovering just over 200 and struggling to hit that magic number, usually in spite of all the work I'd put in that week. It didn't happen when I thought it should happen, but it did finally kick over, and it will for you because of all the work and discipline you've developed. Just look back at how far you've come already. How many pounds have you dropped since all this started? That is impressive, man. And even when that day comes that you finally crack back under 200, there will be days that you go back and forth between 199 and 201. It's just the weirdness and awesomeness of our bodies being in a constant state of flux. But as you continue to progress, you will finally reach the point where you're just maintaining and getting stronger. That day will come, and we will all be here to celebrate your victory.

Did ten minutes of cardio this evening for the Assassin mini-challenge. I was supposed to do as many 10-second sprints as possible in that time period. Ended up with 14. I am not going to count this towards my mileage goal for this challenge. Even though I'm behind on the average a little, I didn't actually go that far. Still plenty of time to get caught back up

Those morning sessions are often the toughest to get to but are almost always the most rewarding.

Hey man, you never know. We all have humble beginnings. Glad to have you along.

Day 2 of the 4WMNP done. More of the same, but the reps were upped. So far, so good. Dynamic Stepping Over x 8: Perform dynamically, avoid counterbalancing with the upper body. Switch sides. Dynamic Stepping Under x 8: Perform dynamically, avoid rounding the back. Switch sides. Lateral Figure Four Sitting Reverse x 8 Assisted Squat x 16: Hold at the bottom and bounce softly a few times before standing up. Split Squat x 8: Keep front knee stable, switch sides. Deep Knee Bend x 8: Maintain a tall posture. Deep Knee Bend Stances x 8: Hold stance for about 10 seconds each time. Maintain a tall posture and stable ankles and knees. Medium Kneeling to Tall Kneeling x 8 Deep Knee Bend to Medium Half-kneeling x 8: Switch sides. I was feeling some fatigue during the assisted squats and the deep knee bend stance holds. Even though the squats were assisted, resting in that deep squat definitely works the muscles. The same is true for the deep knee bends.

Distance Feat - Explore some new lands I am visiting family out of state this weekend, so I will use that time to do some running in new terrain. I'm training with the Assassins this challenge, but I expect that the black mask I picked up will still go with Ranger cloak I'm accustomed to.

I started the 4-Week MovNat Primer (4WMNP) this morning. I actually really enjoyed going through the movements. It wasn't overly taxing, but even the simple movements were not as easy as I thought they'd be. I thought I would just breeze through these movements, but I was pleasantly surprised at how I felt working through each one, even the simple ones like the Stepping Over. Overall, I am really looking forward to seeing how the rest of the challenge goes.