Mike Wazowski: The Mac n Cheese Chronicles, Phase 1

[Grumble]

4 hours ago, scalyfreak said:

 

 

 

I'm not sure if we can be friends now.

 

Mike has other redeeming qualities, I'll figure out what they are soon, I promise.

[Scaly Freak]

4 minutes ago, Grumble said:

 

Mike has other redeeming qualities, I'll figure out what they are soon, I promise.

 

Well, he hates cardio. That counts for a lot.

[Mad Hatter]

7 hours ago, scalyfreak said:

Well, he hates cardio. That counts for a lot.

Look at us playing along nicely, something we can all agree on.  

[raptron]

Ummm, brisket is great but beef is so much more expensive than pork. BUT BURNT ENDS > regular ass brisket any day. 

 

(Also isn't it funny how much people like to share their personal opinions about food like it would impact the tastes of others? Hahaha.)

[Mike Wazowski]

14 hours ago, scalyfreak said:

 

 

I'm not sure if we can be friends now.

'twas good while it lasted!

 

10 hours ago, Grumble said:

Mike has other redeeming qualities, I'll figure out what they are soon, I promise.

Unrepentant smartass counts, ya?

 

10 hours ago, scalyfreak said:

Well, he hates cardio. That counts for a lot.

2 hours ago, Mad Hatter said:

Look at us playing along nicely, something we can all agree on.  

Truly, the thing we can all agree on here!

 

...which makes this so much harder to share. I took a good hard look yesterday at my sport (ballroom dance) and what it demands most from athletes. One of the big things is that our competitions are pretty conditioning intensive, both lactic and aerobic - lactic in the sense that each competition round is five dances of ~90 seconds each with 30 seconds between. And I can have as many as 12 competition rounds in a day, which makes aerobic conditioning important to recover from repeated rounds. By contrast, strength and power aren't that important, but balance and control are suuuuuper important. Also, by virtue of having a Y chromosome in ballroom, flexibility isn't actually important at all (my coach, a pretty successful professional, can't touch his toes).

 

To that end, I'm going to suck it up and do a lot more conditioning in my workouts, while deemphasizing strength down to a mostly maintenance mindset (training 2-3x / week for strength). Still need to figure out exactly what I'll do for lactic and aerobic conditioning, but I'm getting some ideas from re-reading the juggernaut book. And to add balance and control, I'm planning to start incorporating some GMB floor sessions into my practice, since it'll help work those fronts while still being pretty fun.

 

Goals check-in:

1. Hit target calories and protein, every day: Yup, exactly within calorie target, and as high a protein as I think is reasonable, Avatar formulas be darned (they're telling me to go over 1 g / lb bodyweight, I'd rather have more delicious carb fuel).
2. Sleep 8+ hours a night, 6+ days a week: Think I got 7+, but don't think I got 8. Still need to work on the disciplined wind-down at the end of a work day.
3. Get pre-gym morning routine down to about 15 minutes: Nothing to report today - slept in and went straight to work instead of to lifitng. Not a great second day of the new year, but the sleep was most important.
4. Do your scheduled workouts, adjusting as needed: Did it yesterday. Slept in today instead, but may be able to carve out time this afternoon.
5. Start tracking how focused and productive you feel at work: Tracked! 3 for productivity, 2 for focus (in case y'all couldn't tell from my post count haha). At least we're starting from a place where it's easy to improve?

[Grumble]

Just now, MikeWazowski said:

Unrepentant smartass counts, ya?

 

Like Brothers in arms. 

 

 

[Deckard Gainz]

2 hours ago, MikeWazowski said:

Still need to figure out exactly what I'll do for lactic and aerobic conditioning, but I'm getting some ideas from re-reading the juggernaut book.

 

So tempos? I just read the book not too long ago and I feel like this was the only thing it really harped on. I'm interested to see what sort of stuff you end up working with though. I need to start some of this type of work as well in the next couple months.

[Mike Wazowski]

1 hour ago, Deckard Gainz said:

So tempos? I just read the book not too long ago and I feel like this was the only thing it really harped on. I'm interested to see what sort of stuff you end up working with though. I need to start some of this type of work as well in the next couple months.

Yep, tempo activity circuits for aerobic (probably jumping rope with pushups and various abs for the calisthenics so I'm not that weirdo doing pushups in the treadmill hallway). For lactic, I'm planning one day where I do simulated competition rounds (1:30 on, 0:30 off x 5, short rest, do it again) and one day where I do some mix of tabata and other circuit schemes for 20-30 minutes. Currently looking at 3x / week aerobic (until I hit 2 x 10 x 0:40 for the tempo circuits, then drop to 2x / week), 2x / week lactic.

[Mad Hatter]

3 hours ago, MikeWazowski said:

..which makes this so much harder to share.

We forgive you. You're making a noble sacrifice for your sport after all.

[Mike Wazowski]

19 hours ago, Mad Hatter said:

We forgive you. You're making a noble sacrifice for your sport after all.

True, a noble sacrifice it is.

 

Goals check-in:

1. Hit target calories and protein, every day: Yup. Today - Sunday will be harder, weekends are when my nutrition tends to fall off the rails. But I made a plan yesterday night and I'll try to follow it!
2. Sleep 8+ hours a night, 6+ days a week: Got 6...re-reading Harry Potter turned into a very lengthy pre-bedtime ritual.
3. Get pre-gym morning routine down to about 15 minutes: ~25 minutes - need to get the food to be on-the-go to hit this time goal, methinks. Switching to pancakes next week to see if it helps.
4. Do your scheduled workouts, adjusting as needed: Fit in my leg day, complete with strafing my legs on the sharp knurling bar for sumo deads. Lesson learned!
5. Start tracking how focused and productive you feel at work: Tracked! 2 prod, 2 foc. Lots of numbing stress with social media.

[Jord]

17 minutes ago, MikeWazowski said:

 

1. Hit target calories and protein, every day: Yup. Today - Sunday will be harder, weekends are when my nutrition tends to fall off the rails. But I made a plan yesterday night and I'll try to follow it!

 

Weekends are tough! My food routine and water also falls apart. Good work making a plan! I should take a lead from you on that one. 

[Scaly Freak]

20 hours ago, Mad Hatter said:

We forgive you. You're making a noble sacrifice for your sport after all.

 

And as much as we hate it, I keep thinking warriors should do some cardio, just so it's easier for us to pursue our enemies as they flee in terror from our might and glory. Can't loot the corpse of someone you couldn't catch up with.

[Grumble]

8 minutes ago, scalyfreak said:

 

And as much as we hate it, I keep thinking warriors should do some cardio, just so it's easier for us to pursue our enemies as they flee in terror from our might and glory. Can't loot the corpse of someone you couldn't catch up with.

 

You get it.

[Scaly Freak]

Good to know all those years of tabletop RPGs taught me something useful

[CourtnieMarie]

oh yeah, HP is one of those can't put down books even if it's the 10th time you've read or listened to it.

[Mike Wazowski]

2 hours ago, Taddea Zhaan said:

Weekends are tough! My food routine and water also falls apart. Good work making a plan! I should take a lead from you on that one. 

Agreed - my weekend plan is made mildly easier in that I can reliably predict when partner and I are going to eat lunch, we're going to stop for coffee at least once, and I can improvise food from my pantry for all meals.

 

1 hour ago, scalyfreak said:

And as much as we hate it, I keep thinking warriors should do some cardio, just so it's easier for us to pursue our enemies as they flee in terror from our might and glory. Can't loot the corpse of someone you couldn't catch up with.

Nah, that's when you just get the friendly wizard in the party to cast a spell to make you faster. Or something.

 

1 hour ago, Grumble said:

You get it.

Yes! Though really, isn't CA kinda a ranger or something?

 

57 minutes ago, scalyfreak said:

Good to know all those years of tabletop RPGs taught me something useful

Preach. That and how to be an insane rules miser.

 

56 minutes ago, CourtnieMarie said:

oh yeah, HP is one of those can't put down books even if it's the 10th time you've read or listened to it.

Agreed! I forgot how light-hearted the tone in book one was as well, it was fun to read it and admire JKR's craft in how she sets the scene and reveals details.

[Scaly Freak]

9 minutes ago, MikeWazowski said:

Yes! Though really, isn't CA kinda a ranger or something?

 

 

High charisma and natural leader, holy symbol on the shield, and the rest of teh group just seems to be more successful in battle when he's nearby... he's a paladin.

[Scaly Freak]

I'm a recruit now??? I wanted to remain a Revolter!

[Grumble]

 

50 minutes ago, scalyfreak said:

I'm a recruit now??? I wanted to remain a Revolter!

 

It's a weird ranking system

[Gemma]

6 hours ago, MikeWazowski said:

True, a noble sacrifice it is.

 

5 hours ago, scalyfreak said:

 

And as much as we hate it, I keep thinking warriors should do some cardio, just so it's easier for us to pursue our enemies as they flee in terror from our might and glory. Can't loot the corpse of someone you couldn't catch up with.

 

I did some kettlebell swing intervals today and felt death looking over my shoulder. I knew my conditioning was bad, I didn't know it was quite that bad. So all the sympathies and solidarities with team "hates cardio, but should do some cardio." I will be joining. Le sigh. 

 

[RedStone]

On 1/4/2018 at 2:35 PM, MikeWazowski said:

probably jumping rope with pushups and various abs for the calisthenics so I'm not that weirdo doing pushups in the treadmill hallway

 

LOL sometimes I do pushups... on the dreadmill between sprints. 1 arm to make the incline worthwhile lmao but I'm an asshole and would take a nap on the stairwell at the club if I wanted so I'm not a great measure. Otherwise you know how I feel about all this. Good on you for making priorities and fitting all the things in. Speaking of...

 

On 1/4/2018 at 10:53 AM, MikeWazowski said:

training 2-3x / week for strength

 

I see no problem with this? Perfectly beneficial amount of time. And you can absolutely get strength benefits from your conditioning as well. If your sport was body building on the other hand... 

 

On 1/5/2018 at 11:25 AM, scalyfreak said:

 

And as much as we hate it, I keep thinking warriors should do some cardio, just so it's easier for us to pursue our enemies as they flee in terror from our might and glory. Can't loot the corpse of someone you couldn't catch up with.

 

LOL we just don't have to like it. Or talk about it. Best kept secrets...

 

<.<

[Deckard Gainz]

On 1/5/2018 at 12:13 PM, MikeWazowski said:

Nah, that's when you just get the friendly wizard in the party to cast a spell to make you faster. Or something.

 

That's what bards are for. but you may have a point

[Mike Wazowski]

On 1/5/2018 at 12:24 PM, scalyfreak said:

High charisma and natural leader, holy symbol on the shield, and the rest of teh group just seems to be more successful in battle when he's nearby... he's a paladin.

Oh totally agree. You forgot nauseatingly strict ethical code in there.

Spoiler

Also, in Civil War I'd argue he maybe turns into a fallen paladin and leans a little Chaotic Good? Maybe?

 

On 1/5/2018 at 1:21 PM, Grumble said:

It's a weird ranking system

Indeed - I've started completely ignoring it.

 

On 1/5/2018 at 3:41 PM, Gemma said:

I did some kettlebell swing intervals today and felt death looking over my shoulder. I knew my conditioning was bad, I didn't know it was quite that bad. So all the sympathies and solidarities with team "hates cardio, but should do some cardio." I will be joining. Le sigh. 

Woo - we should get some sort of snarky cardio-hating t-shirts going!

 

On 1/5/2018 at 3:41 PM, Gemma said:

YESSSSS.

 

On 1/7/2018 at 10:05 AM, RedStone said:

LOL sometimes I do pushups... on the dreadmill between sprints. 1 arm to make the incline worthwhile lmao but I'm an asshole and would take a nap on the stairwell at the club if I wanted so I'm not a great measure. Otherwise you know how I feel about all this. Good on you for making priorities and fitting all the things in. Speaking of...

Hahaha I'm picturing you looking like the most insane patron and it's great. Also, jumping rope is an excuse to learn a new skill I never had. Since apparently 2018 is the year of new skills for me.

 

On 1/7/2018 at 10:05 AM, RedStone said:

I see no problem with this? Perfectly beneficial amount of time. And you can absolutely get strength benefits from your conditioning as well. If your sport was body building on the other hand... 

True dat. Remember, I'm kinda sorta dating a bodybuilder so I have a distorted view of how often is "normal" for lifting.

 

On 1/7/2018 at 10:05 AM, RedStone said:

LOL we just don't have to like it. Or talk about it. Best kept secrets...

 

<.<

>.> exactly. Even though I publicly advertise my cardio-ing.

 

21 minutes ago, Deckard Gainz said:

That's what bards are for. but you may have a point

I thought they were just there for comic relief? No? Maybe that's just Order of the Stick.

 

Weekend round-up:

1. Hit target calories and protein, every day: Nope, nope, and nope. Restraint is still not my friend on the weekend, but I will take another swing at it this coming weekend.
2. Sleep 8+ hours a night, 6+ days a week: 8 on Friday, 7 on Saturday, 6.5 yesterday. Not doing well on this goal yet.
3. Get pre-gym morning routine down to about 15 minutes: ~35 minutes this morning, but I finished the last of my waffles (no good cold). Will be experimenting with pancake PB sandwiches tomorrow.
4. Do your scheduled workouts, adjusting as needed: Yup, did my plan for Friday and my planned nothing on Sat / Sun (besides dance, natch).
5. Start tracking how focused and productive you feel at work: Tracked on Friday! 2 / 5 for both again. Definitely need to find more quick / restorative coping rituals than bingeing social media.
6. Mac experiments: I am very rusty at making mac - tried a cheddar and broccoli mac with panko. Noodles came out good, but I didn't cook my flour enough for the bechamel and left it on the heat too long while adding milk and the end result was lumpy. Initial samples still tasted fine, even the worst assemblage of noodles, cheese sauce, and broccoli is still pretty decent. Guess I'll have to keep experimenting!

[Mike Wazowski]

Also, had a PHENOMENAL dance lesson on Sunday - really made some things click for both myself and my partner that should mean big, good changes for our dancing as we apply them the next couple months (and hopefully lead to even less fighting than we currently have during practice).

[Mad Hatter]

4 minutes ago, MikeWazowski said:

Also, had a PHENOMENAL dance lesson on Sunday - really made some things click for both myself and my partner that should mean big, good changes for our dancing as we apply them the next couple months (and hopefully lead to even less fighting than we currently have during practice).

NICE! What sort of things did you learn?