Chickie.Monkey is Going to Scotland!

[chickie.monkey]

 

Okay, not really. My wife and I were supposed to go in October, but pandemic. Instead, I am dedicating my challenge to our previous trip: what I’m excited to do again and what I’m going to do when I go back. 

 

My trip just so happened to correspond with an NF meetup.

I got to meet some awesome rebels like the lovely @iatetheyeti

 

Last time I went, I had a hard time because I wasn’t in as good of shape as I wanted to be, which made going where I wanted difficult. In some cases, I wasn’t able to go at all. I’m tired of missing out on things because I’m overweight and out of shape. Next time if I’m unable to do something, I want it to be because I’ve packed my schedule full of all the things, and not because of my limitations. 

 

So, where am I going with this and how am I going to get there?

 

Bridge to Skye

 

I'm going to shut my mouth (as in don't eat a lot unnecessary crap), focus on nutrition, get strong, and move my behind (Nerd Fitness 5K training for the win).

 

Eat the good food, Coo. *I give you all the scritches*

 

 

Food  - Eat my cud

• Track food daily 
  • Stay under calorie goal 1738
  • Meet protein goal >= 100g
• Mindful eating
  • Balance food choices overall 
  • Going off book is ok, just pick up where I left off next meal
• Food Prep/Emergency Food
  • Plan meals/prep meals
  • In case of failed plans, choose emergency food not take out

 

Sunset at the Fairy Pools

 

Fitness - Hike the entire Fairy Pools Loop

• Strength Training - 3 times a week
• NF 5K Training - 3 times a week
• Stretching - All the stretching. Keep that pain minimal 

 

Oban and Chill

 

 

Life - Breathe. Chill. 

• Daily Chores
• Mindfulness/Meditation - Destress 
• Do Some Socialness
  • Something, anything. This whole stay at home thing has me on critical introvert level

 

Me and buddy, Hamish

 

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go!

[Elastigirl]

Sorry you're trip was cancelled.I like your plans for moving forward!

[fearless 2.0]

Ha! awesome! following for weightless content and fantastic fotos. You got this!

 

[Quirky Quinn]

Oh Man, I feel you on this challenge, Scotland is so beautiful isn't it?

 

I too had a bunch of plans to go to Scotland this year which have been delayed.  

 

Following along to cheer you on and for the pretty pictures!

[iatetheyeti]

We absolutely need to meet up again when you do get back over here

 

Following along, of course!

 

[chickie.monkey]

22 hours ago, Elastigirl said:

Sorry you're trip was cancelled.I like your plans for moving forward!

Thanks. It's a bummer, but it gives me time to get in better shape, so bright side? 😬

 

21 hours ago, fearless 2.0 said:

Ha! awesome! following for weightless content and fantastic fotos. You got this!

 

Thanks! It's honestly hard to take a bad photo there. Everything is so beautiful!

 

15 hours ago, Quirky Quinn said:

Oh Man, I feel you on this challenge, Scotland is so beautiful isn't it?

 

I too had a bunch of plans to go to Scotland this year which have been delayed.  

 

Following along to cheer you on and for the pretty pictures!

Scotland is my favorite place ever. My ultimate goal in life to live on the Isle of Skye.

 

Sorry about your plans! You can come with me on my virtual trip!  

 

15 hours ago, iatetheyeti said:

We absolutely need to meet up again when you do get back over here

 

Following along, of course!

 

YAS, girl!! I am all over that!

[chickie.monkey]

Week 0 - So Far

 

Food - Tracked, calories and protein good, mindful eating good

Strength Training - 1 done. Did 3 x 3 @ 90% of my 1RM. Apparently that's good, but this is the first time I've ever done powerlifting with a coach, so I'm taking her word on it. But, I hope that means it will bump my 1 RM, which is at 85lb (I think? Maybe 80...) Anywho, I want to get to 100lbs by the end of July. GOALS!

NF5K Training 

Week 2/Day 1 - 2 min on/2 min off

 

Wandered around Cinque Terre on my treadmill. I had something funky going on with me that day. I'm not a runner, I know nothing about running, and I'm probably doing everything wrong (LOL), but my foot fell asleep on my first run interval. I ended up going with a fast walk/walk, and even then, my foot would get a little tingly. It felt like things were finally loosening up by the last round, so I went ahead and ran. And my foot was asleep by the end of the interval. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Side Note: I had the opportunity to do this hike when I went to Italy last year, but couldn't because I wasn't in good enough shape. Now I know what the hike looks like and I will be ready for it next time! 

 

Week 2/Day 1 - 2 min on/2 min off

Today I wondered through Greece because AC Odyssey! I ran most of my intervals 😳 , walked fast for one, and half of the last one. By the last round I was hating life and cussing everything. I even flipped off my poor wife for cheering me on. However, my foot didn't fall asleep this time, so I must have done something right.

 

Life

Chores - Done

Mindfulness/Meditation - Done

Socialness - I said hi back to someone at the gym when they said hi to me. I usually just turn around and walk away. I'm like the shyest introvert ever.

[iatetheyeti]

7 hours ago, chickie.monkey said:

By the last round I was hating life and cussing everything.

 

I think that's how you know you're doing running right. Or at least that's how I do it!

 

[Quirky Quinn]

Isle of Skye and Cinque Terre!

 

Chickie Monkey, you may be my spirit animal.

 

I would also love to live on Skye one day, here is a picture from when we were there April last year at the fairy pools..

 

 

[fearless 2.0]

 

[chickie.monkey]

On 6/19/2020 at 3:08 AM, iatetheyeti said:

 

I think that's how you know you're doing running right. Or at least that's how I do it!

 

Then I’m definitely doing it right. 😭🤣

 

On 6/19/2020 at 3:16 AM, Quirky Quinn said:

Isle of Skye and Cinque Terre!

 

Chickie Monkey, you may be my spirit animal.

 

I would also love to live on Skye one day, here is a picture from when we were there April last year at the fairy pools..

 

 

Well, all be! I have a long lost travel twin!! Please feel free to post your favorite places in Scotland. Pretty pics (like how can you take a bad pic there?) and ideas for things to do are welcome!

 

That is a gorgeous picture! I will go to the Fairy Pools every time I make a trip there. I want to hit them up sometime in the early summer when there’s more water. 
 

On 6/20/2020 at 3:50 AM, fearless 2.0 said:

 

Heeeyyyyy!!! So much slack. And so much The Last of Us Part 2. Hopefully I can get an update in tonight! 
 

[starpuck]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!

You are seriously the coolest.

 

What a great mindset on how to shift things during these times.  I love it!  I love you!  I am here to follow along.  Also - omg, I need to go there so bad!     I feel like my completionist syndrome insists I finish all the US National Parks before I go abroad though ... lol.

 

 

[iatetheyeti]

2 hours ago, chickie.monkey said:

(like how can you take a bad pic there?)

 

You can't.

 

Not that I'm biased or anything...

 

2 hours ago, chickie.monkey said:

I will go to the Fairy Pools every time I make a trip there. I want to hit them up sometime in the early summer when there’s more water. 

 

It pains me to admit I've not managed to get there yet. The one time I went to Skye I ended up pretty ill and stayed in my tent most of the time  

 

[chickie.monkey]

On 6/23/2020 at 2:05 PM, iatetheyeti said:

 

You can't.

 

Not that I'm biased or anything...

 

 

It pains me to admit I've not managed to get there yet. The one time I went to Skye I ended up pretty ill and stayed in my tent most of the time  

 

You get a pass because you live there. It's like how I grew up with ski slopes 30 minutes away and I've never been skiing. Or like how I live in Nashville, but have never done most of the Nashville things. Hahaha

 

Update:

 

 

I've been so bummed the last few days and trying to fight off/fight through a bummer bout of depression. Probably a culmination of stuff in the world on top of plain old depression. I gave myself permission to check out over the weekend and play all The Last of Us Part 2 I could fit in. Usually I can pull myself out, if I just give myself a couple days to disconnect, but I'm still trying to climb out. Everything suffered over the weekend, but I've ever so slowly been putting things back together.

 

Monday was a wash, basically spillage from the weekend

Tuesday:

• Food was better. Went over my calories because I miscalculated. Numbers are hard! 
• NF 5k Training: This week is 8 rounds of 2 on/1 off. It hurts just to look at it. Since I'm almost in tears by the end of 2 minutes running, I decided I would alternate running and walking fast. Seemed like a good plan, but my foot fell asleep and I couldn't walk it off. I ended up having to cut it short a little more that half way through, which made me mad because I was actually hanging in there otherwise. This has been happening a lot lately, so I'm going to go to my chiropractor and see if he can fix it.

Wednesday:

• Food much better so far. As long as I don't lose my mind and eat the dog, I should be good.
• Strength Training: It was so hard to get myself there and get going. It's times like this I'm grateful for my coach. I managed 3x2 at 95% (85lbs). We're going to test my 1RM next week. I'm hoping I can hit 90. My goal is 100 by the end of August. Then she proceeded to murder me with shoulder and triceps. 

 

Since @Starpuck shares my mutual love of Ashley Johnson, the following The Last of Us Part 2 spoiler is for her. It's been giving me much joy.

Spoiler

 

 

 

[chickie.monkey]

On 6/23/2020 at 11:44 AM, Starpuck said:

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!

You are seriously the coolest.

 

What a great mindset on how to shift things during these times.  I love it!  I love you!  I am here to follow along.  Also - omg, I need to go there so bad!     I feel like my completionist syndrome insists I finish all the US National Parks before I go abroad though ... lol.

 

 

I completely missed this! Hello!!! 

 

I do understand, but why not expand your park exploration to Awesome Places of the World?  

Also, when you get around to TN parks, hit me up! I may even be in good enough shape by then to keep up with you.

[starpuck]

2 hours ago, chickie.monkey said:

Since @Starpuck shares my mutual love of Ashley Johnson, the following The Last of Us Part 2 spoiler is for her. It's been giving me much joy.

Did I already mention about they had to hire her a singing coach, so she could learn to sing NOT as good for that role?  So awesome.    Most of CR is in that game, but I've played neither.

 

2 hours ago, chickie.monkey said:

I do understand, but why not expand your park exploration to Awesome Places of the World?  

Also, when you get around to TN parks, hit me up! I may even be in good enough shape by then to keep up with you.

Hah, yeah, eventually.   But the US has so much to offer!  And also, long flights were a little uncertain for me before ... now even more so?  But, I've always wanted to do a horse back riding tour through Scotland or Wales.  Ride all day, B&Bs for sleeping, etc.    Oh, right.  Also have to win the lotto for that hehe.

 

Sorry you had to face the Depression Antagonist, but I am thankful you know how to recognize it and take steps to navigate it well.   Give yourself the time you need to work around it and through it.  Your brain still wants to do the things, give its chemicals time to catch up to that plan again.  You'll get there.  ❤️

[iatetheyeti]

16 hours ago, chickie.monkey said:

You get a pass because you live there. It's like how I grew up with ski slopes 30 minutes away and I've never been skiing. Or like how I live in Nashville, but have never done most of the Nashville things. Hahaha

 

It's like I quite literally used to live at the mouth of Glen Nevis, a stone's throw away from Ben Nevis, and still didn't get up that mountain in those six years...

 

It sucks that you've had to deal with depression on top of depression, but echoing what Starpuck said, it's good that you recognise it and know to give yourself a bit of a break. It's ok that the past few days haven't gone as planned, you're pushing on at your own pace, and that's the main thing. 

[chickie.monkey]

On 6/24/2020 at 10:55 PM, Starpuck said:

Did I already mention about they had to hire her a singing coach, so she could learn to sing NOT as good for that role?  So awesome.    Most of CR is in that game, but I've played neither.

OH!! You totally did! I just put it together

 

 

On 6/24/2020 at 10:55 PM, Starpuck said:

Hah, yeah, eventually.   But the US has so much to offer!  And also, long flights were a little uncertain for me before ... now even more so?  But, I've always wanted to do a horse back riding tour through Scotland or Wales.  Ride all day, B&Bs for sleeping, etc.    Oh, right.  Also have to win the lotto for that hehe.

Oh! That sounds like fun! That is not something that had occurred to me, but it is added to my list now!

 

On 6/24/2020 at 10:55 PM, Starpuck said:

Sorry you had to face the Depression Antagonist, but I am thankful you know how to recognize it and take steps to navigate it well.   Give yourself the time you need to work around it and through it.  Your brain still wants to do the things, give its chemicals time to catch up to that plan again.  You'll get there.  ❤️

Thank you for the support,  girl. ❤️ 

 

On 6/25/2020 at 12:34 PM, iatetheyeti said:

 

It's like I quite literally used to live at the mouth of Glen Nevis, a stone's throw away from Ben Nevis, and still didn't get up that mountain in those six years...

So the next time I come to Scotland, assuming y'all will let me in the country (do I laugh or cry about this?), we shall go to the Fairy Pools and go munro bagging on/to (not actually sure how that term is used lol) Ben Nevis  

 

On 6/25/2020 at 12:34 PM, iatetheyeti said:

It sucks that you've had to deal with depression on top of depression, but echoing what Starpuck said, it's good that you recognise it and know to give yourself a bit of a break. It's ok that the past few days haven't gone as planned, you're pushing on at your own pace, and that's the main thing. 

Thanks, girl

 

Week 1 Update

I managed one strength training workout. I didn't want to go, but i hauled myself there. My coach and Grand Coach (let me tell you how he does not love that I've deemed him Grand Coach  ) goofed on me and made me smile and laugh. I'm really grateful for my coach and gym. I'm lucky to have found such good people. I worked up to 95% (85lbs) on my bench and we'll test my 1 RM this week. I'm aiming for 90lbs. Fingers crossed.

 

Food was shite. I was either not eating or eating crap and I'm feeling it. I'm ready to go back to normal.

 

I'm coming out of the depression. After talking to my sister, I realized it was because of father's day. I get messed up every year, and every year I don't realize why. I miss my dad a lot and his birthday, fathers day, etc always mess me up.

 

I think I may need to back off one of my strength training days. Work is beyond nuts, my state of mind is fragile, and I really want to make my 3x a week 5k training. I especially can't miss any more since I missed all last week. So, from here on, 2x strength per week.

 

This is Smoo Cave and it's on my list for the next trip to Scotland

[starpuck]

7 hours ago, chickie.monkey said:

I really want to make my 3x a week 5k training. I especially can't miss any more since I missed all last week. So, from here on, 2x strength per week.

This is called awesome adaptation!   Well done.

Great work adjusting to what your capable of with the given bandwidth, and shifting so that your current priority is met and makes you  happy!  5k YAY!

 

That cave looks amazing.  I feel like I should counter your Scotland pics with similar pics here hahaha, but it's not a competition, I know I know.

[Quirky Quinn]

 

More Skye goodness for you!

[starpuck]

I want to be in that picture so bad!

 

[iatetheyeti]

On 6/29/2020 at 2:23 PM, chickie.monkey said:

So the next time I come to Scotland, assuming y'all will let me in the country (do I laugh or cry about this?), we shall go to the Fairy Pools and go munro bagging on/to (not actually sure how that term is used lol) Ben Nevis  

 

They'd better let you back in! And you know what? That sounds like a wonderful plan. Hopefully by the time we get around to it the pub at the foot of the Ben will still be there, can't make a trip up the mountain without stopping there!

 

I'm glad you could figure out what was behind the depression, and that you're finding ways to balance your training that won't be overwhelming.

 

...and I need to get to that cave ASAP!

 

[chickie.monkey]

On 6/29/2020 at 4:05 PM, Starpuck said:

This is called awesome adaptation!   Well done.

Great work adjusting to what your capable of with the given bandwidth, and shifting so that your current priority is met and makes you  happy!  5k YAY!

 

That cave looks amazing.  I feel like I should counter your Scotland pics with similar pics here hahaha, but it's not a competition, I know I know.

 

Next challenge! Get your stuff ready!!!

 

On 6/30/2020 at 3:41 AM, Quirky Quinn said:

 

More Skye goodness for you!

There's never enough Skye goodness

 

 

 

On 6/30/2020 at 11:18 AM, Starpuck said:

I want to be in that picture so bad!

 

 

Traveling abroad doesn't seem so bad, does it?

 

On 6/30/2020 at 12:34 PM, iatetheyeti said:

 

They'd better let you back in! And you know what? That sounds like a wonderful plan. Hopefully by the time we get around to it the pub at the foot of the Ben will still be there, can't make a trip up the mountain without stopping there!

 

I'm glad you could figure out what was behind the depression, and that you're finding ways to balance your training that won't be overwhelming.

 

...and I need to get to that cave ASAP!

 

 

At this rate, no one will let me in.  Although, maybe I can claim asylum? Hahahahaha! 

 

I'm so excited about the mountain trip. At least it looks like I will have plenty of time to prepare and get in shape for it.

 

 

Update:

 

I have no idea what week we're in. I'm assuming this challenge isn't over, since I don't see the banner for the new challenge. Haha

 

Boy, howdy! Things have been busy.

 

Work is absolutely nuts. I'm being trained for a promotion while still doing my job, but most things are still going well.

 

Strength Training:  Going 2x a week. We tested my maxes a couple weeks ago. I PR'd my bench by 5 lbs for 90, PR'd my squat by actually using the squat bar (with no knee pain!!!), and PR'd my deadlift by 25lbs (!!!) for 185. It turns out I'm having some form issues on my bench which severely interfered with my performance. It took me 3 tries to hit 90, but the 3rd try, I got it like it was nothing and I couldn't figure out why it was so easy compared to the first two. When we went up to 95, I noticed my shoulder dropped, which made getting the bar back up extremely (impossible without a little help) difficult. Since last week was a de-load week, my coach and I took the opportunity to try and figure out what is happening. Neither one of us are quite sure LOL. I've been watching some videos and we're going to wrangle my grand coach into my next bench session to see if he can help.

 

NF 5K Training: I'm averaging about 2x a week. Not my goal of 3, but way better than 0. The 5K is this Saturday and I'm legit freaked out. I've not made it more than a little over a mile in any training session. I'm hoping the intervals will have me in enough shape to survive walking it. I'm planning on putting on Hamilton. I figure I may be done by the time it's over   

 

Food: Food has been really bad. I've been making terrible choices, not prepping, and being too tired (mentally and physically) to care. My coach posted something on Insta that went something like: Imagine if you put half as much effort into nutrition as you do into your workouts blah blah blah... I felt so called out! Have I done anything about it since then? Nope. I thought about it. I got out chicken to cook. It's in the refrigerator. Not sure if it's still good.  Will check it today and if it's good, will cook it. If not, I'll find something not crap to eat. 

 

Daily Chores: Check

Mindfulness: This needs some work as evidenced by my state of mind. I did some meditating last night before bed. It's amazing how much better I slept!

Socialness: I was forced into being social with several people at the gym this weekend while I was (gently) forced into participating in a promo/commercial shoot for my gym. I totally repped the rebellion and wore my NF shirt. Hahaha

 

Wish me luck on Saturday!

[iatetheyeti]

On 7/16/2020 at 3:39 PM, chickie.monkey said:

At this rate, no one will let me in.  Although, maybe I can claim asylum? Hahahahaha! 

 

I'm so excited about the mountain trip. At least it looks like I will have plenty of time to prepare and get in shape for it.

 

It doesn't look great just now, but hopefully it won't last forever. Heh, you could always try the asylum thing!

 

Me too, I'll finally get up to the summit and you're right, we've got plenty of time to get hill-fit