First challenge

[Artemis Wolf]

Yeah, my ancestors didn't claw their way to the top of the food chain so I could graze. Eyes on the front of my head for binocular vision = I'm a predator. Don't have to have it all the time, and definitely prefer organic for the lack of hormones and anti-biotics, and free range for the critter not having a totally crappy existence as well as for the taste, but I'm gonna have some meat.

Great work on your goals. Weather was perfect here for a ride today, and I would have just about killed to have been able to go for a 2-3 hour ride.

I agree with the above sentiment. I'm at the top of the food chain for a reason. And I will fully exercise the privileges of such a lofty place.

On the note of tire flips: Good for you! From what I've read, they're a good workout. I myself hate them, but mostly because the few times I've done them, I was pushed to do them as fast as I could so proper form wasn't something that was a focus, so it made my back hate me. Also, it hurt my hands. I previously had a pretty stoopid person ordering me around under the guise of "guidance and leadership".

[jimmie65]

I never did plan on giving up meat, but was willing to consider limiting the amount I consume. Luckily for me, the claims made in FOK are bogus.

The film was not a complete waste, as it got my wife thinking about nutrition and we have had some good discussions. She, unfortunately, is not real good about investigating claims and depends on me. (And, her being a woman, us reaching an agreement doesn't always mean much....)

But where I think we ended up:

1. Still semi-paleo/meso in that we will still avoid sugar, wheat, corn, and processed foods. Ancient grains and legumes in small amounts. (We are still "discussing" canned beans. She's having a hard time accepting that there is a difference between dried beans soaked for 24 hours and canned beans.)

2. Beef on the weekends only; this is as much an economic decision as anything.

3. Smaller portions of chicken and pork during the week, with a focus on vegetables for the main part of the meal.

4. Fish more often, at least once a week. (I am not a fish eater but know that I need to eat more.)

5. Start reducing dairy. This is going to be hard; not sure how successful we'll be.

[Jaksavage]

Sounds like a great food plan!! Better than 99% of the world I'd wager! lol

[papacoyote]

That sounds like a fantastic diet that you and your wife can stick to. I admire your determination and appreciate your comments. Rangers FTW!

[cline]

I'm going to add in that you should check out Robb Wolff's website and/or book. He went full on veg for a long time and ended up very, very unhealthy. He has a really good, honest approach to the discussion. And he's a biochemist by training.

It's as easy to get sucked into the veg rhetoric as it is to get sucked into the "all low fat/lean cuisine" rhetoric.

More than anything, it's really awesome you and your wife are discussing this. My spousal unit struggled for a long time at first saying "Mediterranean diet only" b/c he bought that rhetoric (without reading - just what he "knew" as an American was that this was best but not what parts were good). When he read primal blueprint, his mind was blown. We've had sooooo many great discussions about food and nutrition since then. BTW, I'm a huge proponent (mild activist) for local sustainable food movements, including the raising and processing of animals. I garden, etc. So there is a "good for the earth" perspective that includes a "good for your body" perspective and allows for meat.

[Samunwal]

Here's something interesting on dairy I found the other day. Paleo man might not have used dairy, but it may still be a natural, evolved thing for us, especially if you're of European, African, or West/South Asian ancestry.

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_evolution/2012/10/evolution_of_lactose_tolerance_why_do_humans_keep_drinking_milk.single.html

[jimmie65]

Here's something interesting on dairy I found the other day. Paleo man might not have used dairy, but it may still be a natural, evolved thing for us, especially if you're of European, African, or West/South Asian ancestry.

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_evolution/2012/10/evolution_of_lactose_tolerance_why_do_humans_keep_drinking_milk.single.html

I got stuck on the yogurt part:

Yogurt has plenty of benefits to confer, among them large testicles, swagger, and glossy fur

I'll finish the rest of the article when I get back from the grocery store.

[Samunwal]

Yeah- loves me my glossy fur (when I fill out applications, I enter "fleshtone" for hair color)

[jimmie65]

Sorry for the lack of updates. Life's been hectic - way too much to do at work and my wife's going nuts getting ready for a grandbaby. I appreciate all the support here and I apologize for not having the time to stay up to date on everyone else's challenges.

I have been keeping up with my work-outs. I added in bodyweight dips to my bodyweight circuit and incorporated floor presses into my lifting this morning.

As I've already hit most of my goals, I'm developing the next challenge's goals.

Flexibility will one goal, as it is still a weak point and one I've skimped on this 6 weeks. I have a hard time with barbell squats and couldn't do a handstand, both issues due to my stiffness.

I'll work on lifting as well, with some targets on deadlifts, presses and squats.

My third fitness goal is up in the air - I'd love to do some parkour but also want to work on running a 10k. Not sure yet which one to target.

Lifestyle goal will probably be reading. I don't read much anymore, other than fitness books, and I'd like to start reading again.

Hope everyone else's challenges are going well. I should be able to catch up this weekend some time.

[Jaksavage]

Keep on killing it!

[jimmie65]

Update:

Pull-ups - Still haven't tested out for a new max, but my morning routine now starts with a set of 10 standard pull-ups and 2 more sets of variations. Hard to believe I could only do 1 chin-up 4 months ago. Started incorporating bodyweight dips as well; I struggled to get 3 sets of 6 partial dips. Anyone have advice on building up to full dips, other than partials?

Running - Nothing new to add.

Bike riding - 60 miler today? It's a lot cooler than I expected but still heading out soon.

Diet - 93% compliance. Not bad.

Other stuff:

My weight is plateauing again, at about 232-234. I'm below 235, but can't hit the 230 mark. (230 will be 100 lbs since I started this new life.) But I've lost another inch off the waist and nothing fits.

I went to grab my leather coat last night for the first time this year. It was rather amusing when i looked in the mirror. I looked like a kid wearing his dad's coat!

I deadlifted 250# yesterday. Not where I want to be but it was a PR and the first time I lifted more than my bodyweight. Felt damn good.

I've also incorporated floor presses, since I don't have a bench at home. Not sure where I am yet; started low: 80 x5/ 90x5 / 100 x20 / 120 x10

[EmCee]

*fist bumps*

Still killin' it! Great job, Jimmie!

[Hiraedd]

Don't you love that "Shrink out of your clothes" feeling? LOL on the jacket -- I guess it's time for a new one! As for the plateau, you're obviously still building muscle (hence the waist shrinkage) so just give it some time. Might be a good time to switch to measurements and body fat% rather than measuring predominantly by the scale too....though it must be painful to be so damn close to a big milestone and just not be able to get there!

You're doing awesome with the rest of it, Jimmie! (93% compliance on the diet? FANTASTIC). Keep up the amazing work!

[Samunwal]

Great job! Did you get in the 60 miler?

Dips- just keep after them. It's a position your arms aren't that used to and you just have to work at it. Don't need dip bars either- corner where two kitchen counters come together works great. Just bend your knees and cross your ankles to give yourself room to go down.

[jimmie65]

*fist bumps*

Still killin' it! Great job, Jimmie!

Thanks!

Don't you love that "Shrink out of your clothes" feeling? LOL on the jacket -- I guess it's time for a new one! As for the plateau, you're obviously still building muscle (hence the waist shrinkage) so just give it some time. Might be a good time to switch to measurements and body fat% rather than measuring predominantly by the scale too....though it must be painful to be so damn close to a big milestone and just not be able to get there!

You're doing awesome with the rest of it, Jimmie! (93% compliance on the diet? FANTASTIC). Keep up the amazing work!

I've never been too worried about the weight, but - like you said - to be so dang close!!

I've got some body fat and other measurements from last November I'm going to compare with next month.

Great job! Did you get in the 60 miler?

Dips- just keep after them. It's a position your arms aren't that used to and you just have to work at it. Don't need dip bars either- corner where two kitchen counters come together works great. Just bend your knees and cross your ankles to give yourself room to go down.

60 miles done!! (63.4, actually).

I had to split the ride into two parts because of an minor injury. Here are my DM logs:

Failure 36 mi 02:30 14.4mph pace

60 miler planned today. Decided to ride the Greenway because of the weather. Bad choice. I wasn't a 1/4 mile into my ride before a problem. Two large girls were walking on the path; I yelled 3 times "Passing on the left" - no acknowledgement, didn't look, just kept walking straight down the center. So I veered to the left and at the very last second, one of the idiots stepped right in front of me. Slammed on my brakes and put my feet down in time to keep from slamming into her but jacked up my left knee and my right wrist.

I still managed to make 3 passes back and forth on the Greenway (part of it was impassable due to water, so 6 miles each way). But my wrist finally said enough.

It was a gorgeous day, too. Cold and windy, but the sun was out and there actually water flowing in Salado Creek for a change.

60 miler, part deux 27.4 mi 01:55 14.3mph pace

Pissy mood eliminated. Wrapped up my wrist, loaded up on ibuprofen, and slept it off. Then took off to get the rest of my 60 miles. Rode through and around Cibolo into Schertz. Got lost a couple of times, but it was a great ride. Slightly warmer so I had less clothes and that always seems to help.

Hope everyone's weekend is going good.

[cline]

Yea you did it!!!! Done!

People on bike paths drive me nuts.

Good for you for sticking it out!!!

[jstanlick]

60 miles done!! (63.4, actually).

I had to split the ride into two parts because of an minor injury. Here are my DM logs:

Failure 36 mi 02:30 14.4mph pace

60 miler planned today. Decided to ride the Greenway because of the weather. Bad choice. I wasn't a 1/4 mile into my ride before a problem. Two large girls were walking on the path; I yelled 3 times "Passing on the left" - no acknowledgement, didn't look, just kept walking straight down the center. So I veered to the left and at the very last second, one of the idiots stepped right in front of me. Slammed on my brakes and put my feet down in time to keep from slamming into her but jacked up my left knee and my right wrist.

I still managed to make 3 passes back and forth on the Greenway (part of it was impassable due to water, so 6 miles each way). But my wrist finally said enough.

It was a gorgeous day, too. Cold and windy, but the sun was out and there actually water flowing in Salado Creek for a change.

60 miler, part deux 27.4 mi 01:55 14.3mph pace

Pissy mood eliminated. Wrapped up my wrist, loaded up on ibuprofen, and slept it off. Then took off to get the rest of my 60 miles. Rode through and around Cibolo into Schertz. Got lost a couple of times, but it was a great ride. Slightly warmer so I had less clothes and that always seems to help.

Hope everyone's weekend is going good.

That's determination for you. Way to go! Hope the wrist and knee aren't still sore for you.

[MadScientist]

Keep at it Jimmie. Neither cold, nor rain, nor people determined to kill themselves will deter you from your primordial task. It sure is a great feeling when clothes that used to be tight are now loose. Go, go, go!

[jimmie65]

I'm still here, still busy, but still hitting it hard. Sorry I haven't commented on anyone's progress but I am following your threads.

Almost at 95% on diet, but might be too late to hit the 96% goal I set.

Third new spot to hike or bike - definitely going to Austin's veloway this weekend so I should have this one.

[Hiraedd]

Great job, Jimmie! And 95% on your diet is AMAZING -- don't sell your achievements short because they didn't (or won't) "meet your goal". Celebrate the progress for what it is!! Keep it up!

[Samunwal]

I'm still here, still busy, but still hitting it hard. Sorry I haven't commented on anyone's progress but I am following your threads.

Almost at 95% on diet, but might be too late to hit the 96% goal I set.

Third new spot to hike or bike - definitely going to Austin's veloway this weekend so I should have this one.

Goooo 3rd spot! Congrats on the 60 miler- were the womens wearing headphones? That's usually been my issue when someone can't hear me coming. It's also one of the reasons I prefer mountain biking- usually no people on the trails, and never any cars. (the other reason being I have actually come to enjoy that sinking "omigawdImmakillmyselfhere!!!" feeling, or at least the fit of giggles I get when I'm still intact after I get past that point)

[Artemis Wolf]

Goooo 3rd spot! Congrats on the 60 miler- were the womens wearing headphones? That's usually been my issue when someone can't hear me coming. It's also one of the reasons I prefer mountain biking- usually no people on the trails, and never any cars. (the other reason being I have actually come to enjoy that sinking "omigawdImmakillmyselfhere!!!" feeling, or at least the fit of giggles I get when I'm still intact after I get past that point)

*sigh* Further cementing my thought that we all have to be just a little crazy to sign away our souls to the Army.....

Jimmie, maybe you should get one of those uber-annoying skwonky horns and attach it to your handlebars! The sound of those always threatens to snap my control and make me punch someone so I can't really imagine someone being able to ignore one.

[jimmie65]

Great job, Jimmie! And 95% on your diet is AMAZING -- don't sell your achievements short because they didn't (or won't) "meet your goal". Celebrate the progress for what it is!! Keep it up!

Thanks! Not beating myself up. I intentionally set this goal high, knowing I'd have to stretch to even get a B or C on it.

Goooo 3rd spot! Congrats on the 60 miler- were the womens wearing headphones? That's usually been my issue when someone can't hear me coming. It's also one of the reasons I prefer mountain biking- usually no people on the trails, and never any cars. (the other reason being I have actually come to enjoy that sinking "omigawdImmakillmyselfhere!!!" feeling, or at least the fit of giggles I get when I'm still intact after I get past that point)

Love mountain biking! I haven't been in months. Last time, I pulled a shoulder, busted up a knee, and had scrapes and cuts all over. Such fun!

*sigh* Further cementing my thought that we all have to be just a little crazy to sign away our souls to the Army.....

I appreciate those of you crazy enough to join. I tried to enlist, but too many "disabilities" (no spleen, wasp allergy, and color-blindness) so those of you who do protect our country have my gratitude.

Jimmie, maybe you should get one of those uber-annoying skwonky horns and attach it to your handlebars! The sound of those always threatens to snap my control and make me punch someone so I can't really imagine someone being able to ignore one.

LOL. I keep threatening to get an air-horn. I did have one of the horns you squeeze, but I squeezed it too much and it tore.

---

UPDATE - Nothing on my challenge goals, but I have officially lost 100 pounds!!!!! I started out 2 years ago at 330 and, as of 7:00 am this morning, I now weigh 230.0!!!!

[Hiraedd]

WOOT!! Way to go Jimmie that is AMAZING! What a huge amount of hard work you've put into that 100 pound loss -- you are extrordinary! How close to your final goal are you?

[Samunwal]

*sigh* Further cementing my thought that we all have to be just a little crazy to sign away our souls to the Army.....

Jimmie, maybe you should get one of those uber-annoying skwonky horns and attach it to your handlebars! The sound of those always threatens to snap my control and make me punch someone so I can't really imagine someone being able to ignore one.

Crazy- guilty as charged. But I didn't sign away shit to the Army- I've only rented it out, and looking back over 3 decades since I first raised my hand, I honestly think I've gotten the better end of the deal despite some major assclowning on the Army's part.

Thanks! Not beating myself up. I intentionally set this goal high, knowing I'd have to stretch to even get a B or C on it.

Love mountain biking! I haven't been in months. Last time, I pulled a shoulder, busted up a knee, and had scrapes and cuts all over. Such fun!

I appreciate those of you crazy enough to join. I tried to enlist, but too many "disabilities" (no spleen, wasp allergy, and color-blindness) so those of you who do protect our country have my gratitude.

LOL. I keep threatening to get an air-horn. I did have one of the horns you squeeze, but I squeezed it too much and it tore.

---

UPDATE - Nothing on my challenge goals, but I have officially lost 100 pounds!!!!! I started out 2 years ago at 330 and, as of 7:00 am this morning, I now weigh 230.0!!!!

If you ain't stretching to make goals, you just ain't trying and you set them too low to begin with. And yeah, the scars are the best part of mountain biking. Scars are just tattoos with stories behind them you have to earn with your own blood. My mountain bike noisemaker is a rubber squeezy shark (I've had a parrot and a dinosaur, too, but bike crashes can be rough on those guys). People just can't get mad when they look back at you and realize they're being alerted with a cute squeezy toy.

And 100 pounds!! YOU are suddenly one of my fitness heroes. That's awesome!!