Eboncat Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Ok, so this is my 1st challenge. Please forgive any mistakes/weirdness. I'm starting at 128 lbs, 27.6% body fat. 43 years old. Would like to build up some muscle and be able to run 5k's with my sisters this summer.Starting Attributes:STR 2, DEX 2, STA 2, CON 2, WIS 3, CHA 3 Goals: 1. Strength workouts 3 days/week free weights (at least 30min each session) currently: none (+3 STR, +2 STA)2. Run 2 days per week (at least 30 min) currently: none (+3 STA, +1 DEX)3. Do 10 full plank pushups in one set. (currently can do 10 knee) (+1 STR, +1 STA) 4. Spend an average of 1 hour a day with my 5 year old. Sounds awful to state that as a goal, but I find that even though we're in the same room I get distracted by the computer and let him play video games most of the day. Then we're only interacting when I need him to do something or at dinner. I want to spend an hour every day focusing on him - playing a board game, doing a craft project, playing ball outside... something. I have a couple days each week where it's impossible - he's on his way to school when I get up and in bed when I get home. So that's why the "average" in the goal. (+4 WIS) Other goals: drink 6 cups of water a day, do something physical every day. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Nikeofsamothrace Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Good luck! This is my first challenge too. Starting off running 30 mins right off the bat will lead to injury though. Try a program like Couch to 5K (C25K).You can do it! Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 I should have been more specific - right now I'm doing intervals on the treadmill - mixed walking and running. I just want to be on the treadmill for 30 minutes! I'd like to be able to run the whole time by the end of the 6 weeks. Then start getting up to 5k distance.Thanks for the encouragement! TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
lastap02 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Hi! We're on the same team so I wanted to say hello. Your goals look great, good luck and keep us posted! Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Update:So far, so good! I did 55 min strength training on Monday. Did stretching yesterday (I had done weights Sat & Cardio on Sun) and I've spent 5 hours one on one with my little man the last 2 days. I'm finding I need to work on my patience. I have never had much. Haven't had to coordinate with my work schedule yet (I'm on vacation until tomorrow). Early shift tomorrow and Fri, I'll have to get my workouts in early (for me). I hate mornings. Thanks, lastap02! TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Nikeofsamothrace Posted January 11, 2013 Report Share Posted January 11, 2013 Sounds like you're off to a great start! The tricky part will be keeping it up after vacation, but you already have such good momentum going! Keep it up! Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2013 Update:Well, I'm still on track.My legs are sore and they stiffen up when I sit for more than 15 minutes. Did leg strength training Wednesday (squats & lunges w/ weights) and treadmill yesterday for 20 minutes. Today is a rest day, mostly.I've already got 6 hours one on one with the kidlet so I'm ahead there. Haven't done pushups since last Saturday, so that's on the agenda for tonight after work. I need to get on the ball with those.Now that I'm back to work, it'll be harder to schedule everything, but I'm going to! TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
SigridEllis Posted January 11, 2013 Report Share Posted January 11, 2013 On track is a great place to be near the end of week one! :high fives: Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2013 Update:Last week went well - got all my workouts in and my time with my kid. This week looks to be harder, I will have to schedule around work more. Which means getting up early to work out, yuck! Wish me luck. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Nikeofsamothrace Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 You can do it! YOU ARE STRONG AND AWESOME! Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 Well, I skipped yesterday, except spending time with the kid after work. Today I got my butt out of bed and did my cardio. I feel pretty good about that. Tomorrow I can do a full workout for strength as I don't have to be anywhere in the afternoon. Gotta keep pushing! TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2013 So I did my hour strength training workout yesterday and totally rocked it! Upped my weights for all the exercises and was maxing out around 8 reps. I was so tired at the end, but exhilirated. Yay! My husband started reading NerdFitness earlier this week and is researching the paleo diet, so he's been cooking mostly paleo meals for dinner. It's a big help, cause now I don't have to skip anything he cooks and we're both happier. Plus, even though he's not doing the challenge he's working out too and we're encouraging each other. So helpful! So far, my weight isn't moving (which is ok, I don't need to lose) and neither is my body fat%, which is discouraging. But, I'm noticing that my arms are looking more defined, so something must be working. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Laureleye Posted January 17, 2013 Report Share Posted January 17, 2013 Good goals. I've got a pushup goal too, but mine is a bit more modest - I'm just shooting for 1 full pushup. I didn't have much luck going from knee pushups to full pushups, so I'm trying a new method - a full pushup but not all the way to the floor. You can read about on my thread. MAC suggested it to me & I think it's a better plan. Good luck on your pushup goal. The hardest part of the workout is lacing up your shoes'"10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | Current Challenge |INTJ | MFP | FitBit Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2013 Good goals. I've got a pushup goal too, but mine is a bit more modest - I'm just shooting for 1 full pushup. I didn't have much luck going from knee pushups to full pushups, so I'm trying a new method - a full pushup but not all the way to the floor. You can read about on my thread. MAC suggested it to me & I think it's a better plan. Good luck on your pushup goal. Yeah, I may have overreached on this one. I figure even if I don't make it, trying will get me that much closer. I can do 1 right now and I'm getting stronger, so we'll see. If I don't make it, I'll have a new starting spot for next time. Good luck with your goal, and thank you for the encouragement! TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 So, met all my goals for last week. Got up to 2 plank pushups, still working on that. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Yesterday I screwed up - forgot that it was cardio before work day (late shift) and snoozed until I had to get into the shower for work. Now I have to get up extra early tomorrow (early shift) to get the Cardio in. or I can do 2 workouts Saturday, but then I have Cardio back to back Sat & Sun. I'm getting up tomorrow and fixing this before it gets away from me. Wish me luck! or Wisdom, which would be more relevant. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 ok. Summary 3rd week:I got all my workouts done. Had to squeeze a Cardio (treadmill) in before an early shift and ended up cutting in 5 minutes short. So I added 15 minutes to today's.Tried to do pushups today - could barely do one. In my defense, my abs and back are sore from a core workout yesterday and I had trouble even holding the plank. I don't know if I'll even get to a set of 5 plank pushups, much less 10.Spent much time with the kiddo this week - apparently I just needed a kick to get me things to do together.Took some pics today and compared them with the pics I took when this challenge started. I'm not seeing much difference yet. I want to look good in a swimsuit - my parents are taking the immediate family & kids to Hawaii this June. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Laureleye Posted January 29, 2013 Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 Good adjustment for your little workout slipup. I've been forcing myself to only do measurements at the end of the challenge - I get so impatient. I think you'll see good things by the end. The hardest part of the workout is lacing up your shoes'"10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | Current Challenge |INTJ | MFP | FitBit Link to comment
Eboncat Posted January 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 I hope so. Thanks Laureleye. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
Eboncat Posted February 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 This week is going well so far. Love the core workout on my schedule for this week. Sore all over, but in a good way. Trying to eat really well, because we have the Super Bowl party to go to Sunday, and I want to be able to eat some of the yummy stuff (small portions!). I've been doing the mini-challenges on the Adventurer thread and have really enjoyed it.I downloaded a couple of apps to help with my pushup goal - supposed to help train to do more every day. The depressing part is none of them start where I am. I can do 2 now, so I put that in as my starting point and the app says: Great! now do 5, wait 60s then do 6...... ok, I can't do 3 right now. How about starting with just 1 over what I can do? So I guess I'll have to make my own training program. I have 2 weeks left. TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
lastap02 Posted February 3, 2013 Report Share Posted February 3, 2013 I can't do full pushups, but I do inclined pushups- I still get the effect without feeling like a failure for only doing 1. If you have a set of stairs try them? See how far down you can go and still keep perfect form. I have been able to progress from the third step to the first step just by making that part of my workout. I'm working my way to standard pushups, but even if I never make it (wrist issues) I know I can do this and it's still crazy hard. Have you tried inclined? Link to comment
Eboncat Posted February 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2013 Good ideas. I've been doing knee pushups and can do several of those, but when I tried to go to full plank, I had trouble with my shoulders and holding the plank position. I don't have stairs, but have been thinking I could get a step bench. Would be useful for weights too. I've been working on just holding plank for longer (i'm up to 30 sec) and that seems to be helping too. I thought I could go from knee to full without too much trouble, but I'm finding that's not the case! I managed to do 3 yesterday though. Last one was ugly. Thank you for the support! TANSTAAFL - Heinlein Current Challenge Level 6 Ranger. Level 1 Monk. STR 11.5, DEX 5.5, STA 11, CON 14.5, WIS 15, CHA 12.5 Challenge 1 Challenge 2 Challenge 3 Challenge 4 Challenge 5 Challenge 6 Fitbit MyFitnessPal Battle Log Link to comment
lastap02 Posted February 3, 2013 Report Share Posted February 3, 2013 You are very welcome! Keep us posted on how it goes. Link to comment
AquaNat Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 I'm able to do about a 30 second plank too, and I shake like billyo! My push-ups are rubbish, but I hope that my weight work is going to help; how are your strength training sessions going? Level 3 Ranger"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ― A.A. Milne STR 7 DEX 5 STA 9CON 6 WIS 4 CHA 6 Link to comment
lastap02 Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Strength training is going great! They're toying around with changing my schedule at work, which means adding on my duties, ugh. Hopefully whatever happens I'll still be able to carve out this much time for myself. It took a while to get into the swing of the challenge, but I'm really having fun! Link to comment
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