chris_de_maas keeps going

[chris_de_maas]

Keeping with last challenge's keywords: stronger, faster, better, happier, here are my new goals:

Goal 1: Stronger (+3STR +1.5STA)
I want to be able to dumbbell deadlift my bodyweight for a full set of 5 reps with no breaks.
I have no idea how much I weigh though I estimate it to be somewhere between 58 and 62kg (128-136lbs) so I'm aiming right in the middle: a good, clean 60kg (132lbs).
During the last session of last challenge, I managed 2 sets of 52kg (114.5lbs) with a number of breaks.

Goal 2: Faster (+2.5STA +1DEX)
Sadly my pulled muscle doesn't seem to want to heal. So away goes my 5K goal but I won't let that silly muscle defeat me and will work on shorter but faster runs.
Just like I started doing last challenge, I will replace the Finishing Move of my lifting program with a 4-minute run. Goal is to run 1K with a maximum of 1 break.
Before I got hurt last challenge, the longest I managed was 760m with 2 breaks.

 

*If my pulled muscle gives me trouble, I will change this goal along the way*

Goal 3: Better (+2.5STR +1.5DEX)
I want to be an effective assassin, and effective assassins can do pullups.
I am aiming to be able to do at least 1 real, non assisted pullup by the end of the challenge. I still need to find a program or something to follow to help me in my pullup quest, I'll post it here as soon as I've found it.

Right now, I can do pretty good bodyweight inverted rows.

Goal 4: Happier Prettier (+2.5CHA +.5CON)
I know it's far away but I'm not taking any chances: I'm getting a tattoo on the 23rd of August and the artist who'll be doing the piece will post the picture on his Facebook page which has close to 150K followers. Let's be honest, I want to look good for that!
The piece I'm getting will be on my ribs/side, pretty much from hip to arm pit, I therefore want to get as visible a 6 pack as I can for that.
Assessment will be done from pictures.


Not part of the challenge but I will:
- keep going with Steve's Dumbbell Division (Rank 1) program 4 times a week
- keep eating 99% Paleo
- keep tracking food intake

I'm also taking part in Mily's meditation PvP.

[KB Girl]

Great challenge Chris! I was waiting for it

You'll get that bodyweight deadlift, no doubts about it, none. Cool to see you working on pullups aswell, I'm pretty sure you'll smash that like you do everything else! 

 

Oh and good for you, taking some pride in your looks!

[Nuala]

Holy molly? You want a six pack?! Of course if it's you, I'm sure you can do it but that's really an insane goal  

[chris_de_maas]

Great challenge Chris! I was waiting for it

You'll get that bodyweight deadlift, no doubts about it, none. Cool to see you working on pullups aswell, I'm pretty sure you'll smash that like you do everything else! 

 

Oh and good for you, taking some pride in your looks!

Haha! Sorry for keeping you waiting!

 

Hoping to smash all the strengths goals I really wanted to have "squat my bodyweight" as one of them but I'm nowhere close to ready for that, next time perhaps!

And yes, don't really like the idea of not looking my best with so many people watching!

 

 

Holy molly? You want a six pack?! Of course if it's you, I'm sure you can do it but that's really an insane goal

Haha! Thanks Nuala! I'll try not to make a fool of myself!

[Siferiax]

AWESOME challenge as always!!!

I'm sure you blow it out of the water!!!

Though maybe see a doctor for your muscle? Now that it's been going on for so long?

[cobaltsword]

yay your challenge is up

And your really going for the gold are you ^^ too bad about that leg muscle but good for you that you don't let it defeat you, you can do it

wow, and what are you getting for a tattoo? something pretty, plus big as it will go from armpit to hip

i'll be running along side you Chris this time good luck ;D

[chris_de_maas]

AWESOME challenge as always!!!

I'm sure you blow it out of the water!!!

Though maybe see a doctor for your muscle? Now that it's been going on for so long?

Haha! Thanks Kib!

I'll do everything not to disappoint

 

Muscle is coming and going, hadn't felt anything in a week and then it started bothering me again this morning... weird... We'll see how it goes in the next few weeks... (Can you tell I don't like going to the doctor?!)

 

 

yay your challenge is up

And your really going for the gold are you ^^ too bad about that leg muscle but good for you that you don't let it defeat you, you can do it

wow, and what are you getting for a tattoo? something pretty, plus big as it will go from armpit to hip

i'll be running along side you Chris this time  good luck ;D

Sorry to have kept you waiting!!

I always go for the hard stuff otherwise there is no point!

 

Reg the tattoo it'll pretty much be a surprise! I'll discover the artwork on the day, I gave my artist my theme, some "directions" as to what I want and he'll come up with something. It's really scary but he's really good so I trust him.

 

Looking forward to your incursions on my thread and reading your stories, you're a great writer!

[chris_de_maas]

Ok, so after talking with our wonderful Robot Mistress of Pain and reading Steve's article about how to do a pull up, I came to the conclusion that I am a level 3 (meaning I can already perform good bodyweight rows) so this is my plan of attack:

• Monday – Assisted Pull Ups – 3 sets of 8 reps
• Wednesday – Body weight rows – 3 sets of 8 reps
• Friday – Assisted Chin Ups – 3 sets of 8 reps

And once a week, I'll try to do at least one real unassisted pull up.

[Elastigirl]

Woot, another awesome challenge. Your pullups plan is great. Don't forget to throw in a negative or two for your last set of pull ups. And practice some deadhangs. On the chin ups, you are doing 8 assisted-how many can you do unassisted? If you can do 1-2 unassisted, my advice would be to do the unassisted. reps,first then if you need to switch to unassisted to get up to your 8 count

[cobaltsword]

Sorry to have kept you waiting!!

I always go for the hard stuff otherwise there is no point!

 

Reg the tattoo it'll pretty much be a surprise! I'll discover the artwork on the day, I gave my artist my theme, some "directions" as to what I want and he'll come up with something. It's really scary but he's really good so I trust him.

 

Looking forward to your incursions on my thread and reading your stories, you're a great writer!

 

I can see that all straitgth to the point. but you'll succeed, i know it

 

haha okay well i'm curious what the design will be then ^^ hopefully something awesome and inspiring *.*

 

hi, thanks i just write to keep in the mood and mindset of the guy i'm inspired by makes it fun to write too ^^

[OrangeJorwell]

Will you at least tell us the theme of your tattoo? You're such a tease!

And good luck on the challenges! If you keep eating 99% Paleo, you'll have a great chance at getting your 6 pack. I look forward to hearing about how awesome it is.

[chris_de_maas]

Woot, another awesome challenge. Your pullups plan is great. Don't forget to throw in a negative or two for your last set of pull ups. And practice some deadhangs. On the chin ups, you are doing 8 assisted-how many can you do unassisted? If you can do 1-2 unassisted, my advice would be to do the unassisted. reps,first then if you need to switch to unassisted to get up to your 8 count

Thanks for the awesome advice (as always) Elastigirl!!

I haven't tried to do either pullups or chinups yet, but I'll certainly follow your advice and try them first. Do you recommend I just deadhang for as long as possible?

 

 

I can see that all straitgth to the point. but you'll succeed, i know it

 

haha okay well i'm curious what the design will be then ^^ hopefully something awesome and inspiring *.*

 

hi, thanks i just write to keep in the mood and mindset of the guy i'm inspired by  makes it fun to write too ^^

Doing my best, doing my best

 

So am I, trust me!! I booked my appointment at the end of March so I'm growing really impatient here, 80 days 14 hours and 52 minutes to go!

I doubt the design will be inspiring, but it certainly will be beautiful!! I asked for something organic and flow-y with a touch of geometry. All in a "Pictorial Webster's visual dictionary of curiosities" kind of style (he uses it a lot which is actually what drew me to him). Here's his facebook page if you'd like to have a look at what he does.

 

It makes it really fun to read, keep it up

 

 

Will you at least tell us the theme of your tattoo? You're such a tease!

And good luck on the challenges! If you keep eating 99% Paleo, you'll have a great chance at getting your 6 pack. I look forward to hearing about how awesome it is.

Haha! sorry, really didn't mean to be a tease!! I asked for something organic and flow-y with a touch of geometry. All in a "Pictorial Webster's visual dictionary of curiosities" kind of style (he uses it a lot which is actually what drew me to him). So basically it'll be black and white with a minimalistic touch of colour. Here's his facebook page if you'd like to have a look at what he does. (I hope I'm forgiven now!! )

 

I've been eating Paleo for a long time now, it's a habit except for the occasional slip ups so it should help... But it's a crazy goal so we'll see how it goes Thanks for your support though (and I'm now realising I completely missed your thread, shame on me!!)

[KB Girl]

Wow his stuff looks great! What is it with these french tattoo artists?

Curious to see the final result along with your abs

[chris_de_maas]

Wow his stuff looks great! What is it with these french tattoo artists?

Curious to see the final result along with your abs

Yeah, what is it with these French tattoo artists?!

I really love Xoil's work, I feel so lucky he chose my idea (had to send him an email and pitch my project and hope he'd go for it, he's a bit of a big-headed egocentric it seems but he's good....). Really can't wait for T-day which will, hopefully, come with a really cool 6 pack!

 

 

 

Day 1

 

Today was a no start day. We moved to a new flat when we came back from Malta on Friday so I've lost all of my bearings. I need to go to a new gym and I obviously need to bike a new (and much farther) route to work.

 

I woke up too late to go to the gym this morning and didn't feel confident to bike to work without getting lost so didn't want to chance it. And then, when I got home, my right knee started acting up on top of the pulled muscle, old lady at 24... haha!

 

I'm going to bed now (it's 11pm) so I can get up at 6 tomorrow so, even if I do get lost on my way to the gym, I'll still have plenty of time to get a full session without rushing. I look forward to tomorrow, I really miss lifting heavy stuff!

[lyranedara]

I just realized I hadn't checked your thread! Shame on me. I love your goals, and you seem to have a really good pull up plan in mind. And Elastigirl gave some great tips, as always.

[BlackWidowEowyn]

GOod goals!

I'm sure you will rock them all

looking forward to witnessing all this awesomeness! 

[Elastigirl]

Thanks for the awesome advice (as always) Elastigirl!!

I haven't tried to do either pullups or chinups yet, but I'll certainly follow your advice and try them first. Do you recommend I just deadhang for as long as possible?

 

 

 

 

Yep, It will help build grip strength

[OrangeJorwell]

Well I guess I'll forgive you this once. His work is really cool. I spend like 5 minutes going back through his pictures. And have fun biking in tomorrow! I have a hard enough time finding my way through a new place when I have a car...I think I'd have to wait at least a week before I trusted biking in case I got lost. Haha.

[cobaltsword]

just saw the page of the tattoo artists, he makes some very special things, makes me even more curious as to what he is going to draw on you

 

don't overdo yourself, get your bearings back and then dive back in ^^ no use rushing head on if you don't know where to go, moving from one place to another can be hard, trust me i know

but you'll get it right soon enough

[chris_de_maas]

I just realized I hadn't checked your thread! Shame on me. I love your goals, and you seem to have a really good pull up plan in mind. And Elastigirl gave some great tips, as always.

Haha! No worries there are so many cool threads to check out! And it's always an honour to have you stop by

I look so much forward to taking Nuala's and Elastigirl's advice and starting the pullup practice, it's going to be fun

 

 

GOod goals!

I'm sure you will rock them all

looking forward to witnessing all this awesomeness! 

Thanks Eowyn!

I sure hope I will, it'll be an interesting challenge!

And I just realised I haven't checked your thread yet, this needs immediate fixing!!!

 

 

Yep, It will help build grip strength

Brilliant! Thanks Elastigirl!! (really can't wait to get started!!)

 

 

Well I guess I'll forgive you this once. His work is really cool. I spend like 5 minutes going back through his pictures. And have fun biking in tomorrow! I have a hard enough time finding my way through a new place when I have a car...I think I'd have to wait at least a week before I trusted biking in case I got lost. Haha.

Phew! That was close!

I really fell in love with his work, it's so unique and beautiful

Didn't end up going to work this morning, decided to work from home instead but I'm going to my "old beloved" gym later on which is close to where I work so I'll go on a reconnaissance trip without fear of being late or arriving sweaty!

 

 

just saw the page of the tattoo artists, he makes some very special things, makes me even more curious as to what he is going to draw on you

 

don't overdo yourself, get your bearings back and then dive back in ^^ no use rushing head on if you don't know where to go, moving from one place to another can be hard, trust me i know

but you'll get it right soon enough

Haha! Yeah, it's very exciting!

 

We've moved 8 times in the past 4 months alone! I don't find moving to be hard, you get used to it (you would know that!), it's really just getting back into a routine. It is hard enough as it is but is so much harder when you moved the day you came back from a holiday!!

I won't use it as an excuse though, I will get back into it today! As I told Zebarah, I decided to work from home this morning but I'm going to my old gym later on which is close to where I work so I'll get a reconnaissance trip out of it and it'll all be fine and dandy

[Siferiax]

Haha! Thanks Kib!

I'll do everything not to disappoint

 

Muscle is coming and going, hadn't felt anything in a week and then it started bothering me again this morning... weird... We'll see how it goes in the next few weeks... (Can you tell I don't like going to the doctor?!)

Ugh Doctors. I still need to call mine about test results, but I keep forgetting

[Siferiax]

Good luck finding your way Chris!!! I'm sure you'll do fine and start this challenge awesomely

[OrangeJorwell]

We've moved 8 times in the past 4 months alone!

I don't know that I've left my apartment that many times!

[rybo]

Really awesome goals!

 

Excited to see the tattoo one. Hopefully summer doesn't fly by too fast for ya while looking forward to new ink. I've been considering getting more, I jsut have such a hard time figuring out what I want.

[chris_de_maas]

Ugh Doctors. I still need to call mine about test results, but I keep forgetting

Oh no!! Can't you do it now?? You need to get those results!!!!

 

Good luck finding your way Chris!!! I'm sure you'll do fine and start this challenge awesomely

Thanks Kibs!

Can't wait to get to the gym today, I have all that built up anticipation I'm getting antsy!! haha! Plus it's Tuesday aka (hopefully) strong girl's class!!! Yay!!!!

 

 

I don't know that I've left my apartment that many times!

Haha! It's been a crazy 4 months, we unexpectedly had a really hard time finding a flat so we've been staying 2 weeks here, 1 week there, renting super short lets or crashing at friends for a few days... We're staying where we are for a month and then we're moving to a more permanent one for 6 months on the 1st of July, it'll be nice to settle down for a minute!!

 

 

Really awesome goals!

 

Excited to see the tattoo one. Hopefully summer doesn't fly by too fast for ya while looking forward to new ink. I've been considering getting more, I jsut have such a hard time figuring out what I want.

Thanks Rybo!

 

It'll be first ink which makes it even more exciting! But yeah, I certainly hope I won't let summer fly away, winter lasts forever here so I need to enjoy every single beautiful day!