laurabzz getting ready to slay some White Walkers

[laurabzz]

"Demons made of snow and ice and cold...The ancient enemy. The only enemy that matters."

 

 

Hi everyone!

 

This is only my second challenge and I can’t wait to start. Recently I’ve been reading lots of A Song Of Ice And Fire, so I decided to use this as my theme (finishing book 4, no spoilers please!). I always pictured Rangers of this forum as the Rangers of the Night’s Watch anyway. I’m not one of those uber creative peoples so I won’t be writing any short stories for you, though. Anyway, here we go.

 

Previously: During my first challenge, I almost completely changed my diet to Paleo. Also, I did bodyweight workouts and swimming. Started going going to kettlebells (which I absolutely love). I had my ups and downs but I think I did rather well. Feeling much stronger. 

 

 

“You'll find truth in your looking glass, not on the tongues of men.â€

 

Main Quest

 

Get stronger and fitter, simple as that. I would emphasize stronger, as I’ll be doing more strength than cardio training this time. (We all heard three blasts of horn - the Others are approaching and I don’t think I can outrun them, better use my dragonglass dagger then.). I know I should add 'lose weight' but I think that it'll just sort itself out because I feel I'm on a right path here.

 

 

“Swift as a deer. Quiet as a shadow. Fear cuts deeper than swords. Quick as a snake. Calm as still water.â€

 

Wee goals

 

1.       Strength. Continue kettlebell training twice a week. Also, do either bodyweight or barbell training in gym twice a week. So: strength training 4 times a week altogether.

2.       Endurance. Swim 6km per week. I know it’s not a lot but I figure it’ll be enough for me with all the other things. Also, I’ll be able to spread my training into as many days as I wish.

3.       Diet. I’ve been eating Paleo now everyday more or less (I did eat lots of ice cream during my holidays). I’m thinking maybe I should just set a number of non-Paleo meals I could eat per week. Let’s say it’s 5 (includes everything non-Paleo, from one ice cream cone to a meal that has potatoes in it). I also want to try at least one new recipe per week, but this is just a side thing.

 

 

“My old grandmother always used to say, Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.â€

 

Life goal

 

To be honest, I’m already doing so many things at the moment that I don’t want to add anything else (thanks to NF for inspiring me to actually do things). Maybe one would be: paint a painting that I myself would be at least 50% proud of. That’s a lot, since I’m a big critic to myself. 

 

 

Exceptions: I might be away for a week on a hiking trip so I won't be able to train as my plan goes. However, I'll be hiking ALL DAY every day for 7 days so I think that should suffice. Yay West Highlands Way. I'll keep my meals as Paleo as possible.

 

Motivation: New semester starts in September and I want to join the swimming club at my uni. To be able to do that, I need to feel fit enough. Also, the gym will be fuller then (I use gym at my uni) and I want to feel confident enough to use weights with all the stronger people around me.

Motivation nr 2: Going away on holidays to see my family from 5th of September, it would be great to hear that I changed somehow!

 

 

Measurements:

Hips: 115cm

Waist: 73cm

Arm: 34cm

 

 

“Hodorâ€

[Ems]

Hey! I saw on your profile that you're from Scotland - I'm down the other end, in South Wales Good luck on the challenge, goals look fab Kettlebells + Swimming + Paleo = WIN!

[laurabzz]

Hey! I saw on your profile that you're from Scotland - I'm down the other end, in South Wales Good luck on the challenge, goals look fab Kettlebells + Swimming + Paleo = WIN!

Thanks! How's the weather down there? I imagine you must be roasting as it's pretty hot even in Scotland.

[laurabzz]

Update on the progress. I know, I know, we haven't started yet... But I needed to share!

For the FIRST time in my life EVER, I actually gathered my courage and went to that scary room in my gym where the magic happens. That place that smells of testosterone, that's filled with weights, scary looking machines and 99% male population. Man,that was some scary thing to do. But I squatted, deadlifted and did other things I couldn't imagine myself doing a month ago. So awesome.

Overall, now I know I can deadlift 40kg and squat 35kg, if I remember correctly (88 and 77 respectively. Converted only for you, 'Murrica). I'm sore all over but I'm enjoying it. Hell yeah I made it! Putting my stats here, just to see how I do over the following months (I know they're not too impressive to some of you maybe, but I'm proud of myself )

[Ems]

Thanks! How's the weather down there? I imagine you must be roasting as it's pretty hot even in Scotland.

 

The weather is amazing, I can't believe how long its lasted! The other day we had a tiny bit of rain, and I thought, what is this, we don't get rain in Wales! Haha lol. I'm coming up to Scotland next weekend so happy to hear the good weather continues up north

[Amandaba]

Very nice. I'm just starting book three and was thinking that same thing- Rangers=Night Watch Rangers. Love the quotes from the book. Good luck to you!

 

[Amandaba]

Update on the progress. I know, I know, we haven't started yet... But I needed to share!

For the FIRST time in my life EVER, I actually gathered my courage and went to that scary room in my gym where the magic happens. That place that smells of testosterone, that's filled with weights, scary looking machines and 99% male population. Man,that was some scary thing to do. But I squatted, deadlifted and did other things I couldn't imagine myself doing a month ago. So awesome.

Overall, now I know I can deadlift 40kg and squat 35kg, if I remember correctly (convert to pounds yourself, 'Murrica). I'm sore all over but I'm enjoying it. Hell yeah I made it! Putting my stats here, just to see how I do over the following months (I know they're not too impressive to some of you maybe, but I'm proud of myself )

 

Good for you laura, you SHOULD be proud! it can be so intimidating lifting with so many guys around. I like my gym, I can just grab my dumbells, walk to the end of the mirror and do my thing, away and out of the way of the big dogs (if there's too many for comfort). Though it is kinda an ego booster when they start watching you...(even if it is just curiosity over the girl that's lifting more than 10pounds...) I can't lift much (and way less than you if I did my math correctly) but I'm hoping for some "holy crap she could kick my ass" looks in the future.

[laurabzz]

Very nice. I'm just starting book three and was thinking that same thing- Rangers=Night Watch Rangers. Love the quotes from the book. Good luck to you!

 

 

You're in for a treat. Book three is my favourite so far (second half of it mostly). It was soooo intense. Although I've read it before the TV season aired so I didn't know any spoilers.

 

Good for you laura, you SHOULD be proud! it can be so intimidating lifting with so many guys around. I like my gym, I can just grab my dumbells, walk to the end of the mirror and do my thing, away and out of the way of the big dogs (if there's too many for comfort). Though it is kinda an ego booster when they start watching you...(even if it is just curiosity over the girl that's lifting more than 10pounds...) I can't lift much (and way less than you if I did my math correctly) but I'm hoping for some "holy crap she could kick my ass" looks in the future.

 

(updated the numbers to pounds because I'm nice today)

 

Thanks for your positive energy! I wasn't sure what weight is the most usual 'starting weight' so I thought that I'm a weakling in this forum.

The guy next to me looked like from the army (he was wearing army colours too haha). It wasn't very encouraging Next time I go, I'll have my workout plan sorted, ipod on and most importantly - I'll know where everything is so I won't look too lost. Do you plan your own workouts entirely or use plans made by someone? (like Rebel Strength Guide or similar)

[laurabzz]

The weather is amazing, I can't believe how long its lasted! The other day we had a tiny bit of rain, and I thought, what is this, we don't get rain in Wales! Haha lol. I'm coming up to Scotland next weekend so happy to hear the good weather continues up north

 

Don't get too excited yet, everything can change within 20 minutes here

[idealistinfire]

That's sooooo cool that you made it to the Boys' Only! Weight Room - way to go!  (I definitely picture a hand-painted sign that states "Girls Keep Out" when I see that room at our gym.).  My plan is to try those weights once winter sets in because a) I should be able to do the Beg. Body Weight Routine 3x through easily and b ) it'll be cold and rainy and the gym will seem like a better alternative to hiking then.  Speaking of which, totally jealous of your weeklong hiking plans.  Please post pictures!

[Eirlys]

Hi Laura

 

I can believe there's White Walkers up beyond Hadrian's Wall ;)  Sounds like you're ready to kick some walker ass, tho!

 

And I haven't heard many people talking about 'Paleo' here in the UK (in fact I hadn't heard of it at all before finding NF!)

 

What are you studying at uni?

 

Good luck with your challenge!

[laurabzz]

That's sooooo cool that you made it to the Boys' Only! Weight Room - way to go!  (I definitely picture a hand-painted sign that states "Girls Keep Out" when I see that room at our gym.).  My plan is to try those weights once winter sets in because a) I should be able to do the Beg. Body Weight Routine 3x through easily and b ) it'll be cold and rainy and the gym will seem like a better alternative to hiking then.  Speaking of which, totally jealous of your weeklong hiking plans.  Please post pictures!

 

Haha, maybe I should print a 'Girls Keep Out' poster and hang it on the door I doubt gym staff would thank me though. But it definitely feels that way when you enter - only guys (of all shapes and sizes, so at least that's not bad) lifting weights. My gym bought another building nearby so it'll be double the size it is now. It used to be a very low-reputation nightclub there. I welcome the transition. Anyway, my point is, we'll have a bigger weight room in a year or so, yay. (or by the time I finish my uni and leave)

I agree that starting with bodyweight workouts is the best idea. How is it going by the way? How much do you manage to do now? I think I'm blessed with a body that easily adapts to anything I put it through. I just forgot to take care of myself somewhere on the way. 

I think my holiday plans changed... sadly I won't be doing the 7-day hike this summer (but I'll do it some time later). I bought tickets to visit my family in September so I can't afford one more week off in August. Oh well, I made my family a priority this time, no regrets

 

Hi Laura

 

I can believe there's White Walkers up beyond Hadrian's Wall  Sounds like you're ready to kick some walker ass, tho!

 

And I haven't heard many people talking about 'Paleo' here in the UK (in fact I hadn't heard of it at all before finding NF!)

 

What are you studying at uni?

 

Good luck with your challenge!

 

Hi kevralyn!

 

Oh trust me, there are

 

Actually, I haven't heard of Paleo here either. I think it's a relatively recent trend so we'll hear of it in a couple of years (as everything from US seems to come hear a little later). I've seen the word 'Paleo' somewhere on the internet and didn't really pay attention to it. Only discovered Paleo when I found NF too

 

I'm doing a joint degree of Sociology and Central and Eastern European Studies  

 

Where about do you live in UK? I love your challenge, it's very unique. I think Rangers will welcome a nice song while scouting the forests.

[Ensi]

Nice looking goals, laurabzz! All are realistic and I'm sure you'll reach them. : ) Got my goals sorted, too...!

 

I'm super proud of you for getting there with da boyzz at the gym! I'm always happy to hear about girls who lift heavy weights, I never really knew anyone before I joined NF : D

 

Tomorrow it starts... Good luck!!

[laurabzz]

Nice looking goals, laurabzz! All are realistic and I'm sure you'll reach them. : ) Got my goals sorted, too...!

 

I'm super proud of you for getting there with da boyzz at the gym! I'm always happy to hear about girls who lift heavy weights, I never really knew anyone before I joined NF : D

 

Tomorrow it starts... Good luck!!

 

Thanks Ensi!

It's always great to have support here at NF because I'm pretty much alone in this quest IRL. 

 

I never knew about any females lifting either. In fact, only because of NF I realized that heavy lifting won't make me look like a bodybuilder... >.> I always wanted to try it but I was afraid. NF taught me so much

[idealistinfire]

Umm, I'll have to try a beg. bw workout again soonish and find out - it hasn't come up in my sporadic workouts recently (had a lot of shovelglove workouts though).  But I'm noticing improvements all around, so I'm hopeful.  Can't wait until I get the P90x test day again - I'd like to see how much I've improved on that part as well.  Have fun this challenge!

[laurabzz]

Thanks, you too, idealistinfire!

 

 

Day 1.

 

It seems like my first week will be chaotic again - I have a crazy work schedule that leaves me with maximum 5 hours of sleep during the night. I'll have to make up for it during the day.

 

The kettlebells instructor was crazy today as well - we had an INTENSE workout and my arms currently prefer T-Rex position. I really wanted to go for a swim later - even though that wasn't planned - so I did 1km before I had to go to work. 

 

I'm still trying to figure out the routine for my barbell training (any tips?). It's been a while since I felt such a huge noob at something. 

 

My weight is the same as it was a month ago, but I think I might have lost some fat and gained muscle, since I'm much stronger now than I was then (and losing weight was never my priority). I've ordered a measure tape to track my progress more accurately.

 

All in all, it's a good start! K bye, gonna go hunt some meat down. Carnivores FTW.

[Amandaba]

Thanks, you too, idealistinfire!

 

 

Day 1.

 

It seems like my first week will be chaotic again - I have a crazy work schedule that leaves me with maximum 5 hours of sleep during the night. I'll have to make up for it during the day.

 

The kettlebells instructor was crazy today as well - we had an INTENSE workout and my arms currently prefer T-Rex position. I really wanted to go for a swim later - even though that wasn't planned - so I did 1km before I had to go to work. 

 

I'm still trying to figure out the routine for my barbell training (any tips?). It's been a while since I felt such a huge noob at something. 

 

My weight is the same as it was a month ago, but I think I might have lost some fat and gained muscle, since I'm much stronger now than I was then (and losing weight was never my priority). I've ordered a measure tape to track my progress more accurately.

 

All in all, it's a good start! K bye, gonna go hunt some meat down. Carnivores FTW.

Ah, T-Rex arms, gotta love 'em!

Isn't it crazy how much smaller you can get but not weigh less!? I was surprised at the end of the prev challenge when my clothes were loose® and yet I was 2pounds heavier (pretty sure I wandered around my apartment grunting and pretending I was some Olympic strongman all morning after I discovered that) Anywho, sounds like a good start to the challenge!

[laurabzz]

Tiggs86, I know right! That's why I bough a measuring tape, I need to see the changes because the scale is a worthless thing. And I always have doubts when I feel that my clothes are looser - 'maybe they were always like that, maybe I'm imagining things...' 

 

 

Day 2. (I doubt I'll be updating my thread every day throughout the challenge, but I like talking a lot.)

 

Had 5 hours sleep last night. I'm going to sleep after I post this. 

Anyway, that didn't stop me from going to the gym in the morning (it's only 1pm right now but I'm a morning person). As any normal person would think, it's OBVIOUS that you need to make sure you understand your workout plan. I didn't. Massive fail. I only squatted and deadlifted because I forgot what 'press' and other things mean. I'm terrible. I know how to do those things, I just forgot their names.

My hands were only slightly shaking when I opened the doors to the weights' room and everyone (all male) looked at me. Concentrating, I turned my music on and tried to forget about everyone else (AC/DC were very encouraging with 'She's Got Balls').

 

I think I found my 'starting weight' for exercises now. For the next few sessions I'll try to concentrate on my form while lifting - it needs a lot of improvement. No need to lift heavier if I'm not 100% happy with my squats.

 

Stats: 

Deadlift: 60kg (132 lbs)

Squat: 55kg (121 lbs)

 

Is it ok? I really have no idea. Anyway, I can't do a single pullup . Also, I'd love to try benchpress but I don't have a spotter. I now realize that my goals are leaning towards Warriors rather than Rangers at the moment. I still move, swim and cycle, please don't banish me.

On a side note, it'd be awesome to deadlift my own weight someday (I'm heavy, it's a long way to go).

 

 

I just remembered today that this guy is from my country. He CAN squat. I should be embarrassed of myself if I didn't squat.

[idealistinfire]

But you went, braved the weight room and you learned something to make the next workout better!  No shame in that

[laurabzz]

But you went, braved the weight room and you learned something to make the next workout better!  No shame in that

 

Oh I know, I'm perfectly fine with this. It was just hilarious for me so I had to share I always plan everything to the tiniest detail and then forget something really important. 

[laurabzz]

Day 3

 

Have you SEEN the thread Shit Warriors Eat? I love it.

 

Nothing much to update today, I'm having a rest day. I thought about going for a swim but I needed to get some sleep. Had the best tuna salad ever today. I'm 100% honest when I say that I don't miss non-Paleo foods. It's very weird for me, but I love eating Paleo. I expected more resistance from my brain. Only thing I sometimes think about is ice cream. Oh, and I had a slice of bakewell tart yesterday and I'm not even regretting it, it was delicious (always be friends with a chef, people.)

 

Now I'm thinking I might have done better going to Warriors with my current challenge, as lifting is all I think about at the moment (not in a 'f yeah I deadlift, even though I've only done it twice so far' but in 'I wonder how the muscles work when I do this, I need to research this, I need to get shoes, I need to research training programmes...' way). It's just so new for me that I'm a little overwhelmed.

 

That's all from me!

 

Hope you're a having an awesome day, fellow Rangers!

[Ensi]

 

 

Have you SEEN the thread Shit Warriors Eat? I love it.

 

It's... beautiful : o

 

Lifting is super addictive! Do some research and make yourself a simple beginner workout, that should get you started Maybe this article could help?

[laurabzz]

It's... beautiful : o

 

Lifting is super addictive! Do some research and make yourself a simple beginner workout, that should get you started Maybe this article could help?

 

Yes it is! I keep thinking about it all day... I've read that article and so many other articles and I'm in a middle of Starting Strength book I feel like I've done more research than some guys at the gym. But you're right, I'm starting with simple things only

[laurabzz]

Woohoo look what I just got

 

 

by the way I love anklets because it's the only piece of jewellery that doesn't get in my way while exercising. 

 

Going to the gym to try those out now!

[idealistinfire]

Sweet!  I'm super tempted to try something like that, so let me know how they work