Getting Going Again

[brader24]

I'm joining late, but hope to use this to make diet and exercise a priority again in my life. I started a challenge a couple months ago, but life got crazy quickly and I needed to bow out.  I'm starting again a bit simpler.  I will set some simple easy goals for this partial challenge to set myself up for the next challenge.

 

Main Quest:  Lose 23 Pounds.

My reasons are two fold.  First, I entered a weight loss incentive 2-3 months ago through my Insurance Provider that will pay me $500 when I reach 190 pounds (I'm currently at about 213 pounds).  Second, and most importantly, I have lost the weight before and feel much better physically and psychologically.

 

My challenge goals (for the next 3 weeks) are:

• Consume no more than 1500 Calories per day.
• Spend at least 15 minutes per day on some kind of Cardio activity allowing just one rest day per week.
• Drink 6 cups (48 oz) of water per day

[edited to allow for a rest day from my daily cardio commitment]

[JessFit]

Good and attainable goals! Good luck!

[AshPS]

Hey there brader24!

 

Thank you for becoming a follower!

 

Sounds like you have some awesome motivation and a good set of realistic goals to get you started!

 

I will be lurking so keep us posted on your progress!!

[brader24]

While I wasn't going to count yesterday as my first day since I didn't really start until after lunch and my diet sucked, I redeemed myself in the afternoon eating a modest dinner for total of 1685 consumed calories.  I rode my bike around the neighborhood for about 3.3 miles in about 16 minutes.  Tonight I plan on riding the same route, but while pulling my toddler son around so that will definitely add some intensity and probably put him to sleep.  I killed it on the water goal, drinking about 9 servings of water.

 

I was looking around again at the classes and while I would put myself in the Ranger guild currently in just wanting good all around fitness, in my heart I believe I have always been drawn towards the Assassin.  Maybe someday I will move more towards that, though for now, I shall remain a Ranger with an Assassin's heart.

 

Oh. My Body Measurements.  I took these myself.  I'm pretty sure I was pretty accurate and located correctly.  Probably not as good as having someone else take them. I figure as long as I take the same measurements consistently, I can still see the progress and I don't care about comparing myself to anyone else.

 

Chest: 44 inches

Hips: 42 inches

Waist (where my belt runs): 39 inches

Abdomen (just under my belly button): 44 inches

Thigh: 24.5 inches

Upper Arm (left): 12.5 inches

[JessFit]

I'm glad you're so excited and had such a great day yesterday! Enjoy your bike ride later

[AshPS]

Good going brader24, bit by bit will continue moving you forward!

[brader24]

Yesterday went well.  Had a good breakfast of scrambled eggs before leaving for work, which is much better than my usual, wait until I get to work, grab a couple cups of coffee and a pack of brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts for breakfast.  Total consumed calories for the day was about 1350, well below my maximum daily goal.  I drank about 9 glasses of water and rode my bike hard for about 18 minutes while pulling my 26 lb toddler in a bike trailer.  I'm feeling better too.  I am also looking into the Convict Conditioning book.  I've always felt drawn to a more bodyweight, functional style strength training.  Hopefully it is worth it.  I plan to take it slow and not demand instant success.  I have a strong tendency to overdue it when I start a new workout routine.

[JessFit]

Taking it slow is a good plan, it will help you stick with it longer

[brader24]

First, to JessFit and Ash, thank you both for your comments and encouragement.  I'm not very comfortable sometimes with the whole support thing and tend to want to stay invisible, but I know having support and offering support is a powerful thing.

 

Now for some miscellaneous rambling.  I started reading Convict Conditioning.  Mostly skimming through the background stuff.  I know there are a lot of opinions about it pro and con and many or most don't believe the Author is real, but I think...who cares.  If the story line motivates you in some way whether it is real or not, isn't that a good thing?  Many also don't believe the master levels of some of the exercises are achievable and that the book lies regarding the author or anyone else being able to perform them, such as the one-arm handstand pushup.  I don't personally know if that is possible or not, but again, I don't care.  I do wonder if the progressions are complete enough to go from beginner and to develop from one to the next in the correct way.  I take what most anyone says with a grain of salt because everyone comes with their own biases and don't base their opinions on actually trying any of it.  "Experts" disagree all the time.  So, I'm going to follow the book as closely as possible, taking into consideration the concerns some have about it and see how it goes.  No training method is perfect, they should always be taken as a framework to learn from and adapt to each individuals needs.

 

My current plan is to start immediately on the level one exercises.  I may do a few of each every day as long as they are not too stressing and just focus for this challenge on learning the proper form, tempo, etc.  I strongly believe that performing an exercise is paramount, so like I said in my previous post, I will take things slow.  I do not want to progress anything unless I maintain perfect form.  This is how I understand the book when it says to start with level 1 and I believe it.

[JessFit]

I've never read the book so I can't give my opinion on that. I do however know that I'm too uncordinated to even manage a handstand, a handstand pushup, even with two arms, is mindblowingly impossible for me! hehehehe I fall over with my feet on the ground, with my hands on the ground is a recipe for disaster!

[AshPS]

First, to JessFit and Ash, thank you both for your comments and encouragement.  I'm not very comfortable sometimes with the whole support thing and tend to want to stay invisible, but I know having support and offering support is a powerful thing.

 

Now for some miscellaneous rambling.  I started reading Convict Conditioning.  Mostly skimming through the background stuff.  I know there are a lot of opinions about it pro and con and many or most don't believe the Author is real, but I think...who cares.  If the story line motivates you in some way whether it is real or not, isn't that a good thing?  Many also don't believe the master levels of some of the exercises are achievable and that the book lies regarding the author or anyone else being able to perform them, such as the one-arm handstand pushup.  I don't personally know if that is possible or not, but again, I don't care.  I do wonder if the progressions are complete enough to go from beginner and to develop from one to the next in the correct way.  I take what most anyone says with a grain of salt because everyone comes with their own biases and don't base their opinions on actually trying any of it.  "Experts" disagree all the time.  So, I'm going to follow the book as closely as possible, taking into consideration the concerns some have about it and see how it goes.  No training method is perfect, they should always be taken as a framework to learn from and adapt to each individuals needs.

 

My current plan is to start immediately on the level one exercises.  I may do a few of each every day as long as they are not too stressing and just focus for this challenge on learning the proper form, tempo, etc.  I strongly believe that performing an exercise is paramount, so like I said in my previous post, I will take things slow.  I do not want to progress anything unless I maintain perfect form.  This is how I understand the book when it says to start with level 1 and I believe it.

 

Hey there! I completely understand the invisible thing! Believe it or not I was the same when I came here, lol!

 

Vilkacis, my accountability partner is doing that program, if you want to discuss it or have question you might check out his thread here:

 

http://nerdfitnessrebellion.com/index.php?/topic/34181-vilkacis-hunts-for-his-inner-beast/

 

And I completely agree with the experts don't know everything. Good that your making the choices for yourself!

 

And good job on your goals!!! 

[brader24]

Ok.  So another day of hitting all of my goals.  I was way under on my calories consumed for the day: 1,071. I meant to have a small glass of milk and a few almonds after my bike ride last night, but after putting my son to bed I completely forgot.     Oh well.  Reminds me of when I was a kid and would forget to eat major meals because I was busy swimming.  Ah, those were the days.

 

More of the same for today I hope.  I view this stage as the easy stage.  I'm all pumped up and eager.  I'm afraid it won't take long to start facing some challenges.  This weekend for instance we're visiting my family in Ohio and I won't have my bike.  One of the only options I will have to get my 15 minutes of cardio is to run, well really more of a jog for me.  I dread running.  It's only for 15 minutes though, I can do it.

 

I'm continuing to read convict conditioning.  Since I believe that form and tempo are very important, I will probably start taking step 1 of each movement and focus on about one per day on the form and tempo and not looking to really stress my muscles just yet. The goal will be to have the them pretty well down and hit it for real as a goal in the next challenge.

[JessFit]

It is great that you are hitting your goals, but make sure that you get enough to eat, undereating isn't good either and I don't want to have to worry about you! Also a rest day this weekend while visitng family isn't the end of the world. Food and rest matter bigtime in reaching these sort of goals. The worry-wart-mom side of me being placated (I'm not actually a mom, I just worry like one) I think you're doing great and I'm so thrilled that you're finding this stage easy and fun

[brader24]

It is great that you are hitting your goals, but make sure that you get enough to eat, undereating isn't good either and I don't want to have to worry about you! Also a rest day this weekend while visitng family isn't the end of the world. Food and rest matter bigtime in reaching these sort of goals. The worry-wart-mom side of me being placated (I'm not actually a mom, I just worry like one) I think you're doing great and I'm so thrilled that you're finding this stage easy and fun

 

Thanks.  I agree.  I don't intend to under eat.  It may take me a bit of time to work out the diet so that I eat the right amount spread properly throughout the day.  I agree and in my goals I should have really included a rest day.  I figured 15 minutes of cardio per day is really not that bad except for the consistency aspect, but I am going to edit that goal to allow for 1 rest day per week.  My ultimate goal is really to build a habit of taking even a little bit of time every day to get my heart rate up since I work at a desk.

 

[edit] Actually, having a rest day will allow me to do all of my workouts from home.  We are not leaving until Sat morning and coming home Monday so I can bike early Sat morning and late Monday night.  Sunday will, appropriately, be my rest day.

[AshPS]

Thanks.  I agree.  I don't intend to under eat.  It may take me a bit of time to work out the diet so that I eat the right amount spread properly throughout the day.  I agree and in my goals I should have really included a rest day.  I figured 15 minutes of cardio per day is really not that bad except for the consistency aspect, but I am going to edit that goal to allow for 1 rest day per week.  My ultimate goal is really to build a habit of taking even a little bit of time every day to get my heart rate up since I work at a desk.

 

[edit] Actually, having a rest day will allow me to do all of my workouts from home.  We are not leaving until Sat morning and coming home Monday so I can bike early Sat morning and late Monday night.  Sunday will, appropriately, be my rest day.

 

Awesome way to look at it. Bit by bit. Every day making a decision to progress yourself to a healthier lifestyle. And a rest day is a good idea. Similar to the once a week treat I allow. Helps keep you sane!

 

Many best wishes on your goals- and yes, make sure you eat enough. Getting hungry could open the door to challenges you don't need. But, also don't be afraid of challenges- part & parcel of the journey. It's the moving past them that's what is MOST important!

[JessFit]

I'm going to be honest, when I undereat and get hungry, I snap and eat everything. It's a little scary and people have considered calling an exorcist... And I feel terrible after, but if I keep to a moderate workout plan so I don't burn out and a modterate diet that isn't 100% great but is mostly good then I don't lose it and I stay in a better place psychologically and physically. I think your weekend plan is great, the trip is well planned to allow you some down time. 15 minutes of cardio a day won't overdo it I'm sure but down time is good.

[brader24]

I'm going to be honest, when I undereat and get hungry, I snap and eat everything. It's a little scary and people have considered calling an exorcist... And I feel terrible after, but if I keep to a moderate workout plan so I don't burn out and a modterate diet that isn't 100% great but is mostly good then I don't lose it and I stay in a better place psychologically and physically. I think your weekend plan is great, the trip is well planned to allow you some down time. 15 minutes of cardio a day won't overdo it I'm sure but down time is good.

 

Thanks!  I totally agree and that is my usual approach to diet and exercise, though I have a tendency to over do it on planning and executing both.  I never eliminate any options from my diet though.  I think that is the biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight.  Portion control and just enough tracking to make sure that I am on track has worked best for me.

[brader24]

So I hit all of my goals again yesterday, and did a little light work on the CC Wall Push-Ups step.  I was a little surprised that I could feel tightness and even a slight soreness in my arms last night and this morning.  I didn't think I had done that many.  Today I'm going to read about and practice CC Shoulderstand Squats.  Should be interesting.  Probably a bit challenging since I have some extra around the midsection to lose, but start now, hopefully by the time I lose my weight I will be a pro at these.  I will do a few of the Wall Push-ups today to so I can start to ingrain the technique, tempo, and cadence into my muscle memory.

 

So I consumed about 1445 Calories total yesterday so I'm very happy about that.  I didn't under eat by a lot like yesterday, though I think I may have overestimated on my dinner portion last night.

 

I was floating in water yesterday.  I think I drank about 10-11 glasses.  Btw, anyone know where the bathroom is?!?  

 

Finally, I rode the same route again last night pulling Sebastian as usual.  What took 18 minutes two nights prior took me 17 minutes last night.  Stretched afterwards and feel pretty good, though my legs are a bit tired today.  May have to space out my harder rides a little bit so I don't overdue it.  Sebastian though is loving my new commitment.  Yesterday morning, when he and my wife were leaving, instead of walking to his door of the car, he walked to the bike trailer and wanted to go for a ride.  My wife didn't care for riding a bike to work though.  I don't think he was too happy about that.

[AshPS]

I was floating in water yesterday.  I think I drank about 10-11 glasses.  Btw, anyone know where the bathroom is?!?  

 

Finally, I rode the same route again last night pulling Sebastian as usual.  What took 18 minutes two nights prior took me 17 minutes last night.  Stretched afterwards and feel pretty good, though my legs are a bit tired today.  May have to space out my harder rides a little bit so I don't overdue it.  Sebastian though is loving my new commitment.  Yesterday morning, when he and my wife were leaving, instead of walking to his door of the car, he walked to the bike trailer and wanted to go for a ride.  My wife didn't care for riding a bike to work though.  I don't think he was too happy about that.

 

Lol, if you find it let me know. My kids are starting to think I have issues!

 

Awesome work!! Making progress!!

 

And that last part- that is AWESOME. Now your officially enlisting in the Rebel:TNG!!

[brader24]

Ok, so I've been reading a lot of Convict Conditioning, way more time on it than I really have to available to spend, and I'm anxious to really get started.    I guess this is where the patience kicks in so I don't go overboard.   

 

<Sigh> Stick to the plan.  Make it work.  Persevere.  We're talking a life change here, not instant gratification.  

[AshPS]

<Sigh> Stick to the plan.  Make it work.  Persevere.  We're talking a life change here, not instant gratification.  

 

Yep, (nodding) sound words my friend!

[brader24]

And that last part- that is AWESOME. Now your officially enlisting in the Rebel:TNG!!

 

Ha. No doubt. I only hope that I can teach him, and the one in the oven, proper diet and fitness, that's part of my motivation.  Besides being a good example and having the energy to be active with them, I want the knowledge to teach them as well.

[AshPS]

Ha. No doubt. I only hope that I can teach him, and the one in the oven, proper diet and fitness, that's part of my motivation.  Besides being a good example and having the energy to be active with them, I want the knowledge to teach them as well.

 

That is your motivation, and that already makes YOU an awesome dad!

[brader24]

So, it was a good day for me, except that I am so gung ho on all of this that I wasn't that productive today and will need to make up some time this weekend.  Luckily I can do the work from home and do to the unfortunate circumstances of my wife's day we probably won't be going to visit my family this weekend as planned so I should have more time.

 

As for my wife's bad day...let's just say that who ever coined the term "morning" sickness needs to go see lockboy.  Assuming he'd like to take care of someone else after he takes care of Ash's AC guy.  Anyway, she had to leave work early because she couldn't keep anything down.  Absolutely nothing.  Same thing happened a couple of weeks ago only worse and I ended up taking her to the ER on the advice of the doctor on call at about 3 or 4am.  I'm praying we don't have a repeat.

 

As for me, I hit my calorie limit exact today...1500...okay so I a few minutes ago when I was adding everything up I realized I had a couple hundred extra calories available so I figured I'd indulge slightly on two of my favorite simpler foods/beverages: Milk and Ritz Crackers.  Okay so that might be a little strange, but I have always enjoyed both of them and...well...it just sounded good.  So I started putting it in and was able to have a 1/2 cup of milk and about 6 Ritz Crackers.  Just about enough to have me craving more.

 

I drank about 10 glasses of water today so great there.  I was late getting my bike ride in and even though it was Seb's bedtime, I took him along because I knew he'd want to go and I didn't want to leave him in case he fussed going to sleep and made my wife have to get up.  He never even fell asleep.  I went a bit easier on the bike ride tonight though and completed the same 3.3 miles in 20 minutes instead of last nights 17 mins.

 

Finally I performed more practice Wall Push-Ups and started practicing Shoulderstand Squats.  Based on CC, I have a little work to do on form and just to get stabilized and keep my body under control, but range of motion was pretty good considering I still have a decent gut.  I was pretty wobbly though.  Need to get that straightened out before I progress.

[AshPS]

Ok, forgive me if I'm being brainless here but who is lockboy? Cause he sounds like someone I'd like, lol!

 

And, please, allow him to take care of the 'morning sickness' person first as I've been there 6 times and can sympathize IMMENSELY! I will send out heartfelt best wishes on her behalf. Wish I could offer some advice, but unfortunately I never came across anything that really helped.

 

Hah, a man after my own heart!!   Milk and Ritz crackers, nummy!!! But, 6 just would not do so I just stay away. lol

 

You are a VERY sweet man to take the little one with you on behalf of the wife. And I don't say that trivially, it is meant with all sincerity.

 

And, excellent job on the workout!