THE DAI-GURREN BRIGADE!!

[formymonkey]

I think that makes me a bigger dork. But I guess, owning your dorkyness is better than hiding it. Cool runnings is a rather funny kids movie about Jamaican sprinters that get to the Olympics by bobsledding.

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[AshPS]

Lol! I agree, we should own the dorkiness!

 

I will have to find it and watch it!

[Vixen68]

How did everyone else go on week 1? My summary is up in my challenge thread, however i got an A for the week

 

Strength - Feeling great about my max testing next week after some heavy lifts this week.

Track - Although some of my food choices could have been better, i tracked everyday. 

Mobility - mobility work on 5 days

Life - Definitely on my way to completing this goal and making lasting changes!

[AshPS]

Awesome job Vixen!

 

As for me, I am not doing a weekly grade as yet since my week to week progress will be adjusted as I go. But, I am extremely happy with my progress for this past week and am happy to say that I will be adding some strength training back in this week. Weight amount will be limited so I will be focusing on high reps. This will hopefully keep the muscles prepped and ready for returning to my recomp come December when I am cleared!  :triumphant:

 

 

Ok, Brigade. This is probably the best time to explain about Hero and the Brigade. I have put this off as it makes me very sad.

My last contact with Hero was October 28th. At that time we discussed the future of the Brigade for this challenge and he had told me he would come and explain and be here this challenge. I have not been able to get a hold of him since and it appears at this time he is gone.

Now, the gist of our discussion was about that he was officially planning to put an end to leading the brigade as he was just too busy with life matters. At that time I expressed a concern about my ability to lead due to the fact that the last challenge had been so very hard on the brigade and we lost people who were very dear to me. I felt ragged emotionally from the losses and feeling responsible and trying to continue to help the rest. I felt incompetent as a leader.

It was my impression Hero intended to end the Brigade. It was not what I wanted and I felt torn about what to do.

Then imagine my surprise when I come back from the hospital to find my Brigade had rallied and continued. It was AWESOME!

And I knew then that I could not let this end.

So, I will continue to lead the Brigade, unfortunately without Hero. This makes me really sad. And I hope you guys will bear with me as I am not Hero, I do not have his flare for knowing the right thing to say or do. And I am completely inept at things like chakras or roll playing or any of that stuff.

Though if you guys would like to do those things I'm open to suggestions!

I just know that we are the Brigade and always will be......NO Matter What! I am so proud of you all. You should be proud of yourselves. I don't think any other group could have survived what we have and the losses, but you guys did!

 

It is my intention to keep the Brigade going challenge after challenge.

 

Now let me see those reports!! :triumphant: :triumphant:

[formymonkey]

Ash you are doing a fantastic job. I am glad you are able to lift some weights. That you are able to keep yourself going and the rest of us to is amazing. If you need help let us know.

A did loose some pretty cool people last challenge, but we gained several too. The only constant in life is change. YOU ARE DOING A KICK ASS JOB ASH. DON'T FORGET THAT!!! I an doing this on my phone out there would be 32 triumph smiles

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[AshPS]

Awwwww, you are awesome Monks. Thank you that means a lot. And having that kind of support is why I am determined the Brigade keeps going.

[- Will -]

Still got room for me guys?

Sorry I'm late to the party, but don't worry, I've done the three workouts required this week, I've just been procrastinating the rest of the time. But I'm now in the process of setting up my thread, and all that stuff.

I'm glad to see you all again, so lets kick some butt!

 

And Ash (regarding your post), you're a great leader! Don't let those bad thoughts get you down! Think about it in terms of Gurren Lagann (you know, because our team is kinda' based around it). in the show (spoilers), Kamina [Hero] is the leader at first, but is taken down in battle [has to leave the Brigade], Simon [you] goes through a rough time for a while [the last challenge], but with the help of his friends, turns himself around and finds the courage to keep going, and lead his team to victory!

Remember, don't just believe in the Brigade that believes in you, believe in the Ash that believes in YOU! 

You can do it! And we'll all be here together every step of the way

 

 

Because who are we!?

We're

THE DAI GURREN BRIGADE

[AshPS]

Will, I am VERY glad to have you back. You remind me a lot of Hero with your enthusiasm and the awesome way you encourage.

 

Many thank yous my friend! You are an excellent addition to this Brigade and I am so glad you came back!

 

I will be looking for that thread and expect it up soon!

[wesb1898]

Ash, you are an awesome motivator and leader.  Hell, I am here after the Down 'N Dirties have pretty much collapsed.  Congrats to you for keeping this group going.  I am super happy to be here, and it is awesome having people who are so passionate about their friends.  Keep it up.  You kick ass, Ash!

 

Sorry I was digitally unavailable for the weekend.  I tend to do that.  But I had a pretty good weekend.  Week 1 update.

Bench 2x: Check

Deadlift 1x: Check

Squat 3x: Check

Paleo Protocol: Had some Zaxbys's on Saturday, but other than that, check.

 

Also, I got a new truck this weekend, so no more frozen Wes riding my motorcycle in this winter weather.

[AshPS]

Hey guys!

 

Wanted to let you all know that I heard from hero this morning! Apparently the reason he had not made contact was because he was in the Philippines with no internet service.

I do not know as yet his intentions about coming back. Just wanted everyone to know he is good.

[AshPS]

Wesb,

 

I can't tell you how humbled I am by your words or how appreciated they are. Thank you for deciding to join us. It is people like you that are the reason this group needs to continue.

 

And, I think most people tend to disappear on the weekend, lol, so no worries.

 

A BIG Whooo Hooo and congrats on an excellent week 1 and for not having to be frozen this winter! :triumphant:

[iatetheyeti]

First I want to say well done to all you folks who had an amazing first week.

 

Second, and probably most importantly: Ash, you are an amazing leader. You've got the enthusiasm, the genuinely caring for other people, and the inspiration parts down whether you fully realise it or not. Yeah, last challenge there were some difficulties, but don't let that get you down. Like Monks said, the only constant in life is change. We're all behind you though, now worries there

 

Thirdly, mostly an afterthought now really, is a very brief challenge report for week one (full one is now up in my thread). It went well, amazingly well considering some of the things going on. A's all round, though I'm completely drained. Hopefully this week will be easier on the mental side of things...

[bluekiwi1]

Rawr!  End of Week 1 Summary:  A.

 

Rawr!  Ash is the BESTEST!  Rawr!

[DWD]

Late on the documentation, but I'm putting up my info on the current challenge.

Go Brigaders!

[ElbowRocker]

Don't sweat it Ash, you're doing great. As long as more than one person still posts here then the Brigade is doing its job. Don't over think it! Definitely don't let it stress you.

I had a good weekend and I'll post results here after I update my thread later.

#cherrsandwaffles

[Swampling]

First of all: I'm glad to hear that Hero's okay!

 

Second - as sad as it would be, if Hero chose to leave (at least for a time?) this awesome monster he has created, life occasionally does happen to the best of us.

It could very well be that, when he finally has enough time to come back in a decade or two , the Brigade will still be going strong, and all the future new recruits will whisper his name in awe. (That's A-W-E, not a-w-w-w-w!)

 

Third: Ash, you are doing a super job as fearless leader, you haven't given up on us in the past, so don't you dare start doing so now!

[forkboy]

Ash you are indeed awesome, I second ER, don't over think this one.  We are all here to support each other and in that you are preeminent and supreme!

 

My week 1 update:

Training Goal 4/4, A

Macro Goal 7/7, A

Water Goal 7/7, A

Life (garage) Goal 0/1, F

Not sure how to do an overall grade on that mix.  18/19 would be A, but if it were school and a GPA it would be C.  Let's split the difference and call it a solid B effort.

 

Have an awesome week 2 everyone!

[AshPS]

First I want to say well done to all you folks who had an amazing first week.

 

Second, and probably most importantly: Ash, you are an amazing leader. You've got the enthusiasm, the genuinely caring for other people, and the inspiration parts down whether you fully realise it or not. Yeah, last challenge there were some difficulties, but don't let that get you down. Like Monks said, the only constant in life is change. We're all behind you though, now worries there

 

Thirdly, mostly an afterthought now really, is a very brief challenge report for week one (full one is now up in my thread). It went well, amazingly well considering some of the things going on. A's all round, though I'm completely drained. Hopefully this week will be easier on the mental side of things...

 

Many thanks Yeti, your support always means a lot!

 

And Excellent job on those A's despite being drained mentally. I wish you a wonderful week 2!

[mango]

Ash, I am always impressed by the time you put in to support and motivation every single one of us. I think you make an awesome leader for the Brigade!

 

Here's my Week 1 summary, summarized from what's on my thread:

 

1. Do Stronglifts 3 times a week: D (67%)

 

2. Track macros: A- (90%)

 

3. Read Starting Strength and improve form: B (80%)

 

4. Life Goal - Clean apartment: C (75%)

 

OVERALL GRADE: C (78%)

So not a great start to the challenge. My grade was low on goals 1 and 4 because I missed one day. One day! So I've been reminded that every day counts in this challenge.

[AshPS]

Rawr!  End of Week 1 Summary:  A.

 

Rawr!  Ash is the BESTEST!  Rawr!

 

Awesome job kiwi!

 

And thank you my motivator!

 

 

 

 

Late on the documentation, but I'm putting up my info on the current challenge.

Go Brigaders!

 

Looking forward to it DWD! So glad to see you!! 

 

 

 

 

Don't sweat it Ash, you're doing great. As long as more than one person still posts here then the Brigade is doing its job. Don't over think it! Definitely don't let it stress you.

I had a good weekend and I'll post results here after I update my thread later.

#cherrsandwaffles

 

Many thanks Elbow & thank you for being here supporting me!

 

It is my sincere hope to see each and everyone of you posting through this challenge and into the next!

 

Looking forward to those results!

 

 

 

 

First of all: I'm glad to hear that Hero's okay!

 

Second - as sad as it would be, if Hero chose to leave (at least for a time?) this awesome monster he has created, life occasionally does happen to the best of us.

It could very well be that, when he finally has enough time to come back in a decade or two , the Brigade will still be going strong, and all the future new recruits will whisper his name in awe. (That's A-W-E, not a-w-w-w-w!)

 

Third: Ash, you are doing a super job as fearless leader, you haven't given up on us in the past, so don't you dare start doing so now!

 

Lol, I told him the brigade will always be here whenever he decides to return.

 

No worries, I will never give up on you guys! 

 

Thank you swampling, you are a wonderful!

 

 

 

 

Ash you are indeed awesome, I second ER, don't over think this one.  We are all here to support each other and in that you are preeminent and supreme!

 

My week 1 update:

Training Goal 4/4, A

Macro Goal 7/7, A

Water Goal 7/7, A

Life (garage) Goal 0/1, F

Not sure how to do an overall grade on that mix.  18/19 would be A, but if it were school and a GPA it would be C.  Let's split the difference and call it a solid B effort.

 

Have an awesome week 2 everyone!

 

 

Awww forkboy, you're awesome!

 

And I think it is an unquestionable B, and hard earned! You have done excellent! You'll kick butt on that life goal. (nodding)

[AshPS]

Ash, I am always impressed by the time you put in to support and motivation every single one of us. I think you make an awesome leader for the Brigade!

 

Here's my Week 1 summary, summarized from what's on my thread:

 

1. Do Stronglifts 3 times a week: D (67%)

 

2. Track macros: A- (90%)

 

3. Read Starting Strength and improve form: B (80%)

 

4. Life Goal - Clean apartment: C (75%)

 

OVERALL GRADE: C (78%)

So not a great start to the challenge. My grade was low on goals 1 and 4 because I missed one day. One day! So I've been reminded that every day counts in this challenge.

 

Every day is important, but don't be too hard on yourself mango! We all have off days and I know you are doing awesomely and I am super proud of you! 

 

Thank you for the encouragement mango! It really helps knowing that you feel that way.

 

Now, go kick butt on week 2!

[- Will -]

Got my thread up! Not much is on it yet, and I can't work on it now, because I have to bring my dog on a walk before it gets too dark outside, but hey, it's there now

Go ahead and a-clickity-click on this to go there. Don't feel shy to tell me if I did anything wrong with my goals, I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around allocating points to stuff, so I may have done something wrong, but I think I got it right...

[AshPS]

Got my thread up! Not much is on it yet, and I can't work on it now, because I have to bring my dog on a walk before it gets too dark outside, but hey, it's there now

Go ahead and a-clickity-click on this to go there. Don't feel shy to tell me if I did anything wrong with my goals, I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around allocating points to stuff, so I may have done something wrong, but I think I got it right...

 

 

On my way to sub!

 

Your goals belong to you, I really don't think it is a matter of getting them wrong. It's what works for you. 

 

I'm sure they are awesome!

[the 13th letter]

(Hero) was officially planning to put an end to leading the brigade as he was just too busy with life matters. At that time I expressed a concern about my ability to lead due to the fact that the last challenge had been so very hard on the brigade and we lost people who were very dear to me. … I felt incompetent as a leader.

It was my impression Hero intended to end the Brigade. … (But) I knew … that I could not let this end.

So, I will continue to lead the Brigade, unfortunately without Hero. … I hope you guys will bear with me as I am not Hero, I do not have his flare for knowing the right thing to say or do. And I am completely inept at things like chakras or roll playing or any of that stuff.

To repeat what I've said before, you've been keeping tabs on so many of us, giving us so much of your attention, that you have no reason to feel that you're a bad leader. The fact that we've lost some members, and that you feel you don't have enough "flare" or don't always know the right thing to say or do… I'm willing to call mastery of those areas side-effects of being an experienced leader, not necessities. If anything, it'd be a reason for you to consider yourself inexperienced. And I think even that is still a stretch.

In more related news, I'm currently filling in for the semi-reluctant-and-now-on-hiatus leader of the Black Knights. While it's not really that responsible a position—the main responsibility is to invite team members to a drink—the thought of acting out that position infuses the same mixture of uneasiness and feelings of inadequacy into my mood as I imagine leading the brigade infuses into you, Ash. Strangely enough, it's roughly the same cocktail that I feel when I'm asked to take over our local martial arts lessons. But since I've seen it happen often enough to others, and at times to myself, I know that at its core it's just an imagination which is usually at odds with the audience's perception, and that repeated exposure to this leader/teacher scenario is the only reliable way I know to improve your performance.

And if you're still unsure, I refer you to Tynan's essay on the five steps to becoming a leader.

[Vixen68]

Tested my 1 rep maxes yesterday. Full right-up is in my thread here.

 

I got:

10kg PR for squats - 70kg (154lbs) and first time over bodyweight

7.5kg PR for DL - 100kg (220lbs) which is 1.5x bodyweight

 

These were my goal weights to get before then end of the year

 

New Goals:  (current under 75kg Junior female Australian Records):

85kg Squat

50kg Bench

110kg DL

 

Would ideally like to get these weights before/at the federation's States next year (1st March) .