GoodDoug: Half Ogres are flexible?

[JuiceeTarget]

Flexibility challenge

 

GoodDoug the half ogre rubbed his muscles, he was sore. But it was the good kind of sore that you got from getting back into training. The Ranger Guild Leader sighed, "Why are you stopping? We just started."

GoodDoug sheepishly resumed the the stance he was supposed to be working on. It was mre difficult to maintain than it used to be. "You are tighter in the hips than you used to be," mentioned the Guild Leader as he gestured for the half ogre to move to the next stance, "reach that arm back further... no further... is that as far as you can go?"

 

GoodDoug was stretching, but he couldn't go as far as he used to. His body just wasn't what it used to be. The soft living of the rest from his last mission was starting to show. He wasn't used to pushing himself. It was time to knuckle down and get back into fighting shape so he could be ready for the next mission.

 

==

 

This is a "Back to Basic" challenge for me. I have learned some lessons form the last few challenges and I think I know what kinds of things work for me. 

I am motivated by numbers. One number I can control is calorie budget, that will then have an effect on the number I can't directly control... the scale. I will use both as a motivation. I am also really good at rationalizing excuses. I need to stop that.

I am also feeling really limited by my lack of flexibility lately. I can lift heavy things, but my range of motion is getting smaller.

Lastly, I find that if I enjoy the challenge, I am more likely to do it. I think I can figure out a way to make my challenge goals doable and fun/interesting by introducing some flexibility into how I can accomplish the challenge any given week.

 

Diet:

My main goal is to get to or under 195 pounds and under 21% body fat as measured by my scale. I've been there before and felt really good about it. I know how ot get there, I just need to do it. The specific strategies I will be using will include a variety of tactics: calorie counting using the LoseIt app at least 5 days a week; eating Primally most of the time; doing Intermittent Fasting at least 3 days a week. 

A subgoal is to plan ahead and have good food in the house.

Sta +2 Con +2 Cha +1

 

Workouts:

Again, with the numbers. Running - I will give myself the flexibility to either run at least 7 miles in a week, or to run 3 miles and do sprints once a week. One of those two will qualify. Strength - I will either move 10 tons of weight a week or move 5 tons and do 2 other days of bodyweight exercises. By being flexible, I hope to maintain momentum.

Str +2 Dex +2 Cha +2

 

Flexibility:

I will stretch every day. Even if it is only for 5 minutes, I will do it. Now, I know I need a better goal than "stretch every day" but I am afraid to commit to something more concrete. Why am I so afraid? 

I will make it a long term goal to do the splits, that is concrete and I know there are progressions I can follow. But I want to make sure that I keep up with arms, chest and shoulder flexibility as well. Chances are I will upgrade this goal over the course of the challenge.

Con +1 Dex +2 Wis +1 Cha +2

 

 

Life goal:

I have two of these, but they are related -

Get my garden monitoring solution done. Soil moisture, soil temperature, air moisture, air temperature and sunlight levels monitored with a combo arduino/raspberry pi (or beagle bone) and updated on a locally hosted website. Should be doable in 6 weeks... good idea to not have a sleep oriented goal with this one

Get my new garden boxes put in. I know now how I'm going to build them, now I just have to do it.

Wis +2 Cha +1

 

Here's to a bendy half ogre by the end of the challenge.

[TyrantLizard]

You got my nerd senses tingling with this challenge. First of all, the monitoring solution you're working on for your garden sounds intriguing. I've looked into Arduino/RaspPi solutions for this before (I help run an organic vegetable farm on the edge of Boston) but didn't go beyond the preliminary investigation stages due to time constraints and distracting shiny objects. I am definitely going to be following your goal to hear more about how this works out. Please succeed so I can steal your great ideas once you've done all the QA work  

 

Your challenge also interests me because increasing flexibility is a goal I have in mind for future challenges. I'm a bit weird in that my upper body is more flexible than average but my lower body is not, primarily due to my really tight hamstrings. I'll be curious to see what stretches you do and what you find most useful.

 

I too am a big fan of numbers and tracking metrics. I find it's a great way to keep my goals in mind and also to focus on the concrete impact of my present actions on the bigger picture. From where I sit, it looks like you've got a great plan put together with the benefit of self-knowledge and real-world experience. I predict amazing things!

[JuiceeTarget]

Thanks TyrantLizard!

Starting off with a bang - today I lifted. I felt really good, so I lifted EVERYTHING and ended up moving just over 11 tons this morning. Monstered the deadlifts (4x10 at 205#), pushed it on bench press and did some other accessory work.

Stretched well yesterday and today. Looked up stretching progressions for splits and think I might have found a couple I can use. Feels good to stretch. 

I am tracking my calories today with LoseIt. It used to be a habit for me and I can see myself getting right back into it. It was really helpful before, but I am glad I had a break from it. Looking forward to seeing how it helps this time.

 

Week one is always the easiest. I need to make sure I keep momentum and don't leave it all coming out of the gate.

[Xena]

Flexibility:

I will stretch every day. Even if it is only for 5 minutes, I will do it. Now, I know I need a better goal than "stretch every day" but I am afraid to commit to something more concrete. Why am I so afraid?

 

I think you are being smart. Building some kind of stretching habit and figuring out what works for you before committing to some rigid routine/goal that doesn't serve you.

[ytterbium]

Ooh, stretching. I'll be watching this goal -- I know that I need to do a better job with this as well, and I have splits as one of my long-term goals as well.

 

I haven't tried this plan for developing the splits yet, although I found it here on NF (I don't remember who from, so I can't give proper credit). Anyhow, I can't exactly endorse it, but it may be useful.

 

Good luck!

[JessOfAllTrades]

I'm a fan of back to basics, and I definitely get the focus on flexibility. I've also been concerned about range of motion recently, hence the getting into yoga, running again, and bodyweight stuff and not so much lifting (even though I love it so and still want to do it). As always, your goals look great, and it's definitely valuable to know when numbers = motivation.

[Aerie]

I like the idea of tons lifted per week, it makes your reps sound so much more meaningful.  Awesome job on already killing that goal for the week. Most of us could use more flexibility.  I tried some simple shoulder stretches (just putting hand on wall, stepping forward and turning away from it) and I was amazed how good it felt.  I should probably work on stretching more too..

 

Good luck!

[Wirilome]

Following!! 

[JuiceeTarget]

Sounds like all the Rangers will be stretchy and bendy by the end!

I'm doing really well so far. Need to figure out how to not run out of steam, though.

Ran on Wednesday, and had a decent time, even running in a huge downpour. Lifted a little more yesterday (bringing my total for the week to 15 tons) and did a shorter run today. Already over 7 miles for this week.

I've been doing IF every day this week and it feels really good. I have coffee for breakfast and then a huge lunch that includes a protein shake. I've been counting calories and as I suspected, it was eye opening. I was over budget yesterday before having one of the chocolate chip cookies my wife made... so I had to forgo the cookie. But it has been good to see what I'm eating and how a "small cheat" (i.e. a tortilla) can throw off your whole day. I've been eating mostly primally, but allowing myself stuff here and there. 

I've been stretching every day and am already surprised at how stretchy I am. I'm a lit closer to splits than I thought possible at this stage. I just need to make sure I'm stretching my upper body as well.

 

So, kicking ass week 1 so far.

[Xena]

 

I'm doing really well so far. Need to figure out how to not run out of steam, though.

 

Glad your week is starting well! One thing that helped me last challenge was promising myself a reward if I was on-track with all my goals at the end of week 3 and additional reward(s) at the end of week 6.

[starpuck]

Yay found your new thread.  I suck at finding them sometimes.  

 

I like your plan of attack.   I too really need to focus on stretching and am also afraid to commit to it.  I think because in my head, I don't see any gains.  I mean, there's not a drop in scale numbers, or a gain in plate size.  It's just a 'oh, ok' thing.  I KNOW the importance and benefit, but it doesn't motivate me enough yet.

 

Maybe I will learn a trick or two from you this challenge and tackle it on the next one.

[alienjenn]

subbing...

 

and I have mobility as a goal this time round too

[JuiceeTarget]

GoodDoug wiped the sweat from his brow, the Ranger Guild Leader had been pushing him hard this week. But it felt good. They had just finished their third run this week. The first two runs he had held back, he was used to needing to save some strength for the unknowns that would come up. But now, he was just training. The Ranger Guild Leader had kept up, but was sweating like the half ogre.

"Nicely done, it's good to see how you can do when you push yourself."

GoodDoug nodded, it was good.

"That's enough from me, I'm sending you to a Warrior Guild trainer for this next week. We need to build your strength," the Ranger Guild Leader paused for breath and then continued, "We only have a few weeks before the weather turns and we need you back out in the field."

 

==

 

Diet:

I did pretty well on this. I tracked my food 5 days this week, I did IF 4 days this week and, except for a little cheating on the weekend, I was mostly primal. The scale isn't showing the results yet, but I know it takes a few weeks for my body to say, "Oh, we're doing this now" A for the week

 

Workouts:

I did two weight workouts for a total of 15 tons of weight moved. That's two T rexes for those keeping count. I also ran over 7 miles, including one run at a much better pace than I have been doing. I feel really good about it and need to use it as momentum to push myself rather than rest on my laurels. A for the week.

 

Flexibility:

I found a couple of good websites for stretching, focussing on the splits. I'm also trying to stretch my upper body as well. I am surprised at how quickly I've regained my flexibility. I am really interested to see if this translates into better form doing squats and deadlifts. I could have done a bit more stretching during the weekend, so I get an A-

 

Life goal:

This week I received some of the electronics and have started testing and putting stuff together. I've also spent a bit of time designing what I'm going to build. I need to finalize a few things and get my main computer figured out... as well as the solar power supply... but it is really on track. A for the week.

 

Overall, a great week. Momentum is hard, but I think I can keep it up.

 

For this week, I am hoping to conentrate on lifting... in particular, form. I feel good about my deadlift form, but I can tighten it up. I think I want to try going way lower on my squats this week. I will lighten up the bar and sit on my ankles for the squats. I think that will help. I also want to do a little more upper body work to balance out.

I'm going to make today, my day in the office, one of my tracking days. Historically, being in the office is a free for all when it comes to eating. It's a long day, lots of junky food is available and... well I' just full of excuses. Tracking means I have to face what I'm doing. It may not completely change my pattern, but at least I'll have an idea of the damage I am doing.

For flexibility I will add in testing how low I can get on front splits and straddle splits. I should look up some more upper body stretches as well.

 

For the garden, I plan to test the soil moisture sensor and test the wireless. Also, if the rain stops, I want to try and put in one garden bed at least. I have some plants I want to put in and I think it would be nice to put them in the new bed. But I will let the weather dictate what I do on that front.

[TyrantLizard]

Eagerly awaiting the next update on your garden monitoring system. This week is the start of greenhouse planting for the Boston-area farm where I work. We'll be getting the onions, shallots, and leeks started this week. You know, if we can manage to thaw the potting soil...

 

Well done on your solid progress this week. Sounds like the stretching goal is paying dividends and I'm sure it'll help with lifting. Keep the momentum!

[ytterbium]

Measuring weight lifted in terms of dinosaurs is an absolutely brilliant idea. May you heft Sue (the T-Rex at the Field Museum in Chicago) many times over!

[JessOfAllTrades]

Looks like a fantastic first week! How is IF working for you with life and all? I'm curious.

[JuiceeTarget]

Thanks guys!

IF is working really well. I just don't eat after 8pm and then don't eat again until lunch the next day. Turns out I have no problem with working out hungry. And the hunger is only a minor background thing, not all consuming... part of that comes from knowing I'm gonna go nuts at lunchtime.

 

For example, today I dropped the kids at school, did my lifting (10 tons! and go arms in), got coffee (plain) and then came home and started working. I also cut up some potatoes and boiled them... I will fry them up with greens and duck fat for lunch. Prepping stuff for lunch seems to make me feel less hungry. For lunch I will have the potato and greens hash topped with fried eggs and also have a protein shake. If I snack, it will be some fruit and coffee and then dinner will be after my son's soccer practice gets over at 6pm. Tracking with LoseIt shows me that I am not wanting for calories or protein on days I do IF (I still have to watch it) but IF does make it easier to not go overboard with meals.

[rita lin]

I am so interested to see how you coordinate the garden monitoring. My fiance and I are dying to get a raspberry pi system fitted into our house (when we have one) to control temperature and lights and..everything. I like the idea of having like one control pad for everything, seems very sci-fi to me xD.

 

I've never tried IF, but I hear lots of apparently good things, I'm glad it's working for you!

[JuiceeTarget]

Went running today and am now running tests for the waterproof temperature sensors. I want to get the webcam part figured out, but realized that's not the important part.

So, here's the score on the garden stuff:

 - Tested the temp and humidity sensors

 - Tested the soil moisture sensor (but have a feeling it won't last long in a real environment... but it was cheap)

 - Researched power, will go with adafruit's LiPoly battery charger with a solar panel. Just need to do the math and order supplies

 - Set up the BeagleBone

Will test the waterproof temperature sensors (for soil and compost temp), will get the humidity and temperature sensor tested with the BeagleBone. Figure out how to do the radio stuff between arduino and beagle bone.

 

I also need to start documenting this somewhere.

[MandyM]

Awesome solution with Arduino for your garden! 

Well, right now i'm seeing in my head a half ogre, stretching and programming.. =)

 

How long did u ran yesterday? Really cool way to measure your miles weekly!

[mevre]

hah, you and me GoodDoug, doin' the simple challenges. maybe next time we can do Drunken Master challenges together!

glad to see you back at it, and kickin' ass! keep it up! you're a rock star!

[JuiceeTarget]

GoodDoug lowered the practice sword. It was heavy... very heavy. It was made to strengthen him up and improve his quickness. It also made him sore very quickly. Between these drills and the constant picking heavy things up and putting them down, he was going to find it hard to lie take his clothes off for bed this evening.

The warrior trainer recognized that look on the half ogre's face, "You are going to be fine, we are building your body up by tearing it down. Those little aches and pains? That's the little baby muscles crying. When they get bigger, they won't cry so hard. So you'll need to work even harder to get them to cry."

GoodDoug was getting tired of the trainer's methods, but never tired of hearing his little metaphors.

The warrior trainer smiled and went on, "We won't get to torture you any more after this, I'm afraid," his smile went into a mock frown, "orders from your guild are to have you train with the Druids next. They must want your brain to get strong. Why? I don't know, seems like you don't need a strong brain to swing a sword," he made an expert slice with his own practice sword, "but don't tell them I said that."

GoodDoug thought back on all his previous adventures and had to internally disagree with the Warrior's sentiments. Sometimes you really did need a strong mind to pick up that sword and swing it.

 

==

 

Diet:

Not too bad. Most of the week went great, with just a little slippage over the weekend. Had a soccer tournament and the only food available was tacos and frozen yogurt. So, that's what we got. Also, the "Little Demons from Hell", oops, I mean "Girl Scouts" guilted us into buying cookies. I should have gone with my first instinct and ordered only the ones I don't like... but I'd probably still eat them even if they were the ones I don't like. B for the week.

 

Workouts:

Met both goals, lifted over 13 tons for the week, and ran just over 7 miles. On lifting, I am trying to work on form as well as weight. I think I'm dialing in my squats, almost sitting on my heels at the bottom, but a lot less weight than I've done before. I think I'll stick with that and slowly increase. A for the week

 

Flexibility:

Nailed it most of the week and am starting to see some progress. I eased off this weekend and am trying to assess how I feel. I think it is working, but I wonder if it was all the stretching that has made me feel weird while lifting or if it is something else. I'll keep doing it, but maybe just not pushing quite as hard. "Slow and steady wins the race" A for the week.

 

Life goal:

Sowed some more onions (and by some, I mean about 120) and planted out some of my other stuff. I'm in a weird in between state and need to start the next batch of seeds soon. I think I want to increase my seedling growing area, but that will require another investment of time and money. Started okay on the monitoring system, but got bogged down by work and kids. Also, harvested enough spinach and kale for a meal from my first sowing. A for the week.

 

For this week, I hope to keep building on my success. In particular, I want to keep my diet in control. This is the hardest part, but I think I can do it. I just need to make it a priority. I've already done one workout this week, and expect to do another on Thursday. I also think I can get more running in this week. 

 

So, the reason I want to study with the druids for week 3 is to make sure that I focus on my self awareness this week. How do I feel about my diet, how does it make me feel? How is stretching so much every day helping or hurting? What is my real goal with the gardening stuff?

 

Lastly, I want to get my damned garden beds in. I just need to decide on where to get the cinder blocks and then go do it.

[ytterbium]

 

Life goal:

Sowed some more onions (and by some, I mean about 120) and planted out some of my other stuff. I'm in a weird in between state and need to start the next batch of seeds soon. I think I want to increase my seedling growing area, but that will require another investment of time and money. Started okay on the monitoring system, but got bogged down by work and kids. Also, harvested enough spinach and kale for a meal from my first sowing. A for the week.

 

 

Cool! I'm kind of jealous of garden-havers -- I'm in a north-facing apartment and I'm a botanical moron, so I don't get to grow my own stuff (although the museum where I volunteer does have one and sometimes I can score stuff from there). I'm impressed!

[Wirilome]

Cool! I'm kind of jealous of garden-havers -- I'm in a north-facing apartment and I'm a botanical moron, so I don't get to grow my own stuff (although the museum where I volunteer does have one and sometimes I can score stuff from there). I'm impressed!

 

I am jealous of them too. I don't have a green thumb and half the time the bugs freak me out. But someday I will face insects and just create a garden. 

[alienjenn]

I am jealous of them too. I don't have a green thumb and half the time the bugs freak me out. But someday I will face insects and just create a garden. 

 

 

I joke that I have not one but TWO black thumbs because of my talent for killing living growing green things