Bigm's Back to Basics Challenge

[bigm141414]

Week 3 - Day 4

Today was a good bounce back from the exercise fail that was yesterday. Although I did fall asleep at my desk for about 30min, but the power nap helped get me through the day. Gym was good. I worked on my wrist and hand placement on squats. It definitely makes a big difference. The weight felt more stable and I wasn't straining my arms as much. So on to the stats:

Pushups - 20 in the morning, 20 for warm up this afternoon.

Squats - 12@45lbs, 12@135lbs, 10@155, 2x8@175lbs

DB Pres - 12@35lbs, 10@40lbs, 8@45lbs

Pullups - 1 deadhang bar got to eye level! 4 10 sec. negatives.

Deadlifts - 12@45lbs, 2x5@135lbs, 2x5@155lbs

Squats were good, I am back up at my PR of 175 after a few sessions off. I'll add more weight next time since the 2x8 was fairly easy. Working on some imbalances in my presses since the bench press I did last time wasn't great. My right side needs some more training since the left is way more dominate.

Pullups were the big win. So close to a full deadhang. I got my eyes just over the top of the bar before failing. So close I could taste it. Next time, next time. Deadlifts are getting better as well. I feel my form is improving a lot, I will video it soon for a check up before going more than 155.

Also, this is a great highlight for my week.

Keep up the revolt, rebels!

[Starbuck]

That is so exciting that you are so close to getting a deadhang pull up!

[bigm141414]

@Starbuck, Thanks. It's been a long road, but I am so pumped to be that close to doing one. They say that the first one is always the hardest and it definitely feels like it.

Week 3 - Day 5

Was out visiting my parents this weekend so no access to the gym. Went for a run along hilly lakeside road. So not used to hills in my run, the city is flat.

Stats:

0.21 mile warm up

2.08 mil jog, 21min 27sec

0.21 mile cool down.

Not bad, a little slower than usual, but hills, dang you hills.

[bigm141414]

Week 3 - Day 6

Since I was out of town this weekend I was unable to go to my gym before it closed. But never fear, for I have kettlebells! It has been a while since I dusted them off and did some swings so I broke them out. It has definitely been a while since I swung and my form isn't quite as good as it was. I guess not practicing something for a few months will lead to lazy form.

KB Swings: 3x20 @20kg.

Jump Rope: 5 min

Man it was tough. The swings were killer. I should put them back into my routine. Also started jump roping and I could barely make 5 mins. Granted those 5 min were start and stop. The most I got was 30 seconds of continuous jumping right at the end and it then went down hill from there. Quite a workout. I now appreciate boxers that much more who do this stuff all the time. I can't even contemplate double unders.

[bigm141414]

Week 3 - Day 7

Gym day. Stats follows:

Pushups - 20,20

DB Press - 12@35lbs, 2x8@40lbs

Dead Lifts - 12@45lbs, 5@135lbs, 5@155lbs, 6@155lbs, 2x2@185

Squats - 12@45lbs, 10@135lbs, 8@155lbs, 8@175lbs

Pullups - 5 negatives, 1 attempt top of head to bar.

DB presses were tougher than I was expecting. My right arm and shoulder were giving me some trouble. probably due to my swings last night.

Dead lifts were okay, although I went too heavy on the last sets.

Pullups, so close, nuff said.

Had my first "what are those funny toe thingys" at the gym today. A couple of guys came up and asked me about lifting in Vibrams and how I liked them. Told em they worked well for me not just for lifting but for running as well but that not everyone has the same reaction. Nice fellas.

[bigm141414]

Week 3 Summary

Fitness

Lift weights 2-3 times a week - A. got the weights lifted 3 times this week with some increase it weight.

Run 2 times a week - A. Got out twice. Started timing myself. Will start increasing my mileage this week so I can hit my goal of 5k.

Get a tape measure and take measurements once a week. F. Still no tape measure, and really no motivation to take the measurements. May drop this goal since I can see results in the mirror.

A dead hang pull up. So. Very. Close. Negatives are getting really easy, but a full dead head still eludes me. It zigs and I zag. I'll get it one of these days.

A good form TGU. Worked on it a few times throughout the week. Without weights. Man it is difficult. I can't seem to get off the floor correctly.

Food

Continue my current path of eating. Going well. Not eating a bunch of crap. This will be the first week living alone in like 6 years, so now it is all based on my mental toughness instead of others prodding me.

Life

Read Starting Strength - A. Got through the Squat section and my form is good, just working on hand placement now. Currently digging through the dead lift section. Lots of things to try next time I am at the gym.

Survive work without stressing out So far so good.

[bigm141414]

Week 4 - Day 1

Well, the plan was to go for a run today, but my hammys decided that wasn't a good idea. So, instead of the run, I have some quality time with a tennis ball this evening. It's gonna hurt....

[bigm141414]

Week 4 - Day 2

Good Evening, rebels! How are things this evening in Rebel Land (Rebeltown?, Rebelville? Rebeltopia?)? Things over on Bigm Way are just great. I'll get to why in a bit. Patience, wait for it, it's great, trust me.

I woke up this morning and spent 5 minutes working on my jump rope skillz. I am proud to say I still have none, but slowly working on it. Work was fine, tiring, and I skipped going to the gym right afterward to get some rest at home and relax. Or so I said to myself. I got home and sat on the couch, and watched some tv. About an hour into that I told myself:

"Bigm this isn't what you should be doing. If you go and post that you didn't do squat two days in a row you'll feel like a lump and then it'll all be down hill from there. So go you lazy sack of bones".

I listened and went with no small amount of grumbling.

Bigm Enters the Gym

My hamstring is still tight so I went light on the weights today. The squats and dead lifts provided a decent stretch and the hammy didn't scream like I thought it would. Here are the stats:

Knee Raises - 3x10

Squats - 12@45lbs, 10@135, 2x10@155, 10@175

DB Press - 12@35, 10@40, 10@45

Dead Lift - 12@45, 2x5@135, 2x5@155

Pullups - 4 negatives, 1 full dead hang

So like I said squats and dead lifts were good, more work on form......Oh what's that? You did a double take when reading my pullups? Oh yeah, no big deal, just did a FREAKING full on DEADHANG pullup! Yeah that's right. Me, gravity and a pull up bar got together had a little rumble in the corner of the gym. The results? Yeah gravity went down like a chump. I grabbed that pull up bar and went to town on gravity. It submitted and crawled back into the hole it came from. I was in the clouds. Almost, kinda literally. I could have been if I had set up a fog machine at the top of the power rack. But I didn't plan ahead.

So yeah, going from not wanting to go, to making myself to completing one of my challenge goals. I'd say that was a great day at the gym!

Two woots in one challenge. Drop a pants size and a pullup. Can't wait to see what else I can do.

Soldier on Rebels!

[Starbuck]

So awesome! Congratulations on that pull up!

[bigm141414]

So awesome! Congratulations on that pull up!

Thanks Starbuck. It's the highlight of my week.

Week 4 - Day 3

Running today. Goal is to start increasing my mileage so I can hit the 5k goal for this challenge. I'll worry about speed later.

0.25mile warm up walk

2.37mile jog 24min 59 seconds for a pace of 10.54 min/mile

0.25mile cool down.

Had some extra incentive to finish this one as the rain is rolling in right now in North Texas. My lawn will be happy.

Ran out and tried to snap some impressive pics of the storm and lightning, but ran in to some lens difficulties. Stupid lens contacts were dirty and weren't reporting the correct aperture or even allowing me to control it. Lame. I think I got one decent one of a lightning flash but I'll need to look at it here in a bit. Also, my cheapo tripod I've had forever finally bit the dust. This saddens me because I don't want to get a new cheap one, but the decent ones get expensive quickly. Why do I have so many expensive hobbies, I seem to collect them.

[bigm141414]

This is good motivation to run

[bigm141414]

Week 4 - Days 4 and 5

So Friday I didn't work out. Went to happy hour after work with an old friend and didn't have motivation after that was over. This morning I did the following:

KB Swings - 3x30@44lbs

Goblet Squats - 3x10@44lbs

while college Game Day was playing. Then this evening went for a run, although my heart wasn't in it and I cut it short distance wise. Since I didn't run as far I figured I would run faster. Stats follow:

0.25mil warm up

1.31 mile jog 12min 40sec

0.25mile cool down.

Jogging pace was 9.66min/mile which is faster than I have ever previously recorded.

[bigm141414]

Week 4 - Day 6

Gym today, stats follow:

Pushups - 20

Squats - 12@45, 12@135, 10@155, 9@175, 6@185

Pullups - 3 full, 2 negatives

DB Press - 12@40, 2x10@45, 8@50

Dead Lift - 12@45, 6@135, 5@155, 5@175, 5@185

So a good day in all. Set a new PR on squats, 185 and got back to 185 on dead lifts as well after taking a few sessions off. Pull ups are getting easier. I do them in between squat sets. The first 2 were good form, the 3rd I involuntarily swung my knees forward. At that point I just went to negatives.

Dead lifts are going well, I hope to break 200 in a few weeks. I may set a goal for the next challenge to finally hit bodyweight on my squats and dead lifts.

One thing I have noticed, is that since I have not been doing pushups as much since the last challenge, I can't do as many. I may have to start doing them again just to keep up the fitness levels.

[bigm141414]

Week 4 - Day 7

End of half of the challenge! And what a way to end my friends. Today was a running day. A cool evening, low 70s, mild humidity, crickets chirping. The moon and stars were out shining (such as they can in a big city). What a good evening to run I say to myself as a start my warm up walk. "Today is a good day, M. Things are going your way." So I finish my warm up and begin jogging, reflecting on the great news I learned today (I'll get to that later). Anyways I run and run and run, thinking about linear equations and currents as I normally do. I finish the first lap, then the second, and as I am about to make the turn to finish up I say to heck with it and go for more distance. At this point I had run 2.5miles and figured why not go for the whole 5km. And so I did. I chugged my way through it and surprisingly I don't feel like death. So final stats follow:

0.25mile warm up walk

3.21mile (5.166km) jog in 34min and 20 sec at a pace of 10.7min/mile

0.24 mile cool down

Yup that's right rebels first 5km jog done. Check mark in the ol' box. That's two challenges down.

So onto my other good news. I AM OFF MY MEDS! WOOOO! So quick recap: Back in March of this year I was diagnosed with a blood clot in my left leg after sleeping the entire 14 hour flight back from Japan (Steve and other international travels don't forget to get up and walk around, End PSA). So yeah blood clot, it le sucks. big time. I have been on blood thinners (although they don't really thin the blood) ever since. 6 and a half months of no mountain biking, no softball, no drinking, worrying about cuts and bruises, being careful when lifting not to go to hard. Ripping a muscle and capillaries when I can't clot = bruises for weeks, did that once and I wouldn't recommend it. No eating green vegetables such as spinach (oh how I miss spinach). Basically a huge change in everything. But no longer. I am off the meds and like Goku removing weighted clothing I am ready to use my full potential. Super Saiyan mode shall now be unleashed. I am so excited that my fingers are having a hard time typing this. I can't wait to hit the trails, throw some heavy weight around and not worry about every single bruise.

Seriously I could go on but I'll stop here. Woo freaking hoo rebels.

Edit: Okay so I won't end it there but I have to say this. Thank you NF rebels. Seriously, for 6 months reading your posts, seeing your progress, and having you guys as support has helped me get through this and work to make myself better when life throws you a curve ball.

[bigm141414]

Week 5 - Day 1

Off day today. My legs are still a bit sore from the run last night. I did work on my TGU, with an 18lb kettlebell. So much more difficult with weight. Rolling up on my shoulder and hand takes more effort than I realized. Tried a handstand, but couldn't do it, so went to a headstand and I was able to do one against the wall. Need to work on it.

[bigm141414]

Week 5 - Day 2

Gym today. Little sore still from the run. Pullups weren't as easy as last time. Note to self do not do them after dead lifts, and dumbbell presses. Anways the good news is I added 10lbs to my deadlifts. The race is on to see whether my body will fall to my deadlift or my deadlift will raise to my body weight. Currently a 10lb difference. Stats below:

Pushups - 20

Deadlift - 12@45, 8@135, 5@185, 5@195

DB Press - 12@40, 2x10@45

Squats - 12@45, 10@135, 8@185, 6@185

Pullups - 5 negatives.

[bigm141414]

Week 5 - Day 3

Gah, nothing. I am in the process of getting ready for tailgate weekend at my old college. This means prepping food, packing, and trying to organize 4 other people so we can leave on time today. So my goals are being put on hold for the weekend. I'll try to do some pushups and pull ups around the hotel, but no guarantees. Enjoy the weekend rebels. I'll see you Sunday night.

[onlykickingpigeons]

Looks like you're making great progress on this challenge!! Must be getting pretty close to that elusive 5k now too!

[bigm141414]

Looks like you're making great progress on this challenge!! Must be getting pretty close to that elusive 5k now too!

Thanks man. Yeah, I actually attained that goal a few days back. It was a great run. Slow and steady.

[bigm141414]

Week 5 - Day 4-6

Out of town so I didnt hit the gym or run at all. Did a lot of walking if that counts. Ate a lot of tailgating food, while delicious, I am feeling the the affects today. I'll get back on track tonight.

[bigm141414]

Week 5 - Day 7

Back at it with a quick speedy run last night. 1.31miles in just shy of 12min, which is 40 seconds faster than the last time I did the same route. 9.15min/mile pace. Closing in on a sub 9 min mile which is cool.

This past week was a miserable fail for my goals. Lifted once, and ran once, and worked on the TGU. I should have done more and these last few posts havec been sparse. I'll do better in this final week rebels, I promise.

Goals for the last week:

Once again run 5km without stopping

Get to 200lbs deadlift. Currently at 195lbs

2 pullups. Nuff said

Get to 195 on Squats with good form. That is an additional 10 lbs from where I am right now.

I should be able to do all of these this week *crosses fingers*

[bigm141414]

Week 6 - Day 1

Gym today stats follow:

Jump Rope - 7 min start and stop (didn't feel like death afterwards which is an improvement)

DB Press - 12@40lbs, 10@45lbs, 8@50lbs (right arm and shoulder left pretty good this time around)

Pullups - 3x1, 1 fail, 1 negative

Squats - 12@45lbs, 10@135lbs, 8,5@185lbs (form was getting pretty rough on the last set)

Dead Lift - 12@45lbs, 6@135lbs, 2x5@185lbs, 2x2@205lbs (PR)

Farmer's Walk - approx 75 paces at 50lbs and 55lbs

Dead lift were a good session. Got to 205, which is pretty close to my body weight. Almost but not quite. Squats need some more work. I am struggling to hold good form at the bottom at 185. Tried some farmers walks at the end of hte session because I had a few minutes left and didn't feel I had done enough. Apparently not many people do this in the gym as I received very funny looks from the treadmill choir . Pullups were fine, still working towards 2 in a row. I need a place to practice them outside of the gym.

[bigm141414]

Week 6 - Day 2

Running today. I am just killing it out there on the road. Beware, epic stats follow:

0.25 mile warm up

3.47mil (5.58km) jog in 36 min 38sec at a pace of 10.55min per mile

0.25mile cool down

That's right, second attempt at jogging a 5k and I nailed it with gusto. Heck yeah. That's two things to check off my final week bucket list. Go me.

[bigm141414]

Week 6 - Day3

Was supposed to go to the gym, but my legs are still sore as all heck from the epic run last night. Grumble, grumble. I'll do better today rebels.

[Seabright]

That's right, second attempt at jogging a 5k and I nailed it with gusto. Heck yeah. That's two things to check off my final week bucket list. Go me.

N-i-i-i-i-c-e.