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WizardTrip - No More Excuses


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The last challenge I participated in started on Feb 25, 2013. It has been way too long and I have put off way too much over the past year. One excuse after another has set me back to where I was 2 years ago. Most of my weight has stayed off (most), but due to laziness I have not put any effort into maintaining much of anything else. I may be a few days late to this challenge, but...

THIS ENDS NOW!

 

no-more-excuses.jpg

 
Background

3+ years ago I was overweight, lazy, and unhealthy. A simple comment one day made me change everything. I started lifting with dumb bells, then discovered the barbell and fell in love. I dropped 40+ lbs while putting on muscle and strength beyond what I ever thought I could do. I was lifting heavy. I made a lot of friends here, participated in challenges, meetups, friendly lifting competitions, and was healthier than I had ever been. Then, I fell off and became a lurker while participating occasionally in non-fitness related threads. I'm 15-20 lbs up from where I was a year ago and my strength is probably where I was almost 2 years ago.

 
Main Quest

Since I feel that I'm starting over, we're gonna keep this simple. This challenge will focus on evaluating where my strength is both with the iron and with body-weight exercises while dropping 10-15 lbs.

 

Goals

  • Gym 3x week
  • Cut alcohol consumption in half
  • Bring lunch to work 3x week

Side Quests

Life: I have a single credit card of debt left. Everything else has been paid off. Aim to chop off another $2,500 by the end of the challenge.

Fitness: Pick up the gloves again and start back with the heavy bag. Prepare myself to start back in Muay Thai in the fall.

 

 

By the end of this challenge, I WILL be back to KICKING ASS in the next...

  • Like 3

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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Well shit. It's like all the cool kids are coming out to play this round. 

 

 

I guess I shouldn't tell you about the latest EVE expansion huh? ;)

 

Best of luck buddy!  can't wait to read more. 

 

I know, right?! It's been too long.

 

As for EVE...well, I have let my sub expire for the time being, but we'll see how long that will last. Trying to get caught up in some other games right now.

 

We'll see about this....

 

:tongue:

 

Yes we will :P You'll see a little something called "success" :)

 

Welcome back!!  /me waits for WizardTrip vs Cline Muay Thai match....

 

Thanks! I've chatted with Cline in the past about Muay Thai and I'm pretty sure she could kick my butt :)

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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If posting this thread was step #1, then I just completed step #2.

 

A bit of explanation. I was moved to a building called the Mark Center about 2 months ago. This made me lose my wonderful, glorious gym at the Pentagon :( . The gym here sucks in comparison, but it does have a power rack, so there's that. This building is also not on a metro line, so I've been taking the bus into work everyday (30-45 minute commute when the drive itself is only 10-15 minutes). I have NOT liked the transition, but it's starting to stick. My gym membership is for both gyms, but I prefer the other one a lot more.

 

So, the step I just took was grabbing a spot in an offsite garage so that I can drive instead of take the bus. ~$50 more a month plus gas, but so worth it! As a contractor I can't get a spot here or at the Pentagon, but I can get an after-hours spot for the gym over there, so I signed up for one :)

 

  • No more excuses about having to take the bus
  • No more excuses for not having easy access to my gym again
  • Like 2

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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Well shit, hey there friend.

Massrandir, Barkûn, Swolórin, The Whey Pilgrim
500 / 330 / 625
Challenges: 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35 36 39 41 42 45 46 47 48 49 Current Challenge
"No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. What a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable. " ~ Socrates
"Friends don't let friends squat high." ~ Chad Wesley Smith
"It's a dangerous business, Brodo, squatting to the floor. You step into the rack, and if you don't keep your form, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ Gainsdalf

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YES!

 

Hell yeah!! :)

 

Well shit, hey there friend.

 

Hey there yourself. It's been awhile, but it feels good to be back. Time for me to get my shit together and the timing for this challenge lined up as a great way to get back in it.

 

Wooo! Good to see you sir!

 

 

Thank you! So....endless mimosas? :)

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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Definitely happening this month. Sorry that doesn't help your challenge goal. :)

 

 

Well, that all depends. As long as the endless mimosas are half what my normal alcohol consumption for the week is, I'm good! :) And let's just be honest here....half of my normal is still a lot.

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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Here's the plan for the week. My request for parking at my main gym won't come through until the end of the week or beginning of next week. Until then I'm stuck with a mediocre gym, but it'll have to do. Since I've been out of it for awhile I need to start small anyway, but I think I'm planning on starting off with a bit of cardio, hitting the heavy bag, and body weight stuff. By the end of the week, I'll get into the rack.

 

I used this past weekend to get all of the eating and drinking debauchery behind me. Not to say I won't indulge in a thing or two throughout the challenge, but I used the weekend to get it out of my system one more time. Now it's time to plan to bring some lunches into work rather than buying them every day.

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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I saw all those empty wine bottles and almost made a scene.

Massrandir, Barkûn, Swolórin, The Whey Pilgrim
500 / 330 / 625
Challenges: 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35 36 39 41 42 45 46 47 48 49 Current Challenge
"No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. What a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable. " ~ Socrates
"Friends don't let friends squat high." ~ Chad Wesley Smith
"It's a dangerous business, Brodo, squatting to the floor. You step into the rack, and if you don't keep your form, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ Gainsdalf

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I saw all those empty wine bottles and almost made a scene.

 

HAHA!! Damn Facebook and friends that tag way too much! :) Well, at least the bottle of rum was left out of the picture. Last weekend of that for sometime I'm hoping, so if you see it again, call me out.

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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Wizard's Log

 

Day 1

5:00-5:05: Walk from office to gym in building *let's do this!!*

5:06-5:25: Sit and ponder what the hell my gym lock's combination is  *25-30-5...nope...20-30-5...nope...gaahh!*

5:26-5:26: Rejoice upon stumbling on combo by pure luck ... immediately take a note of it in my phone *WizardTrip - 1, Gym - 0*

5:27-5:31: Put on wrist wraps and grab gloves in preparation to beat the shit out of a bag

5:32-5:37: Decide it may be best to do a quick warmup ... hop on treadmill at 5 m/h for 5 minutes. *damn treadmills to hell!*

5:38-5:58: Punch, Kick, Punch, Punch, *squat rack*, Punch, Kick, Kick, *squat rack*, Punch, Punch, Knee, Kick, Punch, Elbow, *squat rack*

5:59-6:00: Fuck it! Squat Rack here I come!

6:01-6:13: Body squat warmup, bar warm-up, 135lb warm-up, 185lb warmup...looks like 225 is my starting weight *damn! 225?? 6-12 months of excuses equals a 2 year lifting setback? :( *

6:14-6:30: Squat 5, rest *I hate my life right now*, Squat 5, *that was a bit easier*, Squat 5, *you've got this! grrrrr!!*, Squat 5, *yep, squats is all I'll be doing today*, Squat 5, *KILL ME NOW!*

6:31-6:35: Pack up *time to get out of here....can't feel legs* ... *what? 225? you better not be whining!*

6:36-6:45: Walk to garage ... ALL UP HILL!!! *I think I can...I think I can...I think I can*

6:46-7:00: Blasting ice cold A/C and kickass music!!! *you did it!!....hmmm, 225? does that mean you'll get noob gains starting all over from there???*

7:01-7:02: Home! *blender whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrr blender*

7:03-7:05: *glug glug glug* ... *protein brah before I lose dem gaaaaiiins!!*

7:06: *I want a beer...*

 

 

Lifted yesterday

Tomorrow brings suffering

Pain will bring dem gains

  • Like 1

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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I was going to recommend 5:59 when you posted your plan, but had faith you would reach that point yourself. I was not disappointed. You're gonna be so sore tomorrow, I only did 1 heavy set after a month break and am wincing every time I walk. Anyway, those gains will come back quick. Linear progression the crap outta them squats.

Massrandir, Barkûn, Swolórin, The Whey Pilgrim
500 / 330 / 625
Challenges: 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35 36 39 41 42 45 46 47 48 49 Current Challenge
"No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. What a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable. " ~ Socrates
"Friends don't let friends squat high." ~ Chad Wesley Smith
"It's a dangerous business, Brodo, squatting to the floor. You step into the rack, and if you don't keep your form, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ Gainsdalf

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I was going to recommend 5:59 when you posted your plan, but had faith you would reach that point yourself. I was not disappointed. You're gonna be so sore tomorrow, I only did 1 heavy set after a month break and am wincing every time I walk. Anyway, those gains will come back quick. Linear progression the crap outta them squats.

 

Yeah....I didn't expect to make it the week without hitting it up. It was a decent idea, but come on....that's where I belong!!

 

Ah, the limerick/haiku is back.  Can't remember which is which and too lazy to google.

 

What Rooks said...

 

 

 

That be a haiku, my good man.

 

Ding Ding Ding :)

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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Wizard's Log

 

Day 2

5:00-5:01: *gotta get to the gym, but so much stupid work getting in the way*

5:02-5:45: work work work work work more work *damn it* work work *this week sucks!* work work *still in pain from Monday* work

5:46-5:47: *shit! I forgot, this gym here closes at 7!*

5:48-6:20: more work! more work! more work! *i hate my life*

6:21-6:22: *looks like gym will be impossible :( *

6:23-6:40: work *hit head on desk* work work *curse the gods* work work

6:41-6:50: leave work bypassing gym that is about to close :(

6:51: *I want a beer...*

 

Day 3

4:30-4:31: Gym day! *i really need to take out some frustration with the heavy bag and some barbells after this week*

4:35-4:45: *ring ring*

  • Me: Hello
  • GF: Hey! So, Rachael got tickets to the preseason Redskins / Patriot game. David, Laura, and Zach are going. We should go!
  • Me: Oh...well, ummmm....ok....when is the game? The stadium is 45 minutes away.
  • GF: 7:30. Rachael is hitting the Metro around 6-6:30.
  • Me: *damn! should I go or not? free tickets? hmmmm* OK...I'm in. Heading straight home at 5, be at my place by 6 and we'll hop on the metro.

1:00am: 1 vodka drink, 8 beers, hot dog, peanuts, chicken tenders, half a pizza, another bar, and $100+ later....*DAMN!! :( *

 

Level 6 Wizard of Beer Warrior
STR 21.25 | DEX 5.75 | STA 7.75 | CON 3.50 | WIS 9.50 | CHA 3.25
Twitter | Epic Trip | Current Challenge
Previous Challenges: 1 2 3 4 5
*the warrior formerly known as icedtrip and former dothraki god of thunder furyan*

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I was ok with that post until the last line. You don't HAVE to drink with everyone, you know that right?

 

And yeah, always blow off workouts to go to footballs games, not even a choice.

Massrandir, Barkûn, Swolórin, The Whey Pilgrim
500 / 330 / 625
Challenges: 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35 36 39 41 42 45 46 47 48 49 Current Challenge
"No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. What a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable. " ~ Socrates
"Friends don't let friends squat high." ~ Chad Wesley Smith
"It's a dangerous business, Brodo, squatting to the floor. You step into the rack, and if you don't keep your form, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ Gainsdalf

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