Caolan - Round 4 is for Strength

[caolan]

I am back for my 4th challenge to start the new year.  My focus this time will be around some specific strength training goals.  This will leave me with 5 goals for the challenge, but I think they are doable if I push myself.

 

Goal #1: Complete the 100 push-up challenge.  Value: STR 2, STA 1.  My initial test for this goal was 22 push-ups.

Goal #2: Complete the 100 squat challenge.  Value: STR 2, STA 1.  I didn't do an initial test for this goal, but I know  I can do a set of about 30 body-weight squats before tiring too much to continue.

Goal #3: Plank every day, and reach at least 120 seconds.  Value: CON 2, STA 1.  My planks are around 65 seconds at the start of the challenge.

Goal #4: Experiment with some creative lighting techniques with my photography.  Value: WIS 3.

Goal #5: Finish each week under plan in MFP.  Value: 3 CHA.

 

I'll add my grading in the next day or two, but this should get me started.

[Shello]

Found You!

[Balthazar]

hey, here you are - loving the goals

 

they are so simple but so on the money that you don't need to dress it up with glitz and glam

 

100 squats and 100 press ups and 120s plank, really good indicators of strength

[Aces3000]

Found and subbed! Great goals. I appreciate the simplicity and how straight forward your post is. Looking forward to following the progress!

[Stronkey Kong]

Sup?

[caolan]

Here are my week 1 results:

 

Goal #1: Complete the 100 push-up challenge.  I am almost at the end of the week 2 workout for the push-up challenge.  Things are going well so far.  My last workout was about 65 pushups (broken down into 5 sets).

Goal #2: Complete the 100 squat challenge.  I did sets of 35 this week, so I am moving up a bit.

Goal #3: Plank every day, and reach at least 120 seconds.  I planked 6 days this week, doing a max of 93 seconds at the end of the week.  I am definitely on track for this goal so far.

Goal #4: Experiment with some creative lighting techniques with my photography.  I had to send my camera in for repairs this week, so I am going to have a hard time achieving this goal.  I may have to focus on reading and planning for creative lighting, rather than actually doing the lighting, because the camera won't be back for about 3 weeks.

Goal #5: Finish each week under plan in MFP.  I did not do so well on my calorie goal this week.  I only tracked completely on 4 days, and I was over on several of them.

[Balthazar]

great work on the exercise forwards, all progress being made

[Shello]

93 second plank!  That's pretty amazing.  

[Aces3000]

Looks like progress is being made on all fronts. Can't wait to see week two update!

[Balthazar]

how you getting on dude

[caolan]

I am not doing a very good job of posting here on NF.  Here is my Week 2 and Week 3 update.  I am doing well on 2 of my goals, but slacking on the other 3.  I guess that's why they call this a "challenge."

 

Goal #1: Complete the 100 push-up challenge.  I have been making good progress on my push-up workouts, and have finished the first 3 weeks of the 6-week program.  Getting to 100 in a single set is going to be tough, but I am now doing more than 100 in a workout - my last workout was 120 push-ups broken down into 5 sets.  My maximum single set is now 40 (up from 22 a few weeks ago).

Goal #2: Complete the 100 squat challenge.  I have not done much work toward this goal.  It is less daunting than the push-up challenge because of the YAYOG work I did with many of you late last year, but I am definitely behind schedule on this goal.

Goal #3: Plank every day, and reach at least 120 seconds.  I am planking about 5 days a week, and have maxed at 130 seconds.  I have, therefore, already met this goal.  This was a big, but very good surprise for me!  Since I have hit my goal, I am trying to push toward a 3-minute plank in the next few weeks.  At this point, any more time is a bonus.

Goal #4: Experiment with some creative lighting techniques with my photography.  I got my camera back this week.  I will try to make some progress on this goal in the remaining 3 weeks of the challenge.  

Goal #5: Finish each week under plan in MFP.  I have not been tracking regularly in this challenge.  I did kick myself in the butt earlier this week to eat better - I think I am running a deficit in MFP, but I am probably not hitting my planned deficit of 750 calories per day.

[Shello]

You've made great progress on many of your goals, especially those push ups.  Maybe you can save the squat challenge for next time?  

[Aces3000]

How was the week? You're doing well and want to get the update.