[BlimeyCharlie] It's time to get serious

[Charlie_Quinn]

Right, the time for half arsing it is over. I have 10 weeks till Tough Mudder so it's time to knuckle down and put some work in. It's time to get serious.

 

 

10k OCR

Near the end of this challenge I'll be taking part in this 10k obstacle course race. This is kind of a warm up for Tough Mudder but it's also to give me something to aim towards this challenge.

 

 

Build Strength

I'm going to continue lifting and doing Body-weight work. My aim is to do at least 2 lifting sessions at the gym and one body-weight workout either at home or in the gym. As well as these sessions, I'm going to continue working on my chin-up progression.

 

Build Endurance

I plan on going running at least twice a week. One run a week needs to be a "long run". To start with, a long run will be anything longer than 3 miles. If I can get my long run up to a comfortable 6 miles by the end of the challenge, I'll be happy. 

 

Active Recovery

After tweaking my back this week, I've realised that I don't do enough recovery work. I rest, but I rarely stretch and other than walking, I don't do much low impact exercise to recover.

Active recovery will vary from doing yoga stretches and foam rolling, to swimming and hiking (weather permitting). Anything other than just sitting around.

[Everstorm]

That OCR looks fantastic! I can't wait to hear how you rocked it.

[annaraven]

I like that you've added in active recovery. Flexibility and mobility work is *so* important and one of those things too many people ignore until it's too late. 

 

I'm looking forward to following your progress toward the Tough Mudder. 

[sozzielou]

I'm following you!

[Charlie_Quinn]

That OCR looks fantastic! I can't wait to hear how you rocked it.

 

It does look like fun. I can't wait.

 

I like that you've added in active recovery. Flexibility and mobility work is *so* important and one of those things too many people ignore until it's too late. 

 

I'm looking forward to following your progress toward the Tough Mudder. 

 

It's one of those things that I know I should do but I get lazy and don't bother. I have a foam roller at home and my gym has them too, so when I finish my workout at the gym I always think "if I leave now, I'll foam roll and stretch when I get home" and then that thought is a distant memory by the time I've walked through my front door.

 

BTW, does anyone has any recommendations for yoga apps for Android? I was going to try Daily Yoga, has anyone else tried this one?

 

 

I'm following you!

 

Thank you! 

[Balthazar]

I am also about the whole arse this challenge instead of the one cheek

 

and of course I'm on board for the ride, us brits have to stick together!

[Charlie_Quinn]

My pre-challenge work this weekend consisted of lots and lots of foam rolling and a bit of yoga. Hoped to go for a run yesterday but the heavens decided to open mid-afternoon and didn't stop till, well, it didn't! I don't mind running in a bit of rain, but this was just ridiculously heavy rain and I'm not that insane.

 

My back is still a bit sore, so the plan is to do a tentative body-weight workout tonight and see how it copes. Hopefully I can get back to lifting this week.

[Charlie_Quinn]

I am also about the whole arse this challenge instead of the one cheek

 

and of course I'm on board for the ride, us brits have to stick together!

 

Glad to have you! With both of our arse's working full-time, I'm sure we can smash this challenge! 

[sozzielou]

 Hoped to go for a run yesterday but the heavens decided to open mid-afternoon and didn't stop till, well, it didn't! I don't mind running in a bit of rain, but this was just ridiculously heavy rain and I'm not that insane.

 

 

The weather is crazy, isn't it? We are having downpours of hailstones every few minutes.

[Charlie_Quinn]

Did a body-weight workout yesterday and had no trouble with my back so everything seems to be back to normal.

 

Did a lovely trail run through the park at lunchtime today, forgot my Garmin so not sure how far but did about 30 very muddy minutes. My running shoes are now filthy. My boss must be in a good mood today as he said it's OK to take a longer lunch now and again if I'm going out for a run, so I can have a longer run and still get changed, eat etc. He has his moments when he's not a complete git!

 

The weather is crazy, isn't it? We are having downpours of hailstones every few minutes.

 

It certainly is! Yesterday it snowed for about 30 mins before turning to rain. Today it's lovely and sunny. I just want spring to get here!

[Everstorm]

I love your lunchtime mud runs. Awesome that your boss is being cooperative.

Weather is crazy over here, too. It was almost 70°F/21°C on Sunday, but today it's snowing.

[Charlie_Quinn]

I love your lunchtime mud runs. Awesome that your boss is being cooperative.

Weather is crazy over here, too. It was almost 70°F/21°C on Sunday, but today it's snowing.

 

I love these runs too! Will be great if I can start doing longer lunch mud runs. I think you win the crazy weather game!

[Charlie_Quinn]

Went to the gym first thing this morning, I'm still taking things a little easy just in case my back decides to be a bitch and start playing up again. I started to feel a little twinge near the end of my lat pull downs, despite the pain being in my lower back (down by my tail bone) not upper. I'm starting to think the pain isn't to do with my back, but more to do with tightness in my hips.

 

I'm going to continue with the stretches for now as it does seem to be getting better not worse and whatever pain is there isn't bad enough to warrant an appointment with a physio. If there is no improvement by next week, I'll change my mind on that.

 

Managed to spill scalding hot coffee all over my arm this morning and have a nasty burn on my wrist. That kind of took the shine off my good start to the day.

[Balthazar]

Went to the gym first thing this morning, I'm still taking things a little easy just in case my back decides to be a bitch and start playing up again. I started to feel a little twinge near the end of my lat pull downs, despite the pain being in my lower back (down by my tail bone) not upper. I'm starting to think the pain isn't to do with my back, but more to do with tightness in my hips.

 

I'm going to continue with the stretches for now as it does seem to be getting better not worse and whatever pain is there isn't bad enough to warrant an appointment with a physio. If there is no improvement by next week, I'll change my mind on that.

 

Go to the god damn physio already!!!!

 

When I my back hurt it was because of hip problems. If I'd gone to see the physio when it first happened I would have recovered in weeks, I left it and it took me months to recover. I'm only getting over it now!

 

I will drive down to Southern Fairy land and drag you there if I have to

[Charlie_Quinn]

OK. As long as you promise not to yell at me anymore!   

 

Been sitting at my desk for the last hour and started getting some pain again so I'd actually just text my other half to ask for the phone number of the clinic he used. As soon as he gets back to me, I'll book an appointment. 

 

I could really do without an injury fucking up my plans.

[Everstorm]

Ouch! I hope the burn is not serious.

[Charlie_Quinn]

Physio appointment booked for this evening. Hopefully can get it sorted quickly without the need for any major changes to my training plan.  

 

Ouch! I hope the burn is not serious.

 

The burn isn't bad, thanks. Most of the coffee hit my shirt sleeve so I've just got a red burn around my wrist. It actually looks like someone has tied my wrist and I have a rope burn! I've also got multiple cat scratches on that hand. With the dodgy burn, the scratches and the bad back, people are going to start thinking I've either got a really bad marriage, or a really kinky one! 

[Everstorm]

Physio appointment booked for this evening. Hopefully can get it sorted quickly without the need for any major changes to my training plan.  

 

 

The burn isn't bad, thanks. Most of the coffee hit my shirt sleeve so I've just got a red burn around my wrist. It actually looks like someone has tied my wrist and I have a rope burn! I've also got multiple cat scratches on that hand. With the dodgy burn, the scratches and the bad back, people are going to start thinking I've either got a really bad marriage, or a really kinky one! 

Haha! I have had a bit of the same problem with bruises and rope burn on my legs from climbing. I don't dare wear a skirt anywhere lately.

[Charlie_Quinn]

Had my appointment at the physio and the good news is it's nothing serious. Most likely just jammed something (his words) and the muscles around the part I've jammed have swollen up to protect it.

Bad news, no lifting for at least week and no running till Saturday at the earliest. And when I do run it needs to be a short one. I can do bodyweight stuff and use the elliptical. Can still go swimming as well.

He's given me some stretches to do so I'm going to make sure I do those every day. I did a few squats while he was diagnosing me and said I have great form, which is always nice to hear!

[sozzielou]

Great news, all those things you can do are my kind of fun!

[annaraven]

Glad you're headed to the physio!

[Balthazar]

Most of the coffee hit my shirt sleeve so I've just got a red burn around my wrist. It actually looks like someone has tied my wrist and I have a rope burn! I've also got multiple cat scratches on that hand. With the dodgy burn, the scratches and the bad back, people are going to start thinking I've either got a really bad marriage, or a really kinky one! 

 

Just don't publicise you're going to see 50 shades or people really will think you have a kinky marriage

 

Had my appointment at the physio and the good news is it's nothing serious. Most likely just jammed something (his words) and the muscles around the part I've jammed have swollen up to protect it.

Bad news, no lifting for at least week and no running till Saturday at the earliest. And when I do run it needs to be a short one. I can do bodyweight stuff and use the elliptical. Can still go swimming as well.

He's given me some stretches to do so I'm going to make sure I do those every day. I did a few squats while he was diagnosing me and said I have great form, which is always nice to hear!

 

so relieved you went to the physio

[Charlie_Quinn]

so relieved you went to the physio

 

Me too, my back is so much better than it was. The stretches have really helped. And thank you Daniel. You gave me the push I needed to book the appointment. I would have put it off for god knows how long if you hadn't told me off! You're a good man.

 

Didn't do anything yesterday except stretches. Tonight I'm either going to go to the gym and spend a bit time on the elliptical or do a light body-weight workout. I think I can still salvage this week despite the restrictions.

[Balthazar]

You're most welcome

 

Also, if it fits within what was recommended I found swimming helped a lot when I did my hip. Not going like the clappers but a few steady lengths - helped to stretch out against the resistance of the water without putting much stress on the body

[Charlie_Quinn]

Yep, swimming is allowed. I think I drove the physio a bit nuts asking what I could and couldn't do! Planning on swimming tomorrow morning.