Ryuu1011 Trains with the Avatar

[Ryuu1011]

Ryuu1011 Trains with the Avatar

Challenge #3: April 13- May 25, 2015

 

Learn to Fire Bend and Burn the Fat Away

Goal One: Loose 6lbs and 2% Body Fat (+1 Con +2 Cha)

Got my diet and exercise pretty dialed in at the moment now its just a matter of keeping that fire burning. Decided to put the points in charisma for this challenge because if I'm being honest this goal is really about the abs...

Starting Weight: 156.8lbs ---> Goal: 150lbs

Starting Body Fat %: 17.2% ---> Goal: 15%

 

Learn to Earth Bend and Build a Rock Solid Balance

Goal Two: - Hold a 15s freestanding Handstand, a 15s Tuck Planche, and a 15s L-Sit [on the Floor] (+2 Str, +2 Dex, +2 Sta)

Three bodyweight tricks I would like to get better at. I can hold each one for around 5 seconds or less currently and think a 10 second increase over the next six weeks would be great. 15 seconds doesn't seem like a lot but I'm sure this is going to be by far my hardest goal to achieve. 

 

Learn to Air Bend and Overcome Gravity

Goal Three: Complete 6 [kipping] Muscle Ups and 1 dead hang Muscle Up (+3 Str)

Got my first muscle up during the last challenge, this time I am going to try and improve on it.  Well see what happens, the dead hang muscle up may be a little bit of a long shot but I think I can make it.

 

Learn to Water Bend and Let the Past Wash Away

Goal Four: Work on Myself & My past- Write Letter to all of my Ex's come to terms with the past and then burn those letters at the end of the challenge and let it go. (+2 Wis)

 

If you were following along with my last challenge I shared some of my...unpleasant...past, that I am working though trying to become a better person. So for this challenge I would like to delve a little bit more into my past and my feelings to come to terms with everything by writing letters to each of my past GF's (5 Letters) and 1 Letter to my Parents, and then let them go at the end of the 6 weeks by burning the letters. 

 

Harmonize my World

Side Quest: Volunteer at the Local Habitat for Humanity at least once during this six weeks. 

No Points, just want to get into the habit of volunteering at least once a month. 

 

BOSS BATTLE: 

Rugged Maniac May 16th 2015- How appropriate was Steve's last article on Boss Battles!? I'll be having my first boss battle midway though this Challenge and man am I excited! 

 

Loot (Some Possible Options):

Overcoming Gravity & Starting Strength

iphone fitness Strap

Running Belt Pouch Thing

Yoga Blocks & Yoga Mat

 

Pre Challenge Photo:

Beginning of last challenge 2/19/2015 vs

Beginning of this challenge 4/16/2015

 

Starting Measurements: 

Starting Metrics:

Weight: 155.6 lbs

% Body Fat: 16.7%

Waist/Abs: 31"

Hips: 31.5"

Arms: 13.5"

Calf: 14"

Chest: 39"

Thigh: 22"

Shoulders: 46"

 

Weekly Recaps:

Week One:

Week One Overview:

 

Goal 1: Learn to Fire Bend- Drop 6lbs and 2% of my body fat

Start Weight: 156.8lbs Current Weight: 155.6lbs

17%

17%

Start FB%= 17.5% Current FB%= 16.7%

17%

17%

Progress: Lost almost 1 lb and 1% body fat so I would consdier that a pretty awesome start to this challenge. Hopefully this weekend didn't see me back too far :/ 

 

Goal 2: Learn to Earth Bend- 15sec Handstand, 15sec Tuck Planche, 15sec L-Sit

Handstand= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

Tuck Planche= 5 Seconds

33%

33%

L-Sit= 3 Seconds

20%

20%

Progress: Had one really great handstand day this week but haven't been able to match it since, Tuck Planche is going very well I'm able to hold it for about 5 seconds pretty consistently. The L-Sit is giving me the most trouble I can hold one for almost 10 seconds on the paralettes but on the floor on my fingertips, my fingertips end up giving out after a few seconds. I think I'm going to start doing some finger tip pushups in the morning to help with my finger strength. 

 

Goal 3: Learn to Air Bend- 6 Kipping Muscle Ups and 1 Dead Hang Muscle Up

Max Kipping Muscle Ups= 3 Dead Hang Muscle Ups= 0

50%

50%

Progress: Managed 3 in a row during my Tuesday workout this week which was pretty awesome, I'm still a long ways away from being able to complete a dead hang muscle up but i'm confident that can get one in the next 5 weeks. 

 

Goal 4: Learn to Water Bend- Letters to Ex's Written

Letters Written= 1/6

17%

17%

Progress: Wrote my first letter to my first Ex, if you're interested in reading it, I've typed it out below:  

Dear J,

 

You were my first in so many things, my first kiss, my first girl friend, my first love, and I will always remember you fondly for those things. You were also mentally abusive with your words and actions and downright scary at times. Even so, we were together for the better part of three years and we went through it all: bad break ups, crazy make ups, bright nights and dark days, and drama so thick that would have made Romeo and Juliet envious. I've even wondered if we lasted as long as we did because of how fond I was/am of your Art. I have always been jealous of your talent, everything seemed to come so easily to you and I struggled and struggled to make the slightest progress. But thinking back, I know it was because of you that I pushed myself as hard as I did, I wanted match your skill so badly, and that in some small way pushed me towards where I am today, and for that I am forever grateful.   

 

I hope you know that I tried my hardest to help you though the tough things that you were going though physically and emotionally, even when you took your pain out on me. I tried to pull you out of the pit, but I couldn't, and I am sorry. But there is only so much abuse someone can take before they realize that they cannot truly help, and that honestly the only way you were going to get better is if you got out of there on your own.

 

But thankfully as the years pasted and we went our separate ways we both grew, and I think you were able to climb out just fine on your own and I'm so proud of you for that.  I will always bear the scars from our relationship, but I don't hold you again them anymore. I forgive you for all of the pain and drama that you caused me in high school, and maybe now the ghost of this relationship will not haunt me anymore. 

 

Heres to forgiving and moving on

 

Sincerely,

C

 

Week Two:

Week Two Overview:

 

Goal 1: Learn to Fire Bend- Drop 6lbs and 2% of my body fat

Start Weight: 156.8lbs Current Weight: 154.6lbs Goal Weight: 150

35%

35%

Start FB%= 17.5% Current FB%= 16.6% Goal BF%= 15%

35%

35%

Progress: Lost a little over 2lbs so far and .9% body fat. Everything seems to be working out ok, even though this weekend was pretty poor as well in terms of diet. 

 

Goal 2: Learn to Earth Bend- 15sec Handstand, 15sec Tuck Planche, 15sec L-Sit

Handstand= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

Tuck Planche= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

L-Sit= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

Progress: Didn't make any great progress in my triple threat in terms of my handstand but made some good gains in the other two bringing all three up to about the 7 second mark. I am starting to wonder if I took on to much trying to work on all three of these skills but I am also seeing some interesting overlap between the gains I'm making in my shoulder strength from the Planche work as well as the finger tip strength I am gaining from the L-sits in my handstands so I'm going to keep working on all three as much as I can. 

 

Goal 3: Learn to Air Bend- 6 Kipping Muscle Ups and 1 Dead Hang Muscle Up

Max Kipping Muscle Ups= 4 Dead Hang Muscle Ups= 0

65%

65%

Progress: Managed 4 in a row during one of my workouts this week which felt great, plus I got pretty close to getting my dead hang muscle up too. I am now thinking that one dead hang is definitely an obtainable goal by the end of this 6-week challenge. 

 

Goal 4: Learn to Water Bend- Letters to Ex's Written

Letters Written= 2/6

34%

34%

Progress: Wrote my second letter to my second Ex, if you're interested in reading it, it's typed out below:  

Dear A T ,

 

I should have said this ages ago, many, many times over, but I am so sorry for the way I treated you in High School. Some of the things I said, the promises I made. I was so foolish-so childish, I though only of myself and how I was feeling at the time, in the beginning heat of our relationship. It never occurred to me how you would feel or how broken it would make your heart if those words never came to be true. I didn't think of how much I would destroy you with my words and actions. I could blame others for the reasons or why I did what I did, but I've been doing that for too long already. Ultimately, they were my choices, my actions, my stupid decisions, and I know that I hurt you more than I could ever imagine. 

 

Even after all of these years I still can't come to an actual reason why I broke up with you and got back together with J. I realize now how much that must have hurt, especially after all we had said and did only weeks and months before. It was my fault, my decision, and I'm sorry that I blamed you for it. I've recently started taking a very hard look at my past and I've started to realize just how much I repeat it. How much I destroy the women that I "loved", those who I should have cared about the most in the world, with my abhorrent behavior, personality, and actions. How I loved so hard and fast and then stopped loving just as hard and even more suddenly that I'm basically giving my girlfriend whiplash. The worst part of all, I end of blaming them for the cause of everything, trying to make myself seem like I'm not ever at fault. Despicable. Again, I am so sorry for everything, and I know it does not mean much, and you might not even care, but now that I've finally realized it I'm taking steps (like writing this letter) and starting to change for the better.

 

For the longest time I did not have the courage to take responsibility for my own actions, and that is the first thing that I need to change if I am going to become a better man and stop doing this 100%-0% on and off relationship roller coster that I take girls on. The past few months I have been taking a very hard look at my past, looking at my old journals and letters, reading hours of old Facebook conversations, and digging deep into my old memories, so I can finally look my skeletons face to face and stop blaming J, you, A M, K, and M for all of my relationship troubles and finally start to work on myself. 

 

I realize that I've already apologized twice in this letter, and honestly this old wound has likely healed, but I just wanted to apologize one last time if I have cause more harm than good by writing this letter to you. I was too much of a boy to actually say it then, so I am saying it now. I am sorry. 

 

I hope that were ever you are and what ever you are doing with your life you find everything that you desire and that you are happy. Wishing you all of the best.

 

Sincerely,

C

 

 

Side Quest: Harmonize my World- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Times Volunteered= 0/1

0%

0%

Progress: Nope, my little brother had troubles so I went home to spend time with him.

 

Week Three:

Week Three Overview:

 

Goal 1: Learn to Fire Bend- Drop 6lbs and 2% of my body fat

Start Weight: 156.8lbs Current Weight: 155.8lbs Goal Weight: 150

25%

25%

Start FB%= 17.5% Current FB%= 16.8% Goal BF%= 15%

35%

35%

Progress: Gained back almost 1 whole lb, could be nothing but body weight and water fluctuations though so I'm not worried about it BF% went up according to the scale too, but this happened on the last challenge too so its probably just my body's cycle. 

 

Goal 2: Learn to Earth Bend- 15sec Handstand, 15sec Tuck Planche, 15sec L-Sit

Handstand= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

Tuck Planche= 9 Seconds

60%

60%

L-Sit= 8 Seconds

53%

53%

Progress: Tying to get all three skills at once may have been unwise, I managed to get a pretty good 9 second hold in my tuck planche today, but I have yet to be able to hold another handstand past 5 seconds and my fingers are still very sore from L-Sit practice earlier in the week. I think I may just need to focus on the one that I really want to improve upon for the next challenge (probably still going to be handstands because gosh darn it I'm going to get it one of these days!) 

 

Goal 3: Learn to Air Bend- 6 Kipping Muscle Ups and 1 Dead Hang Muscle Up

Max Kipping Muscle Ups= 5 Dead Hang Muscle Ups= 0

80%

80%

Progress: Feel pretty good about this goal for this challenge I managed to do a set of 5/ 3/ 1 reps just for fun near the park on Sunday which made me feel great about being able to get a clean dead hang muscle up before the end of the 6 weeks. 

 

Goal 4: Learn to Water Bend- Letters to Ex's Written

Letters Written= 3/6

50%

50%

Progress: This letter was easily the hardest for me to write so far, I really miss this letter's intended recipient. It was a really hard letter to write and I still don't think it does my feelings or emotions justice.

Third Letter written, if you're interested, it's typed out below:   

Dear A M ,

 

Most of the true regrets I have in my life stem from the poor decisions I made with you. We were best friends for almost 4 years before we started dating and then almost another 3 while we were together and now, well... it just sucks not having you in my life anymore. I'm not even talking about romantically, we both came to the realization that we wouldn't work out, but I just miss you so much as a friend. Some days I think about you and I wonder if you even still think about me, but then I remember how you looked at me the last time we spoke, all of the pent up anger and hatred, and figure that you're probably better without me back in your life. So I keep my promise and stay away, I can do that much at least.

 

I don't think I've ever appropriately apologized for S, and while we weren't technically together I can understand now why my actions with her hurt you so much. My faults and wrong doings are my own, the only person I can blame is myself. I blamed everyone else for so long- especially you - for things that you had no control over and started to resent you for it, instead of just being honest and communicating what my needs were in our relationship, and for that I am still sorry. Communication has never been my strongest attribute in relationships, but I just want you to know that I am working on talking and expressing my wants and needs instead of just bottling them up and blaming my partner for them.

 

I'd never really understood why I kept passing the blame until I stopped lying to myself about what I wanted and needed in a relationship. I've found that one of the root problems is that without physical intimacy I don't feel wanted, and I begin to look for others who might want me and make me feel loved even while still in another relationship. I've always though that it was better to break up (even if done poorly like I did) than cheat, but I've begun to see that there really isn't a clear line in the sand and I should have just talked to you about how I was feeling instead of basically cheating on you. I kept lying to myself and to you, trying to find any other bull shit reason to break up with you, that I though wouldn't sound so bad, but instead of just being honest, I just ended up I saying things that were just hurtful and untrue which I'm sure caused even more problems and heartache. 

 

I understand that this kind of makes me sound like a dog only interested on in sex, but it was never really about that. I just wanted a stronger relationship and being intimate is one of the ways that I feel closest to my partner. But that was not how you wanted to be loved, you felt differently, and I realize that now, and that is OK, I just wish I could have had the strength and courage to talk with you about it at the time. I am working on my communication skills and really trying to be open and talk about how I'm feeling, hopefully that will help me be better for future relationships. I would understand if this letter just made you more angry, and I'm so sorry if I tore off an old wound, but I just wanted to tell you the truth, something I should have done, something that I should have been able to do a long time ago. I will always wish you the best of all things.

 

With hope that someday we might be friends again.

 

Love,

C

 

 

Side Quest: Harmonize my World- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Times Volunteered= 0/1

0%

0%

Progress: Art show this weekend, gosh this side quest is harder than I thought it was going to be. 

 

Week Four:

Week Four Overview:

 

Goal 1: Learn to Fire Bend- Drop 6lbs and 2% of my body fat

Start Weight: 156.8lbs Current Weight: 153.2lbs Goal Weight: 150

55%

55%

Start FB%= 17.5% Current FB%= 16.4% Goal BF%= 15%

45%

45%

Progress: Started drinking a lot more water to help me get rid of some of the extra water weight that I'm carrying around and I think this week's big drop is because of that, but I also started doing some morning cardio on top of my other training which could have also helped. 

 

Goal 2: Learn to Earth Bend- 15sec Handstand, 15sec Tuck Planche, 15sec L-Sit

Handstand= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

Tuck Planche= 10 Seconds

65%

65%

L-Sit= 8 Seconds

53%

53%

Progress: Been unable to really practice all three of these skills as much as I would have liked to. I've only been able to do maybe one or two dedicated practice sessions a week on each skill and that is not really enough to make a great deal of progress. Since working out 5 days a week + Morning Cardio is (and I'm sure this is a huge shocker to everyone) exhausting...lol And it has honestly been hard just trying to in a few extra minutes of practice along with everything else that I'm working on right now. Next challenge I think I'm just going to stick with one skill goal for my sanity. 

 

Goal 3: Learn to Air Bend- 6 Kipping Muscle Ups and 1 Dead Hang Muscle Up

Max Kipping Muscle Ups= 5 Dead Hang Muscle Ups= 0

80%

80%

Progress: Still feeling pretty good about this one, did another set of 5 the other day, couldn't quite make the 6th one but I feel like I'll be able to get it in the next two weeks for sure, the dead hang may be another story lol.... 

 

Goal 4: Learn to Water Bend- Letters to Ex's Written

Letters Written= 4/6

66%

66%

Progress: 4th Letter finished. Warning: This letter is written to my last College GF who accused me of raping her and turned almost all of my friends against me so yeah... it doesn't flow very well and its a little...vague for obvious reasons but its below if you still want to read it:

Dear K ,

 

It is truly hard fro me to find the right words to start this conversation- even on paper. I feel like our relationship was like a wildfire burning so hot and fast that is scorched the earth of everyone around it especially towards the end.

 

In the beginning everything seemed to be going so well until A came back into my life and I had to confront feelings that I should have dealt with a long time before we even started talking. Then I pushed my expectations of my previous relationship onto you and that was so unfair and wrong. I wanted you to be just like A but more and that was so stupid because I should have just seen you for who you were and not shove expectations onto you.

 

I was so ungrateful for everything that you gave, did, and make for me. I should have been saying over and over how much I appreciated them but all I did was complain about how they weren't good enough, or trying to make but better with ridiculous critiques and my "high standards" bull. I took advantage of you and your things that I needed, like your car and I am sorry for not appreciating all that you did or showing my gratitude better.

 

I shouldn't have gotten so mad at you when you befriended A, you two are wonderful women and I knew you would get along you had a lot of similar interest. But it just hurt, so unbelievably badly when you guys became friends. It felt like all you did was bash me and like you stole my best friend and turned her into an enemy... I should have blamed myself but I couldn't so I blamed you and got angry which made A more distance which turned into a very vicious circle.  

 

There is little I can say that will make anything better, but I just want you to know that I am so sorry for the way things ended. If I could turn back the clock and make it so that night never occurred I would, and I bet we would even still be friends- but it did and I'll have to live with it for the rest of my life. I thought that you liked everything that we did that night but I guess I was mistaken, I just wish you had said something sooner.

 

I'm not sure if I am still angry at you or just at myself for all that happened when I returned from Maine, I just wish that my friends would have come to me, but i guess I am to blame too. I should have gone and talked to them, I just could never find the right words to start the conversation and the one time I tried it went so badly I just never wanted to bring it up again.

 

Maybe one day the ashes will turn into new growth and we might be able to talk and reform a friendship, but its hard for me to imagine a time when and where that would be beneficial for both of us. But no matter what, I  will always wish you the best of all things.

 

Sincerely, 

C

 

 

Side Quest: Harmonize my World- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Times Volunteered= 0/1

0%

0%

Progress: Modeling Shoot and Mothers Day.... -__- I think I just need to just pick a date and do it.

 

Week Five:

Week Five Overview:

Goal 1: Learn to Fire Bend- Drop 6lbs and 2% of my body fat

Start Weight: 156.8lbs Current Weight: 153.6lbs Goal Weight: 150

55%

55%

Start FB%= 17.5% Current FB%= 16.3% Goal BF%= 15%

45%

45%

Progress: I don't think I'm going to make either of these goals at this point even with my best attempts I'm not quite droping 1lbs a week or .3% BF a week like I though I might have been able too. That said, I've still made progress, which is good just not nearly as much as I though I might be able too. I think I might just need more time. 

 

Goal 2: Learn to Earth Bend- 15sec Handstand, 15sec Tuck Planche, 15sec L-Sit

Handstand= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

Tuck Planche= 12 Seconds

85%

85%

L-Sit= 8 Seconds

53%

53%

Progress: My skills practice definately took a back seat this challenge and while I've done a few sets here and there I haven't been nearly as consistent as I would have liked to have been. I honestly think I took on too much in just this one six weeks. As such I've kind of dropped the L-sit goal and am primarily still working on my handstand and my tuck planche. Unfortunately I am still a long way to go in my handstand training to get up to 15 seconds but I might just be able to get 15 on my tuck plance. 

 

Goal 3: Learn to Air Bend- 6 Kipping Muscle Ups and 1 Dead Hang Muscle Up

Max Kipping Muscle Ups= 5 Dead Hang Muscle Ups= 0

80%

80%

Progress: Same as last week haven't been able to get the 6th one yet, but I did get really really close to a dead hang muscle up this week which was pretty cool.  

 

Goal 4: Learn to Water Bend- Letters to Ex's Written

Letters Written= 5/6

66%

66%

Progress: My letter to my most recent ex is finished, sort of. I know there is more that I want to say I'm just having a hard time coming up with the words and how to organize them onto a page. I might revisit this one later.

Dear M ,

 

First off, I would like to thank you for everything that you did for me. You helped me realize a lot about myself and how I act in relationships- even if I didn't want to hear it at the time. It was hard hearing that  I was ungrateful and selfish even though I knew it to be true, but I really was making an effort to get better and change, to become a better man. 

 

Distance make everything harder and while 2 and a half hours is not the worst drive, I know it began to tear and fray the fabric of our relationship over time. Though sometimes I wonder if the distance between us truly helped or hurt our relationship. At times, especially after one of our fights, it felt like the only reason we were able to stay together was because we saw each other so infrequently, but then at other times it felt like the distance was tearing us apart. 

 

You were definitely one of the most dominate girls I've ever dated- and I loved the fact that you were the one that pursued me. I learned a lot about myself and what I like in relationships from you and I will always be grateful for that. I feel safer when someone else is in control, I'm still scared of hurting my significant other or doing something that they don't want, probably a remnant of what happened with K I guess. I just don't like being dominant anymore, But you wanted to be dominant that and that made me happy. That is, until you started acting like you didn't want me and started saying things like you didn't want a relationship anymore, but you wanted me... and it was just so confusing. Thankfully, you were always very open and didn't shame me for parts of my personality and desires which I felt so much shame for liking, which really helped me talk about become a better communicator of my likes and desires and what I wanted from a relationship, and hopefully I will be able to carry that over into my next relationship and keep making progress. So thank you again.

 

You are so smart, so talented, and so beautiful I truly hope one day you will be able to see that in yourself. You're going to do great things, and save many old people from the horrible people trying to defraud them. Good luck with the rest of school and beyond, I will always be wishing you the best.

 

Sincerely, 

C

 

 

Side Quest: Harmonize my World- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Times Volunteered= 0/1

0%

0%

Progress: Boss Battle this weekend- Going to do this next weekend. I've got too!

 

Week Six:

Week Six Overview:

Goal 1: Learn to Fire Bend- Drop 6lbs and 2% of my body fat

Start Weight: 156.8lbs Current Weight: 152.6lbs Goal Weight: 150 Total Lost: 4.2lbs

70%

70%

Start FB%= 17.5% Current FB%= 15.6% Goal BF%= 15% Total Lost: 1.9%

90%

90%

Progress: My numbers had spiked down when I stepped onto the scale this Sunday lost .6lbs and .7% body fat! I think a good deal of this may be water weight and it will be interesting to see what happens when I go back up to maintenance calories for the next two weeks. 

 

Goal 2: Learn to Earth Bend- 15sec Handstand, 15sec Tuck Planche, 15sec L-Sit

Handstand= 7 Seconds

46%

46%

Tuck Planche= ~20 Seconds

125%

125%

L-Sit= 8 Seconds

53%

53%

Progress: Didn't quite make all three, but I killed the Planche, holding my tuck for almost 20seconds! I pretty much stopped practicing my L-Sit to work on my handstand and planche so its no wonder that I couldn't get past 8 seconds on there, and even though my practice more than a 7 second handstand still alludes me too. I think I will just focus on my handstand training in the next challenge and really try and hit that 15 second mark. 

 

Goal 3: Learn to Air Bend- 6 Kipping Muscle Ups and 1 Dead Hang Muscle Up

Max Kipping Muscle Ups= 6 Dead Hang Muscle Ups= 1

100%

100%

Progress: Finally Got it! The 6th one wasn't exactly pretty (more of a chicken wing flopping over the bar but I'ma gonna count it! Same for the dead hang muscle up, I'm pretty sure I managed this one, I may have used a little bit of momentum but it was minimal and I'm giving myself credit for starting at a dead hang. 

 

Goal 4: Learn to Water Bend- Letters to Ex's Written

Letters Written= 6/6

100%

100%

Progress: Technically I've only had 5 GF so all of the letter to my Ex's were completed last week so this weeks letter is to  me.  

Dear Me,

 

It has taken a lot time to start to correct some of the deficiencies in my personality, and lot of people who I was suppose to care a lot about have gotten hurt, because of how long it has take me to realize some of the things that I do. Even now that I am more self aware of them I still catch myself doing them- they are so ingrained in my personality and character that it takes a lot of mental effort to stop myself. It is a struggle but hopefully with more time the person who I want to be will win out over the person who I are today.

 

One of my favorite things about myself is how much I want to improve every aspect of my life, I can't stand when people complain about something and then have absolutely no plan or goals for how to change it. I WILL change, I WILL become Dragonforged- and become the very best that I can in every area of my life. I will Keep moving forward, and use the past to help propel me there. Take notes and keep records and modify your progress as needed.

 

Remember slow progress is still progress, and no matter how slow you are going you will always beat the people who haven't even started yet. 

 

Never give up, Never give in, 

C

 

 

Side Quest: Harmonize my World- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Times Volunteered= .5/1

50%

50%

Progress: So I had planned on signing up for the Saturday this weekend but they didn't have any volunteer spots (probably because its Memorial Day weekend), but I did go ahead and sign up for next Saturday which is technically outside of the 6 weeks of the challenge but its within my personal goal of once a month so I'm going to count this one as a success (even though its by the skin of my teeth) 

 

[Ryuu1011]

Post Challenge Wrap Up Space Saver

[Ryuu1011]

Pre-Challenge: Week 0 Summary

I was on spring break this week and when home to spend some time with my parents. This would have been a great thing, but traveling home has often de-railed me from my goals in the past, so this time I came up with a two part plan before I ever left for home.

 

Part 1: I would continue to use MyFittnessPal to track all of my Nutrients, which would be significantly easier than normal because I've finally got Mom & Dad to stop making fun of me fore wanting to workout and be healthier and have actually gotten them to use MFP and they have lost some weight.

Part 2: Since going to my normal gym would definitely be out of the question, I had to think of a very assassin-y body weight workout to do while I was away. The workout that I came up with is a modified version of the Start Bodyweight/ A Shot Of Adrenaline Progressions and is below:

 

Workout Done on M/W/F

Warm-Up: 5 Min Jump Rope, 10 Push Ups, 10 Squats, 10 Lunges, 10 Bridges, 10 Pull-Ups, 10 Shoulder Rotations, 10 Arm Circles, 10 Torso Rotations.

 

Squats: 

3 Sets 8/8/8 Reps @ Progression = Balance Assisted One Leg Squat

 

Pull Up:

3 Sets 8/4/4 Reps @ Progression= One Arm Towel Assisted

 

Handstand Push Up:

3 Sets 8/8/6 Reps @ Progression= Wall Assisted HS PU

 

Leg Raise:

3 Sets 8/6/6 Reps @ Progression= Hanging Bent Leg V-Raise

 

Push Up:

3 Sets 8/8/8 Reps @ Progression= Wall One Arm Push Ups

 

Dip:

3 Sets 8/8/8 Reps @ Progression= Legs Forward Dips

 

Horizontal Pull:

3 Sets 8/8/6 Reps @ Progression= Inverted Rows Legs Elevated One Leg Extended 

 

Plank:

2 Sets: 30sec @ Progression= Leg Lift Plank

 

Bridge:

2 Sets: 30sec @ Progression= Full Bridge Hold

 

Planche:

6 Sets: 5sec @ Progression= Tuck Planche

 

Goal 1: Learn to Fire Bend- Drop 6lbs and 2% of my body fat

Start Weight: 156.8lbs Current Weight: 155.7lbs

17%

17%

Start FB%= 17.5% Current FB%= 17.5%

0%

0%

Progress: Lost 1.1lbs on the Scale but didn't loose any BF% not sure whats up with that, but I know my pants that I was having a hard time fitting into back in December and now almost falling off of me so I know I'm making good progress!

 

Goal 2: Learn to Earth Bend- 15sec Handstand, 15sec Tuck Planche, 15sec L-Sit

Handstand= 5 Seconds

33%

33%

Tuck Planche= 5 Seconds

33%

33%

L-Sit= 5 Seconds

33%

33%

Progress: Been Practicing quite a bit on my Triple 15 during this week. I can hold each one for at least 5 seconds currently, though I held a handstand for what seemed like 7-8 seconds the other day (I really need to find a good way to count while upside down) and I'm having to do my L-Sit on the Floor on my finger tips.

 

Goal 3: Learn to Air Bend- 6 Kipping Muscle Ups and 1 Dead Hang Muscle Up

Max Kipping Muscle Ups= 2 Dead Hang Muscle Ups= 0

30%

30%

Progress: There are not many good high bars around here to practice my kipping muscle ups, but I got two in a row at the gym before I left so whats where I'm starting from.

 

Goal 4: Learn to Water Bend- Letters to Ex's Written

Letters Written= 0/6

0%

0%

Progress: Saving these for the actual challenge weeks.

 

Side Quest: Harmonize my World- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

Times Volunteered= 0/1

0%

0%

Progress: Not in town, though I guess had I planned better I could have volunteered while I was back here.

 

Overall a pretty good spring break with no major derailments, and even some gains!

[Devlin]

Looks good to me man, great challenge and welcome to xcom

[blkhole24601]

So many Avatar-themed challenges this time, I love it! I seriously need a rewatch of that series, and then I need to finally sit down and watch Korra.

 

Best of luck in your challenge!! You can do eeeeeeet!!!

[Delete]

Love the theme and the goals! Look forward to watching you kill it again!! That StartBodyweight website is awesome, especially the progression chart he put together. Definitely one of best sources I used in putting together the routine I use. 

[tenaciousglee]

Good stuff, good stuff!  Looking forward to following your successful progress again!

[Ryuu1011]

Looks good to me man, great challenge and welcome to xcom

Thanks! X-COM looks like a ton of fun

 

So many Avatar-themed challenges this time, I love it! I seriously need a rewatch of that series, and then I need to finally sit down and watch Korra.

 

Best of luck in your challenge!! You can do eeeeeeet!!!

Yeah Avatar-themed challenges are awesome Thanks!! Love both series, Korra was very well done and just like the original just kept getting better and better. It was one of the few animated series that I've seen with such wonderful character development.  

 

Love the theme and the goals! Look forward to watching you kill it again!! That StartBodyweight website is awesome, especially the progression chart he put together. Definitely one of best sources I used in putting together the routine I use. 

Thanks buddy! Yeah love his progressions they were super helpful when putting together my routine.

 

Good stuff, good stuff!  Looking forward to following your successful progress again!

Thanks! Glad you are here

[Mad Hatter]

Great challenge, looking forward to seeing you smash this one too! 

 

Good job on not getting derailed on your break. That can be really tough sometimes!

[Ryuu1011]

Great challenge, looking forward to seeing you smash this one too! 

 

Good job on not getting derailed on your break. That can be really tough sometimes!

Thanks! Btw I went to my first Cirque De Vol student showcase last night and saw some beginners on the Silks, Lyra, and the Trapeze and today I think I'm going to go back and try my hand at there beginning Trapeze class! You and Stars have inspired me to run away a join the circus....Time to add in some new goals to my epic quests!

[Mad Hatter]

That's awesome, trapeze is so much fun! With your strength level you'll progress really quickly too. 

[Stonie]

Subbed for some extremely awesome bodyweight moves I can only dream of right now.

 

And for Brightwater!!

[Ryuu1011]

Thought you guys would enjoy these they are from the trapeze class I took today it was so much fun, I wish I was in the area more so I could go back for more.

[Everstorm]

Just checking in from XCOM. I am excited to hear your OCR report. I just started doing mud runs this year (my third is in two weeks), and I cannot say enough good things about the experience.

[Sam Ashen]

Checking in from the X-Com Squaddies!

 

Goal Three: Complete 6 [kipping] Muscle Ups and 1 dead hang Muscle Up (+3 Str)

Got my first muscle up during the last challenge, this time I am going to try and improve on it.  Well see what happens, the dead hang muscle up may be a little bit of a long shot but I think I can make it.

 

Hey!  I want to one day learn how to do this!  I have not yet given much thought into how.

[Stonie]

Daw, you look so happy in those pictures! (Not to mention how awesome it is that you're doing trapeze classes!)

[Phayze]

Kicking ass like an Avatar? Sweet!

Cool pics! Trapeze looks like loads of fun. ^^

[jaex]

Love the theme of the challenge (it seems a requirement for Kung Fu peeps like me to watch and love Avatar).  Looking forward to watching your progress fellow XCOM team member

[brutalbears]

Pretty awesome challenge man, I am excited to follow your progress!

[Trewest]

Fellow xcom sniper!

That trapeze class looks fun. Jealous.

Also, I kind of want to floof your hair a little...

[Robpocalypse]

Hey Ryuu, X-com squad mate checking in!

I read on your profile you were into archery, seems rather appropriate given you sniper designation!  I'm very happy to see winter retreat so I can get back outside and get shooting again.  Good luck on the challenge, I'm watching your back!

[TheMarvelPrincess]

Subbed for the awesome challenge and the Avatar theme! You are into some really cool stuff - I have always thought that silks and trapeze would be so much fun. I also have done some archery! Not in the past couple of years (because life gets crazy, man), but it was a ton of fun.

 

Best of luck this challenge. I look forward to seeing you progress.

[Ryuu1011]

Just checking in from XCOM. I am excited to hear your OCR report. I just started doing mud runs this year (my third is in two weeks), and I cannot say enough good things about the experience.

Yay! I'm super excited about the Rugged Manic in May, it is going to be epic I just know it  

 

Hey!  I want to one day learn how to do this!  I have not yet given much thought into how.

Thanks! I'd been trying to get my first muscle up for what seemed like forever. A lot of clapping and weighted pull ups helped as did heavy weighted dips. And I'm still need to work on my dips some more for sure before I get a non-kipping muscle up.

 

Daw, you look so happy in those pictures! (Not to mention how awesome it is that you're doing trapeze classes!)

Thanks Tea! It was amazing I wish it was close to where I actually live so I could take classes more often.

 

Kicking ass like an Avatar? Sweet!

Cool pics! Trapeze looks like loads of fun. ^^

Thanks! it was

 

Love the theme of the challenge (it seems a requirement for Kung Fu peeps like me to watch and love Avatar).  Looking forward to watching your progress fellow XCOM team member

YAY! Glad to have you along

 

Pretty awesome challenge man, I am excited to follow your progress!

Thanks looking forward to having you here

 

Fellow xcom sniper!

That trapeze class looks fun. Jealous.

Also, I kind of want to floof your hair a little...

Sniper buddy! Yay! It was awesome can't recommend it enough it was a little pricy (for a drop in) but totally worth it. Hahaha you wouldn't be the first one ;D 

[Ryuu1011]

Hey Ryuu, X-com squad mate checking in!

I read on your profile you were into archery, seems rather appropriate given you sniper designation!  I'm very happy to see winter retreat so I can get back outside and get shooting again.  Good luck on the challenge, I'm watching your back!

Awesome! Thanks for stoping by Yeah I totally agree, finally was able to get back outside myself and try out my new target over spring break and it was a ton of fun. Hunter or just for fun/target like me? Great to have you watching it

 

Subbed for the awesome challenge and the Avatar theme! You are into some really cool stuff - I have always thought that silks and trapeze would be so much fun. I also have done some archery! Not in the past couple of years (because life gets crazy, man), but it was a ton of fun.

 

Best of luck this challenge. I look forward to seeing you progress.

Thanks! Yay more Avatar love  I'm glad you think so, sometimes I think I'm just a crazy weird person but on here at least you guys understand me ^___^  Nice another archer, its awesome to find other archers, and you REALLY don't have to tell me about how crazy life gets I completely understand. Thanks and glad to have you with me

[Ryuu1011]

And So it Begins- Week One: Day One

Strength Workout-

Weighted Chin Ups

3 sets 5/3/1 Reps @ 35/40/45lbs

2 sets 5/5 Reps @ 70/60lbs (added +10lbs since last workout! BOOYA!)

 

Standing Shoulder Press (Barbell)

3 sets 5/3/1 Reps @ 95/ 105/ 115lbs

2 sets 4/6 Reps @ 125/115lbs (Still extremely hard to move up weight on...not sure why?)

 

Seated Cable Row

3 sets 5/3/1 Reps @ 110/120/130lbs

2 sets 6/8 Reps @ 160/150

 

Lateral Raises

4 sets 8/10/10/10 Reps @ 30/25/25/25 lbs

 

Hanging Leg Raises (Toes to Bar)

3 sets 10/10/10 Reps @ 0/0 lbs 

 

5 Min Handstand Practice- Held one for a self count of 8 seconds! (New PR ) 

3 Min Tuck Planche Practice- 6 sets of 6 second holds with 30 sec rest in between

1.5 Min L-Sit Practice (On Floor)-  6(3*) sets of 6 second holds with 30 sec rest in between *Had to stop after 3 sets because my finger tips were killing me. 

 

Pretty great day today, increased my pull up weight by 10lbs!! so now I am pulling up with a little over 1/2 of my bodyweight attached. Stalled out on Shoulder Press again, not sure whats going on there, but I do think that I am moving the weight cleaner (less jerking) so maybe I am improving its just really slow progress. I also had a PR in my handstand training of 8 whole seconds Win! Awesome Day 1.