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Becks follows the Three Hunters from Isengard to Helm's Deep


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For right now, this is a placeholder for the Challenge. It's Bye Week Challenge time right now! 

 

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I confess, I could read/watch The Two Towers and only follow the  journey of the Three Hunters across Rohan. Not that Frodo and Sam aren't important, of course. I just love the idea of running across Rohan. That's right, I'm headed to Edoras. 

 

I have a lot going on at the moment, and indeed throughout the challenge. A half marathon on July 12, my sister's wedding at the end of June, the fitness challenge that my gym launched last week (and will run though the length of the challenge), and travelling to Quebec (I'm on a layover at Chicago O'Hare right now), Detroit, and central Oregon in the next 4 weeks. So here we go!

 

1. get ready to run! I've borderline blown out my knees in the past few weeks, thanks to shortened medial somethingorother muscles after heavy squats. I've packed my softball and my running shoes with me, but the big deal will be doing hard core mobility work every day. (Getting my milage back up is a given!) Let's hunt some  orc (+DEX, +STR, +STA)

 

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2. The "beach body challenge" kicked off at my gym. Here are my baselines: 

5:18 Fran

18% body fat (#117 lean mass)

#142.8

Body measurements (my coach has them)

We're following the Zone block plan, although one of my coaches gave me a "flexible dieting" book that I burned through. I think I will incorporate elements of that into the "block" idea of the Zone. Right now, I've been impressed by how little the zone gives you to eat. Yes, I calculated my needs based on my lean body mass. My goal is, using MFP, to stick close to a Zone plan/ratio for at least the first 2 weeks. I'll tweak the plan after that point, depending on what way I'm headed. The ultimate goal is to improve on all of those stats! I won't get final feedback until after this challenge ends, but should be able to tell whether I'm making progress in 6 weeks. If I hit #137 at the end of the challenge without losing muscle, I'll consider it a huge win. So far, I've managed to get my protein in every day :) (+CONS)

 

3. Daily language practice. I'm tempted to pick up Spanish, thanks to my upcoming Peru trip, but I'm currently en route to Quebec, und ich vermisse Deutsche...  but the  language of  the challenge is FRENCH! (+CHA, +WIS) (just imagine the Eorlingas spoke French, although I always imagined them speaking some germanic Scandi language ;))

 

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  • Like 5

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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Bye Week Challenge! Here's what's going on:

 

 

Quest One: Try something new this two weeks that you have always wanted to try...

I'm signing up for my box's fitness challenge that starts June 3. It's kinda spendy, but includes before/after dunk tank body comp tests. I'm curious to see where it places me and slightly terrified of having other people measure me and take progress pics. 

 

Quest Two: Make yourself a mini fitness goal or training commitment for this period and stick with it...

Mobility work. Every day. 

 

Quest Three ...pick one thing that gives you unadulterated joy and do it or buy it.

I love being able to communicate with people in their own language. So I'm gonna spend some quality time working on my French for the 2 weeks before I head to Quebec City! 

 

So far, so good. I'm very slowly picking  up French again, I've done Mob' work every day, and I signed up yesterday for the challenge. *gulp* 

 

I've gotten a little pudgy again in the past few weeks. That seems to be the way it's going recently; I'll do great for a few days, then fall back. One step forward, two steps back. Schedule a 12 mile run, walk 5 miles home with a sore knee. These two weeks are organized to pull me out of that cycle, onwards and upwards. 

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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I confess, I could read/watch The Two Towers and only follow the  journey of the Three Hunters across Rohan. Not that Frodo and Sam aren't important, of course. I just love the idea of running across Rohan. That's right, I'm headed to Edoras. 

 

Frodo and Sam were a trifle boring, whereas the unstoppable triumvirate of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli was exciting, wildly clever, and fun.

 

Following for Rohan!

  • Like 1

[Level ??] Rurik, the Wayfinder

Class: Gloomfall Gunslinger  (Artificer/Gunslinger)

BRUTALITY 11 | FINESSE 10 | VIGOR 11 | INSIGHT 14 | WILL 13

Equipment: The Alchemist greatcoat armor, Longshot adventuring rifle, Slicer & Dicer dual blades, with adventurer's pack containing an alchemist's kit.

 

"Rangers have to at least give up on pants. It's a special rule we enacted after Rurik became a Guild Leader.” – DarK_RaideR

"Did I just get my ass kicked by a member of Metallica meets History Channel's Vikings?" - Wild Wolf

"By the Well-Oiled-and-Meticulously-Groomed Beard of Rurik!" - Tanktimus the Encourager

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running-gif.gif

 

^^ That was me during the  WOD this morning!!! 6 x 400m "sprints".

 

When we went mountain biking  Sunday there were hills that I was technically able to do, but my engine got wound up and redlined too quick. I know that the sprints are what I need to be doing... but I was gassed!!

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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I'm chilling at ORD waiting for my flight to get a first officer, perfect timing for getting my challenge post updated. Here we go!!

 

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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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The week challenge just went up in the mini-challenge forum. On my list is "run 8 miles." Not gonna lie, I was hoping this would come up later rather than sooner. Between the travel, the days in a chair, and the previous injury, I'm not exactly bulletproof at the moment. Oh well. I should have time Saturday morning to try 8 mi and walk home if I crash. If nothing else, I'm really going to have to keep up with my mobility work!!

  • Like 1

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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So far, the week isn't a bust ;-) my coworkers directed me to a crossfit gym where the trainer, Cody, kicked my but for a solid hour. It felt so good! One of the same coworkers is meeting me for a 5k run in the morning, so I should start off on the right for tomorrow.

The food has been served buffet style this time around, and is really excellent. I've had steak and salmon, duck gratin and pork loin... In short, protein goals are still being met. Looking forward to what they serve tomorrow! One of my concerns, though, is that my volumes are too large and too far apart. This far I've packed snacks to make sure I eat ever 4 hours or so, but I'm running low. When I do eat it's often larger volume than the 4 block meals I'm assuming for.

French is all around me! Daaang I need to learn this language...

Tl;dr, on track, room for improvement

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

Link to comment

I've had a bit of a mess up the past 24 hours. I decided to enjoy a really nice meal at this awesome restaurant last night. I'd just heard back from my dad after breaking the news that I've asked my bf to move in. I'm not one to drown my sorrows in drink, but the pinot noir flight went down great last night. Wasn't hungry at breakfast but still cleaned my plate, followed up by pizza and TimBits for lunch. At least I took advantage of my full energy stores and got that 8 mile run outta the way! The mobility work paid off; I finished without pain. More work to come on my ankles, since those were feeling funky by the end. Running down the Grande Allée was wonderful. Lots of French exposure, even the days that I don't use my Anki flashcards. J'adore Quebec!!

 

Dynamics-Quebec-city-photo.jpg?w=940

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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The challenge sounds great, Beck, and you have been doing amazing. A few slips along the way is only natural especially when you're travelling... 8 Mile run sounds amazing!

 

And French... Woah, that sounds like work, but I know you can do it. 

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The challenge sounds great, Beck, and you have been doing amazing. A few slips along the way is only natural especially when you're travelling... 8 Mile run sounds amazing!

 

And French... Woah, that sounds like work, but I know you can do it. 

 

Merci beaucoup!!

 

Phase 1 is finished, and after another slew of delays (Thanks, United  :jaded: ) I'm finally in Detroit. The party on Saturday was a ton of fun - after spending the morning exploring the Citadel du Quebec, I kicked a soccer ball around with my co-workers for a good part of the afternoon. And ate great food (and not too much of it!!) 

I like the hotel I'm staying at because they give me free passes to a nearby gym that has oly lifting platforms. Unfortunately, the only things I could really fit into my eating plan this morning were hard boiled eggs, a little of the yogurt (all were seriously sweetened), and fruit (which I indulged in after working out this evening). I've re-provisioned this afternoon, and my fridge is packed with salads, real (plain!) greek yogurt, fresh berries, jerky, some indulgent protein bars... Everything but 

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Now that I'm out of the Francophone world, I've picked up my Coffee Break French podcast again. Today I took care of it at the gym during warm ups... and while waiting for a squat rack :) Out of curiosity, I stepped on a scale before my workout. I'm down #2.5, which isn't counting the fact that I was wearing shoes and it was the end of the day (I usually weigh more later). Scales are an admittedly faulty way to measure health improvements, but I'm feeling strong so reading this as good progress!

  • Like 2

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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Sounds like you are doing incredibly well!

 

It is hard enough to find a gym with an oly lifting platform - just amazing that you get free passes from your hotel to one nearby!

 

Weight being down whilst still feeling strong sounds like exactly what you are going for with your goals?

  • Like 1

Current Challenge!

Battle Log

Instagram | Twitter | Training Journal 

(Weight x Reps x Sets - all weights kg unless specified)

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I've had a bit of a mess up the past 24 hours. I decided to enjoy a really nice meal at this awesome restaurant last night. I'd just heard back from my dad after breaking the news that I've asked my bf to move in. I'm not one to drown my sorrows in drink, but the pinot noir flight went down great last night. Wasn't hungry at breakfast but still cleaned my plate, followed up by pizza and TimBits for lunch. At least I took advantage of my full energy stores and got that 8 mile run outta the way! The mobility work paid off; I finished without pain. More work to come on my ankles, since those were feeling funky by the end. Running down the Grande Allée was wonderful. Lots of French exposure, even the days that I don't use my Anki flashcards. J'adore Quebec!!

 

I did my basic training in Quebec once upon a time.  Relying heavily on my high school French, the only thing that truly sunk in was, "Je ne parle pas Francais."

 

I was like the Francophone Jon Snow.  I knew nothing.

  • Like 1

[Level ??] Rurik, the Wayfinder

Class: Gloomfall Gunslinger  (Artificer/Gunslinger)

BRUTALITY 11 | FINESSE 10 | VIGOR 11 | INSIGHT 14 | WILL 13

Equipment: The Alchemist greatcoat armor, Longshot adventuring rifle, Slicer & Dicer dual blades, with adventurer's pack containing an alchemist's kit.

 

"Rangers have to at least give up on pants. It's a special rule we enacted after Rurik became a Guild Leader.” – DarK_RaideR

"Did I just get my ass kicked by a member of Metallica meets History Channel's Vikings?" - Wild Wolf

"By the Well-Oiled-and-Meticulously-Groomed Beard of Rurik!" - Tanktimus the Encourager

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...

Weight being down whilst still feeling strong sounds like exactly what you are going for with your goals?

 

That's the goal! I came home feeling stronger,  lighter, more  flexible, and just... healthy. Sam (my coach) was right, the first 2 weeks were rough, but the way I'm eating now feels great. I basically call a day "quits" when I've consumed enough protein. 

 

 

I did my basic training in Quebec once upon a time.  Relying heavily on my high school French, the only thing that truly sunk in was, "Je ne parle pas Francais."

 

I was like the Francophone Jon Snow.  I knew nothing.

 

That's my phrase, too. I just add a "J'suis desolee, mes" to the beginning. "I'm sorry, but..."

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

Link to comment

The week in Michigan went well. I only made it to the gym once after that first workout, but I did move and work on mobility every day.

 

French has been less consistent, unfortunately. In the last few days I've listened to the Coffee Break French podcasts, but the days that I first came home my attention was elsewhere. We went running (5mi) Sunday morning, and I have a longer run scheduled for early Saturday this weekend.

 

Thursday my youngest sister and I drive to Bend to prep for our middle sister's wedding on Sunday. She wanted it to be far enough from home that not every person she knows shows up (small town life). Just imagine all of us migrating south along the Cascades...

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It's been an absolutely insane few weeks, but the craziness should be over when we drive home on Monday! 

  • Like 2

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Arian, arian, zehetzen da burnia. -Basque proverb

Frisian Shieldmaiden level 12 (STR:16) (DEX:16) (STA:23) (CON:22) (WIS:17) (CHA:15)

 Challenges: 11/12.14 - 1/2.15 - 2/3.15 - 15.4/5 - 15.6/7 - 15.7/9 - 16.1 - 16.3 - 16.4 - 16.5 - 16.10 - 16.11 - 16.12 - 17.1 - 17.2

 2017 Goals: Maintain BW BS, 100kg DL - Muscle Up - 1/2 Marathon Condition - Abs

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When you said French has been inconsistent, and you had a coffee break podcast-- the first thing that came to mind was: French press? :D

 

Hope that you get some rest after all the hectic week.

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I signed up for some French lessons this week, by e-mail and optionally on webcam.  It isn't a language I enjoy, or am terribly fond of, but I have enough of a foundation in it from high school that I really ought to achieve some semblance of fluency before moving onto a new language.  I'm feeling something worldly, exotic, and adventurous!  Spanish comes to mind, but German and Russian hold the most interest for me.

[Level ??] Rurik, the Wayfinder

Class: Gloomfall Gunslinger  (Artificer/Gunslinger)

BRUTALITY 11 | FINESSE 10 | VIGOR 11 | INSIGHT 14 | WILL 13

Equipment: The Alchemist greatcoat armor, Longshot adventuring rifle, Slicer & Dicer dual blades, with adventurer's pack containing an alchemist's kit.

 

"Rangers have to at least give up on pants. It's a special rule we enacted after Rurik became a Guild Leader.” – DarK_RaideR

"Did I just get my ass kicked by a member of Metallica meets History Channel's Vikings?" - Wild Wolf

"By the Well-Oiled-and-Meticulously-Groomed Beard of Rurik!" - Tanktimus the Encourager

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