Sig Returns to the Warpath

[Sigrikr]

Now is time to let past failures remain in the past. Now is the time to dig deep and drive onward towards the reality of a fit warrior, fearsome on the battlefield, and handsome on his wedding day.

 

I participate in heavy combat within the Society for Creative Anachronisms. For me to be a competitive fighter within the SCA, I need to pursue a level of physical fitness and discipline that dovetails perfectly with my larger quest for a fit and trim self. Completing this second attempt at a challenge will be a mighty step towards being the Viking warrior I envision myself being.

 

Also, my wedding draws ever nearer, and I want my memory of it to include a happier, healthier self. Photographs won't lie, and my fiancé deserves the best version of me I can put forth. If I can be stronger, slimmer, and sleeker for her through pursuit of overarching efforts towards fitness, fantastic.

 

Long Term Quests

• I will get my weight to 200# (from 250#), the re-calibrate my fitness path from there. An average loss rate of 1.5#/week will put me at 220# by my wedding date, which, while tough, seems doable.
• I will re-focus my diet​​​​ back to a majority of healthy vegetarian dishes, and eliminate the over-consumption of cheesy, starchy, and bread-y meals.

Diet

• I will eat a healthy home cooked/prepped dinner a min 5x/week, and if ordering or dining out, opt for a healthy option
• I will drink only black​​​ coffee or tea instead of sugary artificial energy drink

Fitness​

• I will do the Beginner Bodyweight Routine before work 2x/week, and try for M-W-F
• I will train on my pell pole for 30 mins at least once a week, and attend the bi-weekly local fighter practices
• I will lose 6# by January 30 (avg. 1.5#/week)

 Life Goal

• I will sew myself a new Norse tunic​​​​

​I don't think most of these are overambitious, as most points, save for the addition of BBW routine, are just an augmentation or continuation of my current practices.​ The biggest hurdle, I believe, will holding fast to a proper dietary practice, as a busy work schedule has proven a stumbling block in the past. I tend to resign myself to ordering out after work rather than cooking, or settling in and overeating in the evening. This will be my focus for the next four weeks; the rest will be important and pursued as such, but above all else, my eating habits will be brought under control.

[Yo-to-go]

Right on! on the sewing of your own tunic!

And of course all your other goals as well 😆 That one is just unique💡

[CuriousCat]

Hell yes I'm following this. Speaking as another SCA combatant (mostly combat archery & rapier, though keen to get back into heavy), I'm looking forward to watching your progress.

While I'm more a 14th century mafia type, I'm in a partly viking household, so keen to see the finished (or in progress!) tunic.

What kingdom are you from?

[HueyLewis]

You're a viking, so this might be up your alley: go to subreddit r/swoleacceptance, go and educate them on Norse lore (it's a bunch of bodybuilders who speak like vikings, praying to their God- Brodin, Lord of gains in the gym)

I'm excited to hear about your progress down to 250. Take photos!

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[Sigrikr]

Cat, I'm in the NW reaches of the Middle Kingdom (Draco Invictus!). I've started a shire up here in no mans land, conveniently enough full of other Norse types. Can definitely post some progress pics of my sewing project, too!

And took a look at /r/swoleacceptance. Oh man, looks like an uphill battle there

[fleaball]

Hey Sig, how's your challenge going so far?

[Sigrikr]

Three days in, pretty well so far.

 

I have worked out twice this week, which is on pace. Bodyweight routine Monday before work; missed this morning, so I did it this afternoon after work instead. Trying to push myself to find where I should be at with reps currently. Have been having out-loud conversations with myself and my fiance at 4:30 am about how working out > an extra 15 mins of sleep. That's a tough sell.

 

I have worked in some sessions hitting the pell pole a couple times this week, which is always fun.

 

Diet has been a mixed bag. I have been 3/3 for a healthy home cooked or prepped dinner, but still finding myself grabbing more than I should as I relax and wind down for the day. Eating the correct portion and feeling sated is looking to be the "boss" for this challenge. I have been successful thus far avoiding energy drinks as well, which is a challenge given that my workplace produces them and part of my job is tast-testing. Drinking plenty of black coffee instead.

 

I have not started my sewing project, but that is on the docket for this weekend.

 

It's early, but I am hoping that I can keep up this enthusiasm and willpower for the duration of the challenge, and not lose steam by the 3-4 week mark.

[Laghail]

Really neat challenge Sig, keep up the good work.

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[fleaball]

Hey there, you still with us? How's it going?

[Sigrikr]

Still here. Last week's work schedule hit me like a ton of bricks, so I missed getting in exercises and cooking as much as I wanted to. There were a couple nights where the easy quick (and not necessarily the healthiest) meals won out.

Back on track this week, though. Went grocery shopping last night, so I am prepped for the week ahead.

[CJ the (soon-to-be) Mighty]

Back on track this week, though. Went grocery shopping last night, so I am prepped for the week ahead.

Great job getting prepped over the weekend!  Personally, when I take the time to do that I have successful weeks, when I don't then I don't.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

[Sigrikr]

So has been a rough couple weeks for various reasons, and I have been more off than on track. Going to make a strong final week, and use that a launching pad for the next challenge... So early respawn?

Am finding that an uneven and unreliable work schedule (in terms of hours worked in a day) is a big hurdle to setting myself on a consistent daily routine of any sort. Combined with a bit of down-in-the-dumps, and a slow recovery, it was hard to self-motivate to stay on track with my desired dining and exercise plan. A series of failed days made it tougher mentally to jump back in.

Hopefully can brainstorm something that works going forward.