Salty Tests the Waters

[SaltyDragon]

This challenge is all about discovery and trying new things. I shall call it, "Testing the Waters."

 

(actual photo of where I work! )

 

My job is ramping up for the field season, starting now. In case you don't know, I live and work on a ship. I will be at sea for more than half of this challenge, and much of my usual fall/winter fitness routine will be impossible. In years past, I've been unable to make a routine that works for me. This year, I will.

These are some of the challenges I will face:

• Strenuous 12 hr working days, 7 days a week.
• Irregular schedules.
• No ability to go outside and run, which I love.
• Unstable surfaces, with constantly changing gravitational forces.
• Bad weather.
• Seasickness.
• Questionable workout equipment.
• Inability to cook for myself.

So my overall goal for this challenge is to try some things out, see what works, see what I can stick with, and ultimately make a plan I can use for the rest of the year when work gets even more intense. I'll obviously have to cut back on running, and scale up some other activities.

Here are my individual quests, with some divided into "at sea" and "on land."

Run:
At sea - 5 miles per week on the treadmill. This one is up in the air still. We got a new treadmill for the ship, but it's not ready for use yet. It's not fully assembled, and we can't find a good place for it. Where it is currently in the workout room, the door will hit the moving tread when it opens, and anyone who gets up on it will hit their head. Not good. Hopefully, we can figure this out soon. Either way though, I will supplement this with time on the stationary bike, and any other form of cardio I can find. This is meant to be very flexible, so no strict scoring.

On land - Run outside, every day. I'll be pushing that weather conditioning from last challenge to new limits. It's Alaska, now, not Oregon. It rains a lot, but with much more possibility of ice or snow. Yep, could get pretty epic. There will be a maximum of 12 days to work with, and I'll score it 1 point per mile, with a goal of 40 points for the challenge (no minimum per day this time).

Push, Pull, Sit:
Building on achievements from the previous challenges, I'm keeping the pushups, replacing sit-ups with crunches, and adding pull-ups. These are all pretty doable on a boat, though kind of weird and challenging when things are really rocking. Mental and physical exhaustion from long working hours are the biggest hurdles.

Push-ups - 1 point each, with a goal of 500 points.
Crunches - 1 point each, with a goal of 1000 points.
Pull-ups - 1 point each, with a goal of 40 points.

Stretch:
No time limit this time, just keep building momentum and learning. 1 point for each extended stretching session (i.e. more than my usual post-run routine), 2 points for yoga practice, with a goal of 16 points.

Weights:
I've been thinking of adding some proper weight work into my life, so now might be a good time to try that out. Our workout room has some of those adjustable dumbbells, which should be easy enough to incorporate. 2 points for a solid half-hourish workout, 1 point for a good try, with a goal of 8 points.

Life Quest:

Finally, I'm gonna throw in two things to make me a better me. Unscored.

 

Money - save it! One of the advantages of my job is that I don't really have any bills. This makes for a great saving opportunity, and since I'm planning a return to the real world soon, saving is what I need to do. Except for some possible travel, I should be able to keep the expenses low and build up the bank account. In addition, I will find and read a good personal finance book, because I could probably definitely be better at managing my money!

 

Likeability - be complimentary. Give at least one person a compliment every day, and be more appreciative when I receive a compliment. This has the potential to get a little awkward, since for most of the challenge, I'll be stuck on a boat with the same twenty-some people every day, and I tend to be really introverted most of the time. Still, I think it could be interesting and useful.

 

(a friendly, happy mammal )

 

As I mentioned above, the challenges are many, with mental and physical exhaustion being the most significant. With the forum and this challenge, I already have a better plan than in the past. I hope to find the motivation here to have a better year!
 

[bgvanbur]

I really like how you framed your challenge.  Do you tend to workout before or after your long day of work?  And after reading "Inability to cook for myself." was surprised there wasn't a goal about food/nutrition.

[Jayniana Jones]

It looks like you're entering the next challenge with a well thought out plan. One thing you may want to experiment with is despite the unpredictable schedule is squeezing in all or part of a workout in before you start your shift. This could help your mindset to make smart choices (eating, stretching, etc) throughout the day. After 12 hours of working, I'm usually not all that excited to face a workout especially if stress is higher than usual. I'm assuming the same is the case for you.

 

Were you in AK when the earthquakes hit last week? I know the Kenai peninsula felt it, but I was curious if you could feel it on the water (i.e. rougher water).

[theophilus]

This looks like a great challenge. Good, realistic goals.

 

A side note: looking at your pictures, reading about your job, I'm imagining you a la Steve Zissou aboard the Belafonte. Pleast tell me it's so.

[SaltyDragon]

I really like how you framed your challenge.  Do you tend to workout before or after your long day of work?  And after reading "Inability to cook for myself." was surprised there wasn't a goal about food/nutrition.

 

The last couple of years, I tended not to at all. I tried both ways, but interest would always fizzle. And I definitely have dietary goals for myself, but I think it would be a little much to include them. Going solo on that front, for now.

 

 

It looks like you're entering the next challenge with a well thought out plan. One thing you may want to experiment with is despite the unpredictable schedule is squeezing in all or part of a workout in before you start your shift. This could help your mindset to make smart choices (eating, stretching, etc) throughout the day. After 12 hours of working, I'm usually not all that excited to face a workout especially if stress is higher than usual. I'm assuming the same is the case for you.

 

Were you in AK when the earthquakes hit last week? I know the Kenai peninsula felt it, but I was curious if you could feel it on the water (i.e. rougher water).

 

I'll be trying both, I'm sure. Some things I can even squeeze in during a shift, like pull-ups. In the past, I've been so tired before a shift that it's been hard to get into a workout. At the end of a shift, I'm usually pretty amped up still, and need to unwind. A workout might be good for that.

 

I haven't been in Alaska since October, so I wasn't there for this earthquake. I been up there during others, though, but no, you can't feel them. At sea, even a tsunami would be unnoticeable.

 

 

This looks like a great challenge. Good, realistic goals.

 

A side note: looking at your pictures, reading about your job, I'm imagining you a la Steve Zissou aboard the Belafonte. Pleast tell me it's so.

 

Yes!! It's EXACTLY like that!!!

[bgvanbur]

I know for myself after a long day a workout is still good, I might not be motivated for high intensity workout like weight lifting and tend to pick an easy run or yoga, but even a scheduled weight lifting session usually goes well and helps overall.  Sometimes just starting is the problem but once you are doing it everything tends to go fine.

[theophilus]

Yes!! It's EXACTLY like that!!!

 

Oh thank God. Good luck sticking to the goals!

[SaltyDragon]

Got the challenge off to a good headstart today. Actually, I pretty much tried all the things. I started the day with about twenty minutes of easy yoga practice. All day, I completed 60 push-ups, 120 crunches and one pull-up. And since someone has finally finished setting it up, I tried out the treadmill for 3 miles.

 

The treadmill was interesting. I haven't been on one of those things for five years, so it's gonna take some getting used to. And I need to figure out how to put a fan in there...yuck!

[theophilus]

Got the challenge off to a good headstart today. Actually, I pretty much tried all the things. I started the day with about twenty minutes of easy yoga practice. All day, I completed 60 push-ups, 120 crunches and one pull-up. And since someone has finally finished setting it up, I tried out the treadmill for 3 miles.

The treadmill was interesting. I haven't been on one of those things for five years, so it's gonna take some getting used to. And I need to figure out how to put a fan in there...yuck!

Awesome work. Way to break in the treadmill. It's a weird sensation when you're used to running roads or trails. I like to think of it as a completely different exercise. "Un-weirds" it a bit.

[Jayniana Jones]

Nice work!

 

One of the tips I remember my chiropractor mentioning for running on the treadmill is that when you are finished running, take a few steps on the ground with your legs crossing in front of each other. So for example, your right leg will step across the front of your left leg. Then your left leg will step across in front of your right leg. It's supposed to help with body alignment issues particularly in the hips and low back.

 

Must have been a running day yesterday. It was so nice out I took my dog for a mile run. He was happy to comply.

[SaltyDragon]

More treadmill today, plus some dumbbell strength work and some good stretching. I also tried some more pull-ups, but I need to really focus on my form. If I'm doing it right, I can't quite get over the bar. I think, though, that I can get there in a few days if I keep at it.

 

Internet has been spotty all day, which can happen to us a lot depending on which direction the boat is moving – the satellite signal gets blocked. Glad I got to check in tonight.

[SaltyDragon]

Almost forgot... I got crafty today and this is what I came up with for the treadmill...

 

 

Made a big difference in the swampiness factor.

 

Also, I just registered for a 10k in April. I have decided I want to work up to a half marathon this fall, and with my weird ocean-going training, I need to get a few more races under the belt. Excited!

[Jormungand]

That is some epic ingenuity with the fan. It's awesome to see you working through your goals despite the present obstacles (location, space, etc.) I know you'll crush them. I understand completely the treadmill vs. regular running. After running on the roads all fall, I moved inside more for some treadmill running. It is definitely a different beast. Cant' wait to see how your challenge progresses.

[Haikoo]

Hah! The fan! Awesome. Sounds like you are off to a great start!!! Your job sounds amazing, though I imagine it can tedious living in such a small space all the time... I have to believe there's some boat drama.

[SaltyDragon]

That is some epic ingenuity with the fan. It's awesome to see you working through your goals despite the present obstacles (location, space, etc.) I know you'll crush them. I understand completely the treadmill vs. regular running. After running on the roads all fall, I moved inside more for some treadmill running. It is definitely a different beast. Cant' wait to see how your challenge progresses.

 

After three days, I'm getting more comfortable with the treadmill. The trouble I have is when it stops moving, I have a few minutes of dizziness or vertigo or something. Hopefully that gets better once my brain starts to figure out what's going on.

 

Hah! The fan! Awesome. Sounds like you are off to a great start!!! Your job sounds amazing, though I imagine it can tedious living in such a small space all the time... I have to believe there's some boat drama.

 

Drama??

 

Nope, don't get me started on that can o' worms...

[theophilus]

Love the fan. Also, great move signing up for the 10k in April. Awesome motivation to stay afloat when the schedule gets wonky (nautical pun fully intended). I'm sure a half marathon this fall is doable for you.

[Jayniana Jones]

The fan is great. Very ingenious. Good idea doing the 10k as motivation to stay focused on your bigger goals. 

[HumanNomad]

Oh man I love the fan! Those things are so necessary when it comes to making a treadmill a good experience.

 

I also like your goals a lot, and the flexibility to accommodate your schedule on and off the boat is really nice. And the life-goals you have really resonated with me, I too am working towards being outwardly more social, and saving money, or in my case paying off college debt. I'd be interested to hear a review of the finance book you pick up.

[Jormungand]

One book that literally changed my life was The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It is based on biblical ideas, which I understand isn't for everybody. The principals are simple, straightforward, and practical. The whole concept stresses living on a budget, saving money, and avoiding debt at all costs. I cannot say enough how it has completely changed how my wife and I view and handle money. Hope this helps, and I hope you can find whatever plan works for you. 

[Polgara19]

Great look challenge!  I like the division between land and sea.

 

And I love the fan!

[SaltyDragon]

No internet yesterday, so I'm catching up today...

 

Love the fan. Also, great move signing up for the 10k in April. Awesome motivation to stay afloat when the schedule gets wonky (nautical pun fully intended). I'm sure a half marathon this fall is doable for you.

 

Thanks. I'm comfortable I could handle a half marathon right now, but I want to work up to it a bit more. I'd like to be able to finish with a somewhat respectable time.

 

The fan is great. Very ingenious. Good idea doing the 10k as motivation to stay focused on your bigger goals. 

 

Thanks, I know it will help.

 

Oh man I love the fan! Those things are so necessary when it comes to making a treadmill a good experience.

 

I also like your goals a lot, and the flexibility to accommodate your schedule on and off the boat is really nice. And the life-goals you have really resonated with me, I too am working towards being outwardly more social, and saving money, or in my case paying off college debt. I'd be interested to hear a review of the finance book you pick up.

 

I haven't picked out a book yet, but I have got the bank account up over the first magic number, finally. Progress!

 

One book that literally changed my life was The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It is based on biblical ideas, which I understand isn't for everybody. The principals are simple, straightforward, and practical. The whole concept stresses living on a budget, saving money, and avoiding debt at all costs. I cannot say enough how it has completely changed how my wife and I view and handle money. Hope this helps, and I hope you can find whatever plan works for you. 

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check it out. The problem with some of the books I've looked at before is they are aimed at young people and cover how to open a bank account, and start saving for retirement. I'm over 40, so I need something a little different. I'm sure there's something out there for me.

 

Great look challenge!  I like the division between land and sea.

 

And I love the fan!

 

Thank you! It looks like the fan is a real winner!

[SaltyDragon]

Update time!

 

Well, so far I'm doing really well on goals, and just living better in general. I'm not working 12 hour days yet, but I have been at sea for 6 days so far. Every day, I get up two hours before my shift – practically leaping out of bed at the first alarm (something I've never been good at before) – and do about 20 to 30 minutes of easy yoga and/or stretching. I like this a lot. After my shift, I unwind for half an hour, then hit the treadmill for 3-5 miles. Most days, I do some kind of light strength training just before running, as well. After cooling off, I do another 20 minutes of stretching before dinner.

 

I'm enjoying this routine for now, and motivation is good. I'm way ahead on all of my goals, except for the outside running (*maybe some bad news on that one). This may all change when I start 12 hour days next week, but I'm hoping I can carry some momentum through.

 

*The bad news... The seas are angry my friends! We are currently up in some little hidey-hole where it is calm, but out there it is not so nice! We have to cross the Gulf of Alaska to get where we're going, and current conditions are 20-25 foot seas. But sitting here just puts us behind schedule. At this point, instead of having three days in port – including a Sunday day off – we now will probably not even get one full day. I was really hopeful to get a longish run in at least once, but it may have to wait until later in the month. That's just how it goes sometimes.

[SaltyDragon]

Quick update because we're rolling around pretty good now, and I'm finding horizontal to be a very desirable state.

 

Attempted some dumbbell work today, which is interesting when gravity is not your friend. I was not brave enough to risk the treadmill, so I did about 30 min on our elliptical/stair climber thing. What a workout that was – I definitely need to cross-train with it more often. It will probably become my heavy-weather go-to.

 

I also got a good set of ocean-assisted pull-ups in. These can be either a little easier, or quite a bit harder depending on your timing!

[Jormungand]

Kettlebell training and pull-ups on a choppy sea. I hope to be able to cross that off my list one day.

[SaltyDragon]

Kettlebell training and pull-ups on a choppy sea. I hope to be able to cross that off my list one day.

 

It was exciting five years ago. Now, I'm excited to have a "normal" life on land, with bills and everything. Soon!