Jormungand: Challenge IV - Rise of the Dragoon

[Jormungand]

 

Dragoons are powerful physical attackers that wield various types of spears and lances. They wear special armor meant to invoke the imagery of dragons, including helmets shaped like a dragon's head, spikes, and wing and scale designs. Dragoons are sometimes more directly tied to dragons, such as owning them as pets or otherwise befriending them. The trademark ability of Dragoons is Jump, which allows them to leap into the air, avoiding attacks while airborne, and descending later to impale enemies and deal heavy damage.

 

As this is my fourth challenge, I thought I would base it around Kain Highwind from Final Fantasy IV, one of my favorite characters in gaming. It also helps that, since this challenge starts on Leap Day, I get to focus on a character known for jumping. Most of my quests will focus around the attributes of a dragoon. 

 

First Quest: Practice my skills with a lance. Though, my "lance" will actually be a barbell. I will focus on two major complexes that I began working on during my last challenge - the bear complex and (what I have dubbed) the claymore complex. Both focus on barbell work, albeit in different manners. I will do one or both of these workouts at least three times a week. +2 STR +1 STA +1 CON

 

Second Quest: Jump. Dragoons are known for their jumping prowess, so my goal is to do 100 jumps per week for the duration of the challenge. I intend to do mainly box jumps at the local fitness center, but I have a small staircase in my house that will do in a pinch. +3 DEX

 

Third Quest: Train and plan ahead. There is a mini marathon that I am signing up for that takes place in about 10 weeks. I'm not starting from square one in my running game, which is a plus, but my overall miles per week have dropped off because of the shorter days and colder temperatures. Both of those factors are starting to shift so that they are more conducive to running outside. Even if there are some bad days in there, I need to be putting some miles in on the treadmill if needed. I have a training plan a friend gave me that I will start to implement, and I will also be reigning in some of my more discretionary food choices. I've been making some progress in my physique lately, and I want to keep that up because, after the mini is over, OCR season kicks in. +2 STA +1 CON

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Looks like a good set of goals, I'll be watching.

[Wild Wolf]

Cool stuff Jor. I like the dragoon reference and it reminds me of an old PS1 game called Legend of Dragoon

Plyometrics are great to add to any persons arsenal. When I was doing MovNat stuff I remember the swing precision jump being one of my favorite plyo moves:

http://youtu.be/mvtjTEAbQJw

Hooray for OCR season, right?!

Wolf

"Daddy needs to express some Rage."

[SaltyDragon]

Good set of goals. They should serve you well – you clearly have an objective in mind. If I may, what's a mini marathon?

 

btw: Obviously, I first read your title as Rise of the Dragon, which I thought was AWESOME! But, it's pretty good your way too. ;-)

[Rurik Harrgath]

Everyone knows how much I love a character class-driven challenge!

[Jormungand]

Looks like a good set of goals, I'll be watching.

 

Thank you. Glad to have you along. 

 

Cool stuff Jor. I like the dragoon reference and it reminds me of an old PS1 game called Legend of Dragoon

Plyometrics are great to add to any persons arsenal. When I was doing MovNat stuff I remember the swing precision jump being one of my favorite plyo moves:

http://youtu.be/mvtjTEAbQJw

Hooray for OCR season, right?!

Wolf

"Daddy needs to express some Rage."

 

I remember when that game came out, but I never got a chance to play it. Thanks for the video link. I might try to incorporate some of those. Also, yes, OCR season can't get here soon enough. I've missed it so. 

 

Good set of goals. They should serve you well – you clearly have an objective in mind. If I may, what's a mini marathon?

 

btw: Obviously, I first read your title as Rise of the Dragon, which I thought was AWESOME! But, it's pretty good your way too. ;-)

 

It's just another term for a half marathon. That is what the big one in Indianapolis is called. Sorry that it's not technically a challenge about dragons, but it's close. 

 

Everyone knows how much I love a character class-driven challenge!

 

Once I got the idea for this one, I knew I couldn't not do it. I've been waiting for this challenge since halfway through the last one. 

[Jormungand]

I am doing well so far this challenge. If anyone wants more of the gory details, I keep track of my workouts more thoroughly on my battle log. I have done a bear complex and a claymore complex this week, and I have done 101 box jumps. I've also put in two runs. The first run was with my wife, which was great because I normally run alone. It was nice having company. The second run I did yesterday was a little longer and felt really good. One more strength session with the bar, plus another run, and I should have this week in the bag. 

 

I am trying to monitor my weight this challenge. I'm interested how it fluctuates when I'm doing strength training vs. cardio training. Last challenge, I did mostly strength training, and it went down a few pounds. Back a few challenges ago, I was doing mostly cardio it seemed like, and it would fluctuate up and down but not really move one way or the other very much. 

 

Another issue could be my diet. I feel like I eat mostly the same things, but it's possible some food/macro tracking could be in my future. 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Good job on the progress so far, keep it up. From what you're saying about your weight, it sounds like you've found a point of focus for the next challenge. You're reaching the point where you start really fine tuning things to keep upping your abilities.

[originalpiratematerial]

I'm also interested in this whole weight thing and the effects of cardio (esp steady state cardio like longer, endurance runs) and interval/strength training.

I would like to study this more in future challenges. Interestingly, like you, my weight was higher this time last year when I was doing a lot of running, went down a bit in the autumn when I was doing mainly strength and intervals and has ow crept up again to where it was at the end of last winter (and again, I've been running a lot more). Only talking small differences - 2-3 lbs - but it's interesting.

[Jormungand]

Good job on the progress so far, keep it up. From what you're saying about your weight, it sounds like you've found a point of focus for the next challenge. You're reaching the point where you start really fine tuning things to keep upping your abilities.

 

I agree. Last month, I (somewhat surreptitiously) slew the dragon of getting under 200 pounds. Now, I am maintaining and, like you said, trying to fine tune things where I can. I am very thankful that I can now be at a place where I am striving to optimize performance rather than lose a set amount of weight. 

 

I'm also interested in this whole weight thing and the effects of cardio (esp steady state cardio like longer, endurance runs) and interval/strength training.

I would like to study this more in future challenges. Interestingly, like you, my weight was higher this time last year when I was doing a lot of running, went down a bit in the autumn when I was doing mainly strength and intervals and has ow crept up again to where it was at the end of last winter (and again, I've been running a lot more). Only talking small differences - 2-3 lbs - but it's interesting.

 

Definitely. I know I say this what seems like every challenge, but the next challenge will probably hold some form of nutrition tracking. And, I'm like you. The differences weren't much, but enough to notice. 

[Jormungand]

Week 1 Recap:

 

Things went really well last week. I got a total of three strength training sessions in, and I also went for a couple of runs that totaled about 6.5 miles. There were a couple meals that included more French fries than were probably necessary, but things could be worse. There is a lot of rain forecast for this week, but I will still try to soldier on and get some outdoor runs in when I can. My wife and I took the bikes in for their spring fix-up, so I'm looking forward to some future challenges with some cycling aspects. 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Good job. Keep it up.

[SaltyDragon]

Good job last week, and congrats on getting the mileage numbers up. Don't fear a little rain! Obviously don't go out in a thunderstorm, but I think forcing myself to run in the rain has made me tougher. I don't even think twice about it any more (and it's definitely a lot less miserable than cycling in the rain!).

[Jormungand]

I ended up doing some rain cycling last year, and, you're right, it was miserable. I didn't go out in a storm, but it did start raining steadily about halfway through my ride. I felt like a drowned rat when I finally made it home. 

[SaltyDragon]

When I lived in Hawaii, my bike was my only means of transportation, most of the time. I always seemed to be wearing white shorts when it would start raining more than the usual light stuff. No fenders on the bike, of course – but a nice muddy streak all the way down my backside.

[Jormungand]

When I lived in Hawaii, my bike was my only means of transportation, most of the time. I always seemed to be wearing white shorts when it would start raining more than the usual light stuff. No fenders on the bike, of course – but a nice muddy streak all the way down my backside.

 

As is usually the case. 

 

[Jormungand]

Week 2 Recap:

 

Three strength training sessions in a row last week all felt really good. I'm seeing some really positive progressions in my bear complexes. I also ran a little less than 6 miles total. My wife and I participated with some friends last Saturday in a beer 5K run, which ended up being a lot of fun. I'm still on task with the first two quests, and the third will be revving up this week with some scheduled outdoor runs now that the weather seems to be cooperating. I like the benefits I get from these strength training sessions (this challenge's in particular), but I need to start focusing on building up my stamina for the half marathon in a couple months. 

 

Still no word on getting the bikes back from the shop, thus my anticipation continues to grow. 

[Jormungand]

Week 3 Recap:

 

I'm gone for a couple days, and I come back to these fresh-looking forums like Han Solo coming out of carbonite. This week went really well on all fronts. I was a little worried that I might not be able to meet my barbell lance quest for this week, but I snuck the third and final one in today, and I got caught up with my jumps today, as well. I even had success with running. I took a new route this week to my parents' house, which I can get to by staying on country roads. (In fact, I can get to most anywhere in this county by staying on country roads, but that's just the running world that I live in.) I ran 9.5 miles and rucked 1.5 miles total. The last run was about 5.5 miles, which I did in almost one hour exactly. I'm really anticipating the half marathon coming up in seven weeks. We're already into crunch time, but I like where I'm at.

[SaltyDragon]

Great job on the goals this week, and on the mileage. It's awesome that you're seeing progress, and enjoying it at the same time. I hope you get the bikes back soon (I'll be reunited with one of mine in a week, so I feel your pain anticipation)!

 

A beer 5k sounds like something I should really do...

[Jormungand]

It was the second year we've done it. Basically, you get to drink ahead of time, and then you get about 2 oz. of beer per kilometer. Then later you get to drink some more when the race is over. At points, some of the hoppier beers can roil the stomach a little bit, but you just have to power through. 

[Wild Wolf]

16 hours ago, Jormungand said:

It was the second year we've done it. Basically, you get to drink ahead of time, and then you get about 2 oz. of beer per kilometer. Then later you get to drink some more when the race is over. At points, some of the hoppier beers can roil the stomach a little bit, but you just have to power through. 

Haha, that sounds like a lot of fun, dude. I'd be game for a beer run (I think) lol.

 

On 3/19/2016 at 3:01 PM, Jormungand said:

I ran 9.5 miles and rucked 1.5 miles total.

 

RUCKING! Yes! That's about to make a big comeback in the Ranger guild

 

On 3/14/2016 at 1:52 PM, Jormungand said:

 

Still no word on getting the bikes back from the shop, thus my anticipation continues to grow. 

Any word?? 

 

You're doing really well brother! Keep it up!

 

Wolfpool

[Jormungand]

7 hours ago, Wild Wolf said:

Haha, that sounds like a lot of fun, dude. I'd be game for a beer run (I think) lol.

 

 

RUCKING! Yes! That's about to make a big comeback in the Ranger guild

 

Any word?? 

 

You're doing really well brother! Keep it up!

 

Wolfpool

 

We were hesitant the first year we tried the run, but if you don't overdo it (before the race), it's a ton of fun, and actually the race is over before things get too ugly (for most people). I am already excited for next year's. I would recommend anyone trying it out at least once if you can find something similar in your area.

 

And, yes, we finally heard back about the bikes today. I think we're going to go up and get them tonight. 

[Jormungand]

Four Week Challenge Recap: 

 

I guess it's about time I get this wrapped up. For the first time, I met all of my quest goals. I really enjoyed using a theme for this challenge, and I will probably be sticking with this one for a while, making updates along the way so things don't get stale. I want to extend my gratitude to anyone who took the time to stop in and offer any encouragement along the way. These challenges really are a team effort, and I appreciate each one of you. 

 

First Quest: Practice my skills with a lance. Well, a barbell at least. This was a big success with focusing on two major complexes these four weeks. I definitely saw improvements in both, particularly the bear complex. I don't know if this dragoon will focus on these exact complexes moving forward, but I would highly recommend them. The bear complexes in particular will kick your ass. I think to change things up for the next go around, I might keep the bear complexes but adjust the number of reps I do per set from five to seven.

 

Second Quest: Jump. And jump I did. Each week, I performed 102 box jumps. Why not 100? Well, I did three sets of seventeen twice a week. It just made it easier for me to remember, plus it got me over the goal I'd set for myself. They're a great warm up, and I'd like to keep doing some form of jumping exercise. Possibly a swing precision jump (thanks Wild Wolf/Wolfpool).

 

Third Quest: Train and plan ahead. The weather has definitely made it more conducive recently to running outside and doing some half marathon training. I got some extended runs in with several over four miles. I know there's still a long way to go, but I feel really comfortable running those distances. I will for sure be airing it out in the coming weeks. My furthest PR is seven and a half miles.

 

First Quest: +2 STR +1 STA +1 CON (Pass)

Second Quest: +3 DEX (Pass)

Third Quest: +2 STA +1 CON (Pass)

 

I will be sticking with the dragoon theme for the time being. This next challenge will be ending right before I run a half marathon, so a lot of it will be training for that. 

[SaltyDragon]

Great job completing all your goals this month. You sound like you are feeling really positive about that, and that should be an advantage going into next month. Do you have a specific training plan you are going to be following for the half marathon? I'll be interested to see how it goes. And congratulations on getting the bikes back. Hopefully you can incorporate some riding into the next challenge, as well!

[Wild Wolf]

Awesome job, brotha! I'm glad you kept up with everything and I'm looking foward to seeing you continue this trend of consistency

 

4 hours ago, Jormungand said:

Possibly a swing precision jump (thanks Wild Wolf/Wolfpool).

 

Heck yeah dude! It doesn't feel like you get as much explosive power with those, but the balance it creates is worth it. I used to jump on 25# plates, so I had a precision spot to land on, and that's when it was fun. MovNat has a couple other jumps, like Depth Jumps that would be good to throw in the arsenal.

 

4 hours ago, Jormungand said:

I will be sticking with the dragoon theme for the time being. This next challenge will be ending right before I run a half marathon, so a lot of it will be training for that. 

 

You could easily get away with sprinting 2x a week and 1x long ruck hike/jog to train for that half marathon. I've been studying a lot of different sources when it comes to endurance training, as I want to compete in the elite wave for the Spartan Beast in October, and that's how I'm gonna set up my training. You could always replace one sprint day for a "medium" day where to did 5 min on/5 min off intervals. Those are a great substitute

 

Sorry, Jormung, you prolly already have a plan in place, I just tend to love this stuff and wanna help however I can!

 

Wolf