Jormungand: VIII - Siege

[Jormungand]

I'm ready to get back into this. Things sort of fell apart during the latter portion of my last challenge. Time to pick it all back up. As has been pointed out, there's a reason that boots have straps on them. I've had to do some reevaluating as far as my World's Toughest Mudder 2016 aspirations are concerned. It's just not in the plan for this year. That's why I've made a new plan. I am developing a siege mentality, because I am now playing the long game. This includes not only planning for how best to go about training and budgeting for WTM 2017, but also developing long-term habits that will carry me into a healthier future overall. The last challenge's workout had a lot of fun aspects to it, but I don't know that it would be something that I would be doing in perpetuity. It's time to start digging some trenches.

 

 

First Quest: Train smart. This is simple: get into the gym at least three times a week and go for a run/bike ride at least twice a week. I'd like to do more with kettlebell exercises, but I don't want to limit myself on which workouts I will be doing in the gym. I just need to get in there, pick up something heavy, and put it back down. I am focusing on anything that could help improve my OCR abilities. My running has really fallen off since running the half marathon in May. I just need to get on the road and put some miles in. I consider a run anything longer than a mile. +2 STR +2 STA

Second Quest: Eat smart. Several challenges ago, I had a quest of only drinking alcohol on Friday and Saturday. This is similar, except I will only allow alcohol two days per week. That way, if I go out earlier in the week, I don't have to move days around (which I'd done in the past). Also, and this is somewhat random, I will not eat any french fries during the challenge. It's not necessarily the french fries themselves I have an issue with (though I do tend to eat more than I probably should), it's the other food that goes with them. If I don't eat french fries, maybe I'll get an entree other than the burger that would accompany them. That's the idea anyway. +3 CON

Third Quest: Plan smart. Part of what the problem was with WTM is that I never actually sat down and planned what I was going to need to go or how I was going to pay for it. By the end of the challenge, I will have a solid working budget for all of the expenses, including how much I'll need to save to pay for them. +3 WIS

 

Those in siege mode who train, eat, and plan will succeed. Let the siege commence. 

[Rurik Harrgath]

You've arrived at that tricky point in the game where you have to choose between buckling down for the long game (the "siege," as you called it) or be content with mediocrity (slinking away from the long grind of a prolonged battle).  I feel your pain, my friend, but it looks like you're well prepared!

 

[Thom Stépan]

You have laid the base camp around your enemy, now build the trebuchets.

 

 http://www.angelfire.com/freak2/zigpop/Armedieval.jpg

[skinNbones]

Hey Jormungand , teammates again !

They are us.

[SaltyDragon]

Really smart goals this time! I think planning now for WTM17 is gonna prove really beneficial. Oddly, I think I saw someone else do a no-french-fries challenge a while back. I'm curious to watch how that goes!

[Charlie_Quinn]

Following! I have the same issue with running in that I dialed it right back after doing a half marathon the start of June and it's hard to get yourself back into the habit once you stop. We can do it though!

 

World Toughest Mudder huh? That's so damn cool!

[Jormungand]

On 7/14/2016 at 1:36 PM, Rurik Harrgath said:

You've arrived at that tricky point in the game where you have to choose between buckling down for the long game (the "siege," as you called it) or be content with mediocrity (slinking away from the long grind of a prolonged battle).  I feel your pain, my friend, but it looks like you're well prepared!

 

 

I'd like to think that I'm prepared. I am going to talk with one of the trainers at the fitness center I go to. He has a mindset and attitude that I'd like to emulate. He also does a lot of OCR and long-distance events. Getting a better grasp on his method of training would help. 

 

On 7/14/2016 at 10:17 PM, Thom Ulfhedinn said:

You have laid the base camp around your enemy, now build the trebuchets.

 

 http://www.angelfire.com/freak2/zigpop/Armedieval.jpg

 

That is the idea. 

 

On 7/15/2016 at 2:48 AM, skinNbones said:

Hey Jormungand , teammates again !

They are us.

 

I look forward to participating in the mini challenge with a fellow Rumrunner. 

 

On 7/17/2016 at 0:08 AM, SaltyDragon said:

Really smart goals this time! I think planning now for WTM17 is gonna prove really beneficial. Oddly, I think I saw someone else do a no-french-fries challenge a while back. I'm curious to watch how that goes!

 

I am curious, as well. I think it will definitely keep me mindful in my menu choices. I did have some really tasty sweet potato fries on Saturday as a nice send off before the challenge started. I also think that the extended training/planning period will make a big difference. I'm also looking for any long runs in between now and then to get used to being on my feet for extended periods. 

 

On 7/17/2016 at 6:30 AM, Charlie_Quinn said:

Following! I have the same issue with running in that I dialed it right back after doing a half marathon the start of June and it's hard to get yourself back into the habit once you stop. We can do it though!

 

World Toughest Mudder huh? That's so damn cool!

 

Thank you. I was pretty determined back then, so I know that the mentality is in there. It just needs dusted off. I really enjoyed your pics from your race. It looked like a ton of fun. 

[Jormungand]

Week 1 Recap:

 

So far, everything is going really well. I got in four strength sessions, two runs of 1 mile each, and 16-mile bike ride. I didn't feel like I was overdoing it, because some days I would just tack on the run either before or after the workout. That might be difficult when I try to add in longer runs, but it might be necessary to double-up some days.

 

I've been keeping an eye on my french fry substitutes. One day included vegetarian potato salad, which was really tasty. I don't even miss them all that much. I am trying to maintain fairly healthy replacements. Not eating french fries doesn't really do much for me if I switch them out with a bag of chips. 

 

No planning for next year's World's Toughest Mudder yet. I've been slacking, but I will pick this up in the coming weeks.

 

Here's to hoping that all of you are finding success as this challenge continues to march on. 

 

(And now I have to go rewatch this movie.)

[SaltyDragon]

Good job doing all the things. I used to run and do workouts together pretty routinely when I was running 6-7 days a week. The strength workout after the run is best, I think. I'd really like to start doing it again.

 

I rarely eat fried foods at all anymore, but I had fish and chips twice while I was on leave this month. Sooo bad, but sooo good.

.

.

I'm sorry. Not helping.

[Jormungand]

On 7/28/2016 at 0:47 AM, SaltyDragon said:

Good job doing all the things. I used to run and do workouts together pretty routinely when I was running 6-7 days a week. The strength workout after the run is best, I think. I'd really like to start doing it again.

 

I rarely eat fried foods at all anymore, but I had fish and chips twice while I was on leave this month. Sooo bad, but sooo good.

.

.

I'm sorry. Not helping.

 

I've found that it really does help to try to do both in one session. I find that it helps with training for some of the obstacles on the OCRs, since they are a combination of both running and strength. I haven't missed the fries too much. However, there is a wings restaurant that I've already talked to the ally about going to on the day after the challenge is over. They offer a fries and wings combo meal that is one of my favorites. We've not been in a while, and we are shooting for that Sunday since it will be around the same time as one of her own workout phases is wrapping up. I just need to hold out until then. 

[Wild Wolf]

Hey Jormungand! Glad to see ya back

 

I like to cut up sweet potato fries, toss them in coconut oil, s/p and some tyme and bake em for like 25 min or until crispy. You can make a huge batch of them and take them in little baggies as snacks. Not only are they pretty good for you, but it's a complex carb that'll help with your OCR training and getting good, quality energy outputs. I love me some sweet potato fries.

 

16 minutes ago, Jormungand said:

I just need to hold out until then. 

 

You said you got the mental part of this training down so I think you'll be fine. The wait will be worth it! Especially if before you go, you can get in a nice trail run or some OCR specific training to deem ALL the wings and fries lol. I like to wait for cheat meals like that and reward myself. I'm at the point where I can do really good on my eating, but I have to reward myself or I get bored. From there I probably end up eating a cheat meal anyways. 

 

YOU GOT THIS!

 

Wolf

[Jormungand]

Week 2 Recap:

 

This week actually went really well and included a moment or two of quiet introspection that I will get into further down. I got in three strength sessions, a 5K run, and a 14.1 mile bike ride. Also, and this isn't really an official strength or cardio feat, but I tried wakeboarding for the first time this weekend. The ally and I went out with some friends on the lake on Saturday and Sunday. Both days while we were out on their boat, I tried my hand at wakeboarding. I fell. A lot. After a lot of water up my nose, I was finally able to get up on the board, but I never fully took control and splashed down after a couple seconds. With that being said, my performance the second day was markedly improved from the first. So, it wasn't an official workout, but hoo boy am I sore. I tried to do some pull-ups at home last night, and my back and shoulders started screaming, so I think I might give them some time to recover. I'd never really liked the idea of learning how to wakeboard, but I am trying to think of what a more-active version of myself would do, and I think he would be able to wakeboard. Several of our friends do it often, and I think it would be fun to be able to participate. I'd like to keep after it and get a few more sessions in before summer wraps up. 

 

I almost caved in on the alcohol quest this week. We had dinner with the same friends on Tuesday, and we made Moscow Mules to go with it. So far, no problem. I'd given myself two days a week for this exact reason. I was intending to save my other day for Saturday, since I knew we would be doing something (going out on the boat) then. Well, I went out to try to mow the lawn Friday afternoon. I ended up getting rained out. Twice. I got into a pretty foul mood and considered just saying to heck with it and burning through a few drinks to go along with my current mood. I thought, "It's no big deal if you don't hit this particular quest. It will be fine." I ended up talking myself out of it, and told myself to just get over it because it wasn't the end of the world if the yard didn't get mowed that night. I am proud to say that the more sensible self won out. I took my rage out on some Bloodborne instead. 

 

Finally, I still don't have anything to report as to the WTM planning. This week will be different though. 

 

Here's to Week 3 and to all of you finding your own version of success. 

 

 

[Elastigirl]

Great week 2 and way to go on sticking to your quest and saying no to the temptation to go off track.

[Jormungand]

13 minutes ago, Wild Wolf said:

Hey Jormungand! Glad to see ya back

 

I like to cut up sweet potato fries, toss them in coconut oil, s/p and some tyme and bake em for like 25 min or until crispy. You can make a huge batch of them and take them in little baggies as snacks. Not only are they pretty good for you, but it's a complex carb that'll help with your OCR training and getting good, quality energy outputs. I love me some sweet potato fries.

 

 

You said you got the mental part of this training down so I think you'll be fine. The wait will be worth it! Especially if before you go, you can get in a nice trail run or some OCR specific training to deem ALL the wings and fries lol. I like to wait for cheat meals like that and reward myself. I'm at the point where I can do really good on my eating, but I have to reward myself or I get bored. From there I probably end up eating a cheat meal anyways. 

 

YOU GOT THIS!

 

Wolf

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement, brother. I could eat sweet potatoes in just about any fashion, and I appreciate the recipe. I've been looking for some new recipes, so I will give that a shot. It will definitely be a worthwhile cheat meal, but I like the idea of possibly going for a run beforehand. It will be on a Sunday, so that will be a nice time to pause and reflect before I tear through some wings later that day.

 

You have any races planned for the rest of this year?

[Jormungand]

3 minutes ago, Elastigirl said:

Great week 2 and way to go on sticking to your quest and saying no to the temptation to go off track.

 

Thank you very much. I definitely feel stronger for it. I just have to remind myself that being tempted is normal and is just a chance for us to rise above. 

[Wild Wolf]

35 minutes ago, Jormungand said:

This week actually went really well and included a moment or two of quiet introspection that I will get into further down. I got in three strength sessions, a 5K run, and a 14.1 mile bike ride. Also, and this isn't really an official strength or cardio feat, but I tried wakeboarding for the first time this weekend.

 

Heck yeah man, that's a solid week if I've ever seen one! Biking is excellent cross-training for OCR's. Wakeboarding is hard. I've tried a couple times and didn't get to stand up for very long but lots of fun, nonetheless. My arms are always wiped after a day of tubing/wakeboarding.

 

28 minutes ago, Jormungand said:

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement, brother. I could eat sweet potatoes in just about any fashion, and I appreciate the recipe. I've been looking for some new recipes, so I will give that a shot. It will definitely be a worthwhile cheat meal, but I like the idea of possibly going for a run beforehand. It will be on a Sunday, so that will be a nice time to pause and reflect before I tear through some wings later that day.

 

You have any races planned for the rest of this year?

 

Absolutely, brother! Haha, I'm the same-gimme a sweet potato in about any fashion and i'm gonna tear it up! I like the baked fries because I can bag them up in little ziplocks and bring with me to work or even out on the trail when I know I'll be out there for a while  Make sure and take pics of all the juicy wings that Sunday! We like our food porn around here at NF  

 

I am planning on running the Spartan Beast again this year-it's at the end of August. This all depends on my shoulder health but things seem to be looking up for me right now! That may be the only one I do though...but that's cool, I need to be 100% healthy before I delve into more OCR's. Right now, Gaelic football in Seattle over Labor Day Weekend, The Spartan Beast and Camp Rangerfitness are the only big things I have planned for the rest of this year. 

 

Wolf

[Jormungand]

17 hours ago, Wild Wolf said:

I am planning on running the Spartan Beast again this year-it's at the end of August. This all depends on my shoulder health but things seem to be looking up for me right now! That may be the only one I do though...but that's cool, I need to be 100% healthy before I delve into more OCR's. Right now, Gaelic football in Seattle over Labor Day Weekend, The Spartan Beast and Camp Rangerfitness are the only big things I have planned for the rest of this year.

 

I understand completely. No sense in going into a race just to risk further injury. I probably have another Tough Mudder in me this season, maybe two, but we'll just have to see what's left in the cards. 

[Charlie_Quinn]

Have you seen the proposed new obstacle for Tough Mudder. It looks really interesting.

 

[Jormungand]

1 hour ago, Charlie_Quinn said:

Have you seen the proposed new obstacle for Tough Mudder. It looks really interesting.

 

 

I had not seen that yet, but I knew they were calling for design proposals. That looks like a lot of fun. I like that they are making more obstacles that require/lean toward teamwork. Sure, they had the Berlin Walls and Everest (which can be done alone but certainly help with others), but with the addition of Pyramid Scheme and the Block Ness Monster (my personal favorite), they seem to be reaffirming the cooperative aspect of the event. I like this new idea because there is an added difficulty since you have to exert some grip strength before you even get to start traversing the water. 

[FatboySuave]

On 8/1/2016 at 10:14 AM, Jormungand said:

I got in three strength sessions, a 5K run, and a 14.1 mile bike ride. Also, and this isn't really an official strength or cardio feat, but I tried wakeboarding for the first time this weekend.

 

Great job this week, especially with maintaining your composure and avoiding the extra alcohol! I know how hard it is to stay on track when you're in a foul mood. I let my work stress get to me, which led to me eating out way too often and ordering nothing but crap. Keep up the great work!

[Jormungand]

2 hours ago, EternalJourno said:

 

Great job this week, especially with maintaining your composure and avoiding the extra alcohol! I know how hard it is to stay on track when you're in a foul mood. I let my work stress get to me, which led to me eating out way too often and ordering nothing but crap. Keep up the great work!

 

Thank you. I felt much better afterward for having resisted than if I'd just given in and had a few drinks. I've found it really helps to just drink water as much as possible. It makes me feel better throughout the day and it's healthier. 

[Rurik Harrgath]

20 hours ago, Jormungand said:

I felt much better afterward for having resisted than if I'd just given in and had a few drinks.

 

It's a real thing.  I was jonesing hard for some M&Ms late last night but managed to self-talk myself off the ledge and into eagerly devouring a banana instead.  Any win is still a win!

[SaltyDragon]

When I was a teenager, all my friends and cousins liked to waterski. I always drove the boat. Sure, I got really good at driving the boat, but I never got in the water. What was I afraid of? I'd like to think that the newer, fearless and adventurous me would get in the water. That's totally awesome that you got on the wakeboard!

[Jormungand]

17 hours ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

 

It's a real thing.  I was jonesing hard for some M&Ms late last night but managed to self-talk myself off the ledge and into eagerly devouring a banana instead.  Any win is still a win!

 

You are not wrong. I've been trying to keep more fruit around the house, so that when the sugar cravings come, I can just have some the way God intended. The batch right now is some peaches from the farmers market. I try not to eat too many per day, but I guess I'd rather go overboard on actual peaches than the alternative. 

(Uh. Then again, maybe not.) 

 

3 hours ago, SaltyDragon said:

When I was a teenager, all my friends and cousins liked to waterski. I always drove the boat. Sure, I got really good at driving the boat, but I never got in the water. What was I afraid of? I'd like to think that the newer, fearless and adventurous me would get in the water. That's totally awesome that you got on the wakeboard!

 

There is definitely a critical need for having competent drivers at the helm. I've been learning to do that, as well. It's a whole lot easier and less stressful when we can go out with fewer people on the water. I had sort of the same mentality. I always just let other people do it, and I would sit in the boat (and that was even saying I bothered to go out with them in the first place). Now, I figured "Why not me?" 

 

And I have to agree with you: surely a hearty, sea-faring dragon such as yourself would be right at home in the water. 

[FatboySuave]

4 hours ago, Jormungand said:

I've been trying to keep more fruit around the house, so that when the sugar cravings come, I can just have some the way God intended. The batch right now is some peaches from the farmers market. I try not to eat too many per day, but I guess I'd rather go overboard on actual peaches than the alternative. 

I've been trying to keep my fridge stocked with blueberries for this same reason. I feel like eating an entire package of blueberries is better than eating an entire whatever else it is that I'm craving, lol.