imprimis5 enters the real world

[imprimis5]

My previous challenge was definitely a tutorial level in a lot of ways. It was all about mindset. Make sure I'm working out and eating right. Let's grow up a little from that, shall we?

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.

 

So you want to know my backstory? I'm a guy in my mid-30s. I've never been incredibly healthy, from diet to activity to mental health. So, on June 25th, 2016, after a long talk with my boyfriend in which I almost lost him due to my self-apathy, I started taking myself seriously. I quit smoking, stepped into a gym for the first time in over ten years, fixed my diet, and have been going strong since. I'm in this to finally feel proud of myself for something and maybe even eventually like who I see in the mirror. Bilbo Baggins is my spirit animal: I didn't even want adventure at first, but here I am anyway and learning that it's where I belong.

 

It's week zero, so there's a little time to modify or add things. I'm open to suggestions.

[Mr_Willes]

"So let's see what we got here. Aaaah yes i can smell it, some fresh meat!"

 

Saw you posting in the general thread. I'll try to check in to see how you are doing.

 

If i may make a suggestion, a little background story would be nice. What are your long term goals, why have you picked these goals. That sort of thing. Nice to get to know you Rangers a bit.

 

 

[imprimis5]

4 minutes ago, mr_willes said:

"So let's see what we got here. Aaaah yes i can smell it, some fresh meat!"

 

Saw you posting in the general thread. I'll try to check in to see how you are doing.

 

If i may make a suggestion, a little background story would be nice. What are your long term goals, why have you picked these goals. That sort of thing. Nice to get to know you Rangers a bit.

 

 

 

Fair edits, for sure! And thanks for checking in.

 

I'll stick this in the main post, but I like to keep a change log in the thread, too.

 

So you want to know my backstory? I'm a guy in my mid-30s. I've never been incredibly healthy, from diet to activity to mental health. So, on June 25th, 2016, after a long talk with my boyfriend in which I almost lost him due to my self-apathy, I started taking myself seriously. I quit smoking, stepped into a gym for the first time in over ten years, fixed my diet, and have been going strong since. I'm in this to finally feel proud of myself for something and maybe even eventually like who I see in the mirror. Bilbo Baggins is my spirit animal: I didn't even want adventure at first, but here I am anyway and learning that it's where I belong.

[Mr_Willes]

I'm pretty sure if you keep to these few tips this guild will transform from an adventure into a second home.

 

- Keep your thread updated, preferably daily but at least a couple of times a week.

- Check in on others and cheer them on

- Be sure to venture to other first-timers, somehow you have an instant bond, they will usually stick around, even if you end up changing up guilds

 

I often refer to the ranger corps as my second family!

[imprimis5]

Let's update that running goal slightly. Those runs need to be outside.

 

I forgot about my non-running workout goals. Let's get those in here, too.

 

The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.

[imprimis5]

Week Zero Tuesday update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • gg ez. Gonna eat my "20" tonight, though, when my boyfriend and I meet another couple for Indian food.
  • Monday breakfast: Paleonola with unsweetened almond milk
  • Monday lunch: Paleo chicken mole with cabbage and zucchini
  • Monday dinner: Lettuce salad with celery, carrots, green onion, egg, homemade bacon bits, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette
  • Monday snacks: Handful of sweet potato chips (fried in coconut oil), a few salt-and-pepper cashews
  • Tuesday breakfast: Paleonola with unsweetened almond milk
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • I ran Sunday morning. No runs until Thursday night, though. I normally wouldn't like to wait that long, but my boyfriend wanted to come with me, which is a huge step for him!
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • No movement here yet. Need to look into what's actually covered by my insurance.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Trainer session yesterday. Kicked my ass. 45 minute circuit, full body. Had the most trouble with one particular section, 22x barbell push press to front raise. I've known for a while that my shoulders and triceps are a lagging a little behind, but that solidified it. Also, I still really like having a trainer; not necessarily for the guidance (even though that's nice), but because I just plain push myself harder when I have someone actively coaching me. I'm considering sticking with him, once I reach my initial weight loss/fitness goal, and having him start coaching me in powerlifting, since that's his own personal sport. Next gym session is Thursday afternoon, by myself.

[imprimis5]

Week Zero Wednesday update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Tuesday lunch: Paleo chicken mole with cabbage and zucchini
  • Tuesday dinner: An intentional deviation from paleo so as to socialise with new friends. Order of paneer masala with rice and garlic naan. Yum.
  • Tuesday snacks: Handful of sweet potato chips (fried in coconut oil), a few almonds
  • Wednesday breakfast: Paleonola with unsweetened almond milk
  • Wednesday lunch: Paleo chicken mole with cabbage and zucchini
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • No runs since Sunday morning still. Though I'm considering cutting out of work a little early to sneak in an extra one this week. I kinda need it.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • My only movement here was telling my boyfriend that this was my goal for some point in the next month. So at least the person I live with knows this is the plan.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Yesterday was a much-needed rest day; I hadn't had one since Wednesday of last week. Apparently today is a rest day, too, but it's back to the gym by myself tomorrow.

[imprimis5]

Week 0 Wednesday Update #2

 

I said "F*** it" and left work early to run today, after all. My emotional state hasn't been the best, and sacrificing a little productivity to get my endorphin fix was worthwhile.

 

For the record, I killed my run. Shaved a full minute off my average mile.

[Mr_Willes]

 

Pardon my french!

[Wild Wolf]

On 9/19/2016 at 8:59 AM, imprimis5 said:

Bilbo Baggins is my spirit animal: I didn't even want adventure at first, but here I am anyway and learning that it's where I belong.

 

Heck yeah man-adventure will change a man...for the better usually.

 

55 minutes ago, imprimis5 said:

Week 0 Wednesday Update #2

 

I said "F*** it" and left work early to run today, after all. My emotional state hasn't been the best, and sacrificing a little productivity to get my endorphin fix was worthwhile.

 

For the record, I killed my run. Shaved a full minute off my average mile.

 

Love the attitude, Imprimis. And way to nail the run, dude! A whole minute shave off is no joke, either. Following along!

 

W0lf

[imprimis5]

Week 0 Thursday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Wednesday dinner: Ground beef and onion lettuce cups, celery stick, small toasted sweet potato (sliced)
  • Wednesday snacks: Dill pickle, blueberry Larabar, a few almonds
  • Thursday breakfast: Paleonola with unsweetened almond milk
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • I wasn't scheduled to run again until later this week, but I was having a really "off" day yesterday. Rather than be the most unproductive I've ever been at work, I decided I'd leave early and run. Can I just talk about how amazing that feels? Just to put things in perspective, I've run exactly 7 times since I was forced to take PE classes in early high school, and those have all been in the last two months. But I legitimately love it, and it feels like an escape. Not bad for just having finished Week 2, Day 2 of Couch to 5K.
  • I'm running again tonight, supposedly. We'll see if my boyfriend sticks to his guns and actually comes along.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • Nope. Nothing yet.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Gym day today. Had my bag all packed and ready for me when I walked out the door for work today. It makes for a busy afternoon and evening, but it's worth it: gym, take the dogs out, make dinner, run with boyfriend. Not much down time.

[imprimis5]

Week 0 Friday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Thursday lunch: Paleo chicken mole with cabbage and zucchini
  • Thursday dinner: My boyfriend cooked for me! Paleo sweet potato meatballs with roasted Brussels sprouts. I may have eaten slightly too much, but, in my defence, I kind of needed the calories.
  • Thursday snacks: Dill pickle, lemon Larabar, a few fresh strawberries
  • Friday breakfast: Banana
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • Last night was the scheduled run I had with my boyfriend. He actually came along, and I am super proud of him. Not only did he run with me, he actually finished. It's not likely something he'll continue, sadly, but it was a small victory. It felt good to be in "coach" mode, rather than just "runner" mode. My next run is tomorrow morning, all by myself again.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • Nope. Nothing yet.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Personal training today. I'm tired and kind of sore from both an intense arm, chest, shoulder, and back workout yesterday, combined with running, so I hope it doesn't keep from doing the best I can at the gym. My weakness is still my shoulders and my triceps, and my trainer knows this. He's almost certain going to work me to failure in that area.

[imprimis5]

Week 0 Saturday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Friday lunch: Paleo chicken mole with cabbage and zucchini
  • Friday dinner: Ground beef in lettuce cups, carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Thursday snacks: Dill pickle, Cherry chocolate Larabar, a few paleo sweet potato chips
  • Saturday breakfast: Coffee. Oops.
  • Note: Today is the St. Louis Highland Games. I'm going to eat as paleo as I can out of the food carts there, but I don't have high hopes. I also will be drinking an Irn-Bru, for complicated mental health reasons.
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • Nice early morning run. I shaved about thirty seconds off my run from the beginning of the week. Tomorrow morning starts an increased endurance push, so I expect that speed to drop again.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • Nope. Nothing yet.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • A reminder of what I said yesterday, before personal trainer time. "I'm tired and kind of sore from both an intense arm, chest, shoulder, and back workout yesterday, combined with running, so I hope it doesn't keep from doing the best I can at the gym. My weakness is still my shoulders and my triceps, and my trainer knows this. He's almost certain going to work me to failure in that area."
  • I have never been so right in my life. Luke really pushed me to my breaking point with a brand new circuit. Not only did he up the resistance and body weight exercises, he had me doing 150m sprints in between every three exercises. I literally was panting on my back on the floor after it was over. But at least he complimented me on a) how much I was willing to push myself and 2) how much my squat has improved. Three more sessions with this circuit, and I'm sure I'll be knocking it out of the park at the end.
  • Tomorrow is solo gym day. All core, all the time, on Sundays.

[imprimis5]

Week 1 Sunday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Saturday late breakfast: Ground beef and onion scramble (two eggs)
  • Saturday lunch: Yeah, I really broke it here. The Highland Games provided me with haggis and chips and Irn Bru, which I gleefully gulped down. That's twice this week I ate non-paleo, but the only truly unhealthy meal I had.
  • Saturday dinner: Paleo chicken mole with cabbage and steamed zucchini.
  • Saturday snacks: Pickle, a few almonds, a few paleo sweet potato chips
  • Sunday breakfast: A few grapes, half an apple, hard boiled egg
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • I wasn't feeling it today. Hit a pretty bad depression wall last night that carried over into today. This has been building for a few days, so it's not really surprising. Anyway, it meant I wanted to stay in bed and sleep this morning. But I forced myself up, went to Starbucks and read for a little while, then fucking crushed Week 3 Day 1 of Couch to 5K. I feel a little better right now, flooded with endorphins.
  • My left leg and hip were really tired and sore and a little painful when I got up this morning. They just feel tired now, after my run. I don't doubt that they were sore at the beginning, but how much of that was exacerbated by my mental state?
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • Nope. Nothing yet.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • I was supposed to go to the gym today, after my run. I haven't yet. I likely won't. I'm not proud of this, and it's hard for me to admit here. But it's back to it tomorrow, better than ever.

[imprimis5]

Week 1 Monday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Sunday lunch: Paleo sweet potato meat balls, carrots
  • Sunday dinner: Ground beef and onion, celery, carrots
  • Sunday  snacks: Pickle, a few almonds, a few paleo sweet potato chips, hard boiled egg
  • Monday breakfast: Two hard boiled eggs
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • No run today. Well, unless you count the sprints I'll do as part of my circuit today.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • I'm getting a little concerned about this actually happening. The higher priority expenses for October are starting to mount, and, even with insurance, it's gonna cost me a few bucks for new glasses. Fingers crossed.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • I feel like shit for not going to the gym yesterday. It certainly didn't help my mental state to skip it. But not twice in a row. I'm definitely there today.

[imprimis5]

Week 1 Tuesday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Monday lunch: Paleo chicken mole, steamed mixed veggies
  • Monday dinner: Lettuce salad with celery, carrots, egg, (not strictly paleo) feta, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette
  • Monday snacks: Pickle, a few almonds
  • Tuesday breakfast: Two hard boiled eggs
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • I ran about 1000m as part of my circuit yesterday. Either going to actually run tomorrow or Thursday.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • No motion. Still concerned.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Circuit with my personal trainer yesterday. He knows how to kick my ass. The first two things he had me doing were a 150m sprint and then 20 dumbbell burpees; that really sets the tone for the rest of the hour. Overall, I feel like I did way better than my first time through it last Friday, but it was still rough.
  • I'm headed to the gym by myself this afternoon. According to the new plan I have from my trainer, today is back and arms. I'll probably add some squats and dips in, too, so it's a little more well rounded.

[imprimis5]

Week 1 Wednesday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Tuesday lunch: Paleo sweet potato meatballs, steamed mixed veggies
  • Tuesday dinner: Ground beef, carrots, toasted sweet potato
  • Tuesday snacks: Pickle, a few almonds, a few sweet potato chips
  • Wednesday breakfast: Two hard boiled eggs
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • Currently, today is a total rest day. Work is stressing me out today, so I may run to blow off steam if I feel like I can leave early. I have a lot to do, though, and that seems unlikely right now.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • No motion. Still concerned.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Solo gym day yesterday. Lots of good core, arm, and back. Finished up with some squats and some push-ups so that I could at least feel like I rounded it out a little.
  • The gym is mechanical and without much joy for me. Having a personal trainer there is important, though, as I have something to lose if i don't go. I'm really afraid to drop the gym because at least I'm going. If I leave it, I'm not sure that i'd continue to work out at the same intensity, despite my best intentions. I'm definitely going to have to give some other things a try to see if I enjoy them more.

[imprimis5]

Week 1 Thursday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Wednesday lunch: Paleo sweet potato meatballs, steamed mixed veggies
  • Wednesday dinner: Boyfriend cooked! Roasted cauliflower with feta dip, Chicken/bacon/apple dish of some sort. All paleo (but the dairy means it's not strictly so).
  • Wednesday snacks: A few almonds, a few sweet potato chips
  • Thursday breakfast: Two hard boiled eggs
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • As expected, yesterday remained a total rest day. It was actually quite nice, but I need to learn not to feel guilty for taking a day like that. I'm running today, though.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • No motion. Still concerned.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Yesterday was a total rest day, as mentioned above. Rather than work out or run, I took a little nap. I'll be back on Friday to bust my ass with my trainer.

[imprimis5]

Week 1 Friday Update

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Thursday lunch: Ground beef with paleo ketchup, steamed mixed veggies
  • Thursday dinner: Lettuce salad with carrots, chicken, feta, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette
  • Thursday snacks: A few almonds, pickle, banana, roasted cauliflower
  • Friday breakfast: Bananam two hard boiled eggs
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • Every time I run, I love running a little more. It's amazing how I see some improvement each run I go on. Yesterday was no exception.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • No motion. Still concerned.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • No gym yesterday since I was focused on wearing myself out with a run. Today, though, I'm going to the gym.
  • I didn't sleep super well last night, and that ended with my getting up about an hour earlier than usual this morning. I'm a little anxious that personal trainer time is going to be way harder with slightly worse sleep.

[Mr_Willes]

On 9/25/2016 at 3:51 PM, imprimis5 said:

I was supposed to go to the gym today, after my run. I haven't yet. I likely won't. I'm not proud of this, and it's hard for me to admit here. But it's back to it tomorrow, better than ever.

 

On 9/26/2016 at 3:09 PM, imprimis5 said:

I feel like shit for not going to the gym yesterday. It certainly didn't help my mental state to skip it. But not twice in a row. I'm definitely there today.

 

You are doing fantastic! Super solid, enjoying the runs. And yes sometimes you just don't feel it. But what's done is done, just pick up the next day. And you did! So yeah keep the momentum!

[imprimis5]

Week 2 Monday Update

 

I didn't update over the weekend because my boyfriend and I had a friend in from out of town. I'll cover the specifics now, I suppose. The short version is that it is hard to show a friend what St. Louis has to offer in terms of food and stay paleo at the same time. This weekend wasn't my proudest moment for eating well.

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Note: I realised I should be noting drinks, too. Unless something specific is stated, it is safe to assume that I am drinking water with every meal. Sometimes that water is in the form of La Croix, but I'm not really counting that. 
  • Note: Bolded items are indicated as "not paleo."
  • Friday lunch: Ground beef with paleo ketchup, steamed mixed veggies
  • Friday dinner: [Friend from out of town arrives] Thin crust pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms
  • Friday snacks: A few almonds, pickle, banana, pint of beer
  • Saturday breakfast: Banana
  • Saturday lunch: Bratwurst, sweet potato chips.
  • Saturday dinner: Turkey sandwich, salt & vinegar potato chips
  • Saturday snacks: Leftover pizza, almonds, pint of beer
  • Sunday breakfast: Banana
  • Sunday lunch: Rice bowl (Arborio rice, pork, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, red pepper sauce, pecorino)
  • Sunday dinner: Hamburger with onion rings and BBQ sauce, fried pickles
  • Sunday snacks: almonds, pint of beer
  • Monday breakfast: [Friend from out of town goes back home] Two hard boiled eggs
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • Two runs this weekend. So damn good, seriously.
  • On Saturday morning, I finished off Week 3 of Couch to 5K. It came to around 2.5 miles, once it was all said and done.
  • Before discussing my next run, let me mention the rest of my Saturday, because it matters. A couple hours after finishing my run, I went with my boyfriend and our friend from out of town to do things in the great city of St. Louis. That meant walking about 4-5 miles in the Missouri Botanical Garden as well as spending a couple hours in full activity at City Museum. If someone is actually reading this and doesn't know what City Museum is, picture a giant playground/art exhibit made from things like old planes, buses, and city infrastructure for adults. Seriously, it's super fun, and well worth the trip if you're going to be in St. Louis. At the end of the day, I'd walked or run a total of around 12 miles and climbed a total of 25 stories. I was exhausted.
  • Sunday morning, bright and early, I got up and started Week 4 of Couch to 5K. Yup, I fucking ran anyway because I'm a godsdamned beast. It was the first time I actually ran 5k as part of this program. It was also the first time since I can remember that I've run five minutes solid without stopping or walking. That was a big accomplishment and actually part of my Epic Quest.
  • It's not part of the runs, but it's worth mentioning that I walked another 3 miles or so yesterday when I took my friend into downtown St. Louis for lunch and to see the Gateway Arch.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • No motion. Slightly less concerned, but I just haven't had the time to think about it.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • I went to the gym on Friday after work to spend an hour with my personal trainer. He upped the reps in my circuit, and that is just killer. Seriously, starting the circuit off with a 150m sprint and then immediately going into 20 dumbbell burpees is crazy. My head wasn't in it, but I pushed myself all the way through the circuit, and then some. I discovered that when I'm not mentally "pumped" for a workout, the best thing I can do is just stay in motion. If I can't push myself mentally, I can at least push myself physically.
  • I didn't go to the gym at all this weekend since I didn't want to neglect our house guest. I feel like I got my leg day in anyway, though
  • Going to have to push myself this week as my personal trainer is out of town. What that means is that my workouts will probably be a little less intense, but just as productive. He's done a great job of teaching me. Honestly, if I weren't motivated so well by someone actively watching and coaching me, I would say I didn't need him at all.

[PunchTonic]

16 minutes ago, imprimis5 said:

At the end of the day, I'd walked or run a total of around 12 miles and climbed a total of 25 stories. I was exhausted.

Whoa, nice! I've been to city museum and honestly, I wasn't expecting to sweat so much. xD

 

17 minutes ago, imprimis5 said:

Sunday morning, bright and early, I got up and started Week 4 of Couch to 5K. Yup, I fucking ran anyway because I'm a godsdamned beast. It was the first time I actually ran 5k as part of this program. It was also the first time since I can remember that I've run five minutes solid without stopping or walking. That was a big accomplishment and actually part of my Epic Quest.

Awesome job!!!!! 

 

Sounds like you had a great week! Keep it up!

[Mr_Willes]

I'm so glad i'm not into paleo, all the stuff you bolded is making me hungry!

 

Running is killer man, you made an effort this weekend! Dude F Yeah!

 

6 hours ago, imprimis5 said:

the best thing I can do is just stay in motion. If I can't push myself mentally, I can at least push myself mentally.

 

 

Just messing around, probably just a typo...

 

 

[imprimis5]

9 minutes ago, mr_willes said:

I'm so glad i'm not into paleo, all the stuff you bolded is making me hungry!

 

Running is killer man, you made an effort this weekend! Dude F Yeah!

 

 

 

Just messing around, probably just a typo...

 

 

 

Ha. Thanks! Yeah, it was a big weekend for me. Eating intentionally is difficult when you have to eat out a lot with people who eat whatever. Lol

 

And that was... umm... intentional. To see if people were reading...

[imprimis5]

Week 2 Tuesday Update

 

 

It feels so good to be back in my healthy routine! Taking a look at the scale this morning, it seems I made a very small amount of negative process over the weekend. So time to nip that in the bud!

 

 

• The Paleo Beast: It's for real, this time. 80/20 paleo diet, at the very least. I know I can do this, and better, even.
  • Note: Unless something specific is stated, it is safe to assume that I am drinking water with every meal. Sometimes that water is in the form of La Croix, but I'm not really counting that. 
  • Note: Bolded items are indicated as "not paleo."
  • Monday lunch: Baked chicken thigh, broccoli, roasted sweet potato
  • Monday dinner: Lettuce salad with celery, carrot, feta, baked chicken tender, homemade balsamic vinaigrette
  • Monday snacks: Banana with almond butter
  • Tuesday breakfast: Two hard boiled eggs
• Ranger's Run: Three times a week, half an hour of running, outside. This isn't negotiable. I plonked down good money to run in a 5K on November 13th, and, dammit, I'm not going to be the last one across the finish line.
  • No run yesterday. I think I need to work on my form a little, since it seems maybe I turned my ankle slightly wrong somewhere. It's not bad enough to actually be constantly hurting (or even really cause issues if I run on it), but I definitely felt the need to ice it down a little.
  • I'm trying to decide if I want to run or go to the gym today. Whichever I don't do today, I'll do on Thursday. It largely depends on how stressful and anxiety-inducing today is. I find that, while running helps me bring my anxiety level down, the gym actually does the opposite.
• Eagle Eyes: This is a weird one, and not really fitness-related. But I've been putting off getting new glasses for literally years now. I've always had some excuse. But I'm actually going to do it, and this is a great way to set a deadline for myself.
  • No motion. Slightly less concerned, but I just haven't had the time to think about it.
• The Good Fight: Two days with my personal trainer each week. At least one day at the gym by myself between trainer sessions. That's four gym sessions a week, if you're keeping count.
  • Yesterday was a solo gym day. It was a little rough. I got in a damn good workout and left panting, but I struggled really hardcore with the whole "zone out and forget other people are there" mindset. I think that may have had me rushing through a few things. But it was still a good day.
  • Today is either going to be a gym day or a running day, depending what I mentioned in Ranger's Run. Whichever doesn't happen today will happen on Thursday.