The Way of Vikings: Rurik Harrgath

[Rurik Harrgath]

 

"Sometimes a Viking is born who carries the Spark of Gods... Raiders we call them.  It is a name that can summon armies.  Ruthless, fearless, made for battle... the moment of a Viking's death is chosen by Fate, so what use have they of armor... or of fear?"

 

Starting weight baseline:  217 lbs.  How the fuck did that happen?

CrossFit Skill Metrics:  CrossFit Metrics

 

:: DINE IN ODIN’S HALL ::

• Nutrition accountability measured through Health Points meter.

•  Eat To Perform 
  (Workout Day:  2937 cals: 190P / 100F / 319C, Rest Day:  2560 cals: 190P / 100F / 225C).

:: TRAIN FOR THE VANGUARD ::

• Supplementary Back Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift programs.

• Kipping Pull-up Practice once per week.

• Retest two or more CrossFit Metrics over the course of the challenge.

:: RETURN TO THE MEADHALL ::

• Weekly To-Do list.

:: CHALLENGE INSPIRATION ::  Fresh on my return from Camp Nerd Fitness 2016, I’m energized and ready to start my challenge routine anew.  After discussions with some Warrior-minded folks at Camp, I have embraced my Warrior side and intend to shift my CrossFit focus to increasing my weightlifting volume by supplementing my WOD routine through either strenuous negotiation with my coach or picking up a 24-hour gym pass on the side.  Riding the high of Camp and my performance at the powerlifting meet there, along with conversations and a heavy dose of Warrior inspiration from the likes of Gainsdalf the Whey, Miss Marissa, and Sam Ashen, this Ranger is pillaging infiltrating your illustrious Warrior ranks for a challenge or two.

With that in mind, I turn to the most indomitable and majestic of my personalities to summon the Viking once again. 

 

 

[Raxie]

Looks like the Rangers weren't the only ones recruiting stealing members at camp...

 

Edit: OMG AM I ACTUALLY FIRST ON A RURIK THREAD?! What is this strange new world that is the warriors guild...

[bker1370]

Following along of course

[Volki]

RURIK!! Welcome to the Warriors Guild

Im glad to see the RHaF viking badass energy coming over here!

Following of course!

[Jormungand]

Very cool as is per usual. 

[Dusk]

Here I am, I am here~  

 

I'm in the same boat as you - looking at my weight thinking, when the hell did that happen?? :sigh: So I guess we're nutrition pals this round, trying to reverse the damage!  

[Stronkey Kong]

I'm rangering this challenge and had been keeping an eye out for your thread over there...

 

Yet, here you are.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Following along as you infiltrate visit the Warriors for a while. 

[Sam Ashen]

1 hour ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

:: CHALLENGE INSPIRATION ::  Fresh on my return from Camp Nerd Fitness 2016, I’m energized and ready to start my challenge routine anew.  After discussions with some Warrior-minded folks at Camp, I have embraced my Warrior side and intend to shift my CrossFit focus to increasing my weightlifting volume by supplementing my WOD routine through either strenuous negotiation with my coach or picking up a 24-hour gym pass on the side.  Riding the high of Camp and my performance at the powerlifting meet there, along with conversations and a heavy dose of Warrior inspiration from the likes of Gainsdalf the Whey, Miss Marissa, and Sam Ashen, this Ranger is pillaging infiltrating your illustrious Warrior ranks for a challenge or two.

 

 

With that in mind, I turn to the most indomitable and majestic of my personalities to summon the Viking once again.

 

Honored!

 

Welcome to the Warriors!  (if temporarily)

 

I will be on a four-week WL cycle, then a long WL cycle - so looking forward to comparing notes with you!

[spezzy]

IT WAS SO GREAT TO MEET YOU.

[darkfoxx]

Just don't forget your home ;p ~~~

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[Raxie]

14 minutes ago, darkfoxx said:

Just don't forget your home ;p ~~~

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After threatening the safety of my face when I jokingly thought about not taking up the Rangers guild at camp this seems quite timid to me

[Rurik Harrgath]

Apparently I went to a nerd camp last week...?

 

Camp Nerd Fitness 2016. 

 

What a mind-blowing experience.  I met some wonderful people and probably enjoyed myself more thoroughly than I have in years, for so many reasons.

 

Tuesday

Long day spent traveling to Toronto and again from Toronto to Atlanta.  Figured out the airport shuttle system to make my way to the unofficial NF hotel for the first meet-up where I met @Raxie and many other nerds at the bar.  In true Viking Ranger style, I proceeded to become bold, boisterous, and intoxicated.  Shutdown and closed out the bar twice technically, ran them dry of any beer of note (starting with Sam Adams' Oktoberfest).

 

Wednesday

The day of days!  Back to the airport with everyone I met at the hotel and beginning the great Nerd Migration in the airport lobby.  We basically filled that place up and I can't wait to see the pictures.  We were quite the spectacle.  There was a large batch of Army guys heading to or from a course (from their hair, boots, and bags) and they were joking about out enthusiasm while having our picture take by the airport staff.  @Tanktimus the Encourager and I, among others, were on the first shuttle out to Camp and arrived at Camp Nerd Fitness (Romah Darom) sometime around 3pm.  Waited in line for a bit to get our rooming assignments, kind of met @darkfoxx but she was too busy being a super awesome WIzard to hear me screaming her name from further down the line.  Joined up with @Big_Show to hike over to our accomodations for the week.  Dropped my kit off and meandered over to NF HQ to meet other Nerds as they piled in.  Had supper, headed over to the Opening Ceremonies in the Colosseum to finally see Steve, and Staci, and the whole crew behind Nerd Fitness.  Also caught me first glimpses of the Headmasters and Wizard crew, some of who would have a big impact on me over the days that followed. 

 

It was pretty much dark by the time the Opening Ceremonies concluded and most were heading back to NF HQ.  I swung by the Panem Training Grounds (which was a basketball court with a pull-up/weightlifting rig set up).  Met Peter of Fringe Sports (who supplied all of the lifting equipment) and Jon Sewell who I've been friends with through several Facebook groups for a while now.  Peter was organizing a WOD for a few of the volunteers and whatnot, asked @miss_marissa and I if we wanted to work in.  Picked up some deadlift sixes at 65%, a couple burpees, and a short run for the warm-up (which makes a more intense and dynamic warm-up than any I've done through CrossFit, haha) before moving into some singles and doubles in the 80/85% range.  10 rounds of 1:30 worth of Box Step-ups every 2:00 rounded out the workout and pretty much splashed my legs for the night.  Off to the bonfire to meet Tank and some others before calling it a night.

 

Thursday

First day of schedule classes.  Ran through a Martial Arts Multi-pack with intros to Taekwondo, BJJ, Kung Fu, and Capoeira.  Then Intro Swords with Tank when the sun came out and started pummeling me.  From that point on I threw my planned schedule to the winds and relied entitry on instinct to get me to further classes.  Spent the afternoon in How to Human Better (lots of shoeless feet talk, neck posture, shoulders, etc) and then over to Panem again to prep for the Powerlifting meet.  Shared some of my Lara Bars with other competitors to get us juiced up.  I had no idea how busy a meet could be with 40+ people trying to warm-up and get their lifts in.  Credit goes to Spezzy and Gains for keeping shit running smoothly so that all the other competitors and I could crush our lifts.  I was in a later flight, got my Squats in at 295, 315, and 335# to match my current 1RM.  My Bench came in at 245, 265, and a missed 275 to fall just shy of my 1RM.  Was feeling pretty hot, un-warmed-up, tired, and hungry by then.  Moved on deadlifts before what can only be referred to as a sold-out crowd of gathered nerds - including Steve himself loading our weights!  Started DL at 405, 425, and finished 10lbs shy of my 1RM at 335 because I was exhausted.  Really should have fought through it to at least match or beat my 1RM of 445# but hindsight is 20/20.

Here are some videos and pictures.

 

3rd Squat @ 335#

 

Bench Presses







3rd Deadlift @ 435#

 

By the time this wrapped up we raced off to dinner and devoured one of the many Paleo meals made available for Camp before getting ready for Costume Night.  Since I was running only a carry on and had no room for costumes I really only showed up for the party.  Played some games to ease my way in before jumping on the hard cider bandwagon and dancing the night away like an introvert possessed by the undead spirit of an extroverted Hippity Hop backup dancer.  Crashed on the floor in the veranda of the cabin full of Big Show, Overcast, and others.  Refused the offering of a blanket which would have otherwise been a good idea.  Ended up using my pillowcase to keep my legs warm through the night.  Rangers Gonna Ranger?  I guess so.

 

Friday

Woke up with the mother of hangovers in addition to ALL THE PAINS from powerlifting.  Had no appetite.  Tried to go to a class first thing, left early, back to my cabin for a half hour nap.  Off to Primal Movement 101 with headmaster Jonathan Mead, someone I had been looking forward to meeting for a long time.  He quickly got us into our bare feet and had us out walking on grass, over roots, gravel and stoned, over bridges, pavement, onto the cheese grater flooring of Panem where I had lifted the night before, and climbing on the pull-up rig.  Really enjoyed that one.  Did some crawling to round out the class.  Back for lunch and nerd visiting before running off to Int/Adv Bodyweight: Everything but the Rings which was a reintroduction of Handstand Pushups, Strict Bar Muscle-up and various scaling options for both.  Took the next slot off to go for a walk and relax before swinging by the second powerlifting competition to cheer some folks on through their lifting battles and onto Modern Dating with Maddie and Rog, which was an absolute riot.  Those two are hilarious and that experience set me for attending their Sexy Time lecture later.  Had supper, got my copy of Level Up Your Life signed by Steve.

 

 

Waited on Big Show and ran off to Sexy Time (promise there's no double entendre here ;)).  It ended up being more of a safe zone for complaining about relationships and the demands of sex than the lecture of round-table joke-fest I was hoping for, so I went off on another walk to kill time before Time Travel night.  It was designed to be a more low-key evening than Costume Night so I didn't touch a drop of booze and just flitted from one activity to another - movies were play outside on projectors, the bonfire was a riot of activity and where we shot the Ranger Battle Speech Tank posted in the Ranger Guildhall.

 

 

Took it pretty easy that night, enjoyed an hour or two around the bonfire with forum nerds, and crashed early on my mattress in the Kirby's Dreamland cabin veranda full of nerds who had become my closest friends over the week so far.  Even managed to convince one of them to join me in the fresh cool air.

Saturday
The last day of scheduled classes.  After a hearty breakfast I hit up Travel Hacking 101 with Peter to get some insights on traveling on the cheap, stuck around the same locale for Embracing the Wild Man Within with Jonathon Mead which became more huggy-huggy, awkward, and meditation focused than I would have hoped for, and drifted off to lunch.    Off to my introduction to powerlifting to learn all about the gear and techniques of actual powerlifters with Staci and Gains.  Learned a ton, definitely interested in finding a powerlifting competition locally in the near future.  Hopped over to the Blob for some water activity.

 

 

Took a walk up to the waterfall for the afternoon and returned to get ready for Closing Ceremonies and Glow Night!  It was at this point when I started to feel the weight of knowing Camp NF was coming to a close.  I always get anxious towards the end of any big week/weekend of socializing with new friends so this made my chest tight for most of the evening.  It was awesome seeing the powerlifting winners announced because I had becomes friends with each of them, it was bittersweet listening to Steve say his first unofficial goodbyes, but everyone migrated over to NF HQ for a night of glowpaint and DJ frivolity. 

 

This was a strange party.  There were two DJs, hundreds of people glowing in the dark under black lights, but no sound.  Both DJs played their music into headsets everyone wore with a channel switch to change between the two stations.  So half the dancers might be dancing and singing along to N*Sync - definitely not me and definitely not slamming out the choreography to Bye Bye Bye almost perfectly - while the others jammed along to Journey's Don't Stop Believing.  Eventually convinced the Red Channel DJ to play Watch Me by Silento to continue my out of control dancing routine.  By this point I had been dancing relatively nonstop for hours and my shirt was thoroughly soaked through - much to chagrin of Steve who hugged me twice in the crowd, Tank who similarly hugged me, and basically anyone else who came within close proximity.  Rumor has it that there might be a video floating around of my shenanigans but I've sent a private army of Ninja Viking Assassins to procure this recording and eliminate its owner.

Definitely threw my introversion and hangups to the wind Saturday night because it was the last night and I was Feeling All The Feels.  Stopped by the bonfire for a bit and spent the evening walking around and visiting.  Returned to HQ, ran into Steve for another round of hugs.  Unfortunately, like all good things do, the night came to an end and a bunch of us from Kirby 22 had a slumber party on the veranda together. 

 

Sunday

Morning came early to the sound of vehicles starting their journeys home and nerds struggling with their roller luggage down paved streets or the railroad tie steps up the hillside which we in Kirby 22 had become intimately familiar with.  We all begrudingly climbed from our toasty warm beds - one of the ensemble commenting that he was a pizza pocket of warmth - and trudged off to pack our bags and head for NF HQ knowing we wouldn't be back to those cabins for at least another year.  Breakfast was bittersweet; my appetite wasn't there but I shoveled food down so I didn't look bad in front of all the Warriors present and knowing I didn't want to rely on airport food all day.  Probably met more people during breakfast than during the whole week.  Lots of people complimented me on my powerlifting performance or my beard, some asked about Rangers or the forums, and others just wanted to meet as many people as possible before leaving Camp NF and heading to their respective points of origin.

 

This was one of those moments when the Feels Were Real.  Saying goodbye has never been a strength of mine, maybe more than others even, so saying goodbye to all of these amazing, inspiring, and wonderful Nerds who had been as close as friends and family over the previous week was a heavy weight to bear.  Hugs were given and received, Facebook profiles shared, and promises to keep in touch exchanged.  The first shuttles started rolling out early and with them the goodbyes.  Over the course of a couple of hours I made my farewells, walked some friends to their vehicles, and eventually made my way back to the Visitor Center with Tank and darkfoxx to board our own shuttle back to Atlanta Airport.  Another round of goodbyes, this time with Staci, Steve, Jon and other wizards/headmasters, and the whole NF crew.

 

It was a quiet drive back to Atlanta.  Hopped off the shuttle for a quick rushed lunch with Tank, darkfoxx, and Gainsdalf.  Talked forums and whatnot.  I raced off to the International Terminal where I enjoyed another short NF meet-up with people waiting to fly out, this time with the likes of Flex Luther, Spezzy, Loren Wade, and a whole host of others.  The adventure truly came to an end when I had to board my flight to Toronto, but at least I heard the heart-buoying sound of, "Hey Nerd!" from other travelers who recognized either the beard or my Camp NF luggage tag on my GoRuck Rucker.  Two other Canadians and I made our way to Toronto together and I couldn't have been happier to share that leg of my journey with two strangers who didn't even know they were saving me from the adrenaline letdown of leaving Camp and the anxiety of airports.  I shared another round of goodbyes with these two wonderful people, killing time in Toronto airport until my flight home.  I had been indoctrinated into several Facebook chats with departing nerds so at least I could share in our roadtrip or airport tribulations.  Eventually hopped the super packed flight in the late hours of Sunday.  Did I mention my phone died on the plane from too much usage and that I didn't notice the charging station until we landed?  Fuck me.

 

Drove the long two hours home to the ping, ping of Facebook Messenger going off as my new friends simultaneously arrived home.  I rolled home just shy of 3am last night and pretty much crawled right into bed, setting my alarm for an 11am CrossFit class that, you can imagine, I didn't bother going to.

 

Camp NF was an experience and a half.  It never ceased to amaze me that so many Nerds can gather under one flag and in one location to support and encourage each other.  I've always thought the CrossFit community was amazing, but Nerd Fitness blows that out of the water.  People learning and growing together, suffering and succeeding together, even just over a couple of days.  Steve made a comment early on about gathering so many introverts together and watching them become extroverts among their tribe of fellows and he couldn't have been more right. 

 

TL,DR highlight reel...

Steve congratulated me on my deadlift.  Steve Kamb, ladies and gentlemen.  And he loaded my plates.

Meeting my Rangers and forum friends.

Dancing the night away, not just once but twice!

My newfound friends of Kirby's Dreamland 22 and crashing on their veranda for three nights.

Thinking I would have to mope through the security of two airports but running into Nerds at both to help me through my Feels.

Just the entire Camp NF atmosphere and finally knowing you've found your tribe.

 

I can't wait to go back next year!

 

 

[Dusk]

18 minutes ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

 

SHADRI, YAY!

 

I'm not really looking to specifically cut weight, just be more mindful about hitting my macros.  Too addicted to performance to go back to anything under 2500 calories.  Cutting the sugar mostly, once I'm fully recovered from Camp withdrawal.

 

Ah, okay. Mine is sheer terrible eating, haha!  

 

My friend, that was a fantastic write-up. I could feel the excitement! Holy cats, I wish I could have been there. SOMEDAY... I'll make it out to camp and meet you and all our other lovely Ranger friends in person.  <3

[Volki]

Thank you for the writeup and photos and videos. It really does sound like an amazing experience! lol Viking as fuck indeed. Good luck on your lifts! May all the gainz be yours

 

[Rurik Harrgath]

I think editing my monster Camp NF post cost me all of my multi-quote replies.  Let's try this again...

 

3 hours ago, Raxie said:

Looks like the Rangers weren't the only ones recruiting stealing members at camp...

 

Edit: OMG AM I ACTUALLY FIRST ON A RURIK THREAD?! What is this strange new world that is the warriors guild...

 

It was so awesome meeting you, Rax!  Had a blast spending time with you throughout the week. 

 

3 hours ago, Volki said:

RURIK!! Welcome to the Warriors Guild

Im glad to see the RHaF viking badass energy coming over here!

Following of course!

 

I almost had to edit the title of this topic to 'Viking as Fuck' after Grymm made that comment over at the Water Cooler!  haha

 

3 hours ago, Jormungand said:

Very cool as is per usual. 

 

Wow, we're both doing multi-class challenges?  Rangers Gonna Invade, more like. 

 

2 hours ago, Shadri said:

Here I am, I am here~  

 

I'm in the same boat as you - looking at my weight thinking, when the hell did that happen?? :sigh: So I guess we're nutrition pals this round, trying to reverse the damage!  

 

SHADRI, YAY!

 

The number on the scale was a shocker, but my pants aren't that tight nor my belly that large.  Just need to stick to my macro accountability and scale back my sugar intake.  It was getting a little bit out of control for a while there.  Probably explains the aforementioned number.

 

2 hours ago, Curl Brogo said:

I'm rangering this challenge and had been keeping an eye out for your thread over there...

 

Yet, here you are.

 

Stranger and stranger things keep happening around these forums, hey? 

 

2 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Following along as you infiltrate visit the Warriors for a while. 

 

Thanks, buddy!  It was awesome spending so much time with you all week.

 

2 hours ago, Sam Ashen said:

Honored!

 

Welcome to the Warriors!  (if temporarily)

 

I will be on a four-week WL cycle, then a long WL cycle - so looking forward to comparing notes with you!

 

Having the opportunity to meet and compete with you was such a wonderful experience, buddy.  You crushed that lifting comp with that monster deadlift!

 

Can't wait to share some Oly thoughts.  I'm chasing that 200# Snatch hard!  That's what she said.

 

2 hours ago, spezzy said:

IT WAS SO GREAT TO MEET YOU.

 

I think my original reply disappeared, but it was so amazing getting to meet you!  I'm sure you hear all the time about how inspiring you are to folks, but having the opportunity to see you at work and watching how smoothly you kept the powerlifting meet running was just a wonder to behold.  Always time for a smile, a word of encouragement.  You're just a fabulous person.

 

Can't wait to do it all again next year. 

 

1 hour ago, darkfoxx said:

Just don't forget your home ;p ~~~

 

I have my ways, and my team of Ninja Viking Assassins.

 

58 minutes ago, Raxie said:

After threatening the safety of my face when I jokingly thought about not taking up the Rangers guild at camp this seems quite timid to me

 

That doesn't sound like something I would do at all.  /sheepish

[Sam Ashen]

58 minutes ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

Jon Sewell who I've been friends with through several Facebook groups for a while now.

 

@Knightwatch on the forums

 

34 minutes ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

Having the opportunity to meet and compete with you was such a wonderful experience, buddy.  You crushed that lifting comp with that monster deadlift!

 

 

Thanks, man!  It was great to finally meet you in person as well!

 

35 minutes ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

Can't wait to share some Oly thoughts.  I'm chasing that 200# Snatch hard!  That's what she said.

 

I'm chasing much lighter snatch.

[miss_marissa]

Thanks for joining us this round. We'll try not to steal you forever.

[maegs]

So jealous of CAMP! It sounds like you had tonnes of fun, good on you for getting out of your introvert shell  

[Wild Wolf]

Happy to see a new perspective and energy out of you Following.

W0lf

"Maximum Effort!"

[Grymm]

I'm glad you're doing a warrior challenge if only for that camp write up appearing in a place where I would find it.  Huzzah!

[Rurik Harrgath]

3 hours ago, Sam Ashen said:

 

@Knightwatch on the forums

 

Thanks, man!  It was great to finally meet you in person as well!

 

I'm chasing much lighter snatch.

 

Thank you!  Now we can pursue our Oly lifts together and take over the galaxy.  Or something like that at least.

 

2 hours ago, miss_marissa said:

Thanks for joining us this round. We'll try not to steal you forever.

 

Your Warriors might almost be as sneaky as Rangers when it comes to indoctrination. 

 

1 hour ago, maegs said:

So jealous of CAMP! It sounds like you had tonnes of fun, good on you for getting out of your introvert shell  

 

It seriously was a blast.  I almost didn't have words for it... that write-up might have taken me all afternoon and multiple revisions before it was prepared for unveiling!

 

40 minutes ago, Wild Wolf said:

Happy to see a new perspective and energy out of you Following.

 

Glad that you found me, old friend.  I got your "present" from Big Show.  My butt appreciated the pat. 

 

14 minutes ago, Grymm said:

I'm glad you're doing a warrior challenge if only for that camp write up appearing in a place where I would find it.  Huzzah!

 

Technically you're the first interaction I've had since moving over here for this challenge, Grymm... and I like it.

[Grymm]

6 minutes ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

Technically you're the first interaction I've had since moving over here for this challenge, Grymm... and I like it.

[iatetheyeti]

Not gonna miss this no matter which guild you hide it in  

 

Jealous of your trip to CNF, it sounds like everyone had a blast!

[Yasha92]

Tapatalk somehow knew I'd want to follow this and suggested it to me suggestion taken! Following!

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