Jarric Moves Jobs

[Jarric]

At the end of week 1, my job will be moving up to London, and I've decided to follow my job which is going to be a big change in my life. I'll be going from a short drive to work to over an hour on the train each way, I'll be working in a new office with new people I don't know, the work itself will likely be changing (although I've got no idea on the plan or timescales for that). It's going to be a busy month, but I want to keep a challenge running to keep me from going off the rails, and also to give me more excuse to keep up with you wonderful people. Going to try and keep it simple and just keep checking in. Forewarning that this may not be the most upbeat or cheerful thread this challenge, so if you don't like listening to people whine it may be one to avoid.

 

 

Keep Lifting - Lift 12+ times this challenge - 15XP

This one shouldn't be too hard, I really enjoy my lifting program so I should be able to keep up with it. I will need to cancel my gym membership and join a new gym in London, because the current place doesn't open early enough for me to go there before I would have to get on the train. So gym shopping in week 2 could be fun!

 

 

Don't drink like a dickhead- 15XP

Since I found out my job was effectively being sold, I've been depressed, stressed and so very very angry. Unfortunately I do have a tendency to drink my feelings when things aren't going well. Add into that that insurance, and particularly the London market, is an area where heavy drinking is actively encouraged as part of building professional relationships. Then add in working with new people and needing to get to know them which will undoubtedly lead to office drinks. All in all the best outcome if I drink like a dickhead is that I make myself ill, and sad, and fat. Worst case I do that plus I do or say something so stupid I live to regret it.

 

I have a vague mental list of things that count as drinking like a dickhead, including drinking at home (either before or after a night out), drinking beer that I'm not enjoying. If I have more than 5 pints I may well be drinking like a dickhead. If I have more than 6 I almost certainly am. If I find myself getting morose or getting angry I am to stop drinking and take myself the fuck home.

 

 

Skill Work - 12+ times this challenge - 15XP

I've been kind of inspired by the handstand stuff going on with NF at the moment. I haven't bought the programs, but I do want to work on wall walks and crow pose this month as progression towards a handstand. I've also been looking for a chance to work on L-sits for a few months now, so that will count too.

 

Please send me any resources you have on these things. I will definitely be referring to these two:

https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2016/10/17/a-beginners-guide-to-handstands/#more-1342745

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZJoSP66HI (floor l-sit progression)

 

 

Bullet Journaling - Daily - 10XP

I really like the idea of this, it looks to be a simple way to keep track of life (and of challenge goals!), to keep a to-do list running, and hopefully make me a more productive human. I played with it last challenge before everything fell apart a bit, so I thought I would make it a goal this time to see if I can stick with it.

 

 

That's all folks, wish me luck!

[Jarric]

--Reserved for weekly updates--

[Lannyjeter]

Sounds like a great challenge!  Don't drink like a dickhead, too funny, but a great goal.  

 

I think bullet journaling is a great habit to get into.  I try to do it daily.

 

Good luck!  Look forward to updates.  Embrace the change when the job moves, it could be a great change in your life.

 

Cheers!

 

 

[Wild Wolf]

It may be lots to deal with at the moment but I have a feeling you will adapt and overcome this move and change of scenery! Best of luck, buddy and keep us updated on the gym shopping. Hopefully you find a place the works with the new schedule. What lifting program did you decide? I ended up going back to Starting Strength because I wanted something linear and a little more simplistic to start getting in the swing of things again.

 

W0lf

[jonfirestar]

3 hours ago, Jarric said:

I have a vague mental list of things that count as drinking like a dickhead, including drinking at home (either before or after a night out), drinking beer that I'm not enjoying. If I have more than 5 pints I may well be drinking like a dickhead. If I have more than 6 I almost certainly am. If I find myself getting morose or getting angry I am to stop drinking and take myself the fuck home.

Best of luck! I know for my own part that I am good up to two pints. After the third good sense leaves the pub and I'm in it for the long haul.

 

All the best with the job move. Long commutes can be soul sucking and it is great that you are going into it with a plan! 

[fleaball]

Sounds like a solid plan. Here to watch you not drink like a dickhead.

[Jarric]

18 hours ago, Lannyjeter said:

Sounds like a great challenge!  Don't drink like a dickhead, too funny, but a great goal.  

 

I think bullet journaling is a great habit to get into.  I try to do it daily.

 

Good luck!  Look forward to updates.  Embrace the change when the job moves, it could be a great change in your life.

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

Welcome! Nice to meet you!

 

How long have you been journaling? Any tips?

 

17 hours ago, Wild Wolf said:

It may be lots to deal with at the moment but I have a feeling you will adapt and overcome this move and change of scenery! Best of luck, buddy and keep us updated on the gym shopping. Hopefully you find a place the works with the new schedule. What lifting program did you decide? I ended up going back to Starting Strength because I wanted something linear and a little more simplistic to start getting in the swing of things again.

 

W0lf

 

Cheers man. I've had a look round online and there seem to be a few options for me. Budget is a bit of an issue (I could easily spend £200+ per month at some of these places if I had it), so I'm just hoping the cheaper places I've found are actually ok when I see them in real life.

 

At the moment I'm sticking with the plan I had before (basically alternating a leg/shoulder day and a chest/back day). But once I move gym I might reassess. There's no deadlifting in my life at the moment so thinking starting strength or maybe even stronglifts might be the way forward.

 

15 hours ago, jonfirestar said:

Best of luck! I know for my own part that I am good up to two pints. After the third good sense leaves the pub and I'm in it for the long haul.

 

All the best with the job move. Long commutes can be soul sucking and it is great that you are going into it with a plan! 

 

Bolded that part because yes, that's so damn true!

 

Cheers for the wishes man!

 

8 hours ago, fleaball said:

Sounds like a solid plan. Here to watch you not drink like a dickhead.

 

Thanks, good to have you again.

[iatetheyeti]

Following along again  

 

Sounds like a lot is going on right now, but it looks like you've got a solid plan to deal with it all.

[deftona]

I think I missed following you last challenge so I missed all the stuff about the job. Urgh, that sucks but hopefully it will end up being a positive somehow. Yay for bullet journalling too, I hope it works well for you. It made me much more productive. 

 

On 29/10/2016 at 4:30 PM, Jarric said:

if you don't like listening to people whine it may be one to avoid.

 

Bring it on, I grew up listening to The Smiths. 

 

Following! 

[BitterOyster]

This challenge is so important, I'm glad you're here facing it all head on. I hope it turns out for the best

[Jarric]

23 hours ago, iatetheyeti said:

Following along again  

 

Sounds like a lot is going on right now, but it looks like you've got a solid plan to deal with it all.

 

Good to have you! And I hope so; I guess time will tell!

 

4 hours ago, deftona said:

I think I missed following you last challenge so I missed all the stuff about the job. Urgh, that sucks but hopefully it will end up being a positive somehow. Yay for bullet journalling too, I hope it works well for you. It made me much more productive. 

 

 

Bring it on, I grew up listening to The Smiths. 

 

Following! 

 

Thanks. I saw you were BuJo-ing so I'll definitely be seeing if I can see any ideas  .

 

And you had to listen to The Smiths as a child? Oh you poor thing, that must have been terrible!

 

2 hours ago, BitterOyster said:

This challenge is so important, I'm glad you're here facing it all head on. I hope it turns out for the best

 

Thank you! Glad to have you here!

[Jarric]

Gym this morning was good and bad. On the one hand, I failed a load of lifts and it sucked. On the other, hopefully I can improve some form as a result.

 

First up was squats. I've been noticing a bit of knee pain recently, and after reading up on form online I think it's because I'm allowing my knees to cave inwards rather than pushing them out over my toes. So I worked through my warm-up sets ok, but the change in form meant I couldn't keep my current weight (65kg). I dropped back to 60kg and ground out 4x6, but then that started causing hip pain. So next time I'm going to drop the weight right down and focus on form, and work back slowly from there.

 

Next was DB military press. I should be on 12kg for 5x6, but the 12kg dumbbells were taken so I decided to shoot for 14kg. Got through sets of 6, 6, 4, 5, 4. No big deal on missing reps this time (I reminded myself) as this is an increase in weight.

 

After that I gave up on the rest of the lifts (lunges in particular were not happening with my hip) and decided to foam roll and stretch for the last 10 minutes or so.

 

So given that I'm dropping my weight on squats, and also partly inspired by @Wild Wolf (cheers Wolfman!) I've decided to give Starting Strength a try. I'll be dropping my weight to the minimum on all lifts and focusing on proper form instead. Nervous/excited about this, but with luck hard work by the end of this challenge my squat and bench should be up past where they are now, and I'll have a deadlift and an OHP to show for it to!

[Balsquith]

Sorry to hear that the move was forced on you, but hopefully it will turn out to be a good thing, meeting some great new people, having some interesting new challenges and perspectives on things. Have you thought about how best to use your commuting time to your advantage?

[Charlie_Quinn]

I'm glad you decided to do a challenge. I've done the commute to London for 10 years now and I'm not going to lie, it will take a while to get used to it and you'll be tired for the first few months. But I promise, it does get easier once you get used to your new routine. What part of London are you going to be working in?

[Jarric]

21 hours ago, Balsquith said:

Sorry to hear that the move was forced on you, but hopefully it will turn out to be a good thing, meeting some great new people, having some interesting new challenges and perspectives on things. Have you thought about how best to use your commuting time to your advantage?

 

Thank you! I'm not entirely sure yet; I think to start it will probably be spent catching up on the forums to be honest, particularly as I don't know whether I'll get on at lunch like I am now. Otherwise not sure; any suggestions?

 

19 hours ago, Charlie_Quinn said:

I'm glad you decided to do a challenge. I've done the commute to London for 10 years now and I'm not going to lie, it will take a while to get used to it and you'll be tired for the first few months. But I promise, it does get easier once you get used to your new routine. What part of London are you going to be working in?

 

Thanks  . I did do it a few years ago but it was a considerably more awkward journey (I was on the isle of dogs) for a much worse job, so hopefully this time will be better. I'll in the City, about 10 minutes north of London Bridge. Whereabouts do you work?

[Jarric]

Stats at Mon W1D1

Keep Lifting - 1/12

Don't drink like a dickhead - all good

Skill work - 0/12

Bullet Journaling - 1/28

 

Rounded off yesterday with snooker after work (I just lost, unfortunately). Got home and to bed about half 11, which wasn't too bad as a result of me skipping meal prep in favour of sleep.

 

This morning I went out for a run, and decided to give Zombies, Run! a go. It was quite interesting; will probably keep it up for a little while with doing the story once per week as I unlock it, and I'll have a play with supply runs and stuff for my other weekly run. Total distance 3.06mi in 29'58", ave pace 09'48"/mi. Splits:

 

NAME

PACE

CLIMB

1 mi

10:13

-18

2 mi

9:47

18

3 mi

8:56

2

4 mi

19:24

-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, following on with my decision of staring SS, I've also decided I need more calories and protein to get the most out of it. For that reason I'll be aiming for 4 pints of whole milk per day for now on (for those interested, as UK pints are slightly bigger than US pints, this is around 60% of GOMAD. Actually it's almost exactly 60%, which pleases me). I already drink around a pint of whole milk every day anyway and really like it, so hopefully this shouldn't be too challenging. I'm not adding it as a challenge goal yet though, it's just something I'm going to try and do.

[fleaball]

9 minutes ago, Jarric said:

I'll in the City, about 10 minutes north of London Bridge

Even though I know the difference my mind immediately went to Tower Bridge. Silly American.  

 

You could always read on the train? Or start writing your scandalous memoir. 

[Charlie_Quinn]

3 minutes ago, Jarric said:

Thanks  . I did do it a few years ago but it was a considerably more awkward journey (I was on the isle of dogs) for a much worse job, so hopefully this time will be better. I'll in the City, about 10 minutes north of London Bridge. Whereabouts do you work?

 

Oh so you're very central then. It always helps if the journey isn't too awkward. I don't know about gyms in that area but if you want a place to Boulder after work, check out The Arch in Bermondsey (one stop from London Bridge). they have 2 sites about 5 minutes walk from Bermondsey tube station. Building One has the best training area with ropes, peg boards and a parkour area.

I'm near Belsize Park, just opposite The Royal Free Hospital. It's very quiet, not very much around here (except coffee shops and posh people!) but at least I've got beautiful Hampstead Heath nearby if I fancy a walk/run at lunchtime. 

[jonfirestar]

28 minutes ago, Jarric said:

For that reason I'll be aiming for 4 pints of whole milk per day for now on (for those interested, as UK pints are slightly bigger than US pints, this is around 60% of GOMAD. Actually it's almost exactly 60%, which pleases me). I already drink around a pint of whole milk every day anyway and really like it, so hopefully this shouldn't be too challenging. I'm not adding it as a challenge goal yet though, it's just something I'm going to try and do.

 

This is what happens when I go off the deep end I just happen to like drinking milk a little too much. It won't be long before you start seeing all those gainz form all that lifting!

[Jarric]

26 minutes ago, fleaball said:

Even though I know the difference my mind immediately went to Tower Bridge. Silly American.  

 

You could always read on the train? Or start writing your scandalous memoir. 

 

Meh, they're fairly close together. And Tower Bridge is much more memorable looking anyway.

 

I'm not sure my memoirs would be that scandalous (or even that interesting)! But yeah, reading's good. I'll have to find some way to use all that time productively.

 

25 minutes ago, Charlie_Quinn said:

 

Oh so you're very central then. It always helps if the journey isn't too awkward. I don't know about gyms in that area but if you want a place to Boulder after work, check out The Arch in Bermondsey (one stop from London Bridge). they have 2 sites about 5 minutes walk from Bermondsey tube station. Building One has the best training area with ropes, peg boards and a parkour area.

I'm near Belsize Park, just opposite The Royal Free Hospital. It's very quiet, not very much around here (except coffee shops and posh people!) but at least I've got beautiful Hampstead Heath nearby if I fancy a walk/run at lunchtime. 

 

Oo, that's interesting. And Building One's open from 06:30 so I could go before work as well if I wanted to. Further research required I think, thanks for that  

 

And that's cool. I think it would be nice to be in a quieter part of London, as long as you've got an easy walk to a café and a pub anyway!

 

3 minutes ago, jonfirestar said:

 

This is what happens when I go off the deep end I just happen to like drinking milk a little too much. It won't be long before you start seeing all those gainz form all that lifting!

 

Glad I'm not alone! My Mrs can't understand me drinking milk on its own, but I just really like it. I hope you're right about the gainz; it's either that or I'll get really fat!

[Mr_Willes]

Hey hey quick check in. Good to see you with a challenge in turbulent times!

 

Still off of the smoking? i noticed the related goal is gone...

 

Good to see you doing SS, it's the base of what i'm doing atm too. Keep updated with what you are doing here, always good to read how other people are doing with SS.

[Jarric]

4 hours ago, mr_willes said:

Hey hey quick check in. Good to see you with a challenge in turbulent times!

 

Still off of the smoking? i noticed the related goal is gone...

 

Good to see you doing SS, it's the base of what i'm doing atm too. Keep updated with what you are doing here, always good to read how other people are doing with SS.

 

Good to have you here man! Yes, still off the smoking - I haven't made it a goal anymore but I promise I will come here and confess if I do make a stupid choice and smoke!

 

And yeah, I saw you were. My numbers are a lot lower than yours at the moment, but hoping to build up to something sensible in not too long!

[Mr_Willes]

7 minutes ago, Jarric said:

My numbers are a lot lower than yours at the moment, but hoping to build up to something sensible in not too long!

 

I started out with an empty barbell so just keep grinding!

[Jarric]

Stats at Tue W1D2

Keep Lifting - 1/12

Don't drink like a dickhead - 0 days drinking, 0 days a dickhead

Skill work - 1/12

Bullet Journaling - 2/28

 

And today's word, boys and girls, is "Patience".

 

 

Because who doesn't love a ballad, right?

 

--

 

Got some wall walk practice in last night (after the wrist warm-up recommended on that NF post) for my skill work goal. It's really tempting to try and go too far with this as I'm nearly vertical anyway! Need to just be patient and make sure I do it properly so I don't end up hurting myself!

 

Was absolutely knackered yesterday evening so after dinner (Mrs did fish with peas and pearl barley, it was ...interesting) I prepped breakfasts for the rest of the week, made today's lunch and got to bed at about 10.

 

--

 

Gym this morning and my first day of Starting Strength. Here's how it went:

 

Squat: Warm-up: 20kg x 2 x 5

           Work sets: 30kg x 3 x 5

Bench: Work sets: 20kg x 3 x 5

Deadlift: Work sets: 30kg x 3 x 5

 

I was going to do the squats at minimum, but 20kg was too light to bear! The entire workout lasted less than 20 minutes and was pretty boring, but I do need to focus on form and the progression on SS is so fast I'll be hitting PRs on everything by the end of this challenge. Just need a little more patience.

 

Snooker tonight, which will be my first beers of the week and my first challenge on the dickhead goal.

[Jarric]

3 minutes ago, mr_willes said:

 

I started out with an empty barbell so just keep grinding!

 

I will, don't worry! I'm back on an empty bar for most things, just want to get my form right before working back up to where I was (which to be fair, wasn't that much!).