2-3-14 weight: 222
2-10-14 weight: 219
2-17-14 weight: 218
2-24-14 weight: 221
Saturday, April 12, 2014
An update
So, of course, I haven't updated in a while. And as I've said before, the goal is to remedy that by posting far more frequently. I will also attempt to post progress pics frequently. Part of the problem is that I take them on my phone and I have to download them to my computer to post (also the reason why I will only have 4 weeks worth in this post). In any event, I will try to post semi-daily in regards to training, as well as posting my weekly progress pics with weight. Since I haven't posted for a while, here are pics (sorry for the size differences):
Monday, March 24, 2014
Update
Training is going OK - I finished up my "intensification" phase and am in a lower intensity phase for the next few weeks. I unfortunately failed at 345 on my 3rd rep, though the fact that I got it for 2 was, in and of itself, a victory, as it's a PR. I also hit 275x3 on bench. The diet is going OK. The scale is, ever so slowly, moving down, and I am, ever so slowly, getting leaner. It's a treacherous process, as the rewards are not immediate, and not a day goes by when I look down and don't think any progress has been made. But I must stick with it and move forward, modifying as necessary going forward. I should upload progress pics sometime soon, and I might.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Training & The Inflexible Mind
Training still going well. This will be the final week of 5x5 coming up. I normally have been doing T/Th/Sat as my lifting days, however, due to scheduling this week I'm going the more traditional M/W/F. 345x3 on squat tomorrow, which hopefully won't be too bad (should be doable based on what I've been hitting lately), and 275x3 bench on Friday (eminently doable, and if I'm feeling good, may go for 5). Diet is still going. Again, I don't feel like I'm as lean as I should be, but it's only 5 weeks in. Patience...
I was recently listening to Dan Carlin's podcast. I first became familiar with Dan from Joe Rogan's podcast. Dan is a really smart dude, who's very into history and politics. He's an independent with an eye toward figuring out how to simply make the world a better place (and pointing out why politicians aren't doing so). In the podcast I was listening to, which was a year and a half old, Dan was talking about the need for a flexible mind when discussing the necessary changes in order to bring about a better world. Essentially, most people will simply reject his ideas because "they could never happen." If you're operating under the mindset that, for instance, we must have a 2 party system, or that revolutions can never happen, then you are absolutely correct. Many of the policies could never be enacted. But when you actual look at the whole of history, and realize that almost anything is within the realm of possibility, then you realize that change can happen. As usual, I related it to training very easily.
In the world of training, particularly for sport, the popular line of thinking is that of a separation of "sport practice" and "strength and conditioning." Under these umbrellas, then, there are discussions of the "best way" to get stronger, or more explosive (or whichever trait you deem necessary). This was the line of thinking I subscribed to for a while. While reading guys like James Smith, it made some sense to me, but not too much, because I couldn't possibly comprehend what he meant. Now that I have a much firmer grasp, and an understanding that training is training, it makes much more sense. The idea of strength or power for the sake of it is ridiculous. Everything must have a context. And it opens up a world of possibilities because you are not confined to traditional ways of thinking.
I was recently listening to Dan Carlin's podcast. I first became familiar with Dan from Joe Rogan's podcast. Dan is a really smart dude, who's very into history and politics. He's an independent with an eye toward figuring out how to simply make the world a better place (and pointing out why politicians aren't doing so). In the podcast I was listening to, which was a year and a half old, Dan was talking about the need for a flexible mind when discussing the necessary changes in order to bring about a better world. Essentially, most people will simply reject his ideas because "they could never happen." If you're operating under the mindset that, for instance, we must have a 2 party system, or that revolutions can never happen, then you are absolutely correct. Many of the policies could never be enacted. But when you actual look at the whole of history, and realize that almost anything is within the realm of possibility, then you realize that change can happen. As usual, I related it to training very easily.
In the world of training, particularly for sport, the popular line of thinking is that of a separation of "sport practice" and "strength and conditioning." Under these umbrellas, then, there are discussions of the "best way" to get stronger, or more explosive (or whichever trait you deem necessary). This was the line of thinking I subscribed to for a while. While reading guys like James Smith, it made some sense to me, but not too much, because I couldn't possibly comprehend what he meant. Now that I have a much firmer grasp, and an understanding that training is training, it makes much more sense. The idea of strength or power for the sake of it is ridiculous. Everything must have a context. And it opens up a world of possibilities because you are not confined to traditional ways of thinking.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Update
As usual, I've been terrible about updating. To be honest, I've been pretty scattershot in the rest of my life, so it's not surprising that I haven't been consistent with this, either. The weight on the scale is going down (albeit slowly), and the weight on the bar is going up (though squats yesterday were harder than I had hoped). 335x3 yesterday was a PR, and 345 next week will be as well. I have 270x3 this Saturday on bench, and 275x3 the following week. All PRs. That said, a lighter phase can't come soon enough. While I've been able to train fairly hard in a deficit, this week has seemed especially tough for some reason. No matter, onward and upward.
While listening to O&A one day, as they were talking about the ridiculousness of the PC bullshit we see surrounding us, Opie referenced a quote from Joe Rogan talking about kids; essentially that, when you have kids, you want to "Nerf" the world. That is, make it as non-threatening as possible. But he also realizes that we can't possibly do that. Because, as a parent, you never want to see your child suffer. When they're babies, I have no doubt that all (or at least a very large majority) have high hopes and dreams for their child. They will go on to be great, undoubtedly. Of course, reality is not so kind, and for a myriad of reasons, not all have such luck. And I continually find myself wondering just what kind of a world I've brought my son into. Every day we're inundated with stories of just how shitty the world is becoming. And while I try to block this out, the fact is, there's a lot of fucked up shit going on. And it doesn't seem to be getting any better (of course, it could simply be the way it's presented).
But finally, tonight, it hit me. All I can do is make his immediate world, our world, as great as possible. No, this doesn't mean completely insulating him from the ills of the world. But it does mean that I can at least give him this sanctuary. Give him this "home base." The world will not be so kind, and not everyone has any home base to which to return. But I know that's all I can do. And it's all anyone can do, save for a select few who have the gifts and power to make a far bigger imprint (positive OR negative, unfortunately).
So realize your limitations, but strive for the best you have to give and offer. Similar to the axiom, "know what you know, know what you don't know, and try to close the gap every day," realize you're not perfect, realize why you're not perfect, and try to close the gap every day. Perfect is a mirage - it is unattainable. But it can be pursued. Every day will bring its challenges and obstacles. And we can do all we can to eliminate as many as possible. But we're going to slip up somewhere. But tomorrow is a new day, and even after we've made a mistake, we will have another opportunity to do things right mere moments later.
While listening to O&A one day, as they were talking about the ridiculousness of the PC bullshit we see surrounding us, Opie referenced a quote from Joe Rogan talking about kids; essentially that, when you have kids, you want to "Nerf" the world. That is, make it as non-threatening as possible. But he also realizes that we can't possibly do that. Because, as a parent, you never want to see your child suffer. When they're babies, I have no doubt that all (or at least a very large majority) have high hopes and dreams for their child. They will go on to be great, undoubtedly. Of course, reality is not so kind, and for a myriad of reasons, not all have such luck. And I continually find myself wondering just what kind of a world I've brought my son into. Every day we're inundated with stories of just how shitty the world is becoming. And while I try to block this out, the fact is, there's a lot of fucked up shit going on. And it doesn't seem to be getting any better (of course, it could simply be the way it's presented).
But finally, tonight, it hit me. All I can do is make his immediate world, our world, as great as possible. No, this doesn't mean completely insulating him from the ills of the world. But it does mean that I can at least give him this sanctuary. Give him this "home base." The world will not be so kind, and not everyone has any home base to which to return. But I know that's all I can do. And it's all anyone can do, save for a select few who have the gifts and power to make a far bigger imprint (positive OR negative, unfortunately).
So realize your limitations, but strive for the best you have to give and offer. Similar to the axiom, "know what you know, know what you don't know, and try to close the gap every day," realize you're not perfect, realize why you're not perfect, and try to close the gap every day. Perfect is a mirage - it is unattainable. But it can be pursued. Every day will bring its challenges and obstacles. And we can do all we can to eliminate as many as possible. But we're going to slip up somewhere. But tomorrow is a new day, and even after we've made a mistake, we will have another opportunity to do things right mere moments later.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Training & Diet Update
Deload week complete - yesterday's workout went about exactly as it should. The weights felt pretty light and I feel ready to hit it this week. It also occurred to me maybe I should post my diet for shits and grins. This is what I eat literally every day. The only alterations are 8-12 ounces chocolate milk post-lifting 3 days per week (with 10 grams creatine), and on Sundays I generally go very low carb (though today was a different story). While I understand the need for variety, I tend to thrive moreso on simply consistency. It seems boring, and to an extent it is. But I can stick with it, and in the long run, that is the key. The great thing is, I get plenty of veggies, and I pretty much get to eat dessert every meal, as the sweetness from the fruit gives me that feeling. I would also note, I don't eat on a schedule - meal frequency is largely overrated. I merely get hungry pretty frequently, so I eat fairly frequently. A person could easily condense this into 3 meals if they so choose (or 1 even).
1st meal
3 eggs
1 cup egg whites
salsa
spinach or broccoli
orange
2nd meal
~8 oz chicken breast (cooked weight - seasoned as hell with Mrs. Dash)
10 asparagus spears
1 apple
3rd meal
~8 oz ground beef or sirloin (cooked weight)
steamed broccoli
1/2 pear
4th meal
~8 oz chicken breast (cooked weight)
1 bag frozen mixed veggies
1 kiwi
5th meal
1 cup fat free cottage cheese
2 cups combined grapes & strawberries
celery & hummus
I'll have to see where I'm at on the scale (went pretty overboard at lunch today), but was down 6 pounds after the first 2 weeks. I'd like to say it's all fat, but it's certainly not. Remember - it's a marathon, not a sprint.
1st meal
3 eggs
1 cup egg whites
salsa
spinach or broccoli
orange
2nd meal
~8 oz chicken breast (cooked weight - seasoned as hell with Mrs. Dash)
10 asparagus spears
1 apple
3rd meal
~8 oz ground beef or sirloin (cooked weight)
steamed broccoli
1/2 pear
4th meal
~8 oz chicken breast (cooked weight)
1 bag frozen mixed veggies
1 kiwi
5th meal
1 cup fat free cottage cheese
2 cups combined grapes & strawberries
celery & hummus
I'll have to see where I'm at on the scale (went pretty overboard at lunch today), but was down 6 pounds after the first 2 weeks. I'd like to say it's all fat, but it's certainly not. Remember - it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Training Update & Determination
Training still going pretty well. Got 260x5 on bench Saturday, which was a PR (I'm pretty sure 255x5 the week before was as well). Admittedly, the technique can use some work, as I can feel the scapulae "riding up" (for lack of a better phrase), which, while it enables me to use more weight, will make for unhappy shoulders at some point. That said, it's a bit lighter this week, so we'll see what happens. This week is a bit of a deload, though I must say that squatting today went pretty damn shitty. 290x3 on my top set felt heavy as hell. Good thing it's a deload I suppose.
Among the many joys of parenthood, one is getting to see a little human mature from the completely helpless little thing you bring home from the hospital into a little person, and all the stages of development that go along with that. With my son coming up on 7 months, he's trying his damndest to start crawling. He can army crawl all over the place, and he can get up on all fours, and even crawl backward on all fours, but still no forward crawling in that position. But it's certainly not for a lack of effort. The kid pops up on all fours all the time, and is constantly trying. In fact, sometimes you can almost see his brain working, thinking "OK, now how the hell do I make this work?" It's truly amazing to watch (and I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make me a proud papa!). The determination that he clearly has to make it happen is pretty awesome to watch. While I do believe many of our traits are inborn, in that some babies are just inherently more active than others, I do think that things like curiosity and determination are also traits that are mostly inherent. However, over time I think these traits are slowly pulled out of kids, as they begin to be coddled and roped in. Rather than being allowed to explore and feed their curiosity and thirst for knowledge, they are given the answers and told to sit down. Over time, this becomes the modus operandi, and the child essentially thinks this is the way of the world. I am much more of the school of thought of allowing him to explore and make his own mistakes (possible fatal or severe-injury inducing mistakes notwithstanding) in an effort to find the answers he seeks. I can only hope that his curiosity and determination stick with him and continue to blossom the same way his motor abilities are as well.
Among the many joys of parenthood, one is getting to see a little human mature from the completely helpless little thing you bring home from the hospital into a little person, and all the stages of development that go along with that. With my son coming up on 7 months, he's trying his damndest to start crawling. He can army crawl all over the place, and he can get up on all fours, and even crawl backward on all fours, but still no forward crawling in that position. But it's certainly not for a lack of effort. The kid pops up on all fours all the time, and is constantly trying. In fact, sometimes you can almost see his brain working, thinking "OK, now how the hell do I make this work?" It's truly amazing to watch (and I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make me a proud papa!). The determination that he clearly has to make it happen is pretty awesome to watch. While I do believe many of our traits are inborn, in that some babies are just inherently more active than others, I do think that things like curiosity and determination are also traits that are mostly inherent. However, over time I think these traits are slowly pulled out of kids, as they begin to be coddled and roped in. Rather than being allowed to explore and feed their curiosity and thirst for knowledge, they are given the answers and told to sit down. Over time, this becomes the modus operandi, and the child essentially thinks this is the way of the world. I am much more of the school of thought of allowing him to explore and make his own mistakes (possible fatal or severe-injury inducing mistakes notwithstanding) in an effort to find the answers he seeks. I can only hope that his curiosity and determination stick with him and continue to blossom the same way his motor abilities are as well.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Training & The Proliferation of Bullshit
As usual, haven't updated lately on training. The lower (yet still heavy - relatively speaking of course) weights next week are coming none too soon, I think. While I've managed to hit all my weights, it is getting tougher, though of course it is supposed to. That said, my impaired recovery (due to lack of sleep) is doing me no favors. But I digress. Hit 315x5 on squat Monday, which is basically a PR. I hit 320x4 years back. 260x5 on bench this Saturday could get pretty hairy, but I got 255 last week, and while difficult, it wasn't a complete max effort. I remain confident.
The Proliferation of Bullshit
As I have mentioned before, I'm a huge fan of the Opie & Anthony show. Recently, they had Dr. Ian Smith on, who came in to promote his new book "Super Shred." While I won't go into all of the ridiculousness he spewed, I will just note this - why are people, most of all DOCTORS, allowed to peddle nonsense?! It's shit like that that has the nation completely confused as to how to lose weight. How about this - come out and simply tell everyone LESS FUCKING CALORIES. DO THIS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND LOSE WEIGHT. I realize that doesn't move product, however.
While that is a specific, it's an unfortunate reality of the capitalist system. Now listen, I'm all for the free market. However, the issue arises when popularity and noise rules the day over actual substance. And, as you've hopefully noticed, that is what rules. Those with the most money can figure out how to make the cheapest product, spend more money to make more noise, sell more product, and continue making noise. It's a vicious cycle I don't see ending anytime soon.
The Golden Rule, while perhaps idealist, is still golden for a reason. I'm not religious in any way, but still see value in treating others as you wish to be treated. If you were to fuck over others who make a living doing the same, they no doubt would not be happy. And yet, those same assholes have no problem doing so! Ugh, my hope for the human race simply dwindles nearly daily...
The Proliferation of Bullshit
As I have mentioned before, I'm a huge fan of the Opie & Anthony show. Recently, they had Dr. Ian Smith on, who came in to promote his new book "Super Shred." While I won't go into all of the ridiculousness he spewed, I will just note this - why are people, most of all DOCTORS, allowed to peddle nonsense?! It's shit like that that has the nation completely confused as to how to lose weight. How about this - come out and simply tell everyone LESS FUCKING CALORIES. DO THIS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND LOSE WEIGHT. I realize that doesn't move product, however.
While that is a specific, it's an unfortunate reality of the capitalist system. Now listen, I'm all for the free market. However, the issue arises when popularity and noise rules the day over actual substance. And, as you've hopefully noticed, that is what rules. Those with the most money can figure out how to make the cheapest product, spend more money to make more noise, sell more product, and continue making noise. It's a vicious cycle I don't see ending anytime soon.
The Golden Rule, while perhaps idealist, is still golden for a reason. I'm not religious in any way, but still see value in treating others as you wish to be treated. If you were to fuck over others who make a living doing the same, they no doubt would not be happy. And yet, those same assholes have no problem doing so! Ugh, my hope for the human race simply dwindles nearly daily...
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