Becoming an Athlete

I did 5 rounds of the following: wide grip pullup x 1 dips x 2 80lb kb swing x 5 squat jump x 10 medium grip pullup x 2 dips x 3 80lb kb swing x 5 squat jump x 10 chinup x 3 dips x 5 1-arm KB swing x 5 each squat jump x 10

I have 9 more sessions with the personal trainer.  It's been fun to do a mix of "functional" training and bodybuilding, but I'm ready to get back to meat and potatoes lifting, along with kettlebell work for conditioning and Highland Games-specific training. 2014 Training Blocks: Phase I:  Volume 10 weeks duration (4wks, 1 down week, 4wks, 1 down week) Mon:  chest (10x10); biceps (10x5) Tue: Charles Staley's Stack-10 plan Wed:  Cardio only Thu: back (10x10); triceps (10x5) Fri: Off Sat:  HG training or playing outside Phase II: Conditioning 6 weeks (no down weeks) Dan John's 10,000 Swings plan Mon:  Swings & press Tue: Swings and legs Wed: Off Thu: Swings and pull Fri: Off Sat: HG / play  Phase III:  5-3-1 Rest Pause plan 8 weeks (3wks, 1 down week, 3wks, 1 down week) Mon: squat and bench Tue:  Fat Loss Circuits Wed: Off Thu: Deadlift and press Fri: Fat Loss Circuits Sat: Off That's 24 weeks of programi...

I've been training every Mon, Tue, Thu pretty much without fail.  On Saturdays I get out and play - either with the kids, or on my own.  Long bike rides, hiking, or just goofing off at a park; the Texas Fall is perfect for playing outside on the weekend. My endurance is coming up fast, my waist has shrunk up nicely, and I'm starting to see muscle growth and definition.  I'll have no problems hitting 12% by my birthday. One area I have slacked off is alcohol.  I normally drink once every other weekend, but lately I've been meeting friends after I train and having a glass or two or 3 of wine with dinner.  That ends today. Basic template thus far has been: Mon: Push / Pull supersets with lots of ab/cardio circuits Tue: Legs done for stupid high reps slowly working toward strength rep ranges, and more cardio Wed: Off Thu: Whole body, usually including dips, pullups, rows, swings, leg press, and goblet squats. Fri: Off Sat: Many long hours of play; doesn...

So Monday was a push pull day, but I got sick and opted to stay at home.  I did dips and pullups all day long, and during the actual workout session, I did circuits of: swings with my 80 pounder dips squat jumps pullups/chin-ups After a few ladders, I switched to 1 arm swings.  WOW!!!!  I can feel every tiny muscle in my back, my traps, and my shoulders.  The force needed to hold your shoulder in socket is tremendous! I can actually feel where some muscles connect to my rib cage in back.  AWESOME!!!!!

And by act, of course I mean shit.  I am still living by my mantra of doing everything scheduled as compulsively as possible. My house is immaculate. My yard is coming along (previous renters let it die). My diet is getting closer to optimal. I have given up all caffeinated beverages other than hot tea, and I hardly drink alcohol. I have been cooking more. I am still making time for my bible study even now that the classroom portion has ended. I am making so much time for my kids.  I am seeing a dramatic change in the relationship with my 13 year old daughter. I have mastered my own financial system (a watered-down version of Dave Ramsey's plan) and am saving money faster than I ever did while I was married (technically still married but my wife won't speak to me and hasn't made any effort to file for divorce). That last part of the last bullet is the stressor.  I love that woman relentlessly.  I have yet to lose an ounce of passion for her even after 3 mo...

My wife and I rode the park road between Bastrop State Park and Beuscher State Park on March 13, 2010 .  Back then, I was only able to go about half way before crapping out.  This place is as hilly as it gets around Austin.  We might have done it once more but I don't see a blog entry about it. Well, I just rode Park Road 1C again and this time did all 22 miles (11 miles each way).  This was bitter sweet.  I had knee surgery on 12 AUG, so crushing all but 3 of the hills was fantastic, and that I am not sore at all is promising.  The bitter part is I was alone.  I went to one of "our" favorite places by myself and was able to go at a pace even she would have been hard pressed to maintain.  I don't have a road bike, so doing this on large frame mtn bike with 29" wheels is no easy task, and I always wear my daypack with ample water which adds another 15 pounds. I took a picture of one of the historic Civilian Conservation Corp buildings which ...

So I have the early morning wake-up handled.  I am walking my dog in the morning.  I am eating better, and seldom drink alcohol.  I am keeping a ridiculously clean house and a well manicured lawn. Let me be clear that I don't inherently value the lawn or the cleanliness of my house; and that is exactly why I am putting so much care and effort into these things.  I want to master the art of doing what I don't want to do.  I want to become the model of self discipline. Matthew 5:44:  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:46-47:  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? In the same vein, what gains in self control or self discipline are there to be had from being consistent with activities I love?  Doing what I'd rather avoid is what p...