KLEEN LIVING - A log about Life, Training, and Nutrition.

[Dustin07]

but when he was 78 he got neck fusion surgery, because of some deteriorating disc, and really was never the same. And I believe the inactivity after his surgery was part of why he died a few years later. He was always active and strong as an Ox up until that surgery, and then afterwards it killed us to see him miserable from not being able to do what he used to.

my grandfather was the same way and I heard family more than once get frustrated that he didn't do anything to fix the issue with the fused upper vertebrae. I feel like life is a lottery ticket and you just gotta do the best you can, for as long as you can, with the cards you've been dealt. and always remember to chase joy.

 

[Hyde]

I have more or less accepted that as well, that pain is a lifelong endeavor that only worsens with age. Especially if you want to become as strong as you can. But this is also an eventuality just as much for many people who do not strength train at all - yet they lack the benefits of improved bone, physical & mental strength that we reap at least.

Life is hard, people get busted up, and you get what you get. But I’d rather be tougher to kill at least if it’s going to hurt either way.

 

[MrKleen73]

Yep, exactly….you’ve just got to do what you have to do to keep that train rolling and stay healthy. My Dad was super active because he had a large farm, after he retired from General Motors, but when he was 78 he got neck fusion surgery, because of some deteriorating disc, and really was never the same. And I believe the inactivity after his surgery was part of why he died a few years later. He was always active and strong as an Ox up until that surgery, and then afterwards it killed us to see him miserable from not being able to do what he used to. So I decided I’m gonna try and crush as long as I can.

Precisely! I told myself I wanted to be a Jack Lalanne of sorts. Still physically fit in my 70's-80's. That means I have a LONG WAY TO GO! So I better keep the fight up now, because it won't get any easier.

thats been on my mind a lot the past couple years. since moving away from xfit and more into PL my strength clearly has gone up, my lean mass has gone up, but my functional fitness has plummetted. little things like pushups and pullups would cause a lot of snap crackle and pop. I also do not like jumping because I have paranoid around the achilles, I've seen so many go out, almost always on athletes over age 40. but last week slowly bringing back things like pushups, double unders, etc has my body feeling healthier again. My biggest goal I think in this regard is to find that happy medium...



I feel like this is the ultimate "maturity in being a gymrat". when you just know that the ebbs and flows exist and you know to allow grace when things are harder because you're building a snowball and the time will come to strike while the iron is hot!

also that lasagna sounds amazing right now lol

Yeah, that is me too, I want to be able to move and perform more than anything. Those fears that get in my head about common injuries due to tightness, I have been pushing those out of my head. I think those things ARE the reason to do the rest of this. We want to be strong and resilient enought to do what we want well into our golden years. So not letting things get tighter and crispy now is going to be the way forward if that is the goal. Which is why right now I am focusing on movement.

my grandfather was the same way and I heard family more than once get frustrated that he didn't do anything to fix the issue with the fused upper vertebrae. I feel like life is a lottery ticket and you just gotta do the best you can, for as long as you can, with the cards you've been dealt. and always remember to chase joy.

The chase joy is the most important thing. I think a lot of times people chase comfort thinking that will bring them joy, but I can honestly say with a lot of experience doing that myself, it brings comfort, but joy requires action. I often find myself chasing comfort, and have to remind myself that effort, and challenge brings the really good stuff.

I have more or less accepted that as well, that pain is a lifelong endeavor that only worsens with age. Especially if you want to become as strong as you can. But this is also an eventuality just as much for many people who do not strength train at all - yet they lack the benefits of improved bone, physical & mental strength that we reap at least.

Life is hard, people get busted up, and you get what you get. But I’d rather be tougher to kill at least if it’s going to hurt either way.

Agreed, I have had so many people tell me I am beat up because of what I do. Which yeah, I am, but they aren't even beaten up, just broken down from lack of maintenance. I would rather know mine comes from something positive, and something that makes me a stronger human than just because I refuse to maintain my body.

 

[MrKleen73]

Oh yeah, I forgot to update, I did the 45 minute spin class at lunch, holy hell!!! What a challenge! I told her when I went in there my cardio is not up to snuff but I was going to give it hell. I made it through the whole class too! She was very impressed. She told me most new people get 15-20 minutes in on the first spin class and have to call it. I refused to give up, even though I was gasping for air several times.

@Smont Speaking of Tabata that kicks some ass, she had us do a tabatta with bike sprints in the middle of the spin class. I thought I was going to have a coronary! Made me think the Airdyne bike would be amazeballs for a full body tabatta session, not sure if you all have one in your gym or not, but it might be a better (less risky) option than trying it with sprinting.

 

[Dustin07]

Agreed, I have had so many people tell me I am beat up because of what I do. Which yeah, I am, but they aren't even beaten up, just broken down from lack of maintenance. I would rather know mine comes from something positive, and something that makes me a stronger human than just because I refuse to maintain my body.

another thing is, any one of us could get a dumb injury picking up a rock in the garden, or like me a couple weeks go, bending over to pick up some socks and underwear in the laundry basket and my glute goes POP! a lot of people will take that "injury" and either never recover, or be miserable for a long time. we know how to get to work to heal and fix these things. the next few days of RDL's and leg work were not enjoyable for me but within a week of the injury I had nearly forgotten about it, but the first few days I could not even stand on my left leg. that pain I had would be enough for many people to go see the doc or PT.

Oh yeah, I forgot to update, I did the 45 minute spin class at lunch, holy hell!!! What a challenge! I told her when I went in there my cardio is not up to snuff but I was going to give it hell. I made it through the whole class too! She was very impressed. She told me most new people get 15-20 minutes in on the first spin class and have to call it. I refused to give up, even though I was gasping for air several times.

ahahaha good stuff! nice thing about conditionining is that while strength is a lifetime pursuit I'm a firm believer that 2 week of conditioning work liek this and you already are a completely different person. its wild how fast our wind capacity builds.

 

[MrKleen73]

another thing is, any one of us could get a dumb injury picking up a rock in the garden, or like me a couple weeks go, bending over to pick up some socks and underwear in the laundry basket and my glute goes POP! a lot of people will take that "injury" and either never recover, or be miserable for a long time. we know how to get to work to heal and fix these things. the next few days of RDL's and leg work were not enjoyable for me but within a week of the injury I had nearly forgotten about it, but the first few days I could not even stand on my left leg. that pain I had would be enough for many people to go see the doc or PT.


ahahaha good stuff! nice thing about conditionining is that while strength is a lifetime pursuit I'm a firm believer that 2 week of conditioning work liek this and you already are a completely different person. its wild how fast our wind capacity builds.

Yeah, for sure, and it is amazing what some targeted training of those now weak areas can do relatively quickly. Similar to how you mentioned conditioning improves quickly. Directly training a hard to activate muscle can make some difference pretty quickly. I intend to continue with the yoga through the end of the year to give it time to see if I think it is a keeper or not.

Just did my first yoga session, and it was definitely a challenge. I am not exactly sure how much I like it, but it definitely exposed some glaring weaknesses in my right ankle and hip, as well as some tightness I was not aware of. All in all, it was pretty decent, not something that excited me but I think it will address the issues that I want it to. I may end up liking it a lot once I get a tiny bit better at things, and know some of the positions by name so when they call them out I can just do them rather than looking around for a example. The person was a fill in, and one of the other guys said that the usual lady is a little better, and will come around and correct / coach you more to make sure you are doing things right. So I am looking forward to a class with the usual instructor even more. That being said, I do think this will be effective for what I am looking to get out of it. Could even be something i grow to enjoy. I just need to be pushed a little harder to get into my preferred level of intensity which will come with skill.

I came back to work and got lucky, one of the meetings had Salata salad delivered and I got to make myself a nice big grilled chicken breast salad. So fats will be a little higher and carbs a little lower today, but not passing up free grub n today's economy.

 

[Dustin07]

I intend to continue with the yoga through the end of the year to give it time to see if I think it is a keeper or not.

Just did my first yoga session, and it was definitely a challenge. I am not exactly sure how much I like it, but it definitely exposed some glaring weaknesses in my right ankle and hip, as well as some tightness I was not aware of. All in all, it was pretty decent, not something that excited me but I think it will address the issues that I want it to.

yeah I know I can be guilty personally of getting into camps. I personally like I said do not enjoy yoga in the least but have benefited from it a lot in the past. I loved aspects of xfit, but it lacked strength, love power lifting, but don't like my lack of conditioning, love oly lifting, but feel like my injury risk is way higher (especially with snatch) so I'm starting to develop a hybrid I think, in an effort to be funtional and healthy but also reasonably strong/fit. it's honestly a hard combo imo.

I came back to work and got lucky, one of the meetings had Salata salad delivered and I got to make myself a nice big grilled chicken breast salad. So fats will be a little higher and carbs a little lower today, but not passing up free grub n today's economy.

that sounds awesome right now

 

[MrKleen73]

yeah I know I can be guilty personally of getting into camps. I personally like I said do not enjoy yoga in the least but have benefited from it a lot in the past. I loved aspects of xfit, but it lacked strength, love power lifting, but don't like my lack of conditioning, love oly lifting, but feel like my injury risk is way higher (especially with snatch) so I'm starting to develop a hybrid I think, in an effort to be funtional and healthy but also reasonably strong/fit. it's honestly a hard combo imo.


that sounds awesome right now

Man, you should really look into some of Zach Even-esh training I am telling you, his programs are truly right up your alley from what you are saying here. His website is https://www.undergroundstrengthcoach.com/ I actually got certified in his training methods several years back. Extremely fun, and well rounded training programs for those who want to be strong, athletic, and healthy. He also had the Garage Gym Gladiators led program on TrainHeroic which is like 20 a month for programming that also allows you to compete on a leaderboard against everyone else in the program. That leaderboard alone provided enough motivation to justify the monthly cost, but the programming was the bees knees. I have never been so strong, and athletic all at the same time. I actually got so strong I decided to do my first PL Meet, and then tore my shoulder 3 weeks after the meet so I have never gone back. However, if i though for even a second I could hold up to that training right now, that is most likely what I would be doing. It just had everything I wanted in general. I might go back to it once I get things corrected a bit more. He does Oly lifts, PL, mobility, and a conditioning portion like a WOD or complex, or one mile run for every session.

 

[Dustin07]

Man, you should really look into some of Zach Even-esh training I am telling you, his programs are truly right up your alley from what you are saying here. His website is https://www.undergroundstrengthcoach.com/ I actually got certified in his training methods several years back. Extremely fun, and well rounded training programs for those who want to be strong, athletic, and healthy. He also had the Garage Gym Gladiators led program on TrainHeroic which is like 20 a month for programming that also allows you to compete on a leaderboard against everyone else in the program. That leaderboard alone provided enough motivation to justify the monthly cost, but the programming was the bees knees. I have never been so strong, and athletic all at the same time. I actually got so strong I decided to do my first PL Meet, and then tore my shoulder 3 weeks after the meet so I have never gone back. However, if i though for even a second I could hold up to that training right now, that is most likely what I would be doing. It just had everything I wanted in general. I might go back to it once I get things corrected a bit more. He does Oly lifts, PL, mobility, and a conditioning portion like a WOD or complex, or one mile run for every session.

That sounds really similar to programming I ran when I owned that other gym for a while. Guy was an ex NFL player who loved xfit, but wanted to build strength in addition to vanity and function. modern xfit programing is dumb AF. I remember arguing with my L2 trainers when I got my 2nd or 3rd cert cause they were doing a mock programming week and had shoulders like 3 days in a row... their argument was that they did not have the same movements 3 days in a row (might have been like monday snatch, tuesday push press, wednesday OHP or something ridiculous like that)

so I ran this other guys programming in my gym for a while, saw great results. people were benching and squatting PRs, while also running 400s, long farmers carries, rope climbs tons of variety but in the end they wanted to just handle a barbell 7 days a week. literally. their idea of programming meant that if we squat on monday we can squat clean on tuesday, front squat on wednesday, do goblets on thursday with a barbell wod etc etc. and I was like, I'm out. this is not the party for me. at the time I was sitting at like 9-10% BF and still competing but these folks just had no idea wtf they were doing. <-- thats where xfit gets a bad name, IMO. lol.

 

[Hyde]

That sounds really similar to programming I ran when I owned that other gym for a while. Guy was an ex NFL player who loved xfit, but wanted to build strength in addition to vanity and function. modern xfit programing is dumb AF. I remember arguing with my L2 trainers when I got my 2nd or 3rd cert cause they were doing a mock programming week and had shoulders like 3 days in a row... their argument was that they did not have the same movements 3 days in a row (might have been like monday snatch, tuesday push press, wednesday OHP or something ridiculous like that)

so I ran this other guys programming in my gym for a while, saw great results. people were benching and squatting PRs, while also running 400s, long farmers carries, rope climbs tons of variety but in the end they wanted to just handle a barbell 7 days a week. literally. their idea of programming meant that if we squat on monday we can squat clean on tuesday, front squat on wednesday, do goblets on thursday with a barbell wod etc etc. and I was like, I'm out. this is not the party for me. at the time I was sitting at like 9-10% BF and still competing but these folks just had no idea wtf they were doing. <-- thats where xfit gets a bad name, IMO. lol.

I will second Zach Evan Esh as a good shout; maybe listen to some of the Table Talk with him if you’d like to know more about him, or watch something on his channel. He has a lot of neat vids on things like strength history or gym reviews; guy definitely loves lifting.

 

[gphagan1]

I will third on the recommendation of Zach’s programs. He really does have some cool videos, and knows his stuff. The strength coach at our college here uses his programs and style of training for the football team. There are a couple of the players that come to our gym periodically, and they are definitely some big, strong, and obviously athletic young dudes. And from what I understand the team has less injuries than most football teams, so it is definitely a great all around system.

 

[MrKleen73]

Yeah, I mean I was impressed enough with his training to get myself certified in his methods. It was probably the most fun training I have done in several years. The gist of a lot of his training style is 3 week blocks, and he rotates exercises in, or out every 3 weeks although the variation might only be slight. Lost of working up to a 5RM or 3RM. while also doing some maybe 4x5 DB or Kettlebell, Barbell or DB Oly lifts, then maybe some jump splits for lower if it is a heavy upper day. Just very good well rounded athletic strength training.

Plus, he has a great newsletter that is pretty motivating. He will tell stories or examples, talks a lot about mental toughness, and grit. Having a get it done attitude. He is all around a solid coach and programmer.

 

[MrKleen73]

Had a decent training session last night. I got to chatting a little with Dustin, and he did a killer WOD that got me motivated to do something intense for conditioning myself last night. Training was extremely simple yesterday.

Lunch - 45 minutes of Yoga - Quite challenging, and definitely going to be beneficial. I have a lot of improvement to make to be happy with my performance which is great. That means I can improve quickly which will motivate me even more. I was very surprised when I trained last night how much this had actually taxed me.

Evening training -
ETMOM Alternating Superset 12 minutes
Pull Ups - 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4
Push Ups 20, 20, 20, 20,14,12

Super Set 2 = failure x3 sets each
TRX Recline Row
DB Incline Pec Scoops - Underhand grip flies toward the front to hit clavicular head of pecs. Really crushed them!!!

By the end of this my legs and lower back were not exactly feeling it well enough to do a WOD type of workout. I was afraid too much squatting lunging and the like might flair my already exhausted lower back up. So I decided to go inside to do some SynthRyders on my VR. I did 2 songs but just couldn't get into it. So I decided to see if I needed to update "The Thrill of the FIGHT!" a boxing game, and when it didn't actually need an update I decided I would try sparring a round just to see how it felt. Well about 10 2.5 minute rounds later I was dying. Dripping sweat and fighting for my life!!! So I ended up doing a total of 26 minutes of HIIT via boxing with very little rest between rounds if any at all some of the time. I sat on the couch gasping for air for about 10 minutes just dripping sweat and impressed with how hard I had just worked.

My whole body is feeling worked today, legs still feeling all of that effort from the spin class and the yoga stances. My lower back is a bit tender too. So I am going to give it a nudge with some ibuprofen, probably just one solid 800mg dose to get the initial acute inflammation down.

Planned training today is a 30 minute Core class across the street. Depending on how I am feeling I might try to get in 15 minutes of HIIT, or something in before the core class. I am hoping it is full core, and not just ab work. Other than that I am going to feel out today. See how the lower back responds as the day moves forward.

I am trying to give my body plenty of frequent stimulation, but not tear it down. I am thinking frequent moderate stimulation is going to be safer than a bunch of really taxing work keeping me near the edge. I am enjoying the momentum I am starting to build with just doing something!

 

[gphagan1]

That was a good day of workouts…yoga at lunch, supersets in the evening ( the pull-up/pushups superset is one I loved doing in 2020 during COVID, because I couldn’t go to gym, and man it will put it on you.) And 26 minutes of boxing is some good high intensity cardio….That’s a good productive day.

 

[MrKleen73]

That was a good day of workouts…yoga at lunch, supersets in the evening ( the pull-up/pushups superset is one I loved doing in 2020 during COVID, because I couldn’t go to gym, and man it will put it on you.) And 26 minutes of boxing is some good high intensity cardio….That’s a good productive day.

Thanks, yeah I feel like I am in the sweet spot. I have gotten in about 2000 steps already today. I am giving myself another hour of moving and loosening things up before I take my ibuprofen. Allow that repair signal to push out a little longer before bringing it down with an NSAID dose.

As far as food has gone recently, I am still getting in my 3 mains of around the same macros, and then whatever incidentals I toss in which is normally some nuts, or some dehydrated fruits. Yesterday I think I mastered the art of using cream of rice cereal as a mashed potato replacement. I ran out of rice and decided to make due with rice cereal instead. So I used about 2/3-3/5 of the water it calls for to make cereal then seasoned it up just like I would have seasoned rice or mashed potatoes for this dish, cooked it until almost complete then added in the chicken with some more seasoning and gave it another 60-90 seconds and had me a nice little casserole type of dish. This opens up other ideas and modifications for savory uses for the rice cereal. Which is good, I have a bulk order of boxes I need to go through. This frees it up for meals other than breakfast.

To give an idea of what my current intakes are, here are my main base meals, I have some form of these 2-3 times a day, with alternative meals being similar in macros. Averaging 150-180 protein a day, I am probably going to lower that a bit more. Try to top off around 150g. Right now though, it is all about a deficit. These are just a snapshot of different meals, not a meal plan. Just examples of the different macro set ups I alternate through depending on training plans and or hunger levels. I also add in some veggies here and there to the chicken and rice meals. I just don't count those in macros they are so inconsequential.

 

[Dustin07]

Evening training -
ETMOM Alternating Superset 12 minutes
Pull Ups - 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4
Push Ups 20, 20, 20, 20,14,12

I really like this one, I've been thinking of something along these lines to get the pull-up practiced forced in as well.

That was a good day of workouts…yoga at lunch, supersets in the evening ( the pull-up/pushups superset is one I loved doing in 2020 during COVID, because I couldn’t go to gym, and man it will put it on you.) And 26 minutes of boxing is some good high intensity cardio….That’s a good productive day.

thats what I was thinking, the sweat sessions just kept coming!

 

[Dustin07]

I have gotten in about 2000 steps already today.

I need to be better about this. it was easier when the sun was up at 4am and it was dry / warm during the day for walks around the office but taking the dog for a walk before work when the sun isn't up until after 7am has been a tough one. The dog and I would both benefit from it, but honestly its even getting dangerous at this hour since there are no sidewalks where we live.

Yesterday I think I mastered the art of using cream of rice cereal as a mashed potato replacement.

what is the thinking behind this? are you finding the macros are more favorable in the cream of rice vs the potato? I probably shouldn't tell you about the new place we hit in Tacoma Sat night after a trip to the comedy club, lol. Their food is amazing but all of their main dishes are huge baked potatoes. so my wife and I split the Waylan cause it was the one that was loaded with the most meat lol

Food

thehuckleberryclub.com

Averaging 150-180 protein a day, I am probably going to lower that a bit more. Try to top off around 150g. Right now though, it is all about a deficit.

this is sorta my thinking too. finding satiation is my #1 goal and loading carbs before lifting sessions, with a focus on fiber and protein after but overall protein being sub 200 is just fine I think right now. if I 'waste away' I can adjust but right now been stagnant for so long I know I haven't lacked for calories.

 

[MrKleen73]

I need to be better about this. it was easier when the sun was up at 4am and it was dry / warm during the day for walks around the office but taking the dog for a walk before work when the sun isn't up until after 7am has been a tough one. The dog and I would both benefit from it, but honestly its even getting dangerous at this hour since there are no sidewalks where we live.


what is the thinking behind this? are you finding the macros are more favorable in the cream of rice vs the potato? I probably shouldn't tell you about the new place we hit in Tacoma Sat night after a trip to the comedy club, lol. Their food is amazing but all of their main dishes are huge baked potatoes. so my wife and I split the Waylan cause it was the one that was loaded with the most meat lol

Food

thehuckleberryclub.com

View attachment 256585



this is sorta my thinking too. finding satiation is my #1 goal and loading carbs before lifting sessions, with a focus on fiber and protein after but overall protein being sub 200 is just fine I think right now. if I 'waste away' I can adjust but right now been stagnant for so long I know I haven't lacked for calories.

Yeah. We have standing desks at work so lately I have been coming in and standing first thing in the mornings. It gets me more productive, if I am standing I fee I should be doing something. So I move around more and look for little things to do.

The thinking behind this is really just, I thought I had a big bag of rice already here and prepped, but I was wrong. So I had to figure out an alternate carb source. I have really been using a lot less protein powder recently so I wanted something savory instead of just doing a shake and some cream of rice with fruit. So it was born out of making due when I wasn't prepared. However, I have been thinking about this as a possibility for a while. I even tried it once before, but used too much water and did not like the soupy consistency how it previously came out. Basically think of like a Shrimp and grits set up, that is how I decided to use it, and it is good! Surprisingly good flavor after adding 20g of almond butter to it make it even better!!!! That is what I am eating now for breakfast.. 165g chicken, 70g cream of rice, 2 servings salsa, and 20g almond butter for healthy fats and better consistency for the rice. It probably sounds odd, but I was thinking Mole'. If they can use peanut butter for that, then no reason almond butter wouldn't be good in a Mexican flavored meal. I would say that potatoes would have been a better option regarding nutrients, but both are good carb sources. I really enjoy potatoes, I just have to remember to prepare them. I should probably just bake 7 of them every week to have one a day.

 

[Dustin07]

Yeah. We have standing desks at work so lately I have been coming in and standing first thing in the mornings. It gets me more productive, if I am standing I fee I should be doing something. So I move around more and look for little things to do.

that makes sense, years ago I updated all my staffs desks to standing desks but got them tall chairs so they had the option, the guys really prefer standing half the time for their backs etc. I still have and prefer a traditional desk but its true that I have to force myself to get up or sitting just becomes consistent lol.

The thinking behind this is really just, I thought I had a big bag of rice already here and prepped, but I was wrong. So I had to figure out an alternate carb source. I have really been using a lot less protein powder recently so I wanted something savory instead of just doing a shake and some cream of rice with fruit. So it was born out of making due when I wasn't prepared. However, I have been thinking about this as a possibility for a while. I even tried it once before, but used too much water and did not like the soupy consistency how it previously came out. Basically think of like a Shrimp and grits set up

ahh that makes sense. I've been going easy on the eggs since I think they cause my face to break out a bit but I love just scrambling eggs into grits with a little salt and pepper.

165g chicken, 70g cream of rice, 2 servings salsa, and 20g almond butter for healthy fats and better consistency for the rice. It probably sounds odd, but I was thinking Mole'. If they can use peanut butter for that, then no reason almond butter wouldn't be good in a Mexican flavored meal. I would say that potatoes would have been a better option regarding nutrients, but both are good carb sources. I really enjoy potatoes, I just have to remember to prepare them. I should probably just bake 7 of them every week to have one a day.

sounds like we are chasing really similar macros right now. fat is the hardest one for me, I cook in butter typically but I've been eating more avocados too. it's really really easy for me to accidentally go overboard on fats if I'm not careful.

 

[MrKleen73]

that makes sense, years ago I updated all my staffs desks to standing desks but got them tall chairs so they had the option, the guys really prefer standing half the time for their backs etc. I still have and prefer a traditional desk but its true that I have to force myself to get up or sitting just becomes consistent lol.


ahh that makes sense. I've been going easy on the eggs since I think they cause my face to break out a bit but I love just scrambling eggs into grits with a little salt and pepper.


sounds like we are chasing really similar macros right now. fat is the hardest one for me, I cook in butter typically but I've been eating more avocados too. it's really really easy for me to accidentally go overboard on fats if I'm not careful.

Yeah, our desks are adjustable, so I can either do normal desk or raise it up to stand. I also have one of those soft standing pads to lay at my feet when I am standing.

Oh yeah, and that sucks, but I know some people get sensitivities when they have been eating a lot of something, but a break can often fix that. Hopefully when you try them again you get a different result.

Yeah my goals are around 60-80g fats a day, with most of them coming from olive oil, nuts, in the protein source, or a store-bought simmering sauce which are pretty low fat. I would say a solid 2 days a week my carbs are at least half fruits. They provide us a big thing of fresh fruits on Thursday, and I always get a bunch in the morning then go back and gather left over fruits before they come to pick them up to dispose of them. I keep them in the crisper drawer which I have taken as my own personal drawer in the fridge. Got to take advantage of free produce anywhere I can!!!

 

[Dustin07]

Hopefully when you try them again you get a different result.

I think its grately improved! last winter/spring I had red cheeks and they were getting bumpy/acne like. then my forehead too. but some of it could be from sweating like a pig at the gym and wearing a baseball hat backwards 90% of the time when I'm not at work. it's almost 100% cleared up now. honestly been using more skin care regiments like my wife lately, not stuff I would have done as a farmboy but face has cleared up a lot and I've been eating probably 1-4 eggs a week lately as tests.

last week or two I think I had 2 or 3 eggs over easy on a small bowl of chips and salsa. people think my egg nachos are a gross concept then one day I realized its basically the same thing as heuvos rancheros when you go to mexico

I did have a small acne outbreak after that but it passed quick so I think its improving again...

They provide us a big thing of fresh fruits on Thursday, and I always get a bunch in the morning then go back and gather left over fruits before they come to pick them up to dispose of them. I keep them in the crisper drawer which I have taken as my own personal drawer in the fridge. Got to take advantage of free produce anywhere I can!!!

lately my only fruit intake has been fermented lol....
but its also probably been my worst source of cheat/excess calories

 

[MrKleen73]

Damn that fermented fruit juice!!!

 

[MrKleen73]

I went over to do the core class and realized I had the time wrong. So i missed the class, but I made up for it with 35 minutes and 400 calories on the elliptical. I am more than likely going to rest my body the rest of the day. If I do choose to do something it will just be activity and fun. In other words, I may play SynthRyders just for fun, but not boxing. LOL

 

[Dustin07]

went over to do the core class and realized I had the time wrong.

how serendipitous

 

[MrKleen73]

how serendipitous

Yeah, I had to laugh at myself. What else am I gonna do allow myself to get annoyed over nonsense.

I went home and ran my daughter through a quick session and tried to see about doing some movement but the back was simply not into it. Of course I couldn't be out there and do nothing so I grabbed some DB's and added a little easy volume for medial delts. So I did 2 high rep sets with 10s, then 2 sets to failure with the 20's followed by a burnout with the 10's right after.

She wanted to work on her kicks and punches yesterday, and I have one of those standing target punching "bags". So we started off with some light kicks and punches, then progress to doing combinations for a bit.

Her session looked like this:
Bag Work 10 minutes

Simple Full Body Complex: 3 rounds working until she had done at least 2-3 challenging reps, but staying away from failure. No rest.
Push Ups from Knees
TRX Recline Rows
Air Squats

Elliptical 12 minutes > Walk 20 minutes

This is just breaking her in and trying hard not to push her to where she gets so sore she won't do anything else. She has recently lost about 35lbs, and is motivated to drop some more weight. I think overall she wants to lose about 70lbs. So we just need to get her moving, and keep her moving and we will get there. She did a session the other day that was totally overdoing it and ended up really sore. So I told her let me help you get into this so you don't overdo it and want to quit. She did good work but I had to hold her back a little on the resistance stuff, and push her a little to keep moving when she hit the wall on the elliptical and wanted to end the session. I got another 20 minutes out of her by going for a walk with her. So we are going to keep trying to do some things together to keep her involved and moving.

 

[Dustin07]

This is just breaking her in and trying hard not to push her to where she gets so sore she won't do anything else.

I understand that dance very well. Might be easier with the son, I always tell my boy thats the feeling of his muscles growing, lol. He tends to laugh at the pain rather than shy away from it now so IDK. He was textin gme how miserable wrestling practice has been and how everything, especially his calves, are killing him (after 2 months of waterpolo, its wrestling thats destroying him ) but all of his "complaining" texts he sent me, were followed up with laughing and crying emojis so even though its the hardest thing hes ever done, so far not once has he said "OK I quit" lol!

 

[gphagan1]

Yeah, I had to laugh at myself. What else am I gonna do allow myself to get annoyed over nonsense.

I went home and ran my daughter through a quick session and tried to see about doing some movement but the back was simply not into it. Of course I couldn't be out there and do nothing so I grabbed some DB's and added a little easy volume for medial delts. So I did 2 high rep sets with 10s, then 2 sets to failure with the 20's followed by a burnout with the 10's right after.

She wanted to work on her kicks and punches yesterday, and I have one of those standing target punching "bags". So we started off with some light kicks and punches, then progress to doing combinations for a bit.

Her session looked like this:
Bag Work 10 minutes

Simple Full Body Complex: 3 rounds working until she had done at least 2-3 challenging reps, but staying away from failure. No rest.
Push Ups from Knees
TRX Recline Rows
Air Squats

Elliptical 12 minutes > Walk 20 minutes

This is just breaking her in and trying hard not to push her to where she gets so sore she won't do anything else. She has recently lost about 35lbs, and is motivated to drop some more weight. I think overall she wants to lose about 70lbs. So we just need to get her moving, and keep her moving and we will get there. She did a session the other day that was totally overdoing it and ended up really sore. So I told her let me help you get into this so you don't overdo it and want to quit. She did good work but I had to hold her back a little on the resistance stuff, and push her a little to keep moving when she hit the wall on the elliptical and wanted to end the session. I got another 20 minutes out of her by going for a walk with her. So we are going to keep trying to do some things together to keep her involved and moving.

That’s great you’re working with your daughter, and sounds like she has the motivation and drive if you have to pull back on the reins. Is she punching and kicking the bag just for exercise or is she taking some martial arts as well? Either way, working the bag is great cardio and really helps tone women.

 

[gphagan1]

I understand that dance very well. Might be easier with the son, I always tell my boy thats the feeling of his muscles growing, lol. He tends to laugh at the pain rather than shy away from it now so IDK. He was textin gme how miserable wrestling practice has been and how everything, especially his calves, are killing him (after 2 months of waterpolo, its wrestling thats destroying him ) but all of his "complaining" texts he sent me, were followed up with laughing and crying emojis so even though its the hardest thing hes ever done, so far not once has he said "OK I quit" lol!

My middle son, the first time he started wrestling practice, was like man Dad my back is killing me, then it was his legs. I don’t think that boy had ever ached like that until then. His first week of wrestling practice he was walking around like an old man. I told him, do I need to go buy you a walker.
He still jokes about those days….now he’s about to get his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

 

[Dustin07]

My middle son, the first time he started wrestling practice, was like man Dad my back is killing me, then it was his legs. I don’t think that boy had ever ached like that until then. His first week of wrestling practice he was walking around like an old man. I told him, do I need to go buy you a walker.
He still jokes about those days….now he’s about to get his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

My 3 greatest memories from wrestling are:

a. running for miles with an old school walkman / headphones on thanksgiving day in the dark
b. the girls telling me how good my arms looked
c. pinning the guy I wrestled from the highschool my dad went to.

my worst memories are probably
a. puking in the hall on saturday morning sessions
b. squatting during practice with a partner on your back that was always a handful of weight classes higher than me (I wrestled at 148)

 

[MrKleen73]

That’s great you’re working with your daughter, and sounds like she has the motivation and drive if you have to pull back on the reins. Is she punching and kicking the bag just for exercise or is she taking some martial arts as well? Either way, working the bag is great cardio and really helps tone women.

She earned her Black Belt in Taekwondo when she was 12. So she has the all of the basic skills down, just not the conditioning, flexibility and reaction time. My first priority was making sure she could have a decent chance of defending herself. So she had to earn her black belt before stopping.

My middle son, the first time he started wrestling practice, was like man Dad my back is killing me, then it was his legs. I don’t think that boy had ever ached like that until then. His first week of wrestling practice he was walking around like an old man. I told him, do I need to go buy you a walker.
He still jokes about those days….now he’s about to get his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Dangerous man!

My 3 greatest memories from wrestling are:

a. running for miles with an old school walkman / headphones on thanksgiving day in the dark
b. the girls telling me how good my arms looked
c. pinning the guy I wrestled from the highschool my dad went to.

my worst memories are probably
a. puking in the hall on saturday morning sessions
b. squatting during practice with a partner on your back that was always a handful of weight classes higher than me (I wrestled at 148)

I never got to join the team, I was not a good student when I was younger and never had the chance to compete. I did train with them for a bit before I failed out, and got put back in the regular gym class. Although even in regular gym class we did a 6 week period of wrestling each year. So, I only did the intense training for a very short period before I failed out of sports. However, I picked up some skills pretty quickly, and would give some of the guys on the team a lot of trouble when we would just mess around outside of school. I think if I had been a good student, I would have excelled in wrestling for sure. I remember when I was about 19 one of our buddy group moved down from up north where he was a state champ. He would talk a lot of mess, so one day we decided it was go time. He was shocked how long it took for him to finally pin me, and that there was a lot of back and forth between us. When we finished he told me that he thought he was just going to have his way with me since I hadn't ever competed, much less at his level. I really wish I had been a better student and could have competed because I loved it. I just couldn't get my crap together with my ADHD, so bad grades and getting suspended a lot became my school experience.

 

[Dustin07]

Although even in regular gym class we did a 6 week period of wrestling each year. So, I only did the intense training for a very short period before I failed out of sports. However, I picked up some skills pretty quickly, and would give some of the guys on the team a lot of trouble when we would just mess around outside of school. I think if I had been a good student, I would have excelled in wrestling for sure.

not me, not at all. its sorta funny. What I have usually is grit, what I don't have usually, is talent. years after wrestling I looked back and a lightbulb went off and I could see all the things I did wrong, how I could have been so much better if I knew as a teenager what I figured out in my 20s. a lot of what I lacked on the mat was confident aggression in my approaches and take downs. Where I got points was reversals and escapes. I was never the guy that would pin someone 20 seconds into round 1. If I was going to get a pin, it would be at the end of round 3 because you're exhausted now, you're better than me, but you're exhausted and I'm not giving up. I was very hard to pin because of that. I was not good! but I have never rolled over well, lol.

all my sports have always been like that, my lifing log reads like that, lol. I'm 100% not a naturally gifted athlete but I do have some level of grit in me still, haha.

when I was a child they told my parents I was strong willed, lol. I think that is the nature vs nuture thing. I just came out bullheaded and believed I could do anything (even if reality is that I could not, I never believed I couldn't).

 

[MrKleen73]

not me, not at all. its sorta funny. What I have usually is grit, what I don't have usually, is talent. years after wrestling I looked back and a lightbulb went off and I could see all the things I did wrong, how I could have been so much better if I knew as a teenager what I figured out in my 20s. a lot of what I lacked on the mat was confident aggression in my approaches and take downs. Where I got points was reversals and escapes. I was never the guy that would pin someone 20 seconds into round 1. If I was going to get a pin, it would be at the end of round 3 because you're exhausted now, you're better than me, but you're exhausted and I'm not giving up. I was very hard to pin because of that. I was not good! but I have never rolled over well, lol.

all my sports have always been like that, my lifing log reads like that, lol. I'm 100% not a naturally gifted athlete but I do have some level of grit in me still, haha.

when I was a child they told my parents I was strong willed, lol. I think that is the nature vs nuture thing. I just came out bullheaded and believed I could do anything (even if reality is that I could not, I never believed I couldn't).

From what you have mentioned from your youth, it sounds like it was both nature, and nurture. It sounds like your Dad taught you the value of hard work, and relentlessness from the stories you have told.

I was very strongwilled in my youth too, but in a stubborn, I am gonna do it my way kind of thing. However, I was more of the opposite as a youngster. I was naturally gifted with strength, speed, coordination, and balance. I was decent first try at most anything, and got good very quickly. However that was also a big part of my downfall. When you get pretty good at things easily you can often beat people who are not naturally talented. So you don't really learn the value of simply outworking someone. I would just rely on the fact I was good at almost anything I tried when it came to physicality. So I never truly learned the value of practice because most of the time I didn't need to practice to be better than most people around me. Between that, and the ADHD, I didn't learn to value consistency, or not giving up during my teens or school career. I honestly don't think I started to get a grasp on any of that until BOOT CAMP where I was forced to be consistent, and really saw the fruits of my continued labor. I learned a lot about who I am from boot, it is definitely an experience I value a lot now because it was the beginning of a lot of positive change for me.

 

[MrKleen73]

Oh yeah, I got wrapped up in responding to you. I didn't update from Yoga today.

I really enjoyed yoga today, we had the regular instructor today and she was on point. We did a lot of things that really pushed my feet, ankles, and hips to the max. I would even say there was a lot of max or close to max effort today to stay in position. My feet, ankles hams and glutes all burned at different points in class, having to fall out for a rest on some of the poses to avoid a cramp then get right back in. Basically my kind of intensity, and effort. Just really placed on very acutely target areas. I can tell her class is going to be beneficial for sure.

 

[Dustin07]

From what you have mentioned from your youth, it sounds like it was both nature, and nurture. It sounds like your Dad taught you the value of hard work, and relentlessness from the stories you have told.

oh I didn't think of that, could be. when I was young until about age 12 or so we were super super poor. mom and dad were 18/19 when they got married and I came 11 months later so no handouts, no money and if I wanted anything I had to find a job to earn it (started that around age 6). Dad was for sure a good role model but mom was always very authoritarian but she came from depression babies, then was poor herself, so there wasn't going to be any handouts. I probably started getting spoiled a bit in my teen years, but still under moms duress. spoiled > mom and dad lended me the money to buy a modest pickup when I was 16 > parental side from mom though > if I missed a payment i was grounded for absolute life no friends, phones, car keys, girlfriend, life is over as I know it. so by the time I was 16 work and having money in the bank to make sure I could make those payments became my whole life lol. at that point sports started drifing a little as money, work, girls, and cars became the priority around age 17. skipped senior year in high school did running start (night school) instead and entered the full time work force.

I honestly don't think I started to get a grasp on any of that until BOOT CAMP where I was forced to be consistent, and really saw the fruits of my continued labor. I learned a lot about who I am from boot, it is definitely an experience I value a lot now because it was the beginning of a lot of positive change for me.

dude I alway forget about that, that 100% would snap anyone in line I'd think. enlisted men always have a different polish about them. I notice that in a lot of the young men I know today even under age 30, and retired guys alike. the military definitely has a strong impact on how men carry themselves and 99% of the time I think its a big positive.


glad yoga is going well!!

 

[gphagan1]

Oh yeah, I got wrapped up in responding to you. I didn't update from Yoga today.

I really enjoyed yoga today, we had the regular instructor today and she was on point. We did a lot of things that really pushed my feet, ankles, and hips to the max. I would even say there was a lot of max or close to max effort today to stay in position. My feet, ankles hams and glutes all burned at different points in class, having to fall out for a rest on some of the poses to avoid a cramp then get right back in. Basically my kind of intensity, and effort. Just really placed on very acutely target areas. I can tell her class is going to be beneficial for sure.

Glad you have a good instructor in yoga, and you enjoyed it…..that makes a world a difference.
Ha, I was reading both your responses on wrestling and athletic ability etc., and I had to remember who’s log I was in. I sometimes get lost in which log I’m in, and know one day I’m going to be in one log commenting about something in somebody else’s.

 

[MrKleen73]

Glad you have a good instructor in yoga, and you enjoyed it…..that makes a world a difference.
Ha, I was reading both your responses on wrestling and athletic ability etc., and I had to remember who’s log I was in. I sometimes get lost in which log I’m in, and know one day I’m going to be in one log commenting about something in somebody else’s.

I resemble that remark, just ask @BBiceps! LMAO

 

[MrKleen73]

Whew, I will tell you what, I am impressed with how much yoga took out of me yesterday. So much effort with nothing but holding positions. Then the quick meditation meltdown at the end changed my breathing patterns the rest of the day. Just relaxed, so much so, that I sat down last night when I got home and passed smooth out.

I have to say I really enjoyed the diaphragmic breathing, and just letting myself melt into the floor so much that I tried it again when I couldn't fall asleep in the evening. I closed my eyes concentrated on my rhythmic diaphragmic breathing, and melting into the bed. I did it for a few minutes, the next thing I knew I was waking up for work startled by my alarm. That is not normal for me, that put some comatose sleep on my azz!

I am definitely pushing the things that I need to be pushing for repair. I think I may take a bigger step back from weight training other than some shoulder raises and direct arm work. I amnot saying I won't do any, it is just not going to be the focus. More of a if something isn't getting what it needs from the calisthenics I can add some weights for that once or twice a week. Just the yoga is pushing my lower back a lot, but it is also making me aware of how dysfunctional my physical state is right now. So concentrating more on calisthenics, and controlling my body, through space and movement. I have been gradually making my garage gym more calisthenics friendly, creating more space for movement, getting parallettes, permanently mounting the TRX system. Now I need to clear a space on the wall for wall handstands. Just learning to control the scaps while holding a wall handstand. Build up stability anywhere I can.

I am super excited, Mom gets in town tomorrow!!! Every visit means so much more now that she is getting older. This has come up so quick it is surprising it is already here and at the same time I can't wait!

My lower back is bitching from all of the forced labor, the muscles in the area are so deconditioned it is crazy. It is hard to tell if it is DOMS, or inflammation, but I assume it is a bit of both. I just hope that the additional discomfort right now results in me getting stronger, and not hurting things worse, but I am committed to doing this until the end of the year unless it causes more issues.

Hey @Segansational , look what just opened about a 1/4mile from the house and made me think of you. I may have to check this place out when my lower back is good enough for all of the sudden directional changes. I liked Tennis, racquetball, and ping pong, so there is no way I wouldn't enjoy this. I may go by just to see how the gym is, the membership is pretty high, but if the gym was worth it as well then the monthly memebership might be worthwhile. With the pay membership you apparently get a lot of perks but they have a free membership where you can use the courts if you schedule at least a week in advance. They have 17 courts, have you ever been to one that big?

https://ralliesclub.com/

 

[gphagan1]

Whew, I will tell you what, I am impressed with how much yoga took out of me yesterday. So much effort with nothing but holding positions. Then the quick meditation meltdown at the end changed my breathing patterns the rest of the day. Just relaxed, so much so, that I sat down last night when I got home and passed smooth out.

I have to say I really enjoyed the diaphragmic breathing, and just letting myself melt into the floor so much that I tried it again when I couldn't fall asleep in the evening. I closed my eyes concentrated on my rhythmic diaphragmic breathing, and melting into the bed. I did it for a few minutes, the next thing I knew I was waking up for work startled by my alarm. That is not normal for me, that put some comatose sleep on my azz!

I am definitely pushing the things that I need to be pushing for repair. I think I may take a bigger step back from weight training other than some shoulder raises and direct arm work. I amnot saying I won't do any, it is just not going to be the focus. More of a if something isn't getting what it needs from the calisthenics I can add some weights for that once or twice a week. Just the yoga is pushing my lower back a lot, but it is also making me aware of how dysfunctional my physical state is right now. So concentrating more on calisthenics, and controlling my body, through space and movement. I have been gradually making my garage gym more calisthenics friendly, creating more space for movement, getting parallettes, permanently mounting the TRX system. Now I need to clear a space on the wall for wall handstands. Just learning to control the scaps while holding a wall handstand. Build up stability anywhere I can.

I am super excited, Mom gets in town tomorrow!!! Every visit means so much more now that she is getting older. This has come up so quick it is surprising it is already here and at the same time I can't wait!

My lower back is bitching from all of the forced labor, the muscles in the area are so deconditioned it is crazy. It is hard to tell if it is DOMS, or inflammation, but I assume it is a bit of both. I just hope that the additional discomfort right now results in me getting stronger, and not hurting things worse, but I am committed to doing this until the end of the year unless it causes more issues.

Hey @Segansational , look what just opened about a 1/4mile from the house and made me think of you. I may have to check this place out when my lower back is good enough for all of the sudden directional changes. I liked Tennis, racquetball, and ping pong, so there is no way I wouldn't enjoy this. I may go by just to see how the gym is, the membership is pretty high, but if the gym was worth it as well then the monthly memebership might be worthwhile. With the pay membership you apparently get a lot of perks but they have a free membership where you can use the courts if you schedule at least a week in advance. They have 17 courts, have you ever been to one that big?

https://ralliesclub.com/
View attachment 256805

Yeah the few people that I know that do yoga really love it. Not only for the physical benefits, but like you were saying helping to relax the whole body, mind, and relax and de-stress, which helps lower blood pressure as well. I could see how it can help your sleep as well.
Man I hope you have a great visit with your Mom. It really is good to cherish all the time with them that you can. My Dad passed away in 2003, but it’s just been since May that my Mom passed away, but with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up we miss her, but are so grateful we got to spend a lot of time with her as she got older.

 

[Dustin07]

man I'm going to be jealous if you end up on a pickleball team or league
glad the yoga is going so well, I had a feeling it would!

I have been gradually making my garage gym more calisthenics friendly, creating more space for movement, getting parallettes, permanently mounting the TRX system.

I'm all about this right now, just getting that functional fitness back etc. the other day when I added those burpees in, which I know are not exactly low impact when you do them like I do, I was shocked out how great i felt to bounce off the ground with that full explosive rom. it felt healthy and mobile.

 

[Segansational]

Hey @Segansational , look what just opened about a 1/4mile from the house and made me think of you. I may have to check this place out when my lower back is good enough for all of the sudden directional changes. I liked Tennis, racquetball, and ping pong, so there is no way I wouldn't enjoy this. I may go by just to see how the gym is, the membership is pretty high, but if the gym was worth it as well then the monthly memebership might be worthwhile. With the pay membership you apparently get a lot of perks but they have a free membership where you can use the courts if you schedule at least a week in advance. They have 17 courts, have you ever been to one that big?

https://ralliesclub.com/
View attachment 256805

man I'm going to be jealous if you end up on a pickleball team or league

You rang??

[/QUOTE]

 

[MrKleen73]

Whew, that workout pushed my lower back today! Was pretty fun and challenging. Basically a circuit workout for the whole body using mostly functional fitness movements. Was challenging but in a totally different way than my usual workouts. Basically like a HIIT session with weights, TRX, body weight moves, ball slams, planks and stuff like that. It worked my lower back pretty good, and made it a little stiff. I will probably go in tomorrow for a full body weight session, possibly only doing isolation movements for legs just to allow a bit more recovery on the lower back over the weekend.

 

[1ifeblood]

@MrKleen73 Bro I love that you're really getting into yoga and seeing/feeling the benefits! People think it's just a hokey way to stretch but there's so much more to it than that. When you start connecting with your breath and awareness over your body increases, it's just an overall mastery of self that grows with you. And for people who like to see results, it's a great feeling when you realize how much mobility you've gained from the practice. I always had tight hammies so even being able to touch my toes straight legged was a PR for me lol! Keep it up man! I really think you're going to love what it does for you in the long run!

 

[Hyde]

Enjoy your visit with Mom!!!

 

[akboom87]

Hope the week was good and all is well man!

 

[MrKleen73]

@MrKleen73 Bro I love that you're really getting into yoga and seeing/feeling the benefits! People think it's just a hokey way to stretch but there's so much more to it than that. When you start connecting with your breath and awareness over your body increases, it's just an overall mastery of self that grows with you. And for people who like to see results, it's a great feeling when you realize how much mobility you've gained from the practice. I always had tight hammies so even being able to touch my toes straight legged was a PR for me lol! Keep it up man! I really think you're going to love what it does for you in the long run!

Yes, I definitely think it will be a valuable addition to my fitness journey. I imagine the meditation and things will bring even more to it, but the benefits of it making me use unused muscles that have been allowed to slumber for too long is going to be the biggest initial benefit. I am definitely ready to get back in there.

Enjoy your visit with Mom!!!

I sure did, pretty much didn't do much of anything else to be honest.

Hope the week was good and all is well man!

Yes Sir, the last 2 weeks have been stellar!!!!

Even though I was gearing up and making some strides before Mom got here, as soon as she arrived, I had zero desire to waste any time that I could spend with her on going to the gym. I honestly did not even really think about going to the gym once she arrived. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact she is about to turn 79, and her age is starting to show. Just little things, but things you never notice when you are only having phone conversations. Honestly, she is doing amazingly for almost being 80, she is still pretty active and gets around decently. Stairs are a challenge for her, but other than that she is moving well. We had an excellent visit, lots of good quality time together. I think we spent most of our time just chatting on the couch. We really didn't go do a whole lot. Just focused on family and being together.

We did get to take my Mom fishing on my cousin's pier, and she was so excited she caught a nice big red fish. Said it was the biggest she had ever landed. here is a pic of her and my cousin with the big boy!

So, I haven't been back on since I started my vacation, and part of the reason I was not training was that I was in a hit and run just before my time off. Some asshat run a redlight the Tuesday morning on my last day of work before Thanksgiving and I t-boned them in the middle of the intersection. I couldn't see him as I was in the middle lane with a truck next to me. Lucky for me I heard his horn, as he realized he was about to run the light. So I hit the brakes just before impact and almost got to a stop but hit him about as squarely is I could have hit him in the side. He slid over a lane or two and was able to recover before hitting anything else. He was a good block away from where I was after. So, I had to make the block to get back to where the accident was. By the time I got back around he or she had taken off. So I started my Thanksgiving vacation off with a Hit and Run! Thank goodness I was just taking off and almost stopped so it wasn't a car is totaled kind of accident. Since we did kind of a glancing blow directly on my bumper outside of the abrupt stop my car did not take on too much damage. I need to replace my license plate, and bumper cover, it is hosed, but I did not make an insurance claim since no frame damage. It simply was not worth the increase in premiums. I did go to the police station afterwards and the officer basically talked to me about the situation, and asked me if I wanted to file a claim on my insurance since I said there was not a ton of damage. I told him I wasn't sure, so he told me basically that in this instance since the other person did a hit and run, if I did not want to make a police report I did not have to, but if I did, then they had to send the accident to my insurance. I asked what if the other person files, he said I have 10 days, and if the person reports it during that time I could just come in to make my report and let them know I had already come by and spoken to someone about the accident.

Of Course my lower back, knee, and hip were not exactly happy with the whole scenario. So I was a bit sore while frying my turkeys this year. On that note, everything went well. We had perfect weather for Thanksgiving which made frying the turkeys pretty fun. All in all we ended up with 3 turkeys a big carver ham, and all the fixins you can imagine for I think it was a total of 17 people.

I spent the last several days of her visit just resting, and enjoying my mother's company. Occasionally going out, but mostly just sitting in the Livingroom talking, most of the time not even with the TV on. It was a great visit and little bit to unplug as I didn't mess with my computer other than studying the SCADA stuff for a couple of hours first thing before everyone woke up.

As for current plans, I am now officially a bit fluffy. LOL Honestly not too bad, but I hit 213.2, I am not sweating it, but my current goal is to be between 205-210 by NYE. I have an anniversary trip, and Christmas in between then, so that is the most I want to weigh going into the new year. I am breaking into this with a fast and a brisk walk today, and plan to do Yoga tomorrow, and will decide if I want to carry on with a longer fast going further into the week, but for right now just using today as an icebreaker on getting back into the swing of things.

Lower back, and hip was a bit sore after the accident, and it seems to have recovered back to before the accident levels if not a tiny bit better. So hoping that I can really make some progress over the next few weeks.

I am considering running an equipoise + low dose test, or just an equipoise cycle to increase collagen production, and speed up the strengthening of the weaker, unused muscles I am forcing into training with all of the new targeted work. It won't be a bulking cycle, but I imagine resistance training plus gear is going to end up with some muscle growth regardless. If I want anything to grow and get stronger quickly, it is the muscles that have not been getting used due to injury, and auto-inhibition. So, I am considering making all of that part of the recovery plan.

 

[SkRaw85]

Yes, I definitely think it will be a valuable addition to my fitness journey. I imagine the meditation and things will bring even more to it, but the benefits of it making me use unused muscles that have been allowed to slumber for too long is going to be the biggest initial benefit. I am definitely ready to get back in there.

I sure did, pretty much didn't do much of anything else to be honest.

Yes Sir, the last 2 weeks have been stellar!!!!

Even though I was gearing up and making some strides before Mom got here, as soon as she arrived, I had zero desire to waste any time that I could spend with her on going to the gym. I honestly did not even really think about going to the gym once she arrived. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact she is about to turn 79, and her age is starting to show. Just little things, but things you never notice when you are only having phone conversations. Honestly, she is doing amazingly for almost being 80, she is still pretty active and gets around decently. Stairs are a challenge for her, but other than that she is moving well. We had an excellent visit, lots of good quality time together. I think we spent most of our time just chatting on the couch. We really didn't go do a whole lot. Just focused on family and being together.

We did get to take my Mom fishing on my cousin's pier, and she was so excited she caught a nice big red fish. Said it was the biggest she had ever landed. here is a pic of her and my cousin with the big boy!

View attachment 257153

So, I haven't been back on since I started my vacation, and part of the reason I was not training was that I was in a hit and run just before my time off. Some asshat run a redlight the Tuesday morning on my last day of work before Thanksgiving and I t-boned them in the middle of the intersection. I couldn't see him as I was in the middle lane with a truck next to me. Lucky for me I heard his horn, as he realized he was about to run the light. So I hit the brakes just before impact and almost got to a stop but hit him about as squarely is I could have hit him in the side. He slid over a lane or two and was able to recover before hitting anything else. He was a good block away from where I was after. So, I had to make the block to get back to where the accident was. By the time I got back around he or she had taken off. So I started my Thanksgiving vacation off with a Hit and Run! Thank goodness I was just taking off and almost stopped so it wasn't a car is totaled kind of accident. Since we did kind of a glancing blow directly on my bumper outside of the abrupt stop my car did not take on too much damage. I need to replace my license plate, and bumper cover, it is hosed, but I did not make an insurance claim since no frame damage. It simply was not worth the increase in premiums. I did go to the police station afterwards and the officer basically talked to me about the situation, and asked me if I wanted to file a claim on my insurance since I said there was not a ton of damage. I told him I wasn't sure, so he told me basically that in this instance since the other person did a hit and run, if I did not want to make a police report I did not have to, but if I did, then they had to send the accident to my insurance. I asked what if the other person files, he said I have 10 days, and if the person reports it during that time I could just come in to make my report and let them know I had already come by and spoken to someone about the accident.

Of Course my lower back, knee, and hip were not exactly happy with the whole scenario. So I was a bit sore while frying my turkeys this year. On that note, everything went well. We had perfect weather for Thanksgiving which made frying the turkeys pretty fun. All in all we ended up with 3 turkeys a big carver ham, and all the fixins you can imagine for I think it was a total of 17 people.

I spent the last several days of her visit just resting, and enjoying my mother's company. Occasionally going out, but mostly just sitting in the Livingroom talking, most of the time not even with the TV on. It was a great visit and little bit to unplug as I didn't mess with my computer other than studying the SCADA stuff for a couple of hours first thing before everyone woke up.

As for current plans, I am now officially a bit fluffy. LOL Honestly not too bad, but I hit 213.2, I am not sweating it, but my current goal is to be between 205-210 by NYE. I have an anniversary trip, and Christmas in between then, so that is the most I want to weigh going into the new year. I am breaking into this with a fast and a brisk walk today, and plan to do Yoga tomorrow, and will decide if I want to carry on with a longer fast going further into the week, but for right now just using today as an icebreaker on getting back into the swing of things.

Lower back, and hip was a bit sore after the accident, and it seems to have recovered back to before the accident levels if not a tiny bit better. So hoping that I can really make some progress over the next few weeks.

I am considering running an equipoise + low dose test, or just an equipoise cycle to increase collagen production, and speed up the strengthening of the weaker, unused muscles I am forcing into training with all of the new targeted work. It won't be a bulking cycle, but I imagine resistance training plus gear is going to end up with some muscle growth regardless. If I want anything to grow and get stronger quickly, it is the muscles that have not been getting used due to injury, and auto-inhibition. So, I am considering making all of that part of the recovery plan.

Ugh sorry to hear that Kleen! Thursday night I got smoked in my car as well by some idiot who just decided to turn into me head on in a green lit intersection. People, people, people! I got off easy no body damage to me, car is jacked, sucks you got put through the wringer! Hopefully this gets rectified for you, you’ve had quite the year…

 

[Segansational]

Ugh sorry to hear that Kleen! Thursday night I got smoked in my car as well by some idiot who just decided to turn into me head on in a green lit intersection. People, people, people! I got off easy no body damage to me, car is jacked, sucks you got put through the wringer! Hopefully this gets rectified for you, you’ve had quite the year…

Hope you're OK too, you and Kleen. People seemingly lose their ability to drive - and their patience - around the holidays. It's quite paradoxical IMO.

 

[gphagan1]

Yes, I definitely think it will be a valuable addition to my fitness journey. I imagine the meditation and things will bring even more to it, but the benefits of it making me use unused muscles that have been allowed to slumber for too long is going to be the biggest initial benefit. I am definitely ready to get back in there.

I sure did, pretty much didn't do much of anything else to be honest.

Yes Sir, the last 2 weeks have been stellar!!!!

Even though I was gearing up and making some strides before Mom got here, as soon as she arrived, I had zero desire to waste any time that I could spend with her on going to the gym. I honestly did not even really think about going to the gym once she arrived. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact she is about to turn 79, and her age is starting to show. Just little things, but things you never notice when you are only having phone conversations. Honestly, she is doing amazingly for almost being 80, she is still pretty active and gets around decently. Stairs are a challenge for her, but other than that she is moving well. We had an excellent visit, lots of good quality time together. I think we spent most of our time just chatting on the couch. We really didn't go do a whole lot. Just focused on family and being together.

We did get to take my Mom fishing on my cousin's pier, and she was so excited she caught a nice big red fish. Said it was the biggest she had ever landed. here is a pic of her and my cousin with the big boy!

View attachment 257153

So, I haven't been back on since I started my vacation, and part of the reason I was not training was that I was in a hit and run just before my time off. Some asshat run a redlight the Tuesday morning on my last day of work before Thanksgiving and I t-boned them in the middle of the intersection. I couldn't see him as I was in the middle lane with a truck next to me. Lucky for me I heard his horn, as he realized he was about to run the light. So I hit the brakes just before impact and almost got to a stop but hit him about as squarely is I could have hit him in the side. He slid over a lane or two and was able to recover before hitting anything else. He was a good block away from where I was after. So, I had to make the block to get back to where the accident was. By the time I got back around he or she had taken off. So I started my Thanksgiving vacation off with a Hit and Run! Thank goodness I was just taking off and almost stopped so it wasn't a car is totaled kind of accident. Since we did kind of a glancing blow directly on my bumper outside of the abrupt stop my car did not take on too much damage. I need to replace my license plate, and bumper cover, it is hosed, but I did not make an insurance claim since no frame damage. It simply was not worth the increase in premiums. I did go to the police station afterwards and the officer basically talked to me about the situation, and asked me if I wanted to file a claim on my insurance since I said there was not a ton of damage. I told him I wasn't sure, so he told me basically that in this instance since the other person did a hit and run, if I did not want to make a police report I did not have to, but if I did, then they had to send the accident to my insurance. I asked what if the other person files, he said I have 10 days, and if the person reports it during that time I could just come in to make my report and let them know I had already come by and spoken to someone about the accident.

Of Course my lower back, knee, and hip were not exactly happy with the whole scenario. So I was a bit sore while frying my turkeys this year. On that note, everything went well. We had perfect weather for Thanksgiving which made frying the turkeys pretty fun. All in all we ended up with 3 turkeys a big carver ham, and all the fixins you can imagine for I think it was a total of 17 people.

I spent the last several days of her visit just resting, and enjoying my mother's company. Occasionally going out, but mostly just sitting in the Livingroom talking, most of the time not even with the TV on. It was a great visit and little bit to unplug as I didn't mess with my computer other than studying the SCADA stuff for a couple of hours first thing before everyone woke up.

As for current plans, I am now officially a bit fluffy. LOL Honestly not too bad, but I hit 213.2, I am not sweating it, but my current goal is to be between 205-210 by NYE. I have an anniversary trip, and Christmas in between then, so that is the most I want to weigh going into the new year. I am breaking into this with a fast and a brisk walk today, and plan to do Yoga tomorrow, and will decide if I want to carry on with a longer fast going further into the week, but for right now just using today as an icebreaker on getting back into the swing of things.

Lower back, and hip was a bit sore after the accident, and it seems to have recovered back to before the accident levels if not a tiny bit better. So hoping that I can really make some progress over the next few weeks.

I am considering running an equipoise + low dose test, or just an equipoise cycle to increase collagen production, and speed up the strengthening of the weaker, unused muscles I am forcing into training with all of the new targeted work. It won't be a bulking cycle, but I imagine resistance training plus gear is going to end up with some muscle growth regardless. If I want anything to grow and get stronger quickly, it is the muscles that have not been getting used due to injury, and auto-inhibition. So, I am considering making all of that part of the recovery plan.

Man sorry to hear about the accident and you getting banged up, but glad you had a great time and visit with your Mom. She looks great for 79 years old, and you can tell she was excited catching that fish.

 

[Dustin07]

what a fish, that looks like a blast! glad you walked away from that crash without too much damage, I never would have thought that a hit and run could escape without police reports or insurance drama so I'm glad that worked out so well for you. You definitely seem in good spirits!

 

[MrKleen73]

Ugh sorry to hear that Kleen! Thursday night I got smoked in my car as well by some idiot who just decided to turn into me head on in a green lit intersection. People, people, people! I got off easy no body damage to me, car is jacked, sucks you got put through the wringer! Hopefully this gets rectified for you, you’ve had quite the year…

Aughhh, I hate to hear that. Glad you were not hurt. the funny thing is it really just put me right back to what I was feeling like after getting hit by the car in the parking garage. I had just really healed up from that, and then this reaggravated everything. At least nothing got any worse and I am feeling decent again.

Hope you're OK too, you and Kleen. People seemingly lose their ability to drive - and their patience - around the holidays. It's quite paradoxical IMO.

FACTS!!!!

Man sorry to hear about the accident and you getting banged up, but glad you had a great time and visit with your Mom. She looks great for 79 years old, and you can tell she was excited catching that fish.

Yeah, she is a trooper, and does look awesome for 79! She told me before she left that she has at least 8 more years in her. That both Grandma and Grandpa both made it to 87, so she was going to make it to 87 too. I told her I can live with that! Considering she had her knee replaced last year, and then her hip replaced this year, and also had a bowel obstruction that almost took her out this year she is doing amazingly well. She complained the stairs were hard, and she was frustrated with herself about it. I told her well the fact you are climbing stairs after both a knee, and then a hip replacement not long ago you are doing amazing! Many 79 year olds can't climb stairs not having had recent surgeries.

what a fish, that looks like a blast! glad you walked away from that crash without too much damage, I never would have thought that a hit and run could escape without police reports or insurance drama so I'm glad that worked out so well for you. You definitely seem in good spirits!

Oh yeah, she was so excited, then when I had to take over to get it out of the water and she saw how big it actually was she was so ecstatic!

Yeah, I was for sure that the whole hit and run thing was going to be a much bigger deal than I wanted to get into. I did not really want to put one in once I knew I was going to be financially responsible regardless because it was a hit and run. Everything on my car is purely cosmetic, and I didn't want to file another claim if i did not have to. I knew I did not damage anything mechanical, and outside of a bit of bumper rash the car wasn't going to look horrible so I really did not want to bring the insurance in on it. When the officer basically told me if you report we report to your insurance I asked if i could get in any trouble for not making a police report right then, and he said no and the likelihood of me ever hearing from the person who ran the light was pretty much zero if i didn't want insurance involved I shouldn't file the report. I was like thank you for being honest. I just want to make sure I am not going to get in trouble if I don't file the report. Once I knew i was safe there, it was just deciding I was okay with a scratched up vehicle for a bit which since I intend to keep this car not trade it in scratches are not that big of a deal. I will buy a bumper cover from a junk yard when one in the right color shows up. I can replace that on my own in about an hour once I have one.