Well Hiya

February 15, 2005

Yesterday, I got 2.75 chinups out of myself. I ALMOST had that third bastid, but I was just frozen in place about six inches below the top of the bar. Boy, did I try and fight with that rep. But no. I had nothing. And my subsequent sets didn’t really blow me away, either. But hey, I’m getting there a little at a time. Of course, there’s this other guy, this really fit guy, swapping sets on the same bars with me, and he’s nailing 20 at a time. I just felt like, “Why you little…” but whatever. There will ALWAYS be a better-trained athlete than me around. I will always be on the way to a destination with someone ahead of me in the line. I’m okay with this.

My weight is standing dead still. I’m thinking of doing a Fig for a month. But maybe not. I think I can still fight this the old fashioned way. Ah, the anguish. I’m in that horrible spot for people trying to lose weight: I want it to go faster than it is, and I know that I’m to blame. Get tougher, is what my Inner Critic is saying. He’s drowning out the Coach on this one. He’s saying, “It’s obvious that you’re weak in your motivation.” And I can’t deny it. I guess if I were trying to think with the Inner Coach hat, I’d turn it around: “What can we do to pump up your motivation and your habit-changing?

I mis-spoke. I have one more week of the weird Frankenstein program before moving on to my next evolution. Everything I’m reading is saying that I’m taking my efforts in the right direction. But it is ASTOUNDING how much conflicting information there is out there.

In this last month, I’ve read that multiple sets with far fewer reps was the way to go. I’ve read that multiple reps within a few sets is the way to go. I’ve read that you should use way more weight than you can reasonably handle (at least once a week), and that’ll break the muscles into growth spurts. I’ve read that adding too much weight takes away the focus on the target muscles, and thus you’re not getting as much bang for the buck.

Susan Powter: “Stop the Insanity!”

(I still think she’s a reputable woman, and had lots of decent opinions. Sue me.)

So here’s where I am:

*I still have 20 pounds to lose to hit my next mini-goal. Ultimately, I may have 40 pounds left to lose before I’m at the government’s ideal. The 20 matters. The 40 is a “nice to have.” I believe that having those 20 pounds gone before I do my next serious distance run will greatly improve my abilities as a runner. I know it will help me in my quest to become more fit overall.

*My next evolution involves four weeks of heavy weightlifting with multiple sets and fewer repetitions. (I rolled the dice and picked this method). On top of what was in the plan I’m following, I’ve added plyometric work, sprint drills, and two days of stretching work in between (Movement Prep from Mark Verstegen’s Core Performance). The goal of that evolution is to continue dropping weight, adding power, and building a better body for my running and other endeavors.

*Other areas of my life are a little murky. My work life is in this weird limbo, where I’m plodding along, doing my part here and there, but waiting somewhat impatiently for the change I know is on the horizon. My personal life is mostly neato, though I am a complete and utter idiot around finances. If I could fix that one aspect of my life, I think the rest of my universe would be maybe 60% improved. But family life is great. I had a day off yesterday to go play my guitar and sing for little kids at my daughter’s play day (co-op something or other). It was loads of fun, and it’s nice to feel appreciated for my silliness.

Who had the idea of splitting their goals into 12 week time frames? I loved that. Someone’s blog had that idea, and I’m totally down with that. There’s a recurring theme in my life right now. Everything is telling me to simplify the message. Break it down even simpler. I’m hearing this at work, at home, with all the other things I’m pursuing. Now, how do I listen and comply? That’s the trick, eh?

I hope you’re doing well.

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