Yeah, nothing.
Just stress and the inability to carve out time for me to deal with it productively.
So ... I'm left with journaling and writing and work. And driving people around to things.
Yeah, not a lot of fun.
But at least there is a glimmer of light - a new position.
Invincibility depends on one's self. Sun Tzu
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Nov 30 to Dec 7
So many things ... So many things ... going right and going wrong these days.
I've done a couple of hikes in this time, but nothing serious, not really training.
It's been a drag, but at least the side hustle is helping out with the bottom line.
I'd rather be working in a gym; someplace to train and collect the 200 as I pass the Go, you know what I mean?
But I if I have to do something, at least I'm doing something where they have a hilarious sense of humour:
I've done a couple of hikes in this time, but nothing serious, not really training.
It's been a drag, but at least the side hustle is helping out with the bottom line.
I'd rather be working in a gym; someplace to train and collect the 200 as I pass the Go, you know what I mean?
But I if I have to do something, at least I'm doing something where they have a hilarious sense of humour:
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Nov 21 to 29
Still nothing in terms of training - I want to remind my readers that I started this blog with the idea that if I needed more money, I'd get another job.
So, I got a side hustle and I'm running with it.
I'm just not running at the moment. But I know that the "not running" time is going to end soon.
I'm just getting tired of the side effects of not training - like not sleeping well and getting up late and the feeling like I'm a ball of ooze.
I'm starting. Again.
So, I got a side hustle and I'm running with it.
I'm just not running at the moment. But I know that the "not running" time is going to end soon.
I'm just getting tired of the side effects of not training - like not sleeping well and getting up late and the feeling like I'm a ball of ooze.
I'm starting. Again.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Nov 11 to 20
The drought continues with some days getting my Daily acivity up to 100%. Most days, I'm too overdone with things I have to do to take time for myself.
And when I get time to train, I'm instead having to work on work projects. #sad #burnout #gahhhh!
At least my days are less stressful than people who are the President of the US.
I also gave up two volunteer positions in rugby clubs in the last year, slowly moving on to other things, as the body just isn't helping me at the moment. However, I did find a cool Stand up Paddleboard on Kijiji for a good price.
I'm thinking Santa will be shoving that into my living room in 2019.
And when I get time to train, I'm instead having to work on work projects. #sad #burnout #gahhhh!
At least my days are less stressful than people who are the President of the US.
I also gave up two volunteer positions in rugby clubs in the last year, slowly moving on to other things, as the body just isn't helping me at the moment. However, I did find a cool Stand up Paddleboard on Kijiji for a good price.
I'm thinking Santa will be shoving that into my living room in 2019.
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| Not a live update, but stand by |
Monday, November 11, 2019
Nov 4 to 10
Yeah, nothing.
I'm so stressed by family life right now, there's nothing left in the tank at the end of the day for anything.
I cancelled my gym membership at EPC and we moved on. I continue to throw out furniture and other fixtures of the house in preparation for a move. There's nothing to see here except nothing.
I'm so stressed by family life right now, there's nothing left in the tank at the end of the day for anything.
I cancelled my gym membership at EPC and we moved on. I continue to throw out furniture and other fixtures of the house in preparation for a move. There's nothing to see here except nothing.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Oct 25 to Nov 3
A little bit longer of a period for me to be covering in this post, but very little training being done. There was one workout on the 26th that was pretty good.
The rest of the time, I'm being active, but not training. Such a waste.
I was also not feeling the best during this period; this nagging cold and sleeping badly are catching up to me. The sun setting just after noon isn't helping either.
Meh, at least work is going well. Having the time there. Nutrition is also not bad these days either. I can only control certain things, and what I eat is one of them.
The rest of the time, I'm being active, but not training. Such a waste.
I was also not feeling the best during this period; this nagging cold and sleeping badly are catching up to me. The sun setting just after noon isn't helping either.
Meh, at least work is going well. Having the time there. Nutrition is also not bad these days either. I can only control certain things, and what I eat is one of them.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Oct 16 to Oct 24
Had some good workouts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday.
Sunday was lots of walking as was Thursday. The other days were unreal and just best forgotten.
At least the Apple TV in the garage can play The Walking Dead.
Some good habits were formed, but then just being a busy dad and working full time gets in the way. Sucks.
I can't do anything but move forward.
Sunday was lots of walking as was Thursday. The other days were unreal and just best forgotten.
At least the Apple TV in the garage can play The Walking Dead.
Some good habits were formed, but then just being a busy dad and working full time gets in the way. Sucks.
I can't do anything but move forward.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Oct 8-16
Last week was crazy. A real disaster for training but at least I got through it.
The long weekend was extra long, thanks to feeling like a zombie in Jell-o and moving like it. I did get some rugby playing done on the weekend, but as I was hacking up a long at the same time, I was asked to just sit and enjoy.
In any case, I took Friday and Sunday for complete bed rest and then felt way better. Monday I was able to train before getting my fat pants on and eating the traditional Thanksgiving lasagna. My parents were away over the last week, came back on Sunday and hosted a dinner on Monday for the family. So ... lasagna. It was pretty solid.
Monday training and Tuesday training, too. Tuesday was a walk around the downtown area of Burlington. It was basically just to get my steps up for the day. Not enough to get me to 100% in my step count, but better than when I was lying in bed dying.
I'm getting rid of a bunch of stuff in the garage that is just sitting there, doing nothing. I'm getting rid of it, as I'm not using it and someone else could. Recently on the Burlington Dad's Fb group I saw another dad do the same thing - got rid of a rack for cheap cheap as he was back to a regular gym as his kids were grown up. I responded with the idea that I still enjoy my garage gym as it's so quiet and no one bugs me. My kids are mostly grown up and I'm starting jsut to store things in my garage, to my shame.
I'm trying to get into a groove, but things are never the same week to week. As a result, I'm finding that part of it difficult to keep training going. Ah well, I'll just have to keep trying to fit workouts in.
The long weekend was extra long, thanks to feeling like a zombie in Jell-o and moving like it. I did get some rugby playing done on the weekend, but as I was hacking up a long at the same time, I was asked to just sit and enjoy.
In any case, I took Friday and Sunday for complete bed rest and then felt way better. Monday I was able to train before getting my fat pants on and eating the traditional Thanksgiving lasagna. My parents were away over the last week, came back on Sunday and hosted a dinner on Monday for the family. So ... lasagna. It was pretty solid.
Monday training and Tuesday training, too. Tuesday was a walk around the downtown area of Burlington. It was basically just to get my steps up for the day. Not enough to get me to 100% in my step count, but better than when I was lying in bed dying.
I'm getting rid of a bunch of stuff in the garage that is just sitting there, doing nothing. I'm getting rid of it, as I'm not using it and someone else could. Recently on the Burlington Dad's Fb group I saw another dad do the same thing - got rid of a rack for cheap cheap as he was back to a regular gym as his kids were grown up. I responded with the idea that I still enjoy my garage gym as it's so quiet and no one bugs me. My kids are mostly grown up and I'm starting jsut to store things in my garage, to my shame.
I'm trying to get into a groove, but things are never the same week to week. As a result, I'm finding that part of it difficult to keep training going. Ah well, I'll just have to keep trying to fit workouts in.
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| How I was moving most of this week |
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Sept 30 to Oct 7
I was lazy during this period.
No exercise ... or only two training sessions during this period, but otherwise I was a bit on the lazy side of life. It's a drag, but a reality that I am currently living with, my good readers.
I did the same workout twice - kettlebells and elliptical trainer for about 35 minutes each time. Rounds of two minutes on each. Not a mind expanding workout, but at least it was a workout.
Otherwise, everything else is a work in progress and steady goes the ship ... on a Sargasso Sea.
Flat and not moving at all very much.
No exercise ... or only two training sessions during this period, but otherwise I was a bit on the lazy side of life. It's a drag, but a reality that I am currently living with, my good readers.
I did the same workout twice - kettlebells and elliptical trainer for about 35 minutes each time. Rounds of two minutes on each. Not a mind expanding workout, but at least it was a workout.
Otherwise, everything else is a work in progress and steady goes the ship ... on a Sargasso Sea.
Flat and not moving at all very much.
Monday, September 30, 2019
Sept 23 to 29
I'm still struggling to establish better habits this September. I got a workout done on Monday and Saturday the 28th. No rugby either - I just need some time away from them. The ones that I mean are just too much for me to do while struggling through this month.
I had a great workout Saturday- did sprints and a light jog for 45 minutes. That was awfully helpful. The rest of the week was meetings and sick as dog moments. I'm still feeling it and might have to bite the bullet and get on some antibiotics. That would be super early in this flu season to do that ... but yeesh, the fact of the matter is my body is just so stressed at the moment.
The highlight of the weekend was taking my kid to a University Information fair down by the SkyDome on Sunday. Lots of walking and finding out stuff. The IELTS people were there, too.
hashtag retirement job.
I had a great workout Saturday- did sprints and a light jog for 45 minutes. That was awfully helpful. The rest of the week was meetings and sick as dog moments. I'm still feeling it and might have to bite the bullet and get on some antibiotics. That would be super early in this flu season to do that ... but yeesh, the fact of the matter is my body is just so stressed at the moment.
The highlight of the weekend was taking my kid to a University Information fair down by the SkyDome on Sunday. Lots of walking and finding out stuff. The IELTS people were there, too.
hashtag retirement job.
Monday, September 23, 2019
Sept 16 to 22
I missed rugby this week because of the fact that I'm a dad and am needed to be that ballast in the house. When I'm not there, it seems, the world crashes down.
I do what I do best. I float in a boat and help others travel their journey with safety.
It's a nice sentiment, but it makes for crappy training plans. Meh, I got a few workouts done - I even did some hill "sprints" last night at a park near my house. I'll do those from now on while out on a walk or run. Spiked my HR up, so that was good.
A lot of standing around, driving people to various events and cleaning things was my life, too. I can see why others sense that they have lost their identity when they get to this stage of their lives - living a lot for others isn't a lot of fun. At all.
But I want you to know that I know what I was getting in to - I signed up for this. Am I the epitome of happiness at the moment? Ah, no. But, am I looking for a way out? Ah, no that idea as well. I chose this, I made it happen. And now... I move forward.
Training when I can, having a bag and a gym and a gym membership ready to go when a moment presents itself. These are things I already have. Plans and workouts in my head and in my phone that I can make happen ready to go. I need the time, but I have everything else.
I did check weight this week and I was disappointed. I'll make progress for next time. I need to be under the next round number by the end of the month. It's doable, I just need to focus and train.
I do what I do best. I float in a boat and help others travel their journey with safety.
It's a nice sentiment, but it makes for crappy training plans. Meh, I got a few workouts done - I even did some hill "sprints" last night at a park near my house. I'll do those from now on while out on a walk or run. Spiked my HR up, so that was good.
A lot of standing around, driving people to various events and cleaning things was my life, too. I can see why others sense that they have lost their identity when they get to this stage of their lives - living a lot for others isn't a lot of fun. At all.
But I want you to know that I know what I was getting in to - I signed up for this. Am I the epitome of happiness at the moment? Ah, no. But, am I looking for a way out? Ah, no that idea as well. I chose this, I made it happen. And now... I move forward.
Training when I can, having a bag and a gym and a gym membership ready to go when a moment presents itself. These are things I already have. Plans and workouts in my head and in my phone that I can make happen ready to go. I need the time, but I have everything else.
I did check weight this week and I was disappointed. I'll make progress for next time. I need to be under the next round number by the end of the month. It's doable, I just need to focus and train.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Sept 10 to 15
Yeah, not much went on during this time.
Some walking in the pool, some walking in the neighbourhood, but no rugby. Both nights I had family crap going on. This weekend, too. Didn't make the last game of the season, either.
Like I said, not much going on.
Some walking in the pool, some walking in the neighbourhood, but no rugby. Both nights I had family crap going on. This weekend, too. Didn't make the last game of the season, either.
Like I said, not much going on.
Monday, September 9, 2019
Sept 1-9
Let's start off with the bad - the H7 Heart Rate monitor battery died. I tried everything to get the battery case off to no avail. Nothing worked. Nothing.
So ... I ordered another one from Amazon and it arrived and hooked up without any problem. I promise this time not to crank on the battery case to remove the battery.
On to the good ... rugby and walking continued. The nutrition situation improved, but that is because of the way I've structured by day. Still need to make corrections as I go, but there have been improvements since last month. Nutrition is the key these days. Vegetables and fruit to balance the Advil I'm taking to smooth out the pains and strains.
Feeling good - some nagging injuries, but thankfully my knees are awesome. Hips and lower back and the usual muscles all ache Sunday and Monday.
We had our last home game of the season Sept 7th. I did get a nice assist to a try, but no tries for myself. A sweet win against a very bitter rival club in the region. Some very nice payback on the day. As I was watching the first tram game, had a number of the old boys team come and speak to me about not quitting and staying on the seconds XV. It's one of those things that has been discussed in my house of late. Their ideas have hit home with me.
All I need now is for the summer to come back. I know it will come back to me slowly, I just need the time to pass and for the time to work.
So ... I ordered another one from Amazon and it arrived and hooked up without any problem. I promise this time not to crank on the battery case to remove the battery.
On to the good ... rugby and walking continued. The nutrition situation improved, but that is because of the way I've structured by day. Still need to make corrections as I go, but there have been improvements since last month. Nutrition is the key these days. Vegetables and fruit to balance the Advil I'm taking to smooth out the pains and strains.
Feeling good - some nagging injuries, but thankfully my knees are awesome. Hips and lower back and the usual muscles all ache Sunday and Monday.
We had our last home game of the season Sept 7th. I did get a nice assist to a try, but no tries for myself. A sweet win against a very bitter rival club in the region. Some very nice payback on the day. As I was watching the first tram game, had a number of the old boys team come and speak to me about not quitting and staying on the seconds XV. It's one of those things that has been discussed in my house of late. Their ideas have hit home with me.
All I need now is for the summer to come back. I know it will come back to me slowly, I just need the time to pass and for the time to work.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Aug 24 to 30
I'm sad that this summer is almost over. I'm glad that rugby season has a few more weeks to it, but I'd like it to be June again. Well, maybe July 30th again.
I went into work today to get things set up and have a few things to do at home over the long weekend.
In the last week, it's been rugby and walking - both in pool walking and walking around my neighbourhood to get steps done. I've started back sprinting after rugby training and did some jogging during a few of the walks. Need more kilometres for the running and need to get back into the CrossFit type workouts.
The battery on the H7 HRM needs to be changed, too.
Nutrition has taken a step forward and I look forward to getting back into a routine with time for training and eating, too.
Friday, August 23, 2019
Aug 12 to Aug 23
Is there a way of blanking out the vast majority of my brain?
Yeah, that's where I am these days.
I've been making the rugby training sessions in the last few weeks. I've been on and off with my own training but making some needed improvements with diet and sleeping.
Oh, my God the sleeping.
Ran away on a Saturday to be a rugby sult and played for two teams at prop. Ran further away and had a great time chatting with my daughters for Saturday. I'm sure they didn't see how many people I knew there - and I know they don't know how I knew that many people ... it's just rugby and they aren't there, man.
I keep thinking about turning fifty in 2020. Such a short life. Such a short time on this planet. I'm sad about that. I think I need to be happy about turning fifty. It's a mission that I need to take on, man.
Yeah, that's where I am these days.
I've been making the rugby training sessions in the last few weeks. I've been on and off with my own training but making some needed improvements with diet and sleeping.
Oh, my God the sleeping.
Ran away on a Saturday to be a rugby sult and played for two teams at prop. Ran further away and had a great time chatting with my daughters for Saturday. I'm sure they didn't see how many people I knew there - and I know they don't know how I knew that many people ... it's just rugby and they aren't there, man.
I keep thinking about turning fifty in 2020. Such a short life. Such a short time on this planet. I'm sad about that. I think I need to be happy about turning fifty. It's a mission that I need to take on, man.
Monday, August 12, 2019
Aug 4 to Aug 11
I’d be lying if I told you everything was wonderful. I’d be lying if I told you things were tolerable in the long term. Right now ... things are merely ok.
Lots of ongoing projects that are stalled for a variety of reasons. I’m not waiting though - need to pay bills and kick ass. And so ... I keep training. I keep working and planning and making ready for the right moment. Lying low, rather than lying about. These days, I’m hitting every rugby session as well as rest days and training days.
Thursday I did the Fire Drill workout - basically, I clean out the garage - I take everything out and wash the floor and then put everything back in. I’ve been doing that for a number of years and it’s awesome. A good workout and now I am ready for the school year and other plans. I have a gym that is functional and not another dirty room into which I collect crap.
The same day I hit 303% on the Polar Loop+ activity monitor. I’m quite proud of that. But we have to move on, man. I had to run around like and idiot on Friday and then played on Saturday. Sunday was a rest day, but I did go for a morning pool walk. Today, the 12th I took my wife to Cedar Springs and got her membership reactivated. So now, at least we can get there together and have a bit of a real. At the very least, at least she has a place she can go to when away from our kids.
Very active days, but still not seeing much progress in the nutrition or the weight loss. It’s like those two things are somehow connected. In any case, I’ll get it done. Meh, I’m looking forward to the challenge this winter of all those workouts and training sessions.
As a part of my belated spring cleaning, I’m tossing a lot of stuff out, including the big wheel I’ve had in my garage for a number of years. I’m finding this sort of tossing out cathartic to say the least. I keep finding things that “do not bring me joy” and enjoy releasing them to the universe, hoping that someone else can gain by these possessions.
I did get a decently priced iMac on Facebook Marketplace, too. I’m happy that my son can play video games non-stop without using my bleeping iPhone. Eeeeeeeesh.
Lots of ongoing projects that are stalled for a variety of reasons. I’m not waiting though - need to pay bills and kick ass. And so ... I keep training. I keep working and planning and making ready for the right moment. Lying low, rather than lying about. These days, I’m hitting every rugby session as well as rest days and training days.
Thursday I did the Fire Drill workout - basically, I clean out the garage - I take everything out and wash the floor and then put everything back in. I’ve been doing that for a number of years and it’s awesome. A good workout and now I am ready for the school year and other plans. I have a gym that is functional and not another dirty room into which I collect crap.
The same day I hit 303% on the Polar Loop+ activity monitor. I’m quite proud of that. But we have to move on, man. I had to run around like and idiot on Friday and then played on Saturday. Sunday was a rest day, but I did go for a morning pool walk. Today, the 12th I took my wife to Cedar Springs and got her membership reactivated. So now, at least we can get there together and have a bit of a real. At the very least, at least she has a place she can go to when away from our kids.
Very active days, but still not seeing much progress in the nutrition or the weight loss. It’s like those two things are somehow connected. In any case, I’ll get it done. Meh, I’m looking forward to the challenge this winter of all those workouts and training sessions.
As a part of my belated spring cleaning, I’m tossing a lot of stuff out, including the big wheel I’ve had in my garage for a number of years. I’m finding this sort of tossing out cathartic to say the least. I keep finding things that “do not bring me joy” and enjoy releasing them to the universe, hoping that someone else can gain by these possessions.
I did get a decently priced iMac on Facebook Marketplace, too. I’m happy that my son can play video games non-stop without using my bleeping iPhone. Eeeeeeeesh.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
July 30 to Aug 3
I really do hate the voices in my head.
The leftovers from arguments and heated discussions and emotionally charged talks with people in my life. Echoes in the grey matter. Things I didn't say or did say.
They roar back at me when I'm not in some sort of surreal situation at work or home.
Like now.
Tuesday was rugby and I went, regardless of the pain. I'm finding that the inserts in my cleats are helping, as is Advil. I'm still avoiding the daylights out of a number of people after training, so at least that is helping me cut out the empty calories after training. I miss chatting with some of the guys, though.
Wednesday was a rest day, as my legs were sore from training. It was also date night. Thursday was a hike day - it was something I've been planning for a while. I had everything I needed, and it was a bit overkill. It was a 5k hike on some not really rugged terrain, but mostly a path in the woods. Hiking boots were a bit much - but it would have been nice to have a pair of gloves. I'll be doing this hike again, with some improvements, man. I liked it but was also glad of the Advil this day, too. Thursday was also a training night and I did a fair amount of sprinting and then running away after training to avoid people.
Friday was a day and a half - two walks and two sessions in the pool. One session for me, the second for my family. Both were helpful for the knees and hips, though.
On Sunday, after a short walk, I saw this article. It was kind of depressing for me - players younger than I am calling themselves dead. I mean, I know that I gave up my only advantage a few years ago ... I have plans to work exhaustively on my fitness until that sole advantage is regained this next season.
I mean, cardio is my only friend, really.
Which leads me back to my first point - a lot of time training without headphones means I'm giving myself a lot of time to think and have my brain bring back things for my conscious mind to fret and consider. I'm already almost hard of hearing, so headphones blasting AC/DC to keep thinking things out of my brain is a no-go. The hike was interesting, as I could not stop swearing at the people in my head. It must have looked like I was swearing at the trees - which is probably a better thing to do than swearing at people. Probably better for my karma. But I hate that my brain works this way.
The leftovers from arguments and heated discussions and emotionally charged talks with people in my life. Echoes in the grey matter. Things I didn't say or did say.
They roar back at me when I'm not in some sort of surreal situation at work or home.
Like now.
Tuesday was rugby and I went, regardless of the pain. I'm finding that the inserts in my cleats are helping, as is Advil. I'm still avoiding the daylights out of a number of people after training, so at least that is helping me cut out the empty calories after training. I miss chatting with some of the guys, though.
Wednesday was a rest day, as my legs were sore from training. It was also date night. Thursday was a hike day - it was something I've been planning for a while. I had everything I needed, and it was a bit overkill. It was a 5k hike on some not really rugged terrain, but mostly a path in the woods. Hiking boots were a bit much - but it would have been nice to have a pair of gloves. I'll be doing this hike again, with some improvements, man. I liked it but was also glad of the Advil this day, too. Thursday was also a training night and I did a fair amount of sprinting and then running away after training to avoid people.
Friday was a day and a half - two walks and two sessions in the pool. One session for me, the second for my family. Both were helpful for the knees and hips, though.
On Sunday, after a short walk, I saw this article. It was kind of depressing for me - players younger than I am calling themselves dead. I mean, I know that I gave up my only advantage a few years ago ... I have plans to work exhaustively on my fitness until that sole advantage is regained this next season.
I mean, cardio is my only friend, really.
Which leads me back to my first point - a lot of time training without headphones means I'm giving myself a lot of time to think and have my brain bring back things for my conscious mind to fret and consider. I'm already almost hard of hearing, so headphones blasting AC/DC to keep thinking things out of my brain is a no-go. The hike was interesting, as I could not stop swearing at the people in my head. It must have looked like I was swearing at the trees - which is probably a better thing to do than swearing at people. Probably better for my karma. But I hate that my brain works this way.
Monday, July 29, 2019
July 23 to 29
This week was hell.
Awful.
Crappy sleep and then no time for anything but work and rugby. I mean ... the rugby wasn't that great either. Hot, humid and sticky ... and that was the rugby.
Meh, at least I got back to my house in one piece. It's a mess here and I'll have to spend the next few weeks cleaning the thing up. I'm not sure what the future holds for many, but I know I will be turfing a lot of stuff out of my house in the next four weeks.
Anyway, I made three sessions of rugby this week and had to hork down extra work like it was water in the desert. I made it through though ... and now ... the last two days have been cardio focussed ...two cardio sessions Sunday and Two on Monday.
2020 season has begun.
Awful.
Crappy sleep and then no time for anything but work and rugby. I mean ... the rugby wasn't that great either. Hot, humid and sticky ... and that was the rugby.
Meh, at least I got back to my house in one piece. It's a mess here and I'll have to spend the next few weeks cleaning the thing up. I'm not sure what the future holds for many, but I know I will be turfing a lot of stuff out of my house in the next four weeks.
Anyway, I made three sessions of rugby this week and had to hork down extra work like it was water in the desert. I made it through though ... and now ... the last two days have been cardio focussed ...two cardio sessions Sunday and Two on Monday.
2020 season has begun.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
July 15 to 22
These were some lazy days, man. Well, sort of lazy.
I did hit all rugby sessions this week, despite it being a crazy hell week at work for the summer. I mean seriously stupid crazy. If I wasn't sleeping I was marking.
I did have physio and I also made progress on the knee. I got up on Wednesday and my knee was pain-free. I have started to wear the inserts in my cleats and that seems to be helping. That and Advil at night also helped to reduce swelling and encourage deeper sleep.
But training sessions on my own were reduced to some recovery sessions in the pool and ... well, that was it. No lifting, no running. I did go for a hike around my old stomping grounds at Centennial Park, but that was it, man. Rugby was personally disappointing, too.
I decided that I need to get through to the end of this session of work and then get back to jogging. I'm also planning a lot of physio during August, too. Don't think those two things are unrelated.
I did hit all rugby sessions this week, despite it being a crazy hell week at work for the summer. I mean seriously stupid crazy. If I wasn't sleeping I was marking.
I did have physio and I also made progress on the knee. I got up on Wednesday and my knee was pain-free. I have started to wear the inserts in my cleats and that seems to be helping. That and Advil at night also helped to reduce swelling and encourage deeper sleep.
But training sessions on my own were reduced to some recovery sessions in the pool and ... well, that was it. No lifting, no running. I did go for a hike around my old stomping grounds at Centennial Park, but that was it, man. Rugby was personally disappointing, too.
I decided that I need to get through to the end of this session of work and then get back to jogging. I'm also planning a lot of physio during August, too. Don't think those two things are unrelated.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
July 3 to 14
I missed posting last week. Hardly surprising as I've been so outlandishly busy. I got a call for summer school and I started on July 2.
I spent the rest of the time since then marking or planning where to mark. Or playing rugby. Or in a pool somewhere trying to get my legs to stop hurting. The pool workouts never show up on the Polar Loop device. Mah, what ever.
I did get a kettlebell workout or two done. I did run today. My knees responded very positively to the playing of rugby with the orthotic inserts in the cleats this past Saturday. I'll have to see how it feels after training on Tuesday.
I didn't get more than a few minutes on Saturday. I understand that I look and act hurt these days. Last Saturday in Oakville the Second XV got crushed and I only played a half in the heat. I did score the team's only try, though. In a moment of grossness I had to squeeze the water out of my jersey before someone else took my place on the field. I mean it "schleerped" off of me and it was completely soaked. Just gross.
It took me like three days to drink enough water to fully recover.
This weekend I did get on for a few minutes and we crushed their scrum. It was kind of an idiot move on our part as the game was in hand, but I was trying to steal their ball. It was a drag getting into the game that late. On the drive home, I had no time to brood, I'm glad to report. I had another guy in the car and he kept me from thinking too much. I was very grateful for that.
As I said earlier, I did a run today. Not much recovery needed this week.
I did do some workouts and I got a lot of steps done since July 3, thanks to moving around the classroom at work. I'm not sure if this is the healthiest summer on record for me, but at least I'm making bank and having fun. I'm looking forward to doing something totally silent in August.
I'm finding that waking up stupid early gives me more time to get more things done ... but it was also very nice to sleep in today and then take my daughters out for breakfast.
I spent the rest of the time since then marking or planning where to mark. Or playing rugby. Or in a pool somewhere trying to get my legs to stop hurting. The pool workouts never show up on the Polar Loop device. Mah, what ever.
I did get a kettlebell workout or two done. I did run today. My knees responded very positively to the playing of rugby with the orthotic inserts in the cleats this past Saturday. I'll have to see how it feels after training on Tuesday.
I didn't get more than a few minutes on Saturday. I understand that I look and act hurt these days. Last Saturday in Oakville the Second XV got crushed and I only played a half in the heat. I did score the team's only try, though. In a moment of grossness I had to squeeze the water out of my jersey before someone else took my place on the field. I mean it "schleerped" off of me and it was completely soaked. Just gross.
It took me like three days to drink enough water to fully recover.
This weekend I did get on for a few minutes and we crushed their scrum. It was kind of an idiot move on our part as the game was in hand, but I was trying to steal their ball. It was a drag getting into the game that late. On the drive home, I had no time to brood, I'm glad to report. I had another guy in the car and he kept me from thinking too much. I was very grateful for that.
As I said earlier, I did a run today. Not much recovery needed this week.
I did do some workouts and I got a lot of steps done since July 3, thanks to moving around the classroom at work. I'm not sure if this is the healthiest summer on record for me, but at least I'm making bank and having fun. I'm looking forward to doing something totally silent in August.
I'm finding that waking up stupid early gives me more time to get more things done ... but it was also very nice to sleep in today and then take my daughters out for breakfast.
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
June 28 to July 2
June 28 and 29, just had to get through the days. Did morning walks and then tried not to freak out about work or family issues going on.
I finished the semester and got a call on Friday about summer school.
I don't have a lot of choice in the matter and so I spent the afternoon getting stuff ready for the following week. I spent the Saturday getting ink and things printed off ... and a laptop for the middle child. And then going to the Apple Store with the laptop to get it figured out.
Saturday night I got a float in and slept for nearly two hours in the pod. No, that was not a typo.
We got that done and I was still more than ready on Tuesday.
I've done all this before. I know the stresses and I know where the pitfalls are, man. Keep stress free as much as possible, be as pleasant as you can to everyone and make sure you get a walk or cardio session done in the morning.
I got a kettlebell or two in the car over the weekend and planned out tomorrow's early training and prep for work. I know what I am going to do now. And so ... all I have to do is perform.
Sunday and Monday I also got simple walks in, trying to get this freaking hamstring to work. Of course Tuesday I got to training and my hamstring went "Poiiiing" on a sprint and I walked it off. I had ice on it for a while. The trainer did nothing to help, which wasn't surprising. Alas, these things happen. I was so pissed off at my leg.
I went to have a pint and the wrong person was behind the bar, so I went to bed. Annoying people are legion.
I finished the semester and got a call on Friday about summer school.
I don't have a lot of choice in the matter and so I spent the afternoon getting stuff ready for the following week. I spent the Saturday getting ink and things printed off ... and a laptop for the middle child. And then going to the Apple Store with the laptop to get it figured out.
Saturday night I got a float in and slept for nearly two hours in the pod. No, that was not a typo.
We got that done and I was still more than ready on Tuesday.
I've done all this before. I know the stresses and I know where the pitfalls are, man. Keep stress free as much as possible, be as pleasant as you can to everyone and make sure you get a walk or cardio session done in the morning.
I got a kettlebell or two in the car over the weekend and planned out tomorrow's early training and prep for work. I know what I am going to do now. And so ... all I have to do is perform.
Sunday and Monday I also got simple walks in, trying to get this freaking hamstring to work. Of course Tuesday I got to training and my hamstring went "Poiiiing" on a sprint and I walked it off. I had ice on it for a while. The trainer did nothing to help, which wasn't surprising. Alas, these things happen. I was so pissed off at my leg.
I went to have a pint and the wrong person was behind the bar, so I went to bed. Annoying people are legion.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
June 19 to 27
So Tuesday I pulled the chute on rugby training ... the knee just wasn't having it. Too puffy and too sore. So, I went anyway and tried to be helpful.
I don't think I was very helpful, but at least I tried.
The rest of the week was in the pool at Cedar Springs ... well, I mean the training part of the week. I wish I could have spent this week sprawled on the side of this pool.
There were morning and afternoon sessions, depending on the day. Lots of walking, rolling and stretching of the legs, hips, shoulders and back.
I've started working with a trainer and saw a physio in order to get my summertime experiences covered by insurance. Should be at least cheap for me.
Thursday was the exam night for the ASL class and so I headed home instead of to the rugby field afterwards. Meh, I'm glad it's done. I look forward to working on expanding my knowledge of ASL.
Saturday was not a good day - I didn't even make it through the warm-up before the knee let me know not to play. It was too sore and it was threatening to make me feel even worse. I sat myself.
Recovery sessions have been all this week ... on land and in the water. I'm back to thinking that I can start to run soon. I'll check that out tomorrow or Saturday. Man, it's going to be Canada Day soon.
And ... yeah. This was a tough year, man.
I don't think I was very helpful, but at least I tried.
There were morning and afternoon sessions, depending on the day. Lots of walking, rolling and stretching of the legs, hips, shoulders and back.
I've started working with a trainer and saw a physio in order to get my summertime experiences covered by insurance. Should be at least cheap for me.
Thursday was the exam night for the ASL class and so I headed home instead of to the rugby field afterwards. Meh, I'm glad it's done. I look forward to working on expanding my knowledge of ASL.
Saturday was not a good day - I didn't even make it through the warm-up before the knee let me know not to play. It was too sore and it was threatening to make me feel even worse. I sat myself.
Recovery sessions have been all this week ... on land and in the water. I'm back to thinking that I can start to run soon. I'll check that out tomorrow or Saturday. Man, it's going to be Canada Day soon.
And ... yeah. This was a tough year, man.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
June 11 to 18
Tuesday June 11 was a long rugby training session, as a number of activities for my kids are finally over. I got a white board session done which helped a little with "the system".
The next few days were rough ones for my knees and hamstrings. I was selected to start second xv front row on Saturday. I'm glad to report we won all of our set piece - scrums and line outs. Throws were on and the timing was ok. I did get a few touches on the ball. The game was also won.
I left right after the game to get my kid home from a swimming event, left to go for a coffee, then had to go pick up another kid and take them to a different event. Then I got to do some swimming and water recovery. Sunday was the same. My legs and knee was sore and puffy. I wasn't sure what to do in the water other than roll the muscles, stretch, walk and jump. I did have a six-year-old yell at me that I shouldn't be splashing in the outdoor pool at Cedar Springs. I stopped and waited for him to leave ... and went back to splashing.
Puffiness continued Monday and Tuesday, too. Lots of icing and Advil to try and get the swelling down. I approached the Athletic Trainer at the Rugby Club, They chuckled when I asked them to look at a sore knee/hamstring combo.
As I write this on Wednesday morning, Hamstring is better but the knee is still puffy. Meh, let's see what the day brings.
The next few days were rough ones for my knees and hamstrings. I was selected to start second xv front row on Saturday. I'm glad to report we won all of our set piece - scrums and line outs. Throws were on and the timing was ok. I did get a few touches on the ball. The game was also won.
I left right after the game to get my kid home from a swimming event, left to go for a coffee, then had to go pick up another kid and take them to a different event. Then I got to do some swimming and water recovery. Sunday was the same. My legs and knee was sore and puffy. I wasn't sure what to do in the water other than roll the muscles, stretch, walk and jump. I did have a six-year-old yell at me that I shouldn't be splashing in the outdoor pool at Cedar Springs. I stopped and waited for him to leave ... and went back to splashing.
Puffiness continued Monday and Tuesday, too. Lots of icing and Advil to try and get the swelling down. I approached the Athletic Trainer at the Rugby Club, They chuckled when I asked them to look at a sore knee/hamstring combo.
As I write this on Wednesday morning, Hamstring is better but the knee is still puffy. Meh, let's see what the day brings.
Monday, June 10, 2019
June 3 to June 10
The early morning cardio continues.
Most days this week it was 25 minutes of straght cardio with one or two days of kettlebells/cardio HITT workouts. Rolling and stretching in the pool are great additions to this excellent habit.
After the game on Saturday, went to Cedar Springs and got into the pool. Did something very strange to my left ankle and it was sore for a few hours. I woke up on Sunday, thinking I was going to be moving badly and ... it was fine. Weird. Someone commented that it was a sign of arthritis. Great.
Need to keep moving. And stretching.
Nutrition is marginally better with a focus on soup and healthier options. Salads and lots of water for lunches.
Saturday was an away game in Barrie. We had the lead when I went on and got up a number of points but blew it with missed tackles and an inability to hold the ball and go into contact. We had to kill the clock and we just couldn't get that done. Shame, really.
At least we got the bonus points and we saw the system work when we held onto the ball. It looked slick, man. Seriously. I still do need a white board session with someone with a lot more experience with this system than me. And I need for the ASL class to be over and get back to two training sessions a week.
Most days this week it was 25 minutes of straght cardio with one or two days of kettlebells/cardio HITT workouts. Rolling and stretching in the pool are great additions to this excellent habit.
After the game on Saturday, went to Cedar Springs and got into the pool. Did something very strange to my left ankle and it was sore for a few hours. I woke up on Sunday, thinking I was going to be moving badly and ... it was fine. Weird. Someone commented that it was a sign of arthritis. Great.
Need to keep moving. And stretching.
Nutrition is marginally better with a focus on soup and healthier options. Salads and lots of water for lunches.
Saturday was an away game in Barrie. We had the lead when I went on and got up a number of points but blew it with missed tackles and an inability to hold the ball and go into contact. We had to kill the clock and we just couldn't get that done. Shame, really.
At least we got the bonus points and we saw the system work when we held onto the ball. It looked slick, man. Seriously. I still do need a white board session with someone with a lot more experience with this system than me. And I need for the ASL class to be over and get back to two training sessions a week.
 |
| The other guy played for Barrie this weekend. Shame, really. |
Monday, June 3, 2019
May 29 to June 2
Rugby training continues once a week. I'm getting tired of being a sub for the seconds team, but I am certain that all of this training is being noticed, at least on some level by people.
At least I'm noticing that rugby is getting to be fun again, and less sweaty gross stupidity that it has been in previous seasons. I know this is only going to get better as the grind of the seasons goes forth.
I'm training as hard as time permits at this time and I'm being consistent. There is nothing more I could ask. Time has become a real scarce commodity and I'm glad I signed up for the ASL 101 before I realized just how busy this spring was for me. I mean ... seriously. This has been unreal.
I'm very glad I'm able to keep on top of all the extra work; technology has been a real force amplifier here. That and learning to get up way earlier than I used to.
The treadmill and rolling after wards continued this week. I do need to do a crossfit training session soon, and I need to continue working on my nutrition. I'd really likee to start doing two-a-days, but not until after I get a few more things off of my late, thankyouverymuch.
We are away again this weekend, thanks to the International games in August. This, of course, isn't all that good for the club, but at least it's away and I like playing where we are to play. Shoud be a good game.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
May 21 to 27
Tuesday's rugby training was cut short with a knee thing I just couldn't make go away. So ... I limped off and iced it for the rest of the session. And the next day. And the next day.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I did short runs that got longer as the week progressed and got into the game on Saturday. Crushed this one scrum and helped drive a push over try in the last play of the game. That made me feel pretty awesome.
Saturday night was recovery in the pool and streching and using the SuperNova on my legs. I felt pretty good on Sunday.
I did do a training session in my garage gym on Sunday and that was cool. Monday I was back at Cedar Springs really early for a run and stretching session.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I did short runs that got longer as the week progressed and got into the game on Saturday. Crushed this one scrum and helped drive a push over try in the last play of the game. That made me feel pretty awesome.
Saturday night was recovery in the pool and streching and using the SuperNova on my legs. I felt pretty good on Sunday.
I did do a training session in my garage gym on Sunday and that was cool. Monday I was back at Cedar Springs really early for a run and stretching session.
 |
| That scrum was glorious. |
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
May 17 to May 20
A sort of a lull in the action this week as the Victoria Day weekend vibe gets through everything. At least I worked my way through my tough week at work - now I'm left with a lot of catch up to do. I did a session on Thursday, Saturday and Monday. Just to keep myself going forward. I also did a float on Sunday.
I was still sore after Tuesday's training and the game from the week before. I used to like turf, but no longer. I'll have to take steps to mitigate pain before and immediately after any more turf sessions in the future. Man, just sleeping was an event on Tuesday.
As mentioned, I did do another float on Sunday and found a number of items to assist me in streching and rolling muscles and caring for joints during this time. The float just sort of resets my muscles, as they feel just so much better afterwards. I even found my old SuperNova and got it working on Sunday and Monday... and Tuesday ...
I did demonstrate some improvement in my fitness during this time, but I need to get fitter faster now. I'm going to have to extend my sessions and actually start running in the mornings. Or evenings. I don't really care when I run, I know now that I have to start to run. I'll invest heavily in ice and Advil for after.
I was still sore after Tuesday's training and the game from the week before. I used to like turf, but no longer. I'll have to take steps to mitigate pain before and immediately after any more turf sessions in the future. Man, just sleeping was an event on Tuesday.
As mentioned, I did do another float on Sunday and found a number of items to assist me in streching and rolling muscles and caring for joints during this time. The float just sort of resets my muscles, as they feel just so much better afterwards. I even found my old SuperNova and got it working on Sunday and Monday... and Tuesday ...
I did demonstrate some improvement in my fitness during this time, but I need to get fitter faster now. I'm going to have to extend my sessions and actually start running in the mornings. Or evenings. I don't really care when I run, I know now that I have to start to run. I'll invest heavily in ice and Advil for after.
 |
| The superhero I need |
Thursday, May 16, 2019
May 6 to 16th
The hits just keep on coming. Still working through the left hand turn that life has made, but at least I'm doing well in the ASL class. I had to do a recording of the "Timber" joke for homework this week. That was cool. Looking forward to the next classes and the next course.
Lots of early morning cardio and I've added rolling after cardio this week. Oh, it feels good to roll out after running on a treadmill, but I'm sure the screams of pain are off putting to others at the gym.
Meh, my bad.
My hip was so sore after training on Tuesday. Sunday after playing on turf again, too. Sunday I had a float and fell asleep for about an hour. I could actually check my blind spots while driving the day after playing.
Managed to score a try on Saturday, too. Yeet! Yeet!
Anyway, back to the gym this week - lots of running indoors to be done.
274
Lots of early morning cardio and I've added rolling after cardio this week. Oh, it feels good to roll out after running on a treadmill, but I'm sure the screams of pain are off putting to others at the gym.
Meh, my bad.
My hip was so sore after training on Tuesday. Sunday after playing on turf again, too. Sunday I had a float and fell asleep for about an hour. I could actually check my blind spots while driving the day after playing.
Managed to score a try on Saturday, too. Yeet! Yeet!
Anyway, back to the gym this week - lots of running indoors to be done.
274
Monday, May 6, 2019
April 28 - May 5
This week was heavy on the front end and rugby on the back end.
Two two a days Sunday and Monday. Two treadmill sessions as the rain kept coming and coming. It was brutal. Tuesday was a early treadmill session then rugby later in the day. Wednesday was an early morning recovery session, as was Thursday. Friday I took off in order to get ready for Saturday.
I was also late on Friday and so missed the window. I should have just skipped the day. A quiet day at work and I spent my time quietly working. I should have been stretching.
Saturday's rugby tournament went well for me. Lots of time on the pitch, ample runs with the ball - more than I was used to last year and the previous years. I think I embarrassed myself when chatting with a team mate just before the game about the system we were to run that game. I think he was thinking I was going to mess everything up. As it was I got to chat with the same dude between games and he liked what I was doing. I did get banged up and am currently nursing an injured knee and a few cuts and scrapes from the turf.
Man, turf. Ew.
At the end of the tournament, I hit the hot tub and the ice machine. Not the hot tub time machine, much to my chagrin. But the knee blew up and I was hobbling everywhere on Sunday. Working on Sunday was interesting, to say the least. Meh, I got a nap in and cleaned the house a little.
Sunday night I was going to do some more recovery work in the form of a float, but instead just iced the daylights out of my knee. Advil and stretching, Advil and stretching.
Two two a days Sunday and Monday. Two treadmill sessions as the rain kept coming and coming. It was brutal. Tuesday was a early treadmill session then rugby later in the day. Wednesday was an early morning recovery session, as was Thursday. Friday I took off in order to get ready for Saturday.
I was also late on Friday and so missed the window. I should have just skipped the day. A quiet day at work and I spent my time quietly working. I should have been stretching.
Saturday's rugby tournament went well for me. Lots of time on the pitch, ample runs with the ball - more than I was used to last year and the previous years. I think I embarrassed myself when chatting with a team mate just before the game about the system we were to run that game. I think he was thinking I was going to mess everything up. As it was I got to chat with the same dude between games and he liked what I was doing. I did get banged up and am currently nursing an injured knee and a few cuts and scrapes from the turf.
Man, turf. Ew.
At the end of the tournament, I hit the hot tub and the ice machine. Not the hot tub time machine, much to my chagrin. But the knee blew up and I was hobbling everywhere on Sunday. Working on Sunday was interesting, to say the least. Meh, I got a nap in and cleaned the house a little.
Sunday night I was going to do some more recovery work in the form of a float, but instead just iced the daylights out of my knee. Advil and stretching, Advil and stretching.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
April 21-27
Well, I'm going to start off by echoing the idea behind this track.
I shake my head at what I'm walking through at the moment.
At least my fitness is getting done.
I took one day off this week, took a look at another gym and have set myself up for success this season. I still see the benefits of the line "Habits eat everything."
I'm walking through a tough time. I'm glad of friends and family support, but I'm looking at the future with a different vision. I will seek solitude in my retirement. Glad, gentle and quiet solitude. But until then, I have some rage screaming to do inside a very large crowd.
Fitness this week looked was a fair amount of cardio, some lifting and rugby on Tuesday.
Man, I need rugby, but I also need to get going on my second career. I'm taking the ASL course in Mississauga; it is this that will help me move forward in my later career.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
April 16 to 20
For those of you who are thinking I'm doing some sort of post to celebrate the day, I'm not. I hate the idea of this day and I'm glad it's raining like a son of a gun outside to keep protesters in and down.
I've been keeping to myself these days. My current mantra is "The gifts of exile are many." I'm not sure of the source of such a quote, but it might be me, I don't know. It does seem to fit rather nicely, though.
Evernote has made a comeback into my life. I'm pretty sure I'm never going to pay for this, but I'm trying to work with the unpaid version, just to see if it is workable. I'm trying to lighten my load on my back, get rid of some paper and make sure I can move forward as a paperless person.
I've managed to up my running game - this week I returned to running for 30 minutes on a treadmill. I haven't been able to do that for some time and I'm happy that I made that happen. It was kind of boring but at least I have that monkey off of my back.
The ASL experience/classes have continued. I've managed to work a class into my stupidly busy schedule and I'm taking the class on Thursday nights for the next ten weeks. I know it'll interfere with my playing rugby, but I also know it will help my retirement plans. Now I just need to get the people at work to get their stuff together and answer emails. It may happen, it may not.
So to summarize this week's training, it was lots of elliptical and treadmill work with one or two HIIT sessions. I've already put my current HIIT session here, so I'm not going to retype it now. I'm on the machines before 6:45 though. I'm with a coffee at work early these days. I can't say that my family is enjoying this, but at least I am finding making lemonade fairly easy with all the training I'm doing. These have been some two-a-days, but not many. But at least that possibility exists for me at this time.
Did I mention that the gifts of exile are many?
I've been keeping to myself these days. My current mantra is "The gifts of exile are many." I'm not sure of the source of such a quote, but it might be me, I don't know. It does seem to fit rather nicely, though.
Evernote has made a comeback into my life. I'm pretty sure I'm never going to pay for this, but I'm trying to work with the unpaid version, just to see if it is workable. I'm trying to lighten my load on my back, get rid of some paper and make sure I can move forward as a paperless person.
I've managed to up my running game - this week I returned to running for 30 minutes on a treadmill. I haven't been able to do that for some time and I'm happy that I made that happen. It was kind of boring but at least I have that monkey off of my back.
The ASL experience/classes have continued. I've managed to work a class into my stupidly busy schedule and I'm taking the class on Thursday nights for the next ten weeks. I know it'll interfere with my playing rugby, but I also know it will help my retirement plans. Now I just need to get the people at work to get their stuff together and answer emails. It may happen, it may not.
So to summarize this week's training, it was lots of elliptical and treadmill work with one or two HIIT sessions. I've already put my current HIIT session here, so I'm not going to retype it now. I'm on the machines before 6:45 though. I'm with a coffee at work early these days. I can't say that my family is enjoying this, but at least I am finding making lemonade fairly easy with all the training I'm doing. These have been some two-a-days, but not many. But at least that possibility exists for me at this time.
Did I mention that the gifts of exile are many?
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
March 30 to April 15
Well, I've gotten to the hundreth meridian.
And as Gordon Downie mentioned, there's nothing to do but step right on over it. Yup, I've stepped onto the other side of an imaginary line and I'm not sure what to expect.
I'm still getting the training done. A lot of the workouts have been me getting my butt on to an ellitiptical trainer and getting 25 minutes done. I'm measuring all of them, and it's good.
I'm also doing the HIIT training, too. I've gotten up to a 47.5 lb dumb bell in those workouts. I do this for four or five rounds:
2 minutes elliptical - moderate pace and resistence
2 minutes DB snatches, presses and standing overhead tricep extensions.
after about 25 minutes of this, I do this:
farmers carries, inclined bench flies and single arm rows for three rounds.
These work outs usually last about 45 minutes and I'm pretty beat up by the end.
And as Gordon Downie mentioned, there's nothing to do but step right on over it. Yup, I've stepped onto the other side of an imaginary line and I'm not sure what to expect.
I'm still getting the training done. A lot of the workouts have been me getting my butt on to an ellitiptical trainer and getting 25 minutes done. I'm measuring all of them, and it's good.
I'm also doing the HIIT training, too. I've gotten up to a 47.5 lb dumb bell in those workouts. I do this for four or five rounds:
2 minutes elliptical - moderate pace and resistence
2 minutes DB snatches, presses and standing overhead tricep extensions.
after about 25 minutes of this, I do this:
farmers carries, inclined bench flies and single arm rows for three rounds.
These work outs usually last about 45 minutes and I'm pretty beat up by the end.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
March 20 to 29
Yes, in this time period I was working hard and getting my cardio and lifting done each day.
Things were progressing.
And then a hard left-hand turn was forced upon me.
I'm relying on very good habits to see me through this trying time. I will admit that I ate an entire Pizza Hut medium pizza in front of my mother last night. It was a veggie lovers pizza and it was too entirely delicious. Oh LAWD was it tasty. The glares I got were so worth it.
Tonight, of course, I'm going to have to lift and cardio those calories away.
As I arrived at work, the rugby team was on the field training. I miss not being able to coach this year, but I have too many things up in the air at the moment. Too many things up in the air and too much excitement means I just can't help that rugby team.
Besides, too many cooks.
I'm even thinking that my season will be at least have a delayed start to it. Training is to start next week and I'm just not sure if I can afford the time or the patience.
I will march on, though.
Things were progressing.
And then a hard left-hand turn was forced upon me.
I'm relying on very good habits to see me through this trying time. I will admit that I ate an entire Pizza Hut medium pizza in front of my mother last night. It was a veggie lovers pizza and it was too entirely delicious. Oh LAWD was it tasty. The glares I got were so worth it.
Tonight, of course, I'm going to have to lift and cardio those calories away.
As I arrived at work, the rugby team was on the field training. I miss not being able to coach this year, but I have too many things up in the air at the moment. Too many things up in the air and too much excitement means I just can't help that rugby team.
Besides, too many cooks.
I'm even thinking that my season will be at least have a delayed start to it. Training is to start next week and I'm just not sure if I can afford the time or the patience.
I will march on, though.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
March 13 to 19
Early morning workouts every day during this time.
Like stupid early on some days ... ugh.
I also got out for a half-hour walk or two during this time, too.
Early morning sessions were usually HIIT sessions of elliptical and kettlebell. It's been a tough time trying to think of doing anything else.
At least the melting snow is a bit inspiring. I mean, I put together a kit bag for morning HIIT sessions at the local park, but I know that it'll be a rare day where I get enough time to use it ... at least until the summer. Man, I just want this snow to melt and for the summer to come.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
March 6 - 12
Wednesday was a typical Wednesday for me, in that I got up early and did some cardio before people got out of bed. Later on in the day, I got a second session done while my kid was doing stuff.
Thursday and Friday I got the early morning stuff done and then has to cruise for the rest of the day. Friday night I had a bit of a session though. Saturday we were back out on the turf at the dome in Burlington. No more black little things all over the place from the turf. Now they are all green.
Sunday was a lot of stretching and recovery work.
Monday and Tuesday I was up stupidly early and had to work in the afternoon.
As mentioned at the start of this blog, if I needed more money, I'd get another job. Well, it came to that and I'm working my March Break. The work itself is not too difficult, and the people are at least very patient with me. Like most jobs, it's leading to different jobs and opportunities, too. I also admire the fact that it isn't too far away from my house and there is some online work, too.
I'm wondering about this summer and what incredible feats of silliness I will have to endure so that my family can stay in the house.
I also am dreaming about working out in the summer in the park near my house. Just to get me through this week, I've thought up a few workouts I can do with some of the equipment I have in backpacks I'd carry over to the park. I think that's a good thing, as at least I'm thinking about the summer, I'm thinking about training and I'm looking forward to being fitter than I am now.
Just need for this snow to get out of the way.
Thursday and Friday I got the early morning stuff done and then has to cruise for the rest of the day. Friday night I had a bit of a session though. Saturday we were back out on the turf at the dome in Burlington. No more black little things all over the place from the turf. Now they are all green.
Sunday was a lot of stretching and recovery work.
Monday and Tuesday I was up stupidly early and had to work in the afternoon.
As mentioned at the start of this blog, if I needed more money, I'd get another job. Well, it came to that and I'm working my March Break. The work itself is not too difficult, and the people are at least very patient with me. Like most jobs, it's leading to different jobs and opportunities, too. I also admire the fact that it isn't too far away from my house and there is some online work, too.
I'm wondering about this summer and what incredible feats of silliness I will have to endure so that my family can stay in the house.
I also am dreaming about working out in the summer in the park near my house. Just to get me through this week, I've thought up a few workouts I can do with some of the equipment I have in backpacks I'd carry over to the park. I think that's a good thing, as at least I'm thinking about the summer, I'm thinking about training and I'm looking forward to being fitter than I am now.
Just need for this snow to get out of the way.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
March 4 and 5
Both good habits and bad habits continue.
Good habits are going to bed early and helping my son to fall asleep and then falling asleep at the same time. Seriously, I don't think I've ever fallen asleep at 10pm as a grown up on this consistent of a basis. Energy levels and levels of being aware are much higher. Bad eating habits while I stay up are a lot harder if I'm asleep, too.
Bad eating habits while I'm awake continue, but I'm taking next week to work on that.
I'm finally seeing some movement on the financial situation in my house. I'm going to have to go and start being more demanding of myself, I guess.
Doing a lot around the house so that it all makes sense to me. Our family can't slide into something crappy. It just can't.
At least I'm getting my morning workouts in. Trying to get evening ones in, but there were just too many people at Cedar Springs on Monday for me. Too many people in the parking lot mean a much higher chance of some asshats being themselves. Instead of working out, I went to the library and marked for two hours. At least I'm caught up for my work.
I've already got a job for March Break, too. Should be interesting at least.
Good habits are going to bed early and helping my son to fall asleep and then falling asleep at the same time. Seriously, I don't think I've ever fallen asleep at 10pm as a grown up on this consistent of a basis. Energy levels and levels of being aware are much higher. Bad eating habits while I stay up are a lot harder if I'm asleep, too.
Bad eating habits while I'm awake continue, but I'm taking next week to work on that.
I'm finally seeing some movement on the financial situation in my house. I'm going to have to go and start being more demanding of myself, I guess.
Doing a lot around the house so that it all makes sense to me. Our family can't slide into something crappy. It just can't.
At least I'm getting my morning workouts in. Trying to get evening ones in, but there were just too many people at Cedar Springs on Monday for me. Too many people in the parking lot mean a much higher chance of some asshats being themselves. Instead of working out, I went to the library and marked for two hours. At least I'm caught up for my work.
I've already got a job for March Break, too. Should be interesting at least.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Feb 25 to March 3
I'm making habits work for me these days. Lots of positive habits and some irritating negative ones.
I'm still getting up early - there were two snow days this week. Monday the 25 and Wed the 27 I was off work, but I still got the morning session in. All the other days, I got at least the morning session done- still the same, elliptical trainer, two minutes on the KB sessions.
On Friday and Sunday, March 3 I got this same session done twice. I'm not sure why I did that, perhaps if only for "I don't want to think and so I will do this session, as it seems to be doing something for me" kind of mentality.
Sunday after noon's session was at Cedar Springs after teaching at my second job. It's weird being able to train there with the sun up, man. I did the first 25 minutes on and off the elliptical and db's. Then the farmers walk/overhead carry, with rows and flies, too. No one was there except me and it was glorious.
My diet continues to be the major negative habit I have yet to may inroads on. I keep leaving myself no time in the mornings to do anything positive. Lunches are the same and dinner is usually a disaster.
I'm hoping with next week off, I can make some changes there. I'm also hoping that with next week being warmer, the ice and snow can all melt and I can start to run outside.
and here is a story related to the pic.
and a follow up here.
I'm still getting up early - there were two snow days this week. Monday the 25 and Wed the 27 I was off work, but I still got the morning session in. All the other days, I got at least the morning session done- still the same, elliptical trainer, two minutes on the KB sessions.
On Friday and Sunday, March 3 I got this same session done twice. I'm not sure why I did that, perhaps if only for "I don't want to think and so I will do this session, as it seems to be doing something for me" kind of mentality.
Sunday after noon's session was at Cedar Springs after teaching at my second job. It's weird being able to train there with the sun up, man. I did the first 25 minutes on and off the elliptical and db's. Then the farmers walk/overhead carry, with rows and flies, too. No one was there except me and it was glorious.
My diet continues to be the major negative habit I have yet to may inroads on. I keep leaving myself no time in the mornings to do anything positive. Lunches are the same and dinner is usually a disaster.
I'm hoping with next week off, I can make some changes there. I'm also hoping that with next week being warmer, the ice and snow can all melt and I can start to run outside.
and here is a story related to the pic.
and a follow up here.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Feb 19 to 24
So ... the Tuesday to Sunday this last week wasn't bad for training. I can't say I did a lot of actual lifting, but at least I'm getting my sweat on.
I mean, just doing sessions on a machine are boring, so a good number of the sessions you see above are HIIT sessions I run, with 2 minutes on the ellitical or other machine and then two minutes of kettlebell moves.
Each two minute session I do:
10 one armed KB snatch
10 one arm KB press
10 two handed KB skull crushers
and if there is time, I do alternating KB Swings or American KB swings ... or something cool.
Usually I'm working with the 40 lb Dumbbell when at Cedar Springs, or with the yellow kettlebell if I'm at home.
I watched The Shawshank Redemption these days while training at my house. It was pretty awesome.
via GIPHY
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Feb 4 to Feb 18
Yeah, illness and snow days are no joke. Got pushed off my routine by a number of snow storms and an illness I just can't seem to shake off of me.
Ugh.
Ugh.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Jan 22 to Feb 3
Lot of morning elliptical training these days. It's too snowy out to go outside and waaaaay too cold.
Seriously, it was -30 with the windchill here last week - it was awful. So, I protected myself and trained in my garage or at Cedar Springs.
Elliptical sessions tend to run in the 25-30 minute range and I'm barely making that. It's boring but warm. I'm pretty sure I'll be running outside as soon as the weather calms down and I won't kill myself on a patch of ice.
I had a nightmare about that the other day. Not a pleasant thing to think about.
Anyway, lots of training and the rugby guys are getting together Tuesdays .... tomorrow... starting now. Which sucks, as I am unable to do Tuesdays. As I already usually do Mondays and Wednesdays out. And Thursdays. And Fridays.....
You get the picture.
Finally, I want to point out that at the start of this blog, I indicated that all of this is a privilege to do - that I was happy that I had a job that allowed me to do these things on the regular. If I needed more money, why I get another job. That day came recently, so now I have three jobs. and looking for a fourth.
Sucks, but I gotta get that wolf away from my door.
Seriously, it was -30 with the windchill here last week - it was awful. So, I protected myself and trained in my garage or at Cedar Springs.
Elliptical sessions tend to run in the 25-30 minute range and I'm barely making that. It's boring but warm. I'm pretty sure I'll be running outside as soon as the weather calms down and I won't kill myself on a patch of ice.
I had a nightmare about that the other day. Not a pleasant thing to think about.
Anyway, lots of training and the rugby guys are getting together Tuesdays .... tomorrow... starting now. Which sucks, as I am unable to do Tuesdays. As I already usually do Mondays and Wednesdays out. And Thursdays. And Fridays.....
You get the picture.
Finally, I want to point out that at the start of this blog, I indicated that all of this is a privilege to do - that I was happy that I had a job that allowed me to do these things on the regular. If I needed more money, why I get another job. That day came recently, so now I have three jobs. and looking for a fourth.
Sucks, but I gotta get that wolf away from my door.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Jan 14 to 21
Lots of work on the elliptical in the mornings these days. Usually about 25 minutes, but I know that if I give myself a bit more time, I'll fill it with more cardio.
Wednesday the 16th was my usual killer workout. 55 minutes of kettlebells - I used 45 and 35 lb dumb bells - and farmers walks - used 50 lb dbs ... and then a finisher on the Jacbob's ladder.
I hate that machine, man. But, it gets my heart rate up over 160 bpm and that is what I want these days.
Anyway, the next few days after that were all cardio in the morning, if I could. Work and family life were killer until Sunday when I got a couple of pretty good workouts done. I'm getting angry with my Polar Loop as it does an excellent job of interrupting my iPhone's ability to connect with the heart rate monitor thingy on my chest. A few times this week it interrupted and the monitor stopped.
Drag, but I found a workaround so I'm happy.
Monday I was back at Cedar Springs and got a light workout in - I had to be a dad and I had to get some work done, too.
 |
| A killer |
I hate that machine, man. But, it gets my heart rate up over 160 bpm and that is what I want these days.
Anyway, the next few days after that were all cardio in the morning, if I could. Work and family life were killer until Sunday when I got a couple of pretty good workouts done. I'm getting angry with my Polar Loop as it does an excellent job of interrupting my iPhone's ability to connect with the heart rate monitor thingy on my chest. A few times this week it interrupted and the monitor stopped.
Drag, but I found a workaround so I'm happy.
Monday I was back at Cedar Springs and got a light workout in - I had to be a dad and I had to get some work done, too.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Jan 9 to 13
Wendesday I had a killer session. 55 minutes of treadmill and kettlebell intervals, then farmers walks and bench flies.
I was dead afterwards and I ran out of time to do much else. I usually take Wednesdays to do work after work, but I just took too long for this workout. I mean I was mostly caught up with work thanks to the Christmas break, but it's always good to stay ahead of the game.
I was pretty happy with how my body worked during and after the workout. No pain during and nopain the next day. Soreness I expect, but nothing much. I didn't even take ibuprofin for pain.
Thursday was a drag and had to run around before work and after work I had an ASL class. Yup, I'm taking a class to learn American Sign Language. The instructor was very good and I'm learning with one of my kids. I'm stoked.
Friday was another show before work and so did not get the walk/run in I wanted to. I did get a training session done in the evening.
Saturday I was back at the Burlington Beach. It's something I now kind of look forward to as a part of the week. Sunrise was merely ok, but I got a chance to get there and just see it for myself. I did have an issue with the HR monitor linking to my Loop and not my iPhone, but that was ok.
Sunday was a nice and easy training session at Cedar Springs. Same sort of session as on Wednesday, but lighter and shorter. I had stuff to get done.
What I do need to try and remember when training at Cedar Springs is to use the Jacob's Ladder as a finisher to my workouts. I'd like to extend the sessions to at least 55 minutes. I need the sessions that long for weight loss and fitness.
I was dead afterwards and I ran out of time to do much else. I usually take Wednesdays to do work after work, but I just took too long for this workout. I mean I was mostly caught up with work thanks to the Christmas break, but it's always good to stay ahead of the game.
I was pretty happy with how my body worked during and after the workout. No pain during and nopain the next day. Soreness I expect, but nothing much. I didn't even take ibuprofin for pain.
Thursday was a drag and had to run around before work and after work I had an ASL class. Yup, I'm taking a class to learn American Sign Language. The instructor was very good and I'm learning with one of my kids. I'm stoked.
Friday was another show before work and so did not get the walk/run in I wanted to. I did get a training session done in the evening.
Saturday I was back at the Burlington Beach. It's something I now kind of look forward to as a part of the week. Sunrise was merely ok, but I got a chance to get there and just see it for myself. I did have an issue with the HR monitor linking to my Loop and not my iPhone, but that was ok.
Sunday was a nice and easy training session at Cedar Springs. Same sort of session as on Wednesday, but lighter and shorter. I had stuff to get done.
What I do need to try and remember when training at Cedar Springs is to use the Jacob's Ladder as a finisher to my workouts. I'd like to extend the sessions to at least 55 minutes. I need the sessions that long for weight loss and fitness.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Dec 30 to Jan 8
Happy New Year, everyone!
Not a bad few days - the Polar Flow app is letting me know what I was planning. I saw the calendar and saw what I have left to do before the start of the rugby season.
And so, I got back to deadlifting and doing a lot more kettlebell activities.
I was on break until Monday, and that was awesome. Sunrise walks on the beach nearly every day was pretty cool. My family is struggling with the return to school, but I've been up and at them early every day since their break began.
Lots of lifts - got the Apple TV working in the garage gym, too. I've been watching some great Netflix movies while spending time on the elliptical and lifting kettlebells.
I did get back to doing this for 30 minutes, too:
5-8 deadlifts
10-15 TRX BW rows
15 push ups
20 KB swings - using the new green kettlebells
20 step ups
5-8 seated bent db reverse flies
The last one was added to help with getting thicker delts and rhomboids. I just need them to stop being so annoyed with my efforts, though.
Not a bad few days - the Polar Flow app is letting me know what I was planning. I saw the calendar and saw what I have left to do before the start of the rugby season.
And so, I got back to deadlifting and doing a lot more kettlebell activities.
I was on break until Monday, and that was awesome. Sunrise walks on the beach nearly every day was pretty cool. My family is struggling with the return to school, but I've been up and at them early every day since their break began.
Lots of lifts - got the Apple TV working in the garage gym, too. I've been watching some great Netflix movies while spending time on the elliptical and lifting kettlebells.
I did get back to doing this for 30 minutes, too:
5-8 deadlifts
10-15 TRX BW rows
15 push ups
20 KB swings - using the new green kettlebells
20 step ups
5-8 seated bent db reverse flies
The last one was added to help with getting thicker delts and rhomboids. I just need them to stop being so annoyed with my efforts, though.
I am running into some difficulty with the Polar H7 HR monitor, though. Seems the Polar Loop wants to take over for my iPhone 6 all the time. Even after the workout is done, the Loop will hook up to the monitor and record my HR on the drive home from the beach. One night session on the elliptical I had to take the Loop off and have the iPhone beside me as I did the workout. Quirky but ok, I suppose.
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