Languish.org

Here we go again. What is everyone up to to avoid being found slumped over their keyboards with a spilled double-mocha latte and a rotting pile of pizza boxes?

I'm training for an adventure race (including cycling, running and kayaking) in June and a half marathon in October. Leading up to the latter I feel a 5K and a couple of 10Ks coming on. Trying to get my general speed and endurance up, and weight down, to avoid a repeat of last year's marathon debacle.

I'm running three times a week on a run/walk to run 10K programme with upper body and core work after the shorter sessions. Doing a couple of circuit-style classes and a recovery swim, and walking at lunchtime if I haven't had a chance to get about much.

I'm also recording all calories eaten and burned on an online and phone app. I know from experience I have to get anal (fnarr fnarr) to lose weight. 4lbs down, another 30 to go. I think I saw an ab the other day. Another five to find under the flab.

Mostly doing aerobics/pilates videos right now. When it gets warm enough outside(hopefully in next few weeks), I'll incorporate some jogging and occasional basketball.

I had a couple obstructions lately, one bad enough to merit nasogastric intubation for a couple days. That one cost me most of what I had achieved at that point. However I kept at it and I'm now at the best shape I've been in years.

The downside is I need to go renew all my wardrobe (I hate shopping). I don't fit in what clothes I have anymore. Not to mention I don't know how much more I'll bulk up.

I've been changing my diet for the past week. Less fat, less sugar, more fruits and veggies, and a reduced caloric intake. Hasn't been too bad so far, mostly because I pick healthy stuff I like and don't have "verboten" myself anything, so I have a piece of chocolate (as opposed to the full 100g) when I have a craving. Also, the occasional junk food is also ok - I mainly have to quit "all junk, all the time". No problems stixking to it so far.

Mornings are whole grain and fruit müsli with soy yoghurt (prefer milk yoghurt, but my tummy doesn't like that), a slice of pumpernickel with turkey or chicken sausage, and a fruit or veggie (apple, tomato, bell pepper ... ); total of ca. 500 kcal that keeps me pretty satiated till lunch time.

Lunch is going out with co-workers, so I don't have a good idea of how much intake that is, but I try to pick healthier stuff; though I don't manage to eat the whole dish anymore in many cases. In the evening another slice of pumpernickel with sausage, some veggies and maybe some canned tuna (without oil). In between fruit or veggies as snacks (tomato, plums, apples, pears or similar) when I feel hungry.

Also, yesterday my dumbells and cycling machine were delivered. After consulting various sites and boards I've come up with a training regimen for the upper body (dumbells) that covers all muscle groups, plus an hour of cycling. I did it yesterday for the first time and feel like I've been through the grinder today. I will do that training three times a week (this week tue/thu/sat, then always mon/wed/fri).

All I need now is a set of scales. I think I'm somewhere between 130 and 140 kg, but I don't know. :unsure:

Goal is long term weight loss, no crash diet. Pants size is 42/32, want to get back to 38/32 at least. And sweaters from XXXL to XL again.

I buggered my knee doing high-impact classes and DVDs so I'm reduced to walking and swimming for my aerobic exercise, and I'm not convinced cycling is a great idea either. I really need to step up the resistance training to keep ticking over.

You don't look that big Syt, you must carry it well. You might want to try MyFitnessPal - a linked phone app and site. Really easy and healthy calories in/out goal setting and tracking.

Quote from: Brazen on March 30, 2011, 05:55:19 AM
I buggered my knee doing high-impact classes and DVDs so I'm reduced to walking and swimming for my aerobic exercise, and I'm not convinced cycling is a great idea either. I really need to step up the resistance training to keep ticking over.

You don't look that big Syt, you must carry it well. You might want to try MyFitnessPal - a linked phone app and site. Really easy and healthy calories in/out goal setting and tracking.

What, in your current injured state or generally ?

I've done about 250 miles on the bike this month, not much but enough to ward off the pizza boxes; saw friend yesterday who I hadn't seen in a while and she said I was looking fit and healthy, so I must be doing ok.

Quote from: Brazen on March 30, 2011, 05:55:19 AM
I buggered my knee doing high-impact classes and DVDs so I'm reduced to walking and swimming for my aerobic exercise, and I'm not convinced cycling is a great idea either. I really need to step up the resistance training to keep ticking over.

You don't look that big Syt, you must carry it well. You might want to try MyFitnessPal - a linked phone app and site. Really easy and healthy calories in/out goal setting and tracking.

I gained 5 or 10 kg the past year or so. Possible 15 kg since we last saw each other, most of it gut. Thanks for the link I will check it out.

Bought bathroom scales. 130 kg/288 lbs/20 stone 8 is the starting point.

I'm on my second week of going to the gym 3-4/wk.

I lost a bunch of weight, but just noticed that I had gained a few pounds over my target - probably because basketball season has ended and I didn't replace it with anything.

Definitely going to need to start some semi-regular exercise for the off season.

I drastically changed my diet starting on 10 January, started to weigh myself every day in the morning and evening and write a list of what exactly I ate during the day and what I weigh. That allowed me to lose about 14 kg ~ 30 lbs since. I was close to obesity then and am close to normal weight now. I aim at losing a further 5 kg ~ 11 lbs, which seems doable based on the progress so far. I hope to achieve that in the next 2-3 months, which seems realistic even considering the "dimishing return" effect from dieting.

As I sustained my changed diet for about 3 months now I expect that I can keep it up further. I basically only stopped buying sweets (still eat them when e.g. my colleagues bring some to work) and opted for low fat variants of my favorite foods instead of the normal fat variant. I also abolished breakfast most days as I usually only get hungry around 11:30 am and we go to lunch at work around noon anyway. I also reduced the amount of carbs I eat in the evening (eating less bread basically).

Presently cutting, daily 500 calories deficit to maintain as much muscle mass as possible. Changed my whole diet to include way more vegetables. The target is 20% body fat after three months, then alternating to muscle hypertrophy for the next few months before cutting again.

I also made my routine myself, changed my workout routine to 3 times per week, two body parts per day (chest/triceps, back/biceps, shoulders/legs). Despite cutting I still increase my weights, which is a good sign that I maintain my muscle mass successfully.

When I started I was at about 215 pounds (97 kg) for slightly less than 6 feet tall. at roughly 26% body fat. I lost about 15 pounds since February, and now around 200 pounds (91 kg). Next check for body fat count this Monday.

On top of the 22 miles I cycled to the boozer last night, I did another 37 miles on errands this afternoon, for an English April day it was quite warm.   :bowler:

Due to vegetarianism yet a dislike of many vegetables, my major source of protein is Reese's cups.

However, I'm doing daily calisthenics, and soon I'll be totally ripped.  Actual physical health is rather unimportant (I'm basically fine), but like great thinker Lester Burnham, I basically want to look good naked.

I've gotten up to jogging half a mile before my lungs revolt. Down to 215 lbs. Would like to lose another 15-20 or so.

Quote from: Ideologue on April 09, 2011, 05:17:11 PM
Due to vegetarianism yet a dislike of many vegetables, my major source of protein is Reese's cups.

:lol:

Shine on you crazy diamond.

Quote from: Ideologue on April 09, 2011, 05:17:11 PM
Due to vegetarianism yet a dislike of many vegetables, my major source of protein is Reese's cups.

I spent my time as a vegetarian eating salads, tofu, fries and soft-serve ice cream. :hug:

Just came back from the St. Louis Half-Marathon. 1 hour 55 minutes.  :cool:

I'm gonna hurt tomorrow at work though.......

I am in better shape than five years ago. Which is good, when you hit 35.

Still not completely happy about my weight, but I doubt I will ever be.

I'm having a rest day, I've done 150miles this week and my body tells me thats enough/too much. :oldage:

I'm doing some Yoga and some aerobics and a bit of weight training.  More walking.

Ops, things have slipped a bit, I've managed to do a bit over 350 miles on the bike so far this month, a lot of it is off road, so not too bad.

Max and I are doing the half-marathon on Saturday.  :ph34r:

I spent 10 days on the road trying out the best Biscuits and Gravy in Alaskan restaurants and Diners :lol:

Otherwise doing well as been walking/running couple miles a day and now with spring in full effect here in Anchorage breaking out the bike for summer, and plan to hit surrounding mountains for hiking.

How did you and Max do in the half Mara, Meri? :)

Just checked out FunkMonk's time which was awesome, sorry I missed it at the time.

Up to running 40 minute on my couch to 10K programme, but haven't actually entered any 10K yet! I have a 15K night hike, a 5K charity race and an adventure race involving running, cycling and kayaking lined up over the next couple of months, then a half mara in October.

I'm also using an online tool to track calories in and out. I've lost 11lbs so far and I'm fitting back into summer clothes that I couldn't wear last year :) Only about another 30lbs to go :bleeding:

I fucked up my back and haven't worked out in a week.  <_<

Quote from: Brazen on April 26, 2011, 03:54:31 AM
How did you and Max do in the half Mara, Meri? :)

It's this Saturday. Given that I'm still recovering from the car accident, I really have no idea how I'll do. I wasn't doing great training for it before, so I'm sure it'll suck. Max is in far better shape than I am, but he usually sticks with me to help me get through it.

I'll let you know once the scores are up.  :ph34r:

Race starts in T minus one hour.  :ph34r:

One of these days, I'm actually going to train for these things...

So I just finished my fourth session with the personal trainer. I definitely do harder stuff than I'd do on my own. He is pushing me hard. :ph34r:

Did 13-14 km or something like that in the forest today. Weather was absolutely lovely. I feel like I'm early this year in getting into shape. Usually I don't feel this strong and fit until around June already.

My goal for the season is 2.45 or better at Lidingöloppet, a 30 km cross country race. I'll make sure I get to the finish line early, though, because crowding is a b***h. May do a 10 km race next weekend for fun.

Does anyone have any opinions on a good programme for the upper body? I have an indoor pool near here, but the gym is expensive there, and I dislike going places to work out, so I'd like at-home exercises best. I look like a stick with legs, basically.

I'm tired. My body hurts. My feet have blisters. But damnit, I did it... and in the time I wanted, too.

Unofficial time: 3:22

13.1 miles is a LONG fucking way

Quote from: merithyn on April 30, 2011, 12:19:55 PM
I'm tired. My body hurts. My feet have blisters. But damnit, I did it... and in the time I wanted, too.

Unofficial time: 3:22

13.1 miles is a LONG fucking way

Congrats! Half a marathon isn't something you run without having trouble walking down stairs afterwards.

I always thought people walked at about 5mph.  Is this not actually true?

Edit: oh, it's five kilometers an hour.

15 minute miles are a pretty good pace for walking.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 30, 2011, 04:39:52 PM
15 minute miles are a pretty good pace for walking.

We thought so. Max beat us by about five minutes. He'd have done better but he stayed behind a good while to make sure my friend and I were okay.

We're already planning on next year. Christ, we're masochists....  <_<

I consider moving my exercise to a quasi-daily schedule. I find that biking for 45-60 minutes three times a week takes a bit too much spare time out of me. I consider going daily Mon-Fri, with rest on Sat/Sun; keeping the weight exercises as are (3 sets of 10 repetitions for 5 exercises for the upper body) and moving to 25-30 minutes of biking per day, with maybe a harder program.

Any comments from the training experienced crowd?

That's an amazing time Meri, I did the first half of last year's marathon in 3:15, and that was run-walk intervals :blush:

Got my half in October, I'm aiming for 2:45, again doing run/walk intervals.

Syt, go for it but try to keep up a minimum of 30 minutes. Try the first half at steady state then do really tough intervals, say sprint as fast as you can for 30 seconds, recover for 90 seconds, go on as high a resistance as you can for 30 seconds, rest for 90, rinse and repeat. Umm, this is if you're on an exercise bike, if outside seek out hills.

Also no need for a complete day off, just have an easy walk or swim if you fancy, keeps the metabolism up on your rest day without tiring you out.

Try exercises that combine an aerobic element with resistance. I'm massively into kettlebell swings at the moment. 3 * 30 of those suckers using as heavy a weight as you can manage and you'll really feel it!

Off running before it gets too hot. After a warm-up, I've got intervals of 10, 15, 20 and 10 minutes running. Taking water!

Thanks for the suggestions, B. My current program on the exercise bike is seven minutes on Level 3, then going up in steps to 7, then back down to 5 and again up to 10 where I stay for 2 minutes before going back to 3. I try to maintain ca. 85-90 rpm, or 30+ kph of speed.

Tested the old bike out, (and me), to see if it was up to some cycle touring; loaded it up with 45lbs of panniers and equipment, left home at 4.15pm, headed over to the dorset downlands, found the old roman road, fairly tough going, eventually got to the campsite at just before 8pm, had an uneventful night.

Left just after noon next day, got a fair way down to roman road before having to turn off, conditions got a bit worse, very hot for a early may day, I've never seen the countryside this dry, the chalk tracks had turned to something approaching concrete with flints sticking out of it, eventually had to abandon the uplands before my tires were torn to pieces, so headed down to the tarrant river valley before making my way home along the old road by the Stour. 

Made it home without a single puncture !

By my estimate I covered about 63 miles in the 24 hour period, though the off road miles were a lot harder, 45lbs of kit is definitely too much to carry on one bike for someone of my age.  :Embarrass:

edit:
boring video of bike trip:
edit:
a 'third' video isn't of me being the worst for wear, but rather me being warn out in the countryside, its a youtube playlist:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A74F3CE05D94B566 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A74F3CE05D94B566)

Rode the bike 22 miles today.  Went over 50 for the week.  Feels good, now if it would just stop snowing I would be able to really bike.

Drank half a case of beer today.  Ate pot roast, prosciutto, cheese, and mini-cupcakes.  Followed by fat-free fudgesicle and Glenmorangie (am on DIET).

Quote from: Scipio on May 08, 2011, 09:03:37 PM
Drank half a case of beer today.  Ate pot roast, prosciutto, cheese, and mini-cupcakes.  Followed by fat-free fudgesicle and Glenmorangie (am on DIET).

Was the fat free food good?

I think the sugar in the half case of beer sort of spoiled the diet. :D

Dr.'s appt tomorrow and I just realized I forgot to get my bloodwork done a few weeks ago (so it'd be ready for the Doc) d'oh. My weight is stable, and I have been eating better the last month or so, than say the previous 6-8 months. Still not getting enough exercise though. too flabby. It's just now though starting to bug me, the flab. I feel energetic enough to start exercising more, but am very very intimidated by gyms. I'm such a quitter, i feel I'll just end up being one of those people who pays and never goes to the gym.

I need to find some resolve in regards to the exercising thing.

Wangled a free PT session at the gym last night. There was a lot of boxing and hitting with the VIPR and dangling of the TRX suspension system. I probably shouldn't have had half an hour on the treadmill first! My butt is serious kicked.

Not getting very far at the moment, seem to be doing just 10-15 miles a day on the bike; need a new challenge.  :hmm:

Try jogging and swimming.

My sister just linked to this blog on facebook. :hmm:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

Quote from: blog ladyStick with it. Can't manage a minute?

Or just fall over dead.

Although I'm still amazed that I can still run a mile without stopping.  Not in any spectacular time (I think it was like eight or nine minutes?) but I thought my lungs were shattered by this point.  If I get them back in working order, I don't have to quit smoking, yes? :hmm:

Running on a treadmill--it was actually the first time I've been to the apartment's "gym" in a while.  Could not make heads nor tails of many of the weight machines, so just did chest presses, leg lifts, and some sort of curling bar thing.

Am presently doing 110 situps a day, and think I may go ahead and do another 110 to make for a somewhat spotty past week. :blush:

Popped out on the bike this afternoon to do some shopping, did about 30-35 miles, quite windy but a nice little trip.

Quote from: Ideologue on May 17, 2011, 11:26:56 AM

Quote from: blog ladyStick with it. Can't manage a minute?

Or just fall over dead.

Although I'm still amazed that I can still run a mile without stopping.  Not in any spectacular time (I think it was like eight or nine minutes?) but I thought my lungs were shattered by this point.  If I get them back in working order, I don't have to quit smoking, yes? :hmm:

Running on a treadmill--it was actually the first time I've been to the apartment's "gym" in a while.  Could not make heads nor tails of many of the weight machines, so just did chest presses, leg lifts, and some sort of curling bar thing.

Am presently doing 110 situps a day, and think I may go ahead and do another 110 to make for a somewhat spotty past week. :blush:

You know the "blog lady" is Brazen, right?

Quote from: merithyn on May 17, 2011, 02:59:52 PM
You know the "blog lady" is Brazen, right?

Ide don't you know her name and what she looks like from FB?

Anyway back to the gym for me.  Very excited to get back working out.

Quote from: Ideologue on May 17, 2011, 11:26:56 AM
...
Running on a treadmill--it was actually the first time I've been to the apartment's "gym" in a while.  Could not make heads nor tails of many of the weight machines, so just did chest presses, leg lifts, and some sort of curling bar thing.

Am presently doing 110 situps a day, and think I may go ahead and do another 110 to make for a somewhat spotty past week. :blush:

Haven't you tried running outside, or am I missing something ?

When I used to run, I loved nothing better than going out run in a real downpour or a thunderstorm.

Have been doing some MMA training for the last month in my workout resting days: Brazilian Jiu-jitsu on Saturdays, Muay Thai on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sparred last week, only body blows allowed, and it turned into a brawl quickly.

I always get out of my BJJ course with at least one injury somewhere, not that I care though.

Quote from: merithyn on May 17, 2011, 02:59:52 PM

Quote from: Ideologue on May 17, 2011, 11:26:56 AM

Quote from: blog ladyStick with it. Can't manage a minute?

Or just fall over dead.

Although I'm still amazed that I can still run a mile without stopping.  Not in any spectacular time (I think it was like eight or nine minutes?) but I thought my lungs were shattered by this point.  If I get them back in working order, I don't have to quit smoking, yes? :hmm:

Running on a treadmill--it was actually the first time I've been to the apartment's "gym" in a while.  Could not make heads nor tails of many of the weight machines, so just did chest presses, leg lifts, and some sort of curling bar thing.

Am presently doing 110 situps a day, and think I may go ahead and do another 110 to make for a somewhat spotty past week. :blush:

You know the "blog lady" is Brazen, right?

Well, it's obvious now.  Sorry, B, I didn't look at the picture. :)

Quote from: ValmyIde don't you know her name and what she looks like from FB?

I'm not on Facebook.  I do know what Brazen looks like and I vaguely recall her real name, but again, didn't look at the picutre. :P

Quote from: mongersHaven't you tried running outside, or am I missing something ?

When I used to run, I loved nothing better than going out run in a real downpour or a thunderstorm.

That's because you're an odd man, Moriarty. :hmm:

No, as I see it, there are several advantages to using a treadmill: 1) accurate measurement of "distance" traveled, 2)enforcing a pace--I find it difficult to just jog, instead of sprint, when left to my own devices; 3)being in an air-conditioned room while I run; 4)not looking like a pussy in public.  Also, I mainly wanted to go to the gym to work on my biceps, so I was already there.

Anyway, it wasn't obvious at the time, but my calves have hurt like a motherfucker the past two days.

Quote from: Maximus on May 17, 2011, 11:15:37 AM
My sister just linked to this blog on facebook. :hmm:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

:lol: That's really funny. I got some rave reviews and people getting in touch saying it had inspired them to run but I didn't know it had gone viral! Fancy it finding its way back here!

Quote from: Ideologue on May 19, 2011, 09:11:28 AM
I'm not on Facebook.  I do know what Brazen looks like and I vaguely recall her real name, but again, didn't look at the picutre. :P

Ah for some reason I always thought you were but I guess that was just Korea.

Quote from: Valmy on May 19, 2011, 10:06:30 AM

Quote from: Ideologue on May 19, 2011, 09:11:28 AM
I'm not on Facebook.  I do know what Brazen looks like and I vaguely recall her real name, but again, didn't look at the picutre. :P

Ah for some reason I always thought you were but I guess that was just Korea.

I technically am, I guess.  I still have an account, but haven't used it in at least four years.

Quote from: Ideologue on May 19, 2011, 09:11:28 AM
That's because you're an odd man, Moriarty. :hmm:

No, as I see it, there are several advantages to using a treadmill: 1) accurate measurement of "distance" traveled, 2)enforcing a pace--I find it difficult to just jog, instead of sprint, when left to my own devices; 3)being in an air-conditioned room while I run; 4)not looking like a pussy in public.  Also, I mainly wanted to go to the gym to work on my biceps, so I was already there.

Anyway, it wasn't obvious at the time, but my calves have hurt like a motherfucker the past two days.

Listen here young'un  <_<, I was once fit enough that rather than walk, I used to run everywhere, none of this was for exercise, but once you reach a certain level of fitness, stuff like that is just more fun. 
So I'd say to you take it outside, as soon as you feel comfortable and you'll start enjoying it more.

Quote from: mongers on May 19, 2011, 03:25:33 PM

I was once fit enough that rather than walk, I used to run everywhere, none of this was for exercise,

Actually, running everywhere does seem odd, maybe Ide has a point.  :P Though I've often thought it would be great to run to work in the morning--a great way to stay in shape while also saving some time. But it is a bit far for that, and I would have to run with a spare change of clothes/shoes/etc.

I'm running a 10k in a bit over a month and it is killing me to clock 3 miles in 30 minutes on a treadmill. I think I'm in trouble.

Quote from: alfred russel on May 19, 2011, 04:32:44 PM

Quote from: mongers on May 19, 2011, 03:25:33 PM

I was once fit enough that rather than walk, I used to run everywhere, none of this was for exercise,

Actually, running everywhere does seem odd, maybe Ide has a point.  :P Though I've often thought it would be great to run to work in the morning--a great way to stay in shape while also saving some time. But it is a bit far for that, and I would have to run with a spare change of clothes/shoes/etc.

I'm running a 10k in a bit over a month and it is killing me to clock 3 miles in 30 minutes on a treadmill. I think I'm in trouble.

I didn't mean that literally, obviously I still had cars/trucks/bikes to get places, but if I was out shopping or had to go into town to do the banking I'd run there, or run between the shops, rather than walking. Or run everywhere at work rather than walk, which I got into trouble for on an construction engineering site.

Quote from: mongers on May 19, 2011, 04:36:46 PM

I didn't mean that literally, obviously I still had cars/trucks/bikes to get places, but if I was out shopping or had to go into town to do the banking I'd run there, or run between the shops, rather than walking. Or run everywhere at work rather than walk, which I got into trouble for on an construction engineering site.

That is what I was assuming when I was saying it seemed a bit odd.  :P But maybe things are different in England.

Quote from: alfred russel on May 19, 2011, 04:42:28 PM

Quote from: mongers on May 19, 2011, 04:36:46 PM

I didn't mean that literally, obviously I still had cars/trucks/bikes to get places, but if I was out shopping or had to go into town to do the banking I'd run there, or run between the shops, rather than walking. Or run everywhere at work rather than walk, which I got into trouble for on an construction engineering site.

That is what I was assuming when I was saying it seemed a bit odd.  :P But maybe things are different in England.

No, I think it was just me enjoying what turned out to be a brief period of my life, say 2 years I was pretty fit.

Now I don't think I could run 1/2 mile  :(, though thats largely because cycling seems to use a different combination of muscles.

Just played some b-ball, first time since last fall. Damn, teenagers can be obnoxious.  :rolleyes: Played for close to an hour, but only played well(for me that is) for the first 10 minutes or so.  :Embarrass:

Popped out on the bike this evening to deliver a key to a friends and get in a quick 20 odd miles; fantastic evening to be out and about, must make the effort to get out every evening between now and the solstice.

Have any of you running types get sucked into the latest trend of barefoot or "minimalist" running?

I know many see it as a religion or a crappy faddish, hipster/hippie trend, but....

I could not really go full barefoot, and I did try those Vibram five-fingers toe-shoes, but could not stand the toe-shoe part.  I did get some running shoes that are designed more for running on your fore/mid foot, and having changed my running style that way over the last few months, have notice much less nagging knee pain than I usually get after running.

The calves burn something fierce, though.

I've moved to mid-foot running and seem to get a lot less nagging aches and injuries. I didn't move to minimalist shoes, though. I'm old and heavy and not ready for a hip replacement yet!

Some of my friends adore Vibrams and other shoes with next to no sole. There's anecdotal evidence you could end up damaging your joints or with severe shin splints unless you only run on grass or sand.

You might find the Vibram/New Balance trail running shoes are up your street.

My running goes allright. Up to 30 km, max 40 a week. I'm intrigued by the new front-foot running shoes, still I've read it takes a lot of patience to change your running style for them, and build muscle where you need it.

Trying to get to my schedule of last year with a half-marathon three times a week combined with working out at the gym 3 times a week. Almost there although I´m not as quick as I was in the fall. Got some good hope I can beat my time from last year though its probably gonna take a couple of months to get there.

Working out everyday again.  Thank Hod for the gym.

My wife is to though which makes me very happy.

Weird popped out to a mates house this earlier this evening, took me 1hour 15minutes on a bike for the round trip, a whole 15 minutes quicker than the exact same journey under similar condition I did 4-5 days ago, though this time it was hotter and more humid. 

On the fastest journey I used an old girls bike I found around the back of the shed, rather knackered, but it must be that drop handle bars makes all the difference. :hmm:

Damn, had a target to cyle 400 miles a month for April, May and June, missed the 1200 mile target by 35miles.  :(

Turns out I've lost 15 pounds in the month of June, What. The. Fuck.  :huh:

Do my workout and you will be in shape:

1- 300 push ups
2- 300 sit ups
3- 5 mile run

Do the push ups and sit ups together.
My first set is 70 push ups, I turn around without stopping, and I do 70 sit ups.
This is a near max out PT test right there.
Next set is 50 and 50.
Then 30 and 30.
Then 25 and 25 twice.
Then 20 and 20 for 5 times.
Then go and run 5 miles in under 40 minutes.

Quote from: Siege on July 01, 2011, 04:38:24 PM
My first set is 70 push ups, I turn around without stopping, and I do 70 sit ups.

Seems odd to do those at a one-to-one ratio when situps are way easier.  :hmm:


Today, I did a 20 minute pilates video and didn't eat too much.

Today, jogged a mile and a half and lifted my dumbbells for a bit.

I ran a 10k in 55:40. I'm getting closer to my goal of under 50.

Quote from: alfred russel on July 12, 2011, 10:18:54 AM
I ran a 10k in 55:40. I'm getting closer to my goal of under 50.

That's already a pretty awesome time!

I've now lost 20lbs/9kg and finding running a lot easier. Which is just as well as I've embarked on a training plan for a half-marathon in October.

And I can now do 10 consecutive full push ups. Hey, I'm a girl!

Quote from: Brazen on July 12, 2011, 11:17:11 AM

Quote from: alfred russel on July 12, 2011, 10:18:54 AM
I ran a 10k in 55:40. I'm getting closer to my goal of under 50.

That's already a pretty awesome time!

I've now lost 20lbs/9kg and finding running a lot easier. Which is just as well as I've embarked on a training plan for a half-marathon in October.

And I can now do 10 consecutive full push ups. Hey, I'm a girl!

I run the half-marathon 3 times a week.  :showoff:

You're not from Kenya by any chance?

Quote from: Brazen on July 12, 2011, 11:17:11 AM

Quote from: alfred russel on July 12, 2011, 10:18:54 AM
I ran a 10k in 55:40. I'm getting closer to my goal of under 50.

That's already a pretty awesome time!

I've now lost 20lbs/9kg and finding running a lot easier. Which is just as well as I've embarked on a training plan for a half-marathon in October.

And I can now do 10 consecutive full push ups. Hey, I'm a girl!

Thanks, but that last 5:40 is going to be tough to drop.

Cecil and Brazen, my knees ache for both of you!  :P

Quote from: alfred russel on July 12, 2011, 08:50:25 PM

Quote from: Brazen on July 12, 2011, 11:17:11 AM

Quote from: alfred russel on July 12, 2011, 10:18:54 AM
I ran a 10k in 55:40. I'm getting closer to my goal of under 50.

That's already a pretty awesome time!

I've now lost 20lbs/9kg and finding running a lot easier. Which is just as well as I've embarked on a training plan for a half-marathon in October.

And I can now do 10 consecutive full push ups. Hey, I'm a girl!

Thanks, but that last 5:40 is going to be tough to drop.

Cecil and Brazen, my knees ache for both of you!  :P

Funny you should mention that. My bad left knee was the reason I started running. I got the advice of a footie coach that running was good for bad knees as strengthened legmuscles removes a lot of the pressure on the knee in your every day life. I was sceptical to say the least but he was right. In a month the pain was gone, though now I´m forced to keep running for the rest of my days.

Quote from: Cecil on July 13, 2011, 10:36:18 AM

Quote from: alfred russel on July 12, 2011, 08:50:25 PM

Quote from: Brazen on July 12, 2011, 11:17:11 AM

Quote from: alfred russel on July 12, 2011, 10:18:54 AM
I ran a 10k in 55:40. I'm getting closer to my goal of under 50.

That's already a pretty awesome time!

I've now lost 20lbs/9kg and finding running a lot easier. Which is just as well as I've embarked on a training plan for a half-marathon in October.

And I can now do 10 consecutive full push ups. Hey, I'm a girl!

Thanks, but that last 5:40 is going to be tough to drop.

Cecil and Brazen, my knees ache for both of you!  :P

Funny you should mention that. My bad left knee was the reason I started running. I got the advice of a footie coach that running was good for bad knees as strengthened legmuscles removes a lot of the pressure on the knee in your every day life. I was sceptical to say the least but he was right. In a month the pain was gone, though now I´m forced to keep running for the rest of my days.

You could take up cycling before you knacker you knees.  :P


That's what I did, though I never ran serious distances like you, just pick out a 5000 metre route around wherever I was living.

Oh how ironic, 24 hour later I come off my bike, and my left knee is really hurting, heard the sound of ripping has I hit the ground.  :(

I was lifting weights 3 days a week (the Stronglifts 5x5 program) for a few months. I stopped for a handful of months. I've started up again this week.

Quote from: Valmy on May 27, 2011, 08:59:39 AM
Working out everyday again.  Thank Hod for the gym.

My wife is to though which makes me very happy.

Still going most days and so is the wife.  Wahoo!

Quote from: fahdiz on July 14, 2011, 08:35:52 PM
I was lifting weights 3 days a week (the Stronglifts 5x5 program) for a few months. I stopped for a handful of months. I've started up again this week.

Hey, Fahdiz welcome back. :cheers:

Keep up the good work.

I'm down 16 kg so far, or 35 lbs. Only 24 kg/53 lbs to go.

Though I've neglected my workout a bit recently.  :blush:

Went for a evening spin on the bike around the Dorset countryside, did a bit over 42 miles before getting home just before sunset.

What I find odd, is just how few people there are at that time of day enjoying the countryside, I passed a few handfuls of cars and barely half a dozen people; what are they doing sitting at home watching tv, posting on the interwebs ?   :hmm:

Been jogging several times this week. I skipped today because my knee was feeling a little wobbly.

Quote from: Syt on July 25, 2011, 01:27:22 AM
I'm down 16 kg so far, or 35 lbs. Only 24 kg/53 lbs to go.

That is just very good work.

My weight loss has slowed down at 22lbs down, 19lbs to go, so more than half way. I'm now in a smaller dress size, but bizarrely my bra's gone down a back size and up a cup size (E cup, in case Caliga was getting worried that the world has less boobage). But my fitness levels have improved enormously. I'm actually sticking to a half-marathon training programme which is kicking my butt. An average week goes:

Tue - Short steady run
Wed - Interval training
Fri - Tempo run
Sun - Long slow distance (currently up to 1 hour)

On the other days I'll do a workout video, resistance training, power walking or swimming. I've even been known to get up at 6 for a run if I have something else on in the evening. So unlike me!

Five weeks until my next race a 10K. It's the one I didn't finish last year as I fell over a dog and got myself some serious road rash!

Quote from: Brazen on August 04, 2011, 04:34:24 AM
My weight loss has slowed down at 22lbs down, 19lbs to go, so more than half way. I'm now in a smaller dress size, but bizarrely my bra's gone down a back size and up a cup size (E cup, in case Caliga was getting worried that the world has less boobage). But my fitness levels have improved enormously. I'm actually sticking to a half-marathon training programme which is kicking my butt. An average week goes:

Tue - Short steady run
Wed - Interval training
Fri - Tempo run
Sun - Long slow distance (currently up to 1 hour)

On the other days I'll do a workout video, resistance training, power walking or swimming. I've even been known to get up at 6 for a run if I have something else on in the evening. So unlike me!

Five weeks until my next race a 10K. It's the one I didn't finish last year as I fell over a dog and got myself some serious road rash!

Running in the morning is nice. You feel like you have so much energy all day.

Oh and new record on the halfmarathon. 1.35.06.

Went for a quick spin around the New Forest last night, did 30+ miles, but blew a gasket half-way round.  :(

Went out on an evening spin around the Dorset countyside on a rather windy day, also was rather hilly, though that was to be expected; did a little over 48 miles on the bike, got home before dark.

Approximate route:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Riverside&daddr=Unknown+road+to:Unknown+road+to:Bushes+Rd+to:Unknown+road+to:Milldown+Rd/B3082+to:Unknown+road+to:Unknown+road+to:Cowgrove+Rd+to:Leigh+Rd/B3073+to:Riverside&geocode=FSDOBwMdraLk_w%3BFZoKCAMdGqni_w%3BFSt0CAMd20Hh_w%3BFTx3CAMd8Ore_w%3BFR6vCAMdiDve_w%3BFXoWCAMdPO_e_w%3BFQL3BwMdszHf_w%3BFdyWBwMdJq_f_w%3BFYMjBwMdNbrg_w%3BFdgdBwMdvvHh_w%3BFRzPBwMdyaLk_w&gl=uk&hl=en&mra=ltm&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9&dirflg=w&vps=12&sll=50.903466,-1.949387&sspn=0.241624,0.617294&ie=UTF8 (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Riverside&daddr=Unknown+road+to:Unknown+road+to:Bushes+Rd+to:Unknown+road+to:Milldown+Rd/B3082+to:Unknown+road+to:Unknown+road+to:Cowgrove+Rd+to:Leigh+Rd/B3073+to:Riverside&geocode=FSDOBwMdraLk_w%3BFZoKCAMdGqni_w%3BFSt0CAMd20Hh_w%3BFTx3CAMd8Ore_w%3BFR6vCAMdiDve_w%3BFXoWCAMdPO_e_w%3BFQL3BwMdszHf_w%3BFdyWBwMdJq_f_w%3BFYMjBwMdNbrg_w%3BFdgdBwMdvvHh_w%3BFRzPBwMdyaLk_w&gl=uk&hl=en&mra=ltm&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9&dirflg=w&vps=12&sll=50.903466,-1.949387&sspn=0.241624,0.617294&ie=UTF8)

The hardest bit was walking up the steep 300 ft climb to the Hill fort of Hod Hill:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lastrefuge.co.uk%2Fimages-database%2FAdrian%2520Warren%2Faerials-england-big%2Fhod-hill9.jpg&hash=7b766630c0b32b2e97683aef21e2bc6f7ffcae18)

note the remains of the roman fort, inside the larger iron age one.

Quote from: Brazen on August 04, 2011, 04:34:24 AM
My weight loss has slowed down at 22lbs down, 19lbs to go, so more than half way. I'm now in a smaller dress size, but bizarrely my bra's gone down a back size and up a cup size (E cup, in case Caliga was getting worried that the world has less boobage). But my fitness levels have improved enormously. I'm actually sticking to a half-marathon training programme which is kicking my butt. An average week goes:

Nothing wrong, as fat get stored inside the muscles as well, including breasts for women and pecs for men, so they change in form and become more toned up as you lose fat and water.

I'm having a hell of a time getting my 1 mile time (1600 m) down under 7 minutes. It is basically easy to get to 7:15 or so, but that last 15 seconds is tough. Is there a limit to how fast someone in their late 40s can go so that I just may not be able to hit that time?

When I was in my early to mid twenties I was in great shape doing weightlifting and martial arts. Then about 5-6 years ago as I got a job it all stopped and I became slightly overweight.

The past six months I've started working out again at age 32. Having lost 20+ pounds I'm now down to my old weight and are starting to build muscle again.

I'm not yet at my old mid twenties shape in regards to muscle mass but i'm definately getting there. I've also become interested in martial arts again (having trained since my late teens). This time I'm focussing on Krav Maga which I really like.

I'm currently lifting weights 3-5 times a week plus doing martial arts some 3 hours+ a week.

Since september 2010 i've also done fencing ca. 3 hours a week. I'm probarbly taking a break from that as I want to focus on Krav Maga and it's starting to bore my a bit.

The reason I started getting in shape was partly because of fencing and the young 20 year old girls there (motivation  :P don't tell the wife  :mad:) and especially because I, while on paternity leave for a couple of months, had the time to get started (opportunity). But also because that's really the image I have of myself.

Once again as was the case in my youth I'm becomming a Roman God!

Quote from: Octavian on August 11, 2011, 08:39:34 AM
The reason I started getting in shape was partly because of fencing and the young 20 year old girls there (motivation  :P don't tell the wife  :mad:) and especially because I, while on paternity leave for a couple of months, had the time to get started (opportunity). But also because that's really the image I have of myself.

I started running again when I took a couple of months pat leave.

Of course when that ended a year ago... :(

That sucks  :(

We have bought a rowing machine - mainly for my oldest who now rows.  Lungs allowing I will try it out.

Quote from: Octavian on August 11, 2011, 10:29:07 AM
That sucks  :(

It's just that it was easy to find the time when you're not working, and the baby is small and doesn't move very fast.

I've got to start moving around more. spending too much time at computer, indulging in gaming, snacking, beer. put on 10 lbs this summer somehow. but seem to have stabilized there. Planning to step up the run/jog to proper 3 times a week again. will get back to natural 10 lbs less than now in a month or two. need some sort of "chips warding" spell ("Magic circle vs. Doritos"?)  around my house!

Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on August 11, 2011, 12:43:02 PM
I've got to start moving around more. spending too much time at computer, indulging in gaming, snacking, beer. put on 10 lbs this summer somehow. but seem to have stabilized there. Planning to step up the run/jog to proper 3 times a week again. will get back to natural 10 lbs less than now in a month or two. need some sort of "chips warding" spell ("Magic circle vs. Doritos"?)  around my house!

Get yourself a bicycle and integrate its use into part of your daily activities, it's active rather than the passive stuff you've been talking about; everyone I know who regularly uses a bike have no issues with weight, most probably don't even think about it, whereas most people I know who jog seemed to have cyclical problems with weight, motivation and to some extent self-image.

Jogging uphill burns 900 calories an hour while biking burns 300, or so the machines at the gym tell me.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 11, 2011, 03:24:03 PM
Jogging uphill burns 900 calories an hour while biking burns 300, or so the machines at the gym tell me.

That's rubbish, in the real world you can burn as many calories as you want on a bike, up to the point when you kill yourself.   :P

Seriously, calories burned is one of the stupidest metrics related to fitness.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 11, 2011, 03:24:03 PM
Jogging uphill burns 900 calories an hour while biking burns 300, or so the machines at the gym tell me.

Just sitting in a chair and being alive burns like a hundred.

Quote from: mongers on August 11, 2011, 04:13:00 PM
That's rubbish, in the real world you can burn as many calories as you want on a bike, up to the point when you kill yourself.   :P

Your legs aren't supporting your body's weight, so they don't have to work as hard. And personally I'd be worried about controlling the bike if I was going more than 15-20 mph.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 11, 2011, 04:26:59 PM

Quote from: mongers on August 11, 2011, 04:13:00 PM
That's rubbish, in the real world you can burn as many calories as you want on a bike, up to the point when you kill yourself.   :P

Your legs aren't supporting your body's weight, so they don't have to work as hard. And personally I'd be worried about controlling the bike if I was going more than 15-20 mph.

:blink:
Of course they can, what do you think happens when one gets out to the saddle and use ones upper body as well.

And seriously 15-20mph  isn't very fast on a bike, though getting above 40mph can sometimes get a bit white knuckle.

Well, for people who don't like the prospect of breaking a limb in a fall, jogging or running will be a better workout than cycling.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 11, 2011, 04:40:48 PM
Well, for people who don't like the prospect of breaking a limb in a fall, jogging or running will be a better workout than cycling.

:blink:

Why is one more likely to break a limb cycling rather than running/jogging ?

I think I've come off my bikes precisely twice in say more than 30,000 miles.

I'd have thought someone running that far is just as likely to fall over, if not more so, and of course jogging is known to be far more damaging to knees. 

When I was on my cycling tour back in '88 it was a Golden Age of eating and drinking and having a decent physique  :cool:

Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on August 11, 2011, 04:53:18 PM
When I was on my cycling tour back in '88 it was a Golden Age of eating and drinking and having a decent physique  :cool:

Yes when I get fit enough I need to do some more of that, though not sure about the drinking bit now.  :(

Quote from: mongers on August 11, 2011, 04:45:45 PM
Why is one more likely to break a limb cycling rather than running/jogging ?

Frequency of falls, distance traveled, speed being traveled at, etc. And millions of years of evolution designing us to stride, while pedaling is a recently adapted motion so most people are clumsier at it.

As you say, proper cycling uses the upper body as well as the legs..............one stands on the bike rather than sitting on it.

Trouble is that I hate urban cycling, it's dangerous for inattentive folk like me.........meanwhile real cycling requires free time  :hmm:

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 11, 2011, 05:05:41 PM

Quote from: mongers on August 11, 2011, 04:45:45 PM
Why is one more likely to break a limb cycling rather than running/jogging ?

Frequency of falls, distance traveled, speed being traveled at, etc. And millions of years of evolution designing us to stride, while pedaling is a recently adapted motion so most people are clumsier at it.

Statistical evidence for your assertion ?

As an example, travelling faster on a bike makes it more stable than going slower.

Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on August 11, 2011, 05:06:42 PM
As you say, proper cycling uses the upper body as well as the legs..............one stands on the bike rather than sitting on it.

Trouble is that I hate urban cycling, it's dangerous for inattentive folk like me.........meanwhile real cycling requires free time  :hmm:

Interestingly I've recently started using what would be called an urban bike, but I've started to mod it to my needs, not sure it 25mm tyres are ideal, but purely be accident it seems to be the ideal fit for me and suits my style of rural raids.  :)

I'm going see if I cycle more than 500 miles this month.  :)

Quote from: mongers on August 11, 2011, 05:14:49 PM
Interestingly I've recently started using what would be called an urban bike, but I've started to mod it to my needs, not sure it 25mm tyres are ideal, but purely be accident it seems to be the ideal fit for me and suits my style of rural raids.  :)

Trying to decide if that was a typo or not. :ph34r:

I vote for biking as well.  If I didnt have to worry about being a taxi service I would definitely try riding to work more.  I was in the best shape of my adult life when I went mountain biking a few days a week.

Quote from: crazy canuck on August 16, 2011, 01:42:57 PM

Quote from: mongers on August 11, 2011, 05:14:49 PM
Interestingly I've recently started using what would be called an urban bike, but I've started to mod it to my needs, not sure it 25mm tyres are ideal, but purely be accident it seems to be the ideal fit for me and suits my style of rural raids.  :)

Trying to decide if that was a typo or not. :ph34r:

I vote for biking as well.  If I didnt have to worry about being a taxi service I would definitely try riding to work more.  I was in the best shape of my adult life when I went mountain biking a few days a week.

For some reason I don't seem to have the time to go cycling for a good chunk of a day, so I'm tending to pick a 'target' somewhere in the countryside and in the evening/as soon as I finish working, I go straight there and largely take the same route home. The other day, I 'did' an iron age hill fort and hopefully later in the week I'll 'target' a trip to Stonehenge.  :)

That is very cool Mongers. Take some pictures and post them - better still, have some wine, and record another monologue in front of Stonehenge.

Quote from: crazy canuck on August 16, 2011, 01:59:30 PM
That is very cool Mongers. Take some pictures and post them - better still, have some wine, and record another monologue in front of Stonehenge.

Thanks for the comment, but I'll have to decline the challenge of the wine induced monologue.  :)

Anyway, knocked off work early today, set off about 3.15pm and got home before sunset, all told a just over 100km round trip, didn't really push myself as the countryside was so pleasant.

Evidence I got there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hnCoBiSf9M (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hnCoBiSf9M)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc292%2Fmongers%2FStonehengeMan%2FP1108190007.jpg&hash=6596c53f40de81f0da7b5194e0710e848e7f3af8)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc292%2Fmongers%2FStonehengeMan%2FP1108190002.jpg&hash=1d247c1669d12480f962dec33782e313ec2088b8)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc292%2Fmongers%2FStonehengeMan%2FP1108190010.jpg&hash=55b35514fd2665ee32bcfa40cf913142c0899177)

This is the village Sting lives in, I think the gate is one of entrances to his estate:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc292%2Fmongers%2FStonehengeMan%2FP1108190012.jpg&hash=b31c9297e9a3afb1580fc1d408edd3adb26810c5)

and for the sharp eyed who can't believe the village is called that, heres the sign at the other end of the village, for some reason I feel the place should be the retirement home for a group of languishites:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc292%2Fmongers%2FStonehengeMan%2FP1108190011.jpg&hash=909dd16bc29dbba7f8959b7f071720834db8cf54)

River Avon, which I stayed within 1/2mile for most of the journey:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc292%2Fmongers%2FStonehengeMan%2FP1108190013.jpg&hash=6c21e39537810f37c8cde8318da10cab6046dba4)

Stopped off at Salisbury on the way back:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc292%2Fmongers%2FStonehengeMan%2FP1108190017.jpg&hash=506a7394a00be2288525c6bc9b124dd7bd1aac6c)

Next week I'll endeavour to raid Winchester 'Ancient Capital of England' as I think the tourist sign tubs it.

Also on the rural raid hit list are Maiden Castle hillfort, the southern tip of the Isle of Wight (most southerly bit in this part of South England (though I object to paying for one of the most expensive ferry crossings in the world), oh and possibly the farm of a workers co-operative in deepest Hampshire !

Nice trip Mongers.  Please keep up the pics for you next adventure.

Why do I get the feeling Rasputin is already gathering landholdings around Wilsford?

Haven't been anywhere interesting this week, had to abort a trip to Dorchester because of a puncture,  not enough time and strengthening headwinds.

Today, damn, three punctures on two different bikes; on the 2nd bike I had too serious punctures, ruining the tubes within half a mile, so I found myself out in the countryside, miles from anywhere with only one working wheel, so had to half carry the bike 7.5 miles home cross country, that was a lot of effort.  :(

Cycled a bit over 550 miles this month; I'm more pleased that one of my bikes has now done more than 16,000 miles. 

Haven't done much exercise the last few days, did manage to get out for a 50 km spin around the New Forest this evening; left at 6 pm got home before sunset; not especially fast though in my defence it was through the hillier part of the forest.

There's probably 1/4 million people living within 5 miles of the forest and yet I saw hardly anyone, maybe 4-5 cyclists and a few dozen cars, otherwise I had the forest pretty much to myself.  :cool:

Is anyone else doing any exercise ?     :P

Yes. I don't have any pretty forests or megaliths around, though.  :(

At least the gym has reopened after a month-long renovation hiatus.

Quote from: mongers on September 04, 2011, 05:34:14 PM
Is anyone else doing any exercise ?     :P

Yeah, I've been lifting weights 2x a week since the beginning of June. At first, I lost 25 pounds, then I gained back ten in muscle. It's not bad for the time investment I put in. I just don't have hours and hours to blow on stuff like that.

Quote from: mongers on September 04, 2011, 05:34:14 PM
Is anyone else doing any exercise ?     :P

Not lately.  :Embarrass:

Made my first, and last, ever journey by mountain bike today; due to rebuilding a couple of bikes and not have currently having a shopping bike, I used a mountain bike a mate gave me to do a 12-14 mile trip to the shops.

Even though it's a reasonably ok bike, I was not impressed, what's the point of stupidly large tyres and suspension on bikes that aren't going anywhere near mountainous terrain ?
I prefer smaller tyres, to use the natural balance of the bike and keep a proper eye on terrain conditions, rather than relying on a mountain bike's additional features.

Its the first bike I've ever locked up and thought, I wouldn't be bothered if it was nicked when I came back out !

Yeah, so I basically ditched all sugars and grains from my diet and started doing Crossfit 3 times a week about 2 months ago. I've made up for the lost carbohydrate calories by eating alot of dead animals (whale included) , eggs and leafy greens. All liberally soaked in various animal & extra virgin olive oil fat.

Since going almost entirely Grok I've lost about 21 pounds and have gone from chunky 200 pounds to a still-a-work-in-progress 179. I'm going to continue to replace fat with lean muscle mass as the year runs it's course.

And if things work out as they have been I should be able to don a judogi and kick ass in 2012.

Quote from: Legbiter on September 06, 2011, 06:13:18 PM
Yeah, so I basically ditched all sugars and grains from my diet and started doing Crossfit 3 times a week about 2 months ago. I've made up for the lost carbohydrate calories by eating alot of dead animals (whale included) , eggs and leafy greens. All liberally soaked in various animal & extra virgin olive oil fat.

Since going almost entirely Grok I've lost about 21 pounds and have gone from chunky 200 pounds to a still-a-work-in-progress 179. I'm going to continue to replace fat with lean muscle mass as the year runs it's course.

And if things work out as they have been I should be able to don a judogi and kick ass in 2012.

Sounds good, keep it up; though obviously you're interests are those of a younger man :cheers:

Yes, still training four times a week for my half-marathon and cross-training (mainly weights, swimming and circuits) on the other days. Got a cross-country 10K this Sunday.

My weight loss has stalled at 25lb, but I don't really expect anything to shift while I'm adding distance.

Nice run this morning. New pb at 1.34.50 for the half-mara.

Quote from: Cecil on September 07, 2011, 10:53:38 AM
Nice run this morning. New pb at 1.34.50 for the half-mara.

That's a fairly impressive performance. :cheers:

Went on my new route through some of the hillier bits of the New Forest today, 50kms in about 1h 50 minutes so an average of about 16.5 mph. 

In my defence some of these hills are 350 ft and I start out in a river valley near the sea; my gps doesn't do height climbed.  :P

Again hardly anyone about, I was overtaken by just 16 cars, 2 lorries and one motorbike on over 30 miles of road, weird.  :hmm:

Took the bike I've knocked together out of some old bits, so I can have something to going shopping on, for a bit of a spin around some local towns.

My gps failed but it seemed to do 32 mile or so with relative ease, for all I know it might be my fastest bike.  :cool:

Another 65 miles of biking this weekend - I figure I am around 1000 miles total for the summer.  That is a Lettowesque vision quest.

Did my now standard route around some of the hillier bits of the New Forest today, 50kms in again about 1h 50 minutes so not too bad and I still had quite a bit left in the tank when I got home.

It works out that rather than just going to Brockenhurst and back, if I go to the gates of my old college, stop for a drink and turn around, the extra bit takes the route to just over 30 miles, just the right length.

Again hardly anyone about, no car overtook me over the last 8 or 9 miles.  :huh:

My new exercise schedule has 4 sessions per week at the gym. I'm going to do mostly cardio for a few weeks, but I'm slowly adding a bit of weights.

Yesterday I had a personal trainer help me with stretching the muscles in my thighs and buttox. I endured pain on a level that I've rarely done before.

Right up there with the time I had an inflammation in the lung sack. Top 4 easily.

It hurts, and I'm tired, and I'm jonesing for a smoke, but I think this time things got real.

Quote from: Slargos on September 20, 2011, 03:25:05 AM
My new exercise schedule has 4 sessions per week at the gym. I'm going to do mostly cardio for a few weeks, but I'm slowly adding a bit of weights.

:huh:

Why? Chronic cardio is the most boring, most soul-crushing form of exercise known to man. All you'll do is lose the will to live and you won't gain any greater overall fitness above what you'd get from doing basically anything mildly active. Stop punishing the elliptical and start doing whole body lifts with weights (deadlifts, squats, etc) and throw in an interval-based sprint session once a week (say, 15 minutes tops).  Combine that with enough sleep and eating lots of dead animals and veggies and you'll be golden.

Basically you should lift very heavy things 2-3 times a week with a rest day inbetween and sprint once on the weekend. Boom, good job.

Quote from: Slargos on September 20, 2011, 03:25:05 AM
Yesterday I had a personal trainer help me with stretching the muscles in my thighs and buttox. I endured pain on a level that I've rarely done before.

Right up there with the time I had an inflammation in the lung sack. Top 4 easily.

It hurts, and I'm tired, and I'm jonesing for a smoke, but I think this time things got real.

Your PT sounds like a tool.

I've been having back problems and he suggested that a likely reason was the connected muscle groups being too short and in dire need of stretching.

The stretch itself hurt like a mother fucker, but afterwards my muscles felt really good so I have to assume he did something correctly.

As for the cardio, I haven't trained regularly for years now, and I need to get my lungs and heart working again aside from the necessity of dropping some fat. I figure on 3 sessions per week with weights. I think it's a solid plan, and with the circumstances I am currently in there is no way for me to avoid it.

Popped out to buy some stamps, didn't bother in the end, besides it was such a nice afternoon I headed off into the Dorset countryside; briefly visited Wimborne to check out the thift shops for old cameras before taking the old blandford road to Badbury Rings hillfort to take some photos, I'll see if any are worth posting.

Had a very fast trip home what with the tailwind and having to keep up a reasonable pace because of the traffic on the A31.   <_<

For my age I don't think I'm going to get much fitter, without taking extreme measures and that would be pointless.

Fitness plan for the Autumn and Winter is to cycle around the New Forest to Brockenhurst and back, twice a week at its start and end, though maybe not Friday as there seems to be more of traffic about then.

If I can do this as soon as I finish work, late afternoon/early evening, that will be be about 250 miles cycling a month through the colder months.  The rest of my getting about/utility cycling could get me another 100-150 miles a month, that would leave me with a good but realistic target to aim for and keep motivated.

I did a 30 km race cross country this weekend. Personal best of under 2.44 but now I hurt.  :cry:

So I tried, after a few months, to use the skiing machine at the gym again.

Big mistake.

Going pretty well. Lost a few kilos. Mostly water weight I presume. Ran into my first wall today.
A bit of a flu going, and I can't summon the energy to power through it. Started on the crosstrainers today, and intended to continue on the spinning bikes but I just felt drained. Typically I can will more energy into being, but this time I was just tapped out. Frustrating.

That's not flu, that's man-flu, or you'd never have made it out of bed, let alone to the gym ;) Either way, if you're ill, take a couple of days off before trying again.

Not sure I'm match-fit for the half marathon next weekend. I may turn up at the start line and have my Oyster card in my pocket to get the Tube to the finish :P

In other news, after about 10 years of trying I've got my first London Marathon ballot place (with no charity obligation) for April 2012. Pretty stoked to have got it in London Olympics year!

Started running again yesterday after a several-month hiatus from that activity. I'd been lifting weights 3x a week (the Stronglifts program) but had fallen out of doing that after going on vacation. Since I'm feeling fat and irritated enough to do something about it again, I've decided to try a good daily run followed by a circuit of bodyweight exercises. Yesterday I ran 1 mile (don't laugh, I'm basically starting over) followed by 5 pullups, 10 dips, 40 running planks, and 30 pushups.

I intend to do the same today. Tuesday I'll do the same but increase the running distance by .1 mile. The eventual goal is to be running 5k/day after gradual increase.

I had to drop out of a half marathon this weekend as I've been suffering from plantar fasciitis for the past couple of weeks  :glare: However, I seem to have a place in the London Marathon, so when I'm fully fixed there's something to look forward to. Keeping up the low-impact cardio and getting back into resistance training, so hopefully I'm come back stronger. Nearly at the 30lbs lost mark.

Quote from: Brazen on October 10, 2011, 10:31:06 AM
I had to drop out of a half marathon this weekend as I've been suffering from plantar fasciitis for the past couple of weeks  :glare: However, I seem to have a place in the London Marathon, so when I'm fully fixed there's something to look forward to. Keeping up the low-impact cardio and getting back into resistance training, so hopefully I'm come back stronger. Nearly at the 30lbs lost mark.

1.34.32 yesterday.  ;)

So I've dropped all forms of candy and other sources of unnecessary refined sugar like sodas or white bread. In addition, I have vastly increased the vegetable content of my diet.

My target of 7 days per week of exercise isn't quite reached, though the last 7 days I have gotten 6 sessions in. Mostly cardio, but I've started hitting the weights aswell.

I've lost about 4kg since I started my new regimen, though I suspect very little of that is actually fat.

My next goal will be a reduction in dairy products and a switch to poultry and fish instead of red meat. This one is a bit more difficult since I don't really have time to cook and the only alternatives locally are very bland chicken or tuna salads which I fear will not work for the long term.

I'm feeling quite positive.

Quote from: Slargos on October 14, 2011, 04:23:25 PM
My target of 7 days per week of exercise isn't quite reached, though the last 7 days I have gotten 6 sessions in. Mostly cardio, but I've started hitting the weights aswell.

You will overtrain, fast. Your muscles need recovery time. 3-4 times a week of weight lifting/cardio will suffice.

Nothing wrong with doing cardio every day.

Quote from: Slargos on October 14, 2011, 04:23:25 PM
So I've dropped all forms of candy and other sources of unnecessary refined sugar like sodas or white bread. In addition, I have vastly increased the vegetable content of my diet.

My target of 7 days per week of exercise isn't quite reached, though the last 7 days I have gotten 6 sessions in. Mostly cardio, but I've started hitting the weights aswell.

I've lost about 4kg since I started my new regimen, though I suspect very little of that is actually fat.

My next goal will be a reduction in dairy products and a switch to poultry and fish instead of red meat. This one is a bit more difficult since I don't really have time to cook and the only alternatives locally are very bland chicken or tuna salads which I fear will not work for the long term.

I'm feeling quite positive.

:frusty:

What you're basically doing is fucking around. If the goal is effortless weight loss, then what you'll need is a complete dietary overhaul that dosen't involve advice and expensive protein shakes from fag Swedish fitness ( I use the term loosely) instructors.

Eat eggs and fatty meat (free-range and grass fed is pretty good) and plenty of vegetables. Ditch grains, sugar and all and every processed vegetable oil. Doing so will eliminate pretty much everything that comes in box, hence you'll be eating way better than 95% of the slobs around you. Eating like this will train your body to use the fat that's stored as a primary energy source. So, bacon and eggs for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch followed by a juicy steak dinner. And don't forget to take your cod liver oil. :)

As to your workout, yes it sounds like all you've done is punished yourself on some crappy exercise machine and have nothing to show for it, aside from the effect of doing anything mildly active. You could have achieved the same results by eating right for a couple of months while taking turns rubbing one out with either the left hand or the right.

In short, you need to:

A) Get your diet in order.

B) Get your sleep squared away (actually, since I started eating like a caveman my sleep is no longer an issue, huh).

C) Ditch the chronic cardio. Unless you like pounding a treadmill for an hour+ you'll thank me for this. Besides, have you ever walked past a row of these things and seen anything other than the look of pure torture or boredom while dead eyes gaze at the overhead monitor, waiting for the pain to be over?

I haven't had much luck in losing weight these last few months, but I really haven't been trying - been pretty stressed, and when I'm stressed, I eat, especially snacks and chocolate.

But I'm now up to 50 pushups and 50 situps in one go, and about 5 miles run at 8min/mile.
I want to improve my mile time over 2 miles, eventually getting down to 2 miles in 14 min.

Been sick all week so I haven't done any training. Did 7 hours of Krav Maga seminar today however. Every muscle in my body hurts.

Useless run today. Really bad, didnt even look at the timer afterwards. Just happy to limp into the shower.

Running and bodyweight exercises continue to go well. I had a particularly good run today.

Quote from: Legbiter on October 14, 2011, 09:48:56 PM

C) Ditch the chronic cardio. Unless you like pounding a treadmill for an hour+ you'll thank me for this. Besides, have you ever walked past a row of these things and seen anything other than the look of pure torture or boredom while dead eyes gaze at the overhead monitor, waiting for the pain to be over?

:lol:

Yeah. Right. I'll listen to you over professionals. Come on, Legs.  :D

Anyway. It's going well. I'm really starting to get some confidence around the weights although I plan to take it relatively easy for a while yet with an emphasis on repetition rather than weight. I just got off my first 60 minute spinning session. It's anything but boring, and since the instructor had made a point of hazing me I never had a chance to cheat and slack off.

Sure, though, it's more fun to do sessions with instructors than pounding the cardio machines on your own. I certainly won't dispute that.

Bodypump today.

EGADS I have found my weak spot. Knees and thighs are horribly underpowered for what they need to go through.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F_ZEa87LpKGjs%2FTJyM9B4d8CI%2FAAAAAAAAADE%2FkX1atoPVbAE%2Fs1600%2Fbodypump.jpg&hash=7d89872802966296286b19e18a23e6e91e20b913)

I am proceeding apace, and despite the unsightly nay-saying clamors of Legbiter, I am slowly but surely getting back in shape. All hail determined cardio!  :homestar:

60 minutes Spinning with an instructor who must certainly be a sadistic terminator sent from the future to make my life a living hell.

I've had to decommission all my belts, and I'm going to have to replace a lot of my wardrobe.

Feels pretty damn good!  :)

... and another fresh hole on the belt comes into use. Looks like all the Spinning, BodyPump and CT is starting to pay off. Suck it, Legbiter.  :D

Quote from: Slargos on November 02, 2011, 04:04:47 PM
60 minutes Spinning with an instructor who must certainly be a sadistic terminator sent from the future to make my life a living hell.

I've had to decommission all my belts, and I'm going to have to replace a lot of my wardrobe.

Feels pretty damn good!  :)

Those spinning classes are brutal. Way to go, Slargos!

Down to 98 now, which means a net loss of about 6KG since I started out in the beginning of October.

I tried my first 90 minute session this sunday, with 30m Spinning + 60m BodyPump and while I thought I would vomit at several points during the Pump, it went well.

Combination classes are more grueling than the sum of their parts, since the endorfin high from the first class gives an inflated confidence about the energy level for the second class and the result is typically an over-eagerness to put on resistance.

A full 50% of my training is now Spinning, with Pump and CT making up the bulk of the rest. I want to approach 90 before I scale the cardio back and start hitting the weights at which point, ironically, I think the goal will be to get back up to 100-105.  :D

Knocked up a 'pub bike' out of an old frame and some bits and pieces I had lying around, managed to do just over 1,000 miles on it during the last two calender months, quite good value for money.

But now that winters on us I desperately need to put on some weight, have managed to add 7 lbs in the last two weeks, now up to 11 stone 9 lbs.

What, I've just weighed myself and I'm back down to 156 lbs, how did that happen.  :huh:

Quote from: mongers on December 09, 2011, 10:12:29 PM
What, I've just weighed myself and I'm back down to 156 lbs, how did that happen.  :huh:

Weight can fluctuate several times during the day, even sometimes up to five pounds depending on the body needs.

If you weight yourself again and you confirm that you actually lost weight when you shouldn't, it's because your calorie intake was consistently lower than maintenance, or your balance sucks, or that you have a tenia in your stomach. On times that I work out I have to eat about 500 calories more than rest days to keep up with my diet,and that's only after about an hour of resistance training with a little cardio.

Quote from: Drakken on December 09, 2011, 10:20:28 PM

Quote from: mongers on December 09, 2011, 10:12:29 PM
What, I've just weighed myself and I'm back down to 156 lbs, how did that happen.  :huh:

Weight can fluctuate several times during the day, even sometimes up to five pounds depending on the body needs.

If you weight yourself again and you confirm that you actually lost weight when you shouldn't, it's because your calorie intake was consistently lower than maintenance, or your balance sucks, or that you have a tenia in your stomach. On times that I work out I have to eat about 500 calories more than rest days to keep up with my diet,and that's only after about an hour of resistance training with a little cardio.

Thanks for that, unfortunately I don't calorie count.

So given we've a new fitness thread for the coming year, is it not time for us to look back on our aims and achievement for this year ? :unsure:

On the whole I'm pretty happy, allowing for my age, I'm probably as fit as I've been on three or four other occasions in my life.  :)

The only thing I've managed is going to spinning class regularly, mainly because I get to be the instructor now and then.
Otherwise I haven't accomplished shit. Next year must be better if I want to hold off the inevitable decline.

Just rounding off the year by saying I've rejoined my running club starting January as I'm finding my self-motivation flagging this time of year. I made the mistake of e-mailing my old coach to tell her and she's invited me along to a Christmas Eve run at 9am and a New Year's 5K at 10am. Sadist1

Quote from: Brazen on December 21, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Just rounding off the year by saying I've rejoined my running club starting January as I'm finding my self-motivation flagging this time of year. I made the mistake of e-mailing my old coach to tell her and she's invited me along to a Christmas Eve run at 9am and a New Year's 5K at 10am. Sadist1

Brazen have you considered making exercise fun ? :unsure:

It doesn't have to be about the whole 'no pain, no gain' mantra or middle class achievement orientated.  :P

Quote from: mongers on December 21, 2011, 12:44:26 PM
Brazen have you considered making exercise fun ? :unsure:

One might ask you the same thing. I tried watching a movie while pedaling an exercise bike. Gave up pretty quick, it was too uncomfortable.

I'm still the lightest straight male poster (and maybe the lightest male poster of any orientation, but I reckon Sheilbh and Garbo have me beat -_- ), who does not have a serious illness.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on December 21, 2011, 04:43:11 PM

Quote from: mongers on December 21, 2011, 12:44:26 PM
Brazen have you considered making exercise fun ? :unsure:

One might ask you the same thing. I tried watching a movie while pedaling an exercise bike. Gave up pretty quick, it was too uncomfortable.

Hint Real bicycles come with a free accessory it's called the countryside.  ;)

I've been to the countryside before. As a rule, it offers less distraction than watching a movie does. But anyhow, it's the saddle wedged in one's ass that makes the experience not fun. That's a common factor to both.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on December 21, 2011, 05:13:19 PM
I've been to the countryside before. As a rule, it offers less distraction than watching a movie does. But anyhow, it's the saddle wedged in one's ass that makes the experience not fun. That's a common factor to both.

Hint no.2 - buy a saddle thats comfortable for you.   ;)

Went for a quick 25-30mile spin around the Darset countryside, amazing how quickly one loses condition.  :hmm:

Last ride of the year; had a spin around some of East Dorset, then down to the seafront at Sandbanks, took the promenade all the way to Christchurch, sea restive and a nice tailwind along the whole coast.   :)

Probably about 40miles in something like 2 3/4 hrs, my excuse is the walkers, talkers, family groups, small children on bike scooters, dogs, OAPs etc all have right of way and so I had to stop numerous times.   <_<

The single speed seems to work a treat.  :cool:

In total I cycled around 4,600 mile in 2011, much of it off-road, and sfa other exercise, I shall have to do better next year.  <_<