Entry #675
I went on a run to the bank and back. My cardio felt excellent, but I know better. When it comes down to it, I have little reserves. I'm really going to build up my conditioning on all fronts from here on out.
I'm halfway through The Anabolic Diet. I've considered stopping short altogether because of how much the
author repeats the same principles and reasons. The entire
book could easily be condensed into two pages. It's taking up time from other, more important reads I want to get to, such as The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing, Physical Principles of Quantum Theory, and The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts. I haven't even gotten through Zatsiorsky's book yet.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Entry #674
Today was pretty bad. George and I trekked up to this one spot in order to spar. I barely survived the way up. I could blame it on the bag I was carrying, but the truth is that there wasn't really any excuse for it. My legs were dying from all the squats and uphill sprints I've been doing, and I was completely out of breath.
When we finally made it to the top, my legs gave out every few kicks, and I had to stop for that. We were doing a TKD drill where we have to face one another and spar while maintaining the same measure of distance. It's a reflexive exercise. The weird side stance really isn't my thing, but whatever. Since that failed (on my part), we moved on to boxing by having me attack and him evade. That was okay, but I couldn't really lunge forward and go after him like I needed to because of my weakling legs, so my blows kept falling short. And I guess somebody washed my gloves just recently because they were saturated with water and heavier than Descartes.
So, we switched roles, and I was doing great weaving out of everything - until my legs cramped up from that. Again? What the Hell. It was even worse when we were sparring. I leaned forward to throw what would have been an excellent right, and then my hamstring gave out (before, it was my quads).
It was pathetic. And believe me, if I was by myself, I'd be writing about how awesome it was to kill myself. But faultering in the presence of somebody else defeats the point of being better than everybody.
Today was pretty bad. George and I trekked up to this one spot in order to spar. I barely survived the way up. I could blame it on the bag I was carrying, but the truth is that there wasn't really any excuse for it. My legs were dying from all the squats and uphill sprints I've been doing, and I was completely out of breath.
When we finally made it to the top, my legs gave out every few kicks, and I had to stop for that. We were doing a TKD drill where we have to face one another and spar while maintaining the same measure of distance. It's a reflexive exercise. The weird side stance really isn't my thing, but whatever. Since that failed (on my part), we moved on to boxing by having me attack and him evade. That was okay, but I couldn't really lunge forward and go after him like I needed to because of my weakling legs, so my blows kept falling short. And I guess somebody washed my gloves just recently because they were saturated with water and heavier than Descartes.
So, we switched roles, and I was doing great weaving out of everything - until my legs cramped up from that. Again? What the Hell. It was even worse when we were sparring. I leaned forward to throw what would have been an excellent right, and then my hamstring gave out (before, it was my quads).
It was pathetic. And believe me, if I was by myself, I'd be writing about how awesome it was to kill myself. But faultering in the presence of somebody else defeats the point of being better than everybody.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Entry #673
Squats:
6 x 3 135, 225, 275, 315, 355, 375 lbs.
> Between hill sprints and box squats from a few days before, my quads were quite sore going into this. It'll be interesting to see what I can do next week at 100%.
Lunges:
3 x 8 100 lb. dumbbells
Reverse hyperextension machine:
1 x 10 Didn't check.
1 x 8 Entire stack.
> The gym was closed at this point, so I had to do these in under two minutes instead of setting everything up for good mornings.
Since I wasn't able to finish everything, I walked over to the high school afterwards and did crunches and grip work.
Squats:
6 x 3 135, 225, 275, 315, 355, 375 lbs.
> Between hill sprints and box squats from a few days before, my quads were quite sore going into this. It'll be interesting to see what I can do next week at 100%.
Lunges:
3 x 8 100 lb. dumbbells
Reverse hyperextension machine:
1 x 10 Didn't check.
1 x 8 Entire stack.
> The gym was closed at this point, so I had to do these in under two minutes instead of setting everything up for good mornings.
Since I wasn't able to finish everything, I walked over to the high school afterwards and did crunches and grip work.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Entry #672
I was supposed to babysit my nieces today. But I had to train, so I booted them in the backyard and made them work like dogs with me. All told, it was about an hour and a half of punching bag work. I even taught them how to hit decently. They weren't bad for 4 and 5-year olds, I suppose. I first met them only last month, and I told them my name was Batman.
I'm planning on trying the Anabolic Diet soon. The book itself is poorly written and isn't enough to convince me. Rather, I've been interested in several studies depicting increases in lean body mass on low-carb routes. This is an ambiguous delineation, however. "Lean body mass" is a percentage, so it's not necessarily the same as actual muscle growth. Lean body mass can increase while losing muscle mass if the ratio of fat catabolism exceeds that rate. I will be cautious but open-minded.
I was supposed to babysit my nieces today. But I had to train, so I booted them in the backyard and made them work like dogs with me. All told, it was about an hour and a half of punching bag work. I even taught them how to hit decently. They weren't bad for 4 and 5-year olds, I suppose. I first met them only last month, and I told them my name was Batman.
I'm planning on trying the Anabolic Diet soon. The book itself is poorly written and isn't enough to convince me. Rather, I've been interested in several studies depicting increases in lean body mass on low-carb routes. This is an ambiguous delineation, however. "Lean body mass" is a percentage, so it's not necessarily the same as actual muscle growth. Lean body mass can increase while losing muscle mass if the ratio of fat catabolism exceeds that rate. I will be cautious but open-minded.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Entry #671
Today ruled. I was board pressing 320 with two thin phonebooks and a 25 lb. weight stacked on top of one another. It's a very precarious set-up. On the last set, the whole thing fell forward and the plate smashed into my face. This happened in the middle of the third rep, but I was able to ignore it and finish. I have a huge red mark around my eye now.
ME upper
Board press:
6 x 3 135, 185, 225, 275, 295, 320 lbs.
Skullcrushers:
4 x 8 60 lb. dumbbells
Lateral raises:
3 x 8 45 lb. dumbbells
Underhand cable rows:
4 x 10 Entire stack
Hammer curls:
3 x 10 65 lb. dumbbells
Ab circuit
Today ruled. I was board pressing 320 with two thin phonebooks and a 25 lb. weight stacked on top of one another. It's a very precarious set-up. On the last set, the whole thing fell forward and the plate smashed into my face. This happened in the middle of the third rep, but I was able to ignore it and finish. I have a huge red mark around my eye now.
ME upper
Board press:
6 x 3 135, 185, 225, 275, 295, 320 lbs.
Skullcrushers:
4 x 8 60 lb. dumbbells
Lateral raises:
3 x 8 45 lb. dumbbells
Underhand cable rows:
4 x 10 Entire stack
Hammer curls:
3 x 10 65 lb. dumbbells
Ab circuit
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Entry #670
I've been training like a dog without recording anything. It feels great. I don't have to write for anyone's amusement. I'm not your monkey. I'm free.
EDIT: So, they're telling me I'm not getting any air holes poked in my container tonight until I write something.
Let's see. The day before yesterday, I swam laps until I nearly drowned. Yesterday, I lifted weights using my nephews. They're light, but I did a lot of reps. Today, I did hill sprints before going to the track and jumping rope. I ran home.
Need...oxygen...
I've been training like a dog without recording anything. It feels great. I don't have to write for anyone's amusement. I'm not your monkey. I'm free.
EDIT: So, they're telling me I'm not getting any air holes poked in my container tonight until I write something.
Let's see. The day before yesterday, I swam laps until I nearly drowned. Yesterday, I lifted weights using my nephews. They're light, but I did a lot of reps. Today, I did hill sprints before going to the track and jumping rope. I ran home.
Need...oxygen...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Entry #668
I threw up my breakfast today, right before I had to leave to get some immunization stuff done (I'm in the process of attaining U.S. citizenship). They said they don't give shots on Thursdays. What a bunch of wusses. I would jump at the chance to stick pointy objects into people any day of the week. So I was stranded in Meridian for about three hours in the blazing sun with a sweatshirt and long pants on. I ate lunch at the first restaurant I came across (Togo's) since my breakfast was no longer in me.
Yesterday I filmed myself doing bag work. Christ, my guard is still wide. I fixed it in the second round.
I threw up my breakfast today, right before I had to leave to get some immunization stuff done (I'm in the process of attaining U.S. citizenship). They said they don't give shots on Thursdays. What a bunch of wusses. I would jump at the chance to stick pointy objects into people any day of the week. So I was stranded in Meridian for about three hours in the blazing sun with a sweatshirt and long pants on. I ate lunch at the first restaurant I came across (Togo's) since my breakfast was no longer in me.
Yesterday I filmed myself doing bag work. Christ, my guard is still wide. I fixed it in the second round.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Entry #667
Today, I went to the doctor's for the first time in about 8 years. Officially, I'm 6'0" and 227 lbs. I've never actually been sure of my height, but I figured it out based on comparing myself to other people.
Also, I only have six months to live or some jazz like that. Whatever.
After that, I went to eat at the worst restaurant I've ever been to in my life. The steak was mercifully tolerable, but everything else tasted like soap, and my utensils were crusty and dirty. I don't remember its name, but it probably sucked. Try to imagine what it was so you can avoid it.
Lifting was essentially a repeat of last week. I could only get 210 for 2 reps on military press. I'm not making an gains on this lift, so I'll have to retire it for now. The only difference today was that I moved a 55 lb. dumbbell for 8 on preacher curls.
Today, I went to the doctor's for the first time in about 8 years. Officially, I'm 6'0" and 227 lbs. I've never actually been sure of my height, but I figured it out based on comparing myself to other people.
Also, I only have six months to live or some jazz like that. Whatever.
After that, I went to eat at the worst restaurant I've ever been to in my life. The steak was mercifully tolerable, but everything else tasted like soap, and my utensils were crusty and dirty. I don't remember its name, but it probably sucked. Try to imagine what it was so you can avoid it.
Lifting was essentially a repeat of last week. I could only get 210 for 2 reps on military press. I'm not making an gains on this lift, so I'll have to retire it for now. The only difference today was that I moved a 55 lb. dumbbell for 8 on preacher curls.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Entry #666
In commemoration of my 666th post, I ate my neighbor today and offered his still-beating heart to the blood gods. Then, I told them, "Just kidding, losers" and nonchalantly tossed it over my shoulder. I'll take care of them in the next life.
To prepare for that, I warmed-up with five minutes of shadowboxing for three rounds of three minutes on the heavy bag.
Afterwards, I ran to Whole Foods to pick up some whey and cottage cheese. I stopped at High Tech Burrito to order a Godzilla for later, and then at Taco Bell to eat on my way home. I'm still hungry.
Oh, and I spent $50 on a bottle of cod liver oil yesterday. My wallet weeps, but it lasts for awhile.
In commemoration of my 666th post, I ate my neighbor today and offered his still-beating heart to the blood gods. Then, I told them, "Just kidding, losers" and nonchalantly tossed it over my shoulder. I'll take care of them in the next life.
To prepare for that, I warmed-up with five minutes of shadowboxing for three rounds of three minutes on the heavy bag.
Afterwards, I ran to Whole Foods to pick up some whey and cottage cheese. I stopped at High Tech Burrito to order a Godzilla for later, and then at Taco Bell to eat on my way home. I'm still hungry.
Oh, and I spent $50 on a bottle of cod liver oil yesterday. My wallet weeps, but it lasts for awhile.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Entry #664
Friday was mediocre. I wasn't able to get 445 x 3 on deadlifts in two attempts, and the gym closed before I could finish any assistance work. Rack pulls and power shrugs should fix this by next session.
Today didn't start out successfully, either. Here's what happened.
Military press:
5 x 3 95, 135, 165, 185, 195 lbs.
2 x 2 210 lbs.
> I couldn't make it for 3. I can't say that I didn't deserve it; I ate poorly over the weekend.
Barbell skullcrushers:
4 x 8 145 lbs.
Front raises:
1 x 12 55 lb. dumbbells
> After the set, I opted for something much more strict.
Bilateral seated front raises:
2 x 8 35 lb. dumbbells
Cable rows:
4 x 10 Entire stack
Dumbbell preacher curls:
3 x 8 50 lb. dumbbells
Ab circuit
Friday was mediocre. I wasn't able to get 445 x 3 on deadlifts in two attempts, and the gym closed before I could finish any assistance work. Rack pulls and power shrugs should fix this by next session.
Today didn't start out successfully, either. Here's what happened.
Military press:
5 x 3 95, 135, 165, 185, 195 lbs.
2 x 2 210 lbs.
> I couldn't make it for 3. I can't say that I didn't deserve it; I ate poorly over the weekend.
Barbell skullcrushers:
4 x 8 145 lbs.
Front raises:
1 x 12 55 lb. dumbbells
> After the set, I opted for something much more strict.
Bilateral seated front raises:
2 x 8 35 lb. dumbbells
Cable rows:
4 x 10 Entire stack
Dumbbell preacher curls:
3 x 8 50 lb. dumbbells
Ab circuit
Friday, August 1, 2008
Entry #663
I got a round timer to divide my intervals in bag training. I used it yesterday, in three minute sessions. This will come in handy for sparring.
RE upper
Weighted push-ups:
x 20 Bodyweight
x 20 10 lbs.
x 20 35 lbs.
x 15 35 lbs.
x 12 35 lbs.
Chest flyes:
3 x 10 50 lb. dumbbells
Overhead tricep extensions:
4 x 8 90 lb. dumbbell
Weighted chin-ups:
2 x 7 50 lbs.
2 x 5 50 lbs.
Hammer curls:
2 x 10 60 lb. dumbbells
1 x 8 60 lb. dumbbells
I got a round timer to divide my intervals in bag training. I used it yesterday, in three minute sessions. This will come in handy for sparring.
RE upper
Weighted push-ups:
x 20 Bodyweight
x 20 10 lbs.
x 20 35 lbs.
x 15 35 lbs.
x 12 35 lbs.
Chest flyes:
3 x 10 50 lb. dumbbells
Overhead tricep extensions:
4 x 8 90 lb. dumbbell
Weighted chin-ups:
2 x 7 50 lbs.
2 x 5 50 lbs.
Hammer curls:
2 x 10 60 lb. dumbbells
1 x 8 60 lb. dumbbells
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