Building myself back up
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So week 3 of new life over and its been great but also incredibly exhausting. Starting from scratch isn't easy and the learning curve has been enormous but I'm inspired and enthusiastic about the possibilities. It's just unfortunate that there are only 24 hours in a day and a human (or at least this human) needs to sleep.
Anyway, have had to tweek things a fair bit to keep the exercise up (absolutely non-negotiable). This wouldn't have been possible back in the day but thankfully my lads are generally self-sufficient these days. What has actually been hugely beneficial is the eating side. I prep all my meals and don't have much time to eat during the day. This is a huge contrast to sitting at home and raiding the fridge if I'm feeling hungry. I'm probably at my leanest ever now. Just shows (if ever evidence was still needed) that diet is key and Bart's old saying that "you can't out-train a bad diet".
But the best part has been the response from my coworkers. A very diverse bunch and most 10-20 years younger than me but I dont feel "old" and get along really well with everyone. They ask me for training tips. One challenged me to a push up comp (kicked his arse) and another wants to join a gym now. It's cool feedback and just shows what training can give back to you. One fella is just starting to exercise properly after resisting for years due to him being a musician and hating the jock stereotype. While I don't think this is as bad as it used to be, I think that stereotype and culture are often a huge barrier to entry for many people who were scared of setting foot in a gym. We need to differentiate between the high level competitive sport and dominant male monkey gym culture and what I gayly refer to as mind and body maintenance.
Don't normally do things like this but found an old pic from when I was 24 and combined it with a recent pic my son took. I may post if I have the courage. But that pic says everything about my journey (wånk wånk) and I think I can be a bit proud of that.
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@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Building myself back up:
So week 3 of new life over and its been great but also incredibly exhausting. Starting from scratch isn't easy and the learning curve has been enormous but I'm inspired and enthusiastic about the possibilities. It's just unfortunate that there are only 24 hours in a day and a human (or at least this human) needs to sleep.
Anyway, have had to tweek things a fair bit to keep the exercise up (absolutely non-negotiable). This wouldn't have been possible back in the day but thankfully my lads are generally self-sufficient these days. What has actually been hugely beneficial is the eating side. I prep all my meals and don't have much time to eat during the day. This is a huge contrast to sitting at home and raiding the fridge if I'm feeling hungry. I'm probably at my leanest ever now. Just shows (if ever evidence was still needed) that diet is key and Bart's old saying that "you can't out-train a bad diet".
But the best part has been the response from my coworkers. A very diverse bunch and most 10-20 years younger than me but I dont feel "old" and get along really well with everyone. They ask me for training tips. One challenged me to a push up comp (kicked his arse) and another wants to join a gym now. It's cool feedback and just shows what training can give back to you. One fella is just starting to exercise properly after resisting for years due to him being a musician and hating the jock stereotype. While I don't think this is as bad as it used to be, I think that stereotype and culture are often a huge barrier to entry for many people who were scared of setting foot in a gym. We need to differentiate between the high level competitive sport and dominant male monkey gym culture and what I gayly refer to as mind and body maintenance.
Don't normally do things like this but found an old pic from when I was 24 and combined it with a recent pic my son took. I may post if I have the courage. But that pic says everything about my journey (wånk wånk) and I think I can be a bit proud of that.
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Have had a couple of silly eating days around Christmas but not fallen off the wagon just yet. Hadn't had a donut for well over 6 months until I devoured like 8 of them at work Xmas party. Christmas Day was also absolutely ridiculous. Last week was the toughest for a while. Stupid busy between Xmas and NY and the heat and humidity were unbearable. Add not enough sleep and that wasn't smart but had a decent active recovery last weekend.
Bring on 2024
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Shit. 7 months since my last confession. I have been a good boy. Definitely need more sleep but training like a demon. Recently back on the Apps and met a Saffa who is out my league in terms of looks, class and bank balance but, fůck it, I'll enjoy the ride.
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@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Building myself back up:
Shit. 7 months since my last confession. I have been a good boy. Definitely need more sleep but training like a demon. Recently back on the Apps and met a Saffa who is out my league in terms of looks, class and bank balance but, fůck it, I'll enjoy the ride.
Sounds like you have the advantage in rugby knowledge at least - that's all you really need
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Going to try to keep a regular log as has been a bit helter skelter.
2km Ski erg
Shoulders
2km Ski erg
Hopefully fit in a PM session as well. Pity pool still too farking
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Ha ha. So much for regular log
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Been the usual. Busy as fůck, plenty of bullshit (story of my life unfortunately) but training still non-negotiable even if it's a bit all over the place sometimes.Changed gyms (took over son's membership) which has been cool. It's essentially one of those HIIT class dominated gyms which means I get the main weights room to myself most of the time. Close to home as well. Only issue is no more ski erg
. But assault bike is a decent replacement. Allows me to watch some decent programs. So generally 4 gym sessions, 3 swims, 1 long rum and 2 run/cardio sessions a week. Does the job. Definitely need more sleep but my body clock is farked these days. -
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Building myself back up:
Ha ha. So much for regular log
.
Been the usual. Busy as fůck, plenty of bullshit (story of my life unfortunately) but training still non-negotiable even if it's a bit all over the place sometimes.Changed gyms (took over son's membership) which has been cool. It's essentially one of those HIIT class dominated gyms which means I get the main weights room to myself most of the time. Close to home as well. Only issue is no more ski erg
. But assault bike is a decent replacement. Allows me to watch some decent programs. So generally 4 gym sessions, 3 swims, 1 long rum and 2 run/cardio sessions a week. Does the job. Definitely need more sleep but my body clock is farked these days.I love me some Kraken Rum but I find it defeats the purpose if I have one during a workout. Maybe you should wait until the evening ?
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Thought I'd give some CPR to this thread.
As per usual life threw me another hospital pass (probably more a spear tackle) earlier this year. Doing well considering but it's one of those things that will hit forever.
Anyway, training has been my safe space and saviour and diet is pretty darn good too. Have reigned in the silly cheat days although had an insane obsession with watermelon recently. It was 69 cents a kg!!! Now the price is up I'm avoing it but damn....I would putting away like 2 of those things a week.
Anyway Anyway, still looking for that elusive balance but getting there. Dating once again which has served up some great fun but also more weirdos than usual. It's frustrating and extremely sad rocking up a date and seeing their profile pic was from 10 years prior and 10-15kg lighter. Seriously? But these days I have a healthy case of not giving much of a shit. Women (at least the ones on the apps) are a mystery wrapped in an enigma. I've been called too nice, too fit, not proactive enough (for giving space and being open to work around their busy schedules), not serious, too serious.
Ah well. At least I have my health! Went to a 30 year school reunion the other day and that freaked me out. So many fat old men there. Reminded me that I have to keep this up for as long as I can. DamnAttempting to do AM and PM sessions every day. Son is in last year of school and smashing it so have quite alot of time these days. Hopefully ramp up the swimming when summer hits.
