King of Deadlift

It’s pretty brutal to see where I’m at with my bodybuilding goals. I moved across the country over 6 months ago, and since then I haven’t been on a weight lifting regime whatsoever. As soon as I arrived, I signed up for Gold’s Gym, but haven’t had the motivation to go. Not only have I not worked out in almost 6 months, I also eat crap on a regular basis. Our place doesn’t have a dish washer (can you say what the hell?) so I just don’t cook as much. After cooking a solid chicken breast meal with brown rice and spinach, you’ve got a sink full of dirty dishes.

I’m a little disappointed in myself, but I think this hiatus could refuel me for a long, long time. However, my goals have changed quite significantly. I no longer crave to be the size of Jay Cutler or Dexter Jackson. While I still respect what they’ve accomplished, it just isn’t for me. I just want to achieve personal excellence, and build a body thats solid, aesthetic, and healthy.

I’ve been in love with Salmon over the course of the past month. Not really salmon in a can (I still can’t get over the bones mixed in) but rather Salmon fillets. I absolutely love dill salmon fillets on a bed of brown rice with a spinach salad. Not only is it extremely healthy, but its freaking delicious.

I realized I hadn’t written anything in the blog for a really really long time. I spent a week in Punta Cana (which I got food poisoning from the water) and a weekend on the road to Philadelphia. Under these circumstances, I’ve had some obstacles to overcome on my long diet phase.

Even though I haven’t been “hardcore” with my training and dieting, I feel like I’ve made great progress nonetheless. I’ve hit my morning cardio religiously; and kept my diet in check, even though my nutrient timing may be a little off (carbs later than I’d like!) I have come to the realization that I’ll probably never do a dirty bulk again like I did this year. I didn’t really realize how much fat I had gained. So, with that being said, I’ll be on a long term path to leanness and strength. Thats why I’m in no rush to push things to the limit.

Dieting continues………

In an attempt to setup the rope I picked up yesterday from home depot I went into the backyard today and quickly was climbing branches gradually ascending up the largest tree our property has. Unfortunately, the tree was still extremely icy from yesterdays snow storm. I was surprised I got so high before it dawned on me I had terrible positioning and every branch I touched was glazed with slippery ice. I quickly tied the rope (about halfway where I want it) and climbed down, and finished off with a jump from a lower branch which caused me to wipe out in the snow. A fun adventure nonetheless.

I’ll have to wait a little while for the snow to clear up before I can safely climb the tree and tie the rope to an appropriate and sturdy branch. I also have to make sure I tie it with a knot that won’t give out when I’m climbing.

Inspired by RossTraining’s hardcore workout video on youtube, I scribbled down a few assets I’d like to pick up to assist me in my fitness endeavours. One of these items, I’ve wanted for over a year, and after a few good months of business I actually have the finances to pursue it! What is this item you ask? An X-Vest. I checked out last night at fitter1 (Canadian retailer) with the 84 pound vest, which is the heaviest they come. The vest rung up just under $450.00 and will be arriving on my doorstep in about 3 week. I would have much preferred to pick one up from a tangible local storefront, but I couldn’t find them for sale anywhere in the area. Nonetheless, I’m excited (and broke) for my newest training asset to arrive. I’m planning on wearing the vest during my morning cardio and bi-weekly HIIT sprints.

More inspiration from the aforementioned training video, made me jot down a few more items I’d like to pick up; being a tire, a sledgehammer, a keg, and a long thick rope. All for assorted training. I’d love to take more of my training outside of the gym. I’ve already made a trip to the local Home Depot and picked up a 30 foot, thick rope, unfortunately its blizzarding outside so its a little difficult to get the ladder out and climb up a tree to tie it on. Does anyone have any ideas/stories about picking up a large industrial sized tire?

Training for the cast of the movie 300 (which looks absolutely amazing)

After my chicken wing binge two nights ago, I’ve been strict with the regimen and dieting. This morning, I had trouble rolling out of bed, my eyes felt glued shut, but I remembered what needed to be done so I bounced up, ignoring my hedonistic side and scurried down to the coffee maker. I made myself a quick brew, downed two hot rox, threw on my cardio hoodie, and was out the door. I’m used to the frigid Canadian Februaries by now, usually a few minutes into my run my face and fingers are numb and my nose leaks uncontrollably. However, today the sun was out (for the first time this year) and I was feeling great. At one point, though through a synergy of the perfect song playing during a perfect burst of sunshine on a perfect curve of my jogging route I felt euphoria. The feeling delivered a shot of rejuvenation, and I’m ready to continue on with my endeavours no matter what obstacles I have to overcome. I’m hoping the sunny weather continues, because morning cardio in that kind of weather is fantastic.

Last night some friends invited me out for dinner. One of my friends is back from university for the weekend, so I couldn’t say no. Unfortunately, the destination for dinner was Duff’s Famous Wings. I tried to protest and get the venue changed to something a little more diet friendly, unfortunately their hearts were set on wings. Since I’m still in transition mode (not an excuse, I’m pissed) I thought I’d still go and just make sure I don’t let too much permeate my will power. I ended up eating a grilled chicken house salad (which was great, and clean) but 18 chicken wings as well. As far as the macros go, there was plenty of protein in those wings, which is probably why I let so many slide, but man, they were saucy. I was doing my best to wipe the sauce off on napkins, and I was making a huge mess. I ate enough sugar to spike the insulin of an elephant, and I feel super-shitty about it. I need to start using the old tricks from last year; if you feel the urge to eat something unclean you rip off your shirt and start pinching all the flabby areas, (my lower back.) Then, I feel more inclined to vomit then to ingest any treats.

A few weeks back, I bought a tub of Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Whey. Unfortunately, this whey tasted terribly artificial and pungent; even I couldn’t choke it down on a regular basis (and I can choke down just about anything.) This wasn’t a huge problem, other than being out about 30 bucks for the whey, I still had my beloved cups of cottage cheese, which served the same purpose.

However, last night I experimented with a little alchemy and I concocted a protein pudding that was pretty tasty. It consisted of about 3/4 a cup of plain yogurt and a scoop of the aforementioned casein whey. Stirred well and aged a few minutes, at first the taste of the whey pushed me away, but after a few bites I was actually quite satisfied. By my last bite an hour or so later (I was surfing the net while eating) I was actually licking my lips. ‘Twas delicious.

This morning I woke up earlier than usual, looking to finish up my morning jog and get an early start at work. I quickly got ready and was out the door to start my jog before I was even fully awake. I quickly realized I was jogging in a violent snow storm. The wind was raging and the snow was lashing against my face and blinding me. I turned up my music and drudged on, keeping my eyes squinted and a steady pace. The session continued for another 20 or so minutes in which I completed my entire route, at a faster pace than usual, because I was turning into an icicle. By the time I got home I was literally a snow man, the snow that had hit me had frozen on to my clothes and my fingers and face were numb.

Just another check on the jog log