HB3 and beyond. Interesting article too.

Hello,  I am back after starting hand PT.

Last weekend I got on Tradewinds on Incredible Hulk.  I was totally shut down on 11c 7th pitch.  It made me realize how far mentally I am behind in this game.  I even started to question why I climb on that pitch.  Time to get back to mental training and falling again.

Yesterday, I completed HB3.  I am going to continue with strength phase before Australia.  Also, I need to keep going with mental training practice.

I found this article helpful: PlanetMountain: Lynn Hill interview
Quoting Lynn:
How did you prepare for the “impossible” Nose?First and foremost I believed in myself. Then I trained... a lot! Five months just for the first free ascent in less than 24 hours. The training was both physical and mental. I ran, climbed, worked-out... but above all I concentrated on the mental aspect, how to approach the climb from a psychological point of view. The motivation, style and ascent were the result of this intense preparation. And this subsequently underlined my conviction that climbing isn’t simply about reaching the summit, but rather everything that revolves around it. The way you reach the summit. This means living each moment enthusiastically, on the path that leads towards the goal.

HB2 delayed

The elbows are bothering me again despite the stretches.  I skipped HB2 on Tuesday and today.  Will do it tomorrow, Thursday 7/23.  Today, Wednesday, I went for supplemental exercises (SE), which included core, shoulders and some PT stretching and exercises.

Keep going!

I am resting this Monday.  Not much exciting news.  Just wanted to check in with the blog.

This weekend, I practiced some longer falls on number 1&2 camalots (30ft) at Donner Summit.  It was still on larger gear; smaller pieces are next. 

I did get on Manic Depression and Monkey Paws on lead!  It's amazing that at this level, these climbs still take the gear mostly larger than rp's.  This time, I finished Monkey Paws with 1 take only.  I had a fall and a take on Manic and I got it clean on TR. On Sunday, I put in a mileage day leading 6-7 pitches upto 5.10d (Bliss).

This week, I plan to do at least one hangboard workout on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending how my elbows do.  I will report here.

Back after extensive rest

Don't worry! I am still pursuing the Totem pole dream.  Just took a mini vacation to heal my elbow injuries and move to another place.  My elbows are doing a lot better now.  Some caution is now a must: rest, stretch and repeat in copious amounts.

Albeit, I lost some strength judging by hang boarding I tried this morning.  My base level dropped way below what I was pulling on the tail end of my last training phase.  On the other hand, it was to be expected.  My climbing absorbed some specific strength gains.  The rest of the non-specific to climbing strength was discarded.

I am climbing at about 5.11c level trad as before.  Now, I need to push my mental abilities to break through to the next level.  Last weekend, I practiced 15-20 foot falls on gear.  I also got on my first 5.12a Monkey Paws at Donner Summit.  I had several takes and escaped the exit sequence, but it was a proud attempt.

This coming weekend I am going to push it even further by attempting Manic Depression, stiff 11d and, perhaps, getting back on Monkey Paws.  I will practice 20 foot falls above smaller backed-up gear as well.

Oh, the biggest news is I am leaving for Tasmania in September!  Just applied for my Australian visa!
The plan is to climb and get strong on the road rather than wait till the winter.

As far as training, I will do a short cycle before September.  I have already completed the base fitness phase, a.k.a. ARC.  I am planning to slowly finish the strength phase while climbing outdoors on the weekends.

Is this really happenning? Here I come, Totem Pole.  Don't fall down yet.

166.6

Yesterday, I re-injured my back again at the same location.  I restarted training too soon.  I think it's a good idea to end the training season after any significant injury.  In the future, I must plan at least a week of rest before any long trip.

So, I am calling the Smith trip the performance week.  At Smith, I won't try to chase the numbers.  I will concentrate on mental training, taking progressively longer falls on trad and sport.
The goal is to work up to at least 3 trad falls with the gear at my feet. 

After Smith, I am taking a 2-3 week of rest.  I will be going to yoga a lot and going on jogs once in a while.  The idea is to maintain about 1 to 2 hours of physical activity daily.

163.2 and LB2

The weight is back down today.  I have not done anything in particular, so it's water lost.

Today I went to the yoga class in the morning.  I am feeling good, so will do LB2 workout at 4pm!

1.  Elbows are good. Back is 100% recovered after tweaking it during LB1. Smith climbing is going to start on Sunday, so more than 60 hours to recover.
2. Shoulder strengthening exercises done this morning.  Reverse curls will be done after LB2.
3. Will make sure to stretch before and after workout. 
4. LB2 plan: 
• Stretch 15 min
• ARC 15 min
• WBL - 25 min
• Hard bouldering (2 probs) - 25 min
• Create prob on system wall & try it - 30 min
• Green prob 30 min (4-5 attempts)
• Stretch 15 min
5. ---------------------------------------
• Total: 2hrs 35min

165.8 and back from vacation

I know I have slacked with the blog.  It's not pretty, but I am back.  That's all that is important right now.  The rest did me some real good.

Last week, I developed a case of hemorrhoids due to over-straining on Butterfingers.  Woa, definitely a sign that I need to concentrate on mental aspect of climbing!  That is what I am going to do at Smith.  I am going to practice taking falls on gear!  I am going to set some air mileage goals for the trip shortly.

I am happy to announce that my elbows are 100% recovered.  I did an LB session yesterday despite my earlier decision not to pursue Power phase any longer.  I am still looking at what to do with my last stalled training cycle.

So far, here is the list of things that I must do differently in the future:

1. Go into every workout with the stressed body parts 100% recovered and injury free! Ask questions:
•  Are the muscles and tendons that I am going stress 100% injury free?
• Will there be enough time after this workout to recover before a climbing trip?
2. Stretch arms before and after every climbing/workout.  Also, stretch them on the recovery day 2-3 times.
3. Opposing muscle and strengthening exercises after every workout: reverse curls, shoulder raises, lat lifts.  I will look up for more shoulder exercises.
4. Perform training efficiently.  No more 4-5 hour workouts.  The workout should be done within 2-3 hours max.  This will limit opportunity of extra stress and increase rest time.  

165.2. It's back!

The weight is back up.  I ate a little too generously after climbing on Sunday.  I will stop eating at the restaurants after climbing.  A little snack is all that is needed for recovery.

Went to yoga in the afternoon.  Jog after work and plan training today.  I am going to skip Power related phases as my tendons are still getting really sore after climbing.  Lets see what I come up with instead.

I need to work on mental state while climbing above gear.

162.6. Can I go down more?

I woke up at 7:30am this morning, though I went to bed at 9pm.  I fell asleep reading a book, so I woke up around midnight to shut off the lights.  Perhaps, this contributed to the long sleep.  Don't know.  I will try to go straight to bed by 11pm tonight. 

The good part is that I did not misbehave and went to bed after yoga and a cup of tea with honey.  My weight has not changed from yesterday, although I did have a bit too much of a second lunch before yoga.  I went for a jog feeling a little weak, so, I was asking myself if this diet game is good for me.  We shall see when I get to 160 lb.  I will listen to my body and stop dieting if necessary.

My rehab is almost done.  The elbow feels much better.  I shall keep stretching my arms 3 times a day (only twice yesterday).  Other stretching routines and yoga have been lacking.  I am going to restart them next week as well.

Today, I am going to ARC, stretch, work core, and opposing muscles.  Tomorrow will be a rest day with some jogging and stretching.  I am going to write down a training routine for the rest of the training cycle by Sunday, analyzing what I need to do to avoid re-injuring myself.

Next week, I am either continuing with Power phase or skipping to Performance.  Skipping to Performance has the benefit of allowing my elbow to heal more before dynamically loading it with LB training.

162.6. My youth weight, we meet again!

Yesterday, I went for a jog after work.  It definitely helps me drop a couple of pounds.  The trick is not to eat anything dangerous afterwards.  I should have gone straight to sleep almost right after the run.  Instead, I munged on a couple of pieces of cheese.  Shame!

This morning, the great balancer was merciful and showed my weight at a number I don't recall seeing ever.  Thank you! I am going to prove myself worthy.  My goal for this week is to go down another 0.5 lbs.  This will put me on track to 160 lbs by the end of May.

Tonight, I am going to the Yoga class with Jodi.  The class's end at 8 will put me square before the bed time.  I will go to bed at 9 and get up at 4/5.  Jog and gym in the morning!

162.8 + Rehab

Wohoo there! I know I have slacked on my blog.  Mostly it's because I went to climb in Yosemite for 4 days.  While we bailed off the Nose, I managed not to destroy my elbow recovery.  It's getting better.  I am stretching only 1-2 times daily, but intend to pick it up again now.

I added 2 more recovery yoga classes on Monday and Wednesday.  I will keep it going for another 15 sessions or so.

Today, I went to the gym to test my shoulder and elbows on harder climbs.  Climbed my first 12d at the gym with 4 falls.  I will start training power next week taking into account the lessons of the injury: stretch and take rests more than you think you need.

My weight challenge is going great; though, I suspect it has a bit to do with climbing El Cap.  I clocked at 162.8 - my lowest weight on record.  I am gearing to go to 160 by my Smith Rock trip in the last week of may.  That's 1 lb a week.  I can do it! 

Off to a jog tonight and no food thereafter.
 

Rehab 3 + 164.4

Yesterday, I left work a little bit late (come ON D, wtf!).  I was able to do my shoulder stretch and 1 set of core.  Than I went to Jodi's yoga class.

Today, I went for a jog in the morning.  Was going to do my stretches in the evening at home.

Tomorrow, I have just a jog planned and a bunch of housekeeping.  Might just hang back and do some reading or try to visit the city.

Rehab 2 + 165.6

Yesterday, I did not go jogging, nor did I do it today.  I did not do my 5 stretches. Not good!

I realize that 5 stretches is a total overkill.  I think 3 stretches and some shoulder ROM exercises are much better.

So, today, I am going to leave work at 5 and do the shoulder/wrist stretches and core at MC.

Tomorrow, Friday, I am going to jog to Rockaway and do my shoulder/wrist stretches at home.

Elsewhere, I am 165.6 lbs this morning. Psyched!

Rehab 1

Yesterday, I managed to do all 5 wrist/elbow stretches and went jogging after work.  It got dark and drizzly, so I skipped jogging from Mori point to home on the beach; I went on the road instead.  Went to sleep at 10pm as planned.

Today, got up at 5:30am and went to the gym.  I stretched hips, climbed 5 min and did 3 sets of hollows and supermans. I skipped hand stand, most curls, and pull up exercises.  Still feeling sore in my elbow and shoulder.  Have done 2 wrist stretches so far.

Tomorrow is a rest day.  Go jogging at 8 am and do yoga at 6:30pm.  Ron showed me some shoulder exercises.  I will do them before yoga.

Taking Friday and Saturday off too.

Tendonitis Rehab

Recovering from the right elbow tendonitis, I have stopped most exercises except cardio, which cast me into feeling blue.  Today, I have decided to fight back with a rehab program: rest by itself is not enough to recover quickly.  To accelerate the recovery, I am starting Progressive Rehab.

During rehab, I am going to:
1. Keep up the blog daily, summarizing the previous day workout and planning for the next day.
2. (at least this week) do wrist, finger, and elbow stretches 5 times a day around 8,11,2,5,8 o'clock.  Add arm kneading and arm aid. After rehab, I am going to do those before (lightly) and after every workout/climbing session, religiously.
3. Jog every day.
4. Manage weight: no bread, no cheese, 2-3 small meals (at least 1 salad), snacking, no food after 8, go to sleep early.  Goal 160 lbs by the end of May. 1 lb/week.
5. Keep up the regular workout stretches, substituting power phase with core, hand stand training, opposing muscle ex., hip and shoulder stretches (Range Of Motion).
6. Start ARC and rope climbing on giant holds (1 time this week).
7. Apply ice 1-2 hours after workout.

Analysis: this is a general overuse episode.  This means I am pushing hard, but not smart.  From now on, I am going to do all the stretches around the workout (see above) and apply ice after every workout.  Also, after I climb hard outside, I will make sure I take at least 2-3 days of rest.
The key is LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and TAKE ACTION.

Yesterday was a stressful day, since I am trying to share the house with a neighbor.  I did not go jogging as the weather was especially windy and cold.

Today, I am going for a jog after work.  I will try to read a little, but go to bed before 10 pm.

Tomorrow,  I am going to get up at 5, stretch, and be at the gym by 6:30am.  A light ARC (5 min), stretches (including wrists), opposing muscle work, and core.  Jog in the evening.

167.0

Oh well, it happened to me too.  I am pretty sure I got tendonitis in my right elbow.  While I have had the episodes of it before, my elbow recovered back after a week of rest.  It has been 11 days of rest, and I still feel some pain.  If before it was on the outside (tennis elbow), now it's in the medial part too (golfer's elbow).

What can you do?  Gotta see a PT.  Expensive and next appointment is only available on July 1st!

I am going to start with stretching wrists and massaging arms 5 times a day.
I will modify my training routine such that I have at most 1 hard training session if I am climbing outside on the weekends around the week.

Elsewhere, my weight is hovering at the same level.  Will try to step up cardio: jog tonight and every day of the week.  Also, going to yoga on Tuesday and Thursday.  Reducing the load on the joints is another reason to get below 160 lbs.

167.4

167.4 this morning. Up and down again, but that is familiar.  Hoping for more down.
Last night I misbehaved drinking a smoothie instead of going to sleep early. Felt hungry after the run.

No running this morning due to meetings.  Leaving work early to go pick up my car and got to Yosemite.

166.4 and resting

This morning I was 166.4. 
Still resting my elbow in prep  for the power phase.
On the downside, I am getting low on energy and very lazy.  Pull up yourself, Dima!

Going for a jog after work today.  5am jog before work tomorrow and Half Dome hike on Saturday.
Will go check out my elbow and LB grounds at Dogpatch on Sunday after the garage sale.

167.0

On Tuesday, I have completely slacked and did not work out.  Still nursing my right elbow.  I am happy to forgo an El Cap, Nose run to help the elbow recovery.

Was at 167.0 after a run this morning.  Elbow is feeling better, but was tender at night.
Going to go for another run in the evening.

167.6 and resting

Uff, I am really concerned about my right elbow now.  It does not recover as easily as before.  So rest on...  Even more rest after El Cap!

I was loading on carbs for El Cap yesterday; hence, the weight gain.

More Active Rest + Weight Management Start (166.6)

This weekend I realized that I need to recover from my latent elbow and finger injuries.  Therefore, I will not jump into Power phase till after El Cap.  My elbow will have to feel 100% healed before P and PE phases start.

Meanwhile, I am going to concentrate on active rest: running, biking, surfing, and yoga.  Also, I am going to work on my weight management goal: drop to 160 lbs by summer.

Start weight: 166.6 lbs
DON'Ts:
- no food after 8pm in town
- no cheese in town
- no bread in town
DO's:
- daily running
- some additional cardio via yoga, biking or surfing

Still thinking whether I should keep paragliding as a hobby.  It does not add to training, but is such a good rest activity.

ARC9

Today, I got up at 5:30 and went to the gym as planned.  It was a great ARC workout!  I did a 35 minute ARC set, went into Jodi's yoga class, and finished with 2 more 35 minute ARC sets.
Will go for a jog tonight.

It's time for the Jasper weight comp again. My goal is to get below 160 lbs this time around.  Let's see if I can do it during the power and power endurance phases (1 month).

Let's rest

After the strength phase, my right arm and middle ring finger need some R&R.  So, I am taking the rest of this week off hard climbing.  I will restart Power phase on Monday/Wednesday next week.

Meanwhile, I got downright lazy today.  I skipped ARC in the morning and jogging at night. 

Tomorrow, I will be ARCing, going to yoga at 7:30am and jogging in the evening.

Strength phase is over

I had better finish the strength phase.  Not only have I plateaued, I have regressed due to the right elbow and right middle ring finger injuries.  Here are my results from today.
 
HB9 - 4/7/15
First set is 7, second is 6 reps. Less means failure.

Warmup jug:
+50*7
Large Edge, left side:
+55*6, +65*5
MR pocket:
+10*2, Stopped due to finger injury.
 Small semi closed crimp, left side:
-10*7, 0*6
IMR pocket:
+40*4, +50*3
Wide pinch:
-35*7, -25*6
Sloper:
+20*7,+30*6
IM pocket
-30*7,-20*6
Narrow pinch:
-50*7,-40*4

I have not recorded supplemental exercises here.  Of note is that I brought the number of Frenchies sets to 5 as max. Went for 1-hour jog.  ARC 3*35min in the morning and yoga/jog/bouldering in the evening tomorrow.

Slacking on Blogging, but not Training

I have to admit I am guilty of not keeping the records.  Trying to get a girl takes some time and, sometimes, may leave you feeling blue.  Luckily, my training has suffered little.  I had to take a forced one week break due to a bad cold 3/24-4/1, but that was great for recovering from my elbow pains.  The recovery was not 100%, but close enough.  My right middle finger is still somewhat tender, so I have to tape, tape, and tape for the hangboard.  Even then, I can feel some pain.  Fortunately, this is my last HB workout 9 today.

Here are my workout records from where I left off:

HB7 - 4/1/15
First set is 7, second is 6 reps. Less means failure.
Warmup jug:
+50*7
Large Edge, left side:
+55*7, +65*6
MR pocket:
+10*7, +20*4.  Reduce next time (injury!)
Small semi closed crimp, left side:
-10*7, -5*6 .  Reduce next time.
IMR pocket:
+40*7, +50*4
Wide pinch:
-35*7, -25*5. 
Sloper:
+20*7,+30*6
IM pocket
-30*7,-20*3
Narrow pinch:
(No record)

ARC7 - 4/2/7
35min, 35min

HB8 - 4/3/15
First set is 7, second is 6 reps. Less means failure.

Warmup jug:
+50*7
Large Edge, left side:
+55*7, +65*6
MR pocket:
+10*7, +20*4 (Watch mid finger injury!)
Small semi closed crimp, left side:
-10*7, 0*6
IMR pocket:
+40*6, +50*5
Wide pinch:
-35*7, -25*3 (slippery)
Sloper:
+20*7,+30*5
IM pocket
-30*6,-20*4
Narrow pinch:
-50*7,-40*5

ARC 6

Getting a cold scrapped my plans to climb Leaning Tower with Ivan.  That is actually good for nursing my elbow.  Too bad I let Ivan down this time.

I went ARCing at Cliffs as I felt better in the afternoon.  I ran two 31 min and one 35 min sessions.  I did overdo it a little, as I was back to feeling crappy at the end of the workout.  I skipped yoga and went home.

Gotta restart my mental training and technique exercises!

No plans for the weekend.  I will play it by ear: depending how I feel.

HB 6

Yesterday, after a week of rest I started training again. Here are my stats:

Hangboard (First set is 7, second is 6 reps. Less means failure.)

Warmup jug:
+50*7
Large Edge, left side:
+55*7, +65*5
MR pocket:
+15*6, +20*3.  Reduce or skip next time (injury!)
Small semi closed crimp, left side:
-5*6, 0*3 .  Reduce next time.
IMR pocket:
+40*7, +50*6
Wide pinch:
-35*6, -30*2.  Hangboard getting slippery.  Reduce weight?
Sloper:
+20*6,+30*5
IM pocket
-30*4,-25*4
Narrow pinch:
-50*7,-40*4

I have obviously plateaued and regressed.  My stats have gotten worse.  I can attribute some of it to the elbow and finger injuries.  I am going to take another break till next week,  If my stats do not come back, I am going to go into power phase given that I am 100% injury free then.

This is my training cycle 2

So psyched!  My training is paying off!  I am finally happy with my mental game progress as well.  I am able to commit to climbing above gear, though with some initial hesitation.  Baby steps!

I just need to be disciplined so that I don't get injured: don't climb and train hard at the same time!  My elbow and hands are jacked after venturing on Silk Road at the Calaveras Dome. 

So, this week, I am unfortunately taking a forced rest.

I am on the strength phase, half way through.  Next is the hang board workout 6 (HB6).  Most likely, my fingers will heal only next week.  Hitting cardio and core!

And the comp is over

Today the comp is over.  Time to start a new training cycle for me!

165.8

Relaxing a bit in prep. for the next climbing cycle.  Funny how my weight wants to climb up.
No other news.

The habit in place!

Hi, I was 164.4 this morning.

Yesterday, I was going to relax and not do any exercise; however, I felt uncomfortable not going for a jog, so I went!  I almost went to yoga too, though I am bored with the similar asanas there.  The work just prevented me from going to the Jodi's class.  So I didn't, eheh.

Slept in late today, so skipped the jog and went to yoga class in the morning.  I still have to build my awesome training plan for February through mid-April.  Limited climbing, max training and dating :).

165

Mission accomplished: late morning jog and yoga yesterday.  However, I came home hungry after yoga and ate a bowl of buckwheat.  Not good for the comp,  but good for my long term project.  Right after the comp, I am going to relax and eat well in preparation for the new workout cycle.

Yesterday, I was a bit tired of the same vinyasa flow with minor variations that we are doing every time.  I had to force myself to go to the class.  It's time to take a break and look for something a little different; perhaps a different yoga style.  I am sure I will come back to Jodi in the end.

So, for the next 2-3 days I am not working out at all.  I have to catch up with work.

164.0

Good day! Nothing unusual today.  Going for a jog and yoga later in the day since I missed it in the morning.  Will try to skip the lunch as I ate a big breakfast.

163.6

This is the final week of the competition! No matter who wins, we are all miles ahead of people who have not even tried and eons ahead of people who are not even aware of the issues that the general American eating culture and food industry impose on our health!

Enough ranting!  I have come full circle to my minimal weight of 163.4 during this comp.  The difference is I am not hungry, I still climb strong and looking forward to the new training season.  But first, I have to rest.  I have decided that the 1st training cycle has lasted too long.  I need to finish it and start fresh.  From now, I will separate performance climbing from training; this is Linear Periodization (LP) training.  In the future, I might try non-LP (NLP): climb and train at the same time.

Anyways, this week I am going to forget climbing till the weekend.  Heck, I won't be disappointed if I do not climb this weekend.  I am still going to jog and go to yoga classes; all  part of active rest.  Next week around Wednesday, I am going to start basic training again.

This blog will become my Totem Pole training journal.

164.2

Just another number is in and it's looking already better.  I have neglected my running and yoga yesterday and today, though.  I will be back on the horse this weekend.  I will go jogging and relax doing house chores on Saturday.  On Sunday, I will do a full package: jogging, yoga, training for climbing, and some wine in the evening at a singles meetup :).

So here is what works for me: good breakfast with protein and veggies in the morning, light lunch, no dinner.  All of the above accompanied by lots of training.  A sick project helps to keep the psyche up.

Last Intermediate Comp Results

RZ -3.842%

DL -2.9%  

RM -2.4%

DW -1.2%

165.2

Yesterday, I have followed my programme diligently: jogged, climbed, yogad, and skipped the dinner :).  Keep it up Dmitriy!

Today, I am off to a jog after a meeting and a yoga class in the evening.

Temptations, temptations, temptations

Yesterday, I misbehaved in a different way.  I did not eat extra food, but I consumed extra internet :(. Facebook, climbing videos killed my time yesterday.  As a result I had to stay back later and work.  Ugh, I missed Jodi's class.  C'est terrible Dmitriy!  Enough already!  Please.

Great Balancer reports 167 this morning.

Ok, today I am going to go for a jog and do some interval training in the morning.  Jodi in the evening!  No FB (period).

Off I go!

165.4

Not much new except I have finally sent Klingon at ORG!  Oh man, it took me 9 tries over 3 separate trips to finish this project!  For the last 8 tries, I have been falling at the same spot at the lip of the overhang.  That was until I changed the sequence at the crux on Sunday!  While working the move on TR, I noticed that there was a huge foot down low with, well, tic marks higher up:  can't avoid those at ORG.  Eheheh.   So, instead of a left hand cross-over to a bad hold, I did a right hand undercling to a left hand hold switch to a right hand going to the better part of the cross-over hold (as above).

Elsewhere, I plan to go to Joid's class and jog right thereafter.

Onwards now!

167.4

Feeling better today.  Went for a jog and back to my eating routine: big breakfast, small or no dinner, stop eating well before 8 pm.  Also, I think that doing too much running makes me more hungry.  One time a day is plenty.

And falling

Great Balancer reported 168.2.  I am going to go for a jog later today.  That is a major break down in this competition that is putting me out of the race.  Let's see if I can reach 160 for the Totem Pole.  I just can't lose there, whatever it takes!

Ouuu, I fall again

Yeah, I have broken down for a bagel with cream cheese and trout at Atlas Cafe.  After that, I cooked latkes, which I mostly fed off to my neighbor.  Unfortunately, a few left overs made a lot of damage.
My feeling down did not help either, oh well.  On top of this, I needed to give my ankle a break from all the running.  So, I skipped this morning climbing and running workouts.  Not good, but perhaps my body just needs a break.

I was 167.2 this morning. Gotta get back on the horse.  I will today!

165.4

I am determined to reach my goal of 160 lbs by the end of this competition at the end of January.  To do it, I plan to run twice a day (almost 2 hours total) and go to 4 yoga sessions a week.  This is on top of my regular training for climbing 1-2 times a week.  All this exercise is in order to eat well and still lose weight.   It's going to be challenging to reach my goal as I don't restrict my calorie intake during the weekends climbing outside.

Yesterday, on Sunday, I started at 8:10 am jogging on the beach and in the hills for 45 min.  I missed about 5-10 min of my regular run as I was rushing to Jody's yoga class at 9:30 am.  After stopping to buy new ice climbing pants, I ended up in Dogpatch at 1:15 pm.  I goofed around and did my power endurance workout till 6 pm.  Then, after some snacking, I went to run for an hour by the flashlight.

Today, I am resting: 2 jogging sessions on the beach and some stretching.  To reach my goal, I need to be below 164 lbs next Monday morning.  I am going to try to skip the lunch if I can.

Intermediate Results

RZ -3.8%

RM -2.0%

CS -1.8%

DL -1.5%

DW -1.4%

RZ has broken away! Will anyone come from behind and take it all from him?  There are 3 trolls that have never reported their results.  Will they wrench the victory when RZ can practically smell it!?  Have fun ya al!

166.4

Yesterday, I only ran 30 minutes due to work obligations.  I could not make both yoga and a climbing workout, so I blasted for a 5 hour evening at the Dogpatch.  I know it does nothing to lower my weight, but it brings me closer to the Totem Pole.  Except, I misbehaved and did not follow the work out plan 100%.  Good news I have worked out 1 power endurance circuit.  I will be back on Sunday!

I still need to work on my routine for the remaining 3 weeks of the comp and beyond.

167.6

I missed logging the day before. Sorry!

Yesterday, I was trying to fast to lose a little extra poundage.  The Great Balancer did not like it the least bit.  I became very hungry mid-day, unable to function.  So, from now on: no fasting, good breakfast and lunch (if hungry), lots of exercise.

Today on the menu: jog 6:30 am, PE at dogpatch 2-6 pm, yoga 6:30 pm

168.6

Just an upswing after a weekend climbing.  I was eating without restraint too.  Back to my planning board.

166.4

I relaxed over the New Years and got real tipsy first time in 17 years.  Good way to remind myself why I do not like it.  What's the fun of feeling like crap afterwards?  Not much fun drinking either.

Anyways, no workout + extra food is all that extra weight under my belt now.  Nothing to worry about.  I am going to re-start my routine with new vigor.  I am to finish PE phase this month before Potrero Chico.  I will report my routine in the next few posts.

Meanwhile, I am off to Sierras for skiing and sport climbing this weekend!