I know that it’s controversial to have a rewards system in place with regards to diet and exercise, especially when the rewards are in direct opposition to the lifestyle changes associated with the goals. But I have learned that, for me, it’s very effective. I can get through an hour-long combat class if I know that there’s a cold local IPA in my fridge at home. I […]

So many of you had so much to say in the comments about my inability to quit beer. Most of you were, how shall I say, a little judgey and condescending. I’d like to reiterate that I am keeping this blog as a way of tracking my own progress and demonstrating the amount of work that goes into progress. I want to be proud […]

I’ve also been trying to eat a cleaner diet of mostly locally sourced and plant-based meals. I found a microgreens farmer, a vegetable farm, and a seasonal fruit grove nearby who sells at my neighborhood farmers market. I’ve been really trying to stick with only fresh fruit and vegetables supplemented by dried plant-based proteins. I feel great, I have more […]

Ok I’m back. My fifth trip to the gym after taking an unexpected (and unwanted) week and a half off was when I finally clicked back into the “this is good for me I enjoy this I am doing this because I want to” mindset that I need to take a workout seriously. I’m definitely more hindered by my mental […]

I got a terrible cold that knocked me out of any exercise for ten full days. Ten days doesn’t sound like that much, I admit, but it really set me back. Not only was it harder to get myself back to the gym, once I got there it was harder to keep up with where I was at the week […]

My neighborhood 5k is coming up, and I’ve been running about 2 hours a week more than I ever used to, so I want to put it to test out on the streets in a marathon-type environment. I signed up, I went to pick up my packet, I nervously started surrounded by neighbors, and then I just started running.   […]

It has been relatively easy to build in twenty minutes on a treadmill before each workout and while I haven’t noticed any significant mental or physical changes, I have noticed that my strength training goes much better if I’ve done a bit of cardio first. My muscles feel more warmed up, I’m more mentally engaged in the workout, and I […]

I’ve been getting pretty fit lately, I lost thirty pounds last year, and I feel better than ever. I’ve never been competitive but thought this would be a fun way to set and track a quantifiable goal. Right now, I weight 170 lbs. I’m pretty happy with my weight, I do a lot of strength training so I’m sure I […]