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I’mPossible Challenge

Over on the FB group, we have a challenge starting up.  Pick your own goal, etc., and get group support for achieving it.  I’ve pledged to donate to the NRA  next May if I run a 10k in over 60 minutes and weigh in above  my goal weight (and body composition of under 25%).   I will be measuring the following:

  1. Waist (wkly)
  2. Hips (wkly)
  3. Weight (daily) (I use a weighted average, so I don’t get too crazy over the day-to-day variations)
  4. Body Fat % (daily – though my impedance scale is highly correlated to hydration) – I will use calipers too, and for the final measurement, a “trusted third party” (probably my trainer)
  5. Total Sleep (Hours) (daily) (my pedometer does this if I remember to press buttons)
  6. Sleep Quality (1-7) (I changed the scale from 1-10 to 1-7 because it’s easier)
  7. Fasting Blood Sugar (daily)
  8. Morning pH (daily) (I bought the strips today)
  9. Postprandial Blood Sugar (occasionally)
  10. Total Steps (daily – goal > 10k) (which is basically two long walks a day).

What’s something you’ve always wanted to achieve that seems just out of reach?  Make it up! and then make it happen.

The Tabata Game

High intensity interval training (HIIT) can help improve fitness level quickly (and side-line you with an injury too).  I want more power and speed. So I’ve decided to play the Tabata game. As defined on the CrossFit website, Tabata is

For twenty seconds do as many reps of the assigned exercise as you can – then rest 10 seconds.
Repeat this seven more times for a total of 8 intervals, 4 minutes total exercise.
The score is the least number of reps for any of the eight intervals.

When you track your workouts, you can see whether or not your performance improves over time.  The idea is to perform the intervals as fast and hard as you can. They are uncomfortable.

I hopped on the rower and created a workout of 8 intervals: 20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest. The workout lasts four minutes in total, with 2:40 of work. How hard could it be?  Today’s score: 629 meters, shortest interval: 74 meters. Average: 78.75.

Did I mention Tabatas are uncomfortable?  I can’t wait to see what the next chart looks like. Clearly pacing is helpful so I can maintain a higher power output over time.

Image 

Raw data (meters per interval): 76,80, 82, 82, 79, 74, 87, 79.