Home » 2016 – Body at War 4 – Hero’s Journey Part 1

2016 – Body at War 4 – Hero’s Journey Part 1

Feeling pretty good. I have managed to maintain a pretty robust war against my body this year. I am on phase 4; I have managed to get my weight within the range I feel most comfortable; and I generally feel good all around. In this phase “Hero’s Journey” I will strike a pretty happy medium. I won’t be going for intensity as much as consistency. I will be incorporating weights here as well, so I have to watch potential injury movements. And as always, I will continue with my pre’s. I am now up to pre-50s and since I won’t be going for intensity, I will just break them up into sections. Getting it done – son!

HERO’S JOURNEY PART I ENDS

DAY 30 (One Moment More)
Game Play: Heroism is endurance for one moment more.  
Points Total: 7300 +  100 = 7400
Summary:  Well, the 300 pushups from yesterday took a bit more out of me than I realized.  I almost passed over today, but decided to push through it when the female unit came out ready to go workout.  I could just slough off to bed.  Now, as I write this, I feel tired, but vindicated.  At any rate, I was not able to push through level 3, as I have been doing the pass couple of weeks.  I was able to push to between level 1 and 2.  Today was plan and wall-sit.  I was able to stand the first 2min plank, but only 1.5 in the subsequent; and for the wall-sit, I was only able to get to 1min.  I probably should have held off from the squats in my pre’s.  At any rate, I got through my pre’s and DB, so I am done with this phase.  Not resolved on wether I am gonna take off a day or so before starting the second half of my journey.  So far body feels good.  I haven’t had any serious illnesses or injuries (knock-on-wood).  I will just keep leaning forward and doing my thing.  Finally, I got probably my fastest cardio time in some time – 3.68mi in 30mins.  Caio!

hammer

Weapon’s Practice

DAY 29 (Power Within)
Game Play: I must look inside myself for the strength to go on.  
Points Total: 6900 + 400 = 7300
Summary:  Another good workout today – great to get back after a couple days off due to Hurricane Matthew.  Had to do quite a bit of cleaning up before going back into the cauldron.  Today was about push ups, punches, and dumbbell work.  I was able to work in pre’s with DareBee today.  I am also able to complete my DB weekly challenge today (pushups). Completed 30mins on elliptical.  Caio!

DAY 28 (Under the Stars)
Game Play: No time to rest; even my stops are time for training my body for the journey ahead.  
Points Total: 6750 + 150 = 6900
Summary:  Coming up to the first phase of my journey, I am feeling really good.  The last time I did this routine was day 4 and since then my abs have really gotten stronger.  My fear was overtraining my abs, but I don’t think I am there yet.  Got through my pre’s, now I am doing a few 60s instead of 50s, with no issues.  I forgot to do the DB weekly challenge daily, but Hurricane Matthew’s got my mind all pre-occupied.  There were no assassins to dispatch of, just did a nice 30mins on the Treadmill to cap the session…lovin’ it! Caio!

7-assassins

7 Assassins

DAY 27 (Seven Assassins)
Game Play: I must defeat all seven of these assassins.  60 seconds rest between each fight.  
Points Total: 6050 + 700 = 6750
Summary:  Pretty good work out today again.  Killed all the assassins without any problems.  Lots of punches, kicks and knee strikes.  Pushed through my pre’s pretty easily – didn’t have to work them into any of my DareBee.  I was also able to complete my contribution to the DB weekly challenge.  Right now my shoulders feels sort of gased, but I am ok.  Finished up with a pretty fast cardio run on the treadmill for 30 mins.  Caio!

mydragon

My Dragon

DAY 26 (Warrior Spirit)
Game Play: True warrior never give up. Endure.
Points Total: 5750 + 300 = 6050
Summary: Good workout today – Level III on DareBee and completion of the daily dare.  Ran through the pre’s and then today was death by “Burpees“. It was actually pretty good going for the most part and would have no issue just settling for level 1 or 2, but pushing to level 3 raised the ante and now I feel pretty good about it. Finished up with 30min on the treadmill (included 2min at level 7).

DAY 25 (Down to Business)
Game Play: Weapons need strength, I must wield mine more powerfully. 
Points Total: 5300 + 450 = 5750
Summary:  Back in the game baby.  Weapons training with 60 DM curls, row and overhead press was a great companion to 200 shoulder taps and 150 pushups.  Also, adding to my pre-50s, I changed up the movements for glutes and abs and thighs a bit.  I am thinking to changing up pre’s a bit.  The exercises have become too routine and so I may have plateaued.  I finished p with 30 min cardio, switching back to the treadmill.  Caio!

DAY 24 (Core Power)
Game Play: To increase my chances of survival, I need to strengthen my core.  Make arrows bounce off my abs.
Points Total: 5150 + 150 = 5300
Summary: Hitting the abs pretty hard today; was able to wrap it into my regular DareBee.  I also pushed through my pre-50s pretty hard today and it felt really different.  Leg raises and pulse ups were pretty easy, but infinity circles and sitting twists kicked my butt.  I also forgot my superman stretches, but got back to it just in time before pushing into my 30mins of cardio on the elliptical. Got some good cardio as well working the pre-50s at a pretty good clip.  Tomorrow is a day off, looking forward to it for sure.  Caio!

karma

Karma

Enemy-N-Dragon

DAY 23 (The Chase, Take Two)
Game Play: The need to catch the spy and his dragon before he gets away.  I need to go as fast as possible. I need to go for 60 seconds flat out.  I completed 5 iteration, catching the sneaky bastard.   On his person you found enemy plans and whatnot. I have, at my discretion, the preference to cancel one of the unwanted consequences down the line or drop one of the sets without any consequences or drop one weapons’ practice session. Not sure what I will do at this time.
Points Total: 4650 + 500 = 5150
Summary: Nice workout; I am starting to run out of way to describe my workout – I really like this hero’s journey from DareBee.  In a few day, I have about another series and a half between breaks before I move into the second part of my journey, I will up my pre’s to 60s, so that should be interesting.  Completed all pre’s with no issues; I did not work them into my DB regime.  Completed 5 sets of 1 min. high knees – honestly, they were pretty easy.  30 min on treadmill with a bit of problem with my Ipod.  Caio!

DAY 22 (Allies)
Game Play: I prove yourself worthy of the allegiance of others.
Points Total: 4150 + 500 = 4650
Summary: Oh yeah, great workout today – all about the abs, planking it out.  For the first time I worked my pre-50s mostly into the rest of my DareBee routine.  Also, for the first time I threw a massive amount of punches – 2000 to be exact.  I was able to add an addition 200 points to my level III total of 300.  I am continue the level III attainment with seemingly little ill-effects.  30 mins on the elliptical rounded out my session today.  Keep it going – caio!

hammer

Weapon’s Practice

DAY 21 (The Return)
Game Play: My quest continues and so does my training.  I will be wielding the hammer today as well.
Points Total: 3800 + 350 = 4150
Summary:  Great workout after my day off.  For the second or maybe 3rd day in a row, completed level III in DareBee, with 10 sets.  Either I am getting really fit or it is getting really easy.  Completed 150 push ups and about 800 arm exercises.  I was able to get through my pre-50s quite well and just settled into my DB routine, finishing up with my 30 mins on the elliptical.  A couple of changes that I have made to my routine include – upgraded the music and added some incense burning to moderate the mood.  It seems to be energizing me some.  Also, I have made Monster a part of the play too.  Caio!

DAY 20 (Escape)
Game Play: Setting myself free with my hands tied behind my back. 
Points Total: 3550 + 250 = 3800
Summary: Well today was a pretty good day.  I didn’t do some of my movements with my hands behind my back, but I did get most of the effect.  Also, had to do 400 side legs raises – the first time ever completing this and it was a bear on the butt.  I worked my pre-50’s into my regular DareBee routine today.  It was a bit weird, but since there weren’t too many movement in the regular DB set it wasn’t a problem.  Finished up with my regular 30mins on the treadmill.  Looking forward to my off day tomorrow and then back again.  So far, I have managed to stay on track and music has been a really great part of my journey so far.  Caio!

Enemy-N-Dragon

DAY 19 (Ambush)
Game Play: The enemy has surprised me, showing up with another dragon.  I will not be taken without a fight, however.
Points Total: 3050 + 500 = 3550
Summary:  Great workout – lots of music and just all-around fun.  Really had a smooth nice workout – luved it.  Pre-50’s were routine, no issue – will look into replace with substitute for next phase.  I was only able to work in squats into the DareBee routine today, but that was aaaight.  Also, did a sub-challenge of 1000 punches, a first time experience, and it was pretty cool.  I am not feeling it yet, but I think I will in time.  Lots of punches and squats – great workout.  Finished with 30 treadmill @ level 6. Caio!

karma

Karma

Enemy-N-Dragon

DAY 18 (The Chase)
Game Play: The enemy and his  dragon are getting away
Points Total: 2850 + 200 = 3050
Summary:  Pretty good workout today. Almost went for the catch two, but settle for catching only the dragon this time around.  Pre-50s were good and was able to working pushups today again, as well as, mountain climbers – 150 and 180 respectively.  30 mins today again on the treadmill. Caio!

hammer

Weapon’s Practice

DAY 17 (Double Trouble)
Game Play: Trouble never comes in single doses.  I will have to dig deep to survive.
Points Total: 2450 + 400 = 2850
Summary:  Back on the roll after my day off and with a bang no less.  Got through my pre-50s without issues; and since I was able to roll in my push ups with DareBee.  In total, I was able, for the first time, complete 360 push up in total during one workout session.  I have truly gotten stronger in recent months.  And as I write these words, I am not really feeling any ill-effects – save a bit of discomfort in my right traps due to weapons practice.  Today was weapons practice day – 50 x DB curls, 30 x Bent-over Rows, and 30 x Overhead Press. Tried a bit of incense burning during the workout, but I have to balance it out a bit.  Finish off with a 30min run on the treadmill.  Caio!

DAY 16 (The Sun Goes Down)
Game Play: Earn your rest by preparing for the new day
Points Total: 2300 + 150 = 2450
Summary: Good workout going into my rest day and quite fitting for game play as well.  Today was essential abs focus day. Part 1 was – 3 sets of hundreds, air bike crunches, flutter kicks, leg raises, scissors, and sitting twists. The main thing is – this fits in quite well with my pre-50s as well.  Part 2 was 3 sets of superman stretches.  Body feels good, but I tell you – the supermans were pretty intense, especially after all that ab work from part 1.  So I am just over a quarter way through the journey and halfway through my 30 regime.  I am not sure if I will take a break at 30; as of right now, I am not planning for it.  At any rate, I am off tomorrow, so I will indulge and have a good time. See you on the other side – Caio!

charge

10 – Full Charge

karma

Karma

DAY 15 (There will be Dragons)
Game Play: Enemy dragons attack.  Fight for the innocent, protect the weak.  Ten charges make you the people’s champion! On day 17, when Double trouble strikes, reduce each level by 1 set. All hail the Mighty Hero!  Where is the Oracle now…hello
Points Total: 1800 + 500 = 2300
Summary:  Oh yeah…cooking with grease.  I am the people campion with 10 charges (jumping lunges, jumping jacks, jump squats, push ups, side chops and infinity chops)  it was A-awesome! And at the end of it I did the loudest roar (will upload to #hearmeroar). I don’t know, I must getting fit or something, but my pre-50s went by pretty well.  I was able to work 125 x push ups, 200 jumping jacks and 100 x squats into the regular DB cycle; telling you – it must be the monster drink that’s doing – no pain.  Finished up with 30 min on the elliptical.  Caio!

RupeRoarbee2

DAY 14 (…and I am cornered)
Game Play: I find myself surrounded by enemies. I must defend myself!
Points Total: 1700 + 100 = 1800
Summary: Pretty good workout today.  Had to fight off a bunch of enemies, but I made it through. No issues with the pre-50s and the workout were 3 fight sets.  The first was a jab-jab with a cross and then a squat, the second was a backfist followed by a side-kick and the third was a knee strike followed by an elbow strike.  All in all I was able to get through this is pretty quick time keeping with an hour and I even finished up with a 30 elliptical burn. Caio!

hammer

Weapon’s Practice

DAY 13 (New Bonds)
Game Play: I woke up in a new place.  No one has attacked me…yet.

Points Total: 1550 + 150 = 1700
Summary:  Had a really good day off and back to it again.  Felt good. Still working off the effects of the storm and starting to feel stronger, so I will pick up the hammer for a bit of practice.  Pre’s went well – was able to work in pushup in the regular DareBee regime, so that was good; did a couple different types of chops and round it out with dumbbells. Caio!

DAY 12 (Refuge)
Game Play: Someone found me unconscious and started tending my wounds.  I have to take it easy, as I will need my strength soon enough.
Points Total: 1450 + 100 = 1550
Summary: Rather enjoyed today’s workout. Had to execute 9 yoga poses and while innocent, they were pretty demanding.  Now I know that I really need to stretch a bit more.  Did pre-50s without issue; wasn’t able to work them into any of the DareBee portion, so I just did everything serially.  So pretty straight forward, work pre’s and then yoga poses – I suppose it was sort of a good time to take refuge in this place before moving on.  Ended with 30min treadmill run (5.5 – 6.5). Caio!

karma

Karma

DAY 11 (Close Call)
Game Play: I have been badly wounded in the storm.  How badly? It’s bad but not that bad.  I felt dizzy, everything went black…

Points Total: 1250 + 200 = 1450
Summary:  Another awesome workout day.  Had a pretty good pre-50s workout but my DareBee gameplay was really good to me because I could working quite a bit into it.  I did a crap ton of squats and jumping jacks.  Close Call required 210 reps each of high knees, jumping jacks and squats.  I feel pretty good right now, with no real pain, but I suspect that I won’t be singing that song in the morning.  I have never done 210 squats at a single workout before.  I finished up with a 30 minute blindfold just sitting in silence – that was pretty cool and interesting.  So far this week I have had a few firsts and my body seems to be responding favorably.  I must keep a steady strain, no funny moves, no getting hurt right now, it feels to good.  I finished up with a 30 min 3/4 sprint (5.5-6.0) on the treadmill – felt pretty good.  Caio!

hammer

Weapon’s Practice

DAY 10 (Into the Storm)
Game Play: The Elements are against me – I must fight back! Weapon’s practice today
Points Total: 1100 + 150 = 1250
Summary: I don’t think I can remember doing 200 Push Ups during a single workout ever. Well, today I did – 5×40 with 200 Punches.  Added to that I did 3 set of  [ 8 x Reps of Standing Curls (30lbs DBs), 5 x Reps of Bend-over-Rows and 5 x Reps of Shoulder Press.  I have not done any free weight over the last year or so – probably 2, this is the 3rd time during this phase.  All my workouts have been using my body weight, primarily since I hurt my shoulder some while back.  My body feels strong enough now though to take a bit more punishment – but I am gonna keep a steady strain and not rush anything.  Pulled back slightly on the cardio today – did a hill climb on the treadmill 2.5 – 5.0 4.5 to 5.5 speed.  It got pretty intense near the end.  All and all I feel good.  The only thing I will now need to improve on is my sleep – not getting as much as I probably should.  I will start chipping away at that. Caio!

mydragon

My Dragon

DAY 9 (Collapsing Bridge)
Game Play: The ground is falling under me.  I must be strong to survive.  I scrambled and scrambled as it collapsed.  Damn, I lost my backpack and with it my dinner.  I had my dragon, but I did not have to call on him.
Points Total: 1000 + 100 = 1100
Summary:  Back from another awesome day off (number 2).  Not as cool as the last return day, but honestly, Monster really gives quite a boost.  I am also kicking it up a notch with some different music to jazz it up a bit.  Blew through my pre-50s and decided to clear the bridge with toe-tap-hops, side-to-side jumps and mountain climber.  I decided against the clearing the bridge in one jump by doing 200 jump squats because that would just destroy my quads and I got to pace myself a bit.  I gave up 200 point to that decision tho.  Feel generally good today, no aches in particular, body feels strong and joints are all good. I went 86mins today, although I like to stay near 60.  Cardio was 30 min on the treadmill at 5.5; felt pretty good, but I will alternate day with 6.0 and 5.0.

DAY 8 (A Night to Remember)
Game Play: My rest time is my charge up time – powering up my core.
Points Total: 850 + 150 = 1000
Summary: Oh yeah – felt great today after powering up with a Monster drink.  I might need to make the beverage a part of my daily – naw might be too toxic after a while.  At any rate, today is a power-down to an off-day tomorrow.  Pretty much focused on core core (see my DareBee link above) after doing my pre-50s; in fact I worked in core with DB – that was fun.  Finished up this my elliptical series; intend to switch to treadmill next and then road afterwards, just to keep le bodie guessing. caio!

DAY 7 (The Oracle)
Game Play: The Oracle tell me – “You are not and will never be a HERO”.  I will prove him wrong.  No one tells me who I can or cannot be.
Points Total: 650 + 200 = 850 (Did Bonus Quest)

Summary: Pushing stead on my journey, no issues completing my pre-50s, no real issues or pains.  Had to do a crap load of high knees and push up – really pissed because I pushed through the forest only for the “Oracle” to tell me that I am no good.  I will just keep my head down and push forward as I know I have to do.  Cardio elliptical was 30 min and overall workout was 70mins.

hammerDAY 6 (Blocked Path)
Game Play: The road ahead is blocked. Your upper body strength will help you push through. Hammer training.
Points Total: 450 + 200 = 650
Summary:  Pretty cool workout today.  It is starting to really feel like fall.  The level of intensity was just slightly above the median; didn’t feel like I was pushing too much, but I did get enough of an umpf to be meaningful.  Today was all about upper body – pushups, shoulder taps, punches, bicep curls, bent over rows and overhead standing press.  I used 20s for today’s workout, but it really was too light.  I will be increasing over time.

DAY 5 (Journey Through The Woods)
Game Play: The woods are thick and hard to get through.  The path has to be created from scratch.  The strength of my legs has to dragon-eggserve me well here.  Found and decided to keep a dragon’s egg.  When the baby dragon hatches, he will become my side kick.  He will fight with me, giving me an additional (optional) minute of recovery between each set.
Points Total: 350 + 100 = 450
Summary:  Back from an awesome day off.  Today was particularly cool, given the heat of the last few months; it appears the fall might be upon us.  Worked through my pre-50s relatively fast, but still have to push to make it within the 60 timeline – I was not able to complete entire workout in 71mins.  The Journey through the woods was pretty good – lunges, jumps and knee strikes, in preparation for the way ahead. Cardio was elliptical, felt pretty good.

DAY 4 (Under the Stars)
Game Play: No time to rest; even my stops are time for training my body for the journey ahead.
Points Total: 200 + 150 = 350
Summary:  Continuing on my journey, today was pretty good day.  Switched up my pre-50s a bit to include some new movements for abs.  Not sure if I will move to these or go back to the old ones.  I need to pay attention to making sure that I am rounding out my entire core; I am afraid I might be overtraining my abs in one area.  I need to hit the sides/laterals a bit more.  Maintaining my cardio. Did a mix of road and treadmill during this spread; intend to move to road and elliptical next or either alone.  Tomorrow is my first rest day during this new journey and the first in 5 days.  Really looking forward.

DAY 3 (Visit the Armory)
Game Play: Pick a Hammer (bicep curls, bent over rows, and shoulder press) as the weapon for my quest. This will influence my development.
Points Total: 200 + 50 = 250
Summary:  Pretty late workout, I don’t like late workout – somehow they feel a bit harder.  At any rate, I continue my quest today by visiting the armory and choosing the hammer as my weapon of choice.  I was a bit disappointed that I only got 50 points, but that’s ok, I was able to keep my workout within 1 hour.  I did 8xBC, 5xBoR, 5xSP.  I was able to push through the pre-50 by breaking it up still. Intensity was average, body feel good, attitude positive.

karma

Karma

DAY 2 (Stranger at the Crossroads – Option A)
Game Play: You chose to mind your own business. You are alone. Add one set to each level on Day 7.
Points Total: 100 + 100 = 200
Summary:  Today was a bit challenging but I just break it up some and push through it. For now, I am just breaking it up in random pieces, I might decided to stick with 2x25s, but I am not gonna over think it too much, I just want to enjoy it at this point.  My body feels ok, I am getting to good, so I don’t want to risk an injury.  Starting to get into the gameplay a bit as a hero.

DAY 1 (Press “Start” to Play)
Game Play: Just starting out my 60 day journey
Points Total: 100
Summary:  Welcome to Day 1 of my journey.  Today I did my run before the exercise, not sure it that’s the right move – honestly just wanted to get a run in before the hurricane got in.  Got a good workout in tho.  Feels good.

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