Football Epilogue

...a new record for me (I think). I was took a mental and physical holiday last weekend and stayed with my aunt and uncle near Portland. I had a dear old friend getting married which presented the opportunity. I decided I was just going to try to be helpful, but in the moment for the duration of the trip. I was able to maintain that for the most part. As the title says I got to play a bit of golf at Tri-Mountain Golf Course in Ridgefield, WA. Admittedly my diet wasn't the best as there were many beers consumed, some from a high school friend's brewery in Seattle ( Chainline Brewery ), but it was overall good for the soul to see good family, old friends and relax a little.

I've found that a good "baseline" workout routine for me has been a mix of 30 minutes of cardio followed by 30 minutes of lifting for 4ish days per week. By baseline I mean something that I feel good after without needing to go into a coma until soreness subsides. I guess this is also called a "maintenance" workout. I'm not expecting to make huge gains in endurance/strength with this workout, but I do feel good after it and persistence with this work combined with dietary changes will yield some results. I do cardio first for one reason: TO MAKE SURE I DO CARDIO. It can be easy to talk myself out of cardio after an intense lifting session. If I was pushing for faster fat burning, etc. the experts tend to say do cardio after lifting, but that's outside the scope of this being a baseline workout. If time is limited cardio is your best workout "bang for your buck" as well.

I happen to be more on the "cut carbs" side of the fence, but it overall comes down to eating getting used to running on fewer calories...

This weekend I have a full body workout planned that's sure to leave me feeling tired, but accomplished. It will involve cardio, core muscle lifting, stability and balance exercises and interval training. The equipment needed is readily available, but non-conventional (from a typical "gym-rat's" perspective). It includes: A heavy bag, in particular one from Waste Management A wheelbarrow A shovel A lawn mower Bolt cutters A good pair of gloves This could be a group training session with plenty of hydration offered, but I'm looking forward to getting it done! I may have to splurge on a massage once it's all done.  :)

Golf Season in Minnesota is short. Too short. We are now in playoff mode for my golf league and a 5:30pm tee time guarantees very long shadows on the course by the fifth hole. I bought a new sleeve of Titlest proV1X balls. I think it helped off the tee, but my mid irons and putting just killed me. Unfortunately, that's the extent of Dwan GC : drive, iron, putt on moderate length par 4s). I ended up shooting my worst round of the year...a 53 (net 40). Oh well. I'm hoping to get a few more rounds in before the snow flies...

Here's a wake-up call for you.