Lying to yourself doesn’t work…

My final two days of Hell Week are done. Thank god. These were:

Perseus

2x Poseidon

I quite liked Perseus. A nice mix of exercises: Strict Pullups, Mountain Climbers, Sphinx Push-ups and High Knees. It was over quite quickly – in my case 10mins – and even though it wasn’t too taxing I was still exhausted at the end.

And then today I did 2x Poseidon. Now, the last time I did this was two years ago. Apparently I did it in 12 minutes and I gave myself a star. There’s just simply no way I should have given myself a star. I couldn’t do the pullups. And I still can’t. I can do a few, but nowhere near the 100 that 2x Poseidon wants you to do. So I did assisted pullups today and didn’t give myself a star. I also added 8 minutes to my time.

It’s always tempting to give yourself a star, or skip a set, or lots of other little cheats. But it’s not really worth it, because it gives you a false sense of achievement, and when you do actually achieve it, it doesn’t feel so good.

Anyway, I got through the workout. Afterwards I had zero power in my arms.

And now I can have a break for a couple of days. I’ve asked coach for two workouts this week – he’s given me Upper Body Conditioning with a 100m sprint and 2x Agon.

Another Hell Week done. Onwards!

Hell Week progress

I’m almost at the end of Hell Week. Worked out every day apart from Thursday when I was dealing with a crisis at work and had to have a meeting over the time I would have worked out.

Here are some things I’ve noticed:

1. I’ve slept more than I usually do; at least an hour more every night
2. I’ve drunk more water than I usually do
3. Getting training done in the morning is the right thing to do
4. I’ve lost weight. About 2kg
5. I haven’t really eaten enough. For two reasons: it’s been stressful at work and I lose my appetite when I’m stressed and because it’s still hot in the UK and I eat less in hot weather
6. My thighs really hurt
7. I still have a long way to go to properly master the pull-up
8. Jeez those 100x plank leg lifts in Amazona are tough
9. Achilles is really fucking tough. Almost gave up.
10. 2 x Krios — I dunno why I have myself a star the first time I did this. I absolutely can’t do it with correct form. And I added time onto my PB

Just got Perseus and Poseidon to go and then I’m done.

Hell Week Strikes Again

As I clicked ‘Finish Week’ on the Freeletics app yesterday, I had a feeling that Coach had a Hell Week just around the corner. And then sure enough, there it was. 7 Gods workouts for next week. It looks like this:

I’m up for it. I’ve been getting up a bit late this week, so I’m hoping the discipline of Hell Week will make me get up and get training.

There are loads of pullups in these workouts. Hoping to really build some strength.

Also, yesterday I did Agon, which includes 8 sets of 10 Hanging Leg Raises. Blimey they’re tough.

Freeletics in a heat wave

It’s been between 25° and 30° here for about two weeks. It’s made working out hard. I’ve managed it though and as it’s the time of year where everyone in vest and shorts, it inspires me to train.

On Friday I did 2/3 Dione, and actually quite enjoyed it. All those sit-ups and jumping jacks.

And then today I did some legs interval training and then Persephone, which I did in 10mins, 1min better than my PB.

As it was so hot, I did the whole thing a bit slower and focused on form. It felt good.

My next coach week includes one of the 37 new god workouts. Coach has chosen 2x Avon, which is looks like this:

Interesting that Coach has selected 2x first off, but hey. Looking forward to trying it out!

Oh, and I’m trying to take more progress pictures.

Here’s where I am currently. Favourable lighting on the ‘after’ picture though…