I mentioned a couple of posts back that I am going to throw out some of my short-term goals in regards to my aspirations of becoming an all around warrior in hopes that this new community can help keep me accountable. Before I throw my goals out there I wanted to give you some of the observations that I have dealing with the size of my belly and of being out of shape.
Here are some advantages of the belly so to speak. One advantage is that when I trim my beard I can wear my nice jeans or slacks because all of the hair either falls in the sink or on the nice protective awning that my belly creates. This creates an easy and fast clean up with no itchy drawers. Another advantage is the ledge that is created when lounging around that gladly holds a cell phone and I assume a flat stomach cannot. I feel that thus far keeping my belly nice and squishy has been a selfless act which has allowed my kids to have a built-in pillow while watching a movie on the floor or while lounging around at a campsite... my one year old really seems to appreciate it. I have also noticed that most competitors in athletic endeavors seem to take the belly for lack of skill. Now I am sure I could be much better but my belly has not prohibited me from handling a basketball or sinking jump shots much to my competitors surprise. This goes for many other things that seemingly have not been affected by my girth and I think that is kind of an edge so to speak.
Some other advantages of being somewhat chubby is that people just assume that you want treats or food that is left over. This comes in very handy at work when you forget your lunch or just have a sweet tooth. Also you seem to be mistaken for a person that can handle beer and in large quantities so you are always the recipient of a fresh one when gatherings of such are happening.
Another huge plus is that no one ever asks you to do a "fun run" knowing good well that you will laugh at the suggested oxymoron. No one ever looks at you weird, at least not to your face, when you go back for seconds because it is somewhat expected. Also dessert is usually just brought to you without the hindrance of having to be asked if you would like dessert or not.
Of course all of those observations are in jest and I desperately want to get in shape so that I can handle whatever comes my way in this world. I have three kids ages five, three, and one with a surprise on the way this summer. That means that I need every ounce of energy I can muster and the better shape I am in the better I can keep my wits about me when I have a teenage boy and three preteen girls in my house in the future.
Bottom line I want to be the best I can possibly be and I want to be a leader. How can I honestly talk about being a warrior if I am not striving to do the same in every aspect of my life? I know that I am much more drawn to guys that seem to have the discipline to keep themselves in shape, that are active, and balance that with being a great family man.
So here are a few of my goals that I want help from you guys attaining over the next three months.
Goal 1 - I want to start eating Paleo on a more consistent basis (more to come about this lifestyle in the near future). This meaning that I want to eat Paleo roughly 90% of the time or six days very strict and one day of anything goes.
Goal 2 - I want to start a consistent workout program. I actually really like crossfit style workouts so that will probably be the gist of the program but I also want to ride mtb and my cyclocross bike more. I want to, at the very least, workout three days a week with at least one day on a bicycle of any type.
Goal 3 - The previous two goals should culminate into this goal coming to fruition. I want to lose a moderate 20lbs over the next three months. I know that for some this probably seems too easy and for others this may seem daunting but I believe 2olbs would be attainable for me and probably fairly difficult. That is right around 7lbs a month for three months... that sounds attainable.
I will more than likely create a page on this blog that will consist of the workouts that I am doing, things that I am eating, and the progress I am seeing.
I am going to go ahead and start eating healthy right now and will start working out on Sunday May 12th which will put the end of the three months on Monday August 12th. At that time I will post before and after pics so that alone should hold me somewhat accountable... be sad if the after looks exactly the same as the before or worse.
Without question I will have to use all the Principles of Modern Warriorship especially discipline. Hopefully at the end of these three-months I will be on my way to becoming more and more of a modern warrior not only physically but spiritually and emotionally as well.