Intro and all that, detailed, boring stuff...
Since my last log began with my struggling to accomplish a deadlift with proper form, and I recently set a new PR by pulling 315, it seems like I've arrived at a good point to finish off that log and start a new one.
Time to regroup and think about this 2008 Challenge going on and set some new goals.
First goal – Mental outlook. I tend to be too negative and often doubt myself. To accomplish my goals, I need to be positive and optimistic that I will get there: hence the title. (Thanks, Steve, for the
inspiration!) I’ve noticed so many of us around here feel the same way – 2008 will be a year of tremendous accomplishments, breaking through barriers, and doing things we never thought possible before. Let's keep that energy going!
Second goal – mobility and stability issues. My current lacks are still inhibiting my progress and are setting me up for a training injury. So – glute activation, scapular stability, thoracic mobility, hip mobility and core stability. I also have some posture issues (you can see in my pics that I tend to hold my right shoulder higher than my left, I have anterior pelvic tilt, and I slouch. I also work at a computer all day, which doesn’t help). Correctional work will continue to be a priority.
Plan: Danny Plan part 3, mobility and activation as prescribed. Measurement TBD.
Third goal – Control the eating, the bane of every current and former fat boy. I’ve got a little lazy and let things go over the holidays and packed on some extra pounds.
Plan: I’ve begun the TNT plan and will continue that through July. I don’t have a specific goal weight in mind, but I sure as heck don’t need to weigh 194.
Measurement: Setting the bar at 90% compliance or better.
Fourth goal – Body comp. I think the proper eating will accomplish most of this, but overall I want to be leaner and more muscular (wait, that requires that I be muscular to begin with… perhaps I should say "some remote semblance of muscular.") That's not a measurable goal. So I’ll say 10-12% body fat, and an increase in size – I won’t get hung up on a certain number -- in my measurements for chest, shoulders, biceps, thighs and calves. The waist damned well better shrink! I may not do both at once, but I have six months for both hypertrophy and fat loss.
Plan: Danny Plan part 3, resistance and cardio training as prescribed. I expect to grow stronger through the process, too, but I will not set up a strength goal until the mobility/stability progresses to the point where I am more injury-resistant.
Measurement: I'll post body fat and measurements monthly.
2008 is gonna ROoOoOoOCK!!!
Yo Steve -- behold the power of a real breakfast! 
) 
