The reset: We back as promised! I look back on the previous blog posts from 2020, and I have memories of how excited I was to be spinning this up BUT also how stupid I might look to people who read this, thinking others would think "Why is he writing this stuff" and "who cares about this". So dumb.
I am glad I did it at (least for a few posts.) That experience opened the gate to journaling/blogging, ever so slightly, something I have never done before. Why base value of external perception?!
Now I am back, with refreshed energy and a lack of anxiety about the whole thing. Let's do the full reset.
What is the DADthlete movement, and what am I trying to achieve.
The DADthlete: A space I want to create where fatherhood and athleticism intersect. I want to document my journey of getting back in shape, balancing a hectic career, and being there for my family.
Remember, fitness as a dad isn't just about lifting weights; it's about lifting life's responsibilities with strength and a smile. So let's get fit, stay active, and be the best dads we can be.
Welcome to the journey. Welcome to "The DADthlete."
Where do we start? Before we get into the balancing act of life, we need to understand what we are dealing with (the now) and where we want to get to (the goal).
Setting a goal: You need to understand your starting point, be honest with yourself about what your current ability, health and time availability allow. Then, using that as a base, the goal you set yourself has to be:
1.) Difficult
2.) Realistic
3.) Time bound
Without these 3 things, its a pointless endeavour. Too easy, and you are not stretching yourself to grow as a person. Unrealistic, you risk tasting bitter disappointment, even if you kill yourself trying. Time bound, you need to be real with yourself, give no excuses. A deadline is a deadline.
Personally, without a tangible goal, I flail. I see this in my workouts, that when I have an event to target, I am focussed and train with direct intent. Without a goal, I coast through.
The now: Real talk...I am the heaviest I have been since 2016, when my daughter was born, and probably the least fit I have been since then too. I play basketball on a division 3 national team, as well as with the FIMBA GB Over 35's team. I have been struggling on the court physically, being so heavy, and this has really affected my confidence, doubling down on the issue (the only thing worse than an overweight basketball player is one that lacks confidence).
While this sounds like a terrible thing, we look on the brightside! The only way is up, and WE WILL seen an awesome change over 2024.
The goal: The goal has to be a tangible, realistic target. I have yet to sign up to a major event this year (my Misogi, more on this in another post), so I have decided on a goal I have set previously that I didn't hit, that gets further with each passing year.
So my first goal...In the year I turn 37, I make the promise to myself that I will DUNK a bloody basketball.
Below is a video of me trying from last week, and you will see...it's a LONG way off, but not unrealistic. I am tall, I play often, and I am not super injured!
But, we take the big goal and break it down, and here comes the Physicist in me
Jumping has a load of factors to consider, but, when we go to the core of it, it is the amount of force you can apply in the shortest amount of time, and the weight that you apply it to. With that in mind:
1.) Decrease the weight of the mass being moved (aka me)
2.) Increase the force (strength)
3.) Decrease the time you apply it (plyometrics, flexibility and joint strength)
I need to take small steps to this goal, as it seems daunting, even impossible looking at me right now. But that is what this is all about, finding the grind, practicing patience, staying the course.
Small goal 1 - From breakfast on Monday 29th Jan 2024 to dinner on Friday 2nd Feb, eat a balanced 2000 calories through the day, ensuring 180g of protein, tracking each meal in MyFitnessPal (I am writing this blog on Sunday night for posting on Monday, so I will be part way through hitting this small goal already!)
Update: Mondays meals: 1,700 calories (160g protein)
Breakfast - Protein oats
Lunch - Last nights beanie wrap, with grilled chicken breast and avocado
Dinner - Boiled eggs, egg rice and prawns.
Small goal 2 - Exercise 1 x per day, and rotate between plyo, strength and fitness.
Update - Monday = Leg day :) Will post on Insta
Small goal 3 - Take some starter photos and measurements.
Update - Weight logged at a nice and heavy 102.8kg.
So, I have taken stock of where I am, what I want, and what I need to do to get there. Now, I just need to do it. Come with me on this journey!
My next post will be a training update on Thursday, as well as a look at my habit tracker, and after that, will be adding things that have helped me spend time with family and still get it done!
Lift big!
The DADthlete (aka Raj)