Workout by Day

I know it's painfully boring to hear what I'm doing in terms of reps, sets, and all that crap. Honestly I bore myself while typing it, and don't want to type it anymore.

I can only imagine what reading it must be like. No wonder no one comes here...

Anyway, in case anyone wants to say hi in the gym, ridicule myself or the weight guru himself Josh, I work out on these days, and approximate time ranges

M- Chest/tri/shoulders 2-5:30
T- Back/bi/abs- 4-7
W-abs/rehab ankle
Th-off/rehab ankle
F-Chest/tri/shoulders/abs 4-8
Sat- Back/bi/abs 12-??
Sun-Football-couch- all day--only get up to urinate or eat

Ridicule away!

I'm Going to Jog in 1 Week

I'm supposed to begin jogging in February. I'm going to try next week. First week in October.

Some might say I'm overzealous. Some people might say I'm ahead of the times. Most would most likely say that this doesn't surprise them at all, because I'm a retard. This does not burst my bubble, although it might burst my ankle upon first trying to jog.

I tried sort of half jogging at the gym today while we were shooting a basketball around pre workout. (stopping the workout updates every week, going to do them once a month, lets face it, they're boring as hell)

Anyway, it didn't really hurt all that bad. So it's on! Wish me luck.

I'm taking off the brace for just walking as well.

In unrelated news, both my parents just began shaking their heads in the "no" motion with a disgusted look on their face, in unison.

Momentary Derailing of My Dreams, Grand Old Flag

I have some crazy virus which has caused me to vomit and have a horrific sore throat over the last few days. I've also been in a constant state of cold sweat. Because of this, I'm missing some workouts.

In more entertaining news, I tried to go to work today and just pretend that I'm all better. During hour #3, after constant sweating and dizziness, I chose to leave work. On my way out, I suddenly began to hear "Grand Old Flag" in my head on a constant loop. I then passed out.

Good news, I'm no longer passed out, I'm home, and I'm safe on my couch with some frozen pizza, orange juice, and NFL Network.

Shes a grand old flag shes a high flyingggggg flag...

Week 3 NFL Picks

The big winners. No questions asked. Do not leave anything in the comments, because this is exactly as it will play out. No need to even watch the games. Right..

Tenn over Jets - No way they go 0-3. Won't happen. Too good a team. They will stop the run game and confuse Sanchez in the passing game.

Jax over Houston- Who cares anyway, but Jax finds their way to victory through the run game.

Philly over KC- Even without McNabb. Just a better team. Defense destroys KC's offense.

Ravens over Browns- Closer than some think. Revolt over Mangini afterward...

Giants over Tampa- Again, closer than some think. Tampa puts up more points than some think.

Detroit over Washington- Why not? Washington is not good people. They're not.

Green Bay over St. Louis- Pick of the Week. Green Bay demolishes St. Louis.

Minnesota over San Fran- Game of the Week. This is going to be an amazing one. I think Shaun Hill can't deal with the pass rush in the end.

New England over Atlanta- (NFL Films voice) The return of Tom Brady to hallowed Gillette Stadium as he takes down the young star Matt Ryan...

Chicago over Seattle- Yawn...

New Orleans over Buffalo- NO is practically unbeatable right now. Buffalo looks better than expected though.

San Diego over Miami- Didn't that Fin offense just look awesome on Monday night? Still will fail.

Pittsburgh over Cinci- I know, a lot of people are picking the upset here. It's even in Cinci. Not me though. Big Ben gets it done.

Oakland over Denver- How the hell is Denver 2-0 right now? Failure awaits, in Oak's run game.

Indy over Arizona- How is Arizona favored here? Indy dismantles them.

Dallas over Carolina- Until I see reasonable QB play from Jake Delhomme, I'm picking whoever they are playing that is at least a pretty good team. Think last week was reasonable? Fine, let that sort of play guide them to a Superbowl. Stats don't tell the whole story. With that run game, he should be shredddding teams. Williams can't run through everyone...or can he?

5000 Calories per day...Weight Update

Gross.....by my count I'm eating like 5000 calories a day. I've gained some weight too. 176 according to the scale in the men's locker room at Archbold Gym. If so, that's a freaking huge weight gain. Just left my back/bicep workout, about to eat some food. Story of my life these days...

So the breakdown, using today as an example:

Breakfast: 3 eggs, tons of cheese, margarine, 2 slices white bread - 600 calories

Shake: 1500 calories

Lunch: Chicken tomato wrap thingie, chips, milk- 400 calories

Shake: 1500 calories

WORKOUT

Shake: 500 calories (less weight gainer, more protein)

Dinner: 1/2 lb BBQ pork/pasta, whole milk - 700 calories

Before bed snack: Something with more protein...you get the idea...


I disgust myself. Commitment.....but...so full..

Chest / Tricep Workout 9/21/2009

No major weight gains...hopefully Thursday I can kick it up. Back/biceps tomorrow...

Flat bench 135 lbs 2 sets 155 2 sets
Incline bench 3 sets @ 115 lbs and 125 lbs 3x10
Incline dumbell 55 lb dumbells 3x10
Cable fly 75 lbs 3x10
Military Press 40 lbs - 4x10
Skull crushers- 50 lbs 3x10
Dips - 4x8
Tricep Push Downs- 120 lbs 3x10
Tricep Push Down Burnout Sets 100lb/80lb/60/40/20 lb 7xea close w/ 20

Walk-On Stuff

I just learned that the biggest, baddest dude sitting in the room for tryouts this year didn't make the team. The guy is an animal, I mean freakish looking...he could eat me for lunch. ......Gulp.....

I've got a great chance at this...whatever gotta keep the energy level up. Great workout today with Weight Lifting Guru/Ladies Man Extraordinaire Josh Hawley. We also figured out late last night with a few other friends that Josh looks like Wayne Gretzky. Awesome...fodder for the next year...one more Wayne, I thought you were the F--king Great One!! Haha...

In The Air Tonight: Greatest Song of All Time?

There is a clear answer here. Yes. Absolutely. May I just say that I have 5 versions of this song on my mp3 player, which I occasionally listen to on a constant loop for entire gym sessions.

Obsessive? Sure. Strange? Yes maam. But Phil Collins is a damn animal. Thank you Phil, for numerous pump ups throughout life.

Download Tupac's version...possibly the best....10/4 over and out

I'm a bad blogger; Not a bright person

So I'm working out like a crazy person, doin work at Syracuse Football, and even eating healthy. I seemingly have forgotten to write anything in the past, well, while.

Let me assure you, I've been living the life. Oh yes, living the sweet life in the lap of luxury.

A few things:

I'll post this weeks workout numbers in a day or two (for the 2 of you out there who give a rats ass). Also, I can't talk about Syracuse Football anymore. It's really a conflict of interest and just not the right thing to do. Regardless if I say nothing that have learned from being inside the program, it's just not the right thing to do. My view is painted.

That said, I'll still be covering random ideas and observations from the NFL. Week 2 observations to come tomorrow! Come back and read them, they will be unique I can guarantee you that.

I'll also obviously still be chronicling my journey to the bottom of the Syracuse Football Roster (if I'm lucky). So in the next few days:

1. Diet update (I'm an eating machine, how to consume more than 5K calories a day)

2. Workout update

3. NFL Week 2 random thoughts

4. Class/school updates

5. Injury Update

If there is anything YOU the reader (singular, there is only one reader) would like to read about, hear about, know about, or anything at all that you think would be a good idea for content email me at rjdoyal@syr.edu and lets talk. Your ideas are clearly better than mine. They have to be. Good god, they have to be.

Got the Job...

I'll be in the recruiting department helping out. I'm really pumped to be on board. Syracuse Football has just downgraded it's program hiring me. Kidding, of course, as I'm gonna bust my ass in there for them, doing whatever I can to help us win.

Lets go Orange!

Good lord

My entire body hurts. Life is good, baby. That pain is progress. I wanted to send a shout out to the weightlifting guru himself, Josh Hawley. Although socially awkward, unable to dress himself without dressing like an old man, and completely unable to negotiate, the man is a badass in the gym.

Josh is going to be with me every step of the way training for this thing. Throwing the medicine ball at me, pushing me, and calling me a girly man in an Arnold Swartzenegger ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrBsnsr1e0s&feature=related ) voice, and me responding like Kige Ramsey. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88DX45Ex9yE )

Oh, Kige. I'm basically like Kige trying out for his beloved Kentucky Wildcats. I can't lift my arms....I'm hungry...

Weight Update, Work Update

Going into the Syracuse Football office tomorrow at 9 AM to meet with the Director of Football Operations. Might have myself an internship in the recruiting office, helping out and further learning how this stuff works. Keep your fingers crossed.

Also, weight is up to 170. 20lbs or so to go.

Back / Bicep Workout 9/15/2009

Bicep/back workout. Going to post updates on workouts once per week to show gains or lack thereof. It should keep me honest, because somewhere in my convoluted mind I think that anyone actually gives a rats ass what I'm lifting and is reading this. If any (all) of the feedback I've received is true, people want to read the marginally funny stuff about the journey, experience, etc. BUT how can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat? (pinkfloyd)

Lat Pull Downs 105 lbs 4x10
Seated Back Rows 150 lbs 4x10
Bent over rows 50 lbs 4x10
Dumbbell Shrugs 65 lbs each hand 4x10
Close grip pull down 105 lbs 3x10

Preacher Curls 75 lbs 3x8
Dumbbell Curls 30 lbs each hand 3x8
Full arm Curls 45 lb bar 3x10
Burnout Curls 75 lbs start, downward from there
Hammer Curls 35 lbs each hand 3x8

Abs

Incline sit ups w/ medicine ball thrown to each side
Leg lifts
Ab Machine

Eating Habits

Those who know me know of my eating habits. They are infamous. They are known worldwide. I eat shit, basically. (Happy Gilmour anyone?) But now I want to gain weight, and good weight, since I'm one skinny dude.

I post this for a couple of reasons. One, those who know me will laugh their ass off about this. Since those who know me are really the only ones at this point reading this, that comprises 100% hilarity for my viewership. (Mom!!) Two, if I say it here, I kinda have to do it, since it's clearly call-out-able now since I said it in front of everyone.

I really do love me some fast food though. Ronald McDonald is my boy. I ring the Taco Bell numerous times weekly. Burger King has been renamed "Bodes Kingdom" by my roommates, who had nicknamed me Bode a long time ago after a furry little bear on this.....we'll leave that one alone for now. Either way, I visit with The King often.

I want this so bad that I have curtailed my eating habits. I'm containing my fast food addiction to two times per week. That's monumental. Those who know me will not believe this latest development, but let me just say that I bought rice, pasta, fresh meats, green beans, all sorts of crazy crap. Oh yeah. Made some of it today.

A new day has arrived ladies and gentleman...Ryan/Bode/Idiot/Hopelesswalkon has entered the dark (healthy) side...

Chest / Tricep Workout 9/14/2009

Here is the chest/tricep workout that I'm doing as of today with weights and sets X reps. Call me a girly man if I don't up the weights on this stuff as I go.

I'll be posting a weekly update with exercises done, weight, sets, and reps. 3x10 = 3 sets x 10 reps per set, for example. Back/Bicep workout to come tomorrow.

Flat bench 135 lbs 2 sets 155 2 sets
Incline bench 3 sets @ 115 lbs and 125 lbs 3x10
Incline dumbell 50 lb dumbells 3x10
Cable fly 65 lbs 3x10
Military Press 40 lbs - 4x10
Skull crushers- 50 lbs 3x10
Dips - 4x8
Tricep Push Downs- 110 lbs 3x10

Abs

Incline sit ups w/ medicine ball throw 6x15
Incline leg lifts 6x20
Crunches

Beating it up! All I wanna know...is who's comin with me...

Penn State Beats Down Syracuse, We Don't Mind

It really wasn't that bad. It wasn't.

They are perenially one of the best programs in the nation. We are perenially awful. They have year after year of 4 and 5 star recruits coming in to replace other 4 and 5 star recruits. We, do not. At all.

And we hung with them. Hell, there were a few plays where we flat out kicked their ass. Our LB's and D-line shut down their run game all day. We held them to 28 points as opposed to 55 last year. Syracuse isn't there yet, but we are coming. Oh, Doug Marrone, drive the car my friend we are coming.

I thought the team stepped up to the plate in front of 100,000+ hostile people in Beaver Stadium and gave a performance not to be proud of, but not to be embarassed about either. Did we move forward today as a team? Thats a tough question. I would say we didn't move at all. This was a game that we just wanted to get through without injury, and move back on to games which we can win.

What this did show is that Syracuse can play with anybody, already. Under this coaching staff, bring 'em on. To be honest, we had no shot at winning this game from the opening kickoff due to the disparity in talent, but we wanted to show up and not back down. We were forced to fight a guy way bigger, stronger, and athletic than us, and we didn't take any sh--.

Sometimes you fight just to show you aren't scared, and won't back down. We looked them in the eyes the whole game, and didn't quit, even late in the fourth quarter. They may have kicked our ass, but we kept getting up and in the end, when it was broken up, we were still ready for more.

We'll see them in a few years.

Injury Update / Workout Update 9/11/2009

OK brave and clearly bored souls reading hopelesswalkon.com, here is the update regarding my health and how working out is going. It's a good thing that things are going well, because college is not. I'm not very bright. School is hard. The S.I. Newhouse School of Communications needs to lighten up their course load and leave me more time to enjoy NFL Network programming and otherwise BS about sports with my friends. But I digress...

My weight is at 168. The goal is 190 by the tryout at this time next year. I've been working my ass off at the gym doing everything that's possible without using your legs too much. I'll post the workout I'm doing now in a couple days.

In one month I'll be actually doing stuff with my legs in the weight room, and am planning on jogging by November or December, depending on how I feel.

Right now walking is still a pain in the ass. It hurts considerably when it tires out, since I've been walking all over the goddamn Syracuse globe. I figure once those muscles are built back up, I'll be much better off, but it's a long way to go.

To be clear, this is supposed to be the first week I walk. I'm supposed to start jogging in February. I'm sorta speeding up the timetable. Gotta behave like a warrior to be a warrior. I'm not being stupid though and pushing it too hard that I'll re-injure myself, but I'm doing just hard enough. Walking that line.

More updates in the next couple days so stay tuned. Maybe I'll fall down and injure myself again, who knows? You can't gameplan for an crazy idiot, you just can't....

Walk-On Update, Work Update

So I'm waiting on a call/email from Coach VanDerzee after we spoke on Monday. He said that he MIGHT have an opening in the football program in the recruiting department. Keep your fingers crossed; he said he would get back to me by today or tomorrow.

If that were the case it would give me an opportunity to learn the game even further. Those who know me might mention that I'm already obsessed enough, and know enough about the game, especially from an X's and O's standpoint, but those who really know the game would tell you that by comparison to them, I don't know shit. This would be accurate. I have a long way to go.

That said, I'm not trying to say that I'm just going to try and work with the team. The whole point is to MAKE the team. This is a stepping stone along the way. Hopefully.

Lifting, Injury, Life, etc updates tomorrow.

Paulus' First Outing, Other Thoughts

Just one more thought on Greg Paulus' first outing as an Orangeman.

I feel like Paulus has been anointed by the fans with the duty of saving the team or something, and that last throw into the end zone was that: him trying to save the day, be the hero, and win the game for his team. Undoubtedly he feels that pressure too, with the articles in the D.O., the national media attention, etc.

Not something that's entirely a bad thing, just a bit misplaced in this case. Maybe I'm over analyzing, but I think that throughout the game he didn't have too many big plays, and wanted to close out the game the right way but on that play the pressure he felt on his shoulders got to him a bit. I think the coaching staff is going to save the program, not Paulus, and he needs to keep that in mind, doing just enough. Getting the ball out of his hands quicker and distributing the football intelligently and effectively, which he can certainly do.

That said, all in all, I'm a supporter. Has to work on the way the ball comes out when he's under pressure, since he didn't square his shoulders and threw a few ducks. But it's going to be a huge step forward this year with him at the helm.

Syracuse Loses Opener, and a Hell of a Game it was

OK, so we lost. Let's get that out of the way. I'm really not sweating that at all though. It came down to one bad decision (as these close games often do) and Greg Paulus just had a delusion of grandeaur and wanted to win the game on one throw. Dude hasn't played football in 4 years. Keeping that in mind, the guy was excellent. Hell of a leader on the sideline too, from the student section you could see him doing work on the sideline for the most of the game. A few thoughts:

1. Delone Carter had a solid, if unspectacular game.

2. The option stuff we were running worked much better than our normal offense. Why not run it with Paulus in there as well? When Nassib came on, it tips off the D that it's coming. Then we line him up at WR where we could have a better blocker in there for the wide runs.

3. This team is going places. The feeling inside the dome was unbelievable. Best atmosphere since I've been at Cuse and it's not even close.

4. Mike Williams runs a hell of a slant pattern. Also, the touchdown he scored on was a spectacular play call after lulling them to sleep with the run, screens, and short passes the entire game before that. The corner's first step was forward and thats all Williams needed for a giannnnntttt gap.

5. I really freakin hope I can help out this year. I wanted to be standing there on that turf more than anything in the world, even if it's with a goofy polo shirt, visor, and maybe even a goddamn water bottle to squirt in the players mouths.

6. I'm going to be ready for next year. Oh, I'll be small, slow, and so ready to go.

7. Paulus has excellent awareness in the pocket and made outstanding reads the entire day. He avoids the rush well and just seems like he didn't miss a beat. Compare that with what we were watching last year, and it's night and day. He has a long way to go, but wow. Just cool, calm, and collected under fire with the exception of that one last play where he threw into like quadruple coverage. Just gotta get the ball out a little better.

8. Art Jones. #97. 1st round draft pick. No question the best D-lineman in the Big East, and one of the top in the country. He was double teamed on EVERY...SINGLE....PLAY and was still a standout. A manchild.

9. Dont know why this is ninth, because for me this was the biggest change from last year to this year that I saw, and there were many (it was like an entirely different place inside the dome) The playcalling was so good. I mean so, so good. The system and playcalling hid the weaknesses of our offense and highlighted the strengths. The only thing we need to do is figure out more ways to get Williams the ball, but I'm sure they're already cooking that up. God, I'm excited. Finally, real football. Basketball, my ass. Here comes Syracuse football, back to kick your ass.

More to come on this game as I digest it a bit more and also more updates on your favorite (only) hopeless walk on soon enough.

Leave your thoughts on the game in the comments!

Walk-on Meeting

So on Monday I went to the walk-on meeting for Syracuse Football. Clearly I can't play this year, but I wanted to get an idea of what to expect for next year. I also wanted to see if I could do something with the team this year, whether it be helping to cut up film or whatever the hell they need really. I'm going to be in touch with the Kevin VanDerzee, the president of football operations, to see if there is any room for me to help out this year. I'm really hoping there is.

He also said there might be an issue with my eligibility, or lack thereof. Since I started school in 2006, I might not have one more year of eligibility to play next year. If there were the case, there's really no dream, no journey, no blog, nothing. I'll be fucking crushed, I really will, if that's the case.

That said, one of the community colleges I went to for 3 semesters DID NOT have any sports teams, so how can I use up eligibility if I can't even play a sport if I wanted to? Also, I was enrolled part time, since I was working full time. So we'll see whats up. I'll update you as soon as I am updated. Hold your breath for me. Pray for me, if you pray.

Injury Update

So I'm sitting in Link Hall right now next to some douche who is talking loudly on his cell phone. Common courtesy, brotha, get the hell up and walk outside for a minute.

Anyway, I lifted earlier today, and am pretty much back on the horse. I'm going to start doing some light leg work in 1 month. This is not prescribed by any doctor, but I'm just sorta feeling it. Dr. Doyal. Good lord.

I've been walking all over the free world, since I need to in order to get around. It's hurting like hell and swelling up considerably, but I'm continuing to claim that it doesn't hurt to anyone who asks. Yep, I'm fine. So don't ask. I'm doing great. GREATTTTTTTTT.

I'm going to find a physical therapist around here, but I have to find a way to pay for it. We'll see how that goes.

Abbreviated Workout

Getting used to life on campus again. Here is my lifting routine that I've been doing, since I can use no legs:

Bicep curls w/ bar
same w/ dumbells at different angle
Scaption
Bench
Incline bench
Cable chest pulls
Downward rows
Sitting down shrugs
Military Press
Tricep push downs
Dips
Ab machine (cant put my feet in the incline bench, sucks)
Leg lifts

That's my abbreviated workout I've been doing. Don't judge me. Any suggestions or recommendations, please let me know. In a month I'll be doing a workout program from a certain D-1 Football program that I was able to get my hands on, so it'll get a lot more serious then. Right now, I'm just trying to get back on the horse basically.

Back At Syracuse, on an Island

So I'm back at Syracuse. The only bad news is that I'm basically on an island. I'll explain. Our apt currently has no:

1. internet
2. TV
3. couch, or any chairs whatsoever to sit on. there is random shit thrown around the room.
4. microwave
5. toaster
6. broken oven
7. screens on 50% of windows

Right now if I go outside, I can steal a neighbors internet intermittently before it loses it's very weak signal. I am huddled outside doing just that for this covert, rogue update.

So yeah. I apologize for the lack of updates, as I've been living on a f--ing island. Anyway, I will be making a large update w/ several posts tomorrow detailing my progress, including going to the walk-on meeting (can still barely walk, so don't worry, just getting the low down on next year)

so STAY TUNED and keep the love coming. TELL YOUR FRIENDS!