thagomizer tree | Ann's Immaterium

My husband and I went for a slow, relaxing walk in the woods this week. We haven’t been doing much of that lately. Instead, we’ve been getting most of our shared workouts in our basement gym, which is pretty fun. But we did get in a walk on Sunday, albeit we didn’t take it too hard because we were both sore from leg day … and for me referee training, which as I am learning more is being more strenuous.

As you can see, we had a chance to say hello (and quickly run past as if our lives depended upon it!) our old friend, Thagomizer Tree. We keep wondering what nature spirit keeps this dead tree still standing. We’re beginning to suspect it’ll still be there when all of us are forgotten, even by our nearest and dearest!

Sun, May 15th

We went for a walk in the woods for about 40 minutes. I also stretched some in the evening.

Calories: 2529, Protein: 137 g.

Mon, May 16th

I went to the physical therapy office this morning for an appointment I had scheduled for my leg, but they ended up working on my back. My low back started hurting a fair bit this morning though I’m not sure why. I’m going to have to be careful of it for at least the rest of this week and only do stuff that doesn’t cause any pain/irritation.
I had to miss wrestling class tonight because of my back. I wasn’t too happy about that, but hopefully I’ll be able to go next Monday.

Calories: 1998, Protein: 125 g.

Tues, May 17th

Shortly after waking up, we followed along to The Jack Lalane Show, DVD 5, Episode 4. I had to be careful and modify some stuff, etc. because my low back is still sore though it is better than it was yesterday.
(Afternoon Workout) I warmed up with some light sets with the weights, dancing, and light indian club work.
CoC Gripper (Trainer, 100 lbs.):
- Right Hand: Closed x 5 reps, Closed x 4 sets x 4+1 reps
- Left Hand: 2mm x 2 sets x 5 reps, 2mm x 2 sets x 4+1 reps, 2mm x 3+2 reps
- Challenge Gripper (0.5, 120 lbs.): Right Hand, 14mm x 5 reps, Left Hand, 16mm x 0+5 reps
Pinch Block Hold (Hand pronated for thumbs, each hand): 2.75 lbs. x 23 sec (left)/30 sec (right)
(Super Set) Arnold Press: 15 lbs. x 5 sets x 15 reps +
- Tricep Pushdowns (v-handle): 30 lbs. x 5 sets x 15 reps
(Super Set) DB Bench Press (no feet): 15 lbs. x 2 sets x 15 reps, 20 lbs. x 15 reps, 25 lbs. x 2 sets x 15 reps +
- Set #1: TKD High Block (each arm) x 20 reps
- Set #2: TKD Low Block (each arm) x 20 reps
- Set #3: 1 lb. Indian Clubs x One Minute
- Set #4: DB Lateral Raises x 10 lbs. x 15 reps
- Set #5: Wrist Roller (cable) x 15 lbs. x One full unroll and roll
(Super Set) Zottman Curls: 12 lbs. x 4 sets x 15 reps +
- One-Arm Reverse Tricep Pushdowns (d-handle): 10 lbs. x 4 sets x 15 reps
I did some stretching in the evening.

Calories: 1962, Protein: 142 g.

We like to go for short, weekend drives around the area … see the Pacific Ocean, drive through the forests, etc. This week my husband wanted to drive around a little through the University of California, Santa Cruz campus, which is very pretty. And since the theme is wildlife we had to stop for these little pedestrians out doing their thing.

*Vultures are extremely common down by the ocean in the Santa Cruz area. Crows? They’re everywhere!*

Wed, May 18th

We followed along to The Jack Lalane Show (DVD 5, Episode 3) shortly after waking up. Before the video, I balanced on the rocker board for 2:30 minutes. I did some stretching later in the day.
I went to physical therapy for my back. I didn’t do any exercises but they had me do a lot of stretching, and also some ultrasound and electric stimulations therapies, as well as heat.

Calories: 1998, Protein: 129 g.

Thur, May 19th

We followed along to The Jack Lalane Show (DVD 5, Episode 3) shortly after waking up. I did some balance board work afterward, and some stretching later in the day.

Calories: 1998, Protein: 113 g.

I really like vultures for some reason. Besides their obvious benefit, which they share with crows and the like, they are a study in grace and beauty when in the air, riding the currents looking for their next delicious meal.

Check out the pretty colors on this worthy vulture on the right. I couldn’t get a very good picture that did true justice to its wonderful, sienna plumage but you get the idea.

Fri, May 20th

(Wake-up Workout) We followed along to The Jack Lalane Show (DVD 5, Episode 3). I stretched a little afterward and did 2:30 minutes on the rocker board.

(Wake-up Workout) We followed along to The Jack Lalane Show (DVD 5, Episode 3). I stretched a little afterward and did 2:30 minutes on the rocker board.
(Afternoon Workout) Recumbent Bike: 30 Minutes, RPMs 75+, Manual Program, Level 7.
(Super Set) Monster Walks (blue band): 2 sets x 20 reps +
- Lateral Walking (green band, each direction): 2 sets x 10 reps
Squats with Resisted Hip Abduction (blue band): 2 sets x 10 reps
Step up with Knee Raise and Raise women’s basketball (each leg): 2 sets x 10 reps
(Super Set) Standing Hip Abduction (green band, ea. leg): 2 sets x 10 reps +
- Standing Hip Extension (green band, ea. leg): 2 sets x 10 reps
Bird Dips (each leg, with support as needed): 2 sets x 10 reps +
TKD Snap Kick/Leg Extension Exercise (ea. leg): 2 sets x 10 reps
Seated Alternating Single Leg Curls (2-ct): 2 sets x 12 reps
Standing Calf Raises: 20 reps (straight legs), 15 reps (bent legs)
Squats: I did 10 squats, rested for 10 seconds, and then did 10 more squats and so on for a total of 50 squats.
I balanced for 2:30 minutes on the rocker board. I also experimented with doing some band-assisted partial lunges, but I’m going to talk to the physical therapist next week before I incorporate them into my workout. I did some stretching after the workout and again before sleep.

Calories: 2000, Protein: 130 g.

I saved my personal favorite for last, which are some more pictures from the same hike as our latest visit with Thagomizer Tree. How long will it take you to spot our friend in the picture below?

Sat, May 21st

(Wake-up Workout) I warmed up with the 1 lb. indian clubs. I tried to keep the rest breaks between sets short (no more than 30 seconds between sets) like they have me do at the physical therapy sessions since most of the exercises I’m doing here come from PT.
(Super Set) Cheerleaders (lime band): 2 sets x 15 reps
- Seated DB Front Hammer Raises: 5 lbs. x 2 sets x 15 reps
Bilateral External Shoulder Rotation (blue band): 2 sets x 15 reps
- One-Handed Bent Over Row (each side): 10 lbs. x 2 sets x 15 reps
(Super Set) Standing Rows (purple band): 2 sets x 15 reps +
- Shoulder Extensions (purple band): 2 sets x 15 reps
(Super Set) Prone “M’s” (DBs): 1 lb. x 2 sets x 15 reps +
- Prone “T’s” (Plates): 1 lb. x 2 sets x 15 reps
(Super Set) Zottman Curls: 15 lbs. x 15 reps, [(15 lbs. x 12 reps + 12 lbs. x 3 reps) x 3 sets] +
- Set #1: Push-up to Elbow Plank (4-ct) x 15 reps
- Set #2: Dead Bugs (2-ct) x 25 reps
- Set #3: Crunches x 25 reps
- Set #4: Wrist Rolling (cable, flexion) x one full winding
I did some stretching in the evening.

Calories: 2229, Protein: 111 g.

I lost 0.875 lbs. this week. My total loss is 19.625 lbs. over fourteen weeks for an average of 1.40 lbs/week. My calorie intake for the week was 14,714.

Here are a couple of closer shots in case you couldn’t find our new lizard friend in the picture above. Click on them if you want to see a larger picture–particularly the first one where he has this sort of cheeky smile as if to say, “You’ll never find me, you stupid human!”

My husband and I always get a laugh when we walk by this dead tree. It has been a couple of months since we happened by this way and he remarked, “I see the damned thing hasn’t fallen over yet. Wonder when it will?”

If you look at the picture closely you’ll see what he means: the lower part of the trunk has rotted away so it is significantly thinner than the top, giving the tree a top-heavy appearance.

It is also full of holes from (presumably) woodpeckers, which are common in the area, and probably any number of bugs, which attracted said birds.

My husband, who can be somewhat prone to looking at things through the veil of omens, prophecy, coincidence, and other realms of existence always steps lively past this tree, lest it picks that very moment as if it were predestined to fall over on one of us.

I’d say my husband is letting his imagination run away with him, but I’ve been married to him long enough to where I know better. Who am I to scoff at Predestination and oracular visions, after all?

Sun, February 13th

Morning Walk: 3.26 miles. Did some balancing work afterwards.

Calories: 2091, Protein: 141 g.

Mon, February 14th

Recumbent Bike: 30 Minutes, Level 5, RPMs 75 – 80, Hill Program
Evening Walk: 3.28 miles. Did some balancing work afterwards.

Calories: ~2200, Protein: ~125 g.

Valentine’s Day was nice. I always buy my husband some flowers every year and this year it was roses. I also saw him looking at an interesting coffee cup at a grocery store we go to a lot but he didn’t buy it. So I pretended not to notice and went back later in the week and got it for him as a gift. We made a nice meal at home together, so it was a good day.

Tues, Feb 15th

I did one round of the MV Steel Mace Workout with my 5 lb. mace as a (strenuous) warm-up.
(Giant Set x 5 Sets) I had 60 seconds to do each exercise. I could rest after each exercise if and only if there was time left. There was no rest, other than this, at the end of each set.
- Low Bench Taps for 60 seconds, Bench Dips: 10 reps, Marching High Hip Bucks: 10 (2-ct) reps, Seated Scapular Push-ups: 10 reps
(Super Set) Arnold Press: 15 lbs. x 8 reps x 2 sets, 20 lbs. x 8 reps x 2 sets, 25 lbs. x 8 reps x 2 sets +
- CoC Grippers: (Guide, 60 lbs.) x 8 reps x 4 sets, Sport (80 lbs.) x 5 reps x 2 sets
- Rest at the end of each set by stretching for 30 seconds.
(Super Set): Incline Push-ups using stairs: (4th step) x 8 reps x 4 sets, (3rd step) x 8 reps x 2 sets +
- CoC Grippers: (Sport 80 lbs.) x 5 reps x 2 sets, (Trainer 100 lbs., partial reps) x 5 reps x 3 sets (was able to close once on the second set with my right hand)
- Rest at the end of each set by stretching for 30 seconds.
(Giant Set):
- Lateral Raises: 10 lbs. x 8 reps x 3 sets
- Tricep Pushdowns (v-handle): 35 lbs. x 8, 12 reps, 40 lbs. x 12 reps
- Cross Body Hammer Curls alternating reps with Hammer Curls: 10 lbs. x 12 reps, 12 lbs. x 12 reps, 15 lbs. x 12 reps
- Light Spring Bar: 8 reps x 3 sets
- Rest at the end of each set by stretching for 30 seconds
(Tri Set):
- Seated BB Wrist Curls: 44 lbs. x 8 reps x 3 sets
- Seated BB Rev Wrist Curls: 31 lbs. x 8 reps x 3 sets
- (Set 1) Heavy Spring Bar 8 reps; (Sets 2-3) 2 lb. Indian Club work for one minute
- Rest at the end of each set by stretching for 30 seconds
Evening Walk: 3.26 miles.

Calories: 1943, Protein: 160 g.

Back to our friend the dead tree. I took a closer picture of the trunk so you can see how it has rotted away. Not a very encouraging pillar of support. Much like some early American poetry, I often look for symbolism and lessons in nature and this tree seems to provide quite a few possibilities, at least to my thinking. What those are I’ll leave to the reader’s discernment, since such things are often different for each of us.

So my husband kept going on about the tree as we stood there having some water and debating whether it would fall over on him this time or not. Never being one not to pour gasoline on a fire, I pointed up and said that the way those branches were all pointed in the same direction, conveniently toward the trail too, they looked like stegosaurus tail spikes.

Thus the name “Thagomizer Tree” was born. The reference comes from a story about how the semi-formal name of thagomizer was used for the beast’s spiked tail based on a Gary Larson cartoon, and even made it into some scientific journals. You can read more about that here if you are interested.

Wed, Feb 16th

Took a rest day today because I was pretty sore. For the past couple of months, I’ve been doing mostly dumbbell and barbell work for my chest, and going back to including push-ups tends to make my lats sore. Also, I only did one set of the barbarian squats, but I have forgotten how much those things get to my legs when I haven’t done them in a while. Ouch!

I plan on keeping the rest of the week light because my first wrestling class is on Monday and I don’t want to be sore.

Calories: ~2000, Protein: ~150 g.

Thur, Feb 17th

Recumbent Bike: 30 Minutes, Level 6, RPMs 70 – 85, Hill Program. Afterwards, I did Dead Bugs (2-ct) and Crunches for 20 reps.
Stretched for 30 minutes. I used to do this 3-4 days a week when I was wrestling. On the days that I didn’t do the full half-hour, and often even when I did, I would stretch here and there throughout the day. I’m sorry that I ever got away from doing this (“lack of time” … laziness, really) because I was amazed how good I felt afterward. In addition to the static stretching, I also worked in some dynamic stretches such as Cat-Cow and Cobra Poses.
Afternoon Walk: 3.26 miles. Did a little balancing work afterward.

Calories: 1925, Protein: 156 g.

Fri, Feb 18th

I used to enjoy following along with the exercises when I’d happen to be around when The Jack Lalanne show would come on during the summer when I was a kid. The rest of the year I only got to watch the show on vacations and such because of school. (There was no easy way to record television programs back then.)

Apparently, Youtube seems to think I like exercise videos for some reason (I wonder why?) and suggested this one to me. I followed along with the episode, doing some dynamic stretching and such when Jack would talk to the audience. I’m going to add this exercise to the ones I do regularly. I like this one too.*

Sometimes things from the past end up being kind of a disappointment when one sees them years later, but not this show. It was just as much fun and as full of energy as I remembered. And I had forgotten that Lalanne could sing!

I also stretched for a little over a half-hour after following along with the video.

Calories: 1960, Protein: 163 g.

Sat, Feb 19th

Morning Recumbent Bike: 30 Minutes, Level 6, RPMs 80+, Hill Program. Afterwards, I did Dead Bugs (2-ct), Standing Calf Raises, Crunches, Supine Leg Windmills (each direction) for 21 reps. Later in the day , I stretched for 30 minutes.
Afternoon Walk: 4.28 miles.

Calories: 1724, Protein: 120 g.

I lost 3 lb. this week. This is my first week tracking again so my total loss is 3 lbs. In general, I’m going to look for a loss of 1-2 pounds per week and adjust accordingly as needed.

* I have no idea what to call these exercises so I think I’ll call them Lalane-1 and Lalane-2 respectively for future reference.