Final four.

Again. Must train harder.

Let it be known

On St. Triverius’ Feast Day, in the 44th Year of the Society, Nikolai Grigorevich Petrov, a Knight in good standing with his King, was found in conversation with Logan MacCoinnich of Kintail, likewise a fine Knight. They spoke of many things martial and, in due course, it was revealed that both noble men desired to pick up the shields of their ancestors and cast away the foreign escutcheons with this they currently labored.

However, both men were hesitant, gripped by the fear of being left defenseless in the heat of combat, holding only armor with which they were not well acquainted. It was then that Sir Logan brashly suggested that he spirit away Nikolai’s shield to lands far to the north, for which in return he would offer his own shield to be likewise kidnapped.

Nikolai was indeterminate.

The day continued to pass, both men striving against many stout men in harness. As the sun began to set, Logan did once again approach the Son of Rus and cajoled him to consider the weapons of his homeland. Nikolai, in his great wisdom, was quick to ponder but slow to speak. Seizing this momentary pause, Sir Lucian, a man with which Nikolai had no previous quarrel, did shout from across the hall and demand that Nikolai take this opportunity to behave like a man, least he no longer be considered one.

Nikolai fell to the jibe, and rose to the challenge.

So it came to pass that Nikolai firmly grasped the favored shield of his homelands and made it his own.

Workout

Decided to be a little more proactive about Crown. I've been fighting with focus, but need to step it up if I'm ever to win this thing. In addition to the extra fighting I'll be getting in the next year as I travel with Their Highnesses Midrealm (I am to be Her Highness' champion) I'm starting a real fitness routine as well. 

UPPER BODY #1

Push-ups

• 4 sets of 12
  
• 2 seconds down, pause, 1 second up
  
• 1,3 wide stance; 2,4 close stance
  

Triceps push down

• 3 sets of 12 (30 seconds between sets)
  

Lat pull down

• 6 sets of 12 (30 seconds between sets)
  
• Sets 1,3,5 overhand grip
  
• Sets 2,4,6 underhand grip
  

Upright row

• 3 sets of 10 (30 seconds between sets)
  

Curl

• 3 sets of 8 (heavy weight)
  

LEGS

Leg extensions

• 4 sets of 10
  

Squat

• 4 sets of 10
  

Walking lunge

• 2 sets of 20 sets (hands behind head)
  

Roman seat

• 2 sets (as long as I can hold it)
  

Calf raise

• 3 sets of 15
  

UPPER BODY #2

Bench press flies

• 3 Super Sets
  
• Start with flies at a weight where I can do at least 12
  
• Then switch to bench press and do as many as I can (keep elbows up)
  

Triceps push down

• 3 sets of 8
  

Bent row

• 4 sets of 10
  
• 1,3 overhand grip
  
• 2,4 underhand grip
  

Curl

• 4 sets of 15
  
• Lighter weight
  

Front raise

• 3 sets of 10
  

I had a co-worker design this workout for me. He's way into weight lifting, whereas my attitude about working out is best described as "fuck that." I really hate lifting, but I'm going to try to stick to it. A little extra muscle can only help.

Spring Crown

For Spring Crown, my wonderful lady worked her tail off to make new fighting clothes for me, and new matching garb for her. I have to say, I think we looked great.

Too bad I fought so poorly. I've done a lot of thinking about Crown since, the whys and what-nots... but it all boils down to this: my head wasn't in the game. This is a big problem, and one I intend on fixing.

Fall Crown is 155 days from now.  I plan on making the most of that time.