Hello everyone, I am finally back from my travels and should be back to my normal schedule soon. I hope to be able to finish what remains of the 30 days without any more interruptions so I will be ready to move onto the next stage of the regime and start my diet.

Today's blog will be a fairly special one, ill go over what I have been up to over the past week.

"It’s not about the accomplishments, it’s about the people you meet along the way."

GP Manchester (30th May- 1st June)

This trip was something I had been planning for quite a while but I was only just able to go thanks to the generosity of people I hadn't even met yet! The weekend was literally the best weekend of my life, despite not doing very well at the event. The people I met made it totally worth it. We ended up staying in a rented apartment or should I say penthouse. It was by far the nicest place I had ever stayed in and better still it was only costing me £30 a night!

The guys I stayed with were nothing short of awesome. Despite never meeting me before they made me feel welcome and we became good friends. Among them were two national champions, a Pro tour top 8 and more event day 2's than I could count.



A special mention should also be made to the group myself and Eduardo (my only friend attending the event) traveled with. On the way back we got stuck in traffic and we were close to missing our train. Our driver offered to drive us to our plan B, which would have been another 2-3 hours drive for him. A top guy, he also provided us overnight accommodation on the way there and asked for nothing in return. The magic community is truly filled with amazing people.

North Vs South Football Match

At every major Magic event in the UK the member's of the UK community hold a football match. North vs South.

This years event was organised by "Mind Sports International" and sponsored by "Manaleak". I was able to catch a lift with some other players. The people we were staying/ playing with were different from our travel group so we said goodbye to them and headed off.

We arrived, geared up and split into teams. I being from Plymouth was playing for the South. The game used rolling sub rules. The game would be a full 90 minute match, 11 a side and on a full sized pitch. We had about 13 players total the North had 15+. Being the only player with any experience in goal I volunteered to be keeper.

Kitted up and ready to go. This was our starting line up.



Although starting out close. We the South got absolutely obliterated. The final score was 1-7, we never got a single shot on target and all but one goal we conceded was shot at about 6 yards. We lost two players due to injury early on and our defense simply got ripped apart. But it was a really fun game overall, lots of community spirit and it was great to meet more awesome people. The South will get its revenge.

Here are a few more photo's of the match.









Fitness Review

This was today's objective:



On paper the days exercise looked fairly easy and probably should have been. Not doing anything for about a week really took a toll on me and I really struggled to complete each set, the leg exercises being the most challenging. But I completed it, tomorrow includes a run I am really interested to see how badly my records will be affected.

The Days Diet

I am currently not on a diet but will be starting on one soon. This area will go over the days food intake and will include recipes so everyone can start eating better at home!

Starcraft 2 and Stream Review

These were today's objectives:

1. Learn the "three queen roach" style in ZvZ.

2. Continue to practice 2 Gate and 2 Rax defense.

3. Improve cannon rush defense.

Being the first day back in the saddle I didn't expect much. Despite being away from the game for a week I played better than I expected, my mechanics barely slowed and my play seemed to be up to par. Overall I went 3-3 but the games were better than the results suggest. I lost one game vs every race.

The ZvP was a pure throw my scouting got denied and 8 phoenix ravaged my mineral lines.

In the ZvT my opponent go a lucky helion runby which put me very far behind. He then proceeded to play mech and due to being behind I was unable to use my swarm style to any effect and lost.

The ZvZ was the worst game, I forgot the build mid-game so didn't perform very well and lost to a better opponent.

Overall before the games tomorrow I need to decide upon my direction in each match-up and make sure I have solid builds for them. I am currently happy with my ZvP but my ZvZ/T builds need some refining. I will get to that tomorrow.

Game Summary and Points of Improvement

Vs Protoss (2-1)

- If unable to scout make some safety spores.

Vs Terran(0-1)

- Practice 2 rax defense.

- Improve wall ins to prevent helion run-bys.

- Work out the transition from the Tefel opener ( when to get gas etc)

Vs Zerg (1-1)

- Re-learn the "3 queen roach style" , but with a build that opens with gas.

Overall a fairly positive day one and I am really excited to get back into the game.

Stream Summary

There was no stream as I didn't feel like I would be providing very good content. My stream schedule will resume as stated from now on.

Further Comments

First of all I am sorry about being in the dark for so long, the trip ended up being such a rush I only had time for a quick blog update and on my return I had school exams to worry about. I should be back to normal now.

Still looking for someone to help me out, in terms of graphics and organisation. If you can help please contact me.

As always thanks for reading, wish me luck!

General Information

FAQ

Q: What is this blog about?
A: This blog is about self improvement in two specific fields, health and gaming. I aim to try and show the community how they can improve themselves in and out of game by maintaining a positive mentally. I hope I will encourage others to take up some form or exercise and improve themselves.

Q: What do you do on your live stream?
A: On my stream I play and commentate Starcraft and MTGO , I aim to help weaker players by explaining my decision making and looking over replays. I also aim to improve myself to the point where I can compete on a high level.

Q: Can I get involved?
A: Yes!!! I encourage everyone to start the journey to self improvement today. Find a exercise regime which looks suitable for you and get started! Also be sure to update me on your progress.

Q: How can I support you?
A: Simply watching and following my stream helps me a great deal.

Streaming Schedule

Times are in CET

Wednesday/Friday - No stream

Other days - 9pm-11pm

Exercise Routine

Current Program - "30 days to change"

Diet Program- Not currently on a diet

Designer- Neila Ray

Website- http://neilarey.com/

Gaming

Starcraft 2 League - High Diamond

Highest concurrent viewership: 12

Number of followers: 47

Body

Weight- 65kg

Height - 6'1

Age - 18

Long Term Goals

1) Reach High masters in Sc2 and compete in the MSI circuit.
2) Win a PTQ or reach the Top 8 of a Grandprix.
3) Improve my fitness levels to a point where I can run 5km in under 20 minutes.
4) Create a live-stream which maintains a concurrent viewership of 20 everyday.

Relevant Links

Blog: http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/haulvern
Livestream: www.twitch.tv/haulvern
Twitter: www.twitter.com/haulvern
Contact details: hauljin (skype)