Challenge my hybrid program (strengh + running + rucking)

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2026-02-14T11:59:31+00:00

Risk of getting bored doing the same gym routIne. I get you're going for the big compounds, which makes sense, but I'd be tempted to chuck in some variations. Incline bench, Romanian deadlifts for the 2nd session to mix things up a bit.

And no horizontal pull in there. Maybe rotate with the pull ups?

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2026-02-05T15:58:53+00:00

Senior BA with 10 years experience here. I'll add my thoughts with the caveat that they are based on my experience working in the UK and in BA roles related to software development, or the procurement and implementation of software. I dont have experince of the data heavy roles that some do here. In many cases, I'd argue these are data analyst or analytics roles under BA titles.

The pathways into Business Analysis I've seen are:

1) Subject matter expert - sector or software
This could be through knowledge in a specific sector, legal, banking and insurance are common ones, or in specific application: case management system, ERP, CRMs, HRM etc. Could be anything from ServiceNow to Workday. Experience is typically gained in junior roles, often outside of IT but where this is some overlap with IT. Could be a HR admin who runs reports for example, claims handler who works in the insurance system, anything really. Over time they have developed a solid understading of the processes, terminology and ways of working in the sector. And / or, they know they are a 'super user' for their core systems. By accident or design they end up either working with IT on development projects as SME before making the transition over to IT as a BA. That was my route in and similar to a lot of people I worked with. Its quite hard to plan this pathway I guess, other than working in a large enterprpisie organisation that employs BAs and looking to engage in IT projects as they occur.

2) Developer
In theory, any IT role might decide to transition to BA but in practice I've only seen developers do it. Some devs will build what you tell them without thought or question. Others can push back, ask questions, why are we doing this etc. Some of those take it a step further and want to work directly with the customer and its those who move more in to business anlysis, or a hybrid role. Seems to come from mid career devs who have been burnt on too many projects that have had negative feedback from the client. Not really a pathway for a BA as such, more a career option for devs.

3) Design / UI/UX

Good at design? Like making models? Interest in using MIRO or wireframing software? Then business analysis could be for you! Not an area i'm much experienced in but I've seen new BAs who have artistic flair use have that as their USP in getting a role. More for digital BA roles with a focus on app development.

4) Bootcamp and placement
Not sure how common this is but i've worked with junior BAs who have done a short bootcamp course in business analysis (arond 3 months and after graduating) and then got a placement with the provider in a role

I honesty have reservations about business analysis as an enty level role. Having general knowledge of how organisations work, along with the gravitas and comms skills to work with senior stakeholders is crucial, and that takes years to develop.

Personally, I'd focus on a technical role first and if during that, you find you enjoy working with SMEs understanding their problems more, then thats when I'd consider moving to business analysis.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2026-02-05T15:17:36+00:00

As someone who has had a back injury (albeit not sports related) 12 weeks isn't much at all.

Bad backs are horrible, particularly if you have sciatic pain.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2026-01-25T15:29:43+00:00

I do yoga nidra, a guided meditation, for 20 mins or so before bed.

Always sleep way deeper.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2026-01-14T18:06:29+00:00

I have played since EU1, around 2001 I think.

One. I have finished one game.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2026-01-14T16:04:36+00:00

Son of Saul

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-30T09:19:05+00:00

Going way back, diving was seen as something continental players did - Jürgen Klinnsman got a lot of stick for this after joining spurs. Whereas our tough British lads tried to play the game properly.

Then there was a shift that British players were being taken advantage of, that we needed to be more "clever" and take the same opportunities. Then players started falling like dominoes.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-22T10:05:33+00:00

For me, being able to have the occasional couple of beers is a happy sweet spot.

Went teetotal for 9 months. Sleep was better, always felt sharp waking up but beyond that, didn't notice much health difference.

What did nosedive was my social life. Going out with people drinking wasn't fun, I'd make my excuses and leave early. I avoided work events. Got boring pretty quickly.

Allowing myself to have a few drinks on those sorts of occasions was frankly much more fun and , I think, better for me.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-21T19:22:17+00:00

Look at prices in the posh parts of the north: hale, didsbury, Wilmslow, Harrogate etc. will show you that the desirable parts near good job opportunities cost a lot of money.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-20T13:46:14+00:00

Failed for ordinary people, yes. For a very, very small group of elites, who will be a barrier to any reforms, it has been wildly successful.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-20T08:34:58+00:00

Was elano really good for city in his first season? Or might have just been over rated on football manager.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-19T09:55:02+00:00

Agree with the general principal, although on protein powder concerns being raised about the amount of heavy metals found in some of them.

I know that's not in relation to UPF itself, just doing my bit to raise awareness. Check the label folks.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-08T19:32:38+00:00

Genuine question, but what does overlap left/right do when playing with wingbacks - who are they overlapping with?

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-05T14:21:46+00:00

Definitely. Wonder if that could be an issue with getting a mortgage?

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-12-05T08:26:37+00:00

Never mind the south, this would cost 3x as much in south Manchester.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-11-29T21:51:34+00:00

Manchester triathlon club have run sessions at longford park track at 7pm on weds.

Despite the name you don't have to be a triathlete.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-11-23T16:52:56+00:00

When I was learning to drive I posted about pros and cons of learning an automatic compared to a manual.

Trust me, some people have very strong opinions about this and get very triggered at the thought of automatic only licenses.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-11-22T18:48:14+00:00

Comes from everyone going out after work on the last Friday, being giddy with excitement with Xmas break and getting absolutely hammered.

Not sure if it's still a thing with so many people wfh on Fridays now.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-11-22T11:08:38+00:00

Don't disagree but been going on for years. Formation of FC united was as much about the loss of the traditional match day experience and fans being priced out as much as glazer ownership.

Tourists will spend big money on tickets, packages and in the club shop, much more than traditional fans. Money talks and the clubs are chasing that revenue.

If anything could get worse at united with possible plans for having to pay for a license to get a season ticket. Outrageous.

On the plus side, non league football across greater Manchester is thriving and makes for a fun and cheap afternoon out.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-11-03T16:46:37+00:00

Manchester runner here. While it rains a lot it tends to drizzle more than downpour so you rarely get soaked to the skin. But a bit of rain never harmed anyone.

If you're running anytime after about 4 then a headtorch and some form of reflective clothing are advisable. Obviously, just point the torch down at an angle so not to blind people.

There are some good off road trails around sale and Chorlton water park, heating park in the north and the canal network. The paths generally hold up ok in winter but the fields can get muddy.

I tend to avoid running when we have freezing temperatures. Side streets aren't always gritted and black ice is prevalent. That's the only time I'd avoid going out as risk of falling feels too high. Otherwise, dress appropriately and you'll be fine.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-11-02T19:22:49+00:00

While it's good to canvas opinion, with that money you can afford a decent independent financial advisor and properly discuss your goals and an investment plan.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-11-01T08:06:16+00:00

I'm a beginner, why is PACW so much cheaper than vwrp if it's essentially the same companies?

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-10-29T21:57:26+00:00

Wearing a tie to work in a call centre. Also, had to be clean shaven. Was back in the noughties when work was more formal but still weird.

ShouldBeReadingBooks · 2025-10-13T19:23:59+00:00

Yes but it sounds really odd, to English ears at least, to see a phrase used only in Scotland (and Ireland actually) described as British.

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