Mrgso

YAY! I did the thing! So now that I'm at 50 posts I'll message you. (I was gone for a little while but i'm back now.)

Alright so if you've seen me around at all here on NF you know that I'm the on again off again kind of person. I'll decide I want to be healthy and it will last for a couple of days, maybe even a couple of weeks and then one little thing will throw me off and I'll lose hope and give up. My weakness? Food. I freakin LOVE food! Especially carbs. Sometimes I feel like I wouldn't be able to live without pasta, mashed potatoes, etc. But here's the thing. I've realized that eating close to 3000 calories a day is preventing me from doing the things I love and as long as I keep at it I'll never be fit enough to do parkour or run a 5k without stopping. Exercise is not really an issue for me, for the most part I actually enjoy it. My downfall always seems to be overeating. Which brings me here. The most successful attempt at weight loss I've ever had was when my work did a biggest loser competition. I put in $5 a week and the winner got it all at the end. I lost 40lbs (and have since gained it all back since dieting is a lifestyle choice, not a temporary fix.) Second most successful attempt was when I had my mom as a weight loss buddy.(lost about 17lbs but we both slacked off once I left for college) What do these two things have in common? Accountability. I'm looking for someone to be best buds with. We can check in on each other every day(preferably through either facebook or texting)and keep each other in check. Anyone up for the challenge? (speaking of challenge we'd be doing the next 6 week challenge.) I also forgot to mention that while I'm at school my only source of food is the dining halls which happens to be one of the best in the country. We have four buffet style halls that have both healthy options and some really good not-so-healthy options, BUT on that note we also have a free 4 floor gym on campus. Just a note.

This is great stuff. Thanks. It's good to know I'm not alone out there with this. It's just hard when you're the only one left out of everyone you know that's never dated and a decent handful of people are already getting married(my mom was 21 when she married my dad.) As for getting out there there's a decent amount of people in the music program but it's small enough that we're all friends. I'm also in MassGames(the group that does humans vs zombies and larp n'stuff) that's where I'd find most of the so called 'GERDs.' I occasionally hang out with my church group of college students but I've kinda had a difficult time 'fitting in'(again my view on Christianity is different that what a lot of people have made it.) Other groups include a music sorority(not helpful in my particular case.) and a student run music charity group(also not helpful since it's mostly music majors.) Something I didn't think of was the potential of the gym. I usually do home workouts but they have a very nice track here on campus and also many different classes are offered for free(or for whatever our rec center fees included in our bill are.)

In other news...facebook advertisements keep trying to tell me that I'll be skinny in 4 weeks if I eat a green coffee bean every day just like all the other college students that it apparently worked for. -eyeroll-

Sorry if this sounds super middle school but it's a serious self-esteem related issue and you guys are my trusted community of choice. xP So I'm a 20 year old girl, 21 in April and I have never had a boyfriend. Never kissed, never held hands, DEFINITELY never had sex. Dating just seems so unrealistic for me and I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. All I've ever done is be myself but in all this time noone has even noticed me for anything more than a friend, never mind got up the courage to act on it. Should I put myself out there more or just wait.(kindof sick of waiting.) Anywhere, here's a sort of bio type thing to give you all an idea of who I am. What I'm asking is if you ran into me, what would you think? I would never change who I am personally but maybe I do need to dress up a little more/put myself out there if I'm going to get anywhere. I'm 20 years old. I'm a music education major, I love music and I love kids. But I'm all nerdy and I prefer classical music. Like I honestly don't know most of the pop artists. I occasionally enjoy jazzy stuff but wouldn't be able to name anything. I also love christian music. Not like hymns and stuff(though they are often pretty.) But the newer stuff, songs of encouragement that are much needed in the stress of life. Christianity's a huge part of my life but I generally don't advertise it do to the rep.Christians have right now. Honestly I don't even really relate to "Christians" but rather to the original idea of what it meant to be Christian or "Christ-like." Basically, I believe everyone is important and has a purpose in life. No matter how bad stuff is there's some hope somewhere and we should all love and encourage each other. Everyone deserves love, don't care who you are or what you've done. But yeah, that part of me doesn't get out much. Another aspect of my personality that is kindof hidden is that I LOVE adventure! I wish I could participate in things like ninja warrior, parkour, larping, etc. but am not yet at a point where my body can physically handle it. People actually were shocked when they found out I played and loved humans vs. zombies. The action was fantastic but it was apparently out of character for me.(huh, whatda they know.) I also love hiking and really want to travel the world someday too. For the people that don't know me too well... I'm pretty shy around people I'm not fully 100% comfortable with. I basically don't talk unless I feel the need to include my input. I often hear the question "Hey where's Meghan?" and I'm just like...guys...seriously? I'm right here! D: (In my head of course.) When I do talk I'd consider myself a pretty nice/easygoing person. I like helping. Making others happy makes me happy. Most of the time if I'm upset I'll just say something like "Nah it's ok." Or just ignore the situation. It takes A LOT to actually get me angry. Every once in a while I'll throw in my 2cents in random conversation but most of the time I'm more of a listener. I'm honestly not really sure how much people notice me. This is all I know about the outside perspective. For the few that I am close to... Yeah I'm freakin insane. xP We've decided together(my friends and I) that I'm actually a 5 year old. I find joy in coloring, playing in playgrounds, new things(especially shiny ones) oh and whining. But not any whining. I mean I feel the need to tell my roommate that I'm hungry,tired, "have to potty", want a pony, whatever else that comes to mind whenever it does. (It's ok she loves me. ) Personal interests include Facebook, Tumblr, reading adventure style books(the whole real life/coming of age theme isn't really my thing.), minecraft, WoW(trial edition cuz im poor),Lord of the Rings, Sherlock(BBC), Avengers...all of them...especially captain america, and lots of other things I'm forgetting. Oh, I play mellophone in the marching band and french horn for my major. Appearance: Generally I don't care much about my appearance or at least that's what I tell myself. I do enjoy looking pretty but it just doesn't seem worth the time/effort/pain. I'm a t-shirt and jeans kinda gal. I'm also not super fit(working on it.) and just happen to have tiny boobs for my size but honestly in my opinion that shouldn't have to matter. I personally feel good about myself, why change? The easiest way to describe my appearance would be to just show you. So here, have some pics. Me just on any random given day: https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1150347_10201342020606884_1338558391_n.jpg At my best: (Senior pic. high school)https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/157007_1664014074362_866346_n.jpg Aaand what could probably considered my worst allowed in public.(This was taken at the NYC wax museum. I had just finished marching in the Macy's thanksgiving day parade AND I was pretty sick too(being out in 30 degree weather at 3am was not helpful.) https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1426559_10202061868162393_1286168832_n.jpg NO i did not meet Nick Fury(I wish) it's wax. We're supposed to be doing the same thing but I kinda just look like I'm gonna cry or something. >< This one's just for funzies: (taken yesterday 12/6/13 Right before the Merry Maple Holiday parade. Yes I look ridiculous but it's all in good fun. xP) https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1471827_543495382407396_1751451268_n.jpg I honestly don't think I'm that bad looking that it's a major turn-off. (I actually feel cocky/self absorbed even saying that. :/) What may be an issue is my quietness but that's something I don't really know how to change. So what do you all think? Opinions first then advice if you have any. Please/thank you.

So I slacked off a little this week. Shit happened, i missed some workouts and ate bad at a party. But the good news is it was only 5 days before I got my butt back on NF and was newly inspired to keep going. Tomorrow's a new day.I'll probably re-do week two of CT5K just so I don't hurt myself or anything. Can't wait to start working out again tomorrow. On a side note, I've reached the point where rows are too easy but i do not have a pull up bar/ easy access to one at a playground. Any suggestions for things that could be used for incline pull ups(or whatever we want to call them, I'm still worrying over my french horn that's in the repair shop/my audition in a week and a half. (can't think clearly.)

Just some more stats: Bust: 46 inches Waist 44 inches Bottom:49 inches Thigh:28 inches Arm:17.5 inches (at thickest point), 12 inches after the initial flub section. xP Height:5'6" new updated weight: 232lbs

Also, successfully completed day 2 of couch to 5k and with a little help from Slacker Radios's "Champion's Theme" station. It was actually... FUN! Never thought in my life I'd be able to do 90 second intervals of jogging and want more after finishing! The impossible is starting to look a little more possible.

do you know where ripton falls MA is? I'll be in amherst with no car but this sounds pretty darn fun!

So...running re-take, 5th i started over on day 1 of the original program.(I like it better, I just wish it weren't so glitchy. ) 6th i did about 3 miles of light walking just to stay in the game and today I tried week 1 day two and to my amazement it was actually kindof easy! Sure it didn't feel like that while I was running but as soon as I caught my breath (took about 30 seconds as opposed to the previous 2 minutes a couple of weeks back before I was walking almost every day) I wanted to go back in for more! I was scared that 8 weeks was not enough time to get me running a 5k but maybe this thing really works! Side note, I freaking LOVE working out to slacker radio's "Champion's Theme" station. As a nerd and a band geek it kinda makes me feel like a badass. (hey whatever works right?) Like that hero music from the movies? That s my theme song playing for me. Not really, but well you get the point. >< Strength training's going pretty well too. It's slow progress but it's progress. I just think of people having fun crawling around on things like monkeys and feel bad that I'm unable to do it (well, I get jealous to be exact)and that motivates me to keep going. Eating healthy has basically become a habit. Not concerned about that now. It'll be much more of a problem in the last week of the challenge when I'm back at my college's 5-star buffet. (anything you want for just one swipe. and unfortunately I LOVE food. I'll just have to tell myself that healthy food tastes just as good and that ice cream bar is just not worth it. Keep my eyes on the prize.)

also sent the facebook request.

Hey guys! So I'm a newbie too. Sorry it took so long to post here, I was actually keeping up w/my challenge topic for once. xP Anyway, my goals in summary are to build upper body strength, do a CT5K program and eat natural foods only. PS:I am a Humans vs zombies player and i love it! Can't believe college is already half over though. So excited to finally be in an actively participating accountabilibuddies group that also has similar interest to me.

That motivation, I'm tearing up here. Anyway, I love how you're mission is star wars themed, adds more fun to it since whenever you're tempted you can tell yourself you have to use your jedi mind tricks to defeat the dark side. >< Anyway, sometimes the hardest thing to do is to start! I am a firm believer in the 'just do it method.' Can it get you in trouble sometimes? Sure. But more often the case is I was worried about something or didn't feel like doing it but got it done anyway because I didn't give myself time to think about it. Next time you are temped to go to the drive through, head to the local grocery store, pick up a bunch of vegetables and buy them. Now that you have them you have to cook them right? who wants to let $10 of good food rot in the bottom of the fridge! Besides, most healthy food doesnt take longer than an hour to cook. If you really don't have the time there's always frozen veggies. Plus your kids will most likely love helping out with prep time. Even if it's as simple as push the button on the microwave. On a semi-related note, as a believer I personally am not a big fan of 'devotions' as everyone else would do them. Too one way and the questions are usually not relevant to me. Instead I prefer to open up to a random spot, read till I get bored (if it's only a verse or two I'll open to a new spot.) and then sit and think in depth about what I just read. Often if the word really hits me I'll pray about it too. Try it out sometime and see if you like it. Either way works. You do whatever you like best. I'm just throwing out ideas. xP

Update: So I tried out the 2nd day of the couch to 5k program today. Didn't go as well as last time. Lungs felt really restricted until I finally got to the point where I had to stop and gasp for air about 20 minutes in. (And I'm not known to quit either.) Possible contributing factors: -it was significantly hotter than the first run -This time I had just got out of an eight hour, very busy work day(my day starts off with stocking 13 mini kitchens w/muffins,bagels,juice,butter,applesauc,milk,forks,knives,etc. In under an hour.) as opposed to the fresh start last time I tried -I switched to a different app b/c the first one wasn't working right. This one gave 90secs of walking time instead of 120 But the thing that bugs me most was that I felt like my lungs were being squeezed.Although I am not a runner yet, I've run significant distances before(HVZ player here. ) Tried taking deep breaths both while running and walking and it seemed like my lungs just couldn't keep up. So weird. Anyone know what the heck happened? PS: I did continue to walk the rest of the distance and then some. Gonna try again tomorrow morning when it's cooler I guess.

Thanks for the support guys! (And girls!) It took me a while to find an active group of people with similar interests to keep me going but it looks like this is it. Anyway, here's an update. -On week 4 of eating healthy and it's going great! Last week was hell but now it seems like I don't even want junk anymore. Hopefully the habit has been broken and the cravings are over. >< We'll see. -running: did first day of couch to 5k on the 30th, yesterday I did some unplanned walking on the cape cod canal, walked about 3 miles total and snatched my brother's bike(he let mexP) near the end and biked a mile. Didn't get to do the 2nd day of couch to 5k today. I wimped out cuz of the rain. Really disappointed in myself. for that. I plan to do it after work tomorrow rain or shine though. Not giving myself the chance to think about it. - upper body strength: on the 29th I pretty much just played on the playground w/my 11 year old brother. We played around with some parkour stuff (holy crap I can actually do a vault np! Now it's just time for a form check. And to think I was scared of hurting myself. xP) Also realized that I actually have no problem pulling myself up at a certain angle. He dared me to climb up onto a bridge on the playground(we were the only people there, it was dusk.) so I put up a leg, put my hands on a bar right above where my leg was and pulling, putting the weight on the leg until i was up high enough to put the other foot up. Then I just swung myself over the bar. The bridge was very similar to this one. http://www.adventureplaysystems.com/cart/images/products/LG-Bridge_Arch-Bridge.jpg It's interesting because the muscle group I was using was the same ones i use to hold up my 5lbchunk of metal(mellophone) for 2 or 3 hours at a time during marching band. The back side of my arm muscles on the other hand are basically useless. Can't even get one pull up or push up out. When on a rowing bar, that short one --->https://www.naturalplaygroundsstore.com/images/ChinUpBars.jpg I can pull myself up about 3 times and I can currently do about 10 dumbell rows with a french horn in it's case(not sure exactly how much it weighs...probably around 8-10lbs. tonight I did 12 wall push ups, 2 more than last time I tried. (originally I'd go through 4 sets of 20 with little difficulty then move on to incline push ups and wonder why they hurt so bad. They key here was actually doing the wall push ups with perfect form every single time. Another thing, just for fun I decided to test my grip strength out at the playground. It was a good laugh. You know those things that you hold onto a bar and swing yourself across to another platform?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PiI0OgFjcY (showoff) Well I grabbed onto it, swung myself and went flying off of it as soon as my feet left the platform. XD Too much inertia for my grip I guess. We got a loooooooong way to go. Good thing I'm only 20 and have lots of time to work with. (more worried about the show going off air than about getting too old.) So...things to reach for the rest of the challenge: consistency- I did a lot of good stuff but it wasn't a specific workout, didn't go according to plan and was hard to track. I want to try and do the alternating running/strength training like I listed above. Fun stuff can either be extra or worked into but not instead of the plan.