aimless

I'm seriously in awe of all of you! I'm sure it's the newbie talking, but your distances are miles and miles above what I can even imagine being able to do right now! And seeing everyone working through the crap that life throws at you to complicate matters... injuries, illness, crazy schedules, trips... and then seeing people fall down but get back up and keep plugging along... ...so motivating to keep me going when I was discouraged! Thank you all!!!

Great job! I look at your distances with awe... especially when protecting a knee that's been injured... Great challenge all around!

Thanks so much! Would have probably overlooked this step if you hadn't told me! Just when I think I'm moving up from newbie status........ *high fives* back at'cha! Thanks! I feel really good about it! Bummer about the virus mid-way, but some things are unavoidable... especially when working at a hospital where I'm exposed to EVERYTHING!

Challenge 1 wrap-up report on goals: Overall grade; B+ Run/jog/walk 2-mile circuit with the dog at least 18 times (average of 3 per week)... (+2 DEX, +2 STA) Managed to do 16 runs during the challenge timeframe. Kept up my 3-per-week runs even when out of town for a week... but not during the time I was sick. Grade: 16/18 = 0.88%, so B+ (+1.8 DEX, +1.8 STA) Get to the point towards the end of this challenge that I can run at least half of the circuit (one mile) without stopping to walk. (+3 STA) Hrrm. This one is harder. Week 2 after encouragement from members here, I switched to the c25K program (and LOVE it!!!!) so just finished w4d3... running intervals of 3 mins alternated with walking, then running 5 minutes, walking... rinse, repeat. Not sure what kind of mileage that is... I don't think it's a continual mile yet (although it's getting closer) but if I smooshed all the running intervals together it would be a total of running 16 minutes, and I hope to God I'm running at least a mile in 16 minutes (hopefully much more... I don't think I'm THAT slow!!) But since it's not all at once, I don't think I've really achieved A status.... Grade: B (+2.4 STA) Do the beginning-level body-weight exercise workout posted here on Nerdfitness on non-jogging days at least 12 times in the 6-week period... (+3 STR, +1 CON) Did all 12 bodyweight workouts!!! YeeHaw! Grade: A (+3 STR, +1 CON) Use the budget I have created and record all inflow and outflow of cash monthly. (+3 WIS) Tracked ins and outs of the checking account. Gracious... need to tighten up some spending categories. Good data to have for budget planning... definitely needs to be tweaked some for things like last-minute trips to LA to help brother out... and... uh... new running shoes... but I did track it all. Grade: A (+3 WIS) Learn how to navigate this site and use it to it's fullest potential to help me to stay motivated and on track while developing healthier fitness habits! (+1 WIS) LOVE everything I have learned here. Participated in the Scout Mini-Challenge, (here) tried tons of new things, and love the community-feel of the encouragement I am getting! I seriously think this is the main reason I have had success with being consistent, when I have failed miserably so many times before at just the undefined nebulous goal of "getting healthier." Just realized that I signed up for an accountability group, but never really figured out how that worked, so may not have used the site "to it's fullest potential" (darn my wordage of that goal!!!) Grade: B (+0.8 WIS) Beginning stats: STR 2 | DEX 2 | STA 2 | CON 3 | WIS 3 | CHA 3 Ending stats: STR 5 | DEX 3.8 | STA 6.2 | CON 4 | WIS 6.8 | CHA 3

Woot, woot!!! End of Challenge 1!! Glasses of champagne all around! I'm feeling good about everything... despite a nasty virus smack-dab in the middle that set me behind some, I didn't fall off the wagon completely, but jumped back in where I left off, and finished off strong! I just have to add, that I have NEVER stuck with a fitness plan for 6 weeks before... usually life throws me a sucker-punch after a few workouts, and my fitness goals are the first thing to get chopped out of my life. Funny how you can still fit it in if you WANT it enough... hmmm. As for grading on my goals... here's the results: Run/jog/walk 2-mile circuit with the dog at least 18 times (average of 3 per week)... (+2 DEX, +2 STA) Managed to do 16 runs during the challenge timeframe. Kept up my 3-per-week runs even when out of town for a week... but not during the black-plague time! Grade: 16/18 = 0.88%, so B+ (+1.8 DEX, +1.8 STA)Get to the point towards the end of this challenge that I can run at least half of the circuit (one mile) without stopping to walk. (+3 STA) Hrrm. This one is harder. Week 2 after encouragement from members here, I switched to the c25K program (and LOVE it!!!!) so just finished w4d3... running intervals of 3 mins alternated with walking, then running 5 minutes, walking... rinse, repeat. Not sure what kind of mileage that is... I don't think it's a continual mile yet (although it's getting closer) but if I smooshed all the running intervals together it would be a total of running 16 minutes, and I hope to God I'm running at least a mile in 16 minutes (hopefully much more... I don't think I'm THAT slow!!) But since it's not all at once, I don't think I've really achieved A status.... I'll give myself a B. (+2.4 STA)Do the beginning-level body-weight exercise workout posted here on Nerdfitness on non-jogging days at least 12 times in the 6-week period... (+3 STR, +1 CON) Did all 12 bodyweight workouts!!! YeeHaw! Grade: A (+3 STR, +1 CON)Use the budget I have created and record all inflow and outflow of cash monthly. (+3 WIS) Tracked ins and outs of the checking account. Gracious... need to tighten up some spending categories. Good data to have for budget planning... definitely needs to be tweaked some for things like last-minute trips to LA to help brother out... and... uh... new running shoes... but I tracked it all, so I deem it worth an A (+3 WIS)Learn how to navigate this site and use it to it's fullest potential to help me to stay motivated and on track while developing healthier fitness habits! (+1 WIS) LOVE everything I have learned here. Participated in the Scout Mini-Challenge, (here) tried tons of new things, and love the community-feel of the encouragement I am getting! I seriously think this is the main reason I have had success with being consistent, when I have failed miserably so many times before at just the undefined nebulous goal of "getting healthier." Just realized that I signed up for an accountability group, but never really figured out how that worked, so may not have used the site "to it's fullest potential" (darn my wordage of that goal!!!) So I'll give it a B (+0.8 WIS)​All in all, I'm SO pleased with the progress!! I'll have to update my signature with my newly donned attribute points! Can't wait for the next one! Thanks, all, for the support! And I'll leave you with an image... because I've found that in addition to being sticker-motivated, I'm RESULTS-motivated too!

Although I've been good about logging my mileage this past week, I've just been keeping notes about working towards the other missions, intending to post them all at once when done... Right after being sick, a trip to visit family in LA complicated matters, but still... This may not have been the best idea!! But here are missions 3 & 4... Practiced Tome of Icy Drops x3 (I'm thinking this might be more pleasant in the summer...) Did the Death Spire Release Spell for the first time... Tried it a total of 4 times, but really only felt something the last time... so maybe was doing something wrong the other ones? Bending Reed Spell x 2 hour-long sessions, and then x 3 on my own after runs. Pests- Those pesky snow lizards! Was "vacationing" in LA while visiting family... got 7.5, 8, 7, and 7.5 hours of sleep on the nights I logged. Kept track of mileage and completed my 10 miles (which is HUGE for me!! ) while in LA. My "flight" happened in my last LA run... my brother lives 6 miles from the beach, and I decided that last run to get to it. Ran the streets, then slogged through all the sloppy sand... but when I hit the wet sand by the waves that was packed more, the difference in footing was amazing... running along by the water... it really did feel like I could go forever!

I contracted the plague, so have not been able to report, Sir. Happy to report have fought the plague and won.... Sir! The day prior to falling ill, I managed to complete Mission #2.... I did a double, running 2.2 miles in the morning, and that evening did a 3.5 mile bike workout. Attempted the wall test, and found I have some work before I cam emulate an elf. Shoulders and butt touched at the same time, but alas, head did not... and it felt a bit, unnatural to work my head back to the wall. Some work to do here, I fear. Again, the above was prior to the plague, and I've moved on to Mission #3, and will report on it when accomplished, Sir!

Oy. I've been sick this week.... which has played havoc with my fitness plan. I tried it, and my asthmatic component mixed with a respiratory infection won't let me go run... no matter HOW many hits on the inhaler I take. So... behind on goals while trying to recuperate. Hopefully I can make up my missed runs next week.

Overdue for an update. Still on track, if I get my run in tomorrow (WHICH I WILL) as I have used up my off days this week. Also posting on the Scout's Mini-Challenge... killed my calves on those insane hills with my hubby... so had to baby them a bit, but actually managed to wake up at 0430 and do my first ever run BEFORE work... Never have managed that before... and all my co-workers were commenting on how much energy I had, and what a great mood I was in... *Sigh* I hates mornings.... ...but apparently running first thing is good with me. I guess I need to come to some sort of agreement with the stupid alarm clock and do that more regularly.

*Pant* *Wheeze* I know I'm bringing up the rear, but finally reporting to the North as ordered, Sir! Day 2: Postponed longer than I would have liked d/t calf soreness from day 1's killer hills. (The soreness just seemed to get worse each day despite yoga stretching...) 2 miles. 2 smaller hills. Day 3: 2.4 miles. No hillwork, but first run I have been disciplined enough to get up and do BEFORE work. I must say, it made my morning mood so much lighter!

Day 1 yesterday: Covered 3 miles. c25k program started both long intervals at the bottom of long hills... (yay for hill-work!) ...so today calves are burning, and day 2 will have to wait until tomorrow!

I LOVE the Suess-esque illustration!!!! That may need a place taped up on my mirror of motivation....

Love it!!!! This may get more use in my house than one would expect.....

We've tried this before... and despite my skepticism, it really was good! A nice surprise!

Coming late to the party (not sure how I missed your thread before) but HI! *waves* So glad you're feeling better and jumping in!! As a fellow newbie and c25K-er, I have to say, I just did week 3 run 1 of the program (found it after some helpful NF-ers pointed me that way) and LOVE it so far!! So nice to have the guesswork taken out of it! Keep up the awesome forward momentum!!

Hmmmm... need to figure out how to post pictures so they're bigger than a thumbtack.... Edited: Think I figured it out... Woot, woot! Small progress towards the side-goal of learning to use this site!

Reporting in at the end of week 3. On track! 9 runs complete, 6 Bodyweight Workouts. Budget worksheet filled out. First Mini-Challenge started! Did a run with hubby and 2 dogs in some really wet, sloppy conditions today- woodsy trails with INSANE hills and LOTS of mud... my pretty running shoes aren't so pretty any more! (see evidence below once we got back to the parking lot!) ...and just cause I figured out how to post a picture... here's one of me with my 2-legged running buddy!

A ) As a new runner, I first had to research Runner Drills... Today as my warm-up I did "Marching 'A' Drills" and "Marching 'B' Drills." First ones were knees up, feet flexed and lifting up on my toes with each step. Second ones were similar, but kicking out with the foot. The dogs were seriously wondering what on earth I was doing! B ) Left the iPod in the car, took a break from the c25K to be more aware of my surroundings. Husband and I went out to some running trails through the woods and it hit 40 degrees right before going out (has been below freezing for about a week) and it was raining/sleeting on and off the entire run... made for some SERIOUSLY sloppy conditions. It was a good thing I was practicing awareness... I had to be really intentional about where I placed every step... the roots/rocks/mud made things interesting. But beyond that, I was listening to the muffled raindrops in the leaves around me, and heard the birds go silent even before I could hear the rumble of a nearby train... then they would start back up after it had passed. I was more aware of the flock of geese we passed in a meadow, and how they moved in unison away from the dogs and ourselves. The sounds of the nearby river, and the wind in the trees.

Doing some research this morning for the Scout mini-challenge... feeling behind the ball, cause I just now saw it! Teaching myself about Runner Drills... YAY for expanding my horizons!

Heck yeah, count the weight loss as a WIN!! And I'm awed and amazed that you're running 4.5 miles!!!! HOLY COW! I'm still plugging away to accomplish HALF of that! I love the fact that you have a group to run with... great way to NOT miss intended runs! Yay for the toning class, and YAY for the intentional eating! You are KILLING this challenge!!! Own it, girl!

Thanks, 18ck!! And yeah... I have a ridiculously supportive husband! I almost feel like it's cheating... cause it would be a LOT harder without that support!!!

Oy, Vix... we have quite a few similarities!! I'm also of the post-spinal fusion, C3PO-looking sit-up brigade! I also find stickers on my calendar motivating... and since the weights section of the gym scares me, I'm starting with running and Bodyweight Workouts. ...And too bad I'm taken already, or I'd put up a fight for Steve! Love your goals! Good for you for putting on your big girl panties and looking life square in the face... it takes a lot to shoulder so many things at once! Give a shout-out and let us know how you're doing!

LOL... I'm guilty of the bulky ski glove variety myself... but will be interested to see what others say!

Still working the plan here! I need a Bodyweight Workout tomorrow, and a run on Sunday, and then I'm on-goal through week 3!!! WOO HOO!!! Did a run today... I think this was my last week 2 run for c25K... as in on Sunday they're going to up my jogging interval time... Kinda scared, but part of me wants to yell "BRING IT ON!!" (Although I may be whimpering later that night!) Sam and I are finding ways to make the Bodyweight workouts more difficult... we're doing walking lunges now instead of the stationary ones, and are doing slower, controlled reps on everything instead of just burning through them as fast as we can... I'm finding that MUCH more challenging! Also, up to a 60 second plank!!! Budget worksheet up to date... and man... I've decided my family of 6 eats WAY too much!! Gotta stop those kids from growing!

I'm loving it so far! Takes the pressure off of whether or not I'm pushing myself hard enough! After some I feel like I could have done more... but some take me to my limit... weird that it's really the same workout for a week, and it works out that way. Wonder if it has to do with food intake? Hill placement depending on route? Temp? Huh... LOTS of variables! Yeah... I'm slowly finding things that work. The whole snot-icicled scarf frozen to my face thing did NOT work (in case you were wondering... ) The weather is SO variable in St Louis that the local joke is "If you don't like the weather, just wait a day or two." We had 40-degree weather shifts last week... As soon as I find something that works, it becomes a non-issue again! LOL.... I've been accused of a LOT of things around here.... But seriously, yeah. Knowing I have to come and report off to both people who know me in my real life AND a slew of strangers that can DO this is very motivating!!! Hrm... And I haven't upped reps yet at all... maybe I should do that for lunges/squats....