Elastoman

Sounds good to me. I'm looking forward to more effective warring.

Hey all, So as I mentioned, I was in a tiny inactive clan before and never even participated in a war. I read the in game intro to clan wars when I joined NF, but is there anything else I should know? When is the next war? Recommendations for base design?

Thanks for the clarification. CoC name is The Great Khan. Sorry for the noob mistake.

I just left a clan that was mostly inactive so I could join the NF clan. Sent off my request and a couple hours later got a message that it was denied. Tried to join again, but it says I've been banned. What gives?

Been too long, Snowfox, but I wanted to check in and see how the Tough Mudder went for you. Our team escaped without any serious injury so I'm calling that a success!

Alright, I've not been on here for many moons, but I was working hard on the challenge the whole time. I just need to figure out a way to be involved and supportive on the forums without feeling like it's yet another thing I have to add to the "to do" list. So, despite my lack of reporting and checking in, I feel like this challenge was overall a success. We ran (the whole way) the WI Tough Mudder on 9/8, did all the obstacles, and avoided major injury (though we all have nagging bumps and bruises)!!! Main Quest: check. Mission 1 was to run 2x/week starting at 3.5 miles and working up to 6 mi. I ended up running 10 out of 12 times, but only ever got up to 4 miles. Part of that was laziness and part of it was reading The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson which argues pretty strongly against long "chronic cardio" workouts. So I'm considering this mission a partial success. Mission 2 was BBWC 3x/week. I think I missed 4 or 5 workouts total. Not great, but a passing grade. Mission 3 was clean (no flour and no sugar) eating M-F. I did really well on this. Again because of The Primal Blueprint, I started thinking I had made some lapses (he argues against grains entirely), but as for my initial goal, I nailed it. I celebrated completing the Tough Mudder with a bacon cheeseburger and fries. My life side-quest was to sort out my student loan, mortgage, and investment paperwork. As of right now, auto-investing into an IRA is set up, 1st mortgage payment is in progress, and we're conferencing with an advisor to finalize student loan payments tonight. So, not perfect, but again I'm satisfied with the progress. We leave for a week long backpacking trip right at the beginning of the upcoming challenge so I don't know if I'll be able to participate, but when we return I want to start some strength training. Congrats to everyone on a job well done and thanks for your conversation and support.

Alright, I've not been on here for many moons, but I was working hard on the challenge the whole time. I just need to figure out a way to be involved and supportive on the forums without feeling like it's yet another thing I have to add to the "to do" list. So, despite my lack of reporting and checking in, I feel like this challenge was overall a success. We ran (the whole way) the WI Tough Mudder on 9/8, did all the obstacles, and avoided major injury (though we all have nagging bumps and bruises)!!! Main Quest: check. Mission 1 was to run 2x/week starting at 3.5 miles and working up to 6 mi. I ended up running 10 out of 12 times, but only ever got up to 4 miles. Part of that was laziness and part of it was reading The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson which argues pretty strongly against long "chronic cardio" workouts. So I'm considering this mission a partial success. Mission 2 was BBWC 3x/week. I think I missed 4 or 5 workouts total. Not great, but a passing grade. Mission 3 was clean (no flour and no sugar) eating M-F. I did really well on this. Again because of The Primal Blueprint, I started thinking I had made some lapses (he argues against grains entirely), but as for my initial goal, I nailed it. I celebrated completing the Tough Mudder with a bacon cheeseburger and fries. My life side-quest was to sort out my student loan, mortgage, and investment paperwork. As of right now, auto-investing into an IRA is set up, 1st mortgage payment is in progress, and we're conferencing with an advisor to finalize student loan payments tonight. So, not perfect, but again I'm satisfied with the progress. We leave for a week long backpacking trip right at the beginning of the upcoming challenge so I don't know if I'll be able to participate, but when we return I want to start some strength training. Congrats to everyone on a job well done and thanks for your conversation and support.

Man oh man, it has really been 10 days since I posted on here. I feel like this month just keeps getting crazier and there doesn't seem to be any respite in sight. The camping trip was great, and bluekiwi, though I have camped in bear country, this was a pretty tame state park where the most threatening creatures were probably the ticks and mosquitos. After the camping last week was almost a complete disaster. Logged two cardio workouts, and 0, count 'em 0! bodyweight circuits. Had an old friend visiting for several days and while I love the guy, I could not get him to stop talking!!! Throw in a couple meals that definitely had some flour and sugar in them and yeah, that week was pretty craptacular. The good news is that I haven't given up. I figure I can fail one week of the 6 and still get a passing grade overall. And besides, this is for my own benefit and I only stand to gain by continuing after a bad week. So I've been back on the clean eating and today I got a short run in. Tough Mudder is right around the corner and even with the setback I'm gaining confidence that I'll be able to complete the race without making a total ass of myself. MsLouise, those are the only two days that I work that early but there are two other days that I'm out the door around 6:30. So the only time I ever work out before work is when I have an evening shift. I've applied for a new position at the co-op where I work and the schedule would definitely be more amenable to early workouts. As for giving myself a pass on those days, I'm going to think about it. My rest day is currently Sunday and it's nice to have it be a rest day in all regards (no work, no workout, no diet limitations), but it might be helpful to have at least one of those days I work be a rest day instead. And by the way, I'm often also very cranky about getting up that early. I'm tickled that you've found my food posts inspiring. That's motivation to post more details! And those meatballs look fantastic. I'll have to pick up some ground lamb or maybe grind up some of my venison and try it that way. How did the house sitting go? Did you gorge on garden goodness? So cool to connect with somebody who appreciates the privilege of good nourishing food. It's all too easy to fall into the "just get something into my belly" style of eating and it's great to have reminders to be grateful. The advanced stretch routine works pretty well. There a couple things in it that I find redundant and/or not stretching (remember my moniker), but I do most of the stuff after I do my bodyweight circuit. I'm getting closer to being able to do side splits! Not something I ever expected and it's probably still a long ways off, but I can see progress. Gotta catch get some sleep before an early farm day tomorrow, but I hope you are well!

Off to a quick overnight camping trip, but I wanted to check in here first. Was kind of mad at and disappointed in myself for missing my BBWC yesterday and my run the day before. So today I did both! After a full shift slinging boxes in the produce department! Not something I want to do on a regular basis, but it was sort of a penance/personal challenge to get back on track. And I plan on a few drinks around the campfire tonight followed by a rest day tomorrow so I wanted to feel like I had earned it. Plus icing my knee after working out conveniently gives me 10 minutes to buzz around the forums. So here's today so far... Diet: Clean except for 2 gummi worms a coworker literally tossed at me. Sat. and Sun. are my cheat days so I'm not worried. Might even make cast iron skillet ww pancakes over the fire tomorrow morning! Workout: 3.48 mi. run. 8min. 34s/mile. Feel good that after not running for a week (knee and bad prioritizing) I still cut almost 30s off my average mile. Planning to add a half mile next week. 3x 10 decline pushups (feet on weight bench) 10 lunges/side 10 dumbell rows with 28lbs. 45 sec plank 3 pullups NF advanced stretching cool down Think I'm going to be pretty tired after this endorphin rush wears off, but I'm happy I did it.

Off to a quick overnight camping trip, but I wanted to check in here first. Was kind of mad at and disappointed in myself for missing my BBWC yesterday and my run the day before. So today I did both! After a full shift slinging boxes in the produce department! Not something I want to do on a regular basis, but it was sort of a penance/personal challenge to get back on track. And I plan on a few drinks around the campfire tonight followed by a rest day tomorrow so I wanted to feel like I had earned it. Plus icing my knee after working out conveniently gives me 10 minutes to buzz around the forums. So here's today so far... Diet: Clean except for 2 gummi worms a coworker literally tossed at me. Sat. and Sun. are my cheat days so I'm not worried. Might even make cast iron skillet ww pancakes over the fire tomorrow morning! Workout: 3.48 mi. run. 8min. 34s/mile. Feel good that after not running for a week (knee and bad prioritizing) I still cut almost 30s off my average mile. Planning to add a half mile next week. 3x 10 decline pushups (feet on weight bench) 10 lunges/side 10 dumbell rows with 28lbs. 45 sec plank 3 pullups NF advanced stretching cool down Think I'm going to be pretty tired after this endorphin rush wears off, but I'm happy I did it.

Another person who likes running in mud! I've actually never really done that before, but my wife and I are running our first Tough Mudder with some friends on Sept. 8th. We'll be muddy buddies that weekend! Your workout looks great.

Credit where credit is due. And it is definitely due. You're right, you've made some HUGE dietary changes and the fact that you're still going strong is fantastic. You should indeed be proud. Again, I appreciate your reflection. Striving for some of the same. As for the leafy greens, cook them in bacon fat! So delicious. Glad to hear about this positive turn. Hope you rock the weekend!

Are you working in Milwaukee? Glad to hear your sticking to your goals despite some challenges. I missed my run yesterday and my BBWC today so I feel your pain. I definitely need to make sure to work out before the end of the day. After dinner I just want to have some tea and browse the forums or read a book and go to bed.

I'm from North Dakota originally. State population of 650,000! But not as big of an area as SK. My wife and I live in Wisconsin now so it's a little more populated. Sometimes I really miss the frozen prairie though.

Thanks for the shout out, MsLouise. Unfortunately, I missed my BBWC workout today. Pretty frustrated about that, but I am learning that if I really mean to workout, I can't leave it until the end of the day. I work at 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays so it's hard to both motivate myself and get to bed early enough to work out before then, but I can't leave it until after dinner either. As for the food, I'll probably still post some details once in a while (venison steak, fried plantains, bacon sauteed chard and onions for dinner), but yeah I'd like to take a cue from you and do a little more reflecting and a little less mindless recording. Not that recording is bad per se, but I think you catch my drift. Clean eating probably comes a little more naturally to me just because my work and studies over the past several years have revolved around growing, preparing, and selling good food. But I've always had a weakness for carbs (like whole bag of chips in one sitting) and that has proved the toughest part of this eating style. What I find super motivating is looking at my plate and being able to say "Everything on there is going to do something positive for me and my body." It feels like such a privilege! Thanks, bluekiwi! Picturing fellow nerds doing squats while reading the forums really gave me a chuckle. It's a good idea though, maybe I'll give it a whirl.

Quick update, as I'm off to work in a few. Meals: Clean. I've decided I'm not going to post all the details unless the situation merits it. Workout (run day): Was planning on biking to work and back for a short but intense ride. Procrastinated around the house too long before my shift (a fair amount on the forums ) and ended up driving. So no workout. BOO! Life goal: Funny, I had almost forgotten I had one of these and hadn't done anything or posted anything about it. Yesterday, though, I got cracking by figuring out my IRA rollover! Success!

Quick update, as I'm off to work in a few. Meals: Clean. I've decided I'm not going to post all the details unless the situation merits it. Workout (run day): Was planning on biking to work and back for a short but intense ride. Procrastinated around the house too long before my shift (a fair amount on the forums ) and ended up driving. So no workout. BOO! Life goal: Funny, I had almost forgotten I had one of these and hadn't done anything or posted anything about it. Yesterday, though, I got cracking by figuring out my IRA rollover! Success!

Hey Abtacha, just wanted to say congrats on a successful challenge so far. Also, I'm jealous of your meals; they sound so simple, healthful, and delicious. Keep up the good work!

Never been a harry potter fan, but I love the grading system and that you're rewarding yourself. Also really appreciate how reflective you are being. I feel like that's really going to help you get the most out of this challenge. Regarding the man rant, my wife and I have the same issue. I can't seem to put on fat even when I try (yes, I've tried) and definitely make faster gains in the strength department. I think enlisting your hubby to support you in your quest is key. And as with any life improvement I really think this challenge is about the process - setting goals, building habits, being accountable, being self-aware, etc. more than the end results. It's just easier to focus on the results because those are easy post. Reflecting on and refining the process like you are doing is way more significant than specific numbers. Life. Just keeps getting in the way, right? Seriously though, kudos for powering through some significant hurdles. It's all the more rewarding when you can say "Yeah, my day/week/month sucked and I still nailed my workouts/diet/life quest." Keep it up.

Hey Arya, congrats on that long run!!! Where is this desolate/small/isolated city you speak of? I come from such a place myself and figure we could compare desolation stories.

Just checking in snowfox. How's the second week going for you so far?

I just posted over in that "like a cheese-head" threat. Thanks for pointing it out. Hopefully we can make something happen. Congrats to everyone for staying active, fighting through the obstacles, and supporting each other. The wolf pack is thriving. I'm really impressed by the work you all are doing. Speaking of wolves, we're going backpacking in Isle Royale NP next month. Hoping to see some moose and at least hear some wolves, although seeing them would be downright amazing. Just a quick meal update before I check out some of your individual posts. Breakfast: Leftover quiche (ww crust, kale, broccoli, sun dried tomatoes), banana Lunch: Venison pot roast with carrots and potatoes Snack: Watermelon and blueberries (while we picked them!) Dinner: 2 egg scramble with kale and beet greens, summer sausage, bleu cheese, watermelon

Bracing won't help, but I'm hopeful that with care, this condition will be resolved in the near future. I don't think (at least I sure hope not!) it's a pain for life situation.

Madtown as well. Just bought our first house here, in fact. Busy couple months looming, but I'd love to meet up with some folks if we get something organized.

Hey all, sorry I've been AWOL for a few days. The weekend went well; didn't cheat all that much on my cheat days and took a much needed rest day on Sunday. Plus my better half got back into town on Sunday so that makes everything better. Workout wise, this knee has been a challenge both physically and in terms of motivation. I'm getting a little nervous about adequate preparation for the Tough Mudder; my wife (a family physician) is describing my injury as "chronic" pre-patellar bursitis. Chronic inflammation in front of the kneecap in laymen's terms. Resting, ice, compression, and NSAIDs are about all I can do for it. Not to throw a pity party, I know a lot of folks who have much bigger challenges - I just wish this wouldn't have happened until after the race. But such is life and I'm just going to need to be more strategic about my workouts. I've been biking instead of running and leaving the squats out of my bodyweight circuit. Ok, for brevity's sake I'll give just a quick recap of this week: Monday meals: yogurt & granola, sushi, quiche (ww flour in the crust - breaking my diet goal here). Workout: BBWC day, hauled compost and built the chicken run instead Tuesday meals: Egg and veggie scramble, summer sausage cheese and fruit, pork loin with polenta and collards. Workout: 7.35mi ride Today's workout - NF dynamic warmup 3 circuits of... 10 decline pushups (feet on weight bench) 10 lunges each leg 10 dumbell rows w/ 28lbs. 45 second plank Then finally found a place I can do pullups in the basement and did 4 of those. NF advanced stretching cool down Felt great! Gotta run - we're going blueberry picking in a little while!!! I'll hopefully be on later to catch up with all of your awesomeness.