KenTheBrave

May 27th, 2016: Didn't get around to updating this or my journal the last few days. We finally got to go camping last weekend and it was so much fun! S'mores, tent, sleeping bags under the stars! Anyway, here's the stats for last week: Overall Grade for Week 2: 78.4% #1: 100% #2: 50% #3: 100% #4: 85% #5: 57% I'm much happier about this week! I went out and got myself all sorts of good protein foods and made sure that a friend of mine will keep me honest about the gym. And with the weather (finally) nice outside, going to runs will be a lot easier too. My wife isn't very confident that we'll be able to run our 5k next month. I'm not sure myself. How long does it usually take to go from sedentary to a 5k? Anyone? The Stats this week so far: #1 The Bat: One down, one to go! [1/2] #2 The Flash: No runs yet. Hopefully later today or tomorrow [0/2] #3 The Man of Steel: Again, today or tomorrow. [0/2] #4 The Amazon: Really liking this book! [2/7] #5 The Atlanean: Only missed one day, but that shouldn't be a problem for the rest of the week. [1/7]

Who among us hasn't had a "What was I thinking?!" hair cut when we were younger? (Senior year. It was ... not good...)

May 19th, 2016: My wife has been working long days for the past few weeks and it just hit me yesterday that our 5K is only a month away! I usually have afternoons to myself, but lately I've been running errands for her since she doesn't have time to do them herself. I like to tell myself that of course I haven't gotten all my goals done but there's a quote out there that says "You are what you repeatedly do." I love that phrase because it's a reminder that life isn't a series of big decisions, but all the little things you do all the time. The flip side is that the opposite is true too. "You'll never be what you never do." I haven't gotten any runs in since I started this quest. It's time consuming, it's hard, and it's more intimidating than lifting weights for me (I've always hated running), but all I need to do to make it less scary is to do it. Anyway, enough ranting for today... The Stats: #1 The Bat: Only 1 workout so far, but three days left to fix that! [1/2] #2 The Flash: No runs yet, really starting to kick myself for not setting aside time to make this happen :-( [0/2] #3 The Man of Steel: One down, one to go. [1/2] #4 The Amazon: Starting to get back into my book. You forget how much fun things can be when you let the rest of life get in the way. [4/7] #5 The Atlanean: Only two missed days, but not by much! Need to find more sneaky ways to add more protein. [3/7]

I'm going to keep this handy as inspiration for doing squats!

I am gradually introducing beans. They...aren't very nice to me sometimes...

May 17th, 2016: My wife and I went to a running store in Boulder this weekend and finally found her a pair of good running shoes! She has a very hard time finding shoes that don't hurt her toes but after a few hours talking to some runners and experts, they found her a pair that fit! I'm very happy for her and was even able to find myself a new pair too. So excited to give them a try! BUT-- the weather had different plans... It's been cold and rainy and blegh since Sunday and it doesn't appear to be letting up anytime soon. But, I didn't let that stop me! While my wife was working, I out-smarted my excuses and drug myself to the gym for my next session of 5x5's and made more gains that I expected. So far the week is off to a good start! Forward momentum is a big help! Stay dry out there Colorado Nerds! The Stats: #1 The Bat: Fit in a workout yesterday, despite the dreary weather. Take that, lazy self! [1/2] #2 The Flash: No runs yet, would really prefer to go out, but I don't want to get my brand new shoes wet just yet. [0/2] #3 The Man of Steel: Planning on getting a good long session in this afternoon when I have the house to myself. Very much looking forward to it... [0/2] #4 The Amazon: On track and no missing days yet!! [2/7] #5 The Atlanean: Getting lots of water and more protein from small sources (hemp seeds, hummus, etc) and they're making it way easier to hit my marks. So far, so good. [2/7]

That's good to know Sylvaa! What do you eat to get to that 130g? My wife and I are trying really hard to stick to a vegan, or at least vegetarian diet. I feel so much better without meat, but protein has always been a struggle for me. Maybe it's like weights, I need to work my way up? Or maybe that's a big fat excuse and I should just get myself a bunch of protein powder. Dono...

May 14th, 2016: I think the week has been a mixed bag. One the one hand, I've gotten a bit better about my dailies, (totally forgot about my French on Friday however, oops!) but it's been slow going on the more physical stuff. Was so sore after working out on Tuesday that my legs just today stopped hurting. Not to make excuses of course, I'm trying to stay honest but not judgmental with myself. In the first chapter of How to Win Friends, it ends with: "Principle 1 - Don't criticize, condemn or complain." I believe that a good start is to follow the lessons on yourself first. If you can't accept yourself, how can really accept other people whose minds aren't as open to explore and ask questions about? I've really been loving the meditation, even though I only got two sessions in this week. I feel so much more grounded and present. I hope that that's a habit that I continue for the rest of my life! #1 The Bat: Only 1 working for the week, but I'll be at a better starting point next week! [1/2] #2 The Flash: No runs this whole week! Not happy about this one! But, one week at a time... [0/2] #3 The Man of Steel: Very happy I was able to hit this one. I think this is a really good Keystone Habit for me. [2/2] #4 The Amazon: Reading and French have been at 90%. Totally spaced French on Friday, but off to a good start, [4/5] #5 The Atlanean: Don't know if I'm doing really well, or setting my sights too low. What does everyone else shoot for with their protein for the week and why? I've only missed one day on this, but I don't want to be jumping over a low hurdle. [4/5] Overall Grade for Week 1: 62% #1: 50% #2: 0% #3: 100% #4: 80% #5: 80% Tune in next week!! Same bat time! Same bat thread!

I believe I just recently hit level 10. I really like how it game-ifies learning for you. But I'm really bad about sticking with it everyday. Also, because I usually have to have it muted (while I'm at work ) I don't hear a lot of the pronunciation... which has become an problem. It doesn't do me much good if I can only read French if we're going to be walking around and looking for good places to eat. I'm also trying to brush up on my Spanish, which I took in high school, so I don't really know it that well :-p

May 12th, 2016: So far, I'm on track (mostly ) with my quests. I did some research about protein intake and most websites (beside body building websites) recommend around 57 grams for a guy my size and age. In previous quests, I was shooting for over 100 grams and that was both difficult, and tended to result in more weight gain than muscle gain. As much as I would love to jump instantly back into the routine I had last year, I've had to admit to myself that I need to walk again before I can run (in some cases literally ) . So I've dropped my protein to 60 grams instead. Enough to get more than I typically have been (a measly 30-40 grams) but not so much that it all goes to the wrong places. More than the goals, I'm really just trying to forge good habits. If you want to do _______, you need to be the type of person who regularly does _______. I keep telling myself that when I'm tired, or busy, or just plain lazy. It's all about being honest with yourself, which isn't always easy... Without further ranting, here's the numbers for the week so far: #1 The Bat: Worked out on Tuesday and felt good about it. My weight is basically back at square 1, but that just means they can only get higher! [1/2] #2 The Flash: No runs just yet, but I did bike to work today, so that's at least some good cardio for the day. [0/2] #3 The Man of Steel: Mediated yesterday morning and I can't recommend it enough! I know it sounds very new-agey, but when you're focused, your day usually goes better. [1/2] #4 The Amazon: Reading and French have been the easiest to keep up with (so far). Duolingo tracks your streak and I love seeing that go up. Reading a good book helps too! [2/5] #5 The Atlanean: Didn't get enough water yesterday, but by protein has been hovering just above 60. Half the battle really is preparation. So I made sure to buy lots of good food yesterday. Can't hurt right? [1/5]

Hello again Rebels! Ken The Brave here, back for my next adventure. Took a bit of a break to spend time with some friends on vacation last week. (Vegas is amazing. If you've never been, totally get on that!) I've done some tweaking from my last quest and decided to give my missions a face lift in honor of the upcoming Justice League movies. (Who else is excited for the Wonder Woman movie? About time right?!) Main Quest: Join (or create) my own Justice League Our best friends are moving away later this year, and we haven't really made any new friends. We have both had a hard time meeting and spending time with other people. I'm turning 30 at the end of the year, and I want to spend with with as many new friends as I can. Colorado is such a beautiful place, and it's all the better when you enjoy it with others! Each member of the League brings something unique to the table, but they also have deep and interesting stories to tell about themselves. It's time that I follow their lead and get out in the world and forge my own story. I want to bring something to the table too! Quest #1: The Bat: More Than Just A Man Power Lift at least 2 x a week. I left off my 5x5 progress at the end of my last quest. I'm going to start over and focus on strengthening my back. A strong man begins with a strong body. Quest #2: The Flash: Start With A Single Step Run at least 2 x a week. We're running a 5K in June and both need to be ready to take on that, and whatever challenge lies ahead! You can't take the next step until you take the first one. Quest #3: The Man of Steel: Fortress of Solitude Meditate at least 2 x a week. I recently started getting into meditation and even downloaded an app called Headspace (which I highly recommend). I've noticed a huge difference and want to keep that going. Calm mind, calm life. Quest #4: The Amazon: Wise As Athena Keep reading and learning French every day. My wife and I want to go to Paris this year (thank you joint tax returns!) and we don't want to be the American fish out of water who have no idea how to speak the language. I've also recently started reading "How to Win Friends" and am loving it so far. I want to keep my bookmark moving forward at least one page a day and keep doing at least two French lessons in Duolingo per day. Keep learning, keep growing. Quest #5: The Atlantean: Flow From the Sea Get enough water and protein. You can lift and run all you want, but you need to start by giving your body what it needs. I want to drink at least half a gallon of water and get at least 60 grams of protein per day. I'm trying to be better about prepping my meals and be more conscious about what I'm eating and logging every day helps me stay on track. Build from the inside out. It's good to be back! Best of luck to my fellow adventurers and I look forward to reading about your quests as well!

3-26-16: Wrapping Up Well I didn't exactly win this challenge with flying colors, but I think I put some good goals in place that I plan on continuing into my next quest. Happy Easter everyone! I look forward to reading about your next adventures soon!

3-25-16: Second Winter So apparently the Groundhog was completely wrong this year. We got slammed with a foot of snow in one night on Wednesday. The upside, my wife and I got the day off of work, which we needed after working out. We didn't exactly eat super healthy, but I still logged the whole time. I'm trying to just be consistent first, then I'll work on being healthier. It also gave me plenty of time for reading and to cash in my video game time. Hopefully it'll be nice enough outside this weekend so I can fix my bike! Stay safe out there everyone! #1: Days Logged: 6/6 #2: Hang With Friends: Check! Might hang out with some friends for Easter but don't know yet. #3: Work Outs: 1/2 So sooooore! #4: Reading: 6/6 Getting a little bored with this Hemingway book. I'll probably switch over to my e-books soon.

Nice work dude!

3-21-16: Digging in the Wrong Place It's been a trying few months getting back on track this year. My wife has been getting sick from work and I've been trying to just eat food that doesn't get a snarky remark from MyFitnessPal (pizza has a lot of sodium as it turns out). On top of that, she's been looking for a new job with little success. Part of me feels like my 'problem' isn't worth making such a big fuss over. She said something to me today that was down right philosophical. "You have the luxury of only making your issues as big or little as you'd like. If you dwell they grow. If you grow they will shrink." O.O Talk about hitting the nail on the head. I've come to realize that a lot of my difficulty in getting going again is not being honest with myself about how difficult is it. I read somewhere that the most destructive word we use in our lives is the word "should." As in, "I should have this figured out by now." Or "It shouldn't be this hard." Should or should not, life will only ever be the way that it is. Only by accepting that fact can we change it. You can't make a map to go somewhere if you don't know (or don't admit) where you are. Without further ado, the stats for the week so far: Stats: #1: Logs: 2/2. On a good second wind! #2: Hanging with friends: Tomorrow! #3: Work Outs: See Number 2 #4: Reading: 2/2: French is coming along, still haven't gotten to conversion level yet. But slow and steady! [40 minutes total] (played a little over the weekend)

I think I've actually got a two-er set up with a friend tomorrow. We're going to the gym (we both started the 5x5 recently) and then getting a beer afterwords. BAM!! True! It's really only a mistake if you don't learn from it right?

I think I've actually got a two-er set up with a friend tomorrow. We're going to the gym (we both started the 5x5 recently) and then getting a beer afterwords. BAM!! True! It's really only a mistake if you don't learn from it right?

3-19-16: Un-Luck of the Irish My wife was sick for Saint Patrick's day. Didn't make it to the gym. Forgot to log for the last two days. Not a good way to end the week I've been doing some thinking, and I realized that I have a fear of success. I've been going really light on my goals and more than just my health is suffering. It's so much harder to break a bad cycle and I honestly forgot to even think of going to the gym! I also forgot to read my book and log my dinners. It's a really bad snowball effect. The bright side? Knowing and admitting you have a problem is the first step in trying to fix it. I'm going to keep thinking about this and see if something more revealing comes out of it. Stats for this week: #1: Logs: 4/7 Not great... #2: Hanging with Friends: Will plan something next week. PROMISE!! #3: Workouts: None. Time to clean my bike! (Pics to follow) #4: Reading and Lessons: 4/7: Lessons, yes, reading, no. Half the work isn't the whole quest. No extra time! [40 minutes remaining] Sorry this update was such a bummer, but it's only up from here right?

3-16-16: Caesar's Revenge So yesterday wasn't a good day We've been working late the last few days and my boss brought pizza for everyone as a thank you. I caved in an had some thinking it would be no biggie, but right as I started home my stomach let me know that it did not appreciate having pizza on top of all the healthy food it's gotten used to. And that's what took over my afternoon. I did manage to log all of what I had. Like a food confession to myself. So now I'm down a day of working out for the week. Maybe I can make it up later. Still not feeling tip-top today, but I hope getting back to work helps. Stats so far: #1: 4/4 (No bonus points due to Poor Choices) #2: Hanging with Friends: Trying to meet up with some friends for St Patrick's Day. We'll see #3: Workouts: None so far. See #1 #4: Reading: 4/4 (+10 minutes) [40 minutes total]

I've heard the train that goes through the gorge is a lot of fun. I haven't been to the Castle in a while but it's a lot bigger now. I'm looking forward to it!

Happy Even-Later-Than-Everyone-Else's-Happy-Birthday Birthday jkiley! How has your first 30-year-old week been? I'm switching from a '2' to a '3' this December too! Looking forward to reading more about your adventures!

Yay! It's good to know there are more of us out there! I've never actually been to a convention before. I've heard good and bad things about them, but I suppose it's one of those things that you do for yourself and bullocks to what everyone else thinks right? Friends who are well read and well informed are much more interesting to me. There's only so much to talk about with people who don't know or care about what's happening in the world. I want to expand my library as well. What are you reading currently? I want to work my way through some of the classics. I'm reading some Earnest Hemingway right now and I really like his style; simple, but descriptive. Such a great state to have a lifetime of things to do right? What do you want to do next? I've got my sights set on revisiting Bishop's Castle soon. Amazing place if you've ever been!

3-14-16: Piece o' Pie! Happy Pi Day Nerds! An update on the Quest so far. My wife and I went for a nice hike on Saturday along Devil's Backbone. We wanted to start off slow and get used to moving before we hit the ground running (literally). It was nice, but we realized how out of shape we'd gotten when I looked at the run tracker and it didn't say 8 miles, or even 5....it said 2.25 miles :-\ Now, we'd only been hiking for a few hours and we were walking around other people and pausing to take a few pictures, but it certainly felt a lot longer than that. But, we made it that far right? We also made the trek to Ikea to get an idea of how we'd like to redecorate our apartment. We've been reading this book about de-cluttering and organizing called "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo. It's an interesting read about keeping only what makes you happy in your life. We had already gone through and donated a lot of things and we both wanted to start making our place more of what we envisioned. Anyway long story short, we came home with $100 worth of new stuff and it looks pretty damn good! I also managed to (mostly) keep up with my logging. We went out to eat for brunch and I tried to log things that were pretty close. To be fair, I think I'll just call those two days a draw. But, I also kept up with my lessons and reading. How awesome is Google Books? Your page is always saved, and you can make as many notes and highlights as you want! I four different colors! Technology! Stats for this weekend: #1:Days Logged: 2 / 2 (ish, no bonus minutes) #2:Hanging out with Friends: Soon... #3: Workouts: 1 very out of shape hike My legs still hurt... #4:Days of Lessons and Reading: 2 / 2 (+10 minutes of game time) [20 Minutes total]

Awesome idea! I started using AnkiDroid to remember dance moves. I read that using flash cards and physically writting things down helps you remember things better than just rereading notes or books

3-11-16: Step 2 Managed to get another few days of complete logging and kept up with my lessons and reading. I think a lot of my success with the bigger goals has had a lot to do with easier goals that go along with them. Reading a page is easy. Doing two lessons a day is easy, going to the gym for one measly hour doesn't seem so bad either. I feel like goals are good to have, but trying to make them like a well crafted sandwich or cookie makes them go down a lot easier. Rant over, here are the stats: #1:Days Logged This Week: 5 / 5 #2:Hanging out with Friends: Soon... #3: Workouts: 2 for 2 (Woot!) #4:Days of Lessons and Reading: 5 / 5 [10 minutes of game time left]