Kagetsukai

Thanks! Yes, definitely a cheat day That chocolate is always sooooo good.

HALLO!

It has been months since my last challenge and I think it's time I came back to it. I was really happy and fit when I was participating and I really want to recapture that. Without further ado, may the Hunger Games begin! Clean eating until Halloween [CON +3] I have recently gone to Chicago to visit my parents. As one does on vacations, I ate like an asshole and gained more fluff. Again. To be honest with myself, it really makes me angry how much I have let myself go this past year. I am hoping being on NF again will light a fire under my ass to improve. Things I will be focusing on: No sweets No bread/pasta products Stick to Primal for majority of the challenge Keep calories in 1800-1900 range; don't break 2000cals I foresee cheat meals during this time, because life happens. That being said, no more than one cheat meal per week is permitted. I'm trying to curb my eating here Run 3 times a week, for a mile [CON +3] Hot Chocolate 5k is happening on October 2nd (OMG SO SOON) and I have not practiced at all. Actually, I am utter crap at running and I always wonder just why I sign up for any races to begin with. All in all, this one is only 3.1 miles so I should train at least a little. One mile three times a week should be sufficient training. I'm only glad there are treadmills at work so I don't have to run outside at 8pm (which is when I am done with my daily activities) Even though the event happens in the middle of the challenge, I will continue running. I strongly believe that being able to run a mile without stopping is an important skill to have. Minimum 64oz per day, pre-workout [CON +3] This is a habit I have struggled to form for a very long time. I live in Colorado, so 64oz of water should be a bare minimum for somebody of my size and activity level at such elevation. It rarely happens so this challenge shows up all the time. One of these days I will do this without constant reminders. Today is not one of those days. Tomorrow doesn't look good either. Let's hope I'm better at this at the end Note: Tea, coffee, and juices do not count. It needs to be WATER. 50 push ups a day, 5 days a week [STR +3] It wouldn't be a challenge without an over the top exercise section. This is it. I remember knocking out over 800 push ups in a week once (it hurt, it was for a mini, I lived to tell the tale), so 250 should be no problem at all. That's the theory, at least. I will try doing these at work only, so I can have a breather over the weekend. That being said, it gives me two extra days to accomplish my goals in case something pops up. Do something weird/different/new once a week. [WIS +3] I've noticed that I don't really do anything new and exciting, almost ever. I am very cozy in my daily/weekly routine and I hate change. I also love new things. But wait! Contradiction! How? I enjoy having experiences, but I'm already entering into the 'old fart' category where all I want to do is sit on my ass and be lazy all the time. Let's go do stuff instead! Some new things I plan on trying in the coming weeks: Get a Wyoming key chain (which requires traveling there) Try escrima Check out the newest exhibit at the Museum of Nature and Science Go to Red Rocks (for a workout or otherwise) Let's go!

Guh... you're evil *droooool*

OCRs are so much fun! I did my first one last year (Rugged Maniac) and loved it to bits. I also did it without any prep, so I'm sure you'll do much better than I did EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaai! Fierce snail is fierce...

As long as you feel better, it's all right with us

I literally call myself a cheesecake fairy at work Sent from my X7 using Tapatalk

I'll post pictures and a recipe Because I'm nice like that[emoji14] Sent from my X7 using Tapatalk

UPDATE (Week 2 Day 1) Owwie. Yesterday hurt A LOT, but I wouldn't have it any other way Challenge Details: Lifting: Squat 5x5x110lbs, 5x5x70lbs OHP, 3x8x110lbs DLKickboxing: It was definitely a leg day at the gym with a ton of hip flexor exercises. Also, since Peyton Manning retired yesterday, coach decided to do a lot of quad exercises in his honor. Let's just say it didn't make me like American football any more than I already don't Food: Good there. Actually, I think I under-ate a little. I usually plan my food to include about 600 calorie work outs. I burned closer to 800 last night. I will have to plan better next time Water: Note to self, don't wait until last minute to drink all of the necessary water. My bladder was not happy with me, that's for sure Sleep: I got to sleep by 10:30pm, so that's nice though I couldn't fall asleep immediately. I blame physical exertion. I actually had a lifting partner so I was able to do real squats. It's been so long since I've done 110lbs that I actually had a bit of an issue getting ATG. No matter, I made it happen Also, I finally got an email back from a potential gym about lifting over there. I'll have to go and see how it's equipped, but I'm feeling hopeful. It just might work! Plans for today: Kickboxing: I'm a glutton for punishment. Let's see if I can survive this Cheesecake: I may not have the time to make it, but I'll give it a try. Mint time!!!Sleep: Get to bed early. I've been so tired lately, yet unable to sleep restfully. I put on cute clothes and high heels. Let's bring on Tuesday.

I may have promised pictures of cheesecakes I've made previously. I am here to deliver on my promise Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, where the crust was literally the sugar cookie. I dressed this one with some whipped cream and sprinkles. I was feeling festive that day It was quite a hit too! It seems to be a favorite thus far. Red Velvet Cheesecake. Did you know the original red velvet cake turned reddish when you added vinegar to chocolate? I used food coloring, but learning the background was fun. This one is my favorite, I think, mostly because vinegar gave it very interesting zing. Blackberry Swirl Cheesecake. It was supposed to be blueberries, but I didn't have any handy. No matter! I grabbed some frozen blackberries and went for it. I really need to work on my swirling technique, though... Next cheesecake is mint chocolate. It will be fun!

Nothing wrong with that Sent from my X7 using Tapatalk

That is a wonderful point. I guess I just tend to be incredibly harsh on myself and what I can do. In my little brain anything less than best is not good enough. Thanks Hazard for reminding me it is Sent from my X7 using Tapatalk

Wait, Leo? Oh crap! I read the month wrong. SORRY!!! I was born in June, not July. I'm Gemini

Thanks! I think my biceps got the least amount of pudge on them so it was easiest to shape them up. Also, my kickboxing coach has been in love with medicine ball conditioning; I've been tossing around a 10lbs ball for 10 minutes and it hurts. My max bench was 100lbs, so 80lbs is laughable Still, it's better than nothing Deadlift is downright adorably low Oh well, I work with what I have, right?

Your birthday is 3 days after mine

UPDATE - WEEK ONE I really slacked with my daily updates. My bad! Let's go through all the goals and see how I did, though. Strength to do what is right = (3/3) Since I no longer have a lifting partner, it has become a little difficult to lift at my fullest ability. Still, I made the effort to go and work out. Here's how my lifts look right now: Squat: 90lbs OHP: 70lbs Bench: 80lbs DL: 110lbs (for volume) These numbers should really inspire me to dive back into researching a better lifting gym. I need a place where I don't have to cobble together my weights. Let's do this! I don't need a sword = (3/3) I went on Monday, Tuesday & Saturday. It's not as many times as I wanted, but it's a start. My body is still acclimating to increased fitness and I'm feeling it in various joints/muscle groups. I have to make sure that I don't overtax myself and get hurt. Still, I'm working out and that's important I like bananas. Bananas are good = (6/7) I am very proud of how well I've done this part. I made sure to eat well, eat enough, and eat often. I already feel my clothes fit better! I haven't really lost any weight, but I got rid of a half an inch around my waist. I count that as a success Also, since I've been eating cleaner than before, my muscles have come back. My biceps, once again, look respectable and intimidating. It's amazing what proper diet will do for your overall health (not surprising, though). As a side note, my cheat day involved a dark chocolate soufflé and orange/cranberry cake. I have no regrets. If you see water on Mars, run = (87%) All things considered, I'm impressed with how well I managed this goal. It was a rough start (as predicted), but it went much better almost immediately. Once I started workouts (both HIIT & strength), I had to stay hydrated or pass out from dehydration. It's amazing what you can do when nature forces you Let's hope I'm more motivated this week Why do dreams have to fade so quickly? = (5/7) This one was really hard. At first I had a hard time to start going to bed early and then later in the week I had issues staying asleep. Friday night I actually woke up in the night from a nightmare. I don't remember it (thankfully), but it wasn't pleasant to wake up with a start. I think I need to get back to breathing exercises before bed or I will never get a good night of sleep. Hello Sweetie! Isn't it pretty? I made a Cookie Dough Cheesecake!!! It looked so pretty! I made a few mistakes making it, like when I didn't add enough cream to my chocolate ganache and it came out like a layer of rock-hard chocolate layer. It was not pleasant to cut through, let me tell you. Also, after I fed a few slices to multiple people, I chose to not eat one myself; it sounded like the cheesecake was super rich due to cookie dough being in the batter. No matter. There will be next week's cheesecake! Plans for this week: Cheesecake: Mint Oreo Cheesecake, though it's very likely I won't be using any Oreos to make it. Yes, I hate Oreos (they are just a ton of sugar with lard, no thank you). We'll see if my cheat works out well Lifting: Same thing, different week. Let's hope I have a new gym access by Friday so I don't have to use dumbbells. It was unpleasant...Kickboxing: I am scared to go since Justin has been doing strength conditioning almost exclusively for the past few weeks. There's only so much of ball tosses my body can handle. I'm praying for a miracle Food: I made chicken breast breaded in coconut flour and pan-fried with a side of red cabbage salad. There will be Greek yogurt and potatoes for my pre-work out food. I'm trying to decide if I want my cheat day to be on Tuesday or on Sunday Week two, let's GO!

Flamethrowers are cool. I'd love to fire one at some point in my life. I'm sure stillskies would love to accompany me on that quest Also, have I mentioned I'll be making a crème brulee cheesecake at some point? *evil*

It was all about calculating and planning. I will continue making cheesecakes throughout the year so I will have more opportunities to stuff my face full of deliciousness. Seriously, try making something every week and see how unexciting it becomes Also I needed the cheat day for the weekend Sent from my X7 using Tapatalk

I guess you look so lovely that I double posted or something

You look so lovely!

Hello! I'm here to cheer you on. I'm impressed you are working on rings for your pull ups. Those things scare me O_O