TheMunckinLion

My update is that I'm all out of sorts. This past week was spring break, and I spent it in Oregon with my family. We haven't visited before and for us vacations are all about trying local popular restaurants. Needless to say, My calorie counting has been non existent for the last 7 days. Also, my water intake tracking. I forgot to bring my water bottle and just didn't commit to trying hard enough to finding a solution. At least I finished reading Catcher in the Rye? Also, I'm halfway through American Gods so thats something ...

Here's my end of the week updated! 3L of water: 14/14 1400 Calories: 9/14 Gym+ swimming: Week 1: 1 gym day Week 2: 2 Days at gym both with swimming! Books : 1/4 Guys, I swam! I'm so happy I got myself into the pool twice this past week. I was in there for about 30 min, and I'm trying to work up to 45 min. I'm mostly working on breathing and butterfly kicks. I've also been doing 15 min runs and 15 min of walking before going swimming, as well as a short set of body weight exercises. The thing I'm really frustrated about is food. I was doing well, but the last couple days I've been stressed. I've tried to be conscious about stress eating, but even knowing I'm emotionally eating isn't enough. I have to find a more effective way of dealing with stress in the moment, but I'm not sure what I can try...

THIS. I think we all need to get acclimated to this sort of mentality, and practice makes perfect, no? Thats why you're here! I can definitely tell you are pushing yourself to persevere you've been doing a good job challenging yourself. Hope you're body healed up a bit. Looking forward to hearing about those races!

Tuesday again? So, how did It go tackling your Tuesday goals?

Wow that looks pretty friggin cool! Those mindset quests are super helpful. They are definitely very centering and motivating when it comes to approaching goals. Good luck!

Wow I have been super MIA the last few days. I'll keep it short though. I did great at my water drinking and reading (10 pgs away from being done with Pride and Prejudice), OK at my calorie intake goal and crappy at my gym going. I didn't go but once last week and I haven't gotten to the gym yet. I'm trying to take care of as many responsibilities as I can today in order to make sure tomorrow I get some swim in. Trying to motivate my exercise self... All of your praises for American Gods has me so excited to read it!

Haha, as the bilingual child to a non-spanish speaking dad I love that you're trying to improve at the language! I think its great that you are going to make an effort to eat a fruit or veggie at every meal, and its definitely a great mindset step. What are some fruits and vegetables you like? I should probably try to eat more veggies too....Best of luck!

Yesterday was a rough start to my 4 week challenge. Totally forgot I was doing brunch with my friend, so I had a hard time estimating calorie for that day. I picked a light meal as best I could, but the salad was drenched in a yummy vinaigrette and the half chicken sandwich had melted cheese and pesto. Still, that was the heaviest meal of the day, I didn't have lunch, and for dinner I made a rockfish and clam stew. I managed to get myself to the gym, but no pool yet. Hoping to swim on Friday. Today I ate 1,406 calories (which I'm totally counting as a win) and I'm still feeling a bit peckish. No gym, but I did finish my 3L of water. Also, I started reading Pride and Prejudice so I'm on my way to my reading goal

Its so cool you do aikido! You've been at it for a good number of years so I'm sure you'll pick it up again smoothly. I did Judo for about 6 months freshman year of college, and martial arts are such a great workout. Literally the only thing I know about cycling is from anime, but good luck with that race!

This is my favorite goal yet! I'm a little biased though since I recently started keeping a journal of my own . If it helps, I usually try journaling in the evening. Even if I write something as simple as "I'm really tired; today was crappy." its a win cause I wrote something. Intermittent fasting is definitely a challenge so kudos to you for giving it a shot. Good luck!

Awesome! I used to have an app that locked me out of certain websites on my computer, I had no idea they had one for your phone too! Good luck with your goals. Your running plan looks really solid. Have you tried Zombies, Run?

Thank you guys! Best of luck to you too! Thats so funny, I actually just finished reading the handmaid's tale myself! Hope you enjoy it. I haven't read much science based non-fiction, but it might be worth a try. The books currently on my list to read are Pride and Prejudice, In the Time of the Butterflies and American Gods. I haven't decided on my fourth book yet. Yea being in college and counting calories can be rough. This is the goal thats going to be most challenging for me I think.

Introduction: Hi all, I'm just your average MunckinLion (also Lil'Lion or just Lion) and this is my first challenge--after about two years I mean. I've lurked and munched away at snacks for far too long; I'm the laziest Lil'Lion in all the pride lands. I'm in college right now doing a Literature major ( so obviously I kind of like reading) but aside from that, I enjoy swimming and soccer.I'm trying to expand my interests! My ADHD brain makes me love trying new things, but makes me not so great at sticking with them. Main Quest: Lose 20lbs by June. I'm kinda doing a lot of fun stuff in June, so I want to at least feel good in my body Quest 1: Stamina +2, Strength +2 Go to gym 3x a week. 1 of these days MUST be swimming for it to count. Measurement: A = 4 weeks, B = 3 weeks , C = 2 weeks (Subtract 2 pt from total score if swim requirement isn't met) Quest 2: Constitution +2, Wisdom +2 Stay within 1,400 calorie limit daily. Ideally, because I'm only 5'1 I'd work with 1,200 calories, but that seems a bit too restrictive currently. Measurement: A = 28 days, B = 18 days , C = 10 days. Quest 3: Constitution +3 3L of water a day. I do a really poor job of hydrating myself Measurement: A = 3L, 28 days; B = 3L , 18 days, C = 3L, 10 days Personal Quest: Intelligence +3 Finish reading 4 books. I have required books for class, which will count towards this, but the real challenge will be getting myself to read something for fun~ Measurement: A = 4 books B = 2 books , C = 1 book

Truthfully, It's been a more than a couple years since I've been on this website, so "soft reset" might be too generous of a term. Still, I'm the same person with the same issues---now I'm just working with different stats. I was at a big university, but struggling with my mental health a lot, so I'm at a community college for now. I've lost a lot of the healthy habits I built, and being at back at home now has made me less motivated in my physical health. Right now I'm planning to focus most on water intake and calorie tracking using MFP. I'm hoping this time around I can work on the right kind of mentality to achieve my goals!

Missed a day of drinking water yesterday, but managed a solid 3 days of working out unlike last week. I have finals coming up so Im hoping to be able to finish the challenge out strong.

Sending you good vibes and thoughts, I'm sorry for your loss. my mid-challenge report and it can be found here

A little late for my mid-week summary, but thanksgiving week left me a little discouraged since it was the first time I missed my 3x a week workout. I'm back in the swing of working out so I'm going to finish the challenge off strong! 1. Goal allocation: Q1: Walk and Run 30 min 3x a week = 2 STA, 2 DEX, Q2: No Juice = 2 CON Q3: 3L of Water a Day = 2 CON LQ: Knit 5ft Scarf = 2 WIS 2. Mid Challenge Summary: Q1: Walk Run 30min 3x a week = B (85%) Q2: No Juice = A(100%) Q3: 3L of Water = A (100%) LQ: Knit 5ft Scarf = D (25%) 3. Challenge allocation: Q1: B (85%) = 1.25 STA, 1.25 DEX Q2: A (60%) = 2 CON Q3: A (100%) = 2 CON LQ: D (25%) = .5 WIS Gotta catch up on my knitting!

It's been a busy couple weeks! Thanks to everybody who's been keeping up with this more than I have (oops hehe). I've been drinking my 3L water though I almost messed up the last couple of days. Last week I had to move my 3rd gym day to Saturday, and this week is looking about the same. I try to go to the gym M,W,F but man oh man I've thrown off my schedule. See, I've been home for the last few days (and for the rest of the week) for thanksgiving break. I didn't realize how kind of toxic back home is for my health? I don't exactly have access to the gym over here on my own so I've thrown of my schedule trying to get a guest past at my fathers gym so I can do my jogging (also to encourage him to exercise a little bit too). Basically this week I'm gonna have to go to the gym on W Th, Sat, and thats off my usual schedule. Not to mention I've been sick this week, that hasn't helped. On the upside last Saturday I finally did a dumbbell workout which was..WOw, soo super intimidating. I felt so unsure of myself and embarrassed but I guess the more I do it the less uncomfortable I'll be? I hope so at least. I'll update after thanksgiving!

Hey guys! thanks for all the support! This weekend has been a bit busy with work but hopefully tomorrow I can take a walk or something. I managed a nice strong workout and Friday and was able to complete everything I set out to do. Its a little nerve wracking but you guys are right, everyone starts somewhere. I think Monday i'll take the plunge and do some dumbbell or kettle bell sets! I just loved that video, especially for the tire flipping, so cool! I can see why its one of your favorites, very inspiring :-)

Thanks! I really like baking too! College has made it rough to enjoy any of my cooking past times but knitting has been a blast. I'm making slow and steady progress with my first knitting project, and I've been trying to set a side about 20 minutes in the evening to do it while listening to Welcome to Nigthvale. its very calming. :-) Tea is a delicious replacement. I'm used to drinking it with a bit of sugar, but I recently bought this supper flavorful and yummy bramblewine (just cherry and strawberry ) tea.

This seems really exciting and kind of fun. I've like writing and this seems like just the thing to motivate me to do it! It's my first year so lets see how it goes. You can find me here. Add me as a buddy! I'll be adding this to my 6week challenge. Hope to catch up!!

Halfway-ish through week two! Monday it was raining like crazy, so the even walking to the gym was a hassle. Regardless, the gym welcomed me with it's warm sweaty embrace and so I made my way to the treadmill. I started it up and as I did, I was reminded that Yes Lil'Lion, it is in fact not a good idea to go on a treadmill with wet feet.Just a minor slip, thank goodness. I started up on a slow walk so I didn't go flying. Needless to say, I dried my shoes off, and carefully went about my business. Today was a little frustrating too. Woke up and texted my gym buddy who failed to tell me she had gone out for the day....Was not pleased to find out from someone else that she wasn't even around campus. Jeez a text back would've been nice y'know??? Also. the gym was closed. I should get +2 Luck that it wasn't raining again because I got to enjoy a wonderful outdoor run paired with a new Zombie, Run! mission (I'm still on season 1 but I love it ) I've had a hard time eating better, and my current biggest sugary beverage temptation is Apple Cider (Which is weird considering I'm usually a sucker for a peppermint hot chocolate) Biggest thing though has been slacking off on my Bodyweight workout. It's not technically part of my quest, which is only running 20 min a 3x a week, but I still feel like I've been cheating myself the last couple days. I'm hoping my 6 seconds of courage will come this Friday, my next workout day. I don't care what, but I have to do my bodyweight workout! Even if the buff squad of people (which included this super awesome lady doing lots of pull-ups) are intimidating me.

Thanks! The last couple of days have been good. I won't be going back to the gym till tomorrow, but I managed to go on a hike with some friends today so I feel super active! That rain sure does get in the way of outdoor activities! It might be fun to take a jog through it though :-D Hehe working out outside is fun as long as it's the "big kid jungle gyms" where everyone does their pull-ups and stuff.

Day 3! So far so good I think. My 3L of water a day has been no sweat surprisingly. Everything else on the other hand....rough I had gotten so used to having a glass of juice with every meal recently, I had no idea how addicted I was! It's been such a hassle having to remind myself like "hey buddy, walk away from the juice machine right now." or "Yes, it is hot chocolate weather, but NO." I'm happy I didn't choose to do any other diet quests this time around because I don't think I could manage. I've started snacking on little sugary bits at dinner time that I wouldn't have before. I'm trying to stay away from brownies and choose some fruit, but yesterday the chocolatey confection called to me. I've been using MyFitnessPal to track water intake and exercise, so I figured I would track meals too. Even if I'm eating the sugar, tracking it will probably help me get past making unhealthy choices. Gym habits have been working out (haha) and I've managed to do my 30 minute run/walks. Today however, I had to do something I've been dreading....the outside I got to the school gym way too late, only to find that every single treadmill was taken up. I panicked and jumped on a rowing machine for 5 minutes (all I could muster up I was so out of breath) before I left tail tucked between my legs in shame. I was going to head back to my dorm, but I was feeling incredibly determined not to cheat myself out of my quest. So I ran/walked around the track. I'd forgotten how sucky it is for me to do that. Running outside is so much harder and tiring than treadmill. I struggle to pace myself well and push myself to go a higher speed. So today's 30 min felt a little unfulfilling, but I did it. I ran outside, and I'm proud of not going back on my challenge. I also added a warm up and post run bodyweight workout to my gym days. It's just 3 sets of some squats, planks and lunges, but its reminding me to keep strengthening my knees (i have weak knees) so I don't end up with an injury. Looking forward to keeping up the good energy.

1. Is your overall quest achievable (over a short or long period of time)? Is it reasonable? I think so! I'm hoping my weight loss goal of 25 lbs is more long term since I don't really have access to the diet I wish I did, while my deadlift goal is considerably more short term. 2. Do your 3 quests all build towards your main quest in little ways, or are you taking on too much? Do your quests have sub-quests or is it just one thing to focus on? Yes. For the weight loss, I've cut out all liquid calorie intake. As for as deadlifting goes, By getting myself on a 3 times a week gym schedule I'm familiarizing myself with the gym as well as making it a habit. 3.Are your main goals realistic? Can you scale them to smaller steps to fit your life better, even if it will make it take a little longer to achieve them? I think they are pretty realist I think my main goals are really realistic and attainable. I'm in no rush to complete them so they can be changed whenever I need to lay back or push myself 4.Are your goals able to be measured and tracked? What will you use to track them? Yes. I am doing most of my tracking on MyFitnessPal. I can put in the amount of time I ran as well as keep track of how much water I'm drinking 5.How are you grading your goals? Are they pass/fail (“every dayâ€, “not even once over the six weeksâ€)? Is there a reward for the effort, or are you only grading yourself on whether or not you “lose the weight†or “run the distanceâ€? My quests are not entirely pass/fail. Only the "A" grade is pass/fail which I am really eager to succeed. My "B" and "C" I feel reward me well enough for the efforts I would make under those standards. 6.What is your plan for continuing/altering/grading those goals if you become ill or injured? I find this to be a difficult thing to consider. I know I put a lot of pressure on myself and getting injured will feel the same as failing for me. I'm hoping that my "B" or "C" score will give me ample time to recover. 7.Did you take into consideration any special occasions (Labour Day, Independence Day, birthdays, anniversaries, etc) that may occur during the challenge? What modifications do you need to build into your goals for those? ​They didn't. Which I was kind of concerned about, but it accidentally worked itself all out. I didn't make any diet goals aside from liquid calorie consumption which I can maintain even during Thanksgiving and winter break. As far as exercise goes, since I work out on M, W, F, my only concern would be Black Friday plans, but I can wake myself up early enough for it to be a non-issue 8.Do any of your main goals conflict with each other? Will one goal make it hard to do another? So far so good. None of my quests work against my main goal. 9.Do you already have the time in your schedule to actually complete the goals you’ve set? If not, what are you planning to do to make time for them? I will be signing up for winter quarter classes soon and I'm concerned the classes are going to conflict with my work out schedule in the long run. For now, I've done a pretty good job time managing. 10.Are you trying to build multiple habits, or is all your energy focused on your main quest? I'm trying to build multiple habits. Between stopping liquid calorie consumption, exercising 3 times a week and drinking 3L of water its a lot of habit doing. Luckily, they all kind of work to the benefit of each other. Exercising means staying hydrated so I drink more water and more water means less soda.