Muir

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94195.67 Thai Boxing last night was fun. And exhausting, as usual. Thankfully, my arm has pretty much healed, so I was able to do all the sets properly and with a human partner instead of using the bag. I did so many squat thrusts, burpees, and touch ups that by the end of it all, my legs were threatening to go on strike. Funny thing is, there's no soreness today in either my arms or legs. Don't know if that's a sign that I'm getting fit/strong, or that I'm not pushing myself hard enough. I didn't do a whole lot of walking yesterday, but I still managed to go over my daily goal of 9K steps by 357. 9,357 steps (4.43 miles) in 115 minutes. Food quantity and quality was pretty good yesterday. The chorizzo burger was to die for and the fried whole peppers were tasty, if "slightly" unhealthy. I went a bit overboard on the junk food, but I think my caloric intake was still around the 1700 mark - possibly over by 100-200 calories at most. Water intake was better than the first day though with 5 pints vs 500 ml. Since today was a recovery day (I kinda need one after two back to back days of intense workouts), I wasn't planning on doing much walking or anything at all. Paul however, had other ideas. He had a dentist appointment this morning and he asked to walk along the canal in Leeds centre on the way to get a bus to the dentist's office. Then after his appointment was finished, he asked to walk all the way back into Leeds centre from Beeston along the canal (a 2.1 mile trek). So we did. Then we walked to the book store, backtracked to my boyfriend P's work to meet him and T for lunch, then back up past the book store to really nice burger joint called Stampede. They also do ultra fantastic peri-peri chicken wings *nom*. 10,497 steps (4.97 miles) walked in total. My feet were complaining by the time we got home. Poor things. I totally skipped breakfast, due to the early dentist's appointment. Morning person I am not. Skipping breakfast lead to a late morning baklava snack. Love baklava. I try to stay away from it, because I can easily eat 3 or 4 pieces in a row without trying. The rest of the day's food wasn't too bad though. The smoothie may sound unhealthy, but they use chocolate flavoured protein powder along with a banana and low fat frozen yoghurt, so it isn't quite as bad as it sounds at first. I'm a bit low on water, but the night isn't over yet and I plan on drinking at least 2 more pints before I go to bed. Tomorrow is my 39th birthday. I'll probably open my presents tomorrow, but I think P is fixing my birthday meal Saturday (black bean chicken stir fry mmm). Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 233,919 (110.71 miles) Steps last week: 82,913 (39.25 miles) ^ from week before by 37,001 steps Steps this week: 30/07 - 5,982 steps (2.83 miles) 31/07 - 7,325 steps (3.46 miles) 01/08 - 17,423 steps (8.24 miles) 02/08 - 13,555 steps (6.41 miles) 03/08 - 9,357 steps (4.43 miles) 04/08 - 10,497 steps (4.97 miles)

I preordered it and started reading it yesterday. So far, it's quite good, though I do miss JK Rowling's detailed narratives that were in the previous books.

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94190.56 Since the NFA quests have been reset and updated, I'm taking the opportunity to redo all of the beginners quests - properly this time, instead of cutting corners. Some of the quests I'll post over on the Men's FB group, some I'll post on the LGBT FB group, and some I'll post here. Some will be cross posted. The first quest I will post here is the food logs. Here is today's food log. As you can tell, I didn't eat much today and drank way too little water. I should be eating ~1700 calories per day and drinking 8 glasses of water. Must do better tomorrow.

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94190.3 Life took a rather busy turn over the last 3 days. By the time evening rolled around, I found I was too tired to even think about typing up a log. Sunday, Paul and I went to the park. While we were there, I decided to test the fitness of my right arm. I did 3 x 10 sets of assisted pull ups on a stiff rope ladder, using my foot to assist me and 3 sets of 10 second bar hangs from stiff rope monkey bars, only experiencing a small amount of twinging pain in response. We covered quite a bit of ground walking to, from, and around the park; 7,325 steps (3.46 miles) in 76 minutes. Monday I walked. A lot. From home (Farnley) to Leeds city centre and around the centre a bit. Then I took a bus to Paul's school to pick him up from play scheme, walking from the bus stop to the school and back to the bus stop. A small amount of walking was done in the centre to get to another bus stop to go home. Once Paul had been safely deposited in the care of my boyfriend T, I went back into Leeds (via bus) and did some Ingressing before meeting my other partner P after he got off work. Total distance walked: 17,423 steps (8.24 miles) in 186 minutes. Last night was games night at P's sister's. We had an extremely unhealthy meal of carbs, protein, dairy, and carbs (cheesy chicken pasta bake with toast) and played Caverna. By the time we got home and to bed, it was nearly 1am. Fun night, but I've paid for the lack of sleep all day. Of course on the day where I got less than 7 hours sleep, I have Trailblazers Bootcamp to attend. One hour of fun filled cardio, body weight exercises, and (for this week) boxing. I walked there and back, racking up over 13K steps over the course of the day. 13,555 steps (6.41 miles) in 93 minutes. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 233,919 (110.71 miles) Steps last week: 82,913 (39.25 miles) ^ from week before by 37,001 steps Steps this week: 30/07 - 5,982 steps (2.83 miles) 31/07 - 7,325 steps (3.46 miles) 01/08 - 17,423 steps (8.24 miles) 02/08 - 13,555 steps (6.41 miles)

Unfortunately, getting rid of fat - especially from around your stomach - can be a very slow process. Keep up the exercise and the healthy eating and you will get there eventually.

* @Elastigirl they turned out quite well! Think I'm going to tweak the recipe a little next time as there wasn't quite enough spice to suit my tastes, but over all, they were good. I served them on top of a bed of Fiesta Rice (rice with red beans, onion, corn, and spices). High in carbs, but so filling.* Dragon's Log. Stardate 94182.12 There was a family fun day at the church at the bottom of the hill from where we live, so my son and I went there today instead of to the park. It was fun. We won several prizes in the tombolas and assorted games and listened to music. The NF Fajitas turned out quite nice, though I think beef would have been better instead of chicken. Only 5,982 steps (2.83 miles) today in 77 minutes. Not bad, but not fantastic. Total number of steps this past week though...wow. 82,913 steps (39.25 miles)! Almost double the week before. It's no wonder my legs were hurting yesterday. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 233,919 (110.71 miles) Steps last week: 82,913 (39.25 miles) ^ from week before by 37,001 steps Steps this week: 30/07 - 5,982 steps (2.83 miles)

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94179.42 Back to my normal summer time schedule today. 13,351 steps (6.32 miles) in 136 minutes. I think I'm getting a bit faster with my walking. The fact that it was cooler today than it has been all week probably helped. Tomorrow and Sunday are my "off days", so I'll probably only do around 4-6K steps per day (basically up to the local park and back). My arm is feeling much better today, with only the occasional twinge. I might try doing some assisted pull-ups at the park tomorrow while my son plays on the equipment and see how it goes. Will stop at the first sign of pain, of course. Tomorrow is also the first day of a new week, so all the numbers get updated! Really need to buckle down on getting my City & Guilds assignments revised as well. I only have 2 weeks to get the second assignment redone and sent out. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 151,006 (71.46 miles) Steps last week: 45,912 (21.7 miles) ^ from week before by 11,072 steps Steps this week: 23/07 - 6,333 steps (2.99 miles) 24/07 - 4,987 steps (2.36 miles) 25/07 - 15,786 steps (7.47 miles) 26/07 - 14,054 steps (6.65 miles) 27/07 - 20,040 steps (9.48 miles) 28/07 - 8,362 steps (3.95 miles) 29/07 - 13,351 steps (6.32 miles)

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94176.24 Yesterday was a busy day. I walked into Leeds centre, doing a bit of Ingressing on my way there. Once in Leeds, I walked to Argos and bought a pair of boxing gloves for my Thai boxing class. Ended up getting a pair of Lonsdale brand ones for about £15. They're pretty good quality and should hopefully last me quite a while. Lunch was a Palestinian vegetarian platter (authentic Palestinian food) from a street vendor, consisting of falafel, hummus, spicy potatoes, grape leaf wrapped citrus rice mixture, a small tomato and lettuce salad, and hallumi cheese. Extremely tasty. Thai boxing last night was great. Because I still couldn't use my arm for much, I did one handed, on knees push ups and LOTS of squats and squat jumps in lieu of the other exercises which required the use of my right arm (burpees can not be done one handed lol). I also put myself on the punching bag again this week, on the premise that it isn't fair on anyone partnering with me since I couldn't hold the shields properly. So I did double the punching and kicking that everyone else did instead! Total steps yesterday: 20,040 (9.48 miles) in 227 minutes. Today was a "take it easy" day. I walked down one of the two very steep hills to the local Sainsbury's and bought the ingredients to the NF fajitas recipe, substituting chicken for the beef, as the store didn't have any beef steak, unfortunately. I then walked back up the hill, with my rucksack weighted down with food, did some housework, and caught a bus into Leeds to get lunch (spicy fried chicken po'boy) and pick my son up from play scheme. Total distance walked today: 8,362 steps (3.95 miles) in 99 minutes. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 151,006 (71.46 miles) Steps last week: 45,912 (21.7 miles) ^ from week before by 11,072 steps Steps this week: 23/07 - 6,333 steps (2.99 miles) 24/07 - 4,987 steps (2.36 miles) 25/07 - 15,786 steps (7.47 miles) 26/07 - 14,054 steps (6.65 miles) 27/07 - 20,040 steps (9.48 miles) 28/07 - 8,362 steps (3.95 miles)

*Thanks, @Elastigirl ! With my son going to play scheme for the next three weeks, I can't do any cycling, so I'm making sure to get lots of walking done instead. With my arm being hurt, it's probably for the best anyway. Hard to control a bike with a defunct arm.* Dragon's Log. Stardate 94171.37 Did a lot more walking today (14,054 steps (6.65 miles) in 164 minutes), in addition to my bootcamp class. The instructor had us doing circuit training today. 10 stations, 30 minutes; the goal was to do as many circuits as possible in the time frame. I wasn't able to do all of the exercises, but I did what I could, substituting other exercises in place of those I couldn't do. I managed 4 full circuits, so I think I did pretty good, all things considered. Tomorrow is more walking, with kickboxing class in the evening. Will probably put myself on the bag so I'm not holding anyone back. I know I won't be able to use my right arm to punch or hold the shields, but I can still use my left arm and I can still kick. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 151,006 (71.46 miles) Steps last week: 45,912 (21.7 miles) ^ from week before by 11,072 steps Steps this week: 23/07 - 6,333 steps (2.99 miles) 24/07 - 4,987 steps (2.36 miles) 25/07 - 15,786 steps (7.47 miles) 26/07 - 14,054 steps (6.65 miles)

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94168.41 Today was an Ingress day. I walked from home to Leeds city centre, claiming, hitting, stealing, and recharging portals all the way there. Totally demolished my walking time goal and more than tripled the number of steps I took yesterday - 15,786 steps (7.47 miles) in 164 minutes. While I was in Leeds, I posted my revised City and Guilds assignment (1 of 4). Hopefully the extra work I've put into it will push my grade up a bit. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 151,006 (71.46 miles) Steps last week: 45,912 (21.7 miles) ^ from week before by 11,072 steps Steps this week: 23/07 - 6,333 steps (2.99 miles) 24/07 - 4,987 steps (2.36 miles) 25/07 - 15,786 steps (7.47 miles)

1000 ducks heading to work (a vineyard) to eat snails. Full article here: https://widerimage.reuters.com/story/quack-squad-on-the-hunt

Berries! I love berries! There are elder berries and blackberries growing wild around here in abundance. Once they've ripened, my son and I will go around with carrier bags and pick loads of them. There are a couple of wild cherry trees where we used to live (about 30 minutes away) as well. I might go around there one day and pick some of them as well. Oh! There are also wild apple trees, which I am so going to take advantage of this autumn. No one picks them, so I'll hopefully get a nice bumper crop.

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94165.65 The weather today was slightly cooler than the last several days; the very brief rain shower we got in the early afternoon probably helped. My son and I walked up to the rear entrance to Farnley Hall Park and, instead of going through the park woods into the park itself as we normally do, we walked along the public bridle path on the opposite side of the road through what my son calls the "school woods". It is so called by him because it goes past one of the local schools. His names for things aren't very imaginative, but at least they're very descriptive! During our walk I learned that my son really enjoys going on these walks with me. He's severely autistic, so it can sometimes be difficult to tell how much he enjoys the things we do together. Total distance today was 4,987 steps (2.36 miles) in 69 minutes. Tomorrow is his first day at summer play scheme, so I'm hoping to get a full day of Ingress walking done while he's away. My right arm is still out of commission. I've got bootcamp Tuesday morning, however, so I'm hoping it's healed enough by then to allow me to participate fully. If not, I guess I can always try to do the exercises one-handed! Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 151,006 (71.46 miles) Steps last week: 45,912 (21.7 miles) ^ from week before by 11,072 steps Steps this week: 23/07 - 6,333 steps (2.99 miles) 24/07 - 4,987 steps (2.36 miles)

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94162.5 The start of a new week! Check out the new Mordor numbers below! Walked to the park and back with my son again today. There were so many dogs there! Looked like everyone wanted to take advantage of the nice weather, and I don't blame them! 6,333 steps walked (2.99 miles) in 78 minutes. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 151,006 (71.46 miles) Steps last week: 45,912 (21.7 miles) ^ from week before by 11,072 steps Steps this week: 23/07 - 6,333 steps (2.99 miles)

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94160.25 Today was a "lazy" day, due to the heat and my arm being injured. The brace is helping a lot, but I still can't rotate it or put any weight on it. Slow healing is slow. Took my son for a walk to the local park again today, by way of the fish pond and nature reserve nearby. 6,432 steps (3.04 miles) were walked in 80 minutes. Tomorrow will be more of the same, most likely. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 105,094 (49.76 miles) Steps this week: 16/07 - 4,424 steps (2.09 miles) 17/07 - 6,542 steps (3.09 miles) 18/07 - 10,385 steps (4.91 miles) 19/07 - 5,752 steps (2.72 miles) 20/07 - 8,643 steps (4.09 miles) 21/07 - 3,734 steps (1.76 miles) 22/07 - 6,432 steps (3.04 miles)

Scotland is such a beautiful country! Some of my ancestors on my Mum's side were Scottish (My dad's side are of Irish decent). Scotland is on my list of "countries I want to visit"; I'm sure I'll get there one day! 6 squat racks?! Wow! The gym I used to go to occasionally in Widnes didn't even have one. Being in the Ranger class, I plan on doing deadlifts eventually, so I'll be looking for a gym in Leeds at some point, just to train for that. Until then, I have my dumbbells for everything else. Thanks for the link. The site looks very interesting. I've bookmarked it and liked his facebook page. Hopefully he starts updating both again soon.

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94157.43 Today I took my son into Leeds centre for lunch. He decided he wanted pizza, so I got us a 12" pepperoni thin crust to share. I doubled my usual breakfast smoothie this morning, which meant I wasn't very hungry, so I only ate one slice of the pizza. He polished the rest off, which was fine by me. I severely under ate yesterday, so I put myself up to a maintenance level diet today (i.e. approx 2200 calories). Despite doing so, I've still consumed less than 1700 calories today. I walked about 3,734 steps (1.76 miles) today in 55 minutes while we were out and about, so my walking goal of a minimum of 40 minutes walking per day is still being met, which is really good. Tomorrow is the end of another week, which means my epic quest gets updated. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 105,094 (49.76 miles) Steps this week: 16/07 - 4,424 steps (2.09 miles) 17/07 - 6,542 steps (3.09 miles) 18/07 - 10,385 steps (4.91 miles) 19/07 - 5,752 steps (2.72 miles) 20/07 - 8,643 steps (4.09 miles) 21/07 - 3,734 steps (1.76 miles)

@Bookish Badger Thanks for the welcome! I love doing the mindset quests. I've done a lot of them, though I still have a few to do. Some of the tasks I find myself doing subconsciously while I'm out and about without actually realising it until I re-read the quests. Ones like the Staring Contest, the Drive-by Compliments, and similar. Not sure if I should count those or not since I didn't consciously do them! But it does show that the articles do get into your brain, at least! What's your favourite out of the mindset quests? I'll probably hold off doing the challenge until next month. I wrenched my arm last week when I took a fall off my bike and it's really hurting now so exercises which require me to put weight on my arm are out for the time being. When I do the challenge, I want to be non-injured so I can give it my all! If I did the challenge this month, it would most likely be to stop using my arm in daily activities so that it'll heal @Guzzi I know! You can't get any more upscale than Accrington LOL! Where about in the UK are you, generally speaking? I'm slowly getting around the forums and have started in the daily logs area and have posted a little in one or two other subforums as well. It is definitely difficult to be true to yourself in a lot of areas in the States. The larger cities tend to be ok, and the northern, north-eastern, and western states tend to be more liberal than the midwest and southern states. If you live in small town, USA though, especially in the south and mid-west areas, you're in trouble. The UK is so much better compared to those areas! Exercises...I tend to like the more physically demanding exercises, so body weight workouts, kick boxing, and running (more like jogging, but it still works up a good sweat) are all good. In addition to that, I enjoy walking, cycling, yoga, and swimming, though I'm not very good at the latter. What about you?

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94156.2 Am late posting this update because I was so tired after the Thai Kick Boxing class last night. The class went well; it was hell of a workout. I gave it my all, though had to stop doing any exercises that required my arms to hold my weight about half way through the class due to the elbow joint/tendon in my right arm killing me. Will probably make this class a weekly habit, for as long as I am able to. Yesterday was also my son's first day off school (yay summer holidays), so we walked up to the local park. I found that there's a wire core rope there which will work nicely for assisted pull ups as well as a swinging bar that I can use for full pull ups once I get up to that level. My right arm hurts quite a bit today. I can barely move it and it can't support my weight at all. Going to get a elbow brace today and take it easy for a few days. Total steps taken yesterday was 8,643 (4.09 miles) in 109 minutes. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 105,094 (49.76 miles) Steps this week: 16/07 - 4,424 steps (2.09 miles) 17/07 - 6,542 steps (3.09 miles) 18/07 - 10,385 steps (4.91 miles) 19/07 - 5,752 steps (2.72 miles) 20/07 - 8,643 steps (4.09 miles)

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94151.56 Today was my first Trailblazer Bootcamp session. Done outside, in the summer heat. My shirt was soaked by the end, and my muscles thoroughly ache, but it was fun and beneficial, I'm sure. I walked there and back, and including the running that I did during the bootcamp, my total steps were 5,752 (2.72 miles) in 63 minutes. One of the Bootcamp regulars talked me into going to the Thai kickboxing class tomorrow night. I am going to be so sore. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 105,094 (49.76 miles) Steps this week: 16/07 - 4,424 steps (2.09 miles) 17/07 - 6,542 steps (3.09 miles) 18/07 - 10,385 steps (4.91 miles) 19/07 - 5,752 steps (2.72 miles)

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94149 Did an Ingress walk with my boyfriend today (10, 385 steps (4.91 miles) in 106 minutes). We almost made it all the way to the city centre, but not quite. Claimed quite a few portals on the way for the Enlightened team. We got a bus the rest of the way into Leeds centre at which point we temporarily parted ways. I got my hair cut while my boyfriend got my birthday present (I asked for a cooking course). Afterwards we had lunch (chicken sandwich with cucumber, sweet corn, and onions) and went back home. Tomorrow, I'm going to an outdoor fitness programme called Trailblazer Bootcamp. Should be fun! Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 105,094 (49.76 miles) Steps this week: 16/07 - 4,424 steps (2.09 miles) 17/07 - 6,542 steps (3.09 miles) 18/07 - 10,385 steps (4.91 miles)

Respawn point activated. Good job on the respawn. We're all here for you.

Good luck! Also, love your user name!

Welcome, Little Bee!

Dragon's Log. Stardate 94145.99 Went for a walk with my son to the local park and back. Walked 6,542 steps (3.09 miles) in 83 minutes. Slow going, but it always is when my son is with me as he gets distracted super easily. During our walk, I hacked all the Ingress portals we came close to, recharged several Enlightened portals, upgraded the resonators on one portal, linked two portals together, "rescued" a portal from the Resistance, and damaged another. This week was measurements and weigh in week, so I did all of those things and re-figured my healthy eating plan. My weight has gone down from 67.3kgs to 67.2kgs over the last month, which I class as a success. My waist has gone down from 36" to 35" as well. My chest measurements have stayed the same (37"). My daily caloric intake is still at ~1700 calories (some days I eat slightly under, some slightly over - usually within 100 on either side, so it works out even). I have however moved a few portions around. I'm trying to cut down on carbs and increase protein, so I've gone from 5 servings of carbs per day to 4, increased my protein from 3.5 servings to 4, and upped my extras from 220 calories per day to 230. Fruit/Veg and Dairy have remained the same at 8 and 3 servings of each. Walking Log: (Epic Quest: Walk to Mordor (3,757,248 steps/1779 miles) Steps so far = 105,094 (49.76 miles) Steps this week: 16/07 - 4,424 steps (2.09 miles) 17/07 - 6,542 steps (3.09 miles)