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I failed my first challenge here. But, like my hero Erwin Smith, I don't intend to make excuses. It is 2015 and I am back and this time I am going to get things done! Since December, I've been using a website called PopSugar to inspire myself. I finished their 30 Day Squat Challenge just yesterday, so I know that with their printable resources I can inspire myself. This is because I can have them on my wall, looking at me, I can get myself inspired to go and do them in my own home. I'm decently fit. I have asthma, but I can cycle for upwards of an hour at a regular pace of about 80rpm. But I'd like to do more. I'd like to get to 150 by May. Main Quest: Get from 170 to 165! If I'm going to look svelte in my suits and titan killing gear, I need to lose some weight to accomplish this, I shall complete my mini quests. Mini Main Quests: (or how I'll achieve my main quest!) Quest 1: -Start tracking my meals and eating more healthfully. With this goal, I'm going plan my meals, keep track of what I'm eating, and see where I can improve. I can post these on my wall for inspiration too! Reward: 3 WIS. Grading: For every two pages filled and kept to of the six I have printed, I will get 1 WIS. Quest 2: -Because it is winter, hit the stationary bikes at the gym three times a week just to keep myself in the habit of cycling for when the ice melts and I can get back out on the real road. Reward: 4 STA Grading: 2 STA point at the first three weeks successfully completed, another at six weeks. 1 will be rewards if I complete this with a 90% or higher success rate. Quest 3: -Do the PopSugar Body Weight Work Out. I will do this every other day during the course of the challenge. Reward: 2 STR, 2 CHA Grading: 1 STR and 1 CHA at three week mark, 1 STR at 6 week mark. One extra point CHA if 90% of the work outs were actually completed. Life Side Quest: TAKE THE GRE! I have been pottering around since I graduate with my history degree. If I am going to get full time work as a library employee, I need my masters. And I need to become a librarian. The first step to that is to take the GRE. I've already signed up and have been studying since December, so this is sort of a roll over quest, but I don't care. -Schedule 3 study sessions with my engineer friend to brush up on my math. -Study two hours a day for six days a week. -Take the GRE February 9th and report back with results! Reward: 3 WIS Grading: JUST TAKE IT AND MAKE IT INTO 50%. This year is going to be an intense year of crossplay for me. Last year, I did Jean Kirschtein, Cecil Palmer, and Erwin Smith. And I looked pretty good from the waist up, but from the waist down, I'm still not happy with myself. Here's a photo of me as Jean Kirschtein with my swell pal as Sasha Blouse. From the waist down, I still have heavy set thighs and can do with toning those up, especially for crossplay because the characters I'm going to tackle this year are even more: Erwin Smith, Jean Kirschtein, and Cecil Palmer again, but I am adding Tsukiyama Shuu, Makishima Yuusuke, Thranduil AND a Pokemon Bug Maniac trainer class! Fortunately, I've got until May to get into shape. So, rather than focus immediately on 'problem areas', I'm going to start by changing my habits at their core. Because the only way to change yourself and keep weight off is to do things slowly, consistently, and all over, rather than some hard core, area focused work out that promises results, but nothing lasting. And, what's not to like about getting a second degree, studying, and generally bettering my place in life? I don't intend to make excuses, but I do intend to become fabulous!

Hello Friends, I have been circling the forums for along time, and it seems like I need to finally Jump in. My names Clint, 26 years old, and I am no stranger to fitness. I was an athlete in high school, was in the National Guard for 8 years, and have run two half marathons. However, over the last year or so, my fitness level has fallen off the table. Its time to make some changes and level up a bit. So Here, we, Go. Main Quest: Get back into Shape. Goal 1: Do the Begginer Bodyweight Work Out 3 times a week Goal 2: Do a Cardio Activity 3 times a week. Goal 3: Walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a Day (thanks Fitbit) Life Quest: Write something everyday.

Hey all, I'm dauntlessDreamer. A 23 year old semi-recent college grad. I'm not new to the fitness endeavor, having been involved in sports throughout middle school, high school and some college, but I'm definitely not as fit as I used to be. Probably my favorite sport is cross country but another past love of mine is gymnastics. I was never really good but at one time I was able to do a back walkover and even then it wasn't very consistent. I can currently do a backbend, but need to work on my arm strength and flexibility to get much further. Main quest: Be able to do a consistent back walkover. Quest 1: Stretch 30 min (including back walkover practice) A = 6x a week B = 5x a week C = 3-4x a week Quest 2: Do 30 min of yoga at least 3 times a week. A = 3x a week B = 2x a week C = Once a week Quest 3: Run 3 times a week. A = 3x a week B = 2x a week C = Once a week Life quest: Get myself out of the house. I'm still living with my parents and with no job to speak of. Motivation: I miss being in better shape and of course want to surpass my past self. Working out has always made me happier with myself, though getting myself to do it is much more difficult now that I'm not involved with sports.

Introduction: I am Joshua. I hate it when people shorten it to Josh...just saying. I used to do all manner of construction and stayed very strong and fit that way. But I leveled up my brain and earned several degrees so that I could teach Mathematics for a living. However, pencils are not very heavy and my children are getting big. So I really want to set a good example and be fit like I was so I can keep up with my children, Main Quest: To be a great teammate at the Warrior Dash at the end of the month. A long time friend invited me to join his merry band to do a Warrior Dash. I want to be able to assist everyone through all the obstacles as a good team member/leader. That is how my family views me so this is good practice for my level 0 quest. Quest 1: run 6k twice a week. that makes 12 times during the challenge. this is slightly longer than the race length and will give me the stamina to dominate. Measurement: A = 11 days, B = 9 days, C = 7 days Reward: A = +4 STA , B = +3 STA, C = +1 STA Quest 2: do a bodyweight workout 3 times a week. These will come from NF or other sources and be planned out a week ahead. This will allow me to assist others over/through obstacles without getting tired. Measurement: A = 16 WODs, B = 13 WODs, C = 10 WODs Reward: A = +4 STR, B = +3 STR, C = +1 STR Quest 3: Row 1 day a week for 8-10k. I love rowing and I have a rowing machine at work. I just don't make the time. With this I develop power, cardio, full body control. All good things to help when the race gets tough. because it is one thing to run 5k, it is another to do an OR. Measurement: A = 5 days; B = 4 days, C = 3 days Reward: A = +3 CON, B = +2 CON, C = +1 CON Life Quest: Keep "A" average in classes. I am currently in a doctoral program. I earned two "A"s last semester and am taking two classes this semester. I really want to push myself to get two more "A"s as a good example for my children. Measurement: A = this is pretty self explanatory , B = B average, C = C average Reward: A = +4 WIS, B = +3 WIS, C = +1 WIS Motivation: My children and others look up to me. I am a leader and I need to level up to continue to meet the challenge. Setting a good example and setting myself up for success. I don't want to be on the sidelines, I want to lead from the front.

Hi Everyone! I cannot tell you how excited I am to begin this journey! I've wanted to partake in these challenges for a few months now but never could get the timing right. I want to eventually create my character (honestly though I have no clue about how RPG stats work and such...bad nerd alert? Anyways, I'd love to learn that side of these challenges eventually) Also, I thought long and hard about my quest and goals. If anyone has anything suggestions to improve them let me know. I want to complete these and would love help and support to be successful! Here we go: Main Quest: Run a half marathon before July 2015 SubQuest: Finish a 5K in 6 weeks. 3 Goals: 1. Run 4 days a week with 1 cross training days and 2 rest days. (+3 STA, +1 DEX, +1 STR) 2. Improve current nutrition. 2-3 servings each of fruits and veggies and drink 5 glasses of water a day (+2 CON, +1 CHA, +1 STA) 3. Stretch before and after runs and ice when needed. Listen to my body. I have printed out before and after run stretches that I will complete. (+2 CON) Life Quest: Go to a group meetup at Otherworlds (+2 CHA, +2 WIS) My motivation for getting healthy: I always feel mentally better when I work out. Completing this challenge will start building my confidence. I want to be a better partner and friend. A big part of what I see in nerdfitness is a way for me to better my health AND participate socially (not usually my thing). When I am social I see a reason for being on this earth. I see the connectivity that is lacking when I isolate. My main motivation for running a half marathon is to prove to myself that I am stronger than I feel sometimes. Rewards upon completion of each week WEEK 1: 1 book from Half Priced Books or Amazon WEEK 2: 1 movie from Half Priced Books or Amazon WEEK 3: 4 comics WEEK 4: New pair of running shoes from Brooks Outlet WEEK 5: Set of bookends under $30 WEEK 6: 1/2 marathon running app Successful completion of a 5K: Movie Night and drinks Successful completion of LifeQuest: Under $10 purchase from Otherworlds

This is my third time trying a six week challenge. I always seem to make it until week three or four and then something happens (chaos at work, chaos at home, illness) and things fall apart. I'm trying to keep my six week questions VERY simple and straight forward this time in hopes of finishing the challenge and thus gaining momentum to get back to a healthy lifestyle with the advent of the new year. I'm going to use this top post to track my progress, marking an X within each bracket as I complete each task. Main Quest: To lose 30 pounds by December 31, 2015 Quest #1: Complete C25K workout three times per week. [X][X][X] [X][X][X] [X][X][X] [X][X][O] [X][X][O] [X][X][O] Quest #2: Complete one session of yoga practice per week. [X][X][X] [X][X][X] Quest #3: Drink at least eight cups of fluids each day. [X][X][X][X][X][X][X] [X][[X][O][[X][X][X][X] [X][O][X][X][X][X][O] [X][X][X][X][X][X][X] [X][X][X][X][X][X][O] [X][O][X][X][X][X][X] Life Quest: Change my name back to my maiden name. [X]Get certified copy of divorce decree[X]Change name with SSA[X]Change name with DMV[O]Change name at work

I've been a member of this board a couple years now, even tried a 6 week challenge before but got nowhere fast. I'm quiet, independent, stubborn and think I know everything. I'm also in need of some serious shaping up. So I'm jumping in today. My goals: Lose 10 pounds. Seems super low for 6 weeks but I lose weight like I run: slow as a 2-legged tortoise. Increase my running distance back up to 3 miles. This one, unfortunately will have to depend on the weather. I love running in the cold but draw the line at subzero temps and/or measurable snow or ice. I have a track at my gym but god it's so booooooooring to just go around and around and around ugh. But if I have to... 3 miles in 6 weeks. My nutrition goal is the same it's always been and what it has to be: Eat less. I eat well, I just eat a lot of well. I need to reduce my caloric intake to 1600/day. I will use SparkPeople to measure. My non-fitness, non-nutrition goal, to help keep me motivated in not being such a loner will be to visit this board at least once a day and make a comment or cheer on at least one thread. If I fail at that, it doesn't mean I'm failing at other goals but good lord, that should be the easiest goal of them all, right? So hey there. 'Sup?

Ok, first off Hi anyone and everyone that might read this. I am very new at this so bear with me. I think I am supposed to start my own thread and then see what happens from there. Let me introduce myself. I am 57 years old, 5'5" and weigh around 210lbs currently. My weight has veried some in the last year. I had gotten down to 182 and then it slowly deteriorated from there back to my current weight but not as bad as the 225 that I started at. I want to get fit and healthy enough to ride and compete one of my horses in endurance riding. There are levels to that as well starting at intro rides of 12-15 miles, 25-35 mile rides, 50 milers, 75 miles, and then the big kahuma 100 milers. It would be awesome to get to 100 milers but starting small. So my big goal for this year is to actually go to and compete in a ride. I am aiming for a 25-35 mile ride at first. I have done a 12 miler a long time ago. I may start there but by the end of October I want to have riden in a 25-35 mile ride. To enhance this goal I plan to: Become more fit by walking a minimum of 10 minutes a day, eating vegetables at two out of three meals a day, and drinking more than 32 oz of water a day (working towards that 64 oz/day).

OK HERE WE GO So, I don't know if I am doing this right or not, but I am ready to get moving. I love the idea of a 6 week challenge and I have so many goals I drive myself crazy... I started my journey into becoming healthier 2 years ago and have lost 80 lbs, run 2 marathons, and done a tri. But, now that I have no motivation for a while, I need this to keep me going... MAIN QUEST - My main quest is to get below 200 lbs, and look good naked Quests to accomplish the main goal: 1. Eat 100% Paleo for 6 weeks - I started Paleo about 2 months ago and dropped from 227 to 212, but then the dreaded holidays. Being a sugar junky, the holidays are no good for me. So I have to start over again, and starting Jan. 5th I go 100% again, and if I can drop 2 lbs a week, I should reach my goal of 200 or lower...I am also keeping my calories under 2200 hundred a day, and trying to keep my crabs under 100 g a day. (I use Myfitnesspal for calculations) 2. Workout at least 6 days a week - Lift - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Run - Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Swim - Every Friday morning, and after 6 weeks, be able to swim 60 laps (120 lengths) in a workout. 3. Work on Strength and Form - I am going to begin training for the IronMan in a few months so I have this time to focus on strength. As I stated before, I have been doing this already for a while and did a half ass max on bench of 345. But it was garbage, and after watching the videos on how to properly do it, I am going to drop weight and work on form and lifting properly. I am going to give the 5X5 workout a try using this www.stronglifts.com I also want to increase squats and deadlift, which I just started doing (terribly wrong according to the videos on this site). Life Goals - I want to write a book!!! I have had an idea lingering for some time, so maybe this is the time to start... I think that is about it for now. I plan on starting a thread (as I have seen on here) of my workouts on Jan. 5th and update it at least weekly with workouts, and weight. Thanks John

Longtime lurker, first time participant. I’ve been planning a lifestyle reboot for awhile now and I’m finally pulling the trigger. So. My short-term main quest is to build healthier habits. Nothing fancy there. I have more ambitious goals for the future, but since I’m starting from the lowest rung on the health ladder, I figure I should build a baseline or I’ll sprain something reaching for the next rung My three goals for this challenge: Train for a 5k run 3 times a week. I have a running program loaded up on my unPhone and have already been running with it for the last two weeks. The race is scheduled for 2/13. Eliminate soda/drink water. By the end of this challenge I want to be completely off caffeine. I’ve heard this is a weeks-long process, even if you quit cold-turkey. I’m going to start by limiting myself to a single 20 oz. soda per day for the first three weeks, then taper off further once I’ve gotten used to that reduction. Learn to cook 6 real food meals. I married a chef and never bothered to learn how to cook, but in the last few months my husband has increased his hours at the restaurant and I find myself feeding our kid plates of ingredients rather than meals. The good news is that the kid isn’t subsisting entirely on candy and goldfish crackers, but I’d still like to know how to prepare something other than raw veggies and scrambled eggs.My side quest is one of my overall goals for 2015: I want to read a book every week this year. I’m not sure if that will be a challenge or not; I already read quite a bit, but I’ve never bothered tracking my consumption. I expect in the next few weeks I’ll realize I don’t read as quickly as I think I do. I’ll be tracking my soda and workouts on a spreadsheet on my computer and posting my results about once a week here. Grading: A: hit my workout and soda goals more than six days a week and learned at least 5 new meals B: hit my workout and soda goals 5 days a week and learned at least 4 new meals C: anything below a B, with the promise to myself that I’ll try again!

My first challenge! I've been waiting for this since my respawn. SO PUMPED. Main Quest: Get my weight below 200 pounds - Long Term Goal 1. Do the rookie level of the Rebel Fitness Guide 3 times a week -A: 3 times a week -B: 2 times a week -C: 1 time a week -Fail: No times a week...ya bum. 2. Do Zombies, RUN! 5k training at least 2 times a week -A: 2 times a week with moving on to next workout -B: 2 times a week without moving on to next workout -C: 1 time a week -Fail: You didn't run at all? Mer. 3. Wake up at 10:00am on days when I work, so I have time to make breakfast and get ready without rushing. (5 days a week) -A: 5 days a week -B: 4 days a week -C: 3 days a week -D: 2 days a week -Fail: You slept in and had to rush to work without breakfast? Good luck resisting those waffles... Life Quest: Do the dishes from that day every night before bed. -I'll do this so there's less effort to make food at home, which will help with the temptation to just order a pizza. -A: Every night -B: 4-5 nights -C: 2-3 nights -Fail: You did ALL the dishes in one night, meaning you had to spend most of your day off cleaning up after yourself Motivation: To show myself that it IS possible for me to live the active lifestyle I've always wanted. There are so many things that I enjoy doing, and I could get much more out of them if I had the physical ability to do so. I want to be able to rock climb without my limbs shaking. I want to be able to hike up a mountain without feeling like I'm going to die. I want to actually RUN my 2nd Warrior Dash instead of dragging myself through it. I want to show my family that our genes don't dictate our lives. To show my husband that I care about him enough to offer him my best. So that my future children don't grow up with the same insecurities and pain I felt growing up overweight. There are so many reasons, but mostly, I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I also have a little side goal that is really small as far as doing, but could have major, life-changing effects. I'm going to apply for nursing school at the end of the month. (Added because I wasn't sure when the deadline was for it). It's something I've put off for about a year now because I keep telling myself that I won't get in. Well...I actually might get in. I have all the pre-reqs for it, so I'm just gonna do it.

Hi everyone, I had a bit of a rough year personally so I'm aiming to build solid habits to keep me going strong even in the tough times. These goals are geared towards getting me ready for another semester of college as a biochemistry major and making my life story truly mine. 1. Form solid get-up-early habits (6:00 AM wake-up) *Make tea like chamomille, mint to wake * Meditate 2. Go to 5 triathlon team workouts per week in order to * Have accountability to team members * Make new friends * Maintain a clear mind 3. Eliminate other gluten free flours (sorghum, rice flour, etc) and the few sugars that are left in my diet in order to go full paleo *Feel better mentally, look better physically, diet is 90% of the battle 4. Memorize Amino Acids, nucleotides, and fructose and glucose I plan on posting every day in order to keep myself accountable. AB

I'm going to be lazy about this challenge, and repeat the last one for a few reasons: 1. I joined at week 4. I wanted to get a foot in the door, so I started late, and now I'm going to do it for real. 2. Over all, I probably only scored a b- for the weeks I was here for, so the girls are still valid, while not being so easy as to not make progress. So here we go. Introduction: I usually go by Will, I'm a long time gamer: PC, tabletop, rpg; hot and cold toward fitness. Swam competitively through high school, bulked up in the weight room in college, became of somewhat undefined shape thereafter. I enjoy biking, rock climbing, camping, among many other hobbies. I work as a server/bartender, so I'm on my feet for hours. I'm signing up I nerd fitness because it sounds like a way to keep motivation and accountability for my goals. Main quest(s): by the end of 2015, I will have accomplished the following: 1) defined at least the top 4 of my future 6-pack, 2) run a 5k (a previous knee injury prevents most running) 3) completed a randonneé brevet (200km bike ride in under 13.5hr (That's the 'sprint' distance, they also come in 300km, 400km, 600km, 100km-, and 1200km rides)) 4) read at least 1 book per month (I'm trying to work through the Horus Heresy) 5) paid off my student loan debt (currently at $24k) Quest 1: bike to and from work each day (at 4x/week for now, schedule varies) (Christmas, birthday, new years, and house warming all cut into the days I biked) Quest 2: read 10 pages every day (on average) (I'm going to strike the 'on average, because 10 pages won't take that long, and it allowed me to procrastinate. No more,I say!) Quest 3: start eating freggies again. 1 a day should be doable. (I got really lazy about groceries, so I need to find a market near by to buy even a few bananas) Life quest: purchase a calendar. Use said calendar to track progress, maintain motivation, and decorate my otherwise bare walls. Motivation: freedom increases exponentially as debt decreases. Also, body image. Let's strut with our shirt off, shall we?

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Hello all! I am new here but want to take part in this new 6-week challenge! I am a 40somethingsomething year old woman, long distance enthusiast, long time nerd and I want 2015 to be the year I push beyond 'skinnyfat'. Seriously my arms and legs are so ridiculously skinny (it's a big problem - I can't wear shorts bc of my chicken legs) but I have the dreaded belly if I stop running for a few weeks. And I injured myself training for a marathon, so...dammit. My partner is also basically a Cylon -- former pro athlete, sports star, long and lean, and 100% amazing. She's inspiring, and I want to get a little of that feeling. Plus, we're going on vacation in a few months with her hot ex. So you see my motivation. So, my quest: In this challenge I will attempt to lose 5-10 pounds and more importantly gain muscles and strength. I cannot WAIT TO HAVE MUSCLES. I've never had them, ever. Really, just one would do. Goals to back the quest up: Join a gym (I have a week pass starting today at one) and work out (probably using the stronglift thingie?) 3 times a week -- hopefully mornings.Eat low carb, cut out the junk and go low sugar too.Move beyond my intense horror of going to the free weights part and using a barbell. I don't know how they work, i don't know how to, like, stick the heavy parts on -- I don't know anything. I'm scared. It's scarier than the hell level in mario.Optional Life Quest: I'm going to start writing daily, for just 15 minutes a day. That's fallen away too and I want it back. That's basically it -- hopefully I did this part right. Thanks all!

Hi I am Mike and this is my first challenge. I want to get into shape and generally live a healthier life. I am currently 5'10" and 200 lbs-ish of pure out-of-shape-ness. I am also about to turn 30 and worry that if I don't get in shape now, I never will. I have a desk job so I just sit in a chair 8 hours a day/5 days a week. When I get home I play video games or guitar or play with my daughter. Two days a week I play pathfinder with friends. My lifestyle is very sedimentary. I joined the rebellion because I would really like to change my lifestyle a bit and get into shape. I also am very interested in learning a couple of martial arts, some basic free-running, and other interesting life skills. Main Quest - Lose 5 pounds during this challenge. Quest 1 - Run for 5 minutes/day, 4 days / week Measurement - A = 4 days, B = 3 days, C = 2 days Reward - A = +3 STA, B = +2 STA, C = +1 STA Quest 2 - Cut down to 5 cigarettes/day Measurement - A = 5 smokes, B = 7 smokes, C = 9 smokes Reward - A = +2 CON, B = +1 CON, C = +0 CON Quest 3 - Cut down to 1 soda/day Measurement - A = 1 soda, B = 2 soda's, C = 3 soda's Reward = A = +2 CON, B = +1 CON, C = +0 CON Life Quest - Read "Engines of War" Completion - +1 WIS Life Quest - Compose 1 song Completion - +1 CHA

Me: I'm Sam and this is my first challenge. I've gotten super lazy and therefore chubby and, well, I want that to change now. I have no idea how much I weigh because we don't own a scale but I know it's more than I should be weighing in at. I'm a pro at starting things with great ideas and am even more pro at abandoning things when I decide I don't like them. I'm a C25K dropout several times over. One of these days, I will learn to enjoy running! (Ha. Haha.) Main Quest: To get back to a size 7/8 or so. I'm hovering between a 14/16 right now and at only 5'2, it's not fun. I'd go by pounds I need to lose but that frustrates me more than how my clothes fit so for now, I'm going with sizes. Quest 1: Swim, run, or go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I live pretty close to both so there's not much of an excuse other than laziness. Quest 2: Drink at least 64oz of water a day. I don't like to drink water and never get enough to stay properly hydrated. Quest 3: Eat more fruits and veggies. I don't eat TOO horribly but I don't eat enough colorful things. Life Quest: I want my Dive Master certification. I've got the dives required to start, it just needs to warm up a bit so we can get back on the boat for some diving. I'm not really 100% sure on how the points/stats stuff works so I'm gonna skip it unless someone has suggestions for me. (I'm not an RPG kid. FPS please!) Also not the most exciting goals but they're small steps in the right direction and (provided I stick to them!) give me a good building block for more. Now hopefully I can stick with it!

Introduction Hi, I'm a elementary teacher in South Korea. It's pretty easy to sit at my desk and do nothing when I'm not teaching, though we do have a rock climbing wall and pool in our school that I can use. I like to swim, rock climb, scuba, do spinning classes, and hike. I joined because I'm already planning on trying to lose some more weight to get closer to my long term goal at 160lbs. Main Quest I want to reach 174lbs before the end of March, so my goal is to lose 15lbs on this challenge. It's a simple starter goal before I decide what hardcore stuff I want to work on later. Quest 1: Cardio exercise at least 30 minutes 3x per week. This can be treadmill, elliptical trainer, spinning, or swimming. 60 minutes on one day does not mean that is 2 days of exercise. (24 workouts) Measurement: A = 18 B = 14 C = 12 Reward: A = +3 STA B = +2 STA C= +1 STA Quest 2: No dairy, because I'm lactose intolerant and it messes with my digestion. (I don't count butter but then I don't eat it much anyway.) Measurement: A = 0 Servings B = 1 serving C= 2 servings Reward: A = +3 CON B = +2 CON C = +1 CON Quest 3: Weight train or body weight train at least 2x per week. This is to prime my muscles for later work. (12 times) Measurement: A = 12 B = 9 C= 8 Reward: A = +3 STR B = +2 STR C = +1 STR Life Goal: Self-study Korean 20 hours total. This does not include class time or listening to pod-casts. This is sitting down and studying either alone or with a friend. It's only a little over 3 hours per week. Measurement: A = 20 hours B = 16 hours C= 14 hours Reward: A = +3 WIS B = +2 WIS C = +1 WIS Motivation: I might want to do a hiking trip sometime in the future and travelling in general is easier when you're fit. This first challenge might be a little hard for me since I'm going on vacation from Jan 7~13th buuuuut since I'm going to scuba and snorkel I should get a lot of swimming done

Hey, I'm Soozle, I'm 33 yrs old, 5' 7" and a (UK) size 12. I'm not really that fussed about losing any weight, so have no idea about my weight/BMI. Instead, I want to feel healthier and more comfortable in myself. The last couple of years have been difficult, and I feel like i'm stuck in a rut which I need to get out of. I have a sedentary lifestyle (not much exercise other than walking to/from work - about 1.5 mile round trip), a mentally unfulfilling job, and most of my friends are scattered across the country. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of positives in my life and things are better than they were this time last year, but I'm still not particularly, so I need to do something about it. Main Quest: Next New Year's Eve, to be able to look back through 2015 and be proud of all the positive changes I've made to my life, and to have lost this uncomfortable feeling that life is just passing me by. Goal 1: To be able to run 5k. I've picked 5k out of thin air because if I'm enjoying it I can start signing up for some organised runs and feel confident enough to maybe join the local running club. I'm unfit, asthmatic and prone to colds/chest infections, so -having looked at some of the C25K programs which take nine weeks - I'm giving myself a bit of flexibility in the grades. For training, I'm aiming to run three times a week during this challenge. A = can run 5k, B = can't quite do 5k but can do the last workout for week six of C25K, F= anything less Goal 2: No more biscuits/chocolate at work I'm currently doing a tedious job which involves the whole team killing time while we wait for the management to decide what is happening to our jobs in the new organisation structure. Time passes slowly. We have a biscuit tin. I don't comfort eat, but I do boredom eat. No more. If someone brings in treats for a proper event (like a birthday, new job etc) then I may have a small treat, but there will be no more snacking on biscuits or chocolate at work to kill time. A = 0, B = 4 biscuits/chocolates at work during the six weeks, F = more than 4 Goal 3: Variety of exercise - two non running workouts a week I want to mix up the exercise types as I think that is more beneficial than just pounding away on the treadmill. I've enjoyed yoga and basic martial arts in the past. I fancy doing some pilates as I have no core strength and I can do this at home using workouts on the internet, without spending any money. However, I'm going to be flexible about this as the whole thing is for this goal is about variety. I'm aiming to do two workouts each week that are not running, and take 20 - 30 min. A = two per week for all six weeks, B = two per week for five of the weeks, F = less Life Quest: Learn Poi I've seen people doing poi, it looks cool. I want to learn how to do it. Breathe! That's the end of this post (almost). Apologies for going on, being concise is not a speciality of mine. If anyone has managed to read all the way down, then thank you and best of luck to everybody with their challenges too.

Well it's been 2 full years since I attempted my first challenge on Nerd Fitness, a lot has changed in my life since then and some things have stayed the same. Here are the highlights: After starting strong for 3 weeks I proceeded to drop out of my first challenge on Nerd Fitness and wen't back to my old habits, by November of 2013 I had gained an additional 10 pounds and hit 255 for the first time in my life.In November 2013 as part of a weight loss challenge with coworkers I lost 30 pounds and regained my confidence in my ability to be healthy.In March 2014 I moved back to Michigan from Alabama to take a new job and be closer to my friends, family, and my then fiance.Speaking of my fiance we were married in August of 2014 and in the whirlwind leading up to that I stopped focusing as much on being healthy.In October 2014 I ran my first 10K as part of a Relay team in the Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank International Marathon.That about brings things back to now. Since the marathon I have all but stopped running again and with all the good food I ate over the Holidays I think I am probably back over 240 pounds. I will turn 29 on February 15th this year and I don't want to start my 30th year in the shape I am in right now. My experience at the end of 2013 proves that with the correct challenge I am capable of getting myself back in decent shape and I am hoping that this challenge can have the same effect. I'm recycling some of my goals from last time and adding some new ones. Main Quest: "Will he finish what he begins?" I have lost weight a number of times since high school but have never stuck with it long enough to get back under 210 pounds where I feel I should be. Based on my height they say I should be around 185 but I have always said I would waste away at that weight but the truth is I haven't been close enough to 200 to truly know. Quest 1: "Yes, run! Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force." Just like last time I am going to make my first goal working out 3 times per week. When I lost my weight in November 2013 I was running for 30 minutes every day and while I would like to get back to that level there are more demands on my time now that I live with my wife instead of 1000 miles away. 3 times per week will be a vast improvement and if I can create the habit I can increase from there. Quest 2: "Mind what you have learned. Save you it can." Every time I have had weight loss success it has involved the strict tracking of both my diet and my workouts. When I take the time to record both in MyFitnessPal or something similar I tend to make fewer mistakes with my diet and rebound stronger when I do make those mistakes. I know that tracking it makes me eat better and yet I still struggle to track things whenever I try to get back in shape. Quest 3: "How you get so big eating food of this kind?" My wife and I both love good healthy home-cooked meals and yet we order carry out 2-3 times per week and rarely pack lunches for work. When we do cook at home it's far too often boxed mac and cheese or a frozen pizza. In order to be successful in this challenge this is going to have to change. Side-Quest: "A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind." My wife and I are trying to put ourselves in a position to buy a house in the near future and one way I came up with to help make that happen sooner was to get certified to referee soccer. She coaches softball all Spring and Summer so I figured I could get some exercise and make some extra money for a down payment while she is away coaching anyway. I think all 3 quests and my side quest should be achievable during the challenge but welcome feedback from others. I'm excited to get back on the fitness wagon and hopefully stay on board longer than during previous attempts.

Intro: Hey, I'm AlphaProtagonist, also known as Ali. I am a 21 year old California girl looking to tone my body into a killer adventuring machine. I like hiking, urban exploring, and just generally finding new places to be. I've also recently taken up running and yoga in the hopes of having a more holistic approach to my health. Main Quest: I've never run a 5k before, and I'm hoping to be able to jog one all the way through without stopping by the end of this challenge! (no matter how slow I go) Quests: Quest 1: Get Flexible! - Yoga at least 2x a week (A > 2x a week - B = 2x a week - C = 1x a week) Quest 2: Get Fast! - Run a 5k in under 37 minutes (aka average better than a 12 minute mile) (A < 34 minutes - B < 37 minutes - C < 40 minutes) Quest 3: Get Consistent! - Run at least 5 miles a week (A > 5 miles - B = 5 miles - C > 3 miles) Life Quest: Follow through: Finish City of Stairs by the end of the challenge Motivation: I'm technically 'in my prime', and I want to take full advantage of that to create habits I can have for life while it's still pretty easy. Other: I'm a total nerd. Talk to me about Star Trek, conventions, cosplay, or anything else that tickles your fancy. I'm hoping to cosplay Haruko from FLCL at my next con. I'm also an outdoorsy gal, so if hiking or camping is your thing, I'd love to hear more. Looking for a squad? Tell me your goals and we'll see if we line up. Regardless, let's be friends!

Hi all! Back from rehabbing my broken patella (I don't recommend it), and ready to get through a challenge. I've been building up a plan of attack that has a lot of variety, but I'll keep it rather simplified here because even I have to look at my planner to remember what today is, haha. Essentially, the idea is variety will keep me from boredom and that's been one of my biggest hurdles over the years. Also, a lot of my exercise plans are simple or modified because of my knee, so my plan may change as I keep getting stronger. Main quest: Run a marathon in April 2016 (I've been cleared to do this by medical peeps, so long as my knee cooperates). Side quests: 1. Don't run out of WW points. I'm using WW to get a handle on things, dietwise, for at least three months (cause that's the subscription I bought). Love it for two reasons: it allows most fruits and veg in unlimited amounts so I don't have to decide between being hangry or guilty; and it has weekly flex points, acknowledging that not every day is perfect and that's okay. Seems to be working so far, so I'm sticking to it. A: 38 days B: 34 days C: 30 days 2. Finish at least 3 cardio and 2 strength workouts a week. For cardio I have a stationary bike and treadmill in my house. Yeah, no excuses. Though both are very low intensity for now. Essentially, no resistence on the bike yet and walking on the treadmill. That will change with time. For strength I am using My Fitness Coach which has awful graphics and terrible music but saves me from having to write out my own routines and adjusts to my abilities as I go. And you can do target workouts for upper, core, lower, flexibility, and then also a yoga routine. I used it a few years ago to get back down to a size four. So cheesy or not, it has worked for me in the past and I've dusted it off to start again. A: 27 workouts B: 24 workouts C: 21 workouts 3. Drink 64 oz. of water daily. I'm terrible at this and I know it's not helping one little bit. A: 38 days B: 34 days C: 30 days Life quest: Read! Don't get me wrong, my Kindle gets a lot of use. But it's haphazard lately. My official resolution this year is to read 100 books which is completely doable if I just insist on making time for it. So for this challenge, I'm going to set a goal of five books. Motivation: Pretty simple. I'm not comfortable with how I look and feel these days. Especially since I do plan to be a mom in a couple years and I stand a much better chance of being a good role model if I get things in hand now. Long journey ahead; I'll get there. Feel free to follow, reply, etc. Also, I'm much more able to tweet than get on forums during a workday, so feel free to follow and tweet me up: @ladysnowberry. Have a great challenge everyone! Can't wait to see how much ass we kick.

Introduction: Hey all, I’m drasnian (or Faith if you’d rather) and I’m a 5'2", 23 year old MSc student. I’m about 167lbs at the minute, probably the least fit person I know, and those things combined with a love of far too much unhealthy food has led me to NerdFitness! My partner and I are in it together, both trying to lose weight, get healthier, and generally feel better about ourselves! I'm taking part in the 6 week challenge because I’ve been reading the site for months and because I can’t resist anything gamified (Goodreads challenge, obsessed. Audible badges, check). Main Quest: Lose weight, get healthier, and feel better about myself! (Or in numbers: lose 50lbs & be able to run 5k by the end of 2015) Quest 1: Walk 7500 steps a day. My average step count is only around 3000 each day at the moment Measurement: A = 7500 steps on 40+ days, B = 7500 steps on 30 days, C = 7500 steps on 25 days, Reward: +2 STA, +3 CON Quest 2: Track my food/drink/snacks every day Measurement: A = 42 days, B = 35 days, C = 28 days Reward: A = +3 CON, +2 WIS Quest 3: Have 2 days a week without any chocolate at all! Measurement: A = 2 days, 5 weeks, B = 2 days, 4 weeks, C = 2 days, 3 weeks Reward: A = +2 WIS, +1 CON Life Quest: Have 2 vegetarian days a week Measurement: A = 2 days, 5 weeks, B = 2 days, 4 weeks, C = 2 days, 3 weeks Reward: A = +2 CHA Motivation: I want to be healthier! I get out of breath just walking up the stairs at the moment. I know I’m opening myself up to all kinds of health risks with my lifestyles and I feel like life’s too short not to at least try and reduce some of those risks. My heart rate in particular is high, and makes me all kinds of anxious! I’ve been checked out by the doctor and been told there’s nothing wrong with it except generally being unfit, and no reason I can’t exercise…though it might be a good idea to avoid caffeine! Also, I am a very anxious person, and I know exercise and eating more healthily helps reduce my anxiety, so that's another motivation: I don't want my worries about size get in the way of life!

INTRODUCTION: Hello! My name is Sherri and this is my very first challenge. I’m married with three cats, enjoy reading and writing and video games and anime. During the day, I work as an escalations manager, putting out fires and making people happy. The rest of the time, I like to hermit at home and do a whole lot of nothing. Fitness-wise, I’m actually starting silks next week, and am checking out a tae kwan do studio to see about taking some classes. (I think they also have kickboxing, which is a major plus.) I started running a few months ago and have done two 5Ks since then, with my next one this weekend. Other than that, I go to zumba once a week and lift weights and do circuit training. MAIN QUEST: Learn to Wield the Keyblade and Defeat Ansem! To do this, I’m going to need to be able to travel the worlds quickly to lock the keyholes, actually lift my keyblade, have energy to spare, and fill in every page of Jiminy’s journal so I don’t miss anything. And earplugs to drown out Ansem’s droning on and on about hearts and darkness. “Darkness, darkness, hearts, hearts, darkness, hearts, darkness!!!†QUEST 1: Lock the Keyholes (+4 STA, +1 DEX) Man, there are a lot of worlds out there, and I’m going to have to explore them all, and fast, otherwise Ansem is just going to keep preaching about hearts and darkness. Can’t shut him up until all the worlds are locked up tight. Run, Sherri, run! And make sure to stretch it out so I’m not stiff if Riku tries to ambush me! CHALLENGE 1: Run 2 days a week outside (weather permitting) - one short run, one long run. On race weeks (weeks 2, 4, and 6), the race will count as my long run. I have a 10K that I am training for on December 20th (week 6), and running on the treadmill before my strength training isn’t going to cut it. A: 100% completion/short and long run completed, B: 50% completed/short or long run completed CHALLENGE 2: Take time to stretch out for at least 5 minutes after my runs. I’m really bad at this if all I’m doing is running. A: 100% complete/stretched for 5+ minutes after both runs, B: 50% completed/stretched for 5+ minutes after one run QUEST 2: Lift the Keyblade (+4 STR, +1 CHA) What kind of keyblade master would I be if I couldn’t lift my keyblade? And to lift my weapon, that means I need to work on my strength. CHALLENGE: Lift three days a week following the Stronglifts program. A: 100% completion/lifted three days, B: 67% completion/lifted two days, C: 33% completion/lifted one day QUEST 3: Trade in the Chocolate for an Ether (+4 CON) With all of the running and keyblade wielding, I’m going to need a lot of energy - energy that is going to last. And right now I have a horribly abusive relationship with sugar (like, an average over 30 grams/day abusive). This means I need to rein in that horrible habit and kick its butt. CHALLENGE: Cut back on sugar. This will be an incremental challenge because sugar is addictive and I get horrible withdrawal if I try to cut it out cold turkey. In order to make sure this is feasible, my goals will be the following: Week 1 stay under macros one day Week 2 stay under macros two days Week 3 stay under macros three days Week 4 stay under macros four days Week 5 stay under macros five days Week 6 stay under macros six days A: Met weekly goal, B: Went over 1 or 2 days, C: Went over 3 or 4 days LIFE QUEST: Fill in Jiminy’s Journal. (+1 WIS) A KH journey isn’t complete without Jiminy’s Journal, and the completionist in me means that I have to fill it in completely. Leave nothing out, not even The Hundred Acre Wood (even though I’d like to throw that book into a vat of honey and forget it exists). So, what does this mean? Explore all the things! And by explore, I mean read since I’ve been woefully neglecting this favored pastime of mine. CHALLENGE: Read one book in each of the following genres: Adventure Fairy Tales Travel Read one book with each of the overall themes: Friendship Sympathetic Villain Searching for Someone/Something CAVEAT: It cannot be something I have read in the last two years. If I read it over two years ago, it’s fair game. A: All genres and themes met, B: Two genres and themes met or four books read, C: One genre and theme met or two books read Point breakdown: LEVEL 1: STR : 2.67 (A=2.67, B=2, C=1.33) DEX : .67 (A=.67, B=.33, C=.17) STA : 2.67 (A=2.67, B=2) CON : 2.67 (A=2.67, B=2, C=1.33) WIS : .67 (A=.67, B=.33, C=.17) CHA : .67 (A=.67, B=.33, C=.17) LEVEL 2: STR : 4 (A=4, B=3, C=2) DEX : 1 (A=1, B=.5, C=.25) STA : 4 (A=4, B=3) CON : 4 (A=4, B=3, C=2) WIS : 1 (A=1, B=.5, C=.25) CHA : 1 (A=1, B=.5, C=.25) REWARDS: A overall: Winter running gear from RoadRunner Sports B overall: Delicious, delicious steak C overall: New, warm pajamas MOTIVATION: To get my wife to stop making sad puppy eyes at me! To get down into a 10! To not die during my 10K! Before pictures: Measurements: Neck: 14.2 Chest: 40 Waist: 36 Hips: 45 Thigh: R: 27 L: 26.2 Calf: R: 17.2 L: 16. Bicep: R: 12.2 L: 12.5 Weight: 188.6 Dress/pants size: 12

Hello! . Greetings from the Last Frontier - I'm Jill from Alaska. I'm a 33 year old accountant and actor (one is my passion, one is my profession - give ya one guess which is which!) and I have felt myself slipping farther and farther from where I want to be in the last year. I used to do long distance running, completing several marathons, but I never got very fast, and became very frustrated about a lack of perceived progress and basically gave it up. No more running + late night pizzas = finding myself up 20 lbs from my usual weight. It seems so silly to be concerned about 20 pounds when so many here have so much farther to go. But since I've quit running, my body doesn't feel powerful and useful like it used to. I say NO MORE - Tired of feeling tired and sluggish and soft. Main Quest: Like Steve tells us, "appearance is the consequence of fitness" - so I want to get fit and drop these excess pounds Side Quests: - I will strength train at least 3x a week - I will walk at an agressive pace for at least a mile every day - I will have at least one vegetable with every meal Life Quest: I will make it a priority to take care of myself - that means brushing and flossing every night and washing my face (no falling asleep reading with a glass of wine!) I've tried the challenges in the past, but got burned out too quickly. This feels very approachable for me as far as a sustainable challenge. I look forward to going through this with you guys!