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Welcome to my Battle Log! I'm here to kick some tail, bust down brick walls, forge new paths, and take the enemy down! Join with me! I welcome hi-fives, advice, and "go get 'em"'s! Stats: Name: LyricalSharon Height: 5'1 3/4" Weight: Don't know for sure but it's somewhere around 150 lbs...will update soon! Other Stats: Erm.... lemme dig out my measuring tape here... will update! Picture: Yeah I just ate. Talk to me tomorrow morning. Main Quest: Fit in size 4 jeans by Nov 27 2015 (Current size: 10/11-ish) Three Goals: 1) Take dog for a walk 5 days a week 2) Do Angry Birds Workout on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 3) Have a glass of water with every cup of coffee I drink Truth be told, I have a bit of a battle plan beyond these three goals. These three are great steps to train me for bigger baddies - the biggest baddie of course is fitting into those size 4's, which I don't think I've been in since I was.... well, nevermind. Imma take it down! But here's the upcoming battle plan: Quest to get me on the path to kicking the Main Quest's behind: Complete the April 2014 Sun Run! (10k) How will I accomplish this quest, you ask? Let me tell you: 1) From now until January 19, complete the first 3 goals outlined above. 2) Before January 19, invest in some decent running shoes. 3) Starting January 19, embark on the 13 week beginner's running program (designed specifically to train couch potatoes to run 10k by the end.) Sounds complicated, but I've done the running program before, and it's a great way to get in shape. It is based on walk/run interval training. I just can't do it at the moment because I don't have proper running shoes, and well, it's Christmas time. Between travel and presents, it's a financial no-can-do. (Excuses excuses, I know. Maybe I'll put it on my Christmas wish-list.) So instead, I'll get my butt in gear and walk and strength train - because I CAN do that! Also, the Angry Birds workout is tiered enough that I can keep on it for a while and still be challenged. There's nothing like working out and feeling bored - something that drives me cray-cray! (Yeah I went there). Ok fellow Rebels! Let's dooooo iiitt!!!!!!!

Introduction: Hello! I'm Lani (say "Lah-nee" or "Lonnie) and this is my first challenge. My hubby and I have been over our fitness journey for over a year. He's lost a 100 lbs, put on a ton of muscle, and is now a personal trainer. I've lost about 50 lbs and still have around 20-30 lbs to go (plus I'd like to put on some more muscle on my 6'1" frame). I've been loving some barbell workouts, kettle-bells, and my weekly yoga class. I'm still trying to tweak a sustainable way of eating for my lifestyle and am excited to continue to unleash my inner amazon. Main Quest: Lose my last 20 lbs of fat & continue to muscle up! I want to do a chin-up for the first time in my life! Quest 1: Train (barbells, kettle-bells, circuits, yoga, or walk) at least 5 times a week. Measurement: A = 35 workouts, B = 30-34 workouts, C = 25-30 workouts Reward: A = +3 STA, +3 STR, B = +2 STA, +2 STR, C = +1 STA, +1 STR Quest 2: No candy at work! I don't really like it, and I eat it mindlessly when I get stressed during the day. Measurement: A = 0 days with candy at work, B = 4 days of candy, C = 8 days of candy Reward: A = +3 CON, B = +2CON, C = +1 CON Quest 3: Meet my protein goal (160 grams) every day! Measurement: A = 40-42 days, B = 37-39 days, C = 34-36 days Reward: A = +3 WIS, +2 CON, B = +2WIS, +1 CON, C = +1WIS Life Quest: Stop biting my nails! I had stopped a year or so ago by going to weekly manicures but they're no longer in my budget. I having nails though and I swear they give me work-confidence-super-powers! So I'm going to take care of my nails at my house and stop biting. Measurement: A = 38+ days of no biting, B = 33-37 days, C = 28-32 days Reward: A = +2 CHA, B = +1CHA, C = +0.5 CHA Motivation: I'm so excited about all the progress I've made, and now I really want to see what I can do! I'm been kinda at a plateau the past several months and want a push towards a little less fat and a little more muscle!

Main Quest: Fit into size 7 jeans by Nov 27, 2015 I'm pretty proud of myself that I have managed to develop a consistent exercise regime over these past few months! I've noticed changes in my body and people have commented on how great I am looking. I feel stronger, happier, and more confident (WAY more confident) about myself. There IS such a thing as an Amazonian Hobbit, I am sure of it! SO! Develop excellent exercise habits and build a bunch of muscle? Check! Drop body fat so that I can actually SEE those muscles? Ummm............ I'm still in size 12 jeans, though they are loose enough that I need to wear a belt. I've been reminded again that I "can't out train my diet" and "can't outrun my fork" (thanks Steve for your latest article). I feel confident enough in the habits I've built of training regularly that I now want to focus on what I eat - amp it up just a tiny bit. I already have a solid foundation of decent eating (a far cry from the bags of chips and jars of salsa that I used to have for lunch) but I clearly either a) eat too much; or have the wrong proportion of foods...i.e., too much grains and not enough veggies/fruit. (Or could be both a & b, but we'll tackle this one at a time). Since I am not prepared to mentally challenge my portion sizes, I've opted for challenging the ratio of foods I'm eating. Huzzah! WHICH LEADS ME TO: EAT MOAR FRUITSNVEGGIES!!!!!!! Challenge Goals: 1. Eat (at least) ONE fruit per breakfast meal. +2 CON +2 CHA +1 STA I don't eat breakfast on Sundays and Wednesdays so that will be 5 whole fruit a week! 2. Eat (at least) ONE cup of veggies with each lunch and supper. +2 CON +2 CHA +1 STA The only exception to this is if/when I am eating at someone else's house. 3. Continue with current Exercise Regime! +2 CHA +2 STR +1 STA Includes: M/W/F: Stronglifts, etc., and PlanksForTheWin (I made that one up) TUES: Bootcamp & Jacobs Ladder THURS: Jacobs Ladder SAT: Cycling with a Friend (at Gym) *****M/W/F is mandatory. The other days are bonuses, since I am trying new stuff and have acquired a new workout partner for M/W and Saturday. Thanks for joining me! Questions, comments, hi-fives, and awesome gifs are always welcome!

Last challenge I discovered my inner Amazon... This challenge, I go really wild! ShadowLion Wild. As in Wildland firefighting, getting out into wild places, And letting my inner wild woman out to play... Experimenting with new foods, Trying out some assassin guild type exercises, Playing around with gamifying my challenge and Various aspects of my daily life In order to break out of some ruts and Take my productivity to the next level. Fun. Play. Experimentation. 40 Weeks to Fire Fit continues, and that quest remains my prime focus. But this time, the standard firefighting fare will be supplemented with more fun, more chance, more variety. It's time to mix things up. I am past the halfway point, but still in the long middle of my 40 week quest. Fatigue was beginning to set in. I overextended last challenge, and while it was a success, it was also a tremendous struggle to keep on track. This challenge, I have a enlisted a personal trainer, I've stuck my neck out and gotten back in contact with my old department, and I've been letting friends and family know my plans. I'm all in and there is no going back. I will succeed or I will fail. Publicly, undeniably, and in the not too distant future. I have 18 weeks to my goal date, and another 6 weeks or so beyond which there will be no possibility of retesting for the season if I fail to hit my first target. I've been going through a process of questioning and weighing my abilities, strengths and weaknesses, potential, will, and motivation. Asking myself: Who are you when you face the fire? When the task wears on you and weighs you down? Can you hold both the sublime... And the ridiculous... The joyous and the tragic... in your heart at the same time? Do you know in your heart of hearts who you want to be? Your strengths and your weaknesses? Your one superpower? And where you stand in the line of history? Who went before you? (Women firefighters in a training exercise, Pearl Harbor, WWII) Who stands with you now? And who will come after? What I've learned has brought me back around to the same place I started, but with a different perspective. So, maybe it's really a spiral. I am certain that I am on my path, whatever the outcome. And the way I have been following that path has been reasonably effective. However, I now realize that I have been caught in number of paradoxes. I have been being very conventional and methodical, when my nature is intuitive. As an independent sort, I have been doing practically everything myself, even though the nature of what I want to do depends on teamwork and cooperation. And, I am very motivated by social good and interaction, even as I need quite a bit of quiet solitude to be happy. I've been trying to domesticate a Shadow Lion! It's high time to shake things up, get back to my roots, and be my quirky, nerdy, eccentric self! And while I may need to moderate my more absurd character traits and excesses somewhat to get along well in society, I've gone a little too far, gotten a bit too conventional. So, while the firefighting theme will continue throughout, and there are many ghosts of quests of challenges past that will visit here, this challenge is going to be quite a bit different from the ones that have gone before. Shadow Lions dwell in the world of the fantasy novel that I continue to write. And write. They are much like mountain lions or jaguars in that they are more solitary than African lions, and they are almost universally black or very dark brown. For good reason, as their favored prey animal dwells in and around caves. They are a sentient species, with a number of unusual abilities. To learn more, you'll have to read the book. Someday. So this ShadowLion's intentions for her challenge center on being a healthy animal--taking care of those simple, bare necessities like getting plenty of the right kinds of foods, being physically active, and providing for enough sleep. Those are the biological imperatives laid down by Mother Nature. Beyond that, every shadow lion must be true to her own nature. By turns curious, fierce, playful, and philosophical, a shadow lion seeks wild places. Solitude, scenery, and sunny spots in which to snooze are seriously significant. A shadow lion does best when she is coaxed, not forced, to be structured, when she has freedom to roam and play, and when she has options as opposed to an overwhelming number of choices. A shadow lion can be incredibly focused once her prey is selected, but her natural curiosity can lead to getting sidetracked. Many interesting and enjoyable sidetracks...butterfly...that rustle in the bushes...oh, and... Ahem. And, shadow lions have an abiding interest in protecting their homes from threats. (You knew I'd find some way to get back around to it...) This ShadowLion has a very particular interest... So yes, the 40 Weeks to Fire Fit Quest continues, but is themed a bit differently. It will be structured much more around the things that a ShadowLion needs to be a happy and healthy animal. It will emphasize fun and wildness and freedom and chance. ShadowLion Goes Wild FITNESS QUEST I have enlisted the help of a personal trainer. Currently, I am scheduled for 5 strength workouts and 5 cardio workouts per week. My cool downs will be 10 minutes of stretching/yoga, warmups will be 10+ minutes of tai chi/chi gong, belly dance moves, exercise biking, brisk walking, and/or jump roping. I have two rest days per week and they are to be "active" rest. I will base my numbers off these plans and adjust if needed, based on my trainer's instructions. I had intended to go for 5 mins daily handstand prep practice this challenge, but am thinking it would be best to wait on that for now. ShadowLion is Strong, Yet Supple __/40 (+4 DEX) Spinal columns that can twist and bend, limbs that can absorb the shock of pouncing upon an unsuspecting deer from an overhanging tree limb - shadow lions blend strength with suppleness, speed, and agility. (ShadowLion has assassin tendencies, despite being a ranger.) Belly dance, yoga, and various stretchy, bendy and assassiny exercises go here. The number accounts for four days early start on the challenge + 42 days - 6 for the Tai Chi sessions in the following sub-goal. Yoga, anyone? ShadowLion is Dangerous __/6 (+1 DEX) Sharp claws and pointy teeth give shadow lions plenty of weapons at their disposal. My weapon of choice this challenge will be my Tai Chi saber, or broadsword. Once per week as active rest. More for warmups or additional active rest = bonus. But, hey, where is the Fire Fit Strength and Endurance? I am considering those as primarily under my accountability to my trainer and therefore ungraded here. I will track these things on my spreadsheet and on my thread, however. I am trying to put my points on the things I would be most apt to skip or gloss over *cough* warmups *cough* and things that aren't specifically included in my trainer's plans for me. NUTRITION QUEST ShadowLion is Sleek 1 pt for each % body fat reduction, Goal=2-3% (+2 to 3 CON) Only caged shadow lions are fat. In their natural habitat, they are not only supple and dangerous, they are sleek and shiny. They eat what they need and only what they need. They eat a healthy, nutritious and natural diet. Yeah, I know. These aren't shadow lions, or even cats, but they sure are cute! IIFYM ShadowLion Needs Protein (Tracked, but Ungraded - Just an excuse to put in an otter GIF) Last challenge, I learned that I wasn't getting enough protein and my macros were less than optimum. I will be tracking this for my trainer's review and keeping these numbers in my spreadsheet. I am still not sure my actual goal grams. Will post that here when I know it. MOAR Protein! RECOVERY QUEST ShadowLion Needs Plenty of Restful Sleep __/42 (+2 to 3 CON, whatever left after points awarded for the "Sleek" goal) Sleep is critical with the training regimen I am on. I have improved over the last few challenges, but I still need to do more. I am upping my goal to 7+ hours sleep per night and I cannot compensate for more than 1 hour's deficiency on a following night. My method of averaging last challenge gave me too much wiggle room. I will count this goal from the official start of the challenge, as I am still doing some schedule adjustments and rearranging of my sleeping area to be ready for these changes. I am still thinking if I should add some sort of "quality" modifier, as well. MOAR sleep. ShadowLion Needs Wild Places and Solitude to Contemplate the Universe and Dream (Tracked, but Ungraded) This is a "get outside and get some sunshine" goal for mental health and for Vitamin D. As long as I follow my trainer's plans, I will get more than enough. And, as we are now into the nice part of the year where I live, I am taking time to sit out on the porch in the mornings and journal, plan, and contemplate the coming day. If tracking reveals an issue here, it will become a graded goal next challenge. This quest also relates to my old "Get out of Dodge" goal as updated in my "Grab Bag" goal to get out of town and enjoy wilder places than metro-Phoenix. I am also doing as much of my cardio outside as possible, and doing it in parks, nature areas, and urban trails. LIFE QUEST ShadowLion Loves to Play ShadowLion likes otters. They are excellent role models. ShadowLion Needs More Fun in Her Life; ShadowLion Needs to Remove the Obstacles to Having Fun __/25 (+5 CHA) In order to have more fun, ShadowLion must deal with her "toads" - those obstacles that must be removed, responsibilities that need to be addressed, projects that are procrastinated upon. These are those unpleasant, ugly, obnoxious things that drain energy and take up valuable mental and physical real estate. This is the next step forward in dealing with last challenge's "ShadowLion STEAMS GRAPES" goals of taking care of Systems, Time, Energy, Attention, Money, Space. This time the focus is on taking care of as many "dreaded tasks" as I can manage. By doing that, I will earn points to indulge in my "Grab Bag" goals. Those are all the things I would have thrown in this challenge as fun, exciting, "I want to do/try this." I can, if I earn the right and the time for them by dispatching an equal number of points in toads. The better I do with managing my time, the more toads I can take out and the more fun I can have as a result. My method of awarding points is detailed in the reserved posts below.

[First of all, can I tell you how hard it is to find pictures on the internet of female rangers/amazons or pretty much ANY female protagonist that isn't either hyper-sexualized or, conversely, uber-cute? Sheesh! I just want a tough female ranger/amazon picture that isn't scantily clad. C'mon, people, I am more than my "assets"! /rant] 8K's, Muscles, and New 'Dos! (also known as, "Train for an 8k, part 2!") For those that have run the hidden pine trails with me, my goals this challenge are similar to last challenge. The last couple weeks of the challenge last time got derailed slightly; iphone glitch, travel, hiking trip, friends visiting (dangit it's getting out of schedule that does it.....darn you, life); I want to continue on where I left off. RUN T/TH/SAT My non-NF Scout friends are not letting me off the hook for running the 8k. They are even driving 5 hours (each way) out of their way to come and get me. srsly. Therefore, I must run. All that driving can't be for nothing. I need to pick back up on the 13 week walk/run program. LIFT M/W/F *Stronglifts 5x5* That's right. I'm going to start Stronglifts 5x5. Slightly nervous here... but I am excited at the thought of learning how to DL and all that jazz. It's kind of amusing tho that the program is specifically geared toward guys. C'mon, women like to lift to, brah! I really do want to continue with building core strength... so I also am going to include: MUST PLANK 30s, and 30s on each side too. MUST DO 10x3 back raises. I figure that core will be built doing Stronglifts too, which is why I am not upping the back raises challenge from last time. TRACK ERRY DAY That's right. I'mma continue to track my food, via pictures. Why? Because having to post pictures of the 15 chocolate covered mini-donuts that I want to consume is a wonderful deterrent to unhealthy eating. I've actually been eating more healthy (as far as home-cooked meals go), especially this last challenge. The only thing I am going to change is, I don't want to come back and explain what I just ate. (Unless you ask, then I'll be happy to share). I just think one more step creates that much more of a barrier to consistent tracking. Life Quest: I GOTS MA HURR DID! EVERY WEEK I'm embarking on my very first non-fitness related quest! Huzzah! I figured that if I am going to have the body of an Amazon, then I should at least have awesome hair to go with it. I usually stick my hair up in a ponytail, or braid it down the back. Or I pin my bangs back. That's it. BUT THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So.... Every week I need to look up a new hairstyle and try it out! And, I'll post pictures!

Fellow Rangers! I am writing you this from the depths of the Canadian Amazon Jungle. My adopted tribe has sent me here as part of my transformation from hobbit to Amazon warrior. Though I am a hobbit, my Ranger class suits the skill set needed to become a true Amazon warrior - that is, an Amazon must be equipped and ready to handle many situations. The (non-NF) Scouts I met during my last challenge have invited me to train for and complete an 8k run in October, so my tribe has sent me here to train with them. Of course, I represent the Amazons and so must attain excellence, so I must compete against as well as train with these Scouts. So my Challenge is: TRAIN FOR 8K RUN (Part 1)! 1. RUN! STA +3 CHA +1 DEX +1 My tribe has given me scrolls containing ancient scout training. I've already started it - Tuesday will mark the beginning of week 3 - and it will continue past the end of this challenge. 13 Week Beginning Runner's Handbook - Run/Walk 10k training - TUES/THURS/SAT - track on Nike+ *edit: iPhone quit. See below post. Cuz I'm lazy. 2. LIFT! STR +3 CHA +2 There is a small Amazon training arena near where I live. There, I am to lift heavy things repeatedly, 3 days a week. I am NOT to skip core bodyweight exercises, but must do at least 30 seconds of planks and 3 sets of back raises. MON/WED/FRI 3. TRACK! STA +3 WIS +2 I failed in my last attempt to track what I ate with words and numbers, so this time I am to track with pictures. I must send them here regularly. ERRY DAY *edit: for the time that I am without an iPhone, I can log what I eat here. Edited! Let's keep the awesome thingie cuz it's awesome!

LyricalSharon..... HAS JOINED THE RANGERS! W00T W00T! .....and has the heart of an Amazon.... but currently the physique of a Hobbit! And in order for that to change, LyricalSharon is challenged to become MOAR GOODER!!!!! Starting stats: LVL 2 STR 4 DEX 0 STA 4 CON 4 WIS 2 CHA 0 CHALLENGE GOALS I am keeping the momentum of the last challenge going, and am adding goal #3. 1. MOAR WATER! +3 CON As I transition from Hobbit to Amazon, I must learn to hydrate like an Amazon! So, For every cup of coffee I have, I must drink a glass of water. (Ok ok, so most Hobbits drink tea. I'm a North American Hobbit.) 2. MOAR EXERCISE! +3 STR +2 STA +2 CHA Amazons don't sit at home slouching and waiting for things to happen! They are ranging about (get it?? Ranging? Bahaha!), traversing the jungle, using their wits and skills, defending their land! I must get out and do SOME sort of exercise EVERY DAY except Sunday. 3. MOAR TRACKING! +2 STA +3 WIS Amazons always know what's going on in their territory. They are experts at tracking! They track prey, enemies....and in this case, the eating habits of a very hunger-driven Hobbit! I must track FOODS EATED erry day on MyFitnessPal. (I will award myself STA at the end of this because I HATE prolonged detail work. Gah! But it must be done.) MOTIVATION I want to be able to run, jump, and play be active with my youth and not be out of breath after 5 minutes hike the phenomenal trails in my area look great and fit into my jeans cuz I'm out of clothes that fit Nope. Actually, my motivation is BE MOAR AWESOME!

It was late when she lifted her head from the ground. The fire had died long ago and even the embers had vanished on her. Blurry blue eyes studied the darkness looking for why she had awoken. Footsteps, soft and low. The woman rose to her feet and bared her teeth at the sound. “Oh please.†A voice low and gravely taunted. “You are nothing that you once were, Farwood.†Her growl faltered wondering how this person knew her name. “Come out and face me.†She snarled. It fell silent. The forest itself quite as the hidden moon finally revealed its face. The sound of running and another woman came from the dark at Farwood. She pulled back surprised by the face in front of her. The strange woman pushed her down to the ground pinning her under foot. Farwood snarled like a vicious animal but couldn’t move. With her face in the dirt she thought of the woman above her; the hair, the eyes, the voice. “You are me.†Farwood growled out. “I am what you can be.†The doppelganger stated as if it was common knowledge. “Now get up.†Farwood pushed up but couldn’t move. She tried again but the other didn’t allow it. “Move your foot.†“Make me.†She spat. “How can I if I cannot move?†“When did you start to give up so easily?†The other hissed almost mocking the lost Amazon. Farwood shut her eyes and the feeling of weight was gone from her back. She jerked to the side to sit up in her bed roll. Scanning her surroundings she saw no indications of the intruder. The voice that was her own had been right. Once she could have thrown the other off with no trouble. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes Farwood paused when she exposed her eyes again. The moon had exposed his face and there near the dead embers was scribbled in ash. Get up. Farwood stretched from her slumber and slowly packed up her bed roll. The dream had left her sleepless most of the night. The other woman, herself had been correct she need to find her place again. She had abandoned her way in exchange for a few gold pieces. The guilt ate at her as she retrieved her meager rations from her bag. The guilt nearly ruined her appetite but she would need the energy for the day, and she knew it. Shrugging on her pack she kicked the fire ring making sure it was all out and turned away from her goal of the next easy gold. The walk to the training grounds is long but she knew by the time she got there she would have already started her training. “I must earn my name again." Main Quest: Lose weight and inches to fit into a size 20 jean. Quest 1: Keep swimming at least 4 times a week. Grade: A = 4 or more times a week, B = 3 times a week C = 2 time a week Reward: A = +3 STA, +2 STR, B = +2 STA, +1 STR, C = +1 STA Quest 2: Eat out at most 4 times a week Grade: A = 2 or less times a week, B = 3 times a week, C = 4 time a week Reward: A = +3 CON B = +2 CON C = +1 CON Quest 3: Train at Island Park 4 days a week Grade: A = 4 or more times a week, B = 3 times a week, C = 2 times a week Reward: A = +3 DEX, B = +2 DEX, C = +1 DEX Life Quest: Update my 3 stories at least once a week Grade: A = Update all 3, B = Update 2, C = Update 1 Reward: A = +3 WIS, B = +2 WIS, C = +1 WIS Motivation: I currently have no set motivation besides just wanting to get into better health.

Hey everyone. I'm lolavictrola. ("Hi lola...") I'm new to the site, but really excited about this approach to weight loss. I love gaming, and I always do best in weight loss when I have a support community to help me along. Me: 6'3", 27 year old female. This is why I chose my race to be "amazon". I'm ready to let my warrior woman out. The characters I play are always badassess... time to let myself be one as well. I'm currently flirting with my alltime high weight: 350. I've lost 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks, so I'm on my way to remedying this. My ultimate goal weight is 190, which will put me into a healthy BMI. In the meantime, my goal is to be 300 lbs by July 4th. Can't wait to get started!