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Annnd I'm late again/already, whoops! And I'll have to start tomorrow since I'm in so late today. I can't be bothered to set up a theme with GIFs because my 7.5 week old is absorbing 110% of my energy bwahaha. Overarching Goal: Lose the baby weight plus a bit more before my sister's September wedding. Challenge goal: See 165lb on the scale (anything 165-166lb counts). My weight fluctuates a LOT right now so I just have to see it once for it to count. Goal #1: Eat one fruit and one vegetable per day Because apparently 2 servings of vegetables was too ambitious at this stage. Goal #2: 300 squats, 200 pushups, 100 minutes in plank, 10 workouts (15+min) Trying a Xena-inspired cumulative goal. Goal #3: Post every day It can just be a sentence, but I find that one missed day turns into two and it just snowballs and I start to forget my goals, sigh. During my pre-challenge work I successfully completed the Blogilates 20-day challenge, and I lost the first few postpartum pounds. I'll have to keep weighing myself to believe it, but i saw 169.8lb on the scale two days in a row which would mean, I've already met my mid-April (B) goal. We'll see! Here we gooo!

Late to the party, whoops, but I did just return from vacation on Monday. I trailed off on the last challenge but don't feel terrible about it because it was insanely hectic - not the most stressed I've ever been, but definitely the most major events in a month. Plus at the beginning of the challenge I wasn't planning on the Italy work trip, and then that happened in the middle of everything. My healthy routines were thoroughly disrupted, but I still squeezed in a little exercise and some vegetables. I'm thrilled to be home, and in my own kitchen and bed again (not at the same time, obviously). After eating out most meals for three weeks, I am excited to cook balanced, delicious meals at home. Overall Goals My general life goals have changed a bit because, uh, I'm pregnant and all - so weight loss is no longer the primary aim. I weighed myself this morning and was unpleasantly surprised by the number on the scale, but the internet tells me it's normal to have gained 4-6lb at this point even though the baby is only the size of a raspberry, so I feel better about it now. I'm going to stop weighing myself at home because it makes more sense to focus on make healthy choices each day. I've cancelled my NF Coaching because I already feel a bit overwhelmed, and through work I'm going to be assigned an RN who will advise on healthy eating and exercise throughout my pregnancy. But I have even stronger reasons to eat healthy, and I won't be drinking ha, so I'm going to focus on paying attention to how I feel - more frequent, small meals seems to sit better with me these days. I am currently working to use up a lot of my pantry/freezer food which has been accumulating for...a while. I also want to declutter since we mayyy buy a house and move before the baby comes. Goal #1: Cook all the things Make (nearly) all our food at home, avoid relying on processed food. I'd like to get in a good pattern of meal prep and eating at home pre-baby. Document food here. Goal #2: Feel the burn Work out doing whatever feels good. Right now that's barre but I'd like to try to get running again if I can do it without chest pain. Aiming for working out 3x/week minimum, and walking on other days to aid digestion and circulation. Goal #3: Feed the fire Take extra kind care of myself. Give myself an 8-hour sleep window. Nap if needed. Meditate daily. I have FIVE WEEKS before our family vacation when we tell the family, and I have already told random coworkers in Italy (because finding out I was pregnant the week before the trip was anxiety-inducing), a couple coworkers I am closer to (because we were on vacation for a week and they wouldn't have figured it out from the not drinking anyways, and this way I was able to talk to a friend who had twins last year about it), and another friend (who I stayed with on the way to and from the Florida vacation, because we're close and it was nice to do it in person). Between now and the official family announcement at which point it will be public, I will probably tell a couple more friends because as an external processor keeping secrets is not my strong suit. It still feels completely surreal, but in the best way.

I skipped the last challenge, but things have still been happening over here in my little corner -- wedding planning, family trip to Spain (holy drama llamas guys), work getting really busy, and the normal episodes of the sads. When we saw this movie fiance was like THAT'S YOU. Unfortunately true. So the year is shaping up like this: February bachelorette in San Diego May 6 Flying Pig Half Marathon June 3 Spartan Sprint Ohio July 1 WEDDING!!!!! September Honeymoon in Portugal I'm such a lucky duck. Goal 1 - Dial in Nutrition (for real this time) So...fiance and I are doing another Whole 30. It's going pretty smoothly, I'm not even having bad cravings (though fiance is...he's dreaming of pizza lol). My post-W30 is always the struggle. This year I have my bachelorette in San Diego right after, and I tend to enjoy non-paleo food and wine. But once I come home I will be shopping Complete the Whole 30 Enjoy my bachelorette party. Eat intentionally and consciously. Go back to mostly Whole 30 eating (~90%) Goal 2 - Training, duh As a Christmas gift my mom signed me up for the Flying Pig half. Training starts this week, eek! The goal components: Complete all half marathon training runs Yoga/barre/pilates 2x/week Complete the Nargles 9k Goal 3 - Be Happy Meditate every day (this is my 2018 resolution and I've been successful so far) Go to bed by 9:30 Wake up at 5am - this is to facilitate either getting in early to get on top of my work, or having a quiet moment alone before heading into the office. Last Saturday I watched a sad movie (Only the Brave), and I don't follow a lot of news so the tragic end hit me really hard. Over the next hours I went into a depressive tailspin that ended with me sobbing on the floor trying to explain to fiance that I was sad for no reason. This is on a day that I took an awesome barre class and then played tennis. Eating Whole 30, working out...it's frustrating to feel like I"m doing everything right and still get the doldrums. All I can do is work on the little things. ETA: Rereading this it sounds really depressing but I wanted to note that these episodes are occasional. And after I cry I feel better. The Whole 30 is just sort of exposing this stuff because I can't stress or emotional eat, so I end up just kind of wallowing in it.

It’s times like these when I realize what a superhero I am. - Iron Man The truth is a matter of circumstances, it's not all things to all people all the time. And neither am I. - Black Widow The strength and brilliance of Iron Man, the courage and ability of Black Widow - together they are unstoppable. My ultimate life goal is to become the equivalent of the love child of Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff. They are literally the best of both worlds, brilliant, devious, cunning, and willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals. Natasha has the grace and ability to pull off deadly assassinations and complicated missions, Tony has the strength to crush his enemies and the intelligence to get out of tough situations. Put them together and there is literally nothing they couldn't do. Ultimate Goal: Become the Iron Widow Challenge Goal: Step One - Climb Grace, strength, flexibility. All are important to the Black Widow. Develop all the skills necessary to scale a building in 20 seconds flat (or a climbing wall in at least 2 hours) by climbing twice a week. Step two - fight Attend Kickboxing every week and start up with Krav Maga again (attend 2 classes each week after joining gym). Step Three: Strength and endurance Two body weight, barbell, or running workouts a week to keep up strength. Life Goal: Get to work before 8:45 4 out of 5 days per week. Asa Out

Lessons from Dr. Frankenstein Welcome to Class... This will be a multiple parter...which has actually already started. The lessons will be over the course of about 9 to 10 months and broken down into thirds, and further into 40 to 50 weekly increments (or "lessons"). These lessons have actually already started during the last NF 6WC. And with the new NF Challege format being 4 weeks, I'll have to make a few modifications. No biggie!! I'll play a little "catch-up" on the previous Lessons, 1-7 here in the "intro" to the new Challenge, then fill in for Lessons 8-11 for the Challenge. Lessons 1 through 6: Recap... Lesson 1: Class starts when?!?... OK, so in keeping with the Monday through Sunday schedule...We'll just say that Lesson 1 began November 17th, 2015 (although it "technically began the 18th, a Tuesday), which was smack in the middle of the final NF 6WC of 2015. So for this week's Lesson, I pretty much worked on that, not realizing that the Lessons had started! Lesson 2: Class can't be starting yet... This Lesson was during the Thanksgiving Holiday, and I was still oblivious to the fact that the Lessons had already started. This was Week 4 of the final NF 6WC of 2015, and that's what I focused on. Lesson 3: Lab and Practical... The Lessons "officially" started this week, with the first Lab and Practical... It was the results of both the Lab and Practical which made these Lessons possible. Otherwise, we'd be waiting to start class in another month or so. Lesson 4: Waiting for Class... This was the final week of the last NF 6WC of 2015 (and later, I would discover, the last 6WC ever!). I passed, barely, but was very tired and busy with Holiday parties and activities around base. So much so, I never quite got around to posting my final scores and updates...but that's ok...no one was following my thread anyway. Lesson 5: Late for Class... Now here's where I discovered that I was actually "late" for class. This Lesson included another Lab, and the results laid the ground work for a week of research, setting up appointments and visiting the local Medical Center. It was here that I met a few of my fellow "students", and received some basic instruction, and the future Lessons got plotted. I also got an inside scoop regarding formal diagnosis, blood and urine tests, and got a flu shot (which are evil!!)...which resulted in me getting the flu for the second time this year!! I also started feeling more and more tired and hungry. Lesson 6: Catch up from Tardiness... Despite the Holidays, this week's Lesson included some more formal instruction, a trip to the ER and extra housework...which was technically unrelated to the Lessons...Hubby sliced his finger & it took over 2 hours to stop bleeding...then we was exempt from chores until it healed. No surprise that I was feeling tired more, but my appetite continued and my chest started to feel sore and heavy. I also noticed that I would feel nauseous before mealtimes...so basically when I needed to eat, I felt nauseous, and when I ate, it went away! Lesson 7: Formal Instruction... OK, so there will be a few public "classes" for me to attend from time to time...This week had the first. It was very informative, but boring. My classmates were pretty blase and not interactive, and thus the class was pretty much death by PowerPoint...although they did hand out a useful packet of information (pretty much everything that was presented, including the PowerPoint slides). I also tried to restart my c25k, but I did it too early in the morning (I think)...I ended up having severe pain in my Right Knee and the outside of my Left Foot...I think I may have misstepped in the low light of the early morn and This week also resulted in me getting extremely bent out of shape (which normally doesn't happen) due to being lied to and over 4 hours of my time wasted!! It actually caused me to loose my appetite!! And I didn't feel nauseous when I skipped meals... But luckily, I found a way around the conundrum, but I remained agitated about the whole ordeal for a few more days... NF 4 Week Challenge: Lessons 8 - 11 OK, so for the next 4 weeks, I'll be working on the Lessons 8 through 11 with Dr. Frankenstein. I'm currently breaking it down much like I have done for previous Challenges. I am still trying to figure out the new format (some info hasn't been posted as of yet), so there may be a bit of adjusting later on as the need arises. I have my grading scale in place, but I may be tweaking the rewards as necessary...I think the new format is getting away from the assigning of points and leveling up (as well as trying to do more of a letter grade scale, whereas I prefer the numerical point system with percentages!). I suppose we're all in the same boat, having to relearn what we thought we knew and revamp everything! Epic Quest: (4 points possible) Defeat My Mortal Enemy - Fibromyalgia in Remission As always, my Epic Quest is to beat Fibromyalgia into remission. This is my ongoing quest. I will put up a weekly inspiration to help keep me motivated and to remind (and hopefully inspire) others that they are not alone! Since this is a once a week thing, I need to post one now for Week 1... Grading: 1 point = posting an inspiration each week (1x/wk => 4 points total) Reward: +1 WIS, +1 CHA Main Quest: (4 points possible) Grow as a Person In the past 6WCs, I've focused on inch loss vs. weight loss. However, in order to create life, I must grow as a person in all ways...spiritually, mentally, emotionally and definitely physically! However, the key is to control the level and rate of physical growth. Some of it will come in the form of gaining more...more tissue, muscles, bone, blood and other fluids. So here, my goal is to monitor how much weight I'm gaining to make sure it's at the proper pace and I don't overdo it! Between Lessons 1 and 12, I can't gain more than 5 pounds, maximum (less is OK, but more is bad!)! Broken down, that's less than 1/2# per week (average estimate). At Lesson 1, I weighed 125 #. By Lesson 5, I weighted 126#. Now, at the beginning of Lesson 8, I'm still at 126#. According to the charts, I'm still currently on track in the "normal" range, even though I haven't gained much, and that's OK (I don't need to try to "catch up"). If I break it down, then I should not gain more than 1.5# every 2 weeks (maximum)... But as long as I don't gain more than 3.5 pounds by the end of this Challenge, I'll be good! Grading: 1 point = less than 1# gained each week (1x/wk => 4 points total) Reward: +1 CON Quest 1: (20+ points possible) Reboot Active Lifestyle I definitely need to be active! It takes a lot of strength, flexibility and energy to create life! Since I don't have the cool, spinny, rolly chair skills of Dr. Franken Stein, I'll need to get a bit more creative! Needless to say, some of my original intended activities are now off the board...rats! So I'm taking a slightly different approach. I'm going to continue with my c25k, but with a twist...I'm restarting it and only doing it twice a week rather than it's recommendation of 3 times a week. Since it's an 8 week program, I won't finish it this Challenge...but it may take me longer than 2 Challenges to complete (if I ever do). My goal here is to work on endurance without over exerting (which was my problem last round). I'll repeat weeks for as long as it takes until I'm not totally wiped out after each run, and if I never complete a 5k, that's OK with me, as long as I'm keep my endurance up. The thing is, I like the way the app does it's intervals. Due to the Fibro, I can't keep up a sprint or hard run...I do my c25k intervals as a walk and jog (and slowly increasing the speed of my jog). All the other intervals apps I've seen have the jogs and sprints as the longest, with only very brief walks. For me, the walks give me a break (so I don't over exert myself), while not being so long as to let my heart rate slow too much (jog gets it up). So unless I come across (or someone suggests) a good walk/jog intervals app (no sprint), then I'll stick with what's working so far! I'm also doing something I had gotten into before (a few years ago), but kinda got away from when I moved. So for twice a week, I'm doing a 30-minute Barre workout (10 minutes each, arms, legs and core). I'm going to do something "extra" once a week. I got the kibosh on doing Body Pump and Body Combat...and pretty much anything that is impact or balance related (bye-bye Parkour)... So I may go swimming (if I have another leg issue, this may replace c25k), do Yoga, bodyweights or perhaps start learning how to strength train with free weights. The thing is, I need to be active 5 times a week for 30 minutes to maintain good heath and lessen the chances of problems arising while creating life. I'm also going to keep my "bonus point" option with my pedometer. My goal here is to incorporate more movement throughout my day. So for every week that I clock 15 miles on my pedometer (not counting c25k), I'll get an extra point! Grading: 1 point each = c25k (2x/wk => 8 points total) 1 point each = Barre (2x/wk => 8 points total) 1 point each = "extra" (1x/wk => 4 points total) Bonus point = 15 miles per week (non-c25k) Reward: +1 STR, +3 DEX, +1 STA Quest 2: (48+ points possible) Proper Nourishment Ok, so I've got a lot of people lecturing me on what is healthy/not healthy for me to eat...and it's driving me NUTS!!! The one that really got to me was in Lesson 7 when I was "informed" that the Federal Government passed a law in 2015 that milk fat is unnecessary and unhealthy for adults and children over the age of 3 and is not to be consumed. WTF?!?!? Let me get this straight, a political agency, not a health organization, is going to determine what we are allowed to eat?!? And considering health professionals and dietitians note that the natural fat in dairy contains vitamins and minerals and is the kind of fat our bodies need verses the unnatural fats found in processed and "junk" foods. Besides that, I grew up on milk straight from the cow...and so did everyone I know, and none of them are obese! OK, sorry about that...I'm still steamed over that whole episode! Anyhoo...I'm going to maintain my healthy diet, and try to incorporate the "extra" recommended foods I normally don't eat (like peanut butter and fortified cereals) as well as increase those I already do (fruits & veggies, beans, eggs and whole milk). I'm also revisiting a previous trend...I still need to clear out more from the food stores (pantry and freezer inventory). On a side note, Hubby is doing the Leptin Diet again this round in preparation for his Command Fitness Leader training at the end of the month. Although I've done this with him in the past (in order to be supportive and not "tease" him by eating what he can't have), I cannot do so this time. I'll have to make smaller meals so I don't get burned out on eating so many leftovers and hope I don't tease him too much with what I'm having that he can't! I also need to be better about taking my daily supplements, so that's on here too... Grading: 1 point = each healthy meal incorporating inventory (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point = taking all daily supplements (7x/wk => 28 points total) Reward: +1 CON, +1 WIS Quest 3: (68+ points possible) Routines and Sleep So this will be another reboot...with the Holidays and all the vacation time, I've kinda gotten out of the habit of going to bed early (since I could sleep in). But now, I'm also have more sleep issues...I'm finding it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep and get up in the morning...not to mention all the extra fatigue...Dr. Frankenstein never told me creating life could be so exhausting! Oh well, I guess I need to mention that that should be added to the course description... Anyhoo, I'm going to focus on healthy routines. I need to take better care of my skin and teeth right now...I have a tendency to not do these things on a daily basis...basically I forget (oops!). So far, it's not been a problem, but during the course of these lessons, it could start to pose some issues. Therefore, washing my face and brushing my teeth at least once a day (each) will be essential, as well as going to bed 8 hours before I need to be up (no penalty if I don't sleep well, just as long as I'm in bed on time) for 5 days a week. I'm also going to try to moisturize my skin (entire body) at least twice a week (especially after a soak!)...It's winter, so the air is dry and so is my skin! All that dryness isn't good for my skin and can actually make me a walking Tesla Ball!! Pampering bonus points will also be doable...before bed soaks are always nice! Grading: 1 point each = wash face (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point each = brush teeth (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point each = 8 hours bedtime (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point each = moisturize body (2x/wek => 8 points total) Bonus point = something pampering Reward: +1 CON, +1 CHA Life Quest 1: (88+ points possible) Ready the Laboratory My life quests will be mostly a repeat of past ones...First, I need to ready the Laboratory. In order to do that, I need to stay on top of my Dailies, Zones and Missions as well as doing the Weekly Home Blessing. I also need to work on getting rid of the stuff we don't need/use. With the closure of our base thrift store, donating stuff will be more difficult, so I'll need to post to sell items on the local FB sale pages. I'll post 10 items weekly, and update daily. Whatever doesn't sell by the end of the challenge (or has been posted for more than a month) will get either tossed or dropped off at the other bases' thrift stores (when I'm making a trip to said base). I also need to focus on reclaiming the Project Room. I'm not really sure how I'm gonna do this one just yet...for now, I'll probably just say do "something" in that room once a week. Until I actually get the chance to get in there, this is a good first step. I'm also gonna grant a bonus point for every box cleared and for ever 10 items sold. Grading: 1 point each = WHB (1x/wk => 4 points total) 1 point each = Dailies (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point each = Zones (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point each = Missions (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point each = post/update 10 sale items (5x/wek => 20 points total) 1 point each = something in Project Room (1x/wk => 4 points total) Bonus Point = clear out 1 box or sell 10 items Reward: +1 STA Life Quest 2: (52+ points possible) Havoc Maintenance This is going to be mostly about desk time. I need to stay on top of my schedule weekly and emails daily, post my FB inspiration (mostly for sis and friends) and NF updates weekly, do some Assassin Ambassadoring daily as well as post my Assassin Mini updates...but perhaps that one should be left as part of doing the Mini's themselves... That looks simple enough, right? Grading: 1 point each = Schedule (1x/wk => 4 points total) 1 point each = Emails (5x/wk => 20 points total) 1 point each = FB Inspiration (1x/wk => 4 points total) 1 point each = NF update (1x/wek => 4 points total) 1 point each = Assassin Ambassadoring (5x/wk => 20 points total) Reward: +1 CHA Life Quest 3: (24+ points possible) Franken Studies Yes, I'm very tardy...even though Lessons 1 through 7 have come and gone, I am still behind in my studies. I was bad and didn't keep up on it all over the last few weeks...OOPS! So now I need to get caught up to get back on track. So if I can do at least 2 Lessons per week (shoot for 3), I should be caught up by the end of the Challenge. The goal here is not so much a per week, but a total of 11 Lessons complete. I also need to work on my Herbology and Finance Studies. I will do at least something for each once a week. I will shoot for completing a Chapter in Herbology (that included projects and homework), and some sort of reading or Continuing Education in Finance. I will continue to look at finding a job...but since that hasn't panned out in the last 2 years, I will also include investigating blogging as a business. So for this Challenge, I'll focus on a weekly research for each. If I'm able to do extra lessons (like in Franken Studies or Herbolgy), those can be "bonus" points. If I get an actual job interview, that will be a bonus point. Grading: 1 point each = Franken Lessons (2+/wk => 11 points total) 1 point each = Herbology Lessons (1+/wk => 4 points total) 1 point each = Finance CE (1x/wk => 4 points total) 1 point each = Job Search (1x/wek => 4 points total) 1 point each = Blogging for Business Research (1x/wk => 4 points total) Bonus Point = Job Application, Job Interview, "extra" Herbology Lessons Reward: +1 WIS Support the Assassin's Guild: Mini's and Ambassadoring But that doesn't matter...I'm here to support my guild!! With all the new-fangled changes to Nerd Fitness this year, a lot of people have gotten in an uproar and even more are confused...including me...(confused, not uproar). They have re-defined what each guild represents, and with that, I don't fit into any particular guild anymore!! My fitness style is that of someone with ADOS (Attention Deficit...Ooooh! Shiny!!) on crack!! Since I grew up in the country on a farm, I have a hard time getting into "fitness" in the modern (traditional?) sense...I don't do gyms (don't know how to use the equipment and when I've asked, I've been made to feel stupid), I don't get into a lot of classes (and the ones here aren't very interesting, and the ones that are now are on my no-no list), I am into a lot of sports/sporting activities that just aren't available around here. So thus the conundrum...I bounce around at trying different things to see if something clicks with me...sadly nothing really does (I get bored with the current mindset of "exercise" and "fitness activities"), so I change it up every Challenge (bored now...). With that being the case, based on the new definitions, I would belong in ALL the guilds, except Warriors (but if I end up playing with free weights, that won't apply any more), and sadly my no-no list now kicks me out of the Assassins (bye-bye Parkour <pout, sniffle, pout>)! However, the Assassins are where I started, where I've thrived and where I feel my heart belongs! So despite the re-definitions and personal restrictions, I will continue to support the Assassins Guild! Mini Challenges I haven't checked on these yet...still trying to get my challenge up with all the changes and my own scheduling hiccups... Per usual, they will be posted weekly and with their own reward system. These are always a do or don't, which includes posting and updates as necessary. We'll have to see how the changes to the NF Challenges will affect the minis...I hope they don't get discontinued... Ambassadoring Of course, it's always an honor to help budding Recruits find their way to a Home Guild... However, this round will be especially hard with all the changes to NF, to our Ambassadoring procedures and Mr. Wilies (who spear headed the Ambassadoring changes) going over to the Rangers... My goal is to do a little something in this area 5 times a week. Next Week's Focus... Ok, so I'm getting this thing up a little bit late...ok, a lotta bit late! And I'm already behind in my Lessons. So I'm going to have to work hard this week to get on track... In addition to what's listed for my Challenge, I also have a few extra appointments to juggle as well as put together my Challenge Spreadsheet...that thing keeps me on track so I don't forget (overlook) anything!! Time to tighten all the loose screws so Lesson 8 goes like clockwork...

Hey Nerd Fitness! It's been a while since we've hung out, and I've missed you! I haven't been around on the boards and challenges and such because I've been having an amazing time with life. Also, I've been evaluating a lot of my goals and habits, and I’ve discovered that 6-week challenges don’t really work for me. I was able to complete my first challenge very well, but my second and third attempts were bails. I felt obligated to report to my guild and update them with progress, and it was easy to lose focus of why I was doing the challenge. I wasn’t doing it because I signed up, I wasn’t doing it because if I stopped I would be letting my guild down, but that’s how it felt. I know the challenge threads are supposed to be super free-form, but if I didn’t report a day, I was guilt-stricken. So I shifted focus. Instead of worrying about my challenge progress, I just focused on me. What makes me want to keep going? How do I motivate myself and press on toward my goals without crashing or losing focus? It’s been quite a journey, and I’d like to share it with you. First off, I’m a 20-something with a desk job by day, and a swing dancer/instructor/competitor by night and weekend. Fitness has never been my thing. Dance, music, and board games, please! But I want to get fit, I want to be healthy, and I’d like to not die at the Cornucopia. At the beginning of 2015, I was a member of a cheap gym that was close to my office, but far from my home. I knew there was no way I was going to lug all the things I needed to get ready in the morning to the gym, so morning workouts were out. I tried to create a habit of going to the gym after work, but I had conflicts with commitments on most nights of the week, and if anything came up with friends, it was easy as pie to drop that workout and go do coffee/dinner/movie/etc.; on top of which, I travel almost every weekend for dance or to see family, and I was having an incredibly difficult time establishing routine. So basically it was a mess of inconvenient. Meanwhile, literally in my backyard (I can see it from my back porch) is the best gym in my city, with an awesome facility, classes at all hours of the day, knowledgeable staff, and all the good things. But I just saw the cost. Finally I admitted that my cheap route wasn’t working. I decided to try a month at “the fancy gym†that would allow me to be up in the morning, get ready at home, and then go about my day and life. It was amazing. I made a commitment that if I was in town and could go to work, I could get up a little earlier and go work out. The decision was made. I would lay out my workout clothes before I went to bed, and I knew every weekday morning, I would be at the gym at 5:30. I didn’t have to talk myself into working out every day. I didn’t have to convince myself that driving that extra 2 miles in hectic traffic after a long day of work was worth it, the decision was made. And because I didn’t have to make the decision, I went. It was working. After a couple of months in the new routine, I had been tracking my weight and keeping a pretty close eye on my caloric intake, but I saw very little change. In fact, I was gaining weight with very little change in my % body fat. So I decided to take advantage of some of the services at the fancy gym and signed up to do a resting metabolic assessment. I discovered that about 60% of my daily energy was coming from carbs, and only 40% of my energy was burned off fat. My trainer challenged me to try a diet where I ate 100 grams of protein every day, limiting myself to about 100 grams of carbs, and eating no breads, pastas, etc. Being a total carb-aholic, I was devastated. But if that’s what it was going to take, I said ok. That was about a month ago. I’d love to tell you that I’ve seen drastic changes (I did at first – dropped 5 lbs in 2 weeks!), but honestly, I have a long way to go toward figuring things out. But for now I’m super happy with the plan I have, which looks like this: Food: ~1400 calories per day (more on heavily active days) 72 fl oz of water every day Training regimen: Monday: Treadmill, 30 min, and stretching, usually dancing in the evenings Tuesday: Barbell strength training (group class) Wednesday: Treadmill, 30 min, and stretching Thursday: Barre (group class) Friday: Treadmill, 30 min, and stretching Saturday: Off, often dancing/hiking Sunday: Off My new routine has been great for my mind and spirit as well. I also made the decision that treadmill time is non-fiction time. Either my kindle will read to me as I jog, or I’ll load up a podcast on my phone. It’s a body and brain workout all at once! After I get home, I have time for coffee, reading my Bible, and praying before getting ready for work, which was something else I had really struggled with before. TL;DR So this was a super long post, but basically, I’ve made huge personal progress in my health and fitness life by simplifying, and in some ways eliminating, the decision to work out. I just do it. Same thing with breads – I just don’t eat them. So this thread is less of a battle log and more of blog of progress, that I will update on my own time, at my own pace. I might one day decide that a challenge is worth committing to, but for now, this is what works for me and is what I think I can stick to. If this inspires you, please comment! I’m totally up for talking fitness stuff!

Hello! I'm late to this challenge so it's 4 week challenge for me. I hope I'm doing this right. I'm a US size 10 and I'd like to go back to what I was 3 years ago - a size 6 by the end of November, 2015. I miss my old clothes! I enjoy doing yoga a lot and biking when the weather allows it. I like taking group fitness classes at my local YMCA because I don't like working out alone.I work at a computer from 9-5 and don't move around much during that time. I LOVE food. I love tasting new flavours and experimenting with my cooking. I would like to be to get strong and flexible and be able to do a handstand someday. Main Quest: Fit into a US size 6 Quest 1: Do four 1 hour group classes a week. I'm currently doing 2 yoga classes and 1 barre class a week. Measurement: A = 4 classes/week, B = 3 classes/week , C = 2 classes/week, D = 1 classes/week, F = 0 classes/week Quest 2: Keep my calorie intake below 1270/day. I do this 3-4 days a week now. Just need to get consistent. Measurement: A = 7 days/week, B = 5 days/week, C = 4 days/week, D = 2 days/week Quest 3: Bike to work everyday. For this I need to suck it up and wear a raincoat on rainy days- it's like a 10 minute ride to work. Measurement: A = 5 days/week; B = 4 days/week, C = 3 days/week, D = 2 days/week, F = 1 days/week Life Quest: I want to start my own business selling screen printed posters and tea towels. My illustration / visual design skills have gone rusty from lack of use. I need to practice to get better again. I'm going to create 2 screen printable designs a week. Measurement: A = 8 illustrations in 4 weeks, B = 6 illustrations in 4 weeks, C = 4 illustrations in 4 weeks, D = 2 illustrations in 4 weeks, F = 0 illustrations in 4 weeks Motivation: 1. I have a suitcase full of clothes I don't fit into anymore. I'd like to wear them now. 2. To have my own business. 3. Show off my hand stand!

WELCOME, friends, to my 4th (whoa~) challenge! For 2015 I’m theming each of my challenges around something that’s influenced my nerd-life in a big way, be it video game, movie, book, etc. My last challenge was Final Fantasy themed! *victory theme* This month, I’m getting magical. For this challenge I’m guild-hopping from Ranger to Druid, and I’m REALLY excited to be here! I love everything the Druid encompasses (it may also be my favorite world of warcraft class ever), and while I’m already a pretty mindful and spiritual person, there are some pretty big things I need to work on. So, here we go~ Quest 1: In The Name of Flexibility! (+4 DEX) Yup, that’s Rei laughing at how poor my leg mobility is. My hamstrings are SAD, yo. They’ve always been fairly pitiful but I’ve been a desk jockey for the past 3~ years, and the further I take my workouts, the more I’m finding that my mobility is just junk-ola. To remedy this, I’m going to incorporate some hamstring stretches to my routine. EVERY DAY. No excuses. These aren’t super time consuming, or tedious, and I can do a lot of them practically anywhere so there really is no excuse. I’m going to base my stretching off of these two videos: A: Stretching every. Dang. Day. B: Stretching 6 or more days a week. F: 5 or less days a week. Total fail, because, come on now. Quest 2: Senshi Battle Ready! (+2 DEX, +2STR) Fighting the Dark Kingdom takes a lot of flexibility! You can’t just stand there like a brick and shout at people. (Well, I think Usagi tried this right off the bat, but it didn’t work very well...) As much as I enjoy my strength training I’m realizing I need to start getting more flexible again. I used to do a lot of yoga and it’s so great for both mind AND body that I feel myself being pulled towards needing more of that right now. I’m really looking forward to working it into my current fitness regime! (And besides, being in a better headspace will help me power through the rest of these winter days...) I do barre/pilates twice a week as well, and I still want to leave wiggle room for other endeavors (running! lifting! etc!) so my grading will be as follows: A: Yoga 3 times a week. B: Yoga 2 times a week. F: Yoga only once a week. Quest 3: Too Many Buns... (+2CON, +3WIS) I’m actually pulling a repeat of my last challenge, where I had a quest each to limit my consumption of beer and cheat meals. I’m happily on track with less beer in my life, but I feel my cheat meals could still use a closer eye for one more go around, especially as it continues to be frigid outside and I think about pizza more often than I should. A: One cheat meal per week. B: Two cheat meals per week. F: Three+ cheat meals per week. (Barf.) Life Quest: Silver Millenium Stories (+2 CHA) I really love writing and being creative, but I just don’t have the time for large endeavors (as I discovered during NaNoWriMo). My life quest will be to choose a theme each week (using this list) and write a semi-drabble -- 100 to 200 words -- with a pair of characters I’ve been tooling around with for a while. (And will introduce later.) A: Write once every week. B: Write once for at least 5 weeks. F: Write once for 4 or less weeks. OF COURSE it wouldn't be a Proper Shaarawy Challenge without a bonus challenge (because since when is anything easy??) - I'll be traveling for AT LEAST two of the weekends during this challenge (actually, the more I think of it, possibly THREE) so I'm going to have to get real clever with my time management and proper food intake (read: avoiding bad meals)... All of the places I'm going are for different reasons but totally wonderful (Charleston SC, for a soccer tournament; Orlando FL, for a military retirement, and Asheville NC, for a limited beer release!) but of course travel always throws a wrench in any routine or plans... But... I GOT THIS! I've decided that if I manage to pull out all the stops and get all A's on this challenge, I'm going to reward myself with some new fitness gear! I REALLY need some new shorts and better workout shirts that aren't ActivateApparel tanks (heheh~), and (hopefully) spring will be here soon.... right? I know I can make this happen! GO TEAM!!!

Hi! Aminarra here... I'm a member of the Academy and the rebellion. Went into a tailspin for about 4 months now (jeeze) and I'm back at it I did yoga for the first time today, I'm starting personal training and physical therapy on Wednesday, and I'm full on paleo. Challenge Goal: STAY FOCUSED Mini Fitness Goals: Week 1 - 1 PT, 1 Yoga, 3 Therapy Week 2 - 2 PT, 1 Yoga, 5 Therapy Mini Food Goals: Week 1 - Pack paleo lunch 5x/week Week 2 - Pack paleo lunch 5x/week I usually stop posting after a couple of weeks, so I'm hoping to make it to week 3 this time! I recently joined the NF Academy Women's FB group, so that will help to keep me focused I did *not* take 'before' weight/measurements yet, but I will. Pinky promise. Let's do this! -Ami

Current Quest: (PART ONE) 1/5 - 1/23 - Come Back from the Dead MAIN QUEST: Back to Basics :: Don't Suck I've been AWOL for about 3 months... Sigh. I'm lucky that my reason for being AWOL is that I got VERY involved in the play I was doing, made a bunch of new friends, and subsequently did a lot of this: Time to recommit and get ready to rock! Ultimate Quest: Survive the Zombie Apocalypse NECESSARY SKILLS: I will be focusing on... STR: Fend off zombies with brawn STA: Outrun hordes for long distances DEX: Be agile and quick enough to cover rugged, varied terrain effortlessly CON: Have the supplies and means to bunker down and equip myself properly WIS: Be wicked smaht. Because zombies are dumb. CHA: Charm the pants off of handsome survivors. Steal their shit. CHALLENGE PT ONE GOALS (First 3 Weeks) At the midpoint of this challenge, I will assess, assign points, and create a new set of challenges! (5 points possible for each 1/2 challenge) 1: Money, Money, Money I am starting a new teaching job! Long-term subbing is exciting, but it means 21 days of petty pay before the big bucks kick in. I need to be frugal for the next month! - NO FAST FOOD, Not even coffee! - Pay all bills on time - Stick with the alternative 52-week challenge (deposit anywhere from $1-52 per week, each number can only be used once. This allows greater flexibility in case of car repairs or other unexpected expenses!) 2: Get Apocalypse Ready (+3 STA) - Make my new gym membership worth it! Go at least 2x a week - Do the first three weeks of Couch-to-5k! LET'S DO THIS!

Hello everyone! I'm new here. I just stumbled across this challenge while googling fitness-related things (which I tend to do whenever I feel like I should do something for my health, because researching is easier than exercising); since the timing is perfect, I figure I might as well give it a shot. About me: 26, vegetarian, grad student, tall, relatively slim but in terrible shape. Nerd at heart, if not in habit. My goals: 1. Go to at least 12 fitness classes (mostly barre and hot yoga) over the next 6 weeks. Ideally I'd like to go to two per week, but I know I won't be able to go to any over spring break, so I'm giving myself some room to maneuvre. 2. Do at least 15 minutes of yoga, stretching and/or dance on days when I don't go to a fitness class. Dancing at the bar will count, of course. I'm hoping to be able to touch my toes by the end of the challenge... 3. Eat at least three servings of vegetables per day. Keeping track will probably be the real challenge. 4. Work my way through the first three sessions of Learn and Master Guitar (lessons on DVD). I did this before (around five years ago), but I've forgotten almost everything. Students are expected to spend around 2-3 weeks on each session; I'm hoping to progress relatively quickly, since I've done them before. Tomorrow I'll do an initial weigh-in (I'm not too concerned about losing weight, but it might be interesting to see what happens). I might even post a picture... I'm looking forward to meeting all of you!