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Introduction: Hi! I am Padawan Hideyoshi and this is my first full challenge (started late in the previous challenge). I like outdoor sports and ice hockey, but my desk job and poor eating habits aren’t conducive to being active and healthy. I joined the rebellion because I need an extra boost of motivation to keep active and eat right and I do much better when I have challenges to accomplish and focus on, so this site is great for that! I have been up slightly over 200 lbs, and have made some progress with crossfit and a couple eating challenges and things like that, but I've found I can't make any more fat loss with crossfit alone, so I know I need to get my eating habits under control, not just for weight loss, but overall health! Physical Characteristics: 36 yr old male, 5'7" tall (172 cm), 185 lbs (84 kg). Main Quest: Lose approx. 30lbs (really aiming for about 15% bodyfat, i.e. 140 lb lean bodyweight + 25 lbs body fat) by my next birthday (Jan 2016), and complete a Tough Mudder in the summer of 2016. Quest 1: Follow “21 day fix†(Clean eating + portion control). I’ll use mostly paleo food sources, but I won’t track that aspect this time around. This system uses colored containers for the portion control, and each color corresponds to a type of food source – green is vegetable, red is lean protein, yellow in starchy carb, etc... My wife picked it up and I had pretty good success while I stuck to it before. Of course I undid that progress since, but I think if I give myself a little more latitude than they recommend I will be more successful. So, rather than 21 straight days; I’ll follow it during weekdays and just try to do the best I can on the weekends. Measurement: A = 5 days per wk following 21 day fix portions, B = 4 days per wk, C = 3 days per wk, F = 2 or fewer days per wk. Reward: A = +3 CON, B = +2 CON, C = +1 CON Quest 2: Drink 80 oz. of H2O each day; and continue soda limit of 2 cans per wk. Last challenge my goal was to limit to 2 cans of soda per wk, and I ended up having about 4 per wk. I will renew that part and also track water consumption. In the past when targeting that amount of water there wasn’t much room for anything else to drink, so hopefully that will be the case. Again, I will try to follow this strictly for weekdays and do my best on weekends with a little more slack then. Measurement: A = 80 oz. H2O x 5 days/wk; 0-2 sodas, B = 80 oz. H2O x 4 days/wk; 3-4 sodas, C = 80 oz. H2O x 3 days/wk; 5-6 sodas F = 80 oz. H2O x 2 or fewer days/wk; more than 6 sodas. Reward: A = +1 CON, +1 DEX, B = +0.75 CON, +0.75 DEX C = + 0.5 CON, +0.5 DEX Quest 3: Run 5km (about 3 mi.) 3 x per wk; and do the Advanced Bodyweight workout 3 x per wk. (I was recently layed off from work, so if I am able to find something soon I may swap out the adv. BWW for crossfit; as it stands now, I can’t justify the expense for crossfit). I am combining these so I can run and do the BWW on alternating days, but if I have a crazy day that I don’t get anything it’s not too much to do both on one day, so for reward purposes I’ll just count the total, but for application/actual tracking I’ll aim for 3 of each type of workout per wk. Previously I was doing crossfit 3 to 4 x per wk. I will add the running with the aim to bring my 5 km time down to 20 minutes. The reason to add the running is for mud/adventure races. Measurement: A = 6 sessions/wk, B = 4-5 sessions/wk, C = 3 sessions/wk, F = less than 3 sessions/wk Reward: A = +2 STA, +1 STR B =, +1 STA, +1 STR C = +1 STA Life Quest: Meditate 10 mins each day of the challenge. Measurement: A = 10 mins., 40+ days, B = 10 mins, 36+ days, C = 10 mins. 30+ days Reward: A = +2 WIS, B = +1.25 WIS, C = +0.5 WIS Motivation: To be a role model for my kids. They are almost 4 and 7. I am one of the biggest influences in their outlook and behavior. What I model in eating and exercise they mimic. I want them to create better habits while they are young than I did, and put them on a path toward epic success. Prospective Guild: Torn between the Rangers (I like Crossfit; I’m neither a distance runner nor a heavy lifter) and the Assassins (more of a wish I was… the idea of being a great traceur and free climber is attractive, but not necessarily firmly rooted in my reality!) Thanks to all the moderators, especially Blaidd! I can't wait to fully participate this time around! Looking forward to getting to know all the fellow recruits over the next few weeks... Hideyoshi

I've been steadily increasing my squats over the last year and yesterday I hit 130lbs, 3 sets of 8, which was a longtime goal. Very, very stoked. Whhhoooooooot!

Main quest: to get better at crossfit. I know this is super general because crossfit covers basically everything, but I want to improve in all aspects of my fitness And the title is just because I think Princess Leia is super BA and cool plus she's a Jedi soooo Goal 1: Drink 2 water bottles everyday (+2 CON, +1 DEX) A: 72+ total (36+ days total) B: 60-71 total (30-35 days total) C: 48-59 total (24-29 days total) D: 36-47 total (21-23 days total) F: 35 or fewer (fewer than 20 days total) For some reason I have so much trouble drinking enough water. My boyfriend always says he has no idea how I don't just die of dehydration because I'm basically chronically dehydrated. Sooooo more H2O! 115.3%; background-image: -webkit-gradient(linear, 0 0, 100% 100%, color-stop(.25, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.25, transparent), color-stop(.5, transparent), color-stop(.5, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.75, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.75, transparent), to(transparent) ); background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -moz-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -ms-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -o-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); -webkit-background-size: 23px 23px; -moz-background-size: 23px 23px; background-size: 23px 23px; border-radius: 4px;">115.3% Water goal 83/72+ Goal 2: Get 7.5-9 hours of sleep (+4 STA) A: 6-7 days/week (36+ days total) B: 5 days/week (30-35 days total) C: 4 days/week (24-29 days total) D: 3 days/week (21-23 days total) F: 2 or fewer days/week (fewer than 20 days total) My sleeping schedule got really messed up during school. I could never go to bed early enough because my roommates would either give me crap for it or be super loud and wake me up, or my roommate would be in our room doing homework until 1 in the morning with the lights on and it gave me anxiety to try and sleep with her doing stuff. And I had an 8:30 class every day. It was wonderful only getting 6 hours of sleep every night. Also, to clarify (more for my own benefit,) naps do count. I feel like I'm cheating if I don't point that out. Also, I did adjust this from 8 hours to a range just because it's hard to get exactly 8 hours of sleep, and I'm trying to wake up when my body wants to wake up, not when I feel like I should. 113.9%113.9% Sleep goal 41/36+ Goal 3: Strength train 3 days a week (+4 STR, +2 CHA) A: 3+ days/week (18+ days total) B: 2/wk (12-17 days total) C: 1/wk (6-11 days total) F: 0/wk (0-5 days total) Honestly this shouldn't be much of a problem for me. I absolutely LOVEEEE lifting. I just got out of the habit of it during the school year. 105.6%; background-image: -webkit-gradient(linear, 0 0, 100% 100%, color-stop(.25, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.25, transparent), color-stop(.5, transparent), color-stop(.5, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.75, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.75, transparent), to(transparent) ); background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -moz-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -ms-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -o-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); -webkit-background-size: 23px 23px; -moz-background-size: 23px 23px; background-size: 23px 23px; border-radius: 4px;">105.6% Strength goal 19/18+ Goal 4 (life quest): meditate or do yoga 5+ minutes everyday (+2 WIS) A: 6-7 days/week B: 5 days/week C: 3-4 days/week D: 2 days/week F: 0-1 days/week I have really, really bad anxiety. It started this school year, and I'm assuming it was onset by the stress of a new place and not having any friends or fitting in at all. I know that meditation and yoga are supposed to help anxiety, so let's hope that this is a step in the right direction! 100%; background-image: -webkit-gradient(linear, 0 0, 100% 100%, color-stop(.25, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.25, transparent), color-stop(.5, transparent), color-stop(.5, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.75, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2)), color-stop(.75, transparent), to(transparent) ); background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -moz-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -ms-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); background-image: -o-linear-gradient( -45deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 50%, rgba(0, 0, 0, .2) 75%, transparent 75%, transparent ); -webkit-background-size: 23px 23px; -moz-background-size: 23px 23px; background-size: 23px 23px; border-radius: 4px;">100% Life quest 36/36+ If you've looked at this and you came back and were like "Wait what the heck? She had five goals!" Let me explain. I decided to not make drinking less soda an official goal because I didn't want the stress of five new goals. However, I am still going to try to drink less soda, I just won't base an entire challenge on it yet! Mini quests #1: Completed (+1 WIS) #2: Completed (+1 CHA) #3: Completed (+1 STA) #4: Completed #5: DNF #6: DNF

Last Challenge: Currently: If you've never read my challenge threads, and don't like discussions of lady hormones and issues, please skip down to goal #1. Just had my follow up with my gynecologist this morning. Was not terribly helpful. I am most likely the absolute tiniest amount insulin resistant a person can be, and they would like to start me on metformin (diabetes med). I would prefer to try to deal with it through diet and some supplements (will be addressed below). I probably have PCOS (its never a 100% diagnosis), as I have a few of the markers, but not all of them. I also had a positive change in my hormones this month (possibly due to taking 10 days of progesterone at the start of the cycle) and may have actually ovulated this cycle, which is certainly a step in the right direction for me. If I'm really superbly lucky and fortunate, I got pregnant last week. So all goals are basically in support of addressing insulin resistance through food, and keep hormones on keel through stress reduction, movement, and sleep. Goal #1 No more beignets! While last challenge didn't go as planned food wise, it was an improvement, and maybe contributed to my improving hormone situation. So I'm basically going to keep on trucking. 1800/2000 cals of paleo/primal fare depending on activity level. Going to track throughout, but probably not everyday. 25/45/30 on Carbs/Fat/Protein. Most carbs will be fruit and veg, and maybe the occasional ice cream. Supplements... I already take a variety of things (though of course diet is a better foundation for sure), but for the insulin senstivity thing, I will be taking inositol and chromium. And as part of preconception stuff, making sure to take my cod liver oil, beef liver, magnesium, and red raspberry leaf tea. I better make a checklist. Goal #2 Lights out! Another holdover from last challenge, where I improved, but not enough. Once again, goal is a set wake up and bedtime (which is getting harder and harder as we near midnight sun in Alaska). I'll make exceptions for days off, but will keep it within reason. Even on a day off, there's no excuse for not getting to bed. I need to start winding down at 9pm, be in bed by 10. Alarm is set for 6:15. Goal #3 Move! This is simple. I need to be doing something physical 5 days a week. Some will be lifting, some crossfit, maybe toss in yoga here and there, and definitely hiking. Just move! (Most of this goal will probably be about getting Meg out on the trails, which is fine by me!) Goal #4 Don't stress! I know that in addition to sleep, I tend to stress over things not getting done (even when they're not important). I will be aiming for 2 meditation sessions and 3 recreational reading sessions... which have to take priority over cleaning the garage, or painting the guest room, or other things I think need done RIGHT NOW. Starting StatsWeight 142 (down 2 from last challenge, but likely water weight and/or natural fluctuation)Height 5'3BMI 25.2Natural Waist 31Waist @ Belly Button 35.5Hips 40Calves 14Biceps 10.5Bust 30.5/38Thighs 23

For right now, this is a placeholder for the Challenge. It's Bye Week Challenge time right now! I confess, I could read/watch The Two Towers and only follow the journey of the Three Hunters across Rohan. Not that Frodo and Sam aren't important, of course. I just love the idea of running across Rohan. That's right, I'm headed to Edoras. I have a lot going on at the moment, and indeed throughout the challenge. A half marathon on July 12, my sister's wedding at the end of June, the fitness challenge that my gym launched last week (and will run though the length of the challenge), and travelling to Quebec (I'm on a layover at Chicago O'Hare right now), Detroit, and central Oregon in the next 4 weeks. So here we go! 1. get ready to run! I've borderline blown out my knees in the past few weeks, thanks to shortened medial somethingorother muscles after heavy squats. I've packed my softball and my running shoes with me, but the big deal will be doing hard core mobility work every day. (Getting my milage back up is a given!) Let's hunt some orc (+DEX, +STR, +STA) 2. The "beach body challenge" kicked off at my gym. Here are my baselines: 5:18 Fran 18% body fat (#117 lean mass) #142.8 Body measurements (my coach has them) We're following the Zone block plan, although one of my coaches gave me a "flexible dieting" book that I burned through. I think I will incorporate elements of that into the "block" idea of the Zone. Right now, I've been impressed by how little the zone gives you to eat. Yes, I calculated my needs based on my lean body mass. My goal is, using MFP, to stick close to a Zone plan/ratio for at least the first 2 weeks. I'll tweak the plan after that point, depending on what way I'm headed. The ultimate goal is to improve on all of those stats! I won't get final feedback until after this challenge ends, but should be able to tell whether I'm making progress in 6 weeks. If I hit #137 at the end of the challenge without losing muscle, I'll consider it a huge win. So far, I've managed to get my protein in every day (+CONS) 3. Daily language practice. I'm tempted to pick up Spanish, thanks to my upcoming Peru trip, but I'm currently en route to Quebec, und ich vermisse Deutsche... but the language of the challenge is FRENCH! (+CHA, +WIS) (just imagine the Eorlingas spoke French, although I always imagined them speaking some germanic Scandi language )

Okay, I've officially got the Nerd Fitness sickness, as I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to start my next challenge on the 8th. No, I must jump in...today. I am currently doing a strength & conditioning program that is a combination of Strong Curves and general crossfit madness, and I THINK - after many fits and starts and revisions - I have got my program designed to give me the benefits/results I want. At any rate I have it where I really, really like it, and the good workout you do is better than the perfect workout you don't. Right? Riiiight. So since I don't need to tweak that a whole lot, my challenge this time is to add several small, "biohack" style tweaks to my daily routine to see if they give me any benefit in body composition/energy/Jedi Mind Control ability. Challenge ONE: I have 4 biohacks: Lemon juice or cinnamon before meals: reportedly helps keep blood sugar down. I have a family full of diabetics so I keep a close eye on my blood sugar, I even bought a glucose monitor and stick myself on the regular to keep track of my stats. Pushups & Bodyweight squats before meals: supposed to train your body chemistry to direct the fuel you ingest to your muscles, instead of fat storage. 9 hours of sleep daily: to improve recovery, reduce cortisol, and iron the pattern on my pillow into my face. cryotherapy: two cold bath soaks per week. Helps reduce inflammation, stimulate metabolism. Plus it's summer in Georgia; this sounds delightful. (Tim Ferriss readers will recognize these as being directly stolen from 4-Hour Body.) Challenge TWO: Implement a morning routine I tend to lose track of my day in the morning, and then everything goes to hell in a handbasket. So I'm going to implement this routine at least 5 days out of 7: Get up at 6:00 am Same breakfast daily: 2 hard boiled eggs, small piece of lean meat, half an avocado or some fruit. 15-20 minutes mobility work (yoga, stretching, hand eye coordination work - i.e. tossing a tennis ball around) into the office for some early work. Challenge THREE: Write an Ebook This one is a little different, since it's not fitness related, and it's also sort of stolen from Elsfaire, who is posting about a most excellent pregnancy book she is writing and you should totally read, even if only your cat is pregnant. I have been playing around with two eBooks, a tour guide to movie locations in Atlanta (a ton of movies get shot here) and one on spiritual retreats in the Southeast, that I think people would find interesting and I could sell via amazon. When you don't have an actual deadline, however, it's hard to tie yourself to the chair and write, so I am committing to writing 100 words a day on one of those two projects and I will post updates here. I expect you all to shame me mercilessly if I don't make my word count. My workouts will stay the same. Just for grins, because I've never posted it before, here's my gym routine. I go twice a week, and I ride my bike two or three times a week. day one: deadlift military press hip thrust (voted most embarrassing move to do in a public place, by... me) step-up wall ball KB Swing crunches balance work - this is new, I'm trying to add some movenat-like stuff to the regime. Will update. day two: back squat bench press glute bridge back fly box jumps monkey bar KB swing/run combo (frequently followed by gagging) clamshells or crunches Okay, that's enough for now, I think... carry on

I am Rurik, and this is my tale. As all the last reserves of my strength had left me, I collapsed into a heap on my hands and knees. My chest heaved for air but the very act of breathing left a raw burning in my lungs. Only through gargantuan effort could I focus on blinking my eyes to dispel the spots that still marred my vision. After a moment the fire roaring in my breast began to dissipate and I could feel my body beginning to recover from its exertions. While I focused on breathing, the slow and arduous task of forcing sweltering air in and out of my battered body, gradually I became aware of a low growl emanating from a space not so far from my position. As I began to attune my ears to the sound my mind slowly swam back into focus. My head came up and met the malevolent orange eyes of an Iron Wolf war beast. Now that I was up close and personal with the monster, I could finally see the terrible works of iron plate callously bolted directly through flesh and onto bone. Where the plates met flesh I could see the years-old clotted blood. Though the wolf bared its jaws at me and continued its savage growling, I was overcome with pity for the animal's hardships. I slowly pushed myself to a crouch and stared at my would-be ravager, opening my hands in a non-threatening pose of surrender but still keeping Korragh's axe close at hand. For a moment the growling stopped and the wolf canted its large iron-clad head at me. I tried to reach my mind out toward the wolf, trying to send the message across that I wasn't a threat anymore, and hoping that my vulnerabilities would be noticed enough to overcome years of harsh battle conditioning. That terrible growling returned again, yet for only another moment. The wolf sat back on its haunches and lolled its head at me, as if seeing something curious and vexing for the first time. I reached out with a tenuous hand to touch the wolf's muzzle, ever aware of the sharp teeth only inches away from the tender, juicy flesh of my hand as I did so. It seemed to tolerate my touch well enough so I stroked the exposed fur where it could be found. As I felt the coarse pelt I could feel a connection beginning to grow. I was suddenly more aware of the acrid scent of burning flesh, of the smoke drifting from burning homes, and I could clearly hear the crackle of embers and the wind gusting down the village's pathways. The very world seemed more alive, and I was suddenly aware of it, like I was opening my eyes for the first time all over again. Slow, one paw before the other, the wolf crossed the short distance between us. Now it was my turn to watch as the enemy made the first move. The large shaggy beast hesitated just inches from my face before lowering its face to butt my head with its own. While the iron plate attached to the animal carried more impact forward than I suspect it had intended, I began to doubt that any pain had been unintentional. As I stared into those orange eyes just inches from my own, I couldn't help but feel as if I had found a new companion. "Well," I grunted. "Isn't that something?" Main Quest is to participate in a Spartan Sprint on July 11 and a Mud Hero on July 25. That will be the end of Act I and the epic boss battle of 2015. Starting weight: 189 lbs. Goal/Quest 1: Foraging to Survive, Part IV: "Forced from what had become my home, I again took to the ancient wilderness... and there was welcomed." (+3 CON) Follow the Eat To Perform nutrition model as prescribed, in as Paleo-friendly a manner as possible.Completion by percentage of adherence to macronutrient and calorie requirements.Goal/Quest 2: "I became a savage wanderer, calling no place home and raising my campfire wherever I would. My rage was a constant reminder of all I had lost, but it lent to me a deadly focus." (+4 STR, +2 DEX) Practice one of two Crossfit skills per week (pull-ups or double unders).Attend two Olympic Weightlifting and two Open Gym classes (to reinforce the above) before Challenge end.Complete one Couch To 5K workout per week. Bonus points awarded if two completed.Goal/Quest 3: "Though I missed the friends I had made among Korragh's people, and mourned their passing, I would not begrudge myself the primal wonder for all things wild and free." (+3 STA) Bicycle rather than drive minimum of two shifts per work set (weather permitting). Bonus points awarded if whole set biked.Finalize plans for an outdoors microadventure, preferably actually execute the adventure itself.Life Goal/Quest: "I carried with me only that which I could carry. The axe in my hand would serve me better than any trinkets or baubles on an expedition into the untamed places of the world." (+1 WIS, +2 CHA) Maintain debt repayment schedule. No frivolous purchases for the duration of this challenge. Quest reward: new wardrobe.Retain apartment-cleaning habits. One dedicated cleaning day per 8-day work week.Practice 10 minutes of mindful self-awareness per week.Skill Quest 1: "A Treatise on Primal Alchemy (Alchemy level 1)," exploring the benefits and detriments of sports performance supplements. Research and sample an appropriate creatine and/or creatine elixir that suits my lifestyle and meets my standards (fairly natural, affordable, available to sample before committing).By Week 3, I will sample minimum one product.By Challenge End, I will purchase one product.Skill Quest 2: "Returning to the Wilds (Wilderness Lore level 1)," relearning all that we have unlearned through the embrace of civilization. Map out a self-taught/online curriculum of survival skills and bushcraft knowledge that I consider relevant to my lifestyle and goals (see this post: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/65745-enduring-the-flame-ruriks-saga-iii/?p=1513128).Study one bushcraft subject twice weekly as per outline. Spend minimum of 30 minutes per week engaging in a practicum on this subject.Achievement: Armor upgrading time! In making the weight loss achievements I have seen, I find myself without a single pair of pants that will fit my slimmer waist. I also find myself with a surplus of statutory holiday pay that I will be allotting for a new capsulized wardrobe to replace that which I have grown out of, but not until I see what I am capable of through this challenge. Motivation: The Spartan Sprint and Mud Hero approach and I find myself only barely prepared. This challenge will be about dialing in my nutrition and workouts tightly and again working on my weaknesses. My legendary will power is shining brightly at the moment and I find myself entirely composed to bite off a huge chunk of new goals, so I have added some new and reintroduced some old. Today I am reminded of the single-minded fury of the barbarian, and I intend to harness that beast toward accomplishing my plans for the months to come!

Running Up That Hill Nerd Fitness Challenge #41 I heard this song on the radio the other day - Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush (1985). Since then it keeps coming to mind, especially during the running part of my crossfit class. I figured I might as well use it to keep me motivated! Main Quest: to prepare myself for Unleashed at Stadium Bowl Unleashed 2015 will take place up and down the 1,628 stairs of Stadium High School (Tacoma, WA) August 2nd and raises money for the rescue animals of Kindred Souls Foundation. http://unleashedatstadiumbowl.org/ Mini Quest 1 “be running up that road†add 3x weekly running to my routine. +3 STA 600-1600m per 3x weekly run. can be counted if completed during xfit class and/or combined with stair training. Mini Quest 2 “be running up that hill†continue uphill battle of maintaining my current weight and bf%. +2 WIS +3 CON struggled with this goal last two challenges - thus the "uphill battle" feeling. my plan is to continue to log my meals daily on MFP (keeping net carbs between 70-100g and protein between 96-107g) to help maintain current weight and body fat% (120-125lbs/20-22%) - knowledge is power, right? will be weighed every other week on scale that shows bf% to hold me accountable. Mini Quest 3 “be running up that building†1x weekly training to run up that "building" aka Stadium Bowl. +1 STA + 3 DEX train on stairs (60-100 steps in elevation) for 15-25 minutes and keep track of total steps climbed. Life Side Quest: a Greater Understanding “And if I only could I'd make a deal with God And I'd get him to swap our places I'd be running up that road Be running up that hill With no problems†Kate Bush commented on the song saying “I was trying to say that, really, a man and a woman can't understand each other because we are a man and a woman. And if we could actually swap each other's roles, if we could actually be in each other's place for a while, I think we'd both be very surprised! [Laughs] And I think it would lead to a greater understanding.†While I’d love to swap places with my boys (that includes the husband unit) so we'd have a better understanding of each other instead I'll be using these lyrics as inspiration to prepare myself for a different kind of understanding... Work daily on my Spanish (10 minutes – 1 hour) +3 WIS In September I will be traveling to Mexico to volunteer with Esperanza International. It’s my hope that if, between now and then, I put forth a regular effort to learn/understand some Spanish the experience will be that much better! If you've followed me before you know I track my progress the old fashioned way (with pen and paper) in a journal and then I post a picture here to NF. Here is my starting stats/goals page for this challenge! Looking forward to getting started June 8th! Check back often - encouragement and support needed (and appreciated)!!

--Challenge 18-- I'm going to P all over this challenge No not that P, this P! Goal 1 - Posture I got hurt in a car accident and the physio has advised me to correct my posture. It seems to be working but I need to keep my focus on it. I'm not sure how I will measure this yet.... Goal 2 - Paleo Carry over from my last challenge, slightly amended to 6 days of full paleo per week. Goal 3 - Programming It's looking like my whiplash recovery is going to take months rather than weeks. As I am limited in what exercise I can do and I can't play squash I've decided to do a more conventional lifting program with gradual progression. I'm going to setup a program for lifting 2 days a week with a third day of PT with my coach doing whatever he prescribes. Bonus Goal - Photo Take a weekly progress photo

Someone please help me find the perfect way to track my WODs. I'd love something simple that I can just use quickly and then go back in and look at my old workouts. My box uses wodify, but I find it too difficult to go back and look at my old workouts unless they come back up. Right now I have workouts written all over the place and I'd looooooooove to just have them all in one place. I just can't decide what the best place is!

Ok so cleans are my favorite thing ever along with back squats because I've always felt badass doing them since a lot of girls never have. Well today, the weightlifting portion of our WOD was hang clean, and the rep scheme was 5, 5, 3, 3, 1, 1, 1. I wasn't feel that great because I've been on vacation for a week and haven't done anything heavy in a while. Well once I started on the first set I felt super good and I was like huh maybe I'll be able to hit 125! Because that was my previous max for a regular squat clean. So anyways, this is what I ended up doing: 5 @ 65lbs 5 @ 85lbs 3 @ 105lbs 3 @ 115lbs And then I was like ok next step would be 125..and I did that easily. Then I added a five to each side, hit 135 easily (I was texting my boyfriend after every set giving him minute-by-minute detailed updates), so I kept going, and then I hit 140, and 145 before I ran out of time. 145!!!!!!!!!!! On a hang power clean! Ok like I know this whole thing has been really long and drawn out just to say that I hit 145 on a hang power clean but like I AM SO PUMPED. And I maybe could've hit 150 if I had more time! Plus if I had been catching it in a squat like I probably should've been, I could've hit even more! LIKE WHAAAAAAAT. Ok sorry I'm done I'm just super excited and none of my friends except my mom and boyfriend care!!!!!

For my last challenge, I was over with the Warriors, and while my little icon still says "Warrior," I am really a WarriAnger. And since I have a half-marathon coming up, I figured I should stick myself over here for this challenge Main Quest Drop down below 200 lbs! Need to weigh myself this week (it's been awhile), but last I checked, I was hovering at 219/220. Challenge Goals 1. Raise the Bar​​ These are my CrossFit-esque classes. They are an hour long and are usually composed of skill work and either a WOD or a lifting day. I'm obsessed.Goal: go to three each week! Bonus points for four. For these next six weeks, I'm going to try and LIMIT myself to only four each week. I need to prioritize running instead of these classes. Ugh.See my Battle Log for these workouts! I'll post highlights here.2. Run Like the Wind Half-marathon is coming up at end of May! May 30, I'm doing a half out in wine country in Virginia. It's going to be beautiful, but so hard. I don't like running. Why did I sign up for this? Nobody knows. But it's a bucket list item and afterwards I will probably only do 5Ks or 10Ks since I like those distances.Goal: hit my long run every week!Complete at least ONE of my two short runs during the week.I'm trusting my CrossFit to carry my fitness levels into my half marathon... if there are any running gurus reading this, though, please for the love of god shake some sense into me and tell me to get my butt onto the road and get running.3. Food Log I workout like a crazy person, but I know my diet needs work. I've been inconsistent in the past with logging, so my challenge this week is to actually write it all down every day.Goal: log every day. This is ambitious, but I'm going to make an alarm on my phone that goes off to remind me and keep me accountable. Side Quests 1. Foam Roll at least twice a week! 2. Read at least three books between now and the end of the challenge. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson Me Before You, Jojo MoyesNo One Belongs Here More Than You, Miranda July

I live in the country and in the south. Gyms are few and there are no local Cross fit gyms that I could join. So the question is, how viable is cross fit with out a gym? And where would be a good place to find WOD's for a gym-less cross fitter?

So I guess I'm not really new, because I've technically been a member for about a year. I just never got into the forums or challenges, and I haven't yet officially introduced myself. My name is Sarah and I just finished my first year of college. I'm really good about working out and staying active; I do crossfit, yoga, and occasionally play tennis. I hate running, but I'm trying to make myself enjoy it because I want to be a more well-rounded athlete. My real problem is eating. My boyfriend is literally the healthiest eater I've ever met, so I always ask him to help me eat better, but I just don't have the motivation for it. I love sweets and soda too much, which I know is terrible. For the upcoming six-week challenge I'm going to try to cut soda out (for the most part.) WISH ME LUCK Also, hit me up if you're looking for an Accountibilibuddy (if that's spelled right at all) and you're into strength training and/or crossfit! I love squats, cleans, and deadlifts. The heavier the better Oh also I'm in love with Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy. Han Solo and Peter Quill and Groot are my faves and I want to be Princess Leia.

I've returned from the wilderness and am back in society!! If you saw my earlier challenges, you might remember that I quit my desk job in Wisconsin in January and lived in a tent in the desert working for the Arizona Renaissance Festival during February & March. My time as a tent-dwelling nomad has come to an end, and I'm now getting settled in my new home: Portland, Oregon! How overwhelming is all of this? Hella. I'm tired of feeling like I'm "okay" in several areas -- I'm pretty fit, I eat mostly decent, I know a few things... granted, I have high standards and lofty goals, but I really want to narrow in on one thing for this challenge: consistency. My life has gone through some major changes in the past year, and they've been great, but I like having somewhat of a routine, and now that I'm starting a fresh chapter in my life, I'd like to develop some strong habits and routines right out of the gate. (All in my effort to be like the Lara Croft of the 2014 Tomb Raider reboot game, of course.) So: Goal priority #1: Track my food intake in My Fitness Pal for the entire six weeks. I've known for years that I don't eat enough or balance things properly. I'm a healthy weight and ideally would like to increase it by gaining some more muscle and losing some excess body fat. I'd like to get a better picture of the balance of fuel that best allows me to perform, feel, and look better. Ideally this goal will also result in me better balancing my food intake, but for at least the first three weeks I just want to track everything. I'll re-evaluate later on whether I want this goal to specifically include hitting certain macros, or if just tracking & trying is enough for this round. Either way, it'll be on my radar. After I successfully record my food intake, this will result in +2 CON, +1 STA, +1 WIS, and +1 CHA (because I'll hopefully be looking better after over a month of conscientious food choices!). Secondary goal: Consistent movement; also a struggle for me as I've changed schedules, gyms, and routines so often in the past year. I have a 4-pronged approach as I settle into my new life here: I'd like to go to crossfit 2x a week, lift on my own 2x a week, go to krav maga 1x a week, and include a daily practice of a skill I'm trying to work on (strict push ups, handstand, falls, crow pose, etc). It's going to be awhile before I find the right crossfit gym for me (there are 14 local to my area, and my boyfriend and I might be moving soon), so I'll add that in as I can but get the others going ASAP. For creating consistent workout practices, I will assign +2 to STR, +2 to STA, and +1 to DEX. Third goal: Finances have been a focus of my past few challenges as well, and this one will be no different. Moving across the country is ridiculously expensive, so this time around I'd like to finish paying off one of my credit cards (I paid it off with my tax return, but had to charge a few moving expenses) and re-establish regular savings deposits by the end of the 6 months. +2 to WIS. I don't have a fourth goal this time around; the above will be quite enough to keep me busy and honestly I'm really overwhelmed at the moment: new city and the headaches of moving (how to get the rest of my stuff here from Wisconsin; the $300 I have to drop at the DMV for a new license, plates, and emissions test; a new bank account since my old one is only in the Midwest; changing my mailing address; etc....), new job (exciting announcement incoming, I hope - I verbally accepted an offer but am awaiting written confirmation!), newly cohabitating with an awesome nerdy boyfriend who is playing Torchlight II while I type this, the stress of not knowing anyone else yet... So, yeah. Anxiety is rearing its head going hey girl what is UP? Didja miss me? I'm here! Let's wallow! The remaining 3 points will go to WIS, CHA, and CON for remembering to breathe, enjoy the process, and stay calm during a turbulent transition, provided I feel like I did my best with that at the end of the challenge. It's all really exciting, though. Just a LOT on my plate at the moment. And not enough protein. Let's do this!

Challenge 17 There can be only one....goal. There's something I've been avoiding for a long time. Justifying to myself this way or that way, enough is enough, I need to give Paleo a proper go. Not a bit of a go with a lot of other stuff thrown in and sort of do it, a proper full Paleo go. Controlling food intake has been a long standing battle and I keep dancing around it so this challenge: Goal 1 Full Paleo for 6 weeks. Rules of engagement: - Full Paleo to me means no processed food, no processed sugar, no grains. That pretty much covers it. - Exceptions: I have no issues with Dairy, I'll allow milk in limited quantities for tea and limited amounts of cheese. - Prep in advance, Prep in advance and Prep in advance. - Stick to my meal plan as much as possible. I like this summary for my Paleo approach, I'll be adding sweet potato. Tools to support my success: - Meal plan - Prep ahead of time, every Sunday prep 5 days of food. - No Alcohol, that's when I eat crap. There is 1 exception when my oldest friend comes to visit me for 1 weekend. I only get to see him once or twice a year so I will allow an alcohol exception if he comes but still Paleo food. - Consider a pre & post DEXA, need to look into cost. - Support from my NF friends...please I need lots of accountability for this one, I really want to finally succeed in trying full Paleo, I usually crack around the 3 day mark so 42 days is going to be a massive PR. Bonus antique film trailer for the fogeys among us: Time for a transformation. Oh yeah, big goal means big reward. Reward: Achieve 36 days or more of full Paleo: Book a holiday to dive the Yongala I've wanted this for soooo long, it's appeared in a number of my challenges as a reward for big goals, usually related to weight/BF% that have thus far eluded me. I'm already planning to my Advanced diving cert locally in 6 weeks time so I will have the ticket to go down to 30 metres hopefully by the end of this challenge. I will also have the funds to be able to book this by the end of this challenge, just got to come through and deliver the goal....

Main Goal: to prepare myself for the 2015 Unleashed at Stadium Bowl. This event happens August 2nd and is held at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington. The race will cover the entire Stadium Bowl, ‘weaving the stairs’ by running up one staircase, and down the other. Total steps climbed 814, total descended 814 for a grand total of 1,628 steps. The event raises money for the rescue animals of Kindred Souls Foundation. Kindred Souls Foundation provides sanctuary to abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats, a holistic approach to their care, and education on the rewards and responsibilities of animal companionship. Mini Goal 1: add 1 day weekly stair training to my exercise routine. +3 STA +2 DEX will record my workout in a journal and post the summary page here weekly. Mini Goal 2: maintain body fat percentage between 18-20%. +2 WIS +3 CON will record my meals daily in MFP (keeping meals to macronutrient goals of 20% carbs, 50% fat, 30% protein). also, no eating after 7:30pm. will post my efforts/results (ie: from weigh ins) here weekly. Mini Goal 3: 3x ring rows before Crossfit Amped class. +3 STR this is a holdover from my last challenge (One. Freaking. Pull Up.) I think will benefit my Unleashed training by ensuring that I stick to my regular exercise routine. If I am unable to use the rings before my classes at the gym I will do BWRs at home. I will record my workouts in a journal and post the summary page here weekly. Life Quest Goal: post artistic endeavors 2x weekly. +2 CHA This fits in with the Unleashed theme in that the definition of unleash is "to free from restraint or control." I rarely put my art "out there" for others to view. I'm just now, within the past six months, opening myself up to sharing. I'll post here or on the Artistic and Creative Accountability forum.

It’s been 2 years since Patient 0. By the time they realized what was happening, it was too late. The major cities were hit the hardest, there are some pockets of us that were able to escape. we got out in time. But not sure how much longer we can survive The City on the other side of the mountain has been overrun. There are rumors that they are coming closer. few survivors have come over the mountains, but we know that it is only so long until the infected find their way here as well. we must build up, ourselves and our compound. We must prepare for what is to come speed and endurance will be an issue when the infection spreads here. (Q1) Zombies, Run! 5k Training:week 1-6 W3 reward: massage ball W6 reward: tiger tail More work needs to be done on the compound. the fields need to be cleared, stones moved. Structures built and reinforced. (Q2) strength training twice a week. when in town this will be cross fit, when traveling, can substitute with body weight, free weights, or weight machines depending on what is available. W3 reward: Buy a jump rope W6 reward: new workout outfit One of the scientists in the group thinks they have found a defense serum. The only thing is it must be continually consumed to work. (Q3) drink at least 2 liters of water a day W6 reward: Get a massage challenges for this challenge: Spending 5 days in Saint Louis for robotics competition, my birthday (not sure what we're doing. all i know we're leaving Friday and getting back Sunday) and a work trip to Ann Arbor for 4ish days. because of these, I'm not doing any food commitments this challenge. I know what I should and shouldn't eat and I'll make the best choices I can. CHALLENGE REWRITE- Q1- it all starts with food a. no more than 2 alcoholic drinks a week. b. no fake good for you food (things like gluten free pizza, cookies etc. They might be "less bad" but they're still not good) c. Eat PHD when at home, and as close as possible given the choices when traveling. Focusing on meat and veggies when eating out Q2- HYDRATE Drink 2+ liters of water a day Q3- Move Do something active for at least 30 mins 4 or more times a week. this should be pretty easy because I walk twice a week with my mom and want to do cross fit at least twice a week. But even when traveling I will do Something active. This is to be in addition to any walking around for sight seeing or normal activities.

He lay the map out on the table, relief washing over him. It had taken him over a month to locate this map and now that he saw it he knew that it had been worth the effort. It wasn't some cheap map without any detail. Whoever had made this map had slaved over the minor details making it almost feel alive in his hands. There was a possibility there was more to this map than the naked eye could see. Looking at the map he knew he wasn't quite ready for this journey. The green mountains had many legends. He had heard mention of zombies, trolls, as well as some that spoke of trails that changed every time you went there. The last one sounded crazy, but wizards claimed to have detected many types of spells at work on those trails. The spells had a wide range, from sapping the energy from your limps, to bringing to life your worst nightmares. He knew he had demons, and he had to make peace with them before he could attempt the journey. Quest #1 Run a total of 150 miles I've made even larger plans up ahead now that I'm so excited about running - 10k and 25k already signed up for! I did the math and if I stick to the 10% increase each week I will run exactly 150 miles! +3 STA Quest #2 Wear leg weights and keep 2 full water bottles and a 3 liter water bladder in bag at work In June and July I am likely going backpacking, so time to get comfortable with heavier weight. I'm going to start with my bag weighing 8 pounds, and end with my bag weighing 20. My goal is for me to get used to 40 pounds (I plan to try for 10 days without resupply in june). +4 STR Quest #3 Average 10 minutes of meditation per day There's some anxiety going on in my head, and it's been going on for close to a decade. Time to wrestle those demons and loosen up on my approach to the world. sub quest - Meditate everday, even if it is only for 5 minutes. +1 WIS+3 CON Life Quest Read Chirunning, The Cool Impossible, and Eat and Run The last quest I finished with was Born to Run (AWESOME BOOK) and it mentioned these three. The first 2 are about proper running form, and the third is about running and good nutrition. I know there are a lot of paleo lovers on here, but for me, that includes no meat. It's the same for this running, an AMAZING ultramarathon runner. Time to learn from the guru's. Sub-Quest - +1 DEX for videoing running technique 3 times during the challenge+3 WIS Motivation - I didn't talk about my motivation during the last challenge, but it comes down to this - On September 20th, 2004 my best friend had his 16th birthday. It was a big deal, so we decided to go camping to celebrate. Through a series of events during that camping trip he fell to his death, and I have spent the majority of the last 11 years blaming myself, and feeling a HUGE amount of anxiety. The blaming is generally called survivors guilt, but the anxiety was from his reasoning for the series of choices he made that led to his death. The blaming is gone, but the anxiety is still there. Also, on the day he died and his birthday, I tend to turn into an asshole. Last year a friend got me to sign up for a spartan sprint on september 20th. I didn't even realize until a few months beforehand what the day was, but when I did it, IT FELT SO GOOD! I wasn't wallowing, I was doing something. It was a new feeling for me. Now I'm chasing that feeling.

Introduction: I’m a 30 something fat bloke, I have always been the bigger chap (apart from primary school when I was 4/5 years old and I was sent to the doctor as they thought I was malnourished…boy did I get them back!) but after I joined my current employer (8 years ago) I became quite sedentary and I ballooned. I have over the years started loads of things to change this but I always ended up falling off the wagon, so joining in here I hope will help me find the inspiration and support of others. One of the best habits is to surround yourself with people who have the same goal as you…so guess I’m doing the virtual version! This will be my third challenge the second didn't go so well and this is what I need to get over. An old problem flared up but I need to just keep on getting on! Main Quest: To become a healthier fitter individual by improving my diet and fitness. This would be measured in an increase in capability (which can be measured in Stronglifts capabilities, distances covered on cardio days (mixture of rowing, cycling, treadmill (10mins each on a workout) and cross trainer (30mins session) ) using the Crossfit Thames standard sheets to aim for (with intermittent testing) and decrease in body fat and other measured body sizes. Quest 1: To work out 5 days a week working towards Crossfit minimums: Mon, Wed and Friday will be Stronglifts days and Tue and Thur will be cardio days. Measurement: 100% = 30 days Reward: 100% = +2 STA, +2 STR Quest 2: Make a return to DDP (or YRG as I have these DVDs) Yoga to improve flexibility on either a Saturday or Sunday Measurement: 100% = 6 days Reward: 100% = 2 Dex Quest 3: Will follow a 5/2 plan, it worked for me before, im sure I can do it again, will also keep non fast days to a max of 2000cals Measurement: 100% = 42 days of sticking to 2000 or 600 Reward: 100% = 2 Con Life Quest: Going to look to my epic quests for this one and aim to complete the first draft of my first Steampunk chap book. It has been sitting for ages so hopefully this will give me the drive to work with my brain in my non-physical times! Measurement: Sit down for at least 1 hour a day to work on writing Measurement: 100% = 42 days Reward: 100% = 2 WIS Motivation: I’m not getting younger, but I do appear to be getting bigger and therefore unhealthier. I’m sure there are already irreversible negative things going on in my body, but let’s see what I can do to rescue the rest of it! I also have non-physical things that I would like to achieve, so now is the time to knuckle down…2015 will be a new start to this life of mine!

I am Rurik, and this is my tale. Main Quest is to participate in a Mud Hero run at the end of July, and that will be the end of Act I and the first boss battle of 2015. Starting weight: 201.5 lbs. Goal: 190 lbs by Challenge end or near enough to suffice. Goal/Quest 1: Foraging to Survive, Part III: "Nature provides me all the nourishment I could ever require... I need only seek it out, and master it." (+3 CON) Eat Paleo 85% minimum.Enter the world of meal preparation; prepare at minimum one meal per day in advance.Goal/Quest 2: "I found myself among the Barbarian tribes of the North, and having much in common, we traded meat and mead and skills alike." (+3 STR, +2 DEX) Practice one of two Crossfit skills per week (pull-ups or double unders).Attend two Olympic Weightlifting classes before Challenge end.Begin weekly running routine in preparation for Mud Hero.Goal/Quest 3: "Home to me is the mountains, and the forests, and the crags, and all the rough places of the earth." (+4 STA) Bicycle rather than drive whenever possible.One overnight camping microadventure.Practice firestarting and other bushcraft.Life Goal/Quest: "A Ranger lives simply, without clutter, and keeps ready his tent." (+1 WIS, +1 CHA) I am going to tackle this same quest again with the intention of really buckling down on purging away the things I do not need in my life and amongst my belongings. Keep the apartment tidy; one cleaning per work week.Purge five items per work week (can be accomplished cumulatively if necessary).Mini-Life Quest : "Trade amongst the Barbarian tribes is different than the 'civilized' folk of the south. They treasure relics and artifacts, and take pride in their food and drink rather than the hollow comforts provided by gold, jewels, and baubles." (+1 CHA) Maintain my debt repayment schedule.Any large scale items must be paid for in cash, saved paycheck to paycheck.Achievement: I will be reexamining the topic of epithets this Challenge as one of my goals is to knock off "the Ranger" from my username for something more personalized. Additionally May will be a three paycheck month and I will be celebrating both that and my weight loss by seeking out an entirely new (minimalist) wardrobe! Motivation: I'm melting weight off and making great strides at the gym. Now I need begin to specialize, embrace the warmer temperatures, and focus on some weaknesses that have popped up. I'm stepping up what I've learned to really dial in my goals. Mud Hero is getting closer and I'm moving into the crunch period of weight loss. Time to narrow my mind and focus my willpower for another Nerd Fitness Challenge!

Alrighty, I buy a new pair of sneakers once a year and they are my go to shoe for the gym as well as every day use. With all of the new tech and meshing it's hard to tell if a shoe will hold up for a year or be good for outdoor use. I need input on what shoes you like, don't like, and how they are holding up. Thanks in advance.

Blacker than the blackest black, times infinity! Yup, you guessed it correctly, it's heavy metal's cartoon version of Spinal Tap... Quest 1: Nutrition - Eat according to the Zone diet. Cause that's, like, metal. - In all other cases, avoid extras by resorting to water instead. That includes avoiding as much coffee as possible, because there's not Duncan Hills around and all the other coffees are just not black enough. - Track all the food in my battle blog (Time, Quantity and Quality) instead of flooding this thread with boring details. Anyone interested can follow the daily link provided Quest 2: Workouts - Crossfit, at least 3 times per week. Because it's the most brutal way to work out. - On days not visiting the box, do a placeholder workout or an outdoor activity. Like, riding a Thunderhorse. Quest 3: Band Manager - Visit NF daily. Post daily on this thread and my Battle Log. Catch up with people's threads. - Follow at least one new recruit (preferably an aspiring Ranger) every week. - Post an educational or motivational article or video every day. Life Quest: Facepunch! The new job has been confirmed! It's on a subject I have no experience with and considering the level of things, I have to justify getting picked over a more experienced colleague by lots and lots of hard work to catch up with everything! This goal is hard to set in stone for the entire challenge, so it will be broken down into weekly mini-quests Week 1: Spend at least 2 hours a day reading stuff for the new job Done Week 2: Adapt to a new town and job Done Week 3: Make the short trip back home count Done Week 4: Whatever that was, Done Week 5: Lolwut? Done Weight when this thread was posted: 84.7 kg Weight on the official start day of the challenge: 82,5 kg Weight @ Apr 23: 80,1 kg before training, 79,4 kg after Weight @ May 4: 77,2 kg after training Weight @ May 11: 76,9 kg after training Weight @ May 18: 76.3 kg after training Weight @ May 22: 78.6 kg after training Weight @ May 25: 77.9 kg after training

About Swoop Just a simple Viking. Work with IT and do Crossfit. Prefer to have everything neat and simple. Try to make things efficient in both work and personal life. Recently started tracking sleep using Misfit Flash, and also logging food using MyFitnessPal. Hoping this habit will last and that the 6 week challenge helps me do that. I rarely have problems motivating myself to workout, but rather have a problem maintaining my food discipline i'm afraid. I love good food, and often the good food is not good for my belly. Not terrible overweight or anything. Around average and i good shape with reasonable amount of muscle. Just want to trim the belly fat (i know spot reduction doesnt happen btw ). Main Quest My main quest is broad atm. I don't have any numbers, but i want to lower by body fat. I have several motivating factors, the primary being my upcoming wedding to my girlfriend in 3 months time. So i want to drop as much as possible before she gets here. I'm aware that my goals is non-specific, but i have not way ot measuring my current body fat accurately nor tracking it well enough atm. But i can log my food and weight to indicate this. This excerpt is from my previous log that i never got around to using i'm afraid "From what i figure my BMR is around 2000 (30 years and around 91-92 kg and 180cm tall). So from this figure i need ~3000 kcal a day to maintain my weight with my activity level (2000 x 1.55 approx). So just because i think 3000 sounds kind of high for me i will try to put my meals at around 2000-2400 range. That gives me the 500 kcal lower at least." SMART Goals 1. I will follow proper diet 6 days of the week I have a regular delivery of lowcarb food case every Monday morning. This is my dinner for the week. Usually the meals are heavy in greens and very low in carbs. I eat the same meal two days in a row and the final day is a relaxed day with little more lax food. For breakfast and lunch i have a cafeteria at work that allows me to get what I want. so my breakfast and lunch are pretty set. Just need to load on the salad and meat and avoid too much carbs and sauce. Breakfast is yogurt w. musli and 1-2 eggs. I log everything in MyFitnessPal and try to maintain my intake to ~2000 kcal a day. The above diet and numbers are from a previously personalized meal plan so i know it works for me from experience. 2. I will workout at least 3 times a week. I track this via MyFitnessPal and regularly schedule the same workouts. Normally a Monday morning, Thursday morning and either a cardio workout on Tuesdays or a team workout Saturday. But always at least 3 times a week booked in advance. It's already a habit i just need to keep it and make sure i don't strain my ankle too much as i had a sprain recently. 3. I will sleep 7 hours a night. I monitor my sleep amount through my Misfit tracker. The goal is set for 7 hours a day. Also set an alarm on my phone to 22:00 so i HAVE to get ready for bed at that time from now on. As an added help i try to not drink any caffeinated drinks after 19:00 and additional take a magnesium pill as it previously have shown to help me relax for sleep. Finally i will read a chapter in a book before bed rather than watch TV. Side Quest My side quest is simple. A nice simple routine of cleaning my kitchen every evening after dinner. I have no dishwasher so i have to do by hand. But keeping it down every night is a pleasure and helps me feel ready to cook my low carb meals every night. Hope you guys will forgive me for posting a lot of information in my thread as i think i will use this log heavily. I might post small things and insignificant things, but posting and talking about it helps me be motivated and feel good about all the small things i manage everyday Glad to be here and please please hold me accountable to my goals as i have been meaning to post here for a long long time and just got away from it.

11 months ago I hurt my shoulder whilst leaping up an ascending ladder of pull-up bars. That plus a dramatic schedule change resulted in very little training over the ensuing 3 months (though I was still playing a good bit of soccer and doing a little bit of biking). Then I finally started working out again...a month in I played in a 6-game 1-day soccer tournament. In the first game I separated the same shoulder I had previously injured. In the fourth game I injured my toe (which would remain undiagnosed). When I got home, after game 6, half of my foot was swollen. The next 3.5 months...zero training of any kind. I finally started working out again at the beginning of January. A month and a half later, I PR'd my squat, bench, and deadlift at my first ever powerlifting competition. Another month (and a mediocre CrossFit Open) later, and I'm feeling great. I still have occasional flare-ups in my toe and shoulder, but they're usually not so bad that I can't work through them. It's good to be back. Last night's workout: 5x1 deadlift 415# 430# 430# 430# 430# It was my first time doing heavy singles since the meet, and I'm still trying to get over a nasty cold I've had all week, but it went pretty well. I have officially used up every single plate in the house now, some I'm going to order a pair of 100s for deadlifting soon. I had to switch to mixed grip after the 3rd rep, which is unusual for me. I think it's because, now that I have a good belt, I'm not letting a little back rounding prevent me from going higher, so grip is becoming more of a limitation than it was previously. Final results: I took a lot of rest, since it was so close to my max. 415 felt easy, but 430 got rough after the first rep at that weight. I'm pleased with the workout though.