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Obligatory RES challenge disclaimer: So, the NF challenges are turning 10 years old, my time here just passed the 6 year mark...My first two years and 14 challenges were spent with the Adventurers where I was made an ambassador, then the guilds were reconfigured and the Rangers were a better fit for my goals and the leaders graciously accepted me as one of their own and I've been here ever since. During this time I've learned a lot, about myself and what works for me, and as I've stated previously the more important item of what doesn't work for me...There are many goals that I had previously that I did not achieve, and that's okay, and looking back now I couldn't even tell you why they were important enough for me to make them a goal I wanted to reach. That's where my 'disclaimer' (see above) comes in...I will never need saving, I will adjust, adapt, and ranger on! I used to spend a lot more time on here...it seems like goals were easier to reach then when I held myself more accountable (aka not wanting to post that I hadn't reached my goals) somewhere along the way I started doing weekly instead of almost daily updates...I think it was around the time I started working for an MiLB team, I still work there but life in general has calmed down a bit. I won't make this an actual 'goal' but may in the future if I find myself falling into recent patterns. I love using acronyms when and where I can, my basic challenge theme is not changing because it's working The Plan.... Food: Make 24 hour plan, eat on plan when hungry, stop when full. Exercise: Continue Bodyweight365, do intervals on Sunday and 'stretching' days (Tuesday and Thursday currently) extra: This may be more detailed as time goes on but for now it will be accomplishing anything I didn't have planned (aka not sitting on the couch from the time I get home till bedtime scrolling social media) Down Time: Three times a week (at least) take time for me, this can be journaling, crocheting, or time to read. This also includes excursions with friends since I tend to be a hermit at times. Going to add getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night to this as well. 2/15 - Mud Girl Run 5/16 - Blacklight Run Financial considerations are limiting my participation in 5k's, I'm not as upset about that as I normally would be since so many other plans are in the works! I've decided that while my clothes getting looser and the number on the scale going down are good, they are not reason enough for me to do this, it's too easy for me to make an excuse not to do it. I get to do it because it makes me feel better when I do, I'm not giving out 1/2 way through what I'm doing, so I can drink coffee because I want to, not because I need it to get through the day. I have a whole bucket list of things that I want to do and most involve me being in shape to do them. That is my new goal, my new reason (that, and the beautiful granddaughter I have) to get in the kind of shape I need to be to do whatever I set my mind to.

Obligatory RES challenge disclaimer: At the end of the last challenge I fell off the face of the earth...because I became a grandma!! 😍 (excuse the glasses, I'd drove for 17 hours and my contacts were irritating my eyes) This little one is the reason I will always be broke... Also the reason I disappeared and my goals kinda got put on the back burner for a bit...needless to say she will be the reason I recommit to them because I want to be around for a long time to see her grow up 🥰🥰 6 years ago tomorrow I joined NF...all my challenges are in my signature if you suffer from insomnia 🤣 I've learned a lot about what doesn't work for me but also learned what does...for example I learned a lot last year...2019 was a tough one, I almost lost a lot more than I wanted to, though at the end of it things had definitely improved on many aspects...this year we're moving forward with the knowledge we've learned and earned! My basic structure of last years challenges worked so well for me that I've given them a new acronym and am going to use it again The Plan.... Food: Continue (okay, start again) making the 24 hour plan, eat on plan when hungry, stop when full. Exercise: I'm following NYAR 10K currently, points for when I do what is scheduled (including rest days) Training plan my fluctuate depending Down Time: Three times a week (at least) take time for me, this can be journaling, crocheting, or time to read. This also includes excursions with friends, or anything else I want it to! UP: As in "Give UP" anything that does not work for or serve me...this year is about being a bit selfish. I'm also going to give up some debt this year, we'll pay off the first major expense and possibly get two eliminated! What would a RES challenge be without some 5k's? January 11th - 1st 5k of 2020 February 15th - Mud Girl Run (My 1st OCR) May 16th - Blacklight Run

So the big goal is still this... Lose 50 lbs (total) by October, 31st, that's 5 lbs a month January - Done! February - Done! March - Done! April - Done May - Nope June - Double Nope July - Not looking good for the home team The Plan.... 1. Three interval runs, and one strength training a week. Make one of these runs outside when possible. Non-game days only, game days give me at least 10,000 steps and at least 20 flights of stairs 2. Continue making the 24 hour plan, eat on plan when hungry, stop when full. 3. Three times a week (at least) take time for me, this can be journaling, crocheting, or time to read Those that have followed me before know I was going through some personal stuff, I posted an update in my last challenge which I will put under a spoiler here for those interested Season is almost over, will be done before the end of this challenge unless we make the playoffs. Good thing for my goals is a lot of temptation will be removed and I'll have time to train. Bad thing for my goals is I have built in activity on days I may not have Still have 30 lbs to go towards my original goal which would be 10 lbs a month, I'm not going to give up on working towards it but not 100% certain I will make it, but shoot for the moon, even if you miss you still land among the stars.

Arrowan’s Seventh Challenge: Yeah, a little too Raph Tough times never last. Tough people do. Themes: Self-sufficiency, Bravery, Determination Starting Attributes: STR 10/DEX 7/STA 16/CON 10/WIS 20/CHA 9 Starting point Weight: 161 lbs Height: 5’6” Introduction: This challenge for me is supposed to be a kick in the pants. I’ve gone through a difficult period lately, but it’s time to be getting on with life. So for the next four weeks I’m channeling the mentors I’ve known who have preferred the “tough love” method to fuel my inner monologue. I won’t be mean to myself, but I’m not going to coddle myself. I’m not going to listen to my own excuses. This is going to be a put-on-you-hard-hat-and-just-do-it kind of challenge. The general themes are self-sufficiency, bravery, and determination. Challenge Goals: 1. Strength training routine 3x/week 2. Interval running 3x/week 3. Get a job 4. Auto mechanics – study basics and maintenance (30 minutes 3x/week) Side Quest: Check in with YNAB daily; create savings account for vehicle Strategies: 1. Strength Training: I read it again and again on the NF blog—a strong body is a healthy body. I want to be strong. I want the confidence, weight-loss benefits, and general improved fitness that come with strength training. I’ve long since incorporated the NF beginner body-weight circuit into my usual routine, but I think it’s time to step it up. Free weights and the people who use them have always intimidated me, but I’m ready to take the plunge and try new things. My new routine will likely be a combination of body-weight exercises and free weights—I still have to do some research to determine the specific plan, so more to come on that later. What I know now is that I am setting the goal of three sessions a week, increasing difficulty or reps steadily throughout the four-week challenge. I already have a gym membership, so equipment isn’t a problem, and I’ll print out charts to log every workout. 2. Running: I often include running as a challenge goal. This time I’m going to try interval running, three times a week. I’m going to do a little research to come up with a specific plan of attack, but my main focus is getting the sessions in—not achieving specific speed or distance goals. I’m eager to see how interval running compares to steady pace running as far as the mental game goes—will it be easier or more difficult? And I want to see how it challenges my muscles and endurance. 3. Get a job: Been working on this goal for a while now. I have a job, but I’m looking to level up this part of my life. Even just getting another part-time job to make more money would be an improvement, but ideally I’ll find something I like, that’s suited to my field of study. I’m tired of playing around with this, though. I need to just get it done. There are jobs out there, I just have to want them badly enough, and go after them. Last challenge I fell a little short of my goal of 2 job applications a week, largely because I had a couple of interviews and I really thought they would amount to something. They didn’t, and I felt sorry for myself for a while. That’s over, though. I am again shooting for 2 applications a week, with renewed determination. Getting a new job, is my new job. 4. Auto mechanics: This may seem out of left field, but it’s something practical that would help level up my life in general. I’m not too savvy with car mechanics. My dad’s great with them, and he’s tried to teach me things over the years, but a lot of it hasn’t really stayed in my head (I think because in my heart of hearts I wish we could all just ride bicycles and horses). I don’t need to know every faucet of how a car works, but I really want to learn (or re-learn) some basics, especially those that pertain to general maintenance (checking and changing/replenishing fluid levels, changing tires, windshield wipers, dealing with rust, etc). So this goal is to study up, for at least 30 minutes at a time, 3 times a week, on auto mechanics and care, and to apply this knowledge to my current vehicle where applicable. And this includes everything, even putting the updated proof of insurance in the glove compartment, renewing the registration that expired a few days ago, and just cleaning out trash and junk. By the end of the challenge, I should have a tuned-up vehicle, tidy and reliable, legal, and supplied with a kit of emergency equipment/supplies/tools that would make my dad proud. I’ll feel confident and capable that I can handle any minor issues that crop up, and communicate effectively with a mechanic about any bigger ones that (knock on wood) might come up in the future. This goal goes with the self-sufficiency theme in this challenge—it’s another step to gaining independence and taking control of my life. Side Quest: Also going with the self-sufficiency theme, my side quest this time is to check in with my YNAB account daily, to make sure I’m on track with my budget, and to create a savings account for a new vehicle. The one I use now is a hand-me-down—a loaner, really—and I’m tired of feeling like a charity case. Saving for a vehicle that’s my own will be at least a step towards independence. Grading: A=100% B=75% C=50% D=25% F=0% 1. Strength training: A=12 out of 12 days; B=9-11; C=6-8; D=3-5; F≤2 2. Interval running: A=12 out of 12 days; B=9-11; C=6-8; D=3-5; F≤2 3. Get a job: A=Got a job! B=8 applications submitted; C=6-7 apps; D=4-5 apps; F≤3 apps submitted 4. Auto mechanics study: A=12 out of 12 sessions; B=9-11; C=6-8; D=3-5; F≤2 (I will subjectively adjust this grade based on how much I accomplish in applying what I learn to my own vehicle) Attribute point allocation: 1. Strength training +3STR +2DEX 2. Interval running +2STR +2STA 3. Get a job +2WIS +1CHA 4. Auto mechanics +2WIS +1CHA Side Quest: +2WIS +1CHA