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Ah yes, a brand shiny new challenge smack in the middle of summer. BRING IT. Welcome friends and fellow rebels! As with any Shaarawy Style Challenge, through 2015 I’m theming each one with something that is nerdy as well as near and dear to my heart - something that lies at the core of my personal geekdom. I’ve done things like Sailor Moon, Final Fantasy, and recently Harry Potter, but I’m stoked to jump into a challenge featuring perhaps my favorite cyberpunk movie trilogy ever... I adore The Matrix. Neo-era Keanu Reeves is my Personal Dreamboat . The visual style and effects of this movie are something I can watch over and over again (and I have), and I’m a sucker for the cyberpunk style. (Fun fact: In 2003 I commissioned a semi-variant replica of Neo’s coat. I still have it and wear it.) The story is great and filled with symbolism and meaning, the fight scenes are pretty universally bombastic, and the soundtrack is filled with stuff like Juno Reactor and Rage Against the Machine... yup. And The Animatrix is just the icing on the cake with its different stories (and backstories!) and art styles. Yup, lots of joy all around. I'm ready to break free from some things that have been holding me back in my journey, mentally and physically. So, let’s take the red pill, and get into this rabbit hole. Quest 1 - Neo (STR 3, STA 2) “Because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.†One of the many underlying themes of the Matrix was control - who is really in control? Is fate a thing, or do we really make our own destiny? Unlike the movie, where people are controlled by CRAZY MACHINES (seriously crazy), I find my weightlifting progression has given me a huge sense of control over my body and my life. Neo ain’t taking no shit from no robots, and I’m ready to fight my own iron battles. I’ve worked hard enough to be able to progress to StrongLifts, and for 6 weeks I’ll follow the program - smartly and carefully - to the best of my ability to see how I fare. This will require three planned gym days a week with little room for schedule shuffling or sleeping in, so I’ve got to be ready. A - Three SL circuits done per week. B - Two SL circuits done per week. F - You done screwed up. Quest 2 - Agent Smith (DEX 2, WIS 1) “Nothing this weak is meant to survive.†The Agent turned virus was originally tasked with keeping order within the Matrix, and thusly was programmed to have AWESOME ABILITIES like super strength, speed, and dexterity. (You know, that dodging bullets thing.) I need to start protecting myself as I start lifting more and more weight, a fact that became glaringly clear to me a few weeks ago when I sustained a minor back injury while doing squats. I’m going to supplement my workouts with some exercises to strengthen my upper/lower back and core - yoga, stretches, and pilates. Most of it should take 20-30 minutes tops, so I’ll be getting serious about this and doing it 3 times a week. The prospect of injury and having to be sidelined because of my inability to prepare is a thing that’s NOT going to happen... and maybe I’ll be able to dodge bullets once I’m done. A - Back & core strengthening done 3 times a week B - Back & core strengthening done 2 times a week. C - Back & core strengthening done 1 time a week. Quest 3 - Morpheus (WIS 2, CHA 2) “But I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it.†Yeah, see that door? The one that leads OUTSIDE?? Open it and get your ass out there. Morpheus is a wise dude, and he knows what I’ve been lacking lately. The ability to open my eyes, step outside, and explore stuff for myself. Springtime is in full swing here in the south, and I need to make it a point to enjoy the weather before the 500 degree days of heat and humidity hit. This is a pass or fail quest, as each week I’ll make it a point to get outside for a day to exercise. Explore a new park, go for a walk, do some yoga on the porch, maybe even CLIMB A TREE?! The possibilities are limitless. A - Outside activity done once a week. F - You done screwed up. Life Quest - The Merovingian (CON 3) “Yes, of course. Who has time? Who has time? But then if we never *take* time, how can we have time?†Ah yes, the Merovingian, the renegade exiled douche of the Matrix. (Well, one of the douches.) He’s not Redpill or machine, and he plays by his own rules, doing whatever he needs to do to prosper within the system. He’s not a prominent character but he’s one of my favorites, probably because of his anarchist ways... This quest is about slowing things down and relaxing, taking care of myself so that I can prosper in MY system. Things are getting busy as summer approaches - all good and fun things, of course, but I have a tendency to get overloaded and eventually suffer because of it. And often if I -do- have the time, I waste it by getting caught up on the internet, browsing Facebook, or forums, or just wasting my time. This happens a lot - I don’t want to do that anymore and I need to start getting more mindful about my choices. Each week I’ll carve out some time just for myself, after work or on weekends, to relax, meditate, read, or sew - things that are fun and restorative for me to keep me going, and keep you guys posted on my adventures! A - 4+ hours of strict downtime weekly B - 3 hours of strict downtime weekly C - 2 hours of strict downtime weekly I'm ready to start June off with a bang, because summertime does not equal slouch time! Rebels, let us craft our own destinies!

it is never too late to join! Just start with mission one and post! We welcome all newcomers! http://youtu.be/RhlXqYiTz2Q This is an accountabuddies group for L1 Newbies! I will be helping you navigate your new world of NF during your first 6 week challenge. Support is key here in your success. That is what this thread is all about. Check in on each other, motivate and support each other. Each week there will be different challenges for you to complete. These challenges are geared to help you be successful at your goals! If you like movies, music, and fun this is the group to be in. If you dare to take the Red Pill sign up here https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0Aiv-aMyHwRQKdGlPbjBwMmM5bHg3S0RYYTI4aEZlY3c&f=true&noheader=false&gid=13 and post here a little something about yourself ( main quest or goal, your interests and motivation) and a link to your thread. Your extraction from the Matrix will happen on Sunday.

http://youtu.be/RhlXqYiTz2Q This is an accountabuddies group for L1 Newbies! My co-host ChristArtist and I will be helping you navigate your new world of NF during your first 6 week challenge. Support is key here in your success. That is what this thread is all about. Check in on each other, motivate and support each other. Each week there will be different challenges for you to complete. These challenges are geared to help you be successful at your goals! If you like movies, music, and fun this is the group to be in. If you dare to take the Red Pill sign up here https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0Aiv-aMyHwRQKdFRJbmVxRHN0UWVoUVUxXzEtWjI1WUE&f=true&noheader=false&gid=13 and post a little something about yourself ( main quest or goal, your interests and motivation) and a link to your thread. Your extraction from the Matrix will happen on Sunday. *******you only need to follow 8 of the team members below to qualify on mission one****** Those extracted and have completed mission one: cn3wton http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51021-cn3wton-overwrites-old-save-data/ caolan http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51010-caolans-first-step/ CelebrateCeleste http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51151-celebrateceleste-celestes-first-challenge-to-feel-as-strong-as-she-is-capable/#entry1129400 Acess3000 http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51099-aces3000-my-quest-for-a-better-life/ Anaticula http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51200-anaticula-just-keep-swimming/ LadyShello http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51035-ladyshello-travels-through-time-with-the-doctor/ JamieLiz http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51315-jaimeliz-has-joined-your-party/ RXLady http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51414-rxlady-a-prescription-for-change-1st-challenge/ Inferno145 http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/50344-infernos-beginner-quest/#entry1103311 Ryoko http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51528-ryoko-ryokos-first-quest-in-honor-of-a-fallen-comrade/ ItsDaniel http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51070-itsdaniel-avenging-the-past/#entry1128451 Courtneyr2 http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51239-courtneyr2-courtneys-fitness-journey/ LiserFrenchehttp://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51547-liserfrenche-fitness-quest/#entry1135472 Brittomart http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/51890-brittomart-britt-britts-carnaval-baila-en-la-calle/#entry1143996 http://youtu.be/avcS0aYJ2a8

Good day everyone! My name is turbo when in The Matrix, but since we are in the real world, you can call me Jon if you like. I'm on a path to find the one. Not necessarily the one as in a person, but the one way I can live my life to the fullest. I'm currently 5'10" about 235lbs. My friends and family are nice of course and say I don't look it but, I feel it. I work at a desk all day coding, and by the time I get home, I'm not very motivated. This will change. I enjoy gaming, zombies, writing, and coding. I do the occasional Zombie Run or Mud Run for fun. My ultimate goal is to hit just below 200, run a half marathon without stopping, and never look back. Wish me luck everyone, it'll be one hell of a mission!

I did it. Like Neo, I have chosen the red pill and am now learning just how deep the rabbit hole goes. I'm so new to the world outside the Matrix. In my life as a coppertop, I was an overweight long-distance runner who managed to get injured a lot. Everything in Zion is different. I lack even the most basic survival skills. I'm relying on the advice of the other Zionists to prepare myself for facing Agents back in the Matrix. I have a looooong way to go. My Main Quest: "I know kung fu Tang Soo" I plan to join my son at his Tang Soo Dojang in March. In the meantime, I want to prepare well enough not to embarrass myself in front of my kid. Thank God I'll have 5 months. I'll need them. Goal 1: "Your muscles have atrophied. We are rebuilding them." To build more strength, I will perform the Big Six exercises as outlined in the Good Behavior program of Convict Conditioning. I have been working on this one for a few challenges now, and I like it. (This amounts to 3 strength workouts per week.) Edit: Since my ankle issue is now more of an issue, I will be modifying the Big Six until the boot comes off (mostly going back a few levels on most exercises and substituting bow pose for bridges). Goal 2: "Are you telling me I can dodge bullets?" Years of running have left me severely lacking in balance and flexibility. I will practice The Martial Artist's Book of Yoga 2 days a week (one day for kicks and one day for strikes), plus one day of yoga for core strength. A total of 3 days of yoga per week. Edit: Yoga for kicks is out for the first 4 weeks at least. I can do a modified yoga workout for strikes/core strength 3 days a week. Goal 3: "Everything the body needs." I need to get used to the food that is available in Zion. That means protein, vitamins, and minerals. No Tastee Wheat (no grains, except on 4-day vacation in October) and no orgasmic cake (no sweets). Although, I think I might arrange to see the Merovingian on my birthday...(Oct 26 is earned cheat day; if I eat sweets before then, no birthday cake!!!). Life Goal: Residual Self-Image: The mental projection of your digital self I definitely need to change my projection if I want to look badass in the Matrix. It starts with putting on makeup by 9am every morning and washing it off every night. Side Quest: "You see an Agent? You do what we do. RUN!" Not sure yet how possible this will be. I had registered to run a Half Marathon in November, but have been plagued with a lingering ankle injury. If I get to do this one, awesome; if not, no harm, no foul. (No points, does not effect challenge grade) Edit: No way on God's green earth. Trying to decide whether to defer to next year or retire from long distance running altogether.