Search the Community

I know zombies are really fashionable these days, but the thing is, I want to KILL zombies, not be one. And I've been a zombie lately. So the theme of this challenge is going to be mindfulness. Awareness. Intentionality. Whatever you want to call it, my goal is to pay attention to what I am doing. For you see, the level of backsliding and self-sabotage I have achieved in the last couple months is only possible if you really try to ignore what you're doing. Sure, you'll come out of the fog occasionally - just long enough for a little self-loathing; enough to remind you why you're ignoring yourself and start the cycle anew. Well, ENOUGH! The fog ain't a fun place to hang out in (it's cold, damp, and the view sucks) and beating yourself up is neither effective nor pleasant. So I shall force myself to be aware of the choices I am making, and with that awareness will come the incentive I need to improve said choices. And I'm choosing a theme that makes me happy, no deeper meaning Goal One: PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU'RE PUTTING IN YOUR MOUTH! +3CON +2CHA This one is two-fold. Part A: Track all food in MFP. Pretty straightforward. 7 possible points per week Part B: Mindful Eating. Stop what you're doing (No TV, internet, books or phone). Conversation is acceptable. Experience the food I'm eating. Savour it. Consider the nourishment. I'm going to aim for one meal per day of this, because I know it's going to be effing hard (I've tried before) and I will hate it a little bit. But I'm positive it will be good for me, so there. 7 possible points per week. Subject to re-eval. Goal Two: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY! 2STR +2STA +1DEX And the easiest way to do that is to use it. Appreciate it. Let it get stronger. 2 Kettlebell workouts per week 1 additional form of movement per week, min 1/2 hour. This doesn't need to be an all-out effort, but something that gets me active and appreciating the things my body can do. Yoga and walking are coming to mind, but anything active is fine. Even a third KB workout, if I want to. 3 possible points per week. Goal Three: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR MENTAL STATE! +3WIS There are no physical impediments to me accomplishing all of the above. All obstacles are mental. So I need to take care of my mind in order to be successful. I'll be honest, I'm not 100% certain how I want to approach this, so I think I'm going to leave it a little unstructured. My intention is to pick a strategy/activity/approach at the beginning of each week, and try it out. I will report back at each weekly wrap up to say how it went, whether it helped with stress/to build calmness etc. and decide whether to keep it in my arsenal or try something else. 2 possible points per week - one point for technically trying something, and another for giving it a full effort. Life Goal: EMBRACE YOUR SOBER SELF! +1CON +1CHA Well, it's kind of a diet goal too, and a mental goal, and about my body. All-encompassing. I am going to do a 30 day no-alcohol challenge. Not that I have a drinking problem, per se. But based on past experience, I know that I actually do feel better when I am totally sober. Over the course of the summer, beer has become a bit of a fixture, and an after-work drink has snuck back into the routine. But it's calories I don't need, it's expensive, and it's not a very good stress management technique in the long run. So the challenge will start Sept 15th. We'll see how I feel 30 days after that - it may get extended for the whole challenge. 7 possible points per week. Well. here goes! Let's do this thing, my nerdly friends!

Name: Hammlin "Hammi" Race: Wood Elf | Class: Footpath Ranger Leader Level: 18 (STR):44.25 (DEX):37.25 (STA):30 (CON):31.25 (WIS):31.5 (CHA):25.25 Motivation: Trip to Mexico is in 10 weeks, GORUCK (challenge) next spring, life in general.... All are coming to call... Main Quest: Move Along. (Sept 7 - Oct 26) Missions: 1. Training. I recently shadowed a challenge (Goruck) in Boulder and realized that there are a lot more things PT-wise I should and can be doing to get better. I am putting together a list of PT exercises that I want to progressively work on, including a mile a day. 10 items for 10 reps, adding 10 reps per week- doing PT 3 times a week. 10 points for completing each exercise each day (each exercise is one point)= 10 pts a day, 30 for the week. 210-187 pts= A 186-166 pts= B 165- 141 pts= C 140- 124 pts= D 123 and below= F (+3 CHA) 2. Tracking. Must this always be a thing. Apparently so. Back to tracking. 36-42 days = A 29-35 days = B 22-28 days = C 15-21 days = D 0-14 days = F (+4 WIS) 3. Water. Water goals always go by the wayside when the weather gets cold. I have a cup I will call my 14er cup. I need to be drinking 3 a day... 36-42 days = A 29-35 days = B 22-28 days = C 15-21 days = D 0-14 days = F (+4 STA) Life Quest: 4. Reading. This is kind of a work goal melded with a life goal. We have to read the book One Way Love by November 1st, and am having a bit of a hard time getting into it and devoting time to it. This goal is pass or fail. Pass or Fail (+4 DEX) TRACKING My Story (challenge history): 1. Wandering across the mountain ranges of the west, I came upon another wood elf, who was running through the tree lined forest. I tried to keep up, because I knew he was waiting for me, but nothing I did would keep me at pace with him. Eventually I slowed, to catch my breath and I lost him. Dejected and worn out, I decided to dedicate my life to keeping up with this other elf... 2. Sneaking through the woods I can feel my senses getting sharper and I begin to wonder if the elf that I'm following, is actually following me... 3. Catching my breath I slow my run as I approach a clearing. Did I get lost? I don't know where I am and the elf I had been following has picked up the pace. My mind... it's jumbled up... my thoughts are foggy... I need to focus. I'll stay here for a while, find my center, and then continue on... 4. After pausing in the clearing to refocus, I see what looks like a beaten down path off to my right. Have I been here before? Walking up to the path, it looks familiar, but overgrown. I take out my sword and slowly start hacking away the brush that seems to have grown in over the years. Yes. THIS is my path. 5. Following the path for what seems like a lifetime I suddenly find myself at the tree lined edge of a beautiful meadow. The sun in the sky that is glaring down on me makes me realize something glorious- I have made it through the woods! Over the hill I see the elf that I have been tracking this whole time. He is napping… This is my chance!!! 6. Running up to the elf that I have been following for what seems like forever, I find myself out of breath. As I slow down and approach him, I see him slow down and turn to me. I don't know if he knows that I have been following him, but I can tell by the look in his eye that he's ok with this. As we start to wander the forest together we notice that things aren't quite as bright and cheery as they were months ago... something is wrong... 7. As we continue to approach the edge of the forest we can feel something bearing down on us. Picking up the pace we stay laser focused on getting out of here. The night has grown darker and the forest is eerily quiet. The wood elf and I look at each other and begin to run. I can tell that the time where we have to battle is near and we really need to stay focused... 8. Standing on the front line, victorious, I wonder "Now what?" I ponder with wise words of a foreigner who taught my people to stay motivated when they feel like they have arrived. The skills I have learned in the past keep me pushing forward. I move confidently north, to find new lands. And that other pesky elf can come with me… 9. On the north side of the valley I see something far away that I can’t take my eyes off of. It almost looks like the mountain side is glistening and the sun is dancing with the peaks. I fall into a trance, staring off into the distance, as if I'm under a spell. A few minutes later I am able to snap out of it, but the lingering desire to see who, or what, had a hold on me begins to push me forward. Is some powerful mage up in the hills, drawing people to him? Or is someone sending out a distress signal, begging for help. All I know is the allure of finding out what is in those hills is forcing me onward. We have mountains like these back home, but I am far from that place, and out of practice. It will take some time to traverse these mighty giants, but I have no choice but to start… 10. From the top of the mountain I can see everything. I have a level of clarity that I've not experienced before and it makes me take notice to my surroundings. I have an epiphany and realize that I need to race home to my family. They have no idea what’s in store! As quickly as I can I need to make my way back down the hill and back to my village… Part of the way down the hill I trip. When I catch myself I see that the sign in front of me has directions. I’m tired of being a follower in my own life. I need to go my own way. I turn on my heels and walk south. 11. Down in the city to the south I find myself in the camp and company of strangers. Although I’m not entirely sure that I can trust them, they seem safe enough. Maybe, I’ll hang back and just observe them and mind their ways. Something inside of me says that these people have information that may be valuable to me and my quest, and I am determined to get my hands on it. Knowledge is oddly alluring and very appealing to my senses… 12. As I spend weeks on end with these people, I start to sense a power coming over me. I am being changed from the inside out- is it sorcery? Magic? Am I evolving? All I know is that I need to stay the course. Over time, my memories start to fade. The days of running through the wilderness with the other elves feel miles away- as if they occurred a lifetime ago. Only the here and now makes sense. I have my plan. 13. The strangers have become less strange and more like family. It feels like I have finally returned to a place where I feel at home and at peace. When I look down I start to notice that my slender Elven legs have begun to take a form of something more resembling tree trunks. When I stand, I can't move quite as nimbly but I feel stronger than I ever was before. In the back of my mind I still remember that I am following something- the dragon... 14. As I wake with a start I feel strange. My heart is pounding out of my chest, and I can’t seem to calm myself down. I am in no condition to face the dragon. I need peace. 15. Relaxed and recharged I pull out my map. I haven’t looked at it in quite some time and it’s almost foreign to me. Over my shoulder I see that elf that I had chased so long. He’s back and there is a stranger comfort in knowing that. I turn back to the map and start down the trail. There is a point in the road where it splits off into three. I see on the map that all three get where I need to go, but one seems most logical. I start down that path… I must find the thing that haunts me. I run until I can't feel my legs and I burn all over. 16. The fire that consumed me begins to subside, but I am still feeling the after burn. I pull a map out of my pack and examine it for water. I tilt my head trying to make sense of the nearest body of water, but the letters suddenly look foreign to my elven eyes. I take some time to sit and focus- after a while it will come to me and I can find the cool liquid that will cool my legs and quench my thirst. I pick up my pack again and though it’s very heavy, I make towards my intended destination, swiftly and confidently. 17. All at once I am out of breath and lost. Again. I feel like I have been here before, if only I could figure out where “here” is. Things look familiar, but I still feel lost. Wildflowers, a stream, a beaten path. What the hell. 18. Now that I remember where I am, I remember where I was headed- I make towards the town that I set out for so long ago.

So I was getting frustrated with the 5% increments for the "custom" goal setting in My Fitness Pal, so I sought out a solution. I ran across this link and youtube video explaining how to use it. It worked like a charm for me (in IE9). http://karoshiethos.com/2013/08/13/javascript-bookmarklet-for-enhanced-macro-goals-in-myfitnesspal/

I don't feel very heroic right now but I'm sure it will come back to me. About me: I'm a 38 year old woman living with my partner and a house full of pets in Missouri. I'm 5'10" and currently weigh about 295 (yes, back up from the end of last challenge *sigh*). My main quest is to get under 200 lbs. I'm not sure of my final goal weight but I would like to be around 25% body fat. I'm less concerned about a particular number. I would just like to be able to do things without the limitations of being obese. Boxing: Oh, how I miss my boxing classes. Time to get back. 3 times per week = A, 2 times per week = B, 1 per week = C, 0 = F Food: Jayne follows that up with "Girl's a mind-readin' genius, can't even figure out how to eat an ice planet." You could say the same about me if you change "ice planet" to "an appropriate amount of nutritious food". I'm continuing on with the plan I developed during the last challenge. I didn't track perfectly during the challenge break. I pretty much only tracked enough to keep my streak intact on MFP. So week 1 will be about tracking 100% and hitting my calorie goal of 2170 average calories per day. Weeks 2-6 will be about trying to hit macros. I don't know that I think macros is something I will do for the long term. I'm hoping to use that to help guide me into better instinctive eating habits. Life goal: I spend too much time alone in my bunk. Over the course of this challenge I need to get out and engage in activities, preferably with other people. This goal originally started out as a "being nice to myself" goal. So I still want to incorporate those elements of doing things I enjoy. The last 3 months of work have taken a lot out of me and I need to get back into real life. 4 activities = A, 3 = B, 2 = C, 1 = D, 0 = F Side quest: Did you know that if you google "tasmanian devil rage" you can find an article about perimenopause? I've noticed over the last 6 months or so that my anxiety gets really out of proportion during pre-shark week. Last week was pretty epic. I did some research and it appears that although a bit young, I'm probably beginning the change. Because I don't have enough other fun things going on... So my side quest is getting to the doc. I need to do my yearly check up and getting some prescriptions refilled. I will have to talk to her about what things I can do to help with the Tasmanian devil rage. Normally I wouldn't have made this a challenge goal. But the gif really spoke to how I'm feeling about my reproductive system right now. LOL!

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

@Endor @wovercast I hereby challenge wovercast to a 10 day tracking PvP! Who: This is a closed PvP, we're head to head on this one big boy...if you're man enough to accept that is, daffodil. What: Who can track the greatest percentage of their food intake. Where: Umm at your house or wherever you eat things! When: The last 10 days of the current challenge, starting Friday 29th August, finishing Sunday 7th September The reward: Loser must publish the following on the winners thread: - A proclamation of the winner's amazing tracking powers and general awesomeness - An amusing gif related to their crushing defeat - A recipe for a delicious Paleo/Primal meal they have cooked Time for a smackdown!

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

I was so excited for this challenge to begin that I forgot to think up a clever title and theme. About me: 38 year old female, 5' 10", 295 lbs give or take. I live with my wife, 3 dogs, 4 cats and a garage full of mice collectively known as the Squeakers. I work in highway construction which eats up a lot of my time right now. When I'm not at work I read a lot, well, I read a lot AT work, thank God for the Kindle app. I'm trying to get caught up on the nerdy canon of television and movies. My Dad passed away in February and although it wasn't unexpected it has been a difficult time for me. That is pretty much joedog in a nutshell. Goal 1: Keep moving. I want to do something exercise-y 5 times per week. Most likely 3 times per week will be boxing with the other 2 being long walks in the woods. 5/5 = A, 3/5 = B, 2/5 = C, <2 = F. Goal 2: The food goal. I have put this off as long as I can. It's time to get serious about this if I really want to lose any more weight. Getting below 300 was wonderful and I'm pleased to have maintained in the 290's with everything I went through this spring. But seriously, it's time to lose some more. I'm breaking this down into 2 week increments. Weeks 1 & 2: Tracking everything I eat every day. No calorie or macro goals. Just track it for information and reviving the tracking habit. Grading: 6/7 = A, 5/7= B, 4/7 = C, <4 = F. Weeks 3 & 4: Still tracking everything but this time hitting a calorie goal. I need to crunch the numbers before Week 3 and will update here when I have. Within 5% of goal = A, 10% of goal = B, 15% of goal = C, >15% = F. Weeks 5 & 6: Tracking, hitting calorie goals AND macro goals. Grading and target macros to be updated. Since each increment relies on the previous one, I will need to maintain a B average in each increment to progress to the next. Goal 3: The garage: We have decided to get a shed for the back yard so we can clean out the garage and put my Dad's truck in there. (Don't care who is on the title, it's Dad's truck.) Garage/shed to do list: Pick location in the back yard Stake it out and level the area Figure out what to do for flooring Decide about a work bench, lighting and organization Make a list of what I need and cost estimate Start purchasing what I need Fix the fence Clear out the empty cardboard from the garage Start sorting the garage into keep and get rid of piles Build it and move the stuff out there I'm not positive that I can get this all accomplished because work is going to be crazy over the next 6 weeks and leveling a spot with only my elbow grease sounds painful. But hopefully by making it a goal here, I can get motivated to get the project started. I'm participating in a 90 day weight loss contest at the boxing gym so I will be posting some measurements and maybe even a before pic in a few days.

Main challenge goal: Reduce Body fat by 1.5%, measured with a Dexa scan at the start and end. "You will see it is not the spoon that bends, only yourself" Challenge 11 is all about making choices. I've got 10 challenges at my back, that's a lot of learning. I've got my awesome NF friends to support and inspire me, the time is right, I choose to get the cut I want and not to let anything stand in the way. Goal 1 - Take the Red Pill. (DEX1, CON 2, CHA 2) Track calories more than half the days this challenge aim for a calorie deficit of 1000 a day. Goal 2 - Less than 30 grams carbs a day for a continuous 2 week period at some point during the challenge. (CON 2, CHA 2, DEX 1)I'm bombarded by sugar and carbs all the time, I want to steel my mind and take full control for a 2 week period. I'm in no doubt that this will be very hard but the results should be impressive too. Goal 3 - No alcohol more than 30 days this challenge (STR 1, STR 2)It's time to wake up, face reality and break out of the cocoon. Side goal: Swim 3 times this challenge (DEX 2)Swimming helps me become more fluid and supple. Calorie tracking:BMR calculator: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/ Week 1 - 81.5kg, BF%= 20.7, LBM=65.66kg (144 pounds), 144 *0.7 = 101 BMR = 1825, Daily maintenance calories (3-5 workouts a week) = 1825 * 1.55 = 2828 M: y 2299 (-529) T: y 1318 (-1510) W: y 1738 (-1090) T: y 1421 (1407) F: y 2389 (-439) S: y 2406 (-422) S: n6 day deficit = -5397 calsWeek 2 - 81.5kg, BF% = 20.1% LBM = 65.11kg (143.5 pounds), 143.5* 0.7 = 100.45 BMR = 1807, Daily calories = 1807 * 1.55 = 2801M: y 2644 (-157) T: y 1392 (-1409) W: y 2105 (-796) T: 2533 (-268) F: n ? S: n ? S: n ? Week 3 - 80.7kg, BF% = 19.7% LBM = 64.80kg (142.9 pounds), 143.5* 0.7 = 100.03 BMR = 1796, Daily calories = 1796 * 1.55 = 2784M: n ? T: y 1550 (-1237) W: y 1686 (-1001) T:y 2347 (-430) F: y 2361 (- 426) S: y 2951 (+164) S: y 2246 (-538)Week 4 - 79.2kg, BF% = 19.1% LBM= 64.07kg (141 pounds), 141* 0.7 = 98.7 BMR = 1776, Daily calories = 1776 * 1.55 = 2753M: y 2119 (-634) T: y - partial W: y 2266 (-487) T:n F: n S: y 2728 (-25) S: TBC Week 5 - 79.6 kg, BF% = 18.6, LBM= 64.79 Daily calories = 1781 * 1.55 = 2760M: 1813 (-947) T: 1885 (-875) W: 1721 (-1039) T: N/A F: 2258 (-502) S: N/A (big calories) S: 1969 (-791)Week 6 - 79.6 kg, BF% = 18.6, LBM= 64.79 Daily calories = 1781 * 1.55 = 2754M: 1919 (-841) T: 2460 (-300) W: 2020 (-740) T: 1892 (-868) F: 1720 (-1040) S: 2409(-351) S: TBC 6 days calorie deficit = -4140 cals Alcohol Tracking (n=none, y=some) Week 1 (4)M: n T: n W: n T: y F: y S: y S: n Week 2 (2) M: y T:n W: n T: y F: y S: y S: yWeek 3 (3) M: y T: n W: n T: y F:y S: y S: n Week 4 (7) M: n T: n W: n T: n F: n S: n S: nWeek 5 (6)M:n T: n W: n T:n F:n S: y S: nWeek 6 (7)M: n T: n W: n T: n F: n S: n S: n

I skipped out on the last challenge after loosing steam midway through the one before that. It's time to stop hiding. (HalfOgres make better seekers than hiders) Challenge 1: Eat better. I shall accomplish this by tracking my food. All my food every day. Good days and bad days... hopefully more good than bad. Wis Con Challenge 2 & 3: Nurture everything around me. My garden is in full swing and I am killing many fewer things this year than last. We are eating tons of kale and garlic fresh from the garden and had our first cucumber straight off the vine this weekend. Also, my kids need me so I am cheating and doing 2 challenges with one goal. I will do this by checking my garden and seedlings and whatever every day. I will also take time every day to do something with the kids. Its too easy to feel too tired and overwhelmed to take the time to do something fun with the kids... soon they won't want to any more. Wis Cha Challenge 4: Get fitter. I will do this by running twice a week and doing "something else" 3 times a week. The something else can be heavy work in the garden, playing soccer, or lifting at the gym. Even during weeks where I am overcommitted (hello soccer tournament for one kid Wed - Sun, I'm talking to you) I can do this if I make time for it. And I can fudge it by combining this with the Nurture... turning compost piles and shoveling out new garden beds for three hours counts as a huge workout (I know from doing it this weekend). Str Dex Bonus: Keep up with NerdFitness. Check every other day at the worst and make comments in other's threads at least once a week, on top of keeping up with my own thread. Cha So, please keep me honest. Don't let me hide away from you guys again. What am I good at? Making SMART goals (though havng one of them be "don't kill too much stuff" might not be the best, but cut me some slack) What do I need help with? Staying engaged with the community. When I do that, I have tons of success (hence the coming out of hiding)

Main Quest ---------------------------------------------- Join the main party for the volleyball team (Defense) -> reset from university to intramural club Complete the Challenges until September tryouts -> Different tryout dates, co-ed, not announced yet Main Quest Goals -------------------------------------------------------------- Challenge [April 14-may 25] Challenge [June 9-July 20] Challenge [July 6-Aug 17] Challenge [April 14-May 25] (partial) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reduce soda intake by half (7L or less a week) [may 15-25] Make a plan for June 2-July 21 Challenge Work on a nutrition plan for May 25-July 6 Challenge Sidequests --------------------------------------------------------------- Track Calories for a week [May 15 at 8am- May 22 at 8am] Track exercise for a week [May 15 at 8am- May 22 at 8am] Lifequest ---------------------------------------- Visit Japan with my friend, Sen. Learn another language fluently re-learn to play piano

Challenge 10 Starting Stats: Weight: 85.7 kg Body fat: 20.7% Goal 1 - Full Paleo for 2 continuous weeks (CHA 3, DEX 2) I'm doing really well on my lifting and conditioning but I'm eating too much rubbish and it's preventing me from dropping some stubborn fat. I've tried full Paleo in the past and struggled with it, never usually make it past 2 days, I get really bad headaches. So this time I'm aiming for something realistic, at some point during the 6 weeks I want to get 2 full weeks of 100% Paleo under my belt. The other 4 weeks I can do what I want, except for sugar....see goal 3! Goal 2 - Sub 80kg (CHA 2, DEX 3) Keeping this goal from last challenge as it's still where I want to be. Yes weight figures are arbitrary but I have some fat to lose and I need a goal to focus on. I also want less weight to have to haul around the squash court. Weigh in once a week, if I stay the same weight but BF% drops that's good news too. I have a nice reward linked to this, details below. Goal 3 - No sugar on more than half the days this challenge (CHA 3) Sugar has reappeared in my diet and it's holding me back from losing BF%. I want to get more than half the days this challenge as sugar free. I also want my NF friend @Ems to join me for this goal....will ya?! Side goal: I have stopped swimming and I miss it. This challenge I would like to go swimming at least once a fortnight. (DEX 2) Rewards: History shows rewards also work well for me. - If I go sub 80kg I will book my dream diving trip to the Yongala wreck. As you can see no strength or fitness goals at all this challenge, it's all about nutrition and if I hit my goals I'm going to get major Charisma and Dexterity buffs! Edit: moved this tracker here so I can find it easily. I need to track my non-sugar days somewhere to stay accountable so I'll just do it here. x=fail y=winner winner chicken dinner! Week 1 M: x T: y W: y T: y F: x S: x S: x (3) Week 2 M: y T: y W: y T: y F: x S: x S: y (5) Week 3 M: y T: y W: y T: y F: y S: y S: y (7) Week 4 M: y T: y W: y T: y F: y S: x S: y (6) Week 5 M: y T: y W: y T: y F: y S: n (alcohol) S: y (6) Week 6 M: y T: y W: y T: n (alcohol) F: n S: n S: y (4) Total no sugar days = 31/42

<Incoming Transmission. . . .> To: Hazard Fr: Rebel Intelligence Liaison Re: SpecOps Agent Test Finish up practicing on the proving grounds, candidate Hazard. Your Rebel Intelligence Special Operations Agent field test will begin in five days on 2/24. You will be going live with the skills that you have been practicing, tracking the movements of three High Priority targets for six weeks: Weight, Calories, Protein. Futhermore, MedCorp has determined that excess fat may hinder your ability to maneuver in the field. While this does not disqualify you from your test mission, your advancement within SpecOps may be limited if you do not take immediate steps to remedy this. Also be aware that active Agents are attached to various divisions within the Rebellion. There are seven divisions operating within your assigned theater. Upon successful completion of your field test, you will be given the choice for which division you will be attached. During the course of your test, you are to analyze the modus operandi of the seven divisions so that you can make an informed choice. Good luck, candidate. <End Transmission> EPIC QUEST Turn into More details on my Epic Quest, and my workouts, are in my battle log. MOTIVATION To be healthy, sexy, and inspire awe. QUESTS for this CHALLENGE 1) Track weight, calories, and protein. 2) Do a hard cut until at least March 10th. Decide then if I want to continue the cut longer. 3) Learn about and evaluate the 7 Nerd Fitness guilds to decide which will be my best fit for my second challenge.

Ok, so I have no real idea where I’m going with this analogy business, since Castamere is a ruined castle in Westeros, and not a land with hills - but bear with me. I’ve had a lot of crap to deal with lately and my brain is broken. This challenge cycle feels like 1 part autopilot (since my goals haven’t really changed in awhile), 1 part maintenance (since my schedule has gotten all screwed up and life keeps throwing hammers at me), and 1 part open waters (why? dunno - Spring, maybe?). The Big Picture Goal I’m sticking with my overarching goal - Mudderella. This challenge cycle is the last before the big day (May 10) and I really need to stay the course in order to be able to finish without dying. Goal 1 As always, fitness, first and foremost. My goal is to continue on with my HasFit Hero 90 program and kick ass at it. I’m hoping against hope that my building’s gym will be completed by the end of this challenge and I’ll have even more facilities at my disposal. For now, my old standby of living room & free weights it is! Goal 2 Stick with my moar metrics agenda Goals are the usual 100 grams or under of carbs, 70 grams or over of protein and 1500 or so calories. I’m still tracking food with My Fitness Pal and exercise, sleep and water intake with the FitBit Flex. Metrics make me happy. Goal 3 Dump the baggage. Downsizing and moving has let me know in no uncertain terms that we have too much shit. A lot of it is shit we don’t really need. I need to weed through some - a bunch - of it and get rid of stuff. Mementos included. Editing needs to happen. LSQ Going hand in hand with the previous goal, I also need to tackle some better organization and finish my DVD matrix from the last challenge. Something simple and spreadsheety is fine. It just needs to get done. DSQ My diet is pretty good, but I’d like to carry on the wealth of inspiration I had during Whole30 last challenge on. This goal is to focus on making inspired meals with an eye toward blog worthiness. I would be happy with 2 recipes per week that are good enough to post - I usually hit 1, and really want to work on staying out of a flavor rut. Whole30 Recap Starting Measurements (taken 02.24.14) Neck at narrowest: 12.5" (up 1/2" from last cycle start) Bust under breast: 30.5" (down 1/2" from last cycle start) Waist at narrowest: 26.5" (down 1" from last cycle start) Hip at widest: 39.5" (down 1/2" from last cycle start) Thigh at thickest: 21" (up 1/2" from last cycle start) Arm at widest: 11.25" (up 1.25" from last cycle start) Weight at wakeup: 118.7 lbs. (down 5.2 lbs. from last cycle start) Height: 5 ft. 2 3/4 inches (5’2†for measuring purposes) According to the FitBit scale, my BMI is: 21.72 (27.3% fat) - mid normal range (down 1 full point from last cycle start) According to calipers, my BMI is: 19.6 - lean range (down from 23.4 at last cycle start)

MAIN QUEST My ultimate goal is to fit comfortably in size 14 trousers. But currently I have an injured shoulder which is weakened and lacks range of movement. Nothing to do with NF, I might add! This level of my life story is all about overcoming injury, maintaining my good habits and looking after myself. By the end of this challenge I will not be wearing any bigger clothes than I am now. MISSION ONE: 5 x 30-min workouts per week I have been instructed by my doctor not to lift heavy things and to rest my shoulder. Easier said than done to this warrior! I will still be working out using NF Academy workouts but will mix and match elements of the bodyweight, barbell and dumbbell workouts as well as the good old “fun cardio.†STR+2, DEX+2, STA+2 A = 25+ workouts B = 23 or 24 workouts C = 21 or 22 workouts F = 20 workouts or fewer MISSION TWO: LOG AND TRACK In order to maintain my clothes size (or even shrink it) I need to keep track of measurements. I will log my body fat percentage, body composition etc on my home scales weekly; my body size fortnightly and my food intake daily. Weekly and fortnightly measurements are mandatory so anything lower than 6 weekly measurements and 3 fortnightly measurements means failure. CON+2, WIS+1 A = 30+ logged days B = 28 or 29 logged days C = 26 or 27 logged days F = 25 logged days or fewer MISSION THREE: SELF CARE I am happiest and healthiest when I am clean, organised and engaging with life. I will develop a daily checklist to keep me on track as well as some kind of reward system. Things included will be at least one bath or shower every day and taking my meds regularly and on time. My checklists / rewards will be set and reviewed every 2 weeks for the duration of this challenge. CON+3, CHA+3 A = 30+ days with a complete checklist B = 28 or 29 days with a completed checklist C = 26 or 27 days with a completed checklist F = 25 days or fewer with a completed checklist MOTIVATION “Consider the consequences of doing nothing.â€

Hey all, So at the moment I'm trying to build some good habits. I'm working on eating as paleo as I can, and I am attempting to quit smoking. I've just moved halfway around the world so I've got a lot to do, and I don't want to overload myself too much! I figure accountability is going to be key though, so here is me. 173 lbs. Seriously unfortunate weight distribution, going to try to get rid of it this year.

I know this is hardly an original theme, but show me a person who can't get pumped up listening to Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, and I'll tell you to run like hell, because that's a zombie, my friend! Also, my goals for this challenge just fit so perfectly, I couldn't resist. Main Quest - Prepare to board the Interstella 555 There's a lot of things I'd like to be: I'd like to be faster, I'd like to be stronger, I'd like to be healthier, I'd like to be tidier. But really, my real and actual motivation is the desire to be proud of my vacation photos when we go to Mexico in November. I'd like to lose around 15 pounds by then, (which should be reasonable in 10 weeks). So that's my main quest de jour. In order to accomplish this, for my sixth challenge, I shall: Work it Harder: Complete 2 workouts per week (+2STR +2STA) I just started taking a kettlebell class, which I love. It's only once a week though, so I must do another similar caliber workout each week in addition. I know from past experience that I'm just not going to get three in in a week, so I'm making sure this is realistic, while still constituting an improvement over my current habits. The second workout has to be strength-related, and formal - BBWW, or a Jillian Michaels video is fine, going for a roller blade or a long hike doesn't count. A=12 B=10 C=8 D=6 F=4 or fewer Make it Better: Eat <100g of carbs, 6/7 days per week. (+2CON +2CHA) I try to eat Primal most of the time, and when I'm following this I don't even have to think about keeping my carbs under 100g. So, basically this is my catch-all way to keep me on track without setting up a bunch of rules (which will inevitably have a bunch of loopholes) . The one day off a week allows for the occasional all-you-can-eat sushi trip, potato/quinoa fix, or a night out... to be followed by getting right back on track. A=36 B=30 C=24 D=18 F=12 or fewer Do it Faster: Complete some projects! (50pts) (+2 WIS) I am the reigning monarch of starting things and not finishing them. As per usual, I have about a half dozen projects on the go, and about a million more in mind. I also have a bad habit of "working on" things, without really getting anywhere - ie. I'm not only collecting underpants, I'm folding, sorting and cataloging them. My goal in the next six weeks is to complete, or at least reach major progress points on a few of these. In order to grade these, I'm assigning points to various projects based upon my perception of how much time/effort they're going to take to complete, and aim to reach 50 points. Projects: 20pts: Finish making jewellery holder 10pts: Recover flats with fabric 15pts: Finish owl painting 20pts: Do mockup painting of mural idea 15pts: Wallpaper back of bookcase 15pts: Organize both bookcases 20pts: Fully, completely and entirely clean and organize bedroom (not a creative project, but it really needs doing, so I might as well have some incentive) A=50pts B=40pts C=30pts D=20pts F=10pts or fewer Makes us Stronger: Improve push ups (3x per week) (+3STR) I finally managed my first pull up earlier this year, but am embarrassed by my inability to do a proper push up. At this time, I can do 4 consecutive incline pushups with good form on my side table, which I would guess to be about 2 feet high. I will be following Steve's How to do a Push up guide, which means 4 sets of as many reps as possible, 3x per week, increasing difficulty when I can do 20 per set. A=18 B=15 C=12 D=9 F=6 or fewer Side Quest - Our Work is Never Over: Track everything I eat, for the whole challenge (+1CHA +1WIS) I already track (using MyFitnessPal) most of the time, slacking off when.. can you guess? I've gone off track. It doesn't matter what I eat (well, it does, but not for the sake of this goal) but I have to record all of it. Particularly because I need to know how much carbs I'm eating. A=42 B=38 C=34 D=30 F=26 or fewer I'm really excited to give this challenge everything I've got. I had my most successful run last time, and I think I've done a good job of choosing goals that really build of the habits I've been working to form, while remaining SMART. I think I'm challenging myself, but at the same time I'm excited about what I've chosen to do, not dreading it like I have at times in the past. This one's mine, guys.

Gwen Stacy has been kidnapped, Doc Ock's got her. She's over on the other side of town (approx. 3.1 miles away). You're out of web, and lately you're not able to stick to buildings (also you're up to 200 lbs...WHOA). Doc Ock's got some new invention that's gonna turn her into some red head (named Mary Jane....NO!!!) if you don't get there in 30 mins or less (what am I? Domino's?). What are you gonna do? Good thing you spent the last 6 weeks training (OR DID YOU?!?!?!?!). Goals: Overall: Run a 5k (even if not competitvely, be able to run at least 5k) With all my goals I will only get RPG pts if I get an A on the goal (no partial credit) 1. Interval Training 3xweek - I have a gym membership (at least until September...curse those 6 month contracts), use it - STA (3) A - Interval Trained 3xweek - Can run 5k in 30 mins B - Interval Trained 2xweek - Can run 5k in 40 mins C - Interval Trained 1xweek - Walking/running 5k in 45 mins F - Inconsistently trained - Walk 5k (can do currently) in 45 mins 2. Track Food Eaten - myfitnesspal and also having to do for challenge at work (which is just tracking exercise and diet) - CON (2) WIS (2) A - Tracked food for 6 weeks of challenge B - Tracked food for 4-5 weeks of challenge C - Tracked food for 2-3 weeks of challenge F - Tracked food of 0-1 weeks of challenge 3. BBW 3xweek - HAVE TO DO THIS, I gained some strength over the last few weeks with what I had done before and moving over the last few weeks (WHY IS CHILDREN'S FURNITURE SO HEAVY????), I actually have some muscle tone in my arms and none of the flappy under arms, would love to keep this up and be able to fit into a smaller spidey-suit. - STR (2) STA (3) A - BBW 3xweek B - BBW 2xweek C - BBW 1xweek F - BBW less than 6 times (total) of challenge Life goal: Start a Book (that I haven't read before) and Finish it - WIS (3) A- Did it B - >1/2 - 3/4 way through the book C - >1/4 - 1/2 way through the book F - 0-1/4 way through the book My main thing I want this time around is sticking with the challenge. Last time I started out great and completly fell off. Thus I'm still stuck with the Blob (marvel.com/universe/Blob) body in the Spidey-suit... AND HERE WE GO!!!

I have this habit of quoting movies and shows and music and things to make a point... Sorry about that. Thorin: Where did you go, if I may ask? Gandalf: To look ahead. Thorin: and what brought you back? Gandalf: Looking behind. I have some serious issues with logging my stuff. Honestly, I've never kept a day-to-day journal for more than a week. Even as a kid. So uh... I'm going to write things in this topic about my goals and such so that in looking back I can be positive with looking forward. Right now I'm working on the simple goal of continuous journal keeping [this thing right here that you're reading] Sleep more. go to bed before midnight. starting tomorrow because it's already 2:30am now. Drink more water, because being dehydrated kinda sucks. Limit crap-food intake to one thing per day, if any at all.And I will post more tomorrow! I'm off to bed now! better late then never!!

Day 1 of Tracking my food I am using SparkPeople to do it, though i do see other people using myfitnesspal; not quite sure which one is better. The attachment is of 6.18.13 since i stop eating by 6 pm at latest 7pm on a daily basis. I see that i am under my caloric intake for the day, i hope it wont hurt me. My total: CALORIES: 1,174 Goal: 1,200 - 1,550 CARBS: 89 Goal: 135 - 252 FAT: 48 Goal: 27 - 55 PROTEIN: 100 Goal: 60 - 100 Exercise for the day: squat x's : 2 reps of 20 each Standing jackknifes: 2 reps of 20 each pile squats: 2 reps of 20 each prison lunges: 2 reps of 20 each jumping jacks: 2 reps of 30 each bicycle crunches: 22 (not as many as i wanted kept getting charlie horses or pinched nerves) glute kick backs: 25 (per leg) plank: 90 seconds knee crunches: 2 reps of 20 each 6.18.13.pdf

Okay, here we go again. I'm in kind of a motivational slump right now, so I'm hoping this challenge will get me re-energized on my goals. So, up and down: 1. Pull-up: I'm going to do one. Soon? Also working on pistols, still. So, 3x a week bodyweight workouts will get me full points. I may also try grease-the-groove for the pull-ups, because I'm frustrated with the slowness of my progress so far. 3 STR, 1 STA 2. Upside Down: I really enjoyed my handstand goal a couple challenges ago, so I'm going to revisit it. I'm at the point that I can kick up into a wall handstand without too much terror, so getting stronger in that and also working on holding freestanding. 3 practices a week is full points. 2 DEX, 1 STA 3. Tracking all the ups and downs: I'm going to face the spreadsheet of doom and actually record calories, macros, weight, measurements, and whatever else I think of to track. Wolverine, this is all your fault, so you're going to have to listen to me whine about it. 2 WIS, 2 CHA 4. Up out of bed: I have got to stop hitting the snooze button. It's cutting into my morning routine, and it's dumb. This is boring, but hard. 2 CON, 2 WIS Unscored stuff I'm still doing: swimming 3x a week on non-bodyweight days, juggling, no more than 3 non-water drinks a week. Okay, let's do this thing!

Hi Everybody. I made this spreadsheet about a year ago. I put quite a bit of research into the math behind it, and I can guarantee you it's pretty accurate. I've just started dealing with google docs, so this isn't exactly the most pleasant-to-look-at spreadsheet, but I know that many of you will find it very, very useful. Please save a copy of this to your drive. Please do not override this version. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnGMZqWIG4MHdHVXOGhYNmlxRlNmenQtaFUtelFEdWc&usp=sharing What is it? Many people do not know how to calculate their calories burned throughout the day, and therefore cannot estimate what their calorie deficit is. This sheet will guide you and help you get close to that number. This is tailored for a general user. If you want something with specific activities on it, let me know and I will be happy to make a modified version. Instructions To track your calories burned, just fill in all the data in blue. Your calories will be calculated and displayed at the bottom of the page. Enter the time spent doing each activity during a day. So if you spent 30 minutes cooking dinner, 15 minutes getting ready in the morning, and 40 minutes organizing the top level of your bookshelf, then plug 1:25 into the "Standing" time. For the distance exercise items, enter the time you exercised and the distance you traveled. If you ran 3 kilometers in 25 minutes, then enter 3 kilometers and 0:30 into the time. The sheet will calculate the rest. I used the metric system for all the calculations. There is a conversion table on the right side if you need it. If this really bothers anyone, I might go and make pound-mile system. Additionally, I included two user-defined spots for other activities. You may use the MET table linked on the document to estimate what your activities are worth. These are completely optional. Questions? I am a mechanical engineer, and have spent many hours punching calorie numbers just for the hell of it. If anyone has any concerns to the accuracy of these calculations or how I came about them, I will be happy to break it down. Otherwise, I hope this helps!