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Hello fellow rebels! I was wondering if there was anyone in the SF Bay Area of California (I live in Redwood City) who would want to meet up with me at Edgewood Park and hike around some of the trails. I would like to make this a 3-4 time weeekly event. I work from 0700-1600 (7am to 4pm) M-F. If you are free, send me a PM though here or email me at docbarretta@gmail.com. Maybe if there are enough of us in the bay area, we can start a hiking club and visit various hiking sites around the bay, I know there have to be at least a few! Let me know! Let's make this happen! Later! Doc Barretta

Oi Scouts ! I really need to lose weight. When I stopped smoking, I gained around 12 Kilos / 26 lbs and I haven't been able to lose them again, yet. I really enjoy exercise, especially running, but the weight is slowing me down. Plus, I get asthma from gluten and yeast (and I get nasty irrational tantrums) so I should stop eating it anyway. It was my New Year's resolution to lose weight, but it didn't really happen (sad evil laugh). So I'm a bit pressed for time. I managed to lose lots of inches by exercising a lot and eating clean, which is nice, but I never got around actually reducing my caloric intake all that much. So this challenge I'm really focusing on losing weight. I've been eating lo-carb paleo for a couple of weeks now and it's working really well. I would like to lose around 5 Kilos until Christmas - preferably more - which would put me under 70 again, and to fit into a US size 2 jeans (now: US size 6). My long term weight goal is something around 62kg / 135 lbs - the same I was all my adult life basically. So I'm doing low-carb (ideally under 50g/day) paleo. If I can't do the carbs threshold, I will try and at least keep the calories under 1850kcals/day. To help me avoid bingeing I'll set a kitchen curfew at 7pm. My stats today are: 74.5kg / 163 lbs waistline: 74cm tummy: 76.5cm I'm doing a daily battle log which is here. I realize this is a bit boring - only one goal and it's not even directly related to running! - but I promise I'll do my share of funny wild English countryside trail races, and I will finally, finally sign up for gig rowing next week when I get my pocket money. I might even do the Bath Hilly Half although this one's really tough! If I succeed with my weight loss goal I'll fulfil myself my secret dream and sign up for a gymnastics course at the local gym.

This weekend I ran what my wife and I call our Anniversary race, because its the first race we ever ran, the Hill Country Trail Race. This is the 3rd year I've run this race, second time doing the 15K (I was the race photographer last year). My previous 15K PR was at this race with a 1:38:03, Saturday I did it in 1:18:09 ... so almost 30 minutes faster! I did a happy dance afterwards!

I made a decision yesterday before the No Meat Athlete signing in Austin - something I'd been kicking around for a couple of weeks. I am going to run a marathon on my 26.2ndth birthday (approximately June 7, 2015). Part of the No Meat Athlete talk was about setting crazy goals, and for me, a marathon is batcrap crazy. It was good to hear Matt reinforce the idea of doing something crazy. Now, I am NOT built for running. I was a swimmer in high school, so my shoulders are as wide or wider than my hips. Only this year was I even able to run for 20 minutes without stopping (I ran a mile once before. very slowly. on a treadmill.). Matt of NMA said he's not built for running either, and he completed a 100 mile ultramarathon this year, so I found that inspiring. Anyway, the first thing I'm going to do is train for a trail run 5k. Scheduled for January 18, 2014. I'll be starting the "first 5k" program from the No Meat Athlete book tomorrow. Goal the first: Keep to the training plan! (+4 STA, +2 DEX) Run-run-run, like a good little one. It'll be a run/walk program, which I should be able to handle easily - I've done it before! Goal the second: Stay within calorie goals, 6 out of 7 days/week. (+3 CON) I use MyPlate to track my calories, and when sedentary can eat about 1500 calories, which, if I eat the right foods, actually can be sating. I'll account for exercise calories too, so I don't end up eating too little. (The reason I went 6/7 days is because I like to binge occasionally and I find my metabolism benefits from getting overwhelmed.) Goal the third: Strength train 3 times a week. (+3 STR) This isn't actually part of the running training plan but I want to break 100 lbs in each lift this year. That shouldn't be enough gains to affect the running too much and might even help the running! Life goal: Spend 30 minutes working on old knitting projects every day. (+3 WIS) I got a lot of 'em and would really like to have less of 'em.

Main Quest I will be a primal ultra trail runner. There is no try, During the end of the last challenge I read the Primal Blueprint and really agree with most of the book. I have been eating primally/paleo for about 9 nine weeks now and continue to do that. I love slow running on the trails and want to keep pushing to see how far I can run on them. Last challenge I ran 40k on the trails and have signed up for a trail race on November 2 for 50k (31 miles) with an elevation change of 5000 feet. During this challenge I have a 5 mile night trail race Oct 12 and a 5k road race Oct 13. Missions 1) Primal Blueprint Law 3: Move frequently at a slow pace Do 16000 endurance METs during the challenge. Last challenge I got up to 6:45 running time in one week. Since I want to broaden my endurance workouts, I have moved to METs for this goal to target an approximate 6 hours of running but allow biking and walking too. This means a target of 2500 METS for five weeks and 1000 METs for one rest week. I will use the following METs/minute converions (running: 8, biking: 5, lawn mower: 5, walking: 4, raking: 2). STA +5 2) Primal Blueprint Law 4: Lift heavy things Do 5 strength training workouts during the challenge. My strength training has taken a dip as I tried to get more focused on running. Need to refocus on that some to make a solid base before I do lots of strength training in the winter. STR +3 3) Primal Blueprint Law 5: Sprint Once In A While Do 5 sprinting workouts during the challenge. Even though I love to run slow, I need to push my limits more often. DEX +3 Side Quest Primal Blueprint Law 2: Avoid Poisonous Things Track all primal diet deviations. Last challenge I wanted to avoid deviations. This challenge I want to allow myself some deviations, but I know that can be a slippery slope so I will track all the deviations so they don't get out of hand. +3 CON Life Quest Primal Blueprint Law 10: Use Your Brain Make a TODO list every work day. My work is going to just get more hectic as our 2 year project approaches its deadline and my never ending pile of work always has new items added and priorities changing and I need to stay on top of that to make sure I am working on most important things. +1 WIS Starting Stats LVL: 10, STR: 10.5, DEX: 12, STA: 20, CON: 4.5, WIS: 7.5, CHA: 6.25 Motivational Quote Do or do not. There is no try.

My last challenge took me on "The Road". It was a long road and I didn't maintain proper focus. I didn't keep up my gym work. I didn't watch my diet close enough. I slipped on the maintenance, and my wagon broke down beyond repair. But, I did increase my running. (When there is no wagon left, you have to run.) Well, my running lead me to this town. It's a picturesque area where I thought I'd stay for a bit in an effort to earn some coin & get my body back on track. However, it's filled with some curious characters, so this could prove to be an interesting 6 weeks... ** --posted the backstory for this narrative below. Goals for my stay in Shadytown. fitGoal1 - Run a 5k at 7 min/mile pace. My running has been increasing which is good. But, it has lacked a bit of focus on getting faster. In the long run, I'd like to get myself to 10 miles at 7 min/mile pace. Ah, shit. You might as well stretch that out to 13.1 miles at 7min/mile pace. But, you have to start somewhere. So, for this challenge 5k at 7 min/mile pace. +2 STA, +1 DEX, +1 CON fitGoal2 - Bodywork (not cardio) at least 4 times/week. Most of the time this should be gym work. However, a good body-weight routine will count, as well. Has to be a good routine - doing a few sets of something doesn't count. Like I said above, I lost a bit of focus on this last challenge & need to re-dedicate myself to it.* +2 STR, +1 CON fitGoal3 - 4 consecutive sets of 10 pullups with up to 2 mins rest between each set. Hangover from last challenge. I completely lost track of this last challenge (*see gym work notes), and desperately want to be better at pullups. So, here we go. +2 STR fitGoal4 - Get to 18% BodyFat on the BMI Calculator. This is (kind of) a side goal spurred on by the Minus the Armor Warriors Invitational. +1 CON, +2 CHA Starting stats: MeasurementsWeight: 165.6Height: 5'9"Waist(at narrowest for female, at navel for male): 35Hip(at widest): 36Wrist: 6.8Forearm(at widest): 10.5Neck(at narrowest): 15.35StatsBMI Body Fat: 22.49%Navy Body Fat: 26%Fat Mass: 43 lbs - from the Navy CalculatorLean Mass: 122 lbs - from the Navy Calculator lifeGoal - Head down the path of becoming a Productivity Ninja. +2 WIS, +1 CHA For too long, I have not liked the direction my productivity has been going. So, over the next 6 weeks I am going to take the following steps to become a Productivity Ninja: Keep a Zero Message Inbox during the work-week. Clear off my desk everyday before leaving work. Procure and maintain a proper filing system for home office area. Maintain and actively utilize my To Do list software. (I use OmniFocus)Additionally, I'm going to seriously consider the use of "Self Control" to limit my social media visits during the workday. I'll keep a daily spreadsheet to keep track of those goals. *I seriously considered joining a Crossfit Box. But, I really don't think I'd get the benefit out of it this summer. During the summer, I have my children with me every other week (rather than every other weekend (blech!) during the school year). The CF I'd like to join is close to where I work, 45 mins from where I live. My current gym is a Gold's. I can workout either down the street from work, or at another Gold's not far from where I live. CF boxes don't have the same kind of reciprocation rules. So, the weeks I have the kids (and may be working from home more), I'd not be able to religiously attend CF the way I'd like to. And, to pay an additional $120/mo over what I am paying now for the gym, and not be able to go religiously - seems silly. ** First time that I am really considering keeping a bit of a narrative through my challenge. We'll see how it goes. (But, I think I have a couple of fun ideas...) --Edited to include To Do List Goal & Lame Narrative back story link.

Well, this is my 2nd challenge. My first one I started a week late, so I dubbed it the "Better Late Than Never Challenge." Since it's been almost a year, I figure it's only appropriate to stick with the name. About me: Check out my previous challenge to learn more. In brief I run, I do some strength training, I drink a shit-load of green tea, I'm modified Paleo, practice Long Form Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan & meditate. My intermittent work schedule is demanding and I've found it very difficult to keep up my goals when employed. Let's get to the F-ing Challenge: Right off the bat, I know the format, but let's get one thing straight. STOP WASTING TIME - I'm specifically resisting the urge not to wax on and burn a bunch of time here on this forum. I'm all about communicating, supporting each other and being accountable, but these goals are meant to move me forward, and help me engage life more fully, not sit at a computer screen all day. This is a huge challenge for me. How to make this challenge SMART? I have to limit computer time, focus on the job at hand and make an effort to seek out alternate healthy, stimulating activities. Again I don't want to think about this too much. There in lies part of the trap. I'm not going to invest in software that will lock me out of my browser while I'm working, or get ridiculous developing GTD systems, because I know that can get me in just as much trouble as the problem itself. My gut tells me to man-up with this one and take it head on. So it's simple, if I see myself spinning, I apply mindfulness practice to it, recognize it and move forward. How that will play out? Stay tuned. My challenge if anything, is to really start to bring this habit to the surface, stop letting it run on autopilot in the background and allow the conscious mind to process it. Like in a moment of anger, one can take a deep breath, recognize the anger, allows oneself to feel it, observe it, and somehow that process can neutralize it and move one forward. With all that said, I give myself 20 more minutes to finish this post. RUN 3-4 days/wk: I trained the shit out of the 2012 Bulldog 25K for my last challenge, then in th month leading up I got a job, started to lose the plot a bit with my training and ultimately threw my back out the worst I ever have, to the point I was sent home from work because I think I was scaring people. After an 8 month work stretch my running went from 16 runs a month at the peak to lucky if I got in a run on the weekend. I want to find a way to keep running at least 3-4 times a week. Sometimes that means modifying what I had in mind. It also means having some goal races or activities. Currently I have a running group I can join on the weekends, a half marathon trail race coming up next week and finally the 2013 BD25K in Aug. Keeping my schedule filled with milestones like this and continuing to record my metrics, I will find a way. STRENGTH TRAIN 2-3 sessions/wk: Do some kind of strength training twice a week. I work out with a trainer friend of mine, who actually introduced me to the whole NF thing, and we usually meet once a week. In addition I got crazy and decided I wanted to do one of those 200 Pushup Apps. So I'm into my 2nd week already. I'm guessing it's going to take me longer than 6 weeks, probably closer to 8-10, as I'm finding I need a little longer rest in between days and if I don't make the count for the day, I do it over again my next workout day until I do get it. Usually do this on my off day from running. MEDITATE: I'm revisiting this challenge from a new perspective. Originally it was about doing a sitting meditation once per day. What I have come to realize is that in addition to sitting, my Tai Chi practice and running are both very real meditation practices for me. And though one can argue, mindfully anything can be meditation, I feel comfortable making it a goal to do something meditative every day, be that sit, practice my forms or run. I'm good with that. Tai Chi usually ends up being on the days I don't run or strength train, OR when I have a group class (Mon, Tues, Thurs or Sat), which my current schedule allows, but weekday classes haven't played out well when I'm working full time. Anything's possible though. Finally, and this was a big deal in my last challenge, work has loomed over me like a specter for quite a few years; either I'm unemployed and need to find work, or I'm employed, unhappy, overworked and unfulfilled. I won't call it a goal, but an all encompassing theme here is to engage my goals while still maintaining my work commitments— find that balance. I don't know how I will do that, but I'm setting that intention. Currently I'm between jobs, recovering a bit, but need to remain proactive. As I move forward I don't want to let living be supplanted by working. I want to create harmony between work, play and family. Kick ass with all your goals everybody. I'll be checking in! Will allocate points to each goal if time allows. Not my priority, but the RPG thing is kinda fun. Also hope to cross-guild a few challenges, maybe visits some Druids, Warriors or something.

Starting last week I have begun getting into trail running. I live in central PA so there are fantastic trails with gorgeous scenery all over the place to run on. My friend Sam who knows a lot of the trail networks by heart has been taking me out and showing me all kinds of awesome runs. At first I didn't quite like it, mostly because I my strength is much higher than my running endurance, but even within the last three runs we have done I have noticed a slight increase in endurance. I have never been big on running previous to now, but I think trail running has stolen my heart. It's seriously a double perk for me because I get to be out in the woods while working out. It can't get much better than that. I frickin love it! Does anyone else here trail run? If so, where? (btw, my running shoes are really better suited for urban style running I think because they lack much traction for the trails and they're also wearing out. Any suggestions on good trail running shoes to invest in?)

I've been running off-and-on for about a year now and was considering throwing in some trail running (maybe even as part of my 6-week challenge on the forum). I'm also contemplating investing in some minimalist-trail running shoes for this. I have two questions that I could use some input on: First is whether I should go to an actual sports/running store when shopping for said shoes, or just do my own online research and try to figure out the proper shoes I need. Are there brands you recommend I check into? I bought my current running shoes without assistance, and they've worked great for me, but I also know that there are certain aspects of my stride that a running store might be able to fit me for. My second question regards the conditions of the trail. It has been raining here a lot this past month (as it is today), so I imagine the trails will be quite muddy and soft tomorrow afternoon. Should I be trail running when it is really muddy? I imagine this variable would make a difference, which is why I thought to ask. Thanks in advance for the advice.

I want to try trail running. I like hiking through the woods and I like running so I figure why not do both at once. Any suggestions on shoes and other gear (carrying water, snacks)?

Oh hey Rebellion, I have been reading NerdFitness for a little bit of time now, and I have loved it! I actually have loved it so much that I have decided to just join the community and see what happens. Just as a quick intro, I'm a nerd who is graduating from my master's program like, in three weeks. I have a pretty decent workout routine and I am starting P90X for the third time, hopefully the second time I actually finish it I am looking into getting into trail running and I have a feeling the rebellion will have some tips for me. I would like to be able to continue to do strength training as I prep for trail running. Any tips on trail running prep? I figure this is a good starting place to get such advice Thanks guys, cannot wait to get more involved with the community. Eric Pete!