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I'm coming over to the druids for this challenge since it's mostly about self refection and improvement. I have lost my muchness and I need to find it again. EAT ME, DRINK ME Maintain Calories in the Green Zone tracking with MyFitnessPal and my FitBit I cannot outrun my fork. I cannot get healthy by over OR under eating. I need to eat the proper amount to fuel my body. I will also try to limit my fast food and junk food by eating at least 1 homecooked meal a day. Slimfast shakes for lunch at work will help me feel full and satisfy my sweet tooth. Eat a minimum of 1 veggie a day, preferably with dinner. Need to get better about eating my veggies. Will work to include at least 1 portion of veggies at 1 meal a day. Start small, and achievable. FOLLOW THE WHITE RABBIT “My dear, here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place. And if you wish to go anywhere you must run twice as fast as that.” Complete NF Beginner Bodyweight Workout Lvl 1 3x/Week. Try to Lvl up to Lvl 2 by the end of the challenge, but this is not required to pass. I rocked out this workout last challenge and I hope to continue the momentum. The scale and clothes don't lie! My knees have been giving me a lot of problems, so I have forgone the Bodyweight Workouts this challenge. Do FUN activity thrice a week This can be yoga, walking, darebee apocalypse, hula hoop, jumping rope, wrestling with the boys, etc. Whatever is fun and gets me moving! Even extreme cleaning can count! Walk An Average of 5 Miles a Day (35 per week) Gotta walk to Mordor! REGAINING MY MUCHNESS “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." "I don't much care where –" "Then it doesn't matter which way you go.” Organize 1 Bin of Unused Items Every Week To Donate To Charity I have a house filled with extra knick nacks and clothes and stuff that I do not use and do not need. It is wasted extra that need to be donated to others who may use it. I will focus on deep cleaning/organizing one area of the house every week and in the process collect at least one box (generally going to use the big pampers diaper box) of goodies I don't use/need to donate to a local charity. Meditate with my Mantra Daily Over the last challenge I worked on a mantra for myself that I could memorize and practice daily to keep me mindful of what I want to be and do. While I wont list the actual mantra here for personal reasons, I have memorized it and will practice in daily in my sacred altar space as I meditate on the energy I wish to manifest in myself. No excuses, no skipping. Work to figure out which way I want to go.

NEW CHALLENGE!!! Last month, I stretched, I cleaned out my closet, stretched daily, took care of my feet, drank more water and defeated a really hard art deadline. During February, I also started doing body weight exercises consistently, and the results from that and the challenge were great. It feels really good to celebrate non-scale victories. It became clear to me that in 2015, I focused too much on restrictions, and becoming smaller. But my world became small, and I found that I felt smaller on the inside while my waistline became bigger. So I put away the scale, and I put away the measuring tape, and I took away all the restrictions and all the judgments. Well, most of the judgments. That's a daily battle. So for this challenge, I'm adding MORE in addition to maintaining the good habits I started last month.. 1. MORE vegetables On a mindful day, I eat 3 servings of veggies and 2 servings of fruit. But I'm not always so mindful, and there are days when I eat okay, but I didn't eat any vegetables! So my goal is to eat more vegetables. It doesn't matter how many. Just more. 1 serving, 2 servings, 6 servings. The goal is to make vegetables a habit. 2. MORE cardio ! I have a really nice schedule of bodyweight and dumb bell exercises going on. However, I have really been awesome at making excuses not to do more cardio. It's cold, I'm tired, I'm hungry, I'm sore, I'm bored. Whatever. I'm going to say 20 minutes of sweaty cardio a day. MORE is awesome! But at least 20 minutes to start. 3. MORE mindfulness and balance. There's a lot I want to accomplish, and I tend to be a completist. So if I start a knitting project, everything else stops until the knitting is done. If I read a book, I stay up until 3am finishing it (actually, sometimes that's just fun) if I have an art project, I just draw 10 hours a day. If I'm cleaning the house, I will spend the whole day until I'm too tired to pick up a bucket. So instead, I'm going to take some time in the morning, plan my day, and then stick to that plan. So maybe in the morning it's clean, workout, emails, and the afternoon is work, cook dinner, and the evenings are read or knit. No more all or nothing. No more obsessive binging on an activity. Balance, mindfulness, and MORE fun too! This is a pretty BIG challenge that may keep popping up, but it's okay. I'm working towards a healthy lifestyle. Side Quest: Art exploration. In the last challenge, I expressed frustration with my art, and felt like my work wasn't authentic. Not that I'm copying other people's work, but in the sense that it's not true to me. It doesn't reflect me as an artist. I've lost my way, and I've lost my voice. This month, I'm going on a non-judgmental art exploration to rediscover what I love and reconnect with my art.

I just started here, and am going on my first epic quest! I cribbed it from the Sample Level 1 Revel Challenge. I'll build on that: Main Goal: Live longer by being healthier. Motivation: a have a 3-year-old, and that girl can outrun me. Baby steps: Diet Eat a vegetable with one meal every day Substitute one sugary coffee drink per day for black coffee or tea. Fitness Participate an active social game, like frisbee or kickball, at least once a week (preferably with your family or friends who are also trying to get started!) Level Up Your Life Notorious for being late? Start with making Mondays special - on Mondays you are never late for anything. Floss at least 15 seconds each day

Another simple challenge for me, because straight forward seems to be the name of the game for these 4 week challenges. I realized this weekend I tend to view things in a manner of "I need to do at least X" to feel accomplished. More is good. But I have a set level of things I like to do in order to feel accomplished. So I figured, why not make a challenge of At Least Accomplishing things? If nothing else, it lets me do a small word pun. 1) At Least... One new veggie a week I'm pretty boring with my veggies. Typically some broccoli or cauliflower or asparagus for the green/fiberous veggie, and then a sweet potato or a squash for the more starchy one. I should branch out a bit more, especially since I do like cooking. So one new thing when I go to the grocery store each week. Veggie suggestions welcome. 2) At Least... One non-aikido workout a week Yea, this will likely be a lifting workout, and therefore is an extension of the last challenge. But I'm also a bit gimpy right now, so I figure demanding a lift session a week pigeon holds me a bit too much. This at least allows me to do some rucks, yoga, or BW work. This was going to be a work out at least 6 days a week challenge, but then I realized I don't want to go crazy. Er. Crazier. 3) At Least... One aikido post per week Okay, I kind of need to get this one approved first, but... I'm a co-admin on the dojo's Facebook page. One thing that page needs is some more lift, particularly emphasizing things that are more central to our dojo. A lot of the other dojo pages I follow post semi-regularly, and I want to try and do that to see if it helps improve the page and/or nets us new students. I need to talk to the senior instructors tonight about it, but assuming that they've liked my Facebook prowess in the past, then this should be all set. 4) At least... Finish reading two books So I have two self-help/philosophy books I'm in the middle of right now. One is Level Up Your Life. The other is Walking the Way. Both I have been enjoying greatly, but I'd like to finish reading them both by the end of the challenge. So this also is the first challenge I've had in a while where self-care is not explicitly a goal. People are more than welcome to run in and double check that I'm still doing that too. Yesterday was a bit rough, but I managed to survive, so small reminders to calm the fuck down are welcome. In the mean time, expect the same rambling thoughts and processes that normally pop up during my challenges.

Last challenge, I moved from Tokyo to Edinburgh and I actually handled it pretty well overall, all things considered. This time, I'm going to shift a few of my goals around a bit because I noticed there are some things I'd like to do that I slacked on (like running) and some other things that I've been tracking that I've done pretty well and consistently without really trying so I think they're habits by now (like getting outside and walking for a bit every day). I'm also thinking I could use to get into a bit better shape and since things are in the process of settling down, I can work on that a bit more. Main Quest: Trim my waistline I don't own a scale and probably won't for a bit, but a measuring tape will measure progress here. It's been a while since I've measured so I don't know where I am right now, but I think getting down to 70 cm eventually would be good (I've been there before and I'm pretty sure I'm not there now). I'll be measuring my waist at the start of the challenge, midway through and at the end. This one will be pass/fail based on Δw = wf - wi (where wf is my final waistline measurement, wi is the initial and Δw is the change) is negative, then I pass and if not then I fail. Measurement: Pass = Δw is negative, Fail = Δw is greater or equal to 0 Statistics: +2 CHA Quest 1: Yoga I've been doing okay with doing yoga regularly, but a lot of the time I don't do it very long or don't work especially hard at it. This time, I would like to do at least four yoga sessions a week (the final week will be three) that are at least 15 minutes long for a total of 15 sessions over the challenge. I'll also aim for yoga routines that require me to work a bit harder. Measurement: A = 12+ yoga sessions, B = 9-11 yoga sessions, C = 6-10 yoga sessions Statistics: +2 CON, +2 STR Quest 2: Running In previous challenges, I was tracking my walks too, but I'm being pretty good about getting out and walking most days so I think I can go a challenge without tracking them. Instead, I will focus on running. I intend to run three days a week (two in the final week). I'm going to aim for 5 km each time, but since I've been slacking on running for the last month, I'll take it easier when necessary until I'm back into it. Measurement: A = 9+ runs, B = 7-8 runs, C = 4-6 runs Statistics: +2 STA, +2 DEX Quest 3a: Food I will aim for five servings of fruit or veggies a day. It's possible I'm already doing this, but I'm not keeping track so I don't really know. I'll be borrowing whitewineandcathair's system from last challenge and making a little (hopefully) rainbow chart to keep track because that seemed like a fun system. Measurement: A = 104+ fruits and veggies, B = 78-103 fruits and veggies, C = 52-77 fruits and veggies Statistics: +1 WIS, +1 CON Quest 3b: Drink I'm going to track my booze intake and try to keep that to one a day or seven alcoholic drinks a week. This is possibly going to be a bit harder since I tend to not really pay attention to how much I'm drinking and I think that booze is delicious. I'll add a bit of wiggle room here, allowing myself to go over by as much as 20% (or 31 drinks over the course of the challenge instead of 26) before I start being penalized. Measurement: A = 31 or fewer drinks, B = 32-36 drinks, C = 37-42 drinks, Fail = 43+ drinks Statistics: +1 WIS, +1 CON Life Quest: Work Finally, I need to find a job. I'll put in at least one application a week and I'll be hoping that employers around here are happy with emails instead of phone calls since I don't have a phone yet. I'll also try to find a bit of tutoring work to tide me over until I find a full time job. Measurement: A = 4+ job applications, B = 2-3 job applications, C = 1 job application Statistics: +1 WIS Total potential statistics gain: +2 STR, +2 DEX, +2 STA, +4 CON, +3 WIS, +2 CHA

Hello everyone!! Last challenge I came back from a little break and rocked it the first three weeks. Then I got a cold. A big, bad cold, which tried to throw me off my path with bone-rattling cough-attacks and and make me lose my breath by stuffing my raspiratory system with evil, clingy balls of snot. But, no more!!! I'm recovering, gaining back my strength and will continue on the path I have chosen, no matter what kind of bacteria and viruses nature throws at me. Mwaahahahaha!!! ... sorry... got a bit distracted there. Anyways, the thing is, last challenge went great and I think I will continue doing what I've been doing. I've tweaked my goals just a little bit, but all in all, I'll just keep swimming. Here's what I'm up to: Goals and motivation I want to get fit and healthy and strong. Not necessarily in that order. But I'm on a quest to become a better me and part of that is sorting out my diet, using my body in other ways than sitting in front of the computer and getting my life in order. One of my long(ish)-term goals is to finally be able to do a real push-up (I'm at 4-5 knee push-ups right now), another is to find a (second) job. I also want to fit into some clothes I bought back then. I want to be able to run again without getting knee pain and/or out of breath too easily. I want to have the energy to do the things I love and the money to afford them. So, without further ado, here's my challenge No. 5 Quest 1: healthy dieting habits I've made a habit of drinking enough water/tea and avoiding refined sugar and white flour. I won't track the latter anymore (got that down), but I'll try to improve the drinking even more. Last challenge I added "more veggies" to the list, which I'll continue this time. I have noticed that on some days I eat only musli and sandwiches (whole-grain, but still) so this challenge I'll try to eat at least one "proper" meal everyday. Proper means: I cooked it (not necessarily on the same day) and it is not a simple thing like fruit salad, porridge, a sandwich or something like that. Just a regular meal like my mom would have put on the dinner table. drink at least 2,5l of water or tea every day (+1 bonus point for every extra 2,5l/week, -1 bonus points for every day I drink less)have one "proper" meal each day (+1 bonus point for every extra meal, -1 bonus point for every day I forget)eat more (cups of) vegetables than the week before (+1 bonus point for every 2 extra cups/week, -2 bonus point for each week I fail)eat some sort of veggies with two meals every day (snacking counts as a meal) (+1 bonus point if I eat veggies with every meal, +1 bonus point for each day I forget) Quest 2: get moving, get strong I do enjoy physical activity, just not all kinds. Last challenge I got very far by aiming for 3 sessions of some sort of sports (running, swimming, rowing, badminton, workout, whatever), depending on what I feel like. I will continue playing badminton once a week and will try to get back into running (my knees have been acting up the last time I tried, so I'll take it slow). I will also try to get in bodyweight workouts regularly. I will track my progress in a seperate spreadsheet. Yoga didn't go too well last challenge but I know it's something I enjoy once I get into it, so I'll aim to do some sort of practice every day. And I finally want to reach that "one real, proper push-up" goal, so I'll try myself at knee and/or incline push-ups everyday. I like the idea of doing AMRAP, so I see where that'll lead. I don't know yet if that's too much, so I'll adjust accordingly. do some sort of fitness activity 3 times a week (+1 bonus point for every extra session, -1 bonus for every one I forget)do at least 15 minutes of yoga every day (+1 bonus point for every extra hour, -1 bonus point for every day I forget)do knee/incline push-ups every day and track how many reps I can do (+2 bonus points for each week with consecutive better reps, -1 bonus point every day I forget) Quest 3: getting my life sorted out There's a lot (read: A LOT) of stuff I could put on here, but I'm going to focus on the things I want and need to do the most. Top of the list is getting a job. I currently work 2 days a week and while that pays the bill as long as nothing unforseen happens, it's really not a reliable option for the future. I've finally, after a lot of struggling, started sending out applications last challenge and I'll continue with that in the current one. I will also continue reading up background information for my current job and doing office work for my father's business (whenever there is things to do... I might have to adjust the target there). And since I continue to put some of my money into singing lessons, I will make the most of them by practicing in addition to the weekly lessons. send out 2 applications every week (+2 bonus points for every additional application, -3 bonus points every week I send less)take time for singing 4 times a week (this includes lessons) (+1 bonus point if all of these are at least 40 minutes, -1 bonus point if I do less than 4 times)read for work longer than the week before, measured in minutes (+1 bonus point for every extra hour, -1 bonus point if I do less than last week)do office work for 6 (?) hours every week (no bonus points here, since this depends so much on the workload)kitchen counter zero every night before going to sleep (+1 bonus point if I do this perfectly for a whole week, -0,5 bonus points if I do it first thing the next morning, -1 bonus point for every day I don't do it at all) Okay, now to the thing we all know you've been waiting for: my new and fancy pretty purple spreadsheet!!!! *sparkles* (now with automated progress percentages, automated ratings, automated gradings and automated color coding) Phew!! There's still the whole "making my home comfortable" business, so I have another huge printed spreadsheet on the wall next to my computer with all the household chores. No grading here, I just want to check off when I do something to get a feel for how often I do stuff and eventually figure out how often I should do stuff. I've neglecting this a little bit, so I'll try to get to it daily. As well as my financing spreadsheet where I write down what I spend. I'll also try to follow the 52 weeks home organising challenge as loosely or closely as my timetable allows. Aaaand I'll update a list of one-time things that I want to do during the next 4 weeks. Like my taxes. Or throwing a birthday party. So, there's lots to do, but last challenge showed me that I'm well up for it, if I set my mind to it. Which I have! I'm pumped, I'm on point, I'll rock this, I'll... Have a successfull challenge, everyone

Over the course of this challenge, I will power myself up from typical woman msblt82, to super-powered awesome Sailor Neptune! At then end of my challenge, assuming I succeed, I will change my forums name from msblt82 to something cool aND Sailor Neptune-y NEPTUNE PLANET POWER! 1. Eat a veggie with lunch & dinner every day: +1 Str +1 Wis *Week one: 100% *Week two: 100% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100% DEEP SUBMERGE! 2. No soda after work: +2 Con +1 Wis *Week one: 100% *Week two: 100% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100% NEPTUNE CRYSTAL POWER! 3. Exercise three times a week: +2 Sta +2 Con +2 Dex *Week one: 33% (got sick) *Week two: 100% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100% SUBMARINE REFLECTION! 4. At least 60 mins non screen relaxation (book, board game, card game, social time, etc) a day: +2 Wis +2 Cha *Week one: 75% (got sick, unless sleep counts as non-screen time ) *Week two: 100% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100%

Hey everyone I am jumping in at the end of this challenge and will continue with it in next months challenge. So here we go. Fitness quest- get back into a workout habit, hitting the gym or yoga class 3-4 times a week. Diet quest- Super smoothie everyday Lifestyle quest- Miracle morning routine everyday

Decided to try another challenge. I'm sorta borrowing from the suggested level 1 challenges (2 diet, 1 fitness, 1 level up your life). 1. Eat a veggie with dinner every day +1 Str +1 Wis *Week one: 100% *Week two: 100% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100% 2. Replace after work soda with water or green tea +2 Con +1 Wis *Week one: 100% *Week two: 100% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100% 3. Take a walk or use my gazelle twice a week (giving myself an indoor option cause... WI in the winter, lol) +2 Sta +2 Con +2 Dex *Week one: 100% *Week two: 50% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100% 4. Read at least 30 minutes a day (a "real book" not online - goal to help with cutting down on screen time) +2 Wis +2 Cha *Week one: 100% *Week two: 100% *Week three: 100% *Week four: 100% I will try to update this thread daily, but I will not beat myself up if I do not. That was actually how I failed the last challenge that I tried. I got upset that I didn't take the time to post more, decided I was failing, and just quit.

My last challenge ended in a bad case of mono. Still recovering, little things are now becoming big achievements!! Like being able to do the dishes with out getting dizzy or having to sit down, driving with out neck pain and being able to work a full 8hr day!!! needless to say I'll be keeping this challenge low key. Mostly focusing on my eating while slowly incorporating in more physical stuff when I'm up for it. 1- Take pictures of my meals so i know what I'm eating. Don't eat anything unless there is a photo of it. I have a tendency to snack on unhealthy foods, mostly because its easier to eat crackers and candy than it is to make a salad. 2- Do something crafty once a week. I've got several projects in the que: building a fairy garden in a small green house (5hrs), finishing a friends baby quilt(15hrs) and finishing Christmas decorations/presents (1hr). 3- Be more social- not sure what to put here, will fill it out later.

I dislike vegetables. Since learning about nerd fitness I've tried kale and asparagus. Didn't like both. So i'm looking to try more vegetables and hopefully find one I like! So, what are your favourite vegetables and how do you cook them?

Finally, a Dresden Files-themed challenge for me! And centered around my all-time favorite female character: Karrin Murphy! For my 11th challenge, I will strive to Master Murphy's Methods! Main Quest To live a healthy and balanced life by exercising and trying to eat healthy. My motivation I've successfully dropped weight by counting calories so my diet will mostly be staying the same with 1200 calories per day M-F and then blow meals on the weekends. I've managed to put on some muscle in an effort to become stronger by weightlifting and I’ve discovered that I love lifting heavy things! I have a few goals in mind, but weightlifting is the primary one, so I’m back with the Warrior Guild again. Smaller Quests 1. Fool Moon = Read While Murphy is not aware of the supernatural as such in the second book in the Dresden Files, she is aware that there are things out there she cannot explain and should be afraid of. That does not stop her from doing all she can to stand up to the darkness. Later in the series, Harry brings her up to speed on the supernatural, which greatly helps with her arsenal of fighting bad guys. But when faced with the loup-garou, even with limited knowledge of this particular monster, she stands fast and fights. Think of what she could have done had she known about the monsters! So I am going to read more this challenge because reading is good and makes me happy. Besides, it would be a real Fool Moon the day I dislike reading! In an effort to continue with my wisdom stat, I will read at least 3 new books starting week #1 of the next challenge. And they’ll probably continue with me re-reading the Dresden Files! Scoring: /3 books Reward: +2 to WIS 2. Dead Beat = Housework Murphy is generally a no-nonsense individual (completely opposite of me in that regard!). And her attention to detail and cleanliness is no more apparent than when Harry visits her home: it is neat and tidy and ‘cute’. I’m a real Dead Beat when it comes to cleaning: I’m bad at it and I don’t like it because I generally think it’s a waste of time. However, it sometimes needs to happen. And if I can better keep on top of it weekly, then doing full-house cleans won’t be nearly so bad when the time comes. I will clean something in the house once a week. Preferably lasting 20 minutes or more too. Loading/emptying the dishwasher, laundry, cleaning off the table, do NOT count. Serious things like cleaning a bathroom, vacuuming or scrubbing the kitchen counters only. EDIT: I changed this to 'housework' to include doing things outside like weeding. Scoring: /6 Reward: +3 to STA 3. Proven Guilty = Veggies With as much physical exercise as Murphy gets, she likely has a balanced diet to match. I’ve been doing pretty well with cutting down on sweet treats during the week. (I could do better, but I’m doing well enough.) But it’s been Proven Guilty that I greatly lack vegetables in my diet. So for this challenge, I want to try something healthy food related, but a bit different. I do not like my veggies. I can count on one hand the vegetables I will eat, and people tell me 2 of those don’t even count (green beans, carrots, red beets, corn and potatoes). I count them because liking only 5 veggies is pretty bad. I don’t eat things like salads or even tomatoes and I find broccoli particularly nauseating! I will be trying to eat a decent vegetable at least twice a week. (This does not include corn or potatoes!) Maybe even trying new ones? Trying new things food-wise is also hard for me since I am a picky eater. (Hence why being a vegetarian would never work for me!) Scoring: /12 Reward: +3 to CON & +2 to CHA 4. Changes = Weightlifting Murphy is well known for being physically fit because she practices aikido at Dough Joe’s Gym regularly. So while she is short and a girl, that has never stopped her from kicking someone’s ass who deserved it. Not only is she a master at aikido, but she’s strong as well. I really enjoy weight lifting, both in an effort to actually become stronger and to tone my body, so I want to get back into lifting heavy things regularly at the gym again so I can see some real Changes. I also want to continue working towards that elusive first pull-up and weight lifting helps with that a lot (or so I’ve been told). I will be striving to use the assisted pull-up machine, along with doing other weight exercises which I enjoy, 2-3 times per week. Specific weights to improve upon: a. chest press machine: 60lbs → 80lbs b. squat sled/machine: 180lbs → 275lbs (sled at work) c. assisted pull-ups: 35lbs assist → 25lbs assist d. bar bell curl: 25lbs → 30lbs e. deadlift: 80lbs → 100lbs Scoring: /12 days Reward: +5 to STR (+1 for each completed)

If you pay any attention to my gif choices, you must have expected it. . . The Supernatural-themed challenge. I rewatch the episodes on Netflix all the time, and I always wonder how I would do as a hunter (in all probability, very poorly). But part of being a Rebel is learning to overcome fear and become antifragile, and there is nothing sturdier than the Winchesters. Of course, the best part of the show* is the music, so I chose four songs from the show (or tangentially mentioned - I guess Kripke couldn't get the rights to Led Zeppelin stuff) to represent my goals for this challenge. Ramble On – DEX 2, STA 3. One of dean’s favorite songs, and one of my goals. I love running, I love hiking and going for long walks. I just need to make sure these are a priority in my life. I’m not going to try for 10,0000 steps per day, but rather 50,000 per week. Running, walking, hiking, line dancing, whatever. Get moving. Ordinary biking will not count, but a dedicated bike trip that lasts long (say, at least an hour and a half?) will be included in “stepsâ€, converted with the LIVESTRONG method here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/187672-how-to-convert-exercise-bike-miles-to-steps/ . (This has been way too easy. So I am bumping the total up to 70,000/week, which is the recommended 10,000/day. I also need to run at least twice, because come on. Not sure about the numbers, but it will depend how far over my minimum I go, I guess.) Green Onions – CON 2. Moose gets big eating “shake it baby†salads and green smoothies! Loving my usual “eat greens every day†goal, but it’s too easy. So I will try to eat at least 3 servings of veggies per day, and track all foods using My Fitness Pal. Eye of the Tiger– STR 4. I would like to continue with both my BW practice and my dance practice, but scheduling time to do each 3+ times per week would leave me with no rest days. So this goal is an either/or instead of a both/and. I will “train†3 times per week – bodyweight and/or intense dancing. Intense dancing is defined as minimum 45 minutes, heart rate goes up, or difficult muscle work like floorwork, etc. Ideally, I want to do one pull up by the end of 2015, so bodyweight is going to help me with that a lot. (Edited end of week 2: to make sure I do more BW, I top out at 70% unless I do at least two BW.) (I swear this isn't the only reason I watch this show) Got My Wings – WIS 2, CHA 2. While the show itself is pretty agnostic in tone (which is quite a feat, considering the demons, angels, etc that people the whole thing), spiritual themes are central to the show, and none more so than redemption. If religious stuff bugs you, skip to the gif of Castiel speaking in iambic pentameter, just like an angel speaking English should. I'm the one who gripped you tight and raised you from perdition. Mmmm, prosody. I am Jewish, and living in a place bereft of other Jews, except for my husband. As I live through my first ever Passover without a Jewish community, I realize how much I miss it. I can't make a Jewish community spring up in Shikoku, but I can reconnect to the observances of Judaism that I have let fall by the wayside due to absence. As i have made stretching and meditation into part of my bedtime ritual most nights, I find myself longing for more - more of the outside, physical observances that radiate inwards (lighting Shabbat candles, singing some of the evening service, covering my head when attending to my spiritual needs) and the inside, mental observances that radiate outwards, especially prayer and study. I am going to be realistic, which is a mitzvah in itself, since living life doesn't, and shouldn't. grind to a halt for the spiritual life (Judaism doesn't really have an ascetic tradition, we're more communal and in-the-world). I intend to continue my evening stretching and meditation, and add the Sh'ma and the V'ahavta, as well as keep up with the Parshah weekly – read section, read at least one commentary/midrash. (Also start the morning with the Modah Ani) Luckily, I already have my "Team Impala" playlist on my iPod! Challenges for this challenge: I have family visiting from the 24th to May 4th. However, this is my dad and his partner, so I will probably end up getting more exercise during their visit. We're planning on lots of walking, etc, plus a bike ride across the big bridge and maybe climbing the tallest mountain in Western Japan (if it is open for climbing). And i should try to remember Mothers' Day. And Coming off of Passover sometimes leads me to donut-and-pastry binge a bit, but I'm hopeful that having to track it in MFP will stay my hand at least part of the time. *Yes, even better than the very pretty (and only occasionally shirtless) men kicking demon ass.

Main Quest - Drop 2 dress sizes. I don’t have a final date for this, because the most important part for me is to build healthy habits before focusing on weight loss. I can’t gauge how long it’ll take, so I’m happy to keep it as my ultimate goal while monitoring my progress along the way. Motivation: Because I want to make the effort to accomplish something meaningful for myself. Because I want to complete a project from start to finish. Because I want to feel better. Because I want fewer stomach-aches and headaches and colds and pains and sleepless nights. Because I want to discover my mental strength. Because I want to enjoy the clothes that I used to wear. Because I want to revel in the process of doing something hard and frustrating so that I can be grateful and persistent when I make it. Freggie Superstar Quest! I look at this part as having 6 mini-goals, one per week. Each week I’ll increase by 1 freggie per day until I’m at 6 freggies per day during week 6. I’ll allow myself one off-day per week. I can eat freggies raw, with dressing, cooked, in sauces, in smoothies, etc. My goal is to set up the habit of how I eat freggies each day so it becomes more natural. Week 1: 1 freggie per day (1 CON) Week 2: 2 freggies per day (1 CON) Week 3: 3 freggies per day (1 CON) Week 4: 4 freggies per day (1 CON) Week 5: 5 freggies per day (1 CON) Week 6: 6 freggies per day (1 CON) 1 Sweet Per Day Quest Eat no more than one serving of one sweet per day, whatever that might be. (1 CON, 2 WIS) If I want to be mindful about eating sweets, I need to have a way to track my progress and monitor myself. Originally I wasn't going to focus on sweets at all, but I've realized just how easy it is to snack a little here and there throughout the day. Sometimes I even forget that I've already had a treat. Once I've had a treat (be in hot chocolate, cookies, soda, candy, etc.) I'll simply add it to my spreadsheet and know that I'm done for the day. I made more progress during my last challenge than I'd realized, and I don't want that to go to waste by overdoing it on the sweets. Life Quests 1. Laundry every Friday. (2 CHA, 2 WIS) 2. 5 minutes of productive housework each weekday after work. (1.5 WIS, 2.5 CHA) I'm setting reminders for both of these in my phone and calendar and placing strategic sticky-notes. I already sort of do laundry on a weekly basis, but want to get in the very specific habit of doing it on Friday evenings. For housework, I just can't bring myself to be productive until my house requires intensive weekend cleaning once every few weeks. What if I just did 5 minutes of something productive every day as soon as I got home from work - like dishes, recycling, vacuuming, cleaning, sorting, etc. - so that I didn't have to save it all for a big job? I don't even have to finish what I'm doing. As soon as my 5 minutes are up (with the help of a timer), I'll put it away and keep going the next day. I know, this seems really simple. I want to see what it’s like just to focus on one attainable goal for food and one attainable goal for improved lifestyle. Because this is sort of how my brain works: In my first challenge of cutting out sweets and soda as well as adding in freggies I had three weeks of 100% success, then three weeks of about 60% success. I built some strong, healthy habits but began to feel the stress of life getting in the way. Based on recommendations from others I began reading more thoroughly about how to build habits and, more importantly, how to sustain them. One idea kept coming up throughout the articles and research: Start with incredibly small goals that you intend to keep for a lifetime, and begin building them up with small, purposeful steps. From there I began to think about which action from my first challenge was not only the most impactful, but the most sustainable. While cutting out sugar and soda was extremely beneficial to my health, energy, and overall well-being, I don’t intend to cut them out completely for the rest of my life. My main goal is to learn to enjoy treats mindfully, and cutting them out completely doesn’t allow me to do that. The more impactful action I took was adding freggies into my daily diet. I felt such immense change in my health, even when I wasn’t faithfully cutting out sweets. It was something I could do fairly easily and I found out which freggies were my favorite. Therefore I’ve decided to make this a freggie superstar challenge! Also, I need to improve my organizational habits, which are extremely difficult for me to maintain. I read something recently about ADHD and habits, and what stuck with me is that I don't need to set a date to finish a project, I just need to set a date to start it. Rather than making a goal to clean out the spare room or do all the dishes every night, I just need to commit to a small amount of time each day to do something productive, whether or not I finish. ................................................ Starting Measurements: Neck: 14.25 in. (+.25 from C1) Arms: 12.75 in. (-1.5 from C1) Chest: 37.5 in. (-1.5 from C1) Waist: 35 in. (-1.25 from C1) Belly Button: 38.5 in. (-2.5 from C1) Hips: 46 in. (-1 from C1) Thighs: 25.5 in. (-1 from C1) Calves: 15.5 in. (same as C1) Weight: 179 lb. (-6 from C1) Height: 5'8" (same as C1 ) ................................................ Week 1: Freggies 1 2 (off day) 3 4 5 6 7 Sweets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Housework 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Laundry 1 Week 2: Freggies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sweets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Housework 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Laundry 1 Week 3: Freggies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sweets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Housework 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Laundry 1 Week 4: Freggies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sweets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Housework 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Laundry 1 Week 5: Freggies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sweets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Housework 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Laundry 1 Week 6: Freggies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sweets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Housework 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Laundry 1

After 8 months and gaining 10 pounds, I'm back and ready to start my journey to health over. A series of old injuries flaring up, carpal tunnel surgery, recovery, and over work has taken me out of the game, with bad results. I'm the heaviest I've been, but I'm also more determined then every to make it better. I already made a respawn post with more details (here), but I'm already starting to make progress into getting healthier again and hopefully this challenge will help. Onto my goals! Goal 1: Go to the gym 3 times a week (with weeks starting Monday). Even if I can only get a 20 minute work out in, it's better than nothing. I do have a couple super busy weeks during this challenge, but I should be able to make this happen. Goal 2: Eat at least one salad a week. This may not seem like much, but I've been eating a lot of meals on the road and have been getting very few veggies in my system. Obviously, this is an issue. One salad a week is a small, but hopefully helpful, way to start making that a habit again. I plan on eating many more than 6 salads over the course of this challenge, but I want to start with goals that I can definitely achieve. Goal 3: Eat a protein-based breakfast every day. I'm already pretty good at eating breakfast, but sometimes it's cereal or the dreaded McDonald's drive-through. In between eggs and protein shakes (both of which I enjoy), I should be able to make this happen. I just got two blender bottles so that on my super busy mornings, all I have to do is through it all in a bottle and go. Not a part of the challenge, but as part of my respawn is also doing 50 squats a day during the month of January and 1 minute of planking a day during February. So far I've been about 50/50 with this, but the only days I've missed have also been gym days, so I'm not beating myself up about it. There you go! I already accomplished all three of these goals today, so I'm off to a good start and hopefully will keep my momentum up.

Hello! I'm a mum to two little ones- a toddler and an almost 1 year old! It's too soon to completely lose all of the baby weight (at least 20 more lbs!) by the end of the challenge, but I want to get a boost of motivation. My topic is kind of a joke...but really....I don't want Baby Big Boy to turn 2 (in 2016) and for me to still have some of the baby weight! I have been working out for about two months or so, but want to be more consistent- and I need to work on being more active throughout the day. And then there's that major sweet tooth! I cook pretty healthily (if i may say so...!) but my downfall is portion sizes and a mad urge for sweeties! So, my goals: MAIN QUEST: Lose 25 lbs (all of Big Boy's baby weight!) 1) strength train 3x week 2) Eat 3 (or more) servings of veggies/day 3) When there are two forks in the road, choose the more active one! (e.g. walk to a nearby park instead of driving, play with my kids instead of sitting and watching, stand while reading my iPad, etc.) --- other random goal: to meditate/have a morning devotional for 5 minutes everyday to start the day off right! My main motivation: to be able to keep up with/outpace my kids as they grow older (I'm sure they'll get faster once they're no longer toddlers!), and to be healthy into old age for my husband (both of our parents have major health issues). Bonus motivation: I love to sew, and if I'm smaller, I'll need less fabric when I sew my own clothes! I already have some nice fabric to use, but I'd like to be a smaller size before cutting into it. Thanks for reading, and I'm looking forward to doing this Challenge with you all!

After a successful first 6 week challenge life took hold and now I'm back for round 2! Last time I focused on getting habits started, but now I want to clean up my act. I know I'm not an adventurer but truth is I don't know where I want to be yet so here I am. Main Quest: Diet overhaul At the moment I kind of sorta watch what I eat. I need to buckle down and really focus if I want to get stronger and lose weight. Quest 1: 8:16 Intermittent Fasting. I have pretty much been doing this already, but I can be sloppy. I want to stick with eating for 8 hours, fasting for 16. A= Fast for a total of 672 hours. 112 hours a week. B= 648 total hours. 108 hours a week C= 600 total hours. 100 hours a week Quest 2: Veggies Too often I'll count green beans in tator tot casserole as a veggie. If you know what this is then you will know this is a horrible idea. I'm going to include my old Quest again as eating one bag of frozen veggies everyday. A= 42 bags of veggies. 7 bags a week. B= 36 bags of veggies. 6 bags a week. C= 30 bags of veggies. 5 bags a week. Quest 3: Reduce alcoholic intake This one could go up or down for me. I'm not saying I want to quit drinking, but that for calories, I'd like to reduce it. It seems that when we do have alcohol in the fridge I tend to drink it quite quickly but if we don't I don't miss it. For the pocket book and my own waist's sake it's best to keep it out of the home, I'd still like to know that I can resist over indulging when I don't need to. New Years will probably be the only exception to this Quest. A= 0-1 beers or drinks a week B= 2-3 beers or drinks a week C= 4-5 beers or drinks a week Life Quest: Work towards waking up at 6am every day. I always seem to sleep in and be running late. No More!! I plan to start out by waking up by 7am everyday for one week, then 6:45am the next week and so forth. If I stick to one time for an additional week I feel this is fine as long as I don't go back to how I was the week before. LET'S DO THIS!!!

Summer B - Not my idea of a Caribbean Cruise! (BF 33%)Story: Following the clues up the river to the Burned City and dealing with an undisclosed BOSS at the endDiet - stick to <= 1550 net calories (adjust for exercise) and protein >= 66 grams 76 grams Do a chin up or pullup with <= 30 pounds of assistanceDeadlift 80 pounds Walk/run 10K Decipher the clues (i.e. plan the move)Or ..... this could be named the ........ Summer Challenge. My epic quest is to rediscover myself as the Mal Ravenne. It involves a LOT of attributes that are not measurable and really come down to those golden moments when you stop and realize that you're living an authentic life and are achieving your goals. Not all of my goals are fitness goals, thank the gods. Many are listed in the second post of this thread. My main quest (this year) is to get down to a normal BF% of < 32%. That's only 1.5% from where I am today. I can make this by the end of the year if I commit to my workouts and COOKING healthy food. That's about 12 pounds of weight loss, assuming I can maintain lean body mass where it is now. Subgoals (challenge starting June 28th) My goals this time are a mix of process goals and objective end-point goals. Process goals are not as strongly motivating for me as end goals 1 - keep calories down and make sure protein stays above 66 g per day. I'm using SparkPeople to track because I like their interface and recipe database (+5 CON) 2 - pullup or chinup using less than 30 pounds of assistance. I'm currently at 50 pounds of assistance; so this should be feasible .... and maybe I can surpass it by dropping the assistance 5 pounds each week. (+3 STR) 3 - deadlift 1/2 my bodyweight, which I hope will be 160 by the end of the challenge ..... hence, 80 pounds. I'm currently at 35 pounds, and it feels easy. (+2 STR) 4 - walk/run 10K. For no particular reason. I like cardio, and I love running along the Lakewalk in Duluth. I can easily do 3.5 miles now with a mix of running and walking. (+5 STA) 5 - Life quest: get moved ..... or at least get further along the process. Grading: 1 - Count the success days vs. goal days and grading will be by a percentage 2 - A = 30 pounds B = 35 pounds C = 40 pounds D = 45 pounds F >= 50 pounds 3 - A = 80 pounds B = 75 pounds C = 70 pounds D = 65 pounds F <= 60 pounds 4 - A = 6 miles on my long run of the week B = 5.5 miles C = 5 miles D = 4.5 miles F <= 3 miles 5 - LIfe goal is pass/fail and does not carry points. It is very unlikely that I'll actually move during this challenge, but I'd like to have the purchase offer in on a house that passes inspection this time!!! I am hoping to spend August packing and continuing to clean out stuff we don't need. Given the types of goals, I'm hanging with the Rangers this time and hope to complete the mini-challenges. My tracking spreadsheet is ready and waiting the starting gun!! And YES, I am doing more strength training than is represented in my goals - both free-weights (or dumb bells or kettlebells) and bodyweight training. I'll continue to work on refining a new class chooser program and maybe do one for races as well. If anyone has a fun PvP or accountability group that has room, let me know!!

Next Challenge: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/53947-tea-one-foot-in-front-of-the-other/ Tea's Zombie Preparedness Strat They are coming! The zombie outbreak has started! According to the CDC We have approximately 6 weeks before the virus spreads to where we are. Here is my strategy to avoid ending up a zombie buffet. Main Quest Fat Loss! I will be following Fighter Diet's 6 Week FDXtreme program Nutrition- Following FDXtreme guidelines Weights- 3 days a week Cardio- 40 min 5 days a week. Starting with walking working my way up to running and using my Zombies Run! App. Goals- If I hit these goals I will survive and level up, If I do not I will most likely be eaten and become a zombie! 1. Lose 10 lbs of fat 2. Get into my size 16 pants 3. Be able to run to the headland near my house Increased Fitness Starting Stats: Squats, bodyweight ass to grass- AMRAP in 1 min - 26 Push-ups- ARAP in 1 min - from knees 25 Assisted Pull ups ARAP in 1 min- 14 Plank- 1 min 20 sec Weight- 231.8 :nightmare: Bodyfat% 40.6 :nightmare: Lean Mass- 137 lbs Fat Mass- 94lbs Finishing Stats: Squats bodyweight ass to grass- AMRAP in 1 min Push-ups- ARAP in 1 min Assisted Pull ups ARAP in 1 min Plank Weight: Bodyfat%- Will I survive?? Grading System: Weight Training- 33.33% per day. Goal for the week: 100% Cardio- 20% per session. Goal for the week: 100% Nutrition- 14.28% per day. Goal for the week: 100% Week 1: Weight Training-100% , Cardio- 100%, Nutrition- 100% Week 2: Weight Training- 100% , Cardio- 40% , Nutrition- 100% Week 3: Weight Training- 100% , Cardio- 100% , Nutrition-100% Week: 4 Weight Training- 33.3% , Cardio- 20%, Nutrition- 100% Week: 5 Weight Training- , Cardio- , Nutrition- Week: 6 Weight Training- , Cardio- , Nutrition-

I'm back! I was a Scout briefly last year. Before spraining my right ankle and my left foot last July, I had been training to run my first 5K in September. Well, I migrated to the Assassins after that, and did achieve my first 5K this past June. My goals were to run without stopping, no matter how slow, and to finish in under 45 minutes. I finished in 43:01, and I never stopped chugging along. I consider myself somewhere between a Scout and an Assassin, a combination that I like to call Bounty Hunter Class. But since my focus right now is on running - I signed up for 3 more 5Ks to run between now and December - I finally decided today that I'd spend some time on the Scout side of my split personality. Main Quest - To weigh what I did back in High School when everyone made me believe I was fat. I have four goals for this challenge, one of them being a Life Goal. They go like this: Clean : Harder Eat : Better Run : Faster Get : Stronger Clean Harder - I will set a timer and clean for 15 minutes minimum, three days per week. The theory is that I can actually get a lot done in 15 minutes, and that once I get started I'm more likely to go for longer than 15. CHA +3 Grading based on 18 possible cleaning days. Eat Better - My goal here is to eat more fruits and veggies. I'd like to do 4 per day, but considering my current track record I'm going to set 3+ daily as the goal. I believe I can do at least 3 and will always try to do more. CON + 2, WIS +2 Grading on 42 days worth of eating. Run Faster - I have a new app called 5K Forever which is supposed to train me to run faster. I'm starting week 2 of the 8 week course this week, so the plan is to not miss any runs, of which there are 3 weekly. STA +3 Grading differently on this since it's critical I not miss. A = 17-18 runs, B = 15-16 runs, C = 14 runs, D = 13 runs, F = 12 or fewer runs. Get Stronger - I have had a crappy success rate sticking with any kind of strength program I've ever started. I tried Yoga for my last challenge and didn't mind it so much, so I now I'm going to try Pilates 3 days a week, which is supposed to be good for strength and flexibility. STR +2, DEX +2 Grading again based on 18 days of 'pilots'. Now I gotta get to bed. Tomorrow I'll start making charts to track all of this stuff. At least today I got my fruits and veggies in, so I'm off to good start.

CLIFFS NOTES: Main Quest: One armed handstand Supporting goal 1: Improve strength and balance Supporting goal 2: Weigh less Supporting goal 3: Be flexible to avoid injury Life goal: Jedi Calm it was absurd, I thought as I wove my way through the spaceport like an invisible phantom. Three short years ago, I had been planted in an earth suburb, eating pizza and watching telly, the oddest thing in my life being a cousin who had died her hair blue. Now I was brushing against beings with blue teeth, blue fur, blue from head to toe, I’d even met a creature that was nothing more than a shade of blue that had to be refracted into a holding crystal to keep from dispersing everywhere. Everything was blasted wonko, and if I stopped to think about it for any length of time, my brain went sliding out my ear and I had to lie still for a while. This wasn’t to say that, apart from the nearly constant imminent death that had stalked me since leaving earth, it wasn’t the best thing that had ever happened to me. It was a rip-roaring ride, and I wouldn’t go back even if I could. But it was also a massive distraction just to keep one’s head above water, and I couldn’t shake the feeling creeping up my neck that I needed to DO something. That my new powers were for a reason, I couldn’t just scurry about aimlessly. To that effect, in my duffle bag, beneath a sweatshirt, a deck of cards, and a pack of pre-cooked bacon (for bacon, it seems, is a universal food group found on nearly all planets, at least the fashionable ones worth mentioning), was a book. A training manual. It said directly in the front that it was meant to be a part of an intense program of training, starting from early childhood and including many teachers and mentors. But I had none of those available to me; not only did I not know where to find them, being on the run from a band of murderous pirates made staying in one location to complete schooling rather inconvenient. But I could work through the book, doing my best, as I hopped ship after ship. I knew I could find the time- I would make the time- to do the excercises, to do my best until I could find a mentor. Maybe somewhere along the way I would find out why this path felt so important, and why I had the dark, pressing feeling that the pirates were the least of my problems.... Ok so I'm going through another chaotic move during this challenge, and last time that derailed me for a YEAR. I refuse to let that happen again. This time I'm making my challenge flexible to see how it works to keep me healthy and working my way towards my goals, allowing for all kinds of mess to break out and not ruin it haha. To that effect... POINTS! Stealing the points idea from RedCedar. I love this, and it should allow me to work towards my goals every day by doing at least SOMETHING that improves my health. Goal one: Increase my balance and strength: There is no chaos, only harmony 1 point for every two minutes spent actively trying to balance not touching the wall 1 point for every minute of planking 1 point for every “level up†in less fingers on supporting hand during strength work (balancing on one hand with 5 fingertips, 4 finger tips, 3 ect until I’m only on one arm) Why it's a challenge: Finding time to practice every day, finding a good place to be upside down in the house i'm house-sitting for the first two weeks of the challenge, and keeping it up when I'm on the road for the third and fourth week of the challge. Why I want to do it anyway: This is arguable the most important part of the progression towards one armed handstands: actually doing them. GOAL TWO: Weigh less: There is no death, only the force Ie I won't die if I force myself to eat right LOL Carbs over 30: -1 point for each carb. I am trying to stay keto here, for more than one reason. The big one being that I feel a lot better brain-wise on keto. When I get higher up in the carb universe, I can feel my ADHD going “WHAAAAA†Now I need some ways to gain food points. Also stealing from RedCedar, 1 point for every serving of veggies. and a whopping 5 points every time I try a new veggie that I’ve never tried before. 1 point for every 10 minutes of “extra activity†on my fitbit. This will encourage me to run in and out of stores and up and down stairs and generally just be more energetic throughout the day. Why it's a challenge: Carbs are freaking everywhere. I ate a chorizo the other day and I found it had 6 carbs per link becuase of added sugar (And I had way to many of them and was feeling sick, which was why I thought to look at the package.) I have to be more diligent about reading packages to look for not only hidden carbs but also preservatives and food dyes which also lurk in unsuspected foods. Why I want to do it anyway: iIn the interest of handstands, I will be able to support myself on my arms better if there is less of me to support. Also I was keto for 7 months this past year and I have literally never felt better, my ADHD symptoms were still there but SO managable. Like I didn't even know my brain could work like that. GOAL THREE: Stretching: There is no passion, there is serenity 1 point for every 15 minutes spent stretchingAutomatic 25 point bonus if I actuallly reach the floor in any of my splits, as that will be a first in my life. Why it's a challenge: I am very inflexible, and I keep losing track of stretching as something that is important. Why I want to do it anyway: Stretching helps prevent injuries and I feel better when I'm more bendy. Also splits and shoulder/uper back mobility are very important in ballet which I'm keeping up with, and I found that HOLY COW my upper back and shoulders are tight, like bending backwards at the barre I can't even see the wall behind me, only the ceiling, and everyone else is like folded in half haha. Life Goal: Jedi Calm:There is no emotion, there is peace 1 point for every ten minutes practicing stances and breathing1 point for every ten minutes of sitting still reading/listening to an audiobook Why this is a challenge: ADHD. Stuff to do. Distractions. Stress. Waking up too late. Why I want to do it anyway: 1. I want to continue rehabilitating my ADHD by adding moments of calm into my day-to-day life2. Time to find a center and figure out what the heck is going on today, better able to make desicions if I can see the big picture without a thousand little screaming voices in my head. 3. I'm headed into what I see being a fairly overwhelming situation up in the frozen tundra, and I'm going to need to find a way to be at peace.

Welcome everyone! Are you ready for a challenge? The forums are amazing and addicting so be sure to reward yourself with a little reading when you have completed your daily workout ... don't get sucked into reading the forums all night though ... you need your rest too! Main Quest: Lose 3% body fat - that is about 6 pounds and will put me under 150. I really need to get in the habit of working on something every day. So with that said: Quest 1 - Stoke the magic cauldron - good food in the cauldron equals good spells - spend 150 min each week planning and preparing healthy meals - less sugar, less salt, more veggies and more good oils. Quest 2 - Conjure spells for 150 min each week - this should be easy as it will be a combination of my boot camp, soccer and other active exercises. Quest 3 - Release the fire breathing dragon for 150 min each week - this is an attempt at stress reduction using yoga, journalling, meditation. I'm not comfortable with sitting still for long but I need to learn so I can accomplish my life quest. Life Quest - Locate a new magic wand (job in BC) to create a new castle (home in BC) within 150 days. I'll be working on Scott Dinsmore's Live Your Legend course to decide what I want to do with my Wizardry in a new province. Let the Magic begin!

Hi all, so I made some egg and vegetable sandwiches, and my lady says they're pretty freakin' bomb-dot-com, so I'm gonna believe her. I'm pretty sure this will become a staple in my fridge. Also, these things refrigerate well (if you keep the egg patties and lettuce separate from bread; assemble as needed, just believe me on this). You can freeze the sandwiches if you omit the lettuce and let the egg cool before topping with cheese - just wrap tightly in foil, stick it in a bag, and toss it in the freezer. I don't know how long they'll keep, as I've devoured mine already. Makes 10 sandwiches. 8 eggs 3 large bell peppers, any color (I used two red and one green) 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, thoroughly drained 1 Tbl minced garlic 1/2 small onion, minced desired spices 10 whole wheat or sourdough English muffins 10 large leaves lettuce (I like butter lettuce or any kind of crispy, ruffly leaf) (optional) 10 small slices of cheese (optional) Spray a large frying pan with cooking spray or a little of your desired cooking fat (I used a couple tablespoons of bacon fat, because why not). Saute/sweat onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally; add minced garlic after onions are translucent, saute until fragrant. Put aside in large bowl to cool. Slice your peppers width-wise into 10 rings - try to keep the cuts flat and straight. Crack your eggs into the veggie bowl once everything is cool. Add thawed, drained spinach. Add any desired spices. Stir to combine thoroughly. Fry pepper slices in the frying pan on medium-high, a couple minutes each side, until softened. Ladle small amount of egg mixture into rings to make initial seal on rings - add more mixture when bottom adheres to rings. Cover to steam, approx 10 minutes, or cook uncovered for a few minutes and flip to cook other side. Toast English muffins in oven or toaster. Cut lettuce leaves in half to line both muffin halves. Lay an egg patty on one half, top with cheese. Top with remaining muffin half. Devour, because it's awesome. Full disclosure: I like to eat mine with a little spicy mayo (sri racha and mayo) spread on the lettuce. You can also crisp up some bacon (turkey or pork, I don't judge) and top the sandwiches with that (I call that an eggy BLP - bacon, lettuce, pepper). Or really any good meat slice. Delicious. Without bacon or mayo, MFP estimates that this is around 291 calories per sandwich, and it fills you up.

Hey all, back for more and i'm still training for an endurance cycle in March 2015 (109km, yoh). My current challenge goals might not only be about cycling per se, but it's about endurance Main Quest: Be fit enough to complete the Cape Argus Cycle Tour in March 2015 with my cousin. Quest 1: 2x Spinning "Classes" per week I have never done a spinning class before but my uncle and cousin swear by the classes. They claim it helps keeping up the endurance so i'd like to start doing it. The problem i have is that there are no spin classes at my gym. There are spin bikes though. So i need to find some awesome spin classes from the web and set up some playlists (would love some help if anyone has any ideas). I need to at least set up 1 playlist by the start of the challenge. Goal: I'd like to go to at least 2 classes a week on top of my usual workouts. Measurement: 12 classes = A; 10 = B, 8 = C Quest 2: 1000 Squats Still on my quest to scale 1000 hills and the next hill to scale is the Hill of Squat. By the end of this I need to complete 1000 points for squats. Point allocation works like this: Wall Squat = 0.5 pts Body weight Squat = 1 pt Barbell (or other weighted) squat = 1.5pts Goal: 1000 pts for squats Measurement: 1000 pts = A, 900 pts = B, 800 pts = C Quest 3: 3x veggies per meal (at least 5 days per week) I eat plenty of veggies - this is not about eating veggies - but what i do is sometimes eat protein/fats exclusively in a meal. I don't want to drop my protein/fats but I want to add veggies to that. So I figure 3 different veggies per meal is about right. For this quest, tomatoes, avo's, olives and other vegetables in the fruit family count. Potatoes do not count. Goal: 3x veggies per meal, 5 days a week Measurement: 180 potions = A, 150 = B, 114 = C Quest 4: Stick to the macros daily I am currently on day 10 of my Whole30, and doing IF (it's part of my daily life now) but i have been so busy lately i am not even getting to lunch these days. I need to actually eat and stick to my macros. I need to reach 1800-2000 cals every day with 35:25:40 ratio for F:C:P. For this challenge, I will only be focusing on calories (we might look at the ratio next challenge). Goal: 42 days at 95% - 105% Measurement: 42 days = A, 36 = B, 30 = C Starting measurements: I'm not sure if i'm going to do these (not for personal reasons - i don't mind letting you'll know my weight etc), but probably will. I do have to say that when I weighed in at the doctor this morning, the needle didn't go the full way round I'd give you that figure, but it's not the one i measure on, so i want to be consistent. Weight: 122.5kg Bust: 134cm Waist: 113cm Hip: 146cm Thigh: 69cm Motivation: Sticking to a promise made to my cousin. Being fit and healthy enough to eventually conceive when we get there (this is a far far future motivation).