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Hi everyone, I have found a new job as software engineer . I will start on July 3rd, and until then I have taken up vacation time at my current job (yesterday was my last day at the office). It will be a big change, with new colleagues, new stuff to learn and having to take the car instead of bike commuting. I'm nervous, but I needed a break from my current work-irritations and the increase in pay is nothing to sneeze at. I will miss my current colleagues though, they are awesome people. As a farewell present, they gave me a T-shirt with the following print: I really like it, and I'll probably wear it a lot. The past few weeks were exhausting, with saying goodbye to dozens of people, trying to finish the things I was working on and transferring all topics that might come up again. On top of that, I also ran a double mile fun-race with colleagues (time: 17:57) even though I'm not a runner, I spent all day Saturday on the concert my orchestra had to give and the temperatures are high. Understandably, I'm tired, the house is a mess and chores are piling. The goal of this challenge is two-fold: the first is to get my energy levels and house in order again, and the second is to set up my exercise schedule to compensate for the lack of bike-commuting. Energy levels and chores: 1. Use bullet journal every morning to make a plan for the day, and every Sunday to make a plan for the week 2. Do some form of chores every weekday 3. Relax! Not anything measurable, but make sure I'm taking enough me-time that is not scrolling reddit/youtube/etc. Exercise: 1. Try out schedule of strength training 3 times per week, running 2 times per week. I'm using zombies, run! to get to 5k running, and the earlier weeks are very much below my level. That is fine though, I'd rather start too easy than too hard. For strength training I just finished the "calibration"-week of the programme my trainer gave me, and I will continue with her programming since it is a lot of fun. 2. Participate in fun events: mountainbiking with colleagues on June 16th, kettle bell competition on July 16th. If similar fun events come up, I can participate if my energy-levels allow. I think this post is long enough by now, so happy challenging!

212. That's what the scale said this morning. I was over 220 pounds in January of 2016. So, I'm better off than a year ago. However, in my best estimation, I feel like my best weight would be in the low to mid 190's depending on the amount of lean mass I'm carrying. So, it's time to begin working on that while reminding myself to "Keep It Simple Stupid". I had my best results last year when I picked a plan and stuck to it. My ultimate goal is to finish 2017 in that weight range of 190-195. This is how I'm planning on starting the year to achieve it: Goal 1: Lift 3x/week - This is a step back in specificity and timing from previous challenges, but I'm going after some wins to build momentum. These will be full body workouts with no goofy splits. Plus, it allows my a little more freedom in my schedule to make sure I get rest and recovery while still trying to fit in... Goal 2: Workout w/ my daughter 2x/week - She asked for it. She wants to work on KB exercises with me. Her idea of KB exercises is a little more cardio than resistance, so this is going to replace my running during the week. It will likely hurt my endurance capacity in the short run, but the weather in Wisconsin this time of year is not conducive to a lot of outside running and I dislike the monotony of the treadmill. Plus, she asked. How can say no? Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends are the targeted days, but it is highly dependent on her homework and musical practice workload. Goal 3: Track meals in MFP - It's one thing that worked well last year. My daily goal is going to be around 2000 calories with a 30/30/40 macro split for carbs/fat/protein. The goal is not bulking up, but rather burning fat. I may adjust that 2000 up or down based on exercise performance, but based on BMR and overall activity -- and that its a nice round number -- I'm starting with 2000. Goal 4: Daily Reflection - I got a wonderful book for Christmas from my wife on daily reflections of mercy and gratitude for the upcoming year. Regardless of the day and the circumstance, I'm going to set aside time to walk through whatever the reflection of the day is to improve my outlook on life and keep me grounded with my eyes on what's important. Bonus - Run when the weather permits. I still love running, and when I can get outside and do it, I will. But, only as time and weather conditions permit. It's fairly simple...I hope.