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G'day! A West-Aussie here, and massive metal-head (I endeavour to name each of my challenges after a metal band) and most certainly a nerd. I recently finished my Bachelor of Games Design and am looking forward to paving a career in video game development. I do love my movies (every sort) and my books (I will admit I haven't and don't read alot, but it is one of the things that I really wish I did) and table-top gaming is a big favourite of mine. I have lost about 20kg(~45lbs) over the last year, and am ultimately looking to lose that amount again over the next year, which is certainly negotiable as I would like to put some more muscle on, which would offset some of that weight. I discovered this wonderful community a couple of years ago, thanks to my sister Rachy87. Last year I was rather absent from the community, but I still pushed myself ahead and lost that 20kg. This year I want to be more involved, more focused and go that extra distance. At the age of 25 now, I have weight to lose and muscle to gain. These are my current goals and aim at getting my health in check. Later down the road I will look to strength, speed and aesthetic goals, but health is more important at the moment. I am still in Act I right now! Current Stats: H: 182cm (6"0') W: 90kg (200lbs) (I always do my best to include conversions, because I know that there are many fellow Rebels that are used to different units, but always keep in mind that these are rough conversions I do mentally) I bought a FitBit last year, and it's tracking certainly held me accountable for what I was doing, and as a gamer I was determined to keep getting better and earning those badges! I will incorporate my FitBit and it's tracking into my goals where appropriate and possible. Right now I have back issues, this is related to my pelvis tilt/spine curvature, and am fixing this with regular visits to the physio. I have mostly sorted this now, but I am still in pain everyday. The reason I mention this is because it will effect my goals and how I go about achieving them. Health is the priority, so goals will be down-tuned as necessitated. Main Quest: A Funeral Mist It feels as though years ago I cast off on a journey to escape Sodom, pass through the badlands and descend into the caverns of hell and further onwards to the cesspools of the deepest corners of Hell. A hard earned and tiresome journey it felt. And yet it was just my mind casting off and dreaming about it. As of late I have been doing some real travelling, been truly trying hard and have been looking to escape these walls. A funeral mist now lays upon those thoughts of escape, as I now realise the true journey ahead of me. My mind reborn into the present, I seek to pave the way out of here, and truly pass over the badlands, this time not some fantasy or dream. My pained back being the most likely source of contention out of here, an injury too easily sustained in this madhouse we call Sodom. But still taking the reigns for myself and trying my hand at a better existence is a true testament to my will and conviction. I think back to those dreams of the caverns and what felt like a dragon's force pushing me forward, this is what keeps me going and looking for a way out of here. This place is mayhem and I seek to escape it soon. I just need to get my footing and I will be out of here... Main Quest Objective Alpha: A Brick in the Wall I must journey through this city and find any gap in the walls, any lapse in the guard, any possible way out of here. Something I can aim for to escape. I will walk up and down these walls until I find it. Walking is the main focus of this goal. Keeping my fitness up while my back is injured is hard, but walking is good for it, and it helped me lose 20kg already. I can't walk for long periods of time, but if I aim to lots of shorter periods each day I can get there. I feel it might become complicated trying to track this intricately as I need to start and stop walking and sitting so much at the moment. So I think aiming for a step count on the FitBit is appropriate here. A: 9,000+ Average steps a day over the challenge period - the recommendation is 10,000 but I don't want to be needlessly pushing myself if it will make my back worse B: 7,000-8,999 Average steps a day - 7k is my current daily goal for my fit bit, so if I get it to go off every day, I know I will get a B on this one for sure C: 5,000-6,999 Average steps a day D: 3,500-4,999 Average steps a day - my current daily average is just below 3.5k, and I consider a D a less than average grade, so I feel this suits for making at least a small improvement F: <3,500 Average steps a day - this means I am actively doing less than I am now, which is the opposite of progress! Main Quest Objective Beta: Not the Rack My back causes me great pain throughout the days of searching for a way out, but I quarrel not, for it is not as though I had to suffer the rack, like many that live here. Although part of me wonders if a short time on it might just fix the issue, without going too extreme of course. As has been, and will continue to be, said, my back is causing me problems at the moment, and caused stagnation in my weight loss and fitness gain. It is under control and I have plenty of exercises to help with the pain, and to also help the problem. I am rather particular about making sure I get them done, but I am still a bit lax, and with going for a job interview today, there is a greater chance of me being distracted from doing them. So I want to spend this time focusing on getting all the exercises done every day. A: Don't miss a single day for my exercises AND do at least 2x the reps for each exercise - doing extra reps has been encouraged, and I generally do try to at least twice as much, so I feel confident about this one B: Don't miss more than 1 day over the whole challenge C: Don't miss any days during 3 or more weeks of the challenge (i.e. if I miss a single day, once a week for 3 of the weeks, it will count as a C) D: At least one full week, and no more than a total of 7 days missed over the whole challenge F: Anything outside of the D requirements Main Quest Objective Gamma: The Oncoming Thirst If there is one thing I know of the badlands, especially from my dreams before the funeral mist of my dream-self, is that it is hot and dry, and little water can be found out there. I must stock up if I am to travel to the obsidian gates. Dying of dehydration is a real threat, and a feeble way to go when I am trying so hard to escape this place. I have been getting lax in my water consumption, and in this Aussie heat you really notice it. I need to get back to a proper daily routine of drinking water, I won't lie you do feel better when you keep your fluids up (and when they aren't sugary fluids!). A: Average of 2.5L a day over this challenge - it is January and this is WA and I am expecting to get back into a fitness routine... ...if anything this may even be a bit low, but I think it foolish to consume too much B: Average of 2.1L a day C: Average of 1.8L a day - not quite to daily recommended average of 8 glasses, but a massive improvement and undoubtedly a great benchmark D: Average of 1.5L a day F: 3 or more days with less than 0.5L of water - this can fail me from an A. The point of this quest is consistency and habit, not just drinking big to make up the average Life Quest Objective: Knowledge is Power, Talk is Cheap If I am ever to get out of this place I am going to need the eyes and ears of others. But I will also need to ensure I know who I can talk to and when I can talk to them. I need everyone's knowledge, and to get that, conspicuously or not, I must talk to them. The more I chat, the more I will learn, and the better my chance at making it out of here. The more I learn about outside will be important too. I need to know what is really out there, and how to overcome what I find. Confidence is something I have always struggled with, and the desire to entire a career such as game development, especially as an indie developer, means I need to network. To network I need to talk. So I think for this challenge this will be my life goal. Communication, especially with people I don't know, don't know well, or haven't communicated with in a long time. Even it is a small amount, or even an un-reciprocated attempt on my behalf, it is something and it will work towards my confidence and ability to network. A: Small talk with someone I normally wouldn't 4+ times a week, every week B: Small talk with someone I normally wouldn't on average 2+ times a week C: Small talk with someone I normally wouldn't on average once a week D: Small talk with someone I normally wouldn't at least twice over the whole challenge F: One person over the whole challenge might be one person that I choose because I know they won't engage or some other excuse, 2 or more (for a D) means I am at least trying Time to start the real journey! The last 4 chapters were just a dream, not comes the real deal. Thanks for reading, thanks for any replies you leave, and good luck to all of you taking on challenges yourself! Cheers, -Radact

Howdy! Big metalhead here (which is where I get the inspiration for my challenge titles from \m/ ), hailing from West-'straya I am currently studying games design and looking for a career in the video game industry. Having gone from an extremely active childhood, to an extremely chillaxed adulthood, it would be a lie if I didn't say I have some weight to lose. I carry most of it in my rum-belly, which as far as I know, is one of the unhealthiest ways to carry weight. I used to play footy (AFL) and spent a little bit of time in the gym focusing on general strength. Having reached the ripe age of 24 exactly one week ago, my focus is on getting my health back in check, rather than purely cosmetic goals. With a good 20 odd kilos to lose, this is really the prime focus for me. Drop the weight and get fit, as these are two very different things, and I understand that, but they are both important to be as healthy as possible. I would like to focus on my strength at the same time, as it is something I would like to get back, after years of pushing keys rather than weights. Current Stats: H: 6'00" W: 105kg BF: ~33% MAIN QUEST: RISE SON OF SODOM Chapter 4: Mayhem within the Trinity I know very little of the time I have spent here of late. Hellspawn overwhelmed me again, and left me here to rot. I still remember travelling from Sodom, through the outlands and battling my way down the tunnels into the outer cesspools of Hell. The large obsidian gates were a sight to see and that memory certainly has not faded from my mind. But the long string of battles and skirmishes I had as I descended those tunnels has blurred into one blurred, sprawling mess. I let the rabble of this shadowed halls get the best of me, but I have pulled a second wind and must dust myself off, find some food, something to drink, a way to traverse this unlit tunnels and ultimately reach those cesspools. My journey was staggered and pulled to a halt, but it has not come to an end. Their voices linger against these barren walls, and their stories lay locked within the brimstone itself. From what I have gathered there is a trio of Hellspawn rabble that call themselves the Trinity. They keep the weaker beasts of these tunnels in line. It sounds as though they control them with an iron fist and an image of strength, inciting fear within those scattered out here. However there is another story that seems to line these walls. It sounds as though the three of them have gotten into squabbles over who should look after what artifacts, loot, food and who gets first go at unsuspecting wanderers of this place. These stories are old and newer stories seem to layer on slower and slower. When they do they tell a tale of increased decay and hate between the Trinity, and although they still reign over this place, some of the other rabble are whispering rumours of a desire to try and over-throw them. I see no need to get involved with the politics of the bottom feeders, but maybe taking out the trio will give me a better chance at escaping this place and reaching those outer cesspools. Maps, artifacts, tools and less resistance would all be beneficial to me now, weak and on the back foot. I fell off the trail with the last challenge and I didn't participate in 3 challenges since then (I think it was 3...). I do want to change my lifestyle and get my health in check. I want to continue to be involved in the NF community. I apologise for my absence from NF, and I hope to get back into the rhythm of things again with this challenge. I have really put myself on the back foot since I stopped my participation with the NF community and I am looking forward to getting back on the road to a healthier future. I haven't been focusing on or maintaining my fitness, so this challenge I will go back to basics and really try to get into real, hard-set habits. Food and water consumption, cardio workouts, weights workouts and trying to reduce my weight will be the main focus here and now. The reason behind including the word trinity in the title for this quest is because I want to focus on setting up the foundations to getting healthy and maintaining habits, and I want to represent this by being successful and even just partaking in 3 consecutive 6 week challenges and building them on top of one another. A want to focus on a more long term attempt, and I think 3 is a good number to do this. MAIN QUEST OBJECTIVE KAPPA: FEAST ON THE CADAVERS OF THE WEAK I am weak, disoriented and running off the back foot. I need to eat and drink, and the only way to do that in these desolate halls of barren brimstone is kill the Hellspawn and to feed off them. Their blood will restore the power I have lost over these passed... However long it has been. I must find and defeat at least a couple of these rabble in order to restore myself to health and carry on with my journey. If I am to take on any of the Trinity, I will need my strength and power at full force. Watching what I eat and drink is, I think, one of the most integral things in getting healthy. I have been good ever since I first started here on NF, and have almost completely foregone with the large consumption of energy drinks I once used to consume. However I could wrangle in my consumption a bit more. Food is the most important aspect here, and it is definitely something I could improve on. I don't frequently eat excessive amounts of food, or unnecessarily unhealthy foods, but I do every now and again, and if I can get this in line I should be able to make things easier in the losing of weight department. I also feel that observing, monitoring and reflecting on everything I intake is good way to understand myself, my body, my habits and my health. -Every day I will give myself a grade out of 5 for how healthy and appropriately portioned the meals are that I have. -Every day I will give myself a grade out of 5 for how much water I have consumed, offset by any unhealthy beverages I have during the day -Every week I will give myself a grade out of 15 for how appropriately timed my meals were. This is to do with the fact that I often (97-99% of the time) skip breakfast altogether and/or sometimes have a late lunch. This gives me a score out of 500 (510 to be exact), which is a good way to gauge, monitor and reflect on how I am eating and drinking every day. A: 425+ (4.2/5 every day for both water and meals and 12.0/15 every week for meal timing as a minimum to get this grade) B: 385+ C: 350+ (3.4/5 every day and 10.8 weekly as a minimum) D: 290+ F: <290 (2.8/5 every day and 9.2 weekly or less is a fail) Water Scoring: 1.0L = 0; 2.0L = 5; :. Every 1/5 is equal to 200ml over 1 litre. Probably the simplest scoring for my water intake I have done so far, and I like it Soft drinks will deduct from my score of water by 50% of the amount I consume, i.e. a 375ml can of coke would reduce that days score by ~200ml. This is because I personally feel that these sorts of drinks are quite dehydrating and I should have a least 1 glass of water just to counteract them. Energy drinks will deduct at a rate of 100%. So a 500ml can would reduce the daily score by 500ml, as the caffeine in this is much more dehydrating. Alcoholic beverages will be the same as energy drinks. I don't have a lot of these beverages so it isn't going to be a hard thing to monitor and score and everything like that. I have gotten into the habit when I am at gigs, where I have 2 rums then 2 waters, 2 rums then 2 waters, etc etc, throughout the night. So, as long as I stay with that (which I should now, it is a habit I have been building for probably a year now), I can just disregard the alcohol and water from any gig night. This may sound like it will complicate things, but as I said, softies and energy drinks aren't things that I have often, and given that I will just ignore what I drink at gigs, there will be very little adjustments I will have to make along the way. MAIN QUEST OBJECTIVE LAMBDA: RACING THE SHADOWS These tunnels are blacker than I remember. Being disoriented certainly doesn't help either. The blast of fire through the tunnels cast strange shadows and create illusions on every turn. The stories that have filtered into these walls can only lead me so far, and describe where I might find one of the trinity, however to get out of here and bridge the gaps I will have to follow the light of the burning wreaths and race the shadows that follow them. Cardio. It is important and I don't partake in this sort of exercise anywhere near enough. I am about to go back to uni, however I maybe changing to a different campus soon, so I have to develop habits outside of the walks I would take to and from the train station. My previous challenge saw me try and get out and go jogging. Ultimately I didn't, and so I think I will try and really focus on this one again, but with a bit more emphasis. This is all an effort to focus on health, not about how I feel about jogging. A: 3+ hours of jogging AND 6+ hours of walking AND 1+ hours of other cardio exercising (e.g. exercise bike) AND 2+ dedicated exercises every week B: 2+ hours of jogging AND 4.75+ hours of walking AND 30+ minutes of other cardio exercising AND at least 1 dedicated exercise every week C: 1+ minutes of jogging AND 3.25+ hours of walking AND 10+ minutes of other cardio exercising every week D: 15+ minutes of jogging AND 2+ hours of walking every week F: Anything less than D. Any workouts that I do with Nim or Rachy will boost my grade up for that week. The aim is to drop down the grades as I fail rather than build them up and cut them off the second I fail. I feel that that would be conducive to a less motivating environment and restrict overall success. MAIN QUEST OBJECTIVE MU: MINI-BOSS BATTLE 1: FIGHT THE FIRST OF THE TRINITY If I am to escape these wretched tunnels I must find the Trinity, defeat them and use whatever benefits I can get from doing so to get out of here. Those outer cesspools are within reach, but I need the strength to get out of here. Fighting and defeating the first of the Trinity will take all my strength, hopefully I have enough, but it will also allow me to build it up too. This is going to be one tough battle. Strength is something that will help me on my way to get healthy, and I want to build it up again anyway. I feel that if I can get into a routine with both cardio and weight exercies then I can form a synergy and help myself out in that respect. A: 9+ weights workouts every fortnight (+/- 1) B: 7+ weights workouts every fortnight (+/- 1) C: 6+ weights workouts every fortnight (+/- 2) D: 4+ weights workouts every fortnight (+/- 2) F: Failing a D once and gaining a D once or worse. Much like the cardio, this will be a matter of downgrading my grades for each fortnight I don't do as well, rather than cutting off all better grades as a result of an early failure, which won't motivate me to get out there and push harder. LIFE QUEST OBJECTIVE: SHED THE NEEDLESS DEBRIS Ancient halls of brimstone and blackened stone decays and crumbles over time. The debris litters the ground in the tunnels down here and slowly the dust lifts and falls on me, as I rub against a wall it crumbles a little bit on to me and it ultimately collects up a decent amount of mass. This added baggage drags me down and makes progression slower. I need to clean my self, dust away the debris, traverse more efficiently and try and reduce the weight I am carrying around with me. I want to keep this challenge simple and I want to focus on trying to lose weight. So this life quest is about a personal health milestone. For a few months now I have been hovering around 104-106kgs while I have sort of trying to watch what I consume. Which is a decrease since I started here on NF (109 was where I was at the start). So my goal here is to get out of the triple digits and into the doubles. Realistic and healthy weight loss is considered to be between about 0.5 and 1.5 kilos a week. So 6 weeks at 5 kilos means about 0.85kgs a week, which is within that range. So I think it is doable! The challenges are all about having a go, so I shall! A: <99kgs B: <=100kgs C: <101.5 kgs D: <103.5 kgs F: 103.5+ kgs Reasonable, possible and a good foundation, let's hope I can do it! Thank you so much for taking the time and reading this, it means that you are supporting me and it really means alot, thankyou

When there is nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire. Mellon, Hello friends! I am Nim, the little, the small, but by no means, the weak. I hail from Perth, Western Australia. At 23 years of age, I am almost finished my degree in Forensic Science. (For those who may know me as being nearly done from last years challenges, well the new budget proposed by the Aussie government really fluffed that up for me). I suffer from Celiac disease, it's plagued me for my entire life, but it really did it's number in the last few years. I've spent them being constantly ill, always tired, and forever struggling to manage my disease. I also suffer from Bipolar, which I was on antidepressants for 5 years, and from this (and my celiac), I gained about 20kg (44 pounds). I went from being 50kg to about 70kg. (110 pounds to 154 pounds). I am now a much happier person, and my bipolar is in my power, so I am looking to lose the weight that I gained. I have done 3 Nerd Fitness challenges now, and I had to stop doing them because I was unwell. In short, my celiac disease was unmanaged, and due to this, I was gaining alot of weight when I exercised. When I started the last challenge, I gained about 6 kilos in the first few weeks. I couldn't understand where I had gone wrong! So I did my research, and now here I am, ready to take on the challenge, and ready to try again. I think I have my disease in check now, and I can finally get on the road to losing weight. And now for brief lesson on human anatomy and Celiac Disease! Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease. I am very allergic to the protein known as gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Celiac disease has a genetic disposition, meaning it is often hereditary. The genes associated with susceptibility are HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8. Environmental factors can also play a role in unearthing allergens. Sometimes the disease can be triggered after pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, viral infection or severe emotional stress. For me, my disease went crazy after I stopped taking the antidepressants. How did I know I had Celiac? I was tired, food was making me ill. I always had heartburn, I felt sore and achy. I often experience (even now) this feeling of cold, numb, tingling in my hands and feet. I knew something was wrong, so I went and asked my doctor what he wanted to do. He suspected a food allergy, and I was tested for many things. The diagnosis of Celiac begins with blood tests used for the initial screening. Those with Celiac disease have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies in their blood. Doctors search for proteins that react against the body’s own cells or tissues in their blood, and will test for high levels of anti-tissue transglucatminase antibodies (tTGA) or anti-endomysium antibodies (AMA). Untreated, Celiac disease will lead to poor nutrition, and malabsorption of nutrients. Malabsorption is the interruption of delivery of pancreatic juice or bile to the small intestine, as well as a change in dynamics that could damage the intestinal mucosa. It is also suspected to lead to osteoporosis, infertility, miscarriage, depression and dental enamel defects. These effects can be severe or atypical, and they may even go undetected for years. Celiac disease is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. Often in adults, other symptoms can be considered a prerequisite to Celiac. These include anaemia bloating and flatulence, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, weakness and lethargy, and stomach cramps. In a normal, healthy human body, the lining of the Small Intestine (SI), which is also called the small bowel, is coated in millions of small worm-like protrusions known as villi. One of the functions of the cells on the villi is to breakdown and absorb nutrients in food. In those with celiac disease, the mucous, or lining of the SI is damaged from an intake of gluten. This results in the villi flattening, known as villous atrophy. The surface area of the small intestine, which enables the absorption of nutrients and minerals, is reduced considerably and this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Villi also allow nutrients from food to be absorbed through the walls of the SI into the blood stream. Without healthy villi, a person will become malnourished, despite what food they ingest. In someone with Celiac disease, even if the patient is asymptomatic, damage to the small bowel can still occur, as there can be no correlation between symptoms and bowel damage. Therefore, Celiac disease is both a disease of malabsorption and an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Inside the small intestine, the breakdown of gluten proteins interacts with the breakdown of molecules in the immune system in the GI tract. This forms a complex chain reaction, which results in T-Cells attacking the intestinal lining and causing damage. Those with Celiac Disease will remain sensitive to glutinous products their whole life, so in one sense there is no cure. A gluten free diet will allow the disease to be managed and kept conditioned, and is so far the only recognised treatment. A strict adherence to a gluten free diet will allow the lining of the small bowel to heal, and the symptoms to resolve. As long as this diet is adhered to, no complications should arise. The dedication to this diet must be life long. A person with Celiac disease should learn to read ingredients lists for hidden sources of gluten, often labeled Maltrodextin. To heal the bowel, it will take 3-6 months for a child, or up to seven years depending on the heal time of the small intestine. If you have any questions, you are more than welcome to ask them. I'm very open to talking about my disease, and also my bipolar. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Stats Height: 159cm Weight: 80.4kg Waist: Hips: Bust: Body Fat: Body Muscle: (will be completed tomorrow) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Main Quest I wish to feel better about myself, both physically and mentally. This means to find inner peace with my demons, and to lose weight. I wish to wake up each day, and embrace the world I have been given, rather than to mourn the world I was not. Goal One: Om Nom Nom Grass I'll be giving up soft drinks except for very special occasions (no more than one glass a week in that case), and all junk food. By junk food, I mean 'take out', chips, candy etc, but I want to consume alot more fruit and vegetables then I am now. I am allowed dark chocolate/healthy desserts, but only in moderation. I'll be keeping a food diary because I tend to snack alot, and I'm hoping I can curb that. Im also limiting gluten free bread, as I feel I consume too much. Grading: A - Healthy eating, no soft drinks, B - Healthy eating, no soft drinks, C - Healthy eating, some soft drinks, D - Some healthy eating, softdrinks, snacking frequently F - Softdrinks, snacking, bad eating habits. Goal Two: And From Embers, a Fire is Born I will endeavour to work out at least 3 times a week by myself. (or with someone else if they'd like to join me) On the alternative days, I would like to incorporate yoga. A 30-60 minute session that will help me to stretch and flex. I will incorporate the Nerd Fitness playground workout, as I really enough that workout. Monday - Run/NF Tuesdays - Yoga Wednesdays - Run/NF Thursdays - Yoga Fridays - Run/Yoga Saturdays - Work, Yoga Sundays - Run/NF Grading: A - Attended a least 95% of all sessions. B - Attended a least 80% of all sessions. C - Attended a least 70% of all sessions. D - Attended a least 60% of all sessions. F - Attended a least 50% of all sessions. Goal Three: Glow Like a Worm I have had my doctors appointment earlier this week and have been given the green go for my vitamins. They were all over the place 6 months ago, and I've been taking supplements every day for 3 or 4 months now. The only thing I am lacking is my Vitamin D, which I dont absorb properly anyway, so I need to double my intake, and get that under control. So I continue taking my vitamins for now, and try to maintain. I'll also be trying to sleep better, arising at a better time, drinking more water. After these 6 weeks, I want to glow with health. Grading: A - Take vitamin every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (95%) *ie 6/7 days B - Take vitamin most every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (80%) *ie 5/7 days C - Take vitamin most every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (70%) *ie 4/7 days D - Take vitamin most every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (60%) *ie 3/7 days F - Take vitamin every other day, drink some water, sleep in alot (50%) *ie 2/7 days LIFE QUEST Get out more. I spend a fair amount of time cooped up because I study alot, but come by the second week of this challenge, all my exams will be over. So I plan to be a bit more social without having to spend money. Whether I take up a hobby, or just get out for a walk, I want to seize that day! Grading: A - Carpe Diem. DAY SEIZED B - Go out most days a week, even just for a little bit. Get those hobbies going! C - Go out most days a week, even just for a little bit. Achieve some hobbies D - Go out some days a week, even just for a little bit. F - Sit at home like the tiny winter squirrel I am, count my nuts and cry. I am hoping all these goals will enable me to lose weight, become more toned (jiggle jiggle), and to find an inner peace within myself, and allow me to control my emotions. Goal Weight (in no set time): 50-55kg. (110-121 pounds) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am also completing this challenge with Radact (my partner) and Rachy87 (my best friend and future sister-in-law). Follow them and support them too!

G'day! A West Aussie that is a massive metalhead (which is where alot of my challenge titles will most likely be derived from \m/ ), currently studying as Game Design looking into the future for a career in the Indie Games industry. I have a good chunk of weight to lose to be healthy, and almost all my excess weight is on my stomach, quite a specimen of a beer gut actually (albeit mostly a result of rum), which I understand is more unhealthy than the weight itself. At the age of 23 I now have weight to lose and muscle to gain, this is my goal and is there purely to get my health in check, rather than to look good and achieve strength goals, however I know I will have these goals later, but that is just ACT II, no need to focus on that yet! Current Stats: H: 6'00" W: 108kg BF: 31% MAIN QUEST: RISE SON OF SODOM Chapter 3: Only a Dragon's Force to Get Through Hell Having travelled from Sodom to the Gates of Hell, my journey has been perilous and enchanting. I have gathered much strength, vitality and power. However as I descended into the tunnels on the outer reaches of Hell, battling an array of Hellspawn, one of the pesky blighters caught me off guard, smashing me into the blood warm brimstone at my feet. Being dazed and confused in the darkness was perilous in itself, and all the attempts I made in deciphering the Necronomicon and to remove rot allowed the defiling Hellspawn to swarm at me. Battling for a long while I finally gathered composure and footing, fighting the last of the stragglers, only to find the bottom of the first set of tunnels. I still have a long way to go to reach the outer cesspits of Hell itself, and I still have more to learn about myself, I have strength and power to gain yet, and only perseverance and commitment will get me there. I must fight more Hellspawn, drink their blood, eat their flesh, getting stronger and more powerful. There are still the wreaths of flame to contend with yet, as I made very little progress of late, so my stamina and speed will be surely tested here too. I still want to develop new, better habits, and to break the old and not so good ones. I want to get fit and healthy and work towards a fresher and happier lifestyle. The last challenge was a flop as I didn't put enough effort in, and so I really want to pick up on my dedication and push harder this time around. I would like to maintain the goals I set in challenge 1 and hopefully bring to light some of the ones from challenge 2. Effectively this will a combination of the 2 in an attempt to get back on track and into rhythm. Last challenge I aimed for more difficult goals, and I was unable to determine whether I could take them on or not because I simply dropped off all together. This time I will set goals with all of this in mind and see where I can go. I would like to stress that this will be similar to the previous 2 challenges as I have to get back on track and into a proper rhythm before tackling anything new. MAIN QUEST ETA: RIP THE FLESH FROM THEIR BONES Throughout my journey I have drank the blood and ate the flesh of those I have slain, and it has increased my power and sated my thirst. I must maintain this consumption in order to proceed and gain the strength I need to take on the beasts of the Underworld. I must take nourishment from all of the Hellspawn I slay by drinking their blood as it spills and ripping their flesh from the bone. I must feast like I am in a great hall, to feel the power of a throne, to mentally propel me through these dark corridors. Water has been a significant part of my first 2 challenges, because it is an important thing, and I simply do not consume enough of it, let alone being in the habit of drinking it. Summer is coming here in the land of Oz and already the days are constantly in the mid-30s (between 90 and 100 F) and it is only November (February is generally our hottest month), and so I think it imperative I get into drinking water as much as possible. Like in challenge 2 I will also be rating my eating habits. I still don't want to get into calorie counting and diets and all of that, I want to remain casual with my consumption habits. So instead I will grade my ability to watch my portion size, the healthiness of what I eat and the appropriateness of when I consume it (in my first few years of uni I would only have 1 meal a day and I wouldn't even snack on anything), now I eat maybe 2 meals a day - lunch and dinner - and lunch is sometimes late, so I want to get a bit more sorted with that, and I also want to grade my snacking as well. X: 2.40L average per day, 50/60 food score at the end (~8.5 food score per week average). A: 2.25L average per day, 45/60 food score at the end (~7.5 food score per week average). B: 2.10L average per day, 40/60 food score at the end C: 2.00L average per day, 35/60 food score at the end D: 1.80L average per day, 30/60 food score at the end (~5 food score per week average). F: <1.8L average per day, <30 food score at the end Both conditions must me met to achieve a grading.Water consumption will be effected by the calculated standard deviation, and is based on the average weekly score, and the standard deviation will simply be the average sd as well.If a standard deviation of less than 0.35 would allow me to get a higher grade it will.If the standard deviation is greater than 0.7 it will automatically drop the grade down by 1 level.Food score is worked out at the end of each week.I will grade my self every day for food portions (out of 10), healthiness and appropriateness of the days diet (out of 10) and my snacking habits for the day (also out of 10).This score will be scaled down to a weekly out of 10 score.Although it may not look it, this is a super simple record and organisation of my consumption habits, both water and food.[Edit] Standard deviations loosened slightly, it has been advised that water intake shouldn't be so constantly high, even in summer, so rather than lower the whole score table, the ability to sway on days is now more acceptable. MAIN QUEST THETA: THE LAVA DASH These halls I wander in search for the outer cesspools of Hell are rumoured to be flushed with wreaths of flame, to obliterate the Hellspawn that try to escape this place. This are fast and constant blasts of intense Hellfire and will singe my very soul to dust. I must race these flames if ever I am caught out by them, but they are quick and will follow me for a good amount of time. This will serve as a grand training of my stamina, endurance and ability to run and sprint as needed. For to traverse the River Styx I still need to boost my running ability. I really want to focus on my cardio more, and the last challenge featured a combination of both cardio and weights, and I don't think for this early developmental stage that this is a good option. So I am splitting them out again. Last challenge I wanted to focus on jogging more than walking, as I am quite shy about going out and jogging, and so I want to try and push my self to go and do it. X: 225 points A: 200 points B: 180 points C: 160 points D: 135 points F: <135 points I do look the points system because it allows me to work my sessions around whenever I can do them, and setting a time limit per time period doesn't really promote going that extra distance.For every half hour of walking I get 1 point. Simple as that.For every 20 minutes of jogging I get 3 points.Going to a gig is a bonus 5 points, and if I spend at least an hour-hour and a half moshing/milling I will extend that to 10 points. \m/[Edit] For every 15 minutes on bike I get 2 points, I forgot that we had an exercise bike at home, so I may as well utilise it! Scores slightly increased to account for the addition. MAIN QUEST IOTA: WIELDING AN OLD DEMONIC KHOPESH I recently stumbled across an old rusty khopesh when stumbling through these dark tunnels. It is massive, and most likely was once wielded by a demon, whose brutish strength and gargantuan size would have required it to be so encumbering. This is a very large, very heavy piece of rusted metal and it is quite the challenged to wield and swing. I feel that I should use it to fight some of the weaker Hellspawn, for wailing this large khopesh will really give me muscles a work out, and hopefully train me to take on some of the lesser demons in the outer reaches of Hell. X: 45 points A: 42 points B: 36 points C: 30 points D: 25 points F: <25 points I wanted to focus on getting into a routine for my weights workouts, and focus on doing 4 sessions a week.The points will be determined by conducting weights sessions.2 points for full workouts and 1 points for quick workouts.Only a maximum of 5 workouts per week, to force myself to rest properly.[Edit] 2 points for group workouts (or equivalent solo workout), to try and encourage us to get back into them, or at least to get more exercise in for me. LIFE QUEST OBJECTIVE: THE POWER WITHIN As I journey through these corridors the only thing around me is often only me. Throughout my journey so far I have fought to increase my power, learned things about myself and strived to push myself. If I am to take on the likes of strong Hellspawn, lesser demons and other abominations in the outer cesspools of Hell, let alone as a travel the the heart of Hell itself, I must find more power within myself and draw on it and grow it to monstrous strengths. Only by working on understanding myself, pushing myself and getting myself to do more than I am comfortable doing, can I draw out the true raw power of my being in order to rip apart my foes. I must nurture and develop my inner strength and this time in solitude is the time to do it. So far in my NF journey I have learned more about myself, and got myself in the habit of setting goals, something I have always strived in my life to not do, for the sake that "without goals, you cannot fail" and because cbf. Motivation is also one thing that NF has provoked in me, as I have general be lacking of it for as long as I can remember. So this quest is focused on pushing myself to go harder and do things that I know I should, but often don't because I don't feel like it and am happy to push it back to a later date. Getting into the indie games industry means that I will have to set deadlines myself, and so I need to get into a habit of motivating myself. So in order to do this, as an initial step to push myself and to get a basis for my level of self motivation, this challenge will focus on over-achieving on my 3 core goals. This also focuses on a secondary purpose, to do even better in the areas I defined in my 3 goals - motivatception So for those wondering the X grade on the above challenges are the stretch goals that will feed into this quest. A: XXX - All 3 quests obliterated B: XXB - 2 quests with exceeding success, however the other challenge cannot be less than a B C: X-C - At least 1 quest exceeded, the other 2 cannot be less than a C grade F: No exceeded quests or an F or D grade acquired from any quest. Well with these quests it may not seem like a lot, and that I am just re-doing the first 2 challenges, but I feel that they will reinforce habits and build a great foundation to then develop up from. Also I think that if this challenge goes well enough I will take the next challenge as a part of the Monk guild finally, which is something to aim for, it will depend though, as I may feel that the next set of quests and goals are more adventurer base, but I think it is still a good thing to think about. So here we go! [Edited 25/11/13 due to more options for focus during the challenge, allowing them to be (hopefully) slightly easier, but requiring more effort and input still]

[Nim-aera] The Paper Bag Princess -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh my, where to begin? You can call me Nim, and I'm 23 years old from Perth, Australia. Im almost a Forensic Technician. I have just over a year left from my 7 year course! I've suffered with depression since I was a child, and when I was 19, I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder. In search for a medication that would help me become more stable during the manias and depressive episodes, I gained about 25+ kg. I'd struggled alot with my body image before that, and I decided that being mentally stable was more important than being thin. Even so, the weight gain made me miserable and I had no self esteem. Im since off medication, and trying to find a more natural way to deal with my bipolar. Each day is a challenge in itself, and often I find myself in awful moods and I dont like the way it makes me treat those around me that I love dearly. I also want to stop feeling helpless all the time. I also have coeliac disease, and follow a strict gluten free diet. Eating gluten makes me very sick and its not pleasant at all. I've lost about 10kg since through diet and exercise, mostly cardio and yoga. Im still not happy with my weight, and Im not comfortable being in my body at all. I hope this 6 week challenge will put me on the path of being happier, healthier and feeling good about myself. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Stats Height: 159cm Weight: 77.8kg Waist: 78.5cm Hips: 102cm Bust: 102cm Body Fat: 37.4% Body Muscle: (33.3%) Main Quest I wish to feel better about myself, both physically and mentally. This means to find inner peace with my demons, and to lose weight. I wish to wake up each day, and embrace the world I have been given, rather than to mourn the world I was not. Goal One: Om Nom Nom Grass I'll be giving up soft drinks except for very special occasions, and all junk food. If I didn't make it myself/couldn't have made it myself, I wont be eating it. Having celiac disease limits junk food intake on its own, but I want to consume alot more fruit and vegetables then I am now. I'll be keeping a food diary because I tend to snack alot, and during summer, if I snack it should be on fruit. Im also limiting gluten free bread, I feel I consume too much. Grading: A - Healthy eating, no softdrinks, eating plentiful fruit and vegetables B - Healthy eating, no softdrinks, eating some but not enough fruit and vegetables. C - Healthy eating, some softdrinks, eating a few fruit and vegetables D - Some healthy eating, softdrinks, snacking frequently, not enough f+v F - Softdrinks, snacking, bad eating habits. Goal Two: The Strength of A Raging Fire I will endeavour to work out at least 3 times a week by myself, these on a Monday, Friday and Saturday. (or with someone else if they'd like to join me) On the alternative days, I would like to incorporate yoga. A 30-60 minute session that will help me to stretch and flex. Monday - Run Tuesdays - Yoga Wednesdays - Thursdays - Yoga Fridays - Run Saturdays - Workout Sundays - Yoga Grading: A - Attended a least 95% of all sessions. B - Attended a least 80% of all sessions. C - Attended a least 70% of all sessions. D - Attended a least 60% of all sessions. F - Attended a least 50% of all sessions. Goal Three: The inside shall reflect the outside I have been completely gluten free for 8 months. Now you may ask, Nim? If you have had this your whole life, how come you've JUST gone gluten free? As I child, I was a really finicky eater (most likely due to the fact most everything hurt my tummy) and my mother put my complaints down to me being fussy, and I'll admit, I was very fussy. By 2009, I was very sick, malnourished, and slowly realising foods were making me ill but unsure which ones. I went to the doctor and received my diagnosis after many tests, I had celiac disease. Like a 19 year old teenage, I lived in denial. I ate gluten anyway and suffered through the tummy aches. It wasn't until last year I decided I needed to be serious, it started as tummy aches and slowly became the most sensitive allergy I had ever had. If I eat gluten now, even small amounts, Im throwing up within a few hours. It's like poison to my body. BUT TO THE MAIN POINT; I had been damaging my villi (small finger like projections in the small intestine that help in absorption of nutrients into the body), and I was malnourished and vitamin deficient. Im very lethargic and tired all the time, I dont sleep well and I feel so weak. I need to correct this asap. It takes 3 months for gluten to be rid completely from your body. I want to get my body back to being healthy, and to figure out what Im lacking so I can be vitamin happy again. So I will be taking vitamins (gluten free ones, yes a multivitamin can be a death pill for me If I dont watch out). I'll also be trying to sleep better, arising at a better time, drinking more water. After these 6 weeks, I want to glow with health. Grading: A - Take vitamin every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (95%) *ie 6/7 days B - Take vitamin most every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (80%) *ie 5/7 days C - Take vitamin most every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (70%) *ie 4/7 days D - Take vitamin most every day, drink at least 1L of water, get out of bed earlier. (60%) *ie 3/7 days F - Take vitamin every other day, drink some water, sleep in alot (50%) *ie 2/7 days LIFE QUEST Get out more. I spend a fair amount of time cooped up because I study alot, but come by the second week of this challenge, all my exams will be over. So I plan to be a bit more social without having to spend money. Whether I take up a hobby, or just get out for a walk, I want to seize that day! Grading: A - Carpe Diem. DAY SEIZED B - Go out most days a week, even just for a little bit. Get those hobbies going! C - Go out most days a week, even just for a little bit. Achieve some hobbies D - Go out some days a week, even just for a little bit. F - Sit at home like the tiny winter squirrel I am, count my nuts and cry. I am hoping all these goals will enable me to lose weight, become more toned (jiggle jiggle), and to find an inner peace within myself, and allow me to control my emotions.

[Nim-aera] The Paper Bag Comes Off....And The Battle Armour Goes On. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh my, where to begin? You can call me Nim, and I'm 22 years old from Perth, Australia. Im almost a Forensic Technician. I have just over a year left from my 7 year course! I've suffered with depression since I was a child, and when I was 19, I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder. In search for a medication that would help me become more stable during the manias and depressive episodes, I gained about 25+ kg. I'd struggled alot with my body image before that, and I decided that being mentally stable was more important than being thin. Even so, the weight gain made me miserable and I had no self esteem. Im since off medication, and trying to find a more natural way to deal with my bipolar. Each day is a challenge in itself, and often I find myself in awful moods and I dont like the way it makes me treat those around me that I love dearly. I also want to stop feeling helpless all the time. I also have coeliac disease, and follow a strict gluten free diet. Eating gluten makes me very sick and its not pleasant at all. I've lost about 10kg since through diet and exercise, mostly cardio and yoga. Im still not happy with my weight, and Im not comfortable being in my body at all. I hope this 6 week challenge will put me on the path of being happier, healthier and feeling good about myself. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Stats Height: 159cm Weight: 77.8kg Waist: 78.5cm Hips: 102cm Bust: 102cm Body Fat: 37.4% Body Muscle: (33.3% Main Quest The hot wind blew red grains of sand over my boots and I stared at it for a moment, watching the granules dance with each other over the leather. They seemed to meet and embrace for a second, only to flutter away again, letting the wind move them freely without fear or hesitation. Before me loomed a dark cave, and if I turned my ear slightly to the left and closed my eyes other sounds rose above the howl of the air. I could hear the slow, even breathing of a great creature, a monstrous creature. A creature so fearsome and powerful that it made my hands shake slightly and my chest rise and fall rapidly with impatience and hesitance. I knew the only way to become who I was meant to be, to finally achieve my destiny, my greatness, was to face that creature in the cave. I turned swiftly on my heels and walked away with haste, my paper dress crackling like fire as I moved swiftly over the red plain. I wasn't ready, not yet. I would come back soon, in 6 weeks, and see if the challenges I had lying ahead could turn me into the warrior I needed to be. The kind of warrior who didn't shake when standing before her destiny. The paper bag was coming off, and the battle armour was going on. I have already completed my first 6 week challenge (see here), and ready to attack my second. Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed. GK Chesterson Goal One: The Strength of A Raging Fire I know to defeat my dragons, to earn my armour, I will need to be strong. I will need to be light on my feel like a pebble skipping over a pond. I will need to be tall and unwavering in the face of danger. I will need to work harder than I have ever in my life, and to welcome every scar as a reminder that it is taking me to who I am to be. To do this, I will need to train. I am fortunate that other warriors will be there to aid me, to train with me, as they have their own dragons to slay. I will endeavour to work out at least 3 times a week by myself, these on a Monday, Friday and Saturday. (or with someone else if they'd like to join me) I also have a planned group workout session on Wednesday (The playground workout) once a week with friends, Radact, Rachy87 and Brentos. On the alternative days, I would like to incorporate yoga. A 30-60 minute session that will help me to stretch and flex. Its important to keep nimble when slaying dragons, they may be large but they can move fast if they need to. Monday - Run Tuesdays - Yoga Wednesdays - Playground workout Thursdays - Yoga Fridays - Run Saturdays - Workout Sundays - Yoga Grading: A - Attended a least 95% of all sessions. B - Attended a least 80% of all sessions. C - Attended a least 70% of all sessions. D - Attended a least 60% of all sessions. F - Attended a least 50% of all sessions. Goal Two: The Monsters Are Inside Of Us "Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." Stephen King To defeat my dragons, I must be of sound mind, of pure heart. I must have faith in myself, in my capabilities. I have my own demons that I struggle with daily, and every now and again they become very difficult to deal with, and I feel like throwing the towel in. For background reference if you don't know me from the first challenge, I have Bipolar disorder. My mind is in chaos most of the time. Im trying to change that, slowly Im making a better way for myself. I want to do this not only for me, but for the amazing man I have in my life whom I am trying to be a better person for. I know it must pain him to see me sometimes, and not know how to fix the solution-less problems I am facing. I want to get to a point in my life where each day is not a struggle, but a joy. To do this, I need to clear my head. Im adding daily mediation of 15 mintues to my goals, as well as keeping a journal to help me control and maintain my thoughts, and to write down at least one positive thing a day, even something little. Even the smallest flowers start as seeds. Grading: A - Write most every day, mediate most every day. (95%) *ie 6/7 days B - Write every other day, mediate every other day. (80%) *ie 5/7 days C - Write a few times a week, mediate a few times a week. (70%) *ie 4/7 days D - Write a few times a week, mediate a few times a week. (60%) *ie 3/7 days F - Write every week, mediate every week. (50%) *ie 2/7 days Goal Three: You Only Get What You Give To defeat my dragons, a diet will need to be accorded to ensure I am giving my body the strength and power it needs to fight. I'll be giving up soft drinks all together, and all junk food. If I didn't make it myself/couldn't have made it myself, I wont be eating it. An example is that at uni they sell sushi, and I'll allow myself to buy some if theres no other option such as I didn't have time to make my lunch. It will be considered a last resort though and attribute to a lower grade. I also want to consume more water each day. Grading: A - Made all lunches, didn't consume any soft drinks. Drank 1L a day B - Consumed 1 soft drink, brought lunch once. Drank 1L a day C - Consumed 2 soft drinks, brought lunch more than 3 times. Drank >1L a day D - Consumed 3 soft drinks, brought lunch more than 4 times. Drank >500mL a day F - Consumed 5+ soft drinks, brought lunch once a week. Drank >500mL a day LIFE QUEST Attend all days at university, despite my mood that morning. I will not allow my bipolar to become an excuse. Quite often I have allowed myself to lie in bed and not get out simply because I couldn't physically force myself to. Im aware that completing this challenge is going to be the hardest one of all, as I cannot predict how I will feel each day. I know I have the support and love of 2 IRL friends also doing the challenge, and also my boyfriend, also participating in the challenge as Radact. I just have to learn to ask for help when I need it. I will also have a positive jar. Im going to write down one positive thing a day and stick it in that jar. When I am feeling less than spectacular, I will take a piece from the jar, and think it over, write a poem or a song or a sonnet or carve it into wood or anything that will force me to change my perspective and bitter thinking. I will also be sharing them with all of you. Grading: A - Attend all days at uni B - Attend all days at uni - one class missed. C - Attend all days at uni - two classes missed D - Attend all days at uni - three classes missed F - Attend all days at uni - missed four or more classes. I am hoping all these goals will enable me to lose weight, become more toned (jiggle jiggle), and to find an inner peace within myself, and allow me to control my emotions.

G'day! Having recently found out about this wonderful community this shall be my first journey towards levelling up my life. A West Aussie that is a massive metalhead (which is where alot of my challenge titles will most likely be derived from \m/ ), currently studying as Game Design looking into the future for a career in the Indie Games industry. I have a good chunk of weight to lose to be healthy, and almost all my excess weight is on my stomach, quite a specimen of a beer gut actually (albeit mostly a result of rum), which I understand is more unhealthy than the weight itself. I played junior footy (AFL) for 8 years and went to the gym most days around the age of 18, so I had muscle mass and not much fat, and literally stopped doing both at the same time, however I continued to eat the same and combine that with drinking... At the age of 23 I now have weight to lose and muscle to gain, this is my goal and is there purely to get my health in check, rather than to look good and achieve strength goals, however I know I will have these goals later, but that is just ACT II, no need to focus on that yet! I consume alot of caffeine based drinks, but I know I have the ability to forego these drinks as, I have been doing for the last 3 years, every 4-8 months I do an entire 1 or 2 months with no caffeine consumption (except maybe one glass of coke a fortnight). Current Stats: H: 6'00" W: 109kg BF: 31.5% I walk to uni from the train and back again - this is actually about 20-30 minutes with a nice hill in the middle - 3-4 times a week - so I get approximately 90 minutes of exercise a week. I consume anywhere from 2L-3L of carbonated/sugary beverages per week - not including coffee. MAIN QUEST: RISE SON OF SODOM I must rise up from the decrepit slums of Sodom and bring myself to the fresh, warm, inviting sulphur pits of hell. I want to bring myself out of old habits and place my self on the path to a healthier lifestyle. More exercise, cleaner diet and a greater overall sense of happiness. MAIN QUEST OBJECTIVE ALPHA: DISCARD THE HOLY WATER The first step toward the road of glory is to discard the filthy waters of the holy and to pickup the goblets of blood. As I mentioned above, I consume up to 3L of sugary carbonated or caffeinated beverages a week, and to ensure the task is challenging enough for myself I will combine two tasks. I will reduce my consumption of caffeine AND soft drinks as well as increase my consumption of water. A: <500mL of the evil beverages consumed per week, consume >1.80L of water a day. B: <750mL of the evil beverages consumed per week, consume >1.20L of water a day. C: <1.20L of the evil beverages consumed per week, consume >750mL of water a day. D: <1.80L of the evil beverages consumed per week, consume >500mL of water a day. F: Consuming as much as do already My understanding is that 2L of water a day (8 glasses) is healthy and keeping in mind that I will not be giving up coffee inside this challenge, more water would be good to compensate for the coffee. MAIN QUEST OBJECTIVE BETA: TO BRUISE A DEMON The next step toward the road of glory is to build the strength of a demon. Again as mentioned I used to do weights at a gym a few years ago, so combining my knowledge from then with the great amounts of information available here I hope to get back into a routine. I have my own dumbbells here at home and I am more than happy to use things around the house to help out. For now my goal here is to begin using weights and develop a solid routine to build up on. A: Get into a solid routine, 4 days a week, increase weights across most exercises by 5kg over the 6 weeks. B: Get into a solid routine, 2-3 days a week, increase weights across most exercises by 2kg over the 6 weeks. C: Get into a routine, at least once a week. Get a grounding on what exercises to do and how to do them properly. D: Pickup the weights at least once a week. F: Picking up the weights a few times over the 6 weeks isn't enough, not succeeding 'D:' is a fail. As I begin this challenge I will get the base line for my current strength and routines, and I will post them up when I get there. MAIN QUEST OBJECTIVE GAMMA: RUNNING THE RIVER STYX The next step toward the road of glory is to become fit enough to run along the shore of the river Styx and still return again. Along with a regular weight routine, in order to get fit and ultimately healthy I will need to get into a regular cardio routine. A group of us (4 in total) are all getting involved with this 6 week challenge so we have our own little group IRL to support one another everyday, and with this we plan to do a group fitness session at the playground, thanks to Steve for the video we all watched together last night about it! ;D So my goal here is to exercise (including my uni walk) a minimum amount per week (excluding the weights) and to be involved in the group workout. A: 9+ hours of walking/jogging per week, goto all of the group workouts. B: 6+ hours of walking/jogging per week, goto all of the group workouts. C: 4+ hours of walking per week, goto at least 5/6 of the group workouts. D: 2-4 hours of walking per week, goto more than 4/6 of the group workouts. F: Anything less than 2 hours of walking is a fail, regardless of group workouts. Going to 3 or fewer of the group workouts is an automatic fail, regardless of exercise done. As there is always the possibility of illness and other commitments, and that maybe all 4 of us can't do every single group workout together, I would just like to add that if this happens I will endeavour to replace this session with my own routine that is at least similar in nature. LIFE QUEST OBJECTIVE: DO NOT BE INDEBTED TO HADES No debt should be owed to Hades, for when he collects, no restitution shall ever be had for the soul for the remainder of eternity. I would like to move into a career in the Indie Games industry, and I need to build a new desktop PC and get a decent financial grounding before I begin. So my goal here is to be in the black. I currently have debts and upcoming bills to the total worth of approximately $1,200. I don't want to owe any money to anyone at the end of the challenge, and any upcoming bills, I would like to have enough money to cover them and then some. Keeping in mind that more bills will be coming up by the end of the challenge. A: In the black. B: Within $200. C: Within $500. D: Within $1,000. F: More than $1,000. I do have uni debts, however given their large size and the way they are handled in Australia, there is no need for them to be considered in this challenge and have no bearing on me financially at this point in time. I am currently on CentreLink as a student (i.e. Student Welfare payments) which is impacted by how much I earn, so overcoming such a small amount can be more of a task than expected, in a 6 week period, but I think I am capable of it and it is worth a shot! Time to climb out of Sodom and into Hell where the party awaits, let us begin this journey! -Radact