Teancum Gets Down to Business

[Teancum]

The Scarlet Pimpernel is dead! Long live Teancum!

 

If you saw my last challenge, you saw that I have re-branded myself a bit, and as a reward for succeeding last challenge changed my character name from the Scarlet Pimpernel to Teancum, after an ancient assassin and warrior. This change was to provide a fresh start, with new commitment and inspiration. I started forming some good habits last challenge, and intend to continue, and also level up! And what better way than to emulate Teancum and join the army...

 

(and here is a link to the song if you need some extra motivation)

 

I'll basically be continuing my goals from last challenge, under a different name... If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

 

Scoring - 90% is pass, zero week is bonus, missing 2 in a row is fail

 

 

I am also hoping to level up in a few aspects this challenge:

• Exercise - I am currently doing NFA body weight level 3, but this challenge I am going to take on the boss and move to level 4
• Diet - I am currently at about NFA level 4 for diet, but I think I can move up to level 5. This will require:
  • Vegetable daily for at least 10 days out of two weeks
  • One week without eating pasta
• Weight - I really want to get below my 250lb benchmark. That's 10lb and I think I can accomplish that this challenge if I stay on target

 

 

Seems like a lot going on this challenge, but I think they're all doable, and in-line with each other. I'll also participate in the mini, and might even check out a PVP challenge this time, as I haven't tried that before.

 

Having a defined reward seemed to work well last challenge, so I'll do so again. Successful completion of this challenge will qualify me for a lesson trial in martial arts, parkour, or some other new activity that I'm interested in trying out. What good is training to be an assassin if you don't put it to use?!

 

Let's do this thing!!

 

 

[WhiteGhost]

Following of course

[Jonesy]

YES MULAN! 

 

 

I'm always here for a good Disney theme and encouragement!  

[Akura]

I almost missed your challenge due to your fancy new name!

[Teancum]

Great to have you all here, thanks for the support! 

 

So far zero week hasn't been amazing. I did get my workout in yesterday, which is good, but I haven't been doing very well in the food department. I think part of it is that I have a "zero week is bonus" mentality. The trouble is, if I'm going to get even near losing 10lbs like I'd like, this week is just as important as any other. Having said that, I think I need to work out some way to make my points for food more concrete - any suggestions? 

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

2/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

1/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

Scoring TBD

Veg: Xooooooooo

1 Week no pasta: ooooooo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

3/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (current 260.8)

 

[WhiteGhost]

How about 1 point per veggified meal, 5 points for a full week without pasta and -3 points for fast food (-10 for 2 in a row)?

[Jonesy]

19 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

How about 1 point per veggified meal, 5 points for a full week without pasta and -3 points for fast food (-10 for 2 in a row)?

 

Agreed! 

 

Maybe figure out what's making this week bad, food wise. Add points for home cooked meals. Also research recipes that have lots of veggies already in them, like Stews and quiches. You can always freeze some for those days when you are running late or have no time to cook, just grab your to-go pre-made meal! 

[Teancum]

19 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

How about 1 point per veggified meal, 5 points for a full week without pasta and -3 points for fast food (-10 for 2 in a row)?

 

14 minutes ago, Jonesy said:

Maybe figure out what's making this week bad, food wise. Add points for home cooked meals. Also research recipes that have lots of veggies already in them, like Stews and quiches. You can always freeze some for those days were you are running late or no time to cook, just grab your to-go pre-made meal! 

 

I think a points system is probably the way to go, I'm just not sure what should add, what should take away, and how to weigh them. I'll do some thinking... 

 

I really like the idea of using this week as a calibration for what is "bad" though, that's a good starting point.

[Teancum]

Today was a bit better. In keeping with my never two in a row rule, I ate much healthier today. I didn't have a chance to make a full lunch, so I had some snacks I brought instead of buying food. We did go out to eat as a family after our family pictures, but instead of the pizza I wanted, I got a salad (which was still delicious and filling) that fit perfectly the rest of my macros for the day! Win! Also worked out before bed. 

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

2/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

2/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

Scoring TBD

Veg: XXoooooooo

1 Week no pasta: ooooooo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

4/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (current 260.8)

[Jonesy]

Choosing salad over pizza, I am impressed!

[WhiteGhost]

Giving up pizza for salad is the kind of thing that will get you where you want to be.  Good on ya!

[Teancum]

23 hours ago, Jonesy said:

Choosing salad over pizza, I am impressed!

 

22 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Giving up pizza for salad is the kind of thing that will get you where you want to be.  Good on ya!

 

So that was good yesterday... Today, not so much We were shopping at Costco and my wife found a treat that I knew would ruin me, but it looked so good so I didn't fight her getting it too hard. Well as I suspected, I had no control. Clusters of pretzels, caramel, dark chocolate and sea salt. So that was my dinner. Plus some for dessert. Ugh. Still have been following my never two in a row rule though, so at least that's something. Tomorrow will be a better day. 

 

I've been thinking about the food points too - I think it'll be +1 for each serving of vegetables I have, and for being within 10% of each macro for the day, and +3 for being within 10% of my calorie goal. Then -1 point for each serving of non whole grain carbs, and for any sugar consumption. Also -3 for eating out, except on my birthday. I'll work out my goal and pass levels tomorrow. 

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

3/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

2/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

Scoring TBD

Veg: XXXooooooo

1 Week no pasta: Xoooooo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

5/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (current 260.8)

[Teancum]

Today I hung out with the kidlets for a while, then went to help my sister set up her Ikea desk, which turned out to be a good warm up for my first level up of the challenge... 

 

I DEFEATED BERSERXES THE SQUAT KING!!! 

 

Moving on to body weight level four. It looks like it'll be quite a bit harder, and that the workouts are longer and more involved, but that's what I need right now I think. It also requires rings, which I've been wanting to get anyways, so ordered on Amazon today as loot for defeating the boss, and for succeeding last challenge (didn't get any physical loot yet). So I'm looking forward to trying that! 

 

Because putting the desk together took forever, I also didn't eat lunch until after my workout at like 4. I was tempted to get fast food, but I was riding the high of the level up and roasted a bunch of vegetables at home instead. They were delicious, I need to do that more often. 

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

3/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

3/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

Scoring TBD

Veg: XXXXoooooo

1 Week no pasta: XXooooo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

6/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4 - COMPLETED
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (current 260.8)

[Teancum]

Also, I forgot to add, new PR for dead hangs! Just over a minute. I think it helped that I actually found somewhere high enough to hang fully, as usually I have to hold my legs bent which uses more energy. 

[Akura]

1 hour ago, Teancum said:

I DEFEATED BERSERXES THE SQUAT KING!!! 

 

Congrats!

[WhiteGhost]

Way to go defeating the Squat King - And extra kudos for the veggies instead of fast food!

[Jonesy]

Down with the Squat King and awesome job avoiding fast food! 

[Teancum]

Today was pretty good, but I did have some cookies tonight. Homemade chocolate chip cookies are one of my weaknesses, but they're also one of the things I'm not willing to give up for the rest of my life, so I'm ok if I have them occasionally. I've all but stopped eating packaged cookies (even oreos!), so I'm not too upset by the occasional home made one.

 

Otherwise zero week has gone pretty well! I got all my bonuses for workouts, and leveled up on my academy workout! I also got all my bonuses for scriptures study. Food is the one thing that only went ok... I had a couple less than ideal days, but I stuck with my never miss 2 in a row rule, and I still managed to drop a pound, so that was nice. I've got a scoring system set up for the rest of challenge (below) that I hope will keep me on track with where I want to go. I think my level up goal of losing 10 lbs this challenge is still doable, but will certainly be difficult.

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

3/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

3/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

V:  , P:  , C:  , F:  , kC:  , W:  , S:  , FF:  

Total:  /200

Veg: XXXXXooooo

1 Week no pasta: XXXoooo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

7/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4 - COMPLETED
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (starting: 260.8. current: 259.6)

Food scoring:

Points system: +1 for each serving of vegetables, and for coming within 10% of each macro daily. +3 for each day within 10% of my calorie goal. -1 for each serving of non-whole grain carbs, -3 for each serving of sweets, and -3 for eating out (except on my birthday).

GOAL: 200 points (This would account for 1 serving of veggies every day and hitting all my macro/calorie goals, with no negative points. I'm hoping any negative points I do get can be counteracted by extra veggies, since I really should be having more than 1/day)

Pass: 90% (as with the other challenge goals)

Scoring legend: V:  +2, P: +1 , C: +1 , F:+1  , kC:+3  ; W: -1 , S: -1 , FF: -3 = Daily +/- points for Veggies, Protein, Carbs, Fat, Calories; White carbs, Sweets, Fast Food

 

[Teancum]

Today was pretty good. My rings came and I set them up! I'll give them a real try tomorrow. I did a bunch of walking, and a salad for dinner. I did have some cookies too, but I limited how many. 

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

4/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

3/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

V: +6, P: +1, C: +1, F: +1, kC: +3; W: - , S: -3, FF: -

Total:  9/200

Veg: XXXXXXoooo

1 Week no pasta: XXXXooo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

8/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4 - COMPLETED
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (starting: 260.8. current: 259.6)

 

 

[Teancum]

I think I'm starting to get sick - woke up with a sore throat that kind of stuck around all day. I pushed through it though! Had to eat out today, but avoided cookies and stuck to my macros.

 

I also did my first level four workout! I almost didn't because of my throat, but I was excited to use my new rings, so I did it anyway and it wasn't too bad. I am trying to figure out the best way to do all the activities with winter coming - I usually work out at home because changing and travel time to the gym adds on too much time. The issue with winter is that in my house there's no where I can hang straight, jump, or skip rope, because ceilings, and it's too cold to go outside to do it. I make due (bending my knee when I hang, jumping without the rope, and not jumping full height), but I wish I could find a good way to do it fully at home. C'est la vie I guess. 

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

4/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

4/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

V: +1, P: +1, C: +1, F: +1, kC: +3; W: -1, S: -, FF: -3

Total:  12/200

Veg: XXXXXXXooo

1 Week no pasta: XXXXXoo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

9/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4 - COMPLETED
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (starting: 260.8. current: 259.6)

[Akura]

1 hour ago, Teancum said:

I think I'm starting to get sick - woke up with a sore throat that kind of stuck around all day.

 

When you get sick, try to slow down your exercise, but don't stop them comepletely. When sick, going for walk is very good.

[Jonesy]

9 hours ago, Akura said:

 

When you get sick, try to slow down your exercise, but don't stop them comepletely. When sick, going for walk is very good.

 

This is good advice!

[Teancum]

22 hours ago, Akura said:

 

When you get sick, try to slow down your exercise, but don't stop them comepletely. When sick, going for walk is very good.

 

That is good advice. I was well enough yesterday that my full workout was still ok, but I've definitely been thrown majorly off track by being sick before, which is not good. I think remembering this will help next time. 

 

So today was... I don't know. I gave blood today, so I didn't count the blood clinic cookies, cause I figure a pint of blood will require at least some energy to restore, and they tell you to eat afterwards. The unfortunate thing is, I kind of carried that attitude with me to the potluck I went to in the evening, and definitely ate some things I shouldn't have, including more cookies... 

 

I'll be better tomorrow though... Never two in a row! 

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

5/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

4/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

V: +4, P: +1, C: +, F: +1, kC: +3; W: -2, S: -3, FF: -

Total:  16/200 (-5 from where I should be) 

Veg: XXXXXXXXoo

1 Week no pasta: XXXXXXo

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

10/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4 - COMPLETED
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (starting: 260.8. current: 259.6)

[Teancum]

I feel like the universe wants me to eat cookies this week. There's always cookies. At home, at work. Boxes of cookies. I always hold off for a bit, but then usually end up giving in. I still managed to fit my macros today though. 

 

 

Didn't have time for my workout today, but I'm hoping I can do tomorrow and Saturday. Hung out upside down for a bit for skills training. 

 

Veggies were good today, roasted some up for dinner again. Also completed my week with no pasta, so tomorrow I should meet the requirements to level up to diet level 5! (it'll be the same goals really, just hopefully a bit more strict)

 

Be a Man: Never miss 2 in a row

Passing

Swift as a Coursing River: Skills training (balancing, climbing, jumping, hanging, crawling, etc.) 3x per week

6/12

Force of a Great Typhoon: NFA Body weight workout 3x per week

4/12

Strength of a Raging Fire: Modified NFA level 4 diet - Avoid sugar/fast food (and never 2 in a row), eat more vegetables, choose whole grains, move to level 5 (see below)

V: +6, P: +1, C: +1, F: +1, kC: +3; W: -, S: -3, FF: -

Total:  25/200 (-3 from where I should be) 

Veg: XXXXXXXXXo

1 Week no pasta: XXXXXXX

Mysterious as the Dark Side of the Moon: Daily study of scripture

11/28

 

Level up goals:

• Exercise - NFA body weight level 3 - - - > level 4 - COMPLETED
• Diet - NFA level 4 - - - > level 5
• Weight - Get below 250lb (starting: 260.8. current: 259.6)

[Akura]

 

My best advice: Get yourself an intolerance for fructose. Super helpful!!