Schaengel respawns once again

[Schaengel]

And as always late to the party I’ll use this January Challenge to respawn and try to get going better this year again.

2017 was overall good but in the fitness and food area there are still a lot of goals to achieve and habits to learn. But this time I’ll try to take it slow one ministep at a time.

So I decided to write down my overall Goals for 2018 as a reminder of the general direction I’d like to go. Overall I’m okay with where I am at the moment. I have a nice job, my fitness is okay and my relationship with my girlfriend is working out so well so far. So my most important goal for this year is:

 

PMA! FIND REALISTIC WAYS TO IMPROVE WHILE KEEPING ALL THE POSITIVE THINGS IN MY LIFE IN MIND!

 

My Overall Goals for 2018:

 

Fitness:

-          Run a marathon in 4:30 (Status: Marathon booked for October)

-          Finish a Spartan Sprint (Status: Race not booked yet)

-          Make Powerlifting a habit (Status: Gym found, form and technic needs a lot of work)

Finances:

-          Invest money for my future (Status: Planning at around 80%)

-          Read 5 books on finances

Job:

-          Decide work goals for the next 2 Years (Deadline May 2018)

-          Go to at least 5 networking events

-          Read 5 books that help finding a job you enjoy

Personal Grow:

-          Learn Spanish

-          Make time for Date-Night at least once per week (and try to make something special twice per month)

-          Use Nerd Fitness Academy

-          DM a P&P round

-          Try Wrestling training

-          Start a positive & achievement journal

-          Participate in more VCA charity events

 

So for this Challenge I decided to start working on my mornings and my morning routine:

 

Challenge 1: Starting the day right

First Part of my morning Challenge will be to find a good timing for my mornings. At the moment my routine is like this:

Bathroom time + Listening to the news

Walking to the Subway while listening to my Spanish podcast

Listening to my finance education podcast on the train and on the way to the office

 

I will integrate meditation into this routine as my first goal

-          Meditations done (1 point per meditation)

-          Passing this challenge with 20+ points

 

Challenge 2: Morning Sport

I was waiting for my gym to start opening in the morning and since it does since some days there’s no explanation for not going. Also I’d like to go running in the morning again.

-          Find a running rout (20min) near my place and near my girlfriends place (5 points each)

-          Going to the gym (1 point per training session)

-          Going running (1 point per morning run)

-          Passing this challenge with 20+ points

 

Challenge 3: A good breakfast

I tried fasting in the morning and it works from time to time. Problem is the times it doesn’t works I normally end up with to go food that’s burning a lot of my daily calories and is in general garbage-

-          Find 5 morning meals (paleo) that can be prepared for 3+ days in advance (2 points each)

-          Fasting or eating good paleo breakfast (1 point each)

-          Passing this challenge with 30+ points

 

Challenge 4: Community work

I really enjoy the supportiveness of the NF community so I want to participate in that again

-          Follow 4 NF rebels (will follow @Jonesy and 3 more that I will decide on tomorrow XD ) and check in and leave a supportive message every 3 days. (1point each)

-          Passing challenge with 30+ points

 

So let’s see how that works  

 

 

[Hypotheticalfox]

I like your goals. When you say try wrestling training, do you mean wwe style or Olympic? Either way that sounds like a great exercise and a lot of fun.


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[Jonesy]

Welcome back friend! Morning routines are important and I can't wait to see how you progress. 

 

25 minutes ago, Hypotheticalfox said:

When you say try wrestling training, do you mean wwe style or Olympic?

 

If you do WWE wrestling you can also work on comedy and improv! 

[zeroh13]

Hi Schaengel! Welcome!

 

What are you planning on doing for meditation? 

[Schaengel]

14 hours ago, Hypotheticalfox said:

I like your goals. When you say try wrestling training, do you mean wwe style or Olympic? Either way that sounds like a great exercise and a lot of fun.


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Thanks. I mean wrestiln in the sport entertainment (WWE) style. It's something I wanted to try since I was young but in Germany there aren't many places where you can train it. But in Berlin there's a league with a training center so it's finaly possible

[Schaengel]

14 hours ago, Jonesy said:

Welcome back friend! Morning routines are important and I can't wait to see how you progress. 

 

 

If you do WWE wrestling you can also work on comedy and improv! 

Hey, yes morning routines are really important...but so hard...especially if you're used to getting up late like I am (I have to stay late in the office anywa since we have to wait for the US people to get up )

 

That's something I would love to try later as well, for improv I'm actually getting some training with dming my p&p round I hope

[Schaengel]

5 hours ago, zeroh13 said:

Hi Schaengel! Welcome!

 

What are you planning on doing for meditation? 

That's a good question. I used to do 15minutes of guided meditation (with the calm app) last year but they changed the app and now my favorite meditations aren't there anymore. I tried headspace but somehow the voice of the narrator annoys me...so at the moment I'm a little clueless. All I know is that form last years experience it's probably best if I do it in the morning as well as something short in the evening to end the day relaxed but more important even get to work without feeling stressed right away...

[Hypotheticalfox]

Thanks. I mean wrestiln in the sport entertainment (WWE) style. It's something I wanted to try since I was young but in Germany there aren't many places where you can train it. But in Berlin there's a league with a training center so it's finaly possible [emoji4]

That’s awesome. I know so much of it is fake, but the physical endurance requires to do it is totally not. My husband and a group of his childhood friends that all grew up on WWE all still get together for the major pay per views to hoot and holler and bet on matches even though they’re all in their 30s with kids now. We even bought bingo ball roller so we can draw betting numbers for the Royal Rumble. No one takes it seriously, but at the same time, the amount of smack talk is ridiculous.

If you end up doing the training, let us know how it goes.


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[Schaengel]

20 hours ago, Hypotheticalfox said:

 

That’s awesome. I know so much of it is fake, but the physical endurance requires to do it is totally not. My husband and a group of his childhood friends that all grew up on WWE all still get together for the major pay per views to hoot and holler and bet on matches even though they’re all in their 30s with kids now. We even bought bingo ball roller so we can draw betting numbers for the Royal Rumble. No one takes it seriously, but at the same time, the amount of smack talk is ridiculous.

If you end up doing the training, let us know how it goes.


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I used to watch it when I was younger and than stopped for some years. Nowadays I watch WWE from time to time (I really like the behind the scenes stuff and webseries they provide around the shows) and ROH and NJPW because I like the style better. Your partys sound like a lot of fun especially the Royal Rumble party. Maybe I'll steal that idea

[Schaengel]

CHALLENGE UPDATE

 

Challenge 1: Starting the day right

0 points so far for this one.

Tried out a meditation podcast on the way home from work yesterday but deleted it because I disliked the way they guided the meditation. So still searching for a good guided meditation app/podcast.

 

 

Challenge 2: Morning Sport

1,5 points.

I did go to the Gym this morning (I am back to nearly my starting weight from the 5x5 programm which is a little demotivating but okay). Gave myself a half point for yesterday because I was on my way to the gym but because of bad train service I would have been late to work so I skiped the gym and used the beign up early for some extra work hours (that I can use for another vacation hopefully).

 

Challenge 3: A good breakfast

0 points.

Heven't found a good recipe yet. So I'm stuck with my to-go tuna-cream sandwich (which I am still in search for a paleo version of because it's something I can eat every morning for the rest of my life XD)

 

Challenge 4: Community work

1 point

still need to follow 3 more threads but at the moment only manage to sneak in a little NF time while at work...

[Hypotheticalfox]

CHALLENGE UPDATE
 
Challenge 1: Starting the day right
0 points so far for this one.
Tried out a meditation podcast on the way home from work yesterday but deleted it because I disliked the way they guided the meditation. So still searching for a good guided meditation app/podcast.
 
 
Challenge 2: Morning Sport
1,5 points.
I did go to the Gym this morning (I am back to nearly my starting weight from the 5x5 programm which is a little demotivating but okay). Gave myself a half point for yesterday because I was on my way to the gym but because of bad train service I would have been late to work so I skiped the gym and used the beign up early for some extra work hours (that I can use for another vacation hopefully).
 
Challenge 3: A good breakfast
0 points.
Heven't found a good recipe yet. So I'm stuck with my to-go tuna-cream sandwich (which I am still in search for a paleo version of because it's something I can eat every morning for the rest of my life XD)
 
Challenge 4: Community work
1 point
still need to follow 3 more threads but at the moment only manage to sneak in a little NF time while at work...

What is a tuna-cream sandwich? Is it like tuna salad sandwich (tuna, mayo, assorted other things at times on toasted bread)?

If the bread is the issue, you could use a lettuce wrap or toasted/ bakes sweet potato slices. If the cream (still not sure if you mean real cream) is the issue, you could sub in homemade mayo. It’s surprisingly easy to make with an egg, a cup of oil, 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt (and a stick blender).


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[Hypotheticalfox]

CHALLENGE UPDATE
 
Challenge 1: Starting the day right
0 points so far for this one.
Tried out a meditation podcast on the way home from work yesterday but deleted it because I disliked the way they guided the meditation. So still searching for a good guided meditation app/podcast.
 
 
Challenge 2: Morning Sport
1,5 points.
I did go to the Gym this morning (I am back to nearly my starting weight from the 5x5 programm which is a little demotivating but okay). Gave myself a half point for yesterday because I was on my way to the gym but because of bad train service I would have been late to work so I skiped the gym and used the beign up early for some extra work hours (that I can use for another vacation hopefully).
 
Challenge 3: A good breakfast
0 points.
Heven't found a good recipe yet. So I'm stuck with my to-go tuna-cream sandwich (which I am still in search for a paleo version of because it's something I can eat every morning for the rest of my life XD)
 
Challenge 4: Community work
1 point
still need to follow 3 more threads but at the moment only manage to sneak in a little NF time while at work...

What is a tuna-cream sandwich? Is it like tuna salad sandwich (tuna, mayo, assorted other things at times on toasted bread)?

If the bread is the issue, you could use a lettuce wrap or toasted/ bakes sweet potato slices. If the cream (still not sure if you mean real cream) is the issue, you could sub in homemade mayo. It’s surprisingly easy to make with an egg, a cup of oil, 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt (and a stick blender).


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[fleaball]

Insight Timer is an app with a whole bunch of guided meditations by a whole bunch of different people. it's not as cohesive as Headspace, but I like the huge selection.

[Jonesy]

On 1/9/2018 at 7:55 AM, Hypotheticalfox said:

It’s surprisingly easy to make with an egg, a cup of oil, 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt (and a stick blender).

 

I'd recommend grapeseed oil or Avocado oil and avoid any olive oil! Seriously though, homemade mayo is the BEST! 

 

On 1/9/2018 at 4:40 AM, Schaengel said:

I am back to nearly my starting weight from the 5x5 programm which is a little demotivating but okay

 

When was the last time you did the 5x5 program?? Also just GOING to the gym is half the battle!

[Diadhuit]

Hi, sorry, I did miss your thread, don't know what happened!

I agree with @fleaball on insight timer, I really like it (beside the fact that you can't download meditations unless you pay). A less known app that I love is smiling minds.

How is the challenge going on? found a good recipe?

We are here cheering for you!

[Schaengel]

So finally kind of a update.

My original plan was to take some minutes at work to update this thread (since I'm always early that wouldn't be a problem) but it's so busy that that doesn't works yet.

Since I need to go to bed soon (need to get up early for sport) this update will be really short.

1. Still searching for a good app. Didn't had the time to try your recommendations but will do the next week.

2. Sport: last week only one time but the girlfriend and I found a solution that will hopefully lead to me doing my 3 trainings per week.

3. Still searching. Wanted to try the sweet potatoe toast but cutting it didn't work the way I wanted. Any tips how to cut the potatoes so that you can toast them?

4. Yeah will have to work on that. Miniquest for tomorrow. Answer all your posts and get up to speed in @Jonesythread.

 

Now I think I'll go sleep since the Steelers are driving me crazy again >__<

[Hypotheticalfox]

3. Still searching. Wanted to try the sweet potatoe toast but cutting it didn't work the way I wanted. Any tips how to cut the potatoes so that you can toast them?

 
Now I think I'll go sleep since the Steelers are driving me crazy again >__

My not-so-original idea for sweet potato roasts came from this site:

https://littlebitsof.com/2016/05/sweet-potato-toast-3-ways/

It doesn’t have any specific suggestions on cutting sweet potatoes, but they’re denser and harder to cut than a regular potato so you need a knife with a bit of heft to it.


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[Jonesy]

I suggest a good sharp knife for that potato! If you are having issues, maybe try heating it up for a few seconds in the microwave? 

[Schaengel]

On 9.1.2018 at 4:55 PM, Hypotheticalfox said:

 

What is a tuna-cream sandwich? Is it like tuna salad sandwich (tuna, mayo, assorted other things at times on toasted bread)?

If the bread is the issue, you could use a lettuce wrap or toasted/ bakes sweet potato slices. If the cream (still not sure if you mean real cream) is the issue, you could sub in homemade mayo. It’s surprisingly easy to make with an egg, a cup of oil, 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt (and a stick blender).


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You described the tuna-cream sandwich perfectly (I just realized when you asked that this term is one of the so called "denglisch" meaning deutscha dn english badly mixed), didn't realized taht before XD

I tried the mayo and it's pretty easy...like mentioned before the sweet potato and I still have some issues but we will work them out soon I hope

 

On 10.1.2018 at 4:07 AM, fleaball said:

Insight Timer is an app with a whole bunch of guided meditations by a whole bunch of different people. it's not as cohesive as Headspace, but I like the huge selection.

thank you for the recommendation will definitely check it out

 

On 11.1.2018 at 7:54 PM, Jonesy said:

 

I'd recommend grapeseed oil or Avocado oil and avoid any olive oil! Seriously though, homemade mayo is the BEST! 

 

 

When was the last time you did the 5x5 program?? Also just GOING to the gym is half the battle!

I did the first try with olive oil but when that's used up I'll definitely try one of the other oils. Before that I'm too Scrooge-Like to buy any new stuff

 

I had over 1 1/2 month without any real tryining so of course it dumped me back to the start. for the last trainings I just doubled the weight (5kg more per training) but now I'm already at a point where I feel it's best to get back to the original programm...need to try to be less impatient with this stuff...

On 13.1.2018 at 6:45 PM, Diadhuit said:

Hi, sorry, I did miss your thread, don't know what happened!

I agree with @fleaball on insight timer, I really like it (beside the fact that you can't download meditations unless you pay). A less known app that I love is smiling minds.

How is the challenge going on? found a good recipe?

We are here cheering for you!

Hey no problem. thank you for joining my threat. Overall challenge is going okay. Could be worse for the surroundings here at the moment (our biggest tour starts tomorrow so a lot of work to be done)

On 15.1.2018 at 4:35 AM, Hypotheticalfox said:

My not-so-original idea for sweet potato roasts came from this site:

https://littlebitsof.com/2016/05/sweet-potato-toast-3-ways/

It doesn’t have any specific suggestions on cutting sweet potatoes, but they’re denser and harder to cut than a regular potato so you need a knife with a bit of heft to it.


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That sounds good, like mentioned before I might need a better knive if I keep cooking that much with sweet potato.

On 15.1.2018 at 4:47 PM, Jonesy said:

I suggest a good sharp knife for that potato! If you are having issues, maybe try heating it up for a few seconds in the microwave? 

I'll try the microwave thing soon Thanks again

[Schaengel]

CHALLENGE UPDATE

 

Challenge 1: Starting the day right

0 points so far for this one.

Nothing new so far but I really need to get this going. I'm so stressed the last weeks but somehow haven't found the time yet :/.

 

Challenge 2: Morning Sport

3,5 points.

Gym is working out better now even though I didn't get to go today (we had our big tourstart yesterday so I got nearly no sleep + drinking in the evening, so today I'm just trying to stay awake at work...).

 

Challenge 3: A good breakfast

0 points.

 

Challenge 4: Community work

1 point

 

Even though this doesn't looks to good when just looking at the points in perspective it could be worse...Here's Schaengels ultimate list of why this results don't suck (yet):

- I changed positions in our booking agency from doing logistics to doing marketing/social media/grafics for that I need to elarn new skills and also do some extra hours to get ahead of the deadlines. So some time for fitness is used for that instead but soon will be free for running and gym again.

- Overall food quality and cooking improved. So even though breakfast isn't good yet the rest is normally better than before and improving

- Even though I'm stressed the relationship with my girlfriend keeps that down to a managable amount at the moment since we always plan some downtime and I'm not out and about for 2-3 weeks straight like last year.

 

So overall it could be worse.

Now the bad part of the update. We have Shows troughout the whole weekend (including traveling and Hotel breakfast) so from yesterday on till sunday there will be no sport, shitty food and some stress :/ but on the other hand I'm part of the biggest hardcore tour in Europe and get to see Terror, Hatebreed and Madball 2 times

[Schaengel]

So once again I kinda fell asleep till the end of the challenge but since getting back to work is one of the things I'm already used too I will finish up this thread real quick so that I can start the coming challenge.

 

So what happened over the last weeks?:

I worked at our shows and managed to eat more or less healthy even though it was hard

I went to Turkey to play a quidditch tournament with a German team composed from different citys and we managed to come in second (so first finale I played and first quidditch medal)

I continued to eat healthy through the days but not in the morning

I started restructuring my weeks to account for the new needs that came through my relationship (aka I now need to pick times to go to the cinemas and to play something cause otherwise I'm not doing it anymore XD)

 

Challenge 1: Starting the day right

Nope but I tried some different meditation apps but didn't found the right one for me yet

 

Challenge 2: Morning Sport

some weeks yes, some no. Need to be more strict with getting up in the morning though

 

Challenge 3: A good breakfast

Nope. Still looking for that healthy breakfast option :/

 

Challenge 4: Community work

I tried and that's about it...

 

So concerning this challenge it's pretty much failure all over the place. Good thing is that I considerably improved in other life areas:

besides cooking a lot more and healthier food I also worked on some of the year goals already (without planing it)

 

My Overall Goals for 2018:

 

Fitness:

-          Run a marathon in 4:30 (Status: Marathon booked for October)

-          Finish a Spartan Sprint (Status: Race not booked yet) Not working this year since the spartan Berlin is jsut weeks before the marathon

-          Make Powerlifting a habit (Status: Gym found, form and technic needs a lot of work)

Finances:

-          Invest money for my future (Status: Planning at around 80%)

-          Read 5 books on finances

Job:

-          Decide work goals for the next 2 Years (Deadline May 2018)

-          Go to at least 5 networking events

-          Read 5 books that help finding a job you enjoy

Personal Grow:

-          Learn Spanish (Leraning regularly with the coofee break spanish podcast and my girlfriend)

-          Make time for Date-Night at least once per week (and try to make something special twice per month)

-          Use Nerd Fitness Academy

-          DM a P&P round (took over the DM of my Star Wars Pen and Paper round since our regular DM doesn't has time anymore)

-          Try Wrestling training

-          Start a positive & achievement journal (doing that for 2 weeks now)

-          Participate in more VCA charity events

 

So for the next challenge I'll have the same goals but will think about new ways to get them achieved. If you have good ideas please let me know

 

TLDR: Challenge not great, overall life improved nonetheless. Will try the same goals next challenge but will look for different ways to get there.

[zeroh13]

57 minutes ago, Schaengel said:

So concerning this challenge it's pretty much failure all over the place. Good thing is that I considerably improved in other life areas:

besides cooking a lot more and healthier food I also worked on some of the year goals already (without planing it)

It may not be part of your challenge, but it's still great. (Plus you had a pretty exciting week!) 

 

For meditation, if you can't find an app/podcast you like, you could try to find something else that fulfills the same purpose as the meditation.