Rhovaniel is back, and she's evolving...

[Rhovaniel]

I'm back!

 

This is a no frills challenge. I haven't the energy or time yet to devote to themes or narrative. But I'm here, and I'll do my best to keep up! Stepping back was probably what I needed, but I missed you guys! I'm back, and I'm ready to jump back into the swing of the challenges. The mental stuff... yeah, that may crop up in this thread but I'm trying to focus on more positive things as well. Anyway, onto the goals!

 

I have ALOT happening in the next couple weeks. TM with @jonfirestar next weekend, Rat Race with a host of awesome nerds on the 12th May, Pen y Fan (24km there and back again journey) the week after.... and a trip up to the Peaks on the 4th for a couple days (therapy... finally summoned the courage to get a professional to help with the stuff in my head). 

 

To prepare for this, my training schedule is also looking fairly busy. I signed up to BreakPoint's Prime Evolution programme. 12 weeks with Mind, Body (workouts) and Nutrition (clean eating) elements. I love it so far, and following this forms the bulk of my goals. But I am also doing BMF 2 - 3 times a week (2 on the weeks I have stuff on at the weekend). 

 

Goals:

 

1. Follow the Prime Evolution Body section 7/7

This consists of 6 workouts a week, plus a rest day. Sounds intense, but 2 of these workouts are 'mobility days', mostly yoga type movements. Each workout is 20 minutes long, plus a 6 minute warm up and 6 minute cool down. 

 

2. Follow the Prime Evolution Mind section 7/7

Sounds corny, but I think this will be the most important part of the programme. It's about reconfirming to yourself your goals, forging discipline, learning breathing techniques, visualization, etc. It's about changing your approach to more positive ways of thinking.

 

3. Follow the Prime Evolution Nutrition section 7/7

This one is self-explanatory. No junk, no refined sugar, no processed foods. This requires me cooking more, but so long as meal prep happens, this shouldn't be an issue. Also, warmer weather means my brain is less resistant to the idea of salads for lunch. 

 

Each of these sections earns me one point a day, so a maximum of 3 a day or 21 a week. My goal is to hit 21-20 points. (I will sometimes sacrifice a point for a cheat meal!) I could add BMF as a goal, but if I can go, I do go, so I shouldn't need the prodding. Also, my attendance will get a little more choppy, with the races, events and other stuff filling up my weekends.

[jonfirestar]

30 minutes ago, Rhovaniel said:

I'm back!

 

 

 

Glad to have you back around! I'm really looking forward to the fun this challenge! Although I'm going to hand it to you Rho, you take being a badass to the next level! Us plebs are going to recover from RRDW by doing Nuclear Rush. You've decided to do the Fan Dance!  (link is to wikipedia for peeps who don't know what the Fan Dance is)  

 

 

[Mr_Willes]

36 minutes ago, Rhovaniel said:

I'm back!

 

 

 

 

Wow, i'm really amazed by everything i read in your challenge. Looks like you are super focused and are addressing ALL the right things!

[Rhovaniel]

14 minutes ago, jonfirestar said:

 

 

Glad to have you back around! I'm really looking forward to the fun this challenge! Although I'm going to hand it to you Rho, you take being a badass to the next level! Us plebs are going to recover from RRDW by doing Nuclear Rush. You've decided to do the Fan Dance!  (link is to wikipedia for peeps who don't know what the Fan Dance is)  

 

 

Good to be back! Yeah, I'm crazy enough to do the fan dance - ish. With one very important difference. I won't be load bearing! Only taking a daysack with water and snacks! 

 

1 minute ago, Mr_Willes said:

 

 

 

 

Wow, i'm really amazed by everything i read in your challenge. Looks like you are super focused and are addressing ALL the right things!

Rangers gonna Ranger!

 

(I'm on my phone or I'd post an appropriate gif comment!) 

[jonfirestar]

12 minutes ago, Rhovaniel said:

I'm crazy BADASS RANGER enough to do the fan dance

FTFY.

 

Don't sell yourself short. Sure you aren't actually doing SAS selection and aren't going loaded but you've nonetheless set yourself an awesome set of challenges. When we talked about doing this at the Spartan you seemed humble but confident. How confident are you? (for the record I think you are going to smash it). 

[Novaurora]

 

 

YAY!!!!!!

[Charlie_Quinn]

Great to have you back Rho! You got me intrigued by Evolution after you spoke about it on Sunday. I'm tempted to give it a try, mostly for the nutrition stuff. Does it give you complete meal plans? I really need something that just says 'cook this, eat this' 

[shaar]

 

Y A Y <3 <3 

[Wild Wolf]

9 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

To prepare for this, my training schedule is also looking fairly busy. I signed up to BreakPoint's Prime Evolution programme. 12 weeks with Mind, Body (workouts) and Nutrition (clean eating) elements. I love it so far, and following this forms the bulk of my goals.

 

This sounds very cool, Rho! I'm so excited for you and the other Nerds to have your epic Rat race meet-up  

 

Wolf

[SkyGirl]

Me all like WAIT WAIT THAT WAS RHO I SAW RHO IN MY NOTIFICATIONS BACKPEDAL BACKPEDAL BACKPEDAL

 

 

I'm SO glad you're back and I'm so pumped and excited to watch you kick butt in this challenge!! You are a mighty Ranger and I am so proud of everything you do!!

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Glad to see you back here Rho.

[Rhovaniel]

20 hours ago, jonfirestar said:

FTFY.

 

Don't sell yourself short. Sure you aren't actually doing SAS selection and aren't going loaded but you've nonetheless set yourself an awesome set of challenges. When we talked about doing this at the Spartan you seemed humble but confident. How confident are you? (for the record I think you are going to smash it). 

Thanks  Confident... I don't know. I think more that I know myself well enough to know I'm stubborn enough to do it, regardless of how well I actually do. If the others in my group can keep going, I know I can get it done. I am just grateful that it comes AFTER the epic meet-up and not before  

 

20 hours ago, Stribs said:

 

 

YAY!!!!!!

Hey Stribs! Good to see you too! I'm excited to be back!

 

19 hours ago, Charlie_Quinn said:

Great to have you back Rho! You got me intrigued by Evolution after you spoke about it on Sunday. I'm tempted to give it a try, mostly for the nutrition stuff. Does it give you complete meal plans? I really need something that just says 'cook this, eat this' 

It does give you a 7 day meal plan, catering for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans but it seems to take each day by itself rather than think ahead in terms of batch cooked meals and leftovers, so there's (for me) too much variety per week. The issue is that I find it not all that practical with daily life, so I and a lot of others tend to use it as a guideline more than anything else, and I try to make the recipes and then fit them into my own plans. Otherwise, I'd be cooking pretty much every day. The recipes I've tried are really nice (this coming from a notoriously terrible cook!), but I'd say as a 'cook this, eat this', it doesn't really work for me. There's also no calorie/macros figures, so if you're tracking that can also be problematic. One work around may be that it also has a DIY meal planner, where you can search for recipes and drag them into your meal planner yourself. It also has the option to churn out a shopping list based on the plan, but I've not tried that yet. Can always talk to you more about it if you wanted?

 

 

14 hours ago, shaar said:

 

Y A Y <3 <3 

Hey Shaar! I have a lot of catching up to do!

 

12 hours ago, Wolfpool said:

 

This sounds very cool, Rho! I'm so excited for you and the other Nerds to have your epic Rat race meet-up  

 

Wolf

I'm excited to meet everyone, nervous to meet everyone, super excited for the race and super nervous about the race!

 

12 hours ago, SkyGirl said:

Me all like WAIT WAIT THAT WAS RHO I SAW RHO IN MY NOTIFICATIONS BACKPEDAL BACKPEDAL BACKPEDAL

 

 

I'm SO glad you're back and I'm so pumped and excited to watch you kick butt in this challenge!! You are a mighty Ranger and I am so proud of everything you do!!

Sky! Yes, it's real, Rho is back! Thanks - your praise means a lot! 

 

9 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Glad to see you back here Rho.

Good to be back, Tank

 

[jonfirestar]

1 hour ago, Rhovaniel said:

I think more that I know myself well enough to know I'm stubborn enough to do it, regardless of how well I actually do

That, Rho, is called confidence  

 

It doesn't need to be an enthusiastic 'hell yeah' every time. Sometimes it's just enough to know that you will get it done come what may. In fact you'll find the former kind of confidence is the kind that will melt away at the first sign of opposition whereas the quiet gritty kind of confidence will endure through it. 

 

Anyway, I had a point I was trying to make  It's about growth and your growing self confidence helps illustrate it. 

 

Yes, your self confidence has grown. In the time we've known eachother you've gotten physically and mentally stronger and more resilient. Something that @WhiteGhost said to me a few weeks ago. Look at the person you were 18 months ago and look at the task you've set yourself over the next month. Would that person be looking at it with the same stubborn confidence?

[WhiteGhost]

34 minutes ago, jonfirestar said:

Look at the person you were 18 months ago and look at the task you've set yourself over the next month. Would that person be looking at it with the same stubborn confidence?

Jon speaks the truth.  Do you remember when you first signed up for BP and you were so anxious about it?  I do.  Now look at you, nonchalantly throwing out things like:

 

2 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

If the others in my group can keep going, I know I can get it done.

Can you imagine Rho of last year saying that?  

 

I remember in your early stories you were out looking for the Dunedain, amazing warriors of unconquerable spirit and power.  You probably can't see it, but you have become that.  We can see it. 

 

You ARE Dunedain. 

[SkyGirl]

5 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Jon speaks the truth.  Do you remember when you first signed up for BP and you were so anxious about it?  I do.  Now look at you, nonchalantly throwing out things like:

 

Can you imagine Rho of last year saying that?  

 

I remember in your early stories you were out looking for the Dunedain, amazing warriors of unconquerable spirit and power.  You probably can't see it, but you have become that.  We can see it. 

 

You ARE Dunedain. 

 

ALL OF THIS. You are MIGHTY, Rho, and we are all so proud of you. It's like that part in Treasure Planet where John Silver is telling Jim Hawkins that he hopes he's there when Jim finally realizes his true glory ... I feel like the sun is finally starting to come out in your life and we're all watching it rise with "ooh's" and "aah's." You've grown so much, and yet become even more truly yourself.

[Elastigirl]

7 hours ago, jonfirestar said:

That, Rho, is called confidence  

 

It doesn't need to be an enthusiastic 'hell yeah' every time. Sometimes it's just enough to know that you will get it done come what may. In fact you'll find the former kind of confidence is the kind that will melt away at the first sign of opposition whereas the quiet gritty kind of confidence will endure through it. 

 

Anyway, I had a point I was trying to make  It's about growth and your growing self confidence helps illustrate it. 

 

Yes, your self confidence has grown. In the time we've known eachother you've gotten physically and mentally stronger and more resilient. Something that @WhiteGhost said to me a few weeks ago. Look at the person you were 18 months ago and look at the task you've set yourself over the next month. Would that person be looking at it with the same stubborn confidence?

This ^^^ so much. I have found it true in my life. New stuff makes me nervous, but now I'm gaining confidence to do it anyway, and really that's what matters. 

[Rhovaniel]

23 hours ago, jonfirestar said:

That, Rho, is called confidence  

 

It doesn't need to be an enthusiastic 'hell yeah' every time. Sometimes it's just enough to know that you will get it done come what may. In fact you'll find the former kind of confidence is the kind that will melt away at the first sign of opposition whereas the quiet gritty kind of confidence will endure through it. 

 

Anyway, I had a point I was trying to make  It's about growth and your growing self confidence helps illustrate it. 

 

Yes, your self confidence has grown. In the time we've known eachother you've gotten physically and mentally stronger and more resilient. Something that @WhiteGhost said to me a few weeks ago. Look at the person you were 18 months ago and look at the task you've set yourself over the next month. Would that person be looking at it with the same stubborn confidence?

Simple answer: no. 18 months ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible. Me 18 months ago would already have pulled out and made excuses...

 

22 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Jon speaks the truth.  Do you remember when you first signed up for BP and you were so anxious about it?  I do.  Now look at you, nonchalantly throwing out things like:

 

Can you imagine Rho of last year saying that?  

 

I remember in your early stories you were out looking for the Dunedain, amazing warriors of unconquerable spirit and power.  You probably can't see it, but you have become that.  We can see it. 

 

You ARE Dunedain. 

Ooh, you know I had sort of forgotten that? My first BP was a year ago and I was terrified of it, and terrified of how I'd do, if I'd get along with anyone, if they'd think I was stupid. That truly was the starting point of me standing up and saying to myself 'I can get stronger. I can get better. I can do this'. 

 

17 hours ago, SkyGirl said:

 

ALL OF THIS. You are MIGHTY, Rho, and we are all so proud of you. It's like that part in Treasure Planet where John Silver is telling Jim Hawkins that he hopes he's there when Jim finally realizes his true glory ... I feel like the sun is finally starting to come out in your life and we're all watching it rise with "ooh's" and "aah's." You've grown so much, and yet become even more truly yourself.

Ah, thank you Sky. If you are watching my sunrise, it is because you, amongst others, helped me through the darkness. 

 

15 hours ago, Elastigirl said:

This ^^^ so much. I have found it true in my life. New stuff makes me nervous, but now I'm gaining confidence to do it anyway, and really that's what matters. 

It truly is. Glad you are also gaining confidence <3

 

 

You guys are all awesome. Thank you. You make me realise that I have grown stronger and that people can see that difference. I think because I struggle so much at times with particular mental demons, it's hard to remember that I've progressed so much already. Old me would look at the plans for Rat Race or the pen y fan meet up and think 'wow that looks really cool, maybe one day I'll do that with them. Not yet though, I'm not ready'. But here I am, not convinced of any 'readiness' but prepared to do it all anyway. And that in itself is victory. 

[jonfirestar]

7 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

But here I am, not convinced of any 'readiness' but prepared to do it all anyway. And that in itself is victory. 

The day you are convinced of that 'readiness' is the day you need a bigger adventure  

 

 

[Mrs Van]

Rooting for you all the way. Always.

[athousandwords]

Seconding (thirding? fourthing??) all the "You are a badass" comments from above.  Here's the funny thing - I just looked it up, and your first challenge on NF was my last challenge before I went on hiatus. It is truly, truly amazing and inspiring to me to see how much you have levelled up since I last 'saw' you! Truthfully, I peeked in on your challenge last week because I recognized your name, then kiiiinda backpedalled out like, "daaaayam this girl is boss, and I'm a little intimidated by her!" I'm glad you stopped by my thread this weekend, otherwise I'd have been too overwhelmed by your badassery to come follow your challenge.  You are amazing and I am rooting for you through all your events this month!!

[Rhovaniel]

On ‎4‎/‎20‎/‎2018 at 3:48 PM, jonfirestar said:

The day you are convinced of that 'readiness' is the day you need a bigger adventure  

 

 

True! Right now, I think the adventures I have planned are plenty big enough for me...  

 

On ‎4‎/‎20‎/‎2018 at 9:55 PM, elizevdmerwe said:

Rooting for you all the way. Always.

Thank you, Elize, glad you're here  

 

16 hours ago, athousandwords said:

Seconding (thirding? fourthing??) all the "You are a badass" comments from above.  Here's the funny thing - I just looked it up, and your first challenge on NF was my last challenge before I went on hiatus. It is truly, truly amazing and inspiring to me to see how much you have levelled up since I last 'saw' you! Truthfully, I peeked in on your challenge last week because I recognized your name, then kiiiinda backpedalled out like, "daaaayam this girl is boss, and I'm a little intimidated by her!" I'm glad you stopped by my thread this weekend, otherwise I'd have been too overwhelmed by your badassery to come follow your challenge.  You are amazing and I am rooting for you through all your events this month!!

Wow... now that kind of took me back. I really should read through my first challenge again and see this before and after badassery everyone keeps talking about! Thank you <3

 

 

So, I do not feel badass today. I got up late (cat kept waking me up, then when I was too cold the cat was sleeping on my discarded duvet so stupid me decided I didn't want to disturb him . Kept waking up cold.) Ugh. Not excuses, just how it happened. But it meant I couldn't fit my workout in. This is where I have to tread a fine line between beating myself up and being too kind to myself and letting it slide. Truth is, I messed up. My alarm went off and I didn't get up. Simple as. I made that choice so I have to stand by the consequence of that. Which is having to do the workout tonight, either before or after BMF (time dependent|). I would prefer before, but if I have to, I'll do it after. 

 

Anyway, yesterday was the first day of the challenge. I had a so-so start, but maybe I'm just gathering speed  

 

Prime Evolution Body section: 1

Prime Evolution Mind section: 1 

Prime Evolution Nutrition section: 0

 

Yep, as always nutrition let me down. There were cookies and chocolate and brownies and I ate 'em. Part of that is retraining 'treat' brain, part of that was Mother Nature kicking down the door to say hi... Anyway, I got annoyed at myself and decided that I need to go back to tracking. At this stage, for this week, I am not aiming for targets. This is more about holding myself accountable. If I slip, it still gets logged and maybe I can get an idea of how much I'm over-eating. 

 

 

[Mrs Van]

2 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

Not excuses, just how it happened. But it meant I couldn't fit my workout in. This is where I have to tread a fine line between beating myself up and being too kind to myself and letting it slide. Truth is, I messed up. My alarm went off and I didn't get up.

Lol, I find myself doing almost the same thing with our new dogs. The Maltese growls under her breath if I shift in bed, so I found myself tensing up trying not to move, then being all stiff and sore the next morning. Our pet kids just have to learn that one or two disturbances isn't the end of the world, they will also sleep much better and warmer when we aren't as restless from cold or uncomfortable positions It's a win-win for both. So next time pull that duvet back over you! You'll be doing your cat a favour . Speaking from experience as a mom of numerous pets through the years, and two boys who kept climbing in bed with us...

[TGP]

4 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

 

So, I do not feel badass today. I got up late (cat kept waking me up, then when I was too cold the cat was sleeping on my discarded duvet so stupid me decided I didn't want to disturb him . Kept waking up cold.) Ugh. Not excuses, just how it happened. But it meant I couldn't fit my workout in. This is where I have to tread a fine line between beating myself up and being too kind to myself and letting it slide. Truth is, I messed up. My alarm went off and I didn't get up. Simple as. I made that choice so I have to stand by the consequence of that. Which is having to do the workout tonight, either before or after BMF (time dependent|). I would prefer before, but if I have to, I'll do it after.  

 

First I think its Hard to Feel that way very much.  Are own limitations, aches and pains ring in our ears far too loudly to be going around convinced that we can do incredible things.  but it is always inspirational to watch and learn from  someone that has made a true lifestyle choice to be very strong & healthy.  and they (you) really do have abilities that most people don't.  so try not to lose sight of the wonder of what you are doing... most people would balk at anything  they have you do in the typical OCR race.

 

as for the missed morning workout; I too am struggling a little with my mornings.   several of my big hikes have been at the expense of a normal night of sleeping.  that means that getting back to the place where I'm able to get up at a normal time is challenging.  however like you I had workouts in mind that I really don't want to slip.  so. make time somewhere later, and unceasingly strive to do  better next time.

[jonfirestar]

6 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

 

Yep, as always nutrition let me down. There were cookies and chocolate and brownies and I ate 'em. Part of that is retraining 'treat' brain, part of that was Mother Nature kicking down the door to say hi... Anyway, I got annoyed at myself and decided that I need to go back to tracking. At this stage, for this week, I am not aiming for targets. This is more about holding myself accountable. If I slip, it still gets logged and maybe I can get an idea of how much I'm over-eating. 

Hey, you are just carb loading. That's how that works, right?  

[athousandwords]

6 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

Yep, as always nutrition let me down. There were cookies and chocolate and brownies and I ate 'em. Part of that is retraining 'treat' brain, part of that was Mother Nature kicking down the door to say hi... Anyway, I got annoyed at myself and decided that I need to go back to tracking. At this stage, for this week, I am not aiming for targets. This is more about holding myself accountable. If I slip, it still gets logged and maybe I can get an idea of how much I'm over-eating. 

 

What is it with Mother Nature coming right at the start of the challenge?? grumble grumble... At least it's out of the way for the rest of the month.

Good luck with tracking - holding yourself accountable is hard to do, but easier when it's written out in front of you!  And we'll be waiting to hear back on when you squeezed in that workout - I'm sure you'll get it in!