MasterOfCows tries out this challenge stuff

[MasterOfCows]

1st Challenge.  Excited.  

 

I've always struggled a little with accountability.  Joining this place, even though I don't post much, has been great for that.  I love lurking all your threads, even if I don't say so.

Without further ado:

 

Goal 1 - Be consistent!!

-Workout 3x/week, + weekly basketball game

This doesn't all have to be at the gym at my work, but no excuses!!  One of these workouts will be cardio for conditioning (hates it forever), cause I need it for basketball!  Other 2 will be lifting.  Battle log has deets on my program.

Scoring: 18 times = A, then downgrade from there on a percent basis

+3 Str, +1 Sta, +1 Dex 

 

Goal 2 - Listen up!!

-One of my food problems is portion control.  My diet is pretty clean, but I like to eat lots of things that taste delicious.  This is going to be a little difficult to measure, but will focus on three areas:

1) Stop eating when full, you fool.  No incidences of "oh, I ate too much" feeling.
2) No snacking when bored.  Only snacking when hungry!

3) Make smart choices.  Do I really need 4 pieces of pizza?  Not likely.  Eat two and some damn veggies instead.
I'm not going to eliminate anything, just be smarter about what I stuff in my face.

Scoring: This is a pass/fail.  All or nothing.
+2 Wis, +2 Con

Goal 3 - Moderation is key!!
-No alcohol 5 days out of 7, and no overcompensating on those days!  I have a feeling liquid calories are part of why my progress is so slow.  Let's test that theory.
Scoring: 30 days alcohol free = A, then downgrade from there on a percent basis.
+ 1 Wis, +2 Con

 

Goal 4 - Don't put it off!!

-Series of mini goals to be scored together.
-Go to the dentist.  I just need to make the appointment and go already.

-Read 4 books.  Too much TV, not enough reading.  Just ordered a bunch from Chapters, so there will be no "I have nothing to read" excuses.
-Keep track of non-smoking days.  I have just recently relapsed from a 3 week no smoking period.  I would like to have 21 smoke free days this challenge, but the main thing is the tracking.  I always need to do this before I gear up for another quitting attempt to trick myself into believing "I can do it!"

Scoring: These will be scored together on a super scientific system that I haven't devised yet.  Obviously, full completion will be an A, (bonus A+ if 21 days of no smoking - don't have to be consecutive days)

+1 Wis, +1 Con, +1 Sta

 

Will weigh and take measurements on the 7th.

 

Go forth and conquer!!

 

(had to edit the point allocation, because I forgot you weren't supposed to have more than 5 per goal).

[IfItPlugsIn]

The goals all look great! No smoking is a big one.  Best of luck!!!

[MasterOfCows]

Thanks!  I have realized that I don't still want to be smoking when I'm 40, or even 31.  I'm usually pretty ok for the first few days, and then relapse and give up.  This will be the first step in the "Not quitting quitting" saga.

[Caution]

As an ex smoker (8 years) I can say how tough it can be. I had tried many times before that but didn't have much success (1 -2 weeks max). Finding what makes you want to smoke and avoid that situation as best you can. Mine was driving which I couldn't avoid very well, so I switched to sunflower seeds to give me something to do.

 

Also, my success came on a spur of the moment decision instead of planning it. I was always just setting myself up for failure (oh the next pack I swear!) and doing it on a whim just seemed to work better.

[surge_supra]

Ever consider those vaporless cigarette thingies?

[wildross]

You can check with WickedPixie as well.  She was so excited about "slaying the smoke dragon" that she had a NF themed tattoo done.

[MasterOfCows]

As an ex smoker (8 years) I can say how tough it can be. I had tried many times before that but didn't have much success (1 -2 weeks max). Finding what makes you want to smoke and avoid that situation as best you can. Mine was driving which I couldn't avoid very well, so I switched to sunflower seeds to give me something to do.

 

Also, my success came on a spur of the moment decision instead of planning it. I was always just setting myself up for failure (oh the next pack I swear!) and doing it on a whim just seemed to work better.

I think that's where I'm going to end up as well.  The structure thing doesn't seem to be holding up.

 

Ever consider those vaporless cigarette thingies?

Indeed.  And I may go down that path as well.  I have a bunch of gum in stock that will be the first line of defense.

 

You can check with WickedPixie as well.  She was so excited about "slaying the smoke dragon" that she had a NF themed tattoo done.

I totally lurked on her a bunch before I quit the last time.  I used a bunch of her suggestions, and will probably use some of them the next time I'm ready to quit!  I should head over and tell her thanks.

[Rob__]

Those vaporless cigarette thingies are at best a waste of money, at worst something new to get addicted to.

 

I tried quitting using a vaporless cigarette. Since there was no weight to the smoke, I was probably inhaling more nicotine per pull than off a cigarette. They're unregulated entirely, so who knows how much nicotine or even what other chemicals you're getting in the vapor. Vaporless cigarettes were NOT designed as a quitting smoking aid, but as a method of being able to smoke inside. I'd highly suggest staying away from them and stick with the tried, tested and true things like gum and carrot sticks to get that oral fix

 

Good luck with your first challenge! Ex-smokers and future ex-smokers unite!

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Good goals! Good luck and I'll be following you.

[MasterOfCows]

Those vaporless cigarette thingies are at best a waste of money, at worst something new to get addicted to.

 

I tried quitting using a vaporless cigarette. Since there was no weight to the smoke, I was probably inhaling more nicotine per pull than off a cigarette. They're unregulated entirely, so who knows how much nicotine or even what other chemicals you're getting in the vapor. Vaporless cigarettes were NOT designed as a quitting smoking aid, but as a method of being able to smoke inside. I'd highly suggest staying away from them and stick with the tried, tested and true things like gum and carrot sticks to get that oral fix

 

Good luck with your first challenge! Ex-smokers and future ex-smokers unite!

They are also more expensive here, at least the places I've looked, than actual cigarettes, which kind of makes it seem pointless.  Thanks for your insight as one who has tried them - I don't know anyone IRL who has.

 

Good goals! Good luck and I'll be following you.

Thanks, good luck to you as well!

[Rob__]

They are also more expensive here, at least the places I've looked, than actual cigarettes, which kind of makes it seem pointless.  Thanks for your insight as one who has tried them - I don't know anyone IRL who has.

 

The easiest way to quit is to just do it. After failing with every single quit smoking aid, I realized there's only a few things necessary to be successful: A bunch of failed attempts, some willpower, baby carrots and ice cubes. All the other stop smoking "aids" didn't help me stop smoking.

[Kakomani]

Strong goals! A lot more comprehensive than mine (maybe I should get inspired? hmmmm.. Will definitely be following this, good luck!
I've only tried one cigarette (curse you, drunk-Erik), so I can't imagine what quitting is like. Best of luck on that too, even if it isn't part of this challenge.

[Hermione Gainser]

This is a GREAT first challenge!  I'm so excited! 

 

Everything seems really reasonable, which is key.  So kudos for being so realistic (I think I tried to take over the world during my first challenge, so yeah.. good job).

 

I had to laugh at the dentist... I've been trying to get myself to put on my big girl pants and just go for at least a year. I finally made an appointment yesterday. Huzzah!

 

I also totally get the reading goal.  The brains, they need working, too.  What's first on the list?

[MasterOfCows]

Awww.  You guys are all so great.  
I actually showed this thread to The Buddy last night.  I thought he would think it was kind of weird to go through all of this 'challenge' stuff, especially on an internet forum, but he thought it was cool!  Not to the point of signing up himself, but he's going to do a couple of the goals with me.

This is a GREAT first challenge!  I'm so excited! 

 

Everything seems really reasonable, which is key.  So kudos for being so realistic (I think I tried to take over the world during my first challenge, so yeah.. good job).

 

I had to laugh at the dentist... I've been trying to get myself to put on my big girl pants and just go for at least a year. I finally made an appointment yesterday. Huzzah!

 

I also totally get the reading goal.  The brains, they need working, too.  What's first on the list?

I know, right.  Excitement is just flying around over here, I'm scared I might get hit.

I really, really wanted to take over the world.  And kind of still do.  But I'm still scared enough of injuries that I'm going to focus on the little stuff.  I'm hoping all the single leg work (as I'm about to max out my gym's weights on a few things) will help compensate for bum knees!

Ha!  Glad to know I'm not the only one with the dentist thing.  I have no reason NOT to go (it will be mostly, if not entirely covered by my work's insurance), but I put it off all of last year.

First book on the list: The Wise Man's Fear (Patrick Rothfuss).  The books should be arriving ASAP, which is good because I just finished the one I'm on in perfect timing for the start of the challenge!!

[Eth]

Ha!  Glad to know I'm not the only one with the dentist thing.  I have no reason NOT to go (it will be mostly, if not entirely covered by my work's insurance), but I put it off all of last year.

 

Not even close to the only one.  I'd been putting it off ever since I moved in June 2011.  Put it in my last challenge, and that finally got me to make the appointment (which is still almost 3 weeks away; apparently this is a really busy time of year or something), so hopefully it'll work for you too.

[Hermione Gainser]

Awww.  You guys are all so great.  

I actually showed this thread to The Buddy last night.  I thought he would think it was kind of weird to go through all of this 'challenge' stuff, especially on an internet forum, but he thought it was cool!  Not to the point of signing up himself, but he's going to do a couple of the goals with me.

 

 

I know, right.  Excitement is just flying around over here, I'm scared I might get hit.

I really, really wanted to take over the world.  And kind of still do.  But I'm still scared enough of injuries that I'm going to focus on the little stuff.  I'm hoping all the single leg work (as I'm about to max out my gym's weights on a few things) will help compensate for bum knees!

Ha!  Glad to know I'm not the only one with the dentist thing.  I have no reason NOT to go (it will be mostly, if not entirely covered by my work's insurance), but I put it off all of last year.

First book on the list: The Wise Man's Fear (Patrick Rothfuss).  The books should be arriving ASAP, which is good because I just finished the one I'm on in perfect timing for the start of the challenge!!

Yay! 

 

You might get hit, but your consternation should protect you from any serious damage--win-win! haha

 

I still fully intend to rule the world one day (though I probably won't be a benevolent overlord...) so you are more than welcome to join me! Maybe you can balance out my evil tendencies?

 

Not even close to the only one.  I'd been putting it off ever since I moved in June 2011.  Put it in my last challenge, and that finally got me to make the appointment (which is still almost 3 weeks away; apparently this is a really busy time of year or something), so hopefully it'll work for you too.

 

Ha! Freaking dentists..  You know, I did go once in 2011 (right at the end of the year) but I didn't actually get anything done (aside from xrays). It was a TERRIBLE experience. I was there for 3 hours. Anyhow, the whole was a little traumatizing. Anyhow, this new dentist I made an appt with doesn't have any openings until March!! I'm hoping that's an indication they are well liked and decent.  I hope.

[Rob__]

I don't mind the dentist. Well, except for how freaking much it costs to go.

 

I'm sorta a weirdo in that I actually really like going to the dentist and would go monthly if it wasn't cost prohibitive..

[Grizzy]

I am a master of overcompensation when I give myself days that I'm allowed to drink soda/alcohol. "Oh, look, it's my cheat day! I'mma drink seventy sodas and a bottle of vodka!" *dies*

 

I also hope to increase my amount of reading, though since I am currently reading super long books in a series I'm shooting for at least one per month.

[Eth]

Ha! Freaking dentists..  You know, I did go once in 2011 (right at the end of the year) but I didn't actually get anything done (aside from xrays). It was a TERRIBLE experience. I was there for 3 hours. Anyhow, the whole was a little traumatizing. Anyhow, this new dentist I made an appt with doesn't have any openings until March!! I'm hoping that's an indication they are well liked and decent.  I hope.

March?!  Holy crap, and I thought five weeks from when I called to make the appointment was bad!  I think I'm gonna steal that rationale and apply it to my dentist too.

 

My problem is that I was actually getting some significant work done before I moved (honestly, it was pretty bad and still kinda is) and was then too lazy to find a new place to go afterward.  That's the kind of hole I have to stop letting myself fall into.

[MasterOfCows]

I still fully intend to rule the world one day (though I probably won't be a benevolent overlord...) so you are more than welcome to join me! Maybe you can balance out my evil tendencies?

I always thought I'd make a kickass benevolent dictator.  Joint rulership sounds sweet.

 

Dentist talk....

I don't mind the dentist part.  I mind the cleaning part.  My teeth are all kinda jumbled together on the bottom (too many teeth for my mouth) and because we didn't have extra insurance growing up (farmers) never could afford to fix it.  Add in some perma stains from funky water when my adult teeth were forming, and I have a lot of "not covered by insurance and probably painful" things I could do.  Meh.  Only ever had one cavity though, so there's that.

 

 

I am a master of overcompensation when I give myself days that I'm allowed to drink soda/alcohol. "Oh, look, it's my cheat day! I'mma drink seventy sodas and a bottle of vodka!" *dies*

 

I also hope to increase my amount of reading, though since I am currently reading super long books in a series I'm shooting for at least one per month.

I'm hoping I can keep overcompensation monster at bay.  I've never really tried this before, so we'll see how it goes. 

Changed my mind about the first book: I just re-read Joe Abercrombie's first book in the First Law Trilogy, so I'm going to read the 2nd book as my first selection.  They came yesterday!!!  My favourites are super long as well (500+ pages) and I prefer series to standalone.

[sylph]

Changed my mind about the first book: I just re-read Joe Abercrombie's first book in the First Law Trilogy, so I'm going to read the 2nd book as my first selection.  They came yesterday!!!  My favourites are super long as well (500+ pages) and I prefer series to standalone.

Hi!

 

I saw this and had to pop in. I JUST finished this trilogy right before New Years. LOVED them all. Abercrombie is a fantastic writer. Gritty, and excellent character development. Good stuff.

[MasterOfCows]

Hi!

 

I saw this and had to pop in. I JUST finished this trilogy right before New Years. LOVED them all. Abercrombie is a fantastic writer. Gritty, and excellent character development. Good stuff.

Funny story - my sister told me about this series she read over Christmas that she thought I would like.  When she finally told me what it was, I had to be all "way ahead of you!"

I can update a bit - Challenge Day 1:

looking forward to tonight's workout

already dreading Wednesday's workout, which is the cardio workout.  This will be the one that will be a challenge to stick to.

started reading last night - 48 pages in.

 

More later, including measurements!

[MasterOfCows]

Jan. 7/13

Bench Press - 3X8 @ 70 lbs (35 lb each arm) (goal)
-1X7, 1X6, 1X4
Goblet Squat - 3X5 @ 45 lbs
Lat Pulldown - 3X8 @ 84 lbs (goal)
-1X7, 1X2, 1X4.  This sucked hard again.  My forearms were ruined from the RDLs, so I'm going to say that is what the problem was.
Romanian Deadlift - 3X8 @ 100 lbs
-Maxed out the dumbbells.  That's cool.  Moving to single leg RDLs.
Glute Ham Raise - 2X8
-form on the last 2 was a little shaky.

 

Stretches & Mobility

Clamshells and side leg raises 2X10 + 15 lbs each leg, each exercise

1X10 lying leg raise.  Tried to do hanging ones, but cramps in the quads/hip flexors told me "no way buddy"

Doing well on the "not being a pig" thing so far (but haven't had dinner yet).  Progress is being made on books.  No alcohol in the house at the moment, so it's safe to say tonight is an alcohol free night.  Did smoke though   But the pack is almost gone, so I can look forward to that!  I can never bring myself to simply throw out smokes, cause if I spend money on something, I'm going to get my money's worth.  So stupid.
 

Starting Stats:

Height 5'9"

Weight 176.0
Hips 41.5"
Waist (relaxed) 38" (gah!)
Waist (flexed) 36" (still gah!)
R/L Calf 14.25"/14.5"
R/L Thigh 23.25"/23.25"
R/L Bicep (relaxed) 11.75"/11.5"
R/L Bicep (flexed) 12.25"/12.25"

[Hermione Gainser]

Good job on the workouts and maxing out the dumbbells.  

 

I LOLed at your "gah!" for measurements. I do that, too.  How tall are you?

 

BTW, did some plyometric stuff the other day and the knee is a-ok. There has been no aching of any sort.  I'm pretty much thrilled about that since I'm ready to get my kick boxing on. Thought I'd share that with ya

[MasterOfCows]

Good job on the workouts and maxing out the dumbbells.  

 

I LOLed at your "gah!" for measurements. I do that, too.  How tall are you?

 

BTW, did some plyometric stuff the other day and the knee is a-ok. There has been no aching of any sort.  I'm pretty much thrilled about that since I'm ready to get my kick boxing on. Thought I'd share that with ya

Thanks!  I'm 5'9."  If I'm wearing the right clothes, you can't really tell, but there's some serious flab going on in the midsection.

LOVE LOVE LOVE that your knee was great during the plyometrics!    My basketball season starts up again on the 21st, so that will be the test to see how well it's recovered during the break between seasons.