LuckyMe is back to refocus

[Wandern]

Hello, fellow Druids! It's good to be back! (waves).

 

The story so far: This is my third challenge. The first was back in October, the overall goal was to fit into a pair of shorts. No, they still don't fit, but I've made measurable progress. The second challenge was to see me through the holiday season without backsliding on the fitness front and to start the new year with a thoroughly clean house. That was a success.

 

I took this past challenge off because I wanted to figure out what to focus on - but never found that focus. I also discovered that I really need the push of a challenge to keep making progress. I didn't backslide (well, not too much), but just haven't been able to push myself as far as I do when I have to report in. Plus, I missed you guys.

 

So, here I am again. The overarching fitness goal is to fit into those Patagonia shorts before shorts season, and the other goals are to refocus my time and energy into more productive things than Pinterest and Facebook. :-/ To those ends:

 

Goal 1: Workout with weights 3 times a week. 18 total workouts. 15+=A; 12=B; 9=C; 6=D Value: +2 STR, +1STA, +1 DEX

 

Yes, this has been a goal on my other challenges. Yes, I still need to list it as a challenge to get my tush out of bed in time to do it. I'm working my way through Steve's NerdStrength guide, doing the Dumbbell Division Rank 1 workouts: 25lb dumbbells for push presses, 55 on deadlifts, 50 on squats, 35 on rows (or I do body weight rows), 15 declined push-ups per set (I can't push back on my toes, so have to have my feet on a Bosu ball for these), and I'm still stuck at a minute plank. It'd be nice to see these numbers move during this challenge, but I'm still not sure what's a reasonable rate of improvement, so the measurable goal is just getting the workouts done.

 

Goal 2: Meditate 10 minutes daily. 42 possible sessions. 35+=A; 30=B; 25=C; 20=D Value: +2 WIS, +2 CHA

 

Gaining focus is hard.

 

Goal 3: Park in the far parking lot at least 2 times per week. 12 possible times. 10+=A; 8=B; 6=C 4=D Value: +2CON, +1STA, +1DEX

 

The far parking lot is a 15-20 minute walk to my office, so this adds 30-40 minutes of easy exercise to my day. I can't do it every day, due to schedule, weather, etc.. But twice a week should be achievable. Especially now that it's starting to warm up a bit.

 

LIFE Goal: Sew for 2 hours every week. 12 hours possible. 10+=A; 8=B; 6=C; 4=D

 

I enjoy quilting, and there's a crazy patch and an applique project I want to do. But - I always seem to let stuff that I don't enjoy as much (cleaning, FB, Pinterest) get in the way of working on them. Which is just stupid. Part of focusing is learning to not waste time!

 

No diet goals this time, though I think I've settled on the "avoid grains and sugar" style of low-carb/Paleo. If I start seeing progress on the fitness front again, I won't worry about cranking down here.

 

Let the challenge begin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Wandern]

Day 1 Check in:

 

Goal 1: Weights: did it 1/18 (did I really say I could do a minute plank? Yeah, that didn't happen today. 45 seconds was the best I could do on the side planks this am)

 

Goal 2: Meditation: 10 minutes: 1/42

 

Goal 3: Parked in the far lot: 1/12

 

Lifegoal: 30 mins with fabric. No actual stitch taken, but cutting and planning count. .5/24

[Malva]

OMG LOL I was so proud of myself for posting my goals I totally forgot that this is day 1 of the challenge LOL 

 

Glad I popped over here to read yours!!!

[Spider]

Keep fighting the good fight!

[Wandern]

Week 1 Day 3 Check-in

 

Goal 1: Weights: Did another round with the irons - 2/18

 

Goal 2: Meditation: this makes three days running: 3/42

 

Goal 3: Park in the far lot: Did it today in spite of the fact that I was running late: 2/12

[Chanda]

So glad to have you back! 

 

Day 3 and totally on track. Well done!

 

I can not wait to read that you fit into those shorts. Did you know that inspired by your shorts I bought the next size down jeans and pants? They are still waiting patiently in my wardrobe for the day that they fit... maybe by the end of this challenge. 

 

"avoid grains and sugar" style of low-carb/Paleo

 

lol, thanks for giving a name for my diet... I am in the "reduce grains and sugar" style of low-carb/Paleo. Oh its nice to find a niche...

 

Anyway, welcome back!!!! 

[Wandern]

So glad to have you back! 

 

 

I can not wait to read that you fit into those shorts. Did you know that inspired by your shorts I bought the next size down jeans and pants? They are still waiting patiently in my wardrobe for the day that they fit... maybe by the end of this challenge. 

 

I can't wait to fit in those shorts, either! Maybe by the end of this challenge. My progress has been very, very slow lately. You'll probably beat me!

 

Week 1 Day 5 Check-in

 

Goal 1: Weights - I got my three in: 3/18 Maybe I can get in a forth for a bonus point over the weekend. The dumbbell routine is supposed to go on an Upper Body|Lower Body| Rest |Upper Body| Lower Body|Rest|Rest schedule, so in theory I should be OK. But I overdid the legs on Tuesday and am still sore, so maybe I'll just try for 4 next week.

 

Goal 2: Meditation: 5 days in a row - a personal best! 

 

Goal 3: Parked in the far lot - I got in a third day yesterday, so: 2/12 + 1 bonus.

 

Lifegoal: Got in my 2 hours, and even put in a few stitches that I did not immediately take out: 2/12 It'd be nice to get in some extra stitching this weekend, but I won't count it.

[Malva]

Day 3 

 

 

lol, thanks for giving a name for my diet... I am in the "reduce grains and sugar" style of low-carb/Paleo. Oh its nice to find a niche...

 

that's my "Paleo" style as well

[Wandern]

Week 2 Day 1 Check-in

 

Goal 1: Weights: I did lower body yesterday (+1 bonus for week 1) and upper body today, so 4/18 +1 bonus.

 

Goal 2: Meditate: 8 days running! Though today's was while I was waiting in the after school car line - it still counts! 8/42

 

Goal 3: Park in far lot: Did it today. 3/12 +1 bonus. 

 

Lifegoal: 2/12 stitching hours + extra this weekend. I always seem to overestimate what I can get accomplished in 2 hours. Oh, well. I guess it does accumulate.

 

I did my beginning of the month weigh-in and was appalled to see that I'd regained 2-3 pounds last month. So discouraging. I know I've probably been over-snacking. So, there's a new rule: no nuts or yogurt or other snack until I eat a bag of frozen veggies. If I'm still peckish after that, then I can have something more calorie dense. Sigh.....

[Wandern]

Week 2 Day 3 Check-in

 

Goal 1: Lower body today 5/18 +1 bonus point

 

Goal 2: Meditate: 10 days running: 10/42

 

Goal 3: Park in the far lot: I was running too late yesterday to do it, and the weather has just been nasty today, so I wimped out. And my vehicle is in the shop tomorrow and Friday, so I'll be working from home the rest of the week. No parking lot at all, so I'll only have done it once this week. Holding at 3/12 +1 bonus. 

 

Life: another hour stitching: 1.5 hours so far this week: 3.5/12

[I am Eve]

Week 2 Day 1 Check-in

Goal 1: Weights: I did lower body yesterday (+1 bonus for week 1) and upper body today, so 4/18 +1 bonus.

Goal 2: Meditate: 8 days running! Though today's was while I was waiting in the after school car line - it still counts! 8/42

Goal 3: Park in far lot: Did it today. 3/12 +1 bonus.

Lifegoal: 2/12 stitching hours + extra this weekend. I always seem to overestimate what I can get accomplished in 2 hours. Oh, well. I guess it does accumulate.

I did my beginning of the month weigh-in and was appalled to see that I'd regained 2-3 pounds last month. So discouraging. I know I've probably been over-snacking. So, there's a new rule: no nuts or yogurt or other snack until I eat a bag of frozen veggies. If I'm still peckish after that, then I can have something more calorie dense. Sigh.....

Regarding the weight issue; I have personally quit weighing myself. I do photos instead (and I count calories to level intake and expenses). Don't be too upset about the weight, keep focussing on the goals. You're doing great :-)

[Wandern]

Regarding the weight issue; I have personally quit weighing myself. I do photos instead (and I count calories to level intake and expenses). Don't be too upset about the weight, keep focussing on the goals. You're doing great :-)

 I know, I know - the fit of the clothes measure is much more honest than the scale. I am way too conditioned to using the scale as a measure of health, attractiveness, etc. I just can't seem to help myself. Maybe next challenge is to stay away from the scale for 6 weeks and see how that goes ;-)

 

Week 2, Day 7 Check-in

 

Goal 1: Weights: Upper body on the 8th: 6/18 +1 bonus. I didn't get in the 4th workout this week MTu Th +F should be my work-out schedule this coming week. 

 

Goal 2: Meditation: I missed Friday :-( so much for my streak. 13/42

 

Goal 3: Park Far: Tight schedule, car issues, and nasty weather kept me from my goal this week. 3/12 +1 bonus. The vehicle's out of the shop and weather should be good this week so maybe I can get in a couple more bonus points. 

 

Life Goal: I keep track of time up to 2 hours, and I got way more than that in this week: 4/12

 

Bring on Week 3!

[Wandern]

Week 3 Day 4 Check-In:

 

Goal 1 Weights: Lower body Monday, upper Tuesday, lower Thurs. - I should get in upper body tomorrow. But for now: 9/18 +1 bonus

 

Goal 2: Meditiation: Did it Monday, missed Tuesday (dang), and did it yesterday and today. We're going to be out of town this weekend - fitting it in will be a challenge. 16/42

 

Goal 3: I parked in the far lot Monday and Wed. 5/12 +1 bonus

 

Life Goal: I have not set a single stitch so far this week. Sigh. My own fault - started a book. Holding at 4/12.

[Wandern]

Week 3 Day 7 Check-in

 

We went out of town for the weekend, so the Goals suffered:

 

Goal 1 Lifting weights: I did the lower body (with a barbell!!) on Thursday, but didn't go in for upper on Friday, so no bonus. Holding at 9/18

 

Goal 2 Meditation: Did it Friday, but was with family the whole time Sat and Sun, so missed it. Holding at 16/42

 

Goal 3 Parking far: holding at 5/12 +1 bonus

 

Life Goal: Sewed for 1.5 hours this week. 5.5/12

[ScurvySpider]

I took this past challenge off because I wanted to figure out what to focus on - but never found that focus. I also discovered that I really need the push of a challenge to keep making progress. I didn't backslide (well, not too much), but just haven't been able to push myself as far as I do when I have to report in.

Welcome back and I hear you loud & clear about the added push the challenges provide.

I'm considering copying your idea of choosing a particular item of clothing to fit into.  Do we dare to post before & after photos (once it's achieved)?

 

[Wandern]

 Do we dare to post before & after photos (once it's achieved)?

 

Ooh - that would be brave! I'm game.

[Wandern]

Week 4, Day 3 Check-in

 

Goal 1: Weights: I lifted Monday (upper body) and Tuesday (lower). 11/18 +1 bonus

 

Goal 2: meditate: Ya ever have one of those days when you literally did not have 10 quiet minutes to yourself? That was yesterday for me. Monday was good, and I did it today, so 18/42

 

Goal 3: Far lot parking: Yesterday and today, so 7/12 +1 bonus. 

[Wandern]

Week 4 Day 6 check-in

 

Goal 1: Weights: I lifted Thursday (upper) and then Friday (lower), so 12/18 +2 bonus. But here's the thing: I think I added too much weight too fast on the bar. It was that or that moment I looked to the side to check form on a deadlift at the wrong time, but I hurt myself. Low back. It's not too terrible - I can walk and move around ok, but I don't think I'll be lifting for the next week or so. Sigh. Stepping backwards now.

 

Goal 2: Meditate: Having trouble here, too. I missed yesterday's session, did today's for a total of 20/42.

 

Goal 3: Parking far: holding at 7/12 +1 bonus

 

Life: stitching: I did get in 2 hours of sewing this week. Rainy day tomorrow - maybe more then.

 

Too much going on to participate on the boards right now - checking in is about what I can manage these days - sorry!

[Chanda]

How is the lower back doing? Hope its getting better.

 

Stitching... oh my, I have been ignoring that part of my life. Maybe I'll reward myself this weekend with some stitching time!

 

Keep up the great work!!!

[Wandern]

How is the lower back doing? Hope its getting better.

 

Stitching... oh my, I have been ignoring that part of my life. Maybe I'll reward myself this weekend with some stitching time!

 

Keep up the great work!!!

The back is better, thanks, Chanda. I'm lifting light this week to make sure it's Ok.

 

Week 6 Day 2 Check-in

 

Goal 1: weights. Last week was a complete bust. Emptying out the dishwasher and taking out the trash was all I dared do until the back knitted back up. But, I was back in the gym lifting (lightly) yesterday So, 13/18 +2 bonus

 

Goal 2: Meditation. Umm... I haven't taken the time to meditate since Friday. But I was fairly good last week until then...26/42. This week...is not looking so good.

 

Goal 3: Far lot parking. The back was up for some walking again by Thursday and Friday, plus I parked in the far lot today: 10/12 +1 bonus

 

Life: I did get my 2 hours of sewing in while listening to the Coursera lectures ;-)

[I am Eve]

Looking good, glad to hear your back is better!

[Wandern]

Final Stats
 

Goal 1: Weights 3x/week. Last week I managed to get in twice. So, the total for the challenge is 15/18 +2 bonus, which gives me an "A" and  +2 STR, +1STA, +1 DEX

 

Goal 2: Meditation: Totally fell apart at the end there. Not one time did I sit down and focus last week. 26/42 which barely gives me a "C" on this: only +1 WIS, +1 CHA

 

Goal 3: Park in the far lot 2x a week: This one I nailed: 12/12 +2 bonus is an "A" and +2CON, +1STA, +1DEX

 

LIfe: Thank goodness sewing is something that I can do while listening to course lectures, or I would't have made this one. I did get 12 hours in, but didn't finish anything, though the crazy patch project is almost embellished. An "A" and three points to something...+2WIS, +1 DEX

 

This makes me a Level 4 Druid STR 8 | DEX 9 | STA 8 | CON 8 | WIS 10 | CHA 9

 

I have seen no overall progress on the overall goal, which is to fit comfortably into those shorts   . But, at least I didn't go backwards, so that's something, I guess. I was a little slack on the dietary front: I used Easter and Spring Break to indulge in more sweets and grains than I should have. And when the strawberries started to hit the stores, I indulged in large bowls of yogurt and berries for a snack. The fork caught up to me.

 

Lessons learned:

 

1) I have to go a lot easier with the barbell than I did with the dumbells. Like, half the weight. At least until I get the form down, then I can ramp up - but slowly! 

 

2) I need to keep a diet goal on a challenge, or I allow myself too many treats.

 

3) It's hard for me to focus. I tell myself I want to knuckle down and get some of my life projects done, but I start a Coursera class (very cool, but it does take time). Or I spend too much time idly surfing or playing computer games. Sitting down for 10 minutes to train my mind just seemed like too much some days. Which is why I probably need to meditate - to train the brain to focus on something and stop getting distracted by the bright, shiny things all around.