Druids Report!!!

[Chanda]

Druids!

It is time for you to report about this challenge. Post a summary here, grading yourselves on each of your goals on an A to F scale (see below). Then give yourselves an overall grade for the challenge.

You have until Sunday night 14.April to post your wrap up to be considered for the win.

Check out this post for all challenge info and questions.

Grading Yourself and Awarding Attribute Points

At the end of the challenge, give yourself a grade on how you did achieving your goals. Then, based on how you did, award points. Partial points are allowed.

A - 100% B - 75% C - 50% D - 25% F - 0%

Here is a link for a chart to help with the math.

Remember to talk about your succeses. You are more likely to be picked as a nominee if you talk about how your chellenge went and what you learned.

If you need examples look at the other guilds. If you need help feel free to ask!

 

If you took part in the mini-challenges and succeed in completing all 6 missions, don't forget to award yourself the extra attribute point!

 

Bonus Mission for EVERYONE: CELEBRATE!

Have an awesome time summarizing the amazing things you achieved during the challenge!

[minderly]

Overall Score = A-

This challenge was difficult at times...but it was also fantastic. I feel so much better just after 6 weeks of consistency and trying to be healthier. I may not have toned up, lost weight, or seen any kind of big physical difference, but there is definitely a mental one. I feel more competent about the gym and hopeful. I've regained a sense of self-worth and confidence that had been lacking for a couple of years. I feel like I may have a long way to go to be happy, healthy, and LGN but I am on the right track. I've reflected on many aspects of my current situation and found areas that are lacking and need improvement.

 

Goal 1 - Fitness: Do not sleep less than 5 hours or more than 8 hours each night - B

Okay, not the best goal to set...I did okay...I mean, on the weekends, I did better than I had been...no longer was I going to bed at ridiculous hours (except for a few times...you know like for Ugly Disco and a few other events). However, this has caused me to really reconsider the goals I am setting for myself. What's the reason behind them? Is it because I did research and found it was healthy or my body is telling me I need a change or that I hear it from around?

 

Goal 2 - Fitness: Go to the gym twice a week for 6 weeks - A-

I am definitely the proudest of this accomplishment! Oh man! Let me tell you. Y'all were such an inspiration and motivation. You gave me advice, support, and guidance. I've been inconsistent with the gym for a year. I just couldn't get a routine down, or stick to going regularly. Something happened. You got me serious. Looking around and seeing all these people that actually cared about fitness! People that didn't question me or say I was being dumb because "Why do you need to work out if you're skinny?" Instead, people gave me feedback and told me I was doing great! They cared about health with me! So yes! I did pretty well. The first two weeks, I went twice each week. The third week...I only went once. I was just a big blob of blah. However, since then! I've mostly been going to the gym 3 times. I even have been trying to be active on the days that I don't go to the gym, no matter how late I work or school goes. I stopped making excuses and just went. I was like "STOP!!!!" You know what's going to make you feel better? No, not whining...getting your butt to the gym! And it did. I felt good!!! I know, I am not going to see changes right away. Especially with spending only two days at the gym a week. However, I know that I can get back to being fit and consistent with the gym and that there are people that will support me and provide guidance. Thank you for being such great NFers <3

 

Goal 3 - Fitness: Cut out unhealthy eating habits at the office (cookies, candy, cake, sweets, cokes) - A-

This.was.hard. Goodness me, holy moly. People around the office DO NOT like it when you turn them down for sharing of sweet eating time. They want you to join in the bad habits. Otherwise, you are given lots of evil eyes.    However, I did. I said "No, thank you." about a million times. Though,yes okay I slipped up three times...hence the B. I feel like I changed my office eating habits drastically. I mean...it was bad before. We ate candy and cake and cookies every day. It makes no sense...I dunno why they have so much of this for employees. Okay, but anyways...I digress often...yes so I went from every day lil candies here and there (which really added up at the end of the day), plus the best cookies ever on Wednesdays, and we have cake like twice a week...to only two bite sized candies and a lil carrot cake once in the three weeks! I said no and was put through the ringer almost daily.

 

Goal 4 - Life: Contact at least two professors - A

Definitely rocked this goal. I contacted 3 profs, had 3 meetings and narrowed down to two topics. Way ahead of other students in my cohort. Mwahaha. It was difficult because I felt pushed to do what other people wanted, and I have a hard time saying "No" to most anything. In the end, I have not exactly the topic I was aiming for, but two great topics.

 

Attribute Proposal

 

Goal 1 - CON 1 STA 1 DEX 1

Goal 2 - STR 2 DEX 1 STA 2

Goal 3 - WIS 2 CHA 2

Goal 4 - WIS 2 CHA 1

[allirep]

Reporting In - overall grade: A

Goal 1 - Complete the entire 6 wk challenge + mini challenges A

+1 WIS, +1 CHA

HAH I did every mini challenge.  I completed my goals - though I did set goals that were considerably less ambitious than in challenges past.

 I've already thought of my mission for the next challenge. it will be harder.  but I think it is time to bump things up.

 

Goal 2 - Find good yoga routines A

+1 STR, + 2 STA, +2 CON, +1 DEX

I've got a YouTube channel I'm digging.  A TV program my DVR is recording.  And I'm picking up on some basic stretching and balancing moves that I can just bust out anywhere.  i surprised myself with how much i have enjoyed even a few minutes of stretching or balancing here and there.  

 

Goal 3 - 1 routine outside/week.  bonus if kids participate A

+1 STR, +1 DEX

+2 CHA for bonus achievement

The kids participated inside and outside.  So I get to claim my bonus points. I got to spend some time outdoors.  i don't know if this was necessarily a habit that i need to keep up with.  it was an interesting experiment.  i stepped outside my comfort zone and tried something different.  we will see.

Goal 4 - Read Primal Connection A

+3 WIS

Completed.  I read the whole book.  There were some interesting ideas in there for sure. not sure i'm ready for a squatty potty - but i picked up quite a few things that I would like to work on.

 

final thoughts:  i feel good about this challenge.   the theme for the last 6 weeks really was all about using my 20 seconds of courage to move from planning and dreaming in to moving.  i generally dislike going outside. there are bugs, dirt, spiders, dirt, bird poop, and pollen. oh, and i'm petrified the neighbors will watch me exercise outside.  but i did it.  i learned some things - found out i could do some things i thought i couldn't.  good times.  i am def back in the game and ready for the next go round.  

[I am Eve]

And here are Evenewbies results:

 

Having transformed myself into a person who works out four times a week and managed a thirty kilometer cross country skiing race, one part of this challenge will be about keeping the good shape I am in.

YOGA
Creating a routine to do yoga at least three times a week at home.
I have failed so many times so this time I'll start very slow.
Week one I will buy a decent mat and create the space where I can keep it. Start to
create a simple routine with breathing exercises, sun salutations and relaxation. Then
every week I will try a new exercise.
Time will be at least 30 minutes. I will do this in addition to the weekly yoga class I attend.
An extra difficulty will be that I will be travelling week two. That will make it more
challenging!

A: 18 times, B: 16, C: 14, D: 12, E: 10, F: less than 10

 

Result

I have done my yoga routine 18 times during these six weeks.

When I was sick it was very soft and careful and later I challenged myself learning a completely new pose, introducing different poses during the week and  increasing difficulty in the exercises I already do.

I am now doing the crow and headstands against the wall at home without difficulty, and I have come quite far doing the firefly.

So, I have established a routine. There’s still a lot of work to do but I have reached my goal-and am on the way from crazy to calm. Last but not least I have established some kind of collaboration with my old yogateacher to be able to keep learning from her, something I am really happy about!

An A

KEEPING MY CURRENT LEVEL OF FITNESS.
Go to bed at 10 pm all weekdays/days before workdays. Lights out at 11 or earlier.
Sleep is essential for my mental and physical health. This is a continuation from my first
challenge and like last time my partner is sharing this goal which makes it a lot easier.

A: all days, B: missing 2, C: missing 4, D: missing 6, E: missing 7, F: missing more than 7

 

Result

I go to bed at ten or earlier on all weekdays, and I put the lights out by eleven.

This is a wonderful habit that actually my sixteen-year-old bonus daughter is adapting to as well (voluntarily).

It means that I sleep at least seven hours every worknight and I benefit a lot from that.

I have missed one evening and that qualifies as an A.

 

Count calories to balance what I consume and spend.
This is a good way for me to keep on track and be aware. I very easily get addicted to
weighing myself and it just makes life more difficult. Using an app for calories and
workouts works splendidly for me and that's what I'll be doing for this challenge too.
I will continue taking photos, which I started doing last challenge. It's a good way to
increase awareness once you get over the initial resistance.

A: six consecutive weeks in range, B: five, C: four, D: three, E: two, F: one

 

Result

This part of the challenge brought some surprising results.

For he first time in a long time (five years?), my weight is where I want it to be; around 70 kilos (height 169 cm). This wasn’t part of my goal and i am still trying to adapt to it. It’s strange to reach a goal one has had for so long. Now what? That will definitely be part of my next challenge, to keep balance...Not try to keep losing and not gain. I am really happy with myself at the moment!

The pictures (some of them) are in my gallery.

Now the grading in this area I made very strict and according to this I only got a C: four consecutive weeks in range.  I only slipped up once though, so I am still pleased

 

5 days a week will include outdoors activities
I am not going into more detail, it will depend upon mood and weather. I want to
continue skiing as long as the snow is good but I will also allow biking to and from work to
count. The aim is to keep working out and be outside, preferably during the light hours.
Minimum time spent will be 30 minutes.

Grading per week

A: 5, B:4, C:3, D:2, E:1, F:0

 

Result

Since one of the weeks included a skiing trip and at least one other week included more than 5 workouts and  last but not least I managed to take walks even while I had my bad cold I give myself an A plus!

It has involved skiing (Xcountry and downhill), biking and walking. Soon it is time to start running outside...

I was in really good shape after last challenge, and spending a week in bed wasn't great but I am almost back; yay!!

 

Summarizing I would grade myself an A. This challenge I encountered difficulties I did not expect, being sick for one thing made me lose a lot of what I gained last challenge. Also I didn’t count on the difficulties at work.

But I conquered them. This means that I have what it takes to keep my goals in sight even when everyday difficulties occur.

 

Lastly, I took part in all of the mini-challenges. Not as much as I would have wanted but I took part.

 

Now, time to plan for the next one!!!

 

 

[Chanda]

Copy and paste from my challenge thread:

 

1. Fuel: food & drink

1. Average calorie intake to be within 1750 to 1880. (+1 CON) actual average is 1879 calories per day
2. Drink an additional liter of water per day (average to be 0.9l or higher). (+1 CON) actual average is 1.09l additional water per day
3. & 4. Eat no more than 225 calories per day on average of sweets. Drink no more than 1 coffee per day on average. (+1 CON) actual average is 224 calories of sweets and 0.51 coffees per day 

I barely made it within the average with the amount of food I ate and sweets... I did loose 2kg over the past 6 weeks. So what I was eating was the right amount. I nailed the water drinking and reduction of coffee intake. For next challenge I am not going to track the coffee intake or sweets. I was also considering stopping the calorie tracking, but since I plan to track protein intake and will be logging food anyway, I think I will keep tracking for another challenge. Score is A.

 

2. Mental Strength

1. Get at least 7 hours sleep on average per day. (+1 CHA) average is at 7.01 hours per night.
2. Meditate regularly adding up to an average of 8min per day (+1 WIS). average is at 8.1min per day.
3. Brain workout on average 3 times per week (+1 WIS) 20 done from 18.4 expected 

I am still not getting enough sleep some nights... but I am doing a lot better than I was a few months ago. Meditation before sleep for me seems to be the way to go. I really like that I no longer need my iPod to fall asleep, even when I wake up in the middle of the night. Score is A.

 

3. Strong Body

1. Exercise on average 20min per day. (+1 STR) average is at 23.6min per day. 
2. Look after my health or appearance on average 2 times per week  (+1 STA)  14 done from 12.3 expected
3. Walk/Run on average 4km per day.  (+1 STA) average is 4.3km per day 
4. Complete at least: 9 yoga workouts & 9 body weight workouts.  (+1 DEX) 11 strength and 14 yoga done 
5. Complete at least: 9 walk/runs.  (+1 STR) 12 done  

Nailed this goal. I think that for next challenge I will stop tracking the min per day as a goal. If I am doing the workouts, then the time doesnt matter. I need to get a bit better about running, I did go out and walk extra and got a few sprints in... but no real training yet. . Score is A.

 

4. LIFE: Getting things done

1. Do my routines regularly. Expecting overall average of 85% for success. (+1 CHA) average is 92.3% 
2. Be Punctual on average 85% for success (+1 WIS) average is 85.3% 
3. Home is visitor ready on half the days (+1 CHA) 23 out of expected 21.5)
4. Harvest the Fruits of my Labour, at least 8 items done (+1 WIS)  5 done

Seems like Getting Things Done is just not my thing. Need a bit more work in this area. My routines seem to be falling into place, the 92.3% score is deceptive and I am going to change how I track this for next challenge to simplify the tracking and also to see more results.  Score is B.

 

SUMMARY: Overall score for this challenge is A. This challenge I was looking for results in the life goal area. Instead I got results in the physical fitness area, I have now lost a total of 10kg since my first challenge (9kg of fat and 1kg of lean mass lost. I dropped the equivalent to 2 sizes of clothes from overflowing in a 40 to now finding a 38 is too big. I am now wearing S for most things instead of L). I have more energy and look a lot better in photos. I am turning into a fit person... which means that with all my new found energy... for next challenge I am going to nail the life goal!

 

The one area I was pretty slack with was once again the Accountibilibuddies... and I feel pretty bad about that. What I am taking away from the experience is that at the moment I simple don't have the time to join accountability groups and its not fair on the other members. So for next challenge I am not joining an accountability group.

 

Updated list of things I expect to see from the challenges (things achieved this challenged are marked in green and crossed out): Reach my pre-pregnancies weight. Maintain or increase lean mass. Which should mean a reduction of body fat. Reach 10kg lost milestone. Reach goal lean mass / body fat percentage. Clothes fit better (or possibly worse if suddenly they are too large for me). I smile more. I have more energy. I am more relaxed. My girls are happier and more relaxed. Husband is happy too! I don’t feel isolated. I am more efficient at completing my tasks. I have more time to spend on other pursuits like reading/stitching/designing/learning. My home is visitor ready most of the time. My desk is less cluttered. I am not rushing around to get things done. I am not late to appointments or with finishing my tasks. I get a nice list of things done during the challenge. 

 

 

I totally enjoying running and participating on the mini-challenges for the guild. The attribute I choose for successful mini-challeng participation is +1 CHA.

 

Overall, I am one very happy little Druid!

 

 

 

Chanda the Druid is smiling as she leaves the forrest clearing. Her body feels stronger. Her mind is clear. She knows her place in the order of things. She knows what to do next. Now is the time to CELEBRATE.

[Wandern]

LuckyMe Reporting in:

 

Goal 1: Weights 3x/week. Last week I managed to lift 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.

[ScurvySpider]

Even though I punked out in the end, it's enjoyable/inspirational to read others' success stories.

I've learned some things from the failure which will help in the future (life AND challenge) such as even though I fight to avoid routine for most things -- it may be what saves me in the end, esp. with exercise.

[VioletFlame]

I haven't been participating on the forums at all this challenge, but I did work on my goals in the last 6 weeks.  For the next challenge I signed up for an accountability group and I will be more active on the forums.  It helps a lot.

 

My goals summary:

 

1.  Cardio - increase total cardio time per week from 4.5 hours currently to 6 hours at the end of the 6 weeks.

I give myself an A++ for this one.  Some weeks I ended up with 3 hours of cardio to do on the weekends, but I usually exceeded my goal time each week.  There is also a fitness challenged going on at my work, we are just counting days per week, but it gave me the motivation to get at least 30 min of cardio 7 days a week.

 

 

2.  Fitness variety goal - I want to be stronger and leaner. 

I give myself an C for this one. I was able to do something for variety each week, and I definitely feel stronger.  But the leaner part didn't happen.  This will be a goal for the next challenge.

 

 

3. Life goal:  progress on my dissertation.

Arghh - very little progress here.  I am taking a break this quarter.  I think I need to do some things at the administrative level. 

[I am Eve]

Very inspiring reads guys!!