Chris Goes Back to the Basics

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Let's see ..... I'm not sure if I've missed one or two challenges now.  

 

I hit rough patch and dropped out of Nerd Fitness during the dead of winter and a fit of depression.  I've been continuing to run and strength train a little --- because I want to do a Zombie adventure run this summer and Cline gave me great ideas of how to train for it.  (Thanks again, Cline!)

I tried doing Weight Watchers with hubby --- did not work out too well.  I end up eating a lot of packaged foods trying to stick to the points allotment and feel like I'm going to glow in the dark and BECOME a zombie instead of run from them.  Not good.

 

But, I'm back.  Back to hanging out with fun nerds who are also into fitness.  Because you generally DO inspire me to do better and meet my goals.  Go us!

 

Goals this challenge are very basic:

 

 

Fitness Goals

- run a 5K (+3 STA, +1 STR)

- lose 6 pounds (+3 CON, +1 WIS)

- workout 30 minutes per day (+1 STA, +1 CON, +1 WIS)

 

Life Goal

- draft at least one article for journal publication (+4 WIS)

 

How to achieve these goals?

 

Well, I'm running.  Each week, I will run 3 to 4 times: alternating trail runs, 5K runs, 5K training interval runs (from https://www.zombiesrungame.com/ --- I love these game developers), and speed work outs.  I have new running shoes and am pulling together the rest of my running gear.  I'm also using my Bowflex to get ready for obstacles if I get into an adventure run.

 

Losing weight might be a bit ambitious, but I've been cycling up and down 4 pounds since last fall.  I'm going to crush the floor and get down a couple more pounds this time.  I know what to eat - I used to be at my ideal weight when I ate protein, fruits, and veggies.  So, I'll weigh myself each morning and if I'm not at my goal for the week, I'll be extra vigilant to avoid empty carbs, including wine.  *quiet sob*

 

Workout 30 minutes per day should not be hard.  Even if I take a walk around campus to clear my head for 30 minutes, that will be good enough.  If I make it a priority, I'll do it.  

 

Writing 1 to 2 articles.  I was very surprised to learn - last week - that the article I thought was pulled from a journal (and part of the reason I was so depressed .....) actually was accepted!!  Now, I have to flesh out the proposal and get it finished.  I have until December, but I don't want to procrastinate.  Because I have more that need to be written.  So, at least that one will be done by the end of May.   

 

Basics.  Boring.  Just gotta do 'em. 'Cuz I know they work.

 

 

 

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

I think I might add this to my running mix.  Not sure what they are singing (other than the one, obvious "back to basics" line), but I sure would like to take belly dancing to that level again.....

[cline]

I'll say it again officially here: SQUEEEEEEEEEE YOU'RE BACK! Oh and this: YOU GOT THIS!!!!

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Hey, Cline!!  Thanks for stopping by my thread.  I've missed that cute boxing kitty and your awesome achievements.  

 

And I'm crushing goals even before we start - my best 5K time in a decade:  47minutes.  

[erawka]

Hey! Good to see you back on board, CTJ. 

 

What is your field? I am not in the academy at all, but my friends who are tell horror stories about writing for publication. It sounds like quite an albatross 'round the neck. 

 

What are you going to spend the 30 minutes on when you're not running?

[Knightwatch]

Welcome back!  

[Sandylion]

Hey, I'm doing a back to basics type of challenge too!  We'll get back to being grounded

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Hey! Good to see you back on board, CTJ. 

 

What is your field? I am not in the academy at all, but my friends who are tell horror stories about writing for publication. It sounds like quite an albatross 'round the neck. 

 

What are you going to spend the 30 minutes on when you're not running?

 

I'm in Educational Technology - which is an odd, practical field.  It can be hard to get published in journals because the field actually is about being effective rather than spinning theory.  All of my work has been about the dreaded SoTL ( scholarship of teaching and learning), and I'd been dinged HARD last year .... but I've licked my wounds and am spinning some of my work to theory generation. It's hard mental work - and I do it to myself.  I don't HAVE to publish for my position.  I just think it is important to contribute to the field.  

 

Non-running days will be with my Bowflex.  Yes, I know that the really hard core people do it with barbells.  But I have the machine in the basement, all set up, from a purchase years and years ago.  If we get to move to MADISON, I'll be within striking distance of a CF gym.  For now .... the thing in the basement wins.

[BadWolf]

Welcome back and great goals!

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Still stunned by the Boston Marathon news .... I don't think anyone I know was running it this year since it is pretty darn hard to qualify for.

 

 

Fitness Goals

- run a 5K - walked two miles

- lose 6 pounds - starting weight 170.5.  Did well at breakfast and lunch.  Avoided a snack at 10 am.  Ate too much pizza for dinner.  

- workout 30 minutes per day (1/1)

 

Life Goal

- draft at least one article for journal publication - worked on the article for an hour. 

[Sandylion]

Good job on your successful day 1!

 

I am in shock about that bombing too.  What the heck is wrong with people? What can possibly be offensive about people running a marathon?  What are they going to gain?  Ugh, makes me sick.

[Kuiken]

Love the article goal!  Very inspiring and I may have to do the same next challenge (will hopefully have data by then!).

[Loren Wade]

Yay for basics!

 

Subscribing.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Love the article goal!  Very inspiring and I may have to do the same next challenge (will hopefully have data by then!).

 

YEA data!!  And good research questions ....

 

 

Fitness Goals

- run a 5K: Ran 2.15 miles using the new Zombies, Run! 2.0 version. Out on the trails for a change. (Awesome!!!)

- lose 6 pounds - starting weight 170.5.  Did well at breakfast and lunch.  Avoided a snack at 10 am.  Ate pizza for dinner.  And some wine.  

- workout 30 minutes per day (2/2)

 

Life Goal

- draft at least one article for journal publication - worked on the article for an hour. Enjoying using a new qualitative analysis software: Dedoose.

[cline]

Running from zombies = +2 glasses of wine....

[minutemix]

Hi! Zombie obstacle course?! That's uber cool. I'll be running a zombie 5k in June. Good luck! Good job on your first couple days.

[Loren Wade]

...now I want pizza and wine.

[Sandylion]

Mmmm.... croc crossing shiraz goes so well with pizza....

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Oooohhh yum!  I usually go for Dreambird or Dreamfish ... inexpensive but nice wines.  

 

 

Fitness Goals

- run a 5K: Walked a couple of miles yesterday, which was a win in the pouring rain.  Today, I lifted weights -- full body workout.

- lose 6 pounds - still at 170.5, but my jeans are looser.  I have NOT been good at avoiding the little extras ... potato chips with a sandwich yesterday and a cinnamon roll today.  But I did avoid the buffet at the office open house.  Small victories ....

- workout 30 minutes per day (4/4)

 

Life Goal

- draft at least one article for journal publication - I've worked on the article a couple of hours each of the last two days.  Got everything coded and am ready to flesh out the draft.  

[Sandylion]

I haven't heard of them, but I will look! Always on the lookout for a good and inexpensive wine that you can just enjoy without feeling guilty about not dressing it up.  

 

Good tenacity going for a walk in the rain!  I can't wait until warm weather gets here.  I actually enjoy walking in the rain when it's warm.  When it's cold? Not happenin'. 

Good job on the looser pants.  Sometimes the scale seems to lag a bit eh?  Avoiding a buffet probably avoided more calories then the chips and cinnamon bun and sandwich all together, so thats great! Gotta look at the big picture

 

Sounds like the article is going well! That is very cool.  I'd love to be published in a journal some day.  At the moment, I have nothing to say though! Future life goals

 

Also, what is the suitcase farmer's walk?

[cline]

looser jeans?!  Major WOOT!

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

I haven't heard of them, but I will look! Always on the lookout for a good and inexpensive wine that you can just enjoy without feeling guilty about not dressing it up.  

 

Good tenacity going for a walk in the rain!  I can't wait until warm weather gets here.  I actually enjoy walking in the rain when it's warm.  When it's cold? Not happenin'. 

Good job on the looser pants.  Sometimes the scale seems to lag a bit eh?  Avoiding a buffet probably avoided more calories then the chips and cinnamon bun and sandwich all together, so thats great! Gotta look at the big picture

 

Sounds like the article is going well! That is very cool.  I'd love to be published in a journal some day.  At the moment, I have nothing to say though! Future life goals

 

Also, what is the suitcase farmer's walk?

 

Farmer's walk:

 

 

Suitcase farmer's walk --- done carrying your bags through airports.  I did that for months while job hunting ... sometimes clocking 4 miles on long layovers!

[nightlight]

glad to see you back!! subbed and following along.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Hi, Nightlight!!!  Glad to see you, too.  I'm trying to catch up with everyone.  Is Seabright or Librarian of Doom around??  

 

Day 5 (Friday 4/19)

Fitness Goals

- 5K: Walked 30 minutes at lunch time and was glad I did.  I got started working on my office in Second Life and before ya know it, it was 6 pm!  I hurried home to walk the dog and find some supper.  I'm kicking myself today because I could have gone out to the gym to run on the treadmill, but I wasn't feeling motivated.  Legs are still sore from the leg press, but I am going to at least do some gentle running this morning after I finish coffee and posting.  

- lose 6 pounds - lost a pound!!

- workout 30 minutes per day (5/5)

 

Life Goal

- draft at least one article for journal publication - Did not get much done.  Looking at some of the research questions we had.  Found some correlations but no consistent reason for the patterns.  Still, I have good quotes and data to flesh out the article I'm working on right now.  

 

I've located both a new martial arts dojo and a new CrossFit box within easy driving distance.  Crazy question for those who do CF --- how in shape do you need to be to start??  I have my gym contract til the end of the calendar year.  Can I get fit enough to switch gyms by December?

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Day 6 (Saturday 4/20)

Fitness Goals

- 5K: Ran 2 miles in 29 minutes --- outside, using Zombies, Run! 2.0.  Then, I hit the Bowflex to do abs and upper body.

- lose 6 pounds: weight today - IDK

- workout 30 minutes per day (6/6)

 

Life Goal

- draft at least one article for journal publication - day off.  But I have been asked to do an invited presentation at a major conference.  Not quite bucket list (to give a keynote speech), but not bad.  Next week is going to be very, very busy getting ready for presentations.  Thankfully, it all ties into articles.