Mini-challenge: Around NF in 40 days: Inquisitive Like an Adventurer!

[NicoleCanoes]

Just ran over from the the scout chat to profess my hidden love for warrior 3. I've been using yoga poses this challenge to draw awareness to my posture when sitting at my desk at work. Yoga can also be really good for runners as we use a lot of the push muscles and develop an imbalance with the pull muscles in our legs if we are not careful.

[VioletFlame]

Just ran over from the the scout chat .

 he he he

[Chanda]

Just ran over from the the scout chat to profess my hidden love for warrior 3. I've been using yoga poses this challenge to draw awareness to my posture when sitting at my desk at work. Yoga can also be really good for runners as we use a lot of the push muscles and develop an imbalance with the pull muscles in our legs if we are not careful.

 

Warrior 3 is awesome!  

 

Do you actually do anything at your desk?

 

At work I am desk bound. I use any excuse to get up and go for a walk to another part of the office... its a huge site and the office area I am in is open plan. I am pretty sure that if I started doing Warrior 3 at my desk they would call the looney van to take me away.  

[18ck]

I like warrior 3 too. I'm a bit of a yoga dilettante - I like getting upside down at the drop of a hat but all that breathing properly stuff just seems too much like hard work.

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[NicoleCanoes]

Warrior 3 is awesome!

 

Do you actually do anything at your desk?

 

At work I am desk bound. I use any excuse to get up and go for a walk to another part of the office... its a huge site and the office area I am in is open plan. I am pretty sure that if I started doing Warrior 3 at my desk they would call the looney van to take me away.

Eagle, cow face, an occasional forward bend. I'm in a back corner of the office so no one ever sees.

[RobinStarling]

I don't even know what cow face is, but it sounds awesome/amusing.

... I might be imagining people in a yoga class all bent over slightly, sticking fingers out agains their heads as 'horns'.

[Unikarm]

Learn from scouts...ok, in my first challenge ever i was a scout and it didn't work out....i don't go outside and run or walk or really anything and i like pilates better anyway.

but i do know i really need to work on stamina, i sleep all the time!! me and bread don't get along very well, i sleep for like 4 hours when i eat it. so that carbohydrate in a no no for me. but i can eat gluten free things a usually they don't bother me. i can eat rice and quinoa, i have corn tortilla's and gluten free bread when i buy it. there are carbs in vegetables which i really need to eat more of. me and mom are trying to plant a garden and i can't wait!! even my fiance loves the fresh tomatoes (i don't like tomatoes)

i need more veggies!!

[18ck]

Yes you do. Everyone needs more vegies.

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[swaffe]

From the scouts I have learned about the concept of barefoot running and by extension (from researching it on my own to discover if this actually really was a thing) barefoot walking.  After learing it really is a thing, and about how it physiologically helps the body (especially the feet, hips, and legs) it really makes perfect sense to me.  The fact that I have always hated shoes probably helps that opinion too, lol.  Though the idea of walking and being able to feel grounded while strengthening those muscles is what really sold me. 

 

I think I will try walking barefoot when I walk next week if I am able to walk out side.  If I'm stuck inside (due to rain or random mountain cold spells), I usually walk the main corridors of the mall and I don't think they would let me walk barefoot there.

[RobinStarling]

Swaffe! I totally under stand your hate of shoes. Stupid things!
I've started walking barefooted more often these days, occasionally in places where it might be less accepted- though not often. You might be surprised though, I'm not sure malls would mind (you can always keep some footwear in your bag, for if someone does make a fuss?)
Or look into those barefoot toe shoe things?

 

I've found the scouts to be a tricky group. As far as carbs, I'm on a cut, so probably eating less than the "recommended" amount. But have struggled to really find a conclusive idea of what the "proper" amount is.

For now, I'm quite happy to simply try and up my intake of carbs from fruit and veg, and keep grain based carbs to a minimum- and mostly for after workouts.

[18ck]

Or look into those barefoot toe shoe things?

Vibrams. They're great for getting the benefits of barefoot running/walking without so much pain!

I've found the scouts to be a tricky group.

Harrumph!

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[RobinStarling]

Harrumph!

 

 

Heh, tricky in terms of activity, not people-wise

 

 

Vibrams. They're great for getting the benefits of barefoot running/walking without so much pain!

 

 

And great for the fact that you would technically still be "wearing shoes".

[thatgirljj]

I'm so not a runner at all.  But the whole barefoot running thing got me thinking seriously about more minimal shoes for just my everyday.  Over a few years I've slowly overhauled my shoe wardrobe around shoes that are flexible and (mostly) flat.  In my 20's I had broken a bone in my foot and it healed a little funky (not bad enough to need surgical messing around with, but bad enough to cause pain if I wear heels)... moving to truly flat shoes with some bendability has helped a ton.  And while I will wear vibrams running errands or on the weekends, I have a lot of work-appropriate flats as well if anyone wants recommendations.  

 

I'm still pondering my stamina situation.  It's not really where I want it right now, but I think my next level up in stamina is going to take a few months to reach, so... yeah... pondering.

 

-jj

[Chanda]

Interesting the discussion on shoes. Today I made the decision to drop my shoes with heels in favour of flats. I've only got 2 pairs of heeled shoes and they are both only around 1 inch. However, I definetely can tell the difference when I wear them regularly and then when I have a holiday and walk around barefoot or wearing flat shoes. Next step to actually acquired 2 pairs of work appropriate flat shoes.

[Chanda]

Our time with the Scouts is over (don't forget to  log your Scout activity here), I think I could continue doing Scouty things for the rest of the challenge.

 

Is is however time to Adapt and move on to something new... Time to visit the:

 

   RANGERS 

 

 

Ranger
Rangers are a hybrid of Warriors and Scouts, built for strength AND endurance. A jack-of-all-trades but master of none, Rangers are well-equipped for any situation. Their weight training revolves around varying the reps, sets, and downtime to continually force those body to adapt to new situations. Usually Rangers follow a Paleo Diet, eating things that can only be found in nature. Thanks to this type of training and diet, Rangers have incredibly low body-fat percentages.

Primary attributes: Functional strength, adaptability.
Training:Lots of weight training but with minimal downtime (think crossfit and 300 training).
Real Life example: Gerard Butler in 300, Annie Thorisdottir

 

 

 

By now you've learnt that there is more to each of the Guilds than meets the eye... So I am sure you'll approach this week with enthusiasm! For the next few days your mini-challenge is to get to know the Ranger guild and what they do a little bit better. What you actually do is up to you. Find something you think will be helpful to you.

 

Learn from the Ranger Guild and become Adaptable like a Ranger!

 

Some suggestions for what you can do (google is your friend, also check what the Rangers are doing):

• Try doing something to increase your strength. While most of us Druids don't have weights at home, we can certainly see huge strength improvement by simply doing body weight exercises... not sure how? Check out the BBWWO or the Angry Birds workout. 
• Try skipping rope as your warm up. Master this skill and you could improve both your speed and stamina in other areas.  
• Review your food in general. How much of your food is processed food? How much is natural? A good indication of this is how much packaging you are throwing out/recycling this week. 
• Try preparing a Paleo meal... just for the fun of it!
• Review what you are doing and identify an area that is your weakness... resolve to work on that area for your next challenge. Or even better start now.

You are also encouraged to go snoop around the Rangers forum for this challenge. Read about their goals... find some common ground. You may even meet a new Ranger friend.

 

Remember: You are not being asked to go out there and join a box or complete an advanced cross fit workout. You can if you are able and willing... but its not needed for this mini-challenging. The goal is to explore and learn something from the Rangers. 

 

Notes:

• Members from all Guilds are welcome to join in!
• Participating Druids who explore all the Guilds earn an attribute point. You can chose what attribute to allocate the point to based on where you got the most benefit from this challenge.
• You will have roughly 5 or 6 days to complete each mini-challenge
• If you missed a guild you can catch up. Obviously doing all the guilds in a week is not allowed... but 1 or 2 is OK. Guilds so far: Warriors, Scouts and Rangers. 
• Report your participation for each guild here: Around NF in 40 days

Most importantly: HAVE FUN!!!!

[cn3wton]

Saw a post linking to this in the ranger chat.  Look forward to meeting some of you all!

[I am Eve]

Wow, the Rangers look AMAZING!. Still traveling  so I will do my best but not sure how much I will have opportunity to try.

One fun thing though is that so far I have ran in Prospect park, a trail in sleepy Hudson, OH and now we're in Nebraska encountering extreme changes in temperature (yesterday 79 degrees F and tomorrow they're warning that there might be snow). So we're adapting ;-)

[Darwin]

Barefoot walking also makes a really awesome form of meditation; I find that focussing on the feeling of the ground underfoot makes me feel very - * tries to find better word, fails* - grounded.

[swaffe]

I have actually been enjoying the mini challenges I am actually learning a lot, at some point I plan to go back and complete the warrior challenge as well.

[VioletFlame]

I am really enjoying these mini challenges as well.  They have been giving me an extra focus each week, and making this 6 week challenge more interesting.  Thanks for doing these Chanda.

[Chanda]

Glad to read that you are enjoying this series of mini-challenges! Specially because its time to move onto the next guild! Before you move on... Don't forget to log your Ranger activity here)!!!!

 

This week its time for some discipline and agility. Time to visit the:

 

   MONKS   

 

 

Monk
This isn’t the monk you’re used to. These monks can kick your ass with their fists and feet, and they will do it before you even knew what happened. Incredibly agile, lightning fast, and loaded with power, Monks specialize in martial arts to stay in shape and destroy the opposition.
Training is mostly spent in dojos and in the ring, with some weight training thrown in to help produce stronger punches and kicks. Monks only carry enough weight and muscle to provide maximum efficiency with each attack. Muscles are compact and powerful, core strength is high, and speed is favored over size.
Primary Attributes:Agility, power
Training: MMA, Capoeria, Muay Thai boxing, Tai Kwon Do
Real life example:Georges St. Pierre (MMA fighter).

 

The past 3 weeks were spent studying Strength, Endurance and Adaptability! For the next few days your mini-challenge is to get to know the Monk guild and what they do a little bit better. What you actually do is up to you. Find something you think will be helpful to you.

 

Learn from the Monk Guild and become Agile like a Monk!

 

Some suggestions for what you can do (google is your friend, also check what the Monks are doing):

• Increase your mobility... Visit MobilityWOD (currently under maintenance but should be back online soon!) and work on that area of your body you know is not performing at 100%. Common trouble areas you could research: feet, ankles, back, shoulders, hamstrings.
• Review safety of where you live and workout - for self defense/accident prevention. For example: if you run/walk, when it starts getting dark is there enough light? is there a different route you can take? or a different time you can go out?. Another example: where is your kettle located in your kitchen? Could a child reach it and spill boiling water?

• How disciplined are you? About your workouts? What you eat? Sleeping habits? There are times when you know what you should be doing... and yet you just don't do it. Learn to be disciplined about your health! Be in control of your body and mind. No excuses. Do what you set out to do!

• Got an area where you are failing? Don't let yourself be defeated. Time to review and make a battle plan to reach your goal so you can ultimately win the war! 

• Oh and the obvious thing to do? If you've been curious about joining an actual martial art school or doing a self defense class, find one in your area, call them and ask if you can join an introductory class. 

You are also encouraged to go snoop around the Monks forum for this challenge. Read about their goals... find some common ground. You may even meet a new Monk friend.

 

Remember: You are not being asked to go out there and earn a Black Belt overnight. You can if you are able and willing... but its not needed for this mini-challenging. The goal is to explore and learn something from the Monks. 

 

Notes:

• Members from all Guilds are welcome to join in!
• Participating Druids who explore all the Guilds earn an attribute point. You can chose what attribute to allocate the point to based on where you got the most benefit from this challenge.
• You will have roughly 5 or 6 days to complete each mini-challenge
• If you missed a guild you can catch up. Obviously doing all the guilds in a week is not allowed... but 1 or 2 is OK. Guilds so far: Warriors, Scouts, Rangers and Monks. 
• Report your participation for each guild here: Around NF in 40 days

Most importantly: HAVE FUN!!!!

[ScurvySpider]

Yes, thank you always Chanda for taking the time.

Who could watch "Enter the Dragon" and not want to be a monk? (not me)

[ScurvySpider]

For someone who intends to be a monk one day, I struggled finding inspiration on this one, til I turned right back to our own site

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/04/10/why-people-suck-at-getting-healthy/

 

I suck at discipline and should do something about it soon (that is a joke)

[swaffe]

So the concept of self defense classes peaked my interest.  I had actually said I was going to take one over a year ago but just never got around to it.  So I investigated several in my area and found one I really like and that fits my budget.  Then are also more than willing to show me how to compensate for my bad hip.  Unfortunately they don't have any starting until June so I don't think it would qualify for this mini challenge, but I signed up any way, so I don't put it off and never get around to it again.

[Chanda]

For someone who intends to be a monk one day, I struggled finding inspiration on this one, til I turned right back to our own site

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/04/10/why-people-suck-at-getting-healthy/

 

I suck at discipline and should do something about it soon (that is a joke)

 

Thats 10 push ups for you!!! Do it! (not a joke!)

 

This is exactly why I included discipline in the list of hints. Learning it is one of the great benefits of taking the martial arts path! And thanks for sharing the link, I hadn't read that one. I specially liked one of the last sentences "By planning and building in proper systems to avoid the pitfalls that trip everybody up, you can power through the slow-roll stage until your momentum and positive behavior start to snowball into an avalanche of awesome." Yes, avalanche of awesome is exactly what we are aiming for!