Starpuck - "Finding the Arrow of Apollo"

[starpuck]

"Stupid frakking thing couldn't come with a handbook? No, because that would just be too logical, wouldn't it?"

 

BSG Season 1, "Kobol's Last Gleaming" (As Starbuck moves the arrow over the door with no effect.)

 

 

Huh?  What does Finding the Arrow of Apollo have to do with a NF challenge?    I will tell you!    See, this last challenge is what I would have to call my first REAL challenge here.  It was the first one I saw through beginning to end.   (Big surprise, it was also the first one that netted me some great results.  To the tune of losing 9.5lbs, 5 overall inches and ~2% bodyfat.   Also boosted my confidence and esteem like crazy.)  

 

Relating it to BSG - It has given me hope of finding the lost 13th colony... hope of finding "a new home".   

[Home being the point at which I have truly adopted these habits as a lifestyle- something that is not a temporary fix of unwanted pounds, or a phase to get fit because it's summer.   A new, permanent, way to live.]

 

In this quote, Starbuck has found the Arrow of Apollo and is trying to open the door with it but having no luck.    Her comment is SO similar to how I feel about weight loss, getting healthy, building strength, etc.   I have the tools - but dammit! Why don't they come with a handbook that promises guaranteed results.   "If I do this, this should happen."   Newp.    So, like Starbuck, I have to go on faith and instincts and just see it through.   Perservere.   Just. Stick. To. It.

 

On to the actual goals and points - (I realized my con is super wimpy so had to really buckle down to figure out a goal that would help boost that stat.  I hate having dump stats!)

 

No McDonald’s Burritos for 6 weeks. +5 CON

(Continue journaling / eating cleaner)  

1 slip = B (4)

2 slips = C (3)

3 slips = D (2)

4 slips = E (1)

5 slips = F (0)

 

This goal has a HUGE stat award attached to it because they truly are my fiercest addiction.   Over the last challenge, I gave up most bread, had no candy/chocolate (wasn't craving it) - desserts only on special occasions, and even managed 6 weeks without my cherished milkshakes.   The breakfast burritos however, are a major addiction.    This is going to require a large amount of willpower on most days - unless I find a subsititute that I love.

 

Continue C25K Run Program.  Run 3x / week  +1 DEX/+2 STA

16-18 Runs = A (+1 / +2)

13-15 Runs = B (+.75 / +1.5)

10-12 Runs = C (+.5 / + 1)

7-9 Runs = D (+.25 / +.5)

0-6 Runs = F (0 / 0)

 

I have not added a lot of new goals this challenge because I am still trying to make things habit.  Right now, my mindset is still, "I do this because my goal says I should do this 3x a week."   Until I get to a point where my mind/soul says "Run because it feels good and is good for you" I will need to keep this on goal lists to keep me on it  Besides - I have not reached week 9 yet... just week 7.  The real test will be if I can keep running AFTER I finish the program.

 

Continue strength program.  Strength workout 3x / week **Track gains!  +2 STR

Sub Goal - +1 STR = 1 CHIN UP

16-18 Days = A (+2)

13-15 Days = B (+1.5)

10-12 Days = C (+ 1)

7-9 Days = D (+ .5)

0-6 Days = F (0)

 

Much like the running goal - this is about reinforcing the budding habit.   Must get to a point where I do it because I love how it strengthens me.   I am proud of where I am now compared to where I was before, but I am still fighting with the outlook of doing things based on results, rather than doing them because they are good for you.    I added to this one, that I need to track gains.   While I finally made it through a challenge with an honest 3 days a week of strength training, I feel like on 50% of the days I was just showing up, and not pushing myself.   This challenge I want to look at my before PRs and see them crushed by new ones after the challenge.

 

Budget!  OMG GET A BUDGET AND FOLLOW IT DAMMIT.   +4 WIS

0-5% Over Budget = A (4)

6-10% Over Budget = B (3)

11-15% Over Budget = C (2)

16-20% Over Budget = D (1)

21+% Over Budget = F (0)

 

This is another goal with a huge stat award attached because I REALLY need to focus on it.    I am hoping the bigger stat gain is more incentive to stick to it.    Part of my money issue is that I am generous and like to do things and will pay for others if they can't.   Part of it is that since I have not turned to food for quick uppers in 6+ weeks, I am turning toward a random 'me' buy instead.   Must fix.  The BIGGEST money dump for me is still eating out.    Limiting that will help the budget and the healthy eating goal by tons, so I need to get on board with this.   IF I stick to this, (and with the help of year end bonuses) I should be able to be totally out of CC debt by the end of July.  IF I score an A on this goal, I will allow myself to use SOME of the bonus (Provided it's enough) to POSSIBLY upgrade my 6 year old PC.  (I'm a gamer dammit, I need more graphix zomg.)

 

Overall - it looks kinda weak to me, because I only added two new goals, and used two old ones as 'keep doing what I've been doing'.   I feel a little guilty about that, but I also feel like if I add more then I will get overwhelmed and not keep up with this or that.    The running and lifting I really want to get to the point where it becomes second nature to me.   Where I don't have to track each time I get 3 in a week, it's just a matter of knowing I want to run or lift today, or run/lift tomorrow, or do it when I wake up, or at lunch because the sun is out, or whatever.   But.  I'm not there yet.   And having the sense to realize, and admit that, I feel, is a nod toward some self-awareness and wisdom I've gained over the last challenge.

 

So, as we gear up for Monday, all I can say is...

 

GOOD HUNTING!

 

Edited 6/24 -- Totally forgot to put starting stats up!

 

STARTING STATS

Weight: 143.6   

Bodyfat: 30.6% 

Waist: 34   

Hip: 39  
Thigh: 25 

Bicep: 13  

[fengor]

Good hunting to you as well Hope you will safely reach your 13th colony after this 6 weeks

[throne]

I'm happy to see I'm not the only one with a McDonald's goal I might pester you just to see how it goes.

[Sacred Red]

I just wanted to stop in and say I love that you related your goals to BSG.  Those burritos are great, but you can totally do this!

[smitmk]

I LOVE Starbuck so much - she is the frakkin bomb!  

 

I don't think you should feel guilty about adding older goals to continue them.  That is truly the hard stuff.  You can do anything for a few weeks, but for a lifetime?!?!  Gets a lot more challenging.   Think of how long the BSG folks searched for Earth...

 

Good hunting!

[Sandylion]

Their breakfast burritos are so good.  My personal addiction there though is much worse.  Hash browns.  And Iced coffees.  I justify the iced coffee because I get it made with milk instead of cream and only half the syrup.  Still, not good.

 

I think using a second challenge to really enforce the new habits is perfect!  Otherwise if you just drop them, you haven't really done anything for yourself in the long run.

 

Good hunting!

[JuiceeTarget]

Great, well thought out goals. I like that you are continuing and making habits from last time.

 

As to running, when I started running, I focussed on how good I felt _after_ running. Before too long, it became how good I felt during running. Don't sweat it, the joy will come. Focus on the results first and the process will become enjoyable.

 

What do you hear?

[Mac]

Great goals! Whenever you don't feel like going for a run, just channel your inner Starbuck yelling "make a hole!"

3x strength + 3x running=not much leeway. I mean, I know you can do math and realized as much, but you might want to give yourself a little wiggle room for illness, or the craziness of life interrupting such a tight schedule. Just my $.02!

[chickie.monkey]

I love it! Plus, including Starbuck makes it kick ass! There's no way you can fail! I love your goals. You did great on your last challenge and I look forward to watching you kick ass this time.

[starpuck]

Great, well thought out goals. I like that you are continuing and making habits from last time.

 

As to running, when I started running, I focussed on how good I felt _after_ running. Before too long, it became how good I felt during running. Don't sweat it, the joy will come. Focus on the results first and the process will become enjoyable.

 

What do you hear?

 

Nothing but the rain sir.   

 

Thanks GoodDoug!   That's just the kind of running encouragement I need.  I love what it's doing to my hips (shrinking them hee) but have yet to feel that runners high.   So elusive.

 

Thanks everyone for checking in too, great to see the support.  And all the BSG love makes me happy!   Hmm, I might have to change my profile pic for a while.  Yup!

[Brunehild]

Love the theme and everything, especially your profile pic ! Good luck on your challenge !

[hearthsinger]

Huzzah! A Starpuck Starbuck challenge! I almost went with a Starbuck theme myself Love that you're sticking to your goals and keeping it simple. I simplified a bit this challenge so I wouldn't get overwhelmed. Can't wait to see how this challenge goes for you!

[starpuck]

Thanks for all the support guys!  I'd like to say I hit the ground running this morning, but it felt more like being sucked out of an airlock and trying to land in a raptor posed outside of the bulkhead.

 

I honeybadgered like crazy yesterday and still feel pretty darn yucko from having done so.    I DID get to the grocery store, buy JUST what I needed for breakfasts and lunches this week, and have a plan to do my strength session at lunch and have hockey after dinner.     So, hopefully I am in the process of righting this ship.

 

As a side note, not a fan of falafel. LOL!

[Katinka]

Do you want to run away with me, and we can spend all day every day trying to become Starbuck? Because really, that's what I'd rather be doing.

 

Awesome progress on the C25K!

[starpuck]

Do you want to run away with me, and we can spend all day every day trying to become Starbuck? Because really, that's what I'd rather be doing.

 

Awesome progress on the C25K!

 

Yes Katinka!  Just run slow, I am still nowhere near a 10 minute mile myself.

 

 

TODAY'S STRENGTH SESSION

 

Pushups - 3x20

Spiderman Planks - 3x10 (each leg)

Side Lying Hip Raises - 3x15

Bodyweight Rows -2x10, 1x14

Stepups, slowed - 10 (each leg)

Calf raises - 15

 

Notes - My pushups are always done with a wide hand stance because that's the way that causes the least pain in my shoulder.   I don't know if this is an allowable stance, or if it is making things so easy I don't gain any benefit from them.     The body rows were done on a bar that is about 7-8" higher up than my usual bar, so I was able to crank out a lot more than usual  I am hopeful that it will still help the overall progress.

[Dorothy]

Great goals. Good luck on the challenge!

[chickie.monkey]

Do you want to run away with me, and we can spend all day every day trying to become Starbuck? Because really, that's what I'd rather be doing.

 

Awesome progress on the C25K!

 

 

Yes Katinka!  Just run slow, I am still nowhere near a 10 minute mile myself.

 

 

Um, can I come too? I would love to be Starbuck when I grow up. She's my hero.

 

Great workout, too.

[Hrothgar]

Love it! Love BSG! 

 

What are you in for?

Striking a superior a**hole.

[kawatan]

Awesome stuff, awesome goals. Hello from a fellow Team Bodyweight member!

[smitmk]

Sign me up for the runaway Starbuck training camp ... So say we all!

[Katinka]

We really ought to come up with some sort of Starbuck bootcamp around here. I've actually looked online for workouts that Katee Sackoff did for that roll, or even anything inspired by her character, but there really isn't much. Also, I changed the wallpaper on my phone last night to a photo of her boxing. Motivation acquired!

[starpuck]

Ok ok, since you guys are all so on board with me here, I will show you the video that actually got me to join a women's boxing gym, just so I can learn how to pound on a heavy bag like Starbuck!

 

And the song is so badass too!    (And hey, maybe next challenge, we start up a Starbuck Accountabilibuddies group or something eh??)  

 

[abs]

Woooo great goals here! (I don't know who Starbuck is, but if she's even half as awesome as you then she must be rather amazing! )

You're gonna EAT this challenge! Grrroooaah!

[Katinka]

Starpuck, after watching that video I downloaded the song and added it to my running playlist

[starpuck]

Starpuck, after watching that video I downloaded the song and added it to my running playlist

 

Oh yea, that is on my 'tough chicks' playlist.   (And any other song that was ever used to do a Starbuck video lol.)   Isn't it great?!