WeirdAbbott Challenge 2.0

[WeirdAbbott]

Alright, alright, alright...

After a couple weeks off, I am up and ready for my first 6 week challenge (last one I joined late and was only able to do 5). I've been kinda (okay, a lot) slacking during the time between, but I'm ready to get back on track and make another step in the right direction of becoming a better person, physically and mentally. My girlfriend and I have made a trip back to our hometown of Toledo, OH...away from our lovely shoebox studio apartment in Columbus- and with that, we are currently away from the lovely workout room our apartment complex provides. So, because we're going to be here for another week or so, I have to come up with ways to be able to accomplish my goals while away from Columbus.

 

Starting Stats: Height: 5' 9'' , Weight: 234 lbs

Aaaannnnd so, with that...here are my 4 goals for the next six weeks!

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1. Keep track of my eating habits and eat below 1,800 calories per day. (WIS +3)

For the last challenge, my calorie limit was at 2,000 calories per day...and most days, I was way below that mark. I think if I make the limit smaller than what it was before, then it will make me think even more about what I am eating and make sure that I am reaching my goal. I haven't had any pop in two and half months (75 days...although I was realllly tempted yesterday at my graduation party). I hope to keep that trend up during the next six weeks.

A = 42-36 days   B = 35-29 days   C = 28-22 days   D = 21-15 days   F= 14 days or less

 

2. Complete the Couch to 5K Running Plan (DEX +3, STA +2)

Someone showed me the Couch to 5K Running Plan during the last challenge, and to be honest, I was anxious about it just because I didn't know how much 5K was haha. After finding out that it is 3.1 miles, it seemed kind of possible. However, after continuing to read, the running plan is a 9 week plan...so for this particular challenge, I will follow the week-by-week guidelines for the first 6 weeks (and then continue the plan after the 6 weeks are up). I will also focus on doing proper stretching before and after each workout.

A = Complete the first six weeks of the plan   B = First five weeks   C = First four weeks   D = First three weeks   F =  < Two weeks

 

3. Yoga! Yoga! Yoga! (DEX +2, STR + 2, WIS +1)

To go along with the last goal, I'm trying to become more flexible and be able to balance as well as I could in my marching band days (6 months ago). I am completely new to the world of yoga, so it will be a whole new learning experience for me (hence the WIS point). My goal is to become more aware with yoga, and to teach myself  3-4 days a week.

A = 3 days/week for 6 weeks   B = 5 weeks   C = 4 weeks   D = 3 weeks   F = 2 or less weeks

 

4. On The Write Foot (WIS +2)

I kind of stole this goal from Élan's last challenge. I like to think I am a creative individual (BFA in Graphic Design), and I love writing. So combine that with this challenge (and the personal problems I am having) and that leads for a good muse to document. Hopefully this will accomplish two things: being able to fully document my progress for this challenge, as well as work out some personal things that I am going through. I will be setting up a separate blog that I'll link to (once I set it up) that anyone can follow if they want. My goal is to a blog post everyday (minimum 250 words).

A = Post 42-36 days   B = 35-29 days   C = 28-22 days   D = 21-15 days   F= 14 days or less

 

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And so with that, ladies and gentlemen, are my goals for the next 6 weeks. I am confident that I can do this...another step in the right direction to becoming an overall better person. Wish me luck!

[Psynapse]

HEEEEEEY AAAAABBOOOOOOTT! Sorry, but I absolutely could NOT resist, although I'm sure you've heard it before. Welcome to the fold! This is my first challenge, and you won the "Let's see where my mouse clicks to meet new people" contest! I will now follow your challenge and try and mimic and get pointers and support you. It's terrible, I know, but someone has to do it.

[redtomato501]

Ugh, Ohio? (Sorry, can't resist - I'm originally from Michigan)

 

Good luck with these good goals! The Coach to 5k is totally achievable, you can do it! Remember, it's not about being the fastest or bestest ever, it's about getting it done and making yourself better in the process, so you'll do fine! I mean, you might hate yourself at times... but you'll do fine!

 

What did you do in marching band? I did colorguard in high school, and then because my college colorguard sucked I switched to drumline (which was my off-season instrument).

[Dorothy]

Good luck with your goals! They all sound very doable. 

[Lady Churl]

Great goals! The Couch to 5K program is fantastic, and you'll be amazed at how accomplished you will feel at the 6-week mark. When I first started the program, I glanced at the  "run 20 mins" in week five and guffawed outright. But you know what? I did it! And you will too!!

[WeirdAbbott]

HEEEEEEY AAAAABBOOOOOOTT! Sorry, but I absolutely could NOT resist, although I'm sure you've heard it before. Welcome to the fold! This is my first challenge, and you won the "Let's see where my mouse clicks to meet new people" contest! I will now follow your challenge and try and mimic and get pointers and support you. It's terrible, I know, but someone has to do it.

Haha, I've heard that since I was a wee lad...never gets old. Glad I won your 'Meet New People' contest, hopefully the grand prize is your support as well as me sending motivation your way. Good luck!

 

Ugh, Ohio? (Sorry, can't resist - I'm originally from Michigan)

 

Good luck with these good goals! The Coach to 5k is totally achievable, you can do it! Remember, it's not about being the fastest or bestest ever, it's about getting it done and making yourself better in the process, so you'll do fine! I mean, you might hate yourself at times... but you'll do fine!

 

What did you do in marching band? I did colorguard in high school, and then because my college colorguard sucked I switched to drumline (which was my off-season instrument).

Hey, it's not really by choice that I'm living in enemy territory (I'm from Toledo, but I'm a HUGE Michigan Wolverine fan), but I'm doing my best haha.

I am actually an 8 year marching band member (4 in high school, 4 college at BGSU), and I played saxophone (mostly alto) all four years.

Thanks for the support!

 

Good luck with your goals! They all sound very doable. 

Thanks Dorothy, I certainly hope so!

 

Great goals! The Couch to 5K program is fantastic, and you'll be amazed at how accomplished you will feel at the 6-week mark. When I first started the program, I glanced at the  "run 20 mins" in week five and guffawed outright. But you know what? I did it! And you will too!!

Yeah, like I said I was a little intimidated when I saw it...and also because I wasn't able to complete my "run 10 minutes straight" goal from my last challenge, so hopefully I am able to do this one since it is the most physical goal I have. Thanks!

 

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Oh, and so everyone can follow what I'm doing (as if this topic wasn't enough), I have created a blog to complete goal number 4 to document my ups and downs in this challenge, as well as things I'm dealing with in the other non-challenge parts of my life. Enjoy!

[cyndidee]

Hey, Ohio here too, Dayton actually. I have a runner friend in Columbus and she talks me into doing 5k's up there. (We rarely run together, she does 10 minute miles, mine are more like 13 or so.) We did the Doomsday Dash last December and not only was it fun, but I finally had a PR (first time in a year). So we might end up at the same 5k one of these days.

 

I started with the C25K program two years ago, but after I did the 20 minute run (is that week 6?) I kinda just did my own thing. I did my first 5k before I was done with the program, so I ended up walking about half of it. I got addicted to that feeling you get at the finish line and kept signing up for them. Finally some time last year I was at the point where I could run the whole 5k and even though my time wasn't too great (yes, I can walk about as fast as I run, especially when tired) I was incredibly proud of finally running the whole race!

 

Have you done a 5k? Have you signed up for one? Do you have one you're thinking about doing?

[abs]

Hey Abbott, great goals and cool name

Couch to 5k is fun! You can definitely be running a full 5k if not more, by the end of it.

Goal #4 rocks! Got to get some writing done myself..

Anywhoo just wanted to pop in and say GOOD LUCK!

[kit5309]

Hello!  I'm Kit, and here is our new team thread!

 

Yay for giving up soda!  I only drink it while eating out, but since I'm ditching that too I should be soda-free as well.  I love that you're doing the couch to 5K program - it has very specific times to follow, and has it all planned out.  Keep us updated on how that goes!

 

Yoga - YES!  It will help with more than just flexibility.  There are plenty of videos on YouTube - to help you teach yourself, especially while you're not at home right now.  

 

You've got this!  I can't wait to hear how you progress!  

[WarriorSAN]

Hi Abbott, great goals there buddy, honestly I did not know about the 5k plan, after reading that I'm interested to indulge in that also.... Let's see how it works out.

Btw all the best for your success Bro, bring home the gold.... :-)

[WeirdAbbott]

Hey, Ohio here too, Dayton actually. I have a runner friend in Columbus and she talks me into doing 5k's up there. (We rarely run together, she does 10 minute miles, mine are more like 13 or so.) We did the Doomsday Dash last December and not only was it fun, but I finally had a PR (first time in a year). So we might end up at the same 5k one of these days.

 

I started with the C25K program two years ago, but after I did the 20 minute run (is that week 6?) I kinda just did my own thing. I did my first 5k before I was done with the program, so I ended up walking about half of it. I got addicted to that feeling you get at the finish line and kept signing up for them. Finally some time last year I was at the point where I could run the whole 5k and even though my time wasn't too great (yes, I can walk about as fast as I run, especially when tired) I was incredibly proud of finally running the whole race!

 

Have you done a 5k? Have you signed up for one? Do you have one you're thinking about doing?

I have actually never done a 5K, I'm more of a treadmill runner...depending on how well the next 6 weeks goes, maybe I'll sign up for one!

 

Hey Abbott, great goals and cool name

Couch to 5k is fun! You can definitely be running a full 5k if not more, by the end of it.

Goal #4 rocks! Got to get some writing done myself..

Anywhoo just wanted to pop in and say GOOD LUCK!

Why thank you! I'm just hoping I can complete the 5K first before getting to anything more than that. My last challenge had a goal to run for 10 minutes straight...this is going to take a lot more work, but I think I can do it!

 

Hello!  I'm Kit, and here is our new team thread!

 

Yay for giving up soda!  I only drink it while eating out, but since I'm ditching that too I should be soda-free as well.  I love that you're doing the couch to 5K program - it has very specific times to follow, and has it all planned out.  Keep us updated on how that goes!

 

Yoga - YES!  It will help with more than just flexibility.  There are plenty of videos on YouTube - to help you teach yourself, especially while you're not at home right now.  

 

You've got this!  I can't wait to hear how you progress!  

That's really what I love about the Couch to 5K program..it is so specific and already laid out that I really don't have to do anything haha. And I'm trying to figure out which YouTube videos (or any other videos) to watch that I can follow.

[projectwaterdrops]

I like your running goal as I fairly regularly do park runs which are 5k and one of my goals for thge years is to go sub 25 minutes. Yoga will help a lot. Looking forward to supporting you to your goals.

[WeirdAbbott]

Day 1

 

1. During the last challenge, my calorie goal was 2000 or less...now that it is 1800 (and the fact that I'm still at home) makes it just a wee bit harder. Still, I only ate 1,612 calories (after my running). (+1)

 

 

2. Just like the last challenge, my first day running was awfully difficult. After taking two weeks off between challenges, I lost all (or most) progress I had made in my running ability. Granted, all of previous running was on a treadmill, and today was outside. But according to the C25K chart, day one was supposed to be "Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes." And of the 20 minutes, I only managed to do that pattern for 4 running minutes...while using the remaining 16 minutes to catch my breath. But if my previous running challenge shows anything, by the end, I'll be making quite an improvement. (0)

 

3. No yoga today, I'm going to alternate running and yoga days (with Sunday being the day off). (0)

 

4. Here is the first post of my second challenge blog: Here We Go! (+1)

 

Well, 50% isn't how I was planning on starting this challenge, but any progress is good progress.

[LynnyLee]

Fellow former band geek here too. Also with an Ohio connection (husband from Cleveland). Strange how coincidences go.

 

I've heard several people say that going from treadmill to outdoor running is tricky, and I tend to agree. I can't really put my finger on it, but it's just different. Hopefully once you adjust it will be smooth sailing (or smooth running in this case).

[projectwaterdrops]

I'd say its better to do a small amount well than a large amount badly.

For week 1 the fact you went out is what counts

[KnRsDad]

Best of luck bud. Can't wait to see how you progress with your running!

[WeirdAbbott]

Day 2!

 

1. Today could have been better, I ate around 2,000 calories (before my walk). I'm still getting used to eating less calories, so I'm sure I'll be better tomorrow and as the challenge goes on. (0)

 

2-3. Today was technically a yoga day, so there was no progress made on my running goal. However, since today was more focused on goal three, I spent most of the time looking up videos online rather than actually doing anything. I found a few seemingly do-able beginner videos on YouTube and from what I read from various places online, a lot of people do their yoga in the morning as a way to relax and to wake up. So I think I'll have to do that tomorrow morning and then continue my running goal tomorrow evening as planned. BUT, because today was supposed to be spent yoga-ing...and I didn't really do anything physical all day, I took a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood to make up for that. So while technically I didn't run, or do yoga...I'm going to give my self a half point for each for making some progress on each one. (+1/2, +1/2)

 

4. Here is my blog update for today, telling the story of the walk I took: Is This Your Dog? (+1)

 

Should have been 3 out of 4, but I'm sticking with 50% for today. Something tells me tomorrow will be better.

[LynnyLee]

I'm not exactly much of a yoga person myself, but Yoga for Every Body is my favorite workout video ever in all categories of workout. I've had it since college and I still use it. It has a ton of different routines available. The way the splice it together there is a bit of a transition between each pose, but with the way the music and voice over is done it doesn't really seem out of place to me and it's relaxing. It's a good stretch for sure, but definitely not power yoga if that's what you're looking for.

[WeirdAbbott]

Thanks LynnyLee. However, in the big play we call life...I'm still playing the role of "Broke College Student #5". That's why I spent some time yesterday looking up free videos online to use. Thank you for the suggestion though!

[LynnyLee]

NP. I do remember buying it as Broke College Student. Now that I think about it, it was a major purchase back then. I even found it at a yard sale. I guess a few years without eating ramen noodles makes you forget those days.

[abs]

Well done Ab, you're going strong. 50% is 50 times better than 0%!

Keep up the good work!

[KnRsDad]

Thanks LynnyLee. However, in the big play we call life...I'm still playing the role of "Broke College Student #5". That's why I spent some time yesterday looking up free videos online to use. Thank you for the suggestion though!

Do you have a library membership? Some offer free rentals on dvds.

 

Day 2!

 

Should have been 3 out of 4, but I'm sticking with 50% for today. Something tells me tomorrow will be better.

Don't let bumps in the road get you down. They'll happen no matter what.

Tomorrow is always a new day to make things happen!!

[Kilana]

Kudo's to you, WeirdAbbot! It's only, what, the third day in? Making progress towards some of the goals certainly helps one keep focused on progressing on the others as well!

 

I'm finding the eating thing hard.  It's 9:30 pm where I am, and I'm hungry. But I shouldn't eat this late. And yet I still have to make sandwiches for my kids school lunches tomorrow ....... and not eat any of it.  Waaaaah

[WeirdAbbott]

Do you have a library membership? Some offer free rentals on dvds.

 

Don't let bumps in the road get you down. They'll happen no matter what.

Tomorrow is always a new day to make things happen!!

 

I do actually, I didn't even think of that...looks like I'm off to the library tomorrow!

 

And now, DAY THREE!

 

1. Today, I ate 1,747 calories (before workout). Woohoo...juuuuussssttt under the goal (and then losing 214 from running!) (+1)

 

2. Today was a running day...and per the C25K guide, "Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes." (Same as Monday). However, compared to Monday, today was much, much more successful. I actually managed to not only run the 20 minutes, but I was able to go 25 minutes, mostly because instead of 90 seconds of walking, I made it 2 minutes (because it's easier to look down at my phone and see two minutes passed instead of one and a half). So total, I jogged 9 minutes and walked for 16. Go me! (+1)

 

3. Well, today I was supposed to do yoga (to make up for yesterday)...however, we were getting our air conditioning replaced today and there were guys coming in and out of the house for most of the morning/afternoon. Granted, I still could have done it (it's only 20 minutes), but there is limited room to really stretch out and I didn't want to really do something I'm not experienced at in front of people I don't know. Man, that sounds like a whole mess of excuses. That'll change tomorrow! (0)

 

4. Blog post for the day: Alan, Robert, Kevin, Jim, Christopher... (+1)

 

Woo! 75 percent! Maybe tomorrow I'll get all four?

 

Also, here is my

. Enjoy!

[LynnyLee]

I'd call three out of four pretty good. Here's to four for four tomorrow.