DFunk sets out into the wild...

[Dr Funkenstine]

...or rather comes back from the wild. My computer died the day before challenge launch, and I didnt have the Constitution to take the beat down from my boss for doing this at work. What nerd doesn't have a good computer, right? So, I hope you welcome my late web presence although I have been working at these goals offline. 

 

But anyway, I found NF and the community forum about a month ago and my first thought was, this is what the internet is for (also memes). I guess you could make a case for the accessibility of information too. 

 

I'm a 23 year old nerd who works in medical systems research, eats Italian food, plays a variety of music instruments, and goes all out in adult league soccer. A year out of school I've experienced some modest success in my personal relationships, in my career, and in my fitness. Yet, I feel that I am only scratching the surface of who I can be. As I have gone from being overweight to closer to my ideal weight, I don't really have the strength or endurance that I would like. Like everyone on this thread I have dreams, both abstract and tangible, and I want to be able to realize those. What I lack is the discipline to make regular progress on my fitness goals. I intend to judge myself by results, but I've included execution steps to make sure that I put in the effort (aka discipline) to allow my body to achieve these goals. 

 

In Comes the Marine Fitness Challenge

 

The Marine Fitness Test (MFT) is the centerpiece of my Consisting of pull-ups, timed crunches, and a three mile run, this test is a pretty good barometer of general fitness. Each of these three categories is judged on a 100 point scale and Marines who pass each skill are given 1st class (225 total points), 2nd class (175), or 3rd class (150) designations. I want to get at least a 50 in each category (10 pull-ups, 40 crunches over 2-min, 26:20 3 mile run) as well as earn 2nd class designation overall.  

 

Goal 1: Nail the Morning Routine (If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning - Twain)

+2 Wisdom, +1 Charisma

 

My morning routine has always been a disaster. I'm the kind of person who is always hitting the snooze button. Getting this routine down will bring order and discipline to my days. 

 

Every morning, I want to wake up, shower, eat breakfast, hit the gym, arrive at work 15 minutes early (only on weekdays thank god). Weekly success will be judged along to the following.

 

A= 7x a week

B= 6x a week 

C= 5x a week 

D= 4x a week

F= 3x a week or less

 

Execution Plan: Go to bed at 12:00 every weeknight. Lay out bag night before. Dedicated storage place for keys, id badge, etc.

 

Goal 2: Pull-ups (Upper Body)

+3 Strength, +1 Dexterity 

 

Execution Plan: 5x strength training, pull-ups, chin-ups, push-ups, shoulder press, free weight bench lift, seated rows

 

A= 10+ pull-ups by end of challenge (50 MFT points)

B= 8+ pull-ups (40,45)

C= 6+ pull-ups (30,35)

D= 3+ pull-ups (15-minimum pass score on the Marine Fitness Test, 20, 25)

F= <3 pull-ups 

 

 

Goal 3: Crunches (Abs)

+1 Strength, +3 Constitution

 

Execution Plan: 7x ab routine, front planks, side planks, crunches

 

A= 65 crunches (65 MFT points)

B= 60 crunches (60)

C= 55 crunches (55)

D= 50 crunches (50)

F= <50 crunches  

 

 

Goal 4: 3-mile run (Cardio)

+3 Stamina, +1 Constitution

 

Execution Plan: 3x 3 mi runs, 1x 4 mi runs

 

A= 23:50 min 3 mi (65 MFT points)

B= 24:40 (60)

C= 25:30 (55)

D= 26:20 (50)

F= >26:20  

 

My friends know me as a grinder, someone who will give all out effort to compensate for any wanting natural ability. After school ended, I guess I just ran out of goals and I've just been floating around out there. This has given me goals and a purpose. I'd appreciate your feedback on how to make the most of my first NF challenge. 

Glad to join the rebellion. A rebellion against apathy, against sloth, against all the obstacles that are preventing me from being the man I need to be.  

 

D

[idealistinfire]

I really like your goals - simply, challenging and easily defined - nice work!  For most people's first challenge (myself included), overly complicated goals seems to be their downfall.  Good luck with yours!  I may also have to steal the Marine Fitness Test for a future challenge - I like those benchmarks.

[smurray]

I have got a little ways to go before tackling that fitness challenge, but I will strive to get to it soon.  good luck on this challenge.

[Dr Funkenstine]

Haha, smurray I can tell you from trying this for a week and change that I also have a ways to go. The pull-ups part especially is kicking me where the sun dont shine 

[Dr Funkenstine]

So, at the third way mark of the challenge, I’ve made big progress in the running and crunches portions of the Marine fitness challenge. I’m starting to enjoy the sweat and the work that practicing these two exercises requires.

 

Pull-ups are still a challenge. I’m not really improving and seem to hit a wall here. I’m going to shift my time to spent more time on this directive than the other ones.

I’m still having some trouble waking up with my alarm. Mostly just lay in bed wondering how I got to be so lazy.

 

So, mixed results so far. Definitely within striking distance of my goals, but still have a lot of work to do.

[smurray]

Keep it up. It won't be long that the early morning deal will become habit.  I have learned that diet and bedtime make a huge impact on the early morning energy levels.

[Sundae]

Nice set of goals there.