sicil - Reporting for Ninja School

[sicil]

Second time around! New to the Assassins Guild, and excited to learn and roll with the punches. My first challenge was a success: I dropped 1.5" off the belly and more off other measurements, got my start in exercising consistently and eating healthily. Now it's time to get serious.

 

I'm joining the Assassins because I'm on a quest to regain my Ninja status. I've struggled with establishing a committed BW workout, as it's so much easier to see results when you're pumping along on the treadmill. I love speed over endurance, as I tend to get bored easily. While I've tried things like (indoor) rock climbing and headstands in the past, injuries and a lack of strength has never allowed me to progress very far. This time around, I'm hoping to develop a solid base to build on for the future.

 

Motivation: I want to appear comfortable in a bikini by the end of summer. I know that seems to be a pretty shallow goal, but I've never felt comfortable baring the midriff. This is for me, not for anyone else. (My manfriend keeps on thinking the girls will shrink as a result.)

 

-- CHALLENGES --

 

Main Quest: Climb, Ninja, Climb! (Beat Personal Best Up A Mountain by The End of September)
Last challenge I did my favourite local trail, the BCMC, in 1hr and 14min. I'd like to beat that personal best by the end of summer. This will be my loose test of improvement. It will also occur halfway through the challenge, so I can determine if I'm on track or not.

 

Goal 1: Continue working out 4 times a week (+4 STA, +1 DEX)
This hasn't changed much since the last time, but keeping it consistent will do wonders in making sure I don't fall off the bandwagon. Anything goes: running my typical treadmill intervals, biking up a storm, doing zumba after work (just bought a trial month). Sweat, sweat, sweat.

 

Goal 2: Incorporate bodyweight workouts 3 times a week (+3 DEX, +2 STR)

This is the new one. Last challenge, I was only concerned about getting to the gym enough times out of the week. Now I'm starting to look at efficiency within my workout. I do weights sporadically, but not enough to work the entire body.

 

Goal 3: Continue eating well (+2 CON)

Right after the challenge, I got diagnosed with an ulcer. I have absolutely no idea how this happened (was eating so healthy at the time!), so an added caveat will be to stay away from the foods that might exacerbate the condition. I'm on meds and feel much better already, so I don't think this will keep me from hauling ass this challenge. As with last time, I'm allowed up to 2 freebie meals per week.

 

Life Goal: Do the Non-White, Non-Married Version of 'MWF Seeks BFF' (+3 CHA)

I've been reading MWF Seeks BFF, and while my situation isn't anywhere as drastic as moving to a new city, I would like to increase my social activities and reach. I'll try for 1 new connection or social activity per week with someone new or someone I've lost touch with.

[The Borg Queen]

Oh sicil, I am so sorry to hear about your ulcer! Glad the meds are working, hope it heals quickly for ya.

 

Your goals look really good. I like your "life goal" of strengthening your social circle. Sounds fun!

[Nephaisys]

Hey Sicil! We'll miss you from the adventurer's! But onwards and upwards. I love your social goal - it's a ton like mine was - and still is. And thank you for pointing me towards MWF seeks BFF - not read it before, but it looks brilliant! Love your goals - one question though - is the only measure of efficiency of work out how many times you make it?

[sicil]

Oh sicil, I am so sorry to hear about your ulcer! Glad the meds are working, hope it heals quickly for ya.

 

Your goals look really good. I like your "life goal" of strengthening your social circle. Sounds fun!

 

Thanks! It's really not all that uncommon, and should clear up quickly with the right precautions. Unfortunately, those precautions include no coffee and no overly spicy/acidic foods. <-- dead

 

I hope the Life Goal will be the easiest one to achieve! I've been spending too much time inside playing games...

[sicil]

Hey Sicil! We'll miss you from the adventurer's! But onwards and upwards. I love your social goal - it's a ton like mine was - and still is. And thank you for pointing me towards MWF seeks BFF - not read it before, but it looks brilliant! Love your goals - one question though - is the only measure of efficiency of work out how many times you make it?

 

I miss you guys already! I feel that training with peeps who are doing such awesome things in BW will help me move forward in my goals as well!

MWF Seeks BFF - you can get the gist of it from her blog. The book is a fun read... I don't agree with all of it, but it's a good catalyst for jumping forward. Some of the techniques she uses might help speed the process along.

The amount of times is the best I've come up with so far. Once I get my ass there (gym, zumba studio, outside in general) I tend to make the most of my time. It's the getting there and committing that is hard. Do you have another suggestion of how to quantify this?

[MonicaLane]

Just wanted to wish you good luck, from one of the old TPS-ers!

 

Awesome, SMART goals again this time! Can't wait to hear about your trek up the mountain!

[Aerie]

Hey little ninja! Great goals... sorry to hear about the ulcer.  My in laws have a lot of recurring stomach issues including ulcers and it stinks but it forces them to eat healthy at least.  Didn't know spicy foods affected it.  Haven't heard of MWF seeks BFF but I like the link you posted, I'll have to check it out.  Hope you have a great 6 weeks! 

[Incantor]

Yay Sicil!  You are such an inspiration for me, keep up the good work!  

[Reinfire]

So glad to see you here again!

For your life quest, I've had a similar one running for awhile. If you live in a city of any size, try meetup.com. I've found three groups I regularly attend that have given me some great new friends. No one on the BFF tier yet (as you can tell I skimmed the first post of MWF Seeking BFF ) but definitely a start. I know there are a lot of general "meet new people" and "do things outside" groups, I've just happened to end up with all inside ones (book club, sci fi fan club, and craft group).

 

Man, I do wish I could meet Rebels in real life. Online will have to do for now!

[Paradigm]

I can't wait to meet you guys when we get back out there! (hoping this week) 

And your goals look amazing. Go go sicil! 

[ManicSpider]

*sympathy* for the ulcer! What kind of foods can cause them? I've never had one, though I remember a girl I knew a few years ago at Law School had one - she was in hospital for a fair bit. 

 

Great to see you've chosen a path! I'm veering towards warriors I think, but I'm sticking in Adventurers for at least this challenge 

 

Do you have a bodyweight routine already picked out? 

 

We'll totally rock this one *fist-bump* 

[noileum]

ulcers are nasty business so good luck with healing that mofo, it's always so annoying when a bit of bad health gets in the way of something when you're on a roll

[sicil]

It's going to be a rough first few days, as I'm moving tomorrow. Most of my life is packed up in boxes already. The end is in sight, so I can get back to normal routine. Hopefully.

 

My motivation for doing the challenge: I want to appear comfortable in a bikini by the end of summer. I know that seems to be a pretty shallow goal, but I've never felt comfortable baring the midriff. This is for me, not for anyone else. (My manfriend keeps on thinking the girls will shrink as a result.)

 

Just wanted to wish you good luck, from one of the old TPS-ers!

 

Awesome, SMART goals again this time! Can't wait to hear about your trek up the mountain!

 

Hey MonicaLane! TPS will always have a fond place in my heart, and I hope we'll keep on supporting each other for this challenge and many more to come!

 

Hey little ninja! Great goals... sorry to hear about the ulcer.  My in laws have a lot of recurring stomach issues including ulcers and it stinks but it forces them to eat healthy at least.  Didn't know spicy foods affected it.  Haven't heard of MWF seeks BFF but I like the link you posted, I'll have to check it out.  Hope you have a great 6 weeks! 

 

You as well! I'm stoked about the powerhouse squad we've put together! Spicy foods can aggravate, but the origin seems to be stress. I need to get my yoga on!

 

Yay Sicil!  You are such an inspiration for me, keep up the good work!  

 

Thanks Incantor! You to me as well, can't wait to read up on your challenge thread and comment!

 

So glad to see you here again!

For your life quest, I've had a similar one running for awhile. If you live in a city of any size, try meetup.com. I've found three groups I regularly attend that have given me some great new friends. No one on the BFF tier yet (as you can tell I skimmed the first post of MWF Seeking BFF ) but definitely a start. I know there are a lot of general "meet new people" and "do things outside" groups, I've just happened to end up with all inside ones (book club, sci fi fan club, and craft group).

 

Man, I do wish I could meet Rebels in real life. Online will have to do for now!

 

Hiiiii! I use meetup.com a lot for professional networking, but I've never tried it for personal. I don't think I could commit to a regular book club, so 'do things outside' might be the way to go! What's your favourite group so far?

 

Why not? Arrange for a local NF meetup in the forums! I had one in Vancouver a while ago, it was awesome!

 

I can't wait to meet you guys when we get back out there! (hoping this week) 

And your goals look amazing. Go go sicil! 

 

Totally, you too! Safe drive back!

 

*sympathy* for the ulcer! What kind of foods can cause them? I've never had one, though I remember a girl I knew a few years ago at Law School had one - she was in hospital for a fair bit. 

 

Great to see you've chosen a path! I'm veering towards warriors I think, but I'm sticking in Adventurers for at least this challenge 

 

Do you have a bodyweight routine already picked out? 

 

We'll totally rock this one *fist-bump* 

 

I believe (I'm no expert) that an ulcer is caused by the build up of acid in your stomach. Typically, they attribute the cause of ulcers to stress, but there could be a lot of supporting factors. My doc warned me away from caffeine, foods with high acidity, spicy foods... etc... I don't think mine is so severe, I had stomach pains for a few days, as well as serious dizziness, but I'm feeling back to normal now. Just have to pop an acid-inhibiting pill for a few months.

 

I've been doing the Beginner's BW routine pretty regularly, but I'm thinking of pumping it up. Do you have a favourite?

 

ulcers are nasty business so good luck with healing that mofo, it's always so annoying when a bit of bad health gets in the way of something when you're on a roll

 

Aww thanks! This ulcer won't stop me!

[rogaecia]

Sicil!! So glad to be back on the game with you. 

I am also very sorry about your ulcer diagnosis. Did your doctor give you any possible reasons for that? 

I hope it heals and you feel better soon. 

Way to kick butt last challenge even while not feeling so well. 

[sicil]

Sicil!! So glad to be back on the game with you. 

I am also very sorry about your ulcer diagnosis. Did your doctor give you any possible reasons for that? 

I hope it heals and you feel better soon. 

Way to kick butt last challenge even while not feeling so well. 

 

Me too! Kickassedness to the end!

Ulcers are hard to pin down. Usually, the cause is stress. It was especially weird for me as I was feeling great throughout the last challenge, and eating healthier than I used to. Ah well, sometimes it just happens. Eating well again as part of this challenge will surely help!

[peggysr]

So glad you're back for this challenge.  I like your goals--clear and to the point.

 

The ulcer news SUCKS.  I hope the pills work and it heals well.

[sicil]

The most interesting thing I did yesterday was scooping Deep Silver's Humble Bundle. Which means: yeah, I didn't do much. Ate healthily at a local eatery dedicated to such, which was a good choice. Still, I cannot wait for this move to be over (this afternoon) so I can get back to normal. And all you lovely folk will hold me accountable!

 

So glad you're back for this challenge.  I like your goals--clear and to the point.

 

The ulcer news SUCKS.  I hope the pills work and it heals well.

 

Thanks peggysr! So glad you're on the Stealthy Ninja Bastards squad with me! You seem to be rockin' yours so far and will be an inspiration to the rest of us!

[The Borg Queen]

 

My motivation for doing the challenge: I want to appear comfortable in a bikini by the end of summer. I know that seems to be a pretty shallow goal, but I've never felt comfortable baring the midriff. This is for me, not for anyone else. (My manfriend keeps on thinking the girls will shrink as a result.)

 

 

 

A perfectly reasonable and motivating sentiment. I can relate to that one

[sicil]

A perfectly reasonable and motivating sentiment. I can relate to that one

 

I think most women can!

[rogaecia]

I agree with your motivation, too. I think that loving the way you look in anything is not shallow, but rather a great reason to do things. Have you looked at bikinis or do you already have one in mind?

[KB Girl]

Nothing wrong with wanting to rock a bikini and feel comfortable doing so! Good luck this challenge and staying sane while moving.

[sicil]

I did it! Accompanied my boss to the bank and he stopped for a snack on the way back. He asked me no less than 3 times whether I wanted a chocolate bar. I didn’t bat an eye when I said no!

 

Despite the stress of moving, eating has been good. Last night, went to Costco and got a box of their cheap organic greens. At lunch, mixed it with some leftover chicken breast and light dressing. Had two apples today, and will strive to continue on the healthy way tonight (going to sushi because, obviously, still need to unpack).

[rogaecia]

 

I did it! Accompanied my boss to the bank and he stopped for a snack on the way back. He asked me no less than 3 times whether I wanted a chocolate bar. I didn’t bat an eye when I said no!

 

Despite the stress of moving, eating has been good. Last night, went to Costco and got a box of their cheap organic greens. At lunch, mixed it with some leftover chicken breast and light dressing. Had two apples today, and will strive to continue on the healthy way tonight (going to sushi because, obviously, still need to unpack).

 

Hell yeah!!!!!! Keep it up!

[peggysr]

 

I did it! Accompanied my boss to the bank and he stopped for a snack on the way back. He asked me no less than 3 times whether I wanted a chocolate bar. I didn’t bat an eye when I said no!

 

Despite the stress of moving, eating has been good. Last night, went to Costco and got a box of their cheap organic greens. At lunch, mixed it with some leftover chicken breast and light dressing. Had two apples today, and will strive to continue on the healthy way tonight (going to sushi because, obviously, still need to unpack).

 

YAY!!! It can be so hard to turn down offers of chocolate.  You're a hero.

[ManicSpider]

That Humble Bundle looks so tempting  

 

*hugs* for being all willpower-y with your boss! 

 

I must admit, I've never considered myself small enough to wear a bikini, but I can empathise with the desire to look good in one. I'm sure you'll do great!