[WonderNatarella] "If you don't like it, change it"

[WonderNatarella]

Dear People,

 

My first adventure is over, here is the new one!

It's a sick Natarella, that is talking to you here! Part of my adventures involved cycling to work (7kms = 4.34 miles one way) no matter the weather and I live in a cold, rainy country. Winter is coming…

 

I am glad to be in Assassins' guild! I chose  to be here because :

- active and fun

- guild leaders are actually really present to support people (thing that was totally lacking in the Newcomers "guild"… maybe an improvement can be made on this?)

- because this challenge will be focused on fitness and specific bodyweight exercises I want to improve in (burpee, push-ups and pull-ups even if the 2 latest won't be evaluated in this challenge)

 

 

A bit of background : I am fed up with having "lose weight" as an objective for the year. I want to have "learn Italian" "Get a certification in German language" "run a tough man race" " Do a burlesque show"  

I am pissed at having lost so much time… So I am going to do anything that it takes to drop the 2 size that are left with the hope to fulfil my main quest by the end of the 3^rd challenge.

 

I don't like it so I change it!

Main quest : Fit in a French size 40 (US 10, UK 12) and drop weight to 72 kg (158 lbs)

The thing is I don't want to go on a scale anymore because I'm always really upset when I do so.

Action: find a way to measure my body fat the update my measurements by the end of this week.

 

Challenge #2 main Goal: Fit in a French size 42 pants (US 12, UK 14) pair of jeans. I'll post a picture here at the end.

 

My motivations (randomly)

• Health: Diabetes and heart blood pressure in my family…
• Sense of accomplishment
• Be inspiring: I want to be a better ME, healthier, persistent and fitter.  I want to be inspiring to my family and my friends
• Self-appreciation: I take care of myself because I deserve it

 

Goal 1 : Uncrushing from processed sugar aka 1 serving max (100g) per week

The war is not over even if several battles have been won.

Eating paleo and avoiding processed carbs.

 

Baby step policy is good and there'll be weeks where I'll have none.

 

*******Ratings******

A. 1 serving processed carbs/sugar /week

B. 3

C. 4.

D. 5

E. 6

F. 6++++

 

To be sure that I will actually be eating healthy and not sabotaging by stupidly snacking, I will give 200 euros (265 dollars) to a political party I really strongly hate, if I don't fit in those pants.  The idea that I might be supporting financially a political  party that is against everything I'm fighting is simply sickening

 

Every day without snacking, I mark the day in a calendar!  

 

Goal 2 : Strength training 3 times a week and Cardio training 2 times

Same as in the past challenge, I want to be consistent in my fitness path

- 2 Crossfit sessions a week

- 1 ST alone

- 2 Zumba / Spinning class

 

I keep the ability to have 2 weeks of only cardio trainings to rest my muscles… as long as I train 5 times a week this is ok.

******Rating ******

A. 4 to 5 per week

B. 3

C. 2

D. 1

E. 0

F.0

 

Goal 3 : 50 burpees in a row

Crazy one. But requires a bit less preparation than training for pull-ups (that I wanted to originally set as a goal for the challenge but this requires at the moment too much preparation for me, as I have a side quest that is really time consuming so I'll occasionally train to it and will set it as an objective for next challenge)

 

This is in addition with my trainings. I start today, day 1 with 8 burpees and day 42 I will be doing 50 burpees in a row.

 

******Rating ******

A. 1 missed-day

B. 2

C. 3

D.4

E.5

F. 6+

 

EDIT : 21/09/2013 0h11

 

Life Goal: ♪ Relax take it easy ♪ aka do 1 relaxing activity (minimum 2 hours)

I know, I was supposed to deal with job search but I don't want it to be rated here finally.

 

After this horrible first week, I realised how I was not applying to myself what I actually preach : FUCKIN' RELAX SIS' ! I can't get over the end of my sweet holidays, full of  paleo cookin', Crossfit and deadlifting ... but HELLO!! It's been 2 weeks now, so it's time to get back into reality and deal with it!

 

So I decided that I would instead have as a goal : do a relaxing activity every week!

Challenging because I don't take the time to rest, relax, nor chill. My weekends are busy until late in the night and start quite early...

 

It is necessary

- as I have to deal with a really weird period of transition (at work) and I am really unhappy of it

- as my body is starting to resist to the life changes

- as sugar cravings linked to frustration are back (they are 90% due to my situation of being in a job I don't like and not having signed yet the contract for the one I like and want )

 

Activities can be : Tai-chi, hammam, a walk / bike road in the woods, spa or massage, knitting (winter is coming) etc...

 

******Rating ******

A. 6 activities over the 6 weeks

B. 5

C. 4

D.3

E.2

F. 1

Measurements on 16th September

I'll take them at the end of the challenge

 

Can somebody tell me how to upload pictures from my computer and my phone? Thanks!

[KB Girl]

Your donating plan is one hell of an incentive. 

What would your main quest be if you were already a french size 40?

[WonderNatarella]

It's a really good question KB Girl! Do you mean fitness related? If so : Participate to a tough guy race and walk properly after it This would imply :

 

- learning to climb a wall, rope

- keep on carrying heavy things

- walk fast

- building strength

- Keep eating healthy

- signing up for one

 

This why I started CrossFit because I think it will improve my physical condition in those areas and enable me to do this race.

[Kishi]

Hey! Saw we had some tags in common, so I wanted to drop by.

 

You're right. We don't do enough for the newcomer's guild. I don't claim to speak for other leaders, but myself, I tend to get overwhelmed just taking care of my guild as it is. I think part of the reason that the newcomer's guild was formed was to give the Adventurer Guild Leads a break, since they would end up having to run around and try to take care of everyone, just to end up taking care of no one.

 

It's the other side of the coin of this place's success. We try to reach as many people as we can, and I personally don't offer myself any excuses. But it's an area we're struggling with, which means we do mean to make it better.

 

Keep us honest on that.

 

Aaah, burpees. They are awesome. Are you doing full burpees, or are you doing partials to build up?

[L'irlandaise]

Darling girl, I need a rest after READING your goals. But I know you'll cruise through them! Thanks for the offer of cooking tips: I'll take you up on it!

Gros bisous et COURAGE!!!

[KB Girl]

It's a really good question KB Girl! Do you mean fitness related? If so : Participate to a tough guy race and walk properly after it This would imply :

 

- learning to climb a wall, rope

- keep on carrying heavy things

- walk fast

- building strength

- Keep eating healthy

- signing up for one

 

This why I started CrossFit because I think it will improve my physical condition in those areas and enable me to do this race.

That's a great goal!  

Picking crossfit to help you with that is a good idea, it definitely gives you that all around conditioning you'll need. But please do be wary of injuries alright? Some crossfit gyms are great, others not so much. 

 

So it's going to be fun watching you reach this goal you've got right now and switching your focus later on. I want pics of the race eventually!

[Yuen]

Good luck in your challenge WonderNatarella!

 

I agree with KB that your 'incentive' of avoiding a donation to a hated political party is very creative and cool. I hope it works for you!!

 

Also... is France a cold and rainy country? I just came back from a holiday in the south of France... and it was sunny and hot the whole time

[WonderNatarella]

Hey! Saw we had some tags in common, so I wanted to drop by.

 

You're right. We don't do enough for the newcomer's guild. I don't claim to speak for other leaders, but myself, I tend to get overwhelmed just taking care of my guild as it is. I think part of the reason that the newcomer's guild was formed was to give the Adventurer Guild Leads a break, since they would end up having to run around and try to take care of everyone, just to end up taking care of no one.

 

It's the other side of the coin of this place's success. We try to reach as many people as we can, and I personally don't offer myself any excuses. But it's an area we're struggling with, which means we do mean to make it better.

 

Keep us honest on that.

 

Aaah, burpees. They are awesome. Are you doing full burpees, or are you doing partials to build up?

Hi Kishi! Nice to meet you!

Well I also thought about that, that it was not so easy to take care of the existing guilds and be active on the Newcomers'. Maybe they could also have guild leaders? And yes indeed, this place is crazily popular which is a really good thing! I saw many people succeed in their first challenge, something is definitely helping us to stick to our goals and improve our lives. I'm impressed by the massive work and the overall support, help from the community. I'm glad I typed "Crossfit for beginners" two months ago

 

Burpees: I'm doing the full ones with the jump at the end.

 

Darling girl, I need a rest after READING your goals. But I know you'll cruise through them! Thanks for the offer of cooking tips: I'll take you up on it!

Gros bisous et COURAGE!!!

Haha, I also had to rest after writing those

Thanks for your support and I'll be coming up very soon with my cooking-for-lazy-but-gourmand-people

 

That's a great goal!

Picking crossfit to help you with that is a good idea, it definitely gives you that all around conditioning you'll need. But please do be wary of injuries alright? Some crossfit gyms are great, others not so much. 

 

So it's going to be fun watching you reach this goal you've got right now and switching your focus later on. I want pics of the race eventually!

Yes KB, I'll be careful, I'm not the competitive type, I push myself hard but I would hate a forced rest because I acted stupidly! Where from the NL are you from?

 

 

Good luck in your challenge WonderNatarella!

 

I agree with KB that your 'incentive' of avoiding a donation to a hated political party is very creative and cool. I hope it works for you!!

 

Also... is France a cold and rainy country? I just came back from a holiday in the south of France... and it was sunny and hot the whole time

Thanks Yuen for stepping here!

Well I live in Brussels, Belgium faaaar from the sunny South of France :'(

 

---

 

 

Today has been a weird day : I have been experiencing mood swings (quite unusual) and Zumba didn't help! Tomorrow is another day...

[Kishi]

Hm, guild leads for the newbies. I'll see about bringing that idea up.

 

Also, good on you with full burpees. You'll be thanking yourself at the end of six weeks, assuming you stick to it.

 

Shake off today and leave it behind. It doesn't have to follow you into tomorrow.

[Batwoman]

I believe that Brussels and Brugge were two of my favorite places that I traveled to when I studied abroad. It was not rainy when I was there, so that helped. Also the fact that you can be Paleo with all that great beer around astonishes me. That is true strength.

 

Love your goals and I'll look forward to seeing your progress in the weeks to come. Best of luck:)

[thatgirljj]

It's a really good question KB Girl! Do you mean fitness related? If so : Participate to a tough guy race and walk properly after it This would imply :

 

- learning to climb a wall, rope

- keep on carrying heavy things

- walk fast

- building strength

- Keep eating healthy

- signing up for one

 

LIke KB Girl, I think it's good to have in mind where you want to go when you're happy with your size and/or ready to move on from size related types of goals.  (Which may be before you hit that magical size 40, it's good to have a goal beyond that.)

 

Also, though... if you look at what you wrote down as your goal "walk properly after it" (SO smart!), you will want to have some good, consistent mobility training in there, of whatever type.  Yoga, mobility WOD, stretching, foam rolling... whatever.  You're going to want to work towards knowing what helps/hinders recovery for your particular body.  

[cobaltsword]

looks awesome Wondernatarella. I know the weather is bad here it's been withholding me from going on a run XD I hope you feel better quickly (try some fresh ginger tea ) looking forward to you chattering this challenge again and i'm rooting for you in the though man competition ^^

[Nuala]

I can't say that all the guild leaders will be present, our dear Wolfie is on a sick leave But I'm here and I'll do my best for the guild. (not that hard, I really love you all!) 

 

Bon courage! (et il va en falloir pour les burpees, eww ) 

[WonderNatarella]

Hm, guild leads for the newbies. I'll see about bringing that idea up.

 

Also, good on you with full burpees. You'll be thanking yourself at the end of six weeks, assuming you stick to it.

 

Shake off today and leave it behind. It doesn't have to follow you into tomorrow.

Or a shift system, 2 guild leaders may volunteer for every challenge (so that it doesn't have to be the same) to have a look at newbies' thread?

Enough with this talk

 

Well yes, I think burpeeing is a really efficient exercise (I fear the day we'll have to complete a amrap of burpees at the Xfit Box... )

 

Batwoman : I have to admit that I hate beer, which helps quite a lot Where do you live now? Were you studying in Brussels?

 

Thatgirljj: Thanks for your post! Well as I said, the idea of a tough guy race is something I'd like to do in 2014 and indeed, I want to keep being a healthy person so yes, I  also believe it is important to think at the next steps.

Regarding your "mobility" advice, I think that will be part of the next steps indeed! I used to do rythmic gymnastic when I was an overweight teenage and I really liked it. The more I am seeing myself improving my physical condition, the more I believe I will be able to join a cub and do it again

 

Cobaltsword : Many thanks for your support! I'm curious to see your goals for this challenge young padawan ! Et au fait, mon flashmob c'est dimanche matin place Flagey

 

Nuala:I have to admit that I was reluctant to burpee yesterday (I remember it when I was about to sleep).One day you guys will be calling me burpee master

[WonderNatarella]

Fitnesswise : Crossfit, interesting training (it was with the hot trainer ) : power cleans and a lot KB things. I see myself improving I even managed to lift myself a tiny bit while trying my new pull-up gloves.

 

Eatingwise : routine, I cooked this amazing dish replacing bacon by chicken sausages. I love spending time on cooking blogs and trying recipes!

 

Moodwise : Still weird, it's like this month is the introspection month, I feel less social, I feel that I need to be more connected to myself...

[cobaltsword]

looking good Natarella ^^ really awed that you're trying crossfit training Xd that is nasty j'y ferai attention j'essayerai de voir le flashmob

[Batwoman]

I spent 3 months in London and traveled as much as I could. Everybody in Belgium was so nice. I'm always a little ashamed that I don't know any other languages deeper than saying 'hello', 'thank you', and 'do you speak english', but everyone in Belgium was super okay with the fact that I was a stupid American;P

 

I'm living back in the US now, but I want to go back to Europe and possibly live there for an extended period of time.

 

It's okay if you don't like beer. You always have chocolate and waffles to fall back on!

[Xerla]

Hi WonderNatarella!

We have similar main quest and goals!

I'm also trying to fit into smaller size clothes, ditching the scale for the first time ever and cutting down processed food.

And having burpees as goal is just awesome. I'm having a love/hate relationship with that move haha

Good luck!

[KB Girl]

Yes KB, I'll be careful, I'm not the competitive type, I push myself hard but I would hate a forced rest because I acted stupidly! Where from the NL are you from?

Good, good! Brussel actually has a pretty good gym afaik

I'm from a little town near Enschede.

 

Fitnesswise : Crossfit, interesting training (it was with the hot trainer ) : power cleans and a lot KB things. I see myself improving I even managed to lift myself a tiny bit while trying my new pull-up gloves.

I approve of KB things Unless it's that american-swing thing, haha.

[cobaltsword]

I spent 3 months in London and traveled as much as I could. Everybody in Belgium was so nice. I'm always a little ashamed that I don't know any other languages deeper than saying 'hello', 'thank you', and 'do you speak english', but everyone in Belgium was super okay with the fact that I was a stupid American;P

 

I'm living back in the US now, but I want to go back to Europe and possibly live there for an extended period of time.

 

It's okay if you don't like beer. You always have chocolate and waffles to fall back on!

 

glad you enjoyed Belgium so much ^^ we are generally very tolerant towards tourists the hard thing would be to find people that can speak adequate english XD

[Batwoman]

glad you enjoyed Belgium so much ^^ we are generally very tolerant towards tourists the hard thing would be to find people that can speak adequate english XD

 

I think I found plenty of Belgians that spoke English well. Way better than I can speak Dutch, French, or German 

[cobaltsword]

I think I found plenty of Belgians that spoke English well. Way better than I can speak Dutch, French, or German 

well then you were lucky I guess XD hope you'll come back soon ^^

[WonderNatarella]

I spent 3 months in London and traveled as much as I could. Everybody in Belgium was so nice. I'm always a little ashamed that I don't know any other languages deeper than saying 'hello', 'thank you', and 'do you speak english', but everyone in Belgium was super okay with the fact that I was a stupid American;P

 

I'm living back in the US now, but I want to go back to Europe and possibly live there for an extended period of time.

 

It's okay if you don't like beer. You always have chocolate and waffles to fall back on!

Interesting! Where in Europe would you like to be back? And yes, waffle, chocolate and French Fries (they deserve the big F )

 

 

Hi WonderNatarella!

We have similar main quest and goals!

I'm also trying to fit into smaller size clothes, ditching the scale for the first time ever and cutting down processed food.

And having burpees as goal is just awesome. I'm having a love/hate relationship with that move haha

Good luck!

Me too ! It's crazy, I think I love them when I'm doing them and hate when I'm in the process of doing some!

 

KB : I have to check this American swing thing! Today I had a KB WOD so I thought of you! Snatch, Cleans, other moves that I forgot names...

[WonderNatarella]

Life goal update :

 

Life Goal: ♪ Relax take it easy ♪ aka do 1 relaxing activity (minimum 2 hours)

I know, I was supposed to deal with job search but I don't want it to be rated here finally.

 

After this horrible first week, I realised how I was not applying to myself what I actually preach : FUCKIN' RELAX SIS' ! I can't get over the end of my sweet holidays, full of  paleo cookin', Crossfit and deadlifting ... but HELLO!! It's been 2 weeks now, so it's time to get back into reality and deal with it!

 

So I decided that I would instead have as a goal : do a relaxing activity every week!

Challenging because I don't take the time to rest, relax, nor chill. My weekends are busy until late in the night and start quite early...

 

It is necessary

- as I have to deal with a really weird period of transition (at work) and I am really unhappy of it

- as my body is starting to resist to the life changes

- as sugar cravings linked to frustration are back (they are 90% due to my situation of being in a job I don't like and not having signed yet the contract for the one I like and want )

 

Activities can be : Tai-chi, hammam, a walk / bike road in the woods, spa or massage, knitting (winter is coming) etc...

 

******Rating ******

A. 6 activities over the 6 weeks

B. 5

C. 4

D.3

E.2

F. 1

 

This week is for some reason challenging... Thank god there is Crossfit

 

I can't insert pictures from my phone...why is that?

[SkyeRose]

I love the relax goal, it is so easy to be caught up in improving everything or the fast pace of real life that we forget to enjoy what we have. It's a great goal and I can't wait to see your progress