Rookie's First Match

[Rookie]

Hello! My name is Jess and I am a 24 year old programmer. I have been on the lazy side as of lately and I really want to get a jump start on getting active and healthy. This is my first challenge and I have to say I hesitated a bit before joining. 

 

Main Quest

Tier 1: To lose 3 inches off my hips and 1.5 inches off my waist. {Hips 50, Waist: 40.5}

Tier 2: To lose 5 inches off my hips and 3 inches off my waist.    {Hips 48, Waist: 39}

Tier 3: To lose 8 inches off my hips and 4.5 inches off my waist. {Hips: 45, Waist: 37.5}

 

Specific Goals

> I will only eat when I am hungry {Choose the less processed options}

> I will work do the Beginngers Body Weight Workout at least 3 times a week

> I will drink at least 3 glasses of water daily {Try to stay away from juice unless its homemade juice}

  

Life Quest

Learn Polish and be able to keep up a conversation in it

 

What's Your Motivation?

I want to prove that I can finally do it. I can lose weight and stop using it as an excuse to not try new things. Plus I have a super active 10 month old Boxer puppy that I really want to be able to keep up with and maybe one day tire. (His name is Rook )

 

Age: 24

Height: 5'10''

Weight: 250-260lbs

Current Stamina: Low-Moderate 

 

Measurement Update (found that darn tape!):

Chest: 48'' (unbra'd)

Arms: 14''

Hips: 53''

Waist: 42''

Thighs:31.5''

Calves: 19''

Forearms: 10''

Shoulders: 46''

Neck: 14'' 

 

Beginners Body Weight Workout

• 20 body weight squats
• 10 push ups
• 20 walking lunges
• 10 dumbbell rows (using a gallon milk jug)
• 15 second plank
• 30 Jumping Jacks

Now I can't really do push ups yet, but I read the article and I will do elevated ones until I can do a proper push up! 

[Rookie]

I looked for that measuring tape and it seems to be missing. SO off to the Dollar store

 

I only ate when I was hungry yesterday (unfortunately i felt very hungry!) It wasn't the best food options but it wasn't horrible either. I have to go grocery shopping and really make out some meal plans. This is somewhat tricky because I live with my family and when I buy food it goes missing magically. 

 

I would say I have done 1.5/3 workouts. I have been walking 10 minutes twice a day or so with my puppy but I am not sure if I count this as a 'workout' but we did do some jogging with walk breaks yesterday for a bit. Though I realize if this is going to work I am going to need to choose a workout plan and stick with it. It will need to be a bodyweight or one where all I need is a 15lb kettlebell because thats what I have.

 

I drank 4.5 glasses of water yesterday It would of been 5 but I tried some Mio (water flavour thing) and I didn't like it so much.  

 

Lately I have been feeling very gassy and having headaches. This detox thing seems more and more welcoming and I think I will start seriously researching it in the next couple of days. 

[Thrima]

Super active puppy is greatest thing when you want to get fit! 

I think you need super-secret-hideout for your food, so it stop magically disappear. Or maybe put some antimagic runes on it.

 

I am very interested in your live quest, why would you like to learn Polish? 

[savannaheel]

Seriously love your motivation! That's pretty much how I feel. Maybe find a workout & then challenge yourself! Even if it's just trying to get 30 seconds faster than the last time. In time you can look back & be like 'wow it took that long for me to do that? I have definitely made progress!' That's what I plan to do and so far it's actually kind of fun! Hope you find something that fits you best & when you do just keep at it! Would love to follow your challenge & get some inspiration from your successful mission as you accomplish more everyday, good luck!

[Rookie]

@savannaheel Thank you That is a good idea and I have realized that the more I read other peoples Challenge threads. I have done New Rules of Lifting for Women successfully in the past, but I lack the equipment now. Which means I should either A) get creative and alter it or find a new one. I like the beginner bodyweight workout so I may do that. But I like your suggestion about timing it I will have to do this! 

 

@Thrima Yes! Hes crazy lol and definitely a big joy in my life. 

 

 

I do have a mini-fridge in my room, so I may start putting it in there! Just sucks trying to lug things back and forth to the kitchen, since I am on the second floor but it could just be added exercise! Though I do like the antimagic runes idea too Seems more fun. 

 

My boyfriend is Polish and I would love to be able to have a conversation with him and his family in Polish It is proving to be quite challenging because a lot of the pronunciations are kicking my butt. I have been using livemocha.com and its extremely helpful and easy to use

[savannaheel]

ah yay! I also am doing the body beginner, I must say it's pretty good. I've never tried circuits before, they're actually a fun way to exercise oh em gee haha 

[Thrima]

Rook is so cute! I bet he will be a great help for you.

Well, I am also Polish, that is why I'm so interested in your motivation. I must admit - It is rather hard to learn, even for Polish people But with consistency you wil succeed.

[IronGlider]

Welcome! :-)

Yeah, the initial transition into a life style change is always rocky at first, I mean, I'm still somewhat experiencing random bowel issues, I'm thinking it cause my body's just never learnt how to deal with digesting healthy foods lol but eventually you'll get into the swing of things! Our body has to just endure it, ya do the crime, you do the time, well, that's what I'm telling myself anyway :-)

I'm happy you came along for the challenge, Rookie, let's go!

[Rookie]

Yesterday went by pretty fast! 

 

For Yesterday: 

3+ Glasses of water: A

3 workouts a week: 1.5/3

Only eat when hungry: B- 

 

I ate when I was hungry, but I was hungry because the smells made me hungry I believe. Also I didn't choose the best foods.

 

Rook and I went for a good walk around the park yesterday and then I walked some more when I went to Toronto to go see Eddie Izzard

 

I think I will have problems drinking the right amount of water on the weekends. I will really need to put forth that effort. I am going to go do my first workout of the beginners body weight workout wish me luck!

[Rookie]

3+ Glasses of water: C

          I had 3 glasses of water, but the last 2 were chugged before bed. 

3 workouts a week: 2.5/3

Only eat when hungry: A+

 

So I updated the main post with my starting measurements.

Which I realize that maybe my main goal might be a little optimistic for 6 weeks ... So I modified it, which I still am not sure if it is realistic haha. 

 

Feeling a bit sorry for myself because I finally see just how much I let myself go. But I also feel a bit mad at myself for the self-pity party since its no ones fault but my own. I need to use this as fuel. 

[Rookie]

3+ Glasses of water: A

3 workouts a week: 2.5/3

Only eat when hungry: A

 

I spent another day in Toronto yesterday. Lots of walking and stairs (so I kind of count the works in a week thing done but I only did the body weight one once). 

Last week was crazy busy, but this week is a lot more quiet so I hope to make better progress.

[Thrima]

There is no need for pity, when you are already on the right track! I was also feeling pity for myself, and anger at the same time, until I realized, that I am already changing, so I'm not this pitiful person anymore. 

Now bad feelings are mostly gone, there is great excitement about journey ahead of me.

 

Be proud of yourself! And pet Rook alot

[Rookie]

Thanks! I feel better now and I made it into motivation

 

I am giving Rook lots of cuddles and love because hes sick right now T_T Poor guy, can't have his regular food and hes going on a 24 hour fast to give his poor tummy a break, then having rice and hamburger meat until his poop becomes better. Yup. 

 

Though since I am cooking for him I have been cooking for me while I am at it

 

Yesterday 

3+ Glasses of water: A

3 workouts a week: 1/3 (horseback riding counts!)

Only eat when hungry: A

[Thrima]

Poor Rook, I hope he is all better now. Zorion had the same problem about three days ago, maybe it's a plague? Give him a pet from me

 

I can see that you are doing good with your plan, keep it up! Also, I'm quite jealous about horseback riding...

[Rookie]

One day I want to do horseback archery! 

 

This has been going on for a week or more with Rook ;  ; He is still full of energy though which is good. 

 

Yesterday: 

3+ Glasses of water: A- (had 3+ glasses of water but I had some juice)

3 workouts a week: 1.5/3 (went on an hour walk with rook and he ran off some of that energy randomly)

Only eat when hungry: A

 

I find that I have been feeling thirsty more often, whereas before I never felt thirsty. It is getting easier to drink water  

[Rookie]

My knees are achy, they do not like jogging. 

 

3+ Glasses of water: B (had 3+ glasses of water but I had a gingerale )

3 workouts a week: 1.5/3 (went on an hour walk with rook and he ran off some of that energy randomly)

Only eat when hungry: B (had some snacks)

 

Im getting worried I may fail this challenge. But it could be a learning thing too... You know taking responsibility for your actions. Its exhausting right now with my little man all down for the count. I just want him to feel better already Hes barely touched his water tonight. I am pretty stressed out lately. That all being said, I am not giving up. I will keep trying to hit my daily goals 

[Thrima]

I know how it feels when your dog is sick. For me its always worse than being sick myself. What vet said about Rook? I just think, He need some time to regenerate. You need to be strong for him - you know how good they can sense our mood.

There is no need to worry about failing, if you fail you can always try again, wiser from the experience. But I'm very happy that you are not giving up. Allow yourself to have bad days, and keep trying.

I'm rather bad when it comes to motivational talk, so here is silly Zorion to cheer you up:

[Rookie]

Thanks Thrima Zorion is adorable as always!  

 

The vet said he is 100% healthy, probably just got into something. I think it was his food that caused all this, it was a fresh bag and perhaps the factory goofed up and put too much protein or something. I do not know! I just don't think his tummy can handle kibble right now, so you are right he just needs to regenerate. But today he had his first solid poop in a week and a bit! That was so exciting. 

 

I have set a few goals to get accomplished in the next couple weeks, they mostly involve getting my room sorted out. Last night I rearranged the whole thing which definitely counts as a work out. I have hundreds of books and thats not an exaggeration. I basically decided to shift my 3 bookshelves and my books from one side of my bed to the other side. And I like parts of my room but now the clutter is out of the corner and can no longer hide! So my main goals are to sort through the last few boxes that just didn't get unpacked because they have no place in my room and get rid of some of it. 

 

3+ Glasses of water: A

3 workouts a week: 2.5/3 (went on an hour walk with rook and he ran off some of that energy randomly)

Only eat when hungry: B 

[Rookie]

Hey all, 

 

I can't help but feel that maybe this wasn't the right time to try and join a challenge, however I am getting more organized and on the right track. Not much has really happened. I have just been playing FFXIV, working on my room, hanging out with Rook. I started adding kibble to Rooks food and so far so good I need to get more active and I am starting to think that maybe just measurements aren't the best way to go. I may need to get a scale. 

 

Life Quest

I have been focusing on the 'clean life === good start' idea, so I made a list of goals for my room and I try to cross off at least 1 thing a day. Of course tomorrow will most likely be excused because I dont get home until late late and by time I get changed, get Rook all settled and have dinner its about bed time. However I did do 2 things off the list today so I guess it balances. So although my main life goal was to learn Polish (which I have been practicing the words I know), I also decided it was time to finally get settled 100% into my room and get it cleaned up. I have this habit of when I move into places I never fully unpack, there will always be those few boxes that just sit and nag at me. So hopefully by the end of this challenge I will have my room unpacked and maybe a few more of my polish lessons done (hopefully the website decides my last lesson works now T_T) and be level 50 in FFXIV.  <-- random but something I have been working on

 

Main Quest

While I am at work I rock the drinking 3 glasses of water. I even end up drinking more than 3 which is good, very good. I am sure my body has been beyond dehydrated. I really need to kick my butt into doing the beginners body workout more. For some reason or another though I just find it boring. I like going into a workout space and pumping some iron, which really isn't something I am able to do right now. The gyms around me are a bit pricey and lets face it, I hate going to the gym. I have been considering taking up a class to supplement my horseback riding. Maybe a boxing class of sorts. I find if I am exercising to just exercise I can't seem to muster up the will. But those are just excuses at the end of the day. So I suppose I need to get myself organized and just say I am going to do the body work out at as soon as I get back from taking Rook out and feeding him on Tuesday or Thursday and Saturday. 

 

Also I have been horrible at snacking, so I decided I will come up with meal plans. Yup. 

[IronGlider]

Hey, I'm sure in time you'll figure out the best/effective ways of carrying out your habits/routines/lifestyle.

Just so you know, things get more exciting from level 2 NF workouts and beyond! :-D But if you need another way of keeping yourself entertained (other than music) podcasts I find are cool to listen to as well and make the time fly by.

I found things a little boring at first, but the real and necesary effort is to maintain and find a way to keep yourself going, hence me listening to new tracks at first.

But yeah, trial and error, and I know in time you'll figure the rest out! Cleaning your room and other wellbeing tasks are great thing to do and post as this'll in term benefit other aspects of life.

Also congrats on hydrating yourself, tis' an overlooked yet important thing to do :-)

But yeah, you're definitely showing progressivism, keep it up and in time you're sure to achieve ya goals. I know. :-)

p.s. I've been fitting some games here and then at. night too, which is nice cause I was always trapped in the 'to busy for games' cycle even though I never utilized my time properly! But yeah, Soul Calibur II rocks! :-D

[Rookie]

I want to focus on getting my core stronger. I am not talking about sprouting a 6 pack of abs, because lets face it you wouldnt even be able to see it under my fat layer lol. But horseback riding takes a lot of core stability and right now my core is just not cutting it. I find I get weak, my lower back starts hurting and my hands fall into the horses neck which is bad form (and gets me in trouble). I am trying to be more conscious of keeping good posture and tucking my bellybutton in to my spine more often. Plus I am going to try and do more Planks and maybe some supermans. 

 

Since yesterday my midde finger on my right hand has started to feel tight and achy I am not sure what it is but it kind of hurts to type which is bad because my career is based on typing being a programmer and all. 

 

 

@IronGlider

The kicker is I know how to do it all, its just a matter of getting it into my lifestyle. Or perhaps I knew how to do it in my old lifestyle an its not quite as easily done here. When I lived on my own there was little to no junk food. I would buy relatively healthy foods and I had a home gym. Now with the rents it requires a bit more willpower. 

 

I will look into podcasts. I basically need something to just take my attention away from what I am doing. Motivation and determination are 80% of this battle for me and I just need to keep plugging away at it. Even if I am not where I would like to be, I am still moving in the right direction. 

 

Cleaning my room has made me feel pretty good, its not done yet but I am getting there. My mum always used to say "Your room reflects your mindset". I think this is true in most cases. I always feel better with a clean and organized space.

 

Thanks for the encouragement as always you are inspirational

 

Games are an important part of my life! I have been playing NHL14 (hockey game), FFXIV, pokemon x, monster hunter 3, etc etc etc lol. I used to play a lot of COD but I kind of stopped when I switched from Xbox to PS3  

[Rookie]

Took my measurements of waist and hips today. It looks like I finally dropped some of my water weight.

 

Waist: 41''

Hips: 52'' 

 

I will double check throughout the week to make sure it was not a fluke. 

[Thrima]

I'm always battling with cleaning my house. I feel great when everything is on the right place, but on the other hand it takes some time until I'm enough annoyed with all the mess to start cleaning.

 

I'm still jealous about your horse riding. I used to ride often, but that was few years ago... And I miss it. I was even thinking about moving to countryside just to buy myself a horse and start riding again. Because I do not enjoy horse riding lessons so much, I prefer to experiment on my own.

 

How is your middle finger? Because I had very useful video on how to stretch your hands to avoid injury when you are using them alot (sculpting, painting, programming...) I just can't find it anymore. But I will look for it tomorrow, if you are interested.

[Rookie]

@Thrima

Yes I know exactly how you feel. Unfortunately I haven't got to do much in regards to my room between going out with my boyfriend and driving a co-worker home after work. This weekend I will most likely do the general room cleanup (get rid of random containers or dishes) and tackle my giant pile of laundry. 

 

That video would be most helpful if you can find it Its still a bit achy and sore but it is not as bad. My hands hurt though, but that was from playing video games last night when my hands were cold. 

 

I would love to move to the countryside and own a horse. I understand what you are saying about lessons; I enjoy them sometimes, but most of the time they are a bit repetitive and I wish I could just do my own thing. I want to eventually try doing mounted games and mounted archery I think that would be so much fun and a good challenge. However I would need to acquire some land and a horse for that. One day I will. 

[Thrima]

I found it! I hope you will find it useful:

 

We will both have plenty of land and a horse (or horses...) one day! And if I'll be the first one you can feel invited.