[Strife]Game Reset - The North Mako Reactor

[Strife]

Shinra, a greedy corporation with a stranglehold on the world's power supply, threatens to destroy the planet with its insatiable harvest of Mako energy. From deep within the slums of the techno-metropolis of Midgar, a scant but determined resistance faction called AVALANCHE is desperate in their bid to stop Shinra at any cost. Enlisting the services of a young mercenary named Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra's elite paramilitary force SOLDIER, these eco-terrorists aim to prevent a disaster of global proportions. Meanwhile, the reckless exploits of renegade Shinra scientists have exposed the planet to a danger more sinister than anyone could have imagined.

 

 

 

It is 2014.  A year of promise.  A year with which to fulfill one's own destiny.  I have incredible goals for this year, and even greater hope that I will accomplish them.  I set some lofty goals for 2013 and while I didn't fully achieve them, I made dramatic progress toward them.  I feel that 2013 was a fantastic year, and that it created some incredible momentum on which I can ride and carry forth into the new year.  

 

As such, I return to the great North Mako Reactor. In order to pass this level, defeat the Guard Scorpion, and get out before the reactor blows, I will need to complete the challenges below with a bare minimum of 80% efficiency, otherwise I'll have to hit the reset button and do this level over!  But I don't intend to just slip by with a bare minimum; I intend to blast this thing out of the park a la AVALANCHE style!!  Below I have detailed my goals.  I'll update multiple times a week in an effort to keep the fires burning and to maintain accountability.  Now, let's blast this reactor sky high and get ourselves some Materia along the way!!

 

 

 

Main Quest for 2014: 10% Body Fat

 

6-Week Goals to push toward that:

 

1.  4 Workouts per Week (+2 Str, +1 Sta)

 

I am currently enrolled in a mixed circuit-training/kettlebell class which meets 3 times per week.  Above and beyond this, I will do an additional workout throughout the week.  

 

2.  80/20 Paleo Diet (+2 Con, +2 Cha)

 

I am making every effort to purchase only paleo items for my pantry.  I have spent the last few weeks clearing my cupboard of all non paleo items, however I still have a few holdovers I will continue to use up.  Additionally there will be times where a paleo diet may not be possible to maintain.  I also use a number of supplements from AdvoCare that are not paleo.  These aforementioned items will make up the 20% non-paleo.  I intend to track calories, not for the purposes of restriction, but for the purpose of calculating the e80/20 ratio.

 

3.  Skateboard 3 times per Week (+2 Dex, +2 Sta)

 

This is a hybrid goal, as it combines a fitness activity with a Level up item (the desire to learn to skateboard).  Therefore, I pledge to spend at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week, continuing to learn to skateboard.

 

Side Quest: Complete Weekly To-Do List (+2 Wis, +2 Cha)

 

I have taken the better part of this evening to create a plan of attack for the coming year.  I have been giving consideration to the things I'd like to accomplish this year, and now I have set forth a weekly checklist of sorts.  My plan is to accomplish all items on this list each week, and if I can do that, I will be on track to accomplish EVERYTHING that I want to do in 2014.  

 

 

/New File

 

[catscratch]

*Catscratch had joined the party!*

 

If anybody I know can keep to his goals, I believe it is you.  Your constant positive outlook will definitely help you and many others through their quests, myself included!  We need to reinstate our game nights and add workouts to the itinerary.

[KB Girl]

Can we see this plan of attack? I'm curious!

[Pretzle]

I love your goals, but even more than that - I love FFVII and especially Cloud (ok, and Aerith). So that's a follow for you  

 

When did you start trying to go paleo? I've been (mostly) primal since August/September and I love it, but even now I'm still trying to fine tune my diet and see what works for me (as opposed to just following a plan that works for someone else). Any fav recipes?

[Strife]

@Catsratch:  I appreciate the kind words and support!  On/off topic, lets join up and go look for random encounters soon.  Work on some of those mutual goals, good sir!

 

@KB Girl:  It's a spreadsheet about 10 pages long haha I'm kind of a big nerd when it comes to planning things out.  A number of items I want to accomplish this year include:

 

• Record a couple albums worth of songs that I've written (I've been slowly accumulating equipment for a home recording studio these past few years)
• Play at least one live show per month
• Read at least one book per month
• See my friends/family more 
• Knock out at least 25 items on my Level Up List
• As well as a few other odds and ends items I'd like to accomplish

Side note, KB Girl, what's the KB stand for?  Is it kettlebells?  I'm obsessed with kettlebells as a workout vehicle.  But I digress...

 

@Pretzle:  Glad you like the FFVII theme!  It has always been a big part of my nerd life (see aforementioned Level Up List, it's materia themed).  This is my first real go at paleo, but I've somewhat subconsciously been honing my diet in that direction anyway so it only seemed right to actually do it.  I recently printed off a number of recipes that I'm excited to try.  I had one the other day, where I baked diced sweet potatoes, diced apples, and fresh cranberries, seasoned with ground cinnamon and sea salt, in a baking dish for an hour.  It turned out way better than I expected!  

 

 

So now for a progress update!

 

I hit the gym Monday and just this morning before posting.  That's 2 of my 4 for this week!

 

Monday I ate 53% Paleo, and yesterday was 83% Paleo.  I knew monday wouldn't meet my goal, as I had a coulple remaining items in my pantry to take to work for lunch.  I'll make it up later in the week.  I know it's unrealistic to think I'll be able to live 80/20 EVERY day, so as long as my weekly total averages out to 80/20, I'm happy.  

 

I have not yet skateboarded.  I need to rectify this.  I've been working a lot of overtime these last couple of days because, well, they're offering it and I like extra money haha but that only lasts through today so I'll have more time in the later part of the week.

 

As for my weekly list, there are about 50 items on there so I need to knock out about 7 per day on average.  I'm a little behind that curve because of the aforementioned overtime, but that too should be rectified in the next day or so.

 

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my progress thus far and know I'm only going to ramp up from here.  Now if you'll excuse me, I need to re-equip my materia before this next battle...

[Pretzle]

From 53 to 83 % is a very nice increase Are you planning any 100 % (or 95+ %) days? And if so, what are you planning for meals? (Meal planning helps me immensely to keep it up, if I don't, I mess up.).

 

Good luck with the work, I know how tiring it can be (and stealing all of your time, too!). 

[Strife]

Yesterday was 70/30 paleo, largely because I had a meal replacement shake as I ran out the door.  I've been able to get 3 workouts thus far, and I have another one tonight, so that'll reach the 4/wk goal easy.  I'll likely actually get 5 in this week, so I'm happy with that.  

 

I found a new favorite paleo recipe.  This is so good its ridiculous.  

 

Chicken Bacon Mushroom Quiche

 

Holy wow, even if you AREN'T trying to eat paleo, I urge you to try this.  To quote the great Malcolm McDowell, it's "Totes Amaze-balls."

 

Now I'm off to knock more items off my To-Do list, and hopefully get in some skate time!  

 

Hope everyone is having an awesome first week on the challenge!

[Pretzle]

Nice going on the workouts! 

 

The quiche looks great, shame hubby doesn't like mushrooms

[catscratch]

I like your progress so far!  I agree on the

 

On/off topic, lets join up and go look for random encounters soon.

 

 

I feel like that is an EXCELLENT idea.  This first week of soloing has been pretty good so far, but some party action would be a great change of pace for a bit.

[Strife]

Only one day left to finish up the week!  

 

Thus far I have managed to get 5 workouts in, my paleo days are still fluctuating between 70/30 and 85/15, balancing out right around 80/20 overall (I know I can do better!), but I have yet to skate even once this week (no bueno).

 

So I will have to just make up those missed skate sessions, and make sure I get one in tomorrow! (It's far too late tonight, I'd wake people up)

 

As for my side quest, the weekly check list of awesome, I still have several items that I need to accomplish.  Luckily for me, tomorrow is relatively open (been kinda banking on that) and I should have ample time to get it knocked out.  

 

That's all for now.  Night all!  Strife out.

[cobaltflash]

good luck on all of your goals especially the skateboarding one as i can tell you that once you get good at it it's alot of fun 

[Pretzle]

Enjoy the skating today!

[Nuala]

Should I be worried by the lack of updates after some skating intentions? Give us news about your week 2!

[Strife]

Yes! Sorry for my lack of posts!  Random encounters have been taking all of my time and energy. ^^

 

I have been really successful with the 4+ workouts, as well as the paleo diet.  Paleo is surprisingly easier than I expected.  I still get cravings for stuff, but if I don't keep it in the house, I don't eat it.  And I'm definitely not going to drive to the store to get whatever my random craving may be. 

 

Skating needs stepped up, I haven't done it nearly enough :/ and my to-do list has been about 50/50 on getting done/not getting done. I'd say I haven't had time, but that would only be a half truth.  It's a matter of prioritizing the time that I have.  I simply need to do better with the time that I have.  #seriousface

 

I'll also try to update more regularly.  Hope everyone else is doing wonderfully in their challenges!  I'll be checking

 

/strife out

[Nuala]

Haaaa, you got me worried for a while! I hope I'll have your mid-challenge report soon!

[Nuala]

Week 4 is over! 2 Weeks left, keep at it!

[Strife]

So far I'm doing really well on all of my goals, save for the skateboarding.  I just haven't been doing it much, and while I can say its a time thing, its really a prioritization thing.  Paleo is going incredibly well, I dropped 4% bodyfat in January alone, and maintained the exact same weight.  I can definitely see a difference in both my workouts and in the mirror ^^  Eating paleo has been far easier than I'd ever have imagined.  

 

I did a hard hat challenge with a couple of friends and pullups daily has been my challenge task.  Regular pullups have been great because I can see an increase in my max reps, so carrying out that forward momentum has been easy.

 

Still a little behind on my list of stuff to do, but I've been focusing my efforts on active time management (something I've never been great at) so that I can keep on top of all of the things I have to do, and those that I want to do.  All in all I'm pleased with my progress thus far. 

 

Well, except for the lack of skateboarding.  C'est la vie!

[Nuala]

Good news all over (but the skateboard part, but as you say, c'est la vie ) And I agree, Paleo is not that hard once you get the hang of it, I mean, it's veggies and meat, only good stuff after all ^^

[Strife]

THE FINAL BATTLE!!

 

I have fought my way to the end of the Mako Reactor, the AVALANCHE team and I have secured the bomb and the accursed Guard Scorpion is in our way! 

 

What shall be our fate?!?!

 

1.  4 Workouts per Week (+2 Str, +1 Sta)

 

Nailed this.  Most weeks it was 5 workouts, as well as casual pullups/pushups in the evenings.  If I could give myself an S-rank in this, I would. 

 

2.  80/20 Paleo Diet (+2 Con, +2 Cha)

 

Likewise rocked this goal out.  It was far easier than I expected and while I had a few "less than paleo days" here and there, the overall average is well above 80.  I'm extremely proud and happy with this one. 

 

3.  Skateboard 3 times per Week (+2 Dex, +2 Sta)

 

This one...   not so much lol I failed at this.  This was a missed treasure chest with juicy materia waiting to be equipped.  No points awarded. 

 

Side Quest: Complete Weekly To-Do List (+2 Wis, +2 Cha)

 

This has been rough.  I may have bitten off more than I could chew with my weekly lists, but with a few elixers and a phoenix down or two, we made it out alive.  Good progress was made, just not nearly as much as I would have liked.  Overall, I give this a C-rating.  It's passing, but theres plenty of room for improvement.  My main focus going forward is time discipline.  If I'd managed my time more efficiently, I'd have gotten a LOT more done.  Live and learn. 

 

 

The Guard Scorpion shutters and falls, with a gut-wrenching sound similar to that of the Millenium Falcom failing to go into hyperdrive.  We have bested the beast, but there's little time for celebration.  The bomb we planted is ticking down and we need to haul @$$!  Even more importantly, there's more Mako Reactors to take down...  

 

A mercenary's work is never done.

[Nuala]

****This is a semi-automatic message from your robot guild leader****

 

End of the challenge! Time to report.

 

This time, to be eligible for the most wanted list of the challenge, to allow us to have more data about the guild and many other good reasons, the most important being: you don't want to make your Robot guild leader cry :'(, please report a summary of your challenge wrap-up in this online form:

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1szgyHJNfrdtRWfCwCMKbC5Q3IiGziI_enFGsBzNRfo0/viewform

 

It shouldn't take you more than 2 minutes of your time, but it would save us a lot! As Usual, you can also write a more detailed report in the Challenge wrap-up thread:

http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/44145-challenge-wrap-up-thread/

 

And in your own thread. Thanks for your time!

 

****This was a semi-automatic message from your robot guild leader*****