♫ starsapart dances through the fire ♫

[starsapart]

"i got the eye of the tiger, a fighter,

dancing through the fire,

cause i am a champion,

and you're gonna hear me roar."

 

INTRODUCTION: Hello, Level 1 Rebels!  I am Maaya, aka starsapart, aspiring Assassin, and I am so very, very excited to start my first challenge on Nerd Fitness!  I've been on my fitness journey for a couple of years, since my grad school graduation at the end of 2012, though I really started ramping it up in earnest last summer.  Sadly, my body is very stubborn when it comes to weight loss - even at a caloric deficit and with lots and lots of exercise, the extra pounds I put on in grad school are taking their sweet time heading out the door.  But that's all right!  Lately, I've changed my goals to center more around getting stronger and learning skills.  I'm much happier this way - and the results have started coming more rapidly with this change in mindset, too.  Lately, though, my workouts started becoming... I wouldn't say "easy," but certainly not as taxing as they once were.  Which brings me to my overarching quest for this challenge...

 

MAIN QUEST: Level up my fitness routine!  The only way to keep progressing is to make things harder, right?  Complacency is the enemy here.  And I think as long as I move forward, my weight and appearance goals may work themselves out on their own.

 

QUEST 1: How to Train Your (Inner) Ninja (+5 STR, +3 DEX, +3 STA)

Maaya wants to be a ninja (or possibly a lesbian pirate like Hawke and Izzy, but that's a tale for another day).  Ninjas aren't puny weaklings, though, so neither should I be!  The focus of my training recently has been increasing upper body strength and hand balance.  With that in mind, I have written this goal as follows:

 

STR : Strength training minimum 30 minutes 3 days a week, minimum 1 with weights (parkour generally counts as a bodyweight day).  I do 1-2 days of strength training currently, and I want to amp this up.

• A: Meet all 3 criteria, B: meet 2 criteria, C: meet one criterion
  

DEX : Hand balance practice minimum 4 days a week (yoga counts as long as hand balances are covered in class).  This can include practicing Crow, Flying Lizard, any other yoga hand balance, or handstands.  Currently I do this 2-3 days a week.

• A: 4 days, B: 3 days, C: 2 days.  One bonus point can be added back (if any are lost) for balancing any new pose
  

STA : Work out minimum 6 days a week, minimum 6 hours a week.  Currently I do 5-6 days a week, and hover somewhere around 5-6 hours a week. Scaled for injury: first week of cast (8/4-8/10), weekly goal is 3 hours.  Second week (8/11-8/17), weekly goal is 4 hours.  Third week (8/18-8/24), weekly goal is 5 hours.  Fourth week (8/25-8/31) and on, goal returns to 6 hours a week.

• A: Meet both criteria, B: Meet one criterion, C: Minimum of 5 days or 5 hours, but neither criterion fully met
  

 

QUEST 2: Live Long and Prosper (+2 CON, +1 CHA)

There's more to being healthy than working out like a demon.  My food choices are pretty good nowadays, so I took a hard look at my life and found two areas where I really need to improve: I don't sleep enough, and I've become a terrible hermit lately, which negatively impacts mental health.  I know depression impacts both areas -- so I'm fighting back (you hear that, depression?  I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS INTO NEXT YEAR.).

 

CON : SLEEP GOAL.  Go to bed by 11 on weekdays, bed by midnight on weekends.  This will be hard for me, as I am wont to stay up until 2-3 if given leeway.  But I need more sleep to stay healthy, and these bedtimes will ensure I get 8 hours a night, or nearly.

• A: 6-7 days a week, B: 5 days a week, C: 3-4 days a week
  

CHA : Life goal: spend some time being social with a non-family-member/non-coworker once a week.  I used to be really social, but depression has caused me to hermit more and more lately.  No longer!  I should nurture the friendships I have.  There's scientific evidence that people with good friends to support them actually live longer, did you know that?

• A: Went out and did something/invited company over and stayed in and did something. THERE IS NO TRY, SO THERE IS NO B OR C.  A OR F, MAAYA, SINK OR SWIM.
  

 

QUEST 3: Lifetime of Learning (+1 WIS)

I spent a long time considering what a good WIS goal might be, but in the end, I went back to basics: learning new things makes a human better, smarter, more aware, and more interesting.  

 

WIS : Try one new thing each week (this can be a new recipe, a new exercise, a new activity - anything I've never done before!).  Lately, I've been doing this off and on, and it's always a creativity boost to do something new, which often boosts my mood, too.  Regularity around this may help me to be happier!

• A: did a new thing. THERE IS NO TRY, SO THERE IS NO B OR C.  A OR F, MAAYA, SINK OR SWIM.
  

 

The points thus come out like this, assuming I mathed correctly:

 

Midway point spread (Level 1):

STR - 3.33 (A=3.33, B=2.67, C=2)

DEX - 2 (A=2, B=1.33, C=.67)

STA - 2 (A=2, B=1.33, C=.67)

CON - 1.33 (A=1.33, B=1, C=.67)

WIS - .67 (A=.67, B=.33, C=.15)

CHA - .67 (A=.67, B=.33, C=.15)

 

Final point spread (Level 2):

STR - 5 (A=5, B=4, C=3)

DEX - 3 (A=3, B=2, C=1)

STA - 3 (A=3, B=2, C=1)

CON - 2 (A=2, B=1.5, C=1)

WIS - 1 (A=1, B=.5, C=.25)

CHA - 1 (A=1, B=.5, C=.25)

 

I'll be keeping track in a gdoc (publicly available HERE, though I'll be updating my challenge thread regularly as well!) and giving myself 100% for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C, 0% for anything less.  Then I'll average out my numbers at the end and assign the points as listed above (90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, etc).  This way I can't cheat!  I may end up with fractional points this way, but at least it's harder to fudge.

 

REWARDS: What would an epic quest be without treasure?  I can't spend too much money, but nonetheless, if I succeed, I will reward myself with something nice (that isn't food).  Rewards are stacking, meaning I get the A, B, and C rewards if I get to an A grade, the B and C rewards for B grade, and just the C reward for C grade.  Rewards are as follows:

 

A overall: HD Edition! If I get an A, I will have earned a visit to a spa for a nice facial or other treatment of the sort.

B overall: Armor Upgrade!  My life is incomplete without this shirt.

C overall: Accessory Upgrade!  I've been wanting a nice, wide headband with silicone grip for awhile, maybe like this or similar (depending on the color selection at Target).

 

MOTIVATION: Being a ninja lesbian pirate doesn't count?  No?  Okay, in all seriousness, though, my motivation is to feel better about myself.  I'm so sick and tired of hating myself all the time.  I want to feel proud of myself and happy to be me.  A lot of my issues are mental and not linked to physical fitness, but I think the above steps might take me partway there.

 

Before pictures, taken this evening:

  

 

Measurements:

Chest: 39.5"

Waist: 33.5"

Hips: 44"

Thigh: 25.5"

Bicep: 13"

 

Weight: 189

Dress/pants size: 14.  Sometimes 12, but really, still mostly 14.

 

 

 

 

I would love it if people commented as the challenge progresses to inspire and motivate me.  Cat, hedgehog, and owl gifs are also welcome.   

[cn3wton]

I like how you separated each goal.

 

Each seem pretty manageable. Do you not consider body weight exercise strength training? (parkour?)

[starsapart]

I like how you separated each goal.

 

Each seem pretty manageable. Do you not consider body weight exercise strength training? (parkour?)

 

Thanks!

 

Oh, I definitely do, that's why I wrote that parkour counts as a strength day.  I am trying to consciously make myself lift weights, though, or else I'd just practice parkour all the time and never touch a barbell!  Thus, parkour counts as strength training, but not towards my minimum one day a week of lifting.

[cn3wton]

Ah I see. 

 

Ive been interested in parkour for awhile. However my agility is basically nonexistent, and living in the middle of nowhere doesn't really help.

[starsapart]

I have decent agility but awful strength, so I feel you.  Parkour is tough.

 

I hope you get to try it sometime, though!  It's definitely an interesting (and unique) workout!

[idealistinfire]

Looks like you've got a great set up this challenge   I love the dances with fire theme (course, I'm a little biased with the fire thing) and beating down depression (part of my current goal) and the assassins are a fantastic group!  You'll find great support there

 

Tragically, I cannot link gifs on my tablet, so I cannot fulfill you requests for cats, hedgehogs or owls

[Balthazar]

Some great goals, Parkour training sounds amazing!

 

I can literally find nothing like that outside of London or university clubs, otherwise I would give it a go, despite having the balance of a drunk viking

[TyrantLizard]

This looks awesome! I will comment more when I have more time (getting ready for work atm) but in the meantime I just wanted to leave you to think about this:

 

[katastrophenkatzchen]

Meassurements are a great way to track progress!

 

So you want to do 3 strength WO and 4 handstand practises but just 6 days a week.... I don't get the math....

 

Remember to take your rest days! REALLY! Rest is super important!

[Jittersthe.Clown]

 

 

[Blaidd]

Welcome Starsapart.

 

You might notice i have added an Assassins tag to your thread.  This isn't to pigeonhole you into a guild, but rather to catch the attention of one of their ambassadors who might be able to assist you, mentor you and offer you some advice during the course of your challenge because of your quests being very similar to what they focus on.  You are also of course welcome to visit their Den and introduce yourself or ask any questions you might have. Don't feel like you can't ask me too - that's what i'm here for.

 

Good luck

AB xx

[starsapart]

Looks like you've got a great set up this challenge   I love the dances with fire theme (course, I'm a little biased with the fire thing) and beating down depression (part of my current goal) and the assassins are a fantastic group!  You'll find great support there

 

Tragically, I cannot link gifs on my tablet, so I cannot fulfill you requests for cats, hedgehogs or owls

 

Thank you for the welcome!  I look forward to officially joining the Assassins.

 

Some great goals, Parkour training sounds amazing!

 

I can literally find nothing like that outside of London or university clubs, otherwise I would give it a go, despite having the balance of a drunk viking

 

That's really too bad!  I'm lucky - in my city I had a choice of something like five parkour gyms!  Perhaps someday?

 

This looks awesome! I will comment more when I have more time (getting ready for work atm) but in the meantime I just wanted to leave you to think about this:

 

 

Yes, good, excellent.

 

Meassurements are a great way to track progress!

 

So you want to do 3 strength WO and 4 handstand practises but just 6 days a week.... I don't get the math....

 

Remember to take your rest days! REALLY! Rest is super important!

 

Not to worry - Sunday is my rest day, I intend to take it off, really.  Balance practice isn't an hour-long endeavor, so I can tack it on to any day - after zumba, or strength training, or whatever.  For the purposes of this challenge, 10 minutes of working Crow pose after finishing my circuit of lifts (before starting cooldown stretches) would count!  I can't practice balances for extended times yet as my arms are not very strong and still get tired.

 

 

 

 

I love everything about this.

 

Welcome Starsapart.

 

You might notice i have added an Assassins tag to your thread.  This isn't to pigeonhole you into a guild, but rather to catch the attention of one of their ambassadors who might be able to assist you, mentor you and offer you some advice during the course of your challenge because of your quests being very similar to what they focus on.  You are also of course welcome to visit their Den and introduce yourself or ask any questions you might have. Don't feel like you can't ask me too - that's what i'm here for.

 

Good luck

AB xx

 

Thank you, Blaidd!  I very much appreciate it.

[Ciara]

Yay one day we will be assassin buddies! You're such a beast You can do eet!

[khodabae]

Parkour sounds awesome! I can never find a class near me. Good luck on your challenge.

[starsapart]

Yay one day we will be assassin buddies! You're such a beast You can do eet!

 

I'm gonna try!  Note the appropriateness of the soundtrack choice to the idea of being a beast~  ROAR!

 

Parkour sounds awesome! I can never find a class near me. Good luck on your challenge.

 

HEDGIE!

[RogueWelkin]

Hey starsapart, I’m RogueWelkin Ambassador for the Adventurer’s.

 

Your challenge looks brilliant, I love how everything is set up here, definitely doesn't look like you're a novice at this at all. I'd say you'll definitely fit right in over at the Assassins. If you haven't checked it out yet be sure to head over and visit their forums, they have a general chat thread just for assassins that you could probably get tips, stories, and motivation from. If you have any questions you can always feel free to PM me, but looking at your skill level and your goals I might not be able to offer too much advice, well except maybe for some random recipes...well if you like bacon at least. 

 

I’ve also created an accountabilibuddy group just for Level 1’s called Rogue Squadron Recruits. Feel free to check it out if you want to get and provide support with other Level 1’s.

Good Luck!

[starsapart]

Hey starsapart, I’m RogueWelkin Ambassador for the Adventurer’s.

 

Your challenge looks brilliant, I love how everything is set up here, definitely doesn't look like you're a novice at this at all. I'd say you'll definitely fit right in over at the Assassins. If you haven't checked it out yet be sure to head over and visit their forums, they have a general chat thread just for assassins that you could probably get tips, stories, and motivation from. If you have any questions you can always feel free to PM me, but looking at your skill level and your goals I might not be able to offer too much advice, well except maybe for some random recipes...well if you like bacon at least. 

 

I’ve also created an accountabilibuddy group just for Level 1’s called Rogue Squadron Recruits. Feel free to check it out if you want to get and provide support with other Level 1’s.

Good Luck!

 

Hi RogueWelkin!

 

Thank you so much!  I'm a novice at the NF approach, but I've definitely been working on all this on my own for a little while!  I hope it'll be more fun and enjoyable with geeky company and rewards, however.

 

I like bacon... 

 

And I'll definitely check out the group!

[Cassi]

We have three parkour gyms nearby and I've yet to go try one (I'm a chicken - okay not really, just really uncoordinated with stuff like that!)

Good luck!  

[Trembriele]

I just wanted to say that I love your ninja goals! I'd love to get into parkour at some point.

[starsapart]

We have three parkour gyms nearby and I've yet to go try one (I'm a chicken - okay not really, just really uncoordinated with stuff like that!)

Good luck!  

 

You know, I'm not great at it, but a lot of people (including people who I thought were far stronger than me!) dropped out of the starter class in the second week because the work was too hard.  I thus say: if you have determination, go despite your weaknesses.  Slow and steady wins the race~

 

I just wanted to say that I love your ninja goals! I'd love to get into parkour at some point.

 

Thank you!  No time like the present... 

[CelebrateCeleste]

Another future Assassin!  Glad to meet you!

I like your themes, and the motivation written into each one.  It also looks like you are doing a nice balance of mind/body/spirit, and I think that's fantastic!

 

I'll be here to poke your social buttons periodically (if that's OK)!

 

Celeste

[starsapart]

Another future Assassin!  Glad to meet you!

I like your themes, and the motivation written into each one.  It also looks like you are doing a nice balance of mind/body/spirit, and I think that's fantastic!

 

I'll be here to poke your social buttons periodically (if that's OK)!

 

Celeste

 

Goodness, yes, poke away!  I really want to make new friends, that's one of the huge draws of NF for me!

[Elastigirl]

Love your handbalancing goals !

[starsapart]

Thank you!!!!

[Salivanth]

Welcome Starsapart.

 

You might notice i have added an Assassins tag to your thread.  This isn't to pigeonhole you into a guild, but rather to catch the attention of one of their ambassadors who might be able to assist you, mentor you and offer you some advice during the course of your challenge because of your quests being very similar to what they focus on.  You are also of course welcome to visit their Den and introduce yourself or ask any questions you might have. Don't feel like you can't ask me too - that's what i'm here for.

 

Good luck

AB xx

You rang?

Hi Starsapart! Welcome to the Nerd Fitness forums! I’m Salivanth, one of the ambassadors for the Assassins’ Guild. It looks like you want to be an Assassin after this challenge, and we’d be happy to help out any way we can.

Here’s a link to more information about the Assassin’s Guild.

We also have a phonebook where Assassins are sorted by exercises/skills, so you can check in on other people who are working on the same stuff as you are!

Lastly, we have a chat thread as well called the Assassins’ Den where we hang out and chat. Despite the name, you’re free to come chat even if you’re not an Assassin. Just ignore the skull-themed decor. It’s only to keep up appearances; you know how it is. We’re really quite friendly; just don’t tell anyone 

If you have any questions, I (as well as other Assassins) am happy to help you out. You can reach me via my challenge thread or by using the private messenger system. (Click the envelope at the top right of the screen.)

Strength training, hand balancing and yoga; we have a lot in common! I don't do parkour, but I do think it's pretty badass You've got some great goals, and I love the method of splitting your goals into miniature goals based on each stat. I wish I'd thought of that; I too have the problem of trying to fix five or six things into just three goals. I checked out the flying lizard pose; wow. I can't even wrap my head around how you'd do that! I'm really impressed, but I think I'm going to stick to my crow pose work for a while longer.

I definitely know I'm on the right track flexibility-wise by doing yoga this challenge, if yoga practitioners can do stuff like that Much respect.

In any case, we’ll stop by every now and then to see how you’re doing and to offer our support. Best of luck in your goals!

-Salivanth