Redimagination - The quest to Faster, Stronger, Better begins

[redimagination]

Hello all!

 

A little background about me. I'm Rachel, a 25 year old support worker living in England. I've always had bursts of fitness periods throughout my life. Most recently a couple of years ago (when I started reading the Nerd Fitness blog) but then nightshift got the better of me. I'm no longer on night shift and live metres from a gym. I've been getting back into it and enjoying it. I've seen some improvements already but I need to work on fitting it all in with my work.

 

This is my first challenge so I am starting quite simple. I have no diet goals as my diet is pretty good though will be making sure I keep this up.

 

Main Quest: Faster. Stronger. Better

As it is my first challenge I am keeping it simple: get fitter. This involves working out exercise into my work schedule.

 

Goal 1: Better

I work on a rolling rota. One week I find easy to fit things in and the other week I find it more difficult. So I need to work on week 2 especially. So I need to get better at working exercise into my days that I am working. What has stopped me is that I have an off-peak membership which is usually good for me but there are days (especially week 2) that makes it harder. So I either need to start taking gym stuff to work with me and running to the nearest gym or try different exercises. Such as: bodyweight at home, yoga or running. Have also considered walking home from some places (I work in different places) at a good pace. Or I need to explore different things like classes.

 

Aim is to exercise at least four times a week. Ideally 3 x gym/ bodyweight at home. But will accept any exercise four times a week as sucess. Approved activities: gym - strength, gym circuit, swimming, running, yoga, bodyweight home, class, walking.

 

 

Week 1: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Week 2 my aim is to do Monday gym, Tuesday run, Wednesday gym, Thursday - anything from list. Also possibility of the weekend.

 

Graded weekly + averaged at end

A = Four workouts a week

B = Three workouts a week

C = Two workouts a week

D = One workout a week

 

 

Goal 2: Faster

Okay, not necessarily faster but it sounds better. I want to run 5k without stopping. I am getting there but I want to continue working towards this. I have started a c25k programme with Zombies, Run! I

 

Graded at end

A = Run 5k no stops

B = Run 5k one stop

C = Run 5k two stops

D = Run 5k three stops

F = Any more than three stops

 

Goal 3: Stronger

This goal is to go to the gym twice a week for strength. This includes strength training and circuits (with weights and bodyweight).

 

A = Twice a week

B = Once a week

F = No workouts

 

 

Life Quest:

My life quest is to change career. I don't expect this will happen in 6 weeks but I need to do more to get this plan in action. I'm doing an online course but I need to be more consistent in my approach to this to get it finished. This should help improve my skills and hopefully make me look more attractive to employers. I need to keep looking at jobs and more importantly applying for them.

 

Per week:

A = Apply for a job + 5% of course

B = Apply for a job + 2.5% of course

C = Apply for a job or 2.5% of course

D = 2.5% of course

F = Anything less.

 

Motivation

I want to be able to do things. That is my main motivation. Also, if there is a zombie apocalypse (or any other kind) I want to ensure I can survive. I enjoy being fit and active but I also find it easy to use work as an excuse. As for the life quest. Well, I'm not where I want to be. It is easy enough to say "I want a new job" but takes more to actually make it happen.

 

[Blaidd]

sometimes we all struggle to fit everything in our day.  i think the best way to overcome that is to not be too hard on ourselves (and then overwhelm ourselves) when we can't.  It's ok

 

You might notice that i added a Scouts and a Rangers tag to your thread.  This is not to pigeonhole you into a guild (that's your choice at the end of the day) but rather to bring you to the attention of one of their ambassadors.  You have goals that are in line with things that they focus on and they should be able to support, motivate and advise you during your challenge.  You're also welcome to pop into their Tavern(Scouts) or Fort (Rangers) and introduce yourself to them. Don't forget you're also welcome to drop me a line anytime too.

 

Good Luck

AB xx

[redimagination]

Yeah, it isn't always easy but I do need to learn how to properly fit things around my job. I won't get too hard on myself if I miss anything but I need to encourage myself more I think.

 

Thanks for your reply. I will definitely check them out

[TyrantLizard]

Hey! I too am working through the Zombies, Run! 5K training program (although it's not part of my current challenge, just something I'm doing on the side) so I am going to follow along on your quest and maybe we can share tips on being post-apocalyptic zombie escapers.

[RogueWelkin]

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

It looks like you have a pretty solid challenge set up. Don't fret about "Starting off slow" slow simple steps are the path to continued success, and I imagine you'll easily continue forward if you keep that in mind. I know it's difficult to keep things going from week to week, is it possible to set up a workout schedule that works around your work schedule? Set alarms and things on calendars and the like and make sure you get the various exercises that you want done? 

 

I've seen a lot of people have a lot of success and fun with that Zombies app, I've been debating checking it out myself!

 

As Blaidd said, your challenge looks like it'd fit right in with the Scouts or the Rangers, and you should totally check out the general chat for the Scouts and the Rangers and see what help they can provide.

 

That said your challenge would also fit fairly well with the Adventurers, we tend to focus on trying out multiple things and it might be a suitable place to check out. If you’re interested in finding more tips, stories, and motivation from Adventurers that have similar goals to yours head on over to the Adventurer’s Tavern where you’ll find people always willing to chat. If you’d like to talk to me you can either check out my current challenge or pm me on the board. If you have any questions on how to use the forums, check out this tutorial. I’ll be following your topic here as well so you’ll probably see me again anyway. 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!

[18ck]

*Cheers for Zombies, Run*

 

Hey, hey, fellow UK Nerd, when you say support worker, do you mean like in residential care? I did that for the first 15 years or so of my working life. Adults with learning disabilities and autism, mainly, so the whole rolling rota/sleep-in/waking night thing is very familiar. It's important (and sadly undervalued) work. Well done for doing it (If I was right in guessing that's what you meant by Support Work. And if you meant you support billboards and stop them from falling over in high winds, well... um... that's important too!).

 

Anyway, Hi, I'm 18ck the Scout. I seem to be about the only person around here who doesn't have his own accountability group. FML. Ah well, onwards and upwards. If you'd like to drop in on us at the Scout Tavern you're more than welcome. A lot of us are into Zombies, Run and are veterans of C25K, so if that's something you want to try we can probably give you a few pointers. 

[Ithiel Coal]

Good luck Redimagination!  I can relate to your goals and your motivation.  Will check in from time to time to see how things are going.

[redimagination]

Hey! I too am working through the Zombies, Run! 5K training program (although it's not part of my current challenge, just something I'm doing on the side) so I am going to follow along on your quest and maybe we can share tips on being post-apocalyptic zombie escapers.

 

 

Ah that's great! How far along are you? I've just started it but modifying it to meet my level (the walk alternates between a walk and a jog). I've done C25k programmes before but this one is my favourite, the zombie training does seem to push me further. No zombies are getting me!

 

Have read through your challenge thread, yet to comment, but you caught my attention with the dinosaur focus!

 

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

It looks like you have a pretty solid challenge set up. Don't fret about "Starting off slow" slow simple steps are the path to continued success, and I imagine you'll easily continue forward if you keep that in mind. I know it's difficult to keep things going from week to week, is it possible to set up a workout schedule that works around your work schedule? Set alarms and things on calendars and the like and make sure you get the various exercises that you want done? 

 

I've seen a lot of people have a lot of success and fun with that Zombies app, I've been debating checking it out myself!

 

As Blaidd said, your challenge looks like it'd fit right in with the Scouts or the Rangers, and you should totally check out the general chat for the Scouts and the Rangers and see what help they can provide.

 

That said your challenge would also fit fairly well with the Adventurers, we tend to focus on trying out multiple things and it might be a suitable place to check out. If you’re interested in finding more tips, stories, and motivation from Adventurers that have similar goals to yours head on over to the Adventurer’s Tavern where you’ll find people always willing to chat. If you’d like to talk to me you can either check out my current challenge or pm me on the board. If you have any questions on how to use the forums, check out this tutorial. I’ll be following your topic here as well so you’ll probably see me again anyway. 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!

 

Thank you, will have a look in the Adventurers page once I get a chance (busy start of the week).

 

I definitely recommend the Zombies, Run! app though. I can feel it pushing me further plus adds an extra layer of fun.

 

*Cheers for Zombies, Run*

 

Hey, hey, fellow UK Nerd, when you say support worker, do you mean like in residential care? I did that for the first 15 years or so of my working life. Adults with learning disabilities and autism, mainly, so the whole rolling rota/sleep-in/waking night thing is very familiar. It's important (and sadly undervalued) work. Well done for doing it (If I was right in guessing that's what you meant by Support Work. And if you meant you support billboards and stop them from falling over in high winds, well... um... that's important too!).

 

Anyway, Hi, I'm 18ck the Scout. I seem to be about the only person around here who doesn't have his own accountability group. FML. Ah well, onwards and upwards. If you'd like to drop in on us at the Scout Tavern you're more than welcome. A lot of us are into Zombies, Run and are veterans of C25K, so if that's something you want to try we can probably give you a few pointers. 

 

Yeah, that is what I mean. I work in the community, on my own, most of the time. Mostly learning disabilities as well. Before that I was night shift in a nursing home. Though always good to know there are people who understand the shift pattern and how undervalued it is. But thank you! (I've never been a supporter of billboards, though an interesting challenge that would be...)

 

Thank you!

 

Good luck Redimagination!  I can relate to your goals and your motivation.  Will check in from time to time to see how things are going.

 

Thank you!

[redimagination]

Well, I feel I should do a first day report!

 

Busy day at work so not too much done. Took a long walk to work instead of taking the bus though and tried to push myself. Back to normal tomorrow, thinking a quick gym visit in the morning. Quick because I have a telephone interview, so need to get back and prepare myself. But should give me a boost beforehand!

[18ck]

(I've never been a supporter of billboards, though an interesting challenge that would be...)

"I think that I shall never see

A billboard lovely as a tree.

Perhaps unless the billboards fall

I'll never see a tree at all."

So yeah, Ogden Nash agrees you should stick to the kind of support you're doing and let the billboards fend for themselves.

[18ck]

Sounds like an OK start, limbering up for the rest of the challenge. Good luck with the phone interview.

[redimagination]

Day 2 - running using zombies, run! app. Hit 5k in 37.34 minutes (5.1k overall). It was good, jogged a bit of the warm up walk, alternated the walks with jogs and pushed further on the runs and then ran all of the 10 minute run at the end (plus a little extra to get to the 5k mark, though after a short walk). All in all it felt good. Thankfully no zombies managed to get me though there was a minor possibility of a goose attack (perils of having a route that goes around small lakes).

[sterre]

I hadn't heard of the zombies run! app until recently, but it sounds like fun (and if I wasn't such a cheap-ass, I'd probably give it a try). One thing I noticed about training up to being able to run 5k after having taken a break is that it seems easier the second time around. I think it's because you have the mentality of "I used to be able to do this" so then it seems more natural that you should be able to do it again (once you work back up to it), whereas before running 5k straight ever it seems like this really big thing.

 

So keep at it (in a nice, gradual injury-free way at your own pace)! It's an awesome feeling to get back up to running the whole distance.

[18ck]

You should give it a try if you ever get left a few quid/dollars/euros/yuan/whatever by a rich aunt, @Sterre, it's money well spent!

[blkhole24601]

Woo, Zombies, Run! Love that app, and this is someone who hates zombies. Which I guess gives me extra motivation when the zombies start chasing me. 

 

Day 2 - running using zombies, run! app. Hit 5k in 37.34 minutes (5.1k overall). It was good, jogged a bit of the warm up walk, alternated the walks with jogs and pushed further on the runs and then ran all of the 10 minute run at the end (plus a little extra to get to the 5k mark, though after a short walk). All in all it felt good. Thankfully no zombies managed to get me though there was a minor possibility of a goose attack (perils of having a route that goes around small lakes).

 

When I ran my marathon a few years ago, around mile 18 (where I hear people tend to lose it sanity-wise) I actually got into an argument with geese who were about to cross over the path we were running on. I told them not to, they squawked at me, I yelled back, they squawked at me again.

 

Geese and runners. Forever foes.

[Kailer]

Hi Redimagination! My name is Kailer and I am an Ambassador. That means I am here to help you make the most of your first Six Week Challenge! Welcome to NerdFitness – great new users like you are what keeps this place going strong

 

If you have any questions at all I am here to help you. One question you’ll ponder during your first six weeks is which guild to choose next time. Myself, I’m a proud Scout! That’s part of why I stopped by your thread – you’re interested in endurance sports, just like us. If you ever need help, answers, or high-fives from other people interested in running, come by our Tavern! The link is in my signature.  Of course, no matter which guild to which you are drawn I’ll be here to help you!

 

Let me know if I can do anything to help. If you feel discouraged or confused at any point during this Challenge I suggest you get in touch with myself or another Ambassador (regardless of guild!) before throwing in the towel. You have made a great choice coming to NF and we are here to help you succeed!

 

I LOVED the Zombies, Run! 5k. Great choice! Your thread has already spurred 18ck to create an Ogden Nash parody so you're my new favorite (please don't tell the others!) I'll be around regularly to see how things are

[18ck]

Your thread has already spurred 18ck to create an Ogden Nash parody

Ah, I'm not that creative I'm afraid - that was the man himself.

[Kailer]

Ah, I'm not that creative I'm afraid - that was the man himself.

 

 

Well, now you owe us a parody. I as well, considering I couldn't spot an original. I'll start with this one about robots:

 

"I think that there shall never trot

A human lovely as a robot

And unless the humans fall

I may never 01010 at all."

[redimagination]

Day 4 - Missed the gym yesterday. But not due to laziness or 'just can't be bothered' so not too bothered about it.

 

Today I went to the gym and let my frustration at life out on it. Personal records on: assisted one legged squats, barbell squat, dumbbell rows, dumbbell bench press and dumbbell lunges. So pretty happy with that!

[redimagination]

I hadn't heard of the zombies run! app until recently, but it sounds like fun (and if I wasn't such a cheap-ass, I'd probably give it a try). One thing I noticed about training up to being able to run 5k after having taken a break is that it seems easier the second time around. I think it's because you have the mentality of "I used to be able to do this" so then it seems more natural that you should be able to do it again (once you work back up to it), whereas before running 5k straight ever it seems like this really big thing.

 

So keep at it (in a nice, gradual injury-free way at your own pace)! It's an awesome feeling to get back up to running the whole distance.

 

As someone who doesn't like paying for apps, it is worth it! Even considering buying the normal app as well! Probably the only ones I would consider paying for.

 

I think you are right, it is easier to do something you know you are capable of. I certainly feel like I'm progressing a lot quicker this time which is a great feeling. Looking forward to finally mastering it (again) Thanks for your support!

 

Woo, Zombies, Run! Love that app, and this is someone who hates zombies. Which I guess gives me extra motivation when the zombies start chasing me. 

 

 

When I ran my marathon a few years ago, around mile 18 (where I hear people tend to lose it sanity-wise) I actually got into an argument with geese who were about to cross over the path we were running on. I told them not to, they squawked at me, I yelled back, they squawked at me again.

 

Geese and runners. Forever foes.

 

I'm not a huge zombie lover either. I used to be but grew quite tired of them. But there is something about having zombie noises behind you, and the feeling of training to defeat zombies that makes running faster and at a greater distance, much more attractive.

 

Thankfully never had an argument with geese while running (though also never hit that mile 18 point) but I'm sure the time will come if I keep running around here. Only had a non-running argument with one; they were trying to eat my food

 

Hi Redimagination! My name is Kailer and I am an Ambassador. That means I am here to help you make the most of your first Six Week Challenge! Welcome to NerdFitness – great new users like you are what keeps this place going strong

 

If you have any questions at all I am here to help you. One question you’ll ponder during your first six weeks is which guild to choose next time. Myself, I’m a proud Scout! That’s part of why I stopped by your thread – you’re interested in endurance sports, just like us. If you ever need help, answers, or high-fives from other people interested in running, come by our Tavern! The link is in my signature.  Of course, no matter which guild to which you are drawn I’ll be here to help you!

 

Let me know if I can do anything to help. If you feel discouraged or confused at any point during this Challenge I suggest you get in touch with myself or another Ambassador (regardless of guild!) before throwing in the towel. You have made a great choice coming to NF and we are here to help you succeed!

 

I LOVED the Zombies, Run! 5k. Great choice! Your thread has already spurred 18ck to create an Ogden Nash parody so you're my new favorite (please don't tell the others!) I'll be around regularly to see how things are

 

Thank you for your support! I enjoy seeing just how much support this place has to offer. Will certainly be spending time noseying around the guilds during the challenge and will be sure to come by if I need to with the running part of my challenge.

 

I'm really enjoying it. I've used 5k training apps before but this one is by far the best. (Haha, I won't say a word!). Thanks again

[Balthazar]

Hey just thought I would drop by and say Hi

 

I'm a UK Nerd and I think you're goals are great!

 

What line of work are you looking to get into?

[redimagination]

Hey fellow UK Nerd (will stick with Daniel though)! Thank you! Not entirely sure what to be quite honest. I'm going with the flow and hopefully find something that makes me happy (or happy enough!)

[blkhole24601]

I'm not a huge zombie lover either. I used to be but grew quite tired of them. But there is something about having zombie noises behind you, and the feeling of training to defeat zombies that makes running faster and at a greater distance, much more attractive.

 

 

Yes! This app finally has me loving interval training; in fact, when it crashed on me during an interval run today and I didn't feel like fiddling around with it to get it back on track (I'll start over later), I was able to self-motivate myself on my own without the help of the zombies. The zombies do make it more fun, though.

[redimagination]

That is awesome blkhole!

 

So, end of week 1 of my challenge.

 

Better - 5 workouts (I walked today and swam on Friday) A

Stronger - B

 

Life Quest - C

I did have a telephone interview though, so not a completely wasted week.

 

Not too bad for my first week. I have had some personal issues to take care of which have gotten in the way of things.

[Kailer]

This sounds like a great first week!! Keep up your awesome work