Jess: Be brave, young adventurer! [Post Camp Nerdfitness version]

[Jessikuh]

Ciao Adventurers!

My name is Jess. I'm 22, and I'm on a quest to lose 100 pounds and get strong, fast, agile and healthy. As of this morning, I am 35.5 pounds down from my highest weight. I’m approaching the halfway point and I’m really excited. 

 

I already started a challenge with 3 pretty broad goals. They were

Run a 5k in 45 minutes

Stretch everyday

Log my calories.

 

 

 

A week later, I attended one of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my entire life:

 

CAMP NERDFITNESS!

 

This event was life changing, and I can't stick with my same lame goals that I wrote a week ago. I need to rewrite them. So here we go!

 

Main Quest:

Lose 100 pounds and get strong!

• I weighed myself at the beginning of the year. I was 250lbs. That is a lot. Most I've ever weighed. I've been chipping away at that number pound by pound since January, falling off the wagon for gaps of weeks at a time, but I'm 213.2 as of this morning. I actually gained almost two pounds at camp, but I lost a half inch from my waist and nearly an inch from my hips, so I know I did something right! The scale number doesn't really matter to me right now, it's just a guide.
  

 

Mini Quests:

 

 

Practice Parkour! (+4 DEX, +2 STR)

 

 

 

Who says fat people can't do Parkour? I did until this weekend, until I actually learned how to do some.  It took my two days to learn how to do a roll, and my form still has a lot of room for improvement, but I did it. I learned how to do one teeny-tiny vault, and it was awesome. I shin-checked myself trying to hop up onto the back end of the stage by the Colosseum, and face planted into the floor, and it was awesome.

 

Needless to say, I absolutely fell in love with Parkour. (Thanks, Dakao!) I want to build up my strength and practice my parkour at the same time so I can build the two skills at the same time. So I can achieve this goal either one of two ways.

 

- Bodyweight or Kettlebell exercises

- Practice and plus one what I learned at camp (QMs, roll, vault)

 

Do this at least three times a week for an A in this category.

 

Go Paleo! (+3 CON, +1 WIS)

I've been doing keto for awhile, and while it's delicious and effective, it gets pretty boring. I eat a lot of the same things. I've thought about Paleo, but thought I would get in the same rut, but after taking a paelo meal planning and cooking class and 100% Paleo this weekend (Minus the iced tea I had on the plane ride home.  ) I'm ready to give it a shot! 

I was given a lot of good ideas on where to start (Thanks, June!) I got educated on some great ways to make foods I like Paleo, and learned that with enough creativity and trial and error, you can pretty much make any food paleo.

I'm applying Steve's 'two in a row' rule to this one. Never miss two good meals, never miss two workouts. So...

 

Don't miss two Paleo meals in a row to earn an A in this category.

 

Increase Flexibility (+2 STA, +1 CHA)

 

I had a pretty bad experience with yoga the first time I took a yoga class as a teenager. I was a chubby 17 year old girl in a class of super thin fit flexible 30-something snobby housewife type ladies. My instructor was like that too, and I was super super intimidated and never went back.

 

I took a yoga class this weekend, ready to give it another try after many reservations. I had the most amazing instructor (Thanks, Kate!) and even though I had a hard time keeping up with the rest of the class, I had a very pleasant experience. I want to use this as an opportunity to do some type of yoga, stretching and gentle active meditation, because as I stated in my last challenge, I still need to just calm down and let go the stress of the day. On a side note, I want to work on making myself a priority over my job.

 

Take some time out of everyday, even if it's only 5 minutes, to stretch, practice basic yoga, or meditate to earn an A in this category.

 

Save Money (+2 WIS)

A few friends turned me on to a book called "I Will Teach You To Be Rich", (Thanks Becca and Dani!) and it really got me thinking about my personal finances again, which are abysmal at best. I'm going to order the book next paycheck and check it out.

 

In my very first challenge, I had a broad goal of 'Save $100 over 6 weeks' and I totally failed it. So I'm going to try again, but make it a little more specific. Baby steps. $10 a week. That's nothing. That's totally attainable. I need an emergency fund, and I want to be able to afford to go to camp next year too.

 

Put $10 away for savings every week to earn an A in this category

 

 

Motivation- (Same list from my very first challenge. I'm crossing things off as I complete them, and adding new ones as I come up with them)

I'm tired of being fat.

• I've been fat since childhood and it sucks. I really love doing sports and outdoor activities, but my weight makes it really friggin hard.
  
• I want to be strong, energetic and healthy and active, not necessarily super skinny.
  
• I want to be able to do recreational sports Complete Aug 8, 2014
  
• I want to be able to shop at normal clothing stores, wear shirts without sleeves and dresses without tights. Complete September 29, 2014
  

• I want to buy a swimsuit for the first time since the 8th grade.  Complete July 5, 2014
  

• I want to learn how to dance without running out of breath halfway through a song.
  
• I want to be strong enough to do a cartwheel. It's a little silly, but when I was a kid, I got made fun of for not being able to do one.  
  
• I want to run an entire 5k without stopping, and run a marathon one day.
  

 

 

I also want to put a huge thank you to Steve, Staci, Kate, Amy, Anthony, Jim, Dakao, June, everyone else on the Nerdfitness team, and every single friend I've met this weekend at Camp! Thank you for all you've taught me. Thank you for thoroughly kicking my ass and helping me push myself to do things that I never would have done. I feel properly prepared to continue leveling up my life, and I'm so excited! I can't wait to see all of you next year!

 

There. I think that's about it.

Happy Monday, Rebels!

[bluecarfuffle]

This is a great read for a Monday! Thanks, I needed this! And it's great to hear how camp was.

[Jessikuh]

Glad you liked it, bluecarfuffle. Happy Monday! Good luck with all of your goals too. Myself and the entire rebellion are behind you all the way!

 

I just went shopping. Hit up Sprouts, as well as Fry's and bought two weeks worth of paleo food. I spent a grand total of $63.05. No joke. I've been spending like $55-60 for ONE week of groceries in the past. This is incredible to me. And I got a TON of stuff.

 

 

I have so much energy today, but I'm so tired and sore still! I need to get out and do SOMETHING, even if it's something small. 

[Jessikuh]

I woke up at 6 yesterday morning thinking 'Oh my gosh I have so much time to workout this is wonderful!'

I started doing my bodyweight workout an then remembered that I needed to be to work at 6:45 to cover my coteacher's shift as opposed to my normal 8:00. Fantastic. So no workout yesterday morning. Last night I did go on a walk though. I feel like I have a lot more energy than I did a week ago. I also practiced my QMs, just bear crawling the length of my apartment. I can only go for like 10 feet before needing a break, but I finally have the coordination down of which hand goes with which foot. Baby steps.

 

I was also really hungry yesterday. I'm not sure why, but I feel like I ate a lot. Everything was paleo though. I had a raspberry-spinach smoothie, some nuts and a banana, chicken and cauliflower with bacon-mushroom spinach, and last night I made a paleo coconut flour pizza and threw pretty much every veggie and some pepperoni on top of it. It was delicious. And I have enough to bring lunch to work for the next few days.

 

This morning I did two circuits of my bodyweight workout instead of three, but took the extra time to form check and make the most out of every move. I think it's a fair trade. I finally bought some more coconut oil and made myself a proper bulletproof coffee, and it's delicious.

That's about it for this morning. Happy Wednesday, Rebels!

 

[Bearlee]

POW what a punch of enthusiasm in the face. I really needed that. So glad to hear the trip went so well. Some of the posts on your last thread had me worried that you might not go to the camp. But I think there's no regrets about taking that vacation now. Your an inspiration and thanks for your posts.

[Jessikuh]

I was a little unsure right before I left, Bearlee. I was really scared, I'll be honest. There was a moment at 2am where I had my bags in hand, about to walk out the door to grab my taxi to the airport, and I thought for a second 'I shouldn't do this. I should just go back to bed, I can go next year.' But I'm so glad I didn't.

Since I've come back, I've found joy and fun in exercise again. I used to look forward to it so much, and then it turned into a chore. I'm now doing it because I want to challenge myself, and not to see the number on the scale go down.

I cleared a ledge this morning that was mid-thigh height. Which doesn't sound that impressive when I write it out. But baby steps, people! and I only had to tap my foot on it to balance in te middle, rather than land and jump off. Next step is to go completely over without a stop in the middle. Woo woo!

[DaniRiekwel]

Jess this is so awesome! Yay you!

 

Don't you love paleo?! I'm always surprised by how simple and complicated one can make it.

 

I love that you found a love for parkour. I heard so many people rave about it... maybe time to move to the assassins? 

[IronGlider]

Wow you've done extremely well, this is awesome! :-D

 

Also, it's awesome that you got to go to camp NF, I bet it was a blast. I'm hoping to go in the future...

 

Keep ace'ing your goals! :-p

[Jessikuh]

Jess this is so awesome! Yay you!

 

Don't you love paleo?! I'm always surprised by how simple and complicated one can make it.

 

I love that you found a love for parkour. I heard so many people rave about it... maybe time to move to the assassins? 

 

 

Dani! I miss you and everyone else already.  

 

YES, I am loving paleo. I'm actually eating interesting food. I made June's crockpot chicken, like 3-4 servings of it, and I've been doing different stuff with it. This morning before work, it litterally took me 5 minutes- I put some on the stove with olive oil, garlic, lime, cumin and red pepper. Tossed it in a tupperware with salsa and lettuce and BOOM I had chicken tacos for lunch at work today. It was fantastic.

 

And yes, my next stop is the assassins guild. I think it's where I'm supposed to be. Next challenge.

Next year I'm going to be hopping over shit like theres no tomorrow!

 

 

 

Wow you've done extremely well, this is awesome! :-D

 

Also, it's awesome that you got to go to camp NF, I bet it was a blast. I'm hoping to go in the future...

 

Keep ace'ing your goals! :-p

 

Thanks, IronGlider! I hope you join us next year. It's going to be great!

 

 

 

I'm still getting off of work late consistently every day. I got off at 5:30, and some of my coworker friends wanted me to go to dinner with them after they got off at 6:30. My work is like a half mile away from our city's lake park. So instead of waiting around at work for an hour, I decided to go practice parkour by the lake. I tried seeing how high I could box jump. I'll give you a hint- it's not very high. I almost ate it trying to hop up onto a relatively low concrete bench. After that, I tried hopping with one foot onto knee-high ledge and balancing for as long as I could. It's easier with my right leg than it is with my left.

 

I think after today's practice, my roll is becoming somewhat passable. I set my phone up to take a video so I can form check it, and I'm actually rolling almost straight, and landing back on my feet. Although half of the time I land on my feet and immediately fall back down. It's improvement, and it's just going to keep getting better.

 

At camp, Steve talked about 'cheat meals' and 'cheat days' and what a load of bs he thinks that is. I really liked the way he put it. He said that we're all adults capable of making choices of what we put into our bodies. It's fine to have a 'cheat meal', but calling it that implies that we're doing something that we shouldn't have. That's where the whole two in a row thing comes in. Just don't make it a habit.

 

I've eaten straight up paleo for a week, and I had my first conscious choice of a meal that wasn't exactly the best. I went to dinner with my coworkers, and I ate a panini. Yep, it happened. I went on a run in the morning, ate really well all day, went on another short run after work and practiced my parkour, and just happened to have a sandwich for dinner. And that one sandwich didn't ruin my entire day.

 

Like I've been saying, I'M A HERO!

[Teros]

 I tried seeing how high I could box jump. I'll give you a hint- it's not very high.

I consider moving my frame higher than 4-5 inches to be a miracle. It takes time

 

 

I'm glad that you found something that you're really interested in.

[DaniRiekwel]

Don't you love playing in the park?! I've been doing that today as well, climbing upside down on the monkey bars. Getting all the kids to hop up there with me and try and show me up! HAHA! Gave a form check to a random 16 year old trying to do l-sits. haha!

[Bearlee]

Damn right you a hero. I read your posts and I get psyched up. Besides your now one of the original 300.

 

 

Also went out and got some raspberries and spinach to make a smoothie. What else do you put in? I was thinking about trying protein powder and almond milk.

[wxstormer]

Jess, we are on the same type of journey.  I have 100 left (out of the 150 goal).  Enjoyed meeting you at camp.  Looking at the pictures makes me sad that I'm back there..  

 

Keep up the good work...

[Jessikuh]

A coworker was nice enough to buy us starbucks this morning. I'd normally get like a mocha iced coffee- super sugary, ya know. I asked to get me a hibiscus tea instead, which comes 'lightly sweetened' or whatever. I could normally chug one of these like it was water, but I took a sip today and it felt like I was drinking syrup. 

 

The sweetest things I've eaten/drank in the last 8 days were the many bananas I ate at camp, and the raspberry spinach smoothies I've been making. And I've struggled with a sugar problem for years. I thought June was exaggerating when she told us to eat paleo for a week and then try something you used to eat and you'll hate it. Totally true.  I mean, I didn't hate it, but I did have to water it down by a lot to make it drinkable. Next time, I'll just get it unsweetened.

 

I didn't work out this morning because I got a little excited. I woke up and checked my bank account to see how much I got paid, and my raise that has been processing for six months now FINALLY WENT THROUGH.    And I had 6 months worth of retroed hours that I never got paid for, so I got an extra like $500 on this check. So I spent the morning paying all of my bills and paying off my credit card and all that. But it's cool. There's always tomorrow.

 

I've decided to buy a bicycle again. My last bicycle was stolen piece by piece from a bike rack at my university.  I lived in Phoenix for a year and a half without a car. I biked everywhere, and I kind of miss it. I miss the adventure. I went to find one after work today, but didn't see one at walmart that I liked, so I think I'm going to go to the bike shop tomorrow.

 

The bike shop is 4 miles away from me.... and It feels like kind of a hassle to take the wheels off so it'll fit in my car...

 

So I think I'm going to go on an adventure tomorrow. 

[Jessikuh]

Damn right you a hero. I read your posts and I get psyched up. Besides your now one of the original 300.

 

 

Also went out and got some raspberries and spinach to make a smoothie. What else do you put in? I was thinking about trying protein powder and almond milk.

 

I just do raspberries, spinach and almond milk. It works great. I tried putting protein powder with it once, but it made it taste kind of funny. But I also let it sit in the refrigerator at work for a little while. It also turned it from like a dark purpleish color to like... gross grey-brown. It was just unappealing all the way around. A banana would probably work pretty good with it if you want it a little sweeter.

 

 

Jess, we are on the same type of journey.  I have 100 left (out of the 150 goal).  Enjoyed meeting you at camp.  Looking at the pictures makes me sad that I'm back there..  

 

Keep up the good work...

 

I know! I just went through all of the pictures too. I'm nostalgic already.  

[Jessikuh]

Be forewarned: Lots of pictures in this post.

 

I went on an adventure this morning! Since I've gotten back into the swing of things, and started eating paleo, I've been sleeping better. I slept from 11pm-5:30am and I only woke up once. It was nuts. And I woke up feeling good.

After completing the morning routine, I packed up my adventure pack, tied up my zombie bandana and headed out my front door toward downtown Tempe. 

 

 

ADVENTURE, YAY!

 

The walk was 5.1 miles, and it took me like an hour and 40 minutes. I did make a stop or two for pictures, and to browse the local famers market where I bought the most freaking delicious apple I've ever had in my life. 

I also found....

 

If I had a way of keeping them cold, I totally would have bought some. 

 

About two miles into my walk, there was a lady with an umbrella that crossed the street the same time that I did. I didn't pay much attention, and continued whistling, singing along with my ipod,skipping, leaping over puddles, walking on low walls and other general carefree nonsensical childlike things... I was in a really good mood... and I looked behind me a mile later to cross the street and she was still there. Like less than ten feet behind me.   Whelp. I felt pretty fucking stupid to say the least. 

 

I got to enjoy the area that I live in. I haven't put a whole lot of thought into it, but Tempe is really freakin pretty. Even the streets and neighborhoods and stuff. 

 

 

 

I like living where I do.

 

I got to the bike shop, and even the sale bikes were like $50 over what I wanted to spend on a bike.    But I found a cruiser that I absolutely loved, and it was on sale. So I bought it. 

 

 

 

ISN'T IS BEAUTIFUL

 

I love it. It rides so smooth. It's a little bit bulkier than my last bike, but it's waaaaay lighter. It was totally worth it.

 

I started the trek back home and immediately became aware that it's been almost a year since I've biked. My quads were not happy with me. Hey, that just means it's a muscle that I'm going to have to work on.

All in all, today was fantastic. 

[Teros]

 FINALLY WENT THROUGH. 

 

The bike shop is 4 miles away from me.... and It feels like kind of a hassle to take the wheels off so it'll fit in my car...

 

So I think I'm going to go on an adventure tomorrow. 

Woot woot!

 

Well I guess it's good that you're an Adventurer then, eh?

 

 

Nice bike!

[Jessikuh]

I tried a week of paleo cooking this week. Warning: Lots of pictures again.

 

Week one (two?) went great for me!  

 

Practice parkour/BWW- A!

Eat Paleo- Only had 2 non-paleo/primal meals in the last week, which is awesome for me! A

Stretch and meditate- Missed one night, because I was really exhausted, but all in all, I did well! A

 

I also did some biking in the last two days. And I'm planning on biking to and from work from now on when I have the time (it's 4 miles away, and I'm constantly 5 minutes late clocking in  )

 

I'd also kind of like to make it into a habit to go to the lake park after work. It's less than a half mile away, and it's where most of my fitness experience took place. The last place I lived was only like a half mile away, so I used to go running there every morning. The lake is kind of like my peaceful place. 

 

I lost those two pounds that I gained at camp, putting me back at 213.  

I also went shopping with my friends today. Which I've always hated, because I can never fit into anything in the girly stores that don't have plus sized section. So I kind of just browse and maybe will buy some jewelry or a scarf or something that isn't clothes.

 

We went to Charlotte Russe today and I saw a dress that I absolutely fell in love with. They had it in an XL, an my friends convinced me to try it on.

 

 

It fit. It fucking fit. I went shopping at a normal clothing store, found a girly dress in a normal size, and it fit. I didn't end up buying it because of a credit error (payed off my credit card, but my credit hasn't shown up yet), but I'm so happy it fit that I could have cried. I told my friends this and they kind of looked at me funny and said "Yeah... why wouldn't it fit?"

 

I guess I still see myself as bigger than I actually am, ya know? This is an absolute first for me. Even the biggest sizes at most stores never used to fit me.

 

 

 

Moving onnnnnn.

 

I cooked so much this week! And I documented most of it, especially the new things I tried.

 

Raspberry Spinach Smoothie. I was a little skeptical about putting spinach with my fruit, but It was delicious.

 

 

 

Work lunch! Chicken breast, cauliflower/carrot 'mashed potatoes', spinach with bacon and feta. 

 

 

Salsa chicken and broccoli. 

 

 

 

Motherloving coconut flour pizza.

 

I also made spaghetti squash and meatballs, but forgot to take a picture. 

 

All in all, it was a good week! And I earned my + 1 STR from this week's mini-challenge.

 

Happy Sunday, Rebels!

[Jessikuh]

I went back and bought the dress. I need to be okay with buying clothes that I like, as opposed to clothes that serve no purpose other than to cover my body. And clothes that actually fit me. I'm having a hard time accepting that I now fit into L/XL normal sized clothing and not plus sized stuff. I keep thinking 'oh this brand must just run large'. No. Stop it. The clothes aren't being made bigger. I'm just smaller now.

 

I love it. It was totally worth it.

 

I biked all over the freaking place today. I biked to work, and then biked with my friend halfway to her apartment, then to the shopping plaza, then back home. 

All in all, drumroll please.....

 

 

I biked 21.72 miles. I'm not even joking. I was sweaty and shaky by the time I got home. My quads are going to be in so much pain tomorrow. I might try biking to work every other day until I get more used to it. Work is only 5 miles away.

 

I did give in and eat some sugary stuff at work. One of my favorite co-workers quit like a week ago and she came back to say goodbye to everyone, and she gave me a little gift bag with gummy worms in them. I looove gummy worms, and could easily scarf down an entire bag, but I ate a few this afternoon and was kind of meh about them. 

 

On another note, I tried spaghetti squash for the first time today. I was really nervous, because squash is the one vegetable that I absolutely have always hated. My mom used to cook it a lot, and I've never liked it, to the point where I would gag on it if she tried to make me eat it. But the spaghetti squash was really good. It had a good texture, and it really felt like I was eating slightly undercooked pasta. I'm a fan.

[DaniRiekwel]

I don't think Steve has an article on how important this is to a woman. Buying clothes that look good now IS part of the weight loss journey! It's hard to see a new you happening if you're just waiting to hit the perfect number. I'm so happy for you that you got that dress! It's super cute and you look amazing! 

 

And isn't biking the best?! Yes, your legs will become awesome from doing it more often. There's a reason obesity isn't a huge (see what I did there) problem in Holland! bring on the sexy legs!

[Jessikuh]

That would be a fantastic article. It seems like such a frivolous thing, but it really is important. It's a big impact on your self esteem and body image. 

 

And yes, biking was great. I'm not even really all that sore this morning. And It's starting to cool off here (it's only supposed to be 89F here today WTF) so I really have no excuses for not biking to work.

 

I've gotta pay myself back for the $200 I spent on this bike with the gas money I've saved not putting in my car.

[Kim Taura]

Love the new goals!

[Bearlee]

Thanks for talking about "I will teach you to be rich" in your goals. Bought the book a while back and didn't get around to reading it. Lots of book suggestions from Steve and hard to keep up. Was reading "Happiness of Pursuit" but that was depressing me a little since I don't know if I'll be able to do the adventuring I would like to do. But reading your posts is getting me to think about adventures I can have around my city.

[DaniRiekwel]

Thanks for talking about "I will teach you to be rich" in your goals. Bought the book a while back and didn't get around to reading it. Lots of book suggestions from Steve and hard to keep up. Was reading "Happiness of Pursuit" but that was depressing me a little since I don't know if I'll be able to do the adventuring I would like to do. But reading your posts is getting me to think about adventures I can have around my city.

 

Bearlee, I've read that book and Ramit's teachings have really changed my life. I travel around the world with my two year old and my husband... something I didn't think would be possible either.

 

Chris Guillebeau's other two books are like the other parts in a trilogy - they go over how you can make your pursuit possible. 

[Jessikuh]

Thanks for talking about "I will teach you to be rich" in your goals. Bought the book a while back and didn't get around to reading it. Lots of book suggestions from Steve and hard to keep up. Was reading "Happiness of Pursuit" but that was depressing me a little since I don't know if I'll be able to do the adventuring I would like to do. But reading your posts is getting me to think about adventures I can have around my city.

 

Hey I'm reading that book too! They gave us a free copy at camp. It's great isn't it? I think that's what got me most into the adventuring mood. A city adventure is still an adventure, don't be afraid to go for it!

 

This week has been so-so so far. The middle of the week was pretty stressful, and I found myself getting pissy and having a big 'I don't care about anything' attitude, especially when it came to working out. I skipped my workouts on Wednesday and Thursday. I almost skipped this morning too, but there was a little part of me that really didn't want to.

After some motivation from the friends I've made, I completed two bodyweight/kettlebell circuits.

 

I had a lot more energy at work today. I think it's because I did my workout. Something cool happened today. My work uniform is just a plain t-shirt with our company logo on it. The last time I bought a set of shirts was in January. They closer resemble work tunics or maybe even work dresses now. They're a little big on me to say the least. Today our center wore pink for breast cancer awareness, and we were allowed to not wear our uniforms. So I got to wear a shirt that actually fit me today. My supervisor told me that I was looking really good, and that she could tell that I had lost weight. That was awesome to hear.

 

I'm excited for Saturday. I think I'm going to try to run a 5k at the lake tomorrow. I'm well overdue for one. 

Happy Friday, rebels!