Stealthstitcher Comes Out of the Darkness

[stealthstitcher]

As the username implies, I tend to hang back in the shadows, not only trying to do everything by myself but not even letting anyone know that I'm trying to do something. (Lurking in the shadows is fine if it's part of your job as a ninja assassin, or if you're Batman). Following this clever plan, in the last ten years I've gained about 65 pounds, quit any and all strength training and even stopped doing the flexibility exercises my super stiff muscles need for basic functionality. There seems to be a flaw in my clever plan.

 

For the last two years, I've been meaning to sign up for a six week challenge but I always had a really good reason not to, like "people might find out that I exist" or "it starts next week, that's not enough time to get my head in the right place" or the ever popular "what if me signing up for a challenge causes the entire earth to burst into flames and we all die?!". I always decided I'd sign up "next time".

 

So what's different this time? Well, as I was procrastinating by reading NF posts, I realized that if I had to pick a race right now, I'd have to go with NPC. I'm not even a player. No adventure or goals for me. I just follow my programmed routine without deviation. In fact, when some coworkers asked me if I wanted to go to the mall for a few hours with them, my immediate reaction was, Do a thing with people? I can't do that! Saturday is my day to sit in my house alone and do nothing! Maybe I'll go next time. 

 

Well, after two hours of waffling and the encouragement of a friend who said if I'd sign up, she'd sign up, here I am. No more next time. This time.

 

(By the way, stealth stitcher is actually a nickname I earned while working costumes for a summer stock theatre. The resident martial arts guy claimed no one could successfully sneak up behind him. Well, guess who could ... and I wasn't even trying.)

 

Main Quest: For someone with no real goals, this is a tough one. There are three things I've sorta wanted to be able to do - run 5k without stopping or walking, do 10 real, proper push-ups, and touch my toes (No, really, I have never been able to do it. When I was six I got bawled out in gym for not being able to touch my toes.) So for now, I'm going with: start heading towards these goals while working on finding a main quest that can really get me fired up. 

 

First Sub-Quest: 20 minutes of flexibility work, 5 days a week, using Yoga for Inflexible People This will help me prevent injury and also work towards those toes.

A= 30 days over 6 weeks, B= 21 - 29, C= 11 - 20, D= 1 - 10, F= 0 

This grade system could be really helpful ... I always hated getting anything below an A ...

 

Second Sub-Quest: No pop. At all. Period. I've worked my way down from eight a day (yes, eight cans, every day) to four or five a week, and I think it's time for the demon sugar water to die. I've found in the past that when I try to cut down to three or fewer a week I just spend my week looking forward to the day I can have pop. Instead, this time I'm going to go with "No, I don't drink pop." End of story. (And yes, pop. Around here, "soda" is a white powder used to leaven baked goods.)

A = 0, B = 1 - 5 (over six weeks), C= 6 - 10, D= 11 - 15, F= 16 or more

 

Third Sub-Quest: I debated for a while on this one but have decided to go with doing the Beginner Bodyweight Workout 3 days a week, since I already take my dog for a walk every morning. I really like the idea of not needing a bunch of equipment lying around the house. Pretty sure I'll have to start with wall push-ups and other modified forms, but I've got to start where I am, right?  

A= 18, B= 13 - 17, C= 9 - 12, D= 5 - 8, F= 0 - 4

 

Life Quest: This one is a bit of a cheat since I'm already doing it - but crawling out of my hole and signing up for a six week challenge - and then sticking with it. Who knows, I might even end up interacting with some real, live people (hey, even if it's not in person we're still alive, right?) for something other than work.

 

Motivation: This one is the hardest one of all. I know I should say something like "living a long, healthy life" or "looking and feeling great" or "having all the skills necessary to overthrow the forces of evil, should it ever come up" but I'm having a really hard time caring about anything. I think for right now, I'm going to have to go with discipline over motivation, doing what I need to do because my head knows it's what I need, whether I feel like it or not.

[KayDubEff]

Welcome! I am also a long time lurker who avoided challenges for a long time. I'm glad you're here!  You've got some great goals (demon sugar water is also on mine too...)

You've got this, just make sure to check back in. As a lurker, it's pretty easy to disappear.... Don't let yourself!

 

I believe in you!

[Blaidd]

Congratulations on making it out of the shadows.

 

You might notice that someone has added tags onto your thread.  This is not to pigeonhole you into a specific guild, but rather to attract the attention of the guild ambassadors because of your lifestyle or a grouping of goals, so that they might be able to motivate, encourage and advise you of anything during your challenge with us.  You don't even need to wait for them, you're welcome to pop into the Adventurers to say hi and introduce yourself and to see what they're about. Also you are more than welcome to drop me a line at any time if you need anything.

 

Good luck

AB xx

[Gobnait]

Your goals are looking good.  Make sure you check in every couple days at least, but more is better.  Even if you have a bad day, it's worth posting about.  Or you could offer encouragement to whoever has a quest that catches your interest.

 

Is carbonated water with or without lemon juice allowed?  (It's an acquired taste.)

[redimagination]

As someone who prefers to lurk in the shadows, wants to do things by myself and not want anyone to know I'm trying to do things I understand where you are coming from! Unfortunately I am neither an assassin or Batman. Though these challenges are good for making you come out a little bit more. This time I'm even going to admit how much I'm lifting at the gym, something I never thought I'd do.

 

Your goals are good and I think the beginner bodyweight workout is the best place to start (I may be biased as that is where I started, at least the most recent 'start').

 

Yoga is awesome and you will notice a difference it can make to your flexibility. I love it!

[stealthstitcher]

Well, to quote the Wicked Witch of the West - "What a world, what a world!"

I knew this week would be tough. I have dress rehearsals this week, which means my regular work hours during the day, a one hour break in the evening, and then rehearsal all evening. When I got home for my break, I was so tired (no particular reason, just random tiredness) I thought, I can't work out, I just can't. But I convinced myself that all I really needed to do was replenish my depleted energy stores, so I had some almonds and a glass of water, put on my workout clothes and got ready to do the beginner bodyweight workout. 

I made it through half of one set when my dog came bounding happily into the house, completely covered in something sticky, smelly and very, very dead. After a certain amount of yelling, I spent my dinner break cleaning the dog, the bathroom and myself. Got to my call 10 minutes late, having accomplished no workout.

HOWEVER

First Sub-Quest: After arriving home at 10:45 I put in my yoga dvd and did one of the "relaxation" workouts. The stretches are not as intense but it helped me wind down after work and get ready for sleep.

Second Sub-Quest: I did not drink any pop today. When caffeine cravings hit, I had a cup of hot tea instead (no sugar). On a related note, in an effort to show us they care, my workplace has put in vending machines from which employees can get a free soft drink. The machines only have soft drinks in them. I really appreciate the thought, workplace - but you aren't helping.

Third Sub-Quest: Today I did not accomplish a bodyweight workout, so I will do it tomorrow. 

 

And now, to shut down the computer and get some sleep - without first checking pinterest, email, or otherwise frittering my sleep time away.

[Ryke]

Sounds like a pretty good start! The first week will always be the toughest, push through!

And great job on saying no to the soda. It might be free, but it makes you pay in other ways! 

[starsapart]

Hi stealthstitcher!

 

I'm starsapart, one of the Ambassadors for the Assassins Guild. The Adventurers may indeed be the guild for you (they're awesome!), but it looks like you have some goals and activities in common with a number of our members as well, and we'd love to help you reach and exceed your goals - and amaze yourself if you so desire!  We're always here to talk bodyweight work  and flexibility with you - and more!

 

If you think you might be interested in what our guild has to offer, here's a link to the Assassins' Guild Info & Announcements thread. You can also feel free to pop into the Assassins' Den guild chat thread and get in on the fun.  Everyone's friendly and glad to answer questions - or spam your inbox with gifs, either or, really.  You can also stop by the Assassin Initiates thread to meet other level 1 rebels who may share your interests.  The Assassin Phonebook is another great resource where you can find guild members whose interests might match your own.  Feel free to message or follow these people for assistance and inspiration!

 

If you ever have any questions or need help, myself and my colleagues are here for you, and I'd love to chat with you anytime!  Feel free to visit my challenge thread or send me a note via the PM system.

 

My fellow Ambassadors and I will be checking in on you as the challenge goes on, but it looks like you're ready and eager to go.  Amazing job on your first day - keep it up and get out there and assassinate kill those goals!      

[stealthstitcher]

Day 2

 

1. 20+ minutes of yoga for flexibility accomplished, which was desperately necessary. See #3 for details ...

2. Another day with no demon sugar water! Definitely some cravings, but I fended them off. Took the back stairs at work to avoid the vending machine - a slightly longer but safer trip.

3. I fully expected to have a lot of trouble with anything involving upper body strength in the bodyweight workout, but figured my legs were probably in pretty good shape. After all, I do walk a fair amount and never take the elevator at work. In fact, I thought I might need to add some weights for the squats. Ha. Ha, I say. To my surprise, I was able to do knees-on-the-floor pushups and need to get something a little bit heavier for the dumbbell rows. But my legs - wow, I had to take a couple breaks once I got into the second set and when I went back to work this evening, I thought I was going to get stuck halfway down the stairs because my legs didn't want to go any further. And after sitting through four hours of rehearsal, boy was I stiff. Tottered in the door after work and headed straight for my yoga mat. Stretches definitely helped; might want to try to fit a long cool down/stretch in after strength training in future, rather than just a few stretches.

[Gobnait]

You're allowed to put some flexibility into your routine, (pun not intended.)  Switch up your exercises until you find the right combination.

 

That dog-emergency was justification for dropping a workout, and you probably got some exercise out of it... Cardio for wrestling with the dog, and bathroom-cleaning probably required some bending over.

[stealthstitcher]

And here we have day 3. Once the show opens, I'll have my evenings back and hope to have time to reply to some of these lovely encouraging comments, and perhaps give some encouraging comments to others myself. In the meantime:

1. Accomplished yoga again today.

2. Day three, no pop. First stage cravings have passed - although I know they'll be back in subtler forms.

3. Rest day today, which was good - my legs are still sore enough that I planned my trips up and down the stairs carefully today. 

 

And that is all. Morning matinee tomorrow ... who does that? Thespians are not noted for being morning people.

[stealthstitcher]

Day 4

1. Yoga, check.

2. 4 days, no pop - check.

3. It took nearly an hour, but I made it through three sets of the bodyweight workout. Glad I picked this over something more cardio-based - apparently I seriously need some strength. 8 seconds is my top number on the plank. 

[Gobnait]

Glad to hear you picked a workout that you're happy with.

 

Think you'll eventually be able to do this?

 

[starsapart]

Day 4

1. Yoga, check.

2. 4 days, no pop - check.

3. It took nearly an hour, but I made it through three sets of the bodyweight workout. Glad I picked this over something more cardio-based - apparently I seriously need some strength. 8 seconds is my top number on the plank. 

 

Awesome job!  Strength work is definitely more functional, and infinitely more rewarding!  It's awesome to see yourself progress.

 

Glad to hear you picked a workout that you're happy with.

 

Think you'll eventually be able to do this?

 

 

Eeeeee, Scorpion pose!  Such a toughie.  stealthstitcher, if you can do this, I will bow to you!  I'm not even close ye, though it's on my list.

[Gobnait]

Hehe, perhaps I should have linked the crow pose... Here's something more-reasonable that links yoga and strength. 

 

 

http://charmedyoga.com/2013/01/25/favorite-pose-friday-baby-bakasana-crow/

[stealthstitcher]

Glad to hear you picked a workout that you're happy with.

 

Think you'll eventually be able to do this?

 

Hmm ... perhaps I'll save that for the next challenge ...

Or maybe I'll work on getting my planks up to 15 seconds. You know, whichever comes first.

That said, that looks awesome. As I look around at what other people are doing, I'm slowly getting a picture of the kind of things I'd like to be able to do the most.

[redimagination]

It is good to see that you are doing well on your challenge! Keep up the good work and if something doesn't go as planned just put it away in your mind and carry on

 

Core strength is really important. Planks can be torture. I remember the first time I done them (when I was a fairly fit and active teenager) I barely lasted a few seconds. But even now I sometimes I get an indication of how my core could use some work. Such an easy thing to forget about.

[stealthstitcher]

Day 5 (Yesterday)

1. No yoga today. Got home from work extra late and so tired, I just went to bed. But that's okay, my goal is five times a week and I'll make that.

2. 5 days, no pop.

3. Rest day

 

Day 6 (Today)

1. Yoga accomplished.

2. 6 days, still no pop. I have reached the tired and no appetite stage.

3. Bodyweight workout accomplished. I noticed today that when doing pushups, I'm putting most of the weight on my left arm and using my right arm mainly for balance. Turns out I can't get my right hand at a 90 degree angle to my arm without pain. I think it's just that my right wrist is much stiffer than my left. Anyone with clever ideas for improving wrist flexibility? I can do pushups on my fists if necessary but would like to have a fully functional right wrist. Working hands are kind of important for a stitcher. (Also, annoys me that spellcheck does not recognize the gender-neutral term for seamstress. Come on, spellcheck, get with it.)

[Gobnait]

That's rough.  I got tennis elbow when carpal tunnel was a trendy disease.  Other than that, I'm not sure how people deal with stiff wrists other than accepting limits.  Being able to do it on the knuckles is pretty good.  I feel the need to get foam blocks.

 

Good job on not drinking pop.

[ValkyrieGrace]

Awesome progress! I have trouble with my wrists sometimes too, they like to randomly give out on me. I stay away from any wrist strengthening exercises simply because they caused me more pain than anything else. I like simply stretches for the wrist. Hold your arm out in front of you with you hand flexed (as if saying "halt right there!") With your other hand, gently pull your finger tips back towards you. Only go as far as is comfortable for you. Then, reverse your hand so your fingertips are facing down and your palm in towards you. Again, pull your fingers towards you. When I do this, I alternate up and down a few times and switch hands. Again, don't force it, only go as far as it comfortable. 

When my wrists really act up, I do push ups and plank work on my knuckles. It's always good to know your limit!

Keep up the terrific work!

[stealthstitcher]

Day 7

1. Yoga accomplished.

2. 7 days, no pop.

3. Rest day

 

Week in review

1. 6 days of yoga, so weekly goal met and exceeded.

2. 7 days of no pop, so weekly goal met.

3. 3 days of strength training, goal met.

 

Day 8

What is it about Mondays? A few years ago I decided I should never plan to accomplish anything time or thought consuming on Mondays, because it never gets done. Better to just plan ahead that Monday will be a day of survival and maintenance. No significant cooking, cleaning, projects - and definitely no after-work plans. In keeping with Monday:

1. Did a few stretches, but definitely not 20 minutes of flexibility work.

2. No pop, so that goal happened. 

3. No strength training today. This is due to a combination of Monday and the fact that I felt two rest days in a row might be a good idea, given how sore my legs still are.   

[redimagination]

Mondays are evil. I don't believe any good can come from them.

 

Anyway, it seems like your Monday wasn't too bad. The no pop continuation is brilliant! And well done on listening to your body instead of trying to push through it and hurting yourself. Just as important as working out.

 

(Congrats on a good first week as well!)

[stealthstitcher]

Day 9

1. 20 minutes of yoga done.

2. I've always found the second week without demon sugar water to be the hardest (all forty-two billion times I've given it up - seriously, who makes it past withdrawal and then goes back to the stuff ... oh yes, me) and today it definitely hit. Headache, lethargy and persistent cravings. Didn't give in - had orange juice instead. It's still sugary but it doesn't have added sugar/corn syrup or caffeine, so I let it slide.

3. Two rest days in a row helped - I finished all three reps in 30 minutes and had no serious residual leg pain - just normal slight muscle soreness. Also, did wrist flexibility stuff for about five minutes before beginning and that seems to have loosened it up sufficiently to do pushups without wrist pain.

 

Day 10

1. Doing pretty well on keeping up with the yoga/flexibility work. Got it again today.

2. No pop once again, making 10 days without it. I do wish they'd move the vending machine to someplace other than immediately next to the front entrance. I'm sure people other than me have problems with wanting to swipe their ID for free pop every time they use the main doors ...

3. Rest day.

[stealthstitcher]

Day 11

1. Yoga, check.

2. No pop, check.

3. Took all my remaining willpower for the day to do the bodyweight workout rather than sit on the couch and eat chips. I knew perfectly well that it wouldn't take that long, that I needed to get it done, and it's not like I even dislike the workout. To my astonishment, I hit 15 seconds on the plank twice (12 seconds the third time). Hey, that's a bit of an achievement! And once I finished the workout, I didn't even want the chips anymore. 

[redimagination]

Well done on motivating yourself to do the bodyweight stuff even though you didn't want to. That is brilliant in itself! And congrats on the plank, great to see such improvements already!