[Scarlet Legend] Constantly Catching Up with Dwarves

[Scarlet Legend]

Hello Scouts!

I'm Scarlet Legend the Hobbit Assassin.  I have come to join you all on this challenge because I find that I am having a hard time keeping up with dwarves and Wizards and the like during my journey. I will be focusing on learning to ride and getting used to life on the road where there are no handkerchiefs. 

 

Main Quest:  To live life to the fullest and be healthy. My practical goal is to get to a size 8-10 pants size or lose 30 lbs. 

 

So for real...

I'm training for a triathlon in March and I'm not exactly sure how to do that.  I'm going to be honest and say that I can't ride a bike or haven't for about 15 years, so I want to focus on just riding it and getting better at it.  

 

Quest 1 Just ride the Bike 2 times a week or a total of 12 rides.  This may be difficult the first few weeks because I can't say that I can actually ride it and I don't have a helmet yet so this first week is going to be easy going.

A= +3 Dex, +2 Sta; B= +2 Dex, +1 Sta; C= +1 Dex, +.5 Sta

 

The next big thing on the list is that I'm going to be applying to PhD programs next year so right now I'm studying the GRE (general test for graduate school).  I need a really good score in order to get into my top 3 schools so I'm going to study like crazy.

 

Quest 2 My GRE workout includes: 30 min reading Magoosh General Guide, 30min Reading the Drill Book, 15 min of Verbal flashcards, 15 min of Math Formulas, then 30+min for reviewing the flashcards and other content.  I will do this 4-5 times a week or at minimum 24 mental workouts.

A= +3 Wis; B= +2 Wis; C= +1 Wis

 

I should in general continue actual workouts so...

Quest 3 Do the Basic Body Weight workout 3 times a week or 21 workouts. (I might substitute some of these for cardio workout videos, just to mix things up)  A= +3 Str, +2 Dex; B= +2 Str, +1 Dex; C= +1 Str, +.5 Dex

 

Life: I'm going to keep the same life quest to work on my budget. A= +3 Wis, B= +2 Wis, C=  +1 Wis

 

I'm not sure what else I should do.  If you have any suggestions on how to train for a triathlon or have experience with the GRE feel free to let me know.  I would love any encouragement or extra help.  I'm hoping this hobbit isn't over her head.

[Scarlet Legend]

Tried the Scout Mini for the first time.  I finished the regular standing even though I got a little wobbly, but I couldn't do the ball toss.

I told you! My balance is horrible!

[Terinatum]

Welcome!

 

You are here at the perfect time! Your time.

Training for a marathon is not my expertise so I'd say drop a post in the general chat and see what scouty fish nibble the bait. I would say definitely get comfy on the bike again, if for no other reason than to not get injured during the race.

I don't think adding another goal is needed, but perhaps as the challenge progresses, you can get more detailed in what your workouts look like and how much you are pushing yourself to improve with the bike.

And study. Study in several different ways. Write down the questions and write the answers, make flash cards and speak the q's and a's out loud. Whatever it takes!

 

Glad you did the mini - did you post your results in the thread as well? I'm doing mine tonight. Should be fun and very illuminating!

[Kaylya]

I am also working towards my first triathlon! Mine is in June.

You'll want to work on all 3 sports to some extent, but yeah, if you're really bad at one of them, you're definitely going to need to work on it more. For me, swimming is the one I'm most concerned about - in the past year, I have biked about the distance I need to bike, and I've run longer than the run, but I haven't done much swimming in some time. Step 1 is getting to the point where you're pretty sure you can finish all 3 events!

I'm wondering if it might be helpful, if you're re-learning the skill of riding a bike, to try and do frequent, but potentially very short, rides while you get your balance. Skill/balance training is something that can benefit from frequent short practice sessions (e.g. 5 minutes, once or twice per day). That's all coming from reading on learning skills like the handstand, not biking specifically, but I'd think it might apply. If you have access to a stationary bike, doing some sessions on it might help you start building up endurance while you're re-learning the balance, or maybe you'll feel like you've got the hang of it again pretty quickly.

[18ck]

*shambles over from the tavern*

 

Ah, right. How long are the run/cycle/swim portions of your tri, by the way?

 

What I'd do in your shoes, fwiw:

Try to build up to riding more than 2x a week if you can to build confidence, like Kaylya says. It sounds like your weak spot, so you'll get more out of improving that than you will out of almost anything else. 

Running: Gradually increase the distance you run by say half a km a week. Think of that as your long run. Try and do shorter runs as well, in between the long runs, in which you alternate running slow with bursts of running fast (not sprinting but pushing yourself harder than is really comfortable) to build your resistance. 

Swimming... um... tbh, I don't know what to advise on this. 

"Bricks" - apparently people who are into triathletes do what they call "bricks" which are apparently two types of exercise back-to-back, like cycle a lot then jump off and go straight into a run. This is partly to get you used to switching from one set of muscles to another as you'll do in the race and partly to practice changing the actual physical set up of your stuff (like changing shoes quickly or whatever). This is probably something to leave for later on when you get closer to race day though - you seem like you need to do the individual sports for now.

 

Good to see peeps sharing their wisdom, and I'm really filled with awe at your iron nerve at taking on this challenge at short notice. Whatever you need to get there, I'm sure you'll have a lot of support here!

[Thister]

Hey SL!

So glad you are back on here! Your challenge goals look great, and I'll be cheering you on with them as we go on this challenge.

 

But first! Since I'm a teacher and since I took the GRE, I thought I'd give you some advice from an academic, a writer, and a persnickety editor of many papers.

 

As you know, I took the GRE. That was about seven years ago, though, and I know the test has changed a bit since then. Still, there are a few things I recommend:

• Obtain a good study guide book. I strongly recommend Barron's study guide over Kaplan's, if it a brand that is still around, because it is much better at explaining the answers and had more example exams to take. 
• Figure out what areas are your weakest. Math not your thing? Verbal skills lacking? Usually an example exam will help you figure out what your weakest at, which will allow you to go forward knowing what to focus on more specifically.
  • Let's say verbal skills are the most difficult. You'll need to focus on increasing your knowledge base of words, grammar in context, and reading comprehension. (You'll also need to focus on writing, but we'll get to that later).
    • For increasing your knowledge base of words, I recommend signing up to oed.com's word of the day emails and Merriam Webster's. Why these two? OED often cycles through older words and gives you the archaic meanings that you'll need to know on the exam. Plus, OED usually breaks down the prefixes and suffixes. MW, on the other hand, usually includes random words that you may or may not have heard or read. Between the two of them, you get a large array of words.
      • After each week, you should have about 14 words. You should review each on note cards and attempt to use them in sentences in writing or in conversation, even if it sounds odd at times. 
      • Keep your cards for each week, and review them each week. So, during week two, you should have 28 words to review, but only 14 to try to use in writing or in conversation. (Perhaps you use the two words you get each day at least once. I don't know. It's up to you to figure out how best it will work.)
      • Once you have about 100 words, have someone else quiz you on them. Randomly shuffle the deck of notecards you have and have that person quiz you. See how many you remember. If you've got over 60, you're doing great. You're likely to remember the more recent words.
        • Set the cards in three piles: 1) words you knew instantly; 2) words you struggled with; 3) words you didn't get at all. For words you knew instantly, set them aside and review them every two weeks from here on out. For words you struggled with, review them weekly until you know them instantly, then review them every two weeks. For words you didn't get at all, try to review them every day or every other day until you only struggle with them or remember them instantly. After that, follow the above cycle.
    • Grammar In Context. I have found Grammar Girl's "The Grammar Devotional" an invaluable tool in helping one learn how to write better and spot grammatical errors easily. This book also helps you make better sense of grammar in context in the passages you'll read and be tasked with selecting the best word choice. The cool thing about the book is that it has easy daily tips and exercises that will help you out. Plus, it even has some unusual words you'll likely want to know for the GRE.
       
    • Reading Comprehension. If you're an avid reader, you'll have no problems with this section. If you don't read often though, get back into it with your favorite book. At the same time, though, begin looking at open-access journal articles. (One of my favorites is "First Monday". It's entirely free.) Why these? Well, the GRE often uses pseudo-research articles for both the reading comprehension and writing sections. Plus, these articles often summarize their work in their conclusion by stating the implications and concerns. The writing section in the GRE will not give you those summaries. Instead, it will push you to figure out the implications. So, if you can identify the implications in the articles you read BEFORE you get to the conclusion, you'll be incredibly prepared for the GRE in both reading comprehension AND the writing sections.
  • Math not your thing? (It wasn't mine, but I did surprisingly well.)
    • As silly as it sounds, I think the two best ways to do better on the math section are to: One, use the study guide book to help teach you when you need to use computation and when you are better making an educated guess; Two, use apps or websites that focus on the kind of math you are struggling with most. If Geometry is a problem for you, find website that give you the formulas and practice problems every day to get on top of it. Keep in mind that the GRE only covers, basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry. No calculus is on the exam. 
  • Writing not your thing? Well...it used to be that you had two writing prompts, so I'm not sure how helpful this will be, but:
    • One prompt asks you to choose between two quotations or arguments posed. You must read both and pick one to construct an argument about in the 45 minutes you are allotted. In my opinion, the best ways to prepare for these are to: 1) Use the article idea I mentioned above, but use the implications sections (and the future questions they often pose) as a springboard for constructing an argument; 2) Use famous quotations as springboards. Yep, seriously. Go to brainyquote.com and find a bunch of quotations and put them on strips of paper and then draw two from a hat and practice creating an argumentative essay in 30 minutes. If you go this route, you'll have to make an argument for your interpretation of the quotation and also provide two to three examples (of real-world historic or contemporary facts) that support your claim/thesis.
      • Regardless of which way you go, your argument prompt should consist of four or five parts: An introduction with a STRONG thesis, two or three body points, and and conclusion. Try structuring your argument to fit this pattern.
    • One prompt asks you to assess the implications (and fallacies) of a lengthy argument already posed. The prompt is usually 400-600 words in length, and there are usually a number of fallacies in the argument that you should be able to pull out and also construct a well reasoned argument FOR, AGAINST, or IN QUALIFICATION (assessing both the good and bad, but arguing that more might need to be done before a final comprehensive conclusion) Again, the using example articles is a great way to figure out what make sense or doesn't make sense to you. You can then write up an example response where you assess the strengths and weaknesses of the article. Time yourself, too, and keep it honest. If you only have 45 minutes for the prompt, then only give yourself 30 minutes when you practice. Why? Because you'll end up realizing that if you can do a solid response in 30, you'll give yourself 10-15 minutes to edit and revise, since grammar, spelling, and logical argumentation count when you are evaluated.
      • Like the other prompt, you must maintain the five part pattern, but the difference here is that your thesis needs to make it clear that you are for, against, or in qualification with the fundamental argument proposed in the prompt. You, therefore, need to carefully word your thesis and not say something like "I agree with..." or "I disagree with..." because these are not considered eloquent. Instead, you should practice writing statements that sound like, "While Gooding, Burke, and Jones claim that deforestation in Indonesia only affects a small percentage of the world's natural resources, the argument fundamentally fails to acknowledge deforestations' convoluted connections to global market instability, local political unrest, and illusory claims to environmental stability." (This is a strong thesis against the argument, but it doesn't say "I disagree..." directly, instead, it sets up the three points you'll go on to argue to attack the argument proposed in the prompt.

 

I know that's a lot to read, but I hope that advice helps you. The GRE isn't some big beast to fear; rather, if you do a little each day, it's not that scary and it's often easier to tackle than you think. Some people don't even study for it. If you're one of them, kudos! If not, I hope these tips help. 

 

Keep on keepin' on!

[18ck]

*applauds wildly for the admirably full answer*

[Scarlet Legend]

Oh Thister, your awesome.

 

I had taken a GRE prep test a couple years ago and I overall averaged out my score and passed as average.

Even though I did better at verbal then math I feel like I was guessing so much more on the verbal.  The math was infuriating because I recognized practically everything on the test but forgot the key basic formulas to use for the problems.  It's one of those things where, "I haven't done this in 6 years!"  I am not really worried about the essays because I got 5s on both, probably because I've been trained to write in non-fiction or journal standards being a science student.

 

In accordance with your advice I have already bought a drill book, that I'm going to cross reference to make sure I know all of the tested content in it, and I'll definitely go through another practice test to see my weaker points right now.  I don't have the funds to buy any other books but I have found a couple flashcard apps for GRE words and formulas that I was going to study.

 

I think the drill book will help the most because it will help me optimize my pacing for the test and mental endurance.

 

Anyway, thank you for all your advice.  I better get started.

[Solstice Tiger]

Hey Scarlet, how did you first week go??

[elril]

In order, you should work on the bike, if you say you can't ride.  You can ride slow, but dumping your bike could get you hurt and end your race.  Get comfortable on it.  Then, get comfortable in the water, get confident for your distance.  Once again, over estimating your abilities there could be dangerous.  Then work on the run, you can always walk the run if need be.  This isn't chronological, is if degree of focus.  work at it and I am sure you will have a great race.

[Terinatum]

How do?

[Scarlet Legend]

Week 1 Update

Hi everyone! Good to see you Soltice Tiger! Thank you all for your advice.

 

Overall this first week has not been very good.  I think a combination of lazyness and getting back into a routine are to blame. Sign.

Q1: I tried biking once and I'm starting to get good balance but then it actually rained where I live so that scratched my other plans for the rest of the week.

Q2: The studying has been going well but not fantastic.  I only studied/made flashcards 3 times out of the week.  I think I have about 20 words down and started reviewing math concepts.

Q3: I only did the workout once this week.  It was really easy to get back into but I got super exhausted at the end.  I was fasting that week so I didn't want to over extend myself.  I also did the balance mini for my workout and i improved!

Life: the budget doesn't help my eating habits either but at least I got it squared away.

 

Again overall picking up the slack week from being away during the holiday.  Got to get the jobs rolling again and just stop being lazy.

I've signed on with the company and now we move.

[Thister]

Hey! You gotta start somewhere, and even if it is a slow start, it's better than nothing.

 

Maybe you should try to do the Beginning Body Workout twice a week for the remainder of the challenge. There's no need to rush, and you'll feel less guilty about missing one extra day. You could make the third one your bonus workout if you are feeling up to it.

 

Get going on those GRE words, SL! Eschew consternation to ameliorate the situation. This is not about self-aggrandizing; rather, it is about prescient preparation. This will vivify you when all is done, though you may be subject to intense lassitude along the way due to all the studying. You are not a lachrymose person, though. You will be dauntless in the face of the GRE!

[Solstice Tiger]

It's definitely difficult to get back into the swing of things after the holidays! I've been struggling with it too (though my laziness also comes from my fiancé not doing the same fitness things I am). I find the best thing for me is to keep telling myself "Just do it, just do it," and once I've started on the way to doing whatever it is, it gets easier to keep going.

[Thister]

Here are some other GRE words for you!

The stories of you in legend will not be apocryphal, should you complete your quest. There will be much aprobation; people will cheer from near and far. Your renown will neigh be liminal. Though you may abhor the process, it will engender great acuity. So venture forth with alacrity! Do not ruminate on the past, for it will be. The onus is on you for your future.

 

XD Ok, seriously, I'm done.

[Thister]

Hope all is well! Just checking in on you, buddy.

[18ck]

How's the last week been?

[Scarlet Legend]

Get going on those GRE words, SL! Eschew consternation to ameliorate the situation. This is not about self-aggrandizing; rather, it is about prescient preparation. This will vivify you when all is done, though you may be subject to intense lassitude along the way due to all the studying. You are not a lachrymose person, though. You will be dauntless in the face of the GRE!

 

 

The stories of you in legend will not be apocryphal, should you complete your quest. There will be much aprobation; people will cheer from near and far. Your renown will neigh be liminal. Though you may abhor the process, it will engender great acuity. So venture forth with alacrity! Do not ruminate on the past, for it will be. The onus is on you for your future.

 

 

Your a tantalizing pedagogue.  You intentionally prevaricate anomalous word amalgams to galvanize my disinterested and laconic nature.  Well I must betray my acrimony for involved and equivocal tongue twisters.

 

in short...

 

Your a jerk, but thank you.

[Scarlet Legend]

Week 2 Update

 

I have not done well this week guys.  I've restricted myself to my own room becoming less gregarious and increasingly frugal with my expenses.  This is mostly bad for me but I just don't want to continue to be a prodigal mess.

Anyway...

 

Q1: is a bust because I didn't get on my bike at all.  My way of buttressing the situation is that I don't have a helmet and I'm so miserly that I don't want to get one.

Q2: is obviously going very well.  I have mostly been doing flashcards but I think I have at least 20 to 30 words down.  Not bad for about a week.

Q3: has also been a bust from sheer laziness.  I need to really get on that and not be impertinent to my own goals.

Life: is not doing it's best either even though I've become more and more aware of my profligate budget.

 

(sorry for all the words but once I start I can't stop and it is good practice)

 

Overall bad week on exercise, good week for studying.  I've always been more of a scholar, maybe I should be a wizard class.

 

Anyway here is an awesome video brought to you by one of my best friends

 

(someone really needs to teach me how to put up the actual video in the post)

[Terinatum]

Hey Scarlet Legend,

 

Sorry to hear things are rough right now. Been there. It's hard to motivate yourself without knowing you'll feel better than before you started. But a nest in your room is a decent decision in my book. Pamper yourself a bit, you've earned it. Seriously, be good to yourself for getting you right here as your are now. Be present with the accomplishments you've done for yourself.

 

To paste a YouTube vid, you can just paste the URL into the body of teh post and it will fetch the vid and display it without any help from your toolbar.

 

Hugs!

[Thister]

Way to go with your words, SL! Your verbosity knows no limits with me.

As far as your first and third goals go, don't beat yourself up. Maybe you can do something else that relates to them that would help you or you could simplify them a bit. Everything in moderation and everything in time, friend.

 

You are not incorrigible! You are elastic. Bend, don't break.

[Terinatum]

How are you doing now that week 3 is finishing up?

[Scarlet Legend]

Sorry for the delay guys, I've overall just been neglecting my NF goals because I'm working on writing a science curriculum and found my self teaching children about half of the week.  

Life is crazy so I don't have much to report.

 

Some good news is that I might be getting another job soon that I really wanted to got.  Fingers crossed.

[18ck]

Any more news on teh job front? And check in when you can - no pressure, but it would be good to know gow your tri training - trining??? - is coming along.

[Terinatum]

How's the science curriculum coming along?