Amdhiel's Quest to Become BAMF v4

[Amdhiel]

PLACEHOLDER FOR FUN TIMES

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

This is my 4th challenge and my 3rd as an assassin!

 

My life is changing in good ways. I just got offered a position at the company where I've been contracting and they agreed to pay me what I was hoping to get (this surprised me big time). I want to set myself up for success and a big bonus at the end of 2015. In order to do that I need to change some habits (I'm looking at you sleep) and build some additional ones (stress reduction please). 

 

My goal with this challenge is to keep up the healthy habits that I've already built and make some adjustments to help set me up for success. I think I'm really working on building a more anti fragile lifestyle and my confidence or maybe I have no clue what I'm really working towards at this point. I'll figure it out, I hope .

 

MAIN QUEST:

Decrease body fat to 20-23.5% and learn to use my body effectively by improving strength, flexibility and whatever else I find lacking. Really its all about building solid habits while having fun   . 

 

QUEST 1:  No Rest for the Wicked (CON, WIS)

I want to change my ways when it comes to sleep and getting out the door in the morning. I've been getting to work around nine which means I'm stuck in the office until five or six at night. This pattern is driven by my tendency to stay up until after 11 which is fine occasionally but leaves me less time during the day to do interesting stuff. I'm going to work towards getting to sleep between 9 and 10 on week nights and catching the 7:15 or 7:45 bus for work in the mornings

• Fall asleep between 9 and 10 on week nights
• Catch the 7:15 or 7:45 bus to work

QUEST 2: Live Life in the Moment (WIS, CHA, CON)

 

I want to be present for my life and more comfortable in my head and skin. I've done work with meditation and mindfulness in the past and now I want to build it into my everyday life. I need every little bit of help I can get to keep myself moving in the right direction.

• Meditate for at least 2 minutes using Calm 7 days a week

QUEST 3: Feel the Burn (STA, CON, DEX)

While I've been awesome and learned to run, I've found that I'm not the biggest fan of using a treadmill. I'm also not the biggest fan of running outside when its stupid cold which is a problem in Madison. In order to combat these factors which are decreasing my cardio, I'll do at least 2 random non-weightlifting sessions of 30 minutes a week. The sessions can be any of the cardio or HIIT workouts from Niela Ray or a class if I can find one that works.

• ​2 cardio sessions a week

LIFE QUEST: (WIS, DEX)

I can't decide between picking a book to read or working on learning Python. Python would be useful for work and I like programming. Maybe I'll pick a book to read about Python and do both . I need something to get me moving on the whole learning another programming language thing (preferably one that's good for data analysis). I'll update with final decision on Sunday.

 

BEFORE PICS:

 

 

BEFORE MEASUREMENTS:

 

• Weight: 160.2
• Chest: 35.75
• Waist: 28
• Hips: 38.5
• Thighs (L/R): 21.5|21.5
• Calves (L/R): 15.38|15.25
• BF %: 23.9%

[starsapart]

Here for awesome!

[erosan]

Wow, lots of us are having problems with resting properly... Sub'd

[lucky fire dragon]

here to follow your awesomeness

 

I really like your sleep goal and might have to try that on myself some time... only thing, when do I catch up with the NF forums then

 

When you say, non-weightlifting workout does that mean you are doing weightlifting workouts regularly, too and they are just such a self-running habit already that you don't need to mention them here? If so, I'd be curious to know what you do and how often? 

 

 

All ears and couldn't resist placing a first image 

 

Best of success on this great challenge!

[blkhole24601]

 

My life is changing in good ways. I just got offered a position at the company where I've been contracting and they agreed to pay me what I was hoping to get (this surprised me big time). 

 

 

YAAAAY! Congrats!

 

 

QUEST 3: Feel the Burn (STA, CON, DEX)

While I've been awesome and learned to run, I've found that I'm not the biggest fan of using a treadmill. I'm also not the biggest fan of running outside when its stupid cold which is a problem in Madison. 

 

 

This is me. I hate the treadmill and I hate running outside when it's cold. Hence why I haven't really run in too long. HIIT on the treadmill makes it more bearable but.... eh. There's a reason I'm not too terribly upset I've had to give up running temporarily in favor of other things. ;;;;;;

 

Subbing for the awesomeness~

[starsapart]

I just got offered a position at the company where I've been contracting and they agreed to pay me what I was hoping to get (this surprised me big time).

 

Just realized.

 

This means.....

 

BOUNCY INFLATABLE RACE IN DENVER Y/Y?????

[Amdhiel]

Here for awesome!

 

Awesome is the goal!! I'm well on my way... deadlifted 130lbs this morning .

 

Wow, lots of us are having problems with resting properly... Sub'd

 

Heh... I'm a slightly reformed insomniac so rest can be a challege.

 

here to follow your awesomeness

 

I really like your sleep goal and might have to try that on myself some time... only thing, when do I catch up with the NF forums then

 

When you say, non-weightlifting workout does that mean you are doing weightlifting workouts regularly, too and they are just such a self-running habit already that you don't need to mention them here? If so, I'd be curious to know what you do and how often? 

 

 

All ears and couldn't resist placing a first image 

 

Best of success on this great challenge!

 

I feel for you on the catching up with NF. I know that it will be a struggle to keep up especially since I want to be more active this time around. I'm hoping the other scheduling changes will help balance things out.

 

I'm weightlifting (barbell) regularly. I started during the last challenge and its a program based off of StrongLifts. So I'm doing deadlift, squat, bench, row and OHP with some supplemental exercises thrown in to the mix 3x a week. The lifting is easy for me to stick with because it's so easy to see my achievements.

[Amdhiel]

YAAAAY! Congrats!

 

 

 

This is me. I hate the treadmill and I hate running outside when it's cold. Hence why I haven't really run in too long. HIIT on the treadmill makes it more bearable but.... eh. There's a reason I'm not too terribly upset I've had to give up running temporarily in favor of other things. ;;;;;;

 

Subbing for the awesomeness~

 

THANK YOU!!! I'm excited and scared to death which is why this challenge is what it is

 

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who hates those two things. I don't really *hate* the treadmill its just harder to see how well I'm actually doing and doesn't require as much mental fortitude.

 

Just realized.

 

This means.....

 

BOUNCY INFLATABLE RACE IN DENVER Y/Y?????

 

You are correct ... ALL THE EXCIT!!! (I was wondering if you'd do the math )

[starsapart]

You are correct ... ALL THE EXCIT!!! (I was wondering if you'd do the math )

 

I'm good at math~

 

So basically tell me when you're flying in.

[Amdhiel]

I'm good at math~

 

So basically tell me when you're flying in.

 

Well... I have yet to figure that out but I will be talking to you about it. I want to make sure to schedule it right so we have time for all the crazy fun stuff (ya know.. cirque and shopping and whatever else).

[shaar]

 

My life is changing in good ways. I just got offered a position at the company where I've been contracting and they agreed to pay me what I was hoping to get (this surprised me big time).

 

 

SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  CONGRATS, you deserve this opportunity and are going to rock it out!  YAY!!!!

 

Also, subbing for AWESOME~

[Amdhiel]

SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  CONGRATS, you deserve this opportunity and are going to rock it out!  YAY!!!!

 

Also, subbing for AWESOME~

 

THANKS!!!

[lucky fire dragon]

I feel for you on the catching up with NF. I know that it will be a struggle to keep up especially since I want to be more active this time around. I'm hoping the other scheduling changes will help balance things out.

 

I'm weightlifting (barbell) regularly. I started during the last challenge and its a program based off of StrongLifts. So I'm doing deadlift, squat, bench, row and OHP with some supplemental exercises thrown in to the mix 3x a week. The lifting is easy for me to stick with because it's so easy to see my achievements.

 

That's good to know, thanks. Just looked up your last challenge on it

I never thought I would say this, but am pondering heavier lifting for the near future more and more. I'd really like to build that strength, what I can't stand are fitness studios though and apart from the costs, the timing is really challenging for us. On the other hand getting the equipment at home is a big investment, too. Hmm, there must be other options, so I'll keep pondering

[Evermist]

Sounds like a good challenge! All the best Subbing to cheer you on!

[Aces3000]

Subbed!

[Amdhiel]

That's good to know, thanks. Just looked up your last challenge on it

I never thought I would say this, but am pondering heavier lifting for the near future more and more. I'd really like to build that strength, what I can't stand are fitness studios though and apart from the costs, the timing is really challenging for us. On the other hand getting the equipment at home is a big investment, too. Hmm, there must be other options, so I'll keep pondering

 

There are lots of ways that you can lift heavy with out a bunch of equipment . I started out with YAYOG and did the 10 week BASIC program which helped me a bunch. You can do the program from the book or download the app and the author has released a few other programs. Another option would be to look at startbodyweight. I switched to using a gym because I don't have a way to do bodyweight rows at home unless I go outside to the park next door. Plus I found an awesome gym that's associated with one of the local health care providers. Its small, they always have someone one the floor and they will help you build a program. Plus... I'm one of 3-4 people that use the squat rack which is AWESOME.

 

Sounds like a good challenge! All the best Subbing to cheer you on!

Subbed!

Yay!!

[Amdhiel]

So ... I know the challenge doesn't start until tomorrow but I feel like making an update.

 

Friday, I hit the gym first thing in the morning because I had to go get a drug test done in the afternoon (yay for starting a new job).

• Squat 3x8x90
• Row 1x8x80, 1x7x80, 1x6x80
• OHP 2x7x50, 1x6x50
• Bench 1x5x70, 1x8x65, 1x6x65
• Deadlift 1x8x95, 1x8x115, 1x8x130

Saturday, I did a bunch of walking and got my hair dyed and trimmed. Also did 3 rounds of the mockingjay routine from Neila Ray, it was pretty fun and I'll probably do it again a few times. I think I'll just pick 2-4 options from Neila Ray to use as my cardio options for the challenge.

 

Today is a pretty quite day of chores. I also went to see Kingsman. I meant to take pics and measurements this morning but I forgot so I'll do it tomorrow before work.

[Aces3000]

Awesome challenge! Can't wait to track your progress. Seems like we're both looking at our sleep habits this time around. It seems like such a small thing, but has a huge impact on how I feel during the day.

[Pavelluvs2eat]

Poppies, poppies will put them to sleeeeeep!

 

Sorry. Had a Wizard of Oz moment there. Subbed for teh awesome that's sure to ensue!

[Mad Hatter]

Great challenge! I look forward to seeing how changing your sleep cycle will work out as it's been on my mind lately too. It just makes a lot of sense to finish early, all I do in the morning is procrastinate anyway and getting off at 4 instead of 5 or 6 makes such a big difference.  

[Amdhiel]

Great challenge! I look forward to seeing how changing your sleep cycle will work out as it's been on my mind lately too. It just makes a lot of sense to finish early, all I do in the morning is procrastinate anyway and getting off at 4 instead of 5 or 6 makes such a big difference.  

 

That's pretty much my situation. It also doesn't help that I'm beholden to the bus system and the bus by my house only run once every 30/60 minutes depending on time of day. 

[Amdhiel]

Poppies, poppies will put them to sleeeeeep!

 

Sorry. Had a Wizard of Oz moment there. Subbed for teh awesome that's sure to ensue!

 

YAY!! I haven't seen you in a while, how's it going?

[Amdhiel]

Week 1, Day 1 - Morning Update

 

I got to bed ontime last night and then I almost skipped out on catching the bus on time this morning. I was going to justify it based on the windchill advisory but decided that it was no way to start this challenge. I'm proud of myself for flipping things around and getting on the bus. I did compromise with myself and decide not to walk part of the way to work.

[shaar]

Week 1, Day 1 - Morning Update

 

I got to bed ontime last night and then I almost skipped out on catching the bus on time this morning. I was going to justify it based on the windchill advisory but decided that it was no way to start this challenge. I'm proud of myself for flipping things around and getting on the bus. I did compromise with myself and decide not to walk part of the way to work.

 

 

This is awesome, you totally talked yourself into doing the right thing!  I am proud of you too lady, kick ass!! :D

[Amdhiel]

This is awesome, you totally talked yourself into doing the right thing!  I am proud of you too lady, kick ass!! :D

 

Thanks!!  :love_heart:

 

It was a little rough but I checked the weather a few times and there wasn't much wind so I figured I'd be fine. It's one of those rare times where I wish I had a car LOL.