Beyond stone walls

[Sovellis]

Sovellis woke, still sitting int he chair he had fallen asleep in the night before. A book telliing of great past victories lay on the small table beside a nearly empty bottle. He tried to stretch the stiffness from his limbs, his joints creaking and popping from disuse and old injuries. Groaning, he willed himself out of his seat. He wasn't old, but he felt old. When had his body begun to feel like this, so broken and weak? He couldn't remember, but he could remember how it had felt before. He used to be strong and agile, a force to be recconned with despite his slender frame. Now there were days where merely walking up a flight of steps seemed a great feat. 

 

He moved to the window, limping slightly from the stiffness in his joints. Looking out the window of the tower to the forrest beyond the city wall, he sighed. He wanted to be out there again, strong and fast and ferocious, just as he had been before responsibilities and injuries had relegated him to a life of books and meetings behind the safety of stone walls. He couldn't keep living like this, it was killing him. He knew he could never again be the kind of warrior he had been, but something needed to change.

 

<------<<<

 

Starting Statistics: I will soon be 30 years old, and am currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am 5'8'' 165 lbs and nowhere near as active as I used to be. I used to play collegiate rugby at a Big Ten school, but as I accrued injuries and my academic career progressed, I became progressively less and less physically active. This has led me to feel disconnected from and distrustful of my body. My plan is to go with the ranger class, as I like the balance between strength and endurance.

 

Main Quest: I want to feel good in my body again, both in how it feels and how it looks. I know I will never play rugby again, but I want to feel strong and confident and capable again. I want to feel healthy and at home in my own body again.

 

 

Goal 1:(STA) Bike on the indoor trainer (it's currently -194 degrees or something outside) at least 20 minutes every day.

• A= >37days B= >33 days C= >29 D= >25 F= <21Days
  

Goal 2:(CON) Get outside, not just going from one place to another, for 10 min every day, and keep a log of how much I drink each day.

• A= >37days B= >33 days C= >29 D= >25 F= <21Days
  

Goal 3:(STR) Complete my weight training routine (modified to take into consideration old injuries) 3 times a week

• A= >15 B= 12 -14 pts C= 9 - 11 pts D= 6 - 8 pts F= 5 or less.
  

Goal 4:(DEX) Go to the archery range and shoot for 1 hour at least twice a week.

• A= >12 B= 9 -11 pts C= 6 - 8 pts D= 3 - 5 pts F= 2 or less.
  

 

 

Life Goal:(WIS) Meditate 3 times a week to reduce anxiety and reconnect spiritually. Re-evaluate at 3 and 6 weeks.

• A= >15 B= 12 -14 pts C= 9 - 11 pts D= 6 - 8 pts F= 5 or less.
  

 

Motivation:  It might sound silly or stupid, but I basically want to become in real life as close to my D&D character as possible. Very talented archer, smart, strong, charismatic. That character in many ways is a depiction of my ideal self.

[Sovellis]

Day one. After deciding that yes, he does need to make changes in his life, and coming up with specific goals toward that end, Sovellis becomes bogged down in the frustrations of meetings and other duties. As the sun sets, he grumbles, berating himself for not having accomplished any of his goals. At least he could count his drinks tonight as he read.

 

 

<------<<<

 

Addendum: I did manage to get to bed by midnight, mostly thanks to my girlfriend, and I did track the number of drinks I had. So I guess I met at least one goal. :-P

[Sarah Barr]

It's only day one! Many other days left this challenge, plenty room in which you can kick some arse. Try and get your biking in first thing, before the work of the day has time to grind you down, and you'll always be able to say you achieved one of your goals that day.

 

 

Motivation:  It might sound silly or stupid, but I basically want to become in real life as close to my D&D character as possible

 

You know this is Nerd Fitness, right? Yay for D&D! 

 

Good luck today!

[HanShotFirst]

Feel your pain on the no rugby front.

 

Today is a new day, you've got this!

[Sovellis]

Day 2

 

Sovellis collapsed into his favorite chair, exhausted and panting. He didn't remember his old training routine ever having been this difficult, but he had done it and it felt great! Contrary to his fears, his old injuries didn't seem to give him much trouble, and if anything his joints felt looser and more comfortable than they had in ages. He was less sure that he would be able to attend the archery training that evening, and he still had his regular duties to attend to. Heh, he had better make himself presentable before he got too comfortable. Man he could go for a cold ale or glass of sweet wine right now. That would have to wait until later.

 

<------<<<

 

Thanks for the encouraging words everyone! So I managed my first session on the bike and did a round of weight training, and man am I pooped! I think I'm in even worse shape than I thought. Oh well, it feels great so far, now I just gotta keep it up!

[Sovellis]

Alright, I'm feeling a little self conscious, and hopefully talking about it will help. I am great at setting up fitness goals and programs to reach those goals. I am terrible at staying interested long enough to reach said goals. My posts have been far more heavily rp/prose/whatever than almost anyone else's that I've seen so far, but I really think that this is what will keep me interested, keep me excited. I don't know what other people here think about this, or why I care. 

[LadyAern]

A few thoughts:

First off, congratulations on an awesome Day 2! I swear, the hardest part is starting again.

Secondly, your motivation is completely reasonable.

And finally, have no fear, your entries are quite evocative and well done, and if they hold your interest, so much the better! I was planning on doing something similar (as the start of my Battle Log shows) but I ended up nixing the thought due to my life quest devouring all my spare writing time. I'm certain I've seen other RP entries around but I'm afraid I can't recall whose they were (other than the Assault on Brightwater of course).

[Sovellis]

A few thoughts:

First off, congratulations on an awesome Day 2! I swear, the hardest part is starting again.

Secondly, your motivation is completely reasonable.

And finally, have no fear, your entries are quite evocative and well done, and if they hold your interest, so much the better! I was planning on doing something similar (as the start of my Battle Log shows) but I ended up nixing the thought due to my life quest devouring all my spare writing time. I'm certain I've seen other RP entries around but I'm afraid I can't recall whose they were (other than the Assault on Brightwater of course).

 

Yay! I figured out how to do the quote thing! Anyways...

 

Thanks, I'm glad you like them. I'm not sure why I feel self conscious about it, since if other people don't like it, they don't have to read it. I'm going to keep doing it because it's fun, and try not to worry too much about it. What sort of thing are you writing? 

[CyclingMimi]

At least you're making a change. Keep up the great work!!

[Sovellis]

He was tired, he was sore. It was hard for him to focus. He just wanted to sleep. Unfortunately, he still needed to finish these letters of introduction for some stupid human called Ethan. Just one more. He could do it, he told himself. He refilled his glass. Maybe he had been fooling himself that he could change anything. This was his life now, such as it was. Depressing as it was. His head swam from fatigue and drink as he tried to finish the last of the work expected of him. 

 

<------<<<

 

Needless to say, I missed my 2 am bedtime, despite being bone tired. I have several more cover letters I need to finish by this Thursday, which is making things extra difficult this week. Additionally, the range was totally booked tonight so I couldn't go shoot. At least I have that good ache in my muscles again for the first time in many months.

[Sovellis]

Waking up was distinctly unpleasant. His muscles ached, his joints were even more stiff than usual, and on top of it, his head ached slightly. It took a while to convince him that getting out of bed was, in fact, a good idea. He did have work to do, after all. Today he would make sure his duties had been completed before attempting any more training. Things were so much simpler and easier when he didn't have to worry about reports and paperwork and meetings. 

 

After a light breakfast he was feeling significantly more like himself, though his body still protested any time he asked it to move. He wondered what his old friends would think if they could see him like this. He couldn't even remember the last time he had bothered to braid his hair. Perhaps it was time to start doing that again.

 

<------<<<

 

So yeah, this morning is uncomfortable to say the least, but the plan is get my academics done, bike, and go to the range. Not sure if I'm brave enough to take my own bow just yet, but we'll see. Now I just need to finish these cover letters... ugh.

[LadyAern]

What sort of thing are you writing? 

I'm currently finishing up a young adult fantasy novel from last year. It's your average coming of age story about a cobbler's apprentice who becomes a necromancer.

 

So yeah, this morning is uncomfortable to say the least, but the plan is get my academics done, bike, and go to the range. Not sure if I'm brave enough to take my own bow just yet, but we'll see. Now I just need to finish these cover letters... ugh.

I find stretching out before heading to bed, even just a few quick and easy ones, really helps with morning pains.

Keep your chin up! The cover letters have to end sometime! Well, I suppose they could be breeding in the dark somewhere. Dun dun duuuuun.

As for the range, always remember, you have the same right to be there as everyone else. Unless you broke in, of course.

[Sovellis]

I'm currently finishing up a young adult fantasy novel from last year. It's your average coming of age story about a cobbler's apprentice who becomes a necromancer.

 

That sounds awesome! I wouldn't mind reading something like that when it's finished. :-)

 

 

I find stretching out before heading to bed, even just a few quick and easy ones, really helps with morning pains.

Keep your chin up! The cover letters have to end sometime! Well, I suppose they could be breeding in the dark somewhere. Dun dun duuuuun.

 

Yeah, I've always been bad about remembering to stretch, and I swear they must be breeding somewhere! I need to find the nest and kill it with fire! lol

[Sovellis]

He let his head fall forward onto the desk, wondering if it was possible to die from sitting at a desk for too long. Leaning back after a moment, he rubbed the ink smudge off his forehead and looked out the window at the gently falling snow. He wanted so badly to be out there, going somewhere, doing something, instead of chained to this infernal desk. His frustration and soreness made it tempting to give up on his desire to go shooting tonight, but he knew that would get him nowhere. Just a little bit more and he would be free. He just hoped the sun wouldn't be entirely set by then.

[Sovellis]

As soon as the last paper was tucked away in its place for the night, he was out the door. He craved to hold a weapon again, but he forced himself to do his exercises first. Afterward, not caring about the sweat dripping down his back, he walked out to the practice range. He felt almost giddy with anticipation. When he arrived, there were few who had braved the snow to practice. He chose a lane and pulled the bow. Slowing his breathing, he corrected his form, aimed, and released. While his shot landed wide of the the center, a smile spread across his face. Even the snow wasn't bothering him. As he continued, his groupings got tighter, and then his arms began to tire and they spread out again. He kept shooting anyway. He kept shooting until his fingers had gone numb and he was the only one left at the range. Packing up and heading home, he couldn't stop smiling. His whole body ached and he was exhausted, but he felt so good.

 

<------<<<

 

Woo! Got my school stuff done, rode the bike, and walked to the range(1-2 miles each way)! The targets at the range are tricolored, with yellow being the innermost area. For the first time ever I got 3 consecutive shots in the yellow! I asked one of the guys at the range when the next intro to archery class was, but he said I probably didn't need it. I thought he was going to recommend the intermediate class, but instead he suggested adult training! Wonderful little confidence boost to end the day!

[LadyAern]

WOOOOOO! Bravo! Biking, walking and archery! It's like some sort of mystical triathlon. Seriously though, three in a row in the gold is awesome, well done!

[Sovellis]

WOOOOOO! Bravo! Biking, walking and archery! It's like some sort of mystical triathlon. Seriously though, three in a row in the gold is awesome, well done!

 

It is at the shorter range, but still, it's awesome to see improvement so quickly!

[Cirrus]

Its nice to see I'm not the only one who's trying to get back into shape after losing it post-sports. 

Don't be nervous about the RP entries, I think they are fantastic and I'd do them myself but I don't have much time on my hands between school, work, and workouts and I'm not very confident in my writing. 

 

Super cool that you are doing archery, and it looks like you've been doing well so far. Keep going!

[Sycopat]

Hey man, I think the RP stuff is great! And so is the progress, very impressive.

[StarRuby]

I love that first piece of prose. It's concise and the language you used was fan-freaking-tastic. It really evoked the feeling of an aging warrior, or at the very least someone who had once seen days of glory and woke to realize that those days have passed and won't be back again without work. It's very much a fall-from-grace-then-rise-stronger-from-the-ashes piece!

 

Also, it was cool to see someone who wanted to be a little more like their D&D characters. I can completely relate to that because I too want to be a little more like the people I pretend to be on the weekend. I feel like we're drawn to characters sometimes who have things that we don't think we have, but we really do (but it's just hiding.) 

 

 

but now, on to something more relevant!

 

I read about your archery escapades and I get all warm and tingly inside. I really related to the phrase "His whole body ached and he was exhausted, but he felt so good." You've got some serious drive, and I can't wait to read more of your adventure. 

[Sovellis]

Oh my goodness! Thank you for the support everyone! 

 

 

 

I love that first piece of prose. It's concise and the language you used was fan-freaking-tastic. It really evoked the feeling of an aging warrior, or at the very least someone who had once seen days of glory and woke to realize that those days have passed and won't be back again without work. It's very much a fall-from-grace-then-rise-stronger-from-the-ashes piece!

 

So glad you liked it! It was a surprisingly difficult piece to write, since it meant actually admitting how much I had lost since my rugby days. I hope I can rise from the ashes, as you say. 

 

 

 

Also, it was cool to see someone who wanted to be a little more like their D&D characters. I can completely relate to that because I too want to be a little more like the people I pretend to be on the weekend. I feel like we're drawn to characters sometimes who have things that we don't think we have, but we really do (but it's just hiding.) 

 

Oh definitely! This version of Sovellis is a bit different from the one I play in D&D, mostly because in the game he's the equivalent of 19-21 and only just getting his first real taste of adventure. The NF version is more the equivalent of 30-35ish, and at a very different point in his life. Also, the D&D version is a beast with a bow and hates melee, whereas the NF version was more a straight up sword and board fighter in his day. This is to make his back story more similar to mine and parallel my time in rugby. 

 

 

 

I read about your archery escapades and I get all warm and tingly inside. I really related to the phrase "His whole body ached and he was exhausted, but he felt so good." You've got some serious drive, and I can't wait to read more of your adventure. 

 

Oh man, I'm trying to keep his story as close to my experience as possible, obviously changing some details, and wow have I been sore the past couple days! Not really looking forward to weight training today, but it's got to happen!

[Sovellis]

Wow. He hadn't believed he could feel even more sore, but his body was working hard to prove him wrong. He stretched and flexed until he  could move more or less normally again. While he was preparing breakfast he noticed something else that had changed. His head was clear, he felt awake even before coffee, and he wasn't tired. That this was so different from his usual morning experience again highlighted just how bad things had become. At least he was making changes now. Being as worn out from everything as he was the night before, it was no trouble at all for him head to bed at a reasonable hour, and it seemed as though he had managed to sleep straight through the night. Maybe this was worth all the soreness and stiffness. He smiled.

 

<------<<<

[lululee]

hey, I really like your writing such a cool idea! following!

 

hope we can both feel a lot more connected to our bodies at the end of the challenge... fingers crossed!

 

oh, and archery..... a true elf! 

[Sovellis]

Thanks so much, it helps me feel less silly about my little stories to know that people are enjoying them.    And a big part of my initial interest in archery was the association with elves, but oh man it has been one of those things that just clicks! This is exactly what I should be doing right now.

[Sovellis]

Another day of training down. He was still incredibly sore, but it somehow seemed less than it had the previous couple of days. This new devotion to regaining his strength and endurance was also having some side effects he had not accounted for. In the past years, he had fallen out of the habit of eating regular meals, simply because he didn't get terribly hungry, and occasionally he would forget to eat at all. In contrast, the past couple days saw the return of his appetite, and today he couldn't seem to stop thinking about food. This made making it through his work had been even more difficult than usual, despite him having eaten just prior. He knew his body was rebuilding right now, and needed the extra raw materials, but he wasn't used to having to take so much time just for eating! At least he was a good cook and this gave him an excellent excuse to spend some time in the kitchen. He had almost forgotten how satisfying it could be to construct a meal for himself.

 

<------<<<