TheMarvelPrincess Finishes the Semester Strong

[TheMarvelPrincess]

Hey there, Rebels! I'm heading into my third challenge, and I'm hoping to push myself even harder. I only have 3 weeks left in this semester, but I'll probably stay on campus for an extra 6 weeks to take a "Maymester" and work. Anyways, life will for sure get a bit easier, so I want to start my summer break off strong by finishing this challenge! 
 
I'm breaking this challenge into "Fitness" and "Life" goals, although there's a bit of crossover. Thanks for following me on this journey!
 
Current Weight/Measurements:
Weight - 120lbs
Bust - 34"
Waist - 30 1/2"
Hips - 37"
Thighs - 21 1/2“
 

Fitness Goals

 
GOAL 1: Run like Wonder Woman. (Run, or Use Elliptical or Treadmill 3 days a week)

(Fun fact - my English professor is Lynda Carter's first cousin. Unfortunately, I still don't have an autograph.) 
Details: I am not a big runner. It's just not something I've ever done, and I've been okay because I've found other ways to stay fit. However, I need to up my endurance. I am only choosing to do 3 days a week because I get a lot of cardio from dance (especially tap) and I don’t want to set too high a goal. 
Possible Points: +3 Stamina
Current Progress: 2/20 Days
 
GOAL 2: Do a Handstand (Take 2!)

Details: This was my goal in my last quest, but it didn’t happen. I have managed to stay in a wall handstand for 60 seconds, but I can’t do it consistently. I also can’t get up on my own away from the wall. So, I’m going to try it again!
Possible Points: +2 Dexterity
Current Progress: Can hold a wall handstand for 60 seconds. Can get into a handstand away from the wall. 
 
 
GOAL 3: Hulk up! (Regular Weight-lifting

Details:I am trying to get more into regular weight-lifting, beyond what I do in my tiny apartment. I’ve been trying to use the free-weights at the gym, but I need the added motivation of making it part of my challenge. I'm also partial to bodyweight stuff, so I will probably rotate between that and free-weights. I’m shooting for a bare minimum of 4 days a week - but hopefully I'll make more than that. 
Possible Points: +2 Strength
Current Progress: 2/24 Days
 
 

Life Goals

 
GOAL 1: Get more sleep.

Details: I used to have a very steady sleep schedule, and unlike most college students, I'm not into partying and I rarely stay up late of my own accord. (#nerd) But recently, especially this past semester, I've been getting an average of 4-6 hours of sleep. I didn't notice it until I got a FitBit and started tracking my sleep, but MAN is that unhealthy. So I'm going to work on getting more sleep.
Possible points: +2 Constitution
Current Progress: 4/42 Nights of at least 7 1/2 hours of sleep.
 
 
GOAL 2: Pass the Psychology CLEP Test (And not Britta it)

Details: I need to knock some of these GenEds out of the way so I won't have so much going on. First up: Psychology! I'm basically gonna be a therapist, guys.
Possible points: +3 Wisdom
Current Progress: Studied first 4 chapters of Textbook
 
 
GOAL 3: "I...am not left-handed." (Regular Fencing!)

Details: So I've done a little fencing in the way of workshops (and a lot of stage combat, since I'm an actor), but I never had the opportunity to do it regularly. Thankfully, I now have access to a fencing school that has adult classes DURING times I can take them! So I start on the 18th with a weekend intensive, and I'll be doing it regularly after that. I am really excited about it, since it's something I always wanted to do but never had the time. Also, this school teaches historical fencing, which I'm totally into. I'm actually making this a "Charisma" challenge, because it just makes me incredibly happy, and what's more charismatic than a 5'4" chick with a sword? Absolutely nothing!
Possible points: +3 Charisma
Current Progress: 

[Son of Rylos]

Looks like very solid and balanced goals. Looks like you have things pretty well planned out. Plus, classes being done makes things easier and harder (easier because you feel like you have more time, harder because it could be easy to blow things off with the extra time). 

 

Subbed, Following, and wishing the best of Luck!!

[Presea]

Following!  You've got this, Marvel!

[SunlitSapling]

Awesome goals!! I'm definitely going to be checking up on this thread!

[SpiralGalaxy]

Love the goals, especially the fencing! I did fencing as a fencer and also as a referee for years--I made so many awesome friends in that community. Enjoy!

 

Also, good luck on the test prep! You've got this!

[TheMarvelPrincess]

Looks like very solid and balanced goals. Looks like you have things pretty well planned out. Plus, classes being done makes things easier and harder (easier because you feel like you have more time, harder because it could be easy to blow things off with the extra time). 

 

Subbed, Following, and wishing the best of Luck!!

 

Thanks! You're right, that's going to be my struggle. I think I'll have more time, but I'm such a creature of habit that when my schedule changes, I'm often just thrown off. But I'm not going to let that happen this time!  

 

Following!  You've got this, Marvel!

Thanks, Presea! 

 

Awesome goals!! I'm definitely going to be checking up on this thread!

Thank you! Glad to have you along for the ride.  

 

Love the goals, especially the fencing! I did fencing as a fencer and also as a referee for years--I made so many awesome friends in that community. Enjoy!

 

Also, good luck on the test prep! You've got this!

Thank you! I'm super excited about it. I've heard good things about the community here too, and I'm glad to have a chance to mingle with people outside of my school. College can turn into a sort of bubble that gets very overwhelming at times. So I think fencing will be good for me in more ways than one. 

[Jett]

Woo, nice goals.

[TheMarvelPrincess]

Woo, nice goals.

Thanks Jenn!

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

GOAL 3: "I...am not left-handed." (Regular Fencing!)

Details: So I've done a little fencing in the way of workshops (and a lot of stage combat, since I'm an actor), but I never had the opportunity to do it regularly. Thankfully, I now have access to a fencing school that has adult classes DURING times I can take them! So I start on the 18th with a weekend intensive, and I'll be doing it regularly after that. I am really excited about it, since it's something I always wanted to do but never had the time. Also, this school teaches historical fencing, which I'm totally into. I'm actually making this a "Charisma" challenge, because it just makes me incredibly happy, and what's more charismatic than a 5'4" chick with a sword? Absolutely nothing!

Possible points: +3 Charisma

Current Progress:

That's so cool. I'm into HEMA myself and want to get a part-time job to join a school. They have Rapier lessons, too.

It's hard to learn properly, when you don't have somebody to watch your form.

Good luck with your goals!

[Milo]

Time for a mid-week update, I think?

 

[TheMarvelPrincess]

1st Week Check-In

 

Hey guys! Time for my first check in.

 

• Things are going pretty steadily. I've rotated weight lifting and running, and have been enjoying it so far. I have noticed that since starting Nerd Fitness, I've gotten to the point where I actually enjoy working out. Go figure! So that was a pretty satisfying revelation. 
• Something I am really excited about - my HANDSTANDS! I actually have been able to really easily get into a handstand away from the wall for the last couple of days. I just went for it, and something clicked! I don't quite have the strength/balance to stay there, but it was SO satisfying. I think it helped that I took a week off from practicing after my last six-week challenge. It allowed me to sort of "reset" and then come back fresh. Then when I tried again, the foundation had already been laid. I'm really proud of myself, even though it's something the average 9 year old can do.
• Sleep has been the hardest challenge so far, funnily enough. But I've managed at least 7 hours all 4 nights this week, which is already helping me feel better during the day. 
• Still studying for that Psychology exam - knocked out another chapter!
• I go to a 4-hour fencing intensive on Saturday, and I am counting down the days.

 

So that's it! Thanks for the support, you guys. 

[Jett]

• Something I am really excited about - my HANDSTANDS! I actually have been able to really easily get into a handstand away from the wall for the last couple of days. I just went for it, and something clicked! I don't quite have the strength/balance to stay there, but it was SO satisfying. I think it helped that I took a week off from practicing after my last six-week challenge. It allowed me to sort of "reset" and then come back fresh. Then when I tried again, the foundation had already been laid. I'm really proud of myself, even though it's something the average 9 year old can do. 

Woo! That's great! Congrats!

[Milo]

Hooray for progress!

 

I think the fencing and handstands are cool goals. I don't know how to go about training handstands, probably need to lose some more weight first. I have a lead on sword instruction, though.

 

[Exocoetidae]

Handstands are sooo cool! Forget 9 year-olds, I know a lady in her sixties that spent 10 years working up to them and can now do handstands and cartwheels. BTW, I'm totally jealous! Handstands are definitely on my list (maybe next challenge). 

[Presea]

Hey Marvel, how's your week gonig?  I'm ready to be awed by more handstand awesomeness

[TheMarvelPrincess]

2nd Week Check-In

 

All right, almost through with week 2! Those of you who have followed me on fitness journeys before know that I have a hard time updating more than once a week - I just have quite a bit going on with my life! I've got one week of classes left and then finals, although since I'm a music student, many of my finals actually require more than one day. Final exams for me really start on Tuesday and go until May 8! It's ridiculous, but if I'm not super active on here during the week, that's why. I assure you that I am still working hard - it's just that sometimes it comes down to having to choose between actually working on my challenge, or posting about it. And I choose the former, of course.  

• GOAL 1: Run like Wonder Woman.  This has been the hardest one for me - I just really dislike running. :/ Anyone have any tips for making it more fun? Part of the problem is that I work out early in the morning or in the evenings, and I don't feel comfortable running around campus by myself. My school is located in a not-so-great area of town, and since my mutant x-gene powers haven't manifested yet, I don't think I could take out any baddies with shady intentions. Alternatives, anyone? 
• GOAL 2: Do a Handstand (Take 2!) I'm up to 3 seconds! Doesn't sound like a ton, but after 6 weeks of little to no progress, this is wonderful! I'm very excited about how fast things are coming together.  
• GOAL 3: Hulk up! (Regular Weight-lifting) Also going well. I've missed a couple of sessions, but I don't think it's affected my progress. Weight lifting is probably my favorite part of working out, surprisingly enough! It's getting addicting. 
• LIFE GOAL 1: Get more sleep. I have only missed one day of 7+ hours of sleep so far. I sense that this is going to be a bigger problem going into final exams...I'm going to try to work ahead and stay on track so I don't get tempted to cut into my sleep schedule. 
• GOAL 2: Pass the Psychology CLEP Test (And not Britta it) Chapter 7 of the Psychology text book. I'm enjoying it more than I expected, because I find it really interesting, but it's still pretty difficult. 
• GOAL 3: "I...am not left-handed." (Regular Fencing!) Boy, am I glad I decided to do this! I've been to several classes, and officially gotten a membership to the fencing school. I've had a great time, and it's really "clicking" with me. The coaches have said I am picking it up really quickly, so I will be joining the semi-competitive team. (For people who are competing, but aren't professional or actively pursuing the Olympics. lol) I'm hoping to participate in my first tournament at the start of October!  
   

[Presea]

Sounds like an awesome week so far!  Sorry, I don't have much helpful advice to add for the running.  After trying to force myself to run numerous times (I would usually build up to three miles and then quit for a few months, then repeat), I finally decided running wasn't for me.  I like running with an objective (ex: tennis - to get to the ball, then recover back to the middle so I can get to the next ball too).  Running for running's sake?  No thanks.  Since you're so busy, do you feel like putting more time towards fitness activities that you DO enjoy would be more time efficient?

[TheMarvelPrincess]

Sounds like an awesome week so far!  Sorry, I don't have much helpful advice to add for the running.  After trying to force myself to run numerous times (I would usually build up to three miles and then quit for a few months, then repeat), I finally decided running wasn't for me.  I like running with an objective (ex: tennis - to get to the ball, then recover back to the middle so I can get to the next ball too).  Running for running's sake?  No thanks.  Since you're so busy, do you feel like putting more time towards fitness activities that you DO enjoy would be more time efficient?

Yeah, I'm the same way! Like, if I'm running for a reason, it's totally fine! But just running, for the sake of running? Not my thing. 

 

And that might be a good idea. I don't know - I tend to be a stickler. If I say I'm gonna do something, then gosh darn it, I'll do it if it kills me! But I'm also afraid that it'll discourage me and I'll be less productive. 

[Presea]

If you're still motivated to do it, keep going at it.  But if (like, when finals come around), you feel overwhelmed I think it's good to have a plan for which goal you have to drop first.

[Milo]

I just really dislike running.  Alternatives, anyone? 

 

Stop running. 

 

You're courageous to keep up with your fitness in the midst of finals. I imagine most people go off the rails around this time.

 

Your fencing is super cool! And your interest inspired me to follow up with the contact I made a couple of months ago. I didn't join a fancy school, but I did have my first Scottish broadsword lesson last Saturday. 

 

Tell us more about your music-related finals.

 

 

Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the pictures. I took mine a couple of nights ago. Gotta 'shop 'em together and post them, maybe tonight. You?

[Jett]

Running sucks. I know some people on this site really love it, but I don't quite understand why.

If you want to keep at it, I suppose you can do your running before/after the rest of your workout, in the gym on a treadmill? I mean, way to make an already boring activity even more boring, but at least it's safe. You could try some of those running apps or audio books to make it more interesting/bearable.

 

Fencing sounds awesome. I'm glad you're really getting into it. And YAY HANDSTANDS, wooo! You're an inspiration as always, in your consistency with fitness goals!

[TheMarvelPrincess]

If you're still motivated to do it, keep going at it.  But if (like, when finals come around), you feel overwhelmed I think it's good to have a plan for which goal you have to drop first.

 

Yeah, if something's going to drop, I think it's going to be the running. And I have a feeling something's gonna drop. 

 

Stop running. 

 

You're courageous to keep up with your fitness in the midst of finals. I imagine most people go off the rails around this time.

 

Your fencing is super cool! And your interest inspired me to follow up with the contact I made a couple of months ago. I didn't join a fancy school, but I did have my first Scottish broadsword lesson last Saturday. 

 

YES! I'm loving it, and our fencing center also has broadsword fencing, so I've seen some of the guys doing that in the center. It looks awesome - if I ever have extra time, I may give it a shot. How are you liking it? 

 

 

Tell us more about your music-related finals.

 

 

Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the pictures. I took mine a couple of nights ago. Gotta 'shop 'em together and post them, maybe tonight. You?

 

Mmmm...well, they are very interesting. Things like Theory and Music History are written exams. Some questions are facts you have to recall just like any other test, while others are the sort of thing where they give you a piece of music and you have to analyze it. Normally classical, romantic, or baroque. I also have performance finals. So, one of those is a sight singing exam, where they give you an excerpt and you have to sing it without ever having seen or heard it before. I also a few others, like a piano performance final, and a Jury. Juries are probably the most stressful. The entire vocal faculty sits in this massive theatre and watches you sing solo. You don't know what you're going to sing until you get there...you just bring your entire binder of all of your songs, and then they ask for around 3 different songs and you do them on the spot. (Usually they pick one foreign language piece, one classical English aria, and one modern song. We have to know a wide range. lol) I have finals for my Gen Ed requirements too, and for dance. But those aren't nearly as terrifying. lol

 

Ah, the pictures. I had almost hoped you had forgotten about them. haha I do have them still, they've just been hiding in a folder on my desktop. But if you post them, I will as well.  

[TheMarvelPrincess]

Running sucks. I know some people on this site really love it, but I don't quite understand why.

If you want to keep at it, I suppose you can do your running before/after the rest of your workout, in the gym on a treadmill? I mean, way to make an already boring activity even more boring, but at least it's safe. You could try some of those running apps or audio books to make it more interesting/bearable.

 

Fencing sounds awesome. I'm glad you're really getting into it. And YAY HANDSTANDS, wooo! You're an inspiration as always, in your consistency with fitness goals!

Ah yeah, treadmills. Just so boring...but I will definitely look into some apps. And audiobooks are a good idea - I hadn't even thought of that. 

 

Wow, thanks! I'm doing the best I can. Hopefully my motivation will get me through finals!

[Milo]

I've taken "Into" (half theory, half history), Theory 1, and Theory 2. I think theory is useful and sort of fun in an odd way. Like math with creative application. Which it is, I suppose. I remember the sight singing and the sight playing, but I wasn't the best with them. Ear training was and is my favorite, though.

Good luck on the jury performances. That sounds terrifying.

I second audiobooks. I burn through them at a fiendish rate: while driving, cooking, exercising, doing laundry, etc. I switch it up with short and long books, sci fi, fantasy, legal thrillers, murder mysteries, and the occasional classic or character piece. Variety keeps me from getting bored, like never watching more than two seasons of a show in a row even if I absolutely love it. Better to watch something else then come back to it.

If you need recommendations, let me know.

Podcasts are fun too. I've got two favorites for computer hardware, one where they know their stuff and they do quality reviews, another where they cuss and rant and consistently sound drunk. It's fantastic. The cocktail mixing podcast was much more fun before my diet, but things like RadioLab are timeless.

I wouldn't even consider biking or jogging around the neighborhood without audiobooks. But if I'm on a treadmill, I take it a step further: Netflix on my phone. Intense stuff is too brooding for a run, but comedies work well.

[Presea]

Curious on the audiobooks and podcasts, Milo, - do you get them free somewhere?  Or do you have a subscription to something?  The only audiobooks I've ever listened to I've checked out from the public library, so they're obviously free (unless I don't get them back on time)), but it's somewhat inconvenient and not as much variety as I'm sure is available somewhere on the interwebs.