Tundralily sings to the wind

[tundralily]

It's said I run like a stubborn tide,
Unstoppable, untamed and wild,
But a brave face isn't brave I've learned,
And as I searched for wisdom I remembered your words,

You told me "sing for the wind my love,
fear not for tomorrow,
Cos love's the journey of a lifetime,
and where you finish isn't where you start"

So tomorrow doesn't worry me,
And though the path be untravelled at least I'm free,
To be great not just to be,
That's what your wise old words taught me.

You told me "sing for the wind my love,
fear not for tomorrow,
Cos love's the journey of a lifetime,
and where you finish isn't where you start"

 

Last time on the Rebellion...

 

I spent my last challenge challenging my fears. The darkness within loves to taunt me with my worst fears. Fear of not being good enough, being enough for those I love. Fear of the unknown. Fear of losing those I cherish the most. Not being able to start a family. Fear of attempting things that stretch my comfort zone.

 

And I kicked that fear to the curb. I am feeling better than I have in a long time. The difference between where I am emotionally and mentally is night and day compared to when I started with the Rebellion. You guys are awesome, thank you so much for all your support!

 

I have proved to myself and the darkness within that I am a strong woman. Strong in body, spirit, mind and soul. Let's go be unstoppable, untamed and wild! Time for an update in my motivation....

 

Motivation

 

I will face each day with an open heart, be adventurous in all the ways that piqued my curiosity, have specific long-term goals, and practice kindness and compassion towards myself. I will meet myself where I am with love, compassion, and without judgement. I will celebrate the smallest of successes and be gentle with myself if I fail, focusing instead on learning what works for me. I am a unstoppable, untamed and wild force of nature when I go through life with all of my mind, body and soul.

 

 

 

Main Quest

 

Building strength, calm, harmony, and restoration of my heart, body, soul, and mind. - Time for a main quest update. For now, I am going to let this stand until I finish thinking about an update.

 

Challenge Quests

 

I'm focusing on getting lean this challenge. I have lost a fair bit of body fat (36% to high 20's) since September according to the Navy method. I would really like to lean down some more to be able to do some of the awesome bodyweight moves I'm working on easier. All my challenge goals will support this overall goal. I choose 25% as a metric for this challenge, because I think its doable and I like numbers.However, I'm awarding stat points based on effort not total loss. If I'm doing the things I've set out to do, the rest will come.

 

Challenge Aims

 

Physical: Decrease my BF to 25% and lose 190 lbs

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/pn-calorie-control-women-771x1024.png

 

Quest One: Unstoppable

 

I've done some work cleaning up my diet over the last couple months that have had awesome results. This challenge, I'm going to focus on portion control and eating only when I am hungry. This is my way of loving my body and being mindful that food is fuel. The method below is a guide, which I can adapt as needed to respect where my body is at on a daily basis.

 

 

Week 1 - Record the number of times I stop eating when I am no longer hungry.

Week 2 -

 

 

Quest 2: Untamed

 

I have been terrible at tracking things and keeping up with how things are going towards the end of my challenge. Time to add a tracking goal! I know some people have lovely spreadsheets but I tend to go ooooo shiny then forget about the spreadsheet part way. Going to complete a daily log on paper to build a tracking habit.

 

Weekly items to track:

- Weight

- Waist measurement

- Hip measurement

- Neck measurement

- Photo

- Weekly update posted

 

Daily tracking

- Physio done?

- Pain levels

- Workouts

- Sleep quality

- Food intake

- Other?

 

Acquisition: >20 days tracked
Consolidation: 20-30 days tracked
Refinement: >30-40 days tracked

 

Bonus quest: If I post a weekly update for every 6 weeks, I will buy myself a treasure item!! (TBD)

 

Quest 3: Wild

 

My mental health has drastically improved from my last challenge. My physical health is being challenged currently by a fibro flare up and some ongoing chronic pain issues. I would really like to have more time to myself in the morning, building towards a better morning routine. My keystone habit is going to be to wake up >60 minutes before I have to be out the door in the morning.

 

This will create space for other habits I want to add later (fasted cardio, yoga, meditation) but I need to create the habit of leaving time for this first. Once I'm up, I can't go back to bed!! (I'm bad for this).

 

Acquisition: >20 days awake 60 minutes before leaving time
Consolidation: 20-30 days awake 60 minutes before leaving time
Refinement: >30-40 days awake 60 minutes before leaving time

[tundralily]

Challenge goals posted!! Let's go be awesome!

[BellaDonna]

You are awesome! All the best for this challenge

[Charlie_Quinn]

^^ Agreed! 

 

 

 

 

 

Best motivational picture ever. Love it.

[tundralily]

You are awesome! All the best for this challenge

Thanks!! You too!! We're on the same team for the house challenge, I didn't realize that till this morning! Ours is the fury!!

 

I'm loving this assassin mini and have been doing stealthy lunges in my cube at the office. I'm not a fan of cube land, but I at least have a window in my "corner office"!

 

^^ Agreed! 

 

 

Best motivational picture ever. Love it.

 

I know right?! I printed the picture out my motivation wall of awesome.

[tundralily]

Week 1 Update:

Hips: 42 inches

Waist: 31 inches

Neck: 14 inches

Weight: 192.6

This week was weird. I got back from running full tilt while travelling, to a crazy work schedule and keep feeling like I'm behind on things because I was gone for two weeks. Took a couple days to rest and recover from my vacation, then am starting to tackle the chaos that I left behind! Did 5 loads of laundry today and feel good about that. I'm also feeling sad and homesick today, which is tough. I loved seeing my best friend again, and am missing him like crazy today.

Workouts:

Wednesday: Yoga

Thursday: Casual training (lunges for assassin mini) and walking

Friday: Casual training (lunges for assassin mini) and walking

Saturday: Casual training (lunges for assassin mini), walking, and upper body strength workout

Sunday: HIIT (15sec running, 60 sec walking x 4) and lunges.

I don't want to see another forward lunge for a reaaaaalllly long time. My legs are toasty.

Quest One: Unstoppable

I'm really loving this way of controlling my portions (see above!). Its easy to measure and I'm not feeling deprived or triggered like when I did a brief stint of calorie counting recently. It really links in with eating mindifully, which is going awesome! I had the chance to eat some junk food (chocolate) today, but turned it down because I didn't want any. This week was a sucess!

Quest Two: Untamed

I've tracked daily since Wednesday, for a 5 day streak. Awesome! Its been really helpful in reminding me to take my meds, which I'm notoriously bad at remembering.

Quest 3: Wild

I'm 3/5 on waking up 60 minutes early. The days I woke up and had time for a walk, I loved it! I did lots of walking the past couple days for the assassin mini challenge and got up early this morning to do a HIIT session. I'm not tracking the fasted cardio as a goal yet, but am feeling motivated to get up and moving which is awesome!

[Charlie_Quinn]

Looking good! You're off to an awesome start.

 

Urgh, lunges! The exercise of the devil! My legs always kill after doing lunges, so much more than when I do squats.

 

I've just noticed the quote in your signature, that's one of my favorite 11th doctor quotes! " I'm not running away from things, I am running to them. Before they flare and fade forever." Ah Matt Smith, how I miss you.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Awesome first week!!!

 

[tundralily]

Looking good! You're off to an awesome start.

 

Urgh, lunges! The exercise of the devil! My legs always kill after doing lunges, so much more than when I do squats.

 

I've just noticed the quote in your signature, that's one of my favorite 11th doctor quotes! " I'm not running away from things, I am running to them. Before they flare and fade forever." Ah Matt Smith, how I miss you.

 

Had a great first week! The second one was tougher and I'm sooo glad its over. 

 

I miss the brillant Matt Smith! I'm trying to warm up to the new doctor but it hasn't happened yet...not Peter Caplidi's fault, but I am not a Clara fan. And there's been some terrible writing this season. 

Awesome first week!!!

 

Two of my favourite fandoms, awesome!!

[tundralily]

Week 2 Update

 

This week was a tough week at work for me. Got kinda stressful in the middle of the week, and I'm glad that work is done for the weekend. I'm having a fibro flare and have been sleeping like crap. Most morning's I've woken up feeling more tired and stiff then the night before. 

 

I missed yoga this week, and am craving it. I just decided to go down to the studio this morning for a beginner class. It will be good for the fibro flare and taking it easy today. 

 

Workouts: 

 

Monday: Casual training (bear, boars, and bunnies oh my!)

Tuesday: Strength day and Casual training (bear, boars, and bunnies oh my!)
Wednesday: HIIT with Burpees and Casual training (bear, boars, and bunnies oh my!)
Thursday: Rest day. I was sick as a dog and stayed home from work.

Friday: Casual training (bear, boars, and bunnies oh my!)
Saturday: Yoga and Kettlebell practise

 

Quest One: Unstoppable

My method of portion control is going really well! I had a couple days this week where my body was like FEEEED ME. So I fed it lots of good stuff and am feeling good.

 

Quest Two: Untamed

Broke my streak . I tracked 4/7 days this week, but have been bad at remembering my notebook at work. 

 

Quest 3: Wild

I'm 0/5 on waking up 60 minutes early..which means this week was a failure on that front. Given the circumstances around my flare, its not surprising and I'm not going to beat myself up for it. Next week is a new week!

 

 

Weekly Motivation

 

 

[tundralily]

Sunday Update! 

 

Saturday Workout: 

- 3 x 8 Door let me ins 

- 3 x 5, 5, 4 flex hang 

- 5 x 5 chair assisted pull ups 

 

Sunday Workout: HIIT kettlebell swings (15 work + 45 rest, X 6) 

 

Had a good day today. Got to hang out at a baby shower with lots of adorable babies. One fell asleep on my chest for most of the afternoon. I was in heaven  

 

I did something that scared the pants off me...I signed up for adventure boot camp. It starts next week! A bunch of coworkers and I are going in together 2x per week for 90 mins.

 

I'm a more than a little bit scared of not being able to complete the camp or making a fool of myself (being too weak). I used to give up when things got too hard, and not give things my all. However, I've spent the last 6 months battling my inner demons that say I can't do things, that I'm not good enough, or that I'll fail. This is my boss battle, and I'm going to rock it. 

 

Boss Battle: Tundralily goes to war

Goal: Complete Adventure Boot Camp (15 sessions, May 4 - June 24) without missing any sessions because I am scared of failing

Reward: TBD (got a couple ideas) 

 

Possible rewards?

- Solo canoe trip while my hubby is away in July?

- New video game? 

- New gear item?

- New tent?

 

Motivation

 

 

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

[tundralily]

Saturday Update: 

 

Workout: 

- HIIT: Kettlebell swings - 15 on the minute, for 6 minutes. Rest for remainder of minute

- 5 x 5 chair assisted pull ups. 

 

Tracking (forgot my notebook at work!) 

- Meds done

- Physio done

- Pain level: 3 
- Sleep quality: 4 

- Energy level: 5
- Food intake: Popcorn at movie theater. 

 

Time to celebrate!

 

On another really exciting note, I fit into a size 10 pant (from 12). The last time I remember that happening was 6 years ago prior to university. 
 

Challenges: 

 

I mapped out my changes in measurements and realized they haven't changed much since March. That's discouraging. Not sure why they are staying the same even though my pants size has gone down? 

[tundralily]

Weekly Motivation

 

 

[Presea]

For me, getting the measurement in the same place every time is a challenge.  A slight change above or below the measuring spot in my waist, hips, and thighs changes the number significantly.  It could be that you have more practice with measurements and this isn't an issue for you, but just an idea as to why you may not be seeing the change in measurements.

[tundralily]

For me, getting the measurement in the same place every time is a challenge.  A slight change above or below the measuring spot in my waist, hips, and thighs changes the number significantly.  It could be that you have more practice with measurements and this isn't an issue for you, but just an idea as to why you may not be seeing the change in measurements.

 

I'm trying a new experiment with a Myotape and marker to mark spots. I hope this will help! Then at least I know the tension will be the same.

[tundralily]

Week 3 Update

This week was a good week overall! I did lots of playing around with my kettlebells. Its official guys, I'm addicted to kettlebells!! I bought a program (Lean and Lovely) but will be putting it on hold while boot camp is running. My plan is to do 1-2 strength workouts towards the end of the week/weekend and keep practicing my basic lifts.

 

I weighed in for the PVP weigh loss challenge at 190.6, and am sitting at 25% body fat. Awesome! I also did a celebratory dance when I figured out I fit into a size 10, for the first time in about 5 years. Woot! 

 

BOOT CAMP UPDATE

 

I did my first round of boot camp, and it wasn't so bad! Had fun yelling at my boss (doing it with coworkers) to do more situps. They did 4 rounds of Tabatas. Omgoodness all the burpees. Good thing I had lots of practice from the previous mini

 

My incentive to complete boot camp is: 

- If I complete all 15 classes without skipping one due to my fear or aniexty, then I'll take a stand up paddle boarding class in July. 

- If I don't complete all 15 classes, I donate the $50 for SUP class to the Conservative Party of Canada and don't get my class.

 

I hate the Conservatives (they are the EMPIRE). Great incentive to keep showing up for class!

 

Workouts:

Monday: Casual training (Game of Yoga)
Tuesday: Strength day and Casual training (Game of Yoga)
Wednesday: Kettlebell Practise and Casual training (Game of Yoga)
Thursday: Pull Up practise
Friday: Casual training and HIIT kettlebell swings (Game of Yoga)
Saturday: Pull up practise and kettlebell clean/press practise

Quest One: Unstoppable
Portion control is going well. I had two days of junk food (Avengers movie...popcorn for lunch. derp). 

Quest Two: Untamed
I've been bad at remembering my notebook in random places, but I realized I can track here too and add it later!!

Quest 3: Wild
1/5 days - Up 60 mins early. This one has been haaaaaarrrrd. Need to make sure I go to bed earlier to be up with lots of relaxing walking time. 

 

[Charlie_Quinn]

Bootcamp sounds like fun, except for the burpees! 

 

Do you have to get up really early to be awake an hour before you leave? It might be an idea to work up to an hour by adding an extra 5-10 minutes every few days. For example, Monday you set the alarm for 6:45, Wednesday 6:35 and so on. It's a lot easier to get used to than trying a big jump all in one go.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

I LOVE the motivational quotes and pictures.  Keep up the inspiration!!!

[Presea]

Congrats on the size 10 pants!!!  I think those are the moments when you realize you're really making good progress

[tundralily]

Bootcamp sounds like fun, except for the burpees! 

 

Do you have to get up really early to be awake an hour before you leave? It might be an idea to work up to an hour by adding an extra 5-10 minutes every few days. For example, Monday you set the alarm for 6:45, Wednesday 6:35 and so on. It's a lot easier to get used to than trying a big jump all in one go.

 

It is so much fun! I was dreading it because of some awful memories of dryland when I was a fairly competitive ski racer. I'm finding that the instructors are really supportive of adaptations and the right balance of pushing people and knowing when to back off. Yesterday for example, I couldn't do some stair double hops (old back injury), the instructor noticed my modification and loved it. Awesome!

 

I LOVE the motivational quotes and pictures.  Keep up the inspiration!!!

I'm loving it too! Its a easy way to keep myself here and focused. The last couple challenges I found I would forget about maintaining my thread towards the end of the challenge. Keeping up with things has been really awesome this time around.

 

Congrats on the size 10 pants!!!  I think those are the moments when you realize you're really making good progress

 

Thanks! Another celebration this morning, I hit 190 on the scale and recorded my BF at 24.8% (average between YCMA and Navy using a tape). Which means, I've hit my challenge goal 2 weeks early. So freaking excited!

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Glad your instructors are supportive of modifications!  

 

And .... CONGRATS on hitting your challenge goal so early. 

 

[tundralily]

Week 4 Update

 

This week was crazy at work. Absolutely bonkers. I did 2 rounds of boot camp on Monday and Wednesday, and a round of shoulder presses with the kettlebell. 

 

My gut has been hating me this week, and I've been feeling awful. So, no dairy for me this week to see if that will clear things up. I tweaked my meds with my doctor and hope that will help.

BOOT CAMP UPDATE

I did my second round of boot camp, and omgoodness all the stair runs. I felt like crap on Wednesday but wasn't in pain and decided to go and do the best I could. It wasn't my best athletic performance ever, but I'm glad I went. 

Workouts:

Monday: Bootcamp!
Tuesday: Casual training and walking (30 mins)
Wednesday: Bootcamp!
Thursday: Rest and army crawls for mini
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Pull ups and army crawls for mini

 

Quest One: Unstoppable

Portion control is going still going well! I reallllly wanted an ice cap on Wednesday (my summer temptation), but managed to avoid grabbing one.

 

Quest Two: Untamed

I'm still had difficulties remembering my notebook, and added a daily reminder on my phone to track all the things  

 

Quest 3: Wild
2/5 days - Up 60 mins early. Better than last week!

[tundralily]

Weekly Motivation

 

 

 I want a back like this! Slowly building one day at a time. 

 

 

 

This one is my favourite of the week. 

 

 

[tundralily]

Sunday Update:

 

Saturday workout: 

3X3 sets of pull up negatives

3 sets of incline pushups (8, 4, 4)

 

Sunday Workout:
-15 mins walking 

- 45 mins biking

- 3 x 3 scapular pullups 

- 5 x 1 negatives, 1 rep each set with 30 - 60 sec rest between. 5 sec count.

 

Tracking (forgot my notebook at work!)
- Meds done
- Physio done
- Pain level: 2!
- Sleep quality: 5
- Energy level: 6
- Food intake: No dairy today. Gut is feeling better.

I'm feeling much better today. Felt the urge to go for a bike ride for the first time in YEARS. I pulled out my bike and played around for 45 mins on the river front trail next my apartment. It was amazing! So happy to be out moving on such a beautiful

I'm trying to figure out what my goal weight should be now that I've hit my original goal weight (190). I think I'm sitting at about 25% body fat. I want to drop that to about 20-22%, with a little bit of wiggle room depending on the what happens in the next couple months. I'm not looking to drop below 20% to keep a safe buffer on my fertility .