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Chris-Tien: Summer Mode Engaged!!!


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I was going to have a great theme for this challenge, and then ..... SUMMER hit!!!  I realized that I didn't want to spend a lot of time writing a story or fussing over making my goals fit into a theme.  So, in honor of the lazy days of summer, here's a simple challenge.  I'm focusing on good habits that will support my mojo when I find it, support growing healthy muscle (for OCR races), prevent injuries, and keep my mood sunnier than a clear day at the Lake!!!

 

ChairsByLake3.jpg.jpg

 

Goal #1 - Eat Real Food (+3 CON)

 

When Luke Skywalker met Yoda for the first time, the wise old Jedi commented on the processed foods Luke had brought with him on this journey.  While the emergency rations probably would sustain life, they certainly would not help him thrive during his training!!! 

 

fa58c4ba366665dfc3944ead7ea43d5023624a51

 

Same thing applies to each and every one of us.  We've all heard it - 80% of your training success happens in the kitchen.  Well, it is time for me to spend more time in my kitchen!!!! 

 

For this first half of the summer, I am going to focus on eating meals with lots of protein, fruits, and veggies.  Veggies in particular are my nemesis!!!  After my childhood experiences with salty, canned, limp, "vegetables" each night, I will probably always have to work at incorporating fresh vegetables, but I have a plan.  I have eggs for breakfast almost every day.  SO ...... I am adding vegetables to my eggs to make a scramble each morning.  I've already started in my between challenge challenge, and I like the variety. 

 

I am also going to have a nice "green" smoothie for a snack or lunch each day.  By "green" smoothie, I mean that it incorporates at least some spinach or young kale along with fruit and protein powder. 

 

And, I'm going to build on the salad habit that I'm developing during the break.  I have an info graphic on Pinterest that has recipes for vinaigrettes and suggestions for salad combinations.  I usually have to add chicken or fish to make it a full meal, but I like the approach and will try to eat one most days.  

 

Score will be a percentage of successes over 108 opportunities (36 days x 3).  If I end up working, I may need to make some adjustments, but I do have my bento box still and can find ways to bring a salad or a premixed smoothie.  I HOPE I have this kind of "problem" this summer.  I'm giving myself some leeway on this one, since there are a lot of weekend events that can wreck havoc on plans.  Happily so. 

 

Goal #2 - Stretch Like a Cat (+3 DEX)

 

Nagging hip pain and tightness have been reminding me that I am not 20 anymore ..... and even when I was 20, I couldn't skip stretching after a workout for long before I got injured.  So .... it's time to work on that habit.  I'm going to get the Supple Leopard book and commit to mobility work and stretching DAILY. 

 

Grading will be by a simple percentage of the number of successes over the 42 days.

 

Goal #3 - Be 10% More Awesome (+3 STA)

 

I've been averaging at least 10K steps per day, and I am going to increase my goal to 11K steps per day average.  That's 462,000 steps during the challenge!!!  I use my FitBit to track, and the steps can come from any activity.  I might settle into a good running schedule again.  Or I might just walk alot while playing Ingress after work.  Who knows????  My life is still so unsettled that I am building in as much flexibility as I can while still pushing limits.

 

Goal #4 - Get Out There (+ 3 CHA)

 

I might have a job in an office.  I might have a remote job.  I might spend the summer gardening and taking my PT prep class.  But I do know that I MUST talk to people.  I don't do well alone, and hubby is still working down in the Twin Cities.  So .... simple goal is to get out and talk to someone, face to face.  Daily.  Family does not count. 

 

Grading will be by a simple percentage of the number of successes over the 42 days.

 

Goal #5 - Get 1/2 Done with PT Prep Class (+3 WIS)

 

This will be a pass/fail grade.

 

I've been wanting to get my personal trainer certification for YEARS, and I plan to focus on senior fitness.  In part, because I am heading into the "golden years" and want to remain as active as possible.  But I also think that a LOT of people at the gym and in the community could benefit from fitness advice tailored to the needs of older people ..... from an older person. 

 

So, I'm taking this lull period to study and hopefully pass the test at the end of the summer.

  • Like 8

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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Challenge Summary!!! 

 

(Because, it otherwise gets lost in the thread ......)

 

End of Challenge

 

Super Healthy Meals 

69%
69%

 

Daily mobility work (18/42)

43%
43%

 

532303/462,000 Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.

115%
115%

 

Daily Social Interaction  (37/42)

88%
88%

 

Assassin Mini!!! 

OK, something completely different this time ....

 

Week 0: Assist dips - 24; assist pullups - 12; air squats - 37; elbow plank - 1 min

Week 1: Troll a$$ kicking +1 STA

Week 2: Ha ha!!!  Sorry ... enjoying my summer!!

Week 3: Ditto .....

Week 4  My motivation was hijacked by a roving band of gypsies .......

Week 5 Odin needed me

Week 6 Depression kicked my butt

  • Like 4

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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And .... my break challenge thread has been hiding in the Battle logs section.  Nothing too ambitious, but you know, DEFENSE NEVER RESTS!!!!

  • Like 1

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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Between Challenges Challenge .......

 

12 morning eggstravagansas - the usual eggs with some interesting additions.  What additions??  You'll have to stop by and see.  I will post pics most days......

25%
25%

 

12 swirling smoothies - usually for lunch

17%
17%

 

12 summer salads - usually for dinner

25%
25%

 

132,000 Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.  

26%
26%

 

This morning, I hauled out the skillet and made eggs with bacon, green onions, and mushrooms.  Yummy mess!!!

  • Like 4

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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awesome set of goals!

can you find a local CSA to help with your veggie goal? having one of those (and a strong aversion to wasting food) always helps me eat lots of produce.

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2014! #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 2015! #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 | #11 | #12 | 2016! #13 | #14 | #15 | #16 | #17 | #18 | #19 | #20 | #21 | #22 | #23 | 2017! #24 | #25 | #26 | #27 | #28 | #29 | #30 | #31 | #32 | #33 | 2018! #34 | #35 | #36 | #37v1 | #37v2 | 2019! #38 | #39 | #40reference materials | academy battle log

 

mermaid ninja assassin. on a motorcycle. with swords. and knitting needles. and kittens.

 

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awesome set of goals!

can you find a local CSA to help with your veggie goal? having one of those (and a strong aversion to wasting food) always helps me eat lots of produce.

 

We did a CSA membership last year and kept up pretty well until August.  Then ......

 

post-7534-Maniacal-Laugh-GIFs-n314.gif

 

..... the vegetables won. 

 

So, I'm going to enjoy the Farmer's Market and the local food co-op and avoid the pressure. 

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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Challenge Summary!!! 

 

(Because, it otherwise gets lost in the thread ......)

 

108 Super Healthy Meals  I will post pics.  

0%
0%

 

Daily mobility work

0%
0%

 

462K Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.

0%
0%

 

Daily Social Interaction 

0%
0%

 

Assassin Mini's!!!

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Oh I like this idea! Well organised and right where you need it! We also have eggs for breakfast most mornings, and I have been adding veg to it. Even hubby took to it, and now ask why aren't there veg? if I run out or don't make. The boys like their raw veg for lunch though, but I need to broaden their pickings.

  • Like 1

Mrs. Van's Latest Challenge

 

Zechariah 4:6

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the Lord."

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Following along for food p0rn!!!

 

LOL - I will work on taking good pictures!!!

 

The interview at the book store went really well.  The shift manager is a total nerd - and we ended up debating the merits of the different Doctors through the years of Dr. Who.  I'll have to see if he can convince the store manager to let me get to the next round. 

  • Like 3

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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I missed a smoothie yesterday.  It was SO COLD near the Lake that it just didn't sound appealing.  Today is better, and I'm mostly gardening .... in the sunshine!

 

Between Challenges Challenge .......

 

12 morning eggstravagansas - the usual eggs with some interesting additions.  What additions??  You'll have to stop by and see.  I will post pics most days......

42%
42%

 

12 swirling smoothies - usually for lunch

25%
25%

 

12 summer salads - usually for dinner

25%
25%

 

132,000 Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.  

26%
26%
  • Like 3

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

Link to comment

Between Challenges Challenge .......

 

12 morning eggstravagansas - the usual eggs with some interesting additions. 

42%
42%

 

12 swirling smoothies - usually for lunch

33%
33%

 

12 summer salads - usually for dinner

42%
42%

 

132,000 Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.  

38%
38%

 

This morning was a fairly dull egg and cheese omelet, but the regimen of a salad for dinner - plus all the walking we did yesterday - has hubby's blood sugar WAY down!!  I keep telling him that he needs to work out more .... and thankfully, the results are almost immediate.

  • Like 3

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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Between Challenges Challenge .......

 

 plus all the walking we did yesterday - has hubby's blood sugar WAY down!!  I keep telling him that he needs to work out more .... and thankfully, the results are almost immediate.

 

"Almost immediate" might spur him on, well done!

Race: Halfling     Class: Rebel

 

Recruit 1st 2nd 3rd 4th  5th 6th  7th  8th 9th 10th  11th 12th 13th  14th  15th

Current Challenge

Writer's Guild

 

Fictionfirst Used Books (Feel free to like my page!)

 

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Challenge Summary!!! 

 

(Because, it otherwise gets lost in the thread ......)

 

108 Super Healthy Meals  I will post pics.  

0%
0%

 

Daily mobility work

0%
0%

 

462K Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.

0%
0%

 

Daily Social Interaction 

0%
0%

 

Assassin Mini's!!!

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Ooooh - I might need to steal this idea of putting the update right at the beginning and editing it each week. I like your progress bars, too.

  • Like 2
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Ooooh - I might need to steal this idea of putting the update right at the beginning and editing it each week. I like your progress bars, too.

 

It's not original with me.  I think Teros might have started it ... or  ...... someone .......  

 

12 morning eggstravagansas - the usual eggs with some interesting additions. 

50%
50%

 

12 swirling smoothies - usually for lunch

33%
33%

 

12 summer salads - usually for dinner

50%
50%

 

76,834/132,000 Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.  

58%
58%
  • Like 1

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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Hum ...... the Assassin mini gauntlet has been thrown down.  Time to think about what exercises I want to work on for the next 6 weeks. 

  • Like 4

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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Still thinking while hauling mulch .....

 

12 morning eggstravagansas - the usual eggs with some interesting additions. 

66%
66%

 

12 swirling smoothies - usually for lunch

42%
42%

 

12 summer salads - usually for dinner

50%
50%

 

88,311/132,000 Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.  

67%
67%

 

Today ....

Breakfast: eggs with fresh chives, mushrooms, and cheese. 

 

 

The cool weather is back, which means it's great for working outside but puts a damper on cool foods. 

  • Like 2

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

Link to comment

Still thinking while hauling mulch .....

 

12 morning eggstravagansas - the usual eggs with some interesting additions. 

66%
66%

 

12 swirling smoothies - usually for lunch

33%
33%

 

12 summer salads - usually for dinner

50%
50%

 

88,311/132,000 Steps - running, hiking, playing Ingress, elliptical .... whatever ..... it's all good.  

67%
67%

 

Today ....

Breakfast: eggs with fresh chives, mushrooms, and cheese. 

 

 

The cool weather is back, which means it's great for working outside but puts a damper on cool foods. 

i'm just here for cool graphics.

  • Like 1

"Come with me if you want to lift" -The Brominator

"Later, I would learn that coincidences are the most planned things in the world. Later, I would learn that every single moment is a coincidence." - Douglas Coupland

"Anyone who doesn't want french fries every day is a commie." - AngelaTheGeek

Current Challenge

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i'm just here for cool graphics.

 

We live to serve ......

 

d010821c1d380a0980259b8abb92ef70.jpg

 

OK .... I have picked my mini-challenge exercises:

  • Machine assisted dips
  • Machine assisted pullups
  • BW (air) squats
  • Elbow planks

I'll do my AMRAMP tomorrow at the gym after the interview (see below). 

 

And I've added them to my gym day workouts.  Which will now happen 3 to 4 times each week.  I'm hoping that I will work out at the gym near the mall AFTER WORK at a bookstore.  I have my second interview tomorrow, and the first manager I'd interviewed with told me that he very much wants to hire me.  He just needs a second opinion. 

  • Like 8

Level 4 Human Ranger/Paladin

"We are better than we know, if we can be made to see it, [then] for the rest of our lives, we'll be unwilling to settle for less."  - Kurt Hahn

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | CON: 14 | INT: 13 | WIS: 14 | CHA: 13

 

 

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  I have my second interview tomorrow, and the first manager I'd interviewed with told me that he very much wants to hire me.  He just needs a second opinion. 

 

This is great news!!!

 

  • Like 3

Race: Halfling     Class: Rebel

 

Recruit 1st 2nd 3rd 4th  5th 6th  7th  8th 9th 10th  11th 12th 13th  14th  15th

Current Challenge

Writer's Guild

 

Fictionfirst Used Books (Feel free to like my page!)

 

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That's awesome! Good luck tomorrow!

Sent from my iPhone while riding a unicorn through the cosmos.

  • Like 1

2014! #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 2015! #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 | #11 | #12 | 2016! #13 | #14 | #15 | #16 | #17 | #18 | #19 | #20 | #21 | #22 | #23 | 2017! #24 | #25 | #26 | #27 | #28 | #29 | #30 | #31 | #32 | #33 | 2018! #34 | #35 | #36 | #37v1 | #37v2 | 2019! #38 | #39 | #40reference materials | academy battle log

 

mermaid ninja assassin. on a motorcycle. with swords. and knitting needles. and kittens.

 

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Good luck! It is about time that some manager sees how great you are. :)

Using awesome technology to communicate from anywhere.

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