Mando Baxter Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Hi, I'm Joe. I can't wait to have goals! Goal #1Eat fewer carbs. This will be tricky since I don't have a quantitative handle on the amount of carbs I eat now (yes, I know, I should track them...consider it done), but in general I want to cut it down since my triglycerides are through the roof and I'm told they are driven by carbs. Goal #2Run three times a week. I normally get out for two 5Ks, so this will involve more road work, most likely over the weekend. Goal #3Lift weights twice a week. By lift weights I mean visit the gym at work and hit the strength machines as much as possible in my lunch hour, or if I'm home, lift free weights and do core strength exercises, especially for the lower back, which tends to give me serious trouble if I ignore it. Wow, I feel like I accomplished something already! 3 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
suzyQlou Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Bounce with me! So happy that you are joining the fun! Quote suzyQlou * Ranger Old Challenges: #1(2015) * #2 * #3(push ups) * #4 * #5(food) * #6 * #7(2016)* #8(nerdiversary) * #9 * 10(animal) * Battle Log * 11(2017) * 12(garden) * 13 * 14(biking) * 15 * 16 * 17 * 18 * 19(2018) * 20(2019) * 21 Link to comment
Emerald_Dragonfly Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Welcome, Mando!I wanted to pop over to your thread and wish you a great challenge! SuzyQlou has been super supportive of other rebels - it's awesome that you guys are doing this together. 1 Quote ~Emerald_Dragonfly Level 13 Warrior Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted July 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Thanks for your support, Emerald Dragonfly! I'm most concerned with the carb goal since my current diet consists mostly of peanuts and beer. 3 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
Emerald_Dragonfly Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Mmmmm...peanuts & beer. When I have my head out of my hindquarters, I follow a low carb diet. Once you get used to it, it's quite doable. Steak twice a week is a huge bonus to the lower carb lifestyle. Quote ~Emerald_Dragonfly Level 13 Warrior Link to comment
Evicious Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 I second the steak recommendation! Steak and eggs for brekkie, steak sandwich for lunch, and steak and veggies for dinner. STEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Evicious, Khajjit Ranger STR 7 | DEX 13 | STA 3 | CON 6 | WIS 16 | CHA 4 Current 4WC: Evicious: The Unburdening II + Blitz Week! Fitocracy! I Play To Win! Keep up the momentum! Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted July 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2015 So far so good. Eggs this morning and a grilled chicken salad for lunch. Let me tell you though, throwing out the homemade croutons and garlic bread almost killed this Italian boy. 1 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
suzyQlou Posted July 30, 2015 Report Share Posted July 30, 2015 Good thing there weren't homemade spaghetti noodles involved. That's when the Italian Grandmas would start appearing in your dreams yelling "Mangia, Mangia!" 1 Quote suzyQlou * Ranger Old Challenges: #1(2015) * #2 * #3(push ups) * #4 * #5(food) * #6 * #7(2016)* #8(nerdiversary) * #9 * 10(animal) * Battle Log * 11(2017) * 12(garden) * 13 * 14(biking) * 15 * 16 * 17 * 18 * 19(2018) * 20(2019) * 21 Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted August 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2015 So far so good. I managed to get through five days with few carbs. I surprised myself, going so far as to order Chinese without the rice. Did the same with Japanese tonight. I got teriyaki chicken with vegetables on the side. It included cooked cabbage squares that were remarkably similar to pasta. I'm considering a cabbage-and-tomatoes dish, or maybe with just olive oil and garlic... Plan for this weekend is to hit the grocery store, buy a ton of veggies n' meat (ham?), chop it all up, and freeze it in portions to go into morning egg scrambles. I have about 5 minutes to prepare and eat breakfast most mornings, so a little prep will keep me honest. Also planning to get in a third run of the week tomorrow at some point, which will mean I met my challenge for the week. Woohoo! 3 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
suzyQlou Posted August 1, 2015 Report Share Posted August 1, 2015 Clearly, you need more chickens in your backyard. Way to rock your first week! Quote suzyQlou * Ranger Old Challenges: #1(2015) * #2 * #3(push ups) * #4 * #5(food) * #6 * #7(2016)* #8(nerdiversary) * #9 * 10(animal) * Battle Log * 11(2017) * 12(garden) * 13 * 14(biking) * 15 * 16 * 17 * 18 * 19(2018) * 20(2019) * 21 Link to comment
Blaidd Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 Hey how'd the second week go? You might notice that someone has added a tag to your post. This is not to box you into a corner but rather because your goals or lifestyle have links to the guild you've been tagged and we'd like to bring you to the attention of one of their guild ambassadors. These ambassadors will be able to offer you advice, encouragement and support on your goals. You don't even have to wait around for them to come introduce themselves to you, you are more than welcome to pop into the Scouts' board and introduce yourself to the guildies there. I am also around to answer any questions that you might have so do not hesitate to PM me. Good Luck with your challengeAB xx Quote Half Faerie (Sidhe) Scout | Black Belt Kitchen Ninja "A positive attitude will not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort" - Herm Albright You're welcome to skype me (audriwolf) too but let me know who you are My challenge Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted August 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 Thanks for the encouragement! It's been a good go so far, 2.5 weeks into this. I've only had carbs for breakfast one day, when the fridge reserves ran low and I had no choice but to go to a small bowl of bran cereal. But I ordinarily would have burned through two loaves of bread by now and lord knows how many pancakes and waffles (eating what the kids don't eat -- ugh). But with the help of my loving wife I'm eating more sensibly. I'm going to make an appointment to get my cholesterol retested. SuzyQLou is helping me track my dinner carb intake but I haven't been tracking numbers for other meals (though have been avoiding carbs). So that's something to improve on, at least until I get a handle on what the numbers really are. Weightlifting is going fine, though SuzyQLou has been stealing my weights for her own challenges. We may need to invest in more gear. Running is going super well. I've met my goal of 3 5K runs/week so far. Last weekend was the 5K with Suzy and it went great. I don't normally run for speed, but as it turns out my speed is up (5K in 26:40 this last time out) and I feel great throughout, enough to make me want to push myself into more of a challenge. I may go for more distance on my weekend run. There's a nice 10K route nearby that I hit last year - maybe it's time to revisit it. Thanks for the scouts tag. I'll check it out! 1 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
Emerald_Dragonfly Posted August 13, 2015 Report Share Posted August 13, 2015 Weightlifting is going fine, though SuzyQLou has been stealing my weights for her own challenges. Atta girl. 1 Quote ~Emerald_Dragonfly Level 13 Warrior Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted August 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2015 Went 10K today for the first time in a year and it felt very good. The wind was there but the legs were tired, especially since I was trying to stay in second gear through the second half. Keeping this up over the next few weekends should build my stamina for even longer distances. Also spent the day digging two stumps out of the yard, so it was a good workout day for sure. 1 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted August 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2015 I don't know if it helps my nerd cred any, but I designed and 3-D printed my own NINE-sided die. Check it out here! http://www.shapeways.com/product/98LSA4254/nine-sided-die-d9?optionId=37730813 (Note however that I haven't played an RPG in a very, very long time. I just like polyhedrons and 3-D modeling.) -MB 1 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
suzyQlou Posted August 16, 2015 Report Share Posted August 16, 2015 Fantastic run, and I'm diggin' all your digging! You're challenge is looking good! Nice and nerdy, too. I keep waiting for someone else to understand your crazy name. It could happen, you know. There might be someone else out there who is chuckling right now. Hmmmm. Mando Baxter. Ha ha ha ha ha! 1 Quote suzyQlou * Ranger Old Challenges: #1(2015) * #2 * #3(push ups) * #4 * #5(food) * #6 * #7(2016)* #8(nerdiversary) * #9 * 10(animal) * Battle Log * 11(2017) * 12(garden) * 13 * 14(biking) * 15 * 16 * 17 * 18 * 19(2018) * 20(2019) * 21 Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted August 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 So far so good on the challenge, though I have to say that I've been feeling hungry lately laying off the carbs, especially at work where I can't just EAT MOAR, OMNOMNOM like I can at home. This is taking planning and time, which is tricky. I lost a couple pounds since I started, but nothing drastic. Losing weight isn't one of my goals but it would be good for me to lose a few, if you strictly believe in BMI, which I really don't. I'm building muscle working out, so maybe that offsets the weight loss somewhat. I'm about to go out for my 3rd run of the week, a longer one. Speaking of running, I have to hit up the scouts for ideas on how to carry water when running. I tried holding onto a 20 oz bottle last week and it was terrible. A CamelBak seems like overkill; I'm not trying to cross the Sahara here. Water belts look dorky, but might be the most practical solution. Plus, this is Nerd Fitness, so no one is going to judge my dorkiness, right? Going to try this recipe today for a low carb, gluten-free salad. Yum! 1 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
gunslinger_25 Posted August 21, 2015 Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 Hey Joe, Emerald Dragonfly sent me your way and I hear you about the water. Personally, it all depends on temp/humidity, distance, effort, etc. I've been drinking ~3 liters a day and don't feel I need water on shorter runs, but on longer, unsupported runs, I'll wear my smaller Camelback. I prefer to keep my hands empty and the pack fits really well, which is key. The bottles with the handstraps are nice because you don't have to grip it 100% to keep it with you. I've used the smaller bottle belts, but feel that I like having more fluids available so I don't have to ration. Hope this helps! Good luck! 1 Quote Follow me on Strava or Garmin Connect "My doctor told me that jogging could add years to my life. I think he was right. I feel ten years older already." --Milton Berle Link to comment
Emerald_Dragonfly Posted August 21, 2015 Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 Unless it's bacon salad...mmm....bacon. ETA: I'm pretty sure that looking dorky while running is a bonus around these parts... 1 Quote ~Emerald_Dragonfly Level 13 Warrior Link to comment
Emerald_Dragonfly Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 Nice and nerdy, too. I keep waiting for someone else to understand your crazy name. It could happen, you know. There might be someone else out there who is chuckling right now. Hmmmm. Mando Baxter. Ha ha ha ha ha! I admit it - I had to google it. VERY nerdy! Well done. Quote ~Emerald_Dragonfly Level 13 Warrior Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted August 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2015 Thanks for the water tips, folks. Gunslinger_25, I think I'll go with a Camelbak despite my initial misgivings. I really don't like holding on to stuff when I run either. I'll look for a model that's small and easy to clean. The running is going well. I only missed one so far, this past Saturday, since I was knocked out due to a cold. I did run with the cold Thursday but decided not to when it moved into my chest. (Feeling much better now.) Workouts: Missed my second workout last week due to the cold, otherwise, going strong. Carbs: Going to definitely quantify this week. My standard breakfast has 32g, 24g of which is due to the glass of milk. I really don't want to stop drinking milk just because of carbs because I need the calcium, especially as a runner. Yeah, I could take calcium supplements but who wants another pill? Lunches will be more work, but my dear SuzyQLou helps me quantify our dinners. Most importantly, I just scheduled my annual physical. Of course, it's a month from now so I'll have to keep things going until then, not that I foresee a problem. Can't wait to see what my cholesterol is these days. Have a good week, all! -MB 1 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
Melissa Louise Posted September 1, 2015 Report Share Posted September 1, 2015 Hey Mando, well done so far! It will be really interesting to see where your cholesterol is at. If you're looking to cut the carbs without cutting the dairy and calcium, you could try real fermented dairy-- the fermentation process eats a lot of the carbs. Mineral water can help too, if it's one of the ones with enough mineral content to matter. I drink a lot of Gerolsteiner and Pellegrino. Both have enough calcium and magnesium to add up if they're a regular drink. 1 Quote My first six week challenge!"I can't run, but I can walk much faster than this." -Paul Simon"There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." -Leonard Cohen Find me on Instagram, where I mostly post photos of outdoor adventures, baking projects, and books. Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted September 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks, Melissa! Pellegrino appeals to my Sicilian heritage, though I'm afraid it may induce counterproductive pizza and pasta cravings. I'll check it out. Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
Mando Baxter Posted September 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 Finally, some hard numbers for my carb intake! When in doubt, quantify. Monday: 138gTuesday: 136gWednesday: 163gThursday (so far): 68g Today's run was slower than usual. The cold or allergies or whatever are lingering. The 90 degree humidity may also be a factor. 1 Quote Mando Baxter, Level 6 Ranger! 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : Current Challenge Link to comment
suzyQlou Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 Yep, it's good to count! At least while you're getting a handle on things. And it was a crazy swamp out there for running. But you made it! 1 Quote suzyQlou * Ranger Old Challenges: #1(2015) * #2 * #3(push ups) * #4 * #5(food) * #6 * #7(2016)* #8(nerdiversary) * #9 * 10(animal) * Battle Log * 11(2017) * 12(garden) * 13 * 14(biking) * 15 * 16 * 17 * 18 * 19(2018) * 20(2019) * 21 Link to comment
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