Traaki the Humble Nereid starts her journey.

[traaki]

Hi, all--

 

I've been meaning to start a battle log but haven't gotten around to it.  I started Nerd Fitness Academy on July 20, 2015 after getting the NF emails for a while.  I think it finally sunk in that reading the emails was fun, but ultimately I wasn't getting anywhere. 

 

Weight (on July 28, 2015): 212.5 lbs
 

Measurements (on July 28, 2015):

Neck (measured at my birthmark): 15 inches
Chest across breasts: 40.5 inches

Chest below breasts : 36 inches

R bicep, 7 inches up from elbow: 13 inches
L bicep, 7 inches up from elbow: 13.5 inches
Waist: 37.5 inches
Hips: 49.75 inches
R thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 22.5 inches
L thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 23.5 inches
R calf, 3 inches below knee: 16 inches

L calf, 3 inches below knee: 16 inches

 

I've been doing the first six-week challenge basically since I started the NFA so the workouts I've done in are tracked in that thread (link in sig). 

 

To summarize: 

• I'm walking every day for at least 13 minutes (often twice a day)
• I'm drinking at least 3 large Nalgene bottles of water every day
• I'm touching my toes for at least 15 seconds every day
• I'm doing one longer, sustained workout per week
• I sleep at least 8 hours per night
• I'm focused on healthy snacking and drinking less diet soda
• I'm tracking my meals in YouFood (username is traaki)
• I started a paper journal to track my workouts, diet, etc. as well.

My overall goal: To gain strength and flexibility (and hopefully to exceed my previous bests!), as well as learning to prioritize health and trust myself to make the right choices when it comes to my health and wellness. 

 

Here we go! Thanks all. 

 

[traaki]

A quick update: 

 

I successfully completed my first challenge and am eagerly awaiting challenge 2!

 

I've done 5 of the level 1 Bodyweight Workouts from NFA.  Doing #6 tomorrow and wrapping up next week. I'm not sure what I'll do after that! But as a new assassin, I'm guessing...MOAR BODYWEIGHT. It's great to feel how I'm stronger already, just doing these workouts twice a week.  

 

I don't think I'm ready to take more measurements or pictures--I don't think much has changed and don't want to feel disappointed.  Maybe after this challenge? 

[traaki]

Here on NF I'm a nereid, because I like scuba diving.  I went for my first dive today in almost a year.  It was my first shore dive ever. 

 

I AM SO TIRED.  The swimming was exhausting and my arms are ruined. I had a lot of doubts while I was diving that nereid is the right race for me. 

But! I am also really excited about getting into better shape so my gear doesn't wear me out just getting dressed, and so I'm not dead tired by the time it's time to descend.

[traaki]

Weight (on September 22, 2015): 211.1 lbs (-1.4 lbs)
 

Measurements (on September 22, 2015):

Neck (measured at my birthmark): 14.5 inches (-0.5 inch)
Chest across breasts: 40 inches (-0.5 inch)

Chest below breasts : 35.5 inches (-0.5 inch)

R bicep, 7 inches up from elbow: 13.5 inches (+0.5 inch)
L bicep, 7 inches up from elbow: 13.5 inches (no change)
Waist: 37.5 inches (no change)
Hips: 48.375 inches (-1.375 inches)
R thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 24 inches (+1.5 inches)
L thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 24 inches (+0.5 inch)
R calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.625 inches (-0.375 inch)

L calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.625 inches (-0.375 inch)    

 

I've decided I'm going to measure at the beginning of each new workout plan.  I'm not sure how reliable these measurements are--I got a new measuring tape (MyoTape) so I'm not going to fret too much or get too excited about any of this.  

 

I finished beginners bodyweight level 1, and am going to start a sort of amped up version of level 1 today. Probably I could have moved to level 2, but I didn't realize that until I'd written out my next 8 workouts in my notebook. Still using some modified exercises in place of squats.  Hopefully will be able to take on squats soon. 

 

Rules for measurement: First thing in the morning the day I start the new workout. I use my myotape and get help with biceps. 

[traaki]

Hi, all! I've been working out but not updating my battle log or challenge threads.  Just finished the first part of Age of Pandora and figured now would be a good time to take my measurements.  I'm about five months into my NF journey.  

 

Weight (on December 27, 2015): Unknown, I'm traveling and don't have my scale.  But I'm 90% sure it's higher than before. 
 

Measurements (on December 27, 2015):

Neck (measured at my birthmark): 14.75 inches (+0.25 inch)
Chest across breasts: 40.25 inches (+0.25 inch)

Chest below breasts : 36.5 inches (+1 inch)

R bicep, 7 inches up from elbow: 13.5 inches (no change)

L bicep, 7 inches up from elbow: 13.75 inches (+0.25 inch)
Waist: 37 inches (-0.5 inch)
Hips: 50 inches (+1.625 inches)
R thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 23 inches (-1 inch)
L thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 22.75 (-1.25 inches)
R calf, 3 inches below knee: 16 inches (+0.375 inch)

L calf, 3 inches below knee: 16 inches (+0.375 inch)  

 

I have no real sense of what those changes mean, if anything.  Calf numbers being bigger seems like a definite positive, as does a smaller waist.  I think I look fitter when I look in the mirror, but all of these changes are very small and could be just measurement error.

 

I'm enjoying Age of Pandora and will probably do the second part next. I can tell I don't make as much progress in strength as I did doing just the basic bodyweight training, but I like the way it feels more full body and comprehensive.  I took two months to finish the first chapter, which is intended to be a one month program. So maybe I'll get part 2 done in something closer to the proper time.

 

I fell off the boat on my second challenge and never finalized my results.  I also started on Challenge #3 (for me) but never signed up for it on the forums and lost speed on pretty much everything except working through Age of Pandora.  Excited to start these new, shorter challenges.  I am beginning to accept the fact that I want to improve what I eat so I can progress faster.  And maybe in the next challenge I can be as excited about those changes as I am about the exercise changes.   

[traaki]

Time for a new measurement. I'm at my highest weight ever (eek) and that's sad and motivating.  Not sure where things are going off the rails, but I'm going to focus a bit more on diet this go-around.

 

Weight (on January 30, 2016): 216.8 lbs (trend).  (Up 4.2 lbs since July 2015.)

 

This is my highest recorded trend weight since I started using this particular tracker 13 months ago. I know people say that merely tracking your weight will help, but I have not found that to be true. In over three years total of tracking, my weight has crept steadily upwards for a total of probably about 20 pounds.  Long past time for new methods. 

 

Measurements (on January 30, 2016):

Neck (measured at my birthmark): 14.4375 inches (-0.3125 inch)
Chest across breasts: 39.75 inches (-0.5 inch)

Chest below breasts:  35.4375 inches (-1.0625 inches)

R bicep, 7 inches up from elbow:  13.1875 inches (-0.3125 inch)

L bicep, 7 inches up from elbow:  13.1875 (-0.5625 inch)
Waist:  37.5625 (+0.5625 inch)
Hips:  49.4375 (-0.5625 inch)
R thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 22.8125 (-0.1875 inch)
L thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 23 inches (+0.25 inch)
R calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.625 inches (-0.375 inch)  

L calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.6875 (-0.3125 inch)

 

Starting inches (in July): 283.25

Previous Total inches: 283.5 

New Total: 280.125 (-3.375 inches)

 

 

I originally expected to be totally bitching about my results because I feel like I haven't made any progress (except, perhaps, negative progress), but hey, look at that. A tiny change! I like tiny changes. 

 

New rule to measuring: Count any 1/16th lines that are visible when looking straight down on the tape, held perpendicular to the handle.

 

I'm considering today a respawn and tracking my numbers from today going forward.  

[traaki]

Weight (on February 28, 2016): 215.6 lbs (trend).  

Measurements (on FEBRUARY 28, 2016):

Neck (measured at my birthmark): 14.4375 inches 
Chest across breasts: 39.8125 inches

Chest below breasts:  36.5 inches 

R bicep, 7 inches up from elbow:  13.125 inches 

L bicep, 7 inches up from elbow:  13.0625 inches
Waist:  37.625 inches
Hips:  49.375 inches
R thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 24 inches
L thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 24 inches 
R calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.5 inches 

L calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.5 inches 

 

Starting inches (in July): 283.25 inches

Last Month's Total: 280.125 inches

New Total: 282.9375 (+2.8125 inches)

 

Starting weight (in July): 212.5 lbs

Last Month's weight: 216.8 lbs

Current Weight: 215.6 lbs

 

The exact opposite of last month: I thought today would have good results, and yet, here we are.  Disappointed. I ate like crap yesterday--hard to know how much that effects measurements immediately but since we are talking small changes over a long time, we're just going to have to deal.

 

 

I'd like to get my total inches down below 280 by April 1.

 

New rule: Measure at the end of every challenge.  Don't measure because you think you'll get a certain result. 

[traaki]

Hi, y'all. 

I've been working out regularly (just defeated the Widowmaker a few weeks ago!) but was totally falling down at any other part of being healthy.  Realized my batcave had become a sad shambles, my diet was mindless, and my focus was gone. I think I may be at my highest weight but my scale is broken, so.... 

 

I respawned on my birthday.  I am here tonight to clean up some of the old stuff from last go-around.  As I said in my respawn thread: 

1. I am relying more on my (paper) battle log to track the early mindset exercises so I can look at my big why and so I can journal when I am struggling.  
2. I am going to pre-plan when I take progress pics/measurements. 
3. I recruited my partner to do NFA with me this time.  I think that will help a lot with diet/meal planning/etc.  

Tomorrow morning when I wake up I'm going to take pictures and measurements and post them here. I'm not sure yet how I will overcome the flaws of my last NF attempt, but I'm sure I will do better because I know so much more this time around.  

 

Thanks for listening. To a better tomorrow!

 

[traaki]

Here are my respawn starting measurements!

 

Weight (on July 21, 2016): Don't have a scale yet.  

 

Measurements (on July 21, 2016):

Neck (measured at my birthmark): 14.375 inches (-0.0625)
Chest across breasts: 39.75 inches (-0.0625)

Chest below breasts:  35.3125 inches (-1.1875)

R bicep, 7 inches up from elbow:  14.0625 (+0.9375)

L bicep, 7 inches up from elbow:  14.25 (+1.1875)
Waist (measured at narrowest point):  37.625 inches (no change)

Waist (measured at bellybutton): 45.1875 inches (new measurement)
Hips:  49.375 inches  (no change)
R thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 21.5 inches (-2.5 inches)
L thigh, 7 inches up from knee: 21.375 inches (-2.625 inches)
R calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.5 inches  (no change)

L calf, 3 inches below knee: 15.5 inches (no change)

 

Starting Inches (July 2016): 278.625 inches (-4.625 inches)

It's a respawn, so technically my prior numbers don't really matter. BUT. I was shocked to see a decrease. I had aimed to be below 280 total inches, and although I'll never know when I dropped below 280, I did make it!  My arms have increased, which...I don't know what that's about. I have been doing lots of strength training and I feel like my shoulders are more muscular, so maybe that's what is happening? I'm not sure.  

 

Going forward I'm going to skip the second chest measurement and I realized I was measuring my waist at the narrowest point, not at my bellybutton.  Using this new measuring system my total inches are 250.875.  I'd like to see that drop below 240 by the end of the year, but that's not an official goal.  

 

I haven't been doing the average of three measurements thing, and didn't even realize it (+1 respawn intelligence). The idea of doing averages in the forums here made me feel sad, so I made a spreadsheet. Feel free to take a look and make a copy if you want it!  

[traaki]

Just added measurement/photo progress reminders on the third Friday of every month! 

[traaki]

Just weighed myself on D&T's scale: 214.8 lbs (on August 5, 2016).

[traaki]

Measurements on 8/19/16:

 

Neck: 14.19

Chest: 39.73

R Bicep: 13.10

L Bicep: 13.00

Waist: 45.13

Hips: 49.02

R Thigh: 21.58

L Thigh: 21.58

R Calf: 15.52

L Calf: 15.54

Total: 248.40

Change: -2.48

 

At this pace, I'll hit 238.75 inches by December 31--which is below the 240 goal I have.  Hooray! I have been super slow to respawn but I'm trucking along.  I have been thinking my race is changeling but perhaps it is sloth. (Maybe a changeling sloth....)

 

 

[traaki]

Well, last we talked, I was on pace for my goal. And every month since then has been higher than my original goal.  Wah-wah.  

Rather than trying to input these every month, here's a google spreadsheet I'm using. 

[traaki]

I haven't updated this thread in a while, but here goes nothing (now in list form!):

1. Last month was truly awful.  We moved, there were several crises as part of that, and my diet and exercise went to hell. I mean, I did keep up with exercising, mostly (2x per week) but I feel like I wasn't progressing well. And my diet exploded into gummy bears, diet cokes and frozen lunches. 
2. The month before was the first time in two years when I felt like I was making progress.  Naturally, success is a demotivator (!?!!) so I think that contributed. 
3. We moved closer to my work so my 40 minute daily walk to and from work (combined with buses, occasional sprints up stairs, etc.) is now a ten minute bike ride. As much as I love my bike, that's nowhere near the same.  I also stopped going on regular walks at work. 
4. I stopped trying to prep my lunches, thinking I could make it work with leftovers. HA.  It's meant that I've been eating a lot of frozen lunches, which don't fill me up, and then snacking way too much on unhealthy food in the afternoon.  I was eating apples, celery, carrots; now I'm eating chocolates, popcorn, gummy bears. 
5. I let my 8fit account lapse into the unpaid status, to see how I like it or don't.  I feel like the workouts are less granular in their improvement which means I've been downgrading a bunch of the activities.  I'm not sure if it's in my mind but I think it may be time to invest in something (8fit? GMB? I don't know). 
6. I moved into an upstairs apartment and don't feel comfortable doing jumping jacks/other loud bodyweight activities--which is unfortunate as home is my main gym. 

I also dropped out of my NF challenge this month completely. I could barely get it posted in time and then have not checked in at ALL.  The next challenge starts tomorrow (how did that happen?!) and I want to recommit to NF and my health.  Ideas for the next challenge: Mindset quests to get back in the game, veggie/lunch prep quests, investigate a gym quest.  We shall see. 

[traaki]

Another update! Finally!

 

Today was measurements day and I really *&$#ing hate measurements day.  It's not that the results are particularly demotivating, it's the actual act of measuring that makes me want to throw things around. I hate it. The measurements are either identical on all three attempts or like an inch off on all three. I do not know why! I don't feel motivated by progress and I feel demotivated by lack of progress. 

 

/rant

 

I've been measuring for over a year now. Here are the results if anyone would like to see. I struggle to see a pattern except that I was having the most success in April of this year....makes no sense at all to me. Looking at my challenge for around that time I was (allegedly!) walking four times a week.  So....I guess that will go onto my next challenge and we'll see where we end up. 

 

In terms of how much I hate measurements, here are a few things I can think of:

• I could stop measuring and only take pics/weight measurements.
• I could get a different tape measure (mine seems crazy inaccurate--it will "snap" back into a place that's like 0.5-1.5 inches different so I have to watch it really closely)
• I could measure every other month
• I could stop measuring the spots that aren't changing (my calves and my neck)

I just downgraded to once every two months.  I will also put walks on my next challenge to see if that really does make a difference.

[traaki]

Oh, hey! I was coming over here to say I missed my September measurements because they weren't on the calendar--but I see that past me removed it on purpose! High five, past me.

 

I also am sort of warily circling the diet changes angle of fitness. Today's email from Steve was helpful and I'd like to do this exercise: 

STEP ONE: Take a minute and write down the 4 meals you eat most often, be specific: Typical breakfast Typical lunch Typical snack Typical Dinner If you happen to consume juice with breakfast, soda with lunch, or a few beers/wine with dinner, make sure to add those thing into your total consumption.   STEP TWO: Take 5 minutes and do a google search for the typical macros and calories of those meals and beverages. Something like “[typical component of my lunch] nutrition facts”   I know you’re reading this at work and looking for an excuse to take a break anyways. But understand the number of calories that you consume is a big step towards permanent weight loss.   Pay careful attention to the serving size they have in the nutrition facts, and how it compares to the size you serve yourself (this is often DRAMATICALLY different). Seriously, take the time to figure out serving sizes and total calories consumed! Write down the totals. I track my most common meals in a Google spreadsheet.   STEP THREE: Take your current weight in pounds and multiply it by 10 to get how many calories you should be eating daily. (Are you active? Aim more towards 12x your weight in pounds). Example: Active 150 pound female (x12) = 1800 calories per day roughly. Newly active 250 pound male (x10) = 2500 calories per day roughly. It ain’t perfect, but it’s good enough. And that’s what we’re doing - starting with “good enough” and then adjusting along the way. Now, can you see how your default meals line up with your caloric goals for the day? It at least gets your brain thinking about how many calories you SHOULD be eating every day. As GI Joe taught us, “knowing is half the battle.” The other half is lasers.

STEP FOUR: So if those 4 meals are your default, ask yourself: Do these default meals get me closer or farther away from my goal? How much of my daily allotment is accounted for in my default meals? Am I eating more than I realized? Can I default to the healthiest default option more often? Can I make a slight adjustment (swap out fries for veggies, remove the bun, etc.) to a default meal? If you can fix your automated default choices, you'll be well on the path to less-effort (but not effortless) weight loss. After all, motivating yourself to eat better doesn’t work, it's consistency. So f*** motivation. Cultivate discipline!

[traaki]

Some meandering thoughts today: 

 

I didn't measure this weekend like I was supposed to.  I weighed myself and it confirmed what I've known for a while now--I've made backward progress.

 

I'm not sure what the exact cause of the slide--I've been working out a touch more and eating mostly the same.  

 

It brings to mind these questions: 

• How can measurements be less painful? I hate doing them and obviously taking a month off didn't help with that.  Can I just rely on my clothing fit and weight and pictures?
• Beyond that, what is even the goal of these measurements? 
• And then we get to the big question: WTF is the point of all this?  I am in love with having a regular workout routine and being mindful of my health; I give so few shits about how I look and don't find my weight to be a huge impediment to working out, energy levels, etc. that it makes it confusing to try to change my diet for like...other people? 
• And yet...I do feel slightly compelled. Just slightly. But the draw to be smaller feels fraught and...problematic. 

ANYWAY I told you they were meandering.  I'd like to eat more veggies.  I'd like to eat less junk.  I don't want to measure myself. I want to feel like a super hero.  I don't feel like I need a full respawn but I do feel like something is off... and a lot of my habits are changing with my new roommate moving in.  Just wanted to give myself a minute to think this through and to record these thoughts somewhere. 

 

[wuzzuphupp]

If measuring makes you feel like crap, DON'T DO IT. The point of all of this is to make you feel awesome, not awful. Keep working out, and eating more veggies. Focus on your food, it'll make  huge difference in how you feel. And if you like you're workout stick with it! You've got this! 

[traaki]

My current challenge has a quest to do some journaling about food/nutrition.  I'm doing that privately, but here are a few things I want to to keep in mind: 

• I still don't feel like I've found my real Big Why.
• I may want to use a future challenge to *never* eat while distracted. 
• Part of why I don't like salads is because it hurts my teeth to eat cold food. So I might want to pursue a fix for that as well as the food itself.