Chris-Tien Goes from Half-Ass to Badass

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

I'm tossing this in here to get started.  Never fear, I will expand upon the concept throughout the thread.

 

LAST CHALLENGE of the year - how did that happen??  It was rollercoaster for me.  At the beginning of the year, I had some definite plans.  And some indefinite ideas that I thought I would be able to work through during the year as the Hunt for the Mojo.  

 

It didn't exactly play out as envisioned.  I didn't lose weight -- but I didn't gain weight either.  Body composition is about the same.  I did one fun run.  My online coding job ended up being such a disaster that I quit and ended up working retail.  Self-loathing .... and yet another move .... derailed plans to cook nutritious foods.  

 

And ultimately, I did not find my mojo.  I suspect it is like Dorothy finding her way home.  I have the power within me .... I just have to realize it.  

 

 

So, it is time to save what I can of the year and adjust my mental orientation.  If it is going to happen .... weight loss, new job, fitness, social life .... it is up to me to make it so.

 

 

This thread seems to be developing a shoe fetish.

 

So ... goals ......

 

+3 CON: eat a rainbow daily

+3 STA: finish C25K again and do a fun run

+3 STR: Chinups @ 115 lbs of assistance (24 reps)

+3 DEX: Yoga or mobility work 3 times per week

+3 CHA: See someone (other than my husband) every day

 

Some are progress goals and some are endpoint goals.  I think the mix helps keep me focused.  I'll be running 3 times per week, doing strength training 3 times per week, and doing yoga class three times per week.  Since I'm not currently working or taking care of my mom, that's reasonable - the yoga will help with stretching and mobility.

 

Tracking will be done publicly on  ......

 

Tracking spreadsheet of badassdom

 

AND, I am hoping to really participate in the guild mini-challenge this time.  I know nearly nothing about Mario (shocking considering my research field), but it looks fun.  

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Challenge progress

 

Eat a rainbow daily

68%

68%

+2 CON

 

There were few days when I got all colors in, but overall, I averaged more than 2/3 of my goal if you take the colors individually.  The challenge pushed me to try things like Avocado Lassi.  And I definitely looked to eat vegetables more frequently during the day, rather than just the meager pile of broccoli in the side of the plate.  

 

Finish C25K again and do a fun run

Only got into week 4 - about 1/4 of what I'd hoped to accomplish this challenge, but I'm not going to beat myself up about it.  

+0.75 STA 

 

Chinups @ 115 lbs of assistance (24 reps)

The YMCA only has lat pulldown machines.  BUT, by my calculation, 55 pounds on the stack yesterday translated to only 112 pounds of assistance.  So, I am counting this one a success.

+3 STR

 

Yoga or mobility work 3 times per week

90%

90%

+2.75 DEX

 

My massage therapist suggested some hand stretches to work out the VERY TIGHT muscles and ligaments.  Plus some Quigong for working the arms.  It's been helping - my fingers have stopped tingling ....  

 

See someone (other than my husband) every day

100%

100%

+3 CHA

 

This took some work many days ... making small talk with receptionists or check out personnel in extreme cases.  I am PRAYING hard for a job.  Almost any job will do.  

 

 

Mini-challenges progress:

Week 1: box jumps +1 DEX

Week 2: bear crawls +1 WIS

Week 3: sprints +1 STA

Week 4: Wall sits +1 CON

Week 5: Pullups +1 STR

Week 6: Effective use of a pomegranate +1 CHA

[Mrs Van]

Following to see the badass shoe-fettish-challenge!

[SkiBlue]

Good luck with everything! Sounds like it's been a tough year. Hope it gets better.

[annyshay]

Badass spreadsheet twins!  With you, lady.

[Mrs Van]

Come share your strength...

http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/73661-gryffindarlings-their-strength-speaks-for-itself/

[nightlight]

YES!

[petefeet]

Following along, haven't followed you these past couple challenges. Been wondering how you're doing.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Hi!!!  Last days before the challenge starts, and the excitement is building throughout the galaxy ......

 

 

Me, I tried to sign up for beginning yoga classes and immediately found a conflict.  I'll adjust that goal to allow for mobility work OR yoga (lots of online classes and routines) three times per week.  I'm not an absolute beginner to yoga.  Mostly I wanted to start with the intro class just to get used to the new studio and teachers.  

[Mrs Van]

Adjusting is great - means your sorting through the real needs.

[annyshay]

Hi!!!  Last days before the challenge starts, and the excitement is building throughout the galaxy ......

 

 

Me, I tried to sign up for beginning yoga classes and immediately found a conflict.  I'll adjust that goal to allow for mobility work OR yoga (lots of online classes and routines) three times per week.  I'm not an absolute beginner to yoga.  Mostly I wanted to start with the intro class just to get used to the new studio and teachers.  

I'm having great fun with doyogawithme.com.  We've been using some videos in the minis, but there are SO many with clear levels and stuff.  Good for dealing with schedule shenanigans.

 

Also, Doctor Donna!!!

 

 

 

Adjusting is great - means your sorting through the real needs.

Agreed.  

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

I'm having great fun with doyogawithme.com.  We've been using some videos in the minis, but there are SO many with clear levels and stuff.  Good for dealing with schedule shenanigans.

 

Also, Doctor Donna!!!

 

 

 

Agreed.  

 

I miss Doctor Donna!!!!

 

I was going to workout with hubby last night and get my AMRAMP for Gryffindarlings done, but we went to see The Martian instead.  Oh .... awesome movie!!!  Worth losing a workout to go see it, but I love the science details that were skimmed over in the movie.  So, I'll be buying the book today.  Can always use a story about a guy who simply won't give up.

 

So, I did it today, eventhough we have a strength workout scheduled for tonight.  Generally, those don't happen.  We settle in after dinner and don't feel like going to the gym .... might not hold true today, but I didn't want to take the chance.  If he does want to go, I can do kettlebells.  

[petefeet]

 

 

I was going to workout with hubby last night and get my AMRAMP for Gryffindarlings done, but we went to see The Martian instead.  Oh .... awesome movie!!!  Worth losing a workout to go see it, but I love the science details that were skimmed over in the movie.  So, I'll be buying the book today.  Can always use a story about a guy who simply won't give up.

 

  

 

I've got to go see this before it leaves the theatre's, everybody says it's great!

[karinajean]

hi there! this challenge looks awesome. and also: super well done not gaining any weight. you have had a crazy year, and you're doing amazing.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Working on the daily rainbow of nutritional awesomeness ....

 

Breakfast: oatmeal with almond milk and raspberries

Post workout snack: protein shake with spinach and bananas

Lunch: fried chicken with superfood salad (lots of colors including blueberries)

Supper: beef stew with carrots

Snack:  Blackberries and almonds

[Elastigirl]

Very colorful day of foods!

[Polgara19]

Love the 'eat the rainbow'!  And, love your tracking of said rainbow!  Keep it up!

[Mrs Van]

Oh, your rainbow foods are making me hungry! I love the colours.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Breakfast of yogurt and raspberries. I'm looking forward to not having a sore throat.

Sent via two swallows carrying a message in a coconut.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Daily Log of Awesome Food

 

Breakfast: yogurt and raspberries

Lunch: leftover goblin franks, orange

Snack: smoked almonds; protein shake with banana before my run

Supper: Chili (which included celery and black beans)

Snack: chocolate .....

 

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

It's all double rainbows, baby ....

 

 

Breakfast: eggs and bacon

Lunch: Bacon and turkey sandwich (with tomatoes, spinach and basil) AND a small fruit salad (honeydew, cantalope, pineapple and "red" grapes)

Snack: smoked almonds

Supper: Lefovers .... chili dogs and broccoli

Snack: Halloween candy .... just a LITTLE

 

The toughest color will be BLUE.  Are there ANY freggies that are blue and are not blueberries?  Available in the middle of the United States?  

 

Yesterday's bad ass moment came when I was feeling tired (this cold really has taken hold and refuses to let up) but my calendar said it was time for a run.  UGH!!!!

 

 

The good news is that it was 67 degrees OUTSIDE.  In Minnesota.  In November.  Rare enough to get me to lace up my shoes, pull on shorts and a hat, and get out there to run a couple of miles.  It's always so much more interesting than plodding it out on the treadmill.  So, yea.  I went and coughed and coughed and coughed.  But it felt good.  I am obviously a runner if I can put those last two sentences together.

 

Today, the cough is getting to the really annoying stage, but we went to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts anyway.  It was one of my reward/treats for getting through the wedding and the funeral - so I really did not want to reschedule .... and possibly put it off indefinitely.  I tried to avoid people as much as possible, but that was not feasible during our tour of the Delacroix exhibit.  Which was wonderful eventhough I spend a lot of time trying not to breathe.  

 

The upshot is that I am now under an afghan with a mug of hot tea by my side and a powerful notion to skip choir practice again .... watch something geeky and then go to bed early.  I gotta kick this cold.  

[Polgara19]

 

 

The toughest color will be BLUE.  Are there ANY freggies that are blue and are not blueberries?  Available in the middle of the United States?  

 

Yesterday's bad ass moment came when I was feeling tired (this cold really has taken hold and refuses to let up) but my calendar said it was time for a run.  UGH!!!!

 

 

The good news is that it was 67 degrees OUTSIDE.  In Minnesota.  In November.  Rare enough to get me to lace up my shoes, pull on shorts and a hat, and get out there to run a couple of miles.  I  

 

 

On the blue front, maybe eggplant?  Technically purple, but then so are blueberries.  

 

Well done on the run!  I've also been taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather.  Sounds like you got yourself a heck of a cough though, so take care of yourself - lots of honey in that tea!

[Son of Rylos]

I know they have those blue potatoes, I see people try to do things with them during Fourth of July. Besides blueberries those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head.

 

Hoping you start feeling better. Stay warm, this warm weather (unfortunately) isn't going to last us much longer.

[Maeghaan]

Try this to help with your rainbow quest!  I had almost forgotten about this site until you mentioned issues with blue! I do think it's telling that it lumps blue and purple together, it's kind of hard to find true blue.

(This site has lots of other fun posters, I'd love to buy them all someday )

KITCHEN 101: NUTRITION IN PRODUCE

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Thank you for the poster!!!!  It will certainly spark ideas - and I'll go by the food co-op to see if they have those heirloom blue potatoes.  I'm not going to beat myself up about missing blue most days.  The idea is to get me to eat more freggies, period.  I'm terrible at it, and I need all the help I can get.  I grew up in a meat and potatoes household.  Veggies were from a can and an afterthought that you had to eat before you got dessert.  Hard conditioning to overcome.  

 

Hubby has gone to the drugstore to pick up cough syrup.  This cold has gotten to be beyond annoying, and I would like to do my kettlebells and BOX JUMPS today.  

 

Today's log

Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk and strawberries and raspberries and blueberries and black raspberries.  

Lunch: Chicken stir fry with green peppers

Supper: Palak paneer (spinach!!!) with tofu and "red" wine

Snack:  Whole wheat bagel and margarine.  And some chocolate.