RMDC's First Challenge Thread: Themeless and GIFless

[RMDC]

I've been looking forward to the rollover into the new challenge since I joined a few weeks ago. I'm going to keep it simple for my first go, especially since I'll be relocating during the second week. Sorry, no exciting bells and whistles here!

My goals for this challenge:

1 - No more than four sugary and/or acidic beverages over the course of each week.
I've fallen off the water wagon recently. Especially after I relocate in a couple of weeks, I'll have easy access soda and juice. It's easier to maintain willpower when I've got a water bottle I keep filled and at the ready. I honestly think I can knock this one out of the park for three quarters of the challenge month, but my long drive during week 2 will by necessity involve a certain amount of caffeine.

2 - No more than four processed snacks over the course of each week.
I enjoy nuts, fruits, and vegetables more than chips and crackers anyway, but they're not always handy, and I'll be living around people who won't share my resolve to keep bagged snacks out of reach. I'll be going the extra mile to make sure that alternatives are available. Again, a little padding is necessary for the long drive and for occasions out with family, but I'll be doing my best to not justify cheat days.

3 - Exercise four days per week.
The StartBodyweight.com workout has been good for me so far, though I've been off-and-on about it. What I like about Start Bodyweight is that several progressions are listed for each exercise, giving lots of different sliders to customize the workout. Every time I move a slider up to the next level, I get the same satisfying *ding* that used to keep me sucked into Farmville. >.>

I'll be alternating strength training days with interval walking. My wonky knees and ankle don't like me running for sustained periods, at least for the time being, but I can crank out a pretty good walk. This has the added bonus of giving me a space where I have nothing distracting me from writing in my head, which ties into my life goal for this challenge:

4 - Write at least four days per week with a minimum output of eight pages.
One-inch margins, double-spaced, header included, Times New Roman 12-point - standard manuscript format. That's about 330 words per page in my case. I should be about 10,500 words closer to finishing a book, or just over 10% done, by the end of the challenge. I've got about that much written already. If I can maintain this pacing, I could have a first draft out by the end of September and be ready for second-pass editing by the end of the year. I'd really like to discover that I can exceed the goal once I get into the flow of it.

Measuring Each Goal, or The Mathematical Justification for Those Nifty Progress Bars in My Signature; spoilered for your convenience.

I like progress bars, and as a tabletop GM of many years, I like doing simple mathy things. Here's the boring-ass breakdown of how I plan to measure my progress for each of my goals.

Beverages: I'm breaking up each day into three drink opportunities (which is about how many bottles of water I ought to be downing anyway) worth one percent each. Weekends count double. Every contraindicated beverage beyond the allowed four knocks out a potential percentage point. On the other hand, I get one point of extra credit for each week I consume three or fewer. If I make it to the end of the challenge with no docked points, I'll have accrued 96%, with potential for 100% if I come under goal every week.

Snacks: Since I snack less often than I drink over the course of the day, I'm changing the numbers for this goal. Weekdays will have two snack opportunities worth two percent each. Weekends only count one percent per opportunity. (I have more chances to drink than to snack on weekends because of the way my free time works out, so I've weighted the scale in favor of being good about beverages.) That's a total of 92%. I get two points of extra credit for each week I come under my goal, giving potential for 100% if I'm good.

Exercise: I want to weight this in favor of bodyweight training, since that's a lot more onerous than a few laps around the track. Each bodyweight session will count for eight percent, while each interval session will count for four. If I do two days of each exercise per week, I come in at 96% for the month. You guessed it - that last 4% is extra credit. Each week I that I meet my goal of two strength sessions and two interval sessions and increase my capacity in a measurable way in both arenas - more reps per set, a move to the next step in the progression on a bodyweight track, an increase in intensity or decrease in rest phase during interval sessions - I get a bonus point.

Writing: Each page will be worth three points. Once again, that's a possible 96%, with one bonus point for each week where I produce more than eight pages.

[fleaball]

That's a lot of math! 

 

You have my sympathies for the long drive. I moved 10 hours away last August and yeah, not so much fun.

[RMDC]

Well, you've got me beat by an hour and a half. Northern Virginia to the capital district of New York is long enough for me. At least there aren't a lot of interchanges along the way. I need to download some audiobooks or podcasts to my phone and listen on the way up. How did you get through your drive?

[fleaball]

Hahaha I drove from Boston to DC. That's hilarious. Tbh driving alone doesn't bother me too much, so it wasn't terrible. And I left at 530 am so there wasn't a lot of traffic initially. Definitely load up your phone with those and your favorite music. My car doesn't have a tape deck or ipod adapter, so I was stuck with old mix CDs I found from high school, because I'd gotten rid of all my others and didn't want to kill my phone since it was my gps as well. 

 

And seriously avoid 95 if you can. We drove down and back that way Boston-RVA before and I wanted to launch myself out the window. Instead we started going Route 17 -> 81 -> 84, which basically went from Fredricksburg (you could probably pick it up somewhere else) through WV, PA, NY (but not near the city) and into CT. Avoid the NJ Turnpike if you value your sanity.

[petefeet]

Welcome to the rebellion RMDC!!!

 

I like your goals and how you plan on adjusting them to the real world while you do your move/road trip. Biggest thing I can suggest is that you don't beat yourself if you fall off the wagon during the move, that's a special situation not a regular part of your routine.

 

I also encourage you to follow and support some of the other newbies here on the boards, building a core of supportive friends makes ALL the difference.

 

I like to write as well, and mirror my real life into a story for my challenges, feel free to check it out (current challenge in my sig)

 

I'll be following along and checking in with you, best of luck!

[fleaball]

Biggest thing I can suggest is that you don't beat yourself if you fall off the wagon during the move, that's a special situation not a regular part of your routine.

THIS! Also pack snacks for the drive. 

 

Not exactly related: There's a diner in PA somewhere called Dutch Kitchen and it's amazing. Jsyk.

[RMDC]

I make the trip on a regular basis, actually, taking 15 to 81 up to Binghamton and then across on 88. I normally drive it with a carload of other people, however. Doing it solo is a recent thing. I've done the coastal route a couple of times, but it's truly awful every step of the way, especially in Jersey, where you have to seal the car so that the oxygen doesn't escape.

[fleaball]

Ah well that's different. Audiobooks and podcasts it is then. ORRRR just have your friends hang out in a room and call you on speaker for however long. =P

[TheFatFriar]

Your challenge seems pretty exciting to me! That's the beauty of NF challenges, someone's starting point can be another one's destination I'll be following and encouraging you along the way.

[jrosto]

Hi RMDC, welcome to the Rebellion!

 

Cutting back on sugary drinks / processed food snacks and increasing exercise are awesome goals for your first challenge.  I really like that progressing in body weight exercises can be done by simple changes to the movement, also that they can be done pretty much anywhere.

 

 As you can see by my avatar,  I'm one of the Assassin ambassadors.  Let me offer you an official invite to come on over and check us out.

 

Here is the Den, where all the Assassins hang out and support each other.  The Assassin Phonebook is a cool place that we keep updated with who is working on what.  You can check out their threads or ask questions.

 

Here is the Assassins' Scullery food chat thread.  It is full of good Paleo, Primal and conventional recipes.  This may give you an idea or two for your cooking quest.

 

And probably most importantly, here is the Assassin Initiates chat thread where you can learn more about the Assassins and find answers to any questions you may have.

 

I'll be following along with your challenge, I'm really looking forward to seeing your successes.

 

Happy Day 1 

[RMDC]

Good first day! I had a really rewarding bodyweight session. I started the week off with two pages of writing. I've made sure to have nuts, cheese, and veggies on hand for snacks.

 

Hi RMDC, welcome to the Rebellion!

 

Thanks for the welcome!

[petefeet]

Good first day! I had a really rewarding bodyweight session. I started the week off with two pages of writing. I've made sure to have nuts, cheese, and veggies on hand for snacks.

 

 

 

Glad you started off on the right foot, may I ask what you're writing?

[RMDC]

Day 2 was successful, if a little off. Last night a neighbor's car alarm went off. I'm spending the holidays with family in an apartment complex. The car was literally parked right outside the window. The alarm went off twice in the space of a half hour starting at 2:30 AM. I had difficulty sleeping after that. Still, I managed a treadmill interval session in the morning after dropping the kids off at school. I wound up sleeping through lunch, though. Dinner was chicken breasts in a homemade marinade and frozen corn - quick and simple. I had unsweetened tea to make sure I'd be awake for a Girl Scout meeting tonight, but hey, it's not soda or juice!

 

 

Glad you started off on the right foot, may I ask what you're writing?

 

A sci-fi-ish, fantasy-ish book that's very loosely based on an RP setting that my ex-wife and I run for each other. It's rather preliminary right now, but writing regularly is giving it some direction.

[petefeet]

Day 2 was successful, if a little off. Last night a neighbor's car alarm went off. I'm spending the holidays with family in an apartment complex. The car was literally parked right outside the window. The alarm went off twice in the space of a half hour starting at 2:30 AM. I had difficulty sleeping after that. Still, I managed a treadmill interval session in the morning after dropping the kids off at school. I wound up sleeping through lunch, though. Dinner was chicken breasts in a homemade marinade and frozen corn - quick and simple. I had unsweetened tea to make sure I'd be awake for a Girl Scout meeting tonight, but hey, it's not soda or juice!

 

Sucks about the neighbour's car alarm, hopefully it doesn't happen again tonight.

 

A sci-fi-ish, fantasy-ish book that's very loosely based on an RP setting that my ex-wife and I run for each other. It's rather preliminary right now, but writing regularly is giving it some direction.

 

VERY COOL!!! I write sci-fi & fantasy short stories as well. I also mirror my real life into an adventure in my challenge thread if you want to check it out.

[RMDC]

Day 3 was especially nice. I'm pleased to have written three pages today. I had planned on today being a break day from exercise so I could focus on writing, but I enjoyed an interval walk at a local park today - despite the sub-freezing temps. I indulged in a contraband beverage, one of my four allowed this week. All snacks and meals were homemade or raw, but they still felt just as indulgent as the soda. I've really grown to love walnuts!

 

This week is sort of my ease-in period. Starting with my travel day next week, things get much more difficult for the rest of the challenge. I'm hoping the good momentum I build now will help carry me through when my environment isn't as conducive to taking care of myself.

[petefeet]

Day 3 was especially nice. I'm pleased to have written three pages today. I had planned on today being a break day from exercise so I could focus on writing, but I enjoyed an interval walk at a local park today - despite the sub-freezing temps. I indulged in a contraband beverage, one of my four allowed this week. All snacks and meals were homemade or raw, but they still felt just as indulgent as the soda. I've really grown to love walnuts!

 

This week is sort of my ease-in period. Starting with my travel day next week, things get much more difficult for the rest of the challenge. I'm hoping the good momentum I build now will help carry me through when my environment isn't as conducive to taking care of myself.

 

I've been finding it hard to focus enough to write lately, well done for you!

 

Nuts are a great crunchy treat, just wish they didn't cost so my much up here in Canada, pecans are my favorite.

 

Good luck with the travel, think towards some ways (snacks, water intake, etc...) you can maintain your successes until your life returns to normal.

[RMDC]

Day 4

 

Morning: My ex is taking a trip out of town, so I drove her to the airport this morning after we dropped the kids off at school. We stopped at Dunkin' Donuts on the way. A turkey, bacon, and cheddar croissant sandwich with ancho chili sauce is delicious, but it knocks out one of my processed food slots for the week. Plus the sweet tea she plied me with fills a sugary beverage slot as well. I don't mind. It's already Thursday, after all, and I've been pretty good about willpower.

 

Midday: Another bodyweight round, and this one was very successful. I was feeling really good about it the whole way through. Start Bodyweight's routine encourages three sets of reps, with each session increasing the reps by one in one of your sets until you reach a cap of 8/8/8, after which you try the next exercise in the progression. I pushed pretty much every exercise up by two reps today, with a couple going up by three. I also maxed out kneeling plank at 60s last session, so this time I went 31s with standard plank. I probably could have gone even further, but I don't want to spend tomorrow in DOMS hell. I've been very careful to stretch properly. The last time I drove from NY to VA, I wound up with very angry quads, and I want to keep them in good spirits before next week's drive.

 

I'm beginning to discover that I really like this bodyweight routine. Before, "really like" actually meant "can tolerate better than the alternatives". But thanks to this challenge, I find myself looking forward to exercising. I get to listen to good music and I feel connected with my body instead of just a hapless tenant.

 

Lunch was chicken noodle soup, not great but not bad. Weirdly, it's canned chicken noodle with no celery, carrot, or apparently spices. Well, Tabasco's a vegetable, right? No? Guess that means a raw carrot for the side.

Evening: Today wasn't a scheduled writing day, but I got the bug to put in another page. I'm sitting at 10,318 words right now. I finally broke the 10% mark.

 

Dinner was a quick and dirty shepherd's pie. Now it's time to start getting the kids ready for bed.

[TheFatFriar]

Nice save! It's wise to save those "slots" for the end of the week, or spontenous events like in your case. And keep going! I'm sure your planks will improve before you know it!

[petefeet]

I like your "slots" system as well, I allow one "cheat" per week, finding a system that works for you is the important thing.

 

If you are looking to share your writing experience with others, please check out "The Writer's Guild" (link in my signature). We are a group amateur writers who support and offer advice when requested. Hope you check us out.

[RMDC]

Thanks, I will!

[RMDC]

Day 5

 

Morning: Leftover shepherd's pie for breakfast. I didn't sleep very well last night. Today is an off day on my exercise schedule, so while I intend to keep moving, I'm glad I don't feel pressured to bother with interval walking.

 

I started filling out my profile for the new NF character system a couple nights ago. Thinking about my long-term fitness goals, I entered "drop two inches from waist" as a quest. My starting measurement is 43.5" at the widest point - not great, obviously, but not as bad as I'd feared. Then, curious, I decided to measure at the point where my jeans rest, somewhere between waist and hips. I wear jeans with a 36" waist. The measurement I got at my narrowest waist-ish region was 41". What is this? Vanity sizing? Most of my 36" jeans fit comfortably around my 41" jean-wearing line, to the point that they'll sometimes be a little too slack by the end of the day. What gives, clothing manufacturers?

 

Midday: Nuts as a snack (my walnut supply is waning!). I tried to get writing done, but man, I'm wiped. :/

 

Evening: Just ordered in a pizza for myself and the kids. Tonight is a wash. I may get to writing later. I'll update if I do.

[jrosto]

It's pretty awesome that you are starting to enjoy your body weight exercise program, that is an important part of success.

 

Your comments about pants sizes got me to thinking, so off to Google I went  Esquire had a decent article on Vanity sizing for pants by manufacturer. 

 

Dropping 2" from your waist is a very nice, and achievable, goal.  Your challenge quests will get you there

[Ballad]

Popping in to let you know I'm following along! You got this.

 

PS. Really enjoy the "themeless & GIFless" title to your challenge, ha!

[RMDC]

It's pretty awesome that you are starting to enjoy your body weight exercise program, that is an important part of success.

 

Your comments about pants sizes got me to thinking, so off to Google I went  Esquire had a decent article on Vanity sizing for pants by manufacturer. 

 

Dropping 2" from your waist is a very nice, and achievable, goal.  Your challenge quests will get you there

 

Yeah, waist sizing is like pricing - even if they're not that different, I'd rather be 39.99" than 41".

 

 

Popping in to let you know I'm following along! You got this.

 

PS. Really enjoy the "themeless & GIFless" title to your challenge, ha!

 

Thanks for following! Yeah, the first six challenge threads I read, back in December when I first heard of the site, all had elaborate themes and animations sprinkled like confetti. As much as I like a well-formatted and attractive post, I think that "I'm new and I'm not in shape" is about as much of a theme as I can handle for the time being.

[jrosto]

Yeah, waist sizing is like pricing - even if they're not that different, I'd rather be 39.99" than 41".

 

 

I started my weight loss journey a very tight 44.  A part of me kind of wishes I kept a pair of those pants just 'cause.  I do still wear my old belt, it wraps all the way around to my middle back belt loop.

 

 

Thanks for following! Yeah, the first six challenge threads I read, back in December when I first heard of the site, all had elaborate themes and animations sprinkled like confetti. As much as I like a well-formatted and attractive post, I think that "I'm new and I'm not in shape" is about as much of a theme as I can handle for the time being. 

 

 

Themes are fun, but running a themed thread is time consuming and I can't do it every challenge.