AThousandWords 6: Back in the Habit

[athousandwords]

Happy 2016 Everyone!  It's a new year!  A fresh start!  And I am so very, very happy to be getting back into a new Nerd Fitness challenge.

 

 

I'm Yvonne, or athousandwords, and this is my sixth challenge on NF.  I've been an Adventurer for all previous challenges, but with the reorg of guilds and some soul-searching about what I want my fit-and-healthy life to look like, I've decided to make the move to Rangers.  I'm happy to see some familiar faces over here, so looks like this will be a great challenge to reconnect with some old friends and make lots of new ones.

 

2015 was a strong year for me.  I started off with a Whole30 in January, rejoined NF in June, and spent the majority of the year following a paleo diet and an exercise routine focused on strength training, cycling, and yoga.  In November, I eased off a bit from my routine because of several (awesome) vacations and family gatherings, and let myself slip out of a lot of the good habits I developed.  So this first challenge of the year will be about kickstarting good habits and health!

 

Goal 1: Whole30 (CON 2, CHA 1)

 

Starting the year with a Whole30 will help me hit the reset button on my poor eating decisions and curb that Sugar Dragon that's been roaring since Thanksgiving.  Official Rules and Recommendations are posted here, but the gist is strict paleo: no grains, no sugar, no alcohol, no legumes, no dairy.  I've done it before and I know I can do it again!

 

Tracking: Posting what I eat daily (or on a regular basis)

 

Grading: Pass/Fail

 

Goal 2: Establish a weekday morning routine (DEX 1, CON 1, CHA 1)

 

I think I'm secretly a morning person disguised in a very sleepy person's pajamas.  I love the way I feel when I wake up early and get stuff done, even if the snooze button thinks otherwise.  My goal is to wake up earlier on work days and get a jump start on the day with these five things:

1. Floss
2. Stretch
3. Clean Cat Litter
4. Eat Breakfast
5. Take Prenatal Vitamin

Tracking: Using HabitBull to mark each item complete.  Half 'day' counted if something is completed but not done in the morning.

 

Grading:

A - 25 days

B - 20+ days

C - 15+ days

D - 10+ days

F - 9 or fewer days

 

Goal 3: Just Work Out (STR 1, STA 2)

 

As much as I hate to admit it, working out is always the first thing that slips for me, and the hardest thing to get back into.  I debated not having a workout challenge this month, but I want to start the year right and that means developing a habit of fitness, even if it sucks sometimes.  This month, I will complete Strength Training 2x per week and Cardio 2x per week.  They can be on separate days or the same day, and should be at least 20 minutes of activity.

 

Tracking: Posting what I've done here on NF, and using HabitBull to mark complete

 

Grading:

A - 8 ST / 8 Cardio

B - 6+ ST / 6+ Cardio

C - 4+ ST /  4+ Cardio

D - 2+ ST / 2+ Cardio

F - <2 ST / < 2 Cardio

 

Personal Goal:  Weekly Cleaning/Organization Task (CHA 1, WIS 1)

 

This year I'm taking the "52 Weeks To An Organized Home: Weekly Challenges" to help organize and declutter our house.  This goal is to complete the first four tasks during the week they take place.

 

Tracking:  Updating here each week as completed

 

Grading:

A - All 4 tasks complete

B - 3 tasks complete

C - 2 tasks complete

D - 1 task complete

F - 0 tasks complete

 

Starting Stats: 

 

STR 13.5 | DEX 8 | STA 11.5 | CON 19.5 | WIS 15.75 | CHA 12.5

 

Weight: 161.8

Waist: 32"

Belly: 38.5"

Hips: 41"

R Thigh: 24.75"

R Bicep: 12.5"

Neck: 13"

[Jezaraen]

Your goals seem awesome! I've done a few whole30's as a reset and I always feel so great afterwards. 

I'm new to Rangers too so I'm glad to see a fellow newbie!

Following for support

[Jezaraen]

Newbie to ranger's I mean. Not in general lol. Obviously you've been doing challenges for a while now

[fleaball]

No alcohol? I was going to say we should actually try to meet up now that things aren't crazy, but now I'm reconsidering... (I'm not. We should totally meet up. I promise not to have other bizarre things happen this semester to interfere.)

 

I was going to say, isn't 'back in the habit' the tagline to Sister Act 2, but it looks like you beat me there too. =P Your challenge looks super fab and I will totally be lurking. 

[Raze]

WOOT I'm following along! I'm on the no drinking train as well... good thing the meet up this month is more sight seeing rather than drinking! speaking of which will you be joining us later this month for the DMV meet up?

 

Edit: I am also moving to the rangers this challenge. It's more of a home coming for me since I haven't been here for over 2 years now...

[Fatal]

Say it ain't so! A Future Ranger finally becomes one.

[NeverThatBored]

It's good to see some familiar faces over here! Your goals sound perfect for starting out the new year. 

[athousandwords]

Your goals seem awesome! I've done a few whole30's as a reset and I always feel so great afterwards. 

I'm new to Rangers too so I'm glad to see a fellow newbie!

Following for support

 

Thanks, glad to have someone with W30 experience following along!  And I definitely still feel like a newbie, especially joining a new guild!  

 

No alcohol? I was going to say we should actually try to meet up now that things aren't crazy, but now I'm reconsidering... (I'm not. We should totally meet up. I promise not to have other bizarre things happen this semester to interfere.)

 

I was going to say, isn't 'back in the habit' the tagline to Sister Act 2, but it looks like you beat me there too. =P Your challenge looks super fab and I will totally be lurking. 

 

We should definitely meet up, but cut me some slack if I'm hella introverted and awkward without alcohol!  

 

WOOT I'm following along! I'm on the no drinking train as well... good thing the meet up this month is more sight seeing rather than drinking! speaking of which will you be joining us later this month for the DMV meet up?

 

Edit: I am also moving to the rangers this challenge. It's more of a home coming for me since I haven't been here for over 2 years now...

 

I think I need to pop back into that thread - I didn't even realize there was a meet up this month!  Glad to see you again, I'll stop by your thread to follow along as well! 

 

Say it ain't so! A Future Ranger finally becomes one.

 

About time, right?  

 

It's good to see some familiar faces over here! Your goals sound perfect for starting out the new year. 

 

Thanks, glad to see you over here too!

[athousandwords]

Day 1 - Monday

 

Last night I celebrated my last day of vacation with a glass of wine and some chocolate.  Today the real work begins.  Both in the sense that I'm back at work (with all the stress that comes with it) and back to the reality of taking care of myself.  December was a nice trip into 'eat and drink what you want and don't worry about exercising'-land, but I'm certainly seeing the effects this morning.  I weighed in almost 10lb above my last NF weigh in (though I'm willing to bet the majority of that is water weight/bloat, thanks to that glass of wine last night), and my jeans are just a little tighter than I'd like.  Tight jeans are hot.  Too tight jeans are... not.

 

 

So far today's challenge has been getting up early - I've been waking up at a reasonable hour during vacation (around 8:30 - 9) but damn did 6:30am feel like the crack of dawn this morning.  Plus I slept poorly because my hubby is back on work travel and I've gotten used to sleeping with him after having him home for almost a month (!).  Still, I got though my new morning routine and realized I probably need to tweak the order a little bit... do stretching before I put on the too tight jeans, take the prenatal vitamin after breakfast (or run the risk or throwing up).

 

I decided against packing my gym bag because going to the gym on the first Monday after New Years sounds awful, so I'll go tomorrow instead.  I'll use tonight to go grocery shopping, do some food prep, and continue cleaning the house.  Maybe I'll even get started on my first home organizing task, Week 1: Kitchen organization: countertops and sink.

 

Hope everyone else out there is having a good start to their challenge!

[Rurik Harrgath]

Last night I celebrated my last day of vacation with a glass of wine and some chocolate.  Today the real work begins. 

 

And with that in mind, you're already off to the races, I see.  Solid start to both this challenge and 2016 in general!

[athousandwords]

And with that in mind, you're already off to the races, I see.  Solid start to both this challenge and 2016 in general!

 

Thank you!  

[fleaball]

I'm perfectly capable of being awkward and introverted even with alcohol, so no worries there. =P But I'm totally teasing. There will be no alcohol involved. Classes start next week, so I'll hit you up after that once I know what my schedule's like?

[Briniel]

Found you! Your goals look great and I'm totally digging that 52-week-getting-stuff-in-order-challenge. I think I'm in! And since the first thing is countertops and sink I have a headstart since my weird cleaning-streak last week included just that Can't wait to see how your challenge will turn out, I totally expect you to fully get back into the swing of things and into the sexy-tight-jeans stage

[athousandwords]

I'm perfectly capable of being awkward and introverted even with alcohol, so no worries there. =P But I'm totally teasing. There will be no alcohol involved. Classes start next week, so I'll hit you up after that once I know what my schedule's like?

 

Sounds like a plan!  If you're free during the week, I can metro into DC pretty easily (coming from Tysons Corner).

 

Found you! Your goals look great and I'm totally digging that 52-week-getting-stuff-in-order-challenge. I think I'm in! And since the first thing is countertops and sink I have a headstart since my weird cleaning-streak last week included just that Can't wait to see how your challenge will turn out, I totally expect you to fully get back into the swing of things and into the sexy-tight-jeans stage

 

Thanks!  Glad to have someone else on board with organizing ALL THE THINGS!  

[athousandwords]

Tuesday Checkin

 

Whole30:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with broccoli, coffee with coconut milk
• Lunch:  Roasted cauliflower and ham soup
• Dinner: Herb crusted pork tenderloin, roasted brussels sprouts and baby potatoes, and a spinach salad with balsamic-braised strawberries and toasted almonds

    

 

Morning Routine: Complete

 

Exercise: Rest day

 

Day one felt really good.  It was nice to get back into the swing of eating healthy - I was worried I'd feel deprived after having a lot of rich food over the holidays, but I made some favorite dishes that I was happy to eat, so that nicely diffused any cravings for other food.  I spent the evening cooking, doing meal prep, and cleaning up the kitchen.  Since it ties in with my organization goal, I'm trying to get better about keeping the kitchen clean - washing all dishes after cooking or putting them straight into the dishwasher, wiping down the counters after each use, etc.  I also mopped the kitchen and foyer, and I'm not even going to tell you how long it's been since I've done that because it's frankly embarrassing...

 

This morning's routine went a lot smoother.  I still didn't get out of bed til 30 min after my alarm went off (I got back in bed and played on FB too long), but I had enough time to get everything done.  Getting things prepped the night before - dicing up veggies, cleaning out the french press, clearing a space to stretch - really helped.

 

I also put together a meal plan for the week - check it out below the cut if you're so inclined

 

Today I'm getting back to the gym (bag is already packed and ready!) and cooking up some more leftovers for the week, plus cleaning the living room and vacuuming.  Nothing like starting the new year with a bang...

 

[fleaball]

Sounds like a plan!  If you're free during the week, I can metro into DC pretty easily (coming from Tysons Corner).

 

 

Thanks!  Glad to have someone else on board with organizing ALL THE THINGS!  

Woo, that works! I used to be right on the Silver Line, and then we moved to the middle of nowhere, metro-wise. Booo that would have been so convenient. (Basically the only thing I miss about the old house.) I should be free a few nights for sure. Just need to make sure there are no required "go to this event or you fail" type things. 

 

Your food looks so tasty. *-*

[Briniel]

Your food looks delicious!!

 

I also mopped the kitchen and foyer, and I'm not even going to tell you how long it's been since I've done that because it's frankly embarrassing...

 

You don't need to tell me about it, I have my own (greasy) kitchen floor to take care of... I don't think mopping once will suffice. Maybe tomorrow?

 

Also, have fun on Saturday, sounds like a plan!

[SkiBlue]

 

I'M HERE AND I BROUGHT THE CALVARY!

 

Your challenge is awesomely exciting! Your goals and motivation make me think we're kindred spirits.

[athousandwords]

Woo, that works! I used to be right on the Silver Line, and then we moved to the middle of nowhere, metro-wise. Booo that would have been so convenient. (Basically the only thing I miss about the old house.) I should be free a few nights for sure. Just need to make sure there are no required "go to this event or you fail" type things. 

 

The only nights that don't work for me are Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Of course, now that I've said that, I'll totally have to bail on, say, a Monday because I forgot about some random commitment.  And boo for Metro wasteland.  My house was like that until they built out the Silver Line.  Now my nearest metro is only 25 min away instead of 45 - yay!

 

You don't need to tell me about it, I have my own (greasy) kitchen floor to take care of... I don't think mopping once will suffice. Maybe tomorrow?

 

I just bought a cheap steam mop and it is amazing.  I think you know you're an adult when you're more excited about mopping your floor than any of your christmas presents....

 

I'M HERE AND I BROUGHT THE CALVARY!

 

Your challenge is awesomely exciting! Your goals and motivation make me think we're kindred spirits.

 

Yay!  New friends!!  *tackle*

 

[Fatal]

 I still didn't get out of bed til 30 min after my alarm went off (I got back in bed and played on FB too long)

I've been better about this lately, but found it happening to me this morning too.

[athousandwords]

I've been better about this lately, but found it happening to me this morning too.

 

Yeah I'm giving myself a week to get back in the groove, then starting next week it's up and at 'em when the alarm goes off!

[athousandwords]

Today I'm having trouble focusing on the important things - like, say, work - and my my mind is bouncing all over the place (ok, internet).  I started out looking at new weightlifting programs since I'm going to the gym tonight, and probably blew a few hours evaluating the Starting Strength program vs. going back to Stronglifts.  I've spent a little too much time on the forums today browsing the power lifting section and trying to figure out how to made solid goals there.

 

Then a friend's facebook post led me to Budgets Are Sexy and I realize I've really slacked off on personal savings and finances, and maybe 2016 should be the year of getting back on track?  Since, you know, we're hoping to have a baby some time in the next year or two?  So now I'm playing with budget spreadsheets and Mint and wondering if I should incorporate a finance component into my challenge this month (...hmm maybe next month).

 

And meanwhile I should be, you know, working, or at least putting together stuff for Odyssey of the Mind or my improv troupe since I told myself I'd put more effort in to those this year.  But new stuff is so much more interesting...

 

(For the record, I'm figuring all the unpaid overtime I did last month can make up for me being a bit spacey at work today...)

[athousandwords]

Also, I'm 5 posts away from hitting 1000 posts....

 

/gratuitous post

[fleaball]

The only nights that don't work for me are Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Of course, now that I've said that, I'll totally have to bail on, say, a Monday because I forgot about some random commitment.  And boo for Metro wasteland.  My house was like that until they built out the Silver Line.  Now my nearest metro is only 25 min away instead of 45 - yay!

Those are the 3 nights I have class, so it totally works out. 25 minutes away from the metro sounds like forever to me. I got spoiled living close to the train in Boston too, so I have slightly unrealistic expectations. I'm currently like, a mile and some change from Union Station. My roommate decided I need to learn how to ride a bike, but uh, it's cold.

[Jezaraen]

Today I'm having trouble focusing on the important things - like, say, work - and my my mind is bouncing all over the place (ok, internet).  I started out looking at new weightlifting programs since I'm going to the gym tonight, and probably blew a few hours evaluating the Starting Strength program vs. going back to Stronglifts.  I've spent a little too much time on the forums today browsing the power lifting section and trying to figure out how to made solid goals there.

 

Then a friend's facebook post led me to Budgets Are Sexy and I realize I've really slacked off on personal savings and finances, and maybe 2016 should be the year of getting back on track?  Since, you know, we're hoping to have a baby some time in the next year or two?  So now I'm playing with budget spreadsheets and Mint and wondering if I should incorporate a finance component into my challenge this month (...hmm maybe next month).

 

And meanwhile I should be, you know, working, or at least putting together stuff for Odyssey of the Mind or my improv troupe since I told myself I'd put more effort in to those this year.  But new stuff is so much more interesting...

 

(For the record, I'm figuring all the unpaid overtime I did last month can make up for me being a bit spacey at work today...)

 

I have days like that at work were I feel like I've done nothing but internet surf. Feels productive at the time and then you get to 5pm and you're like ehhhhhh whoops

 

I found that with my pregnancy budgets have been crucial while planning for our bub. Babies are expensive! For such cute little things lol

 

Unpaid OT totally counts today I reckon!