3… 2… 1… respawn!

[brianhicks]

Hey all!

My last challenge ended poorly, I got thoroughly beaten by the boss known as "Thanksgiving". Spent some time with the family, which unfortunately left me feeling bad about myself and unmotivated. But you know what? I'm respawning!

A bit about me: I stand 6'2.5" and weigh 180lbs or so. I'm "skinny fat"… you can't see that I'm out of shape because of how I dress, but I lose my breath doing ridiculously simple things. I'm un-fit, at the moment. Doesn't help that I have bad knees.

I work as a computer programmer whatsit-thingy at a startup in St. Louis. I love doing the whole standing desk thing, it really helps with posture and I move around more when I stand. As part of the job I travel to conferences a lot (about once a month in 2015), so I think those are going to be my major roadblocks to fitness this year too.

I'll probably end up being in the Assassin's guild (bodyweight workouts are cheap and easy to do at home or on the road and parkour is just cool) but I'm sticking with the Rebel forum until I get through my first challenge period successfully.

So, my goals:

Fitness:

I'm enrolled in the Nerd Fitness Academy, but I haven't done any of the fitness quests (shame, shame.) I'm going to start small here with the bodyweight workouts and say that I'm going to do them twice per week. That's 8 total, minimum.

- A (8): 25xp

- B (7): 20xp

- C (6): 15xp

- D (5): 10xp

- F (4-): 0xp

I also love doing yoga. It makes my knees feel great. I want to do yoga at least once per week during the challenge period. The scoring on this one is lower because it's more of a "bonus quest"... also four sessions is hard to give more XP to than this!

- A (4): 10xp

- B (3): 5xp

- F (2-): 0xp

Diet:

I love me some carbs, but I realize that they're not that great for me. I'm going to keep track of meals where I eat any carbs, along with meals where I eat fruits and veggies. Point system: +1 for freggies, +1 for no carbs, and -1 for the opposites. During the challenge period, there are 84 meals, so that's 168 potential points. I'll grade myself on percentage:

- A (90%+): 25xp

- B (80%): 20xp

- C (70%): 15xp

- D (60%): 10xp

- F (60%-): 0xp

To sum up in a sentence: I will replace carbs with freggies during the challenge period.

Levelling up:

I want two things right now: for my mind to calm down so I can get stuff done, and for my wife to feel like I listen to and appreciate her. You know what doesn't help me do those? My phone! When I get home in the evenings I want to put down the phone where I can get it if someone calls me, but where I can't pick it up just to check Tweetbook.

- A (24+ nights): 25xp

- B (22 nights): 20xp

- C (20 nights): 15xp

- D (15 nights): 10xp

- F (14- nights): 0xp

This one is going to be hard for me, I can tell right now. But an improved state of mental health and a better marital relationship is worth the effort.

[brianhicks]

And as for tracking, I'll be doing things in this spreadsheet as well as posting here, at least once a week.

[brianhicks]

Yesterday was a wash on the meal front. Technical usergroup had pizza and no non-carb option, but I did get the pizza with veggies.

 

I also put my phone away as soon as I got home, so that was a win! I'm going to have to look up the bodyweight workouts today so I can do them tomorrow morning.

[Georges]

Nice setup - the tracking spreadsheet is great

 

And congrats on stowing your phone when you got home!

[MegaRaye201]

Such technical, very wow!

If someone wanted to summon me magically, free pizza would be one of my lures.

Do you enjoy reading or listening to audiobooks? The Power of Habit has been quite an insight for me. I listen to it on my work commute.

I look forward to seeing your final grades!!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[brianhicks]

I actually received the Power of Habit as a Christmas gift (it's on optional reading list for a business class I'm taking.) Haven't started yet, I've got some travel next month that I was going to take it on the plane for. Glad to hear another recommendation for that.

 

Yesterday: aces! I managed to eat zero carby food items for all my meals! That's a full 6 points for yesterday, and after Monday's complete wash, I'm happy with that progress. I'm still getting a lot of carb cravings though. Last night, for instance, I really wanted some toast with Nutella on. My wife, who's also cutting back on carbs, advised me to brush my teeth to get rid of the craving. Sounds like good advice, but I didn't end up trying it. I will next time.

[MegaRaye201]

Gum helps me from time to time for cravings like that.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Koaladle]

 

Keep your eyes on the prize, Mr. Hicks!

[brianhicks]

Update!

 

I did my first bodyweight workout over the weekend. It was… painful. I didn't realize how out of shape I was.

 

Food-wise, I've been doing pretty well. I had a major neutral and negative streak going on but I snapped it over the weekend. Packed a healthy lunch today too, so we're good there.

[Koaladle]

Now that you have the bodyweight baseline, you're only going to get better. :-) Keep it up!

[Bast]

Hey there, brianhicks

 

Welcome back to the Rebellion!!  

 

You've got a very well thought out challenge!  Kudos on your workouts, diet and phone!  I know my hubby drives me nuts with all his electronics!  LOL!  How's the yoga going for you?  Are you doing a class or at home?

 

I'm stoked that you're interested in joining the Assassin's Guild when you complete a challenge!  We are a fun loving bunch who often tend to do it all and enjoy everyone's company and some friendly competition!  You can find some additional info about us here, or visit our Guild page.  You can also go to the Assassin Intitiates page to get to know your fellow Recruits who have similar Assassiny interests!  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

I look forward to seeing you rock this Challenge!  Keep up the great work!

[brianhicks]

Thanks Bast! I'm doing the NF yoga. They've made it pretty easy to adapt for a non-stretchy person like myself. Thanks for the links! I've posted on the initiates page. See you in February!

 

Koaladle: thanks for the encouragement, as always! 

 

And as a general update: I did another workout today, and it still kicked my butt but I'm kicking back. Got two circuits done instead of just one.  Going to do Tuesday and Thursday for the remainder of the challenge period, plus one Saturday to make up for missing the whole first week.

 

On the diet front, I'm finding it a lot easier to add veggies than subtract carbs. The second page of the spreadsheet I posted is a pivot chart with the scores summed up. Right now I'm at a score of 17 for freggies and -3 for carbs. I kind of wonder if I'm not being too strict with this, but now that I'm trying to be more aware of it I'm realizing that carbs are in everything. 

 

I realized I'm going to have a boss fight on my hands in the middle of the next challenge. I'm going to Germany for work (which I am really excited for), but I don't know how that's going to affect my health goals. I'm asking here to ask: anyone here from Germany? How's the food there? I feel like it'll be generally healthier than that in the states, but who knows!?

[brianhicks]

And as a second update (sorry for the double post) I've filled out my new shiny character page: https://www.nerdfitness.com/character/1095/

 

The slogan there is from Invictus by William Ernest Henley, a poem that makes me sit up and take notice (and also feel like I can eat the world.) Reproduced here because it's awesome:

 

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

 

For the record, I do love me some inspirational poetry. My second favorite is the "man in the arena" bit from Teddy Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic" speech:

 

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

[Koaladle]

I will post something more substaintial when I come back from my walk, but Beren Calanor is from Germany, and I believe Inpursuitof is moving there this week! 

[Koaladle]

Thanks Bast! I'm doing the NF yoga. They've made it pretty easy to adapt for a non-stretchy person like myself. Thanks for the links! I've posted on the initiates page. See you in February!

 

Koaladle: thanks for the encouragement, as always! 

 

And as a general update: I did another workout today, and it still kicked my butt but I'm kicking back. Got two circuits done instead of just one.  Going to do Tuesday and Thursday for the remainder of the challenge period, plus one Saturday to make up for missing the whole first week.

 

On the diet front, I'm finding it a lot easier to add veggies than subtract carbs. The second page of the spreadsheet I posted is a pivot chart with the scores summed up. Right now I'm at a score of 17 for freggies and -3 for carbs. I kind of wonder if I'm not being too strict with this, but now that I'm trying to be more aware of it I'm realizing that carbs are in everything. 

 

I realized I'm going to have a boss fight on my hands in the middle of the next challenge. I'm going to Germany for work (which I am really excited for), but I don't know how that's going to affect my health goals. I'm asking here to ask: anyone here from Germany? How's the food there? I feel like it'll be generally healthier than that in the states, but who knows!?

 

I'm using NFY too! I'm still working on Water Level 1. I don't want to move on until I can do it easily.

 

Here's the dealio with carbs: there are carbs that are just in things, and then there are carbs that lurk in Useless Edibles. The best way that I've found to have a healthy diet is to consume the food in it's original form + your choice of food prep: grilled, stir-fried, baked, or fresh. Steamed carrots, fresh lettuce, whole milk, grilled cow parts, etc. The Useless Carbs are going to be found in stuff like potato chips, soda, white bread and juice. The more work that goes into creating the end product, the less likely you're eating something healthy. That's great news if you're lazy like me! The less work, the better!

 

 

And as a second update (sorry for the double post) I've filled out my new shiny character page: https://www.nerdfitness.com/character/1095/

 

The slogan there is from Invictus by William Ernest Henley, a poem that makes me sit up and take notice (and also feel like I can eat the world.) Reproduced here because it's awesome:

 

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

 

For the record, I do love me some inspirational poetry. My second favorite is the "man in the arena" bit from Teddy Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic" speech:

 

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

 

 

Poetry, huh? I keep that in mind for the hard days.

[brianhicks]

Ok! Update time.

 

Food: I've tracked 31 meals using this system now. There's a pivot table on the second page of that spreadsheet, here's what it currently looks like:

            SUM of Freggies SUM of Carbs  Breakfast 7               5     Dinner 6               -4      Lunch 8               0Grand Total 21              1

So… as I said, it's a lot easier for me to add freggies than it is to subtract carbs. Particularly at dinner. Wowza! I thought breakfast would be the hardest meal to cut carbs (especially because of the US penchant for sweet pastries and donuts and such), and it's actually been the easiest. That said, it's also helped a lot that I've been eating yogurt instead. Probably not the best from the sugar perspective, but that's not what I'm measuring this challenge so I'm going to give myself a mini-pass and consider measuring that as well next challenge. It's not tracked, but I've also got into the habit of eating cherry tomatoes instead of sugary snacks during the day when I'm hungry. They're just so satisfying to chow down on! 

 

Side note: I mis-figured how the scoring on my food works. Giving myself a -1 or 1 only means that my total score can be -2, 0, or 2, which means that my score is between -168 and 168 instead of 0 and 168. I'm going to stick with the scoring system for the rest of this challenge, but with one difference to adjust for my calculation error: I'm going to give myself 168 points and score out of 336 instead of 168. That means that I still need to really push myself in order to get full points, but it's no longer impossible to even get a D.

 

Exercise: did my third bodyweight workout today. I've really got to focus on my form to avoid re-injuring my knees. If I do squats at all wrong I get a terrible popping and they swell like crazy after. Fortunately, this is a known issue that I've talked about with my physician and I have glorious anti-swelling meds to take every day. Of course, my long-term goals include being off those completely by strengthening and flexifying my knees, but for now they're a useful tool. As far as yoga goes? Well, I haven't yog'd at all, except as a cool-down after the workouts. I'm thinking I eventually need to do it every day I'm not doing a "real" workout, my goal for next week is to introduce it on Wednesday morning (I work in the office Monday and Friday, roughly an hour commute so I have to get up quite early and haven't figured out how to fit a workout in there yet.)

 

Life: I've managed to put my phone away every single night but one. That was when I was just playing a game while we were watching TV, but since the goal is to be present when my wife and I are spending our downtime together I'm going to be strict and count it as not stowed that night.

[Koaladle]

You are progressing like a champ! Well done!

[Bast]

Awesome job!!  You're doing so well!!

 

The thing to remember about carbs is that there are good ones and bad ones...Freggies are a good carb, along with whole grains, while bad carbs consist of sugary and processed foods.  A great rule of thumb is to eat fresh...or only things with very few ingredients.  

 

Don't worry about the travels...you can still to the NFY in your hotel room as well as the NF Bodyweight Workout as well as variations for travel and in a hotel room.  I'm sooo jealous that you're going to Germany!!  Send me some brats and beer!  LOL!!

 

Keep it up!  We're half way there!

 

[brianhicks]

Aww, that pup is adorable! Go dog lifter puppy!

 

My wife actually took me to school about the healthy/unhealthy carbs thing. I wasn't making a distinction, and she said "Brian, you're not eating any carbs but when you do you're eating super bad ones." For me, that means french fries and buttery rolls (my greatest weakness: Red Lobster's biscuits. You can get an otherwise super healthy meal there and totally fail because the biscuits are just. so. good.) I'm going to have to reevaluate what I'm doing for next time. The scoring system stays for now, but I've relaxed it a little bit. For example, I didn't give myself a -1 yesterday for having veggies and chicken over rice, which I previously would have done. It does open up some more possibilities.

 

I finally completed three circuits of my bodyweight exercise program! I had to modify the squats to get there, but my posterior chain is still getting the exercise and my knees aren't complaining nearly as much after. The modification: bar height chair tilting forward and back. Basically a leg press at the gym, but with less than my body weight because of the chair. I hope that's clear enough... I'll post pictures later if it's not.

 

EDIT: forgot to add, my physician recommended I do the chair thing for my knees, but it didn't click for me until now what he actually meant.

[Koaladle]

Go wife, go! Spouses are like a second conscience!

[Bast]

Yeah, those biscuits are evil...especially when you know how to make them (like I do)!  I can also fully understand the need to work in flexibility into your plan, as well as keeping room for modifications...I have Fibromyalgia, so workout modifications are an all too frequent reality for me!  And life has a tendency to rear it's ugly head, so plan flexibility is a life saver!  LOL!

 

I also agree with Koaladle...I'm my hubby's Jiminy Cricket, and he's my cheerleader!

 

How did you're Week 3 go?  Keep up the great work for the home stretch!

 

[brianhicks]

Wow, time flies. Week 3 went pretty well, I thought I had posted but I guess not

 

I've been doing the recruit workout and it's going well, but I feel like it's not often enough to become a habit. Next challenge period I'm going to add a third workout per week, probably on Saturday morning (TTS works better for my work schedule than MWF since I need to be out of the house by 7 on MF). I've had trouble breaking through to the third set, it's really kicking me around.

 

Diet is going decently well, but next time I'm going to be a little more comprehensive how I manage my food - there's not enough resolution on the system I invented to measure how well I'm actually eating.

 

Life goals: hooray! The phone challenge has been quite a success. I'm not looking at my little rectangle as much and I feel like it's really helped, even just in 30 days. It's at the point now where my wife expects me to be present, rather than in Twitterland, and we apologize to each other when either one of us spends too much screen time. However, we've replaced individual alone time with defaulting to watching YouTube in the evenings. We probably should do some thinking about how both of us want to spend our time. More spreadsheets incoming, probably.

 

Beyond those things, I'm starting to think about my goals for next time. And I'm looking forward to joining the assassins for the next challenge period. I used to love gymnastics so much, and parkour looks like a boatload of fun.

 

One day left though, wow... I'll post a wrap up to this thread on Saturday or early next week. Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement.

[Bast]

Awesome!  Looks like you've finished strong!  Looking forward to seeing you around the Guild!

 

[brianhicks]

Right! Time for a summary and then to go make my goals for the next challenge period.

 

Freggies and Carbs: 72.31% AKA a C. Not bad, not great either. I'm going to have to figure out some ways to get this better for next time, as previously discussed. Here's how I ended up with meals:

            SUM of Freggies SUM of CarbsBreakfast   22              16Lunch       18              6Dinner      20              -4Grand Total 60              18

So... dinners were hard! That's probably what sunk me on the scoring.

 

Exercise: 7 workouts out of 8 completed. B. No Yoga sessions whatsoever. F, no points for house Hicks.

 

And finally, the challenge I thought would be hardest turned out to be a simple matter of habit every day, and I ended up with 22 phone-light nights. B.

 

Total experience: 20 for exercise, 0 for yoga, 15 for diet, and 20 for life. 55 points! That gives me a new high score to beat next period.

 

(my updated character: https://www.nerdfitness.com/character/1095)