Jormungand: Challenge III

[Jormungand]

It's hard to believe that it's already time for another challenge. Let's jump right into it then. I'm trying a new structuring format this time around. I'm focusing a little less on "Do X activity Y number of days" and more on "Do what it takes to get X accomplished." Trying out different things will hopefully give me a better idea of what works for me during these challenges. I'm really looking forward to keeping up with you beautiful, crazy people.

 

First Quest: Read. Read every day. Simple, yet stylish. Even if it's only ten minutes. I love reading, but sometimes I neglect my bookish exploits for cheaper thrills. This challenge, though, I want to get into the habit of reading with regularity. This will help me on multiple fronts. As a librarian, having a more expansive knowledge of all things books can only help me and my patrons. Also, my "To Be Read" pile is growing in size and menace. It needs to be tamed. There are just too many good books out there for me to continue being lax about this. +2 WIS +1 CHA

 

Second Quest: Stick to the budget. My wife and I are really reexamining our finances this year. We have a written plan, and we need to stick with it. No debit card usage other than what is specified. We have a certain amount of allocated cash spending, and that's it. This time around, I can't make any excuses. +1 STR +2 CON (It may seem weird to include strength in this quest, but, trust me, it will take a certain degree of strength to change my attitude on how I handle money.)

 

Third Quest: Run a sub-nine-minute mile for 3.1 miles. To make it simple, I want to run a 5K in less than 27 minutes. I'll try various exercises and running regimens to build up to this. I think I'm already pretty close, but I don't think I'm quite there yet. I will leave the last week open to time myself: first on a treadmill and second on the road. It is possible that weather could prohibit me from running outside during the last week, but I'll burn that bridge when I come to it. +2 DEX +2 STA

 

Alright, chums. Let's do this. 

[SaltyDragon]

Keep pushing that pace – you can totally do a sub-27min 5k!

 

After your last challenge, I was expecting to see some kind of nutrition-related goal. Anything unofficial in mind here, or maybe something for one of the minis?

[Jormungand]

Thanks, SaltyDragon. Always nice to see a familiar face.

 

I'd considered the nutrition-related goal. I think that a whole manner of sins can be covered by the budget quest. If I can stick to that, there is less room for error when it comes to frivolous spending on things like snacks. Unofficially, I am trying to not bring beer home. I am currently out of stock, and I plan to not buy any to keep around the house. This is set up so that I can still have a drink or two if I go out, but, again, the budget should minimize that.

[Jormungand]

Mid-Week Update:

 

So far, I am really pleased with how this challenge has been progressing. I realize that I am only four days into it, but I think I can keep this momentum. I've been pretty active with running/lifting. Some of the habits I worked on in previous challenges are lingering, inasmuch that I'm at least giving longer consideration with what my food choices are. I've kept up with my reading and budget spending.

 

I am giving extra thought to the running quest. I've been doing a few test runs (literally), and I may have set the goal too high. I'm not ready to adjust it yet, but I will definitely do some evaluating over the next couple of weeks. 

[SaltyDragon]

Glad you're feeling good about your challenge. It's nice when you can keep that momentum going.

 

If you think your mileage goal may be too much, then I definitely think you should approach it carefully. I learned back in my first challenge what can happen if you push it a little too fast.

[Jormungand]

If you think your mileage goal may be too much, then I definitely think you should approach it carefully. I learned back in my first challenge what can happen if you push it a little too fast.

 

I remember that! Good point. Better to take things slowly yet surely. 

[originalpiratematerial]

Following!  

[Tearose]

Following! Great goals!

[Jormungand]

Week 1 Recap:

 

This week went really well. I am really pleased with my first two quests. I read every day, which I'd like to just make a habit in perpetuity. Also, I was able to stick with our written budget and only use what cash we had allocated for spending. This really helped with some unofficial diet/nutrition quests, as well. Since I'm only going off of a set amount of money to spend, it's easier to say no to snacks and treats throughout the day. Once I've made the commitment to follow through with the plan, I don't feel tempted as much.

 

As I mentioned earlier, the running quest will have to be taken a step at a time (heh). I've not completely given up on it, but I have changed my mentality to one of cautious optimism with a healthy dose of suspicion.

[originalpiratematerial]

I hear what you say about reading! On my first challenge I had a goal to switch off electronic devices by 10.45 pm and read an actual proper book. It has now become an engrained habit and that makes me really happy. I have also downloaded the Kindle App and read on my way to work as it is surprisingly easy to read from my iPhone on a crowded Tube.

[SaltyDragon]

Good week! I have to say, I've seen a few of the reading challenges, now, and I'm getting tempted. In fact, I might have an idea...

[Jormungand]

I hear what you say about reading! On my first challenge I had a goal to switch off electronic devices by 10.45 pm and read an actual proper book. It has now become an engrained habit and that makes me really happy. I have also downloaded the Kindle App and read on my way to work as it is surprisingly easy to read from my iPhone on a crowded Tube.

 

That's the idea. My only fear is that it could become something that I think that I have to do. So far, it's been really enjoyable, and I hope that I can keep the books varied enough that my mind won't even know the difference. 

 

Good week! I have to say, I've seen a few of the reading challenges, now, and I'm getting tempted. In fact, I might have an idea...

 

I would recommend it. I've been seeing a lot of people with meditation challenges, and I will think that it could be something I could try out. Honestly, though, reading is my meditation. 

[originalpiratematerial]

I'm reading really quite different books. For my journey to and from work in reading the Uhtred Chronicles/Last Kkngdom series by Bernard Cromwell. These are certainly very popular amongst NF-ers so you may have read them already. They're really making me think and taking me back as I studied Old English as part of my degree.

I'm choosing quite different books to read in the evenings e.g. Before Christmas I read A Brief History of Seven Killings which is set in New York and Jamaica and largely written in patois.

[originalpiratematerial]

Really to get the meditation-like effects all you have to find is a book that really transports you and takes you out of yourself, I think.

[Jormungand]

I have not read the Cromwell works. I will definitely check them out. I hear you on the Old English. I once took a history class where the professor would often read old pieces in Old English. It was always a lot of fun trying to pick out the different pieces of the language and identify the parts that evolved into our own now.

 

I've heard several people talking about a Brief History of Seven Killings. It does sound interesting.

[Jormungand]

Week 2 Recap:

 

These shortened challenges are just flying by. This week went really well .Got a run in and was able to make it in for three strength sessions, all of which included bear complexes (and one that included plate pushes, my old nemesis). I am seeing some improvements in the bear complexes, which I am really starting to love. I'm still sticking to the cash system, and I've been maintaining my reading habit of every day. It's surprising how quickly you can blaze through books (relatively speaking) when you stay consistent. Who knew?

 

I hope you all are finding success in your endeavors. We're halfway through, so keep up the momentum. 

[Rurik Harrgath]

I'm reading really quite different books. For my journey to and from work in reading the Uhtred Chronicles/Last Kkngdom series by Bernard Cromwell. These are certainly very popular amongst NF-ers so you may have read them already. They're really making me think and taking me back as I studied Old English as part of my degree.

 

Easily my favorite series of books, that.

 

Week 2 Recap:

 

These shortened challenges are just flying by. This week went really well .Got a run in and was able to make it in for three strength sessions, all of which included bear complexes (and one that included plate pushes, my old nemesis). I am seeing some improvements in the bear complexes, which I am really starting to love. I'm still sticking to the cash system, and I've been maintaining my reading habit of every day. It's surprising how quickly you can blaze through books (relatively speaking) when you stay consistent. Who knew?

 

I hope you all are finding success in your endeavors. We're halfway through, so keep up the momentum. 

 

Great job in keeping up with the challenge.  Sounds like you're already formulating some lasting habits through the first half.  Like you said, keep up the momentum!

[SaltyDragon]

That's great that you've been able to stay consistent and keep the momentum going.

 

I should probably look up what a bear complex is. As far as I know, it's something you develop while hiking in Kodiak.

[kcaleece]

Awesome job!! You're right, these shortened challenges just fly by, but it seems to me you're making a ton of progress. Way to be smart on the running goal too - better to be careful and get there safely than injure yourself trying to push too hard. I'm super impressed, for whatever a complete Internet stranger's opinion is worth

[Jormungand]

That's great that you've been able to stay consistent and keep the momentum going.

 

I should probably look up what a bear complex is. As far as I know, it's something you develop while hiking in Kodiak.

 

Sometimes it feels like an experience with a Kodiak. Here's a video of what it encompasses, which is the following:

 

1 power clean

1 front squat

1 push press

1 back squat

1 push press

 

All of that is one rep. The goal is to do five reps (some do seven) for a total of five sets, incrementally going up in weight each set. I was under the false impression that I needed to do seven sets, doing six last Saturday. Looks like it's time to add more weight. 

 

Awesome job!! You're right, these shortened challenges just fly by, but it seems to me you're making a ton of progress. Way to be smart on the running goal too - better to be careful and get there safely than injure yourself trying to push too hard. I'm super impressed, for whatever a complete Internet stranger's opinion is worth

 

Thank you. I'm finding that it's easier to stick with some habits during these challenges by saying "I'm only doing this for four weeks," and then betting that by the end they will be more ingrained into my everyday activities. 

[Jormungand]

Easily my favorite series of books, that.

 

 

Great job in keeping up with the challenge.  Sounds like you're already formulating some lasting habits through the first half.  Like you said, keep up the momentum!

 

For sure. Especially the cash system. It's like Steve said in the article on cheat meals: I've found it much easier to live with when I say "I don't buy something without cash" versus "I can't buy something without cash." I like putting the power and responsibility back in my own hands. 

[Jormungand]

I just looked, and our library has copies of the Last Kingdom series. I checked out the first. Thanks again for the recommendations. 

[SaltyDragon]

Thank you. I'm finding that it's easier to stick with some habits during these challenges by saying "I'm only doing this for four weeks," and then betting that by the end they will be more ingrained into my everyday activities. 

 

That's a good strategy.

 

And that routine sounds pretty challenging. Someday, when I have access to a proper gym, I'd like to get a little more serious about lifting.

[originalpiratematerial]

That looks awesome, Jormungand!

[Rurik Harrgath]

I just looked, and our library has copies of the Last Kingdom series. I checked out the first. Thanks again for the recommendations. 

 

Let me know what you think of them!