RedImagination: I am the one thing in life I can control

[redimagination]

Previous challenge would have probably went a lot better if I wasn't suffering from a throat infection, followed by a persistent cough, followed by fatigue, followed by not sleeping well.

 

This challenge I need to identify ways I can manage the the problems getting in the way of me being active and then get active. I haven't been to the gym regularly in about 9-10 months now mostly due to injuries and illness. Most of these were unavoidable: I badly sprained my ankle walking around a castle which I made worse by not realising how bad it was (the excessive bruising and swelling should have been a sign). But if I can take steps to make the unavoidable less worse and to stop avoidable injuries/ illness then I will be better equipped to getting active again.

 

 

 

Goal: Get active again

Reason: I have explained this above. I want to get active again. I want to get to the gym. I want to see how much I can lift and improve on it. I want to be able to push myself.

What: I need to prevent further injury. I need to be filled with lots of lovely nutrients to give my body what it needs to be fight infection. I need to stop when I am injured or unwell. 

How: I need to tackle this in four small ways:

• Ankle strengthening exercises four times a week. Aiming for an arbitrary Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. My ankle feels better but to prevent hurting it again I need to ensure it is strong enough to cope with any demand I put on it.
• Check my form. Important all the time but I haven't been to the gym properly in so long. I am going to refresh myself on what is proper form before setting foot in the gym again, remaining aware of my form at the gym and reflecting on this each week and improve on any weak spots.
• Track my food intake. Something I am doing quite regularly but taking more notice of what I am entering and working out how to improve and eat more nutritious food.
• Get to the gym/ stop if I can't: aiming for three days a week. I will set these out at the start of the week. If I am injured or unwell don't go/ find a gentler alternative if possible (e.g. yoga, going for a walk).

Bonus points: Any extra active days. If I actually get to a gym three times per week (in the final week two days as I probably would be going at the weekend) and no injury or illness.

Motivation: I want to be active! But I need to take care of myself too.

 

 

Goal: Sleep Better

Reason: I need to sleep better. I have been so tired the past week. It is probably going to take a new bed to sort out all my problems (two people sharing an old, creaky, metal bed and on a mattress that you can feel every movement the other makes on). However it is a new issue so although I haven't changed anything other than being ill I probably still need to improve my sleeping habits.

What: Drink less caffeine before bed. Turn off phones/ tablets/ laptops 30 mins before bed and read instead on a work night. Go outside in at least one break to get some sunshine. Practice a relaxation technique before bed.

How: Aim to do at least one of these each night. I will track progress on a spreadsheet showing what I have done, what external factors may have affected my sleep and how I feel I have slept. I will keep it open on my laptop so it is easy to find and do. Discover what is working for me and what isn't.

Bonus points: Following this on a non-work night. Any extras such as buying ear plugs etc.

Motivation: The better sleep I get the more energy I will have. I will feel more able to get things done.

 

 

Goal: Write like I'm running out of time.

Reason: Yes, that musical has inspired me to get writing again. During my last challenge I wanted to focus on my to-do list and epic goal list. It came down to more writing. This will be about finishing my plotting/ planning/ researching phase so I can get on to actually writing it.

What: I have signed up to a MOOC: The Craft of Setting and Description. This is an area of writing I haven't spent enough time thinking about. Building worlds - yes but getting it down on paper not so much. It lasts four weeks for 1-3 hours per week.

Also, to finish the plotting/ planning/ researching phase.

How: I will give myself up to three hours a week to complete the MOOC work. This will probably be done on my day off. On work evenings when I don't have other engagements/ going to the gym I will spend at least 30 mins working on my novel. And on days off an hour. A small amount for now but with everything else in my challenge and other stuff happening this month I feel this is more realistic while still being a challenge.

Bonus points: Start writing the novel.

Motivation: I am excited to get started writing this. If I can get what I need to know sorted then I can start writing it and challenging myself with word count.

 

I will see how these goals go and adjust if necessary. It feel like I have written a lot here but at the same time some of these goals are quite small.

 

Bonus side quest: Follow other peoples challenges and comment more. Something I should work on!

[SkiBlue]

There is so much awesome in here, I gotta stick around!

 

Sounds like you need to get antifragile! Not sure if you checked out that article already or not, but it sounds like you're on the right path to me. Your sleep plan is also looking good. 

 

OMG I totally forgot about the existance of Coursera! I might have to join you in that course. World building has been one of the roadblocks that I've been stuck in for a while now. 

 

This is exciting!!

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Following along again. I love the way you wrote out your goals, very thought-out.

[redimagination]

There is so much awesome in here, I gotta stick around!

 

Sounds like you need to get antifragile! Not sure if you checked out that article already or not, but it sounds like you're on the right path to me. Your sleep plan is also looking good. 

 

OMG I totally forgot about the existance of Coursera! I might have to join you in that course. World building has been one of the roadblocks that I've been stuck in for a while now. 

 

This is exciting!!

Yay! Thank you!

 

Ah yes, I read that article when it first came out but have forgotten about it. Definitely what I need so thanks for pointing me to that again!

 

Would be good to have company and encourage each other to complete it! I always forget about it, see a course I want to do and then forget! If you aren't aware of it already, Open Culture is another good resource for online courses from different sites sorted by start date.

 

 

 

Following along again. I love the way you wrote out your goals, very thought-out.

 

Thank you!

I liked the way I done it last time so thought I'd continue. It has helped me make sure I know what and why I am doing something. May have found my new formula for doing challenges even if it is as simple as that!

[fiddle-on]

Looks like we've got very similar goals, between getting over injuries, sleeping, and writing. I'll be following.

[Noname123]

Yes on sleep. I wake up 4-5 times a night (that I remember, meaning I likely wake up more and I'm constantly exhausted because of it. Following for a fellow sleep-rectifying buddy. 

[SkiBlue]

 

Yay! Thank you! 

 

Ah yes, I read that article when it first came out but have forgotten about it. Definitely what I need so thanks for pointing me to that again!

 

Would be good to have company and encourage each other to complete it! I always forget about it, see a course I want to do and then forget! If you aren't aware of it already, Open Culture is another good resource for online courses from different sites sorted by start date.

 

I did that with the Art of Tinkering from the Exploratorium; I signed up through my previous job, but said previous job had been so busy (because my co-worker had his first baby around that time) that I never did anything with it. Those writing courses look fan-freaggin'-tastic, but I don't quite have the funds to participate with you this month. I'll definitely check in with you to make sure you haven't forgotten though! I'm adding a budget category so I can save up for those courses.

[redimagination]

 

 

 

I did that with the Art of Tinkering from the Exploratorium; I signed up through my previous job, but said previous job had been so busy (because my co-worker had his first baby around that time) that I never did anything with it. Those writing courses look fan-freaggin'-tastic, but I don't quite have the funds to participate with you this month. I'll definitely check in with you to make sure you haven't forgotten though! I'm adding a budget category so I can save up for those courses.

 

Don't they! Especially compared to similar MOOC courses I've seen. I wish I could afford to do them all and get the certificate at the end but can't afford that much out of my budget. I am disappointed to see so many courses/ all courses? on coursera seem to require you to pay for the certificate. That is why I am just auditing the course. No certificate at the end but I get the info at least. Ooh I like budget challenges, seeing all that money build up (even when it isn't mine - weird but I love it)

 

Yes on sleep. I wake up 4-5 times a night (that I remember, meaning I likely wake up more and I'm constantly exhausted because of it. Following for a fellow sleep-rectifying buddy. 

 

That one is probably the worst, I hate waking up! Here is to better sleep for us!

 

Looks like we've got very similar goals, between getting over injuries, sleeping, and writing. I'll be following.

Yay! Thank you, always good to have like-challenged people around!

[redimagination]

Day one update:
I have done my ankle strengthening exercises after being reminded by my challenge. Also tracked my food for today- a little over calories and under on vitamins and minerals, not enough good food but not the worst I could have done. Today was worse than normal food wise as I had lunch with my mum so ate out for lunch and had our Sunday night roast tonight instead of yesterday. Though I find the days I'm not eating great the best to track as I can see how much difference to a good day it is.

I also don't think sleep is going to be too much of an issue tonight as I have tired myself out at work. I have had my last caffeinated beverage. No work tomorrow but will be woken up early by my partner going to work.

Not much writing stuff happening tonight. I've done some background reading for my character but too tired. Will do what I can for the Rest of the night, but I am too tired to really take anything in.

 

(Edited now that I have slept)

[redimagination]

So about half an hour after my post last night I fell asleep. Well, on the sofa but the boyfriend helpfully woke me up and suggested that I go to bed. Only time I used any device was to make sure that my alarm didn't go off!

 

Today has been good. First of all I woke up feeling good despite having to get up at half 5 and then the boyfriends alarm waking me up at half 6. But I felt more rested. I am still fighting a cold from developing but thankfully it is only a bit of coughing in the morning and appears to be getting better.

 

Actually made it to the gym today! Back to lifting quite light (squat 25kg for 5 sets and bench press 22.5kg for 5 sets) but at least I can hopefully get back more regularly and moving those numbers upwards. Also used the resistance bands at the gym for my ankle.

 

After the gym I completed week 1 of the writing course. It was good and got me to start thinking about how to describe places and the importance to the story. Looking forward to week two. I have also done a lot of planning/ plotting and working out my characters today. Much more than an hour but can't put a number on it.

 

I have tracked what I have eaten today and it is looking good. Calories within the right range, macros in the right range and lots of good food today. Home-made soup for lunch and then I made lentil stuffed peppers for dinner. And a snack of scrambled eggs earlier on. Also kept my caffeine intake quite low for the day. Partly for sleep reasons and partly too warm to make hot drinks.

 

Feeling good today!

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Good job getting a workout in despite not feeling well.

[redimagination]

Good job getting a workout in despite not feeling well.

 

Thanks! Thankfully not feeling too bad and managing so far to keep it under control. Hopefully I will be free from illness soon!

[redimagination]

Day Three!

 

Get Active:

Ankle exercises - done!

Food tracking - done!

Yoga - done! (bonus)

 

I can see why I feel so good at the moment. All the vegetables and moving around has definitely helped. DOMS aren't as bad as expected but I thought a nice, gentle yoga session was in order this morning. I've also had a lot of veggies today and sadly the fridge is now lacking vegetables (we get a veg box from a near by farm delivered every week). I also prepared my lunches for the next few days at work.

 

Sleep Better:

(last night)

Less caffeine - done!

No devices - done!

 

I didn't read as I was quite tired. Slept for about 7 hours (what I need). I was initially woken up by an alarm at half 6, slept a little more on and off then got up.

 

Today I went out and got some sunshine (and got some new earphones that are supposed to stay in while exercising).

 

Write like I'm running out of time:

Yes! Made great progress with my outline today. I know what is happening and why. Need to work out a couple of characters and probably some minor characters that are going to appear (of a sort of fantasy/ mythical type character) but once that is done I will feel ready to get started. I done more than my hour.

 

My plan is for the gym tomorrow night. I always struggle going after work especially when it is a day I have to walk a lot like tomorrow. 

[fiddle-on]

Nice job on day 3. How are the headphones working out? I lost my favorite pair recently, so I'm in the market.

[redimagination]

Nice job on day 3. How are the headphones working out? I lost my favorite pair recently, so I'm in the market.

 

Thank you!

 

So far so good. I have yet to give them a proper test where my earphones usually fall out (like running) but they seem good. They are Skullcandy Sport Performance. Sound is pretty good too.

[redimagination]

I need to get the bad stuff off my chest first.

 

Went to the gym tonight as planned. Was really looking forward to it. It is the first time I've been to the gym after work. It was filled with young guys who thought they owned the gym because they have a slight bit of muscle. For real, they just took the dumbbells someone was using without asking. And thanks to the tiny, overcrowded weights section I didn't get anything I wanted done. I made do as best as I could. So I left feeling quite deflated. I may have to rethink my plan for the gym. Oh and then almost got myself run over on the way home just to make things better.

 

Otherwise, everything is going well. Hard to really feel upbeat though hopefully feel better tomorrow. Ate well today - not entered it all into myfitnesspal yet but will do that.

 

Slept quite well last night though woke up twice. Probably hasn't helped how I feel tonight. Got outside today on my break.

 

Going to take some time to rest this evening and relax. New start tomorrow!

[SkiBlue]

That sucks to hear about the gym problem. I used to go in when it wasn't crowded to avoid the problem. Maybe try activating 20s. of courage next time to be like "hey, are you using all of those? I'd really like to get my workout done." But props on still going and doing your best! That's still a win.

[TheArchitect]

I like how you broke down your goals! I'll be following along!

[TheArchitect]

I like how you broke down your goals! I'll be following along!

 

Went to the gym tonight as planned.

 

Even if you didn't get to do things you wanted, at least you got to the gym! That's helping make it a habit, keep up the good work!

[TheArchitect]

I like how you broke down your goals! I'll be following along!

 

Went to the gym tonight as planned.

 

Even if you didn't get to do things you wanted, at least you got to the gym! That's helping make it a habit, keep up the good work!

[TheArchitect]

Oops, lol apparently the post button *did* work

[redimagination]

That sucks to hear about the gym problem. I used to go in when it wasn't crowded to avoid the problem. Maybe try activating 20s. of courage next time to be like "hey, are you using all of those? I'd really like to get my workout done." But props on still going and doing your best! That's still a win.

 

Yeah, I usually go weekdays in the morning or at the weekends (when the football is on is usually a good time). It is usually quite quiet and the people there are just there to get their workout done rather than show off. I do need to work on the 20 secs of courage in the gym sometimes but this time there wasn't much opportunity for that as everyone was working in with each other anyway. The weight section at my gym is tiny: one barbell and rack, one smith machine, three benches often used with the smith machine and rack and some dumbbells and that is it) so when there is already ten people there it tends to get too crowded to use it. But it is less than a minutes walk from my house.

 

Thank you! Going to work on it and see what I can do.

 

I like how you broke down your goals! I'll be following along!

 

 

Even if you didn't get to do things you wanted, at least you got to the gym! That's helping make it a habit, keep up the good work!

 

Yay, thanks!

 

Yeah, that is true. I think I just wasn't prepared for people - especially the kind of people I hate at gyms!

[redimagination]

Yeah, my grump kind of lasted into today (further fuelled by other people during the day). I did end up comfort eating a little but I'm still within calories, still had a veggie filled lunch. 

 

Sleep has gone well. Again, no devices but no reading either as I've been too tired. Though tonight I'm having a little caffeine.

 

Not much else to update on tonight.

 

Intending to go to the gym tomorrow after work (Saturday afternoon so should be better this time!)

[fiddle-on]

I like your go to the gym when everyone else is watching sports trick.

[redimagination]

I like your go to the gym when everyone else is watching sports trick.

I discovered it by accident but so glad I did!