Starstuff Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Episode III THE JEDI PATH With the help of the Assassins, Starstuff has begun her Jedi training. Little does she know, there are agents of the DARK SIDE among the Assassins, as well. While Starstuff and her fellow Jedi Initiates strive to master the THREE PILLARS OF THE JEDI, the Sith are training, too... Main Quest: Prepare for the Initiate Trials Without growth, there is death. All of you must pass from Initiate into a new level of service. To reach this new level, you must complete the Initiate Trials. - The Jedi Path Having gotten my basic fitness habits established, it's time to work on getting stronger, faster, and more agile. Because I've got a bunch of little things I'd like to get better at, I've combined them all in a theme-appropriate Initiate Trials quest list over on my character page. For anyone too lazy to click, I'm working toward milestones in upper body strength, flow staff, handstands, and my half marathon time. Speaking of half marathons, I might have said something crazy about not running any again until the Fall. Seven and a half months without a race? Who did I think I was kidding? I'll be running the El Sobrante Mother's Day Run Half Marathon in May. The First Pillar: The Force Goal 1: Keep up with my Force training Force abilities -- such as running, jumping, heightened senses, moving objects, or soothe the emotions of others -- are techniques by which we become agents of the Living Force. -The Jedi Path I've got a pretty good thing going with my running and strength training schedule, and I want to maintain that, so here's what I need to do to meet this goal.Run five days a week, according to my half marathon training planAcademy Bodyweight Level 2 workouts three times a week, with 5 minutes of handstand practice for the "Bonus Level" portion15/30 50%50% The Second Pillar: Knowledge Life Goal: Add to the Jedi Archives Never neglect your mind in favor of your body or spirit. -The Jedi Path I've been making a lot of progress lately in my fitness and flute playing, but I've also been neglecting my writing in a serious way. The first draft of this novel has just been sitting here, gathering dust for a couple months now, and that's no good at all. So, my life goal this time around is to spend 15 minutes every day editing my novel. They don't even have to be consecutive minutes, as long as I get them all in. 13/26 50%50% The Third Pillar: Self-Discipline Goal 2: Master my diet You will do well to remember this pillar is Self-Discipline, not Combat. It is impossible to wield a lightsaber without first mastering the action of your physical self. -The Jedi Path I've built a great foundation for my nutrition, and now it's time to bump it up to the next level. For this goal, I need to have a protein source and a vegetable in every meal. 13/26 50%50% Goal 3: Lightsaber practice The uses of a lightsaber are many, for it is a tool not limited to combat. -The Jedi Path I spent a little bit of last challenge playing with my staff, but now it's time to get serious learning some moves. For this goal, I need to spend fifteen minutes every day practicing moves from the beginner staff lessons on Home of Poi. As with my editing, these minutes do not need to be consecutive. A couple minutes here and there is fine as long as it's quality, focused practice for those couple minutes. 12/26 46%46% 6 Quote only what you take with you Challenges: Starstuff Wars Episode I, II, III, IV, V, VI NF character ~ Fitbit ~ Strava ~ Smashrun ~ MyFitnessPal Food Log Link to comment
Waldgeist Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 I'm very intrigued with your staff fighting goal! 2 Quote the artist usually known as WALDGEIST Epic Quests Challenges by theme Star Wars: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #5B, #6, #6B, #10, #11, #16, #17, (Current Callenge) TeenWolf: #7 SHIELD: #8, #12, #13, #14, #15 Magicians: #9 "It's never too late, to become what you could've been!" Link to comment
Starstuff Posted February 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 It's not actually staff fighting; it's dancing. Like this (only I just started, so I'm nowhere near that good). 1 Quote only what you take with you Challenges: Starstuff Wars Episode I, II, III, IV, V, VI NF character ~ Fitbit ~ Strava ~ Smashrun ~ MyFitnessPal Food Log Link to comment
EVEArgent Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Following along with this one. =) Well put together, seems exciting. 2 Quote Level 5 Daemon Assassin Strength - 8.4 | Dexterity - 6.3 | Stamina - 7.4 | Constitution - 7 | Wisdom - 8.5 | Charisma - 7.2 Champion of House Targaryen Current Challenge 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 "Sometimes glass glitters more than diamonds because it has more to prove." "Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom." - Terry Pratchett Link to comment
Grayspeed Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Awesome theme! I actually almost based my challenge on the 3 pillars but it didn't quite fit, definitely be sticking around to see how you get on 2 Quote Level 19 Jedi/Assassin in-training. Challenges: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | "Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not." - Uncle Iroh Link to comment
TheFatFriar Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Wow, there's so much awesome going on here! Writing, dancing, music... I'll be following 3 Quote Link to comment
blkhole24601 Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Speaking of half marathons, I might have said something crazy about not running any again until the Fall. Seven and a half months without a race? Who did I think I was kidding? I'll be running the El Sobrante Mother's Day Run Half Marathon in May. This feel. I'm all too familiar with it. Someday I'll be running again. And by someday I mean before 2017 when I run the Star Wars half marathons. Ahahaha wut. I LOVE this challenge, excited to follow along! And very very intrigued by the Lightsaber Practice portion!!! 2 Quote Vicki | Sheikah Bard | Level 13 STR 32.5 | DEX 51.1 | STA 25.5 | CON 37.1 | WIS 26.0 | CHA 31.3 blkhoe24601 Gains the Power to Revolutionize the World Past Challenges: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 2016 Battle Log Link to comment
petefeet Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Following along again my little Jedi buddy! 2 Quote Race: Halfling Class: Rebel Recruit 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th Current Challenge Writer's Guild Fictionfirst Used Books (Feel free to like my page!) Link to comment
Jonesy Posted March 1, 2016 Report Share Posted March 1, 2016 Following along! 2 Quote GoodReads MyFitnessPal Spoiler Previous Challenges: 2020: 1.20 - 2019: 1.19 l 2.19 2018: 1.18 l 2.18 l 3.18 l 4.18 l 5.18 l 6.18 l 7.18 2017: 1.17 I 2.17 I 3.17 I 4.17 I 5.17 l 6.17 l 7.17 l 8.17 I 9.17 l 10.17 2016: 1.16 l 2.16 l DA v.1 l DA v.2 I DA v.2 Reloaded I DA v.3 I DA v.4 I 8.16 I 9.16 I DA v.5 I 11.16 2012: 1 2013: 2 l 3 l 4 l 5 l 6 l 7 l 8 2014: 9 l 10 l Not Done Yet l Time to Conquer l Conquering HFC for Life! Link to comment
Maeghaan Posted March 1, 2016 Report Share Posted March 1, 2016 You make me want to pick up my trumpet again. Haven't played much in years now, but it was so fun! 2 Quote Maeghaan | Assassin EQ Level 2 | NF Level 4 I started a blog: The Cognitive Itch"Even in these chains, you can't stop me" Weight loss goal: Drop from 247 to 160 36% 36% Link to comment
Starstuff Posted March 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2016 This feel. I'm all too familiar with it. Someday I'll be running again. And by someday I mean before 2017 when I run the Star Wars half marathons. Ahahaha wut. I ran the one in California this year with my brother, and it was super fun. I even had a pretty crappy race performance-wise (pro-tip: do not spend 16 hours on your feet in the parks two days before your race and another 4 hours the following day), and I still had a complete blast. 5 Quote only what you take with you Challenges: Starstuff Wars Episode I, II, III, IV, V, VI NF character ~ Fitbit ~ Strava ~ Smashrun ~ MyFitnessPal Food Log Link to comment
Lightning Posted March 1, 2016 Report Share Posted March 1, 2016 I completed my first ever half marathon last summer and had to walk a big chunk. I am so amazed at people that can run the whole thing. Even more amazed at people that enjoy it! 4 Quote Level 23 Assassin Current Challenge "Nothing is true; everything is permitted" Link to comment
Starstuff Posted March 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2016 Day 1Goal 1: Did Academy Bodyweight Level 2 workout A, with some headstands for my bonus skill. I was mostly doing one-foot-supported wall headstands, but I was able to pull my foot off the wall for a few seconds at a time. Once I can do that for ten seconds, I'm going to try doing unsupported headstands.Goal 2: Protein and veggies in every meal: check! I did notice on my tracking app that I consumed way fewer calories overall than usual, though, so that's something I need to be mindful of, since protein and veggies are apparently really filling. I know from past experience that eating at too much of a deficit negatively impacts my running and can also put me in a really unhealthy head-space.Goal 3: I practiced doing some basic front, back, side, and overhead plane spins with my staff, as well as transitions between front/back and side-to-side. I also practiced fountains and am starting to get comfortable with them in my weak direction. I ended with a couple minutes of contact spins on the front plane, and I ended up with some bruises on the backs of my hands. Those are going to take some work!Life Goal : Fifteen minutes of editing done! I completed my first ever half marathon last summer and had to walk a big chunk. I am so amazed at people that can run the whole thing. Even more amazed at people that enjoy it! If you'd asked me after I did my first half marathon, I would have said exactly the same thing. Be careful, or you might find yourself enjoying them, too! I actually don't run the entire time. I'm not coordinated enough to drink out of those tiny cups while running, so I always walk through aid stations, and I walk any steep uphills. And in races where I'm not trying to PR, I've been known to stop to take pictures of adorable baby pigs or people in awesome costumes. 6 Quote only what you take with you Challenges: Starstuff Wars Episode I, II, III, IV, V, VI NF character ~ Fitbit ~ Strava ~ Smashrun ~ MyFitnessPal Food Log Link to comment
courtneyc Posted March 2, 2016 Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 Sounds like a solid first day. Keep up the good work! 2 Quote Current Challenge, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." - Stephen King Link to comment
Artemis Posted March 2, 2016 Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 It's not actually staff fighting; it's dancing. Like this (only I just started, so I'm nowhere near that good).Wow. That's awesome (and 100% not within my abilities....ever). That's definitely a neat skill to have. 1 Quote "Fairy tales are more than true not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten" -Neil Gaiman Mandalorian Assassin: Level 5 Current Challenge - Artemis becomes Mandalorian Overall Weight Loss Journey: Starting Weight - Current Weight - Goal -160lbs Link to comment
Starstuff Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Day 2Goal 1: Ran 3.16 miles with zombie chases. I got three chases, one of which was right at the end of my route and pretty much kicked my ass, but I had a lot of fun.Goal 2: Veggies and protein success!Goal 3: Got my staff practice in. I worked on figure-8's, mini-figure-8's, and rotor turn arounds. I'm surprised and pleased by how much of my poi skill is transferable to basic staff work.Life Goal: 15 minutes of editing, done.Day 3Goal 1: Ran 3.75 miles and did Academy Bodyweight Level 2 workout B. I was planning to do wall handstands, but I totally failed at being able to kick up into one today, so I did high wall planks instead. During my run, my legs felt heavy and my calves were really stiff, which was really not fun.Goal 2: Did great on my veggie and protein goal, but I fell way short on my calories again, and that was after some Girl Scout cookies.Goal 3: Practiced one-beats, helicopters, and just generally putting moves together.Life Goal: Got in my 15 minutes of editing.Day 4Goal 1: Ran 3.75 miles. It was all overcast and windy, which is my favorite kind of running weather. Whatever was up with my legs yesterday seems to have resolved itself, and I had a great run.Goal 2: So much protein and veggies. I made sure to get a little more protein and fat in every meal, and I actually ate enough today, yay!Goal 3: Practiced figure-8 switches and halos. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have significant arm bruising tomorrow from my early halo attempts. I'm also pretty sure I freaked out my cat dropping my staff all over the place.Life Goal: 15 minutes of editing: check. 8 Quote only what you take with you Challenges: Starstuff Wars Episode I, II, III, IV, V, VI NF character ~ Fitbit ~ Strava ~ Smashrun ~ MyFitnessPal Food Log Link to comment
blkhole24601 Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 I assume you mean the Zombies, Run! app? I miss that cast. It's been too long since I turned on an episode during a workout. I'll need to remedy this. Great week so far!! Keep on killing it!! 1 Quote Vicki | Sheikah Bard | Level 13 STR 32.5 | DEX 51.1 | STA 25.5 | CON 37.1 | WIS 26.0 | CHA 31.3 blkhoe24601 Gains the Power to Revolutionize the World Past Challenges: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 2016 Battle Log Link to comment
Starstuff Posted March 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 I assume you mean the Zombies, Run! app? I miss that cast. It's been too long since I turned on an episode during a workout. I'll need to remedy this. Yes! It's so good. It's actually largely responsible for getting me through the unpleasant, early stages of running where everything felt awful. Every time I wanted to skip a run, the need to know what happens next pushed me out the door, and by the time I got through first season, I was completely hooked on running for its own sake. 4 Quote only what you take with you Challenges: Starstuff Wars Episode I, II, III, IV, V, VI NF character ~ Fitbit ~ Strava ~ Smashrun ~ MyFitnessPal Food Log Link to comment
blkhole24601 Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Yes! It's so good. It's actually largely responsible for getting me through the unpleasant, early stages of running where everything felt awful. Every time I wanted to skip a run, the need to know what happens next pushed me out the door, and by the time I got through first season, I was completely hooked on running for its own sake. Zombies, Run! is brilliant for that. Plus, I <3 Sam to itty bitty pieces. Negl, I sorta ship him with Runner 5 a lot. But yes, ZR! is just a wonderful app to help ease anyone into running, even if they don't like zombie lore/fiction/whatever. The story is engaging, the characters are fantastic, and before you know it, it's almost like a Netflix show, you just want to binge it all!!! Too bad you can't really binge running so easily. That isn't so healthy. Still, it gets you amped for your next run! (And I totally used to use Radio Abel for my lifting days. Kind of tempted to go back to that!) 4 Quote Vicki | Sheikah Bard | Level 13 STR 32.5 | DEX 51.1 | STA 25.5 | CON 37.1 | WIS 26.0 | CHA 31.3 blkhoe24601 Gains the Power to Revolutionize the World Past Challenges: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 2016 Battle Log Link to comment
Starstuff Posted March 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 Zombies, Run! is brilliant for that. Plus, I <3 Sam to itty bitty pieces. Negl, I sorta ship him with Runner 5 a lot. You are not alone. I can see Sam with almost anyone, since he's got mad chemistry with pretty much everyone he interacts with, but mostly I ship him with Runner 5. Especially after how protective he gets in season 2. Right now, I've finished all of the currently available content except for season 4 radio mode, and I'm dreading getting to the end of it. Running just isn't as fun without my zombies. Season 5 needs to happen soooooon. 2 Quote only what you take with you Challenges: Starstuff Wars Episode I, II, III, IV, V, VI NF character ~ Fitbit ~ Strava ~ Smashrun ~ MyFitnessPal Food Log Link to comment
blkhole24601 Posted March 5, 2016 Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 You are not alone. I can see Sam with almost anyone, since he's got mad chemistry with pretty much everyone he interacts with, but mostly I ship him with Runner 5. Especially after how protective he gets in season 2. Right now, I've finished all of the currently available content except for season 4 radio mode, and I'm dreading getting to the end of it. Running just isn't as fun without my zombies. Season 5 needs to happen soooooon. When Sam rails on Nadia in one of the early episodes of season 2 because of what she's doing to Runner 5, I gleed SO HARD. Sam, you are best. But yes, Sam is a very, very shippable character~ Meeeeep, I so need to do so much running to get caught up on season 3 and 4 before season 5 comes out, which I think will be soon because soon is when running season more or less starts and ahhhhhhh, it's been really warm lately around here I HAVE NO EXCUSE 1 Quote Vicki | Sheikah Bard | Level 13 STR 32.5 | DEX 51.1 | STA 25.5 | CON 37.1 | WIS 26.0 | CHA 31.3 blkhoe24601 Gains the Power to Revolutionize the World Past Challenges: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 2016 Battle Log Link to comment
courtneyc Posted March 5, 2016 Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 The zombie runs sounds pretty cool! Might have to check that out one day. Do cats like being pet? If so yours deserves extra pets for surviving the scary, spinning stick. 3 Quote Current Challenge, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." - Stephen King Link to comment
lucky fire dragon Posted March 5, 2016 Report Share Posted March 5, 2016 awesome challenge again and on full winning mode already, you are so cool! And that staff dancing is AMAZING looks like she doesn't even care about normal laws of gravity! Plus of course her handbalances.... wowYay on your headstand progress, isn't that such a cool feeling to get that other foot off the wall just for a few seconds? And it will soon get to those 10 seconds, you'll see... so excited with you The star wars mini got me at mine and from initial 5-6 sec I got to a PR of 11 seconds holding free, it was so awesome What novel did you write? I know you probably can't give away too much, but just a little bitty?? 2 Quote Level 18 Wood-Elf Assassin battle log: counting the good things current challenge: something, nothing, all the things previous challenges: 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 How cool is it that the same God who created mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you, too Link to comment
Polgara19 Posted March 6, 2016 Report Share Posted March 6, 2016 Great work on week 1! 2 Quote Level 6 Ranger Current Challenge - Scrubs! Previous Challenges - Theme-Free Laziness, Medieval Marginalia, Brandon Sanderson's Way of Kings Theme - Again, Way of Kings 1, Top Gear Theme, Stargate SG:1 theme, Iron Druid theme! 2016 Battle Log (Long term goal tracking) Link to comment
Matrim_Cauthon Posted March 7, 2016 Report Share Posted March 7, 2016 I may be a little late to this game but I'm following. It sounds like this week was pretty dang good for you so congrats! Listening to how much you run makes me tired just thinking about it lol 2 Quote Link to comment
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