Trewest in the Character Creator

[Trewest]

First of all, I passed my Nerdiversary! Go me!

 

BUT I failed miserably at the practice PARE. In a sad, pathetic way. I gave myself a day to be emotional about, and that was yesterday. So today, I have a plan.

Like in the Dragon Age game series, you have different options for your character and I think I need to go to the drawing board and make myself into the character I'd like to play as.

 

I need to work on getting my weight down. I need to increase my strength for push/pull and carry. I need to improve my VO2 Max. I need to work on stairs. I want to improve flexibility.

 

So here I am, almost always a Rogue (in the assassin guild, this should surprise NO ONE).

 

With that in mind I need to improve on the following skills:

 

Potion Making (Poison and Herb lore)

Also known as food in my world. So... starting today no alcohol, no bread/rice/potatoes, as little dairy as possible. Basically as close to Paleo as I ever can get. And I really need to track this shit.

 

Dual Weild

This is where I need to start working on being a better Rogue. So I need to increase cardio because damn, the PARE was a slap in the face. Also, going to start doing stair running daily. With my regular workouts and some flexibility work in there as well.

 

Recruit Companions

So I don't go insane, I still need my party banter. Here is where I will continue to work on writing anything daily, and try to make a point to do something relaxing every week.

 

Gearing Up

Not sure how to explain this one yet....

I have a schedule of workouts.

I have locations where I can workout..

I have a food tracker, and portion control cups.

I feel like I need to get hardcore disciplined on recording what I am doing though. So contemplating a fitness tracker/monitor thingy. Any suggestions? I want one that tracks my daily calorie burn, not just one I turn on for workouts. Maybe even one that can track sleep patterns because that'd just be cool.

 

[DJtrippyT]

Hey! I missed you last time, so glad I've found you this time around.

[Trewest]

LOL, yay join me

[ixaera]

ooo I love this theme!!

[Trewest]

Thanks, it's turning out to be entirely necessary.

BUT, today is a rest day for me. More mentally than physically, I just need a day.

[Kagetsukai]

I'm here for Dragon Age, because Hawke

[Trewest]

Hawke is the best. I love Hawke and fully subscribe to this but with a F!Hawke

[Alexandrite]

Quick Google assistance on the details of PARE, just wow. I remember someone training for it back when I was in my first challenge and I really didn't understand the extent.

Sounds like you've got good goals to work towards though. Just remember that the stairs work and flexibility will pull at each other, but it will be a good balance also (did anyone call for extra fun hamstring work? Yay!).

Just take it on like you did the Mudder, but with less blood and such... haha. There's always going to be a worthy opponent in physical fitness, looks like you've just identified one.

Sent by my Navi-powered device!

[Mr_Willes]

First of all, I passed my Nerdiversary! Go me!

 

Congrats!!!

 

BUT I failed miserably at the practice PARE. In a sad, pathetic way. I gave myself a day to be emotional about, and that was yesterday.

 

Have you made a post about this, i can't seem to find anything?

 

I need to work on getting my weight down.

 

Remember the 80-20 rule!

 

I need to increase my strength for push/pull and carry.

 

I always had you for strong as an ox, is this something that comes from the results of the PARE?

 

I need to improve my VO2 Max. I need to work on stairs.

 

Told you you are a runner (yes, i'm gonna keep putting that up every single chance i get )

 

I want to improve flexibility.

 

I thought you did stretching and something like yoga regularly during the week? Is that not enough?

 

##################################################################################

 

Potion Making (Poison and Herb lore)

Also known as food in my world. So... starting today no alcohol, no bread/rice/potatoes, as little dairy as possible. Basically as close to Paleo as I ever can get. And I really need to track this shit.

 

I'm reading, no this, no that, no..., I have been down that path, it can be great and it can be evil. Great KISS method. No need to think about "how much", "is this a little" etc. But you HAVE.TO.BE.GODDAMN.STUBBORN! And yes, track that shit, and if you do crack on something, be sure to post it here. Not that we will attack you for it, but that alone can be a reason to JUST.NOT.DO.IT! I'll get back on the tracking in a minute.

 

Dual Weild

This is where I need to start working on being a better Rogue. So I need to increase cardio because damn, the PARE was a slap in the face. Also, going to start doing stair running daily. With my regular workouts and some flexibility work in there as well.

 

Will you make sure you don't run into the Rangerbrain^TM. Wanting to do everything at once! Remember, willpower is a muscle, lighten it up to the load, don't stress it all at once! We're in it for life, not a tiny 4 week challenge!

 

Recruit Companions

So I don't go insane, I still need my party banter. Here is where I will continue to work on writing anything daily, and try to make a point to do something relaxing every week.

 

You make sure to write up every day, i will make sure to check in here every day. Deal? My suggestion, skip the fancy! Keep it light and to the point! We are here for progress damn it! And yes, do fun things, doing fun things while eating healthy or working on Cardio works double! ACCOUNTABILITY FTW

 

Gearing Up

Not sure how to explain this one yet....

I have a schedule of workouts.

I have locations where I can workout..

I have a food tracker, and portion control cups.

I feel like I need to get hardcore disciplined on recording what I am doing though. So contemplating a fitness tracker/monitor thingy. Any suggestions? I want one that tracks my daily calorie burn, not just one I turn on for workouts. Maybe even one that can track sleep patterns because that'd just be cool.

 

I think i know what you mean here, it's as simple as SMART

 

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

 

This challenge is the first time i made a nice big spreadsheet, and it helps me to ease my mind. I can be very specific in it and it has to be measurable because i have to put something in the cells. But the most important thing for me atm is that i planned out this 4 week challenge, and i will know exactly what to do, and when i'm tempted (my beast days). My advice would be to use a spreadsheet it will automatically help you greatly with this goal: "I feel like I need to get hardcore disciplined on recording what I am doing though."

 

That's the way i'm doing it at the moment. Fill in my sheet, and make a quick summary. Not much interesting for a challenge, but i need to get prepped for my OCR. I use MFP to track my food intake. It has a huge base with ingredients and complete meals in it. Super easy and you get a great sense about what you are actually eating. I don't add my working out to it, because it let's me slip into eating more than i have to.

 

Another tip, if you are going to do Cardio be sure to use a heart rate monitor. (Data tracking FTW) i have found that it gives you great insight in how you are improving on your cardio. Especially if you combine it with a running app like runkeeper or endomondo (which i use). The relation between your avg speed and avg heart rate is quiTe interesting.

 

Oow and, are you getting enough rest? Very important part of being the better you!

 

Damn, i feel like a father... Hope you don't mind.

 

Are you ready my love, we are here to kick ass!!!

 

[Trewest]

I did not make a post about failing the PARE run. It was on the sunday after last month's challenge ended and I just switched to this challenge to deal with the lessons learned. Basically what happened is that on lap 3 I hit my VO2 max and started to flag BIG TIME. So I called the practice laps off there and went to the push/pull section. Which I did just fine, I actually am a beast. But going to heavy resistance weight, while being timed, and after flagging out on running.... I want to do better. I know I can get stronger so that'll just help this aspect over all....but weight lifting is going to take a backseat to cardio work these next few challenges. *SIGH* Yes.... I am going to become a runner. LOL. I'll wait for you to stop cheering.

 

Basically the goal is to add a 10 min run on the treadmill, at a decent pace, and incorporate 5 minutes of fast stair climbing. Husband says to do it 3 times a week. I'm tempted to do it daily. (I see the Rangers hiding off to the side waiting for me to admit I'm sliding into Ranger territory...). Workouts at work are still groupfit (body weight or tabata with 12-15 lbs) and spin classes. Flexibility I was mostly doing stretches, not full on yoga. So to try and make things balance without jumping both feet into Rangerbrain territory, I have decided that my week will look something like this:

 

Monday- I teach a weight lifting class, do the treadmill/stair combo

Tuesday- medium spin class, treadmill/stair combo

Wednesday- groupfit, treadmill/stair combo

Thursday- advanced spin class of doom (seriously, my friend is the instructor and she rides my ass like its a derby), treadmill/stair combo

Friday- either I teach a weight lifting class or I attend a group fit class, treadmill/stair combo

Saturday- REST DAY

Sunday- restorative yoga

 

Now I also have Insanity (the DVD workout not the NerdFitness guy) that does great things in HIIT territory but I am not going to add that into my day, unless I miss a groupfit workout, or drop a spin class or something.

 

Food wise.... I need to set a reminder to harass myself into doing it. I can usually get breakfast and lunch in there but the moment I go home... I forget to log dinner. It's bad. No excuses either, I just don't think about it. I have MFP, I have to consistently use it though.

 

Working out my willpower is pretty good. I like working out, it makes me feel better. Food is where my willpower slacks. This week I have tweaked a little but ignored the whole no alcohol thing because I'm sulking. That shit needs to stop and I know it. So I will post here daily and I will make sure to be brutally honest with myself.

 

I really am considering a fitbit like thing. I hear there's one that tracks sleep habits even, which will let me know if I'm getting enough rest. I generally don't sleep enough and I know it.

 

Also, there is a parkour gym I have access to Mon-Wed-Fri where I can literally go, set up a mock PARE course and practice practice practice.... It's lacks some of the equipment but I can make due. Only thing is it's from 8:45=10:45 pm. Which seriously hampers sleep times on those nights. So do I go for the practice and knowingly short shift myself on sleep?

 

Yeah, I have no idea how you data track on excel LOL. BUT if I get myself a fitbit thigny I'm going to have to figure it out. Which will be handy in it's own way.

 

I'm ready for this my darling, we will kick some serious butt!

[Trewest]

Yesterday's Recap and Today's Predictions:

 

POTIONS

Ironically MFP is down so yeah....

Yesterday breakfast was veggie omelet, chai tea with no milk, and slices of tomatoes. Snack was a large chocolate milk and a banana. Lunch was double veggie stir fry with chicken. Snack was protein shake. Dinner was chicken pot pie, mozzarella sticks and wine. Can you spot where it all fell apart? LOL

 

Today, breakfast is the same as yesterday. Not sure what a snack will be if I even get one. Office is undermanned today so I can't really leave for food run. Lunch will likely be veggies and protein, salad bar FTW. Afternoon snack is protein shake again. Because I need to remember to use this shit. Dinner is whatever protein is thawed in the fridge, plus peas for me, and rice and peas for the hubby.

 

Dual Wield

So my ankle was tight and painful the last couple of days so I rested it yesterday and it fells SO MUCH BETTER today. Good to go on the treadmill/stair combo today! Also groupfit day so yay!

 

 

Companions

On Friday this week there's a get together of friends which will be nice. Winter is suckballs and cabin fever is setting in!

 

 

Gearing Up

Going to research fitbit like gadgets that'll meet my needs!

[Son of Rylos]

Hey Sister!!!! I'm back and stalking per usual

 

I can't believe that it's been a year since we started here! 

 

I think you've got a very well setup challenge so you're stuck with me to watch your successes

 

I'm using a FitBit Charge right now and I've used the Flex before so I have my thoughts and opinions on those if you want them. 

 

Still early into the challenge so I'll harass you later

[Trewest]

YAY Calibre! Glad to have my brother back! Happy Nerdiversary!

 

I'm all for hearing your opinion on tech you've tried. My goal is to find something that's going to accurately track my habits. I was looking into the UnderArmour Band because it ties into MFP but from what I've read that way lies glitches and frustration.

 

I want to track sleep, calories burned, heart rate. How does your experience with tech stack against those hefty requirements

[Darth Yoga]

Well, well, well... We are supposed to choose allies and rivals for the new mini, and the choice for rivals is clear. 

 

Trewest - White Knight of the Jedi! From the moment I saw your 451 seconds of handbalancing, I vowed I would not let you defeat the noble Sith.

 

In the Beast Taming challenge, you and Suzaqu together were sufficient to nearly match to eight of our strikers, but the Jedi searchers did not match your vigor, and we defeated you!

 

While I may be no match for your Ranger-like strength and endurance, I can hope to match your crazed enthusiasm.

 

So, I will be stalking you from the shadows for the duration of this challenge.

[Trewest]

You're ON Joshua T.

Time for crazy enthusiasm show down

[Darth Yoga]

What are you taking the PARE for?

[Trewest]

What are you taking the PARE for?

Its an entrance requirement for the RCMP and I would like to join them. But I need cardio work. I can FEEL the Rangers stalking me now. ..

[Darth Yoga]

Yep. I was looking at videos of the PACE. That is some solid rangering right there.

 

But assassins have better team challenges.

[Mr_Willes]

and the choice for rivals is clear. 

 

*shakes head* Son, you don't know what you are getting yourself into  

 

You're ON Joshua T.

Time for crazy enthusiasm show down

 

Oow boy... Now you have done it...

 

Its an entrance requirement for the RCMP and I would like to join them. But I need cardio work. I can FEEL the Rangers stalking me now. ..

Yep. I was looking at videos of the PACE. That is some solid rangering right there.

 

But assassins have better team challenges.

 

See what i did there

 

 

 

 

My goal is to find something that's going to accurately track my habits. I was looking into the UnderArmour Band because it ties into MFP but from what I've read that way lies glitches and frustration.

 

I want to track sleep, calories burned, heart rate. How does your experience with tech stack against those hefty requirements

 

Be sure you get the difference right between BMR and  TDEE.

 

I would suggest using TDEE as a base. Set a goal with it and take a few weeks (3-4) of tracking to see how it goes. In my own experience tracking workout KCAL is very much off, cardio could be somewhat on point, but anything weight related seems impossible to track in a right way (ask Sam). So you'll have to wing it.

 

For me i'm using a TDEE of 2000 kcal. This is what i have found out last challenge. I was tracking my food and did about an average of 2000 kcal a day and staid the same weight (hopefully composition is shifting a bit, but i can't be sure). So this challenge i have set a goal of 1700 -1850 KCAL a day to gradually lose some weight. After these 4 weeks i'm gonna see how this goes. If i lose more than 0.25 kg a week i'm gonna up the kcal a bit, if i lose less than 0.1 i'm gonna lower it even a bit more.

 

How did your day go?

[Trewest]

Cap Willies

My day was interesting yesterday because I felt flagged all day long. Just completely run down. Not sick per se but like I just needed to sleep all day long. Didn't matter how much water I drank, what good foods I ate, or even when I got myself a coffee. My body let me know that yesterday was a rest day in no uncertain terms. So that's what I did. And I feel a lot better for it today. With everyone around me still super sick, I'm cautious about when I get weirdly fatigued like that.

Also, I have cabin fever and desperately want to get outside, hurry up and melt snow!

I'll be going off of the TDEE like you suggest. Right now my BMR is 1500, so my TDEE is closer to 1700. Again if I find that's too little I'll bump it or if it's too much I'll scootch it down.

And yes, I saw what you did there.... but it's true, the Assassin's Guild really does have the best challenges....though I might start stalking the Rangers a little to gather intel. You know how it is....

 

 

Oh Joshua T, time to get this rivalry thing going now that you're not in a car.... You pick the exercise and we'll give it a go my dear

[Trewest]

Potion Making

Made great food choices yesterday all day. Veggies, protein, no crap anywhere. Even dinner was decent. Just not enough food. So hubby brought home the SALTIEST bacon sub sandwich I have ever had in my life. It was disgusting. Also, my cat helped me restrict my wine intake last night because he SPILLED THE FREAKING WINE INTO THE CARPET. Oh man.... that's new carpet too... thankfully it's an apt so I really don't care. And it wasn't expensive wine. Still, kitty spent the rest of the night sucking up. And I spent it drinking water because holy geeze that was a salty sub.

 

 

Dual Wield

As per bodily instructions, this week was geared down to a rest week. Looking back, it's been a while since I took a light week. Go figure. Unless of course Joshua T decides to throw down on the whole rival thing, and then of course I will meet the challenge

 

Recruit Companions

So tomorrow after work is a friendly get together for beer and food and I am SO looking forward to it. Not the beer, the friendly getting out of the goddamned house because I hate winter part. YAY SOCIAL LIFE. I miss outside time......

 

 

Gearing Up

Looked into a shitton of tech yesterday for tracking my habits. Ugh.... I want something easy, with a decent battery life, that tracks HR, sleep, workouts, and I can shower with because I'm the asshole who always forgets to take off their watch to shower. I really don't care if it's a bit bulky. And I would prefer not to spent several hundred dollars on it. Max $200. Any one have any recommendations? Right now it looks between the Garmin Vivosmart HR, and the FitBit Charge HR, and neither one of those is perfect.

[Mr_Willes]

 

Also known as food in my world. So... starting today no alcohol, no bread/rice/potatoes, as little dairy as possible. Basically as close to Paleo as I ever can get. And I really need to track this shit.

 

 

And...

 

Also, my cat helped me restrict my wine intake last night because he SPILLED THE FREAKING WINE INTO THE CARPET.

 

[ixaera]

I can tell you I use the FitBit Surge, which has been great, but I don't think you're supposed to shower with it. It advertises water resistance to the extent you can wear it in the rain, but since it advises against dipping your hand in a bucket or something, I'ma go with showers are too wet. That and I'm terrified to test it because this thing is expensive D:

[Trewest]

The wine was because hubby poured me a glass. He was trying to be sweet. And then the cat knocked it over anyways so yeah... our new carpet has a lovely merlot shade worked into it now : P

 

re: FitBit Surge I'll look into it, but I really do want one semi waterproof. Doesn't need to be good for scuba but yeah, I will wear it in the shower chances are.... or washing dishes....

[Trewest]

There is a double chocolate muffin sitting on my desk, staring at me.... my boss brought in home made muffins one for each of us.....

I feel like an asshole not eating it. Will try and smuggle it out to a friend later so I don't waste it at least.