blkhole24601: Ninja Chameleon

[blkhole24601]

 

MAIN QUEST: Become a master of disguise.  Or at least an actress who can dance like she’s in Buenos Aires and can perform feats of magnificent skill.  … Like a ninja.

 

Pascal, my Spirit Animal for this challenge

 

When the question was posed in the Assassins’ Den last challenge about what kind of Fitness Superhero we aspire to be, I mentioned that I want to be a chameleon, where I can blend into whatever role I’m needed to be (or want to be) easily.  It’s part of my whole thing of always striving to be a better actress, after all.  And what better role model for an aspiring chameleon than a ninja?

 

QUEST 1: NINJA TRAINING [+2 STR +1 DEX, +1 STA]

 

A ninja is always training, always striving to better herself or himself, always getting stronger, etc.  And so, I will endeavor to workout 5x/week.  There are some extra requirements to this, however:

• I must lift at least 2x/week.
• I must work through pull-up progressions and toes-to-bar progressions at least 2x/week.
• I must work on flexibility for at least 10 minutes at least 5x/week.
• The other three workouts must be over a duration of at least 30 minutes/session.  This can be cumulative throughout the day if necessary.
• The flexibility time can count as part of the 30 minutes (and yes, if I work on flexibility for 30 minutes, that alone will be enough to count), as can any work done towards the two quests below.

 

A = Criteria 100% Met | B = 75% Met | C = 50% Met | D = 25% Met

 

QUEST 2: GO NINJA GO NINJA GO [+2 DEX]

You thought this was going to be a TMNT gif, didn’t you?

 

There’s no dance party like a ninja dance party!  Since I’m always working to improve my dancing, 2x/week, I will work on Latin-style dance basics in preparation for my summer in Evita.

 

Videos:
http://www.howcast.com/guides/905-how-to-do-the-argentine-tango/

http://www.howcast.com/guides/909-how-to-samba/

http://www.howcast.com/guides/660-how-to-dance-salsa/

 

A = 2x/week | C = 1x/week

 

QUEST 3: NINJA BALANCE [+2 DEX]

 

A ninja must have balance.  With that in mind, I will work on hand and leg balances and inversions 3x/week for at least 10 minutes.

 

Library of Poses:
http://www.yogajournal.com/category/poses/types/arm-balances/

http://www.yogajournal.com/category/poses/types/balancing/

http://www.yogajournal.com/category/types/inversions/

 

A = 3x/week | B = 2x/week | C = 1x/week

 

LIFE QUEST: NINJA BENTO [+1 CON]

 

Going on a mission without a packed lunch is a terrible idea.  While I’ve gotten better at bringing lunch to work, my lunches could stand to be healthier since lately they've just been frozen dinners, which are so gross I never even finish them, which is hampering my "get stronger" quest since I’m not eating enough, or I turn to the junk food around the office to get the calories my body is demanding.  So, twice a week, I will pack a homemade lunch and bring it to work.

 

A = 2x/week | C = 1x/week

 

SIDE QUEST: NINJA MISSIONS [+1 WIS]

 

What’s a ninja without missions to go on? Even if it is as simple as, "I need that hole punch." Having a to-do list really worked last time to help keep my life in order, and I want to keep that up especially since my life is going to start picking back up with crazy busy-ness. But based on lessons learned from last time, I’m going to make a couple of adjustments: one, that Saturday and Sunday will combine to make one to-do list for the entirety of the weekend; and two, that there is no minimum number of things I need to cross off, as long as I make an honest effort at doing as many things on the list as possible.

 

A = 6x/week | B = 4-5x/week | C = 3x/week | D = 1-2x/week

 

 

Let's Go Ninja!!!!!!!

 

[blkhole24601]

 

Day Zero

Week 1

Quest 1: A+ | Quest 2: A | Quest 3: A+ | Life Quest: A | Side Quest: A

Overall: A+

Week 2

Quest 1: B | Quest 2: C | Quest 3: A | Life Quest: A+ | Side Quest: B+

Overall: B+

Week 3

Week 4

[starsapart]

READY FOR NINJA GOOD TIMES. 

[blkhole24601]

1 hour ago, starsapart said:

READY FOR NINJA GOOD TIMES. 

 

NINJA HUG

 

(But lbr, most of my gifs are probably going to wind up being cat gifs.  )

[Urgan]

Here for this. Because of course. Sword-wielders forever~

[Trewest]

[blkhole24601]

55 minutes ago, Urgan said:

Here for this. Because of course. Sword-wielders forever~

 

YASSSSS. Ready to get my fencing on!!!

[blkhole24601]

1 minute ago, Trewest said:

 

 So cute!!!

[Trewest]

Just now, blkhole24601 said:

 

 So cute!!!

 

Unstealthiest Ninja by DoooomCat.

 

LOVE her art.....

[blkhole24601]

2 minutes ago, Trewest said:

 

Unstealthiest Ninja by DoooomCat.

 

LOVE her art.....

 

Well, I just took a dip into her page.

 

The art. SO CUTE. OMG. LOVE IT!   I'm adoring her Pirates vs. Ninjas one~

 

(And lbr, Unstealthiest Ninja = Me, 100%  )

[Briniel]

Really like the ninja theme Have a great challenge!

[BlackTezca]

Coming in sneaky sneaky like!  You'll never know I'm here!!

 

3 hours ago, Trewest said:

 

3 hours ago, blkhole24601 said:

 

Well, I just took a dip into her page.

 

The art. SO CUTE. OMG. LOVE IT!   I'm adoring her Pirates vs. Ninjas one~

 

(And lbr, Unstealthiest Ninja = Me, 100%  )

 

Now I have to check her out because I love...love these images!  I just...these are so funny and just so really cute!

 

Gotta say I love your challenges and this one is not exception!  All those gifs made me chuckle or laugh and I'm excited to see you become stealthy sneaky sneaky like a ninja! 

 

[blkhole24601]

46 minutes ago, BlackTezca said:

Coming in sneaky sneaky like!  You'll never know I'm here!!

 

 

3 hours ago, Briniel said:

Really like the ninja theme Have a great challenge!

 

Thanks!! And you too! I will track you down~

 

49 minutes ago, BlackTezca said:

Gotta say I love your challenges and this one is not exception!  All those gifs made me chuckle or laugh and I'm excited to see you become stealthy sneaky sneaky like a ninja! 

 

Thanks!!  It was fun tracking down these images (and so many more that I bookmarked for daily updates and such), even if finding the ones specific to my goals was a challenge within itself! ;;;;;;;;;;;;

 

Though I did have a moment during my workout today where I was like, "Dude, I'm taking fencing classes. That's more pirate than ninja, and I could make my theme fit within pirates because PIRATES. I COULD PRETEND TO BE LIKE JACK SPARROW." Maybe next challenge's theme~?

[BlackTezca]

Just now, blkhole24601 said:

Though I did have a moment during my workout today where I was like, "Dude, I'm taking fencing classes. That's more pirate than ninja, and I could make my theme fit within pirates because PIRATES. I COULD PRETEND TO BE LIKE JACK SPARROW." Maybe next challenge's theme~?

 

Considering fencing I agree, you could definitely make a Pirates theme, though I'd be half tempted to save it for June so you can also throw in a bit more Island and Summer and beach style stuff.

 

Either way DO PIRATES CHALLENGE SOMETIME PLZ!

[blkhole24601]

1 minute ago, BlackTezca said:

 

Considering fencing I agree, you could definitely make a Pirates theme, though I'd be half tempted to save it for June so you can also throw in a bit more Island and Summer and beach style stuff.

 

Either way DO PIRATES CHALLENGE SOMETIME PLZ!

 

Noted! No, really, I have a Word document filled with all the challenge dates, things going on in my life during said challenges (I have at least one, maybe two grab bag challenges coming up soon because theatre rehearsals + Work Chaos = cannot do the traditional challenge format), and future theme ideas have a section to themselves. Because for as disorganized as I am, I'm stupidly organized, too. It makes no sense, I know. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

 

BUT YES, PIRATES CHALLENGE, IT WILL HAPPEN. Especially if I fall in love with fencing and keep at it!

[Achaedia]

Such a cute theme!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Trewest]

15 hours ago, blkhole24601 said:

 

Though I did have a moment during my workout today where I was like, "Dude, I'm taking fencing classes. That's more pirate than ninja, and I could make my theme fit within pirates because PIRATES. I COULD PRETEND TO BE LIKE JACK SPARROW." Maybe next challenge's theme~?

 

15 hours ago, BlackTezca said:

 

Considering fencing I agree, you could definitely make a Pirates theme, though I'd be half tempted to save it for June so you can also throw in a bit more Island and Summer and beach style stuff.

Either way DO PIRATES CHALLENGE SOMETIME PLZ!

 

15 hours ago, blkhole24601 said:

 

BUT YES, PIRATES CHALLENGE, IT WILL HAPPEN. Especially if I fall in love with fencing and keep at it!

 

*Whistles nonchalantly as I PIRATE  my way onto your thread*

You know you want to join me in my High Seas Glory....

[Anaticula]

Can't wait to see how things go!

[blkhole24601]

So, yes. I fell off the face of the planet. Luckily Zero Week is good for that, but work was crazy busy and after work was filled with a lot of de-stressing necessities. But! I am back and ready to get at it! I am still maintaining a Monday through Sunday challenge format, which means while the challenge officially starts today, today for me is simply a Day Zero, so expect that post to come soon!

 

But the biggest thing on the challenge front: I took my first fencing class yesterday!

 

It was so much fun, I think I'm in love. We worked on foil, and we did some basics, some drills, and then ended the class with matches. I was surprised that I won my first bout, though my second was not so successful. I need to learn how to fight against someone who is taller and thus has a much longer reach than me. I did manage to get one point off of him at least? And if we had been fighting with the epee I might have gotten more because I did hit a few more times, but I either didn't hit the correct target area or it hadn't been my right-of-way.

 

The big thing I took away that I need to work on as far as general fitness goes is my cardio. Oh my god. When we started working drills with our helmets on, I not only overheated but I wasn't able to catch my breath. Between that and the lightheadedness, I had to go sit down for a few minutes. The instructor was kind about it, as he regaled me the story of his very first lesson, which was a 20-minute private lesson and he had to sit down three times. That I only had to sit down the once during an hour and a half lesson is impressive, in comparison.  But, yeah, I think I will be incorporating cardio (and eating a bigger breakfast before going to class) back into my routine somehow. I just can't decide between running or HIIT. HIIT is probably more related to the physical demands of fencing since it's strength + cardio whereas running is just straight cardio (unless I do hills/intervals, ugh), but I prefer running. Ah, well, I'll get it figured out.

 

On 3/30/2016 at 8:35 PM, Achaedia said:

Such a cute theme!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks!!

 

On 3/30/2016 at 7:22 AM, Trewest said:

 

*Whistles nonchalantly as I PIRATE  my way onto your thread*

You know you want to join me in my High Seas Glory....

 

Or.

 

OR.

 

I can be both.

 

Like this guy:

 

 

 

On 3/31/2016 at 7:43 AM, Anaticula said:

Can't wait to see how things go!

 

Woo! Glad to have you along for the ride again~  

[Trewest]

22 hours ago, blkhole24601 said:

Or.

 

OR.

 

I can be both.

 

Like this guy:

 

 

 

 

The Dread Pirate Roberts... .he awesome. Always be awesome.

[Urgan]

Let's get this party started!

 

 

[Anaticula]

Fencing class sounds pretty awesome. So jealous of you getting to take it!

[Briniel]

Fencing class sounds great! Glad you had fun

[blkhole24601]

〇日

 

Yes, yes, I know, a day late when I meant to get this up yesterday, but hey, at least I'm getting it up!

 

QUEST 1: NINJA TRAINING

As I discovered on Saturday, I need to incorporate cardio back into my routine somehow so that I no longer die during drills at fencing class. Seriously, for as in-shape as I'm in, that was kind of embarrassing that I needed to sit down. My strength is awesome and my muscles were feeling fine -- tired, but fine -- but my cardio was just crap. I still don't know if I'll be doing HIIT or running (or combining the two and working on intervals), but I will try to make at least one of my other three weekly workouts focused on cardio in some fashion. Zumba in this case won't count, but I also won't make it a requirement. I already have enough.

 

To recap, my requirements for my "Workout 5x/week" quest:

• I must lift 2x/week.
• I must work through pull-up progressions and toes-to-bar progressions at least 2x/week.
• I must work on flexibility for at least 10 minutes at least 5x/week.
• The other three workouts must be over a duration of at least 30 minutes/session.  This can be cumulative throughout the day if necessary.
• The flexibility time can count as part of the 30 minutes (and yes, if I work on flexibility for 30 minutes, that alone will be enough to count), as can any work done towards the two quests below.

I did take out the pistol squats requirement. With the weight I'm squatting now, working on pistols more than once a week will be extraordinarily difficult to fit in and have it be of any use to me. I will still work on one-legged squats on bodyweight days, but it's not worth making a requirement if I'm only going to do it the once in a week.

 

QUEST 2: GO NINJA GO NINJA GO

I'm already afraid that this will fall by the wayside, but I am determined. This will happen. Once upon a December, I had a challenge where my dance quest was work to make a list of dance moves I want to work on and focus on doing those twice a week and I thought to do the same this challenge, but I also decided to just keep it simple. While I will aim to work on specific moves 2x/week (ideally two moves per style), I will maintain flexibility in my life and my schedule and just keep it at the general high-level. As long as I work the styles, I'm good. The emphasis will be on tango, specifically Argentine tango, but of course I'll make sure to work through samba and salsa because why not.

 

QUEST 3: NINJA BALANCE

10 minutes a day, 3x/week, I'm not worry about this. I will continue to aim for a solid handstand as my primary goal, with crow stand and feathered peacock stand being my secondary focuses. Of course, I want to do the other things, too, since I do love working on these things and thus wanted to get them into my repertoire for funsies reasons, but those are the three skills I most hope to improve upon over the next four weeks.

 

LIFE QUEST: NINJA BENTO

The homemade lunch quest is already going not too well since I meant to go grocery shopping yesterday and then didn't and I won't have time until Wednesday, and we have very little food in the apartment. ;;;;;;;;; BUT! This quest is pretty lenient on the "homemade" front in that yes, it had to have been prepared by a human being I have a face and name to. It does not have to be me. Leftovers are 100% okay, as are PB&J sandwiches if I'm really desperate. Basically, the real thing is, what doesn't count as homemade are of course anything I bought pre-prepared from the store, frozen dinners, and anything from the cafeteria. Tyro said he'll try to buy some groceries tonight, so hopefully tomorrow I can get right on top of this, no problem!

 

SIDE QUEST: NINJA MISSIONS

Unlike last challenge, I will not be providing a list of all the things on my to-do list for the day. I will provide a list of all the things I manage to accomplish, though, and give an honest assessment of, "Did I do everything I could have possibly done today?" If the answer is yes, pass! If the answer is no, then fail. Simple as that.

 

 

And now, without further ado, a Week 1 Look Ahead!

 

Monday: Rest day, because I'm busy all day at work so there's no opportunity for me to get to the gym and I have acting class this evening.

Tuesday: Lifting day + inversions + flexibility. Coaching session in evening.

Wednesday: Dance day + inversions + flexiblity.

Thursday: Bodyweight workout day. Possibly HIIT. We'll see. Also flexibility

Friday: Cardio day of some capacity. Probably just running. Flexibility if I do the things. Alternatively, rest, depending on how I'm feeling.

Saturday: Fencing! Also, flexibility.

Sunday: Lifting day + inversions + flexibility

 

[blkhole24601]

3 hours ago, Trewest said:

 

The Dread Pirate Roberts... .he awesome. Always be awesome.

 

"Always be yourself, unless you can be the Dread Pirate Roberts. Then be the Dread Pirate Roberts." Ultimate words of wisdom.

 

1 hour ago, Urgan said:

Let's get this party started!

 

 

 

YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

 

1 hour ago, Anaticula said:

Fencing class sounds pretty awesome. So jealous of you getting to take it!

 

42 minutes ago, Briniel said:

Fencing class sounds great! Glad you had fun

 

I love it!! I already can't believe I didn't get into it sooner.