I suck at blogging on a regular basis, so I am sorry! The last 6 weeks have been good. I did not overeat at Thanksgiving or Christmas, in fact I felt very good and not totally stuffed after both meals. I have been working out 3 times a week (except for the last two weeks, too crazy with sickness and some kid drama), and have thoroughly enjoyed being in the level 2 class and forming new friendships. A few weeks ago, Haley and Sarah leveled up also so now we all get 30 minutes more sleep and are all in class together. It is fun and I look forward to doing it more regularly!
This blog will be full of end of the year stuff as well as just general things that have been on my mind lately. Sorry for the rambling if I happen to do it, decorating cakes is my thing, not writing :)
On December 19th we did CrossFit Total which is your 1 rep max of the deadlift, press, and back squat. I will start out by saying I work out with some pretty amazing ladies, several of whom I admire for their strong lifts, all of them I just plain admire. Jenny and I are regulars in the 6:30 class and before I found out that we had a bond through her husband, I watched her and read her blog with much admiration. She pushes me to do things I did not think I could and encourages me when I am feeling not so great about what I am doing. Jenny told me that she was doing CFT at 4:30pm on Monday, so I decided I would join her. She was doing this because she wanted to to CFT with Liz and Cat. I have watched Liz lift and I have heard about how awesome she is in lifting competitions, and now I am happy to call her friend also. I had not met Cat, but knew that she was an amazing lifter and competitor. Little did I know that she was such a powerhouse in such a small package :) I was so nervous all day. What if something that I do during the day prevents me from lifting as much as I can, what if, what if, what if....jeez, get over it already. Just go in and do your best, so we did.
I started on backsquat and worked my way up to 155#, press was at 70# (boy I tried for 75 or 80 and it just wasn't there), then came the deadlift. I was working with my girls but Liz said, "Hey, you are going to deadlift over here", with her, Jenny, and Cat. These ladies are amazing..have I said that already? Just amazing. So with their encouragement and counting of proper weight, I tried 205# and couldn't get it. Next try was down to 200# and I got it. Then, Blake, (Cat's hubs and one of our great coaches) said, you can do the 205#, just get your legs closer to the bar. We counted out the weights, I went for it, and I got it! It was so heavy but it was so awesome to lift that much! Thanks for all of the encouragement that went into that day and that lift. (especially to Tristy for yelling at me to push my hips through!!)
Some thoughts on 2011 now. I came into this year fat, unhealthy, and unhappy. We had a major life event that, thankfully, we all survived and it was time to start over. I leave this year still overweight, but down by a bit, a little healthier, and full of joy. My marriage is amazing, my kids are terrific, and life is pretty darn good. We have had some crazy times, some happy times, and some sad times this year.
Missy (our oldest child) has given birth to a beautiful baby boy, JaKoby and has moved to San Antonio to teach Tech Classes for the Air Force at Fort Sam Houston. We are so happy to have her, JaKoby and hubby Chuck close for about 4 years. It has already been such a blessing to watch that sweet baby grow and know every time we kiss and hug them bye it is just for a little while.
Haley and Sarah had a good season of Volleyball, playing together for the first and last time. Haley started her senior year and Sarah her freshman year. Haley was crowned Homecoming Queen for our Homeschool Athletic organization and the next day Sarah was crowned Miss Teen Firefest.
My beautiful grandmother went to be with the Lord in early October. I was and am still so sad at her passing and selfishly want to spend more time with her, but I know that her body was tired and she was ready to go be with Jesus and my grandad. I wish we would have had a few more months so she could share in my crossfit successes now. She only got a month of sharing but everyone tells me (and I know in my heart) that she knows all of my successes!
I have muscles. Lots of them, they have been popping up all over and I find them at random times. My family is tired of me saying "Look at my muscles!", but I am so proud of them and the work I did to earn every one of them!
This past week I sent this to my CrossFit coaches: "I just really feel like I owe so much to you guys and the whole CFA family. I have just completed my first set of holidays and did not fall apart once due to stress. That is all CrossFit. I have been walking around for most of my life in a state of panic, balls to the wall, flying by the seat of my pants, craziness. I now have peace, and joy in place of that. Not to say that I don't pop out with "stressed out mom", as my kids call her, every once in a while...but she does not stay just under the surface like she used to. Since starting at CFA I have gone through loss, crazy mother in law drama, teenage drama, and two major holidays. I have not lost it, overeaten, or had a mental breakdown and for that I thank you. I walk through life with my head up and not looking at the ground and for that I thank you.
I have said it over and over, and will continue to say it. My life has been changed due to CrossFit and everyone at CFA. I so look forward to what 2012 has in store for me and my family. I am hoping that soon we can swing the finances to get Bart in with us.
Please feel free to send anyone my way who is wondering if CF is something they can do. If I can do it, anyone can. You just have to dig down deep and find the desire to change your life...one WOD at a time"
I have a friend who is going to join CrossFit next month just because of the changes that she has seen in my through facebook, we don't see each other in person, just facebook. That is so awesome to me. I want to inspire people, I was to help change lives. Please feel free to ask me any questions about CrossFit any time, I love to talk about it!!
I can't say this enough, so I am going to end 2011 by saying it again. CrossFit, the friends I have made at CrossFit Austin, and all of the encouragement I have gotten from my sister and her CrossFit Fly gym has changed my life. I am a different person than who I was on August 28th. I have been motivated by countless people, and I am eternally grateful for all of you.
I am going to end this post with a quote that I put on my Facebook earlier today.
Goodbye 2011. The last fat year of my life. That is a fact, and a promise.
Oh man, I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for me!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
12 weeks complete
So...yesterday I was ready to quit...today I am feeling fabulous! We did handstand holds this morning and I decided that it was time for a new handstand photo. I took one 4 weeks in (left side above) and one today (right side). After the skill session and WOD kicked me in the butt, I went to the car and compared photos. Then I cried. I can't believe the difference. This is a side of you that you just don't see every day. WOW, it is awesome the changes that are happening in my body! Yesterday is yesterday, seize each day as it comes....I choose to do that :P
Today's workout was a doozie. I looked at it when I left the house and thought, "I can do that, 4 push presses, 4 weighted stepups, long, but doable" Famous last words...
Level Two
Skill
A1. Snatch DL x2×5 Rest 2:00
A2. Handstand Push-up+Handstand Hold x2+:15-:30×5 Rest :45
*Work to a challenging, but not max, 2
*Post weights to comments
WOD
15 Minutes, On-The-Minute:
4 Push Press
4 WTD Step-ups (Total)
*M: 135 lb W: 95 lb
Snatch DL weight was 107#, felt good
Handstand pushups, well mine were pike pushups, and I will be working on those twice a day for a while to get them much better than they are.
Handstand holds..nicely done, "push your butt toward the wall" says Tristy so I did. Notice that the right picture is better form than the left. Thanks, Tristy!
Ok, this 15 minute WOD kicked my a$$. Royally. I used a 45# bar only and 3 big weights stacked to step up on. Push press the bar 4 times then back rack it and step up with it. Holy Cow that was hard!! The first 4-5 times I pretty much had to do them with very little rest and then I started seeing spots so I had to take a rest. Tristy pushed me through this (and for that I am thankful!), kept at me to get back into it, get the bar up, be agressive. I dropped one of the big plates and she brought me a smaller one to finish up my step ups. I pushed through the last 5 with a strength that I found in the bottom of my toes, and I finished strong. I missed at least one round, but did a ton of work!
Then I laid on the floor. Just for a little bit. And I got up and went on about my day, feeling pretty badass :)
BTW...I didn't make it to the killer workout last night, just plain ran out of time. But I am sure it will come around again, and I will be ready for it!
Today's workout was a doozie. I looked at it when I left the house and thought, "I can do that, 4 push presses, 4 weighted stepups, long, but doable" Famous last words...
Level Two
Skill
A1. Snatch DL x2×5 Rest 2:00
A2. Handstand Push-up+Handstand Hold x2+:15-:30×5 Rest :45
*Work to a challenging, but not max, 2
*Post weights to comments
WOD
15 Minutes, On-The-Minute:
4 Push Press
4 WTD Step-ups (Total)
*M: 135 lb W: 95 lb
Snatch DL weight was 107#, felt good
Handstand pushups, well mine were pike pushups, and I will be working on those twice a day for a while to get them much better than they are.
Handstand holds..nicely done, "push your butt toward the wall" says Tristy so I did. Notice that the right picture is better form than the left. Thanks, Tristy!
Ok, this 15 minute WOD kicked my a$$. Royally. I used a 45# bar only and 3 big weights stacked to step up on. Push press the bar 4 times then back rack it and step up with it. Holy Cow that was hard!! The first 4-5 times I pretty much had to do them with very little rest and then I started seeing spots so I had to take a rest. Tristy pushed me through this (and for that I am thankful!), kept at me to get back into it, get the bar up, be agressive. I dropped one of the big plates and she brought me a smaller one to finish up my step ups. I pushed through the last 5 with a strength that I found in the bottom of my toes, and I finished strong. I missed at least one round, but did a ton of work!
Then I laid on the floor. Just for a little bit. And I got up and went on about my day, feeling pretty badass :)
BTW...I didn't make it to the killer workout last night, just plain ran out of time. But I am sure it will come around again, and I will be ready for it!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
This is where I quit....
I decided to do this blog and be completely honest, so I am going to be honest now. This is the time that I quit CrossFit. I have changed my life, I have gone down two sizes, people are noticing the changes in me...That should be enough, it usually is. That is the good part, the bad part is I am tired, I hurt, and I am scared of moving on. This is usually the place where I quit. I have done so many diets and exercise programs that it makes me SICK. Changed my life so many times, for a few weeks or months. Then I quit. Well guess what world I AM NOT QUITTING THIS TIME! Oh, don't get me wrong, I really want to. I really am tired, my body really hurts (so much that I am afraid my husband thinks I love my Airrosti dr more than him), and I am really scared of these workouts. This week I missed Monday because I wasn't feeling well, went yesterday, and was going to go today. Haley had to be at work at 5:45 and Sarah had to be in North Austin at 7 for an EMS rideout, so I didn't make up Monday today, like I wanted to. Monday I heard how hard the workout was by some pretty strong ladies, Tuesday I saw one of the strongest girls I know actually do it, and it knocked her on her butt. (BUT she looked GREAT doing it!!) Today one of my trainer's said she wanted to quit in the middle of the workout, and I think she is a badass. SOOOO, I am scared. But I have heard "If your workout doesn't scare you, you need a new workout." I guess I am good there.
I have been told lately that I am inspiring people. That is why I wanted to write this post. I don't want anyone to think that this gets easy. It gets easier from the beginning, but it never gets easy. I just keep thinking that I have changed my life, and am continuing to change it...one ring row at a time. Soon I will be strong enough for more than 3 partner pull ups, and then will go on from there. I have a long way to go, but I have come a long way from where I started.
I will tell you that I work out with an amazing family of crazy people. I love each and every one of them. They encourage me, inspire me, and drive me to be a better person. We are from all walks of life, but have one thing in common. We are not quitters, we are CrossFitters.
Stay tuned, because I am about to go sign up for this killer WOD this afternoon, and I am going to kick it right in the ass. (of course we will probably be about even, because it will kick mine too!!)
Here it is...
Level Two
Skill
A1. RDL x10×3 Rest :45
A2. CTB Pull-ups x4-6×3 Rest :45
WOD
8 Rounds
1:00 Row or Airdyne for Cals
1:00 Active Rest (3-5 Challenging DB Presses)
1:00 Wall Ball for reps @ 20 lb, 14 lb
1:00 Active Rest (3-5 Hip Clean @ 135 lb, 95 lb)
*Record calories and wall ball reps
If you are not busy between 4:30-6:30 (I haven't decided which class I am doing) please say a little prayer for my strength and endurance. I will run(row) the race before me, and come out on the other side better for it.
I have been told lately that I am inspiring people. That is why I wanted to write this post. I don't want anyone to think that this gets easy. It gets easier from the beginning, but it never gets easy. I just keep thinking that I have changed my life, and am continuing to change it...one ring row at a time. Soon I will be strong enough for more than 3 partner pull ups, and then will go on from there. I have a long way to go, but I have come a long way from where I started.
I will tell you that I work out with an amazing family of crazy people. I love each and every one of them. They encourage me, inspire me, and drive me to be a better person. We are from all walks of life, but have one thing in common. We are not quitters, we are CrossFitters.
Stay tuned, because I am about to go sign up for this killer WOD this afternoon, and I am going to kick it right in the ass. (of course we will probably be about even, because it will kick mine too!!)
Here it is...
Level Two
Skill
A1. RDL x10×3 Rest :45
A2. CTB Pull-ups x4-6×3 Rest :45
WOD
8 Rounds
1:00 Row or Airdyne for Cals
1:00 Active Rest (3-5 Challenging DB Presses)
1:00 Wall Ball for reps @ 20 lb, 14 lb
1:00 Active Rest (3-5 Hip Clean @ 135 lb, 95 lb)
*Record calories and wall ball reps
If you are not busy between 4:30-6:30 (I haven't decided which class I am doing) please say a little prayer for my strength and endurance. I will run(row) the race before me, and come out on the other side better for it.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Bad day turned out pretty good!
Last night I was such a grump that I went straight to bed after church. I know I set my alarm for 5...I know I did! However, at 6:07, Bart said "Are you guys going to workout?" CRAP!! So I cancelled my 6:30 class and sent my friend Jenny a text asking her to let the coaches know what happened. She said "It happens to everyone in the mornings, go back to bed!!" I did, and called the gym later to sign Sarah and I up for the noon Level 1 class. From now on, I will have two alarms so I don't do that again!!
The good news is that I got to workout with Sarah. It was great to see her in class (I haven't just watched her before because I didn't want to be a mom stalker!) She responds well to coaching and did great today. 37# front squats, 65# deadlifts, and partner pullups!! I did 65# front squats, and went ahead and stayed with her on 65# deadlifts, I did ring rows because my partner pullups are just not happening right now for some reason.
I am so proud of Sarah and her determination in Crossfit. Being 14 she is a normal teenager and when faced with a challenge she sometimes makes excuses. She has embraced this with both arms and loves it just as much as I do.
Haley has had to take almost the whole week off because of work conflict. We are hoping to get her back in the saddle next week.
Tuesday I had a really blech afternoon and was really whiney and down. I realized what was wrong...I had gotten on the scale that morning and gained back 5 pounds. So my resolution is to not get back on it until after the first of the year. It is just not worth it when I know my body is changing, I feel it, my clothes are falling off, and others are seeing it! That night my sweet friend, Linda, called me and said "Girl, you need to go get a new outfit, just one, but do it!" So yesterday, we went to do just that. I wanted a new pair of jeans and told the lady that I didn't know what size I needed. She suggested that I start in the last pair that I know fit, so I said 24 (and those had been snug). I put then on and it was like a pair of clown pants!! Asked for a 22, they were better but she said they will be falling off within the first hour of wearing them. So, I went for the size 20....THEY FIT!!!!! OMG, I don't remember the last time I was wearing a size 20 pants! Sarah picked out a shirt for me and we just started at the 18/20 (I had been wearing 26/28 and 22/24) and IT FIT TOO!!! I am so proud of myself. I made a commitment and am sticking with it. I am about to start my 11th week of CrossFit and can't wait to go every day. I love my new friends, I love my new confidence, I love me :)
See you guys back at the gym on Monday!!
The good news is that I got to workout with Sarah. It was great to see her in class (I haven't just watched her before because I didn't want to be a mom stalker!) She responds well to coaching and did great today. 37# front squats, 65# deadlifts, and partner pullups!! I did 65# front squats, and went ahead and stayed with her on 65# deadlifts, I did ring rows because my partner pullups are just not happening right now for some reason.
I am so proud of Sarah and her determination in Crossfit. Being 14 she is a normal teenager and when faced with a challenge she sometimes makes excuses. She has embraced this with both arms and loves it just as much as I do.
Haley has had to take almost the whole week off because of work conflict. We are hoping to get her back in the saddle next week.
Tuesday I had a really blech afternoon and was really whiney and down. I realized what was wrong...I had gotten on the scale that morning and gained back 5 pounds. So my resolution is to not get back on it until after the first of the year. It is just not worth it when I know my body is changing, I feel it, my clothes are falling off, and others are seeing it! That night my sweet friend, Linda, called me and said "Girl, you need to go get a new outfit, just one, but do it!" So yesterday, we went to do just that. I wanted a new pair of jeans and told the lady that I didn't know what size I needed. She suggested that I start in the last pair that I know fit, so I said 24 (and those had been snug). I put then on and it was like a pair of clown pants!! Asked for a 22, they were better but she said they will be falling off within the first hour of wearing them. So, I went for the size 20....THEY FIT!!!!! OMG, I don't remember the last time I was wearing a size 20 pants! Sarah picked out a shirt for me and we just started at the 18/20 (I had been wearing 26/28 and 22/24) and IT FIT TOO!!! I am so proud of myself. I made a commitment and am sticking with it. I am about to start my 11th week of CrossFit and can't wait to go every day. I love my new friends, I love my new confidence, I love me :)
See you guys back at the gym on Monday!!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Strength DAY :D
I love strength day, it is my favorite. I just feel like I can take on the world. Of course every time I feel like this something happens to knock me a little off :/ Today my knee was hurting again during warmup. Yesterdays thrusters did a number on me so I called to make an appt with an orthopedist. I have got to get this taken care of. Usually I can push through the pains or they come later in the day, but we were doing some lateral moves that just rub it the wrong way so I limped out :( But I did the rest of the warmup and then moved on to lifting!
Today's WOD was
A1. Bench Press x4-6×4 @ 70-75% Rest :60
A2. High Box Jump x3×4 rest :90
B. Squat x10×3 (Set 1: increase 5-10 lbs from last week, Set 2: 95%, Set 3: 90%) rest 2:00
C. DL x4×3 @ 80% Rest 2:00
D. Ab Circuit: Planks, Tic-tacs, Hollow Holds
I did a 70# bench press, step ups, 65# squats (modified to help my knee some), and 135# on deadlift. It felt good and then I went to try a bigger weight on DL..153#!! I have a new PR on deadlift. In fact I have had new PR's on pretty much everything that I have done this week. So I am feeling pretty good about this :)
Tomorrow I have an Airrosti appointment for my back (knot of stress that has been living there), and next Wednesday I have an orthopedist appt for my knee. I am ready for my body to be at full movement so I can continue to progress!!!
Sunday I put on a shirt that I have not worn since beginning my workouts It just slid all the way down over my hips like it never has before. The scale is not moving a whole lot, but my body is toning and I am loving the difference!!
Today's WOD was
A1. Bench Press x4-6×4 @ 70-75% Rest :60
A2. High Box Jump x3×4 rest :90
B. Squat x10×3 (Set 1: increase 5-10 lbs from last week, Set 2: 95%, Set 3: 90%) rest 2:00
C. DL x4×3 @ 80% Rest 2:00
D. Ab Circuit: Planks, Tic-tacs, Hollow Holds
I did a 70# bench press, step ups, 65# squats (modified to help my knee some), and 135# on deadlift. It felt good and then I went to try a bigger weight on DL..153#!! I have a new PR on deadlift. In fact I have had new PR's on pretty much everything that I have done this week. So I am feeling pretty good about this :)
Tomorrow I have an Airrosti appointment for my back (knot of stress that has been living there), and next Wednesday I have an orthopedist appt for my knee. I am ready for my body to be at full movement so I can continue to progress!!!
Sunday I put on a shirt that I have not worn since beginning my workouts It just slid all the way down over my hips like it never has before. The scale is not moving a whole lot, but my body is toning and I am loving the difference!!
Oh my FRANNY!!
Yesterday was the infamous FRAN workout. FRAN consists of thrusters and pullups, 3 rounds of 21, 15, and 9 reps. Oh my goodness, she kicked my bootie!
It was hard, crazy, and again made me reach all the way inside. I did it. Boone said something about a 3-30 minute time span and then said, "We want to try to stay under 15 minutes" I did it in 10:16!!! I am so excited to have that benchmark and kick it next time she comes around. I used 25# on the thrusters and did jumping pullups.
Everyone in class did awesome! I love working out with these great people :)
It was hard, crazy, and again made me reach all the way inside. I did it. Boone said something about a 3-30 minute time span and then said, "We want to try to stay under 15 minutes" I did it in 10:16!!! I am so excited to have that benchmark and kick it next time she comes around. I used 25# on the thrusters and did jumping pullups.
Everyone in class did awesome! I love working out with these great people :)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Well I did it....
I fell apart in my CrossFit class this morning....during stretching warmup of all things. I was tired and my knee hurt with everything that I was doing. A few times I almost tapped out, but kept pushing. Finally the rest of the class went in and I went to pieces. Cried for a little bit, washed my face and went back into the back of the class, hoping no one noticed. We started doing spiderman stretches and my knee hurt again, so I crumbled to tears again. Crap! Tristy was awesome, just asked if my back was bothering me (since it has also been bothering me since Sunday, stress settles there), but that wasn't it. It was my stupid knee and I was so frustrated. She just got an abmat for me to rest it on instead of the floor and I got right back in. It felt so much better being on that. (must remember!)
I was so afraid of the WOD, it looked like so much and since I got there 30 minutes to get Sarah to class I got to watch the 5:30 Level 2 do it. Wow, intense.
Level Two
Skill
Kip Pull-up Review
WOD
1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1:
Kip CTB Pull-ups (CTB is chest to bar)
Box Jump (30”, 24”)
Toes to Bar
200 M Run
The first numbers mean that you do that number of reps of all moves in that round, so there were 9 total rounds with 1-5 reps, and a 200m run (row for me) at the end of each round. OMG! So my sweet friends Jenny and Erica said, let's do this, and we decided where to scale and where to get busy and off we went.
I did kipping jumping chin to bar, step ups, and knees to chest or waist depending on how far I was into the rounds. I really thought I was not going to make it and tried to figure out how to make it. The secret is to just keep moving. The neatest thing about being last is that everyone comes to cheer you on. The last three rounds of the row, I just counted my pulls, 1-10 back down to 1 up to 10 and back down, that usually got me at least to the 200. This way I could close my eyes and go away, not worrying about how far I had to go, just counting. On the second to last round, I just kept hearing my grandmother say how proud she was of me, that almost did me in. I was on my own on my last round of 1 rep each, at each station someone different said, "You can do this, 1 left!" I just focused on each task, one thing at a time, then on to that rower, which at this point is no longer my friend. I closed my eyes and started pulling, I heard people gathering around me, encouraging me, loving me, helping me get it done, and then it was over. I was done. I completed my very first full WOD at Level 2. No less rounds than everyone else, just scaled for me. That encouragement is what CrossFit is all about. It did not push me to hurt myself, didn't make me go farther than my ability, it only made me find in myself the desire to finish, the only thing that was hurting were my lungs. My pride in myself was soaring, my love of CrossFit was lifting, my gratefulness of my CrossFit family was glowing. Soon I will know all of the names of my new friends in Level 2 6:30 class, but for now I will give a shout out to Jenny for all of your encouragement all the time, but especially today on the rower side by side, Erica, who can jump all over that box and lift beautifully, and Tristy, who gave me a warm hand on the back and an abmat to rest my knee on :) as well as all of her continuous encouragement. Others I know by sight and not name yet, but Thank You also. Today was tough but it did not beat this CrossFit girl, she is just getting started.
I was so afraid of the WOD, it looked like so much and since I got there 30 minutes to get Sarah to class I got to watch the 5:30 Level 2 do it. Wow, intense.
Level Two
Skill
Kip Pull-up Review
WOD
1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1:
Kip CTB Pull-ups (CTB is chest to bar)
Box Jump (30”, 24”)
Toes to Bar
200 M Run
The first numbers mean that you do that number of reps of all moves in that round, so there were 9 total rounds with 1-5 reps, and a 200m run (row for me) at the end of each round. OMG! So my sweet friends Jenny and Erica said, let's do this, and we decided where to scale and where to get busy and off we went.
I did kipping jumping chin to bar, step ups, and knees to chest or waist depending on how far I was into the rounds. I really thought I was not going to make it and tried to figure out how to make it. The secret is to just keep moving. The neatest thing about being last is that everyone comes to cheer you on. The last three rounds of the row, I just counted my pulls, 1-10 back down to 1 up to 10 and back down, that usually got me at least to the 200. This way I could close my eyes and go away, not worrying about how far I had to go, just counting. On the second to last round, I just kept hearing my grandmother say how proud she was of me, that almost did me in. I was on my own on my last round of 1 rep each, at each station someone different said, "You can do this, 1 left!" I just focused on each task, one thing at a time, then on to that rower, which at this point is no longer my friend. I closed my eyes and started pulling, I heard people gathering around me, encouraging me, loving me, helping me get it done, and then it was over. I was done. I completed my very first full WOD at Level 2. No less rounds than everyone else, just scaled for me. That encouragement is what CrossFit is all about. It did not push me to hurt myself, didn't make me go farther than my ability, it only made me find in myself the desire to finish, the only thing that was hurting were my lungs. My pride in myself was soaring, my love of CrossFit was lifting, my gratefulness of my CrossFit family was glowing. Soon I will know all of the names of my new friends in Level 2 6:30 class, but for now I will give a shout out to Jenny for all of your encouragement all the time, but especially today on the rower side by side, Erica, who can jump all over that box and lift beautifully, and Tristy, who gave me a warm hand on the back and an abmat to rest my knee on :) as well as all of her continuous encouragement. Others I know by sight and not name yet, but Thank You also. Today was tough but it did not beat this CrossFit girl, she is just getting started.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Forgot to post today's WOD
WOD
A. Press x2×5 Rest 3:00 work to heavy but not Max 2
B1. Squat x10×3 @ 65-70% rest :90
B2. Weighted Strict Chin-up x4-6×3 Rest :90
C. DL x3×3 @ 80% Rest 2:00
Sorry! I did a 52# press, 52# back squats, ring rows with a 3 second hold tight at the top of each (thanks MGJ), and 82# deadlift, with 4 135# deadlifts on the end!!
I am sore this afternoon, but feel like it was a GREAT workout. Again, love all of the encouragement :)
A. Press x2×5 Rest 3:00 work to heavy but not Max 2
B1. Squat x10×3 @ 65-70% rest :90
B2. Weighted Strict Chin-up x4-6×3 Rest :90
C. DL x3×3 @ 80% Rest 2:00
Sorry! I did a 52# press, 52# back squats, ring rows with a 3 second hold tight at the top of each (thanks MGJ), and 82# deadlift, with 4 135# deadlifts on the end!!
I am sore this afternoon, but feel like it was a GREAT workout. Again, love all of the encouragement :)
Playing with the big kids...
Yesterday was my first WOD in Level 2....Oh my granny!! It was also Haley and Sarah's first day of Crossfit. I am so excited that they are joining me on this journey and can't wait to see how they progress as they go through it. I was so focused on their first workout, I really did not look closely at mine yesterday.
Skill
Hip Snatch Waveload 5-3-5-3-5-3
*Rest :90 btwn sets
*Increase each rep range
then….
WOD
5 Rounds:
5 Power Cleans
5 Barbell Lunges/leg
400 M Run
*M: 115 W: 85
Since I didn't know exactly what the skill session meant I just glazed past it and scanned the WOD, What I saw, stuff and a 400 meter run (row for me)...hmm I can do that! What I didn't see 'gulp' 5 ROUNDS! OMG, I missed that part completely. While I was watching the class before me finish up I realized that I was in trouble and it was too late to leave. So I just decided I would do my best and that is what I would do.
Jenny introduced me to all of the others in the class, (all boys who could lift a small car), and off we went. It was a hard warmup and hard skill session but felt good. I got a compliment on my squat and that felt good. I really think that good form is the most important part of CrossFit. If your forms sucks then you will get hurt and I am already climbing up the hardest side of the hill with my weight and age, so I don't need any more deficits. Therefore, I will take all of the coaching I am offered and fix everything that they tell me. Sometimes I need a few things fixed in a row because my brain gets confused between the lifts, so when I get told hold your hands closer together or put the bar closer to your body/legs I do it because I just plain forget! Arrogant I am not...teachable I am!
After selecting my clean weight and Boone deciding that I should not use weight on my lunges, we were off. After my first round, Boone said "I think I am only going to have you do 3 rounds." I said "I think I will let you do that!" He may have been afraid that I might splat on the new gym floor :) Either way, I did 3 rounds and I was wiped out! Thank you Jenny and Boone for all of the encouragement! (I am sure there were others but in my exhausted state I don't remember!)
Haley and Sarah did GREAT with Wes for their first workout, they will be back at it on Wednesday.
Today I came in ready, I knew what most of the WOD meant and knew that all of it meant STRENGTH DAY!
It is fun lifting with these guys, having the freedom to feel my way around what works best for me, jumping in at the end with Jenny and Erica to try my hand at a few reps of heavy weights, getting great coaching from everyone, and learning a good way to maximize a scaled move so I can get the best workout for me. Level 2 may kick my bootie, but I will learn every day what it takes inside of me to be strong. Also along the way I am making new friends and learning to love me again.
A side note, stress has been running rampant through my house and body the last few weeks. My grandmother passed away, I was sick for a week, our water heater went out, we had some major work on my Saturn, came home this Sunday to a water leak in the yard (we thought), it has turned out to be a leak under the house in the very middle of the house, sold my Saturn, and today bought a car. It has been a blessing to have CrossFit to turn to, not food, which was my drug of choice before.
Today my sister posted a bible verse that really spoke to me and I wanted to share it, so I will end with this:
Colossions 1:11 We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul - not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy
This is my strength, I may grit my teeth and hold my breath during my workouts, but my inner strength comes from the Lord.
Skill
Hip Snatch Waveload 5-3-5-3-5-3
*Rest :90 btwn sets
*Increase each rep range
then….
WOD
5 Rounds:
5 Power Cleans
5 Barbell Lunges/leg
400 M Run
*M: 115 W: 85
Since I didn't know exactly what the skill session meant I just glazed past it and scanned the WOD, What I saw, stuff and a 400 meter run (row for me)...hmm I can do that! What I didn't see 'gulp' 5 ROUNDS! OMG, I missed that part completely. While I was watching the class before me finish up I realized that I was in trouble and it was too late to leave. So I just decided I would do my best and that is what I would do.
Jenny introduced me to all of the others in the class, (all boys who could lift a small car), and off we went. It was a hard warmup and hard skill session but felt good. I got a compliment on my squat and that felt good. I really think that good form is the most important part of CrossFit. If your forms sucks then you will get hurt and I am already climbing up the hardest side of the hill with my weight and age, so I don't need any more deficits. Therefore, I will take all of the coaching I am offered and fix everything that they tell me. Sometimes I need a few things fixed in a row because my brain gets confused between the lifts, so when I get told hold your hands closer together or put the bar closer to your body/legs I do it because I just plain forget! Arrogant I am not...teachable I am!
After selecting my clean weight and Boone deciding that I should not use weight on my lunges, we were off. After my first round, Boone said "I think I am only going to have you do 3 rounds." I said "I think I will let you do that!" He may have been afraid that I might splat on the new gym floor :) Either way, I did 3 rounds and I was wiped out! Thank you Jenny and Boone for all of the encouragement! (I am sure there were others but in my exhausted state I don't remember!)
Haley and Sarah did GREAT with Wes for their first workout, they will be back at it on Wednesday.
Today I came in ready, I knew what most of the WOD meant and knew that all of it meant STRENGTH DAY!
It is fun lifting with these guys, having the freedom to feel my way around what works best for me, jumping in at the end with Jenny and Erica to try my hand at a few reps of heavy weights, getting great coaching from everyone, and learning a good way to maximize a scaled move so I can get the best workout for me. Level 2 may kick my bootie, but I will learn every day what it takes inside of me to be strong. Also along the way I am making new friends and learning to love me again.
A side note, stress has been running rampant through my house and body the last few weeks. My grandmother passed away, I was sick for a week, our water heater went out, we had some major work on my Saturn, came home this Sunday to a water leak in the yard (we thought), it has turned out to be a leak under the house in the very middle of the house, sold my Saturn, and today bought a car. It has been a blessing to have CrossFit to turn to, not food, which was my drug of choice before.
Today my sister posted a bible verse that really spoke to me and I wanted to share it, so I will end with this:
Colossions 1:11 We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul - not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy
This is my strength, I may grit my teeth and hold my breath during my workouts, but my inner strength comes from the Lord.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Holy Lifting Batman!
What a day! Today I deadlifted 125#!!! It felt great!
Today's WOD
Level One (Day 12)
Skill
KB Swings
HSPU
WOD
A. Hip/Hang Snatch x2×3 rest :90
B. Clean x1×3 Rest 2:00
C. DL 3×3 rest 2:00D.
Everything is really starting to click into place. In fact, I was asked if I wanted to move to Level 2! Walker said she thought I was ready, Tristy seconded that opinion yesterday. So, after voicing all of my concerns and having them addressed, I think I am ready to make the jump. It is a scary one and one that I don't take lightly. Some of the things they do really scare me! BUT, everything can be scaled for my fitness level and I have some amazing workout friends who will be right there with me!!
Time for some more changes. I will be partnering with my cousin Misty and my friend Jenny to get a handle on our diet. Changing eating patterns is not easy, but we are armed with some great information and we are all ready to do this!! The good thing, for me, about working out is that I am pretty conscious about what I am putting in my body, but I need to get better....I do still love the ice cream and sweet tea!
Today's WOD
Level One (Day 12)
Skill
KB Swings
HSPU
WOD
A. Hip/Hang Snatch x2×3 rest :90
B. Clean x1×3 Rest 2:00
C. DL 3×3 rest 2:00D.
Everything is really starting to click into place. In fact, I was asked if I wanted to move to Level 2! Walker said she thought I was ready, Tristy seconded that opinion yesterday. So, after voicing all of my concerns and having them addressed, I think I am ready to make the jump. It is a scary one and one that I don't take lightly. Some of the things they do really scare me! BUT, everything can be scaled for my fitness level and I have some amazing workout friends who will be right there with me!!
Time for some more changes. I will be partnering with my cousin Misty and my friend Jenny to get a handle on our diet. Changing eating patterns is not easy, but we are armed with some great information and we are all ready to do this!! The good thing, for me, about working out is that I am pretty conscious about what I am putting in my body, but I need to get better....I do still love the ice cream and sweet tea!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Oh me, oh my....
I feel like it is my first week all over again! I am so sore tonight! Today's workout almost did me in. I was so frustrated with the jump rope and then the box...that stinkin box!
I went into today feeling great! Then the jump ropes. I don't even know what to say except that it was just ugly on that side of the room! I cannot jump rope well at all. AND my rope was awful, so the moral of this is that I am going to buy my own jump rope and start working on it at home! Moving on...
I did the advanced skill session, 3 rounds of
30 second handstand hold
5 box (step) jumps
5 toes to bar (knees to wherever the heck i can get them, remember?)
BUT, wait..I actually got my knees to my waist!! WHOOHOOOO!! Only 3, not 5 but 3!!
YIPPEEE
Onto the WOD
10 Minute AMRAP:
5 Toes to Bar
5 Box Jumps (step down)
5 Push-ups
20 Single Jumps (jump rope)
I did 4 rounds. Last month I did 3, YEAH!! AND, I jumped up on the next level of step!! After having a hard time starting it, Walker just said "DO IT!" and I did!! Only one round because after that I was tired and it mentally won. I should mention that I was a little disappointed in myself that everyone, I mean everyone, else in my class (even the people that it was their FIRST day) jumped on their prescribed height of box. But I told myself that none of them have the kind of weight that I have to get up on that box, so I will just work on me and stop worrying about anyone else!
I came home and we were talking about boxes and Bart decided to make one for us to jump on at home. It is almost done and I am excited to start seeing what can happen.
This day 4 weeks ago was such an amazing day and I was looking forward to amazing again. I did get another level of box jump and that is awesome! I know that I will not have earth moving days all the time and that is ok. I will continue to celebrate all sizes of accomplishments every time they happen!
Oh my granny, but I hurt tonight. Being out of the gym for a week is hard on the body. Pushing through, happy to have a day off tomorrow for recovering, lifting on Thursday!!
I went into today feeling great! Then the jump ropes. I don't even know what to say except that it was just ugly on that side of the room! I cannot jump rope well at all. AND my rope was awful, so the moral of this is that I am going to buy my own jump rope and start working on it at home! Moving on...
I did the advanced skill session, 3 rounds of
30 second handstand hold
5 box (step) jumps
5 toes to bar (knees to wherever the heck i can get them, remember?)
BUT, wait..I actually got my knees to my waist!! WHOOHOOOO!! Only 3, not 5 but 3!!
YIPPEEE
Onto the WOD
10 Minute AMRAP:
5 Toes to Bar
5 Box Jumps (step down)
5 Push-ups
20 Single Jumps (jump rope)
I did 4 rounds. Last month I did 3, YEAH!! AND, I jumped up on the next level of step!! After having a hard time starting it, Walker just said "DO IT!" and I did!! Only one round because after that I was tired and it mentally won. I should mention that I was a little disappointed in myself that everyone, I mean everyone, else in my class (even the people that it was their FIRST day) jumped on their prescribed height of box. But I told myself that none of them have the kind of weight that I have to get up on that box, so I will just work on me and stop worrying about anyone else!
I came home and we were talking about boxes and Bart decided to make one for us to jump on at home. It is almost done and I am excited to start seeing what can happen.
This day 4 weeks ago was such an amazing day and I was looking forward to amazing again. I did get another level of box jump and that is awesome! I know that I will not have earth moving days all the time and that is ok. I will continue to celebrate all sizes of accomplishments every time they happen!
Oh my granny, but I hurt tonight. Being out of the gym for a week is hard on the body. Pushing through, happy to have a day off tomorrow for recovering, lifting on Thursday!!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Back in the Saddle, er Rower again
First day back to anything after taking a week off is brutal and today was not much different. I spend the 20 minutes between getting out of bed and into the car actually telling myself "Just get in the car, then you won't want to get back in the bed...really, hurry up and get in the car, NOW!" So I did.
The warmup just about did me in. Not sure I was going to make it through it, but I did. Then time for workout...
Today's WOD
Level 1 (Day 10)
Skill
Jerk progression
WOD
3 x 500m Row
Rest 5:00
*Jerk skill practice during rest
I did ok on the row, actually I did better and shaved about 45 seconds off of my last month's 500m time trial on the first one. The second two times, I had to stop in the middle, started seeing stars and that is not a good sign, breathe, and jump back in.
Walker picked out great music for today and it really got us in a good grove for jerk skill practice. I was a little worried about putting weight over my head after being out for a week, but Michelle talked Val and I into it. We all ended up doing 77# for several sets of three and it felt great!!
It is so good to be back. I missed my friends and I missed the great feeling I have after a workout. Today I jumped on the scale and have lost between 10-15 pounds in the last 8 weeks. No wonder my pants are starting to fall off.
I chose the picture and quote "It is a shame for a woman to grow old without ever seeing the strength and beauty of which her body is capable" because it is something that I want to teach my daughters. There is a place inside of you that you draw strength from, I know that mine comes from the Lord. I know that I can do all things with Him. He made me capable, I made me weak. I know that He doesn't want to hear my excuses for why I have let this beautiful body that He gave me just fall apart. I know that He is always there for me to fall upon when things get hard. I know that He is pleased that I am doing this. I know that I am pleased that I am doing this. I am proud of myself for doing something for myself, and I have not had that feeling in many years, if ever.
The warmup just about did me in. Not sure I was going to make it through it, but I did. Then time for workout...
Today's WOD
Level 1 (Day 10)
Skill
Jerk progression
WOD
3 x 500m Row
Rest 5:00
*Jerk skill practice during rest
I did ok on the row, actually I did better and shaved about 45 seconds off of my last month's 500m time trial on the first one. The second two times, I had to stop in the middle, started seeing stars and that is not a good sign, breathe, and jump back in.
Walker picked out great music for today and it really got us in a good grove for jerk skill practice. I was a little worried about putting weight over my head after being out for a week, but Michelle talked Val and I into it. We all ended up doing 77# for several sets of three and it felt great!!
It is so good to be back. I missed my friends and I missed the great feeling I have after a workout. Today I jumped on the scale and have lost between 10-15 pounds in the last 8 weeks. No wonder my pants are starting to fall off.
I chose the picture and quote "It is a shame for a woman to grow old without ever seeing the strength and beauty of which her body is capable" because it is something that I want to teach my daughters. There is a place inside of you that you draw strength from, I know that mine comes from the Lord. I know that I can do all things with Him. He made me capable, I made me weak. I know that He doesn't want to hear my excuses for why I have let this beautiful body that He gave me just fall apart. I know that He is always there for me to fall upon when things get hard. I know that He is pleased that I am doing this. I know that I am pleased that I am doing this. I am proud of myself for doing something for myself, and I have not had that feeling in many years, if ever.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Stealing from my sister's blog
While I am waiting on cakes to bake tonight, I went to visit my sister's CrossFit Fly blog. You can check out her complete site at www.crossfitfly.com and if you happen to be in Newport Beach, CA, check out her box! While reading through her blogs I decided to steal one and post it here. I am choosing to be part of the 2%, I hope you join me!
A dear friend and mentor taught me a concept last year that I want to share with you. It’s the law of 2%.
Carey said, “Look around. See what everyone else is doing, and do the exact opposite.”
We live in a culture of instant gratification and extreme comfort. When we think about our hopes and dreams, we rarely turn those dreams into goals, actions steps, and ultimately, reality. Why? Because we are not practiced in the act of putting forth a consistent amount of effort for an exponential return. What do I mean by this? We often set out on a path toward something we want, and as soon as it gets a little uncomfortable or hard, we bail. Oh, we have good excuses. We can rationalize to the point that no one can argue. This does not have to be our fate. We need only decide that we will not conform to our society.
If we want to ACHIEVE things that others do not, we must be willing to DO things that others will not.
What will this look like for you? Will it mean turning off the tv, and picking up a thoughtful book? Perhaps you will spend less time browsing the internet, and more time buying and preparing food that will fuel your body and prolong your life. Maybe you will not spend $150 dollars on another pair of jeans- $150 dollars today that could be $3,500 when you retire. Or maybe, just maybe, you will train smarter. You will spend an extra 15 minutes a day, three times a week doing a pull/press program so that you can get that pull up… that muscle up. Maybe you will train while everyone else is sleeping in, or while others are at happy hour.
This is what it looks like – ACTION. It is NOT living life unconsciously or going with the flow. It is making thoughtful decisions about where you spend your resources. Not just where you spend your money, but also your time, talents, and even your thoughts.
Carey asked a group of us, “Where can you see that you may be following the mass. Stop, do the exact opposite. Action leads to results. 2% of you will change your mind and get to work. 98% of you will settle.”
I suspect the percentage of you, FLY GIRLS, will be much higher.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be meeting with you to talk about your goals. Think about it. Don’t just write something down. Make sure it’s something that you want badly enough to work for… that you want it enough to be the 2% who will do the work!" Jill (posted October 3rd)
This week, I am going to write down my goals. I should have done it 8 weeks ago when I started CrossFit, but better late than never have something to shoot for!
A dear friend and mentor taught me a concept last year that I want to share with you. It’s the law of 2%.
Carey said, “Look around. See what everyone else is doing, and do the exact opposite.”
We live in a culture of instant gratification and extreme comfort. When we think about our hopes and dreams, we rarely turn those dreams into goals, actions steps, and ultimately, reality. Why? Because we are not practiced in the act of putting forth a consistent amount of effort for an exponential return. What do I mean by this? We often set out on a path toward something we want, and as soon as it gets a little uncomfortable or hard, we bail. Oh, we have good excuses. We can rationalize to the point that no one can argue. This does not have to be our fate. We need only decide that we will not conform to our society.
If we want to ACHIEVE things that others do not, we must be willing to DO things that others will not.
What will this look like for you? Will it mean turning off the tv, and picking up a thoughtful book? Perhaps you will spend less time browsing the internet, and more time buying and preparing food that will fuel your body and prolong your life. Maybe you will not spend $150 dollars on another pair of jeans- $150 dollars today that could be $3,500 when you retire. Or maybe, just maybe, you will train smarter. You will spend an extra 15 minutes a day, three times a week doing a pull/press program so that you can get that pull up… that muscle up. Maybe you will train while everyone else is sleeping in, or while others are at happy hour.
This is what it looks like – ACTION. It is NOT living life unconsciously or going with the flow. It is making thoughtful decisions about where you spend your resources. Not just where you spend your money, but also your time, talents, and even your thoughts.
Carey asked a group of us, “Where can you see that you may be following the mass. Stop, do the exact opposite. Action leads to results. 2% of you will change your mind and get to work. 98% of you will settle.”
I suspect the percentage of you, FLY GIRLS, will be much higher.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be meeting with you to talk about your goals. Think about it. Don’t just write something down. Make sure it’s something that you want badly enough to work for… that you want it enough to be the 2% who will do the work!" Jill (posted October 3rd)
This week, I am going to write down my goals. I should have done it 8 weeks ago when I started CrossFit, but better late than never have something to shoot for!
I miss my workouts, I miss my friends
I have been out for a week. Sickness sucks and I have had a stuffy head, snotty nose, cough, and popping ears. I want to go to sleep at 10am and 2 pm and do head that direction at 9pm. I have gotten up twice this week at 5am to work out and fell back into bed with my body telling me that I am not ready.
Yesterday afternoon I started feeling like a human again, still coughing like I have been smoking for 50 years, but better. Today I am progressively getting better and better. Tomorrow I am taking my whole family to CrossFit Austin's Fall Fit Festival to workout, together. It will probably feel like the first time to me too since I have been out for a week. But I am so ready to get back in the saddle.
About a month ago, I told someone who had been out for a week, "Wow, if I ever miss a week I don't think I will be back" Well.....that was the old me, the new me likes feeling awesome, the new me likes finding new muscles in places that I didn't feel them before, the new me likes that my pants are falling off all day, the new me likes the new me and loves CrossFit. So last night, I signed up for 4 classes per week for the next two weeks. I am sure it will be torture on Monday morning, but my new friends will cheer me on, they have faith in me and I am learning to have faith in me too.
I have decided that my body was tired so I got sick for a week. I needed to know that I could miss workouts for a week and I would actually miss them so much that I would be yearning to get back to them. I can't wait to see what this week holds. This time 4 weeks ago was the MOST AMAZING week ever! Handstands, jumping up on a step, and more. Stay tuned. I promise to keep up with my blog better than ever starting on Monday. I will talk every day about my journey. Again, not just for you, but for me. So I can remember every step of this path.
Yesterday afternoon I started feeling like a human again, still coughing like I have been smoking for 50 years, but better. Today I am progressively getting better and better. Tomorrow I am taking my whole family to CrossFit Austin's Fall Fit Festival to workout, together. It will probably feel like the first time to me too since I have been out for a week. But I am so ready to get back in the saddle.
About a month ago, I told someone who had been out for a week, "Wow, if I ever miss a week I don't think I will be back" Well.....that was the old me, the new me likes feeling awesome, the new me likes finding new muscles in places that I didn't feel them before, the new me likes that my pants are falling off all day, the new me likes the new me and loves CrossFit. So last night, I signed up for 4 classes per week for the next two weeks. I am sure it will be torture on Monday morning, but my new friends will cheer me on, they have faith in me and I am learning to have faith in me too.
I have decided that my body was tired so I got sick for a week. I needed to know that I could miss workouts for a week and I would actually miss them so much that I would be yearning to get back to them. I can't wait to see what this week holds. This time 4 weeks ago was the MOST AMAZING week ever! Handstands, jumping up on a step, and more. Stay tuned. I promise to keep up with my blog better than ever starting on Monday. I will talk every day about my journey. Again, not just for you, but for me. So I can remember every step of this path.
Monday, October 3, 2011
In memory of...
Tonight my beautiful grandmother left this earth and went to live where she will no longer be in pain or a wheelchair.
She is one of the reasons that I began CrossFit, my grandmother had Multiple Sclerosis and I know that it is hereditary. I saw her struggle in every day tasks and had to help her to the bathroom on many occasions. I kept thinking, "What if this happens to me? Will there be anyone who can actually lift my fat self out of my wheelchair and help me?"
6 weeks ago when I began my crossfit journey she was so happy for me and proud of me. She told me to keep it up, even when it got hard. After several visits and me telling her some of what I was going through she said I should write a book about my journey. That is partly why I started this blog, she said I should have something to look back on to see how far I have come.
Every time I saw her she would ask me "How are your workouts?" or "Are you still working out?" I was proud of myself that I could tell her "Yes ma'am, and I am getting stronger every day"
A few days ago, she opened her eyes and looked into mine and said "You are so beautiful and I can tell that you are working out" Those were the last coherent words that she spoke to me.
As a 43 year old I know that I am so blessed to have had so much time with my grandmother. She loved her family, books, and football. And, I loved her.
She is one of the reasons that I began CrossFit, my grandmother had Multiple Sclerosis and I know that it is hereditary. I saw her struggle in every day tasks and had to help her to the bathroom on many occasions. I kept thinking, "What if this happens to me? Will there be anyone who can actually lift my fat self out of my wheelchair and help me?"
6 weeks ago when I began my crossfit journey she was so happy for me and proud of me. She told me to keep it up, even when it got hard. After several visits and me telling her some of what I was going through she said I should write a book about my journey. That is partly why I started this blog, she said I should have something to look back on to see how far I have come.
Every time I saw her she would ask me "How are your workouts?" or "Are you still working out?" I was proud of myself that I could tell her "Yes ma'am, and I am getting stronger every day"
A few days ago, she opened her eyes and looked into mine and said "You are so beautiful and I can tell that you are working out" Those were the last coherent words that she spoke to me.
As a 43 year old I know that I am so blessed to have had so much time with my grandmother. She loved her family, books, and football. And, I loved her.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
New Title
Ok, when I started this journey I was feeling quite yucky with myself. So in talking to some people I realized that I really want to be a bad ass. Just ready to take on the world, empowered, full of awesome. What I didn't realize that in 4 short weeks that would happen. I thought that my journey from fat ass to bad ass would be a long one and one that would take me from my current weight and pants size to a much lighter, skinnier me.
What I know now is that inside me is one bad chick. She is full of Awesome and ready to take on the world. As overused as this word is, I feel empowered. I feel confident about myself. I feel like I can do anything. That is what was missing from myself. Along this way, I will get stronger, weigh less, and wear smaller sizes than I do now. That is good, I will be healthy, lean, and a force to be reckoned with, but I now know that is not the only reason to do this. Now, I can continue on this journey, Full of Awesome being my motto. I am not done, I have just hit a major point and am moving forward.
I also realize that this is not just for me. I am supposed to share it with other women as needed. There may be a man or two along the way also. Who knows? God knows and He will guide my words and my journey.
So I will keep on being me...Full of Awesome me :)
What I know now is that inside me is one bad chick. She is full of Awesome and ready to take on the world. As overused as this word is, I feel empowered. I feel confident about myself. I feel like I can do anything. That is what was missing from myself. Along this way, I will get stronger, weigh less, and wear smaller sizes than I do now. That is good, I will be healthy, lean, and a force to be reckoned with, but I now know that is not the only reason to do this. Now, I can continue on this journey, Full of Awesome being my motto. I am not done, I have just hit a major point and am moving forward.
I also realize that this is not just for me. I am supposed to share it with other women as needed. There may be a man or two along the way also. Who knows? God knows and He will guide my words and my journey.
So I will keep on being me...Full of Awesome me :)
Here's to 4 weeks complete!
I have not written in 2 weeks, and tons of stuff has gone on! My birthday was September 11th and I just had a poor, pitiful me morning. Then in the afternoon my car limped home on it last transmission leg, which really stunk. BUT my awesome cousin called me and said "Let's go have some birthday dinner!" and I was in. The girls and I met her for dinner and it was a great time :)
I stayed up too late and woke up with my knee hurting so I passed on Monday's workout. I went Tuesday and Thursday and it was good. I am so ready to move on from last week.
This week has been amazing!
Monday Skill
Jerk
WOD
3×500 M Row
Rest 5:00
*Jerk skill practice during rest
I thought "Yeah rowing" In the middle of my second row, I thought I may rethink my relationship with the rower. I still love it in place of running, but it kicked my bootie that morning. Luckily we only had time to get two rounds done :) And that afternoon my facebook status said this: Dear 6am CrossFit girl, as great as those squats feel during your workout... Your knee is not quite ready yet. Love, 3pm Walking like an old lady :D
Also on Monday my cupcakes were featured on We Are Austin Live, so I was super excited to get that advertising, and super stressed to get them out on time as well as a cake order for a sweet 3 year old. But, I got it done and all was good!! MY CUPCAKES WERE SEEN ON TV!!!! That was so very cool :)
Tuesday Skill
Knee to Elbows/Toes to Bar (EXCUSE ME???)
Handstand Holds (NOT GOING TO HAPPEN)
WOD
7 Minute AMRAP:
7 TTB
7 Box Jumps (step down)(BAAHAAAHAAAA)
7 Push-ups
21 Singles
Notice my comments beside some of the above? Those were my 5am thoughts, somebody is crazy and it is not me! As I was driving there, tired, I thought I am so tired and this is going to suck. (those are my thoughts most mornings at 5:15 am) I was SO wrong, apparently my awesome was just waking up inside of me and had a few things in store. When I got there I had a chat with Walker about box jumps. We talked about how it comes from inside. I told her that I asked Bart to build me a succession of boxes that I could work my way up on at home. She said just start with step ups and then go from there.
Skill: Toes to Bar means hanging on a pullup bar and then bringing your toes up to your hands. Not gonna happen when I can't even hang on the bar well. Next scale is knees to elbows, ok we will go with that. I did hang and could move my knees up a little, so that is what I did!! I also learned that my sisters friends calls this "Knees to wherever the hell they go" For me it was just a few inches, THREE times!!
Skill: Handstand Holds means standing on your hands and holding it (duh). Walker had me start on the tire, putting my feet on it and locking my arms and dropping my head. Good, I can do that, and I did. Then let's try to kick up. I just stood there and looked at the wall and the floor, totally intimidated but the whole concept. Then she showed me how to turn around, squat with my hands on the floor and walk my feet up the wall. That I could do!!! AND hold for 30 seconds!!!! SWEET!!
A little side note: My first day in the gym I noticed a really neat set of chalk handprints on the floor near the wall. I thought "How awesome, someone did a handstand right here!" Today those handprints on the floor..THEY WERE MINE!!!!!
WOD:
7 TTB (or in my case 3 KTWTHTG, see above for definition, thanks Nicole)
7 box jumps (or in my case 7 on each side step ups)
Wait a minute..this was my awesome day so that is not exactly how it went...as I was doing step ups, I thought "screw this" and I just stood there staring at the step and the door and I jumped and I made it!! I did it again, and I made it again!! Walker came around the corner and I said "I just jumped on this step!" She said "Do it again" so I did it AGAIN!!! I was so pumped!
So let's start over...
WOD:
7 TTB (or in my case 3 KTWTHTG, see above for definition, thanks Nicole)
7 step jumps (box jumps on the step I was using)
7 push ups (oh yea, I don't know if I posted this on the first week, but I could barely do 3 saaaad pushups, and I did 7 competition ones on my knees whoo hooo!)
I skipped the jumprope due to my knee being a pain
I did this 3 rounds!!!! I wanted to just cry with joy. So I did, had a weepy moment with Walker and left the gym. Got in my car and just broke down...This is what I posted on my Facebook status :Hey guess what... Those handprints on the floor are mine! And those footprints on that step, those were made by my first box jump on that step. And I am AWESOME! with a comment of: And these tears are tears of amazing joy. I was floating in a sea of awesome. I still tear up two days later with these emotions. I could not even talk about it all day without this feeling.
Three hours later still not believing what I had accomplished this is what I wrote: Dear 5am so tired I can't see and I don't wanna go woman;
Today the awesome in you took over and kicked butt in the gym...don't forget that feeling. Love, Handstanding, step jumping, pushup doing, all day feeling euphoric CrossFit girl :) I didn't lose that feeling all day, actually I am still feeling it!
Today Skill
KB swings
HSPU (Bring it!)
WOD
A. Hip/Hang Snatch x2×3 rest :90
B. Clean x1×3 Rest 2:00
C. DL 3×3 rest 2:00
D. Back Squat x5×3 rest 2:00
So super excited today!! Tired, but ready so go. I was actually dancing in my car on the way in this morning. Kettlebell swings, AMAZING! Handstand pushups, not so much yet, but I did a scale for me and did it great. All of the WOD was review and was good. We did put some weight on the Deadlift and I did 95#!!! AWESOME!
Today was the completion of 4 weeks of CrossFit. I don't want to stop, I want to keep this up for the rest of my life. I really love CrossFit. It has changed my life. I feel strong, empowered, so much more than I have ever felt. This morning someone said "I started doing this to lose some weight" I looked at him and said "This is about so much more than losing weight. It changes something in here, inside your very being." and I so meant it.
I stayed up too late and woke up with my knee hurting so I passed on Monday's workout. I went Tuesday and Thursday and it was good. I am so ready to move on from last week.
This week has been amazing!
Monday Skill
Jerk
WOD
3×500 M Row
Rest 5:00
*Jerk skill practice during rest
I thought "Yeah rowing" In the middle of my second row, I thought I may rethink my relationship with the rower. I still love it in place of running, but it kicked my bootie that morning. Luckily we only had time to get two rounds done :) And that afternoon my facebook status said this: Dear 6am CrossFit girl, as great as those squats feel during your workout... Your knee is not quite ready yet. Love, 3pm Walking like an old lady :D
Also on Monday my cupcakes were featured on We Are Austin Live, so I was super excited to get that advertising, and super stressed to get them out on time as well as a cake order for a sweet 3 year old. But, I got it done and all was good!! MY CUPCAKES WERE SEEN ON TV!!!! That was so very cool :)
Tuesday Skill
Knee to Elbows/Toes to Bar (EXCUSE ME???)
Handstand Holds (NOT GOING TO HAPPEN)
WOD
7 Minute AMRAP:
7 TTB
7 Box Jumps (step down)(BAAHAAAHAAAA)
7 Push-ups
21 Singles
Notice my comments beside some of the above? Those were my 5am thoughts, somebody is crazy and it is not me! As I was driving there, tired, I thought I am so tired and this is going to suck. (those are my thoughts most mornings at 5:15 am) I was SO wrong, apparently my awesome was just waking up inside of me and had a few things in store. When I got there I had a chat with Walker about box jumps. We talked about how it comes from inside. I told her that I asked Bart to build me a succession of boxes that I could work my way up on at home. She said just start with step ups and then go from there.
Skill: Toes to Bar means hanging on a pullup bar and then bringing your toes up to your hands. Not gonna happen when I can't even hang on the bar well. Next scale is knees to elbows, ok we will go with that. I did hang and could move my knees up a little, so that is what I did!! I also learned that my sisters friends calls this "Knees to wherever the hell they go" For me it was just a few inches, THREE times!!
Skill: Handstand Holds means standing on your hands and holding it (duh). Walker had me start on the tire, putting my feet on it and locking my arms and dropping my head. Good, I can do that, and I did. Then let's try to kick up. I just stood there and looked at the wall and the floor, totally intimidated but the whole concept. Then she showed me how to turn around, squat with my hands on the floor and walk my feet up the wall. That I could do!!! AND hold for 30 seconds!!!! SWEET!!
A little side note: My first day in the gym I noticed a really neat set of chalk handprints on the floor near the wall. I thought "How awesome, someone did a handstand right here!" Today those handprints on the floor..THEY WERE MINE!!!!!
WOD:
7 TTB (or in my case 3 KTWTHTG, see above for definition, thanks Nicole)
7 box jumps (or in my case 7 on each side step ups)
Wait a minute..this was my awesome day so that is not exactly how it went...as I was doing step ups, I thought "screw this" and I just stood there staring at the step and the door and I jumped and I made it!! I did it again, and I made it again!! Walker came around the corner and I said "I just jumped on this step!" She said "Do it again" so I did it AGAIN!!! I was so pumped!
So let's start over...
WOD:
7 TTB (or in my case 3 KTWTHTG, see above for definition, thanks Nicole)
7 step jumps (box jumps on the step I was using)
7 push ups (oh yea, I don't know if I posted this on the first week, but I could barely do 3 saaaad pushups, and I did 7 competition ones on my knees whoo hooo!)
I skipped the jumprope due to my knee being a pain
I did this 3 rounds!!!! I wanted to just cry with joy. So I did, had a weepy moment with Walker and left the gym. Got in my car and just broke down...This is what I posted on my Facebook status :Hey guess what... Those handprints on the floor are mine! And those footprints on that step, those were made by my first box jump on that step. And I am AWESOME! with a comment of: And these tears are tears of amazing joy. I was floating in a sea of awesome. I still tear up two days later with these emotions. I could not even talk about it all day without this feeling.
Three hours later still not believing what I had accomplished this is what I wrote: Dear 5am so tired I can't see and I don't wanna go woman;
Today the awesome in you took over and kicked butt in the gym...don't forget that feeling. Love, Handstanding, step jumping, pushup doing, all day feeling euphoric CrossFit girl :) I didn't lose that feeling all day, actually I am still feeling it!
Today Skill
KB swings
HSPU (Bring it!)
WOD
A. Hip/Hang Snatch x2×3 rest :90
B. Clean x1×3 Rest 2:00
C. DL 3×3 rest 2:00
D. Back Squat x5×3 rest 2:00
So super excited today!! Tired, but ready so go. I was actually dancing in my car on the way in this morning. Kettlebell swings, AMAZING! Handstand pushups, not so much yet, but I did a scale for me and did it great. All of the WOD was review and was good. We did put some weight on the Deadlift and I did 95#!!! AWESOME!
Today was the completion of 4 weeks of CrossFit. I don't want to stop, I want to keep this up for the rest of my life. I really love CrossFit. It has changed my life. I feel strong, empowered, so much more than I have ever felt. This morning someone said "I started doing this to lose some weight" I looked at him and said "This is about so much more than losing weight. It changes something in here, inside your very being." and I so meant it.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I heart rowing
This week started off on a strange note. Sunday I sent my hubby off to work and then listened as so much of Central Texas started to burn. I worried some about him since his fire station is on the outskirts of Austin and I was sure that they would be going out for this. He actually stayed in the firehouse all night (except for normal runs). During this time, I did a lot of praying, for him, us, and all who are touched by these fires, and then I cancelled my workout for Monday.
The reason I did that is because I was worried, knew I would not sleep much on Sunday night, and was a little afraid of doing an "All level" workout. I know that means I can scale it to where I am, but I am still a little afraid of it. I also realized that I cannot go 3-4 days without a workout. I actually missed it and it was hard to get back into. When I got up and looked at the WOD, I realized that it was also in teams and I know that I cannot keep up and don't want to hold anyone else back with that kind of workout. Whaaaa...time to get over it.
Tuesday morning, alarm set for 5am, get up and get moving. Check the WOD, see that we are going to learn to row. That could be very interesting. I have watched rowing on Biggest Loser and in the gym and thought, my belly is a little big for that. Whaaa again...here we go. Start that warmup with the lovely 300m run. Ran just under 150m and walked the rest of the way back. Finished warmup and realized that the lovely Crossfit saying is so very true "Our warmup is your workout" It is a little intense for me, but it is getting better.
Time for skill, rowing. Walker brought out a pvc pipe that she was using to demonstrate, and all my sleep deprived mind could think about was "is she going to use that to keep us moving?!!??" Nah, she used it to show us exactly how the rowing machine compared to actual rowing in the water. Pretty cool :) Ok, pair up and let's go. Michelle and I are on fairly level workout ground so we grabbed each other and I jumped on the rowing machine. Guess what....I LOVE to row!!! It was challenging, and got my heart rate up, but I could do "sprints" on it and not fall down, and actually succeed. I felt elated! WOD time, 250m row, 10 walking Russian lunges (think lunge, twist), and 10 chin ups (ring rows for me and Michelle). Music was pumping and 3-2-1 GO! It was a great workout. I really love it when the level 2 class encourages us. It is nice to hear "Great ring row form, you are doing awesome!" I actually came in for the last set of ring rows dancing to the music. Love, love, love. I left workout all smiles and feeling GREAT!!!
Wednesday, day of rest. Slept in until 8:30. We had a volleyball game in San Antonio Tuesday night and got back around 11. Sent my honey back to work and had a day with the girls. Again with my "no running on Wednesday" policy :)
Today, Thursday, dawned after too little sleep. Up and out of the house by 5:15. I don't ever want to be late. Burpees are the punishment and I think that I will just opt out of those unless someone makes me do them. Late is a choice, and I choose to be early :D
Checked out the WOD on the way out the door, (we need an app for that please), and was so pleased that it will include learning how to dead lift. Took a second to talk crap to my sister on facebook about learning this skill and away I went. By the way, there is just something about walking outside on these last few mornings that has put a spring in my step...thank you, God, for cooler weather!! Asked Walker if I could row instead of run and was approved for that, YEAH!! I loved today's workout. I am so looking forward to increasing my lift. We learned to front squat with weight, 20# for me, liftoff and deadlift, started at 20# and then went up to I think #40 (I need to check on that).
So this week has been a mixture of feelings again, but compared to last week they are different. I love Crossfit, there, I said it, I love it. I did not ever think that I would or could say that. I have had knee pain for several years and that is really bothering me and I don't like the way it is interfering with my workout, and it is the reason that I have not done anything in many years. I started seeing a doctor last Tuesday, I like him, even though it looks like my thigh met up with a whipping stick. He does the Airrosti method of release...I really can't explain it even though everyone has told me that he will fix me where I am broken. Check it out at www.airrosti.com. I am hoping to get it well very soon so I can reach my full potential in the gym!!
My plan for the weekend is to go in and do a 1000m row at least one day, and take a family walk. Put on my new hot pink tennies and be ready to kick it next week!
Check out some of my new friends at www.breathelater.wordpress.com and www.theclothesmakethegirl.com. These ladies bring it every morning to the gym and one day I will be right there with them. You can also check out my Crossfit gym at www.crossfitaustin.com. We are expanding this weekend and have a great new member savings for the next few months. Come on in, I would love to workout with you :)
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The first week of the rest of my life
This week I started working out at a Crossfit Gym (or box as they call it). I was scared to death. You have met me, I weigh a lot. Too much. I thought that this workout might just kill me. All weekend I pelted my sister and cousin with questions. My sister own a Crossfit in Cali and my cousin goes here in Austin, so they knew what was going on. Monday morning dawns (early) and at 5:15 we were on our way into Crossfit Austin.
Everyone was so nice and welcoming and then our trainer said "Ok, let's warm up with a 300m run". The next 10 seconds were crazy in my mind. "What? 300m? Have you seen my fat butt? I don't even do a workout of 300m. Are you crazy?" But off we went. I ran 150m and walked the last 150, but I did it. Warmup was brutal and then there was the workout which had pushups, squats, and more running (I hate to run). I learned and I did it. My squats are amazing says my trainer. Hey, I am good at something!!! And I finished Day 1.
Day 2 was on Tuesday, again bright and early. I was so sore I just wanted to lie in bed and crash. But back we went. Tuesday will forever be known as hell day for me. It was hard, painful, hard, brutal, hard, awful, hard and just plain hard. I wanted to be done and go away. We had 6 rounds of our workout of the day (more running was included), and I did 4. But, I did 4! That is great!! The rest of the day all I wanted was a one story house and the ability to pee standing up. My body hurt.
Wednesday, my day of rest. Thank you God for days of rest. My body hurt, but not as bad as the day before. I did not run anywhere Wednesday.
Thursday, Workout #3. The WOD (workout of the day) is posted after midnight on the website. Since I get up at 4:45 to get to my 6am workout I do not stay up to check it, and just look at it in the morning. Today, I noticed that there were things that I did not understand, but one thing I did understand is that there was NO RUNNING!!! At least during the workout. All warmups start out with a 300m run, which I am running half and walking half. I kind of danced a jig when I read no running, but then was afraid that I would be sorry because I really don't know what all of the WOD meant. It was great, we did strength :) I can do this! I will be sore tomorrow and may cry when I roll out fondant, but today I did great!! I felt confident about my workout and my ability. I actually have a great squat and that will translate into a strong lift when I am ready to put weight on my bar. I am going to rock this part. Now, I just need to work on the cardio stamina part :)
Now, I have 3 days of rest with some light walking this weekend. My Crossfit experience so far has been mixed. The workouts have made me want to cry and puke and have made me feel strong and confident. The people that I am meeting have made me feel accepted and loved. The encouragement that I am getting is going to get me through this. I am blessed to have this in my life. I am making a decision to change my life for me and that will spill over onto my family.
I will continue to keep this blog, not for you, but for me. I will share some highs and lows. Don't judge me by the title of my blog, I am sure I will offend someone and I am sorry. I just want to be a bad ass. To me that is strong, secure, and confident. I have met a few of these this week. I want to be like them. I will share other Crossfit blogs as they inspire me.
Guess what, I survived my first week, and left the gym with a big smile on my face and happy tears in my eyes.
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