Taking a bit of a break...

Well, it's no secret that I haven't been hitting it in my downstairs gym lately:). Unfortunately, it will probably continue, at least for a few more weeks. Due to a medical issue (not really ready to disclose it to the "world"), I am going to take it easy and basically just walk. I might do a few short metcons, but nothing that involves heavy lifting or overexertion. I can't wait to get back at it, but right now, it's just not worth the risk.

I'll be living vicariously through all my blog buddies, though! :)

Push-ups... that's it

Can't seem to get it together. I'm so focused on keeping my diet in line and the whole wonderful world of fertility:) that my exercising has really taken a backseat. Tonight I did a few sets of 10 push-ups. Nothing more...

Let's hope I don't end up looking like this before it actually happens:)! I swear, though, I never knew this stuff could be so complicated... between taking the right supplements, charting, constantly thinking about it... I'm exhausted! :)

I'm a

puss and a slacker and I have no real excuse for only working out like three times in the month of October.

I vow to do better in November. :)

Improving Self Control

Improving Self Control

Do mind games really work? Can high level reasoning help when will-power is tempted? According to this article, people are better able to overcome temptations to reach a goal or change a habit when the end is kept in sight.

Three techniques to use when tempted are:

1) keeping the overall goal in mind, be it to have a healthier life as you age, lose x number of inches off your thighs:), etc. Ex. Will eating this bag of chips help me to reach that goal or hinder me?

2) blurring the focus. Instead of concentrating on how many miles you plan to run today or how many calories to eat, instead focus on the feeling that exercise gives you when you're done or how you won't be feeling miserable after a heavy meal.

3) realizing that it's the long term performance that really matters. If you do slip, get right back on track.

I'm going to try to use these techniques the next time I have an "urge" to eat crap. I'm also going to nix the alcohol because this is a trigger for me that leads to bad eating and over-eating.

Deadlifts & Thrusters

I feel like going heavy today. It's been awhile... still nervous about denting my floor, but if it's nice out this afternoon, I might do this outside to eliminate that risk.

Warm-Up:
1 x 400m sprints (legs felt like lead, so I stopped after 1)
10 Ring Rows
10 (1 band) pull-ups
10 Ring dips (1 band)
10 KTC's
20 Ball sit-ups
10, 20# KB Swings

Short Metcon:
"Mini-Cindy"
Complete AMRAP in 5 minutes of:
5 Ring Rows
10 Push-Ups
15 Squats

Rounds: 5 + 5 Ring Rows

CFJax.com 8.25.09:
Thruster
1-1-1

Deadlift
1-1-1

Loads:
Thruster - 55-65-75 (all done outside, which was FUN!)
Deadlift - 115-135-155(PR)

I can now officially say I can deadlift more than my bodyweight (and that's bw BEFORE the weight loss!).

Thrusters felt strong and that probably had to do with the mental aspect of not being afraid to dump the weight if I had to. Next time, I'll try for heavier (basically, I was too lazy to go back inside to get weights:)!)

Side note: I have been feeling REALLY great lately, like REALLY great:). I attribute it to my cleaner eating. My previous anxiety over any type of social situations has dissipated and no more stomach upset after practically every meal. I'm more alert at work (I was always really fuzzy-headed feeling before) and I even had the self-confidence to ask for (and receive) a much deserved promotion! Now, if only all this positive energy/attitude would translate to a pregnancy, I would be on cloud nine. Oh well, it'll happen when it happens. :)

I did it...

I ate meat last night. (!!!!!!)

It was a little hard right before the chicken was done. I cried and wasn't sure I could do it, but the hubby reminded me that we had already ordered half a hog, 20lbs. of beef, and bought a chest freezer:). So I pulled myself together, gave myself a pep talk:), and took a bite while I was carving it up.

It was really nice to sit down to a meal with the hubs and actually eat the same thing. That hasn't happened in SEVEN years.

And I'm feeling okay about it all this morning, I know the animal didn't suffer, in life or in death.

No digestive upset either, which is a relief! On to a paleo lifestyle! :)

Here's a picture of the cute little chicken, all dressed up:

CFJax.com - 6.29.09

I've decided to give up drinking for awhile and to really focus more on my diet. I've been slacking big time lately. It's like the weekends are a free for all and I go crazy. Then I feel like crap all weekend and Mondays are really tough.

So, my resolution is to eat far fewer cheats (none if I can help it) and to cut way back on my carbs. I did really well, carb-wise, last week (not including the weekend) and I felt and looked better than I have in awhile.

I am also going to stop skipping workouts during the week. The past two weeks have had 3 rest days and while that's fine every once in awhile, I didn't really need them, so it was just my laziness kicking in.

Somewhat related: I have this huge pet peeve at work (one of many). It is centered around me not eating the numerous cakes/cookies/snacks we constantly have at the office. For every person who has a birthday, I have to get them a birthday cake from a local bakery. For about 6 months now, I have opted out of eating any cake or other sweets that are routinely brought in. It is always a point of discussion at every birthday... "why aren't you eating cake" "b/c I'm trying not to eat as much sugar" "oh sugar is good for you" - blah blah blah. It's annoying and after months of this, I'm sick of it. Okay, rant over:).

Warm-Up:
Sprints - 200m all out x 4
10 Ring Rows
20 ball sit-ups
10 HSPU progressions
10, 20# DB Swings

CFJax.com Workout (scaled):
2-4-6-8-10 of:
55# Deadlift
55# Hang Power Clean

Followed immediately by -

10-8-6-4-2 of:
55# Front Squat
55# Push Press

Time: 10:53
1st set - 3:40
2nd set - 7:13

That second set was really hard. I had to put the barbell down between each exercise and through half of the reps (on most). The first set was really fun and went by fast. I should reverse the sets and see how that feels, whether it's just the fact that I'm already tired that makes the second set feel so tough.

The weather today was absolutely beautiful! I wish every day could be like today:).

And... again.

Okay, so I'm going to try this again tonight/this afternoon. Still in a bit of a pissy mood, but it's a stressful time at work... so it's to be expected:).

Also found out my dog MAY have cancer last night. We have to take him back in two weeks to get him checked out again. I really hope it's not. But he's a boxer and he's seven, and unfortunately tumors/cancer are not a rare occurrence with this breed.

Warm-Up:
3 min. jump rope
10 ring rows
20 ball sit-ups

CFHQ WOD - 6.22.09 (scaled to light Pack):
Three rounds for time of:
Run 400m
21 KB Swings (20# DB)
12 HSPU progressions (knees on bench)

Time: 12:09:06
--Round 1: 3:41 @ 7.5mph on treadmill
--Round 2: 4:17 @ 7.5mph on treadmill
--Round 3: 4:11 @ 7mph & then 6.5mph on treadmill

Phew... I was seriously gassed on the runs. I think I need to stop running slowly with Lucy and start doing sprints b/c the jogging is not helping me with these fast runs.

I also tend to get this sharp pain in my neck when I run... even when I'm trying to keep my head/face/shoulders loose. It's such an annoyance and I can't figure out how to keep it from happening.

CFJax.com - 6.19.09

I'm pretty behind on the CFHQ wods, but I saw this workout when it was posted a few days ago on the CF Jacksonville site and really wanted to try it. SDHP's always make me want to cry the next day, so it should be fun! ;)

AM - 30 min. jog with Lucy, 15 min. walk with Oscar.

Warm-Up:
4 min. jump rope
10 ring rows
4 min. punching bag
20 ball sit-ups
10 push-ups
10 TGU, 15#KB

CFJax.com WOD (6.19.09):
7 rounds for time of:
SDHP, 10 reps (30# DB)
Knees to Elbows, 10 reps (I'll be subbing knees to chest or as high as I can go)

Time: 8:56:65

Grip was the killer on this one. I gripped the grooved ends of the dumbbell (since I don't have a heavy KB and the 45# barbell was too heavy for me), and then trying to grip the bar for the KTC's after that was a challenge. This one was quick and dirty:).

For Real, Pull-ups & WBs

Okay, so once again my slackass-ness is showing. I didn't do this on Friday. Took a pregnancy test, it was negative, so I proceeded to drink instead of work out. Bad idea:). This weekend, which I've decide are rest days anyways, was also very slacky. Didn't work out or do any kind of physical activity whatsoever. However, it was a blast. I got to visit with our family friends who were our neighbors in Italy. Lots of catching up, remembering good times together and EATING:).

I'm anxious to get this workout done this afternoon and looking forward to getting my eating back on track. Felt crappy all weekend.

Warm-Up:
5 min. jog
10 ring rows
10, 15# KB swings
10 HSPU progressions (knees on bench)
20 ball sit-ups

CF.com WOD (6.18.09) -
Puppies:
25 Wall-ball shots (subbing 45# Thrusters)
25 Pull-ups (subbing Ring Rows)
20 Wall-ball shots (45# Thrusters)
20 Pull-ups (Ring Rows)
15 Wall-ball shots (45# Thrusters)
15 Pull-ups (Ring Rows)

Time: 11:31:40
--4:23 after 25 reps
--8:25 after 20 reps
--11:31 after 15 reps

Had to stop after 5 reps on the 20 rep round due to my mom & dad stopping by:). Visited for less than 5 minutes and then went back at it.

I don't know what I'm doing...

Well, I got up early this morning (5:30AM!!) to run the 5K, but it's raining outside, and for some reason I feel nauseated if I run on a treadmill in the morning. Weird.

I guess I'll do the WOD for today and just do the 5K either tomorrow afternoon or tomorrow morning if it's not raining. I wish the rain would just END!

For today's WOD, I'll just practice form since I've never done a snatch before.


Warm-Up:
5 min. jog
10 ring rows
10 push-ups
10 HSPU progressions (knees on bench)
15, 15# KB swings
10, 15# TGU

WOD:
Hang power snatch
1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 reps

Decided to do NOTHING today... feel a little bad about it, but not too much. I'll make up this WOD tomorrow after the 5K.

Rest Day Weekend

Rest day today and tomorrow. Plenty of yard work to do and gotta wash the MILLIONS of bugs off my car. I hope to get a hike in there sometime, but that might not happen.

Here's a video from CrossFit.com that shows proper form on KB swings.

Off to St. Louis!

I'm heading to St. Louis, MO for the weekend for a family reunion & a Cardinals game. Should be an interesting time:). We are taking both dogs, so that always makes things hectic and stressful.

I plan to do some bodyweight WOD's (printed some off from the CrossFit.com Forums) and hopefully do some swimming.

Happy Weekend all!!

Here are some pics from our weekend:

Burpees: Plan of Attack

Still stressing on the burpee decision!! I decided to get out my favorite tool (Excel) and figure out exactly how many burpees I have left to complete in order to finish out this challenge. After my 60 burpees today, I'll have a whopping 3,555 burpees left to do.

Total Burpees in 100 Days = 5050
Total Burpees Completed after today = 1538
Total Burpees Remaining = 3555
Total Days Left in 100 Day Challenge (after today) = 36

Instead of using the format of increasing the number each day, I'm going to instead do 100 burpees a day in increments of 20 throughout the day. I think this is a good plan and one that I could possibly stick with. The only problem comes if I skip a day b/c then it would be 200/day to make it up.

So, starting tomorrow, I have 36 days left of my 100 Day Burpee Challenge and with 100/day, I should be able to complete it. I set a goal and I need to not puss out just b/c it's a miserable challenge:).

Burpees & Blisters

Well, I planned to make up the burpees I've gotten increasingly behind on. I completed 120 of the 302 I needed to make up today. I got a blister after 90... don't know how that happened.

I really want to quit the burpee challenge, but I don't want to be a quitter:). I find myself NOT doing CrossFit lately b/c I dread doing my required burpees in the warm-up. I wish I could just get caught up, then it might be easier to handle.

As it stands right now, I am 182 behind plus doing 20 extra each day. That's a ridiculous amount of burpees to catch up. I could probably accomplish it if I did burpees throughout the day... so maybe I need to start doing like 60 every morning.

I plan to get up early and run with Lucy in the morning, fingers crossed that I can drag my lazy ass out of bed. :)

Run, Burpees, Rest

I woke up early again and went for a 30 min. jog with Lucy (my dog). She seemed more worn out this time, maybe b/c we went a little further than last time and did more running than walking.

I plan to do my 59 + 20xtra burpees this afternoon after taking my other dog for a short walk.

Then... rest:). My body is tired and I'm looking forward to this!

(Pic above is me & Lucy a few summers ago. She has since porked out, so I've got to get her back in fighting shape!)

Nada... & slacking

No activity yesterday except a few sit-ups with my torso hanging off the bed:). I've just been feeling incredibly run down lately. I have no motivation to do anything and when I do, I'm exhausted!

I spent yesterday afternoon/evening cleaning the house to get it ready for someone to look at it, and will be doing the same tonight until they actually come to look at it.

Hopefully, I will do that CF Invictus workout tomorrow, if I feel like it.

I've gotten even further behind on my burpees, so I need to put a plan together of how I'm going to catch myself up. I also have been thinking that I might step back from doing CF so many days a week (well, not lately, but previously) and start to incorporate other activities like swimming or running or tennis a few days a week. We'll see how it goes. I just need to think on it some more and figure out exactly what I want to do. If I don't plan it out, it won't happen.

On a more upbeat note, the hubs & I have finally decided we are ready to start a family! It has taken us a long time for BOTH of us to be ready at the same time. I just hope it happens fast before we change our minds:). Just kidding!

Warm-Up, Burpees then BEACH!

Well, I'm not planning to do a workout today other than my normal warm-up and burpees. I might do Cindy (CrossFit.com WOD), or I might not. It really just depends on how much time it takes me to pack and get everything ready to go to the beach tonight or tomorrow.

I'm SUPER excited about this beach trip! It's been years since I've been to the beach and years since I've had a REAL vacation (meaning I get to go somewhere and relax).

I plan to get my burpees in every day, which should be more fun since I can do them on the beach. But if I don't, I'll make them up gradually when I get back.

(Interesting article on Osteoarthritis & Athletes)

CORRECTION: Didn't do Cindy today or a warm-up, but I did get the burpees in. I underestimated the time it would take to pack and get the dogs/house ready/cleaned.

Women & Guns

My mother-in-law sent me this article and I really love it. Full article can be found here. And Karen De Coster does CrossFit! Should have known:).

Let’s face it – women are more vulnerable to attack because, most likely, their aggressor will be a man. Women are physically weaker, and criminals know that we are less willing to be mentally prepared for aggression because, unlike men, most of us just aren’t wired to be combative. A woman’s attacker will be bigger, stronger, and faster than her, and by nature they will be more aggressive, and that’s before considering any mental or drug problem that may be associated with a criminal attack. So why do women not want to take that into consideration and equalize the situation by learning to use and love guns? Dr. Thomas Szasz, libertarian scholar and Professor of Psychiatry at Syracuse University, once stated, "self-defense is not merely our legal right but our moral duty; because women are more vulnerable than men, their need and obligation to defend themselves is even greater than that of men." Dr. Szasz is a wise man.

Guns do scare me a little when I think about how it could kill someone, but I'm getting over this (with the help of my husband). I think it's really important for everyone to know how to safely handle a gun. You never know when you might need it. Same with driving a manual car... but I can't for the life of me do this! :)

Discouraged...

I read the post below on CrossFit Invictus' Blog today and it really hit home. I've been feeling extremely discouraged since completing my "90 Days of CrossFit". I'm lacking motivation, because I'm not seeing the gains I expected of myself despite my obvious improvement since Day 1. It's hard when you expect results that don't come. I'm not nearly as excited about CrossFit as I have been in the past. I don't know why, but I'm just feeling a little disappointed in myself. And the lack of motivation just adds to this. I've missed two workouts in this week alone. I've made up one and will make up the one from yesterday today, but I hate that I'm not doing them on the day they show up.

"CrossFit is humbling. It is humbling regardless of your ability or level of fitness. There will ALWAYS be a new goal to chase - a faster time, a heavier weight, etc…. CrossFit provides a system that allows you to improve and progress regardless of how studly you become. The system keeps you from dreaded plateaus, but it also enables those prone to perfectionism an opportunity to feel as if they aren’t good enough - ever. I don’t believe we will ever completely alter the internal drive to achieve in these individuals. Instead, I suggest that all athletes take a longer view of their fitness goals. Permit yourself a bad day, or even a bad week, with the knowledge and confidence that if you persist you will ultimately achieve all of your goals. Perfection (as near as one can get) will be best achieved through persistence and patience."

I basically need some kind of jolt to jump start my passion for CrossFit again. Or maybe I need a break from it. I don't know. I'm going to the beach for vacation in a week, which will give me 4 days off (except for the burpees). I'm thinking about not taking any more rest days until then. Maybe I'll stray away from the CF.com WODs and just pick and choose some fun WODs.

Or maybe it's just this gross rainy weather that's making me feel so under-motivated:). I could really do with some sunshine!!