Game time

Smell that...it's college football!

And it will be in full force starting tonight. And I cannot wait!

The other day the boyfriend and I were coming back from a walk, talking about football being right around the corner, when I had the realization that I've never dated anyone who was remotely interested in college football before. Thankfully that's now changed.

Luckily 'our' teams are in difference conferences so there's no trash talking to be had on game day between us. Though I can hold over his head that that two times our teams have played each other, we have won.

While I'm not an alum of 'my' school, I will claim it as mine. I'll refer to Carolina as a we, our and us. As in, we won last night! Or, did you that play by our quarterback? I know this rubs some people the wrong way, but I don't care. In this state you choose one of three options. Carolina, Clemson, or I could care less about college football. I chose option A, even though my mother tried to push option B on me from birth.

I am proudly rocking my garnet and black today. And I'm proudly a Gamecock!

Better late than never

Thirty Days of Thankfulness

Day 30: I am thankful for a happy life.

I love my life! It might not always be what I expected or without hiccups, but I am happy and I am very grateful for that. I have an amazing family, a wonderful small group of close friends, a good job, adorable pups, unbelievable workout buddies and a healthy able body. I have no reason to complain and am very thankful for my happy life! 

12/1/2012 WOD:

12 min Tabata

Dumbbell Thruster - right arm (15 lb)

Dumbbell Thruster - left arm (15 lb)

Burpees

Reps: ???

I don't have a result for the workout on Saturday. I went in during a non-class time and did the workout on my own. I tried to keep tabs on how many reps I was doing in the first round of each movement, but I quickly lost track due to heavy breathing and wanting to stop! I've never done dumbbell thrusters before. Boy were they tough! My arms didn't really start to fatigue until the last two rounds or so, but my legs felt like noodles about three rounds deep. The first round I did nine reps and by the last ones I was struggling to get four done. And the burpees were burpees. They're never a good time. 

I have to apologize for finishing up my 30 days 3 days late. I had a pretty busy weekend that kept me away from almost all forms of tech. I didn't even text or talk to the college kid all day Saturday and most of Sunday. Very strange for me indeed! Though it was a busy weekend, it was a great one! Great food, quick workout, quality family time, wonderful puppy cuddles, and lots of time outside in the amazing weekend weather! 

Progress-o!

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 26: I am thankful for a clean house.

I spent a good chunk of my Sunday morning going through stuff. Stuff I've accumulated over the years that wasn't split up in the separation. Lots of stuff I haven't touched in years. I originally thought to have a yard sale and make a few bucks, but in the end I decided to donate it all to the Salvation Army. There are plenty of people in my community that can benefit from it and it also helps the S.A. It's a good feeling to help others and to have less 'stuff'

Day 27: I am thankful for progress.

I am grateful for the progress I've made in so many facets of my life. Living alone. Learning to take care of two large dogs on my own. Knowing who I am and what I want out of life. Getting stronger. Being confident  and comfortable in my own skin. I have made a lot of progress in the last year and I'm thankful I'm moving forward and not standing still or worse, going backwards.

11/26/2012 LP:
Back Squat: 100 lb
Press: 52.5 lb
Sprints: 7 x 40 yd

I did it! I hit triple digits!!!! And the best part, it was heavy but not insanely heavy! I cannot believe I squatted 85% of my body weight last night. Mind blown! Four weeks until I hit my goal weight of 120. What a fun Christmas present that will be! I am still slightly confused on how I haven't been sore yet. I guess that's because of the gradual progression of things. Yay for progress! I'm starting to feel a noticeable difference i my legs. They're much leaner but a lot tighter. Love it!

The press is still hard! I barely got out my 15 reps, but I did finish it. Even though I haven't hit my max yet, I'm planning on dropping back down to 45 lbs next week. I'll stick with that weight for a good three weeks then start adding back on. I'm eager to get more comfortable with the 45 lb weight so I will be more willing to lift in during WODs with high reps.

I upped the number of runs again tonight for my sprint. And this was the best night yet! Usually my quads feel tight and get tighter as the sprints go on, but tonight I was all loosey goosey. I felt faster too! I'm looking forward to playing Ultimate this weekend with the gym folks to see if I can notice any difference. Not counting on it, but who knows!?!

In addition to doing all of the above things for the first time, I did something else this morning too! My boss went dove hunting this weekend and fried some dove breast here at the office. They give me a really hard time about being picky so I had to give it a shot. Verdict: Not for me! They said, don't you eat livers and gizzards? Hell no! Had they told me it was going to taste like that from the start I could have saved that piece that ended up in the trash. Oh well, at least I tried it, right?

With my 29th birthday a little over a month away, I'm working on a bucket list of things I want to do before I hit 30 and turn into an old lady! Of course they're all things I've never experienced, some are just for fun and others are things I've been working toward accomplishing. I'm still pondering what I want to get done without going overboard. I've compiled a list to the left that I'll be maintaining throughout the next 13-ish months. And of course I'll be writing about each one I cross off. Here's to a year of accomplishment and adventure!

Gobble gobble

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 21: I am thankful for my skills in the kitchen.

I know this seems like a silly think to be thankful for but I realize not everyone can cook or bake or enjoys creating yummy things in the kitchen. I am thankful for all three! I might not be the most creative or most amazing cook, but I am very grateful for the abilities I do have. I'm also thankful more my new sense of adventure in the kitchen. I'm still pretty picky, but I'm more willing to try new things.

Day 22: I am thankful for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite days of the year. The food is amazing, the parade is fun, but spending time with my crazy family is the best. I am beyond thrilled that I get to spend all my time this year with my family instead of splitting the day between two families. I do still love my in-laws and will miss seeing them today, but I'm grateful to get to make the most of my day with my family for the first time in more than a few years.

11/21/2012 WOD:
10 min AMRAP
5 Push press (45 lb)
7 Burpees
9 Air Squats
Total reps: 117 reps

Just because it's a holiday week doesn't mean I'm cutting back on CrossFit. I knew my office would shut down pretty early in the day and I didn't want to wait until the 5:30 class, I've had pies to bake duh, so I decided to go in mid-afternoon and do the WOD on my own. I figured the place would be pretty dead with it being mid-afternoon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but not this dead. There was only one other person in there working out! And only five people had come in so far to do the workout that day. Bizarre-o world!

I've never gone in during non-class time to do the WOD on my own. So that plus the place being a ghost town was kind of strange. The workout on the board wasn't bad but not an ideal one to do on my own. Required me to check the clock ever 2.5 minute, multiple bars, counting rounds and reps. Too much going on. Plus there were snatches and push-jerks which I'm not the best at. I didn't want to butcher them and end up hurting myself. All that said I created my own WOD.

It looks so nice and simple in written form. Then halfway though the second round I just wanted to turn off the clock and leave. Who would know?!? I would, that's who. I sucked it up and finished. I know I would have done it faster had there been other people or an instructor, but I'll take it. It's better than nothing, especially the day before I consume 10000 calories. Quads, hamstrings, butt, and shoulders are slightly sore, but very tolerable. I know in just a few short hours my stomach will be so full I won't realize anything on me hurts. Bring on the food coma!

I spent the rest of my Thanksgiving eve with the college kid. We hung out while I baked, watched a chick-flick (What the Expect When You're Expecting...pretty funny), and played catch-up. It was a great way to start the long holiday weekend. And at 12:15 I  was finally able to turn my oven off and call it a night.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Working for the Weekend

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day Twenty: I am thankful for my job.

There are days I'd rather stay in bed cuddling with my girls, but very rarely do I get out of bed dreading to go to work. Its not the most thrilling or challenging all the time, but I enjoy my job. I am very grateful to have a job, especially one that is as laid back as mine.

11/20/2012 WOD:
Buy in: 1000 m row
21-15-9
Ring dips (tire dips)
Burpee broad jumps-yards
Kettlebell Swings (26 lb)
Time: 13:23

Two firsts for today! First one, I attempted ring dips for the first time. I couldn't budge dipping, but I was able to hold myself up and maintain stability for about 20 seconds. Gymnast make that shit look so damn easy!!!

Second, I finally moved up on the kettlebell. Goodbye 8 kg kettlebell, hello 12 kg. Its roughly a 10 lb increase. By the end of the workout my arms and lower spent!

After the rough workout, I met the college kid at the local cupcake shop for our favorite cupcake! Since they only sell it on Tuesdays she hasn't been able to get it since school started a few months back. It was a nice treat to go up there!

Even though the long holiday weekend doesn't start until tomorrow afternoon, I feel like its already on! Friends back in town, grocery store parking lots full, and everyone sending happy Thanksgiving wishes! What a wonderful time of year!

Movin' On Up

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 19: I am thankful for my trainers at PDCF.

I would have never stuck around at PDCF if it were not for the amazing group of trainers we have. They all love their jobs and what they do and it more than shows. They don't allow negative attitudes, they push you when they know you can do more, and they love seeing you make progress. They're supportive when they're on and off the clock. There are a few trainers I have yet to meet because of my schedule, but for the five or six folks I have worked with I am very grateful.

11/19/2012 LP:
Back Squat: 95 lb
Press: 50 lb
Sprint: 6 x 40 yd

Last night I made a giant leap! I've moved on from the five and ten pound plates with my squats. Tonight I got to add a 25 pound plate to each side!!!! The guys who help me on Monday nights are really great and celebrate every landmark with me. Even the meat-head guys are supportive!

All that said 95 lbs was tougher than 90, as expected, but I still think I have a little further to go before I hit my first threshold. 120 or bust! Though I've been informed 145-ish will probably be my initial one rep max. We'll see in a few months!

The press is a whole different story. I'm thinking 55 lbs might be it and that's being generous. Last night's 50 lbs was really really hard. I was using all I had to get that last set up. I knew this day would be coming much sooner than it would be with my squats. I have always been far weaker in my arms. So the plan is once I do hit the point when I stall, I'll drop back down to about 45 lbs, stay there for a few weeks then gradually start going up again until I stall again. Keeping the press in rotation will still help me in multiple movements in my CrossFit workouts and allowing myself to adapt to the weight over a few weeks will make moving up easier down the road.

My second week of sprints went pretty well. I added one more run to it this week and didn't notice a major difference with it. Though I could feel my quads screaming with ever step I took having already squatted. I'm glad I added it to my routine. However with it getting colder out I know in a few weeks I might regret the decision.

I capped off my night hanging out with with friends and eating an delicious bowl of chili. First let me say that this guy is an amazing cook and I think he will have a very successful restaurant one day. He's got the skills, personality, and business sense to do it! Back to the chili, I'm a fan of chili. There are a few variations, but it's pretty hard to mess it up and almost just as hard to make it stand out. This chili stood out! So much so that I stole his recipe. The secret, he added a beer to it. Not a fan of the taste of beer, I wasn't super excited once I found out, but it complimented the chili perfectly. Just subtle enough. I'm even willing to venture out and say it's one of the best chili's I've had, but don't tell my mom that!

Growing Up

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 17: I am thankful for the college kid.

She and I haven't even known each other for a year but she is one of my favorite people ever! I'm grateful for her humor, spontaneity, positive outlook, and of course friendship. She's a fabulous person and I'm lucky to call her a friend.

Day 18: I am thankful for weekend cuddles.

One of my absolute favorite things in the world is to be able to get back in bed after feeding my girls and cuddle on the weekends. Its the perfect way to start a day. And I love that they each have their own way of cuddling.

I've spent the majority of my weekend with the college kid celebrating her birthday. I always thought 20 was just as big of a milestone as 21 but somehow everyone else overlooks it. Leaving your teenage years behind is pretty major. Your twenties are where most of your major life decisions are made. No one tells you that and you don't realize it until your knocking on thirties door.

While she enters her twenties I'm preparing to leave mine. With 13-ish months between me and 30, I'm starting my "what I want to do before I'm 30" bucket list. At the moment I can only think of skydiving and getting another tattoo, but we shall see soon what the list entails. Hopefully plenty more firsts!

Medicated

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 16: I am thankful for flannel.

One of my favorite things about the colder weather is flannel shirts. I've recently adopted Flannel Fridays and will continue to rock my flannel through early March. I'm grateful for flannel's coziness, warmth, different plaids, and the ability it has to make an outfit fun.

While I'm here I might as well share that today I did something else for the very first time, or at least for the first time that I can remember. I finally broke down and bought some Benadryl today to relieve the crazy itching that I have going on this week. I don't know the source, but I believe I'm allergic to something in my rental, possibly something on the seat belt. I've scratched so hard I have bruies, it's terrible. However, since I think the rental is the cause I'm holding out until I get my lovely car back next week before heading to the doctor. I know, I should just ask for another rental, that would be the smart move. All that said, I love you benadryl. You make the itching bearable, even if I can barely keep my eyes open at work!

Must Be Jelly Cause Jam Don't Shake

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 14:  I am thankful for my sister.

My sister and I are polar opposites in so many ways. When we were growing up it caused all kinds of arguments, fights and name calling. But just like my mom told us, as we've grown up we've grown closer and I love spending time with her. Seeing that we live less than 10 miles from each other we should see each other more, but I know that I can always call her and she'll be right there for me. I love my sister more than she'll ever know and I wouldn't trade her for anything!

Day 15: I am thankful soreness.

I had to take last night off because I'm sore and bruised from Monday and Tuesday's workouts. I am grateful for the soreness because it means I'm progressing and not staying stagnant. It means I'm pushing myself into new territory that my body isn't familiar with. I'm also thankful for my first collarbone bruise. While it doesn't look pretty it means the weight wasn't easy and I was catching the bar where it's supposed to be caught.

10/15/2012 WOD:
50 yd OH Walking Lunges (10 lb)
400 m run
21 OH Squats (15 lb bar)
800 m run
21 OH Squats
400 m run
50 yd OH Walking Lunges
Time: 17:28

Tonight's challenge wasn't the workout it was the cold! I decided when I was in the locker room that I wasn't going to do the usual 400 m warm-up run because I had forgotten to bring a hoodie. Then I walk out and look at the board and see that we have to go out and run three times. Who is programming this week? Less than halfway through the 800 m run I started cramping up from going back and forth in the warm and cold. Unfortunately the cramp stuck around until the end of the WOD.

Surprisingly I really enjoyed this workout. I could really tell a difference in my legs. I guess the LP is paying off! After tonight I realized I need to add some weight to my OH squat. I think I'm still a little apprehensive of them after the incident a few months back when I just couldn't do it knowing I had done it before. However, I've successfully done OH squats twice recently so I need to add some weight to the bar. If I could get through my second set unbroken, it's too easy.

And for some Thursday night entertainment, I present to you RuPaul's Peanut Butter. The birthday boy of the wonderful dinner I went to last Friday night gave everyone mixtape party favors. I cannot stop listening to this song to save my life! Me and the fiesta rock out to it daily. Enjoy!

On Fire

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 13: Today I am thankful that 6 months from now I can file for divorce.

I don't want this to come off as snarky, sarcastic, bitchy or bitter. My state's laws require us to live separately for 12 months and today I am 6 months in. I'm not thankful so I can say I'm done with my husband, I am thankful so we can both completely move on. We have started new lives and while I can't speak for him, I am very happy with mine, but neither of us will be able really start fresh until the end of our marriage is finalized legally. I am also grateful for how amicable this process is for us and am thankful we're able to be grown-ups about it all , still get along and hope for the best for each other.

11/13/2012 WOD:
21-16-9
Deadlift (105 lb)
Hang Power Clean (45 lb)
Kettlebell Swing (18 lb)
Time:12:28

My hands and forearms are on fire! It's been over two hours and still can't grip anything without whimpering or almost dropping it. All that said I'm really excited because I upped the weight on the clean. I can't think of the last time I did hang cleans in a workout so I really wasn't sure what weight I should use. I do know that I've never done more than 35 lbs and back in August my max was 55 lbs so I know I'm progressing. I'm also pretty pumped that I left without my wrists being achy. However, I know my collar bones are going to be a bit bruised.

All the pain, soreness, bruises, cuts, blisters, calluses and scrapes are worth every bit of it. I wouldn't trade a any of it. I love doing CrossFit. I love the feeling I get when I walk in and see the trainers and the regulars. I love the small knot in my stomach when I check the board for the WOD. I love talking about how horribly painful it looks while setting up the bars at the same time. I love hearing 3,2,1..GO! I love cheering people on and being cheered on. I love thinking I can't finish and finishing. I love the look of defeat and accomplishment at the same time on people's faces. I love that everyone waits for the last person to finish before leaving. I love after it's all over while we're complaining about how much we hurt or how hard it was, we're also asking who is going to be back tomorrow. Yep, I'm beyond hooked!

To-Do List

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 10: I am thankful for wonderful weather.

I spent almost the entire morning outside doing some household chores, but I couldn't complain a bit because it was beautiful outside today. I even did a few things, like raking the front yard, that I wasn't planning on just because I didn't want to go inside yet.

Day 11: I am thankful less Blue Laws.

Until just recently stores were not allowed to open before 1:30 pm on Sunday's in my city. On a few occasions I've really needed something before 1:30 and now I'm finally able to get it. Like today I was able to march into Walgreen's at 7:30 am to pick up calamine lotion for an irritation I got from yard work yesterday. Thank you city government for saving the day!


Yesterday I conquered a pretty big fear of mine and finally cleaned out my laundry/storage room. My  house was built in 1970 and apparently it was pretty popular then to put the laundry in the storage room in the carport. It's definitely one of the least favorite things about my house, but it could be worse. The shed in my backyard is in terrible shape so the room is a combination of laundry and storage for tools. That combination plus it's less than perfectly sealed door leaves it pretty open for a few creepy crawlers, dirt, and leaves. Sadly the room hadn't really been cleaned out since we moved into the house 3 years ago.

With the prediction for great weather I decided to finally tackle it. I pulled everything out, swept the floors, trashed some things I was storing for no good reason, and rearranged it for better use of space. Ideally I'd like to paint it all white and put in a large overhead florescent light, but for now this will do.

The feeling of accomplishment kept me going. I weeded and cleaned out my front flower bed, raked my front yard, and even got around to touching up the paint in a few rooms in my house. It has been a much needed productive weekend for home repairs. My fantastic soon to be brother-in-law even came by and repaired the lights for me in my hall bathroom. Just one more minor repair to kitchen floor and my to-do list for home repairs will be complete!

Low Key

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 9: I am thankful for my fellow 5:30 pm-ers at PDCF.

I am very thankful to be able to workout and spend time with an AMAZING group of people a few nights a week. I have never seen such drive, support, encouragement, and sweat in one place. While I'm sure the members who go to the other class times are just as great, there is something special about that 5:30 bunch. If it were not for them I'm sure I wouldn't still be as dedicated as I am today. I am very grateful to be able to share my time with them inside and outside the gym!

11/9/2012 WOD:
21-15-9-15-21
Clapping push-ups (Hand release)
Wall Balls (8lb)
Time: 9:05

I really enjoy the Friday night classes. There is no telling who is going to show up and how busy it's going to be. Tonight was a relatively low number with most of the regulars MIA. And I was the only chick in the building for a while too.

I attempted to do to wall balls with the 14 lb ball as prescribed but about 5 reps into the first set I quickly realized I wasn't getting the ball high enough on the wall and would be helping myself more if I went back to the 8 lb ball. So that's what I did. At least I gave it a shot, right?

I really enjoy when the 5:30 slot is crazy busy with people, bars, and excitement, but I also enjoy when it's a little more low key like it was tonight. It was a nice way to cap off the week up there. Hopefully my arms and shoulders will have recovered in time for our next round of Ultimate this weekend!

Now to go celebrate my fellow CrossFittter's birthday. I wonder if I'll recognize anyone in regular clothes?!?

Crushed

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day 8: I'm thankful for a safe car.

This morning on my normal route to work I was in a car accident. Just driving and minding my own business when a car crossed the road and smacked into me. Thankfully I spotted her and was able to slow down or else she would have t-boned me. No one was hurt, my car is already at the repair shop and I've already been set up a sweet Ford Fiesta so all in all, things could have been much worse. I love my little MINI and am thankful to be able to have a great safe car.

11/08/2012 WOD:
50 OH Squats (15 lb bar)
50 Toe to Bar (Knee to Elbow)
40 Jumping Lunges
40 Knee to Elbow
30 Air Squat
30 Sit-ups
Time: 16:00

Whoa buddy! My shoulders and hands are killing me! I know those weren't the body parts that were supposed to be hurting post-workout, but they sure are. My quads and abs fatigued during the workout but they aren't sore. From about 15 reps into the overhead squats, my shoulders started screaming. Then having to hang from the bar for 90 reps didn't help.

I was just really happy I was able to do weighted OH squats again because last time they just didn't happen. One of the regulars was next to me and his legs were rejecting them this time. I tried to make him feel better by telling him it's happened to me before but I could see the frustration. Its especially frustrating when you know you've done OH squats before, why all of a sudden does it just not click.

I'm eager to see what's on the menu for tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if it's more leg work. Normally Friday's are pretty quick or maybe that's just wishful thinking since I have plans to help celebrate a fellow CrossFitter's birthday tonight. Sounds like a good crowd is going so it should be a fun time!

A side note: A couple nights ago I made lasagna for dinner but changed it up just a bit. For those that don't know me well, I have a deep love for zucchini. Can't get enough of it. I combined two recipes and used zucchini as the noodles in a mega yummy lasagna. If you like lasagna and you like zucchini, do yourself a favor and give it a try! However, since making a small lasagna isn't possible, I've eaten it for lunch and dinner for 3 days straight now. Kind of over it. If you decide to make it plant to share!

Happy Ovaries

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day Six: I am thankful to have the right to vote for my leaders.

I'm not a very political person by any means, but I am grateful to have the ability to vote. I don't necessarily agree with all aspects of our election process, but was more than happy to be able to cast my vote.

Day Seven: I am thankful I get to keep control of my ovaries.

I was not very passionate about any of the presidential candidates, however, I felt that some of my rights as a  woman were being threatened by one candidate in particular. This morning when I checked the final results to see who would be leading our country for the next four years, I felt my ovaries give each other a high five in celebration!

Class act

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day Five: I am thankful that tomorrow is Election Day.

With election season lasting almost two years these days, I am very thankful that for the most part all the campaigning, lies, trash-talking and other bullshit will end tomorrow. I realize that because of Hurricane Sandy there is a good chance the race may have a victor come Wednesday morning, but the campaigning will have ended. And we'll probably get a good 12-18 months before the media starts speculating who will be running in 2016!

While I do joke about the campaigns, I will be voting tomorrow and so should you!

11/5/2012 LP
Back Squat: 85 lb
Press: 45 lb

For the first time in my life I was able to lift the 45 lb bar over my head. It was a fantastic feeling! As was squatting with 85 lbs on my back. That is 40 lbs up from where I started. Insane!!! Because the weight for squats is getting up there (for me) I'm now doing a set of squats with just the bar as part of my warm-up. Funny thing, it didn't even feel like I had any extra weight on my back. It's amazing what your body can adapt to in just a few weeks.

I've also been called out by a few of the 5:30 pm-ers for ditching the WOD to hang out with the "meat heads" in the back of the gym. While I really enjoy my weight training on Monday's, I adore the folks that I usually spend my evenings with at PDCF. They're fantastic, supportive, and mega fun! I don't think you could pay me to leave them for another group. I'm already itching to get in there on Wednesday to sweat my ass off with them!

Lucky

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day Two: I am thankful for being healthy and able-bodied.

There are plenty of people who for one reason or another don't have full use of their body and will never live long healthy lives. Thankfully, I am fortunate enough to not fit into that category. I've always appreciated being able to function fully but not until I began working out regularly and trying to get stronger did I truly understand how lucky I am. I will not take it for granted anymore and will try very hard to remember when I get down that things could always be worse.

Day Three: I am thankful to be surrounded by amazingly wonderful friends

Like with my family, I've had the support of my friends over the past few months as well. They've been wonderful and I've learned who I can really rely on when I need them. I wouldn't trade my friends for anything. And through PDCF I've met a whole new group of people that I greatly enjoy spending my time with. They're fantastic and supportive in a whole different way.

Day Four: Beane and Roma

I am so lucky to have the two more adorable furry kids in the world. They are the cutest, sweetest, and most fun dogs I've ever had and I probably love them more than I should. Through this transition the three of us had a little adjusting to do in our normal routines, but I think we're doing just fine. I am very thankful to still be able to have them and thankful they have each other.


11/2/2012 WOD:
21 Thrusters (35 lb)
42 Grasshoppers
15 Thrusters
30 Grasshoppers
9 Thrusters
18 Grasshoppers
Time: 5:57

Guess who's legs didn't get even the tiniest bit fatigued from the thrusters? This girl! My LP squats are paying off big time. My shoulders however were a different story. They were screaming from the thrusters and the grasshoppers by the end of the workout. Luckily it was only temporary and there was no residual soreness later.

To say that I have had a great weekend is one of the biggest understatements ever! It has been beyond fantastic for so many reasons. One of the best parts was that I finally got to play Ultimate Frisbee again for the first time since July. One of the guys at PDCF suggested getting a game together a few weeks back and yesterday was the day. We had 18 people show up, a handful from the old crowd but mostly folks from the box.. Boy was it fun! It was really great seeing some of the guys and gals outside of their normal routine. Of course they're all athletic as hell so it wasn't like the game was a challenge for them either. And the college kid and I proved ourselves with a pretty great play for our teams first point. I'm even more amped because it appears it was a hit and that it's probably going to become a regular things again.

Now to enjoy the rest of my weekend and to see if it's possible for it to get any better. I think there is a slight chance, but yesterday is going to be very hard to beat!

Thankfulness

Today is November 1st. Halloween is over. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I noticed very quickly this morning on Facebook that many of my friends are participating in Thirty Days of Thankfulness. Not one for sharing too much on Facebook these days I decided I wanted to participate but would keep it to my blog. More than likely I'll lump my thankful thought together with my regular posts. However, day one gets the special treatment!

Thirty Days of Thankfulness
Day One: I am thankful for my wonderfully supportive family.

I've gone through quite a bit of changes in the past 6+ months and my family has been right by my side throughout the entire process. Anything I need their help with they are right there.. They don't ask questions, they just do. And I love them for it!

Sympathy for the Devil

10/29/2012 LP:

Back Squat: 80 lb

Press: 42.5 lb

10/30/2012 WOD:

3 RFT

100 Double Unders (400 singles)

25 Toes to Bar (Knee to Elbow)

25 Hand Stand Push-Up (Stinkbug)

25 yd Bear Crawl

Time: 27:26

Lets begin with this weeks linear progression. I wasn't in the best of moods going into Monday's session. Just a bad day at work that never turned around. My trainer told me to take it out on the weights. So I did. And boy did I leave feeling 1,000,000% better. And boy are those weights getting heavier. I actually ended up doing a 4 x 5 instead of my usual 3 x 5 for the squats because one of the guys helping me load the bar didn't put all my weights on one side. I thought I just picked it up a little off balance but really it was 7.5 lbs lighter on one side. Extra sets can't hurt, right?

And now for my thoughts on last night's WOD. It sucked! I've said it at least twice before and I'll say it again, I hate stinkbugs with a fiery burning passion. Easily my least favorite movement. I begged the trainer to let me do 100 yards of bear crawls instead but he wasn't having it. However there is good news. I noticed a a good bit of improvement in my knees to elbow and my stinkbugs. Of course as the workout progressed they went back to their usual weak attempts that took everything I had to get through two or three at a time, but I still saw improvement in the first set. I can really tell my core is getting stronger and I can see a Toe to Bar in my near future, even if it's just one. 

I wish I were this creative! 

Today is Halloween and it's my first one being in the house by myself. My neighborhood doesn't typically get many trick-or-treaters. Sadly the few kids we do have leave and go to bigger, better neighborhoods. All that said I've decided to skip hanging around the house for the few stragglers to show up and hang out with a friend who's neighborhood actually gets trick-or-treaters. And since I adore Halloween (I've had decorations up since late September, don't judge me!)  and the kid in me loves getting in costume, I've donned some horns and a tail and will go as a Devil this year. A pretty simple costume, but one I've never worn before. It should be a pretty fun night! Seeing the kids in costumes still being kids always makes me happy! 

Happy Halloween everyone! 

Abs of Steel-ish

10/24/2012 LP:
Back Squat: 75 lb
Press: 40 lb

10/25/2012 WOD:
4 RFT
50 sit-ups
25 KB Swings (18 lb)
200 m run
Time: 18:05

I. Do. Not. Like. Sit-ups. I don't think I will ever learn to like them. And depending on the day I'd rather do burpees, which makes NO sense whatsoever. All that said, I managed to do 200 sit-ups tonight and I can still stand upright! I'm already dreading trying to get out of bed in the morning, it's going to be a bitch.

Subtract a few of those plates and that's me! 

Linear progression is coming along pretty well. I can't remember how many weeks in I am at this point for the back squat but I'm up 30 lbs from the starting point which is huge for me. I'm really enjoying it a lot! And it's getting tougher. A little slower to stand up. Not so eager to get as low. Though I know I can do it and I can tell it's helping me in the WODs. Recovery time when we have to do squats, thrusters, wall balls or lunges is greatly improving.

I think long term I'm going to gain more from the press. I was pleasantly surprised how little of a difference I noticed this week moving up to 40 lbs. It's the most weight I've lifted overhead to date. My trainer says I have no excuse for not doing 40 lbs in the WOD's now but I think it will depend on the day. Don't get me wrong, I'm very eager to add some more weight to my bar, but I also know my limits and don't want to hurt myself.

I spent some time yesterday reading back through a few of my first posts for when I was getting started at PDCF and it's crazy how much progress I've made. For a few of the movements I was only using the 15 lb bar. I'm in no way ready to start RXing ever workout, but progress is progress and I'm thrilled!

With the weekend practically here I'm looking forward to spending some time at PDCF working on my form, hanging out with the college kid, catching up with another great friend that's in town for quick visit, and getting my horror movie fix in time for Halloween. It's looking to be a pretty fantastic weekend!

Playing Like Kids

10/15/2012 LP:
Back Squat: 70 lb
Press: 37.5 lb

10/16/2012 WOD:
4 RFT: (partner)
40 yd wheelbarrow
40 box jumps
Time: 9:07

Quick, simple and fun accurately describes last night's WOD. It has been quite some time since I've done such a short and simple workout, it was a nice change of pace. After being partnered up by picking matching coins, we were given the low-down on the best strategy for transitions by our trainer. We had a pretty good little system going, I carried him 20 yards and he carried me 20 yards back then he did the first 10 box jumps, I did 10 and so on until we hit 40. Yay for teamwork!

Waking up this morning I thought I had slept funny because my neck was a little achy but as I got to moving around I noticed my shoulders were a bit sore too. I don't remember wheelbarrows hurting as a kid! I also don't remember doing them quite as quickly as I did last night either.

This kid  must have been doing the WOD too. He's so tired he's resting his head on his partner's butt!

The Primal Blueprint experiment is still going strong! I made a delicious ground chicken and fresh salsa combination for lunch yesterday and had nice steak and sauteed zucchini for dinner. Did you know you can buy three nice sirloin steaks for about $6? That's $2 per steak! That's cheaper than one pineapple. Why does anyone ever pay $10+ in a restaurant? Go ahead, laugh at me for just realizing this. I only cooked my first steak about four months ago! Anywho, I've said it before but I am really enjoying cooking, a lot! Not having a dishwasher is becoming more of an annoyance lately with having to do more dishes, but I'll take the trade off.

I spent part of last night in my hammock for the first time in a few weeks. It's neat to see how quickly the light is changing. I think the first night I got in it, it was getting dark around 8:30 and last night it was dark before I got out there at 7:30. With the leaves falling and the much colder weather it got me really excited for fall and the upcoming holiday season. I bundled up for as long as I could take it but eventually my cold toes won the battle and I had to retreat back indoors. Great way to relax after a nice dinner and fun workout!