2012 Look back and even more to look forward to in 2013

As the New Year approaches I tend to look back and think back on what I did and what I can't wait to do in the coming year.  There were SO many great things that happened in 2012, but the biggest thing also led me to my number one plan (I don't like resolutions because I nail down things that don't have an end date).  After being chosen to be a ENERGYBits Brand Ambassador, I was able to connect with some pretty amazing people!  One, in particular, was Sloane Pitman.  A bright young, fit freak like myself. After reading her story, I realized we had more in common than just fitness.  We both battle with our relationship with food.

(FYI- THIS IS WHERE I GET A LITTLE MORE SERIOUS..Skip these next paragraphs if you don't like serious talk and feelings..)

Ever since I can remember I've always had a little "extra."  I've never been overweight or anything, but I've never had a flat stomach or felt 100% comfortable in a bikini.  So starting at a young age I would try and run extra or cut back on food.  Other times I would have a bad day or stressful week, so I'd binge and feel like even more crap.  I'd always tell myself that I'm going to stop and just eat healthy, then the "fluff" would definitely come off and I'd look like all the girls in the fitness magazines I read.  Well, strange thing happened...it never really happened.  I'd eat healthy, but then I'd indulge a little around birthdays or holidays, enjoy a cocktail or two, and I'd be right back at it..trying to analyze everything that went into my body, counting every calorie, measuring EVERYTHING.

It wasn't until after I read about Sloane's "freEDom" (freedom from eating disorders or disordered eating) and I was thinking really deeply, this past week, about what I really wanted to change in myself.  The number one thing that coming back was I wanted to eat and feel good, eat a piece of pie at Thanksgiving and not regret it, or have a margarita and not secretly hate myself for it because I knew exactly where it was going.  So this year instead of a weight loss or fitness related goal for 2013, I'm going to NOT diet.  Does this mean I'm going to stuff my face with whatever I want?  No, it just means I will eat what I know my body needs to complete what I demand of it and not worry if I indulge a time or two.  I want to get back to being able to go out with my friends and enjoy myself, instead of stressing so much and staying home to avoid temptation.

Okay..feelings and seriousness is over, so here's my main highlights from 2012 in pictures :)

My first duathlon

My 5th Full Marathon

I started CrossFit

My first Warrior Dash

I lost my best friend

My first vacation since I can remember that didn't involve a race..or any agenda

My first triathlon

My first Ragnar! RagnarGR

My first CrossFit Competition

Sub 25min 5K with my amazing cheerleaders

My boyfriend got to come for the first time to one of my races!  (he was a collegiate baseball player)

Being chosen as an ENERGYBits Ambassador

Being chosen as a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador

While that's great and all; I CAN'T wait for what fate has in store for me in 2013...Here's a few things I have on my schedule and I'll see what life decides to throw in between..

3rd Half Marathon (February)

2nd Duathlon (April)

GRADUATION (May)

CAMPING post-graduation in Colorado (May)

4th Half Marathon (June)

2nd Triathlon (August)

Ragnar Las Vegas?! (October)

What're your highlights from 2012? What's on your goal list?  Do you have any plans for 2013? 

Almost Human again...**GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED**

SORRY it has taken me so long to announce the EnergyBits winner.  After finishing my finals on Friday I came down with a pretty nasty cold.  I was pretty much in bed every day/all day until yesterday!  But I'm feeling almost back to normal, so without waiting any longer...

THE WINNER IS....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ANDI M.  Please send me an email to: maureen.mccarville@gmail.com, so I can send you your goodies :)  And you too can be #PoweredByBits

Don't forget even if you didn't win, use my discount code GONEBEAST on EnergyBits website to take a little off :)

Under the Bar Fear and Milestones! *GIVEAWAY*

Yesterday's WOD & Extra Strength Workout:

1 HANG POWER SNATCH & 1 POWER SNATCH EVERY 1:30MIN FOR 10 ROUNDS

3X5 BACK SQUAT

MAX REPS IN 2 SETS OF KIPPING PULL-UPS

The snatch was the worst part of it!  For the life of me I CANNOT get over the fear of getting under the goddamn bar!!  Do I know why?  NO.  Is anything stopping me? NO.  Is it driving me nuts? YES.  Especially, since I've been stuck at 68# for a while now.  One of the coaches even said, if I could get over the fear of getting under the bar I'd be able to load the bar up way more.  Any suggestions?!

65# Power Snatch 

On the other hand my pull-ups have taken an amazing turn :)
I've always had to use some sort of band help to do kipping pull-ups since I started CrossFit in July.  Well, today part of our extra strength workout was to work on a gymnastic weakness, so one of the coaches told me to do kipping pull-ups.  We had to get as many reps as we could in two rounds.  Well, after the first one with the smallest band we had the coach asked if I could take away the band.

I had never tried kipping pull-ups without a band and was a little skeptical.  I decided to do it though.  I grabbed the bar, tightened my abs, butt, and prepared myself for failure.  I started with a couple BIG kips and started to pull myself up, expecting to making it half way and falling back down.  BUT guess what?!  I made it all the way!! Not only that I made it up 11 more times in 2 rounds!!!  It took me a couple minutes to realize what I had done and just stood there looking at my calluses thinking, "HOLY CRAP..I wanna do it again!"  This morning though...my body is feeling all that shoulder and back work and putting on jackets has been a little harder today, but well worth the pain!

Pull-ups with bands

**GIVEAWAY**

As most of you know I'm a Brand Ambassador for ENERGYBits.  This means I get to spread the amazingness that is algae and how it not only improves your workouts, but improves your insides, outsides, and your mind :)

Well I was just sent my ENERGYBits Brand Ambassador Starter Kit (Pictured below).  Inside of it contained cards with my discount code: GONEBEAST  and samples of ENERGYBits for my followers!  SOO I decided to have a giveaway based off the topic of this blogpost! The giveaway will include a sample of bits, discount codes, and information about algae and spirulina and how they affect your body!

It starts on MONDAY and ends that FRIDAY when Rafflecopter will pick the winner, so it's fair and unbiased.  Remember you can enter EVERYDAY, BUT you must do ALL the points to get entered!

GOOD LUCK and CAN'T wait to get you #PoweredByBits

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The "F" Word

WARNING: If you get easily offended from being called out..read no further.

SO, this past Saturday while I was at CrossFit a girl brought up our nutrition challenge.  She was asking a fellow member about how her's was going or if she was even doing it.  This same girl said the reason she was doing it was because she felt fat (okay, this girl is literally the identical size of me.  She's probably a little bit skinnier than I am).  One of my friend's said, "Alright, NO ONE is allowed to use the "F" word in front of me..fat that is."  Oh by the way, this girl is HILARIOUS, so go check out her blog: burpeesboxjumpsandbeer

I think my friend brought up a FANTASTIC subject.  I have noticed women in my classes talking about how their fat or need to lose a little here and there.  IT DRIVES ME INSANE when people do this.  WHY?  Other than the annoyance factor?  Well here are my reasons:

• Bad for your self-confidence

Do you honestly think it will help you if you keep calling yourself fat..even if you say it jokingly? 

• Bad for others' self-confidence/how they see themselves and their body

Don't forget that when you say something out loud, someone will hear it.  What if a young child heard you calling yourself fat over and over?  How do you think that will distort their view of body image and their own self-confidence?  Are you being the kind of role model you'd want a child you love looking up to??  I sure as hell know that I wouldn't want my baby cousin around ANYONE like that!

• Bad for others' view of you

How will people start to view you if you constantly call yourself fat?  Sometimes when people constantly say that, I wonder if they are just fishing for compliments or sympathies like, "OH NO you're not!  You're so skinny and so pretty."  BARF!  Sorry, no free compliments from this girl!  I eventually stop bringing up any subjects that might lead to those statements or if it's bad enough; I stop talking to that person all together. 

Realistically, I just get annoyed, pissed off, and want to punch people in the cooter when they say that.  Instead, I take a deep breath in, deep breath out, and change the subject. 

Okay, END OF RANT!  Is there anything that grinds your gears?? 

Are you making sure you're being a role model worth looking up to?

PS- If you really do think you need to lose some weight, then eat right, workout, and BE PATIENT, but STOP putting yourself down!

November Goals

I know it's already 2 weeks into November, but I finally figured out my goals for this month!  Here they are:

• Stick to Half Marathon Training Runs

I've been alright so far 3 weeks into my training, but I'm still slacking.  I need to make sure I'm getting all 3 runs in each week or there's no way I'll hit my goal time for the race in February.

• Crossfit at least 5x a week

This is one of my goals that I've been really good at keeping!  

• Stick to nutrition challenge rules

I've had WAY too many cheat meals than I should be!  Other than the cheat meals I have been doing quite well.

Do you have any November goals?  How are you going to stay strong through the Holidays?!

I am BEAST MODE: ViewSport Review

I recently tried a new brand for my workout attire.  If you know me, this is not something I tend to do.  I usually stick with what fits and I don't change.  I usually wear old t-shirts or Under Armour for my workout tops and Nike for my workout bottoms. 

Well, recently I was on Twitter and ViewSport had pointed out their Beast Mode line to me and I was like, "HOLY CRAP!!"  I loved how they looked and was psyched they came in long sleeve since it's getting colder here in the midwest.  Their clothing is has sweat activated technology.  When you sweat, a message appears!  Mine is supposed to be on the lower back, but I totally forgot to look after my workout...FAIL!

Step 1 to pleasing me as a customer: affordable prices!
They gave me a discount code to try it out and so with shipping the shirt cost me under $30.  That's pretty dang reasonable for a workout shirt.

Step 2 to pleasing me as a customer: Fit when trying it on.
When I tried it on Monday morning before CrossFit, I was sold!  It was soft to touch (sometimes tech shirts can be a little on the scratchy side).  It wasn't especially tight around parts of my body (my workout shirts tend to fit tighter around one area more than another, like chest, arm, or stomach).  I also liked that it wasn't tight around my midsection, especially since I still had a food baby from eating my body weight in pumpkin bread my sister-in-law made.  Lastly, I LOVED LOVED LOVED that it fit me length-wise PERFECTLY!!  If you're petite like me, this is my BIGGEST problem when I buy workout gear- nothing fits length-wise.  Everything is always made for someone about 4-5 inches taller than me, so shirts end below my ass and my sleeves cover my hands.  NOT with ViewSport, the shirt ended at just above my hips and the sleeves ended just below my wrist!  This is probably the biggest reason I will buy from ViewSport again!

You can see it falls just above my hips..WIN!  PS- I'm 5'0"

Step 2 to pleasing me as a customer: Fit DURING EXERCISE.
I tried the shirt out on Monday during CrossFit and then during my sprint intervals.  It was great during CrossFit because it was long sleeve and slightly chilly in the box.  Then, during sprints it was AWESOME!!  Of course, I got a little hotter/sweatier and so I pushed up the sleeves and they stayed!!! If this doesn't make sense, I'll explain.  Whenever I wear long sleeve shirts to workout and want to push up the sleeves after I get warmed up; they always fall back down.  INSANELY ANNOYING!  Also, it didn't ride up, bunch up, and honestly I didn't even have to think about it was moving because I forgot about it.  I usually have to constantly pull down shirts, pull them up from around my hips, or I just get annoyed with how they twist around my midsection.  It's nice to be able to run and not worry about how my shirt is fitting.  Also, it wicked sweat quite well.  Of course, I was sweaty after over 30mins of sprints, but I didn't feel like I was swimming in my own sweat!!  It's one of the best fabrics I've ever worked out in.

IT MOVES WITH ME!!

I highly recommend checking out their tops!  They have everything from long sleeves to tank tops.  If you do order, be aware that they're sizes run a little small.  I usually wear anywhere from a xsmall-small in tops, but I ordered a medium with them.  GO CHECK OUT THEIR GEAR; don't just take my word!

I approve, but it's still REALLY early in the morning!

WEBSITE: http://www.viewsport.us/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ViewSPORT
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/ViewSPORT

CROSSFIT COMPETITION!!!!!!

Okay, seriously I need to figure out how to add sound effects (I feel like the title should have an awesome voice).  If you've ever talked to me you know how much I LOVE using sound effects.  My boyfriend laughs at me all the time when as I make turning and breaking noises when I drive.

ANYWAYS, let's get to business!  This past weekend I participated in my second crossfit competition! Instead, this time we went to one of the other gyms, CrossFit402.  I'll quickly list the three WODs we had to complete, but I'm not going to go into great detail (I could write a novel, if I did).  PS- I used ENERGYBits in between WODs to keep me strong and energized!

WOD #1:
25 Toes 2 Bar (I scaled to Knees to Elbow)
9-7-5 Deadlift and Hang Clean (full squat; 75#)
25 Toes 2 Bar (Knees to Elbow)
Completed in: 8:49min

WOD #2:
3 RDS: Lateral Burpees (over bar) and OH Walking Lunges (10x, 10#)
Use remainder of 8min to find 3RM OH Squat (have to snatch bar into place)

Got 65#

WOD #3:
8min AMRAP
Before you can begin AMRAP: 550m Run and 200 Single Unders
2 Snatch- 2 Wall Walks
4 Snatches- 4 Wall Walks, etc
I got to round 4 and 2 snatches.

I got to peek at the WODs on Wednesday when the hosting box posted them on their blog.  I knew right away that I wasn't going to be placing or even in the running to place.  The WODs contained A LOT of strength and shoulder work..my weaknesses!  Now if there would have been pull-ups, running, burpees, or anything like that; it would have been a different story, but it wasn't.  At first I was little bummed that I would be no where near competitive that Saturday, but then I remembered the whole reason why I started crossfit: TO GET STRONGER.  If I went lower scaled weights and could go faster, would I place?  Maybe, but would I really be improving..probably not.  That's when I decided I would use this competition as a way to push myself; with all these people cheering you on...why not try for higher weights.  What's the worst that could happen?  I don't get it, but at least I tried.

I didn't place, but it felt AMAZING to get those higher weights and to work on my form (my snatch form is awful!).  It was a great competition and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.  I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!

Does your box compete with other boxes?  Or do you compete within your box?

The athletes from the different gyms

Some of the athletes from my box

MINI UPDATE ON NUTRITION CHALLENGE:
This past weekend I had a football/halloween party and kinda hiccuped on the nutrition challenge.  It wasn't terrible; it just wasn't zone and paleo.  I didn't get all bent out of shape and then I felt even better about it when I talked to some of the other people participating, on Monday.  They also talked about how they had fallen off the wagon.  I got back on the next day and didn't think too much about it.

Lunch yesterday..had to use TWO plates!

BY THE WAY: If you're friends or anyone say that eating healthy leaves them hungry..they're doing it wrong!!  Do you see that picture^^^  That was my lunch yesterday; I had to use TWO plates for all my food!!  I can't believe how much I WASN'T eating vegetables.  The amount of vegetables I have consumed in the last week is RIDICULOUS, but it's what I needed to do!  I'll keep you updated on more meals and recipes because raw veggies are getting boring.  

AND here's some more pictures from the competition that I couldn't leave out!

Some of the girls that competed from my box

Me before the last WOD- my mom's an aspiring photographer ;)

GOTTA LOVE PICSTITCH

Pre-Snatch

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!! 

What are you going as?  Or did you already have a party, like me??

I was "The Walk of Shame" and my boyfriend (top right corner) was a Rabbi

8-Week Nutrition Challenge!

My CrossFit box is having a nutrition challenge for the next 8 weeks and I was crazy enough to join!!  It was a $50 buy-in, but I have an opportunity to win it all back!!  Here's the rules, as written by one of the coaches:

Okay, if you're not as skilled in reading messy handwriting (I've had life-long practice with my dad's atrocious writing..you'd think he was a doctor); I'll explain here:

1. It's a combination of zone and paleo (don't worry I'm not done explaining).
2. For the paleo aspect: 
1. Eat all meats, nuts (NO peanuts are not nuts), seeds, and veggies
2. Some fruit is allowed (eat it with breakfast or post workout; try and avoid it later at night, unless you workout at night).
3. Little starch (a little is allowed around workouts and morning)
4. NO SUGAR! (fake sugars are included in this, so dump that crap down the drain!)
5. Keep alcohol VERY limited
3. For the zone aspect: 
1. He took our measurements (weight, body fat %, butt, waist, and arm)
2. Based off all these he gave us our "blocks" (instead of using calories, zone uses blocks, so that you eat more balanced- carbs, fats, and protein)
3. I was given 12 blocks a day 
4. We have to break that into 5 meals a day, so I chose: 3 2 3 1 3
1. This means that at a given meal I will eat that many "blocks" of EACH macro- carb, fat, protein
5. Then we went over what constitutes as a "block"
1. In general, most lean meats are 1oz=1block
2. Eggs: 1egg=1block
3. It varies with veggies and fruits, but if you google "zone diet" there's really good documents that have how much amount of food= a block
4. Every night we have to fill out our charts that give us points, or take away, for everything we've ingested and our workouts.
5. We are also suggested to start taking fish oil (or eat fish) and multivitamins
1. I choose a fish oil (I HATE fish) and it has a special coating, so it doesn't taste funky
2. I have a multivitamin from HyVee based on GNC's women's mega (for WAY cheaper)
6. We also are told to pick 3 meals a week and not worry about zone or paleo.  This does NOT mean to let loose and go crazy; still try and stay healthy, but don't get caught up on staying within the exact blocks.

Okay, so that was a pretty simplified explanation, so if you have any questions: comment below or ask me on my Facebook or Twitter!  Of course, I will still be eating my ENERGYBits before workouts because they fit within my guidelines and they've improved my performance SOOO much!!

Now, why am I doing this?!  Well, recently at CrossFit we've been talking about our weaknesses and nutrition is definitely one of them!  I mean I eat pretty healthy, but I could do so much better!!  Also, it really hit me when one of the girls, that I usually try and keep up with during workouts, said, "I just want to do it to show off all the hard work I put in here."  It's SOOO true; I work my ass off and only eat "pretty" healthy?!  Does that make sense..yeah doesn't to me either!  My sister-in-law tells her friends/coworkers that I'm a "shit, brick house."  Well, I'm pretty small and built, but I'd like anyone on the street who saw me to say that about me!

Also, I decided it was time to make a change and hold myself accountable after the coach took our measurements...yikes!  Now they're not horrible, but NO WHERE near where I would like them.  Here goes..don't judge:

1. Weight: 125#
2. Body Fat %: 22.5%
3. Waist: 29.5"
4. Butt: 35.5"
5. Arm: 10.5"

I'd like my BF% in the teens (not low teens though) and my waist closer to 27-26."

I'll leave you with a picture from my breakfast this AM: 1/4 cantaloupe, 3/4 cup egg whites, and 2.25 cup kale sauteed in olive oil.

Do you follow any special diets?  If so, which one?  

Back to Endurance Racing...

Also, in my exciting news: I have signed up for more races!! The last two "endurance" races I had done were: my 5th marathon in June and my first sprint triathlon in August. I have done a couple other shorter races (5K and 10K) because I am trying to focus more on my speed and strength. Plus, if you've never done a distance race; it is MENTALLY TAXING. I LOVE my marathons because they have taught me how strong I am physically and mentally, but by the time that 5th one came around I was ready to be done for a while. I really liked the triathlon for the same reason, but it was a little easier mentally because by the time I was sick of one event it was time to move to the next one. I had decided I needed a break from endurance racing, especially with my last year of college and a part-time job approaching. I switched gears to shorter distances and fell in love all over.

I had done cross country in high school, but only as a way to stay in shape for soccer. After running my first 5K since high school, I wanted more! I enjoyed getting to run fast and not having to save anything in my tank for multiple hours of running. Then, this week my sister-in-law (who got me to do my first half, my first marathon, and all the marathons and half's since) called me about the Cowtown Marathon in February in Fort Worth, TX.


My rockstar sister-in-law and me after completing RAGNAR
(2 Days of relay running, no sleep, and no showers)

 She said her and my brother were going to run the full and that I should think about doing it. Well, I know that mentally I am not ready for a full; I still need a little seperation period before I put myself through the ringer again (not that I don't enjoy it). Also, we figured it would be a perfect family reunion because a majority of my mom's siblings and my grandma live in Fort Worth AND are runners (yes, my entire family is crazy). I met her in the middle and said that I would do the half because it would require some training, but I wouldn't have to worry about getting a 20-mile run completed while I'm studying for finals. SO, what does this have to do with ENERGYBits??

Well, I am going to be using ENERGYBits as my source of fuel before and during my training and during my race! In case you didn't know, endurance racers have to refuel during the event because eventually your body burns through your energy stores and wants to start taking it out of your muscles UNLESS you give it more energy to take from. I have tried GUs, other gels, blocks, beans..you name it; I've consumed it. Unfortunately, I have one of the most tempermental stomachs and EVERYTHING has done unimaginable things to my digestive system during a race.  I will keep you updated on how these little bits will push me through my runs and workouts!!

People have started asking me if I will be putting CrossFit on the back burner now that I'm adding in more races.  The answer is NO NO NO!  One because I am obsessed/addicted (whatever word you want) to CrossFit.  It has made me stronger and faster as a runner, so I won't stop!  If you need some more evidence that lifting/strength training will improve your running; take a look at Blonde Ponytail's blogpost about running and CrossFit. 

For now here is my upcoming race schedule:
October 28th- 5K
November 22- Trail 5K
February 22- Half Marathon

Is this likely to change?  MOST DEFINITELY. 
Do I have times in mind?  YES, I'd like to PR on all of them.  For the 5K that means anything under 24:30 and for the half I'd like to be under 1:55.  I will keep you updated with my training schedules (once I figure them out) and how EnergyBits is helping me push through and improve my training!!

Are you registered for any upcoming races?  Do you take anything pre-workout?

Exciting News!!!!

 



In case you didn't read the title, I have some super awesome news!!  I was picked to be a Brand Ambassador for EnergyBits!!  In case you missed my review when I first tried them out; here it is again. 

 

I wanted to add a little bit more about the company and how it got started.  The founder, Catharine, started this company after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago.  Her Oncologist told her to try adding more alkaline to her diet.  Catharine started reading more about green nutrition, gave up her career, studied and taught nutrition, and then launched this wonderful company!  This was another reason I really wanted to be a part of this company, in some way at least.  If you don't know me or my family I'll give you a quick synapses.  My great-grandmother on my mother's side died from breast cancer and my grandmother on my father's side was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago and survived!  I also have numerous other types of cancers floating around my gene pool along with countless other diseases and illnesses.  I have always understood that nutrtion IS your health care, if you don't eat right and put the right things into your body; you're asking for trouble.  Which is why I LOVE ENERGYBits; I don't have to worry about what chemical is going into my body and how it will effect me not just immediately, but 10-15 years down the road.   If my review hasn't persuaded you to switch to "green energy," hopefully that story will :) 

 

Now what does it mean to be a Brand Ambassador?  Well, it means I get to spread the word to everyone about EnergyBits and how much it has helped my performance!  I will get to give (thanks to EnergyBits) discounts and giveaways to followers, so if you haven't yet make sure you "Like" and Follow EnergyBits on Facebook and Twitter.  Also, "Like" my page, The Young The Fit and Follow me on Twitter for updates on these discounts and giveaways :)

 

Also, as a Brand Ambassador I'd like to start doing a weekly or monthly nutrition or fitness blog post.  What do you think?  If so, please comment on what you'd like answered or discussed!

Stay tuned for how I will be incorporating EnergyBits into my everyday life and my training!! 

 

 



 



ENERGYBits Review

How many of you take a pre-workout booster?  How many of you pop dozens of supplements everyday? How many of you drink endless amounts of coffee a day?  Well, I DO (I did that is).  I recently got to sample the energy booster, ENERGYBits.  

They are these little tablets that are made from 100% organic spirulina algae.  Algae is NOT a supplement, it is a food!  Algae is actually a crop, grown!!  I was sold once I read about just that.  Supplements are made in labs.  Chemists mix all different sorts of things and put it in a gel casing, but what are they really going to do to your body?  I’d much rather put a crop into my body any day.  

MY EXPERIENCE:

I had just spent ALL DAY in classes or studying for other classes and was feeling REALLY sluggish.  I hadn’t gotten a work out in yet and almost didn’t because I was dragging during my night class.  I knew I just needed to kick my ass into gear and go to the gym for a late night workout.  After my class I shuffled back into my car and popped open my container of ENERGYBits.  I swallowed all 30 tablets.

As I was walking up the hill towards my college’s gym, I noticed a surge of energy.  By the time I made it to the free weight area that I wanted to do my workout in; I WAS PUMPED.  I wasn’t jittery though, like I usually get after taking pre-workout boosters.  To say I “owned” or “powered” through that workout would be an understatement.  I felt AMAZING!  Here’s the workout I completed (part of which is from The Blonde Ponytail’s blog GNC Gonna Make You Sweat).  

WORKOUT #1:

Reverse Lunges with Front Squat Bar Placement

4 rounds of 5x each leg for Maximum Weight

2min break

WORKOUT #2: Blonde Ponytail Blog

5 Rounds of:

30 secs Med Ball Thruster

30 secs jump rope

30 secs Med Ball Push-ups

30 secs jump rope

30 secs Wood Chop (Right)

30 secs jump rope

30 secs Wood Chop (Left)

30 secs jump rope

REST 1MIN

2min break 

WORKOUT #3:

4RDS- 400m Row, Rest 1min in between each round (3% resistance)

4RDS- 100m Row, Rest 1min in between each round (3% resistance)

COOL DOWN- 800m Row (NO resistance)

Not only was I able to own that workout, but then afterwards the trainer on the floor came up to me and gave me one of the BEST compliments I have ever received.  One he told me I was a beast and second he told me that he wished more of his clients would push to my work ethic.  He said that if his clients would work that hard, they would ALWAYS see the results.  My response: “my theory is that if I’m going to be here, I might as well make it worth it!”

Now what you may be wondering is if I will be buying it?  The answer is YES, after I get payed, of course :)

They are perfect if you compete in sports or anything like that because most supplements have banned substances, but ENERGYBits do not because algae is the ONLY ingredient..how awesome?!

There are also other Bits to support your needs:

RecoveryBits

VitalityBits

SkinnyBits

I chose ENERGYBits because they are designed for athletes and active lifestyles and it was PERFECT, but don’t just take my word for it though; check it out!!  

Here’s their website: http://www.energybits.com/

Twitter: @EnergyBits

Facebook: EnergyBits Facebook

Progress

I've been doing CrossFit for close to two months now and I'm finally getting my eating down.  I've always known that your "diet" is 80% of your results, but just because you know something doesn't mean you follow it.  Am I right or what?  I wanted to share some pictures because I haven't really been seeing a difference in myself.  I also decided to take my measurements recently and I am:

1. Up 2lbs
2. Down 3% in Body Fat
3. My muscles (biceps, legs, and butt) have all grown at least .5 an inch
4. My chest has gone down an inch (not sure how that was possible)
5. I PR'd in a recent 5K!!

I feel stronger and more confident than ever!!  To prove that sometimes all that matters is a mental change; here are some before and currents.  Why don't I say after?  I always consider myself and under construction and still working to be better than before!  Stole this idea as well from Rachelle, of Bare-To-Bake.  Also, I'm using these pictures to show why nutrition is SO important when it comes to seeing results!  I have no idea where I would be today if I would have nailed nutrition down much sooner, but oh well you can't dwell on the past.  I only learn and move forward :)

This was me two years ago when I first started really getting into fitness after quitting college soccer and started training for my first half marathon.

These were both taken about two weeks ago.  About a month into finally nailing down my nutrition!

Also, what has helped me change my physique and muscle tone has been CrossFit!  My muscles are growing, I notice my biceps and legs are harder, and I'm so much stronger already!!

A picture during a Sunday WOD...WARM-UP= technique practice!!

Do you see those shoulders!!  I've never had that definition before.  Plus, I've never felt confident rocking my 80s inspired PINK top, but now I LOVE it and how it makes my muscles look. :)

Flashdance anyone??

I will leave you with a picture of my "dream board."  It has sayings and pictures to motivate me.  It also has a list/pictures of my long and short term goals, along with steps I have to get to every day in order to complete my goals!

Do you use a dream board??  Have you reached any of your goals??