The Positives in Failures

Another post/rant about why I LOVE Crossfit.  I know you probably see these all over the place and I know I've written about it, but hey maybe there's something to this..maybe Crossfit is really THAT great! 

The reason I started crossfit (deep down the REAL, god honest reason):
I wanted to LOOK HOT.  Let's be honest everyone wants to look good.  People want to be that person that the crowd turns around and takes a double take because they can't believe their eyes.  We're all a little vain..and there's nothing wrong with this.  When I originally started crossfit, I wanted to look like Ms. Justine Munroe (pictured- found on RxMuscle.com).

I wanted to compete in a competition because I wanted those abs.  I never have had abs, so I figured I'd be happy if I could just get those cuts.  Well I found out quickly that my priorities changed....

 

What I got from crossfit (it wasn't the hot bod):  Okay, yes my muscles have grown and I am a little more toned, but not in any extreme fashion.  What I got from crossfit was something totally different:

- I became stronger

- I became more flexible

- I feel stronger, more independent

- I feel more confident in my own skin

- I feel more confident on my views

- I am more determined and have a stronger will power

- I EMBRACE THE SUCK

Why I stay, even though I fail: People have asked me why I do crossfit- I'm not as strong (or will ever be) as many of the elite.  I have many goats (weaknesses) and am still working on...well, everything (pull-ups, lifts, gymnastics, etc.).  My response/defense is that I wasn't ever going to win a marathon, not even close, but I still ran because why let failure stop you?

If we avoided things we weren't good at or failed at; how would we grow?  How would we find out what we're good at?  That's why I love crossfit.  Many of the people at my box will never compete in The Games or even be considered a "contender."  I'm okay with that because even though we fail at one point or another, we're always there for each other!!

Even though I may not complete a WOD, I can tell I'm progressing. I didn't finish Monday's WOD:
3 Rounds-
10 Pullups
30 Double Unders.

At first, I was pissed.  I wanted to walk away and mope, but then I had to think of something to take away.  What did I decide to take away??  It was my first WOD EVER I did unassisted pull-ups.  I always had to use some sort of band, even a really really thin one.   But I did this one all on my own and I was pretty damn proud of myself!

 

The final point and reason behind my post: The Open



The Crossfit Open is 1 WOD a week from March 5-April 7.  You can try each WOD as many times that week, as you would like.  Just make sure your score is in by that Sunday.  Nothing can be scaled, so if you can't lift a weight; you just keep trying and trying. 



I was terrified last week.

WOD Week 1:
17min AMRAP
40 Burpees
30 Snatches (45#)
30 Burpees
30 Snatches (75#)
20 Burpees
30 Snatches (100#)
10 Burpees
As Many Snatches at 120# for remainder of time

I had only ever snatched 73# and it was THAT Thursday!  How in the world was I going to do 75# two days later?  Well, I didn't but it was a great learning experience and I couldn't be happier that I did it.  Did I do well..hell no, but my friends from my box were still cheering me on.  How could you want to be a part of that community?
 

Tomorrow I'll be trying Week 2 WOD:
 

10min AMRAP:

5 Shoulder to Overhead (75#)--thank god I just got 100# on my split jerk!

10 Deadlifts (same weight)

15 Box Jumps (20in)
 

 

I know it doesn't look difficult, but I think my biggest struggle will be fatigue.  It's easy to get cocky and think I'll knock this out, but going too quick on deadlifts could ruin my box jumps.  I guess only time will tell...literally.

Suzie Homemaker Alert!!

This crazy thing has been happening this past weekend.  I've been spending more time in the kitchen (insert sexist joke here).  I've decided that I want to save WAY more money, so that I can possibly move away from Omaha after I get my degree.  I noticed I tend to spend the most amount of wasted money on food from Panera or Blue Planet Natural Grill (a local restaurant that only makes food from fresh ingredients and doesn't fry anything!).  

They are both AMAZE-BALLS, but let's face it..they're not saving me anything.  I started searching on Pinterest and the internet for healthy, easy-to-make meals for myself.  Here's what I've come up with so far:

Grain Free Tortillas and Tacos
 

Makes 1 large tortilla or 2 small

Tortilla:

2 tbsp almond flour

1/2 tbsp water

1 egg

Mix together and cook on med heat skillet.  Flip when golden brown (about 3min). Cook for another 2-3min

Top with choice of meat, veggies, and other taco toppers.  In this picture I have ground turkey, lettuce, and organic salsa

Naked Turkey Burgers (from Muscle and Fitness Hers)

Makes 7 small turkey burgers

1lb ground turkey
1egg white
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 garlic powder
1/4 poultry seasoning
2tsp Dijon mustard
(I also added 1/4 cup bread crumbs)

Combine all ingredients and divide into patties
Cook on skillet or grill! (It was too cold to fire up the grill so I opted for the skillet)

Sweet Potato Chips

1 sweet potato
1tsp olive oil

Cut thin with mandolin (I LOVE MY MANDOLIN!)
Toss with olive oil and spread on cooking sheet (make sure they don't overlap)
Cook at 400 for 25-30min

Also, I made the turkey burgers and sweet potato chips on the same day, so I decided to top the burgers with some chips.  My only remark--WHY DID I NOT THINK OF THIS BEFORE?!?

Avocado, Egg, and Bacon Bake (from Pinterest- not sure who made it)

It's pretty simple:
Cut avocado, take out pit and about 3/4 of the insides and save for meals
Put in cooking pan WITH LIPS!! (this is so the avocado doesn't roll over and dump out the egg). 
CAREFULLY pour egg in each side of the avocado.
Sprinkle on top UNCOOKED bacon
Bake at 425 for at least 15min (more if you like your egg cooked well- like me)

...Oh and for anyone that thinks eating little to nothing is the way to go..well here's my answer..

YEAH..I eat a lot of food!!

Avocado on Avocado on Avocado **RECIPE**

Lately I've been having an avocado obsession, so here's a couple of recipes I came up with!!

Avocado and Kale Recipe:
Ingredients:
3 avocados (pit scooped out)
3 lemons, peeled (could use limes or mix them)
2 bags of Kale

1. pit and peel both the avocados and citrus and place in blender
2. mix to consistency you like (I like mine smooth)
3. massage avocado/citrus mixture onto kale leaves
4. ENJOY!

Here's my recipe from the Super Bowl.  My friend, Twyla, has asked me to bring a healthier, gluten free dip that she could enjoy without feeling guilty.

Avocado and Greek Yogurt Dip:
Ingredients:
3 avocados
1 lemon
1 lime
Organic salsa
2 large cans of chicken (in water, 98% fat free)
1 cup plain greek yogurt
spices you want

Layer 1:
Mix spices with greek yogurt, like chili powder or cayenne pepper, cilantro, etc.
Spread into bottom of dish

Layer 2:
Blend pitted avocados and peeled lemon and lime in a blender (leave some chunks)
Add in spices, like cayenne pepper or chili powder
Spread on top of Layer 1

Layer 3:
Open chicken and drain the water
Spread on top of Avocado layer

Layer 4:
Top it all off with that salsa!! and ENJOY


Today's Workout:
*45min of Spin

*18:31 of Lifting:
10 Pushups
15 Power Clean and Press (65#)
25 Bench Jumps
25 Overhand Inverted Row
25 Thrusters (20#)
25 Overhand Inverted Row
25 Bench Jumps
15 Power Clean and Press (65#)
10 Pushups

PS- HAPPY NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY!!  Have you had your pancakes today??  I didn't..would anyone be willing to share their favorite clean pancake recipe?!

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?  

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??

Vacation=Not a Time for Quitting

I can't hold in my excitement of leaving in the early morning for vacation...AHHHHHHHHHHKAJLFKJ (was that enough for you to get the idea)??  I don't think I've been on a real vacation (where I just relaxed) for over a year.  I already warned work and other not so important places that I will NOT be answering my phone.  I am taking this next week and a half to relax and recoup.

Now, I know the biggest thing people fear about going on vacation is that they'll follow off their healthy lifestyle "wagon."  NOT TO FEAR I have already thought about this and worked ahead and am going to leave some tips:

1. PACK FOOD for the road trip- I have a 10-hr road trip in front of me and it is easy to slip into the gas station binge with chocolate candies and Cheetos.  Instead, I have packed veggies and fruit that can be eaten without making a huge mess.  Forgot to pack??  Just eat smart at the gas stations and restaurants.  You know deep down what's good and what's bad (donuts and pizza- bad, unsalted nuts and raw fruit- good)!
2. STAY ACTIVE- let whoever you are traveling with or meeting up with that you will have to fit time in to workout.  Luckily, my mother (whom I am traveling with) knows me and knows I will not miss a day, even though we're on vacation.  I also already arranged to borrow my Aunt's bike while we're on vacation and asked where open water would be located for some swimming, so my family knows that I have no intentions of slacking on my workouts.
3. REMEMBER YOUR GOALS- my last piece of advice seems like the most obvious, but can be hard to follow in the moment.  On vacation most people like to eat lavishly and forget all about their health goals...DON'T!  Even if the people with you partake in overindulging, remember what your goals are and that you can't reach them if keep holding yourself back.  They may look at you strangely, but who cares..are you doing it for them?? NOPE.  It's just for you so stay strong!  I'll keep you updated with some on-the-go workouts and meals while I'm gone :)

Also, I have to keep you updated on CrossFit..DUH!  I am loving it, still.  One of the coaches put it best the other night, "Embrace The Suck!"  He meant that yeah it's going to suck and it's going to be hard, but embrace that part because you will come out SO much stronger and prouder of yourself for finishing.  Which is so true because I cannot honestly remember the last time I pushed myself this hard. I literally finish EVERY SINGLE workout by collapsing on the ground because there is nothing else left in me.  Maybe that's why I love it so much; it's the EXACT same feeling I get after completing a marathon.  It is also SO humbling to be back in the athlete/team atmosphere.  I know I am strong and can push myself, but to see that I have so much farther to go before I am as strong as some of the other girls at my gym motivates me.  I want to be able to push press over 150# or do a muscle up without breaking a sweat!!  I did however get a rope climb (15 feet for the first time EVER..couldn't have done it without them pushing me).

My yummy rope burn.  Note to self:  don't wear short shorts to a rope climb

I also am obsessed with the gym:  http://crossfithydro.blogspot.com/ if you're interested in learning more.  It is more than working hard.  It's like a community- we workout together, we cheer each other on, challenge each other to move faster or lift heavier, and hang out after the workouts.  I feel at home again being a part of a team atmosphere again :)

Hanging out after a WOD

Here's an example of a couple our WODs:

#1 3 sets of Push Presses (3x is one set)
     2 sets of Jerks (2x is one set)
     1 set of Split Jerks (1x is one set)
    2mins of as many squat jumps as you could get
I did 83# for push presses and 93# for both jerks and split jerks, and got 72 (I think) squat jumps


#2  7 Rounds of:
      10 pull-ups (chin over bar)
      20 burpees (no push-up)
      30 stick jumps
 I had to scale mine and use a blue band to help me kip up to the pull-ups and used a 16" bench instead of 20", but I finished in 19:30!!


Here's what I tend to look like after only 20mins of balls to the wall!!!

Even my baby muscles are showing through!

I'll finish up with some FUN pictures of the Warrior Dash I did in Iowa with my sister-in-law, my brother, and some of her friends!!

FIRE JUMPER- Channeling some Hunger Games 

Before the Mess

Post Dash

Me and My sister-in-law

Yeah, we're pretty tough!

New Month, New Ideas/Challenges

I usually don't write more than once a week, but since it's the beginning of the month I made an exception. Especially since it'll be the start of a new type of challenge!  

If you've read any of my previous posts you know how much I love weekly nutritional or physical challenges.  Well I want to add a different type of challenge, a longer challenge:  the whole month long!! 

March is National Nutrition Month, so I'm kicking up my clean eating a notch.

It's amazing how much my nutrition has improved already over the past few months, but I have let myself slip up and make excuses, so this month I'm not letting myself get away with it!  Not that I won't give in to a piece of dark chocolate or a good ol' home cooked meal every once in a while, but not 2x a week.  I plan on keeping a track on the changes I notice (not physically, but inside).  I'm interested to see what the improvements will do for my training and how I feel daily.  

Also, I want to stay in "beast mode" during all my workouts all month.  Yes, I work my ass off during my workouts, but there are some days I wonder if I could have given more during a workout and usually if I can ask that it means I could have.  This doesn't mean I'll be working out more often or longer; it just means I'm going to be giving all that I have during that time I'm in the gym.  I want to leave everything I have on that gym floor, bike, outside, or pool.  

I'll keep you updated on my progress!