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.

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?!

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?