Holy Buckets…I'm Back!!! Updates GALORE!!

I think my life has finally settled down enough to allow me to start blogging again.

Since my last post I had started looking for a job, living pay check to pay check, and real life decided to kick me in the a$$ with my student loan bills!  I probably put on close to 15lbs of "who cares" weight and I had no motivation to workout besides when I taught cycling 5x a week.  I felt overwhelmed, stressed out, and disappointed in myself.

Needless to say the last half of 2013 was a struggle, but 2014 turned around for me!  At the very beginning of the year I was offered a job which helped with a lot of my stress.  I had also decided in 2014 that I wanted to conquer some goals.  I wanted to tackle things I had never tried before.  I was sick of being "down."

In February one such goal kind of threw itself into my lap.  I ran into someone at a bar in town who also happened to be a fitness competition coach.  Well I was probably over revealing because I had a few too many shots and talked to him about how I'd been wanting to do a competition for years, but just didn't know how to start, what to do, how it all worked, etc.

Well about a week later I ended up meeting with him to go over prep and how contests work.  I had a contest already picked out- NPC Duel of Champions here in Omaha on June 7th, 2014 (the day after my birthday).  I had always thought I would do a bikini competition, but he thought I'd do better in a figure since I am built broader.  We took some measurements and body fat percentage.  I started at 138lbs and a little over 24% body fat.  I check in with him every two weeks for measurements.  After a month I am down to 17.95% body fat and 130lbs.  This last time I went in I had my shoes, so I also got to practice posing for the first time.  Let me tell you it looks way easier than it actually is.  I've been practicing while sitting at work or driving in the car.  I want to do as well as I possibly can.

My shoes!

That is why I have been quite diligent with my prep I figure if I'm in this and I'm going to walk on stage in 13 weeks (OMG!!) why not go for it?  And so far I am loving it.  It has given me something to work for.  I am motivated again.  Not only are my clothes fitting again (which is always nice), but I feel better and I have more energy because I'm no longer eating whatever crap.

I know some people will think I'm crazy for doing it or wonder why.  The reason I'm doing this and have wanted to is to say I did it.  The dedication and will power it takes to compete is amazing to me and I want to prove to myself I have that same dedication and will power!  I have the most amazing support group around me to push me through this.  When I told a small group of my friends they didn't judge and immediately asked if they could come cheer me on when I walk on stage.

My awesome cheerleaders after one of my races- they were the loudest ones!

The biggest issue that has popped up so far is gum.  I started chewing gum to crave my sweet tooth.  Well apparently one day I chewed too many pieces of gum (yes, it's possible).  In case you didn't know there is an ingredient in sugar free gum called Xylitol, I believe.  Well it can't really be digested by your stomach and so the bacteria in your stomach feeds on it which can cause gas in your stomach.  That gas can then turn into massive, horrible stomach cramps.  It was awful- it didn't help to lay down, it didn't help to stand up.  Nothing made it feel better.  Well, I learned my lesson and backed WAY WAY off my gum chewing habits.  

Well, I think that is enough updating for now.  Watch out for my next post!  I'm going to review a brand new product (at least to me) and a couple of possible giveaways coming your way!!!

I'll leave you with this recent quote from Academy Award winner, Lupita Nyong'o.  I think it's quite fitting, don't you?

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.

Pre-Cowtown Jitters

It's finally here...race week!!!

Of course it can't come without some impending problems....like Winter Storm Q (yeah, apparently weather guys up here were getting upset that our big storms don't get names..) that's supposed to drop a foot of snow the day I am supposed to leave for Texas.  While writing this we decided to leave a day early to just not play with fate or Mother Nature (she's a real testy lady). Also, if I haven't mentioned my training for this half marathon has been (put on your ear muffs) a total shit storm.  I've been teaching cycling classes 4x a week, take college classes 4x a week, and do crossfit 4-6x a week.  Plus last week I got the 'end of the world, I hate my life, put me down now' stomach flu.  I was pretty much on a Gatorade diet from Tuesday-Sunday.

I'm hoping some serious adrenaline will kick in and my new strong muscles will carry me through the 5K on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday (did I mentioned I signed up for the Cowtown Challenge..yeah it comes with a sick medal)!

I have no plans or estimated finishing time for this race, just because of how poorly this training has gone.  I just want to go out there, maybe without my watch (?!), and hopefully fall in love with running again.  I want to enjoy the company of my family and the scenery of Fort Worth (yes, I'm serious..I LOVE Fort Worth). I'm kind of excited just to have fun and no pressure on this race!!

I plan on using ENERGYBits about halfway through to help me finish this race!  I'll let you know how it goes!

Do you have any big races or events coming up? How do you deal with obstacles that come up? 

Failures and Triumphs

Why do I love crossfit, besides my new found strength, growing muscles, and amazing community?

You aren't allowed to have an ego!  If you're anywhere near or around my level, where the games will always be something you watch on TV.  Christmas Abbot and Andrea Ager are your idols..you also are quite familiar with failure..A LOT!  That's why I love it.  The minute I get a little cocky because I nailed a body weight exercise WOD..I get out on my ass by a damn Oly (Olympic lifting) WOD because I can't get under the damn bar and SQUAT!

It's very similar to love I have for endurance events.  I love them because you won't always have a great run, you won't always PR at every race, and you might just have a shitty training season (like I am currently in).  But everyday you still get out there, you still put in the time, and you still follow your nutrition for race day to perfection.


Some of my friends consider this passion of mine an obsession or weird.  I smile and just walk away because I know in my mind that this all transfers to real life.  I never allow myself to get too cocky, but I never get too down on myself because I always remember that there will be a new day, another chance to try it again.

What is your biggest failures?  How do you overcome them? I try and follow up a bad workout the next day with a confidence boost lift.  Yesterday- I couldn't for the life of me get under the bar during cleans, so today I did squats and am almost back up to my max from before I got hurt! 


PS- next week is Valentine's Day..have you bought something sweet for your loved our for yourself? Want to give your body something sweet without the guilt?! Comment below and see how you can get a discount for EnergyBits!

Crossfit Competition Numero Tres

Today I got to compete (or participate might be a better word) in another crossfit competition with my box (Crossfit Hydro) and two other local gyms (Crossfit Artis and Crossfit 402).  

It was awesome and sucked all at the same time!! I love these competition between the three boxes because it's not just about winning.  No matter what gym people are from, everyone cheers for each other.  We especially cheer for those who look like they need an extra boost!

They also make me realize how far I've come since I started in July.  If you would have told me 6 months ago that I'd be 100% engrossed in this sport and thriving off the community feel, I probably would have laughed in your face....

..but here I am 100% engrossed and thriving...I think the pictures do it better justice.

WOD #1:

1Min at each station; continous

Double Unders

Deadlifts (95#)

KB Swings (35#)

Jumping Squats

Wall Walks

WOD #2:

5min AMRAP

Squat Snatch (65#)

**This was 5# away from my PR, so I was pretty happy when I did 13**

WOD #3:

10min AMRAP

1 clean (65#)

1 push press

1 burpee

2 clean

2 push press

2 burpee

(and keep going up until 10min)

YEAH..that one kicked my ass

AND here are some more pictures about the community..

Talking to one of the owner's of Fit Farm

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?!

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??

Expanding My Knowledge and Capabilities

This weekend I got the chance to expand my knowledge and certifications in fitness!  I am now officially certified in TRX (suspension training) and Kettle Bells.  Both of these can be used by people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness capabilities.  They are a great way to diversify your workouts and challenge your body in a whole new way.  I especially was drawn in because I love seeing what else I can throw at my body and conquer (probably because of my trainer- she always has some new workout idea that pushes me to a new level I didn't know I had).  They also both speak to my athletic side.  The whole time we were learning about both of these techniques, Friday night and all day Saturday, all these amazing ideas were popping in my mind of what I could do with these to challenge athletes, since I want to become a Strength and Conditiong Coach, eventually.  Now I just can't wait to start teaching both of these :)

Kettle bells: a great addition to anyone's cardio/strength workouts.  It's applicable to people of every shape, size, and ability.

TRX: Another great addition to both cardio and strength training because it challenges your core and balance (LOVED THIS). 

Not only am I expanding my knowledge in fitness, but starting March 1, I will officially begin my triathlon training schedule, which will expand my capabilities in fitness as well.  Since the start of the year I have been running, biking, and swimming, but not according to a strict schedule, distance, or time.  This Wednesday is when I crack down with the help of my trainer's triathlon training schedule.  I am excited because over the next three months I will learn to move my body in a whole new way.  I've already noticed some crazy changes by adding all these different workouts.  I went running when I was visitng my boyfriend out of town and decided to run 6 miles.  Not only did I run it faster, but I also was less fatigued, the hills didn't seem to difficult, and my lung capacity has grown!  I'm loving these changes and can't wait to see what else will change. 

My challege for this week is a couple of things.  Nutritonally I want to try something new, so when I was at the store yesterday I bought kale, star fruit, and mango.  I made kale chips last night and I LOVE them!  They taste just like potato chips, but they're healthy!  I'll let you know how the star fruit and mango go! 

     

Kale chips                                      Star fruit                       

 

Fitness and nutritionally I want to challenge myself to stick to my schedules.  There are some days when I DO NOT want to get up with my alarm to go workout, but this week I don't want to let myself put off my workout because I tend to feel better throughout the day when I get my workout completed before everything else.  I have more energy and then once I'm done for the day I can go home and study instead of worrying about my workout AND studying AND dinner, while still trying to get to bed at a decent hour.  Also, nutritionally I want to stick to my planned out meals every day.  I don't want to allow myself to veer from it because usually I tend eat not as clean foods and then I tend to let myself slack more during that day.  To encourage myself (I know it will seem juvenile, but it works for me) I am going to place stickers on my calendar each day I complete both of these.  I am such a visual person that seeing those stars placed on each day will motivate me to keep working because I don't want to see a blank day. 

Lastly, something that I am noticing becoming more popular that I have a little issue with is seeing kids working out at the gym.  I see them with weights or on the treadmill.  Now I'm talking about a 15 or 16 year old; I mean a little 9, 10, or 12 year old kid working out!!  Now I'm not saying it's bad a thing to see them moving, but working out at the gym like an adult??  Maybe it's because of how I was raised, but my "workouts" growing up was playing basketball, baseball, soccer, kickball, etc. with my older brothers and the neighborhood kids.  Then if it was a rainy day we would play "lava" inside (you weren't allowed to touch the ground because it was lava AND you had to be the last man standing, so you were allowed to push everyone else onto the ground).  We were pushed outside by our parents and ddin't come back home unless we were hungry or it was time for dinner.  I don't know what has changed, but I think people should be encouranging their kids to be active outside with their siblings or friends, not sitting in front of a TV or computer and then going to the gym.  Kids will be A LOT more active and probably workout harder if they think they're playing a game, such as basketball, then if they're forced to get on a treadmill or bike and move.  But I'm not a parent, so I guess I can't tell people what to do, but I know that if I ever have kids they'll be playing tag outside before I let them jump on the elliptical.

Am I the only one that thinks this is wrong?

Til next time and one step closer to a hardbody,

Mo