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