tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859745930267228282024-03-20T03:24:08.977-04:00Strong thoughtsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-68482530412313678282014-07-14T00:54:00.002-04:002014-07-14T01:00:12.880-04:00It (was) my birthday, and I'll blog if I want to!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm 27! I can't believe it. I feel old and young at
the same time. Yold. Yes, I feel yold. I love blended words
if you didn't know (chocoholic, smog, spork, grapple, sexcapade, guitarthritis,
freegal, and the like). Also, this song was apparently #1 on July 7, 1987. Heart and I go way back. Maybe that's why I love this song, so much. Perfect "belting in the car, and I don't give a damn if you're watching" song. Oh, and it used to be the ringtone on my flip phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 treated me well. It was full of new books to read, new
physical challenges, a switch to continual positive body image, maintaining
relationships with just ever lovingly people, getting more settled into my
condo, and growing more confident in my career. And most importantly, a
change in confidence and opinion of myself, that opened me up to a world of
positivity, ability, appreciation, and love. Here's to hoping 27 is even
greater! </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's amazing to me how relieved I feel almost all the
time. I've been awakened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am typically neutral, lukewarm at best, about my
birthday. It's usually just a day, to me. But in my new phase of
life that is embracing how awesome I am and NOT trying to fly under the radar
all the time, I am happy to celebrate a day of me. I am all about new
experiences and challenging myself, but still comfortably. I chose to
organize a community service event and then head to Findlay Market and
Washington Park in the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The place I chose is called </span><a href="http://www.lys.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lighthouse Youth Services</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and they
are based in Cincinnati, OH. I didn't realize how expansive their
services reached. Last year, as in 2013, I worked on MLK day, which has
always held a special place in my heart. (I've been known to geek out and
drag my sister around her current city of Atlanta looking at </span><a href="http://www.thekingcenter.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">historical sites</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">,
or to give speeches in college).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
day, a resident made me cry, and I felt like such a failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then vowed to not work on MLK day from
there on out, but to keep it as a day of service. For this year, a friend
had told me about an </span><a href="http://www.hrc.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Human Rights Campaign</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (HRC) sponsored event that focused on making care packages
for homeless youth and teens, particularly those in the LGBTQ community.
It was a fun day, I was mistaken for a lesbian by an old grad school professor,
and reconnected with a college friend. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This time around, all the information I got ahead of time is
that we would be helping to prepare a farmer's market and maybe meet some of
the youth that receive benefit from LYS. I invited a whole bunch of
people (another insecurity I had to face...that I was putting people out by
merely FB inviting them to an event), and only about 4-5 people had gotten back
to me. Ended up being 9 people. A motley crue of my cousins,
friends from grade school, high school, college, and grad school, and former
work friends. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The coordinator explained that the school that the market
benefitted served at risk youth, and offered a consistent place for them to go
to school vs the norm of being shuffled around and also their schools being
shuffled around. My heart swelled when I heard that. It's a low
paying pipe dream of mine to do something more "non-profit"-y with my
life and career. Right now, I am driven by student loans and a
comfortable lifestyle. Still love my job, it's just a different focus at
this point in my life, right now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We ended up picking eggs from the chickens in the homemade
chicken coop, weeding the plots (it's organized in a way that people can come
and pick their own vegetables and herbs), moving some dirt, and harvesting
basil. I held a chicken, ate a fresh paper, and I had great joy watching
my friends and family dedicate some of their time. It's a passion I want
to share with others, and I am glad these people were able to share it with me. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's so much easier to want to do kind things when you have
friends next to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Steve, the coordinator, even made me a dirt cake (gummy worms,
fake flowers, and all) and kale smoothies. A really joyful morning, and it
ended up being a beautiful day. I got a few different shades of
brown and a little burned on my shoulders, but it was totally worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep, a real chicken! I clearly enjoyed it. Not sure about her, though. And Kate's creepy eyeing in the back.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP8N5PnXrsUvza4a0FNvT-M9H35qBGW-apwqGhjPdEKMN5LSM25YayPnG3WYUMMf8K7ZnTLjDeJBIU3zOiNx51csRnFe7MSxujxO_VNPd8Bc0QF8waWuaZRZ0wskC1d299VBNS7Oqo7ms/s1600/DSC00105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP8N5PnXrsUvza4a0FNvT-M9H35qBGW-apwqGhjPdEKMN5LSM25YayPnG3WYUMMf8K7ZnTLjDeJBIU3zOiNx51csRnFe7MSxujxO_VNPd8Bc0QF8waWuaZRZ0wskC1d299VBNS7Oqo7ms/s1600/DSC00105.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Friends hard at work, weeding in the garden.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg4frro8TxVGXaqX5RZmkWwLfcJfLuPmidBOcs_C9IipYTuAnm04XZl7Bns-Op276v5VcUuVl-MSix89z11f0MDgmwobBWx_ZEVHpe7uG5y2dl2YqI4bEmx0kieq2ieMUnt8CZXkB1w8i/s1600/DSC00126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg4frro8TxVGXaqX5RZmkWwLfcJfLuPmidBOcs_C9IipYTuAnm04XZl7Bns-Op276v5VcUuVl-MSix89z11f0MDgmwobBWx_ZEVHpe7uG5y2dl2YqI4bEmx0kieq2ieMUnt8CZXkB1w8i/s1600/DSC00126.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dirt! I was fooled at first, but quickly realized they were oreos. Okay, not that quickly, but I did realize it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Group shot. From left to right: Kate (we go way back to grade school), Elizabeth (we sat right next to each other for 2 years in grad school and I lived in her basement for over a year), Amanda (one of my closest friends who came in town from Bowling Green, OH to spend the weekend with me), Seve (the coordinator), myself, Betsy (a high school friend that I just recently reconnected with and who I didn't realize I missed), Amanda (or Chanda Bear, my cousin and former roommate), </span><a href="http://pharmmarket.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tracie</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (my cousin, and Amanda's sister; we are the ultimate foodies in the family), and Ryan (Amanda's (new) husband and friend I've gotten to know over the past few years)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.findlaymarket.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Findlay Market</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is always fun, even if it is hella crowded.
Enjoyed organic cashew chicken salad, brown rice and sweet potato salad, blue
cheese cole slaw, bubble tea, and a paneer wrap. Followed by a visit to
</span><a href="http://washingtonpark.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Washington Park</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, where there is a water pad, giant jenga, and food
trucks. Totally loved watching my niece and nephew play in the water,
timidly and shrieking with laughter. Also had the most freaking delicious
ice cream waffle sandwich. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MartysWafflesCincinnati"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marty's Waffles</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">...perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A full day in the sun followed by tacos at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tacocracy"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tacocracy</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in
Northside (also freaking excellent...duck, short rib and mac n cheese, curry
chicken and paneer, homemade guac and queso) and of course, ice cream at
</span><a href="http://www.aglamesis.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aglamesis</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> afterward. So much Cincinnati, so little time. It was truly a beautiful day, in all senses of the
word, and I was surrounded by those near and dear to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only did I have great experiences that day, but I was
bestowed with beautiful gifts. </span><a href="http://lovethisdog.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amanda</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> painted me 2 paintings. One
entitled, "Thy Body a Temple." It speaks for itself, and she
said she was inspired to paint in based on my new relationship with my
body. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNhcvqJvQ2IHfCTHhOjmVBkXI95__H_ijF2I_mOChE_MTWiTuY3NzwHb7ubZ37xT6754BsfpiVbU2DzTUqzf2UL1ETY44kDoupW3-yyXmWRIWVU2rn-_Y6JpFVIgiS-UwQnl71SXEbjO3/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNhcvqJvQ2IHfCTHhOjmVBkXI95__H_ijF2I_mOChE_MTWiTuY3NzwHb7ubZ37xT6754BsfpiVbU2DzTUqzf2UL1ETY44kDoupW3-yyXmWRIWVU2rn-_Y6JpFVIgiS-UwQnl71SXEbjO3/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How freaking talented is she?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And she also recreated a picture I took in Beijing 8 years
ago. And it's beautiful. Elizabeth gave me a lovely inscribed
necklace that states, "Stronger...than yesterday." It's a
Crossfit thing, but it also happens to be a Britney Spears lyric. Which I
love! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0p5UqlYz5gmSWjDuJfZcbPcIXVlKyX_OewAQPemWRIPYny7QRMkpdEx7dh3c6TbFMGGdcQnzYhW_cKXBDyI_cAwS6gxA5ttcQlUbMUOtHsehmHvyGX4e86rflEYSb6thFvQubhTY16jM/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0p5UqlYz5gmSWjDuJfZcbPcIXVlKyX_OewAQPemWRIPYny7QRMkpdEx7dh3c6TbFMGGdcQnzYhW_cKXBDyI_cAwS6gxA5ttcQlUbMUOtHsehmHvyGX4e86rflEYSb6thFvQubhTY16jM/s1600/image2.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Isn't it gorgeous? I am absolutely in love with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perfect gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other people
were also kind to me for my birthday, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A slew of things including an Ariel shirt, an "It's a Small World
After All" Chinese doll, a homemade snuggly owl blanket, and I think I'll
use my money to buy a Harry Potter LEGO set.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I took my actual birth date off, and was invited to lunch by my
cousins, Tracie and Amanda. They are my closest cousins, and just like
having a couple more sisters. We were essentially being punked by the
Vietnamese restaurants in Cincinnati (first one said, closed
"7/4-7/13," the second said, "Closed all summer," and
before we went to the third one, their phone message said, "We serve lunch
Thursday through Friday." We ended up eating at Yardhouse at </span><a href="http://thebankscincy.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Banks</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and had a
nice view of the river and KY. I got roped into a dinner with
people I don't even know, by my parents (I don't want to talk about it),
but then spent the rest of the evening scrapbooking in solitude. I'm so
grateful for that day, and felt ZERO guilt for taking a vacation day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lastly, my coworkers made me these adorable red, white, and blue
strawberries and got me a card. How sweet? I'm okay with being
acknowledged these days, and in the best ways possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This image was found on pinterest, but this is what they looked like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It really
would be selfish to ask for more, wouldn't it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I will quote this great Josh Radnor film,
"</span><a href="http://www.happythankyoumoreplease.com/#/home"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happythankyoumoreplease</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. So sorry for the weird formatting. I'll never write in Word first!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-25623243618515364022014-06-05T00:08:00.002-04:002014-06-05T10:33:24.430-04:00"Titanium" by David Guetta, feat. Sia (as covered by Boyce Avenue)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This song. Just :::sigh:::. The original is an all-time favorite, and this version is kind of how I sing the song in my head. Cause while I love David Guetta, the lyrics are more subtle to me. Also, I love <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=boyce+avenue">Boyce Avenue</a> and covers. They are superb. The lyrics from this song are so empowering, and it is one of few songs that I do not ever turn off when it comes on. I am always in the mood to hear it. It makes me feel fierce and like I could conquer anything.<br />
<br />
Hold on, singing break! :::sings::: "...I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose...fire away, fire awaaaaaay! Ricochet, you take your aim! Fire away, fire away (insert dramatic facial expression)! You shoot me down, but I won't fall! I am titaaaaaannnniuuuuummmm! You shoot me down, but I won't fall! I am tiiiitaaaaaniiiiiiuuuuum!"<br />
See?<br />
<br />
Anywho, a while ago, this article came out, called "Why I Don't do Crossfit." I stupidly clicked on the link, but didn't/couldn't read the whole thing. I have read anti-Crossfit things before, but for some reason, the way this article was written really crawled under my skin. So much to the point, that it is annoyingly popping up in my head at least once a day. So.annoying. Part of my issue with the original article is how it was written. So attacking. It paraded as a, "my personal opinion about a particular sport program and why it doesn't work for me," kind of post, but was really, "these is my one experience, and can I convince you that this entire movement is harmful to the greater public, and you're an idiot for doing it" kind of rant. It really should have been titled, "Why NO ONE should do Crossfit. Ever." I also tried to read other reactionary articles that highlighted the positives of Crossfit, but the ones that really stuck out to me were the ones that asked for a solution and critique. Such as...<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eva-m-selhub-md/health-and-fitness_b_5412949.html">"Crossfit Bashers, Can You Be More Constructive?"</a><br />
<br />
and<br />
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<a href="http://ifailedfran.com/200000-thank-yous/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=200000-thank-yous">"200,000 Thank Yous and One Request"</a><br />
<br />
<br />
And in accordance with the request to educate; here is some basic information about Crossfit (<a href="http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-is-crossfit.html">What is Crossfit?</a>) and (<a href="http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/03/01/a-beginners-guide-to-crossfit/">Beginner's Guide to Crossfit</a>).<br />
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I do realize that I risk being injured. And probably will be at some point, but with a fixable, acute problem. But I also realize that I risk injuring my body indirectly by treating it poorly (running only sporadically, having too many cheat days, fueling the negative relationship I had with food and nutrition) with much more long-term effects. No thank you. I live in the fucking United States of America. I have every opportunity at my fingertips. Why am I going to waste such fortune being a fat, unhappy, tired, cranky person?<br />
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One thing that I did not realize about Crossfit, is that this is the first time in my life I have ever been a part of a close-knit community that shared a common bond. I never belonged to a church or a sports team or a support group before. This is my first religious experience, in a figurative sense of the word. I never understood the benefit of such a bond. And more than that, I didn't realize I was missing out on anything. I love talking to my coaches and catching up with my fellow Crossfitters. I've done the gym thing before; in college I would go at 600am so no one would see me and I wouldn't have to torment myself watching the sorority girls on the ellipticals. I never would have used a thigh machine or anything that made me feel the least bit vulnerable with anyone within 50 feet. Not here. Part of it is my age, and coming into my own, but the other part is that this environment is conducive to trying new things, counting on the positivity from others to reach for the sky. Here, within these walls and with these people, I am encouraged, openly, directly and indirectly, relentlessly.<br />
<br />
And as for the request to advocate...from all sides, I see benefit from incorporating Crossfit into my life. My strongest argument for the haters is my testimony. My story. My success story. I only advocate for what I believe in; it's a small list of what I feel incredibly strong about, and Crossfit/fitness/healthy eating is one of those platforms I choose to spend my energy and intelligence towards. I've done this for a year now. I was never an athlete before; I never enjoyed physical activity (except walking and bowling). My transformation is only just beginning. I'm shedding these pounds, the shame and embarrassment, the fear, the insecurity, the anxiety. Even I can't argue with myself that this is working!<br />
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My second strongest argument would be, try it! Try it with a credible coach who knows what they are talking about, listen to what they have to say, treat fitness as a multi-faceted dynamic, and first and foremost...LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Sometimes it tells you you're tired, and you can argue with that. But you should never argue with pain. That is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. My coaches are always receptive to my questions, my concerns, and my aches and soreness. Never have I ever been made to feel like I should already know how to do something or deal with something.<br />
<br />
As I was struggling to process through this stupid article and figure out why it bugged me so much (mostly I thought it had to do with my former instinct to be defensive), I reached out to a friend, who kindly reminded me that I do this for me. I love it. I see and feel benefit from it. I am growing stronger and just in general because of it. I have to be okay with others' opinions, no matter how ill-informed they may be. I have to do this with such conviction that it doesn't matter what other people say about it. I do it for me. Solely. I can't convince everyone, or do I need to, right? It's just difficult when you love something so much and want to share it with your loved ones, friends, acquaintances, anyone who will listen, but it is so inaccessible to a lot of people, or seemingly so. If I were to identify the top criticism of Crossfit, they would be that it is too expensive. I pay a pretty penny for my membership, but from that I don't merely get access to their equipment. I also get quality coaching from a caring, knowledgeable group of people, I gain friendships and bonds with others on similar journeys, I build camaraderie with these people, and I get to come do something fun (mostly) 6 days/week.<br />
<br />
My friend also reminded me that no system is perfect and that some people just focus on the imperfections. Sometimes I can't believe how much I love Crossfit and how much I have changed my eating habits, that I ask myself, "Okay, am I just doing this blindly, or do I really think eating grains, sugars, etc is bad for me?" And the answer is always, "Trust your body. You tried these changes, and they are working. Never have you ever felt better in your life." I know what it feels like to abstain from grains and processed food, have a cheat day, and feel like I am hungover because of the vast effects. I know what it's like to eat empty calories and feel hungry all day. I know the difference it makes when I eat whole foods, drink water, and eat enough food on a regular basis. I'm not a brainwashed schmuck whose coaches control her with a marionette. I am an intelligent woman who is part of the weight epidemic. I choose to listen with a grain of salt to some of what my coaches say. I choose to listen earnestly when they have a critique for my form or endurance. I choose to push myself under the guidance of these well-informed teachers and visionaries. <br />
<br />
Let me put it this way. I am almost always in the bottom half of the class when it comes to anything that requires running, doing things fast, or pushups and pullups. I am not a competitive person. I do not ever care what my score is. I don't ever care if I am the fastest. I look at the scores to gauge a general time frame or weight range, but that's it. I don't fit into this mold of a typical athlete. I truly believe there is no mold for the perfect Crossfitter, not physically anyway. Anyone who is open-minded, willing to learn, supportive, kind, a team player, and leaves their ego at the door is suitable for Crossfit. There are so many elements to it, that something, could benefit just about anyone. IF you choose to let it affect you in such the positive way.<br />
<br />
Back to those song lyrics ("You shoot me down, but I won't fall.") The "you" in this song has been personified by a few different entities on my journey to fitness. The biggest offender is myself, my fear and self-consciousness. I get in my own way to success. I am learning to do that less and less. Now, I guess another contender might be the people who can't see Crossfit for what it is, but rather for its flaws and imperfections.<br />
<br />
So there. That is <strong>WHY I DO CROSSFIT</strong>. <br />
<br />
Sing it, Sia! I mean, guy from Boyce Avenue!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; color: #0b5394;">"You shout it out<br /> But I can't hear a word you say<br /> I'm talking loud not saying much<br /> I'm criticized<br /> But all your bullets ricochet<br /> Shoot me down, but I get up!"</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-39994986663021422602014-05-28T23:41:00.001-04:002014-05-28T23:41:13.100-04:00"Steal my Sunshine" by Len<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This video brings me baaaaack. Such a dumb song, but how many songs have the word "sun" in it? Plus, I'm being unabashedly ironic. This will be my last post about the "Sun's out, Gun's out" challenge. It wasn't as challenging as it was presumed to be. In that I didn't step up to the challenge as much as I wanted to. I did frequent the box more, and I have consistently cooked good food for the week, saving treats for the weekend. I'll skip the food pictures, this time, too.<br />
<br />
As it draws to an end, I have to reflect on why I was interested in the challenge at all. Or why I am even at this box at all.<br />
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In the past few months, I have felt this incredible weight lift off of me, and it continually dissipates. I had no idea how BIG this pressure was that I put on myself for the dumbest things. For not being already perfect. (I won't go into how I discovered this except to say it happened in a Target parking lot and I screamed at my sister about snow). I spent a long time, 26 years too long, imagining that I was reaching for this unattainable goal, and that the only reason I wasn't reaching it was that I simply was not doing enough or trying hard enough or that I simply was not good enough. As you may have surmised, this lead to a lot of guilt and sadness. Guilt and sadness that became a norm for me. Guilt and sadness that I had no idea I carried. Guilt and sadness that I tried to consume. Guilt and sadness that I tried to account for. Guild and sadness that kept me shut off from being my true self and giving relationships 110%. Guilt and sadness that motivated me to lash out at loved ones for not fitting into the "perfect" squares I had dissected everything in my life into. My health was no exception. I have been overweight most of my life. I was born at freaking 9lbs5oz. Big baby. In some crazy, delusional, sounds like a teenager, gotta get out of my head, way, I thought I deserved being overweight, or rather staying overweight. I didn't imagine that I deserved happiness until I was happy with my body. I volleyed between tricking myself into thinking that I accepted myself the way I was and not being able to look in the mirror without crying or being embarrassed. That's fucking stupid. Which I knew, but made myself the exception for some reason.<br />
<br />
I have a wonderful family, but being the 3rd and youngest (by 7 years) daughter of immigrant parents, body image just didn't come up a lot. At least not in a positive way. It's part of the Hong Kong culture to comment on other people's bodies and weight. Me, being very much internally American, was very sensitive to this. I didn't grow up with the tough skin that my parents had. Where they give zero fucks what other people think of what they look like, it dictated a lot of opinions about myself. There is so much more I could go into, but suffice it to say, I am finally growing up (or at least starting to) at the ripe old age of 26 and almost 11 months. The older I become, the more I realize I do not know, the more I find out about myself and the world around me, and I am not so staunchly set in my ways.<br />
<br />
Even though I feel freer now, and I am embracing aspects of myself I didn't know I should be proud of, I still have to talk myself into being nice to myself, quite often, actually. It was SO ingrained in me, that it is taking a lot of rebuilding and kind words to myself to reach true happiness. And I am also consciously reminding myself that it is a journey to happiness. I kept waiting to just achieve happiness or health and then go on about my life. False. There will always be an insecurity or slip-up, but that's okay. Accepting that is part of the journey, too. It is so nice to laugh authentically, make comments without constantly censoring myself and editing my speech, to stick to my opinions, and to act confidently.<br />
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My doing Crossfit is so interrelated to this journey of self-discovery and acceptance. There is no way around it. Sure, there are other methods or instigators, but I truly believe it would have taken a lot longer to get there without Crossfit. In a certain, cheesy way, Crossfit has saved me. I repeat, Crossfit has saved me. At a time, in which, I didn't even know I was drowning. Crossfit was there for me. Which leads me to celebrate my Crossfit-a-versary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv4bv6Hl6E_tXDUUzaqgmNmIPTYE0LMyIb-IemJVywb__Uloq8CEjzuf3o3ALnRScZa8Cz3JfI3-G0OGLqNmRCB46EZU5ZTxyAlXtdYHkJC_wJqzGtru3J0LCyaiE5XpdJFtzThMz8fDO/s1600/10376069_10101677206691218_3190011494631043908_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv4bv6Hl6E_tXDUUzaqgmNmIPTYE0LMyIb-IemJVywb__Uloq8CEjzuf3o3ALnRScZa8Cz3JfI3-G0OGLqNmRCB46EZU5ZTxyAlXtdYHkJC_wJqzGtru3J0LCyaiE5XpdJFtzThMz8fDO/s1600/10376069_10101677206691218_3190011494631043908_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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(yeah, I am not the kind of girl who wears makeup to the gym on a Saturday morning or wipes the sweat away; putting it all out there!)</div>
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Last weekend, on the Saturday before Memorial Day 2014, I completed a Hero WOD. Well, half of one. It was <a href="http://www.crossfit.com/mt-archive2/000881.html">Murph.</a> I did half (800m run, 50 pull ups, 100 push ups, 150 squats, 800m run). One year ago, I did this workout as my first ever true, Crossfit workout. In 2013, it took me 50:00, and this year it took me 35:44. I still did banded pull ups (last year, they were ring rows), but I didn't feel like I was going to die when I finished this year. I think I will make this a tradition. There are still a lot of goals I want to reach (I just found a list I made in January, that said I wanted to get double unders, toes to bar, and handstands...ha! Might be wishful thinking, although the double unders are riiiiight there), but I have never done something for a whole year to benefit my health or to make a positive change in my life (except for schooling, which is finite). I freaking love Crossfit, and in particular, I love my box, my coaches, and my fellow athletes (did I just call myself an athlete? 17 year old Angie on the bowling team and student council would be shocked). I have truly dedicated and supportive members at my box. I don't care if I've said it 100x, I'll say it 1000x more. The affection I have for the positivity and self-love I feel within the walls of Crossfit Cornerstone can never be praised or appreciated enough. <br />
<br />
In this past year, I've grown muscles in my body that I didn't know I had. I've gotten looks and comments from family members and friends seeing how my demeanor and my body have changed for the better. I have become a friendlier, more outgoing person. I do not hide from myself or others like I did in other gym settings. I am more secure as a person, and feel less defensive. I challenge myself every class I go to, to push a little harder under the guidance of my coaches and my instincts. I climbed a rope (from laying on the ground). I can walk up walls. I've gotten my first sport related injuries (mostly bruises and scars). I've been the slowest in class. I've been the second to slowest in the class. I've lifted heavier than half of the women at the box that day. I've lifted way less than I could. I've fallen on my ass. I've dropped barbells on my head. I've hit myself in the chest with a barbell. I've fallen to my knees. I've vomited after workouts. I've stopped using an inhaler post-workouts. I've had sweat dripping into my eyes. I pushed a freaking truck! And I've asked for help and advice, earnestly. And this is just the beginning of the rest of my life! I can't wait to see what it holds, and I am excited to meet and re-meet this Angie that is constantly growing, changing, and improving.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-79360015184020612312014-05-01T00:59:00.001-04:002014-05-01T01:02:25.300-04:00"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I absolutely loved this song as a child. My sister loved it. That's probably why. Anyways, I miss the surprise and anticipation of getting letters in the mail and I am SO glad that the sun is out, now! Yay, driving with the windows open and blasting my tunes. I like that this nutrition challenge is 2 months long, because I don't feel as hopeless when I fuck up on occasion. This is a smattering of the foods I've eaten. I'll be sure to post the new recipes I have tried and liked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcySW1nikUDTbHwm26EaI-HTIM-ufWOCsIgP3pBVuGIAP7VWWZ4AAzUqEhD47kMWh0NOubhqXYVNFxRhhjABWVAw3sm1ahiBSTrSyHZfFBevk9vBmXB1zqBrRZ_eK9nC-Hk4HE-3SZg4S/s1600/velpicstitch20140415_193549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcySW1nikUDTbHwm26EaI-HTIM-ufWOCsIgP3pBVuGIAP7VWWZ4AAzUqEhD47kMWh0NOubhqXYVNFxRhhjABWVAw3sm1ahiBSTrSyHZfFBevk9vBmXB1zqBrRZ_eK9nC-Hk4HE-3SZg4S/s1600/velpicstitch20140415_193549.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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Egg salad (which always looks disgusting in pictures), sweet potato noodle "pad thai" and blurry vegetable soup.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rDCyVQDC-QqbiInSN_iQ7Y6I9N0aisS1VtjhgsdbSt3xOUaCLeK9MT8SIQkJKP8LOkp02whZVYvjC97SRIPdHfwjzhRdWTB3zpdL1DATpH0ESpDfHZiLQLaVNDUo3Wsthz4KYxHZLoiB/s1600/velpicstitch20140416_223520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rDCyVQDC-QqbiInSN_iQ7Y6I9N0aisS1VtjhgsdbSt3xOUaCLeK9MT8SIQkJKP8LOkp02whZVYvjC97SRIPdHfwjzhRdWTB3zpdL1DATpH0ESpDfHZiLQLaVNDUo3Wsthz4KYxHZLoiB/s1600/velpicstitch20140416_223520.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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Egg salad again, but with crackers. Panera Thai Chicken salad, and watermelon from Kroger salad bar. Not a great nutrition choices day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzADSszXvWUPbZPCUPnBgUCy9QhDC2MZ0kpbo9N3b930HPHlMoCowXXjtf1wJLKQJlT2JRo9ivth2sUrGeW5uOrtsGMADqzL65nXNpVZt6EolKc9FfjkogeGe5pLz115tlEJKY_VtXCo3/s1600/velpicstitch20140422_110919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzADSszXvWUPbZPCUPnBgUCy9QhDC2MZ0kpbo9N3b930HPHlMoCowXXjtf1wJLKQJlT2JRo9ivth2sUrGeW5uOrtsGMADqzL65nXNpVZt6EolKc9FfjkogeGe5pLz115tlEJKY_VtXCo3/s1600/velpicstitch20140422_110919.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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Scrambled eggs for breakfast, Wendy's bbq chicken salad (womp womp), and melon soup for dinner. That my mother made.</div>
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Smiley hard boiled eggs decorated by my 4 year old niece and banana. Chicken drumsticks and curry. Grassfed beef burgers with lettuce and caprese salad.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkBKV3zUNU0zqSoF7CgmS8ODbHuUHwS5048pZLgO0ZBHdN1FcsBNGEHAweBYk-SYZB2li0jpxe_dwV0-ivGe-sfCCmPMezk6VkQkkqtBcvW0zWmSAlfzM7Fu-JJXH2wbyIzP_J4ufN2YA/s1600/velpicstitch20140424_105519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkBKV3zUNU0zqSoF7CgmS8ODbHuUHwS5048pZLgO0ZBHdN1FcsBNGEHAweBYk-SYZB2li0jpxe_dwV0-ivGe-sfCCmPMezk6VkQkkqtBcvW0zWmSAlfzM7Fu-JJXH2wbyIzP_J4ufN2YA/s1600/velpicstitch20140424_105519.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grainless granola (ground raw pistachios, raw almonds, raw cashews, mixed with coconut oil, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger...baked low and tossed periodically, with banana and coconut milk. Like "cereal." Curry chicken and beef burgers again.</div>
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Berry Carrot Dream smoothie from Smoothie king (hold the turbinado) and chicken with broccoli slaw and <a href="http://followyourheart.com/products/grapeseed-oil-3#product-top">Vegenaise</a>.</div>
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Being ultra Chinese for this day! Bubble tea for breakfast (so nutritious, right?), dim sum for lunch (turnip cake, greens, shrimp stuffed jalapenos, other things I don't know the English names for), and chicken with chestnuts and dried Chinese mushrooms (again courtesy, of my mother).</div>
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Grainless granola, watercress soup, and <a href="http://againstthegraingourmet.com/our-products/">Against the Grains</a> pesto pizza with <a href="http://coffeeandturquoise.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/paleo-bison-meatballs/">paleo bison meatballs</a> and pineapple.</div>
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Breakfast was strawberry paleo bread with bacon and pineapple. Lunch was a salad with feta cheese. And dinner was a bacon, basil, lettuce, and Vegenaise wrap with Chinese greens. Followed by a few mini Easter chocolate bars.</div>
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I had taken a few days off work and kind of went on a free for all. I had <a href="http://www.skylinechili.com/">Skyline</a>, Wendy's, ice cream from <a href="http://www.aglamesis.com/">Aglamesis,</a> Popeye's Chicken, and I think cheese sticks somewhere. Oh and Froot Loops. I didn't eat all of that in a few days' time; I just remember these things from the last two weeks. But boy, did I pay for it. I had the craziest dreams and was super cranky and sleepy. Not worth it. What I am realizing (and probably already knew) was that if I am going to eat a little junk, I need to pair it with good food. Otherwise, instead of being coated by the good nutritious food that my body knows how to process, it wreaks havoc on my digestive system and makes my glycemic levels jump around. Not pleasant. Whatsoever. On the other hand, I don't like to feel like I am wasting a good meal by just using it to prevent a bad meal from making me miserable. So that, should, keep me from eating too much junk when I do decide to indulge.</div>
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Workouts have been good. I PRed my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3abD7z6vRPM">snatch</a> by another 5 lbs (1 rep max is now 80 lbs). We've been doing a lot of pull ups, which I hope to achieve without the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ec0RmbA58A"> aid of a band</a> by the end of this year. Also worked on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyDbagKS7Rg">front squats</a> (this video is a little too specific, in that, each person squats a little bit differently, but it does have some good tips), and pushed myself to go a little heavier, and to not be afraid to bail if I need to. Also got three <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7XjUbUpeHE">double unders</a> in a row with two singles in between! A new PR! I would love to get double unders, consistently and soon. I enjoy partner workouts and the camaraderie that comes from perfect strangers. Crossfit would be a great icebreaker to use! I've been told that I have good form for my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46cCnuFPG8w">cleans</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FACvzN9MMAI">power cleans</a>. And I was coached to "look up" when doing snatches, with a visual cue written in chalk on the ground in front of me. That worked, too! I hadn't been going as consistently as I wished, too, but that's over. I'm back in. I am surprised by how much Crossfit affects the rest of my life, too. I couldn't quite articulate it, but this article sums it up nicely.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13098/6-powerful-ways-crossfit-changes-lives.html">"6 Powerful Ways Crossfit Changes Lives"</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: purple;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">#6 is my favorite: <strong>They let go of judgement. </strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: purple; color: #cccccc;"> </span></div>
<span style="background-color: purple;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> <em>Anytime we think something about another person, positive or negative, we are making a decision about them that may not even be true. I made this mistake early in my CrossFit career when I thought I could determine a person’s strength based on his build. I quickly ate my words when a 5'5, 115-pound female competitor out-lifted everyone around her. </em></span></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: purple; color: #cccccc;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="background-color: purple; color: #cccccc;"> Some people who join CrossFit are indeed very fit and step into the gym with a certain bravado. For these individuals, I sit and quietly and wait for the moment when they become completely humbled by some unassuming veteran in the gym. It usually depicts a turning point in their attitude as they realize there’s no room for judgment in CrossFit; there will always be someone faster and stronger than you. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="background-color: purple; color: #cccccc;"> CrossFit changes people’s perspective of themselves and the world. I speak confidently to each of these points as just over five years ago, I was the one stepping into a CrossFit gym, looking like a deer in headlights. I have seen firsthand what CrossFit has done for my life and for me. Now, I’m lucky enough that everyday I get to wake-up and see what it does for others. </span></em><br />
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I feel so privileged to be a part of this kind of movement. It is cultish. "Drink the kool-aid." But it is definitely something I can talk about with conviction. It makes me a prouder person, and that is not an easy feat to accomplish. I am frequently confronted with the challenge of becoming a more confident person, while also realizing how relative my place is in the world. I already felt fairly confident, so this is very challenging for me. Crossfit is one way that I can express those struggles and achievements. I couldn't be more grateful.<br />
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I leave you with this; I wanted to share the wise words of a friend that I had in college. We met because she started a club that centered on positive body image. It was something that I really wanted to be a part of, but I lacked the confidence to really throw myself into it. Of course, I felt like I was the fattest or grossest person in that group. I went to <a href="http://www.miamioh.edu/">Miami University</a>, after all, and even when most of the girls aren't trying to, they are just those pretty kind of people. But anyways, you get past those things and thought I am not close friends with this person, I still draw inspiration from her pictures and posts. She is a yoga instructor and <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp">Lululemon</a> ambassador in Seattle.<br />
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<span style="background-color: orange; color: white;"><em>Dear friends, I have some important things to say!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><em><span style="background-color: orange;">YOU will *not* be more valuable or more loved or more successful when you're 5lbs lighter or "toned" or run 26 miles. <span style="color: #351c75;">You are worthy now, believe that. </span></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: orange; color: white;"><em>You CANNOT fulfill your body's need for nourishment by counting calories. Counting calories is a useless way to spend your valuable time and energy—<span style="color: #351c75;">focus instead on eating foods that make you feel good and help you live life to its fullest.</span> </em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: orange; color: white;"><em>If you're chasing an “ideal” body, you're NEVER going to catch it. Ever. You'll always be chasing, and it will always be running. Stop reading shitty deprecating magazines, stop comparing yourself to movie stars, stop assuming everyone on Facebook has a perfect life and you don't, stop weighing yourself and letting that number determine your success or failure. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><em><span style="background-color: orange;">Someone else, who doesn't give a shit about you, decided to sell you ideas on what beauty is so that they could make money—don't be so readily convinced! Your ideal is *now.* <span style="color: #351c75;">Your beautiful reality is fully YOU. Be above all that bullshit, because YOU ARE!</span></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><em><span style="background-color: orange;">Start striving to feel awesome. This means taking care of yourself, eating wholesome food and exercising. <span style="color: #351c75;">This helps you show up for your dreams and for those who you love. Start loving food, and it will love you right back! When you don't believe in restrictions, you stop the shame and the guilt, and you actually start eating what makes you come alive.</span></span></em></span></div>
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Happy trails, to you. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-28423894026088088472014-04-15T21:22:00.005-04:002014-04-15T21:22:33.958-04:00"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/n6j4TGqVl5g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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My main man, George Harrison (I always like the quiet ones??). My dad is from Hong Kong, and didn't grow up with tons of American music, but The Beatles he always knew. And loved. So, hence, my sisters and I also love The Beatles. He has an unexplained affection for Glen Campbell, John Denver, and The Monkees that I do not share. Well John Denver is okay. Anyway, this song is picked in hopes of spring weather coming and staying. Dear winter, get the fuck out. You have long overstayed your welcome. Don't let the metaphorical door hit you on the ass on your way out!</div>
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Just finished week 2 of "Suns out, Guns out!: This week, it got easier to find the motivation to get to the gym. 4x total.<br />
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Food for the week:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChSciDzHQJATf7knLz9O6MAbAqoWk68yI96-qzHoK1Ko9qxnSiYDd7s_X9BYwtP7wKf1qNSzfd1YTvVLhKD1WG3G4gYoyLXmIA4HEl1DZLRERxctpKEnGvM6oJIuyFzSLd1s7MokfFsjh/s1600/velpicstitch20140408_124514%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChSciDzHQJATf7knLz9O6MAbAqoWk68yI96-qzHoK1Ko9qxnSiYDd7s_X9BYwtP7wKf1qNSzfd1YTvVLhKD1WG3G4gYoyLXmIA4HEl1DZLRERxctpKEnGvM6oJIuyFzSLd1s7MokfFsjh/s1600/velpicstitch20140408_124514%5B1%5D.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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grain free pancakes with Hormel bacon for breakfast and real maple syrup</div>
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paleomg.com grainless chicken tenders, crockpot veggie soup, and orange for lunch</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO8n9OLykbSO4s6s1Ru7eujMNX5biiWyJI0te5rs8NRlgsNiIxTz_RgnxptOa3XYyMCkCSAx1JEiIADzcWpHhSpTyRfFPjufe67jyCXveblNW5Ehcxe6JRlrfVPL9QYXUo2Z8HjEdOmwz/s1600/IMAG0745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO8n9OLykbSO4s6s1Ru7eujMNX5biiWyJI0te5rs8NRlgsNiIxTz_RgnxptOa3XYyMCkCSAx1JEiIADzcWpHhSpTyRfFPjufe67jyCXveblNW5Ehcxe6JRlrfVPL9QYXUo2Z8HjEdOmwz/s1600/IMAG0745.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dijon marinated dover sole and stuffed squash. Recipes courtesy of a cooking lesson with <a href="http://www.everyday-soiree.com/">Keri,</a> a woman who goes to my gym and often does the food for the chiropractor's office who also owns this gym.</div>
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bacon and pancakes for breakfast, PIZZA AND CUPCAKES for a coworkers birthday (I brought the fruit and veggies!), and soup and chicken tenders for dinner</div>
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Smoothie King Berry Carrot Dream, pancakes, and bacon again. soup and pineapple and a piece of leftover pizza again, and just coconut water for dinner that night</div>
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toasted up the rest of the pancakes and made an overflowing 2 egg omelet with bacon and raw cheddar. Yay big breakfast Fridays!</div>
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ordered in Thai food at work. I was a good girl. Spicy cashew chicken, hold the rice.</div>
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Splurged on nachos and shrimp basil pasta at Cheesecake Factory. GOOD food to splurge on. Not fast food shit.</div>
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yogurt and apple for breakfast, salad for lunch, sweet potato noodles made with Dan Dan sauce at my dad's restaurant. </div>
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more freaking soup!, stuffed zucchini, and then goodies at book club (guac and plantain chips, fruit kebabs with greek yogurt and honey, paleo chicken nuggets, clean chicken buffalo dip with celery, and organic trail mix)</div>
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Pretty happy with how I ate this week. Aside from the pizza! I always have one cheat day. It keeps me in line. My cousin had a bridal shower, and I gorged myself on flatbread pizza and broccoli cheese soup with ice cream and cake. :)</div>
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This week's workouts were intense, but not with anything that was for time or as many rounds as possible (AMRAP). It was more about form and mobility. Which is the part I really like. I PRed my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3abD7z6vRPM">snatch</a> by 5 lbs (**new PR 75 lbs), and as a coach told me, there are no little PRs. PR is a PR. The snatch is the hardest lift for me. I feel like my chest gets in the way and I just am too timid about getting under the bar. The thing about these snatches is that they required a full squat when you catch the bar, instead of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhF0cbRjxRo">power snatch</a>, that requires only a partial squat (above parallel). Brandon had said that the more skilled you are, that there will be less discrepancy between the full movement and the power movement. Right now, I can do way more with a power movement. Part of that has to just do with fear, though. Given more time, I probably would have gone up even higher. The thing I am proud of is that I have not been the last in every single work out, and that I didn't fall on my butt once during snatches. I missed a couple maybe, but I reattempted. <br />
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Second part of that work out was 10:00 of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioI4fTSut2w">Turkish Get Ups/Wind Mills/Arm Bars</a> combo for shoulder mobility and flexibility. Loved having 4 different coaches this week. I like longer workouts that focus on strength and mobility. <br />
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Also introduced myself to the 600am Bootcamp class that <a href="http://www.crossfitcornerstone.com/">Crossfit Cornerstone</a> is offering. Few participants so far, but that makes it more like a personal training session! The one and only that I have gone to so far was a 25:00 AMRAP of 3 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iznK5n3WtxY">inverted burpees</a> (I cannot do a regular hand stand, so it was a head stand, and it definitely was two separate movements, not one fluid movement!), 6 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukSPCbJViD8">grasshoppers</a>, 9 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gLEmS4nwi0">ball slams</a> (but Megan wasn't strict with us catching the ball on the first little "pop"), and ended with a combination of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Up5Jal4K1k">medicine ball squat clean/thrusters</a> and throw/jog. Finished with an extended stretching that included <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIxGJAWQ9A0">use of bands to stretch the hamstrings</a> and a few yoga moves (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBAxxzlHXcg">cat pose</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU0wJ0OTopU">cobra pose</a>). All in all, I was glad I got up at 500am that day.<br />
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Aside from my food/exercise, I have been focusing on security and confidence. I didn't realize it but I had this instinct to be defensive or to imagine the worst, most ridiculous reactions from people. And that is highly irrational and just not helpful at all. So, I am focusing on being secure in my actions and decisions and not jumping to the unwarranted defense. Because quite honestly, my life is full of cheerleaders. I am being very vocal about this with my family and myself, in the hopes that it doesn't just fizzle out. I already felt a weight lift away from me after consciously making this decision. It was wonderful.<br />
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This last Sunday was the last segment of the "Fit for the Kingdom" bible study lead by a couple at my gym. Jayce asked this big question, "How does Jesus' crucifixion affect your life, really?" A huge freaking question, right? I told the story of when I lead a Christian Awakening retreat as a college student (ca 2007) for the seniors at the high school I had gone to (I don't really know why I went, but I was asked to by a former teacher, and maybe I had that zeal that I would change some teenager's life, that didn't happen I'm pretty sure, but it is always a nice weekend). One of the teachers gave this talk, and posed the question, "How many people do you actually know that would die for you?" She was clearly alluding to how Jesus made this huge sacrifice, blah blah blah. I think it's a really unfair question, but it did make me think that there are entities and people that do things for me and that have set me up to take advantage of the opportunities in my life without my ever having asked for it or even appreciating it. If I were the kind of person that also believed that Jesus had done so (I'm not sure I am, so don't ask yet), I would feel this incredible and overwhelming feeling that I could never repay that and that I would spend a lifetime trying. Realizing the motivation that people do find from this story of Jesus on the cross, and when that motivation is used for good in the world, I find really fascinating. And I'll be excited to continue the Bible study and get to know my fellow members more closely.<br />
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More than that, it made me see that despite the life I was born into, and that overwhelming feeling that I could never repay to the earth, to my family and ancestors, to society, to history, to God what I have been given, it doesn't mean I should stop trying or that life here is hopeless. There was also talk of an asymptotic relationship (where we all got a lesson from the engineers in the group about what an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asymptote">asymptote</a> is) where as you continue, it gets more difficult, but that you do get closer. It made me see how much growing I still have to do, and that I will never really feel fully grown. There is always going to be something to learn or something to know that will enrich my life.<br />
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I feel like I am at the dawning of something big. As much as I would like that to be adopting a dog, it's not. But something cool is gonna happen here, soon. Hopefully learning to trust my instincts is going to pay off!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-43078191157119665862014-04-09T23:37:00.000-04:002014-04-09T23:37:03.347-04:00SUNS OUT, GUNS OUT!Next nutrition challenge at Crossfit Cornerstone is called, "Suns out, guns out!" (or "Sexy in 60" if you so wish). It's a point system. These are the rules:<br />
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<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sexyin60days?source=feed_text&story_id=669895063045709"><span class="_58cl"></span></a><em>It's a 60-day, points based challenge that begins April 1st and commences May 31st. Winner receives a pair of Reebok OLY shoes or Nanos of their choosing.</em><br />
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<em> Here's how you get points: <br /> 1. Snap a before pic and post it to the Cornerstone Members page on Facebook (Not in the group? Let us know!) or privately email CrossFitCornerstone@gmail.com. 5 points.<br /> 2. Post a photo of every meal you eat to the Cornerstone Members Facebook page. 1 photo = 1 point. <br /> 3. Every hour you workout at CrossFit Cornerstone = 1 point. Hours calculated by the electronic check in system at the front door.<br /> 4. Last week of the challenge snap an After pic and post it to Cornerstone Members Facebook page or email privately to CrossFitCornerstone@gmail.com. 5 points. </em><br />
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<em> Now you know the rules, we're going to help give you a boost during the Challenge! For 60 days we're offering a 6 AM Bootcamp class on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.</em><br />
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So, there's that. I am slowly getting into the swing of things. You can post pictures of whatever kind of meal you had, but it does keep me from posting pics of "bad food." I still snack in between the three meals (sometimes on pizza or oreos!), but at least 3 substantial meals are good. My week one looked like this:<br />
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For the first week, eggs was breakfast a lot of the time. Even smiley eggs!</div>
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Kale salad for lunch got old. But Tabbouleh from Trader Joe's didn't!</div>
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Convinced my dad to use sweet potato noodles in some recipes at his restaurant, so I could still enjoy some of my favorites. They're not real noodles, but they get the fix in!</div>
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Some nights I got lazy and had veggie blend smoothies from Smoothie King, instead. Especially after 730pm workouts!</div>
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This sad day was free meals at an all day scrapbook event. Kind of a splurge day.</div>
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This was the first day's dinner on 4/1/14. Organic steak, baby zucchini with butternut squash, mushrooms, and onions (that I overcooked) and <a href="http://againstthegraingourmet.com/">Against the Grain</a> bread with <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CEUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkerrygoldusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fbutter%2F&ei=VA9GU7PfG4qrsQT2z4GwAQ&usg=AFQjCNEeMz1itau-e_3pL48Rd62LoNE_Mg&sig2=ABsGVWupPoFEM1EUQts-5Q&bvm=bv.64507335,d.b2I">Kerrygold</a> butter.</div>
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Chipotle, pot stickers, butternut squash with eggs, tabbouleh with gluten free crackers, kale salad. </div>
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Hard to see, but ice cream from <a href="http://www.aglamesis.com/">Aglamesis Brothers</a>, noodles and wontons, Hong Kong style from my dad's restaurant, and remnants of scrambled eggs.</div>
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First day's breakfast of organic eggs (still not sure which ones are the best to buy. I should just go to the farm, really!), avocado, and <a href="http://eatwholly.com/products.html">Wholly</a> salsa.</div>
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I only got two points for going to the gym, but so be it. I did submit a before picture, which I will post at the end of the challenge, regardless of how close I still look to it. It's like a Biggest Loser picture. :o)</div>
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Aside from this challenge, I have also started going to a Bible study at Crossfit Cornerstone (a lot of the members also go to the same church) that focuses on the life of Jesus Christ and was precedented by a viewing of <a href="http://www.sonofgodmovie.com/home.html">"Son of God".</a> It was a pretty cheesy movie to say the least. But I liked the stories within it. I have some religious study background, having gone to Catholic school for 13 years, but I am not myself, Catholic, or associated with any church, for that matter. I felt like I needed that background to understand the movie, mostly. I am really enjoying getting to look at the human side of Jesus and the struggle that the disciples went through to be faithful to Him and to completely change their lives.</div>
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It gives me good motivation and inspiration to examine my own life and how I choose to conduct and regard myself and others. It has really opened my eyes to how judgment influences opinion, empathy, choosing to do what's difficult, taking risks, and so on. I really miss this type of examination of religious texts. Perhaps when I feel up to it, I will explore options for Torah and Quran study in the area.</div>
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Life is good. Life is busy. Strength is growing.</div>
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Another update next week.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-83616977121918558902014-04-09T23:09:00.003-04:002014-04-09T23:09:33.903-04:00Oh yeah, food!!!Oh, and as for that nutrition challenge back in January 2014. I did okay. I only lost 5 lbs, but I did lose my craving for sugar (or at least learned to manage it). I don't have any bread, candy, pasta, canned soup, frozen meals, anything really that comes from a box, deli meat, "fake meat," canned vegetables, rice, or conventionally processed dairy in my pantry or fridge. With the occasional exception, of course. I eat out, and I have cheat meals, but they don't send me spiraling. <br />
<br />
I'm completely over diet soda (I used to be on the bandwagon, thinking it was okay, because it was calorie free) and fake sugars. If I am going to drink poison, it might as well taste good, right? Yay for the occasional (and I mean, one every few months) coke! I try to avoid all sugar. I don't eat many bananas. I try to eat lower sugar fruits (berries, granny smith apples), or just one or two fruits a day at most. It was amazing to me how sweet granny smith apples tasted once I gave up all the sugary crap.<br />
<br />
I added a bunch of recipes to my collection, too. And I continue to. Some are:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://paleomg.com/crispy-chicken-dippers/">paleo chicken tenders</a><br />
guacamole<br />
<a href="http://paleomg.com/bacon-pecan-brussel-sprouts/">brussel sprouts and bacon</a><br />
<a href="http://paleomg.com/spicy-sticky-coconut-honey-chicken/">sticky coconut chicken</a><br />
<a href="http://livingsuperhuman.com/cincinnati-chili-paleo-recipe/">paleo Cincinnati chili</a><br />
<a href="http://paleomg.com/almost-5-ingredient-pizza-spaghetti-pie/">spaghetti squash pizza pie</a><br />
buffalo chicken dip (my friend made this one: shredded organic chicken breasts, Frank's red hot sauce, organic cream cheese, clean ranch dressing, raw cheddar--thrown into the crockpot and served with celery)<br />
<a href="http://www.maximizedliving.com/Home/MaximizedLivingBlog/tabid/772/Article/896/grainless-granola.aspx">grainless granola</a> (gotta play around with this one)<br />
<a href="http://www.maximizedliving.com/Home/MaximizedLivingBlog/tabid/772/Article/226/almond-meal-pancakes.aspx">grainless pancakes</a><br />
beef sweet potato stew<br />
<br />
Also learned that I love some products that are staples of my diet, now!<br />
<br />
Raw, organic or grass fed cheddar (<a href="http://www.organicvalley.coop/">Organic Valley</a> or whatever they have at <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.fooducate.com/app#page=product&id=892F78BE-0CE5-11E0-BF92-FEFD45A4D471">plantain chips</a><br />
Salsa (all kinds!)<br />
unsalted and unroasted nuts (pistachios, cashews, almonds)<br />
bacon! (<a href="https://www.hormel.com/Brands/BlackLabelBacon.aspx">Hormel</a> or <a href="http://www.applegate.com/">Applegate Farms</a> to avoid nitrates and added preservatives)<br />
cage free eggs (still not sure which ones I should be buying. Any insight would be helpful!)<br />
clean meat (Kroger's Simple Truth has coupons and sometimes their chicken thighs, steaks, or pork products are on sale/clearance, and of course there is always the local farms!)<br />
Grain Free pizza (<a href="http://www.againstthegraingourmet.com/products/">Against All Grains</a>, topped with <a href="https://www.olli.com/product/pepperoni/">Olli</a> pepperoni and veggies from the salad bar at Whole Foods)<br />
<br />
I'm learning to be obnoxious about what I put into my body, but also not beating myself up for the occasional slip up. I did find it was easier to have a cheat meal at the end of the week vs. the beginning because by that point, I already had a good week of eating behind me. Otherwise, I would have had to challenge myself to have a week of good eating ahead of me. Oh, and despite recommendation from the head coach, I'm not into protein powder. Plant based and organic or not, I just don't like it. I'll have some plain greek yogurt in my smoothie (no more than a couple a week) instead, please. <br />
<br />
Definitely more expensive, and definitely worth the investment. I want to do another cycle. It will take more than a few weeks to rid myself of a lifetime of bad habits and regular sugar consumption. So glad to be on this road to health that is ever changing and turning. No quick fixes here, but lifestyle changes.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-70301709024213693862014-03-03T23:26:00.002-05:002014-03-03T23:30:36.264-05:00"Carry On" -fun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This song is heartbreaking and positive at the same time. fun. has a way of saying what you didn't know had to be said, and also to be freaking awesome. :o) I love this song anyway, but it also was found when I did a search for "Fault in our Stars music" as a suggested thematic song for the <a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/the-fault-in-our-stars/">book</a>. I am a part of the women's book club lead by one of our Crossfit Cornerstone coaches. I missed the first meeting this year where they were deciding upon the first book to read. I missed it because it was the same day as my grandma's funeral. And they chose this book. I was so annoyed because I was struggling so much to just make it through each day with a non-sad face and I didn't want to spend more energy reading about teens with cancer, one of which, who wore oxygen at all times. Just like my grandma for the last month or so. I didn't need another visual. I had a hard enough time getting it out of my head for more than a few minutes at a time, working at a nursing home and all. <br />
<br />
Anyways, I did want to read this book because I was curious, but like I said, I wasn't looking forward to the details. At the time I read the book, I just assumed it was by a female author, and didn't pay attention to the author (read it on a borrowed Kindle. Don't worry, I still am a book purist.), and then discovered it was <a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/">John Green</a>. I also didn't realize that I had already read a book written by him, <a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/will-grayson/">Will Grayson, Will Grayson</a>, with <a href="http://www.davidlevithan.com/">David Levithan</a> (another wonderful YA writer). He writes about tough topics for YA novels. He makes his characters smart, eloquent, and damaged. He writes these characters you wish you could have been as cool as in high school (not popular, but cool in the sense that you didn't give a shit what other people thought of you cause you were secure and smart in your own way). Anyways, his writing voice is very lovely. It's melodic, but stark. It's true, but sometimes unbelievable. His words are descriptive, but simple. I don't want to ruin the book, but there were a few quotes that stuck with me, and a few lessons I learned. This book is a love story, but for me, it was primarily about how to deal with loss and accepting the shitty things that happen in life, sometimes.<br />
<br />
There is a point in the story where the main character, Hazel, is worried about how her parents will be after she has died. She is so wrapped up in the pain she will bring and perseverates on this point (much like a teenager). She isn't able to see the big picture, just the fact that she will be gone. And her parents, realizing that she is taking it upon herself to make sure she hurts as few people as possible by trying to be self-sufficient and avoiding being close to people, inform her that yes, they will be deeply saddened by her passing and that when they think about it, they cry. But moreso than that, they are so happy to have had her at all and the joy that they have as a family overrides any sadness they could ever feel. This is mirrored again later in the book (I won't spoil it by saying when), and it is something that I keep telling myself in so many words. I am not moving on, but trying to move forward. I want to move from primarily sadness (this feeling I can't escape) to being grateful for the 26 years I had with her and for the 30 years my grandma lived beyond what science and logic said she should have. It's a long journey, but at least I am on it. I don't know who says it, but this quote, "Grief does not change you. It reveals you." So true. So true. I'm learning a lot about myself by being fully honest and feeling, authentically. It's strange, but pleasant.<br />
<br />
I don't remember where this quote was either, but "You are so busy being you that you have no idea how unprecedented you are." That just reminded me that it's about demeanor and realizing my place in the world. Vastly, and in my community, and in my friendship circles, and in my family, and in my own little world. It helps me to keep things in perspective. The world and life have done nothing to me. This grieving process is not something I cannot get through. If I can or can't, it will not affect the world. I am important, but I do not matter.<br />
<br />
I didn't realize it at the time, but reading this book was very therapeutic for me, even though the content was difficult and uncomfortable. I read a lot of the book with a stony face because I ran out of feels, but overall, it did punch me in the gut and give me a little chest pain. And letting it do that to me, made me confront parts of my grief that I am not sure I could make myself do. Gaining strength in spirit and happiness.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Excerpts from "Carry On" by fun.</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">You swore and said</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #76a5af; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">"We are not</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #76a5af; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We are not shining stars"</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This I know</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I never said we are</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Though I've never been through hell like that</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I've closed enough windows</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">to know you can never look back</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">If you're lost and alone</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Or you're sinking like a stone</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Carry on</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">May your past be the sound</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Of your feet upon the ground</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Carry on</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Carry on, carry on</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">So I met up with some friends</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">at the edge of the night</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">At a bar off 75</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And we talked and talked</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">about how our parents will die</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">All our neighbours and wives</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">But I like to think</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I can cheat it all</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">To make up for the times I've been cheated on</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And it's nice to know</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">When I was left for dead</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I was found and now I don't roam these streets</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I am not the ghost you are to me</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Cause we are</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We are shining stars</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We are invincible</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We are who we are</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">On our darkest day</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">When we’re miles away</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Sun will come</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #45818e; color: #4c1130; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We will find our way home</span><br />
<br />
By the way, I think this song is highly appropriate for this book. It includes love, loss, and grief. Our book club leader had asked us to rate the book, and I had said 3.75 (because I am waffle-y). 5+ for writing, and 2 something for content. I change my answer to 5++, just for the sheer amount of wisdom it has bestowed upon me, despite the content and the more than predictable storylines.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-42926149591967494642014-02-26T01:01:00.001-05:002014-02-26T01:09:31.858-05:00"Winter Song" -The Head and the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This blog was created with strength as the focus. Strength in body. Strength in mind. Strength in attitude. Strength in character. As of late, I haven't felt very strong. The last few months of my life have been a whirlwind, and it's only now that I look back that I see that. I called my parents "the kidney twins," seeing as my mom received her long awaited kidney (doing well, by the way, which I am everyday grateful for) and my dad (due to the vigilance observed by multiple physicians and the insistence of a friend/restaurant frequenter that my dad "looked like shit" and needed to be looked at), had surgery and a short stay in the hospital for his prostate, which was instigated by an inability to pee and a high creatinine level. Thankfully, so thankfully, they are both stable, and my fleeting fear of having one parent leave dialysis behind just to have the other find it, never manifested itself. <br />
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Aside from that, I've had a grandmother (who lives with my loving aunt, uncle, and three cousins, and had since before I was born) who was in and out of the hospital and nursing homes, battling a fight that was more than 30 years old. I helped when I could. Maybe I could have more. But it's those thoughts I struggle not to torment myself with. I'm not going to hash out all the details, because it just makes me sad and teary, but I will say that she lived in defiance of life since a stroke in 1983 that probably should have killed her. There are too many things I could say, mostly concerning guilt, sadness, smiles, stress, revelation, and feeling unsettled. She passed on January 27, 2014. It all seemed to have spiraled so quickly, but I was there the evening she passed. I didn't want to be there just because of what was happening, but I did want to be there, and I am grateful that I was. I've felt a multitude of things since then, and haven't been able to qualify these emotions. It has opened up a lot of wounds or emotional scarring I didn't know were there. I've been putting off processing what happened and acknowledging the depth of my grief and how it is intertwined into the rest of my life, but this is a small step. This song popped up on my iPod one evening shortly after my grandmother died, and it articulated what I didn't know I was feeling. The lyrics offer painful truth, painful hope, and painful disillusion.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #4c1130; color: #cfe2f3;">"Winter Song"-The Head and the Heart</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #4c1130; color: #cfe2f3;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">Tell me somethin', give me hope for the night<br /> We don't know how we feel<br /> We're just prayin' that we're doin' this right<br /> Though that's not the way it seems<br /><br /> Summer gone, now winter's on its way<br /> I will miss the days we had<br /> The days we had<br /> I will miss the days we had<br /> The days we had<br /> Oh, I'll miss the days we had<br /><br /> Loving, leaving, it's too late for this now<br /> Such esteem for each has gone<br /> Has time driven our season away?<br /> Cause that's the way it seems<br /> In the world of the speech that is new<br /> I'll be back again to stay<br /> Again to stay<br /> I'll be back again to stay<br /> Again to stay<br /> I'll be back again to stay</span> </span><br />
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There were a couple of weeks where I didn't feel like talking to anyone and going to work in a nursing home similar to the last one she stayed in, day after day, was grueling and literally drained me of any energy to do anything else. I struggled to love my job and I struggled to do that job, well. I didn't Crossfit for two weeks. I ate junk. My relationship with food took a turn for the worse, mirroring bad habits that I have worked hard to confront and demolish. I didn't want to talk about anything real. I didn't really know what I wanted or what I needed. And those feelings still come every so often. And I think they will for a very long time. I kept waiting to feel better. And I keep waiting. But it isn't just going to happen. But this is a small step. I've stopped using sadness as a crutch to not participate in the rest of my life. Especially the parts that I just recently learned to harbor into a healthful self. It would be a disservice to myself and dare I say it, to my grandmother and parents, too.<br />
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I wrote in my Crossfit notebook, "Not going to Crossfit isn't going to make me feel better." It was there, that I had a chance to just focus on me, and forget whatever else was going on, but still be doing something productive and helpful. I am not going with as much gusto as before and those initial feelings of nervousness and shyness tried to creep back in, but I've punched those in the face, and am learning to rely on myself and to rely on my coaches and to rely on my Crossfit community to be their wonderful selves, allowing myself to bathe in their unabashed positivity and strength, despite whatever else is going on in the world. I know this, now. No matter what happens outside of the box, inside the box is always a positive, supportive, strong space. Nothing, as far as I know, can shake that. It felt really good to revel in that and to soak it up.<br />
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That being said, one of the first workouts I did when I "came back" was 3 sets of "prison rules." (Prison Rules is to do the same movement every 15 seconds for 4:00. Typically 2-3 of the same movement). We were asked to do the following:<br />
<br />
I. Prison Rules <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43qi9DlGUxU">Hang Power Snatch</a> (HSN)<br />
Prison Rules <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFSBGIPMa9A">Clean and Jerk</a> (C+J) **start at about :30<br />
Prison Rules <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfIc4DUeapo">Thrusters</a><br />
<br />
*prescribed weight: #95 men/#65 women<br />
<br />
With a minute of rest in between<br />
<br />
II. Every Minute on the Minute (EMOTM) 10 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fpobPBRnsk">wall balls</a> **start at 1:10<br />
<br />
*prescribed weight: #20 men/#14 women, all trying to hit the 10' mark<br />
<br />
I felt like Crossfit was saying, "fuck you for not coming for two weeks," but in the friendliest way possible. It felt good to get right back into it. And I wimped out a little, only doing #55 lbs for the first part and only #8 lbs for the second part. It was still freaking hard. But despite my wimpage, I felt good about what I did when I left that night. What a relief...I could still rely on this place to be there for me and my health.<br />
<br />
In spite of all the seemingly negative things in my life, I have truly felt the support and comfort from loved ones, acquaintances, and strangers. In my state of mind, I ended up having two minor car accidents (no injuries, just a few thousand dollars worth of damage). I have been shown such kindness through words, prayers, thoughts, hugs, people doing things for me, positive attitudes, through people showing up, and gratitude. Even with all that has happened (I struggle not to finish that phrase with "...to me." These things didn't happen to me; they just happened), I am beginning to feel a little renewed. <br />
<br />
The concept of strength has taken on such different meaning. The same struggles are still there from before, but added, are the goals to find emotional strength and spiritual strength. I have many models of strength in my life. None moreso than my grandmother, who like I said, lived in defiance of sadness, defeat, solitude, physical ability and life, relentlessly being strong each and every single day just to live normally and be independent. If I don't see inspiration in that struggle, who the hell do I think I am?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-12436511610118478562014-01-07T22:27:00.001-05:002014-04-15T21:52:16.898-04:00"Money Tree" by Caroline Glaser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This artist opened for Straight No Chaser, an acapella group that formed in college about twenty years ago, and currently tours. They are amazing and hilarious. This girl, was a contestant on "The Voice," and her voice is very special, indeed. It was also really cool to hear her clear voice in a dark, quiet auditorium. This song is one of her two released original songs. It laments being a bit foolish and not listening to the advice given you, and then breaking out, and still having a chance to make it big. Having your moment. Here is the refrain:<br />
<br />
<div class="verse">
"Listen up now, listen good.<br />
Listen up like I know I should<br />
I've got one chance to make a scene,<br />
Make a name I've got to plant that seed</div>
<div class="verse">
You spend your whole life being someone you're not,<br />
So quick to forget all the things you've been taught.<br />
If I sing oh oh oh and la la la could you hear my cry? Would you sing along?"</div>
<br />
I feel like that is what I do when I do these Crossfit workouts, putting myself out there in ways that I never thought possible. I've subconsciously had this fear to not overthink and analyze everything that I wanted to do. With Crossfit, I was still conservative, but I took the plunge. And I'm so much the better for it. I want to "make a scene, " "make a name," and "plant the seed." It gets easier to get over the nerves, and it has morphed from fear of how I appear to anxiety about doing something greater than I thought I would be able to. Very, very rarely, am I disappointed when I leave a class. How often is it in life that I can say that? About work, about school, etc. Why wouldn't I keep going back for more? <br />
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I came across this article on the Crossfit Facebook page, and it perfectly highlighted why I love Crossfit, and why I am hooked. There are a lot of quotables, but my favorite quote, :With most workouts, beginners look like assholes and then they look like pros. In our case, <b>everyone looks like an asshole</b>. " Basically, implying that everyone is working hard and working on their form. A lot of the Crossfit pictures you will see are of elite athletes, but that is not what everyone looks like. Another favorite quote is, "We build a strong camaraderie and the competition is motivating. You suffer through the workout, but you know that <strong>you are suffering together." </strong>There really is this supportive group of people building each other up. A perfect stranger, but you have a common goal, I feel as if in other gyms or workout classes, there is a competitive nature that has nothing to do with competing against yourself, but others. With my gym, yeah there is some friendly competition, but when it comes to the end of the day, it's about whether or not you are proud of yourself and feel accomplished. Also, the thing I love about Crossfit, is that there is always room to grow and improve. Always. With other workout classes, there are people that have achieved the hardest parts, and then there are others who may feel inadequate because they aren't there yet or never get there. With Crossfit, even the most elite athlete strives for more, more weight, more speed, less time, more reps, or whatever. The goal is the same. I can't state that enough. Here is the rest of the <a href="http://racked.com/archives/2014/01/06/why-crossfit-is-all-the-rage-these-days.php">article</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-45768602003633911942014-01-06T23:51:00.003-05:002014-01-06T23:51:37.463-05:00"Party Up" by DMX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Throwback Monday? This song brings me back to 7th grade, and I especially love the uber 2000s bucket hat that DMX sports in this video. Nothing more badass during a bank heist. This song gets me disproportionately pumped up. Aaaannnyway, it's been far too long since I have posted. Life has taken over, and I relented, fully. The holidays threw me off my Crossfit frequency, but it welcomed me again with open arms afterwards. There was an entire week where all I did was one at home workout, and I felt all out of sorts. Plus, I was sick, and sleeping all the time. But the first one I did after that break was the 100s WOD. Sounds better than it actually is.<br />
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100 American Kettle Bell Swings (35# for women)<br />
100 pull ups (any kind...banded, kipping, jumping, ring rows)<br />
100 double unders (scale is 300 singles)<br />
100 overhead squats (65# for women)<br />
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25:00 cap<br />
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Our sympathetic coach, who hates cardio, literally said, "I'm sorry, guys. This is terrible." I felt as if the workout was an "F you, Angie! For not coming to see us!" I got through the KBS, a combination of banded and jumping pull ups, all of the singles (with a short pee break), and 32 of the OHS. The scale was to do just 50 reps of each thing, but we were encouraged to go for it if we have been doing this for a while. Well, it's been about 6 months or so, so I am no longer "new" I guess. I was happy with how I did, but that workout wasn't fun at all, not even a little bit. I wish I had banded pull ups better, and I did 55# for the OHS. Nonetheless, it was a good one. Also, I was annoyed that the week that we were establishing new 1RM (1 rep max, the heaviest you can do for any particular movement, 1 time) was Christmas week, and I missed them all.<br />
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Since then, I have agreed to participate in the Nutrition Challenge at my box. It is based on the <a href="http://www.maximizedliving.com/NutritionDetox.aspx">Maximized Living Advanced Plan,</a> generally speaking. And basically it is a 4 week program that detoxes all sugars and toxins in foods, which includes grains (bread, pasta, flour, rice), soy, alcohol, and most processed foods. The diet is based on grass fed meats, grass fed dairy, vegetables, only certain fruits that are low in sugar, some beans and legumes, healthy fats (avocados, coconuts), nuts, and seeds. Organic as much as possible. We were provided with detailed meal plans, shopping lists, and the ideologies. It's not a diet. It's going to be a way of life. And it's practical about having slip ups, which isn't the end of the world. Elizabeth, my friend, is doing this with me, hopefully we can keep each other on board.<br />
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We were asked to do a weigh in and a "before" picture. I chickened out, and kept my shirt on for the "before" picture. I looked like a total scrub and a young, cute, boy was taking the pictures. I manned up and took one at home. Which I will share, regardless. And I will take my "after" picture at the gym, sports bra and shorts. Biggest Loser style. But I am excited. I like having the support and the knowledge that I get to choose to do this for 28 days. I am not debilitated by physical barriers or financial barriers. Too good of an opportunity not to try.<br />
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After that talk, we did a very quick 4:00 workout (these workouts reflect the workouts that will be completed in the Crossfit Games Open in a couple months). And afterward, I stayed to work on a couple movements having missed 1RM week. I established two new personal records (Front Squat 140# (by 5 lbs) and Push Press #110 (by 15 lbs). I also dropped the bar, a lot. About five times, and had five different, very generous people, pick it up for me. It's such a different feel being there during open gym hours. There is no time constraint, the dogs just roam around, and you can really lose yourself, while subconsciously being surrounded by the motivating elements and people of Crossfit. I wish I had more opportunities to do open gym hours.<br />
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Tonight, the workout was pretty brutal, too. And quite literally named, "Mofo," and that it was. A true mofo. It was EMOTM x10, alternating 7 BSQ @ 70% 1RM and 10 burpees. Then followed by EMOTM x10, 10 wall balls. Then mobility for quads, 2:00 couch stretch, each leg. A killer, for sure. I never imagined I would be the kind of person that would actually be working out next to strangers, with no thought as to what they think of me, offering support where I see it is needed, and being so open about my strengths and weaknesses. It was a hard lesson to learn that I shouldn't be ashamed of my body and ability because I wasn't born with natural born talent. And that I should be rewarding my body with healthy choices vs punishing myself physically, mentally, and emotionally for being imperfect. So much better, do I feel about myself, in general.<br />
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It's been 2 days, and I have had one slip up. I invested in good quality foodsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-25562506512638885122013-12-11T00:40:00.001-05:002013-12-11T00:40:46.617-05:00"Shape of my Heart"/"Tearin' up my Heart"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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BSB (Brian's still the best)</div>
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NSYNC (JC 4eva)</div>
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Can it be true that Matt (a 21 year old boy, mind you) was blasting my favorite boy band songs as I traipsed into Cornerstone, this evening? My absolute favorite BSB song, then followed by my 2nd favorite NSYNC song. And yes, you can be a dual fan. I always have been. BSB has more staying power, but NSYNC freaking rocked the dance moves. Alright, have I been talking about boy bands for too long? Anyway, it was so much fun for me, and brought me right back to my 6th grade dances. If they only knew that I still listen to all these songs, currently. And hearing these songs on a stereo system, loudly and proudly, definitely amped me up for the workout. I was determined to finish the WOD tonight, because I have recently been in a pinch where I keep almost finishing WODs, and it's super annoying. The workout tonight was:</div>
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5x5 overhead squats (no one is "good" at these) followed by a 20:00 cap for 50 pullups/50 American KBS (35 lbs for women)/50 double unders (150 singles)/50 overhead squats (65lbs for women), I do not have pull ups, so I use bands to help me, but still 50 is a lot. I finished those quickly since I scaled them (and I was the only one to do so. I miss my other class. Haha.), and then the kettle bell swings weren't so bad to do 10 at a time. But the singles took me a little bit longer. It was the freaking overhead squats that I knew were going to give me trouble. To put it in a time frame, I was done with the first two movements in under 6 minutes. And I was the slowest one. Oh, and you couldn't break them up into 10s or anything, you had to finish one whole set of movements before going onto the next one. I dropped the bar behind me and was doing them in sets of 4 some point in the middle of the overhead squats, but I finished in 18:38! I was very happy with how I did, tonight. I needed to bounce back from last night, I think, where I don't think I pushed myself as hard as I could have (workout was FSQ 5x5 and then Tabata (20sec on/10sec rest) of squats x8, then push ups x8, then butterfly situps x8. As many as possible. That was a real doozy. </div>
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Aside from the love for boy bands coinciding with my love for Crossfit, there is another reason I love this place. Last Saturday, two members (one is a coach, the other his wife) hosted a charity event to raise money for building a school/community center in Haiti. The children they serve are currently being schooled in a tent and have minimal supplies. So, they hosted an all day competition and the winners received a moderate amount on a giftcard and a hand drawn picture from a child at the school. I did not compete or even attempt to (it was a month long event), but I did agree to volunteer, all day. It was so nice to see my coaches and fellow members outside of the WOD realm. One coach competed, and that was cool to see him, too. Funnily enough, as coaches, I don't get to see them do a whole lot of working out during the week, so it's neat when I get to. The day really showed me what a family Crossfit becomes. There were shared laughs, adoration for the new dog, and plantain chips. Plus, the whole premise of the day was to put yourself through something for the sheer profit of someone else who needs it more badly than you do. And I miss that from my life. I like to see that Crossfit can build bridges into parts of the real world. Just solidifies my respect for the whole notion.</div>
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Continuing to be in love with this life...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-51452197040298095272013-12-04T00:45:00.003-05:002013-12-04T00:45:47.299-05:00"Demons" by Imagine Dragons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What can I say? This song is beyond beautiful and poignant and freaking amazing. Yes, Louis C.K,, I choose to use the word "amazing" for this song (reference <a href="http://img.pandawhale.com/post-24342-Louis-CK-amazing-waste-the-shi-rkm0.jpeg">here</a>). The lyrics are a little depressing, but what I get from this song, is strength in adversity, and the effort to be fearless despite what you are, whether that's "good" or "bad." And for me, that alludes to the unhealthy habits I've had and the effects they have had on my body. I'm not perfect, I cannot offer you or myself everything, but I have something to cherish and something to take care of. My body and my self. Cue the cheesy background music! I think this song is about forgiving yourself for the faults and imperfections you may have committed or that you have. <br />
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This song also speaks to me about my mom. Who recently underwent kidney transplant surgery after being on a donor list for 8ish years (no one can really remember if it was 8 or 10). She is a diabetic, she has some pulmonary hypertension, she has a little bit of congestive heart failure. She wasn't the greatest at taking care of her body and was also handed a few cards that made it worse. But, above all of that, she has a heart of gold. She would never wish bad upon a person, and she wants only for good to be in the lives of her loved ones. She isn't perfect, and she doesn't always say the most perfect things (especially to her most perfect daughter, me!), but she is truly an example of goodness. But back to my point, even though she had put herself in the situation of having low functioning kidneys, she has received a truly miraculous gift. A second chance. The song doesn't say if you deserve saving or not, but that it's there. And that it's okay to embrace all of who you are, good, bad, or otherwise.<br />
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So back to Crossfit. I have been good about going, and really missed it when I couldn't go as often while Mom was in the hospital for surgery and whatnot. But I went the night before Thanksgiving, and was the only person there! It was a partner workout ("Jack" 20:00 AMRAP 10 push presses/10 kettle bell swings/10 box jumps). I didn't go that fast, but I kept a good pace. I was off my game, though. As evidenced by the fact that I hit my chin with the bar, nearly dropped a 35 lb kettle bell behind my head, and nearly fell forward on a box jump. I hadn't been eating that great because I was out of my routine, and while that is the weakest excuse, I used it to justify drinking diet soda and eating a pizza in a week, all by myself. I also forgot my hair thing that night, and my hair (almost down to my butt), kept getting caught in my armpits. :)<br />
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And then, last night, I went back and we did "Cindy with a Jerk." I laugh everytime I see that! "Cindy" is a 20:00 AMRAP of 5 pull ups/10 push ups/15 squats, and they also added a clean and jerk. I met my goal of number of rounds, and it felt great to be "back." Oh, and we were supposed to end with a 2 mi cool down, and we typically run behind the shopping center where our box is. It was dark, and it started to rain. Brandon bestowed pity on us, and less than halfway through, he picked us up in his car. :) He also cleaned up all of our supplies. What a guy.<br />
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Tonight, I went to Skinnyfit, and Matt blasted "Demons" about halfway through the workout, which was a real doozy! (400m run, "Karen"-150 wall balls, "Annie"-50/40/30/20/10 sit ups/double unders (or scaled double the amount of single jump ropes), 400m run). And the song carried me through the first set of sit ups. I was the last to finish with a 35:00 cap. And Matt, being the supportive coach and generous person that he is, ran with me the last 400m. You can't pay for quality coaching like that! And not to mention, Matt had us play leap frog and do cartwheels in the warm up. He is like a puppet master. But in a nice, sadistic, way. :) <br />
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That is two nights in a row, that people have been generous enough to clean up my things for me. I feel as if I benefit so much from the people who go here and the coaches, that I feel compelled to put something back into this establishment. That's what drives me to be a success story and to spread the support and encouragement to others who walk through our doors. I can't say it enough. Loving crossfit. Loving myself.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-88686519509316900442013-11-14T23:18:00.001-05:002013-11-14T23:18:05.423-05:00"Young, Wild, and Free" by Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Bruno Mars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've recently resigned to the realization that I am in fact, a twentysomething, with nothing but financial obligation, who chooses to prioritize family, personal time, health, and spending time with friends having new experiences. I am thoroughly enjoying going to Crossfit/Skinnyfit as often as I have been, splurging on good, quality food, and answering only to myself. This song played tonight, and although I'm not quite as carefree as the song would suggest (I am fiscally responsible and always go to work), the attitude that "I don't care who sees" resonates with me. I still wear tight fitting clothes to Crossfit that showcase my belly fat and my legs. I am putting myself out there and I'm not going to hide under baggy, un-cute clothes. <br />
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I have been going to Crossfit more regularly and feeling less and less self-conscious about what kind of workout is going to be posted, and more and more confident about being inviting and being myself, there. I have encountered some very kind, helpful people within the walls of this establishment. People who help me with bands, carry boxes for me, clean up my supplies because I'm the last person working out, people who yell and encourage me to keep going, people who offer tips to improve my form or to make it a little easier on myself. I have been eating well, but I had Doritos, today. NOT a good idea. But I have also recently decided to stop keeping a food journal. I don't want to be hung up on calories (even approximated ones which is what I did most of the time), and I want it to be an overall improvement. I don't plan on writing down what I eat for the rest of my life, but I do plan on working out and pushing myself.<br />
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I have definitely noticed that I can run with more stamina. Still usually start out in the beginning and end up in the back, but at least I finish. My squat positioning is consistent and my elbows are out, which indicates that I have improved shoulder flexibility. My arms are getting tighter, my traps are getting sore more regularly, meaning they are coming into their own form, and my knees are bruised from the rigor of some of the workouts. I love it! I have spent quite a few evenings looking at my body in the mirror. I never even used to be able to do that, clothed, and feel comfortable. Now, I examine my naked self to see what areas are improving, which areas still need work, and to build confidence. It's just a body. A tool to feel better about myself. My clothes are fitting much looser and I am buying smaller sizes at the store. And this may not seem like a big deal, but my breasts are a little smaller. It is an area that I have always been self-conscious about, and now they are becoming more shapely. So are my legs. I never thought that would happen. I attributed their shape to genetics and accepted that they would never be my favorite feature. But I have strong legs, now. And I love to look at them. :o)<br />
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Over the last few weeks since my last blog entry, I endured a "met-con" week, meaning it was mostly "metabolic conditioning" which means a hell of a lot of cardio and at high intensity. I've also worked on snatches, overhead squats, back squats, push presses, wall balls, pull ups, and cleans. A girl named Kelly really helped me with my pull ups. As I do not have as much upper body strength, these are very hard for me, and I require 2-3 bands to do them, efficiently. She helped me to loop them together, as I always had them next to each other, and they were freaking hard to get into, that way. FYI, a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVVns1LhKnM">banded pull up</a> is such. I also have been pushing myself to speed up, a little. That's my worst area. I can do the weight lifting, and I can do the technical stuff. But I am not very fast. And I don't care to be. But I have to get to a point where I get just a tad of a rush from being fast or finishing on time, because that will push me. I do have to admit, when I miss a workout by just a few reps, I feel really frustrated about it. And I want to avoid that feeling.<br />
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Things are well. My life is good. I'm happy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-3768259285838834682013-10-30T00:58:00.003-04:002013-10-30T00:58:59.256-04:00"Livin in the Moment" by Jason Mraz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No video for this song yet, but it doesn't really need one. The message is so simple and poignant. I would like to think that I do this fairly well, but as of late, I have been hung up on this and that. I recently took (most of) a week from work, and it was great to sleep, spend time with family, and get a few things done that have been staring at me on my "to do" list for weeks. My current living situation is that during the week I live with a married couple (met the wife in grad school) and their 6 year old daughter to be closer to work. They are the ones who introduced me to Crossfit, and to Cornerstone. So, when I go home to my condo (where my parents also live) on the weekends or when I take off from work, I don't generally go to my normal box (it's 45 minutes away vs 10 minutes). Anyways, I attempted to complete some at home workouts, which include mostly cardio, as I do not have access to bars at my community gym. At best, I have a 20 lb kettle bell, but it mostly consists of low maintenance movements (squats, burpees, sit ups, push ups, planks, arm bars/windmills, lunges, Russian twists, jump roping). I did that only a couple of times, and I did attempt to do some pull ups and knees to chest on the local monkey bars, but it was just a tad low. I enjoyed working out at home, but I really do thrive when others are around me, either suffering with me or inspiring me to do better.<br />
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I managed to make it to Crossfit last Thursday for the 1000am class, and it was taught by the head coach, Jen. Consisted of:<br />
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For time--<br />
1000m row<br />
25 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkjLO1l427Q">pistols</a> (basically a one legged squat, and you have to do both sides to count as 1 rep)<br />
15 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjhwdZ1QRZI">hcpl (hang power cleans)</a><br />
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And then, back squats 3reps x 5 times every 3 minutes. New 3 rep max.<br />
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My row time has improved immensely (500m in 1:41, vs 2:19 a couple months ago, and then 1000m in 4:37). I like rowing, but it can be high intensity. The pistols I had to scale by sitting on a bench, because I just go all the way down or not down far enough without it. I am somewhere between needing the bench and not needing it. Hopefully next time, I won't need it for the whole time. The hcpl weren't bad. I completed the whole thing in 12:10 and I cleaned 85lbs I believe. I had to throw a couple of back squats, but nice guys helped me out. It was a really successful class, and I like having all the time in the world to take. That's what I would do if I were a housewife. :o)<br />
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And then the weekend came, and I visited a friend in Bowling Green, OH. A typical college town with good eats, and way too much junk for Angie! I was cranky from the massive amounts of cereal, naan, basmati rice, chips and queso, and pizza that I ate. It was all wonderfully delicious, but I paid for it, literally--emotionally--physically.<br />
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But I came back to work this week, ready to Crossfit it everyday and get back in my game. I took last night off to revel in one more evening of drinking tea and watching Netflix. And I came back, today. I made poor dietary choices again, as I had leftover steak for breakfast (which was not the problem), but it was the 3 mini Snickers bars and 2 Halloween cookies I had for the rest of the day (and nothing else). ALL SUGAR. I wasn't hungry for the rest of the day, but I think it lead to the results of tonight's workout. Workout was:<br />
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400m run and 9-7-5 muscle ups/snatches (Scales: chest to bar x2 or pull ups x3 and lower weight for snatches). Snatches are a hard movement for me, and I just recently mastered the power snatch (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be97kgQ1Aw8">catching the bar in a partial squat</a>). The full snatch is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3abD7z6vRPM">catching the bar in a below parallel squat</a>. All in 15:00. So, I was expected to do 27 pull ups/9 snatches/21 pull ups/7 snatches/15 pull ups/5 snatches.<br />
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Followed by Deadlifts 2 reps x 5 every 3 minutes at 90% max weight.<br />
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I only did 55 lbs, but I kept falling forward, or falling on my butt. I managed to break it up into a power snatch and then basically overhead squat it. Apparently, that is what a lot of people ended up doing. And I can barely do banded pull ups; I'm still heavy, and I don't have the upper body strength to get my whole body up there. I was really frustrated with myself and really annoyed. I couldn't finish in the 15:00 cap, and I only got 49 reps. My deadlifts were okay. 175 was the highest I went, so I need to establish a new 1 rep max at some point, since my last recorded was 165 and that was 4 months ago.<br />
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I kind of threw the bar during deadlifts, and Megan gave me some tips to improve my squat for snatches. Squats are my thing, but I have been teetering lately, and I don't know why the hell that is. It's frustrating. My frustrations are really very mild, but for someone who takes almost everything in stride, it seems big. I've never left that place feeling so annoyed and frustrated. I didn't care for it. I almost always leave that place feeling like I kicked ass, confident, smiley, and even if I didn't get something, like I was really close to being able to. Not the case, this evening. My hope is for a better tomorrow, with less sugar, more good foods, and better performance.<br />
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I had a good week off; actually had a job offer and received my full certification for my career. Even though I grumble, I am happy about where I am, and there is always another chance to improve at Crossfit, right? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-30476081361359587422013-10-19T13:32:00.003-04:002013-10-19T13:32:59.718-04:00"Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wish I had the music video for this song, but alas no. It was like monster ballads 80s night at Skinnyfit the other night, and it totally worked! Pat's video for "Love is a Battlefield" is the first music video I ever watched, and I have loved her (and developed my affinity for the decade in which I was born) ever since. The other night, we did a series of AMRAPs for Skinnyfit. I have been going directly from work lately, and barely making it on time. And the nice thing about Skinnyfit is that it is always a surprise. They technically try to post the WOD every morning, but sometimes they don't post it until midday or at all. So, when I used to go at 7am, it was good, because I couldn't talk myself out of it. That's how Skinnyfit has been. It was a 5 min AMRAP of 20 DU or 50 singles/10 wall balls/5 toes to bar or knees to chest/1 wall walk. Followed by a 2 min rest. Then a 10 min AMRAP. Followed by a 2 min rest (which turned into 3 min; we must have looked rough!), and then a 15 min AMRAP. It was toooouuugh. And it's only as tough as you push yourself. I don't remember exactly how many rounds I got in, but it was a good one. Again, Matt, the coach, is incredibly encouraging and helpful. I didn't manage to do a full on wall walk at all, but I got closer, each time. Wall balls are still hard for me with the 14 lb ball, but I think they're getting smoother. Nobody likes wall balls. They're just easier for some people than others. My knees to chest felt a lot more precise and controlled this time, which was exciting. Altogether, a good class.<br />
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Yesterday, my day couldn't have gone more smoothly. I jam packed it with working in two buildings and then doing two workouts. It started at 630am and went until 930pm, with times of rest in between, but still doing something. Anyway, I rushed to the 530pm Crossfit class. I'd never been on a Friday or at 530, and wasn't sure what to expect. We did Deadlifts at 75% max 5x5 over 20:00. Followed by AMRAP of holds for 15:00. The holds were chin over bar (like in a pull up position) or scaled to ring rows (like gymnastic rings) to your chest (at an angle), followed by squat hold, and then a handstand or plank hold. All for 30 sec each. I scaled the chin to bar, as I can't even hold it for half a second. And I scaled the hand stand hold to a head stand hold. I attempted a hand stand (which I probably haven't done since 3rd or 4th grade), but I have a pretty solid head stand hold. Was advised to push through my arms and not put all pressure on my neck. OH, and I fell on my head when I tried the hand stand hold. Haha. Good class. Low key, but good for a Friday. <br />
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I then went to a 2 hour Zumbathon in support of breast cancer research at a local high school. A coworker invited me. I used to love Zumba; it was my thing in college. I am not coordinated, but it was fun. I am not sure if it is because I was tired from Crossfit (unknowingly) or because it was Friday, but the first hour wasn't all that fun. I wasn't being challenged and I was a little bored, to be honest. The second hour was much better, and I had more fun trying to keep up with the movements. Zumba always makes me laugh because I mess up, so often. I noticed a distinct difference from when I did Zumba in college, though. It's not that hard, now. I wasn't breathing hard at all, and I had the strength to hold partial squats and arms at shoulder height for the duration of a song. So neat to see and notice the difference.<br />
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As of yesterday, I think I am finally over the hump of gaining mm and am now losing weight, cause my scale number is consistently going down. Maybe just a pound or so a week, but it doesn't go up, so to me that shows long-term weight loss. Very exciting! I had a Skyline burrito to celebrate. Haha.<br />
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I did not go to Crossfit today, even though I worked in the time. I started my vacation from work, early, instead. But I might go try to work on that hand stand!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-83332336993147516052013-10-17T00:12:00.003-04:002013-10-17T00:12:48.387-04:00"Without Me" by Eminem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I love Em. I pretended not to like him in middle school because I didn't want to be a "bad kid," and I denied loving him in high school because I wanted to have "expanded" music tastes, I lied about liking him in college because I didn't want to be a sellout. Seeing as he had just become a "legitimate" artist around the time I was in college, with some actual vocal training it seems. Anyways, all bets are off. I'm 26. I'm barely ashamed of anything. I love Eminem. Even though he can be a prick, he doesn't give a shit what you think and he's happy doing his thing, no matter how hurtful, unacceptable, or inappropriate. I don't always love how bigoted he can be, but he sure can jam. There has been a lot of Eminem playing this week at the box. It's like a throw back to my youth (or youthier youth; I'm still young). Half the songs I forgot I knew, and I almost feel as if I am redeeming my shy, underappreciated (by me) self from way back when. I was okay then, but I'm cool, now. I like listening to these songs as a "cool" person. Cheese-tastic moment, over.<br />
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Since my last post, I've gone to Crossfit every day this week (3 days in a row, whoa). One of the coaches that I like is on his honeymoon, and so I've had Megan and Matt all week, which is cool, because of course I like them, too. On Monday, we did a really confusing workout, that included cleans, overhead squats, and over the bar burpees (where you jump over a barbell, laterally, between burpees, instead of extending up). It was a partner workout, and I was paired with a girl named, Angela, who is similar to my ability, but stronger. Because it was for time, we rushed through, and I have only ever done overhead squats about one time. And Megan overestimated my strength a little with the cleans. I cleaned 85lbs and squatted 65 lbs, which felt extremely heavy. Seeing as I dropped it on my head (lightly) and it's a bit tender, now. I also could barely go below parallel with the actual squat, which is weird for me, as I can squat much deeper than parallel, and that's the goal with all squats: consistency. I tried the Rx weight for the cleans, which is 95 lbs for women, and after 1 rep, I got thrown backward, almost on my ass, but not quite. Speed and coordination still aren't my forte! We also worked on finding a new 1RM for push presses. I got 100. New PR. I'm still a crossfit baby, so new PRs are coming fairly frequently for me. But still, it's exciting. Side note, burpees are a good punishment. Crossfit Teens were having class at the same time, and the coach had said, "If you say 'shut up' to anyone, you have to do 5 burpees!" And my friend, Elizabeth, who in retort to her husband's intentionally encouraging, but seemingly rude comment, said, "Shut up!" and was made to do the burpees. So effective. Haha.<br />
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Yesterday, we warmed up with a 400m run and 10 wall climbs. I didn't do a single complete wall climb, but I'm getting more proficient with them. My goal right now is to do at least 2 real ones everytime we have them in the workout. We started with a 5min AMRAP. With such a short amount of time, you are really encouraged to just give it your all and rest at the end. It was 50 wall balls/15 toes to bar (or knees to chest, which is what I did), and your score was the total number of reps. It was only the second time I had used the Rx wgt medicine ball for wall balls (14 lbs), as I usually wimp out and use 8 lbs. My knees to chest looked a lot better, though, and they felt a lot better. I stopped probably four times for a count of 5. And I hit myself in the face with the medicine ball. I also can't get it to the Rx height of 10 feet. I get it barely 7 feet, sometimes. But I'm gonna stick with the 14 lb ball and work on form and strength from here on out, not so much finishing. Final score: 77 reps. After that, we did not max out for back squats, but did 5 sets of 5 at 75%. I did 85-95 lbs. Those felt good; not hard, but okay. My trap mm were killing today, but in a good, sore way. Like, "Hey, I didn't know you were gonna use me for anything, ever!" said Angie's trap mm. Megan also lead us through some hip mobility stretches with the large bands around the poles and stretching out the hard to stretch hip mm. I liked them, but felt as if I was going to fling myself into the metal pole, which thankfully didn't happen.<br />
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Today, I went to the evening class and there were only 4 other people. Which was great, because Matt, could really help us each with encouragement and technique. We did 1 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsL1EXku-Mg">power snatch</a> and 2 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9L3Tb5xbHY">overhead squats</a> every minute for 20 minutes. I misread my notebook and thought I had only ever done snatches 1x, and that I only used the women's bar (35 lbs), so he suggested I start with the training bar (15 lbs) and build up with that. So, I started with 35, and escalated to 70 by the 5 lbs over the 20 attempts. However, I couldn't get 75 lbs. What I actually snatched the last time, was 60 lbs, and I couldn't get 65 lbs, and that was 3 months ago. So, the only difference, is that I may have started a little higher in the beginning, but since I couldn't get the 75 lbs, maybe 70 lbs really would have been my max, anyway. It doesn't really matter, it was actually probably good for me to work on my form with the lower weights, seeing as snatches are really difficult for m. I have a large chest, and the thrusting movement to get the bar above my head, just does not come naturally and my chest gets in the way (Side note: during my foundations classes, where I was first learning all the movements, I shared this sentiment with the head coach, Jen, and she had said she once had a client who had breast implants, and so in an effort to help her with her snatch technique, she googled, "big boob snatch," and DID NOT get what she was hoping to find! Haha!), and I remember feeling insecure about my snatches, so you know what, I am glad I started low. I felt really good about each attempt tonight, even if I did drop it a couple of times. I was a little nervous about doing overhead squats, too, since I dropped it on my head the other night. But Matt was able to watch me, and said it all looked great. Yay! After that, we did 100 pull aparts (imagine a large rubberband you hold out in front of you and then stretch apart) and 20 windmills/arm with a moderate weight kettle bell. All good mobility stuff.<br />
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Having a good week. I hope it continues. I keep eating the Halloween candy that my manager has in the office. Even with that, I am feeling good. Angie <3 Crossfit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-90477825279228668222013-10-11T00:33:00.000-04:002013-10-11T00:33:01.062-04:00"Middle of Nowhere" by Hot Hot Heat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another song from my past. Came out in 2005, which is when I graduated high school. And it played tonight at Skinnyfit. The musical tastes of one of the coaches is similar to me from 5-10 years ago, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Tonight, we did a "Deck of Death" where each suit in a deck of cards represents a different movement, and the number indicates how many reps we have to do. Sounds tough, right? The thing is, it was a brand new deck, and not shuffled very well. Also, it was originally presented with a 30:00 cap with a "then..." afterward, which turned out to be, THE REST OF THE DECK! Movements as follows...<br />
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spades-squats<br />
hearts-burpees<br />
diamonds-push ups<br />
clubs-sit ups<br />
face cards =10<br />
aces=400m run<br />
jokers=200m <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu_W5rL94hE">farmer walks</a><br />
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Holy hell! It was the longest almost 40:00 I've experienced in a while! Doing the math, we did a total of (2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+10+10+10) 84 of each movement x4 =334 total reps! Yowza. And because it wasn't shuffled well, we ran into this frequently, "2 push ups! 3 push ups! 4 push ups! 8 push ups!" I generally one of the last three to finish most of the movements. Thankfully, I catch up a little on squats, and I was given a scale of running 200m after the first one. Which, I probably didn't need, but it was appreciated. It was fun not to think though, and to have someone else be in charge. I think Matt had a little too much fun with it, though. He looked way too happy. :o) Another day, another successful workout. Getting closer to my goals, even though my scale stays about the same. I still feel like I am making progress in gaining muscle, strength, agility, and endurance. And I feel as if I am getting long-term results. <br />
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My eating habits have continued to be good. Gave the rest of my Halloween candy I got in Disney world to my friend's daughter. Now I can't bring myself to take candy from a child. I hope. Literally, today, I had to verbally coach myself out loud to drive past the fast food restaurants when I was going between buildings for work. I have only had one infraction on the fast food front in 3 weeks. Which doesn't sound like a lot, but honestly, there were weeks I ate fast food 5x. Completely in secret. In my car. Shamefully. <br />
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Those days are over, but I won't forget them. I also want to share this <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/fast-food-menu-items-with-over-50-ingredients">Buzzfeed list about fast food</a>, because I have been torn about what kind of "diet" to follow, and I have determined that the first and most important thing to do is to eat as few processed foods as possible. Paired with eating whole foods (a base of fruits, vegetables, lean meat), followed by only a little dairy, occasional whole grain, and rarely sugar. Plus, I still find myself craving Wendy's for some reason. Baby steps, right!?<br />
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I have found a good substitute for the crunchy and salty instead of potato chips, tortilla chips, and pretzels (plantain chips, terra or root vegetable chips, nut crackers), the crunchy in general [sidenote:if you know me personally, you would know that I LOVE crunchy foods] (raw almonds and cashews), pasta (I go without or use spaghetti squash or other vegetable pasta stand ins), ice cream (which I don't eat often anyway, but I have turned to buying Almond Dream dessert products; can be expensive, but yummo. Also, if it's expensive, I will buy it less. I don't want to buy crappy junk food. I want the good stuff to splurge on), and I have pretty much eliminated dairy except for cheese, the occasional sour cream, and a McDonald's soft serve (which I already only eat a couple of times a year). Eating less cereal has been hard to do, but I'm not looking to cut out all grains. Just mostly. My last major feat is finding a good bread, and I am eager to try this <a href="http://www.paleobread.com/">paleo bread.</a> I no longer get uncontrollable hunger pangs and binge eat on junk, and I really enjoy the clean feeling of the food I am eating. Each day is a struggle, but it is getting easier and easier.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-73808202811510259332013-10-10T00:56:00.001-04:002013-10-10T00:56:15.180-04:00"She Hates Me" by Puddle of Mudd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lately, I have been listening to things on my iPod from high school and college. Feeling very youthful and spry. This song was definitely played nearly every morning for half of my senior year in high school. Such a classic badass song. Can't wait for it to be played on an oldies station in the years to come. :o)<br />
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I spent five days in Orlando, FL visiting Walt Disney World. Prior to that, I completed a Skinnyfit class last week that was a partner workout, but my partner had to leave right before it started, and so I did it by myself. And in all honesty, I don't think I pushed myself as hard because there was no one waiting for me! Here's the workout:<br />
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Partner 1: 400m with sandbag (20-30 lbs)<br />
Partner 2: Run 100m/25 American KBS/Run 100m/25 sit ups<br />
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These are done simultaneously, but you must start at the same time. So the fast ones get to break, more! I completed almost 4 total rounds in 30 minutes. The coach had created this workout at the last minute, and we kind of gave him grief about kicking our asses, but he said, and very profoundly, "I'm not kicking your guys' asses. You get out of this what you put in." Duh. I have to remember that. The coaches are around to push us and encourage us, but it's ultimately up to me to push myself past my limits and to where I never thought possible.<br />
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I tried my best (well, kinda) to do some homemade WODs while on vacation, and only managed to do it one time. However, I am proud of myself of how well I resisted junk. I allowed myself one treat a day and brought my own water bottle. I filled up on fruit, eggs, and bacon for breakfast. Brought almond crackers and raw cashews to munch on during the day, which my friend (who also struggles with weight and fitness) also ate some of! At dinner, I avoided rolls and had only a few bites of dessert.<br />
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I came back and attended book club, which is hosted by one of the crossfit coaches. It was lovely to be in the socializing aspect of this box. I like having intelligent conversations and having a relationship beyond them seeing me look like hell, and me seeing them as a teacher. We talked about the transformations some of the clients at Crossfit Cornerstone have undergone and how much their bodies and demeanors have changed for the better. I was more than ready to get back to my box after vacation! The people I vacationed with are sometimes negative, and you just don't get that at Crossfit! <br />
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The first day I came back, the posted workout online must have been in error (or a blatant lie!) because I walked in and the people in the class before me looked like they were working way harder than I had prepared to. Turned out to be establishing a new 1RM of split jerks within 20 attempts followed by "Fran" (21-15-9: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfIc4DUeapo">thrusters</a>, which are from a squat to overhead, and pull ups, or jumping pull ups) with a 10:00 cap. Followed by shoulder mobility of 20 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOtN_MbKU94">windmills</a> with a moderate weight.<br />
I hit a new PR (personal record) for split jerks, 115. The last time we did split jerks, I couldn't get it past 105. So, I was pretty excited about that! Then we did "Fran," and I felt that, for sure! It got to the point where I could only do 2 thrusters at a time and I had to keep cleaning the entire barbell from the ground. The prescribed weight for this WOD is 95 for women/135 for men. I did 75 lbs and finished at 8:48. We all kinda felt like badasses. Haha. It was a hard one, but I liked it.<br />
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Today, we focused on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dpwZ0Vaih4">back squats</a> in a 5-3-1-1-1 at 75%-85%-95%-100%-100%+ weight. I hadn't done a back squat for a PR since this past May, so I had a skewed sense of what I could do. I just started with 75 lbs, and ended up finishing at 125 lbs. And honestly, I could have gone more, but we didn't have time to max out. Especially since all that was followed by "Grace" (30 clean and jerks). Rx wgt 135/95. I have done "Grace" before in May, and at that time I did 55 lbs and finished in 6:09. Tonight, I did 65 lbs and finished in 5:42. I was proud of myself for that! I probably could have gone heavier, too, because I noticed that some others were breathing way harder than I was! A friend of mine, he did Rx weight and finished barely before the 10:00 cap. Everyone struggles sometimes and everyone succeeds sometimes in Crossfit. The coach tonight, Brandon, admitted that he hated the cardio portion of Crossfit and was purely a strength trainer, which explains why he can snatch 300 lbs and does Olympic weight lifting. But, again, it's nice to know these coaches outside of their "coach" personas. So glad to be back in the game!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-4376387175262044872013-10-01T01:11:00.002-04:002013-10-01T01:11:28.815-04:00"Welcome to the Jungle" Guns n Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A true classic. I also hail from Cincinnati, and it has something to do with the Bengals, eh? But, I don't care about that. This song blasted over the speakers last Saturday at the 2nd Voice of America (VOA) Crossfit games, sponsored by my current box, <a href="http://crossfit-cornerstone.com/">Crossfit Cornerstone.</a> And as I understand it, it was a huge success! The day consisted of a Masters (above 40 division), an open (anyone), and the Firebreathers (elite), divided by men and women. I won't go into detail about all of the events (running up a huge hill with a 50-70 lb sand bag, burpees/front squats, cleans, pull ups, push ups, double unders, snatches, sit ups), but there were 3 sections and each event lasted less than 15 min/piece. It was a very intense, but drawn out day. There were about 100 competitors, at all levels. I saw a woman in her 50s, a boy in his teens, and plenty of people in between. I came as a spectator and cheerleader. It was immensely fun to cheer on fellow Cornerstone crossfitters and to see the expanded community of Crossfit participants. The day was gorgeous, and it is really something to see a woman clean a new weight and do a happy dance in the middle of the competition. I would say they all pushed themselves to the point of almost puking and new physical feats. In the future, when I have children, I want them to not only participate in team sports (it's good to feel humiliated once in a while and learn about teamwork), but also individual sports. It's how adults mostly compete in the real world, and it really builds a sense of confidence and comradery. They also had a <a href="http://passion4paleo.com/">Passion 4 Paleo</a> booth there selling delicious food, free massages, frozen yogurt, and a yoga booth. I hope to go to this event (as both a spectator and competitor, one day) for many years to come. <br />
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Today, I went to Crossfit and the WOD was similar to the first event from Saturday:<br />
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Warm up: 800m run/10 wall walks/15 strict pull ups/15 strict dips 15:00 cap<br />
**I completed 5 REAL wall walks, and I felt so much stronger. I am not as afraid of falling anymore, and I used to only be able to go up from the push up and just stay there for about a half a second. I did "strict" dips with a band, but didn't go all the way up. I require too many bands at this point. Plus, it's hard to get into those things, alone! Didn't get to the strict dips.<br />
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Then we did a 21-15-9 with a 10:00 cap: sandbag front squats/lateral burpees<br />
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Followed by a 10:00 squat hold. <br />
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It doesn't seem like a lot, but I didn't finish my last 4 burpees, and I barely laterally jumped. I stepped over, a lot. I Rxed with a 50 lb bag at first, but dropped to 40 lbs for the 2nd and 3rd sets. I easily could have finished (in a class of 5 people, I was the only person not to), but it was freaking hard! And I didn't do as well with my squat hold as I would have liked. The loss of blood to my lower body really made my thighs and insteps scream with burning! But I'm so glad to be into this.<br />
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I have really been challenging myself to eat well and not let hunger become a beast the past week or so, and I feel so good about it. I was always that person who would say, I'll just eat half, and end up eating way more. I am not the kind of person who is good at eating just one bite of a delicious dessert, but I can be. I went to Chipotle tonight, and I ordered a bol with no rice. And amazingly, I didn't miss it. It was still delicious and filling.<br />
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I am headed to Disney World in a couple of days (eeks on eating healthy, right?), but I am going to be very conscious about "treating" myself seldom, and truly enjoying this treats. I also planned WODs I can do out by the pool in the mornings before we get going. I'm very excited. The vacation part is being away from work and being in Disney World. It's also taking it a little easy on the Crossfit (after all, I won't have as much equipment to use) and splurging now and then. But eating and lazing myself into complete misery will not allow me to enjoy my trip, anyway. And junk food makes me cranky!<br />
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Things are definitely looking and staying up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-85880624098044613882013-09-27T00:36:00.001-04:002013-09-27T00:36:40.680-04:00"Wrecking Ball" Miley Cyrus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wouldn't blame you if you never read this blog again because of Miley. Totally understandable, and I kind of hate myself for giving this ridiculousness life, but so be it! Did Skinnyfit tonight with Matt, who blasts music, and as far as I can tell, has the closest taste in music to my own, because yes...I already know the freaking words to this song I've heard 3x (voluntarily). It's really fun for me to have crazy music on, even if it's not something I like, because it gives me something else to focus on besides the fact that I feel like I am dying. Tonight's workout was a doozy.<br />
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400m run<br />
100 burpees<br />
400m run<br />
100 wall ball<br />
400m run<br />
100 push ups<br />
400m run<br />
100 sit ups<br />
400m run<br />
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40:00 cap<br />
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No typos above, except that it was a partner workout! We both had to do the running (or rowing) and then switch off in different intervals to complete the other tasks. I went with an 8 lbs ball for wall balls, and I struggled with the pushups. I worked with a woman named Ashley, who says she used to do Crossfit and then sat on her couch for a year, and is just now getting back into it. She is still way faster than me. I ended up being the last one to finish (36:49), but Ashley, Matt, and some others were cheering me on. Always a plus! I usually would have psyched myself out, but because someone else was waiting on me, I never really stopped. And now I ache all over, but I am tremendously happy that I went.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-67494930742607929382013-09-26T00:34:00.001-04:002013-09-26T00:35:47.665-04:00"Girls" by the Beastie Boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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RIP Adam Yauch</div>
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A classic! This song brings me back to high school, and I used to play it on my mp3 player that only held 25 songs. Beastie Boys held one of those precious spots. Last night at the box, they played amazing music (Run DMC, Beastie Boys, etc), but there were only 2 men and 6 women, so this song seemed most appropriate. And it turned out to work for today, too! I'll get to that.</div>
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Yesterday, I went with Elizabeth to Crossfit with the intention of staying for Skinnyfit afterward, except I underestimated the WOD. It was a hero WOD named for soldier, <a href="http://www.crossfit.com/mt-archive2/007762.html">Travis Manion</a>, who was killed while serving in Iraq several years ago.</div>
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7 Rounds for Time:</div>
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400 m run</div>
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29 back squats (Rx: 135/95)</div>
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30:00 cap</div>
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It was a LOOONG 30 minutes! I only complete 4 rounds with 65 lbs. That's a total of 1600m run and 116 squats. I probably could have pushed harder, but my butt and thighs were feeling it, today.</div>
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Today, was another named WOD, "Nasty Girls." Brandon (coach) said it was named as such because it contains elements of 3 WODs with women's names. (<a href="http://crossfitgva.com/why-are-benchmarks-name-after-girls/">Why girls' names?)</a></div>
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3 Rounds for Time:</div>
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50 squats</div>
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7 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKcnpJSAsbo">muscle ups</a></div>
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10 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjhwdZ1QRZI">hang power cleans</a></div>
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20:00 cap</div>
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Followed by Tabata (20 seconds on/10 seconds off) of alternating plank and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6PJMT2y8GQ">superman.</a> It was a small class, so I can't decide if I like going in the evening better or the morning.</div>
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I scaled my weight to 65 lbs and did <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbRB8Jum5JM">knees to chest</a> for muscle ups, which is a scale for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29jvHSugMoE">toes to bar,</a> which is a scale for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_4deuYeld8">muscle up transitions.</a> (We use rings, not bars), so needless to say, I'm far from where I "should" or want to be. But I felt like a beast. Finished at 14:27. I loved tonight's workout, honestly! It came up that I was tempted to go to Taco Bell earlier today, and the coach said, "Just so you know your coaches are human. Frank came in here the other day and said, 'You guys, I have to tell you something. I don't know why, but I had to stop on the way here. I ordered 2 whoppers, fries, coke....it was terrible, but I ate it all." Haha! Nice to know I'm not the only one who struggles. In fact, a much fitter gentleman said "Good job!" for resisting fast food and says he eats Graeter's ice cream every night. We bond in so many ways.</div>
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And since it was a small class, this came up, too...the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd05K6uKyQw">four person push up.</a> I didn't partake, and they attempted twice, having gotten up for just a second. But so cool. I feel like I love doing Crossfit more and more and I love the community aspect of it, more.</div>
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Note, last week we did a 5 min workout (3:00 wall balls/2:00 burpees). Timmy, another coach, had us pair up so we could count reps for each other. I ended up doing a lot more than I thought, even though I took a lot of breaks and felt like I was dying. 67 wall balls/14 burpees. And also, in that class, a girl (whose name I don't even know), stayed back and ran with me during the warm up. I was with a bunch of people (bunch being 6) I didn't usually crossfit with, but it still felt welcoming. I've never felt this confident or outgoing in a gym setting. And I NEVER wanted to talk to anyone at the gym before. Nice to have nice firsts.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-70402953279751032452013-09-18T00:15:00.002-04:002013-09-18T00:15:43.996-04:00"Gangsters' Paradise" by Coolio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A classic! This song is so badass, even after all these years. This song came out when I was in 3rd grade, I believe. And I love this song as much as I did as an 8 year old. Anyways, it was like old school music day at Crossfit. Today, for only the second time, I did two workouts!<br />
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First, WOD:<br />
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21-15-9: Shoulder to Overhead (S2OH) and Toes to Bar (TTB) 10 minute cap<br />
I scaled this to do 55 lbs and only knees to chest. I didn't even finish. I missed the last 9 reps, but I am really super bad at TTBs. It's a goal of mine to be able to do them, well.<br />
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Did I mention the 800m run and 10 wall walk WARM UP? Yikes.<br />
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After the 21-15-9, then we did 15 split jerks EMOTMx15 minutes. That's freaking hard. I couldn't max out, or even reach my last PR (105 lbs). But I worked with Empho, and she was really encouraging and positive. <br />
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Then, for some reason, I decided to stay for Skinnyfit, which was:<br />
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Tabata Russian KB swings<br />
Tabata Jump Rope<br />
Tabata Med Ball Thrusters<br />
Tabata Sit Ups<br />
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Followed by 10 min AMRAP of 200m partner runs<br />
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Matt had us work outside and I like Tabata because I don't have to think about reps or endurance. You just push as hard as you can for 20 sec at a time. I had some trouble with my instep with the jump roping (Asian flat feet are a buzzkill to Crossfit, sometimes). When I came home, I rolled my feet on a frozen lacrosse ball, and they seem to have calmed down. The Tabata was hard, but it's only 16 minutes total, just a tough 16 minutes. Elizabeth stayed with me, too, and we partnered for the 200m runs. I did 4 rounds, and she did 5. I ran hard. I usually wimp out into a jog, but I kept my pace up, pretty well. Matt noticed that I was using a better format to run. One of the many reasons I love Crossfit is the fact that the coaches actually coach, and they coach everyone. At a gym, I would feel lost and totally independent, but at this box, it's a team.<br />
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Ate well, today. Ate consciously. Didn't overeat at all. Needed more water.<br />
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Slow process, but I'm getting there!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-75986052188129561982013-09-17T00:47:00.000-04:002013-09-17T00:51:05.698-04:00"Drop it like it's Hot!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I have never enjoyed this song, whatsoever. And I'm almost embarrassed that it exists. But, it made tonight very funny to me. I went to the 730pm WOD with my friend, Elizabeth. It was fairly simple:<br />
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500m row for time<br />
3:00 minute <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o0KNU4WAG0">couch stretch</a> for each leg<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoikaYjLRNk">Front Squats</a> 2 reps x5 every 3 min at 90% max weight (aka FSQ 5x2 E3M @ 90% PR)<br />
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My max FSQ weight is 113 lbs, and I only did it once, a few months ago. So, I started with 95 lbs, and worked my way up to 105 lbs. One of the coaches, Brandon (who does a great job; he really helps with technique and is attentive...he pushes without being pushy), was watching and said I had a great squat. Which was nice to hear. I have never been athletically inclined to do anything except fall spectacularly. Now, I claim "almost sitting" as my athletic talent. Also, it's weird yet oddly calming to have a guy look at your backside completely objectively. Side note, Elizabeth was complaining about back pain which was determined to come from poor positioning when doing movements that require <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ujMWHBX5CU">cleans</a>, and that she uses her back more than her legs and hips. To fix this, she was advised to drop her butt lower in starting position, and Brandon told her to "Drop it like she squats!" in reference to me, and to the tune of the aforementioned Snoop Dogg classic. #CrossfitComedy<br />
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I've also resorted to eating better. I am a stress eater. A bored eater. A "avoid work by having a snack" eater. I can come up with any excuse to have a snack. BUT I have reeled it in. I eat when hungry. I stop when almost full, and I know this just by listening to my body. I threw out the little treats in my pantry that I don't even really enjoy, but have kept because someone dumped it on me or I don't want to waste it. But out it went. That's not to say I'll never have candied pineapple or Hershey kisses again, but if I treat that food like a "treat" and make it more difficult to obtain it, eating it will be rare and more rewarding in the future. It's difficult to buy food for a single person. I often find I have some leftover food that I get sick of eating. It felt good to get rid of that junk.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085974593026722828.post-57010225506306280392013-09-11T23:57:00.004-04:002013-09-11T23:57:50.520-04:00"Take Me Home Tonight" -Eddie Money<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this song, and I will forever think of an instance in college when I hear it. I was in my American History 110 class of about 15 people (which was a series of reading books about different areas in the country and then talking about how they were still relevant...one of my favorite college classes, by far), when a girl's cell phone started ringing and this played so loud and so clear. I knew she would be a good person to work in group with. Haha. I met a lot of interesting people in that class, and I wonder what they are all doing, at times. Aaaanyway, this song played last night during Skinnyfit (30 min AMRAP-200m run/10 American KB swings/10 box jumps/10 sit ups), and it gave me a little extra push to go a little faster. I'm finally back into going to Crossfit regularly again, and there is a new coach there, who is super nice, helpful, and encouraging. I can't say it enough, my Crossfit people are so damn nice and supportive. Met a couple of new members, too. Which is always, exciting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tonight, the Crossfit WOD was 1 split jerk, EMOTMx15, gradually adding weight. Followed by 20 min AMRAP of 1 dead lift/1 power clean/1 front squat/1 jerk, and then 2 of them, and then 3, and so on. It was a pretty tough workout, but I actually enjoyed it. And, because I'm a masochist of sorts, I ran a couple of miles afterward in this hot summer night air. It was a nice run, actually. It allowed me to cool down and just have a little time to myself. I feel so psyched about my health right now, because I am finally in a place where the stress of my life doesn't override my abilities to make good decisions and to stick with them. I am so fortunate that I can just concentrate on becoming fit and healthy. I feel more confident just thinking about it. I used to be one of those girls who wore baggy clothes and tried to work out when the least amount of people were there, trying to blend in. Now, I push myself to wear fitting clothes so that I cannot hide from myself or others. It's a small thing, but it does affect the way I present myself. I also wanted to share this video that I found, last night. It's spot on and inspiring. I hope to be able to tell a story like DK one day! She's a beautiful person who is confident, strong, and positive. Plus, she looks like a "real" woman! :)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17369644594301748997noreply@blogger.com0