TIME!

The face says it all

TIME! Never was a word so sweet!  I managed to live through Hoosier CrossFit Winter Rendezvous AND we weren't last!!!! The first workout was probably the toughest for us.  It was dead lifts, pull-ups, and double unders...well....there were other movements, but we didn't make it there :) Annie (my partner) did ALL of the dead lifts....which ended up being 50!! The pull ups we split.  I started them out with three in a row and surprised myself, but then did not do so great and got no reped on some of my pull ups :(. I am new to double unders and had to do a single and then a double, BUT that is better than my usual 5 singles to 1 double AND I didn't mess up until about 25... Which is much better than my usual oooohhh 5 or so before I mess up!

The second workout was the bear complex (see last post for video).  We both got 105lbs.  I think we would have gotten 110, but we both failed at our first attempts and ran out of time :( There is something really nerve-wrecking about placing a 100+lb bar on your back.  I'm pretty sure I've got a nice bruise back there, but I can't really see.  This was a fun, yet also nerve-wrecking ( it's nerve-wrecking, right? Racking???... You know what I mean) to watch!  I covered my eyes or made a nice oooooooooooo noise every time someone who was doing a really heavy lift placed it on their back!  Caitlin (my friend and coach) got a 175lb bear complex!!!! Pretty impressive! 

Last workout was probably the best for me, but definitely the most taxing! It was only 6min long, but a toughy for sure.  Both teammates had to row 500 meters (which you can clearly see me enjoying above). While one partner was rowing the other would do an ascending ladder of thrusters (front squat to over head) at 65lbs and box jumps (just what it sounds like).  So 1 and 1, 2 and 2.....so on and so forth.  I really wanted to have one of the fastest girl's rows, but I think there were 10 or so in the female-female division that were faster.  Oh well!  This workout gave us a few more points and brought us up two places!  

It was so much fun competing with someone and I'm so greatful to have had such a positive and encouraging partner!! It was all around a positive experience! I talked to so many people from other CrossFit boxes who were very supportive and gave tips and kind words of encouragement! It was amazing to see people cheering for people they didn't even know!  Just goes to show how much it really is about community.  I am very lucky to be part of a wonderful community at CrossFit Clay United! I was thinking on the ride back about all of the lovely people back at CFCU.  I think it's the perfect place for me as a CrossFit newbie!  I'm really very fortunate! 

Ok...on to non mushy things...here are things I learned from my first (hopefully of many) crossfit competition:

-have fun

-talk to someone you don't know

-figure out which direction your weight belt goes before you are in front of a large group of people

-take advantage when you see the bathroom line is short

-get a paleo cupcake before the finals, because apparently they pack up early :( 

-if you do a winter competition...get a partner with heated seats in their car or get some in your's ;) makes a world of difference

-don't get frustrated

-surprise yourself

I'm sure I've learned other things, but it's past my bedtime! Until next time...here are more pics from the competition :)

Blurry thruster

TIME!

Challenge Accepted

(My sweat mark)

Tomorrow is finally the day!  Hoosier CrossFit Winter Rendezvous!  My wonderful partner and I have been praying for no double unders (jumping rope passing the rope twice under for one jump) or pull ups in the competition.  Of course when they posted the workouts on Wednesday, both double unders and pull ups are in the first workout!  Just my luck! But I ain't scurrred!!! Definitely nervous, but what do we have to loose (besides a little skin from our hands and some feeling in shins and arms from jump rope whips!).  It's a way to go have fun and challenge myself! The second workout is something called a bear complex http://youtu.be/h4Jw5ZHtLqQ. My partner and I will each have to establish a one rep max for this movement.  I like bears...no prob here ;). Last workout is rowing and thrusters (front squat thrusted into a overhead position)...we've got that too!! We definitely will not win, but we will give it our best and at the end of the day have something to be proud of!! I'm sure I'll have lots of fun things to say after the competition, but in the meantime....I've loaded up on gear...new socks, lifting belt, crazy color tape...you look good...you feel good!!! 

Until next time (probably Sunday)...stay strong and wish me luck...and strength...and technique....and a good attitude....and fun!!!!!

My First Recipe: Chocolate Paleo Macaroons

First things first. THAT ^ happened!!!  It is just one of those cool things that I thought I'd never be able to do!  Yes, I am supporting my legs on the wall, but a cool trick none the less :)  It's the very thing I like most about CrossFit.  It seems that not very often as adults do we get the opportunity to do something we didn't think we could do or surprise ourselves, but I find that I often get to do that at CrossFit.  Hopefully I can challenge myself to do this across the board...liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiikkkkeeeee...cooking! (great lead in to my recipe!)

In my last blog I raved about 'Hail Merry' macaroons.  Looking at the ingredients, I figured I could figure it out.  I made a pretty delicious treat, I think!!! I apologize for those of you who really need specific measurements, I am new to this all.

Julie's Chocolate Paleo Macaroons:

2 bags of unsweetened shaved coconut flakes

1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of coconut oil (ish) Look for a moldable consistency when the coconut flakes are added  *I put it in the microwave for a little bit to make it easier to mix (maybe 20 seconds).

3-4 Tbs maple syrup (get the real stuff) or I think you could substitute honey if you prefer the taste better

2Tbs coco powder 

2tsp good vanilla ( I used pure Tahitian vanilla extract) and that's a tsp not a Tbs! 

probably a tsp of salt (I put more b/c I like a salty sweet!)

I mixed the wet (oil, syrup, vanilla, coco, and salt) together first then added the coconut flakes.  The 'Hail Merry' macaroons were slow dehydrated.  I rolled them into slightly smaller than golf ball size (maybe a bit too big) and placed them on a cookie sheet.  I slow dehydrated them in my oven at 175 degrees for 6.5 hours.  That is as low as my oven would go.  Mine were a bit dry in my opinion...so my suggestion would be to do a lower temperature for a shorter amount of time, especially if you like a more moist macaroon.  Again, the measurements are guesses.  Look for a consistency that you can easily shape into balls

Should have taken a picture!!! DANG!

Another option I have considered trying with this recipe is:

Nix the coco and after they are dehydrated dip them in melted dark chocolate!  That would give it a 'Mounds' feeling...add an almond on there if you 'feel like a nut'. OR if you are like me and love a good salty sweet...top that bad boy with some sea salt!! I'll try these out again soon and hopefully have some more accurate measurements AND a picture!

Place a comment with how it went/suggestions if you try the recipe! 

In other news: Had a great seminar from the people at FlexFitt about stretching, injury prevention, and soft tissue therapy.  We each had got a few minutes of treatment after the seminar.  Not a relaxing massage!  Hurt like all get out while it was happening, but I feel good now.  I've got some scar tissue that needs to be broken up!! I plan on going there maybe once or twice a month!! I'll let you know how it goes!! I need to be better about stretching and doing some mobility exercises!  I'll keep you posted!!

Until next time...I've got a persistent cramp in my foot I would gladly exchange some macaroons for a foot massage right now!!! Why isn't FlexFitt open right now??? Where are my super friends???

Product Review and Updates Too!

Haven't blogged since the excitement of my kipping pull up.  I have not forgot about my loyal (3) readers out there!!

First things first: Product Review!

For those of you who know me, you know I have a major sweet tooth!  And I mean MAJOR!  In my mind a serving size of ice cream is the entire pint.  God bless you individuals who can take a scoop and put it back.  I envy your self control!  I have been looking for good replacements that will satisfy my sweet tooth without sending me into a diabetic coma!  Although, I HAVE had my blood glucose levels checked and know for sure I do not have diabetes, which is contrary to all of the sweets I ate leading up to this point in life.  I had myself convinced a few years ago I had diabetes because I was tired and had dry skin.  Just looking for excuses, but I digress.

Let me bring it back to the subject- Less sweet sweets!  I have tried a few things like coconut bliss 'ice cream', which I enjoy, and also making some smoothies with coconut milk, banana, almond butter, and honey, which is also good.  There just isn't really a good replacement for a candy bar or a gooey caramel or something. BUT, I found a new (to me) line of products called 'Hail Merry'.  I grabbed some of their Caramel Sea Salt Macaroons at Earth Fare Monday, and OH BOY!  Let me just list the healthy things first before I get into how scrumptious they are! 

Ingredients: organic shredded coconut, organic maple syrup, natural raw almond flour, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic palm sugar, organic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, sea salt.

Only 140 Calories for 2!!! 7grams of sugar, 10 grams of fat, AND 2 grams of protien and fiber!  I COULD be wrong, but this seems to be both paleo AND it's certified Non GMO, Kosher, Vegan, and has Raw Oil!!!! (I'm not a vegan, so it really only maters to me if I'm sharing!).

THEY ARE SOOOOOOO GOOD! Not too far off the consistency of a traditional macaroon. They are just sweet enough, but not too overly sweet.  Just the thing to keep you/me away (hopefully) from the salted chocolate covered caramels that are left over from my Halloween party! 

I have checked out the rest of their products on their website: www.hailmerry.com 

I'm very excited to try the miracle tarts!  They also have a lot of recipes a LOT of which are Paleo or have Paleo options!  Like this one that I WILL be trying out and possibly making for Thanksgiving- Paleo Holiday Spice Muffin!  I'll let you all know how it goes and if I try anymore of their products!

Updates Too!

Haven't really been able to do many kipping pull ups since my last one :( BUT I CAN do a handstand push up (with three ab mats : (   )  I have felt really burnt out and tired lately.  I don't know if it is the weather or allergies or what, but I'm pooped!  I need to force some energy in myself and get back to building all over strength AND skill!  I have a little over a month to get ready for the Winter Rendezvous!  I'm nervous!  I need to stay after every day and practice SOMETHING!

-In uplifting (literally) news.  I found a belt!  Sooo...my saggy diaper pants problem is temporarily remidied until I buy new pants and find a tailor!

ALSO....I GOT THESE!!!! I don't care what you think...I LOVE them!  SO :P   But they do run a bit big...IF you can find them go down a size!

Until next time...stay strong like the fierce zebra!

4 Months Already?!?

Ladies and gentlemen...I've done it! I got a pull up...now yes, it is a kipping pull up , but a body weight pull up none the less!
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I have no idea how to link that video to here...but that might work??? This was the very first goal I wrote down on our goal board in June and it feel damn good to get to cross it off!  You may say it's not a 'real' pull up and I wouldn't have passed the presidential physical fitness test, but whatever.  It is a big accomplishment for me, and I am very proud!  I also got a 78lb snatch PR (personal record)!  Which I am starting to go to Olympic weight lifting classes, so hopefully I'll smash that soon :)

This all came after watching our awesome Crossfit Clay United team at CrossFit Naptown bracket buster competition.  I am always so amazed at those competitions are leave feeling really excited to hopefully be at that level some day!  Our team looked GOOD and so many people from Clay United showed up to support the team!  From big things like competitions to little things like me getting a pull up, it really is about being a supportive community.  People can say all sorts of horrible things about CrossFit, but that support and encouragement are something I haven't really found with other programs.  Maybe all of the support and encouragement I've been getting lately has driven me to sign up for my first CrossFit competition: 2013 Winter Rendezvous at Hoosier CrossFit (in that evil Bloomington). It is a partner competition and a LOT of people from Clay United are doing it!  My partner is GREAT and I'm hoping I don't let her down.  I've got two months to train some weaknesses and then just do the best I can come the competition. Hopefully I can post about more firsts and PR's within these months leading to the competition!  Maybe I'll get a rope climb!!! Who knows?!!? I feel very encouraged and like I'm on a roll, but I'm right now looking forward to a relaxing weekend of rest and recovery :)

Happy 4 Month Anniversary (yesterday) CrossFit!  I'm going to eat a yummy steak and take a nap to celebrate (maybe buy some new leopard print spandex capris ;)  )!

Until next time!  Stay strong! Kipping pull ups count! :P

Enlightenment via Lois C.K.

So I'm sitting here at Jiffy Lube patiently awaiting my oil change (which I was told would be done at least 30min ago...) and I came across that YouTube gem.  I already loved Louis C.K, but now I love him that much more!  For those of you with ADHD (like me),I know it's long! Totally worth it! I know his beef is with cell phones, but I also think the same argument can be made against food.  I think a lot if people, myself included, don't know how to just sit there alone and be alive.  I'm a constant fidgeter, cell phone checker, make sure the food in the fridge is still the same, wondering snacker.  I think this is where a lot of people get themselves into trouble.  You're alone, feeling lonely, nothing to do (or at least that you want to do), and you've got a kitchen full of food "friends". Today in my instance, I was alone in the work room, waiting for the ancient printer to spit out my report eyeballing a tray full of candy.  Ok...maybe more than eyeballing...I may or may not have eaten 6-9 gobstoppers :( All because I couldn't sit in there and just do nothing and there was no one there to judge me.  It's ok to be alone and it's ok to be sad about being alone.  Food is not my friend.  My cell phone is not my friend.  I am really going to challenge myself to just be every once and a while.  Just me...being a human, by myself.  I think/hope it will be a great way to learn more about myself.  BUT, I know it will be tricky, because I love that instant gradification of being around people (or reading about them on Facebook) or even the instant gradification of grabbing a snack (even if I don't need one).  

In other news....I can feel a pull up happening in my near future...expect a post...probably a video...maybe a party :)

Stay strong...put down your phone...and that sleeve of Girl Scout cookies (or gobstoppers)!

If you can't see the video---here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HbYScltf1c

3 Months and Still Going Strong (ish)

This pretty much sums up me the last few days! It's hotter than Hades and HUMID!!! Needless to say I have more than lived up to the name of my blog.  Three month CrossFitiversary, and I'm still a sweaty mess!  Loving CrossFit still!!! Paleo challenge complete...I didn't win :( BUT I lost the most inches, and I'm ok with that!  It really is such a supportive community!  We had a get together on Friday at CrossFit Clay United to hang out and announce the winner of the challenge.  Everyone brought yummy Paleo or Paleoish dishes.  I made prosciutto wrapped Mellon.  Really great the night I made them....super soggy by the time they made it to the party :( Sooo....if you make these yummy little apps, my suggestion is to make them the day of and don't put them in a container with a lid!

Now to survive this week without turning into a puddle! Bench press (probably one of my worst lifts) and deadlifts (doable) first THEN as many rounds as possible in 10min of  5 hand stand push ups (yeah right...in my dreams....I can barely hold a hand stand with my feet propped on the wall) and 20 double unders....which I THINK I may be able to do!!! Some days I'm on and I've got em' other days not so much! I'm sure ill manage to do something awkward and probably get some whip marks! :). I think my new jump rope might help...I painted one of the handles pink....because that totally helps ;)

If the heat doesn't kill me...talk to you soon....stay coooooool!

Droopy Drawers

One month Paleo challenge completed!! BOOM!  Quick reminder...through my CrossFit Clay United, I participated in a 30 day paleolithic diet challenge.  Sooooo lots meat, veggies, some fruits, and no dairy, grains, legumes, and avoiding processed food.  You also got points for doing the CrossFit WOD (Workout of the day), sleeping 8+ hours a night, getting some sun, drinking water, ect. (you get the idea).

Here are some of the parts of the challenge that I felt were particularly challenging:

Eating out- some places do have great options that would align with the paleo diet, but others not so much :(  I found myself ordering  a lot of food "hold the....." or getting tacos at dollar taco night and just dumping all the meats and veggies into a bowl.

Pitch-ins, Cookouts,Parties- You can't expect people understand your lifestyle choices and have options for you (So eat before, or bring something with you).

Quick meals- Unfortunately most of the quick meals to make or bring as a lunch are also very processed!  I found myself making three meals every night for dinner (1 for dinner, 1 for next day breakfast, and 1 for next day lunch).  A good piece of advice I got was to boil a whole carton of eggs for the week so you have a quick snack or component to a meal.  I also stocked up on veggies to bring with me and would cook several chicken breasts at once and add different veggies and seasoning to them to make my food week a little less boring!

ICE CREAM!!!!- Summer is coming to a close and opportunities to get my favorite frozen summer treat are many!  I have a huge sweet tooth and it is tough to just sit there and watch ice cream be consumed around me...I have no tricks for this not sucking...except for the fact that I never feel wonderful after eating ice cream.

Looking forward with Paleo:

I think I'll still continue on a modified paleo diet...maybe 80% of the week eating paleo.  I will allow myself a few cheat meals a week.  And I don't mean a meal that is 5 pints of Jenny's ice cream...maybe occasionally SOME ice cream or cheese or beans...ect. ect. ect.  I definately felt much better eating Paleo...and think I look a bit better too!! I have probably lost around 4lbs, but I'm interested to see what my measurements are tomorrow (I'll let you know).  What I notice the most (and have named my blog for that reason) is my pants!  I don't feel like my legs/butt/waist looks that much thinner, but my pants look like I'm carting around a full diaper...so I'm assuming I have!  I'm going to invest in a belt perhaps and give it another couple of months before I go pants shopping crazy or find a tailor.  I can't go too long without my favorite fun colored J.Crew mini pant!!! I DID however invest in a new pair of jeans which are two sizes smaller than my last pair!! :)  As much as I think eating better has to do with it...my hardcore CrossFit routine completes the circle!  Almost three months in...still loving it all!!! It's challenging, fun, and effective!  I have drank the kool-aid...I'm sold!

Until next time...Stay strong! Get healthy!...good excuse to shop till you drop ;)

Bad Romance

First things first...I missed my second month Crossfitiversary (Aug 10th)!! It's the best relationship I've had in a while, and I FORGOT!  So cheers to you and I CrossFit, may we have many more to come!

But THAT is not my bad romance.  I have a confession to make (I'm no fool!...sorry quick Foo Fighters reference), I have a bad relationship with food.  Not as bad as it used to be, but bad none the less.

I understand eating can be a very social or emotional thing, and that can tend to get people in trouble.  The social part definitely gets me in trouble.  Especially living downtown near some of the best food in the city, I am invited out to dinner all of the time it seems.  I am fortunate/unfortunate in the emotional area.  When I am upset emotionally I have no appetite, but I literally mean NO appetite.  Where I think I struggle the most is the bored or lacking eating.  I'm the type of person who likes to be doing something all of the time (more so before I started working).  A lot of the time when I am bored I will tend to make several grazing trips to the kitchen for usually something sweet (not while I'm doing this 30 day Paleo challenge).  What I mean by 'lacking' eating is- feeling like something in my life is missing or unsatisfied with the general situation I am in.  I think too often I try to replace the empty feeling from something missing (whatever that may be- fulfilling work, purpose, companionship, hobbies, exercise, ect.) with food.  And at these times it's usually a LOT of food.  These are the late night, I have nothing to do, no one is here, stuff your face fests that are always followed by shame and much regret.  And as much as I hate to admit it, sometimes followed by a shameful purge.  This isn't something I've have an issue with in sometime, but I feel like making my mess my message might hopefully help someone else/myself out.  I had convinced myself because it happened so rarely that I didn't have a problem.  Obviously I did (and probably still do).

I think what has helped me the most in the instance of the 'lacking' eating, would be purpose.  Giving purpose to each day by striving to make myself a better person.  Nothing positive has ever come by me sitting around and feeling sorry for myself.  Sure there are some things I want for myself that I can't have right now or have to work really hard to get, but what's stopping me from improving the areas I can.  I can strive every day to be a healthier me , stronger (emotionally and physically)me, a better therapist, a better friend, more spiritual, and more creative.  When you give your life purpose, you are less likely to let negative things occupy the empty spaces (like food, alcohol/drugs, or bad personal relationships).  I don't want to seem like I've got it all figured out (clearly I'm blogging about my triumphs/struggles)!  There is a book I remember seeing on Oprah (yes, I used to watch Oprah...shameful I know) called "Women, Food, and God" by Geneen Roth, that I am thinking about reading (after I finish this month's Paleo magazine of course!).  Hopefully it can provide me some more insight and inspiration to stay on the right path!  I'll write a book review (high school style ;)  when I'm done!

Hope this wasn't a bummer blog, and can provide a little inspiration and make me keep myself accountable since I've put it all out there! Stay strong (mentally, physically, and spiritually).

 Songspiration for today (I think I want to do this every blog!)-

Video-India Arie

Better Version of Me- Fiona Apple

I Don't Want To Be- Gavin DeGraw

New Month New Challenges

Happy August!  Today is not only my first day back at work, but the first day of Crossfit Clay United's Paleo Challenge! One month strict Paleo.  Points are acquired for eating grass fed meats, wild caught fish, cage free hormone free eggs, drinking 1/2 your body weight in oz of water, getting 8+ hours of sleep at night, eating your body weight in grams of protein, going on a 20+min walk, 20-30 min spent in the sun, going to the gym for Crossfit WOD, loosing inches, ect.

If there is one thing I love...it's a good challenge!  Day 1 was great!! I started off the day with my beloved Fresh Market turkey bacon and an organic peach (bacon made the night before in the oven...which is how I will be cooking all my bacon from now on...when you wake up at 5:30am for work...aint nobody got time to make breakfast...or at least not this broad!).  Lunch was an organic grass fed chicken breast in a mango coconut sauce (also from Fresh Market).  Dinner was a bit odd,but great non the less.  I sauteed up half a sweet potato, took a spicy turkey sausage of the the casing and cooked that up and added an egg...soooo kind of a weird scramble of sorts. Odd, but yummy!

I got my Paleo questions answered and here they are (my commentary will be in red)

1. Fruit, vegetables, meats and animal livers are all excellent sources of calcium. If you are concerned about getting even more, I suggest a simple calcium supplement a few times a week.  Animal livers anyone???

2. Jerky and unsalted nuts are the best for the road, I think. Also, you can find Paleo choices at almost any roadside stop McDonalds salad, no cheese no croutons, Texas Roadhouse steak and potatoes, etc). Jerky! DONE! LOVE IT!

3. Corn isn't as bad as soy. If, after you did a Paleo challenge, you ate corn or rice once a week, I don't think there's anything wrong with that. More than that and you may have inflammation from it. Soy is the devil. Soy and other legumes are not only filled with anti-nutrients and estrogen, but they are packed to the gills with a protein called lectins. Lectins want to make you super sick and inflamed and uncool.  I'm going to research this lectin devil a bit more.  Maybe I'll blog about it! :)

4. Don't worry about carbs pre-workout. Not necessary, it turns out. Good post-workout carbs are sweet potatoes, potatoes, roots, tubers, squash, and low-fructose fruits (blueberries, pineapple, etc).  I love all of those things (except...I have no idea what a tuber is...)! Easy!

5. Eat carbs and a little protein in the few hours following a WOD. Fat at that time isn't necessary. I would just try to get some in within an hour of finishing your WOD.  I starting drinking chocolate coconut milk after my WOD.  

6. All vegetables are rock stars. Fruit is good, but I wouldn't eat more than 3 servings a day, and I would stick to the low-fructose fruits. You can find extensive lists online.  I'm on researching those! As noted above blueberries and pineapples (which are two of my favs!)

7. Big Paleo no-no list: NO grains. NO legumes. NO gluten-containing items.  DONE!  Bring it on!!!

I'll keep you posted how things go for this month of strict Paleoness!  More than the hopefully inches lost and the confidence that comes with loosing some inches,  I hope to learn a lot more about Paleo, feel better, stronger and more energized (harder, better, faster, stronger...that that that that won't kill me...ok...you get it).  First challenge will be going to the Indians baseball game and resisting a hot dog and the beer (maybe just the dog...no bun??).  Anyone know any Paleo friendly booze??? I'll research!

Stay strong! 

Possibly Lost!

On my way back from Pine Knoll Shores, NC and we are STUCK in traffic in the smokies!! I believe we are in Virginia, but I'm not totally positive. 

I unfortunately did not get a chance to stop by Crossfit in NC :( I underestimated how far away it was and they only had a 6,7,8am and 5,6,7pm class. I also ate horribly most of the time I was there! It seems that the meals that are easy to make for large groups are usually not so Paleo friendly! I felt awful! bloated and heart burny the entire time!! I did however have healthy car snacks like jerky, almonds, and fruit! I did also get some exercise digging a beer pong table for 2 hours with children's beach shovels 

We were very proud and played a whopping ONE game on it! The tide took her away in the night! 

I'm very excited to get back to CFCU next week! We start out Paleo challenge in August...let's see if I can win!!! :) You get points for making good healthy choices and not weight loss!  I got my Paleo questions answered.  I'll be posting them in my next blog! (When I'm not blogging from my phone!) 

Nap time maybe?? If you own a helicopter or teleportation device....feel free to come rescue me...I'm in the mountains somewhere!

Stay strong...and faster than we are right now

Sibling CamaWODerie (Get it?!?!)

Totally cheesy I know (and that's not Paleo!).  Ok...two bad jokes in a row...I'm done, I promise!

Today, my sister (who is visiting from Florida) came to Crossfit with me!  I have been telling her since I started that I thought she would love it.  She's the type that got voted most athletic in her class and was a soccer star (played boys soccer for two years before we got a girls team!).  Oh AND she played basketball, ran track, rowed in college, and biked in the Little 500.  Meanwhile, I was eating boxes of Mac n' Cheese and watching lots of TV.  I remember the first time after I got my butt in to shape and beat her on a run!  I tried not to gloat, but I was pretty proud of myself (I'm a bit competitive).  Today was great!  I know Crossfit is not for everyone, but I think it's hard to find such a supportive and encouraging workout group!  Not just supportive to me, a member, but also my sister who is a guest.  I think she looked much better than me on my first day!  I think she'll be great!  Although, I've got to give myself some credit.  This week (I know it's only been two days) has felt great!  I added 10lbs to my back squat and 20lbs to my thruster weight!  I'm so excited about the progress I'll continue to make!

In food news-

I'll e-mail my Paleo questions for Saturday!  Those of you who live around Carmel or a Hubbard and Cravens location...I found a really yummy Paleo..ish shake!  It's called the Healthy Elephant!  It could be more Paleo if you made it at home (which doesn't seem like it would be difficult to do!).  It has espresso, almond milk, honey, unsweetened cocoa, and natural peanut butter (that's the not Paleo part....I think), and I'm assuming ice.  Also there was an option to add a banana.  It was pretty dang good!  I'm thinking though...to better suit my tastes and make it more Paleo, I could make my own with some substitutions.

-Coconut milk for Almond milk  (be careful though and go for the unsweetned coconut milk!)

-Almond butter for Peanut butter

Also, I bet this could make a pretty yummy protein shake if the unsweetened cocoa was replaced with maybe a chocolate protein powder! 

Until next time-Stay strong :) and eat well!  I know I'll try!!! ;)

Le tired

Today was the 2013 Summer Challenge at Crossfit Indy North.  It was a partner challenge consisting of 3 events for each team to participate in.  I went to support a few members of Crossfit Clay United, including my friend/coach Caitlin from college.

(Bad ass)

I am seriously tired after just watching it!  I can't even imagine doing it. I'm pretty sure I couldn't lift the weight for the majority of lifts they did!  After watching, I really think I would eventually like to do a competition of some sort!  It's going to take a lot of work to even be able to lift the Rx (prescribed) weight in our regular workouts...plus push ups, pull ups...all that jazz too!  I'm setting small goals so I can check them off the list and make new goals (one step at a time).  I have one week to work out at CFCU before I leave for a week family vacay at the beach! My sister gets to come WOD with me on Monday!! She's a beast!  I also found out my cousin Carly does Crossfit, so we will all be dropping in for some workouts at Crossfit Emerald Isle in North Carolina!  The family that Crossfits together...stays together!!!!?

In Food News:
I made a delicious dinner tonight...although it was one of those 'throw in whatever needs to be eaten today' kind of meals.  I cut up a sweet potato in small cubes, sliced some sweet peppers, and sauteed them in olive oil with cajun seasoning and some red pepper flakes (I like it REAL spicy!).  After those beauts got all nice and soft, I added in some of my ground chuck from Fresh Market.  I thought that the sweet potato might be a bit odd, but it added a really nice texture to the ground beef and then the peppers added a bit of crunch!  No too bad for a last minute meal!
Next Saturday at CFCU, they are having a Paleo info session.  I'm really bummed I'm going to miss it.  I have a lot of questions.  I will try to ask them before I leave...maybe you have the same ones?? I'll post them on here and let you know what I find out!
Q's-
-What is a good source of calcium for people who follow the Paleo diet?
-Best food choices when out to eat or on the road?
-What's so bad about corn and soy???
- What are the BIG Paleo no no's???
- Good source of carbs/ pre workout energy sources?
- How long before/after a workout to eat and what?
- Worst/Best fruits and veggies?

I'll let ya know! Stay strong! :)

One Month Crossfitiversary!

Today I have officially been Crossfitting for one month! One year wedding anniversary is paper right?  Sooo...one month of starting a new fitness routine, I decided, is shoes!

These little beauties are the Reebok Nano 2.0.  They just came out with a newer version of this shoe, so this version was on sale at Finish Line.  Apparently these shoes are great for Crossfit.  Very light and very flat.  I wore them to a workout yesterday, and I do like them!  I have a pretty wide foot and I feel like sometimes shoes can feel a bit restricting especially around the toes.  That is not an issue I have with these!  The only set backs so far (until I break these in) would be the tongue moves around a bit too much and they are pretty high on the ankle in the back. I'll keep you posted how it goes! I thought the camo was pretty bad a!

Ok...so what have I learned/accomplished in a month????

- Moved from the thickest pull up band to the second thinnest (almost...I was like 2inches away!...maybe today?) I WILL get a pull up soon! (I'll post a video I'm sure!)

- Added 20lbs to my back squat weight

- Not to use hand sanitizer if  you tear your hands on the bar! Ouch!

- I can lift a lot more than I think I can

-  Fresh Market turkey bacon > Health Fare turkey bacon

- Do NOT shake Kombucha!!!

- The butcher at Fresh Market has a great sense of humor

- I really need to gain more core strength to help with all lifting!

- Need to make sure to stretch when I get home!

I've posted the slowest times the past two workouts :(  But I'll get there!  I need to gain more cardiovascular and muscular strength and then I'll be a force to be reckoned with!

Stay Strong!

4th of July Recovery

Just got back last night from a 4th of July extravaganza!  It was a great weekend full of fun, friends, and FOOD!  All sorts of food I haven't eaten in quite some time.  I know I said in my last post I'd have to pick ONE food to cheat with.  I overshot that by quite a bit!! Chips, beer, cookies, breakfast casserole, cherry pie, animal crackers, and I'm sure a lot more!  Although it was temporarily good, I felt all around like crap.  I definitely felt full, sluggish, and not energized (especially after the beer).

Besides that though, I felt great!  I feel like my body is starting to change, so I definitely felt more comfortable in my swimsuit.  I still have a long way to go, but it's nice that people are already noticing a change.  This change prompted me to talk apparently a LOT about Crossfit.  Hey, it's something new in my life and I'm pretty excited about it (I also have the summer off work so I'm not doing too much else right now lol).  I was told by someone to "stop talking about Crossfit so much" (which I felt was a bit rude).  I don't want to be one of those people who only talks about one thing, but give me a break!  I'm trying to make positive changes in my life! Geesh! Other people had a slightly comical approach to my new activities.  One asked me if I was going to start flipping tires and pontoon boats!  That I liked!  Although, then I embarrassed myself by not being able to pull myself up on to the boat from the front! Almost! Next time I go to the lake I'll do it!

Now I'm back to the real world and time to get back to my fitness/wellness journey (not that occasionally cheating won't continue to be a part of it).  Started off the day right with Fresh Market eggs and Earth Fare turkey bacon (not at good as Fresh Market, but it'll work). I'll have some carby fruit and head to crossfit this evening.  I have a feeling it's gonna be rough...and today's workout has BURPEES!!!!!!! 

Tonight's dinner might be one of these recipes from a local butcher Goose the Market.

http://www.goosethemarket.com/recipes.htm

I'll let you know how it goes! Stay strong!

Burpees May Kill Me

Yesterdays WOD was another toughy!

50 Deadlifts
40 Hang Power Cleans
30 Shoulder to Overhead

BUT add 4 over bar burpees Every Minute on the Minute!!!

I knocked out almost all of the deadlifts in the first minute!!! Then those stinkin' burpees came along! By the end I was so sluggish on my burpees I could only get a few reps in before it was back to burpees!  As you may know from the title of my blog....I perspire quite a bit when I work out!  Burpees in particular get me REAL sweaty!  Needless to say...the floor around me is rather wet after flopping myself on it four times every minute.  And I do mean flopping...after the first couple of minutes it was very much a fish out of water look for me (wetness level and form!).  My feet kept slipping every time I would jump them back.  Usually I would just move around the gym out of my sweaty spot, but we had to jump over our bar, so that very well wouldn't work!!
Regardless...I lived!  I cranked out my last five shoulders to overhead so I wouldn't have to do any more burpees!

I need my butt kicked hard this week, because I'm sure I'll be partaking in a lot of unhealthy holiday festivities.  I am going to try my best to stay away from all of the sweets!  I think I'll just have to pick out one that looks the best and let myself celebrate a little.  It will probably help that I'll be in my swimsuit!  I'm excited to show off the few new tiny muscles that are starting to pop through!

Have a great 4th of July!  Until next time- Stay strong!

Motivation

This video is exactly what I want to hear! I don't want to look bulky! "I was just trying to be skinny"-that part hit me the most.  That's been my goal in the past.  It shouldn't have ever been that way.  I want to be healthy.  I want to be strong!

I finished Fran yesterday in 6:50 with 35lbs for the thrusters and jumping pull ups instead of regular pull ups.  Obviously I have a lot of room for improvement, but seeing every one else kick ass doing Fran gave me some motivation for next time!  I have decided to do pull ups and knees to chest every day after working out until I get a Pull Up!  Expect a very ecstatic post when I do! :) I don't think I've done one since elementary school...maybe.  I have a very faint memory of doing one for the Presidential Physical Fitness test.  I never got it, BUT I DID have the best score for the sit and reach (thanks dance!)  I can say that would not be the case now!  I need to be better about stretching.  I'm rather sore today and need to be back on my A game for tomorrow's WOD!

In other news- Tried on jeans today and went down a pants size!!! Now to find jeans that are long enough!

Until next time- Stay strong!

Boobs!

Just a quick post tonight...and it's all about boobs!

Not that having big boobs doesn't have it's perks, but from an athletic standpoint...it also has some set backs!

1. Gotta wear two sports bras to strap these puppies down..that's double the bras to wash!
2. Creates a bit of an obstacle (btw I had to google how to spell that...I need to go to sleep!) when doing any sort of clean, jerk, high pull...maybe I should wear three sports bras???
3. I swear they weigh me down!! Maybe that's why my pull ups and push ups suck???? :P
4.  When I start to gain more muscle and loose more fat...am I just going to be left with two tube socks flapping in the breeze???!?!?

These are serious concerns of mine!  

Tomorrow is the WOD named Fran..which would be:
21-15-9 reps of
Thrusters (65lbs for girls)
Pull Ups

Here is a beast doing it in 2:42
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTEJ-Ec9XOE

I will take MUCH longer...and have to modify hopefully only the pull ups and hopefully not be doing it to "Du Hast"!  Will post tomorrow and tell ya how she went!

Last note- I am so sad that my plain greek yogurt is non paleo...so I have tried Organic Raw Kombucha which is a good replacement for the great probiotics in yogurt.  It's a bit pricey, but if you can get over the fermenty taste...not so bad! 

Give Me All of the Bacon and Eggs You Have

Ever since I started modifying my diet towards Paleo...I feel like Ron Swanson (my dream man)!  Yesterday at Fresh Market 3/4 of my cart was full of meat!  This morning I had a Ron Swanson breakfast of Fresh Market brand eggs and turkey bacon from the butcher at Fresh Market.  I have always loved turkey bacon, but I used to just buy the Oscar Mayer packaged kind.  Boy, have I been missing out!  This turkey bacon looks like it actually came off an animal! It crisps up very well in the skillet and has a great flavor.  Do your self a favor and get REAL turkey bacon and farm fresh eggs (makes all the difference).

I made some great purchases yesterday at Fresh Market, but I had to spend a good ten minutes talking myself out of a pint of Jeni's ice cream.  It was Brown Butter Almond Brittle and was in and out of my hand probably 5 or 6 times.  It has 340 cal and 37g of sugar a  serving!! Woof!  Although, if I would have been in a different state of mind, that little pint would have been mine and probably gone all in one sitting!  (Not that I won't allow myself a cheat meal soon and go to town on some ice cream). They say not to go to the grocery store hungry, which I think is a great idea.  Go one step further and go after you workout!  Yesterday was a tough workout at Crossfit Clay United (not that everyday isn't tough!) and I couldn't justify ruining all of that hard work for 30min of bliss.

Speaking of Crossfit...it DOES force me to eat one non paleo food...pie!  A big ol' slice of humble pie!  I am still new to Crossfit, so I am doing a lot of modifications.  I have always struggled with any activities that require a lot of upper body strength.  I can't do a push up and definitely can't do a pull up!  Yesterday we did :    

Every Minute On the Minute

Odd- 5 Strick Pull Ups

Even- 5 Ring Dips

5 Rounds for Time

1  Rope Climb

20 Wall Ball Shots

10 Chest to Bar Pull Ups

                                     

Soooo....a LOT of upper body strength!  I had to use the bands to assist me on Pull Ups and Ring Dips and substitute Knees to Chest for the Rope Climb.  This can be frustrating for me, because I want to be able to do the prescribed workout and I want to post a great time!  I'm just not there yet.  I have to learn to swallow my pride and find a modification that is challenging but reasonable for me.  With time, I can start to taper back my modifications and start adding some weight.  The key is to not get frustrated!  This is the HUGE benefit of Crossfit for me.  I would never choose to go to the gym and do Pull Ups and Push Ups.  I know I suck at them!  At Crossift, I don't have a choice!  I have to suck it up and do it!  And that's the only way I'm going to get better is to just do it (Just like Nike says)!  Even with the modifications, I am sore all over today and had a great workout!  I even managed to get a bruise on the palm side of my finger :-/ (I'll blame that one on my clumsy awkwardness!).  Now to try to protect my hand until Saturday where I will meet a tough workout named Fran.   Stay strong my friends!

The Back Story

Hello friends, family, and blog browsers!  I've created this blog to chronicle my  journey towards health and wellness.  Hopefully this can be a place to receive some input as well as bond with others going through a similar journey.  I plan to be as honest and candid as possible in my posts...needless to say I'm sure I'll be sharing some embarrassing, funny, and hopefully inspiring stories!

This will be the longest post!  Here is the back story...

Kiddo Julie-
Luckily, I come from a family that considers health and wellness very important.  Unluckily, I was a sneaky rebel with other plans for myself.  We never had any snack or junk food in the house.  I didn't grow up eating Lucky Charms, Lay's, or Oreo's.  We had plain Cheerios, skim milk, and lots of fruit and veggies.  Sweets only came around on special occasions like Birthdays.  I am the youngest of three and I remember us sneaking spoonfuls of sugar into our Cheerios when Mom wasn't watching or making a quick batch of no bake cookies and trying to clean the evidence up before she got home from work.  My two older sibling could get away this this more because they were athletic all stars!   I tried soccer and swimming in my younger years, but was very unremarkable.  In soccer, I always wanted to be goalie, because in little kid soccer goals are so few!  I loved swimming, but remember diving off the block at meets and either loosing my goggles or doing a slight belly flop.  I also rocked a zigzag approach to my backstroke that was very counterproductive.  I stuck with it until middle school where I decided I had no interest in practice every day after school.  I instead campaigned very hard for dance class, much to my parents dismay.  Even though it isn't a traditional sport, it did give me some exercise and a chance to work out some of my clumsiness that came with a huge growth spurt.  Around this same time, my brother and sister had a very rigorous sports schedule, so I would either be carted along to the games or be responsible for making my own dinner at home.  Danger!  I LOVE to cook now, but at that time my culinary expertise was limited to mac and cheese,  bagel bites, and bologna bowls (tear up some american cheese place in the middle of a piece of bologna and nuke).  My philosophy or mac and cheese was- why not eat the whole family size box?  Who likes leftovers?  Bad news bears!  Real bad news!  This brings us to high school...which I think deserves a  new paragraph.

High School to College Julie-

High School...Freedom!  New friends new cafeteria foods!  I think every day in High School I either got pizza and fries or a Mountain Dew and Starburst.  If my parents only knew!  It got even worse when I started to drive.  Weekends spent at Steak-n-Shake...always with a milk shake! ALWAYS!  DQ was also down the street...they have a nice chicken finger basket (you have to get it with the toast and gravy though!). It was an out of control mess!  I started playing soccer with friends and decided to try the team thing again my Junior year of High School.  When I say try, I really mean barely try.  I was so out of shape and so unmotivated to gain cardiovascular endurance!  Each practice started with a mile run down the street to the gas station and back.  A certain friend who will not be named and myself would hang at the back of the pack and either hide in the bus stop or wait until everyone turned around and join them again.  We called ourselves the L.D. JV (horrible I know), but clearly we were there for social purposes mainly.  By the time I got to the end of my Senior year of High School, I was quite a chunky girl...weighing near 200lbs :(  Although I never really have felt that I looked that heavy.  
When I got to college, my self esteem was pretty much shot as far as body image was concerned.  I wanted to make a change and be healthier and more fit, but my constant need to feel sorry for myself and excuses kept me away from any change.  I was shocked when a rowing coach approached me and asked if I'd consider rowing for Purdue.  Who? Me??? I think she must have been fooled by the height, but I thought it was worth checking out.  This was a big turning point in my life.  The first weeks of practice were the most mentally and physically taxing experiences I've had to that point.  Every day I thought about quitting.  I thought it was too hard, I was always the last one to finish, and I thought I was making a fool of myself.  I had friends and coaches who were constantly encouraging me, and eventually I started to feel like this was something I could actually be good at!  I used my height and weight to my advantage on the erg and in the boat.  I was pulling fast time and lifting heavy weights...me!! I was finally getting the fitness component, but neglecting the nutrition component.  All you can eat at a dinning hall is DANGEROUS for someone with no impulse control.  I would be starved after practice and get a giant bowl or stir fry and make my own pasta with loads of cheese and pepperoni.  Usually this was followed by ice cream or a cookie or two!  Even though I was working my ass off in practice, I wasn't eating the right food to foster a healthy lifestyle.
After two years of rowing, my academics were starting to take a turn for the worst.  I had to quit the team, and this is a decision I think about often and regret.  I haven't ever really felt like I had potential and was good at any sport before.  I would be interested to see what would have happened if I would have continued rowing.  I knew though I needed to make some changes to my life or I'd continue to gain and send my confidence down the tube.  That summer I lifeguarded at a pool a mile from my house.  I decided I would run or ride my bike to work every day.  Since I was at the pool, might as well swim laps or tread water during breaks too.  I started eating less and more clean!  I felt so good!  When I got home from work I started lifting and doing core work.  I felt even better!  I didn't realized until I came back to school how much weight I had lost. I think it was about 25-30lbs.  In one summer!  Ever since then it's been up and down 5-10lbs.  I've tried this and that, but have always had an extra 20lbs I wanted to take off.

NOW-
I'm not concerned with the next diet or exercise fad to loose this last now 17lbs.  I don't want a quick fix!  I want to put in place healthy practices that I can keep up with for the rest of my life.  I want to dedicate myself to making myself the best version of myself.  I am currently in my 3rd week of Crossfit and starting to modify my diet to align more with the paleo diet.  I am feeling great and feel like I am starting on a journey that will take me to great new places.  While I understand this might not be the same path to health and wellness as you, I hope you can follow my blog and we can share and learn together. :) 

If you made it through I congradulate you!  That was a long one...hopefully the longest.  From this point I'll start blogging about my exercises and diets...maybe some good recipes...who knows where this crazy thing may go!