tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34302879352922431152024-03-13T00:02:46.015-07:00The Sweatiest Girl You KnowMy adventures and misadventures in living an all over healthier lifestyle. Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-8227446365954847172015-11-09T11:34:00.004-08:002015-11-09T11:40:13.229-08:00Self Confidence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today's post is about my journey towards mental and emotional health and wellness<br />
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In lieu of a break-up, I've been reading a lot of articles and talking to a lot of friends about what makes a good and lasting relationships. <br />
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I've learned that at the end of the day what I really need and want out of a partner is a best friend, someone to push me to become the best version of myself, and someone who chooses to love me every day. <br />
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Then I got to thinking even harder about those traits...wait a second...first of all...I need to be those things for myself!<br />
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When you get dumped, especially when you get dumped for someone else or for what you consider a silly reason, it's hard not to fall into a negative spiral and start to blame and belittle yourself. What did I do wrong? What's wrong with me? Am I not good enough? Am I too fat? Am I not smart enough? Am I not fit enough? Is he more attracted to her? Is she prettier than I am? Is she funnier than me? (scratch that one...I'm pretty damn funny). I'm not quite sure how to not get my head to go to those places after those types of things, but I'm quite sure the solutions are in being a great friend, pushing yourself, and making the choice to love yourself ever day. Seems pretty simple, but for some of us, it can be a bit of a challenge.<br />
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Are there ways I screw up? Every day! Do I have areas I could improve? Sure do! That's the great thing about being an aware human. We are capable of change and growth. I've never been the one to take the attitude "well..that's just me". There are some things that are uniquely me, but the inability to grow, learn, and become a better person is not one of those!<br />
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So what am I going to do? Or what can you do if you're in a similar slump? <br />
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Being a best friend: Being a better friend to my friends, family, and self. Being patient and forgiving with myself. Continuing to laugh at and with myself (in a non-crazy way....well...probably also in a crazy way).<br />
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Pushing myself: Writing this blog and physically writing down goals and celebrating the achievements great or small. Exploring and learning new things. Not being afraid to fail. Dust myself off and try again if I do fail! Love with abandon! <br />
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Loving myself everyday: Making the commitment to the one person who will always be there: ME! Looking in the mirror every morning and saying "Hello there, gorgeous!" (even on days I put about 1% effort into getting ready, mismatched socks, bags under my eyes, hair going the opposite of the intended direction, coffee probably somewhere on my shirt...all around ms.frumpy days). Making one of those lists of things you love about yourself. Is it cheesy? Maybe! But let's do it!<br />
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I'm pretty sure I know every song (not really, but it's frightening how many I know...particularly in the 90's genre), I cook like a motha' (nice double meaning there ;) ), Quick witted, Thirst for knowledge, Loyal, Love to try new things, Adventurous, Well traveled, Goofy, Driven, Funny, Supportive, Nurturer, Nature Lover, Talkative (can also be a negative at times...but we are staying on the positivity train right now), Hard worker, Nerd, Killer fashion sense (with exception of ms.frumpy days), Great road trip partner, Great partner/partner, Honest, Animated, I would like to say athletic..depends on the day, I can be pretty awesome at board games (unless it's Monopoly...aint nobody got time for that!), endearingly terrible at singing, Good with kids, A hidden 6 pack, Strong legs....I could go on...but you've probably stopped reading and I probably should write it all down somewhere less public :) <br />
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All around like to consider myself a Renaissance woman. I'll go lift some heavy weights and go do ballet the next day (well...I haven't done ballet in years, but I could!!!). Listen to some gangster rap, then listen to Yo-Yo Ma...although...let's be honest...dude is a thug ;)<br />
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Feel free to post your I love Me's in the comments below and we can just have a full on love fest, because...you are pretty awesome too! <br />
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There is that famous Dr.Suess quote "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." I am Me, and nobody else gets to be me, and THAT alone is pretty darn cool!<br />
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I hope you can find some strength in this blog post, I know I did! Stay Strong! Here is a song for you :)<br />
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https://screen.yahoo.com/official-video-154216346.html</div>
Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-62545133099612316592015-10-18T17:44:00.000-07:002015-10-19T07:15:49.391-07:00Cabbage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've written a lot of serious posts lately, so here is a very fun and singularly focused blog entry!<br />
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I definitely can't say that I'm a great cook, but I can say there are a few things that I'm great at cooking. Although I can't seem to grow it in my garden, cabbage would be one of those things. Seem strange? Not when you were raised on the green (or red) leafy goodness that is cabbage. Sauerkraut, sauteed cabbage, corned beef and cabbage, halushki (cabbage with noodles), halupki (stuffed cabbage)....you name it...I love it and have probably made it! Today and I am going to talk about two cabbage dishes I feel I do particularly well and then give you a few links to some of my favorite Ukrainian dishes that my Baba makes (and Baba does it the best!). Because, it's getting cold outside and who doesn't love a good hearty cabbage dish?!</div>
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Sauteed cabbage:</div>
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Seems very straight forward, but I have noticed a few things that can make or break this dish. First thing would be in selection of the cabbage. I have found a very fresh juicy cabbage, tends to not saute very well. Seems like it would be the opposite; however, I've found the extra moisture in the cabbage prevents the cabbage from really softening up and getting sweet. I like to pick fairly dry cabbage (green would be my preference..even though red cabbage has a higher level of anthocyanins...which are supposed to have anti-inflammatory properties...I'm going on taste). When cutting up the cabbage, I cut the cabbage in half and remove the harder "core" portion of the cabbage then I slice the entire head into thin slices (slightly thicker than coleslaw size). I like to cook my cabbage on medium high heat using a combination of olive oil and butter (I've used just olive oil or even bacon grease...both work well...that combo is my favorite). Cook until cabbage is soft, transparent-ish, and maybe even starts to brown a little bit. SALT WELL!!! I've forgotten salt before, and this is crucial to the taste! Follow these steps and you will be left with the perfect, sweet, delicious sauteed cabbage. Unfortunately for your roommates, spouses, pets, you also may be left with the cabbage toots!!! http://www.kidzworld.com/article/473-the-science-of-farting (don't act like it's never happened to you).</div>
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Halupki Soup (Stuffed Cabbage Soup):</div>
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Halupki is one of my favorite Ukrainian dishes, you may know it as stuffed cabbage or for you Polish folks golumpki. It is usually a meatball with rice and onions (my family would call that a porcupine meatball) with cabbage wrapped around it cooked in a tomato sauce. It's delicious, BUT a lot of work. You have to boil the leaves and try to wrap them around the meatball and pray they stay together in the pot. I'm lazy, so I ditched the rice and made it a soup! I don't really measure things, so pardon the vague-ish recipe...you'll figure it out...I have faith in you! </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 lb ground beef (cook and drain grease)</div>
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1 yellow onion diced</div>
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1 green cabbage (look for a cabbage that suits the description above)</div>
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big can of stewed tomatoes (the can that would be bigger than the can of spaghetti o's...if you can't find stewed dice or whole would work fine too)</div>
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tomato paste</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Bacon grease (or olive oil)</div>
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Slice and saute your cabbage with the onions in the same way mentioned above (I like to use bacon grease in this case to add more flavor to the soup! don't forget the salt!). Add the cooked ground beef, onions, cabbage, to a pot or dutch oven. Add in your tomatoes and tomato paste. I like to add water (usually putting water into the tomato can to get any additional tomato residue out of the can) to thin out the soup a little bit. This will be based on your preference on how soupy you like it. Taste and salt and pepper to your liking. I would cook on medium until everyone is partying together in the pot, then turn to low or simmer for at least an hour. Make sure you are checking your pot so nothing gets burnt on the bottom! Slightly brown cabbage is yummy, but burnt cabbage is nasty!</div>
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That is a meal that will last me several lunches and dinners and warms my belly on these chilly fall days. Below you can find a few more of my favorites! Enjoy! </div>
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http://allrecipes.com/recipe/220002/halupki-stuffed-cabbage/</div>
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http://www.cooks.com/recipe/5d2hj320/grandma-qs-authentic-halushki-from-pennsylvania.html</div>
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http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/slovakbreads/r/pagach.htm</div>
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If you try any out...let me know. I'm also open to any comments or improvements to my recipe! AND if anyone knows how to fix my sad cabbage plant, I'll love your forever! </div>
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Stay strong! </div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-7992857567926649472015-08-09T17:27:00.001-07:002015-08-09T17:29:28.950-07:00Making Moves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My blogs recently have been very reflective and looking back, acknowledging mistakes I've made breaking down where things went wrong. Now it's time to look for solutions move on and make positive changes in my life.<br />
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First step is forgiveness. When you make a mistake that causes a relationship to be strained, you acknowledge your mistake and ask that person for forgiveness. When you make a mistake that causes your own path to be strained, you forgive yourself. I think people (especially me) forget to forgive themselves. You can't keep raking yourself over the coals when you mess up. You have to learn and move on! Or as a friend told me "you can't drive a car forward looking in the rear view mirror" (well...I'm sure you could...or someone could..but I get it).</div>
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My new motto is you have to do good to be good and to feel good (yes...I realize it probably should be "do well"...it sounds better this way :-P ). So, what am I going to do to feel good?</div>
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Do "good": Start every morning with a positive thought or intention (they always like to use the phrase "set your intention" in yoga)</div>
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Start every morning with a healthy breakfast! This may mean waking up early to give myself extra time to prepare and enjoy. I suppose starting out the morning not in a rush would be a fresh change for me! </div>
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Try and maintain a positive attitude throughout the day and see the best in others and myself.</div>
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Challenge myself physically and mentally. I have sort of fit a plateau strength wise and I need to switch somethings up and really challenge myself! I need to read and learn more about the world around me.</div>
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Be active every day! Even days when I don't go to the gym, do something! Go on a walk, stretch (goodness knows I need to), or even work outside in my garden! I've got a bad habit of coming home and pooping out on the couch! </div>
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Get involved! I used to volunteer a lot in high school and some how the business of adult life has changed that. Now that things have slowed down a little, I have been able to sign up to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity (probably won't happen much until next summer) and signed up to be a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sister (fingers crossed they want me).<br />
Give people the benefit of the doubt...even if you think they don't deserve it<br />
And FORGIVE others and myself</div>
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I think making small choices in your day to be better will overall improve your attitude and help you to make positive choices in your day.</div>
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Impulse control is a big issue with me, and I think the more positive and mindful I am throughout the day the more I will think about the outcomes of my actions. Hopefully that will help me from eating an entire Against the Grains pizza in one sitting!</div>
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Let's see how this works out! I'll keep you posted! Moving upwards and onward! </div>
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Stay strong! </div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-22850059051131936152015-07-27T07:53:00.000-07:002015-07-27T07:53:17.452-07:00Gut Check...Literally<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Monday! I'm celebrating my last summer Monday to sleep in and enjoy myself by waking up at 6am and cooking lunches for school :-/ I suppose it's better to get in the habit now then having that rude awakening Thursday morning!<br />
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I finally stepped on the scale yesterday. It was as bad as I expected. I know it's not all about numbers it's not really about looks, but my feeling very much matches the scale. I don't have as much energy as I used to and my confidence is a bit shot. This is my literal 'gut check'. It's really easy to go down a negative path here, but I'm going to look on the bright side and use this as an opportunity for self reflection (I think I blogged about that a bit last time). Life is a learning experience, if you let it be. You can either be defeated by your mistakes, or learn and grow from them. A friend of mine got me into the "Art of Charm: Confidence/Relationship&Dating Advice/Biohacking/Productivity" podcasts. They are primarily directed towards men, but I think that a lot of them are applicable to both men and women. I was listening to their episode on "How to Get Over a Break Up" (not directly related I know) and this quote really stuck with me. It can apply to so many different areas of our lives and help with mental and physical health and growth.<br />
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"Start putting together pieces that you may be able to take responsibility for that you want to change and start working on those moving forward. Because, if you're going to be a different person, guess what? You're going to have to do things differently and you're going to have to create new habits that are going to lead you into being the new person you want to be moving forward. Use it as a learning experience. We're not all perfect and the older you get the more stuff you take responsibility for, the better you're going to be feeling about moving towards the future...adopt the mindset that this is a learning experience" <br />
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(Sorry Aunt Bun, my loyal reader and grammar police. I know that's a run on like many of my sentences are) I would argue to say NO ONE is perfect, but that doesn't take away from the power of that statement. So here I go...creating new habits. Today's habit being--FOOD PREP!!! 10 chicken breasts at bagged up and in the freezer waiting to be my lunch. It's hard when you wake up at 5:30am and get home about 7pm in the evening to be prepared to make healthy choices. It's especially hard when there are no good choices at or around your work and I tend to make poor choices anyway when I'm rushed. I really hope I can keep this up! Maybe try some new recipes to share with you all? Another habit I'm going to try to start is reading more, not just about health and healthy habits, but keeping up with current events and reading more for enjoyment. If I find any good health ones...I'll post them here!<br />
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That's all for today. I've been a bit long winded lately! Thanks for sticking through the end...or skipping to the end ;)<br />
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Stray strong! I know I'm trying to! </div>
Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-26565164072967407562015-07-20T10:15:00.001-07:002015-07-20T10:15:37.732-07:00Embracing the Pain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been over a year since my last post. I had sort of been stagnant and hadn't had anything exciting or interesting to report. I forgot the whole meaning behind myself doing this blog. It's a journey through the exciting, boring, easy, and difficult times.<br />
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I started this blog two years ago, but in some ways I feel back where I started. I've slipped back into some bad routines, but this is my wake up call. When people would compliment me on my weight loss, I used to say "Thank you, I've been working hard". I can't necessarily say the same thing now.<br />
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When I first started CrossFit and this blog it was a form of therapy for me, means to embrace the struggles I was facing at the time. I have always struggled with health, body image, confidence, direction, and attitude...just to name a few. I learned so much in that first year and embraced it all. Now that I've found myself back in a rut, it's time to look back and reflect on some of those lessons I've learned and use them for the motivation I need now.<br />
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I'll put them in list form, because I like lists!<br />
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1. Hard work pays off. Not only does it pay off physically, but it pays off emotionally. It is rewarding to achieve something you have worked so hard for. It's a way to put your stamp on the day. Some days it's going to be hard to work hard, and that's ok.<br />
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2. Learn from your mistakes. Sometimes you have to mess up to realize how to fix what's wrong. This one has really resonated with me recently. Not only relating to my growth in health and fitness, but in my growth to be an overall better person. Boy do I ever make a lot of mistakes! This is the essence of what my career revolves around. I have kids answer questions or say certain sounds. I let them try it their way first and then work through the problem. That has always been my philosophy on what works best for them, and now it's my time to learn that skill. I think this blog will really help me to reflect on where I went wrong and how to fix it. My goal for this blog is to write about growing towards better overall health, but I think a huge component of that is mental and will help me become the best version of myself mind AND body. Embrace the pain (I'm not talking injuries). To quote Batman (cheesy I know...but it was on the other day) "Why do we fall down? So we can learn to pick ourselves up!"<br />
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3. Stop making excuses and stop feeling sorry for yourself! For solutions to this see #1 and #2. This one has always been big with me, but has changed some over the years. I used to think I was so far gone I couldn't be helped, it was too late to start, I can't do that, and if I complain about it maybe it will change. Lately it been more...well I work so hard I should be able to_(full in indulgence or mistake)___. I'm not saying never indulge or that mistakes won't happen, but it's a thin line before you let things get out of hand. For me, it was with the food. I used to be a clean eating machine. It started off with a cheat meal here and there...and that didn't seem to make a difference...then it became lots of cheat meals...that didn't seem to make a difference....then it became eating out a lot...then BOOM...it hits and you're back to where you started! It happens little by little and sneaks up on you. Nutrition really is key! You can't (or at least I can't) workout really hard and think it will cancel out the junk you put in your body. I'm currently in the process of finding out what works best for me. Being thrown into CrossFit and paleo at the same time, I dropped weight pretty quickly, but it didn't seem to be able to be extremely sustainable for me, so I'm looking for something similar and a better strategy to eat what kinds of foods when.<br />
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4. The excitement will fade. I think when you start anything new it's so easy to dive in head first. When I started CrossFit, I was there 5 days straight a week and sometimes even 6! I got the shoes, weight belt, wrist wraps, more workout clothes than regular clothes. I was in it to win it! There comes to be a point where it is no longer novel. I kind of look at it like a relationship. The "first date" butterflies are gone. We are two years in and now we are into the hard stuff. I still love it!<br />
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I'm sure I've learned a lot of other valuable lessons in these last two years. Bare with me as I look back and try to learn to move forward!<br />
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Stay strong...I know I'll try! </div>
Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-38516570917010434542014-03-31T19:20:00.001-07:002014-03-31T19:23:22.024-07:0014.DONE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">m 1,949th!!!! (In my region...at least at the moment) They should really make a foam finger that says that!! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I just finished my first CrossFit Open experience! 5 grueling weeks of crazy workouts</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Week 1:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">14.1 The workout: </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 10 minutes of:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">30 </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;">double-unders</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">55-lb. power snatches, 15 reps</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My Score: 146 reps (3 full rounds and 11 double unders)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Not the worst workout I've ever done, but double unders were very frustrating for me, because I had to do a single and then a double...so I was jumping TWICE as much! Yoi! BUT, I didn't die.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Week 2:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">14.2 The workout:</span></div>
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<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">From 0:00-3:00</span></em></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 2 rounds of:</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 10 overhead squats</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 7px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 10 chest-to-bar pull-ups</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">From 3:00-6:00</span></em></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 2 rounds of:</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 12 overhead squats</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 7px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 12 chest-to-bar <span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">pull-ups</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">From 6:00-9:00</span></em></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 2 rounds of:</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 14 overhead squats</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> 14 chest-to-bar <span style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">pull-ups</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My Score: A very proud 11!! :) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I saw this one and laughed. I SUCK at kipping pull ups...and had never done a chest to bar pull up in my life!!! I thought I'd come in do 10 overhead squats and be done. Well, almost...I got ONE chest to bar pull up, which is way better than none!</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Complete As many reps as possible in 8min</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">95-lb. </span>deadlifts<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, 10 reps<br />15 box jumps, 20-inch<br />135-lb. </span>deadlifts<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, 15 reps<br />15 box jumps, 20-inch<br />155-lb. </span>deadlifts<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, 20 reps<br />15 box jumps, 20-inch<br />185-lb. </span>deadlifts<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, 25 reps<br />15 box jumps, 20-inch<br />205-lb. </span>deadlifts<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, 30 reps<br />15 box jumps, 20-inch<br />225-lb. </span>deadlifts<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, 35 reps<br />15 box jumps, 20-inch</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My Score: 106...which would be 16 reps at 185lbs</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My best workout BY FAR!!! I was pretty proud of myself here. I think I've deadlifted 185 maybe for two reps or so ever. 205lbs is my max, so it would have been interesting if I would have made it there!</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Week 4:</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">14.4: The Workout</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Complete as many rounds and repetitions as possible in 14 minutes of:</span><br style="line-height: 22px;" /><span style="line-height: 22px;">60-calorie</span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> row<br />50 toes-to-bars<br />40 wall-ball shots, 14 lb. to 9-foot target<br />30 cleans, 95 lb.<br />20 muscle-ups</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My Score: 135</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The workout that made me cry!!! This workout...minus the toes to bar and muslce ups should have been my workout!!! I finished my row so quickly and wanted to bust through those wall balls and get my show how good my cleans and getting....and alas...I spent probably a good 7 1/2 min on STUPID toes-to-bar :( 50 is just sooooo many, BUT I didn't die. I wanted to cry a bit during, and shamefully cried afterwards. I thought that was potentially the worst workout I've ever done....until this past week</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Week 5</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">14.5: The Workout:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of:</span><br style="line-height: 22px;" /><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">65-lb. thrusters</span><br style="line-height: 22px;" /><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bar Facing Burpees</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My Score: 22:07</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">22 minutes and 7 seconds of torture!! I don't know if I've ever sighed and grumpily grunted during a workout so much!!! By the end, I was flopping on the ground like a fish out of water, taking a few seconds laying on the ground just to catch my breath! This one was even hard to watch other people do. It really crushes your spirit! ESPECIALLY after you finish the first set of 21's and realize....Oh my, I still have SO MUCH work to do!</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT...I didn't die.</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Clearly I'm not competitive and I'm NOT even remotely close to going to regionals or having a score to brag about! However, it was very fun to challenge myself and surprise myself! It was also fun to see how I stacked up compared to my region and the world. I'm right in the middle...hey...at least it aint the bottom! I was able to see some amazing displays of athleticism in my own gym and watch people crush the above mentioned workout..a lot of people putting themselves through that torture multiple times to better their scores! It was fun cheering everyone on, and being encouraged and cheered on by others. It really does impact your performance when other people support and believe in you! And we really do have a great community at CrossFit Clay United :) </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Can't wait for next year?!?! I'm 9months into CrossFit now...and will be over a year and a half into CrossFit come the open next year, so it should be fun to compare!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Taking on another challenge this weekend of another partner competition with Annie again. I'll blog after this Saturday and share how it went! Fingers crossed my double unders show up!</span></span></span></span></div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-24152660096940931832014-01-20T08:17:00.001-08:002014-01-20T08:17:12.477-08:00Body Image<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfm1T3q9cF15LGxcfg0z10NniIaggCbVq5LCiomrjYGJYs1HsNaqyWY3cqV8xCa54Z9ElRr4pt6UZZwy19qtr56YgQ4DX3eSfJ9IHXyafTLPNDj0UidErSpeqcKnEUfpxfZ0UBCiAFvc/s1600/progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfm1T3q9cF15LGxcfg0z10NniIaggCbVq5LCiomrjYGJYs1HsNaqyWY3cqV8xCa54Z9ElRr4pt6UZZwy19qtr56YgQ4DX3eSfJ9IHXyafTLPNDj0UidErSpeqcKnEUfpxfZ0UBCiAFvc/s1600/progress.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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April 2013 August 2013 January 2014</div>
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So here we have a pre CrossFit pic, 2ish months in, and yesterday (7 mon) Yes I realize that is an awful swimsuit top..I have purchased a new one, but wore the same for comparison :) The difference in weight between each picture is roughly 10lbs (plus quite a bit of muscle gain). Between the first and last picture I have lost 4 inches off my bust, 4inches off of my waist, 4inches off my hips, and 2inches off my thigh. I can't say I have reached my goal yet, BUT I'm clearly much closer than I was in April, and I can't wait to see what the results are come April or May! :)</div>
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Body Image:</div>
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As proud as I am of my weight loss and transformation, I posted and deleted that picture probably 5 times. I have never been comfortable with my body and putting it here on the internet for all to see is pretty frightening. I have definitely had some harsh critics over time from middle school bullies to people who were very close to me, but overall the harshest critic has been myself.</div>
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I was at the Great Lakes Invitational a few weekends ago (a CrossFit competition in the area that brings some big athletes into town). It was a wonderful display of talented athletes and beautiful bodies. I found myself looking for girls about my height and build to get some good goals. I have always found the athletic build to be the most attractive and appealing to me. I also think it's probably the most realistic body type for me to strive for. I'm 5'10" and have broad shoulders and wide hips. I'm not going to look like a lot of the traditionally attractive looking celebrities, not unless I cut my legs off below the knee and develop an eating disorder. I know a lot of models are my height, but have very small builds and I would assume a lot of them don't eat very much. In high school my lean body mass was measured at 133lbs, so I would assume now with muscle gain it's at least 140-145lbs. Can I weigh 125lbs like Giselle?? I wouldn't want to see myself that way or see what it would take to get that way. Yes, I realize there are some people who are naturally very thin, but it gives usnrealistic expectations for some people who strive to look like that.</div>
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I think if I lean out another 10 or so lbs and gain some more muscle, I'll be right about where I'd like to stay and maintain forever! With that said, I need to learn to love and respect my body at all stages. I have a healthy goal for myself, but I have to realize throughout this experience that not everyone will agree with how I do it or how I want to look. I have had people tell me the body type I'm aiming for is unattractive or bulky, which I was very offended and hurt by. I have spent 25 years being uncomfortable with my body and to hear that what I am close to and what I want is unattractive?!?! It's frustrating! BUT, then I realize...it really doesn't matter. They aren't me. They don't get to own my body and they don't get to experience the pride I do when I reach a goal. Ultimately, I am responsible for how I look and how I feel about the way I look. So I'm setting a new goal for myself! As I reach new goals, continue to respect and love myself! At the end of the day, a person who is comfortable in their own skin and loves them self is the most attractive anyway!</div>
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I'll get off my podium now...Until next time, stay strong! </div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-74184992926732878542014-01-06T14:02:00.001-08:002014-01-06T14:02:55.271-08:00A Year in Review and a 2nd Recipe Too!!! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Snowed in...what better to do than reflect on a great year and mess around in the kitchen!<br />
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So....I missed my 6 month CrossFitversary...I'm sorry baby! I can't believe how the time has flown by!! I'm not quite as strong as I thought I'd be 6 months in, but looking back and where I started, I have to pat myself on the back! I'm two pants sizes smaller...probably 10-15lbs of FAT lighter and a heck of a lot stronger than where I started! (My next post will have before and after pics with exact measurements!) I remember not being able to hardly overhead squat the PVC pipe and last week I got 108lbs (I think I could have gotten more ;) !! Besides the obvious health and looks benefits of my 6 month journey with CrossFit and overall better health, I feel like I have gained more confidence, pride, and an ability to put myself outside of my comfort zone!<br />
Looking back on years past and new years resolutions I've made and EVERY year...it has been to lose 20lbs! Not that I don't have 10 or so left I'd like to lose, I'm happy to NOT have that goal this year and hopefully never have a weight loss resolution again!<br />
Goals for 2014-<br />
Eat Clean<br />
PR every time we max out (is this unreasonable?)<br />
Make it to the top of the rope every time I climb it!<br />
Master body weight moves<br />
Be more supportive and listen more<br />
Keep my room clean :)<br />
Make new recipes and be more accurate with the measurements so I can share them with all of you!....transition to my recipe..<br />
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So, I have recently signed up for <a href="http://www.greenbeandelivery.com/" target="_blank">Green Bean Delivery</a> (a grocery delivery service that delivers organic and local (when they can) groceries in Indianapolis). I have opted to get the fruit and veggie bin and not look at what is coming in my bin! This way I am forced to get creative in the kitchen AND make sure I'm varying the foods that I eat!<br />
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My last two bins I have gotten each had full heads of cauliflower. I have seen a lot of recipes calling for riced cauliflower as a substitute for rice in dishes, soooooooo I put those bad boys in the food processor and bagged them for stir fry! After having a delicious cauliflower soup at <a href="http://www.ceruleanrestaurant.com/indianapolis/" target="_blank">Cerulean</a> (if you haven't been there...do yourself a favor and go!), I decided to try out a soup....here is what I came up with!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE345jjpEH5PWkOoOmi5BLuBTtSQ2lVuVlczg8zI01mTLfQ6yH-bW4D4g-bRdsYPr0Yars4bEKEPlgGN70AEcOTFQTes7u6bV3LKtduZ67-I2ponGyoTpjM7mNpmhFEemYHwoyr2yp9Q/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE345jjpEH5PWkOoOmi5BLuBTtSQ2lVuVlczg8zI01mTLfQ6yH-bW4D4g-bRdsYPr0Yars4bEKEPlgGN70AEcOTFQTes7u6bV3LKtduZ67-I2ponGyoTpjM7mNpmhFEemYHwoyr2yp9Q/s1600/soup.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Paleo?? Coconut Curry Cauliflower Soup</div>
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Cook Time: However long it takes you to cook it</div>
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Serves: However many people eat it :)</div>
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1 1/2 Tbs bacon grease</div>
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1 Tbs coconut oil</div>
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1/2 yellow onion finely chopped</div>
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2 to 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped</div>
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1 head of cauliflower finely chopped</div>
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1 can of coconut milk (Canned is very important!!! Taste of Thai or Thai Kitchen) Do NOT get low fat!</div>
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1/2 cup coconut milk original flavor from the carton (like Silk brand)</div>
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1 1/2 tsp Red Curry or more...I probably used more (do this to your taste)</div>
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1 tsp cayenne pepper (also more if you like a little more heat, although the red curry is a bit spicy)</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Saute onion and garlic in a pot over medium heat in the combination of coconut oil and bacon grease. When onions have become soft and translucent, add in the chopped cauliflower and canned coconut milk. This is where you can get all crazy with the spices. I said 1 1/2 tsp of red curry, but I probably ended up using more...this is to be made however you'd like to eat it, so taste as you go and YOU decide! After you've got it nice and spiced the way that you like it, choose your own adventure....do you prefer a chunkier soup or a creamier soup??? If you are like me and prefer a creamier soup, let the soup cool slightly and place it in the food processor or blender and blend adding coconut milk from the carton until it is at your desired texture! </div>
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I garnished with additional red curry on top to make it pretty! I think it would be really yummy with something crispy on top like a fried leek or bacon crumbles!</div>
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Hope you enjoy! Please comment with any tips or modifications you have to the recipe. These are all approximate recipes, so I apologize if any of the measurements are off! As far as the spices go, you could take this is any direction you want to go. If you like spicy...try the curry...if you are earthier try some cumin or nutmeg!</div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-60029858532124198252013-12-08T19:33:00.001-08:002013-12-08T19:37:11.701-08:00TIME!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_n5USEf5g_54eWuTc6mRjMHvcwMlx_Y6piCpp7knlje7nH1ySwQZMGY_20wNlS9LkWWLXpEwElOOWTvMzZZSSRcPNdJo3KB0TToumROHknrN_1bI0Z8h0lW7rVk_eCuyoAKa-4bxRFo/s640/blogger-image-1117668695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_n5USEf5g_54eWuTc6mRjMHvcwMlx_Y6piCpp7knlje7nH1ySwQZMGY_20wNlS9LkWWLXpEwElOOWTvMzZZSSRcPNdJo3KB0TToumROHknrN_1bI0Z8h0lW7rVk_eCuyoAKa-4bxRFo/s640/blogger-image-1117668695.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The face says it all</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok...on to non mushy things...here are things I learned from my first (hopefully of many) crossfit competition:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-have fun</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-talk to someone you don't know</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-figure out which direction your weight belt goes before you are in front of a large group of people</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-take advantage when you see the bathroom line is short</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-get a paleo cupcake before the finals, because apparently they pack up early :( </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-don't get frustrated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-surprise yourself</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm sure I've learned other things, but it's past my bedtime! Until next time...here are more pics from the competition :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEko3r4yEbbRsU6nr_oKKyIPPA1pY51BsXh43U0SDtXcpTBXci-8RRsJRdmWwUR1N-W6GrYothwfNQCKrXMzeqkJcDCEG2KsJppLmihYAdVONsM079GKz-WfrI0ODublpJH-2dXRJOSe8/s640/blogger-image-578779203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEko3r4yEbbRsU6nr_oKKyIPPA1pY51BsXh43U0SDtXcpTBXci-8RRsJRdmWwUR1N-W6GrYothwfNQCKrXMzeqkJcDCEG2KsJppLmihYAdVONsM079GKz-WfrI0ODublpJH-2dXRJOSe8/s640/blogger-image-578779203.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blurry thruster</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_79mDvbO2M9olL6U5F_q4NVqQJrGoesaMk9a1uUf00gGYjITruGGHepkNL5PWmP_y_8d9A6uWaL8Hn3bHY0oaRfL6yPfDJwh881KOqfdrwz0MUuMVSUleKAeLENtSsRka4jXUFGWBobc/s640/blogger-image--1610882340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_79mDvbO2M9olL6U5F_q4NVqQJrGoesaMk9a1uUf00gGYjITruGGHepkNL5PWmP_y_8d9A6uWaL8Hn3bHY0oaRfL6yPfDJwh881KOqfdrwz0MUuMVSUleKAeLENtSsRka4jXUFGWBobc/s640/blogger-image--1610882340.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TIME!</div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-55830166878910759462013-12-06T11:46:00.001-08:002013-12-06T11:46:55.117-08:00Challenge Accepted<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU85NW2C6V6G6lpBZGh9oKO0BplK63ocN2v7aA_VmaokdSPifTBjGF2T9TfJrDbPFt_05CuorucZSUFK5EyGtJ5bQuadICiaGCkpT-6VyqRX4nuVZpbHYwM1MVC4iHtOxatadBWURfag8/s640/blogger-image--557243985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU85NW2C6V6G6lpBZGh9oKO0BplK63ocN2v7aA_VmaokdSPifTBjGF2T9TfJrDbPFt_05CuorucZSUFK5EyGtJ5bQuadICiaGCkpT-6VyqRX4nuVZpbHYwM1MVC4iHtOxatadBWURfag8/s640/blogger-image--557243985.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(My sweat mark)</div><br></div>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 <a href="http://youtu.be/h4Jw5ZHtLqQ">http://youtu.be/h4Jw5ZHtLqQ</a>. 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!!! <div><br></div><div>Until next time (probably Sunday)...stay strong and wish me luck...and strength...and technique....and a good attitude....and fun!!!!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-87526574450000563302013-11-12T19:28:00.001-08:002013-11-12T19:30:14.173-08:00My First Recipe: Chocolate Paleo Macaroons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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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!)</div>
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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.</div>
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Julie's Chocolate Paleo Macaroons:</div>
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2 bags of unsweetened shaved coconut flakes</div>
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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).</div>
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3-4 Tbs maple syrup (get the real stuff) or I think you could substitute honey if you prefer the taste better</div>
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2Tbs coco powder </div>
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2tsp good vanilla ( I used pure Tahitian vanilla extract) and that's a tsp not a Tbs! </div>
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probably a tsp of salt (I put more b/c I like a salty sweet!)</div>
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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</div>
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Should have taken a picture!!! DANG!</div>
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Another option I have considered trying with this recipe is:</div>
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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!</div>
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Place a comment with how it went/suggestions if you try the recipe! </div>
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In other news: Had a great seminar from the people at <a href="http://www.flexfithealth.com/LOCATION.html" target="_blank">FlexFitt</a> 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!!</div>
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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???</div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-26025621767831660252013-10-30T12:27:00.002-07:002013-10-30T12:34:07.250-07:00Product Review and Updates Too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Haven't blogged since the excitement of my kipping pull up. I have not forgot about my loyal (3) readers out there!!<div>
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First things first: Product Review!</div>
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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.</div>
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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! </div>
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Ingredients: <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">organic shredded coconut, organic maple syrup, natural raw almond flour, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic palm sugar, organic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, sea salt.</span></div>
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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!).</div>
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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! </div>
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I have checked out the rest of their products on their website: <a href="http://www.hailmerry.com/" target="_blank">www.hailmerry.com </a></div>
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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-<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <a href="http://www.hailmerry.com/blog/category/recipes/gluten-free-recipes-2" target="_blank">Paleo Holiday Spice Muffin!</a> I'll let you all know how it goes and if I try anymore of their products!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">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!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">-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!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">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!</span></span></div>
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Until next time...stay strong like the fierce zebra!</div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-12141732771114186362013-10-11T13:37:00.001-07:002013-10-11T13:37:18.195-07:004 Months Already?!?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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! <br />
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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 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVTYRjSDyC4" target="_blank">snatch</a> PR (personal record)! Which I am starting to go to Olympic weight lifting classes, so hopefully I'll smash that soon :)<br />
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This all came after watching our awesome <a href="http://crossfitclayunited.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Clay United</a> 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 :)<br />
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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 ;) )!<br />
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Until next time! Stay strong! Kipping pull ups count! :P</div>
Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-296273104309990102013-09-24T13:04:00.001-07:002013-09-24T17:31:32.635-07:00Enlightenment via Lois C.K.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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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). </div>
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In other news....I can feel a pull up happening in my near future...expect a post...probably a video...maybe a party :)</div>
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Stay strong...put down your phone...and that sleeve of Girl Scout cookies (or gobstoppers)!<br />
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If you can't see the video---here is the link <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HbYScltf1c">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HbYScltf1c</a></div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com1Carmel Carmel39.954964 -86.11554tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-42311229828919333472013-09-10T09:38:00.001-07:002013-09-10T09:44:45.016-07:003 Months and Still Going Strong (ish)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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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!<br />
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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 ;)<br />
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If the heat doesn't kill me...talk to you soon....stay coooooool!<br />
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-56232716738266025522013-09-02T16:06:00.000-07:002013-09-02T16:06:13.301-07:00Droopy Drawers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One month Paleo challenge completed!! BOOM! Quick reminder...through my <a href="http://crossfitclayunited.com/" target="_blank">CrossFit Clay United</a>, I participated in a 30 day <a href="http://thepaleodiet.com/" target="_blank">paleolithic diet</a> 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).<br />
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Here are some of the parts of the challenge that I felt were particularly challenging:<br />
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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.<br />
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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).<br />
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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!<br />
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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.<br />
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Looking forward with Paleo:<br />
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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!<br />
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Until next time...Stay strong! Get healthy!...good excuse to shop till you drop ;)</div>
Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-3619930420217922922013-08-13T12:49:00.002-07:002013-08-13T12:49:36.450-07:00Bad Romance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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!<br />
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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.<br />
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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).<br />
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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<a href="http://www.oprah.com/health/An-Excerpt-from-Geneen-Roths-Women-Food-And-God" target="_blank"> "Women, Food, and God" by Geneen Roth</a>, 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!<br />
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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).<br />
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Songspiration for today (I think I want to do this every blog!)-<br />
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Video-India Arie <br />
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Better Version of Me- Fiona Apple<br />
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I Don't Want To Be- Gavin DeGraw<br />
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-44327501622390137862013-08-01T17:36:00.002-07:002013-08-01T17:36:57.962-07:00New Month New Challenges<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy August! Today is not only my first day back at work, but the first day of <a href="http://crossfitclayunited.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Clay United</a>'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.<br />
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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!<br />
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I got my Paleo questions answered and here they are (my commentary will be in <span style="color: red;">red</span>)<br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">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. </span><span style="color: red;">Animal livers anyone???</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">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). </span><span style="color: red;">Jerky! DONE! LOVE IT!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">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. </span><span style="color: red;">I'm going to research this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectin" target="_blank">lectin</a> devil a bit more. Maybe I'll blog about it! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">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). </span><span style="color: red;">I love all of those things (except...I have no idea what a tuber is...)! Easy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">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. </span><span style="color: red;">I starting drinking chocolate coconut milk after my WOD. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm on researching those! As noted above blueberries and pineapples (which are two of my favs!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">7. Big Paleo no-no list: NO grains. NO legumes. NO gluten-containing items. </span><span style="color: red;">DONE! Bring it on!!!</span></div>
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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!</div>
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<br />Stay strong! </div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-10370176687341456002013-07-26T13:23:00.001-07:002013-07-26T13:23:32.074-07:00Possibly 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. <div>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 </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGveQdXgDK3eb-ItR9_veE2L5WRUs4DGANtQTtycQ142PnrME8HP-5tTax-gaEZrrlkGs9i9GJpX8lZPY5NEFkSyZW7_UpZgz_fz-BYi50DxfBj0cSVP7awZWJeiMRJE-GGXyz_hWvA44/s640/blogger-image-694538181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGveQdXgDK3eb-ItR9_veE2L5WRUs4DGANtQTtycQ142PnrME8HP-5tTax-gaEZrrlkGs9i9GJpX8lZPY5NEFkSyZW7_UpZgz_fz-BYi50DxfBj0cSVP7awZWJeiMRJE-GGXyz_hWvA44/s640/blogger-image-694538181.jpg"></a></div>We were very proud and played a whopping ONE game on it! The tide took her away in the night! </div><div><br></div><div>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!) </div><div><br></div><div>Nap time maybe?? If you own a helicopter or teleportation device....feel free to come rescue me...I'm in the mountains somewhere!</div><div><br></div><div>Stay strong...and faster than we are right now</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0Jefferson National Forest Bastian37.206038 -81.103241tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-49909958483920279842013-07-16T14:40:00.002-07:002013-07-16T14:43:13.002-07:00Sibling CamaWODerie (Get it?!?!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Totally cheesy I know (and that's not Paleo!). Ok...two bad jokes in a row...I'm done, I promise!<br />
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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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_500" target="_blank">Little 500</a>. 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!</div>
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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.</div>
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-Coconut milk for Almond milk (be careful though and go for the unsweetned coconut milk!)</div>
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-Almond butter for Peanut butter</div>
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Also, I bet this could make a pretty yummy protein shake if the unsweetened cocoa was replaced with maybe a chocolate protein powder! </div>
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Until next time-Stay strong :) and eat well! I know I'll try!!! ;)</div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-14037735106393057662013-07-13T17:15:00.000-07:002013-07-14T08:22:08.139-07:00Le tired<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today was the 2013 Summer Challenge at <a href="http://crossfitindynorth.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Indy North</a>. It was a partner challenge consisting of 3 events for each team to participate in. I went to support a few members of <a href="http://crossfitclayunited.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Clay United</a>, including my friend/coach Caitlin from college. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx12ZrNFGDBF1NVhDiDfrHhcnZ2sAze41eEfMD_sQ7wwPoTIDhW8pmDAyV3CGeCWk1q4EHR0t1CXy04RaWJ31CLTCi4Ins8zn2aX9KVr_RfgawklX9xdn0wmu9rVHhV1Cpu7NZ55byD30/s1600/cg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx12ZrNFGDBF1NVhDiDfrHhcnZ2sAze41eEfMD_sQ7wwPoTIDhW8pmDAyV3CGeCWk1q4EHR0t1CXy04RaWJ31CLTCi4Ins8zn2aX9KVr_RfgawklX9xdn0wmu9rVHhV1Cpu7NZ55byD30/s200/cg.JPG" width="149" /></a>(Bad ass)</div>
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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 <a href="http://www.crossfitemeraldisle.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Emerald Isle</a> in North Carolina! The family that Crossfits together...stays together!!!!?<br />
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In Food News:<br />
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!<br />
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!<br />
Q's-<br />
-What is a good source of calcium for people who follow the Paleo diet?<br />
-Best food choices when out to eat or on the road?<br />
-What's so bad about corn and soy???<br />
- What are the BIG Paleo no no's???<br />
- Good source of carbs/ pre workout energy sources?<br />
- How long before/after a workout to eat and what?<br />
- Worst/Best fruits and veggies?<br />
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I'll let ya know! Stay strong! :)</div>
Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-57921796259138653772013-07-10T10:31:00.001-07:002013-07-10T10:31:15.142-07:00One Month Crossfitiversary! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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!<br />
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These little beauties are the <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/shoes-women-s-crossfit/_/N-svZu3Z1z12xfw" target="_blank">Reebok Nano 2.0</a>. They just came out with a newer version of this shoe, so this version was on sale at <a href="http://www.finishline.com/store/catalog/product.jsp?productId=prod717222&REEBOK&mkwid=st49OTA1D&CMP=PPC-PLA-Promo+M&W+FTWR-CrossFit+Nano+2.0+Womens+Training+Shoes&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CLaI8ayypbgCFaVFMgod1F0AJQ" target="_blank">Finish Line</a>. 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!</div>
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Ok...so what have I learned/accomplished in a month????</div>
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- 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!)</div>
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- Added 20lbs to my back squat weight</div>
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- Not to use hand sanitizer if you tear your hands on the bar! Ouch!</div>
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- I can lift a lot more than I think I can</div>
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- Fresh Market turkey bacon > Health Fare turkey bacon</div>
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- Do NOT shake Kombucha!!!</div>
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- The butcher at Fresh Market has a great sense of humor</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJqX4yEVAhSL9KmjhbD2mel2l35CQsRaPUTOpl4Nt4jDa-PcUyIQRxKN0jDBgAk5xtwt2adgcfkFDUGE5C81V3nASCICayaRECfq2C6BYPtJnPNOksGmSHP-2I2dqM1BNkW7wa2q-oc0/s1600/porky.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJqX4yEVAhSL9KmjhbD2mel2l35CQsRaPUTOpl4Nt4jDa-PcUyIQRxKN0jDBgAk5xtwt2adgcfkFDUGE5C81V3nASCICayaRECfq2C6BYPtJnPNOksGmSHP-2I2dqM1BNkW7wa2q-oc0/s200/porky.jpeg" width="149" /></a></div>
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- I really need to gain more core strength to help with all lifting!</div>
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- Need to make sure to stretch when I get home!</div>
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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!</div>
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Stay Strong!</div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-20281196664581933762013-07-08T11:05:00.000-07:002013-07-08T11:05:11.905-07:004th of July Recovery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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).<div>
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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!</div>
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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!!!!!!! </div>
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Tonight's dinner might be one of these recipes from a local butcher <a href="http://www.goosethemarket.com/default.htm" target="_blank">Goose the Market</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.goosethemarket.com/recipes.htm">http://www.goosethemarket.com/recipes.htm</a></div>
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I'll let you know how it goes! Stay strong!</div>
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-32034453818379495092013-07-02T10:41:00.001-07:002013-07-02T18:20:31.063-07:00Burpees May Kill Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterdays WOD was another toughy! <br />
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50 Deadlifts<br />
40 Hang Power Cleans<br />
30 Shoulder to Overhead<br />
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BUT add 4 over bar burpees Every Minute on the Minute!!!<br />
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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!!<br />
Regardless...I lived! I cranked out my last five shoulders to overhead so I wouldn't have to do any more burpees!<br />
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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!<br />
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Have a great 4th of July! Until next time- Stay strong!</div>
Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430287935292243115.post-87043196024813243282013-06-30T17:27:00.000-07:002013-06-30T17:27:34.712-07:00Motivation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5zvqNHDTf8Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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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! <br />
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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!<br />
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In other news- Tried on jeans today and went down a pants size!!! Now to find jeans that are long enough!<br />
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Until next time- Stay strong!<br />
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Julie Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968711360100901580noreply@blogger.com0