TIME!

The face says it all

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

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

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

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

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

-have fun

-talk to someone you don't know

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

-take advantage when you see the bathroom line is short

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

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

-don't get frustrated

-surprise yourself

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

Blurry thruster

TIME!

Challenge Accepted

(My sweat mark)

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

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

My First Recipe: Chocolate Paleo Macaroons

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

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

Julie's Chocolate Paleo Macaroons:

2 bags of unsweetened shaved coconut flakes

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

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

2Tbs coco powder 

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

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

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

Should have taken a picture!!! DANG!

Another option I have considered trying with this recipe is:

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

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

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

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

Product Review and Updates Too!

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

First things first: Product Review!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updates Too!

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

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

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

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

4 Months Already?!?

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

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

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

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

Enlightenment via Lois C.K.

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

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

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

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

3 Months and Still Going Strong (ish)

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

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

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