What?! A week off???

Yes, I haven’t gone to Crossfit in 6 days..that’s right 6 whole days. I was busy on some days and just plain freaking lazy on the others. I did join a group on Saturday for a leisure 38 mile bike ride that felt great and I even did 40 minutes on the elliptical Sunday evening. It’s time to get back on track. My jeans no longer fit me (and not the “OMG..I don’t need to lie down to squeeze into them!!” type of way) All the squeezing and grunting in the world is not going to get my ass into my jeans. That’s okay..for now. 

Today’s WOD consist of Pullups, Clean & Jerk, & Pushups. Hmmm..not a WOD I’m going to enjoy that’s for sure. 

Muscle What??

Friday's warm-up was more difficult than the actual WOD. (50 squats, 40 sit-ups, 30 kettle bell swings, 20 burpees, 100m spring. 2 min rest, THEN: 100m spring, 20 burpees, 30 kettle bell swing, 40 sit ups, 50 squats) Yep...I was ready to say my good-nights and head on home, BUT I was the only one present for the 5pm class, so I decided to take advantage of the time.

The WOD consisted of 1 min ring dips (or hold, which I did using a band) 1 min muscle ups (or jumping up and down on a box, which I did) and 1 min V-ups, which I don't mind X5. My traps are STILL sore! I think today's WOD is back squats. Not bad. I enjoy the strength WOD..

Until later...

Hang Cleans

Since starting Crossfit, I've learned a lot about myself. Patience is the # 1 thing I've learned (well, still learning as you'll read).

Last night's WOD was 3x3x3x3x3x3x3 hang cleans. Confused? Yeah, I was, too at first. Do 3 reps of hang cleans. Rest. Add weight, do 3 more reps. Rest. Add more weight, etc (7 sets of 3 reps) Hang cleans aren't so difficult..unless of course, like me, you're a mental MESS.

I started off doing well. Hell, I used a 35lb freaking bar..of course I did well. Duh. Completed 3 reps, laughed at myself a bit then added 20lbs making the bar 55lbs, which wasn't so bad either. Completed the 3 reps, the added more weight. Hmmmm...now I'm starting to feel, I don't know, not tired, nor lazy, but it was as if I was afraid of challenging myself. I was afraid of NOT being able to clean 65lbs. I stepped to the barbell and picked it up. I stood there for a couple of seconds before lowering it to my thighs. I stood there for a couple of seconds before the coach reminded me I was there too long. Oh yeah, so I stood up straight again, procrastinating somewhat. Brought the bar to my knees and cleaned it. Okay, I did it. It wasn't so terrible. My reaction was the same at 75lbs and finally at 85lbs. I did one very sloppy clean (hahaha..sloppy clean!) before calling it quits.

I left after class once again tormenting myself: "I know I could have done that better.:" "I probably could have lifted heavier." Oh shut up already! I am doing something I couldn't do a couple of months ago. My mind really attempts to mess with me sometimes.

I am looking forward to tonight's WOD, knowing that WHATEVER effort I put in, is better than not putting any effort in at all.

Good day, All!

I'm getting stronger..

When I started working out 7 years ago, I worked out HARD. I was in the gym 2 hours a day for 6 days per week. I was strong..very strong. 

Now that I've gone back to weight training (and let me tell ya, starting over SUCKS, but...I am VERY GRATEFUL to have the opportunity to start over), I feel good again. Going to Crossfit has really been good for me. When I say good for me, I don't just mean physically, but emotionally. It's nice to take out whatever stress I may have on the weights. Grunting while squatting with weight doesn't seem so silly. :) 

It  was definitely very hard for me. I went from not being able to do an overhead squat (still something I do NOT enjoy doing) with an empty 35lb bar, to squatting (not in perfect form) with 80lbs overhead. I see the results in my strength. I don't necessarily see the physical results and that's only because my diet sucks. I plan on doing the Paleo Challenge next month with my box. I will post how I'm doing with that and the workouts daily to help keep me accountable. I currently weight a 156lbs (I'm only 5'5) and would like to see a strong 140 by spring. I look forward to more milestones in my life and am grateful that I'm able to make them!