If you look pretty, you're doing it WRONG

This was me right after my workout today....

This was the next picture I took, so everyone would think I look fantastic after my workout...

And this was the picture I took to show I was reppin' some XFit-712 today...

This was the workout out I did that made me look so sweaty- and that pumped me up enough that I thought the first picture was even necessary....

It was NOT fun.

I will not even lie- this workout kicked my butt. I HATE burpees with a fiery passion, the uppercuts just made me feel silly, and the last two minutes of jogging in place felt a little redundant after the high intensity of the rest of the workout.

However, even after the 2 minutes of jogging, my heart was pounding out of my chest- and I swear I could feel my blood being force fed clean oxygen. In a word, I felt Alive.

I was in a super crummy mood when I put on my workout gear, and I was about to be all "Screw this, I'm mope-y" and just bail on the whole thing, but then I thought, "I'll feel better if I just get a good workout in. I'm just going to do it."

And I did.

And now I feel INCREDIBLE.

Granted, I could look a little better. But isn't that what they tell you? If you look pretty after working out, you're doing it wrong. My hair started off in this cute french braid that wrapped around the back of my head, but then it started to get frizzy... and then the pony tail wouldn't stay up... and then the bun fell out about 4 times... so then I looked like a crazy woman, with crimped hair flying all over the place and in my face while I was on the ground doing my burpees, and swinging into my mouth while I jogged in place.

Could you imagine what my workout would have been like if I was worried about how good I looked by the end?

I can- and it goes like this:

45 Jumping Jacks? Nope. I'll just do really slow high knees.

Side to Side Jumps? Ha! I'll just step side to side.

BURPEES? How about slow squats.

High knees kicks? ....yeah okay.

Butt Kicks? Too bouncy. More slow high knees.

No. More. Jumping jacks. HIGH KNEES!

I can march in place.

....I can march in place some more.

Burpees again? You mean MORE squats?

Jumping Ja- HIGH KNEES IT IS!

Mountain Climbers? I could just reach up and turn the light on and off over & over instead, right?

Aaaaand more squats.

2 minutes of marching and done!

I wouldn't have been very sweaty, if at all, my hair would be perfectly in place, and I would have wasted my time completely.

Don't waste your workout worrying what someone else is going to think of you- you shouldn't get pretty to workout, you should be working out to get pretty. (That and I can't think of a single guy that would rather talk to the girl that's lifting 2 lb. weights and giggling the whole time she works out over the girl that's sweating like a pig and is actually putting forth an effort. Let's be real.)

Am I rambling again? I am!

Kick it into high gear, ladies and gentlemen! The New Year is approaching and I know you can all get fit with me!

Until we sweat again!

Get Excited

And one month later....

Hey, readers!! It's been a month since I made the announcement of the non-pregnancy, and I'm sure you're all wondering what's happened since then!

I have been running like a crazy person chasing 5 year olds.

Literally.

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get a good, solid workout in when you work 3 jobs? Because it really takes a huge chunk out of your day.

My main job, as a paraeducator, is where I get my workout in. *Insert "whaaaaaa??" here* Turns out 5 year olds have CRAZY amounts of energy, and they get 3 recesses a day- recesses I have to be outside with them for. I used to just walk around making sure no one killed anyone else, but then it hit me- I want time outside? Done. I want a personal motivator? I've got 150.

So we took to the field.

Every recess, I have at least 30 of the kindergarteners following me across the field as we run, lunge, goose step (complete with honking), crab walk, bunny hop, skip, gallop, and high knee (robot as they say) our way from one end of the field to the other. We sprint to see who can get there before me. They come up with the craziest ideas to get me as worn out as they can.

And I love it.

However, what else can I do? It's winter break. I have 2 weeks of nothing- no field, no kids to push me and to make it a game. That's where my wonderful sister comes in.

My sister has forced me to participate in Insanity with her workout group this past week. (oh yeah- welcome back, Shaun T.)

I hurt- but then I also realized the more I workout, the less it hurts.

Which then led me to get excited about it- and buy some super cute workout clothes. (Okay yoga leggings.. but who cares. I love them.)

Srsly. Adorable.

And this morning, I even woke up at 6:30 to get on the elliptical!!

It's been a snowball effect! All it took was one spark of inspiration for a workout, and with the help of 150 five year olds, one older sister, and some super cute clothes- I finally feel like I'm back in the groove!

What's my point? My point is to get excited about it! If you wake up dreading the workout, you'll eventually stop wanting to do it at all. If you constantly think "Ugh- I hate my workout clothes. They're so ugly."... get some cute workout gear! Download some fun music JUST FOR YOUR WORKOUT so you can look forward to hearing those songs just at those times. GET EXCITED!!! This is an incredible thing you're doing for your body, so stop looking at it like a chore and start looking it at like something you are looking forward to treating yourself to!

Until we sweat again!!

10 Weeks Pregnant

Before you all get crazy excited, no, I am not with child. I'm so far from it, it's ridiculous.

Recently, I have been asked if I was pregnant on 3 separate occasions, and even had someone say "You look like you're about 10 weeks pregnant."

.

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.

.

.

.

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Seriously?

Can I first just say- how exactly does someone look 10 weeks pregnant? Isn't that a little on the physically impossible side? Because I feel like it is. Clearly, I am no pregnancy expert- but seriously.

Second, who the hell says that to someone?? I realize that I am not as thin as I was when the school year began, but thank you, kind soul, for pointing out to me what I am CLEARLY in the dark about... I'm noticeably gaining weight.

For those of you that have tracked my weight loss ups and downs, you'll understand how much this bothers me, but without having time to go to a structured class, keeping the weight off is a little bit of a challenge. (Not an excuse, however.)

I need to find a way to make this work on my own.

I need to refocus on my inspiration for losing weight.

I currently live with my family, and for awhile was the person that was constantly pushing everyone else to eat healthier; Join the gym; Just go for a walk. Now, I'm the person that has a noticeably chubbier face, flabby arms, and a bit of the ol' tummy pudge back.

I miss being the inspiration to get fit.

Today, I did my first kind of workout in a few weeks. It consisted of a lot of medicine ball work, and a ton of stretching, just getting my body warmed up again.

Apart from that, I've only done yoga (which isn't me knocking it AT ALL. Holy cow, my muscles get so sore from it!)

Now a sneak peek at my current BEFORE pics!!

Let's get this chick back in gear. I would love to be able to look rockin' this New Year's.

Until we (I) sweat again!!

Also-

*Just a friendly reminder to never, ever, ever, ever, EVER, EVER, EVER ask a woman if she is pregnant. Like, ever. It's rude and trust me- if she's pregnant, she'll tell you. :)

"We Are Here, We Are Here, We Are Here!!!"

Hey readers!!

(If you still exist)

I've gotten myself into an AWFUL workout slump- so much so that I have the dreaded.....

Return of the Pouch. 

*Collective gasp*

I have this tiny little pouch of pure fat that has settled in on my had-been-completely-flat midsection. This is rather irksome as I had worked that off with all of my blood, sweat, and tears. (Literally all three. It was gross and depressing- and then the payoff rocked.)

But NOW- the payoff has ceased to exist.

Here's the low down....

I NEED YOU, readers!!!

I need to know that my blog can still help someone else; that my workouts and all my meal prep for my healthy eats are helping someone other than myself.

If you know me IRL at all, then you know that I like to help other people. Just ask my coworkers!!

(Some people call it being a Suck Up. I call it job security.)

I just have a hard time doing something if I'm the only one benefitting from it, and since Winter is Coming, I won't have the motivation of showing off my hot bod at the pool to give everyone else the inspiration they need to be amazing!!!

(I'm kidding..... kind of.)

So, my dear readership- if you are still out there, make some noise and let the whole Jungle of Nool know that you exist!!!!

Also- the first reader that responds (either on Facebook or through BlogSpot) with the titles of the 2 nerdy movie/TV show references made in this post will get to choose my first grueling workout back, which I will have to provide a small video excerpt of as proof!

(Don't get too uber excited- You'll be picking from a pre-approved list. No climbing Mt. Everest or running 6 miles just yet.)

Bonus points if you get 3 references out of this mess. :)

Until we sweat again!

Numb Buns

Holy Canoli, has it really been 2 months!? Yeesh! It's pretty darn clear I've been needing to get my booty into the gym and I can tell you something- it was pretty clear I hadn't been in awhile.

Today, at the good old neighborhood Crossfit, I caught a LOT of flack for not having been in awhile. (That's what happens when you ditch your workout family unexpectedly after preparing for a competition... oops!)

I'm sure you're all just dying for the rundown- who doesn't want to live vicariously through a totally out of shape fitness nerd?

The warm up- I repeat WARM UP- was sprinting up a hill 8 times.....

I'm just going to let that one sink in.....

Sprinting. Up a hill. 8. Times.

I can't even feel my butt right now.

My legs were basically Jell-o. I probably sounded like I was having some major respiratory failure by the time I finished (or, you know, 2 times up). It was brutal. And that was just the WARM UP.

Enter the actual WOD.

We had a 10 minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible for you blog newbies), in which one round consisted of 5 push ups, 10 burpees, 15 box jumps, and 20 singles (jump ropes).

I made it through 2 rounds plus an extra 24 into the next round. It was awful. I've learned my lesson.

However, after, I asked Taryn to do my measurements to see just how much I'd slid backward, and measured my body fat percentage to determine how much fat I'd packed on in 2 months. (I was cringing the whole time.)

Here are my results from right before the competition in July:

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. Now, a very dramatic and drawn out drum roll please....

Today's results!

Admittedly, it's super hard to read. My bad on the picture taking. However, I can break it down for you!

           July                                                                   September

L. Arm: 9 7/8 in.                                                          10 in.

     Flex: 10 3/4 in.                                                       10 1/2 in.

R. Arm: 10 in.                                                              10 in.

     Flex:11 1/8 in.                                                        10 7/8 in.

   Chest: 33 in.                                                               32 1/8 in.

Natural Waist: 28 5/8 in.                                              28 in.

   Hips: 34 1/4 in.                                                           34 3/4 in.

L. Leg: 20 1/4 in                                                           19 in.

R. Leg: 20 5/8 in.                                                          20 in.

 Body Fat: 25.3%                                                           25.6%

Freaking. BOOM. Did I lose some muscle? You betcha. Did I gain some fat? Yes. (Only .3%. Woot. Woot.) But check out those waist and chest measurements. LOSING in those areas when I'm being a bum!? I'll take it!!

And this was supposed to be my post-workout selfie (as per usual) but Eren wanted to take it for me!

Ignore my icky shirt. It was allowed to be cut up for a reason :)

I'm so excited to be back in the gym and can't wait to share my progress with you, loyal readers!

Until we sweat again!!

Athlete

The Crossfit competition has finally come and I finished!! (I have the bruises and sore body to prove it)

This weekend marked my very first Crossfit competition. This also marks the very first (and probably last) time that I've been called an athlete! (I even have a t-shirt that says it).

There is way too much to tell you, so I'll give you the details via some photos!!

First WOD, prepping for a shoulder to overhead press. I had a pretty rough time of it..

Bottom of my final front squat- I may or may not have been screaming.

Box Pushes- These work your booty like NO. OTHER.

Jump ropes- normally I suck, but I was ON IT.

Deadlifts- with impeccable form :)

The XFit 712 crew! (Minus 2) Everyone performed INCREDIBLY

Post-Competition Parking lot celebration moscato. We earned it.

This journey to my first Crossfit competition wasn't easy; It took a lot of hard work and a WHOLE lot of sweat, and maybe some tears. However, it was all worth it. I have never felt so incredible- and sore. (Again- Holy bruises.) If you can ever get yourself to a Crossfit competition (like the one happening at Crossfit Beo in Sioux City this fall), check it out and cheer on some amazing athletes!! (Which I apparently get to call myself now!!!)

Until we sweat again!

Improvisation

We all have those days where getting to the gym is impossible. The babysitter couldn't make it; The work load just keeps piling up with no end in sight; You couldn't find the motivation... The laundry list of reasons could go on for days in most cases.

For me, today's trip to the gym was postponed first by a trip to visit my academic advisor (which lasted way longer than I anticipated), then by the promise of payment if I helped mom out with some stuff up at school, and finally, by my little sister's car being stranded in the park, and everyone needing to pitch in to help get it home.

This is where improvisation comes into play. Can't make it to the gym? Lift the baby up high, and bring him down again slowly, working out your arms- or hold him close and do some slow squats. Sit on a stability ball while you work at your desk to keep your core engaged. Do squats/sit ups/counter push ups while you're watching your favorite show or during commercial breaks.

My improvisation today was a little more... makeshift. As I was rushing around trying to get to the gym, my mom informed me of my sister's car situation and instructed me to go get her some fuel for the car and, if the fuel didn't do the trick, we'd be pushing.

Want to know a secret? The fuel didn't work.

(Okay, it's not much of a secret.)

Do you have any idea the muscles you work while pushing an Impala uphill? Sure, I had 3 other siblings pushing the backside of the car with me (well, 2 and a bystander), and my mom was jamming her shoulder into the frame of the car to help, but oh my goodness my buns!!! If someone had told me all I needed to do was push a car for 5 minutes to feel a deep burn in my butt, I would've been pushing cars uphill long before now. (That's not true. Screw pushing cars uphill. That sucked.)

I imagine this is what I'll feel like after the box pushes at the competition this weekend??

Gee, I can't wait...

Until we sweat again!!!

In Preparation

It is official- in exactly one week, I will be on my way to Okoboji for my very first Crossfit competition.

Words can't even describe how anxious/nervous I am. I can't even begin to think of everything I need to be doing to prepare this week. I haven't run through the WODs in awhile and I am terrified to do so, just in case I end up realizing I'm awful at them and feel the need to back out.. and what is more embarrassing than wussing out on a competition a week before?

This week, I'm eating meat and vegetables like it's my job. (And the occasional bits of fruit here and there.) Dad offered to get some Moscato D'Asti tonight and I turned it down for the first time EVER. I'm afraid of taking in too much sugar this close to competition time. Sound silly to anyone else??

I'm also trying not to get too crazy in my workouts. Again, sounds kind of silly, but I'm worried I'll burn out before next weekend. (As much as I try, Taryn insists on kicking my butt with WODs like Angie. See more below.)

Angie is an ADORABLE little timed WOD consisting of 100 pull ups, 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, and 100 squats. Right before we did this, our warm up was Bring Sally Up with burpees. Every time you hear the words "bring Sally up," you jump up out of the burpee, and when you hear "bring Sally down," you hold the bottom of a push up. All of that rolled together was cute. And by cute I mean I wanted to cry.

So how does one unwind before a competition?

YOGA.

I have the great pleasure of being able to take a yoga class every Thursday night at my gym, with my favorite yoga instructor ever. (She's the only one I've ever met, but I don't even care. She's the one I want. Whoo hoo hoo, honey.) The entire time I'm there, when I'm not thinking "Breathe. Breathe. BREATHE," I'm saying little prayers in my quiet moments. She has us set an intention for our practice, and lately mine has been just to be thankful for my body and the opportunities I've been presented with. How many people are given the opportunity to train with people that genuinely care about each person they work with? How many people have a healthy, young, capable body to be able to compete? Forget competing- walking, even. Healthy lungs for breathing. A healthy mind to keep my thoughts and priorities in order. A healthy heart.

While it may seem an odd thing to be thinking about right before I go destroy my body in effort to take home some bragging rights, but thanks to yoga, I've begun to realize how much I have to be thankful for- and time to myself to BE thankful, even if just an hour, is completely wonderful.

If you haven't tried out yoga, I sincerely suggest you give it a try. And if I can't convince you, I'll be having Trisha, my yoga instructor, on the blog doing a guest blog piece! Look for it soon, and wish me luck next weekend!!

Until we sweat again!!

Move Your Legs.

Those of you that know me personally know that I am not a fan of running. Oh, I'm a HUGE fan of the cute running half pants with my matching running top and cute, pink running shoes. However, running was designed by the devil himself, and I absolutely hate it.

So I obviously had to run a 5K.

I found myself in State Center, with my dear sister and her relatives, for the Rose Festival 5K walk/run. (Admittedly, I took the walk/run part to heart and did, in fact, walk some portions. So sue me.)

The route wound all over the place, which is to be expected in such a small town, but it was also filled with people cheering the competitors on, passing out water, snapping photos- it was overall an incredible experience!

And, drum roll please......

Medal!!

I actually won a medal in something sports related!! This boost of confidence led to even more running this week at the West High track while the baby brother had his own workout.

Look at all the sweatiness :)

With all this running, I've gained my new mantra. "Breathe. Move your Legs." The only catch is you have to say it to the tune of Justin Timberlake's "Dance. Don't hold the wall." (Do it, you'll laugh.)

Also, SUPER confidence booster of the week (or several, rather) was visiting State Center in my high wasted shorts and crop top and having all my old friends stopping me and telling me how much tinier I looked.

Woot freaking woot!!!

Still trying to build up my endurance for this competition in July, so wish me luck!!

Until we sweat again!!

Bikini Pics

I'm just going to be straightforward with this post- I am posting pictures of myself in a bikini. Some of these you may have already seen from older posts (Think 2012 before I was single). Its been awhile, and if you have stuck with me since then, wow are you a trooper!!

Skipping all the witty banter, let's just get down to it...

These were before and HOLY CRAP I had no idea I looked like that at the time. Just.... wow. No thank you.

Admittedly, its not a HUGE transformation from chubby to straight up skin and bones, but I am pretty proud of my progress!!

And to add to the excitement- I have signed up for my very first Crossfit competition in Okoboji!!! The competition is July 27th which only gives me a few weeks to get myself whipped into tip top shape and I can't even begin to describe 1) How daunting that task is, and 2) how unbelievable excited I am!!! 

Shout out to my trainers Danny and Taryn for sticking with my chubby self until I was no longer a super chunk.. and still believing in me. You guys rock :) And another HUGE shout out to my family (especially my parents) for putting up with my crazy dietary needs and constant need to be at the gym. I love you for it :)

Until we sweat again!!

Burn Them With Fire.

If you have ever seen a movie with the name Rocky in the title, or any other boxing movie for that matter, you have seen a double under, whether or not you have actually taken stock of what you're seeing.

You know that part of the workout montage where the fighter is jumping rope, and he's going at it all normal-like, and suddenly he's got super speed and is whipping the jump rope under his feet at twice the speed? THAT is a double under.

And it can go take its friend the jump rope and die a horrible, fiery death.

Quite simply put, I suck at jumping rope. Just one quick little hop over one swing of the rope. Who honestly sucks at that past the age of 7? Isn't that a fundamental lesson you learn in PE in the first grade?

Apparently not if you're me!!

This fun little hurdle I have to work with would seem a moot point because I'm nearly 25 years old, and how many 25 year olds find themselves jumping rope, am I right??

Introducing Annie!!!

Don't let the pink fool you. This WOD is the devil.

Now remember, I am AWFUL at jumping rope on a good day with a nice, simple single. This WOD calls for 150 Double Unders. I have a max of, oh, 1. I have achieved 2 double unders in the history of my attempts. Ever. And not even in the same month.

To remedy this situation, those of us that simply cannot perform Double Unders must perform triple the amount prescribed in singles. That means 150, 120, 90, 60, and 30, but hey- who's counting?

(Its 450 total, by the way. Because me. That's who's counting.)

Today was a struggle. The trainers can attest to the sheer amount of frustration going on in my little corner of the gym as I found myself tangled up in the jump rope (literally. Like, wrapped around my leg while I frantically kicked like I was trying to escape a small demon child... or something. Idk. It was horrific.) and looking like a total spaz.

However, I am proud to say that after only a few obscenities (I'm working on that...) and minimal outbursts after the first catastrophic mess that was me jumping rope, I finished my WOD in 11:31!!!!!!! (I'm pretty sure that was my time... don't quote me on that...)

I think this is the first time I've done Annie, as the only other time I've seen it done was during my On Ramp, and I actually felt pretty awesome afterwards! I mean, I wanted to destroy every jump rope in sight, but that's a daily occurrence so I wasn't really expecting that feeling to go away...

If you have a jump rope at home, I encourage you to give this WOD a try!! I won't sugar coat it and say that its easy, because it most certainly is not. (What would be the point then, am I Right??)

See? There's even a motivational picture about it :)

I want some people to try it and tell me your results!! Its something new and will keep your body guessing, and I bet you can rock it!!

Until we sweat again!!

Progress Report

The past couple of weeks have been hectic, and sort of a blur. I have been so wrapped up in school and work and the gym, that most nights I come home and crash- literally.

Face first into my pillow.

It's adorable.

However, despite my exhaustion and desire to face plant, I have been itching to divulge my latest achievement!

*Drum Roll Please*

I have been weighed.

.

.

.

I have been measured.

.

.

.

I have been found kicking butt!!!

(Ten points if you got the movie reference.)

I've been doing Crossfit now for about 2 1/2 months, and from March 27th to April 28th, I lost 3 inches in my waist, gained an inch of muscle in both arms and in both legs, and took my body fat percentage down from 27% to 25.6%. 

Because...... Robert Downey, Jr........

I have been feeling so amazing, my skin has been clearing up (like whoa), I have more energy (when allergies aren't kicking me in the face), and I blame it on my progress with Crossfit.

In conjunction with Crossfit, I have been taking part in a yoga class once a week that has me finding ways to engage muscles all over my body- muscles that I had no idea I even had. And did I mention how relaxing it is?

Don't get me wrong- yoga is definitely a challenge and it keeps me on my toes (literally.) But I credit yoga for my better night's sleep every night. After a hectic 7 days, I find myself getting to the gym nice and early in anticipation for a little time just to focus on my body and my mind and get myself in check.

If you aren't moving your body in SOME way yet, in a way to get to a healthier you, whatever that movement may be, you need to be getting up and making it a point to better your body and your mind. Need some inspiration? I plan on doing a spotlight piece within the coming weeks on a reader (because I know there are some of you out there...)

If you're interested in being my spotlight piece, telling your story with your beautiful face shining bright, or anonymous, please contact me and let me know. I would love to give you all a break from my rambling!!

Until we sweat again!!

Do It

Do it to be fit, not skinny.

Do it because they said you couldn't.

Do it because good things do NOT come to those who sit around and wait.

Do it because excuses don't burn calories.

Do it because every journey starts with a single step, but you'll never finish if you don't start.

Do it because no one else is going to do it for you.

Do it to make them jealous.

Do it because its worth it.

Do it because YOU are worth it.

Do it because feeling sore is better than feeling sorry.

Superman

"Do you remember when Soulja-boy Supermanned that ho?"

This is literally what I heard today in reference to a kip hang (I think that's what it's called...) at Crossfit tonight. 

Are you jealous of where I train yet???

One of our lovely coaches, Taryn, said it to get one of us to get up and get it done when we were all freaking out about not knowing how to move our bodies a certain way.

This is what I love so much about Crossfit.

Yes, I get my butt handed to me every day.

Yes, I end up on the floor feeling like some part of my body is going to fall off/burst.

Yes, I get pushed to my limits and THEN some.

And yes, I have some of the best support around.

I would love if someone could prove to me that their gym was even on the same level as amazing as mine, let alone surpass it. I have yet to hear of a gym where you have 2 coaches that care about every one of their members as much as Danny and Taryn care about us. Or a gym that has such a close knit group that is willing to call one another family when there are maybe 3 blood relatives in the whole place.

Sure, working out solo, or even having one or two workout buddies is cool, and if you can stay on top of your workout with that much support than I applaud you because, from experience, that is WAY difficult to pull off. There's always that chance that you'll let your partner slack off, so they'll do the same for you, and soon, you're both in your workout clothes, eating Nutella on the couch while watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. (True story.)

Where I train, we all push one another. No one lets anyone slack off because we know you'll never get any better if you don't give 100% Every. Single. Time. Our coaches train with us, from 5:30 in the morning until 9:30 at night, sucking it up and giving their all to help us reach our peak performance. What's the last thing the front desk person at the 4 Seasons did for you, other than grab you an extra towel and charge you $5 for it? When is the last time your step aerobics instructor at the YMCA stayed after to floss various body parts because they just didn't feel right, and they want to make sure you don't have any injuries?

I'm not saying anyone's workout is less valid because of where they happen to be a member.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with either of those venues.

However, if you haven't given Crossfit a try, I hope you'll consider giving it a shot for a week. Just one week. The on-ramp program is the perfect way to become integrated into the program, and it's free. A free week with a coach? How much do trainers cost at those other gyms?

Anyone wanting details on Crossfit locations in your area, please let me know and I'll get you as much information as possible. You owe it to yourself to try it out!

Until we sweat again!

Yo Adrian

I am back in the Dirty Sioux and I officially made it back into the gym, peeps!!

Can I just say how difficult it is to drag yourself to the gym after you've been on vacation? Albeit my vacation wasn't very far away, let alone to someplace covered in white sandy beaches and tan, muscley guys everywhere. No, I spent time being a lazy bum with my very favorite partner in crime, and forever beloved, sister.

Back to getting my butt back into the gym.

I honestly felt like I was going to die when I saw the WOD today.

15 Minute Time Limit

15-12-9-6-3

Hang Cleans

Front Squats

With the remainder of the 15 minutes, max effort wall balls.

I saw the words wall balls and, no lie, immediately thought "I am taking my sweet time on those hang cleans and front squats" and for the most part, I did- although not on purpose.

The total weight of my bar was 65 lbs, which doesn't seem a lot to most people, but I have very limited upper body strength and its more than plenty for me. (The prescribed weight was 85 lbs, but that just was NOT happening.)

I originally started with 75 lbs. and got one round in and realized that it was way too much weight. After dropping it down just those 10 lbs, I felt like I was rocking my reps out and getting into Beast Mode. I knocked them out, yelling and making weird noises all the way, and finished up in no time.

Which is when I looked at the clock.

I had finished with 3 minutes and 22 seconds left. And we all know what that meant!!

WALL BALLS!!!!!!!

I hate wall balls. With a fiery passion. If given the choice between doing 15 wall balls or 30 burpees, I will go with the burpees, which is REALLY saying something, because burpees are a gift from the devil himself. I did manage to get 27 in, averaging in 9 wall balls a minute (roughly), and made the cutest sweat angel ever on the mats after I collapsed and refused to move upon finishing.

And then I felt like this:

That's right. I felt like screaming into a microphone, to my wife at home, that I had done it. I'd finished and I had WON- and that's all that mattered.

This is how I want to feel after every workout- like I've just won the coveted belt; Like I've proven myself and no one can take me down. As lame as I sound, this clip goes through my head after every workout that lands my butt laying on the floor fighting to regain the strength to move. What pushes you? What drives you into giving it your all when you feel like you have nothing left to give? What line goes through your head when you finish your workout?

Let me know and I'll share with other readers! Maybe we can all become newly inspired to get back at it!!

Until we sweat again!

Crossfit Chronicles

This week is Spring Break.

WHOO! Spring Break! Time for booze and wet t-shirt contests!!!

Except no.

For my Spring Break, I've been spending the extra time with my sister and her babies. I would take this over going to the beach and making a fool of myself any day of the week, but this does mean that I'm away from Crossfit and that kind of distance makes me, in a word, NERVOUS.

I'm nervous because I've come so far and spend so much of time at the gym every day, and I'm afraid of breaking that routine and sliding downhill fast. (It also doesn't help that my mom just surprised me with a dark chocolate orange. Oh holy weakness.)

Enter Crossfit West Ames and (can you believe it??) Pinterest!

I had no idea how welcoming a group of strangers could be until I set foot inside Crossfit West Ames. Without knowing anything about me, the coaches and the members training brought me in and made me feel like I was right at home- pushing me the same way my family at the Crossfit in Sioux City does; Giving me encouragement; Helping me perfect my techniques. I only went for 2 days this week, but boy did I sweat enough to last me for days. (This is my shout out to the coaches and members at Crossfit West Ames- You guys rock!!)

Now I know I made some lady ears perk up at the mention of Pinterest, because rarely do I mention Pinterest on my fitness blog. Well, its true, ladies and gentlemen. Pinterest has a more relevant purpose than just giving ladies a reason to wile away the hours pinning ideas they'll never actually use.

Do yourself a favor real quick- Go to Pinterest and search "Crossfit at Home." You'll thank me. I found weekly workout charts, I found countless variations of sit-ups, push ups, burpees, squats, lunges- you name it. Everything you can do at home, and with instructions on how much time you have, etc. Just like at Crossfit! The only difference is there isn't anyone there to give you some extra motivation. (Which is why you come here, right??)

Go look it up, find a workout you want to try this week, and get it done! I know all you need is that one little push to get you started and I am more than willing to give you that nudge!

Go sweat it out and let me know what you think of this Crossfit craze!!

You Are Not Fat

Hola e'erbody!

So I heard this quote recently and LOVED it. It goes something like...

"You are not fat, you have fat. You have fingernails, too, but you aren't a fingernail."

I'm trying to keep this in mind, because apparently some of my friends think I have body dysmorphia- so I'm changing the way I talk about my body. :)

So it's been since December, has it? Well I finally got a new computer so it looks like we are back in business, kids!

I started Crossfit about 6 weeks ago and I pretty much love it. I would say it's a love-hate relationship, because I hate running with a fiery passion, but I love going, and I love how everyone I train with pushes me to work harder and do my best, and I LOVE taking my selfie as soon as I'm done. (Ask anyone. They all make fun of me for it.) Having photo evidence of all that sweat and grime all over my face is enough to make me feel like a total hottie. (I'm easy to please, apparently.) So basically, there is no hatred to fulfill the "hate" portion of a love-hate relationship. Therefore, I just love Crossfit.

Seriously- How am I not married?

To give you a little taste of what's going on down at the good ol' neighborhood Crossfit, here's what I did today. (See above picture. I am NOT typing all that out. I have got sleep to catch up on here, y'all.)

To my Sioux City friends, let me know if you want to try it out! First week is free and I bet you will end up loving it as much as I do. (Which is a lot. I have no life.)

State Center/Ames/Altoona peeps? (Amy, when I say Altoona I'm talking directly to you.) I will be in town this weekend and the following week and would LOVE to get my sweat on, I just need some workout buddies :) Let me know when you're available!!

---Until we sweat again!!