I have been out with the plague (AKA some sort of puking thing, food poisoning or flu I don't know...) so I've been MIA. But I have a lot to update you on!
Friday I had a blast on my WOD, even though it had one of my least favorite things in it: the GHD machine. I am so scared of that thing flipping over. I did, however, get to do double under attempts and I LOVE IT. I also ran a 400 without stopping and timed it. A funny thing happened: this guy was watching the gym with interest and here I come, at a snail's pace. I'm like 20m from the end and he's like "What do you guys do in there?" I was like "HOLD ON!" I'm sure he was confused as to 1) why I was going so slowly it was almost backwards and 2) why I had to touch the water bottle on the wall before I could answer him, but I kept going. It was pretty funny.
WOD #14 (myself)
Max 400m RUNNING
3:22*
*so I'm confused as well, dear bloggy friends, as to how I got a 400m in November at 2:48, since I walked some of it, but I'm assuming I must of really made up for it in the running parts. Shain? Do you remember? Also, I will say when I felt myself trying to go faster on the run this time, I kept slowing down so that I could ensure I would run the whole 400m.
WOD #15 (Shain)
14:58
20 squats
5 du attempts
10 back extensions
15 squats
10 du attempts
10 back extensions
10 squats
15 du attempts
10 back extensions
5 squats
20 du attempts
This morning I saw my endicrinologist, and my TSH levels are at their worst ever. Even after being on Synthroid for a year. I was a little bummed out, because I really want this to be getting better, but also happy to know that I am not just tired constantly for no reason. As I said recently, doing Crossfit M/W and yoga Tuesday makes my Thursdays hell! I'm exhausted! He upped my meds, and said to keep up the good work on everything else...my levels are great on blood sugars, HDLs, LDLs, etc. So that made me happy. :)
After today's WOD at 6pm, I will have 16 WODs for January. I need 16/17 a month for my annual goal of 200 (which I'm pretty sure I'm gonna beat!) so I'm really happy. My stomach is still really weak, and all I had from Saturday afternoon through this am was 1 package of Top Ramen, a PBJ and some applesauce. Yes, I know, super healthy. Today I'm back to eating, but I'm not so comfortable yet!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Do You Know What Today Is?
This gets it's own post.
One year ago today, I entered the Sincity Crossfit praying to Gd that the trainers there would tell me that they were sorry, but they couldn't help someone like me. My best friend, Mike, had told me I needed to try it out, and when I looked it up, I knew that there was no way in hell I could do anything on the website. At the time, I was doing huge amounts of cardio...my goal was 360 minutes (this is ridiculous just writing it out) of walking and elliptical a week. Additionally, I was taking a class called "Body Pump" where we moved from track to track, body part to body part, doing about 1000 reps at a low weight. (It was a great class, but I was not getting any gains in strength).
However negative I was when I walked in, things changed pretty quickly. The first memory I have of Crossfit is being on the rower and Krista coming up and introducing herself to me. I was really shocked, I had been at my other gym for two years and knew almost no one. Baseline was tough (the whole squatting thing? What was that?) and I was mystified at the sheer amount of girls doing pull ups. Until then, I truly thought only military men could do pull ups. Seriously.
The past year has been nothing short of a challenge that I won't go into. The Rachel that I am today versus the Rachel I was a year ago today is so much stronger mentally and physically. I am blessed with a truly incredible support group that not only believes in me, but makes me laugh my ass off. I am far from perfect, but I like who I have become and who I am becoming, and I know a lot of that has to do with the tools I have gained from Crossfit. I am grateful that I walked into the Box a year ago, and I look forward to the days and years ahead.
Putting the "Dead" in Dead Lifts
I'm a little burnt out on everything. When I wasn't working, I was going crazy from having no schedule. Now that I have a schedule, I'm a little crazy from having NO TIME. Danny's going out of town today until Sunday night, so I have an extra ten minutes a day because I don't have to talk to him. :( Lol. I'm lucky to have a job, and I love the gym/yoga, but I am DREAMING of a vacation. With no email or phone.
I was pumped for Wednesday's WOD because it had two of my favorite things: Deadlifts, and Double Unders. Because I took a class instead of training, I ended up just doing the singles which wasn't as fun. My deadlifts were weak, which I think is because I'm worn out. I am supposed to go to Yoga tonight but I think I might take the day off and just hang out tonight, which might help. On a VERY exciting note: in order to get 200 WODs for the year, I have to get about 16 WODs/month. I am on track! Yes, it's only January, but still, I'm pumped. ;)
WOD #12 (self)
Deadlift 5-5-5
108-118-128
I dnf'd on 138 at 3 reps (Because my 1rm is 183, I'm pretty sure I'm just worn out, because I should of gone higher.)
WOD#13 (self)
Time: 10:11
3 rounds
10 DL (93 lb)
150 Singles
Food:
2 hardboiled egg whites
apple and tbsp pb
Lunch:
4 oz turkey
grapefruit
steamed broccoli
Snack:
1/2 zone bar
Dinner:
1 package of California roll from Whole foods
salad with 2 tsps olive oil, and added vinegar
I was pumped for Wednesday's WOD because it had two of my favorite things: Deadlifts, and Double Unders. Because I took a class instead of training, I ended up just doing the singles which wasn't as fun. My deadlifts were weak, which I think is because I'm worn out. I am supposed to go to Yoga tonight but I think I might take the day off and just hang out tonight, which might help. On a VERY exciting note: in order to get 200 WODs for the year, I have to get about 16 WODs/month. I am on track! Yes, it's only January, but still, I'm pumped. ;)
WOD #12 (self)
Deadlift 5-5-5
108-118-128
I dnf'd on 138 at 3 reps (Because my 1rm is 183, I'm pretty sure I'm just worn out, because I should of gone higher.)
WOD#13 (self)
Time: 10:11
3 rounds
10 DL (93 lb)
150 Singles
Food:
2 hardboiled egg whites
apple and tbsp pb
Lunch:
4 oz turkey
grapefruit
steamed broccoli
Snack:
1/2 zone bar
Dinner:
1 package of California roll from Whole foods
salad with 2 tsps olive oil, and added vinegar
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Today's Food
So I am really going to try to post my food even on day's I don't Crossfit. Tuesday/Thursday I hit up Yoga (balancenyou.com) (I'm doing their website, don't judge it's just getting started). I'm actually really excited for yoga tonight, because I AM SO SORE. TJ laughs when I say I'm sore, he says he's in a constant state of soreness, and I agree, but the last few weeks it's more that I'm having NEW body parts hurt. 1) Forearms (double-unders) 2) Hamstrings (different sore, from yoga and now from the good mornings) 3) I don't know what part of my arm to say it is, but oh my Gd am I sore today. I also got shin splints yesterday from running which is embarrassing and unfortunate given the distance and speed I ran (DURING THE WARM UP, PEOPLE!) (10 burpees, so negative, Rachel!)
This morning I had to go get my blood drawn at like 7 am, so I got to drive by Sunrise Cafe and grab breakfast to go. That made my day a lot better.
Breakfast:
Egg whites, red and green peppers, tomato, onions, spinach and mushrooms. Topped
with Jack cheese and avocado.
Lunch:
Lettuce with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, 6 walnuts, goat cheese, 4 oz chicken, a handful of craisins, and olive oil/vinegar
snack: 1/2 zone bar
Danny and I are making the fish recipe that Cassie and Krista posted on their website a few weeks ago, which is zuchini, onions, tomato and I use sea bass. (I just realized I had way too many tomatoes today). I don't get too eat until like 7:30, which really sucks when you consider that I have been going since 5:45 am.
Namaste, people.
This morning I had to go get my blood drawn at like 7 am, so I got to drive by Sunrise Cafe and grab breakfast to go. That made my day a lot better.
Breakfast:
Egg whites, red and green peppers, tomato, onions, spinach and mushrooms. Topped
with Jack cheese and avocado.
Lunch:
Lettuce with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, 6 walnuts, goat cheese, 4 oz chicken, a handful of craisins, and olive oil/vinegar
snack: 1/2 zone bar
Danny and I are making the fish recipe that Cassie and Krista posted on their website a few weeks ago, which is zuchini, onions, tomato and I use sea bass. (I just realized I had way too many tomatoes today). I don't get too eat until like 7:30, which really sucks when you consider that I have been going since 5:45 am.
Namaste, people.
(Not) Best In Show
Yesterday was kind of a blah day. Sunday I didn't get ANY of my grocery shopping done, and then I overslept an hour and a half so getting to work on time, let alone grabbing the food I needed before work, was not going to happen. Once I got to work, my co-worker (who's work I have to do should she be gone) had a family emergency and left...meaning I'm stuck with doing her work again. I can't blame her, but I did have to cover for her basically the last two weeks as well. So I'm worn out.
By the time I got to the box, I was in one of those "Don't make me do anything" moods that Shain and TJ love so much. I mean, obviously I go to Crossfit to just observe, right? In the warm up, I did ring rows which I'm getting stronger at (Thank GD!) and as the strength I did 3RM OHS. I think I would have more in me, but I am really scared of anything with balancing...I was pretty sure I was going to fall over with the weights over my head. (For those of you at home keeping score, I am afraid of the GHD machine, Box Jumps, getting up and down off of the big box when I have to do jumping pull ups, lateral side jumps, and now apparently balancing heavy things over my head when squatting.)
So while this wasn't my bestest WOD ever, I will say that I did tell my boss I had to leave on time, turning down overtime, which is big. (And probably stupid. I need money...) which shows increasing dedication. Also, I only yelled (gently) at TJ, I don't remember about what, but at least he laughed.
WOD #10: (TJ)
3RM OHS
38 lb, 43 lb, 53 Lb
WOD #11: (TJ)
24:24
3 Rounds:
Row 500m
20 KB swings 35lb
15 Good mornings 33lb
10 OHS 33lb
Food:
This is a disaster. 1) Not remotely paleo/zoned or even enough. But as I said, I did this off of the cuff.
Breakfast:
Protein plate from Starbucks (minus the crumpety thing)
So basically: 2 apple slices, peanut butter, a few grapes, a hunk of cheese, and a hardboiled egg white
Lunch:
1/2 Jimmy Johns Turkey Sandwich (All veggies, no cheese, no mayo)
Snack:
Banana
Dinner:
4 oz chicken
tomato and cucumber salad
By the time I got to the box, I was in one of those "Don't make me do anything" moods that Shain and TJ love so much. I mean, obviously I go to Crossfit to just observe, right? In the warm up, I did ring rows which I'm getting stronger at (Thank GD!) and as the strength I did 3RM OHS. I think I would have more in me, but I am really scared of anything with balancing...I was pretty sure I was going to fall over with the weights over my head. (For those of you at home keeping score, I am afraid of the GHD machine, Box Jumps, getting up and down off of the big box when I have to do jumping pull ups, lateral side jumps, and now apparently balancing heavy things over my head when squatting.)
So while this wasn't my bestest WOD ever, I will say that I did tell my boss I had to leave on time, turning down overtime, which is big. (And probably stupid. I need money...) which shows increasing dedication. Also, I only yelled (gently) at TJ, I don't remember about what, but at least he laughed.
WOD #10: (TJ)
3RM OHS
38 lb, 43 lb, 53 Lb
WOD #11: (TJ)
24:24
3 Rounds:
Row 500m
20 KB swings 35lb
15 Good mornings 33lb
10 OHS 33lb
Food:
This is a disaster. 1) Not remotely paleo/zoned or even enough. But as I said, I did this off of the cuff.
Breakfast:
Protein plate from Starbucks (minus the crumpety thing)
So basically: 2 apple slices, peanut butter, a few grapes, a hunk of cheese, and a hardboiled egg white
Lunch:
1/2 Jimmy Johns Turkey Sandwich (All veggies, no cheese, no mayo)
Snack:
Banana
Dinner:
4 oz chicken
tomato and cucumber salad
Monday, January 24, 2011
Shain Is Always Right, I Rarely Am
So Friday night I had a great workout. I have a lot to say about it, but my computer at home is not working and I'm sneaking this in at work before I forget about it.
WOD #9 (Shain)
Round 1: 3:39, Round 2: 3:23 Round 3: 2:46 (rest exactly one minute between rounds)
Each round had:
Run 200m
12 Box Jumps (6 in, try to jump consecutively, really hard for me, 1) I'm always tired and 2) I'm petrified of falling on my face)
6 Power cleans (43 lb)
Shain wouldn't let me know how many rounds the WOD would have until halfway through. During the minute rest before round 3, he said, If you can beat your time for round 2, we can make this your last round. If not, you have to do 5.
This is the funniest part: Round 3 sucked, or so I thought. I ended up walking on part of the run, because I was DEAD. I was like, DAMMIT! I can't do more rounds! As soon as I finished, I threw myself on the ground, and I was like, SHAIN! How bad did I do? He said, "Well, you tried really hard, but you only--". At that point, upon hearing "only", I was so sad, and started trying to get back up. Not an easy task. "--beat your time by like 30 seconds or so". He grinned and so did I.
Shain says he can't believe how hard I push when I think my WOD is almost over. I never believed him until this time...I guess I really do better when I see the light at the end of the tunnel! I did run the warm-up all by myself without stopping. I didn't workout at all this weekend, but I'm okay with that and ready for a great week. Cassie the Evil/Wonder Teacher has her work cut out with me! :)
WOD #9 (Shain)
Round 1: 3:39, Round 2: 3:23 Round 3: 2:46 (rest exactly one minute between rounds)
Each round had:
Run 200m
12 Box Jumps (6 in, try to jump consecutively, really hard for me, 1) I'm always tired and 2) I'm petrified of falling on my face)
6 Power cleans (43 lb)
Shain wouldn't let me know how many rounds the WOD would have until halfway through. During the minute rest before round 3, he said, If you can beat your time for round 2, we can make this your last round. If not, you have to do 5.
This is the funniest part: Round 3 sucked, or so I thought. I ended up walking on part of the run, because I was DEAD. I was like, DAMMIT! I can't do more rounds! As soon as I finished, I threw myself on the ground, and I was like, SHAIN! How bad did I do? He said, "Well, you tried really hard, but you only--". At that point, upon hearing "only", I was so sad, and started trying to get back up. Not an easy task. "--beat your time by like 30 seconds or so". He grinned and so did I.
Shain says he can't believe how hard I push when I think my WOD is almost over. I never believed him until this time...I guess I really do better when I see the light at the end of the tunnel! I did run the warm-up all by myself without stopping. I didn't workout at all this weekend, but I'm okay with that and ready for a great week. Cassie the Evil/Wonder Teacher has her work cut out with me! :)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Cassie, the Evil/Wonder Teacher
I truly believe that Gd talks, we just don't listen. Shain is ALWAYS telling me that during a WOD/running/rowing, nothing should be able to stop you from going. You can get a rip on pull-ups and keep on going, blood pouring down your wrists. Puke? Fine, just don't stop. So during my warm-up run, I REALLY wanted to keep going. We didn't even time it, it was just a goal to KEEP GOING. So we were about 100m in when OUT OF NOWHERE the inside of a cassette tape (where in the hell do you even find one of those these days?) wound itself around my ankle. We both started laughing but I kept going. It then started winding around my other ankle, so my legs were tied together. I didn't stop. But then I got kind of nervous about falling over. Of course Shain is like DON'T STOP but at the 200 mark I bent over and broke my legs free. But other than that, I didn't quit once. I was shocked to see the end mark, and was so excited. Shain didn't think it called for a celebration, but I truly thought I should get a parade or something. I don't think he gets what it is like, I've never gotten a single accolade for anything I've ever done athletically. My name has never gotten on a white board, I've never even gotten a participation trophy.
The WOD was hard, but really fun. I got to do double under attempts on the trampoline DURING the WOD! YAY! I landed like 8 or 9...out of 60. LOL. I would lose my concentration because I would get so excited when I actually did land them, it was hard to re-focus, but it was a great practice.
After the WOD, I hung around for Cassie, my running SAVIOR. I really didn't know how 1) someone as nice as Cassie was going to intimidate me into doing what I needed to do, and 2) anyone would ever know how to teach me. I WAS WRONG. Cassie is an evil genius. She gained my trust by walking a 200 with me, and then nonchalantly running the 200m back slowly. I was like, this is simple! And then, just when I was like, wow, I ran 600m total today, she's like, we are going to run another 400m, and the only goal is to NOT STOP. WTF? But...you're my friend?! Remember? And you know this is hard! And...I already ran?! And...it's Wednesday! And, I'm tired! And an Aries! I had sooooooooo many excuses. But she was just so calm and taught me to just breathe and I did it! She realized when I wasn't breathing and kept me focused, and it really helped. She knew that keeping it slow and simple really was the best way for me. And I left, not beating myself up for running a 9 minute 400 (which it seriously felt like) but prouder of myself than I probably have been since I got into a size 4 jean (long time ago, obviously!) because I made a goal and stuck to it. And I'm totally pumped for Friday.
WOD #8 (Shain)
Total Time 25:52
3 Rounds:
10 Thrusters at 43lbs
20 Du attempts on trampoline (attempt: 1 single and 1 where I at least hit my shins)
300m row sprint
The WOD was hard, but really fun. I got to do double under attempts on the trampoline DURING the WOD! YAY! I landed like 8 or 9...out of 60. LOL. I would lose my concentration because I would get so excited when I actually did land them, it was hard to re-focus, but it was a great practice.
After the WOD, I hung around for Cassie, my running SAVIOR. I really didn't know how 1) someone as nice as Cassie was going to intimidate me into doing what I needed to do, and 2) anyone would ever know how to teach me. I WAS WRONG. Cassie is an evil genius. She gained my trust by walking a 200 with me, and then nonchalantly running the 200m back slowly. I was like, this is simple! And then, just when I was like, wow, I ran 600m total today, she's like, we are going to run another 400m, and the only goal is to NOT STOP. WTF? But...you're my friend?! Remember? And you know this is hard! And...I already ran?! And...it's Wednesday! And, I'm tired! And an Aries! I had sooooooooo many excuses. But she was just so calm and taught me to just breathe and I did it! She realized when I wasn't breathing and kept me focused, and it really helped. She knew that keeping it slow and simple really was the best way for me. And I left, not beating myself up for running a 9 minute 400 (which it seriously felt like) but prouder of myself than I probably have been since I got into a size 4 jean (long time ago, obviously!) because I made a goal and stuck to it. And I'm totally pumped for Friday.
WOD #8 (Shain)
Total Time 25:52
3 Rounds:
10 Thrusters at 43lbs
20 Du attempts on trampoline (attempt: 1 single and 1 where I at least hit my shins)
300m row sprint
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Running on Empty
I have NEVER been able to run.
Ever.
(10 burpees for negativity, Rachel!)
But it is true.
Last night, Shain had me run a max 400m to see where I was at with my running. The first 200m was great. But let's just say the 2nd half wasn't fab. I didn't smash my PR. I missed it. By 23 seconds. And I was frustrated because I felt like I had done better. Turns out, there IS crying in Crossfit.
We then tried again and ran another 400. Even worse, although I walked less, and my time was off by 6 seconds.
The WOD after was TERRIBLE. My wall balls have gotten SO much better, but burpees after running? Not my idea of fun.
Shain was really trying to get through to me about running, and when he was talking I was really trying to think about why I can't run without stopping. Later last night, I was talking to Danny, and he asked me if I stop because I'm too winded, or I get cramps, or what it is. It's funny...when I first started Crossfit, I always got stitches in my side. That's no longer the case. I think Wednesday night after my WOD I'm going to try to run a 400 and try to figure out what it is that makes me stop...are my legs tired? Am I too out of breath? Or is it just my brain standing in the way?
I decided that I'm going to count last night as 3 different WODs, because that is how beyondthewhiteboard.com does it. So I'm at 7 WODs for the year! Woohoo! I have to get my food on here, I'm just a little behind because I'm always behind. (Negativity burpees!)
WOD #5 (Shain)
Max 400m
3:11
WOD #6 (Shain)
Max 400m
3:17
WOD #7 (Shain)
12:12
Wall Balls and Burpees 10-8-6-4-2 (Punishment for stopping on the run? Probably, my 2 least favorite movements, after running itself! LOL)
Ever.
(10 burpees for negativity, Rachel!)
But it is true.
Last night, Shain had me run a max 400m to see where I was at with my running. The first 200m was great. But let's just say the 2nd half wasn't fab. I didn't smash my PR. I missed it. By 23 seconds. And I was frustrated because I felt like I had done better. Turns out, there IS crying in Crossfit.
We then tried again and ran another 400. Even worse, although I walked less, and my time was off by 6 seconds.
The WOD after was TERRIBLE. My wall balls have gotten SO much better, but burpees after running? Not my idea of fun.
Shain was really trying to get through to me about running, and when he was talking I was really trying to think about why I can't run without stopping. Later last night, I was talking to Danny, and he asked me if I stop because I'm too winded, or I get cramps, or what it is. It's funny...when I first started Crossfit, I always got stitches in my side. That's no longer the case. I think Wednesday night after my WOD I'm going to try to run a 400 and try to figure out what it is that makes me stop...are my legs tired? Am I too out of breath? Or is it just my brain standing in the way?
I decided that I'm going to count last night as 3 different WODs, because that is how beyondthewhiteboard.com does it. So I'm at 7 WODs for the year! Woohoo! I have to get my food on here, I'm just a little behind because I'm always behind. (Negativity burpees!)
WOD #5 (Shain)
Max 400m
3:11
WOD #6 (Shain)
Max 400m
3:17
WOD #7 (Shain)
12:12
Wall Balls and Burpees 10-8-6-4-2 (Punishment for stopping on the run? Probably, my 2 least favorite movements, after running itself! LOL)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Crossfit Total!
I love the Crossfit Total. I don't know why.
My goal was to beat my 349 total. I totally flew by it! But I'm annoyed...I have not done anything to add to my shoulder press...this is my 3rd Crossfit Total, and I've lifted the same each time! Grrr!
WOD #4 (TJ)
Crossfit Total 386 Lbs
Backsquat: 155 lbs (PR'd by 22!)
Shoulder Press: 48 lbs (same...)
Deadlift: 183 lbs (PR'd by 15!)
My goal for the next Xfit total? 410
My goal was to beat my 349 total. I totally flew by it! But I'm annoyed...I have not done anything to add to my shoulder press...this is my 3rd Crossfit Total, and I've lifted the same each time! Grrr!
WOD #4 (TJ)
Crossfit Total 386 Lbs
Backsquat: 155 lbs (PR'd by 22!)
Shoulder Press: 48 lbs (same...)
Deadlift: 183 lbs (PR'd by 15!)
My goal for the next Xfit total? 410
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Desiderata (Things Desired)
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it’s a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrman, 1927
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it’s a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrman, 1927
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
I'm Gonna Be SORRRE Tomorrow
I trained with TJ tonight. One of our biggest training goals is getting my pull ups, but omg! My upper body is going to kill tomorrow.
I tried to re-create the excitement of Sunday's double under, but it didn't quite workout today. I think that I was too anxious to start just doing them non-stop that I didn't have enough patience for the progression.
The good news on this WOD? I did all 60 KB swings at 35lbs, which I've never done. I truly was afraid when the clock started, because I know that once I start I can't just move down on weights while doing the WOD. But I did it! That was cool. I was so out of breath...I couldn't get the rhythm I wanted on anything. Also, I hate rowing. I'd almost rather run than row. I don't know why.
WOD #3 32:07 (TJ)
500 m Row
30 Wall Balls 10 lbs
30 Pull-up (jumping)
30 Sit Up With Medball Tosses 10 lbs
30 Kettlebell Swings 35 lbs
20 Wall Balls 10 lbs
20 Pull-up (jumping)
20 Sit Up With Medball Tosses 10 lbs
20 Kettlebell Swings 35 lbs
10 Wall Balls 10 lbs
10 Pull-up (jumping)
10 Sit Up With Medball Tosses 10 lbs
10 Kettlebell Swings 35 lbs
Only 197 WOD's until I meet my 2011 goal! So close, but so far. OY VEY.
I love my gym. I love when I walk into the box...so many people to see, to talk to...it's absolutely such a fun place to go. I'm lucky.
I tried to re-create the excitement of Sunday's double under, but it didn't quite workout today. I think that I was too anxious to start just doing them non-stop that I didn't have enough patience for the progression.
The good news on this WOD? I did all 60 KB swings at 35lbs, which I've never done. I truly was afraid when the clock started, because I know that once I start I can't just move down on weights while doing the WOD. But I did it! That was cool. I was so out of breath...I couldn't get the rhythm I wanted on anything. Also, I hate rowing. I'd almost rather run than row. I don't know why.
WOD #3 32:07 (TJ)
500 m Row
30 Wall Balls 10 lbs
30 Pull-up (jumping)
30 Sit Up With Medball Tosses 10 lbs
30 Kettlebell Swings 35 lbs
20 Wall Balls 10 lbs
20 Pull-up (jumping)
20 Sit Up With Medball Tosses 10 lbs
20 Kettlebell Swings 35 lbs
10 Wall Balls 10 lbs
10 Pull-up (jumping)
10 Sit Up With Medball Tosses 10 lbs
10 Kettlebell Swings 35 lbs
Only 197 WOD's until I meet my 2011 goal! So close, but so far. OY VEY.
I love my gym. I love when I walk into the box...so many people to see, to talk to...it's absolutely such a fun place to go. I'm lucky.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Something Else I've Been Thinking
I don't give myself credit. For anything.
Anytime I do something, I immediately come up with a list of why I shouldn't be proud.
Additionally, anytime I'm faced with a challenge, I immediately come up with a list of why I can't do it.
I've GOT to get over that.
Anytime I do something, I immediately come up with a list of why I shouldn't be proud.
Additionally, anytime I'm faced with a challenge, I immediately come up with a list of why I can't do it.
I've GOT to get over that.
The One Where Rachel (Kinda) Gets Her Double-Under!
So, after the hellish week of work, I got to go to Crossfit and train today with Shain. And the most wonderful thing happened.
I GOT MY DOUBLE UNDER. ON THE TRAMPOLINE!
It was so exciting. I immediately burst into tears and then ran around around the box, screaming.
Shain is so amazing. First, we went through the progressions. Then he made the mistake of telling me that he thought I was going to my du's today, which of course made me do these stupid weird things, like jump with my heels to my butt, thus tripping and not finishing my double under. He actually then said "Why are you regressing?" So then I had to focus, and viola! I got it! It was amazing. And I truly felt like a real Crossfitter, for the second time. (The first? When I did 50 burpees, obviously. Hahaha.)
Of course I still have to get my double under on the ground, but this is a big deal for me. I'm so proud. And relieved. I've secretly (and not-so-secretly) felt like a fake Crossfitter for so long. I didn't think I'd ever get a single move that wasn't somehow scaled. (um, this is still scaled, obviously...)
Maybe, just maybe...I can do this.
WOD #2: 13:57 (Shain)
100m Prowler push (50lbs)
20 Sumo-Deadlift High-pull (43lbs)
Run 100m
15 Hang Power Cleans (43lbs)
Run 100m
10 Power Cleans (43lbs)
Run 100m
5 Cleans (43lbs)
Run 100m
I GOT MY DOUBLE UNDER. ON THE TRAMPOLINE!
It was so exciting. I immediately burst into tears and then ran around around the box, screaming.
Shain is so amazing. First, we went through the progressions. Then he made the mistake of telling me that he thought I was going to my du's today, which of course made me do these stupid weird things, like jump with my heels to my butt, thus tripping and not finishing my double under. He actually then said "Why are you regressing?" So then I had to focus, and viola! I got it! It was amazing. And I truly felt like a real Crossfitter, for the second time. (The first? When I did 50 burpees, obviously. Hahaha.)
Of course I still have to get my double under on the ground, but this is a big deal for me. I'm so proud. And relieved. I've secretly (and not-so-secretly) felt like a fake Crossfitter for so long. I didn't think I'd ever get a single move that wasn't somehow scaled. (um, this is still scaled, obviously...)
Maybe, just maybe...I can do this.
WOD #2: 13:57 (Shain)
100m Prowler push (50lbs)
20 Sumo-Deadlift High-pull (43lbs)
Run 100m
15 Hang Power Cleans (43lbs)
Run 100m
10 Power Cleans (43lbs)
Run 100m
5 Cleans (43lbs)
Run 100m
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
WOD #1
I'm in a blah mood today. Work is swamped, my husband and I see each other a total of 8 minutes a week, and there aren't enough hours in the day. Since I am still at work and won't be able to get to the box today (but was able to crack into blogger through our firewalls, yay!) I want to take a minute to document my first WOD of the year, which was Monday. My goal is 200 WODs this year...199 to go!
Date: January 3
WOD: Annie (Shain)
RXd: I wish!
Scale: 90-75-60-45-30 singles, 30-25-20-15-10 sit-ups
Time: 11:29
We also found our 1RM for the Snatch. 48 lbs...not so great, especially since it only went up 5 lbs since March. Apparently I have not worked my snatch muscles in the last 8 months?!
I will say that it was kind of cool that I beat my previous Annie by 7:30. :) (That was March 16, 2010). Afterwards, Shain totally pumped me up. He said that I am so close to my double-unders that we will work on them this week! I <3 how my fellow Crossfitters believe in me when I can't believe in myself.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better, and I can get a WOD in. I'm grouchy, maybe it's the fact that I've been out of the gym for two days!
Date: January 3
WOD: Annie (Shain)
RXd: I wish!
Scale: 90-75-60-45-30 singles, 30-25-20-15-10 sit-ups
Time: 11:29
We also found our 1RM for the Snatch. 48 lbs...not so great, especially since it only went up 5 lbs since March. Apparently I have not worked my snatch muscles in the last 8 months?!
I will say that it was kind of cool that I beat my previous Annie by 7:30. :) (That was March 16, 2010). Afterwards, Shain totally pumped me up. He said that I am so close to my double-unders that we will work on them this week! I <3 how my fellow Crossfitters believe in me when I can't believe in myself.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better, and I can get a WOD in. I'm grouchy, maybe it's the fact that I've been out of the gym for two days!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Voices in my head
Almost a year ago, one of my best friends said, "OH! You have got to try Crossfit". Seeing as though I am the least competitive person in the world, I have no athletic ability, and I have gained over 80 lbs in the last four years, this was a genius plan. Crossfit caters to the unmotivated, fat and lazy, right?
The past year has been full of challenges. But the one thing that has been a source of pride for me has been Crossfit. I'm rarely proud of my WOD's. Seriously, my source of pride comes simply from SHOWING UP. I'm not joking. Sure, I've made some improvements, but nothing that makes me incredibly proud, because I'm so hard on myself. I can't run more than a 400m, I can't do a pull-up. But I can be proud that I go. So that is my jumping off point.
My goals for this year: 200 WODs. Run a mile without quitting. Pull-ups. And double-unders. I want to be able to go to Crossfit without looking on the site to see if I think I can do the WOD. I want to not be petrified of partner workouts.
I'm 30. I'm a good 3 years older than the average age at Crossfit, I weigh 50 pounds minimum than the average PERSON who works out there. But I want to learn to compete with MYSELF, and not with the voices in my head.
The past year has been full of challenges. But the one thing that has been a source of pride for me has been Crossfit. I'm rarely proud of my WOD's. Seriously, my source of pride comes simply from SHOWING UP. I'm not joking. Sure, I've made some improvements, but nothing that makes me incredibly proud, because I'm so hard on myself. I can't run more than a 400m, I can't do a pull-up. But I can be proud that I go. So that is my jumping off point.
My goals for this year: 200 WODs. Run a mile without quitting. Pull-ups. And double-unders. I want to be able to go to Crossfit without looking on the site to see if I think I can do the WOD. I want to not be petrified of partner workouts.
I'm 30. I'm a good 3 years older than the average age at Crossfit, I weigh 50 pounds minimum than the average PERSON who works out there. But I want to learn to compete with MYSELF, and not with the voices in my head.
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