Foodie Penpals Feb '13

Hello loves! Hope everyone is doing well. Guess what today is?? FOODIE PENPALS day!!! I received a interesting package this month -- my original penpal never contacted me, so her girl sent me a box :)

Her name is Angie from I love Tangie -- I received a vegetarian box.  New for me, but super good stuff. 

First -- Two types of Annie Chun's Roasted Seaweed Snacks - Wasabi (which was hot so I gave it to Jill because she likes HOT stuff haha) and Sesame which was really good.

Next, Pizza Flax Cracker -- again, I ate it with Jill the night of the Oscars.  It was way better then I thought it was going to be.  I was scared to try it -- funny right? I'm a weirdo with food sometimes -- the big, red RAW sticker threw me off.

I have not tried the Fat Cat sauce -- it sounds like it will be good on chicken, so I am excited about that.

The Dark Chocolate is good -- I've had it before.  I haven't ate this one yet, but once my Paleo challenge is over....it doesn't stand a chance! :)

Final thing for me were three Raw Revolution bars -- two 100 bars in Cherry Chocolate Chunk & Spirulina Dream and a Spirulina Dream big bar.

Finally -- she was awesome and sent a homemade treat for my dogs -- it was only one, so I split it and gave each girl a piece.  They LOVED them :)

Check out what I sent my girl Jill over at Purple Knee Socks. I'm so happy she likes everything :)

Click HERE to see what everyone else got this month and join me next month!!

Here are some more details:

• On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
• You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
• The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
• You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
• Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
• Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re from the US or Canada and are in participating for November, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by March 4th as pairings will be emailed on March 5th!

*If you’re from Europe, please CLICK HERE to signup.

~xoxo
M

Every Little Step I Take

I LOVE Tigger :)

Good evening loves!! Hope everyone had a fabulous Tuesday!! Today was a great day! We had our Black History Month - Music deal at school.  I often forget what a talented bunch of kiddos we have.  They really did a great job! One of my kiddos from last year loves to dance - and he's really good. I love seeing him put his heart into everything.  Now if I could figure out how to get him more involved or into a dance program. Starting tomorrow, I am changing the way my classroom works -- these kids are not improving and are missing a lot of basic skills this year so I HAVE to do more. The state test is coming quickly and I want them to be as prepared as I can make them.  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results -- well what I've been doing isn't working, so time to change it up in my classroom and my after school program!

Here is a couple seconds from a few of today's acts --

Today also was day two on Progenex -- I had another More Muscle for breakfast -- today was WAY better.  I'm thinking I forgot my second scoop yesterday....because today it was REALLY good! Also, today was my first day taking the recovery (I forgot to yesterday) -- holy awesome creamy taste -- I had 2scoops recovery+2 scoops more muscle post WOD.  I could totally get use to that. I didn't take the Omega+ again today -- I think maybe I should put the bottle in my lunch bag and take it then.  It's the only time I eat a BIG meal at once ya know?

Today's WOD was awesome -- we did 1 RPM for snatch -- I got 80# -- I am super happy with that -- I almost got 85# but couldn't get under it at first -- Justin came over and talked to me about dropping faster -- by then my arms were shot -- I got under it, but couldn't stand up.  It's coming!! Alli rocked and got a 100# snatch today!! Was SUPER stoked for her!! Here's my second or third attempt at fail -- you can see I get the bar high enough, but wasn't dropping.  Once Justin helped me get that - I could get under it, but my arms were DEAD!

Between yesterdays PR & today's PR my body is feeling it -- I need to spend some extra time tomorrow rolling out and doing mobility work -- still need to figure out the mobility WOD website...I need mobility help haha!

After class -- a couple of us headed over to one of the guy's from the boxes house -- Chris -- he had knee surgery yesterday so we got some grub from Elevation Burger (mostly Paleo - had cheese) and ended up eating and just chatting for a bit with him.  It was a good time -- I really am lucky to have my CF Aspire crew! I love my box and my friends and coaches!

Paleo challenge day #9 done -- a little of a cheat day, but nothing major.  I feel like I am doing a LOT better with my food lately so I'm loving it.  I need to stay on a permanent challenge haha :)

Ok -- short little update on an awesome day! Hope yours was great too!! Time for #AbsbyApril & #NoGirlyPushUps before bed :)

Tomorrow is a speed training day for Tough Mudder & Nike Women's Half training :)

~xx
M

Progenex, Pushups and Progress :)

Hello loves! Hope you're having a fabulous Monday (or Tuesday when some of you read this)! I'm off to a little bit of a rough day/night since something is wrong with Scarlet, but hopefully she is on the mend.  It was a FAST day for me -- and a really good monday. Anyways -- how was everyone's weekend? Anything good happen today/this weekend?


Audrey & the girls :)

My weekend was FABULOUS! After school on Friday, I went and got my adjustment and then made a post office run before scooping up my girls and heading down to MD to visit my Boo and her family.  Audrey is my absolutely best friend.  We have been through thick and thin and no matter what, we always come out on top.  We are VERY different people, in very different stages of our lives, but somehow whenever we are together -- it's just perfect! Her hubs - Danni - totally lets us do our girly convos and watch shows/movies -- most the time he joins in on the shows/movies but if we get to talking, he takes off haha. I didn't get in till 8ish Friday night -- honestly I don't really remember what all we did -- watched tv I think -- pretty sure that was the night we watched Danni's shows - Person of Interest and Ghost Adventures (side note -- I like this show...not that I really watch much tv but when I am there we always watch one). 

Ellie & me - Post WOD

Saturday morning I decided to head over to CrossFit Montgomery County -- I had a good time.  Very quite class until I started talking to people and making them talk back haha! We started with a strength lift complex - EMOTM for 15 -- 1 clean deadlift, 1 clean shrug, 1 squat clean, 1 jerk -- 5@85 , 5@90  and 5 @95# .  Then we had 4 rounds - 100m spring, 14 11ft Wallballs (10#) 7 over the WB burpees and a suicde sprint. I don't remember my time.  It was tough - and I felt it in my achilles after, but it was fun!

The rest of the day we really didn't do anything -- lounged around -- Danni and I ate lunch and he taught me about Walking Dead as we watched.  I really could like that show. Boo also hooked me on Scandal. Yep,  I watched it till 1 am haha. LD couldn't even stay up - feel asleep sitting up -- silly dog :)

Last Week Fitness Recap --

Monday - WOD & gymnastics
Tuesday - Run
Wednesday - WOD
Thursday WOD & OLY
Friday - rest
Saturday - WOD
Sunday - Run Club

Good solid week of stuff.  This week I started (this morning) taking Progenex. I already missed taking the pills at a meal so waiting to do those tomorrow.  Doing the More Muscle (which I really am going to have to adjust to the taste), Recovery and OMEGA+.  I'm going to take the Recovery + More Muscle post WOD (duh) and Omega's during the day.  I'm going to try and do a MM shake in the mornings, but today was rough for taste so we shall see. I need more Blender bottles.

This also happened today!! Woot Woot! Passed the Online Judge Course for CrossFit :) I really want to volunteer at regionals. Booked our room already! I can't WAIT!!

My #NoGirlyPushUps challenge is going good -- started week 3! I am loving following all these girls and watching them beat the numbers -- I can't imagine doing 60, 70+ in a day. haha We did 75 in the metcon tonight - by sets of 15 and by the 3rd round I was dead.  Then I remembered, that's why we work on our weakness right? To get better! #AbsbyApril is going well too! Have to stay on it!

AND today -- I got a 175# 3x3 deadlift!! Thanks to Alycia & Alli -- I can finally lift and not have to walk around the bar or physc myself out.  It is such an AMAZING feeling!! Not to get my core stronger so I can lift more :)

Are you doing #NoGirlyPushUps or #AbsbyApril? How's it going?
How was your weekend/Monday?

~xoxo
M

PS seeing all these RunDisney posts & pictures -- I wish I could run ALL Disney races! Can't wait for DumboDoubleDare :) Do you know of any fun races coming up?

Happy Friday :)

Happy happy Friday ya'll!! I am SO excited for this weekend -- I am going down to MD to visit my BOO!! Aka my best friend Audrey!! Bonus is visiting her hubs & kiddos too!! :) How has your week been? BRUTAL here.  I think since Monday was off and our after school tutoring program goes Tuesday-Thursday, it was a LONG first day.  Which in turn just made the week seem like it was FOREVER! haha Good week though -- I really do love my job! I am thankful to get to do something I love every day -- but yes, some of you asked about my post from yesterday and why I don't pursue a job in the running or CrossFit world.  That's a good question.  I don't know.  Fear of not being good enough, or smart enough or the fact both my undergrad and masters are in education and human development - not social media, or exercise science or marketing -- even though I think I could be really good at some of that stuff. I don't know.  For now, I LOVE teaching and coaching the basketball and softball teams AND maybe I'm a little chicken of failure :)

Ok so the other day I blogged about my food prep here.  That quiche is SO good. I'm stoked I found the recipe. Def adding some type of meat next time, but I tried it with salsa on top and HOLY YUM!! It was SO good. My 30 Day Paleo Challenge with Karli is going well.  I miss chocolate. A lot.  I have realized how lose I was being with my food though.  Five days into this challenge, I now know that I was letting myself "cheat" a lot.  Still pretty paleo but a piece of chocolate here - a fry there - etc.  I'm feeling REALLY good these past couple days.  Even though I did cheat yesterday - had some fries at lunch with the kiddos.  DAMN.  Didn't even realize till like my 5th or 6th fry.  Good news is they won't make or break my 30 Day.  Just my brain haha :)

What else -- this happened -- Wednesday -- I did a 115# complex of front squat, push jerk, front squat then a split jerk.  YAY! I was stoked to get 115#.  It was HEAVY! PS don't you like my bright outfit :)

Then last night this happened....

ALMOST had 1 set of 6 at 155#.  #BEASTMODE PS did you see how awesome Justin was? He was coming to save me! Love my box -- and did you hear everyone cheering for me on the 5th -- seriously.  My BOX is AWESOME!!! Our new Rx class is going to be the death of me or what pushes me to some sweets PRs.  I didn't realize it was 3x6 build yesterday -- totally thought it was just building up to a heavy set of 6 - whoops. Last time we did 3x6 I only got 115# so I am pumped to have done a set of 135 for six, 145 for six and failed on the 6th at 155#. My legs are coming back!! Before the marathon I had 3x6 at 150.  So I still have a ways to go, but I'm improving so I'll take it.  I also got to use the BIG KID kettle bell for the metcon! In 3 mins - row 250m, 15 burpees (the BIG KIDs did 20, but I wouldn't have gotten an KB swings) then KB swing till the 3 mins was done.  Then we rested for 3 mins and did it again for 4 rounds. I'm sore this morning in my shoulder/lower back. Just like the building muscle sore ya know?

Update on DA -- still nothing - crappy update huh? Crappy feeling too :( Makes me uber stoked to see my Boo and crew this weekend.  Much needed.  Thinking of taking this afternoon off of CF and going to the box by her house tomorrow.

This is what is happening as I type - I love my girls! SO cute!

How was the end of your week? Any fun news?

~xoxo

M

I've Been Nominated for What?

You have to love the support of the blogging community, really. A couple weeks ago -- Phaedra over at Blisters and Black Toenails nominated me for a Liebster award. I've never heard of this award but after reading her blog, it sounded quite fun! To quote Phaedra who quoted Ty, "a Liebster award is for upcoming bloggers with less than 200 followers to help raise interest in their blog and connect with other like-minded bloggers." Sweet -- I love learning more about my bloggy/twitter/motivations I follow :)

The Rules:

• Each nominated person must post 11 things about themselves.
• Answer the questions that the nominator set for you.
• Create 11 questions for the people you've nominated.
• Nominate 11 people and link them to your post.
• Go to their page and tell them and most importantly, NO TAG BACKS!

11 random things about me:
1. I have a slight obsession with Tigger - always have.  I have a million Tigger things from stuffed animals to ornaments. I've been told I'm like him haha
2. I'm double jointed in almost every joint in my body.
3. I am somewhat obsessive about recycling paper. (This was one of Phaedra's too -- I get so stressed with the amount wasted at school)
4. I have a SUPER short attention span
5. I want to cycle from coast to coast one day.
6. I've done two marathons
7. I want to learn to surf
8. I wish I could do something with running or CrossFit for a living (train people, coach, social media for a company involved in the industry, etc.)
9. I am always wondering what I would have done if I didn't teach
10. I started running after a friend passed away - and it has changed my life
11. I am terrified of getting married and being alone all at the same time

Here are my answers to Phaedra's questions

1. Speed work: Love it or loathe it? -- I loathe it, but I think only because I am SO slow haha I'm being forced to do a LOT more now a days so it's getting better


2. How did you get into running? I actually started running after one of my good friends passed away -- he kept telling me to start running and go check out Fleet Feet Knoxville.  After he passed it took a couple months but I finally went and the rest is history.

3. What is your one guilty pleasure? This is hard -- do I say CSI & TrueBlood since I don't miss those shows or chocolate bc I LOVE it haha I'm not sure how to answer this :)

4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? A beach or island -- but that's only if I could visit places with snow. I love warm weather & water, but couldn't stay away from snow forever.

5. Do you have a bucket list? If so what's #1 on it? I do -- I don't have a set order -- it's all mixed up as things come to my head or I find out about

6. What piece of gear could you NOT live without? Running - my shoes and for CrossFit my nanos

7. Do you have a bad habit you want to break? Skipping runs bc I'm tired or didn't schedule enough time

8. What is your go to pre race meal? half a bagel w/peanut butter

9. Do you prefer to run in cold or the heat? Cold

10. What do you love about running? I love my ME time -- I can clear my head and think about stuff

11. Are you a solo runner or do you run with a group? Currently solo -- but I'd much rather have a group -- nobody here to run with currently

And my nominations are....

Jilly @ Paleo Pantz
Karli @ Keep Going
Alex @ Alex Tries It Out
Megan @ Run Like A Grl
Bang @ Run Like Hell
Jennifer Lynn @ Wine To Weightlifting
Abby @ Back at Square Zero
BFFAW @ HalfTri-ing
Laura @ Mommy, Run Fast
Sarah @ My Mostly Healthy Life
Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja


Now my questions for them!

1. How did you get into CrossFit and/or running?
2. Do you have a bucket list? If so, what's #1 on it?
3. What has been your favorite race and/or CrossFit competition?
4. What motivates you to keep going?
5. What is one habit you have that you wish you could break?
6. If you could have ANY job in the world - what would you do?
7.  What's your favorite piece of gear for CrossFit and/or running?
8. What is your go to pre race/comp meal?
9. Do you take supplements? If so, what?
10. What do you love about CrossFit/running?
11. What is your next BIG race or competition?

Looking forward to reading all your answers! Thanks to Phaedra for the nomination!

Funday Monday & No WOD today

Funday Monday! You know what was awesome about yesterday?!? That even with everything going on - it was a really, really good and fun day! I honestly had a great weekend and a good Monday.  I am such a lucky and blessed girl to have such awesome friends and a stellar family!! I'd be lost with out them!! God is good to me to let me have such awesomeness around me :)

Anyways, I started my day with sleeping in since we didn't have school. Then I drove out to Springfield, PA to meet my friend Gina for lunch. She had a beautiful baby girl three months ago (and I forgot to take a picture).  I haven't seen her since summer time so it was nice to catch up and meet Gracie! I love babies!

After lunch, I meet my friend Ro for a movie date! We went to see Identify Thief. It was pretty good -- not exactly what I was thinking after the trailer I saw.  This one is different and is more what you should expect!

BEASTMODE!

After the movie, I headed home to get ready to head to the box! My buddy Erik & I decided to wear our BeastMode shirts from ViewSport.  I LOVE these shirts.  They are show a secret message once you've sweat enough.  Mine only got enough sweat for BEAST to show, but I am a beast so it's ok!

Yesterday was a HARD WOD.  Didn't feel like it should have been, but it was. We started with a clean complex - full, hang, high + a jerk - 3@75% 1RPM, 3@80%1RPM,and 3@85%  -- it was HARD haha. Then we moved into Hang Snatch work - 2 snatches EMOTM for 10mins at 60#s. Our Metcon was AMRAP in 15 - 10 KB swings, 10 box jumps & 10 ring dips ( I did box dips). After that I had gymnastics class.  We worked on handstand stuff.  My shoulder was bugging me so I left a little early.  I really need to get that looked at.  I went home and made a green smoothie -- two handfuls spinach, banana, frozen berries and almond milk! Also whipped up most of my food for the week....

Chicken - baked on 350 in the oven with butter and also put garlic powder, chili powder, paprika and onion powder!

Mashed cauliflower -- steamed a head of cauliflower till it was super soft.  Then put it in my food processor and pulsed it down. Once it looked and had the consistency of mashed potatoes, I added some butter and garlic! They were fabulous today.  I want to figure out how to make them thicker/fluffier.

Also made a crust less quiche - 2 zucchini, 2 carrots and 12 eggs all mixed up then baked at 375 for about 30  or so minutes till sides are brown. Next time I want to add sausage or some type of meat! YUM!

I didn't get to WOD today. It's raining here so traffic is miserable.  I can only do the 6 pm class so that the girls don't have to be in their box all day.  I didn't make it over there till 6:30. Whomp Whomp! Going to go for a run hopefully soon.  After my sauteed veggies and chicken dinner. And snuggles with my girls :)

PS First two days of #30DayPaleoChallenge are in the books and I've rocked them! Though I want chocolate....bad haha

How was your Monday? Did you SweatPink today?
~xx
M

Fitness & Weekend Recap

Hello loves! How's ya'lls weekend been? It's been a little rough here -- still haven't really talked to DA about things, so that's hard.  Long distance blows when it comes to communication -- especially if they already aren't the biggest communicators haha :) Anyways - Mama Dukes is here -- we did some damage at Macys yesterday -- some new tops, a blazer, a purse, some skirts and stuff for school. Do you know how much fun shopping is for me now compared to before? I honestly really enjoy shopping lately!! Make me want to bust ASS in the gym too! Anyways, we had a good day! Before shopping we went to lunch with Jill & Tommy at the Pop Shop -- it was a good but completely crap meal to end on before my 30 day challenge starts TOMORROW! Yes, TOMORROW! I can't wait!! I am very excited to re-focus myself and help remember why I do what I do.   PS do you see the flower on that skirt?!?! Mama & I thought the placement was a little bit in the wrong spot for school haha :) Anyways - it was cool that Mama Dukes & Jill&Tommy got to meet each other.  I really, really like my Jilly and love having her and Tommy in my life now!

This also happened -- I'm a spoiled brat and Mama hooked me up with a New Ohio State shirt :) Isn't she just the best?!? And isn't this shirt awesome! I didn't have a basketball shirt, so I am SUPER stoked to have one now :)

I sucked on WOD'ing or running this week really -- it was a stressful and not so awesome week.  Between stress at school and the whole DA mess, I've just been super BLAH. I'm ready to crush this week -- taking a week off just makes me miss blasting stuff a million times more. Plus Erik and I are matching tomorrow -- yea, be jealous! Pics to come for sure :)

This morning I missed everything -- I think my body just completely shut down and slept.  5 different alarms set, and I honestly don't remember 4 of them going off. And the one I do remember I hit snooze and don't remember it going off again....but I did wake up to this super cute pup! I swear - she must know the days I'm KNOCKED out because she doesn't normally get up on the bed...I thought this ecard pretty much sums up my normal life, however today that alarm clock didn't separate me from my bed haha :)


Lets see -- Fitness Recap   Monday: Off - Parent-teacher conferences Tuesday: CrossFit BRUTAL WOD Wednesday: CrossFit -- Split Jerk PR @ 115# Thursday: OLY class Friday: Rest Saturday: CrossFit - struggled on PushPress Sunday: rest   Lots of rest this week -- and NO runs :( Maria won't be proud of me this week, but I am determined to get them in next week!! No room to be a bum here!! It's GO time!!   How was your week? Anything new?
~xoxo
M



PS -- this did happen today at my box -- I didn't dress up (overslept and am a bum, however I did the start and stop the music for takes haha)

What A Week + 30Day Paleo Challenge

Good morning loves!! Hope ya'll are having a fabulous week! It has been a busy, busy week.  I am really, really missing DA.  Distance sucks and I'm over it.  Even harder when everyone is in your ear and putting things in your head and you're an over thinker.  BLAH -- oh well.  Hopefully everything works out, but I am not sure. We have to agree to be bigger and better then everyone -- one Team. Ok -- that's all on that today -- Look at this awesome shot from this morning! God is SO GOOD! And I LOVE sunshine - needed this this morning :)   

 So this week has been good. BUSY but good.  I feel like I have a lot to say and nothing to say all at the same time haha.  Random. I've decided this week that I have a LOT to work on.  Getting more focused in my CrossFit training (strength and skills), getting better at getting my runs in and fueling my body better. I've come a long way and I know that.  60#s is gone -- I've lost a small child at this point.  I feel the best I have felt since high school -- and in all actuality, I feel better then I did then. I've lost my main focus and I need to get back to it.  Since the holidays, my eating has been sub par and I know I need to get it back in check.  I've gotten to comfortable in my WODs, quit running and told myself I could eat what I want.  Taking the two weeks off of CrossFit then starting back up jumped my body into a small weight loss - enough to put me at my lowest weight yet, but then I slipped. I'm getting it back.  NO MATTER WHAT!!

This happened this week -- Shannon from Badass Fitness hosted a 12 hour plank challenge.  SO since I spent my day at school, I got some of my kiddos involved.  Fitness is a good mental break and planks can help everyone. They really enjoyed it and we had fun with it.  They know about my CrossFit obsession and running.  They always want to go with me.  I enjoy getting to share my passions with them, and it was fun to get them involved. 

If I can motivated them in anyway I can I will!  Motivation is not something that last.  It is something we have to focus on daily.  I have to remember that on the days I just don't want to do anything that I am pushing forward for a reason.  I have a LOT of stuff I want to do and to get my goals, I have to keep up my hard work and push through the days I don't want to do anything.  Like yesterday, I wanted to go home and go to bed.  Just slept the afternoon/evening away, but I had OLY class and wasn't going to miss hanging out with my Valentine :) Had a good session -- Drop snatch 6x3, 4x2 then 2 Clean pulls + Power cleanx6 then high snatch pulls 6x3.

OH and guess what, guess what?!? Karli (my bloggy/twitter/CrossFit buddy) and I both need a reset.  A get re-focused on our eating habits and help blast our goals.  Welcome to our PALEO ZONE :) She was trying the Whole30 for a while but we both just have trouble with the commitment.  So, we got to talking and we are going to do a 30-day Paleo challenge together.  We both need someone to help hold us accountable. No cheats meals - no "this isn't that bad" excuses.  The only thing I am allowing in 2 days of drinks allowed (because I already signed up for a Pub Crawl with my Jerz crew and AC w/T & Laur). I am SUPER excited to do this.  I need someone to hold me accountable for what I am doing and to check in on me.

I know some people are still figuring out what it is, but if you want to do a 30Day challenge -- jump on board with us! Starts Monday (the 18th) and will go till March 20th.  I promise you will feel better then you have in a long time. 

This image pretty much sums up what you need to know.  There are different levels of Paleo (paleo, primal, etc.) But you do what is best for you.  It's not an expensive lifestyle.  It's a conscious choice to do something that will be beneficial to your life and your body.

PS I started with the #nogirlypushups this week -- 2 days in so far.  Looking forward to see what I get to.  I know I have a lot of work with my push ups. Oh and I signed up to do the Tough Mudder with my CrossFit Aspire crew!! AHHHHHH I swear, I can be talked into almost anything haha!

Also - my girls made it to the playoffs.  First year with a girls team.  They have done well. I am proud of them.  We lost our game, but I am SO proud to be one of their coaches.  <3>

Happy Friday loves!

~xoxo
M

Vlog Update? Sure, try two :)

I've been lazy -- haha Sorry :)

I made a Vlog for ya'll last night....

And again tonight - haha:)

 

 

 

Haha - hope you guys still love me -- I'll blog tomorrow!

 

My girls play in their FIRST playoff game tomorrow -- fingers crossed for us :)

 

xx - M

Fun Weekend & Fitness Update!

Hello Loves! Hope ya'lls weekend was ok! Mine was FABULOUS! Friday night I spent it with my Jerz girls at Wifey's new place. It was so nice to have all of us together.  It doesn't happen often and I really needed it.  Plus Ms. Olivia was there -- she is such a little chunky monkey - love that baby!! (ignore my double chin from looking down haha). By the time I left her house - there was NO snow at her place but the closer I got to my apartment, the more snow was there. We had about 3" so nothing major, but enough to have fun with my baby Scarlet :)

She LOVES snow! So we played for a little bit before bed and then again in the morning before I went to CrossFit.  Saturday was CrossFit + some hip work. Deb gave me a brutal massage again. I LOVE her!  Then Mama Dukes came up and we went to lunch with Hoover.  After that we just ran an errand to Walmart to get some random goodies for the apartment.  We then were meeting Dollface & cuzzo for dinner so we also went to Target to get some stuff for the classroom and then a super cool soap dispenser.  It's hands free -- yes, I get that excited for that. :) After dinner I headed to AC's for girls night -- green smoothies with Loopy vodka.  Always a good idea -- except maybe the night before a in house competition haha :)  

Judge's view - mid burpee

Brings us to today -- we had a In-House competition at the box -- ps have I told you before how much I love my box? No, well I am INSANELY obsessed with the awesomeness that is my box and all the people there.  Three WODs -- 1 Power Snatch +Burpees --> 2 3Power Cleans, 3Front Squats and 3 Shoulders to overhead -->3 agility course (like this one) -- SO fun!! Was such a FABULOUS day!!! I got to judge and be judged by Nilda -- she's like my idol there haha.  Major BADASS and one of the coolest people. A vlog about it :)

Still SO much to learn and get better at, which is what I love so much about CrossFit. Most of the crew headed to PJs for food and drinks.  Was nice to socialize with people outside of the box.

Today is also DA's birthday -- he's 34! Old man haha :)  Dinner & Grammy watching is happening right now.  Eggs w/salsa, bacon & Andrew's sweet potato circles - YUM! Has been a crap weekend of food, so I'm ready to get back on track this week!!

Fitness Recap from last week - check out the runs :) And I've been planking and doing my #AbsbyApril fun!

Monday - Rest

Tuesday - CrossFit +Run for my #5bythe5th

Wednesday - CrossFit

Thursday - OLY class

Friday - Rest

Saturday - CrossFit + run

Sunday - In-house competition

How was your weekend?

Anything new or fun?

~xoxo
M

Guess Who Ran?

Happy Wednesday loves!! Hope ya'll are having a good day.  Guess what I did yesterday?!?! I RAN!! Wootwoot! Not far, not fast (but I'm never fast) but I ran 2.5 miles with no hip or knee pain. I joined Laura over at Mommy Run Fast for her #5bythe5th challenge (click here to learn more). The gist is you're suppose to run either a 5K or 5 miles by the 5th of every month.  In January, it was no problem.  The hip issue started in December and I was still trying to figure out what to do for it. It has gotten better - let me say that first, but it is not 100%.  It still bothers me a lot, and I'm really not sure what all to do for it. I am seeing the chiropractor 2x/week and she is working on it.  Plus I received a deep tissue massage on just the leg/lower back/hip area (remember?) and I'm going again Saturday.

So let's back up -- Monday I didn't get to CrossFit or run.  I had school then the boys team played (basketball).  I keep time for them plus some of my students play so I make sure to stay.  I went straight from there to the chiropractor to get adjusted and some hip work done. Yesterday, I had basketball practice after school with my girls. I played with them the whole time because we were down players. Went from there to CrossFit -- half way through the WOD, I was done.  My hip hurt. A LOT. I went home and iced it with some frozen peas, did my stretches and then decided -- I need to run.  I owe it to myself to at least try a mile and see what happens. Plus I had to attempt to get my #5bythe5th run in ( I didn't think I'd get more then my mile though). I only ran 2.5, but I walked a mile and Laura said it could still count!!  SWEET!! Now to get signed up for some 5Ks (and maybe 10Ks soon) for my #13in2013! But this counts for now -- BONUS!

I'm thankful for my girl Maria who helps keep me motivated and always checking in.  Nice to have her, and those of you who read this and follow up on twitter to keep me accountable.  I miss having a running group like in Knoxville.  Scarlet ran with me though -- she loves to run! That made my second run since Disney Marathon and first of my training plans for Nike Women's Half Marathon in Dec for my birthday! Yay to getting back to it! I realized out there that I really need new running gear! haha story of my life! Also knocked out a quick plank after it for #AbsbyApril! I've found music really helps me hold it longer.

(Insert random topic change) So, a lot of friends have been asking how my Paleo is going.  It's great! NO, I am not 100% paleo and that is perfectly fine by me.  I may have ice cream some days or a rice cake w/PB others.  There are some things I just don't eat anymore and some stuff I still love. Ice cream will never be fully taken out of my diet. My girlfriend KS from back home has just started the CrossFit world (at my friends Johnny & Steve's box).  She gave me a hard time when I told her about paleo and how she would NEVER do it...guess who text me yesterday and is trying Paleo :) haha I love it! Don't knock it till you try it.  I have honestly never felt as good as I do currently. I love what this community of CrossFit has done for me.  I really wish I could do CrossFit all day.  Maybe one day I can get my CFL1 and help share this passion I have for CrossFit with others.

Anywho -- ha I'm done...for today at least :) Last thing I'm sharing with ya'll today is this -- people wanted to know what it is.

Chicken, Spinach and Diced Tomatoes

(I've used left over rotisserie chicken as well as plain chicken breast-- both taste great to me)

- brown/crisp up the chicken in some bacon fat

-while it is cooking I added some garlic powder, onion powder and Trader Joes 21 Seasoning

-once crispy - I added the diced tomatoes and spinach and cooked it down

That's it -- I got bored and this is what I had.  Now I've made it like a million times. I love the way the chicken gets crunch on the outside. It's scrumptious!

Hope your week is off to a great start!!

Who else is doing #5bythe5th or #AbsbyApril?

~xx

M

Super Bowl Sunday + Fitness Recap :)

Happy Sunday loves! Hope everyone has been having a fabulous weekend.  I feel like this has been a GREAT weekend.  Maybe because it is the first weekend in a LONG time with nothing on the agenda really.  Like my "To Do" list still seems a mile long, but I've been chipping away at it so that's helpful.  Last week was my first FULL week back to the box.  Felt amazing to be back and in full swing! My body seemed to respond well to the two weeks off! Hip even felt decent this week and knee is good!

Friday night I did dinner with some of the folks from my box, CrossFit Aspire. I had an AWESOME time.  I know ya'll are probably sick of it, but I LOVE my box.  Seriously.  Best. Place. EVER! :) Yesterday was a GS meeting & sushi with Dollface before spending the rest of the day getting stuff done around the apartment.

Workout Recap

Agility fun :)
 

So last week looked like this....
Monday: CrossFit + Gymnastics (and my girls won their last game!!)
Tuesday: CrossFit
Wednesday: CrossFit
Thursday: OLY class
Friday: CrossFit (125# Power Clean - major PR!!)
Saturday: rest
Sunday: Run Club + Open gym (snatch work & the agaility).




Side note: before today's Run Club I weighed myself for the first time in AGES -- guess what?!?!?! I am down to 170# woot woot!! Hard work+Paleo+CrossFit+Running = SUCCESS :)

Today's Run Club was more a agility test + row challenge.  We did the course to the right and then did a row ladder
1min row 1min rest+5 push ups
2min row 2min rest+10 push ups
3min row 3min rest+15 push ups
4min row 4min rest + 10 push ups & 10 hollow rocks and then back down with hollow rocks instead of push ups.  Except I don't do hollow rocks right and they bug my back so I did sit ups and Superman's per the amount.  It was fun.  We did it as partners and so Jilly and I worked together. After we finished the row, Jilly and I went and did the agility run again -- it was WAY easier the first time then after the row haha!  We then did some snatch work -- nothing major -- I did get a PR -- I did 65# this week at OLY class (which was a PR and I didn't know it) and today I did 70# ....

then 75#! Woot woot!

OLY class is paying off -- things are starting to click.  DA says I need to get faster and work from blocks for a while. He's a mess -- no good job babe or I'm proud -- typical DA and how to get better.  That's the trainer in him I guess :)

Now - T just finished dying my hair again! Yay black! I'm going to get some stuff done then head to Jilly's for the Super Bowl! I am doing this fun #MilesofShame. You can get more info HERE. I picked the Ravens, so we shall see how that goes.

I still have to get my grocery shopping done and food prep before I can head to Jilly's...guess I need to know what I want for the week!

Planks are getting better thanks to #AbsbyApril fun! Have to get my #5bythe5th run in tomorrow or Tuesday -- can't believe it's already the 3rd of February.  Where is this time going? Plus side - 54 days to Cali to see DA :)

Who are you cheering for in the Super Bowl?
Are you doing #MilesofShame?

~xoxo
M

Jan 2013 Foodie PenPals

Foodie Pen Pal Reveal for January

I LOVE Foodie PenPals -- I had the honor of getting all this awesome stuff from Darlynn at The Little Blog Dress. In all honesty, I've only been able to try the Pineapple chips and gummy bears (totally Paleo right?).

Top left was my Pineapple chips - they were very good and looking forward to getting more. Top Middle was FunkyChunky Popcorn - should be interesting. I'm hit or miss with popcorn, looks REALLY good so I'm crossing my fingers...nice little cheat snack. Top Right were Olives. I don't eat them, but I have a friend who is super pumped to try them.

Middle left - Coco Exposed Passion Fruit + Pineapple. - SUPER stoked to try this! Middle Middle (haha) - some balsamic & olive oil plus a roasted raspberry chipotle sauce(sounds fabulous doesn't it?).  Middle right - Somersaults - I'm interested to see the flavor and texture here.

Bottom left - Wild Garden Hummus to go (can't WAIT to try this!) Bottom Middle - Nutella and candy -- YUM! Bottom Right -Lemmon Mints.

And now it's time for some details about Foodie Penpals.

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.

-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!

-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!

-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)

-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.

-Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re from the US or Canada and are in participating for November, please CLICK HERE (www.theleangreenbean.com/foodie-penpals/) to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by February 4th as pairings will be emailed on February 5th!

*If you're from Europe, please CLICK HERE to signup.

You can see all of the round up from this month here -- now join us :)

~xoxo

M