Friends are the Flowers in the Garden of LIFE

Hello loves! How y'all doing? Fabulous here! Still home in Tennessee and loving it. Seriously, I love coming home.  I know I don't want to live here right now, maybe one day; however, I LOVE coming to visit! That little Princess right there and  that handsome Tank make life so awesome! I am blessed to be able to come home and share moments like Tank's 9th birthday with him and the family.

Plus its always nice to catch up with old friends.  For instance - on the right is my KellieShea.  Her and I talk pretty frequently while I'm in Jersey, not every day but enough. I go to her for everything! On the left is my Travis - I don't talk to him at all when I'm gone, but when we catch up, it's like nothing even skips a beat.  I love it. It seems no matter where I have been in my life, I am also extremely blessed to have such amazing friends around me!

Tank's birthday was awesome.  He seemed to really enjoy himself. He's huge into WWE, so that was the theme.  It was just family. He's doing the movies with friends another weekend.  We played place the patch on Cena's wrist - Tank said it was his Uncle and my future hubby - YES, PLEASE ;) I wish I could date Cena or The Rock haha! Broski, Tank and I went to Splash Country Saturday just us three - it was awesome!

Last night I went out with some HS friends and DJ Nyce One. Christa is on the right in the green - her and I have been friends for about 15 years.  We have had some ups and downs and I wouldn't trade it! She is currently expecting a sweet little baby and I can't wait! In the yellow is my BiaBia - her and I have had MANY adventures and I love we still keep up. We are going on about 7 years.

Courtney is in the dress on the left - she is actually Christa's little sister - and my pseudo little sister haha. I love her! On the right is my Nyce One.  He's the best! I actually (FINALLY) saw Iron Man 3 today with him.  Holy AMAZING!!!

Today consisted of playing with my babies this morning - Princess is falling more in love with my girls! Today she actually sat with LD and pet her and Scarlet.  It was super cute! I also went by Fleet Feet Sports Knoxville and got fit for some new shoes.  My ankle is doing great and I am ready to get back to it. I got to see my Whooty and it was fabulous.  We both got new shoes and to catch up!

Workout wise I've been semi slacking with the week.  I did my first ever WOD with rope climbs this week at CrossFit Knoxville. It was awesome. I couldn't believe I did it. Have a huge bruise on my leg, but it makes me feel pretty bad ass!

Fitness Recap
Sunday  - WODed with Jenn in Philly
Monday - CrossFit - Got my 95# Snatch I told y'all about - plus some hang clean & jerk work
Tuesday - CrossFit - squatted and just focused on form. 

Wednesday -  Drove all day
Thursday - rest
Friday - CrossFit - dropped into CrossFit Knoxville and did the rope WOD

Saturday - active rest - played and walked all over Splash Country with the boys

Sunday -  RUN in my new shoes :)

 

Looking forward to tonight and my last day here tomorrow.  Back to semi normal training schedule and school this next week, then off to CALIFORNIA for the DumboDoubleDare next week!! I'm super stoked because Mama is coming too. She has NEVER been to any of my races or CrossFit things so this is a big to me.  Too bad I'm not really running - more just trying to survive. haha

 

How was your weekend?

~xoxo

M

 

 

CrossFit Crew + 2 Ladies Night + Summer Legends

Hello LOVES! How y'all doing today? I am in TENNESSEE....don't be jealous...actually be very jealous.  I have to tell you, I have been in a funk lately.  Not my normal outgoing self.  I've been very judgmental towards people I wouldn't normal be judgmental too. I've been a bit of a bitch too. Clearly need to work on that. I'm homesick.  The spring/summer is the hardest for me. Throughout the fall/winter I get to see my family a TON- Tank and Princess's birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Spring/summer I don't really get to get down.  I sat down with a really good friend lately and talked about life....and I think he had a point...I'm starting to get nervous about Jerz.  Jersey is now becoming the 2nd longest place I've ever lived besides Tennessee.  I never thought that I'd be in Jersey more then a year or two.  Here I am going into my fourth year. It will tie Ohio this year.  I never thought anywhere would tie Ohio or Tennessee.  My love for those two places is monumental; however, Jersey is very much so close to my heart.

I think the biggest change to how I feel towards Jersey is my box, CrossFit Aspire. I know, people get sick of hearing CrossFitters talk about how much they love the box, our WODs (workout of the day) and apparently we have all drank Kool-Aid, but seriously, screw that. I LOVE my box. These people have started as complete strangers, and yes, I only know them from the box; however, these people have become some of my best friends. These girls love me regardless of my shenanigans. They know who they are! I'm not sure I can ever thank them for everything they have done for me! There are lots of people at my gym I am friends with, but obviously with how life works, I seem to get closer with certain people.  I had an impromptu ladies night this past Monday and I needed it. I don't think those girls knew how much I needed it - HUGE thanks to AC, Rachel, Nilda, Allie, and Teralyn. Love you ladies! AC - I'm glad we started that plan during out workout! ;)

Had some AWESOME WODs Monday and Tuesday -
Monday - I PRed my snatch - FINALLY hit 95# and think I could have gone up, but I didn't.

Tuesday night I went to the Legends of the Summer Tour.  HOLY SHIT - please excuse the language - but HOLY SHIT. Let's discuss that if you know me, you know my obsession with Jay Z is HIGH! I love him.  He was PHENOMINAL!!! Of course I knew everything he did - and totally made friends with the guy next to me over it haha!

JT - yea, I get all the hype over him by the girls now.  He's HOT.  I went with my cousin Ashley, T and GF. We had an awesome time.  Seriously - it was the perfect end to my Jerz summer break. I need more nights like that!

I definitely paid for it yesterday when attempting to drive the 12.5-13 hours home.  I was exhausted, but I would do it again tomorrow. 

On my way home I stopped in Maryland to see the Boo thing and her girls! Her hubs was at work, so didn't get to see my Danni, but It was a much need little pick me up on the drive. Gummy & Ellie are getting SO big, and I honestly feel like it's been forever since I had seen them.  Boo needs to get to Jersey for another girls weekend.  She came to see me for my birthday and we need another weekend! The drive - seemed to take forever- was a really nice mental break. 

 I forgot how much I love that drive.  It's long, but I get a lot done mentally on that trip.  Windows down the WHOLE way.  I miss that. I miss the mountains and the green. Had the girls too! Scarlet loves the car - and she loves rest right next to me. haha

The Princess and Tank were still up when I got here so that was awesome.  I was scared I wouldn't get to see them. I don't get enough time with them so I try and suck in whatever time I get. 

Everyone is at work and school today - I'm spending my day with KellieShea - going to Fleet Feet Knoxville to get fit for new shoes.  Want to make sure I'm coming back in the right shoes from the broken ankle.  Plus the Dumbo Double Dare is getting UBER close and I am so not ready.  At least I'll have the right shoes for the race.  Then we will putz around - I miss my Knoxville friends - excited for this week!

Happy Thursday Loves!

Are you running DDD? Do you have a costume?

~xx
M

Hello August!

Hey loves! I'm sorry. This summer seems to be getting away from me faster every day. The good news is I'm totally loving and enjoying life beyond measure right now. Make sure you follow me on twitter and Instagram if you want daily things! Let's see - obviously let's talk CrossFit and Dumbo Double Dare prep first --

Last Week's WODs & runs (or lack of)

Monday - Rest Day

 

Tuesday - CrossFit - PRed my Push Jerk for 2. I got up 120#. It was sloppy on the first one and better on the second. Also did some speed work - 4x200m repeats!

Wednesday - CrossFit - back squatted for 8 - got 145# and then attempted 150 and got 6. My back squat is slowly climbing back up to where it was pre break. Got to lift with some of my favorite girls so that was a MAJOR bonus!!

 Thursday- CrossFit - Deadlift -PRed for 3 at 205#!!!!! Finally joined the 200 club!! I was beyond stoked! PLUS OLY class - worked on my snatch technique and C&J. It was a fun night!

 Friday - CrossFit - I loved this workout - we did 5 rounds Cindy (5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 air squats) + 15 HEAVY clean & jerks + 5 rounds Cindy. It took my 27 minutes (almost 28) haha. I did my Clean & Jerks at 105# which murdered me, but I felt pretty bad ass!


Saturday - rest day

Sunday - Run Club - sled runs + 10 round of 200m wind sprints. Was brutal, but I felt AMAZING after!! Switched over to open gym and did some snatch work. Working on perfecting my form. Progression not perfection as Jennifer always says :)

I really need to get back to running. I've been so hesitant lately because I'm scared of my ankle. I'm clearly not going to be ready for Dumbo, but I'm ok with it. Ill walk it if I have too! I'm super pumped Mama Dukes will be going as she has never come to a racecation with me. AND her BFF, aka my God mom, will be coming too!! I can't wait! Should be a good weekend of Cali fun. And I might even see an old boyfriend who's turned into a good friend.

 

Friday we had a BBQ at the box to watch the games coverage - and since I couldn't go work, of course I wanted to watch! I took the girls with me and they were actually fabulous!! Saturday I went and helped out at the Nicholas Parisi 10th Annual Softball Tournament with my Wifey and her family. Got to hold that sweet baby for almost the WHOLE day! I loved it!

 

That's pretty much it - Work, CrossFit & some random life stuff.  Can't believe it's August 1st?

 

How's your summer going?

 

~xo

M

12 Week Update....Guess What I Did?

Hello Loves! Hope you're having a fabulous week!! After last weekend, I'm still having a great week! Monday night I went to the Phillies game with my girl Allie! We went late that way we could get our WOD on first. I'm glad we decided to WOD first...I needed it.

We started an OLY series we will be doing on Monday - snatch work. 2x2 at 60,65,70,75 & 80% of your 1RM.  I have no idea what mine is so I just worked in with my girl Nilda who was doing it based off 100# 1RM. Seemed to work well. I got all the lifts in and felt good. The video shoes the first two of 75# and the first two at 80#.

We also did some back squat work.  Coach worked in with me since she is recovering and so am I.  I actually got up to 155# for 3, which you can see in the video.  Knees came in and it was HEAVY, but ankle and hip felt pretty good.

I'm slowly getting these numbers back up.  After this our metcon of 5 rounds of 5 pull-ups, 10 front squats at 65 and 15 WB kicked my butt haha!

I think I was able to get all this done because I came to class from physical therapy. Either way, I'm happy with how I'm coming back.

Tuesday I ended up not working out.  Unplanned rest day, but I'm sure my body was ok with it. I technically did 4 on, 1 off, 3 on 1 off so I am ok with it.  I was too busy running around getting stuff done. I had to take the girls to the groomer, went and put money down for the deposit for my new apartment (which I can't WAIT to move into), got an adjustment at the chiro (bonus of seeing my old CrossFit gymnastic coach and friend Jordanna) and then had to pick the girls up.  I did not get home in time to go WOD, but it's ok.  Sometimes life happens and you just make do.

Katie drinking soup! ha

However I did get to go have dinner with T and Katie (who is the girl I'm working with this summer at the camp). It was fun to just catch up and talk with them.  I am enjoying getting to know Katie better.  She is a blast to work with and we seem to get along really well.  Her and her BF are buying a house so we have both been talking about having a girls night in our new places :)

Yesterday marked my 12 week date since I broke my ankle on the rope. Now little back story - I wasn't doing anything cool. I've never in my life been able to climb a rope nor did I ever think I would. I was standing on a box and holding onto the rope for as long as I could (maybe 5 seconds) and then would step back on to the box, rest and try again.  As I came off the box, I stepped on the tail and broke my ankle. Silly right? Bring on my 12 week date...

It started with a 6:30 am WOD of deadlift - PRed at 185 for three and then a metcon of 4 deadlifts at 120, 8 burpees and 12 wallballs - AMRAP in 12 minutes - I got 5 rounds and into the wallballs of the 6th.  Then I went to PT. After PT I ran some errands then went to the pool for work till 6.  After work I headed back to the box.  I wanted to try and climb the rope.  Guess what I did?!? I climbed the rope!! It was SO cool.  I got nervous half way up and came down, but it's a start and that's more then I've ever been able to do!!! You can see the video and how excited I was. For some folks I know this is a walk in the park, but for me it means more then a lot of people will get.  That is the EXACT rope that 12 weeks ago I couldn't even hold myself up for more then 5 seconds.  That is the EXACT rope I broke my ankle on.  That is the EXACT rope that was a blessing in disguise.  Breaking my ankle was a major blessing.  I got to grow a lot as an athlete and person.  I learned how to ask for help and know that it is ok sometimes to just ask people for help.  I also really got to focus on how weak my upper body and core were.  It has been an amazing journey.

 

Hope you're week has been good! Anything cool going on for you?

 

PS anyone working the CrossFit Games? If so, want a roomie? I've been offered a spot but don't have a roomie and can't afford a room solo...whomp whomp :(

 

~xoxo

M

Some Fun Stuff + A Note To My Readers

Hello Loves! Happy Tuesday to y'all! It was hard getting back on track this week...who wants to do that after being at Regionals all weekend?!? I forgot to share this awesome stuff -- Reebok gave all the North East Regional volunteers.  A drawstring bag and a bobble bottle.  I am really stoked for the bobble bottle as I've always wanted to try one!

I also came home to a pretty sweet birthday basket (which I actually did not see till Monday morning because I was so exhausted when I got home haha) from my Jilly -- she got me a lot of paleo goodies and a super sweet handblender! I was excited! The pickles are AMAZING! SO good.  I love pickles haha!
I also got some sweet new gear from Team Racing 4 Veterans! If you don't know about them, check it out.  It's an awesome group to be a part of! You raise money to go back to support our wounded heroes! They also have a CrossFit aspect too -- Burpees for Badasses! I'm going to try and hold one this year and raise some money for the team! If you do CrossFit, maybe you can have one at your box too! Contact Megs or me for more information!
 I am a military brat - my father is retired Navy. I think it is an honor to give back to those men and women who so selflessly give their everything for us.
So, I'm already a day behind on Joi's Blog Challenge -- today's post is suppose to be a letter to our readers explaining how to use our blog -- here's Joi's. So here we go --
I'm not 100% sure. haha That is probably not what Joi wanted, but I'm not. I honestly started this blog to help keep friends and mostly my family in the know on my life and what is going on. The more into blogging I get the more I hope I am able to help others see that anything is possible.  I have lost 53 lbs. I'm changing my life. Not for anybody other then myself.  Some people tell me that I am inspirational -- and for that I am forever grateful! I'm trying to turn into a place to help people learn about CrossFit, running, cycling, triathlons and products I find helpful in my journey.  Plus, educate people to the best of my ability on the paleo world and why I eat mostly, but not 100% paleo (I can't give up ice cream, froyo or greek yogurt haha). I also try and help other people meet people who may help them more!
In addition to that, I also blog about my family (especially my super cute Tank and Princess), my amazing guy DA, my fabulous job, my awesome girls (aka my dogs Scarlet & LD) and my dreams to do more. I guess the more I get into blogging, the more I try and connect to others through common interest.
I'm currently trying to revamp my blog -- I really want to give it a name (not Lift. Teach. Love. Run), but I am SO not creative.  PS if you are -- think CrossFit, Running and the word love (since it is my name haha) and let me know what you come up with :)
If you could ask me anything to blog about, what would it be?
~xoxo
M

Beautiful Day

BORED

Packed car :)

Hello Loves! Hope ya'll are having a good day! I am in Tennessee with the family for the week.  Know what is no fun - sitting around and watching people do things and you can't help at all. So - Mama Dukes moved back to TN this weekend too SO Friday Broski flew into BWI and then they drove up to get me.  We had dinner with Cuzzo, Dollface, Ash, John and Peanut. Then got on the road.  In Mama Dukes car was me, her, Broski and the girls. Saturday morning we had to finish packing up the last little bit from her apartment.
 Now when I say we, I really mean my Broski and Mama Dukes.  I sat in the car.  BORED. Once we got on the road, the girls calmed down pretty well.  I love them - so stinking cute! It was a good trip.  I will never travel again for a long period of time with a broken ankle.  I was exhausted, but couldn't get comfortable with my ankle. We made good time and we were happy.  We stopped by Mama's new place -- it was nice.  I'm excited for her and this next chapter.  I hope she'll be happier back in Tennessee since she'll be closer to the babes, Broski and SIL. I can say that I am happier being here for a week.  Even though I am of NO help to my SIL or Broski this week, it is great to be home and see everyone. I crashed HARD Saturday night -- funny thing since I did NOTHING all day but ride in a car.  I did get to wake up Easter morning to this sweet bunny. She seems to not have forgot me at all - she is ALL about her Aunite M and I LOVE it! She is my mini me! Seriously, this kid has all my spunk and attitude! I LOVE it! She does her own thing.  Easter was spent with my kiddos in the morning and then watching movies with Mama Dukes all afternoon/evening.  I also got my mini workout on -- Tank and I did tabata sit-ups and push-ups.  He's a good sport.  Been VERY helpful for me!  Today we went to see my best friend, aka Boo, and her family. 
We is me and Tank.  Boo has a little boy, P, who is a year older then Austin and they get along fabulously.
We went to lunch at Boo's favorite (also Danni and I's favorite too) place in Maryville. Elliebug LOVED the rice and beans!
They boys played Wii for about 2 hours before lunch and played the iPad the whole way back to Broski and SIL's.  It was good to see them. It was such a BEAUTIFUL day and I love heading out to Boo's mom's house. It is beautiful out there, and you get to see the mountains. I miss that the most about Tennessee.  New Jersey is just SO crowded and full of....stuff...Tennessee is open and beautiful and just peaceful sometimes.  Not all of it obviously, but out in the sticks or where I use to live.  My dad's house has a sweet view of the mountains from the front steps.  Never enjoyed it as much as I should have. Since it was so nice out I sat outside on Broski and SIL's deck with the babes, my girls, Mama and SIL.  It was nice.  Princess is funny around the girls.  She likes them till they get close then she gets a little nervous. More around Scarlet, I think because she is bigger. She had fun with LD once she laid down and was calm.  Now, we are getting ready for dinner and relax time.  Mama got me a shower stool for here.  We tried to use like a step stool - ha disaster! Hope you've had a good day too!

Anything good this weekend for you?

~xoxo
M