DumboDoubleDare Racecation Part 3

Finally...last but not least...my last part of my DumboDoubleDare Racecation!! You can see Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed out. So obviously, my Saturday ended fabulous. Dinner with one of my favorite people in the world - My Tony! Always makes me wonder what would have been had we never moved apart from each other. I got home at a decent time and got to bed - half marathon mornings - especially runDisney ones - always have a early start! I was texting my girlfriend Ro all morning to see where she was so we could meet up.  We finally linked up at the corals.  She has not been training fully, and clearly with my broken ankle and not being able to run haha neither had I.  I only had a goal to finish the race and enjoy it.  That was her goal too!! In all my Disney races, I've never stopped at all the stops.  I'm always scared I'll be to slow and get held back.  This time, I did it anyways. I am a HUGE Disney fan so I can honestly say that all the stops made the day so much more fun!

Our first stop was Monsters Inc. I absolutely LOVE Monsters Inc.  Heck I went and saw Monsters U with no child - some people probably thought I was weird....eh' whatever haha :) While we were waiting for Monsters Inc. - because there is always a line for pics, but totally worth it - I was texting Shireen.  Her and Jamie were running the half too... she ended up meeting up with us right after our Aladin picture...which isn't up haha! I just picked a few to put up!

My FAVORITE stop was with the toy soliders from Toy Story.  There was three of them and three of us so....how stinkin cute are we? And totally side note - look how much more I'm leaning out? I've been stuck on the scale but people keep saying I look smaller.  I can't tell, but this picture def helped me see. Always a bonus!

We also stopped and had our picture taken with Darth Vadar. As we were leaving, a storm trooper was walking out.  We were kind of complaining out loud when he charged towards Ro and she got a cool pic.  Then he turned and bolted towards Shireen and I.  I LOVE this pic too!

Of course, we stopped and took pictures in front of the castle and it's super cute! And as a HUGE sports nerd, I thought it was totally cool we got to run (or by that point my ankle was sore so we were walking more so then running haha) Angel Stadium.

 

There was a car club on the back stretch - I love cars so that was really cool.  Some awesome classics and the people were very supporting.  By about mile 11 I was definitely getting tired from lack of running.  My ankle was sore (no more so then I knew it would be) but didn't hurt to bad.  By 12-12.5 my ankle was DONE.  I knew I would finish, but couldn't wait to be off of it. Mama was right at the 13 mile mark and complete changed how I felt.  Just knowing she was there for a race made ALL the difference. I never thought it could make that big of an impact, but it was awesome.  I hope she knows (or she will when she reads this haha) how much it meant. 

I know I've said it before, but CrossFit has changed my life.  There is NO way I would have completed those 19.3 miles Labor Day weekend without it.  For not really running and 6 months prior having broken my ankle, I am STOKED. 


My time stunk, but I had a BLAST, made new friends and finished!!  After the race, we headed back down to San Diego. We grilled out and relaxed for dinner.  I crashed HARD that night! Monday morning I woke up feeling good.  Ankle was sore, but not to bad.  We spent the day with my God Family. Cookout and kids and family - BEST time. I caught a redeye back to Jersey Monday night and went back to work Tuesday morning!  It was a great trip and just what I needed before school started back.  :)

~xx
M

PS there was a L1 seminar at my San Diego hotel that started the day I left...BOO!

Remember D-Day

Hello Loves -- Happy Thursday! Can't believe it's already the 6th of June.  Crazy.  A lot of people forget the importance of this day, but please take time to remember.  Today is D-Day - 1944 - a lot of young Americans gave the final call.  I am blessed to be a military brat - proud of it too! Thankful for all our service men and women - past, present and future!
Yesterday - OSU Alumni also made me happy - I will NOT miss Homecoming Weekend this year! I haven't seen my OSU friends in a hot minute. Not to mention last year my boy Chuck and his friends planned stuff for Homecoming Weekend. Who wants to go with me?

Guess who was cleared to go back to normal activities?!? That's right - THIS GIRL!!! Since yesterday was National Running Day, I decided I really wanted to try and get my first run back since the break too. I meet with one of my Jersey running buddies, Jen.  We just did under a mile, but I ran.  It hurt a little, but I was out there and that's all that matters to me.  After my run I headed over to the box for the Rx class.  Our strength wasn't just push press - it was 3 Power Cleans + 3 Push Press.  I got to 95.  I did 3 Power Cleans at 100, but they were sloppy so I didn't bother pressing.  My ankle didn't bother my too much so I'm looking forward to going today too! I'm not sure if I'll do the metcon or not - A still having issues with my hip/groin on the left side and B - I'm not sure I can do jump rope, let alone Double Unders yet haha. We shall see what I decide to do!

The #25DayChallenge at my box. I'm doing ok with the eating Paleo - cleaning it up more each day.  Tuesday was off since we went to Baltimore with the kids and I forgot my bag of goodies. Since then I've been ok.  I really want chocolate or ice cream but I'm holding out. I know that my nutrition is the biggest factor holding me back from my goals, so I'm really trying to make this stick and clean it up...for good. 
This also happened last night haha. I love my friends.  Jilly cracks me up.  Her schedule has sucked recently, so we have not been able to see a ton of each other. Her hubs got a new car and he travels and does sales so good for him! Happy hubby & happy wife make for a fabulous life :)

How's your week?
Are you doing any current challenges?
~xoxo
M

Ankle Update

Hello Loves! Do you know what today is? THURSDAY! Do you know what this means? I get to go to California and see my babe DA TOMORROW NIGHT!!!! Holy smokes! One more day of school to get through and I'll be on my way! I can't WAIT to see his face...in person! Been a LONG time coming! (Ignore all the caps...I am WAY to excited for this weekend haha) Just one more sleep and a day of school!!


So - as you all know, I am doing a Mini Blog Challenge from Joi! I missed Day 1, but you can see Day 2 or Day 3. Day 4 - aka today - is a vlog, video or podcast. Well I love vlogs so that is what you'll get :)

First though - a couple of things -- make sure you're following me on Bloglovin, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!! Always love having new people to share things with! Also, I'm still trying to revamp my Blog -- Jilly suggested Lifting Love for my title...I like it...a lot...still seeing if anyone else has anything!

Here is my vlog -- ignore the randomness...that's really just me haha :)

~xx
M

My Passion is....

Hello Loves! Happy Hump Day! Only two more days till I'm in CALI to see my DA! I can't wait!! Today marks Day 3 for Joi's Mini Blog Challenge. I missed Day 1, but you can see Day 2 here.  Today we are to write about our passion....I have a bunch of them but I feel as though a lot of folks want more information on CrossFit -- and I clearly have a passion for that :)

I'll discuss terms, why I started, why I think you should try it and what's next for my CrossFit life :)

First, lets cover some basics -- we have certain terms (I'll only cover the three main ones):

• Box - this is our "gym"...it's where we train. Most boxes were started in old garages or warehouses so you can get the term quickly from that
  
  
• WOD - Workout of the Day -- these can be set up a little different depending on the box - we do skill work, OLY work, Strength then our metcon and some times an after party of extra skill
  
• AMRAP -- As Many Rounds As Possible -- basically get as much work done as you can in a certain amount of time

 

Those are the three main ones you should know about. Our WODs are typically for time or AMRAPs. It is fabulous! Now - why did I start CrossFitting?!? Hmmmm good question. I honestly don't remember what started it for me.  I remember google'ing boxes in my area and found CrossFit Aspire.  I contacted Alycia for my first free class. I went and died....Justin came over, eating something out of a bowl and as I laid dying on the ground said "This is what we do everyday - welcome to CrossFit". I went home and was HOOKED! This week marks my One Year CrossFit Anniversary!

 

There are 9 Foundational Movements --> (back squat was 8 weeks ago due to broken ankle so will be lower now)

Clean - 6/22/12 1x2 @85 -- 12/18/12 1x3 @115

Back Squat - 5/29/12 1x5 @115 -- 3/11/13 3x6 @150

Front Squat - 9/10/12 1x3 @105 -- 3/13/13 1x3 @135

OHS -- this we don't really just do - it's typically with something - I got 80 two weeks before break

Push Press - 7/18/12 1x3 @80 -- 3/2/13 1x3 @115

Press (aka should press or strict press) - 6/19/12 1x3 @70 -- 5/1/13 3x6 @ 70

Jerk - 10/25/12 1x3 @ 95 -- 5/13/13 8x3 @ 95

Deadlift - 5/19/12 1x5 @ 115 -- with broken ankle fresh out of boot 4/25/13 (my bday) 3x3 @155

Sumo Deadlift High Pull - I've only done this with KB - I know I've gone up haha

 

I've done well.  I have a LONG way to go, but it's all about the progress.  In my opinion that is the beauty of CrossFit. There really isn't an end goal...it's all about making forward progress and always chasing something new. You won't PR every time, and some days you won't be able to hit your last PR that day.  You will go on, and you will be better.  If we PR'ed EVERY time, would it still be challenging? Even over the last 9 weeks (yes, 9 weeks ago today I broke my ankle coming down off the rope/box combo I was working with) I have PR'ed and improved. Even the 5 weeks of unweighted annoyance, I made progress.  If you want it, it is there for you to take!

 

Now why should you do it? That's easy.  The barbell will change your life.  The community will become like a second family to you. The life will take you over.  You'll want to do more, not just at the box, but in your life. I promise you, it is worth it.  No, it's not for everyone and I get that.  But I bet 95% of y'all would be changed by it.  Expensive...yes. A BIG commitment...yes. But most importantly....LIFE CHANGING....HELL YES!

 

 

 

 

Now fun news and a BIG announcement.  I have decided to get my CrossFit Level 1 certification.  I will be doing it either in June or July. DO I have a lot of room to improve, yes.  Can I do all the movements yet, NO. I can't do a pull up without assistance, I can't do toes-to-bar or muscle ups (I could go on with other stuff to but you get it). But I can explain the movements and break things down.  I love coaching. I love working with people. Most importantly, I LOVE CrossFit.  I want to share my PASSION with others :)

 

 

What's your passion? Have your tried CrossFit?

~xx

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

Day 1 at Regionals is DONE :)

Hello Loves! Day 1 is in the books at CrossFit Games North East Regionals! Honestly, I had a BLAST today. I meet some amazing people today, got to watch some totally inspiring athletes and make some great contacts incase I ever switch more into social media/marketing/PR. I can't say how many people told me today to switch over -- totally need to check it out. Social media/marketing/PR sounds like something I could do - for CrossFit or Reebok. Totally game for that - or running like Brooks or Saucony ;)

Matt Fraser OHS 305#

Matt Fraser did a set of 3 OHS of 305#! It was amazing. Danielle Horan did 200# - she was amazing! I've never been so inspired to get back to 100% and at it.


Overall -- I'm amazed at how awesome it is in person. I really hope I can do the games sometime! Overall here is who finished top -- I stole it from CFG North East Region twitter








Where you there today?
Or your region's event?

~xoxo
M

Off to Boston

Hello Loves! Hope you're doing well this wonderful Friday evening! I am currently in the car with Rachel, Allie and Kate on our way to North East Regionals for the CrossFit Games!

I am super excited! I know I tell y'all all the time about CrossFit and especially my box - CrossFit Aspire, but this has saved me and given me a whole new outlook on life. Alycia and Justin changed my life and not just fitness. My health has obviously completely changed. I'm in the best shape I've been in since high school. Hell I may weigh more now then I did them by about 25# but I can tell you now I'm WAY stronger. Heck I'm 8 weeks since I broke my ankle and about 5-6 weeks ahead of recovery schedule - just got to get the movement back.


Back to my main point - my healthy, my self confidence, my attention to nutrition (and wanting to learn more/figure out what works for me), and my friendships in New Jersey have all changed. I'm coming up on my one year mark and what better way to celebrate then by volunteering my time to regionals!


We have about two hours to go! Going to be a late arrival and a LONG day tomorrow; however, I'm stoked!! I am volunteering all day tomorrow - so is Jake from my box - Saturday and Sunday am. Plus hanging with some of my box favs at night - and downtown Boston on Saturday night (first time)!

Anyone else going to be here or going to watch/work a regionals event?

~xoxo
M

Changes Coming

Joe & Me

Hello loves! Hope y'all are having a great day! Been a good week so far! Still catching up from being out of town all weekend.  PS the picture to the right is me and Joe, the groom, at the wedding.  So happy for him!

Me & Peanut

Mama Dukes is already gone. We did dinner with the family Monday night at Don Pablos. I got to see Aunt Tracey & Jerry, Cuzzo & Dollface and Ash & Peanut.  It was a good time. I had not seen any of them since the weekend after I broke my ankle. It was good to catch up and see how everything was with everyone.  Cuzzo is loving his new job so that's awesome! I'm hoping him and Dollface get preggo soon!! She's going to be a SUPER cute preggo lady! After dinner Dollface & Cuzzo, Ashley & Peanut and I went to Target.  I FINALLY got a George Foreman.  It was on sale! I also picked up some Chobani bites - 2 for $4 which means 8 100cal cups and some new sparkling water - cherry limeade and strawberry lemonade. Always love finding new things! Especially at Target :)

Also, I started a 90-day challenge. ViSalus shakes for two times a day. They are actually really good -- I use almond milk, frozen fruit and ice.  FABULOUS! So let's back up and talk -- I gained weight during my ankle mess. Not a lot, but enough I'm not happy.  I'm got back up to 180#. I'm down 2lbs already, which is fabulous.  My goal weight use to be 150-155#. Not that was before I started CrossFit. Now, I would love to be 150-155#, but I'm more concerned with getting stronger and faster. Stronger so my lifts get better and my technique gets on point. Faster so my running gets better, maybe hit my goal 2:30 half PLUS my metcons will get faster. I tell you -- all I want is to get better.

Tuesday's WOD was not able for me to do -- I'm having issues with my right hip. I can't squat -- I think I may have pushed it a little to far that first week.  I did the workout to the right.  I really am enjoying writing my own workouts.  I wish I knew more and could figure out how to pair things together!  I did do some jumping on Tuesday and it didn't bother my ankle at all.Allie did some work on it Tuesday night -- it feels a lot better.  She did some type of release thing on it. I need her to do it again tonight too!!

Now if I could just get back to running.  I miss it.  A lot.  Slowly but surely I'm getting better every day.  I'll be back eventually.  Got to just keep doing what I'm doing!

Also - I have had some stuff happen - I'm not sure I really want to put it on here yet, but I will ask that you think about me and pray for guidance for me.  I have to figure some stuff out.

PS I get to see DA in 2 weeks! I can NOT wait! :)

~xoxo
M