Main Street Pride - First Solo Comp DONE :)

Hello loves!! Hope ya'll have had a fabulous weekend! Mine was great!! Will get into it more. This past week I put this picture up on my instagram.  When Andrew was here, he made me these sweet potato circles which I know call Andrew Circles :) -- anyways -- lots of people wanted to know how I made them...super easy --

Sweet potato is washed - skin left on and cut into circles.

Melt some coconut oil on medium heat.

Add the circles to the pan.
Cook till slightly brown. (About 3-5 mins depending on stove. Maybe longer).
Flip.
Sprinkle TJ 21 season, garlic powder and salt on cooked side as other side cooks.
Flip and season second side when brown.
Remove from pan.
Cool and Destroy :)

Friday was a pretty relaxed day. No basketball practice so I got to leave school on normal time.  I headed straight to see Dr. Jarvis at Health Goals.  She knew I had my CrossFit competition Saturday so we worked on my hip.  I also told her about how my knee has been really acting up.  She adjusted my knee too.  I left feeling awesome, but within about two hours my hip and knee were really sore.  Now, my hip is always sore after an hour or two so I didn't think much about that; however, I was REALLY concerned with my knee hurting more. Lots of icing, some biofreeze and ibuprofen.

Anyways, after my appointment, I picked up the girls and we ran some errands. I just love those two! We ran to Aspire so I could get my jump rope for Saturday and LD went in with me.  Alycia got to meet her :) We ran to the market to make sure I had everything I needed for Saturday. Went home and iced up then went to bed early.

Saturday came quick.  I could have slept in more, but I didn't. I felt super nervous and couldn't believe it was here.  7 months into this deal and here was my first competition with no team to lean on -- SOLO! I got myself ready, made sure I had everything I might need and headed over to Jill's house to meet the girls. We had a fun little care ride up -- I really am thankful for Jill & Rachel - they are awesome friends that I have gained through CrossFit Aspire.

 

Karli & me!

Anyways, we got up to Freehold, NJ, and parked.  Eventually, after a LONG and unnecessary walk around a block (which we later found a short cut) we found the box - CrossFit Freehold. I forget who we saw when we first walked in, but they told us where the group was.  We made it through a VERY packed tent to the back to find our crew - CrossFit Aspire. As we are putting our stuff down and getting things situated -- who trips and balances herself on me?!? KARLI!! My bloggy/twitter friend! I was SUPER stoked to meet her!! Her Main Street Pride recap is here.  It was her first Rx competition and I think she rocked it considering the circumstances. I also got to meet her Beau which was nice since I learn about him on her blog haha :)

Back to the event -- it was cold.  Port-O-Johns SUCK.  There was no warm-up area like at the team event I did this summer. Alycia rocked these sweet tights during the comp -- yes, I love her 1000x more for that! They are fabulous!  We had to wait around a while (3+ hours) before the scaled women started. So, we sat around -- talked to the BIG kids (Rx crew) about how their WODs were going -- they had two done before we had started, but then had to wait 3+ hours before their third and then more before their fourth. It was nice to talk to everyone -- I really do love my box!

 

Jill & I decided to look around and see what all was going on.  It was SO packed it was really hard to watch much of the Rx crew go -- plus I'm short so seeing over people isn't my strong point. There was a group called Jump'N'Rope there.  I got to talking to them and ended up buying a toy to help work with my jumping & double unders.  Fingers crossed it helps!

First WOD for us scaled kiddos was PVC Mania -- 12 minute cap -- 5 rounds -- 5 PVC Shoot Throughs, 10 lateral burpees and 20 dips.  I finished in 9:52.  I didn't think I could do 5 rounds in 12 minutes so I was stoked that I got it done! It was hard.

 

Jill Pressin

Second WOD was Stone Face -- originally suppose to be a 55# push press but it got dropped to 45# and then a 35# KB swing.  You had 5 minutes -- 1 PP/ 1KBS, 2PP/2KBS, etc.  I got 9 full rounds and 6 into the 10th.  My shoulders were on FIRE!! Then we had about two hours before our next WOD...so we all just hung out.

Last WOD was Doubles to Heaven...originally a 12 minute cap that was changed to 8 minutes -- it was a lot -- it was also the one I was worried about the most because of my hip.  Singles (since I can't do doubles yet), push ups and front squat. 200 singles, 63 push ups and 36 front squats --then half the amount and go through it, then half again and finish out the time with front squats.  A - I HATE push ups. B I can't squat well right now with my hip.  I didn't think I'd get through my 63 push ups, but I did. I actually got into the second set of singles.  I got a no-rep on my push ups 8x for not lifting my hands and on one squat.  I had to say something after the squat though because Justin always gets on my for going TO low...not for not going low enough.  Whatever. Over it haha :) 

When all is said and done, I had a blast.  I really enjoyed the day.  For not being able to WOD for the last two weeks due to recovering from my marathon and my hip & knee stuff, I'm glad to have it under my belt.  I LOVED getting to do the WODs and cheer for my box friends. I had a lot of weaknesses made more known - push ups, singles, doubles, KB swings haha.  I am walking away ready to beast out more and move to the next level.

We headed home and went to Jill's house to eat pizza and have some drinks.  It was a much needed end to the night!! Lots of laughs, stories and getting to know each other more! LD & Scarlet came too -- LD loved Jill's fireplace - isn't she cute? I have no pics of myself, but I'll share some once Jill gets them to me :) 

Sunday started with bacon & eggs -- no better start.  Took the girls out to play for a bit then went bowling with my Buckeye group! Day ended with Brian coming over to watch the Flyers play (and teach me about hockey), a skype date with the family and a LONG conversation with Duane :) Perfect end to a FABULOUS weekend. And bonus - my leg (knee and hip) feel good so looking forward to hopefully WOD'ing & running all this week and getting back to it!!

What did you do this weekend?

~xoxo

M

No WODs & DumboDoubleDare :)

Hello loves! Hope you're having a fabulous week so far! I've had a better week then this before. I'm having a hard time with this whole "recovery" concept.  I understand I ran a marathon and my body, especially my legs, are worn out. I get they need time to recover, especially since I really didn't train.  But all I want to do is WOD!!!! haha Being forced to take some time off is hard, but I know that it will be worth it in the end. Between this awesome hip thing - which I must say is getting a TON better - and my now my left knee.  Why is it always my left leg?!? Anyways - I have a nice little swollen knee, its beautiful!

On Monday I went and had my hip worked on...HOLY SMOKES! I had a 30 minute massage - sounds relaxing right?!? NOT! She worked mostly on this left side - hip, hamstring, IT band and quad. She told me I was super messed up on the left side and would be sore the next day -- that was an understatement. I had tears in my eyes as she worked but if it means healing faster, I am with it!! I just want to be better -- hip is on the mend...now to get the knee back :)

I NEED THIS!

No WODs this week or runs.  Take the week off to baby the knee. Got told to go home from the WOD tonight -- my knee was swollen and sore. It's been swollen since trying to run Saturday with Jill.  We only did 2 and I think it's just still tweaked from the marathon. So, just going to play it safe since the Garage Games are on Saturday!!! I'm really freaking out about them too! I'm worried about my body, but hoping that a few days off are just what I need.  I found this awesome plan -- Megan from Run Like A Grl Abs By April -- join here. We all know I need help on my core, so what better way then this!! Join me!

What else...I've been drinking more of these awesome smoothies->

They are super yummy and a good way for me to get more of my vegetables in.  Spinach and Kale aren't super strong in flavor so I can add them and not get overwhelmed.

This one has:
banana
spinach
kale
blueberries
water
ice

I don't measure (I don't think Jill really does either) or do set amounts. I just add stuff and drink.  I'd like to add some protein to it too, but I only have chocolate and not sure that would mix.

Now for my last bit of AWESOME news...I got in to DUMBO DOUBLE DARE!!!!! It sold out in under two hours, so I was STOKED to get in.  It's my new RunDisney race.  It will be at Disneyland over Labor Day weekend.  10K on Saturday and the Half on Sunday...kind of funny I'm thinking about this as I'm being forced to recover and not WOD or run, but I can't WAIT!!!  I love the Disney races! And hopefully Mama Dukes will be able to join me!

Running my marathon under trained did a couple things for me --
A: showed me what I already knew..training is KEY!
B: showed me how much I really do miss running!
C: Helped me find my love again, and I really can't wait to start training more!!

Did you get in to the DumboDoubleDare?
What's your favorite Green Smoothie recipe?

~xx
M

Super Hero Party!

Ali is focused!

Hello my loves!!! How is every one's weekend been? Mine has been fabulous!! So I still have not WOD'ed since Thursday when I attempted to squat and could not squat and my hip felt like it was dying. So, per Beth & Jill, I took the whole weekend off.  Friday my CrossFit Aspire girls and I had a painting party at Canvas Mixers in Collingswood. Holy awesome time!! We did a Super Hero theme (in correlation with our box obviously.  I love my box girls and I had an awesome night! I needed that!

Jill & me!

We really had an amazing night! Good food, good drinks and awesome company. We all did an amazing job - I'm SUPER impressed that I was able to do it. It was a really good time!

Ali & me!

Me & Cait!

Me, Jen, Steph & Ali



Me & Jen



Finished Project

Me, Kate & Julie



Jill & me again - my bff :)

 




Everyone & their painting :)

Last night some of my family & I hit up AC.  We had a fabulous dinner -- 10oz fillet w/crab meat, Gorgonzola and blue cheese, veggies & garlic potatoes.  Paleo? No, but it was amazing! Then we hit up the casinos -- was a good night!

          


This morning started with a beautiful two mile run with Jill. My hips and left knee are still not 100%, but it felt good to get moving.  We are food prepping together again this week - really she just tells me she's making me food and I get to eat it! haha It works out pretty perfect - we either trade meat from my cow share piece or money -- probably money this week as Andrew ate a lot of my cow meat when he was here! :)

This week is a BIG week!! The Garage Games are this weekend -- I would like my body to be ready and 100% by then, so I am listening to my body this week and not pushing it -- but really...


I can't wait to be back to my normal training schedule of CrossFit & running! Also, this week starts my training for the DC Nike Women's Half....hopefully haha! We shall see how my body feels!

How was your weekend?


~xoxo
M

And It Is Back To WOD Time

Hello loves :)  How's your week going?  Guess what today was?!? My first WOD since the race...yes, 2 days after my marathon...with no training...I hit up Aspire.  Recovery is going great - and clearly, ice bath was a smart move :) Anyways, it's amazing how much a good WOD and good people just make everything better.  So, my hip is doing good and if you didn't know I had just run a marathon you wouldn't be able to tell anymore.  I got held at school in a meeting after the after school program - PS I did it, I got into the program! YAY!! - so I did not get to the box in time for the Rx class. 

Ali was going strong when I got there -- and BIG news, we are SHOE twins now! I love already having someone with fun shoes as bright as mine. However, she is fabulous and one of my favorites at the box! Hers has the blue and yellow - I LOVE the blue! Seeing her new ones all pretty and new really makes me want a new pair. haha I really need some OLY shoes...one day! Money seems to be the issue - teacher problems haha :)
Ok, back to the WOD. Strength we did push press - sets of 3 - I got 110!! I am super stoked!That is the most I've ever gotten - 15# PR baby!! Our metcon was "Stone Face" from our Garage Games - it was brutal - 55# push press & 35 KB swings. I got 8 + 6. I'll take it - I have to get use to the 35 KB as it was crazy flying. I can't wait to WOD tomorrow with Jill - I've missed her! And ladies night on Friday with the CrossFit crew!

Now, I am changing my plans - I'm going to stick to WOD'ing 5-6 days a week and adding 3-4 days of running.  I will be taking time off some weeks depending on how my body feels, lots of rest and listening to my body.  Running wise - I am going to be doing one speed day, a long run, and at least one normal run, but would love to get two.  I want to get faster, and would LOVE to get my 2:30 half in the books. Plus, training for Nike Women's Half starts NOW this weekend! Time to step it up and hit the next level! Any thoughts on that?!? Can you help me stay on track?!?

So, this also happened tonight - I forgot I was out of dog food so I had to run to the market after the WOD. Rain boots, shorts (with my awesome tan from Disney) and my OSU riding coat! haha Sexy if I do say so myself :)

Oh and this also happened today - have you had one yet? Chocolate Mint...have you tried it?!?





How'd you Sweat Pink and get Sporty today?
Do you ever step out in awesome outfits too?

~xx
M

PS Pretty Muddy is offering a ONE TIME $20 discount to past participants ONLY…the code is GIRLTIME…there will NOT be any daily deal (groupon, living social, etc) offers this year…that was a one time inaugural season opportunity. This special expires at the end of January…after that the price will never be this low again! If you did it last year -- grab your girls and join Pretty Muddy again in 2013 :)

Garage Games WODs & Weekend Recap

Happy Monday Loves! Hope the start of every one's week has been fabulous so far!! Had a pretty good weekend! Did not get everything I wanted to done, but that is ok. Friday night was Disney on Ice with my Girl Scouts from school.  It was a good time and we had fabulous seats!  Saturday was full of CrossFit, errands, cleaning up the apt and watching my Bengals suck it up! Had a nice little back squat PR at 155#.  Was kind of bummed I did not get more.  We only did sets of 3 - we've been doing 3 sets of 4-6 -- you keep at the weight till you get all 3 for 6 reps -- well last time I actually squatted, which was before Christmas -- I got 150 for 6,6,4 so I surely thought I'd get like 165-175 for 3.  BLAH! Boy was I wrong.  First at bat for 155 I failed BIG time - went down to quick so got stuck.  Took double rounds off then went again - 1 & 2 were fine, but that 3 was a SLOW grueling climb back up haha!

After CF, I saw the chiropractor again - working on that hip. I always feel SO good after I leave there for like an hour, then it gets sore for a couple hours before I'm good again for a few days.  Left there and went to Camden for a Girl Scout meeting - we start cookie sales in 2 weeks! Left there and went to the eye doctor before heading home to watch my Bengals.  Now I was really hoping they'd have a good game and it wouldn't be like last year vs. the Texans in the Wildcard game...but the Bengals pretty much said "here's the game".  Sunday was open gym - Jill, Rachel and I worked on stuff for the Garage Games -- still freaking out. Here is a video of just us attempting one round of the first WOD --

 And yes, Jill and I were totally twins on Sunday with no prior knowledge of our outfits - she's my CF BFF :) So let's talk Garage Games WODs....(In NO particular order - aka we don't know what will be first, second or third yet)

1. “Stone Face”: Ascending Push Press and Kettlebell Swings. Scaled weights are 75#/55# and 55#/35#
• 1/1, 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, etc… total reps.
•5 Minute AMRAP

2. “Double’s To Heaven”: 1 Round for time- 200 Singles 63 Hand Release Push-Ups 36 Front Squats (45#), 50 Singles 42 Hand Release Push-Ups 24 Front Squats (45#) 25 Singles 21 Hand Release Push-Ups – Front Squat until time expires

•12 minute AMRAP

3. “PVC Mania”: 5 PVC Shoot Thru’s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20pZiKH2mJw) 10 Lateral Burpees over PVC Hurdle, 20 PVC Dips in the form of a 5 Round WOD

•12 min Cap

OK - so that video was of one round of PVC Mania - except I counted wrong on my burpees and only did 9 -- whoops. I'm pretty scared of all three WODs, not going to lie.  We did up to 5 for the Stone Face - about 2 minutes - my shoulders were tired. Double's to Heaven - we did the first set, 100, 63 and I only did 15 Front squats and was dreading doing more.  PVC Mania - 12 min seems like a long time.  Have to work on those skills more!! Hopefully I survive...that's all I want.  Andrew said just make your goal to not be last...sounds like a plan haha :) PS Andrew is here -- I can't WAIT to WOD with him!!

Last - I've been thinking about goals for 2013....here is what I have:

• Stick to my budget (including savings)
• Attend church at least twice a month
• Dine out only 1-2 times per month
• Start saving for retirement
• Volunteer at Crossfit Regionals (Attend Regionals if I don’t get to volunteer)
• Climb a rope

That's what I got for now. I want to set some goal weights, but haven't figured out what to set yet....I'll figure it out!

~xx
M

PR Fail but Fran PR...Say What?

 Is anyone else feeling completely overwhelmed this week? I think it's from trying to play catch up from being on vacation (aka Rocky Top) and starting back to school. I can NOT seem to get on top of stuff this week - which is really just Tuesday through now since NYE was Monday haha! So far 2013 is off to a flying start!! Let's talk BIG NEWS first!! I (along with some of my favorite twitter and bloggy buddies) have been added to the awesome circle of Girls Gone Sporty!! I'm officially a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador!! WootWoot!! Get pumped! I am!!  I still have to order my SweatPink gear too! I am so blessed to be both a SweatPink and a GirlsGoneSporty Ambassador! Can't wait to hopefully connect with some of my group at the Walt Disney World Marathon next weekend (haha and yes, I'm still running -- hurt hip and all).

Now some awesome Fitness news - I've only gotten to WOD twice since I've been home - NYE and the second.  Yesterday - I crashed out - like came straight home after school & basketball practice and crashed! 3.5 hours - knocked out...then woke up - it was 8:30 so missed a WOD and OLY. Boo! Anyways - Wednesday we did Thruster for strength and then FRAN! I SUCKED at strength this week - but like someone said - you can't always be good and getting PR's...sometimes you have to suck it up to appreciate when you do get those PRs! Above...this is me failing at @110# haha should have gone straight into it, but couldn't get it!

Here is some shots from during my Fran - went UP to Rx weight and down in bands - 8:44! I'll take it!

I still haven't made it out for a run yet this year -- BLAH -- 4 days in and running out of time! I am hoping to get a run in before tomorrow's WOD - just a 5K so that I can hang with the #5bythe5th challenge!! Between school and basketball and life -- I need a mini break just to catch up.  Hoping to get caught up this weekend before school starts back next week! Andrew is coming to visit Sunday - I can't wait to WOD next week with him - should be a blast and he'll def teach me a thing or two -- he's a BEAST!

I promise to update ya'll on the Garage Game WODs (kinda nervous for those) and my run with my new Garmin tomorrow evening!! Happy Friday loves!

How's your New Year going?

Any BIG goals?

~xx

M

PS meet some BIGWIGS from downtown today and interviewed for the after school position -- fingers crossed!! :)

NYE, Pancakes and #13in2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR :) Hope everyone had a fabulous New Year's Eve - safe and happy! First post of two today - last night I spent the night at my cuzzo and Dollface's house with the Carney crew and friends!! My Peanut was there too!! My midnight kiss came from her! Awesome start to 2013!  This morning I started my day with fabulous Paleo pancakes...yes...it happened!

Got the recipe from Elena's Pantry -- her Silver Dollar Pancakes

 

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons honey

1 ½ cups blanched almond flour

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

coconut oil, for cooking

1. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, water, vanilla and agave
2. Add almond flour, salt and baking soda and mix until thoroughly combined
3. Heat coconut oil on skillet over medium low to medium heat
4. Scoop 1 heaping tablespoon of batter at a time onto the skillet
5. Pancakes will form little bubbles, when bubbles open, flip pancakes over and cook other side
6. Remove from heat to a plate
7. Repeat process with remaining batter, add more oil to skillet as needed

Yields 18 pancakes

 

Don't worry - you can thank me later! You will, promise :) Ok so...
 

 #13in2013

I know you've all been waiting to know what I keep talking about.  I have signed up and committed to run 13 races in 2013.  I did not pick a set distance, just mixing it up. Jill and Jen have set up this #13in2013 challenge - and I am SUPER STOKED for the challenge.  You have 12 months to get all 13 races in!! My first race will be a virtual 5K today hosted by Laura.  She is hosting a #5bythe5th that will help make sure I have goals to help meet my races! #5bythe5th goes till June so it will give you 6 races in 6 months. I am looking forward to heading out this afternoon and using my sweet new Garmin on my first of my 13 races!!

How are you choosing to #SweatPink today?
I'll post about my run & just got an email from Alycia - the WODs for the Garage Games have been announced - we'll talk about that too :)
 

~xoxo
M

Plans for First Solo Comp

So today I made a big decision - at least a BIG decision in my world. I'm going with CrossFit Aspire to the Garage Games - Main Street Pride competition at CrossFit ASC in Freehold, NJ. It will be my first solo competition and obviously I can't do it Rx yet (key word is yet...but lack of a core just to start why not yet haha). Here's what we are looking at....

Yes, I need to work on push-ups, DU & damn shoot thrus. But still, weight wise - I feel good. The last month, I've gone to unlimited at the box and added gymnastics. Starting in Dec. I am hoping to add Olympic lifting on Thursdays. I have 10 weeks till this (8 till my marathon...update on that tomorrow) , I've got this!! Lots of skill and strength to work on -- pistols, core, push-ups, handstands, etc. If you have any recommendations or what you do -- feel free to share :)



That's all for now!
~xoxo
M