Can I Tell You A Secret?

Hello loves! Happy Friday -- and it's Good Friday! It has been a good couple days! Lots of good workouts at the box & time with friends. So, Tuesday and Wednesday I did not eat much.  This is my blog so I want to be 100% honest.  I am very worried about gaining weight while I'm injured. Like freaking out worried.  Lets back up....I have a very unhealthy relationship with food.  If you don't know, I use to weigh over 200 pounds.  I went through a period of time where I ate, not necessarily a lot, but shit.  All shit.  Plus I drank a lot. I was injured and packed on weight.  A lot of weight.  Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a thicker girl.  Always have been and probably always will be. I'd love to weight 155-165 pounds. That is my goal range. I'm about 175 I think right now. I've lost over 50#s.  It's been a LONG road and I wouldn't change a thing, except for my ability to say NO to bad choices. Milkshakes and peanut butter by the spoonfuls and so on. I really need to force myself to be better.  I really would like to do a GOOD Whole30 again.  Kristen at Change of Pace is doing one starting April 1st.  I'm not sure I could since I'll be living at my brother and SIL's the next week. I'm thinking when I get back it's on. I have to see if Jilly, of Paleo Pantz, is game to help me though because she is my cook for the next couple weeks. I dunno.  I eat pretty good Paleo now, but not good enough.  I may try and start on Monday if my SIL will take me to the market :) Need to focus on the pyramid -- CLEAN EATING IS THE BIGGEST KEY!!!
 So - back to Tuesday and Wednesday - Tuesday all I had was two small pieces of chicken and half cup sweet potatoes and Wednesday I had a green apple and cheese.  Now this was NOT because of my issues - but more the lack of wanting to do anything. I was exhausted.  Jilly came over Wednesday night to check on me.  She cooked eggs and bacon for us to eat -- I ended up eating 6 eggs so I'm pretty sure I made up for not eating the other two days.  Yesterday was my last day of school before Spring Break.  We had a half day and Jilly took me to school, therefore I ate breakfast - eggs and bacon -- and then I went to AC's after school.  She dyed my hair (I'll get a pic up ASAP) - we are trying to get it lighter and back to my normal color. Then Tara from Fit Beginnings and Split Ends took me to the box. I worked on bench & thanks to her - she pushed me to a 95# PR for a set of 6! I think did some strict press at 75# for 3 sets of 5. Metcon of hammer curls/dips/triceps extensions (behind the head...can't think of real name). Plus came home and did some tabata sit-ups & knee push-ups. I love that there is still so much I can do, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I can WAIT to full on CrossFit, lift and run again!! haha I've had a lot of people tell me they can't believe I'm back to school and/or working out already and/or how positive I am -- here's my thing -- I only had 2.5 days to get through of school then 10days off because of Spring Break so IMO there was NO reason to miss. I love my job and my kiddos - I needed to be there. In regards to working out - yes, I went the day after I broke my ankle and I've been 5 times in the week since. No, I don't think that's dumb.  Working out makes me feel better and helps keep me in check.  If you don't want to do it, DON'T - or if you don't want to hear about me doing it, don't read/follow/etc. I LOVE my box, my coaches and my friends from there -- I don't plan on slowing down because I broke my ankle. And lastly - about being positive -- what am I going to do? Sulk/cry/be miserable.  Yes, I am beyond upset about having to drop out of the Nike Women's Half in DC, the Festivus CrossFit comp in Philly, Tough Mudder in June, and some local 5K/10Ks I've signed up for.  It sucks.  I cried - ask Alycia -- I balled at the hospital. I cried to DA this week - it sucks; however, I can choose to sulk and be upset or look at the things I can do and move on. It is what it is and I can't change it.  So, now we look forward -- change up my goals a little bit - and do what needs to be done to keep moving forward. Rachel told me today I'm like Jillian Michael -- do what you can and push as hard as you can -- that's what I do. When I judge my crew, coach others or push myself.  Do what you CAN DO and push hard.  I have to much going on to be stressed about a broken foot :)
So DA and I have been talking about our visit -- I am going to Cali for 2 days Memorial Weekend -- and I can not WAIT to see him.  It's been about a couple years and I can not WAIT to see him. We are really in different places now and I just want to be onto the next stage with him. One more year hopefully. The state has announced they are taking over our school -- hopefully, I have a job next year but if I don't I'm moving. It will all work out -- it always does! Plus I really really just love that man. He makes me happy :)
Anyways, today is FRIDAY -- 13.4 day - I don't get to go tonight to see most of my crew, but I got to go today to the noon class with Rachel.  I judged her and cheered her, AC, Nilda, Blair, Jenn, Steph and others on. Also, I got pull-ups today with my boot.  We took a Rouge Box and a band -- I needed a little more height so we added a 45 plate too -- and I could get my good foot into the band and and reach the bar. I honestly was SO stoked -- I only did 15 as my arms were killing me from yesterday and crutching all around. I am a happy happy girl though.
I'm heading down to Tennessee tomorrow - I can't wait to be with my family for a week and more importantly spend time with my Princess & Tank -- I love those two!

Hope ya'll had a fabulous Friday!
~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

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 :)

Birthday Dream Race & Squat Progress :)

I GOT IN!!! I am super stoked that I got into the Nike Women's Inaugural Half Marathon in DC.  I have applied to the San Fran lottery a couple times and never got in (not to mention I probably wouldn't be able to afford it).  Ro, Cheryl & myself got into this one and I am PUMPED! It was hard on Twitter last night as a lot of people were really upset they did not get into the lottery, but that is part of the lottery.  Would I have been bummed? Of course, but the good news is there are LOADS of races that time of year. I hope to really push this half and make it a awesome birthday weekend (can't believe I'll be 29) and maybe a new PR?!? I am more excited as this race means a lot to me this year especially!

I hated to run.  Everything about it. I started running after my friend, Justin, passed away in Dec 2007.  Justin always tried to get me to run and I never did.  It took me some time but in August 2008 I walked into Fleet Feet Knoxville, where Justin kept telling me to go before he passed, and "Sweet Melissa" was playing - the same song that Justin use to sing to me. At the time - I didn't know she'd turn into my BFFAW, but Eleanore fit me for my first pair of trainers - 2110 from Asics with blue Superfeet.  I kept those until recently b/c of how much they meant to me. BFFAW and I started talking and she told me about the No Boundaries program they had. I started No Boundaries (a beginners 5K program) at Fleet Feet Knoxville.  Ran my first 5K in fall of 2008. This year marked 5 years since he's gone.  This race falls right after my birthday and right before his.  I am looking forward to running this race and being thankful for the 4 year journey running has turned into. Even though he is gone, I am SO stoked to run something to mark this journey and celebrate my birthday!!

**PS - BFFAW is who is doing the August Half-Ironman that I want to join her & Leah and do in 2013!**

Look at that awesome new zip up hoodie!! You can't tell from the picture but it is BRIGHT pink!! I LOVE it!!! My box ordered new hoodies and I couldn't resist. YAY! I love repping Aspire!
My hip is still giving me a lot of pain - I am really hoping it is just my sciatica joint - which sucks bc you can't do too much for it! Last night we worked on squats again - if you remember, two weeks ago I got 135 for 3x6 and last week I got 145 for 6 then 4.  Our goal is to add 5#s every week and wait till you can get 3x6 with fabulous form before going up.  Well I've really been working on my form and last night I got 145 for 3x6!!!! I am STOKED! I am not looking at trying 150 next week, but we just keep going up :)

How'd you get your #SweatPink on yesterday?
Anyone else get into the Nike half?!?
~xoxo
M