Showing posts with label Philly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philly. Show all posts

Friday, October 11, 2013

Hookgrip Classic


Walking Up
Going through my steps haha
Hey y'all! Happy Tuesday! This fall is flying by.  I think between school, training and life - I am super busy! I'm loving it! This weekend I competed in my first Olympic Lifting Competition. Liberty Barbell Club (inside CrossFit Center City) held the Hookgrip Classic. It was an amazing experience.  I learned a ton - about how I lift, how to get better and build more speed, tips for wrapping my thumbs to help with my hook grip, etc. We started with snatch....


I opened with 39kg....Hit it no problem...
Second attempt was at 43 kg...I missed the first try so tried again...
No problem! I got really frustrated by this only because I should have locked out my shoulder on the second lift and had it.  I really wanted to get over 100 that day, but it wasn't in the books. Lots to learn from and move on.  The girls in my class were awesome - made my snatches look like nothing.  Def not quite as excited for my 100# snatch anymore haha.  Time to get bigger and stronger! Next up was the Clean and Jerk.  Seriously - I love these two movements so I was happy!

First attempt...I'm not really sure what weight I did haha.  Coach took care of that.  I think maybe 45kg? Not 100% positive on that one though. First one felt great.  No issues and looked decent.

Second attempt...first thing I said to Justin when I got back to the seat was "that felt fast" haha.  I thought I flew, but after looking at it - I really didn't haha. The last attempt...
61 kg.  Not a PR for me, but felt and looked good.  I had JUST PR'ed my C&J two days prior to this, so I am stoked I got this up!!

I've learned a lot from that experience.  I can't WAIT to do more OLY competitions - I loved it.  Major things I took from this: 1. I NEED OLY shoes. Like majorly need them.  They are on my Christmas list, but I may have to splurge and get some earlier if I can swing it.  2. I need to pick up my training.  I need to get more serious and step it up.  3. I HAVE to clean up my nutrition.  I think to myself, what could I really do if I just cleaned it up a little bit more.  I have been doing good - primal Sunday - Friday night....no drinks during the week and so forth.  I did have two drinks this week on Wednesday. But it was birthdays of two of my closest so that was needed.

After the OLY comp, Caitlin got Nilda and I flowers! She's awesome.  She was my first CrossFit Aspire friend and is my main lifting partner outside of Nilda.  Without those two ladies, I'd be lost in the gym.  I also treated myself to a Philadelphia Cupcake after the comp...and I don't regret it.  It was AMAZING! I also had drinks with both my Coaches, Shamus and Nilda in the city...I loved it! I need to do that more!

That night - Teralyn (who is typically more proud of what I do then I am of myself haha) wanted to get drinks to celebrate. We headed out for some drinks and the Ohio State game! Rachel and Holly came up too! It was a great night and a perfect end to a fabulous day!





Monday, September 30, 2013

Ocean Prime - Philly

OMG y'all - I got to tell you....I went to Ocean Prime in Philadelphia last week for Restaurant Week. I went with Nick and Teralyn.  Teralyn picked it out.  MAJOR kudos to her because it was AMAZING! If you are local - you NEED to go or if you come to visit here -- GO! Our server was fabulous! He had great recommendations and always pleasant. Next time Mama Dukes is here or if my Broski and SIL come visit solo -- we are SO going!
I got a filet, mashed potatos and aspagras for dinner.  The steak was amazing - medium style and perfectly cooked. The potatos were perfectly fluffy and so creamy. I hadn't had mashed potatos in a long time.
We also had desert - the most amazing peanut butter pie EVER! Seriously! If you know me, you already know that this is my weakness, but this was seriously the best one EVER!  In the top of the picture you can see my second drink - yes, I said second.  My first drink was Berries & Bubbles which was Belvedere Citrus Vodka, Marinated Blackberries, Housemade Sour, and Domaine Chandon Brut poured over dry ice so it's smokey the whole time.  It was awesome! Also had Cucumber Gimlet which is Bombay Sapphire Gin, Muddled Fresh Cucumber and Hand-Squeezed Lime.

Good company - GREAT food and drinks!

Can't wait to go back for Happy Hour ;)


Monday, July 8, 2013

Awesome Weekend + Fitness Recap

Hello my loves!! How are y'all? Doing fabulous here. Had my first four days in a row since my break at CrossFit last week, had two nights out this weekend with loves and my first run club back!! I started the weekend with Physical Therapy. Got some schedule planning done while there. Seems like I can't get on top of my summer schedule yet. Between camp, CrossFit, extra training and trying to get running back up and going.

Life is good. I'm lucky. I'm loving this summer job at Barclay Farms Swim Club. The kids are cute. Big change from middle school and Camden haha.
 
Fitness Recap
Monday - CrossFit - Lynn was brutal
Tuesday - CrossFit - power snatch work plus metcon of wallballs burpees and power snatch - my arms were dying from Monday and between that and today I was dead after haha
Wednesday - CrossFit + OLY class - hexbar deadlift - PR at 200#s!!! I was SO excited!! Now for a reg deadlift! Then skipped the metcon and went to OLY and did power snatch and power clean + push press.

Thursday - Fourth of July - CrossFit - Hero WOD - we did Lumberjack 20 in honor of the Fort Hood guys 

Me & Caden after Hope WOD
That WOD kicked my butt. It was my first four in a row since the break and it was brutal. After this WOD I laid on my living room floor and slept for 3 hours haha.


Friday - Rest Day

Saturday - CrossFit - went to 856 with AC and did CrossFit for Hope WOD! It was a good time.
Sunday - My first Run Club back! Was brutal and hard but ankle/hip felt good! First official training run for #DumboDoubleDare - Can't wait! Goal is just to finish!

It was a great week of WODing. Couple PRs and lots of really pushing through. Plus back to OLY class and run club!!

Went out Thursday (after I woke up from y Lumberjack 20 nap haha) to Ry & AC's to grill and hang. I love them. Plus Rachel and Chris were there. After us girls went to Dan & Andrew's and hung out for a little bit!! 
Friday I went out with JJ and her friends to North Shore Beach Club in Phily
Saturday - went to Sandy's house for some relax time then some of the box crew went to Philly for a birthday surprise for my box buddy Erik - his GF put everything together. UFC + Dave&Busters = awesome evening!

What a rare weekend for me -- all that going out! Much needed. Had a blast! I also think I found a place to live! Hopefully will find out more today!! I feel like a lot is going on and at the same time nothing haha.

How was your weekend? Anything fun?
~xoxo
Melissa 

Monday, June 3, 2013

I'm Back - LONG Week Off

Hello loves...I've been MIA since I went to California. I am trying to process life as well as I can.  Right now I'm stressed beyond belief.  Trying to find what makes me happy as well as trying to find a job and figure out what to do with the whole DA thing.  Funny how life works....when it rains it pours. I'm trying to focus on what I want for my life and I know it might make some people mad, but I have to do what I have to do.  Mama Dukes did a good job with me - I'm a smart girl with a good head on my shoulders.  I have faith it will all work out - in HIS plan! :) So I won't blog a TON but I'll share pictures with you....
Pinkberry at the Philly Airport en route to DA - I made a 90 year old friend - she forgot her money so I treated her to some Pinkberry -- she was super cute and I hope if my Oma is ever in an airport and needs something that there is someone to hook her up too :)

DA & I at Sunset Terrace - one of his favorite places in Thousand Oak
Wine, comfy clothes, couch, basketball playoffs & DA - perfect Saturday night
Sunday play date at Santa Monica Pier
Then we just sat and talked and got to stare at this :)
Tabata handstand holds during after school program with a student
Justin & Alycia talking to over 100 people from my box....
25 day challenge - Paleo eating, lots of sleep, WODs + rest days, mobility work - just getting healthier
Last Friday morning of PT - hopefully two more weeks -- still need a lot of ankle mobility
Track meet with my students in BLISTERING heat last Friday
Happy Hour with the work crew Friday afternoon
Xfinity Live with the original Jersey crew
Trying to bike or row 30 mins a day this month - so got on the trainer Saturday night and watched "Trouble with the Curve"

Sunday morning was started outside with sunshine & 2500m fun -- 500m sprints with a min recovery
Sunday afternoon I took the girls to the beach to play with Bobby -- then had a BBQ at the box to kick off our challenge!!
Now I am waiting to talk to DA today -- hopefully figure some stuff out.  Put out a bunch of applications so far, so fingers crossed for that! I'll be back to normal blogging this week AND I am officially changing the name to Lifting Love -- working on finding someone to help design it -- if you know anyone, let me know :)

~xoxo
M

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Day 6 - Community Love

Today has shown me how much I love my running and CrossFit communities. As we all know now - Hurricane Sandy has slammed the coast of New Jersey and New York.  There are a lot of ways for both the running and CrossFit community to help -- here are two I am doing...

First --> One of my favorite bloggers over at www.justkeepsweating.com is putting together a virtual race.  Her name is Carlyn and she is one of those who Sandy rocked her normal world.  Here is the information -- if you live by me, I am putting together a night for all of us to do the run together - next Thursday, Novemeber 15th - a 5K run or 1 mile walk from my Fleet Feet here in NJ.  You can get more information here but here is the main part --

1 .SIGN UP: Racing for Relief
2. Donate (Please note there is a $10 minimum) this counts as your entry fee
3. Download and print your Racing for Relief bib to wear while you run - if you come next Thursday the 15th I'll have one for you!
4. Spread the word and get everyone you know involved.The more runners we have, the more money we raise.
5.RUN RUN RUN!
Anytime before December 1st.
6. Post your times here
[Please do this before December 1st]
You can run on a treadmill or outside.
With a group or by yourself.
Not a runner?
Walk!
It wouldn't be a race without a shirt right?
Long and short sleeved shirts for men and women that will be available until November 30th.
You can purchase them here
All monatary proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.
 
 
Here is the info --  Its a friendly fundraiser competition hosted by CrossFit Aspire and Cherry Hill Gymnastics to help raise money for Sandy relief efforts.  The event will begin with multiple heats of a fun, all-levels workout. All area CrossFit athletes and gymnasts are invited to participate. The event will continue onto a 'Best of the Best' workout in which the top CrossFit athletes and gymnasts will go head to head for title of Best Local Athlete.
 
Registration -

IF YOU REGISTER BEFORE November 16th: Click on the free ticket and go HERE to donate $20 and get a FREE cool T shirt. Be sure to write "Pick up at CF Aspire" in the comment section when you order.
 
IF YOU REGISTER AFTER November 16th, or if you don't want the T shirt, you can make your donation above.

Spectators (family, friends, athletes) are welcome. No ticket purchase is necessary to spectate, but donations at the door are highly suggested. All donations will go to the Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts.

 
Let me know if you have any questions or know of any other awesome events!!
 
Hope to see you at one or both :)
 
~xoxo
M

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Month of Thanks - Day 4 - Running& Finding My Groove :)

So, this weekend seemed CRAZY busy to me. I didn't head into it thinking it would be busy at all!  Friday was pretty simple - School & Fleet Feet Sports.  After FF, I headed over to one of the girls from the boxes house for a Girls Night. It was really awesome to hang out with the girls - I got to know them better and we really had a good time.  Lots of wine consumed and tried by all.  Also tried Ali's pomegranate raspberry beer - pretty good stuff! And someone else brought this chocolate shot called "Chocolate Therapy" - that could be dangerous!

Saturday started with our last "In the Dark" Wod as power is officially back at Aspire!! YAY!!! After coming home and getting ready, I headed into Fleet Feet till 2. I can honestly say I LOVE the chance to talk to runners - doesn't matter if they are new, old, 5min milers or run/walkers - I LOVE our community and how much we all just do it for the LOVE of running!

After FF, my mother had driven up and we headed out to the Philadelphia Expo Center (which wasn't in Philly ha) for a craft fair. It was a pretty cool fair - in the picture to the right are my collections (minus some chocolate/mint covered pretzels that I already ate them all haha). The pictures on the left side are taken by a photographer named John Chumack - check out his stuff here! I feel in love with the heart - hello Love is my last name - it is the Heart Nebula Complex! He does all his own work.  He gave me the second piece for my classroom FOR FREE! How awesome is he?!?! It is slightly bent and he said he couldn't sell it, so he let me have it. One the right are some hand scrubs from Pretty Baby Naturals. CrossFit does some beautiful work to my hands - hopefully this helps :)

Once I got home, I let the girls be out for a few and then I headed over to Wifey's family Beef & Beer in honor of her brother who passed away.  They have it every year and the proceeds go to local children for educational scholarships and other awesome charitable events!  In the pic is Wifey, Kels, Dollface & me - we had a good time and it was good to see the girls.  My three blonds and me- after we took it Dollface says "it looks like we photo shopped you in Melis" haha! I didn't stay super long, but I definitely wanted to support my Parisi family!


This morning I woke up and FROZE myself by running the Bridge Run.  I'm not going to lie, I was very excited to do this.  I thought it would be cool to be able to run over and back on the Ben Franklin Bridge, and it was! The view at the top was BEAUTIFUL!!! I wanted to set a PR and I did.  I got 1:15.  My fastest ever (and actually training) was a 1:19 - I was in good running shape then so can't wait to see what happens not that I am cleared to train at 100% again!! To the left is the crew - they have become my NJ running crew, and I love them!! We have a good time!



To the right is my girlfriend Heather.  Her and her fiance were suppose to run - Mike did, but Heather is sick so just came to support.  THANKFULLY she did, because I forgot my shoes - who goes to a 10K and forgets their runners you may ask?!?! THIS GIRL!! I tried not to freak out - but thankfully Heather had on her adrenalines from Brooks so even though they were a size big, they were better then my Kinvara (my speed shoe NOT my distance shoe). Under is a view on the top - way better in person :)



After the run, I stopped by Aspire - I was originally planning on working on some cleans, but my legs were more tired then I thought (I also didn't think I'd make my time) so I worked on some pull ups! Jill was there so we planned to grocery shop after I changed and such - which actually turned into a trip to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Bath & Body Works (check out my awesome new candle below - smells AMAZABALLS) and Vicki's! Jill's hubby is going to love me :) I also had some coffee - still learning - tried heavy cream (Paleo friendly as it gets), stevia and cinnamon via a twitter friend's suggestion -- it was delicious and helped me warm up!!





All of that to bring me to this - day 4 - I am thankful for running and the community I have found in it! Between my Fleet Feet Knoxville and Fleet Feet Marlton crews to the twitter #runchat convos to random twitter friends who also run! I LOVE my running community and how awesome and supportive we are!! I am thankful I have found running, and am slowly getting my running grove back :)

How was your weekend?
How did you #SweatPink this weekend?


~xoxo
M

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Month of Thanks - Day 1 :)



Today starts November - I have lots of fun information to share.  This time of the year is my favorite - I LOVE fall and I like that I get Halloween, now Princess's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.  All those holidays equal lots of time I get to go home to Tennessee and spend time with my amazing friends and family!! I'm also looking forward to an upcoming day in NYC with my mom (suppose to be my SIL too, but she got a NEW job (YAY!!) and can't come now). I am also trying to plan an Ohio weekend so I can see my loves - I'll keep you posted there.


Looking down on Alcoa as we take off!


Now for the most important part - Month of Thanks - for the first day of this month, I am thankful for the opportunity to live in New Jersey.  To be apart of something amazing! As all of you know by know Hurricane Sandy SLAMMED into our barrier islands - the coast is destroyed and a lot of families have lost absolutely everything.  Sunday - United Airlines was awesome enough to squeeze me onto a flight to Newark since my 8pm flight was cancelled. I can honestly say I have never been as nervous to fly as I was that day.  Heading back to the north east knowing a Hurricane was coming and that the Philadelphia airport was closing meant something BIG was coming. 






The flight was bumpy and many points I looked for a bag as I was scared I was going to get sick.  I forced  myself to try and read but with the turbulence I couldn't without getting sick. I forced myself to try and sleep. It worked for about half of the flight. By the time I woke up we were told that we were over Philadelphia and didn't have much longer till we landed and were waiting for clearance from Newark. I looked out the window and the sky was definitely getting darker.  I just wanted to be down and home.  Thankfully my friend Bobby came to pick me up in Newark. It was windy and rainy, but nothing to bad at that point.On the way home we got the notice that school was going to be closed Monday (kinda of a given but good to know for sure). Now, when we got home, he helped me make a quick food run and had dinner with me before he left.  I checked in with my girlfriend Lisa, who is 8 months preggo and in Norfolk on the base as her hubby is out to sea.  She was safe and secure.  After Bobby left, I tried to get some stuff done around the house but ended up just crashing.


Monday I woke up and turned on the news.  They just kept saying how bad it was going to be.  Dollface texted me and told me that the girls and I were welcome over there if I didn't want to be alone.  After going back and forth I figure it was for the best.  I packed myself up then went to pick the girls up from the boarder. We ran a couple errands and ended up at Dollface & cuzzo's house around 1.
Cuzzo was home from work not to long after that.  We stayed glued to the TV and news almost the whole day.  Thankfully, we never lost power at their house.  Scarlet wasn't a fan of all the wind and noise outside.  Kyle went out at one point and she stayed glued to the window till he came back!

 I am thankful for our power and safety.  I am thankful that most everyone I know is safe - some still without power or heat, but they are ok.  I am thankful that my friends like T with shore houses are ok and their houses are replaceable but they are not. I am thankful to see a lot of people I have meet from here head out to help others and to start the rebuild process.  New Jersey and New York both have a HUGE rebuild ahead, but I can tell you now that these people are ready to start it and get through it.  I look forward to being a part and helping out with community clean ups. 
 
I am extra thankful for my CrossFit Aspire family - and being able to go Tuesday and get my head off of everything, get out of the house and #GetAfterIt! Here is the crew who WOD'ed in the dark on Tuesday as our box didn't (and still doesn't) have power.


What are you thankful for today?


~xoxo
M