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Me & Peanut

Hello Loves! Happy Saturday! I'm finally getting into the groove of school, training, studying, and life, so hopefully back to semi-regular scheduled blogging!! The weekend after Labor Day aka the awesome California trip for Dumbo Double Dare (which you can read about a short thoughts here) was BUSY! I had made plans to keep the Peanut all weekend + had a school BBQ and CrossFit BBQ Saturday and run club fun Sunday.  I took the Peanut with me to everything - she's good like that. She spent about 6 hours in the pool on Saturday and two hours on Sunday. I LOVE that little girl - she's such a joy to have around and take care of! The school BBQ was fun - at my work BFF Nicolella's house.  Her dogs are AWESOME - seriously, they dive into the pool and swim to the bottom to get the ball - how cool is that? Peanut and I thought it was super cool - wonder if Scarlet would jump in?!?

Got to the Aspire BBQ late, but my bestie Jilly was there! I got to see her and her hubs, Tommy.  I LOVE love LOVE them! Seriously, would be lost without them. As always, I had a good time with my Aspire crew.  Didn't really talk to a lot of people.  Peanut and I didn't get there till late, so most people were in conversation.  I got to talk with TLyn and Kelly a lot, so that was good! Relaxed by Sandy's fire pit.  I love her backyard/house - so relaxing and makes me feel like I'm home.  It was a LONG day for both Peanut and myself.

Sunday started with Aspire Run Club........

I love my Sunday runs with the crew.  Our turnouts have been growing steadily and I love it.  Jess has even started coming.  She is brand new to running, and we all know how much I love working with new runners.  Ev comes too now! Such a good group.  The boy I have been hanging out with is in the picture too...but no disclosure on that...yet ;) After Run Club I also stayed and did some clean work with Caitlyn.

Got a new Clean and Jerk PR at 130#!



Kelly, Me, Coach Alycia

September 11th brought about the 9/11 Hero WOD - that thing was something different.  I really had to push myself.  I've been having some issues on my right shoulder, so it was a lot on my shoulder, but I did it.  We, as CrossFitters, do this to pay our respect and show we remember and value the lives lost.  There was NO way I was giving up! Took about 42 minutes, but it was done.  I did 95# for the lifts and 24" for the box jumps!





Aspire's Teams & Coaches

Last weekend we had a fundraiser competition - Beat The Streets - for Steve's Club. Aspire had a good turn out, as always!


Me & JC

I LOVE the thought of Steve's Club and really want to get involved - such a good thing and...some of my students are even in it...



Jake & Nilda - teammates

TLyn, Me, Nilda

I had a great time, as always.  I love doing CrossFit stuff, especially with my CrossFit crew.  It was good to see JC - one of my students from last year, and glad he has found Steve's Club.  Was good to hear how hard he has to work to get to the box to train and to keep his grades up.  Will have to check in on him! Had fun with my girls...and cheering on the other teams, from our box and others.

Team Snatchtastic - Jamie & me

I was lucky enough to pair with Jamie.  She's the best.  This lady is seriously AMAZING! When everything went down with my ankle, she was there when it happened and held my hand, she helped me with the girls before I took them to TN, she took me to and from the gym. Not to mention she is a BEAST! She got 1st in her last competition because she completed like 21 deadlifts in a min - I wanna say at like 175 or something too - amazing!

We had fun! At least I did.  I was the second to last heat, so I got to watch everything go down.  Lots of handsome CrossFit guys to check out ;)

As always, this past Sunday started with Aspire Run Club. It's just becoming a normality at this point haha!

 

This week has been good - Back To School Night at school and we got treated to sweet new cups from  our administration! Love them! I am so blessed to have a job I love so much.  I've taken a lot of time off this week, but yesterday I went and played with my snatch to see how my shoulder was feeling.  I do have my FIRST EVER Olympic Lifting Competition coming up...and....

I hit my FIRST EVER TRIPLE DIGIT SNATCH!! 100#!! Can you tell be the end of the video how excited I was?!? Even with my broken ankle this year, I've made most of my goals already - and just keep updating them!! CrossFit has changed my life! Can't wait to get my L1 here soon and start changing other people's lives!

 

Train Smart - Lift Heavy - Eat Clean :)

 

~xx

M

Finally...Dumbo Double Dare Racecation...Part 1

Hello Loves! Long time, no post.  Sorry for the delay.  Summer went SO fast and I felt like I never posted (too much actually living life and going non-stop) and now school is back in session.  I am LOVING being back at school.  I know I love what I do, but it's great when the very first day you are reminded of it :)

Let's talk California and my favorite stuff - running, WODing and DISNEY!!!

I started my trip on Thursday the 29th.  I flew from Philly to San Diego and Mama Dukes flew in from Nashville. When we got in we headed down to Chula Vista and picked up my God Mom. We grabbed lunch and caught up.  I then headed to CrossFit Invictus. Holy amazing WOD. We started with a fun game of musical medballs - like musical chairs - it was really fun.  I got to hop into their OLY section of the class - some drop snatches which I had not done before.  Got some great tips  and loved every minute.  Then we had a partner WOD - my partner was fabulous - 7 rounds - 7 push press and 7 T2B.  Remember I just really got my T2B so was scared I wouldn't be able to get them.  I got most of them and were close on the others. Then we had to go around the block holding a 25# plate above our head. BRUTAL. Totally needed it! Got Nick, Nilda and I a shirt.

Mama and I stayed at the Marriott Marquis in downtown San Diego. It was an amazing hotel with fabulous view. I definitely grab a quick shot from our room.  I LOVE San Diego - I forget how beautiful it is there.  I definitely want to go back for a vacay to San Diego and crash here again.  The pool look fabulous - and there was a CrossFit L1 seminar that started the day I left....fail for missing that! Anyways, I grabbed a quick shower....and my God Sisters Jennifer and Anna came to get me....
We started at The Blind Burro.  We got a craft of Sangria and I filled them in on life.  I haven't seen them since Anna and Nick got married. It was great to catch up and just be around people who aren't necessarily family, but might as well be family. Jenn use to babysit me when we lived out there and I was little.  Mom always says I reminded her of Jenn. After hanging with her, we totally are so much alike...I love it! We had some good food - seriously, it was really good!!

After Blind Burro Anna took us to Altitude. It had amazing views of the city and of Petco Park. We just chatted and hung out.  I had an amazing time and it was JUST what I needed. Part two is coming up tomorrow...lots of running and adventures with Mama and God-mom :)

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

Fitness Recap + SweatyBands winner :)

Hey Loves! Happy Sunday! Can't believe it's already Sunday. Also, can't believe the school year is almost over.  I know I've said it a million times, but I am truly beyond blessed to love what I do so much! Gonna miss my kiddos this summer. Hopefully I'll see some of them - at least my basketball girls and get them doing some stuff through the summer. Some of my munchkins from OMS years and my first year in Camden I know I'll see this summer. Good teachers don't really get summers off - between summer school, planning for next year or getting yourself better - no break.  Tomorrow is our last day to report and I start at the summer camp Tuesday. I'm looking forward to the camp.  I also will be working with my Math Coach, Ms. Mollet, and Brit to get ready for next year.  We want to hit the ground running!

Last week WOD wise was great! Finally getting back to the way I want to. At least for the most part.

Fitness Recap -
Monday: CrossFit - Death by Power Clean - had some issues with ankle

Tuesday: CrossFit - Hang Snatch PR at 75#x2 - got 85#x1 but couldn't get under the bar -- the video is 65,75,85 failed twice. We also did a metcon with DB snatches and pull-ups - felt good!
Wednesday: CrossFit - Thruster x3 @100 - felt good -- metcon was 5 rounds - 6 Thrusters + 12 bar hop burpees (I just step over since now hoping with ankle yet)
Thursday: No run with my running buddy - ankle was struggling - came home ice/heat for 20 then went to CrossFit - Deadlift x3 185 - I got 195x2 - SUPER pumped almost to 200! Metcon was Christine.
Friday: OFF
Saturday: CrossFit - Back Squat - getting it back slowly 125#x5.  Felt decent.  I did Friday's metcon - 21-15-9 Push press at 75# and pull-ups.  KICKED MY BUTT!
Sunday: I'm heading to open gym for skill work!

All in all, I am super happy with this week. Still having a lot of issues with my ankle and pain...trying to be smart about it. It's really just the tendons and not the actual bone so that is def a plus! Gets frustrating though.  Hip is still having a lot of issues too - can't really even lay on that side, so I think I will be going to a hip doctor this week or next.

Last night had a date! Can you tell in the pic how excited I was?!? haha It seemed to go well.  We may go to a movie or bowling today.  Not sure, but he was nice, so we shall see what happens.  I had two last weekend - not nuts on either.  Thought one was going to be cool, but turned out not so much haha. Trying to date other people is hard.  DA is still a huge chunk of me, but at this point we aren't what's best for each other. BLAH. I just want to have a fun summer and enjoy getting better at CrossFit haha :)



HUGE congrats to Layne for winning the SweatyBands.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/55b9840/"

~xoxo
M

Last Week Via Pictures (Sorry I've been MIA)

Hello Loves! Hope you're doing well -- I've been major MIA I know. The end of the year can do that to a person. Add that to waiting to see if I got my job back + figuring out if I'm moving (either home to Tennessee or just to a new apartment)+ getting stuff done for the summer job = an insane schedule. Some pictures to update you on last week..

Peanut & I - celebrating her Preschool graduation!

Me, one of the 8th graders and Brit at the 8th grade prom last week!

Me & my Boo, Jenn!

Alycia (coach), me and Jenn - box BBQ last Friday, I only caught the tail end

Some of the Jersey originals - PJs for Dan's birthday!

Jenn came with me to PJs too & Rob came up.

I went to my first Power Yoga class with Sandy at Anjali Power Yoga. It was awesome! My ankle and hip did great and I needed it!

I trained my first person - this is going to be fun. Helping my GF get ready for the wedding! :)

Yesterday was our Students vs. Staff basketball game. Both staff teams won!

Now for the awesome news -- yesterday, I was hand delivered a letter and I GOT MY JOB BACK!!!! Now to find a nicer place to live and get ready for a fabulous summer and upcoming year!! I am so lucky to have such an awesome little community of folks I'm building up here. I'm blessed to love my job, my friends and my family!!

How has your week been?

PS I'll do my SweatyBand giveaway winner TOMORROW :)

~xoxo M

Awesome Weekend & Fitness Recap

Hello Loves! Happy Sunday Evening (or Monday if you're reading it then). Game of Thrones is about to start -- the LAST one for the season....after last week I'm not sure what else could happen. I never read the books so I honestly don't know what happens, but I do know I want to read the books now. My friend Rach is going to lend me her copies so I can read.

 

 

 How was your week? Mine was decent. I have SO much going on between losing my job (and hopefully getting it back - fingers crossed), ankle issues, DA and I deciding we are done and trying to figure out my life (moving if I lose my job or moving to a new apartment if I stay).



I made some amazing food this week. Garlic & herb drumsticks, shredded sweet potatos, homemade salsa, grilled chicken salad, grassfed beef w/peppers and onions. Shredded sweet potatos - my new obsessions! Cooked in butter and make them crunchy. I love them. I'm doing very well on the food challenge and I love it. Seeing results already! I forget how awesome it feels to eat so clean all the time. Going to try and keep it up after the challenge is over this time. We shall see how it goes.

I've started back at CrossFit this week. Not till Wednesday. Ended up taking more then the said week off. I think I really needed it. At PT this week I had a new doc (as mine had twins and was out). She was asking me how long it had been since I broke my ankle. I told her it had been about 12-13 weeks. My PTa corrected me - it has only been 7 weeks! This Wednesday it will be 8 weeks. Isn't that crazy?!? Not even two full months yet!! CRAZY! Makes me happy at the progress I have made and that I am doing well at my recovery.

So back to starting back at CrossFit...

Fitness Recap

Monday - Off

Tuesday - Off

Wednesday - Ran 1 mile & CrossFit - Strength: PushPress - Metcon: 3 Rounds 400m row, 21 KB swings, 12 PushPresses

Thursday - CrossFit - worked on Power Snatch and Squats and rowed

Friday - CrossFit - Strength: Hexbar Deadlifts x3 - got 195# - Metcon: 21-15-9 Deadlifts 100#, Pull-ups

 

 

Saturday - CrossFit - Strength: Split Jerk EMOTM for 7 - 2 SJ - 105# - Metcon: 3 Rds - 7 SJ, 14 step ups, 400m row

 

 

 

Sunday - CrossFit - 200,400,600,400,200 run & row ladder - then back squat for sets of 8 - 45,65,75,85,95, 100 - felt good to squat!!!!

 Saturday after the WOD I went dress shopping with the GF for her wedding dress - Dan, Amanda (GF's sister) and I.  Then we went to Zinburger for lunch.  As the girls and I were finishing up, Nick came.  I sat with him and chatted while he ate, then we ran some errands.. Love that guy! I also made him go to Open Gym and Run Club with me today :)

I got some SweatyBands this week! AND they hooked me up with one to give away -- keep your eyes open! It's coming this week.

~xoxo
M

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