DIY - I need to make some shirts

Hello Loves! Happy Happy Friday and also happy day I get to go see my DA in just a few short hours! How amazing is that! Today makes Day 5 of the Mini Blog Challegne by Joi. I missed the first day but you can see Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4. I been having fun doing this.  Lots of fun people to find and more stuff to learn about. Today is suppose to be a DIY project.  Is it bad that I say I've never really done a major one.  I have a TON that I WANT to do...but haven't been able to. 

So instead - I'm redirecting you to Lindsay, my bloggy friend's blog and her instructions for making an old shirt into a workout tank! I have a bunch of old shirts I need to get to work on. PS for a bonus - if you want to try something fun this week -- check out her Foodie Penpals - I'm going to do it.  Maybe you can even be my partner!

As I am sitting here with my heat on my ankle - yay physical therapy.  My doctor said NOTHING but school for a week so we are just doing heat, stretching stuff and then he's going to work on it some. I just want to be back to 100%.  I'm not even sure where I am right now -- 80% maybe?!? In the past few days, my ankle has ached more then it has pretty much ever.  I think it's because of the rain.  You know people who say they can tell it's going to rain because of an old injury/break.  I'm scared I'm going to be that person.

Since I couldn't WOD yesterday or Wednesday, I made some good dinners.  Chicken with Italian seasoning, green beans and half a cup of brown rice. YUM. I love eating cleaning. Always makes me feel better; however, I am SO nervous for tonight that I really wanted ice cream/froyo/anything sweet yesterday. I can't believe the day is here. I'll fill you in 100% on the whole DA thing after the weekend.  First, I need to see him and figure us out.
Ok so now for some major bad news.  I have lost my position for next year.  My district is going through some major stuff so about 300 teachers got a RIF notice, me being one.  I've not said much on here yet, because I'm trying to figure it out.  My principal says he thinks he can get me back come August, but I don't know.  Right now I'm covering my bases and looking at jobs back home in Tennessee, Ohio and California.  All I ask if prayers, good vibes and happy thoughts.  It will all work out right :)
Final thought - like yesterday, make sure you're following me on Bloglovin, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!! Always love having new people to share things with! Tweet me and let me know. I love finding new people to interact 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 so let me know!
Have you done a DIY project?
~xx
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

Be In Love With Your Life

Source: Wodify

Hello Loves! Hope your week is off to a great start! LOTS on my mind lately! Things are going great! I'm getting back into more at CrossFit, I'm less then two weeks from California and seeing DA, I have Boston this weekend AND I'm getting back on track with the balance of life. Lets recap this weekend a little since I didn't do a Sunday Fitness Recap post. Friday we did push press.  I PR'ed at 105#.  It was hard.  I did two sets of 3.  I got one on video, which of course has me cheating the first rep (I push jerked it) but having a beautiful third rep! It felt good, heavy but good.  So I am excited about that. I just got that.  I'm excited that even though I was out for a couple weeks, things are coming back. So, it's not letting me share the video, but here is the link...
http://www.youtube.com/embed/N1cgjNzLbJM

So that WOD wore me out Friday - I was happy that I ran. It was hard and I could tell I did not have the movement in my right ankle all the way back, but it was a start. And we have to start somewhere.  :) Friday night we had our monthly box crew dinner.  We went to El Camino Real in Philly. I was a good girl.  I didn't eat and only had one drink. (we will discuss why in a little bit! It was a fun time.  I started having some pain in my right side/ovary so thankfully someone had some Naproxen.  Took some and was feeling a little better - enough I could walk normal.  I swear one day my endometriosis is going to be gone, hopefully. I'm more excited it did not escalate and turn into another hospital visit like last time.  Yes, it happens more then I'd like to admit actually. When I got home, I just crashed...hard.  I slept in till about 11:30.  It felt great. I missed the chance to WOD, but after looking at the WOD for that day there is no way I could have done it.  Squat movements and my hip is still not working right so would have been a no go for me. However, I did play on the trainer for a little bit. Which was nice.  First time in a WHILE and my ankle worked wonderfully. I also did some tabata work - situps, pushups, and handstand holds. Felt good.

 

Sunday was some food prep and relax day. It was also the first day in a LONG time I was super homesick. No Mama Dukes to hangout or take to brunch. No SIL to hang with.  It was Mother's Day and I missed my Mama Dukes. Also, I never sent my gift for her or SIL (or SIL's birthday present...I am the WORST I know).  It's on my To Do list.  Along with a million other things. I did however make myself breakfast - eggs and bacon (on the foreman and it was AMAZING), chicken salad for the week and pulled our steak for me and Allie for dinner.  I did lay down for a little bit on the couch to watch Grimm and catch up on my show. Look at how Scarlet curls up behind me.  She is SO stinking cute! I did take them to the farm to get some veggies for dinner and the week.  When I got home I made some Paleo ranch - HOLY AMAZING. Sad I waited so long to try it. Allie came over Sunday evening.  I made us steak and veggies - amazing. I love cooking.  We were still hungry (or maybe I was haha) so I also made some Paleo chocolate chip cookies -- and yes, cavemen would have eaten them back then had they known about them. I used coconut flour.  I like the ones with almond flour better.  Maybe I just need to play with the recipe.  I'm not sure. It was a great end of the weekend.  Little Game of Thrones action and bed! 

 

Monday started with some PT.  I'm getting stronger and better at a lot of things.  Still have a good chunk of movement to get back. 

 

Once I got to school I got to leave - we had a softball tournament. I wish we had a normal season - I think the girls would really like it.  Instead, we practiced for 2 almost 3 weeks and then played 3 games yesterday.  We lost 2 and won 1. I love this group of kiddos - they are awesome!

Source: Wodify

After school I went home and got ready to WOD - it was Split Jerks and it was going to be my first time back since I broke my ankle to trying Split Jerks. I did it.  All 4 runs which means I RAN A MILE!! WOOT WOOT! I also did lunges. No DB or bar, just body weight, but I did them.  It's progress. I did the Split Jerks at 95# and the conditioning at 75#. Feeling good this morning.

 

Now lets also discuss my last post...I do NOT want to lose weight like a normal girl. PLEASE don't get it twisted.  Maybe I didn't express myself right. I USE to have a goal weight.  I USE to want to weigh 150-155 and was focused on that. Now what I want is to lose FAT.  I want to gain muscle and cut the fat.  That is where I struggle.  I can't figure out how to do that. I'm working on it, but I haven't figured it out yet. I am toying with the idea of getting a second gym membership. For a spin class, yoga class and a pool. I need that stuff. I need to get more focused and work on stuff.

10 Days! 10 days till I get to go see my babe! I am SO excited!

I can't wait to see him and be face to face.  It's been so long.  I know my family isn't 100% ok with it, but he knows that. And he knows he has a LOT to prove to a LOT of people. Right now, I know that I miss him and I love him.  That is what I am worried about.  Us and figuring out what we want to do.

What do you think about a second gym?
What do you think I should do to cut fat?

~xoxo
M

Guess What I Did?!?

Hello Loves!  Hope you're having a good Friday! It's the end of the week. We made it. Another week closer to the end of the school year.  The kids are off the hook right now.  OFF THE HOOK.  They are done testing, but other grades are still testing so we are on lock down.  This means I have the SAME kids ALLLLLLLLLL day. I love my kiddos, I do.  But a FULL day of them is killing me. One more week.  Then back on schedule.  I just try and remember that even on my bad days, I really do LOVE my job and these crazy kids.

So guess what I did yesterday? No, I didn't get any answers yet on everything going on in my life. No, nothing major with DA.  I RAN! Yes, you read that right. I ran!

From Wodify

Seven weeks after breaking my ankle I ran.  I am coming back! Now, it was ONLY 200 meters, but still it was a run.  It felt like a marathon haha. The PT said it was ok.  I've gotten a lot of movement back in my ankle.  I still have a lot to do and get better at, but I'm coming along. I also got bumped up to the green about 2-3 weeks ago and I'm slowly moving up to the blue band too!! I ran as part of my warm-up for the WOD.  I also did the whole WOD - all 3 rounds, all 3 rows and instead of box jumps (which may be out indefinitely) I did step ups. 
That WOD kicked my ASS. Pardon the language but I was dying.  I am way out of cardio shape haha. This is SO true - lifting is my favorite! I always amaze myself with my lifts. Like last night - the hexbar for 3 - I did 185#.  I could have gone heavier but we ran out of time.  I was excited! Wish I had some video. It felt great to be that exhausted.  I needed that for my heart. It felt fabulous! After our WOD (since I'm not cleared for OLY class yet, hopefully next week because I really miss it. Oh and my OLY coach got Bronze at the Junior Worlds in C&J.  He's a beast!) Jilly and I went and got some food and caught up.  I needed that. I've really, really missed her.

DA is good. He's had a crazy week and we have not gotten to talk much.  Last night after that WOD and dinner, I was exhausted and passed out.  I know I talked to him, but I really don't remember much of our conversation ha. Two weeks from today I'll be out there! Can't wait! I need a little mini vacation from my life. Plus, I really can't wait to see his face...it's been so long.

Any fun weekend plans?

~xoxo
M