Trying Not To Stress

Hello loves! I feel like it's been FOREVER since I've been on here.  I haven't caught up on all my blog roll, I haven't caught up on any social media.  I am feeling SUPER overwhelmed.  Every 4-5 months this happens.  If you know me (or have figured out by reading this bad boy) you know how CRAZY busy I am.  I take on a lot of things at once.  Between teaching, coaching (basketball and softball), girl scouts, after school tutor program, Saturday school for 8 Saturdays, training for my half, CrossFit (including TM training and OLY and gymnastics) and just life -- sometimes I get too busy.  The past 3 weekends have been LOADED with stuff -- and this one is full too. 

Mom's coming up, Alycia (my coach from CF Aspire) birthday party is Saturday evening and Peanut's birthday party is Sunday (at least it's bowling!!). I am currently in a living situation I HATE -- the guys below me are smokers and since it's cold they smoke in their apartment which in turn makes mine smell.  They don't do it all the time, but I don't care if it's once or twice -- they aren't suppose to, it's gross and I don't want to living in an apartment that smells like smoke! Not to mention, my apartment looks like a bomb went off --- I'm in need of a desperate clean...even the carpets, all my laundry needs to be folded and put up, kitchen needs a clean out and so does my closet! AHHHHHHH! I expressed my stress through twitter and these two made some good points -- I have to focus on what I can do NOW -- and do as much as I can, but life will go one if it is not all done by tomorrow! Divya From Eat Teach Blog and John from Fit Knight -- THANK YOU for the reality check -- deep breaths and life will go on :)

I got to WOD on Monday -- is it sad that I have already forgotten what we did?!? So, I checked Wodify -- I made myself forget.  We did EMOTM for 8 -- 3 power snatches and I did them at 75#. I went heavy per Alycia's advice.  I had to reset in between them, but I got all 8 rounds at 75#.  I was about to drop before she told me to try it first. We then had 5 Rounds of 7 power snatches & 10 over the bar burpees. 

It was hard, a lot harder then I thought it was going to be too.  Before our strength we did 3 rounds max pull-ups (banded), pistols L (band), HSPU (FIRST TIME WITH PLATES!!!!!), and pistols R (band).  My pistols are getting better which is nice. I was SUPER stoked about my HSPU too!! First time I tried doing them -- had a 45# &25# under me, but it's a start right?!? After that - my Allie and I did a core WOD (which I actually now feel more in my back/sides then core which I'm still trying to figure out) -- and we ALL know how much I need core work. EMOTM for 20 - 10 windmills (switching sides) and 4 Russian twists.  We use the 25# KB.  It was hard.  After that I had gymnastics and we just did skill work -- tabata bar holds, handstand work, box jumps and headstand work. Least to say I was sore after.  By the time I got home my neck was sore on the right side.  Within an hour it really really hurt -- I took some aleve got ice and went to bed. It was still super sore Tuesday when I got to school so I took 3 aleve and it worked.  No issues thankfully since then :)

I did not get my #5bythe5th in this month -- I don't think I even realized that I didn't schedule time for it.  Just like I forgot to sign up for Foodie Penpals this month. BLAH -- seriously, lacking time.  I have stayed up on my #NoGirlyPushUps and #AbsbyApril fun -- so that's a bonus! haha :) My push ups are really improving and I love it! They are getting easier and easier! Today is the start of the OPEN!! I don't think I've ever been SO excited for something - especially something I mean absolutely nothing too.

How's your week going?

If you do CrossFit are you signed up for the Open?

~xoxo

M

Every Little Step I Take

I LOVE Tigger :)

Good evening loves!! Hope everyone had a fabulous Tuesday!! Today was a great day! We had our Black History Month - Music deal at school.  I often forget what a talented bunch of kiddos we have.  They really did a great job! One of my kiddos from last year loves to dance - and he's really good. I love seeing him put his heart into everything.  Now if I could figure out how to get him more involved or into a dance program. Starting tomorrow, I am changing the way my classroom works -- these kids are not improving and are missing a lot of basic skills this year so I HAVE to do more. The state test is coming quickly and I want them to be as prepared as I can make them.  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results -- well what I've been doing isn't working, so time to change it up in my classroom and my after school program!

Here is a couple seconds from a few of today's acts --

Today also was day two on Progenex -- I had another More Muscle for breakfast -- today was WAY better.  I'm thinking I forgot my second scoop yesterday....because today it was REALLY good! Also, today was my first day taking the recovery (I forgot to yesterday) -- holy awesome creamy taste -- I had 2scoops recovery+2 scoops more muscle post WOD.  I could totally get use to that. I didn't take the Omega+ again today -- I think maybe I should put the bottle in my lunch bag and take it then.  It's the only time I eat a BIG meal at once ya know?

Today's WOD was awesome -- we did 1 RPM for snatch -- I got 80# -- I am super happy with that -- I almost got 85# but couldn't get under it at first -- Justin came over and talked to me about dropping faster -- by then my arms were shot -- I got under it, but couldn't stand up.  It's coming!! Alli rocked and got a 100# snatch today!! Was SUPER stoked for her!! Here's my second or third attempt at fail -- you can see I get the bar high enough, but wasn't dropping.  Once Justin helped me get that - I could get under it, but my arms were DEAD!

Between yesterdays PR & today's PR my body is feeling it -- I need to spend some extra time tomorrow rolling out and doing mobility work -- still need to figure out the mobility WOD website...I need mobility help haha!

After class -- a couple of us headed over to one of the guy's from the boxes house -- Chris -- he had knee surgery yesterday so we got some grub from Elevation Burger (mostly Paleo - had cheese) and ended up eating and just chatting for a bit with him.  It was a good time -- I really am lucky to have my CF Aspire crew! I love my box and my friends and coaches!

Paleo challenge day #9 done -- a little of a cheat day, but nothing major.  I feel like I am doing a LOT better with my food lately so I'm loving it.  I need to stay on a permanent challenge haha :)

Ok -- short little update on an awesome day! Hope yours was great too!! Time for #AbsbyApril & #NoGirlyPushUps before bed :)

Tomorrow is a speed training day for Tough Mudder & Nike Women's Half training :)

~xx
M

Progenex, Pushups and Progress :)

Hello loves! Hope you're having a fabulous Monday (or Tuesday when some of you read this)! I'm off to a little bit of a rough day/night since something is wrong with Scarlet, but hopefully she is on the mend.  It was a FAST day for me -- and a really good monday. Anyways -- how was everyone's weekend? Anything good happen today/this weekend?


Audrey & the girls :)

My weekend was FABULOUS! After school on Friday, I went and got my adjustment and then made a post office run before scooping up my girls and heading down to MD to visit my Boo and her family.  Audrey is my absolutely best friend.  We have been through thick and thin and no matter what, we always come out on top.  We are VERY different people, in very different stages of our lives, but somehow whenever we are together -- it's just perfect! Her hubs - Danni - totally lets us do our girly convos and watch shows/movies -- most the time he joins in on the shows/movies but if we get to talking, he takes off haha. I didn't get in till 8ish Friday night -- honestly I don't really remember what all we did -- watched tv I think -- pretty sure that was the night we watched Danni's shows - Person of Interest and Ghost Adventures (side note -- I like this show...not that I really watch much tv but when I am there we always watch one). 

Ellie & me - Post WOD

Saturday morning I decided to head over to CrossFit Montgomery County -- I had a good time.  Very quite class until I started talking to people and making them talk back haha! We started with a strength lift complex - EMOTM for 15 -- 1 clean deadlift, 1 clean shrug, 1 squat clean, 1 jerk -- 5@85 , 5@90  and 5 @95# .  Then we had 4 rounds - 100m spring, 14 11ft Wallballs (10#) 7 over the WB burpees and a suicde sprint. I don't remember my time.  It was tough - and I felt it in my achilles after, but it was fun!

The rest of the day we really didn't do anything -- lounged around -- Danni and I ate lunch and he taught me about Walking Dead as we watched.  I really could like that show. Boo also hooked me on Scandal. Yep,  I watched it till 1 am haha. LD couldn't even stay up - feel asleep sitting up -- silly dog :)

Last Week Fitness Recap --

Monday - WOD & gymnastics
Tuesday - Run
Wednesday - WOD
Thursday WOD & OLY
Friday - rest
Saturday - WOD
Sunday - Run Club

Good solid week of stuff.  This week I started (this morning) taking Progenex. I already missed taking the pills at a meal so waiting to do those tomorrow.  Doing the More Muscle (which I really am going to have to adjust to the taste), Recovery and OMEGA+.  I'm going to take the Recovery + More Muscle post WOD (duh) and Omega's during the day.  I'm going to try and do a MM shake in the mornings, but today was rough for taste so we shall see. I need more Blender bottles.

This also happened today!! Woot Woot! Passed the Online Judge Course for CrossFit :) I really want to volunteer at regionals. Booked our room already! I can't WAIT!!

My #NoGirlyPushUps challenge is going good -- started week 3! I am loving following all these girls and watching them beat the numbers -- I can't imagine doing 60, 70+ in a day. haha We did 75 in the metcon tonight - by sets of 15 and by the 3rd round I was dead.  Then I remembered, that's why we work on our weakness right? To get better! #AbsbyApril is going well too! Have to stay on it!

AND today -- I got a 175# 3x3 deadlift!! Thanks to Alycia & Alli -- I can finally lift and not have to walk around the bar or physc myself out.  It is such an AMAZING feeling!! Not to get my core stronger so I can lift more :)

Are you doing #NoGirlyPushUps or #AbsbyApril? How's it going?
How was your weekend/Monday?

~xoxo
M

PS seeing all these RunDisney posts & pictures -- I wish I could run ALL Disney races! Can't wait for DumboDoubleDare :) Do you know of any fun races coming up?

Fun Weekend & Fitness Update!

Hello Loves! Hope ya'lls weekend was ok! Mine was FABULOUS! Friday night I spent it with my Jerz girls at Wifey's new place. It was so nice to have all of us together.  It doesn't happen often and I really needed it.  Plus Ms. Olivia was there -- she is such a little chunky monkey - love that baby!! (ignore my double chin from looking down haha). By the time I left her house - there was NO snow at her place but the closer I got to my apartment, the more snow was there. We had about 3" so nothing major, but enough to have fun with my baby Scarlet :)

She LOVES snow! So we played for a little bit before bed and then again in the morning before I went to CrossFit.  Saturday was CrossFit + some hip work. Deb gave me a brutal massage again. I LOVE her!  Then Mama Dukes came up and we went to lunch with Hoover.  After that we just ran an errand to Walmart to get some random goodies for the apartment.  We then were meeting Dollface & cuzzo for dinner so we also went to Target to get some stuff for the classroom and then a super cool soap dispenser.  It's hands free -- yes, I get that excited for that. :) After dinner I headed to AC's for girls night -- green smoothies with Loopy vodka.  Always a good idea -- except maybe the night before a in house competition haha :)  

Judge's view - mid burpee

Brings us to today -- we had a In-House competition at the box -- ps have I told you before how much I love my box? No, well I am INSANELY obsessed with the awesomeness that is my box and all the people there.  Three WODs -- 1 Power Snatch +Burpees --> 2 3Power Cleans, 3Front Squats and 3 Shoulders to overhead -->3 agility course (like this one) -- SO fun!! Was such a FABULOUS day!!! I got to judge and be judged by Nilda -- she's like my idol there haha.  Major BADASS and one of the coolest people. A vlog about it :)

Still SO much to learn and get better at, which is what I love so much about CrossFit. Most of the crew headed to PJs for food and drinks.  Was nice to socialize with people outside of the box.

Today is also DA's birthday -- he's 34! Old man haha :)  Dinner & Grammy watching is happening right now.  Eggs w/salsa, bacon & Andrew's sweet potato circles - YUM! Has been a crap weekend of food, so I'm ready to get back on track this week!!

Fitness Recap from last week - check out the runs :) And I've been planking and doing my #AbsbyApril fun!

Monday - Rest

Tuesday - CrossFit +Run for my #5bythe5th

Wednesday - CrossFit

Thursday - OLY class

Friday - Rest

Saturday - CrossFit + run

Sunday - In-house competition

How was your weekend?

Anything new or fun?

~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

Back to WOD'ing & Splits 59 Capris

Hello loves! Hope you're having a fabulous week so far!! Happy Hump Day =p  BIG news!! I've WOD'ed this week.  Like almost back to normal, stayed the whole class and even did gymnastics WOD'ed. My hip is feeling lots better -- still not 100%, but better.  And I'll take that! My knee is AMAZING since Dr. Jarvis adjusted it.  I took Sunday off since the competition was Saturday and my arms/shoulders/upper back were DEAD haha. 

Monday we did deadlift (which I HATE!!!).  We were working on 3x3 -- I have a HUGE mental block against this lift for some reason.  I got 175 1x3.  Came back for round 2 and could only get 2.  It's heavy, but not impossible, yet somehow I get STUCK.  BLAH! Anyways -- We then did 21-15-9 deadlifts/box jumps. I did 85# for the deadlifts.  Felt good.  My lower back on Tuesday wasn't even that sore, so I know I'm getting stronger. Working on not getting so frustrated with it too! haha I decided to give gymnastics a shot since I was feeling so good and Jordanna is pretty much my favorite and she told me we were working on HANDSTANDS *my favorite*! We started with work on bridge holds/walks, wall walks, handstand/headstand tabatas and toes-to-bar (T2B) work.  My wall walks are getting lots better -- adding it to my list to work on.  I need to make a rotating calendar of weakness to work on haha! Liz also worked on my T2B and at least kicking out since I can't get all the way up.

My dream body -- anyone know who this is?
Found this on Pinterest and am SO motivated!

Tuesday we did back squat.  Jill and I texted so that we could meet at the same time.  I expressed my worry to her, because it was back squat (yes, four days after my marathon was stupid but still) that killed my hip and knee last and made me take those 2 weeks off. Before we squated, we worked on snatch -- my snatch is really getting better!! 4x3 hang snatch, 4x2 from knees & 4x1 from ground.  I didn't focus on the weight as much as the movement.  When I got to my singles I got up to 75# and failed...3x I failed haha.  I have to work on getting down lower.  Next, we did 3x6 on back squat -- I got 135.  and it was HEAVY.  Weird to me since a month ago I was at 150, but I know the marathon + two weeks off WIPED my legs out so I'm trying to take that and go. I tried to go 145, but failed on the fourth - went to low. The metcon was suppose to be front squats + T2B, but that was a LOT of work for my hip already so I got Justin's advice and did KB swings instead of the squats. Felt good!

So, a while back the awesome crew at Fit Approach had a twitter party with Splits 59.  I grab a pair of these awesome Bailey Seamless Capri Tights - origanlly wanted pink, but settled for the blue at the advice of one of the girls.  Go now...buy them! They were FABULOUS! My biggest fear was that they were one size fits all, but look -- my thick 'ol legs FIT! haha It's the little things.  They are super soft and comfy.  Don't show your skin through them. Wash up fabulous (I've WOD'ed only once, but have been wearing them around the apartment and to do some yoga). I honestly am super in love with these tights, and can't wait to get more.  FABULOUS cusotmer service, great products in awesome colors -- what more could a girl want :)

Duane is getting my ticket for Spring Break this week -- I am SO stoked to go see him. It has been a LONG time, and I don't think I could be more excited! I've been keeping up with my Plank-A-Day & #AbsbyApril challenge.  Last night I could only do a miniute.  I have NO core what so ever, but I am working on it. Just keep swimming, right ;)

What's your favorite WOD or workout gear? I need new stuff :)

~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