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

Playlist Thursdays + Update

Hello loves! ALMOST the weekend! I can't wait! This time year is always the hardest at school.  The kids have completely checked out and for the most part, so have a lot of teachers.  I do games and activities during this time.  We are doing a M&M activity tomorrow testing the Mars Co. theory about the percent of each color come in each bag. Should be fun - at least in my opinion.  Will be hard as with the food challenge, no M&Ms for me whomp whomp.  Yesterday marked 80 days till my favorite time of the year - OHIO STATE FOOTBALL SEASON!! I can't WAIT for this year, and to be able to go back for a game or two! I miss Ohio.  I really think in the end I want to end up in Columbus or Cinci.  I just love Ohio and feel the most at home there. But before we jump ahead to football season, we have summer summer summer timeeeee! Who doesn't love summer? The beach, pool, and fun with my friends.
DA called last night -- first time we really really talked since everything went down....I'm not sure what will ever become of us, but I will always care about him even if we aren't a "WE" ya know? Ah whatever.  It's summer, going to go out a little more and have fun.  Maybe go on some dates and see what happens! Life is meant to be lived right?!? I feel like right now, I have a lot of people who still doubt me.  Sorry for the language, but I am kind of crazy with that picture to the right.  I have a LOT of people I have to prove wrong - including when I doubt myself! This summer is BIG for me.  I'm not 100% sure I have a job yet (Bell and Mollet swear I do), I am getting my L1 this summer, I'm going to do 2xday 3xweek this summer and try and get some of my strength back AND I'm working with my friend Katie at a pool. Maybe this summer I'll also meet John Cena's type friend, or The Rock. This picture of Cena snatching makes me love him.  I have The Rock on my lock screen and Cena on my home screen right now.  Creeper status almost haha.
CrossFit is going fabulous this week - the Tripod was back together - Me, Allie and Chris. On Tuesday, we were the only three there.  I love those two!
Had my 8 week check up on the ankle yesterday - no MRI which is the best news.  Cleared to start running up to 3xweek depending on how it feels and after I get refit for shoes. Going to try and do that soon. 6 more weeks of PT and as long as by the end of that I can go up on my toes, I am set. Excited to start getting slowly more and more back each day.  Lots of icing in my summer that's for sure.

Now my Playlist Thursdays -- I need to do this more regularly. I love music and doing this. Theme is songs you want at the end of the marathon (or for me just a mile run as I recover haha). Pick me up songs is what I call them.
Same format.
Something Old: Songs that are at least 5 years old. (I know that isn’t too long to be considered old, but music turnover happens quickly.)
Something Current: Songs that have been released within the past year.
Something to Consider: This is the wild card category. Feel free to list any song: old, current, guilty pleasure, underground, whatever

Something Old
Artist: Missy Elliott
Title: Work It
Side Note: This song still makes me want to dance.  My students and I have music on Fridays - they don't know this song except "yea, it's old Ms. Love , my mom listens to it" hahaha
Quotable: “Love the way my ass go bum-bump-bum-bump-bump/Keep your eyes on my bum-bump-bum-bump-bump/And think you can handle this badonk-a-donk-donk"

Something Current
Artist: Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Wayne
Title: High School
Side Note: I LOVE this song. 
Quotable: “Anyway, I felt him, helped him,  Put him on lock, seat-belt him, Took him out to Belgium, welcome"

Something to Consider
Artist: Robin Thicke ft. TI & Pharrell
Title: Blurred Lines
Side Note: I LOVE this song. This makes me want to move all the time. 
Quotable: “OK now he was close, tried to domesticate you But you're an animal, baby it's in your nature Just let me liberate you"

I love music! So fun! That's all for today :)
~xoxo
M

PS Don't forget about my SweatyBands Giveaway!!

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

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

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