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

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

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

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

Back to Skull Crushers ;)

We made it ya'll -- it's THURSDAY! Woot Woot! For some reason (I think because I'm getting use to being going all the time on my crutches vs spring break where I didn't really do anything) this week has seemed to go one FOREVER!! Tuesday was the hardest day.  It was MISERABLY hot and my classroom's ac is broke so...yea, my booth was extremely sweaty. It was hot yesterday too, but at least I know my mini-me aka Princess got to go outside and enjoy it! SIL posted this pic. I just love that little girl SO much! Her and my Tank! They are keys to my heart!

I did go and get my WOD on yesterday.  Jamie picked me up after I got home from school - she was actually there when I got there. Have I told you before how much I love the folks from my box? They are just fabulous and so supportive right now! Anyways, the workout to the right is what I did yesterday. I go my first band assisted strict pull-up!! I was SUPER pumped about that! I got 3 of them for each of the first three sets.  I tried to do them on the fourth, but couldn't.  When I was done with the rest, I got 2 more to show the crew I could do them!! It's kind of fun right now - writing my own workouts, with DA's help of course. I mean he knows more about training and how to pair things better then anyone I know.  I say I'm going to do x, y,z and he says ok or no do this instead of x.  It definitely helps! Love that man :) Fun doing stuff like this too -- change of pace from CF so at least I'm not bored :)

Know what else rocks? That everyone at the gym is ok with helping me out, going to get my DBs or setting up my pull-up box or getting me weights or spotting me...I think you get it.  They all are totally on board with helping me get what I need to done! I love that! Do you also see me new sweet #SweatPink tank? I LOVE it! It is SO comfy and I LOVE that I get to ROCK my #SweatPink crew!

If you read my post yesterday, you saw that my ankle was SUPER swollen.  Guess what? Same deal yesterday.  To the point I can't move my toes because they are so swollen. So yesterday - after my pull-ups, I laid on the ground with my foot on the bench.  Then Allie drove me home - she stayed and helped me ice! Nick came over too! We watched the Phillies game and then Duck Dynasty - I love that show! This is how I laid - and watched T.V. upside down haha!

How was your Hump Day?

~xoxo
M


PS Whole30 Day 3 is in the books -- I sucked at pictures yesterday but still the same mix of stuff from Day 1 & Day 2 -- Breakfast - 1 hard boiled egg, 2 chicken fingers and a banana. Lunch - meatballs and Creamy Kale. Snack - hard boiled egg and apple. Dinner - chicken fingers and cream spaghetti squash.!

Broken Ankle - 3 Weeks

Good morning loves!! Hope you're having a fabulous day! Do you know what today is? Today is the 3 week mark of the broken ankle fun.  Is it weird that I still can't believe it? I feel like it's been a YEAR! ha I never thought I'd break a bone - especially doing pretty much nothing haha. Who would have thought I'd come off a rope wrong and this would be the result?!? NOT ME that's who! ha Anyways - I thought I'd update everyone on it since some people have been asking a lot lately. Here is what I know:

-I go back for the next set of X-rays next Thursday the 18th

-I am not allowed to put weight on it yet

-IF the X-rays look good - I should get cleared to start putting SOME (i.e. very little) weight back onto it and keep the crutches - that's for 3-4 weeks

-The next step would be getting off the crutches and just having the boot - that would be from 3-4 weeks

-FINALLY (in about 2 more months blah) I'll be making my way out of the boot slowly.

 I just hope to have it off by the end of school! That's my time goal! Crazy right? In total, if everything takes those time frames - I'm looking at 3-4 months total of this silly mess. Seriously? A lot of people say that they don't think it will take that long or whatever.  All I know is I want to do it by the book because I don't want to rush it and end up having more problems in the long run.  I can't wait to run, squat, snatch, etc. - hell I can't wait to just say "hey I'm thirsty" and walk to the kitchen and get water haha :) In all honestly - as much as I am dying now - it could be worse. I really am thankful it's only 3-4 months.  I'm glad people thinking I'm being positive about it -- there isn't an ability to change it so I have to keep going and keep my head up!

School yesterday was hard. By the end of the day, my arms are tired. Like I can't get down the hall to the restroom without 4 breaks tired. It makes me feel like a bum I can't lie. haha I think that's why I make it a point to go to the box so much still!

Whole30 is chugging along.  Day 1 was easy! Day 2 was the same breakfast and lunch as Day 1, but I didn't really eat dinner -- I think I was too hot.  Instead of kale + meatballs, I just had 1/2 a chicken finger pack so that I could take my vitamins.  Day 3 -today- started a little different - 2 chicken fingers (the other half from last night's bag), one hard boiled egg and a banana. We shall see how it does. I forget how awesome it can feel eating so clean.  I can't keep this strict up 100% of the time, but I'm thinking maybe every third month or so doing a Whole30 to just stay focused.  Cheats slip in so easy. But with summer coming I know the whole no ice cream won't happen so I have to be realistic. Not to mention - I'm kinda doing a lame Whole30 because it is my birthday month, so I will have a drink for my birthday which is technically breaking the rules.

Push-up challenge is going right along -- 55 last night! Some people asked, so here is the schedule from Just Keep Sweating. It's hard and challenging, but that's why we do it right :)

Have a great Wednesday! If you're doing Whole30, how's your time going?

~xoxo
M


PS 45 days till I see DA :)

Supplements + Started Whole30

Hey Loves! Hope everyone had a fabulous Monday! Sunday was good day. Allie came and picked me up for Open Gym - I went and worked on pull ups (after taking 5 days off then my CF Knoxville day then crutching/wheelchair at airport Friday then my mini WOD Saturday -- arms were FRIED haha).  Allie wanted to try 13.5 again and then do a metcon from the week. After we were done - we decided we wanted to grab a drink on a porch somewhere because it was BEAUTIFUL out. Tricia, LizW and Nick joined us at PJs in Cherry Hill.  It was a good time - we were only outside about an hour and my nose and top of forehead got burnt -- I'm stupid pale haha. After PJs - Tricia and Allie came over to the apartment and hung out.  They took a little cat nap on my little porch while I graded some papers that I had to finish. After they left, I proceeded to lay upside down and try and get my ankle to stop throbbing. T came and picked me up and took me to dinner and drove my car so it could get some attention. I have to say I am beyond blessed with awesome people in my life.  I've said it before, but if you really want to know who is true in your life -- get an injury in which you are dependent on everyone for pretty much everything. SO thankful for my CrossFit Aspire crew and T for all their help!!! Can I also say that I think it's funny people say I'm an inspiration to them? I thought it was funny when people said that to me when I was healthy -- but not with my ankle it really makes me laugh.  I am glad that I can help inspire people to work out more.  I don't plan on sitting out the next three months while my ankle heels --

I have worked TOO hard and more importantly, I LOVE going to the box still. I get set up in a little corner and just hang out there.  For example, last night I went and did bench (sets of 6 - worked up to 95# - got 100#x2), seated shoulder press (sets of 5 - up to 75#) and pull-ups (O&R band - 6x6).  I need help - with weights, spot, etc. - but thankfully everyone at the box doesn't seem to mind.  Last night Erik helped me out on the bar but I made him nervous on pull-ups so LizW came and helped me - I have to get helped being pushed back onto the box in between sets. My arms are tired this morning - I think today I will just work on pull-ups and DB work - aka "meathead" style - my awesome meathead (aka DA) is helping me figure out what to do -- love that man.

Now let me ask you something -- do you take any supplements? And if so - can you PLEASE tell me what? I am trying to figure out what I should be taking and what I could be taking to help.  Currently I was just taking a multivitamin - One A Day Womens.  I started taking the Omega+ from Progenex and thought I was doing well.  DA wanted me to take a calcium too - especially with my ankle, so I picked up these gummy bites to the left to try. They are actually better tasting then I thought they would be. The chiropractor gave me something to take for my ankle to help with ligament repair -- I don't remember what it is off the top of my head.  I need to take it. I feel like this part is the hardest -- figuring out what to take to help your body perform at it's best and recover at it's best too!

BIG news too -- I started a Whole30 challenge yesterday! Day 1 is in the books and today looks like it will have the same set up as Day 1. I already feel better, but I think that's just mental because I know I need this!! Breakfast - 2 hard boiled eggs and bacon.  Lunch - Chicken fingers and creamy spaghetti squash. Dinner - meatballs and creamy kale.  Only difference for today is I packed fresh applesauce and an apple for today since I'll be staying at school later then normal for after school program.

That's all for today -- have to finish getting ready!

Do you take supplements?

If so, what do you take and when?

Are you doing Whole30? Link up with Kristen at Change of Pace.  She is a week in but you can totally still join - I did :)

~xoxo
M

PS - my push up challenge is going great - love having stuff to do and stay up with while I heal and recover :)

Great WOD & Back To My Box

Hello Loves! Happy Saturday friends!! Guess who's back in the Dirty Jerz? This girl! I miss my babies - a lot.  Yesterday morning before I flew back I got to keep the Princess.  SIL had to go into work early - so I got up with the baby. Broski had already gotten Tank up and off to school and had left for work.  We had a nice little bonding time.  Mama Dukes came over and hung with us too. Silly me - I must have been SO excited to get back that I told Mama my flight was at 2:30.  LIED! I wasn't flying out till 3:20.  It worked out ok -- getting through security was a mess.  I got totally felt up in my wheelchair and my boot became an issue because of the wire for the pump.  BLAH - whatever. It's over right?!? The AWESOME Nilda from my box came to pick me up from the airport.  I felt bad because it was rush hour when I got in, but we actually got back into Jersey pretty fast!  Woot Woot!  Now my CrossFitting folks know it was the LAST week of the open -- and if you've read my post about Fridays - you know my box does the Open WODs on Fridays SO guess where I had Nilda take me?!? Yep - THE BOX!! Happy happy girl I was! It was good to just be back around the crew.  A lot of people want to know why my life has changed so much in the last 6-7 months -- really, it hasn't.  I've just weeded out people/things/situations that don't support me and my goals. Life is short -- and I have SO much I want to do. If you're not on board with that, then I don't have time.  I'm not changing or being mean -- I'm just focusing on myself, figuring out the DA situation, healing this broken ankle and keeping my fitness/health journey going :)
Anyways - after the WOD - AC came here and we changed and decided to head to La Esperanza with the CrossFit Aspire crew. After dinner - Alycia, Justin, Jim, AC and I went to Kaminskis for a few drinks.  It was a good night! Much needed after a week at home not doing to much.  I was exhausted to say the least by the time I got home.  I knew I was WOD'ing in the morning - which happens to be TODAY!

Started with skill work on pull-ups -- and guess what?!? I got to go down a band!! Woot Woot! I did 6x6. Then I did a mini metcon - 10 regular bicep curls, 10 hammer curls, 6 knee push-ups and 6 reverse DB fly. I got 5 or 6 rounds -- I can't remember haha.  Then I did strict press - sets of 5 -- I got up to 75# -- I got 3 at 80 so I'll take it!!

After my WOD I came home and got ready then did a Costco run with Jilly.  Had fun playing in the wheelchair.  I need one of those bad boys.  After that I just came home and relaxed on the couch.  Had Elevation Burger for dinner with Allie and just chatted for a while.

PS I bought these bad boys at Costco --> DAMN -- they are amazing!! Good thing I'm starting a Whole30 on Monday -- I need this.  I need to get focused again on my body.  Jilly is helping me with my food -- because she loves me! I have my push-up challenge, Whole30 and as much WODs as I can :)

Are you on a Whole30/food challenge right now?
Any fun challenges you're doing?

~xoxo
M