CORE Foods

I am always on the GO. ALWAYS! Ya'll know my schedule and how much I have going on, so I don't have to repeat it. I very rarely find time to sit down for a full meal, but I am all about nutrition and fixing my diet for smart choices.  Paleo and clean eating :) So, enter CORE Foods - which I heard of through the FitApproach community. I was excited to have the opportunity to test them out. I was sent one of each flavor: Raw Walnut Banana, Raw Cashew Cacao, & Raw Almond Raisin. One of the coolest things about CORE foods Defender Meals are they are SUPER FRESH. They arrived with an ice pack (which I have used for my achilles and knees haha double bonus) and instructions to store in the freezer to preserve freshness. 
They are good frozen for 6 months, in the fridge for 1 month and on the go for a week.  The are totally fresh and raw with no preservatives so you can't leave them out.  I let mine sit out for about 10-15 minutes before I ate it.  As you can see in the pic - you eat it + drink a full glass = a full bowl of oatmeal. I was honestly impressed with how well it filled me up and held me over. I can eat....A LOT, so I was happy to see it kept me full. I was also impressed it was Vegan (not that I am a Vegan, but that everyone can eat it).  The taste was a little different, I won't lie.  Don't expect a sweet taste, but they are good. It's good, clean, healthy food.  There are also Warrior Meals, which have added Whey protein. They sell them in packs of 10 for $39.99 on their website – which averages to about $4 a meal.

 

Be sure to check out CORE Foods on their website, Facebook, and Twitter!

 

And if you “like” CORE Foods on Facebook you will be given a coupon code good for $5 off any online order AND you can enter to win a free case (worth $40).

~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

My Thoughts and Obsession of CEP Compression

Just to get this out of the way - these thoughts are my own. This is NOT a sponsored post...this is me sharing with you my obsession and love of CEP Compression products.
So...let's start with the fact that most of you know that I partially tore my achilles about 2 years ago.  It's not a full tear and doctors really can't do anything for it.  Now mind you, I have had some doctors tell me to just give up running...YEA, like that would EVER happen.  My achilles is hit or miss -- here lately it's been mostly hit.  No pain, tweaks, ability not to walk, etc.  The last BIG flare up was back in August the week before Austin's birthday.  I contribute a lot of the lack of misses to my amazing running compression socks and the fabulous RxOrtho Achilles Brace. 
A little from their website -- WHY COMPRESSION? Every muscle cell needs energy in the form of oxygen. This is transported to the muscles via the blood. The better the blood flow in the arteries, the better the muscles are supplied – and precisely this supply can be positively influenced by compression.  But, not all types of compression are the same.Working at Fleet Feet Sports helps me to hear about products before a lot of people do.  I am blessed to get to work with (and have worked with) some of the best sales and tech reps across the nation.  My CEP rep is no different.  After doing a presentation for some of our newer employees and introducing the new achilles brace, I asked her if I could just try it on.  I wanted to see how it felt and I was just coming off a long run and it was acting up a little bit (unfortunately my new normal).  Right away I could feel the support.  There is a bubble like piece that wraps on the achilles and puts a slight pressure on.  It immediately helped relieve the pressure.  The first couple days I lived in it.  Now, I more use it on the days my achilles is sore and acting up to give it a little more circulation and support. If you have any type of achilles issue, I would highly recommend you check out this product.

Some information from their site -- FEATURES

• SUPPORT FOR THE TREATMENT OF DISCOMFORT IN THE ACHILLES TENDON


• IMPROVED BLOOD CIRCULATION


• PREVENTATIVE FUNCTION


• MUSCLE AND JOINT STABILIZATION


• IMPROVED COORDINATION
   

 Now my SOCKS :)The last thing I want to share is about CEP Compression running socks.  I currently own 3 pairs and want to order a couple more.  I use them for running and CrossFit. My legs always feel more fresh.  I feel as though the improved circulation really help my performance. I currently have the pink, green and black progressive one.  I really want the red and white progressive!  

That's all -- some people have been asking my opinion on them so here you go :)

Have a good day!!

This blog is based on my personal thoughts, I received no sponsorship or compensation for blog post:)

~xoxo

M