Hello October + Delta Labs Sample Giveaway :)

Hey y'all! Can you believe it's October already? I swear life seems to be FLYING by lately! Let's chat what's going on in life and some goals I need you to help hold me accountable for!

Life! Life is FABULOUS right now! Have I told you that lately? I am seriously the happiest I have been in a very LONG time.  I have made a lot of personal changes since end of May/early June and I am reminded more and more every day how I definitely took the right path for me. School is fabulous - even with all the changes.  It's more work and planning, but I am really loving it.  I have great munchkins, as I always do. I'm a little homesick right now.  It always comes and goes in phases.  This is the first September and October that I'm not making a trip home.  We are doing the Princess's birthday in November this year, so I will be home twice then!

CrossFit. Yo, CrossFit is kicking ass right now.  Pardon the language but seriously...if you don't follow me on twitter or instagram you may not know that I hit a HUGE personal PR...

100# Snatch...did it! Triple Digit baby!! I also hit a new OHS PR....95# for 3 reps.....

Then added 10# and hit 110# baby!!! I still can't believe it!

 

It's been awesome month of CrossFit stuff for me, but I want to do more and I need help. Here is what I know -- sometimes I get overwhelmed.  I don't know how to figure it all out.  I need mobility help and mobility WOD is one of my goal for October. I want to learn more about it and figure it out and how to better use it.  I also want to incorporate 2-3 Gymnasty WODs in a week. Plus I want to really clean up my nutrition - strict Paleo Sunday - Friday night.  Gives me Friday nights and Saturdays to relax some. So, there is the three main goals:

 1. Adding Mobility work into the week - 4-5xWeek for at least 45mins/1hour.

 2. Adding 2-3 Gymnasty WODs a week - Tuesday and Thursday nights with Nilda and maybe another day!

 3. Food - No going out or alcohol during the week --  strict Primal instead of Paleo as I want some cheese and greek yogurt sometimes.

 

Last but not least, I'm getting back to running!! I'm starting this week - a track night/speed session with my girl Kelly from the box, plus Aspire Run club on Sunday mornings and one decent run a week! What's your goals for October? I promised some people to talk more about my running/CrossFit schedule...it's coming :)

 

Last - as you all know I am an ambassador for Delta Labs and I have 5 samples from Delta Labs - the Hair, Skin & Nails -- who wants to try it? I've been taking it for about two weeks and I love it! Leave me a comment below and tell me what are your goals for October! I'll pick 5 random winners :)

 

Also - Delta Labs is donating 10% of ALL proceeds this month to #BreastCancer -- check out the information in this video from Bex!

 

 

~xo

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

Changes Coming

Joe & Me

Hello loves! Hope y'all are having a great day! Been a good week so far! Still catching up from being out of town all weekend.  PS the picture to the right is me and Joe, the groom, at the wedding.  So happy for him!

Me & Peanut

Mama Dukes is already gone. We did dinner with the family Monday night at Don Pablos. I got to see Aunt Tracey & Jerry, Cuzzo & Dollface and Ash & Peanut.  It was a good time. I had not seen any of them since the weekend after I broke my ankle. It was good to catch up and see how everything was with everyone.  Cuzzo is loving his new job so that's awesome! I'm hoping him and Dollface get preggo soon!! She's going to be a SUPER cute preggo lady! After dinner Dollface & Cuzzo, Ashley & Peanut and I went to Target.  I FINALLY got a George Foreman.  It was on sale! I also picked up some Chobani bites - 2 for $4 which means 8 100cal cups and some new sparkling water - cherry limeade and strawberry lemonade. Always love finding new things! Especially at Target :)

Also, I started a 90-day challenge. ViSalus shakes for two times a day. They are actually really good -- I use almond milk, frozen fruit and ice.  FABULOUS! So let's back up and talk -- I gained weight during my ankle mess. Not a lot, but enough I'm not happy.  I'm got back up to 180#. I'm down 2lbs already, which is fabulous.  My goal weight use to be 150-155#. Not that was before I started CrossFit. Now, I would love to be 150-155#, but I'm more concerned with getting stronger and faster. Stronger so my lifts get better and my technique gets on point. Faster so my running gets better, maybe hit my goal 2:30 half PLUS my metcons will get faster. I tell you -- all I want is to get better.

Tuesday's WOD was not able for me to do -- I'm having issues with my right hip. I can't squat -- I think I may have pushed it a little to far that first week.  I did the workout to the right.  I really am enjoying writing my own workouts.  I wish I knew more and could figure out how to pair things together!  I did do some jumping on Tuesday and it didn't bother my ankle at all.Allie did some work on it Tuesday night -- it feels a lot better.  She did some type of release thing on it. I need her to do it again tonight too!!

Now if I could just get back to running.  I miss it.  A lot.  Slowly but surely I'm getting better every day.  I'll be back eventually.  Got to just keep doing what I'm doing!

Also - I have had some stuff happen - I'm not sure I really want to put it on here yet, but I will ask that you think about me and pray for guidance for me.  I have to figure some stuff out.

PS I get to see DA in 2 weeks! I can NOT wait! :)

~xoxo
M

Getting Back To Business

Hello Loves!! Hope ya'll have had a good week! Things are slowly getting back to normal for my schedule.  Still takes me a little longer to do some things (walking up stairs, walking in general, carrying things places, etc.) but I am getting there.  The ankle (this is the BEST it has looked so this isn't all the time but a REALLY REALLY good day haha) is getting better.  Color is going back to normal and for the most part the swelling isn't to bad.  Obviously it is the worst about 3 in the afternoon. 

A full day of school does wonders to it, but it really doesn't hurt on the ankle side.  I am having issues with the achilles and my posterior tibial tendon (this one is the WORST part). The tibial tendon is brutal.  It hurts almost all the time.  PT has been focusing on range of motion for my ankle and getting the Tibial tendon and achilles better.  I'm doing everything PT Adam has asked me to do.  PS I really like him - he's a runner so he gets it.  I don't just want my movement back - I want to be able to run and lift! The exercise in the picture is the pits. Pick my foot up then out then back in then down. OUCH! He has said I can do standing CrossFit movements - basically squats and deadlifts.  Nothing where my feet may move yet, but I'm hopefully only max 2 weeks out from that.  It's nice being a head of the recovery curve!!

This week has held some awesome CrossFit WODs.

Tuesday - Squats - my box is doing an awesome program right now for squats - I want to play and can't - hopefully soon! My first time trying to squat again. I did 2x6 at 35# and 2x6 at 55#.  I did sets of pistols on just the right leg in between.  Then the box did a metcon with running and movements -- I just did some of the movements - 10 front squat, 15 Push Press, 7 squat, 15 push press. I was exhausted so called it there.

Wednesday - the box did split jerk EMOTM so I did pull ups with the orange band in stead - 5 PU EMOTM for 7 mins.  I was DEAD at the end haha. I barley got the last set out in the minute. Then the Metcon was a 10,9,8...1 with running and movements I couldn't do so I did - 30# (woot woot) DB single arm rows, 20 sec airdyne sprint, air squats and then another 20sec airdyne sprint. I was last done.  Felt good to be moving again. Lets quickly discuss how Tuesday's fun had my poor right leg JACKED up.  It was so knotted up and sore.  I got Nilda to roll me out.  It was awful, but totally needed.

 

Thursday was BIRTHDAY day so I gave myself my first deadlift back - 3x3 at 155#!! Woot woot! You're welcome self :) Don't worry - I got a video of my last set so ya'll could see --

It was awesome! I wrapped it to give it some more support.  I currently can't wear my nanos due to my swollen foot/ankle not fitting in it so I rocked the socks last night :) We then had two metcons - 1 was 5 rounds 5 deadlifts (100#) and burpees so I subbed situps.  I tried to test a KB swing instead of a burp, but that was a bad idea - it hurt. Metcon 2 was max pull-ups and 10 evil wheels.  I stuck with just the Orange band (2nd to last band) and struggled.  My arms/lats were sore from Tuesday and Wednesday still haha. I got 5,3,5.  I've gotten a lot better at the Evil Wheels.

Also this week - I had ordered the girls from my box a little something to help say thank you for all the help while I was down and out.  They were so fabulous to me.  I gave a couple of them their yesterday. They loved them so I was glad to hook them up.

They thought it was funny that it was my birthday and I was giving stuff out. But always better to give, especially to people that have only known you for less then 8 months yet have become some of your closest crew and like family!! I know I say it all the time - I LOVE my Box.  CrossFit Aspire has seriously changed my life!

I did get spoiled at school yesterday -- thankful to love my job.  Honestly - yesterday overwhelmed me. Lately people have really been making me feel pretty cool - telling me how much of an inspiration I am for my weight loss stuff and CrossFit stuff and still going while injured. I really appreciate it.  If I can help anyone else see the light, I'm all for it.  I LOVE my life right now and wouldn't change a thing.  I am blessed beyond measure with a fabulous family, a job I love with staff that rocks, friends from all over the world to keep up with and a box that has changed my life with people who've become a family. Lucky Lucky girl I am!

How's your week been?
Any fun weekend plans? I'll be enjoying birthday fun with loves!

~xoxo

M

PS I go to TN in 7 days for Joe & Jacky's wedding and seeing lots of loves and getting my DOGS back!!!

PPS I go see my DA in 28 days!!!

13.1 + Coach and Peanut's Birthday + Food Prep Sunday

Hello Loves! Hope ya'll had a FABULOUS weekend! So, we all know that last week was the first work out of the Open. 13.1 -- burpees and snatches -- I got 127 reps in the 17 minutes which is equal to 40 burpees, 30 snatches at 45#, 30 burpees and 27 snatches at 75#.  I am freaking stoked because I just wanted to get into the 75# snatches and to almost finish them is super cool.  I just got a 1RM at 80# last week. I had an awesome group cheering me on -- Allie, Erik, Alycia, Danielle, Chris, Marvin and some others from the box. After we finished - went for dinner.  There is a diner here in Cherry Hill -- and it's all local and farm fresh!
Saturday was the first day of Saturday school program.  Thankfully I really love my middle school crew.  By the time I got out of school, it was beautiful out so I took the Civic for a bath and they were running a special so I got a hand wax too! I LOVE warm weather and clean cars! By the time I got home, Mama Dukes was here. We headed out to get Peanut a birthday gift.  We went down to the Deptford Mall. I told her about how much I love the PJs she got me last time she was here, so she offered to get me another set.  I have BIG girl PJs now haha -- super nice and no snowflakes on them lol. Then I asked her if we could go to The Loft because I wanted to show her a cardigan. 
 I have really fallen in love with that store -- and clearly Mom did too because she had my try stuff on. Here is what I have noticed -- I now know why skinny girls have SO many clothes in their closets.  The smaller I get, there more fun I have shopping. I actually found shorts that fit me!! And then this happened -- I tried on this dress and I had to drop down to a 10! YES, you read that right -- a 10!!!! I cried. Literally.  I cried happy tears -- it's been a LONG road.  I started over 200 lbs and am down to 169lbs -- started at size 16 and this weekend marked the first size 10. Hopefully not that last :) Mom and I grabbed dinner at Red Robin -- lettuce wrapped burger was amazing!
After that I then headed off to celebrate my coach, Alycia's, birthday! It was really fun to hang out with all of the crew from my box outside of the box.  I've gotten to hang out with the girls at Ladies Night, but never the guys too!! I really am lucky to have found such an awesome box and such awesome people.  They help kick my ass during the week and support and cheer me on during life.  It's pretty fabulous.  I'm a lucky girl :)

Today, Sunday, was Peanut's birthday party.  I can't believe she is already 5.  She is not a little girl anymore.  It was so fun watching her with her friends and not really care about us.  I remember Austin's first birthday where it was more his friends then caring what Auntie M, Boomba or Mommy wanted haha. Oliveah won't be far behind.  Time seems to fly by, and they grow so fast.  Maybe one day I'll actually have one.  It's funny, Austin always thinks I need to get married -- if he could pick it would be John Cena or The Rock haha.  I mean heck if he could arrange that, I'm down ;)

I did my Food Prep today for the first couple of the days of the week. -- tuna fish with Paleo mayo, Brussels sprouts with garlic and onions, Southwest meatloaf from PaleOMG. I also have chicken that I'll cook up tomorrow to also have for the week.

Did you food prep this week?

Fitness Recap

Monday: CrossFit + core work with Allie + gymnastics
Tuesday: rest - babysat Peanut
Wednesday: CrossFit
Thursday: rest - judge Tricia's 13.1
Friday: CrossFit - 13.1
Saturday: rest
Sunday: rest

So the #NoGirlyPushUp challenge is going good -- I did 50 pushups yesterday before I got ready to go to the party.  I am loving this challenge.  Are you doing it too?? This week was SUPER busy so hoping to get back on a good schedule this week. Did you do 13.1? How'd you do? Did you Food Prep this week?

~xoxo
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?

Fitness & Weekend Recap

Hello loves! How's ya'lls weekend been? It's been a little rough here -- still haven't really talked to DA about things, so that's hard.  Long distance blows when it comes to communication -- especially if they already aren't the biggest communicators haha :) Anyways - Mama Dukes is here -- we did some damage at Macys yesterday -- some new tops, a blazer, a purse, some skirts and stuff for school. Do you know how much fun shopping is for me now compared to before? I honestly really enjoy shopping lately!! Make me want to bust ASS in the gym too! Anyways, we had a good day! Before shopping we went to lunch with Jill & Tommy at the Pop Shop -- it was a good but completely crap meal to end on before my 30 day challenge starts TOMORROW! Yes, TOMORROW! I can't wait!! I am very excited to re-focus myself and help remember why I do what I do.   PS do you see the flower on that skirt?!?! Mama & I thought the placement was a little bit in the wrong spot for school haha :) Anyways - it was cool that Mama Dukes & Jill&Tommy got to meet each other.  I really, really like my Jilly and love having her and Tommy in my life now!

This also happened -- I'm a spoiled brat and Mama hooked me up with a New Ohio State shirt :) Isn't she just the best?!? And isn't this shirt awesome! I didn't have a basketball shirt, so I am SUPER stoked to have one now :)

I sucked on WOD'ing or running this week really -- it was a stressful and not so awesome week.  Between stress at school and the whole DA mess, I've just been super BLAH. I'm ready to crush this week -- taking a week off just makes me miss blasting stuff a million times more. Plus Erik and I are matching tomorrow -- yea, be jealous! Pics to come for sure :)

This morning I missed everything -- I think my body just completely shut down and slept.  5 different alarms set, and I honestly don't remember 4 of them going off. And the one I do remember I hit snooze and don't remember it going off again....but I did wake up to this super cute pup! I swear - she must know the days I'm KNOCKED out because she doesn't normally get up on the bed...I thought this ecard pretty much sums up my normal life, however today that alarm clock didn't separate me from my bed haha :)


Lets see -- Fitness Recap   Monday: Off - Parent-teacher conferences Tuesday: CrossFit BRUTAL WOD Wednesday: CrossFit -- Split Jerk PR @ 115# Thursday: OLY class Friday: Rest Saturday: CrossFit - struggled on PushPress Sunday: rest   Lots of rest this week -- and NO runs :( Maria won't be proud of me this week, but I am determined to get them in next week!! No room to be a bum here!! It's GO time!!   How was your week? Anything new?
~xoxo
M



PS -- this did happen today at my box -- I didn't dress up (overslept and am a bum, however I did the start and stop the music for takes haha)

What A Week + 30Day Paleo Challenge

Good morning loves!! Hope ya'll are having a fabulous week! It has been a busy, busy week.  I am really, really missing DA.  Distance sucks and I'm over it.  Even harder when everyone is in your ear and putting things in your head and you're an over thinker.  BLAH -- oh well.  Hopefully everything works out, but I am not sure. We have to agree to be bigger and better then everyone -- one Team. Ok -- that's all on that today -- Look at this awesome shot from this morning! God is SO GOOD! And I LOVE sunshine - needed this this morning :)   

 So this week has been good. BUSY but good.  I feel like I have a lot to say and nothing to say all at the same time haha.  Random. I've decided this week that I have a LOT to work on.  Getting more focused in my CrossFit training (strength and skills), getting better at getting my runs in and fueling my body better. I've come a long way and I know that.  60#s is gone -- I've lost a small child at this point.  I feel the best I have felt since high school -- and in all actuality, I feel better then I did then. I've lost my main focus and I need to get back to it.  Since the holidays, my eating has been sub par and I know I need to get it back in check.  I've gotten to comfortable in my WODs, quit running and told myself I could eat what I want.  Taking the two weeks off of CrossFit then starting back up jumped my body into a small weight loss - enough to put me at my lowest weight yet, but then I slipped. I'm getting it back.  NO MATTER WHAT!!

This happened this week -- Shannon from Badass Fitness hosted a 12 hour plank challenge.  SO since I spent my day at school, I got some of my kiddos involved.  Fitness is a good mental break and planks can help everyone. They really enjoyed it and we had fun with it.  They know about my CrossFit obsession and running.  They always want to go with me.  I enjoy getting to share my passions with them, and it was fun to get them involved. 

If I can motivated them in anyway I can I will!  Motivation is not something that last.  It is something we have to focus on daily.  I have to remember that on the days I just don't want to do anything that I am pushing forward for a reason.  I have a LOT of stuff I want to do and to get my goals, I have to keep up my hard work and push through the days I don't want to do anything.  Like yesterday, I wanted to go home and go to bed.  Just slept the afternoon/evening away, but I had OLY class and wasn't going to miss hanging out with my Valentine :) Had a good session -- Drop snatch 6x3, 4x2 then 2 Clean pulls + Power cleanx6 then high snatch pulls 6x3.

OH and guess what, guess what?!? Karli (my bloggy/twitter/CrossFit buddy) and I both need a reset.  A get re-focused on our eating habits and help blast our goals.  Welcome to our PALEO ZONE :) She was trying the Whole30 for a while but we both just have trouble with the commitment.  So, we got to talking and we are going to do a 30-day Paleo challenge together.  We both need someone to help hold us accountable. No cheats meals - no "this isn't that bad" excuses.  The only thing I am allowing in 2 days of drinks allowed (because I already signed up for a Pub Crawl with my Jerz crew and AC w/T & Laur). I am SUPER excited to do this.  I need someone to hold me accountable for what I am doing and to check in on me.

I know some people are still figuring out what it is, but if you want to do a 30Day challenge -- jump on board with us! Starts Monday (the 18th) and will go till March 20th.  I promise you will feel better then you have in a long time. 

This image pretty much sums up what you need to know.  There are different levels of Paleo (paleo, primal, etc.) But you do what is best for you.  It's not an expensive lifestyle.  It's a conscious choice to do something that will be beneficial to your life and your body.

PS I started with the #nogirlypushups this week -- 2 days in so far.  Looking forward to see what I get to.  I know I have a lot of work with my push ups. Oh and I signed up to do the Tough Mudder with my CrossFit Aspire crew!! AHHHHHH I swear, I can be talked into almost anything haha!

Also - my girls made it to the playoffs.  First year with a girls team.  They have done well. I am proud of them.  We lost our game, but I am SO proud to be one of their coaches.  <3>

Happy Friday loves!

~xoxo
M