sled dragging = best WOD ever!

I went online last night and looked at today's WOD.  It looked so good, I had to go to crossfit today even though I don't normally go on Thursdays.  I've been wanting to try my hand at sled dragging/pulling and haven't been able to make it when they've done it in the past. 

So I've been trying different things for breakfast to see what feels the best when I crossfit.  I'm surprised to say that carbs give me the best endurance through my workouts.  I used to only eat things like eggs, bacon, protein packed things but would constantly feel sick during the WOD's.  I tried cereals, but the small amount of sugars seemed to upset my stomach as well.  I've finally settled on a super small bowl of organic oatmeal.  It's just enough to keep me from getting hungry, I have a nice constant flow of energy during the workouts and I never feel sick.  I bring along a protein shake in a small cooler that I keep in the car and drink on the way home.  Having protein directly after a workout is one of the fastest ways to replenish your muscles.  It also greatly helps decrease soreness that we feel the next day after a grueling workout. 

Anyhoo so today we started off with a 400 meter run.  Instead of trying to stay with the group, I stuck to a comfortable pace and really worked on my breathing and keeping good form.  I was definitely the slowest out of the group, but for the first time I didn't feel like I was gasping for air and going to die.  I felt fairly comfortable.  What a nice change of pace!! 

Our skill set was Romanian Deadlifts.  These really work the back of your legs and your bum.  We did 3 sets of 10.  Ohhh I could definitely feel the burn.  Then we did 3 sets of 10 hip thrusters.  You lay on the ground the place the barbell on your hips.  Then you put your feet on the ground, so your knees are up in the air at about a 90 degree angle.  Then you push up with your hips and clench your bum and lift the barbell off the ground.  This was quick exhausting.  My legs were shaking they were so tired. 

Next we got in groups of 3 and started our WOD.  We used a sled.  It looks similar to this.

 

 

 

We had to pull it down the alley, walking backwards.  Then turn around and drag it back up the alley, walking forwards.  You can definitely feel the different muscle groups it takes to pull it backwards, vs dragging it forwards.  Next we did 20 toes to bar, but for those who aren't able to do those, we'd do 10 ab wheels.  Then 20 wall balls.  We each had to do those three stations, three times.  So basically we did 9 stations in all.  It took our group a total of 25 minutes to complete the WOD.  We were right with the rest of the groups.  It was great to feel like I wasn't slowing my group down. 

 

I loved the sleds.  I've seen them being used on shows like The Biggest Loser and Extreme Weight Loss Edition.  I felt powerful, strong, and accomplished.  They are definitely my new favorite at crossfit. 

 

 

My husband is out of town on business, which means I can get away with super simple, kid friendly meals.  Time to figure out a healthy lunch and dinner before the day gets away from me.

I didn't wear any pants!

How is it Monday already?!  What a whirl wind of a week!!  I'm still not completely well.  I still have a lingering cough, but for the most part I'm feeling much better.  We've spent most of this past week outdoors.  It's been hot and sunny and really just perfect weather. 

I've mentioned before that I have a very active husband and for most of the past 11 years of marriage I have chosen not to be active with him.  I told myself that this year I was going to do everything he did.  If he goes hiking, I go hiking, if he goes to the beach to swim then......GASP......I will put on a swimming suit and go to the beach to swim.  The beach is the hardest for me.  I haven't worn just a swimming suit to the beach since I was in grade school.  I'd wear shorts over my suit to hide my thighs or a shirt to hide my tummy.  Anyway we went to the beach last weekend and as soon as we got our chairs and umbrella set up, I quickly took off my shirt and pants.  I stood there on the beach in nothing but my swimming suit and sunglasses.  I looked around to see if anyone was going blind from all my grossness.....but no one seemed to notice, let alone give two craps. 

As time went on that day I saw several people who were in much worse shape than I was....and they all ran around in their swimming suits without a care in the world.  A few even wore bikinis!!!!!   They didn't seem to care, so why do I?  The best part of the day was swimming with my kids.  They were tickled pink that I got in the water with them.  This is what life is all about!  Spending time with the ones you love, not sitting on the beach, wearing pants and stressing over how fat you are.  For some reason I've had it in my head that unless you are perfect at something, you don't even try it.  Ever since I was a small child, that's how I've felt about life. 

Long story short, I went to the beach several times this past week and each time I've taken off my shirt and pants and have tried my best to not let my fears and insecurities cloud my thinking.  I still hate how I look, but this is who I am today and I'm working on changing what I don't like.  So until I become a major babe, I'm going to strut my white flabby dimpled legs at the beach.  ;)

I did go to crossfit today.  Today was beyond hard.  I can tell that I don't have my full strength back from being so sick.  The smallest things just wear me out completely.  We started off with junkyard dog.  I was ready to quit after that.  Our skill set was 4 rounds of various kettle bell exercises.  Again, would've loved to have grabbed my keys and headed home afterwards.  Our WOD was 3 rounds of running 400 meters and 15 over head squats with a weighted bar.  I used a super light bar.  This was my first time doing over head squats, so the movement for me was more important than the weight. 

We stood up at the white board while Jonathan filled us in on what the WOD entailed.  He then told us that we were going to do a "warm up" run before we started the WOD.  What the heck?! Nononononono NO NO NOOOOOOOOO!!!  I wanted to cry.  Running is my enemy! So we all lined up outside and did our warm up 400 meter run.  Oh my goodness.  I was spent by the time I made it back inside.  I was the last one in, as usual. 

As they counted down the seconds until we started the WOD I just kept praying that I wouldn't get sick.  I was starting to already feel slightly nauseous.  I ran 400 meters the 1st round, then did 15 OHS (over head squats) and then Meagan and Jonathan both told me to just run 200 meters the last two rounds.  My 2nd round was painful.  I got the worst stitch in my side while running.  UGH!!  My 3rd round brought out the tears again.  My eyes started to water and I could feel a cry-a-thon start to build.  I bit the insides of my cheeks as hard as I could to stop myself from crying.  I finished my 3rd round in 11 min 38 seconds.  I believe I got the worst time and I was the only one (I believe) who modified the run.  So yeah....once again......I'm in dead last.  Oh well.  At least I showed up, I tried my best, and I did everything they asked me to do. 

My in-laws arrive tomorrow.  My anxiety is building with each approaching day.  I feel like I'm going to throw up just thinking about it.  I'm praying that God gives me peace of mind while they are here and that this would be an enjoyable visit unlike every other visit that's ever occurred thus far. 

Endurance!!

It's been a few days since I've blogged.  I've been taking advantage of the gorgeous weather to do all my planting.  I got a ton of flowers planted and started a container garden.  I used a half of a whisky barrel and planted organic rainbow carrots and 5 gallon buckets to plant sweet bell peppers and jalapenos.  I also got 3 huge organic beefsteak tomato plants in containers as well.  Can't wait to see how the veggies do! 

I woke up feeling pretty awful.  Super sore throat, tummy ache, and stuffy nose.  I took some meds, drank a chocolate sunbutter protein shake and went to Crossfit despite my brain telling me to stay home and rest in bed. 

Our warm up was .......you guessed it....running.  We ran 400 meters.  I was shocked that I was able to run the entire way and was only behind the rest of the group by about 5 seconds.  How and when did that happen?  Don't get me wrong, I was super tired and breathing like I was going to die, but I did it and kept up.  Yeehaw!  I can feel my endurance increasing and it's so exciting! 

Next we did our skill set, which was deadlifts.  The first time I only used 20 lbs and was focusing more on form than weight.  Today I was able to do several sets of 150 lbs.  I know that to some that is not much weight, but for someone like me who hasn't done any type of lifting in her life except to lift food to her lips, this was quite exciting.  =)

Our WOD was 5 rounds of

25 double unders ( I had to do 75 single unders)

18 overhead kettle bell swings

12   20" box jumps (I do 15" box steps)

For some reason I had it in my head that I only had to do 3 rounds and by the end of the third round I could feel all my energy being drained away.  Catching my breath seemed almost impossible and I was drenched.  As I was finishing up the last two box steps I looked up at the white board and realized I still had 2 more rounds to go.  FUDGE!!!!  I could feel tears start creep up and told myself to just shut up and not cry and finish the flipping WOD.  I finished in 12min 21 seconds.  To say I was wiped out would be the understatement of the year.  I'm glad I went despite not feeling good this morning.  My throat still hurts like a mother, but other than that I feel fine.  This weekend will be spent outdoors so we can continue working on our back patio.  Fingers crossed I get some sun.....I'm tired of being so pale I almost look neon white. 

Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's!