I haven't felt much "pep" lately. Where'd it go?! I'm not sure if it's the crummy sleep I'm getting, the dark winter days, the single digit temps or what. I miss the full of life feeling I had during the summer.
My mom called me today to let me know they had to put their dog down. Jamaica was almost 14 years old. I clearly remember the first day they brought her home. She was an 8 week old black lab and my mom brought her down into my room and let her wake me up by licking me. I feel bad for my parents, they are taking her death very hard. =(
I did make it to crossfit. I really wanted to skip it today though.....it was mostly cardio. I'd much rather lift weights that do cardio. Cardio is great for skinny mini's....not for chunky monkey's like myself. I suppose I need it the most though...since it's a great fat burner. WHATEVER........I still freaking hate it.
We rowed 1000 meters, did 40 jumping pull ups, and then had to burn 65 calories on the airdyne bike. BARF BARF BARF!
I finished in 15 min 7 seconds. Definitely one of the slowest times of the day. Drat!
I'm going to brew myself up a cup of coffee and then maybe soak in a hot bubble bath. My let muscles are screaming at me.
Showing posts with label rowing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rowing. Show all posts
Monday, December 9, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
"to the pain"
Anyone know this quote? "to the pain" It's from my most favorite movie, The Princess Bride.
Humperdinck: First things first, to the death. Westley: No. To the pain. Humperdinck: I don't think I'm quite familiar with that phrase. Westley: I'll explain, and I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you warthog-faced buffoon. Humperdinck: That may be the first time in my life a man has dared insult me. Westley: It won't be the last. "To the pain" means the first thing you lose will be your feet, below the ankles, then your hands at the wrists. Next, your nose. Humperdinck: [losing his patience] And then my tongue, I suppose. I killed you too quickly the last time, a mistake I don't mean to duplicate tonight. Westley: I wasn't finished! The next thing you lose will be your left eye, followed by your right — Humperdinck: [exasperated] And then my ears. I understand! Let's get on with it- Westley: WRONG! Your ears you keep, and I'll tell you why: So that every shriek of every child at seeing your hideousness will be yours to cherish. Every babe that weeps at your approach, every woman who cries out, "Dear God, what is that thing?" will echo in your perfect ears. That is what "to the pain" means. It means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in freakish misery forever.
Today's workout was "to the pain". Well...........it was close. haha
Our warm up was getting into groups of 3 and while 1 person rows 250 meters, the other two are doing junkyard dog. We each took a turn. I must say, that was the fastest I've ever rowed in my life! I was able to row at a pace of 1:51.....which is a far cry better that was I used to row which was 2:35.
Our skill set was a killer!
4 rounds
10 left handed lateral kettlebell swings
10 right handed lateral kettlebell swings
10 left handed regular kb swings
10 right handed regular kb swings
10 kb power cleans (using two bells)
1 minute native squat while holding a kettle bell
FOUR FREAKING ROUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!! Sweat was pouring off my body. There was a disgusting amount of sweat on the floor all around me. Everything burned, my muscles were tapped out!
Our WOD was hard as well.
10 manmakers (BARF BARF BARF these are so hard!)
20 pull ups ( I did ring rows)
800 meter run
20 pull ups
10 more manmakers
I ran 700 out of the 800 meters. HUGE accomplishment for me! Especially after how tired I was. BUT I did it!! I kept up with the group and finished the workout. It feels amazing! I did cry on the way home though. I know I pushed myself to my very limit. Those last few manmakers had me grunting and groaning. It took every last bit of energy I had to get them done.
I'm not sure what exercise I'm going to get in tomorrow, but it'll be something easy going and not too strenuous. I hope Friday's WOD isn't as hard as today's was. OY!
Today's workout was "to the pain". Well...........it was close. haha
Our warm up was getting into groups of 3 and while 1 person rows 250 meters, the other two are doing junkyard dog. We each took a turn. I must say, that was the fastest I've ever rowed in my life! I was able to row at a pace of 1:51.....which is a far cry better that was I used to row which was 2:35.
Our skill set was a killer!
4 rounds
10 left handed lateral kettlebell swings
10 right handed lateral kettlebell swings
10 left handed regular kb swings
10 right handed regular kb swings
10 kb power cleans (using two bells)
1 minute native squat while holding a kettle bell
FOUR FREAKING ROUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!! Sweat was pouring off my body. There was a disgusting amount of sweat on the floor all around me. Everything burned, my muscles were tapped out!
Our WOD was hard as well.
10 manmakers (BARF BARF BARF these are so hard!)
20 pull ups ( I did ring rows)
800 meter run
20 pull ups
10 more manmakers
I ran 700 out of the 800 meters. HUGE accomplishment for me! Especially after how tired I was. BUT I did it!! I kept up with the group and finished the workout. It feels amazing! I did cry on the way home though. I know I pushed myself to my very limit. Those last few manmakers had me grunting and groaning. It took every last bit of energy I had to get them done.
I'm not sure what exercise I'm going to get in tomorrow, but it'll be something easy going and not too strenuous. I hope Friday's WOD isn't as hard as today's was. OY!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
1st week of the Paleo Challenge is officially over
1 week down, 5 more to go with this Paleo Challenge. My first week has been chalk full of temptations of all sorts. All in all I think I've done great! I miss cheese like crazy as well as half n half for my coffee. I can do this for 5 more weeks. It'll be so worth it when I go to Boise. Not only will I thoroughly enjoy my food when I'm there, but I know my clothes will be fitting better and running the 5k will be easier. I tried on a sweater that my sister gave me a couple years ago. It's never fit, like not even close. It was so tight I've contemplated getting rid of it several times. I was able to wear it yesterday and it fit perfectly. Hurray!!!!
Crossfit is always hard, but there are days where it's hard and it feels good, and then days where it's hard and you want to die. Today I wanted to die.
Our warm up was kettle bell maxercise. Basically we did several minutes of nonstop kettle bell exercises.
Our skill set was all about hang cleans.
It was 10 sets:
flat footed clean pull
hang power clean
hang squat clean
jerk
I loved the jerks. It was my first time ever doing them. I must admit I did feel a little bit like a bad ass.
Our WOD was in a group of 3:
row 3000 meters
120 burpees
I'm slowly conquering my fear of running. It's not as hard anymore. Rowing on the other hand suck so bad! It's crazy hard and my stomach fat likes to get in the way, which makes it harder to catch my breath. I wanted to quit so bad. If it wasn't for my group/team, I don't know how well I would've faired.
It's only 7pm and I'm tired enough to go to bed. Unfortunately my husband is out of town working, so I'll have to stay up and get the kids off to bed in an hour.
I'm looking forward to seeing how my body changes during the last 5 weeks of this challenge. It feels really good to fuel my body on clean foods. My mood is better, I sleep SO much better, and I think it's a good example for my children.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Partner Up
I woke up with the mother of all migraines. I wish I knew what caused them. My mother gets them as well as my sister. It was so bad I knew I wouldn't be able to make it to crossfit, but to my surprise the two Excedrin I took worked shortly before I normally leave for class. So because I felt better, I had no excuses not to go. I'm glad I did. I loved the warm up. It was two sets of 3 different movements. They weren't hard, but they really opened up some of the different muscle groups.
The skill set was doing 5 strict presses every minute on the minute for 10 minutes. These were tough, but felt awesome!
The WOD was a partner WOD. I tend to really hate being partnered up. Mostly because I'm slow, and I feel like I drag my partner(s) down. Today one of my very favorite crossfit peeps was back after a few months away. I was worried she had quit or had moved to a different class. Apparently she had surgery and was recovering. So we ended up being partners which worked out well. I'm always slow and because she hasn't been working out in several weeks, she was slow. Yay for the slow peeps! haha
We did 6 rounds (3 each) of
250 meter row
15 burpees (they had me do ten)
10 push presses with the bar
During my 1st round of push presses I had too much weight on the bar and literally hit my face with the bar as I was bringing it back down from being overhead. I felt like a complete idiot because as I looked up from hitting my face there was Derek, watching me. Oh how come when I do the dumbest things there are always people watching. Hey Derek, watch how coordinated I am. Watch me slap my face against the bar. Watch me act like a moron. There are days that hiding under a rock seems like a better option than going out in public.
This WOD was BRUTAL! Those last 10 push presses made my arms burn like crazy!
We finished in 14 minutes 46 seconds. Towards the end of my 3rd round I started feeling a little light headed and sick. BUT I finished and I'm so so so glad I went. I feel so much better mentally and physically when I go.
Tomorrow is running and Friday will be another crossfit session. Bring it on!
The skill set was doing 5 strict presses every minute on the minute for 10 minutes. These were tough, but felt awesome!
The WOD was a partner WOD. I tend to really hate being partnered up. Mostly because I'm slow, and I feel like I drag my partner(s) down. Today one of my very favorite crossfit peeps was back after a few months away. I was worried she had quit or had moved to a different class. Apparently she had surgery and was recovering. So we ended up being partners which worked out well. I'm always slow and because she hasn't been working out in several weeks, she was slow. Yay for the slow peeps! haha
We did 6 rounds (3 each) of
250 meter row
15 burpees (they had me do ten)
10 push presses with the bar
During my 1st round of push presses I had too much weight on the bar and literally hit my face with the bar as I was bringing it back down from being overhead. I felt like a complete idiot because as I looked up from hitting my face there was Derek, watching me. Oh how come when I do the dumbest things there are always people watching. Hey Derek, watch how coordinated I am. Watch me slap my face against the bar. Watch me act like a moron. There are days that hiding under a rock seems like a better option than going out in public.
This WOD was BRUTAL! Those last 10 push presses made my arms burn like crazy!
We finished in 14 minutes 46 seconds. Towards the end of my 3rd round I started feeling a little light headed and sick. BUT I finished and I'm so so so glad I went. I feel so much better mentally and physically when I go.
Tomorrow is running and Friday will be another crossfit session. Bring it on!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Cinderella
I didn't sleep well last night. I woke up with a sore throat. It's overcast and staying curled up in bed sounded lovely. BUT I still got up and got my plump behind to CrossFit. I fought with myself about it all morning. I'm glad I'm starting to listen to the "angel" voice more than the "devil" voice. The more I force myself to go the more I realize that I can do this. I can become an athlete. I can take control of my life. I can become the person I've always wanted to be.
I was talking with my mom on the phone this morning and I told her that I feel like I'm stronger mentally.....more than I ever remember. She told me that she felt like I'm finally becoming the person I was meant to be. That statement made me feel great and awful all at the same time. Great because it feels good to be doing what I was born to do, and yet awful because I've wasted 33 years. I know what you are thinking, YOU CAN'T DWELL ON THE PAST. THE PAST IS THE PAST. You are right.
I saw this quote on another blog yesterday and it really resonated with me.
I've had a few people tell me how brave I was for changing my life and starting crossfit. It bothers me a bit because I don't feel brave, I don't feel like I have any courage. But this quote kind of brought it all home for me. Maybe courage isn't being fearless.....maybe it's just continually trying and working towards your goals despite the occasional obstacle.
Today's warm up was two rounds of running 200 meters, 8 ring rows, and 8 toes to bar. I did (what I think are called) V-ups instead. I've been reading some info on running. I wanted to see if I could find any tips on how to do it more efficiently. Today I tried to slow it down just a smidge and lengthen my stride. It felt a little better. Megan told me that my running looked better today, so maybe I'm actually doing something right! Speaking of running......I'll be going to Boise in Nov to visit my sister. I'm flying in on Halloween and staying a few nights. I'm going to run my first 5K while there. I'm super excited and totally freaked out. It definitely gives me something to work towards in the mean time.
Our skill set was weighted pull-ups. Again, can't really do pull-ups, so I did 5 rounds of 5 negative pull-ups on the rings. I've never used my muscles so much in my life. I've worked out throughout the years, but never really with weights or weight related exercises. It's pretty much been pure cardio. Cardio was never really tough. I might get tired or winded, but it was never "hard". I never felt like I was going to die. I pretty much feel like I'm going to die each and every time I set foot in my crossfit.
Our WOD was 4 rounds of rowing 500 meters. Again we couldn't get less than a 3 second difference in our times or we'd have to do 25 burpees. Oh my flippin word. I remember the pain and agony I felt last Wednesday, and it was back to haunt me again. It's funny the thoughts that run through your brain when you get scared.....maybe I should fake an injury, maybe I could sneak out and no one would notice, maybe I could row only three rounds and not tell anyone.....the list goes on and on. My first round I clocked in at 2 min 14 seconds.
2nd round: 2 min 9 seconds
3rd round: 2 min 15 seconds
4th round: can't remember
I know I didn't owe any burpees so I was at least 2 min 17 seconds.
During my 4th round I stopped for about 3 seconds to catch my breath and relieve my burning legs and arms. Megan came up behind me and told me to keep going. Ugh! I started up again and my shoe fell off. Instead of stopping again I just kept pulling as hard as I possibly could. I finished. I grabbed my shoe and sat down and tried desperately to catch my breath. Everything hurt, everything ached, my body is so not used to this type of torture.
I'm beyond thankful I didn't owe any burpees. I think I would've burst into tears if I did. I did cry on my way home....AGAIN. I'm confused why crossfit makes me cry so much. Oh well. As I drove home I passed the grocery store, and as I drove by I saw the reader board highlight their sale on donuts. Dear Jesus, help me! I drove right on by, got home and collapsed on the couch. I did it. I finished another grueling workout.
I was talking with my mom on the phone this morning and I told her that I feel like I'm stronger mentally.....more than I ever remember. She told me that she felt like I'm finally becoming the person I was meant to be. That statement made me feel great and awful all at the same time. Great because it feels good to be doing what I was born to do, and yet awful because I've wasted 33 years. I know what you are thinking, YOU CAN'T DWELL ON THE PAST. THE PAST IS THE PAST. You are right.
I saw this quote on another blog yesterday and it really resonated with me.
I've had a few people tell me how brave I was for changing my life and starting crossfit. It bothers me a bit because I don't feel brave, I don't feel like I have any courage. But this quote kind of brought it all home for me. Maybe courage isn't being fearless.....maybe it's just continually trying and working towards your goals despite the occasional obstacle.
Today's warm up was two rounds of running 200 meters, 8 ring rows, and 8 toes to bar. I did (what I think are called) V-ups instead. I've been reading some info on running. I wanted to see if I could find any tips on how to do it more efficiently. Today I tried to slow it down just a smidge and lengthen my stride. It felt a little better. Megan told me that my running looked better today, so maybe I'm actually doing something right! Speaking of running......I'll be going to Boise in Nov to visit my sister. I'm flying in on Halloween and staying a few nights. I'm going to run my first 5K while there. I'm super excited and totally freaked out. It definitely gives me something to work towards in the mean time.
Our skill set was weighted pull-ups. Again, can't really do pull-ups, so I did 5 rounds of 5 negative pull-ups on the rings. I've never used my muscles so much in my life. I've worked out throughout the years, but never really with weights or weight related exercises. It's pretty much been pure cardio. Cardio was never really tough. I might get tired or winded, but it was never "hard". I never felt like I was going to die. I pretty much feel like I'm going to die each and every time I set foot in my crossfit.
Our WOD was 4 rounds of rowing 500 meters. Again we couldn't get less than a 3 second difference in our times or we'd have to do 25 burpees. Oh my flippin word. I remember the pain and agony I felt last Wednesday, and it was back to haunt me again. It's funny the thoughts that run through your brain when you get scared.....maybe I should fake an injury, maybe I could sneak out and no one would notice, maybe I could row only three rounds and not tell anyone.....the list goes on and on. My first round I clocked in at 2 min 14 seconds.
2nd round: 2 min 9 seconds
3rd round: 2 min 15 seconds
4th round: can't remember
I know I didn't owe any burpees so I was at least 2 min 17 seconds.
During my 4th round I stopped for about 3 seconds to catch my breath and relieve my burning legs and arms. Megan came up behind me and told me to keep going. Ugh! I started up again and my shoe fell off. Instead of stopping again I just kept pulling as hard as I possibly could. I finished. I grabbed my shoe and sat down and tried desperately to catch my breath. Everything hurt, everything ached, my body is so not used to this type of torture.
I'm beyond thankful I didn't owe any burpees. I think I would've burst into tears if I did. I did cry on my way home....AGAIN. I'm confused why crossfit makes me cry so much. Oh well. As I drove home I passed the grocery store, and as I drove by I saw the reader board highlight their sale on donuts. Dear Jesus, help me! I drove right on by, got home and collapsed on the couch. I did it. I finished another grueling workout.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Death Row
Today is my middle son's 8th birthday. Hebron was born on Father's Day. He asked me if we could stay home from crossfit today because it was his birthday. Nice try, Son. After I cool down from my workout and shower, I'll take him to 31 Flavors to get an ice cream cone.
Today was a wamup, skill set, and WOD that all dealt with the arms and shoulders. The WOD was a killer. Literally I felt like death was creeping up on me while doing it. I wanted to die. The rowing machine looks so innocent. Most of us have tried it a time or two in the gym. It seems easy and it is if you're using it incorrectly. We had to row 750 meters three times. We timed ourselves and couldn't go below our first time by more than 3 seconds or we'd have to do 25 penalty burpees.
If we rowed the first 750 meters in 3 minutes, then we'd double that time to rest. So then we'd rest for 6 minutes. Then we'd row again, rest again, and then row one last time.
Our crossfit only has 8 rowers, and we had well over 20 people in today's class, so we had to alternate a bit. I was in the last group to start and naturally was the last person to finish.
Geoff told me that I needed to stay around 220 meters a minute. He told me that I have strong legs and that it was an appropriate goal for me to strive for. When I rowed Monday I had a super hard time staying under 230 meters a minute, and that was for 400 meters sprints. ugh!!!!
I started and stayed at around 217 meters a minute. My lungs burned, my shoulders were on fire, my legs were quivering, my stomach muscles were screaming at me. My whole body felt like it was going to shut down. I just closed my eyes and kept rowing, trying to keep a good stride and proper form. I finished my 1st 750 meters in 3 minutes 34 seconds. I had 7 minutes to rest.
That 7 min. rest FLEW by! My second 750 meters I was told to keep my speed at 215 meters a minute. Basically meaning I needed to do this round slightly faster. I wanted to scream, LOOK AT ME, I'M TOO FAT! Instead I just closed my eyes and prayed that I wouldn't make a complete fool out of myself in front of the rest of the class.
My second round I was able to shave 6 seconds off my time. I clocked in at 3 minutes 28 seconds.
I had another 7 min. rest and climbed back on the rower. I knew I had to get my last round in at 3 min 37 seconds or faster....otherwise 25 burpees would need to be done.
My stomach was not happy, I felt super sick, and my eyes were starting to tear up. I told myself to KNOCK IT OFF, THERE IS NO CRYING IN CROSSFIT...YOU SIGNED UP FOR THIS, NOW BUCK UP AND GET THROUGH IT!
I stopped twice during my 3rd round. My lungs just didn't feel like they could keep up with my need for oxygen. Megan and Geoff started yelling encouragement to me and I finished as strong as I could. I used every last ounce of energy that I had. I finished at exactly 3 min 34 seconds.....the same as my 1st round.
Hurray!! No burpees for this girl!! I did it. I finished it. I pushed myself past any limit I thought I had. I just sat on the machine for a minute and sucked in air as fast as I could. I didn't care that I was last. I was just happy I finished it.
On a different note, I saw my grandfather on Saturday and he gave me a hug and told me that he could totally see me shrinking. Yay! It feels so good when others can visually see the hard work I've been putting in.
Yesterday I went and donated plasma. I've been donating on and off for a few years now. I go when I need a little extra cash. At the moment I go twice a week to pay for CrossFit since there is no money in the budget for this expensive sport. Ever since I started donating plasma they have to use the larger of two arm cuffs to check my blood pressure. There have been a few times where someone would try a smaller cuff, but as soon as they turn it on, it pops off because it's way too small. Yesterday the nurse used the smaller one and I cringed as she turned on the machine. To my shock and amazement it didn't pop off, it fit just fine!!
Can I fit into skinny jeans? no
Can I wear a swimsuit at the beach and look normal? no
Can I get on the scale and see a healthy number looking back at me? no
I'm no where near where I want to be, but I'm thrilled at the small changes I'm starting to see. I'm going to be proud of where I am and where I've come from. I don't think enough of us get happy about the small things. We tend to get fixated on a certain number on the scale or the size of pants they're in. We need to celebrate all the small victories in our lives. It's those small things that will lead us to the big changes we so desperately want.
Today was a wamup, skill set, and WOD that all dealt with the arms and shoulders. The WOD was a killer. Literally I felt like death was creeping up on me while doing it. I wanted to die. The rowing machine looks so innocent. Most of us have tried it a time or two in the gym. It seems easy and it is if you're using it incorrectly. We had to row 750 meters three times. We timed ourselves and couldn't go below our first time by more than 3 seconds or we'd have to do 25 penalty burpees.
If we rowed the first 750 meters in 3 minutes, then we'd double that time to rest. So then we'd rest for 6 minutes. Then we'd row again, rest again, and then row one last time.
Our crossfit only has 8 rowers, and we had well over 20 people in today's class, so we had to alternate a bit. I was in the last group to start and naturally was the last person to finish.
Geoff told me that I needed to stay around 220 meters a minute. He told me that I have strong legs and that it was an appropriate goal for me to strive for. When I rowed Monday I had a super hard time staying under 230 meters a minute, and that was for 400 meters sprints. ugh!!!!
I started and stayed at around 217 meters a minute. My lungs burned, my shoulders were on fire, my legs were quivering, my stomach muscles were screaming at me. My whole body felt like it was going to shut down. I just closed my eyes and kept rowing, trying to keep a good stride and proper form. I finished my 1st 750 meters in 3 minutes 34 seconds. I had 7 minutes to rest.
That 7 min. rest FLEW by! My second 750 meters I was told to keep my speed at 215 meters a minute. Basically meaning I needed to do this round slightly faster. I wanted to scream, LOOK AT ME, I'M TOO FAT! Instead I just closed my eyes and prayed that I wouldn't make a complete fool out of myself in front of the rest of the class.
My second round I was able to shave 6 seconds off my time. I clocked in at 3 minutes 28 seconds.
I had another 7 min. rest and climbed back on the rower. I knew I had to get my last round in at 3 min 37 seconds or faster....otherwise 25 burpees would need to be done.
My stomach was not happy, I felt super sick, and my eyes were starting to tear up. I told myself to KNOCK IT OFF, THERE IS NO CRYING IN CROSSFIT...YOU SIGNED UP FOR THIS, NOW BUCK UP AND GET THROUGH IT!
I stopped twice during my 3rd round. My lungs just didn't feel like they could keep up with my need for oxygen. Megan and Geoff started yelling encouragement to me and I finished as strong as I could. I used every last ounce of energy that I had. I finished at exactly 3 min 34 seconds.....the same as my 1st round.
Hurray!! No burpees for this girl!! I did it. I finished it. I pushed myself past any limit I thought I had. I just sat on the machine for a minute and sucked in air as fast as I could. I didn't care that I was last. I was just happy I finished it.
On a different note, I saw my grandfather on Saturday and he gave me a hug and told me that he could totally see me shrinking. Yay! It feels so good when others can visually see the hard work I've been putting in.
Yesterday I went and donated plasma. I've been donating on and off for a few years now. I go when I need a little extra cash. At the moment I go twice a week to pay for CrossFit since there is no money in the budget for this expensive sport. Ever since I started donating plasma they have to use the larger of two arm cuffs to check my blood pressure. There have been a few times where someone would try a smaller cuff, but as soon as they turn it on, it pops off because it's way too small. Yesterday the nurse used the smaller one and I cringed as she turned on the machine. To my shock and amazement it didn't pop off, it fit just fine!!
Can I fit into skinny jeans? no
Can I wear a swimsuit at the beach and look normal? no
Can I get on the scale and see a healthy number looking back at me? no
I'm no where near where I want to be, but I'm thrilled at the small changes I'm starting to see. I'm going to be proud of where I am and where I've come from. I don't think enough of us get happy about the small things. We tend to get fixated on a certain number on the scale or the size of pants they're in. We need to celebrate all the small victories in our lives. It's those small things that will lead us to the big changes we so desperately want.
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