16 July, 2012

Weekend recap

04072012

On Saturday we held a coaches WOD.  We are trying to get in the habit of holding one once a week.  As coaches, we typically see each other in passing getting ready to coach the next class, or just finishing up their own workout.  It's nice that we are able to get together and workout since we usually workout by ourselves.  I myself have no issue working out on my own.  I'm very fortunate that I have enough drive and motivation to be able to do that as I know many do not.  For me, I feel that this motivation comes from the fact that I remember where I used to be.  I simply refuse to go back and I will do whatever it takes to make sure of that.  Back to the WOD....

Chipperson
For Time:
400 m Run*
10 G.I. Janes
20 Push Presses 95/65#
30 Overhead Squats 95/65#
40 Deadlifts 95/65#
30 Pull-ups
20 Weighted Lunges 95/65#
10 Hang Cleans 95/65#
*Must run 400m somewhere within chipper

Time: 10:34

This wasn't a bad little WOD.  Other than trying to beat Nick, my goal was just to push through as quickly as I could with minimal rest.  I decided to get the run over with first as I figured if I waited, my run time would suffer a lot.  Burpee pull ups suck.  Though after watching the games, I gather burpee muscle ups suck worse.  I will be finding out today just for fun!  The PP and OHS I got through unbroken.  For the DL, I did 20 and dropped the bar.  I was planning with the pull-ups to to 3 sets of 10.  I was ahead of Nick at this time but had a feeling he was going to pass me on this.  First 10 I went through with no problem.  The second set.....yeah I did 5.  Then 5 more.I did try!  The last 10 were 7 and 3.  Nick did finish before me by a couple of seconds and when I was done I ran to the bar.  Threw the bar on my back and got through the lunges without any issues.  I HAD planned on going unbroken with the cleans but alas my grip had other plans.  I got through 6 before I just let go.  It was only 2 seconds before I picked it back up but then I dropped it again after 2!  Damn!  Again, picked it back up and finished.  When I was done I could see Nick out of the corner of my eye.*sigh*  I didn't even have to ask....he got 10:30.  So close!  That's ok....next time.  While I know I mentioned above I have no issue with working out alone, every now and again, it is fun to get together with fellow family and knock one out with a little friendly competition....even if they don't know they are competing.

Later on in the day I felt like I had all of this energy and I just needed to get rid of it.  I ended up going back to the box at 1930 to get another WOD in.  I'm sure this was also in part to watching all of the amazing games athletes (Thank you  Jimmy's Old Town Tavern for hosting the CF games stream!).  I decided to get it on with one of the ladies that I have yet to try.

Karen

150 Wall Ball Shots for time

Time: 6:50

So long as I got under 10, I was going to be happy.  This time I remembered to wear my oly shoes.  It really does make a difference and gave a really good foundation.  I was initially going to break it up into sets of 25 but once I got to my first 25, I knew I could push a few more so I ended up breaking it up into sets of 30.  The only set I didn't complete as 30 was the last one.  That one I broke up as 20/10.  Not going to lie, I was surprised at the time!

13072012

Friday the 13th run for your life! Just kidding.  I was in the mood for something quick and with weights.  Seeing as I want to get all of the girls done before I leave, I figured I would hit up Grace for some fun.  Now it is true I did Grace already but this was more about if I could get her done under 3.

Grace

30 Clean and Jerks for time

Time: 3:06

Noooooooo!  honestly I have nothing to complain about.  This was 0:33 faster from the last time.  This doesn't mean I won't try to hit her up one more time before I leave.

13 July, 2012

12072012

So knowing I was not going to make it to the box last nite, I decided to hit the WOD for lunch.  I was also able to get Colleen to stay after she coached so she could WOD with me!  I really wanted to do this WOD (who am I kidding I want to do them all) because this was going to be my first one with my new rope.  Now don't get me wrong, I love my RX jump Rope however, the Rogue SR-1S short handle rope just has a way about it.  It has a very nice spin with the ball bearing they use that what feels to me more fluid. 

3 RFT

50 Double Unders
10 KTE
12 Burpees
Time 5:30

The first round went how I expected to go minus the one miss on the rope.  What I didn't think about was the transition from the burpees to rope, how fast my heart was going to be pumping.  I was not controlling my breathing as well as I should have been and because of that it was messing with my doubles for the second and third round.  I may try this one again as I think I could get this one at 5:15.  Overall it was a great WOD to get done for lunch!

11 July, 2012

Kelly and back squats

Typically I will post about my WOD from the day before but since I worked out this AM, I figured I would go ahead and write something up for both yesterday and today.  Lets start with the WOD for today.

Kelly
5 RFT
400m run
30'' box jump 24/20''
30 Wall ball 20/14#
Time: 22:16

Honestly going into this workout I thought this was my first dance with her.  I didn't remember 2 stepping with her back in March and again in May of 2011.  See this is why it is very important to keep track of all of your workouts!  Not only can you see what you have done, but you can see how well you did AND see your improvement.  I can't say enough how much I love Beyond the Whiteboard.  They are a great tool to help you with keeping track of your CrossFit workout history complete with charts and many more things.  If your box does not provide it to you, I would purchase the yearly plan.  It is only $33!  Anyways, so I did not check on BTWB and assumed (shame one me) this was my first time.  I was wrong.  On the plus side, I PR'd by 4:14!  I didn't have a set goal other than to complete this workout well under 30.  The first set was fine.  I was able to go unbroken with everything.  As I started the second round, I decided that I was going to break up the wall balls by 20/10.  The box jumps were never a problem.  Finishing up the wall balls on the second round I could already tell that I was not going to keep the 20/10 split so I would try for a 20/5/5.  Yep that didn't work either.  I ended up doing 15/10/5.  Luckily for the other rounds I was able to keep the 15 but the rest were broken into 5.  I knew that the wall ball was going to be my downfall on this so when I wasn't doing those, I really focused on making up time with the run and the box jumps.  Not to say I was dogging the wall balls, but I knew I could push more with the other two.  I think it worked to my advantage.  I was extremely happy when I hit the wall for the last time with the ball.  So much so that my legs collapsed underneath me under the rig as I was walking.  A very nice sweat angel was born!  So I asked Coach Nick what was his weakness was going into this and his quote was "Everything after round 3."  I thought that summed up Kelly nicely.



10072012

First on the list was back squats.  While my favourite is still the awesome front squat, I have learned to appreciate the back squat more in recent months.

5x3 Back Sqaut  90% 3RM 90 sec. rest between sets
Load: 265# for all sets

Thanks to Coach Nate for correcting my form.  I had my thumb wrapped around the bar for the low bar back squat.  D'oh!  So that's why my wrist was bent....the funny part (or not) is Lori told me the same thing a few days prior.  I felt very solid at the bottom and was really focusing on keeping my knees out as I have a tendency to let them buckle in as the weight increases.  This was a lot more taxing on my body than I had anticipated but that is a good thing for sure.

For time:

30 KB Snatches 53#
800m run
30 KB Snatches 53#
Time: 8:03

For the snatches I did alternating.  The first set of snatches I finished in 2:30.  I was planning on the run taking about 3:00-3:10 minutes.  Didn't quite make that.  It was more like 3:25.  The second set of snatches I felt a lot more solid and actually thought I had knocked them out faster than the first set but it was 0:18 slower from the first set.  Still though, no complaints overall.  I did not leave either part of the workout thinking I could have pushed harder.  Now I need to work on not letting the KB smash into my forearm.  I have a nice reminder on both of them to help with that for next time.

10 July, 2012

09072012

Sunday was going to be an active rest day but I decided to hit the trail with a friend for a 4 mile run.  Since this was not going to be a timed event, I grabbed the 20# vest.  Not to say I would not have worn the vest had it been timed, but I need to buy a new one.  The one I have is not very good when it comes to running for long distance.  Obviously at this current time, there is no reason for me to buy one but at some point I will upgrade.  There are a crap load of people out on the trail on Sunday morning at 0800.  Mostly cyclists.  I didn't not realise how popular cycling is in the area.  The run was a nice way to start the day.  Now on to the WOD for Monday.......

20 minutes to establish a 1RM Clean and Jerk.

Total: 215# PR Squat clean and split jerk

I was glad that it was not specified as a power clean as I really wanted to see how far I could go as the last time I did this it was 205#.  Of course for the 20 minutes I gradually built up.  I started with 135# for about the first 8 minutes get 1 rep about every minute.  After that I went up to 145# for a couple of sets then 155#, finally moving up to 185#, 195#, 205#.  I was really focusing on getting my hips open (squeezing that butt!) as this appears to be my biggest fault.  When I did hit the clean I felt very solid at the bottom and was confident that I could push for more but my goal isn't just to get a huge PR.  Small gains over a period of time!  I typically will try for 5# more instead of 10# but something told me to just go for it.  I can tell you I'm fairly certain a push jerk would not have sufficed for getting that weight over my head so thanks to Nate on continuing to push me with the split jerk.  I almost celebrated early (I was still in the split) and dropped the bar but I did get my feet back underneath me.  Success!

then

3 RFT:

20 Power Cleans 95#
20 Hand release push-ups
Time: 5:19

The first set I did unbroken without any problems but I also realised that I was going to need to break up the next two sets if I wanted to push this with very little breaks.  Honestly I was not worried about the power cleans.  I suck at push-ups.  I'm not a huge fan of them simply because they tax the hell out of me and that is more reason for me to just hit the deck and get pushing more. 3 breaths, get back to it.

07 July, 2012

Today and yesterday

So Thursday was a forced rest day.  Even though I really did want to workout, I knew because I did a workout on Wednesday, I would have to rest for Thursday.  Instead I just some stretching which still counts as an active rest day!  I had debated on rollerblading but that will be for next week.

Friday 06072012

15 minutes to establish a 1RM Front Squat and Push Jerk.

Notes: Clearly the limiting of this sequence will be the Jerk. This is not a true test of the FS, but a drill to practice the transition from the Clean to the Jerk. Racks may be used.

1RM: 210#

This was the most that I have push jerked ever.  Very happy about that.  210# over my head how crazy is that.  I know it isn't the largest number but it is a PR for me and as such I shall celebrate accordingly.  I felt like I could have done an extra 10# but I know that when it comes to increasing the weight, it is not about adding 10,20, 30#.  It is a gradual process that takes time.  Even a 1# gain is a great thing.  You have asked your body to perform something that it has not done and that should be celebrated.

Then


3 rounds for time of:

25 Jumping Squats 45#
25 Push Press 45#
Run 400m
Time 10:31


When I first started this workout I thought man this 45# is not really a lot.....how my mind changed after the first set.  Jumping squats with a weight will definitely task your legs especially when you have to run.  A nice little bit of humble pie never hurts anyone.

Saturday 06072012



50 Kettlebell Swings 53 lbs
25 Burpees
15 Toes-to-Bars
5 Snatches 135 lbs
15 Toes-to-Bars
25 Burpees
50 Wall Balls 20 lbs
Time: 14:31


My goal going into this workout was to hit 15 minutes and I'm happy to say I was successful.  I knew going into this it was really going to put my lower half to work and that I was doing to just have to endure it.  By the time I started the wall balls, my legs were not that thrilled with me.  I was not able to do them unborken but the breaks were short....say like 3 breaths.  A good way to end the WOD week.

05 July, 2012

04072012

Well I have to say this was one of the best 4th of July's I have had.  Honestly I couldn't tell you if I really did anything in years past on the 4th outside of looking at fireworks on tv and the occasional lightening of fireworks.  You can bet how the day started.....with a WOD of course!  A coaches WOD to be exact.  You know as coaches, we see one another as we are about to switch for classes, a meeting now and again, but we don't WOD with each other too much.  It's really fun not only as team building, but because we really don't see each other a whole lot.  Now that we have some new assistant trainers as well, they can come in and be a part of it with us too.  In honour of the 4th, we had a WOD meant just for the birthday nation.  Oh and I have to share, my buddy Stephanie, her husband said "July 4 1776 was when we said hey "we are going to do our own thing!""  Freaking hilarious.

"1776"

13 MIN AMRAP
50 Dbl under
17 wall ball,
7 C2B pullups,
6 deadlifts (236#)

 Total: 6 rounds + 9 WB

Did you happen to notice the numbers for the WOD?

13 MIN AMRAP (13 original colonies)
50 Dbl under (50 states)
17 wall ball, 7 C2B pullups, 6 deadlifts (236#) = 1776 for the year and 236 years old

How cool is that? I thought that was a really cool way of celebrating.  For the deadlifts, I did 240# because we do not have fractional plates.  I was definitely shaving my legs with that bar.  This was the first time I worked out with my oly shoes as well.  That was thanks to Nate.  It was a good choice for sure.  Thanks to Steph for the post WOD pic!



03 July, 2012

03072012

Ever have those days when you're excited and pumped for the workout only to get to the box and you "deflate"?  Well that was me today.  The workout (as always) sounded like a challenging one and I was really looking forward to it all day.  When I actually got to the box though, I kind of felt like eh.  Not sure what was going on but I knew it was going to mess with my workout.  I did my best to get my head back in the game and for at least the first part of the workout (back squat), I was doubting myself on getting the lifts. Unfortunately, I didn't get the last one.

Back Squat:
1X3 @ 90% (265#),
1X3 @ 95% (280#),
1X1 @ 100% (295#),
2X1 @ 105% (310#) FAILED
rest 2:00-3:00 between sets.  (based on 3RM from a previous WOD)


The first two sets went as I expected them to go for the most part.  They felt heavier then I would have thought (especially since 295# is the max I have) but I did get them up.  Now the 295#.......I actually did fail it once.  As I went down, my knees went in and I had no chance of recovering to get it back up so I dropped it.  Re racked and tried again because I was not accepting that I could not do 1 rep when I know I could do 3.  This did not help to keep my head in the game.  Tried it again and I did get it, it was quite a struggle.  I did attempt the 310# but I dropped like a rock.  Not even close to coming back up.  At this point I decided yeah my head wasn't there and I need it to get back in it.  I had a metcon still to do and I was not going to ruin my entire workout.  So off I went on the next part.



4 rounds for total reps of the 4 minute dual effort of:

2 minute AMRAP of:
20 Split Jumps
10 HR Pushups
10 Pullups

2 minutes to complete:
1 ME UB Set of Front Squats @ 70% (200#)

Notes: FS are based off of 1RM FS. The athlete may begin the ME/UB set at any point in the 2 minutes. If the set only takes 30 seconds, then the rest of the 2 minutes is rest. The set is over when the BB returns to the floor.

Set 1: 1 round +10 pushups/ 4 Front Squats
Set 2: 2 rounds + 4 Split Jumps/ 4 Front Squats
Set 3: 2 rounds/ 4 Front Squats
Set 4: 1 round + 9 pullups/ 0 Front Squats

I can't believe I didn't get that last pullup on the last set!!!!! ARRRRRRRRRRRRR!  It wasn't for lack of trying.  As many of you know, Front Squats are my absolute favourite and I was very happy to see them in the workout.  However, it didn't click in my head until I was about to start the workout.....I have to clean 200# for each set.  Typically for Front Squats, it is usually a strength day so the bar is on the rack.  This would be a new one for me.  I was confident I was getting that bar up though.  I mean considering yesterday My power clean was 200#....
I tried 3 times to get that bar on my rack for the last set but I was not getting underneath the bar fast enough. I was gassed but I did not quit.  So the workout did end up on a high note which I can't complain about too much.  I should have been in the right frame of mind from the beginning.  Everyone has an off day right?  Lets hope that is the last one I will have for a while.

PC and Jerk with Nancy

Oh my gosh could it be I am actually posting again!?  Shock I know.  Before I get to the WOD from yesterday....

So last nite it hit me that this month, July, is the last full month I will be here at home.  In the blink of an eye, this year has gone by.  There are many emotions that I am feeling about the whole situation.  I'm going to do my best to just relax and enjoy these last few weeks with friends and family.  Besides, it isn't forever and thankfully with today's technology, it really is easy to stay in touch though hand written letter still wins in my book.  Anyways.....

So the first part of the WOD last nite was establish a 1RM for power clean and jerk in 15 minutes.  You know honestly I have grown quite fond of the clean/power clean.  Maybe it's because I have been doing a lot more of them lately but honestly, they are really fun to do.  As with most people, I am constantly trying to improve my form so I can stop wasting effort and get more weight on the bar.  My biggest thing is not opening my hips at the top before pulling.  Now I am very aware that as it gets heavier, I tend to pull early.  I can feel it.  I continue to practice with lower weights to correct this because I know I could lift more.  Don't get me wrong, my hips are just about open, but just about is not fully.  I knew going into this that my max squat clean and jerk is 205# and my max power clean and jerk was 195#.  If we had fractional plates, I would have tried 196# but I have to go up in increments of 5#.  I started of with 135# and did that for several lifts and gradually built up from there.  I am happy to say I have a new PR for power clean and jerk.  200#!  Woo hoo!  Imagine what I could do if I opened my hips.

Next up on the list is one of the ladies of CrossFit, Nancy.  You know, this was the first time I had ever played with Nancy.  She did not disappoint either.  Overhead Squats is not one of my strong suits but it has greatly improved over the past year so I was confident I could knock her out in 14 minutes or less.

Nancy

5 rounds for time:

400m run
15 Overhead Squats 95#

Time: 12:54


I didn't just beat my goal, I crushed it!  I was very shocked.  I broke up my OHS in sets of 3 for the 4th and 5th round but I did not put the bar down.  I know that made a difference.

After doing Nancy, I thought, I want to try to get as many ladies done before I leave so that is my next goal.

02 July, 2012

Update


So it has been just about a year since I posted my 3 years and still bouncing post plus lets face it, I have been slacking like no other.  I thought I would post an update seeing as quite a bit has changed. 

I am now a CrossFit Coach.  I received my Level 1 cert back in September.  I started coaching in January.  I have found a new passion in life.  Never did I think that someone like me would be able to get in shape but that I would be helping others changing their lives for the better.  It's one thing for me to write about my own journey and have it inspire others, but with coaching I'm right at the front lines with these awesome athletes who want to make a change in their life.  It is truly a rewarding experience knowing that I am part of a great team that will help the athletes make this new path.  We have a phenomenal community and I'm proud to be a part of it.

I got my dad to join CrossFit.  Well I should say I got him to try CrossFit and to my surprise, he joined.  I knew he had been slacking with exercising and I thought I would use CrossFit just as a vehicle to get him back to what he normally did.  Didn't think he would actually join.  Not only has he joined, but he has been in a few of the events we have been to.  He is totally a part of the community which is awesome!

I'm still (obviously), a CrossFit junkie.  I still find myself having to force a rest day as I know the importance of them.  I always strive to push myself to the limit and then past that limit each time for a workout.  Admittedly I still have a horrible sweet tooth.  I fear it is something that will honestly never go away but there are tricks to help make the cravings a little less.  Lara bars are the best thing ever!  I still eat cheese (I'm not giving it up) so I guess you can say I'm not paleo.  I stay away from grains, lentils, legumes, soy and honestly I don't have a desire or craving for any of those.  Now does that mean I never eat them?  No not at all.  I just severely limit it.  I actually have a reason why which I will address later.  I do weigh and measure my food in zone portions.  I still have a tendency to look as food as bad and it isn't something I need to enjoy.  Just fuel.  Honestly if I could get away with not eating (meaning if I didn't require food), I totally would.  I'm still paranoid when it comes to my weight and self image.  I think it comes with the territory (for me at least) of remembering how I used to be and how much I don't want to go back there.  It's a work in progress for sure but at least I know I'm not alone and I have a great support system to help me.

I also enlisted in the military (this is why I still have grains every now and again).  I'm counting down the days.  I'd be lying if I didn't say I had a lot of thoughts going around in my head.  No regrets though.  This is something I had planned, and started working on, when I was finishing up high school.  Unfortunately I had an obstacle that prevented me from doing so back then and the thought of ever joining again just fell in the back of my head.  I never thought I would have the opportunity to join again and yet here I am.  It's not often you get a second chance and I refused to let it go to waste.  It will be a huge change from what I am used to but I honestly feel this is the right decision for me.

You may have noticed that this post isn't exactly all about working out as my normal posts are. Thought I might expand on it a little outside of exercise.  We will see.