Friday, October 31, 2008

Day 412...hALLowEeN...

Today is Halloween...and based on my pic today...you may think my workout made me barf. It didn't...I just loved the pick. I know...I'm a little warped...that's not ALL bad. Not much to say...just that this was hard...and I'm in a hurry. Happy Halloween!

WARMUP
-----------
500 M ROW

WORKOUT
---------------
10 PULLUPS
10 OH SQUATS (55 LBS)
10 RING PUSHUPS
10 KB SWINGS (35 LBS)
7 ROUNDS FOR TIME (32:27)

I'M HOPING TO GET TO CARDIO LATER...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Day 411...wHaTeVeR wiLL i dO nOw?...

I had one of the best, fun days that I have had in a LONG time. Today I did one of my most favorite things in the world. I laughed so hard that I was lying in a booth cackling like a crazy person. It was as if no one else was around. I didn't care that I was loud and obnoxious. I didn't care what people thought...which is REALLY unusual for me. I just laughed and laughed. Laughing like that...laughing so hard you can't talk...laughing so hard that you feel it in your bones...it's like nothing else.

I hung out with A a good part of the day and we had a GREAT day. We did one of my favorite things in the gym...DEADLIFTS. I did the same max weight I did last time. I didn't try for more because I could feel myself losing form...pretty badly. A on the other hand, lifted 20 lbs more than the last time we did this. There were so many bumpers on the bar that we couldn't get a clamp on the end. A improvised by putting a band around both ends of the weights and got in the middle. Then...he lifted it. His form wasn't perfect...his back rounded a bit...but I thought he looked pretty darn good considering he was pulling 435 lbs! I was so impressed and inspired by him.In a few days...A will be gone. He's going to Israel...making a new life. A and I have a lot of fun and he makes me laugh...we also like to tease each other and a couple of times he has made me cry...but in the end...even when we don't agree...he's my friend...and I love my friends. I will miss him. Whatever will I do now? I'll wish him well, keep in touch, and keep moving along.

WARMUP
------------
RUN 800 M
DYNAMIC STRETCHING

WORKOUT
---------------
DEADLIFTS
95 LBS X 15
115 LBS X 10
135 LBS X 5
165 LBS X 5
185 LBS X 3
205 LBS X 1
215 LBS X 1
225 LBS X 1

CARDIO
------------
5K

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Day 410...bOrrOwiNg fRoM mY fRieNd...

I had a pretty good day in the gym...but I really don't have anything to say about it...one way or another. So I'm going to borrow a phrase from A's old blog and just say..."Let thy words be few."

WARMUP
------------
500 M ROW
DYNAMIC STRETCHES

WOD
---------
no CF today...just "vanity work"...

15 SHOULDER PRESS (15 LB DBs)
15 BICEP CURLS (15 LBS)
15 OH TRICEP PRESS (25 LBS)
3 SUPERSETS

15 BENCH PRESS (65 LBS)
15 REVERSE CURL ON BENCH
15 SINGLE ARM DB ROW (BENCH-25 LBS)
3 SUPERSETS

15 BACK SQUAT (65 LBS)
15 STIFF LEGGED DEAD LIFT (65 LBS)
15 CALF RAISE WHILE HOLDING 15 LB DB (EA LEG)
3 SUPERSETS

CARDIO
------------
30 MIN RUN

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Day 409...eAsY oN tHe bRaiN kiLLeR...

I went in...pumped for a good workout..and I got one! I also got a bit of a scare. I was doing a workout that I affectionately call "El Ciento". It's 100 of each exercise. I got through lunges...and D-ball slams...and moved on to the dreaded push ups. I did 10 at a time until I got to 80...then I did them in sets of 5 with 15 seconds rest between each set. I tend to hold my breath when I'm struggling in the gym. This can be productive when lifting a heavy weight...not so good during push ups I learned. My head was kinda hurting, but that's not unusual during a fast, hard workout. At 95, the pressure in my head was getting pretty intense...did I stop??? OF COURSE NOT...being the stubborn mule I am...Woops! NO NEGATIVITY THIS WEEK!...being the tough, strong, determined girl I am (much better)...I continued.

On my last rep...100...I got a horrible stabbing pain that pierced right through the side of my head. It literally felt like my brain was hurting...in one spot. I layed there with no other symptoms...other than pain...for about a minute...and then finished my WOD. My head still hurt...just in that one spot. I texted J and said, "I think I hurt my brain." He went into paramedic/fireman mode and told me NOT to run...check. Relax...check. Go see a doc...negatory. I felt a little weird for a while and then I pretty much normalized. I reassured him that I was okay since I was about 90% sure that I was.

So, I will be much more careful the next time I exert myself like that not to hold my breath...and to stop when things don't feel "right". I gotta take it easy on my brain! It's the only one I got!

DYNAMIC WARM UP
----------------------

WOD
------
"EL CIENTO"
100 OH LUNGES (NO WEIGHT-PVC)
100 D-BALL SLAMS (16 LBS)
100 PUSH UPS
100 RING ROWS
100 OH LUNGES (PVC)
FOR TIME- (31:??)

CARDIO
----------
EARLIER IN A.M.
30 MIN ELLIPTICAL

Monday, October 27, 2008

Day 408...mY nEw mAntRa???...

Well...it's another Monday...and another new week in the gym. I've been such a basket case over my body lately that I'm wondering if I need to switch to yoga or silent meditation with monks. I'm like Shallow Hal, only instead of seeing everyone as beautiful...I see myself in reverse. I see beauty as ugliness and I see fit as fat. Not good! I SO need to chill..I know that. I already mentioned this in my other blog...so I apologize to the whole 3 people that read intermittently...gotta cover all the bases and be true to my friend. ANYWHO...as I wrote in my "blonde" blog...my friend K says I need to adapt a new mantra that doesn't start with "I suck" or "I'm fat"...and this is gonna be hard. So here goes...
I am beautiful. My a** looks hot in my tight jeans and spandex workout pants. When I wear a shirt with words and people stare at my chest...they are not always reading...and they are smiling. When I wear heels...my legs look long and sexy. When I walk by, people stop and stare...not because I look ugly...because I look good. I am beautiful.

I am strong. When I compete in the gym, I do well...sometimes...I even "beat the boys". When I demonstrate movements in the gym, I can make them look easy...even when they are not. When I do a difficult movement or lift a heavy weight, others are impressed. I have a body that most women would want and I should be proud. I am strong.
There you have it. Today, I don't believe it. In fact, I'm embarrassed to post this..but I'm gonna say it everyday...and pray that one day...I believe. So, once again...thanks K!

I am vowing NOT to write anything negative about myself for ONE WHOLE WEEK on this blog! This may merely mean that somedays...all I have to post is my WOD (workout of the day)...but either which way...I will be true to my vow and see what happens. I can't promise rose petals and butterflies indefinitely because...well...that's just not me. One week...I can do! ;)

I'll add my WOD and thoughts about today's adventures in the gym this afternoon! Until then...
"I am beautiful...My a** looks hot....."

So... it was a good day. I did the workout that I planned for J's classes that I was covering and then I had a blast dragging the tire A gave me! I stuffed 2 35 lb DBs in the tire, put the harness on and struggled my butt off dragging it across the parking lot. Then I turned around and facing the tire...holding the harness...and pulled it back across the parking lot. I did that 3X. It was a STRUGGLE, but SO fun! Today was good. I am good.

WOD
-------
50 JUMP ROPE SINGLES
10 DB HANG SQUAT CLEANS (20 LB DBs)
10 ROUNDS
(19:39)

TIRE DRAG/PULL 3 X ACROSS THE PARKING LOT AND BACK (2 -35 LB DBS + 40 LB TIRE=110 LBS TOTAL)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Day 407...miRRoR MiRRor oN tHe waLL...

~"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fattest one of all?"~

That's the question I ask some days. I'm always hard on myself. I expect perfection...and I'm far from perfection. I know that nobody is perfect...but still...it's what I desire! I've been feelin bigger...fatter...eventhough my clothes fit exactly the same. Then, I saw my picture on the gym website yesterday and it was like the straw that broke the camel's back. I was shocked by how BIG I look. I'd like to comfort myself by saying that the camera adds pounds or that it's just a bad pic...but that would be a lie. I also know that my perception of myself is distorted. I went to bed last night...hating the way I look. I guess all I can do is go into this week and try and work as hard as I can in the gym. I WILL work hard this week.

SUNDAY=REST DAY

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Day 406..."39"...

Today at the gym, we had a group workout to celebrate me and my client, L's birthdays that were earlier this week. It is always fun when we have group workouts on Saturdays. It's fun to workout with and compete against different people...friends. So yesterday when J sent me the WOD for today...I saw it and replied via text "love it!"...and I meant it. When I saw it on the white board this morning...I started to worry a bit. It was running (something I love) plus 39 reps (my age) of different exercises...hard stuff like burpee pullups. It looked long and hard, but still...I went in savage...ready to fight for a spot at the top!

When we took off on the first run...I was thinking..."CRAP! I'm gonna finish way behind these "boys"! I felt pretty good actually until we hit the first hill... Once we turned around and it was downhill...I turned on the turbo speed.. and went faster. That's what I ALWAYS do when it hurts or I want to stop...I run FASTER. I heard J that had been in front of me on the way up and as now behind me say, ""I KNEW you were cheesin it!". I was determined not to let him pass me again. The burpee pull ups and KTEs were really hard on my hands...especially considering that I just did "Filthy Fifty" ...YESTERDAY! I was really tryin to beat R. He and I love to compete against each other. We push each other a little further...a little faster.

In the end, I finished 2 seconds after him and 10 minutes BEFORE the next person. It was a great feeling...a feeling of strength...of confidence...of accomplishment. I couldn't believe I was beating strong, young guys..including B that is home from Marine boot camp and other strong, YOUNG people. I joked that they probably were under strict orders from J to LET me win since it was for my b-day but I KNOW I beat em all fair and square. It was a hard, GRUELING WOD, but it was really fun.

'39"
RUN 1 MILE
39 BURPEE PULL UPS
39 OVERHEAD WALKING LUNGES (35 LB BB)
RUN 800 M
39 KNEES TO ELBOWS
39 PUSH PRESS (35 LB BAR)
RUN 400 M
39 BURPEE BOX JUMPS (20 IN)
1 ROUND FOR TIME (39:24)

Friday, October 24, 2008

Day 405...wOrKiN oFF tHaT aNgEr...

Okay...so I'm in a funk...a MAJOR workout funk! I'm bored and I've lost a lot of my passion. I constantly feel fat and weak. I put off working out where I use to couldn't wait to do it. It's really weird.

Today I drug my feet...thought of a million excuses...and finally got to the gym around noon after talking to an insurance adjuster about a bogus claim a lady is making against me. It made me go from feeling lazy...to being a real bear. I HATE dishonesty so I was livid! Of course, I called my poor husband at work to vent. I went on and on until finally the conversation ended like this...

ME: (dramatically) "That lady better hope she doesn't run into me around town, because is she does, you'll be bailing me out of the jail! I just wanna punch her in the face!"

HUSBAND: (very even and calm) "Have you worked out yet?"

ME: (frustrated) "NO!"

HUSBAND: (unfazed) "I think you better go workout your anger in the gym."


I reluctantly agreed. I decided to do a hard, long workout...a Crossfit WOD called The Filthy Fifty. It was hard...but I enjoyed it...and I DID feel better afterwards! I still hope I don't see that lady anytime soon! Grrrr....

FILTHY FIFTY
----------------
50 BOX JUMPS (24 IN)
50 JUMPING PULL UPS
50 KB SWINGS (35 LB)
50 WALKING LUNGE STEPS
50 KNEES TO ELBOWS
50 PUSH PRESS (45 LB)
50 GHD BACK EXTENSIONS
50 WALL BALL SHOTS (16 LB)
50 BURPEES
50 TUCK JUMPS

TIME 40:51

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Day 404...gUeSS i'M rEsTiN...

I went to the gym...with EVERY intention of working hard. I had no plan...but I did plan on hittin whatever I did hard. A came up to workout too. He was doing deadlifts...I was doin back squats. He was really strong...I was weak. Finally when it was VERY apparent that I was not going to be successful, I called it a "rest day". All the while...A deadlifted 415 lbs...like it was easy. I'm glad one of us got somethin done!

WARMUP
-----------
RUN 800 M
DYNAMIC STRETCHES

WORKOUT
-------------
BACK SQUAT
45 LBS X 10
65 LBS X 10
85 LBS X 5
95 LBS X 5
105 LBS X 5
115 LBS X 3
GAVE UP...SHOULD NOT BE SO DIFFICULT...

DECIDED TO REST

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Day 403...iS iT eNoUgH?...

I am so excessive. When I'm fat...I'm FAT...I eat to excess and I don't do a thing! When I'm in shape...I over train and worry about my body...all the time. I always wonder, "Did I do enough at the gym today?" I think I would workout 3 hours a day if my knees and hips would "allow" it. Today was no different. I had a good workout...no problems...or disappointment...just the usual question..."Is it enough?".

WARMUP
-------------
RUN 800M

WORKOUT
---------------
BENCH PRESS
65 LBS X 15 (warmup)
THEN:
85 LBS
5-5-5-5-5

THEN:
15 BB BENT ROW (85 LB)
15 HAMMER CURLS (15 LB DBs)
15 SKULL CRUSHERS (15 LB DB EA HAND)
3 SETS

THEN:
15 LATERAL DB RAISES
3 SETS

"CARDIO"
-------------
500 M ROW
50 AIR SQUATS
25 ABMAT SIT UPS
4 ROUNDS

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Day 402...i'M oLDeR aNd sTRoNgeR...

Today is my 39th birthday! I feel so old. I cringe at pics of myself...I worry about every line...every place on my face that use to be plumped with fat when I was young that is now sunken...every bit of loose skin...I could go on and on. I really have to keep myself in check because at times I want to run to a plastic surgeon and say "GIMME A FACE LIFT...NOW!". I'm 39!!! That's crazy!

At the same time...I'm healthy. I have a great family and a comfortable life. I don't have a lot of friends...but the friends I have are THE BEST! I woke up happy and I have been happy ALL day. Sometimes, I worry or feel forgotten...unimportant...today my friends, family, and loved ones reminded me that I am NOT forgotten. So...I went for a run...because that's one of my favorite things...and THAT'S what a girl should do on her birthday...her favorite thing! Then I had lunch with my son that shares my birthday. Afterwards it was my turn to have a birthday lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant with my Mom and sis. When we were done, I went to get my nails done before going to work to cover J's class.

I got to the class. Those guys were gonna do the same workout he and I did yesterday. I was nervous and curious to see how I would match up when all the "scores" were in. I wasn't sure I could take crushing defeat, but I was okay if it happened. The guys got started...and they did a great job. AND...in the end...J and I did the most rounds! WHAT?!? I felt so strong! I decided that I may be older...I may have wrinkles...everything may not sit as high as it once did...but I AM STRONG!BIRTHDAY RUN = 5 MILES

Monday, October 20, 2008

DAY 401...sO niCe tO fEeL sTRoNg...

I had a really hard time last week with feeling weak. I just felt unsuccessful and inept every time I lifted weights. I have felt much better this week...much stronger. Jared asked if I wanted to try the "main page" (Crossfit) WOD and I said, "YES!" I was scared...it looked hard...but really wanted to do it.

We decided to do it after my 4pm client. One of the guys from the fire station came down to do it with us. I ran a mile to warm up and then once we were all there and J taught his "co-worker" Thrusters and SDHPs...we started the clock. It was 20 minutes of pure hell! I was grunting and groaning and throwing the barbell down...I think I even said a few prayers when I was hunched over on the ground in pain for a few moments here and there. In the end, the fire man beat both J and I...but not by much...and he's a BIG guy! I did better than I expected. I've been really struggling with Thrusters and it WAS hard...but I felt good..in a horrible sort of way. I'm so glad I got to workout with those guys!

WARM UP
--------------
1 MILE RUN

WOD
--------
5 THRUSTERS (65 lbs/95 lbs for guys)
7 HANG POWER CLEANS (65 lbs/95 lbs for guys)
10 SDHPs (65 lbs/95 lbs for guys)
MAX ROUNDS IN 20min
I got 7 Rounds + 5 thrusters

CARDIO (EARLIER...@ 6AM)
--------------------------
30 MIN ELLIPTICAL

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Day 400...kEEp mOviN...

Sometimes, I hit a snag in the road and well...when I do I tend to want to stop...I feel like I've somehow lost the race. Not so. I just need to remember a line from a song, "Life ain't a track meet. It's a marathon." Sometimes, I just gotta take it one mile...one day at a time.

SUNDAY=REST DAY

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Day 399...weDDiNg dAy...nO tiMe tO wOrkOuT...

Today has been hectic...a swim meet for one child...a soccer game for another...and soon I'll go to J's wedding. So...in the interest of time, I'm gonna do all I have time for. It's not much, but better than nothin!

CARDIO
----------
ELLIPTICAL 30 MIN

Friday, October 17, 2008

Day 398...i sUcK!!!...

I went in to workout...I knew what I was gonna do...I knew what time I wanted to beat. J and A were there, so we chatted a bit and then I got ready to start the stopwatch...and my workout. I kept stallin...I'm not sure why...I just was nervous and I knew once I started...I was committed til the end. I don't quit...not usually.

I could tell this would not be good from the moment I ran back in the door and started trying to do my 50 PULL UPS! I could only get like 3 or 4 at a time...my hands were hurtin and I felt drained...like I had no energy. I also felt very discouraged and VERY frustrated. You see...I've never felt like I measure up. It's always been this way...since I was a little girl...so when I go to the gym and I push through the pain...when I run a little faster or lift a little more...than somebody...ANYBODY...it takes the edge off of the pain. Not so today. I finally stopped the stopwatch because it was too hard to see how behind I was. Still, I don't quit...so I "carried on"...feeling really low...holding back tears. Then, I went to do SDHPs and No matter how hard I tried...I was struggling so with the weight, that I finally took 10 lbs off. That was especially bad because J had just told me how well K, a tiny, cute, little 115 lb lady at the gym was so strong when she did this yesterday. He said, "She was just throwing that weight up! It was impressive!" Now let me say...I'M NOT THE KIND THAT WISHED FAILURE ON OTHERS SO I CAN SUCCEED...I truly wish that everyone that comes to the gym improves and grows stronger and does the best they can. I am honestly happy when they do...I consider all the people that come to be my friends. At the same time I feel like THEY are improving...while I slide backwards. The final blow was when I came to the thrusters...I did 3...then 2...the 3...then 2...then 3...then 1...and I took 20 lbs off...and I did 2...and then I did 3 (barely...and I threw the bar down and quit. Yes, I QUIT.

I know I said that I don't quit, but I literally felt like I could not do it physically and in the mental state I was in at that point there was NO pushin through. I rolled the tire outside to flip it. Not a problem for me usually. I couldn't do it. I rolled it back in and called it a day. I suck!

WARMUP
-----------
500 M ROW

WORKOUT
-------------
RUN 400 M
50 PULL UPS
RUN 400 M
50 STAR JUMPS
RUN 400 M
25 SDHPs (75 LBS/65 LBS)
RUN 400 M
25 THRUSTERS (65 LBS/45 LBS) only did 19 of them

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Day 397...a cOoL aUtuMn rUn...

I LOVE autumn! I always have. I don't know if it's because I am an "autumn baby" or what. I love it when it's a little cool and I don't expect it, so I was pleasantly surprised when I walked out in my PJs to take my daughter to school this morning.

I went to the gym and did some upper body work. I felt weak, but I still enjoyed my workout. I wanted to give up on the pull ups but I didn't. Then, I left for the trail that W and I used to run. I got there and took off my jacket. It was pretty chilly in a tank top, but I knew within a few minutes of running I would be fine...and I was. The trail is great this time of year. Leaves fall as you run through and the squirrels are all gathering nuts like crazy. There is a blanket of leaves under foot and the temperature is just right...not too cold and not too hot. It was a perfect, cool autumn run and I loved it!

WARMUP
-----------
500 M ROW

WORKOUT
--------------
BENCH PRESS
45 LBS X 10 TO WARM UP
THEN:
MAX REPS WITHOUT RACKING IT FOR 3 SETS WITH 65 LBS
18+16+17=51
(very SUCKY numbers!)

THEN:
10 PULL UPS
10 PUSH UPS (FEET ELEVATED ON 18 IN BOX)
3 SUPERSETS

THEN:
12 RING DIPS (BAND ASSIST)
12 BARBELL BICEP CURLS (35 LBS)
3 SUPERSETS

THEN:
A FEW ABS AND BUTT
25 "BUTTERFLY" SIT UPS WITH ABMAT
25 BRIDGE WITH 2 COUNT AT TOP
3 SUPERSETS

CARDIO
---------
4.5 MILE RUN

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Day 396...i'M sO bEhiNd...

I don't think I have EVER been this behind on my blog! I am just running to catch up with myself and I'm not sure why. I feel like I'm doing lots of things...but none of them very well. Anywho...I decided to sit down and catch up day by day...no matter how tired I am...or how long it takes me...or how many times I fall asleep and wake up with my fingers on the keyboard of my computer (so far it's been 2X).

I think the real issue, is that...I LOVE to workout. My identity is really wrapped up in it and most of my satisfaction comes from my ability to push myself hard and reap the rewards that come as a byproduct. When I miss a workout or when I have to cut it short, I feel a little lost. That was the case today. I got up and jumped on the elliptical thinking that I would knock out my cardio before I went to the gym. Unfortunately, I never was able to do anything else. I just never had the time. I threw the medicine ball and did push ups with my client...and I also worked on overhead squats, but only 7 or 8 total...even these combined hardly count as a "workout"...that was just playing. The one good thing was that I was able to do 3X 70lb overhead squats in a row. I'm pretty weak at overhead squats...and previously, 55 lbs was the most I had tried. I failed at 75lbs, but I was happy with my 70 lb "successes". I'm unhappy with the 3 slices of pizza I ate for dinner! I feel so gross and fat, but what can I do?...other than do better tomorrow? I'm SO sleepy now. I'm done for today.

ELLIPTICAL 30 MIN (HILLS)

PLAYTIME:
20 MED BALL PASSES TO PARTNER (12 LBS)
20 MED BALL SIT UPS
20 MED BALL THROWS WITH A PUSH UP

OVERHEAD SQUATS
45 X 5
65 X 5
75 FAIL
70 X 2
75 FAIL
70 X 3

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Day 395...sQuAt!...

...................WOW! THOSE ARE SOME LEGS!...................

So, I never got to do cardio today...that makes me frustrated...but I DID do back squats. It was funny because I was in front of the window getting under the bar on the rack and I saw 3 of the firefighters from down the street running by. One was one of the guys that came down with J Saturday. The waved as they ran by. I waved and kept doin my squats. In a bit, they came by to say "hi". They are really nice guys. I stopped and talked to them for a bit...they left...and I finished up. It felt kinda hard, but I always feel a sense of accomplishment after heavy back squats. I LOVE SQUATS!

WARMUP
----------
ROW 500 M

WORKOUT
-------------
BACK SQUATS
45 X 10
65 X 5
85 X 5
95 X 3
115 X 3
125 X 3-3-3-3-3

THEN:
65 LB BARBELL STEP UPS ON 18 IN BOX
25 GHD SITUPS
3 SUPERSETS

Monday, October 13, 2008

Day 394..."oR yOu cAn dO ALL 100 aNd fEeL pRoUd oF yOuRseLf!"...

I got a chance to workout with my hubby. Usually he's at work when I go to the gym, but he was home for parent/teacher conferences at the school for our kids. I invited him to do a workout that other people at the gym did a couple of days ago...he agreed. It was tough because it included 2 runs with 100 squats and 100 push ups between. The squats were breezy...the push ups were pure pain. I was ahead of him and once I finished, I was trying to help "coach" him through the push ups. He was tired and we needed to get ready to go, so I told him to just get to 75. "That's still A LOT of push ups! and nothing to be ashamed of! Just get to 75!" Our sweet 9 yr old daughter that was watching as she colored with chalk on the driveway said very nonchalantly, "Or you can do 100 and feel proud of yourself!" OF COURSE, he did ALL 100!...and he was "proud of himself"! What a great lesson from a child...

1 MILE RUN
100 SIT UPS
1 MILE RUN
100 PUSH UPS
TIME=27:31

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Day 392..."hAmmEr dOn'T hUrT eM!"...

I was supposed to workout with A, but I was late and he had obligations that he had to take care of by a certain time. That meant we didn't have time to workout together. I was really bummed, but I understood...and it was my own fault for not leaving on time. Luckily, he caught me before I drove all the way out to where he was. When I told him that I was bummed, he suggested that I still go do a hard workout...one that would get my "aggression out". So, I decided that I would. I drove to Lowe's Home Improvement and bought a 10 lb sledgehammer. I went up to CrossFit and crafted a "good one" for myself. In the midst of this, I ended up talking to J...who just happened to be working RIGHT DOWN THE STREET at the firehouse. He and a couple of his co-workers/buddies decided to come join me. They had NO IDEA what they had waiting for them! Muuuah ah ah! (evil laugh)

We had to stagger our starts since we only have one tire and one sledgehammer. I went first. I LOVED IT! THAT...is my favorite Saturday thing to do...do a crazy, hard, long workout outside. My legs were burnin and I drank 4 bottles of water! Those guys were great sports! J is used to this madness...and truth be told...he likes it too. HE has been known to come up with a brutal WOD (workout of the day) on Saturdays himself! The other 2 firefighters...well...let's just say that they were a little surprised by what I had planned. In fact, one saw the white board with the WOD written on it and asked me, "Are you off your meds today?!?". I smiled and said, "No, you should see me when I am!" They obliged my madness and did a great job. We all worked hard and I think we all had fun...once we were done. I was really glad they came down and joined me. Today was great.

WARMUP (WHILE WAITING ON THE GUYS)
--------------------------------------------------
400 M RUN
50 JUMPROPE SINGLES
DYNAMIC STRETCHING

WOD
-------
TIRE FLIP DOWN THE PARKING LOT AND BACK
20 SLEDGEHAMMER SWINGS HITTING TIRE (10 WITH EACH ARM)
LUNGE DOWN THE PARKING LOT (ABOUT 20 LUNGES)
20 WALL BALLS (16 LBs)
LUNGE BACK (ABOUT 20)
500 M ROW
REPEAT FOR 3 ROUNDS

CARDIO
----------
2 MILE RUN (after I went and had lunch and got home and rested a while)

Friday, October 10, 2008

Day 391...fAsTeR tHaN i eXpEcTeD...

Today's workout went a little faster than I expected. I was too lazy to plan my own, so I just did the same workout that J had his classes do. I was hoping to get my time around 25 minutes and I did even better. My shoulders were ON FIRE, and it was tough to do the Hang Squat cleans with my knees bothering me so much lately. Anywho...the important part was that I did it...faster than I expected!

WARMUP
---------
100 JUMPROPE SINGLES
10 OVERHEAD SQUATS (PVC)
10 LEG KICKS
10 BRIDGE
10 ARM CIRCLES
10 HIP ROTATIONS
30 SEC SAMSON STRETCH

WORKOUT
-------------
50 BOX JUMPS (20 in box)
50 PUSH UPS
50 KB SWINGS (26 lbs)
50 DB HANG SQUAT CLEANS (20 lb DBs)
50 BURPEES
1 ROUND FOR TIME (22:47)

CARDIO
-----------
20 MIN ROW (4012 M)


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POSTSCRIPT~
That WORE ME OUT!!! I went and had lunch with my 4th grader after I was done, and I was so shaky and tired. I felt better after eating, but I was so sleepy. I felt like I left EVERYTHING I had on that gym floor today. I LOVE that! THAT is what everyday should be like. No one should ever think..."I could've done more." after a workout. I came home and grabbed a blanket...got on my bed...and slept...HARD...for an hour and a half before I had to get up and get ready to be back at the gym. Good stuff!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Day 390..."yOu cAn dO iT pUt yoUr bAcK iNto iT!"...

"The deadlift is unrivaled in its simplicity and impact while unique in its capacity for increasing head to toe strength. Regardless of whether your fitness goals are to “rev up” your metabolism, increase strength or lean body mass, decrease body fat, rehabilitate your back, improve athletic performance, or maintain functional independence as a senior, the deadlift is a marked shortcut to that end. To the detriment of millions, the deadlift is infrequently used and seldom seen either by most of the exercising public and/or, believe it or not, by athletes..." ~Greg Glassman

Today I worked out ....oh excuse me...I TRAINED with my friend A. We had a blast! I've been feeling a bit weak...and did when I got there...but he helped me feel...BE strong. We did Deadlifts...one of my FAVORITE things to do in the gym. I NEVER get tired of Deadlifts...ever. We warmed up to "You Can Do It" and set up our bars. It was funny because my weight looked so little and petite compared to A's. He even said at one point, "Oh look at your little weight...it's so cute!" Ha! Ha! We were so wishin that one of us had a camera...but of course neither of us did. It would've been a funny picture.

I felt like we energized each other today. We brought out the best in each other. He got up to 400 lbs...as much as the bar had room for with the bumpers we have at the gym. In fact there was BARELY room for the clips. The last time I deadlifted...I think my 1 REP MAX was 205. I got up to 195 and thought I was nearing the end. I was gonna add 10 lbs...A said to add 30 lbs. He said that he was "CERTAIN" that I could lift it if I really tried...and was really focused. I was nervous, but I KNEW I could do it too...and so I did! I deadlifted 225 lbs!!! It felt amazing to stand up with that weight! I was smiling and then I did this crazy ridiculously girly jumping and clapping.

I think I did it because I did not say, "I will TRY."...I just DID IT. Trying gives you a way out. Trying says "I'll be okay if I don't make it." It's non committal and wishy washy. I also think A's confidence IN ME...increased my OWN confidence. I'm really glad that we did this together today. I really NEEDED today. I NEEDED to feel strong...and now...I DO!

DYNAMIC WARMUP

WORKOUT
-------------
DEADLIFTS
65 LBS X 15
85 LBS X 5
95 LBS X 5
115 LBS X 5
135 LBS X 5
155 LBS X 5
175 LBS X 1
195 LBS X 1
225 LBS X 1

PULLUPS
NARROW GRIP X 10
NARROW GRIP CHIN UP X 10
WIDE GRIP X 10
WIDE GRIP CHIN UP X 10

CARDIO
----------
3 MILE RUN

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Day 389...beNcH pReSs...

Wow! Now those are some serious PECS! His "boobs" are bigger than mine! Guys seem to like bench pressing more than us girls do, but today I was doing an "upper body" strength day...so bench pressing was on the "menu". I was trying to lift a little more weight, but it's so hard without anyone around to "spot" me. I think I strained my neck reaching back and trying to get the bar off the rack, but I completed my workout and did okay.

WORKOUT
----------
BENCH PRESS
45 X 15
65 X 10
75 X 3
85 X 3
95 X 3
THEN:
3-3-3-3-3 (95 LBS)

THEN:
15 BAND PULLS
15 CHIN UPS
3 SETS

THEN:
SHOULDER RAISES
12 FRONT ( 8LB DBs)
12 LATERAL
12 BACK
3 SETS

THEN:
15 HAMMER CURLS
15 RING DIPS (BAND ASSIST)
3 SETS

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

DAY 388...cAn'T gEt nO sAtiSfAcTioN!...

I'm sorry but my DAMN KNEES are really pissing me off!!! I can walk. The pain is not excruciating. I am not really injured per say...but I also can't do everything I want to do. My knee hurts...and pops. It feels weak...and I'm sick and tired of it!

I know I train hard, but it feels unfair. MOST people HATE to workout. MOST people look for ANY excuse to skip a day in the gym. NOT ME. I'm committed and I have worked my butt off (literally and figuratively) to be strong and stay in shape. I HATE NOT working out. When I skip...I'm sad...so I just want to be able to do what I want to do in the gym...when I want to do it.

Today I couldn't squat as much or as heavy as I wanted to. So, I just did the best I could. I went lighter and I stopped when it became too painful. I was NOT feelin very satisfied, because I was not able to do the step ups. At least I took a run and I did 50 back squats...

DYNAMIC WARM UP

WORKOUT
------------
BACK SQUATS
45 X 10
65 X 5
75 X 5
85 X 5
95 X 5
105 X 5
THEN:
5 REPS/5 SETS WITH 105 LBS (5-5-5-5-5)
about 20 lbs less than I had planned :(

CARDIO
-----------
3 MILE RUN THIS MORNING BEFORE GOING TO THE GYM

Monday, October 6, 2008

Day 387...hArDeR tHaN i rEmEmBereD...

I don't have much to say about today's workout...I am HARDLY EVER at a loss for words...but all I can think to say is...I have done a very similar version of this workout before...and TODAY...it was much harder than I remembered. Surprisingly, I had to fight my way through.

WORKOUT
-----------
21, 18, 15, 12, 9

SHOULDER PRESS (35 LB BAR)
DB BICEP CURL (15 LB DBs)
TRICEP KICKBACKS (8 LB DB)
PUSHUPS
BENT DB ROW (ON BENCH WITH 30 LB DB)
FRONT SQUAT (55 LBS)
RDL (85 LBS)

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Day 386...cLoSiNg tiMe...

"Closing time...Open all the doors and let you out into the world...Closing time...One last call for alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer...Closing time...You don't have to go home but you can't stay here...So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits...I hope you have found a friend...Closing time..EVERY NEW BEGINNING COMES FROM SOME OTHER BEGINNING'S END." ~Semisonic "Closing Time"

So...a chapter ends and a new one begins. It feels as though I've said a thousand good byes to W. But when we hugged and said goodbye Saturday night (actually Sunday morning) in an old run down bar...I knew this time was really good bye. If I think about it too long...it makes me sad. But I REFUSE to be sad. My favorite person in the world is happy...so I will be too...even if my selfish heart will only allow me to be happy FOR him. I love the song in this video because I find it to be so poignant...so true. "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end..." I can't move on or grow if things stay the same, so I have to be strong even when I don't want to be. And yes...this is the end of what we had...but it is also a new beginning. I will start this week strong and I will choose to have peace in my heart.

SUNDAY=REST DAY

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Day 385...rEsTiNg aNd eNjOyiNg tHe sCeNeRy...

It's wedding day...no time to workout...so I'm relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Check out these pics from our trip to Glacier National Park!

............................LAKE McDONALD...........................

...PROPPED ON A REALLY COOL TREE ROOT AT LAKE McDONALD...

..............DRIVING UP TOWARDS LOGAN'S PASS...............

.....THE CREEK THAT WE FINALLY MADE IT TO ON OUR HIKE.....

...THE BEAUTIFUL FALL COLORS FURTHER UP THE MOUNTAIN...

..........ALMOST TO THE TOP AND STARTING TO SEE SNOW..........

...............................BREATHTAKING!...............................

REST DAY

Friday, October 3, 2008

Day 384...gLaCiEr nAtiOnaL pArK...

So plans changed a bit...instead of Echo Lake Cafe...we met W and his posse at Somers Bay Cafe for breakfast. It was great to see him, but I have to admit that I felt a little out of place. I guess I'm like a guy friend...but I'm not a guy...and I don't know "the girls"...and I'm either older or younger than everyone here. Either way...I'm so glad to be here for W. He's such an important person in my life so it's worth it.

Anyways...breakfast was fun. When we were done, all those guys headed one way and me and S headed back to our "cottage" so I could change shoes and we could drive to Glacier National Park. It was really beautiful. We had a great time. We hiked down a trail. It was funny because we were scared that we would come across a bear the whole time. It was really eerie in the woods hiking. There was no one around but us two so we kept yellin out because the park info said to make lots of noise to scare the bears away. I'm happy to report that we didn't.So, once again...I didn't get to workout traditionally...but I was huffin and puffin during that hike! We also drove up to Logan's Pass (to the Continental Divide). S was scared of my drivng and of the height. I got out at one point to take a pic right up by the edge...she was givin me "words" through the window. Ha! I love my sis! Unfortunately S was feeling really sick to her stomach and had a bad headache by the time we made it up there, so we decided to go back down. It was a long trip, but it was well worth it to see that beauty!

Day 383...rUnNinG tO cAtCh oUr pLaNe...

THURSDAY...
So yesterday...was "the day". After running around like a chicken with my head cut off getting kids to school and finishing my packing...my sis S and I got to the airport to fly to Montana for W's wedding. I was so disappointed because I had to cut working out to be able to get all this done. My sis and I were running AN HOUR AND A HALF behind our desired schedule...which meant NO breakfast at IHOP before and driving like maniacs (provided by S) to the airport...but in the end, we got there an hour before our flight left and all was good...for an hour.

I kept expecting to board...we never did. Finally they started boarding...2 MINUTES before our scheduled departure time. CRAP! We're gonna leave late...usually not a big deal...yesterday it was. We only had a 30 minute layover in Salt Lake before we had to catch our final flight to get here to Montana. I was a little nervous. We got on the plane and then taxied away from the gate...only to SIT ON THE RUNWAY for another 10 minutes waiting to take off. STRESS! I went to recline my seat...NO DICE!...I was in front of the emergency exit row so my seat wouldn't recline...not such a big del until the kind gentleman in front of me reclined and I was like a sardine in a closing can!

We got to the SLC airport with 20 minutes to get to our next flight! We RAN...FAST...through morons that don't understand the words, "EXCUSE ME!". We could hear them calling for passengers MC and ST to check in at gate 79..."This is your final boarding call!" We shoved a few folks out of the way and darted through the door, out on to the runway, and up the ramp to the plane. We were NOT greeted by smiling friendly faces as we walked on. It was more like "OH it was YOU holding us up!!!" kinda looks. We were hot...aggravated...but the important part is that in the end we made it!

It is a TOTALLY different world here...slow...small...but it is beautiful. Apparently we stand out, because EVERYWHERE we go...even just walking down the street..people STARE...like we are from another world...I guess we kinda are. When we walk down the main strip of this "Village of Big Fork", weirdos honk. It is funny. Our "cottage" is AWESOME! I feel like a fatty after no regimented workout and eating pizza at SUN MTN PIZZERIA...here we met a nice guy named Russell. He stared like everyone else for a while...a fascinated, "wondering" kinda way. Finally he came over and asked us where we are from and we talked for a while. He was very nice and suggested we visit the ECHO LANDING CAFE for breakfast this morning. So...I'm draggin my fat booty into the shower and headin to the cafe..for more adventures here in Montana!

WORKOUT
-----------
RUNING LIKE A MANIAC THROUGH THE AIRPORT
WALKIN THROUGH "TOWN" IN HEELS
DANCIN WITH MY SIS IN OUR LIVING ROOM TO "IN THE AYER" and "DISCO INFERNO" AT 11 PM
FUNNIEST...CHEESIEST VIDEO EVER...PERFECT FOR A LATE NIGHT "DANCE PARTY"

Day 382...oNe oF tHe bOyS...

WEDNESDAY...
Sometimes my life feels like I'm stuck in my own version of a show called "MY BOYS". The strange part is that I think I almost prefer it that way...and not for reasons that most women might think. It is not because I get special treatment...or attention. It's not because I'm trying to "hook up" or show off for my VERY FEW woman friends. It's because somedays I feel the most at "home"...the most "myself"...in the gym...with "my boys". Wednesday was no exception.

I was a little stressed because I had A LOT to do before leaving for Montana...packing...driving all the way to Nordstrom to pick up the most fabulous pair of jeans I had altered...training clients...and finding some time in there to be a wife and Mom and to squeeze in my OWN workout. I covered the 6AM class. Normally...J chooses the workout for his group classes and I just execute them and coach his "people" along while watching their form. Very rarely...he asks me to program their workout...and so I did. I also trained my one on one clients using the same workout.

After I trained JE at 4...I changed so that I could workout around 5. I got to talkin...etc...and next thing I knew it was time for the 5:30 PM group class...all guys. I asked if I could join them and try out my own "creation". They obliged...J decided to workout too. So, it was me, J, R, and new guy R. I was feelin pressure...afraid they would smoke me...I wanted to win. At the start we were all neck and neck...soon R started to pull out in front of us all...I refused to let him "out of my sights"...even if it was killin me at times. It turned out to be a great workout...and I came in less than a minute behind R...2nd place. I'll take it!

I was thinkin about how funny it is...my world filled with boys...especially since I'm far from masculine...wondering why I prefer their company over a bunch of sweet smellin girls sittin around a table scrap booking. Those guys let me be me. I'm sure at times I annoy them. I know at times they think I'm crazy. I'm sure sometimes they are just ALLOWING me to hang with them...but I also know that I make them laugh and they do the same for me. We provide each other with the motivation to go a little faster and lift a little more in our workouts. I just like those guys and I'm so glad that every now and then, I get to be "one of the boys".

WORKOUT
-----------
10 RING ROWS
20 PUSH PRESS (45 W/65 M)
30 KB SWINGS (35 W/44 M)
40 ABMAT SIT UPS
50 LUNGES (25 EA LEG)
3 ROUNDS (16:37)