Day 367...i sUcK?!? weLL tHeN...kiSS mY ***...

So, I have been out of whack with my posting...I just feel like I got behind on my "life" Monday and like a hairdresser running late...I just can't catch up. Anywho...I'm just treading water...but I can't complain because I'm not drowning...yet. Better late than never...that's always been my mantra!




Frankly...I'm so tired that I can't even remember yesterday very clearly. It felt a bit like a blur until I got to the part where I was told I suck...that part is pretty vivid. I got up at 6AM...made sure my kids were getting up to alarms and getting ready for school...then I hopped on my elliptical so I could get my cardio over with. I have to rewind and say that I was so tired on Tuesday that I slept in my grody workout clothes, so when I rolled out of bed...BAM! I was ready to go! Gross and not at all like me, but convenient never the less. I got done and took kids to school. Afterwards...I headed to the gym to train...myself...then my client.

I was doing heavy (for me) bench presses...well 5 sets of my 5 rep max. I used 90 lbs and it was a struggle. I was worried that L would come in and find me patiently waiting pinned under the bar because those last 2 reps were crazy hard for me. One loud yell and I managed to get the bar up. I swear I'm the Monica Seles of CrossFit always yelling and grunting like I do! After my client's session, she hung around for a while...I wanted to go...but she is so sweet so I decided to just stay and chill until she was ready to go. Next I got ready, went to lunch with my sis K, and then I stopped to pick up a prescription and go BACK to the gym to train again. After my afternoon session, I chatted with a new guy that came in, R and then with J once he left. J asked me to teach R the first part of the "Foundations" class. I was excited...not scared...weird for me. It made me feel good that J trusts me enough to let me start "molding" a new person. After I went to the grocery store, and back home to take my oldest daughter to an activity at church.In the midst of my blur of a day...a woman from church called to ask a question. She called while I was training L, so I did not hear the phone and it was hours later when I noticed I had missed a call. I just never had the time to call back...I knew I would see her at the activity anyway and figured if it was an emergency, she'd call again. I saw her...smiled...and said, "Hi (blank)! Sorry I never had a free moment to get back to you..." and before I could finish, she shouted...LOUDLY..."YOU SUCK AT RETURNING PHONE CALLS!". I was taken a back...waiting for a laugh...some sign that she wasn't really serious...I mean this person is late 40s!...she should know better than to act that way! There was no laugh...no "J/K"...she just turned her back and began talking to another person. It made me feel like crap. I hope she never needs anything again, because I will live up to the judgement she bestowed upon me and I will make sure I SUCK at returning her calls! SHE CAN KISS MY FAT, TAN BOOTY!!!
WARMUP
---------

WORKOUT
-----------
BENCH PRESS
45 X 15
55 X 10
65 X 10
75 X 5
80 X 5
85 X 5
90 X 5-5-5-5-5

THEN:
MAX REPS RING PUSH UPS
13 + 14 = 27

THEN:
10 BENT OVER BARBELL ROWS (90 LBS)
10 FRONT RAISES (8LB DBs)
10 LATERAL RAISES (8LB DBs)
10 BACK RAISES (8LB DBs)
3 SUPERSETS

CARDIO
--------
40 MIN ELLIPTICAL

Day 366..."JACKIE" iS NOT mY hOmEgiRL!...

THIS...is what I did today! I was delusional in my thinking prior to my workout. I thought it would NOT be "too bad". What the BLEEP was I thinking?!?!

So REWIND to this morning...I woke up feeling pretty rested. I slept until 7...late for a Mom of 3 on a school day! I got the kids off to school, came home, and plopped in front of my computer to blog and to read blogs. I did not want to go into the gym this morning...I had a couple of reasons...so I decided to workout later on this afternoon. After lunch and shopping with my Mom...I went home intending to go to the gym around 5.

In my life...plans often get changed. My oldest daughter, S came home and wanted some help with HER blog and...well...I got all caught up and the time got away from me. I ended up going up to the gym after I dropped my middle daughter off at soccer practice. I had limited time before I had to be back to get her. I knew what I wanted to do. I had decided earlier that I would do the Crossfit workout known as "JACKIE". I rushed in...ran 800M...did a few dynamic stretches and got ready to start the stop watch...confident that I could take this bee-yotch (Jackie) down!...fast and hard!

She (Jackie) took ME down instead. I was hoping for a 10 or 11 minute time. NOT TODAY! I was out of breath after the row, so the thrusters were a challenge from the start. Pull ups and I are just not friends. I thought my hands were gonna rip, but I lucked out and they didn't...they just burned and hurt. I got done...13:15...FREAK!...I was hoping for MUCH faster.

I had planned on running for 20 or 30 minutes after my workout, but I was a little nauseous...so I gathered my stuff and decided to drive towards the trail and see how I felt once I got there. Every minute that passed was worse. I was feeling sick..my head was pounding...I was VISIBLY shaking. I decided that I needed food more than a run. I went to Subway for a tuna sandwich. The lady inside looked worriedly at me. "Are you okay honey?" "Oh, I'm just fine! (fake smile...hands shaking)"

I scarfed down that sandwich as I drove down the street. I just started CRAMMING it in my mouth. I looked over at a stoplight and saw 2 guys watching me. They were smiling...liked they liked it...EWWWW! After eating, I felt a LITTLE better. Okay...so I'll run later...never happened. That workout ZAPPED me! So, I've decided that I don't like "Jackie" so much. "Jackie" is SO NOT my homegirl.

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

WORKOUT
-------------
"JACKIE"
1000 M ROW
50 THRUSTERS (45 LBS)
30 PULL UPS (KIPPING)
TIME=13:15

Day 365...oNe BRUTAL wOrKoUt aNd ONE WHOLE YEAR oF bLoGGiNg!!!...

I can't believe it! 365 days!!! I have been writing about my ups and downs and in betweens for a whole year! When I began this process...through the encouragement of my friend W...I never thought it could become such an important part of my life. When I miss a day of "blogging"...I feel like I have forgotten an important task. Even though hardly anyone reads, I feel as though I NEED to write...like this is my "baby" and I don't want to neglect it. When W MADE me post my first words...he said he wouldn't go to bed until I did...ha! yeah, right! ;)...it was an amazing feeling of release...one of many gifts from a dear friend.

Sometimes when I look back on my "musings" over the past year...I worry that one day I'll come home to the "men in the white coats"...ready to take me to a padded room. I wonder if I'm the craziest...most dramatic (shut up A!) girl EVER! I wonder if people will think I am an unhappy person. I don't know what people think...but I do know this...I LOVE BLOGGING and I LOVE WORKING OUT (even when it hurts) and I LOVE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I'm so lucky to have people that love me in spite of my crazy ways and my ups and downs!

So back to the purpose of this particular blog...chronically my "workout journey". Today I was covering the 6AM and 5:30 PM classes and training my 2 ladies. I was a little nervous, because J asked me to teach the Dumb Bell Snatch. I worry that my words will be jumbled...or I'll screw up...or that I'll be random and confusing when I teach complicated, compound movements. I am NOT known for my grace or agility after all! Things went pretty well. Everyone can use improvement (MYSELF INCLUDED) but they ALL got the basic idea and movement down. Then they completed a workout using the movement (DB Snatch).After the 6AM class and my morning client, I decided that I did not feel like weight lifting so I figured I would give this WOD (workout of the day) a try...using the MEN'S RXed weights...here I go trying to be Billy Bad A** again! I'm not sure why...but this WOD was brutal! I was so glad to be finished and I have been exhausted ever since. I tried to run when I got home and I made it ONLY one mile. My legs just couldn't carry me any further! In fact I was worried that I would not be able to demonstrate the movement for the evening class because my shoulders and knees were killin me. Luckily, I made it through.

I love working with the people at the gym. I am teaching them, but I learn so much from them as well. D (in the 5:30 class) was so funny. He kept saying "the word for the day is RETARDED...with a picture of me underneath it!" when he would struggle with the snatch. At one point, he said there was no way he could finish...but he kept going...and he DID.His persistence reminded me that this is what this is about. Working out is hard...but when I keep pushing through...I realize that I have a choice. I can look at the tasks I have in the gym as obstacles. I can complain and muddle through and move on...or I can see them as opportunities to stretch myself...to learn things about myself...........CHEERS TO ANOTHER 365 DAYS OF "PAIN"!!!..........

WORKOUT
------------
5 DEAD LIFTS (135 LBS)
10 BOX JUMPS (ON BIG TIRE)
20 DB SNATCHES (10 EA ARM-20 LB DB)
5 ROUNDS FOR TIME

TIME=21:39

CARDIO
----------
RUN 1 MILE

Day 364...pErfEcT iN mY iMpErFeCtiOnS...

I am such a perfectionist...and I'm so far from perfect. I tend to compare myself to everyone around me...other mom's...other women at the beach...friends...anyone that possesses qualities that I wish I had. In fact, once I had a dream that I was trying to compete in a MEN'S bodybuilding competition and I was mad that they wouldn't let me in. When I told my dream to my husband, he laughed and said "I think that's just another manifestation of your desire to compete with "the guys" in the gym." Ha!...probably true...

I've come to realize that what makes me lovable is not being perfect. What makes me lovable is the fact that I am perfect in my imperfections. It was hilarious yesterday after our workout when a guy on my "team", Z, told me that when he went to drag the fire hose after me, he nearly hit the ground because when I reeled it in, I unknowingly wrapped the hose around a pole. I couldn't help but laugh because that was SO ME...so perfectly imperfect.

SUNDAY = REST DAY

Day 363...rAiNy dAy fUn...

HERE'S TODAY'S "CREW" AFTER THE WORKOUT. AND NO...WE WEREN'T THAT SWEATY...WE WERE OUT IN THE RAIN FOR THE FIRST PART OF THE WORKOUT.

This morning we had a lot of fun up at CrossFit Mansfield. J and I invited everyone up to do a "team" workout. He had warned me that we would be outside in the beginning whether it rained or not...and it did. We had a good turnout...12 people including me and J. We broke it up into two teams of 6. First, each of us had to drag an old fire hose from the street to the dumpster. Then at the dumpster, the same person had to "reel" the hose back in and then take off on a 400 M run. Each member of both teams had to complete that first phase before moving on to the second phase. It was slick and rainy, but also fun.Next we moved inside to do weighted step ups and D-ball slams. Each team had to do 300 step ups and 200 slams...split up any way we wanted...men held a 30 lb dumbbell in each hand for the step ups and women held 20 lb dumbbells...the D-balls varied in weight from 16 to 25 lbs. It was just a mass of all of us doing our "part" at the same times...some stepping up on the big tire...some on boxes..while others were slamming balls.The last part was a 3000 M Row to be completed by the entire team. Both teams just split it up and each member rowed 500 M. 500 M only takes between 1:45 and 2:15 depending on the person. It was a BRUTAL 2 minutes...for EVERY one of us. We all wanted to help our respective teams...so it was all out...holding NOTHING back. About halfway through the pain would set in and it was a fight to keep going at the original pace. I thought I was gonna fall off the rower when I had 30 seconds left. All I could think was, "I CAN'T stop! I WORK here."...so I didn't...and I was hurtin when I was through. We all cheered each other on. Even when our team finished, we cheered our friends on the other team on. That's the incredible thing about CrossFit. We all share in each other's pain. We all want to win, and still we cheer on our "opponents". It's about camaraderie.And when all was said and done...when everyone was laid out on the ground recovering...it didn't matter who won or lost. We worked as teams. We encouraged and pushed each other. We helped each other go a little further...or a little faster...than we thought we could go.

I'm exhausted and haven't felt very good since I got home. I can't seem to shake my headache or the dull nausea in my belly, but I wouldn't do a thing differently. I had a great time with great people!

WARM UP
------------
20 JUMPING JACKS
20 MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
10 BURPEES
10 ARM CIRCLES FORWARD/BACK
SAMSON STRETCH

WORKOUT
-------------
CARDIO
----------
INCLUDED

........................FUTURE "CROSSFITTERS"...........................

Day 362...sLoOoW mOtiOn...

I had to train today at 2pm. Our air conditioner that I thought was fixed...is not. I knew it would be hot in there...and it was. I could feel the sweat running down my back while I just stood there watching my client workout. I decided earlier this morning that I would just wait and workout afterwards because I knew I would already be sweating. I was in that gym for an hour and 40 minutes doing a 45 min workout. I was just so slow. The heat was making me feel weak and lethargic. I've worked out without A/C before but I've become spoiled. I hope it gets fixed...SOON!

I don't have much to say about today's workout. I went up in weight on the bench press and it was alot harder 10 lbs heavier. It just felt like a struggle to get through an easy workout. I'm struggling with the weight training now that I'm on my own. I'm bored and I don't see any visible changes anywhere but my booty and a bit in my legs. I'm trying to see it through though...otherwise I feel like I've wasted the past weeks worth of work. I know I need to be patient and wait...change doesn't happen overnight...sometimes...it's slooow.

WARMUP
-----------
400 M RUN
DYNAMIC STRETCHING

WORKOUT
--------------
MAX REP BENCH PRESS -3 SETS (WENT UP FROM 65LBS TO 75 LBS)
12 + 12 + 11 = 35

THEN:
MAX REPS PUSH UPS WITH FEET ELEVATED ON 18 IN BOX - 2 SETS
16 + 18 = 34

THEN:
15 CHIN UPS (STRICT-NO KIP-BAND ASSIST)
15 BAND PULLS
3 SUPERSETS

THEN:
12 BARBELL BICEP CURLS (35 LBS)
12 OVERHEAD TRICEP PRESS (25 LBS)
3 SUPERSETS

CARDIO
----------
DONE EARLIER IN THE MORNING
45 MIN ELLIPTICAL

Day 361...uP Up uP!...

I'm sore...my shoulders...arms...abs...legs...most everything is a little tender. I was SLOW getting to the gym this morning. It was after 11:30. The gym was so hot. I looked at the thermostat...82! I cranked up the fan and warmed up to do lower body work. I got about halfway through back squats when the AC repairman came in. Halleluiah! He had a funny look on his face when he walked in. I was in the bottom of a 95lb back squat with 80's rock blasting...in fact, I think "Lick It Up" was playing! Ha! He musta done his thing because once when I was lying under the fan to recover before another set of squats...I started to feel some cool air. The last set was hard. I was feeling tired and it would've been easy to just stop. I piled on enough weight to make the bar weigh 125lbs. I did 1...whoa...kinda hard but doable...2...ugh...my knees were trying to bow in...I fought to keep them out...3...uhhh...stuck...I coached myself through..."up up up!!!" I thought...and I made it! Whew! Then I did a drop set. I wanted to do 10 with 95 lbs, but by 8 my form had gone to sh** so I stopped.

I finished the squats and decided to do glute ham raises on the GHD. I'm not strong enough to do more than one set without a partner to "push off" of. Hmmm...alone again...what to do?...thinking...GOT IT! I moved the 28 in box in front of the GHD and put a 45lb bumper plate on top. I would lower myself all the way down and give myself a push to get back up. It worked really well. I guess we'll see tomorrow...if my hams are not sore then I'll scratch that idea. The step ups were not bad today so I added 50 bridges (I'm trying to build that booty!) with a 1 count SQUEEEEZE at the top in between each set of step ups.

So, that's all...nothing exciting to report...no funny stories to tell...that's how it is when you're workin out alone. I did really enjoy my tunes...and truth be told...I think the AC guy did too!

WARMUP
-----------
10 EACH
JUMPING JACKS
PRISONER SQUATS
LEG KICKS
BRIDGES
MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
GROINERS
HIP ROTATION
30 SEC SAMSON STRETCH (EA LEG)

WORKOUT
--------------
BACK SQUAT
45 X 15
65 X 10
75 X 5
85 X 3
95 X 3
105 X 3
115 X 3
125 X 3

DROP SET
95 X 8

THEN:
10 GLUTE HAM RAISES ON GHD
3 SETS

THEN:
10 BARBELL STEP UPS (EACH LEG-65 LBS)
50 BRIDGES
3 SUPERSETS

CARDIO
----------
4.5 MILES RUN - 32:27

Day 360...fLooR wiPeRs wiTh a "biG bOy bAr"...

I went in to cover the 6AM class for J. JJ and S were the only 2 there. They did their workout and were fun to be around. They always push themselves...they NEVER complain...luvs it! After I took care of their class, got kids to school, and trained L (my 9:30 client)...I was going to workout. I was so sleepy and sore and just NOT up for it. So, I decided to vacuum, mop, and go home...working out could wait for later.

I had a new client at 4pm. Once she and I were through, it was time for J's 5:30 PM class. He said that if I wanted to workout with D and Z, I could. Hmmm...okay! So, I got a chance to experience the "fun" that I inflicted upon the boys this morning. The workout was Floor Wipers and Burpees....ahhhh...the dreaded burpees. Burpees hurt...they suck...but I KNOW I can do them. Floor Wipers...not so sure how much weight I can hold in the air while I move my feet back and forth. J asked if I wanted a "big boy bar". Of course I did!!! So I ended up with 95 lbs. It was hard but doable. It was a challenging, but short workout...hard enough...but not TOO hard. I was glad I joined in. I had fun.

WARMUP
-------------

WORKOUT
-------------
25 FLOOR WIPERS (95 LBS)
5 BURPEES
20 FLOOR WIPERS
10 BURPEES
15 FLOOR WIPERS
15 BURPEES
10 FLOOR WIPERS
20 BURPEES
5 FLOOR WIPERS
25 BURPEES

TIME=14:35

Day 359...rOuNd 2...sUpeR siCk...

I went back to the gym around 5 PM. I was feeling out of sorts so I hoped that another good, hard, but quick workout would "straighten me out". I decided to do "Cindy". The last time I did "Cindy", I only got 9 rounds in because I had JUST learned to do kipping pull ups and my hand ripped open and was bleeding. Now, my hands are tough and I was anxious to see what I could do. The worst part was push ups (as always). The pull ups were hurting my hands by about round 8, but other than that I felt strong...they were pretty easy. Squats...I love em...so they are rest time for me. I didn't have a number in mind...I just wanted to get more than 9. I did it! I got 13! When I was done, I was feelin tired and a little nauseous...but that's not so unusual when doing CrossFit workouts...so I packed up to go home and cook dinner. The ten minute drive home was miserable. Every minute that passed...I felt worse. The veins were sticking out on my forehead...like gross crazy scary weird sticking out. I had extreme pain and pressure behind my eyes, and I was sure I would throw up before I got home a few times. I was sick for a good hour after I got home. I was really worried the first 20 minutes. I have never felt THAT weird. Eventually, I started to feel better. I learned that "Fight Gone Bad" and "Cindy" are TOO MUCH for one day! At the same time, I was proud that not only I was able to survive 2 incredibly tough workouts...but I was able to do pretty well...for me.

WORKOUT#2
----------------
"CINDY"
5 PULL UPS
10 PUSH UPS
15 SQUATS
MAX ROUNDS IN 20 MINUTES
13

Day 359...iNsaNiTy aNd "fiGhT gOnE bAd"...

Insanity can be many things. A song I love by The Hives says, "They say the definition of madness is doing the same thing and expecting a different result...". Dictionary.com uses many synonyms and words to describe or define "insanity". A few are..."madness"... "very foolish; absurd"... "utterly senseless"... "harebrained"... "distracted"... "impractical"... "the act of wandering; deviation"... "delusion". I think that today...I can EASILY be described as INSANE.I do the same thing over and over and over again...and it's not because I'm stupid...it's because I try so hard to be there for everyone. I feel foolish...senseless...absurd...distracted...INSANE.In the midst of my INSANITY, I did a CrossFit workout called "Fight Gone Bad". It is a workout created by Greg Glassman, the founder and "Grand Poobah" of CrossFit. He created it for BJ Penn, the MMA fighter. It was created to match the time domain of a MMA fight, while EXCEEDING the metabolic demands. There's a great video and explanation on the CF main site, or you can check it out by cutting and pasting this link.

http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFit_FGBSCDemoExplanation.mov

"Fight Gone Bad" can be done with 3 or 5 rounds. Today I did 3. There are five exercises. You rotate from one to the next every minute. During that minute, you try to do as many reps as possible as they are written down and eventually added up to make up your "score". At the end of each round (after all 5 exercises are completed), there is EXACTLY one minute to rest and then you begin the next round. Let me tell ya...there's no resting in that minute. I was gasping for air and anticipating the next round. It's one of those workouts where it seems you CANNOT catch your breath. ROUND 2 is the worst! I had my GYMBOSS timer clipped to my waist and it worked perfectly. It was intense having that timer beeping every minute. I did it...but it was really hard. I had "butterflys" in my belly all morning anticipating it and I was laid out for at least 2 minutes on the floor when all was said and done. It's a horrible workout while you are "in it", but one of my favorites when I'm finished.

I may go back up to the gym in a while and do some more work...we'll see. I've got to work through my feelings somehow...and that seems like the healthiest option.

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

WORKOUT
-------------
"FIGHT GONE BAD" - 3 ROUNDS
WALL BALL (16 LB MED BALL-screwed up...RX is 14lbs...BIG difference)
1=19 2 =16 3=19
SDHP (55 LBS)
1=20 2=15 3=17
BOX JUMPS (22IN)
1=17 2=16 3=17
PUSH PRESS (55LBS)
1=13 2=15 3=13
ROW (COUNT # OF CALORIES IN 1 MIN)
1=15 2=14 3=15

TOTAL SCORE=231 =P

Day 358...i dOn'T LiKe mOnDaYs SO mUcH...

I always hear my kids or my husband talk about "Mondays"...but being home and on my own schedule...and having a wonderful nanny/assistant to help me shovel out the weekend "debris" each week. I don't notice Mondays so much. Today I did. I woke up to the cat trying to kill a toy mouse while jumping and slamming into the bathroom door. I jumped up to make sure all the kiddos were up and doing what they should be doing...whew!...they were. I stumbled downstairs...feeling SO not ready for a new week. I opened the bread box to make sandwiches for lunches...CRAP!...NO BREAD! My kids decided to make "butter bread sandwiches" while I was napping yesterday and ate HALF A LOAF OF BREAD!!! Holy cow! My son took a Lunchable...Syd politely refused. I told those two to grab their bags before they missed the bus...AND...I heard the bus roll by. Okay...plan B...load up in the car and I'll take Syd's lunch to the school...later...somehow. Then I got my oldest daughter off to school and came home to get dressed so I could get to the gym to train L on time. I didn't have much time, but strangely I ambled around in PJs like I did. Finally A called to chat...briefly...and once we hung up I threw clothes on...no makeup or cuteness today! I got to the gym at 5 til my next appointment...figured it wouldn't be a problem...my client is usually late or right on time (one of the many traits she and I have in common). NOPE! Not today! She was already there.

I trained her...we chatted...and I worked out myself. I really struggled on the last couple of sets of bench presses. I was alone...no one to "spot" (seems laughable when pressing only 85 lbs). I BARELY made the very last rep I did. I thought I was gonna drop it on myself, but one loud yell and I made it! WHEW! I may go back to the gym later for cardio...I don't know...or I may go to Utopia. I'm gonna rejoin that nasty hole. I need human interaction...even if it's a "Hi. How are you?" or an "Excuse me miss...could you lay this plate on my lap while I do dips?(wink wink)". I'll take anything...superficial...sleazy...or somewhere in between...to NOT be in silence for hours of working out...EVERY day. I'm not complaining...I'm problem solving out loud.

I took my sweet girl lunch and that turned my Monday around. I planned on dumping it off and leaving...but something told me to stay and I'm glad I did. Now, off for lunch and a pedicure and soon the world will be right again!..at least for that hour while I'm getting my feet rubbed! Ha!

WARMUP
------------

WORKOUT
--------------
BENCH PRESS
45 LBS X 15
65 LBS X 10
75 LBS X 5
80 LBS X 5
85 LBS 5-5-5-5-5

THEN:
MAX REPS RING PUSH UPS
11 + 10 = 21

THEN:
15 DUMB BELL ROWS (SINGLE ARM-BENCH-30 LB DB)
15 FACE PULLS WITH BLUE BAND
3 SETS

THEN:
15 FRONT RAISE (5 LB DBs)
15 LATERAL RAISE (5 LB DBs)
3 SETS

CARDIO
----------
WE'LL SEE....

Day 357...beTTeR bUt nOt uP tO dAnCiN yEt...

I was glad to rest today...very glad. My legs are sore and my ankle...it's better and not as swollen...but still a little sore. I don't think I'm up to running a marathon or dancing in heels...but I'm okay. I should be fine tomorrow (fingers crossed!!!).

SUNDAY = REST DAY

Day 356...nOt qUiTe "wiTh iT"...

Here we go again! We are back to the Saturday soccer games for my daughter, so it can make workouts "tricky". Many times, I don't go to her soccer games...not because I don't care...but because I am the crazy Mom screaming like a banshee from the sidelines. I'm not usually screaming AT her...I like to call it "enthusiastic cheering and encouragement"...but still it can stress her out at times. I surprise myself sometimes with how nuts I get. I start screaming things that I would never normally say like "ATTACK!". Anyways it was the first game, so I felt I should go.

I wanted to get my cardio out of the way BEFORE the 10:30 AM game. My husband, P, was going to do the quick 3 mile "Britton Circle" run. We NEVER run together. He is 6 ft 5 in...that's about 1 in shy of 1 foot taller than me...needless to say, his stride is longer than mine...quite a bit longer. I'm faster...but I take 2 steps for every 1 step he takes. We took off and P went crazy. He was so afraid that I would shame him that he was running like he was a fugitive and I was the police. I hung back...knowing he couldn't keep that pace for long...and then I would catch up or pass him. I never did. From the first step...I just was not quite "with it". I felt off...sluggish. Then, I came down off of a sidewalk and into the street and my left foot hit some dried cement. My foot twisted and went sideways and my ankle touched the street. OUCH! I fell down and yelled and yelled for P to stop...to help me...but he never stopped...his ipod was obviously blaring and he had tunnel vision. I got up and tried to keep running...but at this point...I wasn't feelin it. I turned around and ran home to get on the elliptical for 15 min before we had to leave for the game. P didn't notice I wasn't behind him until he was almost done...

After the game was over, we ate some lunch and went our separate ways. P and our son went for haircuts...the girls went home...and I headed for the gym. My ankle was feeling fine so I did the workout I had planned...without much pain. I got a twinge every now and then...but nothin serious. I really struggled with the Hang Power Cleans. I wanted to use 85 lbs, but after 3...it became clear that it just wasn't gonna work. I went down to 75lbs and struggled through. I went to do Reverse Lunges. I've been using 65lbs for weeks and it is challenging, but do-able. It was so bad. My knee kept feeling like it was torquing when I would step off from the makeshift platform. I wanted to do 3 sets but I stopped at 2...disappointed...trying to figure out why this was so hard today. I decided to do Step Ups with the 65lb barbell instead. AGAIN...I finished but it felt harder than the previous weeks...it should be easier! I sat down...determined NOT to be depressed...I took a deep breath and decided to take the plates off before moving on. That was when I realized that I was using the WRONG bar!!! I was using the bar I had 75lbs on...NOT the one with 65lbs! Yep...I'm blonde. It did make me feel a bit better. Whew! I'm not crazy...it really was heavier. It's amazing what a difference 10 lbs can make!

I got done and decided to clean up the gym a bit. I wiped things down...vaccuumed...and mopped. I got in my car and noticed that my ankle was feeling stiff...and a little more sore. By the time I got home...it was really hurting...and swollen. We were going out with friends in 2 hours, so I put ice on my ankle...took some Advil...set my alarm...and got in bed to sleep for 30 min. I fell asleep immediately. When the alarm rang, I got up, showered, and got ready. My ankle was a LITTLE better soooo...what did I do being the diva that I am??? I wore 4 INCH HEELS to dinner and a movie. Now, it's time for bed and I'm pretty miserable. This better not last long, because I don't do rest and recovery well. Thank goodness tomorrow is Sunday...my day to rest!

DYNAMIC WARM UP
--------------------------
CONCENTRATING ON LOWER BODY

WORKOUT
------------
REACTIVE BOX JUMPS
FLOOR-18 IN-FLOOR-22IN-FLOOR-28IN
3 - 3 - 3

THEN:
5 HANG POWER CLEANS (75LBS)
3 SETS

THEN:
REVERSE LUNGE OFF 6 IN "PLATFORM" (8 EA LEG-75LBS)
1 AND A HALF SETS...KNEE PAIN...

CHANGED COURSE...
STEP UPS (8 EA LEG-75 LBS)
3 SETS

THEN:
15 SWISS BALL HAMSTRING CURLS
25 DONKEY KICKS (EA LEG)
3 SUPERSETS

THEN:
15 BACK/HIP EXTENSIONS ON GHD
15 SEATED MED BALL OBLIQUE TWIST (20 LB D-BALL)
3 SUPER SETS

CARDIO
----------
15 MIN RUN
15 MIN ELLIPTICAL

Day 355...cAn yOu sAy BORING?!?...

From about 4:30 AM on...I kept waking up. Once I had to pee (I know...TMI)...once I was having a dream that startled me...once the sprinkler came on and was hitting the window...I could go on..but I won't...you get the idea. Needless to say, I feel a bit sleepy today. I got the kids off and did something I NEVER do...fixed breakfast and sat indian style in my recliner and watched part of "Live With Regis and Kelly". Then, I snapped out of it and realized I better figure out what I'm doing and go to the gym. I had a feeling I was on my own...so I had a plan. A called while I was getting ready to go and confirmed it. He's got some crap goin on in his life that definitely takes precedent over working out with me...or even working out at all.

I got to the gym and set up. A lady came in that I talked to on the phone yesterday about training with me. She saw a van and figured it must be me and came to meet me and say "hi". Oh dear...is this where I've landed?...people see a VAN and figure it belongs to ME!?! I'm just kidding...I mean who else at the gym is gonna drive a van...makes sense...I AM "the Mom". She was nice and we chatted briefly, then I got to work.

I felt a little weak today...not bad...just NOT strong. It happens. I struggled with dead hang chin ups (even with a small band) but I did em. The only thing I almost didn't think I could do was shoulder presses. I slept wrong on my right arm the other night and my shoulder has bothered me since. It feels like a pinched nerve. I was gonna use 55 lbs but it was VERY painful. I could do it, but it felt like a recipe for disaster...and I'm just NOT in the mood for a disaster today. I went down to the 45lb bar. It hurt, but I did it.

I went through the workout and I worked hard. Nothing bad happened...and I'm not sad...but I have to say...it was BORING working out alone! REALLY BORING! I'm not complaining...just stating the facts. That's all for now...

WARM UP
-----------
15 OF EACH
-JUMPING JACKS
-SEAL JACKS
-CROSSOVERS
-PASSOVERS WITH THE SMALL BAND (PEC STRETCH)
-ARM CIRCLES

9 PLYO (CLAPPING) PUSHUPS-3 SETS OF 3

SAMSON STRETCH

WORK OUT
-------------
BENCH PRESS
3 SETS MAX REPS
21+19+20= 60

THEN:
12 CHIN UPS (BLUE BAND)
12 BAND PULLS
3 SETS

THEN:
8 SHOULDER PRESS (45 LB BAR)
3 SETS

THEN:
15 HAMMER CURLS (15 LB DBs)
15 RING DIPS (BAND ASSISTED)
3 SETS

THEN:
ABS
15 SPRINTER SIT UPS
15 SWISS BALL V-UPS
15 BUTTERFLY SIT UPS (ABMAT)
3 SETS

CARDIO
------------
TO BE DETERMINED.....

Day 354...sLoW dOwN aNd rEsT...

I woke up and was immediately aware of one thing...I have a butt...and it's sore...REALLY sore! I worked my legs harder than I thought I did yesterday and I felt tight.

Once I got the kids off to school, I decided to tan and go to the trail I run on. I had no intention of running. I knew that I should rest, so I decided to compromise. I decided to try and loosen things up with a walk...not my normal turbo speed...but a slow steady speed. It was really strange to walk the trail at a normal, casual walking pace but I actually enjoyed it. The temperature was perfect (70s) and the trail was shaded by the trees. I put on some mellow tunes and tried to just enjoy my walk and clear my head.

Sometimes, I really miss W when I run on that trail. I guess because it was OUR running trail...the place we both used to talk about our worries...or problems...the place that we laughed and told stories. Today I wasn't sad...but I DID think about him and miss him...just a little ;)...

I felt better after an hour on that trail. My mind seemed clearer and my muscles felt looser. I'm glad that I took the opportunity to slow down and rest (sorta).

WALK 4.5 MILES (DOWN TRAIL AND BACK)

Day 353...sHuT uP aNd sQuAt!...

"Everyone should be squatting! Bodybuilders, athletes, powerlifters, tap dancers.... Squats truly are the king of all exercises. When performed correctly they are NOT dangerous. Treat this lift with respect and you will make gains that you never thought were possible. And always remember...YOU AIN'T SQUAT UNTIL YOU SQUAT!" ~Sean Nalewanyj "Critical Bench"

Sometimes that's what you gotta do...just "SHUT UP AND SQUAT!"...because sometimes words aren't necessary or helpful. Today I did Back Squats and I think I did well. I feel good about what I accomplished. I hope to continue to squat more...and more. I'm NO Arnold...but I'm satisfied with today's work. I LOVE Squats and any type of Dead Lifts so today was all about things I love to do.My butt is already HURTIN! YES! That means I did something and that my goal to build a bigger booty is possible and not far off. I have been going non stop and I'm REALLY tired. It's 10pm and I JUST got off the elliptical! I just couldn't skip cardio again. I have done very little cardio and I was feeling stressed. My husband was at work until 9:30, so I waited until all the kids were in bed and then I drug my tired, achin butt upstairs to the guest room to use the elliptical. It was hard and I'm tired, but I'm really glad that I did it. Now...I'm glad to shower and crawl into bed.

DYNAMIC WARMUP
-----------------------

WORKOUT
--------------
5 BOX JUMPS (28 IN BOX)
5 SETS

THEN:






BACK SQUAT
45 LBS X 12
55 LBS X 5
65 LBS X 5
75 LBS X 3
85 LBS X 3
95 LBS X 3
105 LBS X 3
110 LBS X 3
115 LBS X 3
120 LBS X 3
130 LBS X 1

THEN:
LUNGE ACROSS GYM AND BACK HOLDING 26 LB KETTLE BELLS - 2X

THEN:
8 ROMANIAN DEAD LIFTS (115LBS - 1ST SET / 135LBS - 2ND & 3RD SETS)
3 SETS

THEN:
50 GHD SIT UPS

CARDIO
-----------
35 MIN ELLIPTICAL (HILLS)

Day 351...tiMe tO gEt tHe weiGhTs bAcK oUt...

Okay so FIRST order of business...NO! I DO NOT "TRAIN" IN LINGERIE NOR DO I ENDORSE TRAINING HALF NAKED!!!!! It's just that I love this illustration, because it's a hot, sexy, mature woman...trying to be strong...like I wanna be "when I grow up". Today, I was back to strength "training". A reminded me that we DO NOT "workout"...we "train".

So, today was upper body training with A. Things are better with us. He called Sunday afternoon and we talked about things that are bothering him briefly. I HATE when my friends are having a hard time. I just want to make everything better...unfortunately I can't control the universe...so I just have to try and "be a friend". We had a good time...A said we were "flowing well...talking...but not too much...workin but still having fun". We bench pressed...did bent barbell rows (they felt SO HEAVY today)...and I attempted some other "arm work", but I wasn't too successful. It was good. My arms were hurting when I left...good stuff. I wanted to do a CrossFit workout or at least get on the elliptical, but with the kids out of school and "family time" and a small flood this evening (our daughter left running water upstairs while we were gone...for SIX hours...and we came home to water running out of the vent in the dining room downstairs)...I just never got around to any sort of cardio. I started to go upstairs and get on my elliptical..but it's late...and I'm watching one of my favorite movies of all time "She's Havin A Baby"...and I can't tear away. I know...NO ONE else in the world likes that movie...I LOVE it.

At this point...I'll wash my face and snuggle down for the night. I need to get more rest...what's done is done...and tomorrow is a new day to work hard.

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

WORKOUT-UPPER BODY STRENGTH
----------------------------------------------
BENCH PRESS
45LBS X 15
65 LBS X 10
75 LBS X 5
85 LBS X 5
THEN:
5-5-5-5-5 (85 LBS)

THEN:
8 BENT BAR BELL ROWS (95 LBS)
8 BACK RAISES (10 LB DBs)
3 SUPER SETS

THEN:
8 BICEP CURLS (1ST SET 20 LB DBs / 2ND-3RD SETS 15 LB DBs)
8 SKULL CRUSHERS (SAME WEIGHT)
3 SUPER SETS

CHECK OUT THIS HILARIOUS VIDEO...I CRACKED UP WHEN THE MANIAC LADY COMES OUT TO SMACK THE GUY'S FACE PRIOR TO HIS BENCH PRESS...GOTTA LOVE CRAZY YOUTUBE VIDS! Ha! Ha!

Day 350...aHhHh...a fReSh sTaRt...

Well, another week has gone by. I've had week filled with ups and downs...highs and lows. I've laughed and cried. I think that it is easy for me to get "bogged down"...to worry and be afraid. I want so badly to feel validated...to know I'm loved...liked...needed. I'm not sure that those desires are so bad...but I am sure that when I search for these things in other people...I set myself up for sadness. I guess I should clarify...I'm not talking about people letting me down...I'm talking about ME choosing to relinquish my happiness to the people around me. It's not fair to me...and it's not fair to them. It is not other people's "job" to MAKE me happy. I need to look within. Bodies sag...looks fade...and friends come and go. I think that these are the things I'm basing my happiness and validation on. Do I LOOK good...pretty...fit...thin enough? Do I look old? Did I get a compliment? Did the person that I wanted attention from give it to me? etc etc etc

This is not the basis for happiness. Happiness is being happy with the reflection in the mirror...no matter what...whether there are wrinkles or not...whether I am at my desired weight or a little over...whether I'm having a pretty day or whether I wake up with a zit. Happiness is loving...without any expectations. Happiness is going to bed knowing that you gave your best in all that you did...and knowing that tomorrow is a new day...a fresh start if things did not go as you wished. Happiness is being healthy...not hot. Happiness is about what you give...not what you get.

I'm so glad that every night, I go to sleep and wake up the next morning to a new day. This week I want to try to just BE HAPPY. I want to be in charge and choose my emotions. It is a relief to wake up knowing that this is a new week...a fresh start. Now, I just need to take a deep breath and take advantage of this opportunity. Ahhh...a fresh start...

SUNDAY = REST DAY

Day 349...sUrPriSe...

I woke up...tired. My husband asked me what I was doing as far as working out today. It went something like this...(him) "You working out with A?"...(me)"No, we haven't worked out since Monday."...(him)"Why not?"...(me)"I'm not sure. He's either been busy or hurt or...well I don't know...I'm really fighting the urge to think that he doesn't wanna workout with me anymore."...(him) "Did he say that?"...(me) "No...it's just a sense."...(him) "Don't assume or read anything into it."...(me) "I'm trying...hard. A told me that that is not true, so I'm choosing to believe him. It's just hard. I liked working out together. I miss it."...(me...a few minutes later) "What are you doing today?"...(him) "I need to learn push press for a workout I want to do next week." My ears perked up and I offered to teach him. He accepted. We gathered our kids up and headed to the gym.

As we turned the corner and got closer to the gym...I saw A's truck pull up to the gym. I was surprised. He trains K on Saturday, but they usually meet at the park. I got out of my car and went around back to open the door and turn off the alarm. As I came back around, A was lookin around his car...no hello...good morning...or anything of the sort. I felt strange and uncomfortable...like he was surprised...not happy to see me. It was distinctly different than usual. I was glad that I was there to turn off the alarm. That would've sucked for them if he went in and the alarm was set. We went in and he began to set up for K and I had my husband go run to warm up.

A was kinda sarcastic with me...the whole time. Then he sat and told K stuff that he hasn't told me...loud enough for me to hear...pretty significant things...like how he's trying to get his move to Israel moved...so he can leave sooner than originally planned. Wow...we talk almost EVERY day and he's never mentioned that to ME. =( We're friends for heaven's sake! He also told K how when he leaves, he'll give him his workout "gear"...tires...(uh! I'd LOVE a tire to drag!) The sad part was that K didn't seemed too interested. I just thought..."Why wouldn't he offer anything to me?" I don't need "THINGS" in order to be friends with people. I'm all about giving. I've tried to always be a good friend to A. I've cared. I've listened. I've rearranged my schedule to workout...so that I could workout with HIM...because I WANTED to work out with him. I never asked for anything...just help working out...kindness. That's what I've gotten...what happened? What is going on? It made me kinda sad but I refused to let it show. I think I was more surprised than anything, because our interaction felt so different...so strained. I probably shouldn't say these things, and I'm not tryin to "bag" on A....it's just that I have to be able to express my feelings...somehow. Also, I feel safe seeing as he told me the other day that he doesn't read my blog anymore.

I taught my husband the push press. By the time my he was pretty comfortable with it, I was no longer in the mood to workout. I told him to just do what he would normally do. He started but his hamstrings were really sore...and starting to hurt and feel tight...so he wasn't able to finish his planned workout.

A got finished with K and got ready to leave. He told me that he would be training him (K) again on Tuesday if I wanted to workout with him afterwards. I said "Okay." I was surprised again that he was inviting me...surprised but happy. I hope that he really wants to workout with me...that he enjoys it...like I enjoy working out with him. A left and me and my husband and kids "played". We climbed the rope...played on the rings...I even put my oldest daughter on the pull up bar with a band. I didn't think she could do a pull up...even assisted...but once again I was surprised. She banged out 5 chin ups! I was so proud of her. She is stronger than I thought...but she IS a swimmer...so it makes sense. I had fun helping my family do things they had never done in the gym. It made me a little happier.

So, today was NOTHING like I expected...but that's life right?...always full of surprises!

REST DAY...SORTA...(RUN 3.25 MILES-24:34)


.........My little "monkeys"..."MONKEY SEE...MONKEY DO!".........

Day 348 (2ND POST)...a cHaNgE oF pLaNs...

I REALLY DID plan on resting...it's just that...I went to Reata for lunch with my husband and ate REALLY GOOD, REALLY RICH, REALLY FATTENING food. This led to a change of plans. As I sat there before we got up to leave I was thinking..."CRAP! Now there's NO WAY I can rest! I gotta go workout...ASAP!" I know it's crazy..maybe even a sickness of sorts. It was like "exercise bulimia"...I binged on great food...and ALL I could think about was getting rid of it (burning it off...NO THROWING UP FOR ME...JUST a comparison)! J texted to ask when I was gonna come back to workout. We agreed on a time and I headed straight home to change and then straight up to the gym.

J has worn himself down. He works so hard and is always going in about 4 different directions. He's trying to "do it all"...and he IS...but it's taking a toll. He tried to argue with me that he's not tired. I disagreed. Our "relationship" has always been a bit like that. We like each other...but we can also bicker at times. We love to tease each other, and sometimes we disagree (strongly)...but at the end of the day...we share some good laughs and we still like each other. He was sore and had certain exercises that he didn't want to do so I let HIM make up the workout. LAST TIME I do that!!!

J and I were both struggling with the Thrusters from the beginning. My shoulders were killin me! My belly was WAY TOO FULL to be pushin like that!..and I was feeling unmotivated. Still I finish what I start. The sit ups were pretty tough considering I did 100...JUST YESTERDAY!...but I finished...before him...FINALLY. I thought I was Billy Bad A** and I would just grab my ipod and go for a run afterwards...WRONG! I ran about a quarter of a mile and thought..."I can't do this." I turned around and went back, gathered my stuff and left.

I know my thoughts about working out are...well...irrational and over the top at times...but this is who I am. It drives everyone crazy that I ALWAYS worry that I might look FAT. They all say, "How can you look in the mirror and say that?!?" I don't have an answer. I know my thoughts are NOT ordinary...but I'm NO ORDINARY GIRL...that's for sure! Does that make me weird? or special? Maybe I don't wanna know. ;)

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

WORKOUT
----------------
100 THRUSTERS (1ST 35 WITH 45LB BAR-SWITCHED TO 35LB BAR FOR THE REST)
500 JUMP ROPE SINGLES (NO...NOT A TYPO...500!)
100 RENEGADE ROWS (CAN DO MUCH HEAVIER BUT OPTED FOR LIGHT SINCE I WAS DOING SO MANY-10LB DBs)
100 SIT UPS (ABMAT-ANCHORED)
(23:43)

CARDIO
------------
.5 MILE RUN BEFORE GIVING IN TO MY BODY

Day 348 (1ST POST)...kiCk oFF yOuR HeeLs aNd rEsT A wHiLe...

I went up to help out with a class..a class that never really materialized. It was for some firefighters. Only 4 showed up...at 4 separate times...and only one came to workout. The first guy there was the last guy standing in the end. I thought about working out, but I realized that hours have passed and I'm meeting my hubby for lunch downtown...sooooo...I guess I'll go eat some good food...come home...kick off my heels (I ALWAYS wear heels!)...and enjoy some much needed rest today!

REST DAY

Day 347..."...i'M hOt, sTicKy sWeeT...fRoM mY hEaD tO mY fEEt!...yEaH!"

So as I was lying on the floor this morning making a lovely "sweat angel" on the mat...the title of today's post came to me. Actually, I heard it...blasting on the stereo. I never get sick of cheesy, rock songs from the 80s! I want to turn my back on it...and pretend that I didn't thoroughly enjoy the 80s...bad perm and all...but I can't. I don't listen to my "80s Rock Compilation" CD often...but when I do...I can't help but sing at the top of my lungs and dance. Who can sit still during "Rock You Like A Hurricane" or "Pour Some Sugar On Me"??? I can't...and seeing as I was a sweaty, hot mess lying on the floor...this title seemed quite appropriate!

My little sis and I worked out together...and I nearly KILLED us. I saw a cool WOD on the GSX site, but did I try it??? NOOOO. I decided to change it a bit. I took out rowing and put in running...outside...where it's still HOT. I also added an additional round. I was proud of my sister. The wall balls SUCKED but she stayed with me. We scaled her reps & rounds once we got into it, because it became clear on round 1 that this was gonna be tougher than anticipated. She kicked butt on the running...especially since she doesn't run. She did 3 rounds and I did 4. I decided to do the last one as fast as possible since she was waiting. I did 18 wall balls without breaking rhythm...lame by the standards of some...but great for ME. I knew I was fast because I left to run with "Turbo Lover" by Judas Priest blasting and it was STILL goin when I got back. We stretched to "Pour Some Sugar On Me". I'm sure the old lady that works in the back was trying to figure out what the heck was goin on in there...especially since I was singin at the top of my lungs.

We had to eat something when we got back to my house because we were both shaky and nauseous. YEAH BABY! That means it was a good one. Yeah, I know...I'm a sicko. Next time you need a little motivation to workout...I suggest 80s rock tunes. It sure worked for me!

DYNAMIC WARMUP
----------------------

WOD
---------
RUN 400 M
25 WALL BALLS (16 LB DYNAMAX BALL)
25 SIT UPS (VARY EACH ROUND -sprinter, v-ups, reverse crunch, anchored abmat)
4 ROUNDS