Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:
Deadlifts        
Squats
Pistols
Box Jumps
Wall Balls
Sit-ups
Lunges
Running
KB swings

Could be better:
Cleans
Snatches
Presses
Bench press
Thrusters
Pullups
Rowing
Push-ups

Weaknesses:
Kipping
Handstand Push-ups
Double Unders
Dips

Can't even do one:
Muscle-up
Rope climb

All my "strengths" are strengths because of my legs. They're strong. And I'm flexible. Thank you to 20+ years of dance training. I feel confident in these movements. I would deadlift everyday if I could...but I don't want my legs to grow any bigger.

My "could be better" list will eventually become strengths when I execute proper form consistently. For example, I can do amazing pushups. But when I get tired, my core goes weak and they start looking floppy.

My "weaknesses" are big problems for me. And all are going to require lots of extra practice. So when I go in to do a workout, part of my warmup is to practice handstands, just holding 1 a day for as long as I can. I also try for 10-15 double unders, just to remind myself to jump up high and stay in place. During workouts, I jump all over the place. Kipping I practice after I practice my strict pullups. Dips...well dips I've just been avoiding.

My "can't even do one" list...I'll get to thinking about in spring.

Positive changes

This week was my most successful CrossFit week to date. After a 3 day rest I came in on a Sunday to practice all the things I suck at and boom! I'm doing unbroken pullups! I'm doing unbroken double unders! Omg! How is this possible?

One of my CrossFit goals is to value rest days. And this week I really learned to value them because they made me do amazing things.

Sunday - 25 total pullups - 2 sets of 3 unbroken! 12 unbroken double unders!

Monday - 183lb front squat 3 rep max PR

Tuesday - did "Elizabeth" with prescribed weight and was able to finally do dips without shoulder pain

Wednesday- REST DAY! 3 days on, 1 day off really works

Thursday- bam 4 pullups unbroken!

Friday- got through the toes to bars somehow haha

Saturday- tried overhead squats and snatchs - shoulder stayed strong AND did 27 pullups in the workout without a band!!!

So tomorrow I'll rest and Monday I can't wait to see what I do next!

A new year

It's 2013. This is my year to make dreams a reality. I have goals. I am determined to achieve all of them so when 2014 rolls around, I'm looking back with a smile. When I look back at 2012, I'm reminded of so many negative things, but also of a lot of positive things. 2012 started out rough. It was a struggle, but I fought my way through it.

I am still dealing with my blasted shoulder. It's a 3 steps forward, 2 steps back problem. I have to constantly be careful with it. If I push too fast too soon, I'm back to pain and grumpiness. Luckily I can always modify a workout so I'm not hurting myself. I'm determined to have a strong upper body so I can do pullups, jerks, and all other upper body movements rx. I will work on strengthening my core. Legs and ass, while already strong, can always be stronger.

I want to go to the 2014 games. It's a huge goal. And it will require a lot of work and a lot of patience. I can't train as hard as I need to right now because of my shoulder. But I will get there if I am patient. And above all, listening to my body. Though I love doing CrossFit 5 days a week, I find I perform best and feel best when I take a break midweek, therefore only doing it 4 days a week. Resting is tough for me...but it does my body a world of good.

On rest days, I try new paleo recipes, watch football, and clean. I also write songs.

I’m kicking and screaming
At a wall that’s double my size
But the prize on the other side
Is worth the uphill fight
Don’t offer me a hammer
Cause my inner strength is better
My tears may be streaming
But my fears are fleeting

And I’ll keep on climbing
Though my feet are crying
I might fall to my knees
But in my heart I am free
And I’ll kick and scream
I’ll fight until the day I die