It starts when we're young. You see something interesting. It looks "pretty." You want to touch it. Mom says, "Don't touch it, honey, you'll burn yourself!" And you don't understand how bright colors that dance could be do deadly. I mean, Christ, it's all over your birthday cake. Mom says, "Blow out the candles." But no, your chubby little 1-year-old hands wanna play with fire instead. From day one, we're drawn to pain, whether we like it or not.
There's different types of pain. Physical, mental, emotional... pain that eats away at your soul. Pain so severe that you only let very few people see it and when they do, you try your damn hardest not to cry or show vulnerability because it's too much for you to handle. You always want to be strong. You always want to be in control.
Then there's what I like to call "drama pain."
Do you ever find yourself overanalyzing something, overthinking something, or overdramatizing something? And then when you go to share it with your friends, you make it sound ten times more dramatic than it actually is...and then your friends overdramatize it even more and then you're left feeling overwhelmed, confused, and downright hurt by what really was not that big of a deal to begin with. Why do we put ourselves through that stress?
Are we trying to cover up what's really bothering us? YES. Of course we are. We don't want people to know what's really eating at our souls, so we overdramatize mediocre crap instead. We're cheating ourselves short. We're letting mediocre crap dictate our lives.
Now how the hell does this relate to CrossFit? Do we overdramatize mediocre crap when we CrossFit? Yes, we do. Here's a prime example of what I did once upon a time...
Coach #1: If you want handstand pushups, you should get into a handstand. A real one.
Me: I don't know if my shoulder is ready for that.
Coach #1: Try.
(Five seconds later, I attempt a handstand)
Me: Uh, it hurts so bad!!!
Coach #1: Oh, I guess you're not ready then.
In actuality, my shoulder did hurt, but was it so bad that I couldn't have tried the handstand again? Hell no. I overdramatized it. I made it worse than it was to cover up the real issue. And the real issue was the fact that I am (or rather I WAS) terrified to be upside down.
Here's the conversation that eventually unfolded with Coach #2:
Coach #2: If you want handstand pushups, you should get into a handstand. A real one.
Me: I'm scared to be upside down.
Coach #2: You? Scared? You're the deadlift queen, now get the fuck upside down this minute.
Am I saying you should unleash to world all your fears, doubts, and confusions? No. You don't have to let the world know you're afraid of heights or afraid of pink cars or afraid of sheep. But you should trust your friends and certainly your coaches (but not Coach #1 - he sucked!). They're not out to make fun of you for being afraid, but rather they're there to help you beat your fears. They may yell at you, but they won't give up on you.
It's late and I've been rambling for awhile...but bottom line is you can be better athlete by being honest with yourself. And stop giving attention to the "drama pain" and work on fixing the real pain. I know where my pain is. It's not in my shoulder. It's not in my wrist. It's in my head. And it's the hardest kind to get rid of. So don't act like you don't got none. We all do.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
War
It's been roughly a month since my life completely changed. At first it was tough, adjusting to the new schedule and the challenge of keeping up my training. I won't go into details about how my former box was stolen by a bunch of sheep, but despite everything that happened, I knew my goals would not change. I would continue to train and I would compete and I would one day make it to the games.
Right now, I know all those dreams are destined to come true. I'm signed up for my first competition in August, and I have plans to work my weaknesses until that day and after that day. By working out on my own, I have been programming my weaknesses into the majority of my workouts. I started with the burpee challenge. As a "big" girl, burpees have always been a bitch, but now I do at least 100 a day with ease. I also make sure that at least 2 workouts a week have a good volume of pull-ups in them. I also do pullups as part of my warm-up. I'm kipping again and able to string 3-4. This is a huge stepping stone for me. I feel like soon enough I'll be able to string 10+ and then I'll start working on the muscle up. Double unders are still a challenge for me, but the more I do them, the more I hear a rhythm that I need to force myself to stay on, and zen out to. I notice a rhythm with most movements. I guess that comes from being a dancer...but I notice it a lot on the clean & jerk. 95lbs feels light because I treat the movement like a dance, meaning I don't think about it. I just let my body do what it needs to do.
Handstand pushups...probably my biggest weakness. For the rest of this month I'm determined to get upside down every other day and keep getting my head lower and lower until I get an RX pushup. The month of June I will be doing HSPUs until I can go unbroken with them. I will start programming them into my WODs more. I will conquer them.
It seems like I'm going to war with my weaknesses. That's okay. Because weakness lies within all of us. It's okay to fight yourself. It's okay to want to be better. But on the way, give yourself praise when you deserve it. So today, I say to myself, "GOOD JOB, NATALIE MARIE BLANK. YOU ARE ONE BAD ASS RX-ING MACHINE."
Did I mention I'm starting to go Rx-plus on a lot of WODs? ;)
Right now, I know all those dreams are destined to come true. I'm signed up for my first competition in August, and I have plans to work my weaknesses until that day and after that day. By working out on my own, I have been programming my weaknesses into the majority of my workouts. I started with the burpee challenge. As a "big" girl, burpees have always been a bitch, but now I do at least 100 a day with ease. I also make sure that at least 2 workouts a week have a good volume of pull-ups in them. I also do pullups as part of my warm-up. I'm kipping again and able to string 3-4. This is a huge stepping stone for me. I feel like soon enough I'll be able to string 10+ and then I'll start working on the muscle up. Double unders are still a challenge for me, but the more I do them, the more I hear a rhythm that I need to force myself to stay on, and zen out to. I notice a rhythm with most movements. I guess that comes from being a dancer...but I notice it a lot on the clean & jerk. 95lbs feels light because I treat the movement like a dance, meaning I don't think about it. I just let my body do what it needs to do.
Handstand pushups...probably my biggest weakness. For the rest of this month I'm determined to get upside down every other day and keep getting my head lower and lower until I get an RX pushup. The month of June I will be doing HSPUs until I can go unbroken with them. I will start programming them into my WODs more. I will conquer them.
It seems like I'm going to war with my weaknesses. That's okay. Because weakness lies within all of us. It's okay to fight yourself. It's okay to want to be better. But on the way, give yourself praise when you deserve it. So today, I say to myself, "GOOD JOB, NATALIE MARIE BLANK. YOU ARE ONE BAD ASS RX-ING MACHINE."
Did I mention I'm starting to go Rx-plus on a lot of WODs? ;)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Challenge time
A new challenge!
To be in CFMC's advanced class I must be able to achieve 7 out of 10 of the following.
Clean & Jerk - Yes I can clean & jerk 113lbs.
Squat - YES. My max squat is 248 lbs and that was back in early February.
30 Muscle Ups- NO.
T2B - I'd have to work my ass off to get this done, but it is possible.
Pullups - No way in hell can I do 20 unbroken.
HSPU- NO.
100 Burpees- Again, I'd have to work my ass off but I know I can do it.
"Helen" - Work your ass off. The pullups will be the hardest part.
"Jerry" - This is so possible. My fastest mile run time is 7:07 and that was back in early December.
So 4 Yes I can. 3 No I can't. And 3 Maybes.
I can do this.
3 2 1 Go.
To be in CFMC's advanced class I must be able to achieve 7 out of 10 of the following.
- Snatch: Men – 165, Women – 93
- Clean & Jerk: Men – 205, Women – 113
- Squat: Men – 295, Women – 183
- 30 Muscle-ups time: Men/Women: Rx
- 2 min Max Effort Toes to Bar: Men/Women: 30
- Max Effort unbroken pullups: Men – 35, Women – 20
- 45 HSPU for time: Men/Women: 6:00
- 100 Burpees: Men – 7:00, Women – 8:00
- “Helen” time: Men – 10:00, Women – 12:00
- “Jerry” time: Men – 25:00, Women, 26:00
Clean & Jerk - Yes I can clean & jerk 113lbs.
Squat - YES. My max squat is 248 lbs and that was back in early February.
30 Muscle Ups- NO.
T2B - I'd have to work my ass off to get this done, but it is possible.
Pullups - No way in hell can I do 20 unbroken.
HSPU- NO.
100 Burpees- Again, I'd have to work my ass off but I know I can do it.
"Helen" - Work your ass off. The pullups will be the hardest part.
"Jerry" - This is so possible. My fastest mile run time is 7:07 and that was back in early December.
So 4 Yes I can. 3 No I can't. And 3 Maybes.
I can do this.
3 2 1 Go.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
End of February
Tomorrow is the last day of February. I only achieved 1 / 6 goals. I sprained my wrist about 2 and half weeks ago and I'm only now starting to have a fully operational wrist.
323 lbs Deadlift
243 lbs Back Squat - Maxed out at 248lbs!
7 Unbroken Pullups
20 Unbroken Double Unders - got to 16
1 Handstand Pushup
1 Rope Climb
I might try for a 323 Deadlift tomorrow.
Goals for March:
333 lbs Deadlift
253 lbs Back Squat
10 Unbroken Pullups
25 Unbroken Double Unders
1 Handstand Pushup
1 Rope Climb
10 Unbroken Pistols
No more injuries!
323 lbs Deadlift
7 Unbroken Pullups
20 Unbroken Double Unders - got to 16
1 Handstand Pushup
1 Rope Climb
I might try for a 323 Deadlift tomorrow.
Goals for March:
333 lbs Deadlift
253 lbs Back Squat
10 Unbroken Pullups
25 Unbroken Double Unders
1 Handstand Pushup
1 Rope Climb
10 Unbroken Pistols
No more injuries!
Monday, February 4, 2013
February Goals
323 lbs Deadlift
243 lbs Back Squat
7 Unbroken Pullups
20 Unbroken Double Unders
1 Handstand Pushup
1 Rope Climb
I got a lot to work on and I'm ready for it :)
243 lbs Back Squat
7 Unbroken Pullups
20 Unbroken Double Unders
1 Handstand Pushup
1 Rope Climb
I got a lot to work on and I'm ready for it :)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
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!
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!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
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 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
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
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
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Patience
Everyday I change. Everyday I learn something new. Today I learned that I am extremely impatient with myself. These lyrics come to mind...
I don't care if it hurts
I want to have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice when I'm not around
You're so fucking special
I wish I was special
Oh, Radiohead how you describe me sometimes. While I love myself, I am often too hard on myself. I look in the mirror everyday and smile but that doesn't stop me from noticing imperfections, things I want to change. I know I'll get the body I want by staying on paleo and doing CrossFit. I just have to be patient. But then I think of all the other things I've been patient for that I haven't gotten. Love comes first to mind. Years and years of singlehood. Years and years of patience...I grow frustrated. I lose faith sometimes. But I can't give up and settle. I have to stay true to myself. I will never settle for less than I deserve. I will push myself to be better. I will wait for better.
I am aware of my strengths as I am aware of my weaknesses. I will keep my chin up. I will continue to smile even if I feel down about something. I will continue to treat others with kindness. I will endure.
Next tattoo- ENDURE.
I don't care if it hurts
I want to have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice when I'm not around
You're so fucking special
I wish I was special
Oh, Radiohead how you describe me sometimes. While I love myself, I am often too hard on myself. I look in the mirror everyday and smile but that doesn't stop me from noticing imperfections, things I want to change. I know I'll get the body I want by staying on paleo and doing CrossFit. I just have to be patient. But then I think of all the other things I've been patient for that I haven't gotten. Love comes first to mind. Years and years of singlehood. Years and years of patience...I grow frustrated. I lose faith sometimes. But I can't give up and settle. I have to stay true to myself. I will never settle for less than I deserve. I will push myself to be better. I will wait for better.
I am aware of my strengths as I am aware of my weaknesses. I will keep my chin up. I will continue to smile even if I feel down about something. I will continue to treat others with kindness. I will endure.
Next tattoo- ENDURE.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Rant
I have a shoulder injury. I admit it. I'm injured. It sucks. And I'm truly frustrated by it. I made an appointment to get it check out - Wednesday morning. In the meantime I'm in pain, I'm grumpy, and I'm tired of guys picking on me because of my injury. I wish somebody could show me a little sensitivity - but no "Natty's a beast" and beasts don't have feelings apparently. WTF. Didn't anyone ever watch "Beauty and the Beast" as a kid? The beast is so sensitive!
Every morning I have to remind myself that I'm on my own. I take care of myself. And at the end of the day, I'm on my own, taking care of myself. And that is my inner strength. Being able to stand up on my own.
Today I had to do snatches with a 15lb training bar. I wanted so badly to use the regular bar, to put some weights on, to be like everybody else. I felt out of place, weak, and just plain miserable today at CrossFit. I always smile at CrossFit. Not today. I just did not want to be there. I only want to be there when I can give it 100% and today I just physically could not. Which in turn, destroyed me mentally. Then I went home and had another paleo meal...God, I'm hating paleo right now.
So what do I do? Pray that tomorrow's workout is all legs? Drug myself with Ibuprofen? Grumble to the wall?
CrossFit is not who I am, but rather what I love to do. If CrossFit were suddenly snatched from my life, what would I have left? I'd have my friends, my family, my writing, my dancing, my scrapbooking...there's a lot I love to do. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have all these wonderful interests and talents. I'm still able to dance. I'm still able to sing and play guitar. And I'll always be able to make a rocking plate of cookies. Think positive, kiddo.
So Wednesday morning, worse case scenario is I can't use my right shoulder for a few weeks until it heals completely. That's what I've been trying to do the last few days...but I'm still having pain. I'm aching for a massage. I feel like I have a giant knot wedged in my shoulder that needs to be released. I know there's nothing majorly wrong with it -- I wouldn't be able to still move it otherwise.
My knee also hurts, probably from landing like a ballerina during my snatches. Thank God it was only 15lbs. IcyHot and Ibuprofen are gonna get me to sleep tonight.
I hope I heal soon. I hope. I hope. I hope.
Every morning I have to remind myself that I'm on my own. I take care of myself. And at the end of the day, I'm on my own, taking care of myself. And that is my inner strength. Being able to stand up on my own.
Today I had to do snatches with a 15lb training bar. I wanted so badly to use the regular bar, to put some weights on, to be like everybody else. I felt out of place, weak, and just plain miserable today at CrossFit. I always smile at CrossFit. Not today. I just did not want to be there. I only want to be there when I can give it 100% and today I just physically could not. Which in turn, destroyed me mentally. Then I went home and had another paleo meal...God, I'm hating paleo right now.
So what do I do? Pray that tomorrow's workout is all legs? Drug myself with Ibuprofen? Grumble to the wall?
CrossFit is not who I am, but rather what I love to do. If CrossFit were suddenly snatched from my life, what would I have left? I'd have my friends, my family, my writing, my dancing, my scrapbooking...there's a lot I love to do. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have all these wonderful interests and talents. I'm still able to dance. I'm still able to sing and play guitar. And I'll always be able to make a rocking plate of cookies. Think positive, kiddo.
So Wednesday morning, worse case scenario is I can't use my right shoulder for a few weeks until it heals completely. That's what I've been trying to do the last few days...but I'm still having pain. I'm aching for a massage. I feel like I have a giant knot wedged in my shoulder that needs to be released. I know there's nothing majorly wrong with it -- I wouldn't be able to still move it otherwise.
My knee also hurts, probably from landing like a ballerina during my snatches. Thank God it was only 15lbs. IcyHot and Ibuprofen are gonna get me to sleep tonight.
I hope I heal soon. I hope. I hope. I hope.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Random thoughts
I went 2 weeks of strict paleo. I didn't cheat once. I cheated yesterday when I was making cookies - I ate two. Does that mean that I failed my diet? Nope. Just means that I'm human. If I am going to do paleo, I can't expect myself to go through the entire holiday season without a single cup of egg nog or a slice of one of my aunt's delicious pumpkin rolls. That would be torture. Instead, I will allow myself those treats when appropriate and in small amounts.Yesterday, I only had two cookies. Big deal. If anything, having those two cookies settled my cravings and I'm ready to go another week of paleo. I can also views these treats as rewards.
Alcohol is another story. I haven't had a single drop in 3 weeks. I'm determined to go until New Year's Eve, but I'm hosting a holiday party in less than 2 hours and damn oh damn would I like a shot of rum to settle my hostess-nerves.
I recorded myself dancing yesterday. I think my body looks pretty darn good. I'm curious as to what body fat % I'm in. The only fat I carry is just around my tummy. Maybe I should start doing my workouts in just my sports bra. I sweat so much.
I really would like to go on a date. A real date.
Raw turkey is gross.
I hope my shoulder heals SOON.
I'm 26 years old.
Random.
Alcohol is another story. I haven't had a single drop in 3 weeks. I'm determined to go until New Year's Eve, but I'm hosting a holiday party in less than 2 hours and damn oh damn would I like a shot of rum to settle my hostess-nerves.
I recorded myself dancing yesterday. I think my body looks pretty darn good. I'm curious as to what body fat % I'm in. The only fat I carry is just around my tummy. Maybe I should start doing my workouts in just my sports bra. I sweat so much.
I really would like to go on a date. A real date.
Raw turkey is gross.
I hope my shoulder heals SOON.
I'm 26 years old.
Random.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Food Journal Entry
One of my clients that I train wanted to know what I ate in a typical day. She was surprised that I could eat SO much and still be in a normal calorie range. That's the beauty of eating clean. Of course, she was thinking she could never eat like me and I told her she didn't have to. 100% paleo is tough. And you have to cook a lot. I told her she might benefit by going 60-70% paleo. "Does that mean I could still have ice-cream?" Of course you can! Just eat the serving size.
Breakfast:
1 cup egg whites
3 eggs
1 apple
1 cup almond milk
Morning Snack:
Cup of baby carrots
Banana
Lunch:
Spinach salad with can of tuna fish, 1/2 cup cashews, salsa, and cucumbers
Afternoon Snack(s):
1 apple
Cup of baby carrots
6 ounces of chicken
1/2 cup of peanuts
Dinner:
Spinach salad with can of tuna fish, salsa, and tomatoes
All adds up to about 2000 calories...but for a girl my size I probably need to be eating more. I'm getting bored with tuna and chicken. I'm thinking next week I'll try pork chops, salmon, or turkey. Wait, isn't next week Thanksgiving? Turkey is def paleo!
My goal is to go at least a whole month 100% paleo. I'm almost half way there. I've def lost weight. I don't know how much because I don't have a bathroom scale, but my clothes are loose and my friends are noticing a change. I don't want to lose too much weight because I love my muscles too much. What I'm hoping for is to lose 10-15 pounds of fat, so I'm left with a lean-mean-fighting machine of a body.
Once I reach my goal, I'll do 100% paleo 6 days a week, and 1 day go 70% paleo meaning I can have 1 cheat meal a week. I think that's deservable, don't ya think?
Breakfast:
1 cup egg whites
3 eggs
1 apple
1 cup almond milk
Morning Snack:
Cup of baby carrots
Banana
Lunch:
Spinach salad with can of tuna fish, 1/2 cup cashews, salsa, and cucumbers
Afternoon Snack(s):
1 apple
Cup of baby carrots
6 ounces of chicken
1/2 cup of peanuts
Dinner:
Spinach salad with can of tuna fish, salsa, and tomatoes
All adds up to about 2000 calories...but for a girl my size I probably need to be eating more. I'm getting bored with tuna and chicken. I'm thinking next week I'll try pork chops, salmon, or turkey. Wait, isn't next week Thanksgiving? Turkey is def paleo!
My goal is to go at least a whole month 100% paleo. I'm almost half way there. I've def lost weight. I don't know how much because I don't have a bathroom scale, but my clothes are loose and my friends are noticing a change. I don't want to lose too much weight because I love my muscles too much. What I'm hoping for is to lose 10-15 pounds of fat, so I'm left with a lean-mean-fighting machine of a body.
Once I reach my goal, I'll do 100% paleo 6 days a week, and 1 day go 70% paleo meaning I can have 1 cheat meal a week. I think that's deservable, don't ya think?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Pain
Pain sucks. For me, pain really sucks when it affects my performance or in today's case, keep me from doing the workout. I felt defeated today. I felt like I'd given up. But it's not like I had much of a choice. It was either do the workout with a throbbing shoulder and risk further throbbing OR sit down and stretch. I chose to sit down and stretch. Very rarely will I make that choice. And when I do make that choice, I hate it. Oh how I go from happy smiley Natty to pissed off Natalie-wanna-break-a-lamp.
And so I grumble grumble grumble...put on the ice pack...tell myself it'll get better and I'll get better and everyone has a bad day at Crossfit and today was my bad day...I'm human. I have weaknesses...chin up, girl. Chin up.
When I'm weak, I think about when I'm strong. Like when I powerlift. Now there's a place I always feel comfortable, always feel powerful, always do what I gotta do. Deadlifts and squats are my haven. I thank 20+ years of dancing for all the leg strength. If CrossFit were simply powerlifting, I'd be on top always. But that's the beauty of CrossFit, it's not just powerlifting. It doesn't want you to only do what you're good at. It wants you to do what you're not good at. It challenges you. It makes you wanna work harder.
I love my legs and alot of other people do too (hehe smiley wink wink) but dancing has given me an upper body while strong, inefficient in certain movements. A graceful, lead with the fingers, "I'm a freaking butterfly" way of moving. If I'm ever going to be able to press/jerk a heavy load without continually hurting myself I have to rid myself of that movement pattern. I have to be aggresive. I have to engage muscles I normally would keep very relaxed in a ballet class. I have to train hard.
But most of all, I have to be PATIENT with myself. My 300+ deadlift didn't come over night. It took months and months. My first real pull-up took over a year. My first muscle up will probably take...well let's not think too far ahead...2045 is like awhile away.
Bottom line, I'm not going to get good at the things I'm not good at by feeling bad about it. I'm going to get good at them by being patient, by listening to my coaches, by taking an extra rest day if needed, by stepping back and sitting down and skipping the workout if I'm in pain, and by being honest with myself. I know who I am. I know I'm strong. I know I have the dedication. Now, it's just a matter of time.
In other news, I'm on day 11 of paleo and already a student has asked me if I've lost weight. So that's something good I can be proud of. I'm not sure how I feel mentally about Paleo. Physically, I feel great, but I'm feeling like I'm missing out on something. No alcohol. Hmm, maybe that's it. Does paleo rum exist?
And so I grumble grumble grumble...put on the ice pack...tell myself it'll get better and I'll get better and everyone has a bad day at Crossfit and today was my bad day...I'm human. I have weaknesses...chin up, girl. Chin up.
When I'm weak, I think about when I'm strong. Like when I powerlift. Now there's a place I always feel comfortable, always feel powerful, always do what I gotta do. Deadlifts and squats are my haven. I thank 20+ years of dancing for all the leg strength. If CrossFit were simply powerlifting, I'd be on top always. But that's the beauty of CrossFit, it's not just powerlifting. It doesn't want you to only do what you're good at. It wants you to do what you're not good at. It challenges you. It makes you wanna work harder.
I love my legs and alot of other people do too (hehe smiley wink wink) but dancing has given me an upper body while strong, inefficient in certain movements. A graceful, lead with the fingers, "I'm a freaking butterfly" way of moving. If I'm ever going to be able to press/jerk a heavy load without continually hurting myself I have to rid myself of that movement pattern. I have to be aggresive. I have to engage muscles I normally would keep very relaxed in a ballet class. I have to train hard.
But most of all, I have to be PATIENT with myself. My 300+ deadlift didn't come over night. It took months and months. My first real pull-up took over a year. My first muscle up will probably take...well let's not think too far ahead...2045 is like awhile away.
Bottom line, I'm not going to get good at the things I'm not good at by feeling bad about it. I'm going to get good at them by being patient, by listening to my coaches, by taking an extra rest day if needed, by stepping back and sitting down and skipping the workout if I'm in pain, and by being honest with myself. I know who I am. I know I'm strong. I know I have the dedication. Now, it's just a matter of time.
In other news, I'm on day 11 of paleo and already a student has asked me if I've lost weight. So that's something good I can be proud of. I'm not sure how I feel mentally about Paleo. Physically, I feel great, but I'm feeling like I'm missing out on something. No alcohol. Hmm, maybe that's it. Does paleo rum exist?
Monday, November 12, 2012
Why do I do CrossFit?
Usually I get "what is CrossFit?" which can be answered in one sentence: Constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensities. "Why do I do CrossFit?" takes more than a sentence. In fact, it would probably take an entire blog for me to fully explain why I do CrossFit. And it just so happens that I just decided to start a blog about me and my love of CrossFit.
CrossFit is dependable, suprising, fun, challenging...wow, aren't those qualities we all want in our ideal love? CrossFit is dependable. I can count on it 6 days a week (7th day is for rest-which I spend watching CrossFit videos) Even if I'm sore or injured, there's ways to motify the WOD so I can do it. And if I really really am injured, I always enjoy watching people do CrossFit workouts. CrossFit is surprising. You never know what the workout is going to be up until you wake up. And trust me, before I even get up to pee, I'm on my phone checking the WOD. Finding out I get to deadlift makes my morning grumpiness go away in a heartbeat. CrossFit is fun. Man, oh man do I smile so much when I'm at CrossFit. Before workouts, during workouts, after workouts...it makes me so happy. CrossFit is challenging. It pushes me to the limit and exposes my weaknesses, which I have plenty of. CrossFit makes me want to be a better person, physically as well as mentally.
I wasn't always a happy camper. I wasn't always strong. I wasn't always able to get up in the morning and feel like I had any purpose. I felt like my smiles were fake, and they were fake. Not anymore. I'm a new person. A better person. I love myself and I love that CrossFit has given me the opportunity to love myself more and more everyday. Because not only do I get to do something I love, but the people I meet through CrossFit become like family. We all support each other. We all cheer for each other. No one is trying to put you down. No one is hoping that you lose. Everyone wants you to suceed.
On another note...I'm getting another tattoo soon :)
I pump iron, I pump life
Might be a girl but it’s my right
To be strong and live it up
Put down your weight son, I’ll pick it up
Try to squat me down with words?
I will mess you up
CrossFit is dependable, suprising, fun, challenging...wow, aren't those qualities we all want in our ideal love? CrossFit is dependable. I can count on it 6 days a week (7th day is for rest-which I spend watching CrossFit videos) Even if I'm sore or injured, there's ways to motify the WOD so I can do it. And if I really really am injured, I always enjoy watching people do CrossFit workouts. CrossFit is surprising. You never know what the workout is going to be up until you wake up. And trust me, before I even get up to pee, I'm on my phone checking the WOD. Finding out I get to deadlift makes my morning grumpiness go away in a heartbeat. CrossFit is fun. Man, oh man do I smile so much when I'm at CrossFit. Before workouts, during workouts, after workouts...it makes me so happy. CrossFit is challenging. It pushes me to the limit and exposes my weaknesses, which I have plenty of. CrossFit makes me want to be a better person, physically as well as mentally.
I wasn't always a happy camper. I wasn't always strong. I wasn't always able to get up in the morning and feel like I had any purpose. I felt like my smiles were fake, and they were fake. Not anymore. I'm a new person. A better person. I love myself and I love that CrossFit has given me the opportunity to love myself more and more everyday. Because not only do I get to do something I love, but the people I meet through CrossFit become like family. We all support each other. We all cheer for each other. No one is trying to put you down. No one is hoping that you lose. Everyone wants you to suceed.
On another note...I'm getting another tattoo soon :)
I pump iron, I pump life
Might be a girl but it’s my right
To be strong and live it up
Put down your weight son, I’ll pick it up
Try to squat me down with words?
I will mess you up
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