Wow...so it's been a significant amount of time since I last updated this blog. I'm kind of disappointed in myself because a lot of exciting things have happened since....October 9th...
Anyway, we're getting into the last 2 weeks of the CFBN Paleo Challenge. It's had its ups and downs and has certainly been a learning and growing (or shrinking) experience. Its funny what happens when you start to get serious about Crossfit and hit the gym/WOD more than...once a month. At first, most of the time I had to really talk myself into going...although I needed the time for schoolwork, I realized that working out nearly every day kept me energized and motivated...and provided structure for my life. For the first couple of weeks, I had to force myself to go to the 6am classes because I knew if I gave myself any time to think about it, I wouldn't go. This also forced me to get the proper amount of sleep...and gave me time to make a proper breakfast in the morning after workouts.
Just the other day, though, I had to laugh at myself because I noticed a drastic change that had occurred. It had been a really miserable and busy day...and for once, I REALLY WANTED to go to the gym but thought it would be more responsible to take the hour and a half and get a paper done...but what did I do? Definitely went to Crossfit because I knew it would help me de-stress. Weird...
In general, I feel stronger, more confident, and more willing to push myself during workouts because I am more confident that I CAN do it. It's an amazing feeling...from junior high through college, workouts were always a requirement and a means to some sort of end...like doing well in a game or a race...but now, heading out to Crossfit to do a W.O.D. is in many ways an end in itself...its not so much "how will this help in the long run?" or "this is a necessary evil to help me get stronger/lose weight?" it's now - "how awesome am I gonna do in this workout TODAY?" or "what new PR can I push myself to TODAY?"
Speaking of PRs...
On February 25...I did a pull-up. A pull-up, without a band, all by myself. For the first time in my entire life. Kinda makes me wanna go back and retake P.E. Testing. Or not...
I can also do handstands for the first time since I was five years old...I've even got it for about 2 seconds without using a wall.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Friday, October 9, 2009
Eggs for Lunch
WHAT?! It's been over a month since my last post! Well, I should be sitting down to write a really long post soon (because it's been a week of PR's for me and lots of people at CFBN, actually), but I really don't have time time or energy right now. But I did want to write something down about food before I forgot.
Today, after finishing "Helen" I decided to have some eggs for lunch.
First, in coconut oil, I stir-fried onions, asparagus, ground turkey meat (pre-cooked), and mushrooms. (TIP ON MUSHROOMS: This may be old news to most of you, but in case some who are reading this who didn't know this, I have learned that if you buy mushrooms WHOLE - not sliced - you actually get more mushroom for less cost. You just have the added step of slicing them yourself. They also stay fresher, longer.)
Once all those were done, I threw in some raisins (if you put them in too soon, they burn).
Then, lately I've been getting lazy, so I just cracked three eggs right on top of it all, let them cook, mixed it up, and added some sliced avocado on the side!
I have also found a great substitute for salt on my eggs: believe it or not, CINNAMON!
Today, after finishing "Helen" I decided to have some eggs for lunch.
First, in coconut oil, I stir-fried onions, asparagus, ground turkey meat (pre-cooked), and mushrooms. (TIP ON MUSHROOMS: This may be old news to most of you, but in case some who are reading this who didn't know this, I have learned that if you buy mushrooms WHOLE - not sliced - you actually get more mushroom for less cost. You just have the added step of slicing them yourself. They also stay fresher, longer.)
Once all those were done, I threw in some raisins (if you put them in too soon, they burn).
Then, lately I've been getting lazy, so I just cracked three eggs right on top of it all, let them cook, mixed it up, and added some sliced avocado on the side!
I have also found a great substitute for salt on my eggs: believe it or not, CINNAMON!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
CFBN Official
So it's official. Just started my paying membership at Crossfit Bloomington-Normal. Definitely stoked on that. It's definitely my favorite first-of-the-month bill. Why? Because I see a direct return. If it were a choice between having hot water and doing Crossfit every month...I'd seriously consider Crossfit. Crossfitters are resourceful and effecient, quite the opposite of a 30-minute hot shower every morning (Just to clarify, mine are never more than ten). I'd figure a way to deal without hot water, but I don't think I could ever deal without Crossfit again.
Today's WOD:
AMRAP in 10 min.
10-Kettlebell swings
10-Pull-Ups
I did 12kg kettlebell and the green band on the pull-ups. I actually managed to keep the kip for all the pull-ups (but I definitely need to learn how to do static pulls). I powered through 6.5 reps (PLUS 2 ROWS...Josh...pshh).
I think the best part of of my Crossfit experience today was running into Chad at Meijer. I've been doing pretty good with Paleo but I can't tell you how many things I looked at and basically had to run away from in the grocery store. These are things I used to think were the healthier choices...like granola, peanut butter, low-fat dairy, etc., but are in fact NOT GOOD. I'm glad I stayed strong, because I ran into Chad (trainer)...and of course still managed to guilt trip me into choosing BEST over GOOD. I put down the generic eggs and spent the extra buck on omega-3 eggs. But it was awesome being in the grocery store with another Crossfitter/Paleo-er (I think I just made up a word) - it definitely emphasizes the fact that Crossfit is more than a philosophy, and not simply a lifestyle, but a community that supports, encourages, and pushes each other to do our best. (P.S., Chad, those super ripe avos are really bad...i'm still going to try to turn them into guac with a lot of lime or something).
Ok, so I feel like, in celebration of the official start of CFBN (with members now officially signing up) I should be at least mentioning all three trainers in this blog. So lastly, a shout-out to J.J. Although all three of you guys were in one way or another part of my introduction to Crossfit this last spring semester, Chad of course being my official trainer, J.J. also does a great job motivating me. He knows his stuff, is super excited about Crossfit, and isn't afraid to bust your balls. I remember a workout last week...I was exhausted and my form was slipping on the thrusters. J.J. had no problem yelling at me to straighten it out. Of course at the time I was a little pissed because I was in the middle of a not-so-fun workout and I was tired, but he was right. FORM IS KEY. By taking my time to fix my form instead of trying for the fastest reps, I'm laying the foundation to be able to go longer, faster, and heavier in the long run. Good form = good results. So thanks for not letting me be mediocre :).
So in case you didn't notice...I've linked to all the trainers' profiles in this blog. Check them out, check out CFBN, come out and try 2 weeks free. Warning - you will get hooked.
Today's WOD:
AMRAP in 10 min.
10-Kettlebell swings
10-Pull-Ups
I did 12kg kettlebell and the green band on the pull-ups. I actually managed to keep the kip for all the pull-ups (but I definitely need to learn how to do static pulls). I powered through 6.5 reps (PLUS 2 ROWS...Josh...pshh).
I think the best part of of my Crossfit experience today was running into Chad at Meijer. I've been doing pretty good with Paleo but I can't tell you how many things I looked at and basically had to run away from in the grocery store. These are things I used to think were the healthier choices...like granola, peanut butter, low-fat dairy, etc., but are in fact NOT GOOD. I'm glad I stayed strong, because I ran into Chad (trainer)...and of course still managed to guilt trip me into choosing BEST over GOOD. I put down the generic eggs and spent the extra buck on omega-3 eggs. But it was awesome being in the grocery store with another Crossfitter/Paleo-er (I think I just made up a word) - it definitely emphasizes the fact that Crossfit is more than a philosophy, and not simply a lifestyle, but a community that supports, encourages, and pushes each other to do our best. (P.S., Chad, those super ripe avos are really bad...i'm still going to try to turn them into guac with a lot of lime or something).
Ok, so I feel like, in celebration of the official start of CFBN (with members now officially signing up) I should be at least mentioning all three trainers in this blog. So lastly, a shout-out to J.J. Although all three of you guys were in one way or another part of my introduction to Crossfit this last spring semester, Chad of course being my official trainer, J.J. also does a great job motivating me. He knows his stuff, is super excited about Crossfit, and isn't afraid to bust your balls. I remember a workout last week...I was exhausted and my form was slipping on the thrusters. J.J. had no problem yelling at me to straighten it out. Of course at the time I was a little pissed because I was in the middle of a not-so-fun workout and I was tired, but he was right. FORM IS KEY. By taking my time to fix my form instead of trying for the fastest reps, I'm laying the foundation to be able to go longer, faster, and heavier in the long run. Good form = good results. So thanks for not letting me be mediocre :).
So in case you didn't notice...I've linked to all the trainers' profiles in this blog. Check them out, check out CFBN, come out and try 2 weeks free. Warning - you will get hooked.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Paleo Breakfast
So, ever since Chad shared some Paleo breakfast recipes with me, I've gotten pretty excited about being creative with eggs. (Not to mention the AMAZING banana pancakes that are making me go through a small jar of almond butter in a week).
So this is what I had for breakfast today:
3 Egg Omelette:
Cinnamon, Raisins, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Pine nuts.
SO GOOD.
(And yes, in every post, I am going to somehow link you all back to the CFBN website). ;)
So this is what I had for breakfast today:
3 Egg Omelette:
Cinnamon, Raisins, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Pine nuts.
SO GOOD.
(And yes, in every post, I am going to somehow link you all back to the CFBN website). ;)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Just some thoughts on progress
FIRST:
Crossfit Bloomington-Normal officially opened this week!
If you're in the Bloomington-Normal, IL area, you have to check it out! These are the guys that got me excited about Crossfit in the first place, and I'm so excited to continue my Crossfitting adventure at this gym.
I just wanted to make a couple comments on my progress, i.e. the way I look, feel, and perform.
Exhibit A: I have never done a pull-up before in my life. Ever since P.E. testing in elementary school, I prayed that I would be able to do one. Still no luck. I remember my first workout with Chad, one of the trainers @ CFBN, and I needed to use the green rubber band AND have him push me up to the bar. When I got to Crossfit Inferno in San Luis Obispo, CA, they had a total of 30 pullups in their daily warm-ups. The first week, I was using both the blue and green rubber bands. By the third week, I was on just the green. On Friday, at CFBN, I tried to do a pull-up with just the blue and for some reason it still felt like it wasn't possible. But for some reason, I decided to give it another go, because the green was starting to feel just a little too easy (when I was doing no more than 5 pull-ups). So YESTERDAY, I did a few pull-ups with just the blue band! I'm so stoked!
Exhibit B: It may be the tan that helps a little, but both my mom and one of my friends at school have commented that I'm looking "skinny." I can't say I've noticed a drastic change in my looks, but I do have to keep my belt on the tightest catch, and I have lost 15 pounds since January.
Exhibit C: There are four floors in Fell Hall, the Comm Building at ISU. I normally take the stairs for extra exercise, and used to be breathless by the time I reached the top. A couple days ago, I was taking the stairs as usual, and I almost didn't believe it when I was facing the 4th floor landing. My breathing had hardly even increased.
Conclusion: Crossfit works. Try it. Keep with it, and it will change your life.
Crossfit Bloomington-Normal officially opened this week!
If you're in the Bloomington-Normal, IL area, you have to check it out! These are the guys that got me excited about Crossfit in the first place, and I'm so excited to continue my Crossfitting adventure at this gym.
I just wanted to make a couple comments on my progress, i.e. the way I look, feel, and perform.
Exhibit A: I have never done a pull-up before in my life. Ever since P.E. testing in elementary school, I prayed that I would be able to do one. Still no luck. I remember my first workout with Chad, one of the trainers @ CFBN, and I needed to use the green rubber band AND have him push me up to the bar. When I got to Crossfit Inferno in San Luis Obispo, CA, they had a total of 30 pullups in their daily warm-ups. The first week, I was using both the blue and green rubber bands. By the third week, I was on just the green. On Friday, at CFBN, I tried to do a pull-up with just the blue and for some reason it still felt like it wasn't possible. But for some reason, I decided to give it another go, because the green was starting to feel just a little too easy (when I was doing no more than 5 pull-ups). So YESTERDAY, I did a few pull-ups with just the blue band! I'm so stoked!
Exhibit B: It may be the tan that helps a little, but both my mom and one of my friends at school have commented that I'm looking "skinny." I can't say I've noticed a drastic change in my looks, but I do have to keep my belt on the tightest catch, and I have lost 15 pounds since January.
Exhibit C: There are four floors in Fell Hall, the Comm Building at ISU. I normally take the stairs for extra exercise, and used to be breathless by the time I reached the top. A couple days ago, I was taking the stairs as usual, and I almost didn't believe it when I was facing the 4th floor landing. My breathing had hardly even increased.
Conclusion: Crossfit works. Try it. Keep with it, and it will change your life.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Lose/Lose or Win/Win? You decide.
Today's WOD:
"3 Times a Ladder"
I don't know what it was about this workout...probably the sit ups...but when i was done, i was dying.
I almost puked, but I was too tired to stand up and get to a trash can so I mustered whatever I had left to hold it in. That's crossfit for ya...and somehow i can't help but LOVE this stuff.
In other news:
Yesterday, I did 105 clean, and 95 clean and jerk (105 got up halfway on the jerk then my arms gave out). It doesn't sound like much...compared to others...but I definitely pushed myself past what I thought I could do...and now I have a weight to beat.
"3 Times a Ladder"
3 rnds. for time:
20 reps KB Swing (53#, 36#) - I did 26#
30 reps Push ups - I did it on knees
40 reps Sit ups
50 reps Double Unders - I did 150 regular
I don't know what it was about this workout...probably the sit ups...but when i was done, i was dying.
I almost puked, but I was too tired to stand up and get to a trash can so I mustered whatever I had left to hold it in. That's crossfit for ya...and somehow i can't help but LOVE this stuff.
In other news:
Yesterday, I did 105 clean, and 95 clean and jerk (105 got up halfway on the jerk then my arms gave out). It doesn't sound like much...compared to others...but I definitely pushed myself past what I thought I could do...and now I have a weight to beat.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
One of the Benefits of Crossfit...
Mom:
"Katy, you're starting to look curvy again! That dress looks nice on you."
Me:
"Hey thanks..uh. .Thanks for keeping it to yourself that I was a pudgy mess last winter break."
*Mom doesn't deny that fact.*
Crossfit weightloss:
15 lbs and counting...
Getting serious about Paleo-Zone starting with breakfast tomorrow.
"Katy, you're starting to look curvy again! That dress looks nice on you."
Me:
"Hey thanks..uh. .Thanks for keeping it to yourself that I was a pudgy mess last winter break."
*Mom doesn't deny that fact.*
Crossfit weightloss:
15 lbs and counting...
Getting serious about Paleo-Zone starting with breakfast tomorrow.
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