52 Weeks....to the Real Me

I read that once. Of course now that I want to quote more about it, I can't remember who said it or how exactly it is said. Here's the gist:

There is no such thing as a hard decision. Decisions only seem hard when we don't like the answer.

I am in that situation. I realize that my decision was made on Thursday, but I kept an open mind. It wasn't until Sunday on my LONG drive home that I was able to look at it for what it was and come to terms with it.

I wanted SO BADLY to move to Illinois. I wanted to be part of Melissa's and her family's life. I wanted the boys to really get to know their Aunt Megan. I had visions of what life would be like. Sure, I found places that I could live in. But no where that I WANTED to live in. Nothing felt like IT, a place I could call HOME.

I feel guilty about it all. (well I did... yesterday) I dragged Dad (although he did volunteer) all around the corn country - 5 straight days of 8 hours in the car! I feel like I mislead the Wheeler family. But I remind myself the point of the trip was EXACTLY for this situation. Better to have checked it out ahead of time, rather than move blindly. I do not mean to offend those that live in Illinois, but they have no landscape. It's all corn and soybean.

As we drove home, and crossed into Ohio, I realized that I actually like Ohio. Weird as that seems. It also seemed disproportionate to move so far from MOST of my family to be near a small PART of my family. One time in my life I had that "I belong here" feeling. I didn't believe it existed, people told me about it. It's supposed to be the same feeling that tells you "he's the one" -- you just KNOW. I got that feeling walking through UD campus when I was a senior in high school. I'm wondering why it was so automatic for me to just "move home" after college. Why not stay there? (oh yeah, the whole job thing) Anyway, I did really like Cuyahoga Falls. I liked the State Park, I liked the trees, the nature, the uniqueness. (and the conveniences not too far away).

Both times in the past week when we've driven past Dayton I had a pang of "missing". I miss that area, I miss Meijiers!! But there is Yellow Springs, Young's Dairy, the Minor League Hockey Team, the UD Games --Football and Basketball, it's near to Cinci, and not too far from Columbus, there's the airbase museum and tons of Wright Brother stuff. Plus I KNOW there's a Kiwanis club there that I would fit into. I also realized a lot of my UD friends still live IN THE AREA.

I also calculated...it's only about 4 hours to Oakland (where Melissa will be) that's STILL by far the closest we've been! I could easily do a weekend trip for Birthdays and other special occassions. We could still go camping together in the summers. Realistically the places that I would be "happy enough" in near her, were still over an hour away, so I wouldn't go there very often anyway.

Plus this puts me only between 4 and 5 hours from my parents (Both Dad and I have made two ways trips in one day when necessary) but it's really not unreasonable. It also puts me about an hour from Ashley, so hopefully we'll be able to get together more often . (she's currently 2 1/2-3 hours away)

Teaching- Teachers are paid much better in the Dayton area -- at least compared to my school. Plus I don't have to worry about switching my license, taking additional tests, worrying about switching my retirement, etc.

When I got home last night, I did some quick research on jobs -- found a few still open and applied for them. But I also looked at some local apartments. They seemed price comparable to those I was looking at in Illinois but they are on beautiful properties with unique floorplans, and most allow even BIG dogs!

I dare you to look at the pictures of these apartments:
Arbors at Yankee Vineyard
Spinnaker Cove
Harbour Club

This feels better. This feels right.

So what about that Rainbow I saw? Well, I misinterpreted it. Actually, I fibbed a bit when I told you about it. I was concerned when I saw it, that I had to turn around to see it. IT was over Dayton. We were pulling away from it... toward Indiana. At the moment I saw it, I knew. (But didn't want to know because I wanted to move to Ill) My rainbow was centered in OHIO.

Oh yeah, and there are 4 CrossFits within 30 minutes of the Dayton area!

I really never thought I would say this... but Ohio really is pretty. Those midwest farm states don't know what they're missin!

For the first time all week I'm a tad bit ahead of schedule.
I'm going to take advantage of that -- so my long blog will have to wait another day or so.

CrossFit - made it. did it. loved it. Ok I loved the rowing part. I don't know why I like rowing so much. I do know I'm getting better at it. I am much better at keeping my knees between my elbows! My fastest 100m was 26.4 sec. I did a total of 1400m today.
We also had to do Hang Power Cleans - which I had never done before.
I did 4 rounds
- just the bar - x15
- bar +10 - x 7
- bar +10 - x9
- bar +10 - x10
(yes I do tend to get better as workouts go on. I've noticed this in general!)
**my notes on TheBarn site, I'm FlyerMJ**

Went to class - am feeling much better about my ability to pass!

Took dad to get his truck, then we went to storage.
I went through my books, packed my kitchen stuff, while dad swept up mice "pellets" THANKS DAD! (thankfully the mice didn't ruin anything!)

Why do I have SO MUCH kitchen stuff? Tomorrow night I'm going through it. I'm sure I can't need ALL of it.

46 burpees done
As mentioned earlier, I get better as a workout goes on -- at least to a point. My first 10 burpees were down right painful. There was cracking, and popping, and groaning but by the second 10 I was cruising right along (in fact the second 10 turned into 15!)

So I'm off to shower, read a little of my book (He's Just Not That Into You), and head to bed BEFORE 11PM!!!

I needed this book. Thanks, Sara for suggesting it! You, and it, told me exactly what I wanted (and needed) to hear about Boy #1 -- as well as Boy#2 and some things I needed to know about some previous guys too. I know I'm worth more, and I will believe that there is the RIGHT someone out there -- hopefully in Illinois!

I'm going to see The Ugly Truth Tomorrow. I can't wait!

Are you kidding me. The first words out of my prof's mouth today was "this class should be called Calc 4." I'm in for a wild ride.

I slept in (much needed) -- no crossfit today :(

I worked on my storage unit today (for like 4 hours!)
Then took Dad to drop off his truck.
Went to water flowers at the cemetery.
Did homework.
Did 43 burpees.
Now heading to bed.

My big update will have to wait, as I really want to get to CrossFit tomorrow. (please don't hate me...lol)

Illinois travel plans have also been altered.. looks like I may be going Wed - Sunday next week.

So I made it to CrossFit yesterday before traveling to Syracuse. 

So I spent all of last evening preparing for my trip to Syracuse, while preparing a presentation on a man who was from Syracuse. Of course they are two COMPLETELY different Syracuses. The former is in NY, the latter is in the Mediterranean!

So yesterday's workout.
Warm-up was actually kinda fun -- balance work and agility. I do like the ladder.

The WOD.
Medicine Ball Cleans and Slams (10lb)

I had to do 15..14..13..12....1 Slams while my partner did 1..2..3...4...15. Cleans. THEN
I had to do 1..2..3..4...15 Cleans, while my partner did 15..14..13...12...1 Slams
So, if you pair it up properly you see we had very little break when we were in the BIG numbers.
It was hard.
I liked the slams, they were actually kinda fun as I got into them.
It was a LOT of squats.
The last 3 sets of cleans took everything I had. My muscles were screaming at me.
We finished with 25:10
I'm sore.

I was smart though, since I got to the Barn early I got 30 of my burpees done BEFORE the workout and I did the last 8 after, so I didn't have to worry about doing them when I got home.

Food Triumph Tuesday -- My teacher brought cupcakes and they sat next to me for TWO hours and they smelled absolutely delicious. Notice I said SMELLED.. because I didn't even TOUCH them. But do you know how hard it is to avoid sweets when they are within reach and smell sooo good?

Food Failure Wednesday -- Ok, I woke up extremely tired, I needed caffeine, I was almost to class and thought I was going to fall asleep. So I went to Dunkin Donuts. A creamstick and an iced mocha thing. =(

Next week (when I return from Syracuse) I'm going to be looking at my food decisions harder and finding a better plan.

Do you think I'm crazy for doing all this CrossFit stuff? Are you afraid I'll end up like a female Arnold? Have no fear and read this article: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/strength-training-women/

I think that's all I have for now.

Oh yeah... signs of addiction --
I'm putting off leaving to see my best friend and her family in Syracuse by an hour or so SO I CAN GO WORKOUT!!!

Sore as heck. (especially quads)

Warm up was harder than workout.
Warmup included push ups, pull ups, dips, and box jumps.

Skill- front squat. Kills my wrists.
Warm up
x3 just bar
x3 just bar
Work -
x3 bar +5
x3 bar +10
x3 bar +15

my wrists gave out after 3 reps. I'm working on it.

Team workout.
2500m row (I did 700m)
250 sledge hits (I did 60 I think)

Tonight.. did my 37 burpees, then in an explanation I did an extra one. And WAIT. I did an extra one on Sunday!!! I showed them how to do them on the golf course. I don't recommend doing burpees on grass wearing golf spikes -- actually quite slippery! I believe that means I only owe 12 more!

To bed... lots of planning to do.
- pack (going to Syracuse for a mini-vacation)
- finish Discrete HW
- finish Numbers HW
- finish Archimedes Presentation

Personal Records!

I'll start with the beginning...
warm-up was
burgener's
10 each leg single arm barbell step ups (10lb)
10 wall balls 14lb
750m Row (just under 5 minutes, averaged just over 3min/500m -- it was just a warmup)
10 front squats (just the bar) First time being able to do them properly!!!

Skill of the Day - Push Presses
x5- 45 lb (bar only)
x5 - 55lb
x5 - 55lb
x5 - 55lb
x5- 60lb (PR)

Then the workout... It was a team effort. Each of us had to run 800m, then when we were ALL back we had to do a combined 300 air squats, then we had to each run 1 mile. For those of you who know me well, know that the furthest I've actually run -- without walking -- is 400m this year, I may have gone a touch further last year, but I really don't think so.
I DID IT!! I RAN (jogged) the ENTIRE 800m!!!

My team helped me out on the air squats they each did 115 and I did 70.
I walked most of the mile, but I did make efforts to run when I could. I was hurting, had stitches in my side, felt like I was going to puke, I'm still (3.5 hours later) not fully recovered -- of course the burpees didn't help either! I'm coughing -- and it hurts. This has to be the HARDEST workout I've EVER done.

My time... for the whole workout.. was 29:43.

I'm exhausted.

I did do my 36 required burpees -- and they were the hardest yet!!

Thank you everyone for the advice, I have a lot of thinking to do... and I have to do it quickly. Issue 2 might disappear after this week -- schedule changes. Eeek!

Melissa S., I'll be writing back to you as soon as I get a minute.

07.11.2009
I have one more week of crazy classes, then things will calm down a little -- I hope.

The good news-- while I've been behind in blogging... I have been keeping up with all my workouts and burpees!

So Tuesday was the crazy rowing day. Wednesday was easier.

The main WOD was overhead squats, essentially maxing out. Overhead was a bit too tough, so must of us women did back squats (where you set the bar on your upper back)
Well unfortunately my arms and upper body maxed out WELL BEFORE my legs even got close.
I had a hard time getting the bar positioned -- it was heavy. lol. But once I got into the squat it was too easy. I'm not sure how to fix this.
My warm-up squats were
3 x 45lb bar
3 x 35 lb bar
2 x 25 lb bar
Maxing out -- weights include the 35 lb bar.
1 x 45lb
1 x 55lb
1 x 65lb
1 x 75lb
1 x 85lb

I had not problem doing these weights at all as far as my legs were concerned. I just had a heck of a time getting the bar where it needed to be and balancing it.

In addition to the 5 extra burpees I owed, I did my daily 31.
Side note: I'm watching the CMT Country Music Awards -- a rerun and I just learned that Darius Rucker (Country Star) is the former lead singer from Hootie & the Blowfish. (I guess if I paid attention to the names of people in a band I would have realized this sooner) Cool!

Thursday
Today was supposed to be an easier day since it would be day 4. (most people do 3 days, rest one, then do two more. but because of my schedule I've been doing 4 on 3 off)
My punishment for coming on day 4 was to row a 2000m. You can read about my fun rowing on Tuesday. So Today I did my burpees FIRST. (all 32 of them!)
Then I started my row.

I'm proud to say that I rowed straight through -- no stopping for a break. I finished my 2k in 11:59.5 which puts my pace at 2:59.9 (according to the monitor on the machine). On Tuesday I averaged 3 mins for my 500m. I am quite proud that I was able to keep that same pace for the entire 2k. It was NOT easy. My legs hurt, my back hurt, my arms were sore. But WOW did it feel good!!!
(A rowing machine -- in case you haven't seen them) In the past I've only done stationary rows - or rows with barbells, I've never done them on the "sliding" rowers before. It kills my legs!

Friday.
Rest day. It would be great if that were true. I did rest most of the day. About 10:30 I started my burpees (much like I will tonight). I was watching a movie (Music & Lyrics) and did them in chunks of 10. I did 43. (which takes 10 more off what I owe!)

I had a minor meltdown... I stepped on the scale. EEK. I was up 8lbs. Now, I'm not one for excuses, but to be easier on myself, I acknowledge that this is not the "typical" time that I weigh myself, in fact it's about as far from my normal time as possible so I know that played a role in it. I know people say that muscle weighs more than fat.. blah blah. To me that was always just an excuse. But I'm kinda beginning to believe it. Why? Because I've noticed more definition in my legs, my back, etc. My clothes fit nicely. I even wore a pair of shorts the other day that I bought last summer and needed to "get into" and they looked good! So something must be working right? I measured myself on the 1st and compared it to my measurements around the 15th. Most of them were larger.. ugh. So I'm a bit frustrated. What I can say is that I can do 5 burpees easily, 10 with moderate effort, and I can do about 30 in less than 25 minutes, taking breaks. I'm trying to see the positives.

Food has been decent. Most of this week I ate 2 meals and 2 snacks that were dead on Zone. My dinners were not exactly zone, but I noticed I don't get late night cravings, and I'm not hungry at all! (and I figure worst case, I'm not eating any worse than I was when I was eating "healthy" before)

That brings me to today.
I am planning on doing an extra 10 burpees again today. (as soon as I get the motivation to go do them)!

** And I'm super proud of Charlie, a member of the Barn, who is competing in the CrossFit Games! Right now after 4 events, he's in 50th out of 74, there are 4 more events to go (1 today and 3 tomorrow).

Burpees done yesterday and today. (30 both days) so I now only owe 45!

Yesterday's WOD

• Team TOD
• Max KB Swings in 10 min
• only 1 person works at a time and can only go in sets of 10

I was part of a 3 person team. I ended up with 117. (using mostly 10lb weight, first 10 were 35lb!)
Warm up was burgeners, dips(15)!, pushups (15), pull-ups (15, using elastic band and Toby) and I'm sure other things that I can't think of at the moment!

Today's WOD:

• Row Max Meters in 2 minutes
• Full Recovery
• Row Max Meters in 3 minutes
• Full Recovery
• Row Max Meters in 5 minutes

First 2 mins, rough, legs were much like jello, biceps in pain. (383 meters)

3mins - Toby suggested that I aim for a 2:05 500m. I tried. The closest I got was 2:10. For the first 2 minutes my pace hovered between 2:10 and 2:30, by minute 3 I was sucking air, hurting in many places and doing about 3:00. I finished the round with 582 meters. I couldn't MOVE when I was done, my quads were killing me, my legs and arms were SHAKING.

5min. My goal was to do a steady 3:00 pace. Of course, They didn't show us our pace for the first 4 minutes, so I had to just do my best. Then went as hard as possible for the last minute. I finished at 869 meters. (which I believe calculates to about 2.88 for 500 meters -- even better than If I HAD been seeing my pace. Of course that last minute I was down in the 2:10s.)

There was NO WAY I was doing burpees right after that -- a grand total of 1834 meters!. They would have to wait.

(warm up included windmills, a 400m run (for me), burgeners, & push presses)
So I'm just about to get ready for bed and I was telling Dad about my workout... when ... OH CRAP! I didn't do my burpees yet! So I headed to the basement, and while watching an episode of the Mentalist, I completed my 30 burpees.

So now I'm going to shower and GO TO BED. I heard tomorrow is going to be even worse!

Hi.
I bought my first BRAND NEW CAR today! It's a 2010 Pontiac Vibe -- it had 10 miles on it! I've NEVER owned a car with fewer than 3000 miles!! I love it. It has a sunroof, xm radio, a pretty awesome stereo system, mp3 inputs, even a standard AC outlet!
I think it's perfect for "the New Me". It feels LIKE ME. It's sporty, rugged, and I've always been a fan of red cars... I do like to be noticed. I really like the hatchback, although I decided I will not be toting my golf clubs all over the country, I will put them in when I need them! I'm really looking forward to my drive to school Monday... I can program 36 channels (and I have steering wheel controls for the stereo too. ) Plus.. and I thought this was really cool, there's a release button for the gas tank compartment -- no one's stealing my gas!

The down side to all this is that Dad and I spent over 6 hours -- yep 6 hours at the dealership today. Between paperwork, 2 test drives, and lots of waiting, I didn't get a whole lot of anything done today. Including my Burpees. =( I'm digging a big hole. I needed the day of rest though. I now owe 46.. eek.

Yesterday's WOD
Dynamic W.U.
Frogger Series
Samson Stretch

3 Rounds
x7 overhead squats (pvc)
x14 ab mats
x21 box jumps (2 weights)

6:?? (I can't remember)
Then I did 25 burpees.

I'm beginning to think that the 25k is a bit too ambitious for this year. But I'm not giving up just yet.

I'm pretty tired, so I'm heading to bed. A busy day planned for the 4th!

I did it. or was at least really close! I had a great 2 block "snack" before my crossfit workout. A great 3 block breakfast after it. A 3 block lunch between classes, a zone bar snack and a good dinner. Dinner is my "almost" I went to Red Lobster. I ate 1 chicken breast and 2 shrimp, my salad, some mashed potatoes, two rolls. It was a tad high on carb, but I also brought home 1 chicken breast, 4 shrimp, and half my potatoes!!

I was kinda tired earlier but as the day went on I felt better and better. I don't know if it's realizations about my life, a new calm in my math class, the food combination, or maybe a combination of all of the above. But tonight I can say without a doubt, for the first time in a LONG time. I'm content. Maybe even happy.

I've tried to explain why I like crossfit so much. Why I want to train like this, how I can put in terms people can understand. I've used examples like Survivor and that new movie coming out, but today I realized what it REALLY was. (not that I ACTUALLY want to do this... but ...) I want to BE ABLE to compete (competently) on American Gladiators. I loved that show back in the day and I used it as inspiration when I was "running" on the elliptical. I want to be able to do stuff like that!! That's why I like CrossFit. It's helping me be like that!


Todays' warm-up
750m row
agility practice

WOD
150 jumping pull-ups (for time)
After every 2 minutes, we owed 100m rowing.
I finished with a time of 9:42
therefore I also did an original 400m row.

Plus I did my 24 burpees.

Well I know I'm behind on my "Mondays". Actually, I'm more behind in reporting it, I've been doing them. On Friday I hope to have more than 10 minutes to think, and I will get all updated.

CrossFit Today
Warm Up
200m run
skip x25
x5 frog series

WOD
(I forget what it was called- but it was brutal.) We had to do as many reps as possible in each station. We were at each station for 1 minute, we then immediately moved to the next station. We did three rounds of each of the 5 stations.
Sprint (about 40 yards)
SA KB alt swings (10lb)
Dips!!!
Row (counting calories)
Sledge Hits (kinda fun!)
In 15 minutes I did a total of 133. And considering the first two rounds I did a grand total of 2 dips, that wasn't so bad.

I did run in my five-fingers. I don't think I'll be running long distances in them, but they work for the stuff we do at CrossFit. -- no shock absorption!--

I then did 23 burpees and decided that Friday or Saturday, when I don't have a crossfit workout to kill me, I'll do my make-up 20.

When I got home from class I went for a hike to scout out part of the trail. (3k in 30:52) --with rain!

**Frustrated. I've taken roughly 10 college math classes in my life. I have ONE this session that has had me near tears in 2 of the last 3 classes. I'm so frustrated in it. I think there are a few reasons -- 1.) The professor is Indian and hard to understand. 2.) He assumes we are all math geniuses that remember EVERYTHING about geometry (the class I took in 2002) and how to prove everything. 3.) He's never taught this class before and it's not "his cup of tea" ugh. I have exactly 10 more days. I know I can do it. I'm just overly frustrated and I need to STOP taking out my frustration on myself (in the form of Wendy's Toffee Frosties).

Test Results -- as handed back 62/100 (I defended my answers to earn back another 16 points) right now I have 78/100 if I do my corrections I can get up to an 89. grr.

I've been claiming that I'm going to bed early for the last 2 weeks. Tonight I am. Now. 9:22 PM (Ok I'll give myself until 9:30)
G'night

I also found something that I truly found delicious... only to realize it's probably not really that good for me. ... turkey bacon. Darn.

Wow what a day.
I started with a Run/Walk in the park. 3K 26:40 (fastest EVER!)
*widget coming soon*

Then I headed to class, took a math test (I think I did ok).

Next was CrossFit. I had a mini-(almost)meltdown. I was near tears of frustration, my hand hurt and my body forgot how to do a squat. But Toby was very patient and worked with me and then I did the WOD. Umm.. wow. I hope Sepi wasn't offended. I wasn't frustrated with him-- just myself - I just kinda took it out on him, sorry =( (I also hope he doesn't mind me calling him Sepi)

3 Rounds.
Carry 2 10lb weights with fingers to the end of the driveway and back (about 100m)
Do 60 step up onto a box (30 each leg lead)
Do 15 Push Press (just wBar, about 35lbs)
18:27

My muscles were BURNING.

I texted Ben and told him I was giving up on burpees. It was too much. He told me NO. (actually he told me "no.. no .. no." I was on my way to the Kent gym to shower before our picnic, but when I got there, I did my 22 burpees.. then showered. Thanks Ben!!

The picnic was great. We ate well, sat around the fire, played baggo- cornhole whatever (I made my first "hole in one")

As I was driving home, I realized how good I felt and how glad I was that I didn't quit the burpees and how great it will be when I finish day 100 and know that I did ALL OF THEM. So with that.. I'm heading to bed...

It seems they all are these days.

Warm-up
500 m Row 2:50
Samson (?) stretch
Goodmornings x10 (PVC, only)

WOD
15-12-9-6-3
KB Swings 20lb
Jump Pull Ups
10:00

plus 18 burpees (<10 mins)

Five Fingers- YAY. Loved them. Only took about 5 mins to get them on!
My foot is sore right on the ball of my left foot, I think it is from jumping (landing on the weight) during pull ups. I DO NOT blame the shoes.

Chalk-
I got to use CHALK today. (I know, sounds stupid coming from a teacher, but not that kind) The gymnastic kind. I know it sounds dumb, but I think it's really cool. I always wanted to be a gymnast! (I didn't use quite that much)

(refer to the very end of the blog for explanation of the title =) )
Wow. This crazy schedule sure is making the time fly. I just looked at the clock -- after 11 already, YIKES.
Guess I'll make this short.

I got my Five Fingers today! Took me 30 mins to get them on for the first time. and 9/10 toes were happy -- darn little one on the left foot wouldn't quite go in right. I'm practicing though!
My Shoes -- even got a color I liked!

Today's WOD
Burgener's Warmup
Mini Tabata (20 secs/10 secs)
push-ups: 9-6-5-4
ab mats: 8 -5-5-6

Alternating
Deadlifts (bar only) - 10 - 8 - 6- 4 -2
JumpRope - 50 -40 -30 -20- 10
Time: 6:16 (I think)

Plus my 17 burpees!

New Supplements I'm going to try (recommended by Dr. Sears in "The Top 100 Zone Foods"

Vitamin E
Why Supplement: It's very difficult to get the amount of Vitamin E necessary to get all the benefits without a supplement. (seed oils have the most vitamin E, but we aren't supposed to eat a LOT of those)
What it's good for: It's an anti-oxidant (neutralizes free radicals - which can induce inflammation or destroy healthy cells) Also can be beneficial with Heart Disease and Alzheimer's (as well as others)
How Much: The standard recommended amount is 8 IU for females (10 for males) however studies show that optimal health benefits are reached ONLY when Vitamin E intake is greater than 100IU per day!). Dr. Sears recommends 400 IU, which is only one softgel per day.

Omega 3 Fish Oil
Why Supplement: To get enough Omega-3 fatty acids, a person would have to eat one or two fish meals a day. (
What it's good for: Helps keep brain, cardiovascular system, and immune system functioning at peak performance. Studies are also showing that it can influence the DHA (docosahexanenoic acid) in the bloodstream which can influence intelligence, brain function, and even help treat (prevent) depression. EPA (another acid) can help decreasing inflammation and reducing the bad eicosanoids. (read one of Dr. Sears' books to understand eicosanoids -- but they {the bad ones} are believed to be causes of heart disease, arthritis, ms, depression, and cancer )
How much: Dr. Sears recommends 6 to 10 grams of fish oil per day. (this give us about 2 to 3 grams of long chain Omega-3 fatty acids) It's also recommended that you get some that's cholesterol free (I didn't this time, oops.) ok so in a nutshell... this equals out to 6 to 10 capsules per day. The bottle recommends meal time with a glass of water.



At least it's in pill form and not Cod Liver Oil

Cod Liver Oil - Great Big Sea

Tonight I saw NKOTB -- Awesome -- as expected.
On the way into the concert (and leaving) a strange phenomenon happened. It's no secret, I'm short and therefore also happen to have short legs. Usually I have to make a conscious effort to keep up with those that are taller than me. Now I know we weren't racing or anything but on the way in I found myself easily passing one group after another, and I wasn't rushing or even out of breath. I was just walking what I thought was my normal pace. But it was much faster than I used to walk... cool. (I credit CrossFit -- for killing my legs and making them stronger)

Speaking of Cross Fit. I screwed up today, I got there a little late and had to cut my workout a little short so that I wouldn't be TOO late to class.

1 min Jump Rope
Group Dynamic workout (lunges, etc)
agility (foot ladder)

3 Rounds
200 m (was supposed to be 400 m) run
15 air squats
15 box jumps

I completed in 11:48 (I think)

This evening before going to the concert I did my 16 burpees for the day, plus the 6 I owed. I am now completely caught up!! Yay.

But right now I'm EXHAUSTED and going to bed. g'night.

So... this weekend had it's ups and downs.
SATURDAY
I was all psyched to go kayaking, but the trip was canceled due to high water. What's up with that??!? Weren't we gonna be in a boat anyway? lol
I ate two meals according to the Zone and my stomach was bothering me... then so was my head. Mom and I went to see the Proposal (I liked it) but when I got home I went straight to bed with a migraine. blah. I slept most of the rest of the evening. When I woke up I was afraid to do my burpees -- blood rushing to head, migraine all over... didn't want to chance it. So instead I went to try a new Wendy's Toffee Coffee Twisted Frosty (way too tasty for my own good) I also went to Barnes and Noble and got a new Zone book -- 100 top foods. I skimmed it in the parking lot before I went to Giant Eagle and loaded up on GOOD FOOD.

SUNDAY
Got up and did my Sunday burpees and one extra (starting to catch up on Sat's), went to church with my parents, and then to Bob Evans...
3 eggs
3 halves of toast with butter and jam (<1 tsp of each) water (not a perfect zone, but pretty good) Then Dad and I went to the car show and walked around for about 4 hours. I ate a Zone Perfect Bar. Then we picked up roots from the back yard (don't ask) Mom brought home pizza. I gave in. =( then I went back to Wendy's for another frosty!! ugh. Had a zone snack and went to bed. (after about 3 hours of homework)

MONDAY
Today started out excellently! (I think)
Breakfast: 3 eggs, 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened) w/cinnamon, 6 pistachios, 1/2 piece of wheat toast with 1/3 tsp butter Lunch: 2 string cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup applesauce, 9 pistachios, 20 grapes
Snack: ZonePerfect bar
Workout Dinner (bad): Wendy's frosty, single with cheese, ketchup, mustard, 1/2 small fry. After Workout Dinner (good?): Subway MINI sub (wheat, turkey, lettuce, tomato) only ate 1/2 the bread, bag of apples, 12 oz 1% milk, 9 pistachios. CrossFit. I had thought about going golfing instead, but I'm really glad I went to CrossFit. I made some new friends, and kicked my own butt!! I'm sore. =)
I realized in watching the previews at the movies Saturday, that I want to be able to kick @ss! (there's a new movie coming out -- A Perfect Getaway . It made me think, essentially - if I were on that island, would I be able to survive? ) Could I outrun, tumble, kayak, swim, fight to save my life or would I be so out of shape that I would be the first one done? I decided that currently it would probably be the latter, but I'm on a mission to change that. I WILL BE KICK @SS strong, flexible, agile, etc.

Today's Workout:
400 m run
Burgener's
Windmill KB 5x each 10lb
Single Arm (SA) Kettlebell (KB) 10x each 10lb
21-15-9
SA KB 5lb
Ab Mat
Kettlebell Sumo Squat 20lb

and of course-- 15 burpees plus 6 owed from Saturday (I still owe 6 more)

I have so much catching up to do... geez.

First, I got my first Amber Alert yesterday. I was not useful in finding the child (although the alert was canceled within 5 mins -- so that's good) but I felt like a good person just being alerted to the situation. The situation was actually on the other side of the state -- but hey, with the amount that I'm traveling who knows!

CrossFit.
I'm still very excited. I love it. It's EXACTLY what I needed. Yesterday I jumped rope for the first time since I was in elementary school - and guess what? I'm pretty good at it!!

I also did agility work (and felt pretty competent there too!)

Today I did pull ups and jumped on boxes (well actually 2 weights stacked) and I ran, and did situps, plus some rowing... and of course my burpees (see below.)

Mentality.
I need to change my mentality and CrossFit is helping with that. I need to start thinking about TRAINING to be a FIT, ATHLETIC person and not that I'm working out to lose weight. I have to trust that the weight loss will be a postive side effect of the training I'm doing. I've been working on this and it's really nice not having that FOCUS on weight loss. Of course it's also hard because I see as I'm working into these workouts I don't get the same calorie burn rates. But -- I remember that the more BUFF I get, the more efficient my body will be at burning calories.
Ok Official Cross Fit Exercise Log

Wed 6/17

Warm Up:
Burgener WU
15 minute game of Dodgeball . .Bring It! (our game was pretty pathetic)

Skill: Agility Drills

3 rounds
SDHP (KB) x 15 (20lb)
JumpRope x 50

(I don't remember my time)

10 Burpees

Thur 6/18
Warm Up
500m Row
Burgener WU

Skill:
Box Jumps x20 (2 weights stacked)
Jump Pull Ups x15 (box & 2 weights)

Workout:
3 Rnds
Run 100
x 15 Jump Pull Ups
x 15 AbMat Situps
(13:06)

11 Burpees
Update on Burpees:
Yesterday I did the first 4 easily, then grunted through the rest.
Today I did the first 5 easily, took a break and did some other work, then had a lull in my workout so I went back and did the last 6 -- not easily, but not impossible either. YAY!

Yesterday I also bought a new pair of hiking sandals and I ordered new workout shoes! I can't wait to go hiking!! I also learned about this trail race - The Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic- that is practically in my own backyard and I'm pumped, I think I'm gonna do it!! It's 25K!(there is also a 50k option, but I'm not that crazy!) Yes, you read that right! I will definitely need to train...and learn about trail running, since it's different from running and hiking.
The workout shoes (Vibram Five Fingers) are a little strange looking. They are designed to feel like you are barefoot, but they still protect your feet from stuff! I don't usually like the "toe'd" thing, but I really like the idea and think as soon as I get used to it, I'll love it!!!
I found all of these at a great running store - The Vertical Runner in Hudson. (the owner also happens to be a member of CrossFit!) -- I don't know what color I'll actually get -- this one would be great though!

Bad Weather Knocks Down Power Lines on Major Interstate
Severe weather in the valley caused major flooding and damage in the area.

Around eight o'clock Wednesday evening high power tension lines were knocked down on Interstate 80 near Mile Post 217. Traffic is currently stopped for miles in both directions. Crews are at the scene.

-WYTV

I was stuck for 2 1/2 hours before I escaped... the road is STILL closed at 12:00am. I'll fill in details tomorrow.

*10 burpees done
*crossfit done
*Ben, I'll email you tomorrow - I promise!

Day 24- Biggest Loser 30-Day Jumpstart

They state the same advice we all know, and try to follow:
Don't be too hungry when you get there.
Have a plan!
Remember the big picture (it's not your last meal... )
Avoid "All You Can Eat"
Control your environment (you know, don't leave the chips in snacking distance)

These are great pieces of advice. I am more concerned with the planning one. My schedule has been thrown a curve ball and I'm rushing to get caught up and re-settled. I now will have two classes in Canton, then one in Kent. But I will also have one in Canton through August. Of course I still plan on driving to Kent to workout. It's crazy. Don't ask! (just check on me to make sure I'm still alive every now and then!)

Exercise Day 24
Cross Fit (day 1)
Well, I got up really early and went to "the Barn." I was lead through a "dynamic warm-up" of several different kinds of lunges (some backwards), some knee-up stretches, an imaginary hurdle to go over and under. I'm sure all these things have real names, but I don't know them yet. Then I learned how to do an Air Squat. Then after doing several of those, I had to do a 10 minute rotation between the rowing machine and the air squats. (100m/10squats) I ended up doing 5 rounds plus an additional row -- I was around 750 m.
After all that I did some leg stretches. As far as Toby (the coach) was concerned I was done.. but I had Burpees left to do!

Burpees Day 9-
So after my first CrossFit workout, I then did NINE burpees. The first 4 were startlingly easy. I mean I felt like an athlete. I broke up the last 5 into 2-2-1 and took breaks in between sets. But I did them. That's a total of 45!!! Can you believe it?!?!

Food today:
I don't know the details of the CrossFit diet, but here's what I had today.

BREAKFAST
2 scrambled eggs
protein shake made with about 12 ounces of milk- 1% (instead of 8)

AFTER WORKOUT
1 Serving of turkey
Banana
Kent State High Protein/low Carb "shake"

LUNCH
Subway 6in sub, double turkey, lettuce, tomato, mustard
Subway apples

SNACK
Special K 90 Calorie Bar (strawberry)
1 Serving of Turkey

DINNER
Arby's Large Roastbeef Sandwich

At this point that gives me:
147.1 grams of protein
232.4 grams of carb
54.6 grams of fat (18 saturated)
Calorie count - 1936.4

I think the Arby's was a definite BAD choice. I'll do better tomorrow. In fact I might even go for a quick "walk" right now to burn some extra calories... then it's homework time!!