snow days

How does everyone manage to deal with the major changes from snow days? This week was a Monday holiday (MLK Jr Day), so it was already a short week.  Almost 10 inches of snow on Tuesday led to no school Tuesday or Wednesday and late arrival on Thursday.  Thankfully I was off work Wednesday anyhow, and my husband could go in late Thursday so neither of us had to call out, but what a disruption.  Not to mention the gym was even closed so we got to workout at home as well :)  Ended up doing some squat technique work at home, and a quick workout with squats, push ups and situps (5 rounds of 5 pushups, 10 situps and 15 squats) since we have zero equipment available in the new house.
Managed to entertain the toddler and we all stayed sane (as much as we were before anyhow) and happy to have her back on her normal schedule today.
Still waiting on FedEx to show up with my advocare order that was supposed to be here Monday but got delayed by the storm...but otherwise things seem to be almost back to normal.
Then, poof, it's the weekend already.
 Excited about a potential new part time job opportunity that would be an excellent merge of my interests in fitness and nutrition....we shall see if it works out for all involved :)

like mother, like daughter

My just turned 3 year old has turned into something of an opinionated DIVA.  Trying to find her new balance between wanting to be a baby and wanting to do everything herself translates into a daily battle.  Add in everyday stress of 2 full time working parents with different schedules and a long commute since moving into our new house last month, tantrums are happening on both sides of this relationship.  

Trying to find my inner calm and be patient with her while we are 20 minutes late getting out the door is a real challenge to say the least...
In our continuing to unpack today, I ran across the baby book my mom wrote for me.  Along with the guilt for  not even starting Lil's book and her now being 3 aside, I opened to the section on Threes.  Found a passage my mom wrote about me having to get dressed myself and how stubborn I was and realized that I could have written that exact passage this morning about my daughter....guess the apple does not fall far from the tree :)

Out with 2013, in with 2014

Ah reflection time....

2013 was a big change in my fitness routine.  I started Crossfit in January and went at it 5-6 days a week out of the gate.  What a great year in gaining strength for me! In 2012 I lost 90lbs, with a cardio heavy interval training routine.  Started 2013 at 150, finished at 176 of more muscle on a smaller frame :)  2013 saw my first kipping pull up, first double unders and unassisted ring dip.  I was able to get up into a handstand on the wall and started working on hand stand push ups.  I can now deadlift 225lbs, snatch 75#, overhead squat 100, bench 100, clean and jerk 105 and back squat 150.  Took me 10 months, but I finally can jump on a 20" box, which is a huge accomplishment for me and my fear of heights. I managed to Rx Nancy (one of the bench mark crossfit workouts: 5 rounds of 15 overhead squats at 65# and 400m runs) I cannot wait to see what 2014 brings! 

Fitness goals I have set for the year:

10 unassisted strict pull ups

50 consecutive double unders

deadlift 300lbs

snatch 95lbs

bench 150

back squat 250

front squat 160

overhead squat 125

full range of motion hand stand push ups

jump on a 24" box

run 1 mile in under 8 min and a 5K in under 28min

20 consecutive full range of motion push ups

Rx Isabel, Grace and Fran 

the ellusive muscle up.....

some of these are things I should get by summer, some will be a stretch for the year......but hey, goals are something to shoot for and if you do not make them hard, what is the point? :)

Here's to making progress in the new year!

holiday stress..i mean fun!

The holiday season is upon us.  Events revolve around food, we are all even more short on time than usual with travelling, entertaining, etc and added financial stress and expectations of gift giving....Many many people gain significant amounts of weight during the 6 weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years.  So how do we stop this trend, since it basically takes you the rest of the year to lose 20 lbs?
Manage your stress.  The easiest way for me is to be realistic in my expectations.  Budget appropriately for you.  Do not feel like you have to keep up with anyone and remember the thought is way more important (or should be) than any material goods.
Eat at home and not out as much as you can.  This helps you stay on track with what you are eating, keeps portions more reasonable and helps with that budget.
Make time for yourself every day.  Get a walk in. Get that workout in.  Just do it.
Try to surround yourself with supportive people.  We all have those family members and family friends that want to overfeed us, encourage us to overindulge, etc.  Be honest with them and with yourself about what you want to put in your body.
Do not beat yourself about a bad decision.  The whole day is not lost because you had a cookie.  Move on and do better :)

weight is just a number....

I have worked hard since my daughter was born.  For almost a year now, I have been doing Crossfit (high intensity training) and have actually gained 22 lbs.  Yep, GAINED.  But I think photos tell far more than numbers in this one.  Muscle weighs more than fat.  I can lift much more now than I could when I started (just set a hang power clean PR this week at 105 lbs) and am far stronger now.  I have also improved my flexibility and endurance.  If gaining strength means gaining weight, bring it on :)

Today's photos:

current stats:

chest 38"

waist 34.5"

hips 41.5"

weight 173 lbs

Long time, no see.....I had every intention of keeping up with this better....let's see if I can improve on that :)
This week I am starting a new adventure.  My husband and I are starting the 24 day Advocare challenge.  I am hoping this product line compliments my workout schedule and can help me decrease my body fat a few percentages.  Took "before" photos today, which is always a nerve racking experience.  Cannot wait to see what the next month brings!