Another "no go" day!!  :/

Stomach bugs suck!!  I feel fine until I stand up and move around, then I'm dizzy and queasy...NOT a fun feeling!  Saving my workouts for the weekend, but will make sure I do the running ones first so I won't feel like I'm slacking off.

On the plus side, I've lost 1/2 pound!  ;)

You don't always get what you wish for, but you always get what you work for!  I need to remember this.  I probably should come back to this picture repeatedly just to make sure I'm getting it.  I mean, c'mon!  Who wouldn't want to keep looking at this picture?  Very nice, right?  You're welcome!  ;)

I have to admit, I don't feel the best in the world this morning.  My stomach is feeling kind of wonky, and I'm really hoping that goes away.  I hate to have stomach bugs and I hate to throw up, but I feel like I could just really let one go right now, but I'm doing my best not to.  I'm really doing my best not to!

Today's workout looks really fun.  Yeah, I said it!  Do as many rounds as you can in 15 minutes of:
   10 Kettlebell swings w/15-20 lb
   10 Box jumps, 18" box
   10 Bench dips
   10 CrossFit situps

Today's Fab Ab workout:
   90 Situps
   24 Pushups
   1:45 plank

I'm using my situps for both workouts today.  90 situps is a LOT!  lol  Today is non-treadmill day.  I'm only getting on it on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - unless it's part of the CrossFit workout, then I'll get on it for those!

Keeping this short and sweet today - really not feeling good.  :/
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5 Month Stats - February 25, 2013

Okay, so I did my measurements and everything and was kind of disappointed that they didn't seem that great, but once I added them all together it was okay.  My original body measurements did not change this past month...SO frustrating!!  However, the newer measurements I take on my legs did change - which is awesome, because I can see a difference in my legs and especially in my jeans!  I was really surprised on my hips and waist, though - I can see a difference in my stomach, but not on the measuring tape.  Sometimes I think I'm going crazy!!

Anyway - after 5 months of CrossFit workouts, I have lost a total of 8 pounds and 23.25 inches.  That's almost 2 feet!!  Ridiculous that I was carrying around that much fat!  

I have no plans to stop CrossFit, but I am going to kick my running into gear.  I've got to improve on that, so that is my goal for the next month.  To be able to run 5 minutes at a time WITHOUT stopping to walk.  I'm determined to be a runner, dammit!!  lol

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ak5dw7gXHvW9dGJycklvOVM4R21LSEtqTzNOUWZlZlE#gid=0

CrossFit commercial:  People come in asking, "Where are all the machines?"  I tell them, "We ARE the machines."  I thought this would be appropriate for today, since there are no machines involved in today's workout.  I'll get to that later.  :)

I have to admit, I have been EXTREMELY lazy this weekend.  I had terrible, horrible, no good, very bad headaches (those of you with children will know this book!) on Friday and Saturday, so I did not workout either of those days.  Then, yesterday Mother Nature came to visit and I thought "OHHHHH!!! THAT'S what was going on!"  lol  Needless to say, I did not workout yesterday either.  I don't recall a weekend where I did not get out of my pajamas at least once!  I will definitely have to kick it up a notch this week!!

Yesterday was my 5 month CrossFit anniversary!  Yup...I started CrossFit on September 24th.  It's hard to believe it's been 5 months.  Since I didn't do anything yesterday, that means today is "stat" day.  I'll take my measurements this afternoon and post them in a separate blog post.  I hope they have changed!  If not, that means I have REALLY got to kick it up TWO notches!!!  lol

Today's workout is 12-9-6-3 reps of:

   Thrusters w/20 lbs

   Burpees

Fab Ab Workout:

   90 Situps

   24 Pushups

   1:30 Plank

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3:26!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  SO happy with my time, but boy was I sucking wind!!  I was wheezing and everything!  I really do think I have exercise induced asthma - I need to get that checked out, huh?  I tried to do my burpees without the aerobic step, but I'm still not there yet.  I can do them, but they put such a strain on my hamstrings that it ain't even funny!  I used 24 lbs for the thrusters and probably could have done a little more.  Something to remember next time.  :)

I did all 90 situps and 24 pushups, but could only do a 1-minute plank.  Situps were done with two stops - I stopped after 35 and then again after 60.  Pushups were done with one stop after 15, then I continued all the way through.

I was trying something different today on the treadmill.  I came across this "color run" training for a 5K and it sounded easy, but of course it wasn't easy for me!  Anyway, you run 3-5 days per week and on the first week you run for 1 minute, walk for 90 seconds - doing that 8 times.  Well, I could only do it twice today!  I started coughing and could not catch my breath, so I stopped after the 2nd round.  My goal is to make it at least 3 rounds on Wednesday - wish me luck on that!  I've got to get this running thing down - it's really beginning to nerve the HELL out of me!!!  ;)

My cat gets exhausted from watching me do CrossFit!  lol  This is usually the position my cat stays in while I'm working out.  She gets "pissy" when I need to use my weight bench and she has to move.  I just thought this was cute because she's straddling the bench and really looks worn out while laying there!  She swaps out the weight bench for the stationary bike seat, but most of the time she's laying in her pillow bed in the corner right by the treadmill.  How she can sleep through me running on the treadmill with Rob Zombie blasting in the room, I'll never know!!

I forgot to mention this yesterday, but after doing my workout I just laid in the floor and it made me think of the picture Jenni posted "If I pass out, please make sure someone posts my time!"  I felt just like that and started laughing out loud.  My cat woke up and looked at me like I had lost my mind, then decided rubbing on my sweaty head would make me feel better...it did not!  Cat hair and sweat just don't go together!  lol

My pecs/shoulders are the only thing that's kind of sore today, and they are not even that bad.  :)  Last night it was my legs, so I'm glad to see it's not too bad today.  :)

Today's workout is for time, 6 rounds of:

   Run 400 meters (.249/mile)

   10 Burpees

I can do this!  I'm going to try to run 10 blocks every run segment...y'all wish me luck!  I'm hoping that's not just wishful thinking!!  ;)

Fab Ab Workout:

   80 Situps

   20 Pushups

   1 minute plank

Yikes!  I will try to plank for 1 minute - fingers crossed!!

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MAJOR headache this afternoon.  Will make this up over the weekend.     :/

You've only got three choices in life:  give up, give in, or give it all you've got.  I choose to give it all I've got!  :)

Well, I told you guys my shoulders would probably be sore and I did not lie about that!  They were ridiculously sore last night around 8:00-ish!  That just proves I have muscles that I'm still not using.  So...from now on when pullups are dictated, I will do reverse pullups until I'm strong enough to do them on the bar.  The crazy thing is they seemed SO easy yesterday while I was doing them.  I kept thinking, "Maybe I'm doing them wrong.  Should I watch the video again?", but decided to keep going so I wouldn't ruin my time.  Man, oh man!  The pain last night.  I do believe I slept spread-eagled on the bed all night long - it was the most comfortable position to be in what with my shoulders achy and my thighs!  They are still achy this morning.  I'm saving yesterday's workout for Saturday - I don't think my thighs would let me do a squat today AT ALL!!!  lol

Today's workout is to do as many rounds as you can in 20 minutes of:

   18 box jumps

   15 knees to elbows

   12 pushups

Sounds do-able and I can't wait to see how many rounds I can do!  I really need to make a trip (or shop online) for a higher box.  My aerobic step only goes up to 11".  I also need to get a heavier ball for wall ball shots.  

Today's Fab Ab Workout:

   70 situps

   20 pushups

   55-second plank

I will probably count my CrossFit pushups against my Fab Ab pushups again today.  It's going to be interesting to see how my shoulders feel doing pushups today.  Hopefully it won't be too bad!  :)

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6 full rounds!!  I was very happy with my number until I saw the majority of the Mamas were doing 8-10 rounds.  WOW!!  I'm VERY impressed with that!  I really pushed myself hard today - I'll take it anyway - that was hard workout!!

I can tell SUCH a difference in my box jumps...I can do a lot more without having to stop and catch my breath now!  I made it to 10 on the first round, then 12, then 14, then 11, then 10 and 10 - AND when I did stop, I only stopped for a few deep breaths then I got right back to work and didn't stop until I reached 18.  Still on a 11" box - I've got to get a bigger one!

My knees to elbows have also improved.  I brought my knees up to just below my boobs EVERY time and I did 5 at a time before I had to let go and rest my arms.  Those were REALLY hard after my reverse pullups yesterday.

Pushups did not give my any trouble today - I really thought they would, but right now I'm good.  I did not have to stop at all doing them, and that's a really good thing!!

I did my Fab Ab workout (without extra pushups) and let me just say - doing 70 situps were not as bad as I thought they'd be.  I did 25 and had to take a potty break.  A lot of Mamas have been saying that jump rope (or jumping, period) makes them tinkle...well, for me it's situps.  I don't know why, they just do.  After my little "break", I did 35 more, then  the final 15.  I hope that this little workout for March has situps in it.  I can finally tell a difference in my stomach and I think it's from all of the situps I've done this month.  I've decided that if March's workout does not include them everyday, then I might just re-do February's - or just add situps by themselves.  My plank was SO wobbly again today and I had to stretch it out for a few seconds, so I don't think I got in 55 total.  I tried to hold it for little longer after my timer went off to try to make it up, but I didn't count it out or anything.  I could actually see my arms quivering today - usually I just kind of feel it on the inside, but not today!

Another great workout in the books!!  :)

Run happy.  Run grumpy.  Run speedy.  Run slow.  Run a little.  Run a lot.  Just run...and run...and run...and run...  Just kidding!  I added all those extra "runs" because I'm sure you can all guess what we're doing to day in CrossFit!  Yup, yup!  RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I had a feeling we would run today and that it would be pretty bad (if - like me - you are not a runner) or pretty good (if - unlike me - you are a runner)!  This week's exercises have been short and lots of fun, so I knew we were going to have a "moan and groan, grumble about it" kind of day soon.  If I had to choose from the above choices right now, I would be running grumpy - hey!  I'm not a morning person, either!!  lol  Hopefully I will be running happy this afternoon.  Fingers crossed!

I haven't done this much lately, but let me just say how sore my arms are today!  Specifically my tricep and upper back/shoulder area.  I'm blaming it on the plank from yesterday, although I'm sure the pushups had something to do with it, too - as well as the push presses.  I love push-presses, but  can really tell I did something the next day - even though I'm only using 24 lbs.   It is nice to feel the muscles in my arms, instead of just flab with a little muscle.  I love progress!

Today's workout is a KILLER, but Jenni calls it the "Hero Workout" in honor of all of our fallen heroes who died while serving our country.  So, I will try not to complain and quit.  You have to think of what they go through fighting for us and our country - some of things they get in to, and they can't quit.  EVER!  How crazy is that?  Actually, it's pretty freaking brave!  So, I'll suck it up and push through, and run...and run...and run.

Do as many rounds as you can in 45 minutes of:

   Run 800 meters (.497/mile)

   80 squats

   8 pullups (jump out/slow down or reverse pullups)

Again - I plan to do reverse pullups today.  Maybe that will help strengthen my upper body.  I don't like doing assisted pullups, because I'm not sure if I'm doing it right nor am I sure I'm using my upper body enough.  It always feels like my legs are the ones getting sore and I don't know if it's the position I'm in or what.  And, whenever I do jump up/slow down - it's more like jump up and try to slow it down, but it's really not that slow and I feel like my elbow hurts more that way.  So!  I'm going to try the reverse.  

I will at least run half and walk half of each 800 meters - I might try to run farther on the first couple of rounds, but again - that's a wait and see when I get upstairs in my exercise room.  I really need to come of with a name for my room, don't I?  Any suggestions?  I would call it "Hell", but it's not always a run day and wouldn't feel like hell every day.  Hmmm..."Boot Camp" is such a cliche.  I could call it "Bootie Camp" - that sounds a little more girlie and a lot more fun!  I'll have to give it some more thought.  :)

Today's Fab Ab workout:

   70 situps

   18 pushups

   55-second plank

Looks like I have a lot to do today!

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Unfortunately, I did not have 45 minutes to do today's workout.  :/  So, instead of completely skipping today, I did the workout I missed on Monday.  Something is better than nothing and this keeps me from having two missed days this week.  I spent entirely too long helping my son sign up for benefits at work and my shopping took longer than I thought.  Who knew it would take so long to pick out a new litter box?  :)

Just a refresher - Monday's workout was as many rounds as you can in 12 minutes of:
   50 squats
   30 pushups
   15 pullups

I did reverse pullups on my treadmill - hard, but easier than using the bar and I feel like I actually used muscles I was supposed to.  Pushups gave me a hard time today, though.  That being said, I completely 2 complete rounds plus 50 squats and 18 pushups on my 3rd round.  I went ahead and finished the 3rd round and went over 1:28 on the time - so...not TOO bad!

I also did my Fab Ab workout for Monday - 60 situps, 15 pushups, 50-second plank.  I counted my CrossFit pushups for the Fab Ab pushups today and did 60 situps.  I did not even attempt the plank, my arms are still shaking - more accurately, my shoulders are quivering!  Can't wait to see how sore I am in the morning!  NOT!!  :)

I haven't decided if I want to do today's workout tomorrow and just push Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, or if I want to just save it for Saturday.  I'll decide tomorrow!

I may not be the strongest.  I may not be the fastest.  But I'll be damned if I'm not trying my hardest.  This is VERY true and SO me!  I'm not the strongest (although I have difficulty admitting that!) and we know I'm not the fastest (I'm usually the slowest Mama), but damned if I'm not trying my hardest!!!  I think that's why I love CrossFit so much.  It's not really me against other Mamas (even though I try to compare all the time!!), but more me against myself.  Even when I have the WORST workout time of the day, if I see an improvement in ANY part of that workout, I am the happiest girl in the world!  Whenever I come back downstairs after workout, huffing and puffing and sucking wind, I have such a feeling of accomplishment that it makes me forget how hard the workout actually was!  It's almost how you feel after giving birth (I know, hang in there with me for a minute okay?).  No matter the pains and the tiredness you go through in labor - even that one point where you feel like you just want to stop and go home - the minute they put your baby in your arms, you've forgotten all of that and feeling of euphoria and pride come over you.  It's pretty intense.  And so many of us (even the ones who had a difficult labor before), actually go and do it again.  THAT'S how I feel sometimes with CrossFit.  It's that euphoric feeling you are trying to capture and as long as I have that more often than not, I'll keep doing it.  It makes me feel good.  It makes me proud when I sit and think, "Hey!  I did that!"

Today's workout is 7 rounds of:

   7 Push-press w/20 lbs

   7 CrossFit situps

   7 Burpees

Today's Ab Fab workout:

   60 Situps

   18 Pushups

   50-second plank

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7:47!!!!!!  WOW!  I am EXTREMELY happy with my time today!  My goal was no longer than 10 minutes, but I really wanted to be between 8 and 9 minutes since that was what the majority of the Mamas were doing, so I'm very happy with my time!!

Push-presses were done with 24 lbs.  CrossFit situps are SO much easier and I did them without having to stop.  I figured the burpees would kill me, but knew from past workouts that I could make it to 7 without having to stop (for a couple of rounds anyway).  I am still doing "beginner" burpees because I cannot get my hands on the floor without falling over just yet, but I do kick my legs out and then back in - a lot of the videos I've seen of "beginner" burpees have you just moving one leg back at a time, then bringing them in one at a time - so some progress there!

I was doing each round in 1 minute, 3 or 4 seconds up until the 5th round - then I slowed down on my situps, as well as the burpees and I was worried I wouldn't make it in the 8 minute time frame - so you can imagine how excited I was when I finished that last burpee and saw my time was under 8 minutes!!!  WOOT-WOOT!!  :)

I counted my CrossFit situps in my Fab Ab workout, adding an additional 11 to bring it to 60 for the day.  I did 18 pushups - made it to 15 before having to "stretch" it out AND I did a 50-second plank!  I try not to stare at the timer because I swear it slows down when I do, and I was about to give up and stop but when I looked at the timer, I only had 9 seconds left and made myself hold out until I was finished!  VERY proud of that since I couldn't even do 40-second planks last week!

I agree with the other Mamas - this was a really fun workout today!  :)

Fitness is like marriage...you can't cheat on it and expect it to work.  SO true!  I was writing today's workout down in my notebook and realized I have been doing CrossFit exercises for 21 weeks.  UNbelievable!  I can't believe I have stuck with it for this long and I can't believe how much I still enjoy it!  I think it's because it's different every day and because the workouts themselves aren't usually that long, although I seem to take longer than most of the Mamas out there!  I really feel good about myself and LOVE putting on my clothes and seeing the difference in the way they fit.  I still haven't lost a lot of weight, but I'm okay with that because I can (and Honey Buns can) actually SEE a difference, and honestly isn't that just as important?  I think so!  :)

Today's workout is as many rounds as possible in 12 minutes of:

   50 Squats

   30 Pushups

   15 Pullups (jump up/slow down or reverse pullups)

I think I'm going to look up some videos on reverse pullups.  My jump up/slow down pullups aren't that slow going down!  It's more like "jump up and hang on going down"!!  I really would like to see an improvement and I have to admit I can't really tell a difference in my pullups.  Sounds like a goal!

I will admit I did not do Saturday's Fab Ab workout.  I really have a hard time fitting in exercises on the weekend - I just like to chill, so I'm not going to beat myself up about it.  The Fab Ab workouts are just "extras" anyway!  That being said, today's Fab Ab is 60 situps, 15 pushups, and a 50-second plank.  Oh lord!  I hope I can do that plank!  Maybe I can since I didn't do anything over the weekend.  :)

I am also going to do one of my pre-programmed treadmill workouts today instead of my run/walk combo.  I know i can tell a difference in my running, but I'd like to see if I can tell a difference doing the treadmill workout from the last time I did it.  Interesting to find out!

I'm also hoping to have some exciting news to share this afternoon.  BIG things are happening this morning and I'm SO, SO excited!!!  

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NO time for this today.  I just got home from spending the day with my daughter.  She had an ultrasound this a.m. - first grandchild due on August 27th!!!  Super, super excited!!  :)

Run like Ryan Gosling is waiting for you at the finish line.  I'm using this today because Jenni used a shirtless picture of Ryan for today's CrossFit inspiration picture and I thought I'd continue it!  Don't you just love Ryan Gosling?  ;)

My knee seems better this morning - that's a good thing 'cause we are running today!  I need to look up stretching exercises to do before running and start doing them.  I don't normally stretch, just jump on the treadmill and go, but I really don't want to injure myself so I guess I'll try to do things the "right" way...whatever that may be.

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day.  I did - even got to spend some time with my 23 year old son since he locked himself out of his house, although it's kinda my fault for that.  My son called yesterday to wish us a Happy Valentine's Day while I was working out.  Honey-Buns told him we had his Valentine gift, so my son said he would come by and pick it up.  Well...when he walked out of his house and closed his locked door, he realized he had left his car keys and house keys inside.  He called us to bring his spare car keys (luckily he did not take them with him when he moved out!) and he came over here and stayed until his roommate got home from work.  Another lucky thing - his roommate was working in Atlanta instead of Augusta (which he's been doing lately) or there would have been a call to the landlord or locksmith.  Boys!!  Anyway, it kind of screwed up our "nighttime" lovey-dovey plans, but it's all good.  Honey Buns ended up with a migraine and went to bed to sleep it off.  I can't complain too much - he DID cook supper and cleaned up the kitchen!  :)

Okay - sorry for the sidetrack.  Today's workout:

   Run 1000 meters (.621/mile)

   50 Thrusters w/20 lbs

   30 Pushups

I will do my 8/8, 6/6, 4/4, 2/2 run/walk combo.  Normally I end up at .626/mile whenever I do that.  That usually takes me just a tad over 9 minutes and I'll factor in 5 minutes for thrusters and 5 minutes for pushups - so my goal time is 19 minutes or less.  Wish me luck with that!

Today's Fab Ab workout:

   50 Situps

   15 Pushups

   40-second plank

I haven't decided if I'm going to do an additional 15 pushups or count what I do in CrossFit.  I'll wait until I start my Fab Ab and see, but will more than likely do additional.  It can't hurt, right?  :)

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14:46!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm SO proud of my time!  I'm not too far off of everybody else...yes, I know, I know - don't compare yourself, but dammit I AM comparing today!  lol  ;)

I did my run/walk combo of 8/8, 6/6, 4/4, 2/2 with my treadmill time coming to 9:07.  I ran at 5.0 speed and walked at 3.5 speed.  I felt like I could have bumped up the speed on my running, but didn't want to because I wasn't sure how my knee was going to feel.  It felt fine, by the way.  I think I either had too much weight doing deadlifts yesterday, or I just had bad form.  I'm thinking bad form because I've used that much weight before (44 lbs).  No problems with my knee at all today.  Even my lower inside calves aren't too achy...they are achy, but nothing like they have been!  That's always a good thing!

I made sure to keep my toes up while doing thrusters, keeping my weight on my heels while going in the "squat" position before "thrusting".  Sounds so nasty, doesn't it?  lol   I used two 12-lb dumbbells - total of 24 lbs.  I was able to make it to 22 before I had to stop and shake everything out.  Then, I went to 35, 45, and the wobbliest 5 more to make it to 50.  My left arm is ridiculously weak!

Pushups seemed really hard today and that surprised me because I've been doing them every day with my Fab Ab workout.  I made it to 18, 24, then 30.  I really thought they should have been easier!

I did my Fab Ab workout of 50 situps (2 sets of 25) and I did do an additional 15 pushups which seemed easier than the ones for CrossFit...maybe because I was a little more rested and not so out of breath?  I don't actually know, but that sounds good!  Again, I could not do a 40-second plank.  I only made it to 36 seconds today - I really tried to push it, but unfortunately my "pushing it" part started at 29 seconds!  AARRGGHH!!  Soon...soon.  Just you wait!

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.  I know for a FACT how true this is!  lol  - Every day is a challenge for me....okay, not every day - it just seems like it sometimes.  I have to admit when I glanced at today's workout and saw "5 rounds" then I saw "run" I literally groaned.  Really!  I did.  But then I looked up the distance (because my mind is wonky and I can NEVER remember meter conversions!) and grinned because I KNOW I can do this!  What a great feeling - to see a run included in a 5 round workout and not dread it!  Even though I was already convincing myself this morning that I did not need to do my run/combo thing later today, I think Jenni must have had a sneaky suspicion that I would try to EXCUSE myself from doing a run and included it just for me!  Don't you like how I made that all about me?   Talk about narcissism!!  Regardless, I'm glad to see I will have to run today - even though I would have probably changed my mind by the time I got upstairs to workout this afternoon.

Today's workout is 5 rounds of:

   Run 400 meters (.249/mile)

   21 Deadlifts w/40 lbs

My goal time will be 20 minutes.  I normally finish 1/4 mile in just a tad over 3 minutes when I run 8, walk 8 - so 5 times that is 15.  I'm estimating 1 minute each round for the deadlifts, although I'm pretty positive it won't take that long since it's only 21 each round.  I'll use that extra time to blow my nose - it  ALWAYS runs when I do! - and drinking water.  Wish me luck with that!

Today's Fab Ab is 45 situps, 11 pushups, and a 40-second plank.  I get to see how sore my abs are from yesterday.  My back/shoulders are the sore spot for today, but it's not too bad.  I did not take any aspirin last night until right before I went to bed and then I only took one.  My throbbing leg pain went away pretty quickly yesterday (I was impressed!), but was a little achy right before bed so I took an aspirin so I'd be able to go to sleep without pain.

OH!  Happy Valentine's Day!  Any special plans?  Honey Buns and  I are going to breakfast together to avoid the crowds and to be alone.  This is our 31st Valentine's Day together!  Sounds crazy to me - since I'm SO young and all!  :)

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15:39, but did NOT finish!  My left knee is wonky.  I completed 3 complete rounds of the running and 2 rounds plus 12 on the 3rd of the deadlifts.   My knee started feeling funny during my 2nd round of running, but I thought I could push through the wonkiness, but when doing the deadlifts it almost completely gave out.  So, I'm taking it easy on that leg for now.  Then, when I was coming downstairs my right calf muscle cramped up BIG TIME!  Wow...I need to be nice to my legs, huh?

I was able to complete the Fab Ab workout, but did not do a 40-second plank, I only did a 29-second plank.  And, yes...my left knee felt weird while doing pushups as well.  I'll look online and see what's up.  Oh well...hopefully it will be better tomorrow!

Keep calm and kick ass...now that's a nice motto to have!  I believe I'm starting to sound a little repetetive on my blogs...not much going on here other than working out and trying to improve things on my end.  I know I sound narcissistic sometimes regarding my "awesomeness" (lol), but it's how I feel and that is the whole purpose for me and my blog - to get my thoughts down regarding working out and being honest.  I can't help it if I love myself!  (lol, again!)  ;)

I have decided to up my run/walk combo thing.  I will now do 9/9, 7/7, 5/5, 3/3, 1/1 segments.  So....we'll see how THAT goes!  Y'all wish me luck and if you don't hear from me later, please be sure to alert the authorities 'cause chances are I'll be passed out on my treadmill!!

Today's workout is 2 rounds of:

   100 Jump rope

   50 Shoulder to overhead (push presses), 20 lbs

   25 Knees to elbows

I will start out using my jump rope, but if it becomes an issue of me tripping a lot, I'll just go through the motions instead.  I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be able to jump rope!  I'm also going to do one round of knees to elbows on the floor and one round on the bar.  The last time I did them, I did them on the floor and could really feel my abs - that's a good thing, right?  I know I need to improve on the bar, so I'll start with it for the first round.

Today's Fab Ab is 45 situps, 10 pushups, and a 35-second plank.  I was so excited to make it to 40 situps yesterday without stopping.  Progress!!

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WOW, oh WOW!  It is DEFINITELY going to be a 2-aspirin kind of night!!  I don't think I picked a good day to change my run/walk combo thing!  But...I did, and I don't think I like it.  :/

9/9, 7/7, 5/5, 3/3, 1/1 - run/walk on my treadmill.  All running at 5.0 speed and all walking at 3.5 speed.  It took me 11:32, for a distance of .783/mile.  I must admit I was surprised to not be sucking wind during my 9 block run, but I patted myself on the back too soon because I WAS sucking wind on the 7 block run!  lol  The other ones were okay, but boy did I wish it was over long before it was!!  Oh well...you gotta start somewhere.

I completely cooled down from my treadmill experiment before starting today's workout. My CrossFit time was 17:25.  Round 1 took me 8:19, but I rested for a full minute before starting round 2.   I took Jen's suggestion and kicked off my shoes for the jump rope, and guess what?  It seemed to help!  I even did 24 jumps in a row without tripping.  It was shocking - I've never jumped that much without tripping.  Thanks for the suggestion, Jen!

I was glad to do the shoulder to overhead exercise - it helped improve my time.  I used 24 lbs. (2 12-lb dumbbells) and am so surprised at how much weaker my left arm is!  The first round was easy, breezy - second round?  Not so much.  I made it to 25, then had to bring my arms down.  Started back up and went to 35 before pausing, then 45, then 50.  And let me tell you...the last 2 were the hardest for my left arm.  It was SO squiggly!!

I did all knees-to-elbows on the bar, but they were knees to somewhere between my hips and my boobs for the first round and knees to just above my hips for the second round.

I have to say, I really did not want to do my Fab Ab workout, but forced myself to do it anyway.  I made it to 20 before resting (I'm blaming it on the knees-to-elbows!), then all the way to 45.  The 10 pushups were okay, but my right arm was starting to ache - I'm thinking from the bar work.  I really need to get a support band for it - time to research!  My plank was extremely wobbly today and I was staring at the timer the whole time, trying to make it get to zero telepathically.  It didn't work.

I really hope tomorrow is a fairly easy day.  Of course, that's just "tired/exhausted" me talking.  I'll be okay.  OH!  Yes!  I did stay calm and I most definitely kicked some ass today!!  :)

Good things come to those who work.  Truth!!  :)  I am so glad I am not sore this morning - my lower, inside leg muscles (on BOTH legs) were killing me after I ran yesterday!  It was a two aspirin kind of night...but they got rid of the pain, so that's all that counts.    I'm really surprised/impressed with my running from yesterday.  YES, I was tired, but I was not sucking wind like I've done in the past.  The hardest part of running for me now is my sinuses.  They just drain, drain, drain...which isn't so bad in itself, but they drain down my throat and I can't stand that!  Hopefully, I'll either get used to it, or it will go away.  I'd be happy with either outcome!

Today's workout does include running, but not a lot...YAY! 

   As many rounds as possible in 7 minutes:

      7 Deadlifts w/40 lbs

      20 meter sprint (0.124/mile)

      14 one-legged squats

      21 jump rope

      20 meter sprint (0.124/mile)

I put the mileage equivalent on there because I will be doing the sprints on my treadmill.  Everything looks pretty simple except for the one-legged squats.  We've had those before (it's been awhile) and I remember them being super hard!  Hopefully I won't fall down - I'm not worried about falling and getting hurt, I'm worried about falling and screwing up my time getting back up!  lol

Since today's workout is only 7 minutes, I think I'll make up last Friday's afterwards.  Today's Fab Ab workout is:  40 situps - 10 pushups - 35 second plank.  :)

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3 1/2 rounds in the allotted 7 minutes.  I went ahead and finished up after the timer went off, so 4 rounds total.

4 rounds - deadlifts w/44#
4 rounds - 20 meter sprint
4 rounds - 7 one-legged squats - left leg
3 rounds - 7 one-legged squats - right leg
3 rounds - 21 jump rope
3 rounds - 20 meter sprint

I turned my treadmill on to see how many "blocks" .012/mile was...it was 2 blocks.  So, for every run segment I ran 3 blocks - I added a block because most of the first block was the treadmill getting up to speed, then I'd stop the treadmill and jump onto the sides to keep from wasting time for it to stop.  I had to hold on to the wall doing the one-legged squats and there was NO way in hell I could do a pistol-squat position!  I just picked up one leg and squatted down as far as I could, which didn't seem like very far, but OMG!!  The burn in my thighs!!!  I tried to actually jump rope the first round, but wasted so much time tripping, that I just went through the motions for the remaining rounds.  You'd think my jump rope skills would improve, but NOPE...not really!  :)

I did my Fab Ab workout and am VERY proud to say I did ALL 40 situps WITHOUT stopping!  But boy, did I feel it!  My planking was not as wobbly today, so I do believe I'm getting stronger!

I did not make up Friday's workout, however, I did get back on the treadmill and ran 8/walked 8.  Hey! That beats nothing!  I can't believe how much I'm sweating from today's short workout!!

No one ever drowned in sweat.  That's good to know 'cause I KNOW I will be sweating today!  Yup...it's a run day!  A good way to start off the week, right?

I did not make up Friday's workout over the weekend, but hope to get it in one day this week.  Everyone's times were pretty short, so I should be able to do that with no problems - just not sure if I want to do it today or not.  I'll decide after my run!  ;)

For time, 3 rounds of:

   Run 800 meters (.497/mile)

   Rest 2 minutes

I'm going to do my run/walk combo - run 8 blocks/walk 8 blocks, run 6 blocks/walk 6 blocks, run 4 blocks/walk 4 blocks, run 2 blocks/walk 2 blocks.   This usually puts my at .62/mile, so I'll do that until I hit the 1.5 miles for today.  My time won't be great, but I'm not dreading running anymore, so that's progress!

I will do Saturday's Fab Ab workout before my CrossFit workout - 35 situps, 9 pushups, 30 second plank.  Then, I'll do today's Fab Ab after CrossFit - 35 situps, 9 pushups, 35 second plank.  I'll do the Friday's Fab Ab whenever I make up Friday's CrossFit.

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It is a good thing you CAN'T drown in sweat 'cause I am sweating up a storm!!  Even my workout pants are soaked!  Man, that was awesome!  My time isn't that great, but that's because I rested for over 2 minutes each rest time.  

27:01 was my total time - 21:53 was my treadmill/actual running time.  On my first run segment, I did my usual run @ 5.0 speed/walk @ 3.5 speed - 8/8, 6/6, 4/4, 2/2 - that brought me to .626/mile in 9:07. I rested for just a little over 2 minutes this time.  Then I did my run/walk thing again, but I split it up even more - 4/4, 4/4, 3/3, 3/3, 2/2, 1/1 - same amount of running/walking, just split up into smaller amounts.  This brought me to 1.253/mile on my treadmill.  I'm not sure how long I rested then - I just know it was over my 2 minutes.  Then, I was going to do a 4/4, 4/4 combo for the last quarter mile, but when  got to 4 blocks I wasn't too tired, so I  thought...I'll go to 5.  Then 6, and I focused on my spot on the wall and when I looked down I was at 7 blocks, so I thought "what the hell!" and went ahead and did 8, then finished up walking the last 8 blocks.

1.5 miles = 96 blocks

48 blocks, running

48 blocks, walking

I did do today's Fab Ab workout - 35 situps, 9 pushups, and 35 second plank.  I had planned on making up last Friday's workout afterwards, but just could not do it.  Too tired!  But, it's a good tired!  :)

I wish menus would list burpee equivalents rather than calories.  Like "If you have that pumpkin spiced latte, you might as well get down and do 367 burpees."  THAT would probably cure our obesity problems!  I don't know anyone who "loves" burpees...especially chunky people!  They are SUPER hard.  I take that back.  I don't think they are hard, but if you have a stomach that gets in the way (like I do) it's hard for you to bend over and put your hands on the floor.  You might even face plant - I know I have.  That's why I use my aerobic step on the lowest setting or the side of my treadmill.  The only thing about using the step is I can't "lay" on the floor because it's an awkward/uncomfortable position with your hands on the step.  So, I just kick my legs back, bring them in, and jump up.  Trust me...it gets your heart going and the sweat pouring!

Today's workout looks like it includes everything but the kitchen sink!  For time:

   20 Superman's 

   30 Wall ball shots w/10 lbs ball

   20 Knees to elbows

   30 box jumps, 18" box

   20 Sumo deadlift high pulls w/20 lbs

   30 Burpees

   20 Push press

   30 Walking lunges

Today's Fab Ab:

   30 Situps

   8 Pushups

   25 second plank

I am also planning on doing my run/walk combo before working out.  Y'all wish me luck!!  :)

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Will do this one day over the weekend - MAJOR sinus headache going on!  :/

Spot me, bro!  I thought this was cute.  I need a mood picker-upper today.  It's rainy outside and I'm SO sleepy!  I did NOT want to leave my warm, comfy bed this morning!!

How crazy is it that I feel bad for not doing my run/walk combo yesterday?  I kinda feel like I didn't do my workout - even though I did do the CrossFit workout AND the Fab Ab February workout!  It's insane, that's what it is!  lol   I will do my best to get my run/walk combo done today.  :)

Today's workout kind of confused me when I first looked at it.  Could it be because I'm SO sleepy?  Well, never fear...I read the two comments from other Mamas and it just clicked in my head.  Let's see if I can explain it the right way, though.

I am to do 5 cycles of as many rounds as possible in 3 minutes (resting 1 minute in between each cycle):

   3 power cleans w/30 lbs

   6 pushups

   9 squats

Thank goodness for early birds working out, or I never would have understood this!  Once I saw the "score" of others, I got it.  Are we sure it's not Wednesday?  I really feel like I have Wednesday brain going on!!

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WOW!  THAT was tough!!!  Sure...it looked easy and sounded easy when said out loud, but in this case, looks were definitely deceiving!  I just knew I could do 5 rounds - easy peasy, but NOPE!  NOT even once!  :/

Cycle 1 - 4 1/3
Cycle 2 - 4 2/3
Cycle 3 - 4 1/3
Cycle 4 - 4
Cycle 5 - 4

Since I like to total things up...
   Power Cleans - 13, 13, 13, 12, 12 = 63 - ALL with 36 lbs :)
   Pushups - 24, 30, 24, 24, 24 = 126
   Squats - 36, 36, 36, 36, 36 = 180

UNbelievable!!  The totals always sound better, don't they?  You have to admit, though, that if Jenni said do 63 Power Cleans, 126 Pushups, and 180 Squats you would think "NO way in hell!"  That's why I like to total it up.  Sounds crazy that not only CAN I do that, but I DID do that!  lol

I did do my run/walk combo - 8/8, 6/6, 4/4, 2/2 - .626/miles - 9:08.  I debated doing this before or after my workout, but am glad I did it before because I know I would have talked myself out of it if I waited until after!

I also did the Fab Ab workout for today:
   30 situps
   7 pushups
   25 second plank

So, that brings my total pushups to 133 for today!  My plank today was ridiculously wobbly.  I had planned on doing a "real" pushup from my plank position like I did yesterday, but there really was nothing left in my arms to even attempt it!  Great workout today!!  :)

It's not your aptitude, but your attitude, that determines your altitude.  I find this to be SO, so true when it comes to box jumps!  Sure, it sounds easy to do - just jump on that box! - but it is actually hard to do! I still remember the first time I did box jumps...I couldn't even jump onto a 6" box without losing my balance!  AND it was hard to make sure both feet land ON the box - sometimes I would land with one or both feet hanging on the edge, which of course would make me lose my balance.  I always made sure to position my box where I could grab onto the credenza for balance after jumping!  Now, I'm jumping onto an 11" box and I place in the closet doorway where my bar is located (I took the door off specifically for the bar), and I will grab onto the door frame occasionally for balance.  I don't know if you're supposed to or not, but I don't jump off of the box - I always step down.  I use an adjustable aerobic step and currently have it at the highest level.  I need to see if I can find a box that's higher so I can eventually make it to the requested 18" mark!

Well,  gee...wondering what's in today's workout?  Yup - you guessed it!

   For time:

      20 front squats w/40 lbs

      30 box jumps, 18" box

      40 kettlebell swings w/15 lbs

      50 wall ball shots w/10 lb ball

Looks like a fun one!  I'm also going to do my run/walk combo (8/8, 6/6, 4/4, 2/2) which is normally a little over half a mile.  Also, today's Fab Ab is 25 situps, 7 pushups, and a 20 second plank.  Most of my favorite exercises today - perfect for Hump Day!  :)

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6:15 - Not as good as most of the Mamas, but close.  I'm happy with it.  The only thing I could have done to improve my time was NOT get a drink of water after the squats (those were done in 45 seconds), and I could have sped up my box jumps - but other than that, I don't think I could have cut my time anywhere else.  I don't know how I could have improved on my kettlebell swings - I went as fast as I could and did not stop at all doing those.  Nor did I stop with the wall ball shots.  I'll take it!

I did not do my run/walk combo thing.  Honey-Buns has a doctor's appointment at 4:20, so I was in a bit of a hurry today.  Thank goodness it was a short workout, right?

However, I did do my Fab Ab workout.  I use a timer app on my Nook HD, and apparently my Nook's battery was low and I could not time my plank.  I just did the old "one-thousand, one" deal until I got to 20, then I started over and did it until I got to 5.  I wanted to make sure I was doing a full 20 second plank.  I then thought, "why not see if you can do boy pushups?"  So, I tried and did ONE.  Yes, one.  AND, it was a wobbly one on the way up!  But hey!  You gotta start somewhere!  lol  :)

   

Don't wait until you reach your goal to be proud of yourself.  Be proud of each step you take toward reaching that goal.  This is EXTREMELY true for me!  Whenever I sit and think of what I am able to do today compared to when I started my CrossFit workouts at the end of September, I am SO proud of me! Sounds a little narcissistic, doesn't it?  I don't care.  I AM a little narcissistic, among other things!  lol  I can now do CrossFit situps - I remember trying to show Honey-Buns what a CrossFit situp was and I could barely get my should blades off of the floor, much less keep my feet on the floor!  I could only do a couple of "girl" pushups at a time before giving out - now I can do anywhere from 12-20 without stopping.  I couldn't do box jumps, just step-ups - now I can jump on my aerobic step at it's highest setting (11").  I'm improving on my burpees - I still need to use my step on the lowest setting, but that's because my stomach is in the way and I face plant without it.  But, I don't feel too bad about that because I've discovered that what I do is a kind of "beginner" burpee, except they step back one leg at a time - I can kick both legs back out and in, so that's a definite improvement!  The thing I am most proud of?  The improvement in my running!  I can remember when I started this workout...I would walk anywhere from a 3.0 to a 3.5 speed (but mostly 3.3), and I would run at 4.0.  Yesterday I ran at 5.0!  AND was NOT sucking wind when I hit the 8 block mark!  Was I tired?  Oh yeah.  But after every run segment, I was grinning like a silly little girl!  THAT is why I am continuing these workouts.  They make me feel good.  Looking good is just a bonus that comes along with it!  I am so glad I came across these workouts on Pinterest.  I know I've said it before, but thanks Jenni for taking the time to put them together!!

Today's workout is a run - I knew when Jen M. suggested to Jenni today would be a good day for a run for her due to less wind being forecasted in her neck of the woods.  But that's okay - I'm not dreading it because I know I'm better at it!  :)

Do as many rounds as you can in 20 minutes of:

   Run 400 meters (.249/mile)

   7 pushups

I will do my usual combo of running and walking - run half, walk half.  AND, I will run at 5.0 speed again!   SO proud of that!!

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4 rounds  :/   I was hoping for 5, but just could NOT get back on that treadmill today!  All runs at 5.0 speed and walks at 3.5 speed - woot-woot!!  Whatever muscle is on the inside of your lower leg is KILLING me on BOTH legs!  OMG!!  Dee pain!  Dee pain!  lmao

It really does hurt, so I'll definitely be taking some aspirin in just a few minutes.  They've been sore since the jumping jacks on Friday, were okay during my run segment yesterday, but hurt after the box jumps, so...who knows?  Just when I was SO happy to not be sore anymore!!

I completed my Fab Ab February workout today - 25 situps, 6 pushups (yes, I did 6 more - it didn't kill me!), and a 20 second plank.  My plank was better today, so I'm happy with that!

Of course it burns, but complaining won't make you look good naked!  A little inspiration to kick off the week!  lol  Oh my goodness - my calves were ridiculous this weekend!  They hurt EVERY time I moved my legs!  What is it about jumping jacks that does that?  Well...other than the fact that I did 500 jumping jacks on Friday?  ha!  THAT was insane!!

I did not work out over the weekend.  Saturday was a busy, running errands, enjoying the sunshine kinda day and yesterday?  Well...I was just a lazy bum yesterday.  I didn't even get out of my pj's except to dress and go to the store for milk!  No excuses...just lazy.  Although, I guess that IS an excuse, but it's the truth.  :)

I picked the Ravens to win yesterday for two reasons - they were the underdog and I ALWAYS pull for the underdog; and they had a player that went to UGA!  OH, and they have Michael Oher who is the dude the movie "Blind Side" is about, so I was okay with picking them.  It was a tough choice to pick because I don't really care for either team.  It killed me to pick the Ravens because I really dislike Ray Lewis, but I dislike San Francisco's coach more (he just seems like such a smart ass!) and I don't know what it is about their quarterback, but I really don't like him either.  Hopefully, my Patriots and Falcons will be there next year!  

Today's workout is for time, 3 rounds of:

   15 pushups

   15 pullups (jump up/slow down)

   30 deadlifts w/40 lbs

   30 box jumps, 18"

Not too shabby!  I'm going to add 7 pushups  and 21 thrusters w/10 lbs to each round, so I'm making up for last Wednesday's workout that I missed.  I'll also do Saturday's and today's Fab Ab workouts as well. 

   Saturday - 15 situps - 5 pushups - 15 second plank

   Today - 20 situps - 6 pushups - 20 second plank

WOW!  A lot of making up to do today.  Oh well, that's what I get for being a lazy bum, huh?  :)

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27:12 - Not bad...not my goal time, but I'll take it!  I did my run/walk thing before today's workout and guess what?  ALL of my runs were at 5.0 speed!  Can I get a holla up in heah?  Hellzzz yeah!!!  All works were at 3.5 - I'm doing good to keep that pace after running!  lol  I went a distance of .626/miles in 9:09, so I knocked 6 seconds off of my time from last week!  YUP!!!

Apparently I have been working out long enough to feel guilty whenever I don't do the workout, so I made sure I made up Wednesday's workout with today's workout.  :)

Combining last Wednesday's workout with today's:
   22 pushups
   15 pullups
   30 deadlifts w/44 lbs
   30 box jumps w/11" box
   21 thrusters w/24 lbs

I also did my Fab Ab Feb workout from Saturday and today's:
   35 situps (15/Saturday, 20/today)
   11 pushups (5/Saturday, 6/today)
   15 second plank
   20 second plank

My shins/calves are still not recovered from Friday's jumping jacks!  They are THROBBING right now!  

Fab Ab February

I hope you can see this okay.  If not, let me know and I'll post each day below.  :)

The gym...where fat is burned, and pride is earned.  This is how I feel after yesterday's workout!  I think I had the worst time yesterday, but I am SO proud of myself.  I can tell a HUGE difference in my running and that makes me smile.  I'm slowly getting there!  

I do have to talk about soreness...I know, I know - I'm ALWAYS talking about soreness, BUT I'm actually NOT sore this morning!  WOW!  I know, right?  ;)

Today's workout is NOT an easy one, even though today IS Friday! 

   For time:

      5 Knees to Elbows

      10 Deadlifts, 40 lbs

      15 CrossFit Situps

      50 Jumping Jacks

      5 Knees to Elbows

      10 Deadlifts, 40 lbs

      15 CrossFit Situps

      100 Jumping Jacks

      5 Knees to Elbows

      10 Deadlifts, 40 lbs

      15 CrossFit Situps

      150 Jumping Jacks

      5 Knees to Elbows

      10 Deadlifts, 40 lbs

      15 CrossFit Situps

      200 Jumping Jacks

I'm going to try to do my knees-to-elbows on the bar today.  I did them on the floor the other day and they were KILLER on my abs.  I haven't done anything on the bar since I hurt my elbow, so I think it's time to try it out again.  I have no soreness whatsoever in that area now.  Hopefully, everything will be good!

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29:12 - NOT a good time AT ALL!!  I switched the jumping jacks around, doing 200 with the first round, then 150, then 100, and ending the last round with 50.  I had to stop A LOT during my jumping jacks for the first two rounds - my calves and my feet were cramping.  The calves I can work through the pain - it's not unusual for me for them to feel the "burn" first, but it normally goes away (which it did do), but the bottom of my feet cramping up were KILLING me!  I finally took off my shoes and footies and did the jumping jacks barefoot.  I really wish I had done that to begin with - it was SO much better and NO cramps.  Maybe something about shoes and the way my feet land?  I don't know, I just know it was a lot better barefoot!  I'll try to remember that the next time we have jumping jacks.

I was VERY happy with my knees to elbows - I got my knees to my boobs and actually was doing the "swinging" movement that you see in the videos.  I've never "swung" like that before - it was pretty stationary trying to bring my knees to my elbows, so a BIG improvement there!  

Deadlifts were easy - I used two 22 lb dumbbells, bringing my total weight to 44 lbs.  I really tried to focus on my form so I wouldn't stretch my back muscles and I think I succeeded!

Situps are awesome!!  I don't know why, but I always close my eyes when doing situps.  It just seems easier that way.  Silly?  Yup!  Does it work for me?  Oh, hell yeah!  lol

Oh - today starts Fab Ab February!  I did 10 situps, 4 pushups, and a 10 second plank.  I'll post the February workout in a separate blog.

I'll do my missed workout tomorrow, plus I plan on doing my run/walk combo on both days over the weekend.  Y'all have a good one!