First Month

So it's been about a month with Paleo and it's been a good month. Weekends are still hard though. I still haven't had a completely "clean" week. I blame the Packers, people have bonfires and a little something called flavored creamers.

Anyways, last night Chris made a delicious meal, just some grilled chicken and squash but it was SO good. I'm glad he supports me in my eating choices. Not like he eats unhealthy, but he knows the things I can't/won't eat and makes meals based off of that.

Other things that I've noticed...I think I've mentioned this before but I've been sleeping great. Really deep, too. I used to get up 1-2 times a night for no reason. Now I sleep through the whole night! AND I feel refreshed.

Also, from clean eating, I feel like my abs really popped this past week. This is actually one of my life goals...to obtain 6 pack abs. 80% food, 20% gym!

Realization

So today at the gym I noticed the workout said Deadlifts...which excited me because I have been wanting to work on my form. About 3 weeks ago for the Paleo challenge we had to do body weight (BW) deadlifts, which absolutely killed my back because my technique was so off AND because the weight was too heavy! But I was forced to Rx it because that is what I did the other workouts as. (Rx = prescribed/recommended)

Anyway, like I said, that was about 3 weeks ago, I think my weight for BW deadlift then was 115 (I may have been doing 112.5, can't remember). But TODAY, I totally deadlifted 120 lbs! With great form (thanks to Blue) AND without curving my back like I was a few weeks ago. I totally can do more, I just know it. I'm so excited that I've gotten stronger and have finally learned how to properly deadlift. It's more so a push than a lift and less stress should be on your back.

So, yeah, I love PRs. Why don't more people do this kind of stuff? It doesn't even have to be weight lifting...anything in life...running, cooking, reading, writing, work,....just push yourself to the next level and see what you can handle, mentally, physically and beyond. Totally made my week.

Paleooomg.

I'm kind of in a rut with Paleo. I'm buying the same foods and I've sort of stopped looking up recipes and new foods. So there's that.

I'll work on it. I have time during my day/night to prepare, I just don't do it.

In other news, I did 52 pullups today in 8 minutes (assisted of course). Tomorrow I may be sore...

Goal

I have so many thing I want to accomplish in my 20s and I get this mentality that I'm almost 24 and a half and that I'm not THAT old but I'm also not THAT young, so I need to get on my goals and actually do them. That was a horribly long sentence. Anyways, I've been looking into doing a powerlifting meet for many months. I've researched different meets online but haven't found any in the area. BUT! Yesterday I found one near Chicago on March 16th, 2013. And that's totally enough time for me to start/continue training.

I just want to have some support in this crazy goal of mine.  Anything you do in life (or don't do) there will always be naysayers or people who think you're nuts. But sometimes you have to do what you want to do.

That's my little tidbit for the day. I need to remember this: I don't need to be doing what someone/everyone else is doing.

Day 18

Hello! I haven't blogged in a while about my Paleo adventure, although I have made 3 video blogs. Maybe I will post those. It's been going pretty well.

The first week was rough. I was tired every day even though I had a great night's sleep. Week two was a lot better as my body had adjusted to the lack of sugar.

My only struggle has been the weekend. I could easily have no cheats but I give in to a beer here or a cookie there, especially on football Sundays. Ugh. So I'm just going to realistically designate one cheat per weekend. I've had 10 so far.

I think this is a lifestyle I could get used to as I really do not miss bread and dairy makes my stomach upset anyway. The only things I miss are a little creamer in my coffee, oatmeal and ricecakes lol. Oh and maybe a little icecream (the only dairy I'll do).  Of course, after the challenge it will be nice to have a burger with a bun or a cookie here or there, but I think with this clean eating I just feel better and definitely sleep better too.

Oh, and I had duck for the first time last night. Delicious!

Day 4

OK...so Day 4 and I had my first cheat (non-paleo) meals.

I was at my internship today and there were Krispy Kreme donuts from the newly hired therapist. I couldn't pass one up. I haven't had one of those in years. Heck, maybe a decade. There were also these DELICIOUS chocolate chip bars that someone made and I had probably three of those.  So that was cheat #1. The second cheat was my breadstick at my dad's birthday tonight. No big deal, really, since I had a salad. The last cheat was the cake for dessert, which was oh so good.

So three cheats today. At least the other three meals were healthy.

My stomach is definitely feeling it though. Yucky...now I remember why I am doing all this clean eating....

Day 3

SO, onto Day 3 for the Paleo challenge.

I had a delicious breakfast...Ever try cracking an egg into a coffee mug, adding peppers, tomatoes and onions to it and then microwaving for 45 seconds?  What a treat.

Anyway, I have been so lethargic lately due to my reduction in carbohydrates. For example, yesterday I had the laziest bum of a day. Literally. I sat around and wrote a paper, dilly-dallied on the computer, took a nap and then went to dinner with friends. But you know what? I slept through THE WHOLE NIGHT! That never happens!

So I don't know if that's a coincidence that I slept through the night, or if it's because I'm not eating sugar. Either way, the lack of sugar is definitely making me feel tired. I've read that my body will get used to this.

I haven't had ANY stomach problems either, which is really nice. And I haven't had any "cheat" meals, even though I went out with friends last night. I ordered a steak salad and it was probably the best salad I've ever eaten (Go to Comet on Farwell if you're ever in Milwaukee).

That's about it. Can't wait to go to bed tonight.

Day 1

So...Day 1 of the Paleo challenge in the books.

Here's what I ate:

Breakfast- Hardboiled egg
    Coffee with almond milk
Snack-Scrambled egg with peppers, tomatoes, and onion and almonds
Lunch-Salad romaine, kale, with onion, avocado, peppers, sun flower seeds and vinegar dressing.
Snack-Avocado
Dinner-Turkey burger and sweet potato
Snack-Carrots/almonds

I also tried almond milk for the first time today and I love it!

The WOD for the challenge today was (for time) 75 reps of power snatches...Women's Rx was 55#. Totally Rx'd it....OH YEAH.

I'm tired...Goodnight!

Results

Just had to write down this from today's workout....

5 minutes for each workout..AMRAP (as many reps as possible)

40 back squats 95#
62 double unders
42 hand stand push ups

Paleo Preppin'

It's a little over a week before I begin my Paleo Challenge. I've been eating horribly lately. Well, horrible to me. Mainly because I won't get to eat like this for 2 months and also so that I appear to make more progress during the challenge. Is that considered cheating? lol I've gained 5 pounds in 2 weeks, so that's 5 more pounds that I can lose during the challenge. Measurements, benchmarks and before pictures are next week.

I'm off to the store to buy some sweet potatoes and maybe some other things. I'm planning on making sweet potatoes chips to snack on during the Packer game tomorrow! I love sweet potatoes and these chips are paleo friendly!

Labor Day WOD

Hello!

Yesterday CFG had a Labor Day team WOD with a whole bunch of people. It was awesome.

Here are some more pictures:

 

Holding a front rack while my partner rows.

 

That's me in the middle! Holding an overhead press while my partner did burpees.

Blinded by the sun....holding a tricep dip while my partner does thrusters.

And some pictures from previous workouts...:

 

Front rack lunges

 

 

Pistols...ow.

 

Warming up with rows.

 

I PR'd for the benchmark! Last time I did this WOD I didn't do it in under 30...one month later I did it in 28:43!

Paleo Challenge.

Today I officially signed up for the Paleo Challenge through this website. My CrossFit gym had mentioned it and I thought it would be awesome to try. Through the website you get to keep track of your meals, your measurements, benchmarks (through WODs) and overall progress.  You also get to see your fellow CrossFitters and their progress.

I was a little hesitant to try this "diet", mainly because I don't like trends or fads and certainly don't like eating healthy to be considered a "diet".  I'd rather call it the Paleo "lifestyle", or "clean eating", not a diet.  But I figured this way of eating has some serious benefits, physically and beyond.  I have also been noticing how sensitive my stomach is to certain foods, dairy and grains mostly, and figured I might as well give it a shot.

If you're curious as to what the Paleo diet looks like, this is basically it.

 

So...no dairy food (not a problem for me), no cereal grains (oatmeal, breads, pizza, etc) no legumes (beans, peas, peanut butter, no alcohol.)

Ok, so the peantbutter and alcohol thing is going to be extremely hard. However, I can have 6 oz of red wine a night.

This challenge starts Sept 17 and ends November 18th. This will be my next "hobby"!

Bunion.

I have a  bunion on my right foot and it's gotten bigger in the last year or so.

I guess people get surgery to correct bunions, but I don't want to do that in fear of my running/working out days to be over/significantly limited.  But I guess it's just going to get worse....

So I think in order to reach my running/working out goals I'm just going to plan to work super hard this upcoming year, crank out lots of races and PRs......and then get the surgery.

THEN, if a doctor tells me I can't run as much anymore, I will have already achieved my running goals and won't be too heartbroken.

SO, here's some goals for the rest of 2012 and 2013....

1. Run a 10K in under an hour.
2. Run a 15K
3. Increase my 3 lifts (BP, DL, Squat)
4. Do a powerlifting meet
5. Run a half marathon.

Shove it, bunion!

Squats

We did mostly squats at CrossFit today.

My numbers:

Overhead squat-70
Front squat-115
Back squat-130

Squat Cleans

So proud of my progress. Today, I did:

Squat Cleans 65#
Tricep Dips
30-20-10

Basically, 30 Squat cleans, 30 tricep dips, 20 squat cleans, 20 tricep drips..etc.

I really don't like cleans, but with the squat in there, (which I love) it was bearable. I am so excited that I was able to do Rx (what is recommended weight).  Usually after so many reps of something, my arms give out, but I was able to do the whole workout with 65# :) That's 60 reps!

Oh hey

Yesterday's WOD was exhausting.

First, 50 thrusters (basically squat down and then push the bar up over your head)

 

Then 100 double-unders (the rope goes under your feet twice with one jump) or 300 singles. I alternated, so I did about 250 jumps.

 Lastly, we had to run 400 m with a 25 pound plate (guys had to do 35)

It was really awkward running with the weight. I finished it all in about 12 minutes.

Oh yeah, did I mention I ran my first 10k on Sunday?

Thursday's WOD

Today's workout was great.

10 Power snatches 65/95  I did 45#
20 toes to bar
400 m run
50 sit ups
400m run
20 toes to bar
10 power snatches 65/95

It was raining/storming during the workout so Frank said we could choose between the 400m run outside in the rain or a 400m row.  I chose the row.  I wish I had chosen the run outside since that would have been a nice cool-off. Maybe a little risky with the lightning strikes, but fun all the same.

I've been focusing more on "clean" eating.  The past few months I've been eating oatmeal. I've never been a big oatmeal person but I tried the flavored stuff in the little pouches and I loved them.  Five pouches are about 2 or 3 bucks.  So like I said, I've been trying to eat fresher foods and foods that are not processed.  I decided to make my own oatmeal.  I  bought some rolled oats at the store the other day, put some in a bowl, added a little milk and water, a little sugar/cinnamon and microwaved for a minute and a half. It looks EXACTLY like the pouches of oatmeal I would buy, but without all the added stuff.  Once that is down cooking I add fruit, like blueberries, bananas and grapes to it. Deeeelish!

One thing I must add, like I said before, those oatmeal pouches cost about 2 to 3 dollars for 5. I bought 3/4 of a pound of rolled oats for 70 cents! I can probably make at least 15 oatmeal pouches with that. SO much cheaper.

Anyways, I'm a bit annoyed that I love almonds, cashews and walnuts so much and yet they are so expensive.

Resting on Mondays

I think I will start this thing where I don't work out on Mondays. It's been working out great for me.

On Sunday nights I always feel so blah from a weekend of poor eating and adult beverages that I tell myself a good CrossFit sweat session on Monday morning will do wonders.

Then I wake up on Monday and think...uh yeah no way.  That's kind of what happened today.  And then I feel sorta guilty for not working out at all.

So I'm just going to not plan on ever working out on Mondays so that I won't ever be disappointed.

I did get a little workout in this weekend.....

Overheard squats..my favorite!

Taking it easy

I skipped CrossFit today because my lumbar is a little strained from deadlifts on Friday.  Instead I ran 6 miles and am now enjoying a peanut butter chocolate banana protein shake. Delish!

"Nothing we can't handle!"

Today was the closest I ever got to dying from exercise!

Friday WODs are usually the toughest and today was definitely that. If you're not a CrossFitter you won't understand this (or maybe you will) but this was what we did:

"300" work out
25 Pull ups
50 Deadlifts 135/95 (I did 75#)50 Pushups
50 Box Jumps 24in/20in
50 Floor Wipers with barbell used for deads (Lay on floor, barbell over chest like a benchpress and pendulum your legs left and right)
50 total Single-Arm Clean-and-Press with 35/25 lbs Kettlebell (so alt arms)
25 Pull ups

The time to finish it in was 30 minutes...and I totally didn't make it under that time.  SHIT. WAS. HARD. I was sweating 5 times more than I ever did from Spin class. I had a fly that kept landing on me because of the moisture emanating from my slick bod.  I ended up falling 20 pull ups short by the time the timer hit 30 minutes, but the other three people encouraged me to finish up the workout, so I did (I wouldn't have, otherwise, honestly).

After that I met up with my running friend Kourtney and we ran 6 miles along the Oak Leaf Trail. We intended to go for 7 miles but it was so darn hot. We jogged past a 60+ year old gentleman runner who smiled at us and said "Nothing we can't handle!" referring to the heat and fatigue we were feeling. I felt motivated after that (and decided to name this entry title after his phrase).  I hope to be old someday and still have the strength and motivation to keep active like that.

Anyways...you're stronger than you think you are! Have a great weekend!

Yesterday

Yesterday's WOD was the following:

For Time:
"Chipper Jones"
10 Overhead squats (115/75 lbs)
10 Bar facing burpees
10 Thrusters (115/75 lbs)
10 Power cleans (115/75 lbs)
10 Toes to bar
10 alternating 1 arm ketelbell swings to eye level (so 20 total)
10 Toes to bar
10 Power cleans (115/75 lbs)
10 Thrusters, (115/75 lbs)
10 Bar facing burpees
10 Overhead squats (115/75 lbs)

I did it in 13:58 with my weight at 55. There is no way I can thrust or clean 75# just yet...

Oh! Did I mention I signed up for a 10k? I ran 6 miles last week with my friend Kourtney and it really motivated me to sign up for one. Before last week I had NEVER run more than a 5k, so it was pretty exciting to see growth.

Monday

I must reiterate the fact that I love doing CrossFit at the 7:30am class. It was just me and two others girls and I like the personal aspect of a smaller group, plus there's more attention given to each person.

The WOD today wasn't terribly difficult.  We did (I think) 8 rounds of 20 second tabata jumps with the big tire, with 10 second rests in between.  After that we did overhead squats (I LOVE squats) and gradually built up to a PR. Today was a benchmark day (they do it at the end of each month) to see how far you've come throughout the month. Since I started CrossFit halfway through the month I didn't have one, but either way I had a PR of 80# for overhead squat!

Totally want to buy these socks. It will prevent bruises from deadlifts!

Nothing quite like a..

There's nothing quite like a cold chocolate soy protein shake after a 6 mile run along the lakefront followed by an intense CrossFit workout.

I am totally going to sign up for a 10k!

You are always stronger than you seem!

Short and sweet

Happy Friday!

Not much to say...just posting a picture from yesterday's WOD. This was part of the workout where we did the Farmer's carry with 35# ketelbells. KILLS your forearms!  Notice my painful grimace.

Few things...

Hi readers...or reader...or just myself,

A few things for today:

1. I like going to the 7:30AM WOD. The 6AM was pretty packed last week, because I believe people go to that one to get their workout in before work. Now at 7:30 it was just myself and two other people. This is probably because most people probably start work at 8 or 9 and the 7:30 class would be cutting it close.  Ok, so maybe I overthink things.

2. I have a strong desire to participate in a powerlifting meet. Maybe not soon, or maybe not even in 2012, but it is going to happen. Similarly, I'd like to do a Figure competition.

3. I have wanted to do a mission trip for the longest time. I really need to make this happen.

4. I also want to meet Jodi Picoult.

WOD was moderately difficult today. Power cleans (had too much weight on the bar, did 3 in 2 minutes *shakes head*), Farmers carry with 35# kettelbell (did 240 meters in 2 minutes), push ups (38 in 2 minutes!), and jump rope double unders (I did 3 double unders and about 50 singles)

Tonight I am working out with Chris...he's known about my powerlifting dream and is helping me with the lifts (squat, bench press, deadlift).

WOD #2

Today was my second workout for CrossFit. We focused on overhead presses and pull ups today (to prepare for the WOD).

The WOD consisted of 4 stations
1. tire flips
2.100 m sprints 
3. prowler push and
4. rope climb.

4 minutes each, AMRAP!

The prowler push was probably the hardest. I was sweating bullets after that. I would have climbed the rope more times if I can just figure out the foot work...

I'm a really slow learner.

I don't know if that's correct, of if I just lack common sense or the ability to see the big picture. I feel like I complicate things when they are taught to me, and then I look stupid.

Anyways, here's a picture from my first official workout last Friday. That's me in the pink squating down, and  my sister Melissa in the green shorts is to the right.

Soy protein.

I've been thinking about incorporating protein shakes into my diet. Now I know I can't do whey protein so I think I am going to try soy protein. I just feel like I need more protein in my life.

Sweat.

Today was the last on-ramp class and it was a doozy.  Normally they are 6 sessions but because it was just me and one other guy we breezed through it pretty quickly.  Today we worked with Nina and did the snatch lift. This lift, along with the clean lifts, will take some practice. We also did ketelbell snatches and worked on the row machine. I felt like Noah in the Notebook.

We ended today with Nina asking us what lifts we liked throughout on-ramp and said she would create our last workout using those preferences. I said I liked the deadlifts, the other guy Aaron said he liked the power cleans (How DARE he! LEAST favorite lift). SO, we did 3 reps of 10 deadlifts, 10 power cleans and 250 meter rows.

I've never sweat so much in my life. Even more than spin class. Then I rollerbladed about 4.5 miles. Going to be sore tomorrow!

Whey allergy? Or Lactose intolerant?

So..side note. Been trying to figure out what is going on with my body.

So I know I can't do protein bars, shakes, or powders. I immediately feel a tingling/itching in my throat. One time, I ate half a protein bar of Chris's and spent an hour in pain, nursing the intense chest-tightness that ensued.  I figured it was probably a whey protein allergy.

So, then I decided to dig a little deeper. As a kid, I LOVED mac and cheese and ate it quite frequently. Every time I did this, though, I experienced a discomfort in my chest, what I used to call "heart burn". I used to think it was because I devoured that mac and cheese so fast, but now it's starting to all seem so clear. I get discomfort from most milk products. I love icecream, cheese and most other dairy, but it makes me feel funny and generally gives me the shits (sorry).

Now...the internet tells me that an allergy is different than intolerance.  An allergy attacks your immune system and could potentially be deadly, while an intolerance makes digestion difficult and uncomfortable. 

So what I'm thinking is that I have an allergy to whey, but an intolerance to milk products (except yogurt, I love yogurt, thanks to the pro biotic cultures)

I found this: "Whey protein is found in lactose-based dairy products, such as cow’s or goat’s milk, cheese, sour cream, ice cream, and yogurt. Whey products are often high in lactose, and most products with whey will cause considerable discomfort for the typical person suffering from lactose intolerance." source

So starting today, I am going to eliminate milk products.

Another day in the box...

Yesterday was the 4th day of CrossFit on ramp.  We focused on the Olympic Power clean lift, which was really not my thing. I'm sure with practice it will come, but it wasn't my favorite. After that we did some ketelbell swings and turkish get-ups.

We ended with 2 reps of 8 power cleans, 8 ketelbell swings and 8 box jumps. Then a 400 meter run. My quads were feeling it. I was dying!

Yikes. It will only get worse from here!

Here I am!

Hey, I made it on the CrossFit website!

Front squat.

Pistols!

Squats!

Second day of CrossFit training in the books!

We focused on squats, some box jumps and knee-to-elbow pull ups.  There were 4 different squats we were taught. Who knew there were 4?  Since the weather is finally bearable and not ungodly humid anymore, we got to do the squats outside with the pipes for practice.  Then we went inside and used the heavier barbells.  I didn't put any weight on just yet so I just squated the bar, which is still 30lbs.  I like squats so I did pretty well at this, but still learned better and proper form.

After this we were taught pistols, which of course are one-legged squats.  Frank was impressed that I was able to do this!  My partner Aaron was also decent at them.  Frank said it was the first on-ramp group that was good at them.  He got pictures so check their website soon!  We also practiced jumps with the wooden boxes.

After this we practiced elbow-to-knee pullups and toe-to-bar pull ups, using the kipping style.

The last 5 minutes we did our workout, which was 8 front squats, 8 boxes jumps, 4 pistols, 8 knee-to-toe pull-ups, AMRAP (as many reps as possible).

A 5 minute workout and I was beat!

Can't wait til Friday...we're going to practice dead lifts!.

CrossFit!

Hi there everyone! Can't believe it's July already!

Time for a new hobby. This one I attribute to my oldest sister, Melissa.  My new hobby is CrossFit!  I am beyond excited to start this new chapter in my life.  My current workouts have been mediocre at best and I was looking for something to really kick it up a notch.  My sister said I would do awesome with CrossFit, so she helped me sign up.  To find out more what CrossFit is click here! since it is kind of hard to explain.

Every so often they have on ramp classes, which basically teach you the proper technique for the movements and other important information about CrossFit.  There are 6 classes and today I had the first one.  It was just me and one other guy, and Frank, the gym owner, so it was basically a personal training session.  It was about an hour and we worked a lot on shoulders. We were taught a few lifts, did pushups, sit ups and practiced kip pullups.  I was all about the pullups because I love doing them and want to build up strength to do more.

After that, we did the WOD (workout of the day), which, for us, was 7 push presses, 7 sit ups, 7 pushups, repeat 3x.  We were timed and will work on improving that time. I did it in 4:11.

I took before pictures of my bod today so that I can see my progress along the way.  Perhaps I will post them, although I want to avoid the "Oh Amanda you're already in shape" comments!

Anyway, I can't wait for the next session on Wednesday! We're going to work on squats...another favorite of mine :)

-Amanda

Head, Personality, Heart

I pinned something yesterday that said "Divide your race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart."

What a concept--

First part with your head: Okay, that makes sense, seeing as how the first part of a race is usually the easiest, right? You're feeling great, keeping a great pace, admiring nature....

Second part with your personality: ....Then it kind of hits you, the reality of it all. Your heart rate starts to level off and adjust, but your breathing picks up a little. Sweat droplets start forming at your hairline and make their path down your temples.  Better take your mind off things and run with and like your personality---hopefully that is bubbly, tough, stubborn, determined, upbeat and creative.

Third part with your heart: Of course, the last third you save for your heart!---the one thing people always tell you to "follow", that it's always right, and is usually synonymous with drive, determination and spirit. Once you're in the final stretch it is your heart you have to listen to, not your head (or your personality for that matter). Your head might tell you to quit, but your heart? Your heart will tell you that stopping now will only make you regret it later, that the quicker you run the sooner you'll finish, that winners don't quit.  Your heart will push you to the finish line.

Anyways, on that note, I am running this month's 5K on June 30 in Madison, WI. It is before the big Rhythm and Booms celebration.

Byeee!

Ooops.

Oops. I've kind of failed at updating this.  But I did run a 5k a few weeks ago..May 19 to be exact.  It was a super hot day, but I was determined to PR.  I told myself that if I didn't PR I would start training for a 10k.  Anyways, the 5k was in Racine and I really liked it because it had timers at each mile so you knew what your pace was. I didn't like that it wasn't chipped, but I started right at the front so it wasn't too bad.

I had 25:41 to beat. As I passed the 3 miles timer it read 25:05...I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh, I'm going to  beat my last time!"  I guess I underestimated how long it takes me to run .1 of a mile, especially after running 3 in the heat.  I crossed the line at 25:41....yep, you read correcly, the same. exact. time.

At least I know I was right on pace...

EDIT-Got the official result...I ran it in 25:40...one second faster. Holla.

25:41

Ran my April 5k yesterday and beat my last time by 4 seconds!  Don't you feel like there comes a point where you say to yourself "Is it physically possible for me to do better than that?"  I am little and while I feel like I could pick up my pace and PR at my next 5k, there has to be a limit eventually, right?  Like a personal best that can never be beaten?

I'm not really sure where I was going with that, but it makes sense to me =]

Back to it.

Well, after an Easter weekend filled with treats and calorie overload, I am back to eating healthy and working out.  It's always a little tough when you get back to the gym after 4 or 5 days off.  I always think "I should really take it easy" but then I think..."No..I should really be kicking my ass and making up for lost time."

Today I was really annoyed because this one guy was on the pull up machine when I wanted to go on it. I figured I would just do my cardio while he was on it.  Once I was done with that, (twenty minutes later)..he was still on it! Okay, mister, did someone miss the lesson in school about sharing?

Needless to say, I did not get my pullup workout in. Boo.

Did I mention that I've been doing the Ab workout for P90X? It's awesome! I really want to do the whole program but have no idea how to eat during it. Hm..

Also, running update...I didn't sign up yet, but I am planning on doing Crazy Legs in Madison. I hear it's fun, but it's an 8k. I've never done one but I figure I'd give it a shot. THEN, Run like a Mother on Mother's day. My mom is doing her first 5k! Can't wait!

Goal for this week: Run 4 miles. AND do my first dead lift!

Run for Fun.

I think my new hobby will be running.  Yeah, yeah I know I've been running for a while now but I've just recently discovered its benefits, both physically and psychologically.  Next week will be my last of five 5ks in the Winter Run Series.  I can proudly say I've increased my time for each run.  I've shaved nearly 10 minutes off my very first 5k.  It is amazing to see progression!

I must attribute my motivation and inspiration to my sisters, Melissa and Rebecca. They are the ones that I truly look to, not just for running, but for advice, insight and support.

My goal is to run a 10k by the end of the summer. Currently I am dreading any distance longer than 3.1 miles but with constant effort and persistence I will increase my endurance!

If you're a fan of running (and a female) have you heard of Girls Gone Strong? Have you heard of Girls on the Run?

Also, Chris put my blanket-in-progress in the cabinet with the can opener again. Hmph. Someday I will finish it.

Failure to reach deadline.

Hi....no I did not forget about this blog, and no I did not finish my blanket (yet).

I really underestimated how long it takes to crochet a blanket, especially one of this size.

I've made progress even though I completely failed in reaching my deadline.

In case you were wondering, I plan on doing 13-4-13-4-13 blue/white row pattern. Maybe I'll finish it by my birthday (April 12)?

What shall be my next hobby?

Not gonna happen.

Well hello! It has been a while. Can I start off by saying that I've been slacking on my blanket? I had planned to have it finished by next week but that is just not going to happen. Maybe by my birthday....

I'll post a picture of my progress soon.

Cheers!

Keep it out

I don't know a lot, but I do know that leaving your hobby out where you can see it will help you complete a project/work towards your goal.

Chris was cleaning up and put my plastic bag of yarn and blanket (Okay okay, it's more of an awkwardly wide scarf) in a cupboard in the kitchen. Where the can opener goes. Come on. At LEAST put such a bag with those contents in the linen closet with the towels.

I insist that it stay on the living room floor.  But then I remembered that I don't live with the kid and took it home with me. Now it sits on the chair in my living room.  My 'rents won't touch it. =]

Happy 2012!

Happy 2012!  It's been a good couple days...lots of talk about people's holidays, hearing about resolutions and struggling to write the correct year.  I've never really had a resolution, mainly because I have this mentality that just because it is a new year doesn't mean you need to make all these sudden changes; you can make them happen any time of the year!

So anyways, time for a new hobby. I chose crocheting!

What you need to crochet: Yarn, crochet hook, patience!

My grandma taught me how to single crochet a few years back and I had made a potholder.  I decided I wanted to make my first blanket, so I went out to JoAnn fabrics after Christmas (tons of sales/clearance items!) and purchased some yarn and a crochet hook.

 I've been hooked ever since! (no pun intended). I'm not sure if I am going to use another color, I might just make it a solid blue. I'm also not expecting this thing to be perfect, since I think I already miscounted stiches :-/  

 My blanket after a week!

Also, this blanket is a double stich crochet. With the help of youtube, I taught myself to double crochet =]

Start date: December 27, 2012
End date (goal): February 29, 2012

I'm hoping more people in my life start popping out babies so that I can make baby blankets too!