My Passion is....

Hello Loves! Happy Hump Day! Only two more days till I'm in CALI to see my DA! I can't wait!! Today marks Day 3 for Joi's Mini Blog Challenge. I missed Day 1, but you can see Day 2 here.  Today we are to write about our passion....I have a bunch of them but I feel as though a lot of folks want more information on CrossFit -- and I clearly have a passion for that :)

I'll discuss terms, why I started, why I think you should try it and what's next for my CrossFit life :)

First, lets cover some basics -- we have certain terms (I'll only cover the three main ones):

• Box - this is our "gym"...it's where we train. Most boxes were started in old garages or warehouses so you can get the term quickly from that
  
  
• WOD - Workout of the Day -- these can be set up a little different depending on the box - we do skill work, OLY work, Strength then our metcon and some times an after party of extra skill
  
• AMRAP -- As Many Rounds As Possible -- basically get as much work done as you can in a certain amount of time

 

Those are the three main ones you should know about. Our WODs are typically for time or AMRAPs. It is fabulous! Now - why did I start CrossFitting?!? Hmmmm good question. I honestly don't remember what started it for me.  I remember google'ing boxes in my area and found CrossFit Aspire.  I contacted Alycia for my first free class. I went and died....Justin came over, eating something out of a bowl and as I laid dying on the ground said "This is what we do everyday - welcome to CrossFit". I went home and was HOOKED! This week marks my One Year CrossFit Anniversary!

 

There are 9 Foundational Movements --> (back squat was 8 weeks ago due to broken ankle so will be lower now)

Clean - 6/22/12 1x2 @85 -- 12/18/12 1x3 @115

Back Squat - 5/29/12 1x5 @115 -- 3/11/13 3x6 @150

Front Squat - 9/10/12 1x3 @105 -- 3/13/13 1x3 @135

OHS -- this we don't really just do - it's typically with something - I got 80 two weeks before break

Push Press - 7/18/12 1x3 @80 -- 3/2/13 1x3 @115

Press (aka should press or strict press) - 6/19/12 1x3 @70 -- 5/1/13 3x6 @ 70

Jerk - 10/25/12 1x3 @ 95 -- 5/13/13 8x3 @ 95

Deadlift - 5/19/12 1x5 @ 115 -- with broken ankle fresh out of boot 4/25/13 (my bday) 3x3 @155

Sumo Deadlift High Pull - I've only done this with KB - I know I've gone up haha

 

I've done well.  I have a LONG way to go, but it's all about the progress.  In my opinion that is the beauty of CrossFit. There really isn't an end goal...it's all about making forward progress and always chasing something new. You won't PR every time, and some days you won't be able to hit your last PR that day.  You will go on, and you will be better.  If we PR'ed EVERY time, would it still be challenging? Even over the last 9 weeks (yes, 9 weeks ago today I broke my ankle coming down off the rope/box combo I was working with) I have PR'ed and improved. Even the 5 weeks of unweighted annoyance, I made progress.  If you want it, it is there for you to take!

 

Now why should you do it? That's easy.  The barbell will change your life.  The community will become like a second family to you. The life will take you over.  You'll want to do more, not just at the box, but in your life. I promise you, it is worth it.  No, it's not for everyone and I get that.  But I bet 95% of y'all would be changed by it.  Expensive...yes. A BIG commitment...yes. But most importantly....LIFE CHANGING....HELL YES!

 

 

 

 

Now fun news and a BIG announcement.  I have decided to get my CrossFit Level 1 certification.  I will be doing it either in June or July. DO I have a lot of room to improve, yes.  Can I do all the movements yet, NO. I can't do a pull up without assistance, I can't do toes-to-bar or muscle ups (I could go on with other stuff to but you get it). But I can explain the movements and break things down.  I love coaching. I love working with people. Most importantly, I LOVE CrossFit.  I want to share my PASSION with others :)

 

 

What's your passion? Have your tried CrossFit?

~xx

M



Some Fun Stuff + A Note To My Readers

Hello Loves! Happy Tuesday to y'all! It was hard getting back on track this week...who wants to do that after being at Regionals all weekend?!? I forgot to share this awesome stuff -- Reebok gave all the North East Regional volunteers.  A drawstring bag and a bobble bottle.  I am really stoked for the bobble bottle as I've always wanted to try one!

I also came home to a pretty sweet birthday basket (which I actually did not see till Monday morning because I was so exhausted when I got home haha) from my Jilly -- she got me a lot of paleo goodies and a super sweet handblender! I was excited! The pickles are AMAZING! SO good.  I love pickles haha!
I also got some sweet new gear from Team Racing 4 Veterans! If you don't know about them, check it out.  It's an awesome group to be a part of! You raise money to go back to support our wounded heroes! They also have a CrossFit aspect too -- Burpees for Badasses! I'm going to try and hold one this year and raise some money for the team! If you do CrossFit, maybe you can have one at your box too! Contact Megs or me for more information!
 I am a military brat - my father is retired Navy. I think it is an honor to give back to those men and women who so selflessly give their everything for us.
So, I'm already a day behind on Joi's Blog Challenge -- today's post is suppose to be a letter to our readers explaining how to use our blog -- here's Joi's. So here we go --
I'm not 100% sure. haha That is probably not what Joi wanted, but I'm not. I honestly started this blog to help keep friends and mostly my family in the know on my life and what is going on. The more into blogging I get the more I hope I am able to help others see that anything is possible.  I have lost 53 lbs. I'm changing my life. Not for anybody other then myself.  Some people tell me that I am inspirational -- and for that I am forever grateful! I'm trying to turn into a place to help people learn about CrossFit, running, cycling, triathlons and products I find helpful in my journey.  Plus, educate people to the best of my ability on the paleo world and why I eat mostly, but not 100% paleo (I can't give up ice cream, froyo or greek yogurt haha). I also try and help other people meet people who may help them more!
In addition to that, I also blog about my family (especially my super cute Tank and Princess), my amazing guy DA, my fabulous job, my awesome girls (aka my dogs Scarlet & LD) and my dreams to do more. I guess the more I get into blogging, the more I try and connect to others through common interest.
I'm currently trying to revamp my blog -- I really want to give it a name (not Lift. Teach. Love. Run), but I am SO not creative.  PS if you are -- think CrossFit, Running and the word love (since it is my name haha) and let me know what you come up with :)
If you could ask me anything to blog about, what would it be?
~xoxo
M