Thought I would share some of my favourite paleo sites to visit for meal ideas.
For breakfast this beautiful Good Friday morning, we are having pancakes! The recipe I like to use is from The Paleo Mom's website. Today we've added some strawberries and blueberries. Topped with PURE Maple Syrup. 'Tis the season folks to get real, natural maple syrup. Usually locally made as well. (Might be a good trip with the family this weekend to check out some of our local syrup places).
Now, we are lucking out on our Easter meals. We've got family dinners for most of the weekend. But here are some great ideas if you are cooking your own meals over the holidays.
This one gives you a full meal idea. Ham with sides plus Chocolate Torte dessert PLUS Hot Cross Buns! Northwest Cavegirls
How about on Pinterest! Here's a whole bunch of great ideas.
This one looks really delicious! Actually they all have so far... The Paleo Project
Ooooooo this one has waffles!! Might have to give this a try. Lots of appetizer ideas as well. The Paleo Diet Lifestyle
Oh boy, might need someone who bakes well to do this one for me... Oh sister Jenn!!! The picture caught my eye on this one. Then, when I had finished drooling I made it down the rest of the list. There are at least 4 ideas for each of these categories: Breakfast/Brunch, Dinner, Sides, and Desserts. So what caught my eye were very delicious looking Double-Decker Cupcakes! MMMMMMM
Take your time this weekend and enjoy your family! Get outside and play!
Happy Easter
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
I Eat Real Food
I've had quite a few people ask "What diet are you on?" "How did you get so 'skinny'?" First of all, it's not a "diet", it's a lifestyle. Second, I'm not "skinny", I'm fit! Come lift weights with me and you'll see.
The secret is... I EAT REAL FOOD! What do I mean by "real food"? Well, let me tell you.
When I started my healthy journey, I knew exercise was not going to be enough. How I fuel my body is so very important and its what keeps me going. Simple as that. So once I had my first month of CrossFit under my belt, I took the next step. I set-up a meeting with Coach & Nutritionist, Bill Pain.
Our first discussion was probably exactly what you would expect. "What are your goals?" My goals were to get healthy and if I just happened to drop the annoying 10lbs I put on over the winter, then BONUS!
We talked about my history with foods, a typical day in my life, any medical issues, etc. From that point, Bill started to talk to me about "leaky gut", "paleo", "Whole30", "clean eating", and much more. I was completely intrigued.
What is "leaky gut"? Leaky Gut happens when the lining of the small instine breaks down. When food enters the bloodstream it is pretty much completely broken down (digested). When you experience Leaky Gut, the food gets into the bloodstream as more or less complete compounds. Doesn't sound good, does it? This can stimulate allergies and many other problems throughout the body.
What is "paleo"? It's also known as the Caveman Diet or Hunter-Gatherer. When I say any of these terms, people immediately think of the Fred Flinstone rack of ribs meal. Well, it's not. It's not just about eating meat. It's also about eating fish, tree nuts, plants, vegetables, and fruit. There is a balance that needs to be maintained. It's about not eating processed foods, grains, legumes, potatoes, dairy, and sugar. A good rule of thumb is look at the ingredients. First, if you can't pronounce them, don't buy them. If there are more than 4 ingredients, don't buy it. Lastly, buy as much fresh produce and grass-fed meat/wild fish as possible.
By the time I left, we had a game plan. Cut out all dairy and grains. The dairy would be simple, I'm lactose intolerant. The grains were another story. My go to snack, bread. My favourite meal, anything with pasta.
Also, read through the Whole30 and eat more. What? That's right, eat more! This was simply a concept I wasn't used to. I thought I ate plenty and if I ate more, I'd put more than 10lbs on. Boy was I wrong.
So I went home and immediately read through the Whole30. What is Whole30? It is a program developed by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig. The program is designed "as a short-term nutritional reset, designed to help you restore a healthy metabolism, heal your digestive tract, calm systemic inflammation and put an end to unhealthy cravings, habits, and relationships with food." - (www.whole9life.com) Although the program is a little more intense than I was ready for, I definitely took away some great information and began my journey to healthy eating.
I sent Bill my first journal. I was asked to write down what I ate, when I ate, and how I felt. This was very helpful as I started to see patterns. One in particular was that around 2:30pm/3pm I get the yawns and watery eyes and reach for chocolate or sugar of any kind.
After that we met again and reviewed. Overall wasn't too bad but definitely still needed some work. Still needed to eat more!
It was after about the third or fourth week that I really started to feel and look different. The pounds were dropping away quickly. I felt amazing. I had more energy. I was getting some great results at the gym. Overall, everything was really good. I can even say I felt "younger". Was I eating more? Yep, almost as much as my 6'4" boyfriend eats!
I no longer had the cravings for certain foods and I associate that back to sugar. My body was so programmed to feed it sugar that it was causing many health issues. Once I started eating vegetables, fruits, and protein, my body began to reprogram itself. It's very scary when you read ingredients on the label. I think you would be very surprised at what foods contain some form of added sugar. It's everywhere! And it has many names.
My results are my results. Everyone will have different results. By the end of June, my body stopped losing weight. I still felt great and have managed to stay that weight ever since. Since it's part of my lifestyle, healthy eating and active, I have not had to even worry about adjusting meals. My body is happy where it's at and it seems to intend to stay there.
Since I enjoyed reading the Whole30, I decided to buy the Hartwig's "It Starts With Food" book the minute it was released this past summer. WOW, did I ever learn how eating the wrong foods could be causing damage that you didn't even realize. The foods we eat can influence allergies, something that I have suffered from for a very long time. I have, or should I say 'had', allergies to everything environmental (trees, grass, flowers, moulds, dust). Weekly I would take a trip to the doctor's office for an allergy shot. Sometimes 2 depending on the season. I can honestly say that since I started eating clean or real food, I haven't even taken an allergy pill!!
You can read many success stories on Melissas and Dallas' website. It is truly amazing how eating the right foods can transform your life.
I've been "Paleo" or eating real food since May 2012. Sure I have my cheats (I like to call them "treats") but it isn't often and it usually has to do with some sort of social event. I can feel the effect of eating process food. My stomach is not interested in it and my performance in the gym is, well, tough to say the least.
So, am I on a diet? Heck no! I eat REAL FOOD!!
The secret is... I EAT REAL FOOD! What do I mean by "real food"? Well, let me tell you.
When I started my healthy journey, I knew exercise was not going to be enough. How I fuel my body is so very important and its what keeps me going. Simple as that. So once I had my first month of CrossFit under my belt, I took the next step. I set-up a meeting with Coach & Nutritionist, Bill Pain.
Our first discussion was probably exactly what you would expect. "What are your goals?" My goals were to get healthy and if I just happened to drop the annoying 10lbs I put on over the winter, then BONUS!
We talked about my history with foods, a typical day in my life, any medical issues, etc. From that point, Bill started to talk to me about "leaky gut", "paleo", "Whole30", "clean eating", and much more. I was completely intrigued.
What is "leaky gut"? Leaky Gut happens when the lining of the small instine breaks down. When food enters the bloodstream it is pretty much completely broken down (digested). When you experience Leaky Gut, the food gets into the bloodstream as more or less complete compounds. Doesn't sound good, does it? This can stimulate allergies and many other problems throughout the body.
What is "paleo"? It's also known as the Caveman Diet or Hunter-Gatherer. When I say any of these terms, people immediately think of the Fred Flinstone rack of ribs meal. Well, it's not. It's not just about eating meat. It's also about eating fish, tree nuts, plants, vegetables, and fruit. There is a balance that needs to be maintained. It's about not eating processed foods, grains, legumes, potatoes, dairy, and sugar. A good rule of thumb is look at the ingredients. First, if you can't pronounce them, don't buy them. If there are more than 4 ingredients, don't buy it. Lastly, buy as much fresh produce and grass-fed meat/wild fish as possible.
By the time I left, we had a game plan. Cut out all dairy and grains. The dairy would be simple, I'm lactose intolerant. The grains were another story. My go to snack, bread. My favourite meal, anything with pasta.
Also, read through the Whole30 and eat more. What? That's right, eat more! This was simply a concept I wasn't used to. I thought I ate plenty and if I ate more, I'd put more than 10lbs on. Boy was I wrong.
So I went home and immediately read through the Whole30. What is Whole30? It is a program developed by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig. The program is designed "as a short-term nutritional reset, designed to help you restore a healthy metabolism, heal your digestive tract, calm systemic inflammation and put an end to unhealthy cravings, habits, and relationships with food." - (www.whole9life.com) Although the program is a little more intense than I was ready for, I definitely took away some great information and began my journey to healthy eating.
I sent Bill my first journal. I was asked to write down what I ate, when I ate, and how I felt. This was very helpful as I started to see patterns. One in particular was that around 2:30pm/3pm I get the yawns and watery eyes and reach for chocolate or sugar of any kind.
After that we met again and reviewed. Overall wasn't too bad but definitely still needed some work. Still needed to eat more!
It was after about the third or fourth week that I really started to feel and look different. The pounds were dropping away quickly. I felt amazing. I had more energy. I was getting some great results at the gym. Overall, everything was really good. I can even say I felt "younger". Was I eating more? Yep, almost as much as my 6'4" boyfriend eats!
I no longer had the cravings for certain foods and I associate that back to sugar. My body was so programmed to feed it sugar that it was causing many health issues. Once I started eating vegetables, fruits, and protein, my body began to reprogram itself. It's very scary when you read ingredients on the label. I think you would be very surprised at what foods contain some form of added sugar. It's everywhere! And it has many names.
My results are my results. Everyone will have different results. By the end of June, my body stopped losing weight. I still felt great and have managed to stay that weight ever since. Since it's part of my lifestyle, healthy eating and active, I have not had to even worry about adjusting meals. My body is happy where it's at and it seems to intend to stay there.
Since I enjoyed reading the Whole30, I decided to buy the Hartwig's "It Starts With Food" book the minute it was released this past summer. WOW, did I ever learn how eating the wrong foods could be causing damage that you didn't even realize. The foods we eat can influence allergies, something that I have suffered from for a very long time. I have, or should I say 'had', allergies to everything environmental (trees, grass, flowers, moulds, dust). Weekly I would take a trip to the doctor's office for an allergy shot. Sometimes 2 depending on the season. I can honestly say that since I started eating clean or real food, I haven't even taken an allergy pill!!
You can read many success stories on Melissas and Dallas' website. It is truly amazing how eating the right foods can transform your life.
I've been "Paleo" or eating real food since May 2012. Sure I have my cheats (I like to call them "treats") but it isn't often and it usually has to do with some sort of social event. I can feel the effect of eating process food. My stomach is not interested in it and my performance in the gym is, well, tough to say the least.
So, am I on a diet? Heck no! I eat REAL FOOD!!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
So Deeply Moved... Thank you
I am completely overwhelmed by the response and support my blog has received in it's short existence.
When I started writing my story last week, it was really in celebration of all that I have accomplished over the past year. I had all these thoughts that I just needed to get out. I wanted to share so much but only expected that it would be to those that know me. Either we're friends on Facebook or they follow me on Twitter. I truly did not expect anything more.
I checked my stats after my first post. There was over 100 pageviews in less than an hour! This "audience" was from all over the world! I had posted my blog on a Facebook page I follow "Women of CrossFit = Strong". A page where women share their inspiring stories. I thought "hey, why not."
Next thing I knew, my blog was being shared by others. Shared by friends. My first post is already up to 277 pageviews. Really?
Since then I've written 3 more posts. A total of 729 pageviews!! What??? Now, I'm not going to get too excited, I understand that it's not necessarily 700 peeps but still. WOW, it's all I can say. Of course most of these are in Canada but my little blog has been seen in the US, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, Indonesia, Sweden, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, and Panama!!
The messages I have received through Twitter and Facebook have been overwhelming. These people are calling my story "inspiring". They're proud of me, my accomplishments. They are words of encouragement. I thank you.
Then today, my blog was read by 2 people who I often either read their articles and blogs or listen to their opinions on the radio. I received great comments and this:
McLeods Musings with Mariane McLeod
Thank you Mariane! Your words are very kind and I am honoured that you shared my story!
Thank you everyone! Thank you for your kind words and your support :)
When I started writing my story last week, it was really in celebration of all that I have accomplished over the past year. I had all these thoughts that I just needed to get out. I wanted to share so much but only expected that it would be to those that know me. Either we're friends on Facebook or they follow me on Twitter. I truly did not expect anything more.
I checked my stats after my first post. There was over 100 pageviews in less than an hour! This "audience" was from all over the world! I had posted my blog on a Facebook page I follow "Women of CrossFit = Strong". A page where women share their inspiring stories. I thought "hey, why not."
Next thing I knew, my blog was being shared by others. Shared by friends. My first post is already up to 277 pageviews. Really?
Since then I've written 3 more posts. A total of 729 pageviews!! What??? Now, I'm not going to get too excited, I understand that it's not necessarily 700 peeps but still. WOW, it's all I can say. Of course most of these are in Canada but my little blog has been seen in the US, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, Indonesia, Sweden, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, and Panama!!
The messages I have received through Twitter and Facebook have been overwhelming. These people are calling my story "inspiring". They're proud of me, my accomplishments. They are words of encouragement. I thank you.
Then today, my blog was read by 2 people who I often either read their articles and blogs or listen to their opinions on the radio. I received great comments and this:
McLeods Musings with Mariane McLeod
Thank you Mariane! Your words are very kind and I am honoured that you shared my story!
Thank you everyone! Thank you for your kind words and your support :)
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Oh the Changes I've Seen
Six years ago I made a decision that would affect many people. That decision was the TSN turning point of my life...
Not long after my daughter was born, I began to really look at my life. I began to see many things that others were seeing happening in my relationship, my personality, my life. People had been telling me things that I just didn't want to see. Sure I was happy. I had a house, a job, a husband, a beautiful daughter. I thought I had it made.
Unfortunately, I was still miserable! Sure, I had a husband but not a partner. I'm not going to go into great detail here. For two years I lived my life going through the motions. It was going to get better, right?
Well, in 2007 that's when it hit me. Nothing was going to change unless I wanted it to. I told my husband that I was not happy. We tried counselling. Well, once anyway. At that meeting, my husband was "diagnosing" me according to the counsellor. He told the counsellor I'd been depressed since my daughter was born. That I must be suffering from postpartum depression. What did the counsellor say to this? He said "I don't think that's the case at all. I think you make her miserable." BAM! Like someone jumped up and threw ice cold water on my face. I finally got it. It wasn't just that he made me miserable, brought me down in his world of negativity. I wasn't in love with him anymore. I hadn't been for some time.
The other crushing moment was when my daughter, at the age of 3, asked me "Mommy, are you going to be happy today?" WOW, she was seeing and processing all of this at such a young age. She may not have known exactly what was going on but she knew something wasn't right. And that was when I told him it was over. I couldn't go on pretending anymore. The moment those words left my mouth, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders.
I'm not going to pretend I wasn't scared. Boy was I scared! Was I going to be able to make it on my own? How would this work with my daughter? Was I going to have to look for a new house?
I have to admit. I am one lucky girl. I have an amazing support system of family and friends. They helped me more than I could thank them for. I don't know what I would've done without them.
We settled a lot of our stuff between us in the beginning. I bought him out of the house. We started a shared custody agreement and we were moving along.
Things started happening for me in other areas of my life. Now that I was not dealing with all this negativity, other aspects started to flourish. I got a promotion at work. I started to see my friends again. My health was improving. Life was great.
Although there was one more major hiccup that happened over these last 6 years, one I'm not going to write about as it's not really appropriate, my life has changed in such a positive manner. I can look back and say "yep, I'm a better person today".
One demon I was still battling up until I started CrossFit in March 2012 was my low self-esteem. That's right folks. For those that know me, I can put on a great show but my confidence levels were not that high. HOWEVER, that has changed. CrossFit and the strength it has brought me makes me feel like I can take on the world. I have so much more confidence in everything I do. Sure I get nervous sometimes and start to doubt myself BUT instead of running away, I go for the "well, I guess we'll just have to see what happens". And every time I have to say that to myself, I shock the crap out of me!
I hated looking at myself in a mirror. So, ya, I joined CrossFit to see some physical changes happen. Boy did I ever. When you look at the first picture, I look miserable. The second picture, taken today, I'm happy and actually looking forward to bikini weather!
Everyone's results are different. Not only has my body image improved (which was a bonus), I have new strength. Strong is the new sexy!
Here are my numbers in the beginning:
Deadlift 65#, Thrusters 35#, KB Swings 8KG, Front & Back Squats 45#, Overhead Squat 35#, pull-ups with a purple band... I could go on and on.
Here are my numbers now:
Deadlift 185#, Thrusters 90#, Kettle Bell Swings @ 20KG, Front Squat 120#, Back Squats 130#, Overhead Squat 85#, Pull-ups NO BAND!
So changes, oh ya, I've had some major changes in my life over the last few years. I'm truly thankful. I'm blessed to have an amazing man in my life who is a wonderful life partner and father to my 9 year old daughter. He tells me I'm beautiful and that he loves me everyday! How can a girl not feel special :)
I have a beautiful daughter that my whole world revolves around. I can't imagine my life without either of these wonderful people. My life finally feels like its MINE. Like it was meant to be.
Unfortunately, I was still miserable! Sure, I had a husband but not a partner. I'm not going to go into great detail here. For two years I lived my life going through the motions. It was going to get better, right?
Well, in 2007 that's when it hit me. Nothing was going to change unless I wanted it to. I told my husband that I was not happy. We tried counselling. Well, once anyway. At that meeting, my husband was "diagnosing" me according to the counsellor. He told the counsellor I'd been depressed since my daughter was born. That I must be suffering from postpartum depression. What did the counsellor say to this? He said "I don't think that's the case at all. I think you make her miserable." BAM! Like someone jumped up and threw ice cold water on my face. I finally got it. It wasn't just that he made me miserable, brought me down in his world of negativity. I wasn't in love with him anymore. I hadn't been for some time.
The other crushing moment was when my daughter, at the age of 3, asked me "Mommy, are you going to be happy today?" WOW, she was seeing and processing all of this at such a young age. She may not have known exactly what was going on but she knew something wasn't right. And that was when I told him it was over. I couldn't go on pretending anymore. The moment those words left my mouth, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders.
I'm not going to pretend I wasn't scared. Boy was I scared! Was I going to be able to make it on my own? How would this work with my daughter? Was I going to have to look for a new house?
I have to admit. I am one lucky girl. I have an amazing support system of family and friends. They helped me more than I could thank them for. I don't know what I would've done without them.
We settled a lot of our stuff between us in the beginning. I bought him out of the house. We started a shared custody agreement and we were moving along.
Things started happening for me in other areas of my life. Now that I was not dealing with all this negativity, other aspects started to flourish. I got a promotion at work. I started to see my friends again. My health was improving. Life was great.
Although there was one more major hiccup that happened over these last 6 years, one I'm not going to write about as it's not really appropriate, my life has changed in such a positive manner. I can look back and say "yep, I'm a better person today".
One demon I was still battling up until I started CrossFit in March 2012 was my low self-esteem. That's right folks. For those that know me, I can put on a great show but my confidence levels were not that high. HOWEVER, that has changed. CrossFit and the strength it has brought me makes me feel like I can take on the world. I have so much more confidence in everything I do. Sure I get nervous sometimes and start to doubt myself BUT instead of running away, I go for the "well, I guess we'll just have to see what happens". And every time I have to say that to myself, I shock the crap out of me!
I hated looking at myself in a mirror. So, ya, I joined CrossFit to see some physical changes happen. Boy did I ever. When you look at the first picture, I look miserable. The second picture, taken today, I'm happy and actually looking forward to bikini weather!
Everyone's results are different. Not only has my body image improved (which was a bonus), I have new strength. Strong is the new sexy!
Here are my numbers in the beginning:
Deadlift 65#, Thrusters 35#, KB Swings 8KG, Front & Back Squats 45#, Overhead Squat 35#, pull-ups with a purple band... I could go on and on.
Here are my numbers now:
Deadlift 185#, Thrusters 90#, Kettle Bell Swings @ 20KG, Front Squat 120#, Back Squats 130#, Overhead Squat 85#, Pull-ups NO BAND!
So changes, oh ya, I've had some major changes in my life over the last few years. I'm truly thankful. I'm blessed to have an amazing man in my life who is a wonderful life partner and father to my 9 year old daughter. He tells me I'm beautiful and that he loves me everyday! How can a girl not feel special :)
I have a beautiful daughter that my whole world revolves around. I can't imagine my life without either of these wonderful people. My life finally feels like its MINE. Like it was meant to be.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Open WOD 13.3 - UGH Wall Balls!
What is 13.3 some of you may be asking? It's the 3rd WOD (workout of the day) in the CrossFit Games Open. 13.3 consists of as many reps as possible in 12 minutes of 150 wall balls (women use 14lb medicine balls and throw to a 9' target), 90 double unders, and 30 muscle ups.
I tried this WOD on Thursday for the first time. I "no repped" (took reps away from myself for improper performance) about 7 - 10 times and managed to pull of 141 Wall Balls. Ok, so I didn't get too far through the WOD but wasn't trying to push it too hard as I wasn't being judged on it.
After I thought, "ok Michelle, 141. That's pretty close to the 150. Make the 150 your goal and reach for it. Most importantly do them right the first time so that you're not doing more work then necessary!"
So I got up this morning at 7am. Had a light breakfast of ham and a plantain pancake. Started doing some foam rolling and "good mornings" at home to get loosened up. I was to do 13.3 in the second heat.
I headed out the door and over to CrossFit Indestri for 9:45 so I could do a bit more warming up and watch the first heat. Wouldn't you know it, I ended up in the first heat!
Before we started Coach Mark Arnold and I started talking. He asked me what my goal was and I said "I just want to get through these wall balls". We started talking strategy and thank goodness we did because my strategy was WAY off! His advice definitely helped me get as far as I did.
As the buzzer rang, I grabbed the ball and started moving. 16 reps in and I drop the ball. I can hear Shannon and Parker cheering me on (thanks guys). I pick it up and start moving again. In my head, I'm remembering Mark's advice, "short reps, short rest". I tried a few more 4/5 rep rounds and then realized I was starting to get no repped. So, I started doing them in 3s. I got a good momentum going. Unfortunately, I just didn't make it.
The disappointment must've been all over my face (I'm kind of bad at hiding my thoughts) because Mark gave me some very encouraging words and then said "did you have anything left in the tank? Do you think you could've done more?" The answer was a definite no. Unless I had an additional minute, I was not going to get any more reps. So, 147 was my score. I thanked him and walked away to pout. Yep to pout.
Well, to say I'm disappointed is a bit of an understatement. Maybe this time I put too much pressure on myself. My goal was to just finish the 150 Wall Balls but also to do them right so that I wouldn't get "no repped". I missed my goal by 3... 3 freakin Wall Balls! BUT, I only got about 5 or 6 no reps. So, technique I've got. Now to work on moving a little faster.
I tried this WOD on Thursday for the first time. I "no repped" (took reps away from myself for improper performance) about 7 - 10 times and managed to pull of 141 Wall Balls. Ok, so I didn't get too far through the WOD but wasn't trying to push it too hard as I wasn't being judged on it.
After I thought, "ok Michelle, 141. That's pretty close to the 150. Make the 150 your goal and reach for it. Most importantly do them right the first time so that you're not doing more work then necessary!"
So I got up this morning at 7am. Had a light breakfast of ham and a plantain pancake. Started doing some foam rolling and "good mornings" at home to get loosened up. I was to do 13.3 in the second heat.
I headed out the door and over to CrossFit Indestri for 9:45 so I could do a bit more warming up and watch the first heat. Wouldn't you know it, I ended up in the first heat!
Before we started Coach Mark Arnold and I started talking. He asked me what my goal was and I said "I just want to get through these wall balls". We started talking strategy and thank goodness we did because my strategy was WAY off! His advice definitely helped me get as far as I did.
As the buzzer rang, I grabbed the ball and started moving. 16 reps in and I drop the ball. I can hear Shannon and Parker cheering me on (thanks guys). I pick it up and start moving again. In my head, I'm remembering Mark's advice, "short reps, short rest". I tried a few more 4/5 rep rounds and then realized I was starting to get no repped. So, I started doing them in 3s. I got a good momentum going. Unfortunately, I just didn't make it.
The disappointment must've been all over my face (I'm kind of bad at hiding my thoughts) because Mark gave me some very encouraging words and then said "did you have anything left in the tank? Do you think you could've done more?" The answer was a definite no. Unless I had an additional minute, I was not going to get any more reps. So, 147 was my score. I thanked him and walked away to pout. Yep to pout.
Well, to say I'm disappointed is a bit of an understatement. Maybe this time I put too much pressure on myself. My goal was to just finish the 150 Wall Balls but also to do them right so that I wouldn't get "no repped". I missed my goal by 3... 3 freakin Wall Balls! BUT, I only got about 5 or 6 no reps. So, technique I've got. Now to work on moving a little faster.
Thanks Shannon Mathieson for taking this pic!
Thanks Jen Nichol for this action shot!!
These pictures gives you a good idea of just how high that 9' target is for someone 5' tall. Pretty sure I let it get into my head too much. Ya, I'm still grumbling but I've given myself a game plan. Every week, I'm going to throw a few wall balls up to that 9' target. Maybe I'll even go for the 10'. When this workout comes around again, 'cause you know it will at some point, I'm going to CRUSH IT!!
WALL BALLS YOU HAVEN'T WON YET!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Curling + CrossFit = Rocks through the House!
So today I went to a curling bonspiel. Although I used to be an avid curler, I haven't curled in over a year.
My concerns today were not so much "will I fall?" "can I get it over the hog line?". My concerns were "now that I'm doing CrossFit, what does this mean?". Since it was a fun gathering I didn't worry too much about it again until we hit the ice.
So the first shot the Skip called, was a take out. Well, no problem here! I came out of the hack, the rock soared down the sheet and BAM, rock gone! Wahoo!
Next shot, draw to the button. Well, ok. Maybe not the button but I should be able to draw close enough. Um, NOPE. Right through the house and I was barely even trying coming out of the hack.
Next shot, same.
Next, same again!
My new nickname, "Pipes".
So, after we lose the first game, we head up for lunch and the traditional "buy the losers a drink" part of curling. I know, shouldn't really be drinking when I'm going to tackle Open WOD 13.3 tomorrow morning. So, I just had a small glass of wine with the wonderful roast beef they served for lunch.
When the second game rolled around, I was a little more relaxed... hmm wonder why...
Got some great shots including this one:
My concerns today were not so much "will I fall?" "can I get it over the hog line?". My concerns were "now that I'm doing CrossFit, what does this mean?". Since it was a fun gathering I didn't worry too much about it again until we hit the ice.
So the first shot the Skip called, was a take out. Well, no problem here! I came out of the hack, the rock soared down the sheet and BAM, rock gone! Wahoo!
Next shot, draw to the button. Well, ok. Maybe not the button but I should be able to draw close enough. Um, NOPE. Right through the house and I was barely even trying coming out of the hack.
Next shot, same.
Next, same again!
My new nickname, "Pipes".
So, after we lose the first game, we head up for lunch and the traditional "buy the losers a drink" part of curling. I know, shouldn't really be drinking when I'm going to tackle Open WOD 13.3 tomorrow morning. So, I just had a small glass of wine with the wonderful roast beef they served for lunch.
When the second game rolled around, I was a little more relaxed... hmm wonder why...
Got some great shots including this one:
Two of those rocks are mine. Drew them right up to the third. Looked pretty LOL. Well cool enough anyway ;)
All in all, a fun day. Felt great to curl again and didn't get winded with all the sweeping I had to do (which was a lot, right Mark?)
Here's hoping that I'm not too sore tomorrow when I attempt 13.3!! I just want to get through those damn Wall Balls! 9' seems so much higher than 8' like we've been doing lately. Plus at 5', 1' is a fifth of my height LOL
Thursday, March 21, 2013
My CrossFit Paleo Adventure Year 1
Well, I don’t think it’s any secret to my family and friends, I LOVE CrossFit! I love pushing myself past these limits I’ve set, I love lifting heavy (well, it’s getting heavier) weight, I love running (something I’ve avoided all my life unless being chased), and I love the community at CrossFit Indestri.
Did I ever think I would say those things? Heck no!
I’ve always been active. Raised in a family of skaters, I spent many hours on the ice but I would never have used the term “athletic” to describe me. After skating, I decided I would try out for the Varsity Ski team in college. I spent some time on the slopes representing Seneca. However, again, College Skiing was more about the party then the actual training and racing. I used to “workout”. I was at the Y every morning at 6am, figuring out what I was going to do that day. I started doing a Couch to 5k program because running just wasn’t my “thing” but thought it was time I made it my “thing”. Still, I would say I was active but not overly active. As I said to Tyson after my first month “I would say what I was doing before was little more than lying on the couch compared to what I’m doing now”.
I first heard about CrossFit Indestri through the rumour mill. “Did you hear Scott Thornton opened a gym? Sounds intense!” My thought was, “ya, professional athlete + me = YA RIGHT!” Needless to say I didn’t give it another thought.
When I met Scott during the Ontario Winter Games last March, I made the “mistake” of mentioning that I was interested in checking out his gym. I say “mistake” when really I think it was more of a cry for help. Work was crazy busy with the games, I had gotten frustrated with what I was doing on my own and stopped working out, my self esteem was at an all time low due to some personal battles I was facing, it was a tough time for me. So next thing I know, Jen Nichol and I are being “called out” on Twitter with the famous quote that hangs just inside the door of our box. Well, Jen and I immediately fired back that we were girls that “make it happen”. Next thing you know, we’re signed up for the next Foundations class.
I’ll never forget that feeling. Jen came to pick me up that night. I opened the door and said “I’m so nervous. What are we doing?” LOL. She was nervous too. When we arrived, I don’t think we were the only ones with that feeling. Well, we survived that first class, barely, and came back for more 2 days later, sore legs and all. From that point forward I was hooked.
I’m a “need to see results” kind of a person typically. So before I headed to my first official WOD, I took my measurements and a before picture. I then took measurements and a picture on the 25th of every month following for the next 4 months. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. When I started in March, my weight was 140 (for 5’ a little high), I had rolls where I didn’t want rolls, flabby arms, and I hated looking at myself in a mirror in a 2 piece bathing suit. I never wore a bikini unless I was hidden on my deck at home behind the fence.
I had 2 goals written on the whiteboard beside my name, MetCon Blue and Pull-Up.
In May, I met with Bill and started to look at my nutrition. We started with some small changes (which hardly seemed small for me). Cut out grains (but I love bread and pasta!). Cut out dairy (well that’s easy, I’m lactose intolerant). Cut out sugar (WHAT!!!! But that’s my lifeline). SO, I began tracking my meals. It wasn’t easy and it took a lot of time to get where I am today with a very strong Paleo lifestyle. I wouldn’t say I’m strict (still like my wine every once in a while) but definitely picky about my food intake.
Once I started eating real food, my results in the mirror were drastic. By June, I had lost a total of 25lbs. Amazingly, I’ve been the same weight ever since (so my body had found it’s happy point)! But, more importantly, I stopped going for my weekly allergy shots. Better yet, I wasn’t even taking an allergy pill! My health is the best it has been for as long as I can remember and I’ll be turning 40 this September! So, it no longer became about the results in the mirror.
In June, I successfully completed my first pull-up! Goal #1 down with only a matter of days before I met my next goal. I participated in my first ever race. Yep that’s right, first race. Which one? Well, MetCon Blue. Go big or go home! I managed to tackle every obstacle on that course! I kicked the monkey bars a$$! In my head I was yelling “CROSSFIT!” I had a helping hand come from nowhere to give me a last little push up so I could get over the wall. It took me an hour and 25 minutes but I didn’t care. I was flying high when I crossed that finish line. Goal #2 accomplished! I was so emotional about my accomplishments, my team mates and friends’ accomplishments; I was on the verge of tears. I had so much fun; I immediately signed up again for September and crushed my time from June. It was even tougher than the first go!
In September I had to deal face to face with someone who fed on my insecurities and low self-esteem. I was nervous. I was up early that morning. It wasn’t a WOD day for me so I decided to go for a run. I had worked my way up to 5k but hadn’t made it past that. That morning was a gorgeous day and I pulled a Forrest Gump. I took a new route and just ran. I ran and ran. As I started to make my way home, I thought, “Wow, Michelle, you’ve come a long way. You couldn’t even run the 400m buy-ins when you started”. When I got home I looked at my “MapMyRun” app, I ran 10k!! I was so happy that when I had to face my” demon”, I had all the confidence in the world. No one was ever going to put me down again J Or to quote Patrick Swayze “no one puts Baby in the corner” LOL Sorry, had to.
Fast forward to today: so first year in CrossFit and I sign up for the Open. Why not right? Get my Box some points. See what happens. Well, here’s what has happened so far. Open WOD 13.1, PR my Snatch by 10lbs! What??? And managed to get 7 reps! Open WOD 13.2, do multiple reps of shoulder to overhead at a weight just 5lbs less than my 1RM. Again, what??? Every day I walk into CFI I surprise myself. Sure I have off days, but I look at those off days and think “I’m still way ahead of where I was when I walked through the door”.
So much has happened this past year. So many things I just never imagined possible. The amount of weight I’m lifting (which I was afraid to touch a bar in the past) to loving myself more to being a better parent and partner to being a better friend. Has CrossFit changed my life? You bet. Do I preach the word of CrossFit? You bet! It is such an amazing part of my life that I really don’t know what I would do without it or the people that I’ve connected with through it.
PS - I can't thank the great coaches and athletes at CrossFit Indestri enough! You are truly wonderful people that help make it easy to get up at 5am to come in and bust out a WOD!! xoxo
Me crushing those Monkey Bars over a cold pool of water :)
My boyfriend and I crossing the finish line in September.
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