Challenge Accepted, Completed and Accepted Again!

Three years ago I made a commitment to change my life.  Sure it was based on someone calling me out over social media, BUT I walked through the doors at CrossFit Indestri and I never looked back!  Life has not been perfect over those 3 years.  I have had various obstacles, trials, tribulations come forward and try to knock me back down.  I have managed to persevere.  

For 2 years I lived a Paleo lifestyle and managed to hit 5 - 6 CrossFit classes a week.  I was in the best shape of my life!  I couldn't believe it.  As I hit my 40s I was doing things I couldn't or never imagined I would ever do.  Then I got pregnant.

We were so excited about our pregnancy.  I was determined to keep as close to my lifestyle food and exercise wise as possible.  I really thought I could.  Unfortunately, bad morning sickness changed some of that for me.  I had to take time off from CrossFit and the only thing I could eat and keep down was bread.  Something I had thought I would never eat again.

I had a very healthy pregnancy.  I ended up back at the gym and stayed in great shape throughout.

With a new baby in the house and a 10 year old, life was feeling a little overwhelming.  I hadn’t really made it back to the gym on a regular basis yet, my milk supply was starting to get low, eating breakfast seemed like a chore. I thought I would be able to jump back into my lifestyle feet first.  Ya right.  I just couldn't get myself back.  I struggled and failed so many times until I just gave up.  Finding time to make food like I used to or even eat a big clean breakfast was getting very difficult and was causing added stress in my life that I just didn't need.  So began the research into something clean and easy.  Something that fit all my wants for clean nutrition.  Something that was going to help me get all the nutrients that I needed to get through my day and to ensure that my little breastfed baby would get everything she needs as well.

I started my Isagenix journey in September of 2014, 5 months post-partum, age 41 and at 140lbs on this 5’ frame.  At the time, I was still nursing my beautiful baby girl so product options were limited.  When I reached out to my friend Sheri, I was looking for a healthy protein shake that was going to help me ensure I was getting enough nutrition in my diet.   When I added the shakes to my daily routine, things started to turn around.  Life’s stresses didn’t seem as stressful.  I finally had some energy (tough when you are up for feeds through the night) and made it into the gym again, not regularly, but definitely an improvement. 

In October, I signed up for my first IsaBody Challenge.  My idea “why not?  Might make me hit that gym a little harder”.  I started trying other Isagenix products that were considered safe while nursing.  So for the first 12 weeks of my challenge, I was only using shakes, bars, and Energenix.  I was feeling great, fantastic!  

I competed in my first Strength Competition in December.  Although I knew my numbers would not compare to the ladies I was competing against, I went in with the attitude of having fun and doing my best!  It was at this competition that I hit all my pre-pregnancy numbers!  With very little opportunity to be in the gym, this amazed me. I was awarded the “Spirit Award” by the organizers as they knew I had just returned from having a baby and were impressed that it didn’t stop me from trying something new.  One week later, I blew all of those numbers out of the water!  I was then super motivated to be back at the gym. 

My challenge took me through Christmas, which was tough, and I did give in to all the wonderful treats.  Not only was it Christmas, but my fiancé and I planned a surprise wedding on New Year’s Eve. Over Christmas I caught a nasty flu which had me extremely dehydrated for days.  I was drinking lots of Energenix to get through it.  Unfortunately, I was not able to eat anything and I lost my milk supply.  As sad as it was to no longer be breastfeeding, the bright side was that I was now going to get to experience a FULL 30 day system! 

On January 2^nd, I started that 30 day system.  I went alcohol free for that time period as well.  I could not get over how much MORE energy I had!  There were days where I would hit 2 CrossFit classes, fueling with IsaLean Pro in between, and then go skiing that night with my 10 year old!  Not to mention that I am down to 128lbs, only 8lbs more to go to hit that pre-pregnancy weight.  However, that being said, I’m ignoring my scale because I am already wearing some of those clothes I wore before I got pregnant :)

My first IsaBody Challenge is complete!

I will be signing up for my second IsaBody Challenge at the end of the month once I've submitted my "maintenance" photos.  This challenge will be all about sculpting, toning, and strengthening!  Super excited.

I am so happy that Isagenix was introduced to my life and that of my family.  I've thought a lot about my "why".  Why am I doing this?  My “why” is that at 41 I can still act like a young mom, play with my kids and be a loving wife to the man of my dreams.  Life is FANTASTIC!

My First 30 Days of the IsaBody Challenge

Well it's been 30 days since I hit submit and enrolled myself into the IsaBody Challenge.  I don't expect to win anything but am super excited for the opportunity this is giving me.

When I first started Isagenix, I was feeling bloated, moody, tired, and just all around "bad".  I wasn't fuelling my body properly, if it all at times, and having a hard time sustaining what I needed to support feeding Camryn.  I knew I needed something and that it had to be a simple solution because I sure didn't have the time OR energy to deal with anything complex.  I tried returning to my Paleo lifestyle but continuously failed to cut the "crap" out of my day.  It was just so much easier to grab.  Prep time just wasn't something that was available.  So, again, I needed something that I could whip up and know that I was putting good nutrition into my body.

So what has this meant to me?

Well, in the beginning I had to get past the fact that I was not having a fork and knife meal.  Reality was I wasn't eating anything at all at times so not sure why this was tough for me to get past.  I also needed to research it before I actually committed.  I needed to know what I was putting into my body.    I needed to know that as a nursing Mommy, this was ok.  I found that Isagenix shakes contain organic fruits and vegetables.  BAM!  Well that was a bonus.  But here was the clincher, the whey protein comes from grass fed, undenatured cows.  Exactly what I look for when purchasing beef.  Gluten and soy free, awesome because I've developed a gluten intolerance.  All of these attributes made me feel that this was the best option for me.  Sure it may not be for everyone and I have a few people wondering what the heck I'm doing but this isn't for them (sorry), it's for me and for my family.

Ok, so I decided to really commit to this new lifestyle (it's not a diet!), and dive right in to their IsaBody Challenge.  This is a 16 week transformation challenge.  I've just completed the first 30 days.  Although I am not able to do a cleanse while breastfeeding I am able to use quite a bit of their other products.  You must use/purchase a certain amount of their product throughout the 16 weeks.  Well this is very easy when everyone in your family is enjoying at lease 1 shake a day (yes, this is great for children as well!).

What happened over those 30 days?
Since most people want to hear numbers, here they are:
Weight  -6lbs
Waist -1.5 inches
Lower Abs -2.5 inches
Hips -1.5 inches
Legs -.5 inches on the left, 0 on the right

I didn't do all the measurements they usually request like arms and chest.  My chest measurement well that would be false depending on how close I was to feeding Camryn ;).  I'm going to take the other measurements for the next 30 though just out of curiosity.

So as you can see, those are some pretty awesome numbers.  Some might be thinking "Ya well you're back at the gym".  Well I wasn't really back for the first 2 weeks because Camryn wasn't cooperating with her sleep schedule.  The last 2 weeks I have consistently been there 4 days per week.  Can you imagine what those numbers would be like if all 4 weeks were consistent?

Some people want to see visual (this is putting it all on the line here and for those who couldn't believe I could take an ugly picture, think again LOL).  This time I didn't make sure I was so nicely tucked in LOL.  These pictures put it all out there.  My lovely photographer, Ciara, took 5 of these pictures.  I had to redo the side profile as you couldn't actually see my belly from her angle:

Here's the best part of all this.  Yes, those numbers make me happy as I had been a little number crazy for a while BUT let me tell you about how I feel.  I cannot believe that this sleep deprived Mommy has the energy to get up and hit a 6am class (no excuses).  When I hit that 6am class, I'm giving it all that I've got.  That's pretty awesome.  I no longer Zombi feed my daughter in the middle of the night.  I can actually get up, function, feed, and get back into bed without running into a wall or tripping over something and breaking a toe.  I have been feeling much happier, so much like the me I found a few years ago.  I am recovering well from my workouts (a little rough one day after doing 150 sit-ups but kind of expected when you don't have abs anymore LOL).  I feel so awesome and ready to train, that I signed up for my first ever strength competition, North of 9 Feats of Strength.  Trust me, I don't expect any awesome finish but I do expect to train, learn and enjoy myself.  Why not?

So that is it.  That's how awesome I feel after my first 30 days of the IsaBody Challenge.  Is it for everyone?  Probably not.  Is it for me?  Sure as heck is!  I am very happy with my decision and I hope others will be happy for me too :)

Thanksgiving 2013: What am I thankful for?

This year at the Kusiar Thanksgiving, Dad started the toast a little differently...

Mike/Grandpa/Dad: "I am thankful for the upcoming marriage of Michelle and Parker, the arrival of our new grandchild, and having all of you here for Thanksgiving"

Rose/Grandma/Mom: "I am just thankful that we could all be together for Thanksgiving this year."

Aaron/Nephew: "I'm thankful for my family"

Jenn/Aunt Jenn/Sister: "I'm thankful to be able to spend the day with all the people I love."

Jake/Nephew: Jake struggled or was shy at first so we said we'd come back to him...

Neil/Uncle Neil/Brother-In-Law: "I'm thankful for family and health"

Parker/Hubby-to-be: "I'm thankful for these 2 beautiful girls in my life, and family."

Ciara/Daughter: "I'm thankful for my family"

Me: "I'm thankful for family, my health this time around, and a good ol' Rosie turkey dinner!"

Jake shouted out a "Food.  I'm thankful for food."  Love it!

I have so many things to be thankful for this year.  Yes, life dealt us a few blows this year but, we've survived.  I am thankful for an amazing man in my life.  Someone who treats my like an equal, a life partner.  Someone who wants to share every life experience with me.  A man who loves me and love my daughter as if she were his own.  I am truly thankful that Parker is a part of my life and plans on sticking around for a while ;)

I am thankful for my beautiful daughter.  She is the light of my life.  It was her that helped me through my rough times a few years ago.  Her beautiful smile that made me want to get up every morning, become a stronger person, and live life to the fullest.  My caring, loving daughter Ciara means the whole world to me and I am truly thankful to have her in my life.

I am thankful for my family.  The love and support my parents, sister, and brother-in-law continuously provide.  I don't know what I would do without them.

I am thankful for my friends.  Their willingness to make sure I stay in good spirits through the tough times, helping out when needed and just all around support and love.

I am thankful for the roof over my head, a second roof to run away to in the beautiful Bruce, and the ability to be able to provide for my family.

Lastly, I am thankful that I have been blessed with the opportunity to carry another child.  To give Ciara a baby brother/sister and Parker a son/daughter next Spring!!  That's right peeps, we're having a baby :)

Community

com·mu·ni·ty  

1. people in area: a group of people who live in the same area, or the area in which they live
2. people with common background: a group of people with a common background or with shared interests within society
3. nations with common history: a group of nations with a common history or common economic or political interests

When I think of the people at CrossFit Indestri (CFI), I think "community".  As defined above, #2 is exactly what it is.  Not necessarily people with a common background as we all have led very different lives and come from very different backgrounds.  But we are a group of people with a shared interest.  We all have a love/hate relationship with CrossFit LOL.

But seriously, it's very hard not to grow close to a group of people that you've completed a WOD with.  We cheer each other on, give encouragement to help keep them going, and give them a high five or props at the end of the workout.  We smile, we laugh, we sweat, and well, sometimes, we cry together.

Community is one of the top reasons I am still at CrossFit.  As much as I have learned that I love to lift heavy things, the people bring me back day after day.  Whether it's a "Hey Mighty Mouse" from coach Tyson in the morning or some "ribbing" from some of the members about whether we're ready for today's workout or not.  I don't think I could ever leave this type of environment.

Photo by Jennifer Nichol

This couldn't have been more true when I, unfortunately, had to take a total of 6 weeks off from CrossFit.  Between Pool School, a vacation, and some medical issues, it was the longest time away from these people that I've had in the past year.  And when I was going through my personal troubles, the only place I wanted to be was at CFI.  Kind of a Cheers effect.  You know "where everybody knows your name"...

While I was off, I received messages on Facebook.  "Miss you", "When are you coming back?"  "Quit slacking and get your butt in here!"  (My favourite).  Just made me miss CFI more.  So the first day I went back, I was a little emotional but boy, was I happy to see everyone.  Got some great hugs and "welcome back".

Another great testament to this community, well now more like a family, is how people stepped forward to help Chris achieve his goal at MetCon.  They were either there to watch him or there to help him.  Truly amazing!

So, if you're looking for a place where you can get fit and feel a part of a "community" like ours, then check out your local CrossFit box.  Ask the members.  I bet they say the same thing.

"Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came;

You want to go where people know,

People are all the same;

You want to go where everybody knows your name."

Where Everybody Knows Your Name by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/cheerslyrics.html

Girls Night

I just spent a great night with a very special female...

My beautiful daughter Ciara.

This week was a very busy week.  Early mornings and late nights meant very little family time.  Then off to her Grandma's she went for a sleepover as Mommy had to work this morning as well.  These busy times can kind of take a toll on family life.

Unfortunately family time is going to have to wait.  Parker is away with the Major Bantam Boys Basketball team at their Provincials.  So instead of Family QT, Ci and I had some Girlie QT.

Off to Kelsey's we went.  While we waited for our food we chatted and coloured away on her menu.  Played some Tic Tac Toe.  Food was delicious.

We headed home and got into our PJs.  After a couple of iCarly episodes, we settled down for a cuddle and to watch "Aliens in the Attic".  Although she's seen it before, she wanted to see it again.

We didn't do much tonight but it was time we needed.  With so much happening in our busy lives and some big changes to come, I made a promise to Ciara that we would do this much more often.  We did the big handshake on it :)

Family is so important.  I'm very lucky and have grown up with a family that has always been there for me.  Through the good and even more so through the bad.  I want Ci to grow up with that same feeling of togetherness and love.  

For Ci and I, we've gone through a couple of tough family changes and a couple of really great ones.  We have a strong family unit now and couldn't be more happier.  So my promise to her, is something I plan on keeping... for as long as she wants to hang with her Momma ;)

I'll leave you with a quote that is very fitting for my family situation :)

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life ~ Richard Bach