Well, I've made a small change in my life; I've eliminated wheat from my diet. This wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be. Wheat is, literally, everywhere! Pizza, bread, donuts, pasta, and pastries are just the obvious ones. It's also in salad dressing, chocolate and a myriad of other non-bread items. It's used as filler, flavor enhancer, and binder in processed foods.
To get a handle on all of the things that contain wheat, I read Dr. William Davis' book, 'Wheat Belly' I have to admit, it was both enlightening and infuriating. I have been told by Diabetic Counselors, certified dietitians, and doctors, that wheat should be a mainstay of my diet. I grew up eating pasta, pizza, all manner of baked goods, and could never understand how I kept gaining weight even though I was working out 4 to 6 days a week.
Better late than never. Since I've given up wheat, I've noticed that, after a couple of days feeling listless, my energy levels have increased. I don't know if I've lost any weight, but I feel better. I also don't have as much neck and shoulder pain as I did before. All in all, I think this will be a positive change, but, as this is the Holiday Season, I am going to have to resist temptation at work, at home, and when I'm out. I'll keep you posted.
Next step: back to Crossfit, if they'll have me.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Regression, Depression, and Planning the Next Session.
As I write this, I am lying on a bed at the Black Hills Regional Sleep Center with a tube sticking up my nose. Later, I get the joy of having some sort of adhesive goop slathered all over my head and then wires will be attached, so that my brain activity can be monitored.
Oh joy.
The Summer was full of setbacks and obstacles. First, there was the funny mole on my head that turned out to pre-cancerous cells that had to be removed. Now I have to wear a big, floppy hat every time I go out into the sunlight. Then there was a trip back to Michigan where I spent a week eating road food and driving the length and breadth of the state, all the while getting NO exercise. When I got back, an old neck injury flared up and I was out of action for a month. Then I noticed that I was feeling tired all of the time. I figured, "Hey, it comes with getting older." But, I noticed that my energy levels were WAAAAAY low by the end of a workday. And my job isn't demanding at all. After watching me sit like an insensate lump on the couch for a couple of months, my long-suffering wife, who has endured my snoring for our entire marriage, finally convinced me to get a Sleep Study done. It turns out that I am going as long as 40 seconds without breathing during the night. Hence the lethargy and lack of motivation.
The frustrating thing is that I had finally adjusted to Crossfit; I had learned that working out full tilt one day, and being too sore to move for three, was not progress. Anyhow, at the other end of all of the excuses and obstacles, I'm almost back where I started from.
Soooooo, I guess I can call my first effort at losing 100 pounds an epic fail. The only choice I have now is figure out what to do next and make the second attempt.
Oh joy.
The Summer was full of setbacks and obstacles. First, there was the funny mole on my head that turned out to pre-cancerous cells that had to be removed. Now I have to wear a big, floppy hat every time I go out into the sunlight. Then there was a trip back to Michigan where I spent a week eating road food and driving the length and breadth of the state, all the while getting NO exercise. When I got back, an old neck injury flared up and I was out of action for a month. Then I noticed that I was feeling tired all of the time. I figured, "Hey, it comes with getting older." But, I noticed that my energy levels were WAAAAAY low by the end of a workday. And my job isn't demanding at all. After watching me sit like an insensate lump on the couch for a couple of months, my long-suffering wife, who has endured my snoring for our entire marriage, finally convinced me to get a Sleep Study done. It turns out that I am going as long as 40 seconds without breathing during the night. Hence the lethargy and lack of motivation.
The frustrating thing is that I had finally adjusted to Crossfit; I had learned that working out full tilt one day, and being too sore to move for three, was not progress. Anyhow, at the other end of all of the excuses and obstacles, I'm almost back where I started from.
Soooooo, I guess I can call my first effort at losing 100 pounds an epic fail. The only choice I have now is figure out what to do next and make the second attempt.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Progress, sweet progress...
I had to go get weighed in yesterday for insurance purposes. It turns out that I have lost TWENTY THREE POUNDS since I started this process. Now, I have to admit; I have feared the scale and what it might tell me, but this was unavoidable and the results were inspiring.
I credit Crossfit and the people there for helping me make it this far. Justin, Susie, Nicole, and the rest of the gang that pushed me along when I didn't think I had anything left, I can only say a heartfelt 'thank you.' And, you ain't seen nuthin', yet.
I credit Crossfit and the people there for helping me make it this far. Justin, Susie, Nicole, and the rest of the gang that pushed me along when I didn't think I had anything left, I can only say a heartfelt 'thank you.' And, you ain't seen nuthin', yet.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Stuck
With the death of my mother and subsequent respiratory ailment, I've gotten off-task. I'm feeling 100% better physically, but I've still got the blahs. I need to figure this out.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
To My Crossfit Family
This has been the shittiest week of my recent memory. My mother died last Monday. So, as a result of having to drive back to Michigan, I had no box to go to, I ate garbage all week, and I feel like I am back at square one. I'm depressed, pissed at myself, and generally just ready to get back to my life. In any case, I wrote a tribute to my mother that I'd like to share with everyone at BHCF.
My Mother
On February 20, 2012, my Mother went home to be with Our Savior. She went peacefully in her sleep, which is exactly how she wanted to go.
Life didn't give mom a lot of breaks. For one thing, money was a constant worry. When we didn't have enough, she stressed over it. When we did have enough, she constantly worried about losing it. The former was due to her being a child of The Great Depression. The latter was due to her losing her business as a result of the vagaries of IRS regulations. Nevertheless, she knew how to squeeze a penny until Lincoln screamed for mercy. Even more, we never wanted for a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, or food in our bellies.
Bad luck, bad men, and a bad back plagued her throughout her life. Yet, if I had to define her life in one word, that word would be 'perseverance.' My father abandoned us when I was a month old, making her a single parent long before it was socially accepted. Despite the hardship and stigma attached to our circumstance in the 70's, she still managed to raise my sister and I into decent people. She did this with love, sensitivity, and, in my case, a wooden spoon.
Much is made of the Protestant Work Ethic. My mother's work ethic made Protestants look like a bunch of layabouts. Many was the day that I saw her go to work at a job she had come to hate, even though her back caused her so much pain she could barely stand. Then, when she came home, she would take care of us and cook a meal.
Cook? Such a bland way to describe what she did. In keeping with her Sicilian heritage, food was love in our house. And when she had the time and inclination, her spaghetti and meatballs were such that I'm willing to bet that Emeril would have wept with joy at having had the privilege to sample such a meal. My mother could create a feast out of a pound of ground beef and a can of Cream of Mushroom Soup.
She also had a heart as big as all outdoors. I don't know how many Thanksgiving holidays involved setting a place at our table for someone that had no family or was too far from home to enjoy the holiday with their own family. It was never a question of 'if', just 'how many?' Some people adopt stray pets, my mom adopted stray people.
The overriding thing I observed about her was, no matter how many times her heart got broken, or how much pain she was in because of some ailment or other, or how big a financial disaster fell upon her, she never waivered in her belief that things would get better. Her faith was her rock, even before she came to Jesus. When she did, in fact, profess her faith in Jesus Christ, she at last found the peace that had eluded her for so many years. I am firm in my belief that her taking that step, combined with who knows how many of her prayers, led my sister, along with her husband and children, and I to make the same journey a few years later. It was a journey that resulted in me meeting the remarkable woman who became my wife and the mother of my children.
When she sensed that her time was coming, ever the planner and preparer, she set her affairs in order, made sure that we all understood her wishes and took steps to insure that they would be carried out with as little financial burden to her family as possible. That done, she turned and faced her end, ready and without fear. On the morning of February 20, 2012, she went to be in the arms of her Creator. From where I stand, she did so having done her duty as a "...good and faithful servant." Though the world is diminished by her passing, we, who are her legacy, embrace all that she was, and all that she taught us, and we strive to pass those qualities on to our children. It is the best way to honor her memory.
My Mother
On February 20, 2012, my Mother went home to be with Our Savior. She went peacefully in her sleep, which is exactly how she wanted to go.
Life didn't give mom a lot of breaks. For one thing, money was a constant worry. When we didn't have enough, she stressed over it. When we did have enough, she constantly worried about losing it. The former was due to her being a child of The Great Depression. The latter was due to her losing her business as a result of the vagaries of IRS regulations. Nevertheless, she knew how to squeeze a penny until Lincoln screamed for mercy. Even more, we never wanted for a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, or food in our bellies.
Bad luck, bad men, and a bad back plagued her throughout her life. Yet, if I had to define her life in one word, that word would be 'perseverance.' My father abandoned us when I was a month old, making her a single parent long before it was socially accepted. Despite the hardship and stigma attached to our circumstance in the 70's, she still managed to raise my sister and I into decent people. She did this with love, sensitivity, and, in my case, a wooden spoon.
Much is made of the Protestant Work Ethic. My mother's work ethic made Protestants look like a bunch of layabouts. Many was the day that I saw her go to work at a job she had come to hate, even though her back caused her so much pain she could barely stand. Then, when she came home, she would take care of us and cook a meal.
Cook? Such a bland way to describe what she did. In keeping with her Sicilian heritage, food was love in our house. And when she had the time and inclination, her spaghetti and meatballs were such that I'm willing to bet that Emeril would have wept with joy at having had the privilege to sample such a meal. My mother could create a feast out of a pound of ground beef and a can of Cream of Mushroom Soup.
She also had a heart as big as all outdoors. I don't know how many Thanksgiving holidays involved setting a place at our table for someone that had no family or was too far from home to enjoy the holiday with their own family. It was never a question of 'if', just 'how many?' Some people adopt stray pets, my mom adopted stray people.
The overriding thing I observed about her was, no matter how many times her heart got broken, or how much pain she was in because of some ailment or other, or how big a financial disaster fell upon her, she never waivered in her belief that things would get better. Her faith was her rock, even before she came to Jesus. When she did, in fact, profess her faith in Jesus Christ, she at last found the peace that had eluded her for so many years. I am firm in my belief that her taking that step, combined with who knows how many of her prayers, led my sister, along with her husband and children, and I to make the same journey a few years later. It was a journey that resulted in me meeting the remarkable woman who became my wife and the mother of my children.
When she sensed that her time was coming, ever the planner and preparer, she set her affairs in order, made sure that we all understood her wishes and took steps to insure that they would be carried out with as little financial burden to her family as possible. That done, she turned and faced her end, ready and without fear. On the morning of February 20, 2012, she went to be in the arms of her Creator. From where I stand, she did so having done her duty as a "...good and faithful servant." Though the world is diminished by her passing, we, who are her legacy, embrace all that she was, and all that she taught us, and we strive to pass those qualities on to our children. It is the best way to honor her memory.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
SUCCESS!!!
I accomplished my first Rx for a workout today. The workout wasn't complicated: 10 Kettlebell swings (55lbs), 20 Russian Twists with a 20 lb. Medicine Ball, and 30 Paralette Jumps, as many rounds as possible in 16 minutes. I did 3 rounds with 7 KB swings to spare. Paralette Jumps were a bitch since I'm not the most aerial guy in the world, but I ground out 30 of them each round. A month ago, I wasn't even able to get my lard butt off of the ground.
I am quickly becoming a Crossfit Addict.
I am quickly becoming a Crossfit Addict.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Goals.
I know that the title of this blog refers to 100 pounds, but my goals are deeper than just losing weight. I want to be an asset to those around me. If some crisis erupts, I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. If one of my kids sprains an ankle while we're camping, I don't want to have to call an ambulance for both of us because I collapse while carrying him to the car.
I'm not building an Abercrombie & Fitch underwear model, I'm building a life teeming with potential because I have minimized my physical limitations. I want to amaze my doctors and frustrate my pharmacist as I decrease the meds I take and stave off the effects of my various ailments.
It's happening. I can feel it in oh so small increments, but the progress is there. I have refocused my thoughts from "Back in the day, I was..." to "Tomorrow, I will be..."
I'm not building an Abercrombie & Fitch underwear model, I'm building a life teeming with potential because I have minimized my physical limitations. I want to amaze my doctors and frustrate my pharmacist as I decrease the meds I take and stave off the effects of my various ailments.
It's happening. I can feel it in oh so small increments, but the progress is there. I have refocused my thoughts from "Back in the day, I was..." to "Tomorrow, I will be..."
Monday, January 9, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
I'm Becoming a Cave Man
Well, some people that know me would tell you that this announcement is late by a couple of decades. The fact is, I am starting the Paleo Diet today. As near as I can tell, the Paleo Diet is one where you can eat as much as you want of anything that walks, crawls, flies, or grows on trees and bushes. I'm good with that. I'll have to eliminate processed foods and grains of any type from my diet. Ummm...okay, I can do that. I'll miss pizza, but sacrifices must be made. The only hitch in this process is the elimination of coffee.
Please, not coffee. I have been drinking the Blessed Bean Broth since I was 10 years old. It gets me started in the morning and provides a pleasant way to spend a break at work. Plus, the occasional froo-froo coffee at one of our local coffee houses is a treat. I'm going to have to ponder that one long and hard.
I'm also going to have to eliminate salt. So, basically, it sounds like I'm going to be eating a bunch of bland food. If anyone out there has any Paleo recipes that they like, please feel free to send them my way.
Please, not coffee. I have been drinking the Blessed Bean Broth since I was 10 years old. It gets me started in the morning and provides a pleasant way to spend a break at work. Plus, the occasional froo-froo coffee at one of our local coffee houses is a treat. I'm going to have to ponder that one long and hard.
I'm also going to have to eliminate salt. So, basically, it sounds like I'm going to be eating a bunch of bland food. If anyone out there has any Paleo recipes that they like, please feel free to send them my way.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
What is it like?
Occasionally, when I mention that I started Crossfitting I am asked, "What's it like? I hear it's pretty hard."
Trying to explain what Crossfit is like is like trying to explain to a desert nomad what it's like to swim in Lake Michigan; you have to do it to truly understand.
However....
I will describe to you what it's like for me. Hopefully, you'll gain some insight from that. Usually, the process begins the night before and continues until I have actually completed the workout.
Evening, the Night Before a Workout: Ho-lee crap! He expects me to do pullups? I can barely pull up my socks, let alone pull my fat behind up to a bar! And Burpees? I HATE Burpees! I look like an elephant seal trying to make to the water! Oh shit, Wall Balls? Better get the barf bag ready.
Morning, Day of the Workout: Okay, 8 hours of work and it's off to Crossfit. It's gonna suck, but I'm not going to get any better sitting on the couch watching the tube. I wonder what's on? Is NCIS on? I can't miss the mid-season finale! Maybe I'll, skip today and go tomorrow!
Lunch Time, Day of the Workout: Half the day gone and only four hours until Crossfit. Funny, I'm not as tired today as I usually am by this time. My feet and back are actually feeling pretty good. I could probably skip today and it wouldn't hurt me.
Quitting Time Day of the Workout: Here is my exit to go home. All I have to do is turn here and I'll be warm and comfy on my couch snuggling up to the missus and catching up on NCIS. (Sigh) And I'll still be the same lump of disappointment that I was yesterday. Okay, no more excuses, nothing to it but to do it.
Entering Crossfit, Twenty Minutes Before the WoD Begins: Wow! These people look miserable! Thank GOD! I thought I was the only one that looked like that when I was working. Good Lord! That guy is in incredible shape and he's laying on the floor like he's dead. This one must be a smoker!
Workout Begins: Ya know? I might flirt with that woman if it weren't for two obstacles; 1) I'm a happily married man and 2) Judging by the way she's tossing that ball, she'd probably stomp me into a bloody mush if I offended her. How can someone that small generate that much power?
Five Minutes Into Workout: How did I get so weak??? When did I lose my ability to lift myself off the floor? I think I'm going to suggest that they have oxygen tanks somewhere around here because I sure as hell need some right now. I think they mis-marked this ball; it says '14' on it, but I swear it weighs '50'. If I can just get through this without throwing up on that woman in front of me, I'll consider this a success.
Ten Minutes Into Workout: I think with the next Burpee, I'll just stay on the floor until my blood stops burning. Uh-oh, the coach is yelling at me. What? 'Good job?' Haven't you been watching me? I can't even keep up with the scrawny, little, woman in front of me. Well crap! If she can toss that ball up there, I can do a couple of more Burpees.
Workout Complete: I feel like a wet noodle that's been run over by a truck. I should have realized that I'm in no condition to workout! Still, I managed to throw that wall ball a little better today. And the Burpees didn't hurt as much today as they did last week. Plus, skipping rope during the warm-up was waaay easier. As soon as I can talk in complete sentences, I'll be ready to go. I sure like the way people encourage each other around here.
Home After the Workout: Wow, I feel great! I haven't felt this good for a while. I did okay, too. I made it and achieved most of my goals. I'll work harder next time. I wonder what's in store for the next workout? Ho-lee CRAP! Front Squats??? What madman devises these workouts? Why not just waterboard us and get it over with???
Trying to explain what Crossfit is like is like trying to explain to a desert nomad what it's like to swim in Lake Michigan; you have to do it to truly understand.
However....
I will describe to you what it's like for me. Hopefully, you'll gain some insight from that. Usually, the process begins the night before and continues until I have actually completed the workout.
Evening, the Night Before a Workout: Ho-lee crap! He expects me to do pullups? I can barely pull up my socks, let alone pull my fat behind up to a bar! And Burpees? I HATE Burpees! I look like an elephant seal trying to make to the water! Oh shit, Wall Balls? Better get the barf bag ready.
Morning, Day of the Workout: Okay, 8 hours of work and it's off to Crossfit. It's gonna suck, but I'm not going to get any better sitting on the couch watching the tube. I wonder what's on? Is NCIS on? I can't miss the mid-season finale! Maybe I'll, skip today and go tomorrow!
Lunch Time, Day of the Workout: Half the day gone and only four hours until Crossfit. Funny, I'm not as tired today as I usually am by this time. My feet and back are actually feeling pretty good. I could probably skip today and it wouldn't hurt me.
Quitting Time Day of the Workout: Here is my exit to go home. All I have to do is turn here and I'll be warm and comfy on my couch snuggling up to the missus and catching up on NCIS. (Sigh) And I'll still be the same lump of disappointment that I was yesterday. Okay, no more excuses, nothing to it but to do it.
Entering Crossfit, Twenty Minutes Before the WoD Begins: Wow! These people look miserable! Thank GOD! I thought I was the only one that looked like that when I was working. Good Lord! That guy is in incredible shape and he's laying on the floor like he's dead. This one must be a smoker!
Workout Begins: Ya know? I might flirt with that woman if it weren't for two obstacles; 1) I'm a happily married man and 2) Judging by the way she's tossing that ball, she'd probably stomp me into a bloody mush if I offended her. How can someone that small generate that much power?
Five Minutes Into Workout: How did I get so weak??? When did I lose my ability to lift myself off the floor? I think I'm going to suggest that they have oxygen tanks somewhere around here because I sure as hell need some right now. I think they mis-marked this ball; it says '14' on it, but I swear it weighs '50'. If I can just get through this without throwing up on that woman in front of me, I'll consider this a success.
Ten Minutes Into Workout: I think with the next Burpee, I'll just stay on the floor until my blood stops burning. Uh-oh, the coach is yelling at me. What? 'Good job?' Haven't you been watching me? I can't even keep up with the scrawny, little, woman in front of me. Well crap! If she can toss that ball up there, I can do a couple of more Burpees.
Workout Complete: I feel like a wet noodle that's been run over by a truck. I should have realized that I'm in no condition to workout! Still, I managed to throw that wall ball a little better today. And the Burpees didn't hurt as much today as they did last week. Plus, skipping rope during the warm-up was waaay easier. As soon as I can talk in complete sentences, I'll be ready to go. I sure like the way people encourage each other around here.
Home After the Workout: Wow, I feel great! I haven't felt this good for a while. I did okay, too. I made it and achieved most of my goals. I'll work harder next time. I wonder what's in store for the next workout? Ho-lee CRAP! Front Squats??? What madman devises these workouts? Why not just waterboard us and get it over with???
Friday, December 2, 2011
Success
I finally made it three times in one week. The WoD was a killer for me, but I learned a couple of things;
I have learned humility, because I have learned I have much to be humble about.
BUT...
I can feel me getting stronger. I was less sore this week than last week. I could skip rope a little better this week than last week, and I recuperated faster this week than last week.
Baby steps, small victories, long term commitment. This is my new mantra.
- Concentrate on what I'm doing. Focus on proper movement and doing the exercise correctly.
- Forget about speed. Something I've learned from competitive shooting: Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. I'm participating with people that are half my age and worlds ahead of me in fitness. Don't try to keep up, just try to keep with it.
I have learned humility, because I have learned I have much to be humble about.
BUT...
I can feel me getting stronger. I was less sore this week than last week. I could skip rope a little better this week than last week, and I recuperated faster this week than last week.
Baby steps, small victories, long term commitment. This is my new mantra.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Epic Fail
The Thanksgiving weekend did me in. Not only did I not make it to the gym, I ate everything that I wasn't supposed to. I was working Black Friday; my employer graciously provided breakfast and lunch. Same with Saturday. Unfortunately, they consisted of high-carb fast food. And I ate it.
This is going to be a tougher battle than I thought. Nothing to do now but get back into the fight and quit making the same mistakes.
This is going to be a tougher battle than I thought. Nothing to do now but get back into the fight and quit making the same mistakes.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Earning My Right Arm Back
Truth time: A couple of years ago, I sustained a neck injury that caused my right arm to lose strength, specifically, my right tricep was atrophied and near useless. A month of physical therapy got me back to where I could use it again, but the damage had been done. My right tricep is weaker than I ever remember. The heaviest thing I could lift with it was a gallon of milk. I hated that fact, but I figured it was the result of my own bad decisions, The Wages of Sin, so to speak.
Today, the WoD included pushups. As I was struggling through the WoD, I noticed that I felt my right arm "firing up". I could actually feel my tricep getting pumped. Was it my imagination? I need someone 'in the know' to tell me if it's possible for an atrophied muscle to recover. If it is, I figure that the work I'm putting in is the way to earn my right arm back.
By the way, Susie the instructor is a great teacher. She knows the mechanics and she can do the work. I can't begin to express how impressed I am with this whole experience. The more involved I become with this bunch, the more I want to be involved. Soooo, to any out-of-shape, over-the-hill, couch potatoes that stumble across this blog, I say this: find a Crossfit in your area and go there. The people you meet will, by themselves, be worth the trip.
Today, the WoD included pushups. As I was struggling through the WoD, I noticed that I felt my right arm "firing up". I could actually feel my tricep getting pumped. Was it my imagination? I need someone 'in the know' to tell me if it's possible for an atrophied muscle to recover. If it is, I figure that the work I'm putting in is the way to earn my right arm back.
By the way, Susie the instructor is a great teacher. She knows the mechanics and she can do the work. I can't begin to express how impressed I am with this whole experience. The more involved I become with this bunch, the more I want to be involved. Soooo, to any out-of-shape, over-the-hill, couch potatoes that stumble across this blog, I say this: find a Crossfit in your area and go there. The people you meet will, by themselves, be worth the trip.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Getting Back into Alignment
I forgot to mention that I went in for an adjustment with Dr. Bahr yesterday. I figured that it would benefit me in that it would help my body complete the movements if it were properly aligned. I was right. There is something profound about having your entire body relax simultaneously. I hadn't even realized that anything was wrong until I went in to her. It turned out that my left leg was an inch shorter than my right, and that I had a curve in my spine.
One of the things I appreciate about her method is that she doesn't twist you around. Everything is done on a flat plane and no torque is administered to your spine. I'm not saying that those who do twist you are wrong, it's just that, when I originally injured my back in 1994, my doctor cautioned me to never put too much twist into my spine for fear of further injury.
This also translates into a better workout because your body is evenly distributing the work load. If you live in the Rapid City area, I enthusiastically recommend her. I'm also trying to get her to come and try Crossfit to see what it's all about. That could result in a very positive synergy between the two. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
One of the things I appreciate about her method is that she doesn't twist you around. Everything is done on a flat plane and no torque is administered to your spine. I'm not saying that those who do twist you are wrong, it's just that, when I originally injured my back in 1994, my doctor cautioned me to never put too much twist into my spine for fear of further injury.
This also translates into a better workout because your body is evenly distributing the work load. If you live in the Rapid City area, I enthusiastically recommend her. I'm also trying to get her to come and try Crossfit to see what it's all about. That could result in a very positive synergy between the two. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Back in the Box
First day back after several days off to move. Today's WoD was a smoker that included Burpees, although what I was doing would be more accurately named "Flop-ees". No matter; I was there. That was what I kept telling myself when the suck got bad, "I'm still here!"
It made sense at the time.
It made sense at the time.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Early Signs of Life
I haven't been to the Box this week (yet) for 2 reasons: an erratic work schedule and we're moving. Now, there are few things in life I hate more than moving. I've done way too much of it and, frankly, I'm sick of it. This move isn't too bad in that we're only moving 60 feet down the hall to a larger apartment but, it still sucks because I have to move everything with just me and a hand truck.
On the plus side, lifting and moving stuff isn't nearly as tough this time as it was when we moved in to the old place. By the end of the move last time, I was spent, sore, pissed off, and disgusted. This time I'm just pissed off (Did I mention that I hate moving?) I could feel myself using the stuff I learned at Black Hills Crossfit to lift and maneuver couches and freezers and whatnot. I take this as an indication that I'm on the right path.
On the plus side, lifting and moving stuff isn't nearly as tough this time as it was when we moved in to the old place. By the end of the move last time, I was spent, sore, pissed off, and disgusted. This time I'm just pissed off (Did I mention that I hate moving?) I could feel myself using the stuff I learned at Black Hills Crossfit to lift and maneuver couches and freezers and whatnot. I take this as an indication that I'm on the right path.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Pride and Ego
One of the unpleasant things I've learned about myself in the last two weeks is just how large my ego is. I promised myself that I would leave my pride outside when I went into Crossfit, but it's difficult to do when doing so simultaneously shatters the illusions about myself. Like many, I generally believe myself capable of handling any contingency that comes my way. And, like many, I'm wrong. Were I to find myself hanging from a tree branch or a roof, I would be unable to hold my own weight. I would fall and suffer whatever fate awaited me. Why? Because I am not strong enough to hold up my own weight.
Then, there is the pushup. I am barely capable of doing ten "modified" pushups. A modified pushup is what I, in less enlightened times, called a "girl pushup"; knees on the floor, body straight, hands shoulder width apart. I hate that I have to do these, but I accept that they must be done. Rather than wallow in my shame, I embrace it. I accept myself as I am, and I look forward to what I will be.
I have the power to change.
Then, there is the pushup. I am barely capable of doing ten "modified" pushups. A modified pushup is what I, in less enlightened times, called a "girl pushup"; knees on the floor, body straight, hands shoulder width apart. I hate that I have to do these, but I accept that they must be done. Rather than wallow in my shame, I embrace it. I accept myself as I am, and I look forward to what I will be.
I have the power to change.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Nutrition, Step 1
One of the things that I've come to realize is that my diet is crap. I eat too much of the wrong things. To change that, I've had to make some profound changes in my way of thinking and in my diet. First, portions must become smaller. Second, less grain-based food and more protein and vegetables. Also, Dr. Kimberly Bahr has recommended some vitamin supplements from NutraMetrix. I started them this week, so it's too early to tell if there is any change, but I'm fairly certain they can't hurt.
Also, working out is going well. The workouts are grueling, but I usually feel great a couple of hours afterwards. Until then, I feel like a wet rag.
Also, working out is going well. The workouts are grueling, but I usually feel great a couple of hours afterwards. Until then, I feel like a wet rag.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Spots
Today was my second day working out at Black Hills Crossfit. Despite my misgivings, they pushed me to the limit without pushing me too far. The people there are all very supportive. They all seem to know what I'm going through since they started there, too. It's almost like a support group without the group hugs.
I was happy just to get through the "dumbed down" version of the workout of the day. The funny thing is, I find myself wanting to do it again.
Tomorrow.
I was happy just to get through the "dumbed down" version of the workout of the day. The funny thing is, I find myself wanting to do it again.
Tomorrow.
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