So I am half way through my second round of the Whole Life Challenge. This time around doesn't feel as bad with nutrition. I think it helps that I knew what to expect and that I tried to keep up with my nutrition even after the last challenge (I wasn't perfect). With the last challenge I lost all the baby weight, this time I just seem to be maintaining, which is great and a little disappointing at the same time. But I realize that I don't have much weight that I need to lose. My goal is really to lose inches. I have yet to measure myself and see how that is panning out. But my mama belly is still sticking around, so that is quite frustrating to me. They say that is usually the last to go. On the other hand, some of my clothes are looser than before and I have some that I have to pin up to stay on me. That has to be a good sign.
I do know that I have become a lot stronger. Since starting the challenge about a month ago I can do kipping pull-ups and toes to bar. Those are pretty large achievements for me. I remember starting crossfit just 8 months ago and both those skills seemed impossible to achieve, they were so hard. I have learned with crossfit everything is possible. On top of that, I am able to do some of the WODs (workout of the day) as they are prescribed. Meaning, I don't have to modify the workout down to my level. I can actually do some of the workouts at the level that they are written. That is huge for me. I was always modifying the workout to my level (which is one of the great things about crossfit, everything is scaleable). Now, I am lifting heavier weights and doing things like pull-ups and toes to bar. I can't do all of the WODs prescribed, but I am seeing progress and improvement as I am able to do some. It feels really good. That is not to say that I am faster, but I am definitely stronger and working harder. It is great to see the improvement happen. I am getting better than I was. That's what it is about.
These accomplishment in my fitness gave me the confidence to sign up for the Crossfit Games Open. Basically, anyone can sign up for the Open and do the workouts. The top competitors move on to Regionals and then the Games (like one of my trainers!). I know I won't move on, but it is actually fun to see where I rank among thousands of people. Last week was the first workout 13.1.
Workout 13.1 (for women)
17 minute AMRAP of:
40 Burpees
30 Snatch, 45 lbs
30 Burpees
30 Snatch, 75 lbs
20 Burpees
30 Snatch, 100 lbs
10 burpees
Max rep Snatch, 120 lbs
I don't know what I was thinking but, I did it. I didn't get to 100 lbs, in fact, I barely did one 75 lb snatch, but the fact of the matter was that I did one. Considering I hadn't done a snatch more than 55 lbs, I was very proud of myself for getting that 1. It was a PR (personal record) and I am taking it. It took me maybe 5 minutes of trying to get that one in, but I didn't give up and got it. Who knew?
I am stronger and feeling great about myself. I just have to keep it up. For me it is all about being fit and healthy to enjoy life and what life has to offer.
Showing posts with label Whole Life Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whole Life Challenge. Show all posts
March 12, 2013
February 4, 2013
{Fitness Corner} Here we go again
I signed up to do the Whole Life Challenge, an online accountability game, again. My crossfit box is encouraging us to do it once again and even gave us an incentive of an extra day a week during the 8 week challenge. I had great results the first time and looking forward to see myself get stronger and fitter. I don't have any traveling planned this time around like I did the last, so that should help me stay on better track with nutrition.
I tried my best to stick with the nutrition part even after the challenge. The diet follow a paleo-like diet. Over the holidays I gave myself some exceptions, but for the most part I don't eat many starches, grains, or dairy. I have made the occassional exceptions but have maintained. In fact, I have clothes that are loose on me which is great and somewhat frustrating since I bought new clothes not too long ago.
The goals that I set for myself at the end of the challenge:
1. Do 5 unassisted pull ups by June 2013
2. Cook 3 paleo meals a week by the end of December
3. Workout and mobilization for 10 minutes for 6 days a week by end of December
I wasn't really good at tracking my goals. But I think I did pretty decently.
Goal 1: I continue to do crossfit and really see myself getting stronger and better. I can do a few unassisted kipping pull-ups, which is just amazing to me. I get 2-3 in a row and I am working on getting those 5. Actually I am hoping to get to 5 in the next few weeks by my birthday. That would put me ahead of the goal I originally set for June. Even is I don't make it by the end of February, I am still pretty proud that I can do what I can. I never would have thought I could ever do a pull-up unassisted.
Goal 2: I would say that I did this. I do know that when I cook, I cook paying attention to the paleo rules the majority of them time. I allow myself exceptions when we are out and on special occassions. Although I did not track this goal, I do think I did pretty well.
Goal 3: I would say I was pretty close. If not 6 days, I know I got in 5 days a week. I know what is realistic and the whole point was to keep moving. Also I have a renew view of rest days. I am good about moving and getting my workouts and mobilization in, so I am not really worried about this. But it is good to have the goal and keep doing it. With the challenge, I know that I will be more accountable and it will just make me better and fitter and closer to meeting goal 1.
I am excited. My big goal is to feel comfortable in a bikini for the summer. I haven't worn a bikini since I was pregnant, so that is about 4 years now. We have a trip to Hawaii this summer and I would like to get a new bikini for this summer. Let's do this, if I get as good as result as I did last time, I think I will be there. Just need to lose that mama belly.
I tried my best to stick with the nutrition part even after the challenge. The diet follow a paleo-like diet. Over the holidays I gave myself some exceptions, but for the most part I don't eat many starches, grains, or dairy. I have made the occassional exceptions but have maintained. In fact, I have clothes that are loose on me which is great and somewhat frustrating since I bought new clothes not too long ago.
The goals that I set for myself at the end of the challenge:
1. Do 5 unassisted pull ups by June 2013
2. Cook 3 paleo meals a week by the end of December
3. Workout and mobilization for 10 minutes for 6 days a week by end of December
I wasn't really good at tracking my goals. But I think I did pretty decently.
Goal 1: I continue to do crossfit and really see myself getting stronger and better. I can do a few unassisted kipping pull-ups, which is just amazing to me. I get 2-3 in a row and I am working on getting those 5. Actually I am hoping to get to 5 in the next few weeks by my birthday. That would put me ahead of the goal I originally set for June. Even is I don't make it by the end of February, I am still pretty proud that I can do what I can. I never would have thought I could ever do a pull-up unassisted.
Goal 2: I would say that I did this. I do know that when I cook, I cook paying attention to the paleo rules the majority of them time. I allow myself exceptions when we are out and on special occassions. Although I did not track this goal, I do think I did pretty well.
Goal 3: I would say I was pretty close. If not 6 days, I know I got in 5 days a week. I know what is realistic and the whole point was to keep moving. Also I have a renew view of rest days. I am good about moving and getting my workouts and mobilization in, so I am not really worried about this. But it is good to have the goal and keep doing it. With the challenge, I know that I will be more accountable and it will just make me better and fitter and closer to meeting goal 1.
I am excited. My big goal is to feel comfortable in a bikini for the summer. I haven't worn a bikini since I was pregnant, so that is about 4 years now. We have a trip to Hawaii this summer and I would like to get a new bikini for this summer. Let's do this, if I get as good as result as I did last time, I think I will be there. Just need to lose that mama belly.
November 11, 2012
{Fitness Corner} Whole Life Challenge Complete!
So I finished the 8 weeks of the Whole Life Challenge.
The results:
I lost 1.5 inches off of my waist and 1 inch off of my hips.
My arms and thighs are the same (but I think they are more defined and that I have gained muscle).
I lost 5 lbs. (I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight! Finally got rid of those last stubborn 5 lbs.)
Plus, I am stronger and can do 1 pull-up unassisted by bands. Amazing!!!
I went down a size in pants. All my pants are hanging off of me (even a few pairs of pre-pregnancy pants fit me loosely than they used to. I didn't have any problem finding an excuse to buy some new clothes, LOL.)
I am very happy with my results. I feel stronger.I am very proud of this accomplishment of getting through the challenge. I wasn't perfect and I had to lose points because I forgot to record my point one day, I traveled to NYC and Denver for business trips. Although I have to say that I was pretty good while traveling. I was selective of the times that I would stray from the nutrition and I made it a point to move everyday. In Denver, I was actually very good even though I had to eat out the whole time. I would ask for substitutions and made very good choices.
So now the question is do I keep this up...
Well, the last weekly challenge was to make 3 goals to complete. So my goals were:
1. Do 5 unassisted pull ups by June 2013
2. Cook 3 paleo meals a week by the end of December
3. Workout and mobilization for 10 minutes for 6 days a week by end of December
I am definitely keeping up with the workout and mobilization. I love doing crossfit, I feel strong and amazing doing it. So there is no question about that. The fact that I can do 1 unassisted pull-up is amazing to me. I know that I can get to that 5. By next June that will be 1 year of crossfit. So I know if I keep it up, I can do. Also, I love stretching and yoga, I've been practicing yoga for almost 10 years so why would I stop now. 7 days a week was a challenge, but with the requirement of only 10 minutes for a workout and 10 minutes for mobilization, it became totally doable. So why not continue!
Taking fish oil every day is no big deal. I do it anyways.
The nutrition part of the challenge was the most difficult part for me. I never diet and I have never been any good at sticking to something or depriving myself. I love to eat. But I liked that I was eating healthy and I think that I will try to stick to the paleo-like diet with the occasional exceptions. I don't miss the dairy too much. I thought I would want cheese all the time, and at first I did but I can also live without it and do not need it everyday like I used to eat it. It used to be an everyday snack for me. I loved to just have cheese and crackers or cheese and nuts. I think there was a time when I would live off of cheese sandwiches. I think to have it on occasion will be fine, just not on a daily basis.The grains are a little harder, but I did it for 8 weeks and I am okay without it. I know from time to time I will want some cake or bread. In fact, one of my biggest cravings is pizza (bread and cheese!). I had a slice of NY pizza when I was in NYC. But it better be a really good pizza for me to have it. a frozen pizza or a pizza from Pizza Hut is not worth it for me. So I plan to stick with it and allow myself some exceptions for special occasions like the holidays.
So, I made it and I am better for having done the whole life challenge. I am glad that I did and I hope that I can continue to make my fitness and health a priority. I love feeling stronger and healthier. I feel great and I feel in control, it really is awesome. It was a lifestyle change and I think that I can stick with it even without the challenge and accountability. At least, I hope that I can. I realize that the freedom from the challenge this first few days will allow me to give in a few times, but I trust that I will get back on track. I know that I actually crave fruit now instead of candy. I also, know that something has to be really worth it for me to eat it. So that piece of candy better be really good to be worth it. I think that is the key, to be mindful and determine if straying from healthy eating is really worth it. There will be times when it is, but as long as I come back to it I will be fine.
The results:
I lost 1.5 inches off of my waist and 1 inch off of my hips.
My arms and thighs are the same (but I think they are more defined and that I have gained muscle).
I lost 5 lbs. (I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight! Finally got rid of those last stubborn 5 lbs.)
Plus, I am stronger and can do 1 pull-up unassisted by bands. Amazing!!!
I went down a size in pants. All my pants are hanging off of me (even a few pairs of pre-pregnancy pants fit me loosely than they used to. I didn't have any problem finding an excuse to buy some new clothes, LOL.)
I am very happy with my results. I feel stronger.I am very proud of this accomplishment of getting through the challenge. I wasn't perfect and I had to lose points because I forgot to record my point one day, I traveled to NYC and Denver for business trips. Although I have to say that I was pretty good while traveling. I was selective of the times that I would stray from the nutrition and I made it a point to move everyday. In Denver, I was actually very good even though I had to eat out the whole time. I would ask for substitutions and made very good choices.
So now the question is do I keep this up...
Well, the last weekly challenge was to make 3 goals to complete. So my goals were:
1. Do 5 unassisted pull ups by June 2013
2. Cook 3 paleo meals a week by the end of December
3. Workout and mobilization for 10 minutes for 6 days a week by end of December
I am definitely keeping up with the workout and mobilization. I love doing crossfit, I feel strong and amazing doing it. So there is no question about that. The fact that I can do 1 unassisted pull-up is amazing to me. I know that I can get to that 5. By next June that will be 1 year of crossfit. So I know if I keep it up, I can do. Also, I love stretching and yoga, I've been practicing yoga for almost 10 years so why would I stop now. 7 days a week was a challenge, but with the requirement of only 10 minutes for a workout and 10 minutes for mobilization, it became totally doable. So why not continue!
Taking fish oil every day is no big deal. I do it anyways.
The nutrition part of the challenge was the most difficult part for me. I never diet and I have never been any good at sticking to something or depriving myself. I love to eat. But I liked that I was eating healthy and I think that I will try to stick to the paleo-like diet with the occasional exceptions. I don't miss the dairy too much. I thought I would want cheese all the time, and at first I did but I can also live without it and do not need it everyday like I used to eat it. It used to be an everyday snack for me. I loved to just have cheese and crackers or cheese and nuts. I think there was a time when I would live off of cheese sandwiches. I think to have it on occasion will be fine, just not on a daily basis.The grains are a little harder, but I did it for 8 weeks and I am okay without it. I know from time to time I will want some cake or bread. In fact, one of my biggest cravings is pizza (bread and cheese!). I had a slice of NY pizza when I was in NYC. But it better be a really good pizza for me to have it. a frozen pizza or a pizza from Pizza Hut is not worth it for me. So I plan to stick with it and allow myself some exceptions for special occasions like the holidays.
So, I made it and I am better for having done the whole life challenge. I am glad that I did and I hope that I can continue to make my fitness and health a priority. I love feeling stronger and healthier. I feel great and I feel in control, it really is awesome. It was a lifestyle change and I think that I can stick with it even without the challenge and accountability. At least, I hope that I can. I realize that the freedom from the challenge this first few days will allow me to give in a few times, but I trust that I will get back on track. I know that I actually crave fruit now instead of candy. I also, know that something has to be really worth it for me to eat it. So that piece of candy better be really good to be worth it. I think that is the key, to be mindful and determine if straying from healthy eating is really worth it. There will be times when it is, but as long as I come back to it I will be fine.
October 7, 2012
{Fitness Corner} WLC - 3 weeks in
So I am 3 weeks into the Whole Life Challenge and it has been going really well. I am really proud of myself for sticking to it. I've lost 3 pounds so far, about a pound a week, and my clothes are fitting loosely. I actually have several pairs of pants that are too big for me. It is great, but a little sad since they are work pants that I bought not long ago, which means I need to buy some new pants. I love that but it is hard since I hate to spend money when I just bought new pants. Oh well, I guess there are worst problems to have.
The workout and mobility part of the challenge is not big deal. I workout regularly anyways and on my rest days I have been going for walks or practicing some yoga at home. I did forget one day to do my mobility and lost a point. I was really upset with myself about that. I have been earning bonus points so I am still good overall.
The nutrition part has actually gone a lot better than I thought it would. Going on a paleo-like diet hasn't been so bad. No grains, no dairy, and no sugar is not as bad as I thought it would be. It took me a while to not feel hungry all the time, but now I am doing pretty well. I still have my cravings especially for some yummy, sweet baked goods but I am dealing with it. It has been hard going to kids birthday parties with the yummy treats and very little options. I have had many dry salads. It is amazing how even the salad dressings that you thought would be okay have sugar in it. Actually, there are so many things that have sugar. It is crazy.
I have been learning to make baked goods without flour or sugar in it. I made some banana muffins and they are pretty good.
I don't miss the dairy too much, except for cheese, but it hasn't been so bad. I actually think that even after the WLC that I will try to stick to this paleo-like diet for the most part and try to keep up eating healthy. That isn't too say I will stick with it as strictly as I have, I do want the occasional pizza, glass of wine, or cupcake. But on a regular basis, cooking and eating this way has been great not just for me but for the family as well. It is definitely nice to stay away from all the processed junk.
Just 5 weeks to go with this challenge and ahead of me are two trips that will make this challenge a challenge. Traveling takes me away from my regular routine, and away from a kitchen so I hope that I can stay strong. The first trip is to New York and that one will definitely be tough. I am saving as much of my bonus points because I am sure that I will splurge. There is a lot of really good food in NYC. I will do my best to stay strong!!
The workout and mobility part of the challenge is not big deal. I workout regularly anyways and on my rest days I have been going for walks or practicing some yoga at home. I did forget one day to do my mobility and lost a point. I was really upset with myself about that. I have been earning bonus points so I am still good overall.
The nutrition part has actually gone a lot better than I thought it would. Going on a paleo-like diet hasn't been so bad. No grains, no dairy, and no sugar is not as bad as I thought it would be. It took me a while to not feel hungry all the time, but now I am doing pretty well. I still have my cravings especially for some yummy, sweet baked goods but I am dealing with it. It has been hard going to kids birthday parties with the yummy treats and very little options. I have had many dry salads. It is amazing how even the salad dressings that you thought would be okay have sugar in it. Actually, there are so many things that have sugar. It is crazy.
I have been learning to make baked goods without flour or sugar in it. I made some banana muffins and they are pretty good.
I don't miss the dairy too much, except for cheese, but it hasn't been so bad. I actually think that even after the WLC that I will try to stick to this paleo-like diet for the most part and try to keep up eating healthy. That isn't too say I will stick with it as strictly as I have, I do want the occasional pizza, glass of wine, or cupcake. But on a regular basis, cooking and eating this way has been great not just for me but for the family as well. It is definitely nice to stay away from all the processed junk.
Just 5 weeks to go with this challenge and ahead of me are two trips that will make this challenge a challenge. Traveling takes me away from my regular routine, and away from a kitchen so I hope that I can stay strong. The first trip is to New York and that one will definitely be tough. I am saving as much of my bonus points because I am sure that I will splurge. There is a lot of really good food in NYC. I will do my best to stay strong!!
September 16, 2012
{Fitness Corner} Day 1 of WLC
The Whole Life Challenge began yesterday. I did the prelim WOD, it wasn't too bad. The WOD was 7 kettleball swings, 7 burpees, and a 50 meter run AMPRAP in 9 minutes. The burpees were hard, as usual. I got a score of 108, just short of completing 8 sets. I got through the day and earned all my points for the day.
The nutrition past was tough. On more than one occasion, I was tempted and felt hungry. I really wanted some cheese. It was especially hard when Baby Bear wanted cheese and crackers for her snack. I realize that I often finish her left overs even when I'm not really hungry. I made her some brown rice with dinner and though we all ate the same thing, I could not have the rice. I really love my rice. It is tough.
Today, I was hungry. I ate well but was hungry. Although, I am not sure that I am hungry or just craving something I know I can't have. I want my carbs. I want crackers and chips. Oh bread sounds so good too. I can do this. I know I can...
The nutrition past was tough. On more than one occasion, I was tempted and felt hungry. I really wanted some cheese. It was especially hard when Baby Bear wanted cheese and crackers for her snack. I realize that I often finish her left overs even when I'm not really hungry. I made her some brown rice with dinner and though we all ate the same thing, I could not have the rice. I really love my rice. It is tough.
Today, I was hungry. I ate well but was hungry. Although, I am not sure that I am hungry or just craving something I know I can't have. I want my carbs. I want crackers and chips. Oh bread sounds so good too. I can do this. I know I can...
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