The Paleo/Crossfit Challenge: Week 1

So how did the first week of the challenge go?

Okay, I'll admit.  I was NOT 100% paleo.  :/  Paleo fail!  I had bread 3 times, beans once and a pumpkin spice latte once the first week.  I feel so guilty about that and I can't cheat like that anymore.  Gotta clean it up more if I wanna see bigger/better results.

My purse: looks like a kitchen pantry. So many paleo snacks so I don't go off track and buy a candy bar if I'm hungry. Apple, baby food mush, mixed nuts (no peanuts), banana, carrots.

Life Savers
Trader Joe's Cold Brew Coffee.  Add unsweetend almond milk and daily allowance of Stevia. Yum!  Not really sweet, but the stevia makes it less bitter.  It also prevents me from getting sugary coffee from starbucks.


Frozen grapes.  They are so good and they totally satisfy my sweet tooth after dinner.





New Obsession
Brussel Sprouts - cook bacon in EVOO or Coconut Oil.  Add brussel sprouts, let crisp/brown - about 5 mins.  Add balsamic vinager (not vinagrette) and water to pan.  Cover and let steam for 5 mins.  So good!















WOD 1 - Level I

I started CF mid-July of this year so I'm fairly new. I completed my first challenge WOD on 9/18/2013.

WOD 1, Level I was as follows:
18 min AMRAP
21-18-15-12-9-6-3
8lb Wall Balls
55lb Deadlifts
12" Box Jumps

OMG, this WOD totally kicked my butt!! The wall balls were tough! The line was higher than I normally use and I almost had to jump a little to get the ball up to the line. I felt light headed at times during the WOD and my legs felt a little shakey during the box jumps. I felt pretty solid with the deadlifts though. My coaches and other crossfitters were cheering us on, which helped me push harder. I almost made it through the complete WOD! I made it further than I thought I would. My score was 18:14. Which means I made it through 81 Wall Balls, 81 Deadlifts, and 76 Box Jumps...all in 18 minutes. WOW. That's a lot! I think I did well for being a beginner and now I have something to work for....COMPLETING the WOD when it comes back around at the end of this challenge.

WOD 3 - Level 1

WOD 3, Level 1 - The Hang Power Clean Sprint
5 min AMRAP

The Rep Sequence

Round 1
10 45lb Hang Power Cleans
20 Meter Sprint

Round 2
8 45lb Hang Power Cleans
40 Meter Sprint

Round 3
6 45lb Hang Power Cleans
60 Meter Sprint

Round 4
4 45lb Hang Power Cleans
80 Meter Sprint

Round 5
2 45lb Hang Power Cleans
100 Meter Sprint

 

I finished at 4 minutes 10 seconds.  I'm just happy I finished under the 5 minutes!  I was definately out of breath by the end of this WOD.  I just went hard though.  My legs felt a little shakey when running and I had a few no reps.  When I got tired, I forgot that I had to deadlift it and then do the power clean, and another time I just didn't get the bar up all the way.

 

 

EIGHT week Paleo/Crossfit Challenge has started!

So the 8 week Paleo/Crossfit Challenge has started!!! 

About the Challenge:  Track your food which has to be paleo, or it's considered a 'cheat'.  Complete a total of 10 WODs posted by LuRong Living during the 8 week challenge.  To see more of the rules click here.

Day 1
I prepared myself for the challenge by cleaning out my kitchen of foods I'm not suppose to have.
I forgot to bring my lunch to work so I picked up a Wendy's chili......which later I remember NO LEGUMES!  So that meal had to be counted as a cheat.  I was great the rest of the day though.  I even made myself pork chops and brussel sprouts with bacon.  yum!  I think I'm newly addicted to brussel sprouts.



I went to my box to get my 'before' picture and my measurements taken.  I had a killer headache so I didn't WOD afterwards.  I think my body is adjusting and I didn't have any caffiene that day.  Bad idea!  At the end of the day, I started to have some cravings for something sweet....luckily I had some frozen grapes in the freezer that managed to keep my cravings at bay.

My measurements:
Waist - 36 1/2"
Hips - 47 7/8"
Thighs - 27 1/2"
Upper Arms - 13"
Chest - 33"

I'm not thrilled with these measurements and I'd like to say that maybe they are worse than normal because of my epic cheat weekend.....  or atleast that's what I'm gonna say.  :)  Let's hope these measurements are lower at the end of the challenge!  I haven't recieved my 'before' picture yet.  I'll post the before and after pictures at the end of the challenge. 

The first 3 WODs have been posted.  I plan on doing my first one Wednesday evening.  Wish me luck!  I'll keep you updated as things progress.

So what do I think of Crossfit after a month in

So I've been Crossfitting (is that a word??) for about a month now and I couldn't be happier.

It's been about a year since I started hearing stuff about Crossfit.  I dated a guy (Chivo) who is really into crossfit, and I am definately not one to complain about that - he had a great body.  He talked about it all the time and would even bust out crossfit moves all the time - like in the mall, my place, parking lots, etc.  I found it amusing and we soon started taking pictures of him doing pistols in random locations. 
All this talk of crossfit kinda felt like a foreign language and the moves he was doing, just didn't make much sense to me.  Like why do they do it that way, why is he squatting back down before bringing the weight up.  I found it interesting and totally terrifying.  At first, I'd think to myself, I don't want a huge upper back and arms like some of these chicks - like Miranda.  I envisioned a bootcamp type class where there was no way I could do half the stuff that Chivo was talking about.

After I decided that I wanted to try crossfit I thought I'd up my endurance before trying crossfit.  I started a C25K (couch to 5K) program and started lifted weights again at the gym.  Chivo laughed when I talked about it being "leg day".  Apparently, at his 'box' they made fun of leg day or arm day, that the people at globogyms did.  I also wanted to get in better shape for my friends wedding in September in Florida.  I was getting better at running and I can lift a lot with my legs...my arms on the other hand, were wimpy!

So why did I decide that I didn't need to have awesome endurance BEFORE starting Crossfit?

• Pictures of older women, like in their 70s, going to Crossfit. 
• Transformation pictures of people who started Crossfit. 
• Pictures of women who are really into Crossfit, and have great looking bodies, not huge or manly looking.
• Testimonies of people who said Crossfit changed their lives.
• Clutch Crossfit owners quote - "Decide you want it, more than you're afraid of it".  I love this quote.  I think my endurance thing was just an excuse because I was afraid to try something new.
• Chivo and I broke up (great guy, bad timing) so I wanted something to get my mind off the breakup, even though he was the one that taught me what Crossfit was.

So I sent out an email to some of my friends, hoping to get at least one of them to sign up for the Intro class with me.  It worked!  SW signed up with me.  :)  You can check out my earlier blogs to see what the On-Ramp classes were like.

Saturday Buddy WOD

So what do I think of Crossfit after a month in regular classes?

I love it.  Every class totally kicks my butt, but I feel great afterwards.  After class, I'm in such a better mood, kinda feel like a bad ass, almost on a fitness high. 

The classes totally wipe me out though.  I'm super tired the day after classes, but I have noticed that while doing outdoor activities (like kayaking) and other general stuff, I don't get as tired as I use to, I still have energy to do more. 

I feel slower compared to others in my class, and I can't lift as much, but I'm new and working on all that.  I don't feel judged by anyone at all.  They encourage you and after you finish, they tell you what a great job you've done.  I've met some pretty cool people there.

I'm starting to notice changes in my body.  Small changes, but still they are changes.  I can't wait to see what I look like 6 months from now.  I've signed up for the LuRong Living Paleo Challenge, so that should really help make a difference on my body.

I've gotten my fair share of bruises from Crossfit, which I expected.  A week or so ago, my left knee started to hurt going up and down, and sometimes it felt kinda stiff.  One of the coaches suggested I get the Rehband Knee Sleeve from Rogue.  It's a $40 knee sleeve, but he said it has great reviews.  I saw someone wearing them the other day at class and I asked them if they liked the sleeve.  They did and had the same type pain I have in my knee.  I gotta go buy this ASAP!  Lunges and squats hurt right now!  They also suggested I take Fish Oil and Glucosamine - which I am.  I also have the LuRong Living supplement, which I need to check if it's okay to take with the other supplements.

Anyways....

I love Crossfit and I suggest you just jump in and give it a try!
 

LuRong Living Paleo Challenge 2013 - Are you in??

Registration has opened for the LuRong Living Paleo Challenge!!  The challenge starts September 16th and ends November 10th.  I know I know, a two month challenge!  That seems like a long time, right?  The longest I've stuck to paleo is three weeks, with no real cheating.  Well I had some snack size protein shakes because I felt a little weak sometimes before a workout, but I didn't have any grains, beans, etc.  It was really hard for the first week but gradually get easier, until I cheated one time and had rice.  Then it was all down hill after that. 

What is the challenge?

• Eat a paleolithic diet for 8 weeks.  Add points for eating right.  Subtract points for cheating.
• Complete 10 WODs over the course of 8 weeks.
• Before and after body measurements.
• Making and tracking goals.
• Trying new paleo recipes.
• Submit a video and written experience.

What are the benefits of doing this challenge?

• Prizes
• Improved performance
• Better health
• Weight loss

Why am I doing the challenge?

• I want to get into awesome shape!
• I'm held accountable for what I eat.
• I'll get to see how much I've improved in two months through measurements, and WOD performance.
• More energy, and happier!

So how am I going to make it through two months??  I'm going to plan plan plan.  I start school in less than a week and this will probably be a crazy semester because I'm taking Statistics.  All I hear about this class is the amount of work and time that has to go into it.  My advisor and my ex suggested that I start studying for it over the summer.  A friend at Crossfit told me to use the tutoring center.  So while I'm going to school part-time (2 classes), and working 32 hours a week, I'm still going to take on this challenge.  That is why I need to plan plan plan!

My plan:

• Meal prep Sundays!
• Cheat meals - plan them.  Don't just let them happen because you are being lazy.
• Crossfit atleast 3 times a week.  Sunday class, Monday class, then a morning class on Wed, Thurs and/or Friday.

Haven't heard of the paleo diet?  Check out one of my previous blogs about it.

The challenge starts in less than a month so I'm already trying to prep myself by eating mostly paleo right now.  I'm hoping it will make this easier once the day comes.  I'm hoping to see awesome results and to continue living a paleo/crossfit lifestyle.

First time Power Snatch and 800m run for time.

The other week we had a 800m run for time - my time was 7:57 minutes.  Have I mentioned how much I hate running, I really hope it starts to get easier!  First off, I'm a slow runner because I'm trying to pace myself so I can hopefully run the whole time.  Second, I'm kinda happy with myself that I ran most of the 800m.  That's half a mile and anyone that knows me, knows I'm not big on running.  I'm pushing myself to do better, I've even thought about running on my 'off' days to get better. 


Power Snatch

WOD
5 rounds
3 Push press -35 lbs
6 - power snatch 35 lbs
9 - deadlift - snatch grip 35 lbs
Time: 8:59 mins

That was my first time doing a snatch of any kind, so the coach was nice enough to bring me and another girl aside to really make sure we got the move down before starting the WOD.  I really appreciated that because I was kinda lost at first.  I went light on the weight because right now I'm focusing on perfecting my form instead of going heavy and having poor form.  The coach said I was doing great.  The snatch move felt different than any other move I've done before.  I liked it, I really felt the movement in my core when bringing the weight above my head.  Can't wait to do them again.  I've been using my PVC pipe at home to practice moves (I know, I'm hooked!).
Don't know what a power snatch is? Check out this video

I really love going to CF classes.  On my off days, I'm kinda like "now what?"  I want to go to class every day but I don't want to wear my body out.  I'm going to start doing light workouts on my own on my off days.  School starts soon and I'm already trying to figure out how I'm going to fit crossfit into my busy schedule.  I'm think I'll need to become a morning person if I want to stay consistent with Crossfit.  Atleast the box just added a bunch of new times so I have some more options for morning classes.

Week 7 & 8: Still going strong

While I was taking the On-Ramp classes, the coaches recommend at least 3 days a week of Crossfit.  At first, I thought "I dunno if I can do 3 days of this stuff", now I'm thinking "I wish they had more class options cuz I wanna go more like 5 days a week".  Monday thru Thursday - the times are great for me, but then the Friday thru Sunday classes are very limited.  Saturday is a free class, then open gym.  Although I'm not really sure what I'd do with an open gym??  The coaches said the free class is more of a beginners class - I'm thinking movements that doesn't require weights.  Sunday, they have an 11am class, which I can totally attend but I wonder how busy it will be.  Some of the girls from my 7:30 class said they tried the 11a Sunday class and it wasn't bad.  I've been in the regular class for less than a week and I've already made friends.  I love the sense of community and rooting eachother on.  At regular gyms, I rarely talk to anyone.

Week 7

My first regular CF class (Monday evening)

I was really nervous, like butterflies in my stomach nervous, before going to my first class.  I wasn't sure what to expect or how much harder the classes would be than the On-ramp classes but I made it there.  After all, I can't let my money go to waste.  I signed up for unlimited classes...which is a little pricey $135/mo, but I figure it's cheaper than getting a person trainer that's $50/session.  Of course my first class looks super hard!  The warm-up itself was rough.

Covered in sweat - already gettin CF hands

Warm-up - 400m run, 30 squats, 10 push-ups. x2 
WOD -
"The Seven"  Seven rounds for time of 35 mins.
7 Handstand push-ups (modified - used a tall box, knees on, bent over the side doing handstand pushups)
135 pound Thruster, 7 reps (scaled to 45 lbs)
7 Knees to elbows (last round was actually easiest because I figured out how to really control my movement)
245 pound Deadlift, 7 reps (scaled to 65 lbs, I probably could have done heavier)
7 Burpees
7 Kettlebell swings, 2 pood (scaled to 10 lbs)
7 Pull-ups  (I had to use two bands :/)
 This was really a tough workout!!  I came out with a few bruises.  I made it through 3 and a half rounds.  Room for improvement!!

Tuesday:
Stretch
Warmup - 400m run, 20 squats, 20 lunges, 200m run.  30 PVC Passover. 10 PVC OH squat. 

WOD - 35 mins.  4 rounds. 15 squat clean, 15 press, 15 OH squat, 15 SDHP (sumo deadlift high pull), 200m run. 

I made it to 2 +3 (2 rounds plus 3 into the next)
Day after - I was a little sore but not too bad.



What I look like AFTER a crossfit workout

Thursday 

Stretch 

Warmup - 200 m run. 20 squats, 20 pass overs

WOD
Roll & climb -
roll dice

Odd - 10 wall balls

Even - 2 rope climb or 2 wall climb



1 - 500m row

2 - 200m run, 20 squats

3 - 10 thrusters

4 - 10 burpees for another team

5 - 16 push-ups 

6 - 13 slam balls

30 mins straight

Week 8

Treated myself to a haircut.  :) 

 

.

I made it to 4 class this week!  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  I skipped Wednesday because of my box jump fail on Tuesday.  My shins were pretty messed up and still in pain!  I surprised myself by going on Thursday because I went kayaking earlier that afternoon.  I thought I'd be tired from kayaking and being out in the sun, but surprisingly I still had plenty of energy to spare!

Saturday's Buddy WOD

I'm in the front of the pack carrying my partner

Saturday is my box's free WOD that anyone can come too and there is no cap on how many people can come.  There was a surprisingly large number of people there.  Lots of regulars, and new people checking the gym out.  I got Stella to check it out with Stacey and I but she didn't seem to be a big fan of it.  She didn't like having to partner up with people she didn't know.  I guess it's not for everyone.  I'm a big fan though. 

I'm looking forward to tonights CF class.  I liek that I'm meeting new people, we root eachother on, I push myself harder than I normally would and I even though it hard work, I love the feeling I have afterwards.  Now I understand what all the hype is about. 

Box Jump Fail

It's my third week of Crossfit and I'm loving it!  I'm hooked already, despite the many bumps and bruises I've gotten.

Yesterday was our second day of box jumps.  The first day I did about 105 box jumps.  It sounds like a lot but it was broken up into sets of 15.  Yesterday, as part of the WOD, we had to do 25 at a time, 100 total.  I was on my last set of box jump, actually my last exercise of the WOD too, and WHAM! I missed the box.  Smashed my shins right into the box.  Hit my wrist on the box too.  Boy, did that ever hurt!!  I heard a few "are you okay?"s, I said yes and finished out my set.  But I wasn't okay.  My shins were killing me!!!  I'm glad I had on workout pants or I'd be bleeding for sure.  This seems to be a common injury in the crossfit world.  If you look up box jumps, you are likely to see some nasty shin injuries.  I should be thankful it didn't cut the skin. 

If you don't know what a box jump is, check this out:


How to Box Jump - by IMMUVIT

The aftermath, I had a lump on each shin, accompanied by a large bruise probably about 2"x3".  I iced them with frozen veggies when I got home.  They still ache the second day.  And even after all this, I still love crossfit. 

I'm debating if I will go to CF tonight for the 3rd day in a row, or if I should take it easy and just go on a 3 mile walk.  We will see how my shins feel.  Right now they are killing me and still feel very swollen.  I'll post pictures of the bruises later.

**I am kinda proud of myself for finishing the set of box jumps after my misstep.**

 

Bruises from my failed box jump, 3 days after.  Atleast they are healing already and the swelling is going down.

Paleo Banana Pancakes

So I recently started eating paleo again because I've heard it will help with my energy levels and I'm on a mission to get in better shape before my friends wedding in 2 months!  It's creeping up fast.

So I bought bananas the other day because I like to eat them before or after crossfit classes.  Well I have 3 left and they are brown already!  I hate to just eat brown bananas, but they are still edible.  So I figure I'd try to make paleo banana pancakes with them.

I found a recipe online:

Paleo Banana Recipe
1 Banana
1 Egg
a pinch of sea salt and/or cinnamon (optional)

Start with one banana. Mash it up really well and add an egg. I sprinkled a dash of sea salt and cinnamon in there.

Put it in over medium heat in a nonstick pan and let it brown on one side before flipping it over.  Let it brown before you turn it over or you'll have trouble flipping them.

Cook both sides and your done!  It should make 3 to 4 small pancakes.

Review: They were really good!  I put a little extra cinnamon on them after they were done.  Tastes mostly of banana, like a banana dessert or fried bananas.  I will be making these more often!!  I'm thinking I could add some protein powder or sunflower butter to the batch to make them a little differently.

Week 6: Completed the On-Ramp Crossfit class!

I survived On-Ramp Crossfit classes!

Here is a run down of what we did.

Class 2 (Thursday)

Stretching
Warm up  -Run 200m, 15 squats, 10 push ups, 10 burpees. x2 (more like a workout than warm up!)
Practice - dead lift and power cleans with PVC pipe.
WOD - 200m run. 20 lunges with plate overhead, 10 ring rows, 10 k2c, 15 power cleans, 20 lunges with plate over head, 200m run. 

*K2C - Knees to chest on pull-up bar. K2C is an easier version on Toes to Bar

Day after - My legs are useless. It hurts to sit or go up or down stairs.  My shoulders/back feel tight but not too sore. My core is also a little sore. Ouch.

Class 3 (Sunday)

Stretching - high knees, butt kicks, squats, lunges, jumps, high kicks.
Warm up - 250 m row, 20 squats, 10 push ups. x2. (x2 means repeat this twice)
Review - power cleans (PVC, 35 lbs bar, then 55lbs. I have a bruise on my collar bone from these.)
Practice - thrusters (PVC, 35 lb bar, 55 lbs too heavy).
-Wall balls - 10 lbs. Harder than they look!! Squat down, throw up to line, catch, repeat.
-Box jumps....for some reason, these freak me out!! I'm afraid I can't jump that high and I'm gonna kill my shines against the side of the box.
WOD -  500 m row. 15 Thrusters, 10 wall balls, 15 box jumps, 10 sit ups. x3 500 m row.  For time, 30m, 30s. 

Today was tough, but I made it through and I feel great.

Class 4 (Monday)

Stretch
Warm up - Run 200m, 20 jumping lunges, 20 push ups, 10 slam ball (15 lbs - mine didn't bounce, I think I needed a 10 lb ball) x2
Review - press, cleans, thrusters, OH squat, dead lift, sumo dead lift high pull
WOD - 12 min AMRAP - 5 burpees, 10 cleans (35 lb bar), 10 thrusters (35 lb bar), 10 OH squat (PVC), 15 sit-ups. I completed 2.5 rounds in 12 Min's, probably could have done better if I realized it was only 5 burpees...not 15!  The first 2 rounds I did 15 burpees each. 

Sore leg and back muscles - use lacrosse ball to roll out quads and back after class and next morning.  It seems to help some, although my quads just feel tight.  A different type of sore than after the first 2 classes.

*AMRAP - "As many rounds as possible" in the amount of time they give you.

Class 5 (Tuesday)

How I feel after 3 days in a row of CF!

Stretch
Warm up - 400 m run.  20 mountain climbers (make sure knees to elbows), 20 lunges, 10 passovers with PVC. x2
Review -  all previous moves. 
Practice - show us 'jerk' movement.
WOD - 400 m run.  10 wall balls, 5 stand up with 10lb ball. x3. 400m run, 10 clean/jerk, 5 K2C. x3   I preferred the second half of the WOD.  I like to 'clean'.

Today my quads hurt so bad when I'd get low in squats/lunges, esp at the hip joint on right leg. How to prevent it from happening. I told them about my legs killing me. They said push through so I did. They said cf actually recommends 3 days on, 1 day off.  I'm gonna try 2 days on, 1 day off in the beginning and then go from there.

hip iliopsoas muscle injury symptoms

Class 6 (the final on-ramp class - Thursday)

Stretch.
Warm up - 200m run, 15 push ups, 20 squats. x2
Review - everything we've done so far.  We did 5 of everything with a PVC or kettle bell while they watched our form.
Tonight, we met "Cindy".  She is one the benchmark WODs for crossfit. 
WOD (Cindy) 20 AMRAP - 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 air squats. 
- I got off to a slow start because I didn't have the right size box to stand on to get in the band.  I need to work on my pull-ups, I used the band but after a while, I switched to the ring row.  Push-ups were on my knees.  I found that going lower in the air squats was less painful for my quads.

Next day - my upper arms and upper back were sore.  My quads just felt super tight.  I'm going to take off until Monday, when I start the normal CF classes.

How I feel about Crossfit after the On-Ramp class?

As you know, I was pretty nervous/scared about starting crossfit, but I loved it after the first class! I'm excited to see how my body adapts and changes with crossfit.  I took a before picture before I started Crossfit and took some of my measurements.  I'm going to do this again right before my friend's wedding.  My good friend that came with me, liked crossfit too!  I'm not sure if she's going to sign up for classes because she doesn't have a whole lot of extra time or money because of her upcoming wedding. 

I used chalk for pull-up bar moves, no gloves.  Chivo was happy to hear this.  The coaches said I have good form, but that I need to work on my endurance.  They said the endurance will come with time and they think I'm ready for regular crossfit classes.  :)  So I have officially signed up for a monthly membership.

Tips the coaches gave me: Drink lots of water.  Roll out your muscles with a lacrosse ball or stiff foam roller/large PVC pipe.  To really see results, you gotta work on the diet.  They suggested eating mostly paleo.  They said paleo will help with many different ailments - like more energy, better sleeping, etc.

I drank the crossfit Kool-aid, and I liked it.

Week 5: My first time trying Crossfit

Before Trying Crossfit
So I start Crossfit tonight and I'm scared!!!  The owner of Clutch Crossfit has a saying "Decide you want it, more than you are afraid of it".  I love this saying and I'm totally gonna roll with it.  I'm definitely afraid of starting crossfit - puking, not making it through a workout, too out of shape to do it, heavy weights, fast paced, hard as sh*t.....but I think the benefits could outweigh me being a chicken.  If you want something bad enough, nothing will stop you from having it.  I'm going to step outside of my comfort zone - ie the gym - and push myself to try something new.  Like I said, I'm on a mission!!

My Stats
Weight 7/10/2013: 1_2.5 lbs
      (I'll reveal my weight in September along with my after weight and pics.  I am aleady 7 lbs down since I came back from the Smoky Mountains.)
Height: 5'6"

Measurements
Neck: 13.5" (6/23/13)
Waist: 33" (6/23/13)
Hips: 40" (6/23/13)

After my first time at Crossfit

Boy, it sure did knock me flat. I gave it my all though. I was huffin and puffin.  Our onramp class was 5 people - 4 girls and a guy. Im kinda glad it was smaller because we get more focus from the coach. 

Here is what we did:
Warm up - with the regular crossfitters, kinda like cardio with stretching and lunges/squats...more like a gym workout!

WOD 1 - 10 squats, run, 15 squats, run. repeat.
I hate running, I wish I loved it. Maybe I hate it because I'm no good at it. Well I don't really have a choice whether I run or not so maybe ill learn to like it. I had to spit half way through. You know that feeling, where your mouth feels like its filled with thick spit. I know I know, it's gross but true. Maybe I need more water??  My friend did an extra round with me to keep me going, how awesome is she!
 

Then they gave 3 of us medicine balls and when we did squats, our butta had to touch the ball.  2 of the girls had boxes to squat down too.
WOD 2 - squats for 20 sec, rest 10 sec. repeat for 4 mins.
We had to count how many we did each time. We were suppose to be consistent. My first I got in 10, but then the rest were more like 5 or 6 squats.  Brutle. After this WOD, I felt light headed. The coach said that was normal because your body is adjusting to these crazy workouts. Btw, did I mention how cool the coaches are??  Super chill and nice and encouraging. I love it. Ways to improve your squat.

Next they gave us each Kkttle bells, I got 15lbs. They showed us what to do, we practiced it in steps, then did the following WOD/warm-up....are these considered WODs?
WOD 3 - 20 sec Kettle bell swings, rest 10 sec. repeat.
It was semi-easy at first, I think my form was pretty good. By the end it was pretty tough. Again, we had to count. My high was 8, my low was 6.  

After all of that, we were spent!!!  I was totally knocked flat, sweaty from head to toe.  They showed us how to use foam rollers to to loosen us up.  They said it would help with the soreness.  I've seen my friend, Chivo, use these before.  Now I know why he used them!!  I need to invest in one ASAP.

The Day After
The class was crazy hard, but I pushed through.  At the end, I was proud of myself for trying this and I'm ready to go back for more...even though I'm still a little scared.  I've been kinda bummed lately because of a breakup but I noticed that I've been in a good mood since crossfit.  I like that type of side effect!!  My body progressively got more sore as the day after went on!  My legs are the worst.  Sitting down and stairs are my enemy right now.  Crossfit again tonight, how will I make it through all the squats!?  Funny, but I'm already looking up crossfit and how to do certain techniques.  Chivo always talked about looking up crossfit videos and articles, but now I understand.


 

Week 4. No pain, no gain.

 

So I've officially signed up for On-ramp Crossfit classes.  I start in 2 days!  I'm excited and super nervous.  Atleast I got one of my friends to sign up with me, even if she doesn't stick with it after the fundamentals class, it will get me in the door and I can continue on my own.  The On-Ramp is a class that teaches you the basics of crossfit and gets you set up to take the regular crossfit classes.  $65 for 2 weeks - 3 days a week.  I can handle that....I have a feeling I'll be super sore though. 

Should I keep up with the JNL workouts at the same time as taking this class?  I think I will, cuz it would feel weird to not work out 6 days a week.  I feel lazy now when I miss a day or working out.  Like I said, I want to get in shape by my friends wedding which is a little less than 3 months away.  I can do it.  I've been consistent for 3 weeks now.  I'm feeling great.  I'm going to step it up and challenge myself by doing Crossfit.  I know that to really see results I need to get my diet straight.  They say it's 80% diet, 20% gym.  I've been doing much better with my diet and avoiding bad foods and eating less calories, but I think I need to make sure it's more nutrious, like I need to stick with the JNL fitness model formula OR try paleo again.  I've been in a little bit of funk lately so I've been kinda slacking off on my diet, but I'm gonna snap out of it and get my sh*t in order!

Here is their description of the On-Ramp class:

Over the course of the fundamentals classes, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of the CrossFit program. We will introduce, refine and discuss the range of motion requirements for the following movements:

• Squats: Air Squat, Back Squat, Front Squat, Overhead Squat
• Presses: Shoulder Press, Push Press, Push Jerk
• Power Movements: Deadlift, Sumo-Deadlift High Pull, Tire Flips
• Olympic Movements: Clean and Jerk, Snatch
• Gymnastics: Pull-Ups, Push-Ups, Ring Dips, Handstands etc.
• Other Movements: Thrusters, Wall Ball, Kettlebell Swings, Burpees, Rowing, Box Jumps, Jump Rope

Truthfully, I'm nervous about trying Crossfit but I'm gonna go for it anway!  I've been reading more about it and it's all scalable and you do not have to be in great shape before you start.  I'm going to give it my all.  I would like to eventually do a Tough Mudder or something like that.  I think it would be pretty bad a$$ to say I've done one and that I can climb a rope and do __ pull ups.  FYI....I can't even do one pull-up right now!!  I've heard a lot of people who are into crossfit, have said how much they love it, how much they can physically do now, and how happy they are.  I like the fact that it's more of a community.  At the gym, I don't talk to anyone except my old trainer.  Now I wonder if there is a way to avoid getting those nasty Crossfit hands......  they are rough and look painful.

 

 



Week 3 on JNL program.

Week 3 and still going strong!

So it's week three on the Jennifer Nicole Lee fitness model program.  Last week went great, I lost another 1lb.  I followed the workout plan to a T.  I'm feeling great. I was sore last week after my workouts, but it was a good sore.  So far I've stuck to my workout plan this week, switching up the type of exercises I do so my body won't get use to them.

My diet has been pretty good but still not fitness model good.  I haven't planned as much as I should have.  I went grocery shopping this Sunday and picked up some nice healthy food for this week.  To make things easier, I picked up some EAS carb control protein shakes for my snacks so I won't have to make anything.  Gotta work smarter not harder.  I need to figure out an easy protein for evenings, or maybe I should start meal prepping.  Make some lean meat for a few days, that way when I get home from the gym and I'm too tired to cook, I can just heat up and eat.

Checking out Crossfit
 

I really want to get in shape by my friends wedding, the end of September 2013.  That's 3 months away, and should be enough time to really see a difference, as long as I I think I will see results from the JNL plan but I was thinking of trying crossfit too.  My ex (miss him a bunch) is really into crossfit, so I've heard all about it and I've seen the results of it.  He even gave me a PVC pipe to practice crossfit moves on, which I'll finally actually use!  I've looked online to find out more information about crossfit, and man, crossfit athletes seem to be in great all around shape.  While I'm scared about trying crossfit because I don't think I'm in good enough shape to do it, I've seen testimonials about people, maybe in worse shape than myself that do crossfit and have seen great results.  I'm on a mission, so no pain no gain, right?  I am going to take a chance and try out crossfit for a while.  I've found a 'box' close to my house that seems pretty cool.  I'm hoping I can get one of my friends to come check it out with me.  I know they have concerns about getting to bulky, but I think that really only happens if you want that to happen.  Anyways, it's always easier to start a new program with someone, even if they don't continue along with me.

I'll let you know how things go.  :)

 

10 days in

Day 3 - Cardio & Abs Day
I've been on the JNL Fitness Model plan for a few days now.  I find it easier to follow than the paleo diet because you are allow more option.  What I'm finding challenging is making sure I eat all the time, especially the snacks and a big breakfast.  I am not use to eating a big breakfast, I usually just drink a protein shake.  Now when I wake up I drink a smaller protein shake and eat breakfast when I get to work.  Which is backwards....  I should be eating my big breakfast at home and then the protein shake later on.  That's something I need to work on.  I missed my workout on Monday, I was busy with other things and forgot to do it.  I was going to do the workouts in addition to my legs workout yesterday but man, I was spent after my legs workout!!  My legs and buttock are sore today.  Great workout.

Today is Cardio & Abs Day.  JNL says that endless amounts of cardio will get you no where.  The foundation of your training should be weight training.  Endless cardio will help you become a 'skinny fat person'. 

'Fitness Model' cardio - do NOT exceed your target heart rate of 75%.  If your heart rate is higher than that, you start burning muscle mass and not fat.  I didn't realize this.  I do check my heart rate on the machines but I just know when my heart rate is high or low...not really what the heart rate means. Stay in your fat burning zone which is between 65% to 75% of your target heart rate.

Don't make running the foundation of your cardio. Try other forms of low-impact cardio like the elliptical (my favorite), stair master or nordic track. Do in between 25 to 45 minutes.

Day 5

I don't think my body is used to working out anymore!  My whole body is sore.  After chest & biceps day yesterday, I could barely lift my arms up higher than my chest. haha.  This type of sore kinda feels good though.  I needed to get my butt off the couch and get motivated.  I like JNL's schedule.  It keeps me on track and this way I know I'm getting a full body workout each week.  I am definately sleeping better than I was before and overall I'm feeling pretty good.  I'm still not 100% on the diet.  I'm not eating bad foods but I don't think I'm eating enough of what JNL has on her food plan or often enough.  Breakfast is still a challenge. 

I'm amped about getting in shape for my trip to Florida in September. 

I looked into what my fat burning zone would be over the past few days.  I found two apps for the iphone that really helped!  Free Heart Rate and Target heart rate calculator.

My resting heart rate is about 64 BPM.  I measured this using the Free Heart Rate app, while I was still laying in bed this morning.

My max heart rate is about 180 BPM.  I used a new formula that I found on Popsugar Fitness that they said was more accurate.
206 - (88% of your age) = 179.6 BPM

So my fat burning zone is 145 BPM to 151 BPM.

Day 10

I've made it to day 10 although my diet and exercise were put to the back burner this past weekend after some heart ache.  With time, things will get easier.  I'm a strong person.  I believe in what they say "If you love something, let it go.  If it comes back, it was meant to be.  If it doesn't, it was never yours and it's not meant to be."  Letting go is really hard but I've found that exercising really lifts my mood.

I started working out again on Monday - Shoulders and triceps.  My triceps are killing me right now.  I probably could have used a heavier weight for shoulders. 

Tuesday - Legs.  I went to the gym around 8p thinking it wouldn't be so crowded.  BIG mistake!!  It was more crowded than it is at 6pm.  WTH.  I got in my cardio warm-up and some abducter, adducters....but the all the leg machines that I like to use had swarms of people around them.  Oh, and boo.....I hurt my right groin muscle doing the adducter machine....maybe too much weight.  :(  HURT.  So I left and headed to another gym.  Gym #2 was WAY better.  Got all my leg workouts in although I wasn't 100% since my groin muscle was hurting.  Pushed through anyway and it's not hurting so bad today.  Like I said, I'm on a mission!!

PS - I've lost 3.5 lbs so far.  :)

On a Mission: JNL Fitness Model Challenge. Day 1.

On a Mission: Day 1, June 17th, 2013.

After some diliberating between a paleo challenge or following JNL's fitness model book, I decided to go along with JNL.  Chivo is on a paleo challenge right now and he's doing great.  Sticking to his plan, I don't think he's cheated at all!

Today is Day 1. I knew that would be starting this challenge so I went a little nuts this weekend to get it out of my system. 

To hold myself accountable, I’m logging my weight, my measurements, what I eat, my exercise, and how much I sleep in my ‘UP by Jawbone’ app on my phone and at the end of each week, my boyfriend is going to check out my log and give me comments about it. I hope he’s not too harsh!

I weighed myself this morning so I know my starting weight, which I’m embarrassed to post, but I’ve logged it in my app. I’ll post it after my mission is complete. I need to take my measurements tonight or tomorrow morning. I can’t go just on weight loss since muscle weighs more than fat.

DIET:
Breakfast: Lean source of protein + cup of fibrous carb (1/2 c. if fruit, 1 c. if veggie) + whole grain carb (1/2 c.) = JNL Fitness Model Food Plan Formula
Snack: Protein shake (BSN lean dessert or EAS advantage edge carb control), mini protein bar, or a mini-meal
Lunch: Lean source of protein + cup of fibrous carb (1/2 c. if fruit, 1 c. if veggie) + whole grain carb (1/2 c.)
Snack: Protein shake (BSN lean dessert or EAS advantage edge carb control), mini protein bar, or a mini-meal
Dinner: Lean source of protein + cup of fibrous carb (1/2 c. if fruit, 1 c. if veggie)
Snack: Protein shake (BSN lean dessert or EAS advantage edge carb control)
It sounds like a lot of food but I’m going to follow her plan.

EXERCISE: To get a better description of the exercises, you should buy her book, JNL Fitness Model Book. FYI: I loved the book, it was very inspirational and LOTS of information.

JNL’s Fusion Method
MONDAY: Shoulder & Triceps
TUESDAY: Legs
WEDNESDAY: Cardio & Abs
THURSDAY: Chest & Biceps
FRIDAY: Back
SATURDAY: Cardio & Abs
SUNDAY: Rest Day

Today’s LOG:

Breakfast: EAS AdvantEdge Cafe Caramel Nutrition Shake
I’m not use to eating like a queen for breakfast. I usually just drink a Core Power shake. This new diet will take some getting use to. I gotta think of some breakfasts that I can take to work or quickly make at home. I may use some of the My Fit Food breakfast for ideas or pick up a few for the week.
Snack: Cottage Cheese & Pineapple, 33.6 oz Smart Water with Crystal Light
Lunch: Panda Express - Panda Bowl with String Bean Chicken & Brown Rice (didn’t finish all the rice), forturne cookie and a passion tea with 1 sweet n low.
Snack: String Cheese & Banana. Is it weird that sometimes the texture of a banana grosses me out?
Dinner: Southwest Salad - Chicken, 1 TBS cheese, corn, lettuce and 2 TBS dressing. Water.
Snack: Pineapple, & some Almond Bites. Almond Bites is an ice cream made from almond milk, and covered in chocolate - kinda like Nibs. They were good but probably not good for my plan.
Exercise: Nada. :/  I will have to make it up today when I do legs.

So today, wasn’t great, but wasn’t too bad.  I gotta make sure to exercise!, eat good snacks, eat more like a queen at breakfast and a protein shake before bed. If I blend the protein shake with ice in the blender, it will feel more like dessert.
 

On a Mission: 90/10 paleo

Week 1 & 2
I made it through the first week, although I wasn't 100% paleo.  I had my two servings of brown rice, which I was going to allow myself each week.  During the week, seemed to be easier than the weekend.  I'd pick up soup, or a smoothie or chicken and veggies over brown rice for lunch and I had my homemade paleo crunch or banana chips to munch on.  For date night, Chivo and I went to a Brazilian steakhouse, and I kept it mostly paleo, although I had to allow myself one of those little cheesy biscuits they put on the table.  I don't know what's in them, but it's delicious!  I think my boyfriend does much better on paleo than me, although he did have some funky cravings over the weekend - smores and siracha Cheetos (i think).   I didn't have coffee or soda all last week or over the weekend. Proud of myself.  :)  I am still drinking crystal light which Chivo thinks I shouldn't be drinking.  I should probably look at the ingredients and then maybe I won't want to drink it.  It just really helps me drink more water.  I guess I could try natural flavoring like lemon, cucumber or mint?

Over the weekend, I tried to keep it mostly paleo but I ended up making myself a quesadilla....fajita size flour tortilla, siracha sauce and Cheddar cheese on Saturday.  On Sunday, I went to a BBQ and had a hot dog...with the bun and a few tortilla chips with some queso blanco.  I tried not to go nuts though.  I brought plantain chips and salsa along with me so I wouldn't pig out on chips and it really helped.  I also let everyone try the paleo crunch and they all loved it.

Exercise
It was kinda hard to get back into exercising since I feel like I've been out of it for a little while with school stuff, and vacation.  I haven't made it into the gym yet to do weights but I've started walking at the park. 
I love going to the park with my dog and music or audio book.  The park has 3 mile loop with lots of runners and walkers.  Sometimes I meet my friend Stella out there so we can walk and talk.

Results
I've lost 4.5 lbs so far in the past 11 days, which makes me super happy!
I want to exercise more, and I'm sure I'll be back doing weights soon.  My goal is to run a 5k in 3 months.
I think eating 90% is what works for me.  If I really want something that's not paleo, I'll eat of few bites of it and that satisfies my craving.  I want this lifestyle to stick so 90/10 works better for me.  I've also been trying to think of food differently - Food is fuel.

Goals
My short term goal is to lose a total of 10 lbs by June 14th.  I'm already 4.5 down, but now I'm at the weight I seem to plateau, just gotta push hard to get past it!
My long term goals feel better about myself, get fit, look good, run a 5k by the end of September.

I just need to stay consistent.  I've got this!

Back on the Paleo bandwagon

So the Spring semester is over, I'm no longer an Enactus officer and I ate about a years worth of junk food on my vacation in the Smokies last week.  I feel like crap, super tired and a little too curvy at the moment.  It's time to get it right, get it tight!!  This chick is on a mission.  No more excuses, I just need to focus on willpower, focus on food as fuel and get back to eating right and working out.

I turn 30 (gasp!) in 3 weeks, my friend's bachelorette weekend at the river is in 3.5 weeks and I'm no where near ready to be in a bathing suit.  :/  I obviously don't expect to be bathing suit ready in 3 weeks but I plan on being in somewhat better shape by then.  My friend is getting married the last weekend in September and I want to be in MUCH better shape by then.  That's 4 months away and if I stayed focused, I can get into the shape I wanna be in.

I know there are other diets to lose weight and get in shape but I felt the best after following paleo before.  I just need to stick with it and meal plan.  It gets harder when you get busy and are on the go. 

I made myself and Chivo paleo granola last night.  It's really good and a great pick me up snack.  It doesn't have any grains.  It's made with nuts, seeds, coconut oil, shredded coconut and cinnamon.  Here's a link to the recipe that I used: Amee's Savory Dish: Paleo Cinnamon Crunch "Granola"  I used 3 TBS cinnamon, adjusted the different types of nuts/seeds to what I had or could find and I didn't use almond meal.

My Plan (A goal without a plan is just a wish)
FOOD:

*Strict paleo, but allowing brown rice once or twice a week for 3 weeks (until my birthday - I plan on eating some bday macaroons!).  It's nice that my boyfriend, Chivo, is into eating paleo and doing crossfit.  It makes it easier for me to stick with it and the support is nice.

*After my birthday, continue to eat paleo but allow 2 cheat meals a week and brown rice if I have an intense workout later in the day.  The cheat meals must be planned. 

EXERCISE:
*Weights - follow the plan from Jennifer Nicole Lee's Fitness Model book.  A full body workout each week.

*C25K - Couch to 5K app for the iphone.  Must follow this app, at least 3 times a week, whether is on the treadmill or at the park.


Today is Day 1.  It's going well so far.  Had a slight headache since I cut out my sugary sweet lattes and soda.

What is the paleo diet?

Here is my before pic from May 15th, 2013.  :/

3 week of mostly Paleo

3/6/2013
So it's been about 3 weeks since I've started eating mostly paleo - I still have those 2 cheat meals a week.  In general, I feel happier and leaner, although I haven't lost much weight yet, perhaps I need to cut back on the dried and fresh fruit.  I have noticed that I'm eating less at each sitting and on cheat meals, I'm getting full very fast.  Chivo seems to think I'm not really doing well on Paleo but I think I'm doing better than he thinks.  I really do stick to mostly paleo stuff and if I do cheat, it may be something minor or just a bite of something non-paleo.

I still haven't been able to let go of my sugary lattes, which I know is so not paleo and I think it drives Chivo a little insane.  He gives me these looks and tells me how much sugar is in them.....but I can't helpful, they are sooo good.  I think I have a problem.  I'll admit, I'm addicted.  Do they have a Lattes Anonymous?  I should probably join.  haha.  But for real, I really should cut back on these sugary lattes.  Most of the time I get them iced.  I could always try an iced coffee and just add honey or stevia to it.  It just doesn't seem the same, but I'm sure my taste buds will adapt once I start eating less sugary foods.  I've always had a major sweet tooth.  I can stay away from candy and cake because I swap it for fruit and still get my sweet fix.   

3/11/2013
I didn't have any iced lattes or coffees over the weekend, and I survived!!  No headaches, nothing.  Pretty happy with myself.  :)  I did order a small iced coffee this morning, but only took a few sips out of it and threw it out.  Maybe I really don't need these lattes, maybe it's just a habit??

Chivo loves cinnamon rolls and we saw a recipe for a Paleo Cinnamon Rolls so we just had to make them.  We used a recipe from the Cavery, Pumpkin Pecan Cinnamon Rolls.  I think Pumpkin Butter is out of season, as we couldn't find any at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods so we used apple butter instead.  We did find everything else in the recipe though.  I had to add a lot more almond milk to the batch than the recipe called for, to make it runny as the recipe stated. While it was easy to make, it didn't taste anything like a cinnamon roll.  So Chivo and I are going to continue testing paleo cinnamon roll recipes until we find some pretty close to the real thing.  I'm confident that it can happen, not so sure that Chivo is so confident though.  Atleast with this past recipe, I found a great way to make Paleo Crepes.  I love crepes!

Clean Eating VS Paleo

I've been toying with the idea of Clean Eating instead of Paleo.  Chivo is happy with the Paleo Diet, but I wouldn't mind including legumes and whole grains into my diet.  Although recently, I've noticed that after eating beans like kidney or black beans, or white potatoes, I've felt miserable.  Like bloated, extremely full and just plain uncomfortable.  I would just need more information about it, see how they make me feel and if I can still lose weight while eating clean vs paleo.  I like the fact that clean eating isn't quite as strict as paleo.  Of course, this will have to wait until after Lent since I've already decided to stick with Paleo.

The information below (word for word) is from this blog Clean Eating Vs Paleo

Clean Eating vs "The Paleo Diet"

Yesterday in conversation, someone asked me the difference between Clean Eating and "The Paleo Diet" ( wherein you mimic the eating habits of our earliest ancestors who yes, did not eat Pop*Tarts ) I think its an important distinction, and one worth investigating.

Clean Eating: The removal of all processed foods from your diet. If it grew on a bush or tree, or walked/swam the Earth - you can eat it. Clean Eaters do not drink alcohol, and use things like salt and food preservatives very sparingly if at all. Water consumption and 5-6 meals a day are promoted. Many Clean Eaters adhere to a "if it has a barcode, I'm suspicious of it" feeling on food..

Clean Eating Food Pyramid ( Thanks again, Tiffany! )

Paleo Diet: Eating those foods that were only accessible to our most primitive ancestors - meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and berries. No alcohol, salt, oils, beans, or grains. Foods that were only developed in the last 1,000 years ( dairy products, for example ) are not consumed.

Paleo Food Pyramid:


Major differences: Clean Eaters will eat organic, whole wheat pastas and grains, organic dairy products and oils ( in moderation )

Paleo eaters will not. eat the above.

Paleo : They do not eat foods we eat now that would not have been around 100,000 years ago - like milk form a dairy cow. They do not eat grains, as grains were cultivated by humans only in the past 12,000 years, approximately.

I find Paleo interesting because behind it seems some facts that are hard to argue: Modern man has bent agriculture to suit his will, and the result is non-nutritious food are bodies can't digest very well ( processed foods ). Clean Eaters maintain that foods that are as minimally processed are preferable, and food is a good thing as long as it is nourishes the body with as little chemicals and preservatives as possible.

Neither "camp" is right in this instance. I personally find the Paleo Diet too limiting, I'd really prefer to have dairy and grains in my diet as well - in limited quantities, of course. The main difference, I believe, are the inclusion of "clean" dairy and grain elements in CE, and the exclusion in Paleo.

There are many crossover recipes from Paleo which are well suited to the Clean Eater - and I encourage you to look out for Paleo recipes which would be great for the Clean Eater - and vice versa!

Inspired to get back on Paleo

What did you give up for lent?  I decided to challenge myself to be healthier and get back on paleo.  My goal is to eat mostly paleo, allowing myself 2 cheat meals a week. 

My boyfriend, Chivo, inspired me to get back on paleo.  He's been very good about eating mostly paleo foods, even when I was eating whatever I wanted.  He said he really feels a difference since he's been on paleo.  He doesn't need naps like he use to, and his body is looking more defined - which I am totally loving!  I think his love for Crossfit is what originally inspired him to start paleo because he'd hear about it at the box from the people he'd work out with and from articles that he'd read online.  He really is turning into a fine tuned machine!  He just got his L1 Crossfit Certification, which taught him even more about nutrition and his Crossfit form.  I must say that it really inspires me to do better for myself.  I want to get in better shape.  I'm not too worried about being tiny, I just want to be toned and healthy.  We are going to the Smokies in May and I gotta get in better shape so I can keep up with Chivo and all the hiking he has planned for us!  Chivo has been showing me some Crossfit moves and he's challenged me to do 25 push-ups and 25 air squats a day.  I've done so so on this challenge so far.  I gotta step it up!  The squats aren't so bad, but the push-ups are murder!!  My arms are weaklings.

So I've been back on paleo for almost 2 weeks now.  I've done pretty well about eating mostly paleo, although I think I have cheated a little more than 2 times a week.  It's hard to not having any grains, legumes, corn, etc!  Monday's and Wednesday's are my most difficult because I go straight from work to school at lunchtime and the campus eateries aren't really all that paleo friendly.  They have lots of sandwich shops.  So most of the time, I'll have a Core Power protein shake.  I know it's not 100% paleo but I think it's better than eating a sandwich and chips. 

I do much better when I plan ahead and bring plenty of paleo friendly munchies with me.  And let me tell you, Trader Joe's is my new best friend.  I think we go there at least once week.  That place is amazing!  Organic, healthy and affordable.  You can find dried fruit that has no added preservatives or sugar.  Lots of fresh veggies and fruit.  A nice variety of meats, and delicious bacon chunks. 

I like the way I feel on paleo.  I ran a 5K this past weekend and I ran more than I have before.  I feel like I have more energy, I'm happier, I feel leaner and better about myself.  When I say happier, I'm serious!  I've noticed that things are making me laugh more.  That kind of laugh that is contagious and makes your eyes tear up.  I've noticed that during cheat meals, I get full very fast when I eat grains and then I feel kinda miserable afterwards - bloated, and that Thanksgiving-full feeling.  That feeling makes it easier to stick to paleo.  I'm working on getting better!  Did I mention that I've lost 5 lbs in the last 3 weeks??  I started a C25K program and paleo.  I'm really enjoying my results so far.

I really like the way my life is going right now.  I got a promotion at work to Sr. Civil Designer.  I'm following through with my goal to run a 5K without stopping - using the C25K program.  I'm Vice President of Enactus University of Houston and I'm in charge of planning and organizing a 5K.  I have a great boyfriend, I'm getting into shape and we have a vacation planned to go to the Smoky Mountains!

 

Run for Recess 5K - which benefits James D. Ryan Middle School's music progam.  I've found some great sponsors so far - Wal-mart, Fleet Feet and Core Power.  For more info on the 5K, click here.  Or Register for the run on active.com.  I really enjoy being in Enactus, but next semester I don't think I'm going to be an officer so I can focus more on Enactus projects and my working out.