LET THE BEET DROP.

So here's the low down. I get cravings... A LOT. And today, a milkshake was exactly what my tastebuds were crying out for. Speedway, my go-to gas station, just brought in a new milkshake machine that really does make superb shakes, & it's only a mile down the road.

Then I got the bright idea, why not make a creation of a smoothie that has all the vegetables I would never eat alone. It's not that I don't like vegetables, they're just not my ideal snack. (I oughta bitch slap my teenage self for never giving them a chance).

So I set off to the grocery store to pick out some "yummy" vegetables. I decided on vegetables instead of fruit mainly because I don't like citrus fruits & it's hard to make a fruit smoothie without those! So here's what you'd need...

2 pieces of celery
2 large carrots
2 granny smith apples
1 lemon
2 small beets

I know what you're thinking... Beets? Really?

But seriously there are LOTS of benefits to eating beets... So here's a few!

1. They have no trans fats or saturated fats.
2. They are rich in carbohydrates and energize your body quickly!
3. They are a great source of minerals: magnesium, sodium, potassium, betaine (for cardiovascular health), & they're super high in Vitamin C.
4.  Prevents or lowers high blood pressure.
5. Improves blood circulation
6. Combats skin infections
7. Speeds up your metabolism!
8. Prevents several kinds of cancer, primarily colon cancer

Now that I've lectured you on WHY you should eat beets, get to it! This smoothie is a great way to get quite a few servings of vegetables in one drink. So don't knock it till you try it!

WARNING:
- Beets will turn your urine red. So don't freak out.
- Some people are actually allergic to beets (not many)... Rash, hives, fever, chills, and I actually read its caused temporary paralyzation of vocal cords. WTF.
- If you're taking blood thinners, have kidney stones, or have a gal bladder disorder... Hit your doctor up, beets might not be on your menu.
- Cutting beets make it look like you committed murder in your kitchen.

That's all.
Start off your Monday right with a Drop the Beet smoothie (:
Cheers!

What Are You Waiting For?

Because you said you'd
start yesterday...

How often do you have really good intentions and swear to yourself that you'll start tomorrow? For me, that's exactly how my diet goes... usually.

I know I blogged last week and said I was starting my 21 day diet, but guess what... Every day I told myself I'd start tomorrow. I'd start off the day strong, have one little slip up & throw the rest of the day down the drain.

A few days ago Rich gave me a book (maybe from last century) with 30 days of meals under 1000 calories. Whew! That's not very many calories... Today I woke up & decided that today was the day I'd start. I prepared my breakfast:

1 egg
1 slice of bread
1 tbsp of jelly
1/2 cup of apple juice

Surprisingly, it was the perfect amount. I got through CrossFit with plenty of energy & I killed the workout by the way. I finished 100 thrusters & 100 push-ups in 13:31. Can I get a woohoo? (No? Ok...)

Trying cottage cheese
for the first time.

Then I got to work & planned to have a summer salad for lunch, but agh, I was just craving the chipotle turkey club. (If you haven't been to Honey Baked Ham lately, that's our special, so come try it!) I convinced myself that eating a sandwich wouldn't be the end of the world... After all, I had a killer workout. So I settled on the roast beef round up with baked chips... Which, after doing the math came out to about 800 calories... Not my best decision. But instead of blowing it off and moving my start date to tomorrow, I'm adjusting & finishing today strong. I decided to have a 1/4 cup of cottage cheese for dinner. That's it. I had never had cottage cheese before, but it's surprisingly very good!

So if I can give one word of advice to you... Start your goals today!!! Whether it's building the habit of reading, spending extra time with a friend who needs it, calling your grandma, or working out like me, get to it! There's no point in waiting...

Keep an eye out for tomorrow's blog: CrossFit from my momma's point of view.

Why Women Should Lift Heavy Weights

Howdy,

 I've got a bajillion comments/messages about the lifting photo from Monday. Thanks for all the encouraging words, but here's a common concern in questions I get from women... Why should girls lift that much??? (So if you've asked me, & I have yet to respond, this is why!)

That night I got in from CrossFit, all proud of the super awesome picture Sean took of my split jerk... My dad got all excited & my mom got all quiet. (Especially after telling her I almost dropped it on my head). Minutes of conversation went by before she softly asked... Elizabeth, why is it so important to lift that much?

It's questions like these that get me as nervous as a cow in a slaughterhouse. I don't know the answer? Because it's fun? Because it makes you feel like a badass? Because it makes me stronger? Hmmm... There must be some logical reason  to exhaust yourself by lifting insane amounts of weight? So I did some research of the benefits & asked my trainers their opinion. So here's the gist y'all:

1. Toned arms are freaking sexy- Most women are afraid to bulk up. But this won't happen! Not unless you're living off whey protein and working out hours on end a day. Bulky weight-lifters usually have "assistance" of sorts.

2. Heavy weights are crucial for weight loss - For each pound of muscle you build, you burn 30-50 more calories a day. Adding weight lifting to your routine will increase "after burn." Who doesn't want to burn more calories?

3. Your heart will love you if you lift heavy - Cardio isn't the only important thing to keep your heart happy. A survey done by the American Heart Association said that adding weight training to your workout, could reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular function, and reduce diabetes risk.

4. It's important in order to prevent injury - Stronger muscles mean stronger connective tissue & more stable joints. This will prevent injury when running, etc.

5. It's like a happy drug - Exercise serves better than anti-depressants.

6. We don't isolate muscle groups so you won't get "too big" anywhere.

7. Lifting weights increases your sex drive. Let's leave it at that.

On top of all that, who doesn't want to get stronger? Who doesn't want to feel like a badass?

I personally can say I feel much better since I started CrossFit. I've built a lot of muscle & STILL lost 11 pounds in the last month.

Emotionally CrossFit has helped me a lot as well. Something about lifting weights is empowering. Through the struggles and things that have happened to me in my life, it makes me feel like a stronger woman, emotionally & physically.

I am on anti-depressants and ever since I started CrossFit I feel a million times better about my life and where I'm at. There is no doubt that it has helped me emotionally just as much as it has on this weight loss journey.

So if you're still wondering if it's terrible for women to get into weightlifting of sorts, do some research. There's no reason to not have an informed opinion!

Washing The Tears Away

Do you ever feel trapped? I do… Especially on days like today. I feel trapped inside my body, like my weight is suffocating me & I just can’t get away or see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Last night I had a dream, that I could do a really intense workout, with no modifications, a heavy weight & that I could run faster than ever before. It’s a hard reality to wake up to when you’re so sore you can hardly get out of bed. During today’s workout I cried and cried. I couldn’t shrug off the voices in my mind mocking me, saying I can’t do this.

I’m not only battling weight, there are many other temptations I face. Don’t we all? CrossFit is helping me to beat everything that has previously dragged me down. Whether it’s "reassurance" from a boyfriend, or washing my pain away with a six-pack, the strength I get on a good day, makes me want to leave all of that behind. But it’s not always that easy… It’s days like today that I totally feel like giving up & giving in to everything from my past.

I love the support I get from you guys, but sometimes I want to quit. It’s scary to think about quitting, what kind of person that would show that I am. This isn’t easy, I’m not an inspiration, I struggle just like the rest of us. This past month has been the hardest in my life. Rich (another trainer that is super awesome) reminded me that on days you don’t want to go, you have to just do it. Even if you’re just going through the motions, at least you’re trying. Hey, you’re lapping everybody still on the couch.

Through the midst of the tears, I came out of the workout stronger than the day before & that’s all that counts.

A word of encouragement: We all know the kind of person we want to be & we always have room for improvement… Think about the steps it takes to become that person. Step by step, goal by goal, begin to work towards being the best version of you. 

Stay tuned for: "Why Women Should Lift Heavy Weights"

"Your struggles are only bigger than you when your thoughts convince you that you are incapable of overcoming them."

Baby Steps.

Everybody hates Mondays, right? Call me crazy but I actually love them!! It's a fresh, productive day. && I felt that way, until we got to doing the WOD.

But it wasn't all negative. We started off running to the 5th light pole, which in fit people speaking, that's nothing... but for me, it's a struggle. BUT I RAN THE WHOLE WAY. Slowly, like a turtle.

I'm sure there's some inspiring quote about turtles winning the race, but it's just not coming to me.

Anyway, it's still pretty embarrassing to have to be the person people wait for, but I actually am getting better & it's getting easier (:

Then came the WOD. I don't know what it is about overhead squats, but they really get to me. I have yet to make it through a workout with them without crying. That's the worst thing, crying during a workout... It makes me feel like such a baby, but this is all such an emotional challenge. Overhead squats are the most emotionally & physically challenging moves I've encountered in CrossFit thus far. If anything makes me feel like I can't do this, it's them.

The skill workout was pretty sweet though. I did 10 rounds of split jerks followed by 10 seconds of hanging on a bar. (Which I couldn't do last week!) Actually, I never ever growing up could go across monkey bars. So now it's one of my goals (:

SPLIT JERK: 125lbs

Speaking of goals... Ever since I started this thing, I've been working on writing accomplishment rewards for my weight loss goals! So here's what I got so far.

10 pounds - New pair of running shoes

20 pounds - Get a jawbone UP https://jawbone.com/up

30 pounds - Buy a new outfit!

40 pounds - Buy a new camera.

50 pounds - Sign up for a tennis league

60 pounds - Go to a Red Wings game.

70 pounds - Take ballroom dance lessons!

80 pounds - Get new cowgirl boots.

90 pounds - Get 3 new outfits.

100 pounds - Go to California to visit Cassie! 

125 pounds - Get a tattoo. 

150 pounds - Family cruise :)

175 pounds - Audition for Big Brother!

Stay tuned for updates on my 21 day nutrition challenge (:

Happy Monday! 

Monday's are 1/7th of your life, so make the best of them!

1 Month Down, Woohoo!

Today marks one month since I joined CrossFit Glory, 10 pounds lost, countless WODs completed, and a whole lot of gained self confidence.  What a month it has been! 

21 days ago today, I attended my first group class. My dad always tells me that it takes 21 days to build a habit & I definitely have done just that. Going to CrossFit is a built in part of my life and I really can't imagine my day without it. 

It has been challenging mentally & physically. Convincing myself to just get up & go everyday was the hardest part but eventually I just would, no thinking about it. Convincing myself that I don't need to scale some workouts was hard but most of all, convincing myself that I can do this was hard. But now, there's not a doubt in my mind that I can do this, I will lose this weight. 

If I lose 10 pounds a month for the next 11 months, imagine how great I'll look at my brothers wedding. I definitely won't be avoiding the dance floor as usual & I'll look dang good in that bridesmaid dress! It's things like this that make me smile, to picture myself even happier, even more confident.

As my first month comes to an end, I have been reflecting on what I need to change and what I need to be doing to step it up on my weight loss journey. As I've mentioned before, the eating part is so difficult. I've cried so many times because of the frustration of it all. From the food at work to junk food at the gas station, temptations are all around me. 


So I've decided to give myself a 21 day challenge. For just 21 days I am going to stick to eating under 1200 calories a day. No exceptions. No cokes, no junk food, no matter how bad I want it. I know I will feel so much better  by the end.

This is definitely a learning experience and an emotional roller coaster, but I couldn't do it without all of the positive encouragement. I don't want to sound sappy, but it's so true. From the comments on my Facebook, to the messages, to the countless emails, text messages, & phone calls. You all have been so encouraging!!! My dad has been there every step of the way & has served as the best support system possible. Most importantly I couldn't have asked for better trainers. Sean & Doc. Sean is the best trainer I've ever had. He's so great at helping me through each workout, being positive, and pushing me when I need it. Doc, you're more than a trainer. You're a friend, a role model, a mentor, and help me to believe that my goals are achievable. Thank you all!

Here's to month 2!

More Than A Reflection

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Are you proud of what you see? Do you criticize yourself?

Ever since I started CrossFit, I see a girl that is getting healthier, skinnier, stronger. A girl that has put her past behind her & is making efforts for the better.

Today was different. 

CrossFit is going great, I love it. My day seems incomplete without it, but working out isn't even half of it. What about nutrition..? 

This week my eating plans have gone out the window, from KFC to ice-cream to pizza, I haven't made a single good choice and I feel like crap.

Emotionally i've been on edge, & not being able to cope with my emotions is why I'm where I'm at today. There are times when I feel like I'm trying to fill a gaping whole in my heart with food. But I promise you, it never works. There is a temporary taste that makes you happy, but at the end of the day when it's all said and done, you realize you're lonely. Food cannot be your friend, your lover, your savior. I say this more for myself than for you. Somehow it never seems to stick. Fat lasts longer than flavor, my friend. 

It was scary when I added up my calories for the week and I ate almost as much as my goal was to eat in a month. Ahhh, so embarrassing. 

When I looked in the mirror today I saw a girl that was damaged from her past. One that wanted to just go to sleep. One that was worried she'd live in her parent's basement her whole life, slowly growing in size.

I refuse to be THAT girl. I said this before and I'll say it a million more times. 

If I can stick to something as hard as CrossFit, I can stick to something like this. 

Keep calm Elizabeth. && AVOID junk food. 

Walking On Sunshine, Whoaaaaaa.

Happy Tuesday!

It's my favorite day of the week & today was great.

I got my new cell phone in the mail, had a great day of work, didn't completely bomb my history test, & topped it all off with a super fun WOD. 

& Before I go any farther, let me point out that we got to workout to country music today!! Thank you, Sean. 

Today's WOD didn't really seem like a WOD… but it was still hard work.

We did the following:

1 snatch every 45 seconds for 30 rounds. 

Sound easy, right?

By the end I could hardly do it! I even fell over once.

Let me just take a second to really tell you how great it is to work out somewhere that the people really encourage you. Yesterday, I was really struggling, I was falling behind, & pretty much everyone else was done. But nobody left, nobody started to clean up. They stood near by & cheered us on. Do you know how amazing that is? It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. 

3 weeks ago I was afraid that no one would even accept me, that people would write me off as the fat girl. It hasn't even been a month & I already feel like I belong. That is something great about CrossFit Glory. It's not like your common gym where you just do your thing & go home without saying anything to anyone. It's awesome because everyone wants everyone to succeed. 

I know as well as anyone that losing weight is hard. As a woman, I know looking your best is important && as a pre-diabetic, I know how scary it is for your health to be out of control. I've tried everything from not eating, to diet pills, to weight watchers, to other diets. Let me tell you one thing… You don't need diet pills, slimming drinks, or weight loss gadgets… All you need are running shoes, a sports bra, & determination. 

If you're wondering if CrossFit is for you… There is no reason to not give it a shot. If you're one of my Michigan readers, CrossFit Glory is amazing and has a free class every Saturday at 10AM. If you're an Alabama reader, check out these boxes below… I know people that go to each & I know they'd love to have you! 

Montgomery, AL - CrossFit 2L2Q

Birmingham, AL - CrossFit Rebellion

Decatur, AL - CrossFit Protocol

If you're not in either of those places, I really encourage you to find a box near you. You won't regret it!

On a different note,

I want you all to know how much I enjoy writing this blog & how much yall's encouragement has helped me. The support has been overwhelming! Whether it was finding me at church on Sunday to let me know how much you love to read it, letting me know at the gym how inspiring it is, or shooting me a quick text to say keep it up, I am thankful for it all.

God Bless!

P.S. My oh so great friend made a bet with me this week, that if I don't get 8 workouts in, I have to post a super embarrassing video of me singing. (A video that should no longer exist). But I'm all about a little extra motivation. 

A Southern Belle with a Kettle Bell

As most of you know I was born & raised (for half of my life) in Alabama. I may not like grits & sweet tea, but my momma definitely taught me some of the Southern mannerisms. 

Since joining CrossFit, things cross my mind & I often find myself thinking, "My momma wouldn't like that" or "That's not classy at all."

By Planet Fitness standards, we're all lunks.

So here's something you may or may not know about CrossFit... You know those buff guys you label as "obnoxious" at the gym because they drop their huge barbells on the ground & make loud noises? Yeah, that's pretty much all of us at CrossFit. Loll. It probably took me over a week to do that because every time a girl did it, I'd think, "That's so unladylike!" 

The whole "always look your best when you leave your house," kind of goes out the window when every single night I leave CrossFit, get ready at super speed, & try to go out! I'm not even sure the last time I went out in make up... Momma wouldn't like that! Oh & straightening my hair... Yeah, I haven't even had time for that in the last three weeks!

Hey girls, didn't your mother ever tell you "Modest is hottest"? I understand that it get's toasty when you're working out, but goodness gracious I'm not even sure those shorts count as clothing!

I often find my southern girlfriends asking me, "Why do you do CrossFit?" or "Do you really want to get that buff & look like a man?" For the record, no, I don't plan on ever getting buff enough to look like a man!

If you don't want to look like Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, on the left (who is flipping awesome by the way) then don't do CrossFit. The not-so-charming lady on the right is a product of steroids, let's be honest.

That is actually the most frustrating question I get, so I'm not going to address it again. 

Oh here's something else... If you expect to still smell as fresh as your deodorant by the end of the WOD, think again, you'll smell like a dirty sock. 

I can honestly say it's all worth it though. On the bright side, my oh-so-cute headbands & ribbons make me feel like a Southern lady, no matter how loud I am when I drop my weights :)

Goodnight world, stay classy.

Terribly Awesome

When I first started CrossFit my biggest concern was that I'd be the fattest person at the gym… Well, guess what? I am. 

I am the fattest, slowest, (not the weakest), girl at CrossFit. And I'm okay with that!

Today as I was running I found myself thinking things like:

"That tall guy is really fast." or….

"The guy with the birthmark is working really hard." or….

"That hott old guy is a beast." or....

"I wish I could do pull ups like that skinny girl" 

I have no doubt that people who don't know my name think of me as "the overweight girl." But as long as that's followed by the thought, "she's been working hard." I really don't care. 

I say this only because I am working really hard. I have no reason to care what anyone else thinks. As long as I'm better than I was yesterday, I'm happy. I am only competing against myself.

Doing the "beached whale"

So I've lost 10 pounds. I feel better. I feel healthier. I'm stronger and I'm faster. I still feel big. I still feel like a beached whale every time we do stuff on the floor. But things are getting better. One thing I remind myself of is slow progress is still progress. Don't forget that!

There are things about my weight loss journey that I will never fully be able to portray to you. The importance of it will never really be depicted. But I'm doing the best I can. 

Recently people have told me I'm becoming obsessed or addicted to CrossFit. I have heard that countless times from almost everyone in my life. Well if this is what it takes to get to where I want to be, then call me addicted. 

In the last two days I've done lots of running. Each workout probably had close to 1.5 miles. I hate the running almost as much as I hate jumping (& we all know how I feel about jiggly jumping).

Unfortunately I inspired an Indian run today with my confusion yesterday. I didn't anticipate it being so terrible until I realized I had to run it with really fit people. Boy did I drop out of that one fast! && that was just the warmup.

So today I ran 1000 meters, did 60 American kettle bell swings (Which are much harder than the turkish ones… maybe it's Russian.. hmm?) & 30 pull-ups. (Im still doing jumping pull-ups but they sure are getting easy.) << Hopefully my trainers don't see that! 

We finished the WOD today with some ball slams & some pushups. Fun stuff people.

Doing some super hulk-like ball slams.

When I got home I told my dad it was "terribly awesome" (as I limped into the room) because it was sure terrible…. but there has yet to be a WOD that I didn't find more awesome.

Happy Saturday folks, be active.

CrossFit: Do or Die

So I'm writing twice today... If that seems like overkill, you're probably right!

The WOD today was so much fun, & frankly, from a personal standpoint, I kicked ass.
Aside from the fact that overhead squats practically force you to smell your own armpits for a good 15 minutes. *not pleasant*

I wasn't pleased with my workout this morning so I decided to go back for another round this afternoon. I'm so happy I did & I can go into the weekend knowing that I worked hard. There's nothing worse than feeling like you didn't give it your all, & I wanted to leave it all on the table.

The proudest part of my workout was the fact that I did 4 rounds of 200m runs without stopping! Woohoo! That's another CrossFit first for me (: This morning I did a lot of walking & I had scaled the distance. So I did significantly better tonight.

It's funny because at some point I said something to Sean about how running sucks because I can't breathe.. He responded with, "Don't worry, it will get better." & for the first time, I believed it.
So folks, I know getting started really sucks. It's hard work. But it does get better.


To top off an awesome workout, we got to do some pretty fun skill work. We did 10 minutes of deck squats & pushing this sled thingamajig. (I felt like I was in some intense football movie :p)

The deck squats were less than enjoyable... I almost hate them as much as cutting lettuce at work. (& if ANYONE has heard me rant about that, you know how I feel about it!)

So I was pretty psyched about the workout. I'm falling in love with CrossFit, that's no secret. Unfortunately at the end I was pretty let down by some comments about whether or not I was doing too much... I'm a "go big or go home" kind of girl & this is more than a hobby to me. It's kind of do or die, literally. I'm morbidly obese & headed down a path that leads to nowhere but health problems.

If working out as much as possible leads to...
- Looking drop dead gorgeous on my wedding day
- Being able to walk up stairs without being out of breath
- Having self confidence
- Not being afraid to go on an airplane
- Getting to buy cute clothes
- Living a long, healthy life

Then count me in... Let's do this.

Peas & Chipmunks

Do you love food? I know I sure as heck do! That's why I am where I'm at, right? 

So here's the low down… I know I've talked a ton about CrossFit & working out, but where does my diet fall into all of this?

Well I can tell you this, I've lost 10 pounds, so I must be doing something right, eh?

After reading (most of) Robb Wolf's "Paleo Diet" I was pretty convinced, that's the way to go! But more recently, after talking to my parents & Doc, I've decided to truly focus on just eating under 1200 calories a day. I have absolutely nothing against the Paleo diet, but as someone who's really trying to shed some pounds, food intake is key. 

I can honestly tell you though, the days I've done Paleo, I felt a million times better. So I'd recommend it to anyone.

So yesterday I had about 1139 calories… Cutting it close right?

Just a random thought… My cat ate 4 chipmunks last night… I wonder who had more calories?

A chipmunks 165 calories… sooo 4 of those would be 600… She wins, but I'm pretty sure she gets less than me to start!

Anywho… As a calorie counter, I thought I'd share 3 foods I can't diet without. Here we go!

Please consider that I'm a student, working full time, so most of my favorites are great on the go snacks…

Great snacks to put in your purse!

To be fair,  there are quite a few foods I struggle avoiding when I'm on a diet… Oh the temptations…

My biggest temptations!

Today on my way back from CrossFit I almost stopped & got a slurpee.. Oh, how good it sounded! But just in time my pops called me & reminded me of 80/20. (80% in the kitchen, 20% workout). What you eat is seriously the main contributor to whether or not you lose weight.

So it's shy of 7AM. Early I know… I had the worst time going to sleep last night & I had to get up at 4:50AM to make it to the 5:30 workout. 

Mary was the coach this morning. She's pretty cool I reckon but it was hard because she wasn't familiar with what I could and couldn't do. I also felt like she totally underestimated my strength! She was one of the better trainers I've had as far as explaining how to do things. She definitely played the best music! The only way someone could beat her music is if they played country :p Rich played Sweet Home Alabama the other day, & you know I love that! 

On the down side this morning I can hardly walk without crying. My knee feels like all the "bolts" are loose. I was hoping to make it to the class this afternoon… But with this pain, I'm not sure if that'll happen :/ Icing them with frozen peas! 

7 Things That Happen When You Start CrossFit

Hey there folks!

My pops is probably the most influential person in my entire life. He always knows just what to say no matter how my day is going. Last week he told me, "Sometimes you're the bug, & sometimes you're the windshield." Well, guess what folks... Today I was definitely the windshield, stopping every negative thought in my track!
Other than the fact that I got in a fight with a ham machine, and the machine won!
I'll get em' next time! ;)

My momma & I were talking today about how all the bad things in life shape us into who we are today, making us beautiful. Today I got a bracelet in the mail from "Words to Sweat by." It says "Unbroken" Throughout the entire workout tonight, it reminded me of why I started. Every time I think about giving up, I think about why I started.

So today marks two weeks of CrossFit. Woohoo!

In honor of my teeny tiny milestone, I'll let you in on the few things...

7 Things That Happen When You Start CrossFit.. (7 because 5 is too little & I'm too lazy to do 10 ;)

1. You get addicted!
In the last two weeks, about 50% of my Google searches have had to do with CrossFit.

2. Your friends & family start researching it & giving you warnings.

3. You'll get crazy good at counting... This hasn't quite happened yet for me. Actually it's made me realize how bad I am at multiplication. Lol.

4. You'll gain weight at first. This one's been tough for me... I get so hung up on what the scale says. You have to stop looking at the scale and look at other indicators, like how your clothes fit!

5. You'll get more energy! Even when I'm dragging from CrossFit sore muscles, I have this new energy , I practically am bouncing off the walls.

6. You'll learn a lot about your mental weakness... Ya see, the WOD is posted online. I check it out like  3 times a day & often find myself thinking... Hmm... I just won't go today. I find myself giving myself an out.

7. You'll learn a lot about your mental strength... When you find yourself dripping in sweat, halfway through a workout... You'll realize how strong you are. When you finish the workout, you won't regret it.

Tonight's WOD really tested me. I wasn't completely satisfied with my own performance but it was still good. We did 5 rounds of the following.

21-15-9

Thrusters

Jumping Pull-Ups

A thruster is a front squat followed by a push press. (Don't worry I had to ask too ;)
I did all of it with a PBC pipe (is that what they're called?)
Anyway, I felt like such a wimp. Everyone else is a lot stronger than me... But that's ok, I still finished strong!
My jumping pull-ups are getting so much better... They're pretty easy now actually. Maybe one day I'll be able to do a real pull up after all, eh?

I'm off to workout with Doc... say a little prayer.

When Normal Wasn't Good Enough

Sometimes things that happened in my past consume my day… 

Sometimes they remind me of all the times I failed & how "I'll never succeed." I've been telling myself that my whole life. 

I went to a counselor & they told me I was a victim.

I went to a psychiatrist & they told me I had learning disabilities.

I went to an academic counselor & they told me that I'd never get into a good college.

I went to an endocrinologist & they told me that before long, I'd have diabetes.

I decided to have bariatric surgery but they told me I was "too depressed" to handle the emotional side effects.

They told me to wait 6 months...
I don't want to wait 6 months. I want to change now. 

I don't want to be normal anymore. 

I wake up every morning and feel the air outside. I burn my toast, & rejoice that at least I have burnt toast. I went out into the world & took every step, with purpose. Sometimes I have to hush all the negative voices that mock me in the back of my mind. I go to CrossFit for me. I go to make every movement & every moment count. 

I refuse to be normal. I choose to be something more.

fan-tas-tic

First of all, I've gotten quite a few questions from readers. In response to all that, I am working on a "FAQ" section for my blog. But to answer a few...

- Yes, I plan on having pictures of me actually doing CrossFit stuff eventually... I just have to work up the guts to ask for someone to take one :p Stuff like that makes me more nervous than a ceiling fan storeowner with a comb-over.

The photoshop design for my wrist
wraps from this super nice lady to match
my new blog design! :p

- Yes, I have bought "CrossFit stuff." At this point, I just don't want to look like a poser, so I don't actually use it! (wow, that sounds lame). But this lady is making me customized wrist wraps with my initials. Pretty legit if you ask me ;) She has a website so I'll be posting that sometime. Buy her stuff!
Oh yeah, I have gotten CrossFit shoes too... Just waiting for the perfect time to bring those bad boys out... Maybe when I get to my first weight loss goal?

- I also surprisingly have been asked what music I work out to. I understand your pain folks, it's hard to find a good workout playlist. My newest one is on a link below. I'm too lazy to write it out. If you don't have Spotify, get it. It's the shit.

Lizzy's CrossFit Playlist
^^ Click that

If you've read this far without quitting on me...
My day was fan-tas-tic. Busy. But awesome. (With the exception of a history paper that I've yet to start)


My favorite trainer ever, Patrick, was at CrossFit Glory today. It was amazing to see him because I'd been trying to track him down so we could train again. Unfortunately, he's no longer in the area. It's funny how much someone can change your life even when they don't know it. In high school, I went through a lot. Some things were my fault while others were just me being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Patrick was a great trainer and honestly just a great person to look up to. He provided a safe place in what I see as a not so safe world. I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to thank him enough for that. All while it was good and fun to see him, it was also embarrassing. I've gained a lot of weight since I trained with him. But hey, at least I'm trying now...

The WOD was great tonight. I'm comfortable with modifying things now, I honestly don't really give a sh*t what other people think, because I'm working my butt off for me. Okay I take that back, I care a little bit... When the guys were done and just watching us, that was semi-embarrassing.

I can't say enough good things about the people at CF Glory though. Everyone is so encouraging, it's like a little family. There's this guy... uhmm Ryan I think his name is. He is always upbeat and encouraging which honestly is nice to always have someone cheering you on. So props to him for that.

We did do a lot of running tonight, & as I've expressed plenty of times... Running is not my strong suit. (Along with jumping, pullups, situps, kettlebell, etc... jk)
Here's the thing about running... Usually it's my mind stopping me more than my body. Mentally, I tell myself I "can't" do this. I'm also pretty certain Sean's caught on to this too because whenever he see's me walking he come's out & "encouragingly yells" at me. Then I start running & feel stupid because I probably could have ran the whole time :p Silly me...