Competitions:

Events I've Completed:

Run for Rescue - 4/30/11 - 5k - 29:05 (finished 2nd in my age)
Ojai to Ocean - 6/5/11 - Half Marathon - 1:56:37 (Ran with Lisa!)
Megan Savage Memorial - 9/24/11 - 5k - 31:16 (Ran with Bill!)
Beach Derby 10k - 11/6/11 - 56:40 (Ran with Nikki!)
RnRLV - 12/4/11 - Half Marathon 2:18 (Ran with Nikki!) Got sick by race end. Sick three days.
Surf City - 2/5/12 - Half Marathon - 1:55:02 (PR) Ran with Lisa and Sarah
Battle of the Boxes-2/23/13-5:04 Mini Helen-8th place overall team finish
Crossfit Open 13.1-131
Crossfit Open 13.2-232
Crossfit Open 13.3-183
Crossfit Open 13.4-54
Crossfit Open 13.5-49
Battle of the Boxes: Unknown Edition- 3rd place finish!

Upcoming:

Crossfit Open 2014!





This is my before photo. I weighed 15 pounds more, was exhausted all of the time and wasn't getting better at crossfit, running or life. It was time for a change.

My before photo

My before photo

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Whole Life Challenge Recap

I made it through the eight weeks!  That in itself was a huge accomplishment!  I really wasn't going to do it.  I don't like paying money for things that I might think sound good, but know I won't be able to successfully complete.  After learning about the bonus points in the WLC, I realized it was something I could do.  Not only did I finish, but I was successful!  I used many of my bonus points, but not all of them.  I used them on my birthday, and on Bill's birthday.  We enjoyed every minute of those "cheats", and then jumped right back on track.

I lost 20 pounds!!  The last two weeks, my weight loss had dramatically slowed but still continued.  I decided to not worry about it, but to just focus on my goal of hitting 20 pounds.  I hit it with a few days to spare.  Now 20 pounds wasn't my initial goal.  Initially I'd thought I'd be happy with 10 pounds, 15 would've made me very happy.  But I blew through both of those and decided to try to hit 20.  And at the final weigh in, I'd also lost 9.25 total inches!  What?!  Crazy huh?!

It was great to see that I could do it and the kids would survive.  They didn't love all of the "meat" dinners I was making all of the time, but after awhile they didn't really notice as much either.  They still got the occasional pasta dinner or pizza.  We just ate something else that night.

In the weeks since, I've kept off all but 2-3 pounds.  It is the holidays, so I will work to keep my weekdays as pure as possible while leaving the cheats to parties.  I've really enjoyed seeing the results that eating this way as afforded me.  There are many facets that won't change.  I now don't need milk in my coffee.  While in Connecticut last week I ordered a cappuccino and felt like I was really cheating, but in reality it was fine.  I have to have a balance while remembering to keep the good outweighing the bad.  I'm definitely signing up for the next challenge that starts soon!  I'll keep you posted.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Killer WOD

So yesterday I went to get my normal Thursday WOD in.  I keep thinking with this clean diet, my workouts are going to feel easier.  I guess I'm wrong, they are always going to kick my butt.  I don't mind a tough workout, but I am tired of feeling like I'm going to keel over mid way through my workout.    Our workout was:

5 rounds for time of:

15 box jumps
12 toes to bar
9 thrusters (65#)

It seemed like one of the workouts I would've liked.  I've always liked every one of those movements.  So I figured 5 rounds would be tough, but I would do good.  Turns out I was wrong.  I did fine the first round.  By round two my heart was already beating way too fast.  By the third round I felt like I was barely moving.  I had to break each movement in half, which was fine, but I took way too much time trying to catch my breath.  I'm sick of breathing being my issue.  I think once I get this diet thing down comfortably I need to work on cardio stuff.  Not running at my usual pace, but maybe some sprints or something.  I wish there would come a time where I'm just satisfied with where I'm at and not have the next major thing to work on.

The silver lining was that I completed the WOD.  I almost threw up about 45 minutes later, but I didn't so I guess the day was a success.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Walking

It seems that I've lost my running mojo.  I had not run for a few months, deciding to focus on crossfit.  Then I realized my crossfit was suffering without my running.  So I dropped back down to two days a week and was going to start running.  But it was too dang hot.  So I've been on the treadmill.  And have found, I don't like running on the treadmill.  But I do like walking.  So rather than get frustrated, I'm walking more often.  I am aiming for 3-4 miles every day.  Today I am cleaning the house.  But I committed to walk my 3 miles.  So I cleaned until 10:00, then hopped on and did my 3 miles.  Now I'll go stretch and then finish up my cleaning.

I'm finding following the diet to be a bit easier than I thought it would be.  I am still eating too many unfavorable foods, but it's a 100% improvement from where I was.  I've been sauteing 1/2 a banana in coconut oil and topping it with cinnamon and a teeny bit of nutella.  It is the best!!!  I know I've got to keep it as a once in awhile treat instead of a daily treat though.  I'm also eating too many yams.  I've been having a whole one every day.  Half at lunch and half at dinner.  I shouldn't be eating them at all, but they are really good plus very filling.  I've been so hungry that I'm trying to find ways to be satisfied.  Now that I've had a few days of satisfaction, it's time to buckle back down and get to work.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Fail

Well so much for daily blogging.  I was in San Diego when I decided this would be a good idea.  The problem came when I watched three water polo games and then had to drive home on Saturday.  That day was out completely.  The idea of taking 10 minutes to slow down and reflect though hasn't been lost.

I had plenty of time while driving to reflect.  It wasn't exactly meditation, but it was time to myself to reflect.  Stephen was in the backseat doing homework so I didn't have music on or conversation.  I do like the idea of taking 10 minutes for myself everyday.  Sometimes I feel so guilty if I'm not doing something at all times.  It's good to remember that taking a few minutes every day is just as important.

I have also figured out it's not going to work to try to take that time while the family is home.  It seems any time I'm busy, everyone is fine.  But as soon as I want to take a minute for something quiet, everyone needs something.  So rather than try to fight it, I'm going to take the time during the day while everyone is at school or work to find my time.

I'm off to crossfit in a few minutes so I better go unload the groceries.  But I have enjoyed my few minutes of quiet.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Whole Life Challenge

Yes it's been too long since I've blogged anything.  I haven't been very motivated to run and feel like I can't blog if I haven't been running.  It's not like I've been lying around on the sofa, eating bon bons.  I have been going to crossfit 2-3 times a week.  I've also been hitting the treadmill all of the other days.  But I am not signed up for any races.  I felt like when I run races, I have to train and I don't have the time to train while doing crossfit.  So I decided to take a year without signing up for any races, and run just for enjoyment.  That was good in theory, but with the heat, I have found no enjoyment.  So I've been just walking on the treadmill.  It's not the end of the world, but I know it's done a number on my endurance to have taken off so much time from running.  Wednesday I did my first run on the streets in months.  I only went 3.5 miles and I felt like it was the worst run of my life.  I'm used to going out for a run, and running the whole time.  I am not super fast, but I never feel the need to walk.  Well Wednesday, I walked...often.  I felt like a failure.  But the weird this is, when I was done, my time wasn't all that awful.  It just reminds me that I need to be consistent.

This week the Whole Life Challenge that I'm doing through crossfit has challenged each of us to take 10 minutes every day to contemplate. Whether it's through meditation, journaling or whatever it's about being mindful.  So I've decided to blog this week.  It may not be about running, but it will be my thoughts about the day.  It's funny because I thought my thoughts were going to go in a completely different direction today, but once I started typing here I am.

It's been one week since the WLC started.  I didn't think I'd be able to do the diet portion of the challenge.  But I've surprised myself and have been fine with the diet.  I have only lost one point and it was a conscience decision.  I had a tri tip that I'd marinated before the challenge.  I didn't want to waste it, so I ate it and subtracted the point for the marinade.  It's definitely interesting to stop and think about how all foods are prepared.  I'm learning a lot and am glad I signed up for the challenge.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Crossfit Family

Today was my son's fourth crossfit class.  It's official that he can now beat me at most any WOD.  I knew the day would come quickly, but I thought I'd get at least two weeks on him.  This was his second time beating me, so I guess he's got me.  That doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying though!

Today we did:   dumbbell thrusters (men 35#, women 20#)
                          box jumps (men 24", women 20")
                          ab mat sit ups
21-15-9

He finished in 5:30, I finished in 6:33.  Not bad for me and really good for him.  His water polo coach was there too so I'm sure that was a good incentive for him to go faster.  Chris finished in some crazy fast time, oh yeah 4:57.  So he pushed Stephen and Stephen pushed me.  I guess that's the way it's supposed to work.

I have to say I'm loving going with my son.  It gives us something to talk about as well as things to work on together.  I hope soon hubby will join us.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Top Ten Running Songs

Here's my top ten on my running playlist.  I need new ideas...

#1- Sweet Caroline by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
#2- I Want You To by Weezer
#3- The Rock Show by Blink 182
#4- Young Blood by The Naked and Famous
#5- Jolene by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
#6- Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World
#7- Hey Ya! by OutKast
#8- Jump by FloRida
#9- Young, Wild & Free by Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa
#10- Untouched by The Veronicas

I'd love to see some other top 10 lists.  I know some people don't listen to music or listen to podcasts.  I need my music loud and fast.

Top Ten Reasons I Run

#1 - I started to run because I hated it so much.  Weird I know.  But I was doing Crossfit and all of the WOD's involving runs always made me so mad.  So I took a year off and learned to run.  And I fell in love with it!

#2 - No excuses- Six months before I really decided to become a runner we were in Hawaii.  I didn't want to lose my fitness, so I made a conscious decision to run every day before the family woke up.  I ate & drank a ton while I was there and only gained one pound.  You can run anywhere, anytime!

#3 - Friends- I have met some great people through running.  Some on social networks that I've never met in person, some I've met or become closer to from running.

#4 - Food- I love food and have never been able to eat like good girls are supposed to eat. I eat a lot.  I try to make good food choices, but running lets me eat those extra calories without too much guilt.

#5 - Tech Tops- I've gotten some fun new tops at races along the way.  I love the conversations that start when I wear one of my tops out in public.

#6 - Shock Factor- I love that look when someone asks how far I went and I either say, "10 miles today" or "it was just a short 6 today".

#7 - Pride- I am so proud of myself when I look at how far I've come after only having been running for 13 months.  3 miles used to seem like such an accomplishment.  Now I would only run that distance if it was for a race.  Not because I HAVE to, but because I CAN.

#8 - Bling- I'm not one that picks races for the bling.  But I do have all of my medals on display in my closet.  Every day when I get dressed, I look at those medals and think about how far I've come.

#9 - Gear- I'm a technology junkie, so any excuse to buy something new to help me become a better runner, I'm there.  I love hitting my mileage limit and getting to go buy a new pair of shoes.  I love trying new ways to fuel.  I love it all!

#10 - Solitude- After about 6 months of running, I thought I should find a running group.  I wasn't able to find one in our area that ran at the times I wanted to run.  I did find time to go out on runs on several occasions with other runner friends.  And you know what I found, I prefer to run alone.  I love my friends, and even my hubby, but when I run I like to be alone.  I like to crank up my music and zone out.  I don't want to worry about talking to someone or pacing them.  I just want to run and let my thoughts wonder.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Surf City Recap

I waited a bit to do my recap because I've had many different thoughts on this race.  Overall I have to say it was terrific!  The entire weekend was a lot of fun and the race was flawless.  We stayed at the Huntington Hyatt so that we'd be able to walk to the start without worrying about parking.  We went down on Friday and had dinner with friends at Captain Jack's in Sunset Beach.  It's one of our favorite places to eat when we're down there.

Saturday, we hit the expo early so that we could avoid the crowds.  It was a beautiful day and I think if we'd gone much later it could've gotten hot in the tents.  It was organized and had lots of great vendors.  That evening we had a large group for dinner and carbo loading at Mamma D's in Newport Beach.  Another fabulous meal with outstanding service.

Woke up at 5:50 on Sunday, ready to run!  We walked over to our friends trailer and toasted my bagel and enjoyed a cup of coffee.  Around 7:00, my twitter friend @CarrieSinCa stopped by to introduce herself.  My friends (that don't do The Twitter) thought I was insane to invite someone I've never met over.  One friend (who shall remain nameless) even wanted to know what her half PR was because she didn't want to feel intimidated by someone super fast coming by!  Runners are funny!  Anyway, it was great to meet her and my friends all thought she was awesome for stopping by to say hi!

Finally it was time to line up.  It was an amazing day and the race started on time.  I felt great most of the race.  The inclines didn't bother me at all.  I didn't like the downhill more than the uphill.  That was the only time my knee gave me any trouble.  But as soon as we flattened out, I was feeling good again.

I keep my playlist on shuffle so that I'm always surprised on my runs.  This was the first time I've ever encountered ALL of my old songs coming up.  I didn't have one new song and it was bumming me out. So I started double clicking my headphones to fast forward songs I didn't like around mile 5.  At mile 8 I realized I wasn't hearing my splits.  I pulled out my phone to find out my runmeter had turned off just past mile 6!  I was so bummed that I wouldn't have an accurate time.  But I just turned it on and kept going.

When I past the finish line the clock read 2:07.  I was bummed because I thought we'd started about 4 minutes in.  All of my splits seemed to be on track for a sub 2 run so I walked through the finish a little dejected.  I didn't see anyone I knew, so I decided to head back to the trailer, where we'd agreed to meet.  I ran into my hubby and our buddy who'd been taking pictures of us along the route.  They told me our wave didn't start until nearly 8 minutes and that I'd definitely finished sub 2.  That brought my spirits up! Soon after Sarah showed up and a few minutes behind her was Lisa.  They both had great runs as well!

Lisa said that this race always posts results same day.  So around noon I checked out the results page. It had my 3 mile split and my 8 mile split but didn't show a finish time.  Lisa and Sarah both had times posted and were very happy with their results!  I finally went by the tent and asked about my results.  I was told that meant I didn't finish.  I assured him that I did finish and had a good time (for me!).  He said that once my splits were confirmed that the back up system was in place and my time would be posted.  He said it would be up by 3PM that day.  It wasn't.  So I waited until Tuesday and then I filed a form with them requesting that they look into my results.  By Thursday I had an official race time!  I was so happy to have an official time.  But it seemed a little generous.  My official time was 1:55:02.  That seems a little fast.  After using what I had from runmeter and looking at my start and finish time, I'd estimated I was somewhere between 1:57-1:59.  Now most people don't complain about a faster time than they'd figured, but since it now is a new PR I want it to be accurate.  At this point I'm sticking with the time and knowing that if I want another PR, then I'll just have to run faster!

So overall, I really  have no complaints about this race.  Everything about it ran smoothly and we had a fabulous weekend with friends to boot.  I will definitely do it again!  Oh and my hubby did a great job taking pictures for us!!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Training high school athletes

Today I'm going to post about someone other than myself.  My post today is about my 16 year old son, who is a junior in high school.  He's always been involved in competitive sports, and we've always kept a very rigorous schedule with those sports.  I'm just wondering if there is a line and how you go about coming back from it with the pressures of getting into college right around the corner.

Here's the lowdown:  He had played competitive ice hockey for 8 years before entering high school.  Upon entering high school, he decided to try water polo.  He knew if he stuck with hockey, he'd have to go to boarding school on the East coast and he didn't want to do that.  So he started a sport he'd never played in his life going up against boys who'd played for years.  He made the Freshman team and enjoyed the lower key schedule.  By the end of the season, he was being pulled up for some JV games.  At this point, he felt like he'd made the best decision ever.  He loved having teammates nearby and loved being home for dinner.  Along with water polo in the fall came the requirement to swim in spring.  Again he'd never swam competitively but he was willing to try.  He wasn't the fastest but found he had stamina, so he swam the 500m.  He was also warned that to advance, he needed to join the local club water polo team.  Being new to club he was on the B team, so the schedule was still fine.

The following year, he made Varsity!  He wasn't a starter, but played in every game including the CIF finals.  On varsity thought the schedule got pretty tough.  He was also on the A team for club, which included 3x/week practices from 6:30-9:00 after having swam from 3-5.  Plus they did weight training 3 mornings a week before school.  He barely made it through.  We allowed him to skip a club practice if he had a lot of homework and somehow he did it.

Now it's his junior year and we're back in the time of year that is overwhelming.  Add to that, we had him go out for the ODP (Olympic Development Program) team and he made it!  It's such a great accomplishment but one that adds all day practices a couple of weekends a month.  His club team is now practicing 3x/week from 6-9 with no excuses for homework.  His schedule right now looks like this:

Mon: AM weights 6:20-7:20
          PM swim 3:00-5:00
Tues:  PM swim 3:00-4:00
           Club crossfit workout 6:00-7:00
           Club pool training 7:00-9:00
Wed:  PM swim 3:00-4:00
           Club crossfit workout 6:00-7:00
           Club pool training 7:00-9:00
Thurs: PM swim 3:00-4:00
           Club crossfit 6:00-7:00
           Club pool training 7:00-9:00
Fri:      PM swim 3:00-5:00

Plus tournaments for club, swim meets for swim and ODP weekend training.  Although right now it's pre-season for swim.  When the season begins he may not get some of the breaks he's getting right now from training.  My question is this, is this normal?  In my opinion there are some really great things he's gained from working this hard, but I've also seen a lot of kids burn out.  So I'd love to hear what you think and if it's too much, where do you cut back?