The final week of the Open

I think by week the of the Open I was kind of over it.  I liked how we did it at our box last year better, just my personal preference.  Last year, I didn't sign up for the Open because it was supposed to be something that was to be done on the weekends. With three kids, I've never been able to go on weekends.  But they ended up doing the workout as the WOD every Thursday beginning the second week.  Just so happened, that I go on Thursdays.  So while I wasn't sad to miss 12.1 (7 minutes of burpees), it was fun to hit all of the other workouts.

So this year when it was time to begin signing up for the Open, I asked if it would be run the same as last year and they said yes.  So I signed up.  As it turned out, they decided to do the big Open "party"on Saturdays.  They also gave the option of Wed or Thurs evenings at 7 or 8 PM.  But again with 3 kids, going in the evening isn't very feasible.  They have been awesome and allowed me to hit the Open workout every Thursday during my usual class.  And most days, there's been at least one other person to hit it with me.  I don't really mind doing it alone or in a small group, but it is weird doing it early when no one else has hit it yet.  I don't have any tips or even target numbers to hit.

Week 3 was a repeat, so I felt like I went into that thinking it'd be easier than it was.  I couldn't believe how sore my quads were!  For three days!  And I didn't do much better than last year, which surprised me.  Last year I'd made it through Karen and then got 5 doubles.  This year I got 33 doubles.  But I'd thought I'd make it through all of them.  My doubles are good and I had two minutes left.  But my feet were numb and my arms were toast.  Good lesson there!

As for week 4, I felt good that day but of course as others were posting higher scores as the week progressed, I second guessed whether I could have done better.  I did almost exactly what I thought I would with 54 reps, but I know I could've finished those last 6 toes to bar.  My form was just sloppy on that last round.  I should've taken a second before starting and got myself together.

The good news is that I've been staying after class everyday to work on new things.  I'd been working on my dips, but have moved on to hspu's and bar muscle ups.  I can now string 3 good hspu's and can get two muscle ups with a band.  I'm at the red & purple band and hope to be off of the bands soon.  Learning new things and getting better at old things is going to be my focus now.  I've enjoyed the Open, but have never crossfitted for the competition.  I enjoy competing, but I think I lose focus of the bigger picture.  Which is to say since last September, I've lost 24 pounds and fit into the smallest size clothing I've ever fit into.  In fact, here's a photo of the shorts I just bought two pairs of.  Mostly because I was able to wear a size small!!

So yeah I've had fun doing the Open, I might even do it again next year.  But I'm kinda over it and looking forward to not worrying about what it'll be or when I'll do it.  What are your thoughts about the Open? 

Your favorite running apparel?

As a fairly new runner, I am beginning to learn how something small can make a big difference in your run.  I have learned (for me anyway) the importance of a good playlist.  (thanks @katierRUNSthis)  I also learned that I'm motivated by hearing my split times as I run.  What I'm just now really learning though is the importance of good clothes!   I started running in January 2011.   At the time I was wearing knee length cotton shorts and a short sleeved cotton shirt for just about every run.  In fact, I even ran my first half marathon and a 5k wearing the same ensemble.  Now I'm beginning to realize that while I liked the fact that the shorts didn't ride up, the all cotton isn't the best choice for running.  I've now purchased a few pairs of cheap running shorts from @Target and a few pairs of great running shorts from @lululemon.  I also have several tech fabric tops now.  I can definitely feel the difference in my comfort while running!  I still haven't embraced running in tank tops.  I keep meaning to buy some @bodyglide but haven't done that yet.  That may be the answer, but at this point I get too much chafing under my arms when I'm in a tank top.  So what I'm looking for here are suggestions.  What is your favorite brand of clothing?  What are your favorite stores to purchase from?  Is there anything I'm missing or haven't even thought of in terms of clothing?

Lululemon Review

Okay this is a follow up to my post about my freebie shorts from Lululemon.  They had given me a pair of Willpower shorts to review.  I've now worn them enough to give an accurate review.  I would say that they are my new favorite shorts for everything except running.  They are a bit longer and roomier than most of my running shorts.  I thought that would be good because they were so comfortable.  But unfortunately the extra fabric just bunches.  It seems like they only ride up on one leg or another but it is enough to be annoying.  I have worn them on hikes and bike rides and would wear them to crossfit or any other class.  I absolutely love them for everything else.  For shorter runs I still wear them as the annoyance of bunched fabric doesn't overwhelm me, but I won't wear them on longer runs.  The strange thing is that when I went on their website to review the shorts, I can't even find them anymore.  Here's a photo:

Now the run speed shorts are amazing for running!  I purchased those that day too and love everything about them!  Definitely recommend those for a great run!  What are your favorite running shorts?