Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.
-Michael Jordan

Sunday, June 26, 2011

It's all about being prepared...

We can all sing the same tune, "I'm just too busy to prepare my meals, so I don't really have a choice to eat healthier.  I eat what I can, when I can."


When it comes to eating clean, it's all about being prepared.  

Here is mine and Jared's personal story about how we have put in a little effort to make better choices towards eating clean:   


Jared does not have the opportunity to come home for lunch, nor does he eat fast food.  Therefore, he has to pack a lunch everyday.

This is what his lunch USED to look like:  a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, salt and vinegar chips, and an apple.  To him, this seemed like the only feasible option at the time.  He needed something that would not go bad in extreme heat.

Meanwhile, I had the luxury of coming home for lunch.  I'd enjoy a gourmet salad.

I kept telling him that there had to be a better option for him.  I suggested that we buy a little insulated lunch box and told him that I would be willing to make a salad for him every day.

After purchasing the lunch box, this is what is NEW lunch looks like:  a gourmet salad, a small bag of almonds, (I add an apple and a shaker with protein powder just in case he has an extremely long day and needs a little something extra).

With in days he noticed a big difference in his energy levels.  Now, several months later, he has stated how much better he feels, preforms, and looks.  He doesn't crash right after lunch and has energy through out the day.  

Yes, it takes a little bit of effort and work, but believe it or not, it is actually easier on the both of us during the week and it is definitely worth it.

This is what we do to prepare for the work week:

Every Sunday evening, we grill A TON of chicken breast tenderloins.  Then we make an awesome green salad with all sorts of colorful greens and veggies and store them in containers.

Every evening during the work week, I grab a handful of salad and veggies and throw it into a Tupperware container along with about 4 ounces of grilled chicken.  Then I either add some sliced almonds or avocado and salad dressing.  Meanwhile, Jared prepares a little baggie of almonds, a shaker with one scoop of protein powder, and throws an apple into his lunch box.  It takes us less than 5 minutes to make his lunch.

This is proof that with minimal effort eating clean is do-able and yields maximum benefits.


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

NEW GOAL-NEW FOCUS- WODS FOR 6/13/2011 - 6/19/2011

It's been a couple of summers since I have done a triathlon.  I'm revving up my engine to give it another go!

My new training plan will be geared and focused towards this.  Week one looked like this:

P.S.  I have also started a Double Under Challenge.

First things first...What is a Double Under???  (a.k.a. DU)

"A double under is a popular exercise done on a jump rope in which the rope makes two passes per jump instead of just one. It is significantly more effective than a single rope pass in that it allows for higher work capacity."  Athlepedia, The Athletics Wiki


Okay!  So, then what is a Double Under Challenge???

A Double Under Challenge is a commitment to do Double Unders (DUs) for 100 consecutive days.  On day 1, I will do 5 DUs...on day 2, I will do 10 DUs...on day 3, I will do 15 DUs...on day 4, I will do 20 DUs.... You get the idea.  By the time I get to day 100, I will do 500 DUs.  So, what happens if I miss a day???  I have to make up those DUs.  For example:  Let's say I miss day 3, which is 15 DUs.   Then on day 4, I need to do 15+ 20 (day 3 + day 4), which equals a total of 35 DUs.  Also, I can break down my DU's with in a day.  This will probably come in handy for those days that I have to catch up, or have a ton to do.  Here I go!!

 (Click here to see a demo video)

WODS FOR 6/13/2011 - 6/19/2011


MONDAY 6/13/2011


ENDURANCE WOD:
6 X 200m Run w/ 200m Walking Recoveries b/n sets
Time 1: 39s
Time 2: 40s
Time 3: 38s
Time 4: 41s
Time 5: 43s
Time 6: 43s


...then hours later...


STRENGTH WOD:
Good Mornings
2-2-2-2-2 (as a Dynamic Exercise = ~ 50% of max effort) @ 45 lbs


WOD:
3 Rounds:
15 GHD Sit Ups
15 GHD Glute Ham Raises
50m Sled Pull w/90lbs on it


D1 of Double Under Challenge (DUC) : 5 DU


TUESDAY 6/14/2011


ENDURANCE WOD:
10 X 1/4mile Bike w/ 1/4mile recoveries.
Total Distance: 5miles
Average Pace on: 20mph / Average Pace off: 13mph
Total Time: 20min


...then hours later...


WOD:
 As Many Rounds of Possible in 12 min of:
5 Chest to Bar Pull Ups
3 Thrusters (88lbs)
25 DUs


Total Rounds:  6 Rounds


D2 of DUC: 10 DUs


WEDNESDAY 6/15/2011


D3 OF DUC: 15 DUs


ENDURANCE:
4 X 800m Run w/ 2 min recoveries b/n


...then...


3 Rounds of:
10 Deadlifts (135lbs)
10 Jumping Lunges
10 Squat to Press (35 lb plate)
10 Ball Plyo Push Ups


...then...
Core Work


THURSDAY 6/16/2011
REST DAY
D4 OF DUC: 20 DUs


FRIDAY 6/17/2011


"DIANE"
21-15-9 for time of:
Deadlift (150#)
Hand Stand Push Ups


D5 OF DUC: 25 DUs


Time: 10:30 sec (ish)


SATURDAY 6/18/2011
Run 4 miles (in sand and hills!) 


SUNDAY 6/19/2011
REST






WODs for 5/30/2011 to 6/12/2011

It haven't been keeping up with my posts lately.  Woops!

Here are my WODs for 5/30/2011 through 6/19/2011.

I have to admit that I've taken more "unscheduled" rest days lately in my training and that is a-okay.  Sometimes I get wrapped up and freak out if I don't get a work out in, but then I have to come back to reality and tell myself:  it all about the "big picture."

MONDAY 5/30/2011
UNSCHEDULED REST DAY- MEMORIAL DAY

TUESDAY 5/31/2011

3 Rounds:
500m Row
40 Double Unders
20 Kettle Bell Swings (16kilos)
10 Burpees

WEDNESDAY 6/1/2011
UNSCHEDULED REST DAY- GOT MY HAIR DONE

THURSDAY 6/2/2011


25 Burpees
1 to 10 Ladder of:
Wall Balls (20lbs)
Push Ups
25 Burpees
50 Sit Ups

FRIDAY 6/3/2011
UNSCHEDULED REST DAY- TRAVELED TO REGIONALS IN VA

SATURDAY 6/4/2011

Run 1 Mile
5 Rounds Of:
20 DB Snatch (20lbs)
20 Push Ups
20 Squats

Core Work

SUNDAY 6/5/2011
UNSCHEDULED REST DAY- TRAVELED BACK TO NC

MONDAY 6/6/2011
REST DAY

TUESDAY 6/7/2011

"KELLY"
5 Rounds For Time:
400m Run
30 Box Jumps
30 Wall Balls (14lbs)

TIME:  29:47

WEDNESDAY 6/8/2011

45min Yoga
then...(hours later)...

5 Rounds (light pace)
400m Run
15 Over Head Squats w/ PVC Pipe
then...
Thruster Ladder
45-50-55-60-65-70-75-80-85-95-105-115 (lbs)
then...
21-18-15-12-9 for time of:
Slam Ball (20lbs)
Push Ups

Time:  5:15

THURSDAY 6/9/2011

Yoga 10min
Run 3 miles
then... (hours later)...
5 Rounds Of:
10 Deadlift (165lbs)
10 Box Jumps (24")

FRIDAY 6/10/2011
REST DAY

SATURDAY 6/11/2011
MOBILITY SEMINAR W/ KELLY STARRETT

SUNDAY 6/12/2011
REST DAY


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dirty Thirty!!!!

I have to admit that I am really feeling good about turning 30!!!  I feel like I have been so blessed and would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for all my blessings.

I am thankful for a wonderful husband, a strong and loving family, and my two silly dogs!  I am thankful for a job that I absolutely enjoy... in fact... it is my favorite hobby!!!  (So, it's not like work at all!) I am thankful for my health and the opportunity to enjoy my life to the fullest with my loved ones.

My outlook is positive and my future is bright!

Here's to a new decade...I feel it could be the best one yet!

Much Love to My Husband, My Family, and My Friends.