Oct 16, 2011

WOD 10.6.11 - BEAR complex! GRRRR!

Power clean
Front squat
Push press
Back squat
Push press
EQUALS one rep.  Do this 7 times without dropping the bar to complete a round.

5 Rounds total, adding weight each time.

1. 45lbs
2. 55
3. 60
4. 65
5. 70

PR'ed  my push press!

Oops! Got off track wit da bloggin... but I'm back!!!

Life got a little hectic there and I haven't been able to keep up with posts.  I haven't stopped WOD'ing though and have been writing all the details in my new CFTX WOD book... which I love and HIGHLY recommend.  Ours is from www.sport-journals.com  =)

Sep 27, 2011

WOD 9.26.11 - Back Squats

SWOD
Back Squats
1 set of 5 at 75%
1 set of 3 at 85%
1 set of 1 at 95%

2mins: as many sit ups as possible

WOD - 7min AMRAP
5 box jumps
5 SDLHP
5 clapping push-ups


Results
I am afraid of back squats.  There, I said it.  This is the lift that I jacked up my shoulder on and also fell forward with the weight one time after that.  I used to think this was my strongest lift (PR 145) but now I'm afraid of it and it shows.  I can't remember the exact weights I did for all of them but the most I got up was 115 at 3reps.  Bleh!

For the st-ups I subbed planks and I did a full 1minute before breaking.  After that I just held on as long as possible.  After the 1min hold I got in two more.  My lower back was screaming at me and my legs were shaking but I'm happy with the 1minute.
For the WOD I did a 20" box and a 55lb (1.5pood) KB.  I got in 7 rounds plus 2box jumps.  My breathing sucks and I don't know how to fix that.  My body could have done much more but the stupid gasping held me back.  Gotta figure out how to improve there.

WOD 9.24.11 - Brennan WOD in Louisiana!!!!!

We went over to Louisiana to visit Megan Bernard from Women of Crossfit=Strong.  She was SO incredibly sweet and completely spoiled us with her Southern Hospitality!  All the other ladies were amazing too!  We had a lot of fun conversation over beers and BBQ that night after the WOD at Meg's house.  LOVE our new Louisiana family!!!!!

Before we did the WOD, 30 Marine recruits did it with their commanding officer.  Wow what a humbling experience to be part of.  These kids don't do CrossFit style workouts on a daily basis so you could just see in their eyes that they wanted to keel over and stop... but you could also see a burning desire to finish.  A quiet determination.  A fierce strength welling up from within their gut commanding them to push on and succeed.  SO proud of those young men and women!!!!!

Although this WOD was a killer, it was also the most fun I've ever had!!!  With every run we all pushed each other, smacked elbows, gave high fives, and shot each other acknowledging glances.  Yes it was brutal in the hot midday sun.  Yes we got sunburned and beat up.  Would I do it again?  Oh HELL yes!!!  Many times over!  It was one of the coolest experiences I've ever been a part of and I can't wait to visit the girls at the Bernat House of OORAH again!!!!


BRENNAN

4 ROUNDS
300m run
20 push ups
300m run
11 KBS  ( I used 1pood, 35lbs)
300m run
9 power cleans ( I used 65lbs)
300m run
9 pull ups

For those of you counting, yes that's three miles of running.  Ack!!!

WOD 9.23.11 - PRESS

SWOD

Press
90% of ME
70% x 3
80% x 3
90% x 3 or as many as possible

Team WOD (team of 2 and 20 min cap)
50 ground to overhead
50 KTE
50 KBS
1 mile run split up however team decides

Results
My max press is 70 so my % went from there.
90% was 42 (45)
80% was 48 (50)
90% was 54 (55)  got to 10 reps

I teamed up with Gwen and we had a lot of fun!  I can't remember how much I did for the GTO, probably 55.  The KTE felt good.  Had a good kip swing rhythm going.  Didn't quite make it to elbow every time but did my best.  I used 1pood (35lbs) for the KBS.

Sep 21, 2011

WOD 9.21.11 - Killer WOD!

3 Rounds:  1 Minute at each station with a 1 minute rest after all 5 stations  FIGHT GONE BAD STYLE
  • Prowler High Push/Low Push suicides (5/10/15m)
  • Sledgehammers
  • Tire Flips
  • Med-Ball Sit-ups
  • Sled Runs
  • Rest
This WOD was CRAZY fun!  That Prowler is a beast!  I alternated between using one with 2 10# weights and one with 2 15# weights.  High push was SO much easier than low.  When I did the low my little feet were scampering but I wasn't going ANYWHERE!  I'm sure it was pretty funny to see lol. Once Brannon gave it a lil push I was on my way.  For some reason my shoes, which are grippy trail shoes, had absolutely NO traction for the low push.  It's like I was on ice lol.

This was also my first time with sled runs.  Those were fun.  Lots more Lady Grrr.  I subbed supermans for the sit-ups.  I hope this is helping my diastasis some and not making it worse.  Gotta do more research on that!

WOD 9.19.11 - DEADLIFT

SWOD
Deadlift at 90% max effort
70% x 3 reps, 80% x 3 reps, 90% x 3 reps + max reps

WOD
21, 15, 9
Pull-ups
Push-ups
Squats

Results
First I'd like to say that I am loving the new strength system we've got going on.  I think Brannon said it's modeled after the Wendler 5 3 1 program.  I can't wait to do maxes again at the end of it!!!

My DL max is 165 so my 90% is 135 and the other percentages are off of that.  My max reps with the 90% (135) was 15.  It was my grip that failed me, I had a few more in me if I could've just HELD ON!  Lady Grrr was out for each rep after 8 lol.  Ashley laughed and said I need to find a new max because I did so many max reps lol.

I got 7:16 for the WOD.  I liked this one.  Quick, but certainly not easy.  I need to work on my kipping PU's for sure.  We haven't seen them in a while for a WOD it seems so I was a little rusty.  I was almost at a blue band a little while back but here I clearly needed the green.

Sep 19, 2011

Fight Gone Bad!!!!! 9.17.11

WOW this was SO much fun!  I did the women's full RX and got a score of 131.  The last time I did it in July I got a 180 but it was modified.  Not sure how good 131 really is for a first time at RX but I don't really care.  I gave my all through the whole thing and felt SO satisfied at the end.  It was awesome.  This FGB experience confirmed in me that I LOVE to compete and can't wait until the next competition, whatever it may be!  BRING IT!!!

Sep 16, 2011

WOD 9.16.11 - REST

Today is a scheduled rest day to get ready for FGB tomorrow.  To be honest, I really need a rest day from life.  I'm behind on everything.  Even personal relationships and that is not a good feeling to have.  I feel like I've got too many open applications running and can't quite seem to close any.

Getting caught up here on my blog was one open thing I can now close and that feels good  :)

I'm a little nervous about tomorrow as it's my first CF competition. Just wanna jump in and get it DONE!

WOD 9.15.11 - POWER CLEANS

SWOD
Power cleans
2x5 tall power cleans
2x5 hang power cleans
1x5 power cleans

Finisher: 25 jump squats

WOD
AMRAP 15 minutes
7 front squats (95/65)
7 broad jump
7 KTE

Results
Power cleans: I went from 45 to 55 to 65 and did a few power cleans at 75.  That was a previous 1RM for me so I'm glad I got a few in of those. Happy with that.
WOD: I used 65 for the front squat and got some good knees to chest.  Good kipping rhythm with improved back flexion.  Happy about that too.  8 full rounds plus another full set of squats!

WOD 9.14.11 - LOVE doing gymnastic skillz!

Focus:  handstands and hollow rock

3 rounds
50 abmat situps
30 DU
10 handstand pushups

I did supermans to modify the situps for my diastasis and did my HSPU from a box.  I finished in 12:09 which was the fastest in my class but I'm fairly sure I miscounted on the DU's so I didn't write my time on the board.  I think another 30 seconds would be a fairer estimate  :)

WOD 9.13.11

WOD 1
3 rounds (for completion, not time)
10 minute cap

20 Thrusters (challenging weight yet try for unbroken)
10 pullups (strict to kipping)

WOD 2
3 rounds
10 deadlifts
10 box jumps
200m run

Results
I think I did 55 for the thrusters (I'm writing this post a few days late).  I got 11 unbroken for the first round, 12 for the second and did the last round completely unbroken.  Thanks to the encouragement from my class!

Rob had three classes written out for the deadlifts.  I did the first class which was marked for 85lbs.  Can't remember how I finished for time but I do know that my allergies were gross this day.  Like hacking up phlegm balls outside between sets, ew.

Sep 12, 2011

WOD 9.12.11 - BACK SQUATS - Start of Wendler 5-3-1

Back Squat
90% of Max is working weight.
My max is 135 so my WW is 120.

65% for 5 reps was 75lbs
75% for 5 reps was 90lbs
85% for 10 reps was 105lbs

Our warmup was pretty intensive and after the strength WOD we did 100 situps and 100 supermans.  I only did the supermans because situps make my diastasis worse.

After dropping off Trey at school I ran a mile with my BFF's  :)

Sep 8, 2011

WOD 9.8.11 - and Body Fat Analysis

10-8-6-4-2
Power Cleans
Pistols
DU (2x)

Results
It was 16: and something.  Not sure lol.  I used 65lbs for the cleans and used a ring to modify the pistols.  Got some great depth by modifying, butt touching heel.

Observations and Affirmations
1.  I'm still coming back from my shoulder injury so I need to get my strength back up to where it was.  This is normal and I need to give myself grace in that.  Not get frustrated that my working power clean is still at 65lbs.
2. I need to keep my arms close in for DU's instead of bringing them out like wings lol.  On a positive note, I did string several together today and that makes me happy.
3. I've got a nasty cough/chest congestion thing going on so I'm hoping this is why I'm having trouble breathing through the WOD's lately.  When this passes, if my breathing isn't better I need to look into why.
4. My body fat analysis was 15% this morning.  I don't know a lot about this but I was told this is really good.  I wish I had measured it in April before I started CrossFit so I'd know where I came from.  It's okay though because I'm gonna do another 24 day challenge next week so I've got a starting marker for that  :)

Sep 7, 2011

WOD 9.7.11 - CrossFit Texas Total - 2PR's

Press 1RM
Back Squat 1RM
Bench 1RM
Deadlift 1RM

* Perform a single max effort for the lifts listed above.
* After warm-ups, three attempts are allowed.
* Total must be done in the specified order.
* Combine all 4 lifts to create a CFTX Total.

Results
Press - 65  (Stayed same)
Back Squat - 135  (Last max was 145, -10.  This was the lift I jacked my shoulder up on.)
Bench - 75   (PR!  Last max was 70, +5)
Deadlift - 165   (PR!  Last max was 115, +50)

CFTX Total score:  440

Sep 6, 2011

WOD 9.6.11

3 rounds
15 KBS
10 ground to overhead
5 muscle ups

Results:
I think it was 12:47?  Sometimes my time results don't mean much to me, especially if I'm in the middle of the pack and it's not a benchmark WOD.
I used a 25lb KB and 65lb for the bar. I did mostly cleans to push presses but the last round I did split jerks  :)

The muscle up progressions were fun!  I started with ring pulls then the shoot through with my chest parallel to the ground (transition) and then the push to lock out my elbows.  The false grip felt really weird and I had to keep readjusting to keep it.  I did better than I thought I would with these and I can tell my coordination is getting better.  Thank you CFTX!!!

Sep 5, 2011

WOD 9.5.11

* Rowing Technique.  Focus on drag setting.

* WOD (12 minute cap)
2000m row

* 15-12-9-6-3
clapping push ups
box jumps

* handstand hold against wall.  Max time.

Results

Row: 9:47.  Yay!  I was shooting for 10 minutes so I'm very happy with this  :)

CPU and BJ: 4:36.  Very happy with this also.  I strung together some jumps with just a bounce in between instead of stepping down.  Big plus there.

Max HS Hold: 53 seconds.  My lower back gave out before my arms. 



Sep 3, 2011

The WOD that broke me.

"Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second."
- William James

Thursday, August 25th started out like many other mornings have.  Alarm at 4:30am, tiptoeing around the house so as not to wake anyone, brushing my teeth in the dark and fumbling for my vitamins under the dim light of the stove hood.  The usual stretching I do at home before class had some extras thrown in to address my neck and shoulder injury from last week.  I felt good and somewhat limber for the first time since it happened and was hopeful for the WOD.

Here is the WOD I'm referring to, just so we're clear:

400m run
21-15-9
over head squats
toes to bar
400m run

I looked at it the night before so it wasn't a surprise to me.  I was a little apprehensive for the T2B because the last time I did them I tore up my hands pretty bad.  Still, I don't ever give up on a WOD or avoid a day because of one unsavory element.  I go to the box and I do the WOD.  Period.  Practice makes perfect, train your weakneses, blah blah blah.  Giving up simply isn't an option for me.

Fast forward to the first set of T2B and for some strange reason I could only do two attempts before jumping down.  Not because of my sore shoulder and not because of any tears on my hands, but because I had this voice in my head saying "I can't do this".  I have NO idea where this thought came from so it really shook me bad.  I wanted nothing more than to turn on my heels, march out of the box, and escape to the comfort of my car.  For the first time since starting CrossFit I wanted to give up and it scared the hell out of me.  It would have been so easy to throw everything I've worked so hard for right out the window in that moment.

I'd like to say my mental grit won out for the rest of the WOD but it didn't.  It was a struggle to keep the two or three reps at a time that I was doing and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes.  Ordinarily I don't notice what everyone else is doing.  It's just me and the WOD.  On this day however, it was hard to overlook the fact that everyone else was on their last 400m run while I was still struggling with my first set of 21 T2B.  I felt pathetic, weak and idiotic but I knew I had to finish.

Rob, the usual trainer for this class and someone who's seen me WOD day in and day out, kindly suggested I try the GHD as a modification for the T2B.  Little did he know that this device is actually torture for me because I am completely afraid of falling on my head.  It's also my fault that I never told him I have diastasis recti (separated ab muscles) and I believe the GHD makes it worse.  "I can't do this" part two arose and I was near tears again.  Feeling humbled and mentally battered, I finally finished the 21-15-9 and went out to start my last run.  As I left the building I heard someone say, "Is she still going?".  Sigh.

What took most of the class 15-20 minutes took me about 40. 

So what's the take-home here?  How am I supposed to feel about this besides pathetic, worthless, pissed off and humbled? As you can tell from the date of the WOD, this has taken me a little while to process.  Now that I'm on the other side I can genuinely say that I'm glad this happened.  Just like we do lifts to failure so we know where our limits lie and how to stretch them, this experience of mental weakness was necessary for me to grow.  You can't get mentally tougher with days full of sunshine and rainbows.  It's the sucky WOD's that grind your confidence down and reshape your brain game.

The next time I want to give up (and it will happen again), I will be better prepared to face it and keep going.  Even if I have tears of defeat streaming down my face I know that my muscles are stronger than that.  Every Single Time.  I want to get to that second wind mentioned in the quote above.  Wonder how much stronger I can be on that?  How much longer I can hold on?  I have the feeling that elusive second wind holds many PR's... and I can't wait to fail again and try to find out!!!

Sep 1, 2011

WOD 9.1.11 - two new breakthroughs!

50 DU
9 thrusters
1 rope climb
40 DU
9 thrusters
1 rope climb
30 DU
9 thrusters
1 rope climb
20 DU
9 thrusters
1 rope climb
10 DU
9 thrusters
1 rope climb

Results
17:25.  I used a 45lb bar for the thrusters since my shoulders/back are still sore from the DL/KB WOD on Tuesday.  I did towel and blue band pull-ups for the rope climbs.

I finished with 20 minutes left in class so I decided to fool around on the ropes.  Took me a few tries but once I got the foot placement right I was OFF!  Did a 12ft rope climb for the first time!  I seriously want to go back and do some more now that I've cooled down from the WOD lol!  It's funny, when I attain a new skill I float on air for the day and am dying to go back and do more  :)  I also strung 4 DU together today when before all I could do was one and then I'd whip the back of my head.  I'm so graceful.  I did use a different rope today and after measuring it I saw it was a good 2 or so inches longer. 

Think it's time I git me my own rope!

Aug 30, 2011

WOD 8.30.11 - RX and Day 15 of 24day challenge

21-15-9
Deadlift  (185/115)
leg levers
KBS (53/35, 1.5pood, 1pood)

Results
9:09.  RX BABY!!!!! 

First one since The Injury and it felt great.  I feel great.  The vitamins from the Advocare Challenge are really kicking in now and I've ramped up my Paleo.  0 gluten + 0 dairy for me = awesome :)  My body feels lighter in a weird way.  Not so much because I've lost weight but more like I feel increased energy, strength and stamina.  Like a fog has been lifted.  Maybe that's all the inflammation of carb and dairy addiction leaving my body?  Whatever it is, I feel fantastic!  Down 6lbs since starting the challenge and... we have GOAL WEIGHT!

I met Trey's new gym teacher this morning and she asked "Are you Trey's FIT mama?" lol!  Never had anyone call me that before!  She said she loves seeing her students brought up in a fit and nutritionally sound home and appreciated that he knew a lot about nutrition already. Yay  :)  Next goal... get him eating spinach lol.  Gotta find me some old Popeye cartoons...