Routine is the Enemy

Paleo

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Before I started the Paleo challenge, I decided that I would approach it very strictly, with only one cheat day per week. This was a big deal for me because I was cutting out dairy/grains/sugar cold turkey, and didn't even realize how many things I eat involved these elements! From a small teaspoon of sugar in my coffee to a single slice of cheese on a bunless burger, I have excluded everything. Now, after a week of it, here's what I have to say...

Pros: I really like Paleo in the sense that I'm don't feel super constricted by measurements, and I essentially eat in Zone proportions anyway having done Zone for so long. Though I did feel hungry/low-energy at times, I could easily find something to fill me up and get my energy back. When I wanted something non-paleo, it was always out of craving rather than hunger (it was great to really analyze when my body is actually hungry and when it's just craving). And especially after my non-paleo day yesterday, I can tell how eating well affects me positively in terms of performance. I ate like junk yesterday, and I felt like junk as well.

Cons: Like I said earlier, I couldn't believe how many food items involve dairy/sugar/grains, and how even the smallest bit would be counted against me. I got super frustrated with how restricted I felt. But then I started to realize a pattern that I've developed...I will eat very well in terms of a challenge/for points, but then when the challenge is taken away, I feel like some sort of weight has been lifted off my shoulders and go right back to eating the way I would before. A lot of the junk yesterday was not from hunger, but just like feeling like I was free for a day, so why not take advantage of it? I'm not happy with this mentality.

I really admire people like Bill who naturally eat well, both in paleo and zone proportions, without any added system of rewards/punishment. It's just a healthy lifestyle to have, and I've been trying to consider how I can get myself closer to that point. I mean, even something like the word "cheat meal". What exactly am I cheating? Life? I want to get myself to the point where eating healthy is a dedicated, personal choice, for performance and for healthy living, rather than a strict regimen. I guess I'm sort of aiming for a 90/10 lifestyle, where 90% is eating well, and the other 10% is just for the random occasions or events, without feeling any feelings of guilt or shame.

So here's what I've decided for the rest of this Paleo challenge month: I really like Paleo, and want to continue to use it as a lifestyle for me well beyond the end of the month. I don't want to allow myself to think in terms of strict vs. cheat days. No more cheat days. That being said, I don't want to scold myself for having a little bit of milk/sugar in my coffee. To me, it's not very realistic, and if that's the worst thing in my diet, then I'm okay with that...and like I said, this may not be the same for everyone, it's just a personal choice. So for my personal 30 day challenge, I'm aiming to kick dairy/grains/sugar primarily out of my diet, but will allow for small quantities every now and then. My main goal: 90/10, and get to a healthier mindset.

On another note, after almost a month in school, I'm starting to get a little more in the groove, though I miss my family at CFV during the week. I'm only working out about 4 days a week, and I feel great!! Every day I feel like I can really push through the workout at 100%, and I think it's helping my fitness progress much faster. I want to start getting to work on some of those specific goals I had though.

Adjusting

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:54:00 +0000

I'm about 1 1/2 weeks into my program, and though I was just sort of annoyed before at my lack of free time, I can now actually start to feel some physical effects on my body. I felt HORRIBLE during this morning's workout, so much so that I actually wanted to quit after the first round. I didn't quit and kept going, and I think I would normally love the workout we did, but my body is adjusting to some serious changes.

On average, I'll get about 6-7 hours of sleep a night, which isn't ideal but used to suit me alright. Now, though, with the stress and pure chaos of the program, my body is seriously craving extra R&R. Crazy thing is the past week is only actually half of what I will really be doing in this program beginning in a couple of weeks!

I still want to keep the fitness goals I had previous set, but I just have to assess the best way for me to approach it all without reaching burnout.

First & Goals

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Had the first day of grad classes on Monday, and after the awesome crazy weekend of the Games it's taken me a couple of days to fully set out on my dialed-in routine. But, it has finally begun!

Starting tomorrow, diet will be completely set and in the Zone, and I will begin work on a series of goals and staples to my lifestyle.

-Multivitamins & Fish Oil
-PNF 2x Daily (post WOD & evening)
-CrossFit Endurance 3-4x per week in addition to WODs

Fitness Goals by Thanksgiving Break
-10 Ring Dips, 10 C2B Pull-ups (...working toward my muscle-up)
-3 HSPUs (no kip)
-sub 8:30 mile run
-30 sec L-Sit
-375 CrossFit Total
-sub 7:30 Fran
...etc.

Routine is the Enemy?

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:44:00 +0000

In regards to workouts and life in general, yes, absolutely. The element of constantly varied workouts is essential for improved fitness, and for myself, I will never choose a life where I am bound to a job/routine that leaves me unhappy and unsatisfied daily. BUT, as the start of my graduate education nears (my orientation is exactly a week from today--yikes!!), though I am intimidated by the huge decrease in my free time, I see a sort of light of opportunity from all of this.

For the next year, my schedule is pretty strictly planned by the program I am in (which I post on the "What Am I Doing Today?" on the right-hand side of my blog). But the way I see it, I can either be annoyed by it--which I will be from time to time =) --or I can become extremely dialed into my diet and exercise! I was actually discussing with a fellow CrossFitter yesterday about how on rest days, without a workout and maybe even without work, we can turn to snacking out of sheer boredom. Now, since I literally have only small pockets of time for eating/exercise and I will be away from home for most of the day, every meal and every WOD can be planned accordingly.

So, that's exactly what I'm doing! WODs and extra running (I'll be pretty sedentary during classes, so I'm adding in a little light running during the week in addition to the WODs) are scheduled out, and my diet during weekdays will look a little something like this:

Breakfast:

2 Eggs

1 oz. Ham

Low-Carb Tortilla

Avocado

2C, 3P, 3F

Lunch/Mid-Afternoon Meals:

2 oz. Beef/Beef/Turkey

Fruit or Greens or Slice of Bread (Sandwich)

Almonds

2C, 2P, 1F

Post-WOD Snack:

1/2 Balance Bar

Fruit

2C, 1P, 2F

Dinner/Late Snack:

Varies, but will be total of 4C, 4P, 4F

So though it will be a complete turn-around, excited for a new change in pace =)

Kelly...

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:45:00 +0000

...my least favorite WOD of all CrossFit WODs, but perhaps also the most symbolic of my passion for CrossFit.

For any of you who saw me work out that day, the second part of that sentence probably comes as a surprise. The only thing I looked passionate about that day was wanting to quit, and wanted to quit I did. Though I never said it out loud, my body was screaming for a tap out. But a few things happened at the end of the workout that I will always carry with me, that only fuel my addiction for the sport of fitness and that keep me coming back for more...

I remember that near the end of the 4th round of Kelly, the music playlist was transitioning between songs, and all I could hear was the heaviness of my own breath and my own mind telling me to quit. Then, I looked up and saw about 10 of my fellow Crossfitters. Though most of them had finished their own workout, they didn't pack up their things and head to their next errand or stick to their own routine in the corner of the room. They circled my box, cheering me on and urging me to do just five more box jumps, five more wall balls...I started the 400m run of the last round and I couldn't believe that I was still moving, even at the snail's pace it was =)

I walked out the door and started a very slow jog, but I wasn't alone. Mase, Alex, Kevin, and Chris were there, every step of the way...

"C'mon Faith, you're doing great...Just keep going, you gotta dig deep...Start to pick up that pace...You're always there for us, and we're there for you!" I had no energy to even respond at the time, but there is nothing like the feeling of having nothing left and having such an amazing crew of people stand behind you (literally!) till the end.

When we reached the gym the whole CFV team was there to push me through those last reps. My body was sending me some new signals as chills ran up and down my arms. I didn't know what it meant but I just kept going. When I was finished with the workout I must have gone through two bottles of water and still ended up with a very gummy cotton mouth (FYI: hydrate before your workouts!!).

So the message behind Kelly for me? There is no workout too hard to accomplish, no matter how daunting. Chills and scars let me know I'm alive. And no matter how much you may degrade yourself, you have an entire community of people who will never let you fail.

Yay Zone!

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:43:00 +0000

Been doing Zone for the past two weeks with only one cheat meal a week, and it's been going great! I feel better, more energized, cravings are severely diminished...Now what I have to start focusing on is the quality of the foods I eat. Though I've been eating in Zone proportions, a lot of my carbs have been coming from unfavorable sources, so I just need to start dialing it in a little more.

The Affiliate Cup Qualifiers are this weekend, and even though I won't be able to make it to the actual competition day because of school, I'm excited to do the WODs. I've never done double CrossFit-WODs in one day, so it should be an awesome experience.

Thoughts

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:05:00 +0000

So I realize I just posted about an hour ago, but as I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep I had a lot running through my mind, and I figured what better place to rant than my blog =)

Today was a crazy day--being so nervous about the mile run, running the hardest I ever have, never feeling so disappointed in myself after such a big PR...lots and lots of energy spent. After the run was done and I could finally start to regather my balance and my legs, I really only had one thought running through mind..."I was so close, just 5 seconds and everything else I have to do is a breeze!"

This train of thought continued to occupy me until just a little while ago, as I was staring up at the ceiling and realized a few things:

1) Running is my ULTIMATE goat. BUT, it doesn't matter how much or how well I can do of any other exercise. If I only focused on those things I do well, then I'd be missing one of the real beauties of CrossFit in its ability to expose our weakness and train us to be fit all-around. Even though I feel like I perform generally well during WODs, it's no doubt that if there's running in a workout I'm seriously lagging in my numbers.

In past workouts involving running, it's almost as if I would give in and accept that I would do crappy during the WOD. It's the complete opposite of my other goats that I tend to give a lot more determination and training to, but since it was always a big goat, I allowed myself to create that mental outlook.

2) I have an amazing month of training up ahead of me!! When I really start to think about the PR I had today after not running for so long, it gets me so excited to think about how with continuous training this month, I could seriously knock that 9-minute standard out of the water at the next testing date. I have posted about my troubles with running time and time again in the past, and I feel like today was the major kickstart I needed to start ironing out my weakness instead of hiding from it.

There have only been a few times where I've been seriously down on myself in the gym, and every time that happens it only takes me that day to realize that it's the exact opposite of who I am, how I want to be, and what this whole process was meant to be. Even though I can forget this from time to time, I truly believe in the power of personal progress rather than comparative progress. As only Bill and Colin and a couple of other CrossFit friends could know, my fitness now versus nine month ago is seriously night and day. I am so excited for every PR someone hits in the gym, no matter how big or small, and it's an appreciation I should probably start to offer myself every once in a while =)

3) Last, but absolutely not least, our CFV crew is AMAZING!! I was so thankful to have your support and encouragement today. Not to sound too cheesy, but you all are an incredible blessing. You push me so hard to do things I never thought I could ever do, and I am so grateful to have you in my life.

-----------------------------------

Hamstring Notes: Crazy thing about today was that my hamstring tightened up on the warmup run, even though after the actual mile was done it was fine. That could be because of adrenaline or the fact that my glutes and legs were burning like crazy all around (just touching them was painful!), but interesting still since I sprinted that last 400m so hard.

5 Seconds...

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:50:00 +0000

Did part one of Level 1 Testing today, and I was super nervous about the mile run. I've never run faster than a 10 minute mile, let alone having to run a sub-9 minute mile.

Seriously, I know I've been off from running because of my hamstring for a while, but I still wanted to kill the run, and I have never pushed myself harder on a run in my life. My legs were burning like crazy and I sprinted the last 400m with everything. When I got into the gym, was super dizzy and I just collapsed.

5 seconds. Feeling pretty frustrated right now, being so close and especially knowing I can hit everything else on the list well. 9:05 is a big PR for me, and even though not feeling it as much right now, I am happy about it. I also know that I pushed myself to my limit, which is all I can do. Guess till next time...

PS Thanks so much to everyone at the end! Sorry if I wasn't the most sociable after the run =)

Peaches!!

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:08:00 +0000

I haven't had a peach in a long time, and now that they are in season I am so excited!! One whole peach is a block (as opposed to half an apple or pear), and they are so super sweet. YUM!

Did lots of PNF today, very painful at first but I can definitely tell the effects. L-Sit is up to about 8 seconds now, almost there!! =)

Hardcore Zone

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:39:00 +0000

Working on Zone straight for a month...hardest day has definitely been today (normally an off day), but pulled through =) With the exception of working out a little hunger and cravings, the diet makes me feel great.

Tried jogging a little bit today, and my hamstring tightened up like crazy the first time. Then I rolled it out a little and tried again an hour later, and even though it was still tight, it was better. The rolling has been helping a lot.

Max Handstand: 1:49

Recovery

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:25:00 +0000

My hamstring hurts every day now, and I completely know that I am not letting it heal properly. The desire to workout, play football, practice L-Sits...I am stubborn with everything. I do plan on giving it some real recovery time, but not for a couple of weeks. Till then, I still have some things to take care of!

Just got my schedule for my grad classes in the summer, super intimidating. And the summer is only half of what I'm going to have to do starting in the Fall. I'm saying it here and now though, I WILL keep CrossFit going in my life!

Diet's doing okay...not great, but okay. It's about to get a major boost in motivation though! More details to come =)

Energized

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Being back in the Zone(ish) has brought me back so much energy! It's amazing what happens when you kick the carb hangovers and eat well throughout the day. Cravings have definitely decreased, but I still feel like measuring drives me crazy (hence the "ish" in Zoneish).

Farmers walks yesterday were brutal, and I can really feel it in my forearms today. My hamstring is still acting up a lot...I always feel ready to go, then I do the warmup run and pain starts to shoot up my right leg and tighten up. I know it's my fault because I'm not allowing myself to recover properly, but there's always that urge to say that I'm fine and I can do the workout with no problem.

Sleep

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:07:00 +0000

Did some grocery shopping yesterday and I'm super excited about all the new meals I'm going to be making! I'm also making a big change though to my diet and doing half the carbs, 3x the fat. I love carbs so this will be a bit of a struggle at first just to kick the habit. My personal goals I had set also shifted back a little bit because of this and of my hamstring, but still rolling along =)

New thing I need to work on: sleep. Because of my job and just my tendency to be a night owl, I sleep very late, which I can tell really affects me during the day. This definitely needs to change, especially since I'm going to grad school here soon. Sooo...taking it in baby steps, this week I'm going to be in bed by 11:30pm each day, then the next week 11pm, and so forth till I get down to 9:30pm.

Hamstring...Again

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Aggravated my hamstring again while doing sprints yesterday. I thought it would go away today, but it was still really tight in the morning and then even running a light jog brought back the same pain as yesterday. My lack of daily stretching is definitely showing.

Prescription from trainer: PNF 3x daily and short sprints to work on form. I'm not quite sure what exactly the colors mean in this picture, but I know I want to be in the blue!! =)

Coffee

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:41:00 +0000

For a while now, I've thought of coffee as bad for health yet obviously something everyone is addicted to. With the gallons I would see my family go through, I guess I just figured it couldn't be good. After using the coffee to keep me awake in China/Philippines though, I've been having a little each day since then (with lots of milk) and so I decided to check out what exactly are the risks and benefits.

First, is it CrossFit/Zone friendly? After browsing the message boards and realizing that the master of the Zone, Robb Wolf, himself downs 6-8 shots of espresso everyday, it seems like the only main concern is the addiction to the caffeine (which is a far less concern than the risk of addiction to energy drinks, or "meth in a can").

Second, any relation to disease? I found many sources really praising its benefits, like lowering the risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer. I also saw the different myths that people have about coffee, like that it will give you heart disease or cause ulcers, and how based on much research those really are just myths.

Overall, it seems like the conclusion I gathered on coffee is that in moderation, it's perfectly fine...maybe....I don't know... =)

Delay

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:09:00 +0000

So it seems I'm getting a little more sick before I get better, so I may not be working out again until Tuesday. My personal diet challenge is fully underway though!

So in the meantime till I can start posting about WODs, I forgot to mention in past posts that I was able to visit some other new affiliates: CrossFit Balboa & CrossFit Laguna Beach. If you ever get the chance to go to either of these affiliates, they have very welcoming trainers (thanks Max Mormont and Gillian Formaneck!) and solid facilities . It's always a great experience to check out what's going on in the CrossFit community, and to see just how many amazing athletes there are out there.

When I was there, I worked on some snatches and back squats, did 100 pullups for time, and got a PR in split jerks at 100 lbs! I was really stoked on that, and it feels incredible to know that we have such great training at CrossFit Ventura that we can go to other affiliates and feel comfortable with everything we do. I am still, however, also really hooked on our community and class energy at CFV--we have such encouraging members and an addicting group vibe that I appreciate more than anything!!

Getting Organized

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:46:00 +0000

I know it's been a while since I last posted, but was motivated again by recent posts and some new blogs (yay Dave and KT!). There are also definitely some new developments going on though that I'm excited to update about =)

First off, since my last post about my poor clean, every opportunity I have I'm picking up a PVC pipe or an empty bar and just practicing the basic hip, shrug, fast elbows, get-under-the-bag. I wasn't sure how far I had come along, but yesterday with the SDHPs I could tell that I've really made some progress at not just using my arms, but the full momentum of my hips, and I was stoked! I felt faster and much more efficient.

Also, with all of the recent posts about diet, I'm going to get back into cooking and just a little bit more strict with the zone. Recently it's been more Paleo, and no limits on grain or cheats, but now I'm going to stick to 9-10 blocks, 1/2 carbs after WOD, 2x fat, Paleo/Gluten-Free, and one cheat meal per week.

Chicken Florentine I made for Bill and I tonight.

It's always easiest for me to have short-term goals in mind, and I've come up with a few (in terms of diet, in the next 57 days, 48 will be completely in the zone). I'm sure a lot of you know that I start the Teacher Education Program at UCSB in July, which is really exciting but at the same time a pretty big bummer for everything CrossFit related. First, my orientation day is on the same day of the CrossFit affiliate competition, so if I did actually qualify for our affiliate, I wouldn't have the chance to compete =( Then, if you aren't familiar with the program, it jams two years of work into one and pretty much consumes your life, so I will definitely keep CrossFit a priority, but it will be a challenge to find the time to get the workouts in as much as I do now.

So I figure while I have as much free time as I do now, I should make the most of it and devote a lot of energy into CrossFit training. Starting Saturday (almost done being sick), for every day I have off from work where I didn't work the night before (the restaurant seriously knocks me out for the next morning), I will come twice to CrossFit--once in the morning for practice, and then again in the evening for the WOD. Though I'm examining different weak areas, there is one definite one that will be a staple every day: running. So while the morning practice will vary, it will ALWAYS involve sprints.

I'll be doing this until July 10 (when I start grad school), and what I'm SUPER excited about is my new workout log!!! I know, I'm a dork =) But I made a new workout log that will really help me examine how my body reacts based on the amount of sleep I had, diet, what else I did during the day, etc.

This blog is here for everyone to see, so if I'm not doing what I say, you have full permission to nag me about it!! =)

Fran and stuff...

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:32:00 +0000

Did Fran yesterday, and it was a big example of how I've been treating the workouts for the past two weeks. After getting back from vacation, I felt so out of shape, and took the workouts pretty easy with lots of excuses. Yesterday, it showed in Fran...even though I felt really mentally into the workout, I failed a lot with the thrusters and with just overall recovery. On the very last rep of thrusters, I couldn't lock out my arms, so I dropped the bar and wasted at least 30 sec. trying to clean it back up (which I couldn't even do!).

It's time to start hitting the workouts back at full force again. Game plan simple: train hard. There are always, of course, weak areas that need to be addressed, one of which is more evident to me than ever before--my explosiveness and ability to extend my hips/use the power of the drive and less my arms. I think that may have been one of the factors yesterday in Fran, since I was told that I was using my arms way too much and less of the drive.

I was really able to slow down my movement in this video and see just how early I bend my arms, seriously almost instantly and nowhere near full extension in my hips. Yuck =(

Pictures!

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Here's the link to pictures and stories from our trip:

http://asianvoyage.shutterfly.com

Jet Lag...

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:59:00 +0000

...and so much more!! We had a seriously incredible trip to the other side of the world, and I am completely feeling the effects. First, the time deal--it's 2AM and I feel wide awake. Second, the lack of sleep, constant traveling (8 plane rides in two weeks), extremely poor diet (but lots of authentic Asian goodies!!), and pretty much zero exercise (except for the Great Wall). But like I said before I left, I really enjoyed myself on the trip and am getting right back to business.

A couple of quick notes: for the next month, I'm going to be focusing a lot on oly-lift form (Burgener warm up, lots of work with PVC pipe or bar). This week, I'll film myself doing all of the movements and then film again after a month or so to check my progress. Diet--back to zone, but less carbs & more fat. I figure after this trip, I really have to kick the addition. It'll take a while to get back in the swing of things, but I'm excited.

CHINA!!

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

First off, we're having an AWESOME time and we miss you guys! Have lots and lots of stories to tell, but for now I'll just leave some pics and fill you in later =)

This is a large stone carving on the steps of Palace in the Forbidden City. I love the story behind this: since the rock was so heavy (a couple of tons) and was high in the local mountains, the Chinese spread water on the ground during the winter so they could drag it across the ice. Nuts! (Sorry, this is the History buff in me coming out...)

Bill was born in the Year of the Dragon, which our tour guide told us means power for men, like an emperor. Guess what I've been hearing the whole trip? =)

"The Emperor's Summer Palace" or "Our New Summer Home" (hehe)

Training for the Qualifiers...Sort Of

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 03:46:00 +0000

So before I get anyone confused, I'm not training for the actual CrossFit Qualifiers...(I think a great big "duh!" is in order there). I do, however, want to take advantage of a really exciting time for training!

I have recently noticed a very long string of things that need to be addressed in regards to my fitness, and on my 13 hour (no joke!) flight to China, I'm going to be hammering out a program for myself. Colin, Nick, and Luke can't be the only ones having the fun ;)

I'm super excited for this, and I'm going to go over everything with Bill and Colin. It's going to include diet (now that we've been doing Zone for a little while I've been able to see what's been working well for my body), extra practice, reading, etc. and I'm going to set goals that need to be met between April 5 (when we get back) till May 2 (the day of the NorCal qualifiers).

Regroup

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Well, after my sick week last week, reaalllly poor diet, and the days off because of my pulled hamstring, I'm feeling pretty sloppy and out of sorts. But, just like in a workout it just means it's time to regroup! =)

I'm in the process of reading a great CrossFit Journal article called "Hamstrung" (inspired by my recent injury) that I'll post more about tomorrow, but so far it's interesting to note the physiology behind the hamstring as a two-joint muscle (hip extensor and lower leg flexor) and just how essential it is to stretch tight hamstrings. Starrett talks about how lacking flexibility has great impact on our overall athletic abilities, and that if you're not actively working to fix them then you're missing a huge opportunity to get "better, stronger, and faster."

I'm going to go back to having some set pre-warm ups before class because going in without a plan leaves me sort of open-ended and a lot of times I don't get to the things I really should be getting to. Also, I think I'm going to be experimenting with my diet until we leave for Beijing. I've been realizing my body is taking in a lot of food when I really don't feel I need it, so I'm going to experiment with a block change for a little bit.

BRAT

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:54:00 +0000

It's official!! The best way to fall behind on the Zone challenge is to get the stomach flu...that, or go to China/Philippines for two weeks =)

Check out my recommended diet for the past 4 days (taken from webmd.com):

One type of diet that has been prescribed by doctors for people recovering from upset stomach (dyspepsia) and stomach infection (gastroenteritis) is the BRAT diet, which is an acronym for:

Bananas...Rice...Applesauce...Toast

My mom prescribed this to me throughout my childhood. Anyone else familiar with BRAT? (Talk about loading up the carb blocks!)

CrossFit Journal

FReynado@gmail.com (Faith) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:29:00 +0000

I'm going to start further educating myself on the science behind and methods of CrossFit, starting by reading as many journal articles as possible. There is no doubt that we can all see and feel the benefits of the program, but I want to take it a step further and really grasp the tenets of it all so that I can better myself as well as help others when I can. I'll try to update here on my findings periodically.

This is partly inspired by my experience yesterday. After three 100m sprints , my hamstring in my right leg tightened up, really similar to a couple of months ago. I was pretty bummed because I actually like sprints (at least, compared to long distance running) and was ready to really push through what appeared to be a crazy workout. I was so confused as to why that kept happening with my leg (last time I couldn't do leg WODs for two weeks!), but then after getting some advice, it's almost definitely a combination of my lack of flexibility and my running technique.

I read some articles last night, and one of them about the fame of "Fran" was really interesting. It basically discussed how people use "Fran" as sort of a defining measure of your progress as a CrossFitter and talked about how people will train specifically for "Fran" by adding it in to their workout schedule every month, sort of negating the whole premise of randomness in workouts and being prepared for anything life throws at you. It started to make me think about how I can tend to place benchmark workouts on a certain pedestal. I get really nervous for them, and if I don't perform well, I get pretty upset with myself. I'm beginning to realize though that no one workout should hold any precedence over another in terms of how I will mentally and physically attack it. Every workout supports my overall fitness, weaknesses & strengths in all.

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Last week wasn't a stellar week in the Zone, and I have been so sick all day long today. My head was pounding, I was nautious, and food was just totally unappealing to me. So with that said...

Zone Challenge: 35.5