Weigh In

I was dreading today as I knew it was weigh in day.  I was good and didn't step on my scale at all since my trainer told me not to.  I kept my promise. 

But as I knew it would be I didn't lose anything for the month.  I knew when the coach that was weighing me wasn't saying anything and didn't offer any information when done until I asked.  I know I haven't been perfect with this nutrition but I've been doing pretty darn good and staying strict with it over 90% of the time. 

I think it was a good thing the head coach wasn't there for the weigh in.  It was actually almost a relief.  I never do well with weigh ins and he's always telling me I have a pissy ass attitude when I don't meet my goals.  It's just that it matters to me and I really want to meet my ultimate goals.  I don't know when we'll have a discussion on my nutrition and whether or not we're changing things or keeping them the same but I am dreading it when it does happen.   Yeah, this is going to be one discussion I think I'd rather do 10 WOD's than have.  . 

Time to suck it up!  The only other choice now is to move forward and do the best I can at eating healthy!

Box Jumps

“Scooter”

 

400 m  Plate Carry (25#)
20 Burpee Box Jump (16″)
400 m Plate Carry (25#)
20 Burpee Box Jump (16″)
400 m Plate Carry (25#)
20 Burpee Box Jump (16″)
400 m  Plate Carry (25#)

 

Time:  40:09

 

This WOD sucked!  It didn't help when I went to get my weights for my box step ups and someone repeatedly was asking me why I was getting them because they felt like I should already be doing box jumps.  After at least the 3rd time of them telling me this I told them to talk to the head coach (who wasn't there tonight).  I know this person wasn't intending to mean any harm and it's just their own way of trying to encourage someone but it really didn't come across this way.  I've had to sit back and decipher more than a few times what this person really means.  What they don't know is the coach and I have talked about what I'm doing and right now he wants my intensity up so I can be faster.  I shouldn't have to explain that to everyone at the gym especially those I only see once in a while.  It is still hard to hear things like this because I really do want to learn how to do box jumps and do feel like I should already be doing them.  I had to fight the shutdown during the entire WOD.  I never completely succeeded. 

 

Carrying that 25lb. weight was really working my arms.  But I couldn't run with it.  I tried a few times and got a little distance but not far.  I wonder if I would've been better off dropping the weight and focusing just on the running and taking bigger strides. 

 

 

Random Thoughts of Dreams/Nightmares

This monthly weigh in is driving me crazy.  I'm so ready to get it over with tomorrow.  My brain apparently isn't shutting down when I go to sleep either as I'm having dreams/nightmares about it and CrossFit. 

I had a nightmare I opened my garage door and there was a CF gym inside it and folks working out in my garage waiting on me.  Then I saw a huge scale on the wall.  How was I supposed to weigh in on that thing on the wall - LOL!  That was just freaking scary.  I guess I could look it as if the gym was in my garage nobody could ever tell me I was late and couldn't work out ;-)

Concentration

Complete 5 rounds for time of: 29:18

15 wall balls (14#-9″)
200m run
12 box jumps (20″)

I tried not to sit down on that box during the wall balls but I just didn't accomplish it.  I was concentrating on standing the right distance, putting my butt back first and barely touching the box and coming right back up.  I stay sitting down way too long each time.  I've got to force myself to move quicker. 

Running just sucks! 

Those box jumps took a toll on me.  I couldn't stand up on the box without a weight to get me started.  I struggled...

Still Learning

So, this morning I went and worked on several weaknesses. 

Stair climbing
Squats
Wall Balls

That stair climbing takes a toll on my nerves.  I think my stomach falls a 1,000 times every time I see steps.  At least I know he can't make them any higher than 30 inches but that 30 inches was enough to make me want to curl up in a ball on the floor and cry.

I got the box back.  I'm not surprised the coach didn't hold out another week but I sure was hoping.  It wasn't easy and I feel defeated but I finally sucked it up and halfway accepted it.  I have no choice.  But it is an emotional toll. 

I really wish all this didn't take an emotional toll on me.  It's just hard.  A part of me just wanted to run out screaming. 

I really am appreciative that the coach is willing to take the time to work with me and I know he's just trying to help me get better and improve. 

I just have to learn to listen to him and not fight against him.  I really have to watch my attitude.  I'm learning... slowly but learning the hard way. 

Maybe

15 minute AMRAP

7 deadlifts - 45lbs/
7 hang power cleans - 45lbs.
7 front squats - 45lbs.
7 shoulder to overhead - 45lbs.

Rounds - 7

Not the best of workouts.  Part of it my mood and the other part was the weight didn't push me.  It was heavy at times but just wasn't for me.  I just didn't feel challenged.  I know the motive is to get my intensity up and build my speed but sometimes I want to feel challenged and tonight just didn't do it for me.  I just felt like I'm getting nowhere again.  All because of those damn squats and not getting low enough is holding me back from being able to do anything new or at least try to increase my weights on my lifts.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day and somehow a miracle  will come out of the sky and I'll get those squats.  But right now, the motivation just isn't there.  Maybe in an hour...

Ammunition...

Deck of Cards

For Time: 21:00

Take a deck of cards, shuffle. Face cards are 10, Aces are 11, numbered cards as valued. Flip each card and perform the movement and the number of reps specified as a team. Cycle the whole deck.

Partner WOD
Row 200 meters while other person cycles thru the cards.

Hearts: Pushups
Diamonds: Overhead Walking Lunges (14lb)
Spades: Situps
Clubs: Squats

This was a tough WOD but a fun one.  At least we got all of our face cards out of the way early.   

I have a bad habit of setting that ball on top of my head while trying to do lunges.  And I get called out on it every time - LOL!  I don't mean to but it's just so easy.  Trying to remember to bend my back knee takes a lot of concentration. 

Squats just plain suck!  I knew it was coming or something was coming as I got called out on my squats after class.  I have a week to get low enough.  I'm being threatened with either having the box come back for my squats or some other contraption he has going on in his head.  I have to admit it does make me determined enough to work on these things.  The coach knows I've gotten slack with doing them at home.  So I guess this is payback.  And I have gotten slack about using a wall ball as a target lately.  I have no desire to have that box back and I guess this is the best ammunition he has to use against me.   

Physical and Emotional Challenges

Back Squat 5×5 - 95lbs.

 

Then….

3 rounds for time: 38:58

20 Handstand Pushups
40 Kettlebell swings (26lb.)
60 Double Unders  (120 singles)

 

This WOD kicked my butt and challenged me emotionally.  I really wanted to get my time under 30 minutes but that didn't happen. 

 

Doing the back squats I was concentrating on getting lower in my depth.  For some reason, it seems easier to get lower with the squats with more weight on the bar than with none at all.  The PVC pipe is beyond useless to me in my opinion especially when it comes to squats.  I could actually feel it in my knees that I was going lower and the coach told me I was and that made me feel good.  I felt like I made a little progress tonight. 

 

I started out with the 35lb. kettle bell for the first round but after that I dropped back to the 26lb.  It was just too much for me in this WOD. 

 

Those jump ropes kicked my butt.  I knew they would and went in prepared.  I did manage to get 18 in a row a few times and 10 in a row several times.  That felt good.  That kept me motivated and helping not to let my frustration sneak up on me.  I hated that it took me so long but at least I finished it.  I thought after the 2nd round the coach might stop me at that point but he didn't and I'm glad.  I would have felt defeated had he done that. 

 

But it does feel good to have my motivation come back.  It was fun working out with everyone tonight.  And it's always good to have coaches there ready to coach and push us along. 

Motivation and Fun has Returned :-)

“Power Drill”
5 Rounds of…
5 HSPU
10 Power Cleans (55lbs.)
15 Burpees
20 KBS (26lbs,)
25 Wall Balls (10lbs.)
3 Minute Rest between rounds

Time: 50:46

I knew this WOD was going to kick my butt and it did.  When I calculated my time I was thinking around 72 minutes and then I went back and rethought it with some others and decided I would shoot for 45 minutes but anything less than 60 minutes I was going to be happy with.  And I'm happy with my time.  It may be the slowest time on the board but I feel like I wasn't too far behind the others and I did my best to keep up. 

I really did try to focus on using my hips during the power cleans but I never succeeded.  But I was concentrating on doing it.  I'm going to figure it out one day. 

Now, those burpees really do suck!  It is so hard to get back up off the ground.  And I was trying to jump and clap after each one but it just didn't happen.  But I was trying. 

I thought briefly about using the 35lb. kettle bell but the coach said no so I dropped back down to the 26lb.  I don't think he knows that I have used the 35lb. for some workouts as he asked me what I've been using.  It all just depends on the workout and how intense it's going to be.  The shorter the work out I've used the 35lb.  But this was an intense workout and was going to be a long one so I believe he made the right decision for me.  I wasn't happy at first but I went with it and I was so glad I did.  I have to remember he knows best and that's what I pay him for ;-)  But I do want to increase my weights from time to time because I know me well enough to know if I don't then my frustration reappears. 

Wall balls were just brutal.  At one point I had the coach right beside me and talk about being startled - LOL!  I was in my own world.  I didn't realize I was bending forward (not sure why I didn't notice) when squatting until he came over and told me.  It was easier doing them his way by not bending over but sometimes I wonder if I'll ever get low enough.  And for some reason I have no idea why I forgot to get my weight and wall ball to touch for my squats but I completely forgot until halfway thru the WOD.  I really wish I hadn't because I feel like I only hurt myself not having that target to touch.  I know I can't rely on the coach for everything but I am surprised he didn't say anything.  But next time I will do better and remember.  I do want to learn to squat low enough and I have to keep trying. 

It was a good workout!  I felt my motivation come back tonight and the fun and enjoyment returned!!!

My Time

3 Rounds

250 Meter Row
20 Jump Ropes
10 Stair Climbs

I decided I was too deep in my frustration and just so discouraged with no motivation unless others talked me into going so, I went to the gym Friday morning to work on things.  To my surprise nobody else was there for class.

I went and ran 400 meters but didn't do great on time as it took me more than 4 minutes.  I'm really trying to get my time down to 3:30.  I figured I would work on wall ball squats since squats are my weakness.  The coach decided to help me out and come up with my WOD. 

Going up those steps he created just about took my breath away.  I got to the top and couldn't get down without using both feet.  I think my heart started beating 1,000 times a minute at that point.  I felt my anxiety fly to the roof and higher.  I was finally given a PVC pipe to hold onto so I held onto it for 3 times up and down those stairs.  I finally got up and down those steps but it wasn't easy.  I think I felt my stomach drop a 100 times. 

Those jump ropes were doing me in as well.  I think I'm jumping but I'm clearly not getting at least one foot off the ground.  Jump ropes can take my mindset and just screw with it they're so frustrating. 



I'm finally starting to feel some of my frustration go away and some of that motivation come back.  I don't know if it was just being able to do my own WOD and proving to myself that I can overcome some fears or what.  But whatever it was that clicked I'm glad it did.  I still feel that frustration but it's not like it's weighted over my head.  And talking nutrition really helped as I've just been struggling because I've stepped on the scale too many times and not seen any changes this month.  I'm told to stay off it and I really do believe that is the right decision.  It did make me feel better when I asked the coach what I was going to do it at the end of the month I didn't lose anything and he said we'll deal with that then. Just that response put me at some ease.  I didn't feel the pressure I've felt before and feel like I'm going to get chewed out for not losing so many pounds at the end of the month.  Now, I get told to watch my nutrition a lot but that's okay because I need to.  . 

Seven

Back squat 5×3 - 105lbs.

 

Then…

 

“Adrian“

Seven rounds for time of: 21:53

3 Forward rolls (sub burpees)
5 Wall climbs (sub grasshoppers)
7 Toes to bar
9 Box jumps, 30″ box

 

This was a hard workout but good.  I wasn't even attempting those forward rolls.  I couldn't do them as a kid much less as an adult so I didn't even try.  I was fine substituting burpees. 

 

I tried to figure out those wall climbs.  So I conceded to doing something called a grasshopper.  I know my feet don't get high enough under me to do them but I did the best I could.

 

Still doing chest to bars in stead of toes to bards.

 

Box steps are getting there I think. 

 

Wall Balls

21-15-9 reps for time of: 6:08

GHD Wall ball, 10 pound ball
Wall ball “2-fer-1s”, 10 pound ball

I'm really not a fan of these kind of WOD's.  When it takes me more time to change clothes than it does the WOD I just feel like I should have just gone home.  It was an okay WOD but I really didn't see the point. 

Which way to turn???

I just don't know what is going on right now.  I am beyond frustrated to the point I come home in tears because I can't do this or that or can't keep up or go fast enough.  I really do want to improve but that spark of enthusiasm is gone.  I work out with great people so I'm just not understanding why I just want to cry every time I look at a WOD.  Nobody discourages me.  But I just feel like I'll never be fast enough or able to keep up in close proximity.  I really do want to get better and do all these things. 

I don't know if it's all the weight lifting and that is beyond intimidating for me.  No matter how hard I concentrate and focus on how to do the lifts I just can't seem to make it happen.  And I know the coaches especially the head coach gets so tired of trying to teach me.  It's been 7 months and I'm no better today than I was on day 1.  I just want to walk out or just not show up sometimes and save the coaches the hassle.  Everyone else seems to catch on so easy and I just don't understand why I can't.  If I say something I'll get fussed at for having a bad attitude.  So I just come home and cry and hope the tears don't show up at the gym.

I've had a few screw ups with the nutrition.  I did so good and then coming off of my fast Sat. night I just couldn't get back into it.  I don't think I've done horrible but 3 cheat meals in 4 days is not part of the plan.  So my next goal is to not have any cheat meals for the remainder of the month.  Once I get 5 strict days in a row I know I'll be back on track.  I just wasn't prepared to have such a difficult time getting back into the nutrition.  But I want this and I'll be back on track yet once again!  What I don't understand is when is that feeling of always hungry going to go away again.  I just want something to eat all the time.  I don't know if it's all in my head or what but I'm ready for this feeling to go away. 

This isn't the first time I've gotten frustrated and won't be the last. 

Squats

21-15-9 reps of:
115 pound Deadlift
35 pound Overhead squat

Time: 7:20

All I can say is I hate overhead squats!  Sometimes I wonder if it's even worth trying. 

Frustrated but not giving up

36 Pull-ups
36 Power Cleans (55lbs.)
36 Walking lunge steps
36 Kettlebell Swings (26lbs.)
36 Back extensions
36 Wall balls (10lbs.)
36 Burpees

Time: 26:09

This was a good workout and it was good to have most of the crew (minus 2) be there at the same time. 

I can't wait for the day I finally get to where I can do something besides jumping pull ups.  I know I'm not ready to progress but I wish I could get there a little faster. 

One of these days I'm going to learn to use my hips and legs for those power cleans.  Even with a sub coach I get called out on using just my arms. 

Walking lunges are so hard.  I just can't get my knee to the ground.  But I am remembering to bend my knee that is behind me instead of just focusing on the front leg. 

Those wall balls were so hard but I made sure my butt hit the wall ball I had for my target everytime even if barely. 

Burpees just suck!  Those are so hard.  I must have been doing something weird because the coach asked me if I normally do burpees.  I still don't understand why he asked.  When I said yes he said okay.  Just confused me and still does.  What else would I do?  I probably should have asked after class but I was too exhausted and I forgot at the time. 

I'm still struggling with this time issue incident.  Feel like there's one set of rules for some people and another set of rules for the rest of us.  Nothing I can do and nobody is talking.  All I know is I bust my ass to get there and will be very pissed off if I get turned away for being 1 minute late. 

Just wonder...

“Grace”

For time: 3:35
30 Clean and Jerks (55)

and

“Isabel”

For time: 2:13
30 Snatches (55)

 

This was not my favorite workout.  I was trying to hold in my frustration of not getting the lifts right.  I was feeling like I was jumping but evidently I'm not.  I know I feel my feet come off the floor but I'm told they aren't.  I just don't know how to make it happen.  I just wanted to throw the bar across the room.  I just don't know how to make my legs and hips move the way they're supposed to.  I walked out tonight just wanting to give up.  I know it can't be any fun for the coach having to repeatedly tell me how to do these moves and I don't get it.  Sometimes I wonder if he would rather I don't show up.  I really want to get the hang of all these moves.  I watched his feet and movements hoping I would get it right at least once and it never happened.  Just wonder if that one day will ever come where I can do all this stuff. 

Long Strides

Four rounds for time of: 27:33

15 foot Rope climb,  6 Progressions
30 Push-ups
30 Sit-ups

At least I can pull myself up on the rope.  There was a time I couldn't. 

Now, these push-ups are hard.  Doing 30 takes time.  I was trying to do sets of 10 but even that was hard.  I just kept stretching my arms out.  I know I took too many breaks on that floor.  I need to get better at that. 

Sit-ups were like taking a rest.  I just closed my eyes and counted to 30 every time I touched my toes. 

It appears I will be learning how to take long strides when I walk and run.  This should be fun - LOL!  And I thought the coach knew I was scared of stairs.  I can go up them better than I can going down them.  I can sometimes go up stairs one foot at a time but coming down there is no way I can come down one foot at a time.  We'll see...

Moving Forward

Tonight was a team WOD which ranks under one of the most dreaded and hated things on my list.  I don't like anyone relying on me to get done with an exercise before they can do another exercise.  It's way too much stress. 

I decided tonight was going to be better with this coach than the other night.  We had an odd number of folks for this workout.  I had thought on my way to the gym what we would do if there was an odd number.  So, the adult in me thought suggesting me and this coach do this WOD together.  That thought didn't last long as it wasn't long before I heard her saying her back still hurt and then she commented she didn't want to do the WOD again.  At that point I just let that thought go.  One person did do the WOD by themselves. 

I really don't know why the past the few months have been so much of a struggle for me.  Every time I feel like I'm moving forward something happens and I feel like I get drug backwards even more.  So looking forward for things to turn around.  I just have to make it happen now. 

7 Rounds

I've gotten a day behind in posting.  Just so much going on.  Last night's WOD was good.  I even beat my goal of 45 minutes.  I still think I missed a round of burpees but I was told I did them.  I kept mixing up the exercises. 

“The Seven“

Seven rounds for time of:
 
7   push-ups
35 pound Thruster, 7 reps
7 Knees to elbows
95 pound Deadlift, 7 reps
7 Burpees
7 Kettlebell swings, 26 pounds
7 Pull-ups

Time: 39:23

All I really know from last night's WOD is it is so hard to get back up off the floor from burpees.  Wondering if it ever gets easier. 

Softer Edge???

 

Overhead Squat 5×3 - 45lbs.

 

Then…

 

21-15-9

Box jumps - 16inch
Burpee Pull-Ups

 

Time: 14:58

 

Anyone want to guess how much I hate overhead squats?  I despise them.  They are one of the hardest things to do.  Holding that bar up over my head and trying to lock my arms and then squat is beyond me. 

 

The step ups for box jumps are getting better.  I just have to quit stepping away from the box before stepping back up again.  As the coach said it takes away my time.  And it probably takes away my keeping moving.

 

Those burpees are so freakin' hard.  It is so hard to get back up off the floor.  I know it's one of the better exercises for me and the movement will only help me.  I just want them to get easier. 

 

I don't know what was with that jumping to reach the wall was all about after the burpee.   I hate jumping and it took an overwhelming mental toll on this girlie tonight.  I know I am too self conscious and it's up to me to get over it but it's so hard. 

I'll have to admit seeing a scale come out on the floor and 2 people get on it shut me down mentally too.  Having it placed not too far from me had me looking for an exit.  I don't think I'll ever be that comfy with weighing in front of anyone.  In fact, I know I would just walk out of the gym and leave if ever asked to weigh in front of everyone.  I need to keep some things private and this is one of them.   

I knew during the first set of burpees I was mentally shutting down and I was trying to fight it.  I just never overcame it.  I know I have to work on this not happening.  Disappointment in myself is my biggest weakness and I have to quit focusing on the negative.  I see some interesting talks with G-d this week during my holidays. 

I have no problem finishing last but I really want to get to where I can keep up with the others and finish in a time somewhere near the rest of everyone. 

The coach really was trying to be supportive and encouraging tonight.  I'm actually used to getting fussed at a lot more than I did tonight.  Not sure what was with his softer edge tonight.  Not sure I want to admit I missed being yelled at either - LOL!  He fussed but just in a nicer way.   He did call me out when I put my hair over my face.  He knew I was having my own pity party and wasn't wanting me to stay in it.  I'll admit I deliberately tried to stay away from him but he called me over to chat for a second.  He was right in what all he said when he told me I just need to get over it and do it.  And then he tried to make me see my accomplishment of finishing within the time I allotted for myself.  Wish I had gotten his 12 minutes he thought it would take but I'll take my 14:58!

 

Random Thoughts

Disclaimer:  Anyone who might be reading this please remember this is where I work out my feelings, both positive and negative.  And if you're a coach (especially one of mine) you probably really don't want to read the last half of this post. Trust me on this.  But if you choose to do so please don't take any resentment about what I wrote out on me but rather just fess up you read it and ask me about it.  And please remember I need to vent sometimes just as you do! 

Finally think I have gotten the hang of this nutrition thing and eating right.  It's not as easy as it looks.  After being disappointed by not losing the 21lbs. I was really striving for in the month of August I had a choice that it could either defeat me (because I missed the goal I really wanted by 7lbs.) and fall off the wagon once again or I could choose to stay on track with the nutrition plan and work to get those 7lbs. off and then some for the month of September.  I stayed on the nutrition plan and believe I'm stronger with it than ever before.  I still weigh and measure all my food.  I know by now I should know how much 3 or 4 ounces is and how much a 1/2 cup or 1 cup is and I'm usually pretty close when I weigh and measure it out but I just really want to get this right to where I don't even have to think about it one day and it becomes a life style that I don't have to give a second thought to.  I haven't decided how much I want to lose for September or if I even want to put a number on it.  I may take this month off from putting a number to it and see how it goes and then reevaluate for October by looking at August and September.  I haven't asked the coach about it and I really don't think he wants to entertain the thought because I do get disappointed when I don't meet my goals and that irritates him.  I just wish somehow I could convince him I get disappointed in myself because it matters to me and I really want this for myself.  I hope one day he understands this. 

I'm struggling with the new coach still.  I'm trying to get along with her and I think I'm doing pretty good.  But she always seems to do or say something that rubs me the wrong way.  I just don't think she stops to think and be realistic sometimes.  She was off the schedule for a few weeks and I thought I understood someone to say she was too busy but that wasn't the case as she showed back up on schedule.  She's just too rushed and seems to have too much going on to coach.  I was good at telling her I want to increase my intensity and she's learning I do speak my mind.  What I won't ever do again is the ridiculous warm up she had us do by doing burpees in the middle of the road where traffic travels at the 100 meter mark.  I didn't sign up for this to get run over.  How does she expect someone to be able to move with an oncoming vehicle if we're in the middle of a burpee???  I didn't even do all of them that day.  The grass is covered with gravel.  Not to mention my knee still hasn't healed.  I can only imagine what the people at the WH thought as they watched.  I would've been saying those idiots are going to get run over.  I'll be glad to go back in the gym and do the burpees or even take a mat outside the gym and do them behind our own vehicles where there is no oncoming traffic traveling but never again in the middle of the road where people are coming and going.  We've done warm ups and even WOD's outside but they're always done where we park and no oncoming traffic is travelling and if someone drives up it is a CF member and they know to watch out.  This has always worked out just fine.  But these other idiots on the road don't know we're there and will come flying through.  She knew it pissed me off and I told her.  Her budget may call for being able to buy knee pads and such but this girlie lives on a budget and has to plan accordingly to her paychecks when she can go shopping for things which in turn means sometimes I have to wait several weeks if not months if I want something until I can save the money.  Nothing is worth getting run over not even losing weight.  I'll give this coach another try this week.  Wish the main coach would post time limit WOD's on the night's she teaches since she's always in a hurry to leave.  That would solve one problem since I'm so slow.  That way she wouldn't have to wait on me to get done. 

Chipper Hell

Saturday Chipper

For time: 30:44
 
10 ring row
15 Burpees
20 Box Jumps 24/20
25 KB Swings 26lb. American
400m Run
30 Sit-Ups
35 Double Unders (35 Singles)
30 Sit-Ups
400m Run
25 KB Swings 26lb. American
20 Box Jumps 24/20
15 Burpees
10 ring rows

All I know is this WOD was as bad as it looks!!!  I haven't wanted to quit so many times during a WOD in a long time.

The warm up sucked too.  I hate anything that involves jumping.  The sports bra doesn't keep things in place like I think they should especially during jumping jacks from hell!

Ring rows are okay.  I don't grasp why they're a good exercise but I don't need to.

Burpees just suck!!!  It is so hard to get back up off the floor.  First round was hard enough but the second time around I just wanted to lay on the floor and not move. 

Stepping onto the 4 45lb. weights has gotten easier.  I feel like I either need to start learning to jump down or jump onto to 2 weights.  Not sure I want to entertain that discussion with the coaches right now.  But it's on my mind.  

Kettle Bell swings are okay.  I think I need to push myself harder and up the weight to 35lbs.  

That 400 meter run was okay the first time.  But that second time was horrible.  I think that's where all the thoughts of wanting to stop started.  If I hadn't had one of the coach's daughter's with me I would've walked it a lot more than I did.  But having her there did keep me motivated and moving. 

Sit ups aren't bad but for some reason it seems like I'll never get the first 10 done.

Jump Ropes really suck.  I can't seem to get both feet off the floor at the same time.  And then I lean forward so that makes me move forward.  I don't understand why I can't stay in the same place. 

Now for that figuring out time for WOD's thing.  I have been so far off the mark for all of them this week.  I've been figuring them based on what I have been doing and how long it takes me but today I was off by 20 minutes.  Yesterday I was off by over 10 minutes.  How do the coaches just know how long it will take me?  What do they know that I don't?  After all I'm the one doing the WOD's shouldn't I know?  I was looking forward to having something I could figure out before walking thru the door and know as the WOD started and not have to ask and just be able to do it.  That's evidently not going to happen. 

Pushing for Intensity

“Helen“
Three rounds for time: 17:39

Run 400 meters
21 Kettlebell swings 26lbs
12 Pull-ups

I set out with a goal of doing this WOD in 25 - 30 minutes.  I beat that goal by a little over 7 minutes. 

I set off to run the 400 meters as fast as I could and I did the first round in 3:55 which is 32 seconds faster than the last time I ran it.  I don't know how fast I ran the other 2 rounds but I pushed myself.  The first round was okay but I dropped to a power walk at the top of the hill.  Once I saw one of the coaches on my way back it made me pick it up and keep going.  That 2nd round was so hard.  I didn't think I was going to make it up the hill.  By the time the 3rd round rolled around I just wanted to get it done. 

I debated about using the 35lb. kettle bell because I wanted to keep my intensity up and keep moving so I used the 26lb.  I surprised myself and averaged 21 kettle bell swings around a minute.

Jumping pull ups weren't that bad.  They're actually kind of boring. 

Now, the warm up was hard too.  I hate rowing.  I know it's good for you but I just don't like it.  And jump ropes were trying to get the best of me.  I finally got 50 singles.  I was told not to lean forward so much but it's not that easy.  But I'll keep working on them.

I just have to figure out what is a good time to strive for with each WOD. 

Intensity

For time: 9:49

 95 pound Thruster, 100 reps

Pushing my intensity level and keeping myself moving is hard.  So I was trying for 8 minutes but when I saw everyone from the earlier classes and their time that was pretty much over.  But I talked with the coach and we discussed weight and keeping me moving and decided on 35lbs.  Problem came when I did a few before the WOD started and I felt like it was too light of weight.  Even though I knew after the first 20 or 30 it was going to get heavy I added 10lbs.  That 45lbs. lasted all of 20 thrusters and I was back at 35lbs.  No regrets though about trying the 45lbs.  Now, I know I can do it but in order to keep my intensity level up I'm not quite there yet.  But I will be one day!  I did at least 10 at a time and didn't stop for more than 10 seconds between each set. 

I'm struggling when it comes to pushing my intensity level I feel like I'm slacking off in form.  I didn't touch my butt to the ball half the time and I could feel my feet coming off the ground instead of my heels digging into the ground to keep me in the right position for a squat.  I need to find a balance between pushing my intensity level and doing the movement correctly and still keep myself moving. 

Keep moving forward

5×3 Deadlift - 140lbs.

 

Then..

 

Three rounds for time of: 16:09

15 Jumping pull-ups
20 Burpees
15 Sumo-deadlift high-pull (65#)

 

I didn't realize I was leaning backwards when doing jumping pull ups until the coach told me.  From then on when I concentrated on my jumping I could tell a difference when jumping straight up.  Definitely something to work on. 

 

Burpees suck!!!  I still can't figure out how to squat down on the floor with my hands in the right place.  I know I've done it but it's been so long ago.  It's so hard to get back up off the floor. 

 

Me and those sumo-deadlift high pulls didn't get along.  I kept forgetting to bring my arms and elbows up high enough.  And of course that whole using my hips got the best of me.  I'm determined I'm going to figure these lifts out and using my hips and legs to power it up. 

 

I really like having the time limit goals.  The coach said the WOD had to be done within 18 minutes and I decided to shoot for 16 minutes.  I was close.  I told the coach tonight in an email about my time limit goals.  I just need to keep this up and keep moving forward with progressing. 

 

 

 

Time for some Motivation ;-)

“Manion“
Seven rounds for time of:
Run 200 meters
35 pound Back squat, 29 reps

Time 33:52

This was one of the hardest WOD's I've encountered in a few weeks.  But it was also one of the best WOD's I've done.  I went in with the attitude that I was going to push myself and start building up my intensity.  One of the coaches said something to me about it a few weeks ago but I've been a little slack in that department.  I told the coach I was trying to come up with a time to do the 7 rounds in and told him why.  So we figured out a time we could agree on that I could strive for.  He was honest and told me to up the number of back squats per minute.  So we came up with 35 minutes.  Basically, giving me 2 minutes to run 200 meters so we rounded it to 15 minutes.  And 20 minutes for the back squats bringing it to 10 every minute. 

The times went as follows:

200 meters                                                        29 Back Squats
Time Ended    Time it Took                             Time Ended           Time it Took   
2:00                  2:00                                              4:20                             2:20
7:00                  2:40                                              9:20                             2:20
12:00                2:40                                            14:10                            2:10
17:00                2:50                                            18:50                            1:50
21:45                2:55                                            24:00                            2:15
27:00                3:00                                            29:00                            2:00
31:30                2:30                                            33:52                            2:22

The coach and I talked after the WOD about my times and we found out the biggest time lost is when I'm going from one movement to the next.  It would take me about 30 seconds to go from to the next.  I kept moving and pushing myself harder not to stop during the entire WOD.  I haven't pushed myself this hard in a WOD in a long time.  I have to work on moving faster between movements as that is extra time that could come off my final time. 

I know I didn't touch my butt to the wall ball every time but I know I sure as heck tried and did touch it some.  I just have to keep on working on this and I will get it.  That one day will happen. 

But I'm happy with the time I got tonight.  I need to do this every night as it motivates me to have a goal to strive for.  This is the only way I'm going to get faster and improve.  So glad the coach was on board with this.  I just hope the other 2 coaches are as well.  I feel like had I not set this goal I would've taken more breaks.