CrossFitCentralJules

Today is a Milestone

2010-01-29T10:32:00.001-08:00

Was at boot camp this morning, pondering all kinds of things in my head to keep my mind off how I really don't enjoy sprawls, and then it occured to me that after I completed today's work out - I can call myself a 3-year veteran of CrossFit Central's Relentless boot camp programs. I joined February programs in 07 - when talked into it by my friend Irene while selling girl scout cookies at a booth in Lakeway. Cookie sales for the 2010 season are well underway in case you haven't been hassled by a Girl Scout yet, as will be the start of my 4th year of working out with CrossFit Central next Monday.

Today also marks a new chapter - I'm leaving my role as business ops manager at CrossFit Central. I might join Jeremy in new adventures yet to have solidified - so don't say bye yet... BUT, if you rely on me for billing issues, or enrollment or other boring paperwork stuff - I'm not your gal any longer. Sad, yet looking forward to next adventures all at the same time.

So as I ponder just a bit more over my coffee and realization of the need of a good hot shower, I think how the last three years have changed my life - my body, and my circle of friends. I'm thankful for the body changes, but so much more for the wonderful circle of friends I'm gathering along the way. My dad told me that I'd be able to only count my number of friends who I could really, really rely on on one hand. Turns out - he was wrong (happens rarely, I know Pop)... Good thing to be wrong about.

Now - on to February 2010 and the Relentless Boot Camp Adventure Challenge - where my pals Vanessa and Jane are going to tear it up!

3M - been there, done that

2010-01-25T10:41:00.000-08:00

After a 1 hour chilly and windy delay, the race gun sent me into my third half marathon. It was all of the grind that I expected it to be - taking me FOREVER to finish - but I remind myself I finished (2:48). My wonderful husband and elated girls found me just before mile 9 for kisses, which lifted my step quite a bit. My running pals never cease to amaze me -- and they too gave me the strength I needed to press on because I knew they were waiting on me, and w/out me they couldn't go eat at Iron Cactus yummy Sunday brunch... ha, ha. Mary 1:51:42, Kelly 2:04:49 & Chris 2:08:44 -- Mary's just a rocket, Kelly's personal best and also 3rd half, and Chris a 1st timer! Now you know she has to try for sub 2...

3rd 13.1 Miler

2010-01-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

Will run my third (and final?) half marathon tomorrow - 3M along with pals Mary, Kelly and Chris... Advanced Kudos to Chris who will run her very first half -- and it wasn't that hard to even talk her into it! Her CrossFit training which includes 5 days of boot camp, gym or KB will make this a breeze for her. Come and cheer us on!

Starting the New Year with an....

2010-01-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

8 round tabata work out!

For a detailed description of the WOD for new years, see Mel's post... For Chris and I it was swings, sprints, sdhp and push press. Lots of fun and as a reward, we hit Torchy's for a yummy, "new year's pat on the back for getting out of bed on this cold day" reward. Cause I have to admit, if Chris had not sent a text to say she was coming to get me (to which I responded with the general, non-exciting, "OK" - well, I might have stayed in my warm bed. Thank you Chris. Thank you Mel for your creativity and drive. Never Cheat. Never Quit. Happy New Year all. It's going to be a great year.

KettleBell Plankin for Christmas

2009-12-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

3x/week boot camp, $220

Kettlebell, $45ish

Planking with a KB on your back, hangin out with my buddies for a work out before the Christmas eating madness... PRICELESS.

Happy New Year.

12 Days Of Christmas

2009-12-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

A must watch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

CFC Christmas Party

2009-12-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

Hope to see you all out at the CFC party this Friday evening... be sure to bring a pair of shoes for kids! Great cause! Shoes for Austin

Dreaded Body Comp

2009-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

It had been about a year since my last body comp. I knew I would be disheartened at the results. My clothes have told me - my work outs have told me. So seemed best to me to avoid Carey when she asked when she pinched me last - duck, dodge and "gotta run". But last Friday, I went to the office, closed the door and let the measuring and pinching begin. Yes, I was unhappy with what I saw. Up 13 lbs, up 19" and up 10% in body fat in one year's time. Two thoughts - one, good thing I stuck with boot camp and some gym, cause those numbers could have been worse. Two, shame on me. Only one word - why? I know why - but in the end, they are all bullshit excuses. No one controls me, but me. I'm done with excuses. I'm back on track. I'm getting back to the zone, food logging and back to Advocare.

All that she intends, all she keeps inside, isn't on the label.

San Antonio Rock & Roll - Been There, Done That

2009-11-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

First - my favorite t-shirt quote: "My strategy, start off slow, then pull back". That's about what I did - finishing the half marathon in 2:45 - miserably slow, but I remind myself that I finished. I was truly done at mile 10 - but my music pulled me thru. Fuel's song "Shimmer" told me - "all that she intends, all she keeps inside isn't on the label." That one and a few others gave me the fuel to finish. I have to credit CrossFit for shining thru. I did very little running to prep for this race, and certainly didn't help myself thru nutrition, but I consistenly attended boot camp - and I'm sure that it was a driving factor in helping me accomplish my second half marathon. Austin's on my next agenda...

Second - I'm extremely proud of my man who finished the race in great time - 3:44. His goal was Boston qualifying time of 3:20 - but it was not to be his day - nor one for his running group who had all trained extremely hard toward this very goal. They all finished, but they all missed Boston time, and one ended up in the ER (but she's ok). Again, it was a hot and humid day, and I saw a few while at the finish like waiting for Don who had to be either carried across, or carried off just moments from crossing. Heart wrenching. The human spirit - never ceases to amaze me.

My gal pals who ran - Mary C and Mary Z - both ran the marathon and Kelly and myself who took on the half. Kudos over to Mary Z who ran in 4:11 and Kelly at 2:15. Amazing and completely jealous of them both. I gotta love Mary C.'s attitude - she loved running past all the landmarks including the missions - and I think she even stopped to look around a bit, not at all concerned with with time, but focused on enjoying the ride. I'm jealous of that relaxed outlook, one that Christopher McDougall would tell you is the key to running - enjoy the ride (and maybe throw your shoes off while you are at it).

Don, and his running buddy Jason, both celebrate their fourth marathon - they ran Austin together twice, Don has run NY and Jason San Antonio... Don, I love you and I'm so proud of you.

4 Days and counting till SA Half

2009-11-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

Ran 5 yesterday and it didn't completely suck. This is good- a confidence booster for Sunday.

Shout out to my pal Karen, who when chatting yesterday, we realized that we've been boot campin for almost 3 years with CrossFit Central - Relentless Boot Camps, Jeremy, Crystal and Megan. Jeremy has been there the whole way - but as of this month, decided to leave us in the very capable hands of ShowOUT Megan, who rocks our world now MWF at 8:30am in Lake Pointe. now, FOCUS.

I'm in for Half, My Better Half is in for the Full

2009-11-11T14:31:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know. I've not posted any new news in almost a month. Well, had not too much to say other than I've been a slug and not at all in the zone. But I have been to boot camp, made rock-star appearances at the Tuesday gym class with Carey, and I have gotten some runs in now and again. Good thing, cause it's the 5 day count down to the Rock & Roll San Antonio race.

For me, the half. For my better half, the full. There's quite a difference in our mind sets. I sometimes wear my Garmin to figure out how far or fast I went (or slow is a better word), or to track my pace by sattelite (surely, this is frying my brain). I'm not following the detailed outline of a training plan that Kelly gave me. Don on the other hand has trained relentlessly, never missing a scheduled run, changed to eating vegan, consistent massage and therapy and calculating all things - down to the number of ounces of water in his average sip and the number of calories to a gummi bear.

His plan for the run is written down, mile by mile. I'm planning to show up. Yes, I live with an engineer - everthing can be labeled and put it it's proper place. (Side note - Must see the sitcom - Big Bang Theory - freaking hilarious). All things can be planned and calculated.

So... another difference is I have a general goal to finish the race and his goal is to qualify for Boston with a 3:20:59 max time.

Wish us good luck - along with Don's running group, Mary Z., Mary C., who will run the full and Kelly, Jeff, Tricia, Libby and several others who take on the half.

Thanks Chris

2009-10-15T20:51:00.001-07:00

For being my partner today, and the extra lift on those pesky pull-ups. You are a rock star... how will I ever catch up?

FGB 2009

2009-09-27T17:15:00.001-07:00

270. Not my best, not my worst. Reminded myself how I hate wall ball. By the time round #5 started, the weather heated up and I had to cuss out loud after it was all over to release the pressure in my head... my apologies to those in earshot. :-} Must get above 300 and then join Mel in the elite category.

However... I'm crazy proud my girls who also took on the work out. Love it that as I type, a whole day after the event, how they are lamenting about being sore. Asking each other to pick stuff up off the floor. Warriors. Strong girls. That's the goal.

I'm Balboa

2009-09-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

On the eve of Fight Gone Bad '09 - I offer out this "hollaaaarrrr" to the CrossFit coaches who changed my life - the ones who make me Balboa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie7YTZsPsH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FY-FN8CaIA - acoustic version... like this one better - get past dad lab interview....

It's kinda a CrossFit theme song for me, maybe a few others will relate... Check out Cruiserweight - local Austin gems. Brothers and sister. Met Stella at my daughter's Girls Rock summer camp - yes, the one where they got to play at the Parish down town... Does great Journey tributes... so they hit my fav list.

Been lyin on the mat too long
I always thought I was unfit to be strong
And I thought a change would never come
But I could be wrong, wrong, wrong
Slim chance for an underdog
Glued down on my knees
I was a mess back then
I never knew when was when

New coach, you know you brought a FIRE
And smoked me out of my cave
It's a new day for the figher you are making
And my knees shaking from your
REVOLUTIONARY ways of making me strong
And kicing my ass in gear every day
I think like it this way, cause...

I'm balboa, I'm not afraid...
You know you made me this way
I'm finally seizing the day
You know you made me this way
And everying coming in,
Everying thing going out this time
I will not be broken
I'm balboa,
I'm taking names,
I'm not afraid...
You know you made me this way

Blowing my own horn is not what I should do
If I'm dancing in the middle of the street, well,
Please know I know where the credit's due
Cut man in the corner of the ring
Every hook I swing is for you, darling
I am climbing the stairs every morning
New world's coming, I gotta tell you

Look No Further

2009-09-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

INSPIRATION

An inspiration to participate in FGB. An inspiration to donate. An inspiration to get up of your arse and get moving. If you don't see it in this video, if you don't see the effort, if you don't see drive, if you don't see perserverance, then maybe you need to watch it again. And again.

CrossFit Kids

2009-09-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

Always proud to see my girl be CrossFit tough. The last few UTB events have added a work out for kids - great idea - and thanks to Coaches John Del Peral and Therin Smith for taking on these kids on a Saturday morning!

Another great idea for kids -- a competition added just for kids at FIGHT GONE BAD! I'll be there... my girls will be there... Don will be cheering cause he will have already run some crazy distance at some crazy fast pace that morning - so he'll be there for all his girls... Will you get there? There will be breakfast tacos I hear...

Women's Challenge

2009-09-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy Saturday morning... Rain or shine, I knew it would be "on" and boy was it ever... the women's challenge was a kicker - a 2 mile run, that started with 150 team burpies, then included a stop for some KB swings, another stop for med ball tosses and nutritional questions - then off to the finish line. Envision rain and mud too.... I felt like we were in Portland and not Austin Texas! The rain and overcast sky actually made the event pretty freaking fun.

Then off to the gym for part II - a slew of toture:

75 barbell power snatch (45#) - easy brezzy

200 box jumps - no problem

175 ab mat sit ups - flew thru

100 pull ups - Chris, Mary, you rocked these out.

125 duo dead lifts @ 95#s - challenging, knee bruiser

150 jumping ring dips - simple enough

100 duo shoulder press (55#) - I HATE THESE

Run 400 - thank god.

My partners were awesome - I've really not had this much fun (and pain) in a while. Mary, Chris and I tackled the work out - and came in 8th of 20. Not a bad showing - we'd have been higher in the ranks if not for the much underestimated duo deadlift segment. The pink socks, damn we look good. Thank you ladies. Thanks to the awsome CrossFit coaches who were out there to cheer us on and show us that even the "housewives of west travis county" can be kick ass crossfitters.

Team: Housewives of West Travis County

2009-08-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

My Women's Challenge team mates, Mary "the bullet" and Chris the "6-pack abs and award winning planker gal" for the Women's Challenge coming up in a couple weeks. Mary is our speed, Chris is our strength and I'm just lucky to have convinced them to join me on this challenge. hey - I do a mean dead hang. :-}

Fight Gone Bad '09

2009-08-24T21:04:00.001-07:00

I competed in FGB event last year - was pleased to come in 2nd in the intermediate heat, following my pal Mel. It was pretty cool that us two 40-year old crossfitters took the top two spots, in the "play it safe" division. FGB is coming again - and if you are on the fence about joining - just do it. It's fun - it's rewarding, and I hear there will be breakfast tacos ... maybe. I'll do any CF WOD if there are breakfast tacos to follow. I would even agree to chase the back side of BMJ (again!), on our next run if she'll take me for a Texaco breakfast taco (S. 620 - the best, really). ANYway... If you can't participate, then sponsor a CFC athlete (or me). We are raising money for a great cause, and it's going to be an event you will not want to miss. Not shown in photo above -Zachary yelling at me to hurry up. I sneered at him during the work out, might have even said a few not so nice things - but gave him my "thanks for pushing me like only you can do" hug at the after party. Also not shown and I have no photo-proof, Don rooting for me while eating a large muffin for the duration of round #3. He had of course just finished a run, but still...

NOT Zone Favorable

2009-08-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

The 3lb cinnamon role - courtesy of LuLu's cafe in San Antonio. Not zone favorable at all, unless maybe you have a tablespoon-sized bite and then some protien - as I'm sure that that one tablespoon will cover both carbs and fat. I won't rat out who sent me this photo of what it looked like before her family of 5 did their best to devour it... yes, there was some left over. As I look at it, I think of my former eating habits when I'd not hesitate to dive into this. Now I look at it differently - that it would be a very rare treat. I recommitted myself to food logging and following Zone yesterday. I did food log for about a week, but found that I really didn't care what I wrote on it --it was honest, and not a Carey-star worthy diary of the crazy things I ate. Megan is onto me, as is Chris. I will succeed, as I'm running another half marathon in November and I want to feel great and perform to my expectations.

Shock and Awe

2009-08-10T13:54:00.001-07:00

It takes two to make things go right... It takes two to make it outta-sight.

Will need to find new team name adding Ben and Christine - photo of the "insert good gang name" coming up soon - email me if you've got suggestions on names (and be nice).

Lance

2009-07-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

Love these pics of Lance at the games. One shot, it looks like he's just lifting like it's easy. The other - you can tell the amount of energy and sheer determination he invested. If you are lucky enought to be in his class - then you know what a top-knotch kind of guy he is.

Crystal

2009-07-28T05:08:00.001-07:00

I worked out in the gym yesterday with Crystal's 10am class. Got a good reminder how Crystal can be tough, but encouraging. I can get my arms to the keyboard, but not the top shelf in the fridge.

Crystal, our 8th fittest woman in the world... was incredible to watch at the games. She fought for ever lift, every muscle up - every movement. Pics shows her determination and her style.

It started off good...

2009-07-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

One of the more memorable points in the Games was a work out that required rowing, then driving a metal stake into the ground, and back to rowing. It was a cool sight after all were done to look down the area where the stakes were all driven into the ground... wondered if another work out would require them to rip them all up. Carey had a great techniques of small "tinks" until the stake was well enough down to allow large blows. Crystal had no problems - finishng sinking the stake in great time. Jeremy was "tinking" along - until a few stronger blows tilted the stake and his destiny to drive this stake sideways began. This little incident took JT down the list - but gave us all a bit to razz him about which is of course great fun. Back to the farm to build some fences Jeremy.

The Women...

2009-07-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

Watching this event near the start line, it didn't look so ominous. But once they ran past and you turned around to see the crazy steep climb, your own legs started to burn. It was not surprising that once they crossed the finish line, 99% fell to the ground and were tended to by staff who would help shake out their leg cramps. Coaches Crystal and Carey taking their shot.

The "Heal" Run - Men

2009-07-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

Haven't blogged in a while - I think I've stayed in my rut since Zooma, looking for something to ignite me. I went to the Games last weekend - and this was the push I needed (in addition to the shoves I'm getting from BMJ to get back to running so we can do the San Antonio half this fall.)

Two of many cool pics I took at the Games, where 8 of my CFC family competed. Lance was in the first heat - and first to the finish line, of course. Jeremy's turn --what I love most about his picture is his brother, Zachary, cheering (or yelling?) him to the finish line. If you have not experienced Zachary yelling at you - well, you should. I too, almost have my voice back after yelling, cheering.... what a weekend!

The other half. Which ones will you embrace?

2009-06-18T08:24:00.001-07:00

Ok -the seond half. The ones I will embrace, practice and make integral to my outlook immediately - #25, 36, 39, 44, and Especially #43. I worked on the "yield" factor yesterday and I found myself calmer. Some recognized/appreciated it - others didn't even acknowledge it - in their own world. Which type are you/do you want to be?

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously.. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

DAD - I love you too.

The first 22 tips for your day... your life.

2009-06-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

When I get these via email - I mainly ignore them - seen it before; however, lots of gold nuggets - the first 22 of 44. My favorite in this list... 3, 11, 13....

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14.. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

Shock & Awe...

2009-05-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

The engines behind the machine.

I'm Coming Back...

2009-05-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

I've been taking time off of CrossFit - but it's driving me absolutely insane so I'm coming back on Monday - back on track - back on the Zone. Chris = Spartan! Just watching her tackle the Spartan benchmark last weekend - amazing. It made me antsy to get back at it (and Mary's demand that I've had enough rest).

Drink This?

2009-05-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

An interesting video- though snopes says it's a hoax. It still got me thinking about sodas - those filled with sugar or with poison (artificial chemical sweeteners). So - when working a full time office job - stuck under florescent lights for 60 hours a week - I would drink 3-4 diet dr peppers a day to keep myself going. It's a familiar story for many of us.. you never eat right, you multi-task, you work all night, you suffer from stress in balancing family and career and you neglect your fitness which is always last on the list. Add the DDP to the list of my nutrition for the day - it's not surprising what I weighted and how I looked when I walked into my first CFC boot camp.

So - back to those pesky sodas... my husband always gave gave me hassle over my DDP habit, saying I'm killing my brain. I worked my way down to 2-3 per day, and after starting with CFC, maybe 1 per day as I focused more on nutrition. After taking Robb Wolf's nutrition seminar, and pondering this video more - I'll never touch them again... My last one was on Wedneday of last week. DONE. Kelly, are you reading? Put down that Diet Coke - now.

Crystal

2009-05-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

For 2x per week for about a year now, I've been coached by a wonderful woman - Crystal McReynolds. She's relentless in making us surburban moms do all the reps and not cheat on form. When we whine -- she really does not care, which is a good thing.

I'm so very proud of Crystal for placing 3rd in the regional CrossFit Games qualifer - securing her spot for the International Games in Aromas in early July. Carey Kepler took first and Lance Cantu second - thus taking three places out of 6 who ranked first to third place for the male and female categories!

2009-04-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

This video is awsome - highlights the second Fittest Games Challenge - and it is such an honor to be posted on the front page of CrossFit HQ. Once again, reminded how proud I am to be a part of CrossFit Central! http://www.crossfit.com/

Go to the April 23rd post - and look for link under photo.

Zooma Post #4

2009-04-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Maybe my last post about Zooma - a week has gone by... on to the next thing. However, what really got me thru the Zooma was music. I have to have something going on in my head other than my own thoughts while running (and most of the time really)... and being a former band geek and drum major - I sometimes have to march to the tempo. I flip out if my iPod is out of battery on a run... I forgot my earbuds once and was going to pay someone big money on the trail to give theirs up - but then, there's that ear wax thing... yuck.

Anyway - songs give me power to perservere. My top 10 Zooma picks were, not in order of importance:

1. Any way you want it - Journey (fav band ever)
2. Hero - Foo Fighters (got me thru mile 11 - Don is my hero for running 2x this distance)
3. Girlfriend - Avril Lavine (cheezy, but love it - keeping up with that beat gave me 9min miles)
4. Be Yourself - Audioslave (really, just be yourself)
5. Origninal Prankster - OffSpring ("you can do it...")
6. Ray of Light - Madonna (quicker than a ray of light, I'm flying)
7. I Melt with You - Modern English (solid 80s tune)
8. Snow (hey oh) - RHCP (One of many RHCP, but this is fav)
9. What I like About You (a Tina tribute and S. Padre memory song)
10. Suicidal Blonde - INXS (me trying half marathon)

But favorite tune was Bad Mamma Jamma - which got me up the moster hill at mile 12. My nickname for Kelly is BMJ - so as I listened, it told me to get up that hill and press on.

Zooma Post #3

2009-04-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

My training partner Kelly... she didn't get to run it, so I suppose she's going to talk me into the San Antonio half... I'm up for it, what the hey...

And my running partner day of the race - -Mary, thanks for all the encouragement and laughs.

For a full, detailed account of the day - you must read Mel's blog... and check out our "mean girls" photo - love that best.

Zooma - post #2

2009-04-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

I'm going to post about Zooma all week - so just put up with me. It was the day of the race before I paid attention to my race bib. If you are a CrossFitter, well this number is significant. I joined the Spartan challenge this year -- I think this is a sign that I will be a SPARTAN! If you didn't join -- too bad as it's all sold out... Better get on the waiting list!

Zooma - Pride, Pain and Heartbreak

2009-04-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

The Zooma half-marathon is over. It's behind me -- I'm thankful and full of pride that I finished - by my Garmin - 2:18:45 - by Zooma 2:20:20. Yes, numbers matter - especially to this gal who could not have run a mile 2 years ago. There was pain during and after the race, and now a day has passed and the pain turned into soreness - advil is my friend. Bless my family for letting me rest and recover.

I'm thankful to my friend Mary, who ran along beside me - she has several marathons under her belt - so I'm sure she could have smoked me - but she stayed close as I watched her yellow hat bounce before me - constantly tempting me to keep up.

I'm heartbroken for the Wilkinson family. At 2am the day of the race, my training partner, friend and motivator - Kelly (aka bad mamma jamma) got a message her mother in law had passed away, very unexpectedly that evening. We threw everything into her suitcase as she sped out in the morning darkness to be with her family. I cried for her, for her family, for her husband who lost his mother. I teared up at the starting gun and cried like a baby as I crossed the line, knowing she was not there to greet me. Pray for the Wilkinson family as they cope with this loss, their heartbreak and ultimate sorrow.

CrossFit - Runs in the Family

2009-03-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

The governor showing off her muscles and her mom's sweatshirt.

Zooma count down.... 5 days. Knees knocking.

New Eyes

2009-03-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Swinging for the fences, but knowing the ball is going deep... deep over all fences trying to hold one in. Spirit of new eyes... refreshed energy.

I'm a Beliver

2009-03-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Went to the CrossFit Nutrition Seminar this weekend by Robb Wolf. I'm recommitted to the Zone diet - but add the Paleo component. I will start to follow his blog -- and I highly recommen his FAQ list. Giving up grains, and minimizing dairy - and going to work hard to get those veggies in. Really hard. Saw this t-shirt on one of the attendees from CrossFit Alamo. Love it -- wish my family would read it. Maybe I will send it to them - and then get the silent treatment for a while, or maybe they will open my blog and find this message -- further reminder that you can't change your body or your lifestyle unless you want it bad enough. I asked my dad to check out the two CrossFit affiliates - all within 10 or 20 miles of his home and his only reply was "think not" - bummer.

Way too Fun...

2009-03-17T18:02:00.001-07:00

Thanks Mel for this cool website. My alter ego - kicking arse, while doing the grocery shopping. My dream! Check out the my super heros pals Mel, Jeremy and Jessica... make your own!

CrossFit Kids - The Ward Girls

2009-03-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

CrossFit Kids is an awsome program that we got started in Lake Pointe thanks to Coach Therin Smith. Both my girls participate. This week is spring break - so the girls came to workout with me and the ladies of the 8:30 class - where both Coach Crystal McReynolds and Coach Therin put us in a competitive spirt. Slammers, dips, renegade rows, sprints, etc... Funny how the girls now talk about how hard they worked in boot camp, and how sore they are. Like mom, like daughters... Fitness for the girls is on Don and my goal list... making progress! Though I will say watch out world when the governor (4 year old) is ready for CrossFit -- you haven't seen competitive yet...

Motivators

2009-03-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Shout out to my coach Jeremy and my running pal and "take no prisoners" Kelly -- Wed's work out has left me quite sore and Kelly insisted we run 3m in the rain. Damn, we are tough. Fun to run while you shiver! Worked out Tuesday with fab women - including new CFC staff members Alisha and Alex. Welcome aboard!!! Tuesday -- 10/9/8 etc burpees with reps 0f 10 push press in between. Arms dead. Put milk jug on lowest shelf.

Another New PR

2009-03-09T08:20:00.001-07:00

12 miles. Felt like crap the two hours afterward, but a almond butter smoothie from whole foods and a bottle of water, along with a shower to get the thick paste of the town lake trail dust off my skin did wonders. Kelly says 14 this Friday. Oh ship - slave driver. Zooma is 4 weeks away.

Happy 2 year anniversary to boot camp buddies Karen and Carla. We've sweated side by side now for rougly 288 arse-kicking classes. Amazing.

New PR

2009-02-28T04:13:00.001-08:00

New runnning PR - 11 miles. Painful. But good news is I finished, didn't throw up, didn't have heart failure, didn't bust it on my weak legs or break anything. Kelly says if you can do 11, you can do 13.1 - The Zooma countdown continues.

Welcome Mary!

2009-02-23T11:03:00.001-08:00

6am Boot Camp in Lake Pointe - this photo taken some time ago. Working out next to me is Mary Z who has recently moved over to the "dark side" - the 8:30am chatty girls camp. Mary's a superb runner, fun and a competitive new arrival. Our new "pace car." is a good description. Welcome to the chatty, catty ladies group Mary! We are much funner than all those boys at 6am.

3rd Time Is a Charm

2009-02-15T17:23:00.001-08:00

Don finished his 3rd marathon today - posting a PR despite an injury. With four hours of sleep - he ran a 3.37.00 race. Go Daddy! We are proud of you. Also was excited to see pals Mel, Lisa and Mary running the half. The girls love to "high-five" the runners and cheer on their daddy. Great day, great race.

Super Cool Weekend

2009-02-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to attend the international affiliate CrossFit conference this past weekend - hosted right here in Austin. By my count, looked like around 350 people attending - probably triple as many who came to Vegas last year. What a cool community, and affiliate owners of all kinds - big facilities, garage gyms, those just getting started, founding affiliates from 4-5 years ago.

CFC hosted the WOD for the seminar - putting everyone thru the ringer -- what a site to watch this group of owner/trainers work out on Auditorum shores. Once again, I'm reminded how thankful I am to be a part of the CrossFit community and family of CrossFit Central - in my opinion- the top tier affiliate in the whole CrossFit organization!

How Much Further?

2009-02-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

I do truly hate running... so not sure why I do it - except there is this voice in my head that says I should run - and oh yeah, I signed up for the Zooma half marathon. I tried not to ask BMJ (aka Kelly) how far we'd gone, or my pace -- that is of course when I was somewhat near her, as typically, she was an orange dot in the distance.. Today, a new milestone - 10 freaking miles. Took forever - but I finished. Yea, me.

Where are you going?

2009-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

There is a vet clinic on Bee Caves - and their messages often set my mind in motion - what do they mean to me? Yesterday's message was on target since I've been lamenting my lack of focus, my lack of committment. How true - there are not shortcuts to a place worth going. There are not shortcuts to fitness. Too bad that the media doesn't support this notion - with quick weight loss solutions, surgeries and pills. Scarce do you find sensible advice - but today, a vet clinic offered some up and I think it sums things up perfectly.

Today was CrossFit total. Think I did 95 back squat, 65 shoulder press and 165 dead lift.

Been Failing - Gonna Get on Track

2009-02-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

I was hoping that the I Am CrossFit program would kick my arse back into gear - back into the Zone. I have not done what I need to do -- and I interpret this as just not wanting it bad enough. I do want it bad enough... now. I will start this month - it's 7 weeks to my birthday - a new end goal. I am recommiting myself today. Friends -keep me accountable.

Today's work out, assessment day:
Warm up
Max squats - 6 rounds
100 sit-ups for time
Push-ups for time - 5 minutes
6 sprints
3 planks

Can you say shoulder dead, abs worked to the burn and thighs on fire? Thanks Coach Crystal - just the kick I needed to start this day.

Happy Anniversary to Me

2009-01-29T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to me. I joined CrossFit Central 2 years ago - in boot camp starting February 07 out at St. Stephens campus. I'm by no means their longest client - but like to say I've been around a while - enought to see tremendous growth and feel like all the coaches and staff are part of my family. CFC changed my life. Me, two years ago, I can't even recognize who I was physically. Those pictures are painful to look at - put them away quick! Thank you to my family, my friends and my coaches. CFC lives up to it's promise - a community of fit people - and they leave no one behind.

One of my boot camp friends said it best -- CFC treats everyone with value - everyone is welcome and no matter your physical shape, they are there for you. They are not judgemental, only encouraging, supportive and enthusiastic. Simply put - they care - and you won't get that in a big box gym- they don't care if you come or go - only that you pay your dues. I drank the CFC kool-aid and I'm in for what ever comes next.

Zoning a Starbucks Skinny Latte

2009-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

Our adventure into doughnut holes lead to discusson this morning in boot camp about how to Zone a latte from Starbucks. In a grande skinny latte, it's not a 1-blocker as I'd hoped. You get 19g of carbs, 13g of protein and no fat. So - we are looking at a 2-block snack if you add a couple almonds (2-block would be 18g carbs, 14g protein and 3g fat). Short story - best after a work out (and sometimes to me, a latte is the motivator to finish a work out), and best as an occasional treat. Better if you go for tea or the coffee of the day with a little cream.

Zoning a Doughnut

2009-01-15T13:47:00.001-08:00

Last week, Coach Jeremy was giving the LP BC ladies a talk about how you can Zone almost anything - and that the timing of eating is important - making sure you are eating at least every three hours... and so on. He made it a point to say we could all have a doughnut (which he later clarified as a donught hole) after work out - the best time to have a bad carb... WELL, we just had to take him up on the offer. Thanks Angi, for the yummy chocolate cake doughut hole. According to Dunkin Doughnuts - in our one little treat, we consumed:

3g fat

8g carbs

1g protein

To properly Zone our treat into a 1-block snack, we need to add 8g of protein, and while we did ok on the carb, we had double the allowed fat for a 1-block snack.

BMJ and I had to get in some extra running after boot camp - getting under our belts 3-miles, so I'm figuring I burned off that extra fat... and no, I did not have another doughnut hole after the run - because Angi didn't leave them behind!

9am CrossFit = Humbling Experience?

2009-01-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

Humility, or being humble, is the defining characteristic of an unpretentious and modest person, someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others. The opposite of humility is pride (as defined on Wikipedia).

Ok - not sure if today's work out was humbling, or if after finishing it I had a pride-ful demeanor, because I did finish, whilst the urge to give up and go to Starbucks floated in my brain.

21-15-9
Woman makers (sprawl-pushup-renegade row-clean/press)
In/Outs
Ring incline pull ups
Sprint the parking lot

Finished in just under 20 minutes, but I could have pushed myself harder which I realized after I was done.

More on humility to finish off my thoughts today:
Humility or humbleness is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Humility is the quality that lets us go more than halfway to meet the needs and demands of others. A demeanor of humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. Humility dissipates anger and heals old wounds. Humility allows us to see the dignity and worth of all God's people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker. Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self worth. Rather, it affirms the inherent worth of all persons (twopaths.com).

Lifetime Running Record and my To Be List

2009-01-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

8 miles on the trail today - new lifetime record. 11 minute pace. I am proud. I went to the Zooma race prep kick off at Rogue this week and listened to Kristin Armstrong speak. She had an interesting take on New Years Resolutions lists - not to think about the "to-dos" rather, about the "to-be..." I want to be:

A better mom
A better wife
An unflappable friend
A better daughter
A great Girl Scout Leader
Stronger
Faster
More patient
A toe-push up, kipping pull up bad ass crossfitter (did I say patient?)

I will add to this list....

Tabata Turkey Team Dinner

2009-01-04T17:49:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to enjoying our dinner out on the town - yes, the winning Lean Turkey Challenge Team - the Tabata Turkeys. I had to move my wristband thanks to the consumption of bread and the alcoholic beverages - but redeemed myself with a 4 miler the next morning -- ok it was a walk and not a run - but it was cold, windy, and the covers were warm - but I still got up and got going... Back to strict.

Today, It begins...

2009-01-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

I Am CrossFit kick-off. Here we go - benchmark work out - 400m run, 21 pull-ups and 7 hang cleans. Run - well, I hate running. Pull ups - made about 8 with band - rest jumping and 7 hang cleans pretty easy with 45-lb bar - should have gone 65, but I wanted to walk tomorrow.

8 weeks of being serious - work out, Zone, Advocare and Juice Plus. Importantly, food logging with gold stars from Carey.

Thanks to my fan club today cheering me on. You are all the best!! Together, we will conquer.

Watch this video - I Am CrossFit and you'll find my husband, Don and many of my awsome kick-butt CrossFit friends...

Run record

2009-01-02T09:56:00.001-08:00

Longest run for me today - 7 miles. Did a few 10k last year, and found it hard - well 7 miles was no walk in the park (or fun run on the trail), but did it -- about 11 minute mile pace which seems so very slow. Not sure how I will double that distance - but 2009 has just started and I will not waiver on this goal. Will get better as BMJ and I focus on running to prepare for the Zooma half in April.

When I start to run, the first thing and the most often thing that crossses my mind is "when can I stop"... I think I've always despised running since my high school track coach (which track was a required class, or I'd have been in the band hall) decided I should run the 3-mile, I think because there were no others in class who qualified to take on another event. I always finished last and it was always the last event of the meet - so everyone seemed to be waiting on me. Thank God you only have to do high school once.

Well, I got new shoes today at Rogue - (where Coach Jessica holds her boot camps...) Surely I'll be faster in my new blue and silver flyers.

My Story

2008-12-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

I started to CrossFit in the outdoor boot camps in February 2007. At the time, I was overweight, overstressed and overwhelmed with my previous failed efforts to get into better physical shape, and inability to keep up with my three girls. I've never been athletic - so this was all new to me.

With both parents overweight and dealing with being Type 2 diabetic, having limited mobility and in generally poor health - I did not want to follow that path. More importantly I have three girls to raise and wanted to lead by example.

I was intimated at first - but after each work out and the encouragement I got from Coach Jeremy Thiel and my friends who joined with me - I was enthused to stick with it and although it took a while and tested my patience - I started seeing results after a few weeks - and notable weight loss after a couple months. I became obsessed in tracking metrics - which was very motivting to me - even though my husband eventually hid the scale. After a few months in the program, I picked up taking Advocare supplements and following the Zone diet - which accelerated my progress.

Two years later, I'm down 5 sizes and have lost lots of weight, inches and body fat. More importantly, I...

Am stronger

Am faster

Am more confident in my self - physically and mentally

Am energetic

Am proud

A better example for my family and friends

Have finished several race events including several 5k, a 10k, 3 triathlons, bike races, the muddy buddy...

Importantly, I have made great friends along the way who are all a positive influence on my life and keep me motivated to CrossFit and live a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy going out in public now - and am confident in myself where as beforehand, I just hoped to melt into the walls and not really be noticed. Now I'm also working for CrossFit Central and it's brought such a positive impact on my life to be surrounded with confident, caring, energetic people who have the goal to positively influence the lives of others - and it rubs off! Though I enjoy tracking my weight and measurement metrics - the improvement in my life overall - both mentally, physically simply can't be calculated.

Yes, you have to eat your veggies...

2008-12-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

This is my new screen saver. I'm three days away from starting the I Am CrossFit program and I'll have to do body measurements, start my food log (Oh, Carey - I mean continue with my food log), eat on the Zone, take my Advocare and Juice Plus supplements - and in general be a strict girl. This is good since my goals are to lose 15 lbs and run a half marathon in April, among other things. This is the kick-start I need. So - this photo is actually my encouragement... When I'm about to fall off the wagon, I will envision "The Gov" saying, "why are you eating those Teddy Grahams" or maybe "no, you don't need ice cream" or even, "yes, you have to get your run in with BMJ today"... no excuses.

Ran 3 miles yesterday morning and made it to the work out at the gym too - Today, can't move. Taking turns with my partner Suzy, - 5 rounds max reps of the dreaded wall ball (3rd worst hated movement behind burpies and jumping pullups) and dead lifts - used 85lb bar. Think our combined score was 417. Today, I feel like I've been beaten with a steel pole - and it's a great feeling (except when in the process of standing or sitting, or trying to roll over in bed). I LOVE CROSSFIT.

The Mountains Fear Us....

2008-12-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Our CrossFit strong legs and super strong core are helping BMJ (Kelly) and myself tackle the slopes at Keystone. Seriously, when I went skiing several years ago (in my size 16 gear) - I could only tackle the easy green and rested about every 50 yards. With my much smaller sized gear (yeah me), and all those squats, lunges, med ball work and all the pain Jeremy and Crystal bring every MWF at boot camp is clearly the reason for the fun I have had on the slopes this trip. The girls are amazing skiiers too - and the governor (aka Hannah) is known in ski school as the instigator of many snow ball fights. When she's ready for CrossFit kids, I'll have a lot of explaining to do! Merry Christmas to you all...

CrossFit Chicks

2008-12-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

I was proud to be a part of our CrossFit Chicks program where we had over 100 Girl Scouts, ages ranging from 8 to 14 who came thru our gym doors last weekend to get a CrossFit work out. Below is my oldest baby, Emilee, doing some quick work on the run ladder. Love it when we can reach out and have an influence on girls to be fit! Just watch - in 2009, our CrossFit Kids program will be rocking the house!

CrossFit Christmas

2008-12-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Fun at the CrossFit Christmas party - lots of cheer and so far, our count on athletic shoes to donate to charity is 125 -- just 25 away from goal, and I know we will blow that away...

Shown - Shock & Awe, Mel and Bonita...

Turkey Trot

2008-12-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

Second annual Ward family participation in the Turkey Trot. Don ran with Hannah in the stroller, Grace ran along side me. Emilee hung out with Grandpa waiting for us at the finish line.

Monsters Go Away

2008-12-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

I'm putting up this post with a little trepidation - as there's the whole female thing of not wanting anyone to know what you weigh, or your age. Well I'm just going to be brave and show you my measurements - and my turning 40 was pretty well publicized last year.

So - I'm doing this for Mel - cause she's followed my same path in a way - and she worries about that monster that will sneak back into the closet and pull down the larger size clothes from that bin at on the top shelf. Hate that monster. And for those other gals out there in the CrossFit program who are keeping faith in the "no more freaking excuses" mantra.

So almost 2 years ago - I started wtih CrossFit, with seriously following the Zone, food logging and taking Advocare. It took me a year to take off 68lbs and 45 inches. This would have been Feb 08.

Looking across the last 10 months (Feb 08 to today), I've been a devoted attender to my Lake Pointe boot camp, did my best to get into the gym at least once for a "Carey attitude adjustment" and I started this whole fun side training stuff like Cap10k, Danskin, etc... I've kept up my Advocare, but will admit I dropped of food journaling, lost my intent focus on the Zone (though I'd say I'm in "Zone favorable" land 70% of the time), and hadn't done a body assessment since June 08. I used to go every month.

So - I did body assessment this week - and was worried. If those numbers went up, how would I cope? Would that monster show up? How much ground had I lost? Fortunate for me - I'm happy with the metrics - which is why I think I decided to post them. I've not changed much in terms of the scale, but I've dropped another 8 inches.

What does this mean to me? It's good and bad. It's good, cause I've not gone backward into the grips of the monster - my committment to CrossFit, Advocare and eating in my "Zone favorable land" has kept me stable. It's bad - cause I've wasted time not doing more to be healthier, smaller, fitter, stronger... but what a nice time of year to figure this all out.... New Year's resoluion planning is here and I AM CROSSFIT is the program I will use to get back on track.

Take that, monster. And you aren't welcome at Mel's house either - nor any of my CrossFit friends.

2008-11-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Today, this day before Thaksgiving - I'm going to shout out to my boot camp bombshell pals - for I can't imagine my life without seeing them (or most of them) 3x per week. We do a lot of chit-chat - sometimes to Jeremy's or Crystal's dismay - we lament together and we congratulate success together. There are days I'm the bug and days I'm the windshield -- but there's not ever a day when I don't want to be there - because of superior coaching, the wonderful friendships that have been forged, and oh yeah - those great results I see when I go, and that I worry will fade if I miss. Thank you for the motivation you give me, ladies!

Oh, Hell Yeah!!!!

2008-11-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

At first, which would have been early October, I was a reluctant turkey - hearing about the program, and thinking - oh, I'd not want to let a team down. The whole "last picked in dodge-ball in elementary school" fright set in. But I ended up saying hell-yeah, and I was a turkey on Zachary's Zone-Out Turkeys team. Next, I was a homeless turkey when that team dissolved, then I planned to just sleep in that day, and then, I was put on John DelPeral's team - Tabata Turkeys. What an AWSOME stroke of luck for me. JDP, Richard, Walter, Havalah, Beth, Ashley and me... took the top prize in this morning's Lean Turkey Sprint. I have to say, the work out was daunting - and I was nervous sick to my stomach before it all started... but that's part of what I love about CrossFit. Get outta your comfort zone and can the excuses. Like JDP said, while our shirts said "i>u", it was that WE were greater than those other 6 teams -- today anyway. Great coaching and strategy JDP - and to my other teammates congrats, it was fun AND, let's eat!! I like my steak medium rare, please.

Whoop, there it is!

2008-11-18T14:29:00.001-08:00

Shout out to my pal Kelly and her husband Jeff for tackling the San Antonio Half Marathon. They hit their goal time, and by the looks on their face, had a great time. Kelly says the smiles are all because they are just getting started in the race. I'm quite sure there were smiles when they crossed that finish line. Kudos to you both!!!

Raising Girls

2008-11-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

The social pressure to fit a "perfect" mold have been there since I can remember - but now that we have girls to raise, and one in middle school who was being made fun of for not knowing that Hollister was...(a clothing store with outrageous prices and limited coverage clothing)... well, I'm overwhelmed sometimes. How will Don and I raise three girls, always finding the way to bolster their self esteem and their sense of worth? I don't have the answers - but the healthy lifestyle Don and I try to lead every day surely will help. Nutrition, exercise... telling them every day they are smart, talented and beautiful - telling them that the media is NOT the mirror, nor their shallow friends who would judge them on their clothing label.

http://www.dove.us/#/features/videos/default.aspx[cp-documentid=7049560]/

Take a quick moment to watch Onslaught and Evolution. Crazy.

Start Em Young I Say...

2008-11-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hannah and Savannah, tossing around some KB on a beautiful Saturday morning at the UTB. And Coach Randal helps the UTB CrossFitters "love" those rings. A little saying I found under the bridge inspired a quick photo.

Marathon Experience- in Don's words...

2008-11-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

A memorable weekend it was indeed and a new PR of 3:38:39. Next goal, train to qualify for Boston in my elderly 40-44 age group, requiring a 3:20:00. Yep, will likely have to shed more poundage and start to look more like my elite Kenyan runner brethren.

Survived:

- 2 hours total sleep the night prior – too geared up – who needs sleep anyway…
- 3.5 hours of standing around from 6:30am to 10am on gusty Staten Island till the start (39 to 41 degrees with gusting wind)…
- Running like a bat outta at hell at the start to get warm, zigging and zagging through the crowd over Verazano-Narrows bridge; the zig-zagging added another .4 miles to my distance (not smart) – finishing in 26.6 versus 26.2 according to my Garmin ForeRunner 305 GPS watch…
- A major fall (tripping on man-hole cover at mile 6) – from feet to hands, forward rolling to elbows, somersaulting and scraping right knee, rolling straight up to feet never losing a step in stride; the crowd wet themselves, and I prayed for the next mile that the knee would not be shattered – to the beat of “Dory” in “Finding Nemo” – just keep running, running, running…
- Trying to escape “Henry Winkler Fonzie look-alike obnoxious singing iPod man” from mile 11 to mile 19 – took me 8 miles to finally outpace and get rid of him; every bridge we crossed the guy would scream ‘yeah!!’ at the top of his lungs and scare the hell outta everyone around him…
- Leg cramps at mile 22 – ran through it until 25 yards from finish, stopping for 3 seconds to stretch; next time note to self to bring salt tabs (one at start and one at halfway mark)…
- Walking another mile after the finish to pick up my checked clothes – 46 degrees, wet, cramped up, and watching a half dozen others puke along the way – as Borat would say “NICE-UH!!!”…

Moments of inspiration:
- Running up to kiss my wife and daughters at mile 8 in Brooklyn!
- Looking down at a RoadID bracelet they gave me with their names and best wishes on it, when I needed to dig deep at mile 22!
- Running alongside a guy at mile 11 with a shirt on that said “heart transplant survivor”!
- Running alongside a guy at mile 14 with a metal prosthetic leg!
- Running within crowds of 38,356 people from of all parts of the world, through 5 boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan), 29 neighborhoods!

I Love NY

2008-11-05T09:24:00.001-08:00

Someday, when the girls are grown and on their own, Don and I will live there. Definitely Manhattan - with a beautiful view, and all the excitement NY offers in walking distance. I'll be much older than I am now since The Governor (aka Hannah) is only 4... but I'm sure CrossFit NY will still take me on!

Don is still on the NY marathoner's high. Don't blame him - I'd wear that finisher's medal in the school car rider line, the shower, the grocery store.... I committed with some of my gal pals to do the half marathon Zooma in April... it's a crazy goal for me I think. But I'll try, because I am CrossFit.

NY Marathoner

2008-11-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

Rogue running training - $275

Cool yellow New Balance Shoes - $110

Finishing in 3.38.39 - FREAKING PRICELESS

Up at 5am (not that he even slept)- bus into the city to sit in booty-freezing weather with 40,000 other runners, into the coral, release at about 10:00am, tear up the Verrazano bridge, dodge the slow-starters, manhole-cover-toe-stubbing double sommersault fall at mile 6 (crowd went "ohhhhh"), kisses to the family at mile 7.5, run, family got fast glimpse at Lexington and 1st amonst roaring crowd, run more, missed family at mile 22, run even more, leg craps with 50 yards to go, cross the finish line and celebrate.

Congrats Don/Daddy. You are truly amazing.

CrossFit Halloween

2008-10-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

These are my Lake Pointe boot camp coaches. Really, no words necessary. Meet Richard Simmons and Work Out Barbie.

LiveStrong 45mile Bike

2008-10-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

I definitely underestmated this one - but oh, crazy Kelly said, let's go for it and next thing I knew, I had some rather unflattering red bike pants, but a cool jersey and a date to see roads I have never been on in Dripping Springs, Wimberly, and at some point, surely we were in San Antonio.

Crazy Kelly has a new nickname - Bad Mamma Jama (henceforth known as BMJ). She flew past Jacquelyn and I about mile 20 maybe - skipping two rest stations that were like a magent to us and we never saw her again. BMJ is a freaking rock star - running 14 miles the day before for her half marathon training.

So, as I type this post, it's now about 7 hours after a ride that took me 3.5 hours -- and I love Advil. I will not be able to move w/out pain until Tuesday. Leonardo was a trooper over all the chip seal and cattleguards (I counted at least 100 of them - ok maybe 20), and bless Jacquelyn for being by my side, encouraging and lamenting with me.

It was a wonderful cause, wonderful day - and I do believe Lance passed us -- or someone really important with a 6 police motorcycle and 2 car caravan - I was a little too dazed and thinking of my aching neck and back, and legs, to consider it might have been him until he was long gone... he was probably just trying to catch BMJ.

LiveStrong 5k

2008-10-25T08:04:00.001-07:00

Six bombshell Ladies of the Lake Pointe Boot Camp enjoyed a cool, crisp Austin morning and took on the LiveStrong Challenge 5K run. I finished what was by my watch 29.42 - but we all convinced ourselves we could take a minute off of that if we hadn't gotten behind the walkers which made for a really slow start. Anyway - I'm happy to finish under 30 minutes (LYtime 31.33). The run was easy the first mile and a push by the third - however, I'm always amazed at how fast I recover, and with a little rest, think I could do it again. I credit that to CrossFit. Happy one year anniversary to me - as the LiveStrong '07 was my first ever race. We missed you JT. Tomorrow, the 45 mile bike with Kelly and Jacquelyn. Yeah, padded shorts.

Leonardo

2008-10-23T14:43:00.001-07:00

My mother in law has named all of her cars... (ok, yes, for which I made fun of her in the past)... So I decided I should name my new obsession - my Bianchi Italian hot rod. The Italian form of the German word Leonhard, meaning "lion-strong." I considered many name options, but decided upon this - as it is close to my maiden name of Leonard and Leonidas (my favorite Spartan). I also considered Francesco ("free"), Vitore ("victory") and Casmiro ("great destroyer"). So my Italian will carry me thru 50+ miles at the LiveStrong race this weekend. Ok, really I got him because I was tired of those road bikes passing me on my hybrid - AND looking at Crazy Kelly's back side on our Sunday rides. Yes, I'm kind of competitive, and yes, I'm wasting time thinking of silly things like naming a bike. Back to work.

Lake Pointe Boot Camp - Karen & Crystal

2008-10-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Coach Crystal - bringing it at us Lake Pointe ladies at our alterntive rain location - my back yard and garage. We call them Killer Crystal Mondays... always a good kick start to a new week. Thanks Crystal, cause we know you put up with all our whining and it doesn't stop you from moving us in the right direction. My Pal and fellow "long timer" and "success story" Karen - I'd say her attendance is probably the best in the group - she's relentless! When Karen, Carla and I hit our 2 year anniversary of boot camp - there's gonna be party and Crystal's in charge of shots!

Almost... there...

2008-10-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

My pal Chris perfecting the push press on a perfect Saturday morning - FGB. Go Chris! She too had the honor of getting Coach Zachary's personal attention on form and with lots of motivation.

It takes a community...

2008-10-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Nah, it just takes Shock & Awe baby! We didn't make it into the coaches' photo for FGB - so I'm just going to have to post here for equal press. Get em' Nicole. You are the MVP of the FGB -- the whole event would not have been anywhere near as awsome w/out you!

Fight Gone Bad - AWESOME!

2008-09-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful, perfect day and a great venue at Whole Foods downtown. We raised $28k for Prostate Cancer Research and the Wounded Warrior Fund. DJ, dancers and athletes of all fitness levels. If you missed it -- well you missed out. I'm proud to say I came in 2nd place of Intermediate Females - just behind my pal, Mel who had her A-game on for the day (and her game face too!).

Lessons From Dad

2008-09-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

I worked hard in boot camp this morning - and I was motivated. I was thinking about my dad. There are countless lessons he has taught me in life. I have two today I'm embracing. One is hug your dad - reach out and tell him you love him - he won't be around forever. Second is to take care of your body - it's the only one you get. Dad was an army pilot, fought in Vietnam, then flew commercial. He was (and still is) a damn good pilot - the kind you'd want in the cockpit when you are onboard. He's really pretty darn good at most everying he puts his mind to. One thing he failed to do (so far...) - as so many of us do - and I certainly failed to do from about age 18 to 38, was take care of your body. Dad is now 67 and in pretty poor shape. Carrying 250-350lbs on his body since his 30's has taken a toll. He's type 2 diabetic, with bad knees and an extremely bad hip. He's currently flat on his back in a hospital bed, fighting a nasty staph infection, compromised kidneys and all of the complications there in. Surgeons are shying away from him because of these complications and his size. He has had heart surgery, back surgery, circulation issues - more white coats have come at him in the last 20 years than he can count. So - you can likely see how this translates into motivation for me. "...if you can't be a good example, be a horrible warning..." is one of my favorite sarcastic saying... Bluntly put, I don't want this to be his fate... or mine.

I want to be around for my husband, my girls, my family. I want to go from living a healthy, active life to one day, when the time has come - to just be gone -- not to suffer, languish or in the case of my dad, lose his mobility, his freedom. Say a prayer for him -- I'd appreciate it. And if you are looking to change your life - I'm proof you can do it. I went from 210 to 140. I can eat on the Zone. I can show up to work out, compete in triathalons and will do FGB tomorrow, and I will run a 5k and bike 40M for the LiveStrong Challenge end of October. And I'll keep going to boot camp and the CrossFit gym. You just have to decide you want it bad enough and stop all the excuses. I really think it's that simple.

Jeremy Thiel - Intense

2008-09-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

CrossFit has many faces - elite athletes to intermediates and beginners - but CrossFit leaves no one behind (who don't want to be be left behind, I should clarify). What CrossFit means to me is pushing your hardest - striving for excellence. Jeremy has been my coach for a year and a half, and I've worked for him for about a year -- and this is him. Intense, competitive, giving 100%. He brings this to all things he does - if it's coaching my Lake Pointe boot camp, coaching youth programs, doing personal training, running free community programs, etc. Who doesn't want a coach like that?

Check out Carey to the far left - I think she's yelling louder than Jeremy. Watch the video - look for the Sat Sept 20th post. Awsome and inspiring. http://www.crossfit.com/

Fight Gone Bad - OK, I'm IN.

2008-09-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

I was sitting back, just watching. Not committing myself to the FGB whoopin. Then, we did FGB in the noon class last week with Coach Zachary. Darned him - pushed my buttons as only he can. See that smirk? You know it if you work out with him - I'll call it the the "smirk of excuses" Put that together with a loud "what??" add a "what are you waiting for..." maybe add a colorful word or two and then, well, there you have it. Thank you Zachary. I'm in and I'm raising money. To donate to this worthy cause...

Click here...

Yes, Zachary, I'll use the freaking 12 lb ball for wall ball.

LiveStrong & Reflection

2008-09-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

The LiveStrong race is coming -- so it's time to reflect, as this was my first "race" and quite a goal for me in Oct '07, especially for the the girl who lived by the quote - "only run if something's chasing me"...

I finished the LiveStrong 5k last year in 31.33 minutes. This time, I will be faster - though I still dread running. So - goals. Right. LiveStrong 5k in 28.8 minutes - 9 minute miles. LiveStrong 40k bike on Sunday too (shout out to my pal Crazy Kelly for talking me in to that).

I've had stable weight now for about a year. Time to take off 10 more lbs and firm up. Today, I commit myself to the Zone and to Advocare. I commit to giving Jeremy a food log (swear it). I've been doing Boot Camp and Gym 4-5 times per week. Going to keep that up -but push myself harder, cause Zach says I can. Because if Don can run his second marathon...(NY Marathon Nov 2) well, that's just amazing to me.

This last year, I ran a few 5K, a couple 10k and crazy enough, three triathalons. What a difference a year can make. My proud little collection - missing one important PBBar race (sorry Mel). My favorite you ask? Well - has to be the LiveStrong, cause it started it all (and who doesn't love Lance - except the French? Ride vent the like, Lance !). Muddy Buddy takes a close second for sure.

Crossfitter, Spartan, and Pal - Mel

2008-09-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Every so often, you come across a gem in your life. Someone who makes you laugh, someone who inspires you, someone who just has a crazy energy and outlook on life to help you remember to not take yourself too seriously. I love Mel. She and Dave put on the Peanut Butter Bar run on Sunday - a family event - we had fun. Thanks to the Nike race that evening, I worked off maybe one of the 5 peanut butter bars I scarfed down in the morning - giving me a crazy sugar high and crash that afternoon - pure heaven - and I'm sure they are Zone-able, right? Thanks Melissa aka Melicious - you are fab!

Human Race

2008-09-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Daughter Grace (8) skipped right past the ol' 5k effort and went right to the 10k - running the Human Race with me in Austin this weekend. Way cool to see the sea of red running around Austin - one of only 3 locations in the U.S. out of 29 around the world that hosted the event - but way cooler to have my middlest daughter run along side me.

Take my picture... please.

2008-08-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Had to post this just because of Angi's expression. I think it translates to - "are you really going to take my photo after Crystal just slammed us with a monster work out?" Back to school, and back to boot camp! Thanks Crystal for the kick start to the week. BC babes Angi and Chris.

Med Ball cleans

Push Press

Sprawls

25-20-15-20-25

Try it Again Tri - Sweet & Twisted

2008-08-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

Third Tri -- maybe not really a charm, but I finished in under 2 hours. 500m swim, 15 mile bike and 5k run... on a nice morning, that turned into a hot afternoon. At it again with my pal "crazy" Kelly and Theresa. The Sweet & Twisted Tri - a cool womens tri series put on by Rogue Training. I didn't do any formal training as I did for Danskin - but CrossFit 3-4x per week keeps me strong - and a few swims and bike/runs kept me on track.

Under the Bridge - Free Work Out

2008-08-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

80+ people came out in the balmy morning near Town Lake to get in a free work out this past weekend. We capture a lot of attention by those on the trail for sure! Team UTB in the background while Jeremy shows off his leaping skills... or something like that...

Who Motivates You?

2008-08-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ok - it's not a photo of me doing FGB (which humbled me once again on Tuesday this week -thanks, Carey). That photo would just be me trying to catch my breath.

It's not a picture that screams "CrossFit" - but it is a picture of my motivators. More than ever, I understand that the girls learn from what I do, what I say, what I eat. Daddy is a Spartan, a CrossFitter, and will run the NY marathon this fall. How lucky I am to have a partner in life, and in health. They all four keep me in "check". Especially the little one who is three - her name is "the governor."

I just drove by and saw people doing pull-ups....

2008-07-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

If you've been around CFC a while - you've notice we've grown. I've been around since Feb '07 as a client, and Nov '07 as a staff member - and I've seen so much change. We have this great new gym that we have been in since June programs - hope you come out to our grand opening and help us celebrate! Our new gym is getting a lot of interest - and many of the calls or emails I see say "I was driving by and saw you guys doing pull-ups" or "I see you are new to town, now what kind of gym is this?" The CrossFit philosophy is simple:

OUR BUSINESS MODEL
Build a smal space - No Big Box Gym - No machines - No mirrors - Keep plenty of open space for our members to move and workout freely and effectively - Only use equipment that requires big, calorie burning, functional movements to use. No member goes it alone - Instruct and educate everyone - Cap class and membership size so we can maintain exceptional personal service - No bells - No whistles - Just results.

YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET
Every single time you walk through our doors you have one of our top-notch coaches with you, leading you through a unique, high-energy, results-driven workout aimed at maximizing your success. There's no going it alone, no boredom, and no members that don't use their memberships, like those big box gyms. We have the WOD (work out of the day) planned for you - so just show up ready to roll. Nearly 100% of our members are here several times-per-week, working hard, getting fit, and having fun. Like we always say, it's a difference you have to experience for yourself... So don't just drive by and miss out. COME PLAY WITH US.

The Games - The Glory

2008-07-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

All the buzz around CrossFit Central for the last couple months, this last weekend, and for weeks to come has been and will be the CrossFit Games - and the team we sent from Austin to compete. Jeremy, Michael, Zachary, Lance, Kris, Ken, Richard, Lisa, Crystal... all made us proud. Hit their blogs and read all about it - because it's just amazing and motivating. Hit the CrossFit.com site and watch the video of the young girl competing - Kallista Pappas - it's simply mind-blowing. Comments about the games were posted on the CrossFit.com site from all around the world - including our soldiers over in Iraq and Afghanistan. Next time you see Jeremy, be sure to ask to see that 3rd place medal. We are all so proud of him! Are you CrossFit? If not, get here and get some! Now!

CrossFit Women on YouTube

2008-06-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

CrossFit Women

Check it out!

CrossFit Women

2008-06-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Chris and I joined in on the Women's only work out on Saturday and we tackled the work out known as Helen (400m run, 21 KB swings, 12 pull ups x 3). If you are looking to get or stay in shape, join a fit community and make friends - here's your place. Despite the fact that Chris and I live in the same community and kids go to the same school (our 6th graders born on the same day!), I didn't get to know Chris until she joined in the Lake Pointe boot camp. How lucky I have been to get to know her! In addition to having enviable abs and arms, Chris is known to her fellow boot campers as the "3-minute planker"... Check out the new Women's CrossFit program...

Coach Michael

2008-06-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

If you've worked out with Coach Michael Gregory - you know how awsome he is. When I get the chance to work out with him - I can count on his keen eye on form and constant encouragement to push to your limits. He's got a passion for CrossFit, coaching, and nutrition -- check him out!

Photo from the Zone pot-luck dinner at our gym this week...

Tri-Freakin'-Wonderful

2008-06-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a long running dream of mine to do the Danskin Tri. I don't know why - I suppose that if I sat on a couch in a counselors office, it would come out that I was frustrated with never being very physially fit - but I'm a tough gal. I think being raised on a farm did that for me - the tough mentality that you just pitch in and get stuff done. I have one of those rather stubborn attitudes when someone tries to tell me I can't do something. Ask Don - he wonders what gets into me sometimes when I get that "get out of my way, I'll do it" attitude.

I think that's why I dig CrossFit Central so much. In the gym or at boot camps - the coaches put those work out orders in front of you and it's up to you -- how hard are you going to work? How successful do you want to be? How much do you want to change? How tough are you?

Well, I'm tough enough to finish the Danskin Tri in 1:49:57. My realistic goal was under 2 hours. My "wouldn't it be great goal" was 1:45. In between-- good enough for me - until next year.

Pictured - My gal pals - who are all CrossFitters -- one tough group of "take no prisoners" ladies - Carla, Sarah, Irene, Karen, Nicole and Kelly - I love them all. We trained together, swam/biked/ran together on Sunday. Girl power. Love it!

CapTex Tri

2008-05-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

My first official tri... 400M swim, 10k bike and 5k run - finished in 1.18.28. Must get faster at transition and the dreaded run. Thanks to my boot camp and tri-training pal "Crazy Kelly" who suggested we do the CapTex Tri mid last week - was a great experience to get us ready for Danskin in two weeks! As I look at my stack of race bibs since the LiveStrong 5k back in Oct '07, I offer thanks to my many motivators - including CrossFit Central owner/coach - Jeremy Thiel - who did the Olympic race that day. Superman.

Muddy Buddy

2008-05-18T19:18:00.001-07:00

When I first heard about this event - I knew it was for me. I just had to find someone crazy enough to do it with me. I didn't have to look far, or ask Nicole more than once -- she's a CrossFit chick - of course she's all in! All those squats I do paid off - as I flew over all the obstacle courses and rode the hell outta my bike -- the run, well not my strong suit -- but the experience was amazing - one I will never forget! Thank you Nicole - for being my partner in grime and the really hip t-shirts! You Rock!