LiveFit to CrossFit (week 9ish)

Let me just say this: phase 3 of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Trainer kicked my butt.  In combination with sticking to the diet I felt like I reached my goal of "abs" in week 9.  I got completely burnt out in week 10 and am currently on Live Fit vacation.  Not that I am totally out of the gym... I actually got a wake up call known as crossfit this week. ;)

Live Fit: Week 9 - December 2012

As you can see... I was too lazy to actually take my normal picture in my normal outfit.  Honestly, I was too worn out to clean my own side of the bathroom (this one is my husband's) and to do laundry.  I just happened to check my tummy out in the mirror before bed and it surprised me so much I had to take the picture right then.  Sooo, excuse my pajamas. :)

Week 10 got ridiculously hectic with a photo shoot for Cupid's Undie Run, 5th Group Winter Formal, Christmas parties, family, and play dates... I went so far as trying to squeeze workouts in at night even.  I hurt my knee though, and I am kind of glad I did... because it gave me a chance to pat myself on the back, say good game, and give myself a break.

While I am definitely still on a holiday non-diet... I hit it hard this week.  I got super excited when I heard about crossfit havok!!  The ladies meet 5 days a week at the 5th Group Thor gym (for free)!  Unfortunately, there is no child care so once Kyle goes back to work I will only be able to meet up with them occasionally by paying for hourly care.  Also, space is limited so it is only because they are super nice that I have been able to train with them.  I am pretty sure I have done more squats this week than the entire last month, I can barley walk at this point.  

Crossfit totally fits me (as I expected).  I have to say though, I don't think I would have been this happy with it if I hadn't spent the past year in the gym slowly developing and appreciating each muscle.   I have only done 3 workouts and still have a lot of technique to learn, but I do know that I love it... all except burpees... boo.  I am going to try to figure out how to incorporate some of these workouts into the type of strength training I already do.  (hey, no one ever said there is only one way to do things)  I have heard that Clarksville Athletic Club is going to be starting some sort of crossfit something or other.  They are renovating a room right now so who knows, maybe opportunities to stick with crossfit will keep opening up for me!

Not sure when I will start back with the Live Fit trainer.  I would hate for my "after picture" to be in my pajamas when I put so much effort in trying to take similar pictures the first 8 weeks!!  I messed up big time with my diet though so in order to get my abs to look like they did week 9 I really need to get myself back on track.

Hope all my friends have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Live Fit, Week 8: Perspective

I have finished Phase 2 of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Trainer and will be starting Phase 3 tomorrow!  This is my picture for the week.  I don't enjoy taking these pictures of myself.  I pretty much dread it, but this has been the best way I have found to hold myself accountable and also take an objective look at my progress.

Live Fit: Week 8 - Dec. 2012 - 132lbs

It comes as zero surprise that my personal struggle lately has been with my diet.  I know it may seem completely superficial for someone already fit to obsess over their diet.  That realization may actually be making this even harder for me.  Frankly, I know that when you put things into perspective eating healthy is NOT hard.  There are many actual hard things that people face every day and eating healthy food just is not one of them.  This is completely a mental and emotional challenge for me and for someone who has never given a second thought to the food she was putting into her body for 27 years... its a big one.  Whenever facing challenges like this (no matter how trivial they may seem at the time) I think it is important to look at how far you have come.  

Up until a few months ago I spent an inordinate amount of time feeling "miserable."  I put that in quotations because literally, I am sure I felt fine... but the combination of my physical state and my mood just made me feel a bit off-- all the time.  When I started working out regularly it was a step in the right direction.  My mood improved dramatically but I was still lacking a certain balance.  

The thing is, I don't think everyone needs to work out as much as I do or eat what I eat to be healthy.  I think everyone needs to find their own balance.  I am pushing myself so hard with this diet because sticking to the principles of clean eating has really made me feel better.  I am not just talking a little better anymore, but I have days when I feel 100% ALL DAY LONG!  If I miss a few meals and make up for it with sugary treats you might as well flip the "mood" switch in my brain from "pleasant" to "destructive"

Baby Weight - Oct. 2011 - 134lbs

So THAT is my BEFORE before picture.  Yeah, I only lost 2 lbs in a year of working out ;)  Anyway... I have come so far, why would I want to go back?