On My Way

I am nearly 4 weeks into this lean-out challenge and for the most part, it is going well. I have dropped 6.5 pounds and, while my main goal is not to lose weight, I am not minding it a bit. My main goal is to eat clean and be able to double-up on my training while keeping my family intact, my love life alive, my job secure, and my body injury-free. It's going well! Ironman, here I come!

Accomplishments:

*husband likes me, even though I am busy, busy!

*kids are up-to-date with their schoolwork (not a small thing)

*got the fastest time for the day in a CrossFit workout (first time EVER!! including the guys' times!!)

*did not falter even once on my eating goals (clean, clean, clean!)

*lesson plans turned in on time w/tests written

*got my bike trainer, got it set up, and rode it all in one evening!!

*ran hills at a 7% grade (I thought I was going to die.)

*went snowboarding with my fantastic nephew and didn't hurt myself!

*got more than 6 hours of sleep 6 out of 7 days (that is amazing for me)

*pants are too big

Not-so-great:

*need to return phone calls

*paid one bill late :(

*got a dressing down by my boss (it's all good)

*spaced off a meeting about a relay I am running in June

*son wore a dirty uniform shirt because I have been behind on laundry

*have a pile of papers to grade that is 2 inches thick

*pants are too big

I am enjoying the process of living and am looking forward to what each day brings. Tomorrow, I hope it is sleeping past 7 a.m. Happy weekend!

ps: burpees, my fave thing!

The Rain Has Gone

It is now Day 7 of the leaning challenge. I feel pretty good and am eating dead-on, with one small exception. Yesterday, I participated in a CrossFit competition where participants completed three workouts, spaced and hour or two apart, over the course of 6 hours or so. I was going to say, over the course of the day, but with my first one at 10:40 a.m., and my last workout at 2:30, it wasn't all day. Crazy.

The workouts included running, rowing, lifting stuff (like 75 lb. barbells) as often as you can for 90 second intervals, jumping on a box (24" high), more running, throwing a 14-lb medicine ball 8 1/2 feet up to a target on a wall (called 'wall balls'), swinging 35lb. kettlebells (this is a roundish-shaped weight with a handle on the top for swinging purposes), oh, and walking lunges for 50 meters, while holding a 25-lb plate over one's head. Then, more running...it makes me tired all over again just typing the exercises! I didn't come in last place, which was my goal, and I had a great time hanging out with my hubby and my fellow gym buddies.

Usually, after a heavy competition (triathlon, marathon, whatever), I reward myself with relaxation and FOOD! As I am trying to lean out, indulging in the food thing that usually includes a gooey ice cream treat wasn't an option. So I got a frozen yogurt from our local Red Mango and it was heavenly! The yogurt itself is frozen tart yogurt with the live cultures and non-refined sugar. Topping options include fruit, nuts, granola, some sweet cereals, coconut, and mochi. My flavor of choice last night: pumpkin spice with sliced almonds. Eating clean sure has changed my taste buds! It was plenty sweet and creamy!

Do these things really matter in life? Is all this CrossFitting and eating a particular way really something I need to worry about? Well, yes: it keeps me fit and strong and, I may add, keeps a certain level of sanity going in my life. Added to that are those elements of life that are key: my relationships with my husband and children, my connectedness to God, and finding ways to reasonably put all these things in order on a daily basis. Oh yeah, and I have a job too. Therefore, my focus is this: balancing priorities + keeping sanity = joy, fulfillment, and survival!

As my body leans out, I feel my focus coming into line as well. It is as if I needed to clean out the sugar-clutter of my brain to see what's going on. I can see clearly now... :)

ps. This is a picture of me & my sweet grandbaby, Lily. She was born on September 10, 2009!

If You've Got Time to Lean, You've Got Time to Clean!

The title of this post is actually a catch-phrase from the restaurant business, meaning: "You'd better not just be standing there while you're on the clock!" Which is how I feel about most things. If I'm just standing there, I may get run over and, well, life will just pass me by. It doesn't need me. But I need it!

It is Day One of the "Get Lean Challenge" our CrossFit gym is promoting. The Challenge consists of eating whole, real foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, including nuts, seeds, veggies, fruits, raw dairy products, good fats, and lean meats & proteins. If I could hunt and gather my food, so much the better. I also need to go to CrossFit regularly (duh), sleep as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. Doesn't this sound like a good idea, regardless? Shouldn't we all do this anyway?

I believe so. If I lived on a farm and grew all my own stuff, baled hay, raised animals, and did my own farm chores, I wouldn't feel like I need CrossFit either. The result of living an urban life is that I have to find ways to stay "in shape," which my ancestors would find baffling. My food choices as of late would cause these same ancestors to cringe. I feel the need to take action because I'm convinced that at some point, I am going to have to rely on myself, my family, and our strength and skills to survive. So I need to get to it.

Ok, the soap box is over. Wish me luck on the Challenge! Actually, send me energy, because that is what I am usually lacking! haha!