Changes: Spartan 300, Oly Lifting, and Zone

This month I will be changing my training and nutrition regimen in hopes of seeing some major results. I've decided to take on the Spartan 300 Challenge, which starts in May. This is the workout inspired by the training the actors did for the movie, "300" (um, holy HOTNESS).

In preparation for this challenge, I will begin leaning out and working on two major skills needed for the Spartan workout: Push-ups and pull-ups. That means, practice, practice, practice on these skills as often as possible.

"Leaning out" will entail incorporating Zone blocks into my Paleo nutrition plan (14 blocks/day according to Dr. Sears' calculator), taking my supplements (including 5 fish oil pills/day), getting plenty of sleep, laying off the booze for a few months, and adding in some extra endurance workouts.

The goal is three 5K runs or rows per week in addition to 5 CrossFit WODs. Sounds like a lot, but a 5K takes about 20-25 minutes and I can do this in the morning before work, or on my evenings away from the gym before or after my WOD. Although it's not as fun as CrossFit WODs, the endurance work is necessary to build stamina and lean out.

In addition to this, Jess K., Lisa O., and I will be taking on some Olympic Weightlifting instruction from Coach JDP on Saturdays, starting 4/10. The purpose of this will be to work on form and gaining strength. I'm super-excited about this one!

How am I going to find the time to do it all, and still have a life outside of the gym and work?! Afterall, a balanced life is a happy life. Well, unfortunately, something's got to give. So, for the next few months, I've decided to drop my M/W Women's CrossFit class to make room for the challenge/new class. I think the this change is what I need to finally get me over this "hump". I'll miss working out with the ladies, but I know they support me in this decision. This is going to be an intense spring for me, but I am looking forward to the challenge. I am READY.

No turning back now!

Yesterday's WOD was the CrossFit Total challenge. You basically have 3 chances to max out on weight for each exercise: back squat, shoulder press, and dead lift. I lifted more weight than I thought I could, which was really fun. I felt like a bad ass. Results: Back squat: 115, 120, 130 Shoulder press: 65, 75, 95 Dead lift: 145, 160, 170 I think I can definitely go heavier next time - especially on the squat and the press. I was a little intimidated by all the weight, but I realize now that I am just that strong. We'll do this WOD again to see how we've progressed. Can't wait! Today, I'm starting with the Co-Ed class. Hope the boys don't intimidate me too much! WOD: 4 rounds for time 15 Deadlifts (135#) 12 Box Jump (20" box) 9 Pullups 400m run Deadlifts are my least favorite exercise. Its so hard to retrain your brain to do them with bent legs versus straight legs. I've got to get it down soon - for the sake of my back. At any rate, I am excited about the challenge. I used to fear the "pain" of the workout, now I crave it. Call it an epiphany if you want, but I finally figured it out. I am no longer planning to change. Nope. I have changed. I am already living a healthier, happier, more fulfilled life. I am on the up and up. Only good things to come. :) I am no longer wishing/hoping/dreaming/trying, etc. I am just DOING. No excuses, no laziness, no self-sabotage, no fear of failure. Set Goal -Work Hard - Be Positive - Achieve Goal. Its all about persistence, perseverence, and patience. Its that simple. I know it sounds dramatic, but I really feel a surge of energy just writing this. Its like you have to put it out there in the universe and make it known - then things start happening. Like you've willed the change to happen. Its amazing. Yay!