Get Pumped!

GirlTalk gets me pumped for LIFE! Seeing him in concert was awazing - Still one of the best dance parties EVER. UPDATE: The universe answered the call. Girl Talk is coming to Austin on 1/14 and I AM GOING. Get your tickets before they sell out!Check out this fan video made by super-intern turned marketing team member, Tyler (a.k.a. "Tater"). He's damn talented. I only hire the best, ya'll:



Go forth and conquer the weekend! Whomp! There it is..

Weekly Shuffle

Here's what's playing on my iPod this week:

Check it Out - will.i.am (feat Nicki Minaj)
California Gurls (Passion Pit Main Mix) - Katy Perry (feat Snoop Dogg)
No Love - Eminem (feat Lil' Wayne) - FREE WEEZY!
Drivin' Me Wild - Common (feat Lily Allen)
Make Her Say - Kid Cudi (feat Common, Kanye West, Lady Gaga)
Fancy - Drake, TI, Swizz Beatz
Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare - Matt & Kim
We Are All Made of Stars - Moby
Around the Way Girl - LL Cool J



Jams all week! That's how I'm rollin'.

Weekly Shuffle

Music is my favorite art form. I love, love, love everything about it. When it comes to workout music, I go through phases - some days I like hip hop/rap, sometimes alternative/indie, and even electronica. I'll even throw in some folk or classic rock upon occasion just to spice things up. The only thing constant in my workout playlists is "change".

I thought I'd share my playlists with you each week with my Weekly Shuffle posts. Here's what's playing now:

Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Four Winds - Bright Eyes
Oh My God - Ida Maria
Money Maker - Rilo Kiley
Lisztomania - Phoenix
Can You Discover - Discovery
Daydreamin' - Kid Sister (feat. Cee-Lo)
Enter Galactic - Kid Cudi
The Suburbs - Arcade Fire
Animal - Miike Snow
Giving up the Gun - Vampire Weekend
Where is My Mind - Pixies
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

Here's a video for the Ida Maria's "Oh My God". It's a great song to listen to while running fast or lifting something heavy :

Summer Slump

It began in June and has continued through last week. I've been unfocused, unmotivated, and uninterested in CrossFit in general. I have written "DNF" on the board more times than I care to admit and have blown off extra workouts. This is not like me. What gives?

Initially I blamed it on the heat, burn-out, frustration, boredom, big classes...anything I could find to excuse my lack of desire and performance for something that I was once so passionate about. What I've realized over the past few days is that all of that was just B.S. I was coasting off of a few great months of training and real progress. I got lazy. I got comfortable with my new level of fitness and began to take for granted what it took to get me there in the first place. I plateau-ed. I thought I wanted to have an easy "summer of fun". I forgot what real fun was.

Fortunately, my nutrition stayed fairly consistent (minus a few fruity cocktails) and I kept training every week. So, I didn't really go backwards. But, I also didn't move forward. I stood still. Which, is probably the most boring thing you can do. Progress all around me, passing me by, and I'm just standing still...And, just as expected, my life outside of gym suffered too. Amazing how you can't compartmentalize your life, isn't it?!

Well, I'm pleased to report that I'm back and feeling mentally better than ever. I'm ready to leave it all out on the mats, set some PRs, and kick some ass again. It's time. No doubt it will be challenging, but that's what I miss most: the challenge and journey to achievement.

I thank my coaches JDP, Travis, and Ben for calling me out on the lack of intensity in my workouts lately and offering to help me get back on track. I hope that what Travis referred to as “the summer slump” has now ended. Time to get back to to it!

I'm making a new workout playlist. Here's a listen:

Spartan 300 Challenge - Goal Update

Back on May 5, I set 7-week goals for the Spartan 300 Challenge at CrossFit Central. Here's how I'm doing with less than 2 weeks to go:

 

Nutrition: I've managed to stay on track with Paleo, adding in more protein and reducing carbs and fats in general. I'd say probably more 85% than 90%, but it's still great. I have only had a handful of cheat meals and even those were still Zone-friendly. I think I've turned the corner on Paleo - it's no longer a diet, rather it's a lifestyle. I've never felt better! I have enjoyed more than 4 servings of alcohol per week on most weeks, but have kept track of it to keep it under control. Only 2 wilds party nights so far and I paid for them the next day! Overall, I'm sure I've lost body fat judging from the way my clothes are fitting. I have lost at least 2 pant sizes (from a size 10 to a size 6 in jeans!!) and am discovering muscle tone where I typically store fat - hips and legs. I'm exciting for my final body comp in a few days. Should be good news!!

 

Fitness: I've been running a lot more - at least once per week for a minimum of 3 miles on the Town Lake trail. No treadmill for this girl. If it's raining, or dark out, I've been hitting the rower. I'd say this goal has been met. On to the body-weight strength goals: I've FINALLY figured out how to string kipping pullups together without nearly ripping my arms out of socket. It's all about the hip pop and pushing away from the bar (side note to my coaches: I know you told me that a million times... ) And, I'm getting some more power too - last week I did 18 chest-to-bar pullups (3-4 in a row at a time) and didn't rip my hands. I'd say that's a HUGE accomplishment. Regarding pushups, I'm able to do 7-8 perfect pushups in a row before I max out. Not great, but much better than when I started this challenge. I'm going to really focus during the next 10 days on getting in as many pushups as possible in preparation for the finale workout. Don't want to have to go to my knees or take 10 minutes to do 50! I will finish the finale WOD in 20 minutes. I WILL!!!

Regarding my weekly workouts, I've seen huge improvements in strength with PRs in the past few weeks (Back Squat: 175, Deadlift 215, Squat Clean 125, Thruster 95) and I've managed to Rx many of the WODs. I've also gotten better at doubleunders and kettlebell work.

All and all, good things poppin' up in here. Once the challenge is over, I don't anticipate backing off the 85/15 Paleo nutrition, fitness routine, or supplements. In fact, I expect to be HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER!



Feelin' too good to stop now.

Dancin' Through Life

From Rev Run Wisdom:

Some may laugh at you for dancin' through life. You're not crazy, they just can't hear the music you're jammin' to! Keep Laughin'!

Dance and laughter is contagious! Spread LOVE!

Around the Way

First day back to the the gym since I got sick last weekend. Hope I survive the WOD tonight! I don't have much to post yet, but I wanted to share some good music with ya. Here's the Jam of the day (thanks, Bug!), LL Cool J's, "Around the Way Girl":

Pursuit of Happiness

The pursuit of happiness according to Kid Cudi: People told me 'slow my road' - I’m screaming out, "F**k that!" Imma do just what I want - Lookin’ ahead no turnin’ back If I fall, if I die - Know I lived it to the fullest If I fall, if I die - Know I lived and missed some bullets I’m on the pursuit of happiness and I know Everything that shines ain’t always gonna be gold I’ll be fine once I get it; I’ll be good... Very wise. And catchy!! Great motivational music for the gym.

Run, Neon Tiger!

New Year, New Gear, right?! Check out my new kicks. Loving my new Nike Free 5.0 v4's ("5.0 v4" sounds like a damn software launch). So much so, that they've earned their own soundtrack.

I like to think of myself as the "Neon Tiger" from the Killer's song when I wear them. Enjoy the musical stylings of the handsome Brandon Flowers and his mates: Update on yesterday's WOD: I didn't have to do Angie again (thank God!). Instead I took on this WOD using the GHD "Glute/Ham Developer" Machine (that's actually the name of it). ;) CrossFit WOD 1/5/10: 4 Rds for Time: 400m Run 25 GHD Sit ups 25 GHD Back Extensions My time was 19:30. Those sit ups/back entensions are rough!

Here's what they look like:

My abs and ass are sore today. Definitely looking forward to tonight's WOD to loosen me up! CrossFit Women's WOD 1/6/10: 3 Rds for time: 15 KB Thruster (16Kg) 15 Knees-to-Elbows 50 Lunges (walking)

Monday workout and Saxon Pub?

I was supposed to do the workout and Paleo dinner with the CFC Women tonight at Jess K's house - which I was really looking forward to - but, once I got the news that one of my closest friends was performing at the Saxon Pub tonight, I just had to be there to support him!! So, instead of trying out Jess' kickass pull up bar and some delicious concoction called "Paleo Ice Cream", I'll be busting out a fast and furious workout so that I can make it to the Pub in time for the show. It looks like this and I got it from the WOD Shop website (coolest site ever!): Warmup: 3 rds 10X squats, push ups and rotations 800m row WOD "Anderson" Max rounds in 20 minutes: 5x Burpees 10x Pushups 15x Situps 20x Squats 400 m row cool down

Then, I'll get cleaned up and head out to the Saxon for some Bob Schneider karaoke!

Christmas Hotties

Thought I would post a little Christmas diddy, courtesy of Wham! "Last Christmas" is one of my favorite holiday songs ever. And, how dreamy is George Michael in this video?! Meow. This came out when I was 7 and I remember thinking George was the hottest thing on the planet...until 4 yrs later when I met The New Kids on the Block. Holy cow. It was all over after that. I loved that Jordan Knight. We were going to get married. What do you think? I'm almost embarrased, but I have no shame: Ha. That makes me laugh!

The Funeral vs. The Prayer

Which is better - the O.G. or the new joint? Band of Horses, The Funeral: Kid Cudi, The Prayer:

100 pushups don't sound like much

Yesterday's WOD "Crystal" killed. The pushups immediately following the pullups were the hardest part. Today my pecs are on fire! DANG. I finished in 22:43, which wasn't too bad, but I think the Rx cut off was 20. I was totally destroyed after bootcamp this morning! Looking forward to having this evening and tomorrow morning off. I need the rest! On a totally unrelated note - do you remember when Mariah Carey was hot, and hadn't yet jumped-the-shark with "Glitter"? This jam is from '98 and takes me back to when I was 19 living in Philadelphia. Loved it!

Party in my cube!

Time for jams!! "Bulletproof" by La Roux: Loving this song right now! Its on heavy rotation right now with Passion Pit and GirlTalk. What can I say?! I like the strange electro jams! Seriously, I'm practically raving in my cube my now. All I'm missing are the accessories - the glow sticks and whistle/sucker/pacifier/, etc...best part is, no one has questioned my sanity. In fact, its going pretty much unnoticed. Maybe my neighbors are experiencing their afternoon carb-load haze, but someone needs to breathe a little life into this place. I mean, dang! If I've got to be stuck in this place I might as well have some fun. Another jam! GirlTalk from Feed The Animals: Mashup of "Whomp there it is!" and "Big Country"?! Genius. Anyhoo.... Yesterday's CrossFit WOD was haaaaaaaaaaaaaard. CrossFit WOD: "Carey" 3 Rounds for Time 30 BB Snatch (45 lb Rx) 30 Wall Ball (14 lb Rx) My time was 20:10, and I Rx'd weight. Tough, but I'm proud of myself for sticking with the heavier weight. Coach Carey, who inspired the workout, did this workout in 9minutes and change. Whhhooo-wweee! That's why she earned the title of 3rd Fittest Women in the World. Damn!!! This evening I'm off, so I plan to do something fun.

Case of the Mondays...

After such a gorgeous, restful weekend - its hard to focus on the menial tasks of the day. I wish I was outside enjoying the sunshine and fall breeze. I'd even settle for a window...anything beats these grey cubicle walls. So lame. I don't want to listen to sad bastard music today, so here's a special Monday mix courtesy of Jack Black. Watch his little dance and TRY not to smile. I dare you!: Looking forward to being outside this evening, when I take on the WOD at CrossFit. Today's workout is Isabel and it is going to be a lot harder than it looks: Isabel 30 snatches (95 lbs) I'm already preparing for the soreness tomorrow.