When I do something...I do it right

On Sunday, I got my first CrossFit injury.  On Monday afternoon, still wasn't feeling all that wonderful and decided to get an appointment to see my chiropractor.  Since I couldn't get in until later in the day, I went to the lunch CrossFit session.  It wasn't terrible, but it definitely hurt quite a bit.


When I got to Dr. Molly's, I told her about what happened on Sunday, etc.  She quickly warned me that I would probably hurt the worst three days after the fall (Wednesday).  I smiled and told her that I was sure I would be fine.  She proceeded to do some ART therapy on my pecs and back.  After we were done, she sent me on my merry way with instructions to ice, ice baby.


Fast forward to Wednesday, while I was walking to CrossFit...  I realized that I couldn't get a good, deep breath without feeling like I was being stabbed.  I immediately called Dr. Molly's office and made an appointment for today (Friday).  Shari, her office assistant, told me to call Dr. Molly to make sure she didn't want me to go to a "regular" doctor, etc.


I proceeded to go through my CrossFit workout (complete with deadlifts, pull-ups, box dips, squats and double-unders).  I didn't do great, but I finished.  As soon as I got back to the office, Dr. Molly returned my call.  She reminded me of her "warning" on Monday.  Damn it, she was right!  Unfortunately, since the pain was from a pretty bad strain she told me there was nothing to really do but wait.  She encouraged me to keep my appointment for Friday and again - ice, ice, ice.


When I met with Dr. Molly this morning, I pointed to the exact spot where I felt like I was being stabbed.  She worked on the muscles around the spot for a few minutes.  The pain was so bad that I nearly jumped off the table!  I usually have a fairly decent grip on pain.  In fact, my tolerance is such that things are just annoying or beyond horrible (no real in between).  I can't tell you the last time I had any pain that I would consider horrible - until this week!

After she did what she could, we talked about my options to help relieve the pain.  While I hate taking medication of any form, I am taking some Ultracet in an effort to take the edge off.  I also ended up leaving her office with a TENS unit.  While it is a very strange sensation, it is actually helping relieve some of the pain.  


Other than that, I am off CrossFit for a few more days with instructions to wear the TENS unit as much as possible.  Here's to hoping that the 115 degree heat in central North Carolina and the little bit of electric current running through me doesn't cause a problem this weekend :-)   

Crossfit - first injury

Been keeping up with going to CrossFit.  It might sound a little nuts, but I love going in the middle of the workday.  It's the perfect stress reliever - maybe it is all the nasty-ass sweat?


The WODs this weekend were pretty killer, in my opinion.  Since I am new to this whole thing, all the workouts are killer at this point.  Sucks, but so good at the time time.  I am such a contradiction!


Saturday's WOD - "Rowdy Round-Up"

• 10 airsquats
• 10 Kettlebell swings (18#)
• Repeat for 10 rounds
• Then run - CF to Glenwood and back, then to Jones and back to CF

My thoughts on the workout Saturday?  Air squats suck.  Air squats are the work of the devil.  Even though they sucked donkey butt, I did them.  I know that I need to work on my form - need to keep my back more straight!  

Sunday's WOD 

Part 1 - "The RunAround":  Partner up; While 1 partner runs 400m, the other partner does double-unders.  Switch, rinse and repeat for 5 rounds

• 400m run
• Double-unders or Singles on jump rope

Thank God for Shelley!  She partnered with me (again) for this workout.  I know that I definitely held her back, but I appreciate her sticking with me and being patient!  We finished this portion of the workout in 29:34 - last but we finished!


Part 2 - "Catch 22":

• Facing each other, perform 22 hand-release push ups.  While one partner holds the "up" push-up position, the other performs the hand-release push up.  Repeat until you reach a total of 20 push-ups. 

This is definitely another place that needs a lot of work.  I am way weaker in my upper body as compared to my lower body!  Need more push-ups!

Also, on Sunday, I got my first CrossFit "injury". Isn't this pretty?

During the 2nd run of the RunAround, I tripped on a section of uneven sidewalk.  Thank goodness my Daddy taught me how to fall "correctly" - don't brace yourself, just cross your hands over your chest and fall.  Unfortunately, only one half of my body got that message and even that side screwed up.  Today, I have scraped/bruised palms, bruised knees, a scraped/bruised left elbow and hip, and a little pain in my chest.  

I ain't lettin' some little scrapes and bruises stop me.  Gettin' back to it today!

1st (official) Crossfit workout

I finished Foundations yesterday afternoon.  I survived the "orientation"-like sessions, but know that I still have a lot of work to do on getting the lifts right.  It'll come with time - that's what everyone keeps telling me.  I sure as hell hope so, or I am gonna continue to feel and look like an utter idiot.  


Today, I went for my first official Crossfit WOD.  I got there right at 11:30 a.m. and was the only person there.  Freaked me out a little bit, but then three others joined in on the fun.  I have to say, there was one girl there that was some kinda fierce lookin'.  When we were running outside, I think she probably had the car that said "I'd Rather be Doing Roller Derby".  Now that means, I must find out if she is a Carolina RollerGirl.  Seems like Crossfit would be the perfect activity for someone that beats the hell out of someone while skating.


The WOD looked like this: (my scaled WOD notes are in red)
Part 1:

• 3 x 3 Power Cleans (70%, 80%, 90% 1 RM, rest 60 seconds between sets) - Since I am still trying to understand and get the technique correct, I did several sets with an empty bar.  Bobby suggested that I deconstruct it because proper form was most important.  Still a lot of practice needed!
• 3 x 3 Heavy Clean Pulls (as heavy as possible for 3 reps, rest 60 seconds between sets) - I did one set with the bar, a set with 20#, then a set with 50#.  My sets were 5 each.

Part 2: (3 rounds)

• 400 m run with bumper plate - For the 1st 400m, I ran at a slightly faster pace than I normally would on a "short run".  Before going out for round 2, I asked about carrying a 10# bumper plate for "shits and giggles".  It made the run a good amount more difficult, but I didn't walk!
• 20 overhead lunges with bumper plate - Lots of work to do here!  I ended up using a pole to balance and did 20 lunges per leg on each round.  

As soon as we were done, I leisurely strolled back to work - complete with the reddest face I have never had!  Overall, I feel pretty dang good - extremely red face and all.  A few lessons learned - need more baby wipes to "bathe" after the workout, probably need some back-up make up at work, enjoy the mid-day workout -makes the afternoon go by faster!!

First Couple Days of Crossfit

Anyone that knows me, knows that I like to do my research before I try anything new.  It's borderline obsessive, I know.  However, I just like to get the gist of what's up. 

I first heard about Crossfit from Jade, a friend of Sarah's, when we were on our way to the Cooper River Bridge Run in April 2011.  Over the course of the weekend, Jade talked about Crossfit several different times and I was a little intrigued.  After we got back, I put the notion in the back of my mind.  Since then, every once in a while, the thought of Crossfit would cross my little mind.  Then, of course, I would push it back to the back of my mind for a little while longer.

Two weeks ago, I made up my mind about reconstructive/cosmetic surgery to remove the significant amount of excess skin in my abdomen, etc.  After scheduling the surgery, I kept thinking that I knew I wanted to be in the best possible physical shape before the surgery.  Everything I have read has said this makes the recovery a lot easier and the results even more awesome.  So, Crossfit entered my mind again...

Last Thursday night, I asked about people's opinions of Crossfit on Twitter (@rbr506) and on Facebook.  I got all kinds of responses - from "Crossfit scares me..." to "you can totally do it!".  I looked online at the websites for two local boxes and decided that the one closest to my office would probably be the best for me. 

On Friday morning, I called the "box" closest to my office.  Not long after leaving a message, Bobby (one of the coaches) called me back.  We talked for a few minutes about my history, he answered questions and then suggested that I come in and try a class out the next day.  That's when it became quite real.  Later that day, I went to my chiropractor.  While I was there, I mentioned it to her.  She was so very encouraging.  A lot of the coaches and members of that box are her patients - she even works out there too!  So, that was it - I was gonna do it! 

Saturday morning, I woke up around 7:30 a.m.  I grabbed a NuGo Free bar and some water, then settled in to watch a little TV.  I was starting to get nervous - surprise, surprise.  As I got dressed, I got more and more nervous for no real apparant reason.  For about 10 seconds, I thought about not going.  Then, I realized...I wanted to do this.  Might be a little crazy, but I wanted to do this.  It was just like running - I just needed to start!

When I got to the box, I met Bobby.  Funny enough, I had talked to him at Dr. Molly's the week before.  Little did I know...  After meeting Bobby and Chad, I felt a lot better.  Bobby let me know that the workout of the day (WOD) was in teams.  He paired me with another relatively new Crossfiter, Shelley.  She was extremely-welcoming and helpful to this newbie! 

Saturday's WOD was pretty cool.  In our teams, we did a 10-minute AMRAP of the following:

• 100 double-unders or 300 singles - we chose singles
• 25 deadlifts (75 pounds!)
• Once the team finished that we proceeded to do as many more of each as possible within the 10 minutes.

After finishing that, we did continued the workout with 50 push presses and 50 front squats as a 2-person team.  Shelley was such a great "coach" for this.  I had no clue what I was doing as far as positioning.  Between Bobby, Chad, Shelley and everyone else, I finally got in the swing of things.

Not only did I complete the full workout with the group, I felt very accomplished because:

1. I didn't puke
2. I didn't pass out
3. I didn't quit early
4. I did 225 singles on a jump rope.  I haven't used a jump rope since elementary school and rarely ever did more than 20 or so.

At the end of the workout, I was convinced that this was going to be a cool new experience.  I told Bobby that I wanted to sign up for Foundations.  My first day of Foundations was yesterday.  It felt great to get a little bit of personalized instruction on the elements of Crossfit.  I have my second class today and cannot wait!

My new mantra

Friend Makin' Monday - What's in Your Bag?

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.  Please add your links there too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

What’s In Your Bag?

 Snap a picture if you can, and tell us about what’s inside your bag today.

The details:

• Work name tag - I don't have to wear this daily, but I keep one with me at all times, just in case.  It's the nature of working for an organization that provides advocacy services for cities and towns.
• Burt's Bees antibacterial spray - LOVE this stuff!
• Glasses case
• Small pink Vera Bradley coin purse - This has little store promo cards, gift cards, etc. in it.  I also put my jewelry in this little bag when I go to the gym.
• Brown and pink Vera Bradley makeup bag - Filled with 2-3 different lip glosses, a mirrored compact, and pressed powder
• Keys
• Wallet
• Sunglasses

Nothing terribly exciting here, kids.  I do have to point out that I usually have at least one other bag with me on a daily basis.  I often look like a "bag lady" because I have my purse, gym bag, lunch bag, and sometimes my laptop bag.  Geez!

Catchin' up

The past few weeks have been pretty busy.  Between work, trying to get back in the "groove" with exercise and eating, etc. life has been a little busier than I would like.


My surgery has been scheduled.  I had two consultations on Thursday, May 24.  While there were things that I liked about each surgeon, Doctor 2 definitely won me over.  His staff was all awesome, his nurse (Amy) was an absolute gym.  I just felt much more at ease.  I will be having an abdominoplasty and mastopexy/breast reduction on Wednesday, November 28.  The surgery will be performed at Rex Hospital.  I will stay one night at the hospital and will be out of work at least 2 weeks.  Since my office closes the week of Christmas, I may take off until the New Year.  Every single day it seems to weird and exciting!  November 28 cannot get here soon enough!


Other than being distracted by work and my surgery, I have been trying to get myself back in the workout groove.  I broke my pinky toe on Memorial Day.  Unfortunately, this has made it so that I cannot run.  While I don't like that I can't run, I haven't missed it too terribly.  It has given me an opportunity to some other things...


Speaking of other things...Who has just signed up for Crossfit?  This girl.  I can't decide if I am a strong woman with awesome aspirations or utterly insane.  Yesterday morning I went for my "trial" session.  I am not going to say that I kicked ass by any stretch, but I did pretty damn good.  I will take the "Foundations" course tomorrow and Tuesday.  After taking Foundations, I will be able to participate normally.  Here's to lots of sore muscles and hopes that I don't puke during training!

Friend Makin' Monday - Bedrooms Habits

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Feel free to add your links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Bedroom Habits

1. Do you set an alarm clock? If so, for what time? The alarm is set for 5:40 a.m. on weekdays.  This allows me the potential to hit the snooze button twice if necessary.

2. How many hours of sleep do you get on an average night?  On average, I get about 6-6.5 hours of sleep a night.

3. Do you bring your laptop to bed? The laptop only ends up in the bed with me when I am sick.  I use it to watch movies, etc.  My iPad ends up in bed most nights because I am piddling around on the Internet, reading a book, etc.

4. How many pillows do you require to sleep? One. 

5. Do you sleep with socks on? I wear socks into bed, but take them off before I lay down to go to sleep.  I am always cold, so I try to keep my feet warm as long as possible so my icy feet don't kill the hubs.

6. How often do you change the sheets?  Every Sunday

7. Do you remember your dreams? Most of the time.

8. Which side of the bed do you sleep on?  When you are standing at the bottom of the bed, I sleep on the left.  The hubs sleeps on the right.

9. How often do you take naps?  Oh my! I love to nap! I would nap every day for 30 minutes or so if given the opportunity.  I don't get them very often though, but do enjoy them on the weekends occasionally.

10. Do you sleep soundly?  No!  I am one of those people that sleeps for an hour or so, wakes up for 1/2 an hour, then back to sleep for an hour, back up for 1/2 hour - rinse and repeat.  It's lovely.

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to link up in the comments at AlltheWeigh.com!  

Big 'ole catch up post

I'm still here - I promise!  I've been quite distracted by a few things the past couple of weeks.  

• Reconstructive/plastic surgery - Had the consults on May 24, decided on surgeon a few days later.  Will update all on that process in another post
• My Dad's best friend - He (the friend) owns a company that sells tobacco seed to all kinds of farmers, etc.  He recently returned from a trip to Africa and was feeling sick.  After appointments with lots of doctors, etc. over the course of a few weeks, it was determined that he has pancreatic cancer.  On Tuesday, May 29 he had surgery.  During the surgery, they removed part of his pancreas, 25% of his stomach, 8 inches of his small intestine and his gallbladder.  My Dad and I visited him on Saturday (June 2) and he seemed to be doing well.  On Sunday/Monday, Dad's friend experienced some complications not necessarily related to the pancreatic cancer surgery.  He is now on a ventilator and fully sedated in hopes that some damage to his lungs can heal.  I worry about my Dad's friend, his family (wife, kids, and 9 grandkids).  I also worry about my Daddy.  He's been best friends with this guy since childhood.  Hopefully, he's on the mend and they can get to treatin' the cancer.

The rest of this post is gonna be kinda picture heavy.  I love having my iPhone around because sometimes a picture describes a situation much better than words.

I committed to do the Runner's World Run Streak on Memorial Day.  I ran that morning.  That afternoon, the hubs and I were out at the pool and I tripped over a piece of wrought iron furniture - broke my pinky toe.  I tried to run the next day, but realized it just wasn't a good idea.  The streak ended after 2 runs.

I made a new recipe - Shrimp and Pea Risotto.  I've never made risotto and this turned out very well.  Nothing interesting to write about it except that I got to drink the extra wine!

After visiting my Dad's friend at UNC Healthcare, we all wanted to get some lunch.  We settled on going to Breadmen's, a Chapel Hill tradition.  J and I don't get to Breadmen's nearly enough.  I got a grilled chicken sandwich, fried okra, and fries (whoops!).  If I had actually read the menu, I would have realized that the sandwich came with the fries and I didn't need to order a side.  Oh well.

Later in the afternoon, we all wanted to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.  No one should be surprised that we ended up at World of Beer in North Hills.  I was a tiny bit nervous about taking my Daddy to WOB, simply because he's the guy that orders a "long neck Budweiser" when he chooses to drink a beer.  Luckily, we told our friend about Dad's tastes and he set him up with a Kona Longboard Lager and it was a hit - Daddy even had 2 (rare for him)!

Sunday morning, we met my cousin and her husband for breakfast at Brig's.  Somehow, I didn't get a picture of Jason, but he was there too.  See that omelet, grits and English muffin?  Somehow I managed to eat all of it and have 3 cups of coffee along with it!  

Lots of fun was had by all.  My Daddy hit the road toward home around noon on Sunday.  Jason and I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxin' by the pool, running a few errands, then hanging out on our back deck.  Like I said, nothing terribly exciting...but, I'm here!

Friend Makin' Monday - Quick and Easy

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please add your links there too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Quick and Easy

1. When is your birthday? September 7

2. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?  Oh my....  September 2010?

3. What did you eat for breakfast this morning? A smoothie

4. Who is the next band/artist you will see perform live? No clue.  I don't love concerts, etc. 

5. What is the last song you listened to? Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift, courtesy of Pandora

6. If you could be fluent in any other language, which one would you choose? Spanish

7. Does anything on your body hurt right now?  My poor little broken pinky toe still hurts 

8. What’s your favorite sports team? I am totally not affiliated.  However, the hubs would say that I was a Carolina or Tampa Bay Rays fan.

9. How often do you watch the news? Every evening

10. Do you wear glasses? Yep, since about 2nd grade. I am becoming more and more dependent on them too.  Sucks.

This week was short and simple, and now it’s your turn to answer the questions!  Don’t forget to visit www.alltheweigh.com and link up in the comments!