Ego Check

One of the things I like about Crossfit is that it will force you to check your ego.  I have been used to doing most of the wods rx'd.  I just read a great article on what rx'd really means.  It means to use the weight that is right for you.  That doesn't always mean that it's the recommended weight, but a weight that is good for me on that given day.  For example, I did a workout the other day that was 10 rounds of 10 hand release pushups and 10 deadlifts with 225 lbs.  I got 6 rounds in and realized that the weight was too heavy for me.  Instead of sacrificing my form, I ended the workout at 6 rounds.  In retrospect, I should have used a lighter weight and I would have been able to get all the required rounds.  It is always good to be able to learn from each workout, and sometimes, it is better to use a lighter weight.

How Bad Do You Want Success

As bad as you want to breathe?  I just saw this video recently, and it is very true.  This video put things into perspective for me.  I have been pretty disappointed in myself lately.  I have been slacking in the gym and my eating habits, well let's just say they are terrible right now.  And this time of year is not the easiest to get through when it comes to eating.  If I can be successful now, I can be successful in the long run.

He says how some people only kind of want it, but not as much as they want other things.  So it isn't a full commitment.  That is how I have been.  In order to achieve success, at least for me, I have to want it as bad as I want to breathe.  The holiday season is upon us, and that means Thanksgiving Day feasts and holiday parties, which usually means crap food and alcohol.  For me, it means a chance to test out my dedication and discipline.  I have decided to stop consuming alcohol.  It isn't drinking that is a problem, it is the bad food choices that go with it, plus the empty calories.  I have only kind of been wanting to reach my goals.  And when I am lacking some motivation, all I need to do is watch this video to get me back on track.

It's Been Awhile

It has been quite some time since my last post.  It doesn't mean that I haven't been working out, it just means that I haven't been writing about it because I have been doing a half ass effort.  I am good about working out for a week or so, then fall off the wagon, and so on.  I am very disappointed with myself.  I am not trying to lose weight for anyone but myself, and basically, I have let myself down up to this point.  Like most people, I have lost and gained the same 10-20 lbs for the last year.  Not gaining past where I started, but not keeping off what I lose either.  It is all part of my journey, and how I move on from here is up to me.

I am going to try and start doing 2 workouts a day, meaning some cardio and olympic lifting practice for one workout, and a crossfit wod for the other.  Now this won't be every day, but if I can do this 3 days a week and just one workout the other days, whether it be crossfit or cardio, I will be on the right track.  My buddy asked me to do a strong man competition with him in April, so the oly lifting will help with that.  I have no intentions of winning, but I think it will be fun to compete in it and from what he has told me, it is a team competition.  This gives a purpose to my training, which might be the push that I needed.  We shall see.

I Repeat...Burpees Suck!

Today's workout once again had burpees in it.  I HATE BURPEES.  And these weren't regular burpees.  They were bar facing burpees.  Meaning, you do a burpee facing the bar, and then jump and turn so you land on the other side facing the bar, hence the name.  There is nothing like burpees in a wod to wear me out so fast.  And why should this one be any different.  The workout was 5 rounds of 15 push press (95lbs) and 15 bar facing burpees.  My original goal was to finish under 30 min.  About halfway through, I realized that was going to be very reachable.  I finished in 23:40.  Better than I had thought, but still not where I want to be.  The only way to get better with the workouts and burpees is to do them.  My body is pretty worn out from the last 2 weeks of wods.  The programming from Crossfit Militia has been great and really kicked my butt.  I am thinking 2 days rest for the holiday weekend.  Or maybe just a light jog on Sat.   A little R & R will be a good thing.

AMRAP = Oh Crap

Today's wod, an AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible).  15 min of 20 double unders and 225 lb deadlift.  These type of wods always suck, and today was right on point.  I was fairly sore/worn out from the last few workouts, so today was pretty tiring.  I was hoping for 8 to 9 rounds.  I got either 6 or 7, I am not sure because I lost track in the middle.  So, I am going with that I got 6 rounds rx'd.  The deadlifts definitely got heavy by the end of the 15 min.  The double unders weren't really a problem.  I am good at jumping rope, so those usually aren't a problem.  I have noticed that my endurance has been getting better.  My recovery time after a workout has been getting shorter my wind is getting a better.  I still collapse in a puddle of sweat gasping for air, just not as long as I was.

Lions, Tigers and Oh S**t, a Bear Complex

Today's workout was a bear complex, meaning it is a sequence of exercises done with one barbell.  It was a power clean, front squat, push press, back squat and a push press.  That is 1 sequence, done seven times for 1 round.  Take a minute rest, add 20 lbs, and do it all over again 4 more rounds, adding 20 lbs. each round.  You start with just the bar, and end up doing 125 lbs for the last round of 7 reps.  If you drop the bar or let it rest on the ground, it is not rx'd.  I did the first 3 rounds without a problem, rx'd.  Then the 4th round hit and so did the wall that goes with it.  I had to put the bar down, so my workout was not rx'd.  The weight was, but I can't claim rx because I had to set the bar down.  I finished in 20:09.  Not good, not bad. While it wasn't rx, at least it wasn't a DNF (did not finish), which is worse.  I love the bear complex workouts, even if it nearly ate me alive.

The Tingling means that it is Working

So I recently decided to try a pre-workout supplement.  I started taking Jacked, which I like.  My friend Man-baby, the one who the bet is with, sent me some RSP Fast Fuel and Beta Alanine and told me to try that.  I must say, I love that stuff.  The first time that I took it, I kind of got freaked out because I have never taken anything like that before.  I got a tingling feeling in my arms and back, almost like it was itching.  I asked my buddy about it, and he said that is normal, because it is opening up your blood vessels.  I have now come to grips with that and it lets me know that the supplement is working.  My workouts have been great since taking them and I sweat like no other.  Also I have been taking some fish oil pills and a multi vitamin.  It all seems to be working as I am feeling great all day and recovering well from my workouts.  I think I'll keep using it.