Death by Iron

Here's a couple photos of me during the graduate workout. Wowsie! That was a long field! Jerry said it took nearly 20 minutes for everyone to finish. That was definitely a workout. It is a pretty awesome feeling knowing I completed it. I feel that this weekend was just the beginning for me on my KB journey.

If only I had lost 30 more pounds I could have used smaller bells!

(Can you imagine me 5'11" and 123 pounds. Eeeeek!!!)

Hey Dustin! Give me a hand here.

Apres La Douleur (After the Pain)

Some of the most memorable moments from the RKC took place at the group dinner Saturday night. What a treat it was to sit with Court Wing, Brad Nelson, and Pavel. The dinner conversation was crazy good. Add in some sit downs by David Whitley and Mark Cheng and BINGO! You've got a perfect evening. Thank you gentlemen! The best story of the night came on the ride back to the hotel when Pavel told about sending away his Navy Seal trainees from his gym with bags of their own puke. He told the story so deadpan, like it's normal to make people throw up.

I love Doc Cheng. He and I became fast friends. How could we not? We both share a love for Crown Royal.

Here's Brad and Pavel. Don't they look like they could be brothers? Seriously!

If you're wondering where my strangest bruise is located, you'll have to read the comments in the post "Can You Say RKC?" below. I reveal the answer there. Enjoy!

Super Human Tricks

David Whitley pressing Sara Cheatham.

If he would press me, that would be a GREAT display of strength. I challenged him, but he took a pass.

Stay tuned. More RKC highlights to come!

Can You Say RKC?

I met my goal and earned the right to be called RKC. I have the battlescars to prove it! Here's a few pictures for now. I'll write about the experience later when I have more time.
The Gymboss beeped every 15 minutes on Saturday. Beep = 20 swings

Senior RKC David Whitley - aka "Kick Me When I'm Down." He showed me lots of tough love this weekend by kicking me when I got stuck in the middle of a pushup.

Pavel congratulating me after passing. I have a great story to tell about Pavel, which I will do later.

I am able to walk, albeit slowly. Once I get some momentum, I'm good! I can't wait to see where a new bruise will show up. Any guesses on the weirdest body part with a bruise? I'm taking your responses. You won't believe the answer!

More later!

Enjoy the Pain!!

I will be offline until Monday.

When I'm back, I WILL be an RKC.

Strong, Pain-Free Back

Oh yeah, Baby! My back survived 80 snatches with the 16 kg yesterday. Woo Hoo!!!

For the first time in weeks, I am working at my computer without discomfort. I'm going to keep it that way!

Tonight I have a good training session in store and then I'll rest up for the RKC weekend. I suppose I better pack, but this crazy weather makes that a daunting task. We're having a spring smorgasbord of weather here in NW Iowa. I'm figuring on three layers for three days. Geez, could we just get spring already? 70 degrees, light breeze, a shower once a week. We've had the winter that wouldn't let go and now we get the spring that is shy. I suppose summer will be a brat - hot, dry, and windy.

All right. I'm off to have naked chinese. Love that! Steamed veggies and chicken. That's it. No sauce, no egg roll, no fried rice. Yummmm!!!

Where Have I Been?

I swear I've been online; I just haven't had anything exciting to blog about. I still don't, but I felt the need to at least check in.

I've been fighting my tweaked back all week. I think the weather settled into my bunion and my back. The bunion is back to normal (or as normal as a bunion can be), and the back is on the mend. I've resisted blogging about the back because I didn't want to obsess about it. I tend to do that, ya know!

So here's my confession: I am anxious that my back will keep me from enjoying my RKC weekend. I know the weekend will be intense. I don't want to be in pain the entire time. I don't want that clouding my thoughts. So there is my fear.

It is taking all of my strength to NOT have a meltdown. To get my mind off of all this, I threw myself into cleaning out more stuff from the basement. I also spent a lot of time gathering my food for the week. (Ooo that sounds rustic doesn't it! "Gathering" for me means going to the Natural Food market, the Hutterite meat market, and the local grocery store.) I also got some of the supplies we'll need for Penny (the boxer pup).

Tomorrow I'm back at work and hopefully back to some light training. I've been looking forward to this week (the RKC) for 6 months. I'm not going to let some stupid pain in the back ruin it for me. I refuse.

If you could just send me positive energy, I'd be most appreciative. Strong, pain-free back. Strong, pain-free back.

Training Log - Monday & Tuesday

With a little more than a week to the RKC, I've developed an inflamed big toe joint. I woke up Saturday with an ache in my bunion and by night, it was swollen and painful. On Sunday I discovered that I could only wear one pair of shoes to church. I iced my foot three times Sunday. By Monday, the swelling was reduced, but not gone. I attempted my training but had to abort and do the following:

Snatch w/ 16 kg - 5x8 l,r

Then I did the following:
Bear Crawl - 20 yards
Crab Walk - 20 yards
50 swings - Tracy style - L, 2 hand, R, 2 hand "Roundabouts"

I did that four times through.

Today (Tuesday) the swelling was down more. I could wear my shoes, so I decided to try to do what Brad prescribed. Only, I forgot my training print out!!! So I did what I could remember to do:

10 Burpees
10 ATG Squats
8 Pushups
Mountain Climbers x20 each leg (40 total)
8 Inverted Rows

I completed 5 rounds w/ 30 seconds rest between rounds.
Then I did
4 rounds of Alternating presses - 4 L, R

I see I was supposed to do swings. If I had a KB at home, I would definitely do those. The foot is still tender, but it is MUCH better. I'm thinking that tomorrow it will be back to normal. What causes these weird physical events. I don't remember bumping my toe or anything. I didn't wear new shoes or strange shoes. I've been wearing the same flats and Keens to work and the same Diesels for training. Nothing out of the ordinary. I don't even remember the last time my bunion bothered me let alone swelled up.

Oh well! Chalk it up to the strange happenings in my life. It is what it is!

Looking Back to Leap Forward

I've been full of ponderings today. I've been thinking about all the last year has brought. I know I was supposed to do this on January 1, but I'm not one to follow conventional behavior. So here what has gone through my mind today:

1. A year ago I was struggling. I didn't understand why I had only lost a few pounds since starting my training under Brad. What was going on? I thought if I had the best trainer, I would be fixed. The weight would melt off. WRONG!!

Brad couldn't understand why I wasn't dropping more weight, so he had me keep a food journal around June 1, 2007. When he saw my diet, Brad dropped "Operation Beatdown" on my a$$. I was stunned. I was pissed. How could he tell me that I wasn't eating right? Seriously? You know, cuz what I was doinging was sooooooo great for me. NOT!

I still resisted even after I knew what the problem was. I made some small changes and dropped some weight (5 lbs. or so). It wasn't until this past fall that I REALLY made changes. I gave up my whole grain bread and organic peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. I started eating a ton of veggies. I started drinking green tea after dinner, I quit eating oatmeal as a mid-morning snack, I cut back my alcohol consumption, and on and on. I've dropped another 15 lbs. and I'm almost to my goal weight. My bodyfat is at 25% and I want to get to 22%. That's another 6-8 lbs. I believe.

The greatest benefit from the diet changes is how fantastic I feel. I am rarely depressed, though I still get moody every month!! I sleep better, and I have boundless energy - physical and mental.

2. One year ago today my friend Kate finished her very first Ironman in Arizona. I was fortunate enough to be there as part of her support crew. We drove all over Phoenix to cheer her on during her grueling bike and run. Just like me, Kate has had her struggles over the past year, but she keeps learning and becoming better. She's more confident, driven, focused. Triathlon is her air. I don't know how she finds the time or energy to train, work, and be a mom and wife. All of the demands take their toll, and we don't get to spend as much time together as we used to, but I understand. Kate wouldn't be Kate if she couldn't swim, bike, run. Amy wouldn't be Amy if she couldn't throw around heavy things. We get each other.

3. I lost my first "child" Sophie (my boxer) in December. It's been tough adjusting to life without her. She lived in our home as long as we did. I couldn't imagine getting another dog after Sophie's death. But look. Here I am bonding with another boxer, Penny. Soon she'll be home with us and we'll all fall in love again. I am definitely a dog person and need a dog around.

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Okay that's long enough for tonight. I'm looking forward to some sunshine and warmer temps. I'm also looking forward to training tomorrow and to watching the next part of the John Adams series on HBO tonight.

Off to my recliner!

Princess Penny

Here she is. 5 weeks old and 5 weeks from coming to our home. It was all I could do to NOT stick her in my coat and run off with her. Look at that face!

Good Food, Bad Back

Two weeks to the RKC and my back decides to take a tweak. WTH? That's why I haven't been posting about my training this week. I have been doing some light bodyweight training to give my back some time to heal.

I didn't really do anything to my back. It just started feeling very tight and nothing would alleviate it. I did go see my friend Krista the chiropractor twice this week. That has helped a lot. I've also been a Z fanatic trying to keep everything flowing. I'm confident that by Monday, I'll be ready to train with my KBs. I miss them!

To compensate for my reduced training, I've tried very hard to up my veggie intake this week. Since I can't burn off any junk, I've been trying to only put the good stuff in. I have had my slip ups - the beer with organic veggie juice, the slice of coconut cake that my mother so lovingly baked and shared with us (she really is trying to sabotage me!), the slice of pizza - uhgggg!!!

These choices will NOT break my spirit. I eat 1000 times better than I did one short year ago. I feel great and am stronger and healthier.

I will focus on the positives.
I will make good choices today.
I will enjoy today.

I'm off to see my puppy Penny. She's five weeks old and ready for a visit. I'll be posting some pictures!

Some More of My Good Thoughts

I'm enveloping myself in good thoughts. Here are some from today:

1. These pants are too big! I remember when I bought them they were snug. Heck, there was even a period of time I couldn't even wear these. I am making positive changes. I'm going to wear these pants today and feel the changes every minute.

2. In two weeks I'll be on my way to the RKC. What a fantastic opportunity for me.

3. My kids are the best! I'm a good role model for them. I am happier than ever.

4. My husband is thoughtful. He brought me organic yogurt from Sioux Falls (the closest city with a natural food market) so I could make veggie dip tonight. As I was whisking away, I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't wait to try out the garlic lime dip. When in my life have I been so excited to eat veggies. I was giddy!

I'm on a roll. I'm gonna try to keep this up. There is never enough positive thought.

I Think; therefore, I Am

How about a little Descartes for a Wednesday morning?

I think a lot. In fact, I overthink. Previous posts attest to that. Brad tells me this often as well. I know thinking is powerful and our thoughts shape our human experience.

When I do my Z Health drills, I find a positive mantra and happy memories to keep in my thoughts so I don't focus on my pain and fatigue from my pain. Now I need to bring that same work to my day-to-day.

As I move through my days, I will keep the title quote in my thoughts. When I catch negative thoughts, I will adjust. When I catch positive thoughts, I will give myself an internal high five. The only thing I can control is myself - my behaviors, my thoughts, my reactions to experiences and people.

I will find the good and think about it.

Here are two little people who bring a lot of good to my life. 10 year old Conner and 6 year old Lauren.

Not the M&Ms

I must confess.

I have a jar of M&Ms in my office. They were a gift for my volunteer work. It's volunteer recognition month. The jar, which is shaped like a star, sits next to my bubble gum machine. I sit in my office every day with the bubble gum machine right there, but I have no problem there. I have a piece now and then when I feel the need to chew on something. Better than sabotaging myself, right?

Oh, but those M&Ms. They taunt me. They whisper to me, "Just a few. I'll take away your chocolate craving. Come on. Just a few."

The jar is half empty. I'm grading papers. That's it! I'm putting the jar in my file cabinet. Out of site, out of mind!!!

BTW - Lunch on a "stick" was fantastic:
celery
carrots
broccoli
cauliflower
egg salad
orange

I made a poor choice with the M&Ms. Now I'm moving on!!!!!!!!!!!

Crazy Good Weekend

From Friday until Sunday I have been running like a crazy person. I don't know if I can even remember what I ate this weekend. Let's see........

Saturday
Advocare Shake
12 almonds
2 hard-boiled eggs
5 baby carrots
4 celery sticks
1 piece fish

I was planning on a veggie day as well as a day to prepare some of Tracy's dips for the week ahead. Well, I ended up taking my Harley out for a serious ride. By the time I got home, I had to clean up and head out. I had a long night of volunteering at the country club helping out with the dinner theater we put on. (I did the same on Friday.) It was midnight before I got home.

Then up this morning early and off to church. Back home at 11:30. Start laundry. Clean out kids' closets. (Why can't they stay the same size for more than a month?) Then I caught up on the John Adams mini-series on HBO. I TiVoed the first three episodes Friday night. I gotta tell you, this is a fantastic show. Talk about bringing history alive. I'm loving it!

I made it to a grocery store and picked up carrots, celery, free range eggs, mayo, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, limes, yams, and organic milk. This store didn't have any plain yogurt, so I'll have to wait to make the garlic lime dip. :(

However, I did get my egg salad made and all the veggies cut up and in containers. My laundry is just about done (20 minutes to the final buzzer). I'm finally able to think about what I ate today. Let's see. I know I had my Advocare shake and black tea. I know I passed on the muffins my mother brought over. (Yay me!) Jerry fried some eggs and then I had a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and turkey. Oh yeah, and a glass of organic veggie juice. I also snacked on some veggies while I cut them up. The weird thing is I didn't feel hungry at all today. Sup with that?

When I look back at the weekend, I can say that through all of the craziness, I accomplished some things and got a chance to relax. What more could I ask for?

Reflections on Friday

Training was good.

Swings w/ 20 kg
20 L, R
rest 40 seconds
20 L, R
rest 40 seconds
20 L, R

TGUs w/ 12 kg
5 x 3 L, R

Food choices were good.

• Advocare shake for breakfast (I always do this)
• Black tea - straight up
• 2 hard boiled eggs
• orange, apple
• 20 almonds (approximately)
• pork chop
• carrots

The only drawback to the food choices was that I didn't get many veggies. I wasn't prepared. So, I had two fruits instead. Today (Saturday) I will make up for my veggie deficit. I am going to whip up some garlic lime dip (Thank you to Tracy!) and cut up a bunch of veggies. Yum!!

I'm hoping to take a spin on my Harley today. It's looking like a nice day.

Thursday's Training

I learned a lesson today:

Make sure your body has enough fuel for the training.

I reduced the amount I ate for lunch and I did not eat anything in the afternoon. As a result, I ran out of gas after four rounds of the following:

Windmills - 5 L, R w/12 kg
Overhead Walking Lunges - 8 L, R w/ 12 kg
Renegade Rows - 6 L, R w/ 12 kg
Step-Ups - 12 L, R w/ 12 kg
One-Handed Swings - 15 L, R w/ 16 kg
Planks - 30 seconds

No rest between drills; 1 minute between rounds.

I was supposed to do 5 rounds. Didn't happen. I chose to stop to prevent injury. Besides, I was a noodle. That only happens when I'm sick or don't have enough fuel. Shoot a pickle!!

I have to say, I am not upset about my choice. I listened to my body and didn't overthink. When I got home, I made some fantastic food choices - carrots, snap peas, buffalo steak, and a slice of organic cheddar cheese. After dinner, a cup of tea with just a shot of cream. I can also report I have chosen not to eat anything else tonight. When I'm finished blogging, I will go right to bed. (Right after I have 16 oz of water.)

Tomorrow is another opportunity for me to choose well.

A Few Good Choices

I've been less than pleased with some of my nutritional choices lately. So, I decided today was the day to start making different choices. I can report that I have made a few good choices already that I am pleased about.

1. I chose green tea straight up. No cream or sugar.
2. I chose carrots over a granola bar.
3. I chose to go truly naked with my chinese food today - no sauce, no salt, no nothing. Just plain, steamed veggies and chicken.
4. I chose to leave the rice on my plate. I took one bite and decided I did not have to eat is just because it was there.

So, there are four choices made by noon that I am proud of. To bring accountability to myself, I will post my choices for the next few days. If you see me choosing poorly, call me to task!!!

Top Notch Tuesday

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday I felt weak. Today I am strong. I plowed through my 6 rounds of the following:

10 Burpees
10 ATG Squats
8 Pushups
40 Mountain Climbers
8 Inverted Rows

6 rounds, 30 seconds rest between rounds.

Another student (powerline program) joined me on round 4. He did one round and called it quits. That made me feel validated. Here's this pretty muscular 20 year old who is winded after one round. He's even an athlete. My training was too much. I guess I'm stronger than I look! He had a great attitude about it though. He admitted to being tired and said he was impressed by my condition. I wonder how many more students will try to keep up with me. I have about one/week. I keep hoping one will come back for a second try, and a third, and so on, and so on until I have a convert to old school style training. Hey! A girl can dream, can't she?

I am most pleased with my pushups. Never before have I done so many military style pushups. I did 6, sometimes 7. HUGE improvement for me. Just a week ago I could only do four, and not consistently through all 6 rounds. WTH??? I don't know what it is, but I'm liking it.