New Guy Crushed It

WOD

50 steps walking lunge

2o Clean and Jerk (85 lbs.)

20 Ring Dips (banded)

25 wall balls, 14 lbs.

30 Butterflied ab mat sit ups

30 kettle bell swings

75 double unders

Those are my ladies in sweat puddles on the floor enjoying their Crossfit afterglow. Today was as crazy as it looked. Lucky for me, it did not include push ups or much upper body strength work. My arms are still reeling from the weekend's nonsense.

Speaking of nonsense, I completed yesterday's tail gate WOD with Amazing Grace! Actually, I completed it with Amazing Kelly, my friend Miss Mignogna, who attended the game with me. We enjoyed several Dirty Hoes before heading into the game (Hoegardens with a topper of Raspberry Belgium Beer) and had an absolute blast once we got inside. Our seats were four rows away from the Skins bench. I always have a great time with that adorable little ginger. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY--WE WON!

Back to the WOD. I crushed the 50 lunges, one of my all time favorite exercises, second only to the air squat. The clean and jerks were relatively doable too at 85 lbs. I should have probably tried the 95 as Rxd., but I was concerned with form and getting through the WOD. The banded ring dips were probably the most ugly part of my workout, and I swung though the air like a clock pendulum. The object is to keep your body taut and straight, so being a swinger is not a good thing in this instance.

"All day!" shouted out new guy (whose name I did not catch) when I banged out 25 consecutive 14 lb. wall balls. I love ass to grass wall balls. New guy fit in nicely, seems to be a good athlete, and smoked the WOD finishing first a few minutes before me. This surprised me, as he seemed nervous before we started, and new people usually don't smoke long met cons. Unless you are freak-of-nature Ricky Baylor (much love and respect of course). Way to go new guy. If you read this, post your name to comments, and thanks for the wall ball shout out.

I finished the first 20 butterflied ab mat sit ups with my hands behind my head, and I did the last ten with my arms extended. Kettlebell swings are also easy to complete, but leave you completely out of gas. Thirty reps later, it was time for 75 double unders.

I am very good at single-skip rope, and decent at double unders, but fatigue made me trip up quite a few times. In general, the Tribers are getting way better at double unders, and my once coveted skill now looks lame in comparison to my posse. I need to hop two singles in between each double under. I am going to practice at home this week, and Patrick Beast Byrnes said he had some tips for me. I'm still waiting for those. . .

New guy cranked out double unders like a legitimate boxer. Here's where he sprinted way past me to clinch his lead. Props where props are due. Hopefully the next time they show up in a WOD, I can loose those hops in between.

I finished the beast at 17:33. My BFF Rosie girl came to check out Crossfit Tribe and cheer me on. I have been recruiting her for some time now. She would also fit in perfectly. Rose is sick enough to love our fast-paced cult and stressed enough to need all that the afterglow provides. Come on in friend, the Kool Aid is delicious.

I want to post a picture of you in a puddle and call you new girl in next week's blog.

Step It Up!

E-2-WOD

50 flights of Art Museum Stairs in under an hour (so my car would not get towed)

My arms were envious of my legs this morning. Jealous that they were pain free and still able to function at full capacity. I figured it was time to stop the green-eyed bickering and crush my calves and quads with a little stair workout.

Plus, it's not "my weekend" with my children, and I had some serious time to kill. The most painful part of divorce is the division of the parenting time, treating the children like they are scheduled little parts of the week that are shuffled back and forth from person to person. When I was married, free time was a delicious commodity, one I craved. On the off chance that I got it, I was on the serious time clock. Now, entire weekends without my children seem endless.

So did running up and down 50 flights of stairs. There was plenty to keep me entertained though. For the first ten flights, there was a wedding party taking photos on the stairs. I am sure the unseasonably tanned bride was thrilled to have an almost-middle-aged psycho woman in a black hoodie with crazy blond hair in the background of her wedding photos. I tried to steer clear of them, but it seemed as if they kept moving towards me.

By far the most annoying thing of the day was all of the people recreating the Rocky scene for their personal video and photo collections. Each of them thought they were original, hilarious and are probably home right now loading that lame-ass shit on their facebooks. Ugh.

Then, there was the heckler. Yes friends, I got heckled. This 45ish guy and his kid thought it was hilarious to count my flights and let me know when my pace was slowing up. Horrifically, the teasing turned into flirting. The Dad asked me if I would like to quit and go have lunch with them. I managed to dodge that, and then he asked me if I would give them a ride when I was done. Pretending to be deaf to all humans over the age of ten, I started to talk only to the kid. Who had the nerve to challenge me to a race! Game on little man!

In the first heat I was nice. Let's face it, I had 31 floors under the belt at this point, and I was running pretty low on gas. We tied. When he cockily called for a rematch, I smoked his little ass. I took each of the 70 steps two at a time, and made that kid look like a little school girl. I realize at this point it seems as if I need a life, but that up and down shit was getting kind of boring, and I needed to pass the time.

As I bid farewell to the crazy Dad and slow-ass kid, they asked me what I was doing for the rest of the day. I told him I had five little boys who were waiting at home for me. They were all too happy to see me go then!

Home would have been a much safer place to go. . . My truck somehow seemed to steer itself to Walnut Street, and I coincidentally picked the parking garage next to my favorite store. Lucky Brand Jeans. After getting a little luckier than I had planned, I headed down to lulu lemon athletica, where I met my two new best friends Anna and skinny girl with perfect curly hair.

I walked into lulu wearing a Crossfit hoodie. This was without a doubt the best choice I made all day. They treated me like athletic royalty. "Oh, well you know how important the right gear is, cause you're a Crossfitter... Yeah well, I tried that Crossfit, but I got beat up and had bruises the first day. It was too much for me...You better go with the pants that have plenty of give since you'll be doing all those box jumps..."

I felt like Mia Hamm as I ripped off shirt after shirt to expose my hot new sports bra. I bought a pair of hundred dollar pants that better make me run faster, squat 200 pounds, and make my ass look like JLo's. Props to lulu lemon for having a rocking staff, amazing clothes and a dressing room you can do burpees in. (I had to make sure my crack was not going to come out of the pants!)

My last stop of the day? City Sports. I finally broke down and bought a pair of five fingers, once described by a gay fashion blogger as "the footwear from hell." After swearing them off for almost a year, my desire to look good has been outweighed by my desire to quiet Steve's bitching about my Nike Shox. Besides, the five fingers came in PINK! Wrap 'em up.

A great day it was, and an even greater night it will be. Third wheeling it to Continental Old City with Rosie Girl and her hottie husband. Martinis and summer rolls for all. Yum.

Maybe I left the man of my dreams on the steps of the art museum with my slow-as-hell future stepson. Maybe the couple on the stairs can photoshop me out the pictures. Maybe next time I'll do 60 flights in under an hour. Maybe my ass will look like JLo's in my new pants. Who knows? These days anything is possible.

One thing is for sure. My arms won't be jealous of my legs tomorrow. I'll be tailgating in a wheelchair.

Sunday's WOD

Heavy Lift:

Carrying the case of Hoegarden out of my truck and into the Limo Bus

7-hour met con

Sprinting back and forth from the cooler to my chair AMRAP

800m brisk walk-hop into the stadium

Sprinting back and forth from the beer stand to my seat (Four rows from the field) AMRAP

Jumping repeatedly while watching the Eagles beat the Skins for a second time!

800m walk to the Limo Bus at a wobbly yet brisk pace

Senora Slacker

I feel like I am the slacker of the bloggers. They average three posts to my one anymore. Anyway, so I feel borderline obligated to write.

So more clarification and my take on last night. As Krista explains it did havw its WINS and FAILS. Overall win of the night (crossfit related) was one classmate believed I could deadlift 450lbs. WIN.

Moving on...yea so I called three Taco Bells to see if they were open and mapped them out, so sue me paleo gods. I am the most resourceful drunk of us two. My drunk partner in crime wanted her cheesy gordita crunch and the world was going to end as we know it in dramatic fashion if she didn't get two and as a friend I try to make shit happen and save all your asses.

So we had some cheesey goridta crunches and lots of alchy that is 10 times worse. How I see it is, since Crossfit I have dramatically cut down my consumption of alcohol and improved my diet. I can count the times I drank the last three months on one hand and they were primarily for my birthday, holidays, and to make class reunions more fun. That to me is an accomplishment and a step in the right direction for a more healthy lifestyle. I am not going to give up all of my fun. Yea we shouldn't have had those tacos but I had an amazing 1-1/2hr car ride that I'll take the lil shit I put in me. I felt like I was back in college, making stupid jokes, just laughing so hard it hurts, getting crazy with my friends, going on mini adventures, and yea I enjoyed my taco. So I say screw it, those type of nights seem to be dwindling as I get older so I will savor them and whatever I eat after 12. I must say I am not hungover so WIN for me.

In other news, I guess I missed the what I am thankful deadline so I have til next year. :)

Crossfit workouts now...woo

Did the HSPU workout E2 talked about and finished in 15:25. Obviously scaled pike pushups on box and I did all my pullups on the blue band. I have graduated from the green to the blue officially. No turning back. Next is purple!! Hopefully by Presidents Weekend. haha

The hardest workout I did thus far was this past week. My PR powerclean is 75lbs and here I am doing 3 75lb cleans, 6 box pushups, 9 squats max reps 3 mins...1 min rest..5 rounds. Holy crap cleaning was no fun but I did clean 75lbs 9 times the first round and slowly got worse each round. haha I was just surprised I could clean it that much because it is my PR to date. So I am improving but it was definitely very hard.

Okay gotta run..going to north jersey..kells

Awkward Turkey....KTo

I know I'm late on the 30 day challenge bus... but after I basically cleared out Taco Bell last night & a bag of chips( thanks for the reminder kells) I feel like SHIT. I've been eating healthy, no I can't even type that it's a lie. It ends now. I'm going paleo for 30 days. Im only drinking 2 beers when I do drink.

On a more awkward note, last night was my 6 1/2 year reunion. I know I know I'm old! Of course there were a few WINS and some massive FAILS. After the double-whiskey-coke-no ice kicked in I had a blast.  Funny how fbook takes away the element of surprise at reunions for me.  I blame my drunkeness on the dirty lines at that place, the draught beer tasted like waxy shit so watch out. The biggest WIN was the dance party at RICHEEZ.... good shit. Biggest FAIL- talking to someone you only know through their CRAZY status updates to find they are...well boring. I just expected so much more insanity. Oh well thats what I get for fbook stalking-defriended. The night ended with a trip to one Taco Bell that closed so Kells got on her phone and called around for a open Taco Bell at 2am, that's a friend or a partner in fattyMcfattness. Either way, I got  my 2 cheesey gordita chicken crunches and cinnamon twists, and Angs cinnamon twists, end scene. I woke up today not sure what hurt more my headache from the jack or my stomach from the war I raged against it last night. Here's a visual:

BIG THANKS to Greg for DD and putting up with my drunk ass

Rocky steps with E2-Fthat, FFFThatttt haahah

KTo OUT

What a Strapper

Burn the Bird WOD
Strength:Pike push ups on the box 1-1-1-1-1
Metcon:
15 Pike Push ups
400m Run
15 Pullups
12 Pike Push ups
15 Pullups
400m Run
12 Pullups
9 Pike Push ups
400m Run
9 Pullups

FRAN + Burn the Bird = Arms that don't fully extend over your head.

I'm not kidding. I'm laying in bed with my littles and I can barely move these rubberbands I used to call arms. I overslept for the 9am WOD today by the Grace of God. It's bench pressing. Not sure if I could bench press a pencil right now. I'm craving a stretch but it hurts to move.

Yesterday's WOD was pretty cool. The list you see above was subbed of course. Rxd was HSPUs and weighted pull ups, and the beasts that completed that were nothing short of hot-hot-hot. I finished in 11:46 and was happy with that.

On the last round last set of nine pull ups, I returned from my sprint to find my purple band gone. I walked around in a circle confused, not sure what to do, knowing the clock was ticking, when Kellz pointed to the highest pull up bar. Someone moved my pull up band from the low bar (where I need a box to get in it), to the high bar. After a very subtle, "WHAT THE FUCK?" I asked for Warren's help to get on the higher bar and banged out the last nine.

My anger at losing 7 or so seconds and someone moving my band surprised me. The mover in question was a newbie, who wanted to use the band and had no idea that it was not Paleo to move someone's equipment in the middle of the workout. Poor guy will not do that again. If he comes back.

Best part was I thought Darius was the culprit. He occupied my original spot, spread out like a tattooed eagle doing textbook weighted pullups. I took one look at him and screamed, "Yo pretty boy, did you move my band?" Of course, he laughed in reponse.

I'm so frustrated that I need that stupid thing to begin with. That's probably why the anti-Erin reared her ugly mouth. I am on the last color in the blasted rainbow series, and there is one more thinner purple before I leave that strap forever. I want to be done with it by April 12, my 37th birthday. That is, if i can move my arms by then.

I missed the 9, the 10 just started, so today it's a WOD of my own creation. I am heading to the Art Museum to Rocky up and down the steps. I will let these useless appendages hang while my powerhouse quads do all the work. After that--a long run too.

I invited my partner in everything Crossfit and Criminal to go with me. Kto's response, a very simple five letter Facebook post. "Fthat."

If I could reach the phone on my nightstand, I'd text her back a very original hahahaha. But alas, I am stuck here in my bed, with only my legs to drive me through the day. Pray that I find the recover enough to hold my beers tomorrow!

Sidebar: I know my hot ginger-snap date will gladly hold my pint while I drink it through a straw. GO EAGLES!

ThanksFRANing Day

WOD: Fran
21-15-9
Thrusters, 45lbs.
Pull Ups
Time: 6:57

Today I am thankful for my son Kevin Patrick and his leadership, maturity, sweet loving ways and his rocking cool faux hawk. He’s John Cena from WWE meets Andy from Toy Story.

I am thankful for Jack Patrick and his recovery that is nothing short of amazing, his sense of humor and his perfect little face. Even as his 40-pound body shoves me off the edge of my California King bed in the middle of the night, I love every yummy inch of him.

I am thankful for Kelly Claire. She saved me four years ago, and she continues to do so on a daily basis. Her blue-eyed innocence and her high-heeled fashion sense rock my world. She will forever be my dreams personified.

I am thankful for my mother. She gave birth to me 36 years ago and continues to give life to me every day. She is the main investigator on Case Jack, and she has helped me find my boy. I’m forever in her debt.

I am thankful for Crossfit and my Tribe of crazies. Steve for having the passion and the drive to lead the charge. DeLuca and his perfect eyebrows. Erin and her encouragement. Pat and his beastliness. Tim and his sound effects. Ali and her transformation. Kellz and her commitment. Chris and his nipple rings. Warren and his smile. The Collingswood contingent and all they bring to the pull up bar. Justin & Alycia and their costumes. Darius and his goofy hotness. Greengas and her strength. Dan and his Collingswood listings. Stink and his Pop Shop. Ian and his filth. Rick Liberati and his—oh, that’s right, he quit. And for those I haven’t mentioned, hell I love you too. Especially if I can out run or out squat you.

I am thankful for my Steve’s Club boys, especially Figgy, Charlie and Doc. They show me that triumph in the face of adversity is worth fighting for. They also remind me to teach my children the goodness of all their birthright provided.

I am thankful that Richard is home safe. A finer man I do not know. He served bravely for 7 months without complaint. A Major in the Marine Corps, he flew helicopters at night over the dangerous skies of Afghanastan. More importantly, he sits at the head of my favorite family—the Youngs of Mullica Hill.

I am thankful for Rosie Girl. She helps me to be the most beautiful me that I can be, both inside and out. And let's face it, she's dirty hot.

Last but not least, I am thankful for KTo. She spends almost ten hours a day with me and loves me despite myself. Her support professionally, personally and physically makes everyday a dance party. She is funny, strong, smart, beautiful and has an insane tattoo. Her boyfriend has a rocking cool pad at 9th and Spruce I get to crash at. What more could you ask for in a friend?

Happy Thanksgiving peeps. I’m glad I structured my Thanksgiving Day (and my Thanksgiving Eve) around Fran. Her reputation of being a whore is not totally deserved. She wasn’t all that bad. And for that I am most thankful.

What are you thankful for?

  As I sit here post-Fran & wine  in hand I can't help but think, DAMN life is good. I have an utterly AMAZING circle of friends and family who I love more and more each day.  I'm stronger & faster than I've ever been in my life and I'm encouraged each day to give more of myself. Each year I look back and think about what new event or change I'm most thankful for. Usually   I  ponder over a few glasses of wine before making my final decision. This year I knew the answer before popping the first cork, CROSSFIT.

Following this crazy blog of Kells E2 & myself you probably saw that one coming...

 I've gained so many new BFFs through the Tribe I can't even begin to count or thank! Each one has helped lift me through grueling moments both in & out of the gym. They've helped me not "DROP THAT SHIT" & reminded me when I wore my blouse. I love them all.  

In 2009 I am most thankful for my Crossfit Family.

WOD 

(Wine of the Day)

Red Cat "The Original Hot Tub Wine"

How could you NOT drink a wine with a picture of a cat in a hot tub on the front??  That's one hot pussy. The Oneill Family first introduced me to this sweet nectar. It's a rose wine that's super smooth and sweet. Hands down my favorite wine. Red Cat hails from the Hazlitt Winery  in the Finger Lakes, NY. At 8.99 it's a recession buy fosho! I've only found it at Total Wine in Cherry Hill & Dela-where. 

Side Note: Last night at Varga, tasted Sly Fox's Christmas Ale. WERD UP. This year Sly Fox has really grown on me. Good stuff.

KTO OUT

 

BREAKFAST OF BRAINLESS CHAMPIONS

I picked the headless box pic for this post because I was without my ever-loving mind to get up this morning at 6am to Crossfit. It must be Monday. I must be trying to make up for a slack week. I must be completely brainless.

Just kidding. But not really.

I absolutely love training with Erin D, better known as Erin-1, so the pain was worth it. But man was it cold and damp at 6:30am when I left the house! I skipped my usual coffee for fear of listening to it slosh around my empty stomach and burping it up while I was doing burpees. I have made that mistake before at a weekend open gym, and man it ain't pretty. With the exception of extremely loud music, sound effects in the gym are useless. Unless of course, they come from my boy Timmy Carr.

WOD

Buy In: Renegade Rows 15lbs, 10 reps

AMRAP, 20 minutes

25 burpees

15 95lb. back squats

I surprised myself with the buy in. A renegade row is a full push up but upon extension, you must complete a full row with each arm. One and one was one, which in the CF world means you have to complete the rep on both sides for it to count as one. I completed 5 with minimal pain, took a breather, and completed the last 5. For most people, this would not be a great feat, but I have the upper body strength of my Grandmother, who has been dead for 7 years now. I'm working on it.

Lower body is a different story. I was going to attempt to use 115lbs. for the back squat, but after seeing one rep at 95lbs., I knew that I was where I needed to be. Rx'd weight on the backsquat was bodyweight, but I would have put up one round if I attempted that.

Erin put me in the cage, which was super cool and made me feel extremely diesel. I have only seen Pat and Darius in there, and at the time, both were looking all kinds of ripped while backsquatting multiple times their body weight. Shirtless. Now that I'm sweating more that I did this am, back to the WOD.

It was a son of a mother squatting bitch. The first burpees were close to impossible. Not sure why. Maybe it was the time of day, my lack of activity the week prior or the multiple beverages I consumed on Saturday night. It's any one's guess. And yes, Steve, I know what your guess is, so no need to post. CF first, AA later.

The backsquats were actually fun. I completed them in three sets of 5 and never failed. I burned the hell out of my legs, and I enjoyed every rep. Holding my breath makes all the difference. This portion of the WOD was my rest. Erin said my backsquats were "ass to grass." I'm very proud of my mobility, one of the few things I get to actually show off at my gym with all the bionical twenty-somethings running around.

I ended up one backsquat shy of four rounds. Out out damn water spot! I took too many drink breaks, and as Erin counted down the final seconds, it became painfully aware that I was going to be a down-up away. I completed the last rep for good measure but was disappointed. Four full rounds was my mental goal.

I laid on the ground for some time to recover. My comrades were cleaning up their weights and chatting about the WOD, but I worked on my sweat angel for a good 7 minutes. This is my favorite part about Crossfit. I'm addicted to the afterglow. And much like when doing the real deal, I don't want any talking, snuggling or touching immediately after. Maybe just a big swig of water and the bathroom before hauling myself up and moving on with my day. (Unless the trainer-o-the-day is going to call for another round. I'm always up for a big buyout or invisible chairsit.)

It was nice to be done before the day even started. It was even better to return home, eager to jump in the shower but distracted by the young stud waiting under the covers. He was warm, he was delicious, and he was so happy to see me. I wrapped my arms around him, my hair still wet with sweat, smelled his sweet neck and drifted back to sleep.

It was a super clean diet day too! Paleo and sugar-booze free, with one orange as a mid-morning snack. Over 120 grams of protein consumed. I feel very good tonight and am going to have ten hours of sleep for dessert.

Getting up at the crack of dawn for my sweaty session was not brainless after all. My breakfast included 100 burpees, 59 backsquats and the love of a good Jack. On that note, I bid you good night, and I set my alarm for 7:30 am.

AN OFF WEAK WITH A HAPPY ENDING

What a terrible training week. Kick offs and kids off only allowed me to get in one CF session and two four mile runs. I feel tired, cranky and generally miserable.

Not to be confused with how I felt last night! Rocking the Bancroft Butterfly Ball with KTo and Dr. Feelgood was an absolute blast. Celebrating the magic of Bancroft and all that has been done for my Jackie and others with developmental disabilities was an incredible experience. (The mini egg rolls and the bartender I bribed to keep the last of the Amstels hidden on ice weren't bad either.)

I proudly told all of the rich bitches at the shin dig that I was a proud parent of a child with a developmental disability. In most circles, stating that your child has Autism only gets you awkward stares and unwanted pity. But at the Butterfly Ball, telling others that my Jack is being cured at the skillful hands of the brilliant Bancroft professionals turned my platform open-toe Michael Kors' stilettos into tiny glass slippers. And even though I was the only chick rocking a black-pants-off-the-shoulder catsuit at the ball, I felt like a modern-day Cinderella in faux jewels and false eyelashes.

In my twisted tale, Dr. G is my fairy Godfather and KTo is my non-wicked stepsister. Jack is my prince, and even though he's not ready to marry me just yet, he can give and accept physical affection and spiritual love. What more could I ask for? A prince closer to my age? An unassisted pull up? A sub-22 5K? All in good time friends.

There's a few things I've learned over the past four years. Searching for a missing child that's right next to you is a daunting task. Looking for happiness in an environment of despair can seem impossible. Struggling for strength when you feel like giving up is exhausting. That said--finding your child and creating the environment he needs to be happy and strong is it's own reward. No, it's probably not the way I would have written my Happily Ever After, but it's my tale, and it's the stuff dreams are made of.

Thanks KTo and Fairy G for all of your nonsense. I love it so. Special thanks Bancroft for making the event open bar. I was buzzed enough to dance that line between appropriate and inappropriate which is always a good laugh for everyone at the United Way table (except for that one wife who is so annoyed with me that she makes her husband leave early). Lastly, BIG props to Fred for the fabulous dance moves. I'd like to say I was your Ginger, but the original Ginger lush was in the house and was mixing her cocktail choices, so I'm happy being Cinderella. Come over with the platform stiletto when you are ready, and we will see if it fits.

See you at 7am Crossfit. I'll pay the piper for my absence, but that's okay. After writing this post, I'm much less tired, cranky and generally not miserable.

Addicted! -Kells

Yea I am. My shoulder is stopping me from going everyday but 4 times this week for me. :)

Had alot more firsts this week...you always learn something new everyday so its never dull and that is one of the many reasons I keep coming back.

-Met 1/2 Angie...meh I like Helen, Elizabeth and Cindy better.:P I am actually gonna call her the "Karen" of the group. This isn't someone who is easy on your shoulder but I am not gonna b*tch about it. Anyway still powered through the workout and I hope next time I do her I use smaller band and do 75! :)

Shoutout to Kto and Greengas for doing their first bandless pull up! :) I am so proud of them and I guess I have to hang out with the bands alone. tear haha.

-Front squats - 95lbs

- The Bear Complex...Roar..Do bears roar? or is that just lions? Anyway did from 35lbs-45lbs with my best time in my 5th round(45lbs - 2:15) I was getting the hang of the movements more each round and was alil tired but not really because I stayed on the lighter side to not make my injury worse. I know it is smarter to go lighter than hurt myself and be out for a long time. Idk what I would do then..go through withdrawal. haha I guess just squat everyday. :)

-Deadlifted 175lbs 3 times. My PR is 185 but I remember last time I struggled getting 175 up consistently. Not that it was easy, but it felt easier than last time and I didn't fail. Failing anything sucks.

-Uppercutted my nose with the bar while doing a push press....that also sucks hardcore.

Oh and awesome note. I did 17 burpees in 1 minute. Sometimes I surprise myself. Before we did it I thought...okay sprint 100m and then hope to get 10-12 burpees in a minute.

Just goes to show the results are there if you put out the effort and that is the most rewarding part. :)

holla weekend!

HAPPY FRIDAY! -KTo

Happy Friday

Don't worry Steve, It's Sunflowerseedbutter

There were apples...

An Open Letter to the Tribe Pullup Bands...

Dear Pullup Bands,

Hey.. I know you've heard the rumors and well I thought you should hear it from me first. This relationship is....well  it's not you it's me. Really. Don't blame this on yourself. We've been growing apart lately. I know this may seem sudden, but it's not. Since Grippler Crippler I've known. You've been there for me since day one, giving me that extra umph helping me along through Cindy & Fran and for that I'll never forget you. I know this must be hard on you, you've recently lost your dear friend Rachel Greengas and EKellz has been checking out the bare bar...we all know. But don't fret, there are plenty of new tribers in the box every week! We're just better as friends. I'll see you round the rings every once and a while.

Thanks for the memories,

KTo


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Today I did my first unassisted pullups.

Badass.

Special Thanks to Steve, Rachel & Tim today!

Good Karma

My first thought goes to my beloved KTo and her BFF Kells. I am not worthy to be on your blog. You are younger, funnier, hotter, cooler and faster. Alright, maybe you're not faster, but you will be soon. Get off my ASS in the gym, but thanks for letting me be a part of your mASSterpiece. Someday when we have over 5 followers we will rule the world.

Weird day for me to start blogging about Crossfitting, because I did not do Angie today. She is a whore, and I would have loved to battle her, but I had someone to keep company. I went to court with my boy Figgy. I fell in love with Fig the day I met him. His aura of innocence is the ultimate irony for he has seen more pain in his twenty years than most of us see in a lifetime. I couldn't let him go alone.

After court, over bacon cheddar cheeseburgers, he asked me if I believed in karma. I did not hesitate to answer yes, and I added the hope that some good was coming his way soon. He said he was patiently waiting for it to arrive. Webster defines karma as the force generated by a person's actions. Fig honors his mother, cares for his siblings, shows the utmost respect to the Tribers and is humble beyond belief. He made some mistakes but who hasn't? It's his turn to get it right, and I know he will.

My good karma arrived in January of this year when I walked into our starter home on Route 38. I was looking for a way to workout on my lunch hour and searching for the strength to change my life. I needed a place to be Erin the athlete and escape the mother-wife-writer-VP-autism advocate-crusader I was the other 23 hours of the day. I was welcomed home by Steve and Erin-1 that day, and I am forever in their debt.

I told Figgy he too has a home at the Tribe with his boyz from Steve's Club. Our Tale of Two Tribes sharing space and sweat and Steve is a sweet one. I love to feed the kids as much as I love that they feed my soul. When things get hard for Fig over the next months, I want him to remember he has a place to hang his many unbroken brim baseball hats, tags still attached.

Can't wait to deadlift tomorrow. I know Kells will kill it. She has something to prove for sure. I hope I can squeeze in a run, I hauled four miles today and four yesterday. If I don't lean out I'll never get a pull up or be rid of the box my Grandmother uses to assist her in her push ups.

My last thought goes out to Fig. You are young, funny, hot, cool and fast. Alright, maybe you're not fast, but you are good at making Paleokits. Watch out for your ASS, and make your future your very own mASSterpiece. In five years, you'll be well on your way to ruling the world.

ANGIE

Coming off of a wedding weekend, this was an awesome workout for me. I did 1/2 Angie, finished and went back for 25 more of Angie ending in 24:39. I'm confident the next time Angie rolls her bitch ass into the tribe I'll kill it 100 reps.

In other news... yesterday I visited PYT( in the piazza@ schmidts in nolibs) Got the PYT Burger..AHHHHHMAZING...the Burger was Paleo..I think.. but not the wonderful Martin's Potato Bread Bun, orrr the Adult Milkshake Peanutbutterchocolatebanana with RUMMM...YUMM. But you win some you loose some. Back to cutting carbs this week.

On the Beer Scene I've been really enjoying the Yards Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale 9%  @ Varga Bar . It's a strong golden ale that's super smooth and one of 2 of Varga's Cask Ales .Varga has become one of my favorite new spots, great rotating beer selection, sweet potato gnocchi that's out of this world, and of course my new obsession- cereal ice cream, not to mention its 1/2 block from my BF's house. Also right off PATCO @ 10th & Locust.  I suggest you check it out, and if you do give me a call...



 Or just look for this woman I'm usually right next to her...

3 in a row!

I can remember in the very beginning, about a month ago, that after one workout I was so sore the next day that it was hard enough to get out of bed and walk down the stairs in the morning and the thought of going to Crossfit the day after was LUDICROUS!!! If you don't believe me, look at my first couple posts. haha

Now I recently did 3 workouts in a row! HOLLA!

Sunday

Open Gym
(Side Note:People competing at the games were there and did 3 hardcore workouts in one day. I refer to them as "the hardcores". <3 their energy)

Cindy - AMRAP 20 mins
5 pull ups - green band
10 push ups
15 squats

I actually really like to do Cindy, thats right I like to do her, because I think it helps work on two things I am really bad at: pull ups and push ups. My body is getting stronger but I can't say my memory is....I am pretty sure I did 11 rounds.

I also practiced technique for cleans using 55lbs. I am getting more comfortable but it still feels foreign. I ended the afternoon with tabata planks. <3 them.

Monday

Filthy 25's (would be 50 if I was a 'hardcore')

30 mins to complete! GO

25 Box jump, 24 inch box
25 Jumping pull-ups
25 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
Walking Lunge, 25 steps
25 Knees to elbows
25 Push press, 45 pounds
25 Back extensions
25 Wall ball shots, 14 pound ball
25 Burpees
25 Double unders


Maybe I am sick but I really liked this one. Maybe because it wasn't repetitive. We first substituted 25 double unders for 100 rotations jump roping because double unders is a hard skill to acquire. (Where the rope passes under twice for one jump)

I completed the workout in 21:32. Then I tried to do double unders and successful completed the total workout in 26:26. I was proud of myself because going into it I did not think I would complete it in 30 mins and I was well under. Next time I should probably try to kill myself and do a higher rep. Worked out first time with Esha and she did awesome too. All the other nooners had too much to drink this weekend I guess. :) That workout really made my ass hurt..haha but according to my trainer that means I am doing it right.

Tuesday

Strength/Skill
Clean
1-1-1

WOD
AMRAP in 12 minutes
35 lb. db. Clean, 3 reps each arm
35 pound KB Swing, 6 reps
Knees to elbows, 9 reps

Did cleans alil differently today! THANK GOD! haha Used dumbells and did singles. For strength we did one rep each arm with 25lbs, 35lbs, and 45lbs. Then for the WOD we used 35lbs. Did 5 rounds + 1 clean in 12 mins. I really tried to keep up with E2 and Kto. They push me to do better and I <3 them. Here are pics of them beasting 205lbs deadlifts!!

Super Duper Special Side Note: I have lost 2" off my waist and I still enjoy chocolate chip cookies and the occasional cheesesteak. Thanks Crossfit!! :)

Sorry Steve about the cheesesteaks and cookies. haha

One month mark! yay

I am basically at my one month mark! yay! Lets see in one month I feel a lot stronger, leaner, SKINNIER, HAPPIER and HEALTHIER! I gotta say not too bad for one month. I do need to work on eating more protein though but I am improving on my diet. I know me enough that I can't change it overnight.

I also learned a lot of new things I never knew before:

-What's a burpee and that they are not my friend
-What kbells are and how to properly swing them
-What power cleans are and how to properly do them even though most the time I dont
-Tried deadlifts for the first time ever and that so far I can do 185lbs
-Kipping and that I can actually accomplish a pullup with the help of a band.
-What ring rows, ring dips, thrusters, squat cleans, mountain climbers, strict press, knees to elbows, wall balls, box jumps, and hspu all are and tried them for the first time ever in my life.
-That I love/hate Elizabeth, Cindy and Helen.
-That I can have a way better workout in 20mins that 30mins on the treadmill could never ever touch in 4 million lifetimes
-That I love doing invisible chairs and throwing E2 under the bus
-That I admire everyone I workout with and love their positive energy

And the learning continues everyday. :)

Today:

WOD
4 RDS

100 m SPRINT!! (emphasis on the SPRINT)
8 Thrusters 55lbs
(3 min rest in between)

Okay my first round was my best haha - 1:24. I didnt subtract the rest yet. I completed it and did my best. I need to perfect my form!! ARG!

Definitely can feel it in my thighs! OMG!! Im scaried for tomorrow morning. Foam roller is my bff.

Wednesday:

Deadlifts! 7x1

Did a few lighter weights like 155/165 then lifted 175lbs twice and 185lbs once. Personal best is 185. :) E2 and KTo put up 205 like it was no thing. Beoches. haha. One day! Tim put up 475! Beast mode!

5 mins AMRAP Pushups

Did 81.....yea hardcore scaled :)

Favorite part of the day....INVISIBLE CHAIR

The Gripler Cripler

4 Rounds

100m Run

10 Sandbag Shouldering (i.e. ground to shoulder)

(5 each side)

20 Knees to Elbow

20 Pull Ups

About halfway through when I saw Tim pull out the tape and wrap up his hands I looked down and saw blood. Welcome to Crossfit. I love it. Tim tossed me the tape, I wrapped the shit outta my hands ( with the help of C's teeth) and carried on. Yeah it sucked, but it would have sucked more if I didn't finish. So I kept jumping up to the bar one pull-up at a time. At one point I paused to catch my breath and took a look around. The sweat, blood, and pre-vomit burps surrounded me- what a beautiful moment. 

Big UPs  to the 12Nooners

 And on the beer side of this blog...I'm at Varga Bar sippin on some SlyFox Black Raspberry. Ahhhmazing. Picture to come after if  I find my phone cord haha.. Oh and if you want to check out an amazing Philly Beer Blog go to Beer Lass. They even have a Women's IPA( In Pursuit of Ale) club! <3  and now onto a Hoptimus Prime!

On a lighter note LETS GO 2010 FIGHTINS!

Plus we will always be the WFC!!!