to honor the fallen

When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished.  What he does after that is all in the line of work.  ~Edward F. Croker


Tomorrow, the hubs and I, along with many of our fellow Crossfitters will be heading up to Prescott, AZ for an event at Captain Crossfit to honor the 19 fallen heroes. 



Crossfitters across the State of Arizona, across the Nation, and across the World will be participating in this same workout, on this same day. How cool is that. How moving is that. 
This goes to show, that like the small town community of Prescott, the Crossfit community is just as tight knit, just as supportive, just as touched and affected by this tragedy as this small town. 

I am mindful going into this event that the hard work I am preparing my self to accomplish is for these 19 men. This event is to celebrate their lives, honor their death, and support their families. 

Please... if you can help in any way, please Donate HERE. Even if it is just $5.00, every little bit helps. 

howdy-ho neighbor

Hey, guess what??  I'm home sick today. Perrrfect day to catch up on le blog. Are you ready...


First Topic:  Paleo Challenge

So, the Paleo Challenge ended Saturday, November 21. The bad news, I wasn't First Place. The good news, I was Third Place! But really, if you stuck to the program, we were all winners. Wanna see my results... okay, here's the deets:

• Food Points : 168 (that is a PERFECT Score... 6 points a day for 4 weeks straight... no cheats here!)
• WOD Time : 7:19 (my WOD time at the beginning was 8:10... I shaved off nearly an entire minute!)
• Lost Inches : 5.66 (2.8 on waist, 1.8 on hips, .06 on chest, gained 1.9 on thighs... we squat ALOT, 1 on arms)
• Lost Body Fat Percentage : 3.7% (I took first in this catagory for girls... kinda a big deal)
• Lost Pounds : 8.2 (yes, in 30 days!!!)

True story people! This really happened to me! I was totally on cloud nine about my results. So much so, that I have continued to eat strict Paleo. I did have a few cheats during Thanksgiving (more on that later) but overall, I'm in it to win it! The positive changes occurring in my body are affecting everything else in my world. I'm becoming mentally stronger, physically stronger, and spiritually stronger. It's like I'm totally aligned with myself. It's wonderful, and so amazing to me that so much of the way we feel has to do with the food we put into our bodies. It's legit science, I read about it as much as I can on the internet and ebooks. So crazy!
Anyway, it's the path I've chosen to go and so far so good. I'm taking things one day at a time. I'm making small goals and achieving them at rapid pace. It's exciting and inspiring (yeah, I'm totally inspiring myself. Crazy!)

Second Topic:  Thanksgiving

How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was lovely! We spent an entire 4+ days back home in SoCal. It was lovely! We left out on Wednesday afternoon and made the 5 hour drive. I had enough time to get all the Paleo Desserts made that night. Wanna see what I made... these photos are borrowed, btw.

Source: paleomg.com via Ann on Pinterest

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cheesecake
The only was I know how to describe this is freaking ah-mazing! I nearly ate the entire thing to myself... not-even-kidding! I don't know if I was just starved for sweets (totally my downfall) but this was totally Paleo so technically I wasn't even cheating!


Pumpkin Butter Truffles
Seriously delish, and so incredibly simple to make. I did choose to add some ground up flax seed to help as a binder (a suggestion from a CF friend). Also, next time I don't think I'll use 72% Cacao chocolate. I forget that not everyone is a dark chocolate fan and it can get bitter to some. (Although, it just means more for me! hehehe)

Source: againstallgrain.com via Against All Grain on Pinterest

Grain-Free And Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
I know, I know, doesn't sound legit, but it was soooo good! Until I burned the crust, but whatev's. I cooked it the night before and left it in the oven to set (because seriously, there was like, no room anywhere in that kitchen). So, come Turkey morning we turned the oven on to preheat and you-guessed-it... the pie got baked, again. But... the inside was totally edible. I mean, the whole thing was technically edible, but the crust was dark indeed. Lol. We decided to put in on the counter with a spoon and as people walked by they'd take a scoop out. Hey, we're all family so we all have the same cooties. It totally worked out. A sweet appetizer, if you will.

Turkey Day was good, the ma-in-law and sis-in-law kept me company in the kitchen and we all stayed busy. We had Turkey and Ham, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Mashed White Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts with Onion and Bacon, Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, and Cresent Rolls. I kept it Paleo, and for the first time I think Ever, I didn't overeat and that felt awesome. I cleaned up and did the dishes, and before I knew it I was mid-breakdown. Emotion caught up with me, and I deeply and painfully missed my Dad. Things like this happen, and I let them run their course. I hope they never stop, because even the pain of missing him makes me weirdly happy.

Turkey Day morning the hubs, the dad-in-law and I got in a good workout.... we did Cindy, a 20 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of 5 Pull Ups, 10 Push Ups, 15 Air Squats. Friday we were able to visit Crossfit Kinnick (home of the Games competitor Jeremy Kinnick) and get a parter WOD in. (This is the dad-in-law's home crossfit box). "Black Butter" was a 30 minute AMRAP of 200 meter run (together carring a 35# kettlebell), 10 Clean and Press at 85#, 10 Burpee Box Jumps at 20", 10 Kb swings at 35#. It was my first RX'd workout and I rocked it (along with my partner Katie). Wanna see me all beastly...

Yeah, that's me... gettin' it done! Light Weight! hehe
Friday during the day we spent making Tamales, a family tradition. Saturday we went up to Grampa's. Grampa is 90 years old, and he is my kids Great-Great-Grandfather. How cool is that! He lives in the mountains and has the most amazing old cabin filled with schtuff... it's an American Picker's dream! Sunday was drive home day and settle in before the work week. Great trip, all around!

Third Topic: Christmas

Are you ready? Because I sure am not. lol. I'm usually the lady that decorates the week before Thanksgiving, I love Christmas That Much! But this year, I didn't get things decorated until this past weekend, and even then I sifted through my decorations and got rid of A-Lot! I don't want to be cluttered this year. I'd absolutely love to buy new decorations, but you know how that goes... do you spend the money of decorations, or on the kids. Kids win every time. But when they're old enough to know better, I'm gonna get me some serious Christmas decor. Watch out!
The hubs and I did most of the shopping this past Sunday. We're not doing big gifts for the grownups, just the kids. That's the way it should be. Daddy always said Christmas is about the kids. I like to spoil them, both mine and my sister's. But I also try and put them all in check, they get so much that I constantly remind them about the kids who get nothing because they're poor.
Now to wrap the gifts I have, which funny enough is becoming one of my favorite things about the holidays. Even though the kids just rip it right off, I enjoy making pretty presents. hehe
The kids are having a Christmas party next weekend. I'd better get planning. I think we'll do a few minute to win it games and fill them up on lots of holiday sweets. Paleo sweets. hehe


Okay, it has taken me for-ev-er to type this blog up. I'm gonna go relax on the couch with some Kombucha and hot tea and a holiday movie. Until next time... ttfn!

crossfit: week 1

Friday. August 31, 2012.
10:58am

Monday's workout was tough, but super fun.

Tuesday's workout was even tougher, but fun and exciting to be learning lifts.

Wednesday I had a much needed massage and I am not in Scottsdale on Thursdays so this gave me two whole days to recover from Monday and Tuesday's workouts.

I needed the time. My body needed the time. And to be completely honest, on Wednesday night I didn't think I was gonna be able to make it on Friday. My calves felt like overfilled water balloons stretched on a thinning rubber band and ready to explode any minute. My quads and glutes were crying and protesting... you can tell it's been a little while since they've been worked hard. Core and arms were a bit sore but it was that glorious soreness where you worked hard enough to be reminded but not unable to move. Above all, by far the worse pain was in the arches of my feet. I very much wanted to lay in bed and cry Wednesday night because I felt as though I lost the use of my feet. Flat footed, toes pointed... didn't matter. My feet were radiating in pain. I had them rubbed (and good) which did help to try and loosen them up a bit. We use our feet for absolutely everything, and when you don't want to use them, you can't. It's frustrating. I'm not sure if it is because of the Merrell shoes I wear (which have minimal cushioning) or from the jumping on my toes, but my insteps huuuuuuuuuurt!

Today is Friday, and I feel ten times better than I did on Wednesday, that's for sure. My calves are still sore, as are my feet. And my shins are starting to give me problems (that could have been from me racing my daughter to the car last night, from across the parking lot... in Converse shoes... and No compression socks, which I desperately need when I run). But... I AM going to class today at 3pm. It was my personal goal for week one to come to 3 classes, by myself without the hubs. I will accomplish that goal.

The workout today is comforting in the fact that you get to choose your method but in no way will it be easy.
Here is the workout:
WOD: For Time
Weight- Your Choice!
Level 1: In any combination- Stone Shoulder, Sand bag Clean, Log Clean 3,000 (men) /2,000lbs. (women)
Level 2: In any combination- Stone Shoulder, Sand bag Clean, Log Clean 4,000/3,000lbs.
Level 3: In any combination- Stone Shoulder, Sand bag Clean, Log Clean 5,000/4,000lbs.
Level 4: In any combination- Stone Shoulder, Sand bag Clean, Log Clean 6,000/5,000lbs.
Metabolic Conditioning- Yup, Your Choice Again!
Level 1: In any combination of distance- 1,600m.
Level 2: In any combination of distance- 2,000m.
Level 3: In any combination of distance- 2,400m.
Level 4: In any combination of distance- 3,200m.
By the way... I'm a level 1, duh! hehe
I'm excited for the workout. I know I'll work, I know that I will get out what I put it. I know that it is me against the workout, and me against myself. This is the crossfit way. I'll be back later to update on the workout and my feelings / progress. 
Until then...

i made it to the white board

Monday, August 27, 2012.

I made it to the white board! I finished (or rather, survived) my first official WOD!

I walked into Urban Warfit with a belly full of butterflies. I said a silent prayer and vowed to just be myself, give it all that I had and try not to feel intimidated.

The first people I see were Skip Divelbiss and Sarina Brown (both who coach at the box). I introduced myself and noted that this was my first official day. Skip walked me into the gym, pointed out a few things and made some nice small talk, I think more to just get me calm and comfortable. He introduced me to Jacob (Jake) Martinez who was to be my coach for the 3pm class. Cool.

Me being like my father, I arrived 20+ minutes early, and Skip suggested I start stretching and warming up. I began to do so, but then had an additional question. I ran up front and began speaking with Sarina. What a sweetie woman! She was warm and listened to my still nervous rambling and was just overall encouraging. She suggested I come back on Wednesday at 2:30pm so that we could take my weight and measurements and every month we could take them again to see my progress (girls tend to be more into this kind of thing, lol). Great! My confidence was rising already.

I walked back into the gym and saw a few girls my age (okay, they weren't exactly my age... they were more like college) and to my amazement I walked right up to them and began asking questions about the workout. Soon enough introductions were made, and I was beginning to feel the nerves slip away.

Coach yells for everyone to grab a lacrosse ball and a foam roller for 20 minutes of mobility. Okay, cool. A little ball rub on the back, and a little leg roll on the foam roller, get everything massaged... sounds good to me. Except when I actually began to do the mobility exercises, it was Painful! Ouch! Talk about deep tissue. I imagined it alot like yoga, just breathe through the tough parts (there was alot of breathing through, lol).

After that, we gather to the white board and the WOD (Workout Of the Day) is explained to us. Here it is:

Jump Rope Intervals
4 Rounds- Score is lowest round
2 min. Work
1 min. Rest (4th round of jump rope leads directly into row.)
Row Intervals
4 Rounds x – Score is total meters rowed.
500m.
1 min. Rest

Once again, we are to keep our own score. (This is not something that I am used to). Ugh. So... we take our places, and as the 10 second countdown on the clock begins I'm all nerves again. In the back of my head I'm thinking, c'mon... it's jump rope. So what, you haven't skipped rope since you were a kid. You get to start at level 1, single jumps instead of double unders. No big deal...

I get through 26 jumps unbroken and unexpectedly my chest is on fire. I quick start again and get another 20+ in. "30 seconds" yells coach Jake. 30 Seconds! That's it! I'm gonna die! I have a minute and a half left of Round ONE! Eeeek! Okay, get control of yourself. Deep breath. Don't freak, don't give up. Pace yourself, pace yourself... I end up Round 1 with 107. Okay, I was shooting for 150 but that's okay, I'll get it next round. And sure enough, Round 2 I get 156. Sweet! Round 3 I get 166 and the final Round 4 where I was sure that my lungs were going to explode I get 167. Yay Me!

Now onto Rowing. Cool, I liked this part during my Baseline on Friday. 500 meters as fast as you can. Ready, GO! I'm giving it my all, and that last 100 meters I truly thought that there was no way I was going to make it 4 whole rounds. 2:32 it took me. Shit! Paul said to keep it as close to 2 minutes as possible. Okay, breathe. Take a minute. Actually, get up and get your water bottle on the other side of the gym. Quickly, you only have one minute... pretty sure I had a serious equilibrium check there. In fact, the guy in the rower next to me may have even put his hands up as to block me from falling directly on top of him. Water, yes, water is what I need. I jog over, wet my whistle and I'm back in business. Bring it on Round 2. I start strong, but midway my body is protesting and won't let me go as fast as I need to. My pace is slowing, and although this round my time was 2:24 I know that I have to really dig deep to get the next two rounds done. I resolve in my head that it's just two more rounds... just two. You can do this Jen. Count the rows, keep your eyes off the distance until you think you're close. Okay... I can do this... Round 3 I start and before I realize it, I'm grunting and groaning and I am vaguely aware of my coach giving me some positive feedback "Doin' Great Jen" "Keep It Up". And I look down to see I'm at 400 meters, a few more pulls and I'm there. I cross off Round 3 and to be completely and utterly honest, I don't have any idea what my time is. I know I finished at :54 to the minute, so I wait for the next :54 to start my last and final round. I can feel the ache in my body and the fire in my mind to get this last round Done! I motor through, as quickly as I can. Pulling and growling and searching for distance and time and I will not give up! I pull through at 2:16 and I want to throw up, but instead I take in some oxygen, sip some water and start cheering the girl next to me. She's got 100 meters left and I know what that's like so I'm cheering her on and she picks up speed and before you know it she's pulled her last row and we are both gasping and just so happy to have it Done!! We did it! We finished it! Amen! lol

We report our scores to the coach who writes them on the whiteboard, and I leave feeling tired and accomplished and so incredibly proud of myself! What a glorious feeling.

I can't wait until tomorrow's class. I'm still quite a bit intimidated and shy, and nervous. Tomorrow is weights day. Oh please dear baby Jesus let me at least be able to lift the sissy bar! lol

I'll keep ya posted! ;-)

Crossfit after

Monday, August 27, 2012.

Well, I survivied. Haha! Actually, it wasn't too bad. I was certainly nervous, like trying to fill out paperwork and my hands were shaking so badly nervous. Ugh. I was glad Paul was there with me. Once we got into the gym we kinda stood around, and because Paul is still new too it was just a teensy bit weird because there was nothing to do but watch the class in front of you try and pull through the end of their class.

Then our coach told us to go run. It's 400 meters, so roughly a quarter of a mile. No big deal, except A) I haven't had a decent run in over two weeks and B) My nerves had me feeling nausea and running in the humid heat was not exactly ideal. I was trying to find my stride and sucking quite a bit of wind, just trying to calm my self and my breathing down. When we got back I remember thinking "nobody is here timing us? Oh, so it's a warm up thing and not a time thing. Pressure off, kinda."

Next, our coach gathered us around the white board. He went over the notes on the board (about upcoming box events) and about todays workout. Okay... no big deal, it's quite a strenuous workout, but all I can do it give it my all. It included Cindy (5 pull ups 10 hand release push ups and 15 air squats) and I've done Cindy before. Big breathes. Stretch time. Everyone stretches together. Okay, cool. I like this. I LOVE to stretch. I'm rather flexible, and enjoy staying limber. Next up is Strength Training... Overhead Squats and Snatches. Um... (shakily) okay. I know not how to perform these moves. No worries, because I'm not doing it! (Whew!) I get to Baseline. Huh?

Yes, coach sets everyone else up with their strength training moves (I stand by and watch his demonstration, ah... so he shows you what to do then walks around and helps you out. Cool). Back to me. Okay, we are going to Baseline. I will perform the following for time: 50 Air Squats, 40 Butterfly Sit Ups, 30 Hand Release Push Ups, 20 Pull Ups, and Row 500 Meters. GULP! He demonstrates each move, giving me the option to do strict or assisted push ups (you know I did assisted) and then he was kind enough to listen to my terrified and trembling voice state that I have never in my life performed a pull up. No Big Deal....they've got rubber bands. Like Big Girl rubber bands to help you get up there and assist you. It was a BIG rubber band and I was sure when I ran though a few reps for him that it was too light and not challenging enough for me. He smiled and said that it would be fine. Okay, Jen... going for time. Ready Set GO!

And I begin. Air squats, I got those.... Not Unbroken of course (lol). I think I got to 29 unbroken, then took it 4-5 at a time. A bit winded and quads-a-burning I controllably collapsed onto the ground and started in on my butterfly sit ups. I got to 20 and then somehow lost count around 27 (was is 37, maybe I was wishing it was 37). I went with 30 and set out for my last 10. At this point the burning in my core has replaced the burning of the quads. Oh good. Now roll over. Hand release push ups. I got to 18. I wanted to cry because my shoulders were on fire and I still had 12 to go. Two at a time, I got through them. Whew. Arms.Are.Jello. Take a quick sip of water, and walk over to the pull up bar. Dear God Almighty. How on earth am I gonna do this. Oh that's right.. Big Girl rubber band. (Thank you sweet baby Jesus). I climb atop the stool and can't seem to pull the band down to get my foot into it. Shit. I try just getting my foot up and into it (yeah, try standing on a stool and raising one leg up to your face and into a protesting rubber band... I'm gonna eat it!) Thankfully, a good Samaratin of the box (mid-his own workout) came over and held it down so I could get my foot it. Nice guy. And we're off. I'm pulling myself up, trying to bounce off the band and get whatever spring it gives me to get chin up to that damn bar. I'm literally bouncing all over the place, not just up and down but in front, in back, to the sides... I can't keep still and look like a damn fool. But I keep using that band to bounce this big girl up. Pulling and aching and burning I get through my 20 (if I'm being completely and utterly honest, I would have counted at least two of those no rep, but my body just would not do it, I swear I gave it everything!). I jumped down and walked over to the rower and happily sat down to bang out the last of my workout. 500 meters. Coach yells 6:49 Jen, doing great. Cool, I got this. Sit down, strap feet in, sip water bottle quickly and pull. 3 meters. Pull, 2 meters, Pull, 4 meters. And I continue to pull a bajillion times, each hundred I hit I quickly do the math in my head to calculate how much more, how much longer. My arms are sore, my quads are sore, and my chest is burning within... almost there, almost there. And before I know it... I yell TIME!!!

I look for a clock. I look at my coach, he's busy. I call him, but he doesn't answer. The Nice Guy acknowledges my finish and congraulates me (and might I just say, he was super Nice Guy the entire time yelling over his shoulder every few seconds that I did was doing a good job and to keep it up, Super Nice Guy).

My breathing slows, I take a sip of water, and before I realize it coach is in front of me. "When did you stop?" he asks. I stare, like I can't respond. After another prompting, I look at Nice Guy and start rambling that I don't know. I tried to call him and I tried to find a clock, and I even yelled TIME. Nice Guy says "Like, Five Minutes Ago" and I'm fairly confident he's being fececious and coach looks at me a gives a little lol and says, "so like three three and a half minutes ago." And again, with no concept of time I stare blankly and blush. "Ok" and he walks away.

I get up and walk around and am truly surprised that I feel super woozy and my legs and arms like jello. I decide to watch the workout. Actually, I wasn't asked to join in, and I think coach knew I was pretty well spent. To my shock, I started to feel the nerves again, followed quickly by a wave of lethargy and straight up naseau. "Oh my God," I think. "I'd better not faint. I'd better not throw up. What the hell is going on. I've done tougher workouts that this. Maybe I didn't eat enough today. Holy mother, keep me together. Please don't get sick."

And I didn't. Thank God.

Watching the workout, seeing how hard these people were working, seeing how hard the hubs was working, made me question if I can really do this. Do I want to do this? Yes. Yes I do... I've made the commitment til the end of the year, and I will give it my all. I may not be the fastest, or the fittest, or the strongest. But I will give it my everything and I will not give up. And I will be better than I was yesterday. Yes.

After the workout, I glance at the white board and see that the coach has my Baseline time at 7:02. I know that can't be right. He must not have counted the row, which was 2:38. So am I officially declaring my baseline time at 9:40. Under 10 minutes is okay with me. If I (roughly) refer to this link I am a classified Beginner (although I'd give myself the benefit of the doubt and say Novice, right people? lol) and am thoroughly happy that I did not come close enough to the 11 minute cut off time. I can only improve from here. And that is what I plan to do.

Next workout: Today at 3pm. It's Metabolic Conditioning... 4 rounds of jump rope and row. This I can handle. This I can stomach. Going to my first class by myself. It is currently 1:52pm, and yes my nerves are still there. But... this is the class I want to be in, an I will go in there are try and make as many friends as I can (maybe I'll even become the coach's pet, lol).

before Crossfit

Friday. August 24, 2012.
I have made a commitment to my husband, and to myself that I am going to try Crossfit. This is something that has become very near and dear to my husband, given that his father is very much alive today because of Crossfit and the wonderful community within it.

I want to Crossfit. Really, I do. But I can honestly say that right now, at this very moment... I Do Not have the confidence. I am scared. I am nervous. I am afraid.

The Pros.
I want to Crossfit to be fit.
I want to Crossfit to be the strongest I can be.
I want to Crossfit to challenge myself, physically and mentally.
I want to Crossfit because I know and love the community within it.
I want to Crossfit to honor my Dad's memory.
I want to Crossfit to make my husband and my father in law proud of me.
I want to Crossfit to make me proud of myself.
I want to Crossfit because there are so many people who overcome much more of life's hurdles than just fear.
I want to Crossfit to be the best I can be.

The Cons.
I'm scared that I won't be able to mentally challenge myself.
I'm scared to give up.
I'm afraid of injury.
I'm nervous to meet new people.
I'm nervous to work out with my husband. (In my eyes, he's a beast, and quite intimidating in the gym, lol).
I'm shy.
I don't want to let anyone down. Especially myself.

Regardless of all these conflicting feelings, here I sit... nearly 5 hours from my committed time to show up at Urban Warfit. I'm Day One into Aunt Flows visit (which I would normally use as an excuse to skip the gym). My body racks with fear every 20 minutes or so, I feel the blood drain from my face and my ears ring high pitch while my tummy is in knots and somersaults while trying to decide if it should empty its contents here and now or while at the gym during the workout. (How ultimately embarrassing).
But I have made a commitment. To my man, and to myself. The hubs will be there. He assures me the coaches goals are not to chew me up and spit me out, nor embarrass the poo out of me (except for when I have to introduce myself, ugh to public speaking). We have chosen to go to the late Friday class because statistically these are the smallest classes (you mean CF beasts skip a WOD to go out on a Friday Night?). My sweet husband has tried to put me in the best possible position for what is in store for me at the start of this hopefully-not-to-short journey into Crossfit.

It is my intention to give it my all. 100 percent.
It is my intention to show my coach, my husband, and myself that I have that small glimmer of possibility and am not a total loss in the Crossfit world.
It is my intention to enjoy the process. There is so much to learn, both physically and mentally and this is what I crave (and yet, what I fear).
It is my intention to commit myself to this life and to redefine myself, mind body and soul.

Here goes. Wish me luck. And by this time tomorrow I pray for the intensity and excitement for this sport that I so badly want to be apart of.

Heads Up....

Source: thrustr.tumblr.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

A Slew of CrossFit posts are about to ensue. These are the ones that I hid from you. I wanna come clean. I want an honest and loving relationship with you. Just promise you wont judge or make fun or laugh or say mean things. I wrote these with the intent on keeping them totally personal, all to myself.

Sooooo, yeah. Listen to your mother, or rather my mother and follow this simple rule... "If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say, Then Don't Say Anything At All".

Got It! Cool!

Thanksies!!

PALEO

Hi world... how was your weekend? Mine was full of Some-Awe... also known as Awe-Some! See what I did there... I know, I know... Genius.

I know you're looking at today's blog title and going "what the heck is Paleo and what the heck does it have to do with your weekend?" I know this because I can read your mind. Right through your computer. Don't believe me? You are now thinking of Jello. No? Okay, just kidding. I can't read your mind. Wouldn't that be super cool if I could though!

Moving on. Or, back... to the Paleo thing.

So, for those of your that do better with visual aides here is the 'meat and sweet potatoes' version of Paleo.

And for those of you who want to "Extra Extra Read All About It", Google It!

I know, I know... you're probably thinking that Paleo looks like no fun. But I swerrr, it's not that bad! Check out Melissa Joulwan at The Clothes Make The Girl for the Yes and No List.

Allright, now that we got that out of the way... you wanna know what Paleo has to do with my weekend?? Well, Saturday the hubs and I went to our CF Box (that's CrossFit Box, for you non-CrossFitters, lol) Urban WarFit CrossFit and participated in the Warfit 30 Paleo Challenge!! Here's how it went down...

8am... Measurements, Weight, and Pictures. I got there 20 minutes early (I am my fathers daughter, for sure). I was numero uno and totally nervous.

9am... Baseline WOD (Workout Of the Day). 500 meter row, 50 Air Squats, 40 Sit Ups, 30 Push Ups, 20 Pull Ups (I did mine with a black band). Mind you... this is after warm up which consisted of a 400 meter run, and 20 minutes of mobility/stretching. There were 3 heats (or groups, if you will). The hubs and I were in heat 2. Wanna see a pic...

That's the hubs with the (new) orange shoes.... and that's me in the construction orange shirt, all blurry and pulling away. So, the point of a Baseline is to see where you are at, physically. At the end of the challenge, on November 17th we will do the exact same thing. Based on the benefits of a Paleo lifestyle, we should see improvements. I'll post my befores and afters at the end of the challenge. I don't wanna jinx myself in any way shape or form. LOL

10am... Paleo Seminar. We got some really great information and inspiration, went over the basics of Paleo and was encouraged to search all over the great wide web for more information. It was awesome, and the best part was I got to meet a bunch of like minded people who are with me in this journey. It's very cool.

Needless to say, I spent Sunday COOKING! Holy Cooking! I was in that kitchen from 9am til nearly 9pm! It was cray-cray! Aren't you just the least bit curious of what was on the menu? Well, sharing is caring... so here ya go party people...

• Scrambled 12 Eggs with Organic Turkey Chorizo, Onions, Bell Peppers, Spinach and Jalepenos
• Slice and Roast 10 Sweet Potatoes for Sweet Potato Chips
• Halve 7 Sweet Potatoes and Bake (those went into the freezer after cooked)
• Halved and Baked a Spaghetti Squash (half went into the freezer)
• Halved and Baked an Acorn Squash (went in freezer)
• Roasted 4 pounds of Broccoli (yes, we eat that much broccoli)
• Cooked down 2 bunches of Kale with Garlic and Lemon Juice
• Made Paleo Lemon Blueberry Donuts
• Made Crockpot Chicken Verde 
• Grilled 8 Chicken Breasts
• Grilled 12 Turkey Burgers
• Cut and Cleaned 4 Whole Stalks of Celery Sticks

This will feed my family until about Wednesday, maaaaaaaybe Thursday. But I already have my next grocery list started. Here is the great thing... my whole family is in on this. The hubs, and both the teen and pre-teen. It has been really awesome to watch both of my kids become very inquisitive and thirsty to know more about eating clean and working hard. But that's totally another post!

To conclude my (very) long post on Paleo... this is what I'm into, this is what my family is into. We've been eating paleo for about 3 months now, not nearly as strict as will be required during the next 30 (now 28.5) days in order to WIN this challenge. It has been a road of small adjustments to get to this place, and I know with the challenge in place it is going to take many more small adjustments to WIN. In all honesty, this challenge is really Me against Myself. It is me making the daily, hourly, and minutely choices to stick with this wholeheartedly, 100%. No matter what the outcome of the challenge at WarFit, we will all be winners for giving it out all. I'm excited about it! I'll keep you updated!

i am crossfit