CrossFit North East Regionals

OK, so if I didn't love CrossFit enough, pretty sure heading up to the North East Regionals last weekend solidified my love.  We had a great time watching and cheering on the athletes, and it still amazes me how supportive the community and competitors are with each other.

Anyways... on with the weekend review!  (And I apologize for the photo overload!)

So Regionals is the next stop for athletes that are trying to qualify to go to the CrossFit Games at the end of the summer.  I'm sure you all remember my adventure doing all of the Open workouts, right?  Well the top 60 or so athletes from each region get invited to compete in Regionals.  The Top 3 men & women (and teams) in Regionals then get invited to go to the finals...or the CrossFit Games.  And just to put it into perspective how amazing these athletes are?  Out of about 3500 or so people in my region, I came roughly in 1600th place.  CRAZY!

The North East Regionals was held at Reebok Headquarters in Canton, MA.  Um.... why can't all company headquarters look like this?  It was pretty much heaven for any fitness person.  A track ran through their campus, there was a ton of places to hang out and relax....and that was just from the outside.  Peeking in the windows showed a few snazzy areas too.  But I didn't have too much time to stalk...there was CrossFit to watch!

Walking onto the property

Tent City as seen from the parking garage

After wandering a bit to check out the scene, we settled on a spot to watch some of the action.  We caught the tail-end of the men's first workout, wandered a bit more, browsed all the vendors and Paleo food options, and then grabbed a great spot to watch the 2nd and 3rd events.

All of the workouts were broken down into 3 or 4 heats in sets of 12 athletes at a time.  The highest ranked athletes all went in the last heat together so it was interesting to see the progression of the "middle-of-the-pack" athletes into the insanely elite athletes as the heats went on.

Day 1 consisted of three separate workouts...

Workout #1:

“Jackie”

For time:

1000 meter Row

45 pound Thruster, 50 reps

30 Pull-ups

Workout #2:  

Overhead squat complex

7 Minute ladder of:

3 Overhead squats

and then Workout #3:

For time:

30 Burpee muscle-ups

One of my new fave athletes, Danielle Horan

Knowing what these movements feel like completely put the workouts into perspective.  A lot of times on paper the workouts don't seem as bad as they really are.  But the movements in these workouts were some of the most technically challenging for every CrossFit athlete.  Seeing some of these women overhead squat 70 pounds more than me completely blew me away!  

Day 1 wrapped up and we were already exhausted.  Spectating takes a lot out of you! :) Called it an early night after a drink and grub with the gang and got ready to get up bright and early the next day.  

Day 2 was more and more CrossFit.  While there were only 2 workouts that day, the first workout of the day was MISERABLE and long!  I can't even imagine doing this workout...and then another one a few hours later.  Considering that I was only able to get 6 Chest-to-Bar Pullups a month or so ago?  I'd STILL be there trying to finish this one.  These athletes were blowing through the workout as if it was nothing!  

Workout #4:

For time:

100 Wall balls (20/14 lbs to a 10’ target)

100 Chest-to-bar Pull-ups

100 One-legged squats, alternating

100 One-arm dumbbell snatches, alternating (70/50 lbs)

100 Wallballs

100 Chest to Bar Pullups

Judges meeting!

Some more Chest to Bar Pullups!

Moving onto Workout #5...

21-15-9 reps for time of:

Deadlift (315 / 205 lbs)

Box jump (30 / 24 inch)

All lined up

And that camaraderie that I mentioned earlier?  Completely shone through during this workout.  A 205# deadlift is hard for almost any woman.  Some of these ladies were seriously struggling even though other competitors had already finished.  Instead of just laying around catching their breath, many of the finished athletes went over to cheer on and help encourage the ladies that were still working out.  Yup, awesome.  We saw this in both the men and women's events repeatedly!  Just another reason why I love this sport.  

Done! 

Dave Castro (CrossFit Games mastermind, in the red shirt) paid the North East a visit to watch the events!

Day 2 came to a close and it was much of the same like the night before for us... food and a drink or two.

Day 3 rolled around and it was slightly chillier than the previous two days, and slightly overcast.  I thought it was perfect weather to workout!

Workout #6:
For time:
100 Double-unders
50 Handstand push-ups
40 Toes-to-bar
30 Shoulder to overhead with axle bar (160 / 100 lbs)
90 foot Walking lunge with axle bar in front rack (160 / 100 lbs)

I LOVED her, hence all of the photos of her :)

Danielle Horan heading to an easy 1st place finish for the 6th WOD!

Dan Tyminski winning the 6th WOD, and ending up with 2nd overall

Unfortunately after the 6th workout, we decided to hit the road and head home since we had a long drive ahead of us and wanted to avoid traffic and the pending rain.  On our way out though we decided to attempt a few stupid human tricks... :) 

So overall the event was awesome, nothing more I can really say about it.  3 days of hanging out with people just as crazy as myself?   They eat the same (well...when I actually stick to Paleo), workout the same, and we're all certifiably crazy.  :)  I'll definitely be back next year, hopefully cheering on people from my box/gym as they compete in Regionals!  Will I ever make it there myself?  Probably not, but it's always fun to dream, right?  :)

Weekly Recap, 5/13 - 5/19

What a whirlwind week and weekend!  The week started off pretty slow and then my friends and I headed up to Reebok Headquarters in Canton, MA to check out the CrossFit North East Regionals.  One word?  Ahhhh-mazing.  Def need to recap that entire weekend in it's own post.

Monday, 5/13:  CrossFit

Split Jerk, 5x5

So frustrated by this movement!  I did my first set at 105# and was fine.  Then tried getting 115# and failed after 3 or 4 for each remaining sets! Blah!

Then:
8 min AMRAP:
- 20 weighted situps 55# kettle bell
- 100m sprint

I think I got in 5 full rounds.

Tuesday, 5/14: CrossFit

Back Squats, 5x5

new PR! Hit 185# for all 5x5! Yay!

then:
8 min AMRAP:
- 400m run
- 15 ring dips
- 20 box jumps 24"

I got in 1 full round and the run


Wednesday, 5/15: Rest Day

But umm...I did end up making the best Paleo-ish dessert ever!  Chocolate Mug Cake! I'll post the recipe soon!

Thursday, 5/16:  CrossFit

"Fran"
21-15-9 reps of:
- Thrusters, 65#
- Pullups

Time:  12:28.  The stupid pullups killed me! :( I need to work on getting faster, and I need to tape my hands. Ugh!

After work, we headed up to Massachusetts for the CrossFit North East Regionals!


Friday, 5/17:  Hotel Workout/CrossFit

WOD:
12 minute WOD consisting of 1 minute rounds of:
- Man-makers w/20# dumbells
- V- situps

Ouch!

We then spent all day at Regionals in awe of these competitors!   Here's just a snipit.

Reebok Headquarters

Saturday, 5/18:  Hotel Workout/CrossFit

WOD:
15 min AMRAP:
- 10 dumbell pushpress, each arm...30# dumbell
- 10 dumbell hang snatch, each arm...30# dumbell
- 20 weighted situps...30# dumbell

I honestly don't remember how many rounds I had! Ugh!

And more CrossFit Regionals action...

Sunday, 5/19: Rest Day

Watched the competitors and were slightly jealous they were working out and we were just watching.  And then realized I don't EVER want to do those workouts, haha!  They were miserable!

But the bf and I learned a new stupid human trick... :)

Wine & Dine Half Marathon and WDW Half Marathon Sell Out!

Looks like runDisney races are getting more and more popular!

I know the races always sell out at some point before race day, but the WDW Half Marathon sold out in only 35 days.  Yea, it's not like the 2 hours it took Marine Corps but it's still impressive, considering how many race weekend runDisney has.  That's CRAZY!  I'm sure Dopey and Goofy participants had a hand in helping that along and it just goes to show how popular these races are getting.  Oh, and the day before that race sold out?  The Wine & Dine Half Marathon also sold out!  

If you guys are interested in running in another runDisney race soon and haven't registered, better get to it!

Disneyland 10k:  Sold Out
Disneyland Half: Sold Out
Tower of Terror 10-Miler:  81%
Wine & Dine Half:  Sold Out
WDW 10k:  Sold Out
WDW Half:  Sold Out
WDW Marathon: 62%
WDW Goofy: 64%
WDW Dopey:  Sold Out


I'll be heading up to Boston tonight to go cheer on everyone at the CrossFit North East Regionals!  Look for a ton of pics when I get back! :)

Adventures in Paleo Cooking, Part 6

Back with some more recipes I've been loving lately!  Since my friends and I are jumping back onto the Paleo bandwagon and tying ourselves down so we don't fall off again, I need to start posting more recipes for you guys!

Here's a few that I can easily make on a regular basis.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus (The Food Lovers Kitchen)
- So easy to make and I accidentally ate a whole pound of asparagus in one sitting...oops.  Do NOT add extra salt like the recipe says to though.  Especially with the salty prosciutto!

Paired this with some honey mustard chicken.  Nomnom. 

Pumpkin Walnut Muffins (Carrots 'n' Cake)
- OMG I'm in heaven.  These are pretty much perfect in every way.  Awesome texture and flavor, and really easy to make!

Photo from Carrots 'n' Cake - I ate them too quickly to take my own photo! Oops. 

Scotch Eggs (The Clothes Make the Girl)
- Perfect breakfast!  I tried to make my own sausage seasoning and it turned out pretty well.  Need to tweak it some more though and look up other spice mixes.  So filling!

Smokey Burgers w/Pineapple Teriyaki (Civilized Caveman Cooking/Practical Paleo)
- I thought these were slightly too salty but I'll def make them again and just cut that back a bit.  Easy to make and the pineapple teriyaki sauce is a great compliment.

Spice Rub Crock Pot Chicken (Everyday Paleo)
- Quick to prepare and it's ready in the morning!  Paired with bacon balsamic brussel sprouts.

Photo from Everyday Paleo.  I can't find the pic I took!

Thai Chicken Curry (She Cooks He Cleans)
- OMG so good!  Used boneless, didn't cook prior (1st step).  Used carrots instead of broccoli, baked everything together at the end, including carrots & cashews.  Also added in a can of water chestnuts.  Cook for 30 mins. YUMMY and fairly easy.

Photo from She Cooks He Cleans

Weekly Recap, 5/6 - 5/12

Monday, 5/6:  CrossFit

AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) 25 mins:
- 1 snatch (max weight)
then 3 rounds of:
- 5 pullups
- 10 wallballs, 14#

Freakin ripped my hand at the very end. Ugh!

Started the snatches at 65#...worked my way up to 85# going up by 5
Total score is total amount of weight snatched... 375!

Tuesday, 5/7:  Rest Day

But did make a fabulous dinner and had to bust out the runDisney glasses I received awhile back!

Wednesday, 5/8:  CrossFit

Miserably rainy day in NYC but I did get this view at an all morning meeting I attended by Grand Central!

WOD:
Back Squats 5x5

I was trying to be a baby and not add any weight for my 5x5 back squats. I wanted to stay at my last PR of 175#. Then the owner called me out on it and pushed me to try 180#. And? Did them all at 180! It was freakin hard and it knocked the wind out of me, but I did it. Yay!  Woohoo, new PR!

Then....
7 min AMRAP:
- 5 air squats
- 10 pushups
- 15 superman

I got through 6 rounds and 10 pushups

Thursday, 5/9: Rest Day

Friday, 5/10:  CrossFit

AMRAP for 12 mins:
- 10 shoulder press at 75#... I used 65#
- 15 GHD situps
- 30 Kettlebell Swings 55#... I accidentally used 35#..didn't see it said 55! :(
- 50 Hang Power Snatch at 45#

This workout sucked so bad.  I only got through 1 full round and 4 shoulder presses.  Ugh!

But later that night at dinner, I think we found maybe one of the most amazing desserts ever?  A donut stuffed with canoli cream filling??? Woah.  Yes, I know...not Paleo..shhhh.

Saturday, 5/11:  Rest Day

Fun morning at a friends bridal shower and then some relaxing!

Sunday, 5/12:  CrossFit

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mom's out there! :)

Worked on the Squat Snatch at open gym.  Finally asked someone to video tape me so I can see what I'm doing and how to improve.  I def bring my arms out too far in front of me when I'm trying to drop under the bar.  Any suggestions?

Below is the squat snatch at 55#.  I dropped down to this weight and just wanted to work on my form instead of trying to PR.



Oh!  And starting much stricter Paleo again starting this Monday!  Wish my friends and I luck!! 

What's Beautiful?

Some of you might have already seen some hint of this campaign making its way around the interwebs.  Under Armour has kicked off their What's Beautiful 3.0 Campaign, which is a competition born from a mission to redefine the female athlete.  It's to inspire women to step out of their comfort zone, push their boundaries, achieve new goals.

I am excited to announce that I was chosen as one of the FitFluential Ambassadors to be a part of Under Armour's What's Beautiful Challenge!  

Before I was asked to participate in the campaign, I had actually done an MBA project last semester about the Under Armour Women's line and our goal was to come up with new ways that UA could improve their business.  Surprisingly?  My MBA group came to the conclusion that UA needed to make their advertising and message geared more towards the "normal" woman athlete instead of using all of the superstars that we see today on tv.

The What's Beautiful Campaign does just that.  It's to show everyone out there that normal women can be athletes.  They can be strong and powerful, and still be feminine and beautiful.  I love that they are empowering their customers to push themselves and prove that "beautiful" isn't just the skinny models walking down the runway.  I've always been fairly athletic, I've never been model skinny, and in the past have been told I was "bulky" or "too muscular".  Those comments used to bother me.  But now?  I just say "thank you" and know I worked hard for the body that I have.

But back to the campaign....This new round of competition steps up Under Armour's previous campaigns.  Under Armour wants you to publicly state your goal, no matter how big or small, and go after that goal with everything you have.  Whether it's to run a mile non-stop, get your first unassisted pull-up, or something extreme like running your first full marathon, no goal is too trivial or too large.

To make it even more exciting, these goals can be shared among friends, internet buddies, etc and you can complete your goals together.  After you join, you then document your journey by posting videos and photos that tell your story from start to victory.  You can also join groups of women with common goals and post and motivate each other along the way.

Every week UA will give away Under Armour Swag Bags full of gear to women who are seriously getting it.  After 8 weeks, 10 finalists will be announced who've documented the most impressive, motivated, monumental stories.  The final three winners will then be flown to Costa Rica to attend a four-day yoga and surf retreat.  HOW amazing does that sound?  Some serious motivation right there!

Everyone can sign up and set goals... push yourselves, ladies!  Show everyone else out there What's Beautiful!  Sign up for What's Beautiful here!

What are my goals?  I have a ton!  I know many of them are pretty lofty but I'm taking them one at a time, and will NOT get overwhelmed!

My Goals
- 200# deadlift
- run a half marathon in under 2:00
- break 200# backsquat
- 135# cleans
- 90# snatch
- complete one muscle up


For all of you CrossFit ladies out there, I created a CrossFit Strong group.  It's for any and all of your CrossFit related goals.  Like I said earlier, no goal is too small!  Whether it's adding 5# to a lift, getting double unders, muscle ups, anything!  Go ahead and join, and I'll approve you as soon as I get back to a computer!

There's also a ton of other groups out there, for walking, running, yoga, overall fitness, etc.  Take a look and browse around!  Start setting those goals ladies and say #IWill!  Let's show everyone out there what beautiful really looks like.

** This post is sponsored by Under Armour & FitFluential.  However, all opinions and experiences are my own, and I am not being compensated for this post. ** 

New Disneyland Medals Revealed!

I know I'm a little late to the game with this and that most people posted about them yesterday but an all day meeting at work kinda hindered me from getting to a computer!

runDisney revealed the entire medal collection for the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend coming up!   The medals includ the Dumbo Double Dare, Disneyland Half Marathon, Disneyland 10K and Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K.

Photo Courtesy of runDisney

The Disneyland Half medal has always been one of my favorite runDisney medals.  I think the 10k is really cool as well since it's Alice and the tea cups!  The Dumbo medal is cute!  I love how it's in color with Timothy on the ribbon.

What do you guys think?  Who's going to be getting all 4 of these beauties?