Climbing, CrossFit, Daily, FitFluential, Fitness, Health, paleo, Photos, Running, Triathlons / Duathlons, Twitter

My birthday present to myself

6 Comments

Today is the last day of the paleo challenge. I have not cheated in the 31 days I’ve been on it. Since April 7 my lips have not touched a chocolate bar, or a sandwich or tea with 4 sugars. I’m pretty proud of myself!

My paleo goal was to buy myself some Reebok Nano 2.0’s in yellow to reward myself for not cheating. And my parents sorta bought them for me for my birthday.

I purchased them online because I got a 20% off coupon online (if you signed up for their newsletter). So I knew I’d wear them regardless. But I can officially wear them today. Brand new out of the box. Because it’s my BIRTHDAY today!

I’ll be smiling all day. Just like in this pic (that I took last night before heading to CrossFit).

Can you notice a change in my body? I sure can. Especially the waist area. I’m loving the way my body looks with clothes on lately. Like I stated before, I took before/after pictures from the Paleo challenege. You can’t really tell a difference which is disappointing. Plus, I’m a little reserved so I’m not sure if I’ll be posting a picture of me in a sports bra and shorts for the whole internet to see. You know? Who knows. I may brave it. My neighbor back home in Newfoundland told me to go for it.

Breakfast today will consist of paleo-something or other. But come 3:30pm I will be measured and weighed-in and then it’s time for a mini pig out session. Don’t worry, I’ll ease myself into it. I don’t want to be vomiting on my birthday. Or do I?

My Boyfriend bought me these climbing shoes over the weekend for a birthday gift. I tried them out on Sunday night and they were pretty sweet.

They’re the La Sportiva Katana’s in 36.5. I wear an 8.5 street shoe and I bought these in 5.5. That’s how tight they “should” feel. Nuts hey? I’ll always have gnarly toe knuckles. Too much information? I tend to over-share sometimes.

Plans for tonight? Well, I’m going to head in for a climb right after work because the Boyfriend is training super hard for his upcoming Triathlons this year. So I’ll have some time to spare before he’s back home. Then later on we’re heading out for some poutine, then frozen yogurt! Yum yum.

Cherrio folks!!!

By the way — I realized I didn’t upload my workouts from last week yet. I’m a bit behind on that. I worked out 6x last week which wore me right out. It’ll be up. Soon.

Continue Reading

CrossFit, Daily, FitFluential, Fitness, Health, Photos, Reviews, Running

Got some new kicks

8 Comments

Saucony-on-box

I was late on the receiving end of these bright kicks (Virratas by Saucony). I got them in the mail three weeks ago and they’re pretty wild and fun, I gotta say! First off, let me tell you that Saucony sent these Virattas to me, so I could review them as part of a FitFluential Campaign. As always, my reviews are honest and to the point. Let’s get to it shall we?

So now that that’s out of the way I thought it was due for a review of them. How’dya like’m on me?Me-wearing-Saucony

I was hesitant on parting with my beloved Nike Free’s for a few weeks while I tried out this minimalist shoe, but I was eager to try them out since they’re a 0mm heel drop, and I haven’t had much experience with barefoot type of shoes before. They’ve definitely caught my eye since more and more people seem to be wearing minimalist running shoes.

The barefoot running shoe like the Virrata is a natural and versatile way to run. But be careful… Saucony-Virrata-sole

If you’re not used to minimal shoes (and my Nike’s are pretty minimal but not quite as much as the Virratas) you may experience calf pain, or shin splints — especially if you’re a heel striker. Zero drop shoes encourages a midfoot strike, which luckily I already have and didn’t realize until I got a running coach. Hooray midfoot strikers!saucony

The fit of the Virrata is on the narrow side, but I don’t have a super wide/super narrow foot by any means so the overall feeling of the sneakers suit my 8.5 foot a bit narrower than I’m used to, but not uncomfortable.

My Boyfriend runs in the Kinvara’s (red one’s on bottom) that he just bought while down in the states training for his upcoming Ironman Triathlons this year. They’re a very similar shoe to the Virratas. Pretty colorful collection we’ve got going on, eh?sneakersWe’re a shoe-lovin’ fit fam. :)

I’m not a regular runner, I admit. But whenever the feeling strikes (ha!), I like to do my regular 6km run to test them out.Lace-up-SauconyI’ve worn them both outside running and to a number of CrossFit WODs. In fact, when I wore my Nike’s one day and switched immediately over to the Saucony’s, that’s when I noticed the most difference. The Saucony’s were incredibly lighter and airy feeling on my feet. Get this — I felt like I had cushiony socks on, minus the lacing up bit. But it felt pretty great.

Virrata features:

  • 0mm heel drop
  • Seamless fit which limits friction
  • Keeps your feet moving in a natural foot strike

Stretching

What I liked about the Saucony Virratas:

  • The weightless feeling on my feet
  • Didn’t receive any foot fatigue
  • Love the flexible platform
  • Ample cushioning on my feet
  • They run true to size

What I didn’t like:

  • The color scheme which is easily changed from swapping out the laces.

So far, they receive two thumbs up from me!Thanks Saucony, and FitFluential!Happy-Runner

What kind of miles do you put on your sneakers? 

Have you ever worn a minimalist shoe?

Continue Reading

Contests, CrossFit, Daily, FitFluential, Fitness, Health, Photos, Reviews, Running, Soccer, Workout Schedule

My CrossFit Journal (Year 1, week 46)

22 Comments

I hit a mental block in January and I didn’t workout much.  Which is why you haven’t seen the weekly CrossFit recaps, or running stories from me.

I don’t know why I stopped working out for a few weeks, and to be quite honest I enjoyed it while it lasted! My running Coach decided to stop working with me for the remainder of the winter to focus on his own skills. So I’ve been grabbing the Boyfriend to run my Sunday runs with me, and so far so good.

I’ve been cleaning house in January, and getting rid of a lot of clutter in my life. It feels very good to have a clean desk, a clean bedroom and more organized system of doing things around the apartment. I’ve chucked out countless bags of garbage, and donated 5 grocery bags full of clothes and shoes.

I went to CrossFit twice last week, but before that I went once since returning from Christmas vacation! Jeeze. Thankfully, I wasn’t eating terribly so I didn’t feel lethargic upon returning to exercising. I also started taking vitamins the second week of January. So while it takes a while for vitamins to have a noticeable effect on your body, I’m glad I’m doing something good to my body.

daily-vitaminsI’m taking vitamin D, B12 and iron supplements. I can only handle taking the iron 3x/week since it’s quite harsh on the system.

Since I’m nearly at the 2 year mark of attending CrossFit (February 24, 2011!), I decided to get my booty in gear again. I’m not going to be a slacker.

In lieu of celebrating my month off “comeback” I’ve decided to host a little give-away for all of you great readers. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see that :)

Onto my workouts from last week! I planned on going to CrossFit three days last week but took a break since I couldn’t stand up straight from the soreness in my abs.

______________________________________________

year 1, week 46, day one

Back Push Press
8-8-5-5

First set of eight’s I used 35lbs. Second set of eights I went up to 55lbs. First set of five’s I used 65lbs and the last five I was up at 70lbs!

15 minute time limit for 3 rounds of the below. My time – 14:28, and I used an 8kg KB! Felt awesome.

3 Rounds
15 LS KB Snatch;16/12kg
15 V-Sits
15 RS KB Snatch;16/12kg
15 Toes to bar

______________________________________________

year 1, week 46, day two

10 Rounds:
11 Chest to bar pull-ups
22 Front squat (75/55)

We had 26 minutes to complete the 10 rounds. This WOD was so brutal on my wrists that I was close to tears lol. I ended up only doing 4.5 rounds of the WOD. I got a pat on the back from one of the female coaches saying good work. Which was pretty great feeling. That’s what I get for taking a month off. Oy!

______________________________________________

soccer

I cannot stand the way soccer makes me feel lately. Ever since leaving the ladies league in Summer 2011 I thought I had stopped soccer forever. I’m in a non-competitive co-ed soccer league now with my CrossFit crowd.

I feel SO self-conscious and I dread going to every single game. So much, I sometimes say I can’t make it. I went from scoring goals every game (on the ladies league), being aggressive on the field to the shittiest (on the co-ed league) person on the team. When I’m open, they don’t pass. When I’m not ready for a pass, they give me the ball and I fumble it and people stop passing it to me. It’s very frustrating and I’m considering quitting (again). I just really dread it, and wish I didn’t pay the money to play. It’ll all be over in March. So there ya have it. All out.

______________________________________________

[older crossfit journal entries]

Onto the giveaway:

Brooke Burke has come out with new fitness programs, the DVDs Sexy Abs, and 30 Day Slim Down hit shelves just on New Years Eve. If you’re looking to start working out, and are more comfortable doing so at home, this would be a good treat to try out for yourself.

Did you know she’s a mother of FOUR? Woah.

These two DVDs will be a challenging workout to help you sculpt, tone and tighten your muscles, with the aid of eating well in the kitchen of course. You do know the statistics for getting in shape, right? 80% is made in the kitchen, and 20% of it is working out. Which is why I still don’t have abs. I love candy too much. That’s besides the point though ;)

Exclusive to the DVDs are her favourite smoothie recipes that are fast and apparently delicious. Wait. Honestly? I don’t own the DVD so I can’t tell you if they’re really delish or not. But I’m sure they are!

Brooke Burke Body: 30-Day Slim DownBrooke Burke Body: 30 Day Slim Down

Brooke Burke Body: Sexy AbsBrooke Burke Body: Sexy Abs

Five winners will be eligible to win both copies of the Brooke Burke Body DVDs. I’ll run the contest for 5 days since any longer, people either forget to check back, or they get annoyed with long contests. I know I do.

Once I draw the names the winner has 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise I will draw another name.

Canadians only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Continue Reading
1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 17