threeculbersons

Posts Tagged ‘Life’

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Girl, Interrupted.

In Life, Marathon, New Year on December 29, 2012 at 2:52 am

Life has thrown some major interruptions my way the past few months. To be brutally honest, it has sucked big time. I’ve always considered myself a strong person – but that has been tested a lot recently. If I had time to have a nervous breakdown, I probably would.

I read a quote yesterday that perfectly describes my life at this time… “Sometimes the things we can’t change, end up changing us.” Boy, have I found that out to be true this year.

Sometimes we throw all our energy in to trying to “change” or “fix” our problems and situations when maybe it’s us that needs to be changed. That maybe our situations won’t change until we do. Change is hard, no matter WHAT kind. But if it all stayed the same, we would never grow, we would never discover the person we were meant to be. I have spent the majority of this year questioning why I’m the one who is defeated and also why I’m the one being put through change. Most days I don’t have answers or even understand, most days I have the “life’s not fair” pity party. But I have hope that when I’m done changing in to the person I need to be, when I’m rebuilt, that I’ll be better than ever. Stronger.

I’ve learned a lot this year about myself. I’ve learned I’m stronger then I realized, but that being weak is ok. I’ve learned that you don’t realize how something effects you until it’s destroyed you. I’ve learned that soul mates don’t always have to be a romantic relationship. That there are some people in your life that you just connect with, your best friend, your sibling, etc…that they understand you. I’ve learned that God sends exactly the right people at the right time, whether to make you smile or give you hope. I’m learning that God will never leave you empty, that His strength is always made perfect in our weakness. I’ve learned crying isn’t a sign of weakness, but that a sign that you are alive. A living, feeling, emotional being. Lastly I’ve learned that the only person I need to strive and be better than, is the person I was yesterday. In every aspect of my life, be better.

I may not like change, but I like who I am becoming. Bring on 2013!

PS: Four weeks until I run 26.2 for the 2nd time.

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Gettin’ Inked.

In 2012, Life, Running on November 19, 2012 at 2:58 pm

My first tattoo…

This year has held a lot of FIRSTS for me. The most memorable ones revolve around running.

This has been a hard year, running has given me an outlet for channeling personal pain. I know for a fact I’d be completely crazy if not for running.

I’ve wanted a tattoo for a while, but not just anything and not just on a whim. It needed to have meaning and importance.

I decided to tattoo 26.2 in roman numerals on my wrist. I ran my first marathon this year while being 26. But more than just running 26.2 miles, I’ve endured a lot of personal struggles while being 26. This year has been one of survival and endurance.

I just celebrated my 27th birthday and I’m turning a new leaf over. I’m growing up and I’m ready to live my life. So this tattoo not only represents what running has taught me but represents the person I’ve become through running.

Finished product.

I’m movin’ on
At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me
And I know there’s no guarantees, but I’m not alone
There comes a time in everyone’s life
When all you can see are the years passing by
And I have made up my mind that those days are gone

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Non-Training Days

In CrossFit, Cycling, Fitness, Life, Marathon, Road race, Running on October 22, 2012 at 5:10 am

Am I the only one that eats everything in sight on non-training/rest days? I totally know it’s normal but I’ve had no motivation and a huge appetite lately. So, I’m just listening to my body. Truth is, your body really does need rest days. But with that said, I’ve kept up my long runs on Saturdays and added back in a bike ride.

The past few months, here is what a typical day looks like that:

Monday: WOD + strength training, 45 minutes of cardio (bike trainer)

Tuesday: WOD + strength training, 3-4 mile run (tempo)

Wednesday: WOD + strength training, 45 minutes bike trainer

Thursday: 20+ mile bike ride (morning) 4-5 mile run (evening) No strength training

Friday: Rest

Saturday: WOD + strength training, 10+ mile run (8:30 pace)

Sunday: WOD + strength training

My long runs are getting ready to change to Monday as I train for this marathon. I’ve added a lot of HIIT/plyometric strength training to my day, not only because I want to be lean and mean, but also to help with my running. I can already tell a huge difference. Example: I just recently started back on my road bike. Thursday, I averaged a 23mph pace. That’s HUGE for me!! To better put that in perspective. Lance Armstrong was recently in SD to compete in the SuperFrog (half-ironman) Triathlon. He averaged a 27mph pace on the same route I ride out on Coronado. Now, I’m definitely no Lance Armstrong…so I was thrilled with 23mph pace. I credit that to Crossfit and lower body strength training. It works people!!

Ragnar Relay is in 3 weeks…I will be the lead runner and my goal pace is 8:30 for each leg. I absolutely cannot wait to run this. We have a great team, it’s going to be a blast!

I kick off the race!!

This has been my favorite plyo workout, recently…thought I’d share it with you guys. I used an agility ladder and jump rope. You do each move for 60 seconds with a 10 second recovery. Three rounds.

Courtesy: bradgouthrofitness.com

This past week has been crazy busy. My training is about to kick up a notch too, 12 weeks until my marathon. Geez. I’ve been very encouraged by my long runs though. Two weeks ago, I ran a steady 8:30 for 10 miles. This week, I ran 8 miles at a 8:07 pace. I’m kicking myself for not doing 10, but I felt so good after that run. Definitely a confidence booster. So, if you need me, chances are you can find me running somewhere. Until next time…

Me and my boo!

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AFAA Day 3

In Fitness, Life, Personal Trainer, San Diego on September 17, 2012 at 5:39 am

Goofing off.

This is what happens after two 10 hour days in a classroom. Battery problems and practicing joint actions.

Today was day 3 of AFAA personal trainer certification and test day. We studied applied resistance training in the gym for an hour then took the two tests required for certification. Unfortunately, I won’t find out for a few weeks if I passed. I feel very confident about the written test. I’ve been studying since June and definitely felt prepared. The practical test is extremely intimidating. It’s one on one with the instructor, as you are training a client, who most likely needs modification of some kind. Then recalling joint actions of said exercise, 2 stretches for primary muscles, 2 more workouts for opposing muscles, etc… The instructor is very short and to the point and you don’t get a redo. Even with lucking out and getting a fairly easy workout, I know I still could’ve done better. But I can’t redo and can only hope for the best. It really was a case of “fake it till you make it”. ha ha

Looking at some more certifications I can get. I definitely know I will go for my group certification and indoor cycling through AFAA. But also looking at other organizations. The more the better!

We’re done!

My friend, Danielle, took the course with me. We’ve been studying together since June and I literally would have been lost w/o her. We really leaned on each other for support and knowledge and no matter the outcome have learned SO much about the body and fitness. Thanks for the push girl!! And THANK YOU so much to all the family and friends who sent up prayers and ‘good luck’ vibes on our behalf. We definitely felt them all and they helped keep us calm under pressure.

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What I’ve learned from Pinterest.

In Food, Life, Organization on September 12, 2012 at 4:02 am

That I am the MOST unorganized and uncreative mother out there. Anybody else feel the same way? Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Pinterest. But who am I kidding here? I mean, does anybody else wonder if these mothers/bloggers/superwomen really have a life? Take here this example….

Really?

I mean, Sophie is lucky if I remember to put jelly on her PB&J. So, to make all you mothers feel better (and I only have 1 child)…I have compiled some pictures that I’m sure no one would repin. 😉

The well, organized laundry room. Sans cat liter on the floor.

My laundry?

Sweaty, gym clothes that I actually laid out to dry first. Just be happy they aren’t wadded up in the floor.

The well organized living room, complete with relaxing fireplace and neutral colors.

I don’t even have AC, much less a fancy fireplace…or mounted TV. My child would be in that fireplace.

Here is my living room…you’re welcome.

A beautiful bed for a little girl.

Sophie’s bed.

LOOK! Complete with perfect mom and child. She looks so patient, teaching her child.

Unlike myself, who is usually fed up by round 10 of trying to actually count to 10 without skipping each number after 5. Which then I’m like, FINE, don’t learn to count. Then I feel guilty. Don’t judge me too harshly. My childs room?

I didn’t even take time to turn the flash on.

Toy storage.

Our toys.

Well, organized, OCD type pantry.

Oh, I’m sure there are some empty food boxes in there.

So THERE you have it, does that make you feel better? I’m embracing my lack of organizational skills. Or maybe I’m just having a really bad day. Either way, we’re enough as mothers, just the way we are. We are raising children who will one day contribute to society. Having colored, coordinated pantry baskets isn’t so important now, is it? We only have 20 or so years with our children, we have the rest of that time to have an organized, perfect home. Until then, create messes and for Heaven’s sake don’t cut their sandwiches into fish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Track Your Progress

In CrossFit, exercise, Fitness, Food, Life on September 7, 2012 at 6:17 pm

I’m a firm believer in tracking your nutrition and exercise. It helps keep you on target and also lets you look back and see how far you’ve come and/or what needs improvement. I use the fitBook and websites like DailyMile.

There is also another good website called SlimKicker – it helps you create challenges and rewards for yourself when you achieve a short/long term goal. It has a great community sense and an inspiration feed that I like to read through. It helps you track nutrition and exercise. There are groups and you can invite friends, it also lets you blog your achievements!

Disclaimer: SlimKicker asked me to mention their website, opinions are my own.

Another early CrossFit WOD:

More squats??

Squat count: 850 this week. Beast mode.

Pre-workout!

Post-workout yummy goodness.

I have my AFAA personal trainer certification next weekend. I’m seriously on study overload. I think I will be so happy to have next weekend over with, passing or failing won’t matter anymore. (Well, I’m sorta kidding, but for real.)

TGIF!!

Sophie enjoys the foam roller too!

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Generation Disconnect.

In Life on August 25, 2012 at 10:34 pm

I’ve been thinking a lot today about how different generations view the times we are living in. It’s not a good or bad thing, but times are definitely changing. I feel like my generation is kind of ‘stuck’. Do we go on doing things as generations before? I know a lot of people in my generation are starting to interpret and see things differently, even differently from our parents. Nothing wrong with that, we are just growing up in a different time. I often wonder what it will be like in 18 years when my daughter is officially an adult. How will her generation view mine? Will they be proud? Will we have made real steps to improve their lives or leave them with a mess to wade through and fix. Will they even be able to fix it?

I feel now more than ever though, there is this huge generation disconnect. Generations before me still cling so tightly to their interpretation of how things should be. But times change, people change, nothing ever stays the same. I hear it all the time, my generation and younger don’t have respect for our elders. But you know what I’ve seen and experienced  first hand? Older people giving up because they no longer “connect”. Whether that be their spiritual beliefs differ or they don’t understand our interests. I definitely think it’s a two-way street. It’s something we could all work a little bit harder at. Understanding each other, and understanding that we all interpret things differently. And to realize change is inevitable.

Just some random thoughts (don’t worry, I have more)! 😉