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Fitness Friday: Turkey Time

Knee sleeves and pineapple socis

Monday:

Rest day. I woke up not feeling 100% in the morning.  I was debating about going to the gym the entire time I was taking care of the dogs because I hate missing workouts but my stomach also felt like junk.  I was putting on my gym clothes and I felt like, yeah this probably isn’t going to be a good idea.  I wouldn’t be able to have full energy and give it my all today so instead I stayed home. Meh.

Tuesday:

Feeling so much better. I know what my issue was yesterday and now I’m wrestling with sharing that or not.  It could be seen as TMI.  Hrm.

Anyway I was able to workout.  I ran a mile before going to class.  I did a walk run combo to see if that helped my shins at all.  It did, they only got slightly sore during the run and didn’t fully cramp up.  My friend, Lori, suggested that I might have tight calves so I’ve been working on stretching and rolling them with a foam roller.

Workout today was AMRAP for 20:

  • 5 Clean and Jerks
  • 10 Toes to Bar
  • 1min Rest

We were supposed to go heavy-ish on the clean and jerks but I’m still battling shoulder issues and unfortunately can’t go very heavy.  I did mine at 50lbs today and even by the end my shoulder was getting very sore and tired.

I’m thinking about purchasing a pull-up bar so I can work on pull-ups and toes to bar at home.

Wednesday:

Started off with a mile run/walk with Kira.  My shins did not bother me at all today! Perhaps it’s because I’ve been rolling them out? I’m going to stick with that and see if it continues to help.

The workout today was rough and thanks to holiday indulging, my energy has been so low.

It was a 25 min AMRAP

  • 25 Empty Bar Thrusters
  • 25 Burpees
  • 25 EB Sumo Deadlift Highpulls

Ughhhhhh I got in 3 rounds + 10 but it was slow going.  Well my burpees are super slow and thrusters, even with an empty bar just kill me.  My legs and arms were shaking at the end.

I’m trying to not let this frustrate me because I did it to myself.  That’s what happens when I indulge and don’t get enough sleep.  With running, I was able to get away with it a little more but with weights? Nope. You have to eat well or you’ll do poorly in the gym.

Thursday:

It was so chilly and breezy but I still did a 1mile run with my running buddy.  Rolling out my calves has helped so much! I ran three days in a row this week without any shin issues.  Hooray! I’m going to continue to focus on stretching and rolling out those calves so that I can get back to running.

On Wednesday our coach said that we’ll be doing a fun holiday workout on Thanksgiving morning.  Yeah, I think that’s code for challenging and long because this workout was not fun.

Hero workout Vito: 33 each of:

  • Chest to bar pull-ups
  • Hand release push-ups
  • Jumping lunges
  • Toes to bar
  • Sumo Deadlift Highpulls
  • Wall balls
  • Lateral burpees (over a plate)
  • Abmat sit-ups
  • Plyo push-ups
  • Box jumps

We were able to do this workout in any order we wanted, we just had to do a full 33 reps of the move before moving on to the next move.  I got all the stuff I hate out of the way first like burpees.  They take me forever to do and I hate them.

I was the first in class to finish which never happens and I had a brief panic attack thinking that I didn’t complete the whole thing.  I did because I went back over my list and made sure, but WHEW for a second there I thought I did something wrong. Some stuff was modified, like I can’t do chest to bar so I did banded pullups.  I also can’t do toes-to-bar yet so I raised my knees as high as I could.

It was nice to get in exercise before getting ready for the big day!

Friday:

Rest day.  That’s two this week which is not what I’m shooting for but life happens.  I went in thinking that I was going to take Friday off because I knew I’d be tired and I also wanted a quiet morning to myself.  Maybe that sounds silly but sometimes I need to have a morning alone to regroup and get centered.

Summary: 

Lots of grandma moments but also progress with running and I’m choosing to focus on that more.  Yeah, I would like to get past feeling tired and sore all the time but I’ll get there.  Right now, I’m going to be happy with the fact that I can run multiple days in a row without shin issues! Also, if you have any recs for a pullup bar at home please let me know!

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Thanksgiving Errands

Happy Monday, gang! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I worked most of the weekend but I still had some nice downtime with Scott which was lovely and got to have some fabulous treats.  We got some takeout on Saturday from a local BBQ place which included fried chicken, ribs, and pulled pork.  It was alright (I’m so picky about dining out), would we get it again? Maybe.

This morning I had a Kind bar as I was getting ready for the gym. I was hungry and the bananas that we have are super ripe and now have a texture I don’t dig.  I wasn’t feeling 100% and ended up not going to the gym.  Boo. I hate missing the gym and I also don’t like feeling off balance.

I had some frothy coffee early this morning and forgot to snap some pics but you guys know what that looks like.

Late breakfast sort of lunch but not really, that’s what I’m calling this meal.

Spinach Feta Chicken Sausage and Sweet Potato

Half a baked sweet potato with Kerrygold butter and some Applegate Spinach and Feta chicken sausage.  The sausage was alright.  I feel like Applegate’s sausages are a little too processed.  All of their sausages, texture is almost like a cheap hotdog and there’s a cheap hotdog kind of flavor going on in the background.  It’s not horrible but I’ve definitely had better sausages.  Not sure I’d purchase those again.

Scott has the entire week off, (HOORAY!) and that means I get more time to hang with him this week. However we needed to get some stuff done for Thanksgiving and headed out this afternoon to finish up holiday errands. The stores were packed!

I picked up some more turkey bone broth from TJ’s and then we hit Whole Foods where I got our turkey and the final ingredients for the big dinner on Thursday.

Since I was still feeling a little off and errands took longer than expected, I picked up dinner from Whole Foods.  Our local store started doing ramen a few months back and that’s what I got today.  It’s a little on the pricey side but it is enough for two meals.

Whole Foods Chicken Ramen

Chicken ramen that comes with seaweed, bok choy, and a soft boiled egg.  The egg grosses me out so I give that to Scott.

This hit the spot!  I will be having a snack tonight because I do need a little bit more food in my system.  I know this was a quick post but it’s getting late and I’m ready to hit the couch and catch this week’s episode of Martha and Snoop!

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Fitness Friday: Old Lady Feels

Workout Station

Monday:

I went for a 1 mile run with my friend Kira before our workout. Right now we’re doing a run/walk for the mile and are considering doing the Couch To 5K program starting in December.  Both of us want to start running (for me, to get back into running. You know, trying this for the 5 millionth time. Gah.) and feel like starting off with the C25K program might be beneficial.

I’ve been having some issues with shins while running. They’ve been cramping up during the run. It’s not shin splints, my shins don’t hurt after my run only during.  They cramp up pretty badly too and it becomes hard to walk. My left shin is the worst but my right shin does it as well.  Not sure if I need new shoes or if I just need to get used to running again.

If you remember, I had some trouble with my hip. Well my hip is fine and now it’s my shins. I swear it is always something that is keeping me from running. Meanwhile, Scott started running and is now up to 3 miles no problem. Jerk.

Anyway, the workout was:

  • 10 Box Dips
  • 10 Deficit Pushups
  • 10 Burpees to Plates

This workout was hard on my shoulder.  I strained my right shoulder back in September from doing too much aggressive triceps dips and it’s still bothering me.  I’ve been taking things slowly and lightly with it but it’s frustrating nonetheless. So this workout really challenged my shoulder and I felt it at the end.

PS: There’s always a warmup for the workouts I just don’t post those because it’s a warmup and not terribly exciting. But if you’re really interested in what those look like, just give me a shout and I’ll start adding them.

Tuesday:

I did a strength session before the workout. Super easy and light session to get back into the swing of things. I did squats which felt OK but my shoulders were really sore and tight from Monday’s workout which made the bar uncomfortable.

I also did a few presses which made my shoulder feel a little tight and I could tell they were tired from the previous workout.

This workout was rough and left me feeling defeated and frustrated. I had really low energy even though I just had a banana before starting and I had trouble getting through it.  I did it but did not get as many rounds as I would have liked.

AMRAP 25:

  • 25 Plate Overhead Stepping Lunges – 15lb Plate
  • 45 Sumo HighPulls with 35lb KB
  • 25 Situps with 25lb Plate

UGH. My arms were shaky during the lunges. Recommended weight was 25lb plate but I couldn’t do that and dropped to 15lb.  My legs started shaking during the sumo highpulls and just MEH. This workout sucked and left me drained.

Wednesday:

Rest day. I was dragging hardcore getting out of bed and I was so freaking sore from the previous two workouts. I originally thought that I would make a later class at the gym but instead I took an epsom salt bath with some arnica and eucalyptus.  That made me feel so much better!  I felt guilty all day for missing class.  I hate missing a workout just because I feel like an old lady. Grrrr!

Thursday:

I was still sore and really tired but I made it to the gym. We did snatches and jump rope. Snatches are hard on my shoulder and I had to drop weight to get through this workout.  Cue more frustration and angst.

I also did a mile run before class and my shin cramped up on me forcing me to walk most of the way back.  Grumble grumble.

Friday:

We had 5 stations, spend a minute at each station with 30 second transition between stations. 3 total rounds.

  • 35lb Kettlebell broad jumps.
  • Bear crawls with 25lb dumbbells.
  • Box jump overs
  • Twisting med ball lunges
  • Reverse lunges

I thought the bear crawls were going to be awkward AF but they actually weren’t too bad. The move that got me was the kettlebell broad jump! That had my legs shaking and really wore them out. I was ready to be done by round 3.

Summary:

I got frustrated a lot this week because I was feeling old and rickety. My joints are hurting more, there’s more muscle soreness, and I’m getting tired a lot easier.  It used to just be around my cycle that I would notice the symptoms increase but now it’s happening more often which is leaving me frustrated.  Time to start fiddling with my diet and sleep to see if that helps.  If not then I may have to suck it up and talk to someone about it.

 

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September Barbella Box

september barbella 2016

September’s Barbella Box was curated by Christmas Abbott, a CrossFit competitor, Olympic Weightlifter, fitness advisor and you get the idea.  This box was given the nickname, Christmas in September and it was a bit on the heavy side. I was curious to find out what was in it given the heft it packed!

Exosleeve Knee Sleeves 

They are an army green color and have Rebel down the sides.  I was ecstatic to get knee sleeves because they have been on my “to purchase” list for sometime.  My knees have been bothering me a lot lately after workouts, especially if there’s a bunch of squats or lunges.  I had hopes that sleeves would help with that. I’m not a spring chicken with young 20-something knees.  This sister needs some support.

These sleeves are awesome.  My knees feel so so good when I wear them and they are definitely a benefit. After using them for workouts my knees are not as sore or achey.  My squats also feel much more solid when I’m wearing the sleeves.  I will be sticking with knee sleeves for a while!

The Badass Body Diet Book

This is written by Christmas Abbott outlining her Badass Body Diet.  I haven’t looked through the book yet as I’m only slightly interested.  I’m constantly trying to read as much info as I can about nutrition while weightlifting but at the same time, I don’t want to get sucked into some sort of diet mentality.  I will read the book at some point though and will let you know thoughts once I finish. (Can be found via Christmas’s Website)

Be Unstoppable Coffee Mug

If I’m feeling particularly feisty in the morning, this is now the coffee mug I reach for.  It’s on the smaller side but I do like it.  It’s a mug so there isn’t a whole lot to say about it.  If I had to pick something, I would say that the mug doesn’t really need Christmas’s signature.  The saying is good and should be the highlight. (Can be found via Christmas’s Website)

LifeAid FitAid Drink

I have not had this.  I am not a huge fan of health drinks so I tend to pass those along to Scott.

Plus some coupons and discount codes.

Summary:

I loved this box just for the kneed sleeves.  The mug and book are OK and I’m sure there are lots of subscribers who really enjoy them.  For me though, this box is all about the sleeves because they are awesome and such a steal!

If you weight lift or do CrossFit, give Barbella Box a try!

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Fitness Friday: Slow and Steady

me post workout

Monday:

Was rough. I didn’t sleep well and I hit the later 9am class.  This was my first class after my very first CrossFit competition the previous Saturday and I was so. very. tired.  More on the event soon, I’m still trying to get all my thoughts together for that review.

Our WOD was AMRAP for 12:

  • 10 Snatches
  • 10 Sumo Deadlift High Pulls
  • 10 Lateral Burpees

UGH.  We had to do snatches for the competition so this was a little rough going.  Snatches are still a very weak spot for me so the weight was light at 35lbs. I got in 3 rounds + 28.  So close to getting 4 rounds but the burpees held me back.

Tuesday:

Tabata workout, 20sec work 10sec rest, for 8 rounds.

  • Row for calories
  • Abmat Situps
  • Pushups
  • Mountain Climbers

The mountain climbers got me towards the end and I had to scale those by removing the jump between switching legs.

We also worked on front squats and I worked up to an 80lb front squat!  That is my highest weight so far.  I tried for 90lbs but my legs were not having it.  I’m OK with 80 though, still a PR.

Wednesday:

All the running!  This was a combo of cardio and strength and it was a challenging workout.  I have not done a workout quite like this before and the transition was tough.  We did get a rest between running and lifting which helped.  I was the slowest in the group.  Everyone is a faster runner than I am and they all flew through their sets. I took my time with the weight sets.

  • 800M Run
  • 5 Min Rest
  • 3×4 Back Squat
  • 400M Run
  • 3 Min Rest
  • 3×4 Press
  • 200M Run
  • 2 Min Rest
  • 3×4 Deadlift

I got up to 90 for the back squat.  Again due to tired legs especially after the run.  Umph!  That was tough!  I’m also still dealing with some shoulder pain so my presses weren’t so great.  I was able to do a few reps at 55lb but not many. I had to drop down to 50lb to finish out the sets.  Deadlifts, worked up to 155lb for my last set.  It was tough and my legs were rubber by this point.

Thursday:

Our workout was split into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.  I did the intermediate level and I was so close to RXing this workout but had to drop the weight down to 50lb.  Boo!  So close I could taste that RX!

21-15-9-6

  • Burpees
  • Hang Squat Clean
  • Banded Pullups

Goooooood lord.  It doesn’t look like much but it was rough.  We were told to take it slow and steady, that it wasn’t a race to be the fastest.  Good thing because wow, this was such a challenge.

I was wrecked by the end of this workout.

Friday:

I thought I was wrecked from the Thursday workout which was nothing compared to today’s workout.  Ugh.  Hero Workout White and it was so so rough.

5 Rounds:

  • 3 Rope Climbs (Or 6 Rope Pulls)
  • 10 Toes To Bar
  • 21 Walking Lunges with 25lb held overhead
  • 400m Run

35 minute time cap and I finshed at 33:03 with a seriously scaled version.   I can’t do rope climbs which is highly frustrating.  There’s some element that I’m not getting or something isn’t clicking yet with my feet and the rope because I can barely stand up on the rope.  Two girls who are brand new to the gym just learned rope climbs today and were able to do it.   *grumble*

I also cannot do toes-to-bar, I can just get my feet lifted off the ground.  And weighted walking lunges are so hard on my legs. I was able to do a few with my knees touching the ground but then had to switch and focus on getting as low as I could.

I did do the runs though!  Had to walk for a few seconds once I reached the 4th round but I’m ok with that.

Summary:

This week was challenging for me.  Some of the workouts drained me mentally and physically.  Hello, Hero Workout. But I pushed through and did the best that I could.

I’m seriously considering doing another competition in April 2017.  I need to get my butt in gear though to prepare for that.  Which means I need to run more and work on my endurance along with CrossFit moves.  I don’t want to look ridiculous.  I want to be able to complete the workouts and really push myself.  Still in the considering stage right now!

Despite being really tired and drained this week, looking back I feel good with how the week went.  I’m also proud of myself for making the Monday workout because it would have been easy to brush it off and claim that I needed another rest day.

 

 

 

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August Barbella Box

Aug 2016 Barbella Box

August’s Barbella Box is loaded down with lots of fun goodies!

Unbroken Designs Lifting Belt (!!)

This lifting belt was created just for Barbella Box, it has purple and pink flowers along with the Barbella logo.  I was sent a large belt and it was way too big.  Barbella Box was great and was able to make an exchange. They sent me a medium which fits much better.

I’ve been curious about lifting belts and am so excited to give this a try once I get to a place where using one will be beneficial.

Doc Spartan Armpit Armor

This is an all natural deodorant that has simple effective ingredients.

  • Activated Charcoal
  • Arrowroot Powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Shea Butter
  • Refined Coconut Oil
  • Beeswax
  • Blend of Essential Oils

I’ve used all natural deodorants before that didn’t really cut it.  I like that this one uses charcoal to help with smell and controlling sweat.

I love this stuff!  It handles workouts great and I’ve used it as an everyday deodorant and it held up well.  I still sweated a bit but nothing compared to other products I’ve used.  My only critique is that it does get used up quickly compared to most other deodorant, natural and non.

Livesore Pineapple Socks

These are so cute!  Plus they match one of my gym shirts which is a fun bonus.  I’m not one for matching when I go to the gym, I just wear whatever, because I’m there to workout not be cute.   But there are some days when I want to look cute and workout because I don’t always want to look like a slob.  These fit that need.  They are also a nice inbetween sock.  Not as long as knee socks but provide a little bit more protection than just a regular ankle sock.

Amino Freeze Pops

Fun popsicle flavors that are full Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine to help with muscle repair and recovery.

I haven’t had these yet but they are in the freezer waiting for the perfect day!

Barbell Babes Sunglasses

Sunnies with Barbell Babes written down the side.  Cute and functional, these sunglasses are perfect for patio sitting and running errands.  They are a little big larger than the sunglasses I normally wear but they are lightweight and don’t slide off.  I love them!

Plus a bunch of coupons and some stickers.

Summary

I loved this box!  It was full of so many products, some that are fun and some that are functional.  And a few that are both!  This box was perfect mix of products all of which I love and can use.  Plus Barbella was great with exchanging a size with the lifting belt.

I can’t wait to see what’s in the next box!

If you lift and like getting fun workout gear and accessories then you should definitely give Barbella Box a try.  So many awesome products delivered each month!

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Fitness Friday: Push Through

Motivational Quote

I didn’t get a chance to post this last week but I did have everything already logged so I’m keeping it in for this week. Last week is first and this week follows.

Monday

This workout was rough.  I struggled with it the entire time.

  • 4o0M Run
  • 20 Ring Rows
  • 20 Push Presses
  • 20 Bent Over Rows
  • 20 Front Squats
  • 20 Box Step-Ups in Front Rack Position
  • 20 Lateral Burpees
  • 200M

I was dragging during this workout and was riding the struggle bus. It was the first time that I thought I was either going to vomit or pass out afterwards.  I went to a later class and didn’t eat beforehand so I feel like that played a huge factor. I ate well on Sunday but perhaps I didn’t eat enough that day.  But man, it was rough.  I ate as soon as I got back home from the gym but was tired and sleepy the rest of the day.

Tuesday:

Fran was the workout:

  • 21-15-9
  • Thrusters
  • Pull Ups

Before the WOD we worked on our split jerk up to a heavy single.  I was able to work up to 75lbs for that but my arms were definitely feeling tired.

I started Fran at 55lb but eventually had to drop down to 45lb.  I could not get through the thrusters at 55lb.  UGH.  It was frustrating but I also know it’s because my arms and shoulders were fatigued from the previous day’s workout.

I did also feel a little weak during this workout so I’m adjusting my eating just a bit to see if that helps.

Wednesday:

WOD was:

  • 30-20-10
  • Toes-to-bar
  • Wall Balls

I did t-t-b as best I could and got my feet up as high as I could.  This is a move that I feel like I could get down with some practice.  Wall balls felt solid and I’m seeing some progress with them.  It’s still a challenge for me to squat that much at one time for speed but it’s getting better.

I also did some strength today with some light squats and deadlifts.  I tried pulling 165 for deadlifts today but couldn’t get it.  I dropped down to 155 and pulled that for one but it was a shaky and tough pull.  I was also a tad light headed after.

UGH.  I’ve previously pulled 155 for 5 but today was just rough.  I left the gym super frustrated and annoyed.  I let it creep in to the rest of my day as well.  I tried not to but was not successful with that either.

Thursday:

  • 4oom run x 4 then:
  • 21-15-9
  • Kettlebell swings
  • Pushups

I did run for half and then rowed the remaining half.  I did alright during this workout but still felt very tired and fatigued. I have no clue what’s going on this week but it’s making me cranky.

Friday:

Unintentional rest day.  Started a new schedule which has me working later on Thursday evenings and I needed the sleep.

THIS WEEK

Monday:

For the strength portion we worked on front squats and I was able to squat 65lb.  I knew that I’d be doing squats later for additional strength training so I didn’t want to go too heavy.

The workout was

50-40-30-20-10

  • Double Unders (Singles were 100-80-60-40-20)
  • Sit-ups

x 2

I don’t have great double unders so I did singles.  However this workout, twice, sucked.  We did get a full 5 minute rest between sets but still.  That equals 300 sit-ups.  I honestly didn’t think that I would make it through this workout. We’ve done this before but only one set and I barely made it.  That took me 13:28 and that was back in December.

This took me 25:50 which includes the 5 minute rest between sets.  So minus 5 minutes, it looks like I have definitely improved on this set!  I’ll take that as a win!

Worked on strength movements and focused on strict press and cleans.

Tuesday:

Overhead squats and hanging squat cleans were the focus today.  My least favorite moves.

The workout was an ARAMP for 9:

  • 20 Wall Balls
  • 10 Hanging Squat Snatches
  • 10 Alternating Pistols

Wednesday:

Good thing I had my running shoes handy because there was lots of running today!

  • 400M Run
  • 21 Kettlebell Swings
  • 12 Pull ups
  • x 3

I used the 25lb KB for my swings because I can do full range and get a true American style swing with that weight.  I also did banded pull-ups.  I was still the slowest person who completed this workout but I was able to do all of the runs without issue.  Running with no pain is a goal I’m still working on.

Strength session after that where I made the 165lb deadlift my bitch.  Last week I couldn’t pull it and could barely do 155lb.  I wasn’t letting that get me down this week.  I walked up to the bar telling myself that I could pull it even if it’s just for one.  I did 3.  Training was supposed to be for 5 reps but I didn’t have that much umph.  I’m ok with having completed 3 reps. Boom!

Thursday:

  • 21-15-9
  • Cleans
  • Box Dips

I cleaned 60lbs for this workout.  The highest I can clean with good form is 75lbs so I feel good about this workout.  Maybe I could have tried for 65lbs but 60 was a good start.

I can’t do ring dips so I did box dips as a modifier.  I tried banded ring dips after class and got stuck.  Ha! So yeah, not ready for those just yet.

Friday:

Fight Gone Bad

5 stations, a minute at each station, for 3 rounds. 1 minute rest between rounds:

  • Row for Calories
  • Wall Balls
  • Sumo Deadlift High Pulls with Kettlebell
  • Box Jumps
  • Push Presses

Ugh, it was rough but I pushed through.  Most people on the white board had totals up in the 200s and my total was 182.  So I wasn’t feeling all that great about my score until my coach came over to me and said I did an awesome job because I almost Rx (as prescribed) the entire workout.  The only station that I didn’t was the box jumps because I’m still at a 16in jump vs. a 20in jump.

That made me feel so much better about my workout! I didn’t even realize that I Rx’d just about everything until he mentioned it to me.  There are still a lot of moves and weight amounts that I have to modify when I do the workouts each day and my goal is to at some point be able to Rx most of the workout.  Today was one of those days and I didn’t even realize it!

Summary

Last week was horrible and this week was so much better.  These workouts definitely ebb and flow and it’s really easy to get frustrated on the weeks that aren’t going so well.  I’m trying to be better about not letting it get me down too much and to focus on progress.  I’m definitely farther along than I was when I started.  Or even a month ago.

Trying to keep my eye on the prize and not get hung up on the smaller battles.

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July’s Barbella Box

July_2016_Barbella

June and July’s boxes were curated by Miranda Oldroyd and if you recall, I wasn’t a huge fan of June’s box.  I was a little concerned that this box might be the same but that was not the case at all.  I loved July’s box, it contained so many fun things!

We Are All Smith custom arrow bracelet.  The arrow has special meaning to Miranda and that story was provided with the bracelet along with a discount code to use for a future purchase.

The bracelet is adjustable so it fits my small wrists.  I’m also in love with arrows right now and it’s a contender for one of my future tattoos.  It’s gorgeous and perfectly feminine.

Linchpin tanktop

This grey tanktop is so light weight, soft, and comfortable.  I’m completely in love with it!  I wore it the next day to workout.  It held up great and didn’t sag too much when it got sweaty.  Easy to wash and toss right in the dryer without worrying about shrinkage.

W.O.D. Welder Coffee Soap

This soap has ground coffee beans in it which means it smells fantastic.  The grounds also act as a mild scrub while washing with it.  This soap is fun and provides a nice change up in the shower.

Flag Nor Fail Headband

I have a really small head and most headbands this size slide right off.  This headband stays put for the most part.  It’s snug and keeps hair out of my face while working out.  It did slip a little during the workout and I had to adjust it.  But it didn’t slip completely off, the gel grip really does help it stick in place.

Caveman Coffee MCT Oil (Sample)

Coconut oil for coffee!  I don’t blend oil in my coffee too much anymore but this will be nice when I want a little more umph to my coffee.

Progenex Cocoon Sample

A supplement that is supposed to help you sleep and restore those muscles.  Most supplements and I don’t get along so I passed this off to a friend.

I loved July’s box!  It had such awesome things that will see a ton of use!  This is probably my favorite box so far out of the three that I have received.

If you are interested, you can sign up for your own Barbella Box and start getting goodies each month!

* None of the links are affiliates.

Status

June’s Barbella Box

June 2016 Barbella Box

June’s Barbella Box has arrived!  June and July’s boxes are curated by Miranda Oldroyd, a badass fitness chick.

What this box contained:

WOD Gear Booty Shorts

The shorts are a fabulous color and they are so very comfortable.  However I am not yet that comfortable wearing booty shorts to the gym so at the moment they are for home only.  My goal is to be able to wear these to the gym or when I’m out for a run.

Progenex Trucker Hat

Eh, the hat is alright. It’s big and doesn’t really fit my tiny head.  I’m going to give it to Scott to wear when he does yard work.

Rock Tape

I recently found out that I’m allergic to this tape! So unfortunately I can’t use it.  The concept of it is pretty cool though, using tape to help tight and sore muscles.

Progenex Shaker Bottle

Basic shaker bottle. I already have a bunch of shaker bottles but it doesn’t hurt to have another on hand.

Progenex Force Samples

A pre-workout energy supplement.  Energy supplements aren’t my thing.  My body doesn’t handle stimulants too well, even the all natural ones.  So I have to pass on these samples.

Rocksauce Chill Sample

Cooling gel to help sore muscles.  This will come in handy when I have a heavy workout day!

Overall I was just OK with this box. Since Miranda is affiliated with Progenex, getting so much of that brand in one box seems a little much. Losing the trucker hat would have freed up some space for another product that could have been more workout related.

That said, I’m still enjoying getting these boxes each month and I can’t wait to see what is in this month’s box! If you lift or do Crossfit, definitely check out Barbella Box for fun goodies each month!

None of the links in this post are affiliate links.

Status

Fitness Friday: Work Hard

Flexing

Monday:

Was all the running:

  • 800M Run
  • 3 min Rest
  • 400M Run
  • 1:30 min Rest
  • 200M Run
  • 45 sec Rest
  • Repeat

It took me just over 30 minutes to complete this routine. I’m still getting back into running and I’m so slow.  But I did it and my hip did alright!  A little tenderness afterwards but nothing that stuck around or impacted daily life.  Thank goodness!

I worked on strength after class and was able to pull 155lb deadlift for 5.  Whoo!  Deadlift is my strongest movement and always improves my day when I get to do them.

Tuesday:

Tabata Tuesday!

8 rounds, 20 sec work 10 sec rest:

I didn’t think I did all that well until I put up my time with everyone elses’. I was pretty much right in with the group with made me pretty stoked.  Normally I’m the slowest (which is fine) but when I see that I’m in line with others then I know that I’m improving.

Wednesday:

Ugh this was a rough one and got to me mentally.  I tried not to let it but my score was so low and I let that get to me. Meh.

4 sets of each: 30 sec work, 30 sec hold

  • Push Press – Hold is bar overhead
  • Ring Row – Hold is upright position
  • Pushup – Hold is in plank position
  • Squat – Hold is in squat

So hard and I had to take a lot of breaks.  I was able to keep the bar overhead for each 30 seconds but had to break after that before starting push presses again.  I could not hold the squat for very long before needing to stand up. Every time a break was taken, 1 point gets subtracted from your overall total and that’s what got me in the end.  I had to take the most breaks during the squat and that ate up my total points.  Ah well.

On the upside, I did banded pullups today with only one band where I had previously been using two.  So that’s some progress!

Thursday:

Our workout consisted of two AMARPS.  It was definitely challenging!

1st AMRAP for 12:

  • 7 Hang Cleans
  • 7 Front Squats
  • 7 Thrusters

I think I’m going to have to get some wrist wraps.  My wrists fatigue so quickly causing me to need to take breaks. I could power through more squats and thrusters but my wrists tire out easily.

2nd AMRAP for 5:

Whew! I was sweating buckets at the end of this workout.

Friday:

DEADLIFTS! I was so excited to see this on the board!

  • 5 Deadlifts @ 135lb
  • 5 Handstand Pushups (That I modified)
  • 1 Rope Climb (That I also modified)

135lb used to be my 1 rep max on DL and now I can do that for a workout.  Whooo!  Progress and gainz,  I can see them!

After the workout we had to carry a 55lb sandbag for 400m.  Which was much nicer than having to carry a 55lb barbell for that same distance.

This week definitely had some ups and downs and some moments when I started second guessing myself.  But I powered through and am still seeing some progress which is exactly what I want.  Slow by steady, I’m getting there.