Crossfit, Warrior Dash & First 10k Race

*Warning: Kind of a long post...but keep reading!!* :)

CROSSFIT

KB. 21-15-9. KTE's.AMRAP.WOD.Tabata

If you've heard these terms/acronyms...maybe wondered what the heck they are...this is Crossfit. Most people have heard about it, and lots have already joined in on the "fun". I'm kind of a latecomer to it, seeing as it's been around since 2000. Nowadays, there are Crossfit gyms everywhere, there's even a National Crossfit Competition...and it's gaining more and more popularity all the time!

A typical whiteboard WOD

Basically, it's a short workout (as short as 20 min.) that can be described as "constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement" and involves anything from jump ropes and kettlebells, to gymnastics rings and tires. Tires, yes HUGE tires! :/

Tire sledges

But let me tell you...it is FUN & ADDICTING & MOTIVATING! Here's my story (the short version, I promise)...

I started running consistently a little over a year ago when I lived in Omaha for a short period of time. Didn't really enjoy it, but liked the results I was seeing. Over the years, I have gained some weight and my husband has heard me complain about it, way too many times. Since moving to Charlotte, I ran a few times, here and there, went to the gym a few times, here and there...nothing really worthwhile. I noticed though, that my pet sitter was looking awfully fit, each time I'd see her...so I asked her "Um, what are you doing?!" She told me her husband managed a local gym and that he had been training her & a friend with Crossfit-style workouts. I said, "Can I get in on that?" I honestly didn't know much about Crossfit, other than I knew some people who did it, it looked tough, and it was usually conducted in groups doing circuit-type rotations. Right at that time, her husband had decided to start a weekly group workout and I went Day 1. It left me limping for a few days (not joking), sore as heck, BUT I told myself that I was going to go back. Well, I did...and I've been going ever since!!

 In action with training ropes & squats

I can tell you that I personally saw results pretty quickly. I don't really base a lot on weight, but I've lost a few lbs., my clothes are fitting better, I have more energy, and I'm feeling some muscles starting to develop! :) I LOVE it! Now, that said, I still have a long way to go, I realize that, but I'm making progress!! Now, I also need to say that along with Crossfit, I'm still keeping up with my running & yoga, and have adopted a somewhat Paleo-style eating plan (which deserves its own post...so more on that another time). But it's great, I'm always looking forward to my next WOD: Workout of the Day!

WARRIOR DASH

Two weekends ago, I participated in the Warrior Dash that came to Charlotte. It is THE world's largest running series, consisting of a 5-6k course with 11-12 obstacles (e.g. jumping over fire, crawling through mud pits, and sliding down fire poles). It was just for fun, and all I wanted to do was finish...I knew some of what to expect, but also knew it was going to be tough. But I DID IT! Finished in about 55 minutes...seriously, I definitely struggled a little, but it was super fun once it was over! :P

Jumping over the fire & finishing the race out of the last mud pit

Celebrating - somewhat cleaned up...couldn't pass up the beer stein! :)

1ST 10K RACE

I took a mini-vacation last week to drive back to southern IL, (1) to visit family/friends, (2) to head up to our hometown Italian Festival that happens every year, and (3) to run the festival's 10k on Memorial Day. I've ran a few 5k's before, and have been running consistently (up to 8 miles on some weekends) for about 2-3 months now. I wanted to sign-up for a race and push myself a little, so a 10k it was. 

Me before the race...I even wore green, white & red, since it WAS an Italian Festival :P

And here are some actions shots:

At around mile 2 - this is where I had to mentally tell myself, okay, it's really hot, but you're almost halfway there, you can do this! I've ran a few long runs, but in a race, it surprised me how much you mentally have to keep yourself going. I took it mile by mile.

Getting ready to cross the finish line at 1:08:17 (placed 4th in my age group!!)

Worn out & rehydrating...even at 8am, it was SO hot out!

And here I am with my younger brother, an AMAZING runner/track star...he ran the 1-mile dash in around 5 min flat! :0

My goal was really to finish, this time around...and to avoid walking as much as possible. I ended up walking for about 10-20 seconds, just at the 4-5 water stations...so not bad. I kind of wanted to finish in an hour or less, but that's okay...close enough! ;) All in all, a great 1st 10k...now the question is, what race to do next?!?! Luckily, in Charlotte, I have many to choose from, seeing as there are races scheduled practically every weekend all year long.

Thanks for reading about my fitness fun going on right now, what are you doing to stay fit and get healthy? Have you tried Crossfit? Have you ever ran a Warrior Dash? I would love to hear about some of your experiences!! 

Comment below or email me at changeisnecessaryforgrowth@gmail.com

***Also, have you entered my Beauty Box Giveaway?? 
If not, check it out!!*** 

High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 7

This has been one CRAZY, BUSY week! I was traveling for work from Monday - Wednesday, got back to Charlotte Wednesday night, turned around, and drove 9 1/2 hours today heading home to IL for Memorial Day weekend. Just a mini-vacation and am excited to see lots of people...but boy, am I exhausted. I am definitely saying TGIF!


Since it is Friday, you know what that means...I'm linking up with Lauren over @From My Grey Desk for:

So let's get on to my favorite things from this week...

ONE. I successfully completed the Warrior Dash - a 3.1 mile course that includes about 11 obstacles, and yes, that includes mud pits, wall climbs and jumping over fire! :0

 Want to know more? Don't worry, I plan on doing a whole post about it once the professional pics are posted - believe me, they're going to be pretty funny! It was tough...but SO much fun!

TWO. New kitchen gadgets

Mushroom (or egg, strawberry, etc.) slicer & Burger Pocket Press (am planning on stuffing some burgers with lots of yummy cheese/veggie combos)

THREE. Smoothies!!

I am obsessed with smoothies lately...especially strawberry/banana ones that include protein powder. It's a great lunch/snack option that is pretty healthy! Luckily Charlotte has a lot of great smoothie options to choose from :)

FOUR. I made ducky magnets from the make-your-own magnets that Jenn sent me

Aren't they cute??

FIVE. My work trip took me to Lexington, KY this week...enter the Bourbon beer

 I mean, I had to try it...it was pretty good, definitely different and not something I could drink all of the time. But tasty, nonetheless!

Alright, well thanks for hosting Lauren! If you have five favorite things from this week, head on over to Lauren's blog and link up every Friday! :)