Crossfit and (almost) Paleo...

Well, I survived crossfit day two (intro still).  Not as bad as the first - as in I didn't leave wanting to puke.  I could probably have used more weight but we'll get there.

Warm-up
400m run
tabata planks

WOD
10 x high clean
10 x sumo-deadlift high pull (SDHP)
4 times for time
2:24

Also, since I've moved down under I seem to be losing weight, I'm not trying, not even tracking but my clothes are fitting differently (what few clothes I have).  I guess I notice mostly on my jeans.  I'm eating a lot cleaner - following a lot of the principles of paleo (just got Robb Wolf's book as well) but there are certain things I know I won't give up (milk in the occasional latte, beer, wine, eating out)... there are an abundance of markets here though so I guess fresh veggies and proteins are much easier to come by - I'm cooking more and eating less.  And I don't ever feel hungry.  Also - the biggest bonus - I don't have much of a sweet tooth at all.  I have had a bar of chocolate in my car for the past 3 weeks and there is still some left... though it's slowly disappearing on my drive to work as it goes so well with my coffee.  Hee!

Today I got stronger...

I'm no longer a crossfit virgin...  first day today - introduction really and a short workout - it almost killed me.  Hardest 10 minutes of my life.

WOD - 'Fun Gone Bad'

1 minute each of:
situps
boxjumps
squats
pushups
overhead squats
two times for reps
153 round one
148 round two

I enjoyed it a lot though I wanted to puke when it was over - and I know it's only going to get harder.  I'm going to learn how to push myself with gentle encouragement. I think this can be a good thing.

Also, it's not a good idea to do a 20km paddle (oh my lower back) and go for a run (oh my quads) in the two days before your first day at crossfit.  Ouch!

A new community, in a new place... a new life.  All my own choices and I love it!

Today I got faster...

Tonight I got faster... a long overdue run/walk (lots of walk)... but still it was something - 50 minutes of pure freedom.  Letting go of thoughts and feelings, people and aches.  It was inspired by my paddle yesterday.  Crossfit starts tomorrow too!

I'm falling in love with this place...

I got stronger today...

I got stronger today... First paddle since landing in Australia. An 'easy' winter paddle of 20km in the Indian ocean... My first time in this ocean. Bit of surfing, bit of swimming (just standing in the water really) and tons of fun! Got to sit 2 seat too! Great morning with new friends...

Done...

5.5ish km done... didn't feel as bad as I expected... left the gps at home, this was just about running, not how fast or far, just running.... 5 on 1 times 6... good times.

I'm home, showered and ready for the weekend (though being unemployed until July it has a different feel - friends coming into town, big dinner party tonight, might be the last time I see some of them too before the big move)... I'm ready.

Just put those shoes on and run, I tell you, it's worth this feeling!!!

Going for a run...

It's been quite some time since my last run, quitting a job, planning a move half way around the world, a kidney infection, travel... I know it's going to hurt but I'm ready for it...  the crisp rainy air is waiting to be sucked into my burning lungs...

and so I go...

10km done... Sun Run over

Ran this Vancouver Sun Run this morning with 60,000 of my closest friends... finished just over an hour didn't break my goal of under an hour but given the time spent dodging around people or slowing to make the corners I think it's respectable.

A few highlights:

-the 4 ft flames shooting through a third story apt. along the race course - I feel bad for the apt. owners and the firemen trying to get to the building with all the runners in the way

-the lady who gave me a high five at km 7... thanks! I needed it.

-awesome shirts- 'hungry?' 'do is for winners' 'I am epic'

-walking the 3km back home along the race course and still seeing walls of people finishing it up.. truly inspiring the number of people out there

-thanks to ben and asweatymess for being out there somewhere along the routes cheering... I didn't see you but I'm sure you encouraged numerous people with your cheers

-to the little kid who was spilling his guts at the 9.5km mark... you most definitely ran your guts out... I feel for you... but be proud

-the best sign about a km from the finish 'think about breakfast'... awesome!

“1:00:47 - Official 10k time… so.close. to my goal… next time!” 

(hopefully) tonight's run...

Tonight I am going to try and get out of the office early enough to run here (Red Rock Amphitheater, Colorado):



Sometimes it's the little things with work travel... finding the secrets and fun when the work is put away...

In Denver til tomorrow night... so.much.travel.

EDIT:

*Note, when you live at sea level it takes about one minute for your lungs to start BURNING when you exert yourself… I did however caterpillar this bad boy all the way to the bottom and then sprinted back up to the top (always park at the top)… it was worth it.  Spectacular.  If I lived here I’d run this place daily.

Last Nights Run... Just for fun (again)

Run/walk 1 mile then sprints
200m at 8.5 200m at 4.0 recovery times 4 (1 mile)
0.1 mile each at 6.5, 8.5
0.05 mile recovery each at 4.0, 6.0
0.1 mile each at 7.0, 8.5
0.05 mile recovery each at 4.0, 6.0
0.1 mile each at 7.5, 8.5
0.05 mile recovery each at 4.0, 6.0
0.05 at 6.0
as far as I could at 8.5 (0.07 miles)
8.0 to finish (0.1 miles)
Total 3.12 miles (5k) in 30:54 (3 miles in 30:00)

Fun change of pace (har-har) workout...
@easyrunner - this one was for you - I didn't want to go but having read your post (and my response to you) I felt like I had to and I'm glad I did... not long, high intensity and fun... and it was good to have done it.

Gonna do it...

Just leaving work now (7:30pm - what!?!) but still going to the gym tonight... I will run.  No set time or distance... another run, for fun.  That's what this week is all about. 10k race in a few weeks but I know I'll rock it... it's just fun time.  Me time.

Also, playing hooky tomorrow...hoping for sunny skies in Vancouver and a peaceful flight home in the morning (with lots of extra sleep).

Have an awesome evening everyone!