No, I haven't quit.

I haven't posted in awhile because things have been pretty busy for me. I wanted to take some time this evening just to update those of you who are reading this. Everything is still going swimmingly for me in the CrossFit program. I have identified how to push through, endure, and embrace the pain that comes along with this program. I'm always sore but it's because I'm always trying to push myself to the next level. Right now, I am only going to CrossFit three times a week and I am seeing amazing results. I've lost several inches around my waist and hips. I don't weigh very often but I weighed this morning and I've lost about 11 lbs since I started changing my lifestyle. I know that CrossFit is a remarkable program but I wouldn't be seeing the results I'm seeing if it weren't for the fact that I'm eating clean. I've given up many of the things that most of us can't seem to live with out (dairy, wheat, sugars, and even alcohol). It's amazing what your body will naturally do when you've flushed all the toxins out of your system by changing what you are putting into it. For the first time in years, I go to bed without taking an inhaler for asthma. My skin has completely cleared up. My nails and hair are becoming stronger. I was a skeptic before I tried it, too. However, now I'm a believer and I can't imagine ever going back. My next goal is to conquer the pull-up and hand stand. Once I'm rope climbing like a champion, I'll know I've made some major progress. Once again, I extend the same invitation. Anyone who would like to go work out with me and try CrossFit to see if it's for you, give me a call. I'd be glad to go up there with you. The first work out is free. You have to be in the right mind set to do it. With a defeated mind, you have a defeated body. With a strong mind, you have a strong body. They say that out of every 10 people who check out a CrossFit Box, only two come back. That's how you know that you've put yourself ahead of the pack. You're trying something that a lot of other people are scared to do.

Today Hurts.

I remember when I was in Kids Inc. basketball, I would carry around a water bottle that had the phrase "NO PAIN, NO GAIN!" written on it. I remember thinking that water bottle automatically made me an athlete. With that being said, the truth is that I never felt anything close to what was written on that bottle. I've been sore from a work out before but nothing like this. This is the kind of sore that you feel right when you wake up in the morning. It's the kind of sore that makes it almost impossible to get in and out of your vehicle. Going up a flight of stairs can seem more than challenging. The point of this blog would be useless if I never wrote about the challenges of CrossFit. It's tough. It's hard. It can and will be painful. It's why I keep going back.

Yesterday, I was able to push through the pain I felt during my first rep of back squats. I was proud of myself for pushing myself through the rest of my work out. Normally, that would have been enough for me to quit. Somewhere in the past two weeks, quitting has become a non-existent option. Yesterday was tough on me. Our warm-ups are close to most peoples actual work out. Our warm-up alone consisted of a 400M row, 16 box jumps, 10 ring dips, 16 shoulder dislocators, and squats. Anyone who gets the opportunity to ever see me do a box jump will have a good laugh. However, I do them. During the actual work-out, I had to do a series of work outs that included eight sets 30 second intervals and 10 seconds of rest in between them. This included planks, tabata rope, weighted steps, and inverted sit-ups. I reached a point where I was going to pass out or vomit but I was determined to finish. I had to take a small breather but nonetheless, I accomplished what I wanted. I wanted to finish and I did.

I spend countless hours a week talking to my fellow crossfitter, Erin Brown, about our work-outs, diets and progress. She once told me that if I didn't feel that challenge in my body after every work-out then I'm doing something wrong. She's right. It's suppose to challenge you that much. It's part of the reward. It amplifies how proud you are of your progress. You leave knowing that you pushed your body to the max. If that isn't rewarding then I don't know what is.

Yes, it is for you. No, really, it is.

I have been receiving a lot of questions from my friends and family concerning the whole idea of CrossFit. I can understand every one's apprehension, believe me. I had the same feeling before I joined. I spent countless hours researching it, watching videos on youtube, and reading various success stories on the world wide web. It's important that you execute each of the aforementioned steps. I feel, personally, that the deal sealer was reading about success stories from people all across the nation. There is not a "typical" crossfitter. They range from all shapes and sizes and each vary in fitness levels. There are some extreme athletes and some people who have the upper body strength of a toddler, much like myself. There are those who can run a 4 minute mile and those who can't complete a 1/2 mile. I'd be lying if I said there aren't moments where I feel like a complete idiot but really, who cares? I will take feeling outside of my element for an hour and walking away completely drenched in sweat, feeling like I've accomplished something substantial over riding a stationary bike for an hour any day. I never feel like I lose my pride when I step inside the CrossFit gym. It's quite the opposite. I leave every day feeling like I have more self worth than I did when I first woke up. I feel proud of myself.

Heidi and the CrossFit team do an excellent job of answering questions on their website. Here's a link for all the Q&As you may have http://www.crossfitama.com/cfama-faqs/). Also, their email addresses are listed and trust me, they will respond. They are excellent at communicating effectively. There have been times where Heidi has called or emailed me just to remind me something or to give me a few extra tips. They are serious about what they do. Heidi and Ryan both make it effortless to believe in your potential. There are times where I accomplish something and I can tell that Heidi is genuinely just as proud of me and and just as excited for me as I am. She is in love with what she does. Heidi enjoys taking part in changing people's lives and she excels at it.

I've already noticed changes in my body and my energy levels. Today, my work-out was intense but after it was over, I was ready to do more. Ryan and Heidi were both there pushing me the whole way. I left red-faced, winded, and drenched in perspiration. Don't pretend like that isn't an appealing visual. You'd just be lying to yourself and to me. Nobody likes a liar.

I don't miss you, diet coke.

Most of us never really want to admit that our diets are in drastic need of change. In fact, I had just accepted that it was normal for me to hit a Wendy's on the way home, grab a #6 with a spicy chicken sandwich, an order of fries, and a large diet coke. We've all heard the running joke of people who eat poorly and try to rationalize that it's alright due to our beverages being diet. I was that cliche. One thing that I never really took into consideration is that when I make my diet coke large, they automatically make my order of fries large. This in turn makes my belly large. In my last entry, I focused a lot on beginning CrossFit but now I want to focus more on diet. No one ever really wants to hear that in order for a program to be successful that you are going to have to diet AND exercise. It's usally one or the other. Unfortunately, that is why so many of us have failed. CrossFit teaches you the benefits of eating nutritionally and how it encourages your body to be stronger.

Most CrossFit groups encourage The Zone or Paleo. Personally, Paleo was the right route to go. I do not like counting calories, blocks, or points. I really just want it to be a lifestyle change that becomes so common that I don't obsess about what I'm putting into it for fuel. Paleo is simple. Lean meats, vegetables, moderate fruit, and various nuts. I eat as much as I want until my body tells me I'm full. That's the catch. My body is actually adapting to it so much that I am no longer overeating at every meal. I feel energized the entire day and my sweet tooth is pretty much gone. Granted, I've never had to give up heroine or cocaine, but I imagine giving up diet coke isn't much different. I felt as if I had been hit by an army tank for the first 48 hours. Everyone I looked at resembled a 32oz bottle of deliciousness. For me, it was the right decision to make. Drinking a diet coke makes me want to eat a cookie. Drinking water makes me want to eat a slice of turkey. It's that simple.

In summation of all the rambling that has taken place above this paragraph, I'm already seeing changes in my energy level, my skin, and how well I rest at night. Today, I was able to push myself at CrossFit and walk away proud of myself. I rowed 1400M, accomplished weight sets that included squats, back squats, overhead presses, rowing pull-ups, dead lifts, and an ab routine. Right when I thought my body could not do any more, Heidi was right there telling me I could. There is no way I will quit this.

I'm going to end this by throwing down the gauntlet for both my siblings. Give up diet coke. Don't let your kid sister one-up you.