Crossing over to Fitness

This morning, I took my first CrossFit class. Had I done some serious research into what it involved before buying a Groupon for it, I might have talked myself out of it. Even though I run and have done several races, I've never considered myself very athletic (see recent guest spot blog on this).

But I can't pass up a good deal as a way to try something new ... I figured, it worked well for hot yoga so why not?

Our class is 3 mornings a week, but I had to miss Monday due to Buddy having a dental appointment. I wasn't the only person in the class of 5 that had to miss Monday, which made me feel less nervous. Our instructor, Krista, was super patient and encouraging. It's 3 gals and 2 guys in our class, and we are all at different fitness levels.

The first move we did after warming up was a "sumo dead kettlebell" or something like that...basically, I had to lift a kettlebell from the ground up to my shoulders in a clean jerk, while not rounding my back. I'm pretty sure that's the cause of sore quads about 14 hours later.

Then it was time for the WOD (Workout of the Day): a 250m run around the building, then shoulder presses for the remaining minutes, with 3 minutes rest in between. I did 13 the first time, 14 each of the next 2 sets, for 41 total. I was about in the middle of the pack on reps, but the lightest on weight (25 lbs). I'm sure that will change as the classes progress.

It was over before I knew it...a quick and dirty 45 minute workout. But it made me feel so strong! I was proud of myself for not punking out when it got tough, and can't wait to see what the next class brings, and how my muscles will look when the class is done in 3.5 weeks.

It never hurts to try something new...though my muscles will probably argue that one tomorrow.

Take it easy...

This weekend was my first weekend without plans nearly all month. Since returning from vacation, my days have been more action packed than I thought ... but then, June always is a little busier than one thinks and the real "lazy days" come to light in July, at least in my world.

Sitting at the end of the weekend, I am singing the praises of 48 unplanned hours. It was GLORIOUS. We slept in, worked out...I even read a book for fun. It was a much deserved and needed rest after a month of accomplishments, which culminated in my CFRE exam on Friday. I thought about going into to work to get organized for the week, but a quick peek at my calendar showed I'd have plenty of hours in the week to log paperwork...so I resisted.

Turns out, taking vacations, and even short breaks from our daily routine, is healthy too. Research proves this could be just as important as exercise and a healthy diet.

So since I did promise more Me/We time this summer, you can bet I'm pretty excited that of the 5 weekends in July, we only have one commitment, our nephew's 5th birthday party. We have no other plans, and I'm going to work really hard to keep it that way. I have a busy fall ahead, and if I don't cool it on Saturdays and Sundays now, I'll konk out in the middle. And that would totally ruin my half marathon training (which starts July 23).

So, when's the last time you took it easy?