Every time I go to a regular CrossFit class, I feel anxious, insecure and overwhelmed. These feelings stem from the challenge that I am faced EVERY time I go. There's no easy workout. Just when you think you're done the instructor adds on another set of exercises to work on your "Goats". By the end, when everyone is stretching, laughing and recovered - I am still dripping sweat and breathing hard. I'm glad that I don't take myself TOO seriously.
Yesterday, I finally felt what the CrossFit community is all about.
The minute I walked in the door, I was greeted by other CrossFitters, some who I've never met before introduced themselves and helped me understand the workout which was:
8 muscle ups
20 wall balls
6 muscle ups
20 wall balls
4 muscle ups
20 wall balls
2 muscle ups
20 wall balls
I have never done muscle ups before (takes a loooonnnggg time to develop the strength) and wall balls are a 'Goat" of mine. They knock the wind out of me. So I decided to go in group 2 so I could see the 'muscle up' progression. Usually I am encouraging others, yelling an occasional "LET'S GO" or "KEEP IT UP" but lately shyness and insecurity takes over so I stand there silent (probably with big eyes and a 'really' look on my face).
As I started my workout, immediately people where egging me on. Mike was by my side helping me get through the wall balls (2 of which came down and hit me in the face - just had to laugh), and I felt as though I had 20 cheerleaders helping me get through this workout. By round 4, I had another CrossFitter by my side helping me get through each rep and correcting my form. I was the last to finish the workout but that didn't bother me. I finally felt 'part of the group'.
After this workout - not even close to ready to start another workout - the instructor had us do:
5 toes to bar
3 Handstand pushups
for 8mins - on the minute
Again - I was thankful to have Mike by my side helping me get into the hand stands and 'trying' to fix my technique in the toes to bar. Makes everything easier when you have support.
The community is what keeps me coming back to work on my fitness. I enjoy the group and thrive on the 'Let's go Stephanie" 's that are being yelled out during class. Everyone has been in my position before and it's awesome to see that they are encouraging me to succeed.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Infertility Schemility
2 months ago I was given the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure and was lead to believe that on this date, February 15th I would 'probably' have to start in vitro.
Pfft! Not likely!
I woke this morning with an unsettling feeling due to weather that my 'big' appointment may be cancelled. Thankfully - if Doctor's can make it to the office they're more than likely going to be open for patients. Mike and I arrived 5 mins late (due to whiteout conditions) and waited in the waiting room for 40mins. Well this is just great! I thought Can't be good news.... (had the irrational anxiety).
We were taken in to the room, waited another 15mins and I could hear the Doctor saying "Well Ok then" outside the room. Psyching yourself up Doc? I thought. As she came into the room and reviewed my file, the look of disbelief and shock came over her face. "Stephanie" , she said "Your levels went down to 9.3! WOW! ".
Rewind 2 months.........
In December my levels were considered extreme at 14.2 for a woman my age. Throughout the 2 months my hope was that it would go down OR stay the same as normal is between 6 and 8.
I was told that my level is probably worse than the reading given as I was on the BCP.
I was told that I would have to be very aggressive if I want to have a child.
Present day....
Mike and I looked at each other in disbelief. The Doc then went on to let us know that I would be monitored through blood work for a couple of months but with this amazing decrease she can't see any reason why I won't be at normal range within this month. Probably already am as my last blood test was Feb 4th. She said to stick with whatever I'm doing as it must be working..... She isn't aware of what I've been doing.
I went to the naturopathic doctor, Gretchen MacLean, who gave me hope and 'a plan'.
I went to the acupuncturist, Daniel Schulman, who made me laugh and reassured me that my system would kickstart.
I detoxed through the infrared sauna.
I refused sugary treats and breads.
I believed that I could make a difference and trusted that my body would respond.
I asked for support and reached out to people. Prayers and positive energy can do wonderful things.
I got more rest and 'tried' to balance my time.
So now it's all up to fate and 'what's meant to be'. Mike and I will still have obstacles ahead and that's ok.
Pfft! Not likely!
I woke this morning with an unsettling feeling due to weather that my 'big' appointment may be cancelled. Thankfully - if Doctor's can make it to the office they're more than likely going to be open for patients. Mike and I arrived 5 mins late (due to whiteout conditions) and waited in the waiting room for 40mins. Well this is just great! I thought Can't be good news.... (had the irrational anxiety).
We were taken in to the room, waited another 15mins and I could hear the Doctor saying "Well Ok then" outside the room. Psyching yourself up Doc? I thought. As she came into the room and reviewed my file, the look of disbelief and shock came over her face. "Stephanie" , she said "Your levels went down to 9.3! WOW! ".
Rewind 2 months.........
In December my levels were considered extreme at 14.2 for a woman my age. Throughout the 2 months my hope was that it would go down OR stay the same as normal is between 6 and 8.
I was told that my level is probably worse than the reading given as I was on the BCP.
I was told that I would have to be very aggressive if I want to have a child.
Present day....
Mike and I looked at each other in disbelief. The Doc then went on to let us know that I would be monitored through blood work for a couple of months but with this amazing decrease she can't see any reason why I won't be at normal range within this month. Probably already am as my last blood test was Feb 4th. She said to stick with whatever I'm doing as it must be working..... She isn't aware of what I've been doing.
I went to the naturopathic doctor, Gretchen MacLean, who gave me hope and 'a plan'.
I went to the acupuncturist, Daniel Schulman, who made me laugh and reassured me that my system would kickstart.
I detoxed through the infrared sauna.
I refused sugary treats and breads.
I believed that I could make a difference and trusted that my body would respond.
I asked for support and reached out to people. Prayers and positive energy can do wonderful things.
I got more rest and 'tried' to balance my time.
So now it's all up to fate and 'what's meant to be'. Mike and I will still have obstacles ahead and that's ok.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Wittman
Wittman - My Archenemy....
Friday night Mike and I attended my 2nd WOD class (you know, with the 'big kids'). As we went to the 5:30pm class I had a chance to look to see what the workout was from the morning group... It just so happened to be a "HERO" workout (one of the tougher Crossfit workouts). Trying to stay positive, I psyched myself up to be a HERO and complete it.
Wittman consisted of:
5 or 7 rounds of:
15 Kettlebell Swings
15 Power Cleans - started with 55lbs then down to 45lbs (for me)
15 Box Jumps - 20"
I barely did 5 rounds.
As I waited for my turn, I got more and more anxious as it appeared that this workout was challenging the fitter people in the group...I decided to jump in on the 2nd group so that if I 'hopefully' wouldn't be the last person finishing and away I went.
Round 1 - not so bad - got through everything pretty well. By Round 3 the instructor gave me a lighter bar with lighter weights as it appeared that my form was going to the sh***er. Round 4 I was doing 1 power clean at a time and the 5th round it took everything I had NOT to throw up everywhere. (Not a good sign when Mike is laying on the floor after the workout TRYING not to pass out...). By the end of the torture, I had the shaky arm feeling, the angry/irritable attitude (happens when I get tired) and just wanted to go home. I could feel my back seizing up and knew I had to get some ice on it quickly.
Later that evening Mike and I went to Off Broadway for a special Valentine's Day (sugar free - no chocolatey dessert for me) meal. As we sat chatting my back was seizing up at a considerable rate and I knew I would be up for some pain the next day.
I returned to CrossFit Saturday morning to 'give it another go' and was feeling - stiff/sore but thought if I kept moving I wouldn't turn into a rock statue. We did another difficult workout - 60 walking lunges each leg, ring rows, back squat body weight and this was the end of my back.
Hardly able to move on Saturday night without having the wind knocked out of me and saying 'ahhh' or 'ooohh' with every movement - I had a complete back spasm. Nothing would help - A535 was just used for the aroma, heat was a tease, stretching would just make it lock up more, laying down was not an option, sitting was not an option, sleep was DEFINITELY not an option. I was miserable. I ended up "sleeping" on the couch propped up in a 45 degree angle and cursing myself for 'pushing it' too hard.
When am I going to learn?
It's Monday today and thanks to my mom who spent an hour last night trying to work out the muscles in my back, I was able to sleep last night. I'm better however still quite sore. I'm humbled and I have learned a valuable lesson. I need to start with much lighter weight so I can get my form down.
EUREKA - I've got it!
On another note: Tomorrow's my big day where I'll find out how my body has responded to all of this hard work. Thank you everyone for your encouragement. I'm hoping it's going to be a great day tomorrow!
Friday night Mike and I attended my 2nd WOD class (you know, with the 'big kids'). As we went to the 5:30pm class I had a chance to look to see what the workout was from the morning group... It just so happened to be a "HERO" workout (one of the tougher Crossfit workouts). Trying to stay positive, I psyched myself up to be a HERO and complete it.
Wittman consisted of:
5 or 7 rounds of:
15 Kettlebell Swings
15 Power Cleans - started with 55lbs then down to 45lbs (for me)
15 Box Jumps - 20"
I barely did 5 rounds.
As I waited for my turn, I got more and more anxious as it appeared that this workout was challenging the fitter people in the group...I decided to jump in on the 2nd group so that if I 'hopefully' wouldn't be the last person finishing and away I went.
Round 1 - not so bad - got through everything pretty well. By Round 3 the instructor gave me a lighter bar with lighter weights as it appeared that my form was going to the sh***er. Round 4 I was doing 1 power clean at a time and the 5th round it took everything I had NOT to throw up everywhere. (Not a good sign when Mike is laying on the floor after the workout TRYING not to pass out...). By the end of the torture, I had the shaky arm feeling, the angry/irritable attitude (happens when I get tired) and just wanted to go home. I could feel my back seizing up and knew I had to get some ice on it quickly.
Later that evening Mike and I went to Off Broadway for a special Valentine's Day (sugar free - no chocolatey dessert for me) meal. As we sat chatting my back was seizing up at a considerable rate and I knew I would be up for some pain the next day.
I returned to CrossFit Saturday morning to 'give it another go' and was feeling - stiff/sore but thought if I kept moving I wouldn't turn into a rock statue. We did another difficult workout - 60 walking lunges each leg, ring rows, back squat body weight and this was the end of my back.
Hardly able to move on Saturday night without having the wind knocked out of me and saying 'ahhh' or 'ooohh' with every movement - I had a complete back spasm. Nothing would help - A535 was just used for the aroma, heat was a tease, stretching would just make it lock up more, laying down was not an option, sitting was not an option, sleep was DEFINITELY not an option. I was miserable. I ended up "sleeping" on the couch propped up in a 45 degree angle and cursing myself for 'pushing it' too hard.
When am I going to learn?
It's Monday today and thanks to my mom who spent an hour last night trying to work out the muscles in my back, I was able to sleep last night. I'm better however still quite sore. I'm humbled and I have learned a valuable lesson. I need to start with much lighter weight so I can get my form down.
EUREKA - I've got it!
On another note: Tomorrow's my big day where I'll find out how my body has responded to all of this hard work. Thank you everyone for your encouragement. I'm hoping it's going to be a great day tomorrow!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Day For 1st's
Yesterday was my 1st regular WOD class at CrossFit. Anxious, excited, nervous - I walked in hoping that I wasn't going to be challenged by a workout filled with my "Goats". As I gave Mike the "Don't Leave Me.." talk before we went in, I was thinking why do I do this to myself, I mean, really WHO really needs to push themselves out of their comfort zone. This is starting to get old.
I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in with the friendly and greeting fellow crossfitters. I started to feel more and more comfortable and was even more pleased when I saw what the WOD was:
10 Rounds
3 Snatch width High Pulls
6 Ring Dips
9 Vertical Jumps
As Mike reassured me that this was a great 1st day workout, I was feeling excited to get going. As I hit my 11th round - did 1 extra as I only used a 35lb bar for the high pulls (could have done heavier weight) I was thrilled with my respectable 5:52 time.
I can't wait to go back now - what a positive experience. (Aside from the 1st day jitters!)
I went home at 7:00am 2 inches taller and then awaited my pole dancing class. I've been finding pole dancing very challenging lately as the techniques are getting quite difficult and my skin (feet, wrists, etc) is feeling the burn - you know, pole burn. My feet hurt just thinking of it.
I started my class with pole climbs - just like a rope climb except on a pole. I was never able to rope climb so the mere thought of climbing the pole is intimidating. The past 2 weeks I haven't been able to get past 'step 1'. Today, thankfully I got through step 1 AND 2 and am very close to achieving 'step 3' and getting to the top. As Rick James' "Superfreak" song played I felt as though I was able to take on the world. I tried multiple spins and inversions and since I was 'on a roll' I decided to do the 'oh so scary' helicopter inversion. Oh yeah, achieved that too! Check!
So needless to say, yesterday was a Day for 1st's. One of those days where you're glad to be alive and feel as though you are living.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)