The Incredible Shrinking Krista

Monday, August 25, 2014

OUCH!!!

So I ha started a free introduction to "CrossFit Lite" 2 weeks ago, then missed last week due to being under the weather, so I headed back tonight.  The purpose of CrossFit Lite is to do the "functional movement" stuff, without the heavy lifting, so most everything is body-weight exercises, or things with dumbells or kettlebells.  It's definitely a good way to get back into CrossFit after an 18 month absence, and re-learning the proper movements, full range of motion, etc.

I went in tonight, and we started with a "nice little 200 meter run".  Now, when I originally started CrossFit over 2 years ago, I couldn't run 50 yards without having to stop and suck wind for a few seconds.  I ran the entire 200 tonight without stopping.

Then we stretched a bit, and finally did a tabata training with air squats....um, my quads were BURNING!!

Then we worked on two skills:
1.  goblet squats w/a kettle bell or dumbell, 3 sets of 15, full depth
2.  lunge rows?  I think they called them.  Lunch, and use a dumbell to row, 3 sets of 15 with each arm.

So now, we've done a very short run, tabata air squats, and 45 goblet squats, with lunges for good measure.

Now, time for our workout....yeah, you read that right...all of the above was the warm-up....

The WOD?

1 minute of Wall Balls (full depth squats again)
30 second rest
1 minute parrolette hop overs (I did 1 leg at a time)
30 second rest
1 minute of sit-ups

3 rounds....

yeah, my knee has been hollaring at me all the way home, and every now and again, my quads just start shaking.

My knee has officially been iced, I've eaten dinner (can't eat before a workout, or i'll vomit), and now, I'm headed up for some Deep Blue on the knee, and some time to recover..I'm thinking that walking this week might be entertaining for those who have to see me do it!

Krista

Sunday, August 3, 2014

10 months and light years from where I started

It's been a couple of months since I posted a blog, primarily because I don't spend 90% of my day focused on the rules and food that I had to do the first few months.  In the beginning I had to be hyper focused on every single detail, or else I would freak out.  I've kind of fallen back into a comfort level but with my new eating habits.

Unfortunately, I haven't found a new comfortable and consistent workout schedule.  The fact is, now that I have quit super focus on every little thing, I have reached a the dreaded weight loss plateau.  I have been staying right between 182 & 185 pounds.

While I was really hoping to be at my goal of 145-150 pounds by the end of my first year, I think the stall has helped my brain to catch up with my body.  It's been a solid month or so since I said "hi" to my reflection because I didn't even recognize myself.  I have come to the realization that even if I never lost another pound, I wouldn't be heart broken.  I want to lose some more because I'm still considered "obese" a title I'd definitely like to kick to the curb for the rest of my life....but, I don't want to focus on something as insignificant as the number on a scale, which reflects little more than the amount of space I occupy and the amount of material that is required to cover my body appropriately.

I am far healthier than I have been in my entire adult life.  I am able to keep up with my kids, and we are going to start working out as a family at the local park.  I don't take the elevator anymore at work, because I can now walk up the stairs without getting all out of breath and huffing and puffing.  I walked all over Chicago a few weeks ago with no issues, no pain in my joints, no huffing and puffing.

I ran a 5k in Chicago in in 44:38, an average pace of 14:21.  That is the fastest 5k I have ever run, the first time sub 50 minutes, and an improvement over last June's 5k of 55:40 with an average pace of 17:57.  I could almost have run a whole extra mile in the same amount of time.

Am I where I want to be physically?  not quite yet.  I have some more work to do on strength training.  I have more work to do on flexibility and core strength.  I have more work to do on cardio endurance.  Is it possible I will end up having to have some plastic surgery along the way, yes.

I've seen a quote to the effect of "A journey of a million miles starts with just one step."  Well, last August I took the first step.  I began the process of having weight loss surgery, and I've never regretted that decision even for 1 day.  I have found the woman I always wanted to be.

I have also found the confidence to step out and start my own business.  I am super excited that I have started selling Rodan + Fields skin care.  They are the founders of Proactiv and have expanded their product line to include a regimen specifically for sun damage, one for the signs of aging, one for sensitive skin and one for adult acne.  If you are in need of new skin care, or have any concerns, feel free to send me a message.  I'd love to help you!!
Michelle, Jennifer and I before the Half Marathon Started

Michelle, Jennifer and I after the 5K, getting misted by the fountains in Grant Park


Jenna, Jennifer, Michelle and I at Gino's East

The 5k Finish!  I've never been so proud of myself.