Trojan Challenge Group Workouts

Due to work/school/work outs/attempting to sleep, I have neglected my blog soooooo here is a very long update.

First off, we are starting off our third week of the Trojan Challenge! So far, I have lost 4 pounds, started toning up, and increased my kettle bell weight! Here are my starting stats (might as well post them):
      Weight: 148
       Body Fat %: 29 % 
I will admit, I was pretty disappointed with my body comps because my weight and body fat increased (thank you holidays) BUT I lost some inches and gained some lean body mass so all in all not too shabby.

 The Trojan Challenge Benchmark took place at Westlake High School on January 8th where we had a group workout and got to meet our team and coaches.

 My challenge team is "Team Domination" aka "Team D" our coaches are Karen and Chris and we pretty much rock. 

                                                                  "Team D" post WOD

   

                Our benchmark work out: (3 rounds, each for time)

                 20 American Swing    

                 40 yard Gasser

                 20 Kettlebell Snatches

                 40 yard Gasser

                 20 Lunge Pass Throughs

                  40 yard Gasser

                  20 Burpees (ugh)

                 * I would like to mention that this is all being done AFTER the 400m run 

                  (while holding our kettle bells)

       

                 Times: (I used a 15 pound bell)

                 Round 1: 4:57

                 Round 2: 5:08

                 Round 3: 5:44

                *This will be repeated at the end of the challenge using the same weight.

Team D finished strong and were supporting each other the whole time, so excited to be on such as awesome team!

 

                      The whole Relentless Bootcamp Trojan Challenge group.          

On January 15th we had a Kettle Bell skills workshop at the Crossfit Central Gym where we broke up into small groups so we could work on movements and technique. I was able to use the 20lb bell for some movements (weight increase after just one week!!!)

                                                                                  

I had some fellow "Team D" members in my group. Amy rocks the kettle bell so it was great having her in the group with me since she was able to give me some tips.

                                                 Post workshop, CC loves group pics!!!

My 2011 BHAG(s)

BHAG=Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals. As the Crossfit Central coaches say..."if it doesn't make you squirm, it isn't a goal"  So here are my 2 squirm-worthy goals of 2011!

~Run a full marathon by December 31, 2011! 26.2!

~Be one of the Relentless Crossfit Success Stories! I want to be able to do "real" push ups (not my girly knee push ups) and I want an awesome, in-shape pic on the Relentless website :)

As a side note: Dear Luluemon (developer of the BHAG), thank you for making awesome running/yoga gear that ALWAYS makes me look skinny. <3 Ash

Making changes in 2011.

I'm starting this blog as a means to hold myself accountable in trying to make some big changes. Originally I planned on just blogging about the Relentless Crossfit Trojan Challenge but then I figured I might as well just start it up today.  When planning goals my Relentless Coach KP says that having a goal is not enough; you also need a plan and a deadline. I tried to apply this thougt process when I came up with my goals/resolutions for 2011 as I am hoping for some actual long term changes in my life.  So here are my 2011 resolutions:
~Work on my time management. I will do this by: making and using to-do lists, organizing my planner, and get on a better sleep schedule (so I don't want to sleep all day). I want to have this established by January 15th.
~Finish the Trojan Challenge strong. I will do this by: documenting ALL of my food by using this blog and a food journal, giving 100% in my individual workouts (no being lazy just cause I'm working out on my own), eat Paleo at least 6 days a week, and hold myself accountable! The deadline for this is the end of the challenge (60 days from Saturday).
~Get at least a B in my chem class at ACC. I will do this by: going to tutoring at least once a week (I HATE tutoring but I will need the extra help in this class), studying for at least 2 hours a day, study at school (not at home where I can get distracted). I want to have a solid high B by the first exam.
~PR in the Austin 1/2 marathon. I will do this by: sticking to my running schedule that I set up on www.runnersworld.com, cross training aka Relentless, and staying focused during the race. The Austin 1/2 is Feb 20th.

I picked "Strong is the New Skinny" as the name of this blog because I saw the phrase on a shirt and I love it. After years of ballet I always judged my "health" based on my size...skinnier=better.  I weighed myself multiple times a day and focused on the number, no matter how my clothes fit.  One of the biggest changes that I have noticed since starting Relentless is my change in attitude about what is healthy and in shape. I am no longer focusing on my weight.  I am focused more on how my clothes fit and my strength...switching from the 6lb med ball to the 10lb med ball in class was awesome and I'm about to start using a heavier (non "Barbie") kettle bell.  2011 is gonna be a great year!