Well. That was painful and I can say with 100% certainty I'm glad its over. It was good though, because I haven't done this set of skills testing (or even the full two weeks of skills testing) for almost 2 years. Its pretty sad. In the past something always came up, like I got sick twice and I can't even remember what happened the other times. Even still, I missed the max DL day which made me a little bit sad panda because I've been working a lot on my DL and really wanted to see if I could hit at least 300. Ah well. Next time!
So yesterday's skills test was:
500m row (1:46)
max HSPU (hold for scaled) (45 sec hold)
max TTB or KTE (11 TTB)
max push ups (33)
"Helen" (13:59)
3 rounds
400m run
21 swings (35 lb rx)
12 pull ups
Did my 500m row in 1:46 which I'm happy about. Definitely an improvement. Did a 45 sec hold which sucked because it was my second try. First try the timer broke so we had to do over. I know I held it longer than that the first time too, but oh ewll. Max TTB was kind of a cluster. I did it on the bar which I don't usually do, and I don't think I've attempted them in quite awhile. Looking back now, I'm realizing I made them harder on myself-I kept staring at the bar, instead of up at the ceiling. Hard to explain, but when you do that you're pretty effectively stopping the "swing" that helps you get your toes up. Push ups felt good. Don't really need to say much more on that.
Helen. Oh, Helen. That sucked. I last did Helen a few months ago I think, and was able to complete it in 13:04. So I almost went a whole minute slower. At this point I was just really, really tired. So, what can you do. Next time goal is still sub 13.
Overall, really good to get some numbers on this stuff. I definitely see why some things are my strengths and others are my weaknesses. Strengths are definitely the heavy lifts, and skills that I get to do consistently (like push ups, rowing). Heavy lifts have improved SO MUCH by being able to get under the bar on a consistent basis during normal WOD's. Weaknesses are definitely skills that I either NEVER do (HSPU), or rarely do (double unders) and don't practice (TTB, double unders). Some of that I can control. I could take 10 minutes after WOD's to work on those skills on a regular basis. However, while I do want to improve I'm just not sure I care that much? I mean DU I definitely need to work on because those show up in workouts and it kills me when they do. But I'm just not one of those CF'ers who stays afterwards and drills on skills.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Skills Testing Week 2 Part A
Don't think I posted my results from last week, but I did a 225 back squat and a 105 strict press. I missed deadlift day, which really bummed me out because I haven't had a max one rep number in probably a year and a half. I was hoping to hit at least 300, which I feel like I definitely could have done. Its ok, another test will happen in 6 months so we'll see!
Last night was the first day of the metcon/gymnastic type skills. Was as follows:
800M run (5 min cap)
Max double unders in 2 minutes
Max ring dips in 2 minutes
Max pull ups in 2 minutes
"Christine"- 3 RFT
500m row
12 dead lifts (RX is body weight, I scaled to 135)
21 box jumps
So I was pretty happy with my 800m time, I completed in 3:17 (better than my last 800m for time, which I did in 3:30). Would still like to get around 3:00, but that would mean actually practicing running which is um...an optimistic goal. We'll see.
Double unders-what a fucking waste of time. I haven't been practicing them so its my own fault, and after the run I was super tired which does not equal DU success for me.
Pull ups and ring dips, pretty much hit the same numbers I did last time we tested this which was a year ago. A little disappointing, but eh. I've gained about 20 lbs since then which makes a HUGE difference for those two movements. I'm sure if I shed the weight prior to the next skills test, those numbers will increase
"Christine" I completed in 16:25. I honestly don't even remember my last time-I think it was somewhere in the 17 minute range? And that was with a 95lb DL because my back was JACKED that day.
Anyway, good experience but holy hell I was tired during the whole time. It was overcast and humid so I was sweating like a dog the whole time, and just feeling kind of crummy. On the box jumps during the WOD there was a point in time I couldn't even feel my legs, and was just praying that I was jumping high enough to not miss the box!
Tomorrow is part B of week two, so will report back!
Last night was the first day of the metcon/gymnastic type skills. Was as follows:
800M run (5 min cap)
Max double unders in 2 minutes
Max ring dips in 2 minutes
Max pull ups in 2 minutes
"Christine"- 3 RFT
500m row
12 dead lifts (RX is body weight, I scaled to 135)
21 box jumps
So I was pretty happy with my 800m time, I completed in 3:17 (better than my last 800m for time, which I did in 3:30). Would still like to get around 3:00, but that would mean actually practicing running which is um...an optimistic goal. We'll see.
Double unders-what a fucking waste of time. I haven't been practicing them so its my own fault, and after the run I was super tired which does not equal DU success for me.
Pull ups and ring dips, pretty much hit the same numbers I did last time we tested this which was a year ago. A little disappointing, but eh. I've gained about 20 lbs since then which makes a HUGE difference for those two movements. I'm sure if I shed the weight prior to the next skills test, those numbers will increase
"Christine" I completed in 16:25. I honestly don't even remember my last time-I think it was somewhere in the 17 minute range? And that was with a 95lb DL because my back was JACKED that day.
Anyway, good experience but holy hell I was tired during the whole time. It was overcast and humid so I was sweating like a dog the whole time, and just feeling kind of crummy. On the box jumps during the WOD there was a point in time I couldn't even feel my legs, and was just praying that I was jumping high enough to not miss the box!
Tomorrow is part B of week two, so will report back!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Update!
Wow. Its been a long time since I've posted anything, which is bad because one of the things I really wanted to do this year is to keep better track of my workouts. Quick recap on workouts and ponies:
CrossFit:
Have somewhat lost my CrossFit mojo. Don't get me wrong I still love it. Lately though its just been really hard to get motivated to go. Maybe its because I dunno..I've gained like 10-15 lbs since last year? UGH. I totally fell off the paleo bandwagon and I can feel it. I've been trying to get back on because I just feel SO much better when I'm lighter (and perform better in the gym) but its been really hard for some reason. I feel like my body is really cyclical-I can be comfortable at a certain weight for awhile, and then all of a sudden my body/brain starts freaking out and wants to get heavier again.
Granted I do think some of it is muscle. I've been consistently lifting heavier and making gains in most of my lifting skills, so that could be part of it. Its hard to lift really heavy weights and think about losing some LBs at the same time.
And its actually fitting that the last time I posted was February 26th, where I talked about doing Nancy because guess what today's WOD is? Thats right its Nancy. We'll see if I can beat my time-I have a sinking feeling though that it won't happen. I havent; worked on my running at all, and due to the extra weight that I've put on since February, its not helping my "run faster" cause, lol.
Horses:
I've still been riding quite a bit, a lot of it just hasn't been on Arwen. We kind of came to the conclusion that she is pretty much done with the whole jumping thing. I think she would be perfectly happy just being flatted around and trail ridden for the rest of her life. Which, is ok. I really enjoy doing those things with her because she is so level headed and good about that kind of stuff. I'm not entirely convinced that her aversion to jumping isn't something physical. I'm sure a lot of it just has to do with her personality and my riding, but I also think something is going on with her somewhere that prevents her from jumping somewhat calmly after all this time. We know its not training because she is definitely trained up the wazoo. However, she has always been really hard to get on the bit and can just be so wonky on her left side that I'm thinking its got to be physical. Because when I ride other horses I can get them going on a nice, even consistent contact which has always been a struggle with me and Arwen. So again, I'm sure some of it is my skill as a rider but I also feel like she's resisting for a reason.
So the decision was made to start letting her live outside full time and to try and see if we can make her a momma! She's actually at the vets right now, where we're waiting for her to develop a follicle. The semen from a lovely stallion named Imothep/Werner H arrived last week (frozen) so Arwen just has to tell us when she's ready to go and they'll start injecting it in hopes of getting her into foal for next year. My trainer was originally going to do this breeding on her own, but due to money constraints was unable. So we worked out a deal to split it half way, and if the resulting foal ends up being something I could have as my next horse, I'll buy her out. And conversely, if it doesn't, we'll sell and split the profits. So we'll see what happens! Even thinking about the foal is getting ahead of myself since Arwen isn't pregnant yet But I can't help but daydream!
CrossFit:
Have somewhat lost my CrossFit mojo. Don't get me wrong I still love it. Lately though its just been really hard to get motivated to go. Maybe its because I dunno..I've gained like 10-15 lbs since last year? UGH. I totally fell off the paleo bandwagon and I can feel it. I've been trying to get back on because I just feel SO much better when I'm lighter (and perform better in the gym) but its been really hard for some reason. I feel like my body is really cyclical-I can be comfortable at a certain weight for awhile, and then all of a sudden my body/brain starts freaking out and wants to get heavier again.
Granted I do think some of it is muscle. I've been consistently lifting heavier and making gains in most of my lifting skills, so that could be part of it. Its hard to lift really heavy weights and think about losing some LBs at the same time.
And its actually fitting that the last time I posted was February 26th, where I talked about doing Nancy because guess what today's WOD is? Thats right its Nancy. We'll see if I can beat my time-I have a sinking feeling though that it won't happen. I havent; worked on my running at all, and due to the extra weight that I've put on since February, its not helping my "run faster" cause, lol.
Horses:
I've still been riding quite a bit, a lot of it just hasn't been on Arwen. We kind of came to the conclusion that she is pretty much done with the whole jumping thing. I think she would be perfectly happy just being flatted around and trail ridden for the rest of her life. Which, is ok. I really enjoy doing those things with her because she is so level headed and good about that kind of stuff. I'm not entirely convinced that her aversion to jumping isn't something physical. I'm sure a lot of it just has to do with her personality and my riding, but I also think something is going on with her somewhere that prevents her from jumping somewhat calmly after all this time. We know its not training because she is definitely trained up the wazoo. However, she has always been really hard to get on the bit and can just be so wonky on her left side that I'm thinking its got to be physical. Because when I ride other horses I can get them going on a nice, even consistent contact which has always been a struggle with me and Arwen. So again, I'm sure some of it is my skill as a rider but I also feel like she's resisting for a reason.
So the decision was made to start letting her live outside full time and to try and see if we can make her a momma! She's actually at the vets right now, where we're waiting for her to develop a follicle. The semen from a lovely stallion named Imothep/Werner H arrived last week (frozen) so Arwen just has to tell us when she's ready to go and they'll start injecting it in hopes of getting her into foal for next year. My trainer was originally going to do this breeding on her own, but due to money constraints was unable. So we worked out a deal to split it half way, and if the resulting foal ends up being something I could have as my next horse, I'll buy her out. And conversely, if it doesn't, we'll sell and split the profits. So we'll see what happens! Even thinking about the foal is getting ahead of myself since Arwen isn't pregnant yet But I can't help but daydream!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
WOD 2/25/13
"Nancy"
We meet again. Last time I did this WOD was in this post back in September. Finished in 17:04 or thereabouts, as prescribed. Tonight I really REALLY wanted to beat that time, since it had been about six months prior and although I have not exactly been the fitness master lately, you would think I was in slightly better shape, right?
Fortunately, I did beat my time. Not by anything huge, probably by about 20 seconds (came in at 16:45 RX'd). Which isn't horrible, but I would hope there would be slightly more gains. I think part of it is my running is still really slow. I do need to just get out there and run more on my own, especially since sometimes a couple weeks can go by without any significant running in a WOD and then BAM...we get something like Nancy or Kelly. I definitely don't want to be a "runner" by any means, but it would make a big difference in some of my WOD times if I could pick up the pace and carry it throughout the workout. Right now I feel like sometimes I could be walking faster than I'm running and that is a sad feeling.
We meet again. Last time I did this WOD was in this post back in September. Finished in 17:04 or thereabouts, as prescribed. Tonight I really REALLY wanted to beat that time, since it had been about six months prior and although I have not exactly been the fitness master lately, you would think I was in slightly better shape, right?
Fortunately, I did beat my time. Not by anything huge, probably by about 20 seconds (came in at 16:45 RX'd). Which isn't horrible, but I would hope there would be slightly more gains. I think part of it is my running is still really slow. I do need to just get out there and run more on my own, especially since sometimes a couple weeks can go by without any significant running in a WOD and then BAM...we get something like Nancy or Kelly. I definitely don't want to be a "runner" by any means, but it would make a big difference in some of my WOD times if I could pick up the pace and carry it throughout the workout. Right now I feel like sometimes I could be walking faster than I'm running and that is a sad feeling.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Major slacking
Wow. Its been over two months since I've posted ANYTHING. I feel like a slacker.
On the CF front, I pretty much missed all of January due to work commitments and February has been kind of slow starting back up. But, its getting there. I just feel out of shape and slow.
I also did another Whole30 in January. That was interesting with all the travel! But I felt like it was much needed after the bingefest from the holidays. However, since then I have slid off the nutrition bandwagon fairly quickly and need to get back on it. Not sure why I'm in this head space right now because I do want to lose a few more pounds and always feel so much better when I eat well. So this week I am working on cleaning things up.
As for riding...I haven't been riding Arwen much lately. About a month ago I went out to the barn to discover a HUGE edema/seroma on her right flank. It was probably the size of a football! No idea how it got there but she obviously had some kind of muscular trauma. Vet came out and drained it, and put her on antibiotics (still waiting for that vet bill, its gonna be a good one, lol!) So while she had the drain in, I didn't ride her. In the meantime my trainer was putting me on other mounts, including a really huge grey gelding who is a schoolmaster at 3'6". He ended up being so much fun. Complete 180 from Arwen in that he's definitely a very easy going guy, and has absolutely no engine. Instead of having to always whoa down the lines I'm pushing him to gogoGOOOOOO!!! But, honest as the day as long and knows/enjoys his job. No attitude. So we talked about it and decided to keep him around for a little (sales horse) so I could just have some fun and get confidence at higher fences. Its been a blast so far-its been about two weeks and I've gotten to do up to 3'6" on him, mostly 3'-3'3" on a consistent basis. Which is something I would never get to do with Arwen.
However, a junior who was supposed to be "leasing" Arwen while I leased the grey gelding is buying her own horse. So that basically means I won't be able to ride the grey anymore unless I find another situation for Arwen. I'm kind of unsure what steps to take now...Arwen is being a total wench (begininng of spring, just like last year!) but I know she'll work out of it. However, I don't know if I want to suffer through it. So, send her to pasture for a month or so and keep riding something else? Or, ride her but maybe keep things really simple and basic? I just don't know...so this train of thought is to be continued for now...
On the CF front, I pretty much missed all of January due to work commitments and February has been kind of slow starting back up. But, its getting there. I just feel out of shape and slow.
I also did another Whole30 in January. That was interesting with all the travel! But I felt like it was much needed after the bingefest from the holidays. However, since then I have slid off the nutrition bandwagon fairly quickly and need to get back on it. Not sure why I'm in this head space right now because I do want to lose a few more pounds and always feel so much better when I eat well. So this week I am working on cleaning things up.
As for riding...I haven't been riding Arwen much lately. About a month ago I went out to the barn to discover a HUGE edema/seroma on her right flank. It was probably the size of a football! No idea how it got there but she obviously had some kind of muscular trauma. Vet came out and drained it, and put her on antibiotics (still waiting for that vet bill, its gonna be a good one, lol!) So while she had the drain in, I didn't ride her. In the meantime my trainer was putting me on other mounts, including a really huge grey gelding who is a schoolmaster at 3'6". He ended up being so much fun. Complete 180 from Arwen in that he's definitely a very easy going guy, and has absolutely no engine. Instead of having to always whoa down the lines I'm pushing him to gogoGOOOOOO!!! But, honest as the day as long and knows/enjoys his job. No attitude. So we talked about it and decided to keep him around for a little (sales horse) so I could just have some fun and get confidence at higher fences. Its been a blast so far-its been about two weeks and I've gotten to do up to 3'6" on him, mostly 3'-3'3" on a consistent basis. Which is something I would never get to do with Arwen.
However, a junior who was supposed to be "leasing" Arwen while I leased the grey gelding is buying her own horse. So that basically means I won't be able to ride the grey anymore unless I find another situation for Arwen. I'm kind of unsure what steps to take now...Arwen is being a total wench (begininng of spring, just like last year!) but I know she'll work out of it. However, I don't know if I want to suffer through it. So, send her to pasture for a month or so and keep riding something else? Or, ride her but maybe keep things really simple and basic? I just don't know...so this train of thought is to be continued for now...
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Skills Testing Take 3
This last week at CF was my third to at our skills testing. Format is a little different this time- first week is the heavy lifts, second week (still coming) is the skills and benchmark WODs.
The lifts I did were back squat, press and dead lift. I didn't have any recent numbers on my back squat and dead lift as the last time I did them was a year ago! I did improve, but would have liked to do heavier (of course!). Numbers were :
Back squat: 205
Press: 87.5
Dead lift:260
Press I really wanted to hit 90, but there was no way. Pretty happy with my back squat number and dead lift though. Improvement of 20 lbs on the back squat and 55lbs on the deadlift.
The lifts I did were back squat, press and dead lift. I didn't have any recent numbers on my back squat and dead lift as the last time I did them was a year ago! I did improve, but would have liked to do heavier (of course!). Numbers were :
Back squat: 205
Press: 87.5
Dead lift:260
Press I really wanted to hit 90, but there was no way. Pretty happy with my back squat number and dead lift though. Improvement of 20 lbs on the back squat and 55lbs on the deadlift.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Bad updater.
Did it again, have gone awhile without updating my workouts. Whoops.
They've been going pretty well, I've been trying to get in more consistently again. Diet however, has gone down the tubes. I feel like I've gained quite a few LB's since coming back from Hawaii because I never did get the train back on the tracks after that. Ugh. I should really do another 30 days of serious clean eating, but with the holidays coming up its hard. So right now I'm just trying to do the best that I can. Skills testing is coming up again in a week or so, and I'm interested to see what kind of weight I can throw around this time. I've been doing 3x3 sets at a decent amount for me, so we'll see.
Riding has been going fairly well too. New program for Arwen where I'm only jumping her twice a week, and then she gets hacked the rest of the week with potentially an extra jump school from Trainer if she needs it. Arwen has definitely seemed happier with this program. Not as dull as I have felt her getting when we needed to start working, and no hesitation at fences at all. So I think its definitely been helping her attitude.
And then, because I'm only jumping her twice a week, for my third jump lesson I've been getting to ride some other horses. Its been a really great experience because all the horses are so different. Some similar trends are coming through though in my riding, like needing to be more assertive and being careful about not locking my elbows. However, its definitely made me more away when I do get back on Arwen the kinds of bad habits she caused me to develop over the last two years. I think we're finally breaking through the small plateau we've been sitting on where I've been feeling like it might be time to stop riding her. So, its giving me hope I will get this last year with her and get to do some 3' stuff on a more regular basis. Probably not at a show, but at least at home.
They've been going pretty well, I've been trying to get in more consistently again. Diet however, has gone down the tubes. I feel like I've gained quite a few LB's since coming back from Hawaii because I never did get the train back on the tracks after that. Ugh. I should really do another 30 days of serious clean eating, but with the holidays coming up its hard. So right now I'm just trying to do the best that I can. Skills testing is coming up again in a week or so, and I'm interested to see what kind of weight I can throw around this time. I've been doing 3x3 sets at a decent amount for me, so we'll see.
Riding has been going fairly well too. New program for Arwen where I'm only jumping her twice a week, and then she gets hacked the rest of the week with potentially an extra jump school from Trainer if she needs it. Arwen has definitely seemed happier with this program. Not as dull as I have felt her getting when we needed to start working, and no hesitation at fences at all. So I think its definitely been helping her attitude.
And then, because I'm only jumping her twice a week, for my third jump lesson I've been getting to ride some other horses. Its been a really great experience because all the horses are so different. Some similar trends are coming through though in my riding, like needing to be more assertive and being careful about not locking my elbows. However, its definitely made me more away when I do get back on Arwen the kinds of bad habits she caused me to develop over the last two years. I think we're finally breaking through the small plateau we've been sitting on where I've been feeling like it might be time to stop riding her. So, its giving me hope I will get this last year with her and get to do some 3' stuff on a more regular basis. Probably not at a show, but at least at home.
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