Not that anyone missed me.
In lieu of a “Dear Diary, here’s everything you need to know about the past 10 months” post, I’m limiting my blog update to ten memorable moments.
Without further adieu, an in no particular order, here we go:
1. I placed second in CrossFit South Brooklyn's Paleo Challenge!
This was a huge success for me. It finally gave me the extra push I needed to be dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. I hit the gym five times a week, I slept better, drank more water, my mood skyrocketed, my eczema and acne issues cleared up, I lost weight/leaned out, life was awesome.
2. I MET ANNIE THORISDOTTIR!
CFSBK hosted the 13.2 CrossFit Open announcement in March where Annie Thorisdottir and Lindsay Valenzuela went head-to-head in a 10min AMRAP of: 5 shoulder to overheads, 10 deadlifts, 15 box jumps. I am so grateful I got to see these two strong women compete at my home box. It was truly an amazing feat to watch.
3. I placed 1st in my weight class at CFSBK's 3rd ever Tough Titsday Powerlifting Meet. (And I got a really cool trophy!)
Tough Titsday is an incredible experience. The support from the crowd (CFSBKers and non-gym members alike) is overwhelming. Every woman walks away a champion -- and the crowd acts like it, too. It doesn't matter if you're fighting for a 75# backsquat or a 250# backsquat. The crowd goes wild every time. The camaraderie and friendships I've made from this event are the reason I love CFSBK and CrossFit so much. I'm so proud of everyone who competed and cannot wait for the next one in July.
I hit three new PRs that day, most of which still stand:
- Back squat: 205#
- Bench press: 115# (now 120#)
- Dead lift: 245#
4. I bought my first pair of rock climbing shoes!
Thanks to my buddy (and fellow CrossFit badass) Courtney, she's been teaching me the ins and outs of rock climbing and bouldering. I am having a blast. I love problem solving. Figuring out how to scramble my way up V1s and V2s is a great way to spend an afternoon. And it's doubly awesome that Brooklyn Boulders is one block away!
5. I (FINALLY) made the trip out to Purdue University.
Two exciting things here: I went to my brother's fancy, schmancy Air Force Gala Dinner (lil bro's going to be a pilot. WHAT?!), and then celebrated his 21st birthday. Going to the bars with siblings as awesome as mine is the best. Also, college is so much fun.
It all started when I won a raffle for a free 15# grass-fed meat share (bottom right pic). Of course it was delicious, so I joined the four month CSA. Rack of lamb, porterhouse, bacon (BACON!), chorizo, short ribs, you name it! I made so many new recipes and added so much to my paleo repertoire that I have no qualms about never eating bread/dairy again. Not to mention I got an iPhone 5 (with an amazing camera), so now I will most definitely be posting more food porn and their recipes. Yay!
7. I won my first advertising award(s)!
A non-CrossFit/exercise entry!? No way! Yes, it's true. I can now add an ADDY and the Phil Dusenberry Cause award to my accolades. Go me.
8. I hit some major (and minor) milestones.
- I joined the ranks of the pistol ninjas!
- First two kipping pull ups (still working on strict)
- New double under PR of 34 (previously 8!)
- First ever toes-to-bar (though, they're not all that frequent...yet)
9. I've stuck to my New Year's resolution of reading a book a week (so far, anyway).
Pretty impressed that it's May and I'm still going on this one. Here are a few of my favorites so far:
- Bird by Bird
- Slaughterhouse Five
- 1984 (George Orwell)
- Silver Linings Playbook
- Perks of Being a Wallflower
- Born to Run
- Ready Player One
10. I went hiking with friends. It was wonderful. That's all.