Happy National Trail Day!

Will you get your trail on today? Walking? Running? Hiking?  Kayaking?  Take your pick!

We are doing a 5k out on an easy trail today.  A good time with friends!

So get outside today.  Find a trail.  And take a walk.  Or a hike.  Lots of parks are having events that are kid and dog friendly.  Check your local parks and recs website for more info.

Regarding: Crossfit

People have been asking me what I think of Crossfit and how am I liking it.  Now that I have been to a whopping THREE classes, it is time to share.

First, I was almost scared out of going to the first class.  Everyone said how hard it was, that it was no joke, etc.  But the reality is that it is just like any other workout or fitness class.  You get out what you put in.  If you push yourself, you will feel it.  If you phone it in, you won’t.  And I have plenty of BOTH of those types of days.

Next, I thought it was going to be killer TOUGH all the time.  And it really isn’t.  Saturday was killer.  Monday was even worse.  But last night was about max weight.  So not quite the same kind of intensity as the other two visits.  But tough in a different way.  I was intimidated by the weight plates and bars and racks.  But Crossfit Chrissie was awesome and worked with me all night on my form.  Apparently, my squats have been pretty bad.  But I am working on it.  My shoulder presses and dead lifts were better.

It is a supportive, group environment.  But not rah-rah like some other group fitness classes.  It is more (to me) like the finish line of a race.  The people that finish ahead of you stick around to cheer you on.  No judgement.  Everyone finishes and it is about improving your own personal best, not beating someone else.

And you don’t have to be fit to start.  There are adjustments and modifications that the staff can help you with that make it accessible for anyone.  It is going to be hard. But that is why it is an effective and fast way to get in shape.  Or improve your fitness if you are already fit.

Don’t expect fancy facilities and equipment.  Picture empty space in an industrial type park, with a loading dock or other type of big, open doors.  A big empty space with weight plates and jump ropes on the walls.  A dry erase board and chalk everywhere.  You write on the floors, the walls, etc.  Keeping track of weight and rounds.  NO AC.  Ceiling fans if you are lucky.  And loud music.

To be honest, I am not sure I would replace my gym membership with Crossfit simply because my gym is cheaper.  But I would definitely consider a punch card or using this as a supplement to my gym and running.  I have 3 weeks left in my “free” month.  As me again when it is over.

Another great post on Crossfit is here, at Posh Meets Pavement.

Regarding: Ugh

All I can say is that it SOUNDS not so bad, but I am sure they will find a way to make it torture. They can’t fool me anymore.

Last night, I ran 4 miles.  It wasn’t a great 4 miles.  But it got done.  Today, everything seems sore.

Dogs to daycare today.  But that means I can stop for Dunks coffee on my way back.  $1.07 if you bring your own cup!

What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW) 5.30

My What I Ate post.  And you get to join in on the fun.  Just click on the button to take you to the site and see what others are having.  Or add your own!  It will be Tuesday’s food.  Enjoy.

Breakfast: Coffee and banana bread

Lunch: Leftover spaghetti

Snack: Carrots, cookies, nectarines.

Dinner: Is a chicken salad sandwich.  But it didn’t last long enough for a picture.  And then I had a protein bar later.

I should find a place with better light for pictures.

Regarding: The Murph

J wanted to go back to Crossfit yesterday.  And since we are trying to get the most out of our unlimited month, I said what the hell.  Michael and I went to a movie first (MIB3, more later) and I made a lunch out of popcorn and Milk Duds.

Yesterday, for Memorial Day, the Crossfit people decided to do The Murph workout.  Even the trainers said they were about to lose it on the last mile.  In the spirit of full disclosure, they told us to do the mile, then half, then the last mile.

So that was 50 pullups, 100 pushups and 150 squats.  We came in at 46;12.  I made it through the pullups, then 50 real pushups and 50 on my knees, and then the 150 squats.  You actually split it up however you want, but the recommend doing 5-10-15 and then however many rounds.  For me, that was 10 rounds.  I got through 5 rounds and then just wanted to bang out the last of the pullups.  So really, however you can get through it.

Today is a rest day.  Time for more French Open tennis!

How was your weekend?  We avoided the pool (too many kids) but had a nice weekend with friends.