Starting CrossFit

Today we start our latest endeavor- CrossFit. I'm excited to try a new workout and ready to get stronger!

This is the perfect picture for me, today....

Last night I went back to my past life- sorta.  I went to see such a fun band in one of my favorite outdoor venues, with my family.  Because it was a park, we brought a picnic (our tradition- we see this show every year).  Usually that is not the healthiest fare.  We throw chips, dips, sandwiches, pop and beer in the cooler and roll out.  Usually we will grab a box of cookies from the store, too.  Cheap, easy, good enough.  Not now.  Instead I packed edamame salsa (w/black beans, chickpeas, red onions cilantro, red peppers and a vinegar dressing), organic blue corn chips, a shredded rotisserie chicken, a soy/ginger vegan vinaigrette, and blueberries/raspberries for dessert.  We did bring some beer, but for the kids we brought organic apple cider and water.  That was NOT cheap, but was so yummy!  I brought almonds, too, for later when we needed to munch on something.  It wasn't easy to pass on the iced sugar cookies and Kettle Corn sold hot from the vendor!  We did though! 

I guess my point is that eating well isn't the norm.  For most it's a part-time gig.  I can safely say that I put in a good 40+ hours a week, but I don't profess to be an amazingly healthy eater 100% of the time.  I bet my chicken never got a cold because of the antibiotics it took growing up.  I know that my beer was not the best beverage choice.  I'm learning though.  The more I know, the easier it's becoming.

I am going to try a full vegan meal this week.  I'm making polenta lasagna.  I have my meal schedule made and I will post recipes (well, the good ones).  I will try to post pics, too. 

Here's the deal... I know they won't all turn out good.  I know I will crash sometimes and eat something bad for me.  I know I will have the hardest time eliminating beer and wine from my diet.  I know that everyday is a new step on this journey to wellness.  I know that I'm healthier today, fitter today, happier today, than I have been ever.  That makes it all worth it.

Thank God I can drive...

Remember when you were a kid? Riding your bike was the only form of transportation you could control...
I can remember riding for hours all over my neighborhood. I lived in the sticks, so we never really had to be concerned with traffic or HELMETS! I would ride probably three or four miles to Sybil's house just to see if she wanted to ride back to my house (no cell phones either). It was leisurely and I loved it.

It wasn't until high school that I was hit with the realization that riding my bike is actually a great form of exercise! Of course, that was also about the time I realized that I needed to exercise! I had a four mile square of God's country to ride and I hopped on my yellow Huffy 10-speed and pedaled that expanse daily. That was probably the first time in my life that I understood that I was in control of my fitness and my body. I continued that trek all summer and when school started back up I went to KMart and bought myself some new clothes!!!

Fast forward another 20+ years...
Today I rode about 7 miles with a dear friend of mine. First of all, it is NOT as easy to ride as it was when I owned Eagle Road and flew around on my ten speed. It's damn hard! At one point I had to "stand" and pedal just to get up a hill! Had I not been with a friend, I might have gotten off and pushed my bike...

And I do not remember getting off my bike and having to get my "land legs" again! I remember throwing my bike to the ground and running off to play tag or kickball (notice I didn't say I was going to play Atari)!!!

Let's be honest.... Somewhere along the way someone must have changed bikes altogether. They decided that biking is a sport, not a past-time and made it hard for the common person to ride. That is certainly the reason I am still sweaty (in 55 degrees), my legs are aching, and my arms are sore??? It can't be me- right?

This is a video that will make you think twice about sugar.  I am just starting my (lifelong) journey with nutrition.  I know so little, but am learning so very much. 

I have also begun reading the book, The China Study, by T. Campbell.  VERY interesting science behind a plant based diet.  Not sure I'm ready for that, but I'm only a third of the way through this book.

The next book on my list is Skinny Bitch (it's a little more my speed)!  I've downloaded the sample in iBooks and LOVE it!  It is a very in your face way to explain why our current nutritional state is whacked!  I will let you know how that one goes!

Happy summer!!!