Espirit De She Maple Grove

 Yesterday was Annie's 22nd birthday.  After two years of pestering I finally convinced her to do her first 5k and she did an awesome job. 

We were super worried because driving down to the race it was pouring rain.  My worst fear was that we would get all the way down there and it would be cancelled, but the skies cleared up about half an hour before the start.  It turned out to be a gorgeous night for a run. 

Jesse and I did the 10k and Annie did the 5k which was super nice because this course is a loop.  So I did the first lap pacing between Jesse and Annie just to make sure Annie was doing okay then on the second lap I sped up to keep up with Jesse which was awesome because we kept each other motivated for the last couple miles for sure.  Oh, and we both PR'd from our time last year :) 

Mom made the trip to Maple Grove as well to cheer us on, so we had a great cheering section with her, John, and LJ. 

I think she always has a hard time when I go back to school, so I am glad I got to see her. And we all got to catch up post-race with a little Noodles and Co dinner. 

Tonight I have a GIANT surprise planned for Annie's birthday, so make sure to stay tuned for a post about it tomorrow. 

Happy Friday, 

Catherine

New WOD Tab and Monday Motivation

You should all be very proud of me because I finally figured out how to add a tab to the blog! Check it out!

I am challenging myself to document every single workout that I do the good, the bad, and the ugly, so you guys will always have the inside scoop.  The goal is that there will be a new blog post and a new WOD posted before my head hits the pillow each night.  That is going to be a serious struggle some days, but I will try my best!

Now for some Monday Motivation

We all have something we are reaching for right?  What is the one thing that we want more than anything else?  For me that is to compete and place in a CrossFit competition.  This is a LOFTY goal, but I am more than determined to make it happen.  I will give up just about anything in order to make this dream a reality. I mean look at these ladies.  Who doesn’t want to look like that?

Happy Monday!

Catherine

Granite Games 2015

Where do I even begin with this weekend?  The words life changing and inspiring come to mind.  This weekend I lived and breathed CrossFit (fairly normal right?).  I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Kill Cliff Granite Games here in St. Cloud.  Amazing.  Even as I am writing this post I am getting teary eyed thinking of how hard I worked and how incredibly rewarding it was all at the same time.  I sit here writing and my feet are throbbing, my arms are all cut up, and bruises line both legs.   

It is no secret that I love CrossFit and if I could spend all my time doing it I wouldn’t even have to think about my answer because I’d do it.  Being able to set up equipment for world class athletes and being sweated on by those very same people makes me want to hit the gym this very moment. 

This weekend I got to spend time with some of the fittest people in the country.  Who gets to say that?

I had to put this in here because I got to reset his rower during a WOD and I touched him.
I could've died. Such a cool and down to earth guy.

Sam Dancer

Although a huge part of my weekend was being there with the athletes it was also the location and the experience.  This event was held at St. Cloud State University and we seriously took over.  Three separate tournament spaces filled with athletes and spectators alike. I had one major health nerd moment that I thought I’d share with you.  When I was told that the food was outside for lunch I figured it’d be the normal fried foods you find at all major sporting events…ummm I was so shocked to see all paleo, healthy, gluten free, and vegan meals being sold!  How awesome is that?  I wish you could walk down a normal fair street and see those very same options. 

Anyway I will be done gushing over my amazing weekend and let you see some pictures!

 

Day 1

Day 3 

Loved getting to see people from my old Box CrossFit Charis!  This killed it this weekend :) 

Team Charis

My new Granite Games Custom Reeboks.

Hope you had a weekend as awesome as mine!

Catherine

Swimming

Swimming was an incredible fourteen year chapter in my life and I often overlook its importance.  Today I saw an article written about my first swim coach in the Pioneer Press and it brought an immediate smile to my face.

To recall the memories of my first:

Race

WGS (three letters no Stillwater swimmer wants to see ever)

Set of wind sprints

Swimming made me into the person I am today and I wouldn't change it for a second. 

Also, if you want to read the article here it is!

Catherine

First Week Recap

Being back at school has been an adjustment.  New schedule, New apartment. New classes. So finding a new groove is tough, but I am so lucky to have an awesome support system. 

Bailey came up on Friday to see Kyle and of course we hit the gym, but forgot to take a selfie...

Annie's boss and her husband are so inviting and have become more like a second family.  We went there for dinner on Friday night.  YUM! Look at all of those fresh eats :) 

Then of course we went out.  You can't expect us to not tear up the town the first week back! 

Annie, Connie, and I went on a surprise escape to Duluth on Saturday to get away and enjoy some time together.  It was a blast.  We couldn't have asked for better weather for sightseeing! 

Monday, much to our demise, we had class.  Since we were out of town all weekend that meant that I had to do my 20 mile run on Monday after class.  I am so grateful that I connected with someone else who is running Twin Cities and she ran with me.  THANK JESUS! I honestly hit a massive wall on mile 17 and if I wouldn't have had her there I would've quit.  It just goes to show how much control your mind has over your body because as soon as I finished I was instantly relieved and so grateful that I really gave it my all. 

And the root beer floats with Annie afterwards made the five hours of running totally worth it! 

How was your Labor Day weekend?

C

Fall Goals

I haven't done a goals post since the beginning of summer and I promise there is a reason.  Coming into summer I was confident and motivated to see what summer had in store, but I quickly realized that the summer I had envisioned wasn't what I was getting... Sometimes you've got to roll with the punches and it honestly took me a while to adjust.

I'm not by any means saying that my summer wasn't wonderful, amazing or life changing, but it was definitely different.  This summer I indulged more than I would've liked, but that's life. (I love ice cream and s'mores too much to say no)  I had to go with it and now I know that I am more committed to staying on track.

Goals for the fall:

-start a new eating plan (more details to come in the upcoming weeks)

-workout for 2+ hours a day

-reward myself with non-food rewards 

-inspire someone to go to the gym or try a healthy recipe

^There's a story to go along with this goal.  I have been back on campus for less than a week now and I have had at least five people ask if I would let them know when I am going to the gym or if I could share some recipes with them. How amazing is that?

-keep a positive attitude

-work to maintain healthy social relationships

-finish the marathon

-post marathon kick ass in the box.  PR every lift by January 1st. 

What are your goals for fall?

C

New Year and I already have an embarrassing story

Today is my first/last day of school! I can't believe it's already been four years at CSB. Everyone has always said time flies in college but I had no idea it would go this fast. 

Anyway yesterday was my first full day on campus and of course I crazily organized the apartment, decorated my room, and got a kick ass workout in.  This leads me to my embarrassing/empowering story.  I thought I was being smart and cute by wearing new grey yoga pants to the gym. Got myself set up on a stair master and sent to town for a good old interval cardio sesh.  

I was dripping. Like sweat everywhere. EVERYWHERE. 

So I finish my 40 minutes and then I hit the weights.  My first solo WOD.  

5 rounds for time. 

10 push press (70#)

10 bench press (130/145#)

5 burpees

As I set up my bar for push press I turn to the mirror and realize that my new grey pants show every single drip of sweat that I had just created doing stairs.  I had butt sweat, crotch sweat, knee sweat and every single person in the gym could see it.  So what did I do? I fricken owned it.  At first I was embarrassed, but then I look around and think why should I be embarrassed.  I just lifted more than what most of the girls in the gym weigh.  I should have no shame.  

They can look at me all I want and admire my excess perspiration because you know what? I'm a boss. No SHAME! 

Catherine