Category Archives: Cross Training

CrossFit Day 58 & 59

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Good week at CrossFit.  It’s one of those activities which can seem SO HARD one day, then not so bad the next.  It’s all about the movements in the WOD and whether it hits your list of strengths verses weaknesses.  This is the reason as to why it’s so important to KEEP GOING, even when you are feeling bad or as if you aren’t making any progress.  The very next workout may be the one that YOU knock out of the park. 

Day 58 – Push Press 5×3 – 73#

Tabatas for Total Reps – Keep track of your reps throughout each of the 8 sets of a movement. 

  • Kettlebell Swings – 35#s – Dang that KB is soooo heavy.  As indicated by my crazy face below.

Kettlebell Swings

  • Ball Slams – 20# – Another super heavy item! 
  • Hand Release Push-Ups – Not a good move for my spaghetti arms.
  • Rowing for Calories (something to count for the total reps)

Day 59 – Back Squats – 5×3 – 83#s – Moved up in weight!!

5 Rounds

  • 15 Front Squats with a 35# KettleBell – Yep, still heavy.
  • 10 Sit-ups
  • 5 Burpees – Dare I say these are almost manageable in increments of 5? 

Then we stretched, rolled & worked on our Double-Unders!  Good week!

** Keep Pushing, Even When Progress is Indiscernible ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Winner – Corn Fed Spartans Crucible Obstacle Course Race

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Obstacles races and mud runs are currently all the rage and I have one entry to give away for the Corn Fed Crucible race on September 13th in Monterey, Indiana!  This new OCR event promises to be fun & challenging.  It offers prize $$ for those who are fast and strong and running to win.  It offers two levels for each obstacle so that beginner and experienced participants alike will both be challenged without being overwhelmed.  This sounds like an AMAZING event with an AMAZING after party which will go ALL DAY LONG.  Plus it’s a Corn Fed Spartans race so you know it will be worth the trip.

Spartan Racer Evolution

Without further ado, the random number generator selected lucky #1!  This is certainly the case where the early bird got the worm.  So who was the very FIRST person to comment??? 

image

Looks to be Lynn S.!  Congrats, Lynn!  Please send me an email (amanda@tootallfritz.com) so that I can get you hooked up with the free entry!  Congrats and take lots of pics for us!!

As for the rest of us, we can all go HERE to register for the Corn Fed Crucible Obstacle Course and Mud Run.   See you there!

CF Cruicible

** Get Down, Get Dirty & Scale That Obstacle ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 56 & 57

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This week at CrossFit was about the same as last week.  Hard.  But as someone mentioned yesterday, if it were easy then I wouldn’t actually be working at it so I’m just going to keep trying!

Day 56 – Push Press 5×5 (73#) – super tough this go round.  Usually I can knock these out but this time my arms were struggling a bit.

21-15-9   Typical CF step-down type WOD.  21 of each move the first round, 15 the next, finishing with 9 of each.  Between each round (or set), add in 100 single jump ropes (or 50 double unders).  This was a tough one.  The Burpees and the Pull-Ups are nemeses of mine.  I actually laid on the floor after this one for a few seconds.  Tough.

How Many Burpees

  • Burpees
  • Kettlebell Swings (26#)
  • Pull-Ups – Assisted with a two bands and it was still hard
  • 100 single jump ropes between each of the 3 sets.

Day 57 – Tabatas (20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 8 rounds before moving to the next thing)

  • Ball Slams – 20#
  • Push-Ups – Yes, I still have spaghetti arms and could barely get 5 push-ups in the 20 seconds.
  • Lunges
  • Abmat Sit-Ups
  • Ring Rows

THEN we got to practice double unders (rope jumping but rotating the rope 2x before your feet hit the ground).  I think it went well.  I couldn’t string multiples together but I could jump a few singles, then do a double under, then a few more singles, then add in another double under.  I managed to put 3-4 into one segment (a couple times) before getting caught up in the rope.  I will note that it takes A LOT more energy to do a double under verses just single jumps. 

double unders

Good week.  I’m happy that I keep going even when I don’t want to get up I feel fatigued.

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 54 & 55

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I’ll be honest, this far into CrossFit, it shouldn’t seem so hard EVERY DAMN TIME.  But it is hard.   I’m not sure if that is good or bad.  I want to be stronger but just don’t feel as if I am getting where I want to go.  Maybe because I only go twice a week?  Maybe because I’m in the middle of a pretty fast training cycle as I am trying to get these legs to start turning over QUICKLY again?  Maybe because I’m overeating and have gained weight?  Maybe because I’ll be 40 in a little over a month?  Obviously, I’m not sure what the missing part of the equation is, for me, but I’m pretty sure I can put the blame on the crap that I’m stuffing in my mouth my food intake.  I eat well 90% of the time.  But apparently that 10% WEIGHS me down.  I need to get it together!!  I need to be more disciplined.

What You Want Now vs What You Want Most

So I’m taking a break to go fill my water bottle and peel my banana ………

Now onto the WODs from last week.  I’m still going.  I’m still trying.  And when I get tried, I tell myself that I need to keep pushing because that’s what will make me stronger.

CrossFit Day 54 – Push Press 5×3 (73#s) & Tabatas

Tabatas – As you probably know by now, this is the 8 sets of each movement with 20 seconds on and then 10 seconds off (rest) between sets.

  • Ring Dips – Super hard.  My spaghetti arms aren’t showing much improvement, plus I’m not coordinated enough for the ring dips.  I’m very shaky and even with the assistance of the band, this is a difficult move for me.
  • Ball Slams – 20# ball.  We’ve recently moved up in weight in all our “balls”, and even the kettle bells.  I know this is a positive thing but it makes everything SO tough.
  • Sit-ups – Actually something I can do.  Yay me!
  • Wall Balls – 14# ball
  • Rowing

CrossFit Day 55  – Front Squats 5×3 – (73#s)

Partners – Each person does half of the prescribed WOD (workout of the day).  Items can be divided in any way you choose (sometimes we just do half each, sometimes we have to break it down more.  EX – burpees we did 10 each x2, then 5 each).  Timed workout, so please bust it so your partner isn’t waiting on you for too long!

  • 50 Burpees
  • 100 Sit-ups
  • 50 Box Jumps – Super tall box this time!!  I  normally use the 18” and this was maybe 24”, I could definitely tell and had to be careful to make it up and not misstep.
  • 100 Kettlebell Swings – 35#
  • 50 Wall Balls – 14#
  • 100 Ball Slams – 20#

Last week was a tough week.  I was tired.  But I still went.  If I go into every workout “fresh” and ready to rumble then I’m not pushing myself or improving.  While it’s important to know my body and know when I NEED to rest, it’s just as important to realize when I get to the mid to 3/4s point of a tough training cycle, everything will be tired.  And this is the most integral point of the cycle when I need to keep pushing so that I can make the most progress.  I “get it” but that doesn’t mean that I don’t feel like crying sometimes tired.

The Moment You Want To Quit

** Keep Pushing, the Results Will Be Worth the Effort ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

P.S. – The giveaway for the FREE Entry to the Corn Fed Spartan Crucible obstacle course, mud run is still going on!  Enter HERE.

Corn Fed Crucible Race Experience Giveaway!

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As someone who has been in the sport for years, I love to see the new direction that running and racing has taken.  We are now seeing variety in the sport with the addition of obstacle racing, mud runs, color runs, long distance relays and the addition of all things neon and sparkly.  While purists may feel that certain new additions devalue the sport of running itself, I believe the opposite to be true.   Variety brings a VARIETY of athletes to our sport who may not think running alone is that exciting.  The addition of mud, obstacles, color and AMAZING after parties really sweetens the pot for some.  It flushes out hard core athletes and Couch to 5Kers alike.  Now THAT makes me happy.  The more people moving, the better! 

Today, I want to introduce a new race experience to you called the Corn Fed Crucible running and obstacle event in Monterey, IN on September 13, 2014.  This is one to add to your calendar NOW!

CF Cruicible

The Cruicible is a 4-5 mile obstacle course race that’s not for the faint of heart.  Looking for something new?  Something fun?  Something that will challenge you?  Then this might be the next best thing.  According to the website and my inside source: 

The Crucible is the ultimate race experience that combines 5+ miles of rugged terrain with unique and challenging obstacles. It is the greatest test of stamina, mental determination,  fitness, and camaraderie.

The 5 miles of rugged terrain will also encompass 20 obstacles for you and your friends.  Each obstacle will offer a beginner and experienced option.  So, please don’t worry if your BFF is the obstacle course queen and you just came for the after party cuz BOTH OF YOU will be challenged at your individualized ability level and still make to the finish for the free beer! 

Are you fast?  Are you strong?  And I mean really fast and really strong?!?!  If so, then enter the elite division and fight for the prize money!  Showcase your inner and outer badass and bring home the cash!  There will be cash and prizes offered to the top 3 individual men and the top 3 individual women, PLUS the top team of 4 that crosses the finish line TOGETHER with all 4 teammates in tow. 

Now let’s be honest, some of us just go thru all that “fun” to get our butts to the after party as quickly as possible.  The Cruicible is boasting an ALL DAY after party that will knock your socks off if you didn’t already lose them in the mud.  There will be food, beer, games, music and contests.  Oh, and if I forgot to mention it, the party will go on ALL DAY LONG.  WhooooHooooo!

I have one FREE entry to GIVE AWAY to this amazing event.  How to enter?  Please comment below and tell me if you have done any of these new events which offer obstacles, mud, color or team participation and most importantly, did you like it?  You can earn a second entry to the drawing by liking the Corn Fed Spartans FB page HERE, where you can get updated info about the Crucible event at all times.  And you can earn a third and final entry by sharing this giveaway with all your friends via any social media outlet of your choosing.  Let me know, in the comments below, what you did and how many entries to assign you!   Good luck!  Giveaway will run from now until Friday,  February 21st at 9am.  On Friday, I will select one winner for the FREE Crucible entry, a $65 value.

My first mud run back in 2006 with Aby!  Super fun!!

muddybuddy

** Be Active, Be Strong & Keep Moving ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

 

 

More Wintery Workouts + CrossFit Day 52 & 53

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This was a good week, workout wise.  I’ve been in a bit of a wintery rut and decided to kick that to the curb by starting to focus on one of my favorite races, the Shamrock Shuffle 8K!  This brought the realization that I was NOT ready to run fast and I needed to start reintroducing some speedier run sessions so that I don’t hurt myself in the Shuffle!   

why should i practice running slow

Source – Emily Zatopek

As a result I started a fresh training cycle via the Run Less Run Faster app on my iPhone.  This forced both a speed workout AND a tempo session this week that I was dreading but then actually enjoyed.  While the initial speed session didn’t go perfectly, I feel as if the tempo session was decent.  No perfect, but good.  Which means that my pace isn’t that far off, I just need to get used to spinning these long legs a “little” faster! 

I also managed two StairMaster sessions, which I am dubbing as “hill work”.  Since I’m running on the treadmill, and since its super hard for me, I just zone out with a 1% incline.  All the time.  No hills.  No fun iFit live workouts thru some mysterious mountainous areas.  Nope, just flat running with a teeny-tiny incline of 1%.  I’m hoping the StairMaster workouts will give me a tiny bit of strength for whatever hills I might encounter in Little Rock.

I also was able to brave the snow and our drifted roads to hit both 5am CrossFit sessions this week. #WINNING

CrossFit Day 52

Push Press – 5×3 – 73#s

Tabatas – Perform 8 sets of the particular exercise before moving to the next station.  Each set is timed and you do as many reps as possible in the allotted time.  The time frame for Tabatas is 20 seconds “on” for the movement, 10 seconds rest = 1 set.  Repeat x8, then rotate to the next station.

  • Kettlebell Swings – 26#
  • Hand Release Push-Ups – Super hard.  My arms are weak even though I want them to be strong!
  • Sit-Ups
  • Rowing
  • Ball Slams – 20# – Whoa, my pencil arms were tried by this time.  Tough but I got it done!!

CrossFit Day 53

Front Squats – 5×3 – 73#

WOD – 5 Rounds

  • 10 Kettlebell Squats – 35# – HEAVY!!
  • 10 Ab-Mat Sit-Ups
  • 10 Burpees – Whew, I think we all know how I feel about Burpees.  I hope they eventually get easier, just a tad easier!  This all goes back to my pencil arms being weak too.  Sad smile

Then we finished off the day with 2 minutes worth of planks.  I had to do 5 different sets to get the full 2 minutes:  40 seconds, then 20 seconds x 4.

DONE!

I’ll be pounding miles on the treadmill this weekend!  I hope you have a plan to get in your workouts too!  It’s so much easier when I have a plan and stick to it. 

**  Making It Happen, Even During the Snowiest Winter EVER ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Trying to Find My Speed ….

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It may be a little early for some people to think about St Paddy’s Day but as a dedicated Shamrock Shuffler, that’s about all I’ve been thinking about for the last month.  Smile  Which means that I also need to start preparing to run a little bit faster.

Shamrock Shuffle banner

This is my favorite race of the year.  It’s a wicked fast race.  It’s a short race.  Participants bust 5 miles thru the city of Chicago on many of the same streets which we run during the Chicago Marathon.  It is the largest 8K road race in the world, hosting a massive 40,000 runners and bringing a million plus spectators into the city to watch US run.  Yep, it is for sure THE.BEST RACE.EVER.

In addition to the Shamrock Shuffle being THE.BEST.RACE.EVER. it is also the one race each year where I want to run fast.  Like as fast as I possibly can run at the given time.  Last year I was coming back off a very severe injury and was still not a 100% so I for sure would like to better my effort of 39:22.  I would also like to throw down my fastest Shuffle to date, meaning I need to run sub 38:56 (7:49 pace), which doesn’t seem that fast sitting here in my computer chair but I’m pretty sure it will be hard when I am out on the course huffing and puffing and trying to according to Aby STAY CALM and RUN FASTER. 

So, for the first time ever, I am pulling a training plan for the Shamrock Shuffle.  I’ve kinda been in long/slow run mode for a long time so need to remind these legs what it feels like to get up and GO!  Enter the Run Less Run Faster app on my iPhone and I’m instantly hooked up with a training plan that gives me speed and tempo runs to make this shit happen.  This week’s training:

Shamrock Shuffle Training_week 8

 

Key Run #1 – SPEED – 4x1000m @ 8.9mph (6:44   min/mi), with a 400 meter rest interval.  I normally walk a half a lap to guzzle water then run a lap at 6.0 mph (10:00 min/mi pace).  So my RI is actually as much as 600 meters.  Sorry but it’s all about survival here.  Smile 

Notes:  This week didn’t go well.  The speed caused me to pee my pants almost instantaneously on the first 1000m interval.  Then I just had trouble hanging on at that pace for 1000 meters.  It was hard.  Like super hard.  I’ll give it a couple weeks for my body to get on board and if I’m not coming around then I’ll slow things down.  Although I want to get used to running faster, I DO NOT want to get hurt and well, my right hamstring is always troublesome anyhow so I’ll give it an honest effort but will err on the side of caution and slow things down if necessary.

Key Run #2 – Tempo Run – 4 miles @ 8.1 mph (7:24 min/mi), 1 mile warm up, 1 mile cool down.  Yeah, I have this up on deck tonight.  I should have done it yesterday but I chickened out decided to clean my house from top to bottom instead.  It’s not like I wasn’t snowed in all day and didn’t have time to do both but I still skipped it.  No more time to put it off so if you hear whimpering and crying tonight, no worries, it’s just me.  To be  honest, I’m not sure I can do this but I need to give it a shot.  I can always back the pace down but I need to make an honest effort.  I also frequently find that although a pace is daunting to begin with, if I hang on then I my body gets into the grove and can manage more than brain wants to admit.  I’m very aware of the fact that if I always run within my comfort zone, I will never know what I can really do and well, this is the year that I want to see what I can do with the Shuffle.  I am not going to run comfortably hard this year.  I’m going to run hard.  And the tempo run is the key.  I think the tempo run is the most important element of any training plan IF I want to hit my pace.  And I am going to hit my pace this year and do it with a smile on my face.  Well, at least I’ll be smiling at the finish line.  Smile

Key Run #3 – 10 miles at 7.6 mph.  This is the long run for this training plan.  Since I’m still in marathon mode with Little Rock coming up on March 2nd, I’ll be doing a few more miles and I’ll be slowing the pace down.  If I weren’t also marathoning then I would for sure give the 10 miles as shot at 7:53 pace but I know it would be a big push.

Have you ever used a training plan for a short race?  If so, which one did you use?   I personally default to the Run Less Run Faster plan because the app is so easy to use and it just spits  out detailed workouts for me.  I like that.  The easier the better in my life.   Plus the plan only calls for 3 runs a week which makes it easy to squeeze in CrossFit  without fear of overdoing it.  I’m always open to new ideas so tell me your training secrets!!

** Everybody SHOULD BE Shuffling ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Winter Workouts + CrossFit Day 50 & 51

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Just like you, these cold wintery days are taking their toll on my good humor.  I’m not sure why because I do most of my workouts inside since hubby changed jobs in August of 2013.  Yes, it’s been a long ass 6 months, in case you were wondering.  My outside runs are few and far between and yes, I may have just signed up for another marathon so that I’m guaranteed at least 1 outdoor run within the next six weeks.   So if you are heading to the Little Rock Marathon on March 2nd, LOOK FOR ME!!!!

Last week brought back “real” workouts for me.  A couple short runs on the treadmill and the return to CrossFit.  This week, I’ve been at both the TUE & THUR CrossFit sessions PLUS I ran 7 miles on the treadmill Monday night AND I hit the StairMaster on Tuesday night.  Yes, I’m feeling like a total stud for making the most out of my indoor workouts.  Plus I love the StairMaster and it’s nice to have an excuse to use it rather than just pounding out miles on the treadmill.  Say HELLO to me in my dining room home gym as I stair away.

StairMaster

On to the week’s CrossFit workouts. 

CrossFit Day #50  – Back Squats – 6 x4 – 73#

WOD  for time – 200 Single jump ropes, 75 Kettlebell Swings (26# – and DANG was this hard), 50 – 10# medicine ball “side to side” sit-ups, 25 handstand push-ups.

The side to side sit-ups might be new.  I don’t remember doing them before but I envision them to be very beneficial to my spongy core.  Assume the sit-up position.  Come up to crunch position but only lift the feet slightly off the floor.  Then move the medicine ball from side to side, touching it on the floor each time before pivoting to the opposite side of your body. 

side to sides

CrossFit Day #51 – WOD “Jackie”

  • 1000 meter row – Apparently I was rowing incorrectly and even though it was explained to me, as well as demonstrated, in SLOW MOTION, apparently it was too much for my brain to absorb at 5am.  Sorry, J.  Anyhow, I limped thru it in about 5ish minutes.  Not sure it counts if I was doing something wrong but I was moving.  Smile
  • 50 Thrusters – 33#
  • 30 Pull-Ups – assisted with 2 bands and I still struggled.
  • Extra Credit cuz we had extra time – 10 Pull-ups w/ bands, 50 abmat sit-ups, 50 superman’s, 50 side to side sit-ups, 50 ring rows.

Bam!  Another awesome week of workouts and I still have a couple days to go!  What are you up to this week?

Unrelated side note – When I woke up this morning, I found this by my purse.  Aby made it for an Art Club project and I am IN LOVE!  Great job, “baby” girl!

Keep Calm and Run Faster

You’ll find this sign on one of my kitchen cabinet doors for the next year or so.  #KeepingItClassy

**  Keep Calm and RUN FASTER ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Back At It & CrossFit Day #49

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I’ve been on a little hiatus since the Dopey Challenge.  I needed a break.  The plan all along was to get thru the Huff 50K & Dopey and then take some time off and really not do “much” for the remainder of the month of January.  And I was looking forward to it.  What I didn’t realize was how much my body would NEED that break.   I started getting a bit of a clue when I had a pretty severe Plantar Fasciitis flare up on the first day of the Dopey Challenge.  Yep, during the 5K.  Initially it took me off guard because it basically came out of nowhere but it didn’t take me long to realize that it was text book PF.  I was fine while running but when I stopped OMGosh things got ugly fast.  And when I sat down, the getting up and getting moving was super painful.   It felt like I was walking on spikes.  Not ideal but at least something I could self diagnose.  Also something I was familiar enough with that I could be pretty certain that completing the Dopey Challenge most likely wouldn’t do much additional long term damage. 

Source:  Mayo Clinic

plantar fasciitis

Then I got a head cold/sore throat combo that was a bit of a nuisance.  Brought that new friend home with me from Disney.  It took a week and a half to clear up (thanks to some electro acupuncture by Dr. Alexis).  I felt good for two days.  Then the stomach flu hit.  Yep, the stomach flu.  SO.MUCH.FUN.  Okay, it sucked but my body was tired and why not get it ALL out of the way while I was in rest mode anyhow, right?  Right! 

Now I’m feeling AMAZING except for the heel pain that Dr. A is slowly but surely kicking to the curb.  I ran 4 miles on the treadmill last night at 8:22 pace.  Then I hit CrossFit this morning!  I’m so happy to be back to being active.  I still don’t plan on doing anything big this month but I’m moving and that makes me happy.  Smile

CrossFit Day 49 (and if you are really counting, CrossFit Day 48 was on January 2, 2014 but the WOD has been lost in the windy tunnel of the TTF brain.  Ooops!).

WOD – Jack.  Hello Jack.  So nice to meet you.  Thank you for kicking my butt on the first day back to CrossFit in 21 days.  Thanks for reminding me WHY I CrossFit in the first place.  Thanks for reminding me that I am weak and I want to be strong.  Thank you for starting me off on my quest to be a strong runner in 2014.

20 minutes – AMRAP:

  • 10 Push Press – Empty bar, the girlie version,  #33 lbs
  • 10 Kettlebell Swings
  • 10 Box Jumps – 18” box – I did alternate in a couple step-ups a few times when I needed to catch my breath but 99% were box jumps.

I did 11 rounds.  I was very focused on trying to get at least 10 rounds completed because at the half way mark I was into my 6th round so I didn’t want to lose ground.  I was super happy to be able to complete the 11th round, even managed a few extra push presses even though time was basically up.  I really tried to stay focused and wanted to keep pushing because it is a new year and I think it’s important to focus on new goals and try to improve.  Plus, what’s the point of getting up early for a 5am class if I’m not going to push it?  I don’t want to waste my time or anyone else’s.  I want to get better.  I want to get stronger.  I want to run far and FAST when the opportunity arises and I really think the key to staying healthy is strength and cross training.  For these reasons, I dedicate 2014 as my year of strength.  I want be be strong physically and mentally.  I want to be a better person.  I want to  handle LIFE better.  I want to be strong inside and out. 

** On a Quest to Be Strong ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

My “Thank You” to 2013

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The year 2013 brought me health.  Strength.  Determination.  And an injury free year.  Thank you 2013 for all you gave to me, even if every minute was not easy and/or fun.

Determination

I started 2013 by running a 200 mile relay race, Ragnar Key West.   I ran bits and pieces from Miami to Key West, FL with a group of amazing people.  I finished 2013 by running my first ever ultra trail race, the Huff 50K.   I filled in the year with numerous events from the 5K to marathon distance, the numbers are below:

  • 5Ks –  4
  • 4 Mile Runs – 1
  • 8Ks – 2
  • Half Marathons – 8
  • Full Marathons – 2
  • Marathon Relay – 1
  • Cycling Events – 2
  • Duathlons – 1
  • Half Iron Triathlons – 2

I did 47 CrossFit workouts.  I ran 1225 miles.  I cycled 814 miles.  I DNF’d one 5K due to foot pain.  I teamed up with Aby for one Duathlon.  I ran 2 relay races (Ragnar Keys and the River City Marathon Relay). 

I didn’t run as many miles as I had planned.  I didn’t cycle as much as I wanted.  I barely swam.  I screamed at the kids WAY too much.  I lost my cool more times than I can count.  I didn’t win Mom of the Year {again}.  I didn’t spend as much “fun” time as I would have liked with the family.  Work got in the way.  My energy levels dipped.  The commute wore on me and my schedule.  I had headaches. I was cranky.  I didn’t clean the house nearly enough.  I was constantly behind on the laundry.  The beds were almost always unmade.  The floors were vacuumed only “as needed”.  I ran on the treadmill when I should have been attending to some of the above.

My favorite race was the Tinley Park Duathlon with Aby as my teammate.

Tinley Park_DU_13_Me&Aby medals

My hardest race was the Great Illini Challenge 70.3 were I suffered heat induced problems as the temps sored well over 100 degrees.

My favorite race shirt was from the Uno 5K Carrera de los Muertos.

raceofthedead_swag

My proudest moment was finishing the Chicago Marathon with a smile on my face after many attempts at that race where weather and injury did NOT leave me happy at the finish line.

Sedgwick_me

I stepped outside of my “ box” twice.  First by going to that first CrossFit workout and second by registering for the Huff 50K.

I had good times.  And bad times.  A few sad moments.  Made new friends and forgot some old ones.  Ran races for fun and for speed.  Used a new training method/plan that helped maintain my injury free status.  Focused on chiro/rehab treatments as preventative care.  Gave everything I had to the kids/family, even when it wasn’t enough.  Took time for me, even when there really wasn’t any time left.

I can only hope 2014 will be just as good, with maybe a little less screaming at my lovely children and a lot more boating in the summer months.  Smile 

Thanks to Mom/Dad and Hubby for giving me a few hours here and there to run outside and/or with friends.  Thanks to the treadmill for putting up with all my pounding.  Thanks to Netflix for streaming for me during all those nasty and/or long treadmill sessions.  Thanks to Dr. Alexis for never telling me that I was crazy when she asked “so, what’s next?”.

How did 2013 go for you?  What was your favorite moment, if you can nail it down to just one.

**  Goodbye 2013, Thanks for the Memories  ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **