Tag Archives: CrossFit

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 **

CrossFit Day 46 & 47 ….

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Yesterday finished out my year at CrossFit.  I’m sad to say that between the holidays and my need to “rest” a little bit before the Huff 50K on December 28th, that I’m done for 2013. 

It was a good finish to the year with two solid workouts.

Day 46 – Back Squats 7×3 – 73# total – I’m getting more flexible!!!!

back squats 1

  back squats 32 

 back squats 3

Tabatas – 8 rounds, 20 seconds on, 10 seconds res.t

  • Over the box jumps – think box jump but instead of going down the same way you came up, you go off the other side, turn around and repeat.  Takes a bit of coordination.
  • Ring Rows
  • Kettlebell Swings – 26#s
  • Wall Balls – I think we moved up to 12#s this time.  Whoa.
  • Ball Slams – I think we moved up to the 20# ball.  Really heavy.  Not a lot of “bounce” happening in my area. 

Day 47 – 4 Rounds:  10 Pull-ups & 10 Burpees.  I must have been having a good day cuz J tried to take one of my support bands away.  Didn’t work.  So we added one of lesser resistance back into the equation.  I’m getting stronger but still need a lot of help.

For Time:  200 lunges with 7 push-ups, on the minute, every minute until completion.  Took me almost 7 minutes.  LOL!

50 Sit-ups & 50 Superman’s to finish things out. 

Good bye, CrossFit.  I’ll see YOU in the New Year!

** 47 CrossFit Sessions in 2013 – Started 3rd week of June ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

CrossFit Day 44 & 45 + WOD Motivation

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I’m about 6 months into twice a week Crossfit sessions.  I know everyone is wondering if I’m “getting skinny”.  No I’m not.  I am getting strong.  I’m getting fast.  In my world that’s more important than giving up the cookies.  I’m not totally immersed in the CrossFit lifestyle and still don’t know the full meaning of “Paleo” other than the fact that Paleo baked goods are not TTF child approved for consumption.  Maybe that’s not the right way to say it, I’d let them eat it but they don’t like it. 

What I do know about CrossFit is that motivation is key.  It can be as individual or team oriented as YOU want.  That it can make YOU whatever YOU want to be, as long as you  are willing to work for it, are able to map out your goals and able to communicate said goals to your coach.  So figure out what you want and then go get it.  Simple enough, right? 

Speedometer - Reaching Your Goal 

A couple of weeks ago, a new book dropped on my doorstep and it has captured my attention.  The new WOD Motivation book by CrossFit Journal contributor Eleanor Brown. 

WOD Motivation Book

It is as short and sweet as any CrossFit workout.  It’s a compilation of quotes, sayings and motivational pieces to get me moving.  I can pull it out and just read a couple of quotes when I’m in need or go thru and read half the book at a sitting if I want.  One of my favorites so far is:

Anyone Who Says This Is Easy_WOD Motivation

So true in life, running and CrossFit.  Things aren’t easy and if they are then usually we can do better.  That phrase certainly motivated me this week in my CrossFit sessions!

CrossFit Day 44 – Strength – Back Squat 4×6 – I used the bar (33#) plus I think 10#s on each side. 

back squat

5 Rounds: 

  • 10 KB Swings (26#s)
  • 8 Toes to Bar (Knees to Chest in my world)
  • 6 Burpees – These were actually “doable”.  Does that mean I’m getting better/stronger?
  • 4 Front Rack Lunges w/ Kettlebell (26#)

CrossFit_Front Rack Lunges

CrossFit Day 45 – Strength – Front Squats – 7×3 (33# bar, 10# each side)

Front Squat

5 Rounds: 

  • 5 Deadlifts – 33# bar + 25# on each side.  Holy Heck.  So hard.
  • 7 Ring Dips – Can’t stand these
  • 9 Bar Burpees – SO.NOT.FUN.  Burpee on one side of the deadlift bar, then “jump” over the bar to the other side, do burpee there, repeat til 9 burpees are completed.  I was terrified of missing the jump and landing on the bar.  I basically did “step overs” rather than jumps and they still weren’t fun.

How were your workouts this week?  Do you manage “at home” strength work or do you have to leave the house, like me, to “fit” it in?

** Working On My Strength ** Amanda- TooTallFritz

CrossFit Day 41, 42 & 43

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Tripling up on the CrossFit workout report since last week was a short week and I’m so slammed between work and life.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving we had a fabulous workout.  Apparently “someone” thought we should hit it hard “in case” we overindulged during the holiday. 

Day 41 – Strict Press 7×3 (10 #s on each side w/ a 33# bar = 53# press)

Simple move, press from shoulders straight up in the air til arms are extended.  Might be tough if you have weak spaghetti arms like me cuz there is  no “hop” or leg help.  Yikes, this is all arms, baby.  All arms.  Cool diagram below from sliveryearsfitness.com.

strict press_silveryearsfitness

Step down:  10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

  • Wall Balls – 10#
  • Hand Release Push-ups
  • Ab Baskets – 10# ball
  • 110 single jump ropes

Not sure on the official name of this workout but I call it step downs for lack of a better word.  First round, do 10 reps of each and end with 110 single jump ropes.  Second round, do 9 reps of everything and then end with 110 single jump ropes.  And so on, and so forth ….  FUN but I was dying on the last couple rounds with the 110 single jump ropes!

Day 42  – Tuesday – Karen WOD – OMGosh “Karen” you are a real bitch tough chick.  150 Wall Balls for time.  10# ball for me.  We did increments of 15 so that helped but by round 3, I was wondering if I would survive.  I did survive.  I mean, HELL YEAH, of course I survived and I loved it!!  It took me 8 minutes and 18 seconds though and then I proceeded to go lay on the floor and cry.  Here is my girl, Michelle CRUSHING her workout!!

image

We got to follow that up with 7×5 Front Squats (10#s on each side & a 33# bar) just to make sure our quads and hammies were totally trashed when we left.  Mine were for sure.

Day 43 – Today – Still sore from WOD Karen.  25 Pull-ups – 2 bands assisted me and it was still hard today.  Stupid spaghetti arms.

Tabatas – 8 consecutive rounds at each rotation before moving onto the next.  20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest.  Repeat x8.

  • Rowing
  • Hand Release Push-ups
  • Kettlebell Swings – 26# – Wow, that kettlebell was HEAVY today!
  • Sit-ups
  • Rope Slams – SO.MUCH.FUN.  We did single rope slams, see first photo from phillymag.com, but the more recognizable version is the double rope slam as pictured by muscleropes.com. 

ropeslams_phillmag  ropeslams_muscleropes

Great group of workouts!  Thanks, CrossFit New Lenox for continuing to push me!

** Stronger Me = Faster Me ** Amanda – TooTallFritz.com **

CrossFit Day 39 & 40 …

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Who would have thought that I would be able to manage 40 CrossFit sessions this year?   Not me!  I still can’t believe that Jared said yes to opening “the box” at 5am a couple times a week.  Major shout out of thanks to Jared & CrossFit New Lenox!  You’ve made a lot of lady runners excited about getting strong.   That’s a big step in our world. 

excited about where i'm headed

CrossFit Day 39 – If I get to name it, I’m calling “Ball Buster” cuz I was sore for a day afterward.

Push Press – 5×5 & Pull-Ups 5×5 – All about getting stronger while using those free weights that are so darn intimidating.  My group just loaded up the bar with 10 lbs on each side.  I think we had a 31# bar so that’s a total weight of 51#s of lifting.  We did 6 reps of 5 lifts cuz we had a few extra  minutes at the end.  For the  Pull-Ups, we are still using the bands for assistance.  I  have to use 2 bands.  6 reps of the 5 pull-ups, alternating with the push presses.

12 Minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) – Move thru each of the moves and just keep going as many times as possible.  Do the moves in order.  Pray the clock beeps sooner rather than later so you can stop.

  • 5 Front Squats – Bar only but I think we moved up to the 45# bar.  I’m super knowledgeable, I know.  They say lift it and I just do it. 
  • 10 Sit-Ups
  • 15 Overhead lunges with a 10# plate
  • Repeat all of the above, as many times as possible before the clock beeps.

We had a decent size group so this was fun and slightly chaotic.

CrossFit Day 40

EMOTM (every minute on the minute – 20 minutes)

Odd Minutes – 6 Ring Dips ** Even Minutes – 15 KettleBell Swings (26#)

5 Rounds

  • 5 Burpees
  • 10 Supermans
  • 5 Push-Ups
  • 10 Sit-Ups

I was super thankful that today was mostly strength work.  My legs were a little fatigued from a rough treadmill session late last night so today was good, although tiring. 

** Getting Stronger, One Day At A Time ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 37 & 38

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Day 37 at CrossFit brought us very cold temps.  Only two of us went outside to run cuz well, some of us would rather run than do anything else.   Smile  Once we got back inside, I noticed that we had a full Murph lined up on the board.  Luckily it was a partner workout and I was able to split Murph with one of my best running friends.  Oh, and instead of the running part of a regular Murph we would be rowing instead.  Uh oh.  That added a new challenge.

Team “Rowing” Murph – 2 Person Team

  • 4 x 400 m Row – Each team member rows 400m 2x

Rowing

20 Rounds of the following – One team member goes thru a full set, then switches.  So I did one round, then waited as my partner did a round.  Each of us did 10 rounds.  I think we were all done 3/4 of the way thru but we powered thru the last 3 or 4 sets.

  • 5 Ring Rows
  • 10 Push-Ups
  • 15 Squats

Then back to the rowing machine to finish out with another group of 400m rows.  Dang that was tough!

  • 4 x 400 m Row – Each team Rows 400m 2x

Our team time was  31:33 and we were pushing.  My quads still hurt and we are two days “post Murph”.  Those “hero” workouts tend to really tear me up! 

 

Day 38 – Mile run then short workout

21-15-9 (Three rounds of the following, first round 21 reps, second round 15 reps, 3rd round 9 reps.

  • Kettlebell Swings – 26# – The Kettlebell has fast become my favorite piece of “equipment”.  It’s such a good builder of strength without actually making me feel as if I’m “lifting weights”.  I’m not a big weight lifter but I WANT and NEED to be strong. The kettlebells work perfectly for that and they just make me happy.

kettlebells

  • T2B (Toes to Bar, or Knees to Chest if your live in my world)
  • Push-Ups
  • Lunges

Then we finished out with 50 sit-ups and 50 superman’s.

** Getting Stronger – One Workout At A Time ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 35 & 36

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Another great week at CrossFit!  Our 5am class has really been hopping for the last 4 weeks or so, I know everything is a process and we do get a great turnout for 5am but we’ve added some new people too! Yay!!

Day 35 – Partner Up! The good thing about having a partner is that you don’t want to let them down and work extra hard to do your best. The bad thing about having a partner is that both of you will never be amazing at everything and it bothers me when we get to a move that I really suck at need to improve upon, I feel like I’m letting my partner down.  Fortunately, my partner was a run friend and well, she’s seen me at my worst so this workout was no big deal! LOL!

10 Wall Climbs – Each partner does half of the workout (may be broken down into small units if necessary.
20 Pull-ups – Assisted with two bands
60 lunges (in places – alternate legs)
60 Push Press
60 Sit-ups
60 Squats
4×100 meter sprints

20131108-113325.jpg

Susan & I finished in 15:20. I totally slowed us down in a few areas, like the wall climbs and the push presses and the pull-ups. But I ran fast, hope that counts for something! Side note – CrossFit is constantly adjusted to each person’s fitness level. The other CrossFitters are always encouraging to everyone else. It doesn’t matter if I’m first or last, the support is the same. And for that, I am always grateful and it’s one of the many reason why I love CrossFit.

Day 36 – Tabatas. 8 reps at each station. 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off.
Ball Slams – 10# balls
Supermans
Step-Ups – 18″ box
** 1 Minute Rest **
Rowing
Sit-ups
Push-Ups

** Get Strong ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 33 & 34

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Great week at CrossFit!  It amazes me that even though I keep going, there are still new things to learn.  Exciting workouts to try.  And it always amazes me that I can walk away from a “workout” after 22 minutes of going hard and feel sore for days.  22 minutes.  Some workouts are even shorter!   Super cool in my opinion.

CrossFit Day 33

  • 15 Wall Climbs – Whoever created these bitches backwards, inverted wall climbs was one sick puppy.  I mean really, who just stares a wall and thinks this stuff up?  And yeah, you feel all cool and strong until about the 3rd one then it’s like, please shoot me so that I don’t have to do anymore!!!! 

    CrossFit_wall climbs_CrossFitFire       Wall-Climbs_to the wall

Tabatas – 20 seconds “on” for the movement, 10 seconds rest = 1 set.  Repeat x8, then rotate to the next station.

  • Box Jumps – 18” box
  • Push-Ups
  • Kettlebell Swings – 35#
  • Wall balls – 10#
  • Ab Baskets – 10# ball – By the time I got here, it was hard to even hold the ball up on my legs.  Or maybe it was hard to hold my legs up to balance the ball?  I don’t even know, I was totally dazed & confused from exhaustion.  Smile

 

CrossFit Day 34 – I’m going to name this WOD “Pure Torture”

7 Rounds

  • 10 Burpees WITH a plate jump – Cuz burpees just aren’t hard enough but now we have to try to jump on a plate after each one without breaking an ankle or collapsing.  #WTF  Try not to focus too much on my crappy form but here are a few photos below.  First a nice demo from the chick in red.  Except we didn’t jump “up” but forward onto a 45# plate.  Fun.burpee-1

Burpee w plate jump     Burpee w plate jump 2

  • 10 Overhead plate (10#) lunges

Lunges w 10lb plate

  • 10 Situps
  • 10 Box Jumps (18” box)
  • 1 minute rest, then repeat x7

That took 22 minutes and although it was 40 degrees out, I had to ask for the fan to be turned on so that I didn’t pass out. 

** I WILL GET STRONGER ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 31 & 32 and the Barbells For Boobs Fundraiser

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Since the marathon, I’ve been CrossFitting a couple times a week, and doing some light running and working the J.O.B. a lot.  I’m trying to be smart and let my leg muscles heal without going down to zero activity because that’s not good for my mental health.  Last week, I actually did 3 CrossFit Workouts.  There was a bonus WOD fundraiser on Saturday and I was actually in town, not racing, and free so I wanted to go and help out as much possible because my schedule is pretty wicked and I normally miss a lot of the fun stuff!

Before we get to last week’s WODs,  I’d like to say, I realize that not everyone is interested in CrossFit.  I realize that there have been some comments that I should move onto a new activity and give CrossFit a rest.  I realize that a lot of people are still intimidated by CrossFit even though it can be scaled and tailored to each individual’s fitness level.  However, CrossFit is helping me not only get stronger but equalize the muscle imbalances in my body that have been causing me pain and injury.  For this reason, I will be CrossFitting for as long as I personally see a benefit AND as long as I enjoy it.  It may not be for everyone but it’s been very beneficial for me personally.  I encourage each and every one of you to keep searching for an activity that you enjoy and are able to benefit from both physically and emotionally.  Fitness is a journey and the path is different for each of us.  Find your path!!

No Elevator to Success

CrossFit Day 31 – 3 Rounds, 1 minute rest between rounds.  1 minute at each station, then rotate.

  • Wall Balls
  • Ring Rows
  • Box Step Ups (or Jumps) – 18” box
  • Push Ups
  • Supermans

CrossFit Day 32 – Teams of 3, divide each exercise equally (if possible) between teammates.

  • Deadlifts – Worked form, added weights multiple times before starting WOD
  • 60 Pushups
  • 60 Kettlebell Swings (35#)
  • 180 Jump Ropes
  • 60 Abmat Sit-ups
  • 60 Ring Rows

Ring Rows_me

Barbells For Boobs Fundraiser for Breast Cancer– Clean Nancy – 5 Rounds:  400 meter run, 15 front squats (bar only for me).

Initially I didn’t think I’d go to the fundraiser because I was intimidated and didn’t want to embarrass myself with the “real” CrossFitters but the workout they used for the fundraiser was in my opinion a “runners” workout so I thought I could probably hold my own, even if I wasn’t squatting the weight that most were using.  So I went.  Great turnout!!  55 people did the actual WOD and as of Saturday, they raised $3700+ at the event and donations are still being accepted HERE.  Photo credit:  CrossFit New Lenox.

Barbells4Boobs_group

The first group takes off for the first 400 meter run of the Clean Nancy WOD.  I’m in the pink top and pink compression socks on the far right of the photo.  Photo credit:   Integrated Physical Medicine.

Barbells4Boobs_run

We ran 200 meters out & back, then hit the squats.  I must say that I was surprised at how fast the “real” CrossFitters took off for that first 400 meters.  I wasn’t exactly in easy mode but it was cold, I’d already ran a fast 4 miles with Aby and the wind was blowing hard.  I may have been a bit too conservative initially and I was definitely thinking that I had probably made a mistake by showing up to do the WOD.  Maybe I should have just donated and stayed home?  Too late now!  On to the squats, I’m on the way up (pink shirt & pink socks) and Jeni H is on the down (in the black skirt with pink ruffles).  Photo credit:   Integrated Physical Medicine.

Barbells4Boobs_squats

Then things started thinning out fast on the run.  My unweighted bar gave me a huge advantage over those who were squatting with weights.  I believe the front squat weight options were 115 & 75 lbs for the RX or 85 & 45 lbs for the scaled.  I was using the 45# bar without any additional weights in the scaled division.  So it wasn’t too bad on my legs like it was for everyone else.  And yeah, I’m  a runner so 5 x 400 meters was fun for me while it looked like hell for everyone else.  It was a good day to be a light lifter and a runner!  I was also happy because the last time I did this workout, it was in the dark at a 5am class.   That day the  WOD took me almost 15 minutes, I think I was 14:44 actually.  However, on Saturday, just a few weeks later with some added daylight, I finished in 11 minutes & change.  Maybe 11:36, if I remember correctly.  So I was happy the daylight made such a huge difference, or maybe it was the extra people?  Regardless, fun day and ultimately I was happy that I had the guts to show up and play with the big dogs, even if it was just for fun.  Smile

** Be Strong, Mentally & Physically ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **