2013 was awesome.....I'm coming for you 2014!

2013 was an amazing year. So much awesomeness happened at home, at work, at the box (CFA), with friends.......just smiles. Yes, there was some crap mixed in there. There is no avoiding some degree of tears, yelling, bloating, laziness, and just plain old blah. The good far out weighs all that though.

I'm not even sure I can list all the greatness of 2013 - surely it's been blogged about, so you can just go back through it if you need some reminders. It was a great year and I'm looking forward to an even better 2014.

Every year I make resolutions, then revise them, then forget them.......stupid. This year I have made just one. It's a big one, and super important for my family and me. No yelling. I have a tendency to be a loud person when I get mad. Somewhere I learned that loud = better. Guess what? It just makes everyone upset, mad too, or ignore you. So, that's it. No yelling in the house - for anger. I do reserve the right to yell for emergencies, danger, and excitement. So far I've done pretty darn good. My kids are VERY happy this is my goal. Just gotta break that habit.

I do have GOALS for 2014. I don't think of these are resolutions though. Some goals I like to keep to myself, or only tell a select few. There are a few only Sam knows, a few only coaches at CFA know, and one or two I keep for myself. I can't put them all out there....that's no fun. Where's the surprise in that? :)

The first thing I'm going to tackle for 2014 is the Paleo Challenge. You may remember Sam and I won this challenge at our gym last year. It was awesome. It was hard. It was totally worth it. We are starting Jan 12th and we are going hard. We both have some holiday weight and beer and wine weight to loose. I think this challenge is a good way to get back to basics, test yourself, and see what you can accomplish.

Second thing I'm doing in 2014 is a 4 person team Superfit Competition in Delaware. I have goals for this one.....but I have kept them to myself. Stay tuned......

Also - The Open. It's almost here!!!! Thanks to my competitive nature I love and hate the Open. Yes, I know I'm not headed to Regionals this year. But why not compete like I am? Does it hurt anyone? Nope. Well, my stomach.....nervous poo........I think sometimes people use "I'm not a games athlete" or "I'm not going to regionals" as an excuse for what they think might not be a good performance or a reason not to participate in The Open. Who cares? Just go out there and kick ass!

I am am working on some other things for strength, gymnastics, life, family.........lots of good stuff coming to Team Hardman this year.

Make this a great one!

Drum Roll Please........

Sam and I won the Paleo Challenge at our gym!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are super excited and very thankful for all the CFA, family, and friend support we got through those 60+ days. Here are a few reasons why we made it to the winners circle:

1. Sam: down 32 pounds, lost 4 inches on his waist, and made it 60 days with one cheat day!

Before pic is from 2008 at his heaviest. After pic is from two weeks ago.

2. Me: down 13 pounds, lost 2 inches on my waist, and improved my Challenge workout by 4 rounds and 7 reps! Kind of scary to post this pic, but I'm proud!

Now, I am not stopping here, neither is Sam. I know I have a ways to go, but I'm pretty happy with what 60 days of dedication, determination, and will power has done for us! We are now a relaxed Paleo household. What does that mean? For us it means we may use honey from time to time, a cheat meal (not day) once a week (or less often), pretty much stick to meats, veggies (lots and lots), and clean foods. If it has a shelf life of more than a few days we are not eating it (sorry twinkies!).

Here's a good Toes to Bar video (some peeps where unsure of how impressed to be for me)

I've crossed a few goals off my list in the last 2 weeks that I'm really proud of. I got toes to bar (now I need to work on consecutive ones), I am athlete of the month (I really hoped to earn that one day), and I've got 7 double unders in a row (shooting for 10 now). I've got a lot of work to do, but it is nice to see how the work I've already done has paid off.

One more CrossFit Open workout to do too!!!! Let's hope I can do it!!

There's no crying in Crossfit.....

At least not until you get to the car. Then you can cry like a baby - which is what I did last night. The last couple of days have been crazy. Nothing terrible has happened, just little things that make you feel like "nothing is going right!". Pity party for one. That was me. I'm sure it sucked for Sam. Hehehehehe.

So, the WOD last night was 3 minutes of back squats, 3 minutes of rowing, 3 minutes of burpees. I was stoked. I really like back squats (my legs are stronger than my arms - duh). I warmed up, no problem. I went to warm up the back squat with just the bar and BOOM. Quads just wouldn't work. I stopped. Stretched. Rolled out. Tried again, just the bar. Nope. Not gonna happen. I talked to my coaches, got some stretching pointers and cheered on my peeps during their squats. I waited until it was my turn to row and do burpees, so at least I got that done.

I felt lame. I felt frustrated. I felt sad. I don't like to be hurt. I really don't like to not do something I'm supposed to. I know this happens, I know this is not the end of the world. It did nicely round out my "nothing is going right" kind of day. Ugh. The worst. I played it cool until I got in the car. I called Sam and let the tears flow. He laughed, talked me through it, made me feel better. What a good guy. I calmed down and pulled my head out of my ass.

Tomorrow is the last day of the Paleo Challenge. I've come far. Read far. I've improved on my benchmarks, I've lost 13 pounds so far, and I feel great (minus last night). I will not let one crappy workout throw me off.

January WODs

What I get to eat and still loose weight and be strong

My first blister! Love it!

February WODS

First of many results.....

At the beginning of the Paleo Challenge at my gym we did three workouts. I did Cindy as my baseline to see my improvements. So, the first time I got 15 rounds plus 5 movements and the second time I got 19 rounds plus 12 movements. Pretty good, I was secretly shooting for 20 rounds - but I got close. More than that, I'm now doing regular push ups in WODs and pull ups are now either jumping pull ups or banded pull ups. No more ring rows. Looks pretty good! At the end of the week we will do pictures, measurements, etc. I'm really excited for those!

WOD	Cindy  Jan 13, 2013	Cindy Feb 27, 2013
5 pull ups (ring rows) 10 push ups (knees) 15 squats	15+5	19+12

Quick cole slaw and tilapia dinner

Paleo Challenge board of tally marks

Kids getting strong!

T- Minus 14 days!

14 Days and I will complete my first Paleo Challenge! Yeah!!!! I have learned SO much about myself during this challenge. AAANNNDDD the day the challenge ends is the first day of the Crossfit Open Games!



First - I actually have will power. Who knew? My body has a love/hate relationship with sugar. It's not good - I will not be indulging in that anymore. I finally believe abs are made in the kitchen - promise not to roll my eyes anymore when people say that.






I plan on doing a relaxed/modified Paleo lifestyle when this is over. I will have a treat now and then - I'm a mom....there are times I NEED alcohol! I don't miss dairy, grains, or sugar (still can't believe that!). I am also increasing my workouts. Three days at the box right now, adding in more home WODs and running.

I'm working on what my first non-challenge meal will be. It's a tough choice. I don't want to pick something that's going to make me feel sick/icky.....but I'm not really craving anything specific. Sam is having dreams about deep dish pizza! He hates that style, so I'm sure that means something to all you dream people out there. I'm thinking right now that I will go with Bon Chon chicken and a beer (or two) or this Paleo mojito I found. Yum-o!



I love that chicken - but it is NOT good for you. :)

I also get to pick an outfit (per my reward contract that I made myself)! Yeah shopping! Lots of clothes are fitting for the first time and lots of clothes are too big. Annoying problem to have, but I'll take it!

Day 16 and made it to my first reward!

I did it! My first reward for staying on the Paleo Challenge. So far I'm down 7 pounds! Reward? I went thrifting - which is my favorite. I scored a blue puffer vest, a peach sweater, and a ombre-ish cardigan. Pretty excited!

Sam and I also made it through three family/friend gatherings without cheating. Well, I did split a wheat thin with him to taste the tabasco flavor - lame, I know. I've learned not to care though. We went to a friends house with a bunch of people for dinner and hanging out. They ordered pizza, we stopped at Red Robin on the way and ordered a burger with an egg, guac, and bacon wrapped in lettuce. We ate it in the car - I'm pretty sure they make tv movies about that. But, we got to the party feeling full and not tempted by cheese and crackers, beer, wine, and pizza. We did have some wings - they were baked and delish!

The next gathering was at my in-laws. My mother in law asked all the right questions and made sure there were things for us to eat. So sweet. Sam made ribs - first time without sugar in the rub. My mother in law made coleslaw with just lime juice and salt and roasted veggies. She had mac n cheese for others, but we had lots of choices so it wasn't even tempting. Sam also made a Paleo BBQ sauce - I LOVED it. We went to Moms organice market and picked up some Caveman BBQ sauce - but it just wasn't as good as Sam's.
The final test? We had two friends over for left overs - ribs, slaw, veggies. They are both fairly Paleo so the dinner party wasn't tough.I'm not going to lie - I cannot WAIT for a glass of wine, a beer, some champagne! When this challenge is over they will taste SO good.

So we've made it 16 days without sugar (just from a few fruits here and there). I have discovered some Lara bars are Paleo - I am dying to try all their Paleo flavors (chocolate coconut chew - I can't ever find you!) I'm in love with the cherry pie, banana bread, apple pie, and carrot cake - but I'm not doing fruit much at all because I have a good amount of fat to loose. My kids like them, which is great because there is no addee sugar and no weird chemicals.

 you will be mine

I'm headed to Minnesota today for my Grandma's funeral. My plan is to stay on plan. It's not too hard now, I'm past the worst part - I hope. I am planning on doing traveling WODs while I'm there so I don't feel too gross from traveling and sitting around so much.

Flank steak with Brocolini

Pork loin with avocado and salsa verde

My new puffer jacket

Not too shabby

It's all about the rewards.....

60 days is a long time to do something, especially something difficult - temptations EVERYWHERE!! I've decided I'm going to reward myself along the way....just a fun way to keep my eye on the prize - the Paleo prize.

Day 15: Trip to my favorite thrift store


Day 30: Pedicure. Easy but so nice.....

Day 45:  These Kate Spade Earrings are uh-mazing!


Day 60: Crossfit outfit (most came from www.amrapstyle.com). Here's a few (ok, a lot) I really like:





I could go on and on......loving all these fun outfits!

Learning something new everyday

1. Eating clean = eating at home = running the dishwasher EVERY night

2. I'm down 5 pounds in one week (Hell Yeah!)

3. I did 5 WODs this week and can still walk

4. I cannot stay up past 9pm (falling asleep on the couch is what all the cool people do)

5. Day 4 I almost killed my whole family - if looks could kill.......

6. Day 8 and I am super mom on speed - so much energy!

7. My kids actively watch what I eat and are saying things like "Paleo", "clean", "healthy"

8. I do not NEED sugar, swedish fish, peanut butter, flavored coffee creamer, or bites of my kids food

9. I can make it through a birthday party - decorating cupcakes with ridiculous toppings - and not even sneak a taste.

10. If I'm hungry I eat (clean), if I'm not hungry then I don't eat (duh)
 

The BEST part? Sam's cooking. He has really stepped it up this week cooking clean clean clean. Jealous? Oh, and he's down 8.8 pounds this week. Stupid boys and their ability to drop weight. grrrrrr

Pan seared Tilapia with cucumber cilantro lime salsa

Filet with Purple cabbage

Horseradish flank steak with cucumber salad

Italian sausage (label carefully read) stuffed peppers

Paleo Pizza (crust is eggs)

Post workout drink

Getting through the day one meal at a time

I've had a few people ask what Paleo is and what I'm eating. I thought I'd share some of my snacks and meals that have been keeping me full, clean, and not on a hungry killing rampage. I am eating when I'm hungry, not when I'm bored (what a concept!)

Breakfast: I need quick and easy. I'm also a creature of habit, so every morning is the same. I also have coffee with coconut milk

Green Monster Smoothie:
Spinach (yep, raw spinach...a hold handful)
Ice
Almond Milk
(protein powder when not doing Paleo Challenge)

Almond Milk is my fav. I did find a NEW one yesterday that I actually cheered for in the store. Slightly embarrassing, but I didn't care. Are you ready for it?






The combination of two of my favorite things. I'm loving almond milk and I'm obsessed with coconut. YUM! I am so happy about this combo.

Snacks:
Hard boiled eggs
peppers
guac
cucumbers
tomatoes
mushrooms
lean meat
carrots
kale
squash
turkey bacon (salty fav)

Lunch: This is always my tricky meal. I have a hard time eating meat that has been reheated in the microwave. I swear it changes the texture and then I want to vomit. Maybe just me, but I can't handle it. So, I have a toaster oven in my office to make chicken breast, otherwise I eat left overs from dinner cold. It works for me. Making a bigger dinner to ensure there are leftovers for lunch has been a life saver! I have replaced all diet soda in my life. I do miss the bubbles though. I LOVE seltzer water. I need the bubbles



Dinner: My husband is a trained chef (jealous?) so dinners are GREAT. We have a smoker so sometimes it's smoked meat or fish, sometimes it's baked, grilled, you get the idea. Lean meat and lots of veggies. The veggie of the month has been kale - which I suspect we are getting tired of. Cabbage makes a lot of appearances as does cauliflower. Don't worry - all gas inducing veggies are Paleo friendly :)

My energy level has been normal and I only find myself hungry when I should be - not all day. I haven't tried to sneak anything - candy is my weakness - so I'm really happy about that.

Last night I did my first box jump! Yeah!!!! I also am making the vow to get double unders. The WOD last night called for 40 double unders or 120 single unders. Ugh. 120 single unders times 4 was killer. The double under will be mine!

Final Countdown

Tomorrow begins my first ever 60 day Paleo Challenge. I'm pretty stoked and a little nervous. Sam and I are  doing this together, which helps - but his will power is MUCH better than mine. I've been slowly getting Paleo over the last two weeks. I've cut out bread, pasta, rice and Thursday I stopped putting sugar in my coffee. That's right. My adult milkshake is getting healthier. I have a feeling I might be coffee free in a day or two - I really only drink if for the sugary sweetness (see my problem?).

I'm experimenting with recipes and things I can do that are cheaper (almond butter and coconut butter are $$) and seeing what I like and what I can live without. This week we've had red cabbage, kale, collards, and spinach. I liked them all - maybe green is my favorite color for a reason?

This week went pretty great with healthy eating. I didn't kill anyone - so there's that. My energy level is pretty good and my cough FINALLY went away. I did pull a muscle in my lower back, which I'm nursing today. Man, who knew you used your lower back for EVERYTHING? 

Tomorrow begins the Paleo Challenge. We are going to the gym to get measurements, BMI, and weight. I'm not happy about any of those things, but I'm going to focus on changing them. I don't care about the weight as much as I do the BMI and measurements. My weight hasn't changed much in 4 weeks of Crossfit, but my clothes are fitting better and I feel less jiggly. 

homemade almond butter. Pretty yummy

homemade coconut butter

two snacks for the work day

left overs from dinner for lunch

Coconut drilling

delish!

Planning to Fail?

Not me. Not this year. Not any more. I am planning to rock - not just this year - I am going to rock for now on. Look out, here I come!

Planning - I LOVE to plan. I do often focus on planning for others though and forget to plan for myself. I'm learning that if I don't first plan for me, then the planning I do for others just falls apart or is 100 times more difficult.

Meals. Planning meals can be tough. At night I'm tired, in the morning I don't have time. Solution? Plan a weeks worth of meals Sunday night. I bought a set of sectioned tupperware so I can make it happen. No more crappy pieced together lunches - it's Power Lunch Time!







I used to pack lunch in a tiny little tote. I didn't plan, I didn't pack much, I sometimes didn't pack anything. My days of running to Chipotle or Trader Joe's are over. I now bring a duffel bag with the amount of snacks and food I bring to school. Guess what? Not hungry or dragging at 1:00 like I used to.

this tiny tote holds just about nothing

I have just about every color plus a few special ones

 I also have a 24 oz water bottle with me at all times. I have found tons of lunch ideas from Pinterest, PaleOMG, etc.... If you have any good sites or cookbooks feel free to pass them on.

Workouts. Those need to be planned the most. Getting to The Box (I'm so Crossfit :) ) requires babysitters, timing, energy, dinner prepped.....Whew! It's amazing that I ever get out the door. Thankfully my husband is very supportive, my in laws help alot, and we have three babysitters on our street! Makes it so much easier.

Now, to stay motivated and keep on track with nutrition and WODS Sam and I will be doing our first ever Paleo Challenge beginning January 6th. We are going in that day to get our BMI (ugh), measurements (barf), pictures (double barf) and rules. It's a 60 day challenge and I WILL ROCK IT.

You can follow my Paleo journey here - and comments and suggestions are always welcome!