Life A.M. (after marathon)

Three weeks ago, I was pounding the pavement in the Sunday sunshine and heat. By this time I was probably already wondering why in the hell I ever decided to run a marathon. I was also probably thinking that the idea of a marathon was effing crazy and wondering why my sane brain thought it would be a fun thing to check off the list.

Well, I definitely checked it off the list and the only running I have done since then has been a little running here and there during my Cross Fit workouts.

I am in a better spot than I was before, recognizing that regardless of my time, I accomplished my goal of finishing a marathon. I did something that some people would never dream of doing and something that some people can only dream of doing. And at this point in time, I wouldn't put it past myself to do another one again, eventually...

So what's life like for Stacy, A.M.? Crossfit, Paleo, living.

I am slowing getting my stamina and strength back at Crossfit. It's a little frustrating to go form hitting PRs to lifting 20-30lbs left and having that feel incredibly heavy, but it's coming back. My workouts this week have been great and Wednesday's and Saturday's WODs really made me feel like I'm getting back to where I was.

Paleo. I was definitely off the wagon during the last few months of marathon training. I've been able to keep myself off the grains, but it was the sugar that I was going bonkers over. Fruit, ICE CREAM, potato chips, creamer in my coffee... SUGAR... I was taking the 80/20 rule to a daily basis instead of overall. The week after the marathon, nothing was off limits though. There was pasta post marathon, Subway, Chipotle burrito bowl (WITH RICE), and of course, more ice cream.

As of the 13th, I started another 30 day Paleo challenge and so far so good. It's always impressive how much BETTER I feel in all aspects of my life when I get back to eating this way. This is really just forcing me to cut out the ice cream, the sugar, the late night eating, the excuses. Even on the first day I noticed differences. I FINALLY slept really well and I haven't been able to say that in a long time. My body is looking better, I am consistently sleeping better, I am performing better. Aside from some general grogginess (not sure if that's due to post marathon fatigue and/or diet change and/or Crossfit), I have really been feeling great. A few days after the 30th day, I will be parading around in my swimsuit for the day at a water park. If that's not motivation to keep my ass on track with Paleo, I don't know what is.

When the 30 days is over, the new challenge will be finding a livable balance with my diet. Isn't that always the struggle? To get on the wagon and STAY on the wagon? I definitely think one of the keys to success will be keeping trigger foods (sugar/ice cream) OUT of the house. If I want ice cream, it's going to be special and it's going to come from somewhere and it's going to be gone in one serving.

I also need to work on changing my mindset about 'treats'. I don't deserve to feel like crap from eating junk food because I worked hard in the gym or had a bad day. How many of us are given that excuse or use that excuse? If I worked hard in the gym or had a bad day, don't I deserve something that is going to NOURISH my body, improve my mind/body, make me feel great? Chocolate and ice cream might give me that euphoria, but if I overdo it, I'll just end up with gut rot and guilt.

How do you stay on track? What's your viewpoint on food treats?

New year, new me

As mentioned in my previous post, December DID fly by. Every early November, I eagerly anticipate the holiday season, but every year it's over before I know it and I feel like I didn't take enough time to enjoy it fully.

So what's new in my life you ask? Well...

I bit the bullet and made the decision to do something FOR ME. I signed up for a membership at Cross Fit City of Lakes. I wasn't getting the results I wanted with my diet plan and personal training program (nor was I all that enthused about it). I have been going at least 3x a week, but trying/aiming for 4. Being this is something I am paying for, I wanted to do it right – the whole shebang. With that being said, I am also following the recommended Paleo diet – ie – no grains, dairy, grains, processed foods or alcohol. My carbohydrate intake is coming from mostly vegetables, nuts and seeds and a little fruit. I fill up on healthy fats and proteins.

I know, I know… I’m on a “bandwagon” again. But, the more I talk to my trainer and the more I read about it, the more it made sense to me and the way I want to treat my body. I ‘officially’ started on December 1st and I have been feeling pretty great. I am loving the workouts and the diet. I am not feeling deprived, not having any terrible cravings either. The only time I crave grain carbs is when I have waitied too long to eat.

My clothes are fitting better, my confidence is gaining, and I am feeling stronger. I love how I leave every workout with nothing left to give - I push myself to the limit in every workout. I cannot say enough good things about CrossFit. Seriously ladies... I haven't felt this good about myself, this strong, this confident in a LONG time.

I am also working on keeping my mind open in regards to the diet - this is LIFE. Not a judgement on how strict I keep my Paleo diet. I do have a little dairy here and there, which I am trying to cut out as I have reason to believe that it negatively affects my skin (reintroduction to dairy after a week off = hellllooooo massive breakout!). I also allowed myself to indulge over the holidays, but am back on track now. I will give myself a cheat day/meal if I feel it is necessary or if there is a special event.

Nine days in to 2011 and things are looking up.

What are you looking forward to this year? Any new years resolutions?