The Best White Elephant Gift EVER!

Here it is, after 15 minutes of cutting and sewing a pair of yoga pants... I created (with inspiration from THIS VIDEO).... the JOG STRAP!

This was my first one that I made for our Crossfit Christmas party. 

I assumed that most people had not seen the video so I included some instructions... 

 

Today my friend called in need of a white elephant gift... so I told her to bring over a pair of yoga pants  and we would make another jog strap.  This time I took some decent pictures to show you ; )

Fun with Graffiti

I got a fun opportunity to paint a huge mural on the wall of the new building the Crossfit St. George gym is moving into.  It is made up of words that we use in the gym... names of workouts, movements, etc.  

It was so much fun and I'm so glad that Ali trusted me with such a huge project.

Here is a fun Before and After.

Here is a bigger version.

Shrimp Taco's with Spicy Slaw

 Spicy Slaw

*This recipe is great with any Tacos, fish tacos, a side dish for fajitas, etc...

1/2  head of cabbage slices thin
1 jalapeno diced
3 green onions
1 small bunch cilantro

Dressing:
1 T. Olive Oil
2 T. Vinegar
1 lime zest, and juice

Mix it all up and pour on dressing and toss.   It's spicy, tangy and crunchy!

Tonight we used this recipe for our shrimp taco's: Lettuce (in place of tortilla),  Shrimp (seasoned with lime, cilantro, & garlic powder), Spicy Slaw, & Salsa.  Delicious!

Toes and accountability.

Last night I made a quick run to the grocery store for a few things... as I was heading inside my mind was wandering thinking about the possible gang members living in our apartment complex (this was in the days previous conversations) and I somehow tripped as I stepped up onto the curb.  Tripped meaning I ended up laying on the sidewalk with a throbbing toe.  This morning when I woke up this is what I found:

A nice bruise across my toe and a difficulty bending it in either direction very well.  I wanted to go to the gym this morning and I thought Crossfit makes me feel better all the time why not my toe? 

I entered the gym with some apprehension of even being able to complete the workout being that today was 4 rounds of 800 meter running.  Oh yay my favorite running :(   Now, I have never enjoyed running and have never really done it much but Crossfit has really taught me that you can learn how to do anything and there is always room for improvement.  So off I ran... my first 2 rounds I got the same time 6:22.  As I was starting my third round a visitor from a Crossfit gym in Anaheim, CA named Al joined me on the run.  I assumed he was just starting his own round until he asked me what time we were going to beat? I was a bit confused and he then explained he was just warming up and was there to help me beat my time.  He stuck by me, always running just a bit faster so I wouldn't slow down.   I made it to the top of the hill where we turn around and head back to the gym, this is when it got more challenging.  He told me to relax it's just down hill from there, then the closer we got to the gym the faster he had me running and by the end we were sprinting and he was cheering me along.  I came in and had beat my previous times by almost a full minute!  Was it easy? No way, but it felt great accomplishing something that I walked into the gym not even knowing I could finish let alone improve.  It also shows the power of accountability in our lives and that other people can see our potential especially in an area we feel weak in. Why is it so easy to not strive as hard when were are alone with no one challenging our standards or method?  

A big thanks to Al from Anaheim Crossfit for challenging and believing in me today! 

And... my toe is feeling a bit better than it did this morning : )

Belly ART fun fun fun!!!

A few months ago I won a free Mehndi Belly Art Session... 

It's where they do the Henna art on your belly :) 

I was so excited and I finally got it done last night!! 

BEFORE:

DURING (The Henna is still on there and drying): 

 

AFTER:

(The color will get a bit darker over the next few days.)

 

In honor of all the hard work that Callie put into this, I decided that for this morning at the gym I'd do the workout like the "real athletes" and let everyone enjoy the art.  It was fun and I was proud to sport my fancy belly (yes, there are pictures coming of this monumental event!).

Crossfit confessions...

Okay let me get real here for a minute.  I've never been one for serious working out.  I ran at The Honor Academy, I did Power 90 before my wedding, Andrew and I did Body for Life when we were first married, and I've trained for a 5K.  But none of that compares to the last 4 months going to a Crossfit gym.
It's intense,
you sweat,
you question each time you walk in the door if you will leave alive,
but...
I'm addicted. 

Recently I've found myself reaching for something and I catch a glance of my toned arm... where did those muscles come from? I'm not even flexing? Now it's not like I'm ripped and I'm probably the only one who notices but I'm proud of myself for sticking with something that is a huge challenge.  It requires me to wake up "before the dew" (4:00AM) and to push myself harder than I ever have in my life.  So just a warning: if you catch me paused mid reach for something it's probably because I'm checking myself out.

God truly speaks to me in the midst of my challenging workouts.  He exposes weakness and strengths in my body and mind.  Weaknesses and strengths in my emotions and perceptions of life and myself.  Yes, I have cried at the gym and it wasn't because it hurt my body... I'd like to call it a wall ball alter call (that was fun... look at all those L's).

I'd also like to give some props to all the amazing people that join me there every morning.  I have been motivated, cheered for, encouraged, and inspired by every single one of them.  There have been many moments when I felt like I couldn't go on and a few words from my fellow Crossfitters, even them just shouting my name,  have given me what I needed to make it through.  There's never been a negative word spoken towards me at the gym.  I contribute part of my success to these wonderfully positive people.

I know this is just the beginning of my Crossfit journey but I'm so pleased with the effect it has had on my life so far and I know there are many greater things to come.