dessert, anyone?

If I were a dessert, I've always wanted to know what kind of dessert I would be. Well, through the magic of the internet, you can take a handy-dandy little quiz and find out! Voila! Enjoy!

You Are Smores

Unusual and unconventional, you make your strange ways work for you. You've got personality - no one's denying that!

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Jump rope 5 minutes
Run 400 meters
Row 500 meters
25 jumping jacks
10 box jumps
10 BJJ push-ups
25 abmat crunches

WOD
"ANGIE"
Complete the following for time:
100 jumping pull-ups
100 push-ups
100 sit-ups (Abmat)
100 squats
(Note: I split this in 4 rounds of 25 reps. I also beat the others this morning by about 6 minutes! Yea! Granted, they didn't split the rounds like I did. But it was nice to not come in last again.)

Joanne's Final Time - 22:24

OWMA Quotable Quote
Joanne: Ugh! I can't even walk anymore!
Freddy: Little does she know, she's walking just fine.
(at the end of the workout)
Freddy: Aww... You look so relaxed now.
Joanne: Only because I'm not panting like a dead dog!

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
THREE sets of 10 reps:
Samson Stretch
Overhead squats
Sit-ups
Back extensions
Push-ups

WOD
For the first round, perform 5 pull-ups/10 ring dips/15 front squats (M:45#/W:25#). For each subsequent round, add one repetition to each exercise. Complete as many rounds as you can in 25 minutes.

Substitute 2 for 1 jumping pull-ups for pull ups and 2 for 1 dips for ring dips. I hope you are good at math if you are doing the subs! Visit the Crossfit exercises link to see video and a slide show of the front squat.

Joanne's Results:
Round 1: 10 pull-ups/20 dips/15 front squats 25#
Round 2: 12 pull-ups/22 dips/16 front squats 25#
Round 3: 14 pull-ups/24 dips/17 front squats 25#
Round 4: 16 pull-ups/26 dips/18 front squats 25#
Round 5: 18 pull-ups/28 dips/19 front squats 25#
Round 6: 20 pull-ups/30 dips/20 front squats 25#
Round 7: 22 pull-ups/32 dips/15 front squats 25#

P.O.T.W.: the m&m in me

So if you log on to planet m&m's, it allows you to customize an m&m so it can sorta look like you. Granted, I don't think this is the greatest rendition of me, but I thought it would be interesting enough for a few shits and giggles. Here's me - the infamous J-Ro: brown skin. purple face (because purple is my favorite color). taped on the right hand so I can punch the shit out of someone. coffee in my other hand because every grad student needs her java. comfy shoes to go running, training at One World, or simply kicking someone in the balls in case my taped hand fails me. Nice.

victory dance.

So my new year's confession is this: whenever I do a CrossFit class, I usually come in last. It's like being in a P.E. class when you're in grade school.... there 's always the kid that comes in last or gets picked last. Well, that kid (even in adulthood) is yours truly. Granted, I don't mind it so much, but every now and again, it does get frustrating when you're hanging on by the skin of your teeth to finish the timed workout, while everyone else is just sitting around chatting away. Being last sucks sometimes. (Okay, it sucks all the time, but you won't hear that from me.)

Anyway, they say miracles do happen and this morning it did. For today's workout, I actually came in first. That's right... I said it. FIRST! I finished the workout in 28 minutes and one second. The person that finished after me did it in 34 minutes and 33 seconds (that's about 6 minutes after me; i was nearly a whole round ahead of everyone else). Not that I'm much for comparisons and such. However, I'm just happy to finally cross the finish line while the bow is still there. Yea. (me doing my victory dance)

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
THREE rounds of ten reps:
Samson stretch
Over head squat
Sit-ups
Back extensions
Jumping pull-ups
Dips

WOD
Complete 6 rounds for time of:
25 meter squat jump
25 push-ups
25 push press 45#

Joanne's final time - 28:01

OWMA Quotable Quote
"Yeah girl, GO!"
- Freddy trying to cheer me on

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
THREE sets of 10 reps:
Medicine ball deadlifts
Medicine ball clean & jerks
Medicine ball overhead squats
(and some other stuff I forgot to note)

WOD
Complete the following for time:
5 lunges (each leg)/5 dumbbell push press 30#/5 dips
10 lunges/10 DB push press/10 dips
15 lunges/15 DB push press/15 dips
20 lunges/20 DB push press/20 dips
25 lunges/25 DB push press/25 dips
20 lunges/20 DB push press/20 dips
15 lunges/15 DB push press/15 dips
10 lunges/10 DB push press/10 dips
5 lunges/5 DB push press/5 dips

Joanne's final time: 23:03

OWMA Quotable Quote
"Ummm.... Less yapping, more teaching please!"
- Joanne

belly dancing

So today I attended my first belly dancing class. It's taught by my yoga teacher Dolian. I've been debating for the longest time about taking this class, so for shits and giggles I decided to just go. Besides, someone at Bally's messed up with the scheduling and this class was completely empty (only four of us were there and three of us were first timers). Yea.

Today I learned the beauty of aging. I learned that despite unreasonable standards of beauty which emphasize uber-thin bodies, that there is indeed a place for a woman with flesh. Finally, I learned that when it comes to appreciating my own body, I have a long way to go. (But I'm learning. I swear, I'm learning.)

During class, Dolian lifted her shirt to expose her belly. This is so we get a better sense of how to move and what the belly should look like when we dance. That simple gesture - of Dolian unabashedly showing her belly was so new to me. I think it's because Dolian is in the same generation of my mother. No woman I know from that generation (e.g. aunts, my mom, etc.) would ever do that because they're overly concerned about appearances. But it was amazing because she had no reservations about doing it. She wasn't hard-bodied or chiseled. Her belly was like every other person's belly. Soft. Marked. Normal. I didn't realize that I had never really looked at a normal woman's belly. Let alone, I've never really given my own body a long, hard look. I think it's because I still have trouble finding value in the way my body looks. Naturally, I try to avoid paying attention to the contours of my body. In belly dancing, you don't have that choice. You have to look at your body and understand how it moves. You have to know its contours and complexities. Even when you don't want to, you have to. I both loved and hated this experience.

After Dolian did that, other women in the class followed suit - lifting their shirts, paying close attention to the richness of their bellies. It's amazing what a simple gesture could do. Granted, I didn't take the liberty of lifting my shirt, but I at least took notice of what was under it. I figure that's a good step for now.

So long story short. I took a belly dancing class for shits and giggles. It's amazing what you can learn from shits and giggles.

P.O.T.W.

Pic of the week. Courtesy of the folks at One World Martial Arts. I'm not sure when this was taken, but you can tell it was a while ago because my hair is ultra short. Wall balls. I'm not a fan of wall balls.

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
THREE rounds of 10 reps each:
Samson stretch
Overhead Squat
Sit-ups
Back Extensions
Push-ups
Dips

WOD
Back squat 3-2-2-2-1-1-1 reps
Going for max load on the last set. The squat does not count unless you break 90 degrees at the bottom of the squat.

Joanne's Final Results: 75/95/125/125/130/135/145 (fail)

OWMA Quotable Quote
"Um Freddy, there are other and more creative ways to touch me."
- Joanne poking at Freddy trying to spot the back squat

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
THREE rounds of 10 reps:
Deadlifts
Overhead squats
Push-ups
Sit-ups
Back Extensions

WOD
Complete 5 rounds for time of:
Jog/Sprint 200m
30 jumping pull-ups
30 dips

Joanne's final time - 19:54

OWMA Quotable Quote
"Distance makes the heart grow fonder."
- Joanne explaining to Freddy why she missed classes the last three days.

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
5 minute jump rope
5 minute row
THREE sets of ten reps:
push-ups
jumping pull-ups
sit-ups
back extensions

WOD
Complete the following for time:
Run 200m
20 squats
Run 400m
40 squats
Run 600m
60 squats
Run 800m
80 squats

Joanne's Final Time - 26:58

OWMA Quotable Quote
"Thank you Caroline!"
- Joanne thanking the Amazing Caroline Barnes for running the last 50 meters with me.

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
1000 meter row
Wooden Dowels: THREE rounds of 15 reps
Deadlifts
Hang cleans
Shoulder rolls
Push presses
Overhead squats

WOD
Complete 5 rounds for time of:
100m farmer's walk (25# each hand)
10 deadlifts (95#)
40 junping pull-ups

Joanne's Final time - 24:44

OWMA Quotable Quote
"I can't believe I did 200 freakin' jumping pull-ups!"
-Joanne

Don't judge your body. Listen to your body. Find your edge.

Yesterday was my first yoga class in three months. When I was in class, I was amazed that I let go of yoga for so long. Needless to say, it was good to be back. I missed Dolian. She has such a good presence and I always leave calm, satisfied, and accomplished. Yesterday's class reminded me of why I take yoga in the first place. It's really to hear these words: Don't judge your body. Listen to your body. Find your edge.

I think all the CrossFit hoopla and the addition of superfit folks to the studio has left me feeling a little useless lately. (Yeah, posts with pictures of fellow female CrossFitters and their six pack abs don't exactly do wonders for my ego.) Today's workout was especially hard because I tried to cut less corners than I usually do. While my time was actually worse than the last time we did this WOD, I decided that for the new year, I'd take more time to do things better, to push the weight, and do less modification. I'm actually proud of my performance today.

Anyway... David, one of the owners has decided to do the CrossFit classes. I was really impressed by his drive today. It took him over an hour to finish, but he made it to the very end. Sometimes we get so wowed by the people who are the strongest, the fastest, and the fittest that we forget that coming in last is ten times harder than coming in first. Also, finishing just finishing deserves its own set of kudos. Believe me, I know this. It was a hard lesson learned especially after the Maui Marathon! Cheering David on reminded me of my yoga class. Don't judge your body. Listen to your body. Find your edge.

While we were waiting for David (and Sal) to finish, a few of the gals were talking about their weight and wanting to get more fit (mind you, these are people who are already fit). For some reason, I was getting a little frustrated. I felt like yelling out, "Please don't fuckin' complain about your six-pack abs and ultra-tight body around me because I just won't hear it!" But I refrained because I wanted to be nice. Anyway, I found myself in confident-athletically-fat-mode and told the gals, "I like my fatty. It keeps me warm in the winter and extra sexy in the summer." They laughed and David, who was struggling through the burpees said, "That's what I like about you. You have such a healthy body image." That's probably one of the nicest things anyone has said to me.

Anyway, a combination of these classes and conversations led me back to a mantra that I've completely forgotten about, but need to hold on to - especially in my quest to be healthier (for my diabetes sake). Don't judge your body. Dolain is right. I can't judge my body. Considering all the things I make it go through. I need to focus more on being thankful for her. She's alive, functional, and does what I need her to do and more. Listen to your body. I think we all forget to do this. I know I do. Lately I've been trying really hard to listen. Although it takes some work and practice, I'm finding that she'll let me know when I'm hungry, when I need rest, and when to push my limit. Find your edge. This is what allows me to stay strong and keep challenging my body. It isn't about killing myself to be a CrossFit goddess (because I like to think I already am one), it's about keeing things interesting and making sure I'm not bored.

So that's it. Who knew that the inspiration I needed was sitting right under my nose?

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
TWO sets of 10 each:
Samson stretch
Overhead squats
Sit-ups
Back extensions
Jumping Pull-ups
Dips

WOD: The Filthy Fifty
Complete the following for time:
50 box jumps 12"
50 jumping pull-ups
50 kettlebell swings 15#
50 walking lunge steps
50 knees to elbows
50 push press 25#
50 back extensions (on the GHD)
50 wall ball shots 8#
50 push-ups
250 jump rope skips

Joanne's Final Time - 43:49

another post about new year resolutions

I know it's that time of year again. And yes, I, along with the masses will post about my own set of new year's resolutions. Naturally, since I am posting on this particular blog, my resolutions revolve around health and fitness.

I'm trying to have a healthy outlook on health and fitness. On New Year's day, I did what most people do and I stepped on the scale. Let's just say that according to the numbers, I'm heavier than I have been in a very long time. However, I didn't need a scale to tell me that. I can feel it in my clothes, see it in photos, and sense it when I workout. Although I've been good at working out, when it comes to food, I kinda let myself go. The New Year's weigh in forced me to re-evaluate my health. (Granted, I understand how this entry totally counters my take on being athletically fat, but stay with me.)

The truth is, I'm sick. I have diabetes. Meaning, I'm prone to blindness, having my limbs amputated, and of course, dying before my time. This means that unlike most, I really have to be mindful of what I eat. Shaun's lola had her leg amputated because of her diabetes. The famous Gloria Anzaldua died because of diabetes complications. My nutritionist's mother became blind because of her diabetes. I can't have this happen to me - at least not as long as I can control it. My eating habits haven't been very good for the past two years. Maybe it's because I've been in diabetes denial and workout overload. Who knows? But what you run from metally, your body reminds you of it physically. I've been feeling it lately. An overdosage of carbohydrates wipes me out. It sucks out all the energy in my being and forces me to take a nap or make me feel sluggish or jittery. I can also feel the way my body distributes a carbo overload. The weight I've been gaining has all congregated to my belly, making it more and more difficult to workout. It's terrible.

This new found awareness of health and eating has less to do with vanity (I've been reading all the stuff on Big Fat Blog and I don't mean to counter what they're saying). For me, it is about a valid health issue. It's about wanting to live long enough to finish this Ph.D., get married, watch my nephews and nieces grow, get a job, be a certified adult, etc. It's about living a full life with friends, family and anyone else would is near and dear to me. It's about being able to do CrossFit, Fit-to-Fight, krav maga, and yoga until I'm 100 years old.

So for 2007 I'm declaring to feed my body right (literally). A bunch of folks at the studio are doing the Zone diet, which is actually a very good diet for me to follow. However, I feel like I'm trying to swim between something like the Zone and Intuitive Eating, which is based on this book I'm reading right now. To feed my body right, it needs to feel fulfilled and not deprived, which is why I'm not going full out on the Zone. Also, it's a little odd for me to even say that I'm on a "diet" because there's something about that word that doesn't sit well with me (maybe it's because it begins with "die"). The best thing for me to say is, I'm going to make healthier, more satisfying food choices which are appropriate for me (because too much decadence has its price).

I've got my fitness journal, have taken measurements, shot the infamous "before" photo and will be hard at work making sure my body, mind and soul stay strong. This year I'd like to walk the San Francisco Aids Half Marathon which is usually in July and the Nike Women's Half Marathon which is usually in October. I'd like to be able to do at least one full-on pull-up and maybe even half a muscle-up. I'm also considering taking Dolian's belly dancing class just for shits and giggles. Who knows. Also, I'd like my marathon training tan back. This pale thing just doesn't do it for me.

A stable body, a sound mind, and a happy soul. This is all I'm asking of myself for the new year and the new years to come.

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
THREE sets of ten each:
Samson stretch
overhead squats
sit-ups
back extensions
pull-ups
dips

WOD
Complete as many rounds as you can in 25 minutes of:
100 jump rope skips (I had to modify and do 80 because I do a double skip)
20 push-ups
25 squat

Joanne's final count: 6 rounds + 34 jump rope skips

OWMA Quotable Quote
Freddy: I'm not a pervert!
Joanne: Well, only when it comes to yourself.
Freddy: Shhhh!

CrossFit One World W.O.T.D.

Warm-up
Row 1000 meters
THREE rounds of 10 reps:
deadlifts
sit-ups
(I forgot what else we did)

WOD
Complete 5 rounds for time of:
Run 400m
10 push presses (Round 1-2 w/ 20# dumbells; Round 3-5 w/ 45# bar)
15 power cleans 45#

Joanne's final time - 30:28

OWMA Quotable Quote
"Two thousand SEVEN, Motherfucker!"
- Joanne