There are certain things that I'm realizing I need in life. Water is one of them. Though I'm not that great a swimmer, I'm a big fan of the ocean, beaches, lakes, and the like. In particular, I'm slowly coming to grips with my perpetual love affair with the ocean. As someone who was born and raised on Guam and then did her undergraduate degree at UCSB, I've spent a good portion of my life around water. At the very least, the sound of the water was always embedded in the background noise. These days, there's not much water (or its glorious sounds) around me. (Sorry folks. Some cheesy "sounds of the ocean" CD just doesn't cut it in my book.) So any chance I get to be around it is a real treat. I just got back from Hawai`i and photos will surface soon. For now, here's a shot of me at the Sutro Baths in San Francisco. Though bay area beaches are cold for my taste, water is water and I love it nonetheless.
Warm-up Run 800 meters squats stretching bitching and moaning at Eric just because...
CrossFit One World WOD Complete 4 rounds for time of: Run 400m 25 Abmat sit-ups Row 500m
Joanne's Final Time - 27:37 (I think)
Notes (to myself) about this workout: Anytime you have a timed row in a WOD it sucks. Anytime that timed row is coupled with a run it sucks even more. I was hoping to hit under 30 minutes and I did. Wa-hoo!
I've been out of commission because I was in Hawai`i for a conference. I knew Bradass was also there at the same time vacationing with the lovely Carmela. What I didn't expect was to run into him. But here we are trotting around Hawai`i representing One World. Whaaat?!
Notes (to myself) about this workout: I'm not a big fan of deadlifts. My max before tonight was 180# and that was a total struggle. To have a new PR on the deadlift was great! I'm also proud because Lisette, Shannon and I did it without much coaching. Cheryl T. helped us through our warm-up and I found her advice really helpful. I have to work on maintaining the lumbar curve and keeping everything nice and tight.
Big kudos to Lisette who graduated to the red bumpers and even made it to the holiday weights. Holla! And of course, there's little Shannon who I insisted do 255#. She did awesome! So proud of my gals!
Finally, a warm welcome back to Chris S. and Rita B. They've been living in Washington for the past few months but are back and here to stay. Yea!
You can love being a Cal bear. But you don't have to LOVE being a Cal bear, ya know?! I guess I don't get the whole school pride thing because I went to UCSB for my undergrad. Our mascot was the gaucho. So in the event I ever have a kid, please know that I have no intention of naming her/him Santa or Barbara or Gaucho or South American cowboy (in case you were wondering what the hell a gaucho is). I will say that as a current UC Berkeley grad student, Cal kids are a completely different breed. They sleep, eat, live, and breathe the bear life - for life. Take for instance our very own Chong. He and Mel just had a baby boy (wa-hoo! Congrats!) and named him CALlan. His nickname is "Bear." All I have to say is Grrrah! Grrrah! This WOD's for you, baby bear! (And in the event you end up going to Stanford, just know I have no intention of holding that against you. For the record, a tree is a totally boring mascot. Most people pee on trees.)
Warm-up Coming in late, chatting away, and only rowing 48 meters just so I could catch up with the class. Prep for the WOD
CrossFit One World WOD: "Little Bear" Complete the following for time. All exercises are performed with the same weight 45#: 40 deadlifts 40 hang power cleans 40 front squats 40 press, push press 40 back squats 40 press, push press Everytime you take your hands off the bar or put the bar back on the ground (not counting the deadlifts of course), you must do 10 Abmat situps
*** What My "Little Bear" looked like with the Abmat Sit-ups *** 40 deadlifts 20 hang power cleans * 10 Abmat situps 20 hang power cleans * 10 Abmat situps 20 front squats * 10 Abmat situps 20 front squats * 10 Abmat situps 20 push press * 10 Abmat situps 20 push press * 10 Abmat situps 20 back squats * 10 Abmat situps 20 back squats * 10 Abmat situps 40 push press
Joanne's Final Time - 23:11
Notes (to myself) about this workout: Don't tell anyone this, but I was totally looking forward to this WOD. It was tough, but I like WODs like this because they're challenging and frustrating at the same time. I did it RX'd at 45#, which was tough. Everything is fine until you get to the push press. I didn't realize how weak I was with the overhead stuff. Bleh. Those sections made the squats difficult. I'm glad we had the abmat break. That was really useful and made it more manageable that the actual Bear WOD.
This was taken last week when Settie, Raz, and I went to the shooting range. Raz gave us our first gun lesson. I have to say that it was very informative and I have a tremendous amount of respect for those who have to handle guns for their profession. It's serious business! For the record, I'm totally looking forward to more practice. (Um, no one has to mention that I shot off the binder clip that held the target. Clearly, j-ro needs practice!)
So if anyone wants to go to the shooting range...
Warm-up Row 500 meters Stretcing
CrossFit One World WOD: Snatch Shrugs On the 25# plate platform. Max snatch weight 5x (83#) plus 25# 5x (108#) plus 40# 1x (128#)
15 "intimidating" box jumps (I used the 20" box)
Joanne's Final Time - N/A
Notes (to myself) about this workout: I'm really digging the times when Angela comes to One World to host Olympic Weightlifting seminars because the Sunday oly lifting class picks up those lessons. Unfortunately, I didn't get to complete the entire WOD because my hands were hurting. There's a point where I tend to hold the bar and it pinches the skin. Though I can probably lift more than I did, I was stopped by the pinching. UGH! Today's program is probably a build-up to the actual snatch and all it's lovely variations. Bleh. Damn snatches!
The intimidating box jumps simply meant that I couldn't whimp out and do my usual 12". I started at the red box which is 18" and then moved to the unpainted box, which I think runs about 20". I did okay. As long as I'm not timed and can take some time to focus, I can jump at that height. I need to work on hip extensions and high knees.
This is Laura a.k.a. "Miss Sick Abs." She celebrated a birthday today by participating in her very own birthday WOD that was designed by Mr. Chong a.k.a. "I can make your WOD miserable." As you can see, it was a fantastic WOD. (insert a healthy dose of sarcasm here)
This is Cheryl a.k.a. "Girl Crush" (sorry folks, "Gun Show" just isn't a cute enough nickname for her). Her birthday was also today. Yup, a CrossFit double whammy. I did my very best to skip the WOD all together (I'll explain why a little later). However, after receiving her text message, I knew I couldn't back down. I'll continue the story in a bit.
Warm-up Bitching and moaning that I have to do this WOD. fathlete confession: No one has to do the WOD if they don't want to. However, I was scared that Cheryl would choke hold me if I didn't. Not that I would mind. I just wasn't in the mood for that kind of "play." ha ha!
CrossFit One World WOD: Happy Birthday Cheryl & Laura For Time: Run 800 meters 30 jumping pull-ups 30 burpees Row 1000 meters 30 jumping pull-ups 30 burpees Run 800 meters
Joanne's Final Time - 30:31
Notes (to myself) about this workout: This WOD was a team WOD. Therefore, the entire team couldn't move on to the next exercise until the last person (a.k.a. ME) was done with the movement. For example, after the run, no one was allowed to do the pull-ups until everyone was done with the run. Ya feel me?! The great thing about the WOD was that if you absolutely couldn't finish your set, someone else in the team would pick up your reps. Again, for example, if I just COULD NOT do another burpee and I had ten left, then someone would have to do my ten in order for the team to move on. Got it?
Naturally, this WOD totally sucked for me because it made me revert back to those middle school days where I would be poked fun at for always coming in last. Okay. The CrossFitters at One World aren't like that. But when you grow up with that fat feeling, it's something you can't really shake off.
I'm the first to admit that I'm a whiney bitch about everything. I really didn't intend to do the WOD, but when Girl Crush says you gotta do it, you can't really say no. As I'm changing into workout gear, I realize that I freakin' forgot my shoes! WHAAAT?! fathlete confession: I thought this was the PERFECT way to get out of the WOD. fathlete reality: It so didn't work! So what did I end up doing?! I did the WOD in my SOCKS! That's right! I ran 800 meters on the road/pavement TWICE in my SOCKS! Did you see the photo?! That ain't no joke, man! The crew said that I did the WOD Island Style. Um. I was just trying to not get in trouble!
So how was training in socks? I'd never run or row again in them. In fact, I wouldn't do it unless I had to. I kept slipping at the pull-ups and burpees. The strap kept coming loose at the row and running on the road just sucks because there's no cushion and you have to dodge little pebbles. Bleh.
But it's over. I did it. Happy birthday Cheryl and Laura!
P.S. A very big thank you to Mike for coming back to finish the run with me. I totally owe you some food.
Last night I ran into "The Beast," my former workout pal when I was part of the "Breakfast Club." (Yeah. Now the 6:30am CrossFit crew is simply known as "The 6:30 crew." Boo.) "The Beast" now does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Unfortunately, we don't get to interact with the BJJ folks because they're totally hard core. (Seriously. I have to pass them by on the way to the bathroom and I make sure I look down and avoid eye contact. I always feel like if I make eye contact, I'm going to turn to stone. ha ha!) In terms of the CrossFit "Breakfast Club," it doesn't take a genius to figure out who Judd Nelson was. I miss the days when I would try to figure out if I was Ally Sheedy or Molly Ringwald. Sigh.
Warm-up less than 500 meter row stretching for the WOD (I came in late because of last night's shenanigans. I'm still exhausted. Bleh.)
Notes (to myself) about this workout: Today was the oly lifting class. My hands hurt from lifting the heavy weight. I'm getting those ugly CrossFit hands. Bleh. When I started the class, I thought I'd give myself til the fall to decide if I wanted oly lifting shoes.
Um. I want them now. But they're pricey, so I'll have to settle for lifting barefoot. You know what that means? I'm going to have to keep my toes cute and polished to balance the manliness of the lifting. Hmph.
Jason says to never end the class with a failed lift. I understand this. But I ended the class with a failed lift anyway. It doesn't bother me because I know I worked hard for the hour. Oly lifting isn't tiring like the met-con WODs, but there is muscle fatigue. I couldn't lift the 103# clean because I was in my head and I was fatigued. I knew I was fatigued when we scaled down the weight to 83# and couldn't do it. No big deal. I broke my PR by 10# and know that I can start at a heavier weight at my next attempt.
Also, I liked doing the progression when doing the clean. I did "Angela's shrug" twice before doing the actual lift. It helped a lot to do the shrug because it helps me mentally prepare. When you do a lift that requires a shrug, I always know when I've nailed it because there's a sweet spot that lets me know the lift is going to work. fathlete confession: I live for that sweet spot!
I went light on the front squat because I had to leave for Easter lunch. Also, Cheryl mentioned that it wasn't a good idea to do two heavy lifts back to back. (I agree that this was a good call.) I was glad to see Jason do the front squat because it gave me a better sense of how to hold (or not really hold) the bar.
This photo seems a little off for this blog. Last week I had the pleasure of lecturing in my dear friend Vika's class (hence why I missed last Thursday's class). He's currently teaching a course on Pacific Island History at San Francisco City College. I opened my lecture with this photo. It was taken in 1942 and is of a lunch with the actress Dorothy Lamour and her friends. If you look really closely at the center of the photo, someone's face has been deliberately scratched out. This person was her Filipino houseboy/chauffeur named Genaro.
When doing a lecture like last week's, I like to open with this photo in order to talk about the presence/absence of Filipinos and other racialized minorities at large. It always seems to spark some interesting discussion about memory - what we choose to remember, what we choose to forget, what we choose to erase and what we choose to acknowledge. I don't know Genaro, but I sometimes wonder about who this person missing in the photo is. I like to think that my time spent conjuring up interesting stories about him helps to resurrect a little bit of his spirit (as haunting as it is).
Warm-up Lessons on the WOD
Random conversation with the gals sprinkled with minor harassment from Raz for engaging in such conversation.
Demo-ing the back squat for Tiffany (fathlete confession: I just wanted to show off how nice my a$$ is when I do the back squat. ha ha!)
CrossFit One World WOD: Schoolboy Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of: 5 deadlifts 153# 1 rope climb (modified)
Joanne's Final Count - ten rounds + 5 deadlifts
Notes (to myself) about this workout: For more reasons than I care to share, today was just an off day. On days like this, I'm happy to be at the gym because it's my sanctuary. It's the one place I feel like I can let go and clear my head - even for that moment. I guess there's something refreshingly distracting about the gym that helps to balance out an off day like today.
Today's WOD was tough. It's official. I hate the deadlift. I think it's because deadlifts have to be heavy. There's no going light on the deadlift. Also, I tend to beat myself up on this lift because I feel like I should be way better at it. I have the lower body strength, but I need to know how to use it. Finally, because I'm one of the bigger gals at the gym, I always feel guilty when I don't lift what I think I should.
The rope climbs (even the modified ones) are tough, but are a great upper body exercise. I felt like I did better than previous WODs with rope climbs. At the same time, I still need to work on fully planking out. My issue is that the ropes make me feel exactly how HEAVY my butt is, and how much my butt just weighs me down. Therefore, when I land, I usually flop. I still need the practice, but at least I don't hate the climbs as much as I used to.
This was taken at last Sunday's Oly Lifting class. I don't know what it is, but I tend to end up in a lot of "women only" plus the make instructor class. Heh! (Okay. Truth be told, I always look like a hot mess after class. Don't hate. That's just how I roll. Word!)
Lisette and I did our best to catch up with our friend "Cindy." But Raz got in the way. (Well, that's my excuse anyway.) That's okay. We had fun chatting it up with him. See?! This is what happens when you don't go to class!
It's no secret that I've posted various injuries on this blog. If you've kept up over the years, you've seen photos of my stitched up knee, blistered feet, bruised toes, etc. What can I say. I have no shame. Shut up. Don't judge! ha ha! A few weeks ago, Cheryl T. did the CrossFit programming and we had to do some kettle bell work. As I've mentioned numerous times, I love kettle bell stuff. That is, as long as I know what the hell I'm doing. Let's say that during one of her WODs, I was a little clueless. By the time I nailed the kettle bell snatch, I was so tired that I ended up slamming the 18# on my forearms anyway. Hence the bruises in the photo. (Note: You may have to look really carefully. You know, lighting and all. If you look closely at my forearms, there is a large area that's discolored. That's the bruising from the kettle bells.)
I have to say that getting roughed up at CrossFit and working in cosmetics requires a delicate balance. I like my scars, but it's not exactly professional for what I do. I had to sport long sleeves for most of that weekend because it tends to freak out customers when you have visible injuries. Also, I'm kind of big on professional presentation standards. I'm not saying you have to look like a model in order to work in cosmetics. However, I think you do need to look like you 1) took a shower. 2) combed your hair. 3) smell good. It's pretty simple. You'd be surprised at how many people don't follow the simple rules. I'd go on, but I'll leave it at that.
Warm-up Mia's jump rope warm-up (a.k.a. J-Ro's feeble attempt at battling it out with the rope. Sadly, the rope won. That bitch!) Medicine ball clean mini-clinic
CrossFit One World WOD Complete five rounds for time of: Run 400m Row 500m You can run or row first....It sucks either way!
Joanne's Final Time - 28:31
Notes (to myself) about this workout: The last time I did this WOD was here. I'm happy to say that I shaved off almost a minute from my last row/run. Wa-hoo! It was tough and for the first time, I almost threw up at the end of the WOD. Bleh. My strategy for conquering this WOD was doing the row first. Everyone has her/his preference. For me, I like rowing first.
Mia also gave a brief on POSE running. I don't know the contours on POSE running, but Mia said that we should focus on running with high knees. My running strategy was to do my normal pace until I passed the railroad tracks on the way back. From there, I focused on high knees. I need more work because I feel heavy on my feet, but I do feel that there is more speed. It's just a matter of practice and coordination from there.
For those of you who have ever been to a 7:15 class, we usually like to do silly things like have a theme day. Hence why we were pigtails in the photo here. Tonight was pink ribbon night. Unfortunately, Lisette, who thought of theme nights couldn't make it. Boo! Also, Eric called in sick, so theme night just wasn't the same. Oh well. I have plenty of ribbon left, so I'll make sure we have another pink ribbon night. Also, I'll post the only two photos I took tonight at some point. Moving on...
I think everyone did great tonight. Little Shannon was great on the row and rocked out on the ropes. Lori also did fantastic - especially on the ropes. Um, the ropes and I are currently not on speaking terms.
Tonight's 7:15-er is Alex who comes to One World with a big smile and an even bigger heart! I had a great time chatting it up with him. Tonight I discovered that Alex is in love. L-O-V-E love with training at One World. I've never met anyone who loved being at the gym so much. Admittedly, I've been at One World so long that I forget that the real reason I go is not for the agony of the WOD, but because of the great vibes that everyone shares. You're right, Alex. Even a bad day can completely change with the right company. To be reminded of that is always refreshing. Yes, Alex. I know you love us. And we love you right back! (insert big hugs here)
Warm-up shootin' the shit with Eric and Will B. (and being reminded of how much I LOVE the fact that men will always be men; heh!)
Run 1.1 miles
After much deliberation, Lisette and I decided that we would opt OUT of the WOD and head straight to dinner with some fellow One Worlders. We'll meet up with Cindy on Thursday.
Notes (to myself) about this workout: Okay. So we probably should have done the WOD - especially since Alex did it and even had time to go home, wash up, and change. Right now, I have no regrets. I had a blast poking fun at him and his falling shorts. I had even more fun offering to pull the drawstrings of those shorts to keep them from falling. heh! (fathlete confession: You know I'd never actually pull the drawstrings, right? In fact, I'd probably run to the nearest corner just to blush at the thought of engaging in such debauchery. ha ha! Um. Seriously.) Dinner was lovely. I was happy to see the very pregnant Mel. Also, I finally got to spend time with Laura, who I never get to see. A very big thank you to Cheryl and Alex for their generosity.
This is me with one of my most favorite-est people in the whole entire world! Yup! Here we are: Manila Wafer (well, that's what Brad affectionately calls me. Seriously. Check it out on the wooden pole!) and Bradass!
Warm-up Random dancing to the house and Latin music that Cheryl happened to be bumpin' Row 500 meters Stretching
CrossFit One World WOD: The Clean High Cleans: 43# 1 set of 5 reps 53# 2 x 3 63# 3 x 3
High Pull: 53# 3 x 3
Front Squat: 53# 2 x 3 73# 1 x 3 83# 2 x 3
Notes (to myself) about this workout: The clean is no joke, folks. Here is a short video of the squat clean:
As usual with most weight lifting exercises, I get into my head and I can't lift what I really can. (Um, this isn't my personal assessment. This is what everyone else says.) I have to admit that I freak out at the idea of lifting way too much and straining or breaking something. Also, I'm always worried that my form is off, which is why I opt to go light. Besides, I'd hate to do what that girl at the Santa Clara throwdown did and break an arm from a muscle up. (Okay. A clean isn't a muscle up. But I don't think it's completely impossible to break something during a lift. Moving on...) I find that I don't like the hang clean. Starting from the floor is way better because you get more power that way. Also, for as much as I love squats, the front squat isn't my favorite. I don't like how the bar can sometimes roll so far back that I can feel it in my throat. Literally! I also need more flexibility in the shoulders because I have a hard time keeping my elbows out, which sometimes keep me off-balance. Bleh.
I'm posting this to introduce you all to Bobbi. (Sorry, I forget if it's with an "i" or a "y.") She's the tall, studly looking chick sporting the pigtails standing next to me. In fact, from left to right we are: Eric, Lisette, Bobbi, me, Lori and Alex after one of those treacherous WODs. Don't let the smiles fool you. It was tough. Unfortunately, I don't have a solo photo of Bobbi (or at least one that she would allow me to post). I forget that she's also a regular, but she bounces between CrossFit, Krav and Eskrima. Yeah. She's that badass. Don't hate. Appreciate!
Warm-up Run 1.1 miles Stretching Making sure Lisette's dog Dallas was securely fastened to the small tire.
CrossFit One World WOD Complete five rounds for time of: 30 wall balls 12# 10 burpees
Joanne's Final Time - 20:37
Notes (to myself) about this workout: Wall balls and burpees suck. To have them in a WOD together sucks even more. There's nothing else to say about this.
As I've mentioned before, I'm a nerd when I'm not not a struggling, casual CrossFitter. This weekend I went to San Francisco to watch The Passion of El Hulk Hogancito at the Bayanihan Community Center. The show was part of the Kularts programming. Attached to the community center is Arkipelago Bookstore, where you can get your nerdy fill of Filipino and Filipino American books and such. When we walked in, Margaret asked if I knew if my book was there. I told her I didn't know. Then lo and behold, I turn to the social science section and what do I find... Hollla! (Insert image of me poppin' my collar here.) I was so jazzed to see my book there! Margaret even went to the guy behind the register and said, "Hey! Do you want these copies signed?!" It was pretty funny. Anyway, kudos to Arkipelago for carrying my stuff. It really means a lot.
Also, this coming weekend is the last time you can catch The Passion. You should definitely watch it!
Warm-up Run 1.1 miles Rowing Stretching Prep for WOD Deciding what we're going to do for "Theme Thursday"
CrossFit One World WOD Complete the following for time: Run 200m 21 deadlifts 123# 21 jumping pull-ups Run 400m 15 deadlifts 15 jumping pull-ups Run 800m 9 jumping deadlifts 9 pull-ups
Joanne's Final Time - 19:58
Notes (to myself) about this workout: This was a great WOD, which Eric helped design. I liked that we were really trying to focus more on form and less on time. I was happy with my jumping pull-ups and wish that I were a bit stronger so I could move to a different box or bar. This is where patience comes in. I'm not big on the deadlift, but tonight it felt good.
Alex posted the following piece in the comments and I thought I'd share it with you all. I'm not sure who wrote this, but it looks like it may have originated here. But um, please don't mark me on that because I'm not 100% sure.
As for the photo, naturally, I have to post one of Cheryl T. She's an amazing athlete and coach and someone who I truly respect. Outside of CrossFit, she's simply a lovely person. I adore this photo because it's so tongue-in-cheek. I know Cheryl T. can, at times, be self-conscious of those "guns." But I say she should flaunt them now, shoot the shit talkers later with those guns. Heh!
A very big thank you to Alex for posting this.
I have to admit that I'm someone who has to constantly remind herself that exercise is about doing. Simply doing. It's like that Keanu Reeves film where he tells those kids that he admires them for simply showing up. Showing up and simply doing are 90% of the battle. I forget that it's rarely about the time you make or the weight that you lift. Rather, it's about what you're willing to put on the line day in and day out.
Of course, this post strikes a chord with me because beauty is the cornerstone of my work. Seriously. It's always on my mind and I'm constantly challenging my own thoughts on the matter. (Um. Yeah. I even co-authored a book about it!) In my head, I do not consider myself an ugly woman. It's taken me years to come to this place where I'm finally comfortable in my own skin. In my world, beauty is less about what I look like and more about what I feel like and how I make others feel. However, I understand that the world doesn't necessarily operate on what's going on in my head. I understand that in this country (but I will say that it's the same in most countries; I can vouch for this because I lived overseas last year), aesthetics is a big thing - even for those who refuse to admit it.
In truth, every now and again I beat myself up over what I look like. Sometimes I feel like if dropped some weight or had different features, somehow my life would be exponentially different. Sometimes wish I had the kind of features that would allow me to wear cute little tops, tight jeans, and sexy stilettos. In the rare moments I surrender to such unreasonable desires, I remind myself that I just wasn't meant to be that kind of woman. Pretty doesn't come easy or naturally for me. On the upside, there are other things that do come easily and naturally for me. And in my world, those are the things that matter.
If I were feeling a little more lawless, I’d gather all the copies of Cosmo and Seventeen, douse them in kerosene, and strike a match. I’d throw in reams of print ads from Calvin Klein and watch with delight as Kate Moss’ stick-thin image was reduced to carbon. I’d add copies of Shape and Runner’s World until the flames reached toward the heavens, and then I’d crank call the editorial desk at Muscle and Fitness until they stopped publishing pictures of women on steroids.
I’d get the master tapes of America’s Next Top Model and dub over them with “Nasty Girls”, broadcasting the results on every television station in America. I’d skywrite “CrossFit.com” across the Boston skyline, and gently admonish the hoards of long distance runners trotting along the Charles River—with a bullhorn.
I’d take every woman with mass media-induced ideals of beauty, and I’d show them what it really means to be beautiful.
Beautiful women are strong and powerful. They are athletes, capable of every feat under the sun. They have muscles, borne of hard work and sweat. They gauge their self-worth through accomplishments, not by the numbers on the bathroom scale. They understand that muscle weighs more than fat, and they love the fact that designer jeans don’t fit over their well-developed quads.
They know that high repetitions using light weights is a path to mediocrity, and “toning” is a complete and utter myth. They refuse to succumb to the marketers that prey on insecurity, leaving the pre-packaged diet dinners and fat-burning pills on the shelf to pass their expiration date.
Beautiful women train with intensity. The derive self-image from the quality of their work and their ability to excel. They don’t wear makeup to the gym, and they wouldn’t be caught dead with a vinyl pink dumbbell. They move iron, they do pull-ups, they jump, sprint, punch, and kick, and they use the elliptical machine—as a place to hang their jump rope.
They spend their weekends in sport, climbing walls, winning races, and running rivers. They laugh as they sprint circles around the unschooled, turning the image-obsessed into benchwarmers. Beautiful women don’t care if they’re soaked in sweat and covered in dirt, if their nails are chipped or their hair out of place. They care only about quality of life.
Beautiful women are happy, healthy, and strong, and they’re right there beside me, tossing conventional beauty on the ever-growing flames of what used to be.
I'm warning you all now. If this thing is missing from the women's bathroom, it is very likely that I stole it! I can't believe Hallmark beat me to making something like this. Those bastards!
Notes (to myself) about this workout: I didn't PR my snatch today. In truth, my body was feeling a little off. I was out late and I'm still sore from the headstand stuff we did. Coming in, I knew I would be less-than-ideal doing the snatch. I only managed to do one 53# snatch. The only reason why I managed that was because I just wasn't thinking.
I've got a lot of work to do!
Cheryl T. suggested that I lift barefoot until I decide to invest in some weightlifting shoes. I tried the barefoot thing today. No go. I'm not into it. I think I'll stick with regular shoes until I decide I'm lifting enough to warrant a new pair of shoes.
So I'm still trying to collect more photos of the 7:15 class. In truth, the most consistent folks that show up are pretty much me, Lisette, Lori and Shannon. Every now and again we get a small sprinkling of people, including tonight's feature 7:15-er John. John's pretty new to One World and when Freddy posted this photo of him, I couldn't help but steal it. I'd go into great detail about John and how he brings extra shorts for his buddy Alex to train in because apparently, John is greatly invested in what kind of shorts Alex wears. Er. Um. Don't ask what that means. I've tried my best to prohibit my imagination from going places. I suggest you do the same. Welcome to the clan, John!
Warm-up Run 1.1 miles Prep for WOD Posing for various photos because the fierce fathlete needs new pix for the blog! (You are all in for some sweet treats in the upcoming weeks!) Admiring each other's pigtails
CrossFit One World WOD Complete as many rounds as you can in 20 minutes of: 3 rounds of - 6 push-ups then kick your feet up on wall from plank position and do 1 handstand 5 chest to bar pull ups 10 band assisted pistols (alternating each leg for ten total reps)
Joanne's Final Count - 6 rounds + 5 push-ups in round three
Notes (to myself) about this workout: I needed to find some options for the pistols, so after some surfing, I found this video: I found it pretty helpful. When I got to the gym, I noticed, people were doing band-assisted and pole-assisted pistols. I opted for the band.
Sadly, I was the only one in class who had trouble with the handstand. Naturally, this made me feel like a loser. CrossFit, like anything in life requires patience and accepting that each person will have her or his own strengths. Body weight stuff just isn't my strength. All I can do is work on it and let it be. Eric had to help me get to the handstand position because I kept falling.
Here's a little secret... I get really nervous anytime I have to do something that requires me to balance on my head or roll over with my head tucked. When I was in 6th grade, I was doing a front flip in P.E. and didn't tuck in my head. All I remember was jumping up and forward, and next thing I knew, I woke up and all my classmates were freaking out. Apparently, I blacked out because I hit my neck wrong. My friend Pam said, "I thought you were dead because it looked like you cracked your neck!" All I remember was being sore and dizzy. Since then I've had a natural "freak out" reaction to headstands, head rolls, and the like.
Moving on... I had a lot of trouble with the pistols, even with the assistance from the band. Body weight movements just remind me of how fat I am and that just sucks. No one likes to be reminded of that. More so, no one likes to be reminded of her limitations. However, I will as I always do, and suck it up!
fathlete guilty pleasures... I'm a little slow. I don't have cable and just recently subscribed to Netflix to catch me up on pop culture and such. Admittedly, I just received 300 to watch. When it came out a few years ago, I actually got into a big fight with a friend about the film. Though I vowed to watch the film just to spite him, I never really got around to doing it. So here I am. Actually, I rented it to get some CrossFit inspiration. Every guy I know who has seen the film has the same reaction, "That movie makes me want to workout!" I figured it would do the same for me.
The verdict? Sure. 300 makes me want to work out. Even more so, it makes me think, "Why the hell did I wait so damn long to watch this movie?! The guys are H-O-T!" ha ha! Just kidding. Granted, it is a fantastic movie to watch if you're into the chiseled abs and rock-hard body types (which I'm not - heh!). Seriously. It's a special effects film. Those abs are shaded in. (Well, that's what I like to tell myself to make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.)
In truth, the guys in the film are impressive and dare I say, inspiring because they're not your typical 20-somethings. In fact, the actor who played Astinos, son of the Captain (considered to be one of the younger characters) was in his early 30s when he filmed this. That's what makes guys want to workout. It makes them feel like those chiseled abs are attainable at any age. Truth be told, I am a butt-and-thighs-kind-of-girl (in a big, BIG way). Ouch. Now it's getting hot in here and I'm beginning to blush. Thank heaven the guys are wearing those red robes, so there's not a lot of leg action. Whew! (smirk) A while back, Imran told me about the crazy 300 workout. I found it online and listed it below. One of these crazy days when I'm feeling all Spartan-y, I think I'll try doing it. Any takers?
The 300 Workout: 25 pull-ups 50 deadlifts at 135 pounds 50 push-ups 50 box jumps with a 24-inch box 50 "floor wipers" (a core and shoulders exercise at 135 pounds) 50 "clean and press" at 36 pounds (a weight-lifting exercise) 25 more pull-ups -- for a total of 300 reps
This is the lovely Shannon, who I will now declare is the official One World lil sis. Her big bro (and One World trainer) Chris is currently living in Washington with his equally lovely partner Rita. While they're gone, the rest of the One Worlders have taken it upon themselves to take care of this sweet little gal. Don't let the fetal position fool you. She's got some strongs!
Warm-up Run 1.1 miles (12:24) Stretching Prep for the WOD Letting Cheryl T. know that she's my secret girl crush 'cuz I'm so lovin' the gun show! ha ha!
CrossFit One World WOD Complete five rounds for time: 10 each arm - kettle bell snatches from ground to overhead 18# 20 box jumps 12" 30 front squats with the kettle bell used in the snatches 18# 200m run
Joanne's Final Time - 30:18
Notes (to myself) about this workout: This WOD sucked. But I still love kettlebells. It's just a matter of getting used to the actual movement. When I finally figured out how to do the movement correctly (in like, round FIVE!), I realized that I could have done 20# or more. I think I'll give it a shot the next time we do this WOD. I've decided that anything that requires me to jump on a box should be declared illegal. There's just way too much jiggly bounce goin' on here. It's not pretty. Plus, the box jumps made the squats miserable. That's a big thing for me to say because I *heart* squats!
For now, I feel some forearm bruising coming on. Not pretty!
fathlete guilty pleasures... Judge all you want, but I've said it before. I'm a total PCD fan. Whaat?! Yeah. There's nothing better than pumping some PCD on my ipod during a WOD or run. It just makes me feel sexy. ha ha! So there's been a lot of buzz about their rendition of Jai Ho, the Oscar-winning song from Slumdog Millionaire. You can find the video here.
I did it. I bought the song. I like it. Don't hate.
For as much as I like the PCD version, I still think the movie version, complete with Bollywood-esque dance sequence rocks!
Tonight's 7:15 gal is Lori. She and Lisette are dear friends and started coming to One World at the same time. Like Lisette, Lori is another crazy CrossFitter who enjoys timed pull-ups by the hundreds. ha ha! Welcome to the family, Lori!
Warm-up Slow 800 meter run Useless bitching, whining and praying that we don't do the timed trials. We did them anyway. Bleh!
CrossFit One World WOD: Time Trials Exercise / Previous Time / Today's Time 100 jumping pull-ups / 3:26 / 6:42 100 (fully planked) push-ups / 11:05 / 6:08* 100 Abmat sit-ups / 7:32 / 5 :30* Row 500m / 2:14 / 1:59* Run 400m / 2:09 / 2:12
*PR!
Notes (to myself) about this workout: I hate timed trials. I was hoping Diana and Makana could help me find a great excuse for not showing up tonight. Unfortunately, Makana insisted that I participate in the treacherous WOD. I hate you, Makana. Just kidding. The last time I did time trials was here.
I'm happy to announce that I PR'd in three events. In fact, I've never done a row that was under 2 minutes. So I was just one second short of 2 minutes. I'll freakin' take it! Unfortunately, I did really bad in the pull-ups. I refuse to beat myself over the head about this. Instead, I'm just going to have to work on it. I've decided that I'm keeping the red box, but switching to a higher bar. Bleh. Oh! And I did the sit-ups unanchored, and still PR'd it. Yea. I don't know how I pulled 50 of those suckers in a row. Needless to say, the next 50 were really "well-paced."
By now you're probably wondering who is in the 7:15 crew. For the next few days I'll slowly introduce you to the lovely people I train with. Tonight I introduce you to Lisette. She started out just taking the Sunday classes. Now she's pretty much a full-on crazy CrossFitter. Welcome to the family, Lisette!
Warm-up 1 hour of yoga Run 1.1 miles Random stretching Aimlessly conversing with my fellow One World-ers
CrossFit One World WOD FOUR rounds of: - 200 meter row - THREE rounds of Kettlebell Luv 20#: push-up one-armed row (each arm) 2- clean and jerk press - 5 jumping pull-ups
Joanne's Final Time - 13:24
Notes (to myself) about this workout: Today the posted WOD was time trials. Um. I'll save that for tomorrow. This was Cheryl's WOD from last week that I didn't get to do. OMG. I love the kettlebell! Yes, I love Cheryl T. and her programming. I can't wait to see what she has in store for her cycle!
I'll fess up. When I was practicing the kettlebell sequence, I fell and nearly slammed my face to the floor. (Had I actually landed, I'm sure I'd be missing some front teeth or have a fat lip.) Yeah. Thanks to the lovely fellows who opted to NOT help me. Instead, the just laughed. Boo! I can't wait for karma to bite you in the ass! ha ha!
This photo is O-L-D. I can't remember when this was taken. Maybe sometime in 2006? Anyway, I just wanted to say hello to James, who has been kind enough to, on occasion, allow me to sneak it in the KravFit folks. Also pictured here is the Amazing Caroline Barnes (ACB). I miss this lady so much! She's such a kick ass kind of gal and sometimes you just need that in your life:) She needs to move out of Dublin and back to Fremont so she can train with us again.
Notes (to myself) about this workout: Oh Olympic weightlifting class, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Seriously. So in looking back in the archives, the most I've ever lifted on a back squat is 135#. I remember that day. It was a total struggle. Going in to class today, I thought my max was somewhere in the 80# range. I thought, "If I can top 100#, I'm good!"
Well, I'm happy to announce that I did 163# in today's class. Yeah. You heard that right. I basically back squatted the last guy I dated. (Okay. That sounded wrong. Please remove all dirty references that happen to be floating in your head. Thanks.) I want to give special thanks to Cheryl T. and Jason K. for guiding me through the lift. I also want to thank John for helping get the bar back on the rack! As someone who doesn't mind going a little light on the weights, it's great to have coaches who have a better sense of what you can do. That way, they can let you know when you're being a wuss. (Yeah Jason K. You. I'm talkin' to YOU!)
Here are a few things Jason K. was doing... First off, he told me to stop using the 10# and 15# plates because I could lift way more than that. From there, he cleared my bar and then loaded my 33# bar with 2-55#plates (so we're talkin' 143#). Jason K's point was that I needed to load in larger increments and that I needed to see the larger bumpers on my bar to give me a better sense of how much I could (and should) lift. 143# was a little tough, but instead of adding ten pounds to the next lift, I opted for 20#. I failed my first attempt at 163# because I got into my head. (Truth: Cheryl T. scared me because she's so kick ass. I didn't want to f--k up in front of her and I did. Bad Joanne!) I waited a few minutes and did 163#. Not wanting to leave on a bad note, I stopped there. (By the way, I LOVE squats. I LOVE them as much as I love kettlebells. Seriously. Those are two of my favorite CrossFit moves.)
Shh... Don't tell. I will say that I agree with Cheryl T. when she told me that I had way more in me (Um. I'm going to have to give the weightlifting shoes some thought.). When I left this morning, I realized that she's right. I think Jason K. would also agree. I just kept it on the conservative side because... I don't know. CrossFit is a process and I'm slowly, s-l-o-w-l-y learning that when you can't see what you're made of, you have to trust the company of others who let you know that you've got more in you. That isn't just a CrossFit thing for me. It's a life thing - especially with the dissertation writing. I've been afraid to let go and just write because I'm afraid of fucking up. Even more so, I'm afraid to find out what I'm really made of. It sounds stupid. But it is what it is.
On a less serious note, do you know what the best thing is about Jason's class?! Watching Will B. doing the "white boy dance" complete with overbite and sprinkler action. Now you want to go to class, don't you?!
There are certain things that I'm realizing I need in life. Water is one of them. Though I'm not that great a swimmer, I'm a big fan of the ocean, beaches, lakes, and the like. In particular, I'm slowly coming to grips with my perpetual love affair with the ocean. As someone who was born and raised on Guam and then did her undergraduate degree at UCSB, I've spent a good portion of my life around water. At the very least, the sound of the water was always embedded in the background noise. These days, there's not much water (or its glorious sounds) around me. (Sorry folks. Some cheesy "sounds of the ocean" CD just doesn't cut it in my book.) So any chance I get to be around it is a real treat. I just got back from Hawai`i and photos will surface soon. For now, here's a shot of me at the Sutro Baths in San Francisco. Though bay area beaches are cold for my taste, water is water and I love it nonetheless.
