Leg Circuits and Nostalgia

I was inspired by the core grind I saw everyone doing yesterday, with all the leg circuits. So, I thought I'd try some. I know Nathan's been saying the goal is to eventually do 4 in a row under 6 minutes. I wasn't really sure what to expect, because I've never done more than 1 leg circuit in a row. So, i thought I'd give it a try and set the baseline. I did it in 7:21. I would not have done it that fast without the folks who were staying after class cheering me on, and telling me to get full depth on all my squats and lunges. There were a few minutes when I thought my legs might actually give way under me. I'm pretty sore today. But the partner workout really helped!

I can't believe today was our last Saturday workout in our quaint little gym. I'm so excited about how beautiful the new space will be, and how much fun we will have doing workouts in all that room. But, I'm also going to miss our little space. A lot has happened there! It's really inspirational looking back at the photos and watching the movie of the year in review.

It's hard to believe Sean and I have only been coming to the gym 7 months. Our lives have changed so much in 2008, and Recreate Fitness has been a huge part of that.

Thank you all so much. I am continually inspired by people's accomplishments, and so appreciative of the support and friendships created in 2008.

Can barely walk down the stairs...

The workout we did on Saturday looked tame enough when written on the board.  But, those heavy medball cleans were so hard.  I can barely walk down the stairs today.  I haven't felt this sore since my first few weeks at Recreate.   

Freakin' Strong Deadlift Day

Today was 1 rep max deadlift at the gym. It was so exciting to see so many people smash their previous personal records. We have some freakin' strong people at Recreate Fitness. I was so inspired by tonight's class, I felt like I wanted to go outside and lift up a car. With the strength of our gym, I bet it would be easy. I'm thinking it would take 6-8 of us to lift a small car. How cool would it be to see a group of people walking a car around the block? these are the thoughts inspired by 1 rep max day.

Back on the Wagon

So, you might have noticed I haven't posted in a few days...ever since the burrito eating contest. It's partly because I've been busy, and partly because I haven't been very Zone inspired the past few days.  Eating that ice cream cone really kicked my sugar cravings back into action.   I haven't been totally out of the zone this week, but I've noticed that I'm hungrier and having a hard time keeping my  energy levels stable.  I really have to plan ahead and make sure I have enough snacks/meals with me and time them throughout the day or I'm likely to give into temptation.  Like last night when I tried one of the gluten-free, vegan almond cinnamon candy sticks Sean brought home.  I know what you're thinking.  "Gluten - free and vegan?  Why did you even bother?"  My answer:  SUGAR!  It's a gateway drug.  Truthfully, they were surprisingly good.  But, if I could go back in time, I'd have skipped it.

Today I woke up feeling re-inspired.  So, I'm back on the wagon.  I really do feel better when I stay in the Zone.  

Burritos...Burritos....Burritos....

I took Friday night off from Zoning, because I attended a very special, one of a kind event.  The1st annual Recreate Fitness Burrito eating contest.  I was pretty certain Sean was going to win, until Evan decided to enter the contest.  Something in his eyes told me he would be a tough competitor to beat.  Turns out, Evan won....although within minutes Sean was asking me to take him to Ben & Jerry's for his favorite ice cream.  There was no parking, so we ended up at Cool Moon (the best ice cream in Portland) where he had a waffle cone with 2 scoops.  Not even 24hours later he was eating a Chili Relleno burrito for lunch, and tried to get me to take him to Saint Cupcake for dessert.  

Burrito. Eating. Contest.

As many of you know, my fiancee is a champion burrito eater. If you asked him to list his favorite things in life it would go something like this: his daughter and me, his bike, and burritos. So, it's not surprising to me that his love of burritos has brought him to this place. The Burrito. Eating. Contest.

It's on. Tomorrow night. 6:45pm. Pepinos. I'm confident my fiancee is going to win. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry about that.

Sean is watching a video on youtube right now about a burrito eating contest. I'm pretty sure everyone in the contest threw up.

I'm wondering if this will become a national sport, or at least an annual tradition. In the wrestling world there's always someone calling for a re-match. We'll just have to see where the chips fall.

Tomorrow. Burritos. and pepto bismol.

I love pull ups

Today was an inspiring day. I love watching people get PR's at the gym. I especially love pull up PR's. You can feel the excitement in the air as someone chalks their hands, climbs up to the bar and the room gets quiet; all eyes on the person of the moment. Everyone shouts cheers of encouragement to the person on the bar as they fly into the air again and again...to the sound of their pull ups being counted out. And when, finally they drop to the ground - wide eyed and smiling - they are beaming with the glow of accomplishment.

I always thought it would be empowering to be able to do just one pull up. And today, I was so inspired, seeing so many people fly over the bar with ease for 5, 9, 15, 20, 30, even 43!! pull ups.

And that, my friends, is why I love pull ups.