If someone dropped me off in the middle of the woods I am positive that they would find my dead body a few days later with food and water in my backpack. This is about how it would go: I would realize I was alone in the woods and my fears would immediatly go to two things: BUGS! AH! And, of course, the possibility of hearing the sounds of banjos. With the sounds of banjos naturally comes my fear that I will walk into Backwoods Bob or a hybrid type human/mutant (thank you, Wrong Turn 1 and 2) - Both of who would likely defile my body, cut me into little peices, and ultimately eat my remains. Thinking of this horror panic would set in, I'd run for a mile or two (most likely in circles because direction has never really been my thing), I would realize that I had no idea which way was "out" and I would sit down in defeat. I wouldn't eat or drink, certain that I had to conserve food and water...
Fast forward 4 days... Article reads: "Local hikers find body of woman in wooded area 500 meters from a major highway..." Bummer for me.
On to my point...
I have no delusions that I am not one with nature. I love mother earth and I respect her ability to swallow me whole. She is a self-sustaining work of art! While I know that I will not be the the lone survivor on a stranded island, I do try to incorporate a holistic approach to my daily life - A dose of nature, so to speak. As I have continued my training at CrossFit Inception I have learned about fueling my body with a holistic approach - eating Paleo. The idea in a nutshell is this...We are what we eat. Human beings were designed to live on a planet with countless resources for fueling our bodies; we were specificaly created to compliment the earth that sustains us. As technological advances have been made with food production so has ruthless diseases such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, depression...etc. Breads and grains were not eaten by our cavemen ancestors, our bodies simply were not designed to digest them and use them for fuel. We were not designed to consume animals pumped full of steriods for fast growth, or to digest chemicals used to create and perserve food. While all of these scientific ingredients have allowed for the mass production of food that has created a seemingly unlimited food supply, they are most definatly to blame for the hundreds of diseases that ravish our bodies. So I am making a personal decision to eat Paleo. I want to respect the body that God gave me by treating it the way it was inteded to be treated!
I know I couldn't live as a cavewomen - I can hardly make it as a hiker at a national park. But I can negotiate myself through a grocery store and make better choices that compliment my human body and its intrinsic connection to the natural foods the earth has to offer. I am forfieting Cheezitz, poptarts, Coco Puffs and chicken nuggets for fruits, veggies, lean meats and nuts. I am not going to count calories... I am going to eat throughout the day, when I am hungry, until I am full. It actually sounds alot more like common sense then a big revelation..
I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Mind Games
So I haven't written in a week. I have been busy working, working out, and parenting two little hellions who have had an interesting first week and a half back to school...(I already have a parent teacher conference tomorrow morning for my darling "I don't want to sit still, stop chatting with friends, or stop slipping off to play with the soap dispensers in the girls bathroom" 5 year old daughter. But I digress...
Training this week has been hard, I think it's been more of a mental challenge than anything else. I have always been my own worst enemy when it comes to training; my mind creates a knot of anxiety and apprehension that deteriorates my confidence and ultimately reduces my performance. Here is a quick rundown of how nerves or lack of confidence busted a workout:
-- 1 mile run at the end of a CrossFit WOD. Well, I was able to pull a 7:24 out of the air but I was nervous the whole time. Nervous! Who gets nervous when they run?? Human beings were designed to run, it's one of the most primitive forms of exercise! I felt my nervous legs, slightly shaking underneath me, begging me to stop. I was running with Mark, (for those of you who don't know Mark he is one of the trainers at CrossFit Inception, and he was born to run.) He was moving like a runner should, tall and efficient, I was huffing and puffing so hard it could have passed for hyperventilation. When I got finished I didn't know if I needed an inhaler or a Zanex...
Let me remind everyone... This was a ONE MILE run. Really? Did I need to get myself that worked up? Probably not...
--Most of the lifts this week... Whether it be snatches, cleans, push presses, or sumo deadlift high-pulls... I am pretty sure I make them look all the same. Each are supposed to be done with a precise technique to maintain the integrity of the exercise and the muscle groups they are supposed to utilize... I am pretty sure the word "maniac" was used when describing how I look while doing most of them. Generally speaking, when I have to tell someone what lift I am performing it is a dead giveaway that I am doing it wrong. My memory has always been a little weak... Why would my muscle memory be any different?!? I have gotten frustrated and convinced that my body is revolting against me, where are my muscles and coordination??! .. And why won't they join me for a 6 am workout every now and then!!
--Finally, box jumps. I don't really mind box jumps so I was excited today to see how high I could jump. As the height of the jump kept increasing that knot in my mind started pulsating... The first time I missed I stopped trying. My mind told my body I couldn't do it and it was over.... Communist China has less of a hold over there citizens than my mind has over me.
In light of my recent whiny and negative workouts I am declaring a change in attitude... I ran across a really great quote the other day by George Sheehan who wrote Running to Win in 1992, he said: "Of all the lessons sports teaches us about life, perhaps none is more dramatic than the danger of focusing on the outcome." Good stuff. I have wasted a good portion of my workouts wondering what will happen if I fall short, finish last, or take too long. I am so worried about looking stupid, being embarrassed, or not measuring up to some arbitrary standard that I sabotage my success. I focus on what the outcome may or may not be rather than focusing on the moment... perhaps my biggest training handicap so far.
So, change of plans. I am going to make a conscious effort to squash the revolt against success that happens in my mind every time I train... While I don't know exactly how to do this I am pretty sure I can figure it out... Look at me, already being positive!
Training this week has been hard, I think it's been more of a mental challenge than anything else. I have always been my own worst enemy when it comes to training; my mind creates a knot of anxiety and apprehension that deteriorates my confidence and ultimately reduces my performance. Here is a quick rundown of how nerves or lack of confidence busted a workout:
-- 1 mile run at the end of a CrossFit WOD. Well, I was able to pull a 7:24 out of the air but I was nervous the whole time. Nervous! Who gets nervous when they run?? Human beings were designed to run, it's one of the most primitive forms of exercise! I felt my nervous legs, slightly shaking underneath me, begging me to stop. I was running with Mark, (for those of you who don't know Mark he is one of the trainers at CrossFit Inception, and he was born to run.) He was moving like a runner should, tall and efficient, I was huffing and puffing so hard it could have passed for hyperventilation. When I got finished I didn't know if I needed an inhaler or a Zanex...
Let me remind everyone... This was a ONE MILE run. Really? Did I need to get myself that worked up? Probably not...
--Most of the lifts this week... Whether it be snatches, cleans, push presses, or sumo deadlift high-pulls... I am pretty sure I make them look all the same. Each are supposed to be done with a precise technique to maintain the integrity of the exercise and the muscle groups they are supposed to utilize... I am pretty sure the word "maniac" was used when describing how I look while doing most of them. Generally speaking, when I have to tell someone what lift I am performing it is a dead giveaway that I am doing it wrong. My memory has always been a little weak... Why would my muscle memory be any different?!? I have gotten frustrated and convinced that my body is revolting against me, where are my muscles and coordination??! .. And why won't they join me for a 6 am workout every now and then!!
--Finally, box jumps. I don't really mind box jumps so I was excited today to see how high I could jump. As the height of the jump kept increasing that knot in my mind started pulsating... The first time I missed I stopped trying. My mind told my body I couldn't do it and it was over.... Communist China has less of a hold over there citizens than my mind has over me.
In light of my recent whiny and negative workouts I am declaring a change in attitude... I ran across a really great quote the other day by George Sheehan who wrote Running to Win in 1992, he said: "Of all the lessons sports teaches us about life, perhaps none is more dramatic than the danger of focusing on the outcome." Good stuff. I have wasted a good portion of my workouts wondering what will happen if I fall short, finish last, or take too long. I am so worried about looking stupid, being embarrassed, or not measuring up to some arbitrary standard that I sabotage my success. I focus on what the outcome may or may not be rather than focusing on the moment... perhaps my biggest training handicap so far.
So, change of plans. I am going to make a conscious effort to squash the revolt against success that happens in my mind every time I train... While I don't know exactly how to do this I am pretty sure I can figure it out... Look at me, already being positive!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Nine reasons..
Nine reasons to donate to my fundraiser for NOT FOR SALE, an organization dedicated to abolishing slavery throughout the world! I am racing Ironman 70.3 Augusta on 9-26-10 for this cause!
1. Each day is a new chance to do something great. Not all of us can travel to the hardest hit areas of the world to roll up our sleeves and dig in, but this doesn't mean we can't help. It's about finding something that really hocks us off then finding a way to pitch in and help promote change. Donating money can mean SO much to those receiving it. Donate.
2. After you donate you can tell people you took your first step in abolishing slavery. Men - use it as a pickup line. Women - trump the men by donating more. (ha!) Donate.
3. Donating promotes good karma. We all know karma, she is always there... lurking to jump out and grab us...make her day. Donate.
4. Take a moment and picture a little boy or girl, maybe age 6 or 7. Picture them being abducted and forced to live in abusive, unsanitary conditions. Now picture them being put to work as a sex slave, a front line combatant, a suicide bomber, or a mine sweeper. NOW - picture that little girl or boy as someone you know, a son or daughter, niece or nephew... I think of my son and daughter and my heart stops when I imagine them enduring a life like this. Often, these children have been taken because their own parent or caregiver has been killed. Help make a difference for them. Donate.
5. I am training my naturally un-athletic self for an Ironman 70.3 and posting my successes and failures on a blog read by about 4 people... All to get the word out about human trafficking and how you can help. THROW ME A BONE PEOPLE! Donate.
6. How can FREEDOM for CHILDREN be wrong? Donate.
7. Someday I hope to travel to Uganda... (yikes) ...And see firsthand how the rehabilitation programs are going for these children. I will take pictures. I will post the pictures. You will see the pictures. Don't you want to smile at the pictures knowing you helped make it happen? Donate.
8. If you don't I will be forced to pawn my belongings in order to reach my fundraising goal on my own. Picture Kelly standing in a back woods pawn shop in Alabama. Feel sorry for her. Donate.
9. I do not promote many fundraisers. I hate asking people for money. It's your money. You work hard for it. Times are tough. However, this fundraiser means so much to me and it will help kids who really deserve it. I know I can go without my Starbucks this week to add to my donation jar... can you? Donate.
To donate click here: https://nfs.webconnex.com/giving/free2playdonationpage
For my blog and link to donate click here: http://racingforfreedom.blogspot.com/
1. Each day is a new chance to do something great. Not all of us can travel to the hardest hit areas of the world to roll up our sleeves and dig in, but this doesn't mean we can't help. It's about finding something that really hocks us off then finding a way to pitch in and help promote change. Donating money can mean SO much to those receiving it. Donate.
2. After you donate you can tell people you took your first step in abolishing slavery. Men - use it as a pickup line. Women - trump the men by donating more. (ha!) Donate.
3. Donating promotes good karma. We all know karma, she is always there... lurking to jump out and grab us...make her day. Donate.
4. Take a moment and picture a little boy or girl, maybe age 6 or 7. Picture them being abducted and forced to live in abusive, unsanitary conditions. Now picture them being put to work as a sex slave, a front line combatant, a suicide bomber, or a mine sweeper. NOW - picture that little girl or boy as someone you know, a son or daughter, niece or nephew... I think of my son and daughter and my heart stops when I imagine them enduring a life like this. Often, these children have been taken because their own parent or caregiver has been killed. Help make a difference for them. Donate.
5. I am training my naturally un-athletic self for an Ironman 70.3 and posting my successes and failures on a blog read by about 4 people... All to get the word out about human trafficking and how you can help. THROW ME A BONE PEOPLE! Donate.
6. How can FREEDOM for CHILDREN be wrong? Donate.
7. Someday I hope to travel to Uganda... (yikes) ...And see firsthand how the rehabilitation programs are going for these children. I will take pictures. I will post the pictures. You will see the pictures. Don't you want to smile at the pictures knowing you helped make it happen? Donate.
8. If you don't I will be forced to pawn my belongings in order to reach my fundraising goal on my own. Picture Kelly standing in a back woods pawn shop in Alabama. Feel sorry for her. Donate.
9. I do not promote many fundraisers. I hate asking people for money. It's your money. You work hard for it. Times are tough. However, this fundraiser means so much to me and it will help kids who really deserve it. I know I can go without my Starbucks this week to add to my donation jar... can you? Donate.
To donate click here: https://nfs.webconnex.com/giving/free2playdonationpage
For my blog and link to donate click here: http://racingforfreedom.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Link to Donate!!
https://nfs.webconnex.com/giving/free2playdonationpage
I am not positive why it refuses to show up as a footer to my posts - probably because I am a technology idiot. I will keep working on that.
Thank you to everyone in advance for your generosity. Also! If you are reading this blog become a FOLLOWER... It just takes a second but the more followers I have the easier it will be to get the word out. Thanks again everyone!
I am not positive why it refuses to show up as a footer to my posts - probably because I am a technology idiot. I will keep working on that.
Thank you to everyone in advance for your generosity. Also! If you are reading this blog become a FOLLOWER... It just takes a second but the more followers I have the easier it will be to get the word out. Thanks again everyone!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
It's hot and I'm scared of bad guys...
107 degrees. The heat index has been over 100 degrees almost every day for almost 2 weeks; the reading is currently at 107. Who can train in this?? While I prefer to train in warm weather as opposed to cold weather, 100+ degrees is a new level of "that ain't happenin'". Solution: Train in the morning when it is slightly cooler. This brings up my second problem - running outside, by myself, pre-dawn. Many of you may think my lively imagination and obsession with Criminal Minds is to blame for making me scared of bad guys lurking in the bushes in the early hours of morning, however, crime IS on the rise at my favorite running spots. For example, a few months ago officials found 9 razor blades taped to the jungle gym of the park I enjoy running around. At that same park, days later, a women was taken by gunpoint into a wooded area!.. (Luckily she got away). The other area I run at is great for running and biking, however, just a few weeks ago a man was shot and in an unrelated incident an elderly woman was robbed at knife point.
While I am up for a boost in motivation I don't thing running for my life is what I had in mind.
So... Training is on a day to day basis for now, at least the running portion, until mother nature takes a chill pill. (no pun intended) .. (I crack myself up)
IN FUNDRAISING NEWS ... I finally have the link established for anyone who would like to donate to my fundraiser for Not For Sale. It should post in the signature block of every post.. We will see if that happens.
While I am up for a boost in motivation I don't thing running for my life is what I had in mind.
So... Training is on a day to day basis for now, at least the running portion, until mother nature takes a chill pill. (no pun intended) .. (I crack myself up)
IN FUNDRAISING NEWS ... I finally have the link established for anyone who would like to donate to my fundraiser for Not For Sale. It should post in the signature block of every post.. We will see if that happens.
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