Up All Night

I pulled an all-nighter. I finished packing but I just couldn't get to sleep. I was just way too excited about my trip.

I spent some time looking at different schedules at MMA gyms and CrossFit boxes in the different states I'll be visiting. I contacted a few. A couple of them got back to me already so I was able to schedule a session.

Kuwait is a small country, and although there are many gyms and health clubs, the level of professionalism and the quality plus variety of exercise programs, trainers, and general enthusiasm for fitness leaves something to be desired. That's why going through these different websites has been so exciting. There's so much out there! I wish I could experience them all, but I think I'd have to stay in the States for a few months and earn a fortune to be able to try all the different classes!

I have to restrain myself a bit. After all, this is not a fitness vacation. It's a vacation during which I intend to stay fit, but gym hopping on a daily basis is not really how I intend to spend the most of my time.

Ok. Enough of that.

I'm a bit annoyed that I'm going to be traveling with knuckles that look like this:

The picture below is from Sunday, the day I got the scrapes from my Kajukenbo class. I didn't realize they'd turn into such horrific scars (the two pix in the top row). In a way they do make me feel kinda badass. However, I don't want to look so badass when I'm on holiday!

Speaking of badass, on Tuesday I practiced the triangle choke for the first time. It was awesome!! What I liked even more was that they demonstrated how, if a larger, heavier person has you trapped on the ground, you can use your legs as leverage and yank them right off. I know that's what Jiujitsu is about - using your body as leverage to defend yourself against a larger opponent - but this move was really, really cool! :)

As I've been getting stronger with my MMA training, and my weight training of course, I've been enjoying walking into places, taking a look around, and thinking 'Ya, I could take you down.' There's something quite empowering about looking innocent and perhaps helpless, but knowing that you are strong.


I tried to read and comment on as many blog posts as I could. I've just been so behind and I feel like I've been neglecting some of my favorite bloggers. I hope to get to you guys soon. If only I could do this during my flights - that would definitely be a good use of my time.


One other thing about blogging has been on my mind. I don't know how often I'll be able to blog while I'm away, but I'll definitely try to post when I can. I was thinking of doing a photo journal of my eating throughout my trip. However, I know that there will be some indiscretions that are not a part of my regular lifestyle at all and I don't want to be seen as promoting and encouraging eating off plan. At the same time, this is a bit of an experiment for me - figuring out to what extent I really do have a healthy lifestyle. I know when others post pictures of them binge drinking or indulging in desserts, I refrain from commenting (particularly when it's a recurrent event and not really a one-off). Anyway. It's been on my mind. I haven't reached a decision about it yet. Something to think about during the flight ...

Door to door, I'll be traveling for a total of 25 hours. Jet lag is going to be a bitch.

New Rules Phase II Complete

It feels like it took me a really long time to complete the Fat Burn II Phase of the New Rules of Lifting. This is not the same as New Rules of Lifting for Women; since I already completed that program I'm using this one which I guess is intended just for men, but I see no reason why I shouldn't/can't do these routines as well.

I have mixed feelings about this workout. Overall, I am pleased with my increase in strength and muscle tone/definition. However, I don't think I did the plan justice. Part of the Fat Burn II phase included HIIT training after each weights workout. I didn't do that part because I didn't have time in the mornings. As a result, I don't think I got the results that I should have gotten by following the workout routine to the T. This brings me to my second problem - I didn't follow the routine to a T. I did all the exercises, but sometimes I didn't do them in the order as prescribed. Other days I only did half a routine on one day and continued the rest of it on another ... again, totally my fault. Has nothing to do with the program at all. I think my overall disjointedness with the program plus just knowing that I didn't complete it in the manner that it should have been done annoys me. Still, I got it done and I'm ready to move on to the next weights routine.

My progress:

Exercise	Feb. 17, 2013	April 18, 2013
	3 sets; 12 reps	3 sets; 8 reps
Front squat	30 kg (66 lb)	55 (121 lb)
Wide-grip cable seated row	27 (60 lb)	72 (158 lb)
Barbell push press	20 (44 lb)	35 (77 lb)
Dynamic lunge	20 (44 lb)	50 (110 lb)
Snatch grip deadlift	50 (110 lb)	85 (187 lb)
Split squat w/overhead press	5 kg/hand	8 kg/hand
Chin-up (assisted)	47.5 (104 lb)	34 (75 lb)
Deadlift/bent-over row	30 (66 lb)	50 (110 lb)

The next workout, called Hypertrophy A, looks tough! I can't wait!! :) I hope to start on Sunday.

If you're a woman and you're not lifting weights - what are you waiting for?! Work with a trainer to establish a good strength training program. You'll be amazed at the positive impact weight lifting will have on your life.

Break In Phase Complete

Today I completed the Break In Phase of New Rules of Lifting.

Since I stopped doing CrossFit, mainly because of scheduling issues, I knew I needed to get into some sort of weight lifting routine. I had terrific success with the New Rules of Lifting for Women program. My confidence and strength both grew as I stuck it out for all 8 phases of the program (it took months - you can read about my progress here).

I had initially planned on restarting NROL4W, but then decided to just try the regular New Rules of Lifting. It doesn't specifically say that the program is for men (though it does have a picture of a man on the cover). In any case, I thought I'd give it a go, especially since D said he's also do the program.

I started the Break In Phase on January 13th and ended today, February 12th.

This phase involved alternating between two workouts - Workout A & Workout B - for a total of 12 sessions (so 6 sessions per workout).

This is how I did:

	2 sets x 15 reps
Break in phase
	Starting Weight	Ending Weight
Workout A	January 13, 2013	February 12, 2013
Squats	30 kg (66 lbs)	65 kg (143 lbs)
Static lunge w/bar	20 kg (44 lbs)	55 kg (121 lbs)
Two point dumbbell row; elbow out	7 ½ kg (16.5 lbs)	20 kg (44 lbs)
Push-up (20)	bw	bw
Swiss ball crunch (20)	bw	bw
	2 sets x 15 reps
	Starting Weight	Ending Weight
Workout B	January 13, 2013	February 12, 2013
Deadlifts	40 kg (88 lbs)	65 kg (143 lbs)
Step up	6 kg (13.2 lbs)/hand; 16 inch step	8 kg (17.6 lbs)/hand; 20 inch step
Dumbbell one arm shoulder press	7 ½ kg (16.5 lbs)	12 ½ kg (27.5 lbs)
Close grip lat pull	20 kg (44 lbs)	41 kg (90.2 lbs)
Reverse crunch (20)	bw	bw

I'm quite pleased with my progress over the past month. I know that I can lift heavier, but doing each set for 15 reps added an extra challenge. I was particularly happy with my final weights for the dumbbell rows (I actually did manage to go up to 22.5 kg (49.5 lbs), but it wasn't part of this workout) as well as my one arm shoulder press.

I've found that my left arm is a bit weaker than my right arm -- though ironically I feel like I use my left hand/arm more -- I carry my bag on that side and usually carry all the groceries with just my left hand. Strange that it is weaker. The last 2-3 reps of certain exercises, like the shoulder press, were definitely tough, but I pushed through them.

One of the things that I love most about this program is the way they have it set up. Since I successfully completed NROL4W, I knew that if I gave it time and followed the plan, I would be successful at the Break In Phase. When I started I didn't set any particular goals in terms of what weight I wanted to end up lifting, but I knew I wanted to see progress ... and I definitely made progress!

In addition to getting stronger, I have also seen a change in my body shape. My back and shoulders are much leaner and muscular (not bulky). It feels great.

I'll be continuing with NROL though I may take 3-4 days to do some other lifting (focus on heavier weight and few reps; I'd also like to try and hit at least 1 or 2 PRs). I'll keep you posted.

Much Better

I can't tell you how good it felt to send off my document at 6 this morning. What a huge weight off my chest!

The thing with being so distracted in a task like that is that I find it tough to get back to a routine. I know that when I'm busy I make do - exercise when I can, eat as good as possible. I keep up my good habits, but I also get a bit careless. I don't exercise with 100% effort or I do something 'easy'; I don't enjoy the food I eat and sometimes (often) just throw a bunch of ingredients together just for the sake of eating something.

I know these aren't the worst things in the world, but they bug me and I know it's something I want to work on.

Today was a totally get back to normal type of day - I went out for breakfast with D. I had my usual Friday break fast of smoked salmon, a bowl of hummus, and a plate of chopped cucumbers and tomatoes plus a cup of green tea.

I finally headed to the supermarket and restocked the fridge. That always makes me feel better - lots of fresh veggies and lots of fish all waiting to be cooked! They had a major stock of Egg Whites come in so I was thrilled. I'm stocked up until the 1st week of January :) No protein problems here!

I spent a bit of time this afternoon tidying up. It felt good to see things in my home office start to take shape again. This project, however, will take quite a few days.

Then I headed to CrossFit. We did pure strength training today -- man was it a workout!!

The good news -- I did about 40 double-unders!! Again, not in a row, but they're getting much, much better. Each time I succeed I get a bit more confidnet. I just have to balance that confidence with the feelings of frustration of not being able to do more. Patience. Patience Patience.

Our strength training was bench presses, but on the floor instead of on a bench. Being in the CrossFit Box where we're all on the floor covered in our (and who knows who else's) sweat has helped take some of the edge off my germaphobia. Today was another test to that. It felt a bit strange doing bench presses off the floor. I had never done them before. I worked my way up to 60kg (132 lbs) but with some assistance. I'll get it on my own soon.

Our WOD:

6 rounds
Barbell rows: adding weight at each round; I got up to 55 kg (121 lbs) [8 reps; only 5 the last 2 rounds]
Push-ups: 10/round [I did a total of 45 on my toes! The most I've ever done - I surprised myself!]
Pull-ups: with a band, but getting better [10 reps/round]

As always, there are some WODs that don't sound like much but are killers!

I've got something exciting going on tomorrow -- stay tuned :)

One year ago

One year ago, I woke up from what was supposed to be a hysterectomy to relieve me from the terrible pain of my uterine fibroids, to find out that the surgery wasn't successful; the fibroids could not be removed; they would remain & continue to multiply/grow and I would have to just suck it up and deal with the pain.

It was terrible, and I had a really tough time coping with this news. I was angry. Very angry. I went through huge bouts of depression and fury. [I still have the occasional bout.]

There were a few days where I just threw my hands up in the air and said: Fuck it. I don't care. However, out of the past 365 days I'm happy to say that most of those days were spent physically healing, getting on track with my diet and exercise, and fueling myself with determination that I will find a solution to this problem and when I do, I'm going to be in terrific shape to help the healing process go by quickly and smoothly.

I know that I was able to physically recover from this past surgery much faster than the previous one in 2008. This was simply because I had been working on improving my health and fitness; I saw the benefits as doing simple things like hoisting myself out of bed and lowering myself down onto a chair were not as difficult as before. It was still challenging, but imagine if I hadn't taken care of my health ... if I hadn't lost some weight ... if I hadn't done any strength training.

It was seeing these results that made me think - Fine. I may not be better, but I'm going to ignore this problem and keep exercising/eating right until I reach my goal. Even if I have a uterus that is the size of a woman's who is 6-months pregnant (very irritating when you're NOT pregnant!!!), I'm not going to let that be a reason for why I can't lose weight, become fitter, and thinner!

It's been a slow process, but I'm finally making really good strides and moving forward.

I still have daily pain, and some days are terrible. I still feel upset, but those moments are temporary because lamenting on my situation won't make me better.

I am finally ready to start researching further options to take care of this problem. I think I will try acupuncture for some pain management, because I really don't want to be taking pain killers if I can help it. Plus I've got a few numbers of some doctors in London and the States who I'd like to check with and see if they can help or at least advise.

I will continue to cope and make the best of the situation for now, but I really would like the problem to be solved. I can't believe that in today's day and age a handful of fibroids and adhesions are going to keep me in this much discomfort for the rest of my life.

So, it's time to tackle this upcoming year so that next year's post will be even more positive and have some good news.

In the meantime, I'll be exercising, eating right, and working on staying positive.

Time to Celebrate

Warning: In this blog post, there will be cake.

I've made it a point never to write about cake, desserts, and all that 'good' stuff that all of us trying to lose weight and get healthy are trying to avoid ... but today is an exception. Today, we had a very good reason to celebrate.

When I met Fatma at my gym several months ago, I had no idea what kind of impact she was going to have on my life. For some time, she was just another member at the gym - someone who came regularly, worked hard, and then went about her life. That's how it usually happens, right? People at the gym are just people at the gym - rarely do we get to know more about them and find out what their story is ... we just continue to go our own way. I'm so glad that didn't happen with Fatma.

When she first asked me if I would be interested in joining a group of women to try out a new form of exercise, I said yes - I'm always up for an adventure! At that time I hadn't heard about CrossFit so I had no idea what I was getting myself in to! However, before we even go to try out the workout, I got to know more about her. I wrote a bit about our conversation back in April (about half way through this post). It was during this interaction that I learned more about what her story was - where she's come from and how she got to where she is now.

You usually see athletes and super-fit people at the gym and think - Well, it's easy for them because they've always been that way. (At least that's usually my first impression.) This wasn't the case with her. When she told me that she used to be very overweight, I didn't believe her. I mean, could the person sitting next to me really have lost that much weight (about 45 kg/100 lbs) in 5 months? Was she for real?

Yes. Very real.

There are a lot of us out there who struggle to lose weight. Often the main obstacle is a mental one -- coming up with the decision, drive, and dedication to just go for your goal without any hesitation.

She overcame that obstacle. She decided she was going to change her life -- and she did.

Now, she follows a healthy lifestyle. She is now Coach Fatma - the trainer of the women's CrossFit team of CrossFit Q8. She is a role model for all of us. She has shown us that you can go from a situation where you feel like there is no hope, that the task is just way too big, to one where you are in control of your life ... and you are happy.

Before writing this post, I asked her how much she has changed in the past year - and she said 100%.

100%

Can you imagine saying that about your life? Has your life changed 100% in the past year? Wouldn't you like to see your life change 100% one year from now? (Even if it's just 100% in one aspect of your life.)

Coach Fatma pushes us at the CrossFit Box. She pushes us to give just a little bit more - do one more rep, lift one more kilo, do one more (bloody) burpee. I know for myself, when I was introduced to CrossFit three months ago and properly started training at the Box almost exactly two months ago, I had no idea how much I would have progressed in such a short period of time. I still have a long way to go, but I know that I can get there. Through Coach Fatma and the other amazing women on our team, I have learned about taking chances, about not being afraid to try harder, about having the strength to believe in yourself - which will then give you the strength to push those weights. Starting to change my mentality has helped me in so many ways - and in various areas of my life, not just fitness.

So as I said, today we had reason to celebrate. Today was Coach Fatma's birthday, and we were all super-excited to be part of her day.

What do you think of this cake? Isn't it adorable?

Coach Fatma is the first female CrossFitter in Kuwait -- She's our First Lady :)

Kettlebell swings - piece of cake ;)

Our women's CrossFit Q8 Team:

Happy Birthday Coach Fatma! 

We wish you many, many more!

FRAN and BARBARA

Today's post is all about my CrossFit workout because OMG it was intense!
I totally had Jenn in mind as I completed this workout!

Warm-up

150 jump rope (I got to 125 before I got tangled; my longest stretch so far; 150 was a breeze)
3 rounds of 10 burpees/10 deep squats

Already breathless!

WOD - FRAN
21 overhead squats; 21 pull ups
15 overhead squats; 15 pull ups
9 overhead squats; 9 pull ups

I used a 20 kg bar (45 lbs) for the overhead squats and I attempted the pull ups. I'm getting better but still have a LONG way to go. I finished in 6 min 25 sec.

It may not sound like much, but that 20 kg bar sure did start to feel heavy within just the first round.

Our 'Cool Down' - BARBARA (we didn't do the pull ups)
I've read about different versions of Barbara - ours was:

3 rounds of
30 hand release push ups
40 crunches
50 squats

--- Did you see that it's 3 rounds?!

My legs feel like jelly, but my mind is totally satisfied :)

CrossFit

A much needed day of rest for me today -- my ass and thighs are definitely feeling the impact of all those squats and lunges from yesterday's Body Pump class ... totally a good kind of sore though :)

The trainer that I'm hopefully going to get a chance to work with soon posted this video on his website:

I'm a LONG way from here, but damn, what motivation!