THR33 Things Thursday

ONE: Feelin' Craptastic  

Since the weekend, I have been feeling a head cold creeping on...I would feel "kind of crappy" but it never really got worse. Yesterday, I was feeling quite fabulous, got out for a great run in some crazy winds. No biggie...then about 1:30pm yesterday I felt it attack. Literally attack me...and my entire head and neck.

My ears felt full. My throat was sore. My nose got all stuffed up. This incredible sinus headache took hold.

BAM!

Just like that...sick. I don't have time for sick.

I HAD to work last night and by the time my last appointment was there, I was feeling chills and my body was hurting. Went home and got right into bed. I was freezing!! 3 giant, thick, fuzzy blankets on me and I think I finally warmed up. I did not sleep well since my back and neck were just SORE. I could only breathe through my mouth so I kept waking up, drinking water. 

I have a TT swim on the plan today-just tried to get ready for it and when I felt dizzy just putting stuff into my swim bag, I decided maybe I should not be trying to swim--or drive with Lola in the car---for that matter. Looks like today is a rest day.
Sadly, I do not feel relief knowing today has been declared a rest day.
I feel like a failure. I have NO CONTROL of this and that is utterly frustrating to me.

Ok....totally done whining now.

TWO: VEGGIES

So, Coach Awesome totally sent a "warning" email regarding this recovery week-

You are extremely susceptible to illness this week. I just want to warn you, you will be on a tightrope so do all that you can to remain healthy and use hand sanitizer.  Extra rest, extra lemons, and extra kale are all extremely good ideas. 

(she's so freaking smart)

Now, I have been been doing lots of thinking the last couple weeks about food and nutrition. I am always a supporter of eating clean and have been considering adding more vegetable based meals to my current repitoire. I don't have any intention of going meatless but I don't see any harm in cutting back a bit on the meats and trying something "different". I am getting kind of bored eating the same things over and over-I love veggies, so why not, right? I even had a Meatless Monday this week. 

Seeing that I am making more veggie based meals and incorporating more spinach and kale into my everyday eats, Hubby expressed concern about me going VEGAN (not sure why he thinks this or why he'd care but....) I assured him that I do not have any intention of going vegan at this time however, expect to see even more veggies. He would be content if we only ever ate pork tenderloin and grilled potatoes. 

THR33: WIAW 

What I ate Wednesday (literally) in pictures:

Breakfast:

Old Fashioned Oats with blueberries, 2 egg whites and almond milk.
I topped the oats with a small drizzle of honey for a dash of sweetness. I used Wyman's of Maine frozen wild blueberries to make the oatmeal and added fresh blueberries.

We LOVE blueberries.

Post Run Snack:

Blueberry & Spinach smoothie

My GIANT sized bag of Wyman's Maine blueberries

fresh, organic baby spinach

Blueberries, Spinach, Almond milk, Greek yogurt and a small scoop of protein powder

Added a tablespoon of chia 

Afternoon Snack:

A cup of Earl Grey tea and fresh pineapple

More tea:

Coach's secret brew with the addition of green tea x 10

On the GO!
Off to work so I needed something easy and quick!

 A slice of whole wheat bread with Justin's almond butter, a giant jug of water and Coconut water

Eating while driving and yes, taking pictures.

DANGER!!!

By the time I was at work, I was feeling pretty awful. I had a big iced tea at work and refilled my water jug.

As soon as I got home, I filled a bowl with some leftover Navajo Stew, some steamed broccoli and topped it with some avocado.

Did you enter my Tough Chik giveaway ??

C is for Candy, Cardio, CrossFit, Chucking, Contests, Coaching...

C is for

It's been an "interesting" week so far-
(how about craptastic!)
This weekend's workout scheduled got totally FUBAR'd due to family stuff, wicked weather (snow!), losing power, etc. Meaning NO TRAINING GOT DONE Saturday OR Sunday.
It's amazing how BLAH! I feel when I don't get my sweat on...combine that with a little Halloween indulging --can you say too many Reese's PB cups AGAIN!! I don't even like CANDY!

I swore last year I would never do that again. I had so many of 'em last year, it gave me a tummy ache for days. At least this year I did not go overboard but still. Too many sugary treats. I feel like a bloated carcass. BUT That's ok-it's a new day and every day is a new day to attack. Ya!!
So, gonna get my Cardio on for a couple hours this morning....

I got in another CrossFit session this week. I'm really, really liking it too. I love that it is strong, powerful and competitive!! I just wish I could go more often!! So far I can get in two sessions per week and work on some of the other WOD's on my own but I really like getting feedback on form-especially for some of the Olympic lifts and stuff.
Yesterday we did some skill work-deadlifts, snatch and reviewed hand stand push ups (HSPU) and wall crawls.

Then we did DIANE.

21/15/9 reps of deadlifts and divebomber push ups or HSPU's for time
(I did 6:24) I can definitely go heavier on the DL and gotta get those divebombers bangin'!!

I did the divebombers and boy! are my shoulders and tri's feeling it today. LOVE
Then we did 50 CF style sit ups with weight for time (1:55)

Monday's interval workout was pretty epic. Almost make me chuck!! You know-hurl, puke, vomit....
I did my own bootcamp class in the morning, which was a 1,000 rep challenge.
Then I ran 7 miles on the TM

Zuzana from BodyRock.tv

Then did this little gem from BodyRockTV:

6 Rounds 20 seconds active/5 seconds rest

• push ups with side jumps
• elbow to knee plank

3 minutes AMRAP

• 5 side to side 1/2 squats with a drop down & power up

12 Rounds 20 seconds active/5 seconds rest

• jump squats
• side crunch, alternating

It was awesome and I felt totally spent after. The hallmark of a good ass kicking. I can't wait to try this again in 2 weeks and see how much more I can get in.

I have several contests going on right now-

1. Did you enter my Sparkly Soul giveaway??
2. Did you LIKE IronCowboy on Facebook?? see this link for details...
3. Did you LIKE my picture on the GoTribal INSPIRATION contest?? This ends Thursday, 11/3 so your Like is MUCH appreciated!! And yes, it is the picture of me hugging Chrissie Wellington :)



I am SOOO ready to start working with Coach (coach awesome) Sonja.

This year is gonna change a lot for me and I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of improvements I can make as an athlete with her in my corner. I also know I will work 110% harder just to please her so that is extra motivation to kick ass. Not that I lack it (motivation), but answering to her will just push me that much harder.



not THAT Coach...



So...are you Coached?

I would love to hear the WHY's and WHY NOT's.

If it is money that holds you back from hiring a coach, what WOULD you pay??

There are several valid points on both sides of the fence with this one.

Please share your comments, insight, thoughts, opinions!

Happy Wednesday