13's, Bruises and Vegan Podcasts

It seems every post I begin with "It's been so long since my last post...". But really, they are becoming few and far between. Tack on the start of my masters program and my life could not be crazier. I've had to reach out to my crossfit family for a place to crash once a week; I can not believe the generosity I received! People opening up their homes to me left and right. I am so blessed to have found CFN! Tonight will be my first night staying with Michele and her momma, thank goodness they have pets because I'll be missing my kitties like crazy.

Crossfit 

Three week ago today began the start of the 2013 Crossfit Open. I never thought I would take it as seriously as I have been. Goodness knows I have NO CHANCE at making it to the regionals, but it has sparked a friendly competitive vibe all throughout Crossfit Newton. The Friday night after 13.1 was released, the gym was packed with athletes and spectators. I had completed the workout that morning, but came back for the nighttime classes to cheer on my fellows! It was a huge adrenaline rush watching my friends kick their own asses, screaming, grunting, sweating and finally collapsing on the floor. I couldn't imagine having a more grueling WOD, but then came 13.2. Although shorter in length, it proved much more taxing in the end. 13.3 is announced tonight at 8pm eastern time, I can't wait to see what they've thought of next!

Yesterday our school district was closed due to snow, so I slept in and went to the 12:30 class. It was fun to workout with other people, including Jodie, one of the owner's of the gym. She is in her early 40's and she's a bad-ass crossfitter! It was great WODing next to her (is that even a word??). Here's what we had to do:

WOD 1:
4-6 power cleans (85-125#)  95×6, 105×5, 115×6, 120×3 
rest 15 sec
3-10 HSPU       (3 mats) 5/5/6/6
rest 2-3 min
Do 4x total

On the last set of power cleans I failed twice at the end. Came back after the last set of HSPU and successfully did a 4th power clean. Apparently my right leg does most of the brunt work! lol...

It's hard to see, but I have bruises all up and down my right thigh and none on my left.  

WOD 2

50 cal on airdyne

50 dbl-unders  *got 26 in a row (PR!)

50 cal on the rower

50 dbl-unders

50 cal on the airdyne

50 dbl-unders

Took 18min20sec. Had some trouble getting a rhythm on the 2nd and 3rd rounds of double unders. 

Diet

Matt and I went to Veggie Galaxy for brunch last weekend, it was SO amazing. It is a vegetarian only restaurant, and all their items can be made vegan upon request. I had pancakes and potatoes, matt had pancakes, potatoes and an eggless omelet. I was unsure about a tofu-based omelet, but I tasted it and fell in love. I know what I'm getting next time!

Veggie Galaxy brunch. YUM!

I started listening to Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's podcast "Food for Thought". She is the author of a plethora of vegan cookbooks including; The 30-day Vegan Challenge, Color me Vegan, and Vegan's Daily Companion. In the podcast she covers issues related to the vegan lifestyle; using research to back up her claims and ideas. She's an amazing speaker, so intelligent and thoughtful. I used to listen to it when I was vegan back in 2011, and am so happy I stumbled across it again. I re-visited some podcasts I had already heard; it made me aware of how differently I view veganism today than I once did. It used to be a burden, I fought to stay away from cheese and other dairy products. Now, if I'm in the presence of cheese it doesn't even cross my mind to have a bite. It has also showed me how my awareness and compassion has grown tremendously in the past year and a half.  I never thought my love for animals, all animals, could be any more than it was back in 2011, but somehow it has grown even stronger. I attribute it to my heightened awareness towards the treatment and cruelty of animals farmed for our use and consumption. Colleen's podcast keeps me honest, aware and compassionate and keeps me up-to-date on all current issues. I am so thankful to have her insight and thoughts guiding me through each day.

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. What a happy pig!