It's My Blogiversary!

It's been one year! One whole year of blogging! I can't believe how fast the time flies. This year was a great year for us. We got so much done in the house and managed to keep our sanity (and some money in our pockets). Looking back, I now remember why I started this blog - to have an outlet for everyday life. I also wanted to write about our home progress in hopes it would be a way to hold myself accountable for continuing to do stuff around the house. It is so easy to put things off and then before you know it, BAM, a year has gone by and nothing has gotten done. The opposite is also true though, that if you move too fast you could make bad decisions or wind up spending more than you needed to. For us, I think we have found a happy medium (that leans towards the quicker-paced side) and it works for us. Everyone is different.

Moving into a new construction home has also allowed us to start with a blank canvas, but this, like everything else, has its ups and downs. We have done some smaller projects and some bigger ones this year, always inching closer to the final product. Seriously though, who am I kidding? It will never be "finished". Having a home is like having a never ending to-do list. Slowly, but surely, it will get there. One project at a time. H and I are just enjoying the ride. Annnd cookin' up some good eats in the mean time : )

So here is a list of my top five posts from this first year of blogging. Enjoy!

1. Life Under Construction - This is where is all started. Building our house from the bottom up was a great experience. It was so exciting to see the progress each week as we inched closer to home ownership. 
2. First Year in Review - I have a sweet spot for this post, mainly because of my love for lists. Though I have only been blogging for a year, H and I have been in the house for almost two now so we were doing projects before The JP Project even got started. It was so great to see everything we accomplished in the first year of owning our home and was a great way to see just how far we have come.
3. Our Crowning Achievement - In this post H and I (mainly H) tackled a huge project in our home, the living room. H had to have surround sound and I had to have character. The solution - crown molding : ) This was our first attempt and we really learned a lot through the process so next time it will hopefully run a little smoother.
4. The Final CrossFit Friday - I chose this post because I am so very proud of H and I for accomplishing this goal. We had been wanting to try CrossFit for a while and in this post I talked about how we made it through the into-classes and graduated onto the real deal. I seriously need to write an update one of these days because we are still at it and working harder than ever!
5. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies - I couldn't have a Top Five without my all time favorite cookies! These are seriously the best. Stop reading my blog and just go make them. Like now ; )

Well, there you have it. Five of my favorite posts from this first year of blogging. It was really hard to narrow it down but I think these are a few good stand-out posts. If you enjoyed reading them I hope you continue to follow me here at The JP Project. This next year is already shaping up to be one of the best yet!

Thanks everyone for reading and supporting my blog!
JP

The Final CrossFit Friday

Week Four

It's official, we tested out of the intro classes : ) but before we got there, we had a really tough week.

Monday was one of the toughest days of CrossFit to date. The warm up wasn't tough, but man did it burn my legs! We did the Samson stretch from one end of the gym to the other (which is pretty much a really wide walking lunge), then duck squats going across and back, then another hoping squat thing (I am blanking on the name right now) across and back. Needless to say, lots of squats/hops = legs like jello. And that was just the warm up! 

We did a ton of strength on Monday too. Bench press, goblet squats (squats holding a kettle bell for added weight), and reviewed all of the lift moves we have learned. Then, after all of that, we did Fran. 

I have heard the term "Fran's a b*tch" on multiple occasions, but I had no idea what it was. Here's the breakdown: 21-15-9 of thrusters and then pull ups. So basically this means three rounds, first round 21 thrusters and 21 pull ups, then second round 15 of each, last round 9 of each. I have never hurt so bad in my life (until Wednesday that is, more on that in a minute). 

Thrusters are basically squatting with a bar, then when you stand up you push the bar overhead. These aren't so bad in theory. I didn't have weight on the bar but I was still feeling the burn. The last round of these were really tough. Then, the pull ups were no fun since they aren't something that I have mastered yet. I can't even do one unassisted, so I used a double green band. This was super easy at first, but getting to the last few in the set I still struggled. When will they get easier?

I finished in 9:24 while H (who did unassisted pull ups) finished just after. I was proud of myself for finishing but I know it would have been way worse had there been weight on the bar and if I had to do strict pull ups. 

Wednesday was the big day - the last intro class to determine if we were ready to join everyone else and get into the real deal. The test wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. We started with a quick warm up of mobility stretches, nothing too taxing. Then we went right into the lifts. H and I had to show we knew each of them by name. There were only a handful to remember so it wasn't bad. And he cut us a break with the snatch since it is one of the tougher lifts. 

Then came the workout. It's a wonderful workout by the name of "Fight Gone Bad". As you can imagine, it was a serious fight that went south fast. This is why Wednesday was tougher than Monday. This WOD consists of 3 rounds (though we did two) of as many reps as possible in one minute, changing exercises each minute. So we started with wall balls, as many as we could do in a minute, then went to sumo dead lifts, same deal, then box jumps (I did the 20" box this time around), then push press, then we hopped on the row machine. I can't even describe how hard this was, and it was only two rounds!

It really doesn't sound that bad on paper, but after doing as many reps as possible in a minute and having to move to something else, I was seriously dragging! It's not like you are doing 5 reps of each thing, it's more like 20 or 25, then immediately swtching to something else. It was nuts. Fight gone bad is the perfect title for this WOD. My final score was about 160 and H's was somewhere near 180/190. 

After two rounds we were spent. Rolling on the floor, taking a solid five minutes just to catch our breath. Are we seriously ready for classes? I don't know but apparently we are starting April 1st. 

This is the last post in my CrossFit Friday series. I really just wanted to write about our experience as beginners and only working out twice a week has allowed me to really get into the nitty gritty of it all. We are hoping to work out 4-5 times a week now so it would be impossible to write everything down. But, I am hoping to post once in a while to share our progress as the weeks go by. 

If any readers are thinking about joining CrossFit, I hope you found this series helpful and inspiring. You CAN do CrossFit, even if you haven't worked out in over a year (like me) or haven't work out ever! There are so many ways to scale back to help you achieve your goals. It's all what you make of it. Just give it a try and remember my motto - Everyone Starts Somewhere : )

Happy Friday!

JP

CrossFit Friday

Week Three

We only have one week left of the intro classes and then it's on to the real deal for H and I. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. But that's next week, one week at a time.

Tuesday we learned a few new lifts, the hang clean and the snatch. Apparently these are two of the harder lifts so we weren't expected to get them the first time around. These, like all the rest, require coordination. H struggled with the snatch but that is mainly because of his previous shoulder surgury. The way you have to twist your shoulder to have it sit in its pocket is awkward and near impossible for someone who has had dislocated shoulder. Dave mentioned a few things that will really help to work the tissue, improve mobility within that shoulder, and build strength. We will see how it goes, H and I both need practice with all the lifts before we try to test out of these intro classes.

We also did a 14 minute EMOM (every minute on the minute) of 5 stones then 7 burpees and 3 push-ups. I had no idea what stones were. Just the name intimidated me. We watched Dave as he squatted over this large cement ball or "stone" and then lifted it up from between his legs without breaking a sweat. The idea is to squat over/behind the stone, wrap your hands under it and then use only your legs (not your lower back) to just stand up, lifting the stone with you. I couldn't get the hang of this. I don't know why, but my first instinct was to go on my toes and lift my butt up into a flat back. Not good. So instead of hurting myself while I was learning, Dave had me use a weighted medicine ball, a lot lighter and easier to manage. H of course was a pro at this. 

I'm beginning to realize that while I have the coordination, I really lack the strength to do some of the moves. H is the total opposite. He lacks coordination but has the strength to muscle through anything they throw at him. As I have said before, I know that the strength I lack (core, leg, upper body, pretty much everything) will come in time. It's just frustrating when I know I can do a move, I understand how it's supposed to be, but my body just physically can't do it. So I scale back, switch to knee push-ups or use a smaller "stone". I am just looking forward to the day when I am strong enough to do everything even if it's only a few reps at a time.

Wednesday was actually a lot of fun. We learned how to climb a rope! Yup, this girl climbed the rope. Not to the top, but two to three strides which is better than I thought I would do. I think I can make it the whole way up, I am just nervous for when I get to the top in case I'm not able to get back down. Maybe next week I will just go for it. We also did a bunch of back squats and rowed 500m. Then, before our main workout, we learned how to Roman Deadleft. These were really fun, mainly because I'm flexible enough to get really low with the weight. It was tough, but fun. Is this what CrossFit is supposed to feel like?

Our workout was a 7-7-7. 7 rounds of 7 push presses and 7 toe to bars (knee to elbows). H and I both finished at about the same time, though he was pushing way more weight than me. This week I had a tough time with the knee to elbows. My hands just couldn't hold onto the bar! I got to round 4 or 5 and almost slipped right off the bar. Grip strength - another thing to work on. Are we noticing a pattern yet? I have a lot to work on.

So next week is out final week before we start with everyone else. The is assuming we pass our final test.

Catch you next week!
JP

CrossFit Friday

Part Two (week two)

So this week was an odd week for us. We went to the gym Monday, went snowboarding on Tuesday (in 60 degree weather), skipped Wednesday because we had a work meeting, and then went early on Thursday to get one more workout in this week.

Monday was killer. We learned a few more lifts - strict press, push press, and push jerk. We also did a 400m run as a warm up as well as used the PVC to stretch out our shoulders. This was all fine. What came next was miserable. Our main work out for the day was supposed to be 3 rounds of a 400m row then 20 wall balls. Well, since it was so nice out, Dave decided it would be a good idea to run the 400m. What?! You want me to run that, three times, AND do more leg work with 20 wall balls?! Now most of you are probably like, oh that's not so bad, but for a non-runner, it sucked. The first run wasn't bad. The wall balls weren't bad either until I realized I lost count and then only did ten and tried to go run again. Oops! I really have to work on my counting. So back I went and did ten more. When I went outside to run the second 400m, my legs were jello. It felt like I forgot how to run (by run, I mean jog slowly). I was dragging, but I didn't walk so that made me feel better about myself. By the next run I was spent. Dave was nice enough to run with me the last time which gave me just enough energy to get it done. We walked a small portion but I think I finished strong. The last set of wall balls I did in sets of 5 which was way more manageable than trying to do 20 in a row. When I finished, I wanted to die.  

Then we went boarding Tuesday. When I woke up that morning I thought I was going to kill who ever decided Tuesday was the day to go to the mountain, but all in all, it wasn't too bad. I am used to boarding so while my muscles were tight, getting on the mountain actually felt really good. I think it helped me recover faster from killing myself the day before. We had a great day despite the warm weather. It was nice to get one last ride in before the end of the season!

On Thursday we warmed up with 20 lunges, 10 burpees, and I can't remember how many hollow rocks. This definitely had my heart pumping. After the warm up had me catching my breath I was actually really nervous for what was next. The rest of the day really wasn't so bad though. We did a bunch of front squats and then learned the hang clean lift, and again, not bad, just required some coordination. I think I am going to have to start writing these down so I don't forget them all!

Our main workout was 5 rds for time of 5 box jumps, 7 toe to bars, and 9 kettle bell swings. Box jumps, along with overhead Olympic lifts are the two things I am most nervous about with joining CrossFit. So today I conquered one of my two fears. Granted, my box was only the 12 inch with a weight on it to bump it up a bit, but after doing the WOD I realized I could have probably done the 20" (next time). Dave also upped my kettlebell weight, though I'm not sure what it was just know it was purple this time instead of orange. Somehow the swings were easier with the heavier weight, at least as far as form goes. The toe to bars were tough for me so I scaled back, doing knee to elbow/knee to chest (or at least as close as possible to that general area). Which went well. I felt really good after this workout and it only took me about four and a half minutes. Much better than Monday!

I think there are going to be some days where I totally rock the WOD (ok, maybe rock is a strong word, at least feel really good about myself after) and some days where I will want to keel over and hate myself for doing this whole CrossFit thing in the first place. Let's hope there are less and less of the later as the weeks go by!

Week two down, week three,.. Bring it!

CrossFit Friday Part One

This is my first attempt at a series. Yup, sh-tz gettin' real. I have been wanting to try to find ways to post more often so what better way then to start a series entirely about my CrossFit experience? I thought of this for two reasons: (1) in light of my recent technology meltdown I need to find ways to write without the use of photos (I mean who really wants to see pictures of this girl all gross and sweaty? Na, didn't think so) and (2) is that I want to stay true to my original goal for this blog - having a creative outlet for my everyday endeavors.

The JP Project is about me and my life. This just so happens to be centered around building our home and cooking, well and my pup : ) but with the recent addition of CrossFit I figured it would be nice to give that part of my life a little time in the spot light too. I also think this will be a good way to hold myself accountable for actually going to the gym (or the box as they call it). So what do you think? CrossFit Fridays? All in favor, say "AYE!"

Day One wasn't too bad. I was expecting the worst workout of my life but I didn't even break a sweat! Now looking back on it, it was day one, what were they really going to expect us to do? We learned a few things like front and back squats, as well as some mobility techniques. Dave, our coach, also showed us how they do push-ups (military style - awesome) and sit-ups (frog style - again, awesome). Basically everything they do is meant to be efficient and use the correct muscle groups instead of flubbing your way through things. At this point I was totally on board, feeling good, thinking, "wow, we can do this!" Then at the end of the class our coach said to us that this was just a starter and next week he's gonna make us sweat.

Day Two - much worse. Dave had us doing kettlebell swings, burpees, more squats, pull-ups, etc. Kettlebell swings look a lot easier than they actually are, well at least as far as form goes. You can't squat, but you have to bend your knees to bend over, but you don't want to use your arms coming back up, and don't let the bell move around too much... WAY too much to remember. But hey, practice makes perfect right? Right. So practice is what we did.

We had a mini workout of 5 rds (rounds) for time, (meaning you keep going until however long it takes you to complete 5 rds) of 5 kettlebell swings, 7 burpees and 9 sit-ups. Doesn't sound too bad right? Wrong. We got our sweat on. H finished in about 7 minutes and I was just over 8. Not bad for first timers but man were we spent after that. My sit-ups could use some work too. I was fine until the end, apparently my core strength is nonexistent, cool. Everyone starts somewhere right?

Day Three was more of the same. This time we did our warmup using the medicine balls. Throwing them, kicking them, doing sit-ups with them, you name it, we did it. Then we learned how to do deadlifts and sumo deadlifts. Again, looks easier than it really is. And again, it's all about the form. Are you seeing the pattern here? It's all about putting your weight in the heals and driving your body upright from a squatting position bringing the barbell with you. More practice is definitely needed in this department, at least for me. So we did a bunch of those and then another mini workout. This time it was a modified Cindy.

What's a Cindy you ask? It's a 20 minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 air squats. CrossFit has a bunch of "benchmark" work outs (WODs) that allow you to see how you are progressing and they all happen to be names of women, don't ask me why. Anyway, so instead of doing the full Cindy we did a 10 minute AMRAP of 3 pull-ups, 6 push-ups, and 9 air squats. H was a champ with the pull-ups and push-ups where I struggled with them significantly. I was able to do two rounds of push-ups before I had to modify to my knees and even further to worming my way up, man I was terrible! But hey, it's something I know I need to work on (trying to stay positive here). I killed the air squats though so 1 out of 3 ain't bad. H and I both finished with 11 rounds, but like I said, I modified big time. I am wondering if it would have been better to do fewer rounds and take breaks so I could continue to have better form with the push-ups. Trials and tribulations of a beginner I guess.

So, all-in-all, not bad. Though I did wake up this morning unable to lift my right arm because my tricep was so swollen. Muscle strength is not my strong suit but I know it will come in time. I am just hoping that it is sooner rather than later. I am going to try to do some push-ups and core work at home on my off days to help build that strength so I can do more during the WOD and not make a total fool out of myself. Just gotta find the time.

Check back next week for Part Two!

JP

Drinkin' the CrossFit Koolaid?!

Side Note: Our new hard drive has officially arrived (eeeeh) however, I have yet to find the time to transfer everything over. And of course, I can't just throw stuff on there, I need to go through the last 5+ years of junk before I finally clear up some space to start posting pictures again. But until then, here is an interesting update about our lives lately.

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Yup, I've officially joined the dark side. Well, not officially I guess, more of a "I'm trying it on for size, but black is totally my color". And yes, I am bringing the hubby with me! Actually it was him that talked me into it, so when I am cranky next week you will all know who to blame : )

So here's the deal, H and I have tried a few workouts before. I got through two thirds of P90X to get in shape for the wedding (best shape of my life btw - just saying) and I really loved it. What I didn't love was Tony Horton's goofy phrases and annoying Andrea who every time she was in a video I felt like telling her to go eat a burrito! Plus the yoga video was just awful, one and half hours of the same-move-over-and-over. But, at the end of the day, I saw results. I also recently tried the T25 series with Shaun T. Must say, he is a way better coach than Tony in my opinion, but after the first 5 weeks of the Alpha program I was feeling a little underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, the workouts kicked my butt, but I am not sure how the end result would be mainly because there was no lifting. The workouts are high intensity, 25 minutes, major cardio, and what's better than spending 25 minutes a day to work out and actually seeing/feeling results?

Apparently CrossFit.

For the last year, H and I have had multiple friends joining the CrossFit Cult trend and they all have wonderful things to say. They have been trying to get us to join for months now and our whole excuse was it's too much money and too much time. Until we saw this Groupon deal that would allow us to try out our local CrossFit, which as luck would have it is where our friends from work go, for only $40! We toyed with the idea and then we thought of Pepper. Yea she's a dog, but we love spending a lot of time with her. We have put so much time and energy into training her that we didn't want her to become neglected. However, she is not a puppy anymore, she just turned one last weekend and we are starting to give her more freedom. So maybe if we are gone an hour and a half at night we can leave her out of the crate and see how she does. I know, famous last words, but the gym is only 15 minutes from the house so we would be gone two hours max. I guess we could at least try it out right? Plus we have friends that do CrossFit and have dogs, if they can do it, then why couldn't we?

Groupon purchased!

We had our first meeting yesterday with one of the coaches. He showed us around and gave us a look into what CrossFit is all about. He seemed really knowledgable and excited about the gym, which in turn made me excited (not sure how H felt about the whole thing) and told us we are going to officially start on Wednesday. Yup that's tomorrow - que my totally freaking out face!

So we will see how it so goes. We apparently have to "test out" of individual classes which consist of learning all the lifts/moves before we are cleared for group classes and that should take about a month. I am totally fine with that because the longer I have before I make a fool out of myself in front of my friends, the better! Needless to say from time to time I will be posting about my CrossFit experience. 

Who knows, maybe I will love it, maybe it will be awful, but at least I am giving it a try!

JP