Challenge Check In

On Day #17 of the WMCF 30 for 30 challenge I completed my first Adventure 5K. Basically, it is a 5K in the woods with some obstacles. The uphill climb in the woods was definitely the most physically demanding part of the course. I enjoyed jumping over walls and did not have major difficulties crawling under things as I am so short. However, the water obstacles left me drenched because I am vertically challenged. Not to worry though, I had a great race! It was a 12th place age group finish for me and I was 109 overall. I am still trying to find out how many people did the race as well as how many were in my age group, but it was a solid race overall. So, what was the worst part? Since it was held at a water park that has a haunted house during the Halloween season, they had some of that up and running during race. The two zombies that jumped out and screamed at me were by far my least favorite part of the race! Give me hill climbs, rope walls, dunk tanks--anything but creepy zombies scaring me! A quick note about the image at the beginning of this blog post...I may not beat the boys at my crossfit gym, but I definitely left some men in the dust at the Adventure 5K--ah my competitive Type A personality enjoyed that :)

The Adventure 5K was a good focus point to see where I am in terms of the 30 day challenge. I certainly feel stronger and leaner than when I started at the end of September. I'm not to my peak fitness level, but I've definitely made some recovery since the time following our wedding. Also, I went shopping yesterday because I needed some pants and sweaters for the winter as everything from last year is too big--woo hoo! Nonetheless, I still have some more work to do in the next few weeks. I'd like to try to cut back on portions of healthy fats. I still rely a bit too heavily on macademias, cashews, and coconut products. It has also been a plateau in terms of weight loss. I shed a few lbs to start and then have just been hovering for awhile and I'm not thrilled about that because it is a bit over where I was pre-wedding. It is difficult the find the right balance between fueling my body and leaning out. I've amped up my workouts so I need energy, but I also think I can use that as an excuse to consume extra calories.

Additionally, the fall is not an easy time for the 30 for 30 challenge. I've had to pass up a lot happy hours and yummy baked goods at work, but I know my body thanks me for that!

I was excited to see my good friend Sara, over at House Bella, has started her own Whole 30 challenge this month. Check out her blog for some great recipes and insightful commentary about this lifestyle challenge.

Stats:

14 days of 125+ pushups each day
17 days of 2 sets of 20 Burpees = 680 Burpees so far
17 days of a gallon+ water per day
17 days of no dairy, legumes, bad carbs, extra sugar
17 days of most carbs (except post workout) cut by 2PM
17 days of mobility/stretching (yoga, lacrosse ball, foam roller, yoga strap)
17 days of more rest (going to bed earlier)
14 days of fasted am cardio (walking, elliptical, or swimming)
7 sessions of crossfit