Getting Back Into It

My week hiatus ended today and I completed the WOD with a new PR. Back Squats, five reps x five sets: 205, 225, 240, 245, and 250. I felt good and probably pushed myself to use too much weight. My form was a little off the last few reps. I leaned forward a little and used my back muscles - not good, I know. Hopefully, we'll keep doing leg exercises, especially air squats, etc., so I can continue to increase my leg strength. I definitely needed a week's break, but now I'm ready to get with it!

I miss my friends at CrossFit Clarksville. Right now, I'm on my own until I figure out how my budget looks here. The CrossFit gyms in the area are $147.00 and up per month. I checked the gym on post. They don't have ropes, boxes, wall balls and rings, but they don't mind people bringing in their own equipment. The clerks said a couple people loop their own ropes and rings over the rafters and go for it. I might use two months worth of membership fees and just purchase a wall ball and some ring dips. I found a 20lbs wall ball on line for $69.00. I'm going to look locally but I don't thank that's too bad of a price. I can make my own box or find something cheap and suitable. I think that might be more cost effective in the long run. I just need to find a partner or three so we can time each other and compete.

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday, I found a new home. As you know, or not, I have been living out of a suitcase since January 5, 2008. Boy, I'm ready to settle down and start living.

Ok. I saw the CrossFit Alexandria gym on Monday when I was checking out an apartment complex next to the gym. That was real tempting; however, the complex was too far from post and didn't have much to offer, considering the cost. My place is incredible. It's minutes from post and right next to a Metro station. Therefore, I can jump on the Metro and go anywhere in the city (DC, Alexandria, etc.) without the worries of driving. Plus, the CrossFit Lorton gym is kind of in between work and home. I'm paying a little more than I wanted; however, I'm more satisfied with what the apartment offers.

That said, I'm not sure what my budget will allow me to do. Well, I won't know until a few months pass. So.... I was thinking. Would Rick and Dymphna allow me to become a forward element of CrossFit Clarksville? Maybe CrossFit Clarksville (FWD), like I'm just deployed? :-)

I'm thinking I'll email them today or tomorrow to see if that's a possibility. I still need to check out the gyms on post, but I'm almost positive the gym have medicine balls, etc.

Well, I'm off for another day of in-processing. I move into my place on Thursday. Wish me luck!

Back in VA - Yeah baby!

On Virginia soil... it's a great feeling. I made the trip in 11 hours, which ain't too bad. I stopped three times - twice for gas and once for dinner. I had a little scare starting off. I didn't fill up the night before, and thought I'd get gas in Nashville. Well, Nashville was out of gas. There I was with my low gas indicator illuminated and each gas station I passed was closed or out of service. What in the world?!? Luckily, I made it to a gas station about 12 miles east of Nashville and got gas in time. I thought the world was ending or something for a second there. LOL

Right now, I'm enjoying a few beers and some quiet time. Tomorrow, I start looking for a new place to live and check out the CrossFit situation on and off post. The CrossFit gym must be strategically located between work and home in order to make things work. The traffic around here sucks, and I don't have time to waste.

Wish me luck!

Nashville Ride

Today, Shem, Heather, and I rode the hogs to Nashville. Running 70 plus down the highway is great and all, but I prefer the back roads, slow and easy. Too many crazy drivers thinking they're on the autobahn or something. LOL We ate lunch at the Opry Mills Mall and got a massage. I know.... but Heather made me do it. Anyway, the day was great!

WOD: Fran - For time, 21, 15, 9 of thrusters (95lbs) and pull-ups. Jake finished in 10:30 and I completed the exercise in 11:05. Jake used 75lbs this time. He'll be doing 95lbs in no time.

"Hail to the Chief"

Today, Jake and I completed "The Chief". We did three to four reps of 3 PC's, 6 PU's, and 9 AS's during each three-minute set. The entire WOD took 19 minutes. Five cycles of three-minute sets (15 minutes), plus four one-minute rests between sets equals 19 minutes. I enjoyed the WOD, especially when it was over. LOL I could really feel it in my thigh muscles and the cardio kicked in at the end of the second three-minute set.

No bike riding today because the weather sucks. Plus, I'm supposed to take my son out to the second day of his soccer tournament in White House, TN. Yesterday, his team won their first match but lost the second and third. They looked tired.

I'm kind of hoping they cancel today's matches because I need to work on my college term paper, which is due tomorrow night. Boy, I wish I hadn't taken a class while I'm preparing to leave Clarksville. O' well... live and learn.

Clean & Jerk Day

Today, I survived my second motorcycle ride. We drove to the Bowling Green Harley Davidson shop. We did a little time on the highway, but mostly kept to the back roads. The scenery was very beautiful; the day - clear and sunny. Awesome! Round trip was about 120 miles.

I'm thinking a Soft Tail or Fat Boy right now, but I'm not 100% sure. Shem is letting me use his 11 year old Soft Tail, which rides like a dream. Sounds pretty good (loud) too. :-)

Of course, I had to represent CrossFit Clarksville while riding. Plus, the white shirt was bright!

WOD: Clean & Jerk 3 reps X 5 sets: 135, 155, 175, 175, and 185. I also completed a 1K row. Not much, but broke a good sweat.

Last Week in Clarksville

I feel like crap right now because I've missed doing CrossFit for two days. I hope to get to the gym tomorrow afternoon. Right now, I don't see anything that might get in the way.

Today, I went on my first motorcycle ride with my buddy, Shem. It was a total blast, and now I'm addicted to something else. I'm definitely getting a bike once I get to Richmond!

I think we passed Rick and Dymphna in their green jeep on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard about 1300, today, while riding.

In remembrance of 9/11/01: God bless those lost, their survivors, and the Soldiers who carry on the fight against terrorism and evil everywhere.

Fight Gone Bad

Today, Jake and I tackled FGB. After going over the routine, Jake offered to go first. What a pal! I think he realized I needed a little more time to wake up. He got me to the gym about 8AM on a Sunday. What in the world?!?! Jake scored a 215. I scored 232 (PR), which is a lot better than my last pitiful score of 196. I know, Bill. I just need to suck it up and "rest later". LOL

Motorcycle and Deadlift Day

Today, I began the basic motorcycle course on post. The instructors are outstanding and I learned quite a bit. I think I've found another outdoor activity I'm going to enjoy. Tomorrow, we ride all day and then test out. Hopefully, I'll have my license that evening. Now, I just need to get a bike to increase and/or keep my skills sharp.

The WOD: DeadliftsX3X5 - 315, 335, 355, 375, and 385. The last set of three were hard and slow. Hopefully, this means I've increased strength and my next CFT will be more than 425.

This is a short note tonight. It's 2100 and I still need to read my motorcycle book and study for the test. Why so late? I sat in the rain all evening watching my daughter's soccer team kick the snot out of another high school's team. This is my daughter's first year playing for a high school team. She's a sophomore. She starts each game; therefore, she rocks! Can I get a Hooah!

Back Squat Day

This morning about 0630AM (Yes, I said AM), Jake and I did BS X 3 X 5. Our weights were: 185, 195, 205, 215, and 225. Jake needed a little assistance on the last set and I had some trouble with my form. However, Jake has better flexibility and form than I. He's also younger - Grrrr. I guess I need a yoga class or something to get back my "bend". LOL. Rick gave us some great pointers and exercises to do. I'll keep at it. I'm sure Jake will too.

Jake and I went to the track after BS's and did interval training for four laps (1 mile). We sprinted or jogged fast (LOL) for half a lap and then jogged the rest of the way to complete the lap. After that, we did some leg lifts, flutter kicks and kick-outs.

Jason from Huntsville completed his second CrossFit WOD at lunch today. He's sore as hell from the Wall ball routine he did yesterday but he's liking the Kool Aide he's drinking so far.

No Title Today - Ooops

Push Jerks X 3: 135, 145, 155, 165, 175, and 185. I muscled the weight on the last couple of sets instead of exploding through with my hips. I need to work on my form and core strength some more.

I'm looking forward to the Back Squats tomorrow. OK - maybe not but I'm going to do them anyway. Jake wants to go to the gym @ 0630AM. What's is that about?!?! :-()

Welcome home, Rick! It was great to finally meet you.

What's Cool About CrossFit

You know what's cool about CrossFit?

- The comradery.
- Increased energy levels all day, every day.
- Losing that beer belly and being able to bend over without discomfort.
- Finding muscles you didn't know you had.
- Buying your first pair of wrestling shoes in 22 years.
- Wanting to do things you haven't done in many, many years.
- Acne at age 41.
- Having a good friend call you at 06:50 AM, excited about completing his first WOD!

Yesterday, I did "Jackie" in 9:49. I kind of like rowing. Weird, huh?!?