New Kind of Pain

<--- I believe this picture was taken when I was home on mid-tour leave, 2004. I miss my kids. :-(

WOD: BS x 5 x 5

My old PR on 9/30/2008 was 205, 225, 240, 245, and 250.

Today, I did 225, 235, 245, and 255 twice then failed. I began experiencing a sharp pain in my left lower abdomen region, right in front of my hip. I don't know if it was a pinched nerve or something worse. I began to feel the pain when I began doing the 245 sets. On the fifth set, I was a little concerned. I pushed on the area, but didn't feel any pain in response. I did a couple of sit ups, but didn't feel any pain. So, I attempted 255. I felt a sharper pain the first rep; and on the second rep, I thought I might tear something so I stopped.

I don't know what's wrong? Too much weight? Wrong form? A freak pain, which I won't experience again? Hmmm.... I guess I need to do some research and try to figure it out? Anyone have an idea?

TGIF

WOD: 5 x 95lbs Hang Power Snatch, 15 reps, and 400 meter run.

I completed the WOD in 24:35. I used the treadmill so it probably slowed my time some. I used the 8 speed (7:30 min mile) for the first four rounds. I used the 9.3 speed (6:31 min mile) for the last round. HPS weren't too bad. Overall, I liked the WOD because of the good cardio burn. I needed that to get back in business...

GO REDSKINS - BEAT COWGIRLS!!!!

LONDON FLETCHER #59 NEEDS TO CREATE HAVOC THIS SUNDAY.

Back on Track

<---- Amber - a future movie star! She finally got to dye her hair black, which took several months of negotiations with her mother. I'm so proud of her.

I returned Tuesday from a week's leave. I got to visit with my kids and really enjoyed the short time we had together. I cooked them breakfast several mornings and dinner a couple nights. It is something I enjoy. The rest of the time we ate out, shopped, watched movies (home and theater), and just hung out.

Something really cool happened while I was there... I watched my daughter become a licensed driver. Ok. She actually got her learner's permit, the pride I felt once she passed the test was overwhelming. As we exited the DMV, I handed her the keys and she began the journey. To say the least, I was terrified but calm at the same time. I had mixed feelings about the event. I was extremely happy for my daughter, while saddened to know she's almost gone. In six short months when she obtains her actual license, she will be able to go places where I'm not. I feel I cannot protect her as well as before. I know it's life but something hard to swallow.

I actually got my butt back in the gym today - thank goodness! I thought for a moment I might let another week slip by, but I got myself motivated and focused. It's been about two weeks since I last completed a WOD. I think I've gained 10 pounds - crap! With some effort, I completed a modified version of the WOD today in 48:45.

Actual WOD: For time - 100 squats, 5 muscle-ups; 75 squats, 10 muscle-ups; 50 squats, 15 muscle-ups; 25 squats, 20 muscle-ups.

Modified WOD: 100 squats, 5 pull-ups, 7 dips; 75 squats, 5 x 5 pull-ups and 7 dips; 50 squats, 7 x 5 pull-ups and 7 dips; and 25 squats, 5 x 5 pull-ups, 7 dips.

I know I should have done more pull-ups and dips to equal the required amount of muscle-ups, but I just wasn't feeling it today. Next time!

APFT

Today, I wimped out and didn't try the snatch WOD. Instead, I went home and took a nap. I was beat for some reason. I think it's because I ran a couple miles last night with an old friend, plus I did complete the Army's Physical Fitness Test this morning. I would like to report that CrossFit is helping in my effort to max the test. I know I've got lots of work to do on my running ability; however, my push-ups increased as well as my sit-ups. In fact, my sit-ups were rock'n! I completed 62 push-up but I'm pretty sure I'll max them next time. I've only got 11 more to do (i.e., 73). On the other hand, I did 80 sit-ups and I was still going. My core is definitely a lot stronger now, after doing CrossFit. I was flabbergasted, but highly proud of myself to say the least. I did the run in 16:38, which gave me an overall score of 263 out of a possible 300. I must run the 2-mile in 13:36, which to me is some craziness. I'm not even sure people over 40 can run that fast - LOL!

Whooped My Butt

Wow! That WOD was rough. I completed it in 35:52. I tore my hands up a little, but the tape I used cut down on the damage. My biceps are burning like crazy. I was going to take six Motrin; however, a six pack of Miller Lite sounded a lot better. I know... Now, I'll have to run or swim tomorrow in addition to the WOD to burn off all the calories. Life is tough sometimes. LOL I'm sure I won't be able to bend my arms very well tomorrow. O' well... No pain, no gain.

Today, I completed yesterday's WOD, since I didn't have a way to weight myself. I completed the WOD in 49:49. I thought I might pass out for a moment as I began the fourth set, but I hung tough and got through it. Wow, that was a little tougher than I expected. :-)

Five times for time:

135lbs DL, 15 reps
135lbs HPC, 12 reps
135lbs FS, 9 reps
135lbs PJ, 6 reps

The DL's and PJ's were the easiest of the routine. I began using the crossed-arm method to complete my FS's. I found it easier to balance and my wrists didn't feel like they were going to break in half. HPC's weren't too bad. Doing it all together, that made it rough.

First Day on the Job

Today, I began my tour of duty with the internal affairs division of my organization. No one I knew emailed me today. I hope that's not any indication of things to come. LOL My new co-workers have made me feel right at home. I'm all settled and all my equipment seems to be in working order. Now, I just need to relax and let life take it's course.

WOD: Nate: I completed 9 rounds, however, I did four kipping pull-ups instead of two muscle-ups. The rest of the routine I did as RX'd, except I used a 75lbs dumbbell because I didn't have access to a 2 pood Kettlebell. I became quite winded after the fifth or sixth round. I need to work on my shoulder strength, so I can lower myself more than I did today.