Tag Archives: CrossFit

Pregnancy: Week 18

What a crazy, fun week of thanks! We are thankful for this journey and the opportunity to share our experiences. Thank you for joining in on the fun!

Early in the week, we drove to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends. We manged to get some great workouts in along the way.

Coronado Dog Beach with the Darrells, who sent us my awesome belly stickers

Coronado Dog Beach with the Darrells, who sent us my awesome belly stickers

I’m definitely getting bigger and the bump is even more obvious. Everyone thought that I grew during our time in San Diego (perhaps it was from all the yummy food we consumed!).

Team Leatherman on Thanksgiving

Team Leatherman on Thanksgiving

Highlights from our trip: CrossFitting at my old box, CrossFit Elyisum, running Fr. Joe’s Turkey Trot 5K, and spending time at Coronado dog beach.

Week 18 WODs:

Nov. 25 warm up 500m row (152 heart rate) + pull up progression

Strength/skill: deadlift 5×5 at 80%; 175# (went beyond 80% because it felt good!)

Metcon: Ran 1.25mi with Frankie (165 heart rate)

CrossFit Elysium's Coach Paul

CrossFit Elysium’s Coach Paul

Nov. 27 (CrossFit Elysium) warm up CFx1 + hip/ankle mobility

Strength/skill: Back squat 6×2 at 80%; 130# (went beyond 80% because it felt good!)

Metcon: “Karen” – 150 wall balls for time; 12:30 with 10# ball (heart rate 168)

Team Leatherman prior to Fr. Joe's Turkey Trot in Balboa Park

Team Leatherman prior to Fr. Joe’s Turkey Trot in Balboa Park

Nov. 28 Fr. Joe’s Turkey Trot (5K). Felt great to run with my boys! We opted not to do it timed, but managed to finish in 38:54 (which included a potty break!). Heart rate to 165.

Took an afternoon walk (~1.25 miles) with the family after dinner, taking in a lot of hills.

Nov. 29 Walked Coronado Dog Beach

Nov. 30 Walked 5 miles around Miramar Lake in 75 minutes. My quads were shot from the first part of the week, so felt great to just walk on a flat surface for a long distance.

18 weeks

18 weeks

Lea-Ann Ellison birthed a healthy baby – DUH

CrossFit HQ shared a story yesterday that controversial momma-to-be Lea-Ann Ellison birthed a healthy baby boy, despite CrossFitting late into her term.

My response? DUH!

Easy delivery? Check. Up on her feet the next day? Check. Thank you, CrossFit, for preparing mommas-to-be for the physical and mental challenges they’ll face during and after birth.

Lea-Ann Ellison

Lea-Ann Ellison

Watch Ellison’s new interview here: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/11/lea-ann-ellison-controversial-crossfit-mom-gives-birth-to-health/

My friend Sara recently shared the following with Leslie and me. Thought it appropriate to share in this post:

“Exercise is good for your baby, too. Studies show that babies born to moms who exercise during pregnancy may benefit from better stress tolerance and advanced neurobehavioral maturity. These children are leaner at five years of age and have better early neurodevelopment.” From Eat Right for Your Baby by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo with Catherine Whitney. Copyright © 2004.

Think that says it all!

Athlete Profile: Leslie Spector

Leslie, Meghan and their bumps

Leslie, Meghan and their bumps

When I first started writing this blog, one of the first women I reached to was my friend Leslie. We met at our current affiliate and she was more than willing to share her experience. I’m so impressed by her dedication to CrossFit, while balancing being a wife, mommy to a toddler, full-time educator, and preparing for baby #2. And you guys, she looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I hope I look this fit when I’m 30+ weeks into pregnancy.

Leslie: 30+ weeks and lifting strong, while looking amazing!

Leslie: 30+ weeks and lifting strong, while looking amazing!

Leslie’s story:

Leslie pre-pregnancies

Leslie pre-pregnancies

Phoenix, Ariz., native Leslie Spector began her CrossFit journey September 2010 in an effort to train for Ragnar 2011, a 200-mile team relay race and to medicate her recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, naturally (i.e. sans drugs). CrossFit, in combination with paleo eating, did the trick, shaving more than two minutes off her mile time and balancing her moods like never before.

“Unfortunately, I suffered a hip flexor injury during the race, earning me three months of physical therapy and rehab,” said Leslie. “Shortly after this I became pregnant, exercising very moderately. Despite being healthy and active, my body decided it needed a reset and after only a few weeks, I miscarried.”

Following the devastating loss, Leslie suffered some depression (understandably!) and self-medicated with “laziness in combination with deliciously gross food.” She became pregnant again almost immediately and was terrified of everything this time. The result? A sedentary pregnancy and a total of 70 lbs gained.

Leslie & Sophie

Leslie & Sophie

After an emotional roller coaster of a pregnancy (she chose to go without medication for her bipolar disorder) and the somewhat traumatic birth of her daughter, she was determined to get healthy again. And Leslie wasn’t merely focused on her physical health; she wanted the full mind, body, spirit health. After walking, then running, then a round of Insanity, she craved more and found Back Alley CrossFit, a Central Phoenix Box, in October 2012. She was able to shed those 70 pounds with CrossFitting Rx, until pregnancy #2 happened.

Now, at the end of her second pregnancy, Leslie has maintained her CrossFit and paleo lifestyle, feeling better than ever and more relaxed for baby Spector #2 to arrive.

30+ weeks pregnant

30+ weeks pregnant

More on Leslie:

Other exercise practices:  When I am not CrossFitting I love to hike, run, and do yoga.

My goal in CrossFitting while pregnant is:  My first pregnancy was less than healthy and resulted in major weight gain and crazy mood fluctuations. My goal this time around is to continue to CrossFit since it is truly my medication. My goal is not only to make healthy weight gains, but to also maintain a healthy mental balance.

What exercise advice did your doctor provide you? Did you follow it? I love my doctor! He is very liberal as far as doctors are concerned.  He seems to follow the latest research and keeps his recommendations up to date. I have been totally honest with him about how active I am and he fully supportive. At my very first visit this pregnancy he began rooting me on as far as exercise and CrossFit goes. He has continued to be supportive even through my own fears when things feel off. His best advice has been to listen to my body and I do it every minute of every day and especially in the box!

CrossFit and pregnant: Leslie

CrossFit and pregnant: Leslie

CrossFit and pregnant, where do you find support? I have a friend who CrossFitted through her pregnancy and she was the first call I made. She sent me to CrossFit Mom and there was lots of great information there. I also lean on my own coaches, CrossFit buddies, and of course the amazing, Dr. Harris.

CrossFit and pregnant, where do you find inspiration? I work out with some amazingly fit women. I find inspiration every time I step foot into Back Alley. I know the more I do while pregnant and the more consistent I am the faster I will be able to catch back up to everyone else I am ogling during my slow, paced WODS now.

Since doing CrossFit while pregnant, I’ve learned: That exercise of any kind is even more mental than I thought prior to doing it pregnant. There are times when body can do way more than mind will let it and there are times when mind wants to keep pushing through and my body is screaming slow down. When I can control the mental side of CrossFit, I find the most success.

Biggest CrossFit and pregnant challenge I’ve faced: Hands down, my biggest challenge has been slowing down and scaling back. I am competitive by nature and strive to always beat my own best. Being pregnant, the recommendation from around the CrossFit world and the mainstream is to slow down. The easiest way to do this is the “talk test.” I should be able to maintain a conversation throughout the WOD.This is not a time for getting better or pushing toward PRs, but rather a time to maintain. It has taken great mental dedication to follow this recommendation, I mean, when is the last time you could carry on a conversation during a WOD?!

Do you follow a particular eating lifestyle? As far as eating during pregnancy my goal is balance. Nothing has been eliminated, but we definitely lean towards a paleo-ish diet…with ice cream. We definitely indulge in ice cream!

Best CrossFit and pregnant tip or secret you’ve discovered: Just show up!  You can scale and modify any WOD to make it work for your ever-changing body. Throw expectations out the window and listen to your body.

What have you found most valuable about CrossFit while pregnant?: I have proven to myself with this pregnancy that no matter how much exercise and diet balance I maintain, my body will gain weight to support my pregnancy. However, CrossFitting while pregnant has given me energy and mental balance, which in my situation is far more priceless than hot preggie bod.

Favorite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”  Ghandi

Favorite girl WOD: Honestly, none stood out and I had to look them all up to pick a fave. Kelly is fun one; I like when running is incorporated.

Three words that describe me: Dedicated, neurotic, fun

When I’m not in the box, you can find me: At home with the fam!  They are my world!!!

The bump, getting pumped!

The bump, getting pumped!

If you have a CrossFit and pregnant story to share, email meghan@backalleycrossfit.com.

Pregnancy: Week 16

It was a great week. Back in the swing of everything after our cross-country trip and CrossFit Level 1 Coaches Seminar.

I’m quickly out growing my clothes, even the clothes I saved from my heftier days. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to dress for work everyday. Luckily I’m in a pretty casual workplace where leggings are acceptable.

We had our monthly doctor check up this week. This visit, we met with another doctor in the practice. In the event our doc isn’t available during our delivery, the office recommends we meet with everyone to familiarize ourselves. Lucky for us, we LOVED this doctor and I would feel very comfortable if she ended up as our delivery doctor. She was impressed I haven’t been sick and that I’m still CrossFitting.

We heard Baby L’s heartbeat again – a rate of 155 – nice and steady! I’m tracking where I should be with weight gain and all my vitals are healthy (thank you, CrossFit!).

Week Sixteen WODS

Nov. 10 (second day at CrossFit Level 1 Coaches Seminar)

Strength/skill: The day focused on perfecting the final fundamental moves: the deadlift, sumo deadlift high pull and med ball cleans

Metcon: 8 min AMRAP – 8 push ups, 10 med ball cleans (20/14), 12 sit ups – 6 rounds

Nov. 13 warm up 500m row (150 heart rate)

Strength/skill: strict press 5×5 – got to 75, failed after third rep

Metcon: 3 rounds – 10 power cleans (135/95) – I did 65#, 15 hspu, 20 box jumps (24/20) – I did step ups, 100m run – 10:46 (heart rate reached 170 at height of workout. Was easy to pull back to lower it).

Nov. 14 warm up 2 min row (390m)

Strength/skill: tabata slam balls (25/15), sit ups – didn’t keep track of reps every round

Metcon: 20 min clock. 200m walking lunges. Remaining time: 5 weighted squats (45/25), 10 ring dips, 10 kb sumo deadlift high pulls (2/1.5 pood) – I did 1 pood – made it six rounds. Heart rate hovered around 165, which is my max.

Nov. 16 Family hike almost 3 miles in about 45 minutes. At the peak of the incline, I was breathing pretty heavy and needing water. Otherwise felt great and was awesome to be outside again now that the temps are normal.

Bump - 16 weeks

Bump – 16 weeks

Food: Pretty paleo with some sort of bread at meals. Loving lemonade and ginger ale when not drinking water.

Pregnancy: Week 15

Bump - 15 weeks

Bump – 15 weeks

This was a nutty week for us because we moved my MIL across the country. We’ve driven across the country a number of times, but it definitely wore on me more than ever.

As a result, working out was not a priority. I manged to sneak one in, thanks to the CrossFit Level 1 Coaches Seminar we attended the weekend we returned from the moving trip.

Something I’m struggling with is finding cute, affordable maternity clothes. I obviously know about all the standard stores, but there isn’t much I’m drawn to. Hoping with the holidays fast approaching, the options will improve. I’m most focused on finding work appropriate dresses and pants.

Week Fifteen WODS

Nov. 9 warm up

Strength/skill: The entire day focused on perfecting some of the fundamental moves: the air squat, front squat, overhead squat, press, push press and push jerk.

Metcon: 3 rounds/10 min time cap – 15 thrusters (95/65) – I did 45# + 12 burpees (modified to push ups & jumping jacks) – 8 minutes

Food:  Pretty similar to week 14 (Loving lemonade, iced tea, Popsicles, and eating WAY TOO MUCH Halloween candy. Ugh! Otherwise, fairly back to normal. I am needing carbs/grains to get me through the day). Definitely working in more paleo options, especially for the hubs since he’s being more disciplined.

Pregnancy: Week 14

We announced the pregnancy news on social media this week. You can read that here.

The bump: 14 weeks

The bump: 14 weeks

Working feel time, while personally satisfying, is requiring a new whole juggling act. Taking some time to work the kinks.

Week Fourteen WODS

Oct. 28 LOVING the fall weather!: Run 3.05 miles with the pooch (168 max heart rate)

Oct. 30 warm up

Strength/skill: Tabata – very happy I was able to maintain consistent reps for the first and third exercises

  • KBS (25#) – 88 total
  • Bar hangs – made it 5 or 8 straight
  • Air squats – 96 total

Metcon: Another workout that was difficult to maintain a reasonable heart rate. Had to take a number of breaks. Basically it was FRAN with running:

  • 21 thrusters (95/65) I did 45#, 21 pull ups; I used green band, 400m run
  • 15 thrusters, 15 pull ups, 400m run
  • 9 thrusters, 9 pull ups, 400m run
  • Total time: 20:30

Nov. 1 warm up 500m row

Strength/skill: weighted ring rows 10-10-6-6-4-4 I stuck to my body weight. That was challenging enough!

Metcon:

a. 3 rounds – 100 single jump ropes, 30 walking lunges, 15 sit ups – 9:21

b. 3 rounds – burpee to ground overhead (45/25); I just did the weight ground to overhead, 10 pull ups, 15 air squats – 16:19

c. 3 rounds – 100 feet farmer carries (2/1.5 pood), 12 med ball cleans (20/14) – 23:56

Food: Loving lemonade, iced tea, Popsicles, and eating WAY TOO MUCH Halloween candy. Ugh! Otherwise, fairly back to normal. I am needing carbs/grains to get me through the day.

Pregnancy: Week 13

This was a tough week on a number of levels.

1. I have never had significant body image issues, but I am now. I’m in that weird state between having the tiny pooch and the obvious baby belly. Nothing fits and I feel like a fat kid every time I look in the mirror. It’s been tough mentally because I have worked SO hard the last two years getting into the best shape of my life. And now, all that’s changing. I get that it’s temporary and for the single most important reason in life … but knowing that doesn’t make it easier.

2. This was the first week I couldn’t do a metcon Rx. This was the first week I had to pull back from doing Rx during a metcon. My heart rate was skyrocketing during the first four minutes and I knew it would continue to climb dangerously if I didn’t do something differently. Instead of taking constant breaks (pointless given the workout design), I dropped weight. And I cried. Through the rest of the workout. I am so thankful for my coach and my best workout friend were right there for me. They were in my face telling me of course I could lift the weight, but I was making the responsible decision to pull back.

3. I started a new job on Monday and worked almost 20 hours at my part time job. Phew that was exhausting!

Week Thirteen WODS

Oct. 21 Warm up – row 400m row (148 heart rate)

Strength/skill: split squat with 1 pood KB – 5 sets of 7 each leg – ring dips 5 sets (157 heart rate)

Metcon: 12 min amrap – 7 sumo deadlift high pull (95/65), 7 burpees (I modified with 1 push up + 1 jumping jack = 1 burpee), 7 push ups – 5+19 (169 heart rate max)

Oct. 22 Warm up

Strength/skill: back squat 5×6. Did 80% of PR – 125#

Metcon:

  • 5 kbs (1.5/1 pood) + 5 thrusters (95/65) – 4 min amrap – 25 (this is where I lost my sh*t since my heart rate jumped so high)
  • 2 min rest
  • 5 cleans (95/65) + 5 weighted sit ups (45/25) – 4 min amrap – 50, but dropped to 45# & eliminated weight during sit ups
  • 2 min rest
  • 5 push press (95/65) + 5 t2b – 4 min amrap – 50, but did 45#

Oct 26 Ran 2.5 miles with the dog (164 heart rate)

Food: I’ve evened out a bit, but still need carbs to get through the day. I also need coffee since I’m worn out from all that’s going on!

Pregnancy: Week 12

YAY! Second trimester has officially started. We had a doctor appointment early in the week and heard the heartbeat. We both swooned. It was a crazy experience to hear that rapid pitter-patter coming from inside me.

Because we had such a successful appointment, we started sharing our news with more family and friends. We’ve enjoyed sharing our joy and hearing everyone’s reaction; however, nothing beats telling people in person or via FaceTime. With sharing our news, we’ve also received some great advice. There are some days I’m feeling lost … most specifically with attire. In addition to my boobs being huge and uncomfortable, my waist is expanding. Luckily, most of my pants still fit and I have a few pairs from my fat days tucked away that I can use.

I did ask the hubs after our appointment if I was being too nonchalant about our pregnancy. I felt like the doctor expected us to ask more questions or have more to say. The hubs said, “I feel like you’re approaching this like you did planning our wedding; you’re focused on things that you can control and that are important to you and aren’t worried about the things outside our control.” Excellent point.

I’ve had so many friends and family trail blaze this pregnancy chapter in life and I’ve learned a lot from them. Because of everything I’ve seen and heard:

  • I know we want a hospital birth;
  • I’m not opposed to drugs;
  • I want to avoid a c-section, if possible;
  • I would love to breastfeed, if it works out;
  • I am confident in my husband’s ability to coach me through labor;
  • I don’t want a cast of thousands in the delivery room (let’s be honest, just the hubs);
  • I want to transition the pooch comfortably so he loves and protects the baby instead of feeling replaced;
  • I want to be healthy and continue my workout regime.

I honestly believe the final bullet – the fact that we are typically paleo and CrossFit 3-4x a week allowed us easy conception and first trimester. I’ve been in touch with some amazing women who either CrossFitted during their pregnancy or are currently CrossFitting and pregnant. I can’t wait to share their stories with you. I’ll reveal a bit more about myself in the coming week (still need to broach some job hurdles) and then will start sharing the stories of others. Thanks for staying tuned!

Week Twelve WODS: So stoked I made it back to the box three times this week. In previous weeks, we were traveling and I had such extreme exhaustion, I really struggled. However, I have realized my exhaustion isn’t as extreme when I workout. Go figure!

Oct. 14 Warm up

Strength/skill: Push Press 3×5 Made it to 90# (about 80% of my PR)

Metcon: For time: 150 push ups; every fail or break, do 40 double unders or 120 singles – 20:21 I SUCK at double unders, so 720 singles it was! Average heart rate: 155 (surprised my coach it was lower than my normal days).

Oct. 15 Warm up

Strength/skill: Clean & Jerk 2×5 95# (about 15 pounds less than my pr)

Metcon: Two rounds for time – 40 russian kbs (1.5/1 pood), 30 box jumps (24’/20′), 20 hspu – 9:23. I do step ups instead of jumps on the box. Heart rate: 168

Oct. 17 Warm up

Metcon: Partner WOD for time – 40 snatches (135/95), 400m run, 40 muscle ups (3 ring dips + 3 pull ups = 1 mu), 800m run. Alternate reps with partner for snatches and muscle ups; run together. We did 65# on snatches and did the modified muscle ups (that took a lot of time!). Time: 39:51. Heart rate: 165

Food: Cooking during the week was easy and paleo focused. I did our favorite short rib recipe, spaghetti squash with meat sauce and a shepard’s pie. Lots of leftovers, which always makes the hubs happy. Thursday night I craved Boston Market’s sides (SO random considering I haven’t had Boston Market in 15+ years), so I went carb crazy with the cornbread, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and mac n’ cheese; chicken, too! It was so tasty!

Pregnancy: Week 11

So, I’m finally caught up to myself on the blog! Yippee! And I’m heading into my second trimester which will bring more of a reveal to who I am. While we’ve enjoyed sharing our special news with family and friends in person, it’s just not possible for everyone in our lives given the great geographic differences. Once we’ve shared with everyone, I’ll share more about me with you. Thanks for your patience!

This was a really tough week for exhaustion and pain. Especially the pain. Eleven years ago, I had a breast reduction, going from an almost E cup size to a B. I am so happy with that decision because it brought me much relief in back pain, trips to the chiropractor and the ability to shed my ugly, huge, expensive bras for the much cuter and more economical alternatives. However, in these 11 weeks, my chest has grown rapidly in preparation. My bras are barely fitting and there are days where the tenderness is overwhelming. To top it off, this week, my back felt the brunt of the growth. And it was very uncomfortable to sleep, hence the exhaustion.

I got a chiropractor appointment on Friday morning. Not only did that provide me instant relief, she also gave me a few tips for sleeping and a scapula brace to help with my posture. After my appointment, I napped most of the day!

My stomach is also beginning to pooch, but instead of the cute bump, I just look like a fat kid. Looking forward to the cute bump! This is not a fun phase since I  have worked so hard to not have a tummy the last 3+ years.

As a result of the back pain, I laid off CrossFit so I wouldn’t hurt myself further. I did make it to one WOD, but the rest of the week, I just took our dog on really long walks.

Week Eleven WODS:

Oct. 8 Warm up row for 3 minutes

Strength/skill: 400 m run (2:18/166 rpm for heart rate) + 500m row (2:13/163 rpm)

Metcon: Three Rounds for time – weighted run (45/25), 30 weighted sit ups, 20 ground to overhead, 15 box jumps (24/20) – 16:55/168 rpm. I ditched the weights for the first two movements because of my back + pregnancy. I really had to slow myself down with everything to better keep my heart rate in check. Wasn’t easy since I’m so stinking competitive!

Oct. 13 2.15 mile run with the pooch. Took about 25 minutes (had some potty stops with pooch) and heart rate reached 164 rpm. Felt great to have running weather again!

Food: This week was much easier to get back into cooking. The hubs was praising Jesus and all that’s holy. While I managed some cooking, I also had some crazy cravings – Cheez Its, Fruity Peebles (yes, seriously!), Barbara’s peanut butter Puffins and popsicles.

Breakfast has been really difficult and making sure I’m getting enough veggies is equally challenging. Today I made ham and egg cups to help the both problems. Super simple and paleo –  preheat oven to 350 degrees; saute 1/2 cup of onion and 1/2 cup of mushrooms; spray muffin tin with olive oil spray and place ham slices in cups; spoon in mushroom and onion mix; crack individual eggs into ham cups; bake for 15 minutes or until ham edges are crisp. Enjoy!

Balanced breakfast

Balanced breakfast

Pregnancy: Week 9

We had yet another appointment at the doctor’s office this week to get on their routine schedule. The appointment came equipped with a bossy, argumentative nurse practitioner, who decided my timeline from the M.D. wasn’t accurate. Whatever! Needless to say, not smart to argue with a hormonal pregnant woman.

Baby L - 9 weeks

Baby L – 9 weeks

The joy of the week was starting to share our secret! We decided to wait until I was almost through my first trimester in the event of a miscarriage. Since we’ve seen a healthy, rapid heartbeat, we’re feeling pretty good about sharing the news.

We sent care packages to our parents, the hubs grandparents and my sister. Each received a brag book with sonograms from six and eight weeks. We also sent little boxes with Hershey’s hugs & kisses. Our parents also received journals for them to write about their life to give to the baby in nine months (we’ll see who wins that!). They all thought we were sending wedding pictures – fooled them!

We also traveled to San Diego for a long weekend and were able to share our news with some friends and extended family. It’s so much more fun creating this life with joy from the people you love.

While there, both my aunts made delicious, healthy meals for us. I was in heaven eating food I didn’t have to prepare or that didn’t come from a fast food spot (while this ends up being all I can eat, it totally turns me off mentally!). The hubs was beyond ecstatic to have real, good food and lots of it! Friday night we enjoyed salmon, rice, salad and ice cream (of course!). Saturday was some delicious Mexican chicken creation. Sunday was a surf and turf spread with shrimp fresh from Galveston, Texas, gorgeous filets, caesar salad with my aunt’s secret recipe and two loafs of bread – sourdough or olive loaf. YUM! For dessert, we had apple cherry cobbler fresh from Julian with … you guessed it … ice cream! Good thing I’m getting my calcium covered!

Week Nine WODS:

Sept. 24 Warm up

Strength/skill: hang cleans got to 105#

Metcon: Four rounds for time – 200m run, 20 wall balls, 20 squats 20 over head weighted lunges (45/25) – 16:57 for 3 rounds; was feeling spent from the running and wall balls. Heart rate hovered around 164 rpm.

Food: This week is about the same as last. Craving lots of carbs and ice cream. Aversion to cooking/handling meat.

Sadly, my box in San Diego was closed for the weekend while the coaches were at a training camp. Wish I could have squeezed in another WOD or two.