Begin Again

Monday, January 7th, 2013

We would like to wish all of our athletes that are taking part in the Paleo Challenge the best of luck! As the challenge begins today, these first few days will likely be tough. Remember, planning and preparation can make all the difference. Don't get caught without the right kinds of food easily on hand. Think ahead. Create a meal plan and follow through with it. Stay busy and active. Don't allow yourself empty free time to sit around and think about what you "can't" have.

Take a moment to read this great synopsis submitted by TCF athlete, Dena, after she sucessfully completed the Paleo Challenge we had this past fall. We just love what she had to share and know it will be a great inspiration to others.

The Paleo Diet Challenge for me, was much more than a diet. It was 6 weeks of learning about my strengths and weaknesses, how my body worked, and self control. I can definitely say that I am not the same person I was 6 weeks ago. I am happier, healthier, and smarter. When I first heard of the challenge, my first thought was “No way! I love food too much and would never last that long”. I had no intentions of doing the challenge and never gave it another thought. One day at the gym, I was approached by another member who asked if I was doing the challenge. I laughed and told him that there was no way that I would diet. I have never dieted before and I have an obsession with food. He told me to think about it a bit and that I should give it a try. I went home that night and thought about it long and hard and came up with the conclusion, “Why not?” This was the perfect opportunity for me to test my inner strength and be a part of something. The weekend leading up to the challenge, I went to the store and stocked my pantry up with paleo friendly foods. I figured that if I was going to do this, I was going to have to be very strict with myself. My family thought I was crazy and that I would only last 2 days on the diet. This gave me even more incentive. The first week was tough and I found that I was eating more meals/snacks, but wasn’t feeling full. I then had to take a better look at what I was eating and make sure I was getting enough fats in my diet. By the second week, my body was feeling great! I still struggled with cravings, but I was experimenting with recipes and finding things to replace the foods that I was yearning to eat. As the weeks went on, I got better and better at it. The foods that I expected to miss the most (cheese, bread, pasta), I didn’t miss at all! My strength and energy level improved dramatically. So did my workouts! At the end of the challenge yesterday, I had a huge feeling of accomplishment. I did it! Something that I never thought I could possibly do, I did and with only a few cheats. I learned that I don’t give myself enough credit and am quick to doubt myself. I also came out of this with a great partner and friend. It was great to be able to share this experience with someone and have a person that knows what you are going through. Though the challenge is over, I will continue on my paleo journey, however I will allow myself a little more “cheats” now and then!

Workout of the Day

Push/Split Jerk - 15 minutes to find your 1 rep max.

then, for time...

Perform 3 burpees and repeat 3 burpees every 30 seconds. For the remainder of the 30 second interval, complete as many wall ball shots as possible. Continue this until you have completed 100 wall ball shots.

Post heaviest load and time to comments.

You, on the Standard American Diet (SAD...Yes.)