Lead a Fit and Healthy Life
Giving Back
CrossFit Impavidus: CrossFit For Hope
018 hours ago
You know what I realized this morning more than ever before – how much I love to help others discover how strong they are. I coached the 6A class this morning and the workout was Helen – she’s a hard one. 400m run, 21 KB swings, 12 Pull ups – 3 RFT. Yeah quite a little mean lady. I will admit I was happy that I wasn’t doing the WOD today — just coaching it people to push on and get through it.
We had a full class and I had a ball. It was a lot of fun. I am trying to be the coach that I like to have coaching me. Sees when I am struggling and is the one to say Let’s go, pick up the KB. You can do it. A friend when you need it, and a pusher when you need it. I am sure I need more work on delivery and technique of coaching athletes – but that will come with time. My goal is to ensure they get the proper instruction and have fun for that hour. If it’s torture and boring for them — they won’t continue and reach success.
The other thing that is amazing for me to see — we are days away from the end of the Whole Life Challenge and to see some of the transformations that have taken place is so inspiring and makes it all worthwhile for me. The me that i am now, would never have guessed I would be where I am now. Helping inspire and push people to get healthy, fit and find their inner strength – many for the first time. How can I not love CrossFit? Almost daily, you get to see real changes in people for the better and you play a part in it.
The pic I included is of 4 CrossFit Impavidus athletes that are so different than when they walked in the door. Through their hard work, commitment and good support they have done it. Made lasting changes that improve their quality of life – and isn’t that what we all want? Better living, Better Life.
CrossFit Impavidus is participating in a nationwide CrossFit fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for St. Judes and help find a cure for childhood cancer. CrossFit for Hope fundraiser on June 2 at 10A at the box.
Instead of a free open community workout, we are holding a fundraiser – $5 minimum donation will get you in on the group workout. It’s for a great cause!
I will not be there though – my brother’s wedding in San Fran is that same day and as much as CrossFit is my family, my genetic family comes first!!
Pay It Forward…
03 weeks ago
I won a $25 gift card at work the other day and have decided to donate it to a local family I heard about today. Times are hard and this family is having a rough go — the husband lost his job and wife is on disability and they are not making ends meet. The story is probably similar to others around the country and whatever I can do to help someone in need — I will do. Hope it helps!
It’s about paying it forward, really. I have been so blessed by people in my life who have held my hand and helped me through the rough times, so why not help others!
Today’s workout was one of those ladies of CrossFit – Diane.
Warmup
jog around the bldg
pass thrus
squats
Skill
deadlifts
Handstand transitions
WOD
Diane
21 – 15 – 9
Deadlift (225/155)
Handstand Push Ups
time: 6:18
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
03 months ago
It was another proud moment yesterday watching Hannah up on the stage sharing our family’s story. She worked hard to improve her presentation and it really showed. Remember, she’s only 9!
It was a touching evening overall –the videos and the stories really touched my heart. I can relate to much of it and it’s comforting to hear from others going through the same thing. It’s sad that we all are a ‘family’ because we have had to deal with some scary challenges in our lives, but it is what it is and you come together to help one another the best you can. This year they are also going to honor caregivers.
As a caregiver of a cancer fighter myself — I know it’s a really hard job in every way. So honoring those that care so much is so worthwhile!
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life sounds like a very fun event –
- Overnight relay-style event
- Teams of people camp out around a track
- Members of each team take turns walking around the track for the duration of the event
- Food, games and activities provide entertainment and fundraising opportunities
- Family-friendly environment for the entire community
Because it’s a Relay, you’re not required to be there the entire time…but it’s so fun, you’ll probably find it hard to leave!
Now – we all have charities we support, so when looking into one –make sure that it meets your own goals and also look into how they spend their money. I am often dismayed to find out how Non-profits use the money we all donate. Be a smart with your donations and make sure they are doing what they said they were going to!
I like events that give people the opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease.
Locks of Love
09 months ago
I’m beyond proud of my little girl HB. She decided today to donate her hair to Locks of Love. Snip, Snip, Snip 12 inches gone. She looks beyond beautiful and hasn’t had a second thought about it. She told me – now she doesn’t have to brush her hair.
love her.
After:
Raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project
011 months ago
I had already decided that today was going to be a forced Rest Day – even though a part of me totally wanted to challenge myself with the workout today. But I got home late and had a great night last night — headed to Jimmy’s in Herndon to guest bartend and hang out with our fellow athletes to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. We raised $600 selling raffle tickets for tshirts, memberships and talking about the great cause. A great time and great group of people.
This morning, ESPN sports center was on the tv and they showed a clip of Football players training waiting for the lockout to run its course. The players were doing exactly the same training we do at CrossFit. Med balls being thrown to the ground (woodchops), ropes being waved, running ladders, pulling sleds (although they were pulling the big tires). Think about it – I am doing the same training that professional Football players are doing – how cool is that? Am I ready for the NFL — hell no.
So – not everything is coming up roses. The last 2 days I have totally been slipping in my focused Paleo eating and I can feel it. I have eaten pure junk food, which is totally not like me. I’m not sure if its all the stress that I have been under or what — but eating MM’s out of the bag is not a good thing after all the work I have done. I am not going to beat myself up about it. It happens, acknowledge it, and get back on track.
Tomorrow, I am helping oute at YouthFest 2011 at the Brambleton Town Center 3p-7p in Ashburn VA . The event features local youth bands and performers, attractions, interactive exhibits, food and more. Created and run by teens. The CFI folks want to promote their CrossFit Impavidus KIDS/TEENs program and will be holding an interactive demo at 4P. Should be fun to talk about CrossFit and meet some local teens!
Hug someone today
011 months ago
thought that this was worth re-posting:
Since we found out that my dad was sick with cancer this past year, I won’t leave the house without hugging and kissing my parents. I have come to realize that every minute I have with them is a gift from God. Every hug, every word, every kiss—all gifts that I tuck into the treasure chest of my heart. I cherish their wisdom, their loving kindness, and yes—their touch.
We all need physical contact–numerous studies have proved that, and common sense confirms it to be true.
…“Verbal and physical affection enable a child to learn morality. When loving parents teach morality and impulse control children listen. Physical affection turns children into sponges ready to absorb the lessons parents teach. Teens also need hugs and praise.” Liane J. Leedom, M.D. Mother, Author, Psychiatrist.
CrossFit and Community
011 months ago
We met Kelly again today at CrossFit. She is one of those mean ladies that are considered benchmarks. I woke up with a sore throat and tired and should have listened to my body more but I love the challenge of doing these benchmarks — so I went. It was tougher than I expected. I usually am absolutely fine pushing through to finish — but after round 2, my internal voice was like quit, leave, stop. But I didn’t. It totally confirmed to me that tomorrow is a rest day. Even I need to be reminded to not burn out.
Tonight my box, CrossFit Impavidus is hosting a Happy Hour at Jimmy’s in Herndon to benefit the Wounded Warrior. I have said this before but this is really one of the things I love about CrossFit. Community is a very important part of it all — getting together, having fun and also helping others. Doing stuff like that helps with your workouts at the box — the support and connections you make. I never got that with my Gold’s membership.
Warmup
800m run
10 squats
10 Pass thrus
10 Whirly Birds
10 Handstands (try to touch your shoulder with one arm, shifting your weight)
Skill
Muscle Ups AGAIN!
WOD
Kelly
5 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
30 box jump
30 Wall ball shots
time: 32:22
Squat Cleans
011 months ago
Since we had family in town this weekend, we officially moved Father’s Day to next Sunday in our house. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do — It was so fun to have my big brother here for the weekend. I love seeing my kids around their family since we don’t live near any — it’s really important that my kids get to establish relationships with them whenever they can. With 5 brothers and sisters, there are certainly a lot of relationships to work on. And my Mom came as well and helped watch the kids while we went to the Cure By Design event in DC.
Cure By Design was so fun. It was the first year of this event here in DC, so not a huge crowd but a super nice group of people all coming together for a really great cause. So many stories — and seeing Scotty up there brought back a lot of memories of our treatment. People asked me how did we find out — when did it begin. I don’t really talk about that stuff anymore — being 3 years out of it, so talking about was hard. It definitely is fun to get all dressed up, gussied up and go to a fancy event in the Big City! Open bar, lots of hor d’ourves –and hanging out with Scott and my brother. Really fun event.
I’m still a bit worn out from last week’s brutal workouts. I definitely took yesterday off and because it was a celebration weekend of sorts, I did not eat all that well starting Friday evening through yesterday. I am going to once again re-focus because it may be in my head but I can feel the extra crap food on me. I don’t like that feeling…
Warmupx2
20 Double Unders
10 Pass thrus
10 Ring Rows
10 Med Ball Cleans
Skill
False grip on rings
WOD
15m AMRAP
7 power squat cleans (80% bodyweight) 65#
7 Chest to bar pull ups (I did no band pull ups, working on my kip)
total: 5+ 7 squat cleans/5 pull ups
Cure By Design – American Cancer Society Event June 18, 2011
01 year ago
Scotty is going to be a cancer survivor model in this Cure By Design Event and I am of course going to be there to root him on. The tickets are a bit on the pricey side but it’s for a great cause and should be a great time — Would love to have some friends there as well if possible…
Cure by Design is an event in which the fashion, design and retail communities join forces with the local corporate community to benefit the American Cancer Society. The focus of this special evening is a fashion show that spotlights designer fashions and, more importantly, the cancer survivors who model them. These survivor models are living proof of the strides we are making in the fight against cancer, and their vibrant smiles portray a message of hope for the cure.
The money raised at Cure by Design enables the American Cancer Society to fund cutting-edge research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. By supporting Cure by Design, you are partnering with the American Cancer Society to help cancer patients in your community.
Please join us for a fabulous fashion show, elegant reception, and exciting live and silent auctions, as we celebrate survivorship and fashion!
Please join us as we celebrate survivorship and fashion!
Tickets on sale until June 16, 2011 (or until the show is sold out).
Fashion Show and Reception
$200 per person
Fair Market Value of $75; $75 of your purchase is a tax-deductible donation.
Reserved section of 10 for the Fashion Show and admission to the Reception
$2,000 for section of 10 attendees
Cure by Design
June 18, 2011
Grand Hyatt Washington @ Washington Center
6:00 PM-9:00 PM
6:00 PM Registration
7:00 PM Cocktail Reception/Silent Auction begins
Sponsored by The George Washington Cancer Institute
8:00 PM Survivor Fashion Show / Live Auction
9:00 PM Survivor Toast
