Ever since people started to actually notice that I’ve lost weight—err, am losing weight—I’ve been told over and over and over again that I’m inspirational. That I’m motivational. One of my friends at school decided to start Weight Watchers just because she saw how I’ve changed over the last year. Someone who has lost more … Continue reading »

Last week, I decided to go strict Paleo to see if it might help me prepare for the Strongman competition. I fully admit that I have never been strict Paleo. I have incorporated many of its elements into my daily life,  but I will consistently eat products that contain dairy (I don’t drink milk anymore, … Continue reading »

I’m sorry to all of those who eagerly anticipate my updates. All two of you. I know. Ha! The last week or so, and the next two weeks, have been and will be utter hell. Yup, it’s finals time again. So I’m apologizing for the lack of postage last week. I had every intention of … Continue reading »

First off, hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! Did anyone stay on plan (whatever your plan may be)? I should also take just a second to tell you what I’m thankful for. I am so, so thankful for my family, who puts up with my regular shenanigans; my baby puppy (who’s actually 4 years old, … Continue reading »

Okay, I’m a little confused. A few people recently have told me that now moderate amounts of steamed rice is okay for those who are doing paleo, and that it has less of an impact on your system than steel-cut oats. I have no idea, and since I don’t normally do 100% paleo, I wasn’t … Continue reading »

I went to Strong(wo)man yesterday, and at the end, I really wanted to just drop out of the competition. My confidence is very much shaken at this point, and for some reason everybody seems to think that I’m a lot stronger than I actually am. For the first time ever, I tried the log. And … Continue reading »

For the last year, everyone and their moms have told me about Paleo Krunch. People are obsessed with this stuff! Really! So, when FFO was around the corner, I used this as an excuse to go super crazy in my little primal kitchen. The fruit roll-ups were one product of my madness. Another successful project? … Continue reading »

You thought I had enough competing with Fall Face-Off? Apparently not. So, since FFO, I’ve been attending Strong(wo)man classes every Tuesday, when I’m not working. It’s super fun! And most of the time, I’m the only girl in the class. I think this makes me badass, but some people I know, I think, think it … Continue reading »

Good. Holy. God. I’ve been Crossfitting for an ENTIRE YEAR. That’s INSANE! What’s even more insane is this: And this: Holy Mother of the Bar, can you believe that that is/was me? I know that I can’t. Good. God. When I stepped into Albany Crossfit a year ago, did I ever think I would still … Continue reading »

A few weeks ago when I was preparing for Fall Face-Off, I was way too worried about logistics. I mean, somebody had to be, right? I, for some reason, was freaking out about the food situation. I mean, it was going to be an all-day ordeal, and nobody was going to be providing food. I … Continue reading »

This was originally written for Albany Crossfit, posted on 03 November 2011. Find the post here. Also, listen to some reflections on my journey and this blog post from Caleb, Jay, and Murph on their most recent podcast, beginning around 12:00. A few years back, I was going through old stuff in my bedroom at … Continue reading »

So. Just about everyone I know makes and/or loves mashed cauliflower. And I never really understood. Last year, I tried making it for the first time, and really I just wanted mashed potatoes. I stuck my cauliflower into my blender and pureed it until smooth. And I probably added all sorts of crap, like butter … Continue reading »

Remember my pancake mega-fail a few months ago? Well, since then, I’d pretty much given up on a satisfying Paleo equivalent to fluffy, buttery pancakes. Mmmm. But then I came across this divine recipe for Paleo-friendly German pancakes over at the Foodie and Family. I was going to feature a different recipe today, but I … Continue reading »

I’ve been thinking about this for a while. And, you know, I just need to say it. If you’re going to come to Crossfit, please. Don’t be an asshole. I know I’ve probably stolen my favorite jump rope back from someone maybe once (sorry, Walter!), but, you know, he didn’t know that the Nike jump … Continue reading »

I have issues. My grip strength sucks, and I weigh more than most Crossfitters. This has become one lethal combination for my hands. While I’m seeing improvements on both fronts, my calluses still have the tendency to tear at any given moment (like this weekend, even when my hands were taped). It’s gross and uncomfortable. … Continue reading »

Last winter, one of my Portland WW leaders told me that she put spinach in her smoothies. I was simultaneously repulsed and curious. She really tried to say how frickin’ delicious it was. “Here’s what ya do,” she said enthusiastically. “Throw in some spinach, throw in a packet of the WW French Vanilla Smoothie Mix, … Continue reading »

I don’t want to come off as some hormonal crazy-lady, but I’ve had the most insane and emotional week at Crossfit in my near-year of being at ACF. I can’t really explain it. You know how sometimes things just sort of start to click? And you just sort of start getting it? I think that’s … Continue reading »

Inspired by Health-Bent. Did I not warn you that I would be posting anything and everything having to do with winter squash? Yup, I did. And I plan to make good on that notion. I was perusing the Intarwebs recently for a few good recipes, and I happened to come across Health Bent’s Paleo Maple, … Continue reading »

Over the next few weeks, you will see how truly obsessed I am with both pumpkin and butternut squash (á la Paleo Pumpkin Muffins…). Do you guys remember the pumpkin oats I sprang on you back in April? Well, it’s time for an incarnation of this recipe to reappear. I don’t know why I’m obsessed … Continue reading »

I’m such a nerd. But I’m super stoked. This week, I’m on Albany Crossfit’s Sunday Chat, which is a weekly post, featuring an interview with one (or a few) of the members at ACF. In this episode, you can hear me talk all about how I got started, why I love it, and a yumtastic … Continue reading »

WW isn’t something I like to talk about. In fact, I pretty much avoid it at all costs. I went an entire summer getting brunch almost every Friday after my meeting with a friend, who didn’t know, until August, that I was going to these meetings, and that’s why I couldn’t meet earlier than 10:45 … Continue reading »

Whoa. It’s been a while. It’s been an insane summer. I guess I’ll probably write about that later. Quick recap: I actually didn’t do anything Crossfit-related over the past three months. I felt really down about it for a while, but I honestly could not get myself to join the Crossfit near my family’s home … Continue reading »

Wow. I have officially been a Crossfitter for six months. Actually, six months and change. I officially began Crossfit the last week of October/first week of November 2010 (with a fateful workout with Desi). I can’t remember when that first workout happened, but I know it was early on in November. However, the first records … Continue reading »

When I want to eat clean, Mikey has been an invaluable resource. We’re pretty much constantly shooting ideas back and forth (okay, so it’s mostly him giving me yummy things to eat), and we both started eating clean around the same time, although it sounds like he is strict far more often than I am. … Continue reading »

Sometimes I get frustrated. Sometimes I get frustrated when people want to go meatless and then eat a Boca burger. Why? Because, in my old age, I have become one of those people who believes that if you’re gonna do it, then do it—don’t mess around and eat some processed meatless “chicken” nuggets or “ribs” … Continue reading »

So before you get on my case about how often I talk about Crossfit, I thought I should let you know why I drank that sugar-free Kool Aid, and love Crossfit. Continue reading »