After a red-eye flight and only sleeping 3 hours, Mal and I really wanted to skip CrossFit last night, but our food logs for the Paleo Challenge were due, so we bucked up and went to class. We figured we had to go to our box anyway, so why not workout while there?
The first week of the Paleo Challenge started out great for me, but it was much more difficult to stick with it while on vacation. I ate fairly well (lots of eggs, veggies, and sandwiches with lettuce wraps), but I also enjoyed all sorts of fun, non-Paleo foods, including wine, cake, pizza, croissants, pumpkin muffins, and Halloween candy. Obviously, all of those negative points added up, so I got the lowest score possible for the Challenge on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Point-wise, Mal was in the same boat (the two of us actually had some of the lowest scores for the week at our box), but we’re back on board for Week 2!
Workout
Last night’s WOD was “Michael,” which our box first did back in April, so I was excited to see how my time compared. I was actually hoping to beat my previous time, but I knew it might be tough after coming back from a never-ending colitis flare, a whirlwind weekend, and barely sleeping the night before. Even still, I gave it my best effort.
Well, my best effort wasn’t enough to beat my previous time, and I finished more than a minute slower. (I finished in 18:40.) I actually thought I’d be more bummed about my performance, but I didn’t let it get to me. No crying this time! Haha!
After struggling with my health for the past two months, I’ve really adjusted my fitness expectations. I don’t expect myself to exercise 6 days a week anymore, I’m much more realistic about my goals, and I’m all about rest days and sleep lately. And, honestly, I was just happy be back at CrossFit and working out last night. (I swear, I must look like the biggest goofball when I’m there because I walk around and smile the entire time.) “Michael” may have got the best of me last night, but adjusting my expectations has really helped me stay positive and motivated during this transition. I’m not at my previous level of fitness, but I know I’ll get there. It just takes some time, patience, and hard work.
Dinner
DELICIOUS dinner last night! We had Paleo Pad Thai with coconut aminos. I still think the recipe is amazing without them, but they definitely add a little something to it.
(How funny is that pug face? I wonder what “coconut aminos” sounds like for him to do that ridiculous head tilt? Haha!)
I cooked the spaghetti squash earlier in the day (along with some acorn squash – might as well as long as I have the oven on!), so all I had to do was cook the chicken and veggies and make the sauce when I got home. It came together in no time at all!
I love, love, love this dish. It’s easily my favorite recipe from Well Fed.
Health News & Views
Not motivated to workout? Are your old playlists boring you to death? Take it up a notch with this high-intensity playlist. It’s guaranteed to make you sweat!
40-Minute ”˜Get Your Sweat On’ Cardio Playlist
Moving Comfort Urban Gym Capri Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway to win a pair of Urban Gym Capris from Moving Comfort! Here’s your winner:
Jo
I’ve loved the moving comfort sports bras for years but their clothes are great too! I’m crazy about both the urban gym capris and the flex hoodie – and I’d bet they’d go great together!
Congrats, Jo! Please email me at tina@carrotsncake.com with you full name, mailing address, and size to claim your prize.
Practical Paleo Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway to win a copy of Practical Paleo! Here’s your winner:
JenS
I would LUV this book! I am on day 8 of the whole30 and new to Paleo eating and struggling with planning meals that the whole family will enjoy.
Congrats, Jen! Please email me at tina@carrotsncake.com with you full name and mailing address to claim your prize.
Question of the Day
How does your fitness performance affect your mood? Does adjusting your expectations change this? How have you adjusted your fitness expectations after an injury/illness/pregnancy/time off?
