Fight for my life

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  This post is not meant to be depressing. It’s just a peek into where some of my “health” drive originates… Within the last 2 years God has rocked my world.  Since April of 2010, more than 7 friends, family, co-workers, church friends, old friends and friends of friends have been diagnosed with cancer.  Each had a different type of cancer. Some recovered more quickly, but others were not given a good prognosis.  At the time the gravity of their situations did not sink in to my thick skull. But 4 short months later, mortality slapped me hard in the face when my Uncle Tom, the first of 3 within a 3 month period, passed away from this horrible disease in July of 2010… My eyes are wide open now.  Cancer, a word that just a few short years ago was something that happened to “other people” and was something you just got removed from your skin, now stares at me daily through the eyes of so many friends and family.

Each of these loved ones who are/were stricken with this, fight/fought for their lives every day.  Every day the diagnosis is/was forced upon them whether they have/had the will power to fight it or not.

Which begs the question, what should I be fighting for?  What do I take for granted? Is lack of will power an excuse for me to eat poorly? Is being tired a good excuse to skip the gym? I know that I am not battling in the same war they are and would never dare to compare any skirmish I have in life with theirs.  But we cannot deny that each day we wake up we have to choose to Fight for Our Life while we have the opportunity!

I’m a fixer… If there is a solution to a problem, or even a band-aid option I’m all over it… But I can’t fix this.  I can’t ignore it, prevent it or wish it away.  My meager attempts at humor, or making a meal, small talk or doing little helpful things provide only some solace and comfort but no healing.

So what else CAN I do?

Things like Crossfit and Paleo are not the antidote. They do not make me invincible or untouchable.  They will not save me from cancer, a car accident, a lightning bolt or however God chooses to bring me home. But they are hopefully, a means to a stronger fighter. They are practices by which my body will be healthier and stronger should I ever be faced with the harsh physical realities of this world.  I talk about the battles I fight against myself at the gym, with the pull-up bar or my eating habits and self control.  I recognize that these are mere mole-hills compared to the mountains so many around me face… but I’ve decided to become a fighter and do something with the time I’ve been given and hopefully honor these dear warriors, even if in just a small way… So for Uncle Tom, Debbie, Kandice, Juanita, Kat, Brian, Grandma and all the others who have touched my life and have tackled cancer in one form or another I will Fight for My Life by being a healthier Leah. 

Help Your Community, Feed Your Soul

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It seems that every day I hear something new about chemicals and additives in our water, in our foods, and in our foods’ foods.  This is largely due to the pesticides applied to America’s food crops. Like every other industry, industrial agriculture is constantly searching for ways to increase their profit margin, and hardly ever do these ways improve the nutritional content, health, or safety of most of the foods commercially available to consumers. Sadly, these practices are purposely concealed from consumers and most agribusinesses spend millions, billions perhaps, in marketing and litigation to make certain that the public remains uneducated and uninformed about what exactly we’re putting into our bodies.

Source: diynatural.com via Crystal on Pinterest

So what can you do to ensure you’re doing right by your body and the planet? With summer quickly approaching, I recommend finding out if there are any CSAs in your area. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy fresh (often organic) and local produce directly from the folks that grow it. Unlike a more traditional Farmer’s Market, a CSA typically involves a membership, where “shares” are purchased at the beginning of the season and the members receive regular distribution of seasonal produce. It’s a great way to experiment with new foods and recipes and also to meet other health- and earth-conscious friends in your area.

CSAs benefit local communities by supporting local economies.  If the farms are organic, then CSAs help to keep poisonous chemicals out of the soil and from seeping in to the groundwater. CSAs also prevent the excess use of fossil fuels by providing local distribution of seasonal foods, versus driving/flying items from thousands of miles away.

This will be my second summer with Laughing Stock Farm, here in Portland.  Our farmers, Ralph and Lisa, are great and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them. Every Thursday in the summer I go to pick up our farm food.  I chose the 3/4 share, which typically includes between 6-8 items, varying each week from greens and lettuces to peppers, tomatoes, squash, and even fresh flowers when we’re extra lucky.  The cost works out to around $20 per week, comparable to purchasing the same organic items from Whole Foods.  We also have the option to purchase local meats, eggs, breads and dairy on an a la carte basis—great for all of your Paleo folks looking for clean, healthy options! Obviously the cost will vary from farm to farm, but there’s almost certainly a budget-friendly option in every city.  Doesn’t your body deserve a little upgrade anyway?!

If you’re not sure how to find a CSA in your area, you can try plugging in your zip code into the map at Local Harvest which is a national database of farms and CSAs

Source: localharvest.org via Arielle on Pinterest

If you’re already a CSA member, please share some of your favorite vegetable recipes!  

Encouragement

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I had an Ah-Ha moment the other day when I realized how important encouraging words are.  I just want to remind everyone of the power we possess through encouragement and friendliness.

I've been going to my box for 5 months now and somewhere along the way I've made great friends, progressed in my training and have forgotten what it feels like to be the "new person"... I remember what it felt like walking into the gym for the first time wondering if people were judging me on my weight or skill level. I remember wishing I knew more people and was part of the fun friendships that others had already formed. Thankfully, right away people were welcoming, encouraging and helpful. I've slowly progressed in my training and become accustomed to the friendly atmosphere here, but this week,  the fine people at my box reminded me what it means to be part of their team.

People are always saying nice things and cheering me on and I love it! Here are a few examples: I received some very sweet comments made by a couple amazing female athletes at my gym telling me that I looked great and they could really see my hard work paying off. They weren't just comments that you're "supposed to say to the girl on the diet". These girls noticed a difference in me and went out of their way to let me know. They made me feel like a million buck$.  It changed my mood and made me want to stay on track and keep working.

Another was a couple days ago. It was a killer WOD and my mind-set was to "JUST GET THROUGH IT WITHOUT LOOKING DUMB"!  Huffing and puffing by myself afterward, I was proud of my effort. A newer member came up to me and said "you're really good at this!" At first I was elated that he felt that way, but then I had a twinge of regret wondering if I fail to encourage others as often as they encourage me.

Sometimes I think my opinion doesn't matter, but it does.  Sometimes I am just off in my own world, but that is not a good excuse. My words matter to the person who gets recognized.  I can't hide behind being new or shy or inexperienced anymore.  Now it's my job to encourage others to feel welcome and wanted like they did for me. 

You may never fully know how you effect the people around you.  I encourage you to be aware. Look for opportunities to build someone up today,  whether at work, at home, at the gym, or maybe even the cashier at the grocery store. I thrive off positive re-enforcement and I'm pretty sure they do too!

What's in the Box?

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"Before you begin, the journey toward your fitness goals can seem as daunting as climbing over a mountain. But I think Leah and I agree that we have to take it one step at a time to get there. The scariest part is the decision to start.  We can't tell you how you should do this,  so instead we'd like to share with you how we got started and why we chose the path we are on."

LRS

LMS

Tell us a bit about your early athletic career. What sports did you play as a kid? 

LMS-I grew up in a very active family. My parents were both very avid tennis players, so I literally grew up with a racquet in my hands. To this  day it is my favorite sport. In addition to tennis, I was very active in fastpitch softball, basketball, volleyball, track, and I think even a short stint at water polo. I'm thankful that my parents let me explore a wide spectrum of activities, both encouraging me to try new things, but also supporting my decisions to quit those that I didn't fall in love with.
*It should be noted that my mother can still whoop my behind on the tennis court. I'm hoping when she's 80 I'll finally have my chance.

How did you end up at the box you attend?
LRS~ I heard about Crossfit because my of the amazing results my pastor's wife had gotten after joining her local box Crossfit Legacy. I was a bit concerned with the price, so when a Groupon became available, I jumped on it so I could see for myself what all the hype was about. On the first visit I knew this was something different! I knew it was so much more, but wasn't ready to fully commit at that time. In October of 2011 I was jolted into reality when I realized my 30th birthday was only 6 months away and I didn't like how I looked or felt. I decided to try Crossfit again because I enjoyed the atmosphere, camaraderie, and intense work outs.

LMS- In February of 2011, I moved from Las Vegas to Portland, Maine. This was my third solo, cross-country move, and by now I've pretty much gotten the routine down.  1) Find an apartment. 2) Find a gym. 3) Make friends.  I opted for Crossfit because it served two purposes; athletic and social. Thankfully I met two amazing women in my Foundations class, Allyson and Michelle, who have grown to be inspirations to me. They are far more dedicated and courageous than I, and I'm so proud of where this experience has taken them both.

What do you feel is the most important thing when deciding to join a gym? 
LRS~ I think this boils down to one question. Are you currently getting the results you want to see in your body?  Within a month I was able to say YES, I'm getting the training and results I had been missing. YES! I'm committed to this for my health, for my life, for me. YES! I have more energy, coordination, strength, and enjoyment in my life.

What are the pro's and con's between a conventional gym and a Crossfit box?
LMS-Crossfit is very focused on form and safety. Without a dedicated personal trainer at a conventional gym, I don't believe one would receive the attention to his or her form.  More importantly, a conventional gym doesn't come with a whole community who is invested in your growth, celebrating your milestones, and cheering you on right through the finish line. Cons? If I'm honest I'll say that it doesn't always provide the aerobic/cardio training that is part of a well-rounded exercise regimen. 

Does "community" play a role at your box?

LRS~ It's ABSOLUTELY about the people! I may not be able to list out each person who has contributed to my experience, but here's a little sampling of what I get to look forward to. The friendly competition (Ally), the encouragement (Heidi/Kathy), the mom (Michelle), the inspiration (Sharon), the helping hand (Lauren), the funny jokes (Wayne) and the funnier dance moves (Nick)! The personality (Ninjas), the eagerness (Dana) the support (Kris, Wilson, Travis and all of TBD...) and of course my coach (Brian). Seriously I could not find a better group of people to be around while getting my butt kicked. Thanks guys!


What is important to you when considering a trainer?

LRS~ Honestly at the end of the day I think your trainer is the most important consideration because they single-handedly have the power to make or break you. Finding the right trainer can remind you of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Trial and error till you find the one that is "Just Right". There are some really awesome trainers out there and I can't say enough good things about all of them. However each person is going to need to be trained by someone who fits their style.  
My trainers suite me because they are encouraging and fun but also know how and when to push me.  They are diligent about correcting and improving technique while also being my biggest cheerleader. Another huge reason is the experience and knowledge of my coaches. Each one has a proven track record of quality instruction but also strength of mind, body and character. The owner of Legacy, has a TON of experience with a degree in Sport Science and Athletic training, 10 years of experience prior to Crossfit as a Certified athletic trainer. He's a Certified Olympic Lifting Instructor and opened one of the first Crossfit gyms in Ohio.

How does your typical training week shape up?
LMS-In a perfect world, I would like to Crossfit 3 days a week, run 2 days a week, and go to yoga once a week. I'll be honest, I haven't been as diligent lately as I'd like to be. In addition to working full time, I am also enrolled in graduate classes at the Boston Architectural College where the courseload varies with each class. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day.  I would give almost anything to spring awake at 6am with energy to workout...unfortunately I have never been that successful at this.  I welcome ANY suggestions to form a new habit of this kind!

What are your strengths as a Crossfitter?

LMS-In this case I would have to say that my strength is my lack of fear. I'm not afraid to attempt a new PR, to hoist more weight overhead than perhaps I should be comfortable with, to fall off a box in an attempt at a new max height jump, or generally to get hurt and bruised.




Who or what in your life would you say is the biggest catalyst in your fitness goals? 

LRS~ At the moment that would be my impending 30th Birthday! I've got OCD when it comes to goal setting so when I set out to be the fittest I could be by May 2012 I had to revolutionize the way I lived my life. Of course I can thank the ladies in my family for fighting for their health right along side me as well as TBD... for challenging me daily.


LMS-My father, who passed away 7 years ago, supplied me with a nearly endless stream of wisdom-one-liners. The one that has stuck with me above all others is this: decide what you want, then decide what you're willing to give up for it. I am beyond grateful for this lesson in hard work and dedication, and for never believing that the things I want the most will come without sacrifice. 

Goals VS. Lifestyle

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My health journey thus far, realistically, has been very successful.  The count down to my 30th birthday is just over a month away and my fitness and diet goals have been coming along consistently. I am seeing fat loss and muscle definition in its place.  But instead of jumping for joy I let my outrageous expectations based on other peoples experiences disappoint me despite the real progress I have made. I have tantrums in my mind about how far along I "should" be by now. I even question whether its worth it sometimes (mind you its only been 2 months since I introduced myself to Paleo)
mind numbing rants...

The wrong expectations

I always hear new Paleo diet converts say things like "I have SO much more energy", "My hair and skin look AMAZING now!", "I have lost 10 lbs in ONE week!"

WHERE IS THE FINISH LINE?!!!?

Well, my experience has been much less dramatic than any of the statements above.  But that's not to say I haven't seen changes....I've been crossfitting for 4 months and been on a pretty strict Paleo diet for the latter 2 months and my body is definitely changing. I catch myself flexing in the mirror sometimes when I see a glimpse of a new muscle emerging, I notice the wear marks on my belt where the buckle used to fasten a few notches looser and I feel more confident in all my clothes. So why isn't that enough? Why am I always looking at how far away the finish line is and never at how far I've already come?

The wrong focus

My closest friends and family patiently listen daily as I tell them my new goals, the next BIG change I'm going to make, the ways I'm going to introduce some NEW thing to my regiment in order to reach the next goal in a shorter period of time. (Did i mention i do this ALL-THE-TIME!) While these little incentives have been a great tool for the first few months by getting me over the hump of introducing a new diet and exercise regiment, I question whether continuing to rely so heavily on them is really setting me up to maintain a lifestyle change.  You see, I set a goal, attain it and then what? Do I stop? With every goal or challenge there is an inherent "end" to it. My continual goal setting sets a narrow scope of time, where I obsessed over crushing the next challenge, thus training myself for the sprint of a diet and not the marathon of a healthy life. I worry that if I rely to heavily on short term goals that when they are over I'll slowly begin sliding back into old habits.  Will I continue to set  goals? YES! but should I let them run my life? I think not. I believe the motto I use about my career applies here  "I don't live to ( work, diet, exercise, set goals) I do them to LIVE!"

The right mind-set

I need to just be Leah and make the best decisions for my body that will benefit my long term health. I must simply remember that with consistency and time the fat and muscle ratio will work it self out and my body will reach its optimal shape. The other day I read a post called Paleo Women are Phat which really helped me adjust my perspective to a more realistic one about my expectations.   While the author of this post is a bit extreme about the topic by suggesting that women are not "supposed" to be lean, I think she understands and has accepted that her body is going to be different than those around her.  She has helped me to realize that the best ME is not going to be just like you. Every body is different and it is precisely that which makes each of us uniquely beautiful.  My results won't be the same as yours because I may be short and curvy, and you may be tall and lean.  But each of us has the opportunity to be the healthiest version of ourselves that we can.

What do you do to keep your self on track?