Month: May 2016

“Griff,” Fartlek, “Murph,” and “Drunk Murph”

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

SAT MAY 28, 2016 | “GRIFF”

As Jeff was out of town and I couldn’t secure someone to lead one of the Saturday sessions (Thanks for offering, Deborah!), I didn’t complete Saturday’s programmed WOD.

I was feeling the need to run, and I’m glad that I did! I worked out at the American Tobacco Trail doing so after 4pm. I had initially planned on going for an easy 5-mile run. Ha! Easy.

I warmed up, began running, and immediately thought, “I love running.” Whilst I didn’t run all out, I did run at a nice pace and glanced at my clock after first 400m — 1:47. Certainly not fast, but certainly not slow. Whilst finishing next 400m, i.e., 800m, I thought, “Why not do ‘Griff?'” The decision to do so was that immediate. I turned around and began running backwards.

Griff (Time)
Run 800m
Run 400m backwards
Run 800m
Run 400m backwards

Uhm, if I had thought this through I would’ve chosen a different section of the ATT, as the first 1,200m was downhill. Yup, the last half of the run was uphill, and I even ran backwards across White Oak Church Rd.

Time = 12:21

That’s more than a minute slower than PR. And I’m fine with that!

Did I mention that I love running?

2.5-mile Fartlek

I couldn’t tell you that last time that I completed a true fartlek. Yes, I’ve completed with endurance athletes, but never at the true pace and/or distance that I would — and should — run. To keep myself honest I would choose start and finish targets whilst sprinting. I also ensured that I took a breath every other step whilst sprinting. I wonder what thoughts passersby had as I, well, quickly passed them by…

‘Twas a very good run.

I rested Sunday.

MON MAY 30, 2016 | THE MURPH CHALLENGE

Murph (Time)

For Time:
1-Mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Air Squats
1-Mile Run
If you have a 20# vest or body armor, wear it.

In honor of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, NY, who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.

To learn more about Murph click here

My shoulder feels much better! I didn’t, however, want to risk injury so I took it easy today with both pull-ups and pushups.

As is tradition, I wore my very small and very white Nike running shorts. I wanted to make sure that I inspired Jaclyn.

I measured a 1-mile route yesterday. The STDB next door had lots of shit on the shared  sidewalk, so I quickly made a decision to change the course. Uhm, and it’s very likely that the 1-mile course is longer than a mile. Details provided tomorrow (when I’m completely sober and able to do math).

‘Tis a very humid day. Very humid. I did indeed wear what felt like a 40-pound but was a mere 20-pound weight vest.

Lucky and then Luke joined me for most of the run. This may have slowed me down as I kept a watchful eye on them.

What makes me think the mile was longer than 1600m? Because even at a good clip and whilst wearing a 20# weight vest it took me 8:30 to run. That’s a very slow mile for me. Jeff and May captured some (as always) candid pictures. I was merely adjusting my shorts and wasn’t intentionally showing of my muscular legs.

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I completed 2 sets of 10 unbroken pull-ups, numerous sets of 5 or more unbroken reps, and was completing doubles by about 80 reps. I completed the 1ooth rep as a single. I can’t recall the time it took me to complete the 100 reps and I didn’t record the time as I had planned.

Pushups were exceedingly challenging today. I began by completing sets of 5 unbroken reps and at no time completed more than that amount. When I finally reached 180 reps I began doing doubles and even completed the last two reps as singles.

Three hundred weighted air squats. The struggle was real. I began by completing two sets of 10 unbroken reps. Once again, 10 is the highest number of unbroken reps that I completed. As I wasn’t going for a PR, I felt no need to push it even with air squats.

I did, however, reposition myself in front of Jaclyn for a few rounds, you know, to inspire her. You’re welcome, Jaclyn.

The clock read 50 minutes when I finally began the last mile run. How do I know that the mile course was longer than a mile? Because it took me 10:15 to run! I could walk a mile that fast. Ha! “Murph” is a hero WOD so those completing should experience duress. I most certainly did.

Time = 1:00:15

I had mentioned to anyone who would listen that I once again planned on doing “Drunk Murph.” No one took the bait, i.e., no one offered to join me. Along with Jeff (my designated driver), Thom, Evelyn, Lauren, Ashlee, Stephen Cline, Wayne, and Dianne were “there” for me. I loaded up the pups and took a quick trip to the gas station across the street and purchased a 12-pack of 12 oz. Michelob Ultra beer.

Unlike last year, I completed this for time.

Drunk Murph
Drink beer (12 oz.)
Run 800m
50 pull-ups
Drink beer
100 pushups
Drink beer
150 air squats
Drink beer
Run 800m
Drink beer

I made sure to turn empty can upside-down and place on my head after consuming each beer. The clock wasn’t displayed, so Evelyn was kind enough to estimate my time. It usually took me about 90 seconds to drink a beer. Not bad, but I’ll have to do better than that if I wan’t to truly compete in a sanctioned beer mile.

A half mile run whilst not wearing a 20# weight vest felt like a walk in the park. The second beer went down easily.

Pull-ups whilst not wearing a 20# weight vest were easy to complete, and I did so in five sets of 10 unbroken reps. The third beer went down easily, although I was starting to feel slightly inebriated.

Pushups whilst not wearing a 20# weight vest felt wonderful, and I began with a set of 25 unbroken reps. The fourth beer still went down easily. I was also enjoying myself, talking with my posse whilst I drank. And dancing.

Air squats whilst not wearing a 20# weight vest felt very easy, and I began with 30 unbroken reps. I began to feel dizzy, but only when I stopped to briefly rest. I finished the 150th rep and yelled, “One more beer!” Someone (Wayne?) replied, “You have to finish with a beer.” I thought, “Is that right? It’s just one more beer. Do it.”

I drank my fifth beer and ran my last half mile. My posse cheered for me as I entered the box. I said, “Don’t applaud yet. I have one more beer to drink.” I glanced at the clock and it read 36 minutes. I proclaimed, “I’m going to come in under 37 minutes!” And that’s what I did.

Time = 36:51

I was quite inebriated when all was said and done, but not so drunk that we couldn’t meet Thom and Evelyn for lunch at West Park Tavern. As it was a cheat meal anyhow, I had “The Homewrecker.” That’s a foot-long beef hot dog loaded with all kinds of shit. ‘Twas delicious.

That’s three (probably more) miles of running, 150 pull-ups, 300 pushups, and 450 air squats. And 72 oz. of beer.

Napping was difficult, you know, because I had to pee every 20 or so minutes. I was also surrounded by animals whilst I napped. Jeff captured this pic. (That’s a pillow between my legs, but thanks for asking.)

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I Set Aside My Ego

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

No hangover this morning. Good! Was wide awake at 3:30 in the morning. Prednisone. Dammit.

I coached the 6, 7, & 8:30 sessions and joined the 9:30 athletes for an awesome session.

Cleaning is fun.

FRI MAY 27, 2016 | GOING UP IN TWOS

Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds)

With a continuously running clock complete 5 cleans every minute.
From 0 – 5 use 75# (Rounds 1 – 5)
Rest min 5 – 6
From 6 – 11 use 95# (Rounds 6 – 10)
Rest min 11 – 12
From 12 – 17 use 115# (Rounds 11 – 15)
Rest min 17 – 18
From 18 – 23 use 135# (Rounds 16 – 20)
Rest min 22 – 24
From 24 – 29 use 155# (Rounds 21 – 25)

Continue adding 20# every 5 minutes for as long as you are able.

My goal was to make it through round 20, i.e., through the 135# cleans, and then see if I could possibly get in a round at 155#. I’ve lost a few more pounds and am once again flirting with 140.

Seventy-five pounds felt light, and I completed all rounds of 5 in unbroken reps and in about 15 seconds. Ninety-five pounds also feel light, and I kept up the pace. It was nice that Wayne was facing me, as I knew he was attempting to keep up with me and this motivated me to not slow down.

Whilst 115# was beginning to feel heavy, I nonetheless completed all rounds in unbroken reps and in about 20 seconds. One hundred thirty-five pounds (uhm, just 5 pounds less than what I weigh) did indeed begin to feel heavy. I completed first round in unbroken reps of 4 and a single, the second and third round in reps unbroken reps of 3 and 2, and the last rounds in unbroken reps of 2 and 2 and then a single.

I enjoyed the much needed rest between all rounds, but particularly the rest before cleaning 155#. I  knew that I’d have to do the reps at 155# as singles, and that’s what I did. Shit got heavy. Shit got real heavy. I completed all 5 reps of the first round. I only had 10 seconds to rest before the next round began. I completed a single. Felt heavy but manageable. I completed another single and could barely stand up. I attempted the third rep and fell on my ass. I rest 10 seconds and attempted again and just could not pull myself under the bar. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to complete 3 reps in 30 seconds, so I called it a day.

That’s 21 rounds and 107 reps. 

As I was unable to complete the second of the Lurong Living Summertime Challenge workouts on Wednesday I knew I’d have to do so today. I was very concerned that I’d exacerbate my torn labrum. I knew that I wasn’t going to complete 95# power snatches  (Level 3) but thought that I could handle 75# power snatches (Level 2).

I was wrong. I attempted just one rep and felt pain in my right shoulder. I set aside my ego and determined that I’d complete Level 1.

AFAP
21-15-9-6-3
Wall ball shots (14/9)
G2O (45#)

Fourteen pound ball ball shots were, well, very easy to complete. I completed clean grip power snatches. You read that right. I didn’t want to further my injury and using a wide grip would’ve likely led to this. I also didn’t want to bother cleaning the bar to my shoulders as, well, it was just 45#. I worked continuously and completed in 4:21. That’s 54 wall ball shots (and G2o). That’s a total of 161 squats today.

And I’m not the least bit sore.

Courtney captured some pics of yesterday’s Beer Mile!

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Drunk Blogging

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

As previously noted, I seem to have injured my right (as opposed to per usual left) shoulder. I didn’t work out Wednesday and, whilst walking Luke Wednesday morning, sent a text to my good friend Robyn and asked her if I should see a doctor at Triangle Orthopedics. She immediately hooked me up with Doctor Voodoo-McDreamy! Good news: no arthritis, bursitis, or rotator cuff injuries. Somewhat bad news: slightly torn labrum. I’m on steroids.

Steroids make me angry. And hangry. I’m trying somewhat successfully to keep my temper in check.

My very good friend, Jay, did an assessment and informed me that, in his words, I have “jacked lats.” I’ll take that as a compliment. It also means that I need to focus on stretching my awesomely muscular and spectacular lats.

Two side effects of prednisone that I experience are insomnia and hiccoughs (NOT hiccups). I was awake until 1:30 last night and wide awake once again at 4:30 this morning. I managed to nap a mere hour throughout the day. I hiccoughed for about three cumulative hours. Gah!

I rested today, Thursday, as well. Kind of.

THUR MAY 26 | THE BEER MILE

The Beer Mile was held at Bonds Brothers in downtown Cary. A large contingency of Surmounties ran the race, including Stephen, Kevin, Michelle, Lauren, Ashlee, Kelli, Courtney, and Carin. What a fun time!

Meghan, Kevin’s beloved, was kind enough to give Stephen and me (and Kevin, of course) a ride to Bonds Brothers. I was both excited and anxious about this race, as I honestly haven’t chugged very many beers in my lifetime. I set a goal time of less than 14 minutes, thinking that it’d take me 6 or 7 minutes (as I might run slower whilst inebriated) to run 1 mile and a couple of minutes to drink each 12 oz glass of beer.

Two waves were held, and I kinda sorta possibly persuaded Kevin and Stephen to join me in the first round, supposedly composed of folks who would run the race in less than 10 minutes. I certainly wasn’t sure that I’d be able to do so!

The 7 pm start, well, started at 7:10 pm. I was growing impatient. Granted I looked awesome in my “Be yourself. Unless you can be a unicorn. Then be a unicorn” tee shirt, lululemon shorts, and Nike Free shoes.

We were instructed to walk just past the Start/Finish and approach a table filled with plastic glasses of beer. The clock counted down from 30. Thirty! Gah! I attempted to chug the first beer in one gulp but it took me two gulps to do so. And many folks ran into me as I was finishing! Both Kevin and Stephen had finished beer, discarded cup, and began first 400m run before I was able to do so. I wasn’t the least bit surprised. I did, however, pass them both before the start of the second beer. I also kept belching and had to resist the urge to puke.

Whilst I did beat Stephen to the second beer, he chugged his beer much more quickly than did I. Uhm, I didn’t even attempt to chug. I’d take a drink, then another drink, then another drink, etc, until I finished the 12 oz. Stephen once again was well head of me for the second 400m run. I once again caught and passed him and he once again drank his third beer faster than did I. I should probably join a band, you know, to learn how to chug beer.

I caught and passed Stephen once again and — you guessed it — Stephen finished his last before before I did. As I was passing him I proclaimed, “You drink so f@cking fast!” He replied, “And you fun so f@cking fast!” I quickly passed him and ran to the finish. He wasn’t very far behind!

The clock read 8:13 when I ran over the Finish line although official time is 8:17. That’s 31 out of 276 or top 11%. I’m pleased with that performance, particularly since I did no training whatsoever in preparation. And I’m talking about drinking whilst training.

Uhm, yeah, so I was drunk when all was said and done. I mean really f@cking drunk. So drunk that I dropped the meal that I purchased. (The man working at the food truck was kind enough to only charge me half price for second purchase.)

I felt both miserable and ecstatic after all was said and done, and I’d definitely run a race like this again. Running and racing with Kevin and Stephen made it that much more of an incredible experience!

Evelyn graciously volunteered to pick me up and take me home. Luke insisted that I take him for a run/walk upon my return. I was admittedly still drunk.

And I’m kind sorta possibly still drunk now. I’m gonna nonetheless publish! I’d venture to say the my drunk blogging is grammatically more correct than 90% of posts published by others whilst that blow whilst sober. Yes?

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One Minute

~ avlpaul ~ 1 Comment

SAT MAY 21, 2016 | GETTING PARALLEL

Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds and Reps)
10, 2-min rounds; rest 2 minutes bewteen rounds
– 5 parallette pass throughs
– 25 double unders
– 1 bar muscle up

Begin each round where you left off the last round, e.g., if you had completed 18 double unders before mandatory rest called, begin next round with count of 19.

Rx+ = 50 double unders AND ring muscle ups.

As Jeff is in town for the weekend, he coached the 9:30 session. This was a challenging workout!

I completed Rx+ and also completed most rounds in unbroken double unders as well as all rounds in unbroken pass throughs.

Score = 15+25

That’s 750 double unders, 80 pass throughs, and 15 muscle ups. Whew!

SUN MAY 22, 2016 | TIRE JUMPS

My right shoulder hurt a little, so I didn’t complete programmed workout on Sunday.

5 RFT
11 reps of the following:
– Tire jump throughs (2 jumps per rep)
– Russian KB swings (53)
– GHD sit-ups
– 10m lacrosse ball shuttle sprints  

All activities in unbroken reps in a time of 17:45.

For shuttle sprints, I placed a lacrosse ball on top of traffic cone and would run with ball every other sprint. Uhm, it ended up being 12, 10m shuttle sprints, as I ended up at the cone farthest from the tire.

I chose to rest on Monday. My body needed it.

TUE MAY 24, 2016 LUNGES & LUNGS

Front Rack Lunge 

Take up to 20 minutes to work up to heaviest set of 3/leg

As Darren was the only attendee at the 7 am session, I joined him for the workout. ‘Twas a delight.

I completed sets @ 95, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 160, & 165. Front rack forward lunges are tough, but it’s a great way to build a beautiful booty. You’re welcome.

Metcon (Time)

AFAP
3-6-9-12-15-12-9-6-3
Pull-ups
Front squats @ 55% of 1RM (130#)

Uhm, this was exceeding difficult, perhaps because I’m still recovering from illness, perhaps because 75 reps of anything is difficult, or perhaps because the combination of activities was challenging. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

I completed all rounds of pull-ups in unbroken reps. I also completed rounds of (going up and down) 3, 6, and 9 FS as well as 12 (going up) FS in unbroken reps. I completed round of 12 going down in reps of 7 & 5 and round of 15 in reps of 10 & 5. Shit got heavy.

Whilst I did complete very last round of 3 FS in unbroken reps, something very peculiar and out of the ordinary happened.

I finished last 3 pull-ups, glanced at the clock and determined that I could finish in 10 minutes if I could complete last 3 FS in 15 seconds. No problemo.

Problemo.

I fell on my ass, albeit a very plump and nicely shaped ass, the very first rep. I thought, “Dammit, you didn’t get under the bar. Just power clean the next rep.” I attempted and failed a power clean. I thought, “Dammit, this is a waste of time. What the f@ck is going on? Do a full squat clean.” I attempted and my right knee went down. I thought, “How f@cking long is this going to take me?” I finally completed a successful full squat clean and 2 FS.

Time = 10:51

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It took me almost a minute to successfully complete 3 front squats. That. Is. Not. Good.

~~~~~~~~~~

Don’t burn any bridges, folks. When I was released from my former job in November of 2012 I made sure to not speak badly of my former employer, including the parent company, or any of its employees. A few weeks ago I was contacted by the new CEO and former trainee who asked if I’d be interested in providing training contractually. I am scheduled to present 2-day Situational Leadership training at three locations: Boston, San Francisco, and New York. I’ve also been asked by a former trainee and now Practice Area Lead to present a 2-hour workshop regarding Communication Climate.

I’m very much looking forward to once again standing in front of an audience and presenting, and I’ve truly been enjoying preparing for the training. I’m a whiz and PowerPoint.

Summer Blast

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

SUN MAY 15, 2016 | MAJESTIC

As CrossFit Punta Cana is closed on Sundays, Jeff & I ventured into the “gym” at the resort.

I hate exercise machines. Give me a barbell and plates.

2-4-6…16-18-20 Not For Time
Barbell facing buprees
Bent over rows

That’s 110 burpees and bent over rows. I got in a somewhat good workout, so I practiced headstands and called it a dia. Jeff and I then went for a helicopter ride, and it was amazing!

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I rested Monday, as we spent most of the day traveling home. Immediately upon sitting beside me the man in the aisle seat said into his phone, “I’ll be home in a couple of hours. I’m going to work for a few hours and then go home. I’ve been fighting a cold and the cold is winning.” He then proceeded to cough, sneeze, and hack for the duration of the flight. And give me his cold.

TUE MAY 17, 2016 | ROW, ROW, ROW

I coached the 6, 7, & 8:30 sessions and then went home to nap. I worked out at 3, prior to coaching evening sessions.

1000m Row (Time)
Max Effort 1000m Row
Bent Over Row (5 X 5)
Complete 5 sets of 5 reps, working up to heaviest weight
Metcon (AMRAP – Reps)

3-min AMRAP
Max rep jumping air squats

I completed bent over rows first and rowed last. I managed to complete a set of 5 reps @ 235#, a PR!

I hate, hate, hate rowing. My tiny little legs will only allow me to row so fast. I rowed 500m in 3:41.5. Yes, if I didn’t have this damned cold I could’ve perhaps rowed faster.

I set a goal to complete a jumping air squat every 2 seconds and surpassed my goal: 134 reps.

THUR MAY 18, 2016 | SUMMER BLAST BENCHMARK TEST

I had no choice but to rest on Wednesday. I coached in the morning and evening and slept most of the afternoon.

The box is once again participating in Lurong Living Challenge. That means that I’m once again eating strictly Paleo. I’m also drinking strictly Paleo. No beer. Uhm, I consumed enough beer during vacation to last next five weeks, I suppose.

I ate and drank excessively during vacation, yet gained only three pounds. I weigh in at a whopping 146#.

Summer Blast (AMRAP – Reps)
4-Minute Rounds
– 20 Box Jump Overs (24″)
– 15 Anchored Toes to Bar
– 10 Clean & Jerks (95/115/135/155#)

Complete as many reps as possible within the time allowed. If the athlete completes the round before the 4 minutes is up, the athlete earns another 4-minute time extension and immediately starts round 2. The athlete then has until the clock hits 8 minutes to complete round 2, and if round 2 is completed before the 8-minute mark, the athlete will earn another 4 minutes. If the athlete finishes round 3 before the 12-minute mark, they will earn a final 4-minute time extension. If the athlete reaches the clean & jerks in the 4th round the athlete will perform AMRAP clean & jerks until the workout is over at 16 minutes.

Level III consisted of box jump overs at 24″ (easy), toes to bar (easy), and C&Js at 115, 135, 155, & 185# for Master+. Uhm, not so easy. As I’m still not feeling very well, I decided to complete Level II. In retrospect I could’ve completed Level III and made it to round of 155# C&Js. Read on.

I easily completed rounds of C&Js @ 95 & 115#, and even the C&Js @ 135# weren’t that much of a struggle. I had 5 minutes remaining to complete as many C&Js @ 155 yet only completed four. Yup, just four. I missed the first rep in that I didn’t pull myself under the bar. I power cleaned and push pressed the second rep. Dammit. I failed the third attempt in that I couldn’t lock out my arms. I decided I complete remaining reps as clusters, and that’s what I did. I failed at an additional two attempts.

The anchored toes to bar were the easiest part of the workout. The box jump overs were surprisingly challenging, although given that I have a cold this should’ve have been that surprising. I made sure to always turn toward the grey wall so as to alternate turning right and left, yet I still got very dizzy and lightheaded.

¿Como se dice ‘f@ck’ en Español?

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

Jeff and I are visiting the Domincan Republic, staying at the Majestic resort in Punta Cana. The only thing that was on my wish list was visiting the local CrossFit whilst here.

What a disappointment.

I sent an email message earlier in the week requesting information. I still haven’t recieved a response.

The box consists of a storage trailer for the very limited equipment, with the workout area being outside under a roof. I’d say that a half a dozen could comfortably work out at the same time. As it appears that they don’t have very many members, the space is probably fine.

We arrived for the 9 am session on Friday the 13th. We were somewhat greeted by the coach, we checked into Wodify and paid drop-in and tee shirt fees, and then waited for the session to begin. Two women were completing the programmed WOD. The coach pointed to the whiteboard and told us we could begin. “Where’s the 200 meter course?” I asked. He got on his bike and led the way. Meanwhile, the two women were left alone. And they most definitely need direction.

One other man attended our session and it quickly became obvious that he wanted to compete with us.

Worm-up (that’s how it’s spelled on whiteboard)

200m run

10 dumbbell thrusters (25)

10 side arm med ball pushups

10 groines

Well, okay then. The running was fine. As the other visitor had taken the only pair of 25# dumbbells, I used a pair of 20#. Why so many thrusters when one will be doing 55 heavy thrusters later? I don’t have an answer to that question.

MY chest and thighs touched the floor for every push-up.

Groines are a jump from a plank to a squat. A two-legged mountain climber.

I was sufficiently warmed up and was sweating profusely.

Pre-WOD

5×10 push-up & renegade row

Yes, a pre-WOD.

More push-ups, you know, because one will be completing 55 burpees momentarily. I completed 2 sets @ 25 & 30 and the last set @ 35#. I maintained a plank and once again MY chest and thighs touched the floor.

I was really warmed up now. The coach got out a barbell and set it in front of the biggest fan. Both Jeff and I thought he was setting up a bar for one of us, but quickly discovered that he was setting up his own bar. Yup, he did the metcon with us.

Keep in mind that absolutely no coaching had taken place anyhow. I was getting a little angry.

Metcon

10-9-8…3-2-1 burpees & thrusters (135)

You guessed it: no review of movement standards.

I wasn’t going to do 135# thrusters so I settled on 115#.

This was miserable, as I quickly felt like I was going to suffer from a heatstroke. Even burpees were laborious. The coach was the first to finish but merely sat down as Jeff & I finished. The other visitor was doing 95# thrusters but stopped working after the 1st round. Jeff dropped from 115 to 95 and finished 2nd. I finished last with a very slow time of 15:56. On a positive note, I completed the 1st rep of any set of thrusters as a full squat clean.

Midway through the metcon I asked, “¿Como se dice ‘f@ck’ en Español?” One of the women who had worked out in the previous session said, “It’s a universal word.”

Post-WOD (for time)

50 double unders

50 Abmat situps

15 chest to bar pull-ups

5 handstand pushups

Jeff & I decided we weren’t even going to wait for the clock to start before we began  what was in essence another metcon.

I completed 35 & 15 unbroken double unders, 50 unbroken sit-ups, 10 & 5 unbroken chest to bar pull-ups, and 5 unbroken handstand push-ups.

The other visitor watched me like a hawk, although he didn’t complete post-WOD workout. I could’ve completed 15 unbroken pull-ups if my very sweaty hands hadn’t lost grip of the bar.

The coach said “adios” and we were on our way. What a truly disappointing experience!

As he never introduced himself I left not knowing the coach’s name.

Jeff & I discussed and decided to attend the Saturday, June 14 session, hoping a different coach would lead the session. No such luck.

The same coach arrived just a few minutes before what was supposed to have been the start of the 9 am session. Two women eventually arrived for the session. It took the coach 15 minutes to launch Wodify, process our payments, record the metcon on the whiteboard, start the music, and then sit in his office doing I know not what. Just like the day before, there were no introductions, review of the workout, review of movement standards, or coaching. Nada.

Jeff & I did what we needed to do.

Warm-up

500m row

Then 2  rounds

10 drop snatch (45)

10 dumbbell cleans (30)

10 dumbbell snatches

I retrieved the rowers. I didn’t expect the coach to do so, as he was already seated on a bench.

Pre-WOD

Overhead squats

2-2-2-1-1

Jeff & I shared a rack. I ignored everything else that was going on and completed last set @ 125#. My right shoulder hurts a little so I took it easy.

Metcon

50 double unders

20 2″ deficit handstand push-ups

20 cleans (95)

20 KB snatches (53)

20 hang snatches (95)

Full squat cleans and snatches? Who knows? As it was already 9:45 and our taxi would be picking us up at 10, I set up the timer on my iPhone. The women hadn’t even yet begun last set of overhead squats and we didn’t want to wait.

I completed 50  unbroken double unders, handstand push-ups is reps of 12, 3, 3, & 2, and full squat cleans in sets of 10. I scaled weight of KB snatches to 44# and whilst completing asked Jeff if did 20 total or 20 per arm. He replied, “It didn’t say so on the whiteboard” and I mistakenly thought he meant 20 per arm. Dammit. I should’ve figured it out when he began hang snatches. Dammit. My hands were exceedingly sweaty and slippery and, for the first time ever, I couldn’t keep my grasp on the barbell – even with hook grip! After repeatedly chalking my hands I finished the last rep and the metcon in a time of 17:44.

I saw no rhyme or reason for the programming. Too much overhead shit! Warmup with snatches and overhead squats and then do more and more snatches. Why?

The coach shook our hands and said “Adios.”

This box sucks.

And I still don’t know the coach’s nombre.

 

 

 

 

 

Maupin and More

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

MON MAY 09, 2016 | WORKING YOUR WAY DOWN THE LADDER

Metcon (Weight)
30 reps NOT FOR TIME
Press + push press + power jerk @ 55% of press 1RM

Fifty-five percent was a mere 90# but shit got heavy by around the 20th rep. I set goal to complete 10 unbroken reps but, as the 9th press was somewhat of a struggle, I paused after that rep.

I didn’t jump a single rep, and you need not do so as well. Extend ankles, knees, and hips.

Metcon (Time)
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of:
Double unders
Abmat sit-ups
Deadlifts (135)

Fast and furious! I set up workspace by front of the box and, as is most often the case, Luke was all up in my business. I had to shoo him away on more than one occasion. He’s a very good boy, so I don’t mind in the least.

I completed all rounds of all activities in unbroken reps. I’m just that good.

Time = 6:54

TUE MAY 10, 2016 | JUST SEVEN MINUTES A ROUND

Rest Exactly 5 minutes between rounds.
A: Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds and Reps)
7-min AMRAP
– 50 double unders
– 10 back squats (135)
B: Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds and Reps)
7-min AMRAP
50 lateral bar hops
10 front squats squats (115)
C  : Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds and Reps)
7-min AMRAP
50 burpees
10 overhead squats (95)

I attended the 9:30 session. I set up my workspace near garage door in 7303, and Mac and Carin were the only athletes to join me.

This was tough but a hell of a lot of fun!

As watching others jump rope or hop throws off my rhythm, I turned my back to everyone, i.e., I faced the open garage door whenever possible.

I completed 50 unbroken double unders for all but 4th round (45 & 5) and didn’t set down the bar during back squats. Yup, I did occasionally shake out my legs.

With fewer than 30 seconds remaining this happened: I cleaned the bar to my shoulders and completed a front squat. I thought, “Shit, that feels heavy. Wait, I did a front instead of a back squat.” I dropped the bar and immediately thought, “Shit, why didn’t I just jerk it overhead? I’m going to have to clean the bar again.” And that’s what I did. I didn’t count front squat as a rep.

I completed 50 unbroken lateral bar hops the 1st round and 35& 15 unbroken reps the remaining rounds. Onc again didn’t set down bar during front squats. I was working very quickly and transitioning smoothly.

I was admittedly winded at the start of burpees and didn’t even set a goal to complete unbroken. I was nonetheless the first in the session to begin overhead squats. I rested the bar on my shoulders between the 6th & 7th reps.

Uhm, and Luke was laying down at my feet for each and every rep of burpees.

A: 4 + 33

B: 5 + 12 

C: 1 + 38

That’s 250 double unders, 43 back squats, 312 lateral bar hops, 50 front squats, 88 burpees, & 10 overhead squats.

WED MAY 12, 2016 | MAUPIN

Maupin (Time)
4 Rounds for time of:
800m Run
49 push-ups
49 sit-ups
49 air squats
In honor of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin, 24, of Batavia, Ohio, disappeared on April 9, 2004

I attended the 6 am session so that I could work out before traveling to the Dominican Republic.

It was a beautiful morning so Lisa, Kevin, and I set up our workstations outside of the box.

Even though I told him to stay, Luke joined me for 400 of the first 800m run. He then was by my side, usually on the yoga mat, for the remainder of the workout.

I set a goal to complete sit-ups and air squats in unbroken reps, and I achieved this goal. I completed as many as 35 unbroken push-ups (1st round, obviously) and even managed to compete 25 unbroken reps the last round.

Running is always a pleasure.

Time = 31:31

image

 

One hundred one

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

THU MAY 05, 2016 | GOING UP

Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds)
With a continuously running clock complete 5 thrusters every minute.t
From 0 – 4 use 75# (Rounds 1 – 5)
Rest min 5 – 6
From 6 – 10 use 95# (Rounds 6 – 10)
Rest min 11 – 12
From 12 – 16 use 115# (Rounds 11 – 15)
Rest min 17 – 18
From 18 – 22 use 135# (Rounds 16 – 20)
Rest min 22 – 23
From 23 – 28 use 155# (Rounds 21 – 25)Continue adding 20 lb. every 5 minutes for as long as you are able.

Score = number of COMPLETED rounds, i.e., you must complete all 5 reps.

I coached at 6 and, even though this was supposed to have been a rest day, I completed the workout at the 9:30 session, led by Coach Marni. “But Paul, don’t you hate thrusters?” Indeed I do. Indeed I do.

Work on your weaknesses as well as your strengths.

I set a goal to complete through round 20, i.e., all thrusters @ 135#. I am pleased to report that I achieved this goal!

I had initially set up my workstation on the platform closest to the garage door. As Lauren arrived late, she joined Kelly-May and me on the platform. That’s too close for comfort, so I moved to 7301. Uhm, I was attempting to get out of sight of prying eyes. I also completed all but one round with my back to the other athletes, as I wanted to establish my own pace.

I focused on breathing each and every rep, with an exhalation through my teeth as I push pressed the barbell over my head. I began each and every round with a full squat clean. No power cleans today! I completed through the 3rd round of 5 reps @ 135# in unbroken reps, and was quite surprised that I was able to do so. I completed the 4th and 5th rounds in reps of 3 & 2 and 2, 2, & 1, respectively, still beginning with a cluster.

The final round @ 135# took me almost the minute to complete, which left a minute to add 10# plates to the bar.

My confidence began to dwindle.

I completed a clean pull, not even attempting to pull myself under the bar. I then completed a full squat clean, not even attempting to push press the bar. I then attempted a thruster, but was unable to lock out my arms. With just 10 seconds remaining, I successfully completed a thruster @ 155#. That’s more than I weigh!

Score = 20; 101 thrusters

I truly enjoyed this workout!

FRI MAY 06, 2016 | MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE!

Max Reps Unbroken Ring Dips (AMRAP – Reps)

Whilst I did indeed attend the 11:45 session, I arrived early to allow time for weighted ring dips, knowing that it’d take time to work up to 1RM.

I like friendly competition, and I enjoy trash talking with Coach Nick. He’s a gifted athlete and a worthy adversary. And he’s encouraging and supportive, i.e., he’s not a dick. I’ll just leave that right there and let you mull over that last statement.

Weighted Ring Dip (Weight)

I had to wear a weight vest on top of a weight vest to get desired weight. I worked up to 112# — a PR — but failed at 114#. Just two extra pounds felt like 100 pounds!
Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds and Reps)

Masters Qualifier Event 3
Complete as many rounds as possible in 15 minutes of:
– 55 double-unders
– 15 chest-to-bar pull-ups
– 5 hang power cleans (155)

As I only ranked 234 worldwide, i.e., not the top 200, I’m not required to complete the 5 workouts. That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to give them a try! Whilst I knew that double unders and chest to bar pull-ups wouldn’t be difficult, I also knew that hang power cleans at 1RM and more than my bodyweight would, well, be exceedingly difficult.

Boy was I right about that.

I completed 4 rounds of 55 unbroken double unders. Yup, I did that. I completed the 1st round of pull-ups in unbroken reps, the 2nd round in reps of 11 & 4, the 3rd round in reps of 9 & 6, and the 4th round in reps of 7, 5, & 2.

Now about those heavy hang power cleans. Uhm, my 1RM is 155#. Uhm, that’s the same as the prescribed weight for today’s metcon.

Things started off miserably and then got somewhat better. I had seven — seven! — failed attempts the 1st round. I just couldn’t pull myself under the bar fast enough.

But for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round I only had one failed attempt. Huh! I suppose that I need to warm up more effectively.

I also need to practice stringing reps together, as I completed each and every rep as a single: stand to full extension, get in power position, complete clean, and then drop the bar from the top.

I completed the last rep of the 4th round with just 30 or so seconds remaining on the clock. I completed 35 unbroken double unders, rested briefly, and then completed another 15 unbroken reps.

Score = 4 rounds + 50 reps; 270 double unders, 60 C2B pull-ups, and 20 HPCs

At first glance it might appear that I’m disappointed in my performance. I am most certainly not! In my seven years of CrossFitting, this is the first time I’ve completed a metcon that included 155# hang power cleans.

Also, during the 1st round and about my 5th failed attempt at a hang power clean, I seriously considering quitting. But I did not.

I’m resting tomorrow. Finally!

155 HPC

 

Coach Jeff & “Taylor”

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

MON MAY 02, 2016 | FOUR ON THE FLOOR

I attended the 6 am session led by Coach Nick. ‘Twas a full house.

Back Squat (3-6-9-12-max reps @ 75% of 1RM)

Every 1:30

Back squats at 190# are no joke. I completed all rounds without racking the bar, and completed the rounds of 3, 6, & 9 unbroken, i.e., I didn’t even pause to shake out my legs. I worked almost the entire 90 seconds the final round and completed 17 reps. That’s 47 total reps @ 75% of 1RM.

Metcon (3 Rounds for reps)

3, 4-minute rounds of:
15 wall ball shots, (20/14 & 10/9)
30 medicine ball cleans
Row for max caloriesRest 3 minutes between rounds

There were are 5 rowers and 14 in attendance, we staggered the start with my group beginning 2 minutes after the start. This impeded me performance. Read on.

I completed 15 unbroken wall ball shots all 3 rounds, and completed as many as 15 (first round) and only as few as 5 medicine ball cleans any round. Medicine ball cleans were the hardest part of today’s workout.

I completed the first round of wall ball shots and medicine ball cleans in about 1:50. Unfortunately, the first group hadn’t yet finished and were still on the rowers. As is often the case, folks don’t want to quickly get off of the rowers so, well, I shooed them. I had to adjust the flexfoot each round, too. Dammit. I finished the second and third round in just about 2 minutes and, once again, the transitions were slow. Dammit. I rowed 30, 28, and 30 calories.

Score = 223

MON MAY 02, 2016 | COACH JEFF WOD

As we do most months, the coaches met for a monthly meeting and workout. Jeff led tonight’s session!

Two workouts in one day. Exhausting.

Weightlifting

Press (5 @ 65%, 5 @ 70%, 5 @ 75%)

I completed reps @ 95, 100, & 105#. Jeff reminded me to no hyperextend.

Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds and Reps)

AMRAP – 10 min
10 deadlifts (135)
10 push-ups
10 V-ups

Light deadlifts and bodyweight movements. Should to easy. It wasn’t. I completed all rounds in unbroken reps.

Score = 10 rounds + 2 reps: 102 deadlifts, 100 pushups, and 100 V-ups

TUE MAY 03, 2016 | FP, PC, BJ, & LBH

Metcon (12 Rounds for time)

Every 90 seconds for 12 rounds (18 minutes)
– 3 floor presses (65% of 1RM)
– 4 power cleans
– 5 box jumps (24)
– 12 forward facing bar hops

I worked out at 9:30. What fun! As my floor press 1RM is 200# (how the hell did that happen) I pressed and cleaned 130#. Shit felt heavy but lists were manageable.

Times = 46, 42, 39, 38, 37, 41, 41, 38, 44, 40, 43, & 42 seconds for a total of 8:11 and average of 40.9

Floor presses went well considering how much I’ve been benching lately.

I challenged myself today in that I completed power cleans in unbroken reps, only dropping the last rep from the top. I got in too much of a hurry one round (prying eyes and all) and didn’t fully extend for one rep. Yup, I did it again.

I completed all rounds of box jumps in unbroken reps, although I didn’t extend one time. Yup, I did it again.

I made sure to always turn toward the same visual point, usually the garage door, so as to not turn in circles. I also added a jump each round. Let me try to explain… I completed forward jump and then 180 jump in place so that I was once again facing the bar. This got particularly challenging and I began to miss a few reps, probably a total of a half dozen when all was said and done. This did slow me down somewhat.

My times ranged from 37 to 46 seconds, a nine-second difference.

WED MAY 04, 2016 | “TAYLOR”

90-Second Weighted Plank Hold (Weight)

I coached the first 3 sessions of the day and was the base of the tower for those as well as the 9:30 session.

 

As the 180# 90-second plank hold was somewhat of a struggle last week, I had almost talked myself out of attempting a heavier plank hold today. Ms. Tami was hanging around and, as she so wonderfully sat on my back last week, I asked her if she do so again today —  only this time wearing a 35# weight vest. And that’s what she did. Thus, I completed a 200# 90-second weighted plank hold. Laurie was kind enough to talk with and distract me. The last 10 seconds of the plank seemed to last a very, very long time.

Coach Marni led the well attended 9:30 session. I will go on the record as saying that “Taylor” may have been the easiest hero WOD I’ve completed to date. Because running, burpees, and muscle ups.
Taylor (Time)

4 Rounds for time of:
400m Run
5 Burpee Muscle-ups

As there was such a crowded field we staggered the start. About half of the group began at “Go!” whilst the other half, sans me, began at minute 2. I began at minute 3. Because. Yup, just because.

I sprinted quickly, breathing every 3rd step, and I completed all 4 rounds of burpee muscle ups in unbroken reps and with regular, i.e., not false, grip. Luke waited for me by the garage door and followed me to the rings. He’s such a good boy!

Time = 11:45

IMG_0298

“Pike” & “Justin”

~ avlpaul ~ Leave a comment

Uhm, yeah, so Wednesday evening I asked Sarah to sit on my back for 90-second plank hold. After I successfully held plank I asked her to get on the scale for accurate weight. She asked, “Should I take off my shoes?” I replied, “Were you wearing your shoes when you sat on my back?” Ha!

I rested on Thursday.

FRI APRIL 29, 2016 | PIKE

Pike (Time)
5 Rounds for time of:
20 Thrusters, 75#
10 Strict Ring Dips
20 Push-ups
10 Strict Handstand Push-ups
50m Bear Crawl

In honor of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Christian Michael Pike, of Peoria, Arizona

To learn more about Pike click here

After coaching the 6, 7, & 8:30 sessions, I attended the 9:30 session. Coach Doza subbed for Coach Deborah today.

I expected this workout to be tough. My expectations were met.

Whilst everyone else set up their barbells on the platforms, I placed mine near the climbing ropes. I also set up rings for dips as well as plates and mat for handstand pushups.

Before I begin, I want to go on the record as saying that the only time I hear music when I’m working out is when the lyrics are offensive. Otherwise it’s just background music.

Uhm, after the first round I actually began looking forward to thrusters. And I hate thrusters. I completed the first round in reps of 16 & 4, the second through fourth rounds in sets of 3, and the last round in reps of 12 & 8.

Strict ring dips were the least challenging of the activities, and I completed the first two rounds in unbroken reps, the third and fourth rounds in reps of 7 & 3, and the last round in reps of 6, 2, & 2.

Whilst pushups weren’t that challenging, I nonetheless took my time completing, if for no other reason than to give my shoulders a rest. I completed 10 unbroken reps at the most and 5 unbroken reps at the least.

Strict handstand pushups. Wow. I began by completing 3 unbroken reps but was completing singles by the end of the first round. For remaining rounds I completed singles. Yup, one rep at a time. One. Rep. At. A. Time. I also had quite a few failed reps, as if my head rested on the mat for too long, well, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to press into a handstand and I’d just drop off of the wall instead.

Whilst never all that much fun, bear crawls were a welcome relief after handstand pushups. I completed all rounds of bear crawls without resting. When I completed the last round of handstand pushups I crawled at an incredibly fast pace for 50m, sprawled on the floor, did a shoulder roll, and yelled, “I get a ten for the dismount.”

I lapped some people.

Time = 38:02

That’s about 7:30 a round.

IMG_9781

SAT APRIL 30, 2016 | DO YOU DEADLIFT?

Deadlift (5-10-15-10-max reps @ 65% of 1RM)

Every 1:20

Coach Deborah was kind enough to lead the 9:30 session so that I could work out. She’s nice like that!

I deadlifted 265#, and shit got heavy very fast. I completed round of 5 and first round of 10 in unbroken reps. For the final round of max reps I completed one rep at a time.

Score = 9 

That’s 54 reps @ 265 and 1530 total pounds moved. And that’s more than 7 tons.

Metcon (AMRAP – Rounds and Reps)

18-min AMRAP
– 6 reps of 6′ broad jump
– 6 power cleans (135/98)
– 24 lateral bar hops
– Run 200m

This was a tremendous amount of fun, and a hell of a lot easier than yesterday’s WOD.

I worked at a very fast pace a lapped quite a few people, some folks more than once. Power cleans felt heavy the first round (didn’t warm up enough) and felt progressively lighter each round. I jumped 6 feet! That’s quite an accomplishment for me. I dropped each and every power clean from the top, completed lateral bar hops in unbrokren reps, and ran at a good, fast pace.

I had forgotten to move a chip after 7th round, as time was quickly running out, and had mistakenly thought I completed 6 rounds + 36 reps. I had very quickly completed 6 broad jumps, 6 power cleans, & 24 lateral bar hops in less than 90 seconds.

Score = 7 rounds + 36 reps

 IMG_9886

SUN MAY 01, 2016 | JUSTIN

Justin (Time)
For Time:
30-20-10
Body Weight Back Squat
Body Weight Bench Press
Strict Pull-ups

In honor of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, 26, of Traverse City, Michigan, died July 24, 2012

To learn more about Justin click here

I coached at 9:30 and then worked out during CrossFit Kids. Yup, it’s a hero WOD so it was tough. However, back squats were, well, kind of easy,  bench presses were very tough, and strict pull-ups were as challenging as I thought that’d be. As the first round consists of 30 reps I set a goal to complete in fewer than 30 minutes. And as Coach Nick had completed in 31 minutes and change I thought that this would be a reasonable goal.

I hate bench pressing almost as much as I hate thrusters.

I completed the round of 30 back squats in 3 sets of 10 reps, the round of 20 reps without racking the bar but pausing occasionally to shake out my legs, and the round of 10 in unbroken reps.

For the round of 30 bench presses I began with 5 unbroken reps. This quickly changed to unbroken reps of 2 with the last 5 of so reps being singles. I surprised myself by beginning the round of 20 with 6 unbroken reps. Again, I began doing doubles and then finishing the last 3 reps as singles. I may have completed 21 reps, as I couldn’t recall if I had just finished or was just beginning the 16th rep. I began the last round by completing 4 unbroken reps and then singles. There were times when just getting the bar off of the rack was a challenge.

Whilst not overly challenging, completing pull-ups after pressing is never easy. I began all rounds by completing 5 or more unbroken reps and finished all round with singles. I made sure that I didn’t kip.

A few things to note:

  • I used athletic tape to mark placement of clips. This didn’t work out very well, as one of the pieces marking position of clips for back squats fell off and I ended up raising clips for bench press. It was a valiant attempt.
  • I racked the bar after the round of 30 back squats but dropped the bar off of my back for remaining rounds.
  • I deadlifted the bar and then placed on clips before bench pressing.
  • I removed the clips (in case I had to bail) before bench pressing.
  • I moved the bench forward, i.e., I didn’t push forward and place under pull-up rig after bench pressing.
  • I easily powered cleaned 145# bar and re-racked, ensuring that I placed clips on the bar for back squats.

Coach Nick was keeping a watchful eye on my performance. I noticed him glancing at the iPad timer and I commented, “Are you watching the clock to see if I’m beating your time?” He smiled and said, “You knew what my time was.” I repositioned the iPad so that he couldn’t see. Ha! It’s all in good fun. I did reposition after last round of bench presses so that I could see time after very last pull-up.

Time = 27:17

Muscle fatigue is what made this workout so challenging. I was pleased that I didn’t have any failed reps of bench presses, although there were a few reps that I really had to struggle to lock out my arms.

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