lizzig

I will be sure to get into the next challenge. I have not tried lifting straps, but I will be sure to check them out. Thanks!

Thanks guys. I did get my 5 pull ups right before the elbow issue got worse, but I haven't been able to do much since. I am keeping up with my squats and even getting some back squatting in there. Unfortunately todays wod is deadlifts and clean and jerks which I will not be able to partake in. But I have amazing coaches who are doing an awesome job scaling me back so I still get a killer workout.

This challenge has been a rough one. I did meet one of my goals for this challenge with my pull ups. Unfortunately I still can not string together my double unders, but I will not stop working on it. Also, I did miss the last 3 oly classes since I am having issues with my elbow. I am missing my Olympic lifting bad right now, but I just have the take the time to let my elbow heal so I don't risk more injury. Easier said than done, I feel like I am going through withdrawals without my Olympic lifting. The other night I did get in some one handed dumbbell power cleans, so it isn't all bad. I am just hoping I will start feeling better soon so I can get back to my regular gym routine, I am feeling very off lately and not myself and I do not like it. I am just happy I have not fallen into old habits, my diet is still on point and I am still staying motivated at the gym. Festivus is coming up soon, and I am very eager. Even though it is tough I have to keep up with these challenges, and hopefully I i will do a better job next time around.

I spent a lot of time with my family this weekend, and tried to center myself again. It was an emotional time but I needed it. Now I am ready to get back into the gym and continue my progress. I am having a bit of an issue with tennis elbow, but I am hoping taking time off this weekend helped. We will see this afternoon when I go to the box. I have also decided to look into seeing a grief counselor. I also purchased a book called About Grief. I am feeling better today but I am not 100% and I want to take the steps to improve my life internally. I am ready to re-focus on my fitness and mental health. Hoping this is a good turning point for me.

Thanks Endor as always for being my rock during this and the last challenge. I often try to do too much and reading that article helped me realize change doesn't happen all at once. I don't have to fall completely off track but I can take small steps to keep my progress moving forward. I think this whole group needs a big group hug for being such a big support to me today. I have my good days and I have my bad days, this week has just been a string of bad days. But as long as I have you guys on my side, I can definitely work towards making Optimus Prime and my grandfather proud!

Thank you for the hug I needed it. I do believe he is watching over me every day. Sometimes it's a good thing, and other times I wish he hasn't so he wouldn't have to see how much I am hurting. But ultimately I really hope he is there, and I know he is happy when he sees me at Crossfit because it is the one time in my day I am actually happy. I've never read the 5 stages of grief before but it did relax me knowing the things I am going through are completely normal. Thank you.A big online hug for you as well dealing with all your struggles.

This was very helpful, it is a good reminder to slow down. I am trying to keep up with everything, and smile everyday even if I feel like crying, and constantly keep busy to avoid the feelings. Unfortunately I am running myself down, and I need to take the time to deal. You are completely right, thank you so much.

Thank you very much. It is helpful to know I have friends on here who care as much about my personal challenges as well as fitness challenges.

I apologize for not posting as much, it has been a crazy time for me. I have not been at the gym as much as I would like this week, I have been working late at the office everyday. I did make it to the gym on Monday to do Fran and I beat my previous time by 1:06. The pull ups were tough trying to use only the red band. I lasted for a while but had to add a blue in the 2nd round. Other than that I have been doing at home wods since I can't make it to the gym on time. I am having a difficult time staying motivated this time around but I am trying extremely hard to keep with it. Confession Time(Not fitness related): Back in May I lost my grandfather to lung cancer. I have been trying to keep myself busy and not let myself have a breakdown. Clearly avoiding the situation and not dealing with my pain has backfired. I feel like I am in the middle of a breakdown. I haven't given myself time to process and deal with this and I feel like I am drowning. Just getting out of bed has become a nightmare, and trying to interact with other people is draining when I am pretending to be happy all the time. The stupid thing is, when I am at Crossfit is the only time I don't feel like I am drowning but I have been so overwhelmed by my emotions I am having a really difficult time staying motivated. Trying to get my life together and refocus on my fitness and health. My grandfather was so proud of me when I started Crossfit and really started to get healthy, and I don't want to let him down. I apologize in advance for anyone reading this. It is extremely depressing and not something I usually share openly. Next post hopefully I will be more focused and will continue my progress.

That article is just what I needed, thanks. It's been a rough time to be doing the challenge but I am glad I signed up for this one. I feel like without all the support and accountability I can't fail. That's what pushes me to keep going.

Thanks, its the support from everyone here that helps keep me on track!

Yumm, bacon and eggs!!!!!!!

I definitely can relate to you here. It is extremely tough when situations beyond your control bring you down. Especially injuries, but you just have to find that strength somewhere deep inside you to stay motivated. Especially on a nutrition standpoint. Once you fall off with your diet it is a downward spiral. This will pass and you will be back to your old self in no time. By the way very nice at home gym set up. I am saving up to hopefully have one of my own, it would be so convenient. That comp looks pretty intense but exciting! Everyone has to scale at different points for different reasons, just make sure to be safe over everything else. No point in making injuries worse and having to scale or even miss more training days. I read this article the other day, it was a really good one. I tend to be one of those people that tries to push past my limits when training. After a few tough injuries this year I am learning not to do that anymore. Nothing good comes of it. Came out at a good time for you, a little reminder not to push yourself too much, let that body rest

Super busy at work these days. Been coming in early and leaving late every day, but still making time to go to the gym. Worked on my DU's last night and I almost got a couple strung together, I can feel I am getting closer. I've been following all the advice I got to improve my pull ups, and I got 5 pull ups with one red band. It may not be unassisted yet but reaching that goal felt great and motivates me to keep working on it. One goal on the challenge completed!!!!!!! I have to admit I have had quite a few personal issues going on at the moment mixed with stress at work, it makes it tough to keep motivated.Even reaching that pull up goal, it helped but I still have a lot of moments where I want to just lay in bed all afternoon in my pajamas and eat ice cream. But I am doing my best to stay on track. My diet took a little detour yesterday, and no it wasn't ice cream. I just have to keep moving forward no matter what.

Yay for beer! Congrats on Dry July, I don't think I could have that kind of will power haha.