I’ve kind of been all over the place since I last posted. So
I finished my 3rd whole30 and it was better than the 2nd
in terms of my accountability. I don’t know how much weight I lost because I didn’t
weigh myself. But I did become more aware of how certain foods affect me. My 3rd
was fun because I got one of my best friends to do it with me. So I enjoyed
teaching her about it and watching her learn more about her relationship with
food and how she has become more mindful about her food choices. That was very
rewarding for me. I love sharing knowledge about health!
I started the Stronglifts 5x5 training program on March 1. I
was able to make great gains on theprogram. About halfway through May, I stopped
the program and started working on maxing out to get ready for my competition,
which was today. It felt good to put the 5x5 on hold. The program was tough and
because of my running/triathlon/duathlon background, training for anything more
than 8 weeks is mentally challenging. Plus the 5x5 trainings would take me
sometimes over 2 hours to finish. Even after I cut out everything except for
squat, bench, and deadlift.
Things I loved about the 5x5:
1.
There’s an awesome app. I loved being able to
track and chart my progress. Very motivating!
2.
It made me stronger, physical and mentally. Before
the program, my PR’s were 145 squat (Sept 2015), 85 bench (Nov 2015), 215
deadlift (September 2015). At the end of my 5x5, I was at 165 squat, 80 bench,
and 215 deadlift. That is 5 sets of 5 reps.
3.
Aesthetic changes… ok so I do have more of a
squat booty now, that’s pretty awesome. My abs are a little bit more defined
and so are my arms. My bodyweight, I started at 107.5 (I weighed ten lbs less a
year ago, but was not nearly as strong), and yesterday at my weigh in, I was
103.18. So I lost some weight. I wish I knew how much body fat I lost. I have a
pair of jean shorts that is more snug in the thigh and butt, which I am a
little bummed about, but at the expense of not being a weak little waif, I will
take it!
Now as for my diet between my last whole30 and today… I have
pretty much been keeping it clean and eating whole30, I would say maybe 85% of
the time. Weekends, parties, special occasions, I may have a little
non-compliant stuff, but I am usually pretty mindful about it, and typically savoring
the experience. Going out to eat at restaurants, I don’t care about added
sugars usually, or oils, table salt, whatever. But again, I keep things in
check and if I have an off day, I just be sure I get back on track soon after. It
has been a reasonable and balanced way for me to live.
Because I was trying to get into the 48kg/105.8 lb weight
class, I did try to lose a little weight by cutting back on indulgences or working
out more to compensate for said indulgences. For a minute, I considered cutting
drastically to compete in the 97lb weight class, but decided it wasn’t worth
trying to cut all that weight. This was my first meet, I didn’t know how much
losing weight would affect my strength, so I played it safe.
As for today… my first powerlifting meet! I am feeling
pretty awesome right now. I got 8/9 but still made my overall goal of pulling
at least 500 lbs total. Here were my attempts:
Squat: 148.8lb/165.3/181.9 (missed that last one, it would’ve
been a PR. Before today, my recent squat PR was 180)
Bench: 77.2/88.2/93.7 (PR)
Deadlift: 214.9/231.5/248 (PR)
Total weight: 507!
Since I was the only one in my weight class (48kg), I came
in first, woot!
I had fun today… and I am super thankful that I’ve had the
experience of doing races because I think it kind of gave me an idea of what to
expect in terms of getting ready, packing food, and just being able to stay
calm and focused to perform. Everyone I met today was awesome and supportive,
just like the runners and triathletes I’ve met.
I’d love to do another meet, not just because it was fun,
but I know I am capable of being stronger, and setting goals for myself and
reaching those goals, well that’s my THING! I am super goal oriented and I love
that I can use that leverage to better myself physically and mentally. I love
that I am somehow juggling this active lifestyle of mine while working and
raising a child. I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is indeed possible! I want to
be an awesome role model for my daughter, to show her that women can be strong,
and that hard work really does pay off. I want to show her the importance of
being active and staying fit, but most of all, that self-care at any stage in
your life is not only beneficial to your health, but also for the loved ones
that you care for.
