Thursday, August 20, 2015

THE JOURNEY - FROM THE BEGINNING

I am a paralegal who for many years had a passion for light weight dumbbells, step classes, muay thai, and triathlons.  For many years I had an obsession with doing the Pump and Run at the Arnold in Columbus, Ohio.  A few years ago, it was checked off the list.  I may have offered some limited fitness tips to others but I was never a personal trainer or fitness professional. 

There were never many specific fitness goals except for training and preparing for tris and the Arnold until I started training at Mike Boyle's Strength and Conditioning with Kevin Carr at 5:30 AM.  I slowly started to set bench press, squat, deadlifting and chin up goals.  As I watched regular people and athletes all around me, I knew I wanted to become strong...as strong as my body and mind would take me.  Nothing warms my fitness heart and soul as my 205 deadlift personal record.  I love that bar.


It was at MBSC that I was introduced to kettlebells - mostly swings, squats and deadlifts.  One day I watched Kevin do a Turkish Get Up (TGU).  Holy shit!  I want to do one of those.  So I went home and spent two hours in front of an online video determined to learn the technique.  You may laugh or disbelieve, but I really did this.  Baby I was in love!!!

Fast forward a couple years and I am at the second Radiance Retreat in Venice Beach, CA talking to Stacy BenHayon.  She was training for the StrongFirst Level 1 kettlebell certification.  What is this certification you speak of? 

Hmmmm....love you internet.  Everything is at your fingertips.  What began was my long process of thinking about my mental and physical ability to pass this certification.  I followed Stacy's journey online.  I wanted her journey to be my journey.  (Side Note:  Stacy who lived in MD turned me on to Artemis and Iron Body Studios...who knew they were down 128 in Needham.)

As I drifted away from the 5:30 AM class at MBSC, I knew I need a new goal and a new physical challenge.  I did know or I thought I wanted to attempt the certification.  I re-read my blog.  Reaching the decision to undertake the certification was an up and down decision.  Now, at this point...

Bring on Artemis and Iron Body Studios.  I do want to talk about Eric Grahan.  He is not forgotten.  He just doesn't fit in this part of the story.  He was, however, a major part of my success. 


Who doesn't want to be this strong?  Photo
courtesy of Iron Body Studios.

Bring on "I Am Not Afraid To Lift," the Turkey Swing, and the Women's Strength Class.  Remember...I am driving from Lynn to Needham to attend these classes.  You know how good they must be. 

I AM NOT AFRAID TO LIFT
Photo by Iron Body Studios

Then, calmly, Artemis mentioned that they would be doing an SFG Certification Training Program.

My only comment and thought was, "I'm in!"

Stay tune for Part 2...


Thursday, August 13, 2015

AND I QUOTE


 Another edition...




 






Some may be repeats.  Just shows how much I like them!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Mondays Fundays

Mondays are usually my day.  I wake up early, work out and do chores.  Very rarely do I stop to just enjoy what is all around me. 

Yesterday my body and mind were tired.  I had worked out Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  The body didn't feel up to another intense work out.  The plan was to head to the coffee shop and watch video of various kettlebell technique and think about next week-ends certification.

As I was driving to Walnut Street Café, I felt drawn to the ocean.  I thought instead of lifting heavy and instead of thinking/observing, I would just walk the beach.  I would enjoy the beauty my city has to offer.  I even took pictures...once again with the blackberry.  I tried to capture the Boston skyline but couldn't.  PS...the new phone is in the house.  When I finally figure it out, the picture quality will improve.

 






It was high tide.  As kids, we use to run the sea wall during high tide.
I was tempted but if you look below and see what shoes I was
wearing, you will understand why I didn't.



Yes, these shoes!


The stair case where everyone hung out during high school.
I remember it being call the 2nd staircase but it is the
1st stair case.  Go figure. 

Red Rock with Egg Rock way in the back ground.


The waves were large enough to bring out the boogie board.  Unfortunately, the boogie board that traveled in the back of my car all winter, was in the garage. Next time I will plan better.

Monday, August 10, 2015

BACK TO BLACK



Movies just aren't my thing.  However, when I saw the trailer for the new Amy Winehouse documentary, I knew this was one I had to see.  I was not disappointed but it left me feeling sad and anguished.  Amy Winehouse had that unique voice that could touch the soul and song writing skills to match. 

This very talented woman allowed herself to fall prey to her father, her manager, her husband and ultimately to drugs, alcohol and an eating disorder.  In her heart she knew she was a small club jazz singer but BACK TO BLACK made her a star.  Several times during the course of the movie she talks about not wanting to be a star.  She knew she could not handle being hounded and hassled by media and fans.  As a matter of fact she said, "I could give it all back to get rid of the hassle, I would."

Tony Bennett, with whom she sand a duet, described her as a jazz singer equal to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.  He said he would have told her to hang on because "if we live long enough life teaches us how to live."

The constant hoard of photographs and reporters documenting her success and downfall was disconcerting to me.  Why can't we leave people free, including celebrities?  Why do we feel we know someone because a story, true or not, was written about them? 








Friday, August 7, 2015

Snatching It Back






Okay...the song doesn't have anything to do with KB snatching but the song plays in my head when I think about the certification and the snatch test.

When I started on the road to certification I never ever thought I would be able to do 100 snatches in 5 minutes.  Doesn't it sound impossible?  No?  Well it did to me.

What I've learned the past several weeks is that it is not impossible.  I can now do 100 snatches in 5 minutes with a 12 KG kettlebell.  It is a feeling of tremendous accomplish.  Last weekend I was reminded of the fact of how overwhelmed I felt in the beginning of my training about learning to snatch properly.  I was a whiney beatch saying, "I can't do this." 

Well as a matter of fact...yes I can!




As long as I trust my training and don't let anything get inside my head, I should be able to pass this one.  Now, as an introvert, it is a little disconcerting thinking about all those people watching me while I snatch.  Physically I've got this.  Now I am working on the mental aspect.  As I've said before....