AND I QUOTE

One simple quote tonight.  It doesn't just apply to achieving health and fitness goals.  It applies to the challenges of everyday life.

If I pass my certification, maybe I will get this tattoo!

UPDATE

So how is my training going?  I would say remarkable well.  I feel good and I feel strong.  Artemis and Eric at Iron Body Studios developed an excellent, progressive program.  The RA feels moderately under control and the shoulder/arm has been pretty painless (knock on wood).

It doesn't feel right sharing Artemis and Eric's Kettlebell Certification Training Program...hey it costs money.  They are marketing their unique skills.  They are working hard to make a living.  That being said, let me give you a little insight into what I have been doing. 

I've taken some of my training outside.  I did part of the program yesterday in my yard and then headed to the park to do assisted pull ups and double kettlebell squat sets.  Then I finished on the basketball court doing one handed kettlebell swings.  10 rounds of swings. 

Courtside one handed swings at Gowdy Park

Me on the bars doing chin ups and the little kids on the swings with their mothers.


Today part of the work out was done at home...couldn't do the second half because I was having difficulty squatting at 5:00 am.  So at lunch time at work I did a rotation of double KB clean, double overhead press and double KB squat for 18 minutes with two 25 KBs.  12 KG is my test weight for the cert. 

 

When I was done it felt effin great.  I was toast.  I could say less toasted than when I started doing this rotation.

 

There is a 25-30 percent failure rate at the StrongFirst certification week-end.  If I fail it won't be because I wasn't prepared.  Don't worry.  No negativity.  I plan on passing because 



My grape vine...remember when it looked like this

Two weeks later it looks like this

We are getting there.

There is a downside to the garden though.  My tomatoes have early blight.  It is early.  Steps have been taken to minimize the damage.  I will be devastated I lose my toms.  I live on them come summer.  I took pictures but decided not to share.  It is too sad. 

AND I QUOTE...

As you can see, one is not a quote.  Let me ask you.  Who can resist a delectable ice cream picture?

Not a quote but good advice

Inspiration from people who are doing good works in Lynn!

DIDN'T MEAN TO KEEP YOU WAITING BUT

Yesterday's workout at Iron Body Studios was a scorcher.  Burned my ass but felt great.  I then when to Wilson's Farm in Lexington.  Later I did a little gardening.  Then I crashed.  The ultimate in tired.  Sleep is important for recovery so it was an early to bed Saturday night.

So back to this...

It is the first bud on one of my grape plants.  The other grape plant also has a bud but it is too small to photograph.  I have wanted to grow grapes forever and, last year when I saw my sister's grape vine with grapes, I knew this was the year. 

I am beyond excited.  I wasn't sure this dormant grape plant would come alive.  I ordered them online and when they arrived I didn't read all the instructions.  I stopped at keep in a cool, dry space.  Actually, the roots are suppose to be kept wet...hmmmm.  Fail or so I thought.

My sister had this big, beautiful grape vine.  Mine won't be as big.  I am attempting a smaller trellis.  We shall see. 

And did you know...you can use the young, tender grape leaves to make stuffed grapes leaves.  Nope, neither did I until my friend Kat told me that is what she did with hers.  My future may hold wine and stuffed grape leaves in a couple years.

More planting has been done and I love sharing photos...

Tomatoes (Right now we have 22 tomato plants in the ground.  There are many different varieties many which are Romas for sauce.)
 

in the raised bed.

in a pot

 

Broccoli

Spinach

Eggplant, a variety of peppers, spaghetti squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes and butternut squash has also been planted.  The asparagus from two years ago is flourishing. 

These guys are waiting to be planted...

Even with a small space you can grow a large variety of vegetables.  Its healthy and you know where your food is grown!

THAT'S THE KIND OF BLOGGER I AM

In my post on Tequila, I promised a review of the French wine tasting I attended at Kappy's.  I took copious notes and was looking forward to sharing my insights.  The unfortunate part of the story is I can't find those notes...at the moment.  Oh I will find them.

So to make up for the lack of a French wine review, I headed to Mill River Winery in Rowley, MA to participate in their Friday after work happy hour.  Tonight was a sampling of their Sangria complete with Mexican appetizers.  At the same time, all their wines are available by the glass. 

I was prepared to take voluminous pictures with my old blackberry to share.  I was so caught up in the moment that they only picture I took was this....and yes the sign says Mill River Winery.

Their story....  

Rick & Donna’s story is about friendship, chemistry and hard work.
Pair Donna, a Ph.D. chemist, with Rick, an accomplished amateur wine maker, add Dodge’s Cider Mill, a year’s worth of renovations and a dedicated team of employees here we are – Mill River Winery.
Located on 3.3 acres of the picturesque North Shore of Massachusetts, our winery reflects the history and charm of this area that we call home. We opened in July 2011, with a mission of producing handcrafted wines using the finest grapes from Massachusetts and other notable wine regions.  Our 2010 Naked Chardonnay was awarded a silver medal by the American Wine Society  and was a sign of great things to come.
We love wine making and its perfect combination of science, precision, passion and fun.  We can think of no greater fortune than knowing that when you raise your glass with family and friends, our wines will be part of your enjoyment.
We hope to meet you soon at Mill River Winery!
 Donna Martin & Rick Rousseau
Winemakers and Owners


You all know I love buying local.  So after a couple of glasses of wine onsite, I had to buy a couple bottles of my favorite wine, Mill River Winery Plantation.  It is as dry a red wine you can get.  The bartender was very excited when I ordered it.  She said it was her favorite and that it hadn't been in stock for a few months.  Tonight was the first time it was available in awhile.  If you love really dry red wines get some before it is gone.

They also made a Merlot a couple years ago that was fantastic.  Hopefully, they are planning a second batch. 

I am typically not a white wine drinker.  Their white wines, in particular the Plum Island White, are way too sweet for me.  If you like sweet white wines, I say give them a try. 

Because sometimes in life you need a good glass of wine and a good cry or sometimes you need to raise a glass to someone in your life who was very special...I purchased the Mill River Winery Riesling as a gift.

The three pack.

 

You can find them at millriverwines.com  

And just because I love this shirt I want to share a picture!

NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY

Not a surprise to many of you I'm sure.  Here is the thing.  I needed two 25 pound KBs at home to help with my training.  I have to say I am a tad disappointed.  This is my 4th CAP KB.  I have a 45 pound and two 35 pounds.  They are beautiful.  This new one is not so beautiful.  The underside of the handle has some burrs and metal pieces.  At the moment it doesn't feel so great. 

As you may know, I made the decision to sign up for the certification.  After a week-end, a Monday and a Wednesday of really strong training, I am glad I did.  After a great work-out on Saturday I formulated a more interesting blog post.  However, it is now Wednesday and that interesting blog idea is long gone.   

Let me just say my snatch feels like it is making progress.  I feel like there is hope.  This morning I did a more relax snatch test with the 8 KG kettlebell.  I did 10 rounds of 10 on the left and 10 on the right in 10.5 seconds. 

There are several other related worries but I've decided to relax and enjoy the process. 

THE END

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

StrongFirst certification...StrongFirst certification...StrongFrist certification....StrongFirst certification

Those words seem to be my common refrain for these past few months.  I am so on a fence here.  The problem is I have always believed in my ability to conquer these challenges.  I have always feel strong enough to approach a challenge with the expectation of being successful.  I believe deep in my heart that I am mentally and physically strong.

Until now...This week I received an email from StrongFirst letting me know there are only 8 spots left for the Boston (Somerville actually) Level 1 certification. 

I am trying to figure out if it is my body holding me back or my mind (and the thought of spending all that money if my body isn't operational does make me crazy).

Artemis at Iron Body Studios wrote the perfect motivation blog post this week.  It is worth a read.  It speaks to commitment, dedication, and focusing on a goal.

Artemis - Iron Maiden Challenge

http://ironbodybyartemis.com/2015/05/12/the-cycle-of-training/

and I thought, "I've got this!"  "I can do this." 

But what if it really feels like my body isn't cooperating.  For example, I have always been proud of my ability to squat.  Ass to the grass baby.  I could barbell squat 75 pounds and easily squat two 12 pound KB.  Not so much this week.  Okay, not just this week but recently.  It just isn't feeling right.  That is just one example.

Then I think, for me, it isn't always about the end result.  I enjoy the process.  The process of training and the process of participating in the program.

Or maybe I am just waiting for the class to fill up so I can say to all of you and myself, "Ya, I was going to do the certification but the class filled up before I could sign up." 

I feel like a yoyo here.

My question to you is...What would you do?

If you are really interested in what this is all about, check out this article...

http://www.strongfirst.com/student-of-strength/