Keep It Movin'!!!

My workouts over the last week have been killer! After doing back yesterday, this morning I laid in bed scared to move in fear of the pain...but to my surprise it wasn't as bad as I imagined. It's bad!!! But just not bad enough for me to succumb to a rest day. Actually, keeping the body moving is the best cure for soreness and pain. 

DOMS- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness 

Up until about 2 months ago, it would take 2 days for me to feel the effects of a workout. That is no longer the case. I start feeling the soreness the very next day. The soreness let's you know that the WORK!!! you put in, in the gym was properly applied. I should be careful about using soreness and pain interchangeably as they ARE different. Pain is gonna make you want to go to the ER, soreness is gonna make you wanna skip your next workout (but you shouldn't do that)! Lol! 

Not so long ago, when I completed a back day I would feel a ton of soreness in my entire back. However, with this last injury I knew what I was feeling was not my average back pain and the ER is where I landed. So, as you continue in your journey you will learn your body and what's Norman vs what's not.

Now, there are times in which I will fight through some pain without going to the ER. Leg days, for whatever reason, has been triggering some serious PAIN lately. I mean it makes me want to go to the ER but I know that would be a waste. After my leg day, I literally dread walking, going down stairs, going to the bathroom, and going to sleep (because upon waking the PAIN is worse)! My quads have recently rejected me and I'm not liking it. As I am typing this, I'm still sore from my leg day that happened on Wednesday! Leg day will be coming back around and I'm not ready! 

It may sound like I'm complaining but I'm not! I LOVE the SORENESS and the PAIN! I LOVE the challenge that the gym brings and I LOVE feeling the effectiveness of my workouts that manifest as soreness and occasionally pain. I LOVE being in the gym! I LOVE the experiencing and witnessing of gains! I LOVE everything about the pursuit of fitness. 

I LOVE it so much that I'm on my way to the gym right now to WORK!!! through some of this pain to be able to add some more. As they say say...

~me 

Self-Hate...

No matter what you do in life and no matter where you go, you are going to come across individuals that get an internal kick out of doing harm. In the FitGame, you will have those that pat you on the back while secretly praying for your demise. 

I personally am everyone's cheerleader! I LOVE to see people succeed in anything they are passionate about. It brings me great joy to witness and or share in what excites or motivates others even if it's not my thing! Everyone deserves happiness! Everyone deserves to have others believe in them! Everyone deserves to feel loved and cared for. 

Now, that doesn't mean that everyone you come across is gonna love ya! Lol! Shoot, I'm probably the sweetest and most giving person you will EVER meet and people do me bogus, talk about me, mistake my kindness for weakness and hate all day!  But you know what!? THAT IS MY MOTIVATION!!! I stop, look around, and see who's clapping when I'm down and who's silent when I get my ass back up! I may not say a word, but believe me; I know! There are vibrations in everything and I am in tune!!!

Why can't we just support each other?  I love a little competition and won't EVER back down, EVER! I personally know chicks that lift way heavier than me and I brag about them all the time!!! There is ALWAYS going to be someone that's better!!! Why can't people just accept and embrace that and cheer that better person on!?!? 

It's called SELF-hate! 

When one is not okay with themselves, they will ALWAYS have difficulties with others. They will always highlight the flaws of others, talk about others, focus on what others are or are not doing, and all to keep from focusing on themselves (where the true focus should be). They will attempt to get others to dislike someone based on their irrational, self-defeated thinking. 

The world would be a better place if these individuals looked long, hard, and deeply within. But what do I know!?!? Lol! 

The point of this post is to bring awareness to what many experience while trying to better themselves (unnecessary hate) and to challenge each of you to take a look at yourselves. When you speak, let it be about yourself and not about anyone else especially if it's negative. Challenge your negative thoughts about others that surface. Make it a point to be supportive of your competition as they are working just as hard as you if not harder! It's okay to acknowledge hard work! Be kind and do no harm! 

As leaders we have to do better at setting examples! We wonder why the world is the way it is. The change we want to see in the world has to starts with us! 

So for anyone that feels I have wronged them in any way, I sincerely apologize. I invite you to discuss our interactions in person, with nothing but love, respect, and the the goal of being better human beings. 

If while reading this post, your gutt twinged in any way, or you immediately dismissed the fact that you could be a problem before doing that scan inward, or if you automatically assume this was directed at you... Then this post landed exactly before the eyes in which it was intended. Reasonable, stable, open minded, sane adults don't fear exploring themselves at a DEEP level. Nor do they fear loving, giving, or being kind to others or what they look like while doing those things. 

I wish each and every one of you peace, love, and beauty within this short life. Don't assume you will live to be 80, because most of us won't. Live and interact with the world and others as if today is the last day you will exist. Treat others as if you will never see them again, because you just may not.

BE A GOOD HUMAN! 

DO GOOD FOR OTHERS! 

DO HARM TO NOONE! 

The world thanks you!

~me

WE GAVE WITH LOVE!!!!

Today's Lunch On Us event went GREAT!!!

No, we didn't have news coverage, nor did we have ALL that we wanted to give but we gave with love. We  gave full bagged lunches, bags of snacks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, cold water and juices. We walked the city from 12pm to nearly 4pm meeting, greeting, and giving.

Surprisingly, many individuals refused the lunches but accepted the water. Which is understandable. There are others that accepted the lunches and then said "I hope this ain't no peanut butter!" Lol! Nope, Turkey and Cheese!!! Peanut butter is what most shelters and churches use as it won't go bad, so they were happy to know it wasn't peanut butter! 

Others were just eager to accept what was being offered not really concerned with what it was, but just grateful to be receiving. 

Our group received countless amounts of blessings from those needing help and from onlookers. One woman made it a point to tell our group how wonderful we were and that the world needs more people like us; which is sweet. However what was going through my mind was... THEN PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU ARE THAT TYPE OF PERSON!!!  And this woman may be, but if she wasn't maybe we have inspired her! That is the key. Setting the example for others to follow. 

I want my kids and grandkids to care about the state of other people! Care about others' stories! Care about others' lives! WHY WOULDN'T THEY??? At many points in our lives, people have had to have demonstrated some care or concern with our well being or we would not be here!!! These PEOPLE are someone's child, mother, brother, husband, uncle, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, father, and friend. If they aren't now, they used to be! They are human beings whose lives have meaning. If not to you than to me (and GOD). But they are dismissed hundreds of times daily as if they are nothing. People walk pass not even acknowledging that another human being is in their path. 

Yes, I get a little hyped when it comes to topics regarding the treatment of people. And my passion will only intensify with time. The next event will be soon so stay tuned! We will have to do something for winter!!! 

Here are some pics from the day. I have some more pics and video I will post at a later date.  

Oh and the fitness part of this post is that we covered some serious miles today!!! 

:-)

Enjoy! 

Better yet... Get up, get out, and give!!!

~me

EVOLVE...ING!

So, injury update!!!

Since my regular doctor is on vacation, his partner called to go over my MRI and X-RAY results. I always tell them what I think it is and they then confirm. Well, I told her what I thought, she confirmed I was right, but then told me I missed something that was barely recognizable and told me to go back and take a look at the MRI to see if I could identify what she was referring to and we will discuss it at my next appointment. 

One thing I am grateful for is my health. Which by the way I still have minus the extra fat face and tummy from being on steroids the last 2 months. I have a 5 days left on the stuff and when I stop them, 2 days later it looks like I've lost 50lbs. It's crazy! Anyways... I'm back in the gym, going hard, with my team, next week, PERIOD! 

What the doctor saw, that I missed, on the MRI is sort of a concern but I'm gonna take the advice of my orthopedic surgeon (and other smart people) that took care of my leg and let my body determine what I can and can't do. 

By no means will I be discontinuing the journey. I'll just be tweeking it a bit and I'm good with that! I can lift!!! I can do whatever I want to do but as soon as discomfort occurs... I have to adjust what caused it. Pretty simple. 

Well, my current fitness/lifting weak points are going to get some serious attention!!! My crew will likely be happy to see me focus on those things until I'm 1000% cleared to re-engage in MY BEST ISHT!  :-) 

I will be undergoing some physical therapy, therapeutic massages, and diet revamp to attack my injuries as wholistically and naturally as possible (no more meds, no surgery). Strength training is essential to this! 

I'm also gonna include some things that I've maybe done once or twice but never really got into like, yoga and palates. I've already added swimming (which I love) plus I continue to self myofacial release and invert myself several times a day which is just amazing all by itself! 

Look, as much as it ma seem to suck at times; life is what it is. In this realm we have what we have (health, time, people, things) until something changes.

We are then forced to make adjustments.

We accept. 

We adapt. 

We Evolve. 

There are no rules to this thing, except you have to always try your hardest and you can't ever give up; no matter how much you want to. Things will eventually get better and you will carry forward as you have ALWAYS done. 

Blow after blow, after blow,  you have to continue to be willing to go toe to toe!!! 

~me

Phases But Not Fazed!!!

It's been a minute since I've blogged and for a couple of different reasons.

I have been hesitant to write about the physical setbacks that I have experienced on my FitJourney and the latest one I've been battling for the last couple of months. No matter how many people may appear to be cheering you on, there are those who do so secretly hoping to see you fail. This could be the case for an endless amout of reasons and it's multiplied by times 10 because I am a female. To those individuals, I say... Just know that my physical abilities WITH injury are still likely to make you feel ishTy! :-) STOP THE HATE! 

In previous posts, I know that I have talked about my issues with my sciatic nerve which was totally manageable with foam rolling and stretching. However, this nerve has taken up smokin' crack and has been messing me up for the last 6 days! Generally, I'm cool with pain as I have an exceeding high pain threshold which for the most part works in my favor. It keeps me from whining like a baby every time hard WORK!!! is applied. However, I also know my body and when something changes (for better or worse). Crackatica changed on me literally overnight and has placed a stopper in my  roll. 

This isn't the first time I've had to be out of the gym. Minor to moderate injuries have come, been erraticated and gone over the last couple years. NEVER WILL AN INJURY STOP ME FOR MORE THAN 7 DAYS. This one is no different. Today is day 7. 

 Those who know me, know I LOVE LIFTING HEAVY WEIGHT!!! If it's not your thing, then I don't expect you to understand. However, THAT'S MY ISHT!!!

Although, I won't be engaging in hitting all time highs over the next few weeks, I WILL be keeping repectable numbers in play. We'll see, as I do have a team of male "handlers" within D.F.C. that will protect and kill any craziness; which I am genuinely greatful for. I kinda like these guys (total understatement)! <3

So now, a new PHASE. 

Yesterday, I went for an MRI and X-Rays. I will not be speaking with the doctor until tomorrow or so but I have taken a look at my images and think I know what's up.  This is definently not the end of my lifting but I will have to scrap my current plans which calls for the implementation of a new PHASE. One that will prevent further injury, eliminate the problem, and ultimately make me stronger. 

I am a firm believer in there being no mistakes. This is somehow going to put me in a better spot than I am in now and I'm actually kind of curious and anxious to get this PHASE underway and see where it takes me.

There is no doubt that my diet will have to be revamped and on point as my expenditures will likely not be as high as they have been. I WILL NOT STOP WORKING OUT OR LIFTING but I will also not risk further injury by doing stupid ishT either. This PHASE is likely to be HIGHLY FOCUSED. I'm sure 3reFit and the rest of D.F.C. will play a vital roll in holding me to task. Plus, I'm determined to find myself in a better state of fitness when this PHASE is complete. 

Who knows what will mark the end of this PHASE??? All I can say is, with me you never know. I am a creative soul surrounded by like individuals that truly want to see me flourish on my FitJourney. 

So here's to new PHASES, which I refuse to be FAZED by. It is my motivation, my guide, and my reminder that I can do anything I set my mind to do and my body WILL obey. 

"If I can see it, then I can do it. If I believe it, there's nothing to it!" 

Phases? Yep!!! Fazed? Not this girl! 

~me 

To Be GREAT...

Today, I am saddened by the death of Muhammad Ali but inspired by his life and his legacy that will remain long after this day. History. Legend. Icon. MAN. Although, boxing is my LOVE, Ali represented so much more than that to me. Next to boxing, when I think of Muhammad Ali the word "Freedom" comes to mind and for many beautiful reasons. And because I believe that he has transitioned to another state of being in which he is at peace; I pray for his family, his fans, and all who loved him up close or from afar. May you find peace and comfort in all the GREATNESS he left for us to enjoy. REST WELL CHAMP. ❤️

Now, there are a limitless number of things we can all learn from Ali. You don't just become great without doing certain things. With GREATNESS come HARD WORK!!! My teammate Big Boo says it all the time (paraphrasing) "everybody wants to be strong but don't wanna lift no muphuckin' weight!" Or something like that... LOL!!! Rarely can you elevate your existence by being stagnant. You have to make moves, you have to put in WORK!!!

Sacrifice is always in the mix of being GREAT. So many of US are not willing to sacrifice certain people, places and things in our lives and THE SAME SPOT is where we will continue to stand. Still. Holding on to what we have grown accustomed to or feel we need  in our lives versus letting whatever it is go, as it is truly hindering our progression. That is our poison. I will be the first to admit,  this is me. I am beyond loyal and most times loyal to the wrong people. Those who truly could give a rats pink a$$ about me, where I'm trying to go, and what I'm trying to do. I'm sure most of you can relate. Change in this area is an immediate MUST in order to continue moving forward. Progressing. 

Dedication and commitment can't be played with either. For me, extreme is what keeps me engaged. It's not always the best approach and it can be looked upon negatively by others. However, my all in or don't phuck with it at all has worked more in my favor than not. And at this point, who gives a phuck what it looks like to others. People are either going to support you or find reasons to hate you. Therefore DO WHAT YOU DO, HAVE NO REGRETS, AND NEVER STOP!!! Individuals who are committed and dedicated, reach their goals. They succeed. They attain GREATNESS! 

Freedom... The other word that comes to mind when remembering Ali. 

To be GREAT you must be free. Free from the negativity within you and around you. Free from worries about what others think. Free from caring about who's gonna like you and who's not. Free from limitations of the mind and spirit. Free from making excuses for your current state and free from making excuses for the state of others. Freedom is essential. Mandatory. 

Will being GREAt be an easy task? Not at all. And there are varying levels of greatness. Most of us will never be remembered as Ali, Prince, or Michael Jackson but we can without a doubt achieve our own level of GREATNESS! CREATE YOUR GREATNESS! Your legacy! Do not allow anyone or anything to hinder your acceleration towards being GREAT. And most importantly be your own biggest fan! Let go of desiring the approval of others because in the end, only what you think matters! Now, let's get started!!! 

Short & Sweet

On Wednesday, the leg day was BRUTAL and totally effective. People really think I'm joking when I pray to walk the next day. I'm totally serious!!! The first half of the day I spent walking like a toddler and at times it felt like my legs were totally gonna give out on me. Lol! MY CREW GOES HARD!!! And the craziness of it all is that I LOVE IT!!! 

So...over the last 10 days I have not been able to engage in lifting that involves intense arm and shoulder movements due to a pinched nerve. However, Wednesday was my first day back lifting with D.F.C. since my nerve issue started so I'm marking that as my Day 1 of a personal journey (or goal oriented focus) within the journey. I'm going to allot the next 18 months to attain this goal which is totally doable. Oh and no, I won't disclose the goal you will just have to see it unfold over this time. Sorry! Lol! You already know it's related to fitness; enough said. :-)

Now, because I have been out of lifting heavy for over a week I went to the gym (on leg day) with just that in mind...Lifting heavy. And I did. Even though I was not happy with the overall quality of my lifts, I was able to get 2 very shallow 330lb squats in. My teammate Eric recorded it and because it was not my best work, I wanted him to just send it to me. However, due to technical difficulties he was not able to send it so he posted it on FB!!! Lol! I still owe him a karate chop to the neck for that! It's all good though! I am starting to realize that some days just in the gym may not be slated for greatness and I will eventually swallow that tough a$$ pill. Sometimes it takes me a minute to snap back to reality and see things as they truly are but I DO eventually get there. Live, Learn, & Lift Heavy ishT!!! Haha!!! 

On a more important note, the Lunch On Us event is quickly approaching. Saturday, June 18th myself and many others will be walking around downtown Chicago providing lunch and other items to individuals who are homeless. If you are in the area feel free to join us!  We will meet at The Bean at noon and give to others until it's all gone. Even if you can't make it or contribute, please make it your business to do something for those who are in need. It just seems so basic for one human being to help another human being but most don't and for many reasons. However,  of those reasons, have faith that your kindness will in some way be a blessing to another. That is all. 

~me