Tomorrow is the kick-off of our newest Paleo Challenge at CFX. It will last 35 days and this time there's a twist - we're in teams! Totally awesome! We don't know our teams just yet but everyone had to be weighed and measured up at WWU with the "Bod Pod". Now this was neat because you were able to retrieve very accurate body fat percentage calculations, and we used to just use the hand-held caliber thing you squeeze for like 10 seconds. The body fat ratings for women were as follows:
>40% = Risky (high body fat)
31-40% = Excess fat
23-30% = Moderately lean
19-22% = Lean
15-18% = Ultra Lean
<15 body="body" fat="fat" low="low" p="p" risky="risky">
Let's start with the weight, because I'm a bit excited about what I saw on the scale. After 19 months of crossfitting, I'm down from 235 to 152.9. From my heaviest, I am down from 265...you do the math :). I actually started my Whole30 early so I have already lost 5lbs in 1 week with it. However, the weight numbers are not my biggest concern anymore (never thought I would say that!) it's more important to me that I clean my body out so it runs the way it is supposed to. If there is going to be another PAT test for the Bellingham Police Department soon then I am giving it EVERYTHING I have in the nutrition department this time. I tried to do good last time but Paleo treats are my weakness. There's none of those right now either.
The body fat percentage was a bit disappointing, because I would hope that after losing 83lbs with Crossfit that my body fat percentage would be lower since I'm getting stronger but the number was 31.7% which puts me at the lowest end of "excess fat".....ugh. BUT - I am choosing to look on the bright side and know that by the end of this challenge I plan on being in the "Moderately Lean" category and kiss the excess fat category behind! Now, can you imagine how much of my body mass must have been fat back when I started Crossfit? I can't even imagine, but I would bet you it was close to 50% considering I couldn't even do a modified push up. Crazy!
Progress that takes time is still progress! Remember that.
I was reminded this morning in church how much I have failed to give all this credit to God with all the changes that have happened. Sometimes the "me" gets in the way. Although it is me you are seeing, God has placed so many important people in my path that have helped me get to where I am - and who will help me continue on to get where I am going. CFX has been the biggest blessing since moving here, and God specifically placed me at a temp job 2 years ago so I could meet Kaylee from our gym who would introduce me to CFX. Other things that stood in our way have been fixed so that our family can enjoy CrossFit together. Things with Kaylee (now back to little Kaylee, our daughter) have been rough the last few months as she goes through the emotional stages every 3 year old endures, but lovely people have been put in our lives to love on her when mommy and daddy can't. She has a darling nanny now, Michaela, who I have grown to love as a friend and I trust her care with Kaylee. My coaches at CFX help me push through the mental walls I put up in front of my goals because I am too afraid to fail. I can't thank them enough, and they were also put in my life by God. None of this is possible with out recognizing how I am able to make this happen, and I'm sorry I fail to recognize that sometimes.
I'm excited about this challenge, and there's also a side challenge going on with the CFX ladies and one of my dear friends, Tricia. We're doing a weighted sit-up challenge that equates to about 200 weighted sit-ups a day. When I first asked if the girls wanted to join in I didn't expect such a response. However, they blew me away and are all taking part, which means now I have to step up! Thanks ladies for always pushing me to do better than yesterday.
