What it takes to compete elite.... (with a twist)

Two years into my CrossFit journey I thought I had tried everything to get my PR’s.  I was eating strict paleo and during the 2011 Sectionals, finally succumbed to The Zone.  I had read article after article revealing the amazing body transformations and gained strength from elite nutrition.  I was leaner and faster, but my strength was still lacking.  I asked Lisa Bender Thiel what she was taking after she came in 3^rd at the 2011 South Central Regionals.  “Crack,” she replied.  I had watched her the previous year get stuck on her head at Regionals and wanted to try whatever she had done to improve.  After the 2011 CF Regionals, Bigg Dave put me on his Meathead Maddness strength building protocol.  Some of the other CFCP competitors were put on the same plan.  We were his pilot study for his exclusive SuperStrong program.  I was motivated, disciplined, and ready to become a freak.  After 12 weeks, my PR’s were hardly more than a five pound gain.  Granted I could throw medium-to-heavy weight better, I still wasn’t experiencing that amazing breakthrough.  Frustrated and feeling defeated, I finally decided to add Advocare supplements.

No shit, the first time I took Catalyst, I did my first strict hand stand push ups (two in a row!).  Things got better for a little bit.  I was definitely feeling stronger.  My body eventually became accustomed to the supplements, and I needed to increase.  I finally started seeing real gains when, won’t you believe it, I was on a $200 a month supplement regimen.  That’s right.  Despite years of hard work, it wasn’t until I started throwing down on pills and shakes that I saw the results I wanted.  I was very excited to get the big girl weights over my head.  But, I was also pissed off and irritated.  That’s the secret?!  Timing Muscle Strength, Catalyst, coconut oil, SFH recovery protein, SFH Super Omega-3 Oil, Muscle Gain and Nighttime Recovery= Elite CrossFitter?!?!  I could have started on this stuff three years ago and not gone through the agony of years of intense training with limited results.  At the same time, there was some serious value in watching my gains come so fast after so many years of struggle.  I no longer feel that the “elite” are blessed with mutant strength and wicked skills.  Most of them have mastered the chemistry of supplements.  So for those of you out there who are so awe-struck and inspired by watching the elite, give Advocare a try.  You may find what you’ve been looking for.

Enter Irony, stage left.  The 2012 CrossFit Cedar Park team was ready to take on Regionals and kick some ass.  Our team was stacked with two former CrossFit Games competitors, collegiate athletes, and heart to win.  Right before the competition, I was making serious gains.  I had finally broken through my deadlift mental block and got 235# up with no problem.  I could hang power clean 135#, and my muscle ups were solid.  Here’s the kicker. 

The Tuesday before the South Central Regionals, I found out I was pregnant.  Talk about mixed emotions.  I was overjoyed as my husband is incredible and I am mentally, physically, and spiritually ready for this next chapter.  But, what would this do for the competitions ahead?  I immediately looked up the contents of my supplements and found that two of them were definitely out due to the possibility of miscarriage.  My supplements were restricted to protein and Catalyst for Regionals, and I was concerned that it would hinder my performance and hold back the team.  Fortunately, it all worked out.  Granted I was more sore than usual that weekend, but I managed to suck it up.  We ended up 5^th overall and came in top five in four out of the six events!  While there was some disappointment that we missed the Games by such a close margin, I will never forget the look on Bigg Dave’s face when I told him the news.   At least I didn’t have to worry about competing at 15 weeks pregnant!

The road ahead.  In the three years that I have been part of the CrossFit Cedar Park family, there has always been someone pregnant and CrossFitting.  I feel very fortunate to be part of a supportive community with a wealth of prenatal knowledge and experience.  I am still CrossFitting, but my workouts are tailored to accommodate the growing embryo.  Basically, if I feel too sick to work out, I stay on the couch with my feet up.  If something hurts, I stop.  I do not push myself to the “gasping for air in a puddle of sweat about to pass out from exertion” level anymore.  So far, my morning sickness has been likened to a combination of a nasty hangover and mono.  No puking yet, but the nausea can be pretty bad.  Zone/Paleo is currently out the window, and I listen to my body for cravings and food aversions.  Sadly, meat is very hard for me to put down right now.  I eat what I can, and don't fret over food right now.  Eating every 2 hours keeps the nausea under control.  My stamina is non-existent and I am learning to master the art of laziness.  My new supplement program includes a great prenatal vitamin, prenatal DHA, and Mommy’s Bliss (the secret to overcoming morning sickness!).  I will take coconut oil pre-work out and a post-workout recovery shake.  My focus is no longer on PR’s.  My focus is now on developing a healthy and happy baby.