Pre-Thanksgiving

I remember in 2010 pre-thanksgiving I was in the best shape of my life. Maybe not jump shape, but I was lean and fit and my muscles were so cut. I definitely don't feel that way this year, but I do feel pretty good coming into this benchmark. My training has been hampered by work schedule and ridiculous nicks and dings, but overall I feel strong. My diet has been pretty good. I think I finally have a full repertoire of vegan meals to prepare that actually taste good, and I have found a good whole wheat bread recipe. The weather has gotten colder, so the farmers market is out of the question now, so I have to buy from Kroger (which actually saves lots of money, but I feel like I'm betraying my principles!).

I just need to keep in mind how great it feels to eat right and exercise regularly, and PR in triple jump! To keep me focused when I'm deciding whether to buy some donuts. 

First Jump Day

I finally manned up and decided to see how my body felt flying through the air. This preseason has been plagued by stupid non-track injuries, from dodgeball and football. But apparently those injuries were minor as I didn't feel any inhibition while completing my technique. I didn't feel strong using my ankle-flick to get off the ground, but that is where rehab comes in. Excited to keep pushing, now that I have given myself a mental clean bill of health. 

Calories!

Today was a pretty good day. My nutrition was on point, I even prevented myself from getting some baked sweets in lieu of trail mix at the gas station (also where I almost lost my credit card). Had some uncharacteristically bland oatmeal in the morning. Had my trail mix and garden sandwiches and carrots scattered throughout the day.

I did a treadmill run and got to 300 calories by 18 minutes!! New record I think. J Alvarez had me rocking boy! Then did some ankle rehab. 

For dinner I made some chickpea and rice goodness for the first time, hopefully I can incorporate more beans into my diet. The problem is they take so long to soften, and I don't trust canned beans because they are already salty and stuff. 

Endnote- Thinking about buying bulk dry goods online.....

Stronger?

Haven't updated in too long. Last week was actually pretty solid. Had 3 nice treadmill days (350 plus calories each) as I was trying to stay off my ankle. I also played basketball on Friday, hadn't played that since Russia. Ankles held up thankfully. 

On Sunday I did my classic circuit. A modified Coach Taylor circuit. It seemed much easier than usual. Thinking about ratcheting it up for next time. 

Today I did my first weighted sled pulls of the 2014 season. So easy! I usually do 2 sets of 5, 50 meter pulls, with 30 lbs, with 1 minute rest between reps and 5 minute rest between sets, but since I was meeting a friend for dinner I did 1 set of 8. I was laid out on my back at the end but I had no problem keeping my form through the fire. I know my ankles are terrible right now, but I think I may be really strong, more so than expected.