My RKC Part One

It’s like the calm before the storm! I’m on the plane flying to St. Paul for the RKC 2012.  When I arrive I will get my luggage with my foam roller. I couldn’t leave home without it. I will find my HKC SISTER, Amanda Perry, pick up the rental car and head to the hotel. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that every possible emotion is running through my head. At this very moment I’m calm, almost eerily calm. I don’t expect this calm to last the entire weekend. I do, however, expect myself to rein it in when I start to get a little nerve racked and on the verge of being overly emotional. I will remember what I said in the last blog I wrote before leaving, “All of you are coming with me!” Your strength and determination and belief in ME will get me through this. Tonight will be the meet and greet. I find out who my team leader is and see who will also be in my group. This is exciting and funny because I have toothbrushes for them, hahaha. The dental hygienist in me rears her ugly head =)

I meet up with Amanda and we head to the hotel. We go to the meet and greet, which started around 7 pm Thursday evening. We find our name tags and are very disappointed to find out we are on different teams. Once we walk in Amanda says we have to find shed30, or Candice Clem, (they interacted on twitter prior to RKC). When we find Candice, I notice she’s so happy and excited and standing next to my team leader. I introduce myself to Mark Toomey and explain that I’m a dental hygienist. Approximately thirty seconds into my conversation with my coach Candice starts yelling, “Hey we’re on the same team!” I started laughing because her next question was if we could be partners. I said, sure why not. Little did I know that this was going to be the beginning of the most amazing weekend for me and my partner.

Amanda and I met and spoke with a few of the other leaders, assistants and candidates. We retired to bed around nine so that we would be ready to go bright and early in the morning. I told Candice we had rented a car and that she was more than welcome to join us in the morning.

Friday morning I woke up at five am started getting ready, did mobility, listened to explicit rap music =) and re-read a quote my dear friend sent me the day I left for the RKC. We arrive at the gym at around 7:30, hand in our paper work and get ready for the strength test. The strength test consists of a 15 second flexed arm hang or five chin/pull ups for women. The mens’ test is five tactical chin-ups or pull-ups, no kipping is accepted. I meet the rest of the women on my team as we all do our flexed arm hang . I can already feel the bond starting to form with my group as all of the girls cheer each other on and we all rocked it. We began the day with some mobility as a group.  We then started with deadlifts and swings. We did A LOT of swings. I pressed the 18kg on both sides twice, which was a PR for me, and almost pressed the 20kg .The day was such an overload of information and so much learning. It was amazing! My presses felt awesome at the end of the day though I was completely exhausted. We had to earn our dinner though.  The workout was “I go, you go” 10x5 with a heavy bell, which means Candice and I used a 28kg. Thanks coach/evil bf for having me do one arm swings with the 24  =). Stay tuned for part two !

Who's coming with me ?

The past seven months have been nothing short of an evolution.  When I set out writing my blog while stranded in Hawaii, I NEVER dreamed it would really be the evolution of Elizabeth.  I have learned a great many things.  I have been training for the RKC since September after I attended the HKC.  I added Pilates on the reformer in January to my training to develop better shoulder mobility and overall flexibility.  I never believed I would have the strength, flexibility and over all body awareness that I now possess. The road to the RKC has not been an easy one but it has been an amazing experience.  I have learned the difference between just showing up at the gym and actually training for something.  I’ve learned what dedication is to my workouts, my nutrition and my life.  What’s so exciting on this journey to the RKC is it’s not over!  In a few short days I will fly to St. Paul, Minnesota and be forever changed.  Yes, I will be forever changed!  I will be a sponge and try to soak up and absorb every detail I can. I will keep my eyes and ears open and be willing to learn and have fun.

This past Saturday, 4/7, was my last group kettlebell class I will get to attend before my RKC.  At the end of class I thanked everyone for always working so hard and supporting me on my journey.  I started to get teary and almost began to cry in expressing my gratitude to my fellow classmates.  I told everyone that I would be taking them with me in spirit to the RKC.  They have all touched my life and given me strength and inspired me to want to be better. As I head out I will take all of them with me.  When I’m exhausted, overwhelmed or ready to give up I will think of how hard they work and how they push themselves, even after that buzzer sounds. Again, I want to thank everyone for the wishes of good luck and positivity that has been sent my way on my journey!  LET'S GOOOOOO! (I was unable to get a picture of all the wonderful people :( who have supported me )

Who's got your back ?

It is said you should surround yourself with like minded people that have similar goals and aspirations. In training for the RKC I have to constantly remind myself  to "believe I am stronger than I think". I write this on my forearm quite often and it helps. What also helps me is the small group class I take part in twice a week, aside from my other training days. This group of people are, in a word, awesome. Some have been in my life for years and others are fairly new to my life. They all know about my goal for the RKC and they push me and give me a pat on the back when I need it or a kick in the @ss when needed also. Don't we all need a pat on the back? I never realized that training for something would encompass both the physical and emotional.  I figured I'd just go to the gym and train, right? Easy enough. You don't think about the days you didn't sleep well the night before. Perhaps you didn't eat well or you had a stressful, crazy day at work. You still have to go. It becomes a second job. What do you do if you don't have a good support network? Aside from the kettlebell group, I have many friends on facebook from my HKC certification and there are many RKC's I've friended via the internet who constantly post blogs and inspirational thoughts on food, life and working out. These things absolutely help if perhaps your spouse, significant other or family don't help support your healthy eating or training.  This being said, I realize that despite all the awesome people in my life believing in me, at the end of the day I need to believe in myself first and foremost!  Who believes in you and your goals?


Elizabeth M

What I'm NOT anymore!

In the past year, I've tried to set several goals for myself, as far as working out is concerned. As women I feel most of us set goals according to the scale and what we plan on depriving ourselves of. Let's be honest, we pretty much worship the scale!  I admit I used too as well. I would always joke around and say, "I'd have so much more free time if I just stopped weighing myself!" I've also heard girlfriends, colleagues, and women on the street muttering about trying to obtain a body they will never have. EVER! If I ran everyday, tried every new fad workout and diet, I would NEVER look like Heidi Klum.  (Oh my goodness! How can she say that, lol.)  My parents weren't Heidis. Damn genetics, lol. We have completely different body types!  So many women don't understand you can't change your build. When I say this I am not suggesting that people should be unhealthy and over/under weight.  I'm saying strive to be fit and healthy and most importantly, STRONG!  Lift heavy things!  How much does your child weigh?  Can you carry him/ her and your purse? Ladies, if you went shoe shopping you wouldn't ask for a size 5 when your a 7 . So why do so many of us idolize sizes we can't possibly be? Listen, no one is perfect.  I'm far from it, but I realize I'll never look like Heidi Klum, but what's even better is I'm okay with that.  I'm happy with me.  The other thing I'm not anymore is starving. Yep, starving.  I would eat salads alll week long to indulge on the weekend.  Does this sound familiar?  It doesn't work!  Now I eat and eat I certainly do.  Don't think im going to McDonald's and getting a Big Mac though .When I say I eat, I eat lots of healthy vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, nuts and my favorite, BACON.  I love bacon but I heard bacon makes you fat, hahahah just kidding.  My goal is the RKC!  I know my body fat will be lower when April comes around but I will also be stronger! I'm not afraid to lift heavy weight and eat some bacon. What are you NOT anymore?

Elizabeth M

Pretty hands!

Recently, I've  received many  questions regarding handcare when using kettlebells. Most men don't mind a few calluses here and there, well, until they start ripping. ;) Aside from the calluses feeling gross, and as a lady who loves getting manicures and needs her hands for work, (I'm a dental hygienist by trade) I can't afford to call into work saying, "Sorry boss, I ripped my hands in kettlebells. Can't come in today". So, to prevent having to miss work, there are several things I constantly do to maintain and prep my hands for kettlebells.  When I first started out with kettlebells I purchased and used every single fitness glove I could get my hands on. I tried all of these gloves in hopes of protecting my hands. Unfortunately, it had the opposite result. My hands ripped and teared. The reason this happened was the glove bunched up and stopped the bell from moving freely in my hands. So what do I do now? Research.  And here's what I've learned: The first thing I always make sure I have with me are socks and sleeves. I use the socks to protect against calluses and sleeves to protect my arms from the bell  rubbing against my skin .  If you've never cracked yourself doing an imperfect clean or snatch then hats off to you! You pretty much rock :) For those of us who are not so fortunate, it will protect you from looking as though someone tried to bludgeon your arms to death!
After my kettlebell workout I usually assess my hands and take a look at my calluses. At this time I make sure I  have no rips or tears  in the palms of my hands. Luckily, as my form has drastically improved so has the absence of ripping and bruising.  I typically use a pedi egg or nail file to file down any calluses that are raised. You DO NOT want to file wet, ripped or juicy appearing calluses. If you do, this will just create an open wound in your palm which is very problematic for kettlebell training.  When using the pedi egg you need to be very gentle and rub the callus down a little bit at a time to make sure you don't cut yourself. What your trying to prevent by doing this is a bulky dried up callus that will inhibit the bell from easily moving around your hand.  Let's say you rip your hand or your calluses are unable to be filed down. What I have done in the past is use aquaphor, a healing ointment available at most drug stores. It is usually near the hand lotions. You apply a coating to the area and place a sock over that hand, sleeping with the hand protected. I know some of you think I'm crazy but it works and it drives the men wild ;). Another thing on ripping, DO NOT cut the calluses off if they have started to pull away! The reason being, you want the skin underneath to heal and form new skin before you cut back the callus and have a gaping wound! All of this being said, improvement in technique will help to eliminate the need for all of this. If your form is good you SHOULD NOT be ripping your hands open.  I hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions I'd love to help. Please check out this website. Tracysfoodandthought.blogspot.com It will  show the best way to cut your socks.  Have fun :)


Elizabeth M

Happy birthday toOoOOo ME!

What's the saying, another year older and hopefully wiser?  It's amazing the changes we can make physically, emotionally and mentally in one year.  A year ago on my 28th birthday, I had touched a 10kg, 12kg and maybe a 16kg kettlebell. I had probably whined that they were so heavy too.  At this point, I really didn't get "it". What I mean by "it" is that as a women you can move and lift REAL weight and not turn into a man. I also learned food is not the enemy! Imagine, eating! I know that some of you are laughing but a lot of women avoid foods because they have fat in them. I  learned more about fats and realized its okay to eat nuts and bacon .:) In the past few months I adopted more of a paleo or primal diet .The biggest change I've seen in me though, is my training. There are several reasons I say my training changed more than anything else.  I always went to the gym and worked out but I never "trained" for something. I decided to sign up for the RKC in August, after experiencing my bf's graduation workout in San Diego.  We were stuck in Hawaii when I tried to book my spot. I will admit, begrudgingly, when I first looked on dragon door's website and saw full, I flipped out as though I wouldn't have a job or home come May if I did not attend this RKC. So I emailed dragon door and to my delight they had opened more spaces. Phew, I was almost RKCless hahaha.  

I look back to videos of me performing swings, cleans and TGU's from last year and can't believe how my technique has improved. The most valuable lesson I feel with technique is always being humble and knowing it can be improved. Looking back at myself a year ago, seeing the girl I was who just "went to the gym” to now, looking in the mirror and seeing a tough @ss chick!  A chick that wants to get stronger and better with everyday I train.  I've learned so much about ME and how hard I want to work and how much I'm willing to put into something.  I'm looking forward to this 29th year. I can't wait to see how my evolution continues to unfold!  Stay tuned. The sky is the limit! 

Elizabeth M

It's COMING !

Most of us are concentrating on the upcoming holidays. The food, drinks and don't forget the presents. Oooh and let's not forget my birthday. ;)  Yes I have all these things on my mind too and my training as well.  When I signed up for the RKC in August it seemed so far away but it's already December! So what's in store for me this month?  Well aside from my training designed by the coach to help me work on technique and getting stronger, Im challenging myself to do pullups/chinups for the enitre month of December (yes everyday). My standing Nov 30 was 2 chinups 1 pull up. On December 31 I’ll retest for how many of each I can do. The evil bf/coach challenged everyone to get better this month. He told us to pick one thing to really focus on just oneee thing.  It seems so simple, right? Its very interesting that most of us try to get better at five things at once and end up not accomplishing any of them! I will take on the challenge and get better. That being said off to do more chin-ups. =)

Elizabeth M