End of Paleo Challenge & The Open Wod 14.1

Before and after the 6 week Paleo Challenge

But First the Open!

The Open WOD 14.1 

AMRAP

30 Double Unders

15 Power Snatches 75/55#

Quick clip from the 14.1 AMRAP

Open WOD 14.1 is in the books. I was nervous all night after hanging at Paul's watching the pros do it live. Got a 1/2 decent nights rest(Eli was all up in my business), then jumped up- ate well and ran to the box. I taped it for shits and giggles and to use for critical analysis. 10 mins can be a long time. The first couple of rounds felt good- I knew the DU's were going to be strong for me and the Snatches a weak point. Meg was an awesome judge calling out the reps as I got close to the end and always offering words of encouragement. In the end- it was her push that helped me finish the last round. So, I finished exactly 5 rounds for a total of 225 reps. A truly outstanding performance. Good pacing, control of the bar and lots of staying under the bar as much as I could muster when the burn was on. Reviewing the video, its clear as I got tired & my form began to falter. During the day I kept comparing my number to the other numbers posted at the games. For my division in the North East my score put me in the top 3 for a few fleeting moments, but as more scores trickled in it was clear that wasn't going to last long-I figured as much. Its clear my cardio is in phenomenal shape, when I own a technique-its golden & but know it'll be the strength pieces that kill me. Too bad we aren't running 1/2 marathons w/ thrusters every 5 miles! Bring on box jumps and burpees! 

Trim and w/ better posture!

Today also ends the Paleo-Challenge. 6 weeks of no grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol or refined sugar. To say that it has been a rejuvenating experience would be an understatement. I only lost a couple of pounds-statistically inconsequential, but the transformation of my body to lean, strong, fast,w/ fast recovery & clear mind has been a paradigm shift in my life. Will I keep it up? Most definitely but with some caveats- a very rare sweet and an occasional glass of wine or beer. The biggest drawback has been the cost and the prep time each week.  This new diet + the programming at NCCF has turned this winter/spring into a trans-formative experience for a late blooming father. More to come on this- its late and I'm tired.