So... continuation of the 2014 Summer Update edition.
Ryan Updates :
Ryan has been extremely busy with juggling home projects, work projects, maintaining everything, and taking care of the kiddies. The home project list is long as he continues to fix and create a great home and environment for us and the kiddies. Depending on near future events or plans, some projects get reshuffled to the top of the priority list.
Such as when the fires came through a few months ago. Re-assessment on fire safety led to the removal of the big pine tree close to the house. Pines are notorious fire hazards, and since this is a high fire hazard season, removal makes sense.
The deck is unofficially done! So.. that means it's not done done, but done enough so that we get to use it and enjoy it. We needed the deck to be safe and functional as we hosted a baby shower for a friend and Emilia and Liam's UnBirthday Party earlier in the year.
Here's how the deck looks populated with party people.
It can hold quite a few people. =)
The avocados were harvested around May this year and, as expected, it was the lowest yielding crop on the records. Other growers around here are also yielding 30% from their norm. With so much going on and a poor avocado season, we ended up not having the yearly AvocadoFest.. for a 3rd year in a row.
We usually save one tree from being harvested so that we can pick and eat for the remainder of the season. However, the end of the season is near and we had to pick off our last remaining avocado tree.
The last of our avos for the season...
Not only is the deck done, but also grass area under the deck. The kids and I love the under-the-deck area especially since it provides shade and has a relaxed feel hanging out on the lawn. I use it a lot for exercising on, and the kids like going bare feet in it and playing lawn games.
Ryan has a grand plan for the overall development of this place. Even I don't know what it is! But this here is the foundation of something I know the kids and I will like. I cannot wait for this area to be built up. I am pretty sure once the grand plan is done, we'll be staying home even more often than we do now!
In the meantime, we're using this area as a makeshift Spartan spear throw training area and the kids use this area like a dirt box (not at the same time.. since that wouldn't be safe.) I'm even contemplating setting up a temporary gladiator jousting arena.
And the kids area has gotten a few upgrades.. a climbing structure, a bench, and a newly cut pine table/boxjump/etc.
Mr. Bunny makes a frequent appearance too. It lives in back of the workshop.
So, you remember the Spartan Race we were suppose to do back in January? Well, that never happened since I had knee surgery. The Spartan Sprint (3+ mile race) was postponed to the next available Spartan Race in our area. Well, that is the Spartan Beast (12+ miles, 25 obstacle) course this coming September. At the time we did the transfer, it was still a good year away. I had hoped we would ease into the Spartan Race series with the Sprint, but the ultimate goal.. my goal for the past 3 years, has always been the Beast. So.. in 3 months time, Ryan and I will be running the Beast. Crunch time!
So, in Ryan's free time (which is none), he has been building obstacles to help with our (really it's more for me) training. He has built mens/womens slosh pipes, a rope climb, bucket carry, rock carry, and spear throw. All according to Spartan guidelines.
(Notice our different techniques to get up that rope.)
Connie Updates :
Obsessive compulsiveness is still ever present and any free time is spent on training. Focus is still getting the knee back to 100% and myself back to pre-injury condition. Currently the knee is at 85-90%. Goal is to get my knee (and mind) functioning confidently to run long distance and to handle jumping. Training has slowly increased as the months passed, and now am at a good point of doing cross-training regiment, 6 days/week, which include physical therapy exercises, Pilates, Olympic weight-lifting, rock climbing, trail or hill running, and HIIT (High-Intensity-Interval-Training) with plyometrics.
Yes. Olympic-weightlifting! I am part of a barbell club now and get Oly weight-lifting training from a 20+ year USAW National coach. Turns out MOST EVERYTHING I learned about weight-lifting from Crossfit was WRONG. Back to re-learning the basics and already seeing the benefits. (Roger, if you are reading this, you HAVE to come down and have a one-on-one session with my coach!)
Doing some "cleaning" on a weekend. =)
My form still needs work. The barbell still travels a little horizontal versus straight up vertical, but it's slowly coming along. Oly lifting has helped tremendously in posture, recognizing left/right side imbalances, and has allowed the knee to strengthen faster and regain a wider range of motion.
I also completed the
2 month Paleo challenge back in February through April and successfully decreased body fat by 3.7%. Since then I have maintained a modified Paleo, focusing on more veggie/fruit intake and varying my protein intake to incorporate a little of non-Paleo plant-based protein (non-GMO soy and chia seeds) for protein variety. I have happily steadied to a 17% body fat and back in the "athletic" category.
Other than working out as much as I can and experimenting with healthy food recipes, I have also been hosting a "Mama's Workout" group Sunday mornings where the neighborhood mamas and kids come over and the moms get a workout while the kids have a play date (multitasking!Score!).
It's been going pretty well that we've even had a few friends and acquaintances, Spartan dads, join for a Spartan Obstacle Training workout session. With the current run of American Ninja Warrior Season 6 on TV along with Spartan Race prep, there is an excitement of discussing new obstacles and obstacle strategies and developing a "wish list" of obstacles in our yard. I cannot wait to see what more obstacles Ryan will build in our home training playground! Stay tuned!
Here's our "Devil Steps" obstacle (yes.. it's just an open staircase):
Pretty much the yard has become a playground for both the adults and the kiddies. Lots of fun for all of us.
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