Today: Last week’s workouts.

I think the expression Better late than never! was invented as an act of charity towards people like me.  People who are just now realizing it’s Thursday.

I had a few really great workouts last week, one’s worthy of sharing, so let’s pretend I am not tardy to, like, every party.

Tuesday: Power Vinyasa Flow at NB Fitness Club with Susan G. Komen Massachusetts and New Balance Lace Up 365

I spent eight hours in Detroit last Monday (and exactly as many hours on planes or in airports), so when my alarm went off bright and early Tuesday, I considered spiking that thing volleyball-style across the room.  Instead, I got up, grabbed a great outfit from New Balance’s Lace Up For The Cure line (as part of a minimum $500,000 donation, 5% of proceeds from this line of athletic wear supports Susan G. Komen) and headed to Brighton.

New Balance hosted a number of special workouts this month, helping to raise awareness for their Lace Up 365 campaign.  I’d been looking forward to the yoga class for a while, but was so impressed with the overall experience.  Before class started, we heard from three breast cancer survivors, who joined us for an hour of Power Vinyasa Flow with Antoinette.  While I’d like to blame travel fatigue or pregnancy hormones, I teared up in the back row, listening as Peter, Theresa and Carol shared their stories because all three were so relatable, so honest, and so human.  And that’s what I love about the Lace Up 365 campaign.  It’s all about honoring those lives affected by breast cancer and ensuring that they are on our minds all year long, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  In addition to news and information about breast cancer, you can also find information about dedicating your workouts to survivors on New Balance’s website.

The class itself was the perfect blend of challenging and restorative.  I made modifications here and there to accommodate my growing belly (and dwindling balance), and looked up often to see Peter, Theresa and Carol practicing in the row ahead of me.  I’m grateful to have been able to spend the morning with such courageous people.

Thursday: Thanksgiving WOD at CrossFit Southie

Nick and I managed to fit in a workout before hitting the road on Thanksgiving, visiting my parents south of the city and his parents north of the city.  I had planned to do my own thing while the rest of the class completed a partner WOD, but I ending up pairing up with our friend Kendra and completing the whole workout.  I made a few pregnancy-friendly modifications (squats and elevated push-ups in lieu of burpees, step-ups instead of box jumps), but was happy to crank out all the rowing, running, kettle bell swings and double-unders.

A few people have asked me about keeping up with CrossFit while pregnant, and while I am no expert, I think it all comes down to doing your research, consulting with coaches, and doing what feels good.  Thanksgiving’s WOD took just over 40 minutes for us to complete, and at a high intensity– this was definitely pushing it for me.  Knowing how to scale different workouts (whether for time, reps, intensity, etc.) is so important.  If you have specific questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Saturday: Hero WOD at CrossFit Southie

“Joe”
10 rounds
10 Thrusters 95#
10 Bar facing burpees
10 Pull-ups
57 Double unders

Saturday’s hero WOD honored Joe Lengel Jr., 57, of Toledo, OH, who died on November 19, 2012, of a gunshot wound sustained while opening his gym, Crossfit Intensity, early that morning.  I finished 8 +8 rounds (I believe the time cap was 35 minutes) and yes, my jump rope matches my Nanos.  Pro Regular person user tip: a bit of washi tape on your rope handles ensures your husband never mistakes your rope for his.

I’ve been fitting in long walks at lunch on off days, making sure to stay active despite the fact that my Spandex is getting tighter and tighter.  Meanwhile, this baby seems to be getting her own workouts in.  I think she’s partial to kickboxing…

Also On Tap for Today:

• Decorating our tree 🙂
• Love this holiday cheat sheet from Whole Foods
• Mid-week manicure

Are you a lone wolf or a workout buddy?