2014 CrossFit Games Open First Impressions

     The CrossFit Games Open is a series of 5 workouts over 5 weeks that people from all over the world do.  This year there are over 200,000 participants!   You do the workout, post your scores online and see how you rank.  This is my second year doing the CrossFit Game Open.  Last year, I found The Open to be an challenge and encouraging. 

     This year, I am two workouts in and just not feeling the same.  Perhaps because the last workout had chest-to-bar pull-ups, which I can not do. I did my best. I put on my oly shoes, snatched up the 65 lbs bar and did 10 beautiful overhead squats.  My 14.2 workout lasted a minute and then I was done. It was discouraging.  Fortunately, I was able to cheer others on and live vicariously through their chest-to-bar pull-up victories!

     I do not mind a challenge or hard work, as long as it feels like progress. So far, it feels like a grind. Regardless, I am determined to do my best with the remaining 3 workouts.  As long as they contain movements I can actually do, I will be happy. I hope by the end of the 5 weeks I feel like a better person. Fingers crossed.  If not,  I will work on my cheer leading skill :)

The Complaining Challenge

 

    
     After reading this article in the Glamour March 2013 issue, I thought I would give the challenge a try- no complaining for a week.  The author felt the challenge helped her reset her thinking and even influence those around her positively. Doing the challenge just didn't work out for me, because I discovered complaining does have some noteworthy benefits:

• Complaining fosters bonding. Hi my name is Rani and I am a sugar addict.  Turns out complaining about the cupcakes and cookies in your office gives you something in common with other sugar addicts and it creates a support system. I got a FaceBook message from a friend asking for help with the extra frosting that was in her fridge.  We share out sugar shame moments and get through them one cookie at a time.

• Complaining can facilitate productivity. I was talking with someone on the phone this week and mentioned I was getting over the flu, so was she.  We whined in solidarity for a moment and she totally went out of her way to help me with my request. 

• Complaining can start a friendship.  I've worked with someone for the past 3 years and have never really said more then hi. This week she had the zombie flu and I can empathize. So we have been checking on each other all week and have talked probably more than the entire time we've worked together.

• Complaining can encourage others.  I see this at CrossFit all the time. You see a workout and think that looks hard and then someone else bigger and stronger says "that is gonna suck" and immediately you feel better. Whew if they think it sucks, maybe I am not so weak.

     There was one situation this week in which not complaining was definitely beneficial. My co-worker announced she accepted another position and guess who would be getting a portion of her workload- me!  Perfect opportunity to not complain and so I didn't. I said "well if I have to do extra work, I am glad it is payroll." That helped managed my stress about the new workload.

     I think complaining is part of being human and if used correctly can really generate some positive social connections. I did try a few days of not complaining and honestly I felt insincere. Like I was being overly optimistic, almost to the point I was lying.  When it comes to complaining less is more, but some is good.

What do you think? Could you go a week without complaining? And would that be a good thing?

Hello February 2014 :)

   

     One month into the new year already!  How are things going? Are you keeping your resolutions?  This year I didn't make resolutions instead I had a "themes" of Simplify and also to Be Deliberate. So I thought I would do a check-in on how that is going.

     Simplify has been quite easy. After months of being over-busy, I was ready to downsize my schedule.  I started making a daily to-do list (cause I like to check off items) to help get the most important things done.  One surprise is that you can do only the things on your to-do list and still be tired. I thought that doing only what is important would exempt me from that. Magically thinking- I know. Some days are still busy, but at least I know I am working on priority stuff.

     Be Deliberate has been a game changer in my stress level. Instead of worrying and worrying I think about what I have control over, make the best decision I can and then stop worrying about it. For example, I wanted to register for an online class but needed a special permission code from the instructor. I called. I emailed. No response. So I let it go and just accepted that it was not meant to be. Basically, I do whatever is in my control to change or affect my fate and I let the universe take care of the rest.

     Themes have been incredible effective at keeping me on track and bringing peace into my life. Sorry if this sounds a little new age, but it really works. I hope 2014 is treating you well so far.  How are you resolutions going?

Hello 2014!

     Happy New Year!  It seems making resolutions are out this year.  Instead, a New Year's theme is on trend.  I was already thinking of my theme, when I saw this Huffington Post article suggesting possible personal themes.

     I decided my 2014 theme is Simplify.  I feel like I spent the last year trying to do too many thing and some of them were just repetitive and wearing me out. For example, fitness is important to me, but running, CrossFit and yoga was a little much.  So this year, it is CrossFit only (which in itself is very varied and intense).  Another example was getting massages and going to the chiropractor. Yes I hurt, but honestly the chiropractor is more effective and cheaper. So massages are also out for this year (Sorry Massage Envy- I will miss you).

     Along these lines, CrossFit Lisbeth suggested making one over-arching resolution for the the year by filling in the blank:  BE___________ (i.e. kind, happy, playful).  I liked this idea too, but I didn't want to BE Simple.  So I thought of a statement that goes along with my theme of Simplify. BE Deliberate.  With these combined theme and statement, I hope to choose, focus and invest in those things that really matter instead of trying to a little bit of everything.

     So that is plan.  I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday. Per the post counter on Blogger, this is the 125th post, so thank you for all your support. Are you going to make resolutions or theme or BE statements for 2014?

2013 Year in Review

     It is the last day of 2013...Wow that went fast!  I am a sucker for reflecting back on periods of time and trying to determine if I accomplished my goals.  Do you guys do this too?  This year was tricky because I definitely set goals (run 13 races in 2013), but I wasn't specific what I wanted from those goals (i.e. what I really wanted was a faster running time, not to just complete the races).  So I am not quite sure how I did?

     My biggest accomplishment was becoming an intentional athlete.  I have secretly always wanted to be "sporty spice," but never thought of myself as athletic.  It wasn't until others referred to me as an athlete, that I started to believe.  I used to think that being an athletic meant being the best and/or winning.  I have come to understand it means being YOUR best and not quitting.  I am not the best at running or CrossFit or yoga, but damn it I am an athlete!  And when I saw our new CrossFit hoodies said ATHLETE on the front, I knew the universe agreed with me:

     
     Whether or not 2013 was a complete success, I gave my best effort and made progress.  I want to thank all you who have shared in my adventures and misadventures this year via Rice Kracker Girl. Did you have a good 2013?   What were some of your year's highlights?

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Years!!

Keeping Holiday Treats in Check

     Do you struggle with the sugar monster?  I sure do and this is the worse time of year. Goodies are everywhere!  For me, the worse place is work.  There seems to be a new tray of temptation every time I walk by the break area.  If you have obscene amounts of will power and have no problem resisting all the holiday treats that beckon this time of year, you can stop reading this post. For the rest of us, I have a plan:

 

     Eat "real" food.  I know this seems obvious, but we get busy or forget or it is just easier to eat a cookie.  Don't allow yourself to be starving, if you are hungry you will be less likely to resist.  Try to plan and prepare your meals out as much as possible. Eat breakfast and pack your lunch for work. Feed your body the good stuff first.

 

     Set some standards.  One way I eliminate some temptation is to automatically refuse anything that is store bought.  It is not "special" enough to consume. I know these sounds snobby, but it works by cutting down on my choices.  If it is from a speciality store or homemade, I perk up with possibility.  So create your own standards i.e. I only eat chocolate ones or nothing with nuts.  Narrow down your choices and pick your battles.

 

     Manage the sugar fest.  At work, the treats started appearing the day after Thanksgiving- that means I can expect 4 weeks of sugar temptation.  Why not try to get that down to 1 week by suggesting a holiday snack table week. Set up a table and for ONE week people can bring in goodies to enjoy.

 

     Begin again.  Yesterday I ate an entire box of candy all by myself. Yep I admit it!  Of course the sugar cravings are now in full gear, but today is a new day. I don't have to keep shoveling sugar into my face.  Just because it went to hell one day, doesn't mean all it lost. Reset every day and do your best.

 

     If you eat it, enjoy it.  I am in no way advocating holiday goody abstinence.  Indulge a little and really enjoy what you do decide to put in your mouth.  Don't sneak eat it either. Own your choices and relish every sugary morsel. After all it is the holidays!

 

     So those are my best tips for managing sugar consumption in the workplace. I think some of these apply to social gatherings as well. I just tend to have more issues when at work, perhaps because I can't run down an 8 hour clock against cookies!  Cookies will generally always win, sometimes even the  store bought one.  Do any of my fellow sugar addicts have tips to share?

20 Days of Christmas

     I am so into Christmas this year!  Normally, I rival the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge for the Christmas spirit award, but this year I decided I am all in!  The past three months have been filled with activity and I am in need of some down time.  Christmas is the perfect opportunity to have less busy and more enchantment with the present . To slow down and enjoy the glitz, the gatherings and of course the grub! 

     Every year, I get busy, busy, busy with holiday stuff and forget to actually enjoy it. Then before you know it, Christmas is over and all the shiny stuff gets put away and I feel like I missed it. That is why I always say I am not "into" Christmas.  So this year, I am not going to miss out.  Enjoying Christmas is the priority, not the hundred item to-do list this time of year always seems to generate.

     I've got Pandora on the Christmas station.  I am decorating my house and work space.  I am baking cookies and organizing a holiday snack table at work.  I am lighting holiday candles, making a DIY wreath and most importantly taking the time to savor it all!  So prepare yourself, Rice Kracker Girl is celebrating 20 days of Christmas, starting now!

Fa la la la la la la la la

13 Races in 2013

     I have never been considered a runner, but this year I set out to change that. 13 races in 2013!  What I really love is that though there were many races, I can still remember something special about every one. It is like a snapshot of what was going on in my life every month.  Here is a recap of how Rani became a runner.

Resolution Run 5k

     There are not many 5k options in January.  I understand why now- it is cold!  Still is was a beautiful morning and the course was along the Sacramento River. This was my first 5k in a loooong time and my only goal was to run it- no walking.  I did it! I bought those socks, just so my outfit would be complete :)

Davis Stampede 5k

     I really liked the race course through downtown Davis.  About 10 minutes into the race, I regretted all my bad nutrition decisions- I felt it! Still my deal with myself was running, no walking. So I ran as best as I could. Though I knew I was struggling, I thought I was keeping it inside, but the picture tells the truth...this is work/toruture. I will never eat bad again before a race (fingers-crossed).

Lucky Run 7k

     This is a popular race. So popular, I had to park a mile away, run to the start line and still did not make it on time.  Then I spent 15 minutes trying to get past all the walkers. I was not feeling lucky, but I did eventually settle into my pace and found that 7k (4 miles) is a nice distance to run. I will probably never do this race again though because of all the hassle.  But I did get to rock the crazy socks again!

Running of the Elk 5k

     This race was a party!  It had big sponsors (Kaiser, McDonald's and IHop, etc).  There was music, pancakes and a fitness person who did a pre-race warm-up!  You even got a tech shirt upgrade as part of the regular registration.  The swag and race atmosphere were so good, I don't even really remember the running part?  I did get a picture with an Elk- see how cool  this race was!

Capital City Run 5k

     What I will always remember about this race is that it happened a week after the Boston Marathon attack. Instead of wishing me luck, people told me to "be safe."  Race crowds are usually pretty friendly, but there was definitely and extra sense of comadaire in the air. For some reason, this was a tough race for me. I struggled a  lot? Then towards the end of the course, there was a stretch through Old Sac on cobber stone. I had visions of breaking my ankle.  I made it injury free, but a little beat up mentally. Some days are just like that and you push through them.  I ran the whole thing- that was an accomplishment.

Run with Nature 10k Trail Run

     After 5 successful 5k, I thought I am ready for a 10k.  Then I saw it was a trail run and thought- I love trail runs! The race started late, because the trail was on fire- that was exciting! I completely underestimate this race. The first 3 miles were amazing and I enjoyed the trail run. Around mile 4, I started to struggle and by mile 5 it was a hike not a run.  I spent the last mile eating humble pie. I have never been so happy to see the word FINISH. I do love trial runs though and will totally do this again next year, but maybe as a 5k.

Run 4 Independence 5k

     This race happened two weeks post my box jump injury, so there would be no running for me.  Still, I did the best I could and walked it. My gracious sister joined me to keep me company and tame the competitive Rani, who wanted so badly to run! It was a nice community race event and a man in a bunny/tortoise costume lapped me while doing the 10k- hey I was injured :)!

Davis MOOlighting Run 5k

     I tapped up my shin, but I still couldn't run. Fortunately, I had a support team- my sister and my 2 pals from CrossFit Abbey and Gideon.  It was nice to have company and conversation  We grabbed some dinner from Sophia's Thai kitchen and then walked it off.  Walking is just not as fun as running, but I committed to 13 races, so I did what I could.  I also got my Tour de Fit Part 1 finishers medal :)

Davis Labor Day Races 5k

     This was my return to running after my infamous box jump injury.   I woke up to rain in September? So I got out a hat and jacket and prepared to run in the rain. It did sprinkle a little, but that just made me run  faster. This was in  my old stomping grounds of Davis, so I met up with my friend Monica.   The race shirts were a fabulous color and it felt good to run again!

Rock the 80's 5k

     Neon, headbands, wrist bands and side ponytails- oh yeah this was a 1980's celebration!  The day before it poured rain, but race day was just overcast.  I felt very good and found the first 1.5 miles actually enjoyable. The next 1.5 were work, but it got done.  I did spend most of the race thinking about an outfit for the Octobrewfest race though.

Oktobrewfest 5k

     I can now say I've run in a tutu.  I had extra tulle and creativity from my DIY Halloween costume, so I got into character for this race. Honestly, I did not feel like running this race, but I did it. I think I've finally come to terms with running. I can do it, but I don't like to run.  Still I am going to finish- only 2 more to go!

Clarksburg County Run 5k

     Is it over yet?  Sorry, but by now I am sure I don't like to run. Thankfully my friend Lauren joined me on this run through vineyards and country roads.  I focused on breathing and not giving up and 34 minutes later I was done!  I realize that every run- I think about the next run. I wonder what I will think about on the last run?

Davis Turkey Trot 5k

     It is fitting that the last race is the first 5k I ever did, way back when.  It was a cold but beautiful morning and I ran without much struggle.  As I spotted the finish line, I thought "this is not so bad."  I almost allowed myself to think about doing more runs- almost. I crossed the finish line and collected by Part II finisher's medal feeling accomplished.

     Someone asked me if I will be doing 14 in 2014- no thank you!  Racing is fun, but it takes time and money. I am glad I did the Nor Cal Tour de Fit series because it exposed me to races, I probably would not have chosen to run.  Overall, my times were consistent, between 30-35 minutes. What really improved was my mental game!  I used to say "Rani doesn't run."  Now in all honesty, I can say "Rani doesn't like to run, but she can and she did."  I am officially in running retirement.

Crossfit @ 2 Years

      Look at my face. I don't want to pick up that bar, but I am going to. Twice. Then I am going to do the other 3 competition workouts, still feeling the dread.  It is game day and I am not on my game. It doesn't matter, because I am not allowed to give up.  So I  "embrace the suck" and do the best that I can.

 

     I imagined my anniversary blog would be about how much I can lift, or how fast I can run or all the skills I can now do. I am definitely fitter, stronger and faster.  Still somehow, what I have learned this past year can't be measured. At first, I thought I was upping my mental game. But I have done several 5ks, where I had no mental game and still finished in 35 minutes.  There is something else at work here. Something that cuts through all the BS:  This sucks, I suck, I don't feel good, I'm tired, I don't want to do this, why am I doing this, etc.

 

     My most important progress this year has been intangible. The best word I can come up to describe it is- tenacity.  I don't quit, even when I want to quit. I show up, take a deep breath and start. I trust myself, even when fear and doubt creep in and try to sabotage my efforts.  I am confident that if I start, I will find the strength to fight to the finish.   

 

     CrossFit has made me generally better at life.  Doing hard things is empowering and what I experience at CrossFit has carried over into the rest of my life.  I could gush on and on about it, but instead I'll keep it simple: CrossFit makes me a better person.  That's why I am going to keep doing it.

 

“The hardest thing about Crossfit is starting – the second hardest thing is stopping once you’ve started” -http://if-fit.com/crossfit-quotes/

 

      If you are interested, I also did a post on my first 6 months at CrossFit.  Here is a quick exert about where I started from:

"I have no athletic background and have not being doing any kind of regular exercise program for over a year. I am so far out of my comfort zone and am nearly hyperventilating when my class starts. I make it through the next four hours completely bewildered by all the new terminology and ways I am supposed to maneuver my body around a barbell. I manage to not cry, throw-up or pass out- that is something!  I go home and hit up the ibuprofen and promise myself I will stick with this for 3 months, 3 times a week."

Rudeness, Meet My Sassy

     I recently, went to a Lululemon store and got a taste of their legendary customer service. Upon entering the store, I was immediately greeted.  As I was returning the greeting, the sales person looked me up and down with disapproval.  She and all the other sales people offer no additional help, as I looked around the store. Oh lulu why don’t you love me? What if I lost 10 lbs? 15 lbs? 50 lbs?  I mean, I actually fit in the clothes you make-so what is the problem?

     The problem is the Lululemon brand is rude and snobby.   Even the employees say so: “better in the moment than in retrospect”, “great with someone with no life commitments”, “run by mean, stupid and insecure sorority girls.”   Yet we all keep going there?  Why???  Because Lululemon makes the best damn workout clothes!

     When I am in squat with a 100lbs+ on my back, when I am at yoga in some twisted upside down position or when I am running, I know those my lulus won’t rip, sag or fail me.   I have total confidence, that in my lulu pants, I won’t hear a tearing sound and have my hoo-haw exposed (That’s right,  hoo-haw, check the Urban Dictionary if needed).   Lululemon has unbeatable QUALITY.  That alone makes me swallow the rudeness.  But on top of that, they make some of the most stylish and figure- flattering clothes, which make me squeal like a girl “that is soooooo cute!!!”  I am lulu smitten.

     I know it sounds like I am in a bad romance.  To be fair, the description on their website “Lululemon makes technical athletic clothes for yoga, running, working out and most other sweaty pursuits” promises nothing about customer service.   Besides, if the in-store service gets too abusive, I can always shop on-line.  So go on with the judging looks. Hell, call me an Orca to my face. Just don’t stop making adorable quality clothes that make me workout with confidence.

     I know this post started off sounding like a rant about Lululemon, but that wasn’t my intent. I think the “culture” at Lululemon ultimately drives the superior quality and stylish products they produce.  The moral of this story is to rise above rudeness and get what you want and need from the experience.  Also, it helps to poke a little fun at it…hey lulu- does this squat make YOUR shorts look fat?

Links to less than stellar Lululemon experiences:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elizabeth-licorish/lululemon-cult-culture_b_3690378.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/31/lululemon-plus-size_n_3675605.html

*Employee quotes came from http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/lululemon-Reviews-E42589.htm

Tea Time

     It all started with this article on doing a tea meditation.  Taking 10 minutes out of your day to just focus on making a cup of tea.  Doing nothing else but watching water boil, smelling tea leaves seep and enjoying a cup of tea.  This is harder than it sounds. I haven't made it through a whole tea brewing without multi-tasking yet. Even as I write this blog, I am sipping on my first cup of Yerba Mate tea- which is fabulous by the way!

     I got a book on tea 19 Lessons on Tea by 27 Press to learn some basics. I learned that tea, like wine, is picked and processed to create distinct flavors. There are separate chapters covering White tea, Green tea, Yellow tea, Oolong tea, Pu-erh tea, Black tea, Iced tea and Herbal tea.  Loose leaf tea is high quality and can be used for multiple seepings. Tea bags contain "dust" and "fannings"- basically the left over pieces from the whole leaf harvest.  The chapter on tea accessories made me chuckle- kettle, strainer, Thermometer, timer, infuser, storage containers, and special glasses.  So many things to make a cup of tea?

     I was tempted to go out and buy all that stuff, but decided to start my journey slow and light.  My sister had bought me a Kati Cup for Christmas, which I have been using for my juicer juice.  It is actually made for tea and comes with a stainless steal infuser.  So that took care of the cup and infuser. For a timer, I just use my iPhone.  I did buy a digital thermometer to make sure the water is the perfect temperature.

     The next mission was to find loose leaf tea.  Lots of stores only sell tea bags. Whole Foods, not only had loose leaf tea,  but they also had bins that you could scoop your own tea from. This meant you could actually smell the blends.  Since I am not tea expert, I went with what smelled good.  I got three to start off- Mint Medley (black tea), Yerba Mate (herbal tea) and Cardamon Cinnamon (herbal tea).  Whole leaf tea really does have more flavor. In fact, it has an after flavor, it lingers and I can actually feel the caffeine.  Very different from tea bags.

     So it looks like tea is going to be my cold weather month interest.  There are so many varieties and brands to try!  Maybe I'll even be successful at doing nothing but tea for 10 minutes.

The Last Days of Summer

     Happy Labor Day!  This long weekend serves as the last call for summer, though it is officially summer through September 22.   Already the days are shorter and the temperatures have been cooling off a little.  Somehow, I am missing summer before it is actually over?

     I’ve had a long and lazy August, but today kicks off a busy 3 months of 5k races and a CrossFit competition.   Then the holidays will be here!  Plus I plan on moving early next year. So I just want to hold on to this feeling of ease and unbusiness for a moment longer.  Pinkberry answered my prayers and brought back their peanut butter flavor.   

     Sweet and smooth- it feels like the perfect summer day.  They don’t even have to pay me to promote this product. I can’t believe they found a way to make peanut butter even better!  It is a seasonal, so have some and celebrate the last days of summer with me. Roxy agrees too :)

http://www.pinkberry.com/

Lessons from a Box Jump Fail

     It took me 8 months to do a box jump.  20 vertical inches onto a wooden box.  I was always wary of "missing" and hurting myself.  I watched others miss and sacrifice a piece of their shins. So I was always careful.  Hundreds of successful box jumps, but finally it happened. I missed one...

   
     I prepared myself for a psychological meltdown. I looked down at my shin expecting gushing blood and instead found a small bruise.  Finally, my fears had come true.  I was ready to go into panic mode, but fortunately a coach stepped in and told me to keep going. So I did. I finished the workout, which means I did more box jumps and I wasn't afraid.  My shin was bruised, my spirit wasn't. Amen!

     However, there was more to be learned. That small bruise turned into big bruise that went from below my knee cap to my ankle. That was ugly, but what was truly concerning was the swelling. My calf was the size of my hip.  I am new to being an athlete and this is my first significant injury.  I got an x-ray just to reassure myself nothing was broken.  I did have accept that I would be resting and recovering until the swelling was "resolved."

     Taking time off of CrossFit was a harsh adjustment.  I love CrossFit and hated being injured and away, but as the swelling went down the pain started and I knew I need to heal.  The physical healing made slow progress.  What surprised me was the mental healing.  Some people call it overtraining, others under-recovery, but I really did need a break physically and mentally.  I was reminded that my top priority was health not physical activity.  Sometime health means taking a break.

     My shin really took one for the team.  It taught me two important things:  1) I don't fear box jumps I respect them, but I hope to never miss one again 2) Rest is just as important as training.  I am learning when to push myself and when to take it easy. I never thought taking it easy would be so hard.  But I'll be back up on that box again!

You Get What You Get

     A kindergartener once told me, “you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”   It reminded me of a poem I had to memorize and present in the 8^th grade by Pricilla Leonard:

Happiness is Like a Crystal

Fair and exquisite and clear,

Broken in a million pieces,

Shattered, scattered far and near.

Now and then along life’s pathway,

Lo! Some shining fragments fall;

But there are so many pieces

No one ever finds them all.

You may find a bit of beauty,

Or an honest share of wealth,

While another just beside you

Gathers honor, love or health.

Vain to choose or grasp unduly,

Broken is the perfect ball;

And there are so many pieces

No one ever finds them all.

Yet the wise as on they journey

Treasure every fragment clear,

Fit them as they may together,

Imagining the shattered sphere

Learning ever to be thankful,

Though their share of it is small;

For it has so many pieces

No one ever finds them all.

     Through the years, I have always kept this poem.  It reminded me to stop worrying about what I don’t have and enjoy what I do have.  Sometimes in the name of progress, I focus on all the things I need to get to be happy.   But as Sheryl Crow sings “it is not having what you want.   It’s wanting what you’ve got.”  The older I get, the more how right the kindergartener, Pricilla and Sheryl are.

Self Defense is Hard

     Are you willing to do what it takes to defend yourself?  I thought the answer was fairly obviously since I signed up for the five part self-defense class.  Three classes in and I realize facing aggressive behavior and scary situations is complex.  There are the physical factors of fighting someone, who is bigger and stronger.  But what it really comes down to is your willingness to act to defend yourself.  We all have the physical capacity to defend ourselves; it is the mental part that a class in self-defense helps you works on. 

      We have been told over and over again “don’t hit other people.”   It is actually hard to hit someone, even if they are in a padded suit and a trained professional is telling you to hit them!  Even once I got over my hesitation, I didn’t really know how to hit someone effectively. You have to put your whole body into it and keep going and going until you can get away from the creepy bad guy. I have lots of bruises on my arms and legs from practicing.  Fighting someone off is not easy.

     The mental part of it is deciding what to do in that moment when you feel threatened and scared.   Being able to think under pressure, access the situation and have a plan of action to defend yourself.   Last week we did scenarios to start applying the “skills” we have been learning. Guess what I did when faced with my first scenario?  I froze with indecision:  Should I fight? Should I run? Should I scream?  I couldn’t even pick one, I just froze (which the instruction assure me is normal). Even in a “pretend” situation, when I expected it, it was not easy.

     When I signed up for this class, I thought I had the mental stuff down already and was just going to learn some physical skills.   I am learning both and gaining confidence in myself.  Most importantly, I am learning to address that creepy gut feeling and do something about it, rather than try to pretend it isn’t happening or overthinking it.

     Self-defense is hard. It forces you to dig down into yourself and examine what you are willing to do to stay safe.  You have to think about uncomfortable “what-ifs.”  And you do all of this in the hopes you will never ever have to use it.    

“This above all, to refuse to be a victim”-  Margaret Atwood

Here are some recommendations if you are interested in learning more about self-defense:

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker.  This book covers a lot of the mental and emotional aspects of being in the scary “what-if” situations. 

I had been looking for a self-defense course for months before I found Nor-Cal Self Defense (http://www.nor-calselfdefense.com/  .  To find a course in your area, I would suggest checking at local colleges, the library, community centers, asking around and of course the internet.  I think an effective program will allow you opportunities to actually practice self-defense, not just talk to you about it.

The Happiness Podcast

     Recently I discovered this gem, Happiness Cheat Codes- the podcast that gives you the cheat codes for the game of life.   Founder Larry Pitts says, “I thought it would be really cool to try to create specific tasks based on the findings from researchers that might actually make people happier.”   I have been following along on the happiness missions.

     Each week I tune in to a brief podcast where Larry describes the mission and difficulty levels.  For example, Mission 11 was to write about your best possible future self:

           Easy- write for 20 minutes 2 times in the week
           Normal- write for 20 minutes 3 times in the week
           Hard- write for 20 minutes 4 times in the week

     I chose to do the Normal level and wrote about my future self in 5 years, 15 years and 30 years. I started with 30 years first, following the adage “begin with the end in mind.”  Coincidentally, I had been thinking about writing out a life plan and so this was the perfect assignment. This mission helped me to describe my ideal future. It was actually stressful at first, but once I got done I did feel happier. I wrote in one block of about an hour, rather than the 3 sessions of 20 minutes.

     I am enjoying these weekly mini challenges.  There is also a FaceBook page set up for people to share and converse about their experiences.  The Podcast can be found at http://happinesscheatcodes.com or you can subscribe through iTunes.  If you are looking for a way to incorporate some change into your busy life, give this podcast a try- it’s fun!

Happy Birthday Rice Kracker Girl!

Rice Kracker Girl is celebrating one year today! 

     I started this blog as a personal project, an outlet for my desire to create something.  I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with it.  My hope was that someone(s) would find my blogs useful, amusing and maybe even inspiring.  I called it a narrative musing.

     Now I am ready to write for an expanded purpose.  Instead of just hoping someone finds this blog useful, I intend to write posts that inspire and amuse.  One of my favorite mantras is "better than yesterday."  Building on that my blog's mantra is:

 "Better Starts with Me." 

     I am writing for those who seek self-improvement as a way to make the world a better place to live in.  Life is full of shiny objects that distract us from doing the things that actually matter.  We all need to create space in our lives to learn and grow. This blog is my space.  Here, I will  share my experiences, struggles and lessons in trying to be better than yesterday. In doing so, I hope to connect with others striving for the same. Better starts here.

 

Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.

-Albert Camus

We Come Running

     I ran a 5k yesterday.  It should have been unremarkable, but the terror attacks on Boston last week transformed a standard race into an act of patriotism.  We had a moment of silence, wore yellow & blue ribbons and there was definately a coming-together vibe in the air.

     Thirteen races in 2013 is my running goal.  So far, I have completed 5 races and people have begun to think I like to run. Ha! I run to get better at running.  For the first few races, my goal was simple- run, no walking.  Simple to say, but not simple to do (especially once others start walking- so tempting).  But I stuck it out and ran every race through.

     By the fourth race, I had enough confidence to know I could run a 5k, so I started thinking about how to run faster.  My strategy involved "chasing" someone.  I used the first mile to find my running rhythm, then  I pick someone running ahead of me and try to catch up with them.  Instead of thinking about being tired or hurting, I am focused and moving.  When I catch up with that person, I pick a new person to chase.

     My mental game is definitely improving.  My physical ability remains the sames- right around 32 minutes.  I mentioned this to a friend and she said "what is hurting-your lungs or your legs?"  I said neither and she replied that I am not pushing myself hard enough.  Really running is suppose to hurt? I thought I was going to really push myself in Race 5, but honestly I was just not on my A-game (I blame allergies). So I worked with where I was at and just ran the best I could.

     This should have been a standard 5k, but there was a little something extra- people ran with more purpose.  It was strange that instead of wishing me good luck, people said "Be Safe."  Americans disagree on many things, but we all agree that terrorists are assholes. And just like we haven't stopped flying on planes, we aren't going to stop running. In fact, more of us are probably going to start running.

My Life in Flats

     At 5'4", I thought I would be in high heels forever, or at least until old age forced me into orthopedic comfort shoes.  In my early twenties, I suffered through it like a champ.  I remember lying in bed at night with throbbing feet.  By my late twenties, I sought out shoe brands that made "comfortable" heels.  Work smarter not harder- right. I figured wearing heels to give me height and style was just my destiny as a petite woman. Most of my girlfriends and co-workers certainly embraced wearing and complaining about heels, so I had plenty of company.

     Then I befriend some tall people and they wore flats. They went to standing-only concerts in flats, danced the night away in flats and walked the mall for hours in flats.  They wore flats to work, parties and every occasion.  Their feet were always comfortable.  I was kinda jealous.  But honestly, I was also spending more time in flats. CrossFit, yoga and running became my new pass times and high heels were not needed. Also, these things caused me to hurt physically, so my commitment to wearing high heels was significantly lessened.

     So, I started wearing flats to work and then I would wear them when I went out for fun. And...the world didn't end!  No one mentioned that I looked shorter.  In fact, I actually got complemented on my cute shoes. OMG I could get away with wearing flats!  I too could experience comfort at all times!  

     Shoes seem like such a trivial thing, but my fixed mindset requiring me to wear high heels was limiting me.  Life in flats is better.  I was fooling no one in heels, except myself.  Sometimes I still wear heels, but because I want to, not because I feel like I have too.

     Morale of the story: if you are forcing yourself to do something, take a moment to think about why you are doing it. If it doesn't make sense, do something different and see what happens.  This makes me think about what other unnecessary "shoulds" and "rules" I have for myself.   

A Mojo Renaissance

14 Years Ago….

I left my home in Hawaii and flew over 2,000 miles of ocean to start a new adventure in California.

I was fearlessly optimistic.  I wasn’t afraid. People always ask me that? I was so young and inexperienced I had no idea what there was to fear or worry about?

My biggest concern was getting a job?  That’s right, I moved without having any idea how I was going to make a living.  I needed a job, so I knew I would find one.

My second biggest problem was keeping warm.  I went from 80 degree Hawaii weather to California in January- Brrrr!  Someone had to explain to me I needed to turn the heater in my apartment on and I figured out how to dress in layers by accident. Bottom line: I didn’t freeze to death, I adapted.

I called home once a week on land line phone.  I was behind the curve on cell phones and the internet, but that didn’t stop me from keeping in touch with friends and family.

I had no car. I still got to everywhere I needed to go.  I walked, biked or caught the bus. 

I made a risky choice, but it was the right choice.  I had that spark to make things happen, against very unrealistic odds. 

If I could go back and tell myself one thing it would be “thank you” for having the courage to leap.  Reflecting on this has inspired me; reminded me of what I am capable of.  Over the years, convention has crept into every part of my life and I started living in “limits” rather than “possibilities.”  It is time to set a revival in motion.  I have no idea what this actually means…yet. Let the Rani Renaissance unfold.