Holy crap it's already been two years and I'm almost frickin 30

It's hard to believe two years have passed since I initially started my 30 before 30 list. Even harder to believe that 30 is right around the corner. Not sure I'm ready for full-spinster mode.

On less depressing note...I've managed to knock some more stuff off the list! The new accomplishments are highlighted:

1. Finish an Olympic or Half-Iron Man Triathlon
2. Take the dogs and my HLP camping at Carlsbad in a vintage trailer--hint hint Dad!
3. Become a paramedic (working on it...will be done just after bday but I'm thinking it'll count!)
4. Break the World Police & Fire Games Women's Open Hammer Record.  done and done!
5. Put a glass mosaic back splash up in my kitchen without hiring anyone (offer to the lion tamer aka architect is still on the table)
6. Watch the Denver Broncos play at home
7. Go back to Italy
8. Backpack the Grand Canyon (overnight!)
9. Finish my associates in Nutrition and Personal Training
10. Take a wine class 
11. Finish a 5K under 24 minutes (Getting closer! Ran 24:42 in Ireland)
12. Take a short immersion class in Spanish or at least another Spanish class 
13. Be nicer to Thomas (you know you're my favorite German!)
14. Hike Camelback wearing a weighted vest 
15. Rent a ridiculously over-the-top and expensive car just for the weekend  
16. Pay off one of my credit cards or student loans 
17. Do a muscle-up 
18. Take an art class  
19. Trace back my dad's side of the family 
20. Grow my own vegetables Actually did this last spring but forgot to update. DIdn't last long thanks to dogs but goal was to grow not to create a self-sustaing farm.
    
21. Take dance lessons
22. Pick up a random person's tab (it's happened to me and made me smile the rest of the day)
23. Do enough legit strict pull-ups so I can start kipping again at Crossfit Southwest 
24. Make my own stepping stones
25. Visit Kartchner Caverns  
26. Go to Ireland Northern Ireland totally counts!
    
27. Scuba dive (what's the point of having a cert if I never use it!)
28. Perfect my Mandeltårta (naturally gluten-free Swedish almond cake) Maybe not perfect but delicious!
29. Throw a theme party Pretty sure our annual ugly sweater party counts! Keep December 18th open btw!!
30. Treat my parents to dinner

So for those keeping track...I still have 21 things to go. Ruh roh. Guess I better start cranking some of these out...

Oh and special thanks Jen, Ken, Erik, Lindsey, and everyone else who helped me train or support me in my efforts. Big shout out to those who helped Arizona Firefighter Athletics raise money not only for our trip but for Arizona Burn Camp and our fallen brothers, FF Harper & Ofc. Raetz.

Looking back at my older posts...think it's not only time to knock some stuff off the list but also get refocused and start living a healthier life...more on that next time.

Less than 100 days until 2013 WPFG!

Check out the new blog/website all about pimping out the newly branded "Arizona Firefighter Athletics"

Or check out the Facebook page Arizona Firefighter Athletics on Facebook

There are a few fundraisers coming up...so stay tuned!

Day 1-A reflection of why

So today was the start of my 30 day Primal/Paleo Challenge! Now I'm sure you're wondering 1-why am I doing this, 2-why am I blabbing about this online. The second question is much easier to answer so I'll start with that. I'm keeping a "public record" because it's a way to make sure I'm held accountable and sticking to the challenge. It also gives me a chance to meditate on what is happening in my life. Too often the days fly by, and I'm left with only a faded memory of what really happened.  My mom (happy early Mother's Day) always told us to live in the present so this is my attempt.

Ok...so now the big question: why the hell am I going Primal? Or maybe you're wondering, what does that even mean? Well on a very basic level, eating primal or paleo means eating things are readily available from nature and not overly processed.  The idea is to eat like our ancestors did before agriculture turned us into sedentary creatures. Obviously I'm not going to turn my back on convenience and the advances of modern science...the occasional protein shake (low-carb of course), supplements, and the grocery store are all acceptable during this challenge! So not only am I going to eat "cleaner" but also going to readjust my carb intake. As a whole, our society eats way too many carbs!! Most of us aren't training for marathons so why do we carbo-load almost every meal? So the plan is to focus on getting ample lean protein, healthy fats, lots of veggies and fruit, and avoid added salt and carbs. Did you know they even sneak carbs into deli meat? Most is full of wheat filler so that they can save money.  It's a carb and gluten conspiracy!

Ok...so now to really answer why! I am doing this for a myriad of reasons. Here are my top three:

1) Lean up. I feel like my body has become accustomed to carrying a little extra fat (damn you thrower's diet) and I need a serious kick to reach my goal of 15% body fat. Last time I had the fat caliper test, I was at 18.9%.  The plan is to be at 15% by the time my brother and I compete in the 2011 World Police and Fire Games in September.
2) Dominate fitness/competition.  I'll be throwing hammer and shot, running a 5K, doing max rep strict pull-ups, and swimming 100m in the Toughest Competitor Alive. I also plan on running various 5Ks throughout the year and hopefully be in a position to compete in next year's Crossfit Open. Not to mention my very physically demanding job! I have an awesome and very fit crew that inspire me to push myself physically and be not only one of the top females, but one of the top overall fittest people on the department.
3) It's been a while since I have had to really challenge myself.  Things have gotten a bit stagnant lately and as a result, I've lost a little confidence and have avoided really looking at the reasons I've been stuck on this mental and physical plateau.  So this is going to be my 30-day self-reflection and kick start to a happier and healthier life.

If you want to join me...check out these websites:

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-primal-blueprint-30-day-challenge/

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/one_hundred_gram_carb_cure

P.S. Today was a success!! Today was a "fast" day so I kept my carbohydrate intake right at 50g. I'm surprised how much you can still eat.  I'm also surprised at how many "healthy" foods are super high in sugar and low in fiber.