For most people that know me, know that I've been training with kettlebells for the last 7 or so months. I started mainly for weight loss due to the upcoming wedding, my friend Jen is also in the class. Brad was really excited about me starting, I just didn't know what to expect. Well 7 months later here I am in class at least 3 times a week and have now purchased my own kettlebells so I can work out at home. Needless to say I'm hooked and loving it, it's such a great workout!
Anyway in the kettlebell world there is a thing called the Tactical Strength Challenge (TSC), Fawn a friend and instructor thought I should do it. The TSC consists of deadlifts, pullups and kettlebell snatches. Brad, Jen's husband Jim and Jen were also on the list for people to do it as well. Since 2009 started that was my goal to complete this challenge in April, it would be good progress marker. Fast forward to last Saturday, I was very nervous because I just wasn't sure how things would go. I had only learned how to deadlift a week prior to this day.
Things got started and the deadlifts were first, now as I sit here and type I suddenly realize I'm not sure what all the in between attempts were. Brad basically set up my attempts for me which is part of the reason I don't remember and I guess the other reason I was so nervous. Anyway my first attempt was 225lbs, my fourth attempt was 280lbs. There are only supposed to be 3 but I guess you can take a 4th. Then came the pullups, now I knew I wasn't going to be able to do even 1. I had to try, I got up and nothing that will be my goal for the September TSC.
I was really thankful at this point to have a bit of rest time in between the deadlifts and the kettlebell snatches. Before this day I didn't have a chance to do the actual 5 minutes of snatches I had no idea what to expect. This time around I entered the novice division where I would be able to use a 12kg (approx 26lbs) kettlebell, but props to Fawn's hubby Aaron who almost convinced me to do the 16kg (next time around). Anyway Jen and I were the first two up to do the 5 minute test. Jen just kept going for the entire 5 minutes, which I found very impressive! I had to take a couple of breaks, my goal was to get at least 100 reps. I was able to do just that, I got 115 reps I was happy.
Brad and Jim started their 5 minute test they started out good, but you could see endurance/cardio is not their strong suit. They had a good time were able to complete the 5 minutes had good numbers themselves Brad -75, Jim at 76 reps.
Other than that, we are just about 4 months until the wedding, scary!! Things are still moving along at a slow pace. I'm sure it will all come together at the end. I'm trying not to stress about everything and just take things one step at a time. I just have to get through the month of May, right now that is going to be the busiest months so far!!
This weekend is Easter!! I hope everyone has a great Easter weekend!!
~Amy
