My 2012 Southwest Regional Experience

Oh lord. I effing love CrossFit. If I had ever questioned that for even a second before, Regionals removed any of those feelings and reminded me of how much I truly, TRULY love CrossFit. It’s why I’m alive. It’s why my heart beats. It’s why I wake up every day smiling.

Regionals was seriously amazing. I’ve told my friends that Regionals is my favorite weekend of the entire year. It’s the place I get to feel normal. All the women have bigger legs like me, all eat like me, and all have the same goals. It’s just so cool to be around since I’m only ever around bros.

So the weekend turned out great. I wish I could show you a ton of video or pictures of what I ate but I didn’t eat a whole lot over the weekend. I was sick with nerves so eating was an effort on it’s own. Regionals is more exciting than boring food anyways.

So let’s recap!

Friday:

WOD 1: “Diane” with deadlifts and handstand push ups. I tasted blood afterwards. Lovely. I wasn’t the fastest by any means, but I PR’d! My previous time was 5:15 and my new time was 3:40 so I was stoked!

WOD 2: 2k row, 50 pistols, 30 hang cleans (135#). That workout was a challenge to say the least. I had a hell of a time with the pistols, even falling over once to finally see behind me and see that I was last. But still PR’d by 1:30 and was happy to finish in the time cap!

Saturday:

WOD 3: 40 one arm DB snatches (70#). OH SCREW YOU SNATCHES. No I’m just kidding. They went much better than I thought. I got through all of them but missed the time limit with the last run. Ah shucks. I actually ended up loving that workout afterwards.

WOD 4: too many squats, pull ups, and shoulder to overhead. Holy poop that workout was bloody exhausting. So much squatting. I didn’t finish the workout nor do I even remember what I got through, but it was fun. I was just glad when it was over since the first time I did it, I cried through almost all of it. No crying occurred this time around.

Sunday:

WOD 5: Snatch ladder. Hands down the best moment of my life. No joke. Coolest moment of all time was when I hit 135# to match my previous PR, then 140# then 145#. It was epic. Not only did I PR in my snatch, but I had the entire CrossFit Broadway crew and my coach cheering for me right in front of me in the bleachers. So epic. I couldn’t stop giggling. Check out the video!

WOD 6: too many thing to talk about but it included muscle ups, heavy deadlift then some other stuff that I barely got to. Muscle ups were tough for me, tougher than usual because of how blown up my triceps were. It took everything in my body to press out of the dip. But I finished all 21 muscles ups, not failing at 1. That’s 20 more than last year.

 ___________________________

I loved Regionals this year. Last year was awesome, this year was even better. Because all I really did was tell myself good things. I smiled, I laughed, I told myself that I was going to do great, and it all felt awesome. I gave those workouts everything I had in me. And, unlike last year, I really took in and understood how lucky I was to be there. I talked to more of the athletes, I got to know more of the people, and I spent as much time as I could soaking it all in.

 The crazy thing about it all is, 2 years prior to Regionals 2012, I was volunteering at Regionals 2010 in that same spot at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. And I watched as all the amazing women power snatched weights I couldn’t even imagine, and now I can do that. I can do something I never believed possible. That’s unreal. And so cool.

I truly feel blessed to be part of the CrossFit community and to be able to participate in Regionals with such freaking awesome athletes. This year, I finished in 8th place. Next year, I want to make it to the Games. I want it bad. And I am changing up my training, getting stronger and better at my skills, all in hopes of making it. F*ck, I can’t wait til next year.

Here’s a couple pictures from the weekend. I just wanted to add in last years because it’s cool to see a pretty similar shot back to back.

Regionals 2011 – During the Overhead Squats
Regionals 2012 – During the Snatch Ladder
holy balls that’s low

much bigger athlete than last year. that’s a pretty sweet headband
ick
yay!! my very own banner!
recovery

There ya have it. Well kind of. I don’t have a ton of pictures, which I’m slightly thankful for. No one looks super good looking while working out. It’s science. Good thing I told you I would talk about my diet and have absolutely no input about it whatsoever in this post. Let’s just say I was lucky to absorb any sort of nutrients from the chicken, almond butter, and sweet potatoes I ate.

Oh, but the real important part here….what I ate Sunday night. Five Guys Burgers and french fries. Epic. And beautiful. The rest of the night was not so delightful. I’ll leave you with that.

holy hell. i love you.

 

Oh, Hi! I’m Juli.

I’m a food hoarder. And a really bad dancer. If you don’t know me well, you will probably not understand my humor. Therefore, I apologize ahead of time. Thanks for listening to my ramblings of my ever-changing life and trusting my kitchen mishaps. Your trust in me is appreciated.

LATEST BOOK

78 thoughts on “My 2012 Southwest Regional Experience”

  1. CONGRATS Juli! So exciting. Huge accomplishment.. watching you beast that snatch ladder was really inspiring. Also, can I have your abs? Holy hell.

  2. Julieeeeee, i’m so proud of you girl!!!!! it gets me so excited to hear you be so happy about Crossfit… sometimes i get intimidated, but you make me forget all about that nonsense. You did excellent and i’m so very proud of you. Your hard work is paying off!

  3. Congratulations! Can’t wait to see how you do next year.

    And I second Emily–holy abs, batman! Ya, can I have them also?

  4. Awesome job Juli!!! Loved the recap. On a side note..is that a turquoise paleOMG tank?? Can I get my hands on one to alternate with my white one? 🙂

  5. You are extremely inspiring in so many ways. You rock girl. Thanks for making my paleo transition just a little easier. I totally want abs like yours 🙂

  6. You’re amazing!! I sort of felt like crying while reading this post :). In a good way haha. You are seriously so inspiring and I just love it. Congratulations lady! You’re totally going to make it to the games!

  7. As a lady relatively new (6 months in) to CrossFit this is so so inspiring!! Thanks for sharing. You make me want to really push myself to (maybe??) make it to regionals someday.

  8. Great job, Juli! I loved watching you and am amazed at how hard you’ve worked and how far you’ve come the past two years. I’m proud to know you and cheer for you! 🙂

  9. I’m sooo impressed. I will hopefully do the same journey as you hav done. I’ve just started doing crossfit and I freaking LOVE it.

  10. I am new to your blog, but I LOVE IT!! Great Post – very real!!

    Congratulations on an INCREDIBLE performance an Regionals!! Can’t wait to watch next years!

    Keep Inspiring!
    Megs

  11. Congratulations on your awesome performance! You totally inspire me to kick some ass and get there one day (or maybe just to complete Murph next week 🙂 )

  12. Juli, you are such an inspiration. You are so dedicated and I have NO doubt that you WILL make it to the games next year. Congrats on an amazing performance at Regionals!

  13. Juli!!! OMG! OMG! You beast! So inspirational! Thank you for doing what you do.

    You looked Fab out there! Way to rep the crossfit girls!

  14. Congratulations on the always delicious, modified paleo, Five Guys meal!!!!… oh yeah and on the stellar performance at Regionals too!

  15. Thank you for the awesome banana bread and the beautiful thank you note! I am in awe of you; you are inspiring and so beautiful and darling and daring!!
    Rosie

  16. Holy eff you rock girl!!! I’m sooo happy for you. It’s so inspiring to see your achieve (and surpass) your goals. So freaking awesome!!! Congrats on a great performance at regionals!

  17. Farrah Veneziano

    If I ever read about you bashing your ass or thighs again I will drive to CO and kick your fit little ass.You look amazing Juli. So strong and powerful. Awesome job. 🙂

  18. Juli my friend – you were inspirational as usual! Sooo awesome to see you throw down big time!! 😀 Hope you can make it out to the games for some fun this July!

  19. Juli,

    You did awesome! I’ve enjoyed coming to your blog for recipes as I just started eating paleo (thanks to a challenge at my box). Coming in 8 is an awesome accomplishment — you will kick a$$ at next year’s Games. Get it girl!

  20. You were amazing!! All the women were so inspiring. You looked great as did the banner. Thanks for including the movie in this post. I could watch it 100 times. It was so incredible to see such strength and grace. Great work!!

  21. 20 more muscle ups than last year……
    I hope you realize that’s an incredible 2,000 % increase in your ability.

    Need I say more?

    Didnt think so

  22. Amazing effort at regionals!

    You really are an inspiration, from now on every time I’m sitting on the couch thinking I might be too tired to go to Crossfit I’m going to re-read this post and check out that pic of your abs again and if that doesn’t motivate me to get my ass to Crossfit then nothing will!

    You’ll rock it in next year 🙂

  23. 8th place. wow! you should be super proud of that, and I am sure you are! MUCH MUCH MUCH congrats to you as well as much respect! I too have fallen in love with Crossfit and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. It’s made a me not only a better athlete but a better person. Looking up to ya girl and hope one day I can be where you are!!! Boom.

  24. Congratulations Juli! What an accomplishment! Can I ask you what brand of shoes are you wearing in the photos? I’m looking for a new training shoe.

  25. Juli,

    When I grow up I wanna be just like you (your hardcore abs, sexy legs and arms!) DAMN! 😉

    Congratulations!!!!!!!!! You kicked a$$! Effin’ rockstar!

    E-

  26. you make me want to push myself harder and get stronger. look at those abs girl. hottie tottie!!

  27. Juli, I just heart you! Congratulations!!! Loved the way you jumped and celebrated after each snatch PR 😀

  28. Juli – I read your blog religiously, but this was seriously the most inspirational, motivational post ever. To think about that amount of change from year to year is SO COOL! Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work – you rock!! -Erin

  29. Loved the play by play!! Thanks for sharing. I just purchased my tickets to go watch the Northwest regionals memorial day weekend. I cannot wait to cheer on some great people!

  30. Hey girl, nicely done. Have a question for you on fuel for regionals…I’m heading out for ours Thursday night and want to be prepared with easy-grab foods that are FILLING and good. Any suggestions? We’re hoteling it, so has to fit in a small fridge and cooler.

    Love your blog. LOVE IT.

    1. I’d say don’t go very far from what you have been eating and keep it simple so if you can pack some chicken and veggies. Some baked sweet potatoes too. They will have paleo kits and paleo granola as well as other food so I honestly didn’t even bring food on Sat or Sun! They had chicken, almond butter, almonds, raisins, and coconut water! And other fruit!

  31. I am finally getting around to catching up on blogs!! I miss you Julie and I loved this post! Adam said you were baller at Regionals, you should be so proud. Hope to see you soon 🙂 🙂

  32. You are such a delight!! I loved seeing the pure joy on your face after each snatch, and you look SO happy in the recovery picture.

    Job well done, girl! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

  33. I think that you are now my hero. Im hoping to go to Regionals in 2013 on the east coast! And you have totally convinced me to go totally Paleo so I can really become a better athlete. THANKS!

  34. I want your abs! They look awesome! But well done for making it to regionals – you’ll def make the games next year!

  35. Hi Juli!

    You truly are amazing! I am feeling so inspired right now!
    I don’t really understand what ‘Cross-Fit’ is but would Love to learn more about it! can you point in the right direction?
    Also, just a few questions: Are these Regionals taking place in Canada or the Us? Are you in Canada? And how does one learn to train for ‘Cross-Fit’?

    Thank you for taking the time to read this and for sharing so much with us!

    Sincerely,
    Angel Roberto-Serson
    angel.serson@gmail.com
    OR Facebook

  36. Hey Juli,

    Just watched the video of your 2012 Regionals. Great work, very motivational!

    Just started my CrossFit journey
    Your website has been a go-to for me, for finding great meal ideas as well as for CrossFit inspiration.

    Looking forward to hearing more!

  37. My friend Chrissy told me to check our your page cause you were hilarious and your recipes were awesome. I have just now spent over an hour reading your posts and I have to you say, I feel like I know you! Your post about regionals was very inspiring! I am a new crossfit lady (8months now) and I understand everything you are talking about when you say its nice to be around other ladies who like to eat and lift big! I see myself on that journey to becoming stronger each day. Six months ago I would have NEVER even thought about the games and now, I too have been bitten with the bug! I hope one day I can be as badass as you!! So, keep the posts and recipes coming…LOVE IT!!!

      1. no i just think your pretty dam awesome =) keep on truckin, if your here in phoenix AZ
        ( urban war fit crossfit ) come hang out thanks for all the good recipes =)

  38. I really have enjoyed your blog and recipes. I get your humor, even though I’m one of those married…with kids…stay at home mom. I started CrossFit 4 months ago along with Paleo and your blog keeps me laughing and inspired. I just started watching clips of the CrossFit Games and I’m hooked, so is my 11 year old son, who just started CF. I’m excited about my 13 year old daughter starting CF next week and her learning that strong is the new skinny. So I really enjoyed watching the clip with you in it, wish I could see the whole round.
    Your dream crush will come in time, stay who you are, and he’ll be the fortunate one.

  39. Totally awesome! I hadn’t really heard alot about crossfit until I started going Paleo! This is so cool. I cracked up when you talked about your big legs; only because I too have big legs and arms, I feel like a man and feel self concious around “little” girls! My hubby says I shouldn’t feel ashamed, and that it’s all muscle…but it’s dwindling..lol got any tips for one who just works out at home? Hubby is a pipeline welder and we stay in 5th wheel while he is working…so I’m limited to space a little bit…any advice would help!
    Thanks!,
    <3 Heather!

  40. I just found your blog and am loving it! Congrats on a huge improvement from last year’s Regionals. I have joined a box recently where Kyle Kasperbauer and Stacie Tovar train (CrossFit Omaha) and am learning more and more.

    Your humor and writing style are infectious!!

  41. Juli- you kick @$$. I found your website a couple months back and just hopped back on here the other day. I lived Paleo for a couple months and hopped off– not only did I feel like ish, but gained 9 lbs! WTF I am now back living paleo.. but I struggle with my chocolate cravings – oh year and beer!

    I also have tried to find some crossfit facilities near me with times that I can go, but am struggling with finding am classes before work. Ill keep searching!

    I just want to commend you for #1 loving food. #2 fodd speaking how you feel and sharing what you love #3 for being such an inspiration in the workout scheme of things #4 and lastly- for being an absolute kick ass inspiration to anyone out there- especially WOMEN! 🙂

    Best,

    Lynne Santangelo Braintree, MA

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

DON’T MISS A BITE

Sign up for my PaleOMG newsletter to get recipes,
discounts, and stories straight to your inbox for FREE!

Don't Miss A Bite!

Sign up for my PaleOMG newsletter to get recipes, discounts, and stories straight to your inbox for FREE!