A CrossFit-iversary

Before I tell you about this droolworthy picture, read about a Crossfit story. Miss my other post about How to Crossfit? It’s here.

A CrossFit-iversary

Last year on Veteran’s Day, I went to my first CrossFit class. The workout was called “Murph” which meant we were to run one mile, do 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and then run one mile. The idea is that everyone knows this workout sucks, most CrossFit workouts don’t take 60 minutes. But you’re supposed to suffer through this and remember the people fighting for you who work this hard every day.

A lot has changed in a year of fitness. Last year, my workout was modified since I was new, so I ran both miles and did half of the inside part (50, 100, 150). It took me 42 minutes. This year for Murph, I did the whole thing in about 62 minutes. (I realize that 20 extra minutes to add 10 rounds (5, 10, 15–have I lost you with numbers?–is not that impressive, but I know my form on everything is better too.) By the end, my arms were hanging (I had no grip to run with my water bottle so I left it on the sidewalk), my hands were blistered, my knees were black, my hair was wet.

It’s not that this workout is fun, but the accomplishment at the end is so great that it makes you want to come back and do it again. Usually with CF classes, the workout is a surprise until you arrive. But we all knew that Murph was coming, and we all chose to come to class on Thursday to do it. For one, we all want to compete against ourselves, our old times, and everyone else. For me, I wanted to show myself that I could do this monster workout. It is really intimidating! But we also come to celebrate Veteran’s Day and be thankful that we can do these movements freely. Murph is a creative and active way to honor Veteran’s Day. I’m glad I pushed myself that hard before 7 a.m.

Grilled Banana Autumn Sandwich

After class, my Garmin heart rate monitor said I burned 900 calories. That is a lot for 60 minutes! On the drive home, I was thinking about what to make for breakfast that was a little more fun to celebrate this great workout and be an extra good breakfast. I remembered this sandwich from Caitlin’s blog that I thought was too heavy for a normal breakfast but would be great when you need something bigger.

I don’t like the word “epic” and I have never made French toast since I’ve lived in this house, but this sandwich was epic. And pretty healthy! 2 eggs, two pieces toast, banana, pumpkin. All stacked together, it looks sinful and delicious.

Click here for full recipe.

All you do to the bananas is put it on a pan to sear, no added butter or sugar, and it gets so gooey and brown. And the bread is cooked like French toast, you could sub egg whites. Then the topper is pumpkin with honey, cinnamon, chia seeds, and pecans. This could be subbed for Greek yogurt too.

Then not pictured is a drizzle of maple syrup. After the photo session, I thought it needed syrup. Mmmm. Go make this for a weekend breakfast. Leave the dishes to clean another time.