Weight for it….

The initial weigh-in

2.27.12 Olympic Training Center | Lake Placid Sliding Complex

Yes, I’m fit. Toned. In-shape. I’m strong for my build. But I’m a natural ectomorph. What does this mean? I have a slight frame, long and thin limbs, delicate joints and a very, very fast metabolism. Why is this a concern? The coaches at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) wanted me to gain a significant amount of weight in order to be stronger and more effective down the ice. I was told that I needed to be heavier, 20-30 lbs  heavier. That’s about 9-14 kgs for those of you of the metric persuasion. Fact: ectomorphs struggle to gain weight. Yes, now I’m certain that you understand my dilemma.

Initial Weigh-In September 8, 2011: 123 lbs / 55.9 kgs

Initial Measurements: Height 5’8” | Hips 35” | Thigh 19″

Commence operation Olympic Weight Gain. High, yet healthy, caloric intake. We’re talking soprano heights here. I feast all day. Thanks to the professional advisement of a sports physiology and strength and conditioning team, my workouts have been designed to be shorter and more intense, focusing on big muscle groups. Development of anaerobic systems necessitates that running is always at lengths shorter than 30m, and always at a sprint. Oh, and I eat –a lot. I may have mentioned that already, but it bears repeating. It is my constant. The quantitative increase, to date: 5.5 months, 13 lbs, 2.5″ around my hips (read: I have a new butt) and 1″ around each thigh.

Latest Weigh-In February 20, 2012: 136 lbs / 61.8 kgs

Latest Measurements: Height 5’8” | Hips 37.5” | Thigh 20″

Beyond never having been heavier in my life, what about the qualitative change? Family and friends who haven’t seen me in months take double takes. Make that triple takes. My legs feel very heavy. Early on in my body composition change I was a bit clumsy, on a couple of occasions falling seemingly without cause while jogging. I have noticeable, make that distinct,  traps. My pants don’t fit.  OK, not only do my pants not fit –they split. I have already ruined two of my favorite pairs of jeans. But that is to be celebrated apparently. In fact, at the OTC, we had a “coming out” party of sorts for my new butt! Or as cyclist and author Kathryn Bertine would call it, my “wattage cottage.”

@AndiaWinslow ha! Love it. Always be proud of your wattage cottage. —
Kathryn Bertine (@KathrynBertine) February 15, 2012

Hold on, hold on! The above are just statements of fact. I’m not complaining nor am I upset. I have never been stronger and I love my new addition! Here’s to cafeterias that open early and close late, roommates that provide clothing opinion, back squats, front squats, split squats and good speakers in the weight room. Here’s to my  body for changing on command. We’re in this together.

Until next time, I was never in the box! –Andia

Forward Motion

1.09.12 Olympic Training Center | Lake Placid Sliding Complex

If you thought your day was off to a rough start, think again.

 

No, this wasn’t me. Yes, she is OK.

Until next time, I was never in the box! –Andia

Considering home

1.07.12 Olympic Training Center | Lake Placid Sliding Complex

2011. What a year! Perhaps my best as an adult. I mean to say that that which just passed was the most balanced 365 consecutive day collection of experiences in my personal record. Triumphs and trials, yes. But authentic and unexpected and invigorating and synergic and exploratory. I found home.

It’s unlimited by time and space. It’s internal and evolved. It’s fluid and in motion. It’s demanding and rewarding. It is, quite simply, amazing.

I’ve lived and called these places ‘home’:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

But it is in the experiences that I’ve shared, the support that I’ve been gifted, the people that I’ve met, the friendships that I’ve developed and my family whom I love that I know to be my true home. Omnipresent and eternal.

I am thankful to all those who read this and all those who know, home.

Special thanks to those who have helped me to welcome 2012 and new adventure: The Winslow Family, The Naftel Family, Black Ice Concept, Agility Guard,  Dr. Jill DeBiasi, Kris Bugg and Chris Ortiz.  Join The Team!

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” --Cicero

Until next time, I was never in the box! –Andia

Get silly

12.22.11 Olympic Training Center | Lake Placid Sliding Complex

Tebow-ing

Random musings, Part II.

I thank the core –AD, VDay, E, Too Cold, Ida Bomb, Crumpton– for this content. Life at the OTC is business. Most times we work, but sometimes we play. Thank you for making me laugh y’all!

And they said:

I nap in plank, please.

You look like a gazelle when you run free. But then, with the sled, maybe more like a giraffe.

Do you think we have enough for detergent?

Do these shorts make my butt look big? They do? Excellent.

Let's hop in the back of that Uhaul and see where it takes us.

I think that they're trying to encourage a movement! Go USA!

I've always dreamed of being a meat head.

Biathlon? What's that? I thought he was training to be VO2Max champion

Wait, I don't understand.

Yes, I know it's my 3rd bowl but I'm on that Olympic Weight Gain meal plan

Hey there, it looks like your pants split. I hear that's going around these days, like a sickness.

And sometimes we get down, just because. Get it girl.

Until next time, I was never in the box! –Andia