Hi from San Diego, CA!! Need Crossfit advice

[VegCrossfit]

Hi everyone! I'm so glad I found this group! I need your advice!!!

I'm a 36 year old stay-at-home Mom of two small kids (16 mnths and 3 yrs old) who LOVES Crossfit! I started 14 months ago when my youngest was about 14 weeks old. Before that, I hadn't really exercised my entire pregnancy because of terrible nausea. So when I started Crossfit, I was totally out of shape. I'm 5'11" 143 pounds and I Crossfit 4-6 times a week - 5 times a week average.

I've been following a plant-based diet for most of my adult life and I was raised that way, for the most part, with periods of eating meat and dairy. I work with a plant-based RD and I write a plant-based food blog. I feel confident in my diet and I feel great, no complaints whatsoever EXCEPT in the Crossfit arena.

Maybe I just need a new perspective and that's why I'm here. As you all know, the Paleo Diet is pushed at the gym. I'm the only veg among many people. My lifts are improving steadily (Sumo Deadlift 1RM 195#, Push Press 1RM 100#, 85# Clean and Jerk, I can do 26 double/unders in a row, rope climbs no problem, 20" box jumps no problem, I can swing the 44# kettlebell, I can do 1-2 pullups at a time but still haven't gotten them down completely yet (I do all WOD's minus the band now though), I run a 7:37 mile and a 24:54 5K, etc.

Some of my weaker areas are bench press (75#), overhead squats (55# for a WOD but 65-70# 1 or 2RM), proper push ups, shoulder press (I think I'm at 65 or 70#)

My weights have greatly improved since I started and I've come a long way but I'm still finishing last in my class about 75% of the time and I HATE IT!!!!

Am I being too hard on myself or am I lacking something? The other girls in the class (granted they are younger than me and haven't had any children) have much more muscle than I do and always finish before me. Granted, if there are pullups or pushups in a workout I'll finish last because I haven't gotten them down yet. Some workouts I kick ass but I want to kick MORE ASS!!!!

I KNOW I shouldn't be comparing myself to other people but I'm tired of being last!!!

Has it simply not been enough time for me to get faster at the WOD's? Since when I started 14 months ago I had just had my second child and I hadn't exercised much before for awhile. I've never really been a fast person in general. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Crossfit and I really want to get better. I feel as though my diet is perceived as the reason I'm often last and I want to break this stereotype!! Ideas anyone????? THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

[blinki]

I would say you being a little hard on yourself. If you are in your 30s and they are in their 20s they have an advantage that way. Also 14months back after 9 months off and having a baby probably disadvantages you. You are right that you shouldn't really be comparing yourself to other. The question is are you improving? Could you pick a work out and do it quicker than you could 6 months ago? If so then you are fine

If you aren't gaining muscle though and that's what you want then diet (and rest) are going to be where the problem is. Protein and calories per day being the obvious guess of where the problem is. Perhaps what you are eating is fine for maintaining your weight and great in terms of mirocnutrition but not really designed for getting stronger

[loveliberate]

Hello & Welcome!

[JP]

yeah that paleo stuff is fucking bullshit, lets not try to dress it into anything its not

proof doesnt come only in strength and ability though because there are so many variables. Perhaps you could start upping your protein intake, unless its high already? slight increase in calorie intake could boost your performance and muscle mass gains (unless you see more fat packing but thats probably not likely if you up it slightly).