The truth about Alaska and the functional movement CrossFit affords

     As many of you know, I ventured to Alaska for a week long camping/hiking/backwoods wilderness exploring trip. I must say, Alaska did NOT disappoint. I was amazed around every corner at the beauty of the rolling mountains - seemingly never ending and the abundant ponds, lakes, streams, and waterfalls around every bend. I didn't quite know what I would find, but I was hoping I was ready for anything.

     Just like every 'city-dweller' I had fears about how I'd deal with not bathing for a week, going to the bathroom in holes, and not having cell phone service but I told myself I was embracing it and would love the experience for everything it afforded... I'm not saying I'm not an outdoors person, but in recent years, city life has definitely taken over. Now it's quite a bit easier for me to go to the store to buy fish than to run down to the pond and catch it myself as would have happened in the good ole Boyd, Texas days.

     At the same time, I was also a bit worried about being able to keep up hiking and movement wise. I have been CrossFitting every day since I got back from Canada and I'm pleased - elated almost - to report I was not disappointed with my ability to keep up or the amount of 'functional movement' I used during the trip that I was glad I'd spent time building muscle for. The goal of CrossFit is “constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement” and I was well prepared for Alaska because of it. Without further ado, in a comical rendition of 'name that movement' I shall list what I did and what movement it was like functionality wise.

Lunges - Because you need strong thighs to crack wood over.
Superman - When you're laying on your belly washing your hair in the river because you haven't bathed in a week.
Squats - Picking up wood you've gathered from all over the forest/eating/going to the bathroom etc etc.
Plate Carries - Taking said wood back to campground - through hell or high water.
Running - Rule one: cardio.
Box Jumps - For those steep mountains you have to climb while hiking.
Duck Walk - For crawling under glaciers just to see what's there.
The Inchworm -  Because I still can't figure out how to get out of a tent without almost bringing the whole thing down around me.
Hip Extensions - For hopping across (sometimes in) streams.

in regards to burpies? my ruling is (drum roll please) useless. I didn't need to roll around on the ground and hop up really fast at all in a week period. I'd like to boycott them... just sayin... hahaha someone pass that on to Barker for me!

The goal of CrossFit is “constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement” and because of CrossFit I am feeling healthy and am in the best shape I've probably ever been in. I'm thankful for this awesome life change I've embarked on and I'm even more thankful for getting to put it to good use in Alaska. It was a phenomenal trip and I can't wait to go back and experience more of the 'Last Frontier'!

 We spent the week picking wild rosehips and raspberries and eating em! I made some rosehip tea one day, it was yum!

 We spend another day exploring a mining town that had been active in the '30's. It was kind of creepy but a really cool place to visit.

 Hiking to the glacier this jeep passed us. I was a bit jealous bc it was a long hike and they were def having some offroading fun!

The First day of our trip this was part of the gorgeous drive. 

This waterfall was just breathtaking - and right on the side of the road!