“Barraza”
Complete as many rounds as possible in 18 minutes of:
Run 200 meters
275 pound Deadlift, 9 reps
6 Burpee bar muscle-ups

Announcing the Spring Food Challenge!

Many of you have asked for it and here it comes – the 2013 spring Get in the Zone challenge. 

Read below for a brief challenge overview and a list of important dates.  To learn all the details of challenge and decide whether or not you want to sign-up, attend one of two Information Sessions next week!

Challenge Overview

A 30 day, no frills, Zone-based challenge.  You’ve spent the last few food challenges working on eating quality food, now it’s time to focus on quantity.  If you’re looking for more drastic results then this challenge is for you!  The goal is to get back in touch with portion sizes and balancing protein, fat and carbs at all your meals to improve hormonal balance, body composition, athletic performance, and overall health.  You will be competing with yourself for this challenge – no teams, no “winners.”  You will be assigned a coach to guide you through this challenge.  The challenge is limited to 36 participants.

Challenge Options

There is really only one option for this challenge – Zone Paleo(ish).  You are all familiar with the Paleo prescription by now “eat meats, veggies, nuts & seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar” of which we exclude grains, dairy, and legumes within that list.  For this challenge, we include one type of food non-Paleo food that is typically off-limits in Paleo challenges – gluten free (GF) grains and all potatoes.  Why?  These foods are often avoided not only for their potential autoimmune issues but because they pack a significant amount of carbohydrate which, when eaten in large quantities, makes for no better eating habits then previously.  With a Zone weighed and measured approach, we know that the carbohydrate loading of each meal will be kept in check despite the type of carbohydrate source.  In addition, oftentimes when “Zone-ing” it can be difficult for those who require a large amount of Zone Blocks (we’ll get to that in a bit) to meet their carbohydrate needs for the day without the addition of more dense sources.

Challenge Structure
On this challenge, you will commit to weighing and measuring your food and eating your meals and snacks according to the Zone and your specific Zone Block prescription. You will be given many resources to calculate your block prescription, determine portion sizes, and live easily “in the zone.”

Cost
$140 – this includes the cost of the before and after dunk tank testing ($60).  In addition, athletes must place $100 cash in an envelope.  This envelope will be kept safe and returned to you at the completion of the challenge should you make it through the 30 days.  That’s right, you’re betting on yourself!

Resources

Check out these resources to get a basic overview of the Zone and what it can offer to individuals.

Meal Plans – The first two pages of this article give a fantastic overview of the Zone.  As part of the athlete materials we will distribute Paleo/Zone block charts so don’t get too focused on the meal charts listed in this packet.

Getting Off the Crack – Think weighing and measuring is not what you need, or even, dumb?  Check out Nicole Carroll’s account of her experience living in the Zone.

Important Dates

Wednesday, April 3rd – Challenge Informational Sessions
Session 1: 6:30am
Session 2: 6:30pm
Not sure if this challenge is for you?  Come learn the ins and outs of the challenge so you can decide if you’re in or you’re out!

Thursday, April 4th – Challenge Sign-up and Registration Opens on MBO at 7am
This challenge is limited to the first 36 people who sign-up.

Monday, April 8th, 6:00am-12:00pm – Athlete Intake Session 1
Sign-up for a hydrostatic dunk tank and athlete intake time.  This is a requirement for the challenge.  Second Intake Session day and time below.

Tuesday, April 9th, 12:00pm-7:00pm – Athlete Intake Session 2
Sign-up for a hydrostatic dunk tank and athlete intake time.  This is a requirement for the challenge.

Wednesday, April 15th, CHALLENGE START DATE

Wednesday, May 15th, CHALLENGE END DATE