So, I’ve been laying low on the blogging lately. In part to spend more time with family and in part because I lost ALL my photos over the last year when my third *cough* [don't buy] Western Digital *cough* hard drive took a dump. All the DIY posts I had been working on were lost as well as my photos. Pics of my family, our adventures, all my little digital memories… gone; but I welcome the challenge of re-documenting my life.
Aside from all that and taking some time out for personal & professional development (I’ve been Facebook free for over a month!) I’ve actually been quite busy gathering up some posts for my readers. Here’s what I’ve been up to:
COLLABORATION!
@deckerra is working on a short film project so I’m helping out by being the person in front of the lens. Once he edits it, I’ll post the link to the video. I have high expectations; he edited the vid on “The Girl” page so I know he produces good work!

SLOSH PIPE!
We added a new toy to the garage gym recently. A slosh pipe is the most fun you can have while working your core, stability, and balance… (while in the snow.) I’m working on a DIY post; stay tuned!
SNOW DAYS!
I’ve momentarily traded in the weightlifting shoes for these bad boys while there is still snow in town:

It’s been great playing outside and getting the majority of my workouts via activities like snowshoeing. THIS is why I work to be fit… I want to be doing things like this well into my old age. Have I mentioned I have premonitions of dying young in some freak accident? It’ll probably be while snowshoeing.

COW SHARE!
On the nutrition front, we’ve joined a cow share! This comes at a perfect time as I’ll be starting Whole 9′s Whole30 paleo challenge on the 1st of January. I’ll be posting a Beginner’s Guide to Going Grass Fed. You wouldn’t think buying a cow and then splitting it with others would be confusing or complicated, but it kind of is. I’ve also been testing out various methods of making grab-and-go healthy meals. Thank goodness for great ideas, like already made salads you can take to work without your lettuce getting soggy, on Pinterest:

WINTER TRAIL RUNNING!
One of my goals for the upcoming year is to extend trail running (which I love) well past summer. I’m putting together a list of essentials that you’ll need to take your summer trail running straight into winter trail running. It’s surprisingly possible to run on ice and snow without injury. I’ll also be posting that in the upcoming months.

So, that’s just an appetizer of what’s been keeping me busy. 2012 is going to be great for Girl Walks Into A Barbell. For those that have followed along in my adventures over the past year – thank you! I’m flattered by all the positive feedback and link backs on Pinterest. I’m looking forward to new goals, new adventures, and new explorations in fitness in the new year.




Hey, I’m on day 10 of the Whole30 paleo challenge. I didn’t bother waiting until the 1st. I’m going strong so far and am glad you’ll be doing it too. I could use a virtual buddy! I’m excited about the slosh pipe too. Can’t wait for instructions. Does it double as one of those soothing rain sticks?
Nice, Adrianne!! Way to go on the Whole30 challenge. Good to hear you’re still going strong. And while the slosh pipe does make “soothing” sounds (ha!), I can’t say I like the water sloshing around while I’m trying to carry it.
)
I am really looking forward to your posts in 2012! You have a great site and your pictures are amazing. Those slosh pipes are a lot of fun!
Thanks, Jerred! Yeah, the slosh pipe almost seems like TOO much fun… almost.
Welcome back! I cant wait to read everything you have in store for 2012! You blog is so inspiring! Can you post your pinterest link somewhere so we can follow?
Thanks, Lindsey! I appreciate the kind words. My username on Pinterest is jessicamacho. I don’t really post fitness stuff there but I do post DIY furniture inspirations!
I can’t help it. Ha!
just found your blog and i love it!! looking forward to all your posts in 2012! i was wondering where you got those grey wool socks?? they are super cute and i would love a pair!
Thanks for reading! Those are actually LEG WARMERS!! Yeah! I love them and wear them to the gym, around the house, and over tights with boots. I got them at Target a few years ago for $6 (what a steal!) but I haven’t seen Target carry them lately. I think I’ve seen similar at Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and other trendy little shops. If you find a pair, get it! You’ll love it.
I’m curious how the challenge has been going? Have you noticed a difference in energy, health etc? Would love to read how that challenge went. I look forward to future posts, I have enjoyed reading thus far.
Hi, Star! It’s been going well. This is my 3rd Whole30 Paleo Challenge and each time it gets easier and easier. The trick is not reverting back to old eating habits after the challenge and that for me will be easy peasy because I’ve noticed such great benefits. The first thing I really noticed was that I slept better starting 3 days after I started the challenge. My pre-menstrual symptoms were almost non-existant (sorry if that’s TMI.) But the number one benefit for me was that my body feels less “achey” and bloated after eating. It’s been REALLY great. And, I lost 1.5″ off my waist so I’m quite happy about fitting back into my old pair of A&F jeans again! If you are looking to try it, I can point you to some great resources. Just let me know! Cheers, Jess.
Yes I would love to look more into this/Paleo so some resources you trust would be great! Thank you!
I love the salad in the canning jar idea! Would you say one jar is a good portion? Do you add any other sides?
One jar is a HUGE portion for me. It’s 2 cups of lettuce (more or less) and then a healthy helping of the veggie toppings. It’s a struggle to finish it all sometimes! If I do add any other sides, it’s protein. I like to chop up 2 hard boiled eggs and them on top!