Day: November 1, 2012

The only way out is through.

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” ― Anaïs Nin

WOD:

I. Row 2k for time

Completed: 8:11. New PR! Hoping this also earned me a trip to the Leaderboard. We will see.

II. 5 Sets:

Max Strict Pullups

15 Burpees

*Rest 1 minute between sets

Completed: Barely. Was tired and simply trying not to hurl.

No one likes Burpees. No one. Okay, maybe someone does. And if it happens to be you, shoot me an email and plead your case. I’m interested.

I do not like burpees. Nay, I think I’m actually afraid of them. One, my burpee execution is dreadfully slow. Most folks are already headed back up while I’m still moving in the downward direction. If anything, doing burpees in a group has taught me to not mind being last because last is where I usually end up. As everyone around me finishes and is standing there waiting for more direction or setting up for their next movement, I’m the lone clap in the distance as my 5 point burpee execution draws to a close. Not making this stuff up. +

Two, burpees simply suck.

So, when I saw tonight’s WOD I thought, ugh. I’m so not in the mood for this. Feeling lackluster. Feeling less than awesome. Feeling slow. Don’t need to be reminded in public. But, the 2K row. This has been on my list of benchmarks that must be revisited! And so off to ACF I went.

On a personal note, I’ve often tried to put into practice the saying, ‘The only way out is through.’ Mostly when it applies to personal moments, relationships, stressful situations, life happenings. Scenarios. Crossfit is taking this to a whole new level. It is teaching me how to physically get comfortable being uncomfortable. To take whatever it is I am afraid of, what scares me most, and dive straight into it head first.

Bring on the burpees, I say!

It may take me longer. But, I’m not going to walk away, I’m not going to not show up. I’m simply going to give it all I’ve got.

Work on your sucks, and the rest will get better too. It is simply the way things work.

The only way out is through.

twinkle in the eye.

With a little go on and give it a try, a coworker just signed up for Crossfit. She and her husband are currently in the 4 week Boot Camp classes and have subsequently fallen in love. She comes into work with updates on what she learned the night before and how she cannot wait to go back. It warms my heart to hear these things. Hearing stories of how other people feel motivated, inspired, watching them come alive, keeps all of us inspired too.

Not every day at CF is daisies and rainbows. Some days just plain suck-it. Can’t get the bar up over head, can’t get up off the floor from that last burpee. Your last rep was really your last rep as it is all you can muster and it is no where near your last PR.

Sometimes you’re feeling anything but better than yesterday.

The down days. We all have them.

So when my coworker comes into the office with that mischievous smile and twinkle in her eye and says, ‘Mare, guess what we did last night? We lifted the bar up to our shoulders, like this…’ she demonstrates in the middle of our cubicle village. ‘What’s it called again?’ she asks.

‘Power clean?’ I say.

‘Yes, that’s it!’ she exclaims. ‘It was awesome!’

And just like that, a little part of me is lifted too. Look at all I’ve learn in a year, I think. Not only did I know the name of the lift, but more importantly could instantly feel the goodness it bestows as you get it up with your fast elbows and powerful hips. And just like that the twinkle in my eye grows too.