Life lessons from crossfit...

So I have been doing a little thing called crossfit lately. You may have heard of it.  I kid.  Seriously, though if you haven't heard of it, you can read about it here.  Basically, it is a form of strength training and then some.  I am not the type to go into a gym and just bust out a workout.  I generally need a pre-written set (written by someone else) or some kind of boot camp type group.  It is not something I have done a lot of so I gravitate towards the group settings where I don't have to come up with a plan on my own.  Enter crossfit.

I am currently in the third week of their "intro" program.  I think every gym handles it differently but at mine, you have to go through this program in order to be allowed to do the daily workouts (they call them WODs).  It makes sense, really.  Show everyone the basics of what they need to know so you don't end up hurting yourself.  It has been quite the crash course.  I am almost to the end of it and have only scratched the workout surface.  Honestly, it is a little overwhelming because I feel like I am never going to remember all these things.  (Mostly they show us proper form for various squats, presses, pulls and a few gymnastic type moves - handstand pushups anyone?  yeah, me either...).  We talk about them and then we try some of the more basic things out.

I have actually done really well until the last couple of classes.  Yesterday was pull ups so my lack of upper body strength was shining forth.  Meh.  Not many people can do a pullup so my inability wasn't a complete surprise.  Today was a review of things we had already learned in theory but had not really practiced.  The form on my overhead squats got me.  The main trainer was trying to coach me through them as I balanced the bar above my head.  It was frustrating.  One time I would have the bar positioned right but not squat down far enough, the next time I was squatting enough but my elbows weren't really locked.  Ugh.  Hips back, elbows locked, press through the heels, don't drop the bar on your head.... (that last one was my own personal coaching advice).  I will get it eventually. I think I can, I think I can...

The thing that I love about crossfit is that it is something different most every day.  The downside is that you are constantly learning new skills and you might not be that good at them right off.  It is one of those 'check your ego at the door' situations which isn't always easy.  I have been doing a lot of running in zone 2 lately (as have a few other friends) and the discussion often comes up about how you have to get over yourself when running at that pace because it is generally much slower than your normal pace.  It isn't easy to let people pass you but you need to stay the course in order to reap the benefits that zone training can give you.  In the long run, slowing down will help you speed up.  The trainer guy from crossfit had told me a similar thing a few days ago.  Take it slow in the beginning, don't get caught up in the competition and just work at your own pace.  If you go too fast your form suffers and you won't progress.  I need to remind myself of that not only at crossfit but in my triathlon group as well.  No one WANTS to be the last person up that hill on a bike ride but not everyone can be first.  The most important thing is to get it done.  Don't let your frustration or your attitude hold you back from what you can accomplish.  Truth.  The only person that can hold you back is yourself.  I need to keep reminding myself of that!