Crossfit: 1 Year Later

About this time last year I signed up for Crossfit at East Sacramento Crossfit.  I remember it was a difficult decision.  First, the cost — more expensive than a regular gym.  Plus, the workouts would be difficult.  I knew this because I had gone through a couple of free sessions, and I had been to one of the events.  Finally, CF has a social aspect to it that made me nervous.  I hadn’t been introduced to a new social group in quite a while.  Mostly I was in complete control of my social life.  So this was something new.

But I did it anyway.  And after a year, I would say it was worth it.  I’m in better physical and mental shape.  I doubt if anyone would consider me a very competent athlete, but then again I stuck with it and I’ve made some real gains in ability.  The other thing I notice is that just facing up to a workout that could take 15 minutes, or 20, or a 1/2 hour, takes focus and discipline.  It requires patience.

I can tell I’m stronger because the first day our workout took me about 16 minutes.  At the end of one month it took me 8 1/2 minutes.  Recently I did a much harder version of that workout and did it in 6:48.

But the thing is, it’s not enough.  The difference between my numbers and the better athletes is way too big.  I haven’t really exhausted  the possibilities.  I suppose that fits some of the defining characteristics of “competitive.”  There’s no doubt that competition is an important element of Crossfit.

However, the competitive aspect has to be put in the right perspective.  “Winning” or “losing” isn’t’ what I feel when I’m working out.  I feel motivated, or not.  Simple as that.  Some days I’m stronger than others.  When I’m at my best, I feel good.  I like that feeling.  I want more of it.

I was watching the Boston Marathon on television, about 30 years ago, and heard the best sports quote I’ve ever heard.  One of the analysts quoted a man who had won several times (whose name I have forgotten) — “My goal isn’t to win.  My goal is to make sure that whoever does win knows that I took them to a level they didn’t think they could get to.”  I thought that was a great quote.

I look at my workout journal, and I think, wow, that stuff used to seem so hard.  Fifty burpees for time?  Deadlifts? At the time it was scary.  It’s still daunting, but now I spend more of my time trying to figure out how to get to the next level, rather than worrying about how hard it’s going to be.

Well that’s it for now.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

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2 Responses to Crossfit: 1 Year Later

  1. I am moving to Columbus, Ohio and looking to join a crossfit gym. Where can I find them? I found one called Rogue fitness but they want something like $170 a month. Just want to look and find a reasonably priced one.

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