World O’ Hurt

Crossfit sessions are like a microcosm of life. Everything that happens you can apply to your entire life.

Yesterday’s WOD was a particularly brutal one for me. Three rounds for time (20-minute foul-out):

• 21 Kettlebell Snatches (16kg/36lb/1pd) each arm
• 15 Pull-ups
• 12 Dumbbell Snatches (30lb)
• 400m Run

I did not complete it, managing only two rounds and ten Kettlebell snatches on each arm. Although I did utilize the recommend weight (and did only 10 of the pullups with box assistance), I still felt bummed, until I realized that it was only the start of my third week at Crossfit Central, and that they have a staff of coaches dedicated to the success of every student, and that eventually I will break down that WOD and make it my bitch.

It’s unreasonable to undertake any endeavor expecting to do it perfectly (or even adequately!) the first through tenth times you do it. Although I’ve always been a physically attuned person, Crossfit has humbled me, and at the same time infused me with enthusiasm with all of the possibilities it offers.

I hope this WOD and I meet again someday.

Today was the first day of Crossfit for me! I have to say that it was exactly as I expected, and that was a relief. Truthfully, it’s really nice NOT being the one yelling at people, motivating others, and coming up with a game plan for class. Now I’m the target of motivation, which was a very strange thing for me! Luckily, I’m always more than happy to empty my glass and learn new things.

The workout was very challenging, not so much in its components, but in the fact that you’re timed and working both with and against your classmates. The motivation is all very positive and supportive, although it’s very much in the “tough love” vein. It was really great having that “I’m going to puke, I’m going to puke, press it down. hold it down” feeling once again. I know this is the right thing for me.

Workout for 01/12/2009:

• Four rounds for time:
  • 400m Run
  • 50 Squats (Medicine Ball height)
• 30 – 20 – 10:
  • Knees-to-elbows
  • Pushups

Strangely enough, I found the second part of the workout harder than the first (my upper body strength is sorely lacking!). It was inspiring seeing the older gentleman classmate of mine doing kipping knees to elbows like a champ! I learned the kipping motion a lot better by watching him!

After Crossfit, I retreated to my old haunt Shaolin-Do to do a little weightlifting and to teach my sparring and material class. I did 5-5-5-5 back squat with the final load being 185. Soon we’re going to pick up the “Starting Strength” book and put together a really great strength program!

Sparring was good, although I was pretty wiped out by the day’s previous activities. Now though, it’s time for dinner!

Well that was eye-opening…

Even more so than the two Crossfit workouts that I had done the other week, this one kicked my ass, even though it was relatively simple as far as those things go. I don’t know what to chalk it up to. Not having eaten? Having been sick? The bone-dry air? I felt like crap, even given the relative ease of the workout:

• 500m Row
• 400m run
• 30 Air Squats
• 20 Pushups
• 10 Pullups.

I felt less than great after this workout. I’m inclined to give myself a pass, since I had previously completed two much harder Crossfits already! Now, I don’t want to be Negative Nancy! I learned a great deal about the Crossfit movements today, and it looks like this is just what I needed to push me past that comfort zone and up into dizzying new heights. Getting there is gonna be hell, but being there? Ah, it will make it all worthwhile.

Dinner was a delicious treat. Sam and I grilled up 1.5lb of london broil that I’ve been marinating for three days now. We sliced it up and tossed it over a salad. As usual, I did not exactly measure any of the ingredients:

• Mixed greens and Spinach
• 1 large Hass Avocado
• 2/3 Red Bell Pepper
• Thinly sliced steak
• Ample Walnut Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Fresh-cracked black pepper

I felt like a million bucks after devouring that beast! My next update and Crossfit Elements tomorrow!