Full Circle
Everything You Want Is On The Other Side of FEAR
Everything You Want Is On The Other Side of FEAR
In early February 2016, I committed to completing the CrossFit Open after taking 2015 off. At that time, I was 1 month post closure. I participated in the 2014 Open, and it was the last workout, 14.5, where all my health issues really hit the fan. 14.5 was 21, 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, 3 thrusters (RX for women 65#) and bar facing burpees. It was not a fun WOD for ANYONE, most of all me. I finished with a good time at 16:09, but I ended up spending 3 days in the hospital with rhabdomylosis. Seventeen IVs later, I was released, but only to go home to continue to drink gallons more water over the next several days. This was definitely not the way to get the week of Spring Break off.
On Thursday, March 24, 2016 everything came full circle. After 4 very successful Friday Open workouts, I walked into CrossFit Lander excited to watch the Open announcement with my fellow CrossFitters and finish what I started. I had worked hard and learned how to link toes to bar, and did my first ring and bar muscle ups, as a result of participating in the Open. As we all sat around, we discussed what we thought 16.5 would entail. Most of us thought thrusters would be included for sure, because we hadn't done them yet. A few of us also thought box jumps would be involved, since we usually see those during the Open every year as well. However, NONE OF US thought it would be a repeat of 14.5. We had already done bar facing burpees. In fact, I said, "If it is 14.5, I am leaving. I will not do that workout again." Several of my friends agreed with me. So, when Castro announced, "16.5 is 14.5". We were all completely silent. We all thought he was kidding. BUT, HE WASN'T!
I got really emotional. So emotional, I had to leave the gym and call my husband, Dean. I really didn't know what to do. I DID NOT want to do that workout again. But I DID want to finish what I started. How could I quit now. If I decided to do the workout, would it be a mistake? Dean talked me through it and together we decided that I should do it. So, I went in with a plan. Divide the thrusters into 3rds (for the round of 21 rest every 7) every round until the end. Step up and down every burpee. Breathe and take my time. I knew I had done workouts with thrusters and burpees and had absolutely no problems even close to what I had experienced 2 years before. Mentally, this was going to be a challenge.
My judge that night, Jason, Dean and other friends who had gathered round were all fully aware of the situation. They were all supportive and really helped me through that workout. At several points, I was near tears. It was such an emotional experience.
I stuck to my plan until the round of 9. At 9, I broke the thrusters in half and at 6 and 3 did them straight through. When I finished, I looked at the clock and couldn't believe my eyes 14:20. I had beat my time from 2 years ago by almost 2 minutes. I felt my approach had been so much more conservative, but it paid off! I also think my much improved form on both movements may have helped as well.
Looking back, I am so happy that I decided to do the workout. I was not very sore in the days that followed. Most of all, I had conquered a huge demon.
As I move forward, I am hoping to continue to overcome in other events. I will do Xterra Lory Triathlon in June. I had to drop that race in 2014. I will also do the Dakota 5-0 in September, which I have not been able to return to since 2013. I am so thankful to have my health back!
I got really emotional. So emotional, I had to leave the gym and call my husband, Dean. I really didn't know what to do. I DID NOT want to do that workout again. But I DID want to finish what I started. How could I quit now. If I decided to do the workout, would it be a mistake? Dean talked me through it and together we decided that I should do it. So, I went in with a plan. Divide the thrusters into 3rds (for the round of 21 rest every 7) every round until the end. Step up and down every burpee. Breathe and take my time. I knew I had done workouts with thrusters and burpees and had absolutely no problems even close to what I had experienced 2 years before. Mentally, this was going to be a challenge.
I stuck to my plan until the round of 9. At 9, I broke the thrusters in half and at 6 and 3 did them straight through. When I finished, I looked at the clock and couldn't believe my eyes 14:20. I had beat my time from 2 years ago by almost 2 minutes. I felt my approach had been so much more conservative, but it paid off! I also think my much improved form on both movements may have helped as well.
Looking back, I am so happy that I decided to do the workout. I was not very sore in the days that followed. Most of all, I had conquered a huge demon.
As I move forward, I am hoping to continue to overcome in other events. I will do Xterra Lory Triathlon in June. I had to drop that race in 2014. I will also do the Dakota 5-0 in September, which I have not been able to return to since 2013. I am so thankful to have my health back!
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