What CrossFit has taught me...

Today marks two months since I walked into Renewed Strength CrossFit. Go visit their website. I know most of my friends reading this are not located in West Texas, but you can still visit the page. They are even on Facebook. We are getting a new box soon, so you can see all that is going on with that on FB. 

This blog post is all about what I have learned since joining, what I like about CrossFit and RSCF, and what I do not like about CrossFit. 

What exactly have I learned? 

1. I have learned to trust myself.  One of the first exercises I did was ring rows. It wasn't easy for me to trust myself enough to lean back with my arms stretched in front of me. Only thing keeping me from falling were the rings, and I was holding on for dear life. I can now walk up to the rings adjust those suckers, and start pumping out ring rows like a pro. You gotta have trust, even with yourself when you are doing something so intense. 

2. Confidence: CrossFit has given me confidence. I carry myself in a more confident way, and people have noticed. This isn't an arrogance or pride thing. I also have confidence to try things I have never done before. And, I am learning there are things I can do that I did not know I could. 

3. I have learned how to lift weights: I am constantly learning and trying to improve in this area. Honestly, I never thought 'One day, I'm going to be be a weightlifter.' So, the fact that I am doing it and from all accounts, I get it right most of the time, I'm pretty proud of myself. I am still in the learning phase and improving my form everything I step up to the bar, but I think everyone is. Each week when you my progress toward a new PR you have to adjust and modify what you are doing to accommodate for the new PR. 

4. I have learned to embrace the process: This includes rest days. This is more important for me because of my knee, but I'm not letting that stop me from exercising. I do walk and work on my running program when I'm not at CrossFit. I listen to my body and rest completely if I do not feel confident in what I can do for the day.  After this last week and being sick, I know that sometimes the journey is going to be derailed for a little bit. Life happens, and you have to rest and heal. Again, it is all apart of the process. 

5. Consistency is important: I've seen the results I have, because I have been consistent with going to CF. I guess it just took me longer to understand this. I cannot tell you why it makes more sense now, but it does. So, stick with what you are doing to get healthy.

6. I am not a quitter: I won't give up even when my mind wants me to. Many times during the WOD, I have stopped or slowed down, but I haven't quit. 

7. Not everyone understands my journey.  I've already encountered those who have questioned why I would choose CrossFit over a regular gym. They, like most people, have not seen my struggle with weight loss. They have not seen my struggle with going to the gym for months and never seeing the results in 6 months of what I have had with CrossFit in 2 months. I am not putting a price on getting healthy. If I gain 10 or 20 more years to my life because of it, then it is well worth it. I do not ask that you fully understand this journey, I just want those around me to respect my decision to be healthy. 

What I love about CrossFit and RSCF? 
1. The community at RSCF. I wasn't sure what I would find when I walked into the box two months ago. But, I soon learned I had supporters cheering me on as we completed each WOD. There were days that I would not have completed my WOD if I did not have them cheering me on. Even on the days I cried, they were cheering me on. 
2. The challenge: The daily WOD challenges me beyond what I ever thought I could do. I never knew just what I was capable of doing, until I stepped outside that comfort zone. 
3. The Coaches: They are really awesome people who have helped me along the way, pushed, and cheered me on to keep going. 


What I do not like about CrossFit?
1. Dropping the barbell. I don't think I will ever get used to the sound of 10 bars hitting the ground. So annoying...and yes, even when I do it. 
2. Burpees...they just stink! 

It has been a challenging and rewarding 2 months. I am excited to see what the months ahead have in store. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey!