Week 12

Day 1: Monday-
I have had some shoulder soreness over the last two weeks. I have rested a few days here and there, but it keeps coming back. So, today I used a 17# bar for the WOD. 

11 min AMRAP

11 front squats
11 push jerks
11 hang cleans
11 situps
3 rounds 35 reps

2 min break
1 mile (6 laps) for time. My time 20 min 34 sec. 

It's Thursday night, and I have not been to CF since Monday of this week. This week has been a resting week for me. My shoulder pain just kept nagging me, and I also have just been exhausted because I'm not sleeping well at night. I have been killing it at CrossFit, and while that is great, I have to remember that my body is not used to all this intensive work. I am still carrying X amount of extra weight while doing all this. I have grown to love the intensity of CrossFit, but this week has given me some much needed time to reflect on my goals. 

I'm some what ashamed to admit, I have thought about this a time or two this week. 

Here are a few things I have taken away from this week:

1. Recovery is VERY important to the process of this journey. The last thing I need to have happen is an injury that causes me to be out for weeks or months. 

2. I should NOT feel guilty about resting and taking a break. I know it is necessary for me to take a break. I was at the point of not returning to CrossFit for a month or more, because I have been hurting everyday. Not just knee pain here, a blister on my hand, or bruises; but just sore and hurting all over. I know some soreness is normal, but it had gotten to the point where I was so uncomfortable. That's...not normal. Even for a newbie like myself, I know that's not normal.  I have been pushing myself more than normal. Here's why...I'm seeing great results from my progress at CF, and I want to continue seeing results. Honestly, I'm afraid of falling back into old habits, if I stop for too long. I have been going for 4 and 5 days the last few weeks...on top of my running program outside of CF. With my lack of sleeping at night, it has finally caught up to me. 

3. My overall health is very important to me. I went to a sleep specialist this week (it was already scheduled), and I'm waiting to hear back about an actual sleep test to be done. I have to take care of all of me, if my exercise is going to do any good. 

4. I have to listen to my body. I should have rested longer last week than I did, but kept pushing. 


What are my goals?
A. Return to the box on Monday 6/13 (if my shoulder is still feeling good). 

B. Take it slow and add the #s if I can handle it. I'm not training for the Games (yet), so I can take it easy for a little while longer. Hey, it's not like I'm trying to out do the best person in the box. I'm just there to get my exercise on, not cause injury to my poor under worked shoulders. 

C. Decrease my time at the box. Just for a few weeks, I will go back to 3 days a week. Until I see how my shoulder is handling things. 

D. Enjoy the process. Yes, even the rest days. I have really fallen in love with the process of becoming a healthier version of myself. I have learned just what I am capable of doing. I would have laughed at you a year ago if you told me I would be enjoying CrossFit this year. But, I have enjoyed pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. 

Until next week, 
Jenn