Stronger Than You Competition

Event 1 of the comp: Squats and Squat Cleans @85#

Leading up to the comp was stressful, and I almost dropped out three weeks prior. I had all these fears and insecurities running in my head that I wasn't good enough, strong enough, or experienced enough to compete! When I signed up in September, it was because my friend, B, and I made a deal to sign up to do our first comp together. We did not know what we were getting into. 

The day was filled with encouragement, support, and making new friends. 

My thoughts on training for my first comp: 

I spent six weeks training for this competition. What I learned about myself and CrossFit in that time has made a bigger impact on me personally than I could have imagine. As the WODs were released for the event, I became very aware of what I could not do or needed to improve upon in each event. Doubt, fear, and insecurity set in really quick. That's where my CF family came in to help me. The coaches helped me work on more technical moves, and they gave me homework to do everyday. I started practicing squats and getting my hip crease below my knees. This was not an easy task for me by any means. Everyday, I was there I got the 12" soft box out and started working on those dang squats. Honestly, I hated it, almost as much as the squat snatches that I practiced. This was the biggest issue for me getting those squats correct. In every event, we were doing squats for something...squat cleans, air squats, wall balls. So, I knew I had to get this down to be able to move forward in the comp.

Somewhere around three weeks prior to the comp, I was tired of training (mostly because I did not think I was improving on a few moves) and had put so much pressure on myself about this comp that it was not fun for me any more. I took a few days off, from CF and training so I could figure out if I really wanted to compete in this comp. At this point, I was feeling insecure about competing because of my size. I did not want to embarrass my box because I lack experience or ability to do most of these moves correctly. I was afraid of people laughing at me or wondering why my coaches or friends did not talk me out of competing. with all those doubts and fears building up in my head, I just knew I should not compete. Fear almost won this battle! 

Competing was not what I expected it to be. The day of the competition, I went in knowing my strengths and my weaknesses, and knowing those helped me prepare for each event. 

Event 1: Squats & Squat Cleans 50-40-30-20-10; 5-4-3-2-1 (12 min cap)...I squatted lower than I ever have. I'm talking full depth on those squats and squat cleans. I didn't finish them all in the 12 mins, but I was surprised with my preformance. 

Event 2: Fight Gone Bad 5 stations (1 min each) X 3 rounds. I went in with a number in my head to aim for at each station. I crushed nearly everyone of those. But, the one I'm most proud of are the box step-ups. I started box step ups because of this competition. I had not done them without holding onto a bar or having a wall for support. Practicing this event, I got 3 maybe each round, and became so frustrated because I was out of breathe each time I came to this station and would not be able to get but maybe 1. During the event, I was getting between 5-7 step-ups each time. Overall, I stayed consistent at each station during all three rounds. This was a shock to me, and am also proud of my performance 

Event 3: Max deadlift for 15 reps, then bar facing burpees (jump over the bar) . I did 15 reps at 160, then went for 170, but my weight slipped off the bar when my left hand starting giving way. 

Event 4: Squat snatches and bench press at 65#. I finished 12 snatches ( done as Overhead squat), then 12 bench presses, and 7 snatches. 

Event 5: bike for calories in 1 minute: I got 20 calories. 


Overall, the experience was very positive. I had people, many of whom I had never met, come up to me and tell me they were proud of me for pushing and how I was an inspiration. One lady asked to hear about my fitness journey. We talked about 30 minutes as I told her how I started. All of that is great, and was very encouraging for me. But, here's the thing...I never set out to be that inspiration for others. I simply started to better my health. I didn't sign up for a comp to try to impress anyone, and certainly wasn't looking to get all the praise. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful to have the encouragement, and I wouldn't have expected anything less from such a great community, but it was overwhelming, all the attention. But, my fears and insecurities disappear partly because of those who were cheering me on and encouraging me. I was afraid of negative comments from people. I just went out there and gave it my all in every event. I surprised myself and perhaps surprised those watching. I stepped out of my comfort zone for this one, and I am glad I did. I proved to myself just what I am capable of doing, and that I can push myself just a little farther than I think. 

I'm not really sure what comes next after your first competition. Another one? maybe! But, I do know how far I can push myself and what I am able to do (and not pass out). I've set some goals for myself, but I'll just work on them without telling many people.

If you read this far, thanks! I appreciate your support and look forward to sharing my next milestone with you!