It’s not often that I feel strong. As much as I love sweating, I don’t believe in myself much when it comes to performing well. I can perform; I just doubt my ability to do well. To cover this I shy away from working out with others and never boast my times. On anything.
Except in CrossFit. Except for last night.
I was having an ‘off’ day and went to hot power yoga after work to kick my bad mood. It worked. Just to be sure that icky mood was really gone I headed to the 7pm WOD at CrossFit Firebase.
The gym was packed. Sometimes a packed box is intimidating; I can doubt myself in the middle of all these people who know what they’re doing- who can lift more, squat more, pull higher and run faster than me.
Last night I didn’t feel any of that. Our box is finally feeling home to me. I made new friends and got excited for the WOD.
First we found our unbroken max for double unders, push-ups, pull-ups- and how many squats we could complete in 60 seconds. I completed 12 single unders (I blame it on not using a jump rope until I was an adult!), 5 girl push-ups (hangs head), 10 assisted pull-ups and 40 air squats in 60 seconds. They will improve. They will improve.
The WOD:
3 rounds:
1,000m run
50 walking lunges
30 game standard push-ups (lifting your hands off the floor at the bottom of every push-up)
I am usually nervous running in a group: what if I’m slower than everyone else? what if I can’t keep up my breathing? what if I have to slow down only to be passed by all the people I just passed?
The timer went off and twenty of us started running the course at the same time. I felt myself holding back so I passed one person. Then I couldn’t help but pass another. And another. Then I got a little competitive! I was one of the first back from the run. I pushed hard with my lunges and push-ups and kicked butt in the next two runs. I knew I only had one chance so I asked a lot from myself.
For the first time I cared what time I had. I didn’t want to always be the weak one; I wanted to beat others!
I finished in 25:30 and felt so proud for the rest of the night!
What makes you feel strong? When was the last time you decided to be great?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
My first ever attempt at being fit was joining a CrossFit gym. They taught me so so much about what it means to be ‘athletic’ or ‘fast’ or ‘strong’ and what stuck most was ‘nutritious’ because I started and haven’t stopped eating Paleo since I met them all. But I can totally see what you mean. I was intimidated for months. Knowing I was slower, weaker, less enthused. But once you do a WOD that feels so amazing, it can change your entire attitude. Even though I don’t do crossfit anymore, it was an amazing learning experience. Awesome job, Ashley!
Jenna | The Paleo Project recently posted..Things I Love Right Now
congrats Ashley! That sounds like alot of fun.
I think the last time was supper bowl weekend. We had had a non stop weekend and it was the afternoon of the game. I got to the party location and decided earlier that day that I was going on a run before the big event. My powers to persude others failed so I went by myself. A short jog turned into a hill workout. Near my brothers house there are several caves, which makes the landscape is extremely hilly. Instead of staying low I decided to “kill the Hill.” Before I had time to change my mind I took the road toward the hills. Much to my suprise I felt great. Every car the past I just kept thinking I bet they didn’t run any hills today (silly, I know.) That made me push harder. When I returned from my run I felt great and didn’t feel the least bit guilty about sitting on the couch and having some wings:)
Cassandra recently posted..Stock: Update
you go girl! that’s awesome!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..WIAW: Hits & Misses
So inspirational. CrossFit intimidates the crap out of me (maybe I should “be strong” and try it)!
Kate @ get up and flow recently posted..Forks Over Knives: What about me?
I’ve recently gotten into crossfit and have realized how much stronger I already am only after 3 months. It makes such a difference! I love how crossfit makes me feel
ps- I do hope you meant a 1,000m (or 1km) run and not 1,000km run…that would take you a long time!
Nice, that is pretty strong. Well done.
Carolina John recently posted..Three Things Thursday
Congrats on such a great workout and pushing yourself! I love workouts that leave you feeling the high not only from endorphins, but from feeling stronger because you accomplished something more, something faster, etc. Have a great day!
Love the post, Ashley! I am so intrigued by CrossFit and your posts get me even more motivated to try it out!
Amelia recently posted..Amelia: Run in the Streets
I am very glad that you filled strong and that you were not intimidated! It makes me feel strong when I see my progress, I dont compare myself to other people and usually I dont feel intimidated if somebody is doibg better than me, I think that that person worked really hard to get to that point, and it motivates me! Competition has a place for me, and that place is not the GYM, it is a race or something else, at the GYM you have to outcame yourself that is my mantra, to try to do more push up or squats than I did last time! When I beat my previous record I know I did good!
Catalina @ Cake with Love recently posted..Sour Cherries Crepes Cake
Iv’e decided to do exercise when I felt that i’m feeling very timid everyday. And it’s not really bad.. Actually it’s really fun. It’s really nice to be fit and healthy. Thanks for sharing this..
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Congratulations! I’m the same way about my running, etc. I aim to complete, not compete. You pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone, and look at the results you got! Very inspiring
Lindsay @ Salt, Sun & Sanity recently posted..Mid-Day Monday & Things That Feel Good
That’s a great thing to hear that you have plans on running..
That is good for you!
LuccyT05 recently posted..MMA Training
Ashley, I saw you at that water stop near mile 6 on Sunday. I was that freak who recognized you and finally figured it out, so I screamed “HEALTHY ASHLEY!” in your face.
Thanks for volunteering for the event. It was so great to see so many smiling faces, and then a slightly familiar one just as we went into the boring part of the race. I hope that you’re doing well with your recovery.
Anne @strawberryjampackedlife.com recently posted..Disney Princess Half Marathon Recap
Awesome girl! Love that feeling. I always feel empowered after reformer pilates
You are simple show that “quitting” has no space in this world, Stand up and prove your self that you are worthy! Keep it up girl…
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GO! ASHLEY GO!…you can do it.
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