Rowing, Box Jump and Other Random Treats

So a little story rolled into a life lesson coming at you here today.  As you may recall, my November challenge was the 1000 meter row challenge.  Essentially, by the end of November I had to row 1000 meters in four minutes or less.  While this may sound like a fairly easy accomplishment, let me tell you...It. Is. Not. The last 500 meters are BRUTAL.  Two days before the end of the month, I mosied into CFGR early to get a row workout in before the WOD.  After three 750 meter rows, I was feeling good, strong, tough (and maybe slightly cocky) and I decided to give my challenge a go.  So I rowed my ass off for the most hellacious four minutes ever.  I had my eyes closed through most of it, just counting my reps and trying not to die.  When I finally opened my eyes, I watched the computer roll over to the 1000 meter mark at exactly 4:00 minutes.  Exactly 4:00 minutes.  I was never so happy because I never wanted to do that again.  I celebrated by spending about 5 solid minutes after that face down on the concrete floor trying to come back to life. 

After a bit of rest, I went into the WOD feeling good...real good.  Strong, tough (and maybe slightly cocky from the endorphin rush left from my row).  I was 2 for 2 on my monthly challenges and, though tired, I was ready to take on the workout.  It was just the WOD...no big.  And then the clock started.

My hands, already slightly ripped up from the row, took a beating on the cargo net.  My forearms, already cashed before I started, were beaten to hell with farmers walk and net climbs.  I was tired. I was grumpy. I was in pain.  At 8 rounds PLUS burpees and wall balls on the board, I had a moment where I almost cried.  About round 6 I nearly threw in the towel.  I went from feeling good to feeling shitty.  Feeling strong to feeling weak. Definitely no longer cocky.  I went from high to low in a matter of twenty minutes.  Accomplished to defeated in one fell swoop.   Hands = demolished.  Arm = in pain. Ego = blown.  I walked out of the box looking like this:

And like this...

The lesson?  I came back. And I'll keep coming back.  Because with a few days with tape those rips on my hands healed and after about a week my bruise nearly disappeared.  It wasn't the first and I'm sure it won't be the last time I walk out of that place feeling worse than when I walked in, leaving my DNA behind in the form of blood, sweat and, in this case, maybe a few tears.  Nevertheless, the old saying is true - the pain is always temporary...pride lasts forever.  And after I had a few hours to collect myself, I remember that I did accomplish something that day and that I had every right to be proud.  

Never give up on yourself.  Bad days will always creep up on us, but the real test is how we handle them.  Always believe in your coach, your team and yourself.   You are capable of anything.

This month is "Destroy Your Weakness December" at CrossFit Grand Rapids.  Everyone is picking a skill that they have trouble with and are working throughout the month to, well, destroy it.  This fits seamlessly into my December challenge which is......dum da dum dum.....BOX JUMPS.

                                                Why hello biggest irrational fear known to CrossFit

Anyway, my hope is that I'll finish out the year strong with a perfect 3 for 3 and have the entirety of 2013 (and my life) to get better and better and better.  So I ask you this...what will you be focusing on during "Destroy Your Weakness December"?  I'm learning that most "weaknesses" stem from our mind and not actually our bodies.  Once we get our minds in the right place, we are capable of pretty much anything.  So get out there and destroy your weakness.  As Sam likes to say...CAN'T WAIT!