Blame it on the bell

We can learn a lot from those more experienced than us. Sometime we can learn more from who appear less experienced. Joel opened our eyes here, and he continues to teach us all, even veterans, with his growth.

A miraculous thing happened today. My 35 pound kettlebell became 55 pounds in the blink of an eye. Well maybe more trainer interference than miracle. Maybe the miracle was what happened next.

My first thought? F### this. I can’t do it….then I started swinging.

Crossfitters are a special breed. Or so I used to think. I used to think that people were who they were, and that largely change is impossible. Certain people get satisfaction from self-improvement, others (like myself) get satisfaction from distraction. A distraction of self, problems, things piling up like so many mounds of dirt that eventually become a mountain. We try to live quietly within the shadows of this mountain, hoping desperately the mountain doesn’t crumble onto us.

Things are changing. I’m getting addicted to proving  myself wrong. I’m getting addicted to beating what I expect of myself. Now, I believe that anyone can be a CFer. Even a fat boy like me. Now I’m an avid 7:30 WOD checker. I am mentally preparing myself for the next morning, trying to get the movements in mind so I can make the best of the time I have. Get my weights in mind, and I think- most importantly, get an idea in mind of where I should be, either rounds or time.

We are all playing a game against ourselves when a trainer says 3.2.1 Go.

How many times do you want to stop, and keep going? How many times do you think “I need to rest a bit before I attempt this?” and lift the bar anyways? How amazing is it to prove your own brain wrong?

Back to the bell, the WOD was a 7 minute AMRAP with some other movements. I had convinced myself before I got in the door that I could get maybe 3 rounds done in time, and that was before I started my second round with a suddenly heavier kettlebell.

With 2:45 left on the clock, and 3 rounds completed- I’m starting another round. “I bet you can’t get 1 more round in- besides you already made your goal” My brain says to me. I start swinging the jump rope faster. I start talking to myself- “Come on fat boy- move it!” Suddenly the “f### this” kettlebell starts swinging faster. And I’m not resting when the wall ball gets back in my hands. With a little more than a minute left, I’m starting another round. I’m jumping higher with the rope to make sure my feet aren’t catching. Faster. The kettlebell’s weight isn’t even registering anymore. I’m just moving the damn thing. Faster. And with less than 15 seconds left, I’ve got 5 more wall balls to go. My legs are killing me. So are my arms, I can’t catch my breath, and I don’t know how I can possibly get it done. Faster. But I keep pushing, and pushing. Spiraling out, going beyond the bounds of what I thought was possible when I started. Faster. And just as my last shot hits the ground- the clock buzzes, and I hit the mat, trying desperately to get some oxygen.
Are you challenging yourself? Or have you gotten comfortable?

How awesome was it the first time you finished a WOD when you knew that you really stepped up your game? Was it the first time you moved up your weight on a clean & jerk to a new PR? Did a WOD as rxd? Didn’t use the band when you did pullups? Started putting weight on the bar instead of just using the bar? Walked in the door in the first place, and finished a WOD without dying (yes, we were all there- I promise)?

For me, it all goes back to my first KB swings.

The first time I did a KB swing it was with an 18# kettlebell. It was freaking hard. Then it got easier. So I started swinging heavier, and heavier. I got up to using a 35# dumbbell. Now I swing the 55# kettlebell and It’s freaking hard, but it feels so good.

This kettlebell, by the way, has an ironic smiley-face on the bottom. I know this because when I was on the ground, trying desperately to catch my breath after the WOD, I noticed the kb was tipped over, and the smiley was looking at me.

Though I’m sure my face didn’t quite look the same, I had the same expression somewhere inside.

Challenge yourself today, and you may just find a kettlebell smiling at you.

Strength:
Rest

For Time:
“Wood”
400m-Run
10-Burpee Box Jumps 24″
10-Sumo Deadlift high pull @ 95
10-Thrusters @ 95
5 Rounds
*Rest one minute between rounds.

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