My first CrossFit challenge

If you haven't had the chance to get to a "box," (what 'CrossFitters' call a 'gym') you should. It's a very different atmosphere when comparing to a traditional gym.

One year ago, the man pictured above (my husband) encouraged me to try this so called "CrossFit." Since I played high-school and college sports, I thought that this wouldn't be anything too different. I was both right and wrong.

Anyhow, one morning we decided to stop by a local CrossFit box (after we had just ate pancakes for breakfast)to just get a 'feel' for the place. Since my husband had already been CrossFitting for awhile  he didn't seem to be out of his element - at all. Me, on the other hand... I saw a few weight sets and I said to myself, "Ah yeah, I can do this!" since I had been weight-lifting (traditionally) for 3 years. Because, you know, running track in college they make you lift a lot. 

Right?

*crickets*

Definitely different.

As we continued to enter into the forsaken box, we were greeted by a short, bald, kind of awkward man, who just so happened to be the owner and head coach of the box. 

He was short, but he looked strong. 

My husband shook his hand, then this man began to explain CossFit all the more. Then, he said something that I had wished he would have kept to himself; coming from his bearded mouth he said,"Well, how about you do a trial work out right now to get the feel for what we do around here."

I looked at my husband, as if I was trying to telepathically communicate to him that, "We just ate pancakes and I am so not in the mood to do this right now!" 

Naturally, my husband completely disregarded my attempt to finagle my way out of this workout. Then, he nonchalantly answered the CrossFit man, "Yeah, why not."

Fail.

So, the guy set up two bars and two ab mats. It was X Rounds of back squats and butterfly sit-ups. 

Now, this wouldn't have been as bad if I hadn't eaten so many pancakes before this "trial workout." It definitely sucked, nonetheless. Granted, I was not in the most optimal shape of my life, so of course that didn't help my case. However, I did finish the workout in one piece.

After I caught my breath, my husband looked at me and said, "Well, what do you think?" 

I shrugged my shoulders with a less than confident reply, "I liked it..." 

I mean really did like it, but how is one supposed to reply in regards to something so painful, yet enjoyable? Also, it didn't help that owner was standing right there. 

Then, before I knew it, I was signing up for a membership.

As I began my first week of full-on CrossFit, I learned how weak my body was and not to mention how out of shape I had let myself become. I continued with CrossFit for 5 straight months until I was diagnosed with 2 separated shoulders. Note to all who lift weights, form is very, very important. I cannot emphasized that enough.

Anyhow, throughout those 5 months of intense CrossFit, I gained a great appreciation for CrossFit, learned more about how my body can transform and improve through hard work, and also the importance of accountability and encouragement from those around you. 

What I also enjoyed about CrossFit was that it reminded me of running track in college. Through both track and CrossFit, you not only competed against other people, but you're mainly competing against yourself. You are your biggest competitor. 

Six months after I began my shoulder recovery, I moved back to my home state of Minnesota for 6 months. During my time in Minnesota, I did a lot of recovery work and retrained my body. I also began to take an even greater interest in nutrition.

Nonetheless, I am now back on the East Coast and slowly making my way back to CrossFit. My husband, and a few of his "CrossFit friends" are nourishing me back to CrossFit health. 

I'm not sure where I will go with CrossFit, but it has become more than a workout or sport. CrossFit (in my definition) is a challenge of the mind, body, and soul. This alone, is beneficial for all aspects of life. Implementing mental toughness by strengthening a person's will to persevere, overcome through both physical and mental challenges.

That is why I CrossFit.

I owe much of my CrossFit experience to my supportive, encouraging, and loving husband. If it weren't for him, I'm not so sure that I would have found or had the gumption to experience CrossFit all together. I guess it pays to marry your best friend, especially when they push you beyond your own expectations.

I am thankful for the encouragement and challenge that this guy brings to me daily. One year down, and many more to come. 

"Accountability in friendship is the equivalent of love without strategy."
Anita Brookner