The universe heard me

I spent this past weekend attached to the Twitter feed about the CrossFit Regionals for Southern California. Watching these women compete with amazing statistics was amazing.

I couldn't wait to get back to the box on Monday for another exciting day of....whatever was in store.

When I saw Monday's WOD (30 Burpee Muscle Ups) and then the scaled set for muscles ups (1MU=3 pull ups) I was very excited! I would practice completing scaled pull ups all workout! This would be perfect in my quest to eventually complete "Helen" without a resistance band.

I should be careful what I wish for:

I purchased a set of gloves online over the weekend, because I was worried that my "lady-like" hands would eventually take a beating. I didn't think that beating would come in the form of a total of 90 pull ups within 16 minutes on Monday. Needless to say, the gloves are still in the mail and I am typing this with painful pulled blisters (and bandages full of neosporin) on each hand.

I'm supposed to work on rope climbing today. I guess I'll make a quick stop at the store and pick up some tape for my blisters. Stay tuned!

In Helen we trust

I started back at the LAX Crossfit box at the beginning of the month. Today marks the second full week of sweat-drenched nights. The first week back was loads of fun. Coming back to an intense workout on Monday and a high-five with the 8pm coach gave me some positive energy for the first, of I hope many, workout of the day (WOD).
This past Monday, I spent the entire time working on the Snatch Balance and the Squat Snatch. Before heading to the box, I watched a few videos to get the technique before going in. No matter how much I worked for the entire strength session, I still couldn't get it. The perfectionist in me left the box feeling incredibly defeated and disappointed.  Even though I haven't been back long, I still have high expectations for myself in properly completing the workout. I run marathons for pete's sake.
I remember one workout day of coaching my marathoners. Our workout was an afternoon full of suicides-two basketball court lengths each time (plus squats). In the middle of the third round, one veteran marathoner walked away in tears. She needed a break, but I also think the workout broke her. On Monday, my mind drifted to that day and her. That's exactly how I felt.
I went back on Tuesday and withstood another insane session and I got to practice my handstand! Wednesday was a strength day, combined with a pretty intense warm up. I accomplished something I never thought I would be able to do: I successfully completed a back squat with 115 pounds and one deadlift of 135 pounds; the equivalent of my own weight.  For someone with a fear of weightlifting, that is quite the accomplishment. I left feeling much better than I felt on Monday.
It wasn't until yesterday's workout that I really got my groove back.
Thursday's WOD
‘Helen’ – 3 Rounds:
400m Run
21 Kettlebell Swings (1.5 pd/1 pd)
12 Pull-Ups
After 13:58 minutes, I felt amazing. For this workout, I transitioned to a less resistant band (the blue band) and still completed the pull-ups quicker than I thought. After calling time, I came to the conclusion that this workout is by far my favorite.
The box has a Goal Board. As a (marathon) coach, I think it's pretty awesome that the box encourages us to set goals. Here is mine. My crossfit goal is to complete the Helen WOD as prescribed, with no resistance band. Let's see how long it takes me to do that.
For now, I'll take my small weight lifting goals and perfecting my handstand.
This investment in myself is right up there with my favorite car, my home and my education. I am having a blast and getting stronger at the same time.