Going into WOD 6 at the games was one of the most nauseating moments of my competitive career. Our fate basically appeared to be in my hands. In the 6 weeks prior to the Regional competition I did many workouts that consisted of 20 consecutive muscle-ups or had 20 muscle-ups in them. I knew that I could do it, but I was not feeling 100%. Looking around at the other teams I was intimidated by the fact that ALL of the other teams had 2 girls that could do Muscle-ups. I could feel my body tensing up with anxiety and felt so nervous I was shaking.
“CrossFit Southie in the lead!” the announcer was praising Goose and Maze for their impressive lead and efficiency. I kept thinking..”everyone is going to be all excited and then it will be my turn and I will disappoint”. And pretty much, that’s what happened. I can’t help but wonder if I had a approached the workout more relaxed and positive if I could have done better. Probably. I was my own worst enemy going into the workout…I know now that I cannot let this happen again. Especially at the games level.
More importantly, what was truly significant was how many people lived vicariously through me during those muscle-ups. I cannot tell you how many people came up to me and told me they were inspired. At first, I thought that this was just what people were saying in lieu of “sorry you sucked”, but now I have come to realize it is much more than that. I think we can all relate more to the human struggle more than victory and success. Each one of us has been in a situation where we were giving it our all but our minds or bodies, or both, gave out us. Usually at times like this we find ourselves alone…but not this time. You were all there with me hanging on every muscle up, fighting for every rep with me, because you all understood that it was hard and I was trying my very hardest. You shed tears because you felt the power of the community with every chant and cheer. You were all inspired because even though we were creeping back into last place for that workout Maze, Goose, and Haley remained calm, encouraging, and helpful. In the last couple of minutes when most teams had finished, they all gathered around to cheer me on and give me little helpful tips. You could feel the strength Crossfit community beyond the Southie community and that was truly special.
Even though we still came through with a second place finish, it doesn’t erase all the emotions of that last event. I now feel inspired to train harder not for myself, but for you all. I want to make each of you proud, and I will fight to do so.
Have you had a defining moment where the CrossFit Community has given you that push to keep going? Please post to comments!!
WOD
Row 1000m
20 burpee lat jumps
Run 800m
20 Power Snatches (95/65)
Row 500m
20 Thrusters (95/65)
Run 400m
20 Power Cleans (95/65)
Level 2 (75,55)
Level 1 (65,45)
ADV (115/80)