And so it begins...

I love working out. I always have. I have been going to the gym since I was 13 and although wavered in my consistency over the years, I never have stopped loving that amazing feeling you get when you are working so hard that the sweat is dripping down your face and running into your eyes, stinging your eyes from the salt.

I played several sports in high school, none of which I was extremely good at. I swam, I ran track, I played tennis and I was a cheerleader. I kept myself busy being okay at a lot of different sports but in reality, I loved swimming but I wasn't going to make any sort of time that was worthy of any recognition. I played doubles tennis with my best friend and we had a great time, but we weren't that good. I ran track (distance) and always loved running. It was, among all the sports, my release. And as a cheerleader, well...I couldn't even say I looked that good doing it. I was awkward and had no rhythm. Nothing has changed since high school in that area. Oh, but I look a little better now.  

When I originally lost weight back in 2010, I was convinced I could do fitness competitions. And I could have. But I wasn't the healthiest (for reason's we'll delve into at another time) and my life got away from me before I could even attempt to get into it. So when I began Crossfit in October of 2014, I saw an opportunity to achieve a lifelong goal. I wanted to actually compete in something I could be good at. 

I waited to tell my coach. I waited because there were people that were better than me, that had been at this a lot longer than me. And then I was having a discussion with my coach. She mentioned that no one wants to compete and she doesn't want to force anyone. I hadn't been entirely upfront about my goal and dream, mostly because I was scared. What if people laughed at me? But I also knew I took well to lifting and the Crossfit lifestyle. And so I considered transitioning. 

My conversation with my husband went something like this. 

C: "I want to compete, what do you think?" 
D: "Okay."
C: "You don't mind?"
D: "Do it if you want to do it."

Okay maybe that wasn't exactly how it went. But it was close. He was nonchalant about it, mostly because I know he'll support me in whatever I want to do. He's always known about my dream to compete and I was finally ready. 

I went to my box the next day and just came right out and told my coach, "I want to compete." She was thrilled having no one currently interested in competing. This was Saturday and Monday, we would start. 

Already engaged in eating paleo, I knew no changes in my eating were needed. But I knew I needed to push harder and workout more. Monday my coach wrote down extra workouts for the week. Wednesday (yesterday), I did my first double workout. The regular workout was hard (enough). 20 minute AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) of 5 OHS (Overhead Squats), weight 50lbs, 10 pistol squats (5 each leg), 15 push-ups. By the time I was done with the 20 minutes, I had 7 full rounds and 5 reps. Not too bad but I struggle with pistol squats so those were somewhat modified however, I was able to RX the workout (meaning to complete it as prescribed) other than that. 

Once the regular workout was over I downed a kale salad and some hot tea and got to the 2nd part of my workout. Extra lifting. Front squats were on the books for this day. The workout was: EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) for 10 minutes of 3x front squats 1/2 way at 70%. So basically what this means is each minute, on the minute, do a front squat (holding the bar across your shoulders in the front) and then come up 1/2 way, go back down to a squat and then all the way up for 1 rep. Do this 3 times at 70% of your one rep max. When I did front squats the Friday before, I did it at 50lbs. It takes me SO long to warm up my hip-flexors enough to get a good squat technique but this time, I hit 50lbs no problem. I figure it was due to the workout I already did. So I ended up going up to 60lbs. Which is great for me. 

When I was done, I was exhausted and totally satisfied. And it felt better than anything has in a long time. And now, I cannot wait to do it all over again. 

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