Reminding myself of how far I have come

I started this blog back in February of 2015. I even managed to get in 6 posts that month! I am amazed I managed to write that much. Now, as I look back on the summer months where I struggled (or so I thought) to stay on point and where I felt like I wasn't progressing, I know more than I recognize was happening.

After my last competition, I was determined to get back into the lifting routine at least 3x a week. But my lifting partner has taken on more coaching at the gym and therefore our scheduled aren't as streamlined as before. I haven't been able to get in as many Orange Theory classes as I like (my ideal is 1x a week) because my social calendar has been out of control. Because of all the social commitments, my food was off for a bit.

Back in August my lifting partner and I decided to try a Cal Strength Class. First class is free. We went and LOVED it. The amazing part is 1) lifting for 2 hours (HOW can you not love that!) and 2) having someone who has never seen you lift, give you tips on your clean, snatch and jerk. So that was a positive move in the right direction.

In August I also made a decision to try Isagenix. For those of you that haven't heard of this program, the basis is, adding in 2 shakes a day to supplement some nutrients you aren't getting. Along with a lot of other fun supplements for workouts and other things. I had a bit of a struggle getting this off the ground due to so many social commitments including vacations. I did however, finally start on September 14. It hasn't quite been 1 month yet. So far, I am pleased with the results. Although I am not losing weight per say, I KNOW I am loosing inches. (more on this soon).

And now for the two best things that have happened since my last post. Drum roll please...

PULL-UPS! Anyone that reads this blog from the beginning knows this has been something I am determined to get. My husband (who is an amazing fabricator of anything) helped install our new rig in the gym. With that came new pull-up bars. I am very short. And our bars are taller than normal. So even if I jump, my nails barely graze them, let alone getting my hand to grip them. The new pull up bars could be reached by jumping! And because of that, or maybe it was just time, I finally got pull-ups. I can currently link about 3-4. I cannot tell you how great this feels.

SIZE 4 PANTS! Okay, this a tough one because I struggled for SO long and did not think I would ever get back to my healthy weight. Now, I am not necessarily pleased with my weight yet. I knew for a while I NEEDED to get new pants. Mine were a size 10 and SO baggy I looked ridiculous. But I was waiting. I went to the store and tried on size 4 and size 6. The size 6 was too big. The size 4 was a BIT too tight. I waited. I did another couple of weeks of Isagenix. This past weekend I went to the store. I got size 4 pants and they look fantastic. Now, please don't be confused. This is NOT about the size, but at the same time it is. The size is what makes me healthy and determined. I am small (5'2) and I currently weigh 135. Last time I fit into size 4 pants I weighed 125. This means I am SO much stronger than I was the last time I was a size 4 and THAT is what's important!

Recently, I did hurt myself. I actually dropped a 40lbs kettle bell on my ankle (right on the bone) during a workout. I was doing reverse lunges with the kettle bell and lost my balance. I should have taken a moment to regain however, I tried to push through, and fell losing my grip on the kettle bell too. The injury looked BAD. I iced it and stayed off of it that night. The next day it was sore but I could walk on it. I waited 3 days to go back to CrossFit. I went back, first day was fine. Second day was not. The workout involved box jump overs and pull ups. Both which mean I am putting pressure on the ankle. It did not fair well and when I finally modified, it was too late and the damage was done. I was scheduled to be in a competition with my lifting partner this month, on the 24th. I was forced to cancel. I am not sure I'll be 100% for it. I was devastated and felt awful about it. My lifting partner is not continuing in the competition.

What have I learned is that CrossFit is just like life. The harder you push, the more results you'll see. And even when you don't think you're getting anywhere, remind yourself of where you started. Sometimes I do a workout and I get frustrated because I don't feel like it's good enough. But then I remember that I have been at this 1 year. 1 year ago I couldn't do a pull up. I couldn't dead lift 200lbs. I couldn't climb a rope. And now? Well, now I can do ALL those things and more. And damn it, I am PROUD of myself. CrossFit saved my life in more ways than one. It reminds me of where I came from and where I need to go. It shows me that I am always progressing, even when I don't see it. And so I continue to remind myself of how far I have come.










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