Involuntary Mind Over Matter

What would it feel like to put your mind on auto pilot so that your body would do whatever you want? Picture this: an excruciating workout is now simple because you can make the saying "mind over matter" involuntary. You don't have to think while you perform the exercise. You just go. Sounds perfect, right? Reminds me of the movie "Click" with Adam Sandler. With the push of a button, he could fast forward through any part of life, no matter how big or small. Ideal, right? But wait... Would we then replace workout agony with the reward of feeling accomplished, dedicated, and mentally tougher? Is it worth the switch? No pain, no gain... Right?

Adrenaline Rush From a Distance

A small garage-style "gym" was full of at least 100 people, pull up bars, bar bells, dumb bells, and of course sweat. I was about to witness my first-ever live CrossFit competition. (Yes, like the Reebok CrossFit Games on ESPN2 recently) The women's modified heats were about to begin. By CrossFit's definition, modified means that they athletes aren't doing the "prescribed" weight, i.e. the recommended weight for the elite.... a.k.a. more my style, at the moment. I have been doing CrossFit for about a month now and I absolutely love it. Love isn't the right word -- it's an addiction, a craving, a necessity. This weekend, it was truly inspiring to see 32 women of all ages pouring every ounce of strength and endurance into a 15 minute workout. 

The first part of the WoD (workout of the day) was a max height box jump = jump as high as you can on a box in 2 minutes. Each woman added big weight plates to add height and literally jumped vertically as high as they could. I can't put into words how incredible it was to see their faces light up as they hit personal goals. The second half of the WoD was four rounds for time of 5 bar facing burpees, 10 thrusters (45 lb), and a 200 m run. These women killed it! On paper (or on the big white board at the gym), this workout seems easy, but the athletes later shared with me that the trick was to pace themselves so the stayed strong the whole way through. Some started off way to fast and couldn't hold that pace the entire time. The most admirable part of the day was watching an older woman compete and finish the WoD at her own pace. The determination and dedication on her face is something I envy. She was unable to finish the WoD within the 15 minute time limit, but she didn't quit - she finished the entire thing in her own time. It honestly made me tear up as I watched. 


Overall, I watched 4 heats. After the first few minutes, my own palms were sweating and my heart was racing. I wasn't even competing! But I was part of it - as an onlooker and an amateur CrossFitter. I knew right away that this was something I wanted to do. I naturally crave that sense of self-accomplishment and competition. The 5K races I've been doing just aren't cutting it. The treadmill doesn't push me. The casual strength class at the local gym isn't competitive. This is a real challenge. I saw it and felt it - even on the sidelines. I am determined to train until I can compete. Until then, it's a competition against myself.