-Chris Spealler, 2011 Games, courtesy CF HQ
"Be patient. Your fitness level is something that is going to generally take a long time to get to where you think you want it. And when you are there, you will want it higher. Don't define yourself by your numbers and your times. Define yourself by who you are and what you are about. CrossFit is something you do, it is not who you are. That can help keep things in good perspective." -Chris Spealler
Our fitness path is like every other journey in life. Rather than a road towards a final pinnacle of health with a final summit, it is a lifelong adventure, with ups and downs. Sometimes we can become so mono-focused on our goals, measurements, and current deficiencies within CF, that we forget about having fun. Don't take yourself, or your CrossFitting, too seriously. We CF because we love it! While training and disciplining our bodies makes us better and more complete in many ways, it is the enhanced person we are that matters, not that number or record that stimulated the change. No matter how good we become at something, someone will inevitably beat us. Performances will be trumped, and numbers forgotten. We are remembered by the impact we leave on others...not the records we set.
While the milestones are meaningful and serve a purpose, we have to remember to keep things in the proper perspective. There is a fine line between passion and obsession. Passion fires who we are while obsession takes over and actually stifles our development. The lessons we learn in the gym impact so many different areas of our lives. When our bodies become healthier, our minds become sharper, our relationships stronger, and our entire outlook on life can improve. Let CF color who you are, rather than define you. Just as we should never stop learning, we should never be finished becoming who we are. Be ambitious with your goals while balancing that zeal with a decent dose of patience.
Workout for Mon, July 30, 2012
Skill of the Week: Handstands
WOD: EMOTM, 3 burpee buy in. Use remaining time to complete 40 Front Squat (@ 70% of 3-rep Squat Clean found last week)
