Showing Up is Half the Battle

I got the following voicemail from my mom tonight. She's 61 and just started Crossfit a few months ago.


"Hi Honey. I just wanted to share with you something that will make you laugh. I've missed my Crossfit class for a few weeks now because I was sick then I was out of town, so I decided to go tonight, but man was I dreading it! I was talking myself out of going the whole drive there- asking myself if I felt ok, maybe I should just go home and rest, etc. etc.


I pulled up to the gym and just sat there looking at the bright lights in the gym. Finally I got out of the car and slowly walked in. But you know, I am SO glad I went! I feel so great! Invigorated and fresh and just really feeling good. (laughing) "


I've been there. So. many. times.


In the past two days I've come across 2 blog posts- one from a friend, Catherine, who is jumping back into working out after a hiatus. Read about it here.


The other blog is from a girl who has been Crossfitting for a few months now, but is just now starting her Paleo journey- I don't even know her but am so proud of her for taking such huge steps! Read about it here.



Sometimes it seems like you will never be where you want to be. I remember doing Angie my first day at Crossfit Central in January of 2009. I did jumping pullups on the box and actually shed a few tears around #70 thinking "what the hell am I doing here at 5:30am in the damn cold?!" It was months and months before I felt like I made improvements. I would try to keep up with Erika and wonder if I would ever be able to do a pushup on my toes. All the movements were hard. I was last every time...

Sometimes you just need a little help!

Some things I've picked up along the way:

• Nobody is watching you- they are too busy trying not to die or drop weights on their head!
• Stop comparing yourself to other people in your class- everyone is at a different place- you'll get there
• Ask for help- it's the only way you'll improve
• Just show up- not every day is gonna be a PR, but you'll be so glad you came
  Written by Ali Incredible from Rainier Crossfit
  I was chatting in the locker room after the WOD and the woman I was talking to was dissappointed in her performance. Relatively new to CrossFit, she persisted that she had performed terribly. What I would like to say is this: you showed up. After two years of CrossFit I have had peaks and valleys, been discouraged and elated, but when it comes down to it, crappy performance or PR, I showed up. Usually, I am the last to finish a workout, but sure as shit, when I get in my car after, there is always a little smile. Best or worst, congratulate yourself on coming. You’re among a small group of people that show up knowing you will get your ass kicked. If you’re new, please know that people who have been doing this for years, studs in the gym, do not PR everyday, they don’t set record times every day they come. It’s about effort, and half the battle is showing up. Next time you feel bad about your performance, tell yourself you’ll do better next time, look around you at the amazing folks that show up to sweat next to you, and smile.