Finding Inspiration

At the right time, in the right place. Motivation to train consistently hard and to endure physical discomfort oscillates on 2-3 week periods for me. I wrote previously about how a "why bother" mood had come over me about a week and a half ago and how that affected my training and general mindset going into the Regionals.

Setting a good PR in the Grace workout bumped me up from bottom but a couple of pieces of media really stepped up my motivation to finish off this phase of training and go into the Regionals fired up and ready to take on any challenge.

The first is a video of a runner from the States who sets the American 10k record on the track on his debut at that distance. The announcers and music set the tone of the importance and excitement of the occasion but don't overshadow the amazing running of Chris Solinsky:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbaj2-_VNMs&feature=player_embedded

To keep that run in perspective, that is 25 laps of the track, averaging around 64 sec per lap and finishing with about a 55sec lap. Very very few people can run a single 55 sec lap, let alone do one after 24 consecutive 64sec laps.

The opportunity presented itself to Chris and he took it wholeheartedly, allowing himself to be excellent. He could have held back, thought "I can't do this in my debut race" or "I'm not supposed to win", but he didn't. He felt the push to go and trusted his body to carry him into the record books.

Just like the first sub 4-minute mile, preconceived notions of what is physically capable can be shattered by the will to seize the moment and remove mental limitations.

The other video is from a recent Crossfit regional competition. It's of the women's competition, from which 4 competitors will advance to the international Crossfit games. The video follows their triumphs and downfalls but is culminated in another display of absolute mind-over-matter power.

http://library.crossfit.com/free/video/Games2010_NorthCentralWomen.mov
OR
http://library.crossfit.com/free/video/Games2010_NorthCentralWomen.wmv"

Again, an individual who looks to be in a challenge over her head does not give up and perseveres against a very tough workout. She could have given up and no one would have blamed her but she chose to be excellent. She chose to show everyone at that competition that size is not a barrier and strength is not dependent on outward appearance.

Seeing both of these stories unfold has renewed my drive and refreshed my view of the upcoming competition. Instead of looking at it as a forum for me to be beaten by guys who are "better than me", I look at it as an opportunity for me to show myself what I am truly capable of. I look towards next week with optimistic eyes and a confidence that no matter what the challenges are that lay ahead, I will complete them to the best of my ability.

At the end of the day, we have a choice to be average, to be afraid, to not accept challenges OR we have the choice to believe in ourselves, push beyond comfort zones, and create situations in which we can be excellent.

9 days til "go time".

Training update:

Monday - Run @ PISE – run flats/ downhills @ 10k pace, walk uphills ~ 20 mins, felt pretty good all things considered

CFZ – OHS 5x3: 75, 105, 125, 145, 155 PR! “the Rabbit” (second go at this one) – 5 x 400m row, 15 burpees, 12:17 PR!

Tuesday - CFZ – “Jordan”
4 rounds for individual time of each round. Each successive round starting on 4 minute intervals. rounds consisted of: x 10 hang squat snatch (95lb) and 15 pullups – times were: 50s, 49s, 55, 56, all sets unbroken

Wednesday - Recovery Run - ran flats and downhills @ 5k pace, walk uphills x 25min. Calves a bit tight but felt pretty good, worked on reliability of stride.

Weights tomorrow and some rowing, then down to 7 days til competition! WODs will most likely be announced this coming Sunday.

Keep fit and have (the) fun!

Cam