Summer Slump

It began in June and has continued through last week. I've been unfocused, unmotivated, and uninterested in CrossFit in general. I have written "DNF" on the board more times than I care to admit and have blown off extra workouts. This is not like me. What gives?

Initially I blamed it on the heat, burn-out, frustration, boredom, big classes...anything I could find to excuse my lack of desire and performance for something that I was once so passionate about. What I've realized over the past few days is that all of that was just B.S. I was coasting off of a few great months of training and real progress. I got lazy. I got comfortable with my new level of fitness and began to take for granted what it took to get me there in the first place. I plateau-ed. I thought I wanted to have an easy "summer of fun". I forgot what real fun was.

Fortunately, my nutrition stayed fairly consistent (minus a few fruity cocktails) and I kept training every week. So, I didn't really go backwards. But, I also didn't move forward. I stood still. Which, is probably the most boring thing you can do. Progress all around me, passing me by, and I'm just standing still...And, just as expected, my life outside of gym suffered too. Amazing how you can't compartmentalize your life, isn't it?!

Well, I'm pleased to report that I'm back and feeling mentally better than ever. I'm ready to leave it all out on the mats, set some PRs, and kick some ass again. It's time. No doubt it will be challenging, but that's what I miss most: the challenge and journey to achievement.

I thank my coaches JDP, Travis, and Ben for calling me out on the lack of intensity in my workouts lately and offering to help me get back on track. I hope that what Travis referred to as “the summer slump” has now ended. Time to get back to to it!

I'm making a new workout playlist. Here's a listen:

Awkward in the Box

Sometimes it gets a little awkward at the gym. We're running around, working our asses off, nearly naked, sweating up a storm, all in an effort to get harder, better, faster, stronger. We can't help but experience some silly shit every now and then. And, if we're seeing it - imagine what our coaches experience?! I die..

After reading a comic by The Oatmeal, I felt inspired to share some of my top awkward moments at the gym with illustrations!

Ever been working out next to one of these people (or are you guilty of being one yourself?)! I mean, I know we are encouraged to make noises at CrossFit, but sometimes what we utter can be down-right silly.

What about spotting? Does it ever get awkward for you? I know its important for safety, but I can't help but giggle sometimes. ("What's going on back there?!")....

And finally...ever see any ladies looking a little "less than fresh-faced"? Yes, I'm guily of this since I typically come to the gym straight from work. I'm sure I've reached the "100% whored up" level before. Sorry!!

Check out the full comic here. The "stink bomb" and "side cruncher" are also hilarious. Enjoy!

Results from Spartan

The before and after photos from The Spartan 300 Challenge are up! Check out my results:

Weight: maintained

Inches: -2.5 waist and thighs; gained 3 inches in shoulders and calves
Body Fat: -3%
Workout 1: Rx: Did Not Finish - 25 pullups, 50 deadlifts (95#),  50 pushups, 50 boxjumps, 7 floor wipers (95#)
Workout 2: Rx: Did Not Finish - 25 pullups, 50 deadlifts (95#), 50 pushups, 50 boxjumps, 40 floor wipers (95#)

So, I lost some body fat, gained some muscle, sucked less on that workout (although I tore the crap out of my hands BOTH times!), got some brighter workout gear, and a tan. All in all, I'm loving the results. But, like I said in my previous posts about The Spartan 300 Challenge, this is only the beginning!

Check out all my other Spartans and their results here. Congrats, everyone!