Lesson of a Resting Crossfitter

I recently read an article about what traits successful teachers generally have in common. One of the traits was that the teachers were constantly re-evaluating and reflecting on their practice. Another common trait was a teacher who strives for the best and sets a high bar for his/her students, not being satisfied with mediocrity.

These traits also translate into what makes for a good athlete or Crossfitter.

Often at the gym, Dawn Fletcher will remind us to think about 3 things we did well and 1 thing we'd like to improve on next time. We set goals and our coaches support us in giving us tips to meet these goals. We write down the results of a workout and reflect back on them over time to see the progress being made.

We also test our limits, never satisfied with mediocrity. And sometimes, on those days when all we have to deliver is a mediocre performance, we go home frowning and determined to do better, eat better, sleep better, or fix whatever was  hindering us during that particular workout.

To truly test a limit, it seems logical that you go until you reach failure. If I can lift an 80 pound thruster, how will I know if that is my limit if I don't try adding 5 more pounds, and 5 more, until I start dropping the bar? Smart athletes test their limits safely. Because, after all, we want to come back for another day to test them again.

Admittedly, there is something in the air at a Crossfit gym. Some think it's in the water. Maybe it's in the chalk we rub on our hands before a workout. Whatever it is, it brings out the crazy in us. Just the other day,  I was visiting and saying "hi" to all my friends. I'm not supposed to be working out. And the next thing I know, in my work clothes, I'm doing push-ups and jumping rope. It was exhilarating!!

You, and only YOU, know yourself and your limitations. Doctors are helpful resources, but my most recent experience leads me to believe they are more like useful consultants. I have seen 5-6 Kaiser doctors and each one has told me something different. I like hearing the range of opinions that come from varying education backgrounds and age-groups.

But I'm not going to let the previous advice that I received get in my way of working out. The doctor I saw yesterday, who knows Crossfit, has given me the most valuable advice I could hope for.  He showed me how to breathe (which our coaches have showed us, like exhaling as we lift the weight) to alleviate pressure in my abdominal area, which causes problems for me right now. I can't keep my core super-tight, which is fine when I use a lighter weight. He scoffed at the doctor who told me I shouldn't run a 5k.

Will I take his advice completely? No. He seemed a little too enthusiastic about me being able to do everything I was before. I need to do what is right for my body. Going light-weight and taking it easy is the right way for me to go. I know myself and will listen to my body, which never fails to let me know if I have pushed too hard.

 Every now and then I'll test my limits. And every now and then I'll be put back in my place. But isn't that what life is all about? Isn't that how we progress- as teachers, as athletes, as human beings?

So now the real question is, do I make my debut in our gym's little weight-lifting competition?!! It would be so awesome to beat even one person, knowing I beat them doing my "light-weight." And of course, that's just me breathing in the Crossfit crazy air . . .