In a previous post, I mentioned that I competed in triathlons a few years ago (whether I was competitive is another matter). When I’d hear about people swimming, then cycling, and then running, I’d wonder what would possibly possess someone to put themselves through that much pain. And then I heard the distances! Are you kidding? Swim 2.4 miles, then sit on a bike for 112, and then run a marathon? You’re nuts!
…And then my friend Lisa decided to compete in a half-Ironman distance race (1.2/56/13.1) which happened to be right around her 40th birthday. Since it also happened to be in wine country, a bunch of us made a weekend of it and cheered her on at the race. As I stood at the finish line and watched as hundreds of people – many of them in seemingly worse shape than me – complete this race, I realized something. If they can do it, why can’t I? And thus the seed was planted. I didn’t actually sign up until a few months later, and after a fair bit of prodding. And so I started running, bought a road bike, and signed up for swim lessons. 3 months later, I completed my very first olympic-distance triathlon and a month after that I finished a half-Ironman.
As a result of that experience, I find myself repeating that same mantra: “Other people do it. Why can’t I?” It applies across so many aspects of life. Any time I face a new or seemingly impossible task I tell myself that other people do it, so I should be able to do it as well.
Think about it. Other people can perform muscle-ups and double-unders. They survive Fran and hero workouts. There’s nothing preventing you from doing those same things.
May 4, 2009 WOD
Push Jerk
7 sets of 1 rep
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations to John. He did an amazing job and impressed many people there at the CrossFit Games Qualifiers this weekend.
I’m curious to see the final standings for Sunday’s WOD. John’s time was easily one of the top couple times on that crazy hard workout.
It’s great to hear from you Wade. I’ll admit some serious envy in not being able to see everyone in action. It sounded like an awesome experience. I spent most of Saturday hitting the refresh button on my internet browser to see if the rankings had been updated.
Congratulations to everyone that competed!
John did an awesome job yesterday and turned in the 5th fastest time on by far the hardest workout there, and probably the toughest one I’ve ever seen. His result moved him to 12th overall. I think next year he’ll probably qualify. I recommend our entire crew go next year to watch, workout scaled, or compete. I think it’s worth shutting the gym down for a couple of days. Maybe we should all head up for the games?
Wow…That is one hell of a time for John on the last workout. Great job John.
John pretty much KILLED that insane workout. And Wade did amazing too! I definitely think we should all head down there for the games. Camping anyone?!
Great job, John! That’s quite an impressive performance!
Thanks once again everyone, your support has been amazing!
I agree with Scotty, we should definitely get the entire crew down there taking part next year. It was a great experience and everyone at CFG is more than up to the task!!
I’m totally up for heading down to the Games in July. Maybe we could all camp there if they’re allowing it?