Rule #76: No Excuses. Play Like a Champion!
The summer started off with a lot of grueling workouts to prepare for the South Central CrossFit Regional. Two-a-days and team workouts took their toll on my body, as well as my mind. As an athlete, so many thoughts run through your head when you have to perform at your highest potential every day. I began to feel the pressure and negativity seeping in. "I didn't do good enough" "I should be better". My language and attention was focused on all the negatives. Pity, Party of one - check, please?! I quickly recognized how counter-productive it is to train with that mentality, and began reminding myself to "Be in the moment". Instead of worrying about negative hypothetical outcomes, I focused on every movement and breathe while I was doing it. My training improved and I quickly rediscovered my love for competition. I signed up for CrossFit Katy's Beat the Heat competition on a whim, and had the best time EVER! It was the most fun I've had at a competition in a long time. I didn't set any expectation, and went in with a "just have fun and see what happens" attitude. It proved to work in the first event when I hit my 4-rep, deadlift max goal at 405#. It was freakin' heavy, but I got it easier than I expected. I was about stop there and settle with that score, but the voice inside my head over ruled and said, "Fu#* it, add 10lbs and see what happens" (Sorry for the language mom). To my surprise, four reps at 415 lbs wasn't so bad. It was the perfect way to start the day - except for almost missing the run afterwards and running with one shoe untied. At the end of the day I was happy with how I performed. I realized what I need to work on and focused on an action plan on how to improve. Every workout and competition is a learning experience for me. Luckily, I'm a part of an amazing team of athletes who constantly push me and support me in my growth, even when they don't know it. I realize everyone has their own mental and physical battles, and remind myself that it's how we choose to respond that either makes us great or mediocre. I watch my teammates daily with admiration as they battle to improve on their weaknesses. It would be easy and enjoyable to practice what you're already good at, but it takes an iron will to constantly look your weakness in the face, failed attempt after failed attempt, and believe you can, and will, overcome it. It's a powerful thing to see and is awe inspiring, to say the least.
Road Trip!!!
This past Friday I took a road trip to San Angelo, Tx, to visit the fam. It turned out to be a big eye-opener on what my priorities and values really are. I've been going non stop at work, focusing mainly on my clients night and day, and didn't realize I was the son/brother/uncle who's too busy to come visit. The long drive to SA gave me time to think about how important family is in my plan to create more balance in my life. As soon as I arrived, any and all worry or stress disappeared. I went into "I'm with my mama in the nest, there are no worries in the world" mode. I felt a peace and calm that I haven't felt in a long time. Yeah, I'm a big mama's boy. I forgot how awesome it is to have mom make me breakfast and cook kick-ass meals that only moms can make. What was even more enjoyable was sharing CrossFit and showing them mobility wods. She's now obsessed with the foam roller and gettin' down on some Tabata squats.
On Saturday morning I was invited to Goodfellow AFB to lead PT for a group of airmen who failed the PT test once before. None of them had experienced CrossFit, and they looked terrified. I gave a quick intro on what CrossFit is, and explained to them all of the basic movements they would perform. The terrified looks slowly turned to intrigued looks. They were into it, and seemed to enjoy it for a split second.
The WOD was:
5 Burpees
10 Squats
15 Situps
30 m Shuttle Run
x5
Followed by TABATA:
-Squats
-Push-Ups
-Sit-Ups
No one died and no one complained. I stayed after and spoke with a few people about programming to improve run time and upper body strength for pushups. They seemed even more interested in mobility WODs. I was blown away by how receptive they were to my advice and feedback. They expressed their gratitude and even gave me a round of applause. It was kind of cool - not gonna lie. The PT was refreshing and a great unexpected experience. Things like that remind me why I love to coach and share my knowledge. There's nothing more rewarding than helping to improve someones quality of life, or helping reach a fitness goal (in their case, passing the next PT test). Overall, it was great experience. I'm refreshed and motivated from the trip, and can't wait to visit again.
Next on the Agenda:
-Trip to the CrossFit Games in Carson City, CA
-Bayou City Open: Oly lifting/CrossFit competition on Aug. 13th.
JULY GOALS:
- I will do 2 Endurance workouts/wk
- I will update my blog 2x this month (even my mom gave me grief for not updating it)
Love, Peace & Chicken Grease
Kenny Powers Quote of the Day: "No, Actually I don't. I play real sports - not tryin' to be best at exercising."
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