• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
October 14, 2014

Lessons on Challenging Yourself from CrossFit

60 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Hi friends – I made it to 6 a.m. CrossFit today! It was super gloomy and humid out – perfect for an indoor workout. It’s always hard to go to CrossFit when the weather is awesome because I just want to be outdoors. This morning was definitely not one of those days. 😉

IMG_0101

Apparently everyone else was sleeping in because there were only 2 of us there for class today! On the upside, this meant I was comfortable asking our coach to get some photos of me during the workout. I always feel really awkward getting photos during packed classes, which is why I mostly write about outdoor running adventures and not CrossFit, kickboxing, or yoga. 😉

IMG_0103

As I’ve explained before, CrossFit WODs (workouts of the day) are usually really short, but you do a lot of stuff before that part of the class – usually a warm up and a strength segment. Our warm up today involved an 800m run followed by walking lunges while holding a kettlebell overhead:

IMG_0097

As well as some unpictured goblet squats (squatting while holding a kettlebell in front of you) and kettlebell swings. We also did some stretching!

From there, we moved on to back squats for the strength portion of class. Some of you guys might remember that when I first started crossfit back in the summer of 2012 my shoulders were so inflexible that I couldn’t hold the bar behind me at all. Well, I’m happy to report that I can now do this! It’s still tough, and I still need to be mindful of keeping my form (especially as the weight goes up), but it’s much more manageable. Woohoo!

IMG_0105

I still can’t do overhead squats (where you hold the bar above your head and squat down – my lack of mobility has me tilt forward in an unsafe way), so that’s next on the list. 🙂

We did 8 rounds of 4 reps, so we kept the weight lighter – I made it up to 55 pounds, I think (I forgot to count)! Obviously that’s not a lot compared to most people, but I’m only competing against myself. 🙂

IMG_0104

I was talking to one of my AnneTheRD clients about this topic yesterday. She was saying how she was really nervous to do a 5k here in the US (she’s done a couple unofficial ones overseas) because she felt like everyone would be judging her for being slow, or for being bigger. But who cares what anyone else thinks, or what they are doing? I know it’s tempting to compare yourselves to others, but there’s no point. There will always be someone stronger, or faster, or more fit, or smarter, or whatever. That doesn’t matter – what does matter is whether you are improving compared to your past self, and doing things that challenge you. I feel like I’m a decent runner at this point – I can handle distance, and while I’m not super fast, I can hang with a lot of people now. But when it comes to CrossFit, as I told my client, I’m almost always the weakest/slowest person in the classes. I always have to ask whoever I’m partnered with to take some of the weights off when I go, and if it’s a strength-based workout, I’m usually slower, too. And like I’ve said – sometimes I can’t even do the move at all (hi, overhead squats). At first, I worried people would be judging me – but then I reminded myself that it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I’m challenging myself and bettering myself. Don’t ever be too scared to do something just because you aren’t amazing at it (yet!). Getting out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens, my friends.

IMG_0106

Case in point: our WOD was 21-15-9 power cleans and burpees. Translation: do 21 power cleans, followed by 21 burpees (in between each burpee, jump over your barbell), then 15 power cleans, 15 burpees, 9 power cleans, and 9 burpees. The recommended power clean weight for women was 105 pounds – I did 55 pounds, and even though I had a lighter weight I still finished 3 minutes more slowly than the other girl that was there (it took me about 11 minutes, and it was TOUGH – power cleans are no joke). But who cares if I was slower with a lighter weight, or that she was faster and lifted something heavier? I did my best, and so did she, and that’s all that matters. There’s no shame as long as you are trying. Another note to self – see my elbows in the photo above in the power clean? They’re supposed to be lifted up a lot more, but my wrists have such poor mobility that my form isn’t great. Always something to work on!

So, my friends: your homework is to go forth and do something that challenges you. Something that you haven’t done even though you want to because you’re worried about looking silly or not knowing what you’re doing. All you have to do is try. I believe in you!

What have you done lately to challenge yourself? This applies to normal life, not just exercise!

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Friday Randomness

Exciting Updates + 9Round Arlington Review

Friday Randomness

Weekend Eats + Nanny Search Begins

leave a comment

Cancel reply

60 comments
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    October 14, 2014 · 12:36PM:
    Strong Man has really challenged me! Like that I'm lighter than the other women and of course the men there and the prowler pushes and even the battle ropes were such a struggle initially but I'm getting there! Totally outside my comfort zone but I reckon that's the most important part!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:29PM:
      It definitely is the most important part!
      Reply
  • Sokphal @ Life as a Classroom
    October 14, 2014 · 12:39PM:
    Remember what Maggie said: "No fear, No fun" So true. I have a quote posted on my wall..."Life begins at the end of your comfort zone". Challenge yourself. I'm competitive but I am never going to be the fastest runner or the most flexible yogi (my hands have never touched my toes) but just as long as I push myself to my potential I'm happy. Love the top by the way! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:29PM:
      Exactly. I love that comfort zone quote, too. Reminds me of the one we like at the climbing gym -- it is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves! xo
      Reply
  • Holly G.
    October 14, 2014 · 12:53PM:
    My biggest self-challenge lately is to begin running again! I too have been self-conscious about running publicly ("people are judging my form!" "They notice when I take walk breaks!"), but I try to remind myself that when I'm out and about and cross paths with a runner, I barely glace at them except maybe to think, gee, I should run later. The fact is, no one is paying attention to your workout except for you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:28PM:
      It's so true! Everyone is just doing their own thing - if anyone is judging it's likely just people judging themselves.
      Reply
  • Laura October 14, 2014 · 12:57PM:
    This past weekend I did my biggest personal challenge- I ran my first half marathon in Victoria. I had a time goal that I thought was lofty and I didn't believe that I would be able to accomplish it. To my surprise I hit it exactly. It wasn't easy and the last few km were incredibly challenging but now I know to have more faith in myself! I'm super excited to do more halfs and see how much I improve!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:28PM:
      That's awesome - congratulations and good for you for pushing through! :)
      Reply
  • Amanda
    October 14, 2014 · 1:14PM:
    The language and mysterious words that CrossFit-ers use scares me! I need a CrossFit dictionary.
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:28PM:
      Don't worry, I still utilize Google heavily. ;)
      Reply
  • Alex
    October 14, 2014 · 1:19PM:
    Anne, what a fantastic message. Your are absolutely right-if we look, there is always going to be someone "better" than us. And if we compete with them and not ourselves to be the best, I feel like we will never be happy with our progress or satisfied. True success and gains come when we challenge ourselves and become better than we were yesterday. I try to remind myself of this when I am in the room and see other lifting heavier than me. All long as I know I am giving it my all, I leave feeling satisfied.
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:27PM:
      Yes, exactly!
      Reply
  • Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats
    October 14, 2014 · 1:42PM:
    I love this post! One of my favorite quotes in life is "comparison is the thief of joy."
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:27PM:
      Yes, I love that quote, too! So true.
      Reply
  • Tiara
    October 14, 2014 · 2:00PM:
    Big fan of crossfit. My biggest challenge now is learning how to adjust moves and weights while pregnant. It's been great sticking with it though.
    Reply
  • Christie October 14, 2014 · 2:00PM:
    I am loving this post, Anne! So motivating and positive.
    Reply
  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork
    October 14, 2014 · 2:53PM:
    Great post, Anne! I've been wanting to try Crossfit, but have gone back and forth because of the price (I can't justify spending that much if I would only do it once a week or so), having been injured, and, to your point, feeling like I don't "belong" even though I love lifting! Maybe I'll try to work with a trainer for Crossfit-like exercises I can do on my own (though having someone to watch your form is pretty important). Out of curiosity, did your increased shoulder flexibility come from yoga, crossfit, or a combo of many things? Have you been consciously trying to increase your flexibilty? Mine are pretty tight, too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 3:26PM:
      I think a combination of things - and it certainly isn't a drastic change or anything! I should be better about doing mobility exercises.
      Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 6:17PM:
      Actually, on second thought, I bet doing a lot of backstroke at the pool has been a big factor in loosing up my shoulders a little bit!
      Reply
      • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork
        October 14, 2014 · 7:11PM:
        Good to know. Another good reason to hit the pool!
        Reply
  • Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment
    October 14, 2014 · 3:52PM:
    Great post and love the message! Just curious - do you typically workout early in the AM or do you mix it up since you work from home?
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 4:29PM:
      I almost always do early morning because I find it makes me feel a million times better the rest of the day. (And gets me out of my pjs and showered even if I don't have a client.) I sometimes do yoga at night but there's nothing like working out first thing!
      Reply
  • Marijke Van Dornick
    October 14, 2014 · 3:54PM:
    What a great and inspirational article. Although my challenge pales into tiny-ness compared to the amazing level which you achieve, I am inspired to finally get my running shoes out and actually DO it. Thank you so much, Mari x
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 4:26PM:
      No comparison allowed, but happy to have inspired! Get out there and enjoy it. :)
      Reply
  • Jennifer Henshall October 14, 2014 · 4:12PM:
    Hi Anne! It's so true -- we can't be the best at everything, so it isn't worth beating ourselves up over it. Instead, we should focus on embracing our strengths and working to improve areas where we feel we're weaker. On New Year's Eve of last year, I signed up for my first marathon. It was always a bucket list item for me and would be a particular challenge since I have two small children. I started my training in June and focused on not only completing the marathon, but also obtaining a Boston Qualification. In September of this year, I ran one of my favorite races -- a 15K around Block Island, RI. Last year, I came in first in my division, but this year just wasn't my year. I came in third and it was during this race that I felt my running had really become more of a chore than a hobby and decided that I needed to re-evaluate my marathon goals. I decided that my goals were: 1: To finish, 2: To finish in sub-4, 3. To obtain a Boston Qualification. I kept these new goals in mind as I finished up my training and ran my marathon this past Sunday. I ran the race on a beautiful fall day, in a picturesque location (Newport, RI) and with a feeling of bliss as I traveled down cobblestone streets while crimson and gold leaves gently rained down on me. Feeling less pressure and more freedom than I had in months, I finished my race in 3:37:52 and earned my BQ with just over two minutes to spare. As I sprinted the last .2 miles of the race, I passed my husband, daughters, parents, best friend and mother-in-law and knew that all of my hard work and perseverance had been worth it. Truth be told, even if I hadn't qualified, I would have been thrilled just have crossed that finish line -- my goal from the very beginning. We definitely need to realize that there's always room for improvement and that someone will always be faster/better/stronger, but as long as we enjoy what we're doing while we're doing it and continue to make strides toward our best possible selves, we've already accomplished so much. Thanks for the humbling post! Jenn
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 4:25PM:
      Amen. Congratulations on your race - beautiful description of it. Sounded like it was everything running should be! :)
      Reply
    • priya October 15, 2014 · 12:45AM:
      wow, that is awesome! CONGRATS! :)
      Reply
    • sally @ sweat out the small stuff
      October 15, 2014 · 3:55PM:
      Loved reading this....=)
      Reply
  • Roadrunner October 14, 2014 · 5:16PM:
    Wonderful stuff, Anne. Very impressive progress -- and very wise/inspirational words. And, latest challenge? Believe it or not, "mobility exercises" (i.e. working on flexibility, an area often ignored...
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 6:16PM:
      I definitely need to do more of this!
      Reply
  • Alisha @ Real Girl Running
    October 14, 2014 · 5:37PM:
    Great message Anne! All we can do is aim for a better version of ourselves - whether that's with exercise, or at work, or at home. And often you'll surprise yourself in what you can be or achieve when you set your mind to it. Make sure that now and then you take the time to reflect on how far you've come! I don't think we stop and congratulate ourselves often enough - we get caught up looking towards the next goal or milestone. At the moment my personal challenge has been building my strength, and I do still find the weights room a bit intimidating with all the big guys lifting huge weights. But I know I've already come a long way - I'm excited to see how far I can go down this path!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 14, 2014 · 6:16PM:
      Completely agree! Good for you for challenging yourself, too. :)
      Reply
  • chanelle
    October 14, 2014 · 10:53PM:
    This is something I'm working on- challenging myself and only myself- because that's the only person I need to worry about. What I'm working on that's challenging for me is making videos on my blog. That's scary for me, but I'm doing it! And I'll just keep getting better! http://reallifehealthblog.com/video-how-to-make-yogurt-in-the-crockpot/
    Reply
  • priya October 15, 2014 · 12:46AM:
    Anne, thank you so much for writing this post! I always know that/keep it in mind, but the way you said it makes it even more on point :) Just gotta keep in mind what is best for me! Thank you :)
    Reply
  • Khushboo
    October 15, 2014 · 4:12AM:
    "I'm only competing against myself"---> love how real you keep it, Anne :)
    Reply
  • Louise @ Louises Fitness Journey
    October 15, 2014 · 6:03AM:
    I've just completed a half marathon, from not being able to run 6 months previously - I'm ready for a new challenge now, after a well deserved holiday (although it will be quite active, doing the Inca trail etc). I'm getting into strength training now, finishing stage 1 of NROLFW, and cross fit looks like something I need to try next.
    Reply
  • Beki @MissWheezy
    October 15, 2014 · 6:19AM:
    Great post Anne, thanks! I'm all too aware of how I compare myself even though I know I shouldn't- the slowest runner, the least bendy yogi, the weakest Crossfitter... I need to remind myself that at the end of the day this doesn't matter and to just smile, enjoy it, and be proud of what I AM capable of :) Thanks for the reminder!
    Reply
  • Dietitian Jess
    October 15, 2014 · 9:00AM:
    I definitely struggle with comparing myself to others, but you're right the only person I should be competing with is myself. Any improvement is progress! Great message :)
    Reply
  • Kimberly October 15, 2014 · 9:06AM:
    This was definitely the post I needed to read today. I just started CrossFit two months ago, and although the bodyweight, cardio and gymnastics moves aren't too difficult for me, it's the Olympic Lifting that has been difficult. The positioning alone can be confusing. And I do look around and see girls lifting way heavier than I am capable of at the moment, but I always have to remind myself that learning proper form and being safe is more important that competing with the girl next to me. My goal now is to focus on stregthening my back and shoulder muscles so that I can lift heavier in a safe way. Great post : )
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 15, 2014 · 9:49AM:
      Proper form and being safe are way more worth it. Only competing against yourself. :)
      Reply
  • Inez @ Pancake Saturday
    October 15, 2014 · 9:30AM:
    I sometimes get discouraged in my yoga and pilates classes because I'm by far the least flexible person in the room. Everyone else can lie down and completely straighten their legs into the air and I don't even come close. I try to remind myself that these are the exercises that really give me the opportunity to improve and soon we'll be moving on to a move that I'm confident doing - like plank!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 15, 2014 · 9:50AM:
      Yes, exactly! An opportunity to improve. :)
      Reply
  • Shelly
    October 15, 2014 · 10:24AM:
    Love this - "Getting out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens, my friends." So true for all things, especially CrossFit. It is an intimidating sport, there's not question about that, but what makes it so great is that it can be scaled to each and everyone's individual levels. It doesn't matter if you've never picked up a weight before in your life or you're a long time Olympic weightlifter, CrossFit does not discriminate. :) Great post!
    Reply
  • Kris S October 15, 2014 · 11:55AM:
    Thanks for the inspiring post!!! :D
    Reply
  • Kris S October 15, 2014 · 11:57AM:
    Oh and for the challenges, I live in France so... every day there is a new challenge out of my comfort zone: language, culture, fitting in, just general confusion! At first I found it very overwhelming but at some point I said "Ok, you are who you are, let's just work on improving and don't worry about how silly you sound or look, the point is you're trying!" Ditto on running and yoga and dance ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 15, 2014 · 12:33PM:
      Exactly - the point is that you are trying!
      Reply
  • Laura@SneakersandSpatulas
    October 15, 2014 · 1:19PM:
    I'd love to tell your client that most people AREN'T judging her for being bigger or being slower during a workout. When I see someone who is overweight out there running, taking an exercise, or whatever, I think to myself "good for them for trying to be healthy and doing their best". I think people fear the judgement from others more than it actually happens! Physical challenges: My goal was to finish in first place in my last tri of the season last weekend and I did it! First ever first place finish in my age group at any race! And I'm working on my strength and trying to do an unassisted pull up (I have all winter since it will be the off season!) and be able to knock out some nice push ups.
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 15, 2014 · 1:35PM:
      I totally agree - that's exactly what I told her! If anything, the others are probably thinking, that's awesome that she's out here rocking this. Good for her! Congratulations on the tri - so exciting!
      Reply
  • Stephanie Wright
    October 15, 2014 · 3:13PM:
    Anne, Great timing on this post.... I just started running about 9 months ago, and I have definitely caught myself comparing my running times and paces with every other runner (even you!!) and then at times feeling like I'm too slow or too inexperienced or whatever else to consider myself a "runner." That had me pretty worked up yesterday as I am now only 4 days away from my first half marathon!! (YIKES!) So, thanks for reminding me that no matter how I finish, this will still be a huge accomplishment for me!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 15, 2014 · 3:26PM:
      If you run, you are a runner. :) End of story. Good luck this weekend!!!!!!!!! And most importantly - have fun!
      Reply
    • sally @ sweat out the small stuff
      October 15, 2014 · 3:57PM:
      good luck on your first half Stephanie!
      Reply
  • Bre
    October 15, 2014 · 5:53PM:
    Great post! I love CrossFit and partly because it's all about you. You do what you can, you work as hard as you can, and you will see the results. Congrats on what you've accomplished already! Soon you'll be doing overhead squats like a pro;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 15, 2014 · 6:26PM:
      Here's hoping! :)
      Reply
  • Em Todd @ CFGF
    October 15, 2014 · 7:54PM:
    I've been working on setting monthly goals (usually fitness oriented) to help push me outside of my comfort zone. I've been surprised by how much I've gotten into it! It really keeps me accountable and helps me push myself.
    Reply
  • Katie October 16, 2014 · 8:06PM:
    Loved this post. I think it's sometimes hard to find the right balance between pushing ourselves to get better, and being gentle with ourselves and giving ourselves credit for what we are doing! Also, it's honestly sort of a relief to hear that you struggle with flexibility, too. I look at your photos and always think you're so flexible! I am basically the least flexible person I know, especially in the hips and hamstrings. I can't do a good deep squat because my lower back starts to curve when I get anywhere near deep :( Someday! I think the hard part is that I just don't know how much improvement I can realistically expect.
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 16, 2014 · 10:24PM:
      Yeah I'm insanely inflexible... always have been!
      Reply
  • Faye Holloway October 19, 2014 · 12:31AM:
    Hi Anne, I loved this post, but I also loved everything you're wearing in your pics. I'm curious where your outfit and shoes are from - you look great!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 19, 2014 · 5:43AM:
      Thank you! They are all Reebok clothes :)
      Reply
  • Meghan October 23, 2014 · 3:17PM:
    Thought back to this post when I took my very first bootcamp class today. I was certainly the slowest, but feel like I did a pretty respectable job for my first time. I am generally pretty good at talking myself up and staying positive in these situations (when I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing and everyone else is just sailing along), but this post definitely gave me an added boost! Just wanted to say thanks for writing it!
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 23, 2014 · 3:42PM:
      I'm so happy to hear that! Good for you for getting out there - hope you had fun! :)
      Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine