Today's post is from CFNZ intern Jojo, pictured getting stuck into benchmark workout Helen last week.
Watching a video last week of kick-ass CrossFitting chick Heather Bergeron, she talked about motivation, and how the preparation for a workout can be mentally tiring sometimes. She said that at a recent conference, a bunch of CrossFit's "big names" were describing how they don't always look forward to their workouts. No surprises there; most of us have experienced that sick, scared feeling at some time or another pre-WOD.
Then Kristan Clever piped up "You guys gotta relax and enjoy this! What is wrong?! IT'S JUST FUN! Just smile, ENJOY IT!"
As reigning CrossFit Games Champion, aka The Fittest Woman in the World, she might just be onto something there! The simple act of trying to relax your face is enough of a distraction sometimes to kill a little of the pain. So, we'll just put it out there; next time you're headed into a WOD feeling like you're gonna puke or wet yourself, or you're in a world of hurt mid-Fran.... SMILE.
Sometimes when your arms are fried, your legs are jelly, and your hands are torn up, it's easy to forget what's so great about CrossFit. Remember that every day that you show up for your workout, you're doing amazing things for your body and mind, and training not to suck at life.
Those are plenty of reasons to smile, don't you think?
So go on. Find your happy place. You might look a bit crazy, but if we see you grinning like a maniac whilst you're throwing around some heavy stuff, we'll understand :-)
(For the record, I tested this theory out and PR'd "Helen" last week. My Happy Place was singing Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" in my head. It's what got me through the last run. True story!)
Workout
Run 400m
60 double unders
50 KB Swings 24kg/16kg
40 Box Jumps 60/50
30 Thrusters 40/30
20 Pull Ups
Run 400m
Nice post Jojo ladies like you are why I keep coming back to crossfit. We're never to old to have role models and i'm fortunate to be able to work out with several. :)
Posted by: cathy | November 09, 2010 at 08:21 AM
Great post. I have to admit that sometimes when I know a benchmark is coming up, I mull over it all day and by the time I actually get to training I'm exhausted!
CFNZ is fortunate to have you as an intern. I love being whipped into shape by the Jojoninja!
Posted by: Lou | November 09, 2010 at 08:50 AM
I find that Teenage Dream can get me through the majority of life's challenges
Posted by: Sandeep | November 09, 2010 at 09:27 AM
Awesome post JoJo, this technique is something I use. A friend of mine who competed at the winter olympics and is our motivational guy for our water ski racing team taught me this. Smile through the pain!!! It really does work.
Posted by: Emms D | November 09, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Power band, sexy socks and grin like a maniac!
Could be the next t-shirt!
Posted by: PC | November 09, 2010 at 12:12 PM
great post ninja . will be remembering this next time!!
Posted by: emma | November 09, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Good post! I follow you with great enthusiasm from Sweden. My training is going well with strengthtraining and shoulder rehab, but hopes to soon have the opportunity to run CrossFit for real again. This weekend I'm going to Stockholm and peek CrossFit SM:) Missing you all at CrossFit NZ, tell all! Kind regards Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Jakobs | November 10, 2010 at 12:53 AM
Hey cheers team :) loving being on board.
PC...you will see no power band on my wrist.
To each his own, but I'm often reminded of this scene when it comes to Power Bands and the like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TXSQBtDXVI
(although I do truly believe in the mystical power of the long sock)
See you all soon!
Posted by: Jojoninja.wordpress.com | November 11, 2010 at 06:21 PM