As RX’d

I can’t always do the CrossFit Women workouts as RX’d, but if the prescribed weights are within the realm of possibility, I try. And I banished my stop-watch ego on met-cons a long time ago. My goal with our workouts is to use the heaviest weight I can – and full range of motion with good form – while working with as much intensity as I can muster. Sometimes that means I finish last… like, while everyone else is stretching.

That’s been happening a fair amount lately. It’s no secret that I’ve been in a knock-down-drag-out with my body for about three weeks. I gotta say, I’m doing my part – eating super clean, getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night, doing my training – it’s my body that’s not really holding up its end of the bargain.

This morning, I felt like I had something to prove at the gym. Not really to my wonderful friends around me (See the unbelievably sweet things Erin had to say today; seriously, I’m humbled.), but to myself and the monsters chattering inside my noggin.

So when I saw the workout last night, I decided to do it as RX’d.

CrossFit Women
For time:
800m run
50 walking lunges
40 push press, 25# dumbbells
30 wall ball, 14# ball
20 situps
10 supermans
800m run

Getting ready for bed, I mentally calculated how long I thought it would take me. I estimated 18 minutes and told myself, “It doesn’t matter if there’s a cut-off time. Just knock down the reps and finish the workout.” Then I set the alarm and conked out.

At the gym this morning, I almost wavered from my commitment. Up until we actually started, I was telling myself I could “still switch to the 20-lb. dumbbells.” But when the run started, I knew I wouldn’t (couldn’t) do that.

Not to be overly-dramatic, but my spirit feels like it’s been dragged across a cheese grater lately. And no matter what my body is going to do, my attitude cannot continue to suck. So this morning’s workout was my first official “Whatever the f*ck… I’m not pouting anymore” workout.

The push presses were hard. The wall ball was hard. The last run was hard.

But I did it RX’d.

In 17:04.

And then, like sprinkles on top of the donuts that I never eat, I did some good work on my kipping swing and continued to try to overcome my fear of kicking up into a handstand. Baby steps.

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Comments

  • Meghan says:

    You are so inspirational! I get hung up on times too, maybe I should follow your lead and pay more attention to strength and heavy stuff. Even if it will take longer. I guess I'm impatient for the misery of the WOD to end. Haha.

  • Red Headed Racer says:

    nice!! you are seriously a huge inspiration to me! i love reading your blog. good work!

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Thank you, ladies! You're very kind.

    Meghan –> When I started working with Melissa Urban, she challenged me to go heavy, even if it meant sacrificing some time on the clock. It's hard to watch others fly by, but I like to think of it as wringing the most out of every workout. I would love to finish first — as RX'd! — some time 😉

  • georgia says:

    Strong and fast go hand in hand. I can't wait to see your name on Twitter!

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Heh… Georgia. Keep waitin' for it, sister. 2011 is going to be my year!

  • Jessica says:

    I just posted about the same darn thing. How'd you get in my head?! I'm on the same path as you – just gotta keep up with the Rx weight and the speed will come with practice. Great job on mental toughness today, Mel!

  • Shannan says:

    I am so glad I found your blog! I have been feeling the same way! My body hasn't been cooperating and I too made a vow to complete the WODs as rx'd and forget about the time. It's all about full range of motion and form! Keep up the great work and your blog is awesome!!!

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Hi, Shannon! Welcome to the "never cheat, never quit" club 😉

    I like the image of all of us bringing up the rear and sneaky-sneaky, getting faster and faster until BLAM! we're right out there in front, with the firebreathers.

  • Anniebug, bugger or BUG. says:

    17:04 is awesome!!!

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