It's been 6 weeks since The Games and I realized I haven't mentioned them once on my blog. -How was it? How did/do I feel? What's next? There are so many answers to those questions....maybe that's why I haven't taken the time to tell you about it.
One word: AMAZING. In short, I showed up to have FUN, be EXCITED, and HONORED to compete in that arena. I am not sure I showed up to compete but I am sure I am OK with that. So often in life I wait, prepare, anticipate, visualize an event and then "miss" the event because I spent my time worried, hurried, anxious, nervous, focused.
I was determined to remember, cherish, experience every moment of the 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games! I was going there to be present - present to the accomplishment it was to complete - present to hear the crowd of 1,000s of people - present to appreciate the other athletes - present to the support from all of you. Mission Accomplished.
Where I was:
A year ago at the 2010 South Central Regionals, I got my first muscle ups in competition, I still couldn't do HSPU but mostly I didn't BELIEVE. I didn't see myself as an athlete - much less a champion. I spent the last year setting goals, training with the best (Coach JDP, Carey Kepler, and Lindsey Smith), creating vision boards, covering my mirror with phrases of strength, doing things that I had only watched others do. I worked hard and I had fun. I got outside my comfort zone and when I felt fear, I replaced it with ACTION.
I look back and remember days/moments that from the outside were trival but for me were pivital, tranformational, and key in reaching my goals. Here are a couple vivid memories.
My Gym Bag:
How did a bag transform me? "How can you be a professional athlete if you're not prepared with your equipment?", my husband asked! My bag of oly shoes, speed rope, tape, Trigger Point kit, sweat towel, etc became a ticket to The Games.
Do the WOD:
Of course you do the WOD!!! Well, not always - sometimes you modify, right? Just last week, Lindsey and I were talking about one of those WODs. Early last fall, we met to workout, I saw muscle ups and immediately starting planning my "modification" aka EXCUSE in my head. Lindsey sat by and watched - warmed up - then told me to set up my rings. Nothing was said until after the WOD but we both knew that by performing rather than pretending (not to be able....) I leaped closer to The Games goal!
Lindsey - Me - CareyWhere I am:
The 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games were everything I had hoped. I've never been more present to an experience.
Electric: The only way I can explain the feeling of being the first group to get to perform in front of the crowd after the Opening Ceremony.W.T.F. this is AWESOME: I got to swim in the Pacific Ocean by the Santa Monica Pier with 100 of the fittest people on Earth.
Grateful: CrossFit Central had over 40 people travel from TX to CA to watch The Games - what a support system! I can't believe how many of you spent hours sitting by your computer watching the feed.
Special: Wow, Reebok treated us well.
Like a Kid Again: "The Killer Kage" was probably the coolest event all weekend. Who doesn't love monkey bars!
Today, I am not only an Athlete but know that I am a Champion! (verbiage borrowed from Carey Kepler) Year 5 of CrossFitting and year 33 of life - I am just getting started.
What's next:
I feel great - I am going to continue to compete - I am going to The 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games. I love the sport of fitness: CrossFit, more than ever. My goal is to use competition and the sport as an avenue to fulfill my Mantra: "Yes, You Can" As long as my participation, dedication, competition can lead me to just one person who's life I can change, I will continue.
Oh, and a little bonus The 2011 CrossFit Games will be on ESPN 2!!
