Mindset and do-overs

Truer words have NEVER been spoken. I experience this from time to time with sports/exercise/competition, but don't always have the time and ability for a do-over. What would a do-over help with? Showing me with no question that if I go into a workout with a negative mindset that I can't do it. If I go in prepared I have a much better chance. 

Prepared. What does that mean? For me it means 1. a GOOD warm up, 2. positive thinking, 3. focused but not too serious, 4. proper fuel and hydration. 

This slapped me in the face last week during this workout: 5-4-3-2-1 of Power Cleans (125#) and Rope Climbs (15 feet). I started with a "let's just do this and check it off the list" attitude. Not good. I did not warm up enough. I stretched, I did a few cleans. Everything felt heavy and I was not focusing on form. I kept thinking "it's only 5 max". Well, not if you don't warm up. I had fueled properly, but one check out of 4? Not gonna happen. I was not focused and was taking it all too seriously.  I also went into the workout thinking knowing "I can't climb ropes". Yes, I have done a few pulls. But I was SURE that I would do 5 power cleans and be done. Why? Negative mindset. 

The workout was horrible. I did two power cleans. They looked bad. They felt worse. I tried for #3. Nope. Tried again. Nope. My husband made me stop. He told me I went into it with a bad attitude. I didn't warm up enough. Which he informed me means I'm done. I will do this another day when I'm mentally prepared. I hate that. I cried. I didn't just want to check the workout off my list, but that's exactly how I went into it. I told my Coach and he said to move on with the day. Try again another time. He knows I can do this. End of story.

I got lucky. I got a do-over. I waited a few days and tried again. I started with a smile. Amazing what that can do. I also had a HUGE desire to accomplish this. I warmed up (not on my own). My husband ran me through some drills and made sure I was warm. Rope climbs? I was told to scale them. Don't even worry about them. I did 2:1 pulls. There. Now I'm ready. 

I completed the workout! I did all the power cleans no problem. I did the rope climb pulls, no problem. I finished with a cheer and a smile. It felt good. I instantly texted my coach and let him know. He KNEW I could do it. My husband KNEW I could do it. Why didn't I?

 I'm still learning all this mental toughness, positive mindset stuff. I'm getting better. I'm learning the things that MUST happen to aid in my toughness. Warm up, fuel, positive thinking, and focus. I've been reading some articles on it, like this one. Being aware of my weaknesses both physically and mentally is step one.

Hope everyone is smiling, getting their workouts done, and staying focused!

Sum Sum Summatime ramblings........

I know, I know. You have missed me. I've missed you too! Summertime always sounds relaxing (that's right, I have the summer OFF), but I'm here to tell you that I am SUPER busy. Busy? Busy with what? Let me fill you in.....

Fourth of July was in Richmond. Super awesome.

Then we went to NYC with the kiddos - so much fun. We walked and walked and walked and I carried one 48 pound kiddo on my shoulders for most of it. Active rest day, right?

Double Rainbow on our way home from NYC

Dylan's Candy Bar NYC

Dinner with Marilyn in NYC

Then there is the sweaty part of summer. Working out. Sam put together an amazing home gym for the times we can't get into Crossfit Annandale and so I can get my extra programming done (thanks to BLK Strength and Conditioning). No excuses to not workout. It's right there. Calling you. Making you get off the couch.

Hubs working out in our new home gym

Me working out in the home gym

Boys are at Scout Camp this week. Getting bulls eyes, shooting clay pigeons, and taking nature by storm.

I've been using this "down time" to work on mental toughness, letting things go (stopping a workout and doing it a different day/time is NOT quitting....right?), and not taking things too seriously. Easy, right? Nope. I don't like to let people down, I don't like to let myself down - but sometimes things are out of your control. There are days when 45# feels like 10#......and then there are days when your shorts are too tight, 10# feels like 100#, it's too hot, legs feel like lead.......... Those are the days that I need to read this gem:

I love to cheer-lead others. I LOVE it. Cheering and pumping up a friend to complete a workout, push harder, run faster, lift heavier.....I live for it. Weird how I have a hard time doing it for myself. Something I'm working on, but it's baby steps for sure.

I have big dreams. HUGE. I love what I do. Being a mom/wife, speech therapist, and crossfitter. I think I balance it all well most of the time. Every once in a while a slip up and need to readjust. That's life. Readjust. Shake it off. Keep moving forward. Nothing happens over night. No one is perfect. 

love this one

If you run into me this summer there is a HUGE chance I will be in IABM apparel. I got a big ol box of shirts from them today (thanks guys!!!!) and will be sporting their super soft shirts for DAYZ. Their shirts are also a great length - no belly bearing thrusters for this girl!

So excited to add these to my collection!

I have also been working on a #jackedandtanplan. I've pretty much nailed the tan. Next week at the beach will clench that. The jacked? I'm working on it. This week has been fairly clean eating, next week is the beach (rules are OFF), then when we get back Sam and I are hitting the #jacked hard! 

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!!!