Tupac Xocoyotl Enrique

I would like to share a few of my thoughts on success, lack of it, and coping with either. This is mainly written as it pertains to fitness but you could apply the same principals to other aspects of your life also.

So, if you're like me, you finished competing in 2014's Crossfit Open last week and by now you've had some time to reflect on your successes and shortcomings. l say finished because I did not make it to the next round and, as such, have become a spectator for the rest of the regionals and the Games. This is a slight thorn in my side. Let me explain.

This was my first year being eligible to compete in the 40-44 year old masters division. There are no regionals for masters. After five weeks of the Open, only the top 200 in the world qualify for the next round. When the first workout was announced there were about 12,500 men in the men's 40-44 masters category so I figured it was going to be a long shot for me to advance. That being said, I planned to give it all I had and let the tortilla chips fall where they may. After week 1, I was in about 550th place. After week 2, 260th. Week 3, 148th. Definitely a possibility now. I was feeling great; goal within site. Then came week 4 and my performance dropped me to 203rd place. One more week; one more chance to make up some ground, finish strong and claim my place among the top 200.

Week 5 was my undoing. I attempted the WOD once on Friday but felt nauseous part way through so I stopped. I was devastated. I had NEVER, EVER stopped doing a WOD before completing it no matter how long it took me. By Saturday morning I had regrouped and had a serious plan of attack to demolish this one. Then, midday Saturday, I witnessed my 13 year old son fight with determination and puro corazon to conquer this workout at a local event. I had tears in my eyes when he finished. I had all the inspiration I needed now. Fast forward to Saturday night - fate handed me the worst stomach virus I've ever had in my life. By Sunday morning I had lost over 8 pounds and showed up at Core Crossfit to cheer on my wife and the rest of the competitors with an IV in my arm. Chills and aches for the next 24 hours. Monday's 5pm deadline was taunting me. 

4pm Monday, one hour before the deadline to submit a valid score. Time to finish or be finished. I fought with all the fight I had in me on that day. And. It. Still. Wasn't. Enough. My score dropped me from 203rd to 405th. Not my year.

I could say it was because I wasn't at my peak due to illness, due to the mountain of books I'm studying for a promotional exam, due to being spread too thin sometimes. But, words of one of the coaches of my youth ring in my ear; "Excuses only satisfy those who make them".

And I'm not satisfied.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not beating myself up over it. It's just that I had a goal that I felt was within my reach, but fell short. I will reflect on this and use it to plan, train and rest better in the coming year. This is a healthy approach to many obstacles in life. Turn problems into challenges. Turn stumbling blocks into hurdles. If you feel like you've failed at something, reflect and plan, don't sulk. And finally, If you experience a triumph, enjoy it but then get back to planning the next challenge.