Obstacle Illusions

Hello 2012! I must first say, excuse the blog hiatus. Actually, I took a hiatus from the world of firebreathing CrossFit all together since my last post. Truth is after participating in the 2011 CrossFit Games Regionals, I felt burnt out and just wasn't having as much fun as when I started CrossFit back in June 2009. I guess it was a combination of the overwhelming pressure and high expectations I usually set for myself, stresses of a new job, amongst other things.

Post-regionals, I was still working out but just going through the motions. Finishing early here, prioritizing over there, didn't really have a string of guidance nor did I really want it. Just a couple of months ago though I had my "ah-ha!" moment. With the help of my coaches, Lab fam, and my fellow sistas i.e. Ladies of the Lab, I found my fun again. Stella had gotten her groove back, people! That drive, that spark, that fire was ignited. I missed the world of competitive CrossFit and let's face it, I'm a competitive person by nature but in addition to that, I missed suffering alongside my gals! I missed not leaving my heart out on the gym floor. In the interim, I also missed a lot of training time but the only way to get yourself better is to get back on that saddle. 

I'm not a big fan of talk, as in I strongly believe "actions speak louder" but I recently read something that resonated with me and it made a lot of sense. If you have a goal in mind, its helps to share it out loud with someone or others because it makes it more real, more tangible and now you're being held accountable. I owe it to my teammates who push me everyday, especially on the days that I'm tired, sore, or just not in the wod'ing mood. So here I am, sharing my goal with all of y'all, which is just to be the best that I can be. Simple as that. Speak your goals out loud to someone, whether it be work-related, fitness-orientated, or just something as simple as "I'm going to drink more water." Sort of like a resolution but for everyday. And once you speak it, take action!

Nothing great in this life comes easy but I firmly believe with good 'ol fashioned hard work and dedication, nothing is out of reach. My dad always says "the hardest thing is life is to be happy." It's true, but I mean what would we do with ourselves if we aren't striving for something? Overcoming obstacles builds character, makes us stronger. Vince Lombardi once said "Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." So go forth with conviction and confidence in the direction of your goals. It never gets easier, you just get better.

I TRAIN...

I train to be strong, both physically & mentally

I train to compete, not to attract attention

I train for the glory, not the vanity

I train for the challenge

I train for the fight...

My Triple Threat Triangle

Clockwise from top left:

Larabar - super paleo, super yummy. This lil bar is all natural with no added preservatives & made from 100% real food. Literally no more than 5 ingredients. Fave flavor: coconut cream pie. #happytummydance

Stronger, Faster, Healthier Omega 3 Oil - clinical grade, top 'o the line. This chocolate flavor is like liquid cake batter. In the words of Kelly Starret aka K-Star, PT & owner of San Francisco Crossfit, "If you're not taking fish oil, you're not a serious athlete." Get on that liquid gold.

CARPE DIEM

Since I could remember my folks have always told me that the easiest thing in life is to be mad, sad, & lazy while the real challenge is to be happy, content, & persevere. Challenge accepted.

Too much of our time is spent focusing on the negativity around us instead of the things that we should be grateful for, the things that are truly important. Stop, breathe & remember: count your blessings, not your problems.

Same goes for our daily routines. We often find ourselves only looking forward to specific days on the calendar & forget to appreciate each moment of everyday. Don't get caught in that rut. Whether it be at work or in the gym, set that PR today! You can either accept mediocrity or welcome greatness. Blend or be bold.

NIKE FREE YOURSELF

HEART YOUR HEART

With Valentine's Day come & gone, I'm gonna jump on the love bandwagon but reference something that's a little outside the chocolate box (cheesy, right?). I read a retweet on Twitter that SICFIT posted few days go & it was awesome. A civilian posted:

@randomcivilian: Crossfit, I love you but your too expensive.

SICFIT replied:

@SICFIT: Erroneous on both accounts. Health is a premium. And love is never too expensive.

There is still an obesity pandemic in our country & it's downright horrible. For those who are not well versed with the health risks involved, I'll summarize it for you: obesity is life threatening. Plain & simple.

I first read this quote on Milestone Crossfit's twitter page then read something similar the same day in Joel Osteen's, a renowned pastor from Houston, daily message emails. It immediately spoke to me and I thought, "wow, fate." It's applicable to everyday life: family, career, relationships, training.

My interpretation of Grant Frazier's inspiring quotation:

Life's ups and downs are windows of opportunity disguised as obstacles. We can view every downfall as nothing but a harsh struggle, or welcome it with open arms as a chance to strengthen our character. Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage.

We are designed to conquer the elements, to solve problems, to achieve goals. There is no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer. The human spirit grows strong with conflict. So change your thinking. Welcome obstacles with a smile, a sly smirk even. Let 'em know who's boss. YOU! The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle.

It's your life. You only get one. Choose greatness. After all, it's only an obstacle illusion.