CFDV "SOS" Challenge-Weeks 1&2. WTF was I thinking?

[Katie Connolly-Staffelbach]

Although I"m not participating in WTA's Fit for Fall Challenge, it did give me the opportunity to blog of my progress in the challenge I'm currently participating in, so here goes!!!  This first post will cover my first two weeks’ experience.

CrossFit Delaware Valley's (http://crossfitdelawarevalley.com/) "SOS" (Straighten Out Sh*t) challenge, is a 10 week challenge.  There are 14 habits to choose from, ranging from eating to sleeping to taking time out of the day for yourself.  Throughout the challenge we must "eat real food", nothing processed or containing artificial ingredients (our resident Paleo Guru answers all questions on what is “real food”). Each day you complete your habit, you get a point. We work in two-partner teams.  At the end of 10 weeks, the team with the most points wins.  I have a great, dedicated partner, Lauren.  We don’t see each other much at “The Box” (our gym), but keep in touch over emails.

Every two weeks, another habit is added.  For weeks 1 and 2, I chose "Exercise Regularly", which is minimum 4 x a week. It's my toughest habit to tackle, so I figured why not face my hardest challenge head-on?   The workouts don't have to be at a CrossFit gym, but they do have to be of a CrossFit intensity.

For years, I’ve been told CrossFit is great for SWAT operators.  I started going in April of 2010, but always found excuses not to go on a regular basis.  I’d make it a few times a week, sometimes not at all.  When I finished my workout, I’d be proud of myself for finishing, but embarrassed because my times, weights, etc. were always at the bottom of the barrel. I hated putting my numbers up on the white board. The workouts are HARD, and truthfully, I sucked at it.  I haven’t really sucked at anything this bad in years.  What a humbling experience.  My ego was thoroughly deflated.

The amazing thing is, no one cares that I sucked.  Wait, let me rephrase that—they do care that I sucked, meaning they wanted to figure out a way to make me suck less.  Rob, the owner, has a heart of gold and is truly passionate and knowledgeable, and is willing to accommodate to make shit work. All the trainers are awesome, and the people I work out with, from the firebreathers to the newbies, have a great positive energy, and everyone encourages each other. It’s what kept me going back, since when I was there I did have a good time and the energy and people at CFDV always had me leaving with a smile on my sweaty face.

I’ve never been one to do things the easy way.  This was my biggest habit to change, and one I’ve been trying to accomplish for years. My brain was already battling against me., as it always does when I decide to venture outside my comfort zone.  FOUR times a week?  I haven’t exercised at that intensity that many times a week in 10 years when I was in the best shape of my life. I’m in my 40’s now, my body doesn’t recover from a thorough thrashing like it used to. How was I going to make this work? How was I going to fit this in?  Don’t I need some rest days here and there?  Am I going to be able to walk, let alone run, after four squat-intense workouts in a row?   BLAH BLAH BLAH...the thoughts in my head can be never-ending. I tell my husband on a regular basis, “You don’ t know what it’s like living in this head.”

Finally I had to tell myself, “Fuck it.  What’s the worst that can happen?” The only way I was going to make this work was to make it work.  Four CrossFit workouts per week it is, no arguments. I schedule my workouts like I schedule my court dates, doctor appointments, etc.

I’m starting week 4 of the challenge and going strong.  I haven’t missed a workout yet.  I’ve lost a few pounds and getting stronger as the weeks go by.  I think this habit will stick afte the challenge is over. If you’re looking for a new mental and physical challenge, check out your local CrossFit Affiliate.

I may not be a firebreather at the end of these 10 weeks, but I’ve drank the “Crossfit Kool-Aid”, and I’m loving the taste!