Finishing Last Builds Character

Today was the the Crossfit WOD (Workout of the Day) I feared. When I walked into "The Box" (it's not a gym) I felt like I was being transported back to elementary school during recess when you are asked to line up so teams could be picked. If you were not perceived as the most athletic kid in your class, chances are you were not picked first. I usually fell in the middle of the pack, so far the most part, I escaped the feelings of shame and frustration that my peers who were picked last may have experienced. However, when I saw HERO - The Sevens- as the WOD, I knew exactly how being picked last on the team must have felt.

Here is what the HERO workout entailed:

7 HSPU (Handstand Push Ups)

I am not strong enough yet to do a Hand Stand Push Up, so it was modified and it looked like this:

7 Thrusters

For this particular exercise, I have to remind my brain to tell my body to keep my elbows up.

7 Knee To Elbow

This workouts your core, and the workout let me know my core could use some strength.

7 Deadlifts

This seems easy, but form is very important. I am a sloucher, so I have to train my body to make sure my shoulders are back, chest is out, back is straight, and butt is back. When you've grown up hiding your body, this workout forces you to flaunt what you've got in order to do it correctly. I'm embracing the deadlift because it will not only help me get stronger, but will help improve my posture.

7 Burpees

I learned to do Burpees while completing the Insanity workout videos from BeachBody. I am grateful I at least knew how to perform these.

7 Kettle Ball Swings

7 Pull-Ups

I don't have enough upper body strength to do a traditional pull-up, but there are different sized bands that allow you to work the same muscles as a traditional pull-up. As I get stronger, I can use a band with less resistance that will allow me to pull more of my own weight. The challenge with this band is that if you don't have someone assisting you to put your foot in, you'll look awkward trying to do so on your own. For the record, I was in a black band, which is one of the easiest bands.






This circuit was repeated seven times, and I watched every single person complete it ahead of me. I tried to remind myself that I was doing the exact same workout as everyone else regardless of how fast or slow so as to remain focused and not allow the negative voices inside my head sabotage my effort. I did have people motivating me and encouraging me, which definitely helped. My total completion time was 47:34. Finishing last builds character. I know my time will improve as I get stronger and faster, and a positive attitude during a time of mental and physical weakness is the type of character I want to have. I'm glad I've stuck with Crossfit. It's challenged me mentally, physically, and psychologically. It's pushed me outside my comfort, safe zone and forced me to break past the mold of an insecure person who has been afraid of failing.

Have you ever finished last, or tried something that was completely out of your league that caused you to feel like the kid that got picked last for the team?

Disclaimer: I performed all of the exercises above with the assistance of a trained Crossfit coach. I am not an expert and I used pictures I found on the internet to demonstrate the workouts performed.