Well, it's been quite some time since I posted about the 13.1. I ran it in 2:33. I fell short of my goals. I was beyond glad it was over. So glad I cried. And that's all. Moooving on.....
Disclaimer: While the following story may seem trivial to some, it's incredibly significant and meaningful to me. Health and fitness are a passion of mine and I am so thankful for Gods provision.
Months before running my second half marathon, I dreamed of becoming strong and fit. I really appreciate how running has shaped me mentally and physically, but I've never considered myself a runner, even after running 10 miles without stopping. I think it was because I never liked it. I loved the euphoria I experienced after a hard run, but usually hated myself during the run. There is nothing natural about long distance running. During the training season, I lived for the interval part of the training program. I liked the shorter sprints. Short and sweet! I told Jake months ago that when I was done with the 13.1, I wanted to shift my exercise goals and take on new challenges. To describe my goals in a few words, I would say I wanted functional strength. To be fit and most of all healthy. I've known a long time that weight lifting is crucial for health, especially for woman. Balancing weights and running was challenging because of time constraints and so, for the past 3 years, I had mostly chosen running. I decided that after the race I would start lifting more.
A couple months ago I first heard the term "Crossfit." It grabbed my attention. While not knowing a thing about Crossfit, I imagined a more whole approach to fitness. A couple weeks later, I heard that "C" word again. I kept forgetting to get online and check it out. In the meantime, I started a lifting program and last Friday finished my 7th week of lifting. Two weeks ago, my sister who is a former Marine, randomly started talking about Crossfit. She had participated in it while oversees the previous year and had seen fantastic results. We got online to watch videos. Crossfit is a conditioning brand that recognizes that a fit individual needs to function in the ten general physical skills. Cardio/respiratory endurance, Stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination and accuracy.
As we watched the videos I was really inspired! I knew it was what I wanted to be involved in. I spoke to Jacob about it and told him I could totally get into this sport. I told him I could even see myself competing eventually. Instead of dreaming of what it would be like, I decided to face my fear of the unknown and look for a local gym I could join. Only one gym (called a box) came up on Google maps so, before I changed my mind, I emailed them to find out prices and to schedule a free assessment. I got a quick reply and after 17 emails back and forth we figured out a time to meet. I almost changed my mind a million times but saw a quote that helped me stick to my decision. "The greatest barrier to success is fear of failure." I knew I'd be entering into a world of challenges and it was/is scary. There would be great pain and lots of fear to face before I could do a handstand pushup (or a handstand, period), a muscle-up or any other full body movements these people do. I'm all about "comfortable." I don't like putting myself in an environment where I'm guaranteed to fail but I knew I'd regret it if I didn't go.
The assessment went well but I walked away discouraged about the cost to join. After going over finances and getting support from Jake, I decided it was possible to do it financially but I felt slightly sick and selfish about it. I didn't want to pay that much but we decided to view it the same as we view organic food. It's more expensive but it's contributing to our health. It's an investment. With that perspective, I sent Kat (trainer) an email, asking if I could have Jacobs student discount applied to me. It was a shot in the dark, and while it would only save us $10 a month it would make a difference. The reply I got knocked my socks off and made me cry. Here is a portion from her response email....
"So glad your excited! I have a proposition for you, it would not only fit with your goals, but would make it very affordable, and by affordable I mean FREE for you!!! I spoke with My fiancé
Ben last night and told him about your goal to get stronger, and based on your age, height, weight, build, you would actually make a really good Powerlifter. The program I would have designed for you would have been along the same lines anyway. Every once in a while there is a rare case..someone like you, that we feel could excel in different programs. Powerlifting could be yours. Because you are a novice and young enough, we would teach you how to correctly do everything you need to know. In exchange for the training we ask that you compete at least 4x/year. If you are interested let me know and I will have you come back in for a tryout with
Ben"
When I received the email I was speechless. All I could think was, "Thank you, God." After talking to Jacob, we felt like it was a clear answer to prayer and I immediately responded by email.
After meeting with Ben this evening, I look back and all I can say is wow. God truly knows me and heard my hearts desires. It's always incredible when God provides money, jobs, clothes, etc. Those are things we need to live in this life. But, in a way, I am more touched by His kindness when he meets my little wants. He saw what I desired... what I certainly didn't NEED.. and He provided it for me anyway. It's the simple, yet not so simple, things that make me feel so loved and completely known by Him. A week ago I couldn't possibly have imagined that not only would I get to join a Crossfit gym but that I would recieve one-on-one training for FREEEEEE! Doing EXACTLY what I was hoping to pursue... getting stronger! God is too good to me. The unimaginable becomes reality with Him.
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