being where i need to be.

Last week I was really feeling the impact of the volume and intensity of my CrossFit training. I realized that I was starting to lose some focus. I would show up and do my exercises and whatever was programmed for me to do, but I couldn't seem to get myself mentally present or ready. It must be said that when the body shows up but the mind stays home, the workouts are waaaaay harder.

Last Thursday, I was thinking about all of this quite a bit... just about how difficult it is to be intentional in all aspects of my training... from the physical therapy exercises and drilling to the strength pieces and met-cons, not to mention in what I eat and how much sleep I get. However, I realize that being intentional is necessary if I want to be a better athlete and accomplish my goals. Aside from being intentional with my actions, I am learning how important it is for me to be intentional with my thoughts (even more so probably). I guess I have started getting comfortable with being just pretty good or only giving 80 percent and letting that be enough for me or making excuses if it wasn't. Its hard to be "on" all of the time.

A few months ago, I started a document on my computer of various articles, quotes, poems, and youtube videos that challenge and inspire me in one way or another. I was reading through some of this stuff today and came across this quote from a Gym Jones article by Mark Twight: "You must want (or need) to be where you are, doing what you are doing. If you can't pay attention or if you don't want to work hard, don't bother showing up to go through the motions. Nothing is gained by doing one thing with your body and another with your mind." This really hit me. Don't even bother showing up. That is pretty powerful. If I just decided to not show up for my workout tonight, it would look like quitting... it would be no secret because I would physically not be there. Steve and the others would notice. Its easier to fly under the radar and "fake it" when I show up physically but not mentally. But Twight says, "don't even bother... nothing is gained." I can't deny the truth of this. Even if no one else knows, I know, and my growth will be stagnant.

That said, I am making an extra effort to be where I need to be this week. I am trying to be more intentional in my actions and in my thoughts. It is not easy, and I will likely fail multiple times, but I'm going to take it one day at a time because this is the commitment I have made.

Time to go work out!