Two is better than one

I am starting to understand how valuable it is to have a partner who is interested in the same things you are, a companion by your side navigating through life on the same wavelength, working towards common goals.  This is true in so many facets of our lives but especially when it comes to pursuing a healthier lifestyle.   Take someone like myself, struggling to find her groove at the box, my main man's "gentle" nudge to tag along as he soldiers on with a new intense training program has proved to be a valuable motivator on days that I would rather curl up with Mr. Grey and read about all 50 of his shades.   And much like Mr Grey has learned through his "relationship" with Miss Steele, that unless you and your companion want the same things out of life it can be rather....um....difficult to pursue your...um ...interests. Ok its a loose metaphor but OMG have you read that book!?!?!?! That guy is wild! 50 shades of something! I digress...

I have been fortunate enough to have a guy by my side who has encouraged my journey to explore a more healthy me.  W has been the kind of partner that ties up his shoelaces and hits the gym with me instead of the guy who drops you off and picks you up an hour later.  He has been a partner that happily digs in to that sugar free paleo apple crumble rather than sitting on the couch eating the bucket of Ben and Jerrys 1000 flavours. This is the type of partner a "lost" CrossFitter, like myself is in desperate need of. 

What is becoming so very clear is that not everyone is as lucky as I.  To be quite honest, if W did not support my working out then it would be more difficult to fit it into my hectic day.   It's no coincidence that most of the women that I have meet that CrossFit have a partner who is also an avid firebreather .  I am also starting to see how easy it is to "let yourself go" and make excuses for your inactivity if you have a partner who does that same thing.

It makes a person think about the "what if?"and the "where would I be?" and ultimately the "thank god!". 

Wondering where I went....

.....I was starting to wonder the same thing! But tonight, finally, I think I am clawing my way back.  W is out of town for work, so after tucking the kids into bed, cleaning up the dishes and watching New Directions win Nationals on Glee, I made a decision.  No more excuses.  I laced up my shoes, headed out to my garage,  loaded up the bar, channeled my inner Rippetoe and gave it a go.  It felt good, it felt cathartic and I realized how much I missed the feeling I get when I am out there working out. 

Exercise has lots of value.  I know that.  But what I didn't realize is how important working out was becoming to me and my mental state.  Exercising, specifically lifting, gives me a sense of control over my body and helps me quiet my mind for a precious few minutes that I am in the moment.  All the days worries and stresses seem to melt away just long enough to get down to business.  The power that CrossFit has given me extends way beyond my body weight deadlift. It has given me power over my roller coaster of emotions and the ups and downs of everyday life. The mental strength that lifting heavy, powering through a long WOD or having the patience to learn new skill after new skill has been invaluable.  

During my post FRAN hiatus the mommy induced rage was quicker to make an unscheduled appearance, my husbands ill timed attempts at humour were meet with angry disdain rather than a witty comeback and I was starting to seek out the drama wherever I could find it.  It was when I recognised these parts of my old self reappearing that I knew it was time to get back at it.    I underestimated how good it was to have to clear your thoughts and just focus on what was in front of you.  During my break I forgot how important and powerful it is to spend a little time with myself having positive pep talks, thinking of nothing else but the task at hand and just taking time to take a big deep breath. 

CrossFit has been by far the best therapy a crazy drama queen like myself can get.  Hmmmmm...CrossFit Therapy.....I wonder if there is a cert for that?

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