I’m off to the CrossFit Games – Southwest Regional today. Don’t worry. I got up extra early, drank my coffee, and thought about vomiting for a while. I’m kinda nervous. I get either really quiet or really rambunctious when I’m nervous. I often dance, awkwardly. And then get really sweaty hands. I hate having sweaty hands. It’s not good for meeting new people. Or doing pull ups. If you’ve ever seen me workout, I chalk my hands every 10 pull ups. I literally HAVE TO or I will slip right off the bar. I need to get the sweat glands removed from my hands. That’s weird though.
I went to register in Castle Rock yesterday. I literally can’t stop smiling after being there. It’s so damn exciting. So many athletes there, all with the same goal in mind, all that have worked their asses off the entire year. Just so freaking cool to see. These kind of events are where I feel the most myself. I always feel so awkward in social settings, except at CrossFit events. Because everyone looks like me. All the girls have big shoulders. All wear spandex. And all love food. I love CrossFit girls.
So today I will be competing for my second time in Regionals. I want to do well, like everyone else out there. But I want to do well for certain people. I want to make a few of my friends proud because not only have they believed in me, but they have inspired me as well. And the person who has inspired me the most is my roommate and best friend, Laura.
Not only did Laura start doing CrossFit after Regionals last year, but she keeps getting better every single week. It’s absolutely amazing to watch. Because she just wants to get better. She wants muscles, she wants to lift more, and she will do whatever it takes to get better. It’s freaking awesome. This girl never gives up. She never complains. And she will always push herself, never taking the easy road. It’s amazing.
And Laura has done seriously everything for me. She will be taking off work today to come see me compete and will be watching all 6 workouts. She’s watching me workout. How boring is that?! But she loves it. She knows what I struggle with. She knows what frustrates me. And she wants to be there for all of those moments that come up during the weekend. She’s been with me at every step in this CrossFit experience and I could not be anymore grateful to have someone like her in my life.
My inspiration for doing CrossFit is my best friend, Laura.
What’s yours?
Good Luck!!
Good luck this weekend. I’ll be looking for your name on the Crossfit.com website!!!
You’re a pretty neat chick, Juli. Good luck this weekend!
This is so sweet! She sounds like an amazing friend.
One of my inspirations for doing Crossfit is my mom. She is an absolute beast. She runs, lifts, and bikes more than people half her age. And she can beat just about anyone in a back squat. She really inspires me to do the best I can.
Good luck this weekend! Go get ’em!
Good luck! I’m sure you will do awesome. I have a question. I did Airsquats yesterday (3 round of 50) and then my lower back was achey the rest of the day. Any suggestions of how to make sure my form is better? I did it in front of a mirror to make sure I was doing it right, but I guess I didn’t. Please help!
Jill – the best cue i have used to keep proper form and posture for air squats is to squat facing a wall. Put your feet 8-10 inches from the wall, follow all of the regular points of performance (knees track over the toes, toes pointed out, movement starts by pushing your but back, then down, depth below parallel etc), put your hands up in front of you and follow the wall. It will feel awkward at first, but as your flexibility and balance improve, along with your form, you will find that you can almost get your toes right against the wall, and not even touch the wall with your hands as you squat down/up.
Good luck!
Ok, I will try it! Thanks for the advice!
You are such an inspiration to me. I eat strict paleo, but i am so terrified of committing to crossfit. I have never been a star athlete by any stretch of the imagination…actually I am a weakling. I have gone from 140-125 by eating correctly (via you and Sara F’s Everyday Paleo), but now I am ready to get some muscle and become a MACHINE. God I am so scared I have done “all-come” Saturday workouts and I am so far behind the curve. If you can do this I know I can at least join the dang gym. 🙂 you’re a rock star.
GOOD LUCK! I can’t wait to read your recap! You are gonna rock!
Crap. I got a little sick to my stomach with nerves for you, just reading this. best of luck!
You are amazing! Wishing you the best of luck from Santa Cruz, Ca.! Kick some serious booty!
Saw your name posted when I checked the games site this morning to see if we could actually view it online (sadly we can’t.unless I drive to Castle Rock..which is a ways away from Fort Collins). But cheering you on. Show them how bad ass the Denver Crossfitters are!