This blog title has been up on my blog for a few days now and it's been sitting idly without any thoughts to actually go with it. There are several reasons for that. One, I've been busy with my jobs, and two, because it's a hard blog for me to write. I've not only been having trouble organizing my thoughts, but also coming up with the right way to say what I want to say.
I don't think it's any secret, or I'd like to think not, that my very busy schedule has worn me down. More this year than any other, I've felt the drain of this crazy 3 job schedule. I've not gotten as sick from it as I have in years past, but I've gotten that feeling of just being utterly exhausted. A constant hampster wheel of scheduling, and a feeling that when the alarm goes off, I just want a few more hours to lay there and not think. Lay there and not worry. Lay there and not move.
Over the course of the past two years, I have come to rely on CF to help get me over the hump so to speak. While running this insane 7 day a week schedule being in the box was one of the only things I actually enjoyed, and it actually helped to relieve the stress of everything else that was going on. But lately, lately I haven't felt like that. Lately I've felt that instead of being a stress relief, CF has been a source of stress itself.
I am struggling to complete wods, I am not recovering well, and to be honest, I don't have the same drive I did before. People keep trying to push me to go harder, go faster, lift more... and to be honest, I just don't have it in me right now. A lot of times, just getting TO the box is a victory for me, and I don't want to knock that because just getting there IS important, but at the same time, it just doesn't feel like I want it to. Despite all the crap that's going on, I'm doing the best that I can to get there and get some work in, but it's not like it was before. I'm not feeling good about things, and I'm not feeling like I'm getting anywhere.
I've been EXTREMELY hesistant to mention it but I did sign up for the CF sectional. As things stand now though, I'm not sure it's something that I want to continue to strive for. I don't want to embarass Jerry or the box, and I certainly don't want to embarass myself by being unconditioned. I feel like sectionals is pushing me, but I'm not sure it's pushing me in a positive direction. A lot of people are using it to push them to work harder. I seem to be feeling the opposite. I feel this stress, like I have to get to the box, even when my body seems to be screaming for a break. So what's more important? What's better? Pushing through to get the training in so I can compete? Or stopping? I don't have all the answers. Even doing this for almost 3 years, I sometimes still struggle, and now is one of those times. I have always been someone who has struggled to find her limits. I always keep that one foot in front of the other idea, but I'm wondering if it's time. Is it time to throw in the towel and call it quits? Walk away while I still can?
6 comments:
One of the reasons I follow a three on, one off, two on, one off routine is that I know my body. Yeah, I have a bunch of years more on these bones than you do on yours, but even still...the truth is that more progress is made outside the gym than in the gym. If you don't get enough rest, you're body is going to quit on you. So will your mind.
It sounds as if you're describing a classic overtraining scenario. You may well find that cutting back a bit will add to your performance, not detract from it. I know you've touched upon the Primal Blueprint stuff. Trying to breathe fire six out of every seven days may not be the best way to go. Take your rest days. Take a day here and there and do a moderate hike instead of mauling yourself in the gym. More isn't always better, Katie.
Don't quit, rest. You will be awesome at the sectional and keep in mind it is still about 7 weeks off. I would say take a week off from the box. Come back on the 2 day a week rest schedule and give it all you have. Something tells me you are going to be a new athlete as soon as the swimming season is over. Get some rest and get ready. Your body is tired but strong. Rest your mind as well. You are going to do great, no throwing in the towel recommended!
Agreed - you gotsta rest, lady! Your body has 1 recovery toolbox for all life aspects.... if other things are using that; stress, lack of sleep, etc you become burned out quickly!
Give your toolbox time to replenish, then train smartly for sectionals.
With regards to embarrassing CFOT, I feel pretty darn confident when I say that there's really nothing you can do to embarrass us Katie, we're all proud to have you as a friend.
Katie,
You have some wise friends here. Some great advice.
I've been in your shoes and I know how you feel but listen to the girl who has worked herself into ulcers, depression, anxiety, nightmares,and ultimately a person I didn't even really know anymore---rest. REST. I know you can't, right? So much to do! REST. Just do it. Life will go on.
Don't overcommitt yourself. It's ok to say no. I promise people won't get mad. And if they do, so what.
It is ok to give yourself a break and not be 100%, 100% of the time. It's ok. It's not human to be 100%, 100% of the time.
I miss giving a 100% in the box every day, 4 to 5 days a week. It is what got me through some tough times too. But, I am now in a place physcially (i.e. w/o a box), mentally, and emotionally, where there is no way I can train the way I was when I left DC. Does it make me mad? Yep. Am I sad? You bet.
I just tell myself though that I'm am still crossfitting and that is what matters. I may not put up a PR every day, but damn it I'm strong and stronger than most in the gym and in life. You are too and will continue to be with some REST!
Rest up girl and you'll be back breathing fire in no time!!!
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