Anyone who's been in the box for more than a few months has heard my rants before. I've been so busy that I haven't been able to throw one up here for awhile now. Well, today, I've finally got a chance to throw something up here for you guys to ponder. The topic was inspired via a conversation that I was having regarding training with someone last night. The conclusion of this discussion was interrupted by a call, so I had to hit the road. Nonetheless, I'd like to sum up the idea for all of you.
When it comes to performance in the box, we all know that there is a huge spectrum of athletes at the gym.
1) The Natural- a high school or collegiate-level athlete that walks through the door with an outstanding foundation in many of the disciplines we cover. Good strength, good balance, great listening skills, and an excellent response to coaching. They've always had fitness and with CrossFit find some immediate and quick strength gains that restores their excitement for training. CrossFit also restores their love for competition.
2) The Mess- after an epiphany on the couch while eating patato chips and watching Jerry Springer or standing outside of a bar one night smoking heaters and completely innebriated, they decide its time to "get in shape." They heard a friend talking about CrossFit and decided it'd be pretty cool. They may have played some sports in grade school and were at one point pretty talented until booze and a little funny smoke came into their lives. This was me, combined with years of meatheaded strength training and heavy supplementation.
3) I'm Losing IT!- the person who at one point was extremely physically fit and with their old age start to lose what they once had. Panic sets in and they're willing to do ANYTHING to get it back.
4) The Mess 2- uncoordinated, always picked last, modest, timid, and most importantly tired of being the runt of the litter.
There is no shame in being any one or a combination of any of these people. As a matter of fact, at least those few who have entered the gym have realized his or her respective situations, and have bravely chosen to attack them.
As we all attack weaknesses, we eventually start to merge into this melting pot or mold of the "perfect athlete." The longer you work, the closer each of us starts to resemble each other's statistics. For instance, when Athlete A showed up, he could back squat 275# and deadlift 385#, but he couldn't run for shit. When Athlete B showed up, he could run marathons, but had no strength whatsoever.
Now, 2 years later, both athletes run a 21:00 5k, deadlift 415#, and back squat 305#. Now the path to such progress isn't so cut and dry. There is yet another athlete to this equation. He'd be Athlete C. Athlete C walked through the door having played football in college. He's got a 405# back squat and a 600# deadlift. He runs a 6:00 mile. The high school kids flock to him in awe. He just wants to hold onto what he's got. He can't double under, refuses to learn the squat snatch because he just plain "can't do it", and dodges any WOD's that attack his weaknesses. Once in a blue moon, he makes an attempt to attack a "goat", but slams the equipment against the wall in rage when he can't figure it out. Now we've all gotten pissed at missing a lift, but he brings this shit to a new level. Not gonna lie- I've been there. Luckily, we don't have any guys like this- anymore...
The trouble with this type of athlete is that he will forever remain in his current mold, slowly losing what he once had, resigned to the fact that he will "never" be able to handstand walk or muscle up for 5 unbroken reps. People will slowly grow to disrespect him for his lack of diversity. Although he turned heads when he walked through the door for the first week and posted incredible numbers, his co-CrossFitters quickly lose interest. In the meantime, Athlete A and B had walked in specialized in their respective fields. One was a pencil-neck runner that everyone had to tie down when the wind blew and the other was a muscle-bound meathead who couldn't wipe his own ass. Overtime, they've attacked weaknesses and slowly merged into becoming very similar athletes. The weaknesses across the board have become fewer and further between. Most importantly, they attack each and every WOD, regardless of whether it contains a goat, with unbroken passion, unwavering determination, and unmatched focus to overcome. People notice this day in and day out. And although they came through the door having been #2, #3, or #4, they've developed and earned the respect of a top dog.
In conclusion, I've got to say this- IT IS NOT THE NATURAL ABILITY THAT YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOOR WITH THAT DEFINES YOU AS AN ATHLETE, IT IS WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT DAY IN AND DAY OUT. CROSSFIT IS JUST AS MENTAL AS IT IS PHYSICAL. SHOW THAT YOU'VE GOT THE BALLS TO OVERCOME THE THINGS THAT HAUNT YOU AND DO IT WITH COMPOSURE. THAT IS WHAT WILL GIVE YOU RESPECT IN THE BOX...
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