As many of you are aware, today marks the start of the 2017 Crossfit Games Open season. This is a time of celebration and collaboration throughout the worldwide crossfit community. We get together each week, for 5 weeks, and everyone completes a predetermined workout. There are standards set for those who can complete it as prescribed (we call this "Rx") and who have a goal to make it to the next level of Regionals or the Games.
For most of us, there comes a point during the Open when a standard is set that we can't possibly meet. It often comes middle way through, but sometimes it's the first workout that's announced. What is important to understand is that Crossfit allows anyone of any ability and strength to compete. No matter who you are, where you are, or what you're going through - there is a spot for you.
I debated long and hard about if I was going to participate in the Open this year. This was not because I didn't want to, but because I know myself well enough that it will be very difficult to not jump in with both feet. However, my current health challenges (more on that below) have me at a place that I have to take care of myself and not push the envelope at all right now. Energy is low, stamina is pretty non-existent, and I'm also still nursing a shoulder. With the reduction in nutrition lately, I have to be careful not to overly push myself. Can I trust myself to sign up for the Open and not push too hard? Can I be satisfied with modifying and scaling EVERYTHING? Will my heart feel full by participating when I'm not at my best?
After a long discussion with my head and heart, and waiting until the very last day, I hae decided YES. I am going to participate in the Open this year, because one of the reasons I continue to crossfit, continue to coach when I can, and continue to share is because there are people who don't believe they are capable of moving past the state they are currently in. They think they need to be lighter, stronger, "fitter" before they can start crossfit - or ANY exercise and health program. They see all the amazing athletes around them or in the world and think "that can never be me". I want them to know that ANYTHING is possible, no matter where you start. We are all capable of so much more than we think we are, and each day is a gift we have been given to do something good with! We must take care of ourselves in order to take care of those around us.
Wellness and self-care has become a priority for me this year, especially in the midst of the health struggles that have come up. Self care is not easy, and it comes in many forms. Rest, exercise, food, emotional support, etc. What is right for me is not necessarily right for anyone else. You have to find what that is for you. So....all of this to say yes, I'm in the Open and I will participate how I can. It will look different, and certainly won't look like a typical coach's performance :) but my heart will be Rx!
*Health update: My esophagram (i.e. barium swallow study) revealed the beginnings of Achalasia. We thought it was going in this direction, but weren't certain. I have a Manometry test scheduled for next week. This is one of the hardest tests I've ever done. They thread a 2' catheter down your nose and in to your esophagus down to your stomach. The catheter is lined with copper balls about every 1", and the test takes about 25 minutes. During the test you have to hold yourself from swallowing until instructed, and if you mess up the test you have to start over. It's extremely uncomfortable, and "painful" would be appropriate. Everyone with Achalasia agrees they hate this test. The results of this test are pretty diagnostic and will reveal 1) if I have finally developed Achalasia, and 2) what stage/type it may be (there are 3). We will then meet with my specialist in March to determine next steps. Until then, I will continue to fight maintaining proper nutrition levels and rest when I can. Some days are good, some days are really bad. But we press on!
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