Just Showing Up
By
August 30, 2015
Workout of the Day--August 31, 2015
AMRAP in 20 Minutes
4 Thrusters (135/95)
8 Toes to bar
12 Box jumps (24/20)
200 m Run
We all have bad days. I had one last week. My lack of organization resulted in me not getting something done that I was supposed to do. That put me in a bad mood and changed my energy dynamic for the rest of the day. Instead of the joining the group class I had planned on, I spent two hours making only marginal progress on the administrative tasks I was working on. Frustrated that I didn't exercise OR get everything done that I needed to, I made poor choices around nutrition and had an extra cocktail. All of that resulted in a bad night's sleep and the setup for another day just like the one before.
I don't think that I am unique in this experience. It has happened to me time and time again. Sometimes those bad days can turn into a pattern resulting in a downward spiral that becomes increasingly difficult to pull out of. Does anybody know what I'm talking about here?
This cycle can start to feel hopeless and cause some serious self-doubt. It is not a fun place to be and it is not the person I want to be. But my extensive familiarity with this place has taught me one very important lesson. It only takes 1 good decision to turn everything around. Sometimes that step is calling a friend that will hold me accountable. Often, it is going for a run or a bike ride or hitting a workout. I know from talking to many of you that some days getting through the door at Catacombs is that decision for you. Showing up is the turning point that you know will help shift the momentum. You will hydrate better after working out and your dinner choices will be a little better. That extra cocktail won't be necessary and you will be more likely to go to bed than to stay up watching TV or pretending to work. The feeling of accomplishment feeds more good decisions and next thing you know you are back on the path to awesomeness.
Should every day be a "just showing up" day? Absolutely not. More times than not, you should show up prepared and mentally ready to tackle your workout. You should have the goals that you've set for yourself in the back of your mind and your focus should be crystal clear. We relentlessly record loads and times, calculate percentages, vary movements and time domains, and patiently practice skills; all to dial in the best workout and become better athletes. But if you come sneaking in the door at the start of class with shoes untied, a spinning mind or heavy heart, just looking for a kick in the pants to turn things around...well, we've got you covered there too.
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