Things That Matter
By
September 25, 2015
For time:
20 Deadlifts 275/185
20 Front Squats 185/125
20 Squat snatch 135/95
Happy Friday Catacombs Community--
September has been an awesome month and we have a good number of new folks that are joining group classes. Some of them have been working with Dustin or me on skills and are just venturing into CrossFit for the first time. Others have had some CrossFit experience elsewhere and have either relocated to Durango or have found their way through our doors for different reasons. From the very beginning, we have had an institutional expectation that you at least know the name of everyone that you are working out with for a given workout. It is one of the things that makes Catacombs special. That expectation has not changed and I glow with pride every time I watch a spontaneous introduction from an old-timer to a new face. It has been happening a lot lately so I just wanted to pass on my appreciation.
Why does this even matter? It matters because we all need connections and we all come here for more than just a great workout. You have no idea what the person squatting next to you may be dealing with in their life. Many times my day has been turned around by an unexpected smile or a kind word. It takes nothing to give these things, but it could mean everything to the person receiving it. For many, Catacombs is their refuge from a busy, stressful, or less than fulfilling life. We escape for one hour and give our mind a break from the hamster wheel of trying to solve the myriad of problems that fill our days. Maintaining the warm and welcoming environment matters. Knowing that there will be friendly faces to greet you upon arrival and congratulate you upon completion of the workout might sometimes be the only factor that gets an athlete through the front door.
So the challenge for next week is to seek out some of those new faces. Make a connection with someone beyond just their name. Be the friendly smile that helps them get to the door even when the workout looks intimidating and their day is cluttered. Remember what it is like to be new to CrossFit or venturing into a new gym. Remember what it is like to not know where the chalk bucket is or how to adjust the height of the rings. You might just make the difference in whether they stick with it or give up and go back to the couch.
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