Sports we can relate too...a little context to the video..(1997) - the British & Irish Lions went to South Africa (the Springboks) - then World Championships. The game had just turned professional that year (since it was invented up to that point it had been 100% amateur) - It is a mentally very challenging game - each player must play the full 80 minutes, play attack and defense, it is very physical, combative, tactical and quite technical. You look for athletes and characters that have the ability and character to perform in all of those areas. At the top levels it is a wonderful, mentally demanding sport.
In this video, the coach discusses the difference between a weak player and a strong player...he also talks about mental/physical preparation for the road ahead...I believe we can all listen to what this coach is saying and use it in our approach to the weekly challenges of the CrossFit Open.
We are heading into week 3...the half way point of the CrossFit Open! So far we are currently ranked 28th...a move up from last weeks (47th). Overall I know a few of you are disappointed in your performances knowing you could have scored better or pushed harder. At this moment that doesn't really matter to me...because those workouts are past performances. Do you understand that? PAST PERFORMANCES!
Everyone who signed up to be a Black Sheep Team member that I know...signed up to challenge themselves and try for the opportunity to compete with some great athletes in and outside of our community in the "Sport of CrossFit". Nobody THAT I KNOW on this team...has been training for the CF GAMES over the past 4 years...nobody that I KNOW on this team is a professional athlete and is getting paid to train, compete and represent every week. Am I wrong? And MOST peeps I know on the team have families, jobs, kids, school and other priorities that take time, energy and passion to fulfill. So whats my point?!
Decide what it is you really want to do!
Then CHOOSE to do it.
EXAMPLE: If you want to perform better in your next CrossFit WOD...then choose to do it!
Do you remember your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember how excited you were just to FINISH or get your first muscle up? Remember CrossFit is about your personal bests....your weaknesses...your growth. Find joy in what you do well and in the small steps forward.
Each week during this process (Open Sectionals)... is an opportunity to throw it down, self discover and stretch your limits! That's FUN...don't forget that.
PS: Erin Bennion will be throwing it down Wednesday @ 9am 5min AMRAP Sq Clean and Jerk!