So about that "writing a blog post every Monday, Wednesday, Friday" thing.... Lol. I was never a fan of homework, can you tell? Here's me attempting a reboot. It's Tuesday. Fitness posts are supposed to be up Mondays. Never been one for technicalities, either, I guess!
Here we are!
As of two weeks ago, I'm back into training hard(er). I have a race this Saturday in Dallas, Georgia. It's called Savage Race, and unlike Spartan (which has a 30-burpee penalty for missed obstacles), this race has mandatory completion obstacles. It's okay if I don't complete the obstacle, but in order to move on, I'll have to re-do it until I actually successfully complete it. If I can't get past it, I'll get a dnf (basically, I'm dq'd). I know I'm going to shred my non-calloused hands this weekend, but honestly, I can't wait!
Some people have asked what my end goal is in racing. I'm above the average bear at these races, but I'm at the bottom of the elite/pro. I don't really have an end goal, but I have a "during" goal. The truth is I LOVE racing. I feel alive and wrecked and invigorated and humbled. I don't believe I need a race to find purpose or to see how far I can be pushed past my limits. I have God for that. But rather, there is something deeply spiritual to me about fighting until the end no matter how I feel. I love to dig deep, not because I have to, but because I get to. It's a privilege to have my health, and as long as it lasts, I want to honor it by using it in a challenging way as a thank you to God.
Also, added bonus: I'm able to meet some incredible humans when I'm out there racing who teach me about discipline and love and perseverance. I'm sharpened by them, and I in turn hopefully sharpen them. It's my happy place, whether I'm in first or fiftieth place. Winning is fun, but competing is even better.
And plus, let's face it. I pretty much get to hang out on a grown-up jungle gym all day long and slide around in the mud. It's really not all that heroic. At some point during the race, I will be giggling, grunting, achieving, messing up, cheering someone on, almost passing out, smiling like crazy, and pushing myself. I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be than on that course come Saturday. I miss it.
Here's a simple and quick workout for you today that only uses body weight:
Do five rounds of the following:
Beginner: 5 push-ups (knee push-ups are fine), 10 sit-ups, 15 air squats (legs shoulder-width apart, squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground and then stand up tall), 20 second plank (45 seconds rest)
Intermediate: 10 push-ups, 25 sit-ups, 50 air squats, 1 minute plank (30 second rest)
Advanced: 10 push-ups, 20 high plank (right knee to elbow, back to plank, then left knee to elbow), 30 sit-ups, 40(each) mountain climbers, 50 air squats or jump squats, 1 min plank (30 second rest)
Put some music on, and have fun!