NEW BEGiNNiNGS!!!

Hey everyone!

I know I haven’t updated in a few weeks, and have barely had any time to make it into the gym the past couple of weeks. My last semester at Texas State University has been more challenging than I expected, with an exam every Thursday of each week. The classes are much more difficult then usual with two writing intensive, essay only courses which is requiring much more time studying and less time driving to Austin to complete those WOD’s at the Westlake Crossfit gym. Not being able to make it to the gym as regularly as before has been hard for me, and on average the past two weeks I have only been able to get around 2 work outs in per week, with some strict pull ups and push ups done in my spare time at my apartment. Not only do I miss the intensity of a great work out, I am beginning to miss my regular meetings with some really amazing and inspiring people! Life has been stressful, and I can honestly and truly say I have not been doing my part to stay healthy and active. In order to re-motivate myself, I just read a few of the blogs that were writen during my 30 day strict paleo diet.

Not only has school been stressing me out, work has also been stressing me out for various different reasons. After working at the front desk of the Hampton Inn and Suites for almost two years, today it was time for me to submit my “three” weeks notice! So during the next couple of weeks, I will be dedicating all my spare time into looking for jobs, hopefully around the Austin area! It is truly time for a new beginning.

Working out has always been my outlet in great time of stress, and while not having the time to make into the gym for an intense work out, I have noticed a difference in my attitude and moods as well. Because of this and other reasons as well (obviously), I am going to make a better effort to get into the gym- even if it involves staying up later to catch up on studying and homework.

Oh boy has this week been awfully stressful, and I know it’s not going to be getting any easier with the addition of having to look for a new job and needing to start searching for houses to rent in Austin as well. But I believe that with a strict and organized to-do-list (and less sleep) I can accomplish getting into the gym more, maintaining good grades during my last semester, working full time at the hotel for my last couple of weeks and looking for a new job, oh and I forgot, while volunteering at the childrens hospital as well :\  !!! yikes.

I know there is a plan for everyone, and right now I can feel that a change needs to happen in my work life for me to start reducing the stress that has been building up the last few weeks! I hope to see all my crossfit friends very soon, I have truly missed you all.

"attitude is everything"

On Tuesday morning I had a great learning experience! It's not something I am proud to discuss, but maybe I can help others through doing so. I had a MAJOR attitude and negativity problem during the 6:00am crossfit class, which not only affected my performance, but those around me as well. The realization of my early morning grumpiness has caused me to start concentrating on this aspect before stepping into the gym!! Attitude affects performance more than we really understand, and comprehending the magnitude of positive self talk is important. The Crossfit Journal has plenty of articles and videos discussing this issue, and it is something that cannot be attained automatic. We must learn about and practice positive self-talk on a daily basis, something I will be working on both inside the gym, and outside!

Example
A true story that was told during a self talk seminar discusses two different gentlemen and a muscle up work out. (It’s been a long time since I’ve watched this video so bare with me- It is on the crossfit journal) Basically, the story begins with two competitors who were neck and neck in a crossfit competition. The following, and last WOD to be completed consisted of 10 muscle ups- but neither had mastered the skill of a muscle up. As one gentleman passes a group of crossfit judges, he says out loud, "I have never completed a muscle up before, there is no way I am going to finished this work out!" The other competitor, jogs by the same crossfit judges, and says out loud, "I have never completed a muscle up before; today I will get my first muscle up!!!" Wow, right? That’s some encouraging and positive self talk! What happens next? What do you think?!

The competitor whose mind was filled with negative thoughts did not complete one muscle up throughout the entire allotted time given for the workout, although he never gave up, he did not finished the work out. On the other hand, the competitor with the extreme positive thoughts in his mind, completed all 10 muscle ups! When I find the video discussing this topic, I will be sure to post it for you to check out. Its amazing to think your thoughts can have such a dramatic impact on your performance!!

If you have a subscription to the Crossfit Journal, Type in the search box, “Positive Self-Talk: The Greatest Adaptation (I believe this is the correct video)

Lets all start working on staying positive inside the gym!! No, "I cant do this," "This is going to be really hard," or "This sucks" -- No more complaining, negativity, or bad attitudes! (This is mainly referring to myself) But lets help keep each other optimistic!! THINK POSITIVE!!!!

Everyone have a great Wednesday.