It’s been great to head down the coast and get away from Canberra for a week. It actually wasn’t that long ago that we were down at Bawley Point but this time it’s completely different. I think I was more stressed out before we came down last time and I never really switched off…
This time round I was less stressed and came down with a plan: To go and train with the Area 61 crew every single day. Hit the Maulbrooks MTB tracks every second day and go for a surf on the mini mal and SUP (thanks Kristy) whenever I could manage.
I was driving to the Area 61 yesterday and realised that I was quite nervous – Nervous about how I’d go. Nervous about what people would think of me. Would I move well? Was there going to be running and if so: would I come last? Then I got to thinking -> I actually get nervous every single time I go to CrossFit…
I don’t think this is a bad thing. I think it stretches you. Understanding why you get nervous before a workout and then trying to conquer your fears is a good thing. Sure, every training session is an opportunity to get stronger, faster and fitter but it’s also an opportunity to learn something about yourself. Something about the way you manage your fears, emotions and your physical output.
I’m not sure if you’ve ever experienced pre CrossFit anxiety but I think I’ve got a couple of ways to deal with it…
1. Realise you can only do what you can do.
Realising that you can only do what you can do is the first step to conquering your fear of what others may think of you. I have one running speed and let’s be honest – it’s not that fast. I see all the people pulling away from me as we run around the block (and it’s only the warm up) – long ago I managed to accept my “super-steady-speed” but also know that I’m just here to get work done. I may not finish the WOD first but I will finish it…
2. Introduce yourself and start up a conversation…
When visiting a new box, it helps to realise that the people there are just as nervous as you are. They’re busy worrying about looking good to the people visiting and they’re also just as scared to introduce themselves as you are. You’ve just got to remember that “it only takes one”. One person to break the ice. One person to walk across the room and say “Hi…”
I think sometimes people worry about forgetting a guy or girls name. If you ever do forget someone’s name don’t stress as it actually gives you a chance to speak to that person again with a “Hey mate, what was your name again?” I think that’s better than avoiding them for the rest of the workout – that’s just weird…
Easiest way I’ve found to remember someone’s name is to introduce yourself, ask their name and what they do for a living… If you’re visiting another box it’s usually a good idea to ask them how long they’ve been CrossFitting for too… As you walk away from the conversation, say it back to yourself in your head “Ah OK, so that guy’s name is Dave – He’s a plasterer and he’s been doing CrossFit for 14 months…. hmmm Dave…”
If you get an opportunity to partner up for the strength element of the session or the metcon and [Dave] seemed like a nice guy – run over and ask him if he needs a buddy…
3. Smile & have some fun.
At the end of the day we’re all here to have fun. If you walk into a box with a scowl and/or looking super serious/too cool for school -> people are going to think you’re a douchebag. If you walk into a box, smile and introduce yourself to everyone you possibly can -> it’s going to set the scene for some fun times…
If you see an opportunity to help someone (do anything) -> then go for it. Help people set up their weights and pack up after it’s all over. Encourage others every single chance you get -> you don’t have to know someone’s name to cheer them on – I think that’s the cool thing about being an Aussie -> We get to use the phrase “Cmon mate – you can do it/keep going… that’s it mate…”
You might get pre CrossFit nerves but the sooner you realise you can only do what you can do, make the effort to say hi and introduce yourself to everyone, the sooner you’ll be having heaps of fun with a new crew of mates -> that will remember you next time you pop in for a WOD 🙂
~ B
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