My Competition: A Day in the Life Sunday

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"There's nothing like a little healthy competition," someone says. Outwardly, everyone in hearing range casts a knowing grin and nods their head in agreement. Yet, how many of you stop in your tracks and want to run the other way at any hint of a competition?

I don't run away from competition but I am not the first to routinely throw my hat in the ring. I know myself well enough to know when I am playing it too safe and get the urge to shake things up a bit. There are times, however, when the ever-present voice echoing "CAN'T"  does get in my way.

When I let it.

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That voice has been a life-long companion of mine and I've learned how to silence it. At the top of the list of ways is to surround myself with right people. I was commenting to the husband the other night that I have the perfect friends for me right now - fearless, strong, and accepting.

I've been doing CrossFit for almost nine months now. Have you tried working out with young(er) and/or very strong athletes and not feel a tinch of dismay at your own age and/or physical condition? How'd that go for you?

Welcome to my world. I have to remember to keep my "mirror" handy and appreciate  my gains each week.

This week, I actually had a big gain. I did a kipping pull up.  Mine is more of a muscle up than a smooth glide like the instructor in this video but I got my chin above the bar and set myself up for a second one. It's a combination of mind and muscle and it's been a long time coming.

And you know what? I like the view.

By: Lisa Rosendahl

I'm 50: A Day in the Life Sunday

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My 50th birthday was Monday. I spent Monday night in an out of town ER waiting room. I hope this isn't an indication on what the next 50 years have in store for me.

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I ended my birthday week with a run and in much better condition than I started. The run was a 2.5 mile recovery run after my #Crossfit workout Saturday morning. It was a killer workout for me: 400m run, 50 wall balls, 50 burpees, 50 sit ups, 50 KB swings, 25 tire flips, 25 GHD sit ups, 25 shoulder press and 25 squats.

Why, with 4 other workouts to pick from and a week without exercise, did I choose the psycho one with the 50 burpees? "More burpees, please," said no one ever.

I wanted to see if I could do it. 

After getting passed the thought that this workout was beyond me, deciding to break the 50s into sets of 10 as needed, ignoring the timer and silencing the inner voice pleading with me to consider Level 1 and one-half of the reps, I hit the pavement. 

Could I do it? Yes, I could. It wasn't easy and it was pretty but did the whole thing, right down to the 50th burpee, 25th tire flip and very last squat.

I wished it were easier for me, but if it was, I know I'd never get any better.

Whether it's exercise, running, leadership, learning a new task, human resources, real estate, relationship, parenting, don't wish for easy - wish for insight, support, courage and the strength to face whatever life throws at you.

One of the birthday cards I received from my husband read that turning 50 "means wearing your confidence like a smile and striding through your life - regret-free, fearless, and purposeful."

Don't wait until you are fifty, wear your confidence like a smile now.  If you are approaching a milestone birthday, don't fret - come talk with me. We got this.