My First WOD

I sat in my car waiting for the garage doors to lift up. Good, only two other cars in the parking lot. I'm glad I came to the early class so there won't be a lot of people.

Within five minutes there were about 10 cars. Streaming out of these cars were young people, probably in their 20's and 30's, all fit, cut, and ready to eat someone. Here I was, the lone oldie but goodie. I was twice their age, probably twice their weight and I was going to be their peer (or so I wrongly thought). The instructor told us to warm up. They went for a run, stretched, swung arms. I stood there. Warm up??? Isn't someone supposed to show me how to warm up?

So begins my journey into Crossfit.

I really like going to the gym but I have rarely felt a tremendous satisfaction after a workout. I slowly realized that I enjoyed doing weights. I hate the elliptical, can't run because of pains in my leg, and, although I love to dance, find zumba boring. But weights? Love them. Can't get enough of them. I feel strong and powerful when I lift something, whether it's a dumb bell, bar or medicine ball. But I have trouble following exercises from the internet so I knew I needed to find something else.

My marathon running, weightlifting, nutritious eating daughter Megan said I should try Crossfit. Said it was an amazing group who were supportive and I would love it. She would even go with me.

So why am I standing in the middle of the "box" feeling alone, nervous, and so out of my element? Right then and there I make a promise to myself that, after this is over and I have humiliated myself, I won't come back. I think, "Just make it through this next hour and you won't have to see these people ever again."

After I make a futile attempt at warming up Mark, one of the instructors, shows us the WOD (Workout of the Day). He smiles and tells me and Megan that we happened to come on a day that has one of the hardest workout ("Oh, great. NOW I find out. Can I leave now without anyone noticing?").

The WOD is daunting. It starts with a 800m run. Hah! That leaves me out immediately. Nope, Mark makes adjustments and I find myself rowing instead of running. Of course I'm the only one rowing but what the heck. Then comes pullup - about a gazillion of them. I can't even get up on the box to reach the bar cause I'm too short (add another humiliation to the growing list) but Mark has me using rings. I'm glad to see another woman is using rings also. Whew.

More rowing, then burpees. Is he kidding? My legs have given up and I can barely stand. I manage 12 burpees that are pretty pathetic looking. I feel bad because Megan is doing my share and she looks like death. I figure she won't want to come any more after taking care of her mom.

Damn, More rowing.

Finally kettlebells. Yeah, something I can do with everyone. But 200 swings??? Megan and I take turns whittling away at the 200.

And, finally, more rowing. Really??

Sweat pours off me. My heart pounds. My legs can barely hold me up. My arms are twitching. And then I realize something - I wasn't thinking about the other people during this time. I was too busy trying my best and trying not to let Megan down. And I realized something else. I was smiling. A wobbly smile, but one never the less.

I think I'll come back for one more class.