Training is all about setting goals and taking on challenges you might otherwise avoid, and those goals can come in every shape and size. This maxim certainly rang true for me this week. For example, I set a goal that I would plan out my training for the week and stick to that plan, even if I didn’t feel like it (and after the CrossFit Games announced what my Friday workout would be, I really didn’t want to). I’m proud to say that I conquered my negativity and completed my weekly training plan. Earth shattering? Not really, but I sure as hell felt great about it, and that’s all that really matters.

Monday: CrossFit

This was my second official class at CTOWN West, and it was a tricky one. We started off with back squats, and though I’m still in a building-up phase with my weight, I managed to increase my max weight by 10 lbs. for a total of 95. I was feeling pret-ty darn proud of myself. I then learned how to do a Power Clean, which is a lot trickier than it looks. This is definitely a skill I need to work on a lot more, but I do love a good learning experience. I topped out at 45 lbs. on that move, and I look forward to working on adding even more in the future.

Tuesday: Run

With every run I do, I’m upping my speed. I need to get ready for the Emily’s Rainbow Run in April (a 4-miler) since my race goal is to place first in my AG. Total miles run this day: 3.

Wednesday: CrossFit

This WOD almost broke me, but in the best way possible. Once more I was learning a new move, and this time it was a GTOH or “ground to over-head.” The regular workout called for pull-ups, which I am not able to do (yet), so I did ring rows. We also had to do lots of push-ups, and a sh*t ton of squats. At first, I miscalculated the total of reps we were to do, as did several others. Once we figured it out, our jaws dropped a bit. I knew I would be hurting something fierce on Thursday.

Thursday: rest day

I don’t think I’ve ever been that grateful for a rest day. Everything hurt. Everything. Later in the evening, I watched the third installment of the CrossFit Games Open. My gym uses whatever WOD is announced for the games as its Friday workout, so I anxiously awaited what was in store for me. When the producer announced the WOD, I literally yelped: muscle-ups, wall balls, and double-unders. In case you missed it in a previous log post, let me be very clear about something: I. HATE. WALL BALLS. If there was an Emoji where the little yellow face was dropped to its knees, weeping with arms akimbo screaming “WHY!” that’s the Emoji I would’ve posted here.

Friday: CrossFit

I had a rotten day at work, I didn’t physically feel that great, and the last thing I wanted to do was 1-millinon wall-balls (I like the drama of the hyperbole). After track practice, I felt a little better – my girls have that affect on me – so I sucked it up and headed to the gym. The warm-up was challenge enough, and I started to get worried that I wouldn’t have enough left in the tank to complete the actual WOD; however, when that timer went off, I jumped into action. I pulled off 111 total wall-balls and 400 single-unders (the scaled version of the CF Games WOD). I was very proud of myself for getting as many WBs as I did, and I was incredibly thankful that I was not expected to complete any muscle-ups. Huzzah!

Saturday: Run

I didn’t just do a road-run: I murdered it. It was “warm” out, so I took advantage of the weather and pounded the pavement. I completed my scheduled 3.5 miles in 27:57, which was a significant jump for me. I met a screaming headwind on the way back, so I know I could’ve been faster. Oh well. One day at a time.

Sunday: Bike

I took it very easy on Sunday, doing only 30 minutes on a low gear. I was sore from my run, and after dinner on Saturday, my husband and I went for a leisurely 3-mile walk, no doubt adding to my soreness. Sunday was all about the recovery as I rolled out with my “frienemy” the foam roller for about 20 minutes after my ride.