Struggle #26: PR's

I am going to go out on a limb and say that almost every CrossFitter walks into the gym wanting to hit a PR (personal record or heaviest weight lifted) everyday.  I am no exception. I love hitting PRs and when it is max out day, you better believe that I want to hit a PR lift. I am a competitive individual and PR'ing my lifts is one way I can see how I am getting better.

This past week, our programming included max lifts in just about every lift we do and a prime opportunity to hit PRs in my lifts. We have been doing a lot of strength volume recently so I was really excited to see where I was in my lifting endeavors. I was lucky enough to tie or get a new PR in every lift, but of course I was left wanting a little bit more on some days.

I take my want for more as both stupid and beneficial. On one hand, it is stupid, because tying or hitting PRs, when we aren't really supposed to be is huge. So me being slightly upset seems silly. But on the other hand, it is beneficial because it leaves me hungry for more. I have these over-arching goals that keep me striving to do better. If I ever lose that drive, then I need to move on to something new because in my mind there is no reason competing if you aren't trying to make yourself better.

Walking away from some of the days, I was super positive, but other days I was not. It is sometimes hard for me to understand the why behind everything, which is funny because when it involves my physical therapy patients, I really seem to understand it. But when it is directed straight about me, sometimes I have a hard time seeing the why at the end of the tunnel.

#fail

I discussed with one of my coaches this past weekend in trusting the programming and just having faith in what we are doing. It is harder said than done for me sometimes, but walking away from the week and looking back on it, I really feel positive in the programming we are doing. Every single lift is just as strong as it was before. I may not be making huge number jump but at the point I am in my career, I can't expect those big jumps every day. I know when the time comes and I am rested for my lifts, I will be ready to go.

So in retrospect of the week, here are a few take aways...

• The consistency in my lifts has improved greatly, I am able to hit max numbers or a few pounds off frequently. 
• I have become more comfortable with my technique in the olympic lifts.  
• I am able to cycle the barbell so much quicker than I could before. 
• My grip strength is improving (which I am not sure if that is from my job as a PT or programming).
• And the biggest thing I have realized on reflection of this week is that I am enjoying being in the gym  again. I look forward to lifting and to the gymnastics workouts. I can approach the WODs with a level head and perform well on them. And I can walk away from the gym in a good mood, no matter what happens (for the most part). 

The smile after a fail, no joke.

So cheers to my PRs this week, but also cheers to enjoying the process again. While PRs may not come daily, and that is hard to accept at times, there is still something to find joy in at the gym at the end of every day.