Wrong Turn on the Way
When Maya and Steve first announced the KB tournament, I was nervous. Up until that point, I had been unable to complete a long-cycle set without mentally freaking out. But, I agreed to do it because it gave me an opportunity to work towards a concrete goal – to master the mental aspect of this grueling sport. If I improved my technique along the way, that would be icing. Well, two things happened last week that made me realize that I had somehow gotten lost along the way. First, I allowed someone’s incredible progress to rock my world. After watching a fellow KBer reach new heights on Wednesday, I went home stressed out and unable to sleep. All I could think about was how I was going to get my ass kicked in the competition (so much for conquering my mental obstacles). And on top of that, I felt lousy because I didn’t congratulate this person on her rock star performance – not even a high 5! But then, the second thing happened – I watched Maya’s video. And I realized that I didn’t care about winning next Saturday. I don’t care about the numbers. I saw Maya’s precision and grace and knew instantly that my trip was only just beginning.
Anyway, I wanted to share this because I have been listening to people stress out about the competition and I want to tell everyone to just chill and try to have fun. Pick a reasonable goal – like, say, beating your personal record (not the personal records of all the people in your division). Because next Saturday is not the destination – it’s just one stop on the journey.
Shari
wonderful and honest writing Shari. thanks for sharing and helping make the IC such a great place to workout- because of the insight and willingness to share.
Thanks for Shari-ng. I’m sure others can relate and will appreciate your perspective.
Thank you for being so open, honest and REAL. These are important lessons for us all. I guess this means I don’t have to worry about anyone channeling Tanya Harding then? (You had me worried with that Halloween costume.)
That’s funny, Maya. Last week I was thinking about asking Suzanne to put her fuschia skating dress on and whack me in the knee with a kettle bell – put me out of my misery. Didn’t realize I was subconsciously channeling that!
I whacked myself on the shin with a kettlebell…does that count?
Y’all will get to see the absolutely LOVELY evidence on Saturday, since I have to wear shorts. Come to think of it, the dog got me pretty good on the other shin with his noggin last night, too. I’ll be symmetrically damaged – fab!
But in all seriousness…thanks for bringing things into perspective, Shari. I know that we like to go gonzo on the competition part, but you’re absolutely right that there’s a lot more to this meet than just prodding buttock.
Shari, thanks for baring yourself to us, and we can all relate to being a little too competitive. We all have to remember that each of us is on a personal journey that is made rich by having love and support along the way.
Anyways, those trophies look tight! MINE MINE MINE!!!!
Shari is very bad-ass for this piece. Not so easy to admit such things.
Agreed…. seriously Shari, thanks for sharing.
I think you look great, Shari and I always see you rock every kettle bell workout! It is certainly a journey, but you need to remember to give yourself credit along the way!
Shari, your honesty and encouragement has kept me going on this KB thing. It is a great thing to have a goal, to have something that we are not so great at (yet) and to keep striving! Thank you for being our team captain. You have great class and skill and motivation. And, by the way, our syncro routine ROCKS, so tell everyone to look out on UTube!
Thanks for the kind words, everyone! Beth, you are so right about our routine! And it’s because it was truly a team effort. Hang on to your hats, folks!
Yay Shari!
What a great entry. I can’t wait to watch everyone do their personal best…and I imagine your words have taken some of the anxiety of the experience away. Cheers!
Tracy T.