In about a week and a half, I’ll be participating in the CrossFit Level 1 Certification Course as a step to becoming a coach at Solcana CrossFit.
YOU GUYS. I AM SO NERVOUS. NERVOUS LIKE THE DAY I FIRST DECIDED TO START CROSSFIT. Nervous like, “what if I can’t do all the things? What if no one talks to me? What if I’m the least fit person there? What if I get laughed at? What if I’m the slowest?” Sound familiar? I think this is everyone’s frame of mind as they consider CrossFit – and, I’ve spent 57 weeks dispelling all of these irrational fears. And, now that I’m about to take this next step in my own CrossFit journey, they’re all right back in my head again. I am probably going to need all of you to help talk me down. No, not probably. I do need you to help talk me down.
I’ve done my research. Level 1 is an introduction to CrossFit’s methodology and foundational movements, and the course includes classroom instruction on these topics, as well as hands-on small-group training for the movements. These group sessions are conducted under low intensity with a focus on improving mechanics. (Sounds like something I can do.) Our movements are observed and corrected, and we engage in dialogue concerning effective coaching techniques. Large group CrossFit workouts are conducted as an example of bridging the gap from theory to practice. These workouts provide examples of how to:
- Conduct a class.
- Hold a standard of effective technique at high intensity.
- Achieve relative high levels of intensity for each individual.
- Scale for any ability level.
The Level 1 provides introductory education on the fundamental principles and movements of CrossFit. It is structured to meet two goals: 1) Provide attendees the knowledge to better use CrossFit methods for themselves; and 2) Provide attendees an initial and foundational education to begin training others using CrossFit.
Sounds like something I can handle, right?. But then I’ve heard about how the workout JUST MIGHT BE “FRAN”. Anddddd, fear induced. Fran. Fran!! You know, Fran. The workout that takes some people tp a rather dark place? It consists of completing the following for time (as fast as you possibly can, without stopping):
I know I can do this workout…modified. I’ve done it, modified to banded pull-ups and/or ring rows. I was confident doing this workout in the comfort of my supportive, lovely, encouraging space at Solcana CrossFit. But, now? Now I face the possibility of doing this workout in front of what I assume are the most elite athletes in the world. I totally know these are rather irrational fears but holy hell, I am scared that I might feel like I shouldn’t be a part of this certification.
But then I remember that I had similar feelings when I started CrossFit just over a year ago…and I need to remember what I keep sharing with all of you, because it still applies. It will always apply:
CrossFit is for anyone and everyone.
You have to start somewhere, and very few of us have started CrossFit in the shape we are in now.
There is not ONE way to do a CrossFit Workout of the Day (WOD). Every movement can be modified to meet the training needs of the specific athlete.
You will start at a level of fitness that is acceptable for you.
The fact that I am even attempting to become certified to coach is a step in my own journey I never, ever thought would be on my path. And yet, here we are.
I’m scared as hell.
But I know, with my Solcana CrossFit support behind me, I’m going to get it done. Even if that means modifying. I’ve got the power to change. We’ve seen that. I’ve also got the strength to do it. And I’m going to.
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