I’m not much of a runner. In primary school I was the only house captain who would come last in every race. When I moved on to Harrison College I wasn’t much better. I was enthusiastic enough to rack up house points for trying out, but non-athletic enough to find myself again battling for last place in most of the qualifying heats.
I never believed I could run and never even tried to test the theory until about six years ago. I surprised myself by working up to running a few miles. Then I stopped. Running wasn’t really for me. My husband nicknamed me the sloth (in as loving a way as possible) and I was OK with that. Some people just weren’t meant to be athletes.
Again, enter CrossFit and another of my philosophies has been turned upside down. When I started six weeks ago I was encouraged to start training with the running squad as well. Run Barbados was coming up and my coaches were convinced that I could handle it. A funny thing happens when the people around you have faith that you can do something. You start believing it too. I set myself a goal. I would go from no running at all to competing in my first Run Barbados 3K race, which happened to fall the day before my birthday. It would be my birthday gift to myself and if I made it I would have a lot to celebrate.
I can count the number of training sessions I had on one hand, but it goes to show that you improve quickly with running. A lot of it is mental and if I can point to one of the most remarkable things that CrossFit does, it strengthens your mental resolve. It develops a can-do attitude and your body starts to follow suit.
The weekend of the 3k race I made a last-minute decision to also run the Fun Mile. I had been away travelling the week before and was worried that because I hadn’t been running at all while I was gone I would have been affected. I was right. Even the warm-up had me feeling like I was gasping for breath. For the first half of the race my chest was burning. A little voice crept in. “You’re not even half way in the mile and you’re struggling. How are you going to do the 3k tomorrow?”
I pushed it aside and as I hit the last stretch, Britney Spears yelling at me to work in my headphones, I calmed down, my breathing settled and I hit a more comfortable zone. I crossed the finish line in a time that wouldn’t impress most, but it felt like a victory to me.
Next day, I went into the 3K with a more positive attitude. I was nervous but I told myself that I would not stop. I would fight through and I would finish. I ran with a friend and we urged each other on through the rainy start of the race to the final triumphant push at the end. I did it. I wasn’t fast and was probably somewhere near the bottom of the pack, but I finished and with time that was a personal best for me.
As I end this series this week, know that it is by no means the end of my fitness journey. I have learned so much and changed so much in the last few weeks.
I feel better about myself and I can see the fitness goals I’ve set for myself within reach. I’ve realised all you have to do is start. You can’t achieve anything if you don’t make a start and with every achievement your belief in yourself grows.
I’ve also learned that having positive people around you encouraging you and challenging you makes the world of difference. If you have fitness goals find people who are like-minded and stick with them. They will drive you forward. You will motivate and find strength in each other. I cannot end this without thanking the coaches and people at CrossFit IslandFit. You have changed my life. I will not stop. I am so grateful.
Thank you all for following these past weeks, for messaging me words of encouragement and even stopping me on the street to point out my more toned assets. If you’re starting your own journey or want to keep going with me you can still follow on Instagram @i_survived_crossfit. Tag me and I’ll share your stories too. I’ll be seeing you. Live strong. Be happy. Stay healthy.
Tracy is a freelance writer and communications consultant determined to finally take control of her personal fitness.