Getting Back into the Swing Again

It’s been a marvelous swing in which to find myself again--CrossFit-Peloton-ing. I’m easing back into the ‘end of summer/start of new semester’ rhythms, which means more work meetings and more complicated calendars after 9 a.m. This has sent me to the 6 a.m. CrossFit session most days, though I still enjoy the easing into the day slowly before the mid-morning WOD. It’s been good to dance between that and Peloton, each informing the other. [Image: Returned dude12345, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons]

For instance, I’ve learned how to stabilize the mental game on the Echo/Assault Bike! Peloton trains you to focus on the resistance and cadence, particularly if you’re into a Power Zone ride. Some instructors aim for cadence focus, choosing the musical tracks to challenge the riders in cardio or strength-oriented ways. High cadence, cardio; lower cadence with higher resistance, strength-oriented. What I learned was that the 11 calories/round I got to do on the Echo Bike this past Sunday was much easier if I simply focused on keeping the cadence over 60, as close to 65 as I could muster. It was steadying, dependable, and the calories added up without much mental gaming at all. Note to self. Focus on cadence, gradually aim for higher and higher cadences!

The strength-training rhythms were really good this past week too. Power snatches. Push Presses. Power Cleans. And tomorrow invites the deadlift. (I consistently choose to do those lifts in a coached environment, given my foolishness last November).

I also learned a new movement, with an accompanying ‘need to improve’ awareness: sandbag carries. I’ve seen these on tv. I’ve seen the ‘on the shoulder’ weight of either sandbag or wall-ball with a distance walked. But this time I chose a heavier sandbag to carry–50 lbs–for each distance round of 100m. All went well, including besting a workout companion (on the same 100m stretch of the gym). Then…I learned I had not been tight enough in my core to balance with lower back use. Not bad. Not even felt the next day. But I did turn on the seat-heater for the rides in the car that day, and I was gentle with housework I normally do on Sundays. Note to self: bring consistent focus to tightening core when doing sandbag carries in front. 

My Whoop metrics are back into the higher-healthier ranges as well, given last week involved a bit more socializing-alcohol than I’m accustomed to these days. There is an association in me between a full-on-Intensive with introverted-overwhelm for four days and pouring a drink at the end of such a week. Cap that week off with a fun outing with a group I call the Gang of Six–a wine flight for fun, a little good bourbon with cheesecake later on–my body took the hit with the first red-recovery in a long while. Note to self: my body is happier without the booze. No surprises there.

I’m grateful for the familiar rhythms. Working out early, eating in a predictable fueling pattern, tending to both food yearnings and fueling care, staving off cravings. Preparing for the mountain journey coming up, I’ll even wean off of caffeine again, for good this time, at least until October 5th, upon my return to Ohio. I wonder what the 10 days of lower protein intake, fewer calories, will feel like? Less physical activity, to be sure. Time will tell. I'm grateful for this body and all it invites me into.