Competition. It’s healthy, it’s fun, and it’s key to our survival as the human race. Quite natural that we’d introduce it into so many facets of our lives.
Here’s how it came up for me this week. It was the Sunday run, soft sand. Tim beat me. He always beats me. Every once in a while he’ll say that thing about, it’s not about who wins, it’s about who whatevers. I dunno. I never listen that far. Because it’s about who wins.
At least this Sunday I was closer. By the end of the run, I was just one lifeguard station away. Suddenly the competition was within reach, and everything changed. In a flash I knew I can narrow that gap — and it made me all-out insane that I haven’t. That disconnect between potential and achievement is intolerable to me.
So Monday morning I woke up determined to improve even more. First thought was, who are my competitors? Pick your guides wisely. Encourage them, challenge them, and in turn they’ll motivate you beyond what you think possible.
Who’s inspiring me today:
- Me. You are always your own best competition. Nothing feels better than surpassing yourself.
- Tim. Why not set the bar high? He’s awesomely athletic, and never lets anyone beat him.
- My grandma. She started yoga at 70, and was doing headstands well into her 80’s.
- My pal Yogi. Another gifted athlete, he lives for competition — and never forgets. Always makes me accountable.
- My friend Connor. He’s 5, and just started t-ball. That kid can run. His form is dead-on perfect (balanced, working from the core), he’s goal-oriented (round those bases as fast as he can), and he responds to a challenge.
Ten minutes after caffeine, I had the plan. But what to call it? Gotta give it a name – but can’t slow down now.
Here’s my [insert cool name later] workout:
1. one handstand – held for 20 breaths. Start with something new. Chances are you’ll exceed your expectations. What’s better for that than something that turns your world upside down? I haven’t done handstands in years, but Granny did headstands, so I think I can handle one little handstand. Yes, I supported myself against the wall a little bit so I didn’t fall over, but I did it. And lit the fire…
2. pullups – 28. Yup, 28. (Max set was 27 the day before.) Move to something you know you can do well. It’s good for the ego. Plus it makes people who can only do 10 or 12 really really crazy.
3. pushups – 40 and 40. Great for general strength-building and posture.
4. abs (bicycles) – 35 each side. Core work is always central to any workout.
Now for the tough stuff:
5. soft sand warm-up run with 3-pound weights. Not so difficult as it sounds. But by no means easy.
6. soft sand sprints with 3-pound weights. 8 total, each one half the distance between lifeguard stations. All-out brutal. But great for the explosive strength, the stamina, the endurance.
7. end each set of 2 sprints with rotator cuff and shoulder work. 4 sets of 20 each (internal rotations, lifted rotations, side lifts, shoulder presses).
8. soft sand cool-down run, and fast walk up stairs from the beach, 2 at a time. Never slow down, keep the great form every single step — despite those weights, which now feel like 10 pounds each.
This was, quite frankly, an outstanding workout. I surpassed myself, set myself a new normal, and can never look back. Nicely done. And easily adaptable to your own circumstances – work with the equipment and space that you have, but be sure to push yourself to excel in those first exercises. It’ll drive your achievement the whole way through.
The goal, the inspiration, the plan, the cool name. I’ve got everything except the cool name. What do we call this workout? Suggestions, please. Don’t be shy. Or polite.
So, people, what have we learned today? Pick one:
(a) Competition is an extremely effective motivator and can lead you to your best achievements ever.
(b) Bancroft is bat-guano crazy — he competes not only against two exceptionally talented athletes about half his age, but also against a 5 year-old, and his own (may she rest in peace) grandma .
(c) Both of the above.
No comments:
Post a Comment