Even though I signed up for this on Black Friday, I’m still astonished that I’m getting ready to embark on a 6 week CrossFit Challenge that requires me to attend classes 3 days per week. My schedule typically doesn’t allow for any extra-curricular activities, so the thought of what my life will look like (and my body will feel like) is still a little blurry.
But I suppose what blows my mind the most, is that this is what it takes for me to finally carve out time to reach my goals.
Some might read this and be amazed with the CrossFit aspect of it, but if there is one thing I’m confident about it is my athletic ability. So when I was brainstorming what to share in regard to starting the challenge, I knew I wanted to talk about the time commitment.
How I found time to commit to a 3 day a week, 6 week CrossFit Challenge
I’m not big on telling people that there should be no excuses–there are excuses and I have them! Excuses are real, life is real, but eventually goals need to become real if they will ever come to fruition. From my experience, shifting goals to action evolves in three steps:
Frustration
First the breaking point arrives.
I think there comes a breaking point for everyone, when they are prepared to take action. Or at least I hope that’s the case. Personally, I am tired of not having time for strength training. Strength was something I took for granted before kids and I know I need a challenge of this caliber if I want to get it back.
Support
Next, seek out a support system.
First and foremost, my embarking on this challenge would not be possible without the support of my husband, Lance. We’ve been team Homan from the beginning, he supported me through both my post-baby comebacks, I supported him through a comeback (which included the CrossFit Challenge!) this past summer, and he’s experienced the benefits so much that he’s supporting me again.
With two full time jobs and two young kids, committing to a challenge like this definitely requires spousal support!
Prioritizing/Planning
And then, map out a physical plan.
Three days a week I will be CrossFitting while I’m usually home with the kids and prepping dinner, cleaning up from a long day of not being home. With some prioritizing and planning (and support!) I’m hoping those days will be taken care of ahead of time. I’ll have to be more cognisant of meal planning, flexible with household chores, and generally just get used to thinking a day (or ideally a week) in advance.
These steps are important to remember throughout the challenge as well so that I don’t forget what it’s going to take to see this challenge through and I hope if you are interested in tackling a similar challenge, you can take inventory of these as well.
The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start. – John Bingham (author of numerous running books, Runner’s World author)
This is going to be the quote that sums it up for me right now. Just signing up, just getting out of bed, just getting out the door is half the battle (Lance even went as far as to tell me 90% one day when he was rushing out the door to make it to class!), so don’t be afraid to start!
Have you ever participated in a ‘challenge’?
Were you able to maintain the commitment?
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Sounds like a great challenge although I manage it will be tough to adjust your schedule! I dont think I could go back to working out in the evenings now that I always work out in the morning. It would take quite a bit of planning ahead Ive never tried crossfit but I have always been intrigued by it.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…30 Minute Glute Burning Workout
I’ve never really worked out so late (just found out classes will be at 6!)…it’s definitely going to be difficult! Hopefully I learn to like it!
This sounds like an awesome challenge! You are so right about priorities and time management. I work from 7:30-4 so I usually workout after work. During marathon training I had to do a few runs in the morning …man was that brutal! But I knew I had to get in the runs so it was all about planning.
I hear ya! I leave for work at 6 so unless I get up at 4am, morning workouts are not happening! It’s hard, but with planning it can be done!
Wow adding in another 3 day a week commitment is huge. I think you are right if we really want to find time for something we will. Enjoy it! It’s fun to do something new
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon
It’s really the perfect timing too…I’ll put running on the back burner and start back up in March when this is over.
That a huge time commitment, but I can only imagine it will all be worth it! I’ve never done a challenge before.
I’m super excited about about the process AND the results!
Good luck on your challenge. You’re right, excuses are real. But we can often prioritize and shift our life around if a goal is important to us to make it happen.
Yes, just a little shifting can make it work! Thanks 🙂
Committing to anything like this–for me it’s a marathon–requires a lot of juggling but yes, it can be done!
Totally! I’m no stranger to long term athletic commitment, but this is new for me!
This sounds awesome! It seems like you have a great plan in place. You’re gunna crush it!
Thanks! 🙂
Michelle Homan recently posted…How I Found Time to Commit to a 3 Day a Week, 6 Week CrossFit Challenge
This sounds so exciting! Years ago, when I was laid-off for several months, I committed to a 90-day plan (P90X). As much as I wanted to just go back to bed (after taking the kids to school), I popped in the disc and got to work. No regrets! That 90-day routine got me to love strength work (and cross-training)….and it made me a much better runner. Good luck!
That’s awesome! I think I will fare much better outside of the home! Thanks for your support!
I hope you have a great experience with this challenge! I think having a strong support system is so important especially when you have so much to balance at home. My boyfriend was so important in balancing things when I trained for my first marathon!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…15 Healthy and Comforting Crockpot Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes
It is soooo important! Thanks!
Sounds awesome- best of luck with the challenge!
Jen recently posted…How to Start on a Health Journey
Thanks so much!
It really is all about planning and prioritizing! It sounds like you have a good plan set in place. But I love that you also mentioned that excuses are real. It’s so true and we have to be realistic with ourselves about what’s actually achievable. Sounds like you’re going to have so much fun with the challenge. I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks so much! As much as I want to love the ‘no excuses’ thing, I just cant!
Challenges don’t go well with my personality, but I think planning is key regardless!
I think the challenge aspect keeps things interesting and wanting more. Wanting to be good at something new. Plus, you can continue to grow and get better. That’s fun to me!
I agree! I’m super excited to get started!