This is a little bit of a different blog entry today, more personal of my journey for those who have been following. Thank you, by the way, for following because it’s been one heck of a ride!
This weekend I competed at Festivus Games. This is a fitness competition designed for amateur CrossFit athletes who want to challenge themselves beyond ordinary workouts. This year, I decided to take the plunge and participate, which set off a journey filled with challenges, learning, and surprising achievements.
The road to Festivus was paved with discipline, dedication, and a wee bit of stress along the way. Proudly, I can say that I stuck to my commitments, no matter the hurdles. I completed 24.1, 24.2 and 24.3 workouts for the CrossFit Open this year (@ CrossFit Somos) leading up to this event as well. This is way out of my comfort zone, since my previous competition experience was based on my outward looks rather than my athletic performance.
I had registered for Festivus last year but I was unable to attend because my Achilles Tendon tear wasn’t fully on its way to recovery, with a second micro tear happening amongst practice. Regular visits to the physiotherapist became part of my routine, and adjusting my Zumba schedule, ensuring that I could perform to my best this round. This dedication to my physical well-being taught me the importance of listening to and caring for my body as I stay consistent with my workouts, as well as adjusting my sails instead of coming to a complete halt. I think of this like regular maintenance on a car, except it’s for my body.
Nutrition played a crucial role in my preparation. Aligning my diet with my training helped fuel my workouts and recovery. I stuck to a regimen that complemented my training intensity, which not only boosted my performance but also instilled a sense of consistency in every aspect of my life. Fuelling my body for performance and for my workouts is a different ball game than what my previous experiences have taught me about eating for weight loss. In return, I have lost body fat however, if we want to talk about weight loss here.
One of my favourite outcomes of my training was surpassing my personal goals. Unexpectedly, I hit personal records (PRs) I hadn’t planned on, which proved that I was consistent in my training and nutrition. Mastering new skills such as holding my weight on a gymnast bar and executing a kip swing to my knee raises added new dimensions to my capabilities and a new notch in my skillset belt. This, along with my deadlift, is my most proud accomplishment in the past few months.
During the competition, I felt strong in three out of four workouts. These moments were high points, showcasing my strength, prep work, and resilience, and they brought me a sense of confidence. 33 unbroken wall balls (36 technically. I did get no repped for 3 of them for target whoopsies) was a great feat too. The fourth workouts didn’t go as planned though. The time clock already had started, as well as my movement, but my rower was having a technical problem so it pushed my timing back a little bit. I was about to move into my next movement which would have been smooth sailing when the buzzer sounded. Same happened with the deadlift ladder. Because I was the second competitor in line for the start of the entire competition, the judges (who were actually amazing by the way!!) weren’t sure what the timing was when the individual before me ran out the time clock and held back the switch… so I lost about 20-30 seconds in my final stretch. I managed to still complete the required reps AND finish strong in an AMRAP, however I could have pulled more before the buzzer went off. This experience was still valuable because it taught me about handling something I can’t control and the importance of mental resilience in competitions. I still finished proud, happy, and strong.
Reflecting back on the Festivus Games this past weekend, I am very proud of what I achieved. It was more than just a competition; it was a journey of self-discovery and growth. As a coach/trainer to have another coach/trainer/gym to help, can be a strong mental adjustment too, but even the strongest athletes, coaches, and trainers, have coaches and others to oversee their work. I am so glad that I did and still do. The experience at Festivus and leading up to it with CrossFit, revealed my strengths and areas for improvement, both physically and mentally. There was also a group from The Transformation Station who came down- it made the sushi celebration afterwards so amazing! Celebrating with Teresa who also competed, amongst my partner (Chris), and some of the best people was truly a weekend to remember. Special shoutout to Christine who competed as well at Festivus in Orillia and showcased her hard work and dedication!
Moving forward, I have decided not to compete in another Festivus event. Instead, I am setting my sights on Hyrox this fall, plus next years Open, a different kind of fitness challenge that I look forward to tackling with new goals and strategies.
Competing in the Festivus Games was a pivotal experience in my fitness journey. It reinforced the value of perseverance, the importance of preparation, and the joy of exceeding my own expectations. I have the memories of a competition, plus the lessons that’ll help me with my next chapter.
-Christina
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