Perceived Exertion
I'll be honest; I don't always give 100%. This morning, for example, it was incredibly hot. I don't recall the exact temperature, but it's currently 96 degrees with a "feels like" temperature of 98. Our workout at CrossFit Metropolis was a series of four 800 meter sprints separated by three minute rest periods. As much as I wanted to sprint, I also wanted to make sure that (a) I finished the workout and (b) I didn't make myself sick along the way. I don't question my logic in wanting to take it a little easy today, but I do wonder how good I am gauging my exertion level. Could I have worked 10% harder and still been fine?
In this video, taken not too long ago at CrossFit Metropolis, I'm carrying a 52 lb barbell overhead while walking in a figure eight pattern. I knew when I was doing it that I could handle heavier weight, but I didn't know how much. My final attempt was 62 lbs, and it was fine. I wobbled in a few places, and I'm not sure that I would have been able to smile like I did with 52 lbs, but I did it. Could I have done more? I don't know.
Later that evening we rowed 100 meters, then did 20 burpee box jumps, ran 800 meters and finished with 20 burpee box jumps for time. Here I am in my final set of burpee box jumps:
Was I working at capacity? I know that I felt that I was, or at least 85% or so because I had to pace myself, but in the video I just don't see it.
CrossFit's big on scores. I love that, and I struggle with it. I find that I care more about "the numbers" when it comes to weights. Lifting more is cool. Getting through a workout faster than I had before, though, doesn't do as much for me. Still, I like to feel like I'm giving it my all. I probably just need to start wearing my heart rate monitor more again.
On that note, I leave you with two pictures. Enjoy.
one of 250 air squats done in that workout
muscle up progressions
-Gym Belle-
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Reader Comments (2)
Awesome job! You look great and strong!
You might be my new workout hero!