To try to put into words all the emotions I am feeling right now, is near impossible. I am not eloquent enough a poet to express the humility, relief, excitement, pride, joy, appreciation, and excitement racing through my heart. What I can say, though, is thank YOU. As I sat reading the comments left on my Facebook page and flooding into my phone during the days leading up to Regionals, I began to embrace that there were a lot of people who truly believed in me. And then as the weekend approached and with each new smiling face I met, I realized that if I could simply bottle the confidence that others had in me, I could accomplish this goal that was so dear to my heart.
This year was different for me. It meant something greater than simply an opportunity to compete. For the first time in my life, I felt as though I really needed to prove to myself that I was good enough. You see, in 2009 I felt like I got a little bit lucky. I had been an athlete all my life, the workouts back then did not require a high degree of skill at the regional level, and I landed a 4th place spot and a ticket to the Games. The 2009 Games was truly a "survival of the fittest" type competition. Those with the mental fortitude to go on, went on. Even after a 5th place finish overall I wasn't convinced that it wasn't luck that landed me there. Last year, in a sense, I felt like I was still coasting in on 2009's pedal of "luck." A bit disappointed with a 12th place overall finish, I was not satisfied and had not yet convinced myself that this was not all happening by chance. I have approached the last 11 months with a different mentality. That is, to be a better CrossFit athlete than I had ever been before. In a sense, I had hoped that would be fulfilling enough. When I look at my stats from 2009 and compare them to now, they are almost laughable. As the Games season approached, I quickly realized that wasn't going to offer that satisfaction I longed for and that I needed to prove to myself that I really belong.
In the weeks leading up to the competition I tried my best to stand rooted in my belief that God has a plan. He is ultimately the play caller in my life and I simply see it as my responsibility to prepare myself to the best of my ability for the opportunity he provides. About 2 weeks before competition I came across the song "Background" by LeCrae. It became my anthem.
To my awesome friends, family, training partners, and even those of you whom I may not know all too well, thank you all for believing in me, giving me the confidence to embrace your belief, and allowing me to 'play the background' for a purpose greater than myself.
God Bless,
Linds
Beautiful and classy response. Hope to actually see you at the Games. But I will be seeing you and cheering for you. And if it makes you feel better, I'll be cheering because of how God is using you to further His Kingdom and His Purpose. Carry on, Lindsey. You're doing well.
ReplyDeleteTim
When I think of THE top women crossfit athletes, I think of you. You're definitely not coasting and have proved time and again what an amazing athlete you are. Thanks for inspiring so many! Good luck at the games :)...and I Love reading your blogs!
ReplyDelete@Tim: As always, thanks for the kind word. I really appreciate your continued support and encouragement. Hope to see you in Cali!
ReplyDelete@chelseaestes: Thanks for reading. It is comments like that that keep me going when my back is against the wall. I appreciate the support more than you know.
I'll always be rooting for you, and letting your light shine in me to help me be a better athlete, every day! Thank you!
ReplyDelete-Heidi Schnappauf (CF L1 cert, Orange, CA June 11-12, 2011)