In a recent Reebok CrossFit interview with Ben Hollingshaus I was asked, "If you could be any other CrossFit athlete, who would you want to be and why?" I can honestly answer this question by saying that I would not want to be anyone other than myself. My reasons are many, but at the root, I am pretty well pleased with the toolbox I have been given, far be it from having maximized potential (which I consider to be more of a good thing than bad right now).
I did go on to share in the interview that I wouldn't mind trading bodies with CrossFit ninjas Speal or Clever for a workout or two, just to perhaps feel the difference in lever length, body weight, etc. We then went on to make jokes about how I would be moving so quickly that I wouldn't know how to control the momentum and would take flight from the pull-up bar. While rather unrealistic, it makes for a good visual. :)
According to the Games site last year, I am officially 3" taller than the average male competitor, and 6" taller than the average female. That's not quite as advantageous as it was on the soccer field or basketball court, but its not all bad either. There are a few perks to being the tallest female competitor for three years running. For instance, I love having nearly every tall CrossFit female on my side and the encouraging and supportive messages that flood my Twitter and Facebook accounts from tall women all over the world. It also comes in pretty handy on the rower, jumping over walls, and spontaneously diving for finish lines. ;)
I will never dwell on being tall as a disadvantage. I don't really even see it as such, regardless of how many times it is brought to my attention by others. Recently, however, I have begun to experience how I can help myself SIGNIFICANTLY by moving more efficiently. I believe that is true, regardless of stature, but especially if you are tall. For years now, I have gotten away with poor technique, crappy mechanics, and less than ideal movement patterns, simply because I had some strength. I am working diligently to change that, one day, one training session, and on week at a time. Often, I feel like I suck at everything right now, but then there are moments of revelation too. The victory of those moments far outweigh the daunting reality that I still have so much to work on.
I did go on to share in the interview that I wouldn't mind trading bodies with CrossFit ninjas Speal or Clever for a workout or two, just to perhaps feel the difference in lever length, body weight, etc. We then went on to make jokes about how I would be moving so quickly that I wouldn't know how to control the momentum and would take flight from the pull-up bar. While rather unrealistic, it makes for a good visual. :)
According to the Games site last year, I am officially 3" taller than the average male competitor, and 6" taller than the average female. That's not quite as advantageous as it was on the soccer field or basketball court, but its not all bad either. There are a few perks to being the tallest female competitor for three years running. For instance, I love having nearly every tall CrossFit female on my side and the encouraging and supportive messages that flood my Twitter and Facebook accounts from tall women all over the world. It also comes in pretty handy on the rower, jumping over walls, and spontaneously diving for finish lines. ;)
I will never dwell on being tall as a disadvantage. I don't really even see it as such, regardless of how many times it is brought to my attention by others. Recently, however, I have begun to experience how I can help myself SIGNIFICANTLY by moving more efficiently. I believe that is true, regardless of stature, but especially if you are tall. For years now, I have gotten away with poor technique, crappy mechanics, and less than ideal movement patterns, simply because I had some strength. I am working diligently to change that, one day, one training session, and on week at a time. Often, I feel like I suck at everything right now, but then there are moments of revelation too. The victory of those moments far outweigh the daunting reality that I still have so much to work on.
I want to be better than I was yesterday, but I still Just Want to Be Me.
Well said!! Good read! While i'm just getting going i feel the same way about myself.. Why would i trade now? Who know what this body can do, if i give it a chance. I'm looking forward to finding out! ahah
ReplyDeleteNice Lindsey; I enjoyed the read! And you know what, I like you just the way you are too! :)
ReplyDelete@Chris: Stay with it, man! Wishing you the best!!
ReplyDelete@CherylB: Thanks lady. Miss you. Hope training is going well!!
"I want to be better than I was yesterday, but I still Just Want to Be Me."
ReplyDeleteA GREEEAAT philosophy that I share with you. Found you through xfit on facebook. Keep up the great work. Stay strong.
Awesome post, good read. High five from a sister in Christ and height!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and staying true to you! I'm encouraged every time I read your blog!
ReplyDelete-Fellow CrossFitter and sista in Christ.
Loved this article! As a woman being 5'10" and getting into crossfit it was almost overwhelming how many shorter people do so well (goes back to when I got kicked off the gymnastics team for my height!) But the nice thing about crossfit is there really is no IDEAL body type... There is something that everyone can excel at and areas where others will ultimately lack so use what you have to the best of your ability!
ReplyDelete@Sean: Thanks. Really appreciate the comment.
ReplyDelete@Lucretia: Thanks so much! Keep fighting the good fight!!
@Jon and Chelsey: Thanks for the read and the support. Appreciate ya!
@Marisa: Thanks so much for leaving your thoughts. Best of luck in your training. Stay after it!!