Helen

I did Helen tonight. Don’t get too excited, my lesbians; that’s just the name of one of the CrossFit benchmark WODs. Helen is:

Three rounds of

  • run 400 meters
  • 21 kettlebell swings (35 lbs for women)
  • 12 pull-ups

Last time I did this WOD (December 3 of last year), I used a 20-lb kettlebell and green-plus-skinny-purple bands for the pull-ups. I finished in 14:30. Tonight, I was using a 30-lb kettlebell and the blue band. And it took me 14:42.

So it took me twelve seconds longer than it did nine months ago. Fantastic.

I mean, I know I was doing more work this time with the equipment change, but goddamn.

A few weeks ago after a workout, my buddy Jack said, “Good job, Scott.” And I said, “No. It was not. I have a Bad Attitude about my performance today.” And we laughed.

Sometimes I can do that. Laugh about how bad I am. Other days I boo-hoo into my sleeve. Occasionally, I spew vitriol at myself. Today, I just feel like, goddamn.