After several months absence, I returned to my CrossFit box this past weekend to help with judging a local throwdown. Initially I’d been worried that seeing people competing would upset me, thinking it would highlight my not yet being ready or able to compete, something I’ve enjoyed tremendously in the past.  Instead, I found myself overwhelmed by the warm welcome from faces I hadn’t seen in far too long, not to mention the many new faces.

Running through an explanation and demo of the WODs with the MC,  I found myself eager to impart both my love for the movements (except of course the DUs, our relationship continues to be ‘complicated’…;) ) as well as some hints and tips on how to approach the WOD and/or maximise reps. Judging the WODs, I found myself keen to enforce consistency of standards, while at the same time wanting each athlete to give it their all to exceed their own expectations.

To say I had a great day is an understatement. Yeah, I did feel some pangs of ‘I wish I was competing’ but similarly, I found myself feeling confident that I will, in time, compete again. I reconnected with a community that has given me so much, in many ways, on many days; it was great to give back. Although my role within that community may take on a slightly different role, I really enjoyed that role (not just because I didn’t have to do DUs)!

It looks like sometimes you’ve got to go back and revisit your past to truly see and appreciate the future.