Sometimes you just never know

So today I was not feeling good about the workout. Not at all.

I was tired and kept yawning. The warm-up Kehau put us through didn't seem like it was going to end and my deadlifts were lacking. I went up to 295 and cranked out four reps.

Meanwhile this guy, a visiting Crossfitter from Portland, Oregon cranked out 12 reps of 315 plus. I wasn't surprised, usually anybody who visits the gym is in good shape. Let's face it, if you're so dedicated to working out that you're determined to workout DURING your vacation then you're probably no slacker.

Then came the WOD, which, although it included my favorite handstand pushups, was not rocking my boat. We had to do 10 HSPU's, 20 kettlebell swings and run the 400 meter.

I was thinking I could crank out the HSPU's, try to make it through the KB swings and then hope my back didn't stiffen up during the run. I wasn't even thinking about trying to beat this guy.

Seriously.

And then, a funny thing happened.

I cranked out the HSPU's as I expected but then when it came time for the kettlebell swings I HAD NO PAIN. None. Zilch. Zero.

I was trying to use a lot of hip like we're supposed to but I always try to do that anyway. But this time I think I might have gotten something right because it was easy. I even had to look at the weight of the kettlebell because I thought I must have grabbed the lighter one by accident.

Nope. There it was, the heaviest one kettlebell we had, swinging up and down in front of me.

I cranked out 20 and started running. Still I'm thinking there's no way I'm going to stay in the lead. Sure enough I'm jogging and Patty and the Portland guy comes up behind me. They caught up to me on the way back and to my surprise didn't pass me.

So the three of us roll into the gym together and I'm STILL thinking that this is too good to last. Portland and I start get in the handstand position and start going. I jump off first again and start the KB swings and again I finish first.

My run was the same, trying to conserve energy but still trying to keep a decent pace. Portland and Patty caught up again and we ran in together once more.

This time though, I was thinking I might have a chance.

So again I rip through the HSPU's and KB swings and this time I start running a tad bit faster. I got to the halfway mark and see Portland coming the opposite way. As soon as I pass him I kick it up another gear. Not the afterburners, but just a tad more speed.

I didn't hear anybody's footsteps behind me as I rounded the corner and entered the gym. The clock said 10:19.

And get this. I wasn't even winded. Sorta sweating a little but there was no lying down on the ground and dying like I usually do after the WOD.

Yeah, no joke. I still don't know what happened.

Maybe it was just the right WOD or maybe the extra cardio workouts I've been doing have had an effect. Maybe I finally started doing kettlebell swings the right way or maybe because I've trimmed down there's less strain on my back.

Maybe it was all of the above.  All I know is, that was pretty sweet. A frickin pain free workout. Afterwards I wondered if this is how Derek and Bumper and Fank and all those elite guys at the gym feel all the time.

By the way, I asked for the Portland couple's name and took their picture with my cell phone because I was totally going to brag on my blog. But now that I'm writing I don't feel like bragging anymore.

Except to say, HA!!!! BEAT 10:19 DEREK!!!!

Rod