Last night, I did my timed one mile. It sucked. I felt like I was running from The Great Molases Flood of 1919 (thank you to AndyOnTheRoad-awesome blog).
“A rapid rise in air temperature caused a molasses storage tank to rupture at the Purity Distilling Co. in Boston, MA. 2.5 million gallons of molases were released and poured out of the tank in 8 to 15 foot waves. The molasses rushed down streets at speeds of 35 mph and a force of 2 tons per square foot. Buidlings and cars in the area were crushed by the force. 21 people were molassassed to death and an additional 150 were injured.”
So buy these standards, I would have been prey to ignominious and early departure from life. It is interesting to note during this Paleo Challenge that the Great Molasses Flood comprised a Paleo substance: true molasses is harvested raw from trees.
My time was 12:53 and I (enter stage left the Grim Reaper groaning) was slow as molasses. And, for those who don’t believe, the front page of the Globe in 1919 and a great book Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919.
My max hang time was 35 seconds. And according, to Drill Sergeant Harry, a little girl scored 2:00 minutes. So, at this point, I am still not pursuing sponsors to support my lofty aspirations of becoming an elite athlete.
Though, if I were to find sponsors I would love Lululemon Athletica, Lucy and for good measure Vibram. They would at least make me comfortable and stylish compared to the Big Dawgs. And, those Vibram five fingered sneakers I want!
That will happen in time.
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September 2nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Hi Amanda,
You did fine in your mile run – you completed it! When I started turning the dial from unfit to fitter, I could not make it from one telephone pole to the next one without stopping. A few more nights, and then I could make it to one, walk to the next and then try to run to the third one. It ALL sucked, and even when I could run 20, 8-minute miles (what a Sunday that was…) my training partner was STILL faster than me. You finished your mile – epic!
One of the things I learned at the CFNE Throwdown is that showing up, trying to finish what’s in front of you and respecting your fellow competitors is all that really matters. You already know this from your work with Ben. (Is that jealousy in my fingertips!?) I really had to do it to learn it, and I’m still buzzed from it today.
Keep rockin!
Greg
P.S. I know death by hot, fast moving molasses wasn’t pretty, but I bet it smelled good!
[Reply]
americapeals Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Greg,
Thank you for your kind words. And, I think Woody Allen had similar sentiments showing up is 90% of the work. Well…in this case I do not think he had CrossFit in mind. And, I think for me that’s is all I am going to do, show up and complete each challenge. This is a long road but I have done this before. I think its all about that cliche “pain is weakness leaving the body.”
Another note, if you read the clipping of the Boston Globe that actually stated that people were “molassed” to death.
[Reply]
americapeals Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Greg
When did you begin your journey of becoming fitter? Its funny b/c my mom is 62 and training for a marathon and she told me the same thing last night. “You finished it.” Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Amanda
[Reply]
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hang in there. You’re on the right path. Blah blah blah. This summer has been terrible for me in all things physical. Let’s hope we both make it!
[Reply]
americapeals Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Marie,
Are you doing the Paleo Challenge as well? What was tough for you this summer?
best
Amanda
[Reply]
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Keep going!! You will get better and better! I agree with Greg–you finished your run…that is a win right there. I’ll check in later A!
[Reply]
September 13th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Good luck with the training, America, and good job running the mile. You’ll continue to get better.
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