Lee’s CrossFit Challenge

by Lee on April 15, 2010

CrossFit Logo

I have always been a proponent of cross-training in any runner’s training regimen, but have struggled to find something I am passionate about. I know that swimming, biking, yoga, etc. are great options for runners, but I want something that excites me as much as lacing up my shoes for a run. Plus, I am just a tiny bit competitive (just ask Isis) and am always looking to test myself physically and mentally. With a little break in our race schedule I thought it was time to find my main go-to for cross-training.

Now to my favorite part, research. I scoured the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, and consulted my good friends. First of all, there are a lot of great options out there for runners and I plan on trying a few. Looking at the long list of options, one stood out for me…CrossFit. It just looked so intense. I wondered how it could benefit me as a runner and continued down the rabbit hole to find out more. What I found was an activity that focused on efficiency and creating an athlete that can compete at any sport. Plus, for those of us who are always on the go, most CrossFit workouts take less than 20 minutes. The big draw…a very strong online community surrounding CrossFit….just like running! Now where am I going to do CrossFit?

Knowing that all gyms are not created equally, I started contacting local CrossFit affiliates within Fort Worth. Here is a list for you to find your local affiliates. Of the three major affiliates in downtown Fort Worth, I chose GSX Athletics. Not only was GSX’s staff the most friendly, the owner, Jeff Tucker, was the most eager and helpful guy I talked to about CrossFit. I got set up with my trainer, Chuck, and scheduled my elements courses. Most gyms will require you to complete these courses before you start attending classes. They are to teach you the base set of movements that GSX CrossFit utilizes to whip you into shape. I can’t wait!

I plan on tracking  my CrossFit progress and it’s effect on my running performance in a blog series. I hope you join me on my journey…it should be interesting!

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Tagged as: CrossFit Challenge, GSX, Lee

  • Blydawg

    How is the cost? Is it the same as joining a gym or more like some of the boot camp workouts?

  • Blydawg

    How is the cost? Is it the same as joining a gym or more like some of the boot camp workouts?

  • http://www.gravity.com/crossfit Dan Uyemura

    OK So I’m NOT a runner. In fact, I’m a huge anti-endurance anything… cause of the toll it takes on our bodies. I don’t believe we’re made to do anything at medium level capacity for more than 30 mins.

    BUT, I started crossfitting 2 months ago. About the same day I decided to quit smoking. Imagine: Crossfit workout, but smoked YESTERDAY. death.

    Anyhow, in my newfound vigor from crossfitting I signed up for this Ragnar Relay nonsense. Cause I wanted to test how Crossfit would help my running. My PR for running previously was ONE 10k at 58minutes and other than that, I have run about 2.25 miles around my block maybe a dozen times usually at about 9 minute miles. And in all of those instances above, I basically died doing it. The 10k was propped up by sheer willpower and the fact that chicks were running circles around me. EGO.

    Anyhow 5 weeks into Crossfitting, I decided to try to run my long leg of the Ragnar relay: 7.7 miles. I did 7.5 miles in 1hr and 7 mins. Not bad considering 5 weeks prior I was literally 8lbs heavier and smoking. I was actually VERY proud of myself for even being able to do 7+ miles.

    7 weeks into XFitting I ran that route again. 53mins.

    So to all of you long distance runners I can guarentee you that crossfitting will increase your long distance times. I’ve been told numerous stories of marathon trainees who complete marathons never having run more than 10mi long runs mixed into Crossfit workouts. DO IT.

  • http://therunningcouple.com The Running Couple

    The cost is closer to some of the bootcamp workouts. While more than a
    gym, you have to remember that you are getting training with a lot of
    one-on-one attention. (That’s how I justify it) Pricing does vary
    between gyms. GSX has a free session on Saturdays for anyone who wants
    to try CrossFit. You should come out!

  • Isis

    The cost is closer to some of the bootcamp workouts. While more than a
    gym, you have to remember that you are getting training with a lot of
    one-on-one attention. (That's how I justify it) Pricing does vary
    between gyms. GSX has a free session on Saturdays for anyone who wants
    to try CrossFit. You should come out!

  • http://therunningcouple.com The Running Couple

    That’s awesome Dan. What a HUGE change in your relay leg time. I am
    really excited to see the difference CrossFit will make in my running.
    The workouts I have done so far at GSX have been intense, but I love
    it. I can definitely see how one can become addicted!

    So are you planning on a marathon anytime soon? You’re already up to
    7.7…

  • Isis

    That's awesome Dan. What a HUGE change in your relay leg time. I am
    really excited to see the difference CrossFit will make in my running.
    The workouts I have done so far at GSX have been intense, but I love
    it. I can definitely see how one can become addicted!

    So are you planning on a marathon anytime soon? You're already up to
    7.7…

  • http://www.gravity.com/crossfit Dan Uyemura

    I will NEVER run a marathon. Unless there’s a war coming out way and I have to run 26.2 miles to tell someone and we’re in the year 460AD, you will NEVER see me put my body thru that kinda torture.

    One of the key ways xfit will help your running is it trains your body to recover as fast as possible. Can’t finish your 21 burpees, take 3 deep breathes and get back on the horse. As I was running I could mentally slow myself down for 30 seconds and recover and start pushing the envelope again.

    Plus across the board, your body is going to be working more efficiently…. you know how sometimes you gotta to 10 thrusters after 2 cardio intensive exercises (like burpees and a 100m run)? What you’re training your body there is to do the work with already depleted oxygen availability. Something like thrusters requires your body to send oxygen to literally the 4 corners of your body to power the work, but you don’t have any (notice next time you do em, come rep 5 you’ll be GASSED). Push thru that, and you’re busy teaching your body how to be even more efficient with the precious o2 it has available. =)

  • http://www.gravity.com/crossfit Dan Uyemura

    I will NEVER run a marathon. Unless there's a war coming out way and I have to run 26.2 miles to tell someone and we're in the year 460AD, you will NEVER see me put my body thru that kinda torture.

    One of the key ways xfit will help your running is it trains your body to recover as fast as possible. Can't finish your 21 burpees, take 3 deep breathes and get back on the horse. As I was running I could mentally slow myself down for 30 seconds and recover and start pushing the envelope again.

    Plus across the board, your body is going to be working more efficiently…. you know how sometimes you gotta to 10 thrusters after 2 cardio intensive exercises (like burpees and a 100m run)? What you're training your body there is to do the work with already depleted oxygen availability. Something like thrusters requires your body to send oxygen to literally the 4 corners of your body to power the work, but you don't have any (notice next time you do em, come rep 5 you'll be GASSED). Push thru that, and you're busy teaching your body how to be even more efficient with the precious o2 it has available. =)

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