1. Since the wod is snatches, I would like to comment on the video taken of me the other day. I think Michael stumbled onto a fabulous learning tool. I have spent hours (Crossfit Geek) watching videos of Olympic caliber athletes doing snatches, cleans, etc, to help me learn the moves. Now with the video of me, I can watch their video and then my video, which allows me to see step by step what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong. I hope for the future, you might consider video taping people in their skill sessions and then giving it to them. It's been invaluable.

2. The post topic. Part of competition is getting there in the first place and that means staying healthy. How many times has "So And So" who is supposed to be the best in the world, not competed in the Olympics because they're injured? Well, there aren't any "could haves" in reality so whoever actually showed up is the best in the world.
I have spent the last 2 years getting injured. Coming back this time and continuing to deal with my shoulder, I have finally learned some important lessons. I have always been too eager to improve too quickly while not having the proper form. I am finally learning to listen to my body. While my shoulder is still about 80%, it's moving in the right direction because I'm actually being patient with it. I give it the space and time it needs rather than my mind dictating to it how long my recovery is going to take.
There is a difference between sore or a "good hurt" and a "bad hurt" and pain. I no longer come into a wod thinking, "well, I used to be able to do this and "so and so" is doing that so I should too." Instead, I look at the reality of what I can do today and I keep the negative judgments in the trash where they belong.
When I am doing a move correctly, nothing feels strained and the weight doesn't even feel like it's even there. When I'm performing a move incorrectly, it feels like I'm trying to balance on a toothpick while moving an elephant and that's when I get hurt. Over this last week and a half, as all of this information has finally set into my thick skull, my performances have been fun, I've felt perkier, yet relaxed, and when I have to sub something or go down in weight, I concentrate on speed, form, and learning new "tricks." I no longer look down on myself. I've learned that Crossfit is about "elite" fitness. That isn't a promise that you're going to be the best in the world at anything, but it does mean you can be at an elite level with yourself and your own capabilities. For the first time, I am really, really, really, looking forward to training over the next year because things are about to get interesting!
Finally, I have to comment about the "seeking out therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists when necessary" line. While it is true that all of these professions treat injuries and pain, they are really designed for injury prevention. If you utilize one or more of these modalities when you are not injured on a regular basis, even if it's only monthly, you'll experience an increase in performance, faster recovery, and your body and spirit will simply feel better in general. Your body needs a little TLC.

Rest is for the weak. the body does not need rest. knees and shoulders do not hurt. Exercising through injury isn't a bad thing. There is no such thing as a compulsive personality. I am fine. there is nothing wrong with me