236. Hate/love

"The best CrossFit boxes are in the relationship business."

I heard this the other day and agree completely.  Fitness is standard in CrossFit.  You will sweat and burn and maybe even cry.  That’s going to happen no matter what.  It comes with every box, guaranteed.  What is not a guaranteed is the type of community the box builds.  Does your box follow stories and celebrate its members?  Does your box have events, field trips, a conduit to reach out to other communities?  Do you feel like you’re a part of something?  Is each day a piece of a journey instead of just a workout?  Is your box a safe container?  

The difference between a CrossFit box and a global gym is exactly the quote above, one is in the relationship business.  One is not.

When I walk in to the gym, everyone knows my name.  When I haven't been there for a week, I'm given a call to make sure I'm okay.  Everyday that I go in, I'm going to get supported and held...challenged, angered and pushed.  I hate it!  Boy do I.  Yet, I don't just do it for me, I do it for my box.  My gym/box is alive.  She breathes.  She yells.  She pisses on me...she rewards me.  She is a demanding bitch that expects more from me every time I go in.  Every time.  Sometimes, she's too much for me...she asks too much of me...I feel like quitting...like giving in...but sometimes, only sometimes- I walk out owning her...oh yes baby...I walk out feeling like king kong or like I just had some amazing sex....sweaty and exhausted.

And THAT, oh yes, THAT makes it worth it.  I roll on the floor heaving for air, digging for breath...callouses my friends, chalk- the language we use.

My box is bringing the equipment, the challenge and expectation.  She demands more from me...she puts me up to bat.  My box calls me.  It is my responsibility to meet it.  Answer it.  Fulfill her. Love her hard and continue growing.  

There is a saying in the box, "clean up after yourself, this includes sweat, blood, vomit, tears and broken dreams."

I don't know if I'll ever enjoy going.  I don't know if her and I will ever have a love/love relationship.  But that's the catch isn't it?  The catch is not to have a love/love relationship...it's just about having a relationship.