Reasons I Cross Train

My mind always wanders when I am working out or doing some form of cross training. Sometimes it's distracting and I lose focus on what I'm doing, mis count reps, miss my intervals, or do too much. Today was different though, it made me run faster and harder, and it made my run seem much shorter. I think about all sorts of things; Insecurities, goals, family, friends, moving to exotic islands, moving to Minneapolis…you name it, it's probably crossed my mind. 

Today I was super focused on why I really cross train. Here's what I came up with:

I cross train because….

1. I have a responsibility to my body
2. I have a responsibility to my team
3. I have a responsibility to my juniors
4. I have a responsibility to the entire derby community
5. People believe in me
6. I believe in me
7. I haven't reached my limits, nor do I know what they are
8. I can run a hell of a lot faster, I just know it
9. Katarina Van Rotten ain't slowin' down anytime soon
10. Betty Bout it says I don't give myself enough credit
11. Bonnie Thunders was just recently named the LeBron James of roller derby, and I want that title
12. The outlandish and bold statements I make only make me work harder (gotta make sure I can back up what I'm saying)
13. When I make outlandish and bold statements, they make my goals real. They give me something to work toward
14. Wonder Dread is a crowd favorite, and I want to be a crowd favorite too
15. Champs is creepin' up, and it's the most important bout of my derby career TO DATE (yeah, I said it…)
16. My old team is winning, and winning like a boss. I want to win too
17. Gotham trains together, I hope to inspire my team to follow suit
18. Katarina Van Rotten is seriously NOT slowing down
19. ...Neither is Betty Aim Fire
20. I want to teach others how to self motivate and cross train
21. Discipline 
22. Discipline is an important life skill
23. I'm coming for you
24. the juniors are coming for US
25. Coach is in the yard telling me to work harder and "cut in CUT IN!"
26. I know my body can be stronger
27. Lean muscle is mean muscle (wow, that sure sounds beef cakey)
28. People ask me what my hobbies are, and I can't think of any other than cross training and roller derby
29. I can't afford another injury (mentally or physically)
30. I love to be outside
31. Eventually I'm going to try out for Team USA
32. Seriously, Katarina Van Rotten isn't slowing down
33. Katarina Van Rotten isn't slowing down
34. Katarina Van Rotten isn't slowing down
35. Katarina Van Rotten isn't slowing down
36. Katarina Van Rotten WILL NOT slow down…

There are a hell of a lot more reasons, but the one that kept playing over and over in my head was about Katarina Van Rotten not slowing down. She's your quintessential athlete. Natural born killer. Focused and determined and looking fucking amazing while she's doing work. She is getting stronger each and every day. Every time she steps foot on that track I know I have to work twice as hard as she does just to be on the same derby level. I'm convinced she's capable of anything. Katarina Van Rotten is not slowing down. She is not backing down. She is not speaking out in practice and she is not letting any distractions in. She is strong and confident and as kind as the day is long. Katarina Van Rotten is not slowing down, which means I cannot slow down either...