Sometimes endings are really just the beginning.

Have you ever noticed that?

Today was the last day of the 2011 I AM CROSSFIT Challenge.  That meant a brutal finale WOD and a celebratory dinner.  First the WOD.  Then dinner.

I signed up for the first heat this morning — 7:30am.  We (me and the rest of the family) showed up at 7 so I could get my final picture taken and warm up.  It felt like such a community.  There was such an excitement in the air — the anticipation of what was about to come was palpable.

Just like in the kickoff workout, we all got a coach.  This time my coach was Lisa.  We set up my station — exactly the same as the first time — and then I nervously lined up.

3 rounds
400m run
15 pull ups
7 hang power cleans

It was chilly, and my hands were stiff and cold, but I felt strong.  I knew I could have used a lighter band and the hang power cleans were much easier for me.  And the running — that was my strength.  I;m a much faster runner than I used to be.

Time: 10:45 @ 65# (blue + purple bands)

That’s nearly 45 seconds faster than my previous time.  Woo-hoo!

I have gained so much since this challenge began — strength, endurance –and I have accomplished many (not all, but that’s OK) of my goals.  But I think the least expected benefit for me has been the friendships I have cultivated during this challenge.

(Cheese alert — warning!)

I didn’t expect to make such good friends while working my ass off — but I did.

Tonight, Beth and Stephanie came over with their families for a celebratory dinner. We feasted.  We let loose on our nutrition, enjoying red wine and chocolate mousse pie.  There was a lot of laughter.  And one thing we all agreed on — it wouldn’t end here.

We still want to run together, do challenges together, push each other — hang out with each other.  It’s sad that there will be no more Wednesday evening workout or Sunday afternoon runs.  We all got such amazing results.  We all have a good time together.

So it shouldn’t end here.  Right?

No.  It shouldn’t.

And it won’t.