15 minutes later, your squats [read legs] are done and the high intensity metcon portion of class is about to start. There’s 30 Kettlebell Swings sandwiched in between 2 x 400 meter runs, “it should be fast” Coach says. “Fast is relative” someone chimes in. “Ok, Ok shoot for under 6 min. 2 minutes 400, 2 minutes for your 30 swings, 2 minutes for 400.. it should be easy, take small rests“. In your head, that sounds easy and outside you go.
The timer starts counting down from 10, at 3 Coach counts with it. “3-2-1-GO” and off we run. Your internal dialogue is screaming “Who moved the Stop Sign? Why does it look like it’s suddenly on the horizon?” Each step your legs remind you they just squatted 25 times and now they are carrying you down this ultra marathon stop sign run. Finally, the sign is within your grasp and you quickly turn around. You’re now trudging back to the garage door, did someone fill your shoes with concrete?? Was it Coach?? You’re back at the door now, only to get there and be reminded to pick up your kettlebell quickly. You’d much rather stop and pet Brindie who’s camped out by the door watching you suffer.
You pick up your kettlebell and start moving through your 30 swings, the pre workout Kettlebell Swing tips replay over and over in your mind.. Chest up, Back flat, and Squeeze your glutes, it’s almost musical. Before you know it, you’re at 12 reps and take a break. Where’s Brindie? Does he need some pets? UGH, you take a quick breath, and before Coach notices the quick rest you start again. Miraculously you finish the remaining 18 in one set, and poof you’re back on the road for your second (and final) ultramarathon 400 meter stop sign run of the day. As you trot out of the door, Coach suggests a ‘quick pace’.. “thanks coach.. quick, I’ll show you quick over here in my concrete shoes” you stew and by the time you realize it you’re already down at the stop sign ready to turn around. You quickly do the math and realize about 1:00 separates you from that glorious fan, :45 seconds now and you pick up your pace, you’re going way faster than quick! The concrete has left your shoes and your legs are moving faster, you don’t question them, you just hang on for the ride. You round the corner and just like that, your 5 minute and 26 second workout is over. You’re now in the chair, the sweet comfortable lovely wonderful adirondack chair sipping on your ice cold water cheering the rest of your classmates on. You did it.
Fists are raised and bumped as each person finishes and while everyone is cleaning up their equipment Coach is asking for scores to write them down. You’re in 3rd place for the day, HOW COOL. Coach mentions something about some optional post class mobility, but you’ve gotta jet. As you head out you welcome the next class, “hit that second run hard, you’ll be done before you know it“.
