Stop Protecting Yourself from Fear and Break Your Limits

The topic of "self protection is a lie" came up while listening to the Seek the Edge Podcast by Kelsey with Xpand Your Limits.  Kelsey was giving her insight related to the book she started reading titled "The Mountain is You."  The type of "self-protection" that Kelsey spoke of is related to protecting yourself from fear.  She related this back to the Xpand Your Limits event for women back on May 17th that included a run (1 mile or 5K) and/or a powerlifting meet.  I participated in the powerlifting meet and you can read my recap in this blog post.

If I stayed home where it's safe rather than participating in the powerlifting meet, I would have never failed 2 back squats and 1 bench press in front of hundreds of people.  I also would have never surprised myself by executing a 175 pound deadlift.  I also likely would have never done any powerlifting training. I spent so much of my life staying in my comfort zone.  While it's wasn't easy, doing something uncomfortable like a competition where I lifted in front of other people outside of my gym was what I needed to spark a passion for powerlifting.  Coach Jonathan often says "Get uncomfortable with being uncomfortable."  

I choose to find my strength in a Higher Power that I call God.  I know he will not forsake me or abandon me.  God gives us not just physical strength but also mental strength.  The last couple weeks of work have been brutal and mentally taxing.  With God's help, I made it through the challenges.

By talking with God in prayer, I am increasing my physical strength by doing the Steadfast Strength program for the next several months until it is time to begin prep for my next powerlifting meet.  The strength class focuses on the core lifts squat, bench, and deadlift but also builds in shoulder press, sled work, and dumbbell or kettlebell accessory lifts. There is limited cardio although it does show up occasionally in some metcons because our heart is a muscle that needs training, too.

I encourage you to check out the "Seek the Edge" podcast.  I listen to it through YouTube Music which is part of the Android Auto application for listening to podcasts while I drive.  It should also be available through Apple or Spotify.

Resources:

"Seek the Edge Podcast" - Xpand Your Limits

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

YouVersion Bible App