Why The Girl Who Didn't Like to Sweat Does CrossFit

Over the past three weeks we've hosted and participated in two CrossFit competitions with athletes from around the world, here in Brunei. By my own volition, I spent two days running through a jungle, swimming laps, lifting weights, and sweating. My team got last place, but we had a gloriously good time and wore superhero capes. Hi, I'm Anna Aderton, and I'm blowing my own mind. 

Let's take a quick jog walk (running sucks) down my athletic career memory lane. 

I come from a big family that enjoys sport and wanted to give us ample opportunity to explore what we like. I tried ballet, tap dance,

gymnastics, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball. I was a decent second baseman, but once while pitching I walked in 12 runs in a single inning, causing the opposing team's coach to yell, "JUST SWING" so that we could end the most embarrassing moment of my life. I realized I wasn't on the same path as my three siblings, all who had the title of "All Conference Pitcher". I also hated running bases during practice and playing when it was cold outside. And when it was hot. 

I loved playing basketball, still do, but did not like how competitive, cliquey, and stressful it could be. It was not a fun or encouraging environment. I also really hated sweating at the time, wanted to learn how to knit, and decided to focus more on playing piano, just like every 70 year old grandmother 15 year old girl.

I was on a great volleyball team that I truly loved and was so thankful for after moving to a new high school when I was 16. But, my senior year of high school I was given the lead role in a community musical. I said a tearful, "buh bye" to bump-set-spike and dove head first into my role as Maude Draper-Cowles. 

Luckily, I come from a family who also values the arts and enthusiastically supported my decisions. In the short and long run, this was all beneficial. I went on to place first in vocal and piano competitions, have more leads in musicals, complete my bachelor's in music education, and gain a greater understanding of the world of music. I learned that I love to perform and feel so alive when doing so. 

Now, here I am doing high-intensity training - CrossFit. Sixteen, twenty, and twenty-two year old Anna would laugh in twenty-six year old Anna's face if they got a chance to chat (I've been watching a lot of Dr. Who lately, so who knows, it could happen). Here are the reasons why I am so enjoying this sport.

I really like people. I like getting to know someone, sharing stories, encouraging people, etc. CrossFit is a fun way to build community. There is social time before and after class to get to know each other. And there is something primal that happens when people come together do something hard. Accomplishing a difficult workout and encouraging each other through it brings people together, just like in life. We are also learning new skills at the same time, gaining knowledge and growing. 

In my mid-twenties, I have gained a value for health. In high school I ate an entire frozen pizza before dinner. In college I had a regular diet of mac&cheese straight out of the pot. I didn't even put it on a plate. My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese Pizza. I'd work out every once in a while, do lots of crunches in my room, power walk, etc, and that amount of physical activity (when paired with good eating habits) really works for some people. But for me, something mystical and strange happened when I turned 26 and had twins. Apparently there is real science to back it up, but I can't eat the way I used to, work out the way I used to, and still live the kind of life I want. I fully recognize and embrace that my body will change for the rest of my life as I get older and have children, and doing CrossFit helps me keep it in the best possible shape. I want to be able to run around the park with Eli and Ella, lift them over my head, carry them both up the stairs at the same time, teach them how to play sports, and let's be real, I want to maintain a fit body. I think it is important to honor God by living a healthy lifestyle. CrossFit is an effective activity that has shown me results. It also encourages me to eat well by valuing nutrition and teaching this in its foundation classes.

Photo cred: Ain Lim

I have a competitive nature in me, but I don't like when competition becomes prideful, stressful, or shameful. I like the healthy competition I see in our gyms and athletes. For example, when we begin a workout I simultaneously want to lift more and go faster than my friend, while wanting her to do the best she can, even if that means beating me. It is a fun atmosphere that also encourages me to work hard. 

It can be scaled to where you are. It would be detrimental to my body if I tried to do the exact same workout as Dan (because he's so strong and such a hunk). I will always be working toward doing the prescribed weights, but in the meantime I will be lifting the weight that is beneficial to my growth. This makes CrossFit very inclusive. After not working out for over a year and having twins, I was in rough shape. I couldn't keep up with anyone at the gym, but it didn't matter. I didn't feel shamed or embarrassed. I was encouraged and have now grown so much. People can start from wherever they are.

I like the time commitment it requires for someone like me. A typical workout never goes over 30 minutes (max), which leaves enough time for a good warm-up, skill lesson, and cool down.

And last but not least, I like that this is something Dan and I can enjoy together! Before I (really actually consistently) did CrossFit, Dan would come home after a WOD, say a bunch of weights, movements, and times that meant nothing to me. Now I understand! We bond over this common interest. We encourage each other to grow and develop our skills. I'm now teaching Dan piano, and he occasionally gives me private training. I like knowing if Dan's clean & jerk looked sloppy or pristine. I like knowing that when Dan says, "good job" he knows that I actually did a good job.

Isn't it encouraging to see how much a person can develop interests, gain values, etc? I, for one, like knowing that I will continue to change for the better. With guidance and wisdom, I will never be the same as I was yesterday. I am choosing to no longer be fearful of or stubborn to change. I am learning to have faith in the One who knows me better than I know myself. I am an ever refining loved one, counting on grace, learning as I go. And thank God for that. 

We Like to Party

I love love love to host parties. I love to plan them. I love to delegate and organize them. I love to open my home and resources to bless people. I love to see the fruition of work. But most of all I love to see my friends having fun and enjoying each other! In the past couple weeks I've had two opportunities to plan and host two super fun parties - a baby shower and an open mic night.

If you were to ask me, “what is one of the things that makes you feel alive?” I have my answer ready. I love to sing. When I perform a song for people, I get lost in it. All sorts of life wells up in the core of my being. If there are any nerves before I stand up in front of everyone, they fall away while the music washes over me and my soul pours out in song.

Since moving to Brunei (or maybe since having the twins?), I haven’t taken time to pursue much creative outlet. And seeing as another thing that gives me life is community, I organized an Open Mic night. It was pretty much my perfect evening: music, friends, and Oreos. We had a lot of fun acts including piano soloists, singers, guitars, ukulele, and magic. I so enjoyed seeing our friends from the box sharing their talents. I mean, we all knew Reza could lift like a beast, but hearing him shred on a Ukulele was not something we all expected *wink*. 

I am really looking forward to our next Open Mic night! (Thanks to Adam for these pictures!)

Nadzri and his beautiful assistant Dan doing some magic

Karaoke around the piano at the end of the night

Duet!

and a little video of my first attempt singing in Malay! Thanks to Reza!

My friend, Nicole, is due to have baby #2 anytime now! She and I shared half of our first pregnancies together, became mamas within four months of each other, and are learning how to mama as neighbors. Imagine my joy as she enters this stage of life, parenting a toddler and a newborn. To celebrate Nicole and very soon-to-come baby boy, I threw her a baby shower with the help of a few friends.

We had the Mustache Bash at Emily's house, a few people brought some delicious desserts, and my mom-in-law helped me to set up and cut out so many props. Even the Mogard kids lent a hand in the preparations! We played a game called "guess the famous mustache" and another called "pin the mustache on the baby". Can't wait to meet Nicole and Justin's new little gentleman! (Thanks to Nicole for the pictures!)

Our group of gals! + Z :)

"Please, 'stache one away for later"

Tiffany DeHart
https://www.facebook.com/sweettiffanysdesserts

Opening Night

CrossFit 673 Jerudong has opened it's doors! On Monday night we ran free classes for people to come celebrate with a team WOD. About forty people came - some new, some from the other Box coming to show support. Dan, Justin, and Nash (our friend and trainer, from Brunei) did a great job helping veteran CrossFitters get a feel for the new box while also making new comers feel comfortable. 

And the place looks great! It is a nice, wide open space with red pipes contrasting against the grey walls. There were even compliments on the bathrooms! I love the location as the sunsets and the colors come in through a big beautiful window on the side of the shop. The box will definitely add a lot of life and business to the shopping complex it is in. 

I also hit a new PR for my clean and jerk on opening night, which I felt was befitting :) 

Thanks to Nicole for the pictures and great video she made! 

See You!

I have confused a number of people in the past four months, for many reasons I'm sure, but mainly for using the phrase, "see you later". There have been multiple times when I have used the phrase, "see you later!" and someone replied with, "you will?" because to most people in Brunei, "later" implies, "later today". So, I've learned to cut my farewell short to just, "see you!" 

Well, my friend, Michelle, left this week to continue her studies in Australia. We got to know each other at the box during the 8:30am class with many other fun, strong, beautiful women (& the occasional man). After her last morning WOD we went out for breakfast and were educated on the different fruits and veggies of Brunei (thanks Maria!). 

Michelle is someone who picks up your equipment for you while you lay panting on the floor after a WOD, has a welcoming smile on her face, and has many giggles to share. I will miss her a lot and I know our fellow morning WODders will too. 

So, Michelle, I'll see you!

(Thanks to my friends who let me use their pics)

looking at the meat counter, not doing well at hiding my emotions

Reebok CrossFit 673 2014 Consumer Fair Competition

What an exciting and busy month it has been leading up to the Consumer Fair! Dan has been the busiest of bees while preparing Reebok CrossFit 673's booth at the International Convention Center. We were invited to be the Activity Partner and were privileged to have a booth front and center, next to the main stage - quite the prime location. The Consumer Fair was Wednesday through Sunday with the competition on Friday and Saturday. 

I am still a beginning beginner, but the events were programmed so that any crossfitter would be able to participate. I eventually decided to compete! I was pretty nervous about joining in on the fun, but had good reminders that my value isn't determined by my performance and my worth isn't dependent on what others may think. I thank God for that. 

After overcoming those fears I was able to test my fitness and see what areas need improvement, but mostly I was able to enjoy new friendships with people from the box. The other women who participated are excellent - they are friendly, caring, strong, brave, and beautiful. I couldn't have asked for better company. 

My personal goals changed as the events went on. At first I wanted to compete with whoever was at my level. No one was :) so I changed my goal to finishing the WODs under certain times. Then I changed my goal to just finishing the WODs. Then my shoulders started hurting and I changed my goal to cheering on the others, supporting the Box, and keeping myself injury free, taking "Did Not Finish" in the last two events. I gave it my all and know I made a good decision to stop competing once my shoulders felt shot. 

The women competed hard! The top three standings are:

1. Mandy Tay

2. Rachael Lee

3. Michelle Two

The men had a battle tie breaker for third place! They tested their times for a 500m row. Their top three standings are:

1. Naz

2. Fun

3. Loris

We even had more press! Here is an article featuring an interview with the gorgeous Dan Aderton ;)

And as you'll see at the end of the following video, people really enjoyed our booth - even Jolibee!

And, as always, the babies thrilled everyone.

Extra Extra! Read All About It!

Check out the cutie in the news paper!

We are preparing for the 2014 consumer fair. This is one of a few meetings Dan has attended as he organizes the event. There will be a workout demonstration, equipment available at the booth for the public to try, and a competition. It is in a week and should be a fun five days! 

We Have Cars!

Between CrossFit and our kids... well let's just say that they are being put to good use.

So long as the car wasn't bottomed on the concrete we were good.

The chauffeur and her V.I.P.'s.

5:45

Hey guys, it's Dan again. I'm here to answer the question: What does a CrossFit class actually look like? Well... here is the answer! The clip below is a 40 second video of an average class at 5:45 p.m. (5x a week) that Justin and I train regularly.

We are excited to be here training, meeting people, and helping improve fitness!

CrossFit Happenings

Hi friends and family, Dan here! Over the past couple weeks Anna and I have primarily been doing three things: Looking for a car, exploring housing, and participating in CrossFit. During the first two weeks I went to more than a few classes and was completely and utterly destroyed by Brunei's climate. The moderate heat (88F) plus the stuffy humidity makes it feel as if walking from the car to the box (a.k.a. gym) is my warmup. Last weekend, Mo competed in Kuwait and while gone gave Justin and I the opportunity to train some classes at the box. 

The first class I lead was small, but gave me the ability to really connect with everyone!

Half of Reebok CrossFit 673's space.
We're excited to participate, lead, and get involved at 673. The community is extremely welcoming and has a ton of energy.