Lessons From Bread

It’s hard to believe that just two weeks ago I shared with you all a new, fun adventure I’ve been on - the art of bread making! Sourdough bread is one of the oldest forms of leavened bread, and its origins date back to Ancient Egypt. The simple ingredients have the power to give and sustain life, if taken care of. What I know now, as a fairly inexperienced baker, is this: If we let ordinary moments teach us grand lessons, our lives could become more purposeful, more intentional, and ultimately more fulfilling (like a great slice of bread).

Lesson 1: Patience & Consistency Matter
Baking bread from scratch requires that you have a “starter” - a simple list of ingredients that requires time and patience to grow into the desired consistency for use. In the gym, we need these same two ingredients for success over time. Admit it - we’ve all been frustrated at some point in time because we thought lifting a certain weight should have been “easier”, or we should have gotten a certain skill “faster”. But the truth is that you need to give yourself the space to be patient during the process. How do we grow patience? By growing consistency. Setting up a routine for yourself so that you can have multiple opportunities to try, grow, practice, fail, and repeat matter. Most of us have the routine part down. But I encourage you to reflect and consider how much patience you offer yourself during this time of growth and progress.

Lesson 2: Rest is Important
Once the starter is ready to use, it is then mixed with three simple ingredients to form the dough. Once the dough is formed, it goes through multiple phases of resting (or proving). Good bread takes time, as does the cultivation of new strengths and skills inside the gym. I could stand over the dough, working it and kneading it for an extended period of time only to be disappointed by the results because I overworked it. We can do that to ourselves, as well. If we overwork ourselves inside and outside the gym, we don’t feel great. We are stretched thin emotionally, mentally, and physically. Look at the consistent routine you’ve created for yourself, and consider the opportunities that exist for you to rest. Rest with intent; rest with purpose; rest to be refilled.

Lesson 3: Fear Nothing
I was so intimidated to start this adventure! Why? There were so many variables to master - the different ingredient ratio, the different types of flour, learning how to fold and stretch dough, oven temperatures…and more! But, I stuck to the directions. I followed every step as written, and slowly, I’ve gained confidence. Every time you approach a workout, there is an element of fear that lives in us:

“Man, that’s a heavy barbell.”

“Ugh, so much running. I’m no good at that.”

“This is gonna hurt!”

“What if I don’t finish the workout?”

While the fears above are normal, I’ve also learned through baking and CrossFit that the “gain” after each experience is the learning, the deeper understanding of each step, rather than the outcome. Fear nothing. Lift a little heavier. Run a little farther. Embrace the piece that knocks the wind out of your sails, because it has the potential to be the same thing that makes you smile when you’re finished.

Lesson 4: Be Present
No one likes stale bread. That is, of course, unless you’re a crouton lover :) But generally speaking, after baking something, the immediate joy is to go and share the creation with those around you, rather than let it sit. I’ve been fulfilled by sharing these creations with friends and family, watching them enjoy my hard work, all in the spirit of fellowship and love. Just recently, I shared a loaf with family and friends, enjoying a traditional Spanish vegetable bread dip as well:

How much time have you lost because you were also looking ahead, wishing about what could be, rather than enjoying the moment you’re in? How many wins have you missed in the gym because you’ve slighted yourself and said “Yeah, but…” or “Well, I only did…”. ENOUGH. What is your win today? How can you be present after each workout to celebrate what you’ve accomplished? Those little wins matter, especially the longer you CrossFit. You can’t win every day; you can’t win every workout. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something to celebrate and be thankful for.

In the spirit of celebrating and being thankful, let’s transition to the people that make this gym what it is - YOU! Below, you’ll find our August Committed Club members (76 to be exact, our biggest list). Each name is it’s own story of patience, consistency, growing confidence and the art of being “here and now”.

Carey Mantici
Kristen Edwards
Erin Ketzner
Corbin and Jill Cullen
Coach Owen
SJ Desai
Johnathan South
Brandon Bell
Matthew Heal
Arty Velazquez
Steven and Ruby Lebischak
Kraig Riley
Hailey Hughto
Lenny Aguilar
Victoria Morris
Coach Kady
Brooke McClelland
Jeanette Shuett
Kelly Ann LeNoir
Luke Pedrick
Danny Shatley
Margorie Michele
Heather Swyka
Cathy Craven
Danielle Rodgers
Courtney Spence
Sandy Romano
Mike Oreskovich
Bernie Doherty
Coach Victoria
Jackie Mills
Brynn McKenry
Stephanie Adams
Brian and Ashley Dekker
Ethan Skinner
Jason Honsel
Keith Al-Chokhachy
Troy Gondela
Ryan and Jaclyn Mahle
Jessica Mahoney
Flor Ramirez
Viviana Colon
Jennifer Maguire
Hilary Steele
Ashley Blair
Nino and Tiara DeLisi
Laura Morris
Tarik Rahme
Rob and Aimee Coursey
Matt Drozdz
Steph Miller
Allen Thompson
Denes Papelles
Paul Perna
Gretchen Ramos
Justyna Niezgoda
Megan McRay
Shenese Owner
Ana Klenotiz
Sarah Rodek
Stephanie Novak
Clarence Swift
Krirk Pongsema
Steve Lepter
Joanna Pasia
Tina Dix
Katie Lopa
Jason Sellers
Chris Townsend

September is a new chance to lean into these lessons from bread, especially as we begin new strength cycles for different lifts. Be patient. Take rest when you need it. Fear nothing, including failure. Be present. I’ll be doing the same work alongside you all, and can’t wait to see what I learn. See you at the gym!

Big Hugs,

Coach Kady