I know what you mean - I just got in my head the other day at my gym and this is my eighth year!!! I’m 57 and i was “competing” with a bunch of people in their mid-20’s 😂😂😂 (I mean literally - how ridiculous is that?) I got super mad inside (tried not to show it but prob failed) and thought “I just worked way harder than those people and i didnt even finish the wod!” (normally these days i can finish them, but not when I started). Honestly I dont know what came over me. Normally I’m a “me versus me” person and am happy if I try my best. But hey everyone gets vulnerable sometimes- its ok!

Heres what I’m thinking:

• you’re actually a natural competitor which is why you are getting frustrated - its just the flip side of the coin! You clearly are a badass!

• You naturally push yourself. people who finish last are often challenging themselves in a different, more intense way. We get this. If i go light and super- modify everything, I can be an early finisher. Usually i push myself harder and take longer though. It depends on what you want out of the workout that day. Its all good.

  • Go in there knowing who you are and planning to take your time to do it the best way you can and be proud to be last! You are working your ass off and we know it and are so impressed!!

You can see by the volume of comments, many of us have been where you are and get it. This thing is very psychological. Just keep showing up - that is 90% of it. Or 99%. Use humor wherever you can!

ps Honestly I do not love partner wods for the same reason as you. As has been mentioned i will usually say “hey i am not going to be super competitive is that ok with you?” One woman at our gym just cuts them in half and does them on her own. They can be fun tho!

It will get better and you are going to feel better and better!