I know you can build a mental image of “that guy” as soon as I describe the situation. Maybe it’s, “that guy” at work, or at school, or church, or in your family. Maybe it’s a girl, hopefully, it’s not you.

Chalk whore

That white dusty path you leave behind is not bread crumbs leading your friends to salvation…it’s magnesium carbonate. It’s white gold, it’s messy, it’s not free and your wasting it.

Do NOT be that guy who chalks up to do burpees, or who hovers over the bucket sweating his ass off making a fine powder look more like dry wall mud. Chalk is not your security blanket, it’s a tool to save your grip, when it becomes a pit stop between you and moving, stop using it.

Best trainer in the world

When I got up this morning I thought to myself, “damn I haven’t received an unwarranted, blatantly obvious opinion in a while; I think I will post a video and wait for the “best trainer in the world” to project their insight my way, that will make me feel way better”.

Listen “best trainer in the world”, if me, or anyone else wants to know that their elbows are a little slow and that their back was one degree outside of perfect they will say “please critique this video”, when they post it. Otherwise take the hint that one million other “best trainer in the worlds” got, and keep your mouth shut.

Excitement addict

Yes, I gave my life to CrossFit. Well at least the last five years of it, and for what it’s worth I love it more today than I ever have. But ya know what, and this may shock the hell outta you, not everybody does.

The more we ride above others on the waves of CrossFit excitement the more we can alienate those yet to jump in the water with us. It is more than OK to celebrate, and motivate, and invite. In fact I think it is our duty to do so. But there is subtly in duty that will gain our friends the blessing we already have. Realize that sometimes a light touch is better than a sled-hammer when it comes to excitement. In the end, the goal is to convert the world, and conversion is easier when it’s tactical, not belligerent.

Gotta get it out

Hmmmm, after I read the “best trainer in the worlds” comment about how I should have just moved the bar faster-”why the hell didn’t I think of that”, I really felt the need to start a sentence that I never get to finish.

Humans that interrupt habitually are usually one of two things, or maybe both at the same time. Some are just self-centered, and some are just self-conscious.

Thankfully, CrossFit can be the cure for both. CrossFit is our chance to drop our defenses, and eliminate our excuses. From a coaches perspective, and a humans, I just want to watch you and make you better. As harsh as it may sound, I really don’t need your input to do that, and most importantly I always have your best interest at heart even when you don’t. That being said, do as the best of us do when we get instructed, shut up, listen, perform, and you will be better for it.

The naysayer

I have traveled to many affiliates over the years. In that time I have witnessed what I would consider some very questionable technique…but I kept my mouth shut.

That guy who shows up at the door of any training facility, and begins to correct and adjust, and instruct without being asked shows massive immaturity. You never know the train wreck that someone else is trying to get back on the track, and your data-less input could set the whole process back. You may mean well, but good intentions don’t mean a damn if they create more obstacles.

The Riddler

I totally get you my friend. I want to know everything about everything also. Always and forever, I want the “why’s” answered before the action, and in many circumstances, I believe this can be a good trait, but not always in CrossFit.

CrossFit is one of those places where the actions precede the answers. In fact, this is usually a defense mechanism, a success procrastinator. Too many questions can prolong results. If you did your homework, and your within the walls of  a box who knows the answers, then just do what your told. Learning comes in time, study, and most importantly, movement. Besides that, the answers you are looking for are going to be very unclear until you have paid your dues to understand them.

Short changer

“I was just trying to go so fast ya know,” is this guys freaking anthem. He knows he is missing squat depth by seven miles, and that his overhead movement conveniently looks different than everyone elses. So stop telling him.

Don’t be that guy who “knows” the way, but “chooses” not to take it. In CrossFit we call it “standard”, everywhere else it’s called “integrity”:. Have some, and don’t be that guy who can, but won’t.

Rabbit chaser

Some CrossFitters are like the rabbit at dog races, first and fast outta the gate. Their goals is to stay in front so the mongrels behind them get a face full of ass and dirt. Others are chasing the rabbit waiting to the last turn to overtake it.

There is a time and a place for this game of CrossFit chess, but it is not everyday. CrossFit is born and blessed because of the CrossFitters we do it with. They make us better by sheer proximity. However, sometimes we need to shut them all out and simply use the energy that is created in the room full of Knights, Kings, and Queens. Sometimes we need to forget the mongrels behind us, and the rabbit in front of us and we just need to go for all it’s worth, regardless if we are even able to finish the workout in the end. That way your never “that guy”, who has more in the tank, but never knew it.

Being “that guy” isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes being that guy is lending a hand when no one else will, it’s telling the truth even when it hurts, it’s doing what’s right not what’s popular….be that guy.

Who did I leave out?

Strength:

Three position Snatch AHAP
EMOM
8-Rounds

For Time:

“Angie”

100-Pull-ups
100-Push-ups
100-Sit-ups
100-Squats

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