Are we getting soft, or smart?
CrossFit competitions are like snow flakes: a lot alike, but no two are exactly the same.
While writing for CrossFitters all over the world, I find myself traveling to many of these sporty and spirited gatherings. Over the years, as everything does, they have changed. And by years I mean about five or so because anytime before that, a CrossFit inspired competition was called a cookout.
It’s fun to get a feel for what other boxes smell like on game day. Many smell like home; rubber and sweat. Others waft of vendor prepared food and paint, at least the newer boxes do anyway. And a few smell as wrong as a salad at a steakhouse. Those are the ones who think CrossFit competitions start at 6 a.m., with a 5k run. Maybe they didn’t get the memo – I don’t CrossFit to run, I CrossFit so I can run – big difference.
While these boxes with battles between each other; teams, individuals, charities and various incantations tailor their competitive art to the crowd, competitors seem to be figuring it all out. Gaming it you could say, getting smarter; or softer?
It seems like forever and a day ago, but I competed in the first ever Affiliate Cup at the Ranch in, Aromas, California. Back then, the qualifier was online, and based on your ability to register your crew the fastest. I totally killed that part.
The events were fun and sucky like CrossFit events should be.
Most CrossFitters couldn’t really snatch, not by today’s standards anyway. Maybe half of the field couldn’t hit a wall-ball target which was maybe a three-foot wide, 10-foot-tall piece of lumber. And some were paralyzed by a handstand push-up on parallettes. But here’s the thing; they tried.
In the beginning, CrossFitters, during and after competitive events, looked like rag dolls owned by pissed off children. The word “time” feel like a grenade that ended a battle between sides that would never surrender. Medals of valor were awarded to the body who was able to sacrifice the most, not the most able body.
This kind of of rugged, bitey willingness to go the distance even if it killed you was pure CrossFit. Men will die for points, Coach says. That’s what it looks like.
But over the last couple of years, I have witnessed some CrossFitters give-up mid-fight. Something that was unheard of.
I think some athletes are so dialed in to their bodies, that giving up means retreating to fight another day.
It’s still weird though. Sometimes it looks like the smart move of a seasoned athlete. Sometimes it looks like shrugging your shoulders and taking this whole game for granted.
“Live to fight another day,” sounds presumptuous when tomorrow is no guarantee.
Every CrossFit competition I’m lucky enough to attend, competing or not, I always look for my motivation. I always find it too.
It always looks like a CrossFitter of old giving everything they have in the midst of a crowd cheering for a stranger on. I look for that human who makes me and the crowd cry.
It’s Annie getting her first muscle-up, and losing. It’s Miko blowing an ear drum, and still swimming. It’s Shelly competing knowing that she doesn’t have a pull-up, but happy that she can burpee. It’s special.
I guess the answer; softer, or smarter, is for each individual to decide. But I do know this; smart is knowing the limits that will cripple you, and challenging the limits that frighten you. True CrossFit is knowing the difference.
Strength:
5-Strict pull-up
5-Strict dips
5 Rounds
*Add weight if possible.
3-Squat cleans 95/135
6-Burpees
9-Lunges
AMRAP 3 Minutes
-recover (1) minute-
3-Power cleans 95/135
6-Push-ups
9-Air squats
AMRAP 3 Minutes
-recover (1) minute
2 Rounds
Auxiliary:
25-Vups
*Hold the bottom (hollow) position for (2) seconds, and the top (flexed) position for (2) seconds on each rep.
Post impression to comments.
Great post JB….. Shelly and Cindy were definitely inspirations for me… Glad they were on my team…
Great 5 class! You guys worked hard! Michelle-give me a heads up on your back today!!
Great class today 6am…. Mike Jones final class before heading out today…. It was great to have you in class one more time MJ
jb…love this
I don’t CrossFit to run, I CrossFit so I can run – big difference.
Didn’t we talk about that this weekend?
Secondly, I could probably go on for days about this weekend. I get weepy when i think about it. For me, the thought I keep going back to is how grateful I am for Chris and Mo. When they asked me to be on their team last December, I was hesitant yet knew it was necessary. It’s Mo’s way of pushing me to the next level of me that I desperately need to get to. The two of them knowing that they WOULD be “picking up my slack” on game day. Despite how self conscious or unprepared I may have felt I knew that if two people that I look up to so much as athletes and humans would embrace me that I had no other option than to say yes, give 100% and just do it!
I’m beyond glad I did. The final moments of the final wod IS what CrossFit is all about. It’s people you know, people you don’t, your judge, and your entire box screaming for you to just GO!
I had two conversations one with Ryan and one with 10 after that wod, The gist of it was, “why don’t I always push myself that hard”. What a bittersweet feeling, knowing that you’ve overcome some stupid fear and you really can bust you ass and not die, then having the knowledge that back at the gym you’ve been leaving effort on the table.
I thank God for the ability to have this knowledge and continue to be a better athlete because of this experience.
EVERYONE can compete, I am a living example, it will strengthen you from the inside out!
Me: We’re headin out. Amazing work today.
Shel: (eyes rolling) I really need to step up my game. Really. Oh-did I just say that out loud? Yes, we’ll I guess I did.
12rx
Had such a great time this weekend competing & couldn’t have asked for a better team to share it with! I love watching PCF athletes give it their all. It’s so intense!
12 rx
Shelly – you did great!
12RX
Shelly, I cried watching you 3 amazing ladies push through all those burpees! I’m so proud to call you all my friends! Such inspirations to us all!!!
10 M @ 75# Thanks Angela for the push. My lungs were burning and it felt great.
5 Rx before I got too caught up in speed and let my form suffer. Bad decision, sore back. A bit slow moving Chas but OK I think…?
Sorry I missed MJ this am. Will miss him bunches!
10 m @ 85lbs
Shelly, very well said. You brought tears to my eyes on Saturday. You guys did great!
10 rx
Had a great time this weekend. Definantly opened my eyes! Will miss you Mike Jones. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.
6 rx’d
9 RX. Missed a round by a couple squats……
Great 5:30 class
13 (65# and only power cleans)