Holding Down the Fort!

1)Push press 3 x 3
Then,

2010 CrossFit Games Affilliate Cup Event 2:
2a) For reps:
1 minute max reps deadlift (264/173 lb.)
Rest 1 minute
1 minute max reps pistols
Rest 1 minute
1 minute max calories row
2b) Establish a 1RM shoulder-to-overhead in 120 seconds.
*If anyone wants to replicate the 6 person team event, grab 5 others and go for it! 

**BBQ & Potluck Friday night at the box!**

Just one perspective from the CrossFit Games…

Two days after returning from the 2010 CrossFit Games, things are still a bit of a blur.  Over the course of the last year, quite a bit of time, effort and energy has been invested in preparation.  Now that the bright lights of L.A. have come and gone, there are a ton of thoughts and emotion swirling around in my head.

A year ago, we did not set a goal to win the CrossFit Games.  Even now, a target of that magnitude seems a bit overwhelming.  Instead, our goal was to perform at the highest level possible for us on the weekend of July 16-18, 2010.  Giving our best at the Home Depot Center was easy.  Competing on CrossFit’s biggest stage along side the world’s most well rounded athletes in front of thousands of fans, friends, family, (and three amazing signs) is plenty of motivation to pour your heart out.  That’s the fun part.  It’s not where the CrossFit Games are won and lost though. 

In order to compete at our very best in L.A., we had to go there long before July 16^th.  No, not to the HDC; to the depths of CrossFit Games competition.  An honest effort in L.A. required 110% effort in exertion, and nutrition for the year leading up to the Games.  You won’t find a more dedicated group to train with than Jess, Riss, Marie, Nate and Ryan.  None of these people kid themselves about their fitness.  When there is something that they can improve, they just do what it takes to get better and make it happen.  It doesn’t get any more inspirational than watching these individuals attack every workout as if it’s the CrossFit Games Finals.  It’s a great honor and a pleasure to train with you guys.  Thank you.

The intent of this reflection was not at all to point out how hard we worked.  The reality is that our gym is full of a community of people that work equally as hard as the six that represented us in L.A.  I want to thank all of you that have helped us earn the title of the “World’s Fittest Gym.”  The six on the podium were just the tip of the iceberg. 

For me, it starts with family.  Although I might be little biased, I know that my wife Lauren is the most amazing person in the whole world.  She has made way too many sacrifices to count in order to allow me to prepare and train for the CrossFit Games.  Day after day, weekend after weekend, she put her own interests aside so that we could compete at our very best in L.A.  Thank you Lauren.  Thank you Jessica, Cash, Raef, Cathy, Rusty, Chad, Steve, Maia, Sophia, and Sam for doing the same for your families.

My brothers Jake and Paul and my mom and dad also earned a big thank you.  A friend (yep, you Joey) once told me that I was at the base of his CrossFit family tree.  While that may be true, I’m just a small branch off of the solid trunk that is my brother Jake.  He not only sparked our interest, he was an original member of the team last year.  Jake and I would never have gotten past “Angie” if it weren’t for Scott and Rochelle Hagnas helping us along the way.  No one has been more generous than these two in sharing the foundations of fitness and nutrition with others.  Xi Xia and Jessica have been right by their side and helped us get the ball rolling last year as well.

Bridget Raach has been a huge part of our gym’s success.  She brings so much to the table in coaching all of the athletes here, but her instruction in weightlifting has been especially valuable for Games prep.  She kept the team firing on all cylinders along the way and somehow even predicted an obstacle course months in advance.  Her uncle Dennis and Aunt Jeanine graciously opened up their house to 13 strangers at the Games.  We cooked and consumed enough food to feed a small army during the trip, and Uncle Dennis and Aunt Jeanine somehow kept the kitchen in one piece.  We’d have never survived in a regular hotel!  Cheryl has been a mainstay on the team all season, capturing remarkable photos from at Sectionals, Regionals, and at the Home Depot Center.  Every time she sends one over, I’m even more amazed at her skill.  Dot Com and Pete were there too keeping us informed on when and where we needed to report for duty.  Having them in our corner during workouts gave the HDC a familiar feel.  Thanks to Karen, George, and John, the gym thrived in our absence.  I’m truly amazed at the subtle yet obvious improvements that people have achieved in less than a week.  

A whole bunch of people donated money to help finance our trip.  We’re very blessed to have such a supportive community.  Some of you also blew up balloons, made signs, decorated the gym, and met us at the airport.  I was really touched to find out that the crew that rallied at PDX had planned to welcome us home long before they knew we’d be bringing back a trophy.  There are many other friends and family that have supported us all along, and we’re grateful for every one of you.  The team competition is called the Affiliate Cup for a reason.  It’s the team behind the team that won this year’s CrossFit Games.  You have a lot to be proud of.  THANK YOU.       

-Photos courtesy of Cheryl Boatman Photography