Perhaps you've seen the Crossfit Games on EPSN. It's an intense, challenging competition showcasing the world's best athletes completing grueling workouts. What you don't see is the lead up to the games, which is called the OPEN. As it states in the name, it's an open competition to everyone in the world. It lasts five weeks, with a new workout released each week. And even though I had only been doing crossfit for two months, I decided to sign up. It would be a good measuring tool for years to come. When we stepped inside it was quite a scene. People of all abilities were completing the workout. The cheering was loud and increased as the seconds ticked down the allotted ten minutes. The pace picked up as athletes attempted to squeeze in more reps. When the clock hit ten minutes almost everyone went to their knees in exhaustion. Loud clapping echoed throughout the gym. It didn't seem to matter if you were logging a top score or a bottom score; someone was cheering for you. I was still nervous but feeling better. After warming up, I watched Bobby complete his workout. About three minutes into the workout I knew he was going to exceed his expectations. I was so happy for him. Since I was in the group after Bobby's, he was able to be my judge. This subdued a lot of my anxiety. I stood nervously, with my back to the clock. I didn't want the ticking clock to add to my panic level. My hands were shaking while holding the jump rope. 3,2,1...GO! My first attempt at the double unders and my feet got tangled in the rope. Second attempt: same thing. I took a deep breath and looked at Bobby. "It's ok," he said. He was right. Single, single, double, single, single, double. I couldn't get the double unders in succession, but I could get a few singles and then a double. It was slow and tedious, but I used this approach to get my 30 double unders. Next, I moved on to the 55 pound snatches. I knew during those 15 snatches I was going to exceed my original goal of one completed round. During the course of my workout, I heard some of the loudest cheers I had heard all night. I turned my head to see my friend, Christina, completing her first snatch, with the bar overhead. At 55 pounds it was a personal best for her. It was the only time I smiled during the workout. At the end of ten minutes, I dropped to my knees, trying to catch my breath. Bobby leaned over and showed me my score sheet.
5 Comments
Bobby
3/4/2014 01:30:29 pm
Good job on your first open Sarah. Just showing up is half the battle.
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Sarah
3/4/2014 01:39:40 pm
Thanks Bobby. I would have never done so well without your support.
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Joyce Henderson
3/5/2014 04:26:08 am
Way to go!! I admire your tenacity!!
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Tiffany
3/5/2014 07:14:46 am
So proud of you Sarah! You and Bobby are too cute. I LOVE doing crossfit w/Jerry. I do so much better w/him as my cheerleader :)
Reply
Sarah
3/5/2014 12:36:00 pm
Thank you Tiffany! It's great having his support. Couldn't do it without him!
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Author: Sarah WarmanI like to run, take pictures and write. I've combined all three in this blog. Archives
June 2019
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