The Open is a good test of fitness. As leaders, we encouraged everyone to participate in this five week competition for a variety of reasons. These five weeks are an excellent opportunity to see where you are at, how far you’ve come (it was INCREDIBLE and INSPIRING to see all of the muscle up PR’s over the weekend) and may give insights on what you need to work towards. It’s also a chance to gather together.

This is a great time of year, as long as you don’t lose perspective

The CrossFit Games is a worldwide competition that unites our community on a global and local level, we want you to take part in that. This a chance to interact with other athletes (yes you are all athletes) in the gym that you don’t get to see in your normal classes. You are part of a unique and diverse community.

This is an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone

The absence of comfort clears space for rapid growth. A 14-minute workout can teach you lessons that would otherwise take years to grasp. That’s one of the hidden gifts of CrossFit workouts.

Yes it’s uncomfortable, but you’re not alone

We as a community—local and global—are doing this together. We are all stepping out of our comfort zone, facing disappointment, adapting to sudden change and dealing with the mental tax that surrounds competition. The call of “go” unlocks so much potential. Potential for excitement, disappointment, stress, triumph, failure, support, tears, rips, redemption and host things that cannot be explained only experienced. When time is called, you can choose to fall to the floor in agonizing satisfaction, mixed feeling or utter disappointment. You get to choose what you take away from the workout and what you leave on the mat. It’s truly up to you to craft the experience.

The Open is not all roses so let’s take a moment to realize this is a test and not a definition of who your are. Don’t lose sight of who you are or your significance because you can’t go Rx’d or don’t get the score you think you should get. The Leaderboard is a measurement tool but it’s very easy to let your ego turn it into an instrument of despair. If you’re reading this, it’s likely that the Open will not put food on your table, provide for your family, raise your kids or do things that are significant contributors to who you are as a person. It’s okay to want to be great, but don’t let that pursuit consume or outshine the full spectrum of what matters.

This is a test. It comes around every year. Make this an opportunity to learn, be challenged and have fun. If you don’t see the results you want on this test, use that to fuel your preparation for the next time a test comes around. The Open is something we are taking part in, but don’t let it steal your joy. Let it be part of the journey, don’t make it a detour.

“What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t Complain.” —Maya Angelou

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Technique:

Kipping handstand pushup

 

Metcon:

“Diane”
21-15-9:
Deadlifts, 225/155
Handstand pushups
*Compare to 12/10/2014

 

Finisher: Abs