Sunday 1.08.12



The 2012 CrossFit Games season is beginning.  The format will be the same as last year, with Open Qualifiers with participants all over the world signing up on the internet and participating.  The CrossFit Games is still sponsored by Reebok and looks to be even bigger this year.  With more participation, more money on the line, and more gifted athletes joining in teh competition should be even better this year.

But when people speak of CrossFit, they are actually talking about two different things; CrossFit- the sport, and CrossFit- the training regimen.

When I began doing CrossFit- the training regimen, it was the focus of CrossFit.com and the Games were an afterthought, simply a test.  However as time and popularity demanded, CrossFit - the Sport took over the focus of CrossFit Headquarters as they allowed capitalism to work and followed the money (good for them!).

CrossFit the sport, in all actuality, is just extreme exercising that can be scored. And I love it! It’s challenging. If you train hard, have the time to train, and have a smart program, it is possible to get numbers that match the stats of the top Games athletes. The difference between the Games athletes and us is that they are able to perform at high levels longer than the rest of us.  Is it good training? Probably. Is it genetics?  Probably. Does finishing a long 20 minute long CrossFit Chipper a few seconds faster than the other person make you fitter?  Who knows.  But the scoring has been set and the competitors agree to it and each year CrossFit crowns "The Fittest in the World".  And I watch it each year because it's exciting and inspiring.

However, I did not get into CrossFit to participate at the Games.  I got into CrossFit to get in the best shape in my life for my own well-being on and off the job.  And I have achieved that.  I am faster, stronger, more powerful than I have ever been.  I have no desire to train multiple workouts in the same day, day in and out.  I'll let the "genetic freaks" out there do that and i'll sit back with my plate of nachos and cheer them on.

CrossFit - the training regimen is not CrossFit.com's focus as much, but it is the focus at The Compound Strength and Conditioning.  Training full movements at all times (i.e.  turning out the rings in a dip or push up, or full burpees instead of floppies), eating properly, resting or recovery workouts, specific skill work and development are all part of the things that make us more fit.  Not simply going fast to beat a time day in and day out.

But it is fun to test ourselves every now and again, which is why I want to see as many people who can to participate in the CrossFit Games Open.  Competition certainly has a part in improving your fitness, and its a fun part.  Competition is a natural part of us.  I sat in the stands yesterday watching the parents get competitive at the Under 6 youth indoor soccer game my son was playing in as they cheered their kids on.  If you don't test yourself now again or chase somebody else to improve your scores than you have never truly tested yourself to see what you are truly capable of.

The Nutrition Challenge starts January 16th, and will go for 6 weeks leading us up to the CrossFit Games Open with the goal of putting everyone who participates in the best shape going into the competition.  So whether its your goal to be the best, most fit person in all of Vacaville, Northern Cali, or CrossFit Land or you simply want to shed a few pounds and become a bit stronger and faster, join up in the Nutrition Challenge and the CrossFit Games Open in January and February and get started.

8 comments:

  1. If I cannot make the meeting on the 14th due to a prior engagement, can I still get the info and participate?

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  2. Another well thought out description of what's going on around here. Nutrition challange, Crossfit Open, Tough Mudder 2012 and weekly eyeballing of Mike C's numbers on the board...Im in,Im in,Im in. This "stuff" in all it's glory is working for me. How can I be in the best shape of my life at 53? I just keep coming back and try and learn what's being taught.

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  3. Doug I would love to try out the tough mudder but hardly think I can keep up with you and Mike. Will a novice team be formed?

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  4. Kelly.. Tough Mudder is not about winning ..its about finishing together as a "Team". Your in. When we all start together we finish together and help one another along the way. The glory comes when you see your team mates step outside their comfort zone(which is pretty much the whole thing) and finish. Its not timed and no one cares. Their is no novice or expert its one size fits all. You can do this and it would be an honor for a large group of us to participate together.

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  5. ok, well if the team won't mind "dragging me along", I'm in....I think it would be a tremendous experience. When is it?

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  6. WOW....I just checked out the website and the video....now I'm scared....

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  7. yea Kelly, you can get the info and participate on the Nutrition Challenge. I got your email, I'm just waiting for everyone else to email so I can send out the info

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  8. 20 min run, 1min @90%, 1 min @50% repeat

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