Open season is here!! In the world of CrossFit, the next five weeks are very exciting. Over this weeks Dave Castro from CF HQ will announce one workout per week. These WODs will act as the first qualifier for the CrossFit Games in Carson, California where they will crown the fittest male, female and team in the World. This is my 3rd open experience and although things change, there is a familiarity with the excitement and camaraderie that I feel during this time. For some, this is a big competition to ensure that they secure a spot to compete at Regionals. For others, it is a fun community event and a friendly competition among friends Whatever the motivation of the athlete, we get to come together as one community and tackle these WODs together.
There are some new rules that have been implemented by head office this year. If you are a top 60 hopeful, you will be required to have each of your open WODs video taped and judged by someone who has taken the on-line judges course. If you are a hopeful, please make sure you have taken your on-line course so that you can judge your fellow athletes. Even if you are a top 60 hopeful and plan to compete on the team and not as an individual, you will still be required to submit your videos. Head office will request the video at the end of the open.
We will be running the WODs on Fridays and Saturdays during regular class time. We do ask that if you do need to be taped, that you let us know when you plan on doing the WOD in advance so that we can have everything set up. Please do your best to get the open WOD done during these times. If you can't make it, please let Jason or I know and we will make arrangements for you. Each athlete will also be responsible for submitting your score. Please don't wait until the last minute as we have to validate them in time.
Now, if I can leave you with some words of advice. As awesome as the open can be, it can also mess with people's heads. You have this opportunity to compare yourself with over 100,000 other athletes WORLDWIDE! This is where I have to say..."keep it real!". Don't get down on yourself because you finished 15,000th on a WOD. There are a lot of incredible athletes competing out there that have been doing this for a long time, been to the Olympics or played elite level sports. You can't define your performance as it stacks up to Rich Froning or Sam Briggs (well, you can but just remember that they are the fittest in the whole world!). You have to look at what you did, in that moment. You might finish last but it was the most double unders you have ever done - celebrate that! You PR'd and you gave all you had - that is something to be proud of!! Try not to get caught up in the leader boarding and trying to figure out what the next WOD is going to be. It will be what it is and all you can do is hit is hard and give it your best. Remember, we are not defined by CrossFit, it is something that we do. We get to train and workout and that is an awesome gift. So, enjoy the experience! Let's support eachother, help our hopefuls get to Regionals and have a great open season!!
-Rebecca