Fit as Fu*k Wrap-Up

Low, grey, and threatening clouds filled the morning sky as we made our way to the Fit as Fu*k CrossFit Challenge. It did not bother us—we came prepared for the unknown and unknowable. However, it did not raise our spirits to think that we may be doing heavy kettlebell snatches, sandbag sprints, and burpees in the rain! But, that was Event #2…perhaps the weather would hold out. First, we had to overcome the first event—the skills session.

Event #1 proved to be a success for me; I was able to complete all 7 skills as required. Let me tell you though—the 500 meter row tested my will. I had about 150 meters to go and I distinctly remember a little voice crowding my mind, telling me that this SUCKED and that I wanted to QUIT! However, there were two voices that I heard: the first voice was my wife, Kari, who was not even there. I could hear her urging me to pull faster…to pull harder! The other voice was actually audible, and it was Lauren. All that I heard was, “Come on B…pull…come on B!” The cutoff was 1:35. I rowed a 1:34…barely! Thank you Kari and Lauren!

Event #2 did not go as well as I had wanted. The heavy kettlebell snatches (32kg) proved to be quite a challenge for me (and my shoulder). However, combined with my score for the first event, I was able to move on to the third event: “CrossFit Total II”.

Event #3... kilograms to pounds = my math sucks! I had a game plan and I stuck to it pretty well, until the bench press. I attempted the clean first. I hit 100kg which was NOT my best—a bit disappointed. However, I made my way on to the overhead squat, and achieved a personal record of 100kg (220lbs). Next, was the bench press. Here is the thing: I do NOT bench press. I ended up lifting 120kg (265lbs), which I was satisfied with. The grand total: 320kg, which put me at the middle of the pack…on to Event #4.

105kg was the curse of me. The fu*ked up barbell complex was right in my wheelhouse—it was it! 10 barbells…starting at 60kg and ending with 105kg. I made it through to the 100kg complex with little to no problems. Then, the ticket to the final event, was the 105kg barbell complex. I attempted…and I failed. I attempted again…and I failed. I attempted a third time…and I failed. This disqualified me from making it to the final event. I will be honest with all of you: I am disappointed. However, overall, I am very happy with how I did. After recovering from rotator cuff surgery in January, and only staring to do the WODs as Rx’d in May/June, I feel as though my capacity has actually increased! CrossFit motivates me.

A BIG thank you goes out to Sarah and Ditte—they put on a first class event! I can only hope that the Fit as Fu*k CrossFit Challenge will continue to be an annual event. To all of the outstanding athletes, spectators, and sponsors: thank you! I will be leaving Europe next week…I honestly could not have thought of a better way to spend my last weekend, than in the presence of so many incredible people—my European CrossFit Family: I will miss you all!