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!

Competing again...in Denmark!

254. That is how many days have passed since my shoulder surgery. 42 of those 254 days, my arm was in sling, and I was unable to use it. To be honest, I cannot even remember when I started doing WODs as Rx’d again. May…June? I am not sure. On April 27^th of this year, Lauren posted a topic on our forum about the Fit as Fu*k Challenge in Denmark in September. At first, I thought that there would be no conceivable way that I would be anywhere close to being ready to compete in another CrossFit event. On May 13^th, I signed up for it.

I love CrossFit. I love the community, the WODs, and yes…I love the competition! I had to do this. I knew that I would be leaving Germany shortly after the competition, so I decided that the Fit as Fu*k Challenge would be my “last hurrah”—what better way to depart, than spending one of my last weekends with close friends, in Denmark, doing what we all love doing: CrossFit. But am I prepared for this?

Most of the time, we are not prepared for the WOD, let alone a multi-event CrossFit competition – “unknown and unknowable” baby!  To state the obvious, my training had not gone quite as I would have liked—that was one of the reasons that I started this blog. Because, “The Training Never Stops” no matter what the circumstances. I am more than satisfied with my progress though—I have been posting PRs for a lot of my lifts and WODs…my confidence is up! I’m not even that nervous.

Let me tell you this: last year, on the way to CrossFit Northern Ireland to compete in the 2009 CrossFit Games European Qualifier, I broke out in hives. No, seriously…I was so nervous that I actually broke out in hives. Not this time. I am just looking forward to seeing my “European CrossFit Family” one last time, and of course, meeting new CrossFitters! On 3-2-1…GO! will Mr. Jekyll turn into Dr. Hyde? Oh, you better believe it; however, the pressure is off…I am going to have a blast—WE are going to have a blast.

So, wish me luck! And for all of you crazy CrossFitters heading to Denmark this weekend: good luck to all of you and see you soon!