On To The Next One

I'm not exactly sure why I felt compelled to retry 14.2 after a decent performance on Saturday, but that's exactly what I did this evening...and it did not go much better.  Now, just to be clear, a decent performance to me means coming just shy of my own personal goal.   What actually ended up happening on that second attempt was that it went one rep worse than my first attempt.  From now on, in the words of Jay-Z...one attempt and then it's "on to the next one."

14.2, at first glance, looked like one that I could really use to gain some ground in The Open.  Not in a large, "I think I can make it to regionals" kinda way, but more like in a move further up on my small little custom leaderboard world kinda way.  14. 2 was three minutes to complete two rounds of ten 95lb overhead squats and ten chest to bar pull-ups...too easy.  Each full completed two round 3 minute couplet, and then the reps go up by two.  On that first attempt I completed my first two 10 rep rounds in under a minute and a half...then the next round 12 and 12...smooth through the overhead squats, but not as smooth on the pull-ups.  After struggling, but making it through the first 12 pull-ups, I completed the overhead squats (unbroken again).  This time getting back on the bar for the pull-ups would not go as well, I completely shut down and was only able to complete 3.  Final score...79 reps.  I had finished just short of my goal of 88 reps.  I really felt if I could just get the additional pull-ups I needed, I would have no problem getting the next 14 overhead squats and would easily pass my goal.  I just didn't have it that day.  


All weekend I contemplated as to whether or not I was going to give it a second shot.  No possible performance was going to propel me into national (or regional for that matter) recognition, but something was telling me I should do it.  Fast forward to Monday evening just hours before final submissions needed to be made.  I was ready, complete with a new strategy, and determined attitude.  Let me save you the suspense...it was nearly identical to the first...78 reps.  It was worth the shot, and at the same time it wasn't. These workouts are exhausting, challenging, and at times frustrating.  They are used to help determine who the fittest men and women in the world are, and for good reason.  I think I'll just stick with one attempt, and save myself some of that frustration.  From now on, it's give it all I got on the first attempt, and then...just like Jay...on to the next one.  

This week as 14.3 approaches I am thinking about not only moving to that next one, but attempting it "live reveal" style.  Just after the announcement I want to get full clarity on the rules, and have a coach score me. Hopefully, I can find someone else to go with me...misery loves company, right?  This Open has been about putting myself out there and getting out of my comfort zone, and what better way to do that than to just jump right into the WOD.  It can't be any worse than trying the same one twice...let's get it.