Far From Over

Monday evening, The Reebok CrossFit Games Open was officially closed for score submissions, thus ending this year's Open.  What was my first Open, turned out to be a great learning experience.  I learned what it was like to compete outside of the daily competition between members of a box.  I learned, on more than one occasion, that there were things that I need to work on if I am to compete again, and especially if I am to be competitive in those competitions.  There were times that I easily recognized my shortcomings, and there were times that I more closely had to look at my performance to see them.

14.5 was a learning experience in itself.  After working that Saturday, I rushed straight to the gym in an effort to complete the workout with the people that I had started the Open with at 803 CrossFit.  After taking a short time to watch the tail end of the heat before mine, I quickly warmed up and prepped for the final workout.  Although, I knew it would be a tough workout, I was not prepared for how exhausted my lungs and legs would feel.  My performance was far from where I thought it would be, and it looked as though I would be ending the Open on a disappointment.  Hindsight being 20/20, I would have waited for another day when I could be more prepared, and less rushed.  It's unclear as to how much better I could have done, because any thought of trying it a second time was quickly squashed when my legs were still incredibly sore on Monday.  Better luck next year!

In order to know if what we are doing is actually working, we often need to evaluate ourselves based on where we want to be, and knowing where we actually are.  I know where I want to be...I want to finish next year in the top 500 of the region.  That's a huge step from the just over 3000th place finish this year, but it is attainable.  After learning so much about what I need to do to get better, I can't set a goal lower than that. This year's workouts (as well as previous open WODs) will be my benchmarks...my measuring sticks.  I have set a mark of where I want to be, and saw where I actually am.  I have tested myself, and I will continue to retest and retest; continually measuring and monitoring my improvements. 

The Open was great for me.  I almost didn't do it, because I knew I would advance no further than where I am now, but it was fun.  I surprised myself more than once, and although I was equally disappointed with my performances, I loved every second of it.....well, except for the 1,193 seconds it took to complete 14.5. Those I could probably do without.  Thanks to the great people at Hylete whose gear I wore for every WOD, and I strongly recommend you check out.  Also, a big shout-out to the guys at Fueled By Doubt for the encouragement and support.  I'll continue to post updates of my progress.  Although this was my first open, the journey is far from over.