2011 Reebok CF Games!

That's right folks, I was there 1st hand for the second year in a row!  Let me tell you that this year was even bigger than last.  But before I get to my games experience, I had to get a WOD or two in...DUH!
This time I had 2 of my 3 favorite people in the world, especially in CF, with me to tear things up with.  Susanna Mopper (HERE!), Rick Sinclair (PRESENT!) and Laurie Lawrence (Excused Absence) are the three just in case you were wondering.  We hit CF 360 (143) in Long Beach, CA where we ran into my 2010 games judging partner, "Moose", who just happened to be a trainer there.  The class had McGhee on tap, which Susan tackled like a pro with over 10 Rds finished at Rx weights.  Rick and I had a bit of a tune up for him before his games debut with a 15min AMRAP of 10 OHS @ 75/85 and 5 HSPU/Release Push Ups after rd 4 for Rick.  I cut Rick off at 10rds and I finished up at 11.  We all had a blast being in the same box together and I'm sure these two have no idea how much it actually meant to me.  Thanks 360 for letting us do what we needed to do and get some work done.  Your guys were great!

Myself, Rick, Susan, & Moose

(7/28) While after having a great dinner (with dessert) at the Brazilian steakhouse, I was sure that none of us were moving anytime soon.  So I had to be the one to get up at the crack of dawn and head over to CF Long Beach (144) to work off the meat babies.  I met Carlos when I got there, seemed pretty cool and attentive to the class.  We did Turkish Get Ups for the days skill, so I hoped right in and got to work.  5x1 on both arms was the scheme so I did 44, 53, 70, 88, and 93 with those last 2 on the women's barbell.  I did drop the 1st 93 attempt on my toe if anyone was wondering, but it went up on the second attempt.  As for the WOD we hit a 10min Cindy, Got thru 11 which was good for me.

A great time was had and I'm glad the meat baby left soon after! Thanks CFLB.

Now for the 2011 Reebok CF Games! This was my second year judging and it was even better than last year..I think. I missed most of the elite events. I missed all the team events except the finals. There was one thing that I saw and am so glad that I didn't miss a minute of the action and that was the Masters.  These were some of the most humble and amazing folks I've ever met.  They were all just happy to be there and get a true games experience.   I could go on for hours on how amazing they were but I won't.  I'll just pick a few peoples performances that stood out to me:

•  Rick Sinclair, who is one of my best CF friends, made me one of the proudest friends ever.
• Scott DeTore, you are one compact BEAST! I'm so glad I had you and could push you!
• Kathy Miller, my foot is still hurt weeks later but you came back on the WOD and did me proud.
• Janice Spray, you broke that damn nickel!
• Barbara Sessa, I so <3 you!
• Brain Curley, you don't need to squat but it looked great!
• Lynne Knapman, I'm holding you to that trip to Sydney.  Orange shoes rule!

To everyone else, you were amazing and like I said, I could go on for hours! This was my 2011 Reebok CF games and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Now before I leave Cali, I got to have a one last meal with Christianne, Rick, Gabe, and Susan.  A meat fest to end all meat fests!  Big Belly only has one thing he wants to do...one last LA WOD.  So while the Sinclair Family headed for the beach, Susan and I headed for Huntington Beach and CF Surf City(145). We met Melissa as she was finishing up the prior class and did the usual waiver thing.  After an intense warm up, we hit one hell of a WOD: 12-9-6 of Clean & Jerks @ 135 and Muscle Ups! If your a math major, it's 3 and 3 short of GRACE and 30 for time.  It started off good, got worse, and finally ended.  This one kicked my ass a bit.  I finished though and that was the point. 20:25 is better than a DNF. Did some shopping and thanked Melissa again.  If your looking for a good ass kickin' from an Ohio Girl (I still love me some Ohio), hit up CF Surf City. You won't be disappointed!

All that was left was a shower, to finish packing, drive to LAX, find a great lunch at McCormicks and Schmidts, and get a bit of great news.  I ended this trip with finding out that I was selected to the rank of Logistics Specialist (Submarines) Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy.  After 2 wonderful celebratory shots with Susan, I headed back on my long journey back to Pittsburgh...if only for a few days before I have to hit the road again.  Here's to one hell of a trip with great friends!

Home Before the Long Haul

(7/15) When I came into work today, I was told to get ready to be away from home for the entire month of August. They also told me that they would be gone all next week and I had the fort.  I had been gone most of the month already with trips and training and really wasn't looking for to being in the office much.  After two days in the office, I looked on the main site, made a plan, and took off the rest of the week. As I made my way home, I had to call the same fun people in Columbus to break up the monotony of my trip.  I called my good friend Karen for lunch, lunch became lawn mowing, and then came a sleep over in Cow Town. 
(7/21) The lawn was mowed, I took a nap, and then headed over to Columbus CF (137) in Hilliard, OH.  I quickly met a bunch of the athletes and got right into the warm up.  After the warm up we were already a sweaty mess with NO relief in sight.  The WOD was a Nasty 20min AMRAP of (7each) 2p KB Swings, K2E, and Push Ups.  I made it thru 12 rounds as time expired.  I actually left a puddle under my chair as I sat and cooled off after class. Thanks for a good time, had a blast CF OKM.

(7/22) Up early as always and off to another box. This time I was up and ready for a little fun at Friendship CF (138) in Columbus, OH.  Great skill with max OHS @ 95#, 30 sec on 60 off for 4 rounds.
I got 101 reps which was great for me. Wasn't up to "Diane" though due to tweaking my back with HEAVY weight at home on Monday. I tried, made it thru round1 but that was enough for me.  For a young box, they have tons of potential and a great coach.  Keep up the good work FCF!

After a good breakfast and an one in a million chance run into of a girl I was in 5th grade and high school with, I headed off toward Cincy to see the folks. Well, not exactly...i passed their exit and headed off to Triple Crown CF (139) in Walton, KY. When I walked in I saw a familiar face in Dustin Winterhalt.  He was at CF Nasti back in the day when I visited there a time or two.  I was free to do what I wanted, so I made up one of my own.  50 DU, 25 KB Swings, 5 Muscle Ups, 30/15/3, 10/15/1.  It was a shoulder burner and I actually got stuck on the last MU. Took like 5 min for the last MU. BLAH!!!! Sucked but I finished. I turned off the clock at around 11 min.  Thanks for letting have a little fun Dustin, sorry I couldn't make the SEAL Fit WOD on Sunday.  I do want a pair of the TCCF fight shorts when I come back D!  See ya again soon.

(7/23) Up early again, this time to travel off the beaten path, about 2 hours north, to CF Crave (140) in Celina, OH. Quick side note, Ashley the owner if high school friends with CF Warrenton owner Crystal. They went all high school girl on me when they found out. Small ass CF world we have.  Anyways, the WOD was Teams of 2: 1 person working at a time 50 Wall Balls then 4 Rds of 20 Front Squats 115, 40 DB Snatches 35, 60 Jumping Pull Ups then 50 Wall Balls. My partner did pretty good, we finished second overall.  Fast behind us was a pregnant Ashley.  This was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got to hang around and just chat with Ashley after class.  If I'm ever back in Celina, I'll certain;y be back.  If your ever in the area, take the time and check out Crave! 

(7/25) Early Monday I headed home toward the 'burg. I figured I check out a box or two in the morning.  1st stop was i40 CF (141) in Delaware, OH.  No one showed.  I made a WOD in the parking lot.  Building run and 25 squats, 4 Rds.  Lots of excuses and story but long story short. i40 CF is now dead and should be renamed to CF Ironclad eventually.  Enough said, wait for the change.....

Needless to say I had a bitter taste to start the day, but I decided to take the high road home and head to Hinckley, OH and visit CF Spirit (142). I met Mel, the owner, and introduced myself to the class.  Once again it was mostly women, but I get used to that when I hit the mid morning WOD's.  The WOD looked fun, 5-10-15-20 of Deadlifts @ 225, Push Ups, Pull Ups and 45# DB Push Press.  I faired pretty well doing it in 9:55.  I saw some awesome girls in the class including a first unassisted pull up.  I had so much fun that I actually was invited to stick around and help out in the next class.  Fun all around and I was happy I made this trip.  Next time I'm in the area, I will totally be back to tear it up with the Spirit crew. 

Well I'm off to the 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games and my 2nd year of judging amazing athletes.  I wonder what lucky person is gonna be my partner in crime!

Sunday Speed Run

(7/17) So I was hanging out last night and figured I'd speed run somewhere close to knock out one more box. The only issue was finding a box with a Sunday class on a few hours notice.  What am I talking about, ya'll knew I would find something within a few hours or so.  Luckily, I found CF Intense (136) in Fairmont, WV and a road trip partner, Liz.

We were immediately welcomed when we arrived by Johnny and the entire crew at CFI.  After a little discussion we drew numbers to get our partners.  I had lil M and she was tough!  Every workout was 2 part and all depended on your partners endurance.  400m run/WB, double unders/sled pull, ski erg/burpees, & 500m row/kb swings were our sets.  One person did the endurance while the other did work for reps.  I don't know how the rest was scored but it was fun.  M&M as we were called finished 3rd, but it really didn't matter.  We has a blast!  I'm not sure how Liz faired but she said she had a good time. 

A good time was had by all and I'm glad that we got invited back whenever we could make it.  Thanks to Johnny Layne and everyone at CFI for a great WOD and fun Sunday.

Welcome back from Strep...

7/12 So I've been on a bit of a forced vacation. Not beaches and drinks but dark hotel rooms and not being able to even swallow. Sounds just wonderful doesn't it! Well it's been 10 days since last WOD so it's time for a 2-a-day!

1st stop is CF Unrivaled (134) in Chesapeake, VA. I realized that I had met the trainer, Jackie, before, she was in my L1 cert over a year ago in Northern VA.  Small World!!!  Now that we got that out of the way, it was time for a little deadlifting with the amazing ladies of CFU.  I really mean ladies, i was the only guy in the class!  Today was a strength day and my favorite strength at that, DEADLIFT! 10-8-6-1-1-1-1-1-1.  45, 225, 315, 405, 475, 475, 505, 505. 535(f). It was hard to get that 505 since there were only steel 45's, so it looked like this.

I had a great time and even helped a girl break thru her fear and hit a huge PR!  Thanks for a great time and I look forward to the next trip to CFU!

Now like I said before it is a 2-a-day so off to CF 757 (135) in Norfolk, VA  I went.  It was another strength day but this time, Overhead Squats!  5x5 was the prescription tonight.  I was a tad weak still so I started light and worked my way up. 135, 155, 175(1/3), 175, 195(2/3)  I worked with 2 other awesome lifters that night.  All about the same strength so it was good fun competition. 

Another fun trip to Tidewater in the books. What box should I visit next?