So 13.5 has come and gone and boy did it take everyone by surprise.
Maybe not the exercises, Thrusters and Chest to bar, but the format certainly did, 15 Thrusters followed by 15 chest to bar, complete three rounds of this (90 reps) in four minutes and you get four minutes added on, to try and get another 90 reps and so on and so on ! This is one for the extremely athletic and mentally strong.
It being the last WOD of 2013, I was expecting a little more excitement than usual, down at Reebok Crossfit Glasgow, but there seemed to be more a sense of fear 9for want of a better word) about this workout and there did seem to be an awful lot of 'warming up and preparation work' going on, way longer than usual.
Which to be honest was very understandable, a lot of people, myself included can't do the kipping or butterfly technique used so efficiently, by the higher skilled Crossfitters, luckily for me I can (well had hope) I could get my chest to bar with standard pull ups, how many I wasn't sure.
This wasn't an option for others, so they were expecting to be standing under or hanging from the bar for about 3 1/2 minutes hoping for some miracle to get their body up and touching the bar.
I 'warmed up' on Thursday, but decided just to go for it on Friday, no more messing about waiting.
My target was anything over 30 and managed to achieve 45 (I say 45 3/4 but Andy my judge, said 3/4 doesn't count) which I was happy enough with.
As the weekend continued, I witnessed, The Reebok Crossfit Glasgow members, again, raising their own personal standards, lifting heavier weights than before or managing more reps, a lot compleing their first ever chest to bar.
Again there was a amazing atmosphere in the gym, so much support for anyone putting themselves through this brutally tough WOD.
The one thing that hadn't been completed yet, was 90 reps in the 4 minutes, Steph and Ally had got close, in the 80's and Gary hadn't been yet, as he was ill and still unsure whether eh would actually go at all.
Sunday came and it was the last chance for anyone hoping to complete it for a first time or outdo their previous attempt.#
Ally and Steph, decided to go at the same time, hoping to work as pacemakers for each other, hoping at least one of them would hit the magic 90.
Both, had their plans how to attack this, which given the limited time, is basically, don't stop. They both got through the first round (30 reps) fairly easily, 30 - 60 started to show just how ahrd they were working, but both through and in good time. 15 Thrusters which started 'light' for them both, now looked like the weight had doubled, but still they both got through, just chest to bar to go, they were both wiped by now, chipping away at the 15 reps, 1 or 2 at a time.
4 minutes gone Steph - 83 reps, Ally - 87 reps !! AAAAAGH !
Next up was Gary (Red) who had been coughing and wheezing all weekend, but decided to give it a go.
Again through the first round, easily, then both the WOD and the illness kicked in, but on he went - 4 minutes gone reps - 88, 88, just 2 short, although by the look of Gary, I think another 4 minutes was the very last thing he needed.
As you can see here, Gary gave his all
And that was it, the 2013 games were over, well for most of us, as all the scores got verified throughout Europe and the World, it was becoming clear, we may have someone going to the European Games, where all the top athletes from this years games get invited to compete for a chance to go to the World Games,.
Reebok Crossfit Glasgow is going to be represented there by none other than Steph Dekker, who came an amazing 19th in Europe.
So its off to Denmark in May for Steph and I know a few of the coaches and members are already booking flights and hotels to go support her. I hope to get a sponsor to send me to watch too (anybody ?) :-)
So congratulations to everyone who pushed their limits, took themselves out of their comfort zones and competeted, there are so many people that I watched and grew inspiration from, just within Reeebok Crossfit Glasgow, too many to mention them all, but I would like to thank each and every person that was involved over the last 5 weeks, its been truly immense.
Congratulations to Steph for qualifying for the regionals and obviously being top female at RCG and to Ally McKinnon for taking the male spot.
That was an 'interesting' 5 weeks for many reasons and my first glimpse into the Crossfit Games as a judge, spectator and 'competitor' (I use that term very loosely) and will post a new blog tomorrow on my thoughts about the Games journey and where I'm going from here.
Till tomorrow
Craig
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