I was overcome by emotion following the final event of this years CrossFit Games Regionals. Usually this happens after I get home and have some time to think about what took place – when I was strong, # 40mg when was I weak, who helped me through the tough times and how it went down. Standing there, surrounded by friends that understand the sacrifice, the pain in the joy that comes from pure effort, I just kind of lost it. I got to share some beautiful hugs with some beautiful people. If I got to hug you, you know how I felt. If I didn’t, but if you came to San Jose, watched on the live stream, saw a picture and thought it was cool, sent me a text or a message, or even sent a positive thought my way, I wish I could have shared a sweaty, teary hug with you.
That’s what keeps me coming back burpee after burpee, day after day, month after month, year after year – the chance to feel something pure – effort, love, joy – and share it with people that truly understand and appreciate what it all means.
I have goals in this sport, but what has happened over the years is special – the people that I am surrounded by have made the process and the journey more important than the finish line. I don’t care if I never get there, as long as I am surrounded by great people.
Sunday was an interesting day for me. I finished Event 6 DFL – Dead Fucking Last – in my heat. It was a big old pile of suck – nearly every thing I am bad at in CrossFit in 1 WOD, pulling up last place in front of thousands of people. Near the end, as I approached the barbell for the deadlifts with about 2 minutes left, I kind of thought, I have last place locked up, I could just do some deadlifts, coast home, and save my energy for the last event. No one would have known and it wouldn’t have mattered on the scoreboard. Last is last. I then decided to screw that noise. I did 26 deadlifts, and PR’ed my last score by 5 reps. I finished last, but I won.
After a last place finish, I certainly could have went into Event 7 and just got it done. I guess I could have felt sorry for myself, but that’s not really what I do. I hope that comes across when you interact with me. I am always looking for the positive, always looking for a way to make the best outcome out of every situation. It’s not in my nature to give up, back down, or even really feel sorry for myself. I just keep trying.
I was rewarded with a magical moment. I won my heat at a CrossFit Games Regional event and I got to pump my fists and see my friends cheering me on.
Is it corny that I want you to experience this? I don’t think so. I want anyone that walks in the doors at CrossFit Oakdale to understand the challenges in front of them, understand the sacrifice, and push forward with a great attitude.
I think this is circular. I am surrounded by great people at work, in my gym life (which is a big part of my life) and I sleep next to a great person. Not to get all meta physical, but that stuff flows, man. I make you better, you make me better, we make each other better. I don’t do drugs, and I never have, but I guess this is my drug.
Workout of the Day
AMRAP 20
“Mind Eraser”
7 Cleans 135/95
7 Burpees
Parking Lot Run
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