This photo was taken directly after our WOD so a number of people had already left for the day.
I was happy to wake up and see that we would have a nice sunny Ohio November day for our CrossFit 101. Last year this time we were covered in snow.
When I got to the box the parking lot was already full. That was a sure sign of how excited people were about the CrossFit 101 event.
Coffee and juice along with fruit, nuts and cheese were available for the morning social hour. I spent the hour meeting and talking with both old and new friends. The box looked great and we had more than enough room to accommodate everyone.
The morning stayed on schedule as Coach Glassman arrived. Brian did a quick welcome and introduction and Coach Glassman began his talk.
First item out of the box was the recent controversy surrounding the Black Box Summit and Robb Wolf. If you don’t know about this controversy don’t worry, your life will go on unchanged without ever hearing another word about it. Coach Glassman addressed the issue directly and what I came away with is that Robb Wolf is not associated with CrossFit at this time.
Many other items were discussed during the over 3 hours that Coach spoke.
One issue he discussed that made an impact on me was all the shitty affiliates out there. He has had trouble finding them. He wanted to know if we could direct him to any. No one raised their hands. I guess that means we are OK here in Northeast Ohio.
His visit was significant in the fact we know that he knows where Ohio is. He has spoken to us as a group and individually and he has heard the concerns and needs of the CrossFit community in Northeast Ohio. I believe that the 75 people in attendance provided a good across the board representation of the CrossFit community inclusive of affiliate owners, trainers and all levels of CrossFitters.
If you are a CrossFitter and have the chance to attend a CrossFit 101 I urge you to take advantage of that opportunity.
Brian wrapped up Coach’s presentation with a big thank you to CrossFit and Coach Glassman and others associated with the visit. He also made a special presentation to Jerry Wilson for his help with transporting and moving the flooring into the new box. I was honored when he also brought me up to the front to thank me for my help on that cold and rainy night.
After Coach’s presentation we moved on to the WOD.
When I registered in the morning I made the mistake of breaking my “always say NO” rule and said yes to the question of participating in the WOD. My feeling of doom increased as I walked into the main room of the box and saw all the fire breathers in attendance.
Coach Brian announced the specifics for the WOD and said we were all on our own to form teams of 4. In an instant you could see some “dream teams” being formed. The minute I saw Charlie, Sepi, Joe and Doug huddled together I pegged them as the winning team. For some of us the teaming process was more involved. My strategy was to wander around outside long enough that all the teams would be formed and it would be easy to just excuse myself from the entire process. My timing was a bit off and there were still some teams looking for members when I came back in. It was a toss up between the ridicule and harassment I would have to endure for not participating and the pain of the actual WOD. I took the high ground and went with the WOD.
Here is the WOD:
400 Squats
300 Push Ups
200 Burpees
100 Pull Ups
4 person team, 2 members working at one time
Our team was named the “Flooring” team since Jerry Wilson and I were both part of the team. Jerry’s daughter Nicole and Kara made up the balance of our team. We worked hard on planning a strategy. Being organized really helped us through the WOD.
We went in the first heat which is something I always recommend you do.
Carl Sandridge from CrossFit CLE coached our team. I knew I was going to be in trouble before we even started and that was confirmed when I heard the words “get lower” come out of his mouth on my very first squat. Like I had never heard that before. That was a theme that would be repeated throughout the squats. I am sure Carl was feeling the same sense of futility as Captain Edward John Smith of the Titantic when he stood on the deck and said “Don’t sink”. Even as you say the words you know it is not going to happen.
Thanks for sticking with our team and keeping us focused Carl.
Our entire team really pushed and I was pleased with our finish. Anytime I finish and I am sill alive is a good workout. I can always tell when I have pushed a little too hard because people will come up and instead of saying “great job” they will say “are you OK?”. It’s a subtle difference.
I know that some of you had to leave prior to doing the WOD and had very good reasons for doing so but I just have to say “You Suck”.
The team I projected to win (Charlie, Joe, Sepi and Doug) did with an amazing time of 9:50. This really put the pressure on the other team composed of CrossFit Legacy guys (Will, Eric, Justin and Chris). They came in with 10:21, more than 2 minutes ahead of the next closest Rx’d team.
Today’s WOD
Click for larger image
After the WOD we had a catered lunch of plain and BBQ chicken breasts, wild rice, mixed vegetables, rolls and beer.
This was a once in a lifetime event for CrossFit Legacy and one that we will remember for a long time.
Here are some pictures from the event.
Jerry Wilson and I “Old bald guys rule!”
Ready to do it again
Jessie Russell and I both needed a rest
At this point I was really glad I went in the first heat.
Trying to get the energy to stand up again
Waiting for Kara to finish her push ups so I could begin again
View from overhead of Rolf and I listening to Coach Glassman
Me watching Coach Glassman (wait a minute, that might be Jerry. Hard to tell us apart)
For CrossFit Legacy the only question left is “What’s Next?”
