For me sometimes the best visual representations of how far I’ve progressed at something is in the competitive sporting environment.
Having done Crossfit for two and a half years it’s safe to say I’ve lost count of the number of eureka or euphoric moments where you understand a new movement or produce a personal best, but they never get old. Plus, having grown up with a sporting background that competitive streak never quite leaves you either.
So when my gym (Mount Crossfit) announced a local pairs competition over the weekend, the chance for some friendly banter and healthy competition among training partners was certainly welcomed – hence our aptly named team ‘snatch me if you can’.
What I love about Crossfit is you are guaranteed to witness people from all walks of life, abilities and skill sets accomplishing things they never thought possible which is really something to behold. It is such encouragement and camaraderie that I think is so fundamental to the sport and one I really admire.
Aimed at beginners and those who have never tried their hand at a Crossfit competition before I was looking forward to this one given the required skill level for those in the top grade (RX – which means you perform all exercises at the prescribed weight and repetitions) was something I could say I had.
For this competition I paired up with one of the girls in our Nationals team (Lisa) so we could begin working on combinations and a general understanding heading into October. Basically more of an experiment and there to enjoy ourselves opposed to setting our sights on the podium.
Unfortunately, the day didn’t get off to the best start with the Bay of Plenty’s usual sunny weather being replaced with torrential rain, cancelling the initially scheduled 7:30am beach run – although a number were quietly pleased on not having to endure any cardio.
So between 9am-12pm we were put through four separate WODs (workout of the day) lasting up to 18 minutes.
In simple terms, Crossfit means you have to be prepared for anything, whether it is gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and much much more. All of which we covered during these workouts and boosted by plenty of sweat, smiles and a touch of blood thanks to me ripping the skin off my palm during the first workout.
For me such a competitive arena – a continuous cycle of compete, judge, stretch and grabbing the odd bite to eat – is a completely different experience to sitting at an aquatic centre for the weekend when you might race one or two races and drain the battery off your iPod (harking back to the early 2000s).
Because before you know it the morning is over.
Onwards and upwards to nationals come October.