...crossfit memorial weekend (Part 1)

I.AM.SORE.

But at the same time, I had a fantastic memorial day weekend and wouldn't trade it for anything. Dan and I made the most of it, including packing in two hero WODs in two days.
The first was "The Hammy" at Kent State University in Kent, OH.  This event is hosted by SPC crossfit, in honor of this Hero Army Specialist Adam S. Hamilton, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in 2011.
Last year, the group held the event at SPC crossfit but this year they commandeered Dix Stadium. There was a spectacular turnout of people in support of the memory of this soldier. Not only were there crossfitters from all around the Kent/Akron/Cleveland/Columbus areas,  but also members of the high school football team, teenagers, grandfathers, mothers, sons. The list goes on... It was great to see such a crosssection of the overall community doing the WOD in a variety of different scaled weights and pullup/pushup options.

This WOD consists of: 

• For Time (Rx):
• Row 1k
• Squat Clean ‘n’ Jerk (SCJ) (7 reps, 135/95)
• 50 Push Ups
• Squat Clean ‘n’ Jerk (SCJ) (7 reps, 135/95)
• 50 Sit Ups
• Squat Clean ‘n’ Jerk (SCJ) (7 reps, 135/95)
• 50 Box Hops (24/20)
• Squat Clean ‘n’ Jerk (SCJ) (7 reps, 135/95)
• 50 Pull Ups
• Squat Clean ‘n’ Jerk (SCJ) (7 reps, 135/95)
• Run 1k

Crossfit Distinction had quite a showing. Not only were these 5 competitors ready for action, but also SP, JS and myself.
That morning Danimal and I woke up, had a paleo breakfast of homemade bacon and eggs (yum!) and headed on down to Kent Stadium. Although we go there a little before 9am, the next available time slot was 11:20 - thankfully JS and KP got our names down on the 11am heat already. At least we were signed up with the rest of the crossfit distinction members! However, as we waited for our group to start, we could feel the sun growing hotter and hotter. We stayed in the shade as much as possible and pounded the water. The time flew by pretty quickly. Finally, Group 7 was up! We set up the weight for our bars, 65lbs for me, and before I knew it, I was ready on the rower. 3...2....1.......

The row wasn't bad after the first few pulls. I was restraining myself a bit because I didn't want to expend all my energy on the first section. Plus, I was a bit distracted and enjoyed just being out on the field. I'd never worked out like this before, in a stadium. It was a blast! There were rowers set on either side of the field, and it turns out I was facing danimal. Row, row, row. Then onto the squat clean and jerks. These were exponentially difficult due to the hot sun blaring down. I felt slightly dizzy with my arms overhead. Luckily, there were plenty of volunteers to pass out aqua. I blazed through the pushup, primarily because the grass was so freakin' toasty from the heat that I couldnt stand to be anywhere near it! Back to the Squat Cleans. The Jerks were tough with the blazing sun - I couldn't do more than two at a time without getting dizzy. So that's what I did. Each rep got me closer to done. The abmat sit ups and the Box Jumps weren't bad at all. Neither were the pullups, although to be fair I can't do 50 of them Rx just yet so used a band. The band they had was more support than Regina allows me at the box (she's right, it is making me stronger even though I whine about it - apparently tough love works.. :P) so I flew through them. The final set of Squat Clean and Jerks were tough. I barely remember getting through them. My legs were barely functioning the first 50 ft of the run. My quads were saying "Seriously? We're running now?" Okay maybe they weren't actually talking to me, but I bet that's what they would have said if they did! One lap around the stadium and a bit inside, and we crossed the finish line! D and I finished up at about the same time (although he did Rx pullups and much heavier weight). I think it was about 31:45. Can't remember the exact time.

All in all it felt really good, but the best part was just being there and soaking in the atmosphere. What sets crossfit apart from all the rest of the physical activity and gym memberships out there is that amazing sense of community. Everyone is pulling for each other. During the WOD my Box-mates and I were cheering each other on between panting breaths. I ran into a woman after the WOD who I had never met until we were lifting the bar next to each other. We gave each other a smile and quick hand slap.

That was Sunday. What do any crossfitters want to do on memorial day monday? Murph.
More about that later - right now I have to go get more flowers for our front flower beds.