Crossfit Games 2012

It's here, it's here!

Once a year, the Crossfit Games are held in Southern California to crown "The Fittest Man and Woman on the Planet." Crossfit athletes from all over the United States and the world come together to compete head to head for a long weekend of some of the toughest WOD and skill competitions out there.

Yesterday was the first day of events, situated at the nearby army training base Camp Pendleton. There was a Crossfit Style triathlon that involved a swim in the open ocean, followed by a single speed bike over difficult terrain, and finally a grueling trail run up and down the hills surrounding the camp. As if that wasn't enough, after an all too brief rest the athletes were unleashed on the Camp Pendleton obstacle course.

Watching the games is great. These are elite athletes pushing themselves to the limit in the sport that I love to do (albeit at a lesser level, but still with the same enthusiasm). And it's something that D and I can enjoy together. What makes this year extra special is that I know two competitors: Julie Foucher and Scott Panchik. Julie is a 1st year medical student here in Cleveland, and we've hung out with her a few times - and shared some paleo recipes and chocolate covered almonds together. Not only is she a rock star athlete, but also a very humble and genuinely sweet person. Scott trains at our gym Crossfit Distinction. I don't know him as well as Julie, but he too is an incredibly talented athlete and incredibly well-ground and down to earth. All day yesterday, we were dying to know how our friends did. The Camp events weren't televised so we had to image what was occuring via the radio stream. (Julie's in first! Scotts starting off on the run!) Today we were able to catch up with a "highlights" reel over the games website (http://games.crossfit.com/). And there were our friends on the tv screen. It's a bit surreal to see someone you know competing on TV - almost like it's not the same person. But it's totally fun to have someone to cheer on. I wish these two the best of luck in the next few days!

Can't wait for the GHD ball toss to kick off tomorrow's events!