Friday, September 25, 2009

ON THE EVE OF FGB

To some people it's just a work out, a social gathering, a way to raise money for your affiliate, meet people, or whatever else the English do to pass time until they die. To others it's a serious endeavor, an opportunity to dissect themselves, to go into the dark little corner of their soul and get their hands dirty. It's an opportunity to bridge the gap between mind and body, a tight collaboration between two allies that, together, are stronger than if one or the other were the sole perpetrator. 

The work out is pretty simple really. The heaviest weight lifted is 75 pounds.  After doing thrusters with 95 pounds who can't do a respectable number of wall balls with 20 pounds? 24 inch box jumps; not so bad right? Row for calories. Together these ostensibly simple pursuits form a shit storm that nothing less than pure mettle can overcome. The first of five movements on the first round will put you in the red. Then, it's damage control until you have time to breathe. One minute isn't enough time to recuperate. You'll be provided with ample opportunity to roll over, to acquiesce, to succumb to self-preservation, to die inside and make excuses, to justify and rationalize your unexpected performance. 

To succeed tomorrow you have to come together on the inside. Consolidate your reasons for doing what you do. Carve your motivation into your guts. Open the door to pain. Don't wait for it to knock. Set the table and invite it to breakfast. Running will only multiply its effects. If you aren't going to war tomorrow then you aren't going anywhere. This isn't just a workout. It's a once in a lifetime chance to meet your maker, to take responsibility for who you are and why you're here. If your name were in the dictionary then tomorrow will be your opportunity to write the definition. 

5 comments:

  1. This workout was my first crossfit workout, during a crossfit seminar performed by Mike at EOD Training and Evaluation Unit TWO. Thought I was going to confront my maker the first minute. The next couple of minutes were the most grueling and intense moments that I had ever reached during a workout, all of these emotions that run through your head during a workout were just as hard to control as trying to complete the physical portion of the workout. Combating the lows and trying to prolong the highs. But there is something to be said about finding that deep dark corner of your soul, and wrestling with those demons there that will ever change your life, and make you a stronger person in the end both physically and mentally. Thanks for the cool aid Mike!!!

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  2. it was a battle for everyone. some used strategy; some didn't. some didn't PR, some did. everyone was battered, bruised and torn afterwards. no one exceeded 400.

    you hit the nail on the head and drove it straight to the wood. but in the end, it seems as though FGB will always win no matter what you score. at least with this battle you live to fight it another day.

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  3. Dave, I keep forgetting that's where we first met. I can't remember how many people were there but I'm pretty sure you are the only one who drank the cool aid. One out of 20 or so. That's all I need to be satisfied. It's not for everyone. It's nice to see how far you've come. I don't think your anywhere close to your final destination though. Hope I can continue to be of help along the way.

    Chris, it was two years ago we crossed the river to do this wod (with little Thomas Jefferson, his head out the sunroof). Lean and mean, shooting for 300 points. I'm amazed how things have changed in every way.
    I miss you guys.

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  4. M/51/161
    My plan went to hell in the 3rd minute, after that the devil had me by the neck for the rest of the fight. To me one min rest is not enough time for recovery. I think I left a part of my sole in the parting lot on Amelia island. Will crack 300 before years end.

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  5. The quest for 300 continues! You are absolutely right. One minute is hardly enough for five good breaths. This is why I skipped the row altogether and used the extra rest to my advantage.

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