When The Open Ends, Life Begins...

   Heather and Chuck... 

"He who makes a beast of himself, gets rid of the pain of being a man."

As the 2011 CrossFit Open season rolls to an end, one can only think back to the levels we have achieved, the magic our sport of fitness has ushered in, and the data we have collected about others and ourselves.

What will we do next? Some will go to regionals to test their will amongst others in the arena of the solo artist. Others will team up, and present themselves to a challenge made for more than any one man or women can handle. Others will do their part by judging, volunteering, or maybe the most important, cheering.

But when you catch yourself taking that big rewarding breath. That sort of aftermath...part triumphant, part relief sorta breath. Do you breathe in the air of renewal, ready to tackle the next obstacle? Or are you infected with the stench of fear? Fear so strong you can taste it.

It wasn't but six weeks ago that CrossFitters all over the world said, "I don't know, this new Open thing seems kinda sketchy. I want our big sectionals competition. I want that CrossFit atmosphere back." Six weeks later, assuming all was done correctly, I don't think you can find a CrossFitter alive who would opt for a single weekend of glory over this six-week long bliss binge. But in that weekly hit...that acid lover's rampage...where do we turn for our next fix now that the next Open is a year away?

Goal-less Hermits/Ravenous Vikings:

There are really only going to be two sides to this post-Open craze. Those left energized, ready for next year, and looking for ways to test themselves and grow. And those found goal-less. Lost in a sea of "should" and "should nots". When asked, of course you say, "I'm a #^&*@ing Viking." But is that what your actions say?

This year's Open easily exceeded the expectations of even the biggest naysayers. It served to make an already beautiful program even more meaningful to so many more. Everyone can play because everyone should, and if you don't leave this year's Open realizing it's just the start, you may be well on your way to a troll-like spot under the bridge, living like a Hermit "all back a the bus and shit."

I have seen the Hermits in the past, and to be honest I cannot understand this mode of thinking in the least. I realize this may be the hardest thing some folks have ever done. Getting ramped up weekly for a battle royal with themselves and the clock. But I can't grasp how some athletes feel everything is over...when others feel everything is just beginning, or at least starting anew again. 

What you have learned about yourself can be placed deep down in your mental fortress. A thing to be called upon when necessary. An undying will you know you have upon demand. Pair that with an appetite unquenchable for improvement. All the while guaranteeing next year will be just as much fun, and that you will finish even more rewarded. 

You see, Vikings pillaged and plundered and took whatever they wanted. Nothing was good enough. And not that you should rape and pillage your way through Europe after the Open, but that "never satisfied quest for the best" is an attitude we can adopt immediately. Add that to the data you collected during the Open telling you exactly what you're capable of as well as where you failed to perform, and your recipe for success is better than most Fortune five hundred companies. 

Most CrossFitters get this. I'm writing this for the few that may not. For the lost souls who may not already realize this little CrossFit thing is much less about a season of play and much more about a life of achievement. I write this to make sure we are all super damn clear on one thing. The 2011 CrossFit Open season is over, but CrossFit life starts again today...3,2,1

Strength:

Rest

For Score:

"Open WOD 11.6"

3-Thrusters 65/100

3-Chest to bar pull-ups

6-Thrusters 65/100

6-Chest to bar pull-ups

9-Thrusters 65/100

9-Chest to bar pull-ups

*Continue adding three reps to each event until WOD competition.

AMRAP 7 Minutes

Post score to comments.

Comments

[Mindy]

Best of luck to all of you tonight!!! Will miss cheering you all on for the last WOD!! Kill it PCFers!!

[vicki]

Great post jb! See you all tonight!

[JCoby]

Amazing post boss! Hopefully everyone has spotted those weaknesses that we all have and decided to hit those head on instead of thinking they'll never get it. Someone once said..."find what u suck at and go live there."

[ASH]

Good Luck PCFers, I hope to get the priveledge to see you all compete at regionals. If there's ever a time to push yourself to the limit now's the time!