Second post from today. First, I want to thank each and everyone who has offered words of encouragement in this Challenge. I purport that I have never experience a group ethos as I have during the past few weeks. Keep the comments coming! I love dialoging about this and learn from everyone who takes a minute to encourage me, show me better form or be on my team for WODs. Which brings me to today’s WOD.
On CrossFit New Enland’s site there was a breezy schedule of 30 Clean and Jerks for time (185, 135). Heavy Grace it’s called. Ironically, my middle name is Grace. Apropos. So, I sallied forth feeling a bit more confident that all would be easy today. No running for time. No running for time. No running for time WITH WEIGHTS. Instead, true to the gods of CrossFit, we breathed fire. With over 30 athletes hitting this one sesssion, Ben changed heavy lifting to a team endeavor with lots of friggin running.
Partner Challenge
2 person teams complete the following for time
8 200 meter Sprints
100 Pull ups
200 Box Jumps
300 KB Swings (53, 35)
800 meter Plate Carry (45, 25)
What?!? My comfortable mindset went haywire. And, before I could count to ten, the lovely Tricia offered to be my partner. Well, I actually said to her. “Let’s pair up. You do running. I will do kettlebells and jumping (because I am fluent in these movements). “ However, the wily Ben stopped my plans to do less. Although, the Pull Ups, Box Jumps and KB swings could be allocated however the team decided, the run was not.
What I liked about today was the trickery and deception of CFNE. They simply changed WOD b/c too many people showed up. Fine. This last minute change up is critical to a tenet of CrossFit philosophy: be ready for anything at anytime because life does not give you the option to sit in a tent in Afghanistan one day and know that you will engage with the enemy on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There are a billion metaphors. However, the military seems the appropriate.
And, for Sargent Harry I dedicate this expressive dance video that conjures the emotions I experienced during the Partner Challenge.
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September 7th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Hey Amanda,
Great job today! And you didn’t force me to be your partner!! I struggle with most of the stuff we do but it’s an awesome feeling to finish it and look back at what you’ve accomplished. I’m right there with you. Your blog is so funny – love the dance and the Willow reference in the previous post!
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September 7th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
amanda, i agree… that dance fully captivates how we all felt this morning. well done!
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September 7th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
What can I say…The girls got moves.
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September 7th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Beals awesome post. It’s true, in fact it was a topic of conversation about how mentally taxing that can be when you’re prepared for one WOD, and get donkey-punched with one thats completely different. It’s all part of constantly varied! You nailed it.
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Amanda Beals Reply:
September 8th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Daigle
Exactly
I was psychologically ready for one thing and perceived it as such. And, not knowing Heavy Grace, I looked and was content.All I knew was that my goat “running” was not on the list. So, despite my dismay, I was still proud that I crushed a goat. The psychologically behind CFNE is so fascinating.
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September 8th, 2009 at 7:44 am
AB – Totally amazing. That dance is exactly how I felt after yesterday’s wod. Just can’t do it cuz my back is killingggg me! Awesome post!
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Amanda Beals Reply:
September 8th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Hey Susan
That dance was actually done several months ago when an agent friend of mine asked me to submit a tape for “Dance Your Ass Off.” I have another tape I may share later in the week.
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September 8th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
This clip comes to mind when I see those dance moves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfAF4KzaEVc&feature=PlayList&p=E712DD27F08F974C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=26
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americapeals Reply:
September 9th, 2009 at 11:28 am
OMG. That is exactly how I felt! Schadenfreude!!!! I will have to post that one. Thanks Alison.
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September 8th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
amanda, i just read all your blogs from day 1. i have been laughing out loud and my husband keeps coming in to say be quiet you will wake the kids. i shared your sentiments about yesterday’s WOD too. heavy lifting, i can take it, no running, no pullups, great. HA! you are right though, crossfitters have to be ready for anything. see you this week!
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