I started CrossFit in August of 2016 and did not participate in the Open last year.  I did, however, attend four of the Friday classes and completed my own versions of the workouts.  This gave me a chance to see the atmosphere change everyone talks about.  The quiet athletes became strong cheerleaders, and the folks who are already the best cheerleaders somehow got even louder. Everyone is fighting for their first, or their most, or their quickest.   I found myself excited to watch the live announcements on Thursdays, ready to push myself the next day even though I wasn’t registered.  And then Open workout 17.5 came along (thrusters and dubs).  I wasn’t prepared for the exhaustion that came with completing that workout.  I also wasn’t prepared for the positive emotions that came immediately afterwards. I still get a little chill thinking about how hard I fought for those dubs, while three (THREE!) coaches cheered me on.  I spent that entire day tired and overwhelmed in a way I never thought possible, and it was absolutely amazing.

I don’t regret not signing up last year.  But this year?  This year is different.  I’m scared, but I won’t be a bystander. I’m all in.

Signing up for the open this year was a pretty easy choice. As soon as I learned about it I was interested. This is my first year of doing CrossFit, and I quickly fell in love with it. I’ve been a competitor my whole life, but I’ve also learned so much from my coaches and new friends at CrossFit torque.  When they encouraged me to do the open, and by that I mean they said “Sam you have to do it!”, I was in! This new group of coaches and friends have already pushed me beyond what I ever thought I was capable of. I can’t wait to see what I can do in the open!

 I’ve seen the Crossfit Games on tv. I’m in awe of the athletes and what they are capable of. In the 6 months I’ve been doing Crossfit I have been able to do more than I ever thought I could. I like to compete and I want to push myself to be better than I was yesterday. So why not try the Open! I’m a little nervous about being able to keep up, but being a part of something that spans the globe will be such a positive experience. I’ve felt so supported in everything I’ve done so far at Torque. I know this will be no different. The other athletes and coaches will be pushing me and in the end it will make me stronger both physically and mentally.
Plus, Jane said I should do it! 🙂

I signed up for the CrossFit open because I think it will be a good test to see where I am at. I have only been doing CrossFit for 8 months and I still have a lot to conquer! I like the idea of pushing and challenging myself in an encouraging environment along with my fellow CrossFitters. I know it is going to be amazing!