‘Twas The Night Before 16.5

By CFDCer Andy C., as written on the eve of the announcement of 16.5

(Photo: Amanda H.)

I wandered into CFDC a little over a year ago with the goal (like many I’m sure) of seeing what CrossFit was all about.  I wanted to learn how to actually lift and work out with weights in a way that didn’t endanger myself. I’ve always loved kicking my own ass with exercise, but I wanted to do it in a safer, more calculated way.

Soon after joining, and several avoided near-injury experiences later, I started hearing about something called “The Open.” I didn’t have a clue what it was but after an encouraging, detailed (CFDC does detail well, don’t they?) description from Steph, I was intrigued. I knew I didn’t have the fitness or knowledge to do as well as I wanted but I figured what the hell, let’s give it a try.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), a couple days later I was at an oral surgeon unexpectedly having a severely infected wisdom tooth pulled out, along with all of the others… while they were at it. I was mangled and on drugs for a couple solid weeks and totally missed The Open. I was bummed, but in a way it really provided an inspiration for the future — I knew I had to stick with CrossFit and the peeps at CFDC at least until the next Open rolled around.

It’s been a fun road from then to now and I have loved every rep, laugh, critique, grimace, predictable playlist (sorry) and supportive yell from the crew that’s come with being a member.

(Photo: Amanda H.)

And then that leads us to where we are today… Opening.

So far the 2016 season has been a really cool experience and I have learned a lot about myself, the sport, and the many things I need to get better at.

I whiffed 16.1 and lost my focus in the face of challenge. Fueled by the poor personal performance, I charged a scaled 16.2 and hit 427 reps at another gym (shoutout CrossFit Grandview in Columbus Ohio). That was fun — but it also just solidified the fact that I really need to learn the damn double-unders.

(Photo: Amanda H.)

16.3 went… well, it, and I, didn’t really go anywhere. I got some cool bruises, but now I truly know it’s time to chip away at both kinds of muscle-ups. And 16.4 was — well, I had experiences where my head was spinning like that in college but it wasn’t caused by exercise.

We’ll see what the last one holds but all I am really aiming for is to ensure that Chris doesn’t have to mop up after me. He knows what I’m talking about.

Reflecting on each of the WODs has been fun, and it has been so f-ing amazing to watch everyone go, to get to judge a few, to watch our ‘pros’ absolutely #crusheverything, and for me personally — to get more familiar with how I can be a more well-rounded, healthy, focused human.

(Photo: Amanda H.)

The Open rules, not only because you get to kick ass with people you like and respect but also because it is a way to look inside yourself, and commit to improving whatever it is you find.

The Open doesn’t just force you to learn muscle-ups, or give you a reason to talk trash. The Open, and I would say CrossFit in general, is an exploration into what you’re afraid of, what you’ve been avoiding, what you need to be more patient or persistent in pursuing. You can’t run from your results, or what they tell you about where you’re at in this eternal pursuit of becoming a better you.

And that’s why I’ve enjoyed The Open and that’s why I will look to do better, go longer, and be sharper next year, and on into the future.