...Team "C.I.A"! Standing for "CrossFitters in Action", athletes Randy Casanave, Dalia Hamouie, Bret Erickson, and Lakshmi Vedula, tore it up all morning on their way to the First Place finish.
The team showed creativity from the beginning, trying to figure out alternative ways to accomplish tasks and strategizing along the way. But they also exemplified top notch teamwork throughout the planning. Two nights before the competition, the athletes met at the gym and talked through each WOD in detail, making sure they were clear on standards and responsibilities. Their team organization was evident when they submitted their athlete information; teammate Lakshmi created a meticulously organized spreadsheet, displaying the necessary information...proof of her engineering skills.
Dalia, no stranger to hard work on a consistent basis, said she feels inspired to work even harder for the next Throw-Down. "I enjoyed pushing myself out of my comfort zone and seeing how much my body could handle." With patience and composure, she picked up the slack when needed in each WOD. While she had met her teammates before in classes, she had never really talked to any of them much until being teamed up with them. This was the case for many athletes this weekend, and it was great seeing the camaraderie develop between the team members.
Not everyone was so sure about the idea of competing. Lakshmi actually tried to pull out just two days before the competition (request denied...). "I was totally nervous and after a dismal performance in WOD #1, with only a single wall ball, I almost made up my mind that I would cause the team to fail. But everyone rallied behind me - even though we had never worked out together! While there is the obvious glory of winning, I also gained a great deal of respect for these folks who strive day in and day out to out-perform themselves, and it clearly showed in their performance yesterday...It definitely motivated me to push myself - not just yesterday, but also going forward."
Randy was a bit of a team wild card. CrossFitting for just over a month, he did not let his team down in any way, shape or form. He scored 135 lbs on the max OHS, (first time maxing on this skill), and completed several legless rope climbs - all with a giant smile on his face! He was also a great source of encouragement to his team, reminding them to hydrate between WODs and cheering them on when fatigue set in.
Bret took charge of team communication throughout the morning and especially during the Finals WOD. He showed exemplary leadership and management, which is essential in any team competition. It is not easy to share a bar while maxing under time and spectator pressure, but he helped the team perform this task smoothly. He also had the fastest burpees and OH lunging that the crowd witnessed all morning! "This crossfit thing reminds me of organized sports, only more extreme and with a twist. I found myself more determined than ever, not wanting to let my team down and trying to regain the feeling of a major victory...the teams were insanely balanced and each team deserved to win...I guess it was just our day!"
Team "Is Tequila Paleo?", placed 2nd overall, coming incredibly close to knocking out C.I.A.! It all came down to the Final's WOD. With a 20 minute time cap, each team first had to complete 7 rope climbs with one mover at a time. They then progressed to a 500 meter row each, followed by a dumbbell farmer's carry around the building. Provided with 45's, 35's, 25's, and 20's, the team decided who would carry what weight. When the athletes all returned inside, they had the remaining time to each find a 1RM OHS on a shared bar and rack. Team "Is Tequila Paleo?" scored 380lbs, while team "C.I.A." scored 410!
The first place athletes each took home a new pair of Reebok Nanos, which they will be putting to good use in the coming months. Congrats to all of you who competed - it was awesome watching you guys in action. Everyone worked relentlessly, no one quit, and it sounds like everyone is really enjoying walking up and down stairs today! You all should be very proud of yourselves...your coaches sure are!!
Any feedback on this past weekend's event? Post your thoughts to comments!
Workout for Mon, August 20, 2012
August 2012, LaLanne Summer Throw-Down:
WOD #1: 12 min AMRAP of...
-40 Deadlift
-30 Burpees
-20 S2OH (from front)
-10 Squat Clean
Rx: 185/115 Scaled: 135/75
WOD #2: With 4 minutes, complete 10 Squat Snatch (power snatch to OHS is allowed). Then complete AMRAP of OHS.
Rx: 155/95 Scaled: 115/65
