Announcement
Last night I gathered with a handful of friends at CrossFit Reach Barbell Club as we watched the CrossFit Open 15.3 announcement.
Everyone looked at one another in awe when Dave Castro said, “No Bars, No Barbells”. I think we’ve had enough of the pull-up rig for a while, but Dave, please don’t take our barbell away.
So before he opened his mouth, we knew it had to be some kind of MetCon. When he announced that the WOD would open with the first movement being Muscle-Ups, many of us groaned and we eagerly awaited the announcement of the Scaled version. Then this old man eagerly awaited the Men’s Masters 60+ Rx and Scaled WODs.
Of course the full announcement doesn’t appear on the site immediately, there seems to be a purposeful delay, designed to keep you focused on the Main Event, which is unfolding on the streaming video on your computer.
I didn’t know what the Men’s Masters 60+ WOD was until shortly before I left the gym. If I had practiced Double-Unders over the past year, I could have done Rx Mens Masters 60+. But being the putz that I am, I walked away from the 2014 open, having achieved my first Toe-to-Bar and my first Double-Under, only to not build upon my success by perfecting those movements.
My Bad. I squandered an opportunity to improve in 15.2 and 15.3. I screwed up. I own it.
After CrossFit Open Announcements, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!
Cry Me a River
This morning I awoke to an online firestorm of furious CrossFitters who are looking to tar and feather Dave Castro for having the audacity to include a Muscle-Up as the first movement. Many comments were from guys who think Dave Castro is a dink, guys who want their $20 back, guys who will never do another Open ever, guys who think the Open is getting too elite.
So what part of “Forging Elite Fitness” did you not understand?
I will admit, these comments flowed freely among me and my pals in 2014, because such a move as opening with MU’s was slamming the door in the face of novice competitors. However, those issues have been addressed quite nicely by CFHQ, by introducing a Scaled Option for each division.
I am NOT an elite athlete, so there will be times when Rx is not appropriate. Open 15.3 is that time, so I put on my big boy compression shorts and decided to go Scaled.
There are many of my friends in my local box, and in the Web-o-Sphere, who are on the verge of a breakthrough with getting their first Muscle-Up. This is their opportunity to make it happen. By the end of this weekend, they will be celebrating.
I am not doing Muscle-Ups, but I will be celebrating too. Knocking out a 14 minute AMRAP of 50 Wallballs and 200 Single-Unders is a big freaking deal for a guy who sat on the couch for 61 years. I’ll take it and run with it.
Conversely, if you are upset by the 15.3 WOD, I’ll remind you that you can’t wish a Muscle-Up, you work for it and you earn it. If it is part of your goal for the next year, set some time aside every week to get strong and flexible enough to do it. If a lack of mobility, or an injury, prevent you from going there, then focus your attention on what you can do. For many of us, sustainability is the name of the game.
Have fun this weekend. Stay Defiant! Stay Well!
THANK YOU, Chuck — I thought I was the only one stunned by the reaction of the community. I admit I'm a tad puzzled at some of the scaling…but it is scaled nonetheless and I think for a third week I will be sweaty, tired, and feeling like I gave my fitness a true test (rather than simply attempting or accomplishing a non-zero score).
Good luck with 15.3 — go get 'em, Chuck!