Rookie Rumble 5 – My First Crossfit Competition (Part 2)

When I left off yesterday, I was floating on cloud 9 because I had just gotten 15 more reps than my goal and I got a power snatch PR in the first WOD of the Rookie Rumble! (If you missed part 1 – you can find it here.)

I had a little more than 2 hours before my next WOD. During that time, I drank a protein shake, cheered on my friends who were also competing and tried to relax a bit under our pop up canopy.

WOD #2 – Stars and Stripes

This was a chipper with an 8 minute time cap

40 kettlebell swings 53/35lbs
150m run
30 goblet squats 53/35lbs
150m run
20 push press 75/55lbs
150m run

Initial thoughts: Actually nothing about this WOD really surprised me. I knew I would be able to do everything, but likely not fast enough.

Pre-competition practice:
I did ½ of the weighted movements with a 200m run in between. I finished in 6:38, so I knew I was going to get time capped when it came to doing the entire WOD. I was going to have to break the KB swings into sets and same with the push press. I started struggling with the push press at 6 reps. I figured on the day of the competition if I made it through ½ the push presses before time ran out, I would be happy with my effort.

Competition day!

I made my way in and found a judge. She went through the movements with me and then it was go time!

I’m in the center with the red shirt and KB overhead! I was able to get 20 swings before I had to rest for a couple seconds. Then I did 2 sets of 10 and I was out for my 1^st run.

Next up were 30 goblet squats.

I don’t remember how, or if I split these up. I remember it sucking super bad near the end. I just wanted them to be over with! Can I tell you a little secret? Running after 30 goblet squats sucks! My legs felt like they were filled with lead!

Now it was time for the push presses. I would like you to take notice at the previous pictures and the ones that follow.

I felt really strong. And then I got about half way through and it was just starting to feel really heavy. I was focused on trying to get the bar over my head. Thankfully, the clock was behind me, so I had no idea where I was at time-wise. My judge was cheering me on and giving me hints. Drive through your heels. I didn’t even realize what was happening around me.

Do you see it?

See all those blue shirts around me? Those are judges. As they finished with their athlete, they came over to cheer me on and encourage me. I missed a push press. Set the bar down for a couple seconds and picked it back up. I successfully made the push press and heard the entire gym cheer.

This is why I freaking love Crossfit so much. I was the only person left in my heat, I got time capped and I still got so much love and incredibly loud cheers from everyone. And I got hugs & congratulations from several of the judges when I was done.