1. Linker wrote...

I'm likin OPT to be leading after the first two events!

2. Mac wrote...

Can't see video because I am travelling, what is the event?

3. Anthony Bainbridge wrote...

Who the hell puts a long run and heavy deadlifts into a CrossFit Event?!?! >:)

I predicted this event earlier today - strongman style event where you just keep going up in weight until you're the last man standing. Love it - wish we could be there!

4. Kieran wrote...

Forget the Aromas hill, say hello to the Aromas cliff...

5. Sean Dunston wrote...

Love it!
This is gonna be a crusher after the trail/hill run.

6. Alfie wrote...

Josh Everett should do very well in this event. I'll be surprised if he's not in the top 5 after the first 2 events.

7. David Osorio wrote...

Nice work, Dave!
Respect.

8. SCOTTY TURBO wrote...

GO LANCE MOSLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. Playoff Beard wrote...

Did you see that intensity at the very end there? Those IT guys are gonna crush it.

LMAO!

10. Jason Ackerman - Albany CrossFit wrote...

I think we got a couple from the Northeast that can finish this - Rob Orlando and Scott Lewis both have it in them! Represent!

11. Karin (35, 5'3",143) wrote...

HA, I was right... DLs!!

12. George wrote...

what is a Crossfit IT guy?

13. David wrote...

Crossfit Insanely Intense

14. Shane S replied to comment from Anthony Bainbridge...

Suddenly the Canada East qualifier looks like the smartest one of them all! Kudos to you.

15. Zbar wrote...

So as of right now, couldn't any athlete just NOT participate in the trail run, and then be fresh for the deadlifts? If they were great deadlifters, they could take #1 on the deadlift WOD and LAST on the first WOD, and still be halfway through the pack with 6 workouts to go, and pretty fresh for not having run 7k?

Seems like if I was a really big guy with a really big deadlift and poor running ability, I would opt out of the Run. The bottom ten after BOTH events get cut, not the bottom 5 from each. It seems like a loophole to me. There should be a minimum requirement for all events (if there is one, they should post it ASAP).

Any problems with my logic?

16. Kris Shamloo replied to comment from Zbar...

DNF isn't the same as last place. If you could do that I imagine you would be unpopular...

17. Louise wrote...

Any oil cutting dish soap works great for Poison Oak as well....anything that gets the oil off your skin!

18. Tom wrote...

Anthony...I like the friendly sarcasm.

The end of that video of the IT guys is just priceless :)

19. The Pie wrote...

Anthony,
That is so funny that you posted that. I was working out this morning and thinking if event two is a heavy deadlift workout (which it turns out it is) than the person that took the most heat for their workout choices in the regionals actually put together the most applicable test of fitness in terms of choosing athletes for this years games. What a shame it is that you and your lady aren't getting to compete in this.
Hopefully we see you again there this year. I plan on leading the Canadian cheering section on Saturday and Sunday.
I wish they could post a statistic on who has been to the games site the most in the last 12 months because that might be the one CrossFit test that I crush.
Chris Harrison
CrossFit Lions
North Vancouver
Canada

20. Shane S wrote...

Is there a time limit for the run? Even if all competitors must complete the events, what's stopping a strong guy from walking the whole thing to save his energy? Walking 7k really isn't that hard.

Even if he finishes last in the run and first place in the deadlift, that would give him a score of 76. I know it'd be hypothetically possible for him to be in the top 65 competitors at the end of two events, but would it be mathematically guaranteed?

21. Kris Shamloo replied to comment from Shane S...

I think there's a time limit of 90 minutes. In that terrain I figure you would only get 3 miles an hour walking, so you are going to need to run at some point.

22. Mike M wrote...

An early favorite may be out early. Speal's max DL is only about 370 - 380. The little guys are going to have to go all out on that run to compensate for the heavy DLs.

23. Will wrote...

Insanely genius programming. I love it!

Quick note: I can't help but notice that no matter how much the standards are hammered, THERE... IS...ALWAYS... those that are shirking the ROM, such as people not lifting the deads all the way to shoulder behind bar, and at the Nor Cal Quals judges counting reps on the push jerks that were literally 3/4 the way up, and the judges frusteratingly not calling it.

I hope all the judges have some balls and call out even the seasoned crossfitters.

Suggestion on judging these deads: Athletes should be allowed to drop the weight only after judge okays the lift, a la Olympics. Otherwise, mark my word, they'll drop it a bit too soon and will not be called.

I'm not here to bitch, as the events are always ran excellently and beyond measure. Just a small issue that sticks out there is all.

24. dave_l replied to comment from Mike M...

It seems to me that this workout would be good news for the smaller athletes. Assuming there will be a heavy event that the smaller athlete will suffer in, a progression allows these athletes to not fatigue as much as the heavier athletes. Anyone going 15-20 rounds in the this workout will be feeling it the rest of the day, where someone going 5-10 rounds will recover better.

If it was 30 deads @ 315 the smaller athletes would fatigue more than the bigger athletes and still not do well.

Thoughts?

25. Zak F. wrote...

The only problem is if you take your time on the run you have less time to recover for the DL, because the last place people on the run go first on the DL. Then you add in the fact that after the 2nd event, the 10 with the highest point total start to get eliminated. Taking your time and getting little recovery time and a lot of points just seems like a dumb strategy.

Also keep in mind that most regional qualifiers had a different ranking system for DNFs.

26. Steven F wrote...

I think this will really even the pack out... I think the field will be fairly level going into event 3. If you can kill the run, then you likely can't kill the DL's and vice versa. So, the low scores in one will likely be higher scores in the other... with that inverse scoring, you are going to have a whole lot of folks that are neck and neck. It is even fair for those in the mid field for both, actually you are likely better off being in the middle of both WODs are you'll have approx the same score as someone who killed one and got smoked by the other. Very cool and it is going to be exciting to see who comes out on top.

27. Steven F replied to comment from dave_l...

Very good point... it allows those that can't get to the later/heavier rounds to recover faster and longer. Of course, this is in exchange for more points against your score, but hopefully you'll get the chance in later events to make those up. However, it drives the athletes that can complete them to do so.... simply because they need to make up points here where many others can't.

28. Tracy wrote...

I loved the skull - too funny. What weight will the women's DL start at???

29. Greg wrote...

Why do I get the feeling that this is all a smokescreen and the workouts will be changed up for the Games?

30. Sean Dunston replied to comment from Greg...

I thought that too for a few minutes while I was watching Dave do the run. But then when he did the DL event, and had the timing down to every last detail I thought that there was no way he was doing that for his health.

8-)

Good luck to all the folks who qualified! Rock this mutha!

31. Johns wrote...

Can't see why they would run competitors through a field of poison-oak. I've always loved doing squat cleans with a rash covering my hands and feet. I agree with Greg, this seems like a smoke and mirror misdirection. If it is not, then crossfit is becoming even more sadistic. Love it.

32. Cait wrote...

Justin Riley loves to deadlift so he'll probably win both of the events so far. The only way to stop him is by shaving that grizzled super-beard. I hope the next workout involves sprinting because he'll dominate that. thats whatsup!+

33. Chris wrote...

Justin Riley wins for sure. Good game.

34. AJ wrote...

How are they ranked for the DL's? the run is easy its what time you finish but how are the deadlifts factored when someone may fail at an attempt and others will pass through it???

35. Mike Alley wrote...

RUSSELL BERGER! (CF-Huntsville, DS Regional winner). I like his chances after 2 rounds. Anybody know his DL MAX?

36. Andy Montgomery wrote...

I'm calling it now, if these are the true events, Josh Everett will do great. Run, deadlift, then looks like sprint. I bet he is first after the first three. After that, who the hell knows...

37. Chris Paolino wrote...

I think Josh Everett is going to pace the run and finish in like 40 then crush the dl. Go Josh.

38. Kieran wrote...

Are the men and women kicking off at the same time?

My assumption is yes, since if the men kicked off first, the fastest women might overtake the slowest men.

Also, what weight will the women's deadlifts start at?
Will they also go up in steps of 10lb?

39. Anthony Bainbridge wrote...

I wouldn't be surprised to see the women start at 225 and make 5 pound jumps.

40. Dave wrote...

In the video Sevan or Carey says something like "he made the hardest route he could around his property." Who owns the ranch? Or does Crossfit or Coach own it?

41. Torg wrote...

I think Mikko will be on top of the leader board after the first two rounds. The dude put EVA and Murph as his favorite WODS (heavy running) and he pulls a 500+ DL.

42. Mike Feliciani replied to comment from AJ...

If I read correctly AJ, the last guy/girl to finish the long run will be on the 315# bar. 30 seconds in, that athlete will move to the 325# bar as the second to last place finisher hits the 315# bar. Continue that until the first place finisher from the run is the last athlete to hit the 315# bar and begin the 30 second interval. Event 3 order will then be determined by total score (placement) after 2 WODs.

43. Catalina Wine Mixer replied to comment from Cait...

Are you serious. I can understand pulling for someone, but come on. Just be positive for your guy and accept reality. No need for fantasy here.

Prestige World Wide

44. Jami replied to comment from Torg...

I have no doubt Mikko will take this Torg.

45. Jason wrote...

Dave, I am pretty sure that the Castro family owns the ranch.

46. Zak F. replied to comment from Mike Alley...

Russell's max is 425. His strength to weight ratio is pretty sick! He already does all of the 5k's on a hilly cross-country course in under 20 and has a flatland 5k around 17:30.

47. GregD wrote...

I'm picking Mikko Salo to win the entire thing. From what I've seen and heard, the dude is incredibly well-rounded.

48. Dale, but you have to call me Dragon. replied to comment from Catalina Wine Mixer...

Catalina Wine Mixer, will you be selling or leasing helicopters at the Games?

Boats 'N Hoes,

Dragon-

49. Troy wrote...

Athletes might want to bring a pair of running shoes with some hex nut screws in the bottom of the soles. This will help the grip and provide much more comfort throughout the run than cleats/spikes would.

This is a trick those of us northerners use to run trails covered with snow/ice in the winter. Allows you to run across fairly easily.

Here's a link to another trail running nut on how to setup the shoes:

http://gobroncobilly.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-screw-your-shoes.html

PS I don't do this myself. I'm much happier working out indoors when it's

Good luck to all competing.

50. Roland replied to comment from Zbar...

Clever thinking! Not 100% the way it was meant to be but then again: functional and makes sense!

51. Richard Vanmeerbeek wrote...

Mikko Salo all day.

52. AS wrote...

Did I miss any info on what the girls weights are going to be?

53. Shane Rugby wrote...

I am very excited about the Games, but a little concerned about the run. I have cycled and run in bunches (and skiied a lot - which this might be like!) and you can get knocked over and injured because someone else loses control. They take a risk, you end up cushioning their fall!! 75 guys all racing over 7k - there will be bunches / groups / potential for knocking? Am I way off with this?

Oh - and "Mikko Salo". Remember the name. You'll be hearing it again! ONNEA MIKKO!

54. Jeff wrote...

Mikko Salo this, Mikko Salo that.

After hearing the name thrown around a bunch, I had to check his stats to see what all the fuss is about.... the result:

MIKKO SALO after 2!

55. kam wrote...

Do I smell another Matt Murski?

56. Andy wrote...

Spealer after 1, Everett after 2. Speal will crush the run because he knows he isn't the best deadlifter. Mikko is impressive but I don't think he will be in the lead after 2 IMHO.

57. Shane Rugby wrote...

Joe, we don't actually know what the events are after the first two? So it could well involve diaper-changing. In which case, I look forward to further brilliant input from you.

58. Anthony Bainbridge wrote...

Rob Orlando is a former strongman with one of the best deadlifts at the Games. This event is structured like a strongman event. I know where my money would be if I were a betting man ...

59. nick williams wrote...

how much fun is this? everyone going for their favourite or the guys they know.

It'll be interesting to see where things re at after the second event - you would imagine that the winners will be almost polar opposites

My view will be that at least for the first two, that a strong sub 190 pound guy who can run will end up at the top - an everett or a OPT. I just can't see the Orlandos of this world being able to get even into the top half of the run but I could see a runner getting top 25% in the DL. Particularly as the big guys may be so smoked after the run.

I'm going to say OPT is in the top 3 after 2 events. LOook for Steve Willis from Australia. He is a strong guy who also won the really tough sand dunes hill WOD at the qualifiers

60. Andrew Smith wrote...

I think Steve Willis will put in pretty strong at the games for three reasons... He is an Aussie, a former soldier, and a very strong all rounder. He absolutely cleaned up the competition at the Australasian quals. Watch out Yanks!!!

61. nick williams wrote...

Andrew,

reason 1...because he's an Aussie. Like it, but not certain many of the Americans will see that as much of a reason.

I really hope Steve goes well, as it will help us all to spread the word of Crossfit in Australia. If you look at his numbers, he's consistent and I reckon he may make top 10. WOuld love to see him go better than that, but think a few of the others - everett, thiel etc may be too good

62. doodlefairy wrote...

Joe, you either have anger issues or roid issues. Either way, I hope you get help and recover.

63. Andrew Smith replied to comment from nick williams...

G'day Nick,

He is a very strong all rounder. He is very comparable to some very strong performers from last year like Dutch Lowry, and of course the current champ Jason Khalipa. As you already stated, he killed the 1800m sand dune run, he's pretty tall and would have done alot of running during his time in the green. I would not be suprised at all with a top ten, but know that guys like Everett and OPT are going to be really tough to beat.

Thats my two cents,

64. BK wrote...

Rob Orlando will get the run done then crush the deads. The longer he stays in the comp,the better he will be.

65. BK wrote...

And, that sand dune in Sydney is no joke,absolutely brutal. I did it once and never ventured back over the bridge again from the Northen Beaches.
Steve Willis repping for the pride of OZ! Rip In mate!

66. nick williams wrote...

Andrew,
I agree.

BK - where on the beaches are you? I'm in Avalon and thinking about setting up a gym as I have nowhere nearby to train

67. Justin Smith wrote...

Here are my updated and final predictions:

Male
1. Josh Everett
2. David Lipson
3. Mike Giardina
4. Jeff Tincher
5. Rob Orlando
6. Jason Khalipa
7. Jeffrey Leonard
8. Chris Spealler
9. Brandon Massie
10. Spencer Hendel

Female
1. Caity Matter
2. Glory Dawson
3. Gillian Mounsey
4. Danielle Comolli
5. Michele Vieux
6. Charity Vale
7. Ashley Smith
8. Lauren Pryor
9. Michelle Benedict
10. Cyndi Frieling

68. Bob replied to comment from Andrew Smith...

Yeah but the Aussies are not on par with the US.

69. Andy replied to comment from Justin Smith...

My list is completely different except for one thing, Josh Everett wins. Rob Orlando won't finish that high for sure (nothing against anyone, he just hasn't being crossfitting long). I'd be surprised if you guessed more than 4 right of the top 10. What about Theil? Frausto? Barber? Salo? No way Caity Matter wins again.

70. Ian Haya wrote...

I'm surprised nobody has thrown Jerome Perryman's name out as a potential leader after the first 2 events. Without knowing running stats like a 5k, it's hard to say though. Helen is usually a good indicator of the better runners, but he only lists a heavy, weighted, longer run Helen in his profile. He has the best deadlift, and at 6'3", mostly legs and a lean 217#, I'm guessing he can cover more ground than the shorter stockier big deadlifters. Then again, that's only the first two events and a strong runner who's a better deadlifter than Jerome is runner will come out ahead. After that, there's plenty of time for the leaders to shuffle.

As far as the individual winner for the deadlift event, my money is on Orlando, especially if the standards aren't strict and he's allowed to hitch it strongman style all he wants (see his 5-4-3-2-1 Deadlift/Thruster 500/250 in 11:47).

71. Andy wrote...

Here's what will happen. Between 3 and 5 guys will go all the way to 505 in the deadlift workout and therefore all getting 1 point. The leader after the first 2 events will have to finish the deadlifts and do decent in the run = Josh Everett. He's got a 570# deadlift and he will do well on the run. Yeah Castro couldn't get 405 with a max of 465, but those guys at the games will be at a different intensity. I definitely think the deadlift wod will be a shared victory between multiple people. Oralando, Everett, Perryman...

72. duey wrote...

I think some people are overestimating Everett's running ability. Didn't he run like a 20:00 5k in the 2007 games? And from what I remember on his training philosophy he rarely hangs out in that time domain...so while I think that after the deadlift event he'll be near the top, he won't be number 1...after the first two events.

just my opinion

73. Sot wrote...

There are factors which pple overlook before the deadlift the run and how well they recover from that will play a crucial role. We know who are the best deadlifters which wont count this time as their PB's r set under different circumstances, most do 2 WODs a day max and how many would even do them say 1 hr apart so the recovery becomes the main focus. Why would you want to sacrifice your run for the deadlift? what if your legs are fatigued and you ranking is low so you are amoungst the first to deadlift its a big disadvantage, as a result you get less recovery time under the games structure of events.

74. Graeme replied to comment from Bob...

yeah, not on par, just above Par....

dont have a top 10 list, but it will be a few of the expected but mainly Dark Horse's like Steve Willis and the like since they would hae been paid off as not being able to hang because this is the first Games for them...

only time will tell come the end of this event on Saturday...

75. Ron replied to comment from Justin Smith...

I know the qualifiers don't mean everything, but they mean something? (...Orlando was 5th in his region)

76. C.Mac.G wrote...

I don't think OPT will go very well this year, everyone expected him to win last years games and he finished up 11th!Unfortunately I think Chris Spealer will be crushed by the deadlift event and that might just be enough to take him out.. The heavy weights really don't work in his favour!
I think the top 5 guys after day 1 in no particular order will be Josh Everett, Jason Khalipa, Dutch Lowey, Patrick Barber and Steve Willis. Watch out for Steve Willis he will surprise a lot of people with his ability! GO THE COMMANDO!!

77. Catalina Wine Mixer replied to comment from Dale, but you have to call me Dragon....

I'll be doing both and I'm also thinking of performing some music, but who knows?