As the affiliate teams prepare to compete today (the Stadium Workout setup pictured, with Jumbotron in the background), we announce the five events for Saturday's Individual competition.
General Rules
1. The movement standards are typical HQ unless otherwise stated.
2. Each athlete will be ranked according to their time or score relative to the other athletes for that workout. Their final score for the workout will be equal to their rank.
3. The overall ranking going into each event will determine the reverse starting order for that event. For example, the athletes that win the first event will get to go last in the second event, while the athletes that come in last in the first event must go first in the second. The athletes in the lead (those with the lowest running total) after two events get to go last in the third event. And so forth.
4. After the second event, the bottom ten men and the bottom ten women (those with the most points) will be eliminated from the competition.
5. After the fourth event, the remaining bottom ten men and ten women will be eliminated from the competition. At this point, there will be approximately 55 athletes competing in Saturday's final event (for each men and women).
6. After the fifth event, the 16 men and 16 women with the lowest total points will be invited to compete on Sunday. If by chance there is a tie for 16th place, the athlete with the best single placement in any of the five events will be awarded the invite.
Event 1 - The Run
The first event is a 7.1km run through varied terrain including both asphalt and extremely steep hills off trail. The athlete's time will be electronically determined by a chip given to the athlete prior to the race.
Event 2 - The Deadlift
Heaviest successful deadlift completed lifting one rep every 30sec. Each competitor will begin at the first barbell, which weighs 315lbs for men and 185lbs for women. Dropping is permitted. The athlete then has 10sec plus any portion of the 20sec remaining to set up at the next bar, which is 10lbs heavier than the previous (so the second bar weighs 325/195). Athletes continue moving to progressively heavier bars until they fail. The athletes are ranked according to the heaviest successful weight lifted before failing.
Event 3 - The Sandbag Hill Sprint
The men will pick up two 35lb sandbags (loosely packed) and sprint approximately 170m uphill. The sandbags begin flat on the ground. The sprint is steep in places, with approximately 100' in elevation gain over the 170m course. Women carry one 35lb sandbag for the same course.
Event 4 - Row / Hammer Stake
Row 500m
Hammer a 4' metal stake into specially prepared, evenly compacted ground (women use a 3' stake)
Row 500m
Details and standards will be given to the athletes on Saturday afternoon.
Event 5 - The Couplet
The two exercises are wallball and barbell snatch. The specifics of the workout will be disclosed on Saturday afternoon. We want the athletes to have the privilege of being the first to perform this exact workout.
95 comments on this entry.
1. Andy wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:03 AM
Wow this looks nuts. Good luck to all, wish I was there to watch
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2. Lee wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:04 AM
Waited all morning for this. Hammer stake? Crazy. Probably hits the accuracy element well though and also uses external objects. Like it.
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3. darren shaw wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:05 AM
nice one. I like the line up. should be interesting to see which athletes come out the other side
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4. Matt wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:05 AM
Excellent events. I look forward to these. The hammer stake, sandbag run and a new couplet! The games really are living up to the unknown and unknowable. This should be a great showing of athletic ability via non-specialized training. I highly doubt many competitors have trained with stakes and sandbags on a regular basis. Awesome. Good luck to all! GO VICKY AND ROB!!!
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5. Ian Kellogg wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:05 AM
Brilliant programming, brilliant athletes, brilliant community!
God I love CrossFit!!!!!!
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6. Kevin W wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:06 AM
Oh baby! This is going to be awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing how the athletes handle their rest just as much as the workouts themselves. Definitely going to be crazy!
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7. Paul wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:08 AM
Mid Atlantic Home of Tincher and Navy Seals
BEWARE the Blair This guy tore up the regional with combination of power speed and endurance. Last day bad wrist or he blows field away by several minutes. Top Ten.
He may win event 1
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8. Jonblaze wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:12 AM
Duh Duh Duh Duuuuuuuuhhhh!!!!!! I can't wait!
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9. C.Mac.G wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:15 AM
This is AWESOME!!!
Two words for this...
STEVE WILLIS
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10. Niki wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:15 AM
was hoping for a swim event....
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11. Jeremy wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:15 AM
The canada east athletes are familiar with the first 3 events ;)
The sandbag hill run sounds EXACTLY like the end of the trail run, except canada east had one 60 lb bag for the men and one 30 lb bag for the women. Also there was a LOT of mud on the canada east hill.
Good luck to you all, it's going to be a rough weekend
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12. Kat wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:17 AM
Wow... ZERO gymnastic elements so far. I'm not seeing a balance between weights, metcon, and gymnastic. Unless the workouts on Sunday are all gymnastic related, which is very unlikely.
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13. Michael Wiebe wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:19 AM
First Games without pull ups.
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14. Michael Wiebe replied to comment from Michael Wiebe...
July 10, 2009 6:21 AM
Nm, this is only the first day. Holy crap!
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15. ken c wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:22 AM
we'll all be swinging sledge hammers now. great programming. two wods favor the smaller guys and two the big guys and the wallball snatch thing could go either way depending on the weight.
first day predictions: 1. spealer wins events 1 and 3. (for the guys new to the games, don't freak out when you see this guy move). 2. jeremy thiel will be doing very well after the first two events (top 5).
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16. Anthony Bainbridge wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:23 AM
This is interesting.
Event 1 favors a light/fast/endurance competitor.
Event 2 favors a heavyweight.
Event 3 could be anyone's event.
Event 4 favors a tall heavyweight.
Event 5 is hard to say until we know the weight and how many reps, but tall and heavy could take this one as well.
It will be interesting to see if the tall heavyweights dominate the rankings - especially since we can probably expect more gymnastics on Sunday. Another thing to consider is that although each event seems to favor tall heavyweights on an individual basis, the recovery question comes into play. Can a tall heavy guy recover from these events faster than a lightweight. Very interesting.
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17. ken c wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:26 AM
then again maybe they don't get to use a sledge hammer. maybe a rock. or their fist. no not a fist. that would be crazy.
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18. Caleb Boaz wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:29 AM
So many possibilities.If only there was a Pay Per View event...boohoo! I'll be there next year
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19. Chris L wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:31 AM
This looks so good! Such a good variety of movements!! Go Australasia!!
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20. Wrov wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:34 AM
All the Guerrillas from Crossfit Montclair are very proud to have Scott Lewis representing us tomorrow in Aromas. I have him pegged for top 10 on the day and true contender for the weekend overall... I fully expect to see this guy become famous over the weekend. That being said I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed when some of the featured favorites are quickly put to rest. I don't see a small guy getting very far in these events for example. You really want to be right down the middle in size with massive strength and never ending endurance. Whoever wants this the most is going to take the win
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21. TomF wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:37 AM
This WOD sequence is a *stunning* tour de force. It doesn't matter which of CF's ways of thinking about fitness you prefer ... this hits them all.
Prefer the "10 skills" approach, promoted in the early CF literature? These WODs test endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility (to a degree), power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. That stake-pounding element was a stroke of genius, for accuracy.
Prefer the more recent "work capacity over multiple domains" approach? Well, the runs and DL capture that in mono-structural format, and the other WODs in multi-structural. And more impressively, doing 8 WODs in 2 days ... 5 in the first day ... captures that on the *macro*-level. It highlights recovery capacity and forethought as critical components of *sustaining* a high work capacity - something that was implicit in the first 2 CF Games, but is explicit here.
How about the "ready for any and all tasks, known and unknown" bit? Well, these test one task that probably hasn't *ever* been trained, and in two cases motions that haven't been combined before at least on Mainpage WODs.
Prefer testing each of the metabolic pathways? Check. And the transition areas between the pathways, e.g. in the timed DL workout.
And to my great pleasure, it doesn't look like, on the 1st day at least, it will be determined by an early front-runner shredding their hands ... though there's a lot of potential for ankle and knee tweaks throwing someone's later performances into the toilet. People's hands will be intact for Sunday.
This is going to be amazing. Kudos for such breathtakingly well thought-out WODs, testing the full range of CF's definition of fitness. Arguably, the only thing missing is some high-skill gymnastics movements. And I'll bet we'll see those emerge on Sunday.
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22. GT wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:37 AM
I can't wait!
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23. Brandon Nugent wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:49 AM
This looks like a blast. Makes me want to train for next year's qualifier just so I can do the WODS!
Good luck all!
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24. Kat replied to comment from TomF...
July 10, 2009 6:51 AM
Agreed.
The Games aren't just missing high-skilled gymnastic elements... they are missing completely. If we are going to balance all the weights out with gymnastic elements Sunday better have some skipping, pullups, knees to elbows, handstand pushups, and ring dips/muscle ups.
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25. Mark wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:51 AM
I think Josh Everett is looking good. He's my bet, not that risky I know. Good stuff.
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26. Larry wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:53 AM
I couldn't help but think if Rip when I saw event #4 ...
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27. Crystal Frausto wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:54 AM
Awesome WOD's!! Can't wait to see everyone compete. Good luck to everybody. Let's go CrossFit Omaha!!
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28. Linker wrote...
July 10, 2009 6:57 AM
I'm still likin OPT. . . could we have our first repeat champion?
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29. Tony wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:04 AM
I love CrossFit and would relish the opportunity to compete at the Games some day, but I have to say, I am not a fan of this format / programming.
I think that in order for CrossFit to try and validate the notion that it produces the fittest athletes on the planet, the measures by which it bases / determines that need to be a little more general / universal and comprehensive in what they require from competitors.
These WOD's will be a great test of fitness, no questioning that, but is the fittest CrossFitter in the world (albeit the fittest athlete in the world) going to win these Games? I am not so sure. That is a concern.
Anyway, just a thought.
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30. BH Smith wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:14 AM
I wonder what weight the sledge head will be?
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31. Jason wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:21 AM
BH, I was about to say they'd give them something heavy but they're twisted enough to give them something seriously underweight to drive in the stake.
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32. Shane S wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:23 AM
Did anyone see that little statistic of 100' gain over 170m? An average of 17.9% slope? That's unreal -- it's hard enough to run up that without 70# of extra weight! I think most competitors will be in the 55-65s range on that one.
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33. jeff wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:25 AM
Now I know the elite crossfitters are some of the most intense, driven, fittest and insane people on the planet...
BUT
After seeing these WOD's and short recovery times, I'm sure there are some FREAKED competitors. In hotel rooms speckled around Aromas, there's gonna be a lot of "what the hell did I get myself into's" tonight.
Heavyweights nervous as hell about the run, lightweights hoping they make it 5 rounds of the d-lift and everyone hoping their body doesn't give out "Chris Legh" style by the middle of the 5th event.
And then there's still Sunday... This is amazing!
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34. Chuck B replied to comment from Linker...
July 10, 2009 7:26 AM
OPT opted out this year to run the qualifier.
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35. Ben wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:30 AM
Looking at the "guy in last, starts first" format makes me think the guys/gals who finish in the top 10 on the 7.1km run will be the guys/gals with best chance of winning. The format gives them a cumulative "rest" advantage over the course of the games.
What do you think?
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36. jeff wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:32 AM
@ Jason re: Sledge weight:
They'll probably have a choice. Either a 600# anvil or a fly swatter :)
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37. Ryan Scott wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:37 AM
Ben,
I am not sure that is true. The heavy deadlifts immediatly after the run should help even things out, so there won't be a cummulative "rest" advantage.
This is just an assumption, but:
a lighter guy will place better in the run, but lower in the deadlift, and a heavier guy will place lower in the run, but higher in the deadlift so they should go into event 3 pretty even.
As always it pays to be first, but I also wonder if there will be a method of sandbagging to save yourself for the events that you know you can do well at?
Ryan.
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38. George wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:39 AM
is there going to be anyone left alive and ambulatory on Sunday to finish the games?
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39. Seth wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:39 AM
Great stuff! Sandbags and hammering tax the CNS in a way that evenly balanced weights just can't. And that run looks like a fine day's work all on its own.
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40. Matt wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:41 AM
If Josh Everett can do well in the run.
Peg him as the first day leader. The guy is a medium to large build with easily the most strength to size ratio on the planet.
Will be very interesting to see the results.
Goodluck all!
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41. Andy replied to comment from Chuck B...
July 10, 2009 7:41 AM
Chuck, OPT opted out to run the qualifier but Coach invited him to the games anyway. Saying he should get a free ride because he is a past champion, and come on, OPT. It would be the games without James Fitzgerald in it.
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42. Greg Deitz replied to comment from Chuck B...
July 10, 2009 7:41 AM
OPT will be there. He did opt out, but they allowed him to come and compete. There was an article on the site about him and his brother competing this year.
The format looks interesting to say the least. You will really have to start figuring out your recovery methodology after that first event and you see where you are.
All the best to this years competitors!
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43. Ben replied to comment from Ryan Scott...
July 10, 2009 7:46 AM
@Ryan: I guess my thought was that Event 1 is an advantage to the small guys more so than Event 2 is an advantage to the big guys. So Event 2 wouldn't be enough an advantage to the big guy to be able to catch up in the standings.
Could be 'cause I think that run is absolutely insane!
But I have to say, my first thought too was if someone will sandbag the first event in some strategy to save him/herself for the DL event.
It will be interesting to see. Hopefully next year this stuff will be televised nationally.
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44. Roland wrote...
July 10, 2009 7:57 AM
Based on last years experience, is anyone following the main side WOD? If yes, are you as scared as I am???
Sunday's event will be: "Dig a big hole for time and depth" - this in order to have a pool for Crossfit Games 2010 ...
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45. Eric replied to comment from ken c...
July 10, 2009 8:01 AM
I think a kettlebell swing/hammer strike combo would be exciting!
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46. wheelie wrote...
July 10, 2009 8:03 AM
Crossfit games not Lumbarjack games...don't like it...
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47. Jason wrote...
July 10, 2009 8:05 AM
What would you suggest then wheelie?
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48. wheelie replied to comment from Jason...
July 10, 2009 8:06 AM
log roll...
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49. ken c replied to comment from Eric...
July 10, 2009 8:22 AM
i think they should have to pound the stake into the ground using hulk hands. i think castro must be building a fence or something at his place and making use of the cheap labor.
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50. Dinger wrote...
July 10, 2009 8:25 AM
Event 6 - Peeing in a cup from short distance. Good luck everyone. I hope there isn't any dissapointments.
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51. Adam wrote...
July 10, 2009 8:42 AM
Isolated events including a run, a timed lift, and a weighted sprint. Meh. Not sure what I was hoping for but this is a bit of a let down at first glance. And no gymnastics?
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52. Paul E wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:03 AM
I'm calling for the hopper to make a triumphant return on Sunday.
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53. Davdi S wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:12 AM
Event five sounds a lot like Karabel. Three snatches at 135#, 15 wallball at 20#, 10 rounds for time. I put myself through this one yesterday and snatch technique is critical. Raw strength only carries you so far. If they are strict on the technique for the rep to count (no press-outs, require full squat) you will see a huge gap develop between those that have the snatch technique down (Josh Everett) and those who have never done a snatch. God help them if they go heavier on the snatches than what is prescribed in Isabel.
Good luck to all. I can't believe all of those sledge slams on the big tire and sandbag workouts I have done would have been good for something :)
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54. Shut Up Joe wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:18 AM
Joe-
Are you not understanding that no one wants to hear you? You are exceptionally obnoxious.
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55. Jon wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:20 AM
The hammer stake event is amusing. I often split wood with an axe for my warmup. Who knew I was training for the games. Ha!
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56. Danny wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:32 AM
Look a that picture...it tips to one of sunday's events. It looks like rowing and deadlifts from the top of half a log. Stand on the uneven, raised surface, and lift...i'm serious
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57. Diane replied to comment from Danny...
July 10, 2009 9:42 AM
I think the set-up in the picture is for the Affiliate event.
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58. Ben M wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:42 AM
Ross Enaimait FTW on the hammer event! I love the two "odd" events. Shoveling gravel in 2010? Picking up rocks and retrieving a buried flag?
I'm sure we'll see some gymnastic events on the second day, perhaps in a surprising way. There are parallettes out there...
Also, 8 events!?!? that's insane. I don't know if anyone is ready for 8 events. This reminds me of that guy who did all the hero WODs in one day.
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59. pat replied to comment from Tony...
July 10, 2009 9:44 AM
exactly what I was thinking.
I don't like the events. I think the format is interesting though. Yes it will be exciting. Yes the champion no doubt will be extremely fit. Yes it will be fun to compete in.
I just think for the future of crossfit as a sport a list of movements, lifts, excercises should be standardized. Any movement,lift or excercise that comes up on the main page would be fair game. I don't like the trail run event, am 50/50 on the sandbag run up a hill and dislike the sledgehammer workout.
I'd like to see the workouts kept to something every affiliate can replicate. It keeps the sport legitimate in my mind. I think crossfit has a great thing going without having to resort to gimmick workouts. There is plenty of room for creativity in rep schemes, weight, distances. Keep it to that and I think crossfit would as a sport would benefit.
That being said I just want to reiterate I think the competition will be exciting, fun and will produce an extremely fit champion. Oh and I'm sure there is some method to the madness and all this speculating will be just that.
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60. Zak F. replied to comment from Danny...
July 10, 2009 9:45 AM
The logs are there to stop the bars from rolling away. All the equipment that's in the picture is what is needed for just Saturdays WODs.
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61. BillyO replied to comment from Caleb Boaz...
July 10, 2009 9:45 AM
I agree, get these games on TV or the net so we can watch them live or in summary form, like and NBC special or something. That would be sweet. Anybody out there filming and posting for YouTube?
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62. Jason wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:54 AM
For those that are trying to replicate these to some degree on their own just for fun, I am also curious what weight the hammer is and what the diameter of the stake is. I hope they tell us more...
Instead of event one, we are going to wear 40 pounds and run around our hilly neighborhood.
Event two can be done.
Event three we can do as well but the slope is not that disgusting which is a bummer.
Event four we plan on hitting a target on the tire 100 times which is why we would like to know weight and stake diameter. Does everyone think 100 times is sufficient? I am trying to balance effort.
Event 5 should be no problem.
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63. Lol Mettam wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:57 AM
@ #57. I was just thinking that any competitors who spent time splitting logs in their formative years will be silently thanking their pops right now for making them do their chores.
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64. Katie G replied to comment from ken c...
July 10, 2009 9:59 AM
hmmmm just wait 'til you see Russell Berger!
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65. Paul Szoldra wrote...
July 10, 2009 10:03 AM
For those that cannot be here in Aromas, follow @roadtothegames on Twitter. We are posting updates as events unfold throughout the day onto twitter. If you are Twitter savvy, keep on eye out and repost hashtag #crossfitgames for info from us as well as spectators at the event! Thanks.
Follow the Twitter Feed Here
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66. Walden replied to comment from Paul Szoldra...
July 10, 2009 10:08 AM
That's great, and thanks for the feed!
But up the refresh on those pictures and results man, I'm dying here!!!!
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67. Shane wrote...
July 10, 2009 10:09 AM
No gymnastics related movements and no pull ups?!?!? I know there is more stuff coming in the second day...but only for the top 16 people!! If there had some been gymnastics and pull up related elements blended into the first day, there more than likely would be an entirely different group of final 16 competitors. I'm not impressed personally.
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68. PosterBoy wrote...
July 10, 2009 10:11 AM
Jumbotron!?!
Freakin' awesome! The games will be on ESPN next year for sure. They can juxtapose it against the competition for the World's Unfittest Man/Woman-The World Series of Poker.
Posterboy
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69. Ed wrote...
July 10, 2009 10:12 AM
I love everything but the hammer stake. I think it is a bit gimmicky. I also hope they tested the setup thoroughly for injury potential.
Other than that, a fantastic lineup for day one. Like others, I hope we see some gymnastics in day two to balance out the spectrum of movements. Given Glassman's background, that is probably a given. Rings were on the equipment list, so I'll bet MUs make a big appearance on Sun.
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70. Mike Cappi wrote...
July 10, 2009 10:31 AM
i dont like event 4. i think they could have created a better event given the fact that there isnt any gymnastic exercises in the first day. Besides that everything looks awesome!
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71. Cooper replied to comment from pat...
July 10, 2009 10:50 AM
I don't believe Coach Glassman really wants CrossFit to be a sport. If it were, then yes, some of these workouts would be very silly. But CrossFit's goal has always been to increase broad, general fitness - snatches, burpees, kipping pull-ups, and deadlifts are not the rule of fitness, but rather the most effective means of becoming fit.
The Games is a test of how one's CrossFit programming translates into fitness. He/she who can take a foreign task and do it better than his/her competitors is the most fit in the broadest sense. Creating a standardized list would actually destroy much of what CrossFit is all about - training for the unpredictable.
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72. Adam wrote...
July 10, 2009 10:55 AM
Not sure what I said that constitutes whining. I don't like the format for day one. Just my opinion. It's still going to be a blast to watch and I'll be following all weekend. Go CF Boston! Can't wait to hear what's in store for Sunday.
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73. sean wrote...
July 10, 2009 10:56 AM
Event 4
I don't disagree with it, however it seems the only even that could be dangerous to other. It's not hard for a mallet to break and splinter off if they miss and hit the handle on the spike. Just an observation
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74. Rick J wrote...
July 10, 2009 11:01 AM
the first event is tough enough without that crazy down a slippery steep grade then up another very steep grade and back again at the top of the third loop on that hill. My worry is that someone is gonna get hurt breaking a wrist or an ankle. Just finish the third loop and go across the finish line.
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75. Kat replied to comment from sean...
July 10, 2009 11:03 AM
It's not any more dangerous than hitting your chin on the bar during pullups, running down that crazy cliff with crazy firebreathing CrossFitters behind you, or even walking across the street for that matter.
Everything in life as risks...
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76. Cooper replied to comment from Shane...
July 10, 2009 11:03 AM
I was concerned about the same thing. But maybe think of it this way...
In a decathlon, the first day tests pure strength, speed, and power. These are the basics of fitness - the foundation of athleticism. On the second day, the events become more technical, more a test of endurance, technique, focus, etc.
Perhaps those who concocted the Games are looking for strong athletes who can also do gymnastics, as opposed to gymnasts who can also lift weight?
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77. Garth replied to comment from ken c...
July 10, 2009 11:07 AM
I echo Katie's comment. The CF community is going to find they have been all this attention on Speal but missing an amazing athlete from the Dirty South (CF Huntsville), Russ Berger. He won the regionals by knocking out better known CF names like Bionic by a good margin. Russ has all the qualities of a Speal plus a ton more strength. Oh, he is a faster runner too. One good example and very relevant to the first two WODs is the first Dirty South Games workout (shuttle run followed by DLs for time). Despite being about Speal's size, only one or two people did more DLs than him. He took the event by destroying everyone in the run and still putting up amazing numbers on the DL. Sound familiar? These WODs look to be right up his alley. He is way too modest to take on a nickname or to boast about his abilities. He probably will give me some heat for even posting this. However, I do not want Sevan to miss interviewing him for his next movie. I have a feeling if he skips him, he will be sorry he overlooked this guy no one was talking about from the South.
Good luck, Russ.
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78. mississauga dave wrote...
July 10, 2009 11:14 AM
I'm really looking forward to the results tomorrow. It seems obvious to me that this is the most legitimate test of fitness the world has ever seen. But that doesn't mean we can't nit pick :).
Event #2: What is the over-under on the number of athletes tied at the same weight? 10? 15? Could be a massive penalty for missing a lift at the wrong spot.
Event #4: I don't think its fair to criticize this event until we see the athletes do it and get their feedback.
Lack of gymnastics: Is it conceivable that an athlete strong in gymnastics could finish 17th on Day 1 and then finish top 5 after Day 2? Or that an athlete finishing top 5 in Day 1 might not be able to complete Day 2 workouts as rx'd?
Thoughts?
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79. Walden replied to comment from Paul Szoldra...
July 10, 2009 11:18 AM
Ok, seriously. We all know what Coach looks like! Where are the action shots, results of amazing performances, both individual and team???
I know there is huge recording going on, so get out the info!
Those of us not there for whatever reason NEED it. NOW!
Waldo
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80. Ricardo wrote...
July 10, 2009 11:27 AM
A couple of thoughts about the commentary for Saturday's format:
Stop the complaining already! The preview video clearly stated that no affiliate will have done any of the workouts for the games. There are several advantages to having the format and events that are in place:
1. No clear cut favorite. There will be a lot of speculation as to who might come out on top, but no one really knows; exciting, isn't it?
2. Whichever athletes considered the possibilities and trained over as many of the elements and modes will be successful. Sounds like a lot of people are upset that the traditional exercises like "pullups" or "knees to elbows" are not included. We don't know what is on Sunday, so save your comments until you see.
3. I really like this format because it will "weed out" the athletes who did specialize and "guess" and do Fran every other day to get ready for the games just because, "hey, it might be an event at the games." I won't be surprised to see many of the traditional exercises on Sunday, but then again, judging from Saturday's example, probably not. Makes no difference to me.
4. Mental toughness. Those of you who are complaining are forgetting about the mental toughness aspect. One of the notions of CrossFit that makes it so interesting is the fact that something can be thrown at you, and you can do it, handle it, destroy it or get wrecked by it. Mental toughness will DEFINITELY factor in for those athletes competing in the games. They can't afford to be thinking "wahhh...if only Annie was one of the events."
I am excited for this games. I will not be there, but I will be checking my updates, rooting on my people from CFHEL! Go 'Rome and Kellams!!! Kill it! 3-2-1- GO!
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81. Shane replied to comment from Cooper...
July 10, 2009 11:28 AM
Agreed and I can see that position. However, the main difference is that in decathalon type events, everyone is invited to come back the second day. Only 16 males and 16 females will see day 2 this weekend. To me it seems that day one is not balanced enough without the presence of some sort of gymnastics and/or pull-ups. Save the crazy stuff for day 2 and send the top 16 after a day that covers a broader spectrum of tasks. With 5 total events in one day, they could easily cover all bases. With the current day one, I see all the smaller competitors getting eliminated by the end of the day 1. Whereas they could have leveled the field a little better is we saw some pull ups/muscle ups during day one. I mean, how tall do you have to be to drive a 4ft stake at the start, seriously? But I could be wrong. I am very excited to see how this unfolds.
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82. Jay M in SC replied to comment from pat...
July 10, 2009 11:30 AM
Of course everyone is entitiled to an opinion, and I understand your perspective; however, don't confuse CrossFit, the "sport of fitness", with specialized events like the decathlon, triathlon, or other Olympic events. This event will test every aspect of the competitor's work and fitness capacity, including the mental aspect of the "unknown" and recovery. It is truly functional in its assessment of the level of fitness as well as the ability to recover, refuel, and endure a grueling set of new fitness challenges. Like everything else CrossFit, it is quite impressively "genius". Therefore, I would humbly disagree with your claim that these events make the Games less legitimate than some "standardized" format which would quite arguably make it less so.
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83. Shane replied to comment from mississauga dave...
July 10, 2009 11:36 AM
1. Assuming that day 2 has gymnast/pull-up'ish stuff or more body weight movements, I find it very conceivable that an athlete strong in gymnastics could finish 17th on Day 1 but then would have finished top 5 after Day 2.
2. But for what it will take to make top 16 on day 1, I doubt will leave much chance of DNF's on day 2 regardless of what they through at them. So I doubt that an athlete finishing top 5 in Day 1 might not be able to complete Day 2 workouts as rx'd.
But I find the first point above much more concerning than the second.
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84. Cooper replied to comment from Shane...
July 10, 2009 11:48 AM
Excellent point. There is definitely a sense of, "if you can't do these things, you don't deserve to play to your strengths."
So then the question becomes... Are these first five events prerequisites to being the world's fittest person? If the world's fittest people need to be among the best at these five challenges, then the set up works. If not, then they're weeding out he who could be the true champion.
Now, my favorite workouts are Cindy, Angie, and Barbara. I love body-weight/gymnastics stuff. But I still find myself thinking that if you aren't in the top 16 tomorrow, you wouldn't win the thing no matter what happens Sunday.
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85. ThomasB wrote...
July 10, 2009 12:29 PM
Great selection of exercises, repeat after me"randomized, variable" . The best part is that recovery/endurance which may be underlooked by many CFers will be the determining factor.
The sledgehammer event tests accuracy under pressure, yes there is some technique knowledge advantage but it comes down to applying force rapidly with accuracy.
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86. sean wrote...
July 10, 2009 1:04 PM
Event 4
I don't disagree with it, however it seems the only even that could be dangerous to other. It's not hard for a mallet to break and splinter off if they miss and hit the handle on the spike. Just an observation
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87. justin shipley wrote...
July 10, 2009 3:19 PM
As a farmer i have pounded countless thousands of metal stakes into the very rocky ironstone gravel soil of my place, both two handed and one handed, with said sledgehammer, and it's definitely not an art the competitors can hope to achieve a very high level of competency at over the duration of this one event... and sandwiched between two balls out 5oom rows...?
Oh, there will be tears of frustration and rage from many, as the reality that coordination and accuracy are the first victims of mounting fatigue becomes apparent...mark my words, this will be the leveller...
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88. aaron wrote...
July 10, 2009 4:45 PM
I hope the competitors have eye protections for #4. I would hate to see one of the world's fittest humans go blind in one eye from a hot metal splinter.
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89. Tony wrote...
July 10, 2009 5:01 PM
Talk about defensive huh Joe!
Is there something wrong with independant opinion and questioning? Anything other than rapturous applause for the Games format.....and suddenly we are whinging, whining, whatever else.
Its all good.
These Games will be awesome, no doubt about that.
You cult-like, CrossFit patriots who shoot down any constructive feedback with your hard-man lines about whinging and whining.....not so awesome.
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90. Garth wrote...
July 10, 2009 5:50 PM
OK. I drink the Kool Aid as much as anyone and have for the last two and a half years, but I think you might be a little drunk on it if you insist that pull-ups or muscle ups are critical or required to defining the best athletes out there. Pull-ups are just one measure of or method to fitness. I do not think simply being able to do massive #s of pull-ups are indicative of your massive fitness level.
The workouts are varied and definitely look exciting to do and spectate. Kudos to the programmers for mixing it up in the best of CrossFit style. The competitors will have to be ready for anything, not just the standard Girl/Hero/etc workout they have been training on. Good luck guys and girls.
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91. christine replied to comment from Tony...
July 10, 2009 9:06 PM
Amen for the voice of reason.
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92. kam wrote...
July 10, 2009 9:30 PM
I think alot of people are forgetting that there are THREE events on Sunday..
One of which I'm guessing will be a filthy fifty format. "light and long"
One of which will have a gymnastics element ringdips or muscleups.. elizabeth with a squat clean perhaps?
and then who know whats the final event will be - drug test for time perhaps?
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93. Seth wrote...
July 11, 2009 3:55 AM
I'm hoping for one-arm Fran on Sunday. Competitor chooses which arm to start with and switches for the second set of pull-ups and thrusters and then back again to the original arm for the final set.
Men use 24 KG kettlebell and women use 16.
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94. G replied to comment from Jay M in SC...
July 11, 2009 6:33 AM
While a great test, this doesn't even compare to BUDS hell week. Stop making a 3-day even equal to the toughest training course ever invented. The games are hard, but the toughest individuals? No way. Make these cats do this on no sleep, in the surf, with 80 pounds of equipment on while having to sing the whole time and drag each other around.
The games are a great test of CrossFit readiness, but they don't even start to delve into the realm of real mental strength and running on survival mode.
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95. Duke Nukem wrote...
July 11, 2009 10:05 AM
Should be an interesting event. I think overall it is going to favor big guys again though.
Event #1 - Long stride vs. lower center of gravity on hills. No real advantage to either body type I think.
Event #2 - Essentially a max deadlift, with some need for cardio conditioning. Heavily favors big guys with decent cardio.
Event #3 - Big guy advantage, seeing as 70# is not a lot for a guy weighing 200+ and longer strides should help a lot.
Event #4 - Height is king on row, and a long hammer attached to long arms from high up is going to dominate.
Event #5 - Finally! Wallball is good for shorter guys. Snatch is once again a big guy movement advantage. Overall, depending on weight and reps, it could be an evenly weighted match.
I will be shocked to see any guys under 5'9" in the top 16. There is no box jumping, jumprope, handstand pushups, pullups, muscleups, rope climb, etc...basically all the exercises that favor a high strength/size ratio which helps shorter guys. I wonder what the thinking behind that was.
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