The Couplet at the end of day one was a pivotal event. After the dust settled, 39 of the 55 athletes who attempted the workout would not be continuing on to the second day.

Two movements, a 75 pound hang squat snatch and a 20 pound wall-ball shot, were all it would take to tax the outer limits of mental and physical stamina of the remaining athletes to the breaking point. Many were already running on fumes. 13 men and 15 women did not complete the effort. In a spine tingling display of heart Kyle Kasperbauer raced the clock to get his last 5 repetitions. He was only a fraction of a rep shy of completing the event when the 20 minute cut-off passed, and was left nearly crippled with fatigue.

Moe Kelsey, who took 3rd place overall and finished 8th in the couplet, reflected on the 2nd place lead he took into day two.

Jason Khalipa, who seemed to get stronger as the day progressed finished on a high note, setting the bar and taking first in the event with a time of 11:18. Mikko Salo was a minute behind and secured the fourth position. Tommy Hackenbruck, Blair Morrison and Peter Egyed took second, third and fifth, respectively, to round out the top five.

The Couplet Wrecks Shop ... [wmv] [mov]