I had the privilege to be a spectator at the 2012 Southeast Regionals – the second step towards qualifying for the CrossFit games. I’d like to distinguish the fact that I was actually on standby as the 4th rank finishing male and thus alternate for my affiliate team, the Firebase Infidels. I openly admit that I was hoping that one of the other team members had car trouble or would wake up with a stomach flu so that I could play at this year’s event. I had no such luck, but was so proud to see the Infidels defy odds by placing 17th after claiming the last place seed to gain entry into the competition at #30! My overall impression of the regional event…OUT-FRIGGIN-STANDING!
There was a total of six workouts held over the three day period. The air conditioned indoor venue made being a spectator bearable and fun, although the Sunday rain would have made an outdoor event pretty cool to watch. There were plenty of volunteer and CF HQ staff on hand to ensure that everything ran like clockwork, which was really nice. Most of the local CF competitions that I’ve attended or participated in seemed to have no real sense of urgency when it came to keeping a schedule. The events were heavy, fast, and creatively orchestrated – especially the team events. I had never seen or thought to try buddy-deadlifts before, but I can recall moments in life where I’ve had to lift heavy things with other people which qualifies the movement as both relevant and functional. The individual competitors seemed to be broken in two groups; those who were serious contenders and those who were just happy to be there. The small group of competitors that fell in the middle had a great opportunity to see the bigger pond of fish that they need to swim with in order to advance next year.
In order to write a blog that people want to read, I’ve created a good, bad and ugly list to recap all that was the Southeast Regional.
The Good:
- Most importantly the goal of finding the top three male and female athletes and teams was achieved – primary mission accomplished. These guys were legit outliers – amazing athletes.
- Recreating the environment of the Aromas Ranch – the site of the first ever CF Games. It was really cool to have a chance to meet up with other CF’ers that I’d met at other boxes or competitions. The energy inside the building during the events was amazing and inspiring. Several boxes showed up in full force to support their teams and athletes – then cheer along whomever else was struggling through a workout.
- Cool set-up for the athletes – all competing athletes and coaches were given access to a back stage “athlete village” where they could rest up, refuel, and warm up for the upcoming workouts.
- Plentiful vendor tents – All of the big names were representing their apparel, equipment and supplements. Reebok obviously had the corner lot – but outside of their shoes, everything seemed grossly overpriced. Other vendors included Maverick, 3-2-1, AMRAP, Progenex, GNC, and BSN just to name a few.
The Bad:
- Judging consistency – Let me clarify that this is not a knock on any of the VOLUNTEER judges who participated at this event in any way! However, there were several instances throughout the weekend where the judges were scrutinizing movements based on unclear standards. On the snatch ladder event, certain judges would allow press-outs while others did not. On a few occasions, a head judge would step in and begin no-repping athletes while the team judge would lose count or not be instructed as to what they were missing. I had also witnessed (by video) what appeared to be star-struck judges who were afraid to no-rep top seeded big name athletes. Ordinary no-name athletes on the other hand were not given the benefit of the doubt in their movements. CFHQ will eventually need to step up and fully staff the judging at regional events with thoroughly trained individuals making the calls.
- The food available to spectators was horrible. The convention center had a typical concession stand open through the event – but they neglected to tell them that crossfitters don’t eat muffins, French fries, pizza and the like. Had a paleo truck been parked outside, they would have cleaned house during the weekend.
The Ugly:
- The vanity or lack of humility!!! I wont call anyone out on this because it is totally subjective on my part, but do you ever get the feeling that certain crossfitters are all for show? You know who I’m talking about right…the ones who never crack a smile, or look like they are having fun, who blankly stare past the crowd. These are the same guys who were showing obvious disgust with their teammates because they were slowing them down. I can’t stand these people! Go back to the tanning bed and globo-gym…your crossfit card has been revoked.
Here are some links to a few of the workouts which show the Firebase Infidels going at it! If you want to see what real affiliate love looks like watch all the way to the end of this one: Team Event #3
Congratulations to my teammates/competitors at this year’s games – Marc Nickens, Tommy Kasper, Brett Harbach, Stephanie Nickitas, Cathy Williams, Lauren Shave, Marisol, and Elly Kabboord. You guys have inspired me to train harder this year and lock in for a spot on stage next year.
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