2012 CrossFit Southeast Regionals

Today I was lucky enough to watch awesome athletes compete at the CrossFit Southeast Regionals. My box was represented with a team and an individual.

One word describes the day: inspirational.

However fit you think you are will be knocked down a few levels at a CrossFit event. These people are FIT. The men are strong and so are the women. I was amazed at what great shape the competitors and those who cheered them on were in. They were vibrant.

We were able to cheer on two complete WODs.

The space is set up so that up to 10 team or individuals can attempt the WOD at one time. There is a time limit for each workout and after the first group goes they quickly transition into the next heat.

The order began with the bottom of groups to the top and then switched to the bottom of the men and so on.

Here is the full description of the first individual WOD and all the others.

Let me say this: snatching a 70 pound dumbbell (100 for men) is a lot for a woman. These women are at the top of their region but some still weren’t able to get a single snatch throughout the entire 10 minute workout. Some lifted their weights like they were putting a bag of flour on the top shelf.

The crowd was so supportive of the competitors in each wave. We cheered extra loud for the front runners but just as loud for the ones who spent the whole time trying and failing but managed one single snatch near the end.

The crowd loved the underdog from another box as much as the best performer on their own team. I am sure my eyes got teary during each heat.

The Firebase team moved up from 23rd to 18th place. Ellie, our individual competitor, wasn’t as lucky and went home.

The teams and individuals left standing go on to compete in more challenging WOD’s tomorrow. The top three of each will go on the the CrossFit Games. Ahhhh so amazing.

I’m so inspired from watching these athletes give it their all today. There bodies are machines and they pushed the limits. I can’t wait to apply all of this inspiration to my own training- back at the box and out of it, too.

Usually when I watch big competitions like this I admire the athletes strength and skill, but never do I think that I could be like them if I was committed enough. Even in triathlon. But in CrossFit I believe everyone has a fair shot to put in their heart and commit their diet and training and make it to this level. Love it.

What athletic event do you enjoy spectating?