Our competition athletes returning from their “team cool-down walk” after two hard sessions. The post-workout cool-down walk is now a practice for most of our classes. It’s an opportunity to share workout experiences and bond with classmates.
“When one athlete gets better, we all get better.”
PAY ATTENTION TO THE GOLD
I recently tweeted that “the Open, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals are comparable to gold mining. Some rocks may squeeze through through the screens but at the end of the process, the gold is found.” This tweet was in response to the large amount of negative online discourse regarding Open & Quarterfinal athlete performances, movement standards and CrossFit Games penalty assessments (more than 3200).
I actually think the large amount of online discussion regarding the CrossFit Games Qualifying process is beneficial for the sport of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games. Healthy debate typically results in positive changes within this relatively young, niche sport. The people who run and influence the competitions listen to the community – this is a fact. I’ve known and worked with most of them since the start of the CrossFit Games in 2007.
However, in addition to healthy debate, there is quite a bit of ugly, negative commentary from the community and a lot of click-bait media content that distract from the overall amazing competition event that is the CrossFit Games. Some people lose sight of the fact that the CrossFit Games begins with more than 320 thousand participants and over a 5 month process, and multiple levels of competition, filters them down to 1 man and 1 woman who are, beyond any measure, the Fittest on Earth. 320,000 down to 1 man and 1 woman (not including Age Groups & Adaptive!). The process includes online and in-person competitions and, at each level, the athletes undergo more scrutiny especially at the in-person competitions, the Semi-Finals and, ultimately, The CrossFit Games.
Are there issues with Standards, Judging & Penalty assessments? Yes, but the issues that occur are NOT endemic and are often quickly fixed or fixed in the next year. The CFG leadership team, primarily Justin Bergh (VP Sports & Partnerships) and Adrian Bozman (CFG Director), are keenly interested in improving the athlete & fan experience while remaining true to the mission of finding the fittest on earth. Over the last 4 years, the entire CFG team has weathered brutal human resource and budget cuts, leadership changes and even athlete protests. Yet, despite the chaos and turmoil, every year, the CFG competition process ended with an amazing 4 day spectacle for fans that showcased the fittest athletes in the world and crowned the undisputed champions.
So, my message to the CrossFit Community is this: it’s ok to point out the mistakes and ask for change. CrossFit is watching & listening. And, be patient and understanding – the Games are a massive undertaking and the team is working very hard. But, most of, focus on the gold in the pan: the Fittest Athletes on Earth. It’s earned. And it’s real.
TEAMS & MASTERS
Competition chaos returns to the gym beginning on Wed, Mar 29th. Teams will have 3 days to complete 5 workouts. Then, on Friday at 12, the Age Group Athletes will have 3 days to complete their 5 workouts. We’ll be sure announce their “go times” in our FB member group and on IG.
Our Diablo Añejo Quarterfinal Team includes: Jackson Miller, Kristjahn Boyd, Beth Stankovich and Emily Scott. And, to make things “fun” for Añejo (& our community), they’ll be going head-to-head against our Reposado Team who stepped up to help get them to Regionals: Sean Reifel, Cole Gravitt, Cynthia Pammett and Kendra Watters!
Our Competing Age-Group Athletes Include: Yvonne Howard, Brittany Benedetto, Melissa Chatterton, Gwen Holtan, Nicole Rogers, Taylor Madge, Mark Mooney, Yours Truly
MORE STRONGER
Head Oly Coach Carrie Olson, Oly Coach Amy Halperin & PRsAllDay Founder & Programmer Jamie Lee have come together to make our Strong program stronger with more programming & more classes beginning in April.
- New Class Times: Tue & Thu at 4:30PM!
- 5 Day Programming: include 3 class programs (Tue, Thu, Sat) and two Open Gym training sessions.
- Diablo Strong Oly Team (see Coaches Corey, Amy or Carrie)
TWEET OF THE WEEK: The Open, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals are comparable to gold mining. Some rocks may squeeze through through the screens but at the end of the process, the gold is found.
THE WEEK AHEAD:
April Focus: (1) Back Squat + DB Floor Press, (2) Loaded Carry, (Skill) Balance & Stability
- Mon: Amrap 18min: 16 Alt Box Step Ups, 12 SA Strict Press, 8 Burpee Box Jumps, 4 Rope Climbs
- Tue: OHS. Metcon: Amrap 6min – 12 KB Swings, 12 Sit-ups
- Wed: 4 RFT – 500m Row, 2m Rest
- Thu: 10RFT – 200m Run, 6 Pull-Ups, 8 Push Up
- Fri: DL. Metcon: 7/12c Bike & 50-40-30-20-10 DUs
- Sat: 5 Mile Run
- Sun: 3RFT: 400/500m Row, 1min SB Hold, 250/300m Row, 30s Hang
CRAIG’S LIST:
- Motivational Book: Endure by Cameron Hanes. Cameron Hanes is arguably the world’s best bow hunter. He’s also an incredible endurance athlete, while working a full-time job with a family of four. This is an incredibly motivating biography told by Cameron Hanes himself. Listening on Audible.
- Retrospective Book: 1984 by George Orwell. I haven’t read this book since High School. And, since it has been referenced so many times over the last 3 years, I thought it would be good to listen to it on Audible – and IT’S FREE.
- Open Highlights Video: CrossFit 2023 Open Highlights Video (with Diablo!!) Former Diablo Coach & Media Guy Stephen Stover now works for CrossFit HQ. He showed up to Diablo for 23.1 and the content made the highlight video for ALL of CrossFit!
- Bill Gates Article: The Age of AI has begun. Say what you want about Bill Gates, but he is certainly a credible authority on technology. This is an excellent article that gives some very valuable insight to how AI will provide benefits to society. We should all take note. And, pass this one on to your College & High School students – they should begin to learn how to work with and leverage AI for their future.
- Validation Video: Dave Castro Endorses our PRsAllDay Podcast! This was a very gracious and unsolicited endorsement of our weekly podcast from Dave (on his weekly update podcast). Honored & grateful.
- Article: California Could Ban Skittles – this is actually long overdue. Under Assembly Bill 418, Red Dye No. 3, as well as titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil and propylparaben would be outlawed in the manufacturing, distribution or sale of foods in the state. Several of these chemicals are known carcinogens and have been banned by several Countries.
Make it an awesome week!
Craig
