CrossFit Games Open 16.5

I’ve been very disappointed, exceedingly disappointed, disappointed, somewhat disappointed, and not disappointed with my performances in 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, and 16.5, respectively.

CrossFit Games Open WOD 16.5 is a repeat of 14.5, as it is tradition to revisit a previously programmed workout as a way to measure improvements in performance. I completed 14.5 March 29, 2014 in a time of 15:51. The last thing I wrote in blog was “I don’t ever want to do this workout again.” Even though I’ve programmed at CrossFit Surmount I haven’t completed the workout since 2014.

I said, “Jeff, I’m going to complete in sets of three. Seven thrusters at a time for the round of 21, six for the round of 18, five for the round of 15, four for the round of 12, and three for the round of nine. I might even complete in reps of two for the round of six.” I noticed that Jeff had written the corresponding number, e.g., 7s, 6s, 5s, in corresponding rows.

I completed seven thrusters and, even though I could’ve completed more reps, I did not do so. Jeff said, “Seven.” When I began next round he began with count of “one.” And this worked for me.

I completed seven burpees and when I began eighth Jeff began counting from one. I paused, looked at him, and said, “I’ll be doing the burpees unbroken. Keep a running count.” And he did. And this worked for me.

I had very similar thoughts during the rounds of 21, 18, 15, and 12 reps of thrusters… “That first round of seven didn’t feel so bad. This second round of seven is a lot more difficult. I don’t know that I’ll be able to do the next round in seven unbroken reps. You’ve made it to rep five. Just two more. Six reps. Just one more.”

I nonetheless had no failed reps. Yay! I began each round with full squat clean. Yay! I took one breath each rep. Yay! I counted to “five” after dropping the bar. Yay! Uhm, sometimes I very slooooowly counted to five after dropping the bar.

I completed round of nine in reps of four, three, and two reps, round of six in reps of four and two, and round of three in unbroken reps.

I considered many options for burpees and settled on the following: thighs and chest (ensuring that nipples touched the ground) to floor, step up with left and then right foot and leg, followed by two-footed jump and landing. Sometimes I would turn as I jumped, other times I wouldn’t. I worked steadily although not rapidly and completed all rounds of burpees in unbroken reps. Not even a brief rest.

I had eaten a Best Bar Ever about an hour before working out and was concerned that, well, it might not stay down. I told myself that if the round of 21 felt bad that I’d stop. When I completed the round of 18 I thought, “There’s no way that I stopping now. I don’t want to start over.” I occasionally glanced at the clock, but as I didn’t recall previous time I wasn’t sure how I was faring. I did know, however, that things were going well, as I worked at a very steady pace and was sticking to my strategy.

Jeff cheered me through the last round, and it was the only round of burpees that I completed as I typically would’ve done so; as fast and furious as one’s bowels are after having eaten at Taco Bell.

Time = 14:39

I was spent. I sprawled on the floor and yelled (not merely mildly exclaimed or shouted), “F@ck! F@ck!! F@ck!!!” (The exclamations points indicate volume.)

Kelli joined Jeff and me for lunch. I finally searched CrossFit Games and discovered the time, as noted above, was 15:51; thus, I achieved PR by 1:o2. Yay!

I’m glad the the Games are over. It’s likely that I’ll complete the Masters Open WODs and see how well I do. I’m currently ranked 41 out of 5, 300 Masters 50-54 worldwide. Yes, that number will likely plummet. I’m confident, however, that I’ll remain in the top 10%.  I won’t, however, be going to the Regionals.

And. That’s. Oh. Kay.