The 2017 CrossFit Open is done and dusted—whew! Five weeks of fun, team spirit, and hellish, test-your-limits workouts can now be filed away in our collective memory. As in years past, the staff at Alchemy was blown away by our community’s enthusiasm, dedication, and level of performance. To sign off on this event, I thought I would leave with you five thoughts I took away from this year.
You’re an inspiring group
Our Friday Night Lights and Saturday Showdown events were insane! Each week we had 50-plus participants show up. People performed skills and movements they had previously thought impossible, we saw tons of PRs, and everybody left it all on the floor (full-body sweat prints!) There’s nothing like the sound of a crowd cheering on a group of people as they push themselves to the limit—it’s an awe-inspiring feeling. One member told me she was so inspired by what was happening around her that one week she cried (I will keep her identity concealed)
We are all pretty fit
It is great to step outside the bubble of Alchemy every now and then to see how you compare to others. The online leaderboard makes this easy. During the Open, many members told me that they could not believe how well they were ranked overall. Your fitness level may not be the best in the gym each day, but it is often above average among CrossFit peers. Don’t be afraid of showing the community what you’ve got, and more importantly, that you’re committed to pushing forward.
The Open isn’t an end; it’s another starting point
One of the reasons I love the Open is that it renews a greater sense of purpose and resolve in me. I see what I struggled with during the Open and I set out on the path to improvement. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling this way. In fact, I know that the Open has awakened a similar desire in many of you. Share your goals with a coach and let them know the areas you would like to see covered more often.
The Open lights a competitive fire
If this was your first Open you may have discovered an extra gear, a level of exertion you never thought you possessed. The atmosphere of competition brings that out in us, and it is amazing to see what going to that dark place can do for your mental toughness. If you enjoyed the competitive scenario then keep going. You don’t need to wait another year for The Open. There are local competitions all year long with many divisions and skill levels. Compete as an individual, partners, or a team. If you want to know more about how to compete let us know and we will get you in touch with like-minded individuals.
We love all of you
Having 50 people at the gym during our last Friday Night Lights at 10 p.m. judging, cheering, putting away equipment, and hanging out was a reminder of how awesome our community is. All of you chose to spend your Friday night with us and that means a lot. We can’t thank you enough for the dedication you showed to yourself and to each other this year. You did an amazing job, Alchemy members! Can’t wait for CrossFit Open 2018.
Duncan McNeill is a coach and co-owner at Alchemy CrossFit.