Grace Challenge

Sunday, February 1;

The last time we had the Grace challenge I wanted to come, but I was about 5 days out of surgery and still pretty doped out of my mind. I wouldn't have missed it this time!! I got in early this morning. Right before 8:30 and started stretching my shoulder. I had absolutely no intention of actually doing the workout. I just wanted to cheer everyone on.

We did four heats of Grace (30 cleans and snatches for time). What an incredible inspiration! So many amazing stories and people who should be recognized. The guy who really should get a tip of the hat today is a fairly new Crossfitter. He was our most improved score. A few months ago, I wrote a blog post about a new member at CFOT. We were in the middle of his second workout when another Crossfitter looked at the newbie and said, "you're a monster in the making." The new crossfitter was no fire breather at this point. He was much like many others who come in for the first time. He was just a regular guy.

Today, he was no regular guy. On his first Grace attempt (I'm not using his name, because I'm not sure if he'd mind if I blogged about him), his time was about 16 minutes. Today, he finished the workout in about 4 minutes. He shaved roughly 75 percent of his time off. INCREDIBLE. It's a testiment to the training we get at CFOT, the comraderie, and sheer determination. Way to go!!


Now, I said I hadn't planned on working out, but I was dressed for a workout. Jerry suggested.. like Jerry does some times.. that I could do a one armed clean and jerk. I thought for a second and said, "I'm in!" I grabbed the 35 pound dumbell, did a few practice runs, chalked up my hand and got pumped. I know the right armed version isn't as terrible as the barbell with two arms, but it still kicked my butt enough. I competed 30 cleans and snatches in 2:28. That's one second faster than the fastest time. I don't think what I did was anything compared to everyone else, but I have to admit that I awarded myself my very own "most improved" award.

Two months ago, I was fresh out of surgery. My left arm was in a brace and I could barely walk without pain. I've come a long, long way from there. I thought a good old pat on the back was well deserved. I'm proud.

Warmup:
1,000 meter row

Workout:
"Grace"
30 cleans and snatches for time

35lbs (right arm)

2:28