This past weekend, we were lucky enough to be a part of Reebok's affiliate tour and host the Open announcement 16.3. I knew that it would be a cool experience, but I had no idea it would be as amazing as it was. In a few short hours, Reebok's team transformed our space into a retail outlet with all the latest CF gear and the gym was set up for a show with arguably the biggest TV screen I have ever seen. There was a DJ playing all the best music and there was a buzz of excitement with everyone wondering what Dave Castro was going to throw at us. The announcement was fun to watch with everyone on the big screen and to have ADL and Paul there to chat about the workout and CrossFit was something we won't soon forget.
After Thursday, I wasn't sure that we could top that energy for Saturday, but we sure did. There was food, music, contests and professional athletes on hand. We ran 6 heats per hour and saw a ton of athletes from around the province throw down together, support each other and cheer each other on.
There are a number of reasons that I love the Open. I love that people come together to really push beyond their comfort zone to do things they didn't know were possible. They make custom leaderboards and wage friendly bets. One of my favorite moments is captured in this picture. On Thursday, a number of our athletes decided to throw down with Aaron as he had to go away for the weekend. One of those athletes was Sam. Sam had never done a bar muscle up before. But, with a smile on her face, she said, 'well, I am going to try for it. I am around all my gym people, so I made as well try." Sam has worked tirelessly to improve her gymnastics over the past year. I think we all wanted her to get that muscle up more than she did. As the workout went on and those around her were cycling through the muscle ups, she kept a smile on her face and went for it. As she got up over that bar, the gym blew up with cheers! Beth picked her up in a celebratory hug (before she told her to get back up there). Not only did Sam get her first muscle up...she got 5 of them!!
That to me is the true spirit of CrossFit. To really want everyone to do their very best (not fail so our rankings go up). To push and support each other to do the best we can in that moment. To be able to throw down from the elite to the newcomers. To HAVE FUN, because after all, it's just a workout with some friends. And, as Paul said...we do this everyday...the open workout is just another WOD to enjoy.
Jason and I want to thank each and every one of you that helped this event be what it was. Thank you for coming out and making this experience unforgettable. Don't forget to keep having fun:)