This morning I had the opportunity to attend an all-women’s CrossFit competition; the 6th Annual Women’s WOD Jam, at CrossFit Profectus. It was made up of teams of two, completing 4 workouts each over the course of the day. Every time I walk away from one of these competitions, I’m always so fired up! People push through pain in ways they never thought possible, accomplish things they never imagined, and cheer on their friends (new and old) through the same suffering they just experienced themselves. There aren’t many sports where most competing athletes legitimately care about and support one another. CrossFit is one of those sports.
While I’ve been to dozens of events like this (as spectator, judge, coach, and athlete), yesterday I realized something pretty sweet about them. The 360 degree perspective and range of emotions for people in the room is incredible:
The Spectator: (Critical to the energy at the event)
- They’re typically friends and family of the competing athletes, and are there to cheer them on
- Quickly, they become supporters of all athletes out on the floor, even ones they don’t know
- Almost always experience moments that leave them in awe
- They leave inspired, ready to get back into the gym to better themselves
The Judge: (Critical to the integrity and organization of the event)
- They’re typically coaches and members at the gym who want to help the event run smoothly
- Upholding the standard of competition and encouraging others makes me feel good
- Almost always experience moments that leave them in awe
- They leave inspired, ready to get back into the gym to better themselves
The Coach: (Critical to ensure athletes don’t lose their minds at the event)
- They’re typically folks who have at least some experience competing themselves, and love helping others reach their full potential
- Learn more about their athletes, how they perform under pressure, and identify new cues and ways of communicating with them
- Almost always experience moments that leave them in awe
- They leave inspired, ready to get back into the gym to better themselves and their athletes
The Athlete: (Critical in order to throw a fun event)
- There is no typical athlete, which is my favorite part! Depending on the event, there are first-timers just looking to have fun, those who treat CrossFit as a part time job and train HARD all the time, and everyone in between.
- Immediately bond with those around them to push and encourage one another
- Almost always experience moments that leave them in awe
- They leave inspired, ready to get back into the gym to better themselves
Do you see a pattern there? Those are all POSITIVE outcomes! Knowing that, if you’ve always wanted to go spectate but didn’t have the courage, go to an event near you. If you have wanted to try being a judge, do it. If you’re a coach who has wanted to prepare an athlete for an event, they’re out there looking for coaches, I promise. And if you’ve always been too nervous to sign up for an event but wanted to, let me know. I’ll get you fired up enough to do it. There are rookie/first-timer competitions all over the place! In my optimistic brain, if approached properly, there is literally nothing negative associated with being in any of those groups at a CrossFit competition. Well… except for the soreness afterwards for the athletes. That always sucks!
Ladies of the Women’s WOD Jam: Thank you for the incredible display of strength and power yesterday. The energy in the room was incredible, and I’m so proud of all of you!
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