Ragin Games 2013

It was the second individual competition of the year for me, but my first in my home town! If my nerves weren't teeming on middle C then I was as calm as a bomb.

I awoke with vigor and determination, it was the moment I walked through the doors of the prescribed venue that my hubris of recent accomplishments was met with the humility of everyone else's, I was alone in a world of what was soon to be pain.

Registration was simple and the National Anthem, sang by our very own Cupid (Bryson Bernard), a competitor in my division, was chilling; again half nerves half patriotism.

The first workout approached around 0930, Power Clean Ladder. Explained, you start at a desired weight and Power Clean incremental weights until you fail or complete the ladder. I selected the 175, 185, 195, 205 ladder. My previous personal record, hereto known as PR, was 185 some months prior. I knew I can lift the first 2 weights, the rest would be a bonus.

My judge was Ronis Correa, a local crossfitter, the strong silent type, emphasis on strong. He would only say 2 words to me before the lift, "Let's Go!" In almost a whisper, the silence that followed was comforting - encouraging. My first attempt was 175, I was so nervous, I held my breath for so long, I almost passed out after I lifted it, "well done" was a mere whisper I moved on to my PR (185). "Breathe, breathe, breathe" is all I could muster mentally, then I blinked and I had rested 185#'s on my shoulders. 195# and 205# came with ease (despite the look on my face from the photo above).

The competition moved on, bars were set, met and surpassed. All in all, it was a good day. Except for the bar jump over burpees! See below! They sucked and were not enjoyed by anyone.