Reflection: MidState CrossFit Open 2023
The CrossFit Open 2023 is coming to a close and we wanted to take a moment and reflect on some incredible moments of growth, achievement, and inspiration.
The CrossFit Open is something many of us at MSCF have participated in for over a decade, It comes with elements that are worth considering. For us, the coaching staff, the ethos of CrossFit is “mechanics, consistency, and then intensity” but sometimes competition can complicate that. There is a difference of energy exertion in training and practice versus in the arena. Sometimes we need to apply a test to see where athletes are physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is good to try something challenging and to work at the edges of your current ability.
Most adults do not have an opportunity to test themselves. Some of us have recreational sports but many of us do not, CrossFit is our hobby, and CrossFit is our expression of our physical selves. Insert the CrossFit Open and insert Friday Night Lights. Fear, excitement, anxiety, laughter, surprise, anger, self doubt, victory cries and just good old fashioned crying are on full display this time of year. All of these feelings are OK. Having a workout not go as planned is OK. Coach Gabby says that being vulnerable is OK and worth it. Putting yourself out there is an opportunity to feel life more fully and to celebrate being capable and alive.
In the words of Mike Tyson, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. The thing that makes the CrossFit Open so special is that many athletes deliver well beyond their own expectations of themselves. Even if you figuratively get knocked down now, you're going to get back up, growth is inevitable with the level of effort we put in every day. The things we do inside of MidState CrossFit, during the CrossFit Open, these experiences are going to make you better and more capable of handling life. It all adds up!
We are very proud of everyone. MidState CrossFit has objectively never been as fit as we are right now. There is real magic in the air and we barely know how to fully articulate it in words.
With that being said, it is back to the practice and the training, back to the education and learning. We have a long term vision for all of our athletes. Health is “work capacity across broad times and modal domains throughout a lifetime”. This means we have plenty of time, the adventure continues, and congratulations to everyone, you just competed in and finished the CrossFit Open 2023.
Here are some memories we would like to share:
Louie Yorba’s first classroom workout ever, his first Thruster ever, was 23.2 A&B. What an introduction. His text to Coach Brian of enthusiasm that just occurred was hilariously enthusiastic. “lol that’s the motivation I need and the reason why I wanted to join your gym. Everyone there is very welcoming. It is a great place to get that motivation I needed”. He is going to fit right in.
Jessica Reed found classic CrossFit intensity and may or may not have been visited by the legendary spirit, Pukey the Clown. Though we do not regularly want body fluids to be an issue for our athletes, going to this place is epic. That is a dark place Jess and we love you for it.
Jennifer Alford (Certified OG) had a moment of “wanting”, wanting to do something so bad and not successfully completing it, we knew “no rep” hurt her spirit. This could be seen as a negative but we see it differently. We see it as “her moment”, knowing you CAN do something and NOT doing it, that stings. She now has a new goal, a very objective, tangible goal, a new fuel to drive her training. We have a new opportunity for growth.
Shelby Fishman completed both 23.1 and 23.2 A&B 40+ weeks pregnant AND SLAYED. To all those who are wondering, we have a new gym mouse, Quincy.
Owen Reed as Timelord, Coach Brian thinks he is a viking, James dressed up as a blue america wrestler thing, Holmes being the closest thing to the actual Thor! Not so fake news from Jenni, Matt, and the rest of our “news” teams. Gangsta wrap Crystal is a badass She-Hulk in disguise. Team Blue and Team Gold is the gift that keeps on giving. These little things, these little moments add up and what makes our culture unique. We are having way too much fun to stop now! See you on the black mats!
PS - The MidState Games is a Partner WOD event and is scheduled for April 22nd, 2023.
