2014 REEBOK CROSSFIT GAMES OPEN IS UPON US

SERIOUS OPEN

INSPIRING OPEN

FUNNY OPEN

Last year, we posted daily reasons why you should do the annual Reebok CrossFit Games Open, the first wave of CrossFit Games competition that’s designed for all to participate — regardless of skill and strength level. In the spirit of competing against yourself, I admittedly can’t top my 2013 posts. So I forfeit. Kehau of 2013 beats Kehau of 2014.

This year, we’re taking a different approach. While we encourage everyone to sign up and participate (instructions are listed below) — because we believe in the benefits of being a part of the CrossFit community at large and committing to a five-week challenge — we aren’t going to hunt you down and apply peer pressure like we did last year. We want you to want it.

Like gym paleo challenges or local competitions, we can only do so much to motivate you. From there, it’s up to you. Some don’t mind putting themselves out there for the open. Others want to vomit at the thought of having to complete a documented five-weeklong contest just to see their regional ranking at 25,696th place. Others are signing up just to post a whacky profile picture and have fun with our gym friends.

Regardless of your reasons to do it or not do it, we support you.

And whether you are enrolled or not, we encourage you to follow the coverage on CrossFit mainsite, which will offer exciting news about Open, Regional and Games competition waves. The competition season culminates with the Games, which is again slated for July at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. If you haven’t attended — set aside your vacation time now. The experience is worth every penny.

For all CFUM members, please keep the following information in mind:

• FRIDAY OPEN WODS: We will be programming the weekly Open WODs, which are released Thursdays starting tomorrow, on Fridays for all classes. So even if you’re not signed up, participate alongside your friends who are enrolled; cheer for them; help count; have fun. Our Friday classes for the next five weeks will be focused on the Open WODs, and we will not have strength, skills or buyouts programmed on that day.

• TESTING / RESTESTING: For casual participants, please try to make Friday WODs and record your scores for submission. For a handful of our athletes who are competitive, we will retest all the way up until the Monday deadline for submission; please be in contact directly with coaches to figure out a weekly schedule and to manage your video recording / footage.

• REGISTRATION: You can still sign up to participate. CrossFit typically allows registration up until the deadline of the first workout, which is Monday. You may follow coverage or register to participate by clicking on this link: 2014 CrossFit Games Please list your affiliate as CrossFit Upcountry Maui. Cost is $20. Masters brackets begin at 40 years old and up. Check the Games site for more details.

• JUDGING: If you have a desire to judge, please talk with a coach as soon as possible. We would love to have you onboard for counting / recording.

• FUN: Most of all, if you’ve registered, we want you to have fun. This boosts our community and adds to the Upcountry camaraderie that is already so strong. Be a part of this exciting event in small and big ways. Learn about the larger context of CrossFit and reaffirm why you’re doing what you do. We’re excited to sweat and cheer alongside you this year! Get ready to have some fun!