Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014

>> upcountry strong.

We’re still riding a high after Monday’s daylong CrossFit competition, the 4th annual Hawaii VA Games, at Blaisdell Arena on Oahu. Our teams came out swinging, ranking 4th and 5th among 60 teams in the first workout (four person teams included two males and two females; there were 240 Hawaii athletes total in the team competition). We saw tons of highlights through the day: Matt and Keoni both finished the snatch ladder, which ended at 235lbs, solidifying a PR for Matt; Tiare nailed a power clean PR at 155; Andrea hit a CJ PR at 145 155; and Gabby, Frank, Brett and Andrea won their heat in event 1. CFUM Team 1 stayed in the top 5 for all four workouts, finishing at 5th overall. Team 2 results haven’t been posted as of yet. For photos and updates, check www.hawaiivagames.com.

Beyond the scoreboard, we’re so proud of the teamwork, camaraderie and character that our athletes displayed Monday. There’s something about Upcountry’s identity that has always fostered a sense of pride among the people for the place.

Growing up in the rural towns, driving along bumpy roads, being rooted in nature, farming, ag and animals, knowing what it means to be a neighbor, understanding the significance of hard work, not relying on the  luxuries of more developed areas — I can’t put my finger on the exact sources of our strength. But I do know that Upcountry’s community embodies our best traits.

When we work together, for one another, is when it all makes sense. The value of “community first” is prioritized at our box. It’s the compass that guides much of what we do.

So mahalo again to our athletes, our supporters who flew over (Kim A., Elena, Josh, Holley, Heather, Kaika and Nikki), our coaches and athletes at home, our fellow Valley Isle affiliates who participated, and the VA Games organizers, for such an awesome event. We are already psyched about next year. In the meantime, country is going strong!

090314 WOD

A. 5:00 with teams of three:

1) 100-meter waiter’s carry (switch arms at 50) AHAP

2) ME row for calories

3) plank hold any style

Switching when waiter’s carry finishes; farthest row will not do 5 muffin tops

B. Press

70% x 3

80% x 3

90% x 3+

C. AMRAP 12:00

50-meter run

4 handstand push-ups

8 American kettlebell swings (70/53)

10 box jump-overs (24/20)