Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2015

>> true victory and the va games ride.

Hawaii VA Games 2015, the largest team CrossFit competition in the state, was an emotional rollercoaster ride that began with the injury of my OG partner, Tiare. One of our top masters athletes and my OG CrossFit Upcountry friend, Diane, stepped up to the spot, facing 2 weeks to train and a start time penalty of 40 seconds. Diane inspired us with courage, persistence and grace. She fought through heavy life events. She had zero complaints.

On Saturday at Blaisdell on Oahu, Diane came out on the other side of VA with strong handstand pushups, unbroken DUs and no-quit bar muscle ups. This mom of 3 (and new grandma!) reminds me that there’s beauty and victory in our reaction to hardship. Mahalo to Keoni and Matt for being strong supports in every sense of the word. And thank you to Steph for taking Diane’s spot on standard.

Shoutout to all three of our teams comprising Upcountry residents; your represented Maui well. RX team 2, besides being badasses who ranked top 10 in two events, you unlocked the power of teamwork and set the bar high for future Upcountry teams (can we duplicate what you did every year?); standard team, your achievements and PRs were my greatest joys of the day.

Frank and I are beyond blessed to have such depth at our box, and to live on a unique island where gyms have different names but are all connected (go team Maui!). Thanks to Gabe Amey and VA Games organizers and volunteers for the most professional and community-oriented CF event in Hawaii (and it’s all for a good cause!). Mahalo to our friends and family who’ve prayed for and supported our box, our events and our day to day lives.

Last but not least (with this kind of essay, you would think we just won the Olympics) – mahalo to all of our unsung heroes – your support gave us the foundation to do this big event (significant others / spouses, including Alissa, Frank, Helena, Jacob, Elias, etc.); team moms and best sign-makers in the world, Elena and Leilehua; and awesome friends who came to support and scream, Shell, Josh, Melissa N., Leilani and Adeile); coaches such as Anders and Jason, who covered extra classes; and Nate M., who helped us rent the best car ever from Enterprise!

We are stronger because of you.

IMUA, CrossFit Upcountry! Many more accomplishments ahead.

Next stop: Hana Relays!

PS. Additional VA Games highlights / media will be posted this week.

Here I am waving goodbye to the Dodge Charger at Enterprise Rental Car. We didn’t want to part ways.

090715 WOD

A. With an 8:00 time cap

Run 800 meters or row 1K, then:

Accumulate 2:00 in an L-sit hold or tuck off parallettes

B. Take 15 minutes to build to your best power snatch for the day

C. EMOM 20:00 (5 sets)

Min 1: Run 100 meters or row 150 meters

Min 2: 10 burpee box jumps (24/20)

Min 3: 12 toes-to-bar

Min 4: 15 Russian kettlebell swings (53/35)

>> On-Ramp

EMOM 16:00 (4 sets)

Min 1: Run 50-100 meters

Min 2: 5 burpee step-ups

Min 3: 12 leg raises

Min 4: 15 Russian kettlebell swings