Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve had a lot of neat announcements – our brand new nutrition challenge, #Project2019, Diaper and Wipes Drive, Pinecrest Clean-Up Day…and now this thing called ‘The Open.’ Its an exciting time at CFG, for sure, but sometimes it can be overwhelming.
But, I do want to take just a couple minutes of your time to chat more about the Open. (For those that know what it is and just want the link to sign up, scroll to the bottom, HAHA!)
The Open is a 5-week event where CrossFit HQ programs some workouts for anyone that does CrossFit to complete. Here’s the cool part – its only ONE workout per week and they are all done right in the comfort of good ol CrossFit For Glory. That’s right, you dont have to go anywhere or do anything special!
The workouts are no different than what we do here on a regular basis. They even have options for scaled versions of every single workout, just like we do.
The idea is for everything to be broad, general, and inclusive. Heck, a quick search turns up stories of 70-years old having a ball in their home gym doing the Open.
Many of you might be apprehensive about signing up because of the competitive aspect. Signing up and starting is better than sitting it out. You WANT to be one of the trying rather than the many who sit it out. If you are on the fence, ask a coach about what it’s like at CFG on a CrossFit Open morning- the energy, the teamwork, the cheers – the PRs. Or better yet, ask one of the other members who did the Open last year, like Angela Lyons or Chris Bilar.
So here’s the thing, most of the social media that you see surrounding the Games will focus on the top competitors – the 1% that will make it on to the next stage of the competition. But here, at CrossFit For Glory, the Open is a special time where us regular people find out so much about ourselves…not just from a physical standpoint, but also a mental one.
While you can compare your scores to the best in the world, what you are really here to do is compete against yourself.
Are you better today than you were yesterday?
We’ve had people get their first pull-ups, first toes to bar, first muscle up (bar and rings), set a PR on a clean and jerk, and on and on and on…all during the Open, because of the atmosphere. It’s hard to put into words…kind of like when your friends say “So tell me what this CrossFit stuff is all about.”
In the coming weeks leading up to the first open, we will take a look back and share some of the inspiring stories from years past.
But for now…
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!!!
A few years ago, we introduced a novel concept to make the Open experience even better – the Intramural Open! If you have ever played intramural sports…or really team sports of any kind, this is no different. To say it was more fun than in years past would be the understatement of the year. It took on a personality of its own and the teams had a blast with it.
In 2016, the WallBallerz took the top spot.
Two years ago, in 2017, the point spread between 1st and 2nd place was in the single digits – literally nobody had any idea who actually won until the final Open party.
And then in 2018, we pitted the guys against the gals. Any idea who won that one??
More details will be forthcoming, but for now here’s what you need to do:
Go to this page and register for the Open there. Cost is 20 bucks.
We will release team details on Monday, January 28th. From there, each team will come up with their own team name, colors…all that fun stuff! Want to make shirts – go for it! Noisemakers – go for it!
The goal is to have as much fun as humanly possible while challenging yourself to be better than yesterday.
Here’s a little more about the whole thing:
HQ announces the workouts on Thursday evenings, beginning February 22nd. You’ll have three options for completing the workout – Friday (we program it for the gym this day), Saturday (the Main Event!), or make-up Monday. Submit your score on the Games website by 8pm EST and you’re all set!
Now…because we’re creating teams that will compete against one another, we’ve got to have a scoring system, right? To promote fun and encourage everyone to participate, here are the ways you can help your team score points:
1. Teams are given 1 point for every athlete who completes a given Open workout.
2. Teams are given 3 points for every athlete who finishes among the top 3 in the RX, top 3 in the scaled, or top 3 in ‘CFG Scaled.’ More details on that last division will be given as it’s based on the workouts HQ releases.
3. Teams are given 5 points if they win the “Spirit of the Open” award on any given week. This is where things get real!!
After the final Open workout, we’re going to host a big party and present awards.
The only requirement? You’ve gotta sign up! Do so here at the CrossFit Games website!
Some final thoughts:
Finishing is better than quitting. Prove to yourself you’ve got what it takes. Last place in last year’s open beat every quitter. In reality, the final finisher each week gets the loudest cheer. So sign up, come in, do the WOD – you’re going to do it anyway so you may as well do it with EVERYONE else, (and maybe even get the t-shirt). What have you got to lose?
