CrossFit Sectionals - An inspirational love story

I fell in love this weekend. No, not with a boy (sorry, mom), rather with the athletic competition called CrossFit Games.

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to witness some super sweet freak of nature feats of strength and endurance at the Central Southern Texas Sectional event held at Camp Mabry in Austin this weekend. Thanks to my sweet gig as a media volunteer for SICFIT (thanks, Georgia!), got to get up close and personal to the exhibition of awesomeness. During the first day of workouts, I got to video and photograph some amazing athletes, including many of the coaches and clients of CrossFit Central. Sharing this experience with them was incredible and super motivating for me. (Top right: Lisa and I resting in the background after getting lots of video & photos for SICIFT.com. Bottom right: me watching on the front lines as Coach Big Mike knocks out the handstand pushups during WOD #2. Pics courtesy of SICFIT.com).

See all SICFIT coverage of the event here.

What I witnessed has forever changed the way I view CrossFit. No longer is it a means to an end for me. It's not just "my gym" or the way I workout to get in shape. Now, I understand that it's a sport and a competition. And, as a CrossFitter, I am an athlete. I realize that I maybe on the "JV" team now, but I'll make varsity by this time next year - that is a promise.

I felt more emotion, power, love, and determination over the course of last weekend, than you see in other professional sporting events these days. It was incredible. I got a real sense of the community that is CrossFit. Pretty powerful stuff and I want to be a part of it. Done and done. 

(Pic: At left, Lisa and I again, pre-lunch excursion off base. Good Times!)

Needless to say, I've been bitten by the CrossFit Games bug. I'm officially setting a goal to compete at Sectionals 2011. I already told my coaches and friends and I expect them to hold me to it! Their support will be key to preparing me for the task ahead. In addition to mastering the kipping pullup, I've got to work on some of the other skills that are known to show up in these workouts: handstand pull ups  push-ups (you know what I meant), double unders, and muscle-ups. Whew. Who knew my desire to be fit and healthy would transform into the desire to compete with the fittest people in the world?! Exciting. Join me!