Winter Ice Games

So, I bought this Groupon to a Cross Fit gym less than 3 miles from my apartment. $50 for two months unlimited - a deal I simply couldn't pass up.

And, of course, within a month of me starting, the gym hosted it's first Cross Fit games. As someone who really needs to meet people who aren't married ... well, I decided it was time to really get involved.

I spent most of the past weekend in that gym. Friday night, setting up and helping out Saturday and Sunday. It was pretty amazing to watch all of the athletes compete. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, but it's completely different from the competitions (races) I'm used to. At the same time ... it's not all that different.

It's easier if I explain in bullets.

Differences:

• The obvious: there's weight lifting involved. And burpees. And pull-ups. 
• The athletes pretty much stay in one spot. Very convenient for the spectators. 
• There is a lot more Reebok being worn. 
• No numbers, just names.

Similarities:

• "Free" t-shirts 
• Food and beer
• Warm ups are taken very seriously. So are shoes.
• If you are close to a certain finish time, the crowd cheers harder and louder to get you to the end. 
• It's awesome when the chicks beat the guys. 
•  Parking is a nightmare.
• Foam rollers and Sticks are in abundance. 
• Pre-competition poops are important. 

It was a long weekend, and I didn't even help out the full day either day. But, I did get to know more of the people who go to the gym, so mission accomplished. I'm really loving the workouts and having a great time with the group with whom I work out.

I've definitely drank the Kool-Aid, but don't worry: I'm still a runner that does Cross Fit. :)