CrossFit: It’s community, not competition

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Well, I persevered through illness and survived the Crossfit Games Open competition and qualified for the Canada West Crossfit Regional event.  I have the amazing opportunity to compete alongside amazing athletes on the Crossfit Renegade affiliate team.  The team, composed of 3 men and 3 women, will be vying for 1 of 2 spots to go and compete against other affiliates from around the world in July at the Crossfit Games.

But that’s not why we do it.

I’m not sure if I’m more excited about seeing all my friends compete as individuals, or that I get to compete as part of a team.  I think it’s definitely a combo of both.  But above and beyond all the competition, the head to head battles, and the fight for limited spots to the Games, I think what embodies this event more than anything is the communal camaraderie.    I can think of no other sport where competitors celebrate their opponent’s victories, or not warming up for the next heat you’ll see opponents gather to rally on a friend in the middle of an intense workout.  New personal best performances are applauded by all competitors and teammates, and the prize is constantly awarded to each competitor after every event.  We celebrate each accomplishment as if we won.

At the end of the day we are friends doing what we love.  We are Crossfitters.  Period.

So if you find yourself in the Vancouver area this weekend (or any other area in the next few weeks that may be hosting a regional event) you have to check it out.  Come on down to UBC Thunderbird arena to watch the competition.  It will amaze you and who knows, you might find yourself bitten by the Crossfit bug.  I know I did 3 years ago and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.