No Where to Go But Up

I have thought a lot about how to approach my post-Games blog, wondering if I should share every high moment and dissect every low one.  Do I consider the year a wash, a disappointment, a failure?  Am I able to see past placement and just be content that I was blessed with an opportunity that others were not?  Or do I land somewhere on the spectrum in-between?  As my thoughts on these questions unfolds in the upcoming weeks, I am sure I will share more.

For now, here is a rundown of the most memorable moments that stand out in my mind from The CrossFit Games 2012:

• The announcement of and utter confusion associated with the triathlon.  As I sat at the dinner table with Elisabeth, Heather, and Candace, we just looked at each other in astonishment.
• Tackling the ocean swim with Elisabeth Akinwale and Stacie Tovar by my side.  Last year I remember being much more overwhelmed, but with Lis to my left and Stacie to my right I had a strange sense of security as we moved forward together one stroke at a time.
• Running a good portion of Microwave Mountain with Nate Schrader.  This was only the 2nd time in my 4 Games experiences that we have gotten to do an event with the guys.  Overwhelmingly, I think everyone really enjoyed this aspect.
• My fellow Central East companion waving her shirt above her head and screaming from one side of the mountain, "Liiiiiiinnnddsey, Woo-Hoo!" as she slowly gained ground.  I remember thinking to myself that she was entirely too excited at that very point in time. 
• Being told over and over by the Marines stationed all over the mountain that "its all downhill from here."  Liars!
• A heart to heart with Tony Blauer after a rough Saturday morning performance.   Avoid the fear circle!  And when you find yourself in it, get out fast!
• Alexis wrapping her arms around me before bed and telling me, "Mom, you are my superhero.  You will always be my superhero."  
• Sunday morning breakfast with Doug Chapman.  Encouragement, belief, and all-around positive energy.  It made a difference. 
• Spealler, a dear and respected friend, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and lifting me up in prayer on Sunday morning.
• Sprinting, really sprinting, in the shuttle and knowing Web would be proud.
• An epic finish on the sled workout.
• Hitting a PR on my clean at 220lbs.  I remember closing my eyes and thinking, "let the crowd help you get this thing up."  Thank you for all your screaming voices.  This is a moment I will never forget.
• Watching Elisabeth destroy the clean ladder and the long emotion-filled hug we shared afterwards.  
• Discovering that Jenny Labaw would have to withdraw from the competition.  This was heartbreaking, but I know she will be back.
• Burning through the 10 muscle-ups in Saturday nights chipper.  For the first time, in a long time, I felt as though I was tackling this movement with ease.
• Taking the floor for my final event of the weekend with OG Annie Sakamoto by my side.  
• Sitting in the stands and watching the top 18 place-finishers take the stadium.  This part stung, it wrenches my soul, but was memorable nonetheless.  

12:00 through 15:35

You see, I have been doing this (meaning training for the CF Games) long enough to know that The CrossFit Games is about so much more than The CrossFit Games.  Its about the journey.  It's about trying and testing and trying again.  It's about believing in yourself, confidence, dignity, dedication, and drive.  It is about where you place and it is about so much more.  Its old relationships and new friendships.  Its about opportunity and its about capitalizing.  Its an obsession, and Lord willing, here I go again!


So many personal thank yous:

• Web - My man.  The one who stresses more than I do.  We learned a lot about a lot this year.  Thanks for all you put up with this year and already committing to another.
• Alexis - My young joyful spirit.  Baby girl, you mean more to me than you will ever know.  May I always be your superhero.
• Dad and Josh - Love you guys and thanks for your support, prayers, and unconditional love.  Cannot believe it took 4 years to get you out here!  
• Caity and Bill - You helped to make my life easier in so many ways.  Thanks for bringing us to an awesome city, I think we're here to stay.
• Brian - My coach, my friend.  You made me better this year.   Thanks for paving the way.
• Doug and Janece - Thanks for wrapping your arms around me this year.  Your encouragement and guidance was invaluable.
• Becca - I appreciate you sharing.  You were sister-like to me last week.  You rock and I am so proud of you!
• Miranda - My friend who always reminds me to have fun, be proud, and wear a smile.  
• Heather - The journey has just begun!
• CrossFit HQ and the Level 1 Seminar Team - you guys are my sounding board.  Thank you for playing an integral role in this journey.
• Elisabeth, Annie T., Stacie, Jenny, Angie, Heather, Julie, Kris, Camille, Christy, Becky, Cheryl, Annie S., Candice, Samantha, Becca, Lindsey, Jasmine, Jamie, and Shana - I have been truly blessed to compete alongside each of you on a yearly basis.  You ladies are a HUGE part of the reason I do this.
• Twitter/Facebook/Blog supporters.  You guys keep me going when the going gets tough.  Thank you for always being an external source of motivation.

And then there's those who made a public commitment to support me in this journey.  A HUGE thanks goes to:

• Rogue Fitness
• Reebok CrossFit
• Columbus School for Girls
• Stronger Faster Healthier
• Atlas Power Wraps