Mike Greiner, Kristin Pineo, James “Shorty” Schortemeyer, and Cal Sheedy headed out west to Natick and CrossFit New England this past weekend shooting for Jackie PRs, and to face the rest of the challenges laid out for them at the New England Firebreather Festival.
This was Mike and KP’s first CrossFit competition. The decision to compete truly transformed Mike’s daily workouts into training sessions. He worked very hard, and made some great progress, so much so that he switched to the RX division. Mike was a consistent fast starter, being the first one in his heat to complete the squats in the back squat/handstand push-up event, the first one in his heat off his rower in Jackie, and thrustering the 185# bar to meet the shoulder-to-overhead requirement early in the AMRAP event. He also showed he can finish strong, passing several competitors on his way to completing the long running event. With experience, I’m sure Mike will only continue to improve as a competitor.
For KP the workouts came with familiarity and fear. Her weekend began with Jackie, her first, and favorite CrossFit workout, and ended with a long run, with challenging loading and movements scattered across the events in between. The stifling heat inside the box at CFNE would not allow for a big Jackie PR for KP, and served as quite the introduction to competition. She pushed on from there, deadlifting, squatting, cleaning, squatting some more, and push pressing, all with a big smile. KP wrapped up her weekend by doing one of her least favorite things, a long run. With hills. And a plate carry. She completed the event in the time cap, and even out ran a few of the other athletes. What’s most important though is that KP did it. She signed up for something scary, stepped up, and saw it through.
Shorty and Cal were the veterans in the crew, and performed like it. Both looked like they had a plan going into each event, and went to work at the word “GO!”. Shorty posted a 2nd place result in the deadlift and shuttle sprint “floater” event, on his way to finishing 25th in the men’s scaled division. Cal’s best finish was 10th in the run, but she also placed in the teens in a couple others, leading to a final standing of 12th in the women’s scaled division. Another great weekend for Sheedemeyer.
It was great to see our athletes supporting one another throughout the weekend, and to see other members of the CrossFit Fenway community out there too. Thanks to Hudson for the excellent photography. I’m very proud of all of our competitors, their efforts, and the way they represented CrossFit Fenway.
September 10, 2012
Strength/Skill: Power Snatch 2-2-2-2-2-2
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What Eric fails to mention is that he was there for ALL OF IT, whether pre-talking strategy, coaching mid-WOD, or giving me my now much-loved quad slaps (if you have to ask, don’t). We were fortunate not only to have members of our community to support us, but also our beloved Big Red. Thanks, Coach.
Another amazing weekend of WODs with some kick-ass competitors. First off, great job by KP and Mike in their first competitions. They came in well prepared and it showed. Cal with another stellar performance on the brink of cracking the top 10, which is something I’m sure she’ll do next time. Jen W., Hudson, and Claire came in with some awesome support. And Eric, thanks for all of the preparation leading up to the competition and the game-day advice. We could not have competed without your help.
As for today, foamed rolled and lacrosse balled the first half of class. This soreness may not go away for a bit.
WOD: 14:06 Rx. Good recovery WOD. Awesome job 6am. Great to see some new faces.
Likewise to what the others have said, thank you Eric for your support throughout the entire weekend. it was so great to have coaching mid workouts!
congratulations to mike and kp for dominating their first competitions. you guys showed heart and strength, and it was great watching you guys crush some wods.
and james, for your continued support and encouragement and for doing your own ass kicking. congratulations on looking that backsquat WOD in the eye and giving it your all. you showed real mental strength not letting that get the best of you. so proud!
and to jen, hudson, and mike’s mom for the support (and the awesome photos) throughout the entire weekend. you guys are the best.
i was going to power snatch, but it hurt with a pvc…so i tried to mobilize my legs and my shoulders a bit.
wod: 15:12 Rx. was surprised to get all my push ups unbroken! and those granny tosses are hilarious and awesome.
HOW COULD I FORGET MIKE’S MOM! She was great the whole weekend and it was a pleasure to meet her. THANKS!!
PS: 46 kg
WOD: 14:43 Rx
I’m always greatly impressed by our athletes here at CFF and you guys proved this weekend was no exception. Congrats! And seriously Cal and Shorty you should be sleeping, not working out. Great 6am class!
soooo awesome, you guys!!!! i’m sorry i was not able to make it to natick to watch you kill it and cheer on, but thanks eric for the recap (and posting super photos). feeling the crossfit lurve. also: hi fenway! so… when are WE getting granny throws over in somerville? :D
Way to represent! You guys rock!
Glad the blog is back up ^_^
Snatch: 30kg
WOD: 17:36 Rx
This one was highly entertaining! I only whiffed the ball straight up once, though that was the one Joe was watching. I love how CFF can make me smile when I think nothing will :-)
Also this WOD made my hair look so epic I actually didn’t fix it. And was complimented. Add hairstyling to Crossfit’s benefits o_O
Power Snatch: 50kg (very ugly form; form better at 48kg…go figure)
WOD: 14:34 Rx
too much beer the past two nights…felt slow, but a WOD with rest in it was a bonus!
PS: 63 very ugly kg’s
WOD: 13:36 Rx. The key to the granny throws is to find a med ball that is perfectly round (not football shaped like mine) so it will actually bounce back to you.
PS: 50kg. Still working on form here…
WOD: 13:42 Rx
Nice work 6pm!
PS: 48kg
WOD 14:12 Rx
Just short of my Sept goals today… did 4 consecutive DU’s. One more to go. So close on getting that muscle-up.
What a weekend! First comp jitters replaced with calm and laughter as the Fenway crew assembled Saturday morning. Through the heat and the wods I couldn’t have asked for a better support crew from my fellow competitors (Cal, Shorty and KP)to my wife Jen and my mom (came out from NM to check it out!) and Hudson, Eric, Erika and all the rest. I had fun and I look forward to doing it again soon!
and finley. we all forgot to thank finley!
Daw! He knows he has our undying gratitude…
Well done, guys!
PS: 37 1/2 kg…39 1/2 for 1
WOD: 14:55
Why is it called “Granny throws?” Why can’t it be called picture someone you don’t like on the wall and throw the ball at it as hard and as fast as you can? But I like everyone, so you can call it that.
Forgot the little RX, and also forgot to thank Laura for making the most amazing treats ever, which I will be enjoying again today, in the corner of the office, in the dark.
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