It's been a couple of weeks since I last properly blogged and what a couple of weeks it's been.
In terms of the AFS Fat Killers it has been a tricky couple of weeks. Firstly Theo, my 8month old son was struck down with a virus. This was a little scary as exorcist style vomiting sessions are a new one on me. Especially all over my chest. NOT PLEASANT. We ended up having a few shocking days with sleepless nights and trips to hospital and then to top it all off we both caught it. This killed any appetite and also my progress on the strength. I was supposed to lift 169 x 5 ended up accidentally putting 179 on the bar and failed miserably on rep one. On analysing my attempt and wiping the tears of disappointment from my eye I realised my error, rectified it and then missed the 5th rep on 169. I decided to write the week off go back a week and start fresh Monday. The weight is now at 107kg dead which makes me very happy and I hit this weeks weights making Gareth a happy bunny.
Angry Gorrillas:
Our Angry Gorrillas Barbell Club attended the British Schools Weightlifting competition on the 2 March. Livvie in year 9, Grace in Year 10 and Alex in year 11. Myself, Dave, Kala, Ellie and Theo travelled to Oldbury Sports College to support the guys and get a taste of our First legitimate competition. The day started with a weigh in at 0900 and the comp began with the year 7 group at 1100. The first thing that struck me was the gear. There were kids from Scotland, London, Bristol and of course Andover all wearing their singlets and weightlifting shoes looking really professional. I was worried at first but was soon put at ease when I saw our guys were not out of their depth. Livvie was first to lift for us. She started her snatch at 25, we nearly missed our slot as you have 1minute from when your name is called to get on and lift. We quickly realised it was our turn, Livvie sprinted onto the platform and threw the bar over head with a somewhat shocked, adrenaline fuelled successful lift. Lift two saw us a little better organised as we basically sat on the judges lap until we were called. 27 was the next weight but all this organisation meant Livvie relaxed and missed her lock out to get 3red lights. So our final attempt Livvie decided to go all in and moved upto 28kgs. She gripped it and ripped for a new PB. On the clean and jerk she was aiming for another PB. She hit 33, 36 and then 38kg. We were very pleased to walk away with first in her weight category. Grace stepped up next and performed brilliantly. She hit every lift and Dave even managed to get her to try a PB snatch of 27kg which she made comfortably and a clean&jerk of 37kg. We broke a few mental barriers with Grace here and I have huge confidence that this is the start of a very good lifting career. She also finished first weight category. Alex was up last. We had sat and waited for 7 hours and it was clear that Alex was nervous. A comfortable start of 42kg on the snatch kicked us off perfectly. We slapped 45 on next and after working for the past few weeks to get Alex extending fully and pulling the bar a little higher we over cooked it a little. Alex missed sadly on the final attempt also. We moved onto the clean&jerk. Alex was a little shaken after the snatch but started with a solid 45kg 1st attempt. We moved to 47kg which was his old PB and he easily made it. On the last lift Alex deciding to go big or go home and put 50kg on the bar. He pulled beautifully and dropped under the jerk better then I've ever seen in training. So to come away with 3 trophies on our first comp made Dave and myself two very proud coaches.
The Open 2013
This week has also seen the start of the 2013 CrossFit Open. A 5 week event consisting of 1 WOD per week to determine the fittest man and women on the planet.
Snatches and Burpees came out of the hopper. Not a great combo for me but a lovely mix of last years first 2 wods so we could see how far we have come.
We have had over 20 members sign up. Some completely new and some returning for their 3rd year. As always we have seen our members perform well above their previous best. Digging in and grinding out some really impressive scores and achieving PB's all over the place.
This week as well as the weightlifting competition has proven that our program has been successful. The hard work that all our members have put in over the past few weeks and months has led to this event. I am very proud of everyone's efforts and look forward to the next 4 wods being well and truly smashed.
Get After It TAFS
Gareth
