Thursday 091112

0530/0630/0930/1100-1400/1700
Thruster
1-1-1-1-1-1-1
Post loads to comments.

1800
Snatch Grip Deadlift
3-3-3
Push Press
3-3-3

1900
Kipping Pullup skill work

76 comments for this entry:

John F
November 11th, 2009 on 8:33 pm
FLU CLINIC
Arlington County is running a H1N1 flu shot clinic this Saturday. Details in the link at my name. Its for “priority” populations only, but that includes any of you under 24, or if you have a chronic medical condition, or if you care for infants.

The more folks that get the shot, the less likely we are to get the flu from somebody’s sweat and slime covered oly bar.
Guch
November 11th, 2009 on 10:24 pm
John F.,

What about the guys who are over 24 but haven’t hit puberty yet? Are they considered a priority?
Jason R.
November 11th, 2009 on 11:14 pm
Brian thanks for Wednesday 9:30 class

I too did my first kip-ish pull up per your advice.

Now I need to work on being able to do two kip-ish pull ups.
Kyle
November 12th, 2009 on 7:45 am
Still recovering from 2 weeks off
95-105-115-125-135-145(f)-135
Heather
November 12th, 2009 on 7:47 am
Going to the box this morning cheered me up, despite the crappy rain (and running a mile to the box in it and then not being able to unzip my damn jacket)…Thanks for the encouragement, Christie and Seamus…I think I put more weight above my head than I did last time I had been a member and I worked harder, longer to get there than this time!

50-55-60-65-65-65(F)-65

And thanks to the coach, whose name I don’t know, who tried to help me finagle that damn zipper. It’d have been miserable to have to wear that through the WOD!
Mike G
November 12th, 2009 on 9:12 am
95-115-135-145-155-165(pr)-145
Jon M
November 12th, 2009 on 9:24 am
For those that have approached me about the Crossfit Games Class, the information is here

gamesdotpotomaccrossfitdotcom

We are looking to start next week inshallah.
John F
November 12th, 2009 on 9:46 am
95-105-115-125(f)-120-120-125
Justin H
November 12th, 2009 on 9:56 am
75-95-115-125-135-145-165(pr)
Jay
November 12th, 2009 on 10:14 am
I signed up for Rupert’s gymnastics clinic this weekend but unfortunately I can’t go anymore. Does anyone want my slot? I’m bummed. I was really looking forward to it.

REST DAY!!!!
Christy0530
November 12th, 2009 on 10:14 am
Thrusters 1-1-1-1-1-1-1

50-50-55-65-60-65-70(PR)

Still haven’t figured out the progression in scale-up thing yet. I had to bump down in the middle there for some confidence on form. For future, I promise myself (and Seamus) that I will increase to failure. Nice to work with Heather this morning – every weight bump was an achievement for us both!
Chad PCF
November 12th, 2009 on 10:46 am
John F, if you’re worried about getting the flu from an oly bar, wouldn’t it be easier for all of us to just clean our bars?
Sharon
November 12th, 2009 on 11:06 am
Hm, ok I’m confused by the separate games training group. Does this mean that the standard workouts we do are not adequate to prep us to compete? And if so, why isn’t the general program up to games prep par? No offense cause I love you guys, but it seems like we are asking those elite among us to pay extra to increase their elitism. Couldn’t we all use to go heavy and try “unconventional” workouts?
Nicole B
November 12th, 2009 on 11:37 am
55, 75, 85, 90, 95, 95, 100 (PR)
DF Pete
November 12th, 2009 on 11:39 am
Sharon raises a good point. Is this why many of our trainers are doing their own WODS and not what is programmed?
Cindy
November 12th, 2009 on 1:36 pm
55, 75, 85, 90, 95, 105, 110(F)
Chad PCF
November 12th, 2009 on 1:50 pm
Sharon, DF Pete, I’m sure Jon will clarify for you, but I just want to point out that the “why” section of the games prep page is an attempt to answer those questions. For example, there are “specific WODs, strategies, and nutritional approaches that are unique to the more advanced athletes in our gym looking to compete.” PCF programming is designed to be as all-encompassing as possible so that everyone will benefit from it, including “elite” athletes. One other thought: there’s a different level of commitment necessary – especially with regard to time and nutrition – to be competitive. It wouldn’t make sense for us to require the same level of commitment from everyone at PCF. Yes, we could all “use to go heavy and try ‘unconventional’ workouts.” That’s already a part of PCF programming, so you’re good to go.

Okay, one last thought on DF Pete’s question. Coaches are continuously learning what works “best” in programming, trying different variations of Crossfit-style programming and even different programs altogether. Everyone is learning. We’ve got coaches trying OPT’s programming, MEBB, CFSB, Catalyst Athletics, and probably more that I don’t know of. PCF’s programming is great, but the coaches are always learning how to make it better.

You might also check out Jon’s “Me as Coach” post on barbellsandbacondotcom.
Jon M
November 12th, 2009 on 1:52 pm
DF Pete: Yes.

Sharon: Imagine you just graduated from foundations. You have never done any sustained physical training program in your whole life. You can eek out a couple body weight squats, can barely hang off the pullup bar, and aren’t comfortable lifting anything heavier than the sand filler PVC.

Potomac Crossfit is a great place because of people like this. We can make you a ton stronger and healthier. This group needs to stick to fundamentals. Why teach someone a muscle-up progression at this point? Pacing Strategies? Post-WOD nutrition? This stuff would be waaay to advanced for them right now. They need to squat, run, deadlift, press, etc. Reviewing the push press for 45 minutes is the way to go with this crew. This group is the bedrock of PCF, and is why it is such a good place. They don’t need to do “unconventional” workouts. They want to be healthy and fit, not get ready to compete.

Now imagine you have been Crossfitting for 4 years after spending 5 years in the military. You’re considering getting your level one certification, and already know your way around the gym very well. If someone puts you through the Burgener Warm up again, you are going to die from boredom. You have a picture of Coach Glassman as your desktop screen saver. You know who Robb Wolf is. Whenever it is time to review movements before class, you kinda hang near the back, talk to your friends, and setup your gear.

This second group needs to be working on front levers, free standing handstands, split snatches, POSE running, pacing strategies, advanced nutrition…. the list goes on. The list becomes even longer when you are talking about competing.

Example: Coach says: I want you to Clean and Jerk 87% of your one rep max for this workout.

Person from group 1: What’s clean and jerk?
Person from group 2: Oh, that’s 98 kilos. I missed 100 kilos last time, because my second pull was early. I really need to focus on triple extension. I’m thinking about doing some Bulgarian Oly training to supplement my CF.

See how hard this becomes?

Take away: You can make great progress doing our programming. Really great progress. This is just something different. If we decide it sucks, and isn’t worth the cost, we’ll stop doing it.
Dave
November 12th, 2009 on 1:53 pm
Pete – I think part of your issue may be the difficulty in being a “player-coach.” It’s very difficult for a coach in any sport to train people, run through drills, game plan, etc. while also being part of those plans and drills. Sure if the WOD is 150 burpees everyone should just do 150 burpees, but it could also be tomorrow’s WOD is more complex and a coach knows this and needs to work on the skill/movement before teaching all of us how to do it. So from a coach perspective they are doing what’s right, but from a player perspective they are not participating at the same level. Other players may see this and disagree with the concept or want to do the same thing as the coach. Thus player has problem with other player who happens to be the coach. Henceforth coach’s as players are rare.

This analogy probably does not make sense, so if it doesn’t just ignore it and carry on with your day.
Sally
November 12th, 2009 on 2:06 pm
Interesting…

Dave, if it makes you feel better, I understand what you are trying to say!
Vaughn
November 12th, 2009 on 2:09 pm
Dave, all I could think of while reading your post was don’t hate the player, hate the game.
Pathfinder
November 12th, 2009 on 2:20 pm
I agree with Vaughn. I also couldn’t stop thinking about playing basketball since Sally is not coming through on that. I wanted to be breakin’ ankles on the court yelling “You can’t guard me!! The Secret Service can’t guard me!!”

or one of my favorite quotes from a movie:
“I’ll be on you tighter than white on rice on a paper plate in a snow storm!!”
Sally
November 12th, 2009 on 2:27 pm
Dudddddddeeee Jason, I am working on it. Spring time. I am more than willing to give you the responsibilities of finding a league if you think you can do better?! Is your better, better than my better?!

So Jon, are you going to host a “Sections/Qualifiers” Class or a “How to be a Crossfit Champ” Class too? Just curious.
Kassi
November 12th, 2009 on 2:36 pm
Well said Dizzle.

Factoid: the person from group 2 weighs 113 kilos.
Jay
November 12th, 2009 on 2:41 pm
I wish I was little bit taller,
I wish I was a baller
I wish I had a girl who looked good
I would call her
I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat
and a ‘64 Impala
Pathfinder
November 12th, 2009 on 2:47 pm
Skee-Lo baby!!

Saldawg,

You’re doing great. An amazing job gathering prospects.
Kassi
November 12th, 2009 on 2:48 pm
Jason, shut up you googled it.
Sharon
November 12th, 2009 on 2:50 pm
Can I compete if I don’t join the class?
Heather
November 12th, 2009 on 2:53 pm
One of the things I like most about Crossfit is that it is scalable. The guy next to me could be deadlifting his 285# and I can do my 75# and that’s ok.

Not that I’m in the majority here (because I know I’m not – being a 95 pound weakling…ok, more than 95 pounds, but who’s counting?), but I appreciate the scalability of Crossfit and the varied skill levels of those who come to the box. It’s also pretty darned intimidating when you’re at “my” end of the scale. Competing in Crossfit Games is not something I aspire to do – I’m excited to be involved in something that makes me feel good and be healthy and to be surrounded by like-minded people who, despite my elementary understanding of the terminology, can commiserate on a specific named WOD or paleo eating or any other of the things that make Crossfit almost like a cult.

I want PCF to continue to be a place I can come to to get in a good workout, from coaches who are patient, more skilled than I, and observant enough to tell me to quit donkey kicking on my double unders (thanks, Seamus! ) This is my second shot at PCF and I’ll tell ya, I’m a much happier, healthier person on CF than off it and I don’t want to lose that! I’m challenged every day in the box…and I trust the coaches there to program the workouts as needed and to guide me/correct me when needed…

So … thank you, coaches.
Steven S
November 12th, 2009 on 2:55 pm
To play along with the devil’s advocacy: the games training group does seem just about opposite from a value creation standpoint.

Having an elite contingent of athletes show up to competitions and do well is clearly very beneficial to the gym from an advertising perspective. I came to PCF after seeing Jon’s performance at the qualifiers.

So, essentially, the gym is asking its walking (/thrustering/burpeeing) billboards to pay ~$350 a month for the privilege of being advertising.

I get the desire to monetize the services PCF provides (and it’s clearly working well for them), but it makes you go “hmm…”

(That being said, I just signed up.)
Pathfinder
November 12th, 2009 on 2:55 pm
Kassi,

Don’t question my knowledge of awesome songs. It’s an awesome song and awesome music video. Like Vaughn said before, don’t hate the player, hate the game.
Steven S
November 12th, 2009 on 3:05 pm
(Oh, just so I don’t seem like I have an ego the size of a small planet, I wasn’t trying to equate myself with one of those elite cadre. I’m nowhere near where I need to be.)
Jon M
November 12th, 2009 on 3:08 pm
Steven: With the class running 3x a week, I’d switch your “normal” membership down to a lower level.

Sharon: Of course you can compete if you don’t do the class. I’d encourage it. This class is for those people that want to try to learn about things SPECIFIC to a competition environment. You will learn these eventually with or without the class.

Some examples:

3 WODs in a day, knowing what types of food to eat to replenish your glycogen after a workout, carrying sandbags up hills, having someone take reps away from you because you shorted them, trying to do heavy snatches after being dizzy from GHDs….etc
Ryan P
November 12th, 2009 on 3:12 pm
The program Jon is offering goes above and beyond what is provided at your traditional CF gym. It will require a significant commitment from the athlete that is beyond the scope of a member who is looking to get fit.

The CrossFit Games have changed people’s training over the years. At one time, the goal was to become as fit as possible. Now there is an annual event, in which we don’t know too many details, but we know when it will occur, how long it will last, and know that they are somewhat limited in what they can offer. Therefore, you need to train differently. Periodization, loading, back-off weeks, ensuring you peak during the time of competition…are all aspects that don’t apply to the traditional member trying to get lose fat and get fit.

For example, some of the people that join this group, we’re going to have them increase their bodyfat. Why? because you require a certain amount of mass in order to perform at high intensity levels for a long period of time (the main reason why Jon M is a top performer). I’d be willing to bet there are quite a few members who would rather have a slight decrease in performance, in exchange for better body composition.

Of course, anyone is allowed to and SHOULD compete in CrossFit competitions, what’s being offered is for the person that requires a higher level training and CAN’T do it on their own.
Keanne
November 12th, 2009 on 3:21 pm
55-65-75-85-95-105-115(F)
Mr. Penguin
November 12th, 2009 on 3:43 pm
Is there going to be an option to switch memberships just to this plan? Assuming of course that three workouts a week are sufficient? I ask because I like the idea, but I dont know if $300+ a month is something that is sustainable for many folks.
Lynette
November 12th, 2009 on 3:43 pm
Um, I want to carry sandbags up hills. Can we do that in a regular WOD, sometime????

Happy Birthday, Erin B.!!!
Lynette
November 12th, 2009 on 3:47 pm
A few of the cool kids are heading to Hard Times, tonight after the 6pm WOD, to toast Erin B.’s birthday. Everyone else can come, too.
DanPCF
November 12th, 2009 on 3:47 pm
Hey guys –
Great discussion about Games Prep – and continue to air it all out. Seriously, we really do want to hear all the opinions.

My .02 on this is that at play here is really a conversation that boils down to what you believe, philosophically, about CrossFit and how it, and thus a CrossFit gym, should work. However, I think it is important to realize that how you view CrossFit, and thus the gym, depends on background, fitness goals, etc etc. What one person views as exclusionary elitism is another person’s opportunity to live their dream of (perhaps?) better preparing for the games.
Unfortunately, because of people’s different backgrounds, fitness goals, etc, anticipating all the responses to decisions such as whether to offer a games preparation class is difficult to do. From my standpoint, as someone largely responsible for the operating of PCF, this makes it especially challenging. That being said – we endeavor to keep the lines of communication open – and will try to “formally” (at least as formally as we do at PCF) address some of these issues with better explanations.

With the above in mind, keep the comments coming. Everyone in PCF is not going to agree with everything that goes on at PCF (as I like to say, if there isn’t any friction, you’re not going anywhere).

If you’ve got something to say and want to keep it off the boards, dan@potomaccrossfit.com. Air it out.

Dan
Heather
November 12th, 2009 on 3:56 pm
I can see these folks’ point that a more strenuous workout and a strict/tailored diet in order to get ready to compete in the Crossfit Games shouldn’t cost them extra. True, it’s pretty good advertising for the box. Is it possible to split some of the WODs into WODs for the “normal folk” and WODs for the competitors?

Just an idea.
Steven S
November 12th, 2009 on 3:58 pm
Mr. Pengiun, sir:

See Jon’s response to my question (which I cleverly disguised as a complaint):
“Steven: With the class running 3x a week, I’d switch your “normal” membership down to a lower level.”

The question then (other than whether Dan/Brian would let you) is whether the 3 WoDs per week will be of sufficient intensity that we need to forgo other training, or if the ‘advanced’ WoDs will be made with supplementary ‘normal’ PCF programming in mind.

I had asked Jon this privately, but I don’t know the answer.
Mr. Penguin
November 12th, 2009 on 4:05 pm
Steven,

Your right. It is two questions that are very much connected:

1. If additional training is required, then an additional membership fee is necessary thereby leading to what I could see as an unsustainable cost.

2. If additional training is not necessary and I am only going to the “games prep” classes, why am I paying the basic membership?
Dave
November 12th, 2009 on 4:16 pm
I will also be offering additional classes. These classes will be focused on the opposite of fitness and for those interested in throwing away all of your hard work.

The bi-weekly classes on improprer eating will be $50 each or free if you bring your own Chipotle, Skyline Chili, Ice Cream, and Rally’s/Checker’s.

An Average Class would look like
For Time:
1 Skyline 4 way
1 chipotle Bol – the tortilla is bad for you after all
2 Rally’s Big Buford’s and Large Fry
2 pints Ben and Jerry’s – flavor of your choice

Please let me know if you interested as spots are filling up fast
Jay
November 12th, 2009 on 4:19 pm
Very devilish Mr. Penguin.
Jon M
November 12th, 2009 on 4:19 pm
Dave-

I’m in.
mike m
November 12th, 2009 on 4:25 pm
i have been discussing this with jon via email – but since others seem interested in the opinion of the masses i will throw mine in.

paying 200-350 per month for crossfit is ridiculous.

i dont think intermediate/advanced members should pay a premium to be challenged by advanced programming- but perhaps all programming should be advanced programming with the newer members scaling. I recognize advanced movements take more coaching for newer members, but perhaps this should be looked at from a coach manning perspective (add more coaches to assist in instruction) instead of limiting the amount of challenging movements in WODs due to a higher percentage of members being unfamiliar with the movement.

Every member can benefit from performing/practicing advanced movements and the beauty of crossfit is that EVERYTHING can be scaled.

Id like to participate in a games prep- but paying $250+ for the opportunity to represent PCF at the games seems a little excessive as Steven S pointed out.
Silent Assassin
November 12th, 2009 on 4:36 pm
I consider PCF to be a premium offering at a premium price point. It’s expensive, but worth it. I’ve had some trouble justifying to myself the extra cost for the seminars (nutrition, gymnastics, oly lifting, games prep), but I attend some anyway. My opinion is that it would make more sense to offer a premium membership that includes all seminars and/or offer a pure a la carte membership where you pay for each class, whether it’s a WOD or a seminar. Either of these would help me avoid the feeling that I’m paying a premium price and still not getting the full offering.
Vegas Mike
November 12th, 2009 on 4:44 pm
Dave, dont listen to Jon, secretly he desires Clydesdale status. Jon, eating alone will not get you to the gates of Valhalla, you must embrace the nectar of the Gods (Belgian Gods, for you Rich).

It is only then you may earn the title, “Clydesdale”

SQ@40
Steven S
November 12th, 2009 on 4:52 pm
What Chris K (sorry; Silent Assassin) just mentioned is an extremely good idea. I bet it’d be about revenue neutral for PCF too — you guys should consider it.

There is a problem, though: a big benefit of the oly lifting and possibly upcoming games prep is that of some individualized instruction. If you have a premium member coming and going once a month, it’s really hard for a coach to say “remember last week, when I said [...]?” Without that, the specialized skills classes would become just a normal PCF class, but with fewer people and different movements.

Then again, that could probably be fixed by requiring everyone to commit to an x-week programming cycle and not allowing people to join in partway through a cycle.
DanPCF
November 12th, 2009 on 4:59 pm
Hey guys, I want to clarify what I think is a misperception. I’m not sure how the Games Qualifiers are being handled, but if at all possible we will get everyone who wants to participate to participate – it will not cost anything extra (except maybe the pooling of resources for some food and shelter) and participation will in no way hinge on you deciding to spend extra time and money hanging out with a short, slightly portly, PCF Trainer.
DF Pete
November 12th, 2009 on 5:01 pm
Agree with what Mike M said.

Appreciate the dialogue. Its good to talk about. I can’t speak for anyone else, but my main concern with what I have noticed going on lately are trainers writing WODs that are “good to go” for us yet they don’t do them. This creates the perception that they think the programming is lacking “something”. Don’t know what…but something. otherwise at least SOME of the trainers would do it.

I don’t know if I would qualify for the games or get my ass kicked in the sectionals…but I want the best possible programming. I feel that’s what I’m paying for. that’s what was sold to me when I first joined the gym.

With any programming, no matter how hard, those members less physically able (which could be and has been me for certain WODs) can scale. Doesn’t matter what (you can scale anything even muscle ups).
Ken V.
November 12th, 2009 on 5:10 pm
Guys, I hate to interrupt the serious games prep talk. I love it. But…ummm….hee hee…I’m just looking for my somewhat expensive blue water bottle.

Has anyone seen a greenish blue SIGG water bottle? It has a black top. Much appreciation for anyone who can update me as to its whereabouts. As long as Vegas hasn’t violated the bottle, I’ll pretty much take it back.
Vaughn
November 12th, 2009 on 5:22 pm
Dave, you forgot a package or oreo double stuffs with a quart of milk. My time was 11:15 rx’ed I am sure the next time it rolls around I can get sub 10 if I take my shirt off.
Kassi
November 12th, 2009 on 5:23 pm
Ken, I saw Vegas with it last night. They were at Eleventh, he said they were on a date… I wouldn’t recommend looking for it anymore. Seriously.
Guch
November 12th, 2009 on 5:48 pm
Here is my two cents. I agree that regular programming is not enough for competing athletes. Ie: When was the last time we did a WOD with C&J in it. Complex movemens like C&J, snatch, OHS, muscle ups, thrusters should be frequent in the competing athletes training regiment.
When coaches train on their own they usually work on these movements anyway.

One solution is what Mike M. was suggesting. Program the regular WODs so it prepares athletes for the competition and benefits everyone.

And/Or

Some of the coaches will be training for the competition anyway right? Since they are going to put extra time in for their training they should be able to train with the competing athletes for free outside the regular WODs. As coaches mentioned anyone can compete for the games but I think only the elite athletes who have a realistic shot at going to the nationals should get to train with the coaches for free. And this can be done through qualifiers within the box. Coaches can decide how many people they’ll elect to train and whether or not it will be a group training or buddy system.

Ie: The way Jon M. trained with Mark before the games. I’m sure he wasn’t charging Mark.
Guch
November 12th, 2009 on 5:49 pm
Serious post above. No need to read twice to see if there is joke somewhere in there.
Kassi
November 12th, 2009 on 5:52 pm
I can’t help it.
Adding to the money thing: It’s hard for those of us who want to compete and are on the fence about signing up for these classes knowing that there is no other option. I honestly think it’s a great business approach seeing as how you can set the cost at whatever you wish and those of us who want it bad enough will pay, but I don’t like it as a “lets get some PCF people better for the games” approach.
Ken V.
November 12th, 2009 on 5:53 pm
Bullshit, Guch. I know you’re making fun of Jon somehow.
Kyle L
November 12th, 2009 on 6:02 pm
Guch, when are you offering your games training seminar?

I want to learn things like:

When is a good time to take a 3 min break during a WOD?

How do I know if I’m going to DNF and should just give up?

Strategies for quieting an over enthusiastic judge

Manscaping techniques and optimal performance

Proper WOD attire
Laura B
November 12th, 2009 on 6:05 pm
Doubt if anyone cares for my $0.02 but here it is:
At the Level 1 cert, when discussing programming we were told that the programming should always be geared toward the elite athletes, and that the majority of athletes should be scaling every workout. Therefore, in my (possibly skewed) opinion, the regular programming should be sufficient for those who plan on competing (of course, also working on their personal goats). But, then again, I am working towards not finishing last in every timed workout, so won’t be competing any time soon.
Brian PCF
November 12th, 2009 on 6:13 pm
Congrats to aaron who just passed his L2 cert.
Mike H
November 12th, 2009 on 6:23 pm
I agree with Mike M.

I am confused as to why we can offer multiple workout options on Sundays and Thursdays, but can’t offer game prep options on two or three days also (isn’t that what we did or tried to do last year?)? And don’t we usually have two coaches at most WODs?

The message board was inundated with comments when the multiple WOD options were implemented. And the thought process (at the time) was that multiple WOD’s were being introduced two days a week so that people could train on their weaknesses or work on things they felt they needed to work on.

Since we are offering people chances to work on their weaknesses for the regular membership, why aren’t we allowing people to take their CF experience/ability to the “next level” for the same membership?
Scott Q.
November 12th, 2009 on 6:29 pm
dont worry, Im not giving my opinion (especially since I still havent figured out the square peg in the round hole puzzle), but I digress…

I do want to say how impressed I am with both sides of the argument (abstractly, those for the Games training class, those against) and how the discussion has so far been handled in a mature and thoughtful manner. No matter the outcome, the one absolute that should be taken away from this discussion is the responsive and interactive nature of PCF, ie trainer/athlete, business/client, etc. PCF has created a secure forum in which we are actively able to discuss our “programming” and the “operations” at PCF. Very few businesses offer their clients that sort of relationship and it should be taken as a compliment to both sides that there is this much passion about PCF as a whole. Doubt the members of Golds Gym are having this discussion with their pilates instructor. Good on everyone, keep it up.

That was the most words I have ever written in my life. I even took my shirt off just to write it. And I didnt even mention I have a 505 deadlift.
Mike H
November 12th, 2009 on 6:33 pm
I also qualify my comments by saying I wouldn’t/can’t commit to 3x’s a week for a month at a specific time due to unexpected/ever-changing work schedule, and I wouldn’t change my diet because I’M LAZY and I CHOOSE NOT TO (in case the coaches are still trying to figure my level of committment).
Rich S.
November 12th, 2009 on 7:02 pm
love all the posts today about this topic. Realistically, I don’t know if I would be able to pay for games prep classes despite the fact that I obviously want to improve in advance of them. I see tremendous value in the focused training but given that it would frequently in lieu of standard WODs I wouldn’t want to pay extra and would likely continue to focus on other ways to improve my goats/work on recovery time, etc.

For me, I would personally prefer to see one or two of the classes on Sunday/Thursday be dedicated to sectionals/qualifiers/games prep. This would seem like the best time for this type of thing given the focus on other skills training anyway.
Rich S.
November 12th, 2009 on 7:05 pm
Oh, and Mike H’s comment about not being able to dedicate to 3x a week due to travel schedule is true for me too. Yet, I also don’t want traveling to be a reason I can’t improve on games prep within the PCF setting (as the coaching and competition is critical)
Rich S.
November 12th, 2009 on 7:05 pm
Oh, and lastly…. please request that dodgeball isn’t one of the sectional events otherwise I am screwed.
Spider Monkey
November 12th, 2009 on 7:15 pm
Can I just say that I am just a little impressed at Scott Q.’s post? I don’t get impressed easily…

My thoughts as someone who has publicly stated the intention to participate at Regionals (now Sectionals) way back in April, and probably someone who has the furthest to travel in a short time:

Decision to have a separate Games prep class -
Yes, there needs to be a games prep class. You could argue that regular WOD programming should reflect the intensity found in these competitions, but there is a different mentality required for them that perhaps isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (strict judging of reps, managing work concept). I don’t think that there are enough resources right now to have a low athlete:coach ratio (and if we did, frankly, that would increase prices for everyone) to be able to create the competitive atmosphere for those interested in competing (mainly, counting reps) and be able to tailor/ scale the WOD for those beginners and monitor them as well.

Games Prep Mandatory -
No, it isn’t necessary. If you’re already doing WOD’s rx’d, then you’re getting good prep to compete. I think Jon made a good point earlier (in his blog and on this one) that this will help you get there (wherever that may be) faster and with fewer setbacks. From my perspective this is a good chance to light a fire under my @ss to get serious and stop making excuses. And if it doesn’t work out, well, then I’ll re-assess my goal.

Price -
Well, yeah, it sucks that it’s expensive and as a finance guy I’d like to understand the cost buildup to justify the price but… like most things from a financial perspective it’s all about trade-offs. Do you pay more for quality food if it means you have less discretionary funds? It averages out to $37.50 a week. With the strict nutrition that’ll probably go into effect, I probably won’t go out as much so I’ll save on my bar tab. I’ll still hate shelling out the extra $150 for it, but if my performance improves at double the rate it did during the rest of this past year, I’ll consider it a wise investment.

Of course this is coming from a Spider Monkey who hasn’t yet competed in said competitions (and extremely apprehensive about whether I can do it), so take it with a grain of salt.
Spider Monkey
November 12th, 2009 on 7:18 pm
Go figure, the one time Spider Monkey writes a novel on his opinion, it triggers the filter block. You can read it when it clears.

I’d just like to reiterate that I am mildly impressed with Scott Q’s post. I don’t impress easily.
Vaughn
November 12th, 2009 on 8:09 pm
I agree, great post Scott! I doubt you will be so eloquent at 40.
Erika - PCF
November 12th, 2009 on 8:18 pm
I know there has been a lot of discussion about coaches doing their own WODs/different programming, etc, and that questions have been raised about why we don’t always do the PCF programming. As one of the parties in question, I want to pipe up and answer some of the issues raised by DF Pete (and possibly others). Does the fact that I don’t always do PCF programming mean that I think it is bad? Certainly not. Do I think that it doesn’t work for people, or that you can’t get fitter, faster or stronger (which is the goal of I’d say 80 perccent of our athletes) by it? Nope. That said, I know myself well. I know where I excel, and where I don’t. I know what I’ve nailed and ended up in the top 10 women in competitions, and I know where I’ve fallen short. I know where I shake out in terms of the athletes in our region, and in order to move up those ranks, I need to work on some very specific things. I have researched other programming (like was mentioned before, OPT, MEBB, Catalyst) enough to have an idea what I think will push those boundaries and make me better, and work the specific areas in which I am weak. I also know that experimenting with these other styles of programming will expose me to different things that I can then utilize (and will make me a better programmer) when I program for the group. We can’t program for each and every person in the gym — there are 250+ of you and we can’t possibly tweak the programming to address everyone’s individual shortcomings. We have to program what we think will be best overall, and all of our athletes will get better by working all the domains included in the programming. Those that want to compete and that know their shortcomings (or need help identifying them) and need to develop stragegies to attack them as necessary for competition have a very specific goal in mind. Not better, not worse, just might need to take a different strategy. Some of these people will benefit from training with people in the same boat. That is why you see some of us (or at least me) doing different programming.
Steven S
November 12th, 2009 on 9:30 pm
Not to take away from the excellent discussion, but:
Snatch grip deadlift/pull: worked up to 265×3
Push press: 155×3, 185×2

Went light on both because my back is fried from yesterday.

Also: Holy shit, Scott. That was eloquent.
Steven S
November 12th, 2009 on 9:36 pm
Guch:
“The way Jon M. trained with Mark before the games. I’m sure he wasn’t charging Mark.”

Yes, exactly! That was the point I was tying to make, and I think it’s the central argument here: should PCF be trying to make money off its top performers, or should it try to help those athletes the best it can, and try to recoup the extra effort through the publicity of having a bunch of really strong athletes showing up to competitions?

At some point, trying to make money off of _everything_ takes something away from the love of the sport, doesn’t it?
Dave O
November 12th, 2009 on 9:59 pm
Happy Birthday, Erin!!! Sorry I can’t make it – still home with a sick boy. Next time.
Jen N in Tampa
November 13th, 2009 on 12:36 am
Monday’s workout:
398 Rx (35# DB)

missed all the fun today traveling and not looking at the blog. good comments.
Melanie
November 13th, 2009 on 10:29 am
Congrats on your L2 Aaron!