This was Chris 5 minutes after finding out he didn't qualify this year.
(Picture courtesy of www.games.crossfit.com)
Chris is the ultimate competitor. He lives and breathes to test himself. Ever moment of his life is directed at becoming a better CrossFit athlete. He is completely focused, totally driven and has dedicated his life to maximizing his performance in this sport. He is a specimen, a machine, a warrior. He is the racehorse that every coach dreams of. If I pointed to a wall, he would run through it before I could even ask.
Chris poured his heart into training this year. This weekend he competed with grit and passion. Unfortunately, despite his heroic efforts, 2013 will be the first CrossFit Games ever without Chris Spealler as a competitor.
In his own words, "it stings really bad."
Chris is also a father, a husband, a friend and a coach. Chris has incredibly strong values and they and they have served him well over the past seven years, and they served him well today. Chris did everything in his power to make it to the Games this year, and because of that he has no regrets and is happy with his performance. CrossFit is more than the Games, and Chris Spealler is more than the Competitor. This is far from a crushing defeat. This is a 147# man showing once again what is possible when you commit, care and keep your priorities in line.
Love you Chis. Your Coach, Ben.
Regional ONE & TWO
Rest Day
Schedule:
Tuesday - Training
Wednesday - Training
Thursday - Training
Friday - Rest Day
Saturday - Training
Sunday - Training
Monday - Rest
REGIONAL THREE: May 31-June 2
Rest Day
Schedule:
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Training
Thursday - Training
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Training
Sunday - Training
REGIONAL FOUR: June 7-9
4RFT:
2 Rope Climbs, 15'
100' run
4 Squat Cleans, 225/135
100' run
Schedule:
Tuesday - Training
Wednesday - Rest Day
Thursday - Pregame
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Regional Competition!
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Rest
Amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat words coach!
ReplyDeleteLove.
ReplyDeleteInspired
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Ben. Chris rules.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear.
ReplyDeleteFantastic job Chris, and to you also Ben!
ReplyDeleteHello all. First of all congrats to Spealler, his accomplishments and what an awesome guy as well! I had the pleasure of attending the Northwest Regionals (first time at a crossfit event) this weekend and the community was amazing. I couldn't believe the atmosphere. Watching people fail attempt after attempt in some of the events, and then the crowd along with their fellow competitors literally would "cheer" the bar up! Amazing awesomeness.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I have been reading the blog every day for a while now, and read a lot of the programming for last year to see what the different cycles look like. I am wondering if I should start on the current programming cycle right now or if I should jump back in the programming a bit and do something from the past? I thought maybe doing "Get Ha-uge" or the "whaadyasnatch" from last year would be a good start? I am 5'11" , 190# about 14% BF. I have been experimenting with diet for a while, and recently gained a little more weight in fat than I would have liked but surprisingly have felt better during WODs and more rested. Thanks for the help and I look forward to starting!
I havent been on here too long but I would say jump in where we are now an cycle through. Seems like if you start just strength now you will sacrifice some good cardio and heavy metcons. I think we get plenty of strength now.
Deletechris spealler has always been one of my hugest inspirations in this sport... in fact ... when I'm feeling even a slight bit of doubt in myself ... I watch that video of him... I think it's titled passion... because spealler has never had the odds in his favor... he's always been the smaller guy... but his determination, passion , and life make me remember why it's worth it! it's not about that one weekend in Cali ... it's not about even that one weekend of regionals... it's about having a balance and puttibg 100% effort and pride into everything we do everyday... whether it's work/CrossFit/family/fun! I am so sad that chris spealler will not be competing in Cali this year... but instead of feeling "let down" by it... I'm inspired ... to be able to have the opportunity to learn from his experience & his reaction... 4 weeks ago today I was told I may never be able to do anything weight bearing over my head ever again ... 2weeks ago I had surgery to install metal plates and screws... it all got me down ... I was living in the "all that work and I can't even participate mentality"... I sulked ... got depressed .. cried... felt alone... and here I am 4 weeks later ... realizing that things don't happen for a reason ... our experiences are meant to help us learn things ...
ReplyDeletethank you chris spealler ... for always inspiring me !
Amen. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteRegion 1: did yesterday's stuff
ReplyDelete1) 23:10 - it's my legs not my lungs. Anybody else experience that?
2) 255
3) 200
4) 300
No prowler. Need to find a comparable sub.
Felt like I could have gone heavier on each tonight.