CrossFit Badass

     Once again folks, it's wonderful to be here (I don't know if you can interpret sarcasm via the net). I'm wondering something... is eating sand considered Paleo? If so, I'm pretty sure I'm chocked full at the moment. Be that as it may, it's another day in sunny (and 90 degree) Kuwait, moving to final destination soon. Well, enough of my complaining, let's go to the damn thing.

     Did anyone watch the 2009 CrossFit Games? If you got to see it in person in Aramos... LUCKY! I however watched the Journal videos to see the epic competition that took place that year. One thing that the 2009 Games had was the "Last Chance Qualifier." Anyone who didn't make it passed the Regional competition could still make it to the Games. This allowed Tommy Hackenbrook to make it, and then take the 2nd place spot. Also, at allowed a humble hero the chance to compete. I speak of LT (I'm sorry if the rank is not current) Steve Smith.

     Steve Smith is not your ordinary CrossFitter. During the process to reach the '09 Games he was deployed as a Platoon Leader in the Army's 82nd Airborne. A combat unit that was currently deployed to Iraq. The native Texan was battling not only the enemy (the biggest part), but also finding the time to train, eat well (MRE's are not that Paleo), and even find the bandwidth to be able to submit his video for a chance to qualify.

     Supported by his deployed chain of command, Steve made it and was allowed to fly to California to compete in the Games. His 48th place finish is nothing to sneer at. He beat out about half the competition, and then flew back to a war! Not only his determination to succeed in the Army and at CrossFit, he has some awesome stats to post! This is, again, probably not current but it was some of the benchmarks he had at the Games:

- Sub 2 minute Fran (1:57)
- Nearly 30 rounds of Cindy (28 rounds)
- Over 500lb Back Squat (505 lbs)
- 465 lb Deadlift (but then went to lift 505 lbs at the Games!)

     I believe CrossFit draws in athletes like Steve. It shows in his everyday life. But again, CrossFit is not just to yoked out baddest of asses. It is for those that truly want to better themselves and life and at fitness. I see this at CrossFit St Louis all the time. Those who may regularly finish last in a WOD have one hell of a heart, and are 100% athletes. So support the troops, watch the Games... and do burpees.


CrossFit Elevate Promo 2011 from CrossFit Elevate on Vimeo.

3,2,1 GO!
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Yesterday's Strength:

Back Squat 5 x 3
- 135 lbs
- 155 lbs
- 165 lbs
- 175 lbs
- 185 lbs


Day 4 Burpee Challenge / 10 Burpees Total
Yeah!!! Double digits for the total!


*3511*