If you haven't seen the news, the 2010 CrossFit Games site it now up with information on this year's sectionals and regionals. 4 men and 4 women will be chosen to represent California, Hawaii, and Arizona in Aromas this year.
I am at a crossroads right now trying to figure out if I really want to compete this year or not. Part of me really wants to compete and fight for one of those 4 prized tickets to the Show. The other part of me is looking at my long term development as a competitive Crossfitter.
My biggest worry is that if I spend the next 5 months preparing and training around doing well in the sectionals and regionals, do not make it into the Games, and spend 1-2 months recovering from those events, I will have missed out on 7 critical months of training that could have been spent further developing myself for the 2011 or even 2012 Games. I am just not sure if competing this year is the smartest way to go if I want to be competitive long term.
I need to make this decision before my next cycle starts in 3 weeks. This is going to be a tough one...
Either way Colin, we believe in you!
Posted by: Faith | December 10, 2009 at 10:44 PM
100% I think you should go for it! Even if you don't make it this time, (of which I think you will) the experience you will gain in preparing for, competing in, and dealing with a loss or victory will go "so" far in your development as a competitor that in my opinion it will out weigh any gains you could make in the gym while not preparing & not competing for this years games.
As a former college athlete I can say without a doubt that there is no experience comparable to game experience. That game experience will make you a better athlete, competitor and crossfit'er.
Go for it 100% brother! I firmly believe that you have the ability to compete and do well at next years games, its just up to you if your ready mentally to tackle this thing at 110%... either way you know I got your back!
Posted by: Major | December 11, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Go get that spot CJ!!! You never know - this year might be suited perfectly for you!
Posted by: Pepper | December 11, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Go for it. Absolutely, positively, go for it. I'm with Matt: the experience of the preparation and competition process is irreplaceable.
You may make it, you may not. You can put it off and not make it next time. You can go for it this year and win it all. My sister in law is a perfect example: tried, got in, done after one event. Changed her approach and attitude and made her a more inspired Crossfitter. The future is uncertain, make the most of the "now"
You're young enough that you can still rebound from a win, loss, or draw. Making the attempt will make you a stronger, wiser, more competitive athlete!
Posted by: Migs | December 11, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Even though I read your posts every day I never comment. But I thought I would this time. I agree with Matt & Migs. I know that you know they are right. In H.S. playing football and all the other sports you did, practice and conditioning is what gets you to the game. But, it's in the game that you perform and learn. That only happens when you are going 150% and full speed. Look how much you learned from the 2008 CF Games. Look how much you improved, then look how much you learned from the 2009 Nor Cal qualifiers and how much you have gained sense then. You don't want to look back and say to yourself "I should have". You never know what the future will bring (JJJ). You are young enough and strong enough to recover (if you need to take a break to recover, do it!). Look at these compititions like you do bench mark wods. Win or not you will learn from it and most of all the feeling of pride and acomplishment you will have, even if you do not make it. I am confident that if you do not make it you will still have a performance that you will be proud of. Don't let the fear of not making it be the reason you make your decision. All that being said, you know your body better then any of us. So, if you decide not to compete, I know it was the right choice.
Posted by: Dad | December 11, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I certainly can't top your dad's poignant thoughts. But, I have to add my 2 cents that I'm fully in agreement with everyone else. Look how much you learned and have grown from each of the OPT challenges. That is just a fraction of what you will take away from the Games, regardless of the final outcomes. We all believe in you and support you 100% and know that you can be successful.
Posted by: Lindsay | December 11, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Just do it ! Go for it ! Don't wait for the "perfect time". Who knows,
this just might be the perfect time! Smile, have fun and go for it !
Posted by: Mitch | December 11, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Can't top any of the above comments. As we all know, father knows best. We all love and support you 100% in whatever you choose Colin.
Posted by: jennifer s | December 11, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Dad's are usually right. I really hope you go for it. Don't put off to tomorrow what you are fully capable of doing today!
We are with you in whatever you decide, of course!
Posted by: Marthab | December 12, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Colin coming from one competitor to another don't miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. This only comes around one time a year, that's it. Never take for granted this time in your life because you won't ever get it back and you don't want to look back and say "what if I" or "man I should of". Don't ever have regrets because regardless of what you think, training for the Games is still going to make you a better athlete because you will tend to focus on your weaknesses more than usual.
Do you think I'm going to pass this up? HECK NO! If I'm not laying on my death bed I will be at the Regionals trying to get one of those 4 spots regardless whether or not I think I will make it because I don't want to look back and say that. I would rather loose with pride knowing I gave my heart, sweat, and blood to try and compete with the best athletes from all over the world then to just wimp out and say no to it. On top of that, it would be awesome to have a team, male, and female all go to the 2010 Games and an honor to have you bleeding right there next to me:)
Posted by: Amanda | December 12, 2009 at 05:01 PM
"We say hang it up. No good could come from trying to make the games with a chance to win it all."
--The Other Athletes in California's Qualifiers
But seriously CJ, regrets are one thing, but I'll put this out there for you too: I think you could win the regionals, and I think you could do very well in the games themselves. I think you have made the most progress over the last year of anyone I know, and you were kind of an animal last year. You've done an excellent job with your training and we all want to see you kick ass and take Games.
Posted by: Brandon | December 12, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Colin, you are ready for this, it is time to do it.
Knowing a bunch of Olympic athletes and a few NFL players, compared to you, they've got nothing. You know your sport like a professor,you teach it with all of your heart, you practice it with an unquenchable audacity. You are not only a crossfitter; you are crossfit.
This is your time my friend, you have already begun the preparation. See it through and there is no way you will be absent when those games begin.
Posted by: Jaala | December 13, 2009 at 09:47 PM