So, the CrossFit Open is over....now what?`
The 2017 CrossFit Open is over, and everyone is asking one question..."So, what's next?"
Regardless of where you finished in the CrossFit Open, or what division you competed in, you should be proud. The point of the Open is, of course, to ultimately find the fittest men and women on the planet, but also it's a huge opportunity to compete against yourself, and focus on self-improvement and reaching your goals.
It's about putting everything you've worked for to the test.
From left: Sara Sigmundsdottir, Dave Castro and Katrin Davidsdottir.
Now, all the madness that Dave Castro brings to the table can certainly put people into a frenzy (just see his Instagram game) but that's not his angle. He honestly loves what he does, and his background, ability to connect with everyone and lead the CrossFit community is what makes the Open, Regionals and ultimately the CrossFit Games so special.
Additionally, part of the Open is to test yourself, and everyone else at your box, but it's also a time to learn, try out and master some of those lesser known movements (like bar muscle-ups) and work on the mechanics. There's never a bad time to stop learning, and that's what CrossFit is all about.
That, and watching epic athletes like Sara Sigmundsdottir crush workouts and finish in first place for the Open....so, with that in mind, let's get to some of the things YOU can do now that the CrossFit Open is done and over with. (That's really just the beginning, though...)
1. You can reflect on what you need to work on and focus more time on 'skill' work.
Great athletes don't get to where they want to be unless they put the man hours in...be the first to arrive, be the last to leave. That's what great athletes like Tom Brady have done throughout their entire career. But, just because you show up first, doesn't mean you automatically win. You've got to put the work in. And truth be told, it's a damn struggle. The blisters, the soreness, tightness, frustration...all of it comes with training, but by focusing on the little things, you can steadily overcome your obstacles and get to where you want to be.
Lauren Metcalfe, our Marketing guru is one of those athletes who has constantly put in extra time to work on anything and everything. It's her goal to get to the games one day soon.
2. You can go to Regionals and root for your local region's athletes.
Did you forget the CrossFit Games just began? This is where the going gets TOUGH for athletes. The Open is about finishing in the top tier of your region. Now, the toughest test comes next....competing against the regions best for a chance to go to the games.
All that hard work before the Open, and now it's time to double up on your training, cardio, diet and more. And if your box has athletes going to regionals, you should be PROUD as hell! Getting to regionals is by far a HUGE accomplishment for any athlete and your community should be stoked and be there in full force to watch them compete.
Encourage your community, root for your regional athletes and BE THERE to support everyone who competes. These men and women are modern day Spartans...
That being said, if you're looking for an update on where to find and watch your regionals, see the schedule here. The regionals breakdown are also here in the image.
3. You can take some time off and plan that dream vacation for next year.
The Open takes A LOT out of each one of us and it should be...a lot of athletes take the time off after the Open to get away from CrossFit and focus on other life tasks...with that, comes the need and want to get away from life sometimes.
It's something we all deserve. The time to connect with ourselves, get unplugged, soak in some sun and focus on what's important in life. For some of us, it's work. For others, it's the relationships we hold dear. And for others, it's chasing stamps in a passport, meeting new people and sharing experiences across the globe.
Whatever your passion is, I think one of the best things a person can do, is invest in their own experiences. I'm not just talking about why you should go on a VoyEdge RX trip, but really...when you take the time to venture out of your comfort zone, you expose yourself to new places, people and experiences that help shape you...reflect you into a better person. So, whatever you choose to do in life, let it be a challenge...because without them you'll never know who you really are.
Make the time after the Open to plan your next excursion and go somewhere you've never been before. I think it's something we all owe to ourselves.
Putting ourselves in new experiences is a life-changing moment in each of our lives. Choose to challenge yourself, it's only after we leave our comfort zones do we discover who we really are.
4. Get stoked for the 2017 CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin.
It doesn't matter who you are. The CrossFit Games are absolutely incredible. It's mindblowing to see these athletes perform at the highest level. Quite literally, 'The Fittest on Earth' get together to compete for the title of being the fittest on earth.
That's a lofty resume header right there.
That being said, there's nothing like watching these athletes compete against one another. The sportsmanship, the compatability, the camaraderie, the stories, the history behind each athlete...it's all so captivating and everyone should look past the macho aspect of what outsiders to the CF community think about.
These people have dedicated their lives to fitness and training, and whether or not they win, it's a massive honor to participate in the games. So very much so, I can't put it into words here.
Plus, as the announcer said in the 2016 games, "Do you know just how good of an athlete you need to be just to SUCK at the CrossFit games?!"
Watch the documentary here, and get ready for the CrossFit Games this summer in Madison, Wisconsin.
Read the full press release about the 'Games Go To Madison' here.
P.S. That's it for now, guys. Hope you had an AWESOME 2017 CrossFit Open season, and be sure to check back with us at VoyEdge RX for new trip releases full of box drop-ins, hikes and more. Hope to see you on an eventual trip, whether you're a regionals athlete, or still working on pull-ups. It doesn't matter to me, I just want to take amazing people to amazing destinations across the globe.
Shoot me an email if you have any questions: cam@voyedgerx.com and check out our awesome Northern Italy + Switzerland trip. Link below, trip dates: August 4th-13th, 2017 for $2,199. Message me for discounts.