Graf Games 5.0

While living in Germany has been a blessing beyond belief, there have also been times when it has left me with little to do.  See, Justin is the breadwinner in our little family, and while I do have a substituting job through the Department of Defense, there are plenty of weekdays when we aren't traveling and I'm not working that leave me at a lost with what to do with my time.  Among many hobbies that I have picked up, CrossFit is one of them (and my favorite).  The Grafenwoehr gym on the Army base has a big CrossFit community, so joining the "club" (cult?) was easy.  CrossFit has opened me up to many new fitness challenges, and I have loved every minute of it.  Without coming to Germany, I don't know if that would have happened quite as positively as it did, so I am ever so grateful that this European adventure has provided me with another blessing in disguise.

Our gym on base held its own version of the CrossFit Games this past weekend, and it was such an amazing experience.  Being the only girl in the competition gave me quite an edge (or took the edge off?).

Reflecting on the Graf Games I would conclude that:
1. Having the love and support of my husband, friends, judges, and coaches makes any workout possible.
2. Relying on God makes physical activity much more manageable. 
3. Cheering on fellow competitors is a joy and often gives me goosebumps (because watching "Beast Mode" in action is a-may-zing).
4. I am stronger than I thought (never put limits to what you are capable of).

This all results in the grand conclusion:
CrossFit is a great way to build positive relationships based on encouragement (and love) and can be a great tool for not only improving physical physique, but also for glorifying God.

So anyways, taking off my philosopher hat, here is how the Graf Games 5.0 went:

Event 1
4 RFT (Rounds For Time)
12 x Deadlifts @ 95# (pounds)
6  x Burpees jumping over deadlift bar
50m (meter) sprint (25m there, 25m back)

Ronny, Sean, and me being judged on our deadlifts

 
Event 2
10 minutes AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible)
5 x Thrusters @ 45#
20 x Step-ups (total)
10 x Sit-ups

Some thruster action

 
Event 3
Tabata (8 rounds of 20 seconds of work/10 seconds of rest)
Tire sledgehammer hit @ 5 kg hammer
KBS (Kettlebell Swings) @ 12 kg

Hammer time ;)

Event 4
5 minutes AMRAP
Tire flip, jump in tire, jump out of tire

Flippin' fun

Event 5
2 RFT
6 x Sandbag back squats @ 40#
400m ammo can carry @ 16 kg
10 x Sandbag get-ups @ 40 #
THEN
2.5 mile run (up hill there, down hill back)

Ammo can carry

Needless to say, these workouts geared me into beast mode, or as one judge said "firebreather mode."  Even though I didn't have a female competitor, it was a great personal challenge to keep up with the guys, and despite all odds, I didn't do too bad at that.

Obviously, I earned first place for women (no one really has to know I was the lone ranger, right?), but I most proud of this next feat.  I earned second place OVERALL (men and women included)!  That means only one male in this competition was "more fit" than me.  Take that, boys ;)

Tire Podium
Jan and Sean tied for 3rd, Proctor and I were 1st, and Oz was 2nd

Now don't get me wrong, this was quite a challenge, and by no means easy.  It was much more manageable having support from those watching and competing, cheering on those I was competing against, and relying on God to help my strength prevail.

The whole crew

Our bodies are such a blessing, and we need to remember to honor God daily by taking care of our bodies.  This includes eating right, drinking plenty of water, and staying fit.  


CrossFit has been such an added blessing to my life.  Not only am I in great shape, but I have made a wonderful community of friends (special shout out to Anna and Jill).  If anything, I hope this encourages you to go out and get active.  It is not only glorifying to your body, but to your Creator also!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."