Wicked West Challenge
Perspective is sometimes hard to come by. Chuck and I have been knee deep in planning The Garage Games Wicked West Challenge hosted by- well, us. We started the entire process last January. We started actually putting the event together in May, and now we are getting into the details. So it is hard to see that everyone at Firebird does not know every detail about the Challenge. In fact, I just realized tonight that we had yet to write a blog about it…so here goes.
We are hosting a two-day event, November 9th and 10th. Saturday, the 9th, is the event for individuals- RX, Scaled and Masters (40+) men and women. Sunday, the 10th, is a team event- 2 guys/2 girls. Registration has been open for a few weeks, and we have recently posted division standards:
Guidance on Divisions. This guidance are just examples of what MAY be in the WODs in order to help you decide what division is right for you. These are not the exact weights or movements. Feel free to ask us questions if you need more guidance.
Rx Athletes
The Rx athlete is a serious competitor and has been training hard for a year or more. An athlete in this division will be able to complete WODs if they can deadlift 315/225 pounds for low volume reps, go from ground to overhead with 155/105 pounds multiple times. The Rx athlete should be ready for anything such as muscle ups (both bar and ring), chest-to-bar pull ups, double-unders, pistols and handstand push ups. They should also be prepared to learn an unfamiliar task. Advanced/unfamiliar skills are more likely after the cut. Athletes who sign up for this division should not expect to scale WODs.
Scaled Athletes
The scaled athlete is fit but may have been training hard for less than a year. If this is your first individual competition, this is a good place for you. An athlete in this division will be able to complete WODs as prescribed if they can deadlift 225/135 pounds for reps, go ground to overhead with 95/65 pounds multiple times and be competent in CrossFit’s nine foundation movements and other basic skills such as push ups, pull ups, and sit ups. They should also be competent at jumping rope (single-unders) and kicking up to a handstand but not necessarily performing a handstand push-up. Athletes in this division could, upon request, scale WODs further, and are encouraged to do so if they need to. However, they would be scored below all athletes who did not do so for that WOD.
Masters Athlete
This division is for accomplished athletes who are over 40. An athlete in this division will be able to complete WODs if they can deadlift 275/185 pounds for reps, go from ground to overhead with 105/75 pounds multiple times. In addition to the nine foundational movements they are competent with some advanced skills like handstand push-ups, double-unders and ring dips. There will not be muscle ups or pistols in Master’s WODs. Athletes in this division could, upon request, scale WODs further, and are encouraged to do so if they need to. However, they would be scored below all athletes who did not do so for that WOD.
Teams Athletes
Athletes in this division will participate in WODs that emphasize teamwork, strategy and work capacity over advanced skills. While advanced athletes will be challenged in this division, this will also be a great first competition experience. An athlete in this division will be able to contribute to their team if they meet the criteria for the scaled athlete (see above). Teams in this division could, upon request, scale WODs, and are encouraged to do so if they need to. However, they would be scored below all teams who did not do so for that WOD.
Our vision for this event is a CrossFit festival. We want lots of vendors, competitors, friends and family and CrossFit curious spectators. We found a super-sized venue so that we could have a kid-dog-sister-great aunt- co-worker friendly event. For us, it is about sharing CrossFit with the other boxes in the Southwest and inviting the CrossFit curious out to see CrossFit in action.
We have been very fortunate. Eastmark has helped us reserve an awesome venue. We have several incredible sponsors that we will be highlighting, and best of all, we have already had so many of our wonderful Firebirds offer to volunteer. Our gym is almost 3 years old, and we are ready for a great debut!
We are currently trying out some of the WODs to make sure they are the best for the competition, and soon we will announce the before-the-cut WODs that all competitors can look forward to! Registration prices go up October 1st, so don’t wait too long- start getting your team together or choosing your division. Ask your coaches if you are not sure which division is right for you!
