The Bar at Biergarten. Plus a pirate boat I made out of the squid ink pretzel.

7 AM, Friday March 8: Last night it hit me. The 2013 CrossFit Open Games have officially begun and the first workout (13.1) has been posted. Well, though many CrossFitters have been talking about it, I had barely thought about it, till last night. I was covering a Thursday shift, which was unfortunate because that means I missed mobility class with Kelly Starrett and I also missed a talk on mental toughness with Stevo at San Francisco CrossFit (SFCF). I see now why it was extra unfortunate: mobility last night was most definitely aimed at preparing us for the Open workout this evening. Instead of gearing up for the Open, I was hanging out in the cold drizzle drinking beer and eating bread at Biergarten. Indulging in the two things that I am trying to avoid at work.

Working at Biergarten when it is slow, cold, and rainy is always a bonding experience. There is a silliness and camaraderie that develops that you simply don’t have the time for on busy days. It was while I was in the bar when it struck me that maybe I should cool it on the beer drinking and get my ass home to bed because I am competing. I AM COMPETING! The wheels began turning, and I realized that I hadn’t read the rules, I didn’t know my heat time or when I was judging. I was also painfully aware of the tenseness in my muscles partially due to the cold and partially due to soreness from Wednesday’s workout. I don’t think I can remember the last time I competed in something. I felt very unprepared.

Biergarten is open on rainy days! We put out giant umbrellas.

I biked home in the rain, made a giant mint tea, and hopped into bed to do some research on what is going down. Of course the team at SFCF made a badass video on the most important things to focus on to prepare for the snatches and burprees that comprise the 13.1 workout. I spent a good half hour soaking up quality information on snatch and burpree technique, what constitutes a no rep, and how to pace myself. Big breath. “Shit, what did I get myself into?”

Warm light.

I wrote this Friday morning pre-workout. What did I get myself into? Read about it here post-workout.