Thoughts on the Winter Challenge

Thoughts on the Taranis Winter Challenge – by Sean Bruce

Friday came and suddenly the nerves started to kick in. After I registered and saw just what I was in for I really started to question my decision.  I knew that I could fulfill my first goal (have fun), but I was a bit concerned on the second one (don’t come last).  After gathering around with everyone and hearing the first WOD read out my stomach settled a bit and I felt better. 

First WOD – handstand push ups and max power snatch.  I knew that I would do okay on the first part; max snatch however was not my forte.  I managed a 5lb PR at 160 and just missed 165….handstand push ups went well and I finished pretty much in the middle of the group.  That night they announced the second WOD and I was thrilled – 5K run, my one chance to put up a good score and at least keep me higher in the standings.  8am at Clover point is windy and really frickin cold…not the best running conditions and factoring the fact that I slept like crap the night before I didn’t know how things would go.  The race started and I settled into a good pace right off the bat, it was a bit faster than I would normally go, but I felt good so I figured I would just keep doing it until it hurt.  I could hear the breathing of the guys beside me and I knew that they would be gone after the first 1-1.5K…..good start for those guys but 5k isn’t a sprint.  When I run I always think of it like I am chasing down prey: I pick a guy who looks weak and close in on him, then repeat.  By the time I was done there were only 2 guys ahead and I just didn’t have the legs to close them. Plus, my other concern was who was behind.  Adam was wearing an orange shirt and a quick glance behind all I could see was orange, I maybe had a 50 meter lead. My lungs burned and my legs were on fire but I ran a PR and took third, most importantly I put up a great buffer for whatever else would happen over the next few days; also I kept Adam at bay 😉 

The third WOD should have gone better, max double unders in 2min, 21-15-9 couplet – shoulder to overhead and bar hop burpees.  My calves seized on the DUs (pushed the run too hard in my vibrams, I don’t run enough in them to do what I did, and I paid for it) and the couplet was just a bit slower than it should have been.  The end of the second day was a front squat widow maker – athlete’s choice in weight, followed by a pushup and somersault event.  I was worried about the somersaults as that isn’t something I really do, but I got a few practice ones in and felt okay.  I went with 140lbs for the widow makersquat, and I didn’t have much of a problem with it. However, heavier wouldn’t have been a good idea.  I figured I could get 2 rounds of the pushups before fatigue, but I really struggled after the first round….obviously need to work on those.  The somersaults went surprisingly well and were a fun addition to the normal kinds of things we do, they were also a great spectator event, with lots of fun to be had watching people try to stand up after them. 

Sunday held a surprise as I walked into the gym and saw ropes, pulleys and kettle bells.  The event was tough: AMRAP in 8 minutes – 3 kettlebell hoist rope pulls and 6 thrusters at 115lbs.  The first few rounds went great, the rope pulls felt fine and I almost made a cocky sailor joke to Colleen!  I’m glad I kept my mouth shut however, as on the fifth round my forearms swelled up and gripping the rope became not just difficult, but damn near impossible. I just finished 7 rounds and it was only due to my awesome cheering section that was yelling simple directions at me (things like grab bar, pick up bar, squat, etc.) that I got through it.  I finished again mid-pack and overall was pretty happy with that.The final WOD was a nasty barbell complex – 5 SDHP, 5 clean and jerk, 5 snatch, x 5 all at 135lbs.  I didn’t even know how this would go and after watching a few heats ahead of me I got nervous.  I went out hard on this one and tried with everything I could to keep pace with Cam who was next to me.  135lbs is heavy… really heavy. Especially in the snatch.  It came down to those simple “grab bar, lift bar” directions being yelled at me, and in the end I was 4 reps shy of finishing.  My only question was, was it enough to keep my position? 

Final results revealed that I was tied for 27th.  I can honestly say that this is way better than I thought I would do, and it really motivated me to keep pushing myself hard to compete in more events!   I kept pace with some of the big boys and was really happy with my performance overall. I had 2 goals and I met them both. Not to mention I also turned 33 on the Sunday. 🙂  I was surrounded by friends and family, had fun, and did something different.  I couldn’t ask for much more! 

I want to thank everyone who yelled until they were hoarse (Scott and Jer who were probably the loudest) and helped pushed me past what I thought I could do.  I know I hated you at the time, but it is what I needed for sure. Great work to the folks at CF Taranis for organizing such an awesome and creative event! Way to think outside of the box and come up with some really great and fun workouts.A special thank you as well to Colleen, as she helped get me moving again every morning and supported me every step of the way. Thank you for all your help this weekend!